John StradfordJimmy grabbed his king-size trunk by the large handle on the side and carried it like a briefcase to the Stradford Hotel. He stood outside the fifty-four-room structure for a few moments to take in its grandeur—three stories with a porch in front jutting out from the second floor, windows with pressed brick above, and stone slabs below each pane. A crystal chandelier greeted him as he entered the lobby and surveyed the amenities: a gambling hall, dining room, and a saloon. He sat in an oversized chair along the wall as he waited for the front-desk agent to wave him toward the desk.
“Mr. Montgomery, the owner noticed you come in and would like to meet with you before we check you in. His office is in the back.”
Jimmy got up and headed toward the back hoping not to endure ano
