Free East of Orleans by Renee' Irvin

kind of promises Jacqueline had heard before, many times, but never had a man that seemed so serious, never had one appealed to her like this man did. He was the kind of man who could tempt any woman, even a whore.
    Jacqueline was certain that he set out to take what he wanted, but she was just as certain that most women were dying to give it to him. He excited her.
    Jules laid a hand on her arm and kissed her on the cheek. It had been a long time since Jacqueline had yearned for the touch of a man, one who cared for her, who was not there just to use her.
    A man who loved her; something that she had never had. A man who would never leave her.
    She thought to herself, I have total control over this man. Control, to Jacqueline, was worth far more than money. However, she knew there was a dark side to Jules that made him more of a rogue, than a gentleman, and it was this side of him that instilled a fear in her that she did not understand, but it was that side of him that seduced her.

    Mae entered the room and cleared her throat. Neither Jules nor Jacqueline had looked over when she entered. She glared angrily at Jacqueline. “Get your stuff and get the hell out! The sheriff sent one of his boys over to warn us that they are about to raid this place. Seems as though somebody told Colonel Abbott's wife that he spent too much time here and she went to the Baptist. There ain't no time—get on out!” Screamed Mae.
    Jacqueline glanced from Mae to Jules. “What are we going to do?”
    “We’re going to do like she said, we’re going to get the hell out of here,” said a casual Jules as he put on his hat and took a puff of his cigar. Jules glanced out the window and saw lanterns moving in the dark. He looked at Jacqueline. “Pack your bags, we’re leaving now.”
    Jacqueline ran from the room.
    Mae moved in front of the mahogany empire sideboard and turned around. She looked at Jules in disbelief.
    “I need to talk to you.”
    “Talk to me when, now? Hell, Mae, you never were a logical woman, but now ain’t the time to talk.”
    “Please tell me that you are not about to take her with you.”
    “That’s right Mae, I am.”
    “You are a crazy damn fool!”
    “So I’ve been told.”
    Mae’s eyes drilled through Jules. “There are things about that woman that I think you should know.”
    Jules straightened the hat on his head and smiled.
    “Mae, as much as I enjoy your company, I’m afraid it’s time for me to leave. If you’ll excuse me, I have two ladies to escort out of here.” He removed his gold pocket watch from his trouser pocket and checked the time. “And a train to catch.”
    Mae’s lips moved, but not a sound came out.
    Jules stopped before going out the door.
    “Mae, give Colonel Abbot’s wife my regards. It’s a fine thing that she has done. The Baptist should be awful proud.”
    “You, you sonofabitch! You did not do what I think you did. I swear on my life you will pay for this!”
    Jules gave Mae a cold hard stare and then left the room.
    Mae walked over and cut the gaslights off in the parlor. Against the flicker of the candelabra, she moved back to the sideboard and poured herself a shot of whiskey. She gulped it in one swallow and poured another.
    Her eyes narrowed and her lips thinned. She wiped the tears off her rouged and powdered face. “Damn Jules, damn that bitch!”

    Jules bass voice shouted throughout the house, “Jacqueline! Priscilla! Get the hell down here!”
    Priscilla screamed as she ran up and down the stairs with overstuffed suitcases and bags that belonged to the girls. Clothes were flying, money was being counted, and the house was in chaos. There were girls running around barefoot in nothing but lace camisoles and pantaloons. Jacqueline turned and looked at Jules with a panicked face.
    “What am I going to do?”
    Jules cackled at the look on her face. “Don’t worry, darlin’, I’m going to take care of you.” He looked around at the scurrying girls and their