Evelyn was proud of how she was handling the floor, working hard to represent Lola in her absence, skillfully manipulating the lonely and desperate in order to line the tills with gold. It was amazing just how fast a cowboy was willing to dive into his pocket after a little affection from the pretty blonde.  She was encouraging a local boy to part with his hard earned coin when the saloon’s door burst open to reveal another wide-eyed townie.  His shouts of terror showed the sign of stress as his voice shrilled over the noisy saloon, calling out for any and all willing and able bodies to help. His cry was instantly rewarded as the room exploded with activity. Body’s reacted in various degrees, from curious onlookers who wanted nothing more than to witness the gruesome find, to those willing to jump to their feet and face the danger head on, no matter what it may be.<br/><br/><br/>Currently Evelyn was perched on the knee of one such brave sort, his hat sitting upon her golden locks as she ran her fingers through his thick strands. She had been working his ego, adeptly aware of the tricks required to draw him in, creating the illusion that she had chosen him, out of all others in the saloon, to lay with. To those lucky enough to experience her charms, they would be encouraged to part with a small investment, well worth the efforts it would bring. Those who couldn’t afford to gain her attention would have to learn to live with disappointment, appeased by the small display of affection as she coupled them with other, less experienced girls.<br/><br/><br/>It was a well known fact that Evelyn was choosey as to whom she bedded, a lesser known fact was that those she did couple with, she did so only after establishing private monetary gain. The blonde seductress knew how to look out for herself. Although she trusted Lola with her life, Evelyn had been quietly lining her own pockets with such luxuries as silks and furs, to gold coins and precious jewels, accepting each offering as a gift from her lovers in order to negate the nagging voice that disapproved of her actions.<br/><br/><br/>However, from time to time something would happen to bring the lovely blonde crashing back to earth, normally whenever her ego grew a shade past her reality. This would be one of those times. Perched on the knee of one of the many that wouldn’t see her naked form, Evelyn smiled and flirted, weeding his coins from his pocket, only to find herself unceremoniously dropped onto the hard wooden floor as he stood on guard, ready to wage war with the devil himself. Her blue eyes looked up, bewilderment showing upon her pretty features. His actions were a reminder that she was nothing more than a paid companion, a far cry from the life of a lady that she had dreamed of in her youth.<br/><br/><br/>The blue of her eyes glittered with the coldness that had seeped into her heart from years of disappointment. Rising from the floor with as much dignity as she was able, Evelyn dusted off her silken robes before scanning the room with the attentiveness of a shrewd business woman, assessing the damage the outside event was having on her saloon.  Her painted lips curled up in amusement, already seeing Lola’s as belonging to her. It wasn’t exactly a secret that Eve held the hope that one day Lola would pass the business over to Eve. Her ambition and loyalty would win out in the end; at least that was Evelyn’s hope.<br/><br/><br/>Gathering a few of the girls she quickly snapped out her plan of action. Attention had to be taken from whatever was happening outside. No doubt it was a terrible tragedy for some poor towns woman, but Eve would be damned if it would take away the opportunity for business. If she spun it right, she might just be able to increase the nights take. It was a simple enough plan. Eve, along with the other girls, would turn the emotional event to their favor, hoping to tap into the very human need for comfort at times of stress and tragedy. With a subtle encouragement, they could profit on the opportunity at hand, persuading the men back into the saloon as they turned to a drink, and the arms of a pretty and willing woman, in order to ease the shock from whatever had the townsfolk in a tizzy.<br/><br/><br/>Moving through the crowd, Evelyn made her way to the saloons doors, stepping out into the night air to survey what was happening. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of Bill Carter’s lifeless form being cut down. The sound of his horrid wife wailing at the top of her lungs punctuated the air, a sickly, mournful sound that demonstrated her angst. Her first initial thoughts were one of disappointment followed closely by the guilt of sadness. Bill had been a regular visitor to her bed, often leaving her pocket book the richer for the experience. She had been a comfort to him in ways his wife had not, and thus Eve refused to allow herself to feel an ounce of remorse for bedding a married man.<br/><br/><br/>The sharp pang of guilt that stuck her side was instantly ignored as she set her plan of action into play, covering her mouth with an elegant hand, she took a step back into the arms of a willing patron. Gracefully, she pivoted, turning her face into the well toned chest of the nearest warm body, catching her breath on a sob. It was quite the performance; inwardly smiling she played up her plight as the tender, weak woman in need of a hero. One by one the girls followed her lead, turning to the strong arms of the men lining the entrance porch of the saloon, drawing them back inside for that much needed shot of comfort that came in the form of the amber liquid, sold willingly in Lola’s saloon. As with every tragedy, there came a price. Evelyn knew that more than most however, if you were lucky enough you might be able to have that price line your pocket at the expense of those searching to feel lucky enough to still be around to live another day.<br/>