Page 3 of Captured Desires

Pearl tossed back the shot of rotgut he'd poured, relishing the burn as it slid down her throat. She turned to face the room, her posture a challenge.

"I'm hunting a vampire outlaw," she said, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "Anyone here got the guts to point me in his direction?"

Silence greeted her words, heavy with fear and mistrust. Pearl's eyes scanned the room, searching for any flicker of recognition or defiance.

Just as she was about to give up, a figure detached itself from the shadows in the far corner. A man, lean and weather-beaten, with eyes that glinted like flint in the lamplight.

"I might know something about Maverick." His voice was a low rasp, tinged with amusement. "But information like that don't come cheap, darlin'."

Pearl's hand tightened on her pistol grip. She didn't like the man's tone or the way his gaze raked over her like she was a piece of meat. But if he had information on Maverick, she couldn't afford to be choosy.

Pearl held up a dollar coin between her fingers.

He grinned, revealing a mouth full of tobacco-stained teeth. "Well now, ain't you a bold one? I like that in a woman."

Pearl's jaw clenched, but she held her tongue. She needed this lead, no matter how much it galled her to play nice with scum like him.

The man sauntered closer, his spurs jingling with each step. He leaned in, his breath hot against Pearl's ear.

"Come back around ten p.m. tonight. You just might see him."

Pearl nodded curtly, pressing the coin into his chest with enough force to have him back off a few steps. "Much obliged."

She turned to leave, the weight of the saloon's collective gaze heavy on her back. As she reached the door, the man's voice called out after her.

"Maverick's got a taste for pretty little things like you."

Pearl's fingers tightened on the door, but she didn't look back. She stepped out into the gathering dusk, her mind already racing ahead to the confrontation to come. But since she had some time, she might as well get a place to stay for the next day or so until she could finish her assignment. The clomp of her boots echoed hollowly as she made her way toward the boarding house. A weathered sign creaked in the dry breeze.

A group of men lounged outside, eyeing her with a mix of suspicion and leering interest. Pearl tried to ignore them. Unless they were blind, they could see the badge she wore on her leather duster.

"Ain't no place for a lady lawman 'round these parts," one of the men called out, chewing on a wad of tobacco. He spat, the glob landing near Pearl's boot.

"Good thing I ain't no lady then." Her voice was calm but edged with steel.

She walked into the boarding house, the cooler air inside a welcome respite from the heat. A stout, white-haired woman looked up from the counter, her blue eyes keen and assessing.

"You'll be wantin' a room?" the woman asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

Pearl nodded. "Just for a few days. My name's Pearl Tompkins. I'm with the Pinkertons."

The innkeeper pursed her lips, lines deepening around her mouth. "Agnes O'Sullivan. You best watch yourself. That badge won't do you no favors with the rough sorts 'round here. Cutthroat gangs rule these parts, law be damned."

Pearl's smile was grim. "So everyone has warned me. I'll take my chances, though. I just need a bed and a lock on the door."

Agnes handed over a key. “I’ll send you up a bath and supper.”

“Much obliged.”

The room was small and sparse but clean. Pearl bolted the door, shrugging off her duster and hanging it on a peg. Exhaustion weighed on her like stones as she unbuckled her gun belt and laid her revolvers within easy reach. She couldn’t afford a nap. She might just oversleep. Hopefully the bath and food would keep her going for a few more hours.

Despite her efforts to stay awake, though, she dozed off in the tub. But luckily the maid coming in to refresh the hot water woke her up.

“What time is it?” Pearl asked groggily.

“Just after nine p.m.”

“Shit,” Pearl said, which caused the girl to gasp. She was in for a bigger shock when Pearl climbed out of the tub and started drying off in front of her.

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