Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:27:08 -0400 From: James Karvonen Subject: Song of the Lonesome Steel Rails : 46. 46. Part 6. (The Sheiks Brothel: November 1932 to January 1933.): They arrived in New Orleans late that evening just as the sun was beginning to sink in the western horizon bringing forth yet another colorful sunset. There was a small freight yard near Union Station, the main passenger terminal in New Orleans where the boxcar that they were in had been set off on a siding . On the lookout for railroad bulls, Bobby, Josh and Hannah cautiously jumped out of the boxcar, then weaved their way through the maze several tracks towards a gravel road that paralleled railroad tracks leading directly into the city. The railroad tracks ended at Union Station. Even during this hour the night the railroad terminal was busy with passenger trains arriving and departing for New York, Los Angeles California, and Chicago, Illinois. Like Atlanta, New Orleans was an important railroad junction. The terminal served passenger trains arriving and departing from the North, East and West. Walking around Union Station to avoid the congestion of the busy railroad terminal, they came to a narrow city street that ran besides the station. The name of the street was Esplanade street. There was a trolley line that ran through the center of that street. Having never been a New Orleans before, neither Bobby nor Josh had no idea where they were going. All they could was to follow Hannah. Hannah knew exactly where they were going since she lived in New Orleans. They were heading to Bourbon Street located in the heart of New Orleans famous French Quarters. "Do you two have any money? " Hannah asked. "No ma'am, " Bobby said. Josh shook his head. " Okay, I'm going to pay your fare this time because we need to take the streetcar to Bourbon Street, but I expect you to pay me back once you start earning money. " Hannah told them. " Yes ma'am. " Bobby quickly replied. Josh nodded also in agreement. They crossed the street to the streetcar line that ran in the center of the street. The wait wasn't very long before a streetcar pulled up, raining to a stop in front of them. Stepping up into the streetcar they waited for Hannah to pay the motorman the fare that they needed to take them to Bourbon Street. Once the fare was paid they walked into the the crowded streetcar eventually finding a bench that they could sit on. With the clang if the bell the car lurched forwards. It was a slow ride for on just about every block the streetcar would stop to either pick up passengers or let them off. Most of the passengers who were on the streetcar we're heading Bourbon Street. Because of it's bars, strip clubs, nightclubs in brothels Bourbon Street was one of the most popular place to be at night. Bourbon Street was the only place in New Orleans where the city never slept. Because of all the stops between Union Station, and Bourbon Street, the ride on the streetcar took over 20 minutes to make. The wooden benches in a street car that they were sitting on were uncomfortable to say the least. Finally, pressing a button to stop the streetcar, Hannah said, "We get off here." They had finally arrived at Bourbon Street. Standing up, Hannah motioned the two boys to follow her. They weren't the only ones getting off at this block. It seemed like half of the passengers riding the streetcar were getting off here. Once they were out of the streetcar they walked about a half block or so reaching Bourbon Street. Down the busy street they could hear the sound of all types of music from the various nightclubs that located along the street. Has to be expected, the sidewalk along both sides of the street were crowded with visitors. Just about every night there was some type of celebration going on at one of the numerous nightclubs located along Bourbon Street. The street was narrow with a streetcar line running along the center of the street. The buildings on each side of the street we're mostly two story wooden structures. Just about every building had an overlooking balcony. Even though it was early in the evening, Bourbon Street was crowded. Even more visitors would be arriving by trolley to visit famous New Orleans attraction. As Hannah, Bobby, and Josh walked down the street mingling with the crowd, Bobby could not help with the notice that on both sides of the street was either a strip club, bar, nightclub or restaurant that made Bourbon Street all the more popular to out of towners visiting New Orleans, especially at night. Along with smell of smoke from the buildings lining both sides of the street, other orders mingled in the air combining with the smoke. These odors included alcohol, Cajun cooking, piss and other odors that Bobby couldn't quite describe. Pushing their way through the crowd, Bobby asked Hannah, "How far is this place that we're going to? " "It's not all that far, as a matter of fact we're almost there. " Hannah replied. To say that Bourbon Street was quiet at night would be an understatement. All types of music including jazz, hillbilly music, and ragtime blared out from the many nightclubs and establishments lining the street. Like the odors, the music combined with each other making an unusual surrealistic sound. Not only that but the colorful fluorescent lights from the nightclubs and establishments blinding the street were beautiful in Bobby's eyes. This was a whole new world that they were now venturing through. They walked about five blocks down Bourbon Street finally coming to a busy nightclub called the Top Hat. Besides the nightclub was a narrow alleyway between two buildings. "We have to go down this alleyway to get to the place that we're going to. " Hannah exclaimed. " Why is that? " Bobby asked, mainly out of curiosity. "The Sheik's Brothel is down at the end of this alley at the back of the nightclub. Because of the type of clientele that the Sheiks Brothel caters to, they don't advertise like the other establishments along Bourbon Street do. The Sheiks Brothel is a private men's club that you have to be a member of. Don't ask me why, but that's how it is" Hannah explained. " Oh, " Bobby said, not really understanding all of this. He looked over at Josh who had also had an inquisitive look etched across his face. At the end of the alleyway was a door. Above the door was a sign that read in bold letters, "Sheiks Brothel." "We're here. " Hannah said, looking over at the Bobby and Josh. Pausing at the door momentarily, Hannah waited a few minutes before knocking on the door. From behind the door the boys could hear the sound of a piano being played. Hannah waited a few seconds then knocked on the door a second time. Finally the door creaked open. They were met by a doorman who dressed in a full uniform. "Yes, may I help you? " The doorman asked. " Madame Eustis please." Hannah said. " Might I ask who's calling? " The doorman continued. " Hannah, Hannah Starr. " "One moment please. " The doorman stated. He closed the door and for the next minute or two they waited. Finally the door opened back up. Behind the door was a large lady who was heavily made up wearing a frizzy low-cut dress. " Well I'll be damned, if it isn't Hannah Starr. How are you doing Hannah. It's been about a month now since you left here. Is everything all right at your neck of the woods? " Madam Eustis asked. " Oh yes madam Eustis, everything is fine. " "Well let me give you a hug. It's been a while and I'm so glad you're back. With the holidays settling in we really need you hon. " Madam Eustis smiled. With that having been said, Hannah melted in madam Eustis arms. The buxuous lady gave Hannah a hug and a kiss before letting her go. Then looking over at Bobby and Josh she asked, " Well who do we have here. " " Let me introduce you to this young man on the left first. His name is Bobby, Bobby rump and he has 12 years old. The red-headed freckled-face boy's name is Josh. He never told me his last name not that it really matters. But anyway, they kind of hitched up or I really should say I hitched up with them when I boarded the train back in Laurel, Mississippi. They were already in the boxcar when I climbed in. They are runaways, and they can't go back to where they came from. But to make a long story short right now Bobby's main goal is to reach his father who lives in Bakersfield, California. I guess Josh is going with him anyway what they need right now is a temporary job to earn some money so that they continue their trip. Do you still have any boys that work with you?" Hannah asked. " The only boy we have left living here is little Lucas. You remember Lucas, don't you? Isabel's 8 year old son?" Madam Eustis asked. " Oh yes of course. He was the curly little blond haired boy that brought the year 1932 in during our last New Years party." " That's right. " Madam Eustis nodded. "The boy is 9 years old now and as cute as a button. He's one of our most popular attractions. Some of our clients can't get enough of him." "He looked so cute, naked except for that strip of cloth covering a part of his body that had 1932 written on it. But I thought Isabel was leaving to go back to Chicago where she lives? " Hannah replied. " She was, but unfortunately for her things didn't turn out the way that she wanted them to. The other two boys, Russell and David that we had left during this past summer. " " So what do you think about these two boys that I brought with me. Do you think you can use them on a temporary basis? " Hannah asked. " How long do they intend to stay with us?" Madam Eustis asked. " At least through the holidays. We all know that the holidays are our most busiest times." Hannah said. Madam Eustis look them over carefully. " Well come on in, " she finally said. She stepped off to the side so that they could walk into the building then closed the door behind them. They found themselves in a large furnished carpetted room that smelled of perfume and cigar smoke. In the back there was a man playing the piano. On the sofas and couches in the large room, were a couple of sharply dressed men sitting around smoking cigars waiting to be serviced. Walking around the room Bobby noticed a couple of scantly dressed girls who looked to be in their late teens or early twenties walking around passing out drinks and smiling at the clients that were already there. There were also a couple of older women mingling who were mingling with the younger girls. In the back of the room was a curved stairway that led upstairs to the bedrooms where transactions were made. Lighting the large room were Crystal chandeliers. Bobby also noticed what appeared to be a large dining room table in the back of the room that was connected to a kitchen where meals were cooked and served to the clientele visiting the Shieks Brothel. So this was what a whorehouse looked like. He had heard of whorehouses before but had never been in one. The few scantly dressed girls that were walking around looked sexy enough though Bobby thought, feeling a slight stirring in his loins. Madam Eustis looked them over again then said. " Before I make any final decision I would personally like to examine them. " " Of course, I understand. " Hannah replied. Personally examine them, what could that mean? Bobby could not help but do wonder. " But, we can do that tomorrow. But for now, since it is late I guess in three could use something to eat." " If you don't mind, I hadn't eaten anything since leaving Laurel Mississippi earlier this morning. What about you two, you hungry? " The two boys didn't need to be asked twice. The last meal that they had was a can of baked beans that they shared with each other after they had left Bremen Georgia. They both quickly nodded. " Then it's settled then, I'll have Danielle cook up a quick meal for you three. And then we'll find you a room to sleep in and call it a night. Tomorrow I'll decide whether or not we will be able to use those two boys those two boys for the upcoming holidays. " " That sounds good, Madam Eustis. I sure do appreciate this. And I'm sure Bobby and Josh appreciate it also, don't you boys? They've been riding the rails for over two days now and could use a change of pace." Bobby and Josh nodded. At least tonight they would have a good meal to eat and a place to sleep in. Sleeping in a bed for a change sure beats sleeping on the dirty floor of a boxcar. "So go on ahead and make yourself comfortable. I'll get Danielle. I believe we have some leftovers that she can heat up for you. " Madam Eustis said. Bobby, Josh and Hannah made themselves comfortable on one of the couches within the room. They noticed that the few men that were in there waiting to be serviced were looking at them with lust in your eyes. Even madam Eustis noticed the men looking at them. "No boys, they're not ready yet so don't even ask. " Madam Eustis said with a wink. About a half hour later they were sitting at the table eating some type of French food that neither Bobby or Josh had ever tasted before. Bobby had to admit that the french food they were eating was delicious. It was one of the best meals that he had ever had in quite some time. When they finish eating Madam Eustis had one of her girls bring them upstairs. Being that the building had once been a hotel before it became a whorehouse there were eight bedrooms on each side of the hallway on the top floor. At least four of the rooms were already occupied, because when they passed the rooms they could hear the sound of moaning and groaning going on within. That meant only one thing. Some type of sexual activity was going on in the rooms. But that was to be expected because after all they were in a whorehouse, Bobby concluded. At the end of the hallway the came to one last room. Opening the door to the room the prostitute gave them a seductive smile and said, "You two can sleep in this room tonight. " She watched as Bobby and Josh walked into the room. The room was small and compact with one double bed that had freshly been made with clean sheets and a blanket. At the back of the room was a door with a large window that led out to a balcony that overlooked Bourbon Street. As usual the street below them was crowded with scores of people enjoying the nightlife that Bourbon Street had to offer and was famous for. Not only was the street crowded outside, but it was noisy as well. After all, New Orleans was the city that never slept. "You all have a good night sleep. By the way my name is Daisy. If you two cuties need anything just give me a call. " The prostitute winked. Having said what you want to say the prostitute closed the door behind them. Bobby and Josh sat down on the bed at about the same time. "Wow this mattress is soft. " Josh exclaimed. He bounced up and down on the mattress a couple of times. "You're right about that. " Bobby said. The mattress was indeed soft. Bobby could not remember the last time he actually slept in a bed. For the last several months, it had either been on the floor of a boxcar, the ground or more recently locked on a real thin mattress in the cellar of an old farm house. To sleep on a real bed for a change was a treat for Bobby. He watched as Josh plopped down on one side of the bed. He laid down on the other side of the bed. Both boys were so tired after the long day that had passed that they didn't even bother and take off their clothes. Within minutes they fell into a deep, sound dreamless sleep completely oblivious to the noise of Bourbon Street outside the window below them. Tomorrow would begin a whole new chapter in their lives. Early the next morning, the sound of the bedroom door creaking open woke Bobby up. He sat up on the mattress with a start rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. For brief minute he could not remember where he was. Finally it dawned on him. He and Josh who was still sound asleep snoring softly besides him were in a whorehouse. "Hello! Who's there." Bobby called out. He watched at the door opened up and a small cherub faced boy dressed in only in a night shirt entered the room. The boy could not have been more than seven or eight years old. He had a cute dimpled face framed with curly blonde hair. His large doe like eyes were crystal blue. His lips looked moist and sensuous. "Hello. " The cute little boy said. " My name is Lucas, Madam Eustis sent me upstairs to get you. Breakfast is being served right now if you're hungry. " By now Josh had just woken up also. He sat up besides Bobby and looked over at the small boy standing standing in the doorway of the room. " Who is that? " He asked sleepily. " My name is Lucas. " The boy repeated, overhearing Josh's question. " What are your names? " "My name is Bobby." " I'm Josh." "Hello, Bobby, Josh. I'm glad I'm not the only boy here now. The last two boys that were here, Jimmy and Peter left about a month ago. How old are you two?" Lucas asked. "We're both 12, " Bobby replied. " Jimmy was 14 and Peter 15 when they left. You're younger than they were. I just turned 9 about a month ago." Lucas said giving them both a lopsided grin. Bobby didn't know what to say. He looked over at Josh. He had heard something about another boy last night when Hannah and Madam Eustis we're talking. " Are you going to come down and eat breakfast with us? " Lucas asked. "Yes, we're coming down with you. " Bobby quickly said. " I'll wait for you then." Lucas grinned. He seemed to be really happy now that he wasn't the only boy living in the brothel. Bobby and Josh eased out of bed. " Where's the bathroom? I got to take a piss." Josh asked clutching his piss bone through his pants. "Come on I'll show you. " Lucas replied. Once out of bed Bobby and Josh followed Lucas out of the room then down the narrow hallway. Halfway down the hallway they came to a door. The bathrooms is in there. " Lucas pointed. Both Bobby and Josh went into the bathroom at the same time while Lucas waited outside in the hallway for them. Standing over the toilet they pissed together, their streams crossing. Once they finished they shook their penises. Bobby flushed the toilet and they both washed their hands. Outside the bathroom door Lucas was standing there against the wall patiently waiting for them. "Feel better? " Lucas asked the smile on his face. " What do you think? " Bobby chuckled. He kind of liked this cute little boy that they had just met. " I know I feel better every time I wake up after taking a piss." They followed Lucas down the curved stairway into the large main room. In the back of the room they saw Hannah, Madam Eustis and a couple of prostitutes including Daisy who they met last night, sitting around the table eating breakfast. There was a waiter serving the food to them. In the adjoining room was the kitchen where a fat black lady was cooking the meal for them. " Well there they are. Come over and join us. " Hannah smiled. Bobby, Josh and little Lucas walked over to the table and sat down. " I see two have already met Lucas. " Madam Eustis said. " Yeah, he woke us up this morning. " Bobby replied. He looked over at Lucas who just smiled at him. "That's like him. When he found out that two boys had come in last night, he couldn't wait to meet you. " Hannah said. Breakfast that morning consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, maple syrup, orange juice, coffee and milk. "Eat up, I know you boys are hungry. " Madam Eustis told them. Neither Bobby or Josh needed to be asked twice. They quickly filled up their plates with scrambled eggs, pancakes and bacon. They had to admit, what they were eating right now was the best meal that they had had in a long time. As they were eating Madam Eustis said, " I would like you to meet some of my girls. Sitting to the right of you is Daisy, you remember her from last night don't you? " Bobby and Josh both nodded. "Over there sitting besides Daisy is Lily. And finally at the end of the table is JoJo. These girls live here year round." Madam Eustis said. From what Bobby could see, all the girls dressed in low cut dresses were attractive. They were young, in their teens are early twenties. They all acknowledged Bobby and Josh. Once the introductions were completed, Adam Eustace looked at them and decided to tell them what her expectations were as far as them living here at the Sheiks Brothel. "Like I told Hannah, you two are welcome to stay with us for as long as you want to. I am sure that by now you both are aware of what it is that I run here. Simply putting it, it's a whorehouse." Bobby and Josh nodded. "So if you're going to stay with us you're going to have to work hard just like my other girls to earn your keep. The way that I run this establishment is, once you start working you will get to keep about 40% of what your clients pay you. The rest of the money I will take out for your room, board and meals. That's only fair, wouldn't you agree? " Bobby looked over at Josh then back at Madam Eustis then nodded. " Yes ma'am. " "Alright, with the business end taken care of, Hannah told me that you told her that you two are sexually active with each other. Is that true? " " Yes ma'am, we are " Bobby answered remembering his experiences with Josh over the past few days. " So then you know what your expectations are going to be then when you start meeting with clients?" Both boys nodded. "You two are familiar with both oral sex and anal sex, am I correct in assuming that? " " Yes ma'am, we are. " Bobby admitted. "Well once you start working you can rest assure that with your clients who will pay you a good amount of money there will be plenty of that. So that won't bother you any ? " " No, not really. " Bobby replied. " It won't bother me because I'm used to that. That's what I grew up with before I ran away from home. " Josh added. Madam Eustis nodded. "You both know then that you will be dealing not only with men who enjoy the companionship of young boys, but woman as well. Have you thought about that?" " No ma'am, it doesn't matter. " Bobby said. " Have you two ever had any sexual experiences with females? " Madam Eustis then asked. " I have. " Bobby said. He looked over at Josh who was s fidgeting a little besides him. "What about you Josh? " Madam Eustis asked. "I haven't had that much experiences with females. " Josh admitted. " Well, it don't really matter because even before you get started with your first client, me and a couple of my girls will be training both of you in the art sex, not only with males, but females as well. You will find that training quite pleasurable I might add and I'm sure you'll learn some other things that you have never thought about before. I train all my girls and boys for that matter who want to make money and be part of my establishment. " Madam Eustis went on to say. " And Madam Eustis is a very good teacher, because she was the one that trained me in the art of sex. " Hannah smiled. " Thank you for that compliment Hannah. Anyway being that the holidays are just about upon us we're going to get very busy around here. It is during the holidays that this establishment makes most of its money. " Madam Eustis said. " That's right. Sometimes there will be standing room only." Hannah stated, having worked during the holiday season before. "Let me ask you boys this question then. You already told me that you have been sexually active with each other. The question that I have now for you is have you ever had sex with men and not just boys?" " Yes we have. " Bobby answered. Josh nodded also. " All right, that's good to know. So now that the two of us know about what my expectations are if I decide to take you on, do you have any questions for me that I can answer for you?" Bobby looked over at Josh. Josh just shook his head in response. When neither boy had anything to say Madam Eustis went on to say, "I forgot to mention one thing. " " What's that? " Bobby asked. " During working hours which usually start around 5:00 in the afternoon and end sometimes around midnight or in some cases even later, you will be expected to dress up as a girl. Is that going to be a problem for you?" Again the Bobby and Josh looked at each other. Dressing up as a girl really didn't bother Bobby any because he already had some experiences dressing up as a girl back when he was at the boarding house in Point of the Rocks, Maryland. "I have no problem with it. " Bobby replied. He looked over at Josh wondering what his feelings were about that. " Me either. " Josh replied. " Then its settled then. But before I even start training you, I'm going to have to examine you both to make sure that I am making the right decision about you two. I want to see how sexually mature you two actually are. Just by looking at you now, I'm sure that there would be no problems with that, but I'm going to exam you anyway. So go ahead, take your time and finish eating your breakfast. We have all day because usually I don't open up my doors for business until 4:00 in the afternoon. So if either of you have no questions for me right now, in about an hour I'll be getting back with you two to give you my formal examination. Don't worry this is something that I do this with all my future prospects who wants to work in this establishment. So, one last time, do you two have any questions for me? " " Just out of curiosity, how long will it take for Josh and I to complete this training? " Bobby asked. " I would say about three days or so. After that both of you should be ready to meet your first client by the end of the week. " " I'm sure You two will do just fine. " Hannah said encouragingly. " We might even have some fun together. " Lukas grinned, deciding to get in on the conversation. Madam Eustis chuckled at little Lucas's statement. " You'll find little Lucas here quite compatible. He might even teach you two a thing or two." She added. Yes, Bobby thought. Whether he wanted it or not, a new leaf was about to be turned over in both his life and Josh's life......