CHAPTER 1

The bartender saw the guy eschew a lap dance from Penny, a nude saloon dancer. She was one of a number of dancers that performed every weekend for the neighborhood guys who spent their days working long hours in the scorching heat on the range. Less than an hour ago, a stranger entered the bar and appeared uninterested in the woman who was currently grinding his chest with her behind. She was desperate for a tip and growing frustrated by the lack of any answer.

“Hey friend, what’s up? Penny questioned, “You don’t like girls?

Just enough of the stranger’s hat brim was raised to meet the woman’s eyes. You should shave, the stranger said.

Penny questioned, “What the fuck? “You appear to have not bathed or shaved in a month.”

I haven’t,” he said in response. Get me a drink right away.

I’m not a waitress. Get yourself a drink if you want one, the woman said. She became frustrated and focused on the lonely man across the bar.

The guy then got to his feet and made his way to the bar. He was dressed in filthy clothes and appeared to have not left the countryside in a long time. A gun belt and revolver were fastened to his waist, while a bag containing his money was fastened to his belt loop.

The bartender inquired, “What can I get you?”

The stranger answered, “Beer.” Beer was poured into a tall glass by the bartender after he or she cracked open a bottle and stopped just before the head overflowed. The stranger poured a beer into his mouth and threw a coin on the counter. It had a bite to it at room temperature. Looking over to the more attractive nude dancer, the stranger said, “I need a girl.”

The bartender asked, “A girl?”

“I mean, to fuck. Not like the canine that was humping me.

The bartender responded by pointing to the rooms that lined the upper story of the building and saying, “Well, those females are exclusively for dancing, they aren’t working girls, those girls are upstairs.” He pointed to the saloon’s front door and said, “You can go there from the steps over there.

The stranger inquired, “Do I pay you?”

No, go to room number three, knock on the door, and speak to the resident madam; she’ll set you up.

The stranger said, “Thanks,” and then chugged his beer thoroughly in three sips. He placed the mug down on the table and moved toward the stairs. All eyes were on him as he moved across the room, waiting to see what he would do. A person has never

Seen this man before and that strangers were frequently unwelcome visitors. The stranger quickly found room three by ascending the steps to the balcony above. He waited for the madam to answer before knocking on the door.

A woman answered the door once it opened. The stranger was prepared to encounter an elderly woman with missing teeth and a hostile demeanor, but what he encountered was more reminiscent of a schoolteacher.

How may I help you, the madam enquired. While being nice, she knew the solution. The stranger answered, “I need a woman.”

“I see. Please enter so that we may speak.”

The guy entered the space, then shut the door behind him. He quickly glanced around the space and noted a lot of feminine touches. Dolls were seated as though they were anticipating a party, and the room was decorated with many frilly accents.

The madam inquired, “What kind of girl are you searching for?” Don’t worry, I need to hook up, the stranger answered.

“I can hook you up with a number of gals; would you prefer a big girl? Perhaps a small one? If you’d like, I have a set of twins. The price is double, but it’s worth it.

What amount?

Depending on the girl, a white girl will cost you $1, while a Mexican or black girl will cost you $2. The twins cost money; they each receive one and a half dollars.

The stranger remained there and contemplated for a while. He once more surveyed the room’s decorations before touching his money bag. He said, “I’ll take a Mexican.”

“Maria, Anna, and Claudia are mine. Are you interested in looking?

The stranger answered, “Yeah.” He was becoming irate and thought he was being mistreated.

The madam commanded, “Follow me,” and strode to the entrance. She touched the stranger’s money bag as she passed in an effort to gauge how much weight he was bearing. She entered room 5 after escorting the stranger there from the balcony. Two others were lying on the bed conversing when they noticed the stranger and madam come and stood up in attention. A Hispanic woman was sitting on the bed and was only wearing a long blouse. The madam said, putting out her hand as if to offer them out, “These are my Mexican girls.”

Which is the best option?

They all perform their jobs admirably, the madam said. They appear to be twelve years old.

The madam questioned, “I believe Maria is fourteen, right Maria?” Certainly, ma’am, Maria answered.

The stranger grinned while rubbing his behind. He replied, “I’ll take Maria.” And her too,” he added, indicating Claudia.

The lady said, “That will be fifty cents.”

The guy appeared to be deep in thought as he stayed still for a while. I’ll take Maria now that I’ve changed my mind, that’s all.

I can give you all three girls for fifty cents, if you want to make a deal. No, he answered, “I simply want the one.”

The madam held out her hand and said, “All right, I need twenty-five cents then.”

The stranger took a coin out of his money bag and fished it out. While waiting for the other women to leave, he gave it to the madam.

The madam beckoned Claudia and Anna to join her outdoors, saying, “You have an hour.”

As the door was shut, the stranger stood there gazing at Maria as if she were his last meal. He remained motionless and appeared to be thinking, which alarmed Maria.