Crystal didn't see any customers for two days after Jasper left town. She cried much longer than that alone in her bed each night. He was gentlemanly enough to tell her why, explaining her 'job' was the one thing he couldn't get past. If she would give it up, and was willing to give him some time to adjust, he would stick around; but there was no way he could continue to allow her to rip a piece of his heart out every night.
She wanted to tell him the truth and knew she was being unreasonable and stubborn, but for some reason she couldn't help herself. If he loved her, truly loved her, he would accept her as she was. Even knowing that if the shoe were on the other foot and Jasper was making love to some woman night after night, she'd shoot him, plain and simple didn't help. It appeared to her that since her father's murder, she hadn't had her head screwed on tight. Her heart and mind seemed to be at constant war with each other.
She still hadn't completely forgiven him for that horrible spanking he'd given her either. For heaven's sake, it was just a little water and she hadn't fallen. Knowing he was even capable of applying that kind of discipline to her backside made her wonder how he would react if she did something really dangerous. It was enough to make her extremely leery or very well-behaved, she wasn't sure which.
And that paddle he'd made. He really wouldn't use that thing on her, would he? Yes, she kind of thought he would if he felt justified. Finally, she pulled herself together and went back to work trying to convince herself she'd dodged a bullet of her own.
***
Adam Barlow returned from San Francisco having found out very little. It seemed many mines in the area were changing hands quite rapidly. This kind of thing was rampant and the Land Management office had neither the time nor the staff to investigate each and every claim that came through their office. If anything struck them as odd, they'd notify him.
Jewel and the gems tried to keep her spirits up, especially Citrine who was such a kind-hearted friend. Nothing seemed to help.
Jasper hadn't touched her in any way that was more than cordial since she spent the night at his home. Well, except for that spanking. That was anything but cordial. As a result of his restraint, Crystal was finding herself with all sorts of desires she had no way to satisfy. Her life became a nightmare filled with dreams of her father's killer, memories of Jasper touching her in ways that woke her up with night sweats and fear of the future.
On one particularly awful day, Jewel entered her room with a short knock and caught her stuffing her things into a bag.
"Going to chase him down, are you?" she asked casually as she stood watching.
"Certainly not," Crystal replied. "These are just some things I'm getting rid of."
"I see."
"Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"There is," Jewel admitted. "I haven't said anything to you before because Jasper and Gabe were both keeping a close eye on you. Now that Jasper's gone, I feel I must speak with you about it."
"Go on," Crystal said, taking a seat on her bed.
"Sheriff Justice tells me there have been inquiries regarding Clyde McKay's boy. Jebidiah isn't familiar with these people and he certainly isn't aware Clem McKay is now Crystal of The Red Petticoat Saloon. I just want you to be extra careful, especially on those morning rides."
"You know about those?" Crystal asked surprised.
"There's not much that goes on around here I don't know about. Just watch your back, dear, and make sure to report anyone acting suspiciously to Gabe."
"I will, and thank you," Crystal replied quietly.
"Whatever you're looking for, whatever it is that keeps you here when you're so unhappy, I hope you resolve it soon."
"Are you unhappy with my work here?"
"Not at all," Jewel replied. "I have thirteen hams hanging in the smokehouse," she continued with a laugh as she went out the door.
***
Jasper paced the bedroom of his suite like a caged animal. He'd only been gone a week and already he was regretting his decision. His ship was due to leave in two days and for the life of him he couldn't remember where he was going. He'd booked the first passage out he could get. He wasn't used to being on the run, and that's what it felt like. His traveling was normally for pleasure, yet there was no pleasure in this trip.
What if she needed him and he wasn't there? Clyde McKay's killer was still out there somewhere, possibly searching for his son. Was Jasper the kind of man who took off when the going got rough? Apparently, he thought in disgust.