Quicksilver Passion (139 page)

Brett shook his head.
Doesn’t sound familiar. Only woman that comes to mind is some high-born Spanish Duchess who owns the Palace, our biggest competitor.”

The Palace, huh? Wal, I might just have a looksee. How do I find it?” He drained his whiskey and stood up.

Can’t miss it; straight down the street, around the corner, only two-story building left that’s frame.”

Oh?”

Yeah, there was a bad fire April a year ago; whole downtown went up in flames but the Palace. We all rebuilt in brick. Big Ed says he thinks the Duchess paid someone to do it, trying to get rid of the competition, but who knows?” He stood up.
You looking for a job?”

Jake put his hand on the handle of the big whip.
Maybe. Depends on what kind of offers I get.”

The other named a figure.

Jake grinned.
Not bad. But maybe someone else will offer more. I’m for sale to the highest bidder.”

Lon Brett nodded and held out his hand.
My kind of man. Remember about that Silver girl.”

I never forget when there’s money involved.” Jake tipped his hat back and left. Gawd Almighty! He never would have thought that about Al. But then that little gal had been a beauty. He wondered suddenly if she knew she wasn’t wanted by the Chicago police. Blackmail could be a powerful weapon. Of course his chance of running across her was slim. Now he had his hands full tracking down Gray Dove, and any clue was better than none.

Lon Brett was right—Jake had no trouble finding the Palace. Not only was it the only frame building left along the street, it was a grand place of polished wood and brass spittoons, with a fancy stairway coming down in the center of the main saloon. It looked like a place that catered to rich, elegant gentlemen who wanted a little entertainment. Jake had only a slim hunch, but if it didn’t pan out, he wasn’t any worse off than before.

A black boy stopped mopping and looked at him.
Suh, we ain’t open in the mornings. Come back later.”

Shut up, nigger. Where do I find the Duchess?”

The boy leaned on his mop and pointed up the stairs.
First door.”