Chapter Thirty-four
Every chair in the saloon was full when Charlie walked to the front of the bar. She wore a simple dress, her hair swept up in a loose bun. She pulled out a stool and sat. Johnny and Dusty sat on either side. Relaxed and confident, she addressed the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Charlie looked around the room. Several of the children were playing on the floor. She spoke a little louder. “Many of us have been friends and coworkers for a long time. With the loss of Belle, several parts of her business have been separated. We have a plan, and I would like to share it with you.
“First, it’s true that none of us here will continue the current operations of the Red Rose.” There was murmuring around the room. “That will create change and opportunity for you all. Our plans a
