The first stop was the undertaker. Clem was right. Even though they had no friends or family for a fancy funeral, the cost of the pine coffin and burial took most of the gold. There might be enough left for a meal or two at best.
Next Clem went to the Sheriff's office. Jebidiah Justice was sympathetic but since Clem had no idea who the killer was there wasn't much he could do. He promised to go out and look around and said he would keep his ears open for any information that might lead to the culprit or culprits. Killings of this nature were not unusual. A man was often poisoned by the idea of instant riches and many were not above committing murder to get what they wanted. He asked if they'd put up a marker of any sort on their claim and Clem described the three stacked rocks, which could easily be moved or displaced.
When Clem explained the need to find work quickly, Sheriff Justice suggested Clem check The Red Petticoat Saloon. Madam Jewel might have need of a boy for cleaning up around the place.
Clem blushed, but nodded and left the office. There weren't many options and beggars couldn't be choosers. The Red Petticoat was a bordello, complete with fancy ladies and plenty of customers. Once or twice Clem had peeked in the door as Pa sauntered past on their way to the town's cafe. The house of ill repute was clean, much nicer than expected and each woman spotted wore either a red or pink petticoat peeking out from under their fancy dresses. Taking a deep breath, Clem headed there with a committed stride.
***
"I'd like to speak with the owner," Clem said, trying to sound confident.
"About what?" asked a bronze skinned man leaning against the long bar. He was big, attractive in a secretive way and seemed to be very much in charge.
"A job," Clem replied. "I'm a hard worker and stronger than I look.
"Is that so?" the man replied with a crooked grin. "Jewel," he called out. "There's someone here who wants to speak with you. Good luck, kid," he murmured as he walked away and moved behind the bar.
The woman who came from a door at the back of the room was easily the most beautiful creature Clem had ever seen. Her hair was nearly white blonde and she moved in a way that looked like she was floating across the floor. Clem gulped.
"What can I do for you, young man?" she asked with a voice as soft as a breeze.
"I need a job, ma'am. My Pa was killed by some dirty, thieving, claim-jumping bastards and, oh begging your pardon, ma'am," Clem squeaked out. "I mean he was killed by some scoundrels and…"
"I understand," Madam Jewel sighed, shaking her head. "This can be a barbaric country. I'm sorry about your father," she continued gently. "I'm sure I can find a place for you here. We've been looking for a boy to do the sweeping up and empty the spittoons. You can also fetch and carry for Nettie, my cook. How does that sound?"
"What's it pay, ma'am?" Clem asked quickly.
"Well," Jewel said hiding a smile. "I imagine it will be enough to cover a young boy's amusements. How does three dollars a week and your meals sound?"
"Oh no, ma'am. I need to make much more than that. What do you pay the girls who wear the red petticoats?" Clem asked intently.
The man behind the bar laughed and Madam Jewel scowled at him. "Gabe," she scolded. "Apparently this young fellow is in desperate straits. Now, as far as what my girls make, a lot of that depends on them," she continued, turning back to Clem and assuming a stern demeanor.
"How much?" Clem demanded.
"A substantial amount, but you don't have… you're not equipped to do the work they do," she informed Clem.
"I really would like to be one of those red petticoat girls," Clem replied firmly. "You see I need to make a lot of money fast. There's a lawyer in town and I want to hire him to help me get my claim back. As my father's only blood relative, by rights that mine belongs to me."
"What is your name?" Jewel asked, a note of frustration creeping into her tone.
"Clem McKay, but that's short for Clementine," Clem replied, taking off her hat and letting her blonde hair fall to her waist. If Madam Jewel was surprised, she hid it well. A small rise of her perfectly formed eyebrows was the only thing Clem noticed as Jewel crossed her arms over her chest and began to slowly walk around Clem, looking her over.
The man, Gabe, however appeared doubtful, as though he would have liked her to prove she was indeed a woman. He leaned on the bar watching in interest. It was the sharp crack of wood that startled Clem and she looked to the left and realized it was the sound of chair legs hitting the floor. In the back corner of the room, a man barked out a laugh. He'd obviously been observing the scene with curiosity as he played with a deck of cards on a green, felt covered table. Jewel ignored him for the time being.
"How old are you?" Jewel asked as she circled Clem for the second time.
"I'll be twenty-one my next birthday."