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the hell have you gotten yourself into, Henderson?

Chapter 4
    Clarence Manfred scanned the missive once again. He smiled. Heidi’s parents would arrive on the morrow. Satisfied, he tucked the paper into his vest pocket and left the Western Union office. Assured all would be well, he cast a glance at the various businesses lining both sides of the street. An array of small, tidy shops made up Guthrie’s downtown.
    He strolled the boardwalk, passing the meat store with its red- and white-striped awning sitting to the right of the milliner’s. A busy little boot shop inhabited the space on the first floor of an office building advertising lawyers and a dentist.
    Having no need for any of those types of goods or services, he crossed the street and headed directly to The Blue Belle Saloon, where Miss Lizzie’s Bordello occupied the second floor. A couple of drinks and a romp with one of the girls would set his world to rights.
    A surge of anger washed over him at the stunt Heidi had pulled. The woman possessed absolutely no sense, and he would be sure she understood once she married him, he would tell her what to do. With her parents arriving tomorrow to back him up, she’d better abandon the ridiculous idea of working and return home. He had no intention of losing the windfall her father had promised for taking her off his hands. A perfect arrangement.
    He would keep his mistress, have profitable businesses under his ownership, and a pretty, if worthless, wife to entertain his associates. Not totally worthless. A nice dowry, new house, and multiple businesses handed to him would offset any inconvenience he suffered because of her illness.

    Clarence entered the saloon and sauntered to the bar. He waved in the direction of the bartender. “Whiskey.”
    The bartender swiped the scarred wooden bar with the dirty rag in his hand, then grabbed a bottle from the shelf in front of the long mirror against the wall. He slapped the liquor and small glass down in front of Clarence. “Five bits.”
    Clarence reached into his pocket, took out a bill, and tossed it on the bar. He poured a drink and, taking a sip, turned to observe the room. A haze of smoke hung in the air along with the strong odor of liquor. An older man in a white shirt with red garters wrapped around his sleeves played a tune on the piano. Several of Miss Lizzy’s girls wandered the room, sitting on men’s laps, leaning over the poker table. A young, dark-haired whore giggled, red-faced, when a customer yanked the top of her dress out to peer at her generous charms.
    In a little while, he’d lead one of them upstairs and afterwards play a few hands of poker. Grateful to him for finding his daughter, Mr. Lester told him to enjoy a couple of days off from his manager’s job. One day he would no longer be a manager in one of Lester’s businesses, but the owner of all the companies. But now he’d enjoy his little vacation and see the stupid girl returned home with her parents where she belonged.
    He frowned at the actions of the man she’d identified as her employer. She hadn’t been here long enough for him to be so protective. What did that mean? Best to convince her to return home before Mr. Henderson staked a claim. Although with her illness and delicate frame, he couldn’t imagine any man seriously considering her worth his attentions.
    “Ready for a little fun?” The young whore sashayed over, one slim hand resting on her hip. Although barely out of the schoolroom, her eyes were as old as time. As long as she willingly sold her young, lush body, he didn’t really give a damn.

    He grinned. “Sure, honey. You gonna show me what that poker player got a peek at?” Pushing away from the bar, he strolled up to her.
    “That and lots more,” she tossed over her shoulder as she headed for the stairs, her hips swaying.
    Clarence followed, the whiskey bottle clutched tightly in his hand.
    Heidi put the finishing touches on her hair, adjusted the barrettes