Iron Ties (5 page)
After Chet staggered out, Inez joined Sol behind the bar. Sol, pale and apologetic, clutched the shotgun in one hand and a bottle in the other as if torn between defending the business and selling a drink. “I’m sorry I didn’t get the gun out faster, Mrs. Stannert. Couldn’t remember which end of the bar it was under.”
“That’s all right. Angel can take care of herself. I was more worried that she’d carve up Chet right then and there.”
Inez watched Abe and Angel exit through the new door to Harrison Avenue. Satisfaction percolated through her every time she contemplated the entrance. She and Abe had managed to complete the doorway and replace the floor and ceiling before the miners’ strike and the subsequent closing of saloons had called a halt to their renovations. With two entrances, clientele had the option of strolling in from Leadville’s up-and-coming new business district on Harrison or entering from State Street and the red-light district. Just one of the advantages, she reflected, of a corner property.
The new entrance seemed to draw a better class of men than those coming in from State Street. Even so, those entering from Harrison, once their thirst for liquor was slaked, still tended to exit on State. Not State, but Second, she corrected herself. Leadville’s city council had renamed the streets in January, banishing many of the street names reminiscent of Philadelphia—State, Lafayette, Park—and substituting a simple numbering system. Most townsfolk shrugged. The general consensus was that the council could tinker with street names all it wanted, but the red-light district would remain State Street until razed to the ground.
Inez returned her attention to Sol. “You’re new to town, so I wouldn’t expect you to know this. But just so you’re better prepared next time: Chet Donnelly’s a wild card, especially when he’s tight. Generally, he’s more trouble than he’s worth, unless he hits the big time with a silver strike. When that happens, he sells his claim to the highest buyer, goes on a spree, and throws money around like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t mind standing in his path at those times. As my husband used to say, ‘We’re in Leadville to mine the miners.’”
A voice behind her drawled, “The miners ain’t the only ones losing silver here. Seems like the house never loses on those fancy Saturday night poker games you run. So, what is it, Miz Stannert, marked decks?”
Inez pulled a bottle of Red Dog from the backbar and grabbed a heavy-bottomed shot glass before turning to face the ex-marshal. “Sour grapes, Hollis. It’s a private game, and I run it straight. None of the players complain. In fact, the only complaints I hear are from you. Which is fairly strange, since I don’t recall seeing your face across the table. Now, how’s your memory as to who took out the chestnut gelding this morning?” She poured.
Hollis tipped his head back to eye her from under his hat. The smell of the livery—horses, hay, and manure—clung to him along with the tobacco and the sour smell of a man in need of a bath. “You must want that name powerful bad. Wonder why?” He reached for the drink.
She gripped the glass. “Not until I have the name.”
“Lessee.” Hollis scratched his whiskered jawline. “B’lieve the name started with a…E. Yep. Eli.”
She released the glass.
He downed the shot and smacked his lips.
“Last name?”
“I’m havin’ trouble recollecting.”
She held the bottle up between them. At that proximity, the distinctive fragrance of Red Dog—suspiciously reminiscent of turpentine—stung her nose. Inez said, “I’ll pour when you remember.”
“And I’ll remember when you pour.”
Inez stared hard at him. The leathery skin around Hollis’ eyes wrinkled with his malicious smile.
Eli. Elias. Elijah. How many men answering to Eli are listed in the city directory, and how many more are passing through? I’ve no time to sort it out before I return Preston Holt’s coat.
She poured.
Hollis snatched up the glass, then grinned, his teeth yellow as a rat’s. He raised the whiskey in a toast: “To Elijah Carter, the South, and General Lee. The War for Southern Independence ain’t over and never will be.” The second drink went down in a swallow, the glass down on the bar with a bang.
“Elijah Carter? He’s your business partner!” Inez glared at Hollis, angry at being duped. “You expect me to believe that you forgot that he rode off this morning on that horse?”
Hollis turned his back on her and rested his elbows on the counter, surveying the room leisurely. “Memory’s not what it used t’ be, I guess.”
She took a deep breath to curb a nasty rejoinder and asked, “What was Eli doing south of town?”
Hollis spat and looked down at the resultant glob on the varnished wood planks. “You redid the floors.” He glanced up at the stamped tin ceiling, mirror-like in its newness. “The topside too. Heard you’re turning the second story into a first-class gambling hall. Wonder where you got all the money to do this. Got your fingers in the reverend’s collection plate?”
Inez bristled, but before she could speak, his gaze meandered back to her. “Why’re you so interested in Eli and his final hours in Leadville?”
“I’m just curious.”
He snorted. “Last time you got curious, I lost my job.”
She pushed on, ignoring his barbs in her efforts to draw more information from him. “You don’t seem particularly despondent that his horse turned up without him. I thought you two were
compañeros
. That you go back to the war. And you’re business partners in that livery. And what do you mean, his ‘final hours in Leadville’? Was he leaving for good?”
Hollis scratched his chin. The sandpapery sound of fingernails on whiskers sounded over the clinks of glass on glass, random bits of conversation, the tinkling of Taps playing “Oh, Susanna.” Hollis finally said, “Story’s a long one. It’ll take the rest of the bottle to tell it proper.”
Inez retrieved his empty glass. “The next one you pay for.”
“The hell I will. Ma’am.” He mockingly tipped his hat as he shoved away from the bar. “If it weren’t for you, that reverend, and Harry Gallagher, I’d still be city marshal. You owe me more’n a free bottle of rotgut for what you did last winter.” He sauntered away.
“The nerve!” Inez banged the bottle on the backbar.
The information is hardly worth the aggravation and the two bits I lost in liquor. So, of those two stray horses, one was Elijah Carter’s, the other was ridden by a railroad man. Hollis certainly doesn’t seem worried about what happened to his business partner. I wonder what business Eli had with a railroad man. And, if Susan’s recollection is right, who killed them and why.
The clock struck eleven in the card room, the evening still young by Inez’s reckoning.
She leaned back in her chair, the gathered flounces of her dress smashing up in a knot between her back and the velvet upholstery. She tapped her cards against her bottom lip and regarded Jed Elliston, owner and publisher of
The Independent
, seated across the table from her.
She’d maneuvered the last few rounds of betting toward this moment, driving out all the players except Jed. But now that the time had arrived to stage her own defeat, she felt reluctant to throw away what had become a better-than-average hand. Her queen-high straight would almost certainly outrank whatever Jed had.
If I fold, I’ll never know.
Jed stared down his straight nose at her, cards gathered loosely in one hand. His studied carelessness was one clue to her, among others, that he was bluffing.
If his hand was good, he’d clutch the cards tight and close.
The gold and silver coins piled on the table glimmered. Without looking at her penciled tabulations of wins and losses, Inez knew the house was ahead. She could afford to be generous, and, more importantly, profit from Jed’s ensuing good mood.
With a sigh of resignation, she folded. “It’s yours, Jed.” She added a slight lift of the shoulders and a small smile of surrender.
His edgy posture relaxed, and he pulled in what she figured must amount to a hundred and fifty dollars. “Poker,” he remarked airily, “is a man’s game. No offense, Mrs. Stannert. But to play successfully requires the same skills as fighting a battle. One must know one’s opponent, and have nerves of steel, a sense of when to strike, when to retreat. Knowledge of tactics, strategy, an ability to calculate the odds. Not part of the feminine sphere.”
“Fancy that,” she murmured. “And I thought poker was about money.”
Bob Evan, owner of Leadville’s largest mercantile, adjusted his steel-framed glasses and laced his fingers over his sober brown waistcoat. “Dunno about that, Jed. Some of the so-called weaker sex who come into my store drive the hardest bargains. The kind of ferocity I see displayed over a bolt of calico or a collection of broomsticks is not something I’d want to face on a battlefield.”
David Cooper, one of Leadville’s most successful lawyers, specializing in claim disputes and mining law, said, “Don’t underestimate our hostess, Jed.” Always polite, always the gentleman, Cooper handled claim disputes and other mining-related legal matters. Eyeing the new diamond stickpin in his cravat—tasteful, but obviously very expensive—Inez thought that, of all the businesses that had suffered from the miners’ strike, Cooper’s was not among them.
Cooper continued, “If she threw a hand to you, I’ll bet she had good reason.”
“The best of reasons. I don’t believe in backing a lame horse, a questionable assay, or a busted straight.” Inez scooped up the cards lest someone have the bad manners and overwhelming curiosity to turn over her discards.
As she shuffled, Inez’s gaze lingered on Jed’s shiner. She refrained from adding a pointed comment about the masculine tendency to pugilistic stupidity. His face was not the only aspect bruised. His ego, she knew, would still be smarting from his recent, very public altercation with the Rio Grande’s chief engineer, John A. McMurtrie.
For the past year, Jed had regularly lambasted the Rio Grande and its board of directors, including founder and president General William Jackson Palmer, in the editorial pages of
The Independent
. Not surprising, Inez thought, considering Jed’s family fortunes rode the rails of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe—the competing railroad company. Jed’s vendetta had taken a physical turn in an unplanned encounter with McMurtrie in the brass and crystal smoking room of Leadville’s Clairmont Hotel. Onlookers maintained that Jed never stood a chance against McMurtrie, who, having successfully faced down the likes of Bat Masterson, was not one to pull his punches.
After the ignoble skirmish, Elliston was
persona non grata
with the Clairmont and the Rio Grande.
The Independent
suffered accordingly. Leadville’s other newspapers reported on the railroad’s progress, augmented by interviews with McMurtrie and right-of-way lawyer Lowden D. Snow.
The Independent
was reduced to paraphrasing stories from its competitors on one of the most visible and important topics in Leadville.
Inez nodded once to herself, watching Jed count and stack his winnings.
Jed and the professor could profit from each other: the professor could leave off running errands for the railroad’s lawyers, Jed could get the inside story on the Rio Grande. Having two such gentlemen beholden to me could prove useful.
Doc bustled in, hooked his silver-headed cane over the back of his empty chair, and shed his overcoat. “Good evening, good evening all. Apologies for my tardiness. All of my patients at the hospital seemed to need the assistance of a physician at the same time this evening.”
Inez rose from her seat and followed him to the burdened coatrack. “We decided something that like must be the case,” she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Then, in a low voice, “Miss Carothers—?”
He searched in vain for an empty hook for his coat. “Miss Carothers will recover with a prescription of rest. Which will be better received away from that hospital, by the way. I’ve arranged for her to be taken home in the morning.”
Inez took his coat from him and pushed the forest of outerwear aside to reveal one bare hook buried beneath. “I worried about the injury to her head—”
“Classic symptoms of a concussed brain. Confusion, headache, sleepiness, inability to remember events prior to the injury—”
“When I found her, she talked about two men who argued and died by the tracks. And I found two riderless horses by the river—”
“Yes, yes.” Doc nodded absently, gaze pinned on the sideboard laden with decanters and bottles. “She said something of the sort to me. Anxious as well. Another symptom. Now, don’t worry about Miss Carothers, my dear. The vigor of youth is on her side.” He switched his gaze to Inez, and the worn and weary creases in his face uplifted into a tired smile. “Don’t think me hard-hearted, but with all I saw tonight, Miss Carothers’ injuries—a knock on the head, a twisted ankle—could be considered a blessing. One fellow suffered from a most dreadful accident at a prospect hole in Empire Gulch. A premature blast.”
He shook his head. “Would you mind getting this old man a brandy, Mrs. Stannert? That old war wound in my leg is reminding me of my age. I’m looking forward to sitting down, playing a few hands of cards, catching up on the news. And I’ve some news of my own to share with everyone.”
Inez moved to the sideboard, relieved, but not entirely removed from worry about Susan.
As she carried a full brandy glass back to Doc, now seated in his usual chair, Doc said, “It’s not generally known about town, but….” He paused to sample the brandy and give Inez time to sit, then leaned across the table, taking them all into his circle of confidence. “The Union Veterans Association received word that the ‘Hero of Appomattox’ is seriously considering our invitation to visit Leadville during his trip to Colorado.”
“Ulysses S. Grant?” Jed’s counting ceased. “When would that be?”
“Since I was the one who, er-hem, penned the missive, I expect I’ll be among the first to know his arrival date.”
Jed’s expression sharpened, a hungry man scenting a hot meal. “You’ll be sure to notify
The Independent
first when you hear, right, Doc?”
“Of course, of course. We know that he’s planning on staying with General Palmer in Colorado Springs. I imagine that Palmer, being the generous and honorable fellow that he is, will encourage Grant to add a visit to our city in the clouds to his itinerary.”
Jed’s expression reminded Inez of a child forced to hear a detested sibling being praised. “If Palmer did something like that, it’d be for the good publicity and to wash off the mud that he accumulated in bullying the Santa Fe.”
Doc harrumphed.
Inez inwardly groaned.
Oh Jed, don’t.
Lately, every Saturday night, it was the same. Jed would throw a jab at Palmer and the Rio Grande. Doc, a staunch supporter of all things and persons Federalist in the Civil War, would harrumph and rally to Palmer’s defense. Inez tolerated the verbal fracas only because the other players seemed to find it entertaining and because the battle of words never transformed into a physical fight.
“How old were you when the War between the States ended, young Elliston?” boomed Doc.
Jed squinted at him. “I was eight. And well schooled in mathematics.”
“But not, apparently, well schooled in the great events of your own time. Did you have a brother, father, relative who fought in the war?”
Jed, looking bored, shook his head.
“Well then, I’d wager you have no experience with the courage and valor of men like Palmer. When he was about your age right now, it was ’61, and he raised an entire cavalry unit of educated, fine young men like himself from Pennsylvania. Less than a year later, he raised a regiment of twelve hundred men.”
Jed sneered. “Palmer’s a Philadelphia Friend, right, Doc? So why was such an educated, fine young Quaker in such a rush to spill blood? I’ll tell you why. He was after the glory and the power, just like now, with his railroad. And I’d wager he didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger in the name of might and right.”
Doc, ignoring the verbal bullets whistling about him, charged on. “It was a time of grave and perilous danger to the country and all she stood for. We all struggled with conflicting principles. No one wants to shed blood. But obedience to conscience tipped the scales for many good men, and thank God for that.”
“Face it, Doc. Palmer’s ambitious, plain and simple, whether it’s war or railroads. He once said, and I quote, ‘amidst all the hot competition of this American business life there is a great temptation to be a little unscrupulous.’” Jed rubbed his chin meditatively. “I think he was with the Kansas Pacific at the time.”
“One can be tempted by ambition and not give in. But in war and business, to succeed, one must have a strong character. And Palmer has that. I’ve been privileged to hear him talk about how, in the Battle of Chickamauga, he and his men stood brave and drove back fugitives when the line before them broke. He scouted and fought guerrilla bands in the Saquatchie Valley, harassed Longstreet in the French Broad River Valley, raided and camped in the saddle during the long winter—”
“I know what ‘raided’ means,” interrupted Jed. “Burning bridges. Destroying stores. Taking from country folks who don’t have two sticks to rub together and leaving them to starve so the army could be fed. You see, I did my homework too, Doc.”
“He was trapped behind enemy lines during reconnaissance and thrown into Thunder Castle—”
“He was a spy. Traded his uniform for civilian clothes and gave a false name.”
“Chased Jeff Davis into Georgia, captured his supply trains, and drove him into the arms of the Tenth Michigan Cavalry.”
Jed rolled his eyes.
Inez, wearying of the argument, said, “Gentlemen, shall we play?”
The door opened. Music spilled into the card room as Sol poked his head tentatively around the corner. “Ma’am? Fellow out here wants a word with you.”
Inez raised her eyebrows, annoyed at the interruption.
“Says he’s a railroad man. Mr. Hold, Holt, something like that.”
She glanced at her watchpin. “A break, gentlemen? Say, ten minutes?”
Once outside the private room, Inez spotted Preston Holt straight away, standing a full head above the crowd.
Sol leaned close and shouted above the noise, “Over there, Mrs. Stannert,” and pointed toward Holt.
Crossing the crowded room gave Inez time to compose her opening. “Mr. Holt, what a pleasant surprise! So, are the railroad tracks open tonight?”
Holt tipped his hat in greeting. “Delaney decided tomorrow’s soon enough after all.”
His words were a sober reminder of the bodies lying beneath the rubble.
He continued, “Came to fetch my jacket. Gave me an excuse to visit sooner rather than later.” He glanced around the crowded saloon—the papered walls, varnished wainscoting, new coal oil lamps. His sky blue gaze returned and swept her from the toes of her satin shoes to her hazel eyes. “Nice outfit, Mrs. Stannert.”
Her pulse began to throb in her throat. “Thank you.” She looked around the room and decided to reply as if he were referring to the establishment. “We’re refurbishing the saloon. Leadville’s coming up in the world, and we’re just trying to keep up with her.” She became aware of Abe not five feet away, eyebrows raised. “Mr. Holt, allow me to introduce my business partner, Mr. Jackson.”
The two men measured each other over a brief handshake.
She continued, “Mr. Holt, allow us to pour you a drink on the house for your trouble—”
“Next time,” Holt interrupted, not unkindly. “The jacket?”
“Of course. It’s in the kitchen.” Inez led the way. “I do appreciate all your help today,” she said over her shoulder as she pushed open the passdoor.
“No problem, ma’am.” The door closed behind him, plunging them into the near twilight of the kitchen. A lamp, turned low, hung by the back door as a signal to those seeking the alleyway for relief.
Inez pulled the jacket from the chair and turned, nearly bumping into Holt.
She laughed in surprise, then stopped, feeling ridiculous. “Well, it was much appreciated all the same.” She clutched the jacket a moment longer. “By the way, I discovered the name of the man riding the other horse.”
Preston Holt nodded once, encouraging her to go on. His eyes in the dim room were nearly invisible in the shadow of his hat.
“Elijah Carter. He owns, ah, owned a livery in town. On the corner of Twelfth and Poplar. North end of town.” Thinking of Hollis and his snarly face, she added maliciously, “His partner Hollis could tell you more, I’m certain.”
“Much obliged, Mrs. Stannert.” He reached for the jacket, his fingers briefly touching hers in the dark.
She felt the wool, worn soft by time and use, slide through her hands as she continued, “I can’t help but wonder what business Eli Carter had by the tracks. It’s curious. And then, there’s the business of the generals.”