Miss Sparky
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Just in case there was any doubt...
Posts: 22
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Post by Miss Sparky on Mar 18, 2008 7:17:02 GMT -5
The late afternoon sun was drifting in through the thick, red velvet draperies of every window of the building. On the uppermost floor, a door opened, and from it came the owner of the rather decadent place. Dressed in a fine, rich violet dress and other niceties, she made a slow decent of the staircase that laced it's way along the wall. Her green gaze seemed to be very well calculating every inch of the place, searching for something, absolutely anything out of place. As she descended upon the final landing, something about her seemed rather pleased as she came across the floor and into the main parlor.
Everything was set up as it should be. Even the sheets of music were set rather decorously along the grand piano and the curtains that hid the bar back in it's niche were pulled back. The curtains weren't even dusty. She was impressed indeed. There were two women who kept this place fairly clean and they had done quite a fine job after last night's escapades. Then again, Beauregard Beauties was rarely without customers. Someone was always knocking on their doors, even when they were closed to allow the girls they're beauty sleep. They weren't called Beauties for nothing, after all.
Once satisfied, she made her way back upstairs to the second floor where all of her girls rooms were. She went to each door, rapped three times and usually heard a muffled groan within. If she didn't, she'd rap twice more. If the girl inside didn't answer, she immediately set about to entering her room. However, on this day Angie, her little Native American princess, was the one who didn't answer her. Pushing the door open, she discovered why. A man was still well wrapped in her sheets and about her, both comfortably asleep. She sighed, one hand on her hip, she reached for the bell she had placed in each room and rang it, rather loudly. The couple jolted out of bed.
"Good morning, my dears. I'm sorry to wake you, but sir it's time for Angie to get up and she needs time to refresh herself." The woman's voice was almost overly pleasant, almost too kind. But entirely professional. She took her job very seriously.
"Yes, mad'me Ev'lyn." He muttered, rolling over and out of bed as he realized the bell was only a way to get them up. She nodded to him, closing the door most of the way and continuing on down the hall without incident. She came back by Angie's room, checking to make sure the man was on his way out and he was already heading for the door. She was kind enough to show him the way out of the building, but locked the doors behind him.
She knew here soon men would come knocking down the doors for her girls affections. A slight smile softened her features as she considered how the night would go, though for some reason she paused considering the new girl. Something about her... She sighed, making for the small kitchen behind the bar. The girls would need something to eat and her maids weren't even up yet. Sometimes, she wondered what kind of lazy bunch they'd all be without her. Ah, well. Here came another day and a few more dollars.
((So, I'm done waiting on an opening for my brothel. Come one, come all! ^_^))
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 18, 2008 10:40:15 GMT -5
"Come on ye fine lassies! Which one of ya wanna get me stark bollockers and have a go at me first?! The man bellowed obnoxiously with his thick Australian accent as he cleared the front door to Beauregard Beauties. George Hooper or Hoop as everyone referred to him had probably already had a 'few' drinks which only served to make his already usually obnoxious personaly, ten times worse. The man wore some sort of beret looking thing reminiscent of something a Scot might wear, his clothes were a bit dirty and worn and he stood in stark contrast to the man he was with. "Shut it you bodgie bastard, this is business not pleasure." The well dressed man said scoldingly as he stepped past him into the lobby of the establishment. Despite his disruptive nature, Hoop was part of the deal that Masters had worked out with this establishment, special understandings were a wonderful thing on many levels for Masters and others. Removing his hat Masters couldn't resist to observe the 'eye candy' in the lobby before he asked for the woman he was truly interested in at the moment. "Where is Madame Beauregard, I want to speak with her." The man spoke, his accent plain as day. With every girl that passed by or just caught his eye, he was unable to help himself from admiring the fine selection that Madame Beauregard had to offer, certainly the finest in town. Of course Hoop was having his own ideas and Masters kept a careful eye on him while he waited for an answer, though he wondered if he should've maybe left him at the Ambrosia Club with a bottle of whiskey. Not that it mattered now of course, "Come off it Elliot, ye dont have to be cruel to your mate!" the man mumbled. "Can't I at least look at em?""I thought sheep were more your thing." he whispered in response. ((Yes This was posted in the other thread, thought I'd put it here just because. ))
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Miss Sparky
New Member
Just in case there was any doubt...
Posts: 22
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Post by Miss Sparky on Mar 18, 2008 17:59:54 GMT -5
Thus far, the day had passed without incident, being early as it was, most men were still out on the fields or in their shops or tending to their families. So, when the two men did enter, they could have gone unnoticed if it weren't for the fact that one of them was loudly obscene and obnoxious, not that that was unusual. In any case, most of the girls were lounging about, in groups of two or three chatting and idly waving fans or conversation.
It was obvious that the men had not gone unnoticed, as nearly every pair of eyes fell on them. However, when one asked for their Madame, their attention waned. They weren't here for the girls, they were here for business. But, that didn't always stop them. One particularly adorable blond sauntered her way up to Hoop, hands on her hips. "Miss E is in her study, just beneath the stairs there. Door's open, so she'll be receivin' visitors." Her green gaze wandered up and then down him, a hungry look to her expression. "And when you're done with her, I'd much appreciate it if ya came back for me."
"Monica." Immediately, the woman's smile and hungry gaze fell to the floor for a moment before flickering back to the stairs, where the sought after Madame Beauregard stood just beyond the door of her study, both hands in her skirts as she came across the lobby to where both men stood. "Perhaps later, darling." She said to the younger woman, who nodded her head, gave Hoop a quick smile and headed away from them, back to one of the groups of girls. Madame Beauregard put on an all too professional smile for the men. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 19, 2008 3:38:17 GMT -5
Politely Masters bowed to the blonde. "Thank yo.." But before he could fully thank her Madame Beauregard made her presence known. Elliot greeted the older woman with a warm but professional smile and a polite nod. "Madame Beauregard, Lovely as always." He complimented her while Hoop ogled just about every girl within eyesight before giving his boss that begging pout look of his. "Com'on Boss, lemme have a go at one of em.. I've been bustin' my arse all week.. haven't gotten a load off in ages." As usual he made no effort to keep his voice down, and it was quite distracting and irritating for Masters. Rolling his eyes at the man he relented. "Fine, Do what you want.. But don't ask them to dress as sheep like the last time.." He grumbled, in fact he hadn't allowed Hoop anywhere near Madame Beauregards establishment for almost a month after he'd made a drunken arse of himself the last time. "Thanke Gov'na! Id kiss ya but ill save that for lthe girls!" With that Hoop skipped over to one of the blondes that'd really caught his eye and declared himself. "Take me away ye lassies! Im all yours!"
Master sighed to himself, praying that Hoop didn't start disrobing until he got into an actual bed room. But for the moment he set all of that aside as he strode up to Madame Beauregard, "There is some business I'd like to discuss Madame." As usual his toneof voice and mannerisms was very professional, the deals they sometime made were dirty and he found that it was usually best to cut through as quickly as possible, hammer out the deal and be done with it before to much resentment grew up. "I do hope I haven't caught you at a bad time.."
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Miss Sparky
New Member
Just in case there was any doubt...
Posts: 22
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Post by Miss Sparky on Mar 19, 2008 7:07:04 GMT -5
The girls were more than willing to accept Hoop into their company, and Madame Beauregard was not surprised to find Hoop back again and had half a mind to let him know that he had better respect her girls this time otherwise he'd find himself respecting the woodshed out back, considering his conduct last time. This wasn't a high class place for no reason. She had standards to uphold and if he wasn't willing to behave...
She inclined her head to Masters at his compliment, lifting a hand to him as he continued to speak. "Not at all. I'm without much to occupy myself at this point and time. As you can see, we've barely opened up shop." She replied with a smile, standing aside and allowing him room enough to move beside her and beyond into the small space beneath the stairs well known as the study or 'office', as it were. It was really just a table, a set of chairs and some locked cabinets. "Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?" Hospitable as always.
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 22, 2008 0:26:08 GMT -5
"Thank you kindly, But I'm arlight.." He said as he took the offered seat, his desire being to get down to business as it usually was but Evelyn's hospitality was always welcome, especially when these visits were for pleasure. However he made a point to diverge from his primary concern to address any concerns she might have with his friend. "First let me assure you that their won't be any further issues with Mister Hooper," he started, his tone polite and measured. "The previous incident was quite unfortunate I'm afraid, But it was addressed with the appropriate response I assure you." It struck some as a bit odd that men so different, were such good friends. Masters was seemingly refined, always well dressed and a proper gentlemen while Hooper could be described as a tad barbaric at times? It'd always been like that, even when they lived in the outback but it'd gotten worse in the years of working the various mining towns. "But, On to business!" Elliot's lipes curled up into a smile beneath his slightly bushy mustache. Masters knew he'd have to handle this matter with some care regardless of the power he wielded, Partly out of respect and partly because he wanted to avoid any headaches or ill deeds. For a woman Masters found Evelyn to be quite strong, with a surprisingly good head for business and he respected her for that to an extent. However the problem it posed was that it was a quite more difficult just ramming his demands down her throat, and in his experience it was easier to be friends then enemies. There was also the fact that both of them had been in this town from the start almost, and with change they both stood a lot to lose.
Elliot had heard rumors that the owner of the Excelsior Mining Company would visit Lost Haven to over see expansions of his holdings, which spelt trouble for Masters. Currently he had control of a lose network of a dozen or so mines scatted around Lost Haven and its surroundings. Masters knew that the potential for even greater riches existed in this area, and thus he was expanding his mining empire as he could afford to do so. With someone like Barton who had deeper pockets and better resources he could expand his operations at will, offer his workers better wages and living conditions and things Masters couldn't. While Barton wasn't Cornelius Vanderbilt, he was the proverbial 500lb Gorilla that could play havoc with Masters intentions. And as he saw it that also ment trouble for Evelyn's establishment, because if Barton or other investors started coming in and expanding the city, actual law and order would come and sooner or later a push to clean up Hells Acre would come. "Matters of money can be a sensitive issue," he started out with saying, taking his time to ease into this. "But I think of us as both friends and business partners, don't you?" Again he said smiling. "We've both been here since the founding of this town, we've invested much time and money to build our respected businesses to the point where they are today"
Shifting in his seat he tried his best to pick his words carefully, hoping to soften her up and open her mind to how coming events might effect her as well. "But I'm afraid that's all at risk, You see communites such as ours standing on the threshold of becoming the next San Francisco or bigger," He said explaining with his usual animated gestures, and utter certainty in his voice over his perceived vision for the future of Lost Haven. "And with that there are two possible futures.. One where we're apart of it, shaping Lost Haven in our desired image, preserving the future of our establishments, or that of the big corporations moving in from the east.." Trailing off he paced himself, allowing her to soak in his words and hopefully realize where he was going with this. "I've received good information that Cornelius Barton, The owner of Excelsior Mining will be arriving soon." The name carried with it some recognition with most people, as most of everyone knew at least who owned the company, but not a lot about the man himself. Even Masters didn't know all that much about him personally. "And what that means is men like him wish to tame the west, change towns like this and force people like ourselves out of business once and for all. If a man like him begins investing here, trying to expand his own holdings other powerful men will come, and it'll only get worse I promise.."
There was no doubt in his mind that she was probably wondering where he was going with all of this. "They'll attempt to mold this town into their vision of perfection, washing away what they consider the 'dirty' side of Lost Haven, Hells Acre, this establishment and others will be pushed out into the outskirts of town, our customers will be driven off and" He just shook his head. "All of what we've worked for will be no more.. That's unless these people can be cut off at the knees before they get a foothold, and try to bring their 'law and order' to this town," Masters ambitions were hardly a secret in this town. "I have every intention of doing that, but as you surely understand such men, have much money and resources.. This unfortunately forces me to have to generate more money to solve the problems at hand." And that right there would've told her that he was looking for a increase on their agreement.
Leaning back in his chair he again smiled at her before continuing. "Our agreement is ten percent of the take per month correct?" The question was rhetorical, he knew damn well how much money he was getting from everyone in this town. "I'm afraid I'll need twenty for the foreseeable future.. But as soon as this crisis is solved, our previous agreement will return.. You have my word on that." Of course he could just tell her to accept it or find a stick of dynamite in her lobby, but again it was easier being friends. Masters wasn't all that sure of what might happen with such outside influnces trying to change Lost Haven, his intent was taking hold of as many mines and properties as possible to try and keep the 'big businesses' out so that Lost Haven could stay as it was, ruled by men like him and Barlows Cowboys. "Of course, I'll do what I can for you of course.. But if we can increase our foothold in this town or stop the Eastern Invasion we'll all be better for it.. Will this work well enough for you?" He asked, leaning forward slightly as he eagerly awaited her response.
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Miss Sparky
New Member
Just in case there was any doubt...
Posts: 22
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Post by Miss Sparky on Mar 26, 2008 19:23:22 GMT -5
She listened to him speak, that always polite though somewhat distant expression on her face, as she took in everything he said. She had known exactly why he had come. She too had heard about that Cornelius fellow coming into town and had heard much talk about it. Also, she had heard much talk about this 'taming of the wild west'. In her opinion it was nonsense and she had no trouble voicing that.
"Honestly, Mr. Masters. I presumed you to have a better head on your shoulders than that. I am not afraid of this Cornelius Barton fellow you speak so poorly of. I understand he practically owns this town, but we both know he doesn't at all. It's all paper work to him. But, irregardless, this concept of the Eastern Invasion, as you call it, is unstoppable. They will come no matter how much I pay you, but I can guarantee that so long as I maintain my high standards, as I have done for years now, that my Beauties will continue to stand. We both know that there will always be men looking for stringless pleasure."
She did not raise here voice, though kept it fairly well amused by everything he had said. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Masters, however, need I remind you that ten percent is a stretch enough for me, as it were. What little extra I have goes to my girls and their futures and you know that as well. But, to protect my interests, enlighten me as to what you'll be doing with that extra ten percent, if you could persuade me to give it to you."
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 26, 2008 19:49:31 GMT -5
The suggestion that someone other then himself had this town in the palm of his hand was both disturbing and a slap in the face in Masters eyes. But he wasn't going to let her get the best of him, as always he remained polite as he made his retort. "I think you've made some incorrect assumptions my dear, fear has nothing to do with it. " And in his mind it didn't. "It's the potential for lost profits.. Who ever lays a larger stake in the business interest of this region first will control Lost Haven and its future, and will reap the rewards." Calmly he explained his point of view on the matter, "Why shouldn't it be us who reaps the rewards? You could stand to gain much more then the profit from your establishment here.." Within his words was a hint that he might offer something more to her but whether or not she took that bait was her choice of course. "Mr. Barton hasn't even arrived yet.. He controls nothing but a few mining camps, no more, no less.. I wield the power in this town, not the Mayor, The Marshal or even the County Sheriff and I hope you remember that in the future."
There was no hiding the fact that Masters had intended that remark as a subtle threat as for him? It didn't matter who got out of line, he'd sooner have you killed then possibly have problems with you. "I simply seek to protect our investments Madame Beauregard, We've both worked hard to build our bussiness and make this town what it is, we've laid the ground work, so why should we let someone else have it all?" Though much of his business was shady to say the least, he had a desire to set up legitimate operations which would surely harvest even greater profits then what he had now. Masters fell silent for a moment, clearing his throat before making his offer. "If twenty is to much, I'm prepared to go down to fifteen percent.. That I can do for you right now.. As for what else I can offer?" He shrugged a bit. "I can protect your interests by expanding on it, giving you security what ever happens in the future.. And by that I mean diversifying your income." Masters had his basis covered in that regard, with Mining Operations, Extortion and even a small Cattle Operation so if one market went bust he wasn't totally in the poor house. "I see you as an investor." A forced investor perhaps. "I need capitol to expand my mining operations before others tap it first.. Its simple isn't it? In six months time, I can pay you a precentage of my profits or even transfer a mining claim to you which would surely return much of your 'investment' which I think would be a small price to pay on my part for the future." The bottom line was, Masters had poured everything he had into expanding his various business operations before someone else beat him to it, but that still wasn't enough and he needed more. Once he was making money hand over fist again? Yes, he could reward a 'friend' who'd helped him to the top. "Besides that I can of course provide better security.. I'd hate for there to be any unfortunate incidents without one of my men here to stop it. Other then that?" He shrugged his shoulders. "What do you think is a fair bargin?"
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