The Golden Room

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.'

With effort, Karen thrust her full breasts out as Dr Holmes cupped one and then the other and lightly squeezed. Then, he used both hands to play over her breasts. Over and over his fingers fanned out from her nipples. 'Do you have to keep doing that?' Karen demanded. Dr Holmes ignored her, continuing to move his long fingers over the firm expanse of each breast. 'Absolutely soft, smooth, plump. I can assure you and Minna there's nothing to worry about. Now please lie back on the bed, then spread your legs – wider, my dear – and I'll have a look.'

Flushing with shame, Karen dropped on her back, and then gave in to the pressure of the doctor's hands as he pried her legs fully apart.

He reached for his speculum and bent down on to his knees between her thighs.

She could feel his warm breath on her.

He clucked his tongue. 'Perfect, perfect,' he said in an undertone. 'As healthy as any woman I have ever set eyes upon. Let me go deeper.'

She could feel the touch of his speculum. His inspection was interminable.

'Can't you hurry it up?' she protested.

'I have to be very certain.'

At last he seemed to be done.

'You can sit up now,' he told her.

As she sat up, he rose, and she felt something hard touch her knee. She looked to see what it was, and she saw that a portion of his trousers was protruding, covering a mammoth erection. Appalled, she averted her eyes, and he turned to place his speculum into the bag.

'Well?' asked Karen. 'Surely there's nothing wrong.'

He answered quietly, 'In a sense, there is something wrong, Karen.'

'What do you mean?'

'It is my understanding that to get a job for the Everleigh sisters, you have to be experienced.'

'Yes, that's right.'

Dr Holmes regarded her with a crooked smile. 'You're not experienced, young lady. You've never had a man. You're a virgin.'

'That's a lie.'

'Not according to my examination. Your hymen is still intact,'

'There must be a mistake,' Karen said falteringly.

'No mistake whatsoever,' Holmes went on smoothly. 'You lied about your experience to get this job. Yet the first man to penetrate you – if he's a customer – can cost you your job. He'll notice blood spots on the sheet, and be confused, and probably report to Minna or Aida. You'll lose your job in a minute. Now, it might be possible to prevent that.'