Trego, page 17
I shifted in my chair a little bit as I glanced over the women. “Why yes, I suppose they are. But being that women are the proverbial ‘weaker vessel’s’, it only bolsters our ego’s to take on that task, wouldn’t you agree?”
He looked back at me, “Why yes, that is only logical, isn’t it?
“Ah yes, logic, the bane of the sane. Too bad neither exist, isn’t it?” I said.
“Huh? I’m afraid that you lost me.” The Sheriff said.
Brie broke the conundrum up, “Sheriff, I’m afraid you seem to know us, but we don’t even know your name?”
“I’m indeed sorry Mrs. Shelby, my manners are slipping, my name is Henry Clifford, they call me Hank.”
“Well Hank, is there anything else we can do for you?” Brie said.
“No, not really. If there is anything that my office can do for you, please don’t be afraid to ask.” Hank said, then got up and left.
“He seemed nice.” I said, as we watched him go.
“Yes, I suppose so. But as sharp as he is, I bet he knew the minute we rode in, that you were in town. Your reputation proceeds you, Trego. I’ve heard people whisper your name as we walk along the street. It took him two days to talk to us. I think he only got interested in us after he found out about the gold and silver we deposited. But of course he was always aware of you, he just didn’t want to confront you.”
“But why would he be interested in what you deposited, it isn’t his?”
“No, of course not. But if I was a shrinking violet, and could be taken advantage of. Then it might be worth his while to take you out, despite the risk.”
“Do you think he is that devious?” I said.
“No, of course not, I was just speculating. After all I’m just a ditzy women.”
“I do believe that was sarcasm, wasn’t it?” I said.
“Yes, and I apologize, but Honey I don’t think its over and done with, under his congenial attitude, I sensed an ulterior motive. So Sweetheart, watch your back.”
“Yes,” Janie said, “when we first got to town, we went to the Sheriff’s office, he was the one who steered us toward Charlie Kitchen. I think he’s part owner.”
“Damn, the hell you say?” I said.
“My sister speaks the truth, she never lies.” Melinda said.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that she wasn’t. I was just surprised. I must still be fogged up from last night.”
“What do you think we should do?” I asked my intellectually superior wife.
“I don’t know, I think we’re up against a stacked deck. The only thing we can do is ask for a new deck. That is if we want to play.”
“Ah, good answer, both of them. But I don’t think we have much choice. I think the game is already afoot. So I think we have to go for that new deck.” I said.
“What if they insist on playing with the old, familiar deck?” Brie said.
“We change the game, or to be more exact, we change the rules of the game. Who says they get to set the parameters?”
Janie and Melinda looked at us, Janie said, “What in the world are you guys talking about?”
“Staying alive, that’s all.” Brie said. Then, “Honey, I think we ought to go talk to the President of the Bank, he knows me. If he knows anything he would tell me. Why don’t you two girls go buy yourselves some new clothes, here’s some money.” Brie reached in her pocket and gave them some money. She never carried a purse when she wore pants.
As we got up, I told Jake to go with the girls. I paid our bill and Brie and I went toward the bank. Herman Boats was in his office.
“Come in, what can I do for you?” He said.
“Well, its funny, it seems everyone in town knows about our transactions here at your bank. Maybe not everyone, but the Sheriff does. That doesn’t really matter all of that much, but it seems to have put a target on our backs.”
Mr. Boats said, “ I assure you Mrs. Shelby, we value everyone of our depositors privacy. I don’t know where the Sheriff could of heard about it.”
“Don’t worry Herman, we’re not mad at you. What we want to know is, what is the hierarchy here in Helena?” Brie said. I was keeping my mouth shut.
“Huh?” he said.
“You know, who are the players? Who runs things, both in front of and behind the scenes?”
“Well, the Mayor and the city council, of course. That is in front of the scenes as you call it.” He shifted in his seat, like it was uncomfortable.
“But?” Brie prompted.
“Well, like any town, there is always the nefarious to contend with. I’ve heard that the business’s along Last Chance Gulch run things their way. And I have heard that the Sheriff, Henry Clifford kowtow’s to them.”
“Yes, we have heard that the Sheriff owns part of some of the business’. Brie said.
“It could be. I don’t know, he doesn’t Bank with us, he use’s that other Bank.” Herman said with a sniff.
“Who owns that ‘other bank’ as you call it?” I broke my silence.
“The Mayor owns it.”
“And what is his name?”
“Chase Walden. He’s also the owner of the Last Chance Mine. He comes from somewhere back east, he’s been here about two years.”
“Walden, I’ve heard that name, could he have come from Chicago?” Brie asked.
“Why yes, I do believe that was where he came from.” Herman said.
“How long has the Sheriff been here?” I asked.
“Why, I believe he came around the same time. Why, do you think they knew each other before they came here?” Herman asked.
“It could be. Herman, we want you to keep our visit just between the three of us. I would also suggest you find out who is passing information to the Mayor’s bank.” Brie said, as we got up and left Mr. Herman Boats with a confused look on his face.
We stopped just outside of the bank and talked a bit. “ You know, anytime there is money to be made, corruption always follows. I was in the Dress Shop yesterday and I heard that they had discovered copper deposits over by the that little village of Butte. With all of the mining going on in the Territory, corruption is bound to follow. We can’t fight it all.” Brie said.
“No, I know that. But I’m not going to set still and let those perverts here get away with robbing you, which I know that’s what they have in mind.” I said.
“I’m with you on that. The way I see it, two people mainly, Henry Clifford and Chase Walden are the main ones behind it. Those like Charlie Kitchen are just tools.” Brie said.
“What are you trying to say, cut off the Snake’s head and the rest will die?” I said.
“Yes, this one snake will, but of course there are a lot more of them coiled in the den just waiting their chance. You know I said that the name of Walden rang a bell for me? Well I think he is one of the main crooks in Chicago. I also think he has something to do with Evan Blythe. If what I think is true, we may not have to do anything.
If the law and Sam Benbow have their way, their whole house of cards might just be going to come down around them.” Brie said.
“Yeah, but what about those tools like the Sheriff and Charlie Kitchen?” I said.
“I guess our frying pan might just be the right size for them.” Brie smiled a smile with intent and purpose. I remember from some book that I read, how the lioness was the deadliest member of the pride. Looking at my beautiful wife, I could well believe it.
Chapter Nine
We walked slowly back toward the dress shop. Greeting everyone we passed. Stopping to chat, with those that would. Surprisingly, it was mostly women that would talk to us, even the prime and proper ones. I stood back watching and listening. I came to the conclusion that most of the women would like nothing better than to have the freedom that Brie had. They envied her pants, and yes even her twins guns strapped to her lovely waist.
Of course there were some of the self-righteous ones that stuck their noses in the air and hurried on their way. Those, were their own worst enemy’s. I felt sorry for them.
A lot of the men would of liked to stop and talk to Brie, but they looked at me and hurried on their way. What was I, an ogre?
An ogre? Perhaps that was what I was, to some people anyway. I know I had a reputation as a gunfighter, but I always let the other guy draw first. I was always fair. My reveries were put on pause, by: “Come on, Hon. Why are you just standing there? Let’s go.”
The girls were still trying on clothes. It was a good thing they had a back room. Cause the only underwear they had on, was those skimpy panties that Brie had created. I pulled up a stool and watched the show.
Brie turned to me, “its your turn, they sell men’s clothes here also. Get out of those, I have some new ones I want you to try on.”
“But, what about the girls, I can’t get undressed.”
“Boo Hoo, that didn’t bother you this morning, come on shuck them.” I did I was told. I shouldn’t of worried, it didn’t bother the girls at all.
I shouldn’t of worried about the clothes either. I sort of liked them. They fit just right. Black suit, wool I think. With white shirt and ribbon tie. “How come they fit so well?”
“I had them tailored. I have a pretty good eye, don’t I?” Brie said. “I also have a new hat for you. I was going to make it white, but then I thought black would be better.”
“Yeah, black for an ogre, huh?” I said.
“What are you talking about, an ogre?
“Well that’s what most people think about me.” I said.
“What? Have you fell off your horse one too many times?” Brie said, as she snuggled closer. She said, “I had a suit just like it made for me, of course mine has a few more curves.”
“It better have one hell of lot of curves.” I said, as I was looking at the twins. “What about them, did you have some made for them?”
“No, not yet. But that is a good idea. Girls, take those clothes back off, I need to take some measurements.” I slide silently off of my stool and Jake and I went back outside. I could take only so much of the plethora of female opulence.
Jake and I sat on the bench, watching the populace go by. I sort of liked my new suit and hat. Of course, I suppose, my twin .44’s weren’t that fashionable, but without them I would feel naked.
Brie and the girls came out. The twins had on new pants, they had found some men’s that fit them very well. On top, they had some new frilly women’s blouse’s. One would think it would not look congruous, but not so, they looked quite cute.
But they were nothing compared to my wife. Brie had her new suit on, those curves were all in the right place. She said, “The girls’ new suit’s will be ready tomorrow. All of our old clothes will be delivered to our rooms.”
I stood up, “Well, Jake is hungry. Its about supper time, do you all want to eat?”
They did. So we meandered toward the Hotel Dinning Room. If I thought we drew stares before, it was nothing compared to this stroll we were taking. By now, I suppose everyone in town knew who we were.
I probably didn’t tell you before, but Brie’s twin .41’s had mother of pearl handle grips. They stood out in stark relief against her black suit. Mine and the girl’s gun’s, in contrast had wood grips.
Supper was quite uneventful, the staff was getting used to Jake. Why wouldn’t they? They got tipped lavishly. In the main lobby, the Hotel kept a small but decent Library. Melinda and Janie found books that they wanted to read, so they retired to their room.
I didn’t feel like reading. I wanted so see how the upper crust lived. “Honey, what say we go to the Banker’ Club and see if we can rustle up a poker game?”
“Why do you want to go there? It’s not to cause trouble is it?”
“No, not really. I just feel like skinning a few skunks, it’s up to them beyond that.” I said.
“Have you ever thought that there might be some honest men that frequent that establishment?” Brie said.
“Honest? Could be, but usually honest and rich, don’t fit in the same sentence.”
“Let me ask you this- do you consider yourself rich?” Brie said,
“Well, I’ve never really thought about it. But no I don’t. Cause you see ‘rich’ is a frame of mind to me. But I’ve always considered myself to be honest, I know what that means. Whereas I have never really understood what being ‘rich’ meant.”
“Well Sweetheart, I hope you never do, come on, I’m up for a poker game myself.”
On the way there, the General Store was still open, I stopped and bought a few decks of playing cards. One thing that I’d learned with my limited sortie’s into civilization was that the house, favored the house.
The smoke of cigar’s hung heavy in the air. Most men, who smoked, smoked cigars. The cigarette was a Spanish habit and hadn’t become popular this far north, as of yet. I could never figure out what they got out of such a dirty habit. That of smoking or chewing.
The only women that were evident were employee’s of the Banker’s Club, if you know what I mean. We got cold stares as we walked to the bar. The bartender looked at us, he almost swallowed the stub of the cigar that he had clinched in his teeth. He started to say, “No women are allo….” Before he seen my eyes and choked it off. He knew who I was.
Brie said, rather sweetly, “Could I have a glass of white wine?, what do you want Dear?”
“Well, I haven’t had my after dinner coffee, so make mine coffee.” I said, while glaring at the bartender, he lowered his eyes and said, “Yes Mam.” To Brie. We turned our backs to the bar, so as to scope out the room. As our eyes fell on each table, those seated there lowered their eyes.
He brought our beverages. “That’ll be a buck fifty,” he said.
I turned around, “Start a tab for me will you? The name is Trego.”
“I know who you are,” he said, then leaning forward while wiping the bar, he said, “Watch your back, there’s some in here that say they are going to kill you.”
“Thanks for the warning, what table is the Mayor playing at?” He shot his eyes toward a table in the rear. There were four men playing cards, there was six chairs around the table. One of the men was Hank Clifford, the Sheriff. Two of the others, were local business men, I could tell. The other man had to be Chase Walden, Mayor and owner of the mine.
We picked up our drinks and headed for that table. I said as we sat down, “Do you mind if we play?” I didn’t give them a chance to say no. That browned off the Mayor, I could see. He was used to being treated with difference.
One of business men was a fat jovial type, “Of course, set down, we could use new blood.” He said. Hank, he smiled his professional smile, “Yes, we would be pleased to have you, isn’t that right Mr. Walden?”
“Of course, all though, having a women in the game is a bit unusual, I think we can manage.” He said, while giving Brie the once over. I could see the lust lurking far back in his eyes. I almost slipped my gun out of its holster and shot him in the balls. But that could wait.
“Say,” I said, “I’m a bit uncomfortable sitting in this chair, I was wondering if you would switch chairs with me?” I was looking at the jovial business man. He turned a little red, you see he was setting with his back to the wall, I needed that seat, so I could see everything going on around me.
“No problem,” he said, as he got up and changed places, that left Brie and I setting on the back side of the table. I could feel the creepy feeling in my back easing off.
Walden said, “Yes, I’ve heard that gun fighters like their back against the wall.” Of course he was smiling when he said that. I just smiled back at him.
“What’s the buy in?” I asked. The other business man was acting as the house, he said. “Hundred dollars.”
“Fine, give us each two hundred dollars worth of chips, if you wouldn’t mind.” I said as I slid four hundred dollars across the table. He counted out the chips, he was just the opposite of the jovial one. Dour and sour faced. He ran the General Store.
The Jovial one ran the funeral parlor, go figure. One would think it would be just the opposite. The ante was ten bucks.
This was going to be a high stakes game, well when you play with the big boys, you had better not be wearing knickers.
I was sure this was going to be an honest game, why not. Cause everyone at the table didn’t need the money, they were just playing for fun, or so I thought. But I should of known better, when it comes to money, greed knows no bounds.
The first pot went to the grave digger, three deuces. He pulled in eighty bucks. The next pot went to Brie, she had two pair, aces and eights. I was watching Walden, his eyes went from his cards to Brie, he was really taken with her. I glanced over at Hank, he noticed it too. The pots went on like that. I had to buy more chips, Brie didn’t.
Walden was getting pissed, after all he was a man, losing to a woman, that he wanted in the worst way, because he sure wasn’t going to get her any other way, except the worst way, rape… Brie glanced at me, nodding her head slightly toward Walden. I nodded back. Now the Sheriff was no dummy, he seen what was going on. He said, “Well, why don’t we take a break, Chase come on over to the bar and I’ll buy you a drink.”
“No, why don’t you just go get us a bottle, I’m down, I want to win my money back.” Walden said, glaring at Hank.
“Well now,” I said, “it does seem like you’re the biggest loser, while the grave digger and the store keeper are just about even. I’ve also lost, along with the Sheriff here. He’s lost a bundle, does he always let you win?”
“What do you mean let me win?” Walden said, coming half out of his chair.
“Well, what I mean is, every time it looks like it’s your pot, he folds. Now I call that letting you win.” I said, leaning back in my chair and smiling.
Walden’s face was turning beet red. Here he wanted to be the big man and show the woman how big he was. And it was turning out just the opposite. Funny thing about some men, their ego’s were so big that they had to be top dog all of the time. And there was one thing about being top dog, and that was, that you were still a dog…. He started to go for his gun, Hank clamped his arm to his side.
