The Golden Room

FOUR

When Thomas Ostrow arrived at the Everleigh Club with Karen Grant, he left her comfortably seated in the foyer and went on alone to keep his appointment with Minna Ever-leigh.

Across from Minna, the political reporter from the Chicago Tribune said, 'You want to know why I came to see you?'

'You never have to have a reason, Tom.'

'But I have one,' said Ostrow. 'She's outside. Minna, I have a sensational girl for you.'

'That's like bringing coals to Newcastle. Still, I'm always interested in someone new. What about her?'

'Her name's Karen Grant. She worked briefly in a house in New Orleans. Then she decided to make a change, so she came to Chicago. She had a letter of introduction to me from an old newspaper friend down South.'

'Has she been working in any house in Chicago?' asked Minna.

'No. She tried to go straight. Went to work as a clerk in a milliner's shop here. You know what they pay.'

'Starvation wages.'

'So then she came to me. She decided to be one of the girls again. She doesn't want to work just anywhere. She only wants to work in the Everleigh Club. She wanted to know if I knew the Everleigh sisters. I told her she'd come to the right person, and that I'd introduce her to you. But that's not the point, Minna. As you know, I have an eye for the ladies. This Karen Grant is the best-looking young woman I've seen in years. I thought you might want to have a look at her.'

'Of course I do,' said Minna. 'But I have no place for her right now. My limit is thirty girls. However, the other day,

one of the girls – Fanny, you remember her – went for a walk and didn't come back. Now she may come back, and if she does I'm full up again. If she doesn't, there may be an opening.'

'Well, Minna, see for yourself.'

Minna stood up. 'I will, in a few minutes. Tell you what, you take Karen to room seven upstairs. Fanny's room. Have her wait for me. You can come back down and have yourself a drink.'

'Thanks, Minna.'

'I may be thanking you, Tom,' Minna said.

Ostrow left Minna in her office, and went off to the foyer to find Karen Grant and take her upstairs to await Minna Everleigh.

Karen Grant was seated on the brass bed in the boudoir, her apprehension mounting. The door of the bedroom opened and a small, attractive, auburn-haired woman entered.

Immediately, Karen came to her feet somewhat nervously, as the woman approached her with hand extended.

'I'm Minna Everleigh.'

Karen shook her hand. 'I'm Karen Grant.'

Minna sized her up briefly. Karen was shapely in a street dress of grey cheviot with a white mohair blouse, a white vest with pearl buttons and a wide suede belt. 'Not bad,' Minna observed. 'Despite all that padding you're wearing, I think Tom Ostrow is right. You're a well-put-together young lady. Do take a chair. Let's talk a minute.'

'Very well.' Karen sat down in an easy chair, while Minna dropped into a chair across from her.

'Now then,' began Minna, 'I rarely take on a girl if she is over twenty-three. My customers like young ones. I often think they are mistaken, but that's what they like, so I cater to their wishes. How old are you, Karen?'

'Twenty-one.'

'Tom tells me you've had experience. Amateurs wouldn't do well here. Our customers are generally men of the world. They know a good romp when they meet one. That's why they leave their wives and come here.'

The talk – the reality of what she might be getting into – was unsettling, but Karen tried hard to quell her nervousness. 'I'm experienced enough, Miss Everleigh,' Karen said. 'I had a fair amount of activity in New Orleans. I… I don't remember a man who was dissatisfied with me.'

Minna laughed. 'Well, I guess you'd know. Tell me, Karen, are you a widow?'

'A widow? Oh, no. I'm single.'

'I threw that one in,' said Minna, 'because widows usually don't work out. They're always looking for another husband, and when they find one, they leave me. I really like to take on someone I think can be permanent.'

'I am very serious about wanting to work for you, and to work for you as long as you want me.'

Minna nodded. 'You have decent enough manners. You sound like a lady. Are you well versed in – well, what's your background?'

'You mean, am I educated? I am. I had a private education in Boston.'

'Do you keep up your reading?'

'I do. Books – especially poetry – and newspapers.'

'Fine. About your attitude towards sex. Do you have any particular problems?'

'What do you mean, Miss Everleigh?'

'I mean, among our older visitors, fellatio is very popular. Have you practised it?'

'I have.'

'Does it give you any misgivings?'

'I rather like it. I like to see a man happy, no matter what he wants. You needn't worry. I'd do almost anything to satisfy a customer.'

'Well, as far as I'm concerned, there's one thing left.' Minna paused. 'I'd like you to take off your clothes, Karen.'

Momentarily, Karen was startled. 'You want me to undress?'

'Yes.'

'Everything?'

Minna nodded. 'I want to see you completely naked. I want to see you without camouflage. I want to see what a man might see when he has you alone.'

Somewhat reluctantly, Karen came out of the chair. 'I'll be glad to undress.'

'Go into the bathroom and take off your things. I'll have a maid help you. When you're nude, step out here and let me have another look at you.'

Karen watched Minna Everleigh ring for a maid, then take up a magazine. After a moment, Karen headed for the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, Karen was soon joined by a young coloured maid. With her assistance, Karen's gown was unfastened in the back. Having dismissed the maid, Karen began to strip slowly, removing her skirt, her white mousseline and Irish lace vest, her frilled bust improver attached to a narrow corset, and the sleeveless silk chemise that came to her knees. She unfastened her silk petticoat and underskirt, and after that her cotton drawers gathered just below her knees. Next, she removed her high-heeled, strapped kid shoes. Finally, she rolled down black silk stockings, patterned with embroidered red roses.

She caught sight of herself naked in the full-length mirror. She thought that she looked rather good. At least, she hoped she did. Her first instinct, before leaving the bathroom, was to cover her pubic hair with one hand. But she realized that an experienced girl would never do that. With effort, she dropped her hands to her sides, sucked in her breath, and stepped out into the bedroom.

Minna was still seated, absorbed in the magazine. When she heard Karen enter the room, she stopped reading and threw the magazine to one side.

Leaden-legged, Karen brought herself to the centre of the bedroom, and then stood still at the foot of the bed.

Minna sat unmoving, peering up at her.

At last, Minna rose. She approached Karen, examining her more closely, from her face to her breasts, to her abdomen, to her pubis, to her thighs and legs.

'Turn around, Karen. Let me see how you look from behind.'

Karen pirouetted as gracefully as possible, and could hear -Minna behind her, clucking softly.

'Nice shoulders and back,' Minna said. 'Very nice ass. All right, you can turn towards me once more.'

'Yes, Miss Everleigh. Uh, are you satisfied?'

'To say the least, you'll do. However, there remains a problem.'

'What's that?'

'I have thirty rooms here and they were all full – until one of my girls left a few days ago. I have no idea where she went. I'm giving her until tomorrow to come back. If she does, we'll be a full house, and I'll have to keep you in mind for another time. If she doesn't, there'll be a slot open, definitely a place for you.'

'How will I know?'

'I'll call you at noon. Will you be at home?'

'Yes, I have a room not far from here. I'll leave you the number of the phone in the hall.'

'If I tell you to come in, it means you have the job, subject to one more formality.'

'What's that?'

'Our house physician examines my girls every week, over a period of two days. I think I can get him here for a third visit. If I hired you, it would be subject to your passing Dr Holmes's examination.'

'Examination? For what?'

'Venereal disease, Karen.'

'Oh, I have nothing like that -'

'How do you know? Let Dr Holmes decide, if I call you in. Now get dressed, and come down to my office and give me that telephone number.' She smiled at Karen. 'You are one beautiful young lady, no question. I'd like to employ you. We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.'

Dr Holmes was excited about his next examination at the Everleigh Club.

He was going to see Avis, the small brunette he had first examined a week ago.

What he had found instantly erotic about Avis was the size of her breasts, huge yet rosy and standing absolutely straight out. Her fleshy hips tapered into smooth shapely legs.

Having seen what he had seen of Avis, and considering what he had heard from her, he knew that she must become his, in more ways than one.

He also sensed that this was a girl who could be pressed. With enough aggression and a fair amount of charm from the doctor, she might be had.

He knocked on her door. 'It's Dr Holmes.'

Muffled, through the door, he heard her voice. 'Come in, Doc, come on in.'

He entered with his bag, hoping that she looked as seductive as she had a week ago.

He saw at once that she looked even better.

She was lying sprawled on her back on the bed, wearing only a loose Japanese kimono. Her knees were raised, and the kimono had fallen aside to reveal her wide thighs and a slither of her backside. She had been reading a novel with a lewd cover, and now she set it aside.

'I have nothing venereal, Doc,' she chirped, 'but I don't mind you poking around in there. You have good hands. I'll confess something – I find it rather stimulating. Does that sound naughty?'

'It sounds very female and I like it.'

Avis possessed hair tightly bunned at the back, almond-shaped grey eyes, pert nose, a slash of red mouth. As Dr Holmes neared her, she sat up, and threw off her kimono. The milky-skinned, outsized breasts stared back at him.

He set down his bag.

'How've you been, Avis?'

'Not too busy, Doc. The sisters have put a clamp on this place. I've had half as many customers as I had before. It's boring, lying around, and I don't like what it's costing me. If something doesn't change soon, I'm thinking of going elsewhere.'

Dr Holmes sought and found his speculum. 'You won't find any house half so generous as this anywhere in the Levee.'

'I know. I was thinking of doing what some of the other girls around have done. Taking a room in a hotel and inviting more action.'

'That's an idea,' Dr Holmes said casually. 'Want to take your position? Let's get on with the examination.'

Avis rolled off the bed, stood straight over the doctor and touched her breasts provocatively. She lay back on the edge of the bed, her feet barely touching the carpet.

'Open your legs wider, dear,' Dr Holmes directed her.

When she did so, he bent down on his knees. With his free hand he touched her soft vaginal lips, rubbing them slightly.

'Hey,' she called, 'let's not have any more of that. You're getting me going.'

'I'm sorry. I'll watch myself.'

'Well, don't overdo that. I don't mind your being friendly.'

With his fingers, he angled the speculum first downwards and then sideways to determine that she was healthy.

He extended the examination beyond what was necessary because he was enjoying himself.

Finally, he raised his head. 'You're fine, Avis.'

She sat up on the bed, lifted her knees, and wrapped her arms around them. 'I knew I was. You're not leaving right away, are you?'

'Not yet,' said Dr Holmes, sitting down beside her and wiping the mirror of his speculum with a handkerchief he had dipped in alcohol.

'You seem like maybe you have something on your mind.'

'I do, Avis, if you feel like talking.'

'Talking to you is fun, Doc. You're a cute fellow.'

'Thank you, Avis. I can return the compliment. You're a cute girl, actually the cutest one in the place.'

'Well, now -'

'There is something I'd like to talk to you about. The first time I saw you a week ago, and just a little while ago, you voiced some displeasure with Aida and Minna. You spoke of setting up your own shop in a hotel. Were you serious?'

Avis shrugged her bare shoulders. 'I don't know. Just a thought I'd had.'

'Will you do it?' asked Holmes, putting away his speculum.

'Probably not. I'd like to. I don't think I have enough initiative. I can't do things on my own.'

Suavely, Dr Holmes posed a question. 'What if you didn't have to? I mean, have to do something on your own?'

'It would help, but still, for all the boredom, it's pretty cosy here. Having someone take care of you.'

'What if you left with someone's help and had that someone take care of you?'

She considered Dr Holmes curiously. 'What do you mean?'

'I mean I have an idea,' Dr Holmes went on. 'I gather, from something you mentioned last week, that you don't have any money worries. True?'

'True. I'm a small-town girl. I watch every penny. I've seen what happens to other girls in the Levee who spend every dime they have on clothes, on booze, on drugs. I've held on to my earnings.'

'I have something in mind,' said Dr Holmes. 'Can I ask you this? How much have you saved up?'

'A decent sum. About $2,000, at my last count.'

'Just right for what I have in mind, Avis,' Dr Holmes continued. 'I have a suggestion to make, a proposition, really. Right now you keep half of what you earn every night. Isn't that so?'

'It's so.'

'How would you like to keep more, much more?'

'I'd sure like that. But how -?'

Dr Holmes proceeded more confidently. 'Like letting me set you up in your own house, maybe smaller than this one, but just as luxurious. We could be partners. You would be in competition with the Everleighs, but you would be independent, your own boss, and keep most of what you earn. If you put up your savings, and I put up an equal sum, we could rent and furnish a really classy establishment. You could keep not half your income, but three-quarters, and I'd keep one-quarter for my investment. How does that sound?'

'Too good to be true.'

'There's more,' Dr Holmes added. 'You wouldn't be alone either. You could move in with me, and stay with me after hours. I'd take care of you.'

'You would?'

'I'd like to. You're a very special sort of girl. We'd get along very well. Of course, only if you'd want to live with me. Would you?'

'And how! I already hinted to you, I find you – well, attractive, and someone I'd like to bed down with on the side.'

'Well, there you have it,' said Dr Holmes, exhilarated. 'Our own business, and our own home – together. You ready to do it?'

'Just say when!'

'Tonight, Avis. Tonight. I'll go back to my office and prepare the contract for our partnership. You pack up and meet me at my place. Here's my card. Come at six o'clock. Bring all your things. Can you do that?'

'I'll manage.'

'Then we'll celebrate. I'll take you to the Palmer House for dinner -'

'Oh, my, I've never been there.'

'Just the beginning. Then you can look over our partnership contract and we'll both sign it. In a week I'll pay down on the lease of a building, and we'll furnish it together. In a month you'll be in business and making a fortune.'

'I'm so thrilled.'

'And you won't be alone at any time. We'll be together.'

He stood up. Immediately, she was on her feet in front of him, naked and wildly aroused. She hugged him tightly and kissed him.

'You'll never regret it,' she whispered.

'Neither will you, Avis,' he said wryly. 'We have a memorable date for tonight.'

'I'll be there,' she promised. 'I can't wait.'

It was early evening, and they were seated in the grand dining-room of the Palmer House.

Avis – decorously dressed in a pink blouse, and broad-lapelled Eton jacket, and tailored brown skirt – and Dr Holmes held hands across the table, as a uniformed waiter served them soup out of a silver tureen.

After the waiter had discreetly receded, Holmes was amused to see the awe on Avis's face as she repeatedly scanned the rich furnishings of the room.

'This room,' said Holmes, 'is fashioned precisely after the dining-room of the Potsdam Palace in Germany.'

'That chandelier is a knockout,' Avis said.

'It's an Egyptian chandelier,' Holmes explained. 'The mirrors around the room are Venetian, and that staircase over there is made of Italian Carrara marble. Nothing is too good

for you, my dear. Do you wish another bottle of Veuve Clicquot?'

'I'd better concentrate on my soup. What did we order? I forgot.'

'Terrapin a la Maryland for your main course. I ordered prime roast beef.'

They spooned their soup in momentary silence. Avis spoke up again. 'You saw I brought two suitcases into your house. I moved out of the Everleigh Club completely. They never saw me go.' She hesitated. 'I hope you meant every word you said – about me moving in with you. And about our partnership.'

'I couldn't have been more serious. You can believe everything I told you.'

'I'm glad,' Avis said, 'because I took it very seriously.' She touched her purse on the table. 'I even brought my share of the investment. I withdrew my $2,000 from the bank.'

'Excellent,' said Holmes. 'As I promised you, I'll match it.' He put down his spoon. 'I drew up the contract for your approval.' He reached into a pocket, brought out a piece of paper, and unfolded it. 'Here it is. Just as I outlined our agreement. Have a look.' She glanced at the page.

'You can see,' Holmes went on, 'exactly as I told you. Your $2,000 and my $2,000. You run the place we lease, and you keep 75 per cent of the profits. I keep 25 per cent for my share. Can you see that?'

'I'm not good at reading contracts. I'm sure I can trust you.' She handed the contract back. 'Why don't you hold on to it until we're ready to sign.'

He slipped the contract back in his pocket. 'We can sign right after dinner, when we get back to my place. How's that?'

'I look forward to it,' Avis said, watching the waiter as he removed her soup plate and then replaced it with an elegantly presented Terrapin a la Maryland.

After dinner, Avis waited for Dr Holmes to reclaim his hat and cape, and then she accompanied him outside to the corner of Monroe and State Streets. When the Packard was brought around, Holmes helped Avis into the front seat and took his own seat behind the wheel.

Avis patted the front seat. 'This is really living in style.' Holmes smiled. 'There is more, much more, where this came from.'

Neither spoke much on the long drive back to the Castle. One thing Avis said, that Holmes would remember, was, 'It's so good to get out of the Everleigh Club. I mean, the sisters were nice to me, and the Club was comfortable, but it gets tiresome sleeping with so many different men but no one who's special. It'll be marvellous sleeping with one man who cares for you.' She cast him a sidelong glance. 'You do care for me, don't you, Herman?' 'More than you can know.'

Once they had entered the Castle, Holmes took Avis's jacket and hung it up. Then he led her into his office, and found the contract again. 'Let's sign this right now and get business over with. I'll affix my signature and then you do the same.'

He signed and waited for her to sign. Retrieving the contract, Holmes said, 'Why don't I make out my check for $2,000 so that you can see I'm putting up a sum equal to yours.'

'Not necessary,' said Avis, unfastening her purse. 'You can have my part right now, if you wish. Actually, I don't like carrying around that much cash. You can put up your amount when we've found the house to lease and the furniture.'

He accepted her wad of bills. 'Very well.' He placed the money in a desk drawer and came to his feet. 'Enough of business for tonight. Time for a little pleasure and a celebration.' As she rose, he put his arm around her waist and guided her out of his office towards the staircase that led to his master bedroom.

A flickering gas-lighted sconce kept the bedroom romantically shadowed.

Holmes turned to Avis. 'We should get to know each other intimately.'

'I'm for that.'

He reached out. 'Let me undress you.'

'Not necessary. I can manage faster. You undress yourself. You've seen me naked, but I've never seen you. I can't wait.'

She undressed with agility, quicker than he was able to, and faced him in the nude while he shed his last article of clothing.

Avis inspected his brawny body. 'Not bad, not bad at all,' she said quietly.

'Then let's do something about it,' he said. 'Let's not waste time.'

She rolled on to the bed and in seconds he was beside her.

She peered down the length of his body. 'That's a very big erection. You're not going to hurt me, are you?'

'I'm going to be very sweet and gentle.'

'Herman, let me feel it, let me hold it.'

'My pleasure.'

She reached down and taking his erection in one hand, artfully caressed it.

'Herman,' she said at last, 'let's -'

She let go, fell back, lifted her knees and spread her legs apart.

Although she was partially lost in shadows, he could recall the way she looked when he had last examined her at the Everleigh Club. The thought stimulated him even more, and with no hesitation he drove into her.

She gave a squeak of pain, and tried to pull back, but it would be her only movement in what followed.

He pumped vigorously, but she lay inert, not giving anything back. She just lay there on her back and let him do the moving.

He tried to get her to rotate her soft ass, but she just remained there unmoving, passive.

The Everleighs must have had complaints about this one, he decided.

He had expected more, far more, from one so experienced, but she was simply no good at it, satisfied to be an object, a passive taker, giving nothing in return.

He continued to be surprised and disappointed as he pumped away. Because of her sexy appearance and seductive come-on approach, he had anticipated a prolonged relationship with her. Maybe a few months, anyway. He had her money and he would have her every night. But now he didn't want her every night. The money was enough. He vetoed the prolonged relationship. He would get rid of her as quickly as possible.

The thought of getting rid of her was the first peak he enjoyed in this one-sided coupling.

He drove away harder and harder, until he was ready to explode. Then, with a mighty heave, he did explode.

She sighed, and after a while she opened her eyes as he rolled off her.

'Hey, that felt good,' she said.

'I hope so,' he said. 'It did for me.'

He knew that he would have to endure ten or fifteen minutes of pillow talk, and patiently he did. Then, getting off the bed, he pretended to examine himself, and said over his shoulder, 'Avis, I have a little blood on me. You may be bleeding down there.'

'I never have – except when I have my monthly, and I'm not due.'

'I think you did this time. I'd better have a look at you.'

'Oh, do I have to get up? It's so cosy here. I feel fine. A little sleepy, maybe, that's all.'

Holmes had stepped into his trousers. 'This'll be no more than a minute or two. I've got to see where your bleeding is coming from. Come on, let's go to my examining room.'

Avis sat up and stretched. 'If you insist.'

'I do.'

'Should I put on my nightgown?'

'No. I can examine you as you are. Then you can sleep. Come along, Avis.'

Dutifully, she left the bed, trailed him down the stairs, and followed him to a sliding door. He pressed a button to open the door and stepped into his secret chamber, beckoning her to follow him.

She came inside and surveyed the vast room. 'What a weird room.'

'I think patients prefer absolute privacy when they're being examined by a doctor.'

'Yes, that makes sense.'

Holmes signalled her to the examining-table at the centre of the room. 'Lie down here on your back. I'll go and get my instruments.'

She was climbing on to the table as he left the room.

Delaying not a moment, he secured the sliding door. Then he rushed to his office, hurried to the control panel, and moved the top lever.

Gas would now be entering the chamber.

He sat down at his desk and leafed through several magazines. Presently he rose, shut off the gas and moved a second lever to release the gas from the room. He returned to his magazines, and, leisurely smoking his pipe, began to feel good. He had got rid of the dead-ass whore. He had her $2,000 in cash. If the other girls at the Everleigh Club were as dumb as she, he would make a fortune in a few months.

He considered his watch. It was time to clear out the corpse.

Briskly, Holmes made for the sliding door, released it and it slid sideways.

Entering the chamber, he sniffed the air. He could detect only the slightest odour of gas. He marched straight to the examination table. The blob of flesh was still there, and on its back. Earlier he had thought her beautiful. Now, with eyes shut and mouth open, she

looked repulsive. He felt for her pulse, then listened to her heart.

Dead as dead could be.

He moved over to the first trap door and yanked off the top. He returned to the table, pushed his hands and arms under her, and lifted her free.

She was small and easy to handle. He positioned the corpse over the trap, settled it on the greased chute, and let it go. Wobbling, the body disappeared from sight.

Pulling the adjoining trap door wide, Holmes eased himself on to the narrow staircase, and climbed down to the basement.

Without a thought, Holmes followed the procedure he had used so many times in the last few years.

He lifted Avis off the floor, carried her to the vat of quicklime, and dumped her into it. After much of her flesh had dissolved, he emptied the tub of the quicklime in the sink, and still wearing rubber gloves, he carried the distasteful remains to the examination table.

Tearing off his gloves, he found his scalpel and returned to the corpse that had once been the trusting Avis.

He cut into her with a practised hand.

It took him twenty minutes to dismember her completely.

There was a fire in the kiln, low burning, which Holmes stoked and fed with coal and wood until it was a red-hot blaze. Then he took the seven parts of Avis, one by one, from the table, feeding each one to the flames.

When he was finished, he cleaned up the basement. Once it was spotless, he climbed back up to the gas chamber. He closed both trap doors.

Satisfied that everything was orderly and clean, Dr Holmes walked out of the chamber, closed it tight, and crossed the hallway to his office.

Settling behind his desk, he reached into a drawer and withdrew the $2,000 in bills he had earned tonight.

He began to count them one by one, making sure that she had not short-changed him.

Minna Everleigh, seated in her office with Aida, was deeply distressed.

'First Fanny,' she said to Aida, 'and now Avis. They both just took off and disappeared. Why? Could they have been

offered better jobs?' 'Not in this city,' said Aida. 'Nobody in Chicago pays better than we do.'

'Then what is it? Well, whatever it is we've got to replace them. At least one of them, to start with. We've booked a big crowd this evening, and we can't disappoint our customers. 'I have a long list of girl applicants -' 'Not classy enough,' said Minna. She was thoughtful a moment. 'But I know one young lady who is. Fresh and a real beauty. Karen Grant, the one who worked in New Orleans. I told you about her last night.' 'The tall one without a blemish?'

'Exactly. I think I'll call her right now. I have the phone number at her rooming house.'

Minna rummaged about her desk top until she found Karen's telephone number.

'Here it is,' Minna said. 'I'll tell her she's hired, subject to Dr Holmes's examination, of course. I'll tell her to come right over and bring a few things.'

Minna took the receiver off the hook, and spoke to the operator, giving her Karen's number.

After a few rings, Minna was pleased to hear a female voice answer. 'Hello?'

'I'd like to talk to Karen Grant.' 'This is Karen Grant.' 'Minna Everleigh here.'

'Yes. I hope that you're calling with good news.' 'I certainly am, Karen,' said Minna. 'The girl I expected to return before noon never showed up. We can use you as a permanent replacement starting tonight. Are you still interested?'

'I'm very interested.'

'Wonderful. But I remind you that you must first be examined by the Everleigh Club physician, Dr Herman Holmes. Can you make it about five o'clock? I'll get him over here, and if you're fine, you can go right to work in Fanny's room. We get a flood of customers between six and seven. Oh, yes, bring a suitcase of your best things. Two dressy changes, underthings, your own silk robe, if you have one.' 'I have one, Miss Everleigh.' 'Then I'll expect you, Karen.' 'I can't wait.'

Minna hung up, and spoke to Aida. 'She seemed eager. She said she couldn't wait to get started. I think she's one of those girls who loves her work. That would be a break for us.'

'What about Dr Holmes?' asked Aida. 'I intend to call him right now.' A minute later, Minna had Dr Holmes on the phone. 'Dr Holmes? This is Minna Everleigh.' 'I'm delighted. Anything I can do for you?' Minna's tone was firm, persuasive. 'Indeed there is something, Doctor, something important. I know that you were here the last two days doing your weekly examination. But I'd like to have you here once more today. It's important. We're hiring a new girl. She seems perfectly well, but I've got to be sure. I'd like you to look her over. I'm positive you can do it in less than fifteen minutes. I hate to bother you for a third day in a row, but we want this girl to start right away.' 'No bother. What time would you like me at the Club?' 'Around five. I trust you will be done with your office patients by then.'

There was a silence as Holmes obviously consulted his appointment book. 'As a matter of fact,' said Holmes, 'I'm scheduled to see two patients between four-thirty and five. But neither has a problem that can't wait. I'll postpone them. I'll come by very close to five.'

'Aida and I appreciate that, Dr Holmes. See you in a few hours.'

As the time neared four-thirty in the afternoon, Karen began to have an attack of nerves.

She had packed her bag. She had dressed herself in her most becoming garment. She was ready to take the streetcar to the Everleigh Club.

Yet she wasn't ready.

She had no concern about the doctor's examination. Her one concern was the scene that would follow after the doctor left. There would be a strange man she would have to take to bed. A stranger who would make love to her without love. She regretted that she had recklessly volunteered for this role. She wondered what had motivated her. She wanted to help Mayor Carter Harrison, of that she was sure. The mayor had once been kind to her mother, and she wanted to repay him. Also, since none of his male staff could assist the mayor, she had wanted to show those men and the mayor that a woman could do what their colleague, Gus Varney, clearly had failed to do.

The mayor had warned her that she might be unable to handle the disagreeable job. Offhandedly, she had assured him that she could get out of any situation before something truly dreadful happened.

Now she was less certain. She was afraid that what awaited her might be ugly, repulsive, and that her own lack of experience might lead to a terrible episode.

Still, there was one thing to feel triumphant about. She had made it with her own good looks and intelligence into the leading brothel in the world.

Standing in the entrance hall of her boarding house, she realized that she should inform Mayor Harrison of her initial success.

She had spoken to him yesterday, after her first interview with Minna Everleigh. She had been able to tell him the meeting had gone well, but that she did not know for sure whether she would be hired. Despite the apprehension in his voice, the mayor had not been able to hide his pleasure at her progress and the possibility that he would have an informer inside the Everleigh Club.

Now, even if briefly, the mayor must know that Minna had accepted her for immediate employment.

She rang through to City Hall, and shortly after she had Harrison on the telephone.

'Mayor, this is Karen Grant.'

'Hello, Karen. Are you all right?'

'Better than all right. I'm calling from my rooming house, but I'm about to move into the Everleigh Club. I'm going to sublet my apartment for a short time to a woman friend. Depending on a clean bill of health from their doctor, I've been hired as one of the Everleigh girls.'

'Karen, I don't want you to get into trouble.'

'Don't worry, Mayor, I can handle myself.'

'Be careful. Be very careful.'

When Karen reached the Everleigh Club with her suitcase, she was greeted warmly by Minna Everleigh.

'I'm so glad you decided to be part of our happy family, Karen,' Minna said. 'Dr Holmes hasn't arrived yet. He should be here any minute. Meanwhile, you can go upstairs to bedroom seven – the one Fanny vacated – and undress completely for the examination.'

Karen hesitated. 'Do I have to undress completely? I've had intimate examinations before. The doctors always let me keep my blouse on. Couldn't I do that, and just let down my skirts?'

Minna frowned. 'No, I should prefer that you take off everything. Dr Holmes may want to examine your breasts. Why this sudden attack of shyness? You said you're experienced. You undressed completely for me yesterday.'

'That was different. You're a woman and I haven't been with a man for a while.'

Minna took her arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 'Karen, in this house you are going to be undressing completely every evening, for men only. So get used to it again.'

'You're right. I'm sorry, Miss Everleigh -'

'Minna. We're all one company now.'

'Minna, then.'

'It's not as if you haven't already been seen naked by dozens of men,' Minna went on. 'You did say you had experience in New Orleans.'

Karen gave a short laugh, aware that Minna was eyeing her keenly. 'I was being silly,' said Karen. 'It must be the change of scenery – a new place. Don't worry, Minna. No problem. Room seven upstairs -'

'That's the one. After you take off your things, you can put on your robe. I'll bring the doctor up as soon as he gets here.'

Karen went up the stairs, and at the landing she walked along the corridor until she found her room.

Inside, she rested her suitcase on a straight chair, unlatched it, and found her purple silk robe.

Slowly, reluctantly, she began to take off her garments, wondering how she would get out of this place unscathed. When she was naked, she slipped into her robe, then moved around the boudoir nervously, examining all the fancy furnishings and accessories.

Another five minutes had passed when Karen heard a knock on the door.

She whirled about just as Minna entered, followed by a striking, bearded man carrying a medical bag.

'Karen,' Minna said, 'this is Dr Herman Holmes. He'll examine you right now. I'm sure he won't be long -'

Holmes's eyes were fixed on Karen as he spoke to Minna. 'Fifteen minutes, no more.'

'All right, I'll leave you two,' said Minna. 'I'll be back for your report, Dr Holmes. And Karen, you'll have a little while to rest before I bring up your first customer. In fact, when the doctor leaves, I want to give you my standard lecture.'

'Your lecture?' said Karen.

'On how to deport yourself with the men who visit you in the Everleigh Club.'

With that, Minna went out of the bedroom, and Karen was left alone with Dr Holmes.

He took his eyes off her and busied himself with his medical bag. He called out, 'Take off your robe, Karen. Sit on the side of the bed. I will examine your breasts first. Later, you will lie back on the bed with your knees bent and your legs spread wide. We must be certain you have no sign of venereal disease.'

'I do not have a venereal disease, Doctor.'

'Let me decide that, young lady.'

With a sigh, Karen pulled off her robe, walked up to the brass bed, and sat on its side.

She realized that Dr Holmes, speculum in hand, had turned from his bag and was watching her.

He advanced towards her, came to a halt before her, then stood over her, his dark blue eyes hypnotically fixed on her body.

'I will say this, Karen,' he began. 'You are certainly a beautiful specimen. I must remember to congratulate Minna Everleigh on her good taste.'

'Thank you.'

'I've examined all the girls in this establishment, and I confess you are by far the most beautiful.'

'I… I don't know what to say.'

'Just be happy to know how men will enjoy you. You should do very well here.'

'I… I hope so.'

'I can guarantee it.' Placing his speculum on the bed, Dr Holmes reached for her bosom. 'Here, let me feel your breasts for anything unusual.'

With effort, Karen thrust her full breasts out as Dr Holmes cupped one and then the other and lightly squeezed. Then, he used both hands to play over her breasts. Over and over his fingers fanned out from her nipples. 'Do you have to keep doing that?' Karen demanded. Dr Holmes ignored her, continuing to move his long fingers over the firm expanse of each breast. 'Absolutely soft, smooth, plump. I can assure you and Minna there's nothing to worry about. Now please lie back on the bed, then spread your legs – wider, my dear – and I'll have a look.'

Flushing with shame, Karen dropped on her back, and then gave in to the pressure of the doctor's hands as he pried her legs fully apart.

He reached for his speculum and bent down on to his knees between her thighs.

She could feel his warm breath on her.

He clucked his tongue. 'Perfect, perfect,' he said in an undertone. 'As healthy as any woman I have ever set eyes upon. Let me go deeper.'

She could feel the touch of his speculum. His inspection was interminable.

'Can't you hurry it up?' she protested.

'I have to be very certain.'

At last he seemed to be done.

'You can sit up now,' he told her.

As she sat up, he rose, and she felt something hard touch her knee. She looked to see what it was, and she saw that a portion of his trousers was protruding, covering a mammoth erection. Appalled, she averted her eyes, and he turned to place his speculum into the bag.

'Well?' asked Karen. 'Surely there's nothing wrong.'

He answered quietly, 'In a sense, there is something wrong, Karen.'

'What do you mean?'

'It is my understanding that to get a job for the Everleigh sisters, you have to be experienced.'

'Yes, that's right.'

Dr Holmes regarded her with a crooked smile. 'You're not experienced, young lady. You've never had a man. You're a virgin.'

'That's a lie.'

'Not according to my examination. Your hymen is still intact,'

'There must be a mistake,' Karen said falteringly.

'No mistake whatsoever,' Holmes went on smoothly. 'You lied about your experience to get this job. Yet the first man to penetrate you – if he's a customer – can cost you your job. He'll notice blood spots on the sheet, and be confused, and probably report to Minna or Aida. You'll lose your job in a minute. Now, it might be possible to prevent that.'

'How?'

'I can inform Minna I want you to accompany me to my office, and I can change your condition.'

'Do you mean surgically?'

'No. There's only one proper way to break a hymen. It would be enjoyable for both of us – and you'd be experienced. I could -'

'If you're saying what I think you're saying,' Karen interrupted heatedly, 'the answer is no! I wouldn't let you near me. You're supposed to be a doctor, not a -'

'I am a doctor, and thinking only of your own good.'

'You're a lecher.' She came to her feet and pulled on her silk robe. 'I'll accept you as a doctor, but not as anything else. I'll take my chances on – on my lack of experience.'

'Whatever you wish, Karen. I certainly have no intention of costing you your job. But I'm afraid you may lose it yourself. Anyway, I want you to know that I am not a lecher or something worse, only a professional you can count upon as a friend.'

Karen remained silent, when there was a rapping on the door.

'Come in!' Dr Holmes called out.

Minna Everleigh entered, glanced at Karen, and then held her gaze on Dr Holmes.

'Did you complete your examination?' Minna inquired.

'You are right on time,' said Holmes, picking up his bag. 'I gave Karen a thorough examination. She's in perfect condition. Healthy and sound. You need have no concern on her behalf.'

Minna relaxed her shoulders. 'That's a relief. Thanks a lot, Doctor.'

'It was a pleasure,' said Dr Holmes. He winked at Karen. 'I enjoyed being with you. I'm pleased you are well.'

'Thank you,' Karen mumbled weakly.

They both watched a cheerful Dr Holmes depart.

Once the bedroom door had closed, Minna gestured Karen to a chair and sat down across from her.

'You have about an hour before your first customer arrives,' said Minna. 'Before that happens, I want to discuss your deportment here. The key to everything in this house is to remember you are a desirable young lady, not just some floozy off the street. If you want to remain an Everleigh girl, you must, when with a visitor, always be polite, be patient, and forget what you are here for.'

Minna took out a cigarette and lit it.

'Gentlemen who come here are gentlemen only when properly introduced,' Minna resumed. 'We shall see that each girl is correctly presented to each guest. In the Everleigh Club, there is no lining up for selection, as is the practice in other brothels. There shall be no cry from Aida or myself, "Into the parlour, girls," when guests arrive. I'll personally accompany each man up to your boudoir and formally introduce you. After that, you'll be on your own. On other occasions, when there is more leisure, I'll request that you dress in your most becoming finery and come downstairs first to amuse our guests in a parlour or at supper. Above all, the one thing I ask is that you be attentive to your callers' needs. Remember one thing. The Everleigh Club has not time for the rough

element, the clerk on a holiday, or a person without a chequebook. We have time only for gentlemen.'

Minna's cigarette had gone out and she lit it again.

'It is going to be difficult for you at first, I know, no matter how much experience you've had previously. Don't rush anyone and don't consider rolling them. We will permit no monkeyshines, no knockout drops, no robberies, no crudity of any kind whatsoever. Our task will be to supply the clients. Your task will be to amuse them in a way that they've never been amused before. Give, but give interestingly and with mystery. Karen, I want you to be proud you are in the Ever-leigh Club. An hour from now, after I introduce you to your first client, you'll know you belong here.'

Throughout this recital, and especially Minna's last reminder that shortly she would be alone with a strange man, Karen had been quivering with fright. Soon, she would be cornered by a customer and expected to perform as a prostitute. There was plenty of verbal evidence, from Minna, that the Everleigh Club was still a brothel, but Karen did not possess the substantial evidence that would enable the mayor to shut the place down. The real evidence would come when a paying guest would strip off his clothes and get into bed with her. The thought was horrifying.

Karen hardly listened as Minna continued to speak. 'In addition to what I've told you, there are a few minor things you should know about your conduct in the Club. One of these is that -'

Minna was interrupted by a sharp rapping on the door. The door opened and Aida came in, carrying a note, her countenance ashen.

'Minna, I've got to speak to you at once,' Aida began. 'It's urgent.'

'Can't it wait a few minutes?'

'No,' said Aida firmly. 'Do you know who just walked in with their luggage and are waiting downstairs? Cathleen and Bruce!'

'Who?' asked Minna, bewildered.

'Cathleen and Bruce Lester, our niece and nephew from Kentucky. Charlie's children.'

Minna was more bewildered than ever. 'What are they doing here?'

'They've come to move in with us for two weeks. Until Cathleen is married to Harold T. Armbruster's son, Alan.'

Minna was aghast. 'But they can't stay here -'

'I know they can't – but they're going to. We knew about it some time ago. That the Armbrusters had been down in Kentucky, and their son had met Cathleen and fallen in love with her, and that they were going to be married. Their father asked if we'd stand up for the kids -'

'I remember,' said Minna. 'I wrote Charlie a quick note saying, "Send them along." But I only meant we'd stand up for Cathleen at the wedding. God, I didn't mean for them to stay with us here.'

Aida waved a letter in her hand. 'Their father sent this along with Cathleen. He wants his daughter and son to live with their wealthy socialite aunts in Chicago until the wedding. A hotel won't do. Even though their family in Kentucky is church mouse poor, they must give evidence of being well-off and respectable. All through the years we used to tell our brother we were rich socialites living in a huge mansion. Well, Charlie took us at our word, and now he's sent his children to stay in the mansion with their aunts. They're here now, Minna, and they can't be sent away. We have to live with this pretext for two weeks, until the wedding is over and Cathleen and Bruce are out of our hair. What should we do?'

Minna stood between Aida and Karen, lost in thought.

'We're trapped with our lie,' said Minna. 'We've got to play being their wealthy, respectable aunts, and we have to give them the hospitality of our mansion. Let me think -' She thought further. Then she addressed Aida. 'First things first. Have Edmund immediately post a sign on the front door announcing that our restaurant is open for business. A

floor show will be provided for diners, but other services will be unavailable until further notice. The parlours themselves are closed for two weeks for remodelling. No men are to be permitted upstairs for the length of Cathleen and Bruce's stay.'

'But our girls?'

'They can remain as part of a restaurant floor show. Nothing more. Send two of them away on vacation and turn their bedrooms over to Cathleen and Bruce. Aida, you round up the girls at once and explain the situation. I want them to be sure there is not one word alluding to what they truly do here. They are dancers and singers entertaining supper guests – period. Do you have that straight? And get that sign on the front door.'

'Can I tell the girls they'll be paid?'

'We must pay them their usual income,' said Minna, 'no matter what the financial loss to ourselves. The main thing is to keep Cathleen and Bruce believing we are actually respected socialites and this is our fancy home. We'll tell them that we conduct a fashionable high-class restaurant to keep ourselves busy. Now off you go, at once. Gather the girls and tell them the truth and what we expect of them. I'll go down and greet Cathleen and Bruce.'

Aida darted to the door and raced away.

About to follow her from the room, Minna stopped, suddenly aware that Karen was in the boudoir. 'You heard it all, Karen, so you know what's going on. I know you expected your first customer to come to you in a little while. I'm sorry, but no man tonight or any night for two weeks. Get dressed, and come downstairs and join the other girls while Aida organizes you into some semblance of a floor show.' She held the doorknob. 'I am sorry about this turn of events, Karen. Even though you're new, you'll be well paid. You'll be better paid later. But for now, keep your chin up – and your bloomers too.'