[HumanePain]

Molly was welcomed immediately at the club entrance.

"My dear Miss McKenzie, you seem in need of a drink!" The barkeep took her umbrella and overcoat.

"Thank you Duane. And make it cognac please. I have developed a taste for it recently."

"Very good Miss! Coming right up!"

Every man in the club watched the redhead as she strolled and swayed to her usual booth above the main floor. From here she could survey as well as be surveyed. She could then fetch any man she fancied with but a smile. Duane brought up her snifter, and left the bottle.

"What, or more likely whom as put you through paces today Miss?"

"Oh Duane, always the eager ear and cathartic catalyst! If I didn't trust you I would think you pumping me for information!" She smiled knowing full well the impact of her use of "pumping me" would have on the stout and single young man. She was rewarded with a flustered, softly spoken "Pardon m'lady. You just enjoy your drink and never mind me. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you Duane, you really are a dear" and she placed her gloved hand on his cheek. He hurried away before she could see his blush.

An hour later he returned with a lighter, having noticed she had produced a cigarette.

"Allow me Miss" He lit it quickly and expertly.

"Ah Duane, if only more men were like you, especially the ones who have ...certain things that I ...need."

Duane blushed, and she realized what she had spoken while in her tipsy.

"Oh no, nothing so carnal my dear boy, when I say things I do mean things. Things that give one power! Things..." Then she realized she may have been saying too much, then thought that the barkeep would have no idea who she was talking about or what.

"Duane?"

"Yes Miss"

"What makes some men more...resistant...to women? Why is it you can see the reason of my ways, yet some men cannot...will not? Why are some men so ...pig headed?" She now bent down when she sipped her cognac rather than lifted the glass.

Sensing her intoxication, the barkeep spoke:

"Perhaps if I knew an example of whom you speak, I may know the gentleman and can tell you what I know, that is if he is a patron of mine?"

Trying not to spook the prey, but knowing that the bait could backfire he almost winced when she answered, but hid his thoughts.

"Von Paine! That old bastard! Have you ever heard of him?"

"Can't say I do. He must be a non drinking man since he has never been in my bar, and I have the most exclusive there is. Wait: isn't Von Paine some top mucky muck at ...the castle?"

"Yes, and the older he gets the muckier he gets!" She struck Duane's shoulder. "Simply detestable!" she leaned forward and gulped cognac.

"And he won't share it!" She looked up and looked at Duane with glazed eyes.

"Well that doesn't seem right now does it? That a proper gentleman will not share something with a lady! Share what?"

Molly opened her mouth to speak, but at the moment her driver peered inside the club door, and seeing the barkeep close to her came over immediately to her booth.

"It is time to go Miss."

Molly's mouth snapped shut like a fish, and she looked at Duane.

"Send me the bill please Duane? There's a good man. Good man and good night." and she proceeded to trip on her way out of the booth and was caught by her driver.

"Mr. Child, I am soooo lucky to have you for a driver."

"Yes Miss." The driver looked over at the barkeep with a scowl and then hauled his boss to the car. Duane smiled.