Belle Gone Bad (19 page)

S
omeone knocked loudly on the door.

Mercy groaned at the lousy timing. “Ignore it.”

“What if it's important?” Belle whispered.

Another knock. “Adella's Delights with a delivery for Aurora and Mercy,” a melodious voice called.

“What the hell?” Mercy mouthed, more irritated by the moment. Belle shrugged, pointed toward his gun-belt and saddlebags on the table, and then at the bathroom.

He got her message loud and clear. He had to disappear while she answered the door. They were in her room and he wasn't supposed to be here. He didn't like it, but what he liked even less was the fact that the lady might be a ruse. Somebody else could be outside that door with her.

He squeezed Belle's hand and quietly left the bed. He buckled his gun-belt around his shirt and glanced down at his bare legs and feet. No help for it. He quickly picked up his saddlebags and Belle's gun-belt. He set her Colt .44 on the bed near her.

She looked at his six-gun, down at his legs, and back at his face. She giggled as she stood up. “Howdy, stranger,” she whispered suggestively.

“That's not funny,” he hissed. “We don't know who is outside that door. Take your Colt and only open the door a crack till you see if she's alone. I'll be right behind the bathroom door.”

She winked as she reached under his shirt and gave his cock a tweak. She quickly slid her six-shooter out of its holster.

In response, he pinched her butt as she headed for the door, wishing they had more time for play. He hurriedly got into position behind the bathroom door, leaving it slightly ajar so he could see and hear what was happening in the bedroom.

Just as Belle was about to open the front door, she stopped, turned, rushed by him, and grabbed the red wig. She set her Colt on the dressing table and positioned the wig on her head in front of the mirror. He took the opportunity to cradle her body from behind, pushing against her bottom with his hard shaft.

“Funny now?” he whispered as he kissed her neck.

“Hold that position till I get back.” She grabbed her six-gun and hurried out of the bathroom.

Another knock came on the front door. “Are you there? Delivery from Adella's Delights.”

Mercy watched Belle open the door, hiding her .44 behind her in the folds of her nightgown. He wished he could see beyond her.

“Oh, how do you do? My name is Adella and I'm from Adella's Delights. May I come in so I might set down these packages selected specifically for you?”

“Please do.” Belle stepped back and a young lady with blonde curls and blue eyes bounced inside.

Mercy supposed the woman was innocent enough, but he seethed at the delay. As he watched, he got a better look at their visitor.

Adella's arms were full of boxes and bags. She appeared to have stepped directly out of
Godey's Lady's Book
. She wore a stylish chambray suit. The cobalt skirt was trimmed with white embroidery and had apron drapery and a full back. The waist was trimmed with embroidery to match. She wore a blue hat with white feathers.

She carefully placed her packages on the bed. “I see I disturbed your sleep. I do beg your pardon. Blue northers are so very tiring to body and spirit. Yet your disturbance cannot be helped. Desperado expects your arrival precisely at sundown. That is soon, I must say, and not so very long at all.”

Mercy blinked, wondering if he'd correctly heard the lady.

“Thank you,” Belle said. “I regret you've gone to all this trouble. My clothes are being washed.”

“If I may be so bold, your clothes will never do. And that wig is just this side of frightful. You may not care to wear each item that I brought, but unlike some gentlefolks in Wildcat Falls, I will run a tab. What does not suit you may be returned for full credit before you leave our fair town.”

“I'll be happy to pay.”

“We always have space for a pretty, new face, but you must ever dress appropriately. We grant outsiders some slack, but residents of Wildcat Falls set the standard for style and beauty. With so much ugliness in the world, we do our best to balance here.”

“This is a lovely town and hotel.”

“Thank you. I simply cannot wait for you to visit my adorable shop. I have so many more lovelies there.”

“Tomorrow.” Belle walked to the front door and opened it wide. “I look forward to visiting you. For now, we're short of time, aren't we?”

“Yes, indeed. Desperado, much as it pains me to admit it, is not a patient man. But then, who can blame him? Not that I would judge, not one little bit, but there you have it. I'm right more often than not, or hardly ever wrong at all. I even assure you that I pass no judgment on your wig, but I think you would be wise to bury it just to make sure it never causes someone fright again.”

“I agree,” Belle said. “Now, you'd better get on your way so as not to be late.”

“And you will bring that handsome gentleman, Mercy the artist, with you, will you not? We can never have too much art in Wildcat Falls and that is a fact. Titus is thrilled that he might get an original handrail by Mercy. I must say I am trying to think of just what Mercy might do to enhance Adella's Delights.”

“I'm sure you'll think of something.”

“No doubt.” Adella glanced about the room. “I do not want to make you tardy, so I offer to you my services as an efficient lady's maid. Desperado has a discerning eye. He is quick on the draw, not that you would know it, but his displeasure is best to be avoided.”

“In case I'm late, maybe you'd better go to Desperado and entertain him with witty stories till I arrive with Mercy.”

“Do you think?”

“As much as I'd appreciate your help, I'm sure Desperado would enjoy your company.”

“You may be right.” Adella turned in a swirl of skirts and headed out the door.

“One moment.”

She looked back.

“You didn't say where to meet him?”

Adella put a hand to her mouth and blushed. “How regrettable of me. I am so very sorry.” She leaned forward and enveloped Belle in the scent of lilacs as she hugged her. “You are so kind to understand that I am a little batty. I knew you would be a remarkably sensitive woman the moment I heard about you.”

“The place?”

Adella tittered, shaking her head. “I just do get the cart before the horse more often than not, but then many times I prefer it.”

“I get your point,” Belle said.

“Oh, you're so kind. I knew that you would be. We will be famous friends, just you wait and see.” She stepped out the door. “I'm on my way to Desperado Dance Hall. See you soon or quick as a wink.”

Belle closed the door and leaned back against it.

Mercy walked out of the bathroom, shaking his head. “At least you finally found out where we're supposed to go.”

“But it wasn't easy.”

“I'm dizzy from listening to her.”

“She's lovely, isn't she?”

“Pretty as a picture.”

“Do you suppose she's Desperado's inamorata?”

“That'd be quite a contrast.”

“Who'd have guessed we'd—”

Mercy jerked the wig off her head and threw it in the bathroom. “You owe me.”

Belle picked up a package. “Let's see what she brought us. I'd love something stylish.”

He took the package from her and tossed it across the bed. “I want your hands where they can do some good.”

“Are you sure you want good?” she teased, winking at him.

When she reached under his shirt and clasped his cock, Mercy groaned with desire. He wasn't letting her out of the room till he'd satisfied them both.

Desperado could wait.

B
elle stood outside the batwing doors of Desperado Dance Hall. She felt Mercy's heat through her gloved hand as she held the crook of his arm. The saloon hadn't been hard to find. It was the building next door to the hotel with S
ALOON
emblazoned on the second story.

Night had fallen, enveloping the town in a cocoon of darkness outside the yellow light spilling from businesses and street lamps. Horses tied to hitching posts lined Main Street and more filled the corrals of the two livery stables. Raucous laughter, piano music, and the sound of cards being shuffled gave voice to the good times in Wildcat Falls.

Belle had no time for fun, nor did she need it, not after Mercy had introduced her to even more Free Love. She still felt a little weak in the knees. If not for the memory of Hackett, that almost perfect man, she might actually believe she was in love with Mercy.

Yet love and marriage must be far from her thoughts this night. She was here for justice and to find Diana. She could let nothing else matter.

She felt like the belle of the ball in her new wig and clothes. Adella not only had an eye for beauty and style, but she knew what suited others. From her physical description alone, Adella had selected clothes that couldn't fit better or be more appropriate for the evening.

Belle patted her upswept, ruby wine wig with bangs and long curls brushing her shoulders. She knew the color and style disguised her normal appearance. She wore a long-sleeve gown of emerald green with watered silk skirt, front and back drapery and waist of grosgrain silk, all trimmed in black lace. Soft black leather gloves covered her hands. A tight corset lifted her breasts for a plunging décolletage. She doubted her own father would recognize her in such finery, but perhaps she had that idea only because she felt so risqué.

Mercy hadn't been left out of Adella's transformations. He looked more handsome than ever in black shirt, trousers, and boots with an emerald green silk vest that matched her gown. She hadn't wanted them to be seen as a couple, but between their color-coordinated clothing and simultaneous entrance, that hope was dashed. And maybe it was for the best. They needed to be near each other in case of trouble.

Unfortunately, her gun-belt didn't suit her new outfit. She carried her Colt .44 in a black reticule. It wasn't an ideal situation, but she'd never go unarmed anywhere. Mercy wore his new six-shooter on his hip with an ease she couldn't have imagined in Delaware Bend.

All in all, they were as ready as they could be to take on Wildcat Falls. Mercy pushed open one of the batwing doors and she preceded him into the dance hall. She felt something brush her ankle. She looked down. A gray tabby cat looked back, cocking her head as if considering whether Belle was good enough to enter. She smiled at the bold cat, reached down, and scratched between pointed ears. The cat gave a slow blink before turning and sauntering away.

Belle decided she must have met with the charming cat's approval. She glanced around at the splendor of the dance hall.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling to illuminate red-flocked wallpaper with gold fleurs-de-lis on the walls, and cherubs flinging arrows from bows on the ceiling. A wide expanse of wood floor was filled with a dozen or so dancers. Men with slicked-back hair and large mustaches squired young ladies wearing white, ruffled pinafores over waists and skirts of bright colors. A musician pounded out a waltz on an upright piano.

An immense mahogany bar of intricate design graced one wall. In front of it was a long brass rail for boot soles and a row of spittoons for tobacco. Behind the bar rose a huge sideboard with rows of upside down glasses and a wide expanse of mirror. To each side hung an oil painting of a nude Cleopatra in a massive gilt frame. A row of men were bellied up to the bar keeping two bartenders busy. Faro and poker tables held the attention of other patrons.

In a back corner where a staircase swept in a magnificent arch upstairs, a large dais held several tables and chairs. At the farthest table, with his back to the wall, sat Desperado, surveying his domain from the raised platform. Beside him, Adella talked as she gestured with her hands. A gunslinger wearing a red bandanna and dual Colt .45s on his narrow hips stood on the dais, eyes constantly on the move as he watched the area. Other gunslingers, also wearing red bandannas, patrolled the dance hall like a private police force.

Belle felt tingling heat in the Soleil Wheel over her heart. She glanced around. She had no way to tell which man among the many was the bushwhacker and kidnapper, but she felt sure she'd finally come to the right place.

“Might as well stalk the wildcat in his lair,” Mercy said in a low voice. “Desperado's got a bead on us.”

“Do you feel as much danger here as I do?”

“Everything about this place, no matter how innocent those pinafored ladies look on the dance floor, sets my teeth on edge.”

“Now I wish I'd worn my normal clothes. I'm so trussed up and squeezed tight, I can hardly breathe.”

“But you look lovely.”

“Cold comfort if I'm shot full of lead.” She gripped his arm to remind him of the danger.

“Desperado appears to have the place well under control.”

“Looks can be deceiving.”

“And we're getting plenty of interested looks.”

“If I'm not mistaken, that red-bandanna headed our way is our invitation to join the party.”

“Let's relax and enjoy the place.”

“How can you say that?”

“It's the best way to convince everybody that we're exactly who we say we are.”

“That's easy for you.”

He covered her hand with his own and squeezed. “Remember, we're here for information. That's all.”

“True. We don't know enough yet to throw down on the place.”

Mercy chuckled. “I doubt Desperado would take kindly to his dance hall getting shot up.”

She glanced into Mercy's stormy gray eyes. “I just don't want that bushwhacker to slip away again.”

“He won't.”

The gunslinger with the red bandanna stopped in front of them and gave a slight bow. “Desperado requests the pleasure of your company. Please follow me.”

Belle raised her chin, gave Mercy's arm a final squeeze, and then walked at a leisurely pace after the red-bandanna. Once more she was glad to know Mercy was behind her, watching her back. She'd been on her own so long that she'd forgotten the power of two compared to one. She'd never forget it again.

Everything she saw spoke of quality, cleanliness, and luxury. No wonder Wildcat Falls had become a haven for those with quick riches. But she wondered how long it could continue before the law or civilization shut it down. Oddly, she felt a sharp pain over her heart at the thought of losing such unique beauty and unusual characters.

When she stepped up onto the dais, Desperado stood up, walked around the table, raised her hand, and placed a warm kiss on her knuckles.

“I'm glad you could join us,” he said in a deep voice as he gave her a long, slow perusal from top to bottom.

“Glad to be here.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. She didn't care for his intensity or the way he made her feel stripped of her finery. She glanced at Adella. “Thank you again.”

“You are not so very late and you look so very lovely that I feel sure Desperado is quite delighted at our many accomplishments,” Adella said.

“You did well,” Desperado agreed.

Mercy joined them on the platform, leaned across Belle, and shook Desperado's hand.

She could feel the tension between the two men, like stallions sizing each other up before a confrontation. She glanced at Adella, who was looking at Mercy in delighted expectation. Belle belatedly remembered her manners. “Adella, I'd like you to meet Mercy.”

Adella blushed a becoming shade of pink. “Please allow me to welcome you to Wildcat Falls. May your stay be as happy as I feel sure you will make all of us here in our lovely little town.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Mercy said. “Just the sight of a young lady as pretty as you already makes me happy.”

Belle didn't care for that exchange, but she kept a pleasant smile on her face. Everything in the Falls was simply too perfect. She could only wonder what darkness lurked under such brightness.

“Aurora, please sit down.” Desperado pulled out a chair.

She stood there a moment before she remembered that was her summer name. She quickly sat down. Mercy took the chair beside Adella.

“Drinks?” Desperado motioned a red-bandanna closer.

“Sarsaparilla,” Adella said.

“I'll have the same.” Belle didn't much care for the sweet drink, but she needed to keep her wits about her.

“Whiskey,” Mercy said.

With a flick of his wrist, Desperado sent the gunslinger off for the drinks. He sat down in the empty chair beside Belle, looked from one to the other at the table, and then focused on her.

She smiled. “Wildcat Falls is a beautiful town. Everyone is so helpful.”

Desperado leaned back in his chair, watching her with narrowed green eyes. “It is beautiful here, isn't it?”

“Quite special. I just might enjoy building a business here.”

He abruptly leaned close to her, frowning. “Not damn likely. What in hell are you doing here and what do you want?”