The Golden Room Read online

  The thought of getting rid of her was the first peak he enjoyed in this one-sided coupling.

  He drove away harder and harder, until he was ready to explode. Then, with a mighty heave, he did explode.

  She sighed, and after a while she opened her eyes as he rolled off her.

  'Hey, that felt good,' she said.

  'I hope so,' he said. 'It did for me.'

  He knew that he would have to endure ten or fifteen minutes of pillow talk, and patiently he did. Then, getting off the bed, he pretended to examine himself, and said over his shoulder, 'Avis, I have a little blood on me. You may be bleeding down there.'

  'I never have – except when I have my monthly, and I'm not due.'

  'I think you did this time. I'd better have a look at you.'

  'Oh, do I have to get up? It's so cosy here. I feel fine. A little sleepy, maybe, that's all.'

  Holmes had stepped into his trousers. 'This'll be no more than a minute or two. I've got to see where your bleeding is coming from. Come on, let's go to my examining room.'

  Avis sat up and stretched. 'If you insist.'

  'I do.'

  'Should I put on my nightgown?'

  'No. I can examine you as you are. Then you can sleep. Come along, Avis.'

  Dutifully, she left the bed, trailed him down the stairs, and followed him to a sliding door. He pressed a button to open the door and stepped into his secret chamber, beckoning her to follow him.

  She came inside and surveyed the vast room. 'What a weird room.'

  'I think patients prefer absolute privacy when they're being examined by a doctor.'

  'Yes, that makes sense.'

  Holmes signalled her to the examining-table at the centre of the room. 'Lie down here on your back. I'll go and get my instruments.'

  She was climbing on to the table as he left the room.

  Delaying not a moment, he secured the sliding door. Then he rushed to his office, hurried to the control panel, and moved the top lever.

  Gas would now be entering the chamber.

  He sat down at his desk and leafed through several magazines. Presently he rose, shut off the gas and moved a second lever to release the gas from the room. He returned to his magazines, and, leisurely smoking his pipe, began to feel good. He had got rid of the dead-ass whore. He had her $2,000 in cash. If the other girls at the Everleigh Club were as dumb as she, he would make a fortune in a few months.

  He considered his watch. It was time to clear out the corpse.

  Briskly, Holmes made for the sliding door, released it and it slid sideways.

  Entering the chamber, he sniffed the air. He could detect only the slightest odour of gas. He marched straight to the examination table. The blob of flesh was still there, and on its back. Earlier he had thought her beautiful. Now, with eyes shut and mouth open, she

  looked repulsive. He felt for her pulse, then listened to her heart.

  Dead as dead could be.

  He moved over to the first trap door and yanked off the top. He returned to the table, pushed his hands and arms under her, and lifted her free.

  She was small and easy to handle. He positioned the corpse over the trap, settled it on the greased chute, and let it go. Wobbling, the body disappeared from sight.

  Pulling the adjoining trap door wide, Holmes eased himself on to the narrow staircase, and climbed down to the basement.

  Without a thought, Holmes followed the procedure he had used so many times in the last few years.

  He lifted Avis off the floor, carried her to the vat of quicklime, and dumped her into it. After much of her flesh had dissolved, he emptied the tub of the quicklime in the sink, and still wearing rubber gloves, he carried the distasteful remains to the examination table.

  Tearing off his gloves, he found his scalpel and returned to the corpse that had once been the trusting Avis.

  He cut into her with a practised hand.

  It took him twenty minutes to dismember her completely.

  There was a fire in the kiln, low burning, which Holmes stoked and fed with coal and wood until it was a red-hot blaze. Then he took the seven parts of Avis, one by one, from the table, feeding each one to the flames.

  When he was finished, he cleaned up the basement. Once it was spotless, he climbed back up to the gas chamber. He closed both trap doors.

  Satisfied that everything was orderly and clean, Dr Holmes walked out of the chamber, closed it tight, and crossed the hallway to his office.

  Settling behind his desk, he reached into a drawer and withdrew the $2,000 in bills he had earned tonight.

  He began to count them one by one, making sure that she had not short-changed him.

  Minna Everleigh, seated in her office with Aida, was deeply distressed.

  'First Fanny,' she said to Aida, 'and now Avis. They both just took off and disappeared. Why? Could they have been

  offered better jobs?' 'Not in this city,' said Aida. 'Nobody in Chicago pays better than we do.'

  'Then what is it? Well, whatever it is we've got to replace them. At least one of them, to start with. We've booked a big crowd this evening, and we can't disappoint our customers. 'I have a long list of girl applicants -' 'Not classy enough,' said Minna. She was thoughtful a moment. 'But I know one young lady who is. Fresh and a real beauty. Karen Grant, the one who worked in New Orleans. I told you about her last night.' 'The tall one without a blemish?'

  'Exactly. I think I'll call her right now. I have the phone number at her rooming house.'

  Minna rummaged about her desk top until she found Karen's telephone number.

  'Here it is,' Minna said. 'I'll tell her she's hired, subject to Dr Holmes's examination, of course. I'll tell her to come right over and bring a few things.'

  Minna took the receiver off the hook, and spoke to the operator, giving her Karen's number.

  After a few rings, Minna was pleased to hear a female voice answer. 'Hello?'

  'I'd like to talk to Karen Grant.' 'This is Karen Grant.' 'Minna Everleigh here.'

  'Yes. I hope that you're calling with good news.' 'I certainly am, Karen,' said Minna. 'The girl I expected to return before noon never showed up. We can use you as a permanent replacement starting tonight. Are you still interested?'

  'I'm very interested.'

  'Wonderful. But I remind you that you must first be examined by the Everleigh Club physician, Dr Herman Holmes. Can you make it about five o'clock? I'll get him over here, and if you're fine, you can go right to work in Fanny's room. We get a flood of customers between six and seven. Oh, yes, bring a suitcase of your best things. Two dressy changes, underthings, your own silk robe, if you have one.' 'I have one, Miss Everleigh.' 'Then I'll expect you, Karen.' 'I can't wait.'

  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.'

  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 r
ose, 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.'

  'How?'

  'I can inform Minna I want you to accompany me to my office, and I can change your condition.'

  'Do you mean surgically?'

  'No. There's only one proper way to break a hymen. It would be enjoyable for both of us – and you'd be experienced. I could -'

  'If you're saying what I think you're saying,' Karen interrupted heatedly, 'the answer is no! I wouldn't let you near me. You're supposed to be a doctor, not a -'

  'I am a doctor, and thinking only of your own good.'

  'You're a lecher.' She came to her feet and pulled on her silk robe. 'I'll accept you as a doctor, but not as anything else. I'll take my chances on – on my lack of experience.'

  'Whatever you wish, Karen. I certainly have no intention of costing you your job. But I'm afraid you may lose it yourself. Anyway, I want you to know that I am not a lecher or something worse, only a professional you can count upon as a friend.'

  Karen remained silent, when there was a rapping on the door.