Page 57 of Forgotten No More

“Harold is not my lover, and he would never hurt me.” She winced in discomfort again when Marce probed at her cheek.

“Abuse rarely comes from the expected place.”

Ruby was relieved when Marce finally sat back. She wanted a warm bath, maybe some ice to soothe the hurt.

“Luckily for you, nothing is broken. Unfortunately, you will have quite the bruise by morning.” She stood and moved to the sidebar to pour a drink—Ruby expected for herself, since she hadn’t asked her if she wanted one. “I suggest ice to reduce the swelling. The bruising will last about a week. I have some cream that should cover it rather effectively. Drink this.”

Ruby looked at the clear liquid she held out to her. “No, thank you, but—”

“Drink it, fast, you’ll be happy you did. The pain will be something fierce soon.”

She swirled it in the glass and brought it to her lips, swallowing it in one gulp. It burned as it went down.

“It will warm you up, as well.”

Ruby coughed, trying to catch her breath. “May I ask you something?”

Marce eyed her suspiciously. “If you wish.”

“How are you acquainted with Ellington?”

“Her mother and I were dear friends. Are you ready to find Mr. Jakeston? I am sure you would like to rest.”

“One more question?” she asked tentatively.

“If you must.”

“What is this place?”

Marce laughed. “Heaven for some, hell for others.”

“I do not understand.”

“Do you not wonder why Ellington saw fit to bring you to me?”

“I was not in a place to argue.”

“It is very common for men to abuse women—”

“I told you, it was not Harold who hit me.”

Marce held her hand up, signaling for silence. “I am uninterested in who hit you. But unfortunately, I see it more often than most. Girls come to me for all sorts of reasons; whether it be financial misfortune, an abusive father or husband, or just wanting to find a place where they’re able to belong and be themselves.”

Ruby still hadn’t the faintest idea who and what Marce was.

“This is a brothel and card house,” Marce finally said with a sigh, as though Ruby was too dense to be believed. “I cater to rich, entitled men. The occasional incident occurs in which I must patch up my girls, but that man is never allowed back. Violence, in any form, is not allowed within these walls. I protect what is mine, just as I have tried to protect Ellington since her mother’s death.”

Ruby didn’t know what to say. The woman’s words were unexpected to say the least, but made an odd sort of sense now that they were out.

Thankfully, Harold and Ellington returned before further conversation became necessary. Ruby felt sure she would not only nurse her injury tonight, but also ponder all she’d learned about Ellington. And she would try hard, extremely hard, not to dwell on the fact that she’d spent her evening in both a gentlemen’s club and a brothel.

“Are you ready?” Harold asked. “Vi and Brock will be returning shortly from their evening out. If we hurry, we should be able to slip back in unnoticed.”

Ruby nodded. “Thank you, Marce. I will not forget your kindness.”

“You will forget me quickly enough, I am sure.” She slipped a small container into Ruby’s hand when she made to leave. “But, do not forget this. It will help cover your bruise until it fades. If you need more, send Ellington to fetch it.”

Ruby smiled and took Harold’s elbow. “My thanks again.” When they turned toward the door, Ellington remained. “Are you coming, Ellie? We can walk you home before continuing on our way.”