Shanghai Series

Chapter 4

 Roy was still sitting outside the saloon when Peaches blew past. Spinning around abruptly she stomped up to Roy.

"I hope you're happy. You got me fired".

Roy stared at the accusing woman unsure what she expected from him. Without speaking he stood up and walked away.

"Where are you going?" she demanded.

He stopped and turned around. "Home". Her mouth dropped open. "Don't you dare walk away from me. Didn't you hear what I said? You got me fired". She stomped her feet like a petulant child.

Roy was tired. It showed in his voice. "Look", he told her, "you got yourself into this mess. Don't blame me if things didn't work out the way you planned. I'm done". He walked on.

Peaches bent over and picked up a rock. She threw it at him, barely missing an ear. "Go on, you bastard. Walk away. That's all you men are good for anyway".

He ignored her and kept moving. Whatever sympathy he had mistakenly felt for her was gone. She had made sure of that. The house was dark and quiet when Roy slipped back in. On tiptoes he made his way to the dining room and the empty trinket box. He had just replaced the borrowed coins when Ting appeared carrying an oil lamp.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Roy jumped at the sound of his voice. "Nothing". He moved in front of the box. "I thought you were asleeep".

Ting spoke calmly. "I saw what you did".

Roy thought a moment. What had the boy seen? He couldn't have followed him to the saloon.

"I saw you take the money".

Roy winced. "It's not what you think", he explained.

Ting looked away.

"I only borrowed it. I swear". Roy picked up the box and held it in front of Ting. "See, it's all there. I put every cent back".

Ting was confused. "I don't understand".

"I know. I did take it. That was wrong. I shouldn't have". He put a hand on Ting's shoulder. "I'm sorry". Roy desperately needed the boy's forgiveness.

Ting offered a weak smile.

"Come on", Roy coaxed. "Don't be mad at me". He gave the boy a little nudge. Ting giggled. Roy nudged him again. "You're not mad at me are you?", he teased.

Roy's magic worked. The boy couldn't stay mad at him. "No", he giggled.

Roy feigned surprise. "Really? You should". He watched Ting shake his head from side to side before wrapping him up in a big bear hug. "Thanks, buddy". For Roy, it felt good to be forgiven.

A loud noise erupted from the back of the house. Roy cautioned Ting to stay still while he checked it out. Roy carefully made his way to the back of the house, looking in each room as he went. A strong breeze came from one of the rooms. Inside a broken vase lay near a partially open window. Roy leaned over and stuck his head out. The night was quiet. He looked left and right but saw no one. He was about to shut the window when a dark figure ran past. Roy ran from the room.

"Stay here", he told Ting before racing out the front door. Slowly he moved around the side of the house, hoping to surprise the intruder. Suddenly something hit Roy from behind. He dropped to his hands and knees, catching a glimpsse of someone running away.

"Hey!" Roy was on his feet. He pursued the figure through the grass and onto the street. As he got closer he realized the mysterious figure was female. She was quick but his strides were longer. He caught up to her in no time. Grabbing a handful of bodice, Roy pulled her to a stop. Her eyes showed a mix of fear and anger when she turned to face him.

"You!" he cried. Once again he was face to face with Peaches.

She tried to wriggle free. "Let go of me".

"What were you doing back there? Did you follow me home?"

"What do you care?" she demanded. "You're done, remember?"

He almost bit his tongue in anger. "What is it with you? Did I do something to you in another life?" Roy couldn't understand why this girl had become a permanent thorn in his side.

"I didn't have anywhere to go, thanks to you". She still accepted no blame for her sorry situation.

"So what? You were going to break in and steal from me again?" He shook his head. "Unbelievable".

"You don't know how hard it is. I've got no one. All I have is me".

Roy thought he saw real tears in her eyes. If there was one thing he couldn't stand it was women's tears. "Don't do that". He reached out to brush a tear from her cheek. Peaches turned away, embarrassed. Roy didn't know what to do next. She was trouble, there was no doubt about that, but she was also in need of help. Against his better judgement, he decided to help her out.

"Look. Come back to the house and we'll try to work something out".

She eyed him suspiciously. "What do you mean?" Was this a business proposition? She put her hands on his chest, rubbing lightly. "Have you thought of a way I could make some easy money?"

Roy scoffed. "No. Stop it", he said, pushing her away. Immediately he saw her hurt reaction. Maybe he had overreacted. "I just meant that I'd help you out with a place to stay tonight. After that, you're on your own".

She was disappointed the cowboy didn't want her services. As good looking as he was it would have been a pleasure to bed him. But she wasn't worried. He was taking her home tonight and Peaches was sure she could change his mind.

Ting was surprised to see Roy return with a woman. She barely acknowledged the boy as she entered the house and began looking around. It wasn't long before looking became touching.

Roy ducked past the boy and rushed to Peaches, removing a tiny ivory statue from her hands. "Don't touch", he warned her.

She scoffed. "I'm just admiring the craftsmanship".

Ting was behind Roy, tugging on his shirt. "Who is she?" he asked.

"Um, Ting, this is Peaches. She's a, um, a friend".

Peaches gave a phony smile. She didn't think much of kids. "Me and Roy go way back".

Ting didn't like the woman and Roy could tell. "She just needs a place to stay for the night. Then she'll be gone". He put an emphasis on the last part.

The boy was wary. He wanted to trust Roy but the woman was rude and unfriendly.

"It'll be ok. I promise", Roy told him.

The woman began moving deeper into the house. "Hey, where am I sleeping tonight? And where is your bathroom? I'd like a nice bath".

Roy rolled his eyes. He was about to say something he shouldn't when Ting stepped in. "I will show you to your room". Peaches gave Roy a little wink before following the boy out of the room. Suddenly Roy was worried. He had brought a total stranger into Pepe's home; a proven con artist and liar at that. No matter what else happened, Roy had to keep an eye on Peaches. He had promised Ting that everything would be all right. Now he had to make sure he kept that promise.

Roy was relaxing on the sitting room sofa when a naked Peaches appeared dripping wet in the doorway.

"I couldn't find a towel". She positioned herself to accent the curvaceous lines of her body.

Roy's eyes bulged. He jumped up, grabbing the first thing he could find to throw around her; his own coat.

"My God! There's a kid in the house". He pulled the coat tightly around her.

She pressed herself against him. "I don't see him here". Her lips were on his, drawing him into a kiss. He felt her tongue touching his, soft and sweet. He tried not to respond but he couldn't help himself. Suddenly his hands were in her wet hair, pulling her closer. Their kissed grew more passionate. Then her hand was between his legs, stroking him. He moaned at the touch of her fingertips.

Peaches felt his hardness. She wanted him now more than ever. Her arms came around his neck. Standing on her tiptoes, she rubbed against the hardness behind his trousers. Her loins burned with anticipation. In the heat of the moment Roy's coat fell to the floor leaving Peaches exposed once more.

Once he realized it, Roy became embarrassed he had lost control. He picked up the coat and threw it at her. All he could think was that the boy could've walked in at any time.

"Cover yourself. Don't you have any shame?" His face was flushed, more from the sexual excitement than the embarrassment.

Peaches was shocked and hurt. She had never been so cruelly rejected. Clasping the coat around her chest she ran from the room crying. Roy's body shook at the sound of the slamming door. For a while all would be quiet.

Chapter 5

Roy stood outside the door to Pepe's bedroom listening to Peaches sob. He felt bad for the way he had treated her. To him she was just a mixed up kid in need of understanding. He did have feelings for her, but there was a time and a place for everything; the sitting room of Pepe's home was not the place.

At one point Roy tried to talk to Peaches through the door. "Are you all right?" he asked with genuine concern.

"Go away!" she screamed before breaking into louder sobs.

Not knowing what to do, Roy retreated to the safety of the sitting room and it's familiar sofa. Maybe she just needed more time to calm down, he thought. Once she was all cried out, Roy would go in and apologize. Feeling worn out from the days events, Roy stretched out, letting his body relax. Soon he was alseep with thoughts of saloon girls dancing in his head.

He didn't know how long he'd slept. The house was quiet. Even Peaches seemed to have settled down. Good, he thought. It was about time. He got up slowly, stretching. His back was stiff.

As he approached Pepe's room, Roy put an ear to the door. There were no sounds coming from inside. Lightly he tapped on the door. "Peaches? You asleep?" He waited for an answer. None came.

Slowly he turned the doorknob. "Peaches?" he called quietly. Stepping inside he prepared to duck, should anything fly in his direction. Instead the room was empty. His coat lay on the bed. Peaches was gone.

Roy couldn't help but be a little disappointed. He had worked his way up to a proper apology for nothing. Still, he and the girl were like oil and water. If she wanted to be somewhere else, that was fine with Roy.

Roy woke to the delicious aroma of fresh bread drifting from the kitchen. He had gone back to sleep after finding Peaches gone. No need losing a decent nights sleep, he told himself. Ting smiled when he saw Roy in the kitchen doorway.

"Good morning, Roy".

Roy yawned and rubbed his fingers in his hair. "Hey kid. How's it going?" He sat down at the small wooden table, grabbing an orange. Ting watched him peel and dissect it.

"Where is your friend, Roy?" the boy asked.

Roy shrugged. "I don't know. She skipped out last night".

"Why?" It struck Ting as being odd, considering she supposedly had no where else to go.

Roy himself didn't seem worried at all. "I don't know" was his only reply. Roy popped the juicy fruit sections in his mouth, one at a time. The juice was sticky and sweet. Absently he licked the sweetness from his lips after each bite.

Something about the girl's sudden departure nagged at Ting. While Roy enjoyed his fruit, Ting slipped off to Pepe's room. When he returned he held an empty box in his hand. He showed it to Roy. The cowboy looked at the box, then to the boy. "What?" He had no clue what Ting was trying to show him.

"This box held a very special necklace belonging to Princess Pepe. It is gone".

Roy didn't understand what the boy was trying to say. "What? What necklace?"

Ting looked suspiciously at Roy. "Did you take it?"

Roy gasped. "What? No!" he exclaimed. "I didn't even know there was a necklace". He had to be on the defensive now. Of course Ting would suspect him after the coin incident, but this time was different. "Ting, I swear to God I did not take the necklace".

He had to believe Roy was telling the truth. He couldn't bear to think the cowboy would lie to him again. Yet the necklace was still missing. Ting was thinking it, but it was Roy who spoke it aloud.

"I bet Peaches took it. That little bitch". Ting looked away nervously. "Sorry. I mean the little pain in the ass".

Ting fingered the carvings on the box. "The necklace belonged to Pepe's mother. It was a beautiful gold lion with emerald green eyes. It was her protector".

Roy felt terrible. It was all his fault for bringing the girl into the house. He never should have trusted her for a second.

"I've got to get that necklace back".

"How?" Ting asked.

"I don't know, but if I don't, I'm a dead man".

Ting knew Pepe was an understanding person. "The princess will be upset but she won't blame you".

"She may not, but Chon will" he told the boy. And Roy did not want to have to explain this mess to Chon. Roy went to get his gunbelt and coat. Ting followed. "First I have to find out where she went with the necklace. She'll be looking for someone to buy it".

"I know someone who might be able to help us".

Roy turned to the boy, eyes wide. "Us? Since when did I get a new partner?"

"This is my town", he exclaimed. "I know everyone".

Roy chuckled. "Oh yeah?" He couldn't resist the boy. And Ting was right about another thing; Roy would be wasting time if he tried to find the necklace on his own. San Francisco was a big town. Roy put a hand on Ting's shoulder. "All right partner. Let's get going".

Ting led Roy into an Asian section of town. There the ever increasing Asian population lived and owned businesses. Roy saw Chinese writing everywhere he looked. He felt like a stranger in another world. In front of a small building with green and gold awning, Ting tugged his arm. Roy followed as Ting went inside.

Inside several people sat drinking tea. All conversation stopped as one by one they noticed the blonde stranger that had just arrived. Roy felt dozens of eyes on him. He felt very uncomfortable.

Ting ran up to a tiny old man with a long braided goatee. He bowed in respect. Roy couldn't hear what was said, but the boy soon returned and told Roy to follow him. They went into a small room behind a silk curtain.

The old man waited for Roy to enter before pulling the curtain closed. "Ting tells me you are looking for someone who buys jewelry, particularly Chinese jewelry".

"Yes. A necklace that was taken from Princess Pepe", Roy told him.

The old man was curious. "What kind of necklace was this?"

Ting answered the man in Chinese. Roy didn't know what Ting had said, but the man gave Roy a strange look.

"There is a man who has a gallery in town. He collects Asian artifacts. Many of our people have sold their precious items to him". He scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to Ting. "If she were to sell it to anyone local, it would be him".

Ting looked at the paper. He nodded to Roy. It would be easy to find.

Roy offered his hand to the old man. "Thank you for your help".

Instead the man bowed his head. "It is an honor to assist the Princess".

Roy gave a bow of his own before Ting pulled him away. Once outside the store, Roy stopped.

"Ok. So where's this guy; the one the old man mentioned?"

"Don't worry. I know how to get there".

Roy smiled. "I'm not worried". Ting had turned out to be a great asset. They walked a little ways before Roy pulled Ting to a stop.

"You've got to promise me one thing", Roy told his little friend. "If this guy has the necklace, then you have to let me handle things. You go home, let me work it out".

Ting started to protest. He wanted to do all he could to help.

"I mean it", Roy warned him. "I don't want you to get hurt".

"Ok Roy. I'll do what you ask". He would have done anything the cowboy asked of him.

Satisfied that Ting understood, the two pressed on into town. Roy had no plan. He wasn't even sure this man had the necklace. One thing he did know for sure; he had to find Peaches. The girl had a lot of explaining to do and Roy was anxious to hear it.

Chapter 6

Roy and Ting stood in front of the Shroud Gallery; owned by Millard Shroud. It's large glass windows displayed a variety of jewelry, paintings and sculptures; many of which appeared to be from the Far East. They didn't see anyone inside so Roy and Ting entered. He needed Ting to help him find the right necklace.

The gallery was filled with glass cases. Roy's eyes grew wide at the huge display of gold and silver. He tried to calculate the wealth they would have brought him in his mind. It was a thief's delight. A yank on his sleeve disrupted his lustful dream.

"Roy. Look". Ting's finger pointed to a case near the far wall. Moving in front of it, Roy bent down for a closer look. Front and center of the case was a golden tiger with emerald eyes.

"Are you sure?" Roy asked.

Ting nodded. It was all the proof he needed. He was just about to usher the boy out when a man came into the room. He was tall and heavy set. His suits were well tailored and he wore rings on both hands. His voice was low and cold when he spoke.

"Can I help you, sir?" He came around to stand behind the glass case.

Roy had to come up with a cover quickly. "You, uh, have beautiful things here".

"Thank you", the man replied. He eyed Roy disapprovingly. "Are you lookking for anything special?"

"No. Nothing special". Roy's voiced showed more nervousness than he had hoped. "I was looking for a gift for, uh, for my wife". It came out sounding more like a question than a statement.

The man looked to the boy. "Is this your son?"

Ting started to speak until Roy's hands squeezed his shoulders. "Yes. Yes it is". He smiled at Ting. "My boy".

"Well then", the man suggested, "maybe you're wife would like something from her homeland?"

Roy quickly pointed to the lion necklace. "What about that one? I've never seen anything like it".

The man shook his head. "Oh, I'm afraid not. That's a one-of-a-kind. It's not for sale".

"That's too bad. It's beautiful". Roy could tell it wouldn't be easy getting the necklace back.

Ting was pulling at Roy's sleeve.

"Is there something else I could show you?" the man asked.

Clearly Roy would have to step back and devise a plan. "Not today". He nodded towards the boy. "I think the boy is getting impatient".

The man offered a hand to Roy. "Come back again anytime".

Roy shook his hand. "Thank you mister. What was your name?"

"Shroud. Millard Shroud".

"Mr. Shroud. Thanks again for your time". He smiled as he grabbed the boy and pushed him out the door.

Outside of the store Ting appeared annoyed with Roy. "What are you doing? We can not leave without the necklace".

"Well I couldn't just reach over and take it with him standing there. I have to come up with a plan". Roy loved working up a good plan.

"You talk to him", Ting explained. "I'll take the necklace".

Roy was shocked. "Whoa. Time out". He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What did I tell you? You show me where to go. I take care of everything else".

Ting was disappointed.

"You made a promise, remember?"

Sadly he did.

Roy kneeled down, holding Ting by his arms. "You've helped a lot. But I've got to handle the rest. Ok?"

The boy nodded. "Ok".

"Good. Go home and wait for me. I'll be back with the necklace in no time".

Roy sent him off with a pat on the head. Looking around he wondered what to do next. He would have to wait until dark to get the necklace. Then there was Peaches. He had no idea where she had gotten off to. After a bit he decided it wouldn't hurt to take a look around town. Most likely Peaches was still nearby. If so, she was going to help Roy, whether she wanted to or not.

Hanging around town was only helping to distract Roy further. He desperately wanted to go into the saloon and have a drink but he needed to find Peaches first. He couldn't risk her getting away from him again. Carefully he checked building after building, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive girl. His feet were getting tired. A tiny pebble in his boot kept digging into his heel. He leaned against the post office wall and pulled the boot off. After shaking it several times a tiny rock fell out. He was in the process of putting the boot back on when a familiar face appeared.

Peaches was on the opposite side of the street. Roy, who stood perched like a crane, nearly fell over. He began to run after her while pulling the boot back on. Peaches hadn't seen him yet. She moved quickly without looking around. Not wanting to spook her, Roy ran ahead of her before crossing the street. Suddenly he was right in front of her.

"Where are you going?" he asked. Peaches eyes bulged out. She looked around but there was no one to help her out. He grabbed her arm, pulling her down between two buildings. "I ought to kill you. I can't believe you stole from Pepe".

"Who?"

"Princess Pepe", he told her. "You were staying in her house".

She didn't seem the least bit remorseful. "Oh". She shrugged.

Roy couldn't believe her audacity. "Is this how you always repay people who are dumb enough to help you?"

She seemed a little offended. "Of course not. I told you I had nowhere to go. You got me fired".

She was back at that again. Roy rolled his eyes. "That's no excuse" he reminded her. "Now you're gonna help me get that necklace back".

Peaches laughed and tried to move away. "I don't think so".

She barely made a step before Roy had her again. "Look, that necklace belongs to a good friend of mine. I don't care how you get it back, but you will get it back". He spoke through gritted teeth.

For a minute she stared at him, mouth open. There didn't seem to be a way around this one. "Fine", she finally said.

Relieved, Roy stepped back. "Ok. We need a plan".

Peaches was disinterested. "Fine".

Exasperatedly Roy raised his voice. "Could you at least help out a little? You did steal the necklace in the first place".

Her lips formed a pout. "All right. You don't have to yell". Her eyes watered.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Roy quickly changed tactics. "Ok. I'm sorry. I desperately need your help. Please".

A smile crossed her face. She liked having the upper hand. "That's better. I knew you couldn't live without me".

Roy wanted to tell her otherwise, but it would have to wiat until latter. Righ now all that mattered was getting Pepe's necklace. They both came up with the simplest and most logical plan. They would wait for the man to close up for the night and break in. Nothing fancy, but it usually worked. All that was left to do was wait. The fun would start at dark.

They didn't have to wait long. An hour later Mr. Shroud walked out the gallery door and locked it. Roy and Peaches saw him disppear around the side of the building, then reappear atop a sturdy stallion. When they were sure he was gone, they made their way across the street.

Peaches followed Roy to the back of the building. It was nearly dark. Most of the streets were empty. Still, he couldn't risk being seen breaking into the front of the building. Peaches stood behind him as he jiggled the door handle. He wasn't good at picking locks. He looked around. There had to be another way. Standing back he surveyed the back of the building. A small square window sat about his head. He turned to Peaches.

"Come on. I'll lift you".

"What? Where?" She thought he was crazy.

"There", he said pointing.

She looked at the window. "You've got to be kidding. I can't fit in there".

He locked his fingers together and knealt down. "Yes you can. Now come on".

She stepped into his hands and braced against the wall. Roy lifted her until she could grasp the window ledge. She was very afraid Roy would drop her.

Roy grunted. Her heel dug into his palm. "Have you got the window open yet?"

"Not yet", she hissed. "Give me a minute". He took a deep breath. She was heavier than she looked. "Ok. Now give me a push". She had finally managed to push the window pane up".

Roy lifted his hands as high as they would go. His muscles screamed in pain. Peaches was clinging to the ledge but couldn't manage enough momentum to pull herself further.

"Come on", she demanded. "Push harder".

"Hold on a minute". Peaches felt Roy grab her ankles.

"What are you doing down there?"

Roy turned himself around, putting his back against the wall for leverage. "Just pull yourself through the window while I push". As he began to lift her up, he found himself looking straight up her dress. He tried to concentrate but it was becoming difficult. He stared at the thin, lacy underpants she wore. They barely concealed her tempting feminine parts.

"Roy!"

He snapped to attention. "What?"

"Push harder. I'm almost there".

Getting back on track, Roy lifted with all his might. Before he knew it, Peaches legs flew out of his hands. There was a brief silence before her body hit the floor inside with a loud thud. Roy winced. The back door flew open and Peaches came out cursing.

"You could have broken my neck".

"I'm sorry". He wasn't lying. He truly was sorry.

"Fine. Then let's get this over with".

She started to go back inside but Roy grabbed her arm. "I'll go in and get it. You wait here".

She threw her hands to her sides. "Go on then". He took no time running off. "But hurry" she called.

Inside Roy hurried around to the back of the case. There was a tiny little lock in the back. He looked around the shop for a key, checking the tops of shelves and drawers, but there was none. Deciding he was wasting too much time, Roy took out one of his beloved pearl handles and broke the glass. Carefully he reached in and picked up the necklace. At last!

Roy was admiring the piece when a shadow caught his eye. He spoke without looking up. "I thought I told you to wait outside".

The voice that answered wasn't Peaches. "You better put that down mister or I'll have to shoot ya".

Roy looked up to see the sheriff pointing a gun at him. He had hold of Peaches with one hand. With a sigh Roy laid the necklace on he top of the case. "Well shit", was all he could say.

The sheriff spoke again. "Now let's do this nice and easy. You two come with me to the jail. Either of you try to run, at least one of you won't be getting up".

Roy put his hands in the air as he came around the case. He still had his gunbelt on. The sheriff pointed at it. "Toss that gunbelt over here first".

After Roy had discarded the gunbelt, the lawman had Peaches pick it up and put it over his arm. Roy wasn't sure how Peaches felt about it, but he didn't want to be responsible for either of them getting shot. Reluctantly he walked in front of the sheriff as they made their way to the jail. He and Peaches were place in adjoining cells. Roy thought abotu Pepe and the necklace. Looks like he wouldn't have to worry about Chon after all. The way things were turning out, Roy would be going to prison a long time.