“Enjoy your last few weeks of freedom Dr. Harris Rivers.” Grinning, he marches down the snow-covered streets to the bar to hire a runner to deliver the papers. Tomorrow another train will be “attacked” by a band of Cherokee Indians. They will leave only one survivor, and he will testify in front of the Senate that they are collecting weapons and using them to attack innocent people. “Things must go as planned,” he murmurs.
Chapter 18
Riverton is busy. Craig didn’t stop to enjoy the saloon or the women at the whore house with their powdered breasts and painted faces. He grabs a young boy by the arm when as he walks by.
“What’s your name?”
“Jared, Sir.”
“Where can I buy a horse, Jared?”
“The livery, sir, just two streets over,” he points. Craig presses a coin into his hand and grins at the child’s excitement. “Anything else I can help you with, sir?”
“Yes, I’m looking for information about a Doctor Harris Rivers that might have come through. It will pay well. Can you handle that?”
“Yes, sir. I know where to get information.”
“Excellent, Jared. I’ll be at the livery,” Craig strides off.
Sunset in Riverton is busy. He stomps through the snowmelt determined to get a fresh horse and transfer his gear. An hour later, Jared rushes in, grinning with success.
“What’ve you got for me, Jared?”
“Miss Beverly French is a waitress at the Rollins House Hotel. She said Dr. Rivers was here a week ago.” Jared grins as Craig tosses him two more coins.
“Good work, Jared. Thank you.” Jared runs out, and Craig grins as he smokes. “I think I’ll take a room at the Hotel, brother. Maybe have a bath and dinner.”
Craig enters the Hotel with a glance around. Beautifully appointed with wallpaper and chandeliers, the lobby is a decadent display. He glances down at his snow-covered boots and grins at the young women glancing at him with disdain behind the desk.
“Can I help you, sir?” she asks quickly.
“I sure hope so, Miss?” he asks as he pulls out a handful of twenty-dollar gold coins.
“Beverly French,” she says with a slow smile.
“A lovely name, Miss French,” he lifts a gold coin and steps close to her, glancing down at her plump cleavage teasing him. “I need a room with a view and a hot bath. Think you can help me with that?”
“Absolutely,” Beverly grabs a key and speaks to a porter behind the desk before joining Craig.
“The Rollins House prides ourselves on providing for all of our guests needs. We have a suite with a private bathing room. It is sixteen dollars a night.” Craig tucks two gold coins into her cleavage and grins at her swift inhale.
“Perfect, Miss Beverly French, lead the way.”
“Right this way, Mr.?”
“Call me Craig, Beverly.” Craig saunters behind her, admiring the sway of her lush hips and smiles at his brother, beside him, and murmurs, “Of course, I’m gonna share. Don’t I always.”
“Did you say something?” Beverly asks as she shows him to the steps.
“No, just admiring the view.” Beverly giggles and hurries up the stairs.
“You’re on the second floor, facing the gardens. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the view. It has a private bathing room.” She opens the door to the suite and walks inside to light the lanterns. “Would you like a shave with your bath?”
“Are you offering, Beverly?” He asks removing his hat to drop it on the table.
“I..,” Craig moves into her space and grabs her waist with both hands.
“I’d gladly sit for you while you tend to me, Beverly,” he teases and bends to smell her neck.
Beverly leans her head to the right giving him access to her neck. Craig nibbles on her neck smiling when she shudders. “I’d be glad to help with your bath too, Craig,” she moans when he traces a finger down the front of her dress, teasing her nipple.
“I’d be happy to take care of all your needs, Craig, for three gold coins.” She runs a hand down the front of his pants feeling the evidence of his arousal.
Craig growls, and his hands grip her hips tighter. “You will earn those coins, Beverly.”
“I plan on it,” she says stepping back to put up a do not disturb sign on the doorknob and lock it.
“Beverly, it’s been a while since we’ve had a beautiful woman,” Craig says from behind her.
“We?” she turns and finds him directly behind her. He backs her up to the door and reaches for her hand.
“Yes, I’m of two minds, Beverly. One wants you slow, deep and long. The other wants to take you hard, fierce and dirty.” Craig’s eyes flash when she reaches up and slips her gown down her shoulders, revealing her white corset and lush breasts.
“How about now, Craig?” she teases.
“Dirty, first,” he holds up a knife and orders her not to move as he slices the fine material carefully from her body.
Chapter 19
Vanessa slips from the cabin with a small carpet bag given to her from Molly. It contains three changes of clothes, shoes, and cash. She even managed to clean a canteen from the saddlebags, filling it with water.
The crunch of her borrowed boots in the melting snow seems to echo with an eerie sound. After her argument with Harris, she was thankful he didn’t return to the cabin. Vanessa hardened her heart against the hurt in his eyes.
Everything in her screams to curl up in his arms and accept the protection he offers, but she must remain strong for them both. Harris still loves his wife. Dead or not,
