Chapter 16: Amalgamation

76 6 21
                                    

Paradise Reach, Arizona Territory     July 12th, 1870

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Paradise Reach, Arizona Territory     July 12th, 1870

Dear William,

I find myself nearly dizzy when I take in how far Paradise has come in only these past months. The town is constantly growingthere are a little more than a thousand residents renting rooms and homes, and it is in no small part a result of the worsening economic woes back east. It makes the triumph somewhat bittersweet, knowing that my project is prospering because so many people are losing their jobs and livelihoods. Still, it buoys my spirits to think that those who come from a sense of desperation might find the stability they seek. At this rate, we may overtake Tucson in a few yearsimagine Paradise Reach as the capital of Arizona!

I was finally able to negotiate a deal with Mr. Ferguson, the produce man of whom I have written in the past, and the town market is now well-stocked with all manner of foodstuffs for the residents to purchase. It will mean a small downturn in eating house profits, but there are more than enough visiting cowboys that I feel confident that the suffering will be limited. Word is continuing to spread about this place among the ranches, and even my breakfasts attract a small but habitual crowd of these working men. The chemist shop is likewise well-stocked now, but we are still sadly without a town doctor. This has become my foremost priority—many of the women are self-taught in nursing, of course, but it would be a relief to have someone with a proper medical education.

My second problem is the town council. I cannot speak to the character of these men, for I hardly know them. I have met them all, and each one is polite enough, but I would not call them friendly and they tend to remain on the other side of Kingston Street. I have been told that the Red Bird caters to a higher class of gentlemen, and it is certainly true that the more well-off tend to avoid the Dragonfly. I am, however, unconvinced that it has anything to do with the quality of the two establishments, for I have dined in the Red Bird and believe the Dragonfly to be its superior. I can say they are democrats, which does tend to dampen my opinion of them, but that is merely pettiness. There is a rumor that they are considering a town ordinance banning amalgamation, but I dearly hope it is nothing more than that, a rumor. In any case, it would be a great help if I had the town council as allies, but they keep me at a distance for now.

I am happy to report that the Cutlers have not caused much overt trouble these past months, though Frank is as disagreeable as ever. I do what I can to avoid him, but it can be difficult when he makes a habit of playing poker at the Dragonfly. It is made more difficult by the fact that he plays poker quite badly at the Dragonfly. Still, he is more odious than threatening, and I can tolerate that well enough. As for his brother, the ceasefire does indeed appear to be holding, and I dare say Rick and I are on somewhat amicable terms.

 As for his brother, the ceasefire does indeed appear to be holding, and I dare say Rick and I are on somewhat amicable terms

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The Madam of Purgatory ReachWhere stories live. Discover now