"Somewhere I crossed the line, somewhere I'm lost in time,

I'm lost my soul and now i'm losing my mind

Alice Cooper, "Time to Kill"

August, 1886

- ... Actually, the commandant of San Prader, John Coleman at your service. So how can I help you, miss ...

- Beatrice. My name is Beatrice, monsieur.

Fort San Pradera. An impressive stone structure with spacious rooms and a huge courtyard. He was much older than any of the people who were there now, but in comparison with European centuries-old strongholds, he seemed like a “child”. The fort was erected by the Mexicans on their land then. After a while it became the property of the Republic of Texas. And nine years later, the stars and stripes of the American flag were already proudly flying over it. A lot of blood spilled on his land. The Texas Revolution, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War ... Its walls always divided people with different views of the world, life in it, justice ... And now, behind the walls of Fort San Pradera, people were kept with people somewhat different from the usual interpretations of the word "law". Robbers, cattle hijackers, scammers, debtors. It is unlikely that the creators of this stone giant could even imagine that the damned gringos would eventually make a dungeon of their creation.

At the time of 1886, San Pradera in tenth hands belonged to a certain congressman from the state of Texas. And on this sultry summer Sunday, he was appointed commandant John Coleman and received an unexpected but not unpleasant visitor. Sweat flowed in large drops from his bald spot, soaked the white shirt, protruding dark spots in the armpits and on his back, and his smell, with a long impact, could certainly make him unconscious. But this did not embarrass the baleen mustache, his attention was captured completely different. After all, these dull gray walls for the first time in ... perhaps for the entire time of their existence, a woman visited. The news spread through prison even before the visitor was brought to the commandant's office, and curiosity was all that was lost to the last. Who is this woman? Why did she come to such a depressing place? And most importantly: what does she look like?

The answer to the last of the questions was known to only a few people, including John Coleman. Shamelessly, he looked at the newcomer, who took the chair opposite her. And it will not be superfluous to say that from this the commandant for a time forgot how lousy that day was. The woman looked luxurious, neither subtract nor add. A brown-maroon dress of heavy and incredibly expensive velvet was covered with ornate patterns embroidered with gold thread. The sleeves with puffs, trimmed with a snow-white ruff, widened so much from the elbow that any tearing of the arm exposed the forearm, gleaming with silky skin. The same ruff framed neckline with a pink bow on the chest and a black velvet ribbon. Black wavy curls streamed over her shoulders and back. Slightly touched with a smile, carmine lips and a languid, blue eyes, like sapphires from under thick eyelashes, gave sapphire eyes an indulgent expression on Beatrice’s face. The special attention of the commandant, by itself, was given to two large hemispheres, rising steadily in time with the breath of the woman. The two guards at the door who brought her here, because of the high back of the chair, observed only one uninteresting nape. And this fact, multiplied by the fact that until the end of their shift, and accordingly, before returning to the “civilization”, where the fair sex was waiting for them, there was still a week, could not help but upset them.

Do not have time to concoct John and a couple of guesses about what kind of an important person in front of him, the woman herself has made clarity.

“I requested an audience with you, because I have a very ... mm ... delicate request." I need to visit one of your prisoners. His name is Caleb Straub. - The commandant gave a short nod, showing that he understood who he was talking about, and then with a gesture he offered to continue. - You see, Caleb's friend is very worried about him. And he is very concerned about the lack of female warmth and affection, which he undoubtedly is experiencing. Therefore, he sent a very expensive and experienced escort. Me.

So that's it. The picture, which three men saw it, was drastically transformed, as if they turned the kaleidoscope tube. Before them, in a dress worthy of the first lady, there was a representative of the oldest profession. And the attitude towards them was somewhat different than towards normal women. No, not bad. Just different.

- "Escort", then? "Prostitute" in a folk way? - John asked, holding clasped hands in front of the castle. “So, you're a prostitute, you came to prison to serve one of the prisoners, because his friend hired you.” So it turns out?

Beatrice silently nodded, fiddling with her little satin handbag. She continued to smile weakly, and it was evident that a sharp change in the attitude of her not a bit hurt.

“You know, Beatrice, I have to disappoint you.” You see, madam, prison is the place where the sentence is served. These rascals should regret what they did. What do you think, if they provide all the pleasures of life, it will happen? I don't think so. And about how to drive them prostitutes, even hear funny. This has never been and never will be, said John categorically. Then he made a face, in his imagination, apparently melting ladies' hearts. - But since you are here, maybe you will take up another job? Here you will be where to roam, you will not stay in the loser.

Judging by the inspirational faces of the wardens, they considered the proposal of the chief ingenious. And really. In the words of a prostitute, she has already received a prison service charge, so now you can safely forget about him. And, more importantly, she could make a good jackpot by showing the numerous prison staff what she could do. I would not spare the money here. If she is not a fool, then she will never refuse such an offer.

But they apparently got a very responsible prostitute, or, as she called herself, a “escort”, with a striking sense of duty. Instead of answering, Beatrice pulled a small white envelope out of her purse, stood up and leaned over the table. While John was devouring with his eyes weighty mammary glands, generously scented with tuberose and sandalwood, the envelope moved to his sweaty palms.

- Monsieur sure for me You will make an exception. My employer will not forgive me for failing. You have something in your hands that can change your decision, ”Beatrice explained ingratiatingly.

Johns heart accelerated its course a bit - it was not difficult to guess what he was holding in his hands. Deciding not to wait for a dramatic pause, he opened the envelope and pulled out of it what he expected - a thick wad of banknotes. The amount was approaching his three monthly fees, not at all small. And this is only for the fact that he let a prostitute to one of the prisoners! “If this“ employer ”of hers is so serious that he spends such money, doesn’t it mean that I’d better not show up and just let her go?” Anyway, this is the most favorable and mutually beneficial option. So it didn't take much time to make a decision.

Removing the envelope with a bribe in the table, John looked at the woman, as if nothing had happened sitting in a chair waiting.

- Khm-khm ... I admit, your employer knows how to be convincing. Good. I think if I put you in his cell for an hour, nothing bad will happen. Well, except that with you. Your Caleb has three cellmates. Convince them to stay away? - He asked with a touch of mockery.

- Do not worry for me, monsieur. I'll think of something, ”Beatrice grinned. However, what a brave prostitute! Rising from her chair, she continued: “Well, since we all have already decided, I see no reason to waste each other’s time.”Be so kind as to escort me.

But John decided finally to have a lot of fun, especially since Beatrice had resented his pride by refusing his offer.

“Wait, not so fast,” he told the woman who was already heading for the door, and she turned around with surprise on her face. Well, thank God, otherwise he already ...