Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

Chapter 43, “New Orleans Night Life”, Tuesday, March 14th, 1882:

Kate comments, "I would imagine it's very much the same as learning about music. I rarely just listen to a pianist, I'm always thinking about what they are doing and how I can improve. But there is enjoyment in that too. We may not get the full enjoyment of the enhanced performance, but we would have the fun of understanding every nuance of what is happening." Ruby then says, "We'd better learn those spells, Mr. Gonzales, too many people use them and we're at a disadvantage."

Gonzales replies, "Oh no, not many use them at all. There are only six or seven places in the entire United States where the magical ley lines in the earth cross and magic is widely used, it's just that New Orleans and Cochise County happen to be two of them. The woman you just heard is the reason that Madge moved on. As good as our friend Miss. Duprey is, Miss Tollier is five years younger and considerably more superior as a singer. Madge isn't one to play second fiddle so she decided to become a bigger fish in a smaller pond so to speak."

While they are talking a single pianist, playing light early jazz-like tunes is providing the only music. A considerable change in the clientele takes place during this fifteen minutes, with about half of the patrons comprised of most of the better dressed half-elves and humans departing and then being replaced by younger mostly human couples in working class clothes.

Gonzales explains, "According to Madge this establishment has three separate sets of the entertainment geared to three different crowds. The first show is the after dinner entertainment for the Creole leaders of the town. What will now follow is geared toward the Cajun crowds, who are of French-Canadian and had been forced from Canada over a hundred years ago. They've settled along the entire southern Louisiana coast. There aren't that many here in the city itself but they'll travel here from their own Parishes for the show that we are about to see."

The next hour consists of Cajun music and dance, with accordion and fiddle being the primary instrument. A dozen dance hall girls dance on stage wearing traditional Cajun dance garb, consisting of cotton floor-length light blue skirts, white blouses and brightly colored carmagnolles (short decorated vests). Most of the dancing is provided by the patrons who fill the dance floor. Kate notices a similarity to some of this with Irish step dancing. Ruby and Sonoma are asked to dance by a pair of handsome young Cajun man and Gonzales encourages both of them to go give it a try.

Ruby gladly accepts and bounces onto the dance floor. She quickly picks up the moves and puts her own little hip swinging flair to it. At one point her gentleman friend puts his hands on her waist to spin her and Ruby immediately thinks of Jake and how she wishes he was there. She pushes the thought back and gets back into the moment, dancing and smiling and laughing. Sonoma follows the steps of the dance with a simple grace no where near as flamboyant as Ruby but with a simple grace all her own

Kate listened to this new kind of music with fascination. There was energy to it, and a story. The kind of lives these people lived was reflected in the way that both heartbreaking sadness and overwhelming joy came from the accordion and the fiddle. And most of all a determination to enjoy life no matter what else might happen. She laughed watching Ruby and Sonoma learn the new dance, imagining Ruby trying to bring it to Promise City with her.

The music and dancing continue for another half-hour. When it ends Jacqueline Lashane Tollier again takes the stage. She sits in a chair and says first in French and then in English "I will now tell you a story, one that many of you may have heard before from your Canadian parents or grandparents."

She then tells the story of the Wicked Fairy-wife, stating a few paragraphs in each language at a time. It is a tale of evil, hate, jealousy, compassion and revenge. The title character is a hideously ugly and wicked witch who forces a newly married prince to get rid of his young wife, Josette, and marry her. Josette is sentenced to be hanged; however, the hangman resists and instead blinds her and then releases her to stumble into a forest, assuming that she will perish. Fortunately, a friendly woodchopper and his wife take her in. She soon discovers that she is with child. Years later, Josette's son returns to the palace of the witch. Pretending the be a new servant, he first gains her trust and then plots his revenge on the wicked woman. He slays the witch and rescues his father who he then brings back and reunited with his mother.

As with the song in the first set, the story is riveting the way she tells it and all of the patrons in the hall listen in near silence as the tale unfolds. When the tale ends the fiddle player then launches into a slow haunting melody and Miss. Tolier then begins to sing a haunting ballad based upon the story she just told. The ballad is entirely in French but Ruby and Sonoma both understand most of it, which they realize must be part of the magical enhancement. When she finishes she receives a standing ovation.

"I'm going to have to learn how to speak other languages, aren't I?" Ruby sighs. "That was wonderful." She turns to Gonzales. "You said there was another place around here you wanted to visit? This one seem good enough to me!" He says, "You may want to stay Ruby but I'm not so sure about Kate. That concludes the Cajun block. You'll be seeing most of these couples clear out soon and sailors and roughnecks coming in. According to Madge the final entertainment block of the evening is rather bawdy and crude, geared to the wishes and desires of young men. From what Madge says it makes the entertainment at the Gay Lady look tame by comparison."

Ruby exclaims, "Oh, it's been a while since I've been around some really rowdy entertainment. Sailors and roughnecks, huh?" Ruby gets a little mischievous twinkle in her eye. "But then where will you go? I mean, I don't want to get left here in New Orleans," Ruby giggles. "Plus maybe the other spot is fun too?" Sonoma says, “Then perhaps I think that I may want to leave now also. I've been pinched enough by promise city men I don't want to slap hands here also. Especially after having so much fun so far.”

"At least with you and Ruby here, the men don't bother to pinch me," Kate laughed. "The music here has been wonderful, but I'd rather go before the rough crowd comes in. It might be a few months yet before I'm ready for that," she finished and grinned at Ruby. Gonzales says, "Well, I'll definitely be taking Kate and Sonoma to the other place in town. If you want to stay here Ruby I'll let you, but not dressed like that!" He reaches into his jacket pocket and removes a pair of eyeglasses. "Decide now Ruby, are you coming with us or staying here as Mr. Austin?"

"I'm not staying here as a man!" She gives Mr. Gonzales a look like 'what are you crazy?' "I've been around sailors and roughnecks before. I worked at places..." her voice trails off as she sees Mr. Gonzales face. "Fine, let's go."

They exit and head down Toulouse Street for two block, turning left onto Chartes. They approach Jackson Square on the right and get a good look at the magnificent cathedral. The then turns right onto Dumaine and continue on towards Decatur. Before reaching the main street he leads them down an alleyway to the their left. They approach the back door of building and he knocks. A window opens and Gonzales says something softly in a mix of French and Spanish.

The door then opens and a they see a very large man in a dirty plaid shirt, torn trousers long unkempt hair and a long white beard. He gives Gonzales a hug. The women thought he was human at first given his height and size but now note pointed ears indicating a mix of races.

Manuel tells the women, "The place I want to bring you is a private club. Maurice is a member and will get us in." Maurice excuses himself to go change. The man who returns five minutes later bears little resemblance to the person they saw a few minutes earlier, as he is wearing a pressed suit and his hair and beard are washed and combed.

They head north for two blocks back up Dumaine, cross Bourbon Street, and continue on two blocks to Burgundy Street. They approach a building without a sign on it and Maurice talks to the doorman. The five are admitted. They head down into the basement of the building, surprising in and of itself as New Orleans buildings do not have basements.

They reach the room, which is sixty by forty feet in length. A raised stage with a grand piano is in the center of the room with chairs on all sides of the room around it. A bar is in the northwest corner and a kitchen is in the southwest corner. There are currently six musicians playing on the stage, using a combination of instruments including some horns and woodwinds of types that none of the women have seen before. Of the 58 other patrons in the room, 12 are human, 23 appear to be Creole, 11 are full elvan, 9 are ogrish and the other 3 are of a race that none of the women have seen before that they suspect are gnomes.

Gonzales explains that the club is a multi-cultural exchange of music from various lands. He says that the musicians all just come and improvise pieces, experimenting with different instruments and finding different musical combinations.

Three of the musicians leave and are replaced by five others. A Creole pianist sets the stage for the next piece, beginning with an Old English Standard that Kate recognizes but can't place the name of. He plays through an entire chorus before the next instrument joins in, then others join. Most instruments work although some do not, at which point the musician is signaled to stop and retake their seat in the audience.

Gonzales points out to the women the various instruments that he recognizes the origin of, namely:

The didjibodhrán, an Irish frame drum with a stretched goatskin head that you blow into. http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/om10000.html . A Russian stringed instrument with a triangular body known as the Balalaika http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/om03000.html .
A circular harp http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/om07500.html . An East European flute known as a Kaval http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/om20000.html . And a variety of African rattles http://www.silverbushmusic.com/yrattles.html#anchor26166 .

Maurice goes over to bar and gets some glasses and a pitcher of a light honey and molasses ale. He then heads over to the kitchen and comes back with a platter filled with various fried meats and vegetables for the group to snack on. Kate nibbled absently on the food while listening to the new music. There were so many new things to hear, new sounds. Living in Arizona was a new experience and she loved it there, but she missed places like this. She wanted to keep seeing more of the world. The odd ale Maurice brought over was strange, but delicious, and Kate didn't think about how much she drank. Her smile got wider as the night went on.

Ruby was not as thrilled at this place as she was with the idea of being surrounded by a bunch of sailors. But the look on Kate's face made it all worth it. She hadn't seen her friend this happy and relaxed in...well... ever. It was a good start. So Ruby kept quiet and behaved herself. There would be plenty of time for rowdiness another night.

Gonzales gets the girls and gestures for them to follow him. They go back upstairs to a door on the second floor where a wood elvan man is standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face. Gonzales and the man embrace and kiss one another on the cheek. They exchange a few words in Spanish and the man then gestures for them to all go inside.

The enter a living room with nice furniture and take seats in the couch and loveseat. An elvan Indian woman enters the room and Gonzales embraces and kisses her. He then makes introductions, the woman being Rain Tchoupitoulas and the man being her husband Pasqual Alvaro. He introduces the women as "My little birds, my nightingale Sonoma, my golden eagle Ruby and my precious sandpiper Katherine." They talk briefly about somebody called Enrique who Rain says "Is now in the State Legislature in Baton Rouge, one of only three elves to do so."

Gonzales and Pasqual head into a side room and talk semi-privately, the women just catching an occasional word of Spanish while Rain carries on with some small talk with the ladies, telling them what a great man Gonzales is. He soon returns and the four then depart.

Maurice is waiting by the main door and joins them as they leave. They wander back towards Bourbon Street and Gonzales tells Maurice about his apprentice Morgana and Arcade's Gang. He asks Maurice to be watching out for them and to introduce Morgana to Rain and Pasqual after they arrive. The big man agrees to do so and then heads back to where he lives while the others continue west down Bourbon Street.

Gonzales says, "Thank you for that, it was necessary. I also wanted to see my old friends, it had been one-third of a century since I was last able to." He then says, "You seemed to enjoy the Cajun music and dance. How would you like to finish off our evening with some more of that?" Ruby exclaims, "That sounds like fun, but only if Kate agrees to dance too!" She glances over at Kate and smile with a questioning look. "Mr. Gonzales, who were those people?" Ruby asks as they continue to walk.

He states, "They are co-owners of the private music club in the basement. They are also old friends of mine from the years when I lived here. Back during the Mexican-American war their son Enrique was conscripted by the Mexican Army and being of mixed-race, was assigned to a squadron that was little more than cannon fodder. I managed to get him out of that situation and back home, probably saving his life, to which his parents are eternally grateful. I wanted you all to meet them in case you ever find yourselves in this city and need some help. They understand what it means for me to call somebody one of my little birds, you can expect them to do anything for you just as they would for me."

"It must be so hard to have to leave your friends behind. I've only come to start to understand that lately." Ruby pauses before continuing. "And you've been all over! I didn't know you lived here. But I guess that is why you know so much about this place." She tries to fix her hair but realizes it's hopeless after all the dancing she's been doing, so she just pulls it all down. "So, let's go dance the night away."

"Indeed" he says, leading them down Bourbon to a building with a large sign reading "Grande Salle D'Endroit". Gonzales tells the women "This is where the Cajon crowd goes after they leave Antoinette's. According to Madge the musicians and singers here aren't as good but the patrons don't really care at this time of the night, just wanting to have fun. Oh, one more thing, everybody who works here only speaks French so you two had better let Kate or I do the talking."

Ruby laughs. "Mr. Gonzales, be my guest. But don't be telling all the cute men that Kate here is unavailable, she'll be able to understand you..." A few giggles comes out of Ruby before she walks inside. Kate says, "I can't dance unless someone asks me, Ruby, and with you and Sonoma here I think I'll be able to keep our teacher all to myself. But I promise, if someone asks, I will dance. Within reason, of course. If I've watched him step on someone’s toes....." Ruby says, "Keep the smile on and someone will ask you Kate. But if you feel more comfortable I'm sure Mr. Gonzales will be willing to keep you to himself all night."

The place is in high gear - about as many people dancing as there were at Antoinette's but in half the floor space, making it appear more crowded. There are four fiddle players and one accordion player on stage that all look genuinely happy playing their music. It takes barely five seconds for the two men that Ruby and Sonoma had danced with earlier to spot them and make their way across the room to ask them to dance. Ruby leans in to Mr. Gonzales and whispers in his ear, "You will dance with Kate, right?" before letting herself get pulled out to the dance floor. "Let's find a place to sit," Kate said, straining to be heard over the music as Ruby and Sonoma were spirited away.

Kate comments, "I think I had a bit too much of that ale. You have a lot of friends here." He replies, "Actually no, I only have three friends in this city, and you've just met them. But there are different levels of friendship. Maurice, Pasqual and Rain, they're not just friends but people who will do anything you ask them to do. And I just did, I've asked them to help Arcade's Gang, which potentially puts them in more danger than I care to think about. But Kate, that's what friends do. And if any of those three asked me to risk everything for them I would, in fact I did, which....well....Kate, that's what people like you and me do."

Kate got up on her toes and kissed his cheek, then slipped her arm in his. "I never had to risk anything before I came here. I've learned a lot about sacrifice and risks this last year, and a lot about myself I never knew. It's hard, isn't it, to care so much about people, but I can't imagine another way. But you do sound worried, Grand-père." "You're right and I shouldn't be, at least tonight. Let's take a try at that dancing shall we?" He pulls her out onto the dance floor and the time then passes far quicker than anybody realizes. It is 1:30 AM by the time Manuel and Kate decide they are exhausted. Ruby and Sonoma are reluctantly pulled away from their dance partners.

The four make their way back to the crypt that they arrived in and Manuel casts the spell bringing them home, where due to the time difference it is now 1:00 AM. Kate heads back to her room where she finds Ginnie sleeping. Manuel goes downstairs with Ruby and finds handyman Grant Keebler cleaning up. Manuel asks Grant to walk Ruby back to the Lucky Lady before heading back upstairs.

Ruby arrives at the Lucky Lady where Niles Hoover is cleaning up. He tells her "That Eastman guy was here a few times looking for you. He left you these," handing her a large box of Swiss Chocolates. He tells her "We had a good night. Clarisse cut her sets at the Comique short and spent most of the night singing here. My friend Harry has spent the last month taking piano lessons from Stanley Barker and was thrilled at the chance to play in public for the first time. He wasn't very good at it but the people here didn't seem to mind. Tony and Job both had good nights at their tables."

"That's great news," Ruby smiles as she grabs the chocolates. "You've been going a fantastic job of running this place Mr. Hoover, especially when the rest of us aren't around. I hope you've been enjoying yourself." Ruby makes her way upstairs to her room. She sits on the bed and sighs while opening the box of chocolates. "Another of my weaknesses," she says out loud. "You know Miss Ruby West, you'd be much better off if you didn't have so many weaknesses." She pops a chocolate into her mouth. "But you'd have so much less fun..." She grins to herself before taking off her dress, putting on one of Jake's shirts and climbing into bed.

Kate went into her room and quietly shut the door even though she knew Ginnie would wake enough to realize who was coming in. After she changed into her nightgown she sat down in front of the mirror and carefully brushed her hair and braided it to keep it from tangling in the night. When she was finished she bent over Ginnie's cot, softly brushed the girl's hair back and kissed her forehead before slipping into her own bed and to sleep. "Night Ma'am Kate, hope you had a good time." Kate watches as Ginnie snuggles into the covers and goes back to sleep

Chapter 44, “Ruby’s Little Visitors”, Wednesday, March 15th, 1882:

Ruby woke in the middle of the night, her mouth dry. She sleepily wandered downstairs to get a drink. She entered the kitchen and poured herself some water. As she was standing there drinking she heard a clanging noise out back. Not thinking, she headed right out the back door in just her shirt. It was very dark and she didn’t immediately see anything. Then she startled as she heard another clanging. She looked to the spot where the noise came from and there were two little puppies.

They were both fluffy little things. The bigger one, black, was digging through the trash. The smaller white one was curled up next to the bag. Ruby could tell they were both starving and young. She slowly approached them, and the black one started growling, although obviously too weak and small to really scare her. She kneeled on the ground and slowly reached out her hand. The black ball of fur slowly came towards her and sniffed at her hand. She sat still and let both of them sniff her until they were comfortable. Then she reached out and wrapped her arms around them both, carrying two little balls of fur back inside the kitchen.

She placed them gently on the floor and got a bowl with some water. The black one nudged the small white to the water first. Ruby kept one eye on them while she went into the pantry and pulled out some scraps. She put them in a bowl next to the water. They both hungrily ate up all the food, plus a second helping Ruby put out.

Ruby decided to let them stay. They were too small and cute to throw back out on the street. She started to head back to her room and they both followed nervously. “No, stay here,” Ruby said gently. She started walking again and the kept following her. Ruby sighed. She had always wanted a puppy after all. The white one was too small to climb the stairs so Ruby lifted her up while the black one scurried behind.

Once inside her room Ruby laid some old newspapers of Jake’s out for them to lie on and she climbed back into bed. Then the crying started. And continued. And continued until Ruby got up, picked them up and put them on the bed. They curled up together, next to Ruby. She smiled at the puppies, petting them. At least she wasn't alone anymore. "Lucky and Mischief, that will be your names. Two things I'm good at." She continued to pet them until she fell back asleep.

Sonoma and Gonzales were up reasonably early and headed over to the home the Druid/Mage named Mother Jaminez. She listened to what they had to say and then cast some spells of her own. She said that the absence of the Atlantic Ocean Earth Sprit did indeed appear to be the cause of the new Volcano. The Druid in her was content to just let it occur but the Mage in her realized the danger of the modern man discovering the lost secrets of Atlantis.

The three decide that they need to go to Los Angels to find their South American friends, as they would need the help of the North American Earth Spirit whose location was known to these men. Gonzales asked Jaminez to accompany him. She was afraid of that idea, which Sonoma knew to be due to the woman's phobia of being around people and new places. Sonoma told her "It will be fine. My Great Grandfather can be trusted and I will go with you.

Jaminez reluctantly packs what she will need and they head back to Gonzales's room. He does not show the old woman his mansion, leaving instead from his room at the El Parador. They teleport away. He has left behind a note on his bed reading:

"Katherine, Sonoma and I have gone to Los Angeles to deal with this crisis. I do not know when we will return, but it may not be for several days. Please don't worry."

Nanuet’s stomach starts to rumble so he heads to the El Parador for a change to get lunch. "Good day everybody. Hello Dorita." Nanuet says with a smile. "I am starving and couldn't think of a better place to come in order to change that. Can I get lunch please?

Kate woke a few hours after the sun broke the horizon. The late night of dancing had helped her sleep deeply. Ginnie's cot was empty; hopefully she was downstairs with Dorita. Katherine dressed in a pretty green dress and went over to Mr. Gonzales' room to ask about the dust he had given her the night before. She went inside and found a note on the bed.

She thought to herself Don't worry! If he hadn't wanted her to worry, he shouldn't have said it. Now she would worry for sure. There was nothing to be done. By the time she could get there on a train they would probably be on their way back. She might need to stay out at the ranch while Sonoma was gone, Flint would need the help. Kate wandered downstairs to look for Ginnie and found Nanuet digging into a plate. "Good morning," she said, walking over and sitting down.

Nanuet states, "Good day Miss Kate. How are you and the little one doing? Late for you to be getting up isn't it?" She replies, "Yes, it is a bit late, but we had a late night. Ginnie and I are both doing well. You haven't seen her down here have you?"

Nanuet replies "I am sure she is around here some.... oh, there she is." Nanuet smiles warmly at the young girl. Turning back to Kate, Nanuet says "Yes, me and the others had an interesting night ourselves. Let's just say I hope I don't have to go back to Galeyville anytime soon. And if you ever find yourself there don't mention the names Caine or O'Dell."

Ginnie comes out with two big plates piled high with food "Ma'am Kate Mrs. Dorita told me to give one of these to you and see that you ate it. If you’re not going to I'm not going to tell her. You tell her yourself. I've finished my reading for this morning and at some point I have some questions to ask Mr. Gonzalas about some umm... stuff that I'd like to try that I think he should see." With that she tucks into her second breakfast of the morning with gusto watching and listening to all that is going on around her.

"I've been eating!" Kate said indignantly. "Just because I can't finish off a plate like this doesn't mean I'm not eating." She resisted the perverse desire to refuse to eat out of sheer stubbornness.
"Mr. Gonzales has gone on a short trip, Ginnie. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few days to speak to him." "Why in the world did you go to Galeyville, Nanuet? I've heard it's an awful place. And I wouldn't mention O'Dell anywhere. I get the feeling he leaves trouble behind him wherever he goes."

In the morning Ruby awakens to find her face getting licked by two little furballs. She smiled, even though it was early. They were too cute not to. She dragged herself out of bed and brought them downstairs to let them out. She fed them again and left them while they were eating. She went back upstairs, got dressed and came back down. She had some coffee and after that gave the puppies baths in the sink. By the light outside it had to be mid morning already.

Ruby hears Eddie Palmer's voice in the main room. "Mr. Hoover is Jake Cook available?" Hoover replies. "No, he's away on business." "Oh, is Miss West available then?" "Sure, I'll get her," Hoover responds but Ruby is already in the room. "Morning, Mr. Palmer, can I help you?" "Uh, yes, Miss West, there is a letter for Mr. Cook. He said I could deliver his mail to you." Ruby reaches for the letter. "Sure, Mr. Palmer and if I ever get any mail, which is doubtful, you can leave it with him if I'm not available." "Sure thing Miss West, have a good day!"

Ruby looks at the letter, return address is Chicago. Ruby recalls a conversation she had with Jake 5 weeks earlier.....

Jake is sitting at a poker table mid morning when Ruby comes down and sees him writing a letter. "You're up early, conscience bothering you and needed to write it down?" She quips and wipes some sleep from her eye. Jake laughs. "That would be headlines news; we'd have to tell Chumbley. No, I'm writing an acquaintance that can help me with a letter scam. I haven't quite figured out exactly what the scam will be, but I want a hand writing sample. Then we'll use it annoy Adair, or worse."

He gives her a rather evil looking grin. "It's too early for me to figure out what the heck you are talking about." She leans on his back and reads the note.
"That's fine. I don't have much more to say about it right now. I'm still thinking it over." He waits until she finishes reading. "You go get some coffee and I'll mail this. If Abby writes back, then we'll start something." Ruby yawns and nods and shambles off to find some coffee while Jake mails the letter.

Abagail Bowen
C/O Federal Boarding House
24 Federal Street
Chicago Illinois

Greetings Abby,

How have you been? It has been way too long, but it's not likely I'll be in the city any time soon. Little Jake is doing well all things considered. To this day nobody throws a boarding house party like Big Abby.

I have an Abby style business deal going, would you or one of the girls handle the long distance end for me? Enclosed is a money order for $10 to get your interest. Use it for a bottle of whiskey and get a PO box. I'll fill in the details later. Send me the PO box number as soon as you have it. If you don't want to play, then buy two bottles and toast me! Either way write back.

Jake Cook

Ruby then opens the letter that had just arrived.

Jake Cook
c/o Postmaster
Promise City, Arizona

Hello there Little Jake!

Never thought we'd hear from you again. I will say it is a pleasure and would be happy to have you visit, we sure as heck would throw an 'Abby' party for you. As long as somebody wasn't chasing you, if you know what I mean.

Sure we'll play, but on one condition; you have to tell us the whole story later on. Remember if the game is not kosher the fees are higher. Mattie took care of the post office box for you. She says to tell you she still remembers how to take care of other things for you if you decide to stop in. You own post office box 1187. Tell us what we need to know about the game. Looking forward to your postal orders.

Abby

“Hum… Chicago sounds like fun, minus the Mattie part…I'll have to ask him about that,” thinks Ruby. She brings the letter back upstairs and leaves it on the desk for Jake. Then she heads over to the El Parador to eat and find Kate, not noticing the puppies following her. Ruby wandered into the Cantina and over to the table with Kate, Nanuet and Ginnie. She hugged all of them and picked some food off Kate's plate before sitting. "Good morning. What are we talking about this fine day?"

"You remember my cousin Chopido and his friend Caine right? Alison Caine is his relation. They wanted to find her so myself, Chester, Luc and the two of them rode out there last night. As close to lawless as a place can get. Town is dying off though, not much left of it. It sounds like we all had eventful evenings last night."

Nanuet repeats the story in detail to Ruby about the journey to Galeyville. He leaves out the part about the shooting in the presence of Ginnie. "So, where did you go? I heard you stayed out late last night?" Ruby replies, "Well, I'm glad you are back safe and sound. I heard it's rough in Galeyville with lots of members of the Cowboy Gang hanging out there. We went dancing last night," Ruby says with a knowing smile, and she cradles her coffee. Dorita brings her a plate of food and she digs in, leaving Kate to say anymore.

Kate adds, "Mr. Gonzales took us to a couple places to hear some new music. We had a good time. I take it Alison has moved on.” He replies, "Yes, she headed out of town several weeks ago apparently." Kate asks, “What about your cousin and his friend?" "They headed east to keep looking for Alison. I wasn't prepared to move on with them, don't have reason to really. So first light we went our separate ways."

Dorita shrieks and yells "Out, out, out!" as she notices the pair of scruffy looking puppies that have followed Ruby in. "Those little rascals yours Miss Ruby?" Nanuet says with a quizzical look on his face. Ruby nods, "Found them out behind the Lucky Lady early this morning. Aren't they cute? I told Jake I wanted a puppy, but I didn't want to wait for him to get around to it." Ruby says with her trademark smile on her face. "Plus they were starving poor things!"

Nanuet says, "Well I was almost finished anyway, I'll take them outside for you and keep an eye on them." Nanuet scoops up the playful puppies and carries them outside, laughing as one of them licks his face. Kate asks, "Puppies Ruby?" "Why not?" Ruby shrugged. "I always wanted a puppy." Kate replies, "No reason why not, I'm just a bit surprised. More surprised that you took in two than that you took one in at all. Two puppies are a handful."

"There was two of them there, what can I say?" Ruby goes back to eating. "They can't be more trouble than anything else around here, especially my friends and all the trouble they get into." Ruby raises an eyebrow and tries not to laugh.

Dorita arrives at the table and wagging her finger at Ruby lets off a long string of Spanish intermixed with English that includes the words "No", "Dog" and "Piddle". She then says "You no bring animal in here again! Why you need dog? You have Jake follow you around."

Kate nearly choked on the last forkful of food. She swallowed carefully before she let the laughter out. "How very true," she finally managed to get out. "But Jake gets in more trouble than those puppies could." Ruby looks up at Dorita. "I'm going to have to learn what you are saying Dorita. I didn't bring them in, they followed me! And as for Jake, he's not always around..." Ruby finally breaks down and laughs.

Poor Jake," Ruby shakes her head but is still smiling, "It's true. He's the most trouble I've ever been in but I wouldn't change it for anything. Anyway, I'm sure Nanuet will help me train them into good loyal dogs to watch over all of us and the Lucky Lady." "That's a good idea, Ruby. It's been quiet so far, but that doesn't mean Adair still won't try something. So what are you up to today? I won't have any lessons for a few days," Kate said, handing Ruby Mr. Gonzales' note.

She says, "Oh, I hope Mr. Gonzales will be ok..." Ruby shakes the thought out of her head. "Um, no plans for today. I did want another pair of leather pants. Jake likes the pair I have." She gets a dreamy look in her eye for a moment then snaps out of it. "Maybe I should add to that list training puppies." Ruby scrunches her nose. "And avoiding Mr. Eastman. But Kate, you have to taste the chocolates he brought me..."

"Alright, let me go outside with Nanuet for a while. I'll meet you back here and we can do whatever you'd like, ok?" She squeezes Kate's hand and starts walking out. "Ginnie, you're welcome to join us if you're not busy. Up to you..." Nanuet is sitting on the ground playing with Lucky and Mischief when Ruby walks out. Ruby walks out and finds Nanuet. "Ok, how do we train puppies?"

He replies, "Well, they are a little young to start much formal training, but we can work on housebreaking and some simple things. Hope you have some patience and some free time!" Nanuet says chuckling. "These two will be a handful. We have to figure out where we are going to keep them for now. Maybe I can build them a pen of some sort if we can find a spot. Can't just leave them upstairs when the Lucky Lady is open for business and can't have them roaming around either."

She replies, "Why not? They've been living on the street, we can't cage them like birds now... Why does everyone always try to take away freedom? I mean, they don't have to stay here if they don't want to. But yes, whatever training they can do, let's start now. We don't want two wild and crazy puppies running around, now do we?" Ruby playfully scoops Lucky into her arms and starts walking to the druids grove while Mischief follows behind, nipping at her heels.

Ruby puts her down when they get to the grove and they watch the puppies bound around. "So, what do you think? I'd like them to be able to keep guard at the Lucky Lady when they are older. Think you can train them to do that?" He replies, "With a bit of time I believe I can. It is good that they are still pups, easier to train that way. Oww... although this one, Mischief I believe has been properly named." Nanuet winces and pulls his freshly nipped finger back from the playful pups maw.

He says, "I didn't mean take away their freedom, I was actually thinking more freedom, just some boundaries. I mean right now they are a little too small to be hanging out in the Lucky Lady during business hours, especially at night when it can get crowded. I figured a pen outside would be better than a room inside locked away somewhere. Believe me, with the way my people have been treated I value freedom as much as anyone else."

Ruby laughed at Nanuet's antics with the puppies. It was a softer side of him than she was used to. "If you'd like to build a boundary for them you can. And just let me know what I can do to help train them." Ruby leans closer to Nanuet and speaks softly, "It would be better if they were trained somewhat before Jake gets back..." He says, "Well I am an elf, and good with most animals at that, but a miracle worker I am not. I will work with them as much as I can. Hopefully we can keep the mess to a minimum. For now I would keep lots of newspapers around if I were you."

"Good and I really appreciate it. They didn't make any mess last night," Ruby shrugged. "Let's hope it stays that way." Ruby and Nanuet work with the puppies for a while. "I'm going to get Kate now, she wanted to do some shopping I think. You can come along or stay with the puppies, up to you." He says, "Geez, although shopping with two women sounds like oh so much fun, I think I'll stay here with them." he says pointing to the canines. "You and Kate can enjoy each others company without me to get between you."

Silly elf," Ruby says shaking her head. "It's not so bad, shopping that is." She stands up and stretches a bit. "I'll see you later then. And thanks, for everything." Ruby pats each puppy on the head and walks off. She goes back to the Cantina to get Kate.

Chapter 45, “The Promise City Vigilance Committee”, Wednesday, March 15th, 1882:

Ruby says, "Let's go to the leather shop first, ok?" Kate agrees and they make their way to Frye's. Kate and Ruby chatted about nothing in particular on the way over. They entered Frye's and Kate smiled. "Good afternoon, Mr. Frye. I don't suppose my order is ready yet? I realize it's a bit early, but as long as we're here..."

Ruby also nods to Mr. Frye as she passes him and Kate by. “Good afternoon, Mr. Frye. I want to thank you for the last pair of leather pants I bought here. Your idea of sitting in the bathtub worked great. And the jacket you made for me is perfect. I’d like to get a pair in black please.” Frye replies, “You’d have to get them a little big again.” “That’s ok, I will if I have to, but let me try these,” she grabs a pair of boys pants off the rack and heads to the back to change. She comes out with the pants on, fitting tight except for the waist. She hops up on the fitting block and holds up her shirt so a bit of skin is showing. “So, what do you think?”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you a question actually. Why do you keep advertising in that rag that Parker Baxter calls a newspaper? No one reads it anymore anyway, since they never print the truth.” He replies "Baxter's typesetter, Josiah Young, is married to my niece. I'd hate to see him out of work and he enjoys the print shop job. They've got a young son and a second child on the way. I've got him working here part time, but he would much rather work on the paper than helping out in a leather shop, so I'm doing what I can to keep Baxter in business."

Ruby replies, "What if he got a job working at the other newspaper? I know some people at the paper and I have it on good authority they are considering opening an office here, since they are so successful now." He says, "I don't know, I've got a good relationship with Baxter so I'd hate to see him go out of business. Maybe that other paper might consider buying him out, that way he'd still save face. As long as I can keep Josiah and Angelica here in town I'll be happy. They're a couple of really good kids."

Ruby exclaims, "Baxter is a liar who makes things up to sell his paper. I'm sure your niece and nephew could do better than work with the likes of him. I would hate to see your business suffer because of that loser and the people he associates with." Ruby swings her hip a little before hopping off the block. "I'll take these and you can let me know if you'd like me to make a referral for you." She heads back to change, "Oh and is Kate's order ready?"

"I'll have it tomorrow," he replies. He then comments to Ruby "Baxter isn't as bad a guy as you think. You should try to get to know him." She states, "Oh really? Deliberately printing lies about me makes him a wonderful person I'm sure. But thanks for the advice." Ruby thinks twice about buying the pants but she thinks, hell, they looked good and in the long run that benefits me more. She pays him for the pants and waits for Kate.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," Kate says to Mr. Frye, trying to smooth over Ruby's rough edges. "I'll stop by tomorrow." She took Ruby's arm and led her out. "Ruby, I think you need to back down just a bit. He doesn't have reason to hate Baxter, he just disagrees with you. Don't make him think badly of you. Now, do you think we could ask Jeff if he'll help me move a couple bed frames out to the ranch? Ginnie and I may need to stay there a few nights until Sonoma gets back. I'll rent a wagon, I'll just need him to help move them on and off and into the house."

"I was only suggesting to the man that he disassociate himself from liars like Baxter before he is looked badly upon for being associated with them. Do you know what I mean?" Ruby confused herself with what she just said, so she shakes her head and then laughs. "Anyway, I got new pants. Sure we can ask Jeff, I bet he'd like to go for a ride. And Chester's probably around somewhere, he can go with you or stay at the Lucky Lady."

They casually walk back to the Lucky Lady. They find Jeff, who readily agrees to help Kate. He brings down some bed frames with the help of Nanuet while Kate gets a wagon. Ruby declines the ride out, preferring to stay and help Niles and maybe take a nap. She waves off Kate, Nanuet, Chester and Jeff before heading back inside. It was mealtime and the saloon was busy. Word of Maria's good cooking was spreading and more and more people were coming for the food. Ruby helps Maria for about two seconds in the kitchen before getting shooed out, so she stays out front alternating between chatting with the customers, helping Hoover and playing with the puppies who follow her all around.

Kate walked quickly over to Drover's Livery and went inside, looking to see if anyone was there. She waited a moment, then stepped into the corral, where she saw a man partially hidden behind a horse. "Excuse me, I need to rent a wagon." He introduces himself as Austin Blake, a name she recognizes as the husband of Vera Blake, owner of both the livery and Drover's Hotel. He asks what type of vehicle she wants, explaining how she has a number of different models. He takes her into the barn and she see two nice touring carriages, one being the carriage that Conrad had rented. He also has four wagons of various styles and weights.

Kate looked at the carriage she and Conrad had gone out in for a moment, then shook her head clears and turned back to Mr. Blake. "I need to move some bedframes, so something large enough to hold them. And the horses to pull it as well." She looked over the wagons and chose one that seemed large enough. "How much will that be? And just out of curiosity, how much is it to rent that rig over there?" she added, indicating the one Conrad had rented.

He answers, "That one is $ 2.00 for a day, the others are $ 1.00. That includes the use of the horse." "That's very reasonable, thank you," Kate said. She dug into her handbag for a dollar and then drove the wagon back to the Lucky Lady. Jeff and Nanuet loaded up the frames, and Kate stayed in the driver's seat as they left Promise City for the ranch.

Once they arrive at the ranch, Kate has the men set up the bedframes in the one complete bedroom. With a little cajoling she gets them to help with the chores, which are done quickly with all the extra hands. Nanuet was more than happy to help Kate move the furniture and do some of the chores around the ranch. He felt guilty about not spending more time there, but still realized how much he was enjoying life around the town lately.

Kate then drove them back into town and returned the wagon. Once they got back to town Nanuet decided a bath would be a good idea. He headed to the bathhouse to get cleaned up and then back to the Lucky Lady to see if anything needed to be done in preparation for the evening.
Kate returned to the El Parador, unsure what to do with herself. Chester comes into the Lucky Lady at dinnertime. He laughs when he sees the two puppies nipping at Ruby's heels. "Hi Mr. Hoover. Hi Ruby. It looks like you've found two more lost souls to rescue.

"Hi Chet! Yes, two adorable lost souls I might add," Ruby replies as she leans over and pets the pups. "They fit right in here. Well, Nanuet is off with Kate, tending to their ranch. I don't know what time they'll be back. Who knows where Luc is." Ruby shrugs. "And Jake is gone, so I guess if you could it would be a good idea to hang around tonight." Ruby looks up at Chester. "So did you get everything moved in? He replies, "Yep, everything is in. I didn't have that much to begin with. She replies, “And how is your room?" He answers, “It's really nicely furnished, Ruby. Thank you."

He asks, “You need me to work tonight? I don't see Nanuet or that Luc fellow around." Luc was out back working. He wasn't sure what would happen next. He had killed another man. Hopefully the town was too corrupt to care to report it to the authorities. Luc hoped most of all that no one had seen in which direction they had headed out. This place was beginning to be a bit too much trouble for someone who wanted to keep a low profile. Luc just hoped that was the last of the shoot out escapades.

Minerva has spent the previous day settling in at the Comstock House and getting to know her new landlords, Russell and Beatrice Lee. Beatrice is bright spirited and is thrilled to have another woman in the house. The men who board here seem a bit uncomfortable with having to share the house with a woman boarder and a preacher at that. However so far they have been helpful moving Minerva’s furniture and are attempting to mind their manners.

Minerva rises early this day and stuffs shoes, a hairbrush, a basket of yarn, a comb and other miscellaneous objects into a bag. She makes a soft clicking sound, signaling Luna to follow her outside. Minerva empties the bag and places the contents randomly around the yard. Today she is continuing to train Luna to fetch an object. Using a mirror, Minerva shines light onto a stone. Luna pounces on the stone, picks it up in her talons and returns it to Minerva. Minerva rewards her with a small piece of raw meat, which Beatrice was kind enough to provide.

They continue their training through the morning with Minerva making sounds of encouragement and shining light on a variety of objects. Luna is doing a great job fetching and soon Minerva has accumulated a rather sizable pile of rocks, sticks and various items, which Luna has retrieved. Later in the day Minerva and Luna head over to the Lucky Lady in search of refreshments.

Kate stood uncertainly in the Cantina for a few moments, then went into the kitchen, sparing a smile for Conrad Booth as she saw him sitting at one of the far tables. "Dorita?" she asked as she entered. "I wonder if you would do me a favor? Ginnie and I will be moving out to the ranch soon, when the house is done, and I... Well, we'll have to eat. We'll get at least one meal here every day, but we'll have to eat at home now and then too. But I've never learned to cook. Tea is about as much as I can do. I know you're busy, and dinner is starting soon, but do you think you could find some time in the next few days to give me a few lessons?"

She yells, "You think Dorita have nothing better to do than teach you to cook!" She smiles and says "Only joking with you. I'm happy to teach you to cook." "Thank you, Dorita!" Kate impulsively hugged the other woman. "I'd offer to help you now, but I wouldn't want to do that to your customers, and I don't think you need me in here starting fires. I'm sure I'd manage it somehow. I'll see you tomorrow after the lunch rush is over, how's that?"

Dorita stepped back when Kate let go. "After lunch fine," she said, turning to fill a dinner plate, which she then thrust into Kate's hands. "Funny, you want learn cook, learn to eat first!" Kate answers, "I eat, Dorita." "Not enough," Dorita said, giving Kate's side a poke. "Still too skinny. Go eat," she finished, shooing her out of the kitchen. Kate found herself suddenly outside the kitchen as the door swung shut.

She sighed and took the warm plate over to where Mr. Booth was sitting. "How are you today, Conrad? May I sit?" "Please" he says, as he stands and pulls out a chair for her. He comments, "You have an interesting expression on your face today, a mix of contentment and worry." "Am I so easy to read?" she asked, sitting. "I'll have to work on that or I'll never win at poker, and I'd hate to embarrass my teacher. I'm content because life has slowed down enough for me to keep up.

Things are well at the ranch and the Lucky Lady, Ginnie is happy, and I had the chance to hear some wonderful music last night. And I'm worried because a friend has gone off to take care of a possibly dangerous problem, and there is no way for me to know if everything is alright. When someone leaves you a note that says don't worry, the first thing you do is worry." Kate took a few bites of food from the plate. "So, what's new in town? I haven't been paying much attention lately."

He replies, "Well, the biggest thing new is the bare-knuckled boxing over at the Palace on Saturday nights. We had a bad day last week at the Long Branch because of that as I'm sure that you did as well. The only other major thing new is that Greek/Roman priestess who hit town recently. She's really gotten the town all excited about the church. It will be interesting to see what happens when she interacts Rebecca King, those two will either love or hate each other."

Kate replies, "Yes, we did have a bad night, but it was just as well. What with the trouble down at the jail none of us were really up to doing our best. I've met the new Priestess, she's a lovely woman. Promise City seems to be attracting more than its fair share of beautiful women lately. Makes it easy to get lost in the crowd," Kate laughed. "But who is Rebecca King? I don't believe I know her."

He replies, "Mrs. King is the wife of Anse King. They own the Bar-W Ranch around fifteen to twenty miles west of town. She's been the main proponent of the new church, in fact she's the one who bought the land for it. I'm sure you know her type, thinks that having money entitles her to decide what is morally right or wrong for others. She was the one who sent letters of protest to both the regional church office and the main United States church office in New York City, objecting to the personal habits of the previous itinerant preacher Anson Haggler. You met him at my gambling table, something that Mrs. King strongly disapproves of.

But she didn't just ask for him to be removed she got specific as to her demands for his replacement. She wanted a young male priest of Italian descent whose family had been in the priesthood for centuries. She also demanded that this priest be married and have children to raise in town. I have a hunch that Minerva is not going to fit her expectation. Should be amusing to watch though, Mrs. King is a prominent member of the Promise City Vigilance Committee and will be coming to town tomorrow for a meeting of that group."

"Oh, she would hate me," Kate laughed. "I don't go to church, I work in a saloon, I have gamblers and singers for friends, occasionally spend my Sunday nights gambling with the priest, and go for unchaperoned buggy rides. I do know her type. I came up against them on more than one occasion, especially after I married Tom. She could cause me problems, though. I had been thinking of taking up school teaching, but we'd need a school first. And I'm sure the esteemed Mrs. King would have her nose in that. And find me a most unsuitable teacher."

He says, "Oh, you can count on that. She's actually been opposed to having a school, as they live too far outside of town for her grandson Troy to regularly attend. She has a private tutor for Troy, spends half of his time out at their ranch and the other half here in town tutoring Doctor Eaton's children. Doc Eaton is another one who disapproves of saloons, and he's the head of the Vigilance Committee."

Kate answers, "This Vigilance Committee sounds more like the Morality Police. There's not much she could do about a private school, but I imagine most parents would feel the same way about me." Katherine paused for a moment, then laughed softly. "I never thought I'd be on the wrong side of respectability. When did that happen? Perhaps I should give the idea up. It was really to give me a reason to be in town daily after I move. But we could use the money for the ranch until it's fully running and paying for itself.... I don't know. It was probably a foolish idea anyway, I'm already busy."

Booth replies, Hogwash, Katherine, there are two dozen children in the area of Promise City and only four of them have parent's who can afford to hire the tutor. I would suggest that you talk to the other families before you discount the idea." Kate was quiet for a minute. "It would put a bee in Mrs. King's bonnet, wouldn't it? And I admit I rather like that idea. I think I might spend tomorrow making a little tour of the families with children, if you'll tell me who they are, that is."

He says, “Well let's see, excluding Eaton's kids and the King's grandson, the Promise City Bank Manager Paul Steven has two children, the newspaper typesetter Josiah Young has one, Kris Wagner of the Wells Fargo office has a pair of sons, his driver Chuck Nevers has two kids, the Wong family that run the laundry have a boy, the Silver Dollar Saloon owner Haywood Smith has two boys from his wife's first marriage, Juan Tolucca who works for Cassidy Lumber and frequently eats here has four children, the butcher Baines has three kids, the baker Don Hudson has a son, and there's the little Huesca boy who lives her. Plus Ginnie of course. There may be a few more, that's all I can think of right now."

She laughs, "That's ten families, to speak with, although if I get to the Wells Fargo office early enough I should be able to catch Mr. Nevers and Mr. Wagner together. And I have a cooking lesson after lunch...."

Conrad's eyebrow lifted as she said that. Kate laughed and said, "I never had to do it, but I can boil water at least. I can't sew much either. Ginnie is teaching me that. Anyway, it's likely to take me at least two days to get to everyone, but it sounds like they're all in town, so at least I won't have to go driving all over the county." Kate folded her napkin and laid it on the table. "I should get over to the Lucky Lady, they'll need me there tonight. Thank you for your help. You must think I give up so easily," she said, shaking her head. "It's not really my way, but I'm still a bit...uncertain of myself here. I don't really fit, but maybe teaching and a little tussle with Mrs. King will help me find my feet."

Conrad tells Kate "If you'd like, I have to get up early tomorrow, so could join you for breakfast." She says, "I'd be pleased to have the company. I hope you'll forgive me for being nosy, but why do you have to get up early?" He says, "I have a scheduled meeting with Judge Isby." She asks, "You don't have to tell me about it of course, but is everything alright?"

He replies, "Oh yes, I'm helping out some friends of mine. You've heard of Arcade's Gang? Well in January they were falsely accused of murder. I now have the evidence to present to the Judge to prove their innocence." "Ah yes, I've heard of them," Kate said, glancing away. "Dorita said they stayed here. I'm glad you can clear up the misunderstanding, it will make her happy, I'm sure." She looked back up. "I hope you're not grouchy when you get up early."

He answers, "Under normal circumstances I would be but if I get to see your smiling face I'll make an exception. What it really means is that I'll have to call it an early night at the gambling table tonight, that's the real sacrifice." She smiles and says, "Of course, but it will be a novel experience to get to bed before midnight. Really, if you have enough to get the most expensive buggy from Drover's I think you can afford a couple hours off."

He states, "I suppose you're right. You know, I might as well take the whole night off, maybe sit back and hear you play piano. I'll have to head over to the Long Branch and let Kate Higgins know that I won't be around tonight."

Minerva is deep in thought as she walks to the Lucky Lady. She changes her mind and decides to visit Mr. Lacey's store instead. "Buenos Tardes, Senor Lacey.”

"Good afternoon to you too Miss Florencia. Are you settling in at the Comstock House?” “Si, Senor, Luna and I are quite comfortable and Bea has been very accommodating. .She is a very good cook too! Isn’t she Luna?” Hearing her name, Luna makes a loud hooting sound. “I think Luna agrees” Mr. Lacey chuckles. “We took in quite a bit of money at the sermon on Sunday. You are quite a persuasive orator Miss Florencia.”

“Gracias Senor, It is a gift of the goddess and if she wants this church built she will continue to speak through me… which brings me to the reason for my visit this afternoon. "I am always delighted to preach and spread the word of the gods Senor, but I do not need a church in which to do this. If you and the kind folks of Promise City wish this church to be built you will need someone who can manage the project. I am willing to assist in whatever way you feel I am able but I have no experience in church building since I am new to town, I don’t know who must be persuaded to provide the talent, labor or money for such an endeavor.”

Lacey says, "Well, in my time in town I've seen all three floors of the Lucky Lady Saloon go up, one each year. Mr. Jeff Mills was the construction foreman each time and did an excellent job. You won't find a better manager than him. And I'm not saying that as a friend. I personally can't stand the guy." Minerva frowns. "Can he be trusted? What is it about him that you disapprove of?"

Lacey says, "Oh, just some left over animosity from each of us serving on different side in the American Civil War. Shouldn't effect you at all. As for his trustworthiness, you can ask the owners of the Lucky Lady about that." She asks, "What can you tell me of the local philanthropists of Promise City? The building of this church is going to take more gold than a collection plate can hold and we're going to need to depend on their generosity.

Lacey replies, "The land for the church was purchased by Rebecca King, whose husband owns a large ranch west of town. She's been the driving force behind the Church and it's largest contributor." "Another ranch family, the Morands, regularly attends services too and are fairly generous. The other wealthy men in town, Elton Hubbard, Hamilton Fisk and the Condon brothers don't usually attend services. That's about it, but if you can manage to convince these miners that the gods are on their side you can probably expect a windfall if any of them do strike it rich."

Minerva looks puzzled then says almost to herself "You know it's odd, I met a man named Tex in the Lucky Lady Saloon my first night in town. He very generously offered books and supplies to the church but I haven't seen him around since. I'll have to ask around and see if anyone knows of him" "Don't know him," Lacey replies. He then adds "The previous owners of the Lucky Lady were originally from Texas, so he might have been a friend of theirs.

She shrugs it off and looks up at Senor Lacy, "We're also going to need local talent." Perhaps you could set up a committee after we find a manager." He replies, "The Promise City Vigilance Committee is meeting tomorrow, they're the ones you'd want to talk to." Minerva says. "“I shall attend this meeting and see what I can do to get things started, Senor Lacey, but I believe that I am better able to serve the gods by ministering to the spiritual needs of their people…which brings me to the second reason for my visit. If I am to stay in Promise City I will need to be able to continue to pay my rent." I have sufficient resources for the time being but my funds won’t last forever."

She gives him a crooked smile. "I find it more practical to use the talents that the gods have bestowed upon me than to pray for them to toss gold from the heavens. I have been forming a plan that I am hoping you can help me to execute. I have considerable skill with the weaving loom. The Tapestry that was hung at the service on Sunday is one of my designs. Would you be willing to display some of my work in your store and perhaps direct me to other merchants in town who might be willing to do the same?"

He tells her "I would be honored to have your work here on consignment. You may also want to talk to the Kelley family, they run the tailor and clothing shop in town and know the most about fiber and cloths." She replies, "That is muy excelente. Muchas Gracias Senor. I will bring some tapestries by soon. Adios, and may the goddess smile upon all you do." She turns to leave and Luna flies out the door behind her. "Now for that refreshment at the Lucky Lady" she says to Luna.

Chapter 46, “Tucson”, Tuesday, March 14th, 8:30 AM

Jake arrives at the Wells Fargo office and purchases a ticket for a round trip to Tombstone and back. He boards the stage. The only other passengers on this trip is a prospector named Henry Robinson who had worked for the Breakheart Mine. He had received a letter from his family saying that his father had passed away so he was making the trip back to his family home in Toledo, Ohio. Marshall Earp then arrives on his horse, apparently planning to accompany the stagecoach to Tombstone.

The journey is uneventful, arriving at 1:30 PM. That gives Jake some time in town before the 4:00 PM train to Tucson which he spends on some odd errands, making sure to stay clear on any Earps. The 4:00 PM train has around a dozen passengers including Robinson. The journey is uneventful Jake gets off the train at 5:15 PM.

He heads directly to the Water Hole Saloon. The head guard, Richard, is behind the bar when Jake enters. He looks up and says “He’s waiting for you in the back room Mr. Jacob.” Jake heads out back and Red is indeed waiting for him. “Glad you’ve come me boy” he exclaims as he pulls out a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon.

"I'm always glad to be seeing you and your best friend there," Jake replies clicking a glass to the bottle, "but what Hades could possibly make you so desperate to send me a note like that one?"

Red replies, “Sorry Jacob, there’s no crisis, I was just worried about you and wanted an update. I finished up in Benson a few days ago and just got back, so I sent you the note. I wanted to see how things have been going with you and Adair before deciding upon my next destination. I figure I’ll stay here a week or so, and then either head back to Promise City to help you out or head over to Bisbee to gamble for another month.”

Jake gives him the overall update of what has happened since they were last together, including the trouble with Earp. "No confrontation with Adair in a while." Jake says but then gives him a nasty grin. "I figured it was time for me to cause some trouble for him though. Little things first. I thought I'd start with planting some suspicions in his mind about Kitty's loyalty. Of course not directly from Silver Jake Cook, he'd get them from Kitty herself."

Red raises his eyebrows in question and Jake continues. "I'll get a sample of Kitty's writing, locate some inside knowledge that she knows and have him find a letter from her offering to sell that knowledge to someone. Perhaps even Fisk." Jake shrugs, "What do you think?" Red replies, "I think you live a dangerous life there Mr. Cooke."

"You did call me at a bad time though, Ruby's having some trouble with an old friend. A guy by the name of George Eastman. I expect you've heard of him. Anyway, it brings up some uncomfortable past for her and I really should be there instead of drinking bourbon in Tucson." A flash of concern crosses his face. "I'll need to get back as soon as I can."

Red says, “Well, the train to Tombstone with the passenger car doesn’t leave tomorrow until 2:15 PM, so you’d miss the afternoon Stage to Promise City by a few hours. But if you want I could probably get you on the morning train instead. It’s a freight train and doesn’t take passengers but they have a mail car. One of my bank manager friends could probably get you on as an extra guard given your prior experience as a both bank guard and as a deputy for Wyatt Earp.”

Jake replies, "Guard duty and me don't seem to get along very well, but I really want to be back. If you can arrange transport on the early train I'd be most grateful." He looks at his old friend for a while before he continues again. "As much as I'd like you have you in Promise City I just don't see that it makes sense. No point in you risking more than you need to over potential problems with Adair. You already decided that was best for you not to linger there. I think I need to figure this one out for myself."

Red replies, "If that's how you want it, but keep 'Mr. Allister' with you in that case. And if you do need me have somebody get a message to my 'other self' in Bisbee. The town isn't so big that they won't be able to find me." They spend the rest of the evening drinking and talking.

Wednesday, March 15th, 1882:

Jake gets up early, still a little fuzzy from last nights drinking with Red O'Brien and blearily washes up. While pulling out a change of clothing from his bag a book tumbles to the floor. "Where'd you come from?" He grabs a cover of the book and a playing card slides out face down. He groans and reaches down again and retrieves the queen of hearts. "I may actually have to read this book of fairy tales some day. I hope you weren't marking a page." Jake says to the playing card. He tucks the card back into the book, pats the cover lightly a couple of time and puts it back in the bag with a smile.

He goes out without waking Red to see Mr. Beck. Jake admires the work, and chats a bit with him before he pays Mr. Beck for the special order. Afterwards Jake heads back to have some breakfast with Red before catching the 10:45 AM train to Tombstone.

Red explains how he still doesn't want his other identity to be seen with Mr. Jacob, so will have Richard accompany Jake over to the train. They say their good-byes. Red reiterates "Send a telegram to Bisbee if you need me, just make sure that you get somebody neutral to send it in case word gets back to Adair."

Jake and Richard head over to the train depot. A bank manager named Milton Brown, who Jake hadn't met as himself is waiting and Richard makes the introductions. Brown then brings Jake to the Mail car and introduces him to the mail clerk Walter Spaulding, adding Mr. Cook worked as a Deputy for Wyatt Earp. Spaulding says, "Happy to have you on board, I'll rest easier knowing that you're with me."

The train pulls out of Tucson at 10:45 AM. Spaulding passes the time sorting mail from one big bag into five smaller bags labeled as "Benson", "Bisbee", "Promise City", "Tombstone" and "New Mexico". He stops and looks at one in his hand and comments "Look's like I got one for you here, Mr. Jacob Cook, Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon. Here, it'll give you something to read on the trip." He hands the letter to Jake.

Jake accepts the letter from Spaulding. He unhurriedly tears it open with his finger and unfolds the single sheet of paper. He leans against the wall of the mail car unperturbed by the rocking and shaking. The only change in his expression as he reads it is a brief and slight rise of his eyebrows. He only reads it once, returning the letter to it's envelope in the same unhurried fashion and slips it into his shirt pocket.

Jake returns to looking out the mail car windows, not gazing or enjoying the scenery but looking. "Gods, I hate guard duty," He mutters under his breath. Spaulding apparently has very good hearing, replying "Well, I for one am thankful for the company. This gets pretty boring. I usually only get to talk to somebody on the freight trains set to haul gold back from Tombstone, when they sent one to two dozen soldiers along."

The train reaches Tombstone promptly at noon. Jake makes his way over to the Mexican west side of town where he finds a nice Earp-free Cantina to have lunch at. He then carefully heads over to where the Wells Fargo Stage is waiting and hands his return ticket to Chuck Nevers. Before climbing in he notes several large trunks tied to the top and back of the stage.

Inside are four other passengers, a dwarven prospector who introduces himself in a thick Scottish accent as Callum Ian McGonigle. The other three include a man in his late forties whose face looks like it was chiseled out of granite with the widest shoulders Jake has ever seen. The iron jaw man introduces himself in an Alabama accent as Markus Jackson. He then gestures to the younger couple and introduces them as his son Billy Bob Jackson and Billy Bob's wife Lurleen. They stagecoach is its usual boring ride, arriving at the Promise City Wells Fargo Office at 5:45 P.M.

After the long stage ride Jake decides to visit the outhouse before heading on into the Lucky Lady. As he exits he encounters Jeff Mills. "Hey! Welcome back Jake." Jeff says warmly.
"Good to be back. Anything going on I need to know about?" "Naw, all is well. Well enough anyway." Jeff replies and starts to head on his way.

"Hold up a second Jeff." Jake guides him to the side of the building out of sight. "I've been meaning to ask you about something, and it's quiet enough out here. Some time back you made a comment about the army not liking you. That and I've noticed a reluctance on your part to come out to mine. You've been a good and loyal employee, more like a friend we can trust. Care to tell me what that is all about? I'll keep it between us if you like."

Jeff replies, "Let's just say that the local military leaders weren't too fond of my service in the Confederacy. That's why I can't get work for the railroads or mines, companies dealing directly with the U.S. Government have been instructed that hiring me would jeopardize their contracts."

That comment comes as a surprise to Jake for a number of reasons. First are all the laws that President Johnson and Congress put into effect affect after the war to try to heal the country. Second, is that Jeff Mills is only in his late twenties, so would have been too young to have served in the Civil War. And third, Jeff speaks with an accent that indicates he's from the Lake Erie region of western New York State, so he never would have pegged him for a Confederate sympathizer. Even though he gave an answer, Jeff appears to be very uncomfortable with Jake's question.

"Huh," Jake scratches his chin while looking at Jeff. "I'm surprised a bit by that, if I am remembering things correctly you were pretty open minded about non humans coming into the saloon. Seems like there is more to this story than you are telling me." Jake pats him on the shoulder.

"Look Jeff, a man makes his reputation with me by what I see and how he deals with me. I have no qualms about you. I can't be dancing about figuring what you can and can't do if I don't know what's going on with you." He shakes his head. "Someday tell me the whole story if you're up to it, but in the mean time just be plain with me if there is something you rather not do. Don't be making excuses just tell me outright and we'll be fine. I just wish there was a way to get your expertise in the construction out at the mine, perhaps even quietly. I won't ask you to do anything you don't feel right about."

Jeff replies, "Just thinking of you sir. You need to be able to sell your silver to the Government and they won't buy from you if they think I'm involved. But if you want I can take a ride up by your mine this weekend and maybe make you some sketches of what you need to do to get it up and running. And as for the war, it was about the rights of the individual states and territories to make their own decisions. It was not about slavery. The government did to the south no different than the Earps did to you and Mr. Martin last weekend, just another bully using their power to oppress the weaker one."

Jake keeps his poker face but is suddenly suspicious and surreptitiously looks at Jeff a bit more closely for any evidence of non-human ancestors. "There was one more thing though," Jake raises an eyebrow in false concern but then breaks into a smile, "are you fond of that old pistol of yours or would you be interested in a new one on me? I'd rather the man who helps protect my assets has a good weapon. Consider it a little bonus."

He replies, "Sir, this weapon was a gift from my commanding officer. I'd prefer to keep it, plus you might find yourself in trouble if you go buying firearms for me. But if you want to buy the Lucky Lady weapons and make them available to all the bouncers then I'd be inclined to use them when on duty."

"Jeff, I hope I didn't insult you. I know that a man's firearm can be a very personal choice." Jake unconsciously bumps his Colt with his arm. "I'll stock up the Lucky Lady with a few weapons that can be used if you want." Jake offers his hand to Jeff for a handshake. "No worries Mr. Mills. I'm still convinced I made a good choice asking you to stay with us here at the Lucky Lady. I'd appreciate that sketch if you can do it. We'll keep it quiet. Just think about what I could do for you in return."

After Jeff replies, Jake let's him back on his way. Silver Jake Cook then walks around to the front door of the Lucky Lady and surveys the interior of the saloon. "Home." He laughs. "Sounds strange coming from my lips."

"Jake?" Ruby knew it was Jake's voice but he couldn't be back so soon. She stands, turns slowly and sees Jake standing in the doorway. She skips over to him, hair bouncing, puppies in tow, before stopping abruptly right in front of him. "What are you doing... or should I say... how did you get back so soon? Is everything ok?" Ruby has a slightly worried look on her face.

He replies, "Everything's fine. Let me go put my stuff away and get changed, then we can talk." Chester gives the two a moment alone, before he crosses the floor. "Hi Jake, how've you been?"Ruby watches Jake greet Chester then walk upstairs. "Have you eaten Chester? Why don't you eat before it starts getting busy?" Ruby goes into the kitchen and puts down some food for the puppies then heads back out to the bar to wait for Jake.

"Sounds good to me." Chester pokes his head in the kitchen. "Hi Maria. It smells good in here. What's cooking?" Maria says, "Venison stew. Would you like some, Chet?" "Yes, I would. Thank you. Wonder if it'll be a busy night." Chester grabs a spoon and sits down to eat the stew.

Chapter 47, “The Guys Who Couldn’t Shoot Straight”, Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00 P.M.

The dinner crowd is in full swing at the Lucky Lady. The conversations are then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. "Oh boy..." Ruby heads to the door and looks around outside. Three more shots ring out, and at least one sounds to be from a different weapon than the other shots. They appear to be coming from the northwestern end of town.

Jake had just started to get changed when he heard the gunfire. He starts towards the window, but stops suddenly and instead grabs his long barrel Colt before running down the stairs. On the way down he belts it on cross draw opposite his other Colt. "Home." He mutters to himself again just before getting to the bottom floor. He sees Ruby at the doorway and hurries over. Ruby walks outside the Lucky Lady and looks towards the northwestern part of town.

Two more shots ring out, Jake recognizing the second as the distinctive sound of a Colt Peacemaker. The other is from a revolver of a different model. Jake estimates the shots as being fired two or three blocks away. "That's a lot of shooting. Should we go back inside or go get ourselves into some more trouble?" Ruby gives Jake a half smile. "Not like we need the help..."

"I should mind my own business." Jake says to no one in particular. "Chester, you coming? And where in Hades is that Luc guy?" Jake draws the long barrel and cocks it. Chester says, "Let me get my Spencer from the cabinet. Sounds like we'll need some firepower. Think the place will be OK without us?" Chester loads his rifle as he follows Jake to the gunfire.

"Hey, wait for me!" Ruby makes her way back inside before the boys can leave without her. "Jeff..." is all she has to say for him to pass her one of the rifles from behind the bar. "Thanks," she says as she hurries back outside to catch Jake and Chester. Jake buttons his duster with his left hand while moving. "Ruby, do we know where Nanuet is? Gun shots probably mean we'll need healing." She replies, "He was around, maybe in the kitchen with Maria. I'm not sure though." Ruby has to hurry to keep up with Jake's long pace.

"Let's try not to need healing, ok?" He looks back over his shoulder. "Oh, and try and stay behind me. I haven't even kissed you yet." Ruby smiles. "Yes, baby." She follows behind him closely and lets Chester get in front of her too. Chet says, "Oh good. I thought he was talking to me." The darkness hides the smile on his face. "Don't forget. Cover is your friend. Is it worth getting the Marshall?" He replies, "Chester, if gunfire doesn't call the Marshall I don't know what will." Nanuet says, "Don't know yet, let's go find out." Jake stays near the side of buildings and is looking all around and trying to listen for footsteps.

Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about."

Across town and a few minutes earlier Katherine tells Conrad, "Well, I just need to go upstairs and change. Will you be coming back here?" He replies, "For you I would be happy to." Their conversation is then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. In a short period of time a total of six shots are fired. Kate's hand went instinctively to her skirt where Tom's pistol was hidden. "Where was that from?" she asked, moving toward the door.
Kate waited a moment, but no one answered, so she looked back at Conrad, then dashed out the front door and looked around. There were others in the street, moving toward the north. Kate hitched up her skirts and began to run, thinking only that she didn't know where Ginnie or any of the others were, and her friends seemed to attract bullets.

Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about."

As Minerva is coming up the steps of the Lucky Lady she hears gunshots and Sees Ruby Rushing out of the building. “Ruby, What's going on here? If you need healing I'll come along. Do you have an extra weapon somewhere? This derringer isn't going to be much help.” Nanuet asks, "Miss Minerva, can you fire a rifle? I am not much for using guns anyway." Nanuet holds his rifle out to the preacher woman. Minerva rushes along behind Ruby and the man she assumes to be Jake. As he hands it to Minerva he says, "You DO know how to use this, right?" Minerva grabs the rifle from Nanuet and says, “I think I can handle this. Thanks.”

Ruby says, "I hope we don't need any healing, but you're more than welcome to come along if you'd like. I took the rifle from the Lucky Lady so here, stay with me and take my gun." Ruby doesn't even stop while lifting her skirts up on one side and pulling out her gun.

Luc heard the gunshots. He shook his head and stood by the door of the Lady Luck. " Ain't getting in the middle of it," Luc said lighting a thin cigar," don't get paid enough to run towards the gunshots." But what Luc was thinking was he needed to keep a low profile. Don't crap where you eat was his motto. Shooting a fella in another town miles away was fine, but shooting someone 200 hundred feet from where you slept was another.

A crowd is moving to the northwest end of town. The group heads that way, two blocks down Main and then north onto Federal. Just as they are turning the corner another volley of four shots rings out, two from each revolver. The crowd seems to be stopping at the intersection of Sierra and Federal, pointing further north to the Cochise Boarding House. "Do we know anyone staying at the Boarding House?" Ruby gets closer to the crowd, "What's going on?" He says, "I don't know, come on."

The group reaches the crowd, recognizes a few faces including Wells Fargo Driver Chuck Nevers. Minerva is following Nanuet through the crowd. With a motion she sends Luna to safety in a nearby rooftop. Nanuet comments, "Jake, I hate to say it, but you are the best talker here. Maybe you can find out what is going on? I can say a prayer over you that would at least make someone think twice about taking a shot at you. Oh yeah, and welcome back Mr. Jake." He replies, "OK, maybe that'll work. Let's get closer first." Jake keeps moving. "Oh, and someone ask Nevers if he knows what's going on."

Ruby starts following Jake when she sees Chuck, so she stops, but keeps an eye on where he is going. "Mr. Nevers, do you know what's going on?" Minerva also spots the stage coach driver in the crowd and calls over “Senor Nevers, Do you know what is going on?”

Jake puts buildings between him and the Cochise to cross the street and then crosses between two homes on the south side of the boarding house. Nanuet follows Jake and loosens one of his knives in its sheath." Two more shots fire, both from the Peacemaker. Jake sees the result of both shots, one passing through a street side window on the second floor of the boarding house, the second blowing a hole in the wall four feet from the window.

A man who Jake recognizes as a Lucky Lady patron, one of Tony's Regulars (and Ruby would know is named Mike Moore) says, "Damn, they brought the battle upstairs. This thing is going the distance." He looks to Ruby and says, "Someone said Lemuel Bauer walked into the dining room during dinner and just started shooting." Ruby asks, "Any idea who that guy is or why he started shooting? I don't recognize the name." Nanuet says, "I don't know who he is either but if I can get within 100 feet or so of him I have a prayer that might be able to temporarily paralyze him." He moves on. Minerva notices that Ruby has gotten to Chuck Nevers before her so she continues to follow Nanuet.

Nevers tells Ruby, "He owns the Union Market over on Fremont Street." Nevers gestures to a woman and says "That Elvira Hooten, she owns The Cochise, maybe she can tell you more." Meanwhile, a chair flies out of the window of a room in the southwest corner of the boarding house's second floor. That is followed by two shots from the gun that isn't the Colt. Ruby cringes as the chair comes flying out the window, followed by the gunshots. She makes her was to the woman Nevers pointed out. "Ms. Hooten, Ruby West, we've never met. Do you need some help with this, uh, situation? What's going on?"

Jake moves to the side of the Cochise and then goes quickly to the door ducking windows on the way. He looks around and listens a brief moment before looking in the door. Chester slings his rifle onto his back. He yells out, "Everyone go home. It isn't safe out here. Trust me, Doc Eaton's elixirs taste horrible."

About halfway down the block Kate heard footsteps running behind her. She took a peek behind her and saw Conrad running to catch up. It didn't take long before he was next to her and slowing down to keep her pace. They followed the crowd over to the Cochise Boarding House, and Kate saw Ruby's bright hair in the crowd. She pushed her way over. "What's going on?"

"I was serving dinner. Hooten came in with a gun in his hand and started shooting at poor Tony. Everyone scrambled out of the room. Somebody handed Tony a gun to defend himself with." Ruby sighed. "Something to do with a woman perhaps? Who knows." Ruby pulled her hair back. "Alright, send someone to fetch the Marshal if you haven't already. My friends are already trying to help."

Nanuet hustles up behind Jake. He turns and tells Minerva to stay back. "Mr. Jake before you do anything crazy like go inside that building let me do this first." Nanuet holds the necklace in his hand and chants for a moment before placing his hand on Jake and casts a spell. He says, "That should help protect you some." Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Minerva is up against the building, aiming her rifle toward the door. A look of surprise crosses her face when Nanuet cast his protection spell on Jake.

Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Jake hears movement upstairs. Another shot rings out from the unknown revolver. He then hears running followed by another peacemaker shot, then more running. Nanuet follows behind Jake into the building.

Ruby starts making her way over to the Boarding House and sees Kate. "Just another friendly neighborhood shooting. Come on, I think Jake went in there already, and you know I'm not letting him go in alone." Ruby gets to the House and takes a couple steps in the door to look around. "And I'm not letting you go in alone. You know, someday this kind of thing is going to get us in a lot of trouble," Kate said as she pulled the pistol out of her skirt. "I'd better not have to rip up another petticoat." She followed Ruby into the house.

Jake sees Tony Lucky running away from somebody. Tony charges into a room at the northwestern end of the hall, slamming the door behind him. The man fires his Peacemaker but the chamber is empty. He stops to reload the weapon. "Hold on Mr. Bauer." Jake steps out of his hiding spot, keeping his gun behind his back. "Don't get yourself in any more trouble, please put the gun down. You don't want Tony to get away because you go to jail."

Nanuet spots the man chasing Tony and keeps an eye on him as he finds cover. He then begins the chant necessary to cast another spell. When the chant is finished he stands up and points at the stranger. "Halt!" he commands. Jake notices the man isn't moving, standing like a statue. Nanuet exclaims, "Wow, I haven't tried that one before. Jake, move quick and disarm him. It won't last too long!" Ignoring Nanuet's warning Minerva had entered the building in time to see him execute his hold spell.

Ruby sees the scene with Jake and Nanuet, and it looks under control. Jake springs to the man and wrests the gun from his hand. "Someone make sure the Tony isn't going to come out shooting!" "Sure, where is he?" Ruby walks towards the end of the hallway that Jake just nodded to. "Uh, Tony? We stopped the maniac shooter. You can come out now."

Tony Lucky opens the door a crack and looks outside, "It's safe now?" he asks. Ruby sees that the Tony in question is their Tony, from the Lucky Lady. "Yes, it's safe, get out here. What did you do to cause this man to come in and shoot up the place trying to get you?" Ruby crosses her arms and waits for him to come out. Kate relaxed then looked back out the door to see Conrad standing uncertainly outside. She gave him a reassuring smile and turned back to listen to Tony's answer.

Jake puts Bauer's unloaded pistol in his belt and checks him for other weapons quickly. Then he stands behind Bauer with his gun on him. "Can someone tie this guy? He probably isn't going to be rational when he comes out of this." Then in a louder voice, "Tony Lucky, I don't know what you did to make this guy angry but lose the pistol before something happens." Tony comes out of the room and hands the pistol over to Jake and says "Sure, I don't really know how to use it anyway. Looks like neither of us hit the other."

Tony says, "I’ve done nothing lately to cause this. I was sleeping with his wife Ilsie, but that was weeks ago!" "Oh," Kate said succinctly, then turned her back and walked out. "I should shoot you myself," Ruby says shaking her head. "Hey Jake," she calls down the hall, "I think you should let the guy go." She looks back at Tony with a raised eyebrow. "That's a dangerous business you got yourself in, and now we're going to be short a card dealer while you're in jail. That DOES NOT make me happy, Tony."

Nanuet comments, "Well, I don't know if it is worth getting shot over, but it sure ain't the nicest thing a man could do." Jake tucks this revolver into his empty holster. "Uh, Nanuet, how long is Bauer going to be like this?" Nanuet replies, "Not long, at the most about 20 seconds, depends on how strong his will is though."

Outside, Chester sees no one is paying him any mind. He thinks “Probably the most excitement most people here have seen in a year. Us being the exception.” Chester enters the building when he notices that the shooting has stopped or at least paused. Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez arrives and asks for an explanation of what is going on. Chester crosses his arms and listens. "Hi Marshall. We didn't fire a shot." Rodriguez looks at him. Chester says, "What? I don't want to give you any excuse to put us in jail, that's all."

Kate watched the Deputy Marshall approach the others still near Tony. She turned to Conrad and said, "It looks like we'll be short a gambler tonight, not that he was much of one. Jake will get to run a table. I can't say I'm sorry, I've never liked Tony." Kate stopped and looked at Booth, his face was pale. "What is it?"

Eduardo heads inside and asks what occurred. "I heard the folks outside say the Mr. Bauer here came in shooting at Mr. Lucky. We didn't arrive until later. Lots of shots fired by both of them. We just dropped in to ask them to stop. Messes up business you know. You are welcome to them." Jake offers helpfully. Eduardo takes both Tony Lucky and Lemuel Buaer into custody, tying their hands behind their backs. He tells them "You picked a bad time for this kind of nonsense, Judge Isby is in town this week, so this will probably be settled tomorrow."

Jake gives Eduardo the guns he collected. "Do you need any help getting them to the jail? If not I need to go back to work." "Back to work? You just got home!" Ruby pouts a little before she starts walking back to the Lucky Lady.
Eduardo replies, "No, shouldn't be a problem. Looks like the fight has gone out of these guys. Thanks for helping out." The Deputy walks off with his prisoners and the crowd starts to disperse.

Mrs. Hooten and her husband begin to inspect the damage to their building. Mike Moore shakes his head and says, "I can't believe that neither of them hit the other after all those shots." Jake looks over at Ruby and says quietly. "I can. I've seen Tony play poker." Then he looks around the group gathered outside the Cochise. "What is it with Promise City? I've never seen so many attractive, armed and dangerous woman in one place in all my life." Jake sees Ruby stomping away and takes off after her.

Minerva strolls over to Nanuet and smiles. "That was nice work there. I wasn't aware of your talents." That could have been a very messy situation if not for your fast thinking." "Uh... thanks." Nanuet stammers and blushes. "I haven't used those prayers before now. I thought it was worth a shot. My ancestors have blessed me this day."

"Whoa there Miss West!" Jake trots over to stop her. Ruby stops walking and looks at Jake expectantly. He walks over to her and says, "What was I going to say to him, I have to do this?" He picks her up in a sweeping motion and gives her a long kiss.” Nanuet offers his arm to Minerva and laughs heartily. "Let’s get out of here before these two get serious."

Minerva looks up at Nanuet and laughs "I agree, we may have been safer in here before. I was heading over to the Lucky Lady for a meal and some refreshment. I must find Luna first." she hooks her arm in his and they walk out. Minerva makes a clicking sound and Luna flies down from the roof.

Ruby smiles as Jake sweeps her up. She puts her hand on Jake's face and returns his kiss. "I missed you," she says softly, "Even if you were only gone a couple days. Is everything ok?" "Yes, everything is fine. My friend was just worried about me and was not very clever about asking." He puts her down. "Let's go back, I've been too long without a drink."

He sees Katherine and Conrad. "Will we be seeing you folks tonight?" Ruby takes Jake's hand and waits only a moment for Kate to answer before she slowly starts pulling him towards the Lucky Lady. Kate says, "Yes, we were just getting ready when the shooting started. I need to go back to the El Parador for a few minutes, but we'll be along soon. It's good to see you back, Jake," "It is good to be back."

Jake lets Ruby lead him on. "Ruby, who is the attractive woman on Nanuet's arm? Will Sonoma be shooting at her? I think I've had enough of that tonight." Ruby looks around until she finds Nanuet. She flips her hair and head back towards Jake. "The attractive woman on Nanuet's arm is Minerva, the new cleric. I told you about her, she tried to get me to go to church, remember?" Ruby smiles knowingly at Jake. "And I doubt Sonoma will be shooting at anyone, especially after the way she was dancing a certain gentleman that was not Nanuet last night." "Why do I have the feeling I am missing a whole lot of what is going on?" Jake shrugs and gives a half smile. "Never mind for now." She replies, “What? So we have some things to talk about... But let's eat some dinner first.” Along with the others they head back into the Lucky Lady.

Kate took Conrad's arm then and began to walk sedately back to the Cantina. The first block or so was quiet, then Conrad cleared his throat. "That was a dangerous situation to rush into like that. Is this recklessness what that old wizard is teaching you?"" She replies, "No, my teacher would be scolding me as we speak, I imagine. But my friends were involved, Conrad. I can't just let someone hurt them and that means helping. I would do the same for anyone I care about." They walked on to the El Parador. "Go talk to Miss Higgins. I want to change my dress. I'll be here when you get back, I promise. No more running into danger tonight."

Chester walks back into the Lucky Lady. Chester sees Luc standing by the door. "Oh, there you are. We were looking for you earlier. How do you like being a bouncer here?" " Not all that bad," Luc said pulling the cigar out of his mouth," not the roughest place I've worked but it definitely has it's moments.” Chester replies, "Oh really? That must have been some place." Luc asks, “What was all the shooting about?" Chester answers, “One of the gamblers here, Tony Lucky, was seeing a woman. Her husband didn't like it, so he tried to plug him. Surprisingly, no one got hurt."

"Well as long as I don't have to throw 'em out of here they can shoot at each other all they want," Luc said taking a drag on the cigar," seems this place is never dull. Can't wait to see what you people do for New Year's 'round here!" Chester shrugs. "Beats me. I got to Promise City after New Year's." Jeff then asks Chester, "What happened out there?" Chet replies, "Oh, a jealous husband and Tony Lucky shot at each other. Neither one got hurt, but the Marshall has them now." He shakes his head. "Anything interesting happen while we were gone?" Chester unloads his Spencer and lock it back into the gun cabinet.

As they enter the Lucky Lady Minerva hands the rifle back to Nanuet. "Thank you for the loan Senor Nanuet. Thanks to you it was not necessary to use it. Perhaps you would like to sit with me for a bit. I don't know many people in town yet and I am having a bit of a dilemma. Perhaps you could help me." He says, "Perhaps I can and yes, I would like to sit with you for a bit. Your owl is amazing! Not the easiest animal to tame."

She replies, “Ah, I can see that you are a lover of animals also. Luna is very special to me. When I was young I had to keep my talents a secret. Clerics are not well accepted where I come from." A bitter look crosses Minerva's face and she quickly shrugs it off and smiles. "Luna was a gift from the goddess. I found her injured in the woods and discovered that I had the gift of healing. I noticed that you too have been granted gifts from your ancestors."
Minerva orders whiskey for herself and asks Nanuet if he would like a glass also.

“And I'll introduce you to Minerva. She's already heard all about you." Ruby giggles a little then guides Jake over to the table where Nanuet and Minerva are sitting. "Minerva, it's nice to see you again. I've heard you been busy with the new church. I wanted to introduce you to Jake, my boyfriend. Jake, this is Minerva Florencia."

"She's the new preacher?" Jake says with a bit of a surprise in his voice but quickly recovers. He take her hand, gives it a kiss and says in his mangled Spanish, "Me bendicen. La diosa selecciona bien." <<Translation: “I am blessed. the goddess selects well. >> Minerva looks up with her crooked smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She exaggeratedly flutters her lashes and laughs loudly. "Si, Senor, that is very perceptive of you. Let us hope that the committee are so easily convinced." He releases her hand and puts his arm around Ruby. "Welcome to the Lucky Lady. If you'll all excuse me for a very short while I need to clean up and change after travelling." He looks to Ruby before he lets go of her.

After Jake walks away Nanuet tells Minerva, "I know Ruby has given you her story about Jake, so I will give you my impressions. Jake is a bit of a scoundrel, a silver-tongued man with a good aim and a better eye. He'll take every advantage, but a better man I could not have stand beside me in any situation. A true friend and companion. That is Silver Jake Cook."

Minerva says, "I love living in Promise city but I am having a slight problem. I believe that Mr. Lacey and others have the expectation that I will build them a church. I personally don't have any need of a church except as a convenient place to gather the people. The god are everywhere but If I am going to continue to preach here I can hardly refuse outright. So I must find someone who can take this project off my hands. A Senor Jeff Mills was recommended to me but I do not know of him. I was told that the owners of the Lucky Lady would be able to let me know if he is an honest man. Perhaps you know him?”

Nanuet looks over at Ruby. "Well Ruby, before I turn Jeff over to Minerva's charms, I will defer to you, since he is your employee.” Minerva says, "I am glad to hear that Jake is a good man. Ruby deserves that. Although he does seem to be somewhat of a flirt! As for the whiskey if Ruby will join us perhaps we should order a bottle." Minerva turns to Ruby. "That's some cowboy you have there! Now what can you tell me of this Jeff Mills?" Ruby says, "Oh, uh, excuse me too, I have to talk to Jake about a few things, he did just get back. Nanuet will keep you company and make sure you have everything you need and we'll be right back." Ruby starts to follow Jake up the stairs.

Kate changed out of the green dress and into the yellow dress she'd worn the night she and Ruby had gotten in trouble over at the Palace Saloon. Her hair was a mess, so the let it down and quickly brushed it out, then pinned it up simply. A hat and shawl completed the outfit, and by the time she went downstairs Conrad was waiting. They walked together to the Lucky Lady.

Nanuet says, “And as for the whiskey, I'll have a double." "I'll take care of that for you, Nanuet," Kate said as she and Conrad came up behind the table and Ruby ran off toward the stairs. "Conrad Booth, may I introduce Miss Minerva Florencia, the new Priestess. Oh, and Jeff Mills... He's honest, loyal, dependable, a talented builder, and not as boring as I just made him sound. He's also right over there behind the bar. I'm guessing whiskey for you as well Miss Florencia? Conrad, what can I get you?"

Minerva then turns to Katherine and Conrad as they approach the table. "Senorita Kate, You look lovely this evening as usual." Minerva reaches out to touch the fabric of Kate’s dress" Such a beautiful shade of yellow. Perhaps someday soon you could direct me to the shops in town." Katherine introduces Mr. Booth and Minerva turns to him, smiles her sunny trademark smile and holds out her hand to him, palm down, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Senor. Please join us. I believe we have a bottle on the way."

Chapter 48, “Rustling Feathers”, Wednesday, March 15th, 1882

Upstairs, Ruby plops down on the bed while Jake starts to get changed. "So, are you going to tell me about Tucson? Or was it really no big deal?" Jake stops a moment holding his white silk shirt and says, "Nothing really. Red was worried about me. So I spent the night and managed a ride back in the mail car this morning." He continues to put the shirt on. Ruby furrows her brow. “The mail car? What’s that all about?”

"If I took the passenger train, I would have missed the afternoon stage and not been back until tomorrow night." Jake replies, “So Red helped me get on the freight train." ”So you hurried home for me,” Ruby laughs. She starts playing with her hair. "We were busy. Mr. Gonzales took us to New Orleans," Ruby sits up suddenly, "Oh it was so much fun! Have you ever been there? I want to go back; actually there are a lot of places I want to go. Do you want to travel Jake? And have grand adventures?" Ruby sighs, "I want to travel like my grandmother did. And I want to do it with you."

"Never been to New Orleans." He looks down to finish the buttons on the front of his shirt. "I've been traveling from city to city for five years. This is the first home I've had since leaving Philadelphia. I did spend quite a bit of time in Chicago, but that was never home." Jake pulls up his black linen trousers. "That's not the travel you are talking about though. It would be fun, we just need to straighten things out here in Promise City so we feel safe leaving the saloon with our partners from time to time."

Jake turns away from her and finishes with his shirt. He turns back and holds up his arm so that his wrist is near Ruby's face. "I made the acquaintance of a fine jeweler in Tucson the last time I was there and ordered these." She sees his new silver cuff links in the shape of a playing card spade with the jack design on its face. Ruby holds Jake arm close to her face and takes a good look. "They're really nice, that jeweler did a good job." She pauses then looks up at him and grins, "And they're you..." She kisses his hand then falls back on the bed. "...Silver Jake Cook."

Jake's other hand reaches out and drops a pair of silver earrings on Ruby's midsection. "Ordered these as well. I've always been partial to the queen of hearts, a very lucky lady." Ruby scoops them up. They are a set of heart shaped earrings with the playing card queen design delicately inscribed.

Ruby sits up to take a closer look at them. Jake can’t tell from the expression on Ruby’s face what she thinks. She looks them over for a very long moment before looking up at Jake. “They are also very beautiful. But did you get them for me because you wanted to or you thought you had to?” She stares up into his eyes as she talks but looks away before he can answer.

"I had them special ordered weeks ago. I hoped you would be pleased with them, they were designed to be a complimenting set." He holds up one arm to display the cuff link. "You are starting to confuse me, Miss West. If I do something thoughtful you are suspicious, if I don't you are doubtful of me. I ordered these weeks ago because I wanted to, because I care about you, and not only as a gift but so others could see the matching set." Jake tucks his shirt into his pants as he talks. "Are you thinking I did this because of Eastman? I'm sure he could give you queen of diamond earrings carved out of real diamonds from some exotic location if you asked."

Jake walks over to the mirror to finish buttoning the top of his silk shirt. "He wouldn't know that you were fond of the queen of hearts would he?" Jake is looking at her in the mirror reflection. "Ruby girl, whatever happens, whatever you decide remember this; be wary of the queen of diamonds." He turns and looks at her with a genuine smile. "So, am I going to get to hear you sing tonight?"

"Weeks ago, huh? A matching set..." she mutters to herself. Ruby sits quietly on the bed, running her finger gently over the earrings. “I’m sorry,” she says softly, still looking at the earrings, “I’m just not used to feeling like this, I never have before, and I am sometimes confused. It’s not because of Eastman, it’s because of me.”

Ruby stands and walks over to Jake. “Before you left you said you felt like you would suffocate without me. I believe you and it was just what I needed to hear.” Ruby puts the earrings on. “I love them. I don’t mean to seem suspicious, but I’ve received many gifts that had no meaning behind them and sometimes I forget I’m getting my fairy tale. Will you forgive me for being less than gracious?” Ruby smiles at Jake, “How do they look?” Ruby shakes her head back and forth making the earrings swing before putting her arms around Jake’s neck. “Yes, I will sing tonight, and I’ll sing extra special, just for you.” Ruby stands on her toes and kisses Jake. “Thank you Mr. Cook.”

Ruby continues to talk while she pulls out her cream colored dress. “Oh, so why we went to New Orleans. We met with this French wizard; Mr. Gonzales says he is one of the most powerful wizards in the world. He was very self centered but I was nice to him anyway, you know it’s not wise to make enemies of someone like that. Anyway…” Ruby goes on to explain the whole Atlantis found, and how Arcade’s Gang was supposed to be helping. “And I was relieved it wasn’t us, believe me. But Mr. Gonzales did mention he might need his little birds help before the end.” Ruby shrugs. “I guess we’ll find out.” She stomps her skirt to the ground, and tosses her shirt to the floor. She hooks her corset up the front then wanders over to Jake and puts her back to him. “Tight please,” she says pulling her hair over her shoulder, expecting him to make the laces tighter. He nods and pulls on the laces.

“But while we were there, we went to some clubs and we danced, I learned some Creole dancing. I do know some different kinds of dancing from girls I’ve worked with, but never Creole dancing, that’s for sure.” She pulls her dress on over her head, “I really wished you were there though, it was fun. We saw this really good singer; she could magically captivate the audience. Ms. Duprey has actually been teaching me how to do that. I might try it on Saturday and see if I can keep some of the crowd from leaving to go watch the boxing match.” She looks herself over in the mirror and smiles at herself. She runs her hand over one of her earrings. “I’m going to have a hard time taking them off!”

She turns back to Jake. “If you’re up for it, let’s have some fun tonight together after we’re done with work. I think we both need it.” Jake offers her his arm. "Miss West, may I escort you down stairs? We have customers and friends to entertain, and later ourselves." "Of course, Mr. Cook." She takes his arm and they head back downstairs.

Downstairs, Minerva exclaims, “Kate, I am so glad you are here this evening I was going to seek you out. and I must say you seem much more relaxed than at our last meeting. It is my good fortune that you are all here this evening." An exasperated sigh escapes her lips. "I must meet with the what do you call them? She searches for the right word. "the Vigilante..? No the Vigilance Committee tomorrow and I know nothing of them. Anything you can tell me about them will help." She pauses trying to remember the English phrase, "What is that expression? Forewarned is forearmed?" Mr. Lacey mentioned several people including a Mrs. King.”

Kate replies, "I'd be glad to show you the shops, but I'm afraid this dress came with me from Boston, as did most of my clothes. But there are some fine things to be found here, and in Tombstone if you don't mind the long stage ride. I don't know much about the Vigilance Committee, I've made it a practice to stay away from them. But let me get your bottle and then we can talk. It’s not too busy yet, so I can be spared for a little while." Katherine went over to the bar and tucked away her hat and shawl. She did a few other minor tasks, then returned to the table with the whiskey and three glasses. She poured Minerva, Nanuet, and Conrad each a generous glass then took a seat.

"We were just discussing Mrs. King over at the El Parador. I've never met her, but I understand she is the type of woman who thinks her money buys influence. She paid for the land for the church, and made demands for the kind of Priest she wanted for Promise City to the national council. Her description was quite far from you, Senorita. The only other member I know of is Doctor Eaton, and I have met him. He very seriously disapproves of saloons and those who frequent them. I'm afraid you'll find the committee to be made up of those who feel their own morality is so superior that they must guard everyone else's as well."

Ruby goes to the kitchen and asks Maria to send out some food for the whole table. Jake is already sitting at the table with their friends. Ruby grabs a good bottle of whiskey and some more glasses, arrives at the table and takes a seat. "Now, what where we talking about?" she smiles. "The Promise City Vigilance Committee," Kate laughed. "Ugh. Isn't there anything better to talk about?" Ruby rolls her eyes. "Probably, but they are going to intrude upon some of us tomorrow. Miss Florencia has to meet with them in the morning, and if I'm going to start some kind of school I'll have to deal with them at some point. So we are learning about the enemy," Kate laughed.

Ruby says, "Well, that will put a damper on you having a fun time tonight, since you have to get up early and all. Jake and I will just have to have extra fun, for you." Ruby leans closer to Kate and puts her hand on her neck. "Like my new earrings?" "Are we having fun tonight? I don't have to get up much earlier than I usually do, I wouldn't mind going a bit short on sleep.... They're lovely Ruby." Kate looked over at Jake and smiled. "A gift, I take it?" "Yes, a beautiful gift. Part of a set I've been told." Ruby puts her hand over Jake's and smiles at him. "A gift from a not very secret admirer." Jake chuckles.

Ruby says, "Yes, we have having fun. Celebrating, because we feel like it. And it's been a while. We are hoping you'll all stay too, at least for a while." "And Mr. Booth," Ruby says smiling at him. "What are you doing here tonight? Don't you have a game to run? Or have you decided you need to have some fun tonight too." Conrad answered, "I have to get up early, so I decided against working tonight in favor of hearing some of the excellent music at your fine establishment." "Well, I'm glad you're joining us. Mr. Booth. We hear so much about you these days." Ruby has a little mischievous grin on and ignores Kate's glance.

Back to the conversation at hand, Jake says, "A while ago Baxter told me that Jim Eaton, Hamilton Fisk, Bill Watkins who runs the Great Western Boarding House and Frank Condon from the bank made up the Vigilance Committee." Jake’s face takes on a sour look. "He never mentioned Mrs. King, but then he was drunk at the time. Actually, he's drunk most of the time which is Mr. Baxter’s most redeeming quality." "Imagine the kind of ass he'd be sober," Kate said. "Fisk is on the committee? He's the biggest crook I've ever heard of. And Mr. Condon as well, hmm? I'm suddenly glad I don't have to go before them."

Ruby interjects, "Kate, you might have to go before them one day if you do want to start a school. Unless of course, you make it a private school. But we shouldn't scare poor Miss Florencia if she has to meet them tomorrow." Conrad Booth say, "Officially only the men are voting members, but she attends every meeting and bankrolls the group, so unofficially she actually runs it." Kate nodded, "That's usually how it works. But Miss Florencia, you shouldn't take everything we say to heart. We have some history with a few members of the committee that would put us at a disadvantage, a problem you won't have."

Kate then says, "I plan on a private school, if there's enough interest. I don't want any committee sticking its nose in. This town has children of many races, and they all have the right to an education. I get the feeling the committee wouldn't like that. I'm told Mrs. King doesn't like the idea of a school her Grandson can't attend, so I'm sure I'll hear from her."

Sounds like this Mrs. King is an overstuffed buffoon. I've dealt with her sort before. I really don't have a lot of patience for "civilized folk" "Minerva waves her hand as if waving away a bothersome fly, " who think they have the right to tell good people how to run their lives. I came here to get away from that kind of thinking. But, no they don't scare me. It's just another bothersome nuisance to deal with if I want to make Promise City my home. But I don't really need the "church" to do what I came here to do" She turns to Kate, " Perhaps if you're interested in teaching we can form some kind of an alliance. Although after I speak with the committee you may not want to be associated with us. " She grins and strokes Luna's feathers.

Ruby laughs lightly. "Kate here is associated with us, if that hasn't ruined her reputation I'm sure being associated with you can't hurt her. And Kate knows that Jake and I will help her with the school, with whatever she needs. And Minerva, you seem like you might be able to twist a couple of arms here to help with your church, although helping with it and attending are two very different things," Ruby has a crooked smile on her face.

Minerva raises her glass in a toast. "here's to rustling some feathers in this town. Sounds like a great reason to celebrate!" Ruby raises her glass and clinks it with Minerva's "To rustling some feathers!" and she drinks her whiskey down. Kate smiled as the others drank the whiskey, then sighed dramatically. "To rustling feathers!" Nanuet raises his glass with the others. He adds, "I was going to say the same thing though, Miss Kate has been associated with savages like me, so you can't really do much harm Miss Minerva." Kate says, "Ah, respectability, I may never see thee again. Unless I go back to Boston that is, I am the height of respectable there." Kate stopped and said more seriously, "I'd appreciate any help you can give me, Miss Florencia."

Ma'am Kate" Ginnie greets Kate with a crooked little smile "Miss Ruby I'm planning on um... working tonight if it's ok with you." She looks over at Kate "the studies I need to do have been finished I haven't tried the um... other subject I've been thinking about. But I'm pretty sure that I can manage it very soon and my quilt is coming along quite well they do have some lovely silks to work with at the shop" Kate replies, "Sure Ginnie, that sounds like a good idea to me. Have you eaten? You should sit and eat with us before you start work."

Kate slipped her arm around Ginnie's waist and hugged her. "I'm glad you're happy at Mrs. Kelley's Ginnie. We worked pretty hard at your studies for several weeks, it's alright if we go easy for a few days. Sit down and eat some dinner. Mr. Booth and I already ate over at the Cantina. I believe I am part of the entertainment tonight, Ruby. Sonoma won't be here, remember? You need a pianist." Kate turns back and asks, "So, will everyone be staying for entertainment tonight then?"

"I knew you would be here Kate, I was wondering about Miss Florencia and Mr. Booth, actually. I'd like to play some cards later, it's been a while." Maria brings out plates of food and everyone who hasn't eaten eats.

Minerva comments, "Well Ruby, Any help you can give will be welcome, and I won't chide you about attending church. Frankly if it were up to me people would spend less time there and more time helping each other in the real world. If you know what I mean. I've got to find someone to take over this project. I was hoping I could convince Jeff Mills to manage it. Well it looks as though I’ve already ruined my reputation by frequenting saloons and associating with gamblers, savages and heathens so, I may as well enjoy the evening!! You know, I don't know much about playing cards but it does looks like it could be fun"

"And don't forget saloon girls..." Ruby adds. "Jeff?" Ruby asks questioningly, "Whatever made you think of him? We need him to be working on some projects for us, but I suppose if he is willing he could help you with the church. What do you think Jake? And for us, let us know what you need us to do. As for cards, fear not, we can teach you and we promise not to take too much of your money," Ruby teases with an angelic face on. "Ahh, you wouldn't take advantage of a poor preacher girl would you Senorita?" Minerva smiles sweetly in return.

"I see you as neither poor or a girl Miss Florencia, but of course, I do not take advantage of my friends. I am glad you are willing to learn, maybe you'll come around more often if you do." Ruby leans closer to her. "You would have the same as advantage as I at a table, as the men in these parts are not used to having such lovely ladies at their tables. Well, let me start singing now. I'll be back when I take a break. Kate you may play if you'd like or I can sing unaccompanied." Ruby goes to the stage and sings her first set.

Minerva turns to the little girl and smiles gently. "Buenas Tardes, chicka. My name is Senorita Minerva and what is this I hear about quilting? I am a weaver myself. I would love to see your work." Minerva shows her, the tapestry bag that encases her flute. Woven upon it is a forest scene. The shadows and tees appear quite lifelike. In the center is a clearing and in the clearing, a young girl and a small white owl dance under the moon. Do you like animals Ginney? Would you like to hold my owl? She is very friendly."

Kate let go of Ginnie so she could go to Minerva if she wanted. "I came to play Ruby." She went over to the piano and launched into the first piece, her fingers light on the keys. After Ruby finished her set, Kate launched into a fast piece full of twinkling runs and quick fingerings. It was a very difficult piece, but full of exuberance, and Kate flowed through it with the ease of much practice and a light heart.

"We could play some cards for fun later on if you like, but I'll have my hands full with customers for a bit." Jake beams a smile, "You can ask either of those lovely ladies who will assure you that I would be nothing but a gentleman and not take advantage of you." Nanuet raises his eyebrows. "At the Poker table." Jake adds.

"Regarding Jeff Mills, I am hesitant to offer his services. He is quite busy with his regular work and all the construction we have him involved in. I wouldn't want the poor man to be over worked." A faint smile crosses his lips. "Perhaps we can discuss it more, over the next week. I'm sure Senorita Florencia will be very persuasive with all the benefits that will accrue to us for our assistance, beyond the salvation of our mortal souls. Usted entiende mi significado, senorita?" [translation: You understand my meaning, miss?]

Jake continues, "The town needs a school, fire fighting equipment and a church among other things. Are you prepared to articulate to the townsfolk why the church should come next?" Jake locks eyes with the preacher. "How much have you raised and how much in total to you need?"

Jake then glances over at Ruby who is singing "Besides possibly offering the services of a construction foreman or a humble donation there may be other ways we could assist the new preacher in her endeavors. We can be somewhat creative and unorthodox." Jake grabs the bottle of whiskey, fills his glass, and raises it to the Spanish preacher before drinking half of it quickly.

Minerva replies, “No Senor , I am not certain that I do understand your meaning as we have just met. Perhaps you can clarify these benefits of which you speak at a later time. It is a lovely evening, Senor Jake, and I would hate to spoil it with talk of business. I agree that we should discuss this after I meet with the committee. As for your soul Senor, if you teach me to play this game of cards well, I shall put in a good word to the goddess for you! But for now I think I will join Senorita Kate and Ruby." Minerva takes her flute from the case, strolls to the stage and Joins in the merriment, Luna upon hearing her mistress's flute flutters onto the Piano and sways to the music.

"Perdóneme Senorita, Era grosero de mí." [translation: Forgive me miss, it was rude of me.] Jake says to her as she leaves. "Please enjoy your evening, I must go to work now. I hope you'll choose to stay late with the rest of us tonight." Jake gives a little laugh and speaks louder so she can hear across the room. "I can always use a good word in the right place." Jake finishes the rest of the whiskey in his glass, adjusts his shirt and new cuff links and heads to his table for the evening game. "Welcome folks. How about a little poker?"

Jake is just starting to deal out when Job Kane walks in and is surprised to see Jake. He says, "I didn't realize that you'd returned, otherwise I'd have taken my usual night off!" "Hi Job, I got in on the stagecoach tonight. You may want to stick around anyway. Mr. Lucky got himself in a little trouble and will be spending the night in jail, so there may be some players looking for a dealer." Jake shrugs and continues to deal.

Once the set was finished Kate got up and began serving drinks. It was busy tonight, perhaps the music had floated out into the street and brought more people in. She worked her way across the room one table at a time until she made it back to the table where Conrad was still sitting. Is everything alright here?" she asked cheerfully. "Anything I can get you?" He replies, "Doing fine, it's nice to not have to concentrate on the game for a change." She said “I can imagine. You've been running a game seven days a week for quite a while. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Just let me know if you need anything, alright?" Kate went back to serving, and then played for Ruby when she sang her second set. Jake's game was in full swing and kept going through the set and after.

Over at Jake's table Al Brower gestures over to the table with Booth and Kate and tells Jake "You realize that thief is only paying attention to her to worm his way into a gambling table here. It isn't any coincidence that he decided to show up tonight when Tony just happens to be in jail. You hire him and it'll probably make the first page of the next Promise City Herald, and not in a complimentary way."

Jake replies, "I hadn't even thought about it and he hadn't suggested it. He's got a table elsewhere, don't know why he'd want to play here. Perhaps during a break you could enlighten me on the details of what happened at your place to make you feel that way? There will only be honest games at the Lucky Lady." Jake finishes with a couple nods of his head and continues the game.

Ruby had sung a long set and was on a break. First she walked around talking with customers, most of which she already knew. Then she stopped by the friends’ table, full with Nanuet and Chester, Minerva and Mr. Booth. It had been a long time since they were all in the same place, with their friends and Jake and Kate and even Ginnie working. She smiled and hoped nothing would surprise them to ruin their night.

She walked to the bar and poured herself a very generous glass of whiskey. She started to head for the door but stopped by Jake before she got there. She leaned over, put her arms around him tightly from behind and kissed his neck, then headed outside for some air. For a long time she sat on the porch railing looking inside the crowded saloon. Then she turned her face into the warm breeze that was blowing and closed her eyes, letting a content sigh escape her lips.

Kate noticed Ruby step outside, but didn't follow right after, instead making a round of the room filling orders and chatting. Once Ruby had been on the porch alone for a while, Kate stepped outside and put her arm around Ruby's waist, hugging her lightly. "Once of the luckiest things I've ever done was get on the stage the same day you did, Ruby dear." She smiled and let go. "It's a beautiful night," she finished and turned to head back inside.

"Kate..." Ruby called after her. Kate turned back to face her. "Thanks." Ruby smiled warmly at her friend.
Ruby asks, "Is Conrad enjoying himself tonight?" Kate replies, "He seems to be. I don't think he's taken a night off in a long time. It doesn't seem he's had a reason to." "And now he does." Ruby just smiled at her friend. Kate shrugged. "All I said was that he could afford the couple hours off his game to go to bed early. He's the one who decided to come here instead of working at all. And I know that's not what you meant." Ruby only slightly raised an eyebrow to go with the grin on her face. "You're right... it is a beautiful night."

Kate heads back inside and Ruby continues to sit on the porch. She looks up at the sky and watches the stars. After an undermined length of time she closes her eyes again and falls into that comfortable state between being asleep and awake. The silence is then broken up by the sound of a voice asking "Constance Grace?"

She opens her eyes to see George Eastman kneeling before her on the porch. He is attired in a blue suit with a gold vest, and a tie with both blue and gold in the pattern over a white silk shirt. His hair and beard look as though he just came from the barbershop. A bouquet of freshly cut flowers is near his feet. He holds out his hands, and cupped inside of them is a gold ring with a large diamond in the center. She blinks as he says "Constance Grace, will you be my wife?"

Chapter 49, “The Ring”, Wednesday, March 15th, 1882

Ruby blinks again and looks at the ring in Mr. Eastman's hand. "It is a very beautiful ring, Mr. Eastman." Ruby slides off the railing and stands before him, trying not to look at it. She reaches out her hand and takes him by the arm. "Stand up," she whispers softly, while looking into the saloon, hoping no one had noticed. "Mr. Eastman, I really do appreciate the effort you have gone through and any woman would be lucky to have you as a husband." She looks him straight in the eyes. "But I just can't marry you. I'm sorry."

He reaches over and grabs her hands, taking them into his in such a way that the outer tips of her fingers touch the ring. He looks her straight in the eyes and says "Constance, there is no need to be so formal, please call me George. I understand, this was too sudden. But I wanted you to know my intentions. You do not need to give me an answer tonight." He withdraws his hands and then reaches into his pocket, taking out a small jewelry box lined with ruby red velvet. He puts the ring into the box and closes it. He then holds out the box to her and says "Please keep this until you have reached your decision."

Ruby looks at the box in her hand for a moment. Then she pushes her hands back out to Eastman, trying to hand him the box. "Mr. Eastman, uh, George, you don't understand. I was trying to be nice and not hurt your feelings." She looks back inside the saloon quickly before turning back to him. "I can't marry you. I can't marry you because I am in love with someone else." "Who?" he asks. "Do you mean that gambler who my cousin plays cards with? Constance, you're wasting your time on him. If he was truly in love with you wouldn't he be here with you right now?"

"Yes, he's the gambler your cousin plays cards with. He's a business man too." Ruby glances inside the saloon. She continues quietly while looking at Jake, "I never said he was in love with me." Ruby slowly turns her gaze back to Eastman. "But he is here, he's right inside." "Where?" George asks. "Point him out to me." "He's playing cards..." Ruby stops herself. "George, I'm not sure that is a good idea. Do you really want to cause a scene, over me?"

"Over you? Constance, I would do anything for you. Would he?” He looks inside and sees a group of men at the table. "Is he one of those men? He would rather sit there and play cards with those men than pay any attention to you? And don't try telling me that he has to play, I've been here two nights already. That man sitting over at the bar (as he gestures to Job) is also a gambler here, and could be running that table instead.

Listen, I understand that you feel a sense of obligation to him. Helen said that he talked you into being the headline act here. But we could find another singer to take your place. That Clairese woman who sang here last night was rather good. She was no Constance Grace West, but then again, who is? Nobody else that I've ever seen."

"Yes, he is one of those men. And he pays me plenty of attention when I need it." Ruby smiles knowingly while continuing to watch Jake play cards. "He didn't talk me into being the headliner here. I had this job before I met him. And George, I own part of this place and I like to sing here." "You would really do anything for me? That's very sweet." Ruby reaches out and touches his face. "And you are a very sweet man. And I don't know if Mr. Cook would do anything for me. But I have to follow my heart, and give him a chance to realize what's in his."

Eastman says, "You need more time to think. Hang on to the ring. We can discuss this tomorrow over dinner, I'll come by and pick you up at five." He then turns to leave, picks up the flowers and hands them to her. "Goodbye, I truly do love you Constance Grace. And if you give yourself the chance I think that you'll find that you are attracted to me as well." "Crap," Ruby says out loud to no one, after Mr. Eastman had run away. She walks back into the saloon, flowers and ring box in hand, not looking very happy.

Kate looked up from the table where she was standing talking with their friends. Ruby was making her way in from outside, flowers in her hands and a disturbed look on her face. "I'll be back." She walked over to her friend. "Ruby, honey, are you okay?" Ruby holds out the flowers and the ring box. "George Eastman won't take no for an answer." She took the box and opened the lid. A large diamond winked in the light, set simply but beautifully. "Impressive," she said softly, then closed the box and handed it back.

"He will have to take no eventually. That or set up camp in Promise City and ask you to marry him daily for the rest of his life. You know what I think you should do?" Kate took two of the flowers from the bouquet and stripped the leaves. She tucked one into her hair, and the other into Ruby's. "These flowers were given in love, however misguided. So give them to people you love, and don't let George Eastman put a damper on your night. I know you'd rather have "Silver" than diamonds." Ruby looked again to Jake and sighed. "I would rather have silver than diamonds, in this case anyway." She shakes her head. "He thinks we're going to dinner tomorrow night."

"But you're right, we shouldn't let this ruin our night. Let's get drunk." Ruby puts the ring in her pocket and the flowers on the bar. She leans way over and reaches for a bottle, not bothering to look at what it is. She pours herself a large drink, drinks it down and pours another. "Here," she says, handing the glass to Kate. Ruby takes the bottle and wanders over to Jake. She stands over him for a couple of minutes, but he doesn't seem to notice her. Then she nods to Kate and makes her way to the stage. When Kate is ready Ruby takes to the stage again, stopping often to drink from the bottle. Kate looked at the glass Ruby had thrust in her hand and set it down on the bar. "Hopefully someone will want one of, whatever that is," she said to Jeff.

With Luc available to act as the bouncer tonight, Chester sits with his friends. He sees Ruby come back inside with flowers and a small dark object. Kate goes over to Ruby, so Chester decides he isn't needed. He listens to the playing of the new preacher, Minerva. If she plays during services, that'll help the time pass more pleasantly. Rev. Haggler just kept droning on and on. Chester's face lights up when Clairese comes in to sing a set of songs. Clairese sits down at one of the smaller tables over near the stage to wait for Ruby to finish singing. Chester looks over at Clairese. He starts to get out of his seat.

Jake's table had started a little later than usual and the play had been interesting, consequently they had run a bit long without a respite. "Time for a break gentlemen, tend to yourselves for a few minutes. It will keep your games sharp. We've seen some fine poker tonight so far." Jake smiles and encourages the players.

He stretches and walks to the bar. On the way by he says to Nanuet, "Hey Indian, I meant to tell you earlier but got distracted; that was quick thinking at the boarding house." Jake tips his hat to him but continues to the bar and gets some whiskey. "Thanks White Man." Nanuet says and winks at Jake as he tips his hat. Nanuet turned to his friend Chester and started some small talk. "Well Chet, how's things been lately at the mine?"

Chester sits back down with a thump. He turns to Nanuet. "Um. Things are going fine there. Haven't had any problems with the Cowboy Gang or claim jumpers. It looks like the mine's a good one. The silver's good quality." He looks back at Clairese. "Could you excuse me for a bit, Nanuet. I have something to take care of."

Not waiting for a response, Chester walks over to Clairese's table. "He takes off his hat and says, "Good evening, Miss Townsend. Is this seat taken?" She says, "No, Mr. Martin. Have a seat." He takes the proffered chair. "Thank you. You can Chester, miss, or Chet, if you like. How do you like singing here?" "Mr. Cook and Miss West have been very kind to me. And the crowds are wonderful." "I'm glad to hear that. They are nice people. Would you have dinner with me tomorrow?" She says, "Ummm...err....well.....where were you thinking of to go for dinner? Would we have a chaperone?"

Jake stays out of the way and watches Ruby for a bit, noticing that she has a bottle with her at the stage. He then notices that both Ruby and Katherine are sporting a flower in their hair and similar flowers are sitting on the bar. "Hmmm." Although the set isn't over, Jake makes his way to the stage when she finishes the song. He passes Katherine first touching her gently on the shoulder and says, "Stall for half a minute." "Alright." Kate pulled another of the flowers out, stripped the leaves, and snapped the stem off with only about three inches left. She went over to the tables where her friends had been sitting and handed the flower to Conrad. "Your buttonhole is empty again, didn't I tell you something about that the other day?"

Jake walks deliberately to Ruby, "I've missed your singing, glad I'm getting to hear you tonight." He puts his left hand on the side of her face and then delicately traces her earring with his finger. "It's every bit you as the other is me. Funny isn't it?" He continues with the slightest smile on his face. "It's going to be a long night, so slow down on the bottle a bit and save some Ruby for me. I wouldn't want you to forget the words to someone's special song. I'd like to hear it towards the end of the night if you're up to it." He brushes his finger across her lips. "You better sing some more, your adoring fans are waiting." Jake stands aside and moves back towards his table nodding and smiling to Clairese on his way by.

Jake seemed to have finished whatever he was saying to Ruby. "I have to go play, and keep an eye on Ruby," she smiled and went back over to play, strategically moving the bottle away as Ruby turned to face the audience. Then she sat down to play. Ruby bit her lip and smiled with a twinkle in her eye as Jake walked away. She looked at the bottle and decided to go a little lighter on the drink. She wanted to be able to last as long as she needed to. Ruby saw Kate chatting with Conrad and then she came back to the piano, also a happy smile on her face. Ruby nodded to her and they started their set. Ruby sang her usual passion and enthusiasm and Kate played to match.

Later on after her set, Ruby again heads outside to get some air. She takes her spot on the railing of the porch, taking small sips from her bottle, swinging her legs. She waves and smiles at a few people walking by, getting a couple to stop in for drinks. Jake finally gets to the second break from his game and looks for Ruby. He sees her out the door and meanders his way over. Ruby looks up and sees Jake heading her way. She curves her finger and motions for him to come to her. When he gets close she leans way down, giving Jake a good look down her dress, as she grabs the bottom of her skirts and slowly pulls them up to her knees. She grasps his belt, and slowly makes him come to her. She then wraps her legs around him, locking her ankles behind him.

“It occurs to me that I did not give you a proper welcome home today Mr. Cook.” Ruby moves her fallen strap back onto her shoulder, before wrapping her arms around Jake’s neck. “I do apologize and plan to make it up to you, if you’ll let me…” Ruby wiggles on the railing just a little closer to Jake. “I’d like you to play the piano for me later, when your game is done. You play almost as well as Kate, I don’t know why you don’t think you do. And you know some songs she doesn’t know.” She lightly runs her fingers up and down the back of Jake’s neck. “You know I’d never forget the words to your song. I’ll sing it in my last set. I told you I would sing it whenever you wanted to hear it.” Ruby pauses and gazes into Jake’s eyes before leaning in close and giving him a long soft kiss.

"I especially like it when you make it up to me.... hmmm." They continue to kiss for a minute before they both hear a low growling noise. They pull slowly away from each other and glance around. There is a small black fluffy puppy biting the bottom of Jake’s pant leg, pulling at it. Jake stops and stares down at the black beast trying to shred his trouser. "Get out of here you mutt, I'm busy." He starts to shake it off his leg. "Jake no! Don't hurt it!" "What?" He sees the look in her eyes. "Oh." Recognition of the look. "Ah."

He reaches down and picks the animal by the scruff of the neck. Holding it out in front of him and looking it in the face he says, "I'm going to assume that's a dog and not a baby, what was it, dragon? Does it have a name?""No, it's not a baby dragon," Ruby says sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "His name is Mischief. His sister's name is Lucky and I don't know where she is." She reaches out and pets the little rascal. "He was only trying to protect me from you."

"Protect you! Who's gonna protect me?" Jake shakes him a bit in the air and puts him back down. "Mischief, huh." He shakes his head. "Why do I feel like you'll grow into that name. I DID say you could have a puppy." He says as he turns back to Ruby. He pushes the dog away with his leg and moves towards Ruby and stops. "Did you just tell me Mischief has a sister?"

"He'll protect you too," Ruby says as she bends forward and crouches down to the dog, then scoops him up. She looks the pup in the eyes. "This is Jake," she turns Mischief to him, "And we like him. No, actually we love him." Ruby glances at Jake before looking back to the ball of fur. "So make sure to take very good care of him." The dog tries to lick Jake's face but he dodges out of the way. "Aaawwww," Ruby snuggles him and puts him down. "And yes, Mischief has a sister, smaller than him. The poor things were starving Jake and they found their way to our back door." Ruby gives Jake the big innocent eyes and a sweet smile. "Oh you'll love them both, they're so cute..."

Jake laughs, "Mischief and Lucky, huh. I have to get back to the game." He gives her a quick kiss. As he turns he says, "Don't tell me where they sleep yet. I haven't had enough to drink." He goes back into the saloon laughing and shaking his head.

Katherine was relieved to see Ruby drinking less than she had been before Jake spoke to her. Clairese had come in just as they were starting this set, and Chester had gone over to speak to her almost immediately. Kate smiled a bit when she looked at them. None of her friends seemed to be able to resist Cupid's arrows. Minerva had joined them with her flute again, and agreed to accompany Clairese when Ruby's set was finished.
Meanwhile, "Now where have those little puppies gotten too?" Nanuet wondered out loud. "I knew it would be a bad idea to have them wandering around in here during the busy hours." Nanuet begins walking throughout the Lucky Lady looking for the dogs. He sees a white ball of fur curled up in an empty wooden crate behind the bar and makes his way over to it. He kneels down and scratches the dog between the ears. "Hey little pup, where is your partner in crime? Miss Ruby will be awful upset if anything happens to either of you."

Between sets Minerva, her face is flushed and smiling broadly, returns to the table. She pours herself a shot from the whiskey bottle, downs it in one quick movement, and plops herself down in the seat beside Nanuet and grins. " I am having such a wonderful time! This place is sooo alive! "Leaning towards him she whispers loudly "Now this is the kind of place the gods really love." She gazes around the room "Looks like one of the gods his having lots of fun tonight.” Yes, Cupid has definitely been quite busy this evening. "You can see his arrows everywhere. "she looks outside and notices Ruby and her man wrapped around each other.

"Mr. Booth and Katherine seem quite taken with one another this evening, and now Chester seems to be heating things up at the next table too." Ah, beware the handiwork of the gods..." Nanuet, do you know anything of this card game everyone is playing? I would really like to try my hand at it but everyone seems to be ...involved."

Ruby waits for a moment, then follows Jake in. After the next set was over they could play cards and relax, hopefully dance and definitely drink. Ruby makes her way back to the stage again and starts to sing without Kate. Let her talk to Conrad, Ruby thinks, She needs to have some fun too.

Kate again made the rounds of the room to fill drink orders before she went and sat down at the table with Conrad. "I feel I've been a poor hostess. I hope you haven't been bored. "He replies, "Not at all, although I do feel that your friends are taking advantage of you. In the few times I've been here only Hoover appeared to make an effort to manage this place, but he isn't even around tonight. If tonight is any example, you do far more than the other three owners do but you aren't included in any of the proceeds. That hardly seems fair."

She answers, "I never thought about it. My job here has always been to play and wait tables, and playing the piano isn't work," she finished with a smile. "Job hasn't had a drink all night, despite sitting at the bar. He's been keeping an eye on everything like Mr. Hoover usually does. Jake has been running his table, and Ruby singing her sets. She hasn't shown it tonight, but she knows the name of every person in this room, what drinks they like, what songs they like. I draw my salary, and it's more than fair for what I do. I don't hire or fire people, I don't make liquor orders or run games, or throw out the rowdies. And if I want a night off, it's no trouble. My work isn't harder, just more...visible."

Katherine looked down at her hands folded in her lap. "It's sweet of you to be concerned," she said, by way of filling the silence. "But I have taken advantage of my friends in so many ways, the little bit I can do here isn't enough to even begin to repay them. I don't know what I would have done here without them. And I'm talking to much again," she finished with a laugh. "You realize, I don't really know much more about you than you did about me. Tell me about what brought you to Promise City, how long you've been here, what made you stay."

Booth replies, "Ah, well you already know much of my life story. I left California temporarily a few years ago, making trips to different cities for gambling tournaments, but I would always go back to check on my mother.
Around three years back she convinced me that she could get along without me, so I moved out permanently. I tried several places until I found Promise City. I actually hadn't planned to stay, but then Arcade's Gang went and killed Billy the Kid in my house. My name made it into all of the newspaper accounts and turned me into a known gambler. People coming to town wanted to play at my table and hear the story. I know it probably sounds rather morbid to you, but I've kept the second floor preserved as it was that day and will only give tours to people who play at my table."

She says, "It is rather morbid, but it's part of how you're making your living. I can understand it, but I imagine someday you'll want your house back, all to yourself. You told me you wanted to make your fortune, but do you expect to make it by gambling, or is there something else you want to do?" He says, "That's a good question, I honestly don't know what I really want to do. Back when I was a teenager I had dreams of joining my father as an actor, but you know how my one meeting with him went. I then tried finding work using my singing voice but that went nowhere. I then found that I had a knack for poker playing."

She replies, "I didn't know you sang. I hope I'll get the pleasure of hearing you someday. But I can see how making a living singing would be difficult. Places like these want women on the stage, you would have to become part of a traveling company, I suppose. Or go to a place like New York where they do operas and such things. You should spend some time dreaming, you never know what you might enjoy doing. I never thought I'd be a school teacher, but here I am planning on opening a school."

It's now after 10:00 PM and Booth tells Kate "As much as I am enjoying our conversation one of the reasons I didn't run my own table tonight at the Long Branch is that I wanted to get to bed early. So I guess I'd better call it a night. Thank you dear lady for a lovely evening." He leaves money on the table for the two drinks that evening as well as a very generous tip of twice that amount.

As Jake's game is finishing up he notices that Katherine is up and saying goodnight to Booth. Once Booth is gone and it appears that he isn't coming back Job Kane decides to leave as well, saying goodnight to Jake and Ruby and letting them know that they are now in charge.

Chapter 50, “A Night of Fun Among Friends”, Wednesday, March 15th , 1882:

After Jake thanks and says his goodnights to the players he meanders over to the bar, grabs a bottle of whiskey and bourbon and returns to the table that Nanuet, Minerva and Ruby are sitting at. Chester is somewhere with Clairese, but Jake didn't notice where. He puts the bottles on the table, leaving the bourbon closer to he and Ruby.

Putting a deck of cards on the table he says to Senorita Florencia, "Still want to learn how to play poker?" "I was just going to say Minerva that this is the man you want to ask about Poker." Nanuet says, pointing to Jake. "I never learned the game as most people wouldn't sit at the table with an Indian, so I never bothered. Can't say gambling holds much appeal to me either, so I guess it worked out for the best." Nanuet sits at the table willing to keep the others company as Jake begins his poker lessons. Minerva pulls her chair up closer to the table taking the bottle from Jake she pours herself a generous serving "I am very excited to learn. Nanuet was unable to explain the rules to me but perhaps we can both learn!"

Jake lays the cards out face up on the table. "Five cards are dealt. You try and make the best hand of five cards you can. We usually play draw poker, so we'll stick with that. You get one chance to discard and draw some new cards." Jake then begins rearranging the cards on the table to create groups of hands in order of lower to higher. "One pair, two pair, three of a kind, ...." He continues through all the hands while he and Ruby answers questions. "We'll cover betting in a little while. Oh, and never draw to an inside straight UNLESS you are absolutely sure the goddess has stacked the deck." Jake laughs. Minerva raises her eyebrows at Jake. " The Goddess always stacks the deck, Senor, but not always in ones favor."

Minerva looks at Jake with a sly look " You know Senor Jake it never hurts to stack the deck in your favor. Perhaps if you held a game night where you give the proceeds to the church building fund. You would earn the favor of the more people in Promise City. You may find that this not only will draw a larger crowd to your saloon but could make things easier for you in other ways."

"And what ways are you referring to, Miss Minerva, if I may ask?" Ruby does not look up from her hand. "Seeing as how most of the people who want a church are the kind of people who don't want our sort around anyway, I can't see how having a card game here for them would make things easier on us..." Ruby glances up quickly then back again to her hand. "But do we have to talk business? I thought we were going to relax tonight?" Ruby again pours herself a large glass of bourbon and starts working on it quickly.

As the poker lessons began, Katherine and Ginnie got the saloon cleaned up and ready for the next day. Not feeling like playing cards, Kate then sat down at the piano. She played quietly, beginning with an Irish song Tom had taught her, but then meandering away, playing as her fancy took her. It was a habit that had frustrated her teachers, who felt their job was to teach her to play the classics, not produce her own compositions. There was happy laughter behind her, and a few minutes later Ginnie sat down on the bench next to her. She sighed contentedly and played on.

Now that the place was empty except for the help and his friends Nanuet relaxes considerably. "How do you find that bourbon? I have always preferred whiskey, but you two (pointing to Ruby and Jake) seem to have a taste for that stuff. Let me try it." Nanuet pours himself a glass from Ruby's bottle and sips lightly tasting the liquor. "Well, it's not too bad. I'll have to add it to my short list of vices." Nanuet says with a smile.

"Tell me Nanuet, how does one get a short list of vices? My list seems to be growing considerably, to my downfall I'm afraid." Ruby has a grin on her face but she looks to Nanuet, expecting an answer. Nanuet blinks, not expecting that question and not having an immediate answer. He hems and haws for a moment, then replies blankly. "Well, one keeps themselves busy with work. That leaves little time for vices." Ruby nearly spits her drink out. "Work! No wonder I'm a lost cause. I might as well admit my vices will eventually get the best of me and enjoy the ride then, eh?" She finishes her bourbon and pours another one.

"I think Ruby, that you will find that "civilized" people like Mrs. King hide behind their moral outrage as a way to gain power. It is not your vices that they object to but the idea that they are not in control. It makes them uneasy. But not all of the people who want the church are like Mrs. King. Some genuinely want to help the community grow. I think that you will find that those kind of people have no objection to "your sort". And hopefully not to my sort either." Minerva continues to deal the cards. "But you are right this is not the time to discuss business. The idea just popped into my head. I apologize if I offended you." Nanuet laughs heartily. "I think it takes a lot more than that to offend Ruby Miss Minerva."

Ruby laughs too. "Nanuet is right, it does take a lot more than that to offend me, Senorita, I think that's what you say. But I will say that there are a lot of civilized people hiding behind their outrage in this town, people who judge you without even meeting or knowing you. Take your Mr. Lacey, for example. He was quick to judge me based on some false accusations, without ever asking if they were true. At any rate, I don't envy you, you have a hard job ahead of you."

"I think we're missing all the fun, Ginnie," Kate said as she finished playing. "But it was nice to play just for myself for a little while." She got up and took a seat at the table with her friends, waving the cards away when Jake moved to deal her in. "Welcome back Katherine. I was just about to propose a toast. "To enjoying the ride!" "Minerva raises her glass.

"Jake, deal her in anyway, I'll help her." Ruby turns to Kate. "Don't you think you should learn how to play? I mean, it is what Mr. Booth does for a living..." Ruby is saved by Minerva's toast. Ruby giggles at it and raises her glass, "To enjoying the ride!" She downs her drink and realizes she is already enjoying it, having that happy fuzzy feeling.
"Now, poker isn't really about the cards, its about people. You have to learn to play the people at your table and be able to read them. Everyone does something to give themselves and the cards they have away, even the best poker players."

"For example, Chester here gets a good hand and reaches for his drink, every time. When he is trying to bluff he adjusts his collar." Ruby shrugs. "Sorry Chet, but you do. And Minerva, you and Kate are the same. You both smile when you get good cards. That's a fairly obvious giveaway," Ruby giggles again. "But poor Nanuet. I could probably tell you his exact hand by reading his face. The whole lot of you need to work on your poker faces."

While Ruby was distracted with the toast, Kate again indicated not to deal her in. "I already know how to play, you taught me yourself Ruby, remember? I just don't care to tonight. I'll watch everyone instead, and see if I can spot how they give themselves away." "Kate, playing once does not make you know the game! Poker is something you need to practice at. And if you are going to play, you'd better be good. Believe me I learned that the hard way."

Nanuet looks at his cards and looks back at Ruby. "I am glad you can tell what cards I have, because I sure can't!"
"What's the matter Miss Kate? Just a friendly game, why don't you want to play?" Kate sighed. "There's nothing the matter, I'm fine. I just don't particularly like poker. Really, nothing more than that. Please go on with the game."

Jake interjects, "Katherine, when you sit at Mr. Booth's table it's good that you at least know the basics and the etiquette. I believe it is a way of telling him you appreciate his friendship and respect his table." Jake cuts the deck, does a fancy bridge and shuffle and produces the ace of spades from the deck. He flips it around with his fingers before returning it to the deck. "Thanks for entertaining us on the piano by the way." She exclaims, "Alright Jake, you win. But you all need to learn to take no for an answer now and then. You read a bit too much into the word.
As for the piano I was really just playing for myself, but it's nice to hear someone else enjoyed it as well."

Jake manages to get a glass from the rapidly diminishing bourbon bottle. "You can tell quite a bit about someone from their behavior at a poker table. Sometimes it's subtle, other times not. Ruby is right that everyone gives away something, even the best. You'll pardon me if I don't care to discuss mine." Jake just smiles. Ruby raises her glass, "Mr. Cook's poker wisdom! I'd like to hear more of your analysis about that some time." She hiccups and takes a sip.
"Kate would you prefer to dance instead? I'll dance with you, or you can dance with me I should say..."

Kate laughed and covered her face with her hands. "Stop! I'm fine. We're at the table, we're playing poker, and we’re slowing down on the bourbon so we don't give away our hands. Please just go on!" The elf says, "Slowing down? I think I need to drink twice as much so I have a chance!" Nanuet looks at his cards and says "When they are all the same color is that a good thing?" "Heh, could be. They need to be all the same shape too!" Jake laughs and slaps the table. Nanuet asks, "Same shape? All the cards are rectangles aren't they?"

Jake gives up. "Alright, enough of this poker, philosophy and is everyone OK chit chat. Everyone IS OK. Time to dance. I'll play for a bit." Jake gets up quickly and goes to the piano with his glass of bourbon. Jake starts playing and Ruby recognized the song. It was an old standard that she had sung early in the night, but somehow the style was different. She recognized the underlying melody, but there was a playful and uplifting quality to it. That and a whole lot more finger work was going on. It was nothing like the sweet, clear, and disciplined classical playing that Katherine could do. Though Ruby herself couldn't play the piano, she had been around enough to recognize the small bits of classical training that she heard peaking through the lively music coming from his playing. It wasn't quite as good as Katherine’s playing but it was enjoyable.

Kate sat at the table with a stunned look on her face for a few moments. She thinks to herself, “How did a simple ‘I don't care to play,’ turn into the game breaking up? Maybe it's because I'm still sober, or more likely because they are all drunk." Nanuet offers his arm to Minerva. "I won't admit to being much of a dancer, but I am willing to have some fun and act like I know what I am doing. Care to join me?"

Ginnie watched the adults with an eye to their interactions with Ma'am Kate thinking about heading back to the keyboard now would be the time to talk to Miss Ruby. But she realizes that Ruby is well on her way to a happy drunk. "Well no time like the present" Ginnie thinks to herself "Everyone here knows about he magic so this is as good a place as any to start with. I'll just try cleaning up that table and if I end up setting it on fire or anything Ma'am Kate is here to fix it so I should be ok."

Ginnie focused on the lay lines that crossed the room, weaving the energy just like she would for a piece of lace crossing and twisting it creating the spell until she knew that the forces around her would do her bidding. The words, candance and intonation that she had heard Ruby use came to her with no problem as she released the forces she had formed to do her bidding. It was harder than Ginnie expected to control the spell but it did work. She realized that she could do the magic she just needed time to work on it.

Ruby was watching Jake play while out of the corner of her eye she saw Ginnie trying to cast a spell. It was successful, and the table was cleaned. Ruby smiles and as she is walking her way over to Jake she says to Ginnie quietly, "Good job..." The girl looks up at Ruby and she winks. Ruby stands next to Jake at the piano. "Good job, baby. I like your playing. Play some fun songs and I'll sing." Jake plays some more rowdy saloon songs and Ruby happily sings along.

Kate was looking around the room when she noticed Ginnie making some subtle but familiar gestures, then the table she was standing next to was clean. Thankfully Minerva had been distracted dancing with Nanuet. Katherine got up and hurried over as Ruby passed the girl on her way to the piano. "Ginnie, come with me please." She hurried the girl over to a quiet corner by the kitchen, then got down on her knees so she could look in her eyes. "That was incredibly dangerous Ginnie," she said seriously. "We hardly know Miss Florencia, but we do know she is a Priestess. She doesn't know about me or Ruby. Beside the fact that you have no formal training, to be caught is dangerous for you, for me, and for my teacher. Please don't... don't frighten me like that Ginnie."

Ginnie replies, “I was careful Ma'am Kate. After all magic is magic, priest or magician you take the energy around you and fold it into what you need it to do. She wasn't paying attention and if anyone didn't know what I was doing they would have just thought I cleaned the table with this rag. How am I ever going to get good at it if I don't get a chance to practice? There really isn't anyone here who doesn't understand people using magic and if Mr. Jake didn't see it why would anyone else? You saw because you watch me all the time. Miss Ruby saw and said I did a good job! I made sure that she was close enough to stop any problems that might happened. And after all I just cleaned the table I didn't try the transport spell or anything big.”

Kate answers, "It's not that simple, Ginnie. There is a great deal you don't know, and as much as magic of any kind may be similar, people have a great many prejudices. And those prejudices can get you killed." Kate hugged the girl tightly. "Please, no more until we can talk to Mr. Gonzales. I love you, and I don't want you to get hurt. I don't think I could.... just wait a few days, alright?"

After a while Ruby walks over to Chester and asks him to dance. They dance around the floor, Chester tripping Ruby only a few times (or maybe it was the other way around). Ruby giggles and they talk about Clarisse, with Chester impressing Ruby with the fact they have a date the next night. "Hey Chet, why don't you ask Kate to dance, I'm going to dance with Nanuet." Ruby approaches Nanuet, "Will you dance with me?" "Excuse me Miss Minerva." Turning to Ruby Nanuet winks and says "It would be an honor Miss Ruby." Nanuet puts his right hand on Ruby's hip and lifts his left arm to about shoulder height. As Ruby reaches for his hand Nanuet switches hands several times with a confused look on his face. Finally Ruby grabs his wrists and guides his hands to the proper position.

The two sloppily dance around the saloon, as Jake continued to play in his lighthearted style. As they moved around the floor they watched Jake's hands dance lively over the keys, transforming the somewhat staid old standard into a lively toe tapping little tune. Ruby's innate musical ability and years of experience told her quickly that he was improvising most of what he was playing, the only remnant of the original song was the underlying melody. She almost wanted to stop dancing and watch, transfixed on how nimble the hands traveled pleasantly but unorthodoxly across the ivories.

Suddenly Nanuet's feet get tangled and he stumbles to the ground, interrupting Ruby's fixation on Jake and pulling her down with him. Nanuet immediately scrambles over to the fallen beauty and says "Oh Miss Ruby, I am so sorry! Are you OK? I think I fell, I mean I think I made you fall, I mean..." He stands up and offers to help Ruby off the floor.

"Oowww. I don't think I had enough to drink to break that fall." Ruby rubs her butt then laughs. "It's ok, Nanuet, I know you didn't mean to throw me on the floor." Before she can say anything else the two puppies come running over and start jumping on Ruby and licking her. Ruby giggles uncontrollably, "Help me up before I drown!" She takes his Nanuet's hand and lets him help her up. "Maybe I should teach you how to dance. What do you think?" She smiles at him sweetly, "But maybe not tonight. I'm sure my alcohol consumption contributed to that accident." The pups are still running around their feet, nipping at them.

The elf says, "I suppose it could come in handy sooner or later. Learning how to dance that is. In the meantime, let me deal with these little rascals." Nanuet begins speaking to the dogs in his native tongue. The dogs seem to respond a bit but they are too excited to pay full attention. He heads towards the back door with the pups eagerly following. "I am going to take them for a stroll. Be right back."

"Good idea, thanks Nanuet." Ruby sees Kate lecturing Ginnie in the corner and she wanders over to them. "Kate, please come dance with me. Chester is dancing with Minerva and I already had my nightly fill of being thrown to the floor by Nanuet. Please," Ruby gives her a big smile. Kate wiped her eyes a bit and let go of Ginnie. "If you promise not to step on my toes, I'll dance, Ruby."

Ginnie hugs Kate back and smiles as she goes to dance with Miss Ruby. "Ok" she thinks to herself "no more new spells until we see Mr. Gonzalas. But I didn't promise anything about this one and I know I need to work on it. So I'll just play with it when no one is around it's a lot more fun than cleaning my room another way." With that she smiles to herself and watches as the adults dance wishing she had something other than two left feet. "I promise Kate, let's go." Ruby takes Kate's arm and guides her away from Ginnie, but turns her head and winks at the girl. She mouths the word, "Tomorrow," to her as she walks with Kate.

Nanuet watches the dogs play outside and takes in the cooler night air. After a few minutes he comes back inside, puppies in tow. He finds a few appropriate treats and hands them to the puppies careful not to get his fingers nipped. As he pets the dogs he watches his friends around the room. He notices Ginnie standing on the side watching the dance floor. He gets up and makes his way over to her.

Nanuet asks, "Ginnie, would you care to take a turn on the dance floor?" She replies, I'd love to but I can't dance at all. I have two left feet and no rhythm, can't even clap to music and get it right. I love music but I can't hold a tune in a bucket. I'm more likely to hurt you than anything but watching is fun. I'll try if you want but you might want to keep that healing spell you use ready.” He answers, "I have thick skin, I don't break so easily." Nanuet fingers the totem around his neck. "And I have this on standby if needed." he says with a laugh. Nanuet leads the young girl out on the dance floor and bows low before they start dancing. The two dance slowly, and a bit clumsily but it is obvious to anyone watching that they are both having fun.

Ruby asks, "You would like to lead or follow, Mrs. Kale?" "Follow please, I never learned the man's part." Kate laughed. "Just try not to knock me over." Ruby grabs Kate and starts spinning her around. "And why would I knock you over? I've been dancing almost my whole life. I even used to get paid to do it, although not quite like this," Ruby giggles. Kate asks, "Did you dance on stage then, like Alexsis did when she was here? Or like the girls in New Orleans?" "Oh I never told you about my dancing career?" Ruby continues to dance Kate around the floor. "Yes I used to dance on the stage like Alexsis and the girls in New Orleans..." Ruby stops talking and Kate can tell she is thinking something over, before she continues slowly, "And I used to do some more, uh, private dancing, too." "Private dancing...." Kate repeated slowly. "You mean one man would pay you to dance with him? Or, or for him?" She answers, "Both."

Kate asks, “And you've worked in places like the Palace, haven't you? Worked like the girls at the El Parador work," Kate said, her hands shaking slightly. "Yes," Ruby replies slowly, "I used to work at places like the Palace. I told you I danced and I would sing too, but mostly danced." Ruby shakes her head then stops dancing. "What does it matter what I did to get by?" "It doesn't," Kate said softly, laying her hand on Ruby's cheek. "I just hate to think of you having to do those things...But you came here for a different life, and you are building it. And only one man gets Miss Ruby West's attention now.”
"Yes," Ruby says softly, as she watches Jake deftly play the piano, "One man has my attention... As for the rest, we can talk about that another time. After all, tonight is for fun." The smile comes back on Ruby's face and she twirls Kate around in a quick circle. Kate put her hand back in Ruby's and let her spin her around the floor. Ruby would tell her the rest when she was ready; Kate was just happy she was willing to tell this much.

Her smile came back as they whirled around the room to Jake's lively playing. "Thank you, Ruby. I don't dance enough these days, and you're the only one who asks!" She replies, "Oh that's because I know you don't want the attention of strange men so I make sure to keep them away with a threatening glance when you're not looking," Ruby teases. Then she giggles again before dipping Kate. "Besides, it's funnier this way..." “Funnier?" Kate laughed. "I doubt anyone's really looking Ruby. It's not that I don't like a little attention now and then, but attention from men here usually means buying a girl and drink and trying to pinch her. That kind of attention I don't want."

Ruby says, "First of all, you are wrong about men looking. This is the last time I will yell at you for saying that! Conrad looks, and you can't deny it so don't even try. Getting pinched is a compliment, it means someone thinks you have something worth pinching. And the same thing with buying a drink, they wouldn't offer if they didn't want to share a drink with you. You can't be picky about the kind of attention you get, we're in the west, not in stuffy New York or Boston. Out here men buy drinks and pinch to show their affections instead of doing the stupid courting stuff and you're just going to have to get used to it!"

Kate answers, "Ruby, you don't need to get so worked up about it. I fail to see how making it hard to sit is a sign of affection. It is impossible for a man I've never met to have 'affection' for me. If he's pinching it's because he wants something else. And I realize the courting I know wouldn't work here, but it's all like a foreign language. And Conrad," Kate stopped as she seemed to run out of steam. "Oh Ruby, I'm so confused. Maybe tomorrow afternoon we could have a talk."

Ruby giggled again. "I am NOT worked up Kate, only explaining to you how things work around here is all. You need to lighten up." Ruby glances at Jake, still playing the piano. "Yes, let's talk about Conrad, tomorrow, we can straighten you right out about him" she says somewhat distracted. She looks back at Kate. "I suppose that would be before my date with Mr. Eastman." Ruby shivers at the thought. "Would you play for Jake and I? I'll ask him if he wants to dance with me if you will."

Kate says, "Of course I'll play Ruby, that's something I do know how to do." "Oh Kate you know how to do plenty. Look at what a good dancer you are too!" Ruby gives her a little kiss on the cheek. Then she whispers, "Make sure to play some slow ones at the end..." and she skips off to the piano. For the second time that night she comes up behind Jake and wraps her arms around him. He continues his lively play as Ruby kisses him and tries to distract him. "Come and dance with me now, you've played enough..."

"Alright, alright, I'll dance. Who's going to play the piano? Does anyone besides Katherine know how?" Jake says as he gets off the bench taking his empty glass with him. "I have no idea, I haven't seen anyone else play and Kate said she would." Ruby shrugs, "But I don't want to force to you dance with me and if you want to keep playing go ahead. You're doing a great job at it, I knew you could really play." She turns and starts walking back to the table to refill her drink.

Jake follows her over holds his glass out after she fills hers. "Force me Miss West? Not hardly, just got carried away with the piano playing. I don't get to do that much any more. Didn't realize I missed it." He drinks some bourbon and puts his glass down. "Ready?" "Well then maybe you should play more often Mr. Cook. I insist on it." Ruby drinks her bourbon, then places her glass down. "I'm ready," she smiles and takes his arm.

Whether it was the drink, Katherine’s lively piano, the evening or their general lack of inhibitions; Jake and Ruby danced in great circles around their friends with exaggerated motions and much twirling, swirling and spinning. There was occasional bumping of a chair or friend, but the pair quickly recovered almost daring the floor to pluck them from their orbit around the room. "My goodness Miss West," Jake says panting and a light sweat glistening on his forehead, "you dance divinely."

Ruby wipes her hand gently across Jake's forehead. "Thank you," she whispers, looking up at him, "We dance well together, Mr. Cook." She puts her hands on his face and gives him a soft kiss. With a twinkle in her eye she says, "And now I'll wait until you're ready for bed." She leans up against the bar and slowly sips at her drink. He replies, “"Let's stay up just a little bit longer, but not too long, eh?" Jake has a few more drinks, and dances with Minerva and even Ginnie. More accurately, he danced with Ginnie on his feet. "Katherine, we'll have to teach someone else to play the piano, or else we'll never get to dance." Jake tells her and sits down next to her at the piano. "But it's getting late tonight, and I am just about ready to call it a night."

"Yes, it's getting late. Playing for all of you is no hardship, I enjoy it. We'll have to get Mr. Gonzales next time. He can't really play, but he can do a good imitation. I haven't seen much of you lately, you're almost a stranger." "Well Mrs. Kale we will have to rectify that. I'll try and stay out of jail and such and you'll have to come by and socialize more often." Jake holds up his glass and says, "To knowing me as well as you dare!" He grins and downs it. "You may regret that toast, Mr. Cook. I seem to be daring a lot more than I used to lately." "I believe that you are, Katherine Kale, and it becomes you." Jake replies with no hint of sarcasm.

Kate smiled and laid a hand on Jake’s arm for a moment as the other continued to play. She brought the hand back but kept looking at Jake and said, "I understand you had a talk with Conrad. He said you sounded rather like a father," she laughed. Jake laughs too. He stops to answer and then laughs again. "That is the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. I only meant to tell him that you have friends that wouldn't take kindly if he didn't have your best interests at heart, and that they would welcome him if he did." Jake scratches his beard a couple of times and grins, "Probably didn't come out that way." He shrugs.

She calmed her own laughter enough to say, "It came out fine, he told me not to be mad at you about it. But I do appreciate it," she added more seriously. "It's a little bit like having my brothers back." Probably a little drunker than he would admit, Jake's laughter fades to a more serious expression. He reaches behind him and removes a safely hidden small leather wallet and removes a picture. He looks at it for a moment before handing it to Katherine. In her hand is a small well-worn photograph of a slight young woman with dark eyes, long dark hair and a milky-pale complexion. Hand written on the back is 'I love you Jacob, Virginia'. Though not like looking in the mirror, Katherine is slightly startled to see a close resemblance to herself. "My sister." Jake says quietly.

"She's lovely," Kate said with a little smile. "You love her, and miss her very much, don't you? What happened to her?" Jake takes the picture back and puts it away. "I assume she is still in Philadelphia. I don't know. I think about her a lot." He stands. "Last time I saw her I had interrupted some wedding plans. It was all for the best." Jake forces a yawn. "You have a pleasant night's sleep, we'll have to do this again soon. What good is owning a saloon if you can't enjoy it." "Not much good at all," she answered lightly. Katherine took his hand and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Jake."

Ruby chats with Nanuet while Jake dances with Minerva. She thanks him for taking good care of the puppies and for being a good friend, but she feels the message is lost on Nanuet in his current state. Ruby quietly watches Jake dance with Ginnie. He is tender and silly with her, and Ruby is surprised to find it a very endearing moment. A smile comes unbidden to her face and Ruby does not stop it. She bids Chester goodnight also and he promises to make sure Nanuet, Minerva, Kate and Ginnie all get home safe. Kate is talking with Jake, and as Ruby walks by gives Kate’s shoulder a squeeze and whispers goodnight. A quick wave to Minerva and she leaves the room. Ruby makes her way upstairs to their room, with the puppies in tow.

Chapter 51, “An Unexpected Reaction”, Wednesday, March 15th , 1882:

Ruby lights the candles with some difficulty, her hand being slightly unsteady, and her vision a bit blurry. The puppies lie on a pillow in the corner and fall right asleep. Ruby gazes at herself in the mirror for a long while, gently caressing her earrings every now and then. She decides to get undressed and as she starts to she feels the box. Ruby knows she should leave it in her pocket, not tempt fate, but she can not resist the temptation and she pulls it out. She stares at the black box in her hand before flipping the lid with her thumb. The diamond glitters in the candlelight. It is by far the largest jewel that Ruby has ever had in her possession. It sparkles and calls to her, tempts her to feel the weight of it. She slowly slides the ring out of the box and slips it onto her finger.

Downstairs, Luc watches the lively saloon. He watches as the others drink and dance. "and I got yelled at for sipping one beer for six hours?" Luc thinks to himself as he takes a drag off of his cigar. He picks up his mug next to him and takes a drink.

At the table, Chester reflected back upon his conversation from earlier that evening. He had just Clairesse Townsend where she wanted to dine. She replied, "I was thinking the Alhambra. I've never been there before and I'd like to try it. Do you have anyone in mind as far as chaperones. I don't really know too many people in town." He laughed. "I'd suggest Ruby and Jake, but I don't think having the bosses around would be too good. Whoever your parents decide is fine by me. I'll take you home after your finished here. OK?" She replied, "Oh, my parents are no longer living. My only living family is my cousin. She works at the Gay Lady Variety Hall." That had made him feel awkward.

Chester escorted Clairesse to her home, a room at the Promise City Hotel, after she finishes her last set. She does not allow her to escort her further than the first floor "As it would not be proper." He stated, "I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight." He whistled as he returned to the Lucky Lady and saw his friends gathered around a table. Jake was dealing cards, teaching Minerva how to play poker. "Deal me in on the next hand. It's not often I get a chance to play with the famous Jake Cook," Chet commented. "Glad to have you Chester, although infamous might be more accurate." Jake gives him a smile and says, "You and your money are always welcome at my table during regular hours too." "I'll have to take you up on that offer. I'm sure my money will make itself at home at your table. A shave tail like me would make your other players happy."

Minerva has had quite a bit to drink and has shed her ladylike veneer. She can be heard laughing loudly and using some rather unladylike language as she continues to play cards with Jake and Chester. With a loud guffaw she slams her cards down on the table revealing a Royal Flush. "By the gods, I could really get to like this game! Luck and skill that's what's gotten us to this fine city." She giggles, "Isn't that right Luna?"

She leans across the table, "So Chester, wanna see Luna's new trick? Gimme a coin." Chester pulls a coin out of his pocket and hands it to Minerva. She holds it in her closed palm and concentrates momentarily. When she opens her palm a soft light is emanating from the coin. Both Jake and Chester look at her with raised eyebrows. "Naw," she waves her hand away, "That's not the trick. Watch this." She tosses Chester's hat across the room and throws the glowing coin into the hat.

She whistles once and Luna immediately spreads her wings and glides over to the hat. She picks it up in her talons and flies back depositing the hat on the table. "Good girl Luna!" she says kissing the bird on the cheek. "Pretty good huh!" Minerva beams and hands Chester his hat. Chester claps. "Very nice, Miss Florencia. Must have been hard to teach Luna that trick." Nanuet comments, “Very good Miss Minerva! I did not know you had the talents to train animals as well as do the work of the Gods. And let’s not forget pull amazingly good poker hands! Multi-talented indeed!”

"I am a quick learner," she laughs and teases him, "As are you, Senor Nanuet! You appeared quite graceful on the dance floor! She turns to Chester. "You know, Senor Chester, " she pouts, "If we are going to be friends you must stop calling me Miss Florencia." Nuzzling Luna she continues, "She is a very smart bird. Aren't you Luna? I'm not sure if it's a useful trick or not but Luna loves to learn and I derive great joy out of teaching her."

With a heavy sigh she pushes back from the table and stumbles on the chair. In an attempt to regain her composure she grips the back of the chair and attempts to stand tall. Regally she announces to the room in general, "Much to my regret the hour grows late and if I am to meet with the Committee tomorrow I must be heading home." She mutters something about looking good for the firing squad and clumsily gathers up her belongings. After struggling with her gloves and shawl and dropping them several times she stuffs everything in the flute case. With an exaggerated wave to everyone in the room she calls out, "Muchas Gracias mi Amigos, for such a lovely evening," and unsteadily heads towards the door.

Nanuet watched Minerva, a little unsteady on her feet , and get ready to leave. She called her owl and turned to head out when he stopped her. "Please, Miss Minerva, if you could stand my company I would like to escort you back to your bed. Uh, umm, I mean escort you so you can go to bed. I mean walk you back to the boarding house!" he says exasperated. Nanuet's face turns a deep shade of crimson after his innocent slip up.

"I think that perhaps, Senor Nanuet, that I could use your assistance at least as far at the steps of the boarding house." She giggles and accepts his arm. The two lean against each other, both somewhat intoxicated and make their way out of the Lucky Lady. Nanuet escorts Minerva back to her boarding house, changing the subject to animal training to avoid further embarrassment.

When they arrive he says good night and adds, "I think you add some spice to this town Miss Minerva, I am glad you came." "Gracias Senor, let us hope that they don't run me out on the next train." She reaches up and kisses him gently on the cheek. "You are a fine man, Senor Nanuet. I am glad to have made your acquaintance also. Buenas Noches mi amigo." And Minerva turns and stumbles into the house.

Back upstairs, Ruby extends her arm out far, then holds it close to her face. Ruby is entranced by the ring and everything a ring like that stands for. In her current state it held her as almost if she was under the effect of a spell. She confuses herself with crazy arguments but every thought she has ends with a glance at the ring. She hears footsteps approaching and the door opening and it is as if the spell had been broken. She blinks, drops the box to the floor and quickly flips the ring, stone side in.

Jake enters the room to see Ruby exaggeratedly pull off her shoes and throw them. She stands near the bed, untying the bed curtains from the posts. She lets her long hair down and shakes it loose. “You got a letter, I put it on the desk. Didn’t have a chance to tell you about it earlier…” Jake heads over to the smaller part of their room to read the letter from Abby. He can hear the sound of her dress being dropped to the floor, followed by the distinct sound of the hooks on Ruby’s corset being opened as he reads the letter from Abby, which is immediately followed by more rustling of fabric and some giggling.

When he gets back to the larger part of the room, Ruby is sitting on her feet on the far side of the bed, in only her underclothes, which are hanging off her. “So,” she says, “What exactly does this Mattie know how to take care of?” Jake sits on the edge of the bed and Ruby starts crawling towards him with a mischievous grin. “Something I should know about?” Jake laughs. "Mattie and I were, uh, friendly back when I was in Chicago. She could be, how can I put this, very enthusiastic in the right mood. She was pretty enough I suppose, not a beauty. When she wasn't working we had some fun and kept each other from being lonely." He gives her a half smile and a shrug.

“Like we do…” Ruby answers, “Have some fun and keep each other from being lonely, that is.” She rolls over on her back and puts her head in Jake’s lap. “Why did you leave then?” "Like we do?" Jake says almost to himself. "Nothing like we do. I don't think she would have brought me to harm, but I didn't trust Mattie. First and foremost Mattie took care of Mattie. We had a relationship of convenience. Sure we may have been partial to each other, but Mattie came around when it was convenient to Mattie." Jake strokes Ruby's hair. "I didn't leave Mattie, I left Chicago. I did and learned everything I needed at the time. I left because there was nothing to keep me."

Ruby turns on her side, keeping her head in Jake’s lap and faces him. Her undershirt is open at the bottom revealing the curve between her waist and hip and her skirt is bunched up so her legs are free. “But you have something to keep you here and that is why you stay…” she says quietly.

She starts fiddling with the buttons on his shirt while speaking, opening them one at a time. “So, while you were playing cards Mr. Eastman came by. He got down on his knees in front of me and asked me to marry him on the porch. I told him I couldn’t marry him, gave him the best reason I had. He won’t take no for an answer.” Ruby slips her hand inside Jake’s shirt and runs her finger gently up and down his chest. “He wanted to know where you were but I wouldn’t tell him, didn’t want to interrupt your poker game. He thinks we’re having dinner tomorrow, well, tonight. He gave me this,” Ruby holds up her hand and shows Jake the sparkling diamond. “Just trying it on for fun I guess.”

Jake eyes the ring like vermin with a poisonous bite. "He wanted to know where I was? Was he thinking of calling me out?" He snorts and shakes his head. "It's big," he says pointing at the ring but doesn't touch it. "Fun, huh." The word hangs in the air. "What is it that makes it hard to send him away? Is it the money? Is it something else? You know I won't let him cause you any trouble if you ask me."

“I don’t know what he was thinking but I didn’t think you would want to get involved, especially inside the Lucky Lady and most especially while you were playing cards. Why would he call you out?” Ruby sits up and leans on her arms but keeps close to Jake. “Yes, it’s big,” Ruby says pulling it slowly off her finger and looking at it. “I tried to give it back to him but he insisted I take it.” Ruby is quiet for a long moment.

“I told you, I didn’t want to be mean to him because of my parents. Maybe it’s foolish of me to be afraid of them but I still am.” Ruby is quiet again and she starts twisting her hair around her finger. “Send him away? I thought I was doing that. I told him I wouldn’t marry him, I said I didn’t love him. He had some choice things to say about you and I told him he was wrong. What else should I do? Shoot him?”

"Eastman must be a persuasive man." Jake says with a raised eyebrow. "Look, I was just joking about him calling me out. I just don't know why he'd want to speak to me. Seems to me no matter how you treat Mr. Eastman your parents are going to find out you are here." Jake lies back across the bed. "Nobody is going to make you do anything you don't want to do. You have friends here that will stand by you. I don't care if it is Eastman or your parents, I won't let anyone push you into something you don't want. All you have to do is ask me, and you have whatever help you need." He strokes her arm and says, "You didn't think I wanted to be involved? How much more involved could I be?"

“I don’t know Jake, how much more involved could you be?” Ruby repeats back the question to Jake. She lies down next to him, putting her head on his shoulder. She reaches out and opens Jake’s hand, palm up. She drops the ring into his hand and closes his fingers around it. “I’m asking you for your help, Mr. Cook, I want you to help me.” She runs her hand across his chest, up his neck and to his face, ending with her fingers on his lips. “I need you to help me,” she whispers.

"Done." Jake puts the ring on the nightstand. "Your knight is ready to save you, my princess. Enough of Mr. George Eastman for tonight, he's already taken too much of your precious time. I'll deal with him tomorrow. You were supposed to have worry free fun." Jake waves his hands around in poor imitation of Senor Gonzalez casting a spell. "There, that bad man's evil influence is now dissolved. Feel better?" He rolls over on his side with his head resting on his hand. “My knight has already saved me,” Ruby smiles. “Yes, I feel better. But I’ll feel much better tomorrow. Nice spell, Mr. Cook. Maybe I’ll try one of my own.” Ruby sits up next to Jake and closes her eyes.

She starts an incantation, quietly singing words that Jake does not know. She sings them over and over, and Jake notices a very faint breeze start, softly blowing the curtains on the bed. Ruby’s hair moves in the gentle wind and Jake can feel it caress his face as it moves around him. A scent comes to him on the movement, like vanilla and lotus blossom, swirling in and out of his nostrils. Ruby is still singing with her eyes closed and she is concentrating hard. Finally she opens her eyes and moves slowly down towards Jake and kisses him.

When their lips touch it’s like electricity and Jake gets a tingling sensation as he feels something he’s never experienced before. Suddenly he is flooded with emotion, overcome with feelings not his own. He feels intense love and friendship, trust, contentment but also some confusion, even a bit scared. Ruby pulls back from Jake only a bit. “Did anything happen?” Jake's eyes are a wide open and he does not answer immediately. "What in Hades was that?" “I don’t know,” Ruby smiles hesitantly, “If it worked…I wanted you to know how I feel, to feel what I feel. What was it like?”

"That isn't going to happen every time you kiss me now is it?" Jake looks a bit unsettled. "It was unnerving, I'm just not used to this magic stuff. It was only a moment but what ever I was feeling was gone and was replaced by what you were feeling? I was just not prepared for that, uh, um..." She notices he is shaking ever so slightly. Ruby backs away from Jake. “Oh, um, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again." She starts biting her lip. "Maybe we’d better just go to bed, I’ve really messed this night up.” He sits upright and a mild shudder takes him. He rubs his arms a few times like it's cold but the room is comfortably cool. Finally he goes across the room for a drink which he quickly consumes. Ruby sighs and crawls under the covers. She pulls the covers way up and buries her face in the pillow and thinks, “That didn't go as planned... then again it never does...”

Jake and Ruby had retired upstairs, and Miss Florencia had gone back to her boarding house. Nanuet was certainly too drunk to walk them home, and Chester was likely not much better. She and Ginnie would be fine to get home on their own, just this once. Back in their room Kate hummed softly as she got ready for bed, and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Kate woke early in the morning, refreshed despite how late she had gone to bed. Ginnie was still in her cot but it was hard to tell if she was awake or not. Kate decided to let her sleep. If she wanted to visit families with her later she could, but she had been up late the night before, and Kate would only be downstairs if Ginnie needed her. She dressed in her prim blue, the closest she had to what she imagined a schoolteacher would wear. She pinned her hair up simply, then went downstairs into the Cantina.

The Cantina was quiet, but had more people in it than Katherine had expected this time of morning. Of course, most people had regular jobs to get to, so breakfast would be early. Someday soon she might be one of these early risers, on her way to her own school. Dorita walked briskly over. How early she must get up every day. "Just tea for now Dorita," Kate said quietly. "Mr. Booth will be in for breakfast this morning, I'll eat when he gets here. He hasn't already been, has he?"

Dorita says that he has not, and that she's never seen him up any earlier than 10:30 in the morning. Kate sits and waits. She is surprised to see Juan Gomez come downstairs with a pair of suitcases and pay what he tells Pedro is his final bill. Juan then departs out the front door.

Luckily the alcohol helped Ruby sleep that night. The next morning she woke as the puppies began crying. She quickly gets out of bed and dresses. She grabs the ring off the table and put it in the box, to keep in her pocket for safekeeping. If she hadn't been in a rush she would have actually taken the time to put it in the safe. She heads downstairs to take the fur balls out of the room before Jake could wake up. She lets them out and refills their food and water. She grabs some muffin to eat for breakfast and downs it with some leftover whiskey. She cleans up from the night before and by then Niles Hoover arrives to start the day. She excuses herself and sits out on the porch, drinks her whiskey and watches the world wander by.

Chester strolls out of the El Parador with a smile on his face. He strikes a match off his boot and lights a cigarette. Ruby sits on the porch, lost in her thoughts. With a raised eyebrow, Chester notes the glass of whiskey in her hand. She doesn't need a lecture from me about drinking in the morning. "Good morning Ruby. I had a lot of fun last night. We haven't had a party like that since January. Seems like that new preacher woman will be an interesting addition to Promise City."

Jake wanders down stairs after getting ready for the morning. He notices Chester go out front and speak to Ruby. Jake decides the kitchen is a better first destination. "Buenas Diaz, Maria." Jake greets her cheerfully. "Just getting some coffee." He picks at some leftovers from last night and then tries to pick at some of whatever it is she is making. "Aye, no!" Maria says slapping his hand. "No done yet, no touch." Jake laughs, "Dorita taught you too well." He wanders out into the main room, and then meanders out to the porch not sure if he is grateful that Chester is there or not.

"Morning Chet, if there can be anything good about mornings," Ruby smiles. The puppies scamper around her feet and then run over to Chester when he walks out. They sniff his feet then head back to Ruby. "I'm glad you had fun last night. You're a good dancer. We should do it more often" Ruby flips her hair then pulls her knees up to her chest on the bench. "Yes, Minerva seems like a very nice lady." She sees Jake walk out onto the porch and glances back down the street to the morning traffic.

Jake takes another sip of his coffee. He nods to Chester, "Morning soldier, morning Ruby." He stands there quietly holding his cup, a thin wisp of steam curling around in front of his face. The gambler glances up and down the street quickly before returning his gaze to the others. Mischief finally decides to get up and sniff around Jake before going back to Ruby. "I wonder if there will be a hearing today for Mr. Lucky?"

Ruby comments, "Good morning Jake, although Chester and I were just discussing if there really is such a thing." Lucky jumps up onto the bench and nudges Ruby with her nose. Ruby puts her arm around the mutt and scratches her head. She takes a drink of her whiskey while continuing to look down the street. "Marshall Rodriquez mentioned that the Judge was in town and would probably take care of the situation. I doubt Mr. Lucky has money to pay for a sentence, if he gets one, so I suppose you had better decide if you want to take his table or not, or if the Lucky Lady is willing to bail him out." Ruby finally looks to Jake and she smiles softly at him while continuing to pet the pup.

"Good morning, Jake. I was just on my way over to the El Parador for breakfast. I'll see you both later." Jake waves as Chester heads off to find breakfast. "Yes, I'm sure cheerful Chester was complaining about morning." He takes another sip of coffee before turning to face Ruby. "I suppose I have had more of my share of days when the morning seemed like the enemy and the light burned my eyes." He chuckles. "Mostly I'm pretty happy with mornings, but I have the luxury of the enjoying the brightness of your smile."

After some more coffee Jake adds, "Tony Lucky is a fool. We'll see what happens and decide at the time. I'm sure we could figure out how to get along without him. We might even be better off, that could have been the Lucky Lady Bauer was shooting up." Jake just shakes his head. "I suppose that is true. I would have been really angry if that happened here. I have no love for the man, I don't like the way he looks at me, so I don't really care what happens." Ruby goes back to petting Lucky while Mischief continues to prance around her feet.

Jake sits on the bench next to Ruby, both his hands around the mug. "I... So Last night... Um, I was.... Err, I didn't... Oh Hades!" Jake finally says in exasperation. "So, how did you sleep?" He offers lamely. Ruby continues to pet Lucky, who picks her head up and looks at Jake when he sits next to her.

She answers coolly, "Well, I might have slept better if the last thing I saw wasn't the look of sheer panic on my lover's face at something I had just done. Unnerved over something that makes me who I am and something that I have already had enough rejection in my life over. So opposed to the warm, content, snuggly 'we just made love' sleep I was planning on, I had the 'I hope he doesn't hate me and want to leave me in the morning' sleep. So how did you sleep?" There is some bite in Ruby's voice and she looks at him with a raised eyebrow, but Jake can tell by her eyes that she is more afraid than anything else.

"Bout as well." He has another gulp of coffee. He leans back against the building. "Hate you? Not hardly. Leaving? No way." He takes in a long slow breath, and let's it out the same. "Was I frightened last night?" He laughs bravely and says in a very low voice. "A bit."

He rolls the mug back and forth in his hands and glances about to see that no one is near by. "Three months ago I barely knew some of that stuff was possible. Something about it makes me, um, let's just say nervous. So I was getting used to you being able to make some stuff happen. Last night I thought you were just setting the mood, you know like with the candles." He stops and drinks some more. "So there is this exotic smell in the air, and a little breeze. Then I'm ready for that warm romantic kiss. Instead, I... well instead I was just surprised. When I asked you about it, you made it sound like you might not be sure what was happening. I suppose I was liquored up too." He looks down at the porch. "Big brave Jake panicked."

Ruby visibly relaxes. “I apologize, Jake, I didn’t mean to scare you.” She looks down again at Lucky, who is now making her way closer to Jake. She sighs, “I have this thing, this feeling inside of me. It’s not like Kate and studying out of a book. I can try to manipulate it anyway I want to, doesn’t mean it’s going to work. Even sometimes when I get mad or really happy, things just happen and I can’t control them, although since Mr. Gonzales’s been teaching me that doesn’t happen too much anymore.”

“I was just thinking that maybe if you could feel what I felt, maybe you would understand…well… forget it.” Lucky nudges Jake’s arm with her nose and Ruby smiles at her before looking back at Jake. “She likes you. I haven’t seen her do that to anyone else, she’s shyer than her brother.” Mischief is hopping back and forth on the porch, chasing an unseen enemy. “Anyway, sorry that I surprised you like that and I won’t do it again.” Ruby pulled at her hair in thought. “Oh but you liked the smell? My two favorite scents, vanilla and a flower someone gave me once. They only open at night, the flower that is. It was rare, and very beautiful.”

"I did ask you to help me understand...." He rubs his eyes with one hand and sighs. "I was thinking in more conventional terms." He reaches out for her hand but hesitates just a second before touching it. Some tension seems to drain out of his shoulders after he does. "We don't have to share my little panic attack, do we? It would probably be best if we just kept it to ourselves." "I won't tell anyone. You're still big brave Jake to me." Ruby picks up Lucky and puts the fur ball on her lap. She moves closer to Jake and with a smile on her face looks him right in the eyes, "So, you're not afraid of me are you?" Smiling he says, "Not anymore than I was when I saw you shoot those rustlers in the caves."

Chapter 52, “Jake’s Devious Mind”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

A short while after Kate has been in the Cantina Conrad Booth arrives and joins Kate for breakfast. He makes a comment about how much he dislikes early mornings and how he hopes that Arcade's Gang appreciates the sacrifices that he makes for them. Kate replies, "I'm sure they appreciate it.

As for mornings, it is hard to appreciate them when you keep late hours. But there is something beautiful about the early morning, when everything is still and silent, and the sun rises in a riot of colors. You feel like you're the only person in the world, but you aren't lonely, because the earth is there with you and you can feel how you belong to it, and it belongs to you." She stopped suddenly and blushed. "And obviously, one can become philosophical early in the morning."

She turned the subject then, talking lightly as they ate Dorita's delicious meal. As they were finishing up Kate said, "Oh, I wanted to return this." She reached into her handbag and pulled out the large amount of money he had left her last night. "I don't want your money," she said gently. "You are a friend, to take care of you at the Lucky Lady wasn't work." "Yes, but you were working." He takes back all except for a dollar, commenting "I believe that would be a reasonable tip for the evening. I wouldn't want to you treat me different than other customers of yours."

Chester walks over to the Cantina. He reaches for the door, but sees Kate sitting with Booth and says to himself, “Whoops. Don't want to butt in there. Guess I'll try the Silver Dollar.” Kate and Conrad sit and enjoy the breakfast. Near the end of the meal he removes and glances at six small books that he has in his pocket. "What's that?" Kate asks. He replies "The passports for Arcade's Gang. That's how I'm going to prove to the Judge that they were out of the country at the time of the shootings." She replies, "Passports should do it. I wonder if they'll come back here. I'm rather looking forward to it, except replacing one of their horses. Sure Shot Sam, I think Dorita said? I hope he won't be angry about what happened to his horse." He states, "Yes, Dorita has been worried about that since January. Mr. Gonzales said that he spoke to Sam about it so I guess you'd have to ask him."

Conrad puts the passports back and then takes out his pocketwatch and glances at it, commenting, "I got up too early, there's still some more time. Just as well, today will be a busy day in Promise City. The Lucky and Bauer trial is at 2:00 and the Vigilance Committee is holding a rally at 3:30. I heard that Baxter was up late last night printing up his rag to sell today. Looks like the halfling will miss it, he isn't expected in until tonight's stage."

Kate answers, "Poor Mr. Chumbley, he hates to miss anything. He really needs to set up an office here so he doesn't have to go back and forth to Tombstone. I'm afraid I'm going to miss most of the excitement. I have families to talk to this morning, a cooking lesson after lunch, and Flint will need Ginnie and I out at the ranch today. I'm not even sure I'll be back in town tonight, we might sleep out at the house. What kind of rally is the Vigilance Committee going to hold? Nothing to give us trouble down at the Lucky Lady, I hope." He replies, "Probably, that group would like to see all of the saloons in town close, especially those that have entertainment. But I imagine that the new priestess and the church will be the dominant topic for today."

Kate says, "Probably, poor Miss Minerva. I'll have to work very hard to keep my little school out of that committee's hands. Where is this rally being held? I might have to make the time to walk past and see what's going on. And I can get an idea of what Mrs. King is like." Conrad replies, "They have their non-public sessions at the Great Western Boarding House but for their public meetings, like today's, they meet in the unfinished Town Hall."

She says, "I'll make a point of stopping my before I go out to the ranch. Oh, and I need to go to Frye's today and pick up my new clothes. I think I've overscheduled myself today," she laughed. "I'm already tired and the day is just starting.”

Back at the Lucky Lady, Ruby answers laughing "Oh yes," to Jake’s comment. "Even then I was worried and looking out for you! And you thought I passed out from those rocks on my head but it was more from the stupidity of me charging in there and shooting a bunch of outlaws." Ruby shakes her head. "That seems like a long time ago." Jake's expression changes quickly, "Hey, come with me upstairs I want to show you something."

They climb to their room with the puppies in tow. Jake takes out the small crate that was delivered not long ago by the postmaster. The lid was already off and Jake removes the small hand press. "This little tool is a forger's dream. That is if you know how to use it." He smiles broadly. "It takes too much time, effort and resources to forge actual currency and the risk is too great. There are lots of lesser documents that can, with a little clever thinking, get you much greater rewards with very little risk." He is positively beaming. "We are going to use this to get a sample of Kitty Trent's handwriting." He tosses the pieces of the crate top to the puppies on the floor to chew on. "Oh," Ruby laughs looking at the press, "And I thought you were going to show me the bed."

She runs her finger over it. "And what are we going to do with dear Kitty's handwriting once we have it? And I'm guessing you know how to use this thing?" "It's been a while, but I was pretty good with it." Jake says while laying out the letter set. "I was wondering what Mr. Adair might think if he found a handwritten note from a trusted employee sharing some of his secrets for personal gain?"

Ruby furrows her brows and looks at Jake with confusion apparent on her face.

Jake removes a letter from his wallet and places it on the desk. He takes a fresh piece of paper and copies the first line. Ruby had written: Dear Jake, Here I sit awake in the middle of the night, unable to sleep He copies it several more times and hands it to Ruby. “Oh you kept that letter?” Ruby replies a bit embarrassed. She looks over what Jake wrote and her eyes narrow slightly, then she smiles. “You got pretty good there towards the end. That first line isn’t too good but you really got very close at the end. I might not even know it wasn’t my own handwriting.”

"Give me an hour to play with this and finish my idea." Jake gets up and gives her a hug, then pushes her out the door. “Hey…” Ruby pouts as she gets pushed out the door. “Alright, I’ll go help Maria, if she lets me.” Ruby heads downstairs with the puppies in tow and enters the kitchen where Maria is starting lunch. “Need some help?” Maria looks at Ruby with disbelief. “You feel ok Senorita?” “Sure, I’m feeling fine. Just thought I could help,” Ruby shrugs, “I mean, it is my saloon. Plus I’ve been hoping you could teach me how to speak and understand Spanish, at least a little.” Maria looks at Ruby with even more disbelief than before. “I help with your Spanish,” she says slowly, “You not help with lunch. Ok?” Ruby laughs. “Deal.” Maria spends the next hour or so teaching Ruby some basic expressions in Spanish. Ruby thanks her and heads back upstairs.

Ruby walks back to their room. “Baby, I’m home!” she calls out. She walks over to the office side of their room and sees Jake still sitting at the desk, hands stained with ink, crumpled up papers all over the floor. “You’ve been busy,” she says looking around at the mess. She leans on his back and looks over his shoulder. “Well, how did you do?”

"How is this?" He hands her an unfolded piece of paper that is printed on the letterhead and handwritten for the rest.

Steinberg, Noyce and Peterson Law office
PO Box 1187
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Miss Kitty Trent:

This is your official notification of the demise of Thaddeus Trent and the disbursement of his assets as directed by his last will and testament. Mr. Trent had substantial financial holdings from his land investments, but had no children to pass them to. This law office, named as executor of Mr. Trent's estate, is following Mr. Trent's final wishes as detailed in his will. Namely, located all living children of his brothers and disperse the assets evenly among them.

Unfortunately Mr. Trent's brothers have predeceased him, or at least we believe so. There is even some dispute as to how many Trent brothers there actually were. Mr. Trent came from a very poor family and was a self made man. It appears that his brothers were not as fortunate. We find the official records by themselves to be inadequate to identify potential heirs.

Please contact this office in writing to indicate your interest in the estate of Thaddeus Trent. Please indicate one of the following in your correspondence.
1. You are certain you are not related or are uninterested in any potential settlement.
2. You are certain you are related and are interested in the potential settlement
3. You are uncertain if you are related but are interested in potential settlement if proof of relationship can be established.

Evidence of family relationships will bolster your claim. Please include pertinent family history including names, dates and locations as you know them. Requests to be included in the potential settlement must be postmarked by March 31, 1882 to be considered valid. Research will begin as soon as correspondence is received.

All correspondence will be kept confidential, and heirs to the estate can consider this law firm to be their attorneys for privacy regulations. This law firm recommends you keep the potential of a settlement on your behalf private to avoid any intrusions by opportunists.

Best regards,
Barnaby Mellon
Bequeathment Clerk

"I send it to Mattie, she sends to Kitty postmarked from Chicago. Kitty writes back to the PO Box, Mattie sends to me. You read Kitty's mind and tell me a secret about Adair. I write a letter from Kitty to someone, maybe Fisk, maybe someone else. We arrange to have the letter lying around where Adair can find it. We start to put doubt in Adair's mind about his trusted friends. Who knows what he'll do." Jake smiles a nasty smile. "I'll admit it needs a little more work, and is a bit complicated, but I really like it." Jake stands up. "I think it was Mark Twain who said there is more real pleasure to be gotten out of a malicious act, where your heart is in it, than out of thirty acts of a nobler sort." There is a gleam in his eye and a big smug smile on his face.

Ruby is silent for a few minutes before she finally speaks. “The letter is good, very good. How do we make sure Kitty gives me a secret? We need to work on that. And let’s try to get that rat Baxter involved in this too, if we can. Maybe include something about him being in on it and willing to publish it in his paper?” Ruby is silent again. “I’m in awe of your deviousness Mr. Cook, I’m impressed.”

Jake picks up a crumbled piece of paper. He draws the dagger from his boot and says “Incendie.” He startles only slightly as the flame emerges from the tip and lights the paper over a metal trash can. "Bad form to leave evidence." He meticulously burns each practice sheet of paper. "We'll have a little time before we get Kitty's response, assuming she does reply. Think about it." Jake addresses an envelope to Kitty Trent care of the postmaster in Promise City. He writes Mattie a letter and puts both in an envelope. He adds a five-dollar money order at the post office and mails it.

Ginnie excuses herself and heads right for the kitchen where she snatches a plate of food from the counter and avoids the snap of a dishrag that just misses her bottom "Morning Dorita!" Ruby says with a giggle as she pops a sweet pastry that she knows was left on the counter for her into her mouth. Dorita exclaims, "Go SIT and eat and no talk with mouth full!" "Morning Ma'am Kate, ...sir" she says in between bolted mouthfuls of food. "Slow down Ginnie, it's not going to go anywhere," Kate said with a fond laugh and an amused glance at Conrad. She asks, "I'm going to visit some of the families with children today, to see if there is any interest in a school, would you like to come?"

While Jake mails his letter Ruby heads over to the El Parador. Ginnie hurried out the door. Kate caught a glimpse of Ruby outside as Ginnie ran outside. "That girl moves so fast sometimes it makes my head spin. Sometimes you're right about my luck. I met Ginnie on one of the worst days of my life; but I wouldn't change it for the world."
She catches Ginnie on her way out the door.

"Hey Kid," Ruby greets her. "Let's go have a chat." They head outside to the barn and make sure no one is around. "Listen, I know that Kate and Mr. Gonzales are hesitant to help train you in certain matters. I would be willing, although I'm not sure what kind of a teacher I would be. Let me ask you a question. What you did yesterday... how did you feel when you cleared the table? Were you only copying something that you heard before or did that come from inside you?" "I also overheard what Kate said to you and she is right. It is dangerous doing that kind of thing and we have to be careful of who finds out we can do it. I've seen some not so pretty things happen to people with talents like ours."

Ginnie replies, "Actually what I did wasn't that hard. I heard you say the cleaning spell once. I followed the lines of energy that crosses the room. I made the energy do what I wanted them to do, just like twisting lace and then released it with the words. I do want to learn more but Ma'am Kate is really afraid, but I didn't say anything when she told me to promise not to do any more magic, I just smiled, so if I learned something from you I wouldn't be lying. And I'm getting really tired of waiting especially now that I know how I can make magic work... at least a little."

"Ginnie, you sound so much like me," Ruby laughs and shakes her head, "It's scary." Ruby moves a little closer to the girl. "I will help you then, in whatever way I can. I can use the magic like you can, without the help of books." Ruby leans down to the girls level. "You have a gift and you should practice it, learn to use it to help yourself. Kate is worried, and you should be too, you can't let others know you have this gift, that's very important, do you understand? It can be dangerous too so please, please don't try anything that I don't teach you."

"Now, you come by the Lucky Lady when you can. Tell Kate you are helping me, which you will be, so you won't be lying. Nothing in this world is free, but I suspect you already know that." Ruby stands up straight again. "By the way, make sure Kate gives you riding lessons. You need to learn that too." Ruby ruffles Ginnie's hair and they make their way back inside the El Parador.

Kate asks Conrad, “The Vigilance Committee….they don't have any actual legal power do they? They just sound like people who have taken this upon themselves." Conrad replies, "Actually, it's a little of both. Two years ago, not long after the town was founded, they had one group called the Promise City Civic Association. It had five main leaders, of which Frank Condon, Doctor James Eaton and Bill Watkins were three of them. Elton Hubbard and Burton Lumley were the other two. Last year they got into a disagreement over the direction the town should go. The first three wanted to 'civilize' the towns and drive out the saloons and roughnecks. But Hubbard's mining operation employs folks who need those vices as a release from their labors and Lumley owns the Gay Lady so the group reached an impasse.

So the main group disbanded and two new groups rose up to replace it. The high-and-mighty types formed the Promise City Vigilance Committee to promote their 'civilize the town' agenda while the others formed the Promise City Merchant's Association. The Merchant's Association is the more powerful of the two groups, since it pays the salaries for Marshall and his deputies and owns the municipal buildings. But the Vigilance Committee is still a force to be reckoned with and Mrs. King has made the church her focus. That group also supervises Boot Hill, the town cemetery, as burial and respect for the dead generally are done by the churches in most communities."

Kate says, "I'll do my best to stay beneath the notice of both those groups. We have enemies in both those groups, it might be fun to tweak both their noses. I'll have to Jake and Ruby about perhaps getting some things down around here outside of those committees. What time if your meeting? Soon?" He nods yes and says, “Well, your employer Niles Hoover is active in the Merchant's Association. Your friend Jake Cooke also joined, but he's missed most of the meetings since that group always meets early in the mornings so as not to interfere with business hours."

She replies, "In other words, it will be difficult to avoid the notice of the Merchant's Association at least. It might be time for Jake to start getting up a bit early now and then. Influence in the Merchant's Association could be a very good thing for us, which I'm sure is why Jake joined. I think I'm starting to get an idea of how things work in Promise City, and we can use all the advantages we can get. Thank you for being my teacher, Conrad."

Ruby walks in. "Good morning, Kate, Conrad." She faces Conrad. "I hope you enjoyed yourself last night and it won't be the last time you come to relax with us at the Lucky Lady. So Kate, what are you up to today?" She replies, "Quite a bit, actually. I have to get my new clothes from Frye's, talk to some of the families with children, get my cooking lesson with Dorita after lunch, and go out to the ranch to help out. Plus Conrad tells me there is a public meeting of the Vigilance Committee at 3:00 this afternoon that I'd like to drop in on, just to see what they do.
And you and I had something to talk about today, if you recall," she finished, trying not to look over at Conrad. "We can do that right after breakfast, since you are here now. Unless you have someplace you need to be."

Ruby laughs. "You are a busy girl. Yes, I am here to chat. I have some errands to do but they can wait. I'm sure Jake and I will go to Mr. Lucky's hearing later today. I wonder what time that is? They are usually early. Oh and I told Miss Ginnie here to insist that you give her lessons, riding lessons that is. Very important for her to learn." She smiles knowingly at Ginnie. "So I'm ready to talk when you are." Ruby leans back against the table and waits for Kate. Kate turned to Ruby and said, "Mr. Lucky's trial is at 2:00 this afternoon, although considering what happened, whatever he gets he deserves. It's his business if he wants to keep his bed filled with a different woman every night, but intruding on a marriage is another thing."

"I'll have to get back to the Lucky Lady to let Jake know. As for Mr. Lucky, you are right to a point. He may have intruded, but he didn't do it alone, and he wasn't the one who was married." Ruby shrugged. "There's just no sanctity in marriage anymore." She tried not to laugh. "But yes, whatever he gets he deserves."

With that Ruby and Ginnie wanders back into the kitchen to see Dorita. "Hola, cómo son usted Dorita?" she says, and Dorita nearly jumps out of her skin. "What you do with Ruby?" she asks eyeing her suspiciously. Ruby laughs. "It's me. I asked Maria to teach me how to speak Spanish. That's all I can say though." Dorita relaxes and smiles. "You never come here to visit! No Ruby, no Jake, you never come! You look skinny!" she says poking her stomach. Ruby rolls her eyes and smiles. "You're right, we don't come by enough to visit. We'll make a better effort. And you think everyone is skinny!"

They chat for a little while until it looks like Kate is done talking with Conrad. The talk was lighter for the last few minutes until Conrad left for his meeting. Kate wished him luck, very sincerely, feeling her own guilt for the trouble his friends were in. "I'm sure it will go well, and afterwards you can have a nap," she laughed. A few moments later Ruby came out of the kitchen and back to the table. "We'll be back down in a few minutes, Ginnie," Kate said, "then we'll head over to the Wells Fargo office to speak with Mr. Nevers and Mr. Wager. Ruby lets head upstairs." Ruby kisses Dorita goodbye and heads back out to Kate.

Katherine took Ruby upstairs to her room and closed the door quietly behind them. "Thanks for coming up, Ruby."
She paced back and forth a few times before she stopped and looked at Ruby. "I feel like things are going too fast for me to keep up. I never intended anything more than to be friends with Conrad. He's here every day, and especially after all of you moved out, it was nice to have someone to sit and talk with. And he never pushed, it was always simple and easy, nothing else going on. But lately..... he hasn't pushed, but things are changing, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it."

Ruby smiled and sat on the bed, on her feet. She looked curiously at Kate for a moment before responding. "Well, what's changing? Let's start with that." Kate says, "The other day, when we went out to the ranch we had a talk. He didn't really know anything about my life before I came here, and he hadn't asked. I told him about my family, my father especially. And then he told me that he had hoped that someday, when my mourning was over, that we might be more than friends. But he was certain that my father wouldn't approve of him. There are reasons, Conrad's family...I can't really get into it, it's not mine to tell. Anyway, I found myself telling him that someday, maybe....I didn't want him to feel badly, and my father would never hold his family against him. And now, I....I'm thinking of him differently than before. And I....I shouldn't."

Ruby smiled at her friend. "Kate I don't know anything about the way you were brought up and I really don't know anything about your family. I ran away from that life because it was all silly to me, it never made sense to not follow your own instincts. Why shouldn't you like him if you want to? Who is going to tell you that you shouldn't like him? And how much like are we talking about here?"

"I'm not in love, if that's what you mean," she said, finally dropping into a chair. "But I'm attracted to him. I'm not afraid of how anyone would react, Ruby. But I didn't think I could feel this so soon. I still miss Tom every minute of every day. Not like before, where I could hardly make myself get out of bed, but.... Logically, I know that there are a million ways to love someone, and I will never love anyone the way I loved my Tom. His absence will always leave a hole in my life. But I feel like I'm betraying him to even think of a man yet."

"It's natural to be attracted to other people. You shouldn't feel bad about that. I can't pretend to know what it's like to lose a husband or anyone close to me like that." Ruby continues softly, "But don't you think Tom would want you to be happy?" Kate replies, "Of course he would. Just like I would want him to, if I had died and he was here. It's so strange, he's only been gone for a little more than five months, but I haven't seen him for eight. And before that he was so ill, he was hardly like the man I knew. That month when he was well before he left seems like a dream, as if he's been gone for so much longer." Katherine reached out and picked up Tom's picture. "Yes, he would want me to be happy, I'm just not sure how to do that and honor him at the same time."

“You honor him by going on and living your life. He wouldn’t want you moping around. Which is what you’ve been doing as far as I can tell. I never thought I would say this, but maybe you just aren’t ready yet, it’s too soon for you.” Ruby pauses and then looks Kate in the eyes. “Well, what’s the rush anyway? If he is a man worth having he’ll wait until you are, ready that is. Give yourself some time.” Kate nodded and was quiet for a few moments. "I'm not quite ready to let him go yet. I need to get used to being an unmarried woman. Then perhaps I can start acting like one. I'd like to go to Tombstone later this week, I want to visit him."

"That sounds like a good idea, Tombstone. I'll go with you, if you'd like." Ruby smiled at her friend. Then she let out a light laugh. "Who would have ever thought I would be giving out advice on love?" Ruby shook her head. "Let me know when you're ready to do more, uh, personal, things. Now that I can tell you all about." "I was married for five years Ruby, I do know about the personal things. Quite well." She laughed and said with a little blush, "I miss the personal things a great deal more than I thought I would. It's lonely to climb into bed alone every night. To not be touched or held or....Well, you get the idea."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but just because you were married doesn't make you a good lover, I've seen that way too many times before." Ruby saw the blush come to Kate's face again. "Ok, it's definitely too soon for that," Ruby laughed. "Just keep it in mind." Ruby paused. "I never used to feel lonely in bed. If I wanted a partner to entertain me I would find one. But since Jake... well, I know what it's like to be lonely. When he's not there I hate it." With a sudden sparkle Kate answered, "It doesn't mean I wasn't either, but we don't need to discuss that just now. That loneliness is what I've felt every day, Ruby. It's why I would drink myself to sleep at night. But it's getting better. I suppose the day I can climb into bed and be comfortable with just me is the day I'll be ready to entertain the idea of another man."

"Yes, you've only been with one man and it's a big scary world out there. You should take time to get to know you first, the Katherine that can take care of herself on her own two feet." Kate moved over to the bed and sat next to Ruby. "I know you're right, and I'm not going to do anything until I'm sure I'm ready. Now if I just knew how to calm these feelings until then." "I'm sure Dorita has a tea for that..." Ruby replied with a serious face, but it was only seconds before she burst out laughing. "I wish I could help you, sweetie, but I've messed up my own love life to epic proportions, so I wouldn't be taking advice from me."

Kate hugged her friend and laughed. "You've given good advice today, I just needed to talk about everything. It's hard not to feel guilty, but I'll try. The rest will come when it comes. And I don't think you've messed up your love life, George Eastman will just have to get over you." Ruby says, "I wasn't talking about George Eastman, I was talking about Jake. Before I came to Promise City I swore I would never ever fall in love. And now look at me!"

Kate says, "Falling in love is not messing up. You can have fun with a lot of men, and like them, enjoy them. But there is nothing the same as falling in love, and I'm glad you're letting yourself experience that. As much as losing Tom hurts, I wouldn't trade my time with him for anything. And I'm guessing you'd say the same." Ruby laughed. "I'm not letting myself experience anything. It just happened and I couldn't and can't stop it." Ruby shrugged but kept her smile. "I just hope it's not the death of me." "It won't be," Kate said confidently. And it just might be the making of you, she thought to herself.