After their first visit, Jake and Mia debated their next move. The brothel was the only lead they had, but it was too risky for both of them to keep showing up. Suspicion was already thick in the air; two outsiders together in the Madam's house would draw even more unwanted attention.
"I'll go," Jake said finally, his voice low. "You keep an eye on things outside. I'll try to get closer to the Madam, see if I can learn anything."
Mia hesitated. "Are you sure? It's dangerous in there. If she really is Dirty Joy's wife…"
Jake nodded. "I know. But we've got to try. We've come this far."
So Jake began to visit the brothel regularly. At first, he kept to himself, nursing a drink at the bar and watching the comings and goings. The Madam noticed him, her sharp eyes tracking his movements, but she said nothing.
Over time, Jake started to talk to the other customers, listening for any mention of Dirty Joy. He learned that the Madam's real name was Lila, but no one called her that to her face. She was respected and feared in the settlement. Some said she had a temper, others that she was fair but ruthless. Everyone agreed: you didn't cross Lila.
Jake tried to strike up conversations with her, but she kept her distance. He bought her drinks, complimented the way she ran the place, but she only smiled thinly and moved on. Still, he kept coming back, hoping to earn her trust.
One night, after weeks of visits, Lila finally approached him. She slid onto the stool beside him, her perfume faint and her gaze steady.
"You're here a lot," she said. "Most men come for the girls. You just watch."
Jake shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I like the atmosphere. It's different from the rest of the settlement."
Lila studied him. "You're not from around here. Why do you stay?"
Jake took a sip of his drink. "Looking for work. Waiting for the mine owner to come back."
Lila's lips twitched. "You're patient. Most men would have moved on by now."
Jake met her eyes. "I'm not most men."
For a moment, they held each other's gaze. Then Lila stood, her expression unreadable. "Don't cause trouble," she said, and walked away.
Jake watched her go, his heart pounding. He knew he was getting closer. If Dirty Joy was hiding here, Lila was the key. He just had to find a way in.