he began to dissect Geor-gianne's remains. There was a little blood, not much, and when his wife lay in seven parts on the table, Holmes went to his large kiln, revived the fire, methodically took the seven parts of Georgianne and threw them on the flames. In half an hour, there would be no more of Georgianne except the smoke coming out of his chimney and a few charred bones among the ashes.
After that, Holmes washed his hands, then climbed back up to his asphyxiation chamber to put everything there in order.
With everything neat and in place, Holmes left his secret chamber, closed it, and returned to the office.
He surveyed his office, his expression as innocent as when the crafty yet gullible Minna Everleigh had sat there to question him.
He settled down behind his desk and enjoyed a pipeful of Dutch tobacco. He was now a free man once more, free to enjoy and profit from the Everleigh Club's harem of pleasures.
THREE
It was early evening when Gus Varney entered the foyer of the Everleigh Club. Although well dressed, from bow tie and waistcoat to striped trousers, he felt awkward and strange. He tried to give no sign of nervousness as he removed his derby hat. He patted his pockets to reassure himself that he had no means of identification except for a wallet bulging with the money the mayor had given him and his beautifully embossed but fake calling- cards.
A rather plump, brown-haired, plain young woman approached him. She extended her hand. 'I'm Aida Everleigh,' she said. 'I can't remember seeing you before. Have you ever been here?'
'No, I haven't, but many of my friends in St Louis have, and they insisted I not leave Chicago without dining at the Everleigh Club.'
'That's lovely,' said Aida. 'May I ask your name?'
Varney fumbled inside his jacket for his wallet, and tugged it free. He made a show of displaying the fifty- dollar bills in his wallet as he searched for his packet of business cards. He withdrew one card and handed it to Aida Everleigh. 'I'm Jack Simon, president of the Quality Beer Company.'
Aida studied the card, surveyed Varney carefully from head to foot, then smiled and pocketed his card. 'We're pleased to receive you, Mr Simon. What do you have in mind for this evening? Have you had supper yet?'
'As a matter of fact, I haven't had a bite all day. A good meal would sit well with me, along with some wine.'
Aida turned to lead Varney into the Club. 'Do you have anything else in mind?'
'I… I heard you have some rather attractive girls here. I wouldn't mind having one join me for dinner.'
'That can be arranged right now. There are three or four young ladies in our Blue Room. It's early and the other girls will be down later. But I'm sure you'll find someone available who will be suitable to your taste. Follow me. I'll introduce you.'
When they entered the Blue Room, what Varney saw was utterly unexpected. The parlour was furnished with three blue divans appointed with leather pillows on which were attached attractive pictures of Gibson Girls. On the walls all around were hung college pennants – Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton – giving the chamber a decidedly youthful and lively appearance. The nearest blue divan held three young women, each smartly dressed in stylish variations of mousseline blouses and voile skirts. They ceased their chatter as Aida took Varney by the hand and approached them.
'Girls,' Aida said, 'I want you to meet Mr Jack Simon, who heads one of the most famous beer companies in St Louis, Missouri. Jack, I want you to meet three of our loveliest entertainers. This is Fanny… Avis… Margo.'
Varney acknowledged their friendly greetings.
'Girls, Jack has come here to dine and have some pleasure. He tells me he's famished. He'd like a companion during dinner.' Aida faced Varney. 'They're all famished too. You may have your choice.'
Varney's eyes fastened on the first of the trio, introduced as Fanny. She was an extremely busty blonde, with a narrow waist and obviously voluptuous thighs.
Before he could speak, Aida spoke. 'I see you can't take your eyes off Fanny. Can't say that I blame you. She's one of our most popular girls. Would you like Fanny to dine with you?'
Varney could hardly find his voice. His eyes feasted on the lush creature. 'That – that would be wonderful.'
'She's all yours, then,' said Aida. Fanny jumped gaily to her feet as Aida told her, 'Dear, take Jack to the restaurant and acquaint him with what's available.' Aida shook hands with Varney once more. 'Have a good time in the Everleigh Club. I'll see you again later.'
Fanny slipped her arm through Varney's and cheerfully led him off.
Momentarily, at the entrance to the large restaurant with its silver candelabras, glistening crystal goblets, and lavish floral centrepieces, Varney was intimidated. He'd once eaten at the Palmer House with the mayor's staff, but the Everleigh restaurant was much more splendid. Fanny had him by the arm as she drew him inside. Passing several other diners, Fanny waved familiarly to one obese, elderly man and his two male companions.
Fanny settled Varney at an isolated table in a corner, and instead of taking the chair opposite, she brought her chair closer to his and sat down beside him. A coloured waiter materialized with the menu, but Fanny ignored him.
'I think it would be nice to start with a bottle of Mumm's champagne. Would that suit you?'
'Fine.'
'Now, unless you have some dish you prefer, I could make a few suggestions.'
'I'll trust you,' said Varney. 'I'll have whatever you have.'
Fanny was pleased. 'I'd suggest we start with Romano-Beluga caviar. After that, prime roast beef. How would you like yours done?'
'Rare.'
'Me too. I love rare meat. It gives one energy. Then we might have some crepes Suzette. How's that?'
'Perfect, Ma'am.'
'Jack, my name is Fanny. You needn't be formal with me. I hope we get to know each other much better.'
'I hope so too, Fanny.'
When the silver bucket appeared with the Mumm's and the bottle was uncorked and poured, Varney tried to concentrate on his mission. He was here because Mayor Harrison wanted to prove that this was still' a whorehouse. Varney's assignment was to go to bed with a whore. How did one go about it? Fanny seemed too ladylike, yet she had served up several double entendres. Varney determined to relax and play it by ear.
'I know you're a beer king,' Fanny was saying as they sipped their drinks. 'I hope you don't mind that I ordered champagne. It just seemed more appropriate for a good time.'
'It is, it is,' Varney agreed.
She had said a good time. He wondered if he dared read what he hoped to read in those words.
As the supper was served, Varney tried to answer Fanny's questions about St Louis. He had never been there, but neither had she, so he was safe. Then they talked about entertainment in Chicago.
'Do you like stage plays?' Fanny asked. 'Very much,' said Varney. 'Especially Trelawny of the Wells with Ethel Barrymore. I saw Peter Pan with Maude Adams.'
'Actually, I prefer vaudeville,' Fanny confided. 'The last stage play I saw was Uncle Tom's Cabin, with real live bloodhounds.'
'No kidding?'
'But give me vaudeville any day. Harrigan, the tramp juggler, or that magician, Herrmann the Great, or Princess Rajah, who dances with a python around her. I think the best act is 'Sober Sue – You Can't Make Her Laugh'. A $1,000 reward if you can. All the comedians try and fail. The rumour is that Sober Sue has paralysed facial muscles. You know what my favourite fun thing is?' 'No, what?'
'That new invention – movies,' said Fanny. 'At the Chicago Opera House I saw The Great Train Robbery, starring Bronco Billy Anderson. It was my first movie ever, but it was too short. Only fifteen minutes. Since then
