Independent Brake (The Dominion Falls Series) (14 page)

“Quiet women don’t change the world,” Helen objected.

“You don’t have to take up a hatchet to be heard,” Kat countered. “I am plenty loud without it. Plus, as I am, many men have listened to me. Perhaps I’ll be far more effective without the saddle of your infractions weighing my voice down.”

Kat turned her back on their gasps and murmurs and strode from the boarding house. Part of her wanted to just go flying across the street to the saloon to warn Cole, but if she did so the women would see and change their plan.

Instead, she turned and walked calmly back to the hotel. Once the world was quiet, she would go to warn Cole. For once, perhaps they might listen. Then maybe she’d feel her debt repaid, and could enjoy her pleasures without feeling like a whore.

Without a word to anyone, she passed through the casino and climbed the stairs to her room. She had the good fortune of a front room with access to the balcony, so she wouldn’t have to pass through again on her way out.

Three days she’d stayed at the Silver Saddle, and every day she hated it more. The proprietor was not only over-attentive in his consideration of her well-being; she’d learned in her time staying there he was also business partners with Jackson Krenshaw.

Kat shuddered at the thought of seeing the man that had bought her parents house. From all she’d heard, he was as loathsome as a snake. He was all pseudo-cunning and cruel actions, not to mention his bold display of his wealth.

She managed to slip into her room quick enough to avoid being seen by Guy, and locked the door behind her. In just a few hours when the town was quiet, she’d make her move. In the interim, she’d get her things gathered into her trunk, and then read.

Sometime the next day she hoped to find somewhere else to stay. Cora had been kind enough to offer a small room at the general store and restaurant she ran with her husband Kelly. Kat seriously considered the prospect, since she had few others on the horizon.

Considering she had no idea how long she’d stay, it was premature to search for a permanent residence. For all she knew, she might just pack up and head to St. Louis before the month was out. Once the Temperance group was gone, she wasn’t sure just what she’d do with herself.

Packing took longer than expected, and by the time she was done the town had already grown quieter. She gathered her book and sat near the door to keep an eye on the saloon across the way.

Two hours and three chapters later Graham was tossing men out on their drunken rear ends. She frowned, unwilling to cross paths with the man Cole had apparently taken on as a business partner without explanation.

Rumors had swirled about a young whore Cole had taken in for two years before shuffling her off just as quiet as her arrival; especially since at the same time of her arrival he asked Graham to join in running the saloon. Fiercely independent as Cole was, everyone was surprised he’d let in a partner of any kind—business or pleasure.

They’d thought maybe with the new partner he’d turn the saloon into a hotel, or add in a casino, but none of that happened. The saloon remained unchanged, Cole’s mood had soured supposedly, though Kat saw little sign of it in their interactions, and now Graham’s drunken benders were facilitated by his ownership, and gave him a certain power to use his anger to beat up more men under the guise of order in the saloon.

Kat set her book down and rose, closing the door behind her. Into the quiet of the night, she slipped down the stairs. By the time she reached the boardwalk, Cole was outside bidding farewell to Graham.

She lingered until Graham was well down the street and only the flare up of Cole’s cigar when he dragged on it remained. With a careful step she slipped between two vendor carts into the muddy street. One benefit to changing to pantaloons was not having to keep her skirts elevated to avoid the muck of small town roads, and as always she was grateful for that small benefit.

When she landed on the boards across the street, the light of the cigar turned her way. Inwardly she was both grateful they had yet to install street lamps, and upset by it. She’d appreciate seeing his face when she approached, but was glad the dark hid her from any prying eyes.

Either way, by the time she got close, Cole’s chuckle reached her ear. When he himself reached for her, she side-stepped him to the porch. “Easy there, Cole. I didn’t come for fun, no matter how powerful you think your charms are.”

“I don’t think—I know.”

“I don’t think you know, either.” Despite his grumbled curse of a response, Kat laughed into the quiet night. “I came to warn you of the ladies’ plans.”

“That so?”

“If you care to listen. Most men don’t. I know you’re a rake and have cruel tendencies, but I’ve never taken you for a fool, so perhaps you will listen.”

Since her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, she could see him leaning against the post, still nursing his cigar. He shifted and crossed his legs. “I’m no fool.”

“Helen, the leader, I’ve come to see her as rather blood thirsty.” Kat kept her voice low on the slim chance anyone was awake across the street. “She attends to the men when they’re drunk so she has an excuse for destruction of property.”

“My property?”

“As the biggest, and most frequented, saloon in Dominion Falls—not to mention your whore element, you are the best option.”

“And will you be joinin’?”

“I never have. I’ve tried to prevent them all along. I told you, I agree that temperance should be instilled, and knowledge—but I cannot stand by and watch them destroy a man’s livelihood in the name of God.”

“Ya know when?”

“They usually come first thing once business opens. They want an audience.”

“You’re friends go to Cottonwood Springs a while back?”

“Yes.” She leaned on the post opposite him and mimicked his stance.

“Ruined a friend of mine’s business. I ain’t complainin’ too much, I got his whores outta the deal. He went west for gold.”

“If you don’t want them to do the same to you, you’d best be prepared. I just wanted to warn you.”

“I’m warned. I’ll be ready for ‘em.”

“Good. Consider us even.”

He snorted. “How’s that?”

“I just saved you thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. I’d say we’re even for the assistance you gave me getting out of here, and sending me somewhere safe.”

“That mean you ain’t gonna make it right otherwise?”

“That means I won’t sell myself for any debt. I’m no whore.” Kat straightened her back and lifted her chin. “I choose when and with whom I lay.”

In the dark she couldn’t tell if he was impressed, annoyed, or anything else. When he lingered in silence, she pushed off the post and walked across the porch right past him.

She paused at the end of the porch long enough to say, “If you decide my debt is paid we will continue the discussion.”

“It’s repaid.”

“Are you saying that to see if you can remove my pantaloons?”

“Maybe.”

“I thought so.” Kat turned to face him again. “If you mean it, we’ll talk.”

“Come in. Have a drink before you go back.” There was a hint of demand in his tone, one that wasn’t used to being ignored. “No charge.”

“Sorry. I don’t take free drinks. I’d hate to build on my debt.”

“Then five cents.”

She pondered the prospect of making him sweat, but truth be told, it had been months since her last coupling, and the man hadn’t been very competent. “Two bits for two drinks. That’s your standard, isn’t it?”

“Was giving you the ladies discount.” He drawled in a knowing tone. “Standard for any woman brave enough to drink in my saloon.”

“Fine. Ten cents for a drink, and I’m not paying a cent less.”

“Yes ma’am.” He strode to the door and held it open. When she passed by, he murmured, “Ya know I don’t like demandin’ women, right?”

“Shame. You could use one.” She went right up to the bar and sat, relieved when he turned up the one lamp still lit. At least now she could see his features. “Maybe one day you’ll get one and keep her.”

He snorted and almost slammed the cups on the bar. “And you’ll get married one day, too.”

“Touché.”

“What?”

“Never mind, just pour.” The second her glass was full, she tossed it back. When he filled it the second time, his eyebrow raised and she took care to be slower about picking it up. “So why Graham?”

“Just because.” He slammed his drink back, and refilled his glass immediately. “I gotta have a reason why?”

“Touchy. I was just curious.”

“It’s a business matter.”

“Of course, and my simple female mind couldn’t handle it.” She took a swig of her whiskey. “Fine. You choose a topic.”

“I don’t like talking.”

“You are a sad, sad man.”

Cole finished off his second whiskey and tapped the bar. “Two dimes. Then get out.”

She had no idea what nerve she’d touched, but it had flared him into defensive mode and brought out the attitude he’d been rumored to have. Rather than argue, she fished two dimes out of her reticule and set them on the counter. “Good night, Cole.”

“Wait.” He circled the bar and grasped her neck in his strong hand. In an instant she realized she could be in over her head, rumor was one of the men in charge at the saloon had hit a whore or two.

Without realizing it, she’d held her breath, and gasped for air when her lungs grew tight. Before she could fight him off and walk away, though, he yanked her close. The kiss surprised her enough to allow him instant access to her mouth, which he plundered with fevered intensity.

Every inch of her came alive and her hesitation flew out the doors. She slid her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with equal fire.

He pulled her off the stool, her body pressed against his so she could feel his excitement pressed against her belly. She moaned and reached to tug his shirt free of his trousers. The moment her fingers brushed his flesh, he returned her moan in kind.

When he released her, he licked his swollen lips and grinned. “Your debt is repaid. Ya still wanna leave?”

“Hell no.”

* * * *

T
he next morning, Kat woke deliciously sore. She hadn’t had this many aches in all the right places since her first encounters with Patrick. Cole lived up to his reputation, and more. He’d been voracious, like an animal in only the best way.

She was, however, rather surprised that he still lay beside her. If anything, she’d expected him to high-tail it out of the room once their enjoyment was complete. He’d receive no complaint from her for remaining; she enjoyed the feeling of his strong, hard body against hers.

Of course, she held no grand romantic illusions about their current situation. There was no way the man currently moving in for another round would ever be more than a conquest for her, or she for him. Of course, that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy every second, and she certainly intended to.

Unfortunately, a crash outside the room startled them both to sitting and pulled Cole’s marvelously skilled wandering hands from her flesh.

“Damn,” he cursed. “Was hopin’ for a better start to the day.”

“You’re not the only one,” she agreed. After a yawn, she stretched until her back curved. Another crash drew their gazes to the door. “What in heaven is that?”

“I’m gonna find out. Ain’t your ladies already is it?”

“I wouldn’t know. What time is it?”

“Dunno.”

She sighed and rose, well aware his gaze remained on her even as he got his trousers back on. Perhaps later she’d take further advantage, or maybe not if he was going to laugh at her. “What is so funny?”

“Ya look like a wild woman, all them curls stickin’ out everywhere.”

“Oh, drat.” She set her hands on her head, laughing with him. “Happens every time they’re unleashed. You pulled out my tie early on in the evening. I must look a fright.”

“Ya do.” He grinned, but it faded when the next crash came on loud with the distinct crack of wood. “I ain’t open; thought you said they wouldn’t attack.”

“They usually don’t!” Kat snatched the sheet and wrapped it around herself as she raced out behind him.

Sure enough, the ladies of the temperance league were streaming in through the busted door. Helen stood proud at the front with her hatchet.

Kat gasped. “Helen! What are you doing attacking with hatchets at this hour?”

Helen’s eyes widened and the hatchet slipped from her hand. “Katherine, what are you doing?”

Cole strode toward the woman, and moved fast enough to take Helen’s hatchet before she could recover from her shock to grab it herself. “Get outta my saloon.”

“No.” Without her hatchet, Helen’s voice wavered.

“I said,” Cole hefted the hatchet, “get outta my saloon.”

Helen backed up a step, which brought an inappropriate giggle out of Kat. When Helen glared at her, Kat only shrugged. “You won’t win this time. If you try to keep on, I’ll get every man on the street to abandon his wagon and come help Cole haul every one of you out of here.”

“You defend this solicitor of sin?” Helen’s nose wrinkled. “Then again, you gave into his devilish ways. You should be ashamed.”

“Oh, do stop putting on such false airs. I know you’ve made time with men on our trip. You scream when you lie with them, we all know it.” Kat scooted closer to Cole’s side. “And Cole may not be a good man-”

Cole snorted and dropped the hatchet to his shoulder. “That so?”

“But he’s not the devil, either. He’s supplying exactly what the men would get elsewhere in other more devious ways if no saloons existed.” Kat glanced at Cole out of the corner of her eye and offered him a wink.

“She’s making stories to divert us from our task! She wouldn’t walk into the street in nothing but a sheet.” Helen’s voice took on a desperate shrill. “Onward.”

Kat pushed her way past Helen toward the door. Most of the ladies moved out of her way, but Lottie remained in the broken doorway, hatchet in hand. Kat stood in front of the young woman without fear. “You’d best move, or I’ll tell Helen all about what happened in Kansas. I doubt you’ll be welcome in a world of temperance, then.”

Lottie paled, her freckles standing out in stark relief at the change. When the ladies had been camped out at their counterparts’ bedside, and Kat had been helping Bess, Lottie had stolen away from the group. Kat alone knew Lottie had been at a brothel with a woman, and had been so drunk Kat had to retrieve her and sober her up to return her to the hospital for vigil.