Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

Chapter 53, “Lucky’s Trial”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

Nanuet woke with a start as a nearby bird sang to the morning sun. "MMMmmm morning. I remember when early morning used to be my favorite part of the day. Now I stay up to all hours of the night and miss out on the morning. Well, I guess both have their place, now that I have companions to spend time with." Nanuet stretches and adjusts his clothing. "I think today I will get out to the ranch. See Sonoma and Flint. See how things are going out there. Yes, that is my plan for the day." Nanuet heads to the El Parador stables to get his horse. He eats some dry rations rather than stop for a full breakfast. He saddles up the horse and rides slowly out to the ranch taking in the scenery as he meanders along.

After coming back from the post office, Jake goes upstairs and spends some time cleaning his weapons. He makes some tisking sounds at himself for letting them go so long and deliberately takes some extra time thinking he can take care of Ruby's if she comes back soon. Like always, Jake uses cleaning time to do some thinking finding the activity oddly focusing. While Ruby is away he also takes care of some other matters. He spends some time hunched over the desk. It doesn't take too long and he is satisfied with the result.

After breakfast, Chester goes to Morand's Cartage to check on the transportation for the mine. "Morning, Zack. How are things going?" He replies, "Going well Chester. Getting ore from that Fisk Mountain mine is becoming a difficult task, it's too inaccessible. But I think that one of the other mines, the one up near Dos Cabezas, looks like it's about to start playing out. We've only got a handful of miners so far and need to get more.” Chester replies, "That's good to hear. Are there people in town who can do that kind of work? You should put an advertisement in that Tombstone paper. You know, the one that little Australian sells." "I may just do that," he comments.

Morand says, “I'll also need security for that. Why don't you take a look at it for me, your friends Sonoma and Nanuet know where it is located.” Chester answers, “"I'll take a look at it soon. Maybe even today." Morand says, “Seawell's father in managing that operation. Have you met the Colonel yet?" Chester says, “No, I don't think I have. Is he here?" Morand answers, "No, he's been to Promise City a few times, but he's living at a boarding house in Dos Cabezas since it's a lot closer to the mine." Chester replies, "Next time he's in town, I'll have to meet him. See you later, Zack." "Bye, Chester."

After their talk Ruby kisses Kate on the cheek and wishes her luck with her busy day. "I might see you at that open meeting today, you know, to support Minerva, she'll need it." Ruby heads back over to the Lucky Lady and looks for Jeff. She finds him in the back, helping Henry carry some liquor in. "Can I talk to you for a moment, Jeff?" He nods and they head into the main room and sit at a table in the corner. "I'd like to have something built and you're the guy to do it. I want a false panel put in my closet, so that I can fit my safe in there. Besides Jake, you are the only one here who knows we have the safe and we'd like to keep it that way. Think you could work on that?" "Of course, Miss West, I'll get on it right away." Ruby thanks him and excuses herself.

She heads upstairs to see if Jake is there. She quietly enters the room and finds him at the desk again. "What are you working on now?" she asks curiously while plopping down on the couch. "Oh and hi, I'm back." Jake produces his custom made Colt Peacemaker that he is so fond of off the desk. "Cleaning guns. Why don't I do yours too while I'm at it?"

He moves to the couch and says, "You just relax, I'll get it for you. I know where the revolver is." He kneels on the floor in front of her. With one hand on her hip he slides the other slowly up her leg until he reaches the holster. "Hmmm seems a shame to stop there, but I did offer clean your gun." Without waiting for a response he pops it out of the holster and plops himself down next to her. "Maybe just a kiss for now, wouldn't do to distract your gun cleaner too badly."

"Well, Mr. Cook, I can't guarantee that 'just a kiss' won't distract you beyond your ability to clean my gun..." Ruby leans toward Jake and gives him a long leisurely kiss. She pulls back only slightly and looks him in the eyes, "Distracted yet?" Jake drops Ruby's gun on the floor. "What were we talking about?" "Now, baby, is that any way to treat my gun?" She pushes Jake back on the couch, "Wasn't it you who said, treat her right and she'll be there for you... " she slowly lays on top on him, "And there you go throwing it on the floor like some used up whiskey bottle..." She cocks her head to the side, flipping her hair, looking at Jake with raised eyebrows.

"Gun? What gun?" He reaches up and pulls on her hair to bring her down. "Besides, what kind of idiot do you think I am to prefer cleaning your gun to this." He pulls her the rest of the way down. Laughingly, she replies, “Don’t be silly, I know there is nothing you prefer to me…” as she kisses him again. Ruby and Jake spend the next couple of hours on the couch, not cleaning guns.

After breakfast Minerva returns to her room and gathers up three rather large tapestries and struggles down the stairs. "Beatrice" she calls, "I am heading over to Senor Lacey's shop to drop off some of my work and inquire about the time of the meeting today!" and she makes her way out the door and down the road to the store. At the sound of the door being pushed open, Mr. Lacey turns to see Minerva peaking over a mountain of cloth and rushes to assist her. "Hola Senor Lacey. How are you on this fine morning?" A smile crosses his face and he replies, "Ah, Minerva, how very nice to see you again. I am well."

She plops her pile on the countertop. "I have brought you a sampling of my work as promised." He slowly and carefully examines each one and admires the workmanship. "You mentioned that there was a meeting of the Vigilance committee today that I should attend. I would be grateful if you could tell me where and what time it is being held and what it is to be discussed so I may be prepared."

He replies, "It will be held at 3:30 PM today at the Promise City Town Hall, the same place we had the church service last Sunday. The building interior isn't finished yet but it has four solid walls, windows and a roof to keep the elements out. The Committee often meets in private but today's is a public session." "Will you be attending also?" He replies, "I hadn't planned to but if you'd like me to be there I will." "Si, I would appreciate your support." she says. " Hasta Luego (see you later) Senor"

After Ruby left Kate stood and looked at herself in the mirror. She always had the sense of an empty space behind her. This time she looked directly at that space and focused on the things that filled it. The window with it's soft white curtains, the nightstand between her bed and Ginnie's cot, the pile of thick books laying on it. "No one here but me, and I seem to be doing alright." She pinned on the blue hat that went with the prim dress, picked up a couple of those books and went downstairs.

There she found Ginnie pestering Dorita. She gathered her wayward ward and they walked the short distance to the Wells Fargo office and went inside. Kris Wagner is behind the desk. He looks up and says "The stage for Tombstone already left Mrs. Kale. The stage from Benson heading to New Mexico will be by early afternoon if you're looking to board it." "I'm not looking to travel today, Mr. Wagner. I stopped to see you, truth be told. I had hoped to catch Mr. Nevers as well, but that was not to be, apparently.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I'll jump right in. I have been frequently told since I moved here that I should look into teaching school. The problem is, Promise City doesn't have one, and it doesn't look as if a public school will be built for some time. So I am looking into the possibility of starting a private school. I wonder if you would have any interest in such an enterprise? I am trying to gauge what kind of interest there might be before I get too excited about the idea."

He replies, "Oh, That's wonderful! Emma's been after me for some time about getting some proper schooling for Luke and Jacob. And you didn't miss Chuck, he has today off. Chandler Wells drove the stage today. You'll probably find Chuck over at his house. I'm sure that he and Carrie would be interested too. Their Torry wold be too young but schooling for Gina would be. That's assuming of course that it is within our price ranges, we couldn't afford to hire a high-priced tutor like Doc Eaton did."

She replies, "I would do my best to keep the costs reasonable. Most can't afford to hire a tutor, considering the tutor is trying to make a living teaching just a few children. I will have to find a vacant building, and get supplies, so I am not certain when I could begin, but I'm glad to see you are interested. What do you feel would be a reasonable tuition? I'm afraid my experiences are all from Boston, and they really don't apply."

He thinks about it and says, "Well, I guess that would depend on what you required. I'd say most people could probably afford between fifteen and twenty-five cents a day per child. Don't know if that would be enough or not for you." She replies, "With enough students fifteen to twenty-five cents would be quite satisfactory. I just want enough to cover the school's costs, with a bit left over to help Ginnie and I along until the ranch is up and paying for itself.”

She asks, “You've been very helpful, Mr. Wagner. I don't suppose you know if there are any vacant buildings in town I might be able to buy or rent?" He replies, "At the moment I don't think we have any. The Morands' have been hiring on new people the last few weeks who have taken over all of the rental properties of late. Don't worry though, the way things change in this town I'm sure something will open up again soon."

"I certainly hope so, I don't think parents would want to send their children to the El Parador for school," she joked. "If you could direct me to Mr. Nevers house?" Mr. Wagner walked with her to the door and gave a quick description of the way to his employee’s house. "Thank you," Kate said. "I'll let you know when there is any news. I hope it won't be long." She and Ginnie then made their way to their next stop. The Nevers house is on the northwest end of town, not far from the Cochise. Chuck introduces Kate and Ginnie to his wife Carrie Their son Torey is an overactive two-year-old but their daughter Gina is the opposite, quiet and shy.

They are next directed over to the Stevens home two blocks east where they meet the Banker's wife Mina. She is somewhat reluctant to let them in at first but once she warms to them. She introduces them to her twin five-year-old children Agatha and Jack. She too welcomes the prospect of a school. They stop by Wong's Laundry on Front Street and talk to the half-orc Charlie Wong about educating his 12-year old son Harry. He is not opposed to the idea, commenting how he would like for the boy to learn American, which is 17-year old daughter Mary never learned.

Their last stop of the morning is the butcher shop on South Street. Ruby Baines's three children 9-year old Carole, 7-year old Richie and 3-year old Julia are playing out back. Baines says he will be "happy to ship them off for educating." He yells "Hay kids, how would you like to go to school run by Mrs. Kale?" They all yell "YEAH!" Richie then comes up to Kate and says softly "Will your friend Ruby be helping out? She's a great kisser!" Kate held back a laugh and said just as quietly, "I don't even want to know how you know that. She has offered whatever help she can give, so I'm sure we'll see her now and then."

Ginnie comments, “Ma'am Kate that went pretty well, and right now I bet you could hold classes in the center of town near the tree grove, as long as it isn't raining. If nothing else it would be a start, lets see, your going to need slates and chalk and whatever books the kids have they can share. Are you going to teach adults too? And we can start copybooks with bounded paper to make other books. That way we can work on our letters and make books to use at the same time! This is going to be fun, but I'm still going to need afternoons off to work in the shop and umm work on my umm OTHER lessons.”

Kate replies, “"I'd be glad to teach any adults who want education, although I think most in town are busy with their work. I'm sure we can figure a schedule so you can continue to help Mrs. Kelley. And any other lessons must wait for my Professeur Amie to return." Ginnie replies, “And the riding lessons can wait as long as they want too. I'm starting to think that horses just aren't liking me very much. Maybe I'll just learn to drive something else instead.”

Kate replies, "You are having a riding lesson this afternoon when we go out to the ranch. The horses are nervous with you because you are nervous with them. It's important you know how to ride at least well enough to get yourself into town and back without hurrying yourself or the horse. It's only a mile walk, but if there is ever an emergency you'll need to go quickly, and I'm not planning on buying a buggy or carriage. Perhaps someday in the future, but not for a long time. Not all lessons are pleasant, Ginnie. The quicker you learn this one the quicker it will be over."

Ginnie answers, “Well if I really needed to travel fast soon all I'd need is a brassier like Mr. Gonzales has. If it is really important enough to need to get there quick then a horse wouldn't be fast enough.” Kate replies, "Ginnie! It will be a long time before you learn anything that powerful, and you must learn not to talk so casually about such things where you might be heard." Kate took a deep breath and counted to three. "Learning to ride is important. Other means of travel will not always be available.”

Kate hears Ginnie muttering to herself: "Don’t like horses and they don't like me. Just end up with a sore bottom and stiff legs and big piles to clean up after them. And they smell nasty too. Great big hay-burning things that don't like me. Don’t want to learn to ride the nasty things with their great big teeth and bad breath. They can’t even fetch like a dog. They just run around with people with sore butts on their backs making big piles of poop.”

"You don't have to like it Ginnie. Let's go inside and pick up my clothes." As she finished speaking the two approached Frye's Harness where Kate’s new clothes were ready. Kate and Ginnie went inside the storefront and looked for Mr. Frye. "I'd like to pick up my order please." Mr. Frye handed her a neatly wrapped, brown-paper package. "Duster, vest, pants, and ah yes," he said, reaching under the counter. "Hat." "Thank you, Mr. Frye. I won't have to soak in a tub for the pants, will I?" He says, "Well, your friend wanted them extremely tight, and they weren't made for her like these were made for you. So, no, they'll be fine." "Thank you." Kate counted out the payment. "I'm sure they'll be fine. My regular clothes just can't hold up to all the riding and ranch work I do now. Which I need to be getting to soon. Good afternoon, Mr. Frye."

Chester leaves the Cartage building and heads back to the El Parador to look for Nanuet or Sonoma. "Hi Dorita. Nanuet or Sonoma around today?" She replies, "They not around. Probably both are at ranch. You want lunch? So skinny, need to eat more." Chester laughs. "OK. OK. You don't need to tell me twice." While eating, Chester overhears that the trial for Tony Lucky starts at 2 PM. Hmm. I should stop by. See how Judge Isby runs his court. Can't hurt.

Back on the third floor of the Lucky Lady, Ruby and Jake relax in each other’s company, Ruby lying on Jake, her using her finger to trace little hearts on Jake’s chest. Finally Ruby casually stretches for Jake’s pants which are lying on the floor crumpled in a ball next to the couch. “What are you doing?” Jake asks. She reaches into the pocket, finds his watch and flips it open. “We’re going to be late for the trial.” “Huh?” responds Jake. “The trial, for Tony, it’s at 2:00…” Ruby starts getting up, but Jake grabs her wrist. “There’s always time for one more kiss.” Ruby smiles, lays back down and kisses Jake. “We don’t even have to go to the hearing you know…”

After a bit more kissing they drag themselves off the couch and dress. “I’m hungry!” Ruby declares as they head out. They make a quick stop in the kitchen and grab someone’s sandwich that was sitting on the counter, sharing it as they walk to the trial. As they near the Arizona Territorial Building (the former Trail Dust Saloon) they see both newspapermen standing outside, one on either side of the front door, each selling their newspapers. Jake is surprised to see Chumbley, as he hadn't been on the stagecoach the day before and it is too early for today's to have arrived.

Ruby and Jake approach Chumbley. "Good afternoon," she says cheerily as Jake tips his hat. "I haven't seen you around. When you get a chance, stop by the Lucky Lady, I'd like to talk to you about something." He replies "Yes, I'm sorry that I haven't been around for several days but my publisher John Clum asked me to head over to Benson to check out a few stories which is what I have been doing for the last few days. They run a stage this way once a week so I brought today's paper with me to Benson so that I could come directly here. I'm really glad that I did what with this trial and all. You must be here to testify for your gambler. Nothing like a good character witness to help set the stage. Sure, I'd be happy to stop by the Lucky Lady to visit with you, unless you'd like me to take you to dinner instead?"

"Well, isn't that sweet of you Chumbley," Ruby smiles at him. "But I'm afraid I already have dinner plans for tonight. Another time perhaps?" "As far as Mr. Lucky goes, I'm not here to testify on his behalf, I'm just here to see what happens." Ruby adjusts the front of her dress, "When you stop by you'll have to tell me what's so exciting in Benson." Chumbley answer Ruby, "Oh, I'll be happy to do that!" he exclaims, adding "And would you like to purchase a newspaper? Only five cents...." and he then glares at Baxter and adds "AND FOR TWELVE PAGES NOT FOUR!"

“We’ll take one,” Jake says grabbing a paper from Chumbley. He hands Ruby the paper while digging for the nickel. "Good day Chumbley, I'll see you soon." Ruby starts heading inside and as she walks past Baxter’s pile of papers deftly lifts one and hides it behind the one Jake just handed her. Baxter doesn't notice.

They enter the building, seeing that around twenty chairs are already filled up. Judge Isby arrives shortly thereafter. Isby whispers something to Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter. Hunter then walks over to Ruby and whispers in her ear "The Judge thought that he just saw you steal something. I would suggest that you go pay the newspaper vendor for the oversight otherwise he'll have your trial after Lucky's. It would be a shame to be fined $ 100 over a five-cent newspaper."

Ruby excuses herself and heads back outside to Baxter. She hands him a nickel. Using her diplomacy Ruby says, "Mr. Baxter, I apologize for the oversight. I picked up a paper and I thought Jake was paying for it but he didn't realize I picked it up. Sorry." Jake sits down and saves Ruby a seat. He gives her a questioning look when she sits down but doesn't say anything. Just before the trial starts, Chester ducks into the Arizona Territorial building. He grabs the first available seat.

Warren Earp and Eduardo Rodriguez arrive with Tony Lucky and Lemuel Bauer. Colin Hunter calls the court to order and reads off the charges of discharging firearms in a public place with intent to cause serious harm. The witness list is read consisting of Deputy Marshall Rodriguez, Elvira Hooten, Rolf Larson, Herbert Loomis, Mike Moore, Porter Norris and the accused. The trial moves quickly along. Eduardo gives a recap of how it ended and what he saw at the scene. All of the witnesses were present in the boarding house dining room when Bauer arrived and all tell the same story.

Tony is asked to testify first. He claims that he acted in self defense, that he was only eating supper at the time and that the gun he fired wasn't even his. Bauer testifies next. He says that he had discovered evidence that his wife Ilsie was having an affair, namely some men’s clothing and messed up bedsheets. When he confronted her she named Tony Lucky as her lover. He said he was just acting in the heat of the moment, and that almost any other married men would have done the same.

The Judge asks Tony about the affair. Tony says "I did have an affair with Ilsie Bauer but that it had ended five weeks ago. She said that wanted to leave her husband and have a more serious relationship with me. That wasn't what I had in mind so I ended it." Judge Isby says "I guess we need to hear from Mrs. Bauer. Would one of you lawmen go get her please? I declare a ten minute recess."

Without looking at Jake, "Well, this is been interesting so far." Ruby opens up the Promise City Herald and looks through it. "Ok, ok," she says not looking up. Whispering she says, "I couldn't bear giving him the nickel, ok?" Jake shakes his head and reads Chumbley's paper. Ruby looks at the Herald.

Chumbley's paper has as its lead a follow-up about the bodies found the previous week in the Dragoon Mountains. It now names three of the deceased as Ronald Pallis, Ted Netherwood and Joseph Gagliardi. It indicates that all three were members of the Cowboy Gang. Seven of the twelve pages contain ads. There is one story about Virgil Earp asking Wyatt to help him out in Tombstone for the next few weeks and how a new Deputy Marshall who the Earps knew came in to help in the short term.

Ruby’s thought to not pay for Baxter’s paper is reiterated when she sees that the front page headline reads "Gambler Lucky Attempts Murder - Lucky Lady Not So Lucky!" The story is a brief description of the incident from the day before. The concluding line of the story reads: "In less than three months all three of the Lucky Lady's gamblers have been arrested and spent time in the Promise City Jail. This reporter wonders why anybody would chose to gamble with those who flaunt the law." Once again the back page is a full-page ad for the Palace, again promoting the Saturday Night Open Fist Boxing, and including coupons for the second, fourth and sixth drinks at half price.

"Damn It!" Ruby looks at Jake and thrusts the paper at him. "We HAVE to do something about this..." "Shhhh." Jake says without turning his head. "Not here. Yes, we will take care of this." He says without reading the paper, and imagining what Baxter wrote this time. Jake can tell Ruby is trying to stay calm, crossing her arms across her chest and sitting back with a pout.

She attempts to changing the subject and says, "I can't wait to hear what Mrs. Bauer has to say..." "Oh, Judge," Jake whispers in a high falsetto into Ruby's ear, "I just couldn't help myself. Gamblers are so irresistible." Ruby finally cracks a smile. "Oh, but they are Mr. Cook." She leans over and kisses him. 'Well, at least this one is..." She puts her head on his shoulder. "Anything good in that paper?" "Nothing earth moving." He hands her the paper. She looks the paper over. "You're right." She starts twirling her hair around her finger. "You know, it was much more fun back in our room..."

Katherine and Ginnie were back out on the street. Kate comments, "There is just the committee meeting to see this afternoon, then we'll be off to the ranch. I wonder if Tony's trial is over yet? We're rather early for the meeting, let's go and see." Kate said and headed toward the former Trail Dust Saloon. Kate and Ginnie arrived at the new courthouse and looked inside. There were still plenty of people inside, and the accused, marshals, and the judge were still there, but obviously business wasn't being done at the moment. Kate scanned the room for Ruby and made her way through the crowd to sit with Ruby and Jake. Kate asks, "What's going on?" Chester also takes advantage of the break to take a seat near the rest of the group. "How is everyone?"

Ruby tells Kate,"Oh, we're on break, waiting for Mrs. Bauer. It's been 10 minutes, should be starting up soon. How did your errands go?" Kate answers, "Very well! There is a great deal of interest in a school. I don't think I'll have any trouble getting students. More likely I'll have trouble getting a location." Ruby says, "Oh we'll find you a place, how hard can it be? Build one if you have to. All those eager young minds need a place to learn after all..."

Ten minutes becomes twenty. Finally both Deputy Marshalls return. Warren announces "She's gone. And Bauer's Union Market is totally empty, not an item left in the building.” Chester whispers “"That seems to happen a lot around here. Next time you want someone to leave town, just have the Marshalls look for them." "Be careful what you ask for, soldier boy." Jake laughs and gives him a little push. Chester laughs. "Don't worry. I'm not planning anything. Do they need Mrs. Bauer for the trial?" "In a minute the judge will have figured this all out." Jake says to him. "They'll need her all right, but for a different trial."

Warren continues, “A neighbor remembers seeing a large wagon parked out back last night that was gone this morning." Eduardo says, "I checked with Drover's. They said that yesterday afternoon they sold two draft horses and a large wagon to a young male wood elf. He paid cash and didn't give his name." Ruby laughs and tells Jake, "If I cheated on my husband I'd cut out too." Jake smiles and tries not to laugh. He whispers to Ruby, "They got the wrong guy. Mrs. Bauer is a real bitch." "Oh, what makes her a bitch, that she cheated or that she cheated with more than one man?" She laughs again and shakes her head. "Neither. That she sent her husband to kill Tony." Jake taps Ruby's nose with his finger. "Were the horses rented before or after he went after Tony? Important question don't you think?"

Ruby scrunches her nose as Jake taps it. "Maybe she didn't send him, maybe he was jealous that she would give herself to someone else when they were supposed to be committed to each other," Ruby gives Jake a look of shock, "But it must have been planned out. At any rate, good question about the horses, I'd like to know the answer to that, just cause I'm curious and all..."

"That's where he was going!" Kate says to Ruby. "Juan Gomez checked out of the El Parador this morning. I was glad to see him go, even though he didn't bother me after I threatened him with a knife.” Ruby exclaims, "You threatened him with a knife? Where was I?" Kate answers, "On his lap. It was during the 'happy Ruby' time. I had twisted my ankle and wanted you to help me. He suggested the three of us go upstairs to get better acquainted. I had my little work knife at the time, and told him if he propositioned me again, I'd give him something to help him remember to leave me alone."

Kate says, Excuse me, I should go tell the Marshal." Kate stood and moved over toward Warren Earp. "Marshal, I believe I may know what that young man was." "Yes Mrs. Kale," Warren says, "What do you know about this and how do you know it?" "Hmmm." Jake leans over to Ruby as Katherine speaks to the Marshall. "Looks like there might be a building available for sale. Perhaps a deal can be worked." "That's your department, baby." Ruby smiles at him. "So I wonder, now what happens?"

Kate tells the Marshall, "I'm sure you know that I live at the El Parador. When I was eating breakfast this morning a wood elven man who has been living there since before I moved in checked out. He's a known letch, he propositioned me while I was still in black, for heaven's sake! But I was surprised when he checked out so early this morning. I wouldn't put it past him to have run off with the woman. Juan Gomez is his name."

Judge Isby calls the room back to order. He says "Looks like you men were both set up. Now, according to the reports sixteen shots were fired, ten from Mr. Bauer's Colt and six from the Smith & Wesson that Mr. Lucky was using. What do you men have to say about that?" Bauer says "We kept the gun at the store in case of robberies but I'd never fired it before." Isby says, "Yes, but your claiming a moment of passion loses its argument since you reloaded. And you Mr. Lucky?" Tony says, "I never fired a gun before in my life. I wasn't aiming for him, just shooting in the general direction to scare him off."

Isby says, "Well, both of you men have suffered but I can't go having people shoot up buildings. You each are sentenced to pay the Hootens $ 25 for repairs to their building. Each of you can then spend three months in the Territorial Jail. Each day can be reduced by the paying of a fine of five dollars a day." He asks if there is any further business before the court. Seeing none, he rules the hearing closed.

Chapter 54, “Ruby’s Busy Schedule”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

Chester comments to Jake, “"I’d be surprised if they can catch Mrs. Bauer. She and that Gomez are probably halfway to Mexico by now." He then asks, "Has anyone seen Nanuet or Sonoma around? Zack Morand told me they know how to get to one of the mines near Dos Cabezas. That one's starting to produce, so I'm going to check out the route. I'll see you all later. I'm going to get a shave and a haircut." Chester leaves the Territorial Building and goes around the corner to the barbershop. "Afternoon, Bif. I need a haircut and shave, please. Just came from the trial. Tony Lucky and Bauer were sentenced to three months each."

Warren asks both men if they have the money to pay the restitution and fine. Both have the $ 25, but neither have much more than that. Buaer asks "Is it true that she took everything?" Earp replies, "Didn't leave anything in the building but the dust." Jake wanders up to where they are talking. "Mr. Bauer, do you think you'll be holding onto that property or might you be interested in selling?" He says, “"Selling? I need $ 300 more to pay my fine or else I'm going to prison. Ain't got no choice than to sell it. I figure one of my neighbors, Fly's Boarding House or the Papago Cash Store might be interested. Figure it’s worth a good $ 450.”

Hearing that Kate said sadly from her seat next to Ruby, "Four hundred and fifty dollars. I had thought perhaps I could buy the building from him, but I can't help feeling that $450 would be better invested in the ranch. And that's if he'd sell it for the fee. He'd be homeless." "Kate, I told you we would help you and we will." Ruby gave Kate's hand a squeeze. "Excuse me for a moment."

Jake tells Bauer, "I might know someone who is interested, want me to ask them about it? I assume they could stop by tonight and see you at the jail if you are." Jake assumes a sympathetic expression. "Sure, not like I have much better to do. Come by soon, they'll probably ship me off to the Territorial Prison soon." While Jake is talking to Bauer Tony Lucky is waving his hands and attempting to get Jake's attention.

Ruby heads up to Judge Isby. She approaches the Judge when no one else is around, "Can I speak with you privately, Judge?" "I um, just wanted to apologize for earlier, the paper thing. It was an honest mistake. I thought my boyfriend was paying for it, like he did for the other paper we bought. I walked in and didn't realize he hasn't seen me pick it up. I just didn't want you to think I would steal anything, none the less a five-cent newspaper." He replies, "I thought that may have been the case, that's why I had the Deputy Sheriff talk to you quietly. One thing you should know about me young lady is that as long as justice is done I'm a happy man."

She says, "I really appreciate that. I'm kind of embarrassed about the whole thing, and we're already having trouble with Baxter printing lies about us, I didn't need to give him any help in that department. It's hard enough around here trying to make an honest living. Maybe I can make it up to you? If you're interested, I don't know if you would be, but our cook Maria is wonderful. If you'd like to stop by your meals would be on me, as a gesture of thanks."

He replies, "Ma'am, you wouldn't be trying to bribe a Judge now would you?" Ruby gets a horrified look on her face. "No, not at all! What would I be bribing you for? I was only saying thank you for not making a big deal about the newspaper incident, which shouldn't have been an incident at all, it was just a mistake..." Ruby is acting nervous, "Oh, it's coming out all wrong! I should just shut my mouth." " Isby replies, "Just trying to avoid misunderstandings. I'll have to pass on your offer, I try to avoid places that serve alcohol. I'll be leaving town tomorrow anyway so wouldn't get the chance anyway unless you happen to be available tonight for dinner."

"Dinner? You'd really like to take me to dinner, Judge?" Ruby blushes and bats her eyelashes a bit. He answers, "Well sure, it's my last meal here in town for another three of four weeks. How about the Promise City Hotel and Restaurant at say, 6:30 P.M." Ruby says, "You know what? I'd really like that. As long as you don't think I'm trying to bride you or anything..." He answers, "Fine, I will meet you there" he says. He nods to her, stands, and heads out the door.

Kate roused herself and walked over to Jake in time to hear him ask Bauer about the building and to hear Bauer's response. She touched Jake's arm lightly and whispered in his ear, "I'll go down right after they take him back to the jail. Tony's trying to get your attention," she finished, waving toward the other gambler. Jake glances back at Tony and groans, but he knew this was coming. He walks over to Tony Lucky. "Bad turn of events there." Tony says to Jake, "Hi ya Boss. Looks like I'm around $ 400 short here. Why don't you pay the man and then I can get back to work and win it back for you."

"Tony, what would have happened if Mr. Bauer had decided to look for you a little later in the day. Say at your place of work?" Jake's eyes are hard and his expression unreadable. "I am not pleased. With all the money you make, you don't have any stored away? I'm really torn here Mr. Lucky. Even if you do manage to pay me back how do I know the next irate husband won't be shooting up the Lady?"

Lucky replies, "No next husband in the picture boss. Of the two ladies I'm seeing now one is a widow and the other is single. Nothing to worry about there unless they find out about each other, but I don't think that either of them has a gun." "So talk to me about the pay back arrangements, collateral or whatever" Jake sighs. "Make it convincing." Tony says, "Whatever you want boss, you know I'm good for the money. Heck, just ask Job, he's my best friend. He'll put up the cash for me."

Jake asks the Marshall, "When do the money arrangements need to be made to prevent Mr. Lucky from going to Territorial Prison?" Warren says, "Well, we were going to transfer him to Tombstone tomorrow. But the town has two stages there on Friday, so we could wait until the evening stage if you need more time to come up with the money." "I'll stop by later tonight and let you know what we can do." He says to Warren, then turning to Tony Lucky, "Stay out of trouble until them please."

Ruby heads back to Kate shaking her head. "I must be insane. Kate, feel my head, do I have a fever?" "Why must you be insane, Ruby?" Kate laughed, declining to feel her forehead. "Because I just agreed to have dinner with Judge Isby," she replies. Kate says, "Ruby, you get the oddest dinner dates. Why in the world did you go over to talk to him in the first place?"

Jake walks back over to the women. A moment later as Jake approached. Jake had caught Ruby’s conversation with Kate. "I hope you are hungry, you are also having dinner with Mr. Eastman." Jake says matter of factly. Ruby looks at Jake, trying to read his face. "I never told Mr. Eastman I would have dinner with him. But don't you think it's wise not to turn down the Judge? Especially one who already has a bad impression of us? Maybe I can change his opinion." Ruby laughs. "Chumbley asked me to dinner too." "So have dinner with the Judge later in the evening." Jake frowns. "Hermes." He frowns again. "Damn. You need to have dinner with Eastman, he said five right? Have dinner with Isby at six-thirty or so." Jake scratches his beard. "Let's get out of here."

"Jake, are you helping me set up dinner dates with other men?" Ruby raises an eyebrow. "Yes Eastman said 5:00 and I did not tell him I would have dinner with him! Do I need to have dinner with him? I am supposed to meet the Judge at the same restaurant at 6:30 P.M." "What a mess. Why don't we go to the Vigilance Committee meeting so I can make more dates with everyone but my boyfriend...What was I thinking?" Ruby starts walking out. Turning to Ruby. "I don't mean to tell you your business, but I'd recommend you don't dine with Chumbley too tonight." He adjusts his hat and heads out the door.

As they are leaving Kate asks, "What did Bauer have to say?" Jake replies, "Seems like he'd rather sell than go to jail. Why don't you find out if his place would be suitable for that school of yours. Then ask around about the fair market price for it. Try Berg or Booth or someone. Let me know what you find out." Then Jake adds, "But find out tonight." She replies, 'I'm afraid someone will get to it before I can. There's a little time before the committee meeting, maybe I can get a look and still make it. Mr. Berg wasn't here, I suppose I'll have to go to his office. Or I could go see if Conrad is up to going...." Jake says, "Katherine I'm sure you'll figure it out. I need to get to the bank. Hopefully we'll see you at the Vigilance farce."

Ruby comments, "I wanted to go to the bank too... Although I'm not sure I have enough time to do what I want to do," Ruby stops and thinks it over for a moment. "Can I come with you?" Jake offers her his arm, "If you have room for me in your busy schedule?" Ruby stops short. "Jake, you aren't mad, are you? I only agreed because I thought it could benefit us in the future..." her voice trails off and she looks concerned, but she takes Jake's arm and holds it tight. "I won't go to dinner with anyone if you tell me you don't want me to."

Jake sighs. "Just frustrated. You are probably right not to turn down the judge." He keeps them walking towards the bank. "I'm trying to help you Ruby. I suppose I should've told you I want you to go to dinner with Eastman, but I didn't want you to worry about it all day." He stops outside the bank and looks her in the eyes and doesn't say anything for a few seconds. "I trust you, right?" She can't tell who he is asking. "Just trust me, I'll get you through the Eastman thing." He doesn't wait for an answer and takes her into the bank. "What did you need money for?"

"Alright, Jake. I do trust you, whether you trust me or not. I'll go to dinner with Eastman if you want me to." "Money? I don't need money. I wanted to introduce myself to the owner of the bank. Plus I wanted to, um, check on something on my account." Ruby shrugs. "What do you need money for?" Jake looks down at his feet and blushes a bit. "In case I decide to save Tony Lucky and buy Katherine her damn school." He them moves quickly to the bank employees to withdraw $800 from his account. Ruby stands behind Jake while he withdraws his money. "You going soft on me, Silver Jake Cook?" she whispers in his ear. "Don't start on me today." He says without turning around. "What did I do?" Ruby says out loud, maybe to Jake, maybe to no one.

Minerva had stopped back at the Comstock house to grab some lunch and freshen up and then walks over to the town hall. The building is empty at the moment. Nobody seems to even be around this end of town at the moment. Minerva goes back home and borrows a wheelbarrow, a hammer and some nails from Beatrice. She loads the wheelbarrow up with five tapestries and pushes it back to the empty town hall. “O.K. Luna, lets set the mood." She spends the rest of the afternoon hanging tapestries about the room.

Three tapestries are of Bacchus more commonly referred to as Dionysus in this hemisphere. In the first scene Dionysus is seated upon a throne at the right hand of his father Zeus. They are both imbibing. The second scene portrays the most important spring festival of the year, The Festival of Dionysus . It is a beautifully joyous scene. A group of men are merrily playing music on a lush green field studded with flowering fruit trees and new growth. Happy families are dancing, eating and drinking while birds fly in a blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds and fat cattle graze in the background. The third tapestry is horrifying. A sharp contrast to the previous idyllic image. Dionysus stands at the gates of Olympus laughing down upon Lycurgus, King of the Edonians. The maddened king holds a pair of shears and is pruning the nose, ears, fingers and toes of his son’s corpse. While the land lays torn and barren all around them.

The fourth tapestry is equally hideous. Depicting the King of Damascus being flayed alive as punishment for his opposition to Dionysus. And the final tapestry, the largest and most compelling of all, is the one that Minerva hung for Sunday’s sermon depicting the 12 heavenly powers with Jupiter is sitting in their mist. Neptune, the ruler of the sea, holds his trident and appears to have just smitten the earth from which a horse has leaped forth. And the goddess Minerva depicted in helmed head with her shield covering her breast is shimmering with power. Minerva finishes the job, considers the affect of her setting, brushes her hands together and exclaims to Luna "Ah, Bacchus does loves drama! I hope he will be well pleased with the stage we have set. Now we just have to wait and see what the players do!"

"Well, isn't that colorful" Judge Lacey's deep robust voice exclaims as he walks into the building." While he and Minerva talk several men come in carrying chairs from the Alhambra Saloon to set up for people to sit in. A small crowd starts to gather as well and the men head over to the Comique to borrow more chairs. Minerva recognizes a number of faces from Sunday's worship service. Lacey tells her "The actually Committee won't be here until time for the public meeting to start. They're over at the Great Western Boarding House now having their planning meeting."

Minerva says, "I was not invited to this meeting, nor am I sure that I want to walk into the lions den unprepared. I have heard rumors that I am not what the committee requested for a new preacher. Do you think it would be wise for me to attend this meeting, Senor Lacey? "

Back at the bank, Jake gets his money. "If you are going to do any business here, I'll wait if you want." "Sure you can wait, if you want to." When Ruby gets to the front of the line she smiles sweetly at the teller. "I'd like to check on my account please." She grabs a piece of paper and scrawls something on it and passes it forward to the teller. "Can I do that?" Nervous at first he is getting held up he relaxes after reading the note. He looks up and Ruby smiles and she winks at him. "Sure Miss West, we can do that."

"Also, I'd like to meet the owner of the bank, is he here?" "No ma'am Mr. Stevens is not here right now. Is there something else I can help you with?" "No thanks." Ruby walks back over to Jake. "I'm ready. Are we going to the Vigilance Committee hearing? I thought we could give Miss Florencia some friendly faces. She's going to need them."

"We ought to hear what is said in any case. I don't know if our support would be a help or hindrance to her." Jake makes a grimace. "Especially the Vigilance bunch." As they are walking over he says, "I was leaning towards paying Tony's fine and then have him pay me back. I might make him more loyal, and look good to the other staff. I know you don't particularly care for him, but he does have regulars." He glances to her. "What do you think?"

She takes his hand as they walk. "I think I told you earlier that it's up to you. And now you're talking about your own personal money." "Ok, my opinion, I wouldn't want to lose the customers, and I don't want you to have to work all those extra nights when you should be spending them with me." Ruby runs her free hand through her hair. "If you are going to give Tony the money I wouldn't necessarily count on getting it back, unless you take it out of his pay and even then you might not. What happens if one of these crazy guys comes to the Lucky Lady and one of us gets shot?" Ruby pauses. "I guess I had more to say about that than I thought."

"As for liking him, he doesn't look at me any different then plenty of men around. But if you do help him out and he comes back, why don't you watch for it, then tell me what you think." "So, did I help?" They look up and they are at the half-built town hall. Jake chuckles. "Ya. You think I should do it but wish we could put him in jail." The step aside as men carrying chairs make their way inside. "I'll probably do it, but I'll make him squirm first." Ruby says, "It's like you can read my mind... make sure to make him squirm extra special, just for me. Then you can tell Kate you did it for her, she's offended that he slept with a married woman. You and I both know better though, right?"

They make their way inside and step out of the way in back. Near the front they see Mr. Lacey and Minerva talking. Jake starts laughing again. "Some of those tapestries are just what the vigilance committee needs." Ruby scrunches her nose. "Ugh, Mr. Lacey." Ruby looks around the room at the tapestries. "Um, what she is trying to do? Those two are hideous." Ruby points to the obvious unhappy ones. "She must be very clever or very crazy." "She's certainly bold." He points the ones Ruby called hideous. "Pretty simple message if you ask me. Defy the god of drink and suffer." Ruby looks at Jake with some admiration. "You're so smart. I didn't see that."

Ruby faces Jake. "Um, about dinner, does it matter where I go with Mr. Eastman, George, I should say? I don't want to go to the same place I'm supposed to meet Judge Isby at. I was thinking of taking him to the El Parador," Ruby grins. "That might chase him away on its own." He replies, "I don't think it does. You may be right about the El Parador, it is a friendly place for you. He may have made plans someplace else, but who cares what his plans are, right?" He then looks at her funny and says, "I'm not sure what you mean we know better?"

She says, "Right, I don't care what his plans were, I wasn't figuring on going to dinner with him at all. But if he loves me he'll do what I want, right?" Ruby smiles devilishly. "We know better means we both know Tony wasn't exactly the one who was in the wrong, being he wasn't the one who was married." Ruby pauses for a moment. "But I was also assuming you might have slept with a married woman or two in the past...maybe I'm mistaken?"

Jake looks around to make sure no one is close enough to hear. "I have. Mostly I didn't find out until afterwards that they were." He smiles a broad smile, "Ask me another time about a funny story about that." Then his smile fades as he continues, "A couple times I guess I knew and was too drunk to care. I never chased one, didn't seem right." He takes off his hat and runs a hand through his hair. "If they're chasing after me there wasn't any commitment anyway I figured."

She replies, "I figured as much. And I will ask you sometime about the funny story. But it didn't seem right?" Ruby takes Jake's hat out of his hands and puts it back on his head, adjusting it until it is straight. "Are you telling me that somewhere inside you respect the commitment of marriage?" Ruby raises any eyebrow and looks at him in disbelief.

"Sounds funny when you say it." He admits sheepishly. "No, actually. I respect a person's word if they've proved to me it can be. Most folks are lyin', thievin', cheatin', murderous scum. They get what they deserve, so I have no problems giving them back what they are dishing out to others." He raises and eyebrow and smirks. "Can't help it if I happen to do those things better than they do." He moves his hand across his face as if to wipe the expression off. "The rest, well, I guess I leave them alone." He shrugs. "So who am I to judge which married woman is virtuous and which ones a slut? Until they show their true colors." He scratches his chin. "Of course there is the matter irate husbands with guns."

She interjects, "Or irate wives with guns, but lucky for me most of them would rather shoot their husbands than me." "Well, I guess it's good to know you value someone's word, someone that you trust anyway. Everyone needs to have someone like that, no?" Ruby cocks her head, then adjusts Jake's hat again. He says dryly. "It's not the hat, must be my head is on crooked." He forces down the urge to push his hat back. "Yes, I believe everyone needs at least one person like that. Almost like air." He waves to Minerva. "I don't know if we are an asset or a liability to her, but at least she'll know we are here."

"I'm guessing liability, if they know we're friends with her." Ruby waves and smiles at Minvera but continues speaking as she does, "I'm sure no matter what she does we can come up with something to anger them even more. Maybe I'll pop a few buttons on my dress," Ruby laughs. "That's what friends are for anyway, right?"

Kate had left Jake and Ruby to work out the dinner situation and found Ginnie. "Let's go take a look at Mr. Bauer's building. It's newly empty, and it might serve our purpose." They hurried out into the street toward Bauer's Union Market. It would take them not far from the El Parador. Kate made a quick decision and detoured to Mr. Booth's house where she knocked firmly on the door. She hears some rumbling around inside. He then answers the door. His necktie is unfastened but other than that his is his neat and polished self. She notes that the room behind him is clean and presentable, the four posted bed in the center of the main room neatly made. "Katherine, how wonderful to see you," he exclaims.

"I'd think you'd be tired of me by now," she laughed. "I need your help, it should only take a few minutes. I need an opinion of a piece of property. There is a great deal of interest in a school, and a building just opened up that I might be able to use. But I don't know how to decide on a fair price for it. Can you help?" Katherine tried to keep herself still, but excitement got the better of her as she bounced on her toes. "Of course I would be willing to help. Just wait there while I make myself presentable." He shuts the door. He reopens it less than a minute later, his necktie now tied. Kate couldn't resist teasing him just a bit. "You know, I've seen men tie a necktie before. I've tied men's neckties before. Come, this way."

A mile away, Nanuet arrives at the ranch. He sees Sonoma's horse is already corralled there but doesn't see her at the moment. He then notices flint up on top of his hill fiddling with some type of machinery. Nanuet yells up to the dwarf "Howdy Flint! Whatcha working on up there?" He replies, "Nothing really, just an idea that Pete and I toyed with but never got very far. A wind and water powered drill. I came upon it cleaning out the cave. I figured I'd give it one more shot before I give up on mining entirely." Nanuet bounds to the top of the hill where the dwarf is tinkering. "Sounds like something I would know nothing about, but if there is anything I can do to help, just point me to it."

The device consists of a windmill around ten feet in diameter as well as a long metal tube going down to the stream with a hydraulic pump at the stream end. The water flows up and pours into a contraption to help turn the mill and continue the screw-like drill that runs ten feet down and moves up the dirt. The screw is weighted by rocks to help it drop. So far a pile of four feet of dirt has built up as the device turns slowly.

Flint says "It works very slow, but does it on its own. Should dig around a foot an hour. They key is the side pan that I still need to hook up. The dirt comes up and into the pan which the excess water washes over. Think of it as automatic panning for gold." Nanuet exclaims, “Wow, very impressive Flint! Again though, the workings of this are way over my head. Can I help you with that pan?

Nanuet watches the drill work at it's slow, steady pace then asks, “You think you could build another one of these contraptions if someone gave you the money for it? I think Mr. Jake could use something like this out at his mine. "Flint says, "Nope, his mine doesn't have the stream. Besides, they're professionals, they'll have lots of heavy equipment. This makeshift contraption was all that Pete and I could afford. We got it from a mine that went bust over in Pima County." "Good point about the stream. I just remember overhearing that they were having some difficulties there so I figured it might help."

Nanuet scratches his head and looks at the adobe house. "Have you seen Sonoma yet today, I should probably stop in and say hello." The dwarf replies, "She's down with the sheep. Seems most of that flock she bought were pregnant. March and April is lamb season so she's checking out when the first ones may be due." "Thanks Flint, good luck with your machine."

Luc hadn't slept well the night before. He woke up frequently swearing he heard drums and song as if he were at an Indian ceremony. At 4 in the morning Luc woke up for the last time. He lights a cigar and ran his hand through his long hair. He walked over and stared at himself in the mirror. As he looked he could have sworn someone was standing behind him. He turned quickly and no one was there. He sighed and blew out smoke from his mouth. He tied his hair back and dressed. He went down stairs to get some work started. As the day wore on it seemed everyone was off elsewhere. Luc cared little. He just wanted to get some work done to keep his mind from wandering too far.

Chapter 55, “The Vigilance Committee Meeting”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

Minerva looks over Senor Lacey's shoulder to see Ruby and Jake waving at her. She excuses herself and rushes over to them. "Come to watch the execution?" she laughs. I think the committee may be holding the trial at the Great Western Boarding house as we speak!" The smile leaves her face and she looks at them both warmly," This means a lot to me to have your support. I have no idea what this rally is about or even if it involves me. I hope I'm worrying for nothing but I have an uneasy feeling about this." She turns to Jake, maybe having someone here from the Merchants committee will balance the scales a little."

"You can have our support, but you may be better off without it." Jake makes a little frown. "I am not exactly one of the favorite folks with the Vigilance Committee. If I can do anything I will, but I'll keep as low a profile as I can just in case you knowing us is bad for your image with them. I don't know what to expect here either."

Ruby says, "I agree with Jake. You can have it but you might be better off, at least at first, facing them on your own. We'll be around though if you decide you do need us. I think Kate will be by too, but she had a quick errand to run." Ruby smiles back at Minerva. "We'll just hope your gods are watching out for you today. And if they are we can celebrate later." She leans in closer to Minerva. "And if they aren't we'll plot and scheme how to get what you want on our own." "I'm not sure my head can take much more celebrating today" Minerva laughs holding her head, "but It's a comfort to know that, should it become necessary, I won't have to scheme alone."

Ruby stands up straight again. "Oh nice decorating, by the way." Minerva grins, "Oh, Do you like it? Woven by my own hand. Perhaps someday I could weave something a bit less... dramatic to place over the bar at the Lucky Lady
She chuckles mischievously," Let us hope the committee has an appreciation of art."

It is almost 3:30 and in addition to Jake, Ruby, Minerva and Judge Lacey sixteen other people have gathered to watch the meeting, four men and twelve women. Most of them are unfamiliar to Jake and Ruby but they do recognize Algelica Young, wife of the Promise City Herald Typesetter, Beth Eaton, wife of the Doctor, Haywood Smith who owns the Silver Dollar Saloon and Attorney Mitchell Berg. The door opens and another familiar face walks in, namely Clairese Townsend. Ruby leans closer to Jake, "I wonder what she's doing here. A little young to be on the Vigilance Committee."

"The evils of this world know no bounds, thus vigilance must not have boundaries. Therefore those of all ages, races, creeds and sexes must bind together to ensure the salvation of civilization." Jake says with appropriate seriousness. "Well, unless of course you are not human, then you couldn't be on the committee. Yes and if you are a woman you couldn't vote. Oh, you are kind of young so we don't have to listen to you. Ah, yes your financial status too, that would be a good indicator of your ability to be determine what is moral. But outside of all that..." "I'll bet young Miss Townsend finds the committees work a comfort but is torn because of the impact it may have on her ability to have work." Jake shrugs, "That would only be a guess." Ruby rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes, yes... I know. Don't worry, us just sitting here is bringing down the morality of this group..." It's Jake's turn to roll his eyes. "Ok, I'll shut up." Ruby sits back and waits for the meeting.

A short distance away, Kate juggled her packages and books and grasped Ginnie's hand to keep herself from running. She explained to Conrad Booth what had happened at the trial as they walked over, ending with, "I feel a bit of a vulture, swooping down just when the poor man has lost his business and his wife. But I won't look a gift horse in the mouth either. I want to give him a very fair price, so at least he won't have to go to prison. Here we are." She opened the door and stepped inside.

The building itself is a simple single-story clapboard structure, smaller than the ones around it, being fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet deep. It has both a front and back door and various counters and shelves. Conrad says, "I suppose this might work. Is he selling just the store or the house too?" "House?" Kate comments. Booth walks her over to the back window and points to a twenty-by-thirty foot two-story wood-frame house forty feet diagonally across, on East Street behind Fly's Boarding House. "That's where the Bowers lived", he says.

Kate says, "I don't know if he intends to sell the house as well. He'll have to live somewhere. He might decide to leave town, I suppose. I'll ask him when I go see him later. But what would I do with two houses? Admittedly, I have been worried about going from the Lucky Lady back to the ranch late at night. Or I could be sensible and rent it out." Kate turned back to the room they were standing in. "It might be a little tight, but I think this will do. It will have to do unless I want to build, and there's a lumber shortage just now. I could be happy here." "Well, let's go talk to Mr. Bauer," Booth says.

Kate nodded and hurried out into the street. "Hopefully I can settle it quickly, I want to get to the Vigilance Committee meeting before it's too far along. But how much do you think I should offer him? What's a fair price?" "The store, probably between $ 500 and $ 600. The building isn't that great but the location on Fremont Street would be worth something. The house is probably worth closer to $ 1000, but East Street isn't the most desirable location in town so you could probably knock off a few hundred."

As they pass by the Town Hall building they see around two dozen people inside. Kate notices that Minerva has put up several tapestries. A few minutes later Katherine muttered as they entered the jail, "I spend entirely too much time here." She put on a polite smile. "Marshal, may I speak with Mr. Bauer please?" Tony Lucky yells out from the other cell "What about me Kate? Aren't you going to bring me some food and books like you did Job, Jake and Chester?"

Kate turned to the other cell with a withering look. "Mr. Lucky, I have not given you permission to call me by my given name, nor am I likely to. I won't be wasting my time bringing you anything. You spend most of your time amusing yourself, I'd think you could use the rest." Tony angrily replies "Hey, get off your moral high horse Mrs. Kale. At least I run an honest table, which is more than I can say for your boyfriend there."

Kate replies, "How very clever, insulting my friend. Rumormongering only makes you sound ignorant. I have no moral high horse, Mr. Lucky. Amusing yourself is fine, I'm just disgusted with your lack of judgement in amusing yourself with a married woman. I'm even more disgusted with hers. So why don't we agree to mutually despise one another and get on with our lives?"

Tony Lucky wanders back to the rear of his cell and Katherine hears him mutter the phrase "Fornicating Female Dog"** Conrad Booth's face turns red with anger as he balls up his fists and starts to move in the direction of the jail cell. Warren Earp notices this and stands over near the desk, moving his hand towards his revolver. "Conrad, don't!" Kate whispered desperately, putting her hand out to stop him. "Don't get yourself in trouble over it. His opinion means less than nothing."

(**Family friendly euphemisms used here).

Booth says, "You're right. Let's talk to Bauer." He steps over to that cell and says, "Hello Lemuel, it's been a while. I was sorry to hear of your predicament but I think that we may be able to help you out here. Word is that you're off to prison unless you come up with some money fast and that your wife took everything in your business and home." He replies, "Yeah, all that I have left is around $ 160 in the bank." Warren Earp interjects, "No, according to Paul Stevens she took that too. She used it to buy the horses and wagons to leave town in." "WHAT!" he exclaims. Booth says, "Yes, but my friend Mrs. Kale here may be of some help to you. Katherine?"

Katherine approached the cell. "I'm sorry to meet you under these conditions, Mr. Bauer. I've spent the morning talking to families with children about starting a school. There is a great deal of interest, but I was worried that there were no buildings I could use. I have some money set aside, and I would like to buy your store building if you're willing to sell it. I think it could make an excellent school." He replies, "Sounds good, I figure its worth around $ 750."

"I'm afraid I can't go quite that high. I won't have much left after I buy the building, and I'll still need to put in desks, a blackboard, buy books and other supplies. And I still need to support myself and Ginnie until the school starts turning a profit, which could take over a year. How would you feel about $550? You'll still have your house to sell, which is likely worth a great deal more."

Booth interjects "Actually Lemuel, after what you've gone through the best thing for you would be a fresh start altogether. Here's the deal, we'll give you $ 1,000 right now for both buildings. You might be able to get more, but it would take you time. If you agree now we can get you out of here in a matter of minutes, which will still leave you enough time to grab a lawyer and meet with the Judge today to file divorce papers. Otherwise you'll have to wait a month, being stuck here in this town with nothing to your name." Bauer spends just a minute thinking about it and then says "Sold."

Kate was glad Mr. Bauer was too distracted to read the shock on her face. By the time he answered she'd recovered enough to say, "Very well. We'll be back in a few minutes with the money." She juggled her packages again, caught Ginnie's eye, and went out the door with Conrad behind them. Once they were about half a block away from the jail she stopped and turned to Conrad. "Would you like to explain what just happened in there? We will buy both the store and the house?"

Conrad replies, "Just looking out for your interests, isn't that why you brought me along? First of all, he was asking you for too much for that little beat up store. The only thing it has going for it was the location on Fremont Street, but for your purposes that location shouldn't matter, so why pay more? And I may have a possible buyer in mind for the store though, who might pay top dollar just because of the location, so the net effect could be that you'll get a much bigger building for far less than you were willing to pay. Plus we can finish this up this transaction right now, I have enough in my safe to pay him right now. I'll go get the money. Why don't you go get Mr. Berg for the paperwork. If you can't find him then get that new lawyer Upton, don't even think of going to Fisk."

Kate's mouth opened and closed a couple times. "I...I'll go find Mr. Berg. But we need to talk about all this later." She and Ginnie headed off toward Mitchell Berg's office. Ginnie can hear her muttering under her breath. "Only asked for help in assessing the building, not to negotiate for me. Entirely too presumptuous, and now I'll owe him money! Turns out well for the school, but.... It's not his place. Should have discussed it with me first

Ruby had tried to sit quietly for a little while. Finally, "This thing is late starting. I guess they go by their time, huh? Kate's going to miss it, where did she run off to anyway? To go see that building?" "I've been thinking about some ideas. You want to hear them?" "Ideas? Sure. You know I love to hear the sound of your voice anyway. All that and I get ideas too." Jake looks around. "Perhaps we ought to stand away from the others?"

"What kind of ideas do you get from hearing my voice?" Ruby laughs. She then glances around the room, "If you think we should move we can, but I'm not sure it's necessary. It's not any really big ideas or anything." She thinks about it then shrugs, "Ok, we should stand anyway while we wait because who knows how long this meeting will take and I don't want my butt to get numb." They stand and head outside the door and make their way to a less busy area.

"Well, you might think it's a stupid idea..." Ruby is hesitant at first now that the time came to say it. She looks down and starts kicking at some pebbles with her toe. "I want to do a play in the Lucky Lady. There is no theater here in Promise City and there's enough people who would come I think. We could do it during the afternoon or we could do it during our less busy nights if you think it would get in the way. We could even do a night of it to benefit Kate's school or Minerva's church or something." She rolls her eyes. "Oh but Jake I really want to do it!" Jake laughs. "Don't go getting offended or upset." He laughs really hard. "I never in a thousand years would have pictured myself as a theatre owner." He puts his hands on her shoulders. "You're crazy. So why not?" Ruby can see he is thinking. "Sounds like a real civic activity too."

Ruby gives a squeal and a hop. "Oh I'm so excited!" She gives Jake a little kiss, "And now we have to figure out which play to do! I had something in mind but then I was thinking a singing part would be good so we would have to ask Kate to put songs into the play if she could. I don't know of any good plays that have good songs for a woman and we're going to have to do auditions for the other parts but I guess we have to figure out what play we're doing first. And anyway the one I want to do you or Kate would have to help me read it cause I know I couldn't read it on my own..." She looks at Jake who is just shaking his head. "What?" "Oh, they finally decided to show up for their own meeting, let's go inside. We can talk more later." They both head back inside and have a seat.

The door opens and six people walk in. Jake recognizes the five men as Doctor James Eaton, Great Western Boarding House Owner Bill Watkins, his former employer Frank Condon, the owner of Cook's General Store Zebadiah Cook and Derrick Avery, the head teller of the First National Bank of Promise City. Trailing them is a tall matronly woman wearing a long charcoal gray dress, her steel gray hair tied back in a tight bun. She glances at the wall hangings with a look of disgust on her face. Minerva smiles inwardly as says softly. "Good, I definitely got her attention."

The five men sit in chairs at a table in the front of the room. A man seated in the front row across from the table stands and gives his chair to the woman. Bill Watkins is apparently the chairman of today's meeting as he pounds a gavel on the table and calls the group to order. He begins by welcoming both Zeb Cook and Derrick Avery as new members of the Executive Committee. He then asks "Mrs. King. Would you be so kind as to take the minutes of today's meeting?" The woman with her hair in the bun replies "I would be honored to."

The first order of business is to accept the minutes from the February 17th meeting as submitted. Next Frank Condon gives a report of the Promise City Vigilance Committee's treasury as $ 214.36. Watkins then recognizes Doctor Eaton who stands and declares "The Roman/Greek Church has acted upon our request to remove the easily tempted Reverend Anson Haggler as this town's spiritual leader. Until an appropriate priest can be assigned they have temporarily sent us Mrs. Minerva Garcia Florencia to serve as our Interim Minister. Mrs. Florencia, we welcome your being here to observe our meeting." Minerva notices the "Mrs." preceding her name but chooses not to comment until the scene has played itself out.

Eaton looks back to Watkins who says, "The next item of business to be discussed is the matter of a proper dress code for the citizens of this town." "They're kidding, right?" Ruby says softly, "They must be insane." Minerva sits quietly with her hands in her lap, reading the reaction of the people in the room. She is delighted with what she sees and laughs inwardly, "Shouldn't be too difficult to get what I want. I just have to wait for them to finish killing themselves off."

Doctor Eaton begins "It has been brought to the attention of this Committee that two of the establishments of entertainment within this town allow females to parade around inside in less than full proper attire. If we wish to establish this community as a family friendly place this cannot be. I make a proposal that a dress code be established for the main dining rooms of each restaurant and saloon in town."

Watkins calls for discussion on this motion. The group is unanimous that the torso should be fully covered from a point two inches below the neck down to the knees. Some feel that down to the ankles would be more appropriate but storeowner Cook points out that the waitresses need the freedom of movement to get from table to table safely. Discussion of the arms leads to an impasse. They are in agreement that shoulders should be covered but the sleeve length is heavily debated, with Cook wanting to allow up to the armpits while Eaton wants arms covered to the wrists. Their lack of agreement calls for the motion to be tabled until the next meeting, which is set for two weeks from this date.

The final item on the day's agenda is a formal protest to the Promise City Merchant's Association for allowing a non-human to be appointed as Deputy Sheriff. The protest calls for the man's immediate dismissal. The motion passes unanimously. Watkins then adjourns the meeting.

"They can't tell us what we can wear in OUR SALOON or anywhere else for that matter!" Ruby shakes her head. "What a bunch of prudes." Ruby makes her way over to Minerva. She glances around to make sure none of the Committee is nearby. "That went well, huh?' she says quietly. "The nerve of them! Did they say something about Mrs. Florencia? You're not married are you?"
Minerva, eyes dangerously dark hisses under her breath "A bunch of hot winded, pompous asses, they are" . "By the goddess I came from Spain to get away from such bigotry. This is my home now and I will not run from it. Minerva fumes "Cover up in this heat? When heifers fly over the moon! Apparently I am in violation of the dress code." Minerva says derisively as she removes her shawl exposing much of her arms.

"Old Caleb White once told me that Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike." Jake rubs his hand on the side of his face and looks back and forth between Minerva and Ruby. "I think that folks just try to regulate what they are afraid of; Fear is the mother of morality." Jake looks around the room again. "I really like your tapestries. I guess more accurately, I liked how Mrs. King liked them. Let's think about what happened here some more before you two start scheming." He smiles at the two of them.

"Yeah, they're afraid they might see some breast and like it." Ruby huffs. "Alright let's get out of here then. Or Minerva do you need to speak to them now?" Ruby also glances at Clairesse to see what her reaction is, trying to guess why she is present. The young lady's facial reaction is unemotional as it had been during most of the meeting. She notices Ruby glancing her direction and quickly exits the building.

Minerva replies, "I should introduce myself to the committee before I leave. I'll catch up with you later. " Minerva stills herself and takes a calming breath. She sets her most charming smile in place and strolls over to Dr. Eaton and Mr. Watkins and extends her hand. "Buenas Tardes, Senores. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Senorita Minerva Garcia Florencia."

Watkins says, "Yes, I know. I attended the services last Sunday. Eaton says, "And my wife and children were in attendance. I'm sorry to have missed it, I had been called away on a medical emergency." Watkins says, "We hope that you have settled in for your short time here." Eaton adds, "Yes, we'll clear up this misunderstanding with the church.”

She replies, “I have not been sent here by the church Senor, I have been directed here by the goddess." Minerva gently places a hand each of their shoulders with a gentle smile and look of concern continues in a soothing voice “She would caution you Senors, Do not be so arrogant as to insult the gods with petty declarations. Do you dare be so bold as to decree that the beauty of Venus be hidden beneath a shroud? I assure you Senors that this is not her will. Ask rather that the earth be forever hidden from the sun for it would be an equally foolhardy request."

Watkins comments, “Well, somebody obviously thought that sending a Spanish-speaking preacher would help to convert some of those heathen wood elves to the proper faith. But that would just be a waste of your time, best to focus on the true believers." Minerva replies, “Did not the gods create all mankind in their image? Wood elves, dwarves and humans alike? Should we disregard our children, leaving them in the woods for the hungry wolf because they are innocent of our ways? Does a mother reject the infant who suckles at her breast because the babe hungers only for the ambrosia that the breast offers? I tell you Senors, It does not make the mother love her child any less. “ She smiles benevolently “Be assured that the gods recognize all their children.”

Minerva straightens her shoulders and says in a commanding tone “Senors, Do not presume to place yourselves upon the throne of Olympus. As you can see,” Minerva makes an elaborate gesture towards the tapestries, while casting a ‘Doom’ spell on Watkins. She says, “The gods do not deal kindly with those who would presume too much. The goddess would remind you of this that you would rethink whom you serve Senors. You would be wise to heed my words for the gods choose to speak through me. I am their instrument and have come to Promise City to do their work. If the Committee is willing to help me in their service I will gladly accept their assistance. “

She then adds, “But, Senors, I fear that this committee has it's own agenda which may be in conflict with the gods will. My allegiance must be to the gods as should yours be. "She looks at them imploringly. “Will you assist me in their work, Senors? I will be awaiting your answer." She turns to leave and turns back. "I may be reached Comstock House. Good day to you Senors, May the gods will be done."

Ruby looks to Jake then watches Minerva talking to Eaton and Watkins. "I guess she is better off without us right now? Definitely me, I'm not dressed appropriately," Ruby says snidely. "And I should get back soon to get ready for my dinner with George," Ruby pauses, "...And Judge Isby." She shakes her head and rubs her temples. "Is there anything I should know about why you want me to go with Mr. Eastman tonight?" "Not really, except that you don't need to worry. Just be your usual wonderful self. I have a feeling everything will work out just the way you want it." Jake gives her a reassuring smile. "You asked me to help, and I am." "Alright, baby." She gives him a smile and a kiss. "I'm going back to the Lucky Lady to get ready."

The Vigilance Committee Meeting has just ended by the time that Kate and Ginnie walked towards the intersection of Fremont and Main and she sees Mitchell Berg exiting the building where the meeting had been held. They hurry across the street and up to the lawyer. "Mr. Berg," Kate said a bit breathlessly. "I know this is quite irregular, but I wonder if you have a moment to step over to the jail? I didn't see you at the trial this afternoon." She quickly ran down what had happened with Mr. Bauer's wife, and the pending purchase. "We need someone to draw up the papers. I don't know Mr. Upton yet and I wouldn't trust Fisk if my life depended on it."

Mitchell Berg asks Kate for a little more detail about what she is looking for. She briefly explains that Bauer is selling his property, getting released from jail and will then want to see Judge Isby about a divorce. Berg checks his pocket watch and says "It looks like I'm going to have a busy next hour. Okay, I'll head back to my office and get some standard property exchange forms and a divorce decree and meet you at the jail."

Kate and Ginnie head back to the Marshall's Office. Eduardo Rodrigues makes his way over to the building as well, entering behind Ginnie and Kate. Warren asks him "Was it as bad as we suspected?" Eduardo says, "Yes, I stayed outside of the back door and heard the whole thing. I certainly wouldn't have been welcome inside, in fact they are filing a formal protest over one of my race being made Deputy." Conrad Booth arrives back a few minutes later. They let Bauer out of the cell. Warren Earp collects the money for the fine and restitution for damage. Earp lets him use the desk to write out the names for the property transfers which Bauer signs and both lawmen sign as witnesses.

Berg tells Conrad and Kate "Bauer assumes his wife still has the original Deeds to the property but I'll file papers with the county recorder invalidating those due to abandonment of property and with this transfer form be able to get new ones are reissued in your names. Actually, do you want both of your names on each property or just one?" Booth says, "That's Mrs. Kale's decision." Kate paused for a moment then decided, "Both on each please. That makes the most sense."

Booth just nods. Berg finishes the paperwork. Bauer gives Booth a key ring and explains the keys to the store and house. A third key is to the outhouse behind the store, but he says that he usually keeps it unlocked. Booth tells Bauer, "Your wife left the store that way too, not that there was anything left for anyone to take." Berg then tells Bauer "We'd better hurry if we want to catch the Judge before he closes up shop for this visit to Promise City." The two of them make their way out the door.

Warren tells Eduardo "The bank's closed, so I'd better go see Paul Stevens about this fine money as it goes to the Territory. You keep an eye on Lucky." He leaves as well. Booth looks at Kate and Ginnie and says, "I guess we might as well leave too. Mr. Lucky didn't really seem to appreciate our stopping by. But first we'd better go lock up our new property. "Yes, we wouldn't want anyone deciding to try and set themselves up thinking it abandoned property."

Chapter 56, “Dinner for Three”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

Kate, Conrad and Ginnie left the Marshall's office and walked toward their new acquisition. Kate tells Conrad, "I'm sorry if I was harsh earlier. You surprised me, and I wasn't quite sure what to do. I hadn't intended for you to lay out your own money for this, or to even take more than a few minutes of your time. I don't seem to handle shocks very well anymore." He replies, "I'm sorry as well. We should have discussed it first but I saw an opportunity and time was of the essence. By mentioning the Judge leaving town that prompted him to act fast. In my profession I've learned to act quickly.

As for the possible resale of the store, you would best do that negotiation. The potential buyer is the miner Patrick Seawell. He and the Morand family have partnered but he hasn't established an office yet. I get the impression from what I heard that he would like it to be independent of the Morand Complex at Fremont and Sierra. The location that we just bought would be near the Morands but also separate. You know Seawell far better than I based upon what you've said about when the bandits attacked your stage and he assisted you in saving Deputy Marshall Earp's life." "He's a good man. It will ease my mind some to sell the store building to someone who deserves a good deal. I still feel uneasy about benefiting from Mr. Bauer's misfortune."

They arrived at the store and locked up the building. "Let's go take a look inside the house. If I'm going to use it for a school, I suppose Ginnie and I could use the upstairs for bedrooms when we need to stay in town overnight." It is a twenty-by-thirty foot two-story wood-frame house. The door is indeed unlocked and Mrs. Bauer has taken everything that wasn't nailed down with the exception of the large cast iron wood stove in the kitchen, which must have been too heavy for her wagon. The first floor is divided into three rooms, one of which is a large living room that would work well for a classroom. A staircase leads up to the second floor which has slightly less floor space due to the pitched room beginning just five feet above the floor on the two sides. The second floor has a hallway down the center and the rest is divided into one large master bedroom and two smaller rooms.

Kate came back down the stairs with a smile. "It will do very well. Much better than the store building. We can use the lower floor for the school and the kitchen, and Ginnie and I can stay upstairs when needed. Conrad, you and I will have to discuss the financial arrangements tomorrow. I owe you at least the amount for the house. I'm afraid I've already missed the Committee meeting, but I still have time to get out to the ranch and help out. And give Ginnie her riding lesson, of course."

He replies, "Very well, but before we settle on any finances why don't you see if Seawell is interested in the store and how much he'll pay you for it. And don't feel guilty to get what you can for it. You may want to mention to him that Bauer's selling price for it was $ 750." "I'll do that, then we can talk tomorrow afternoon."

Kate stood for a moment, uncertain. There was still a tension there she didn't know how to break. "I appreciate what you did to help me today. I hope someday I'll have the chance to do something to help you. I even appreciate you wanting to hit Tony Lucky. I wanted to hit him. Unfortunately, I'm not very strong, so I doubt it would have knocked any sense into him." Kate walked over and offered her hand. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She and Ginnie finally got back to the El Parador where she dropped off her packages and changed into riding clothes. She made the ride out and the ride back Ginnie's lesson. She wasn't unsympathetic to the girls dislike of riding, but it was important she know how. Once she was competent, she could stop the lessons and let Ginnie concentrate on something she loved. They helped out with the evening chores and made it back in time for Kate to bathe, get dinner, and head over to the Lucky Lady to help out for the night.

Ruby walks back to the Lucky Lady in thought. What could Jake have in mind? I wasn't really worried about dinner until he said not to worry, she thinks. And how could Jake know how I want things to work out? At any rate, I'll just tell Mr. Eastman, er, George, no again and hopefully that will work. But this time I HAVE to be more convincing. Right, more forceful. I can do that, I’m GOOD at that. It was like she was convincing herself. Why IS it such a problem with him? She sighs out loud. Ruby knew the answer to that question but she already made that decision. And what was I thinking agreeing to dinner with the Judge? I know, hopefully it will pay off in the future...

She gets back to the saloon and heads up to her room. It takes her a long time to decide on the cream colored dress. What is appropriate to wear to dinner with someone who wants to marry you AND a conservative, strict judge? It showed off her neck, with the straps sitting on the edge of her shoulder, but is wasn’t the lowest cut dress she had and that was a good thing. Too low for a judge though? Oh, forget it, what am I worried about? None of this matters anyway, right? She starts dressing while she grumbles to herself.

She takes her time dressing carefully. She makes sure everything is where it should be but not too much of anything is showing. Not an easy feat in anything I own, she laughs out loud. She brushes the wildness out of her hair, taming it into some curls. She looks herself over in the mirror, stopping to caress the heart shaped earrings dangling from her ears. She hadn’t taken them off since Jake gave them to her. She puts her smile on, nods to herself, and grabs her wrap and heads downstairs. She sits at the bar, having a glass of wine, and waits for George to show up.

George Eastman arrives promptly at five minutes before five. He is attired in a different suit than she had seen him in before, this one a chocolate brown with a tan and gold print vest and gold silk tie over a white shirt. He is wearing a brown bowler hat that compliments the rest of the wardrobe. His beard is neatly trimmed and his hair is combed back and looks to be a little wet, implying that he just came from the barber and bath shop. His face breaks out in a warm smile upon seeing Ruby.

Ruby stands to greet him. "Hello, George. You look very put together." She returns his smile, "Ready for dinner?" Ruby takes his arm. "I want to take you to one of my favorite eating establishments, the El Parador Cantina. You've traveled all over, I'm sure you like a little variety in your life and your food." She gives a little laugh. "Plus I'm friends with the owners. They've become, uh, protective of me, I guess you could say. Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

Jake Cook walks into the room promptly after George Eastman does, almost like he was waiting. On his head is his flat brimmed black hat, which barely holds down his full head of brown hair. His beard is neatly trimmed and frames nicely his broad smile. His white silk shirt only rustles slightly as he crosses the room purposely towards Ruby and George. Across his black linen pants is strapped his Colt Peacemaker. His well-worn boots are polished.
"You must be Mr. Eastman? Good evening. Very kind of you to invite us all to dinner tonight. Ruby was telling me how much you wanted to meet me. I must say I was a bit curious to meet you. I'm glad you are not the kind of man to be embarrassed by the situation."

He smiles at both of them. "Shall we go?" At first Ruby stands there with her mouth hanging open. She manages to get it closed and she pulls her arm away from Eastman. "You look nice Jake," she says while giving him a cocked head, 'what in Hades are you doing?' questioning look. Jake flashes Ruby her 'go with it' look. "Thank you Miss West, you always have the kindest things to say." Jake gives her a warm and reassuring smile.

Ruby nods, but stares at Jake for a moment before turning back to George then back to Jake. Her hand shoots up and starts fingering her earring before she finally returns the smile to her face. "Mr. Jacob Cook, this is Mr. George Eastman. George, this is Mr. Cook... Jake, my boyfriend." She looks at Jake affectionately as she says his name. Then she stands back and waits.

Eastman gives Cook the once over, then walks towards him so that their faces are no more than a foot apart and says "Sir, I am taking Constance Grace to dinner, not you. At no point were you invited. I had wanted to meet you last night but you were far too interested in playing cards to pay myself or Miss. West any attention. I would suggest that you spend this evening doing more of the same. And for the record, I am not the least bit intimidated by your firearm display bravado. In general I've found that those who feel the need to draw attention to weapons are merely compensating for other deficiencies."

Jake replies, "Harsh words Mr. Eastman. I suggest you owe Miss West an apology, she is usually quite a good listener and to suggest that she may have misunderstood what you said in such a gruff manner is unbecoming. Furthermore I agreed to change our previous engagement for tonight to accommodate you sir." Jake follows that with several tsk, tsk sounds. "Such a display of anger and verbal abuse is quite unbecoming."

Eastman replies, "Sir, if anybody owes Miss West an apology it is you. We had made dinner plans for just the two of us. Based upon her facial expression a minute ago I would say that she was just as surprised with you inviting yourself to our dinner as I am. In proper society Mr. Cook a gentleman does not invite himself to places where he is not welcome."

“Alright. Nobody owes me an apology… yet.” Ruby sighs. "George, I'm sure I don't need to remind you that this isn’t proper society and I’ve already mentioned my disdain for it. As a matter of record, you agreed that you would be happy to leave it behind. I did tell Jake that you wanted to meet him, I thought you did. “But why don’t we make the best of things and just go to dinner please. I’m hungry.” She smiles at both of them and flips her hair. “That is if the two of you can get along…”

Eastman says, "Constance, this may not be proper society but good manners call for people to not invite themselves where they are not welcomed. I have no intentions of dining with this man. We should leave now for that restaurant that you suggested. I am only asking you for a few hours of your time. That obviously threatens this man. If you and he have any sort of a real relationship then he shouldn't feel threatened by that."

She exclaims, "He may not be welcomed by you, but he's welcomed by me. If you want to have dinner with me tonight you'll have to have dinner with him. Aren't you interested in my friends and things I care about?" Ruby steps closer to George and looks him in the eyes. "Now, please can we go to dinner?"

He states, "No Constance, I will not reward this man's bad behavior. I had planned to have a private conversation with you. I am going now to the restaurant that you suggested and I hope that you will choose to join me. As for interests, I think it is obvious what each of us has for our primary interest. Constance, my interest is you. I traveled far and wide to be with you. I love you, I wish to marry you, and to give you everything that you have ever wanted. As for Mr. Cook's interest..." He turns back and faces Jake. "Sir, I have but one question for you to answer right now. And I would appreciate an honest and immediate Yes or No answer. If Miss West should decide to leave this gambling establishment which you own would it suffer financially because of her departure?"

Jake replies, "Mr. Eastman, you clearly wish to see things only in black and white, and in money. Miss West is one of four partners in this establishment, and her talents and interest in it do contribute to it's success. So, yes it would suffer some setback if she decided to move on." Jake puts on a serious expression, "The hole that Miss West would leave behind if she left Promise City is far more than financial and impossible to fill."

Eastman turns to her and says, "Well, that should give you pause to think at least. I am leaving. My suggestion is for you to take some time now in private Constance to think over what he and I have both just told you. I suspect that he will instead force his company on you, just as he attempted to force it upon me. But I at least will give you that time to think. You are a grown woman and quite capable of making your own decisions. I will be at that restaurant for the next half hour if you wish to join me."

Ruby watches George walk away. She turns to Jake, "What was that all about?" She shakes her head. "I don't understand." "I guess George doesn't like me very much." Jake scratches his beard. "Funny reaction to the gun. Like I would go anywhere in town without it, let alone leave you unprotected. If I wanted to intimidate him I'd have done it differently. Hermes, his cousin wears a pearl handled one under her dress. I suppose he'd find that intimidating." Jake points up with his finger. "Look, we need to talk. Please?"

Talk? Sure, we can talk." They make their way upstairs to their room. Ruby plops down on the bed. "Do you think I should go and talk to him still?" He says, "First off, take the ring box out and open it." Ruby looks questioningly at Jake. "Uh... ok." She takes the box out of her pocket. Before she opens it she looks up at Jake but doesn't say anything. She looks back down at the box and opens it slowly. The large sparkly diamond is missing from the setting of the ring. "Um, I'm guessing you have something to do with this?"

He says, "Yes. I was going to use that as a way to have Eastmen react under stress. I figured it would cause an angry outburst and give you a chance to make it easier to tell him to get lost. Of course, I would have assured that you were safe and that it was more elegant than that." He scrapes his foot on the floor. "The stone is in the box, under the velvet ring holder. I didn't substitute it or anything. Tell him it fell off or something. I don't want to complicate things for you. It's obvious that he will only have his conversation with you. If you still want to have it." Jake takes off his hat and throws it in the corner. "The way you asked me for help, it was, uh.... Well I didn't want you to even have to think about it. So I didn't tell you that I was going to go to dinner and about the ring. I was wrong, I should have share that with you. I have a few things to say and will make them quick if you still want to go and talk with him."

Ruby looks at the ring setting while speaking, “It was a good idea Jake.” Then she is quiet. Finally she looks up at Jake. “I’m sorry if I asked you to help in a way that put pressure on you. I told him no already, I don’t know why he didn’t accept it. I shouldn’t have involved you too in this mess.” Ruby starts biting her lip, “I should go speak to him, try to reason with him again, even if I don’t want to.”

“Jake,” she says touching his hand, “I want to hear what you have to say, and you don’t have to rush. Mr. Eastman, the whole world as far as I am concerned, can wait until you say what you have to say.” Ruby looks him in the eyes and smiles warmly. "No, don't ever feel like you shouldn't involve me in your problems, what are friends for?"

"Eastman is a strong willed man, that much is clear, and accustomed to getting his way. He probably will not be bound by society ethics either. I won't badmouth him, I don't need to. He was trying to make it clear to you earlier that I wanted you to stay because of the money you make me at the saloon." He holds up his hand. "No, don't answer. I know you don't believe that. He said that I didn't trust you and don't let you make your own decisions, and we know that isn't true either." A short pause.

"If you want to send him away you need to do it firmly, it is not a negotiation. The El Parador is probably a good place to do it too." Jake moves over to the corner to pick up his hat and begin to pace. "He has a lot of money, something I can only aspire to. It is a tempting situation, enough money for the rest of your life, even if you don't stay married to him. He might actually love Constance Grace, or at least believe he does."

Jake starts to play with his hat. "Ruby for a long time I didn't ask very much of you, just what ever you wanted to share with me. I was very happy with that. When we first met I was afraid that asking too many questions would make you nervous and drive you away. I was sure you were going to leave anyway, and I was determined to make every day count until then." He clears his throat. "I still am, except I stopped worrying about you running off. The truth is I have a hundred questions, but I just got into the habit of letting you give what you would and figured the answers would come soon enough. Now I realize that you might have thought it was because I didn't care. Or care enough."

Jake stops his pacing near the bed and looks down at her. "I know you have had a tough time in life. I've heard the conversations you had with Katherine, I know the pieces you have told me, and I know that you don't learn to do private dances of the kind you showed me at church socials. I am also confident that is only part of it." Jake takes a deep breath and puts the hat on his head. "I won't say I don't care, because that isn't exactly right. What I mean is it doesn't make me want you any less. What happened to you, for good or ill made you what you are and brought you here to me. Ruby West, the road you traveled made you what you are. George wants his Constance Grace, Jake needs his Ruby West." Jake steps away from the bed and Ruby looks like she is going to speak. "No, I'm not done."

"Look here." Jake takes his gun out of his holster in a non-threatening manner. "This is a gun. Call it a pistol, a Colt Peacemaker, a revolver, a side arm or whatever you like. When we say the words we know exactly what it is. Exactly what it is for and what you can do with it." He puts it back in its home. Pointing around the room he continues, "Window, bed, desk, dress; when I say it you know exactly the same." He walks to the table that holds the decanters and pours himself a drink in a leisurely fashion as if he has all the time in the world. He takes a sip, and seems to savor it. A faint sigh escapes his lips.

"Love." He begins again and looks right into her eyes. "Can you say the same thing about it? Maybe you can. Maybe you can explain it to me, I know you tried to, uh, show me." He looks uncomfortable for a second takes a deep breath and continues. "You asked Jake to tell you the truth. So I did. I don't know what it is or means like I do those other things. Sure I love my sister, but that is brother and sister love. So if I tell you I love you I'd be lying. Not because I don't, but because I don't know love like I do window, bed or desk." He pauses only to run his hand through his hair. "Yes, yes you will say but love is not like that, it is not that simple, you'll know when you are in love. I've seen loads of folks claim to be in love and it doesn't last. This boy's been through a lot since he left home, but being in love wasn't something that happened to Silver Jake. I suppose if it had I wouldn't be here."

He shakes his head. "I don't even know what I'm trying to say anymore. I need to earn your trust and affection every day. That and what you know about me and how I have treated you since we've met are all that I can use to convince you to stay with me. If you must have more right now, then you'll need to look elsewhere." He takes another sip of the bourbon followed by a grim smile. He turns and sits in a stuffed chair, his body quickly finds its familiar slouching position. Jake's free hand taps his hat back at a rakish angle and the boyish grin creeps slowly back to his face.

"Ruby West, I'm Silver Jake Cook. I may have surprises left in me, but it should be no surprise to you of all people who I am. Stay with me for the ride, or not. But when you are sure either way, look me in the eye and tell me. I don't know how to get rid of George Eastman, at least not by talking." He snorts. "I'm still willing to help you anyway I can if you want it, but I no longer have any ideas."

Ruby stays completely silent, just looking down at the floor. For the longest time it seems to Jake that she doesn’t even blink. Finally she gets up and shaking slightly pours herself a generous glass of bourbon. She drinks half of it and then refills it before sitting back down on the bed, on her feet. “Friends?” Ruby says slowly, “I’m not sure what you are trying to tell me Jake. You giving up on me?” She has a sad look on her face. “No, don’t say anything, now it’s my turn for you to listen to me.”

“Once upon a time, I was a young, foolish girl who believed in love.” She stares deep into her glass of bourbon. “I used to believe that loving someone meant you would much rather see that person happy than yourself, and you would give them up if it meant they would be happier without you. I thought it meant you would do anything, and I mean anything for them. That you could trust them and know no matter what you did they would still be there for you.”

“Then I started hearing men tell me they loved me everywhere I went, because they thought I would sleep with them, they thought I would pay attention to them. So maybe I was wrong about what love is.” Ruby shrugs. “I don’t know what love is either. I do know that you’re the only who hasn’t said it, and that makes you different from the rest. Maybe that means you do? No matter, I respect the fact that you won’t lie to me about it.”

She continues quietly, “That foolish girl’s version of love, that is how I feel about you. I don’t know why it happened but it did. I would rather see you happy and safe without me than with me if that’s what it takes. I thought I might be able to make you see that you love me too, besides caring for me, but now I’m not so sure. I’m not confident anymore, I’m confused.”

“I was growing tired of the constant running. If I’m going to be miserable I should at least do it with some comfort, no? I don’t care about George Eastman. I truly doubt that he loves me, I can’t see anyway that is possible, he knows nothing about me.” Ruby pauses. “Three months ago I might not even be thinking this over, I might have just agreed. But then there was you. And you tell me you can’t breathe without me, that you want me and need me and that makes me very happy.” She finally gives a little smile. “So my choice is this. Stay here with you, share a bed with you and be happy while it lasts, but be unsure. As far as I know, it could end tomorrow but that’s the risk I take. Or go with Mr. Eastman and be miserable knowing I’ll never love him but at least I’ll be comfortable knowing what my future holds.”

Ruby runs her hand through her hair then rubs her eyes. “Maybe if I tell you some things you want to know it will help. What do you want to know about me? Let’s see, my parents were afraid of me because I was born with red hair, an embarrassment to them, so they never cared or loved me in any way. Decided it would be better to get rid of me by marrying me to Mr. Eastman and banishing me to Rochester. So I stole from them and ran away from home. I was 14 years old.” Ruby tells her story slowly and does not to make much eye contact with Jake.

“I tried singing some places to make money, that always worked at first. I would play cards, which I learned from my friends back in New York, if you could call them that, to make more money. But unfortunately everywhere I went, everywhere I go, people want something from me and I would end up having to leave. In one city I got cornered, not unlike Maggie Whipple. But unlike Maggie Whipple I only had myself and it wasn’t going well. But out of no where my hero appeared and saved me, he beat the crap out of those two guys. Jimmy Douglas was his name.” Ruby looks up at Jake. “I don’t believe there was any connection to Deadeye.” She looks away again. “Anyway he took me in. I can’t tell you how many times after that I wished I died in that alleyway.”

“At first things were great. He owned a Saloon, like the Palace, but all I did was sing. He wouldn’t let anyone touch me and I was attracted to someone wanting to take care of me. Eventually we were together, even though he was quite a bit older than me. I thought I loved him, he told me he loved me. Then things started to change. He started showing me a few skills that he thought I would be good at and he was right. You know I’m good with my hands,” she smiles but her eyes are still sad. “I found out he also ran a gang with his brothers. Most of the time he stayed at the Saloon but when he wanted fun he would go out with them too. He taught me how to crack safes, with and without dynamite, but I mostly did it without. They started taking me with them on ‘trips’ to far off towns to rob banks. Oh and Jake, believe me when I say, I was good at it, very good at it. I didn’t want to do it, but I had no choice anymore.”

“Then things started getting bad. Jimmy wanted me to start dancing so we could scam customers. I would get them drunk, pay attention to them, and tell Jimmy which ones had the money. Found out I was good at that too, very good in fact. Started getting drunk all the time, either that or was high all the time, so all this stuff that was going on didn’t matter. He would share me with his brothers, his friends and anyone who offered enough money. I was out of my mind so I didn’t care. Except that I did care. I thought about trying to leave, but I didn’t have any money of my own. Besides, no one leaves Jimmy if he doesn’t want you to leave.”

“So one day we made a trip to a bank. When we got there we saw the bank was larger than any we had tried before. I tried to talk them out of it but it was no use. We went in, and I tried to crack the safe but I couldn’t. It was new, and too big. They were yelling at me, the whole thing went bad. The law showed up, big shootout, one of Jimmy’s brothers was killed, plus two other members of the gang, along with a bunch of innocent people.”

Ruby starts to look very uncomfortable, fidgeting with her dress. “We got back and I thought Jimmy’s brother was going to kill me, blamed me for his brothers death. Jimmy took his brother downstairs and they were drunk and high and screaming at each other. It was my chance to escape, so I quickly shoved a few things in a bag and headed out. Except when I opened the door Jimmy was standing there, furious. I told him I was leaving, said I wasn’t doing any of this anymore. He tried changing my mind by beating the life out of me. Then he took advantage of me, which in the end saved my life. Because he was paying attention to what he was doing and not me. He left his gun on the bed and didn’t see me grab it until I shot him dead, right though the heart. Then I passed out.”

“When I woke up I was at the Doc’s. He had very kindly told everyone I died. We both would have been dead if Jimmy’s brother found out I was alive and he knew it. He told me the law came and arrested Jimmy’s brother and was going to hang him. Found out later he escaped. The Doc helped me recover, got me off the drugs, and gave me another chance at life. It took a couple of months before I was well. I left there in the middle of the night and never looked back. I heard the Doc was murdered not long after I left though. That made me sad. He was one of very few people to ever me nice to me, not wanting anything in return.”

Ruby is visibly upset by the revelation of her story. “Since then been doing what I have to for me to get by. I promised myself I wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of me like that again. Easier to just stay away from people then get attached to them.” She continues very quietly while still looking down, “So you see, I really am what the good citizens of this town think I am.” Tears start falling down her cheeks. “I’m a murderer for helping Jimmy, an alcoholic and drug addict, a thief and a whore. Maybe not all things at the moment, but that will never change, that’s who I am.” She stubbornly pushes the tears off her face. “So, I wouldn’t want to truly love me either. I’ve never done anything to deserve it.” Ruby covers her face with her hands, trying to hide her crying. “You’re the only one I ever told any of that to.”

Chapter 57, “Party at the El Parador”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:

Nanuet spends the rest of the day helping Sonoma and Flint around the ranch. He is pleased to see that things are going so well and he makes a promise to the two of them that he will be seen there more often. He then calls for Maska and spends some time with her before heading back to town for his evening meal. Nanuet made his way back into town . He ponders that Kate seemed to be in a rush and preoccupied with a few things. He headed to his room at the Lucky Lady, washed up and changed clothes after his day of chores and headed downstairs to see if anything needed to be done to get ready for the evening.

After getting his hair cut and a shave, Chester stops by the bank to withdraw $10. He jingles the coins in his pocket as he goes to the bathhouse to wash up before his date with Clarisse. Chester has a cleansing bath at Gilson's. After that he realizes he should get flowers. Not knowing where he could buy some, he hurries to the outskirts of the town to pick some. Around 5 PM, Chester gets ready for his date with Clarisse. He changes into his new suit. At least some good came out of being arrested, he thinks wryly. He straps on his gunbelt and takes the flowers to the Promise City Hotel. He waits in the lobby for her to come down.

Clarisse comes down to join him. She then looks around and says, "Mr. Martin, where is the chaperone?" Chester stands up to greet Clarisse. "Good evening Miss Townsend. I thought you had a chaperone in mind. I'll have to go find one. Stay right here." Chester hurries to the Lucky Lady. he sees Jeff Mills there. "Jeff. Do you anyone who can chaperone Clarisse on our date? I forgot."

Jeff exclaims, "Chaperone! What the hell does she need a chaperone for! She's a grown woman." Niles Hoover comes over and says, "In certain circles a young woman in her teens would not be seen with a man unless a chaperone is present. I'd suggest you find an older female woman for that role." Chester replies, "Damnation. Where am I going to find someone who fits the bill at the last minute? Do you know anyone, Mr. Hoover?" "Nope, good luck son," he says. Jeff looks at Chester and says "What about your friend Dorita?" He shakes his head. "I completely forgot about her. It's not like I know a whole lot of women here. Thanks a bunch, Jeff."

Upstairs, Ruby has just completed her long speech to Jake and sits up and then sits forward in his chair. When she finishes he moves over to the bed and sits on it and pulls her towards him, his arms around her. He just holds her for a while and doesn't say anything.

"I am not giving up on you Ruby West. What I tried to say is I would never hold you against your will. That doesn't mean I don't desperately want you to want to be here." He reaches down and wipes some tears away. "Those things you called yourself; those are things you did not who you are. I don't understand what circumstances you got the name Ruby, but it could not be more perfect. Something rare and precious, one of the hardest and most durable things, beautiful to look at and a window into the fire in your soul. You've been to hell and back, and it's you trying to teach me about love."

Back upstairs at the Lucky Lady Jake doesn't look down and doesn't let her loose. "Ruby you are my lover, my partner and my friend. I don't take any of those lightly. You think I don't want to love you? Nothing you have told me makes me care for you any less." Still holding her tightly he strokes her hair, "I've not been through a quarter of what you have. I'm just a selfish saloon rat who wonders if he is good for you and is trying his best. I just don't know if my best is good enough. Jake's wandered the country one place after another, one job after another, making acquaintances and then leaving them. Except for Red, the first friends I've made are here. By the gods, what would make me believe that I am capable of promising you a life time of anything. Jake is full of good intentions, can he keep them? He finally meets a woman he wants to tell the truth to, but what can he say?"

"So if you look me in the eye and tell me there is something better for you than Promise City and Jake Cook, some place that makes you happier and safe, I won't stop you." He stops stroking her hair and grabs her with both hands by her upper arms and looks at her in the face. "Everything I've given you or done for you has been bestowed freely. You owe me nothing. I'm not the altruistic type like that poor doctor who saved you. I have always wanted something for it, always had a motive. You…I want you and I need you." He lets go of her arms, seeming to just become aware he may have been holding her firmly. "When I look into your eyes I need to see that you are happy here, that you want to be here. Nothing else will do."

Ruby finally looks Jake in the eyes. Her eyes are wet, puffy and red. “Do I look happy?” She finally gives Jake a small smile and she cocks her head to the side. “There may be something better than Promise City, I’m not sure. But,” she wipes a few more tears away then puts her hands on his face, “There is nothing better for me than you, wherever it is that you go, I want to go too. You do make me happy. I believe in you, the things you do, the choices you make. You always take care of me and watch out for me. You make me very happy in bed and other assorted places,” Ruby smiles knowingly. “You give me everything I want. You gave me a home and someone to count on. As selfish as you think you are you do those things for me. Those are all things that money can’t buy. And maybe one day you’ll realize you do love me too. I don’t need you to say it to feel it’s true.” She leans forward and kisses Jake softly, then hugs him tightly. Without letting go she turns her head and whispers in his ear. “You have me Mr. Cook. You have everything that I can give.”

Ruby finally pulls herself away from Jake. "I'm going to see Mr. Eastman, hopefully for the last time. Then I have to see Judge Isby. I wish I didn't have to do it but I already said I would." Ruby sighs and she walks to the mirror. Looking herself over, she fixes her hair. "Maybe he'll be scared away from how I look." She laughs and turns back to Jake. "We can talk more later, ok?" She kisses him again then walks downstairs. She sees Nanuet. "I'm going to the El Parador, want to come along?"

"Sure, I can come along, not much going on here anyway, and I miss Dorita's cooking." Nanuet walks with Ruby out the door into the street. He says, "Miss Ruby, I hate to pry but you look like you might have been crying. Is everything OK?" Ruby takes Nanuet's arm as they walk. "Everything is ok now," she smiles. "I'm am going to the El Parador to tell Mr. Eastman that I won't marry him."

Katherine stood in her room at the El Parador. Ginnie was downstairs, likely pestering Dorita in the kitchen. Just this morning she and Ruby had been in this room talking about how she needed to stand on her own. That resolution had not lasted long. Or maybe it had. Tomorrow she would be on her own with Mr. Seawell. She would get the best price for the store she could, and be able to pay Conrad back the rest of his $1000. In the end it would be her doing. She had enlisted Conrad's help, she would sell the store building, she would pay for the house and she would set up and run the school. And if it came to it, she would tell Mrs. King where to stick her opinions.

The smile she had been resisting broke across her face. She put that prim blue away and put on the beautiful garnet dress she'd had made for the Lucky Lady's grand opening. She styled her hair to hang loose down her back and went humming out her door. Noise floated up from downstairs. It wasn't unusual of course, but rather than a busy night in the Cantina, it sounded like a party.

Kate hurried down the stairs to see what was different tonight. She arrives in the Cantina to see that a party does appear to be in full swing. A trio of musicians are playing a lively Spanish song, Estaban on the guitar, Pepita Alverez on the maraccas and a male wood elf whose name she doesn't remember playing the fiddle. Pedro is in the center of a trio of men swaying arm-in-arm and loudly singing the Spanish lyrics in deep rich singing voices that harmonize well. The one to Pedro's right is gambler Carlos Ramirez while the man to his right is George Eastman.

Two pairs of dancers are dancing wildly to the music. One pair is comprised of Dorita and handiman Grant Keebler. The other pair is comprised of Angelica Huesca and Alfredo Garcia. The other fifteen patrons of the Cantina are all clapping and singing along to the song. Kate laughed and took a seat at a table, glad Dorita was having a good time. Perhaps she would be less angry that Kate had missed her cooking lesson that afternoon. With everything that had happened, it had just slipped her mind. The music was infectious and soon Kate's toe was tapping along with the rhythm.

Chester approaches the El Parador. The sounds of a party can be heard within. He pushes open the doors and walks in. He sees Dorita dancing with Keebler, so he waits for them to finish before going over to her. "Dorita? Could you chaperone Miss Townsend on my date with her, por favor? I didn't plan for that, so I'm sorry for asking you at the last minute."

She replies, "One momento Mr. Martin." Dorita turns back to her dance partner and says, "Grant, Kate sitting alone and likes sound of music. Go dance with her." She turns back to Chester and says, "Ah, Maria tell me about you liking new singer. I be happy to chaperone. We go get her and bring her here to have fun."

Chester looks relieved. "Thank you so much, Dorita. I really like her and wanted this to go smoothly, but I forgot about the chaperone issue. I was planning on taking her to the Alhambra, but here is fine too. Let's go." As Chester pulls Dorita away Keebler heads over to Kate, holds out his hand and says, "Dorita says we should dance." "Well, I guess she's not angry at me for missing my lesson this afternoon then. Let us not defy Dorita, we both know how dangerous that is," she said with a laugh and accepted the hand. Grant Keebler turned out to be a rather good dancer, and as they moved she managed to ask, "So why the party?" "Does Dorita need a reason?" He says.

Ruby and Nanuet head into to the El Parador and hear the lively song coming from inside. They walk in the door and Ruby is shocked to see George Eastman standing up singing his heart out. She goes to the bar and gets herself a whiskey. She leans against the bar watching the revelry. Nanuet joins Ruby at the bar and tries to enjoy the music. He begins tapping his feet to the music but somehow manages stamping out a rhythm all his own.

He comments, "Mr. Eastman wanted you to marry him? But didn't he know about Mr. Jake? I will never understand white people and their courting rituals." Ruby turns to Nanuet. "Oh he knows about Jake. He just doesn't care." Ruby smiles at Nanuet. "Don't worry I'll never understand white people courting rituals either." She shakes her head. "Let's hope he's in a good enough mood now to accept a no."

The song no sooner ends when the musicians begin another, this one even faster and livelier than the one before. Conrad Booth enters the Cantina and walks directly up to Grant Keebler and asks "Mind if I cut in?" Grant steps aside and Kate quickly discovers that her friend is an excellent dancer. He also sings along to the lyrics in fluent Spanish. She and Conrad moved gracefully even in this lively dance. "You know, this is the third day in a row I've danced. I haven't danced this much in years," she said smiling. "And your voice is excellent, but I didn't realize you spoke Spanish."

He replies, "I'm a quick study and am always trying to learn new things. You saw that with Mother Jiminez teaching me about plants. Last year, after I decided to stay her, I had another wood elf teach me his language." Conrad leans his head to gesture in Pedro's direction. Actually, he taught me both of his languages. The elves spoke their own tongue long before those from Spain arrived." Kate says, "Yes, I thought I was a quick learner, but I see you are far beyond me. The native language must be beautiful indeed. You've made a great study of your new home, haven't you? I would not have guessed it about you."

"Well Katherine, you never know where newfound knowledge will lead you. Learning the languages spoken here helped me to fit in since I take all of my meals here." She replies, "Yes, knowledge can take you places you never thought you'd go. I know I never expected to be here dancing with you in a wood elven Cantina. But it is a pleasant surprise."

George Eastman breaks away from Pedro and heads towards the bar with a smile on his face. He reaches the bar and places his hand on it beside Ruby and says, "Constance...no wait, Dorita say you now prefer to use your stage name. Ruby, let's enjoy this music, I'll teach you this dance if you don't already know it!" "George, I really don't feel like dancing, if you don't mind. I need to talk to you." She says softly. Realizing he doesn't hear her over the noise she says louder, "I need to talk to you!"

He replies, "Absolutely," he says, "You were right. Thank you." She raises her voice again and leans closer to him, "I was right about what?" He replies, "A great many things. You asked if I was interested in your friends and the things that you care about, and you said that the owners of this Cantina were your friends. Ruby, these are wonderful people. We had a great conversation and I feel at home here. It reminds me of the year that I spent in Santo Domingo, they even know all of the same songs. Music has always been a passion of mine."

He grins and hands her a glass of wine adding "And you had also said that I would enjoy it here. You were so right." He then gestures towards Nanuet and says, "And is this another of your friends? Please introduce me." Ruby was emotionally spent. She wasn't sure why she decided to come at this point, but she was here. She takes the wine and drinks from it slowly. "Yes, this place is wonderful, they make you feel like family from the minute you meet them. This is my friend Nanuet. He also works with me at The Lucky Lady. Nanuet, this is George Eastman. The man who wants to bring photography to the masses."

Nanuet says, "Photo what? Is that the box that steals your soul and puts it on paper?" "Yes and no. Yes, it's like a painting but you take it with a camera on paper. It doesn't steal your soul," she laughs. "This is the part where you shake the man's hand." Nanuet offers his hand to George but continues to talk to Ruby. "I know what you speak of and my people believe that it captures your soul and puts the image on the paper." He finally turns to Mr. Eastman. "Hello, my name is Nanuet. Glad to meet you."

He states, "And I am glad to meet you. Nanuet, I would be very happy to show you my cousin's studio and give you a demonstration on how the process works. Basically, it uses a process of a dry plate and gelatin to transfer the image. The camera works like an eye, it takes a look and records it. But instead of recording it to memory of the mind it records it on paper for all to see. Actually, paper is an imperfect method. I've invented a new way, that makes a gelatin film to hold the image with is then transferred by light. Trust me, the only soul stealing involved is to people like me who become engulfed and fascinated in the process. So Nanuet, what do you do around town?"

"That is a lot of fast talking there Mr. Eastman. I mean no offense by it, but I just didn't understand a thing you said really." Nanuet scratches his head for a moment. "What do I do around town? Well I own part of a ranch and other than that I do odd jobs, and try to keep my friends out of too much trouble. And what brings you here to this little town Mr. Eastman?"

Eastman replies to Nanuet, "Two things. First, to upgrade my cousin's studio with the latest equipment. She and her husband Stanley should have far more success going forward. I also wanted to see your friend Const..I mean Ruby, her family and mine have known one another for a very long time." Nanuet answers, "Well it was nice to meet you Mr. Eastman. Here is Miss Ruby, I think she had something she wanted to talk to you about."
Nanuet shuffles Ruby towards Mr. Eastman, then walks to the far end of the bar, orders a whiskey and keeps an eye and an ear on the two.

Ruby was now uncomfortably close to Mr. Eastman. But she took advantage of the closeness to get near his ear. "We do need to talk but I don't want to take you away from your fun." "My fun? I am just getting to know your friends like you asked. But I understand your wanting some privacy for this moment. Let's step outside." He smiles and gestures towards the door.

Ruby makes her way outside first. Once George follows her out she turns back to face him. "George, I don't know what you want from me. I'm glad you're having fun in there." She starts playing with her hair. "What were you trying to say earlier at the Lucky Lady?"

He replies, "I'm trying to say that for the last five years I have not been able to get you out of my mind. Ruby, I know that if you give me a chance I will make you a wonderful husband. My business is already a success and I have barely scratched the surface of the potential for it. With my patents I will be able to hold a monopoly on the photography industry. We will be wealthy, possibly even millionaires. I will be able to give you everything that you've ever wanted and we can grow old together. And Ruby, these friends of yours, they are wonderful. They could come with us if you would like, I can provide for them too."

She responds softly, "I am so happy that you and your company are successful. And I told you, you will make a great husband for someone, someday. But that person is not me. I like it here, and my friends like it here, they won't want to leave their lives. You want to give me what I want?" She pauses briefly. "I want Jake." The words slip out of her mouth before she even realizes it. She sighs, "I'm sorry George."

He stares directly at her, pauses, and then asks "What did he do after I left? Did he give you that half-hour to think to yourself like I had requested or did he spend that time talking to you instead?" Just lie, just lie... Ruby thinks. "I talked to him. I needed to know how he felt. What difference does that make? You had a chance to sit down to dinner with him and you turned it down, proving to me that while you said you would do anything for me, you didn't really mean it. I asked you for that, not him." So much for lying, what is wrong with you girl? He replies, "Ruby, he forced himself onto our dinner uninvited. I was not going to propose to you again in front of a man who is clearly doing everything he can to manipulate you to serve his own ends."

Chester and Dorita walked back to the Hotel. "Miss Townsend, this is Mrs. Figueres. She's one of the owners of the El Parador. She's agreed to chaperone us on our date. Are you ready?" "Yes Mr. Martin she says." The three of them head east down South Street. Chester spots Minerva coming out of the Comstock House and waves to her.

Clarisse acts very impressed and asks, "Do you know our new preacher?" He answers, "Yes, she's been over to the Lucky Lady a couple times. A very interesting woman. I haven't heard her preach yet. have you?" She says, "Oh yes, her sermon was wonderful. The town is so lucky to have gotten her. I will be sorry to see her leave." "She's leaving? Why so soon after she got here." Clairese says, "She was only hired as an interim minister. A new priest will be along shortly."

Minerva waves and strolls over. "Bunos Tardes, Senor Chester, Where are you going on this lovely evening."
She turns to Clarisse and smiles, "and you Senorita, did I not see you earlier today?" Chester tips his hat. "Good evening, Miss Florencia. We are going over to the El Parador. Mrs. Figureres has kindly agreed to be Miss Townsend's chaperone for tonight. Where are you off to?" Minerva chats with Chester and Clarisse for a few minutes. " I heard music coming from the east and was just on my way over to see where it was coming from. Perhaps you would like to join me."

Chester comments, ""Umm. Miss Townsend and me are on a date now. Maybe some other time? Sorry. So Priestess, you're just here as an interim minister?" Eyeing Clarisse, Minerva responds, "I assure you Senor, I am not going anywhere." Chester fidgets uncomfortably. Uh-oh. This is not good. What can I say? He says, "That's good that you'll stay in town. I've enjoyed talking to you." She says, "Thank you. And there is no need to apologize. Enjoy your date Senor Chester, Senorita Clarisse. I bid you both a good evening. "Minerva walks over to the El Parador. As Minerva approaches the El Parador she passes Ruby and Mr. Eastman deep in discussion. Ruby apears to be quite distraught. She catches Ruby's eye points inside and motions I'll be inside if you need me

The tension that had developed between them during the day melted away as they danced. Kate was suddenly glad she had left the prim Kate upstairs with the blue dress and brought downstairs the Kate who remembered what it felt like to twirl around a dance floor in a pretty dress on the arm of a handsome man. "I know I already said it, but thank you for standing up for me with Tony. I should have kept my opinions to myself, but that man has always made me uncomfortable."

Booth says, "There's nothing wrong with being opinionated. Especially against those who don't recognize right from wrong. I don't want to come off like those who held the meeting today in the Town Hall, but marriage is one of those barriers that needs to be recognized." She says, "That's just it. Really, I don't have a problem with people who are not married acting as they please. I couldn't be friends with Jake and Ruby if I did," she laughed. "But once someone makes the decision to be married, they are giving that up. And people outside the marriage should respect that. She shook her head and laughed. "I sound awfully prim now, don't I?"

He laughs "Prim? Dancing quickly to these lively tunes in a multi-racial environment! Fear not good lady, nobody in this town will accidentally mistake you for being Rebecca King. He then chuckles again and says, "I have a hunch that Mrs. King will be busy with a new target instead. Isn't that the new preacher? Looks like she's come her to have fun too." As Minerva enters the room and is delighted to hear Spanish music. She notices Kate being led about the floor by Mr. Booth, waves and sits at a table. Kate replies, "Yes, it is. She had a very good time at the Lucky Lady last night. We had our after hours party, and she played cards and drank whiskey as well as any of the others," she laughed and waved back at Minerva. "If I had known such a priestess, I might not have entirely given up church."

Back on the porch Eastman says, "Ruby, he apparently won't give you an opportunity to decide this for yourself. I can protect you. I can get him away from you and make it so that he will not be able to hurt you ever again."
Ruby was starting to actually panic. Just stay calm... The words came out slowly, "And how can you 'get him away'? How can you protect me?" She was simmering underneath but knew she had to stay calm or she, well, they would be at a disadvantage. Is he going to try to hurt Jake? Ruby breathed in and out slowly, waiting for his answer.

Eastman replies, "How? Ruby, he's just after money. If I offer him enough he'll be satisfied. Or we could just get away, I can hire people to help protect you from him. I can make you safe." "You can offer him all the money you want, he won't take it." Ruby snaps. "I think our conversation is over." She starts walking back inside, but stops and turns back to Eastman. "As a matter of fact, I will prove to you how wrong you are about him. If you can get Jake to take money, any amount of money, with the clear understanding that it is for him to break up with me and leave me, then I will marry you." Ruby stands stubbornly with a look of confidence on her face. "If he doesn't take it you accept that you are wrong about him and that I am staying with him."

Eastman says, "I accept that challenge. You stay here while I will go and talk to him." "Right now, as in this minute right now?" Ruby asks, biting her lip. He says, "Yes right now, unless you'd rather go back inside the Cantina and join me for dinner instead. I was perfectly content to do that when you arrived. You're the one that insisted that we talk about Cook instead. I would much rather relax, have fun and enjoy each others company, but if you insist that this rivalry must be dealt with first then I will go take care of it now and we can then get on with our lives."

"I don't insist on it right now. I have full confidence that you will be proven wrong, now or later. But I don't see much point in talking about our life together unless it is actually going to happen." Ruby puts her nose up in the air. "There is something else, I have an appointment at 6:30 P.M. that I cannot miss. Do you have the time?" "An appointment? Ah yes, Mr. Cook commented earlier about his having made plans for the two of you this evening. Trust me, after I speak to him he will cancel those arrangements and we will have the whole evening to ourselves."

"Alright, George. Go and talk to Jake." Ruby had no intention of missing dinner with the Judge. And to top it off, she was starving. Ruby continued biting her lip. Eastman is so sure of himself. How arrogant! Jake said he didn't know what to do to get rid of Eastman and now, in the end, the answer lies with him and my whole future relies on him. Foolish, Ruby thinks. Maybe not the most foolish thing I've done, but pretty close. Ruby sits slowly on the bench outside the El Parador, and pulls her knees to her chest.

Chapter 58, “The Offer”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

After Ruby left Jake paced nervously around the room for a few minutes. "This is stupid, I can't just stay here," He says out loud. Jake dons his duster and heads over to the jail to speak to Tony Lucky. He arrives at the Marshall's Office. The door is locked. He knocks and Eduardo Rodriguez unlocks the door and let's him in. Jake has apparently interrupted his supper, as Eduardo has a bowl of beef stew, a small loaf of bread and a metal cup with what looks like wine sitting on the table.

Tony is in the cell and yells up to Jake, "Hey Boss, I hope you brought me some food. This pointy-eared big-shot refuses to feed me anything." Jake turns and faces the Deputy Marshall. "Buenas noches Senor Rodriguez. I apologize for interrupting your supper. Perhaps I should come back later? That would give you time to enjoy your meal and beat the tar out of Mr. Lucky if you thought that was appropriate." Jake doesn't turn to look at Tony, but watches him out of the corner of his eye.

Eduardo rolls his eyes and says, "Oh yes that's all I need. Half of Promise City already wants to run me out of town on a rail. That's all I need, a white man claiming that I assaulted him, no matter what the reason. No thank you Mr. Cook, I'll just sit here and eat my supper."

Back at the El Parador, after a few more circuits around the room Kate said to Conrad, "I'm a little worried about Mr. Lucky. I will have to work with him, and I don't know if he's the kind who holds a grudge." Booth says, "Why do you have to work with him? He doesn't own the place, seems to me they have adequate cause to dismiss him. And even if they don't then you don't have to go back there. Between the ranch and school you should have enough income and if you need more I'm sure you could find another job as a pianist or waitress. I'm sure that Dorita would hire you and I could also talk to Kate Higgins about you working at the Long Branch."

"They could dismiss him, and I imagine if he doesn't come up with the money for the fine they will. But Job and Jake both like having a few nights off, and without Mr. Lucky they couldn't do that. I could help Dorita here without feeling guilty, but to work at another saloon? One that competes with the Lucky Lady? I would feel as if I had betrayed my friends. And especially since they all moved there, evenings there give me the chance to spend time with them. But there is no use in borrowing trouble, I will just have to wait and see how things fall out." She smiled a wicked little smile. "If all else fails, I may get to hit Tony Lucky yet."

He smiles back and says, "I can almost guarantee that at least one of us will." Katherine's eyes went dark and serious. "Conrad, don't go looking for him. Warren Earp saw how angry you were, if he turns up with black eyes and a broken nose he's going to know where to look. Or are fist-fights not punishable by law here?"

He replies, "Oh, I won't go looking for him here. I'm hoping that he can't pay the fine and gets shipped off to the Territorial Prison. But that's one good thing about prison sentences, you know exactly which day they end. It would require a trip to Prescott but I plan to be standing right there when he gets out. He'll get two things from me then, a fist for what he said to you and then a train ticket to somewhere other than Arizona. You won't have to worry about ever seeing him again."

Kate says, "That's a great deal of trouble for someone who called me a foul name. Whether or not I see him again is irrelevant, he just doesn't matter. I doubt Mr. Lucky cares about the exchange, so we can cheerfully ignore one another every night." Kate smiled warmly and said, "You don't have to go to all that trouble for me, I'm fine. Really. Now if you want to track him down for your own fun and amusement, that's something else entirely. I'm not the only one he insulted."

Booth replies, "Ah, but his only insult to me was just a continuation of the smear to my reputation that I received long ago. Eventually I hope to have that misunderstanding cleared up. I'm thick skinned Katherine, but don't take kindly to a lady like you being addressed as he did."

Nanuet noticed Minerva come in and then sit down by herself. He had been enjoying her company so he decided to join her. "Two whiskeys please!" he said the barman, then made his way over to her table. "Care for a whiskey Miss Minerva, I noticed you come in just a moment before and figured you might not want to be sitting alone. You didn't happen to see Miss Ruby when you walked in did you?" He hands her a whiskey and sits next to her as he speaks.

Minerva is quite pleased to see her new friend. "Ah, Senor Nanuet, I wanted to thank you for escorting me home last evening. . I'm not sure I could have found my way alone." she says brightly and motions to the chair. "Please join me. I would enjoy your company." She raises her glass in a toast and sips it slowly. "Yes, I did see Senorita Ruby,"Mineva nods towards the door " she seems to be in the middle of a serious conversation with that Eastman gentleman."

Nanuet says, "I am not so sure I would call him a gentleman. Yes, he is civilized and he dresses fancy and speaks well, but he will not leave Miss Ruby alone. Miss Ruby loves Jake but this man keeps bothering her. He says he knows her family for many years. He seems like an OK man, but if Miss Ruby says no then that should be the end of it shouldn't it? I can't say I know much about love but I am pretty sure pestering someone doesn't make them love you."

Minerva sips her drink and shrugs her shoulders, "I know very little of love but I recognize Senor Eastman. He is the wolf in sheep's clothing. Patient and cunning, used to taking what he wants. Ruby's friends should guard her closely." Nanuet says, "That sounds like good advice. I honestly don't think he is a bad man, I think he just believes he has fallen in love with Miss Ruby and is used to getting what he wants and not being told no." Nanuet gets fidgety and begins looking over his shoulder towards the front door. "Maybe I should go check on them. See if everything is OK."

"Senor, I can see that the possibility of your friend's unhappiness weighs upon you. But now is a time for Ruby to stand alone. She, alone must decide her path and may not welcome the intrusion. Perhaps it would be wise to guard her from a distance." "I think Senorita Ruby is safe enough for the moment." Minerva stands and holds out her hand. "Perhaps a dance would be a good distraction for you"

"Yes, it does weigh on me. Having companions is something I am not all that used to. Most of my life has been spent alone, so these are new and unfamiliar feelings for me. I believe I will trust your judgement on this for now. Yes, a dance is a great idea, although I must admit I have no clue what I am doing." Nanuet stands and pulls Minerva's chair out for her and escorts her to the dance floor.

She answers, "Although, I have spent little of my life alone, companionship is foreign to me also. I have always been the outcast. I have only been in Promise City for a few days and yet I have never felt so at ease. It is odd but, I feel like I belong here. You have all accepted me so readily. I am not accustomed to that. I only hope that it will last." She smiles, "Oh, I do love this lively music. She swirls onto the dance floor pulling Nanuet in with her."

Although Nanuet does not know this style of dance he is dexterous enough to fake it for the most part. "You an outcast?" He spins Minerva deftly. "I have a hard time believing that someone with your looks and your charm would be an outcast. I mean not that I don't believe you, just that I don't understand that." Sadness crosses her face and Minerva stumbles. "Bigotry should not be understood. But let us not mar this dance with such serious conversation." She smiles and twirls Nanuet in return. He says, "Well I will agree to that!" Nanuet smiles as the two spin across the dance floor and comments, "You dance divine!"

Chester, Clarisse, and Dorita enter from the side door through the kitchen and take a table at the side of the Cantina's main room. Chester asks, "Miss Townsend. Have you been here before? I used to live here. Dorita and her husband Pedro have been very kind to me. And she is a very good cook. Isn't that right?" She replies, "No, I have never been hear before, nor am I familiar with the cuisine or culture. We did not have any Mexican restaurants or Mexicans for that matter back in Ohio."

"You're from Ohio? Whereabouts? I'm from Indiana originally." "Akron", is her response. "So, Miss Townsend. What brought you here to Arizona? Was it the lack of winter?" Chester laughs. She replies, "No, my father died. I didn't think I was old enough to be living on my own and had no marital prospects. My only known cousin was here in this town so this is where I came." Chester looks into her eyes. "No prospects? I find that hard to believe that you haven't had any offers." She answers, "Well, it's not like I had many opportunities. I spent most of the three years before my father's death attending a private finishing school for young women."

He says, "You sing so well. Did you take lessons, or is it a gift from the Muses?" She says, "No, but my father encouraged it. My mother had been a professional singer. He says...said, that I inherited by voice from her. My cousin is also a singer, she sings over at the Gay Lady." He replies, "You said your father died. What happened to your mother? Mine died in childbirth, so I never knew her. If you don't want to talk about it, it's OK. We can talk about happier things."

She says, "I don't mind talking about it, my story is the same as yours. She died giving birth to me and I never knew her. Father met her in Louisiana right after the war had ended during the Union Army occupation. After she died he returned to Ohio and did the best he could to raise me but when I started to...well.....physically change." Her face turns red with embarrassment for having just said that. She continues, "Well, when he felt it best for me he sent me off to the finishing school. I wish he hadn't, I would have preferred to spend his final years with him instead of Mrs. Beatrice Schultz." He says, "I take it that Mrs. Schultz wasn't the friendly type. Come on, let's dance. The night is young." Chester takes Clarisse's hands and brings her onto the dance floor.


Ruby sits for an unknown amount of time when Pedro comes out to the porch and sits down beside her. He smiles and says, "Love is an interesting thing, No? Miss Ruby, I not as good at this as Dorita or her Grandfather but they both busy right now. But I do work as bartender for a few centuries now so have learned to listen and give advice. From what I see you have two boys who want you. Both very nice boys. I not like seeing nice boys fight, but sometimes boys will be boys. You are upset, do not be. This their fight, not yours. All you do is get one or the other angry if you get involved. Do not sit here and worry, come inside, we having party. Your friends Kate and Chester inside and I know they willing to help you out too. So come inside, eat, drink, dance. You feel better then."

Ruby keeps her head on her knees. "Nanuet is in there too, he's been a good friend." Ruby turns her head to face Pedro and smiles sadly at him. "Yes, two boys want me." Ruby pauses in thought. "It is always that way for me. But this time I want one of them in return. I don't want them to fight." She sighs, "I can't help being upset. I just promised Mr. Eastman if he could get Jake, my boyfriend and the man I love, to give him money to leave me, I would marry him. I don't want to get married. I don't want to leave Jake. I don't want Jake to betray me. I don't want Mr. Eastman to trick Jake into betraying me. I don't want to leave Promise City. How can I not be upset?"

She puts her face back down on her knees. "And I have another date, I have to go to it now actually." He states, "Another date? A third man? Ah, Ruby, I think that you be overdoing it. Burning the candle at both ends hard enough, no light candle in middle as well."

"Pedro, you may not believe this, but I did not agree to have dinner with Mr. Eastman." Ruby stands. "And my appointment is with Judge Isby, I don't think it's a date, more like having dinner with a friend... even though we not really friends..." Ruby furrows her brow for a moment. "Anyway, I have to go. Thank you for the invitation. Maybe I'll be back later. Please tell my friends that I went to the Promise City Hotel if they need me." She gives Pedro a little kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for trying to help." Ruby walks off and heads to the Promise City Hotel to meet Judge Isby.

Katherine danced until she was exhausted. Although Conrad monopolized her time, she managed to get in a dance with Pedro, and another with Grant as well. She finally sat down at the table where Minerva and Nanuet had been sitting. "I can't go another step. Of course, I haven't had dinner yet, and hunger isn't helping." She laid her hand over her chest as she took deep breaths, suddenly aware of the low cut of the dress.

"You had best eat before you go to your work, Conrad." With Dorita chaperoning and so many dancers, Kate went into the kitchen herself and pulled a few things Dorita had already cooked together and brought them out. Kate puts the food down on the table where Minerva and Nanuet return to when they finish dancing. The musicians call for a short break and Pedro makes sure that everyone in the room who wants a drink refill gets one.

Over at the Marshall's Office, a knocking on the door interrupts Jake's conversation with the Deputy Marshall. Jake then hears a familiar voice from the other side saying, "Marshall? Are you in there? I'm a relative of the town's photographers, the Barkers, and could use some assistance from you."

Jake sighs, leans in next to Rodiguez and says in a whisper, "That man is causing me no end of trouble. He's trying to steal Ruby from me. I'm sure he's here to say something foul about me and get you to help him cause me trouble." Jake sighs again and shrugs with depressed look on his face. "I hope I'm wrong." He then sits on the edge of the desk and waits for the Deputy Marshall's response.

Eduardo yells back "What do you want? I'm busy guarding a prisoner. Eastman's voice yells back, "I wanted to see if you could accompany me over to the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon. I need to speak to a man there but have some concerns that he may resort to violence. A Deputy present in the room would help to ensure that no gunplay occurs." Eduardo replies, "Then I'd suggest that you just stay away from that place." Eastman answers, "I can't sir, it is a matter of honor."

Jake says, "Thanks Eduardo, that was kind of you. I suppose I should talk to him. Do you mind if we let him in?" Jake laughs. "I promise I won't shoot him." "One minute sir," Eduardo yells. He whispers to Jake "Give me your gun, then get over by the cell with your gambler." Jake has a perplexed look on his face. "Uh, sure." He puts his Colt on the desk and walks over to the cell.

Eduardo goes to the door and opens it, telling Eastman "Come in." Eastman does, looking startled to see Jake there. Eduardo gestures towards him and says, "If that is the man from the Lucky Lady who you wanted to see I disarmed him when he came in to visit his jailed employee. So you can talk to him now with no worry of violence." Eastman regains his composure and says, "Er yes, thank you Deputy. Mr. Cook, could I please have a word with you?" "Yes Mr. Eastman, you may." Jake faces him expressionless.

Eastman begins, "Yes, Mr. Cook. I have a matter to discuss with you of the utmost importance. I understand that you have some serious concerns about my taking Miss. West away from this town. Sir, you are probably unaware of her upbringing but she was raised in proper society and it is highly unlikely that the lifestyle available to her here will be satisfactory to her in the long run. Sir, she needs a husband and a stable environment to live in, not life as a singer in a mining town."

Jake replies, "Mr. Eastman, your concern for Miss West is commendable. However, as you yourself pointed out, she is a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. You have decided that this lifestyle is unsatisfactory for her." He remains expressionless. "I am well aware of her background and what that young woman has been through."

Eastman responds, "Sir, I am only thinking of her best interest. I can provide her with a lifestyle that you cannot. I have patented a process for photography that will make it affordable to the common man. I suspect that within a few years my wealth will be considerable. Sir, If you were to convince Miss West that I can provide a better future for her, and that you prefer her to go with me, then I can make the future quite lucrative for you as well." "Mr. Eastman, perhaps you could make yourself clearer. It is unnecessary to disguise it with formal speech and beating around the bush." Jake maintains his poker face.

Eastman states, "Sir, I have a business plan set out and have been soliciting partners. The Eastman-Strong Corporation will be structured with fourteen equal shareholders and myself as Chairman. The initial investment will be in the range of $ 200,000. I am offering you a full share in exchange for your cooperation in urging Miss West to leave this town with me. Within a year you could sell it for the initial investment price, that would bring you close to $ 15,000. But over time that investment would be worth considerably more. You would be able to retire for life at a young age. Sir, opportunities like this seldom occur more than once in a lifetime, you would be a fool to pass it by."

"Thank you for your kind offer Mr. Eastman. I'll pass however. Perhaps you have named me correctly sir, Silver Jake Cook the fool. I don't betray my friends for money, and Ruby West is much more than a friend. Very much more." Jake nods. "Miss West is no prisoner here, she makes her own choices. I wake up everyday delighted that she has chosen me. If that's all then I'll bid you goodnight." Jake starts to turn away but stops with a pained expression on his face briefly. "It must be hard for you sir, even if you feel only a fraction of what I do for her."

Eastman states, "Ah, I understand sir. You question the wisdom of the investment in a company that does not now exist. Very well, rather than stock in my future company I am prepared to pay you the value now. I can contact my bank tomorrow and have them transfer the full amount of $ 15,000 to your bank account. Would that be sufficient?" Jake begins to grow frustrated with this and replies, "Mr. Eastman, can you possibly understand that this isn't about money? Perhaps that is a foreign concept to you. I don't want your money. I have something far more valuable." Jake sighs, "Now if you'll forgive me I do have some business to attend to."

Eastman responds, "Sir, you drive a hard bargain. You must be good at what you do for a living. I have other assets at my disposal that I could make liquid in the immediate future. I could offer you $ 25,000 now and another $ 25,000 by the middle of April. Surely Sir that would be more than sufficient for you to find yourself another singer and companion. Do not pass on that again in expectation of more, that is as high as I can go."

Jake whistles a long single note. "That is a heap of money, Mr. Eastman. A man should be able to find many interesting diversions to ease his loneliness and assuage his guilt with that much money." After a moment of thought Jake sticks his hand out for a hand shake. Eastman takes his hand with a confident smile. Jake says, "I hope I never regret this. I wish you the best of luck finding those diversions sir." Jake finally allows himself to smile. "Thanks, but no thanks. I hope you won't be too disappointed if Ruby and I don't see you off on the stagecoach when you are finished in Promise City. We are in the habit of sleeping late."

Eastman releases his hand and says, "Sir, I was serious about that being my highest offer. I admire your self restraint in this matter." He lowers his voice and whispers "I follow, you want to keep these men from knowing. Come by the photo studio and we'll arrange this privately." With that Eastman heads to the door to depart.

"George Eastman," Jake says in a loud voice, "I have had quite enough of you trying to purchase Miss West. If you don't shut up about it I will be asking the deputy for my gun back." The gambler Jake Cook crosses the distance to Eastman, a menacing look in his eyes. He punctuates each of the next words with his index finger on Eastman's chest. "Ruby West is not for sale, not now, not ever again." Eastman gestures over towards the cell and Marshall and whispers "Good, I'm sure they bought it. See you later." He then heads out the door.

Once Eastman is gone Tony says to Jake, "Well done boss, what an easy mark. That guy went from fifteen grand to fifty way too easily, you'll certainly be able to get him higher. Better do it quick though before the Love Potion that Ruby slipped him wears off." Jake stands dumbfounded for a moment. He turns towards the jail cell and glares at Tony Lucky.

"And you Tony," Jake says with some aggravation in his tone, "we are trying to run a business where people come to us to be entertained. Instead you are making them angry and afraid of us. People are going to worry that the next irate husband walks into the Lucky Lady with his gun blazing. Now I see you are making an enemy of the Deputy Marshall. We have made it pretty clear that everyone is welcome at our saloon, but one of my dealers is insulting a Deputy Marshall over his race!" A noise that is close to a low growl escapes from Jake's lips. "Is there anything else I ought to know about?"

Lucky states, "Gee no boss, don't mean to get you angry. And why are you being so friendly with this guy, isn't he the one who spied on you to have you arrested? Oh yeah, there is one thing. That crooked gambler Conrad Booth seems to be trying to convince Katie to talk you into replacing me with him. That would be bad, you'd best get me sprung soon. Can't have my players waiting." "If you have any players waiting. Damn it Lucky, are you hearing anything I am saying?" Jake just notices that Bauer is not in jail. "Senor Rodiguez, what happened to Bauer?" "He paid the fine and was released," is Rodriguez's answer.

Tony interjects "Yeah, I hear you Boss. No more jealous husbands. I'll be more careful in the future. But you shouldn't be blaming me for this one, it was all that Juan Gomez's fault, the stinking Mexican." Jake says, "You are becoming a big risk Mr. Lucky, you need to stop shooting off your mouth. If I decide to, how much money do you need loaned to you and how are you going to pay it back? What percentage from each nights winnings above and beyond the house cut comes back to me?"

Lucky replies, "Oh, you can take most of what I make until I get you paid back. I don't need much to get by. Just enough to pay my boarding house, go on an occasional date and make a few visits each week over to the Palace for some special company."

"Alright, most it is. You see me at the end of the each evening and we'll divvy up. Also I think it would be wise to apologize to Senor Rodriguez for your unfortunate comment, I believe he understands the stress you were under and would accept your sincere apology."

Jake turns to Rodriguez, "I'm willing to loan the money to him, and I have enough with me. Did you hear what happened at the Vigilance Committee meeting in regards to you today? They don't seem to happy with your appointment." Jake picks up his gun of the desk. "I prefer to judge a man on his actions rather than who his parents were. You can still have my vote in your favor with the merchants association. Sorry again for interrupting your dinner, and thanks for the your patience in here tonight." After taking care of the business of getting Lucky out of Jail, Jake Cook walks slowly back to the Lucky Lady seemingly deep in thought.

Chapter 59, “My Dinner with Isby”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

The dance ends and Nanuet tells his companion, "Well Miss Minerva that was fun. Maybe we can try this again sometime and you can show me the right way to dance like that." Nanuet says, catching his breath. He then turns to Kate. "Good evening Miss Kate. You seem to be spending a lot of time with Mr. Booth. How is everything else going? You have been very busy lately, running back and forth."

The Priestess states, "Hola Senorita, My but You and Senor Booth do make quite the handsome couple out there on the dance floor and that dress is spectacular! I'm not sure if the Vigilance committee will approve but I think it's quite complementary. Red is definitely your color." This is my first time at the El Parador. It is quite colorful. I do miss the Spanish music. Will you join us? I am curious if you have had any progress with the school you were contemplating."

"Mr. Booth is a good friend," Kate said, smiling warmly at Conrad but glad her blush was covered by the fact she was already rosy red from the dancing. "And I don't care what the Vigilance Committee thinks about how I dress, and I thank you for the compliment Miss Florencia. To answer you, Nanuet, I have been busy. I feel better when I'm busy, there is less time for 'moping.' Ruby told me this morning that I've been moping about, I suppose she's right." She stopped and shook her head, "And I am getting distracted.

There's a great deal of interest in a school, but I had no idea I would be able to start so soon! Mr. Lucky's trial was today, and it turns out Mr. Bauer's wife ran off with Juan Gomez and everything from the store and house. Both gentlemen were sentenced to a fine and ninety days in the territorial prison. Mr. Lucky is still in jail as far as I know, but Conrad and I purchased Mr. Bauer's buildings. We'll sell the store and then I will pay for the house and use it for my school. So it will be school during the days, ranch work in afternoon, and piano playing at night. I will be busy indeed."

Minerva's eyes light up. "I see the Fates have been busy weaving your destiny. This is wonderful news Senorita Katherine . If the town is to prosper it is vital that it's children be educated and you are the perfect person to undertake such a task. Unbiased, even-tempered and refined. A splendid role model," she beams. "The goddess Minerva has chosen well in you!"

"She sighs deeply, "I pray the gods step in and assist me so readily. A church is also vital to the prosperity of this town and it is unwise to ignore the gods. But aside from that, a church is also the foundation of a strong community. It encourages people to gather together and reach out to one another as a family. Ah, I apologize, there I go preaching again."

Agitated, Minerva's eyes darken. "This Vigilance Committee is going to be quite difficult to circumvent. I have spent most of my life dealing with their sort and I will take no part in an organization that places their desires above those of the people or the gods they profess to serve. I need to find out how much power they have in this town, how much legal sway. And then I need to find allies who will help me to fulfill the gods wishes in spite of them... or we will all be wearing stifling Victorian collars and drinking sparkling cider! Does anyone at this table know anything about their influence or who I might speak to?"

Kate replies, "I'll be glad to help you in whatever way I can, but I feel I should warn you that I am not a religious woman. The gods and I both go our own way. But you need have no worries about me, my late husband was devout and we managed to get on with one another." Minerva thinks to herself "I used to believe that also but the gods use us as they will."

She lays her hand on top of Katherine's "I am not concerned with your religious affiliation, only your friendship and I do appreciate your offer of help. I am sure that it will be needed if I am to stay in Promise City. In the meantime if there is anything I could do to help with the school please let me know. I love children. Perhaps I could teach them to fence, but I suppose that's not a very useful skill in this part of the world."

Kate comments, "I don't really understand what kind of power the Vigilance Committee has. I believe they make their decisions, then try to influence the town into accepting them. What happened at the meeting today? I'm afraid I missed it in order to secure my school building."

The Priestess replies, "It was dreadful! A pack of fools, hiding their prejudices behind their morality. No good will come of it." she wags her finger. "Those idiots, Doc Eaton and Mr. Watkins actually had the gall to instruct me to ignore the "heathen wood elves and focus on the true believers" I tell you, I won't tolerate such bigotry!" Minerva is visibly angry. "And the Committee voted to instill a dress code for the women. They have banned necklines lower than two inches." She glances down at her own generously cut neckline and smirks. "Oh, but they're still arguing on sleeve length "she sneers. "I think I would like a refill please. She hold her glass out to Mr. Booth."

Nanuet comments, "Well I can't say I know anything about committees, but I have to think that they are being fools. From what little I know and understand they don't have any real power other than influencing those that do. I just don't see how a town where most of the income comes from mining and miners could think that they could close down saloons and make dress codes. Don't think the miners will go much for that, they like to drink and gamble and do other less than honorable activities. I know I am not really offering advice, just my thoughts on the topic."

Nanuet smiles and then stands up from the table and nods his head to everyone at the table. "Well, I guess it is time to head back to the Lucky Lady for the evening. I should really get myself on their payroll." he says shaking his head and chuckling. Minerva replies, "The gods are not adverse to fun Senor! What would life be without laughter and the joy of companionship. She smiles and holds out her hand in thanks. "Gracias Senor Nanuet, for taking the time to entertain me. It has been some time since I have had so much fun. Two nights in a row! It seems to be becoming a habit!" Minerva is suddenly struck by an idea. She turns to Kate and Mr. Booth puts her hand over her mouth.

She exclaims gleefully, "By the Goddess Minerva!... It is time to celebrate the festival of Dionysus! This is the most important festival of the year. It would be the perfect opportunity bring our community together and to engage the Merchants committee in our causes! People will come from surrounding towns for the celebration so it will bring more business to the stores, and saloons...and you could garner support for your school! Even those who don't have children will surely recognize it as a worthy cause! Blessed be Dionysus! He has shown us the way to deal with this Committee. They will know that the gods nor the town are in agreement with their 18th Century dark-age thinking!"

Minerva sits up straighter. Her eyes are sparkling and she is excitedly gesturing with her hands. "We could have a barn dance! And contests would be great! The gods love contests. Maybe dig up some local talent and put on a Greek play or a musical or we could have a talent show. Oh and a parade! And games for the children! Oh and lots of food and drink! The restaurants and the saloons could compete with one another. And the men could show their cattle roping skills and .." She finally notices that her companions are staring at her in astonishment. "Well," she laughs "you get the idea. What do you think? "

Kate kept quiet about the idea that a God had sent down the idea, saying instead, "It sounds like a great deal of fun, but you would be setting yourself a very large task to include everything you just said. But I'll be glad to help, and I think Ruby would be ecstatic to," Kate laughed. "And you're right, I think it would make the people of this town feel more like a community and less like a collection of strangers."

Mr. Eastman had returned and was playing enthusiastically on the piano. Estaban joined in and Kate's foot began to tap again. Chester yells to Clarisse above the music, "Are you having fun, Miss Townsend? This town draws some pretty good piano players." She states, "Why yes, more fun that I've had in ages. What brings you to Arizona all the way from Indiana Mr. Martin?"

He replies, "I'm glad to hear you're having fun. I served a hitch in the Army for a while in Nebraska. After that I knocked about Dodge City in Kansas. The town started getting boring, so I hopped a train here. Hard to believe I've only been here since January. How do you like living here?"

She says, "I didn't like it at first. The Saloon where my cousin works represented everything that Mrs. Schultz taught me was wrong with the world. I don't think my father would have approved either. Julia had no idea what to do with me and neither did her friend Madge. I can sign but I can't dance, I'm surprise I haven't stomped your feet yet." He replies, Chester chuckles. "That's 'cause my feet are trying to stomp yours. As far as Mrs. Schultz goes, she can't be right about everything." She says, "They had me waitressing during the day and staying in my room reading at the hotel at night. Singing at the Lucky Lady and the Comique is far more fun." He laughs, "And I'm so glad you did. Otherwise I would never have met you. Let's take a break. What would you like to drink?"

Kate says, "I'd love to dance some more, but I should probably be following Nanuet's example." She began to gather herself to leave when she stopped and said, "Conrad, how awful of me, I never asked how your errand went this morning!" Booth says, "It went fine. The Judge called Elton Hubbard over to join us and the evidence of Arcade's Gang's innocence was clear-cut. Hubbard has withdrawn the reward, which both newspapermen will print in the next editions of their papers." She says, "That's very good news, I'm glad to hear it," Kate said with a surprising not of relief in her voice.

While they are talking Kate sees another familiar face walks in, namely the dwarf Flint accompanied by a female Apache who looks to be the human equivalent of mid-thirties. She is attired in traditional Indian garb while he has on his leather coat over his work clothes, with a revolver on his bent, shotgun strapped to his back and a bulky satchel over his shoulder which knowing Flint may or may not contain dynamite.

She says, "Miss Florencia, the dwarven gentleman that just came in is one of the partners in the ranch I own part of. He's rather gruff, but well worth knowing," Kate said as she waved to the dwarf. "Forgive him if he talks quite a lot about dynamite, it's his favorite thing." Flint and the Apache woman notice them and head over, finding it difficult to move in the now crowded Cantina, as every wood elf in town seems to have come for the celebration.

Kate says, "Good evening, Flint. It's nice to see you've left the ranch for a night. I can't stay much longer but please, have a seat," she finished, being sure to smile at his companion. He catches the Indian woman's attention points to Kate and says "Kate". He points to Conrad and says "Booth". He looks to Minerva and just shrugs. He then gestures to the Apache and says "Naki-yai", then adding "It means Two-Moons".

Kate says, "Flint, this is Miss Minerva Florencia, the town's new priestess, and a very unique priestess she is. Miss Florencia, Mr. Flint Graymountain. Your companion doesn't speak our tongue? A shame I don't speak hers either. Would you tell her I'm pleased to meet her? I'd heard you had a new friend, Flint." He replies, "Yes, I'll try. I don't speak very much of her language either."

He says a few Apache phrases and she seems to relax. He then turns to Kate and says "Could you keep an eye on her for me and make sure she stays safe. I'll be back in a while." Kate says, "Of course, but what is a while, Flint? I have to go to the Lucky Lady in a few minutes or I'll be late." He says, "Hopefully not long, I just need to find somebody." Kate nodded to Flint then motioned to a chair. The Apache woman sat down and Katherine smiled at her, then looked helplessly at Conrad and Minerva and says, "I suddenly wish I knew a few more languages."

Ruby enters the Promise City Hotel and sees Judge Nathan Isby seated at a table in the room. He stands as she approaches. Isby is a tall man attired in a dark suit. He looks to be in his early forties, with dark hair that is starting to gray on his sideburns and long droopy mustache. He has a square-shaped face with a chiseled jaw. He takes out his pocket watch and checks the time commenting, "Five minutes early. Punctuality is good. Thank you for coming."

Ruby breathes a sigh of relief. She hadn't actually known what time it was. She extends her hand to him, "It is my pleasure, Judge Isby." She smiles warmly at him and nods her head before sitting. Hotel and restaurant owner Melissa Lee comes over with a bottle, which she hands to the Judge. He tells Ruby, "I do not drink and they do not serve alcohol here. This is a sparkling apple cider that I think you will enjoy." He pours them each a glass.

Melissa says "We have a choice of three different entrees tonight. We have roast chicken cooked with a honey glaze, fresh cut beef steaks or a rattlesnake stew." Isby asks for a large cut seared flesh of moocow cooked well done. Ruby sits tall with her shoulders back as she leans forward to take the glass. "Thank you, Judge, it sounds lovely." She looks to Smith. "The chicken sounds wonderful, thank you Ms. Lee." She takes a sip from her glass. "So, Judge, do you normally go out to dinner with the citizens of the cities you preside over?"

He replies, "No Miss West, but I have a serious predicament on my hands that I think you can be of some assistance with. That, and this is going to be my final meal in Promise City for another three or four weeks and I wanted some company other than Deputy Sheriff Hunter." "Well, I'm glad that you chose to spend your last meal for a while here with me then." Ruby pulls her hair over her shoulder and furrows her brows slightly. "So," she continues curiously, "What kind of serious predicament do you think I can help you with?"

He replies, "I need the help of somebody with good eyes and ears. As you may know, my circuit covers the east side of Cochice and Graham Counties and I hold court here and in the towns of Clifton, Safford and Wilcox. A problem has been festering in all of those towns that the local lawmen haven't been able to deal with, namely the Cowboy Gang.

The thing is, rumors have it that some of the lawman may be working with them. Hard to know who I can trust these days. Unfortunately I don't really stay in each town long enough to investigate myself and, well, my reputation proceeds me so people are hesitant to act. I figure you being a singer at one of the more popular saloons in town, you might hear or see things, especially if you're looking out for them."

Ruby blinks back her surprise. “Your fine reputation does precede you, Judge Isby. You do have a way about you," she smiles. "Yes, the Cowboy Gang is a real problem. I’ve had some trouble with them of my own. I would not be surprised to find out that they had a grip on the law in certain places.” He states, "I read the newspapers Miss West. I am aware that you've gone up against the Cowboy Gang before. And you've lived to tell about it. But unlike the Earps they don't see you as their enemy so they may not avoid you, or rather, your saloon."

Ruby takes another sip of her cider. “I am surprised however, Judge, that you would think of me. I just, well, I didn’t think you would have a high opinion of my reputation after what happened at Mr. Kane’s trial.” He states, "Surprised myself too, hadn't even thought of it until I saw you steal that newspaper. What you did after you knew you were caught showed me something about you that I thought could be useful for this task. Not just how you handled the immediate restitution but coming up to speak to me afterwards. Showed me that you have some character to you."

She says, “I will help you in any way I can. What do you want me to do and what would you like me to look for?” He replies, "Thank you. I'm not asking you to put yourself at risk in any way, just keep your eyes and ears open and report to me what you've seen when I return. As for the lawmen, I trust Wyatt and Virgil but am not so sure about the two younger Earps. I don't know this new deputy Rodriguez at all. But the ones I really don't trust are Coaches County Sheriff Johnny Behan and his Deputy Sheriffs. They seem a little too friendly with folks who later turn out to be with the Cowboy Gang. Just be careful Miss West, these are tough customers."

Ruby considers carefully her next words. “Judge Isby, I want to say something and it might not come out the way I want, so please don’t take it the wrong way.” She looks him right in the eyes. “I will admit, I get something out of this. Helping you with the Cowboy Gang and possibly corrupt lawmen helps me and my friends in the long run. But I would also need to know that I could trust you. Trust that if I do give you incriminating information that when you take action it won’t come from you that I gave it. Otherwise I would be putting my life and the lives of the people I love at risk, I am sure you realize that. I don’t have the right to do that to them.”

He says, "I understand and would expect nothing less. My life is based upon my reputation. Before becoming a Judge I served ten years as a lawman. Trust me, I won't reveal that any information came from you." She smiles and says, “It must be difficult for you to not know who you can or can’t trust. Me? I really don’t trust anyone.” She thinks about that for a moment then smiles, “Well, almost no one.” She shakes her head. “I don’t envy your job, that’s for sure. I will do as you ask, keep my eyes and ears open and let you know what I find. Besides, this is a much nicer way to see you than in the court room.”

He smiles and says, "Another reason I chose you for this. It will look to everybody who notices that I just have a romantic interest in you." She says, “I have some questions though, if you don’t mind me asking. Do you have reason to believe that members of the Cowboy Gang will come to my saloon?" He states, "I don't, but it's a small town. You might see them elsewhere. Honestly, I'm just grasping at straws here but I figure I've got nothing to lose."

She says, "And you say you know I’ve had tussles with them, how can you be sure they don’t think of me as an enemy?” He replies, " I don't, but your saloon is now more popular that it was when the Whipples owned it and has a new name so I figure they may give it a try. She pauses. “Something else I’m wondering about, of a more personal nature. Do you know if Deadeye Douglas is part of the Cowboy Gang? I know you know what happened with Jake Cook getting shot in the bank and all, and I, you know, I worry about him.” Isby states, " "I believe that he was but moved on. His gang was seen up in Wyoming while the Cowboy Gang are still active around here."

Ruby gives a small giggle. “I apologize for the barrage of questions. I let my mouth run away with me again, I do that sometimes,” she blushes slightly. He says, "No problem, and keep up the giggling and laughing, make's this look like a date. I probably should even smile, although if I did I doubt anybody would recognize me." She says, “I appreciate your honesty with me with all my silly questions and you can expect my honesty in return.”

Ruby smiles at the Judge. “Why your honor, are you that against people liking you that you can’t even smile? I suppose in your line of work it makes it hard to be friendly with people. It must be lonely for you, something I know a lot about until recently.” Ruby unconsciously rubs her lips while she thinks. She leans in closer to him and whispers, “But this isn’t really a date, right? I mean you know I have a boyfriend. I’ve just, uh, had problems with this sort of thing in the past. Miscommunications that is, so I want to make sure we agree.”

He says, "Well no, not hardly. That wouldn't be appropriate, I'm old enough to be your father. You can tell Mr. Kane that I have no intention of moving in on his lady." "Good," Ruby replies. She reaches across the table and straightens his tie as she continues to whisper, "I hope you'll never use this against me in a court of law, but I am a good actress, no one will know we're not on a real date." She winks at him then sits back in her chair.

She flips her hair and says with her voice raised just slightly, "So why will you be gone for so long?" He replies, "Because I'm responsible for a much larger area than just town. Wilcox is in the northern part of this county, around forty miles northwest. Safford is in Graham County, forty miles north of Wilcox, and Clifton is thirty miles northeast of that. But my circuit region runs another seventy miles north of there, all the way to Springerville. Then every few months I have to head over to the Capital in Prescott, in the center of the Territory. Means a lot of traveling. Good thing I have a reliable horse."

"Yes, good thing. I hope you stay safe with all the dangers out there." He replies, "That doesn't seem to be a problem any more. In my two-years on this circuit I've been ambushed three different times. That's where my lawman training comes in. First two times I was outnumbered two-to-one and each time I dropped the pair of them on the spot. The third time there were six of them. I killed a total of the four men right there and brought the other two in for trial where I sentenced them to hang. Word of that got around, so the bad guys now make sure to stay way clear of me. " Ruby looks at the Judge with some admiration. "Very impressive. I'll make sure not to get on your bad side," she laughs.

Ruby and the Judge continue to have a pleasant dinner. Ruby laughs and flirts and even gets the Judge to crack a smile. At the end of dinner Judge Isby walks Ruby outside and offers to walk her back to the Lucky Lady. "No thank you, I can walk there myself. Thank you for the lovely dinner." She leans in a gives him a small kiss on the cheek. As she does, "How do I get in touch with you the next time you're in town? If I have some information for you." He says, "I plan to dine again with you on the evening that I arrive. I'll let you know I'm back in town. Be careful now." He laughs and says "And don't go stealing any more newspapers. If you do I'll sentence you to spend time with that halfling newspaperman."

"Very well, I'll look forward to it." Ruby nods her head then starts off, but stops and looks back over her shoulder. "I'll make sure to take your advice about the newspaper. That sentence would be awfully harsh!" With that she bounces off. After she is out of sight from the Promise City Hotel Ruby lifts her skirts to her knees and starts running down the street towards the Lucky Lady.

Chapter 60, “Flint's Errand”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

Jake arrives back at the Lucky Lady. It is still too early to start up his poker game so he gets a whiskey from Jeff Mills and goes outside on the porch. Some folks go by and each time he forces a smile and gives a friendly greeting, but mostly he just watches the sky. The sun is already down but the sky is still a light blue fading to the dark blue of a typical Arizona night. Slowly some stars become visible but Jake makes no effort to count them, just admires them when they make their entrance onto the stage of a night sky. He drinks his whiskey slowly, savoring the slight bite of the cheaply made brand. Suddenly he chuckles, and then laughs out loud. A man and a woman whom he does not know walk by and give him a strange look. He doesn't seem to care because he is smiling now.

Ruby runs the entire way back to the Lucky Lady. Her hair starts to fall out of the neat style it was in, so Ruby reaches up and pulls it down. She runs right up the steps, onto the porch and into the door of the Lucky Lady before she realizes Jake is sitting outside. She walks the few steps back out and leans up against the railing, breathing heavy.

She squeezes out the words in between breaths, "What..what... happened.......with Mr....Eastman..." She places her hand on her stomach as if she holds it in her breathing will slow. "What happened?" Her face has extreme concern on it and she starts biting her lip. Jake stands up slowly and calmly. Reaching up to her lip he delicately stops her from biting it. "Well hello to you too princess." He is still smiling. "Eastman wants me to break up with you so you can go back to a life style more suited to your upbringing. He offered me some money, but I told him no." He pushes some hair out of her face. "How was your dinner? Dinners I should say."

"Oh Jake!" Ruby jumps into Jake's arms, throwing herself against him and squeezing him tightly. "I KNEW you wouldn't do it! I KNEW it!" She buries her face against Jake's neck, letting out a long, deep sigh of relief. Jake can feel the tension just slip out of Ruby's body as she relaxes. "I knew it," she whispers and she starts kissing his neck.

Jake enjoys the affection for a few moments before he says, "I can see how you were frustrated with that guy, he really doesn't take no for an answer. No matter what I said to him, he refused to believe I was turning him down. He thinks I'm going to meet him later at the Barker's to discuss this further, and he'll be disappointed." He looks down at her and says, "It was really eerie, I wonder if he's related to Scarface Jones? It was just like I was talking to him, no matter what I said he only believes what he wants to hear."

"What?" Suddenly Ruby looks up at Jake. "Uh, that's bad." She looks back down and is quiet. Even without looking can tell Jake's stare is fixed on her. "Well, it's just that I, uh, told him that if he could get you to take money to break up with me I would marry him." She continues quickly, "But only because I knew you wouldn't." Silence again. "How much did he offer you?"

Jake replies, "He first offered me some stock in a company he is starting, then offered me some cash. It doesn't matter what he offered, it was no. Besides I don't want you to be insulted by the petty sum he offered for you, apparently he doesn't think all that highly of you." Jake laughs. "I want to know," Ruby states stubbornly. "Fifty." Says Jake

Ruby exclaims, "Fifty... Fifty what? Fifty dollars? That cheap bastard, I'll kill him myself." Jake states, "I've considered that solution too, but I'm sure it wouldn't take the lawmen too long to make me a suspect." Jake looks away and laughs a nervous laugh. "Ya, and that cheap bastard only offered fifty." Jake lowers his voice. "Thousand."

Ruby's eyes pop. "Fifty... thousand... dollars? Hermes!" She looks Jake right in the eyes. "You MUST love me Jake to turn that down." Maybe so, maybe so." Jake throws his head back and laughs. "I'd only blow it all anyway."

Jake scoops Ruby up in his arms and spins her around once. He nuzzles his face into her ear and whispers. He has a lot to whisper and her face changes to a look of concentration, comprehension, amusement and finally a big smile. When Jake finishes whispering Ruby begins to giggle. She giggles long and hard. She tries to kiss Jake but starts giggling again. She repeats that several times without really getting a kiss in before she finally lets her head fall back. She continues giggling freely and swings her hair back and forth. Jake says with a smirk, "I take it you think I should try it then?"

Ruby gives Jake the smile she has only for him. "Then WE'D get to blow it all together, baby. And wouldn't that be fun..." she says deviously, then continues to giggle, finally getting that kiss in. "Oh and let me tell you about my dinner with Judge Isby. You are NEVER gonna believe this..." They sit closely together on the bench, and making sure no one can listen in, Ruby whispers to Jake what happened and how the Judge wants her to keep an eye out.

While they are whispering the puppies bound outside and hop on the bench nudging both Jake and Ruby for attention. "Well, what do you think of that, Mr. Cook? Judge Isby wants me to help him! And all because I stole Baxter's newspaper!" "It's far better than getting hung for it." He shakes his head. "I guess I'll never understand how some things come together like that." He takes her arm and escorts her into the Lucky Lady.

Nanuet was making his way back to the Lucky Lady when he saw Ruby, skirts in hand, running down the street. He starts to yell out to her but figures she is in a rush for a reason and it would be best not to detain her. He maintains his current pace and walks up to the saloon. He sees Ruby and Jake engrossed in a conversation and decides to give them some peace. He makes his way around back and enters the kitchen area. "Greetings Maria, I hope you are well today. Anything I can help you with?" Nanuet helps Maria around the kitchen occasionally glancing out to the main area of the saloon to see if either Jake or Ruby has entered.

Ruby sees Nanuet inside. "Hi!" she says cheerily. "You came back. What was that big party at the El Parador about anyway? And did you eat?" "I think they just wanted to celebrate life. Not sure there was a reason. Yeah, I had something to eat. Can't beat Dorita's cooking." Nanuet says patting his belly. "I don't want to be too nosy, but what is going on with that Eastman guy? He bothering you?"

"Don't worry, dear Nanuet, you cannot be too nosy for me." Ruby giggles. "Yes, he is bothering me, for he won't take no for an answer to his question. He keeps asking me to marry him and even tried to bribe Jake. But he just doesn't realize that Jake and I are meant to be together. Now, I'm going to get Jake something to eat." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen.

When she returns she finds Jake and Nanuet huddled together, whispering. "What are you two up to?" as she places the plate in front of Jake. "I was just asking Nanuet here if he remembers how to scalp a white man." Jake replies dead pan.

Nanuet takes out his knife and a whetstone and begins sharpening. "It's all coming back to me Mr. Jake, it's all coming back." He draws the blade across the stone slowly and deliberately several times. He then feels the edge of the blade with his thumb. "That should do just fine." he says as he replaces the blade in it's sheath.

Ruby's eyes widen. "Um, let's try to find another way please," as she looks a bit uncomfortable. "I think I'll have a drink." She gets her usual bottle from behind the bar, pours for Jake and Nanuet, then one for herself. "I'm going to need a lot of these I think."

Two men and a woman enter the Lucky Lady. Jake recognizes them from the previous day's stagecoach ride as Markus Jackson, his son Billy Bob Jackson and Billy Bob's wife Lurleen Jackson. Markus and Billy Bob check their guns at the door with Luc and then head directly towards the bar. Jeff Mills acts surprised and startled to see them. Markus whispers something to Jeff.

Jeff approaches Ruby and Jake and asks "Can I use one of the second floor rooms? I need to have a private conversation with these people." Jeff says, "Sure Jeff, I'll cover down here. Go ahead." Jake watches them as they head up and tries to take in anything else about them and relationship with Jeff Mills from their postures or expressions. Jake watches as Markus leads even though Jeff is the one who knows where they are going. It appears to Jake that Jeff actually stands at attention and his walk up the stair is more of a march. Billy Bob does likewise. Lurleen follows further back. Jake looks around and no one else seemed to have been watching them

Ruby furrows her brow. "I wonder who that was?" She takes a long sip of her drink. "Much better than apple cider," she shivers. "I hope that's not trouble," she says looking up the stairs. Jake says, "They were on the stage from Tombstone that I came in on. I think he's from the south near Alabama. From his build I would have guessed he's in town to fight at Adair's boxing match." Jake takes a drink. "Or a one man mining crew."

She says, "That would be bad. We have to figure that problem out, Saturday nights. That's our busiest night. I'm sure you'll come up with something, baby." Ruby goes back to her drink. Jake waits until folks are not looking at him and then leans towards Ruby and whispers, "The big man with Jeff is probably an ex confederate officer. I'll tell you later."

Ruby raises an eyebrow. "Should I care about that?" She takes another gulp of her drink and refills her glass. "Do you think its trouble? Let's send Nanuet up to listen in," she smiles. "Miss Ruby?" Nanuet expresses his surprise. "What? If there is trouble better you are up there, right? What do you think Jake?" Jake says, "Jeff has proved his loyalty to us several times, I say let him be. At least for now."

She says, "I guess I should sing now, even though we have no piano player. I think you'll be extra lucky tonight at your card game, Mr. Cook. And if you are we can find fun ways to spend the extra winnings." She stands and finishes her drink. She leans forward and gives Jake a peek down her dress and a long kiss. "For good luck." As she walks towards the stage she looks back over her shoulder at him and winks. She gets up on stage and starts with some ballads that work well acapella and showcase her voice.

Back at the El Parador, in discussing the language barrier with Naki-Yai Conrad states, "Sorry, I started with Spanish not Apache. Where's your friend Nanuet? He may know some of her tongue." "He went over to the Lucky Lady," she laughed. "What a night this is turning out to be." "Naki-yai", Minerva says, "Hable Espanol?" Kate waited to see if the woman could speak Spanish, and if not, she could always try French.

The Indian woman shakes her head. She points to some of the food on the tray and tilts her head to the side as if to ask if she can have some. "Oh, please," Kate said and slid the plate closer to her. "Help yourself. Je ne suppose pas que vous parlez le français?" She again shakes her head no. Minerva suggests, "Perhaps Nanuet will be available to translate."

The Priestess suggests "I'll go over and send Nanuet back. I'd like to run my ideas for the festival by Jake and Ruby and ask Jake to set up a meeting with the Merchants Association." Minerva gathers up her shawl and steps outside. "It is a beautiful clear night. Inhaling deeply she comments to no one "Spring is my favorite time of year." Minerva makes a small clicking sound and Luna Swoops down from the rooftop to land on her arm.

Kate continued to sit with Naki-yai and Conrad, making sure the woman had enough to eat. "Conrad, I know you need to get to your table, I'll be fine here. Flint should be back soon." She impulsively laid her hand on his arm. "Thank you for everything today, especially the dances." He replies, "Oh no, thank you. I haven't had such a full and happy day in quite some time. But you're right about my table. Since I took last night off so had best be getting over there before Mrs. Higgins fires me."

"Aren't your days usually happy?" Kate asked seriously. He replies, "Well, they're not unhappy, but I don't know that I'd call them happy either. Today is the best day I've had in a while." She comments, "Of course, we don't want you losing your job after the large investment you made today. You'll say hello to Mrs. Higgins for me, won't you?" "I will goodbye."

He starts to walk off. Then he stops, turns around, walks back and leans over to kiss Kate on the cheek." Kate sat frozen for a moment. She knew she should move away, not allow it, but by the time she processed the thought his lips were already soft against her cheek. "Good night, Conrad," she said quietly. "Good night," he answers and quickly heads out the door.

The woman says something in Apache that Kate doesn't understand. Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo walks up to the table and tells Kate "She's asking if he is your husband." Kate says, "Oh, thank goodness someone can understand her. Would you mind sitting down for a minute and helping us talk?" Ricardo nodded and scrambled up into a chair. "Thank you." Kate says, "Please tell her he is not, but is a very good friend. Also ask if she would like anything more to eat."

Meanwhile, Flint Greymountain heads directly into the Lucky Lady, walking right by Luc while wearing a shotgun on his back, revolver on his belt and satchel over his shoulder. "Hey Flint," Jake says loudly, "How are you? What are you doing hombre?" Jake waves Luc off from stopping the dwarf.

Flint waves for Jake to follow along and walks directly over to Nanuet. He says, "The guy who murdered Pete is back here in town. I'm going to make a citizen's arrest when I find him. You interested in joining me." Nanuet says, "Absolutely my friend. I am glad you came to find me before you went and did this." Nanuet turned to Jake and asked "Do you think we should get the law involved? You seem to know them fairly well."

Flint says, "Actually I came here second. I looked at the El Parador first. No point in getting the law until we at least know where he is in town. My guess is one of the saloons and I don't see him here." Jake says, "I know them better than I like, Indian." Jake says with a little sarcasm in his voice. "Flint pal, who is it you are after?"

Flint replies, "The guy's name is Lane Gifford. Live here in town for a while. The Apache spotted him and thirteen of his buddies near the mountains today. According to that Knowles guy he was one of four guys directly responsible for Pete's death. We got two of them at the cave in January but Gifford and his buddy Pinto Joe got away. The Apache followed them today until they got near town. Eleven then rode off to the Dos Cabezas Mountains but Gifford and one of his friends rode into town. I have an Apache friend who visited me with her cousin to tell me about it, figuring that I needed to know 'cause of Pete and all."

Jake interjects, "Nanuet, Gifford is the guy who exchanged silver in Tombstone for the $20 bills that paid the outlaws who jumped us that day coming back from the mine." Jake's eyes start to grow dark. "And he is friends with Pinto Joe."

Minerva enters the Lucky Lady to see Jake, Nanuet and the back of a third man having what seems to be a serious conversation. She walks over and places her hand on Nanuet's shoulder. "Pardon Por favor, Senor Nanuet,.." She is surprised to see Flint and turns to him." Senor Flint, there you are!" As Senorita Florencia arrives and Jake says, "Buenos Noches Senorita." She continues to address Flint and says, "We were wondering what we should do about your friend. We do not speak her language and I was just coming over to ask Senor Nanuet if he could be our translator. But since you are here, perhaps we should just bring her to the Lucky Lady."

He replies, "I don't know about this place. I'd rather her stay there, I trust Pedro and Dorita to run a safe place. And Kate will keep an eye on her. Nanuet and I should get our business taken care of quickly then I'll go back and collect her." Nanuet states, "Pete, I will gladly go with you, but I think she is saying that Kate needs to be here. She works here you know, plays the piano." The dwarf replies, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I see her so often out at the ranch that I think of that as her profession now."

"I am not exactly sure why you brought your friend to town?" Nanuet says with a puzzled look. Flint says, "She insisted. When she say me loading up my weapons and filling my bag with dynamite she got scared of what I was going to do, wouldn't let me go off without her. Come on Nanuet, you of all people should know how impossible it is to say 'No' to an Indian woman once her mind is made up."

Minerva is taken aback at Flints presumption. "Si, Senor. Senor Nanuet is correct. I believe that Senorita Katherine had business at the Lucky Lady this evening. Perhaps you should return to the El Parador and asks her if it is an imposition to tend to your friend before you run your errand." Flint glances at Minerva then just turns back to Jake and Nanuet without any comment. "Senorita," Jake says to Minerva, "Flint's long time friend was murdered, the errand you refer to is bringing the man to justice. Flint and Katherine are friends and business partners."

Nanuet says, "Miss Minerva, may I ask a favor of you? Would you be so kind as to keep Flint's companion company for a short while we go take care of our business? That would free up Kate to come here and allow you to return to the party. I will join you there as soon as our business is finished as I have no further commitments this evening. Then we can decide what to do with the rest of the evening."

Minerva replies, "I am sorry Senor. I did not realize the situation. But I assure you that your friend will be quite safe at the Lucky Lady. Senor Jake can vouch for that. We could entertain her here and watch over her until you return if that is agreeable. But if you are uncomfortable with that arrangement, than I will gladly stay with her at the El Parador." He glances up on the stage and says "Well, okay if Ruby's around to help watch her. I trust her."

Ruby saw Flint walk in from the stage and she tried to wave at him, but he was too busy talking with Nanuet and Jake. Then Minerva walked in and joined the conversation. Kate still wasn't there and Jeff was still upstairs. Ruby wondered what they were talking about but kept singing anyway.

Jake tells the dwarf, "Flint, Ruby and I own the Lucky Lady so your friend will be safe here. Better if all our friends are together. Why doesn't Minerva go get Katherine and your friend and bring them here. You and Nanuet go start looking, I'll go find the Marshall and we'll look you up. Stay outside so we can find you. What do you think?"

"As you wish Senor." Minerva replies. She turns to Nanuet and asks to speak to him privately for a moment. "Senor Nanuet, I do not speak this woman's language. But the goddess has granted me the gift to understand her. If you could explain to her that I can understand her even though I do not speak her language it would make the evening less lonely for her." "Oh and I shall hold you to your promise. May the goddess guard your back "

Sounds like a good plan to me Jake." "Let me grab my pistol first." Nanuet adds quietly. He jogs to his room and grabs the six-shooter. He checks that it is loaded properly and gives the chamber a spin before heading back out. He tucks the gun into the waist of his pants. Jake says, "Let's go Flint." Nanuet says, "Alright hold up. Let's do this right if we are going to do it at all. Let me go with Minerva and bring Flint's friend and Kate here. At least I can translate. Then Flint and I can go out while Jake gets the Marshall."

Before anyone else can object, Nanuet takes Minerva politely by the arm and escorts her out the door and back toward the El Parador. "Well, this should be interesting." he says, his voice wavering slightly.

Jake heads over to Ruby and whispers to her what is happening. "I'm going to interrupt Jeff and have him come down, then I'll go for the Marshall. Damn, somebody ought to be watching out for Nanuet besides that wild man Flint. Gotta run." With that Jake bounds up the stairs. He finds a closed door and knocks. Jake hears Jeff Mills voice, "What do you want?" through the door. Jake hears the noise of chairs moving and a "click" of a firearm being prepped after the initial knock.

Jake steps away from the front of the door and his hand goes to his Colt. "Jeff it is Jake. I need to run out for an emergency and need you to take over until I get back." "All right. Coming right down" Jeff yells back through the door. Around a minute later the door opens and the four head back downstairs and Jake watches Markus lead the group back downstairs, not Jeff. Jake then goes to his room, dons his duster and straps on the long barrel Colt too before heading back down stairs.

Back at the El Parador, Kate asks Ricardo to translate the question "How is it she came to be in town with Flint tonight." Ricardo does and he then tells Kate "Flint came to town to get revenge on the man who killed his partner Pete. She came along to try to keep Flint from getting himself killed." Kate replies, 'Tell her she is very wise, for while Flint is a good man, his temper sometimes gets the better of him. How did Flint find out who the men were, and that they are in Promise City?" Ricardo translates again and says, "The Apache saw the men come to town. They are part of the Cowboy Gang. The one Flint is after is named Lane Gifford, somebody named Knowles knew he killed this Pete guy."

Nanuet and Minerva enter the El Parador where Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo is translating for the Apache woman. "Senorita Katherine, I met up with Senor Flint. He and Jake and Nanuet have some business to attend to so I told them we would take his friend to the Lucky Lady. This way you can work." Kate says, "Ricardo, would you please tell her that Flint has met up with some friends, so he will not be going after these men alone. The friends are men I trust. Also that we will be going to a different saloon in a few minutes."

Minerva nods towards the boy and suggests, " Perhaps we can ask this chiko's mama if he can escort us to the Lucky lady. We could pay him to translate for us." Kate replies, "That's a good idea, Senorita. I think I'll invite his mother to come as well, though. He is very young, she might not like the idea of him in a saloon without her." Before Kate gets fully across the room Ricardo yells out in Spanish "Pay! Great." He then yells across the room in Spanish to a wood elvan woman sitting in the lap of human man "Hey Ma, I'm going off with Mrs. Kate." "Okay," she yells back. "Let's go," the boy says in English. "Well, that was easier than I expected," Kate said as they gathered their things to walk over to the Lucky Lady.

The boy and Minerva converse in Spanish about her owl as they all head back to the Lucky Lady. As the five of them head back to the Lucky Lady Nanuet explains to Naki-yai that Minerva can understand her but not speak her language. He also explains that the boy can translate. Lastly he tells her that he will be going with Flint to find Lane Gifford and bring him to the Marshall. The five arrive at the Lucky Lady and things seem to be getting busy. Nanuet makes sure Naki-yai is situated and asks "OK, anything else before Flint and I get going?"

Kate replies, "I think we're settled Nanuet. Please, all of you be careful. I'd like all the details when you get back. Minerva assures Nanuet that they will be fine. "Please take care Senor. We will be here when you return." She turns to Ricardo and asks him what he would like to eat. She also asks him to ask Naki-yai what she would like. they place their order and sit listening to Ruby sing while Ricardo pats Luna.

Jake comes down the stairs and heads right to Ruby. "Your instincts are still better than mine. Something is up with Jeff and his friends, keep an eye on them and be careful." "Sure, Jake." Jake notices a chilliness in Ruby's response. Jake then heads over to Minerva and whispers in her ear. He does not wait for a response and heads out the door, buttoning the chest buttons on his duster. The men depart.

Kate comments, "Miss Florencia, I hate to leave you to entertain our guest, but I must go play for Ruby. I'll be back as soon as I can." Katherine then hurried over to the piano and mouthed to Ruby, "I'm so sorry," as she sat down to play." Ruby finished her song and walked over to Kate. "That's ok I was just finishing up." Ruby walks off the stage and instead of heading for her friends' stomps upstairs to her room.

Kate watched Ruby leave, a little surprised. She knew that Ruby wouldn't really be upset with her being a bit late. Jake was on his way out with Flint, so Kate could only guess she had been asked to stay behind. She wanted to go up and check on her, but with Flint's friend and Ricardo here she needed to keep an eye on them both. She stayed at the piano and played for a while before returning to the table with Miss Florencia sat with their guest.

Chapter 61, “Declaration of Love”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

Jake heads directly to the Marshall's office to see if anyone is there, finding it closed and locked. A block away Nanuet says, "OK Flint, the closest saloon to here is across the street, The Gay Lady. If he isn't there then we can try the Comique next. You ready?" Flint and Nanuet head across the street to the Gay Lady. Nanuet tells Flint. "You go in first and point him out if you see him. I have a prayer that may be able to paralyze him for a few moments, no guarantee though." Nanuet follows Flint into the Gay Lady. The place is mobbed with people and a trio of leggy entertainers are dancing up a storm on the stage. It takes a while to look over the place but at the end Flint concludes "Not here."

Nanuet states, "You sure? Take a look again before we leave." Flint looks the place over again quickly and replies curtly "Yeah, I'm sure he ain't here, now let's go before he does. "OK, let's try the Comique next." On their way too the Comique they run into Jake, who says nobody is in the Marshall's Office. Tony Lucky passes the three of them on the street and says to Jake, "Thanks Boss, you won't regret it. I'm off to my table now." As he enters the Lucky Lady Jake notes the three members of the Jackson family departing. The three check out the Comique, which takes far less time to check. Lane Gifford is not there either.

Ruby sat up in her room for a few minutes and fumed. She was emotional from all the hysterics of the day, her revelation to Jake in particular. She had been so happy just a bit earlier and planned on an enjoyable night. So much for that, she thinks. Well, I'm getting out of here too so I can enjoy myself.

Ruby had a quick swig out of one of the bottles they had on their table and headed downstairs, quietly. She checked to make sure no one was watching then slipped out the door. She had two choices before her. To her right was the Gay Lady. Not tonight, I'm not up to fighting off the rowdies. That left her option to the left. She headed down the street and before she knew it was standing in front of the El Parador. The party was still in full swing and the smile came back to her face. She knew she could drink and dance and be safe here, and that was just what she wanted.

She headed inside and squeezed her way to the bar without looking around. "Pedro," she smiled smacking a $20 bill on the bar, "I'm determined to get drunk tonight without a lecture, si? And without any other types of distractions of the sort." Pedro placed a whiskey in front of her, which she promptly downed. "Keep them coming, please." Her head was already feeling better. Now that's more like it...

Pedro says, "Ah Seniorita Ruby, it is good to see you back." He turns the bar over to Jose Ramirez and heads through the crowd back over to the piano. Ruby notes that Chester is sitting at a table talking to Clarisse and Dorita. Most of the other patrons appear to be Wood Elves. She is on her third glass of whiskey when she hears George Eastman's singing voice, singing a Spanish duet with Pedro that the crowd all seems to enjoy. George glances in the direction of the bar and catches Ruby's eye. His face breaks out in a wide smile.

Ruby had a moment of slight panic before the alcohol got the best of her. What could George Eastman possibly do at this moment to ruin her fast approaching good mood? Nothing as far as she was concerned. She was here to enjoy herself and she was going to. She smiled at George, raised her glass and drank it down, motioning for another.

Back at the Lucky Lady, two songs later Kate returns to the table with Minerva, Niki-Yai and Ricardo. She finds the multi-cultural nature of the group amusing, and helps herself to some food that Maria brought out for them to eat. She then notices that while she was distracted with playing piano that Tony Lucky had returned, with him now sitting at his usual table and dealing in some players.

Job Kane usually has Thursday nights off, but he arrives a few minutes later. He too is surprised to see Tony. He goes to the bar and asks Harry Rote, "Where are the other owners?" Harry replies, "Don't know. I think I saw Miss West heading upstairs around twenty minutes ago. Niles headed over to Alhambra to deliver some alcohol, he should be back soon." Kane approaches Kate, giving the Indian woman and wood elf boy an odd look then asking Kate "What's Lucky doing here? And where's Cook? This is supposed to be my night off but I came by to play a few hands with Lucky's players? Should I take Cook's table instead?"

Kate replies, "I don't know what Mr. Lucky is doing here. I'd guess Jake bailed him out, unfortunately. A friend needed some help, so Jake and Nanuet went to help him out. I think Ruby is unwell, but she didn't say anything to me when she went upstairs. I'd appreciate it if you took Jake's table, I was a little nervous here with, ah, just Mr. Hoover." Job noticed that while Kate said Mr. Hoover her eyes flicked over to Tony's table. He says, "I'll get to work myself, I just wanted to make sure my guests here were comfortable."

Jake seems to be acting a bit nervous and glancing back at the Lucky Lady. "Nanuet, why don't you two check out the Alhambra, it's right across the street. Don't do anything without me. I need to stop in at the Lucky Lady for a quick minute and I'll be back." After Nanuet and Flint check out the Comique they head to the Alhambra as instructed by Jake. Lane Gifford does not appear to be there either, although Nanuet does notice that the three people who had gone upstairs with Jeff Mills are sitting at a corner table there talking quietly to themselves.

Jake sprints over to the saloon and doesn't see Ruby on stage. He notices Job talking to his table. He strides quickly over to him and says, "If you could cover for a bit, I have an emergency. I'll explain later." Jake heads upstairs looking for Ruby but does not find her. Coming back down he makes his way to Katherine. "Where did Ruby go?" He is uncharacteristically jittery. "She is not upstairs."

"She's not?" Kate replied. "I didn't see her come down, as far as I know that's where she should be. She seemed upset, I thought it was because she had to stay here while the boys went off to help Flint. I'd guess she slipped out either to find you, or to find some fun of her own. You were already checking saloons, I'd keep right on doing that, and you'll likely find her. Don't skip the El Parador just because Flint was already there. I can't come with you, Flint trusts me to keep an eye on his Apache Lady and there's Angelica's little boy. You'd better hurry, she tends to be... extreme... when she's upset. But you already know that."

Minerva looks at Jake's worried frown and a look of dismay crosses her face. "Senor Jake, What do you mean she is not upstairs! " I saw her stomp up the stairs about 20 minutes ago and I have been watching for her return. She did not exit this way. Is she in some kind of trouble? Perhaps we should go look for her!" Minerva says as she stands up.

Jake is already looking around halfway into Katherine's conversation. "Uh, ok, thanks Katherine. Um, if you see her try and keep her here. Yes, I know it's hard to keep her anywhere." Jake takes Minerva by the elbow and brings her to the doorway. "I saw you grabbed a gun and tried to help out at the boarding house shoot out. I assume that means you aren't afraid when the bullets start flying or at least are fool enough not to run away. Damn it, I don't even know what I'm trying to say, but if you think you can help come with me to the Alhambra, we'll figure out from there." Jake leaves not even waiting for her answer. He speaks without looking as he sprints across the street, "I have a second pistol on me if you want one."

Minerva glances at Katherine who nods for her to go. She takes the pistol from Jake and rushes out the door after him. She hoists up her skirts as she runs. and attempts to check the pistols load as she runs. "Does this have a full round in it?" Jake looks back and says quickly, "Five rounds with an empty under the hammer, double action, so just pull the trigger." Minerva asks, "What's going on?" Jake answers, "We are trying to keep Flint from killing Nanuet accidentally."

Back at the El Parador, Ruby made her way over to Pedro and Eastman. She smiled at George and nodded her head, "Mr. Eastman." She turned to Pedro. "Please come and dance with me, Senor Pedro. I wish to dance!" Pedro took Ruby's hand and led her to the dance floor where they danced gracefully around the floor, Ruby mostly leaning on Mr. Fuentes. When they finally take a break Ruby headed away from George and back to the bar where she consumed a few more beverages. She glanced over her shoulder and didn't see George anywhere.

Chester notices out of the corner of his eye that Ruby is drinking heavily at the bar. He wonders if should do something about, but decides not to. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. After a while, he thinks, Wait a minute. With her here and Clarisse sitting next to me, who's singing at the Lucky Lady? Something must be bothering Ruby, if she left there. He half rises out of his chair, but sits back down. Nope. Can't do that right now. I'm on a date. Pay attention to Clarisse." Clarisse notices and asks, "Mr. Martin, is something the matter?" "No. It's nothing. Now where were we? Oh yes. What beautiful eyes you have."

Ruby sees Eastman coming back inside and deduces that he had stepped out to pay a visit to the outhouse. He heads directly to the bar and says "Looks like we have a wedding to plan, Cook accepted my offer." Ruby turns, faces George and smiles at him. "Here have a drink," she says, pushing she whiskey glass towards him. "Why don't we dance instead of planning a wedding?" He downs the drink and says "Dancing sounds like a wonderful idea." He takes her by the hand and leads her out onto the dance floor. He then yells something over to Estaban in Spanish and the musician changes to a new and faster tune on the guitar while another male wood elf picks up a pair of wood blocks to accompany him.

Eastman says, "I learned this dance down in the Dominican Republic, let me teach it to you." She replies, "Yes, Mr. Eastman, please teach me the dance, I'd love to learn." "Mr. Eastman? Please Ruby, call me George." He spends the next five minutes showing her the various steps and then asks Estaban to play the song once more for her to demonstrate what she learned.

"Alright, George." Ruby lets him lead her around the dance floor. Even being slightly intoxicated she picks up the steps quickly and can keep up. "Oh I love to dance. I think I love dancing almost as much as I love drinking." She has a smile on her face as she twirls around the dance floor. She sighs, "I should be singing right now, but I didn't feel like it." She is quiet for a while as they dance. She then says, "You know, George, fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money."

George replies, "Oh, he told you? I'm surprised I didn't think he would. He drove a hard bargain. First I offered him stock in my new company but he wasn't interested. Then I offered him the value of the stock, $ 15,000, but he still wouldn't bite. But at $ 50,000 he didn't hesitate. He immediately shook hands on it to close the deal."

She replies, "Yes he told me. He told me that he turned you down. He doesn't want me to leave for any amount of money." Ruby continues to smile as they dance around the floor. "Said you only heard what you wanted to hear. You must really like me to be willing to spend that much money for me." Ruby stops suddenly in the middle of the dance floor. "But I'm not for sale. I don't want to leave Promise City and my life here and you
can't make me go with you." She takes his hand. "Now that we got that straight let's have another drink."

Outside, Nanuet sees Jake coming towards him. "Not in here either. Where should we try next? The Long Branch is only a few buildings down the street. But I bet they went right to the seediest place in town though." He looks at Jake and Minerva. "Yes, that would be the Palace." Jake says, "Let's not criss-cross the town, look in the Rio Grande, Long Branch and Peacock's before we head over that way. You two check it out, we'll follow you and stay in the street." Jake says with emphasis, "Please let us know before you do something."

Nanuet lopes off and Flint marches off surprisingly fast and keeps pace with him. As soon as they are ahead Jake speaks to Minerva. "I'm worried that Flint is going to do more than try and catch this guy. His information comes from a man who can't leave Indian territory to testify. So it won't hold up in court I wouldn't guess. However, Gifford was a friend of known outlaws and can be linked to moving some money that was used to pay some outlaws that attacked local miners." Jake pauses a second and adds, "and me. If that isn't enough that Ruby West has run off somewhere, and I'm worried. I don't know what to do about that yet, maybe you have an idea? Either way, you seem resourceful I can could use some help right now." Jake points. "While they are looking in their let's see if anyone is in the Sheriff's office."

Minerva states, "I think Flint may try to do more than catch the man. The Apache woman that he brought to town tonight said that he is here to get revenge. I will do what I can for you. I have some spells that may help us if the goddess is willing. As for Ruby she's quite resourceful." They check out the other saloons on Main Street, not finding any Lane Gifford. They do see Niles Hoover sitting in the Peacock Saloon chatting with the owner and asks him to head back to the Lucky Lady to help keep an eye on things. The Sheriff's Office remains empty and locked.

"That settles that," Nanuet says. "Let's go to the Palace next." Flint and Nanuet start heading that way. "Wait! Neither of us can get in there. Hey Mr. Jake!" Nanuet calls out. Once Jake catches up he explains the situation. Jake says, "Check out the Silver Dollar first, it is on the way." All four walk together in that direction. They find that the Silver Dollar is already closed for the evening. Jake comments, "I don't know what Gifford looks like, how can I find him? Oh and did I mention to you that Evan Adair tried to kill me once already?" Nanuet replies, "I don't know what he looks like. Flint?"

Flint says, "I vaguely remember him but according to Knowles he is around five-eight, dirty blonde hair, brown beard, rotted teeth, pockmarked face, deep scar above the right eye and a beer belly." The four walk over to the front of the Palace. Jake takes off the empty holster and gives it to Minerva. Minerva tucks the gun into the secret pocket of her gown where her derringer is also hidden. She hands the holster to Nanuet and puts a charming smile on her face.

Jake takes off his remaining gun belt and pistol and hands it to Nanuet. "Take good care of that please." He starts to turn towards the saloon but stops and says, "Get me a nice plot in Boot Hill, something facing the mountains."

Back at the El Parador, Eastman had accompanied Ruby to the bar and says, "That Cook is a clever one with words. We had us an audience during the negotiation, that Lucky guy who works for you and the Deputy Sheriff. Cook became concerned after he agreed to the deal of their knowing, so made a few comments for their benefit. But Ruby, he shook on it. He initiated the handshake and it was immediately after my offer. Ask any businessman and they'll tell you that is the universal sign of an agreement.

Sounds to me like he's talking out of both sides of his mouth. He's still stringing you along until he gets the cold hard cash. Either that or he lied to me, which I don't take kindly to and he'll come to regret if that is the case. As for you being for sale, Ruby, I'm not buying you. People can't own other people, that was what that war twenty years ago was all about. Ruby, I proposed marriage to you and you took my ring with no strings attached. I'm just tossing some money at a potential problem to make it go away."

Ruby pushes another drink towards Eastman and drinks her own. She continues to smile at him. "I think you have a way with words too, George," she giggles. "You told me to hold onto the ring while I thought about it. I didn't accept it as my acceptance to your proposal. Did that make sense?" She giggles again. "Drink that," she pushes the drink towards him. "Until he actually takes the money from you with the clear understanding of what it's for, him breaking up with me, I won't believe it. Sorry," she shrugs.

"Now, I am starting to have a good time tonight, so why don't you tell me all about why you like me so much? Why you think I'd make a good wife for you?" She moves a little closer to him and then leans forward just a bit, showing a bit more cleavage. "Don't forget, Georgie, flattery will get you everywhere." She gives him a huge smile. "And while you do that, we'll continue to share this," Ruby leans over the bar and grabs the bottle she has been draining and pours herself another drink.

He states, "Ruby, when our families first arranged the marriage I was hesitant. My family didn't start out rich. Back when we were in Watertown New York we were dirt poor, I didn't even have a bedroom, I slept on the floor. But that changed. My father and uncle were both successful. We moved to Rochester and became part of society there. Our mothers met and saw a potential match. But five years ago you were still a child, a mere girl of thirteen. You looked older but lacked the maturity. I had just learned about the art of photography and wanted to travel, so had no desire to be tied to a girl a decade my junior.

But my perspective changed almost as soon as I got to Santo Domingo. The girls there all marry at twelve and thirteen. And they live happy lives despite their poverty. It got me thinking about life and the need to enjoy it more fully. I kept a photographic journal of my travels but the real change was in my heart. And my heart started to long for you. Whether it was in Santo Domingo, Aberdeen, the French Rivera, Morocco, Cairo or Algiers every time I saw a young woman with your hair length or facial shape I thought of you.

After I returned home I was crushed to find that you had gone. Your family did not know how to reach you. I saw other women socially, but none lived up to the woman that I pictured you as being. So I threw myself into my work instead. Ruby, last year alone my sales of photographic plates were close to a half-million dollars. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. But what is all the money in the world if I am alone.

Ruby, the day that I received the letter from my cousin Helen telling me that she had found you was the happiest day of my life. The future is ours, and I will devote myself towards your eternal happiness. You will be the Queen of the Photographic World. And your voice is like that of the gods themselves. We will build you that concert hall in New York City where you can perform for the thousands. You dislike society, well those matrons of society will be envious of you. You are their better and they will be made to see that.

Ruby, you can't throw away your future on this mining town singing for a bunch of tired prospectors who would rather watch their cards than you. And this Cook who you think so highly of, where is he? Why aren't you with him now? I know why, because you are not the most important thing in his life to him like you are to me."

Ruby places her hand on George's. "That is very sweet. But you are in love with a dream, one that you made up in your head. You love me, why? Because I am beautiful? There are many beautiful women out there. You refuse to admit to yourself that you know nothing about me. And I don't really know anything about you. George, I don't know why you won't trust me when I say I wouldn't be a good wife for you. And you have your new company, you are going to need to spend time on that, not devoting your time to me."

He replies, "I want to learn more about you. You asked me to get to know your friends so I came here to get to know them. Please Ruby, tell me about all of the things in life that interest you. What music do you enjoy most? What are your favorite meals? Who are your favorite authors? What are your attitudes towards the Church? Towards politics? Where do you see America twenty years from now? I want to know what you think."

Ruby answers, "No, George, I don't think you do, want to know what I think, not really." Eastman replies, "We can do this together. You throw your self into your job too when you are there, singing your best. But you don't sing twenty-four hours a day, you devote yourself to other interests too. I'm excited about my business because I've invented something new, just as that Edison guy and Bell guy have done. Ruby, the world is changing and we can become part of those changes. Yes, I am ambitious, that is part of who I am. But what about you? Wouldn't you like for thousands to hear and appreciate your voice, to be the talk of the town of whatever city you sing in? To have people wait in line and pay top dollar to appreciate your voice?"

Ruby says, "So how about we just keep drinking for a while, that's what I like to do. And I like to dance and play cards, that we can do too." Ruby looks him in the eyes. "What do you think?" He replies, "I think we have probably both had enough to drink for now. If we keep this up we will not even be able to walk away from here. Although it is a hotel, I suppose we could get a room."

"George!" She slaps him lightly across the face. "I haven't had enough to drink for you to even suggest such a thing!" He ignores the slap and just laughs saying, "To sleep Ruby, just to sleep. If we're too drunk to walk we would be too drunk for anything else. We could get a two-bedroom suite if they have one here."

She exclaims, "Oh sure MR. EASTMAN, you know how many times I heard THAT before?" She crosses her arms and tries to give him a dirty look, although it comes out more comical than anything. "Or are you saying that you DON'T want to sleep with me?" He replies, "There will be plenty of time for that after we are married." "Oh, so you are turning me down then?" Ruby hiccups. "Never," he says as his eyes grow wide. "Should I ask about a room?"

"What kind of gentleman would say such a thing?" Ruby slaps him again, then hiccups. "I think you're drunk!" "I think you're right," George replies. "Maybe we should dance it off, after all, the reason that Pedro and Dorita threw this party was to celebrate our engagement." "What?" Ruby snaps. Ruby immediately finds Pedro and marches up to him. "What's this party for?"

Pedro says, "It started out for you and George. He said that if you showed up that meant you two were getting married. But then you left and he told me not to make announcement. Then I talked to you on the porch. But by that point the party was already going then, so we didn't see any reason to stop it. Looks like everyone is having a good time."

Why would you do that? Why would you listen to him?" She points to Eastman. Ruby wobbly stands on a chair, then on a table. "Listen to me right now," Ruby screams at the top of her lungs, "I AM IN LOVE WITH JACOB COOK. I AM NOT MARRYING GEORGE EASTMAN!!!!"

Silence fills the Cantina as Ruby tries to gracefully climb off the table and chair. She sticks her nose in the air and stomps out of the Cantina. As she passes Pedro, "I thought you were my friends!! She gets out the front door and leans on the railing of the porch, trying to catch her breath. After Ruby's outburst Eastman made no attempt to follow her. Instead, he wandered back to the bar and in a serious error in judgement downed two more drinks. He then drops a $ 50.00 bill onto the bar and staggers out the back door.

Pedro had gone out onto the porch after Ruby and says, "We are your friends Ruby. He came over here and said that you told him we were your friends and that you wanted him to get to know us. He said that you two had been engaged before you came to Arizona and he had again asked you again to be his bride. Both he and Jake are nice boys, you have good reason to be confused about this."

Ruby sighs. "That's just it. I'm not confused. Jake is not confused," she hiccups, "George is the only one who is confused. I feel bad for him but I turned him down. He tried to bribe Jake to leave me and Jake said no too but he won't accept it. What can I do? He won't go away, he won't leave us alone, he thinks I am going to marry him. I don't want to get married," she whines. Ruby's lips starting quivering and Pedro can tell an outburst of tears are on their way. "I need another drink! *hiccup"

Pedro replies, "No, I think you have enough to drink. Right now you need to rest. Why don't you go up to Mr. Gonzales private room, Mr. Eastman will never find you there no matter how hard he tries." Ruby replies, "Oh, I'm not really worried about him right now. Do you know what time it is?" Pedro steps out from the porch and looks up at the night sky. He glances back to Ruby and says "Looks like it is between 9:15 and 9:20." He then sniffs the air and says "Spring rains are on the way."

"Rain tonight? I wish it would rain, I like the rain." "No, not tonight. The skies are too clear. Possibly tomorrow, definitely by the weekend. You may not like Arizona spring storms, there is often more lightning than rain."

She sighs. "I'm going to get back. If Jake is back he will be worried about me." She kisses Pedro on the cheek. "Thank you for the party" Ruby hiccups again. He states, "Ruby, we will hold another one for you any time you wish. You can bring Jake next time instead of George if you prefer, even if he doesn't know our songs and dances." "Good, I will look forward to the rain." She looks up into the sky and smiles. "And I will bring Jake back." She drags her eyes from the sky to Pedro. "Good night, Senor."

Ruby stumbles her way up to the Street. Pedro shakes his head and goes back inside. He assumes that she will safely find her way back to the Lucky Lady, unaware of just how badly he will later feel for making that assumption.

Chapter 62, “I get to be the bearer of bad news…”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

Kate continued to play piano back at the Lucky Lady. After all the trouble getting a translator, Kate realized now that she wouldn't be able to spend time sitting and talking with Flint's friend. Not much anyway. She got Jeff and Job to turn the piano so she'd be able to see the room while she played. Thankfully, Kate already knew what drink Tony Lucky always had, so she didn't have to speak to him when she took that tables orders.

Thankfully Tony Lucky hadn't given her a hard time, and Kate was able to relax. Once the games were in full swing she left the piano and went to sit with her guest. Between Jeff and Maria they would be able to handle the smaller crowd. She smiled warmly at Ricardo and Naki-Yai as she sat down. "I apologize, I work here and with the others out I must take my turns. Now, tell me about how you met Flint. I understand you have been out to the ranch before today."

Ricardo translates, "The people, the Apache, we watch the ranch. We saw that you and the woman Sonoma knew what to do but that Nanuet and Flint did not. Flint most of all, he was clueless. But none of the Apache would make the effort to show him. I finally got angry at the men, watching but not helping, and decided to do it myself. He is a friend of our Ambassador, we need to help make him successful. Friends help friends."

Kate says, "I was surprised when Flint took up my suggestion of ranching. He certainly knows mining better, but that land is not good for mining. He will learn, especially with friends such as yourself to help him." She replies, "Oh, he hasn't completely given up on mining. He's spent the last week hooking up a contraption to dig on its own." Ricardo looks up after making the translation and says, "That sounds interesting. Will you take me out to see it Mrs. Kale?"

Kate tells him, "I'll need to get a look at it first, Ricardo. If it looks like it won't just blow up or start chasing us on it's own, we'll ask your mother if you can come see. Please tell her that even if the contraption doesn't work for mining, it might be useful for fence posts or crops, depending on how it works."

Kate comments to Naki-Yai, "I admit, I have taken some comfort in the thought that your people might be keeping a friendly eye out for us. Sonoma knows a great deal more than I do, but I do know my horses. I'm grateful for you help, and I hope your people know we are ready to help them in any way, they need only ask. How does Flint get on with his learning?" Naki-Yai answers, "He listens to me. I think he is lonely, that helps, he is more open to my suggestions than he would be otherwise. I was told that dwarven society does not value women, but he is humble so he listens to me."

Kate states, "I don't know much about dwarven society, but I know Flint has been around many very capable women lately and he is intelligent enough to realize their worth. And you're right about him being lonely. I am so busy lately I don't have time to be the friend I ought. Of course, we don't have much in common either."

Kate comments, "I should be getting back to the piano, I suppose. Without Ruby here the crowd will wander away soon enough. We'll see if I can keep them a little longer." Katherine sat down at the piano and began some lively tunes. Her mind wandered away quickly, even as her eyes stayed sharp. It had been such a topsy-turvy day that her mind couldn't come to rest on one thing. Her school, being suddenly so much closer to opening it, the trouble with Mr. Lucky, the sudden trouble tonight with Flint and Ruby's running off to who knew where, the manner in which Conrad had said good night. Her unruly mind would keep going back there. She vowed greater disciple and focused on her playing and watching.

A few blocks away, Jake walks over to the front door of the Palace Saloon, shows the man he has no side arm and goes inside. Jake gets a whiskey at the bar and sips it as he looks around the room. Minerva tucks the gun into the secret pocket of her gown where her derringer is also hidden. She hands the holster to Nanuet and puts a charming smile on her face. She enters the saloon behind Jake.

Minerva walks up to Jake and notices a well-dressed man in a pressed suit walk in Jake's direction. "I'm surprised to see you here," Evan Adair says to Jake, "I imagine you're here about the most recent newspaper story. Everything in that story was true Cook, all of the Lucky Lady's gamblers have spent time behind bars. Just because you bribed the Earps to keep it quiet and avoid a trial doesn't mean it didn't happen."

Jake replies, "Newspaper story? Must have been in Baxter's paper. I don't read that. Why would I ask you about that? You haven't started a career as a journalist have you?" Jake has a drink. "It's up to you if you want to ask Wyatt Earp if he's taking bribes. For the record, I'm not bribing lawmen." Adair replies, "Yeah, right. Personally I've never known anyone to be stupid enough to come out and admit that they bribed a lawman. So if that's not why you're here then I'd have to guess that you brought this girl over here as a peace offering to me," as he gestures to Minerva.

"Heh." Jake and looks to Minerva who's eyebrows just shot up. "I didn't bring her, she just happened to be coming in too. Apparently you haven't met Senorita Florencia. Senorita allow me to introduce to you the owner of this establishment Mr. Evan Adair." While talking Jake continues to surreptitiously scan the room for Gifford.

Minerva's dark eyes flash in irritation, "Beware how you welcome a preacher to town Senor Adair, the gods might take offense at such vulgarity." Clearly insulted she gives him a hard look, smiles coolly and holds out her hand. "Now let us begin again." " Buenas Tardes, (good evening) Senor Adair. I am The Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia and it is I who have come here to discuss an offer from you. She continues Haughtily "I have little time tonight, and am not inclined to discuss the gods business in this atmosphere. I shall return tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps you will give me a kinder reception in the light of day." Minerva continues to nonchalantly scan the room.

Nanuet stands with Flint outside the Palace. The Dwarf is obviously antsy about moving on. "What is taking them so long?" he grumbles "Have patience Flint. Jake is not one to rush into a fight. I am sure he is in there doing what he is supposed to be doing, just in his own way. We will know if we are needed and when." Nanuet keeps his eyes focused on the surrounding street and routinely checks back to the front door of the Palace for any hints of trouble. He and Flint then see Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez, heading east down Sierra from the direction of East Street. Rodriguez walks directly up to them and says "What are the two of you doing out here? Don't tell me you're planning to go inside, this place doesn't allow non-humans."

Nanuet speaks up first. "Just the man we were looking for. Marshall, there is a man somewhere in this town who murdered a friend of ours a while back. We know he is here in town and we have been trying to find him and bring him for justice. We have checked out a couple of the local saloons so far and had no luck. Jake Cook is inside The Palace right now since as you pointed out, we are not allowed inside. As soon as he comes out and let's us know what he finds out we will move along." Rodriguez says, "Sounds like a plan. I'm not going near that place, I'm less welcome there than you two. The owner is one of several in this town who wants me fired."

Back at the Lucky Lady, Kate is the first to notice a disheveled George Eastman stagger into the Lucky Lady. He does not appear to be armed so Luc lets him by. He heads directly to towards the poker table where he slams his hands down on the table, interrupting the game. Jeff Mills heads out from behind the bar and starts to walk in that direction. Eastman points to Job and yells "We had a deal! We shook on it. She was mine." He then gets lightheaded and looks like he is about to collapse. Jeff grabs an empty chair from a nearby table and shoves it under George before he falls down. The entire saloon is silent for a few minutes while George blinks a few times and appears to regain some composure. He then looks back at Job Kane and says "You? You're not Cook!"

Kate stepped down from the piano. There was a much more interesting show going on at Job's table. "No, he's not," she said as she arrived at the table. "Jeff, could you get some good strong coffee for Mr. Eastman please? Sir, why don't we go sit at a quieter table and let these men get on with their game. Come along now," she said getting him out of his chair and using her shoulder beneath his to support him.

He starts to get up and then collapses onto the floor and jostling the table, knocking off some of the cards and chips. Job stops his game telling his players "Time for a break, head over to the bar and Niles will serve you up a complimentary round." Tony had also stopped his game and asks, "What about my players?" Job says, "Yeah, them too."

While the poker players all flock to the bar Job and Kate help Eastman up he yells out "This isn't fair. She was supposed to me mine, Cook said so." Job asks, "What are you talking about?" Eastman collapses partially into his arms and in a half-yell, half-cry exclaims "We spent the night together, drinking, dancing, talking about the future......then she announces to the whole place that she loves Cook instead of me and won't marry me! Damn it! It isn't fair. She was mine, not his."

Once they had him safely in a chair Kate said, "I don't know what you think Jake agreed to, but I'm fairly certain you're wrong." She slipped into a chair on the other side of the table where she could still see Naki-Yai. "So Ruby is at the El Parador. That's a relief at least. Let me ask you Mr. Eastman, if you're sober enough to answer, who did the talking about the future? You or Ruby? And as far as who she belongs to, that's for Ruby to decide no matter what agreement you think you have with Jake. You seem to have a great talent for hearing only things you want to."

Katherine took a deep breath and said in a gentler tone, "I'm not unsympathetic, sir. From what I know of you, you seem a very nice man and well worth knowing. But you have allowed your fancy for a woman you know only in your imagination to blind you. It's time to open your eyes and see the truth."

He sobs openly and says, "There is no future. She's gone, gone from me forever..." He then passes out. "What does he mean by that?" Job asks. Mike Moore, one of Tony Lucky's regular players says, "Sounds like he killed her!" Job says, "Calm down everybody. Niles, get the smelling salts from behind the bar." Tony exclaims, "Wouldn't surprise me. I saw him fighting with Cook earlier about her. This guy wanted her bad. I guess he decided that if he couldn't have her then nobody would."

Kate says, "If something had happened to Ruby, we'd know about it by now. I'm sure she's fine, in nearly the same condition as he is, but fine. He's spent the last several days refusing to hear the word no. I think Ruby finally made him understand."

Job says, "Yeah, but we'd better make sure." He calls for Maria who pops her head out of the kitchen. "Maria, head over to the El Parador and make sure that Ruby is there and that she's safe." He then orders Harry Rote to "Go find the Marshall. If he isn't in his office check at the Great Western Boarding House, he lives there." Niles hands Job the smelling salts. Job comments, "Let's wait until the Marshall gets here, just in case."

Back inside the Palace Saloon, Adair states to Minerva, "Oh, so you're this new preacher!". "Well as far as I'm concerned you and that stinking Committee of yours can go visit the God of the Underworld Hades in the place by the same name! How dare you people try to rule against how my employees can dress inside of my own building!. Get out before I throw you out. You and your overly judgmental friends aren't welcome here!" "Senor, You are an ignorant buffoon for presuming that the committee and I are of the same mind. It is a wonder you have not driven yourself out of business." Minerva glances at Jake and he subtlety nods towards the door. Giving Adair an angry look she turns on her heel and huffs out of the saloon.

Jake shakes his head as he watches Minerva storm out of the saloon. He drains the rest of his whiskey and says, "Adair, you have a knack for chasing attractive women out of your saloon. I am surprised at you." Jake puts the empty glass on the bar. "The Palace seems dimmer from her departure, so I guess I'll be headed out. Thanks for your company."

Jake strolls out the front door and is surprised to see Rodriguez across the street with Nanuet and Flint. Jake approaches noticing that Minerva is still seething. "I didn't see him in there. Buenos noches Senor Rodriguez." Jake nods. "We are running out of saloons." He scratches his beard some and finally says, "Gifford used to live over in a mining camp, anybody know where that was? If he did ride into town then his horse is likely over at the corral. We could check that too."

A man walking out of the Palace overhears and says "Gifford? You looking for Lane Gifford?" Nanuet says, "Yes, heard he was in town. Need to speak to him about some unfinished business from a while back. Know where he is?" The man gestures back to the Palace and says, "Yeah, he's in there. Went upstairs with Fannie Mitchum around a half-hour ago. Should be back down soon." Nanuet thinks to himself, "Only half an hour?"

When the man passes by Nanuet says, "Thanks mister. Appreciate it." Jake says to Rodriguez, "Gifford may be a link to the Cowboy gang. He was linked to the money that was used to hire the men that shot Morgan Earp a while back. Warren could fill you in on it." Jake takes his gun belt back from Nanuet. "I'm willing to help you bring him in alive." Jake says and looks at Flint.

Nanuet turns to Jake and the two walk far enough away that the man whom he just spoke to can not hear him. "Well we know where he is and we have the Marshall here to handle the arrest. So why don't you head back and see what's left of your card game. We should be able to handle it from here." Flint says "Let's go!" as he pulls the shotgun from his back. Rodriguez reaches down and draws a throwing dagger from his boot and says, "Guess we'll find out if the recognize my badge or not." The Deputy Sheriff walks up into the Saloon. The bouncer McCoy goes to stop him.

"Really?" Jake says to no one and walks over towards the Palace to the far left of the doorway. "Prosper, I wouldn't interfere with the lawman. Good time to take a break I think, don't you Senorita?." Jake says with his hand on Colt.

Nanuet comments, "This is not going to be pretty is it?" He is torn about whether to follow the two into the saloon or to stay here like he suggested. In the end he decides on neither course. "I am going to go around back in case someone thinks that is a good way to get out of there. Holler if you need me." Nanuet pulls out his pistol as he makes his way around the back of the saloon. Once there he tries to find a shadowy spot to conceal himself where he still has a view of the door.

Rodriguez says, "Sir, we don't want any trouble but one of your customers needs to be questioned regarding the shooting of Morgan Earp two months back. I don't think that the Earps will take kindly to you harboring a guy who shot his brother." McCoy steps back letting the group enter. Adair quickly makes his way across the room and asks "What's going on? This your doing Cook?"

"Not me, you heard the Deputy Marshall. It wouldn't hurt our stranding with the Earps to bring this guy in though. You want to help?" Jake smiles at Adair. "Somebody needs to keep your customers quiet and calm though. They won't wander over to the Lucky Lady if we make this quick." Adair asks, "Who is it that you're looking for....Marshall." Eduardo says, "A man by the name of Lane Gifford." Adair looks to McCoy who says, "Pockmarked guy with the scar, upstairs with Fannie." Adair tells McCoy, "Well go get him, we can't keep these....gentlemen...waiting." McCoy heads upstairs.

Twenty minutes have goes by at the Lucky Lady when Maria finally returns, out of breath and looking upset. She exclaims, "Ruby not at El Parador, she said she no marry him," she points to Eastman, "And was coming back here. She left right before he did, Pedro say so." Maria starts to get teary eyed. "Where is she?" "He killed her!" Mike Moore yells. Another of Tony's players, Billy Glass, exclaims, "Damn, she was a good singer. Let's string him up."

Job tells everyone to calm down, but the crowd won't have any of it. Niles breaks out the shotgun from behind the bar and yells "Saloon's closed, everybody out." The patrons all file out the door, a few men kicking the unconscious Eastman as they file by him. Maria starts crying. "Poor Miss Ruby. She finally happy here, she told me so."

Kate went over to Maria and put her arms around her. "Ruby is not dead, do you hear me? All we know is she left the El Parador and didn't arrive here. We need to check streets between here and there. If she is as drunk as he is she might have just stopped to be sick. I don't suppose you can speak the Apache language Maria?" "No, I don't speak Apache. And Pedro already send someone out to look for Ruby in the street. But I had bad sign today, I knew something bad would happen!" Maria sobs, "Three black birds fly over the Lucky Lady. But later I only see two. Very unlucky." She sobs some more and puts her head in her hands.

Kate exclaims, "Ruby's fine, I'm sure. The men just took something Mr. Eastman said out of context, but it's best we find her and get it all cleared up. Can you take Ricardo home for me in a few minutes?" Kate walked over to Naki-Yai and has Ricardo explain the situation. "We need to look for her, so I guess you'll have to come with me. I'm not leaving the search to others. We won't be able to communicate, I can't take Ricardo into this. Would you be more comfortable staying here?" Katherine waits for the Apache woman's answer and for Job to come back down so they can go find Ruby.

Kate turned frightened eyes to the men in the saloon. "Thank you for clearing the place out, Mr. Hoover. Someone will need to stay here to protect him until we know what's really happened." However, unbeknownst to them, one unfortunate side effect of Hoover clearing out the Lucky Lady is that around two-dozen patrons then fanned out to every other saloon in town with the news of Ruby's demise.

Billy Glass bursts into the El Parador. "We're forming a posse to string up that Eastman fella. He killed Ruby." Everyone looks up in shock. Pedro asks, "What do you mean? She's probably at the Lucky Lady." "No. She isn't there. Last anyone saw her, she was talking to that easterner. Then he comes in drunk as a skunk, going on about how she was gone forever. He did it. They closed the Lucky Lady early, but he's still inside. Let's go get him." A few of the customers join Glass at the door over Pedro and Dorita's objections.

Chester looks over at Clarisse. "Miss Townsend, I have to look into this. Ruby's one of my friends." "You're going to hang Mr. Eastman? What about a trial?" Chester pats her hand. "Don't worry. I'm not joining the posse. But I am going to the Lucky Lady to find out what happened. Do you want to come with me? I don't know how long this will take." She replies, "Yes, I'll go with you. Don't leave me with this mob. Poor Ruby." Chester and Clarisse duck out the back door, avoiding the mob. He says, "There's got to be a simple explanation for this. They didn't check her room upstairs. That's got to be it."

They see another crowd gathering at the front door of the El Parador with Mr. Hoover telling those assembled to go home. Helen Barker is there demanding to see her cousin. Chester looks around and guides Clarisse to the back alley. He fumbles for his key ring and unlocks the door to the kitchen. "Quickly, before someone sees us." He locks the door behind him and goes into the main room. "Katherine, what happened?" He points at the unconscious Eastman. "One of Tony's players came into the El Parador saying that he killed Ruby. Did you look upstairs, yet?"

"We did, Chester, but she isn't there either. Some of us are going to look for her outside. She was very drunk, so she may have become ill. Could you guard Mr. Eastman until we get this resolved?" "Yeah. Job? Help me get him upstairs to one of the guestrooms. It'll be easier to keep him safe there. Clarisse, just sit tight." Naki-Yai indicates that she is would like to leave, having the seen the angry mob now growing outside the front door.

Another pair of patrons from the Lucky Lady have now entered the Palace saloon, walking around the deputy and his friends near the doorway, and head over towards the bar. While they are waiting the bartender calls for Adair who excuses himself and goes over to the bar. He has a short and quiet conversation with two men seated at the bar, one of who Jake recognizes as Judson Willis, a regular at Tony Lucky's table.

Prosper McCoy heads down the stairs, his hands clutching onto Lane Gifford's neck and back. Gifford is busy pulling up his pants. When they get to the bottom Deputy Marshall Rodriguez reaches over and pulls off Gifford's belt, saying "I'll take that." Giffords pants fall down to his feet, eliciting a laugh from the entire Saloon.

While Rodriguez uses the belt to secure Giffords hands behind his back Adair walks back from the bar, suppressing a smile and being followed by Judson Willis. Adair walks right up to Cook. With no small amount of glee in his voice Adair says, "Mr. Cook, I seems that I get to be the bearer of bad news. Your friend Ruby West has been murdered."

Silence follows that announcement. Willis then interjects, "I'm sorry Mr. Cook but it's true. She had dinner with that Eastman guy. She announced to the whole restaurant that she wouldn't marry him, that she loved you instead. When she left he followed her out and killed her."