Puzzled by his actions, Alex grabbed the bottle and unscrewed the cap for a drink on the house. “So tell me, Brady, if this Max was such a lousy barkeep, what kept you coming to The Copper Penny?”
A sly, almost predatory look slid into his gaze. “Clean glasses. Good whisky and the finest lookin’ women in town.” As he spoke, he turned. With one elbow on the bar, he leaned back and sipped his drink as his gaze drifted across the room.
Jewel was bent over a table. Her black gown was modest by saloon standards, but still the high neck revealed the curves of her breasts as she set glasses on a wooden tray. She didn’t smile or even talk to the men, but her movements were slow and inherently graceful. Her fragile eloquence was compelling.
“Just watching her does things to you, don’t it?”
Alex didn’t reply.
“I been watchin’ her since she first came to town. ‘Course, she was Holloway’s woman then, and he’s one mean cuss.”
Alex gave a start, but quickly controlled his surprise.
“Once,” Brady continued, “I seen him slice a man’s face just for tryin’ to touch her. But he sure liked us to look. He’d dress her up in them fine, sparkling gowns and parade her around on his arm, darin’ anyone to come close. I used to think it might be worth the risk to feel her sweet little body up next to mine.” He inhaled with a slow whistle.
Alex clamped down the anger building inside him. Brady’s attitude was exactly what Penny had talked about. The last thing Alex needed was for Brady Calhoun to confirm her point. Alex glanced around to locate Penny. She was all the way across the room, her hair woven back into its tight bun.
“If Holloway was so protective, why’d he let Jewel go?” Alex’s tone was quiet.
“Didn’t. She ran off. Straight into the arms of Miss Copper Penny herself.” Brady laughed and the sound of it grated on Alex. “Weren’t no safer place than those arms, neither.”
“What do you mean?” Alex recognized the low, dangerous tone in his own voice.
But Brady had had too much to drink to be cautious. He glanced up, his features sly. “Miss Penny keeps herself and everyone around her on the straight and narrow.” He studied Alex over his uplifted glass. “Everybody knows that. Unless, maybe you know somethin’ we don’t.”
Alex had had enough of Brady. Screwing the lid on the bottle he placed it back on the shelf. “I know how to pour drinks and mind my own business.”
Brady chuckled again. “Just the same. A good lookin’ fellow like you shows up and just steps into a job some men in town would give anything to have.”
“What’s so special about this job?”
“Two things. A brunette and a redhead all in one night. It makes a man’s head reel just thinkin’ about it.”
Alex’s jaw clenched. “Not mine. I’m not so hard up to waste time dreaming about things that aren’t going to happen.” He turned his back as if the conversation was over.
“I ‘spect that’s true. But it does make for a pretty picture,” Brady said in a low wistful voice. “But then, there’s the money.”
Alex paused. “What money?”
“Holloway’s. He wants to know everything about Miss Penny and her place, and he’s offerin’ cold hard cash to anyone with somethin’ to tell. I figure someone in your position could find plenty to tell.”
Shock filtered through Alex. Holloway paid anyone on the street for information about The Copper Penny. No wonder the women here were so mistrustful.
But why? What was Holloway looking for? Or worse, trying to do? His gaze narrowed as he studied Brady over the counter.
“So tell me, if I do have some information, where would I go to get the money?”
“Holloway’s place. The Crown Jewel, just down the street.”
Alex gave another start. He’d wondered if Jewel had been precious to anyone. Obviously, he was closer to the truth than he knew.
“Or…” Brady didn’t notice Alex’s silence. “I could deliver it for you, so’s not to rouse suspicions here.”
“What’s in it for you?”
Brady’s gaze drifted across the room, back towards Jewel. “Well now, I’m sure we could think of somethin’ if we put our heads together.”
6
Penny closed the door behind the last customer and turned the lock. She took a deep breath, thankful that this night had finally ended.
She’d seen Alex talking to Brady and since then, Alex had been shooting daggers at her with every look. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with him. She’d purposely stayed away from the bar area, spending her time socializing with the customers and sending Jewel after their drinks. As a result, Jewel was exhausted.
A pang of guilt swept over Penny as she watched her beautiful friend wipe down a nearby table. She was so weary, she stooped over the table like an old lady.
Penny’s gaze shot to the bar where Alex washed the last of the glasses. He’d sent Jann to bed an hour ago and now worked at his own, slow pace.
Penny took a short, shallow breath. “I’ll finish up, Alex. Why don’t you head on back to the hotel?”
Alex looked at Jewel. His gaze returned to Penny. “I’m fine. Why don’t you send Jewel to bed?”
Penny bit her lips. Outmaneuvered, she took the washcloth from Jewel’s hand. “Let me do this.”
Jewel hung on to the cloth. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Go on.”
Jewel went up the stairs and Penny heard the click of her door as it closed.
Penny bent to wipe the closest table.
Alex was beside her before she could even finish. “Exactly what’s going on with Holloway?”
He stood so close, Penny was forced to step back. “I don’t know what you mean.” She skirted around him to the next table.
He grasped her arm and spun her around to face him. “We have enough problems without these games, Penny. Now tell me why Holloway’s paying men on the street for information about you.”
Startled, she stared, a little afraid now that she had the truth confirmed. “Who told you that?”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is why is he doing it. What does he want?”
“What does any man like him want? More money and power.”
“Why has he targeted you and The Copper Penny?”
“Maybe because he thinks I’m a woman and vulnerable.”
“You are vulnerable. You have a child to protect.”
She couldn’t hide the surprise that swept through her.
Alex grasped her arm again. “Has he said something about Lexie?” His tone was dangerous, low.
“No…no.” She shook her head. “He just knows I want to leave Bodie, to sell. He claims he’s the only buyer I’ll get.”
Alex studied her for a long moment. “Do you believe him?”
“I think he can do it. He has that kind of power here on Bonanza Street.”
Alex stepped back, putting a chair between them. Carefully he placed his hands around the top knobs and twisted, striving for patience.
Penny had the distinct feeling he wished it was her neck in his hands.
“Why didn’t you want to tell me any of this?”
“Because it’s my problem. My saloon.” She paused. “Alex, you need to understand. I left everything for you. You wanted to provide for me, and I let you. And then suddenly, you were gone. I didn’t know how to take care of myself, what to do. I was lost, just like I was when my mother left.” She could see by his expression that she’d surprised him with that comment.
She let the words sink in before she said very carefully, “I felt alone and helpless. It happened to me twice, Alex. It’s never going to happen to me again. I’ve worked hard to build this place. Just because you showed up doesn’t mean I’m going to hand it over to you.”
“I wouldn’t ask you to do that. You don’t know me if you think I would.”
“That’s the point, Alex. It’s been five long years. I don’t know you anymore. I’ve changed. You’ve changed.”
A tilted smile twisted his lips. “Your feelings have changed, that’s pretty obvious, but I’m the same.”
She wasn’t going to tell him how she really felt, that he could still shake her world and make her want to believe. Instead, she stood her ground. “You’ve changed.”
“How?”
“You don’t smile much anymore. You used to smile all the time.” She dropped the cloth onto the table.
“War will do that to a man.”
“And your accent, you’ve lost it.”
“I’m surrounded by Yankees.” This time his smile was wry. “It’s only natural I’d start to sound like them. Those are superficial things, Penny. Unimportant. Who we are inside, deep down, hasn’t changed.”
“That’s what frightens me the most. We come from different worlds, Alex. You come from a world of fine suits, money, and possibilities. My world is this,” she gestured around her. “Saloons, dance halls, and drunks. Those worlds don’t mix, Alex. They never have.” All of the sadness she’d tried to disguise with anger finally broke through. The sound of her own voice hurt her, weakened her. She didn’t dare look at Alex. If she did, she’d lose the last of her strength. And she needed to be strong, needed to speak the truth because she knew he never would.
“Our different lives never bothered you this much before.” His voice was quiet.
“Yes, they did. But I wanted to believe, dared to believe. I was young and foolish and full of hopeless dreams. When I married you, Alex,
I
thought I’d never see the inside of a saloon again, and yet, here I am. Life knocked all of those romantic notions right out of my head. I know who I am now and where I belong. I’ve accepted that. You should, too.”
He frowned. He was going to argue with her, deny it all, and try to justify their love.
Penny didn’t think she could stand any more so she marched over to the coat rack and lifted his hat. Then she unlocked the door. “I’m tired, Alex, and Lexie wakes up early in the morning.”
He hesitated, but he didn’t argue. He crossed the room and took his hat. “I know it seems like the cards are stacked against us, Penny. But I read a Scripture today that gave me courage. I want you to think on it.” He fingered his hat. “
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
.”
She made a rude sound and jerked open the door.
The frigid air hit them both.
Instantly, Penny started to shiver. “Maybe that works in your world, Alex. But Christ doesn’t seem to have time for the whores and drunks in mine.” She stood with her arms wrapped around her to keep warm.
That Alex wanted to say more was written clearly in his expression, but he clamped down on his words and slapped his hat on his head. “I’ll be back in the morning.” Then he turned and left.
****
Alex slept poorly, tossing and turning most of the night. He’d repeated the Scripture over and over in his head just to gain some peace and rest.
All these years, he’d searched for Penny. And now he’d found her, but he may as well have been miles away. The years had changed his wife, hurt her, and made her sour. He wondered if she’d ever find her way out of the bitterness.
I can do all things…
Determined to have faith, he lunged out of bed and splashed icy water into the basin. One thing was certain. He wouldn’t solve his problems in bed. And one other thing had become clear to him.
He couldn’t reach Penny with words. Her hurt was too deep and went too far back. He would have to
show
her God’s love. He didn’t know how, but he was sure God would point the way.
He dressed quickly and hurried downstairs. It was too early for a meeting. Even the dining room was closed, but he knew one place that would be open.
This morning he remembered to wear his heavy coat and gloves. As he hurried down the boardwalk towards the telegraph office, his breath made plumes in the air.
In the distance a whistle blew, signaling the end of the midnight shift at the mines. He was joined on the boardwalk by miners, going to and coming from the Standard. Alex paused to watch the streams of men. He was surprised by the numbers. And this was just one mine! There were hundreds of smaller mines in the hills surrounding town. No wonder the businessmen of Bodie were poised for something great.
Inside the telegraph office, it took a few minutes for his fingers to warm up to write his message. Once it clicked over the lines, he headed back to the hotel to wait. He had just finished his breakfast when a messenger arrived with a reply.
Alex read the telegram from Royce. He folded it into his pocket and headed towards the business office of Preston Jackson to award him the contract for the warehouse.
Then he stopped at the office of Hubert Wolcott to ask him to draw up plans for a new sawmill and to keep the estimate close to his previous bid for the warehouse. They discussed some details and points before Alex left for Andy’s office.
“That’s the best news I’ve had all week!” Andy grinned.
“I thought you might be pleased. Royce will wire you with arrangements for the additional funds for the mill later today. In the meantime, can we count on you to advance us the funds to start?”
“You know you can.”
“Good.” Alex lifted his hat. “I’ll be in touch.”
“I’d like to speak to you about another matter, if you can spare the time,” Andy said.
Alex really didn’t want to spend one more minute away from Lexie and Penny, but he agreed.
“When Bodie first showed signs of a boom, a business bureau was established with seven members. It’s been around for almost four years and has proven to be very influential in decisions regarding local business.”
“Influential?” Alex repeated, his tone heavy with sarcasm.
“So far, their influence has been positive.” Andy raised a hand. “The goal has been to support business through political channels with some financing and a lot of mentoring. It’s all been legal, but I’m afraid that’s about to change.”
“Why?”
“Some time back, one of the members died. After months of searching and quibbling, the bureau invited a lawyer by the name of James McNeal to join them. He agreed. Everything was set, and then he suddenly backed out. Claimed his wife’s health had taken a turn for the worse and he could no longer commit the hours.”
“He ‘claims’ that’s the problem?”