The Golden Room

Minna hung up, and spoke to Aida. 'She seemed eager. She said she couldn't wait to get started. I think she's one of those girls who loves her work. That would be a break for us.'

'What about Dr Holmes?' asked Aida. 'I intend to call him right now.' A minute later, Minna had Dr Holmes on the phone. 'Dr Holmes? This is Minna Everleigh.' 'I'm delighted. Anything I can do for you?' Minna's tone was firm, persuasive. 'Indeed there is something, Doctor, something important. I know that you were here the last two days doing your weekly examination. But I'd like to have you here once more today. It's important. We're hiring a new girl. She seems perfectly well, but I've got to be sure. I'd like you to look her over. I'm positive you can do it in less than fifteen minutes. I hate to bother you for a third day in a row, but we want this girl to start right away.' 'No bother. What time would you like me at the Club?' 'Around five. I trust you will be done with your office patients by then.'

There was a silence as Holmes obviously consulted his appointment book. 'As a matter of fact,' said Holmes, 'I'm scheduled to see two patients between four-thirty and five. But neither has a problem that can't wait. I'll postpone them. I'll come by very close to five.'

'Aida and I appreciate that, Dr Holmes. See you in a few hours.'

As the time neared four-thirty in the afternoon, Karen began to have an attack of nerves.

She had packed her bag. She had dressed herself in her most becoming garment. She was ready to take the streetcar to the Everleigh Club.

Yet she wasn't ready.

She had no concern about the doctor's examination. Her one concern was the scene that would follow after the doctor left. There would be a strange man she would have to take to bed. A stranger who would make love to her without love. She regretted that she had recklessly volunteered for this role. She wondered what had motivated her. She wanted to help Mayor Carter Harrison, of that she was sure. The mayor had once been kind to her mother, and she wanted to repay him. Also, since none of his male staff could assist the mayor, she had wanted to show those men and the mayor that a woman could do what their colleague, Gus Varney, clearly had failed to do.

The mayor had warned her that she might be unable to handle the disagreeable job. Offhandedly, she had assured him that she could get out of any situation before something truly dreadful happened.

Now she was less certain. She was afraid that what awaited her might be ugly, repulsive, and that her own lack of experience might lead to a terrible episode.

Still, there was one thing to feel triumphant about. She had made it with her own good looks and intelligence into the leading brothel in the world.

Standing in the entrance hall of her boarding house, she realized that she should inform Mayor Harrison of her initial success.

She had spoken to him yesterday, after her first interview with Minna Everleigh. She had been able to tell him the meeting had gone well, but that she did not know for sure whether she would be hired. Despite the apprehension in his voice, the mayor had not been able to hide his pleasure at her progress and the possibility that he would have an informer inside the Everleigh Club.

Now, even if briefly, the mayor must know that Minna had accepted her for immediate employment.

She rang through to City Hall, and shortly after she had Harrison on the telephone.

'Mayor, this is Karen Grant.'

'Hello, Karen. Are you all right?'

'Better than all right. I'm calling from my rooming house, but I'm about to move into the Everleigh Club. I'm going to sublet my apartment for a short time to a woman friend. Depending on a clean bill of health from their doctor, I've been hired as one of the Everleigh girls.'

'Karen, I don't want you to get into trouble.'

'Don't worry, Mayor, I can handle myself.'

'Be careful. Be very careful.'

When Karen reached the Everleigh Club with her suitcase, she was greeted warmly by Minna Everleigh.

'I'm so glad you decided to be part of our happy family, Karen,' Minna said. 'Dr Holmes hasn't arrived yet. He should be here any minute. Meanwhile, you can go upstairs to bedroom seven – the one Fanny vacated – and undress completely for the examination.'

Karen hesitated. 'Do I have to undress completely? I've had intimate examinations before. The doctors always let me keep my blouse on. Couldn't I do that, and just let down my skirts?'

Minna frowned. 'No, I should prefer that you take off everything. Dr Holmes may want to examine your breasts. Why this sudden attack of shyness? You said you're experienced. You undressed completely for me yesterday.'

'That was different. You're a woman and I haven't been with a man for a while.'

Minna took her arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 'Karen, in this house you are going to be undressing completely every evening, for men only. So get used to it again.'

'You're right. I'm sorry, Miss Everleigh -'

'Minna. We're all one company now.'

'Minna, then.'

'It's not as if you haven't already been seen naked by dozens of men,' Minna went on. 'You did say you had experience in New Orleans.'

Karen gave a short laugh, aware that Minna was eyeing her keenly. 'I was being silly,' said Karen. 'It must be the change of scenery – a new place. Don't worry, Minna. No problem. Room seven upstairs -'

'That's the one. After you take off your things, you can put on your robe. I'll bring the doctor up as soon as he gets here.'

Karen went up the stairs, and at the landing she walked along the corridor until she found her room.

Inside, she rested her suitcase on a straight chair, unlatched it, and found her purple silk robe.

Slowly, reluctantly, she began to take off her garments, wondering how she would get out of this place unscathed. When she was naked, she slipped into her robe, then moved around the boudoir nervously, examining all the fancy furnishings and accessories.

Another five minutes had passed when Karen heard a knock on the door.

She whirled about just as Minna entered, followed by a striking, bearded man carrying a medical bag.

'Karen,' Minna said, 'this is Dr Herman Holmes. He'll examine you right now. I'm sure he won't be long -'

Holmes's eyes were fixed on Karen as he spoke to Minna. 'Fifteen minutes, no more.'

'All right, I'll leave you two,' said Minna. 'I'll be back for your report, Dr Holmes. And Karen, you'll have a little while to rest before I bring up your first customer. In fact, when the doctor leaves, I want to give you my standard lecture.'

'Your lecture?' said Karen.

'On how to deport yourself with the men who visit you in the Everleigh Club.'

With that, Minna went out of the bedroom, and Karen was left alone with Dr Holmes.

He took his eyes off her and busied himself with his medical bag. He called out, 'Take off your robe, Karen. Sit on the side of the bed. I will examine your breasts first. Later, you will lie back on the bed with your knees bent and your legs spread wide. We must be certain you have no sign of venereal disease.'

'I do not have a venereal disease, Doctor.'

'Let me decide that, young lady.'

With a sigh, Karen pulled off her robe, walked up to the brass bed, and sat on its side.

She realized that Dr Holmes, speculum in hand, had turned from his bag and was watching her.

He advanced towards her, came to a halt before her, then stood over her, his dark blue eyes hypnotically fixed on her body.

'I will say this, Karen,' he began. 'You are certainly a beautiful specimen. I must remember to congratulate Minna Everleigh on her good taste.'

'Thank you.'

'I've examined all the girls in this establishment, and I confess you are by far the most beautiful.'

'I… I don't know what to say.'

'Just be happy to know how men will enjoy you. You should do very well here.'

'I… I hope so.'

'I can guarantee it.' Placing his speculum on the bed, Dr Holmes reached for her bosom. 'Here, let me feel your breasts for anything unusual.'