He took a step, turned, and smiled at Ralph, "The drink is on me, Ralph, enjoy." The man said, then he turned back, awaiting Fortner's entrance. He was aware that what he had to say would not sit well with Fortner, Priest, or Ralph, for that matter. The Stardust had been the only game in town for a long time, but that would be changing to some degree. His establishment wouldn't be a saloon and brothel, but a high-class brothel that offered drinks and a meal, should a man care to dine with one of the girls or his associates. Imported girls, imported liquors, and fine foods. That part was still under development.

Fortner and Priest descended the stairs and were soon crossing the floor to the bar.  On the way, a familiar customer barked, "The jigs up, boys. Here comes the boss."  Franklin slapped him good naturedly on the shoulder.  "He is, Mort.  He is."

It wasn't Fortner's style to jump into a confrontation, and he never looked nervous or apprehensive.  Once at the bar, he turned to Ralph.

"How's business, Ralph?" he asked his barman and newly minted partner, paying little attention to Steelgrave.

"How's business, Ralph?" he asked his barman and newly minted partner, paying little attention to Steelgrave.

"Pretty good," Ralph nodded.

"But you got a visitor who wants to talk ta ya," his eyes went right to Elias Steelgrave standing there like he owned the place.

"It's Elias Steelgrave from the Evergreen ranch," he added.

He'd let Fortner do his own introductions.

Fortner turned and looked Steelgrave up and down.

"Steelgrave?  I've heard the name" he started.  "I'm Franklin Fortner, owner of the Stardust.  And this," he hitched his head toward Priest, "..is Hiram Priest, Esquire.  He's a co-owner of the Stardust."

Fortner withdrew a cheroot from his inner, breast coat pocket, ignited a match with his thumbnail, and lit it.

"So, what's on your mind, Steelgrave?" He asked before exhaling smoke.

"Just a friendly visit, don't mind my men," Elias said, appraising both men in turn. "Just dropped by to let you know my plans for the whorehouse. We'll be expanding now that I own it. It'll be a high-quality place, so it won't significantly impact your business." There was enough business for everyone.

Fortner nodded and flicked an ash onto the floor.

"I was wondering if you and Sally Adams, God rest her soul, had a contract for that ten percent that our girls pay you, or if it was a word of mouth arrangement? I see that as an important part of our future business association. Now I desire to get along, I am not here to threaten or coerce. Simply, to get our arrangement straightened out and on paper." Elias concluded, looking from Fortner to Priest and back. It would be up to them how this all went, though; there could be some problems with this Kalispell Ladies Association for both businesses.

"Always glad to see the town grow," Fortner acknowledged.  

Priest interrupted.

"Why don't we move this discussion to that corner table," he suggested, pointing to the spot that was always reserved for him and where he played solitaire for hours on end and observed the saloon's action.  "A little more confidential over there."

"Mister Priest is right," Fortner agreed.  "No reason to have the whole town hear our business."

It was a large, round table, and all were able to fit around it.

Fortner got right to business.

"It's been about two years now, but I entered into a contract with Malcolm Jolly .. the funeral director.. who was starting a brothel.  We agreed to supply the liquor --- and good stuff -- at cost but would get ten percent of the net income.  At least that's as much as I remember.  Isn't that right, Hiram?"

Hiram Priest had drawn up the contract, and the cadaverous, ex-Mayor nodded sagely.

"That's the extent of my involvement," Fortner added.  "Are you suggesting a similar arrangement?"

"I was wondering if there was a written contract between you and the late Missus Adams. Now I will need to investigate the issue with our undertaker. Odd bedfellows, Jolly and Adams. So the question is, with Adams dead, and I taking over, just where does Jolly stand in all of this?" Elias asked offhandedly. "I mean, the old boy looks like he's ready to croak at any minute as it is."

Hiram Priest spoke up.

"Oh yes, we had a written contract, however, it lapsed last year.  But," he held up a finger, "we've keep the arrangement alive without it being codified.  Mr. Jolly wished not to have his name linked to it further, so it was a spoken, gentleman's agreement."

Franklin smiled.  Old Hiram Priest knew his stuff.

Steelgrave chimed in.

"Now as to an agreement between us, I can see where that could work out. I will need to see about this contract with Jolly and how it affects me as the new owner. I'll have my attorney, Mister Cole Latham, look into it immediately." Elias promised, and that would be the immediate plan of action. He had heard nothing of Malcom Jolly being involved.

"Now, gentlemen, the last thing that Kalispell needs is what they are calling gang wars in the east. There is, and certainly will continue to be, enough trade for both of our enterprises as Kalispell grows, wouldn't you both agree?. However, should there be what? Trouble from your faction, I can guarantee that retribution will be swift and complete. Not a threat, gentlemen, a promise. I would say this: it is not what I want, but it is what I will do. What I believe you will do." He paused. "So, what do you say? I see no need for hostilities, gentlemen. I am open to discussions on the matter."

Franklin signaled Ralph for a round of drinks before speaking.

"No threat taken.  It's clear that you have your ..er.. resources, and we have ours."  His mind saw the crew of hardy miners in his employ, particularly Jim Henry, billed the meanest man in Dakota territory.  "But, as you say, no need for turf wars. After all, we are gentleman adventurers on the road to great riches, hey?"

"Send you lawyer to see Mr. Priest.  He resides at this location, so he's easy to find.  I see it as a contract where we all benefit .. How would you say it, Hiram?"

"Mutual Advantages," the old judge answered.

"I fear that open hostilities would only result in death, and serve no other purpose." The rancher turned brothel owner predicted. "I see nothing positive that might come from that."

Franklin nodded sagely.

"Send your lawyer to see Mr. Priest. He resides at this location, so he's easy to find. I see it as a contract where we all benefit .. How would you say it, Hiram?"

"Mutual Advantages," the old judge answered.

"Count on it, gentleman, well, I have other business to attend to while I am in town, and this has been, as I see it, a good beginning." He stood and offered his hand. "I believe we can come to an agreement mutually advantageous to all of us."

Franklin rose, met his hand and shook it earnestly.

"I think golden days are ahead Mr. Steelgrave," the saloon owner said.  "This territory is big enough for a lot of business.  I don't see us running over each other's tracks.  Good luck with your ..er .. enterprise.  I'm sure your lawyer and Mr. Priest will iron out the details."

Franklin Fortner was not looking for trouble and realized that their arrangement would benefit all around.