Now Playing: The Songbird of the West
New to these parts? To start the story from the beginning, click
Episode Thirteen concluded with:
“Correct.” Patten
leaned against his desk and pointed to a chair. “That’s why I’m expanding into
other areas. That, and the opportunity to get filthy rich. You’re going to get
filthy rich with me, Carrie.”
The young woman realized that Bruce Patten hadn’t changed much since he had
made her the star of the Wild Horse Saloon. His attitude was one of a commanding
officer addressing an underling.
Still, Carrie couldn’t shake the notion that she was in debt to Patten. What
would her life have been like without him?
Against her better judgment, Carrie sat down in front of her former boss. “I’m
listening.”
Episode Fourteen:
“Along
with my front man, His Honor Felix Murphy, I have struck up a deal with a large
outfit in Denver. The short of it is, they’re going to establish an irrigation
system in this area. Property will more than double in value. I’ve already
bought up a lot of land from the ten-head ranches.”
“And you want to buy up more before
word gets out.”
“There are only three other people
besides me and you who know about this: Felix, Tal Streeter, and Curt Weldon.
Felix is no problem. He manages most of my saloons and hopes to manage this one
when I go on to better things. I had to tell the two lawmen. I had guests from
Denver who required VIP treatment. Tal is okay. I see to it that he is well
paid. Curt is a little too idealistic for his own good…”
“He might tip some of the ranchers
to hold on to their property.”
“Maybe. I’ve told him it is morally
wrong to let the cat out of the bag about this sort of thing. So far, that’s
working. But Curt is only a small concern.”
Carrie smiled cautiously. “I have a
feeling you are, at last, getting to the point.”
Patten’s smile slashed a crooked
streak across his face. “There are two big ranches in this area. I want to buy
them, but my capital is a bit low. The Songbird of the West must make a lot of
money off those Eastern tours. How about a partnership?”
Carrie shook her head.
Bruce Patten inhaled on his cigar,
then gradually released a large puff of smoke. Carrie had been in show business
long enough to recognize an effort to set up a dramatic moment, but Patten’s
next move still shocked her. “Carrie, we would make a great team,” Patten spoke
in a robust voice. “Let’s you and I get hitched. We’ll have a big wedding in
Dallas, with--”
Despite herself, Carrie Whiting
broke out laughing. She stood up immediately and began to walk toward the door.
She had her laughter under control when she turned and faced the saloon owner.
“You don’t want a wife, Bruce. You want a bauble, someone you can show off to
prove you’re a big man.”
The Songbird of the West pressed her
lips together and briefly looked down. She regretted her laughter. The young
woman returned her gaze to Bruce Patten, who was still leaning against his
desk. “I’m grateful for what you did for me, Bruce. But the road ran both ways.
I helped you make enough money to get out of the Wild Horse saloon. Just now, I
helped you name this town after yourself. Tomorrow’s concert will bring in more
money. After tomorrow, it will be time for us to go our separate ways.”
Carrie had taken another step toward
the door when Patten grabbed her by the arm and pulled her toward him. Hatred
steamed from his eyes like heat from a branding iron.
Tomorrow: Episode Fifteen of The
Songbird of the West
