Jealousy: The Absence Of Gender Stereotypes

This is where the scum of the earth goes to die. Under the buzzing glow of electric street lamps, Scarlet women glide like snakes, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting mouse that finds he has wandered onto the wrong street. Locals have taken to calling it “two-bit” street, cheap and dirty. The only people who don’t mind being seen on two-bit are the types who can be bought of by some sweet words and free liquor; just the type I love to pump for information. The summer night is sweltering, with the kind of heat that seems to lean over and press against you. I pull my hat low over my eyes and adjusted the buttons of my suit. A trained eye might catch the slight flounce in my walk, but that is hardly enough to betray my gender. As uncomfortable as it is, dressing as a man is a necessary precaution. Women tend to inspire jealousy in other women, a men never want to speak of important things with a pretty young face. I smile as an old friend sashayed her way out of the shadows. “Why hello, Mr. Larkin.” Miss Lily chirps in a voice as sweet as honey. I can’t help but wonder what she would think if she knew that her dear friend James Larkin also responds to the name Robin Young. Then again, it takes a lot to shock Miss Lily. “Hello, Lily. May I have the honor of walking you to the Deseret Trading Post?” …show more content…
One quick lean on a certain grain barrel and we are gliding down the stairs into Brother Archie’s Swing & Sin. We take a table, sinking into the purple velvet chairs. A little doll on the stage is singing a humorous tune about how her lover left her for a good girl, who turned out to be another cabaret singer. Red faced men and women are chortling behind their hands, pretending to be shocked. I wave down a waiter. Cherry moonshine for the lady, plain soda water for the lady dressed as a man. I let Lily take a few sips to loosen her tongue, then I pull out yesterday’s