Storyteller / Shared NPC
Mature Content: Yes
With: Confidential.
Location: The Northern Hotel, Billings Montana
Time of Day: Morning
The Northern Hotel, Billings Montana
Governors Suite 4th Floor
She eased herself to a sitting position, pulling the thin silk robe over her nakedness, but not closing it completely, rather letting it hang from her shoulders as she stood and walked to the dresser with the water pitcher, pouring an amount that would suffice.
The man slipped from under the covers, making no attempt to hide himself. He stood looking at her for a long moment remembering the moments before, the passion exchanged between the two of them once more in the morning light.
“I always enjoy your visits, but they are too far apart.” He said as he moved to the table where h poured himself a drink. “Want one?”
“No.” She said as she used the damp cloth to go over her face. Slowly she washed herself in front of the mirror, seeing him standing behind her, watching.
“I’ll arrange the transfer this morning, should only take a few moments.” He advised her. “You’re sure he won’t notice?”
“Not from this account, no.” She replied, turning to face him.”And you’ll take your usual fee?”
“I will, but I must say, I do enjoy the bonus of spending time with you. I just wish it was more often.” was his response.
“As do I, however, it’s not that easy to get away, as much as I would like to.” She explained. “Being the wife of Elias Steelgrave puts up certain, ah, obstacles in my path.”
He began to reach for his clothing as he listened, then added, “Pity. Too bad we can’t alter the situation to our liking.”
“Well, for now there really isn’t a way, but a man that has raped his own daughter, his time will come. She said as she began to dress as well. “But it must be carefully orchestrated so that no one is held accountable.”
“Then you’ll be by the bank this morning?” Straightening his frock coat and adjusting his tie.
“Yes.” She answered as she adjusted her corset, a time consuming task.
“Until then.” He all but whispered, kissing her on he cheek and turning toward the door.
“Until then.” She echoed
“I will see you then, my love.” The man said, walking out the door.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
It had begun after Elinor discovered Elias’s assault on their daughter Leah as a way to make him pay, then there was Jonas Balenger of the First National Bank of Montana. It had been so easy to seduce a man some fifteen years her junior and to use him to move money from Elias’ accounts to her own private account under an alias.
The transfers were in large amounts as deposits from his holdings would be far more. Her plan, ensure she would be comfortable the rest of her life and one day, simply disappear. She would surface again in Saint Louis, or New Orleans under a new name and forever leave the Steelgrave name behind. Sadly she would admit to herself, that meant her children, but such was to be the price of her freedom.
All that remained was to have her luggage sent to the rail road station, stop by the bank, where a packet of five hundred dollars would be waiting, a reciept for the transaction to her account and a fond farewell to Mister Balenger. Then board the train for Helena, a few more days in civilization and then the long ride home.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Billings to Bozeman to Butte to Helena.
Five days later, after the arduous three hundred and forty odd mile trip from Billings, she had arrived in Helena in the early evening. She had wired ahead and had a suite waiting at the Great Northern Hotel. That meant a bath, a meal, and a sumptuous bed.
She had reservations for the return trip to Kalispell and on to the Evergreen. The very next time she left, would be the last. Over the years she had secreted a fortune of one hundred thousand dollars, the last deposit was forwarded to her account under the name of Janis Glazer in Atlanta. A change from Saint Louis or even New Orleans. Jonas Balenger had objected at first, but acquiesced. For a woman in her early sixties, she was formidable, both as a lover and as a business woman.
She had long ago convinced Jonah that she would send for him as soon as she was settled. And for a time she had actually considered that option, but she changed her mind, realizing a woman with money could have any younger man she wanted, and Jonas was so intent on killing Ellias, something she had considered over the past eight years they had been involved.
She reached the hotel and was cordially greeted and pampered as a woman of her station should be. Taken to her room, where her luggage awaited and a bath would be drawn for her immediately. All of that made her smile, for ahead lie the overland trip to Kalispell and her return to the Evergreen.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
After her bath and a meal in her room, Elinor retired for the evening, dreading the stagecoach ride of the following day, but it was the only way home short of horseback, which was simply out of the question.
Morning found her having breakfast in the hotel dining room, something simple with coffee, she had managed to keep he figure over the years and the birth of her brood, six in all, not an easy task, but then Elias was wealthy, so life was pleasant and comfortable. It helped that she stayed fit in attracting men such as Jonas Balenger who would do her bidding. The slow draining of funds, though that had only been since she learned of Leah's rape. Before that, it had just been men who would treat her well.
A last bite of her toasted bread, a final sip of her coffee and she left for the stage station where her ticket would be waiting, Jonas was always so thoughtful.
Sarah watched as people came and went from the stage office. Some were collecting parcels and others were asking about various destinations. She had arrived in Helena a few days ago and was a bit miffed that she had to wait until today to continue her journey. The stage to Kalispell ran only once a week at this time of year, so in a way she was lucky she didn't have to wait that long. Helena was a nice place but she was anxious to be on her way. The wait did give her enough time to send an article to the editor of the journal she wrote for in New York. People on that side of the country were very hungry for stories about people and places out here.
While she was here, she also deposited most of the money she had been carrying in one of the banks. The bank had a branch in Kalispell and were happy to give a draft which they said she could use to open an account there. In a way it was good to be relieved of the burden of carrying that much cash into unknown territory. At least the bank in Helena was on the train line, Kalispell on the other hand, according to most of the people she had talked to, was in the middle of nowhere.
An attendant approached her and advised her that the stage to Kalispell would be leaving shortly. Her trunk had already been placed on the stage and all she had was her small carpet bag and reticule. Thanking the man, she picked up her bag and started to make her way out to the stage.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Elinor arrived at the stage office to find her luggage was already aboard the coach an when she reached the ticket window she discovered that indeed, her passage was paid for as promised. Jonas though of most everything. In one respect, she hated leaving civilization for the Evergreen, but for the time being, it was a necessity.
Oh, there was a plan, of course. A plan that unfortunately did not include the Evergreen or Montana. She was sure that in the end, her sons would not be on her trail, no, they would not. Elias, on the other hand, would most assuredly have men searching the state for her. But, with a new identity, and across the country in the lavishness of the major eastern cities, she would be difficult to find, and that was her plan, to live her remaining years in style.
It was then she noticed another lady who seemed to be awaiting the departure of the coach, she walked over to her. "Excuse me, are you headed for Kalispell?" She asked.
Sarah, for a moment, was surprised that someone else was on their way to Kalispell as well. From what she heard, not many people took the stage out there, as most preferred to make their own way there. Looking at the older woman, she could see that she was elegantly dressed which made her feel slightly embarrassed. She had been wearing the same travelling outfit for most of her trip. It had been cleaned during her brief visit here by the hotel laundry but it was preferable to wearing out the limited amount of clothing she had bought with her. Maybe while they were on their way, she could ask the woman if there were any good dressmakers in town.
Smiling, Sarah answered the lady's question, "Yes I am. I'm going to be visiting some family I have there and probably stay for the winter at least. I've heard that winters can be very harsh out here."
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Elinor smiled, “Dear, you have no idea. And your plan to stay the winter will serve you well, as travel can be beyond difficult.” The woman wold be acquainted with heavy snow, no matter where in the east she might be from, but Kalispell that would be beyond what she was accustomed to. But, this would be pleasant to have a woman to share the trip with.
She extended a hand, “I am Elinor Steelgrave.”
Elinor smiled, “Dear, you have no idea. And your plan to stay the winter will serve you well, as travel can be beyond difficult.” The woman wold be acquainted with heavy snow, no matter where in the east she might be from, but Kalispell that would be beyond what she was accustomed to. But, this would be pleasant to have a woman to share the trip with.
"It will be the first time I have seen snow in years. The winters in San Francisco were cold but not enough to make it snow. I guess it will take some time getting used to again." She had one coat, gloves, a scarf and a couple of winter dresses packed in her trunk but probably wouldn't be enough to see the winter through. Hopefully, there would be something in Kalispell that she could buy to wear
She extended a hand, “I am Elinor Steelgrave.
Taking the offered hand, she shook it gently, "A pleasure to meet you Elinor. My name is Sarah Thornton-Carlton."
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Taking the offered hand, she shook it gently, "A pleasure to meet you Elinor. My name is Sarah Thornton-Carlton."
The Thronton name was like a cut to her heart. Shade Thornton had killed her baby Cal. She fought for her composure, it was obviously not the woman’s fault Cal had died, even though Elinor knew deep down her son had gon looking for trouble, and found it. Even though she knew in her heart of hearts that her Calvin was spoiled and arrogant and had asked for what it got. She also knew if Thronton had not killed Calvin, Quinton Cantrell would have.
Regaining herself she forced a smile, “and what brings you to Kalispell?”