Slim
Legacy Name: Slim

I walked up to my first target. Madam's brothel was thought to be fronting one of the biggest speakeasy operations in the whole city, but nobody had been able to prove it. I calmed my nerves like my pa had taught me and opened the door to a whole 'nother world. The dim lighting hid the details of a scene straight out of a movie. Plush carpets covered the floors, dark wood paneled the walls, where recesses held statues of people making love. I immediately noticed a middle aged woman waiting in the foyer behind a pedestal podium of sorts. God, what a beaut! Still in her prime, and with an air self confidence that hid the grey at her temples. 'Must be Madam' I thought. I approached her and she smiled coyly. 'Hi sugah. Ain't seen you in here before.' she drawled. I shook my head. 'What can I interest you in honey? I hope you know the prices here are steep.' It took me a tick to realize what she was asking, and I blushed when I figured it out. 'I'm just here for a song Ma'am. If you could direct me to the lounge?' She laughed behind her hand and gestured down the hallway.

I followed the direction she'd pointed and came upon a ritzy bar and stage set up. There was an actual band! Gosh, this joint must make a ton of dough! I ordered a tonic from the depleted bar and grabbed a seat at a round table. A few other men were scattered around, but this obviously wasn't the main entertainment of their night. I fiddled with my drink until the band started up and was still staring down into it's depths when I heard the most beautiful voice. I tossed my head up, almost startled, and found myself staring, agape at the dame on the stage.

Never treats me sweet and gentle,
The way he should.
I got it bad, and that ain't good.

My poor heart is sentimental,
Not made of wood.
I got it bad, and that ain't good.

But when the fish are jumpin',
And Friday rolls around.
My man and me, we gin some,
We pray some, and sin some.

He don't love me like I love him,
Nobody could.
I got it bad, and that ain't good

The instrumental kicked in, and she swayed slowly to the rhythm of the music. She was an angel. What a doll! That face, that hair, those gams! 'Sweet Jesus on the cross' I profaned below my breath. Never before had I seen such a creature, and I knew in my heart that I never would again. She looked up from the microphone and briefly met my gaze. In that split second I felt like I saw her for who she was, not just the gorgeous body in the slinky dress purring the words of this heartbreaking song. Intelligence, fire and intensity, even a bit of sadness.. she had it all, and more. What a gem!

Like a lonely weeping willow,
Lost in the wood.
Lord, I got it bad, and that ain't good.

The song wound to an end, and I hadn't moved an inch since she started. The other men in the room whooped and hollered at her. 'Thank you boys' she said breathily. I melted into my seat. She looked curiously at me once more and gracefully sashayed off the stage. The men filed out of the room, and still I sat. 'Her name is Pearl,' I heard Madam whisper in my ear. 'Would you like to make an offer for her time?' I nodded, completely speechless. And how! Pearl. Oh boy, this dame had changed everything for me in the span of three minutes. I walked to the front of the brothel with Madam, prepared to offer my soul if it was what it took for me to know her better.