Mr. Jackson stood by the door, and Mary couldn’t help but go to him to thank him for his hospitality. He was most likely doing his best to make the most of a bad situation.
“Hello, Mr. Jackson. I’m Mary Stone, and I—”
Suddenly, the impropriety of her actions struck her. She was used to reaching out to others in church, but this was high society, and things were done differently.
“Miss Stone, of course.” He smiled at her. “Thank you for being such a good friend to my son.”
She stared at him. Emma Jane had just thanked her for her friendship, but weren’t all of the parents thinking her the enemy?
“You’re welcome?” She raised an eyebrow, not sure how else she was supposed to respond.
“Jasper told me of your role in helping save his life. Our family is indebted to you. If there is ever anything you need, I am your servant.”
“Well, sir, I didn’t do it alone.”
Mr. Jackson’s smiled broadened. “Of course not. I’ve known and respected Will for years. There’s no finer man on this earth than Will Lawson. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have him in my son’s life. Still, Jasper spoke highly of you, and I respect my son’s good opinion.”
The open honesty of Mr. Jackson filled Mary with hope. Not all of Leadville society had the same prejudices and intolerance. Emma Jane would do well in this family. Once again, Mary was genuinely happy that there was good in her friends’ unfortunate circumstances.
Flora and a group of girls started in the direction of the refreshments but spotted Mary and stopped. They turned directly around and went the other way.
“Pay them no mind. Flora Montgomery has been chasing my son for years. She’s merely taking out her frustration at being thwarted.”
Mary swallowed. “I’m afraid it’s more complicated than that.”
The sympathy on the man’s face was almost too much to bear. “Ah, yes, your sister’s regrettable situation. Her actions have no bearing on your character, and those who would believe otherwise are not worthy of your regard.”
If only others had similar convictions. Besides, Mr. Jackson didn’t know the full story. Still, his support meant that her family would be able to move past the scandal of her sister’s actions.
He looked at her intently. “I meant what I said about there being anything I could do. I know Jasper intends to help in the matter, and while I would prefer my son act in the interest of his safety, I can’t argue. If any of my resources can aid in your sister’s recovery, please, come to me.”
How could her prayers have been answered more perfectly? True, she did not have her sister returned safely, but she did have the backing of the most important person in town. And she knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if there was assistance Mr. Jackson could give, he would. The situation, while still dismal, didn’t look as hopeless.
“Thank you.” She smiled at him, then looked around. “I’m sorry to be rude, but have you seen Will? I’d like to find out what he has planned for Rose’s recovery.”
Mr. Jackson didn’t look at all offended. Rather, an affectionate look filled his face. “Of course you’re anxious for her. I shouldn’t have kept you. But I am glad you stopped to talk to me so I could offer my support.”
He stopped, looking past her, then back at her. “That’s odd. Jasper seems to have disappeared, as well.”
A groan slipped from Mr. Jackson’s lips. “He’s handling this the best he can, poor fellow. Emma Jane’s just as good as any of the others chasing him, so he might as well settle for her. Still, I need to find him before his mother gets upset. If I see Will, I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.”
As Mr. Jackson departed, Mary knew exactly where both Will and Jasper had gotten themselves off to. They’d gone to find Rose without her. She straightened her back. They weren’t going to lose her that easily.
She’d leave this sorry excuse for a party, find her sister and then make her life right.
* * *
For a man who thought he was above the law, Ben Perry wasn’t taking any chances. Two members of The Perry Gang stood in front of The Pink Petticoat, their hands so casually upon their holstered guns, only a trained eye would notice that they were on high alert. Even with his hat pulled low over his eyes, Will wouldn’t get past them. He recognized the one on the left as Colt—nicknamed as such because he knew how to use one. More important, Colt was the kind of guy to shoot first and ask questions later. Actually, Colt probably never asked questions. The man was deadlier than a kicked-over rattlesnake nest, and there wasn’t a lawman in the state who’d go after him.
Will hung back in the shadows, watching as the two men examined every man who walked into the saloon. When they stopped to frisk a well-heeled gentleman, another armed man stepped out of the shadows of the door. They weren’t just guarding the door; they had enough backup to signal they expected trouble.
At least he’d managed to give Mary and Jasper the slip. Mary would have been too hotheaded to understand the danger. Jasper didn’t need the trouble, either.
He turned back, looking for an alleyway that would give him access to the back of the notorious house. Back in ’76, when he’d taken down the Mahoney brothers, he’d slipped in through a coal chute.
The alley reeked of vomit, human excrement and something else so unpleasant Will wasn’t sure he wanted to put a name to it even if he could. He tripped over a passed-out figure that moaned softly as his body made contact.
As Will bent to make sure the person wasn’t too badly injured, he caught
