<i>“Ah heard tell they was good fer th’ town. Lotsa folk strikin’ it rich.”</i><br/><br/>“Sure, when the mine’s open it makes everyone a lot of money. It’s great for the town but… well, it don’t do no one any good when it’s closed.”<br/><br/>Xia’s face was calm as she read off the cards in her hand. Two of spades, three of spades, four of clubs, five of diamonds and the six of clubs. Nice little straight. She covered her smirk with a sip of whiskey, and tossed her nickel in the ante.<br/><br/>Cassie mentioned another newcomer, a handsome, clean cut looking man, and finally Xia had a reason to wear the smile she felt, “this hand’s five card stud, but we can play whatever the dealer wants. At least, I like a little variety.” That statement was accompanied by a sly wink at Cassie, and the hope she might catch her meaning. But, really, the table was full of attractive faces, and she liked her odds.<br/><br/>Another sip, and she turned towards Tom, “Should we call, so Eli here can join in?”<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center">***​</div><br/>Victoria stood at the top of the stairs, watching Gustav break down and her bartender escort him out.  And then a moment longer, until the triphammer beating of her heart slowed and her breathing calmed. The damn closed mine had everyone a bit stir crazy, that’s all. Didn’t mean nothing.<br/><br/>Finally releasing a sigh, she glanced at her sleeve and frowned at the tear. At least it was along the seem, easy enough to fix. But she’d have to change, before things got busy this evening. If anyone had any money left.<br/><br/>By the time she slipped into a new dress, the saloon was getting crowded, and she had to help out a few of the girls in getting drinks out. After passing out a tray of beers to one group of men, she passed by a man sitting by himself. He was dark skinned, and could have been Mexican or Indian or tanned. In any case, she didn’t care, so longer as he spent money and didn’t cause no trouble, “You drinkin’, partner?”