Madam Fannie is furious after learning “soiled dove” Sadie snuck out to attend and heckle the Women’s Christian Temperance Union meeting!

photo used to make the point!

Reba returned to the stove, hissing like her frying bacon.

My temples throbbed. If the ache continued, I’d have to take a spoonful of that sorry laudanum and tuck myself in bed. “Now, I have to figure what to do. You have put me in a terrible situation. The girls know you betrayed my trust. We have rules in this house, and by God, girls in my establishment will Abide by them. How can I possibly let you get away with this?”

Quiet now, Sadie crossed her arms and laid her head on her forearms. Her shoulders quivered a silent shrug.

Reba shook her head. “Thinks I’m about to have another sighting, Miss Fannie. It’s starting to tell me something’s fixin’ to change around here.”

It didn’t hurt for Reba to season the disobedient girl with the fear of being fired and turned back out on the streets.

(excerpt from The Last Bordello)