Sunny's Safe Haven (The Red Petticoat Saloon)

by Vanessa Brooks

  He pulled up his horse—time for a break. He dismounted and reached for his canteen. After he had drunk his fill, he placed the double stitched leather nose bag over Mustang’s face and tipped water in it for him. While the horse drank, Tey studied the area looking for potential hijacking spots. More to the point, where was there any safe passage? There were scrubby bushes and hillocks all along the trail, interspersed with tall fir trees that grew sparsely at first but grew ever thicker further up the ridge, ideal cover for hidden bandits planning to catch them unawares. The ground underfoot was covered in loose rock scree, which meant a slipping potential, most especially in rain. No wonder these men had gotten away with their crime. Shingle was a tracking nightmare for the lawmen who were trying to catch them.

  Tey came to a conclusion; protecting the Merit gold shipments was going to be an almost suicidal mission.

  He spent that night not far off the trail; down in a hollowed dip, surrounded by dark spruce trees. Rolled up in his bed roll, Tey merely cat napped, one ear to the ground. After having had a couple of night’s restorative sleep at the Red Petticoat, he was fresh enough to stay alert. Despite the knowledge there were miners nearby, he knew better than to approach a claim. Miners were nervous around strangers as claim jumping was rife. They were likely to shoot first and ask questions later.

  He packed up and left at first light. He should make it to the Merit Mine by nightfall. Usually when sleeping out in the open, he relied upon Dog to alert him to danger. He had missed the little varmint last night and that thought led on to Stephanie; he wondered how she was doing. He deliberately turned his thoughts back to the job in hand when he found himself remembering how soft her womanly body felt snuggled against his chest. What was wrong with him? He was bedeviled by thoughts of that little girl. He’d had a few nights of good hot sex with that gorgeous Dottie, whom he really liked but, instead of dreaming of her, here he was drooling over a disadvantaged innocent, a relationship that would surely only lead him into a mountain full of regret.

  Rounding the hill, the scenery opened up and Tey gazed about him soaking up the surrounding beauty. This was what he enjoyed about his life, being out in the wilderness, enjoying the solitude, watching the wildlife, simple living, only taking what he needed from the land. Yet, he could picture a little house with a white picket fence, perhaps even in somewhere like Culpepper Cove, a wife and a passel of cute kids. He shook his head as the clear image of Stephanie surrounded by young ‘uns unsettled his idle daydream. Hell, he was becoming obsessed by that girl.

  He reached the mine by late afternoon, loudly hailing the camp, you couldn’t be too careful when armed men were spooked by strangers. He was soon waved in and directed to the foreman’s office, no more than a large wooden shack. Tey banged on the doorframe and stepped inside the open door. A small wiry man was bent over a large ledger. He finished writing before looking up at Tey with frown.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m hired to protect your gold shipments into Culpepper. My name’s Tey.” He stuck out his hand and the man reached over the desk and shook it.

  “Papers?” the man asked, snapping his fingers. Tey pulled them from inside his waistcoat and handed the papers over. He waited silently while the man read the contents. After a while, he stood up and came around the desk his hand outstretched. He and Tey shook hands, again.

  “I have to say that I am extremely glad to see you here. Name’s James Tressaire and I am the foreman here at Merit. We’ve lost five good men and have stopped shipping the gold into town which poses more problems than you know.”

  “You’re English?” Tey asked, recognizing the accent.

  “Yes, I’m Cornish, hired by the mine to bring my unique knowledge of mining tin and gold, out to the Sierras.”

  “I see. You’re the second English person I’ve met in so many days.”

  “Oh? Who was the first?”

  “Madam Jewel, she runs the saloon an’ bawdy house down in Culpepper Cove.”

  Tressaire gave a wry smile. “Not likely to make her acquaintance then since my wife awaits me in San Francisco."

  Did the man mean that having his wife nearby was a good thing or a bad thing?

  “Ah,” he answered noncommittally.

  “Come let me show you around, what do you know about the processes we use here to mine?”

  “Mm, not much I guess.”

  Tressaire led the way outside.

  “Right then, let me explain the basics. To begin with the type of mining we use here is known as hydraulic. We dig shafts deep into the mountain side and follow a vein of quartz, the gold is situated within the seam of quartz. We blast out the seam with hydraulic monitors, a type of fierce water cannon. That then creates ‘placer ore’ known better as slurry, which flows out into the sluices.” Tressaire waved an arm over to the huge metal sluice channels that ran down from the mine shaft. “Mercury is used in the sluices to purify the gold in a process known as amalgamation.” Tressaire leaned against a metal mining riffle and waved his arm over toward the sluice.

  “The gold is extracted and the process almost complete. It’s hard dirty, dangerous work, but the reward at the end of the day is pure gold.” He flashed Tey a grin.

  “Sounds, real complicated.” Tey looked about the mine with a fraction more interest, the mine still looked a dirty scar on the landscape to him.

  “It is and quite different from the individual panning method that simply results in gold dust and pellets of gold. This is mining on a grand scale and, because of that, it has naturally attracted thieves. That’s where you come in. We need the wagons of bullion protected as we ship them down the mountain. The sheriff doesn’t have the man power for the job. The mine wants you to hire all the men you need to get the shipments safely down and into the bank at Culpepper.”

  “You have the authority for that?” Tey asked, surprised.

  “I do, why?”

  “I heard tell Kendrick at the bank was my point of contact.”

  Tressaire frowned. “Who told you that?”

  “Sheriff, down in Culpepper.”

  “Kendrick’s simply a bank clerk. I make the decisions here. My orders come directly from the mine owners. Kendrick has ideas above his station, ignore the man, he’s a blessed nuisance the way he interferes with mine business, especially when he has no right to. He’s not employed by the mine.”

  “Very well, Mr. Tressaire, I’ll report directly to you.”

  “Call me James. Now let’s get you fixed up with some victuals and find you a place to sleep. Come on, follow me.”

  ***

  Back in Culpepper Cove, Stephanie was becoming certain that her destiny lay within the walls of the Red Petticoat Saloon. She began to get up for short periods at a time, although Madam Jewel wouldn’t let her dress fully until Doc Norwood had pronounced her fit to resume normal life. She declared that if Stephanie was up and dressed, she would start to overdo things, so Stephanie floated about in her nightdress and watched, learning from the kindly gems who befriended her about what it took to work in a saloon and brothel. Their kindly teasing and easy camaraderie quickly made her feel a part of their odd little family.

  Stephanie settled, feeling at home in the back of house. She had been lonely living as she had with only her father for company and the daily squabbles and playful interaction among the women were a balm to her sorely battered soul. She felt safe and protected living here with Madam Jewel as her mother figure and Mr. Vasquez as her father figure. So when Jewel led her aside one morning and asked her if she wanted her to speak with her father about reconciling the two of them, thus enabling Stephanie to return home, she stated confidently, without qualms that she wished to train as a gem, remaining on at the Red Petticoat permanently.

  Jewel tried using every argument she could think of to dissuade Stephanie from becoming a gem. She wanted to convince her that she should return to her father’s house but she soon realized that the young girl was completely serious in her intenti
on to remain. She was reminded of a similarly difficult conversation that she had a few months back with Clementine, who had worked as Crystal before she married Jasper Montgomery. Stephanie appeared to be just as stubborn as that pretty girl of similar age, and just as determined to remain at the Red Petticoat working as a gem. Jewel explained the need for anonymity, that using gem names enabled the girls working there to protect their identities should they wish to move on with their lives.

  With no more to say, Jewel finally agreed that Stephanie would begin work as a gem wearing only a pink petticoat, just as soon as the doctor had cleared her as fit to work. Once Stephanie felt confident enough to don a red petticoat, Jewel reluctantly agreed that she wouldn’t stand in her way of moving upstairs.

  The kitchen was full of the usual evening hubbub, excited chatter that preceded Saturday nights, always a busy night for both downstairs and upstairs. Stephanie sat listening to the banter and gossip that flowed around her while she ate her supper. The door opened and Jewel walked in carrying a small brown book, Gabe followed close behind her. Both were smiling broadly.

  “Girls, I need your attention! I am pleased to announce that we have a new member joining our family. Stephanie will be joining us permanently and donning a pink petticoat when she is fully recovered. She will be working downstairs until she decides whether or not she wishes to move upstairs and wear a red one. So our Stephanie needs a gem name. I have been consulting my little book of precious stones, the one that Whiskers gave me before he left town for Ohio. I have the perfect name for her. Stand up please, Stephanie.”

  Shyly, Stephanie rose to her feet.

  “Stephanie, henceforth you shall be known as, Sunstone!”

  There were hugs and congratulations from all around the table. The last to embrace her was Nettie who kissed her cheek soundly and kept her arm about her as she turned to Jewel and asked, “What on earth’s sunstone? Cos’ I ain’t never heard of it a fore!”

  Jewel nodded. “I know, it’s not as well-known as opals, emeralds, or pearls, but listen and you will see just how perfect this stone is for Stephanie.”

  She opened the book and began to read. “Sunstone is a reddish orange to brown stone containing small crystals that give it an additional sparkle and fire. It is believed they are small pieces of the sun that offer hope, restoring the enjoyment of life when one has felt a loss or abandonment. The stone promotes happiness and health.” She paused and looked up to continue, “Rays throughout the stone are often yellow and gold in color, like sunbeams.” She snapped the book shut.

  “Just like Stephanie’s eyes!” cried Amy excitedly.

  “Exactly!” Jewel felt pleased that they all understood her choice of gem stone at once.

  “No, that won’t do,” Nettie said, shaking her head.

  “What do you mean, Nettie,” Jewel asked, “Stephanie has the prettiest eyes that…”

  “Laws, I know that, child, but that’s too big a mouthful for our little gal. Nope, we’re gonna call her Sunny.”

  Jewel’s look of concern was replaced by a huge smile. “That’s perfect—our own piece of the sun to remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is a light waiting to brighten our lives.” She embraced both the cook and her newest gem, placing a kiss on each of their cheeks as the other gems cheered.

  Gabe stepped up and kissed Stephanie’s blushing cheek. “Welcome to our family Sunny. I know you had a chat with Jewel about how things work around here but there are rules you need to know, so when this noisy mob finally decide to get out there and do some work, I will explain the most important of those to you. The rest you will learn as you find your feet working out there in the saloon.”

  Jewel clapped her hands and the girls began to file out of the kitchen, ready and willing to begin the grueling task of serving the usual Saturday night horde of rough miners and other working men of Culpepper Cove. Men who waited all week to relax then spent their hard gotten gains on quirleys, whiskey and wild, wild women.

  Once the kitchen was calm, Gabe pulled out a chair and turned it around so the back faced Stephanie. He seated himself with his legs splayed astride the chair base, his arms folded along the top of the chair back. He turned his serious gaze upon Stephanie.

  “Now niña, the most important rule of all, is that you never, ever leave the Petticoat without telling someone where you are going. The second rule is to not go out alone without Jewel’s or my express permission and never, ever to go out after dusk without an escort. You do not drink on duty. You obey me in all things. I will listen to any objections you have for a rule, and in special circumstances, I will allow leeway, but ask before you break any of them for whatever reason. Do you have any questions so far?”

  Sunny shook her head. “No, Mr. Vasquez.” Gabe nodded and continued, “You will respect your fellow gems and their possessions. You do not enter their rooms without first knocking or without their express permission. If the need is urgent, you find me and explain why you require access. Of course this courtesy applies also to you.” Again Stephanie nodded.

  “Jewel will open an account for you at the bank and deposit your wages every Friday without fail.”

  Sunny looked concerned at that. “You have a query?” Gabe asked at once.

  “Um, my father sir, he works at the bank. I-I don’t want him to know how much money I make.”

  “Hm, I see. How about we deposit the money into an account for S. Stone that way he won’t know that is you.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Gabe, will do, unless I have the need to discipline you for an infraction, but you are most welcome niña, and that brings us nicely onto what happens to gems who break the rules. Any infraction of those rules will result in a swift trip across my knee. I give out sound spankings and, if I deem it necessary, I use my razor strop. Are we clear Sunny?”

  Stephanie didn’t know where to look. “Yes, Mr. Vasquez,” she mumbled, chronically embarrassed.

  “Gabe. Still want to work here?” Gabe asked with a twinkle in his eye.

  Sunny looked up at once and said anxiously, “Oh yes, sir, mister… I mean Gabe!”

  Gabe placed his hand on her arm, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Good girl. I am sure you will fit in here very well. If there is anything you are unsure about, ask Madam Jewel or myself. Never be afraid to ask, niña. Asking avoids misunderstandings.”

  Stephanie nodded.

  “Back to bed with you now, I saw that mutt slide back in here a while ago. He seems to be quite taken with you. I wonder how Tey will react to losing his place in his dog’s affection.”

  Stephanie looked stricken. “Oh, I don’t want to steal his dog!”

  Gabe chuckled. “You didn’t steal the animal niña. It made its own choice in the matter. Now off to bed with you and sleep well.”

  “Thank you, sir, and Madame Jewel, I’ll try not to let you down. I’m a fast learner and I’ll work real hard.”

  Jewel smiled. “I know you will Stephanie, I mean Sunny, but you are still recovering and I want to ease you into the work and not rush things, all right?”

  Stephanie nodded, called out a soft, “Goodnight, and thank you again,” as she quietly left the room.

  Gabe shook his head after she had gone. “I don’t know about this one, chiquita. I think she wants the job for all the wrong reasons and the reality of the work will upset her.”

  Jewel pursed her lips. “Hmm…” She shrugged and then sighed. “I agree, but what else can we do? She begged to work here and I can’t throw her out into the street. We shall just have to ease her into it and watch over her; that’s all we can do.”

  Gabe nodded. “You’re right. Come, we are needed out front. Nettie, are you ready to feed the five thousand?”

  Nettie laughed, “Well I ain’t got no loaves and fishes in mah pot, Mister Gabe, but I’ll sure feed all those hungry men out there a hollering for their supper!”

  Chapter Six

  Tey wandered about the mine, his boots c
aked in mud and slurry, talking to as many of the miners he could. Every man seemed genuine; none struck Tey as potential hijackers or bandits but anyone of them might be the leak that he suspected. He had worked and lived alongside men before who had appeared genuine but turned out to be complete bastards. The more Tey saw of mankind, the more he knew he would have to be on his guard. The one thing Tey trusted implicitly was his gut. He’d not been let down by his instinct as yet.

  He admired Tressaire; the man worked hard but he didn’t know him and so he too was suspect. However, there was no one man who leaped out as a concern and that in itself was a problem. How much easier his job would be if his gut had warned him of at least one potential thief among the men.

  Tey took himself off to reconnoiter the surrounding area. There were some high ridges overlooking the mine that he wanted to explore for signs of recent visits by men watching the mine.

  The smell from the mine was soon replaced by the sweet smell of spruce and Tey was happy to leave the ravaged mountain side behind him. God he hated mines! Unfortunately, the mining companies seemed to be his main source of income nowadays, although a railway company had written to him while he was in Colorado about armed protection while they laid track. That just might prove to be his next adventure. Why didn’t his heart sing at the thought of it? He used to thrill at the prospect of a new challenge but recently every new venture felt remarkably the same. He wasn’t getting the same thrill out of his line of work that he used to. Was that due to aging?