Chapter 2

Years later he would still count his lucky stars that he didn't try to sample the young Apache girl's wares.

Sitting in his office with Aldo he shook his head to snap out of reflection.

"Aldo, take notes while my mind is fresh" This brought a smirk to Aldo's face. "Whatever you say sir."

He waited until his companion had pulled out his leather bound notebook, before continuing. "Weapons ... rifles .30-06, 40 each. I want the new short magazine Hanson- Kennedys. Light machine guns, Lewis type in 30-06, 3 for now. Winchester model '97 shotguns, 4 should do. Side arms, enough for the whole company, I want the new colt automatics if available but I will settle for the colt revolver in the .45 ACP cartridge. I want four units of fire for all told. Along with cleaning kits spare parts, the works."

"The 'Kraken' will be dropping off the bulk of supplies and domestics once we arrive.

Nemo paused for a moment to t. "I'm lead to believe that the villa is quite expansive. Knowing my Uncle's tastes it will also be quite opulent. I honestly don't know what I'll need in the way of indentured labor and field hands until, we get there and survey, the lay of the land. But I think I will pick out a few girls for the hell of it"

He declined slightly and groaned. "I could really learn to like this. But remind me that we both need a good workout soon. And not one with the fairer sex.

Standing, with more effort than he liked, he made his way to the large wardrobe. He shrugged out of his quilted maroon smoking jacket and placed it on a hanger. He pulled out a tooled leather shoulder holster and slipped both arms through it. Drawing out a small flat .32 colt automatic and ejecting the magazine. He eased the slide back enough to see that no round chambered. He slid the clip back in and slapped the heel slightly before returning it back into the holster under his left arm.

"Civilian clothes, yet something else to adjust to." He said as he put on his new suit coat.

"Aldo, get Lilly"

Aldo nodded curtly and rang a small silver bell. Soon after, the tall buxom red haired madam entered.

"Lilly, I wanted to make it official..." He opened a leather briefcase and pulled out a thick sheaf of documents. I'll have this filed at the court house today

Lilly nodded her face still unreadable though her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the papers.

"I will be examining the books, but my focus is on the outlying properties. Have no fear though. I remain a silent partner." He grinned.

"Whores I know. Running a whorehouse I do not."

"I'll second that." Aldo muttered.

"I will see that money will be made available to update and remodel here".

He paused for a moment and spoke her name. "Lillie." He waited until her eyes met his. "I am not to be trifled with. The place to be is in my good graces"

She shuddered and dropped her eyes. With a tremor to her voice she spoke. "I wouldn't think of it sir. Your uncle was very good to me." Her voice strengthened "I'll try to return the favor to you."

"Is that so? Well I'll give you ample opportunity to prove that." Now shoo and send me my 'little pain' ... By the way what is her name?

She giggled. "We call her Delores. She winked. Delores has not been the friendliest girl I have had. I only user her to do odd chores and such ... not as a working girl"

"I want to see her contract immediately, Lilly. I think she will suit my needs perfectly."

Nemo watched her leave and motioned for Aldo to follow her. He sat and opened a small humidor. Drawing out long cigar, he clipped both ends and after lighting a match, carefully toasted end. Soon smoke rings floated lazily to the ceiling. A knock at the door snapped him out of his self-imposed stupor.

"Enter!" He purposely used his 'command voice', wanting to test the girl's mettle.

In walked the small raven haired indian girl. Dark eyes stared emotionlessly at him over wide flat cheeks. Long hair lay neatly braided down her back.

His eyes traveled over her from top to bottom examining every nuance. She remained calm and still under his close scrutiny. Nemo broke into a smile, finally. For a woman you sure do act like you have a man sized a set of cajones.

Her lips broke into a smile. "Thank you Jefe."

Lilly and Aldo returned. Aldo moved to one side his hand sliding into his coat. Lilly unceremoniously set a thick sealed envelope on the table. He opened it and rifled the papers.

"Girl how are you called? He winced when she uttered a guttural string of syllables. "Lilly calls you Delores. But I think though I will call you Poquito."

"You're a brave and tough one. That makes you valuable to me. I could make use of a girl such as you." Her eyes grew instantly cold and hateful, lips a thin line. His hidden pistol grew inviting.

"Christ girl not that way! I want an interpreter and scout, not another bedmate."

"Before you say a word, here, take this." He tossed the sheaf of papers to her. "That is your indenture contract. You are free to go as you please."

She looked at him with a shocked expression "No tricks? No more debts?"

"None, what so ever, but should you decide to join my merry band I will expect nothing but your all. I won't waste your time telling you what a mean son of a bitch I am. My nature will become self-apparent soon enough.

"Then Padron, I am yours." "Excellent, Aldo will see to getting you a room to stay in here. I do not care if you share your bed with anyone, as long as you get your job done. And you are not obligated to lay with anyone." "Aldo get her kitted out and billeted. Meet medown stairs in 20 minutes. Time to visit the "Indentured Agency"

After all three had left, Nemo reached into his briefcase and pulled out a heavily modified colt 1900.45 revolver. The barrel shortened to meet the ejector rod and the trigger action glass smooth.

Opening the cylinder, he inserted two 3 round half-moon clips before sliding it in his belt over his right kidney. He thought to himself. "I have to get a new holster made before a shoot my arse off." He dropped two more half-moons of ammunition in a side suite coat pocket before testing the hang of the coat.

Wendigo's Indentured Agency proved to be a three storied brick monstrosity, smelling of 20 years of sadness and despair ... and hoped dashed on the rocks of reality. The overweight, perspiring, attendant at the front desk added to the reek with the smell of garlic and body odor.