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smaller footsteps hurried to catch up to him.
    â€œWait right there,” Eliza said as she hurried to get to Slocum while also securing the last of her dress’s buttons.
    Stopping so he could see a portion of both floors, Slocum placed a hand on the banister and waited.
    Eliza seemed surprised that he’d listened to her and nearly charged straight into him as she raced down the stairs. Having overshot him by a step, she hopped back up so she was on equal footing with him.
    â€œSomething I can do for you?” Slocum asked.
    â€œYou need to explain yourself!”
    â€œDo I?” he said with a scowl on his face that still managed to look somewhat good-natured.
    â€œSince I was the one who was nearly killed, I’d say you most certainly do!”
    Suddenly, the manager took notice of them. “We do have other guests about,” he said in a hurry. “Perhaps you’d like to take your conversation to somewhere more private?”
    â€œI could sure use a drink,” Slocum said.
    The manager swept his hands toward a doorway framed by thick, velvet curtains. “By all means, partake of our fine selection of wines and liquors. Your first one is on the house.”
    â€œNo!” Eliza said while stamping her foot.
    Slocum took hold of her arm in a gentle, yet firm grip while leading her the rest of the way down the stairs. “I think our complimentary drink is hinging on us getting out of the lobby as quickly as possible.”
    â€œThe gentleman understands perfectly,” the manager said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s still the matter of this bill to settle.” He then returned to his conversation with the man who’d been bounced off walls and pummeled to the point of being tenderized.
    Beyond the velvet curtain was a dimly lit room containing a short bar manned by a well-dressed fellow in a crisp white shirt. There were several small round tables scattered beneath a thin veil of smoke from expensive cigars and imported cigarettes. Not only was the hotel manager happy to signal for the bartender to give them free drinks, but he was just as eager to tug the ropes holding the curtains in place so they fell shut to close the room off from the lobby.
    â€œWhat a great place,” Slocum said as he escorted Eliza to a table. “Even when they’re making you feel unwelcome, they’re hospitable.”
    Eliza wanted to stay angry at him and the situation in general, but had to fight to keep her scowl in place, given her plush surroundings. “You say you’re John Slocum?” she asked.
    â€œI said it and meant it.”
    â€œThen who’s the man out there? The one who was claiming to be John Slocum all this time?”
    â€œHis name’s Lester Quint.”
    â€œAnd why would he lie about who he is?” she asked.
    â€œBecause he had an axe to grind with me and was too yellow to step up and face me like a man.”
    The well-dressed barkeep came over to them to ask what they wanted to drink. He also made it very clear that only their first round was on the house.
    â€œIn that case,” Slocum said, “I’ll have a shot of your finest whiskey.”
    â€œFor you, ma’am?” the barkeep asked.
    Eliza shook her head. “I don’t want anything.”
    â€œYou sure you want to turn down a free drink from a place this fancy?” Slocum asked.
    She sighed. “I’ll have some wine.”
    â€œNot just any wine,” Slocum added.
    â€œOur finest wine?” the barkeep asked.
    â€œYou got it.”
    Judging by the way the barkeep smirked before walking away, he wasn’t at all bent out of shape about giving away some of the hotel manager’s most expensive merchandise.
    â€œI’d appreciate an explanation,” Eliza said. “After all, I was almost shot back there. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been lied to and—”
    Slocum held up a finger and angled