Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

Chapter 63, “Ruby's Disappearance", Thursday, March 16th, 1882:

The words were like physical blows, Ruby West has been murdered. Each one pounding the air from Jake's chest. When Willis had finished speaking others were talking around Jake Cook but he didn't hear them. He was still facing Adair and Willis but didn't see them, didn't really see anything. It felt like the world stopped, he couldn't breath.

After what seemed like an eternity Jake finally says, "Where.... where is she?" Willis responds, "They went out to look for her. Eastman came into the Lucky Lady looking for you. To tell you if he couldn't have her you couldn't either."

His hand unconsciously brushed his revolver and such a dark look crossed Jacob Allistair Cooke's face that Willis had a moment of uncertainty and took a step back. Even the smile left Adair's face for a brief second. But then he just turned and left the Palace saloon. He didn't hear the whispers, the talking, and one man laughing and ignored the hand that tried to gently restrain him. He did not utter another word as he strode purposefully towards the Lucky Lady saloon. His thoughts grew darker and darker.

Minerva hears the words and turns to see the shock on Jake's face. It quickly turns from disbelief to murderously dark anger. She gently places her hand on his shoulder to restrain him but he takes no notice and purposefully turns and leaves the Palace Saloon. Jake parted the crowd easily and climbed the porch and was stopped at the door. He wasn't even looking at who it was, nothing registered. He was looking for just one face. "Where is Eastman." Jake says as calmly and as simply as if he misplaced his hat. His face muscles gave away nothing but his eyes seethed of hatred and unnatural anger.

Back at the Lucky Lady, Kate reassures Maria that Ruby is fine. Maria exclaims, "No! He say she is gone forever! I know something bad happen today!" Maria continues to sob. "How can you not feel bad? She was your friend too! She was good to you! Poor Senor Jake, what will he do without his Senorita?" Maria's crying gets more hysterical and she runs into Niles Hoover's arms, burying her face. Job looks up and sees Jake at the door. He hurries over and lets him in, having to push back some of the other crowd from getting inside. Job gives Jake a sympathetic hand on the shoulder. "I guess you heard..."

Katherine pulled herself up as tall as possible and bellowed, "THERE IS NOTHING TO HAVE HEARD, DAMN IT!" Every eye in the room turned to the usually gentle Kate. She spoke again with an unfamiliar dark edge. "You listen to me, all of you. I will NOT mourn a death that we aren't even certain happened! 'She is gone from me forever' is not a murder confession! How many times have some of you been so drunk you couldn't get home? Hmm? I WILL NOT believe she is dead until I see it for myself. Why don't we do something useful and go find her. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DEATH, I WILL NOT BORROW IT."

Maria looks up from her crying and says, "Pedro and Dorita already send people out looking. We would hear if they found her. And Miss Ruby never not made it home from drinking," before she buries her head again, still crying hysterically.

Minerva hurried after Jake and heads into the Lucky Lady where she saw him bursts through the door with a wild look in his eyes. As she enters the Lucky Lady they are met by the sight of the usually docile Katherine Yelling and trying to reason with the bloodthirsty crowd. Minerva places herself squarely in Jake's path and stops him.

Jake had vaguely heard Job Kane, other people are talking too. Then Katherine yelled and he looks at her and stares without emotion. He continues looking around the room, everyone is looking at him. Face after face after face looking at him, not one of them the face he is searching for. In a cold monotone voice he begins to say again, "Where is Ea..." but he is interrupted by the priestess who suddenly appears in his path.

She looks him in the eye "Senor Jake, please listen! You know, things are not always as they appear. Do not let your fear get the best of you." "Look at me!" He hears those words but he can't concentrate any more on what she is saying. Her lips are moving but all Jake can feel is the cold hard feeling in his belly, the one that started as hot anger and now has changed by a flood of emotions to a murderous hate that burns him worse than any heat he has ever felt.

Minerva commands and places her hand firmly on his chest, and casting a remove fear spell onto Jake. She then compassionately pleads, "Let us get to the bottom of this before you do something that both you and Ruby will regret." Jake suddenly feels an easy warmth and confidence flow over him, taking the edge off the burning cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. He blinks hard a few times and says, "What? What are you saying?"

Minerva sees a glimmer of recognition in Jake's eyes and in a desperate attempt to focus his attention on her she shakes him hard. " Do you hear me Jake? Things are NOT always as they appear!" Jake looks her in the eyes and says "I heard you. What in Hades are you trying to tell me?"

She replies, "I'm trying to tell you not to let your fear rule your actions. Don't go off half-cocked. Think! You of all people should know that gossip isn't fact. NO ONE has seen her! NO ONE knows anything! There is no evidence to indicate that anything has happened to her at all! She may be fine, she may be hurt but we don't know anything. "We need to find Ruby! and we're standing here wasting time! Let me go talk to Eastman and find out what really happened. If he really killed her than I won't stand in your way."

Nanuet waited for what seemed like an eternity. He heard an outburst of laughter from the saloon. Then only a few moments later, an odd silence. He waits only a moment longer before he feels his continued tardiness would be detrimental to the situation at hand. Nanuet makes his way back to the front of the saloon in time to see the Marshall leading a man down the street restrained with his own belt. He sees the dwarf loitering nearby, obviously unhappy that his prey was still walking. "Flint, where is Mr. Jake?" Flint replies, "He just left, headed that way." he says pointing. "Somebody told him that Ruby was dead, something about some Eastman fella not wanting anyone to have her."

That was all Nanuet needed to hear. He knew Eastman would be trouble sooner or later. He sprinted in the direction Flint had pointed scanning the area for Jake. He saw him just as he parted the mob and entered the Lucky Lady. Nanuet followed him inside his pistol still in his hand just in time to hear the exchanges.

Job states, "Katherine, why don't you take Chester and maybe some of those people outside and start looking then? If she was sick on the way you will find her." Warren Earp pushes his way through the crowd and enters the Lucky Lady. Helen Eastman Barker uses the opportunity to follow right behind him. "All right now, what's going on here?" Warren asks.

"Marshall," Katherine said with a curt nod. "Mr. Eastman arrived here not long ago, very drunk. He said Miss West had announced she would not marry him, and he used the words 'She is gone from me forever.' Many of our patrons took that to mean he had killed her. Mr. Hoover closed the saloon and got them out of here before they could do Mr. Eastman any harm. Ruby left the El Parador shortly before he did and has not arrived here. I was just going out to look for her. It's my feeling she just got lost or distracted on her way."

The Deputy exclaims, "Got lost? It's only two blocks away! And she's walked it probably a hundred times. Ma'am, I understand your not wanting to give up hope but it certainly sounds suspicious. Now where is this Eastman fellow?" Helen interjects, "Yes, where is my cousin?"

Kate says, "I understand she was very drunk, Marshall. That does make a difference. I'll take you to Mr. Eastman, it's up to you whether you allow Mrs. Barker to accompany us." Kate turned to Ricardo. "Please tell Naki-Yai that we will go back to the El Parador as soon as I am finished with the Marshall."

Helen refuses to be left behind and moves directly up to and behind the Marshall as they follow Kate to the stairs. "Here, take these" Job says as he hands the Marshall the smelling salts. Kate wasn't quite sure which room they had put Eastman in, but assumed it would be the one Nanuet occasionally used. She opened the door to see Eastman lying on the bed. She says, "He passed out on his own, we didn't wake him right away. With the patrons so worked up we thought it would be better to wait until we could get a Marshall. He hasn't been out long."

"Alright." Jake says quietly. He points, "They are headed upstairs to see him, go ahead." Like you could really stop me he thinks. Minerva turns and runs up the stairs calling out behind, "Don't do anything rash." Jake lets her go, assumes a not threatening posture and blends into the background for a moment before he quietly follows them up the stairs like it was the most natural thing in the whole world.

Warren Earp hands Helen the smelling salts and draws his gun. "See if you can get him to wake up without those, otherwise use them." She tries talking to him, then shaking him. Neither is successful. She then takes the smelling salts and breaks them under his nose. There is no reaction at first, then he coughs and starts to move his face, and eyes still closed. Jake and Minerva enter the room just then. Helen leans over and says, "Georgie, it's me Helen. You had yourself too much to drink." He opens his eyes and starts to sit up in the bed. His eyes then cross and he collapses back again.

Kate looked over at Warren Earp. "That's the other reason I don't believe he did anything. He can't hold his liquor. I'm a better drunk than he is." She moved casually across the room to stand on the other side of Jake from Minerva. Earp says, "Well, we tried. When he finally wakes up I want him behind bars. Go get that big guy downstairs to help get him out of here." Helen starts to protest until Warren says, "Do you see that mob outside? The town jail is the safest place for him at the moment even if he's innocent."

Kate looked at Minerva, then went back downstairs to get Jeff. "They tried the smelling salts," Kate said, "But he's so drunk he passed out again as soon as he tried to sit up. Marshall Earp wants to take him to the jail and needs a hand." She and Jeff went back upstairs to the room where Eastman was laid out. Warren says, "Okay, we'll carry him downstairs and take him out the back. Please try to distract the crowd out front so that they don't notice us leaving." Helen announces "I'm going with you Marshall."

Maria waits downstairs, still crying. Finally she heads upstairs to the room. Standing outside the door she says, "What did he say? Did he say where she is? Are we still going to look?" She turns to Nanuet who had followed her up, "Senor Jake upset, you must stay with him. Oh what are we going to do?" She looks down at the puppies under feet who are crying, "And what we do with them? They sad too."

"I'm not going to just stand here, where was she last seen? At the El Parador?" Jake asks to the room in general. He doesn't wait for an answer and heads down the stairs. Nanuet head after Jake. "You don't mind if I join you, do you Mr. Jake? Ruby was my friend too." "Was?" Jake replies, "You think she's dead too?" Nanuet says, "Mr. Jake, I have no idea. You know more than I do. I came in the door after you and just heard you say, "Where is Eastman?". Then I heard Kate's explanation. If you really want my opinion, I don't think Eastman is a killer, he just doesn't seem to have that in him."

Minerva follows Jake out the door. "Wait for me Senor. We will find her together." as they exit the building Minerva makes a clicking noise and Luna flies down from the roof top to land on Minerva's outstretched arm. She casts a Speak with Animal Domain spell and commands the owl, "Find Ruby and show me where she is Luna" . She raises her arm to the sky and Luna flies off.

She turns to Jake. "I don't know if she'll have any luck finding her, but she can see much more from above. and she has a keen sense of hearing and sight. If Ruby is outdoors anywhere she should be able to locate her. Let's check out the El Parador and see if anyone saw anything."

Maria's crying was getting on Kate's. "He didn't say anything, he just passed out again." Kate helped get Eastman downstairs, thankful Jake hadn't tried anything rash. When she got downstairs she stood over by Mr. Hoover and pretended to have a heated conversation, including a good deal of pointing at the crowd outside the door. In actuality she explained the situation to him.

Jake, Nanuet and Minerva take their time walking from the Lucky Lady to the El Parador looking for clues along the way. They find nothing in the block east on Main and block south on Fremont. As they turn left onto South Street Jake sees something shiny in dirt near the porch steps of the El Parador. He picks it up finding it to be one of the custom earrings he had given Ruby. Jake picks up the earring. "This is hers. We knew she was here already though."

"Well, Mr. Jake, I am the scout and you are the one who has found the trail. If I may?" Nanuet kneels down on the ground and begins searching for any clue of Ruby's passage. Jake turns and calls into the El Parador, "Hey, is Pedro here?" Jake sighs and looks around in all directions. "Any ideas Nanuet?"

Pedro comes out "Oh Mr. Cook, we are so sorry to hear that trouble may have befallen Ruby. She was having such a good time here earlier. I spoke to her not long before she left. I think it was my talk with her that had her make the announcement about loving you and not that other man. We've looked all around and asked the neighbors but nobody had seen her."

Jake replies, "Gracias Pedro, I know you are trying. She left alone and Eastman left alone after her? No one saw them outside or what direction they went?" The hard edge in Jake's voice is gone and instead replaced by a plaintive tone.

Pedro says, "She left right after her announcement. Since she had just declared her love for you I assumed she was going straight back to the Lucky Lady to be with you. Nobody dared to stop or bother her at that point. Eastman was sad after she say she would not marry him. He stay at bar drinking for another fifteen, maybe twenty minutes. When he leave he head north onto Fremont. He was alone." "Twenty minutes!" Jake exclaims and twirls on Nanuet, "Any luck Indian?"

After the Marshall got Eastman out the back Kate gathered Ricardo and Naki-Yai and met the others back at the El Parador. Inside she looked for Dorita and asked her to watch out for the Apache woman. "I can't take her with me out looking for Ruby, and I certainly can't take Ricardo. He can speak with her, so just get him if you need to speak to her. Hopefully Flint will think to come back here to find her." She then went out front to join the others, where Nanuet was studying tracks. Nanuet looks up and tells Jake, "No, no luck. I won't be able to track anything, there are too many fresh tracks. Now what, Jake?"

He states, "If she was out getting liquored up outside the Lucky Lady it would either be the El Parador or to see Madge at the Gay Lady. Has anybody checked there? I hope somebody besides Eastman didn't try to get her tonight. It's not like we are without enemies."

Almost automatically Jake pushes the right side of his duster around the back of his holstered Colt. He then looks around his gathered friends. "I don't know what to think any more, but if somebody was out after Ruby tonight they could still be out here so be careful and don't be out alone. I'm going to look in every street and alley in this damn town until I find her."

Minerva says, "Senor we need a plan if we are going to find her. I don't know what frame of mind Senorita Ruby was in but it seems to me that if she had just announced to the world that she loves you that she would have come to find you after that. I'm going to start knocking on the doors that lead from the El Parador to the Lucky Lady. If Ruby was coming to find you and something happened on the way maybe somebody on the street heard something. Which way would she normally have walked home from the El Parador. Fremont St. or Allen St.?" He replies, "Freemont. Thanks for helping."

Once the Marshall takes Eastman away, Chester comes back downstairs. "Miss Townsend? Would it OK if I ended our date now? With all that's going on, I can't pay attention to you like you deserve. Maybe sometime soon we can pick up where we left off. I'm really sorry." She responds, "I understand. Would you escort me home, please?" He says, "Of course. Let me get your coat."

Chester takes Clarisse back to the Promise City Hotel. They say goodnight and he kisses her on the cheek. "I'll see you later. OK?" Chester rushes to the Lucky Lady. He sees Hoover cleaning the bar. "Mr. Hoover? Have you seen Jake and the others?" "Nope. They left not long after you did. They'll probably still looking for Ruby. Maybe Eastman took her back to his cousin house. That's where he's staying." Hoover tells Chester the way. "I'll try there, then. Thanks." Chester grabs his gunbelt from his room. He runs to the Barker home and knocks on the door.

Stanley Barker opens the door, "Yes? May I help you?" he asks Chester. "Evening, Mr. Barker. I'm Chester Martin and I'm looking for Miss Ruby West. She's missing. Have you seen her? Your wife's cousin, George, was the last person to see her." Stanley replies, "No, but I believe that she and George are together so I wouldn't worry if I were you. They're engaged you know." That's the thing. They aren't together. He came back to the Lucky Lady alone saying that she's gone from him forever. People are out looking for Ruby and he's in the Marshall's hoosegow. You haven't seen them, so goodnight." Chester makes his way to the Lucky Lady.

The Gay Lady proves to be have no Ruby there, nor has anyone seen her this evening. Several people there had heard the 'news' and offer Jake their condolences. Nanuet turns to Jake. "What do you believe Mr. Jake? You think she's still out there?" He says, "I believe I am going to keep looking for her until I find her." He looks down and wanders off to begin checking every street and alley in the dirty little town of Promise City. Nanuet states, "I have prayed to my ancestors for help, we will find her. Should we split up and make two groups? We can cover the city faster that way."

Minerva says, "Senorita Katherine, You come with me to knock on doors. I'll take the left and you take the right. Let's not wander too far from one another though. As Senor Jake has said. there may be others that we should fear. Are you armed? Senor Jake it would be beneficial if you started your search on the alternate route to the Lucky Lady so that we are not covering the same area. Nanuet you go with him you can knock on those door while you keep him from doing anything foolish." Minerva and Katherine start from the El Parador and head up Fremont Street.

Kate says, "That's what I had been planning to do before the Marshall arrived. If she had been out in the streets someone would have found her by now. Yes, I'm armed. I learned early on not to go around without my pistol." Kate moved up Freemont Street and began knocking on doors.

Kate balled up her fist and pounded as hard as she could on each door. She would waited a few more moments if there was no answer. This was repeated from house to house. It was getting harder to believe that Ruby was alright. She still didn't believe Mr. Eastman had done her any harm, but the fact that they couldn't find her.... Kate had seen Ruby drunk often enough to know that she should be able to get herself home. Ruby had warned her more than once what could happen to a woman alone on the street at night. Kate moved resolutely on to the next building and knocked.

Kate and Minerva continue pounding on doors desperately seeking information as to Ruby's whereabouts. Disheartened, they circle around to the Lucky Lady to check if there is any news. They continue the loop down Allen Street, knocking on doors as they go, while they search for Nanuet and Jake. Minerva looks up at the clear night sky to see Luna's ghostly form, silently circling the town. "It doesn't appear that she's having any luck either," she thinks worriedly. "Where could that girl be?"

Minerva clasps her olive leaf amulet. "Please Goddess Minerva, I have been your true and faithful servant. Help me find Ruby for there is more than one life at stake this night. Ruby and Jake have come to mean much to me in such a short period of time. Please do not let this dark night end in tragedy. I ask for your guidance," she prays fervently. Minerva receives no answers from her prayers. The group continues to search until almost midnight when they gather back at the Lucky Lady.

Nanuet looks over his exhausted friends. He can sense their dejection and worry. "My friends, do not despair. We still do not know Ruby's fate. Instead of thinking the worst, let us hope for the best. It is very late and we are all very tired. We must be strong for Ruby and for each other. Please get some rest. I need little sleep, which I will now take and then begin my prayers. My ancestors will help guide us." As Nanuet turns away a single tear falls from his eyes.

The atmosphere is wake-like. Kate and Nanuet are talking softly while Jake broods in a corner of the room. Eyeing him, Minerva grabs a bottle of bourbon from the bar walks over and splashes a generous portion into two glasses. "Drink this" she says handing him the glass. And downing hers. She places the empty glass on the table.

"I know you're worried. We all are. But this is a time for cool judgement. Nanuet is right. There is still hope. We were unable to check thoroughly. Several doors were left unopened and no one we spoke to saw Ruby with Eastman after they left the El Parador. I just don't think he killed her. You need to trust Ruby's instincts Jake. You of all people, know how resourceful she is. There is nothing more we can do before morning and Eastman isn't going anywhere. In the light of day we will find the answers we seek. I think Nanuet is very wise. We should heed his words," she says and pours them each another round.

Hiram and Edna Cooke were regular churchgoers. As in everything, Hiram's devotion was equal parts belief and facade to improve the families' chances of moving into higher circles of society. Edna's devotion was from her heart, and she tried to instill that same devotion in her children. She was for the most part successful. The only exception was the Cooke family's constant exception, little Jacob.

Even at an early age he was unruly and belligerent about going to the temple. During services he would often sneak off, how he managed to do so was a mystery to the Cooke parents. Often they would find him with his friends outside the temple and he would be punished. Edna noticed that just as often he simply wandered the temple. She also noticed a pattern, as often as not he would be playing or simply standing and staring at the statue in the alcove dedicated to the messenger of the gods. It was very strange and little Jacob Allistair Cooke always seemed at home there.

"Hope." Jake laughs a humorless laugh and walks to Nanuet. Taking him by the shoulders he says, "I will try, I will try." Jake drinks the bourbon offered by Minerva. It is warm going down but only reminds him that he introduced the drink to Ruby, but he says nothing about that to them. He turns to face the three of them and says, "Friends, you have done all you can tonight. I may not look like I appreciate it but I do more than you can know. Go to your beds and get some rest we have done all we can do tonight. I'll walk you ladies home."

Silently Jake escorts them back to the El Parador and then to the Comstock house. They each say words to comfort him but he only nods and attempts a smile. When the door to the Comstock house closes, Jake turns and walks a few steps towards the Lucky Lady before he looks over his shoulder to make sure Minerva is not observing him.

"Keep an eye on Jake tonight please," Kate said quietly to Nanuet. "Don't let him do anything stupid, to himself or anyone else. He just got out of jail, I don't want to see him back in. I'm going home." She finished flatly with the beginnings of the dead look she had worn after learning just how her husband had died.

"OK Miss Kate, I will do what I can to keep him out of trouble." Nanuet said quietly, looking over his shoulder at Jake and watches him drink the Bourbon that Minerva offered him and felt pity for the man. "I can only imagine how he feels right now."

Kate walked back to El Parador, alone despite the others with her. She muttered something to Jake before he left, she had no idea what. Before she went inside she checked the stables. Ruby's horse was still there, so she hadn't managed to ride off anywhere. Finally she went inside and to her room. Strange, on this day where she had moved non-stop, now there was nothing left to do. Flint and Naki-Yai each had a room here and Kate no longer was responsible for watching out for her. Ginnie was sleeping, or more precisely had gone back to sleep once she knew who entered the room.

By rote Katherine managed to get herself undressed and ready for bed. It was the second time she'd worn that amethyst-colored dress, and once again a promising night had ended in disaster. Sitting on the bed she could feel that place she had gone to once before. The dark place where everything was quiet and nothing touched her, nothing hurt, and nothing was. She looked across the room at the cot and the girl sleeping there. Much as the darkness tempted her, she couldn't go. She finally allowed herself to fear, and then to cry.

Jake once again walks the streets of Promise City. He steps take him back over every street and alley but to no avail. He stops, tired, sore and emotionally drained. Looking up he finds he is outside the church. He takes a few steps towards the door but he does not enter. "So, I know better than to ask for help this is not your realm. Will you at least tell me if she lives or not? Will you give me at least that?" There is no response.

"I have always honored you, and I have never asked for much. Not even this little boon, this one time?" There is no response. "Fine, have it your way. It is always your way." Jake trudges off in the direction of the Lucky Lady. He enters the dark saloon and grabs a half-empty bottle of whiskey. Returning to the porch he drinks slowly and watches the sky begin to grow lighter in the east. Jake Cook was never a man of hope. Things were or they were not. He took action when needed and ran away when it was not. As he finally nodded off to sleep a strange emotion took hold of him replacing some of the fear and hate that was consuming him. He idly wondered if that was the thing people called hope.

After Kate's pleading Nanuet figured he would not sleep just yet. He waited for a few moments after Jake and the women left before following. He kept himself far enough away and walked quietly enough that Jake never saw him. Nanuet himself scanned the streets and alleyways they walked through looking for a sign, anything that might give him a clue to Ruby's fate.

He was surprised to see Jake end up at the church for other than taking them in vain Jake seemed to ignore the Gods of his people. Nanuet again felt pity for Jake and wondered how it must feel to think you have lost someone so close to your heart. He was so deep in thought when Jake turned from the church and headed back home that he almost missed him walking past.

Nanuet again followed Jake, trying to remain hidden, wondering if spying was the right thing to do. Well at least he is heading back to the Lucky Lady he thought to himself as they arrived at the familiar building. Nanuet continued to observe Jake until he nodded off. "Sleep well Mr. Jake, tomorrow the light will reveal the mystery that the dark night shrouds from us."

With that Nanuet left for the grove since tonight he wanted to be out of doors, no roof over him to block the sight of his ancestors in the heavens. He reached the grove and almost immediately entered his usual trance, hoping daylight would come quickly.

Chapter 64, “Laurie Gilson", Thursday, March 16th, 1882, 11:00 P.M.

Twenty-one months earlier......
Peter and Laurie Gilson arrived in the newly established mining town of Promise City. Silver had been discovered at the breakheart mine and had the 'promise' of being of substantial yield, perhaps even greater than the quantities found in Tombstone. As one of the first businesses in town, they had the choice of real estate in town. They selected a spot for their bathhouse near the intersection of South and Allen Streets. It was adjacent to the recently constructed Comstock House Boarding House, built for the Breakheart workers, and across the street from where the Promise City Hotel was slated to be built.


Nineteen months earlier....
"Sir, the cost of the bath is fifty cents, that was explained when you came in." "Too damned much, the water weren't even hot," the hairy pot-bellied prospector named Hector Frockley answered as he got dressed. "Sir, I am a businessman. You must understand the need to pay for services rendered," Peter explained. "Ain't got it," Frockley answered. Peter replied, "Perhaps you have something of value that you could give me instead." "Yeah, I got this," the man said as he pointed his Smith and Wesson revolver at the bathhouse owner's face and fired.


Eighteen months earlier....
The crowd at the makeshift courthouse in Wilcox, Arizona was silent. Newly appointed Judge Nathan Isby had heard all of the evidence. He had gotten the job due to his reputation as a strict and decisive lawman and they were unsure what to expect.

Isby announces "Deputy Sheriff Breckenridge, you may release the prisoner. I find her not guilty. Mrs. Gilson had ample justification to shoot and kill Hector Frockley. He had not only just shot her husband Mr. Gilson but was a danger to both her and her other customers."

Laurie's looks up and says "Thank you Judge. You are a fair and just man. If you ever come to Promise City I hope that you take the time to visit the bathhouse." The Judge looks surprised by that comment and says, "You plan to continue it?" She replies, "Yes Sir, it is what Peter would have wanted."


Three hours earlier
Ruby West had make it around sixty feet west of the El Parador before the evening's over-indulgence with alcohol gets to her. She staggers and wanders over to the nearest door which she can barely make out to be Gilson's Bath House. She collapses onto the front step and pounds on the door. By the time Laurie Gilson opens the door Ruby is busy throwing up in the nearest rain gutter. Laurie helps Ruby inside the building and helps her into the bedroom. Laurie says, "You lie down, I'll go draw you a bath."

"You've very sweet," Ruby slurred as Laurie walked out of the room. She laid back on the bed and the room started spinning. The truth was, her life had started spinning the minute George Eastman walked back into it. He was nice enough and she had been tempted. But Ruby had made her decision to stay with Jake, for good or for bad. Then there was the issue of fifty thousand dollars. Ruby had no idea George would offer so much for her. And Jake had turned it down, Ruby had no doubts about that. What she did have doubts about was if Jake really wanted it or not. Oh sure, he wanted it, but at what price?

Ruby sat back up to try to stop the spinning. Laurie came back into the bedroom and guided Ruby to the bath. A nice warm comforting bath. She helped her get her dress off and stayed with her while she soaked. Laurie was talking but Ruby didn't hear anything she said. Laurie tried to get her to drink some coffee but Ruby waved it off. "You think better when you're impaired," Ruby tells her.

Earlier she had told Jake things she had never told anyone before, but she had also reminded herself of things she tried to forget, about who she really was. Happiness was just something Ruby didn't know how to hold onto. But if she could, she would help Jake be happy, payment for all he had done for her the last three months.

"Ruby? Ruby!" Ruby snapped out of her thoughts. "Time to get out of the bath, you're falling asleep." Ruby said nothing but stood up, unsteadily, and wrapped herself in the robe from Laurie. Laurie was guiding her somewhere else. "Can you get Jake?" is the last thing Ruby remembered.

"Why don't you sleep some first, the last thing you need now is more drinking with your boyfriend," Laurie replies as she tucks Ruby into bed and covers her over with a handmade quilt. "What I don't do for my customers," she says to herself as she gets a mug of coffee.


Two hours earlier.....
Laurie Gilson had just tucked Ruby West in and shut the door to the bedroom. This was the first time that anybody else had spent the night inside the building since Peter had died. Miss West was a good customer, as were her friends. Laurie ponders the excessive drinking that must have brought Ruby to find herself in such a state, "Youth is wasted on the young," she thinks.

In truth, Laurie was not that old herself, having just turned thirty-three. But she felt older. The last year-and-a-half had been hard on her. Business had dropped off after Johnson's Barber and Baths had opened. And the southeastern end of town, which had once seemed like such a great location had proved less than so. Most of her neighbors were now of the wood elvan and orcan races, and while they were nice and friendly people they were also poor, opting to bathe downstream in Pine Creek rather than her bathhouse.

Laurie had gotten into the habit of rising with the sun and going to bed early in the evening. She had been reading tonight and was about to turn in when Ruby had knocked on the door. Drawing the bath had also been physically exhausting for Laurie, as the task of hauling the buckets of water was normally done during business hours by her one employee Jules Huetra. Laurie sat down in her most comfortable chair and started to read again. She fell asleep within minutes.


Now....
Knock, Knock, Knock.
Kate withdrew her hand from the door that she had just rapped on. They waited for a few minutes and there was still no answer. No light was visible from inside, the oil in the reading lamp having burned out an hour earlier. Inside the building Laurie lay sound asleep in the chair, oblivious to the visitors outside.

Kate balled up her fist and pounded as hard as she could on the door. She waited a few more moments, then stepped off the porch. The windows of the bathhouse were dark. She didn't know Laurie Gilson's habits, but she doubted the owner was out anywhere. More likely she had turned in early and hadn't seen anything.

Katherine sighed and gave the door one more try. It was getting harder to believe that Ruby was alright. She still didn't believe Mr. Eastman had done her any harm, but the fact that they couldn't find her.... Kate had seen Ruby drunk often enough to know that she should be able to get herself home. Ruby had warned her more than once what could happen to a woman alone on the street at night. It was obvious if Mrs. Gilson was home, she wasn't going to answer the door. Kate moved resolutely on to the next building and knocked.

Upstairs, Ruby West continued to sleep the night away in the bed, blissfully unaware of her recently reported death.

Chapter 65, “The rumors of your death have been greatly exaggerated", Friday, March 17th, 1882, 7:00 A.M.

Laurie Gilson awakes when she hears the sounds from downstairs of her employee Jules Huerta heating up water for the first baths of the day. She checks her clock in her room, noting that she has overslept. She had woken up in the chair in the middle of the night and crawled into to opposite side of the bed as Ruby. Ruby is still sleeping peacefully.

Laurie gets out of bed, dresses, and heads downstairs to the ground floor where the business is located. She stops at the desk near the door and writes out a note, which she asks Jules to bring over to Dorita at the El Parador. Sitting on the floorboards of the porch with his back up against the outside wall of the Lucky Lady and his hand still on the whiskey bottle, Jake manages to sleep through a number of changes around him. The first fingers of light peek over the mountains and trace their way eastward on Main street. The puppies join him on the front porch with Lucky sleeping curled on his lap and mischief sitting by his feet, apparently preparing to growl and guard Jake from any intrusion. Dorita Figueres passes by the front porch on her way to the kitchen door, as unaware of Jake on the front porch as he is of her.

At a quarter past seven Dorita lets herself into the kitchen of the Lucky Lady using Maria's key. She sees Luc sleeping on an army cot set up in the kitchen and since she doesn't know him decides to not wake him up. She quietly makes her way around him and heads upstairs to the third floor to the room that Maria had told her belonged to Ruby and Jake. She knocks while saying, "Mr. Cook, Mr. Cook, Ruby is safe."

When there is no answer to her knock Dorita reaches into her apron and takes out a pencil and small pad of paper. She writes out: "Sr. Cooke, Rubí es seguro. Ella está en la casa del baño. Sr. Eastman no le mató."** <<
**Translation ""Mr. Cooke, Ruby is safe. She is at the bathhouse. Mr. Eastman did not kill her.">> She slips the note under the door where she assumes he will see it when he wakes up. She then heads back downstairs and exits the building the way she came, being careful not to wake Luc.

Minerva awakens as Luna flutters in on the cool morning breeze. The rising sun streams in the window to cast itself upon the statues of Minerva and Jupiter, which sit upon the dresser. She sits up, her dark hair falling across bare shoulders, and strokes the bird's snowy white neck feathers "No luck last night, Luna? The Goddess did not come to me in dreams to tell of dark deeds. This in itself is a hopeful sign," she says as she clamors out of bed. Moving to the dresser she lights 12 candles, one for each of the main powers of Olympus, and prays for wisdom, strength and courage. A feeling of calm energy penetrates her entire being and a satisfied smile slowly spreads across her face as she gives thanks to her gods. "But let us not depend on the gods too much. For they favor those who help themselves " she reminds herself. Quickly dressing she rushes back to the Lucky Lady in hopes of good news.

Minerva rushes over to the Lucky Lady. Reaching the porch she notices Jake, slouched in sleep his back up against the wall. Beside him an empty bottle has fallen free from his limp hand. As she climbs the steps the pup called Mischief begins to growl softly. Bending down before the pup she holds out her hand. "Shhh, It is o.k. little one, I am a friend" she whispers. When she stretches her hand out farther the pup waddles over and begins to lick it. Minerva, still in a crouch, picks up the little fur ball and scratches him behind the ears. "Now let's see if his bark is worse than his bite" she whispers. She reaches out and gently shakes Jake while quietly calling his name. "Senor Jake. Senor Jake. Wake up."

Jake lifts his head and his eyes open to see the priestess Minerva standing over him holding one of the puppies, his movement knocks the other off his lap. At first he seems dazed, and looks around once or twice before he seems to realize where he is. He rubs his eyes and then suddenly takes his hands away. "Has anyone found Ruby?"

She replies, "I don't know Senor, I was hoping that you held the answer. We will inquire together" she says standing up "but come, let us get you some coffee to clear your head and find some food for these watch dogs of yours." holding out her hand Minerva helps him up and hands him the puppy. "This one would guard you with his life." she chuckles.

Chester wakes up to the sound of the coffeepot boiling over. "Damn, damn, damn." He grabs the pot and burns himself. "Ow." He's surprised that Luc can sleep through it all. Chester sucks on his hand as he pours a cup.
Jake smiles half-heartedly and takes the dog as they head into the kitchen with the other dog loping along behind. "Morning Chester." Jake greets him with a sigh. "Thanks for the coffee. No, we don't know about Ruby." He adds before Chester can ask.

Jake kicks the end of Luc's makeshift bed, "Hey, it's morning." before the three of them head back into the main room. Sipping the hot coffee helps remove the bad taste in his mouth. Unfortunately his stomach takes this time to remind him he didn't eat last night, but he doesn't feel like eating. He sits at the table holding up his head with his and staring off at nothing.

Minerva rummages through cupboards in search of something to feed the pups. She fills a plate with cheese and bread and places it on the table in front of Jake in the hopes that he will eat. Sitting opposite Jake she feeds bits and pieces of the food to the pups as they scamper around her feet. She comments, "I would ask how you slept last night but that is self evident. I slept peacefully with no warnings from the goddess. This is a good sign and I am hopeful that we will find Ruby well. When you are finished with your coffee we shall go to the Marshall and find out what has happened. If There is news of her whereabouts I believe that he will have gotten it from Senor Eastman by now." She stands and brushes the crumbs from her gown. "Let's go."

Sitting opposite Jake, Minerva sees that his face is drawn with dark circles under his eyes. His hair is a mess. Normally his white silk shirt and black linen pants are meticulously cleaned and pressed, but what she can see of them through his unbuttoned duster show wrinkled and soiled. He nods agreement and stands. He dumps the rest of the untouched food on the floor and the dogs scamper to it. Jake has a final gulp of coffee wincing slightly because it's still hot. He pats Chester on the shoulder, "Later." He follows Minerva, his muscles stiff and his steps leaden.

The sun was well above the horizon by the time Kate woke from her fitful sleep. Her eyes felt dry and swollen and an ache pounded dully behind them. She felt tired and beat up, as if she hadn't slept at all. When she pushed herself up a slip of paper slipped off the bedside table. The note was short, only three words, but it sent Katherine into a frenzy of activity. She almost ran downstairs in just her robe, but thought better of that and hurriedly dressed, leaving her hair to hang behind her as she ran to the cantina to find Dorita.

Dorita looks up as Kate charges into the room. "Good morning Katherine. Ginnie ate and left a few hours ago". She then asks, "Would you like some breakfast?" Kate replies, "No. No breakfast. Where's Ruby?" Dorita replies, "Should be back at Lucky Lady, I left Mr. Cook a note two hours ago."

Kate says, "I wish you had woken me, Dorita. I wasn't getting any worthwhile rest anyway. I was going to go see her, but if she and Jake are together we won't see either of them for hours," she laughed. "Do the others know? And has anyone told the Marshall? He has Mr. Eastman in the jail there, you know. Although it might be better for him to stay there until the news that Ruby's alright spreads through town."

The wood elf exclaims, "Dorita not your servant! Laurie Gilson sends note, I leave you note but you not wake up. I get key from Maria and go to Lucky Lady but Cook not wake up either. My morning customers eat half-hour late because I busy running around town delivering notes instead of cook for them! Now you say I should have seen Marshall too! Nobody else here to cook for El Parador customers! You steal my daughter for ranch. You steal my other assistant for Lucky Lady! Am trying to run a business here!"

Kate pulled herself up tall as she had the night before and said coolly, "Dorita, I ask only so I would not repeat work you may have already done, not to say that you should have done any more. As for being a servant, I have assumed nothing of the kind. And I have stolen neither your daughter nor your help. If you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to run your business."

With that Kate turned on her heel and walked resolutely out of the kitchen, through the cantina, and into the street to go to the Marshall's office. Kate arrives at the Marshall's Office. The doors are locked. The windows are shuttered and locked on the inside. She hears voices inside. Kate knocked on the door. "Marshall. It's Mrs. Kale. I have news."

The door is unlocked and she is let inside, the door is then locked behind her. There are four people inside, Deputy Marshall's Warren Earp and Eduardo Rodriguez and Helen Barker are in the office. George Eastman in the jail cell unconscious. Two army cots with blankets are set up in the main room so it appears that the three alternated sleeping and guarding.

Kate gave a little shiver at being locked in any room with an Earp. "Ruby is safe," she said quickly. "I haven't seen her yet, I'm just on my way, but I thought you'd want to know. Dorita left me a note this morning, she said she should be back at the Lucky Lady by now. I doubt many people know yet, so it's probably safer for Mr. Eastman if he stays here until they do. Although seeing his condition, that doesn't seem to be an issue. I'll let you know when I have more details, but I'd like to go see Ruby now please," she finished.

Nanuet had awoke in the pre-dawn hours after his few hours spent in meditation. He then decided to spend the time until sunrise in prayer to his ancestors. He had been doing his daily prayers, but not praying at length and right now it seemed that was needed. Nanuet committed himself to his prayer deeply and before he knew it the sun was beating on his neck, finally breaking his concentration. He decided to head to the El Parador to get a bite to eat since it was right across the street. Nanuet enters the cantina and his stomach growls at the scent of the food.

He says to the owner, "Good morning Dorita. I would like some breakfast please. Any news about Miss Ruby?" he asks. Dorita snaps at him "You too! I not messenger service. Here!" She pulls the note from Laurie Gilson out of her apron and shoves it into Nanuet's hands. "Oh! Sorry Dorita, didn't mean to upset you." Nanuet says taking the note. He unfolds the paper and looks at it but is unable to make out the writing. He looks for the first person he recognizes other than Dorita and asks them to read it for him "Can I still get breakfast?" Nanuet says, once he is out of Dorita's reach.

Grant Keebler reads the note "Ruby is at my business. She spent the night here. Please let her friend Jake know. Laurie Gilson." He replies, "Many thanks Mr. Keebler." Dorita happily gets his breakfast. While she does so he notices that she is nervous and distracted, something he has never seen from her before. Nanuet noticed that Dorita was out of sorts. He was unsure of how to approach her but figured he should say something. "Miss Dorita, I know you are busy, please let me give you a hand. Is everything OK, you seem to be troubled."

She gestures for him to follow her out into the kitchen where they have more privacy. She says, "I worry about my Grandfather. He leave Wednesday on trip with Sonoma and crazy Jiminez lady. Then he bring Sonoma back yesterday say too dangerous for her to go, but he and Jiminez woman continue on with trip. The last time he go on trip that he say have great danger my mother and uncle both die. I fear he not come back."

He says, "OK, I understand your concern. Maybe there is a way his umm, what does he call them? Little birds... maybe there is a way they know how to contact him. I am sure he is OK Dorita, but I understand why you are worried. First I have to make sure the others know where Ruby is, then I will see what we can do. Want me to send Maria back to give you a hand so you can relax a little bit?"

Dorita replies, "No, I all right. Pedro used party idea last night to try and distract me and put me in better mood. It work until Ruby get missing, then I worry about both her and Grandfather both. Now just worry about Grandfather." OK Dorita, I will be back, I promise. You just send someone down to the Lucky Lady if you need anything before I get back." Nanuet quickly makes his way towards the Lucky Lady.

A block away, the Marshall unlocks the door and let Kate out. She notices Jake and Minerva rounding the corner of Main Street onto Fremont. She made a concerted effort to shake off the unpleasantness of the morning and focused on knowing that Ruby was well. She picked up her skirts and ran to meet them. Katherine was just about to ask where Ruby was when she noticed neither he nor Minerva looked happy. "Jake, didn't you get Dorita's note? She left me one this morning that Ruby was safe. When I asked her where she said Ruby should be back at the Lucky Lady by now. I didn't come right away since I thought," she paused and blushed, "I thought you would be busy."

Jake, who's mind is a little slow from lack of sleep, replies to Katherine. "No, Ruby's not at the Lucky Lady we just left there." Then he looks at her with a confused expression before blurting out loudly, "Ruby's safe? Where is she?" Kate replies, "Dorita didn't tell me where Ruby spent the night, just that she thought she'd be back at your saloon by now." Kate gave Jake a quick smile. "But we both know how late Ruby likes to sleep. Dorita left you a note at the Lucky Lady, maybe we should go back and see if we can find it?"

Jake turns and runs towards the Lucky Lady. He stops and says, "What are you waiting for?" He runs back to the two ladies, grabs a hand from each and drags them half running back to the Lucky Lady. Katherine laughed, picked up a handful of her skirts, and ran. They were back at the Lucky Lady in moments. "I don't know where she left the note, but Dorita said you didn't wake up. Miss Florencia and I will look down here, why don't you look upstairs Jake?" She went over to the bar and started looking around it.

The trio look were looking around downstairs in the main room, kitchen and outside the kitchen door. One of the ladies suggests Jake look upstairs on his door and was so excited that he didn't even hear who. With adrenaline pumping he is mounting the stairs before she finishes speaking. Seeing nothing on the door or in front he flings the door open. The draft from the door lifts the note off the floor and Jake snatches it out of the air. He quickly reads Dorita's note and lets out a whoop.

Taking the stairs three at a time he rushes down, and then across the room not even slowing when he thrusts the note into Katherine's hand as he passes by. They can hear him yelling, "She's at Gilson's" as he bounds out the door. As Jake runs out of the Lucky Lady Minerva laughs in relief. She looks to the skies. "Thank the Goddess Ruby is well. " Minerva sits and waits for their return. Chester says to Minerva, "I think the goddess should keep Dionysus away from Ruby for a while, if you know what I mean. What if Mrs. Gilson hadn't found her first? But I don't know if it's my business."

Jake runs the entire way to Gilson's bath house and just as he tries to stop in front of the door to knock he makes a misstep and bumps chest first into the door and then onto his back side on the ground. Stunned a second, he shakes his head and climbs back to his feet and knocks loudly on the door while gingerly touching the new bruise on his left cheek. The male wood elf Jules Huerta answers the door. He has an armful of towels and says "Have a seat, all of the baths are taken at the moment. One should be free in around ten minutes."

Jake bursts through the door and nearly knocks Jules over but instead grabs him and his towels. The two teeter back and forth with the bundle before Jake manages to lean against the wall and let him go. His words come out in a torrent. "Where's Ruby, is she here? Where's Laurie, does she know? Laurie, where are you? Ruby! Ruby where are you? Where is she?" Laurie Gilson comes out of one of the rooms carrying an armful of wet towels. She looks in the front hallway and says "Jules, what on Earth is going on out here?"

"Laurie!" Jake cries out. "Is Ruby here? Is she all right?" Mrs. Gilson replies, "She's upstairs, still asleep when I last checked her." She sets the pile of towels down on the nearest chair and says, "Follow me". She leads Jake up the stairs to the second floor. Jake follows her quickly and a little too close because she stops, turns and frowns at him. "Er, sorry," he mumbles.

When they get to the room he sees Ruby still sleeping and gets close to make sure she is breathing. He turns back to Laurie Gilson and asks, "Is she all right? Is she? What happened?" She replies, "What happened? Far too much drinking, that's what. She was wandering around alone last night, stinking drunk, and then collapsed on my doorstep. She then decorated both my walkway and her dress with the contents of her stomach. I brought her in, gave her a bath and put her to bed. I hope you brought her a change of clothes, I had Jules bring the dress that she had been wearing over to Charlie Wong's Cleaners."

Jake gives her a tired smile and heaves a heavy sigh. "Laurie Gilson you are a godsend. I was up all night looking for her. People were saying she was... never mind what people were saying." Jake moves surprisingly quickly and gives her an awkward hug. "Thank you," he adds with a barely detectable cracking of his voice. He lets go of her before she can protest. "I'll go get her some clothes right now." He stops in the doorway and stares at Ruby sleeping in the bed for the length of several breaths before he goes back down the stairs.

On Nanuet's way to the Lucky Lady he passes the bathhouse and sees Kate standing outside, the door flung wide open. He comments, "Well I guess Ruby's fate has been revealed? That is great! Kate, if you have a moment I need to talk with you." Nanuet pulls Kate aside and says "Dorita is really worried about her Grandfather. Apparently he came back to drop Sonoma off because it was too dangerous for her and then he headed back out. Is there any way you can contact him, you know, use your magic?"

She replies, "I'm sorry, what little I've learned doesn't cover any kind of communication like that. I wondered why Sonoma was back, but I had a lot on my mind yesterday and I didn't ask her while I was out at the ranch. I wish I had. If wishes were horses....I have been keeping myself busy, so I haven't had too much time to worry. But Mr. Gonzales has gone off before and left us not knowing anything. I know a little more this time, so I suppose I've actually worried less."

Jake reaches the door and explains briefly to Katherine and Nanuet what Laurie Gilson told him and that Ruby looks OK. He has Maria help him gather up a change of clothes for Ruby and then heads back over to the bathhouse. He places the clothes neatly on the foot of the bed. He crouches next to the bed looking dirty, tired, wrinkled and bruised. Jake pushes hit hat back on his head and says, "Ruby? Princess can you hear me?" He gently shakes her shoulder through the covers.

Ruby moans lightly as she is shaken. Jake continues to shake her until she finally cracks open her eyes. "Jake?" She moans again. As her senses comes back to her she starts to feel an unfamiliar bed, hear unfamiliar noises. She looks at Jake, her eyes only opened half way, and furrows her eyebrows. "Where am I?" she says softly. "What happened to you? You look like crap."

He says, "You are at Gilson's. You happened to me," he says with an enigmatic smile. "Do you feel up to getting dressed and coming back to the Lucky Lady?" Ruby starts trying to get out of bed but Jake can tell her coordination is off so he gives her an arm to lean on. Jake guesses she is probably still drunk. He helps her get dressed, with Ruby waving off stockings and shoes.

Downstairs, Laurie Gilson pokes her head out the front door and interrupts Kate and Nanuet, telling them "Your friend Ruby is upstairs now with her friend Jake, but he looks to be as hangover as she is. They may need the both of you to get them back home. I'd appreciate some help as I'm trying to run a business here and don't need any more of this nonsense."

Katherine bit her tongue. Now that the initial rush of learning Ruby was fine was wearing off she was tired, worried, and cranky. She took a deep breath and said as mildly as she could, "Jake looks like that because we all spent more than half the night searching the city for her. I knocked on this very door several times. We woke up half the town looking for her. And this was after a rumor began going around that she had been murdered. So you can see how he doesn't appear well rested this morning. I apologize for your trouble and will get ourselves out of your hair as soon as possible. I'll go up now. Excuse me, please."

She went inside and followed the voices to where Ruby and Jake were. She knocked on the open door and said quietly, "We need to go, Mrs. Gilson has work to do."

They are just about to start downstairs when Kate shows up. "Katherine," Jake nods as he hands her Ruby's shoes and stockings. "Kate!" Ruby calls out loudly. "Can you get some of that tea from Dorita for later?" she asks with a goofy smile. Kate just shakes her head.

Ruby is about to walk out the door when Jake stops her. "I can't let you walk with no shoes on." He musters his last bit of energy and lifts Ruby off the ground, carrying her one block back to the Lucky Lady. She just buries her head on Jake's neck. He doesn't stop to speak to anyone and brings her right up to their room.

Ruby smiles at her bed and quickly throws her clothes off. She falls into bed with a sigh before looking at Jake. "Aren't you going to join me?" Jake nods and when he gets into bed Ruby snuggles right up to him. "Were you really worried? I'm sorry if I made you..." Jake interrupts her. "We can talk about it later. Let's get some sleep now, OK?" Ruby doesn't need to be told twice and she closes her eyes and falls asleep almost immediately.

Chapter 66, “Back from beyond the grave", Friday, March 17th, 1882, 11:00 A.M.

Once Minerva has seen that Ruby is safe she returns to the Comstock House to give thanks to the gods for the girl's safe return. During lunch she shares her ideas for a Dionysus Festival with Beatrice and then spends some time in the yard practicing with her rapier. After returning to Lori Gilson's for a much-needed bath, she braids her hair and dresses carefully in a simple deep green gown, which hugs her bodice and flares, at her tiny waist. Her only adornment is the familiar olive leaf pendant, which signifies her devotion to the Goddess Minerva. Placing her derringer in the secret pocket within the folds of her gown and hiding her silver dagger in her heeled boot her ensemble is complete. She clicks to Luna to follow, glances in the mirror and holds her head up high. There is a defiant look in her eyes and a regal air about her as she returns to the Palace Saloon in search of Senor Adair.

Minerva took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and walked briskly into the Palace saloon in search of Senor Adair. The Palace is open but only a few people are inside. Two are sitting at the bar drinking coffee. The other is behind the bar, but not somebody that she saw the night before. "Get you something Ma'am?" he asks. She replies, "Si Senor, Could you please inform Senor Adair that the Priestess Florencia has arrived."

He replies, "He's asleep, I have orders not to wake him. And didn't I hear that he threw you out of here last night?" Minerva hisses out a breath and prays for patience. "No senor, You are mistaken. It was I who had little time to spare for him." She taps her foot "As is now the case. It is unfortunate for him that he has not kept our appointment. I have attempted to be courteous but it appears that he is no more than a ruffian in gentleman's clothing. Please advise him that I will waste no more time on him. If he is interested in hearing my proposal he may attend the Merchants Committee meeting." She turns on her heel and heads for the door.

Kate had followed Jake and Ruby back to the Lucky Lady and watched Jake takes her upstairs. After a few minutes it was obvious they weren't coming back down. "They'll probably sleep most of the day. I suppose there's not much point to sitting around here waiting. I can't go talk to parents today, not looking like I do. But I do have a building to sell." Kate departs and runs some errands during the next hour.

After seeing that Ruby and Jake are settled in Nanuet heads back to the El Parador. "Dorita, is Sonoma out at the ranch? I will speak to her and see what she says. I am sure your grandfather is OK, but she might be able to tell me more details." Dorita replies, "No, I talk to her yesterday. He say he going to danger, not take her. Bring crazy Jiminez woman. I worry." He replies, "Well is there anything I can do to put your mind at ease? I know you are worried, but he is wiser now than he was in the past, that will help him. There is nothing you can do Dorita, worrying will help no one." Nanuet finally gives up after realized Dorita is not going to respond to his comforting.

Kate arrives and asks, "Nanuet, Chester, do you have any idea where I might find Patrick Seawell?" Chester thinks for a moment. "He might be at the smelters today. If not, he'll be at the mine. I can go out with you to the mine, if he's there." Nanuet says, "Sorry Miss Kate, off the top of my head I do not know." He returns to the Lucky Lady and takes the puppies out for some training.

She replies, "Thanks Chester, I appreciate that. I just need to get changed and then we can go to the smelters. I'm not sure I want to go out to the mine today, we'll see what happens at the smelters first." Kate and Chester then head off to the El Parador where Kate changed into the new leather clothes she'd bought from Frye's. She also snuck some time to study spells, just in case she should need them later. Once she was ready she went back downstairs to meet Chester. Kate and Chester arrive at the Breakheart Stamping Mill and Smelter. The Mine Foreman arrives and introduces himself as 'Boston' Harker in a voice thick with Boston accent.

Chester asks, "Morning Mr. Harker. Is Patrick Seawell here? We want to speak wit' him." Harker replies, "Said he'd be by mid-afternoon with another load of ore. Why don't you come back around two or three." Chester replies "OK. Thanks."

"Good morning," Katherine said in her own Bostonian accent. "How nice to hear a familiar accent. We'll be certain to stop by later, but if we happen to miss him, could you ask to him to stop by the El Parador and see Mrs. Kale please?" Kate waited a few moments and Harker didn't respond an odd look on his face. "Uh, Mr. Harker?" He exclaims, "Wow, you do sound like somebody from the old neighborhood! I'm from the North End, what part of the city are you from?" She says, "Beacon Hill. My husband ran a livery business, among other things. What brought you west?"

He says, "This'll probably sound silly to you but it was a hole in the ground. My father wanted to see the Grand Canyon before he died. We saw it, he went back east, I stayed." She says, "It's not silly at all, as good a reason as any. You must have liked it here, to leave him and stay. I find I like it here a great deal more than I thought I would. Although I imagine it's a bigger change for me."

He replies, "I like not having to shovel snow. And I like the work better here too. I never had a formal education, worked as a janitor in textile mill. Out here, this job, the main thing you need is common sense and the right attitude. Dangerous work here in the stamping mill but I love it."

"Yes, the lack of snow is rather nice, although I miss it a bit. It's hard to know it's spring when there's no snow to melt. I've gotten myself into a ranch, and I'm starting a school, so if you ever decide you'd like that education...." Kate left it hanging and smiled. "How is the work here dangerous? I don't know much about how smelting works."

Harker gives Kate and Chester a tour of the mill. The massive machinery essentially uses a combination of steam power and hydraulics to have huge pile-drivers mash the ore, which is then washed away into filers by water from the creek while more water pours onto the equipment to keep it from overheating. The room itself exceeds one hundred degrees and most of the men working inside are shirtless. He explains that it takes about an hour to process a ton of ore.

"It looks like most of the danger here is either getting something caught under those pile drivers, or heat prostration. It's hard work, sir, but honest. I'm not sure I understand liking it," she smiled. "I suppose Chester and I should be going and let you get back to your work. Thank you for your help, Mr. Harker. "I'm glad to have met you, Mr. Harker. We'll see each other again this afternoon, I'm sure." Kate and Chester walked outside the hot smelter. "Back to the Lucky Lady, Chester?"

He replies, "Yeah, it's about lunch time. So where was Ruby all this time? I hadn't heard what happened." "She was at Gilson's bath house," Kate said. "Apparently she was sick last night and stopped there. Mrs. Gilson got her cleaned up and put her to bed. She sent Dorita a note this morning to let her know where Ruby was."
Kate felt a bit strange in her leather pants and vest with the duster flapping around her legs as they walked.

Chester says, "That's good that she slept indoors last night. I was worried that she'd spent the night outside... Has anyone told the Marshall, so Mr. Eastman can get cut loose?" Kate answers, "I told the Marshall she was safe this morning. I couldn't tell him exactly where she was though. And for now it might be safer for Mr. Eastman to stay there until word that Ruby is fine filters through town. There are those that might still try to hurt him."

Back at the Lucky Lady Niles Hoover arrives and walks up to Nanuet, placing his hand on the Indian's shoulder. "I'm sorry, I just heard the news. Is Jake up to visiting Richard Lester or should I do that on his behalf?" Nanuet stands up from playing with the pups. "Huh? Oh, you mean about Ruby. I forgot that not everybody knows yet. We found her, safe and sound. No harm done. Let's just say she didn't have it in her to make it all the way home last night, so she found a safe place to rest till morning. She is upstairs right now, but I think her and Jake wish to not be disturbed right now."

Niles states, "What? But people saw Jake carrying her dead body back here, it's all around town. That was the last thing that halfling saw as he boarded the stage to Tombstone to go write the Ruby West Memorial Edition of his newspaper." Nanuet exclaims, "Oh, that's just perfect! That little one will spread it everywhere. I guess the stage is probably all the way to Tombstone by now. Jake is not going to be happy when he hears about this. Ruby was just too tired to walk home under her own power... what a mess!"

Niles says, "Yeah, but he won't be back here until tomorrow. We could probably stop him from printing it, Friday is that day that Wells Fargo make two stagecoach runs from Promise City to Tombstone." Seething with anger, and muttering un-Preistess-like oaths, Minerva stomps into the Lucky Lady. She orders a whiskey and sits staring out the window envisioning all the nasty things she would like to do to Senor Adair and the Vigilance Committee.

"Miss Minevera?" Nanuet turns to Niles and says "I don't speak Spanish, but that didn't sound like something a lady would normally say. Let me see what is going on with her." Nanuet heads over to the bar and grabs two more glasses of whiskey then sits down next to Minerva. "Something troubling you?" he says as he hands her a second glass of whiskey.

Minerva turns to him and looks at him over the rim of her glass. Her normally cheerful facade is shattered and her rich chocolate eyes are flashing in anger. She slams down her glass. "I have been here less than a week and there has been nothing but trouble! I have the narrow-minded power hungry Vigilance committee trying to dismiss me as a "misunderstanding" and now that dirty, no-good swine Senor Adair arghhh.... They are two sides of the same coin! I W i l l n o t be d i s m i s s ed. I will not tolerate it!

Hoover starts to laugh in response. She turns and gives him an icy stare. He says, "Sorry, but I found that funny. You seeing Adair and the Vigilance Committee as alike, they are probably about as opposite as you can find in this town. But if you aren't fond of Adair then join the club, Ruby and Jake have been scheming to put him out of business for a while now."

Minerva attempts to compose herself when she realizes that Nanuet is not alone. I apologize for my outburst Senor . I don't believe that we have been introduced. However if you are in agreement with my assessment of that snake in the grass, Senor Adair than I am certain that you are a man of good judgement. However I must disagree. Adair and the Committee although they have different goals are like two peas in a pod. " she continues to sip her drink thoughtfully and seethe.

He replies, "Niles Hoover Ma'am, I'm one of the owners of this place. I attended your worship service last Sunday, probably the only one of the Lucky Lady owners that you'll see regularly at services. I'm no fan of that Vigilance Committee either, as they want to prohibit alcoholic beverages and I run all of this town's liquor distribution."

"I am quite pleased to meet you Senor. why don't you sit and keep me company." Minerva states as she motions to the chair." Nanuet says, "So, what can we do to make sure you stay around for a while? This is not usually my area of expertise, but you can count me as one on your side for sure. I understand your problem and I we will do what we can to keep you in town."

Minerva takes his hand. "Gracias Senor Nanuet. . Although I have only been in town a short while you have proven to be a true and loyal friend." She smiles up at him and teases "I am grateful that you no longer consider me a stranger." I assure you I have no intention of leaving Promise City. It is important that the town does not fall under the power of the Vigilance Committee. I have been devising a plan..." She tells Nanuet and Mr. Hoover about her ideas for the Dionysus Festival. As she tell them of her plans her anger fades and her enthusiasm bubbles over.

She then asks, "Please, Senor Hoover, I am quite interested to know what you think of my ideas for the Festival. I really think that this would be a wonderful way to unite the town and show them that fun is not evil and can also be quite profitable to the local merchants. May I ask, are you on the Merchants committee? I need to meet with them and secure their cooperation if we are going to succeed in holding this celebration." Nanuet says, "Good. Well, right now however I have more urgent matters to attend to." Nanuet leaves his glass of whiskey for Minerva and scrambles up the stairs to Jake and Ruby's room.

Earlier, Jake had woken up early afternoon to find Ruby still sleeping. He washed some, puts on some clean clothes and wandered downstairs. There he had Maria make him a platter of leftover food and a pot of coffee. When it is ready he brought it upstairs, munching as he climbed. He poured a cup of the steaming brew and placed it next to Ruby on the nightstand, directing the vapors with his hand across Ruby's face. He sat in a stuffed chair with food on the side table.

He poured some whiskey into his coffee and slouches down comfortably in the chair before he says loudly, "It's time to wake up." Ruby smells the coffee and hears Jake's voice calling her. She opens her eyes slowly, but with much less effort than earlier. "Morning Jake." She sits up, a little too quickly, "Oohh, my head. I need this." She stays in bed but drinks her coffee. She looks at Jake to try to gauge his mood before saying anything further.

Jake finishes chewing his mouthful of food and washes it down with some of the whiskey coffee followed by a satisfying "Ahhhh." He watches Ruby watch him and decides to speak first. "You know if I hadn't spent all night worried sick that you might be hurt or worse, I'd probably contemplate killing you myself." He has another sip of coffee. "It's hard to stay angry under those circumstances. Not impossible mind you but hard." Just the hint of a smile breaks on one side of his face.

He continues "Apparently Eastman showed up at the Lucky Lady last night, drunk out of his mind looking for me. Folks thought they heard him saying something like 'I lost her' or 'She's gone forever' or some other such words. Next thing you know the whole town thinks he's killed Ruby West. The whole blasted town!" Jake takes another sip of coffee. "Now I don't give a rat's tail what the town thinks, except that the whole blasted town is telling me you are dead. That and Adair is the first one to tell me the news." He pauses and look down into his coffee. "So I spent the whole night walking around Promise City looking for you and wondering if I found you whether you would be alive or not." He stops gazing into the coffee and drinks some more. "So how was your night?"

"Dead? You thought I was dead?" Ruby is silent for a few moments, and she looks down at the sheets on the bed. "You really thought I was dead? What did Eastman think he was doing?" Ruby says to herself and shakes her head before looking up at Jake. "Uh, somehow sorry doesn't seem like enough. I was just, um, angry that you left me, after telling me not to leave you, that we had to stay together. And Kate was late, that was annoying. Plus I was, well, really upset over what I told you earlier. I don't feel like we finished talking about that."

She looks up, "So I went to the El Parador, but I didn't know he was going to be there. So I spent the time trying to convince him I wouldn't marry him. Then I found out the party that was going on was an engagement party... for the two of us. And I got really mad. And I embarrassed myself. And maybe you too." She blushes and looks away again. "Then I left to find you but I guess I uh, didn't make it home."

Jake comments, "Angry that I left you, after telling you not to leave me, that we had to stay together. I did say that. Then Nanuet was going to run off with Flint to either get shot up by the Cowboy Gang or shoot someone and get arrested. So I ran around the block to get the Marshall, so I could convince him to go with them and I could come back here. I couldn't find the Marshall, so I came back here to get YOU because I didn't want YOU to be alone and I needed YOUR help to keep OUR friend alive. I asked Minerva to keep Eastman away from you while I was gone around the block."

Jake downs the rest of the coffee and stands. "The whole damn think makes me angry." He walks over to the bed. "The whole damn thing makes me loco." He snatches the coffee out of her hands and places it with a loud 'thuck' on the nightstand. "And the whole damn thing pushes me right over the edge, and I should have done this earlier and not stewed about it!" His hands shoot out and grab her shoulders and he gives her a hard kiss right on the lips. "There! Damn you."

Ruby kisses him back before pushing him away slightly. "So... damn me what? What does that mean? Are you still angry with me?" "No." He says quickly. Then, "Yes. I mean no. Well yes, but no. Arrrrggg." He covers his head with his arms. "Of course I'm angry. And I was frightened." He sits on the bed with a dejected sigh. "And more relieved than I can possibly describe when I saw you sleeping in Laurie Gilson's bed. And I have already forgiven you but," his arms drop back to his sides, "things are going to change."

“It must have been horrible for you to think I was dead. I mean, I felt horrible watching you bleed to death. That’s the day I realized that I really cared for you, because I didn’t want to lose you. Was that how you felt Jake? I’m really sorry I did that to you.” Ruby starts biting her lip. "What's going to change?" she asks quietly.
Jake says, "I was hollow and angry and full of hate, plus I was," Jake puts his thumb and index finger a hairs breadth apart, "this close to killing Eastman. But that is not what I want to talk about." He takes a couple breaths.

"There is probably a lot to say between you and me. We don't have to rush we have plenty of time. It can be said when it feels right. What I need to say today is this; I was giving you all the freedom you wanted to keep you around as long as I could. No more. I can't do it. Things have changed for us, both of us. You are mine, Ruby West, mine. I'm not going to share you. You belong here. Just you and me. No more worrying that somebody is going to run, or somebody is sleeping with somebody else, or somebody is in love with somebody else. Done. I want to get back to enjoying every day with you, not trying to figure out how to keep you around another day, week or month." Jake looks at her with a blank expression that he then forces a smile upon. "Can we do that? Can we?"

Ruby is quiet and starts playing with her hair. "So, what you're saying is... you want me and you need me, Mr. Cook?" The grin starts growing on Ruby's face. "Can we do it? Do you think we can do it?" Ruby stands on the bed next to Jake and starts jumping. "Oh but I think it'll take lots of bribing... you know jewelry, perfume, clothes, drinking and dancing, puppies and sex, lots of sex," Ruby giggles. "Can you do that?"

"I'm not so sure about the puppies and sex part, but if we leave them out of the bed I can handle it." Jake puts his hands on his hips and smiles as she bounces. "Damn that bed really does squeak." "Not sure about the sex part? Wait a minute..." Ruby stops bouncing and gets a serious look on her face. "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider that?" She falls onto her knees on the bed. "I might have to reconsider my answer," she tries not to giggle again.

Jake shakes his head and laughs, "I am quite sure I can take care of your bedroom needs Ruby dear. I was just hoping that we could separate the puppies from that particular activity. I told you I don't want to share you, especially in bed." "Jake!" Ruby squeals while smacking him in the arm and more giggling. She continues to laugh for a few minutes before calming down. "I know I can do that Jake. If you know you can do it, then we can do it," she smiles at him. "Let's kiss on it then...." She leans half the way to Jake and waits for him to finish the distance.

Jake leans in readily and kisses her. Then slowly and insistently he pulls her off the bed to stand on the floor with him and kisses her again with his arms wrapped around her. "I can do this. I want to do this. I will do this." He kisses her again, and holds her for a while before he let's go and says, "There were a few other people who spent no small effort looking for you and worrying about you last night. I think you ought to get dressed and we can go down stairs for a little while and reassure them."

Downstairs, Kate and Chester walked into the Lucky Lady. As Kate and Chester entered the Lucky Lady, Miss Florencia was sitting at a table with Niles Hoover talking animatedly. Kate heard the named Dionysis several times, and she could only assume the Priestess was again talking about a festival. She smiled as they sat down at the table. Minerva says, "Buenos Tardes Senorita Kate and Senor Chester, Please join us! " I was just sharing my ideas for the Festival with Senor Hoover. He was just about to share his views on it. Chester takes a seat. "How is the planning going?"

Hoover states, "As for the Merchant's Association, I am and in good standing with them. Mr. Cook is a member too, but he tends to miss most of the meetings as they are held early in the morning. We will be meeting next week if there is anything in particular that you would like me to present. Personally, I think the celebration sounds great, and not just because I'll sell lots of alcohol. I believe in the gods, they've always steered me right. Even things that appear to go wrong for me turn out to be blessings in disguise."

She replies, 'Gracias Senor Hoover, It would be wonderful if you would present my idea to them. As I am not a member of the committee I would not presume to be able to present the idea myself but I would like to attend this meeting if I may." she sweetly smiles.

Meanwhile, Nanuet has reached the third floor upstairs. He knocks lightly when he arrives and says "Sorry to disturb you, but I need to talk to Mr. Jake." "Wait," Ruby says quickly. "I have to say something else." Ruby pulls away, but keeps holding Jake's arms, and she sighs. "About what I said yesterday... about what I used to do, things I did, about," she whispers, "Jimmy... It's important, please don't tell anyone. I don't think our friends would understand, I don't want them to know about any of it." Ruby looks away from Jake clearly embarrassed.

Nanuet raps on the door a bit louder and raises his voice. "Mr. Jake, I know you are in there and I need to talk to you for just a minute. Then I will let you alone again, I swear!" Ruby jumps as she is talking about sensitive information and there is a loud knock on the door. She grabs a sheet to cover herself. "You'd better get that."

Jake cracks the door open, "Hey there Indian friend, what is so urgent? We were just talking about coming downstairs." Ruby starts dressing again as Jake talks to Nanuet at the door. Nanuet says, "Sorry, hope I didn't interrupt anything. Just though you would like to know that Chumbly is on the stage heading back to write up a story about Ruby's death. Told Hoover he saw you carrying her dead body this morning. Should I go stop him?"

"Mierda." Jake says flatly. "We'll be right down. We should try and stop that from getting printed, this has gotten really out of hand. Wait for us." Jake closes the door and waits until he hears Nanuet walk away. "That part of your life is your story to tell. If you want anyone to hear it, you'll have to tell them." Jake collects his hat and gunbelt. "I've known things like that were in your past since I met you, and I never said a word. That won't change. Let's go before you are headline news all over the country." "I'm not done talking yet..." She trails off. "Wait what do you mean headline news all over the country?" She furrows her brow at him and he explains as they head downstairs.

Nanuet returns downstairs and sees Minerva talking with Hoover, Chester and Kate. "I didn't mean to be rude Miss Minerva. The festival sounds great and as long as I have things here under control I would be glad to offer my help." Nanuet smiles and winks. Minerva is very glad that she decided to come to the Lucy Lady. Her mood is much improved and she is enjoying the light banter. With a crooked smile on her full lips she replies. "What would we all do without you Senor. She raises her glass to him and laughs merrily. "How are things up there, Nanuet? Do you think we'll see either of them before dinner?" Kate laughed. Nanuet gestures to the staircase.

As they enter the main room down stairs Jake says in a loud voice, "Back from beyond the grave for an encore performance the phenomenal, Miss Ruby West!" He applauds. Ruby makes a curtsey. Chester stands. "Damn it, Ruby. We were so worried about you. We looked all over. I'm mighty glad you're safe." "Yes, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I am harder than that to kill," she laughs.

Chapter 67, “Purchases and Sales", Friday, March 17th, 1882, 11:00 A.M.

Katherine shook her head, walked over to Ruby, and hugged her tightly. "I told those men they were crazy, thinking you were dead. All the same, next time you feel the need to take a late night walk, get someone to go with you, hmm?" Ruby then says, "If I may ask, where is Mr. Eastman now? Does anyone know?"

Chester says, "You'll want to go down to the Marshall's. They're hosting Mr. Eastman for the time being." She says, "I'm sorry Chester, and to all of you," she looks at all her friends. "I had a bad day, what can I say? I didn't mean to make you all worry. I suppose I should go to the jail and get Mr. Eastman out. Poor guy. He was drunker than me apparently."

"You'll forgive me if I don't feel any sympathy for poor George Eastman." Jake replies in an ice cold tone. "I agree though that it probably wouldn't do to prolong Promise City thinking you were murdered." "Well, did you enjoy your time spent in jail?" Ruby sighs. "I guess he deserved it for telling everyone he killed me.. or what did he say, I was lost to him? But it's a good thing Jake, because now he will leave us alone, especially after how I embarrassed him." She gets a crooked smile on her face. She faces Jake. "What do you think I should do, leave him in there?"

Kate says, "I let the Marshall know Ruby was safe on my way here this morning, but he'll still probably want to see her. They may have to keep him there a while longer for his own safety though. We had a saloon full of patrons calling to string him up last night." Chester states, "Good thing we were guarding him here. No telling how quickly that mob would've strung him up." "Really?" Ruby smiles. "That's good to know."

Minerva interjects, "Senorita Ruby, I am glad that no harm has come to you. " Minerva walks over to Ruby and hugs her. "Perhaps it would be wise to let Helen take care of Senor Eastman. He is very persistent . If you release him he may believe that you are interested." "Good advice probably, but I think George must have the idea by now. I stood on a table and screamed that there was no way I was going to marry him." Ruby blushes slightly. "Not exactly my most eloquent moment but I think it did the trick."

"No he deserves it for making our lives miserable for the better part of a week." Jake grumbles. "Nanuet's asked if he should get over to Tombstone and tell Chumbley the right news story. I think that is a good idea, but he shouldn't go alone. Ruby needs to be seen walking around town, healthy and whole, and the Marshall needs to see that too. After that whatever he wants to do with Eastman is his business. The Lucky Lady needs to get on with business tonight, again to show everyone that Ruby West is fine. Finally, I need a bath." Jake drops himself into a chair.

She says, "That sounds like a good idea. I need to go to the jeweler and I also want to visit Laurie at the Bath House, to thank her, so I can go with you for that." She turns to Kate. "Did you manage to get any of that tea by chance?" Kate replies, "I wasn't sure what you meant, Ruby. Which tea was that?" She answers, "The one that makes the headache go away after you drank too much. Dorita has a tea for everything... Oh well, I suppose it's my punishment for making everyone worry." Kate says, "Oh, the hangover cure? That's not a tea, it's more like drinking mud. Conrad got Dorita to make it for me last Friday. Just go over to the El Parador and ask Dorita for Mr. Booth's wake up special.

"So, what is everyone doing today then? Nanuet, when are you leaving and who will go with him? The coach has already left today, no?" Ruby asks. Chester comments, "I thought Jake meant for you to go with Nanuet. Just to prove you're still among the living. If not, I can go. It shouldn't take too long." Nanuet says, "Yes the first coach has left, but Mr. Niles mentioned that it being Friday today there is a second coach. I could always ride out on horseback anyway."

Kate comments, "It's Friday, I think there's another stage today. Whoever goes will have to stay overnight in Tombstone. I don't mind going, I wanted to visit Tom anyway, but that means Ruby can't come with me. I wonder if we couldn't just send a note to Chumbley with Mr. Nevers when he goes back? Or is this one of those things we don't want to leave to anyone else?" Nanuet says, "I think Jake wanted Ruby to be around here so that people could she her in the flesh."

Kate states, "Yes, it makes sense for Ruby to be very visible for the next day or so. If Chester can go with Nanuet, I'll stay here." "Oh good, I get to go out to dinner!" Ruby laughs. "I can be visible, don't worry about that. I'll be right back." Ruby runs upstairs and grabs the ring box off the dresser. She puts it safely in her pocket and heads back downstairs. "Anyone else taking a bath today?"

"And I need some food, I'm starving!" Ruby heads to the kitchen and grabs some lunch from Maria. When Maria see her she screams and starts crying and hugging Ruby. Ruby hugs her back then hurries out of the kitchen. "Gods! What's up with her?" Ruby shakes her head then sits to eat.

Chester says, "OK. let's go, Nanuet. I just got to saddle my horse." Before Nanuet and Chester can leave, Ruby runs out after them. “Please be careful you two. I really appreciate what you are doing for me.” She smiles, reaches down her dress and pulls out some money. “Take this in case you need it.” She hands Nanuet $50. “Don’t spend it all in one place!” Giggling, she kisses each of them. “Come back soon, and safe.”

"You're welcome, Ruby. We'll be back soon. We can ride faster than the coach." She smiles again and skips back into the Lucky Lady. When Ruby goes back inside, he turns to Nanuet. "How come she gave you the money? She doesn't trust me?" he says kiddingly. Come on. Let's get a move on. We need to catch Chumbley to tell him the reports of Ruby's death were greatly exaggerated." Nanuet grabs a few supplies and heads over to the El Parador with Chester to saddle up their mounts. They head out shortly afterwards riding with purpose, hoping to make good time on the way to Tombstone.

She approaches her friends. “So, we’re all meeting tonight at the El Parador for dinner, right? 5:00? Good we’ll see you all then.” Ruby takes Jake’s hand and they exit the Lucky Lady without waiting for her friends to respond. She looks at Jake. “First the jewelers, then your bath.” They depart.

Once the excitement has died down Minerva sits back at the table With Mr. Hoover so that he may answer her question concerning the Merchants Committee meeting. Hoover replies, "I don't see why you couldn't. I would be happy to introduce you. What exactly do you want to talk to them about? Donations for your church building?"

She replies, "Senor, at the moment I don't have a church or land to build it on. I do not believe it to be the wish of the gods to throw my lot in with the Vigilance Committee. I also don't feel that what they are proposing is in the best interest of the town or it's merchants. I work for the gods Senor, with or without a church, but the people need a church and if they choose to honor the gods by building a church in which I can preach I would be amenable, otherwise I shall be content to preach on a soap box outside of the Town Hall when the occasion calls for it."

"For the moment my main interest is in Celebrating the Festival of Dionysus. It is wise to pay him his due... And he does love a good party." She smiles conspiritually. He smiles, "My favored God, but you've probably already figured that out." She says, "I would like to present this festival to the Merchants Committee as a business venture for them. They stand to gain much from this event and it would also be a chance to unify the community as well as a lot of fun" she beams. "I would appreciate it if you could set up a meeting as soon as possible since the festival must be held in early spring to insure that the crops are prosperous and the cattle multiply."

He replies, "Sounds great, I'm sure that all of the saloon owners will be in agreement. You realize that this will just exacerbate the rift between the two committees though, not that they didn't ask for it in proposing a dress code for the saloons. That topic is on Tuesday's agenda as well, which I was planning to strongly oppose. I believe that Lumley and Adair are planning to speak against it as well."

"Senor Hoover, The Vigilance committee has already sown the seeds of their demise" she smiles darkly. "They are no more than a committee of fools if they believe that they can lead where few will follow." Her mouth set in disapproval she continues "It is I, whom the gods have directed to represent them, NOT some self-serving committee who has wrongfully and arrogantly assumed the role of gods.
This public celebration of Dionysus will open the people's eyes to the truth of it. The people will see that the gods speak through me and will no longer be blinded by a committee that rules in damnation and fear. I am confident that Dionysus will provide for our success. And then we shall build a church in which ALL are welcome."

Kate sat down at the table with Mr. Hoover and Minerva. Her mind was spinning. In the last two minutes Ruby and Jake had been down, Nanuet and Chester ran off to Tombstone, and Ruby and Jake ran out. Was she the only one standing still?

She had a couple hours before she had to be back at the smelter. A little time to herself would be no bad thing. She could work out how to apologize to Dorita, for one. She was used to these outbursts from the woman, but after a long night Kate's patience had been thin. In Kate's mind all she had heard was Dorita saying "You are a burden," and that was something she had tried avoid being.

A ride would clear her head, she was already dressed for it. She'd walk past Mrs. Kelley's to get a glimpse at Ginnie and then go get Meribel. "We can talk about your festival plans at dinner," Kate said quietly to Minerva. Then she excused herself and left the saloon.

Minerva says her goodbyes and strolls back to the Comstock house to change into something more festive. With a wide smile, a happy bounce to her step , and Luna flying by her side, she returns to the El Parador to meet her new friends for dinner. "We've never had friends before, Luna. Perhaps here we can escape the past. It's a wonderful feeling not to be alone anymore."

Katherine had made a wide circle around the ranch, running and jumping Meribel in ways that would have shocked proper society in Boston. She had given up on keeping her hair neat in just minutes and let it fly out behind. She spent a couple blissful hours not thinking about anything before turning back to Promise City and the smelter. Kate tied Meribel and went inside. "Mr. Harker, how nice to see you again. Is Mr. Sewell here?" Patrick Seawell steps out from the back room, "Katherine, it is wonderful to see you again. You look well."

"Thank you. I've been out riding, I thought I'd be a mess," she laughed lightly. "I have a bit of business to discuss. Why don't we step outside and I'll tell you about it." They stepped outside and Kate said, "You might have heard what happened at the trial yesterday afternoon. About Mr. Bauer, very unfortunate business for him. It was providential for me, however. You see, I'm starting a school, and needed a building. I was able to buy his store and house yesterday, but I only need the house. A friend told me you might be interested in the store building as an office."

He replies, "Well, I have been thinking about opening an office here in town. The Seawell-Morand mine near Dos Cabezas still hasn't proven out yet but my father and I both think that it will soon. He and the workers are staying in the town of Dos Cabezas, but the seven other properties that I have purchased with Morand are centrally located to here so this would be the best place for an office. Morands have offered me land north of their compound to build but more in town sounds better. Bauer, you mean where the food market was? What price are you asking?"

"Yes, the food market. Mr. Bauer wanted $750 for the store building, but I had good fortune in getting both buildings for a good price, and I like to pass that on to friends." Kate smiled and said, "$675 would go a long way toward recouping my costs and helping me get my school set up." He says, "Sounds reasonable. And after what we went through together in January I'm not going to haggle with you. I'll take me another hour or two to finish up here then I'll stop by the bank for the money. I can meet you in say, ninety minutes, at the County Claims Office to do the paperwork."

That sounds fine, thank you. I'll have to go dig up my friend, his name is on the deed as well so we'll probably need him too. I have to say I'm pleased, I can't think of anyone I'd rather have as a neighbor." Kate took his arm and chatted pleasantly while walking to her horse, then shook his hand. "I'll see you in an hour and a half."

Katherine mounted her horse and trotted over to Mitchell Berg's office to see if the paperwork was ready. Berg talks to Kate about what she needs and then takes notes for the new paperwork for her to transfer the ownership of the store from her and Booth to Seawell, and the house to just her. He agrees to meet her at the County Claims Office an hour later. After talking with Berg Kate slipped back to the El Parador and stabled Meribel, taking the time to make sure the horse was comfortable before she went next door to fetch Conrad so they could get to the claims office on time.

Ruby and Jake head to the Jewelry store. The mention of the jewelers reminds Jake of something. He pushes the single silver earring into Ruby’s hand and says simply, "You lost something." She looks down at the earring in her hand, then reaches up to her ear. She has a horrified look on her face. “Oh my… Jake, where did you find this? I mean, thank the gods you found it, I would have been devastated to lose it.” She quickly puts it back on and breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” she says simply and kisses Jake’s cheek. “Here we are!”

They head inside and Ruby approaches the man behind the counter. “Excuse me, Sir, I need to have a stone reset please.” She pulls the box with Eastman’s ring in it out of her pocket and places it in the counter. He picks up the box and looks inside. “What happened…” “Don’t ask,” Ruby interrupts. “Can you fix it?” “Sure, it’ll be a bit.” He takes the ring and heads into the back.

Ruby takes her time looking around the store. Suddenly she gasps and Jake wanders over. “Look!” She points to a ring behind the glass of the counter, a square ruby surrounded by small diamonds, set in silver. “Can I see this ring?” Ruby calls out. The man comes out from the back. “Of course Miss…” “West, Miss West. I own part of the Lucky Lady, I sing there too. And this is Mr. Cook, my boyfriend. Oh he owns part of the Lucky Lady too.” The man takes out the ring and places it on Ruby’s already outstretched finger. Of course it fits perfectly. She looks excited. “How much is it?” “This one is $170, a very good price for a beautiful ring.” Ruby’s face drops a bit and she stares at the ring before finally pulling it off. “I’ll have to think about it, thank you.” She turns to Jake, “Let’s go, we’ll come back later.” She thanks the jeweler and they head out.

Just before they go to Gilson's for a bath, Jake takes them to Lacey's. He has the shop keeper and Ruby help him select $10 worth of items as gifts for Laurie Gilson. "You've seen what she looks at when she comes in here. Not things for her business, but things to pamper herself or a special treat." He places them all in a basket and adds a simple note. 'Thank you, Jake." As they walk out Ruby comments, “Jake, you are so sweet.”

As they walk to the bath house Ruby swings the basket back and forth, smiling at people passing by. Some give her looks of surprise but she just keeps smiling and walking. “You know, it’s fun coming back from the dead!” she laughs. "You know it finally struck me what you said yesterday." Jake says suddenly to Ruby. "I don't think I've ever heard you call on Hermes before. Have I?" She laughs again. "Where did that come from? No, you haven't. I don't believe in the gods, for good reason I suppose," Ruby replies as she shrugs. "I guess I was just repeating what you say so often." She gives a little smile. "Why do you always choose that particular god anyway? I'm curious."

"Among other things, Hermes is the god that is concerned with overland travel, oratory and thieves." Jake scratches at his beard a bit before he adds, "and known for his cunning and shrewdness. What better god to have on my side?" "Hum," Ruby ponders, "Well, I guess you're right. How do you know he's on your side?"

"I don't know for sure, but it's funny." Jake rubs the back of his neck and looks a little sheepish, "I don't want to sound like the new priestess or anything...." He pauses a moment and looks away from Ruby. "Sure you can make an offering to a god or whatever, but I don't think you choose them. Do you know what I mean?"

"No, actually I don't," Ruby shrugs again, "Sorry. All I know is that I never had any signs of any gods in my life. Aren't they supposed to help you? You really believe in that stuff? That you can ask them for something and they give it to you?"

"I'm not exactly a church going guy, you've probably noticed that." Jake gives her a smirk. "I think they are real. I'm not so sure about the just ask and get stuff. I think they have their own agenda, just like us. If you are furthering their cause you get help. If not, well at best you get ignored. As far as I can tell they are a pretty fickle lot." "So why help them? Especially you, you never go around helping people who don't help you. I'm surprised Jake." "I'm not a preacher or anything. It is just a feeling. Maybe he helps me, maybe he doesn't. Maybe I'm helping him, maybe I'm not. Just hedging my bets." Jake shrugs.

“Just a feeling, huh? Just like llooovveeee,” Ruby giggles. “Just a feeling.” Jake chuckles and stops walking. They are standing in front of the bath house. They enter and are greeted again by Jules. “Is Ms. Gilson around?” Ruby inquires. “No, she ran out for a few moments, she’ll be back.” “Jake’s going to have a bath. And we’d like to talk to Laurie when she gets back please.” They wait for Jules to draw the bath, then Ruby keeps Jake company while he bathes. She rolls up her sleeves and slowly washes Jake’s back while she talks.

“You know, I’ve been thinking, what in Hades happened to us? I mean 3 ½ months ago neither of would have turned down fifty thousand dollars for anything! Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. I figured you could take it and live a very comfortable life. I know you said you would just blow it but think about it. You would never have to work again, just play cards whenever you felt like it. You could buy your own Kentucky bourbon distillery. You could have your own mansion and someone who could actually cook for you, making your steaks every morning just the way you like if you wished.” Ruby continues to rub Jake’s back, “I was considering accepting George’s proposal, so you could get the money and have everything you ever wanted.”

She continues quickly, “But I couldn’t do it, I am too selfish. One of my better qualities,” she laughs. “I thought about it and I would miss you so much! I would miss the way you make that little snoring noise at night, I would miss waking up next to you, you wrapped around me, your hair all a mess. The way you smell, the way you look when you are mad at me, because I can always tell you’re not really mad. The way your beard scratches my face when we kiss. The sexy way you look with your shirt off, especially when your pants fall low, your hips sticking out. The way you always pour me my drink first even when you’re really thirsty and the way you put your hand on my back when we walk. I would miss the way your eyes twinkle when you want to take me to bed and the way your cheeks are rosy after you do. The way you call me Princess…yes I would have missed you terribly,” Ruby sighs. “I only entertained that thought for about two seconds. But I’m glad any thoughts like that are over now.”

Jake replies. "Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. Maybe we'll make that much anyway, who knows. I told you, I'd have just blown it looking for someone like you. Except that when the money was gone I wouldn't have you." Jake is quiet for a few moments and all they hear is the splashing of the bath water before he asks, "How did you come to be Ruby instead of Constance?"

“Well, if your name was Constance would you be happy about it?” Ruby scrunches up her nose. “It’s no big deal really. One day I came home from school and I overheard my mother in the other room telling one of her friends how horrid my red hair was. And her friend said she thought it was beautiful, the color of a ruby and that she didn’t appreciate how special it was. I found out later that “friend” was my grandmother. I told you I never met her and I didn’t. I didn’t even see what she looked like that day, I only knew it was her because I heard my parents fighting later that night. She had come to see me but they sent her away. So when I left home I just introduced myself as Ruby. Seemed like it fit.” She shrugs, "And sounds much nicer that Constance. Plus," she smiles, "Red is my favorite color."

They are quiet again for a while. “The thought occurs to me that I should have more serious earlier when you were talking, you know, about us. I’m really happy you want things to change like that. I already told you, I don’t want to share you either. And I don’t want you running off and not coming back. I am yours, and only yours, I hope you know that and feel it to be true.” Ruby leans over the tub and kisses Jake. “And one more thing. I want, no I need to be able to tell you how I feel without you freaking out. Think you can handle that?”

"Me lose my cool?" Jake says with mock righteousness. "Ok, so one time I go a little crazy. As long as you warn me before you go doing stuff this poor Philadelphia boy hasn't experienced before I can handle it. Just don't expect me to tell you what I'm thinking every minute of the day though. I'll take Ruby the way she is, but it works both ways."

Ruby laughs. "All I'm saying Jake is I want to be able to tell you that I love you. I don't care if you can't say it back, but I want to be able to tell you that whenever I feel like it. And you don't always have to tell me what you think either. I know the truth." She pauses. "Besides if I want to know what you're thinking you know I can find out without you telling me," she giggles. "I'm not going to do any of that other stuff again. It wasn't very fair of me I suppose and I just don't think you're ready for it."

"I know those abilities are part of you, and I really wouldn't have it any other way. Just try not to shock me senseless, eh?" He pulls on strands of her hair that are dangling down over him in the tub. "It might be too late for the senseless part," she says giving him a fake look of surprise before she laughs and pulls back on his wet hair.

After Jake’s bath is over they wait until Laurie can see them. “Ms. Gilson, I want to thank you for taking care of me last night. You showed an extraordinary amount of kindness to me on your part. This is for you, from Jake.” She hands her the basket. “And this is from me, to pay for the bath.” She hands her a folded up bill. “I hope one of these nights you’ll stop by the Lucky Lady after work so we can treat you to a free dinner, some drinks and entertainment. I would really like it if you did.” Laurie smiles and says "Thank you very much. I can stop by tonight after we close if that is alright with you."

Ruby exclaims, "That would be wonderful. We'll be at the El Parador for dinner from 5:00pm until about 6:30pm. After that we'll be at the Lucky Lady." Ruby takes Laurie by the hands and squeezes. "I really can't thank you enough for taking care of me. I'll see you tonight." She lets go of her hands and Jake and Ruby leave, heading back to the Lucky Lady.

On the way back Jake takes them on a detour to the gun shop and purchases two double action revolvers with a medium barrel length and a double barrel shotgun. On the way back Jake explains to Ruby the conversation he had with Jeff Mills about his background, and then about what happened upstairs last night with Jeff and his friends. "Don't say anything to him yet, but I wanted you to know. Maybe we can deal with this tomorrow. Feel like taking a ride to the mine with Jeff if he still wants to?" "Sure, baby. I haven't seen the mine since the day we took that fun detour with the coach." Ruby scrunches her nose. "Maybe we'll bring some lunch with us, make a day of it."

Jake and Ruby arrive back at the Lucky Lady. Ruby gets a coffee and heads out to the front porch. She sits on the steps and it doesn't take long for the puppies to come running out. She pets and plays with them, smiling and talking with the people passing by in the street.

Chapter 68, “Trouble on the Road", Friday, March 17th, 1882,

Kate arrives at the door of the Booth residence. Kate hears Conrad Booth's voice say "Who is there?" in response to her knock. "It's Katherine. I've talked to Mr. Seawell. I'm meeting him in an hour to fill out paperwork. We'll probably need you as well." "One minute." He opens the door and looks his impeccable self, tie tied and in his three piece suit. "I hope you managed to get a good price from Seawell," he comments.

Katherine does not look impeccable, still dressed in the leather pants, vest, and duster with her hair loose from her ride. She had the sudden urge to tweak his tie or muss his hair, just to see what would happen. Instead she kept her hands properly to herself and said, "I think so. $675 for the store building. We've been shot at together, so he wasn't inclined to haggle."

Booth says, "Which is why I thought you would do better at the negotiation than I would. Good, that means that the total cost of the house will only be $ 325, which is half to two-thirds below what it is probably worth. Not bad for just a few hours work, we'll turn you into a businesswoman yet." He laughs and says, "That is, if being a rancher, waitress, pianist and teacher aren't enough to keep you occupied." "You left out student and foster mother," she added lightly. "Did I ever spend days just sitting quietly reading the day away? It seems very long ago."

Taking on a more serious tone he says, "I've been thinking. We should probably put the house in just your name. You might have difficulty getting people to send their children there if they think the building is owned by a no-account gambler." "You're not a no-account, and someday people will see it," Kate said, slipping her arm through his. "But I do agree. $325 I can afford, although I feel you should have gotten some profit from this transaction. Still, you'll be no worse off and you'll have my gratitude which I hope counts for something."

"Some profit? My dear Katherine, having you own a house here in town instead of living 100% of your time out on that ranch of yours is reward enough." He slows the pace and says, "I...uh...would like to apologize for last night. I was having such a happy time that I became...well...I was far too forward. It was inappropriate. It will not happen again."

Katherine was quiet, looking away. "Thank you," she said simply as she squeezed his arm. They walked in silence for half a block before Kate spoke again. "I'm glad you were happy. It was a good day." She paused. "Well, it was a good day until I got to….well, you know. Things rather fell apart then." Kate spent the rest of the walk telling Conrad about Ruby's "demise" of the night before and the fear that hadn't been lifted until the morning. Booth says that he heard about it but since the men spreading the news were drunk he didn't put much stock in it. He says that he is glad that they are safe.

After arriving at the Lucky Lady Jake gives the purchased weapons to Jeff Mills. "Here you go, put these up for use as you see fit. Maybe you could hide one of the revolvers behind the bar, or make something to hide it there."

When Jake finds Hoover he sits with him for a while and updates him on what he heard and thought about the Vigilance Committee meeting. "I'm not exactly clear on what real power they have and what real power the Merchant Association has. Could you explain that to me?" Jake also tells him that he'll be attending the next meeting and intends on casting a supporting vote for Rodriguez.

Hoover replies, "The Merchant's Association is the one with power in that it hires and pays for the Town Marshall. But the problem there is that his and their authority is only limited to the area of the town streets. The places outside of the town, including all of the ranches, are supervised by the Sheriff.

The Vigilance Committee's official responsibilities are limited to only the church and cemetery, but the want to have more. Basically, they make proposals and if the Merchant's Association also adopts them then the proposals are considered to be town law. There is some overlap between the Committees, the most vocal being Frank Condon and Bill Watkins, so that group is not without its influence. It's funny, that Priestess Minerva is all upset now with Adair just as you and Ruby are, but when it comes to the Vigilance Committee you are on the same page as he is."

Jake asks. " Do you know who really owns the church land." Hoover replies, "The Vigilance Committee. The Civic Association owned all the town land and when the committee divided the church and cemetery went to them while the other town land was kept by the Merchant's Association. There's also that other church in the southeast part of town. It's privately owned by that Mexican priest that runs it.

Ruby gets bored after a while so she decides to take a walk. She lets Hoover know where she is going before she takes off. She ends up at Lacey's General Store. She finds herself standing at the counter where Mr. Lacey is. "Good afternoon, Mr. Lacey. I'm looking for a particular book and I hope you can help me. Romeo and Juliet, by Shakespeare. Any chance you have it?" She smiles at him and waits for his response.

He looks momentarily surprised by her entrance. He says, "It is good to see you....well." She replies, “How else would I be, sir?" She raises an eyebrow for a moment. He leaves that question hanging without supplying an answer to it.

She interjects, "Yes, I do have my heart set on Romeo and Juliet, Mr. Lacey. I have heard it's the most amazing romantic love story ever and I'd like to see for myself. I told you a long time ago I like fairy tales. He checks his library and says, "No Miss West, I do not believe I have a copy of that in stock. If you are looking for Shakespeare though I do have "The Merchant of Venice", "Richard III" and "Hamlet". If you have your heart set on that volume I could check with my book distributor and probably get a copy for you by next week." She asks, “Could you order it for me then?" He replies, "I would be happy to. I'll send a letter off to him today. Are there any other books that you might be interested in?"

"No thank you, that one will be enough to keep me busy for a long time. You'll let me know when it's here then?" Lacey nods and Ruby wishes him a good day. She heads back to Hammer's Jewelry. She goes inside and right up to the counter. "Good Afternoon," she says smiling. "Is the ring available yet?" Dick Hammer has the ring ready, charging her $ 1.50 for the repair. While she is there he also shows her the Ruby ring again. He comments "If somebody could afford to get you this diamond they should certainly be able to afford the ruby."

Ruby pays the $1.50. "Well, that ring is going back to it's owner. I doubt he'll be buying me anything any time soon," she laughs. "Out of curiosity, how much do you think it's worth?” He replies, "Given the size of the diamond I'd say around $ 2,000. Possibly a little more." She comments, “As for that one," she glances longingly at the ring, "I just might buy it for myself! A girl shouldn't have to wait around for a man to get her everything she wants." She sighs, "It is kind of expensive though." She scoops up the diamond ring and put it in her pocket, "Thanks Mr. Hammer."

Back at the Lucky Lady Jake chats with Niles Hoover for a while longer before he heads upstairs to clean up before dinner. He waits for Ruby to go with her to meet their friends at the El Parador for dinner. Once she has completed her errands Ruby goes back to her room, where Jake is waiting. She puts the ring in the safe before getting ready. She chooses the green dress at Jake's insistence (since the last time she wore it he was in jail) and take her time doing her hair and making herself pretty. They head over to the El Parador to meet everyone for dinner.

Kate and Conrad arrive at the County Claims Office where Mitchell Berg has just arrived. Seawell comes along by the time that Dennis Winston has the paperwork all ready. The transaction moves along smoothly, with Booth collecting the money from Seawell. Once the business is done Booth invites Seawell, Berg and Winston to all join them for dinner at the El Parador. Winston declines, saying that his wife Sherry will have dinner ready for him at home. Seawell agrees to join them as does Berg.

Meanwhile, on the road to Tombstone, Nanuet and Chester's ride west had begun uneventfully. By late morning they have reached the crossroad that goes north to Dos Cabezas and west towards Tombstone. At around 1 PM they passed by the road branching off to the south to the Shaw Ranch, which Chester remembers from his initial trip to Promise City.

They continued west in the direction of the Dragoon Mountain. At around 2:30 PM they near the mountains and then hear the sound from around the bend of approaching horses and some type of vehicle. "What do you think? I'm sure it's just someone out for a ride. Let's stay on the road." And the Wells Fargo stage rounds the bend and comes into view. Chester notices that it is traveling at an excessively fast speed, something he hasn't seen since that first day back in January when they had trouble with the outlaws.

Upon seeing Chester and Nanuet ahead he slows the team up somewhat, more akin to a normal traveling pace. Chester waves to Nevers. "Afternoon Mr. Nevers. Where're you going in such a hurry? There's no trouble behind you, is there?" He gestures for them to ride along saying "Sorry can't stop. The only problem with using these horseshoes is that when we stop the animals have to take a long rest." Chester and Nanuet turn around and ride alongside.

Nevers says "Probably no trouble, but when we were around a mile outside of Tombstone we picked up a tail, a pair of riders I didn't care for the look of. They might not have been any trouble, but we have no passengers on this run and some valuable cargo, so we figured why take chances."

Chester states, "We're headed for Tombstone actually. What'd the riders look like, so we know to watch out for them?" Nevers replies, "One had denim pants, a robin's egg-blue shirt, brown bandana and brown hat and was riding a chestnut brown horse. The other had black corduroy pants, tan shirt, black leather coat and black hat. He was riding a black horse with white spots on the rear quarter. Good to see you again Mr. Martin, good luck in Tombstone."

Nanuet had let Chester do the talking, and listened intently to the reply. "Well I have a few prayers that will help us if needed, but two riders hopefully won't cause us trouble. Let's keep going, we can rest when we get to Tombstone."

Chester and Nanuet turn around and resume their ride towards Tombstone, the road running south of the Dragoon Mountains. The next two miles are quiet. As they approach a section of road where a short wooden bridge crosses a stream they see the aforementioned horsemen. They are thirty feet off from the road. The men are both dismounted as their horses drink from the stream. Nanuet quietly says to Chester "Let's see if we can mind our own business and ride past. No need to go looking for trouble." Nanuet picks up the pace a bit and continues to pass by."

Nanuet may not have been looking for trouble but it appears to have found him. The man with the black leather coat and hat looks up towards the two riders. It has been nine weeks since Nanuet has last seen this man who he immediately recognizes the cattle rustler named Billy Claibourne. He last saw him during the attack on the miner's stage in January. Just from the look on Claibourne's face it is obvious that he recognizes Nanuet, Chester or both.

At the look of alarm, Chester draws his Remington, but keeps it pointed toward the ground. "Afternoon, gentlemen. Out for a ride?" At the look of alarm, Chester draws his Remington, but keeps it pointed toward the ground. "Afternoon, gentlemen. Out for a ride?" Nanuet reacts quickly to the look of recognition. "Chester, what are you doing?" he says in a low voice. "These guys don't want to chit chat with us, lets go!" Nanuet then casts a spell as they ride off.

Claibourne draws his revolver and his friend follows suit. Claibourne yells “:Stop and get off your horses” As he points the revolver towards Nanuet a mist then begins to rise up from the ground between them. Nanuet says, "Well Chester, that mist might buy us a few seconds!”

Chester and Nanuet ride back and to the side while they talk, so as to not be in the exactly the same target spot as they were when Nanuet cast the mist. The cloud makes for a solid wall of vapor. Claibourne fires four shots in rapid succession, all traveling well to Nanuet and Chester's right. He then takes his last two shots of his six-shooter, these being more deliberate with a pause between them, each of these now coming closer to the two.

Chester and Nanuet both immediately realize that if they continue to ride back in the direction that keeps the cloud between them they should be able to reach a distance of a few hundred feet before the rustlers are able mount up and ride through it. Nanuet comments, “Either we fight or we get going, what do you think?"

Nanuet points to Chester to ride in the direction that will keep them hidden and put distance between them and Claiborne and his companion. Nanuet then spurs his horse forward and rides hard, keeping his head low to lessen any target he may present when he leaves the cover of the mist barrier.

While Claibourne reloads his weapon his companion fires off six shots into the mist, another four in rapid succession followed by the final two spaced apart. The first five shots all fly to their right, the final shot passing between Chester and Nanuet's horses, which are now around 150 feet away from the mist. Given the angle of the road and foothills they will soon pass out of the protection of the cloud barrier.

Nanuet suddenly has a change of heart. He checks his mount and unslings his rifle. "Last time Claiborne’s messes with us." he says, gritting his teeth. He focuses on the area where he last saw Claiborne and waits for the cloud to clear. A breeze blows and thins the mist. As soon as he can see either of them Nanuet aims and fires.

Nanuet's aim is off, the rifle bullet striking the ground ten feet in front of Claibourne. Both men are still standing where they were earlier, neither having moved towards their mounts. Claibourne's friend is reloading as Billy Claiborne returns fire with his revolver. He again lets off four shots in rapid succession. The first two of these shots are aimed well but slightly high, passing just above Nanuet's left shoulder. The third shot barely grazes Nanuet's left arm. The final shot falls lower, fatally striking the horse that Nanuet is riding. Nanuet drops off the horse, keeping the fatally wounded beast of burden between him and his enemy. He uses the horses body as cover as he reloads his rifle.

Chester is confused by Nanuet's actions, saying to himself “I thought he said to keep riding? he thinks as he sees him wheel his mount.” Chester hears more shots being fired and sees Nanuet’s mount go down and sees the elf wince in pain as a bullet grazes his arm. "Wow, this just got interesting!" he exclaimed.
Chester unslings his rifle and takes a shot before heading towards where Nanuet is taking cover.

Nanuet then peers over the dead animal and uses the body to steady his arms and takes another shot. Nanuet's shot strikes Claibourne in his left arm. Claibourne was holding his revolver in both hands so his fifth shot it thrown off, flying wildly to the left. He raises the revolver back up with only his right arm and takes aim at Chester as his companion finishes reloading.

Nanuet continues the pattern of using the horse for cover while reloading and for stabilizing his arms while shooting. He slides back and forth behind the horse’s body, trying to not come up in the same place twice. After firing, Chester spurs his mount towards Nanuet, dismounts and joins him behind the cover.

Claiborne's last bullet misses Nanuet's head by a couple of inches. He turns around and runs back towards the stream where his and his companion's horses are still standing while his companion kneels down to make himself a smaller target as he raises up his revolver towards Nanuet and Chester to cover Claibourne's retreat. Chester’s first rife shot misses.

"Dang, that was close!" Nanuet exclaims as Chester dismounts his horse and joins Nanuet behind the cover. Chester follows Nanuet's example and braces his arms as he shoots. The two continue to reload and shoot at the two bandits.

Claibourne manages to successfully get to the stream and mount up, gun still in hand but not yet reloaded. His companion lets off another four shots in rapid succession, two hitting the horse carcass and the other two striking Nanuet, one for a serious wound in Nanuet's left shoulder and the second a serious wound to the upper chest below the shoulder. Simultaneous to this Chester lets off three shots from his Spenser rifle at the man firing on them, all missing.

Nanuet grits his teeth after receiving the two wounds. "Keep firing Chester, while I heal myself." Nanuet takes the last three-inch stone and says the command word, waiting for the healing light to take at least some of the pain away. Chester's military training takes over and he realizes he must keep the two bandits at bay while his injured friend heals himself. He takes aim with the rifle and fires three shots, emptying the rifle. Nanuet sees the necklace blow and feels the energy from the stone in his hand as it begins to glow.

Chester's first shot barely misses the kneeling man who lets off his fifth shot which misses. Chester adjusts his aim and his second shot is perfect, entering the man's forehead just above the eyes and causing his brain to blow out the back. Chester's final shot is at the mounted Claibourne, hitting him in the back. Claibourne reacts to the hit and then kicks his horse onward, as he starts to ride out of the stream and off towards the nearest hills away from Chester and Nanuet. As he rides away Chester sees him unsnap and draw a fresh revolver from a holster in the horse saddle, replacing it with his empty gun. The dead companion's horse is left behind.

Nanuet watches as the green energy flows from his hand and up to his upper chest and shoulder. The blood begins to flow back into the wounds. The shoulder shot had gone cleanly through but the upper chest wound still contains the bullet which Nanuet then sees get expelled from his body. The wounds then both begin to heal over.

While the healing is taking place Chester reloads his Spenser rifle. The wounded Claibourne continues to ride away. Nanuet sits up and sees the body by the stream. "Great shot Chet! Well, I think I'll be OK. Let's get out of here before he comes back with friends." Nanuet gathers his supplies from his dead mount and begins searching the dead man and his horse. The man has a wallet containing $ 43.00 and some paperwork that tends to indicate the man was named Monty Blackwell.

Chester keeps an eye out in the direction where Claiborne rode off. They mount up to head westward. The horse that Nanuet now rides does not take willingly to a new rider and it takes a few minutes for Nanuet to calm the animal.

Chapter 69, “Dinner with some friends", Friday, March 17th, 1882:

Kate, Conrad Booth, Mitchell Berg and Patrick Seawell head over to the El Parador, arriving the same time as Minerva and the five of them sit down at one of the Cantina's larger tables. Mitchell Berg gives Minerva a warm greeting saying, "That was a wonderful service you conducted last Sunday. Can we expect more of the same this week?"

Minerva's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Gracias Senor, I hope that you found it enlightening as well?" She continues in a puzzled tone "I was unaware that there was a service this Sunday. It was my understanding that they were held only twice a month." He replies, "Actually only once a month, Reverend Haggler could only make it to town that often. But Sunday being the Sabbath I guess I just assumed that you would now be holding them weekly."

Dorita arrives to take their orders. Kate says, "Thank you, Dorita. And I'm sorry, about earlier," she added quietly, her face flushing. She turned back to the table and said, "If you all will excuse me for just a minute, I'll go make myself presentable." Kate went up to her room and stripped off the leathers, cleaning up as best she could and dressing in her elaborate, plum colored dress. Her hair was brushed and pinned up in a soft style. Then she went back downstairs to join the others.

As Kate was taking her seat again Ruby and Jake entered. Kate waved them over. Minerva was talking to Mr. Berg about preaching and Kate took the opportunity to talk to Ruby and Jake. "With all the confusion lately, I didn't get to tell you I got my building! Conrad gave me a hand. We got both buildings from Mr. Bauer, and sold the store building to Mr. Seawell. I'll use the house for the school, and Ginnie and I can stay upstairs when we need to stay in town."

Ruby takes a seat. "Well, Kate, I have no idea what you just said, but it sounds like you got your building for the school! That's wonderful news. More reasons to celebrate!" Ruby notices the looks she is getting from around the table. "What? I didn't say we had to drink to celebrate, did I?" Ruby laughs. Jake interjects, "Good news Katherine. When I went to see Tony Lucky last night I noticed that Bauer was gone and was concerned you wouldn't get the building. I was going to offer to help you, but Mr Booth beat me to it." Jake smiles and nods to him. "I'm very happy for you." He says sincerely.

Kate replies, "You were? That's very sweet of you, Jake, thank you. I don't want to take your money, but I might still need a bit of other help now and then." Kate looked over at Conrad and whispered, "It looks like you won't be taking a trip to Prescott. Mr. Lucky was at work last night."

Ruby states, "Hello, Mr. Booth," She turns and nods, "Mr Berg, Mr. Seawell. We don't see you gentlemen for dinner too often. Will you be joining us at the Lucky Lady after dinner tonight for some entertainment?" The men exchange glances. Booth says "I'm sorry, but I have a table to run at the Long Branch." Seawell says, "And I have to ride up to Dos Cabezas. I need to bring my father back here tomorrow to help me set up our company's new office. But I'll come by tomorrow night with him if that's okay." She replies, "Of course that's ok, you are always invited to come by. We'll take good care of you whenever that is.

They turn to Berg who says, "Sure, why not. I'm not one really one for saloons but I've heard your singing from my house up the street. It's high time I came by to show my appreciation." "Your appreciation? We should be showing appreciation to you! You've always been around to help us when we need it, we're been very lucky to have you as a friend." Ruby pauses, "Although I was wondering if you would still want to be associated with me, seeing as how you were at the Vigilance Committee meeting and apparently they have a problem with the way I dress...." Ruby lets her statement hang in the air.

He laughs and replies, "Of course I was at the meeting. I'm a lawyer, lots of legal work can come from the foolish ideas of equally foolish people." He then glances around the room and softly says to the others at the table, "Please don't repeat that. I do regular business with several of those people." Ruby smiles at him and leans closer. "I won't repeat that but aren't you then putting your business at risk by being seen with us.. I mean me?"

He laughs, "Not to worry, lawyers are expected to spend time with criminals and undesirables, that's where much most of our business comes from. I must admit, your group has brought me a lot of business as of late." "I hope our continued business will be more of the kind I had today," Kate said, glad to see this lawyer had a sense of humor. He would be a good ally for all of them.

Kate looked around the table. She was a little confused by how Mr. Seawell and Conrad dealt with each other. It was hard to tell if they got on with one another or not. At least Conrad had not said anything when she told him Tony Lucky was out of jail, she had been a bit afraid he might do something anyway. But apparently a day to cool off had calmed his temper.

"Criminals and undesirables, huh?" Ruby raises an eyebrow. "Well, I'll take that as a complement, although I'm not sure my friends will," she laughs. "I’m glad to hear that anyway, this is Jake's favorite dress and he'd be awfully disappointed if I couldn't wear it anymore. Don't you agree?" Ruby gives him a mischievous smile while moving her shoulders to show off the dress. "I'm sure you'll have a great time tonight. What's your favorite song? I'll sing it for you."

Berg replies, "Really. Well, I'd have to say that my favorite song is the old Civil War tune "The Girl I Left Behind Me." Do you know it? Kate says, "I know it. My father used to sing that when I was a little girl, after he came home from the war. I learned to play it early on." Ruby adds, "Oh yes, I know it and I will sing it for you tonight. But Mr. Berg, is it just a tune you like, or is there a girl you left behind somewhere?"

He smiles and says "A little of both. My Uncle used to sing it at family functions when I was a boy. But there was a certain young lady named Betsey that I left behind back in Johnstown, Pennsylvania when my family decided to move west.” "Well, I shall sing it for your Betsey then, that's settled."

Laurie Gilson enters the El Parador. She begins to move in the direction of the table then notices all of the people at it and stops. She glances back towards the door and it appears that she is thinking of leaving. "Laurie!" Ruby sees Laurie and jumps up to greet up. She takes her arm and guides her back to the table. "My, this is turning into a nice dinner party, now isn't it. I'm not sure if you all know each other but I'll introduce you all anyway." Ruby goes around the table introducing everyone to Laurie, and gently pushing Laurie into a chair next to Mr. Berg. She tells the story of how Laurie saved her from an early demise at the hands of Mr. Eastman with much exaggeration.

Ruby excuses herself from the table and heads into the kitchen. "Dorita, it's Ruby," she calls out looking around for Dorita. She sees her preparing some food in the corner and starts walking towards her. "We have a lot of people for dinner tonight and could use some of your extra special refreshments." Dorita innocently replies "Special refreshments? Why whatever do you mean?" Ruby answers, "I didn't mean anything except for the wonderful food and drink that has no rival anywhere else in this town. What did you think I meant?" Dorita innocently says, "Oh, I wouldn't know" and hurries off into the kitchen.

Ruby follows quickly after her. "Oh, no Dorita, what does that mean? No holding back now. Listen you owe me for throwing me an engagement party to the wrong guy last night!" Ruby moves closer to her. "Come on, what does that mean?" Dorita says, “"Oh, at first I thought you were asking for one of my special teas. Perhaps a bottle of wine would be better." Ruby playfully narrows her eyes, "Yes, I've been wanting to get my hands on some of those teas. Are you telling me the truth?" she smiles. "Or are you trying to keep me out of trouble?"

Dorita's eyes narrow and she says "We can discuss this later if or when my Grandfather returns. Here," she reaches into a cabinet and takes out a bottle of wine. It has dust on it and the writing on the label is in Spanish. The smile drops off Ruby's face as she takes the bottle. "What do you mean IF he returns?" Dorita says, "He on dangerous mission. Bring Sonoma back because of risk. Last time he go on mission he call dangerous my mother and uncle not come back."

"Dorita," Ruby says softly, "But that was a long time ago and your grandfather is more powerful and wiser now. And he has friends to help him." She puts her hand on Dorita shoulder. "He's a clever man, he'll be ok." Ruby gives her a big hug from behind. " I wish you could come and hear me sing, I could make you feel better." The wood elf replies, "No, that not work tonight. That was Pedro's plan yesterday, he decided to hold the party here to distract me from worry. Tonight I too worried to not worry. Probably go to bed early and take special tea to help sleep."

Ruby says, "Go to bed early, let Pedro take care of things. I wish I could help. Mr. Gonzales figured we would only hurt him by being there, that is why he didn't ask us. I'm sorry Dorita." She hugs her again. "Is there anything we can do?" "No thank you," she replies. "Are you sure? I could help you cook..." Ruby says, the smile returning to her face. Dorita shoos her out of the kitchen, but not before Ruby grabs some plates of food.

As Ruby got up and went to the kitchen, Kate looked around the table and smiled. "Well, Mr. Seawell, before today it had been quite a while since I'd seen you last. Why don't you tell me all about my new neighbor? How are you new interests working out?"

Seawell replies, "We've been focused on the mine near Dos Cabezas. We have my father managing the operation, he's a retired United State Army Colonel who spent a quarter-century with the Army Corps of Engineers and was their Chief Geologist when he retired. He's one of the best people you'll ever find for finding things in the ground.

It's funny, but most of what we've done the last month has been intentionally finding water rather than silver. We're making life easier for the farmers who live in the region, irrigating their fields and pastures. As a result they now have time that they never had before, which they spend helping us with the mine.

My father also believes in sharing the profits with our employees. They get no ownership of the mine itself, but a percentage of any ore that they help extract they get to keep. Most of these farmers are wood elves, who have lived on the land for centuries. Their assistance has been quite beneficial."

Kate says, “It sounds like a good business. We certainly made the right choice in offering the building to you. If you told most people that farmers welcomed a mine, they wouldn't believe you. But we've had quite a bit of assistance for our ranch from the Apache in the mountains. I've been surprised, I find much more ready assistance here than I ever did in Boston."

Ruby returns to the table with the food and wine then helps herself to wine glass from behind the bar. "So, Laurie, when was the last time you came out for dinner?" Mrs. Gilson answers, "Oh, that would have been a long time ago, over a year-and-a-half ago. Back when my late husband Peter was still alive." Ruby states, "That's an awfully long time to go without having a nice dinner out with friends, Ms. Gilson. So it was fortuitous that I stopped to redecorate your walkway then?" Ruby laughs and pours her friends some wine. "To good friends!" she toasts and takes only a small sip.

Minerva sits contentedly sipping her drink, enjoying the buzz of conversation around her. When Kate finished up her talked with Mr. Seawell, she turned to the new priestess. "Miss Florencia, I believe you wanted to discuss your festival, did you not?" When everyone is gathered at the table Minerva lays out her ideas for the Festival of Dionysus. Her hands gesture excitedly as she begins pouring out the details.
"...And Katherine I was hoping that you would be willing to plan and be in charge of the children's activities. It would be a wonderful way to showcase your teaching skills and to acquaint yourself with the parents and children in and outside of the town. Perhaps you could use the money raised in these activities to procure supplies for the school.”

Excitedly turning to Ruby and Jake, "...Oh it would be perfect if the owners of the Lucky Lady could coordinate some friendly competition between the saloons. Ruby you are so talented and you know everyone in town. I would love it if you agreed to putting an entertainment committee together. you know, music, singing, maybe even a play. Music and theater are very important to the festival of Dionysus. I'm sure the Merchants committee will be quite involved as well. Your business partner Senor Hoover has graciously agreed to set up a meeting and plead our cause." This Festival is going to be a real boon to the town, as well as a LOT of fun! So what do you all say? Can I count on you? " She looks at each of them with so much enthusiasm and such a hopeful grin. It is difficult to refuse.

Kate replies, "You know I will be happy to help in any way I can, but I think you overestimate my abilities. I haven't spent much time with children, and Tom and I..." she paused and looked down for a moment. "I'll be learning as I go once the school is running, and children here I imagine are rather different in their games than children in Boston. But if you still want me I will try. When do you intend to hold the festival?"

"Oh Katherine this is great," Minerva grasps Katherine's hands and bounces in her seat. "Just Great! I'm sure you will be fabulous, and you won't be alone you know. This is your opportunity to solicit help from the families who have already agreed to educating their children through you. It will give you all a chance get to know one another. "and as for the best time to hold the festival...,"she places her finger on the side of her face and contemplates "well that will depend on what works for the Merchants Committee, but it is imperative that it be held in early spring. So that means sometime in late March or April. I know that doesn't give us a lot of time but, the sooner the better.

Ruby states, “Minerva, that sounds like a very fun and… ambitious idea! Don’t be surprised if people around here aren’t willing to help you. It would be wonderful if the Merchant Committee helped you but they might not be the helpful sort, if you know what I mean.” Minerva waves her arm, brushing away the concern, "Oh, no I'm sure they will be a main force in this, after all this is a Merchants festival. It's all about bringing income to the town. They will surly see this as a money making venture. And what's good for the merchants is good for the town. So I'm confident that most everyone in and outside of town, except a select few from the Vigilance committee, will want to participate."

Ruby smiles, "My, you are very... positive. One of the biggest and most powerful members of the Merchant's Committee is my friend Adair, and he'd say no just to spite you, and us. But I'm sure you will find a way. You are very persuasive." Ruby pauses then continues quickly, "But I don't have that much experience with them. You may have more luck than us when it comes to them. Now I told you I would help and I will. I would be happy to sing or help put on a play. I can ask some of my friends to be involved also. I’m not sure about setting up an entertainment committee and planning it all, that’s not really my type of thing.”

Minerva laughs gaily " Now Ruby you can't help but sparkle. It is your gift! And You certainly do have what it takes to form a committee. You've already begun. Now you just gather your friends together and you'll see, they'll be jumping all over you like those cute little puppies of yours begging you to let them help." Ruby says, “Sparkle, I like Senorita." Ruby winks at her. "I will do what I can, but I can't guarantee anything." She put her finger to her lips. "The puppies are cute, aren't they," she giggles.

Minerva says, "Well now that that's all settled I would like to propose a toast." She raises her glass up high. Thinking how truly blessed she is to have found such wonderful friends. "To Friendship and Prosperity. May Dionysus continue to smile upon us all!" She spills a small amount of her drink on the floor for the gods and raises the glass to her smiling lips. Ruby raises her glass with Minerva and takes a sip. She was really starting to like her new friend. "You and I will have to talk about what you expect, for entertainment. You know, what will make your gods happy."

Kate made the toast, repeating only "To Friendship and Prosperity," and leaving out any reference to Dionysus. She really had no business in a religious festival, but it would help Miss Florencia, and herself. She looked over at Conrad and thought, A businesswoman indeed. Jake joins them in the toast, no stranger to the god. He wears a faint smile and chuckles to himself thinking that Promise City is never going to be the same.

Ruby turns to Laurie, who is still looking a little uncomfortable. "Are you having fun Ms. Gilson? We don't normally talk about business at dinner time." Minerva turns her bright smile to Senora Gilson. "This festival will be exceptionally profitable for you Ms. Gilson. You may want to hire extra help for it, since everyone will be getting all gussied up for evening festivities. Not to mention how dirty the cowboys will get showing of their rodeo stunts! "

Laurie states, "Oh how right you are about that. My business was mobbed last Saturday, as it is every month before the worship service. But even more so then since they heard the preacher was a woman. We even opened early on Sunday morning for some last minute folks to bathe." Minerva states, "Glad to see I'm good for business. Maybe I should embroider you a tapestry to hang outside the bathhouse. "cleanliness is next to godliness" "she chuckles.

"Senorita Minerva, what kind of evening activities are you planning? It wouldn't include a costume dance now would it?" Ruby looks at her hopefully. Minerva exclaims, "A costume dance! What a novel idea! See, you're already full of ideas. I wonder who you could get to host it!"

Ruby states, "We have plenty of space, we could have it at the Lucky Lady. But," she pauses, "Some people won't come to a saloon. Might be better to have to somewhere else." Ruby starts getting excited. "Oh but a costume ball! I've always wanted to go to a costume ball! I already know what I'm going as! How exciting! Isn't it exciting Jake?" "It is very exciting Ruby." He replies but knows she isn't really listening to his response and remains caught up in the moment. She squeezes his hand, then turns to Kate, "Isn't it, exciting?" "Of course, Ruby. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself wherever it's held. Costume balls are a great deal of fun."

"I went to some as a child but that's not the same... Not like it could be here. Now, partying, that I am good at," she gives a wide grin. "Kate, what will you dress up as? Hum.. who can help me with my costume?" she says out loud but to herself. Kate states, "I really don't know Ruby. I haven't had more than ten seconds to think about it. Perhaps you could take a look around when we go to Tombstone. Otherwise I'm sure Mrs. Kelley could help you." Yes, Mrs. Kelley..." Ruby starts drifting off into thought.

Minerva says, “Katherine, I had forgotten that you are from Boston have you attended many costume balls ? Oh It could be so elegant! Perhaps you and Senora Gilson could put your heads together." I agree with Ruby that the Ball would best be held on neutral ground. Perhaps a Hotel? I'm not familiar with the town so I'm not sure what would be large enough. Perhaps someone could transform their barn? Or maybe one of the bankers would be willing to help with that.”

Minerva turns to Jake, So Senor what part will you play in this festival. Can I count on the Owners of the Lucky Lady to join the Saloons and Restaurants together in some friendly competition?" Ruby pipes up suddenly, "Senorita, barns and elegant don't go together. The Promise City Hotel is the nicest we have but they don't serve alcohol. But what if you just set up in the street? A big dance floor and stage, and you could decorate the streets and buildings... Jake, will you get dressed up?" "Yes within reason. I do have a reputation to maintain." he laughs as he says it when they all look at him askance. "I didn't specify which reputation." Ruby squeals and giggles loudly. "Jake's going as a PIRATE, so he can keep his reputation!"

Ruby turns back to Minerva. "Jake is the smart one around here, he probably has some good ideas..."

"Si, Senor Jake is certainly clever and I can see the ideas swirling in his head as we speak." Minerva teases. "Can you now?" Jake gently pinches Ruby under the table and winks at her. "We'll see if I can live up to all this expectation. I am willing to contribute, but I won't promise cooperation among the saloons. I think some will, but friendly competition may be a stretch. I'll talk to some of the other owners before the meeting and see if we can generate some support for the festival before the Merchant Association meeting begins."

Thankfully Minerva had moved right on after she had asked Kate about the ball. She already had so much on her plate, taking on another responsibility was impossible. The room was beginning to feel close. "Please, excuse me for just a moment, I'll be right back," Kate said smiling. She then stood and made her way through the Cantina and onto the front porch where she took a few deep breaths and took a moment to count her blessings. They seemed many today, but they came with responsibilities she wasn't sure she could fill. But tonight was not the time to worry about that.

To be continued

More computer problems. Full post below

Chapter 70, “Captured", Friday, March 17th, 1882:

Chester and Nanuet get back on the road and continue west to Tombstone. After around half an hour they hear the sound of gunshots. The shots are well to the north, somewhere in the Dragoon Mountains. There are a total of a dozen shots in all, fired as three burst of four continuous shots. They are then followed by another series of four continuous shots coming from a much closer location, somewhere on the road to the east behind them at a distance that Chester estimates to be between a quarter and a half mile.

Nanuet states, "OK, time to ride Chet. Let's see if we can make it to town without any more trouble." Nanuet and Chester spur their mounts forward quickening their pace attemtping to make it to Tombstone. They make good time, covering the next two miles rather quickly. They are still in the last foothills of the Dragoon Mountain range, around five miles east of Tombstone. Storm clouds are starting to accumulate in the sky above and the wind has picked up.

As they round a bend they see a horse drawn wagon parked on the side of the roadway around 150 feet in front of them. A pair of horses are hitched to the front of the wagon which is facing in the direction of Tombstone. A pair off saddled horses, each with a rifle sticking out of saddle holsters, are off to the side of the wagon.

There are three men, each of whom is wearing a revolver. One is at the front of the wagon and also has a shotgun by his side. The other two are in the back, prsumably the riders of the other two horses. The two in the back are currently securing a canvas tarp over something large, standing four feet high, in the middle of the back of the wagon. The remainder of the wagon appears to be empty.

Nanuet slows his horse and motions for Chester to do the same. They cautiously approach the wagon and Nanuet scans the men to see if he recognizes any of them. Chester states, "Let's be extra careful. There's a lot of shooting on the road today and you probably can't pray too often. Sorry about earlier. I thought those two would've been more neighborly since we had the drop on them."

Chester and Nanuet continue to ride forward. When they are within fifty-feet of the wagon one of the men in the back of it pulls off the canvas tarp. They find themselves facing the the barrel of a metal cylindrical device first invented in 1862 by Richard J. Gatling, and later updated in 1871, known as a Gatling Gun.

Chester is familiar with the heavy machine gun from his time in the United States Army. One of the men in the back of the wagon stands ready with the handcrank on the rear of the machine used to realign each of the twenty separate magazines within the drum, each of which fires twenty rounds, for a total of a four-hundred shot capacity. Chester knows that this gun can fire ten rounds in the same amount of time that he could fire back one from his own weapon, which is still holstered.

The man in the front of the wagon stands and turns towards the two. "Why don't you boys stop right there," he says. Neither Nanuet or Chester recognize any of these three men. Nanuet does as the man says and checks his horse. He waits quietly for the man to continue.

An uncomfortable two minutes of silence pass by. Nanuet and Chester then hear the sound of horses, not from the road but up on the hill to the north. They see seven mounted riders on the top of the hill a quarter-mile away riding down towards them, one of whom appears to be Billy Claibourne. Chester mutters, "Damn. Out of the frying pan, into the fire." Chester looks over the men manning the Gatling gun, trying to tell if they're soldiers or not. Common bandits wouldn't have the resources for that kind of firepower.

Nanuet takes a deep breath and trots forward. He speaks loudly and says "Look, are you guys going to help us or kill us? That there is Billy Claiborne. Either you are with him and you are going to gun us down or maybe you could help us with that contraption of yours. Any bounty money can be yours. What say you?" The man in the front of the wagon tells Nanuet "You boys just shut up. If we'd wanted you dead you'd already be in hades by now."
Chester thinks to himself, "What do you want? Are you linking up with Claibourne? Or were you reacting to the gunfire?"

The seven riders start to close. The one in charge of the wagon tells his two companions "Keep a close eye on these two. The boss will want to find out what they know." Nanuet couldn't decide what to do. Just trying to do a simple errrand he thought. It always turns into a mess. But I know one thing, I won't let them take me without a fight! All the muscles in his body tensed. He tried to keep himself calm but was finding it difficult. He did all he could to try and discern what the men wanted. "Who's the boss? You guys work for that clown Claiborne? Besides, what makes you think I will tell you anything?"

He replies, "Claibourne and I both work for the boss. Hey, Billy looks injured. You do that to him? Better tell me what you know before he gets here, otherwise I might just turn you over to Billy Boy and let him finish what he started." Nanuet states, "You should see what we did to Billy's partner. Watch yourself or you'll be next."

At this point Claibourne and his six companions are now around 300 feet away, each with a weapon in hand. The man says "Look, I'm not playing games here. We have you outnumbered five-to-one and outgunned fifty-to-one. If you want to live you'd better give me that message you were bringing to the Earps."

Chester leans toward Nanuet. He whispers, "What is he talking about? Have any ideas on how to get out of this. There's not much chance for running away. That Gatling gun would cut us to pieces. Unless we go in opposite directions. But one of us would likely die." Nanuet turns to Chester and says, "The only way I know how to handle things is to tell the truth. I don't know about you, but they won't get me alive."

Nanuet then turns to the man who gave him the warning and responds calmly. "There must be some mistake, we have no message for anyone. We are simply looking for the halfling newspaper man because he wants to publish a story that is incorrect. And as for your threats, I am not afraid to die."

One of the two men standing beside the gatling gun says "He's lying. I was in the Palace Saloon last night when this Indian and his friends helped the Elf Deputy arrest Gifford. He's in tight with the Earps." The spokesman of the group says, "We want to know what information Gifford spilled. Tell us now or you'll find I'm not just making threats. Not being afraid to die is a different think than wanting to die." The other riders are now around 200 feet away and closing.

Nanuet states, "Yes, I was there when they arrested Gifford. He killed my friends partner. I have no idea what he told anybody after they took him away. Why would I? I am not the law and neither is he."

The man by the gun says "You weren't just there. The Palace doesn't allow non-humans so you're lying about that. You were working with the law. Your story about that halfling is a pile of cow excriment." The leader says, "The Earps seem to have trained you well. But you're taking the wrong side on this one Indian." The seven riders close to 100 feet.

Nanuet states, "You're right, I wasn't just there, we were looking for the man who killed my partners friend and that was one of the places we looked. And if you really knew what was going on you would know I never went inside the Palace, because as you stated, they don't allow non-humans. Say what you want about my story, I never lie. We simply want to make sure a story gets straightened out before it hits the papers is all. I don't work for or with the Earps. So say or do what you wish with me, I have no information for you and neither does he."

The riders reach the wagon. Billy Claibourne is visibly bleeding from the two wounds. "Good you got them. Why are they still alive?", he asks. The man towards the front of the wagon says "The boss will want to find out what they were planning to tell the Earps. Looks like Gifford talked. If he spilled the plans we could be walking into an ambush."

Claibourne says, "Then what Frank? I get to kill them for shooting me?" The man replies, "That'll be up to the boss, but right now you'd better get to town and see a doctor. Robby, you go with him to make sure that he gets there." Claiboune nods. He and the one other rustler start to ride off to the west.

Nanuet states, "So, just what exactly do you plan on doing here? I told you we have no information and we have no idea what Gifford said. So if you want to kill us then get it over with because we have no information." He says, "You hard of hearing Indian? I'm taking you to go see the boss. You may not talk for me but you will for him."

He gestures up to two of the riders that just rode up and says, "Get their weapons." The two men ride up alongside Nanuet and Chester. Nanuet is seething with anger at this point but he looks over at Chester and realizes it would not be fair to him if he was to try anything stupid at this point so he reluctantly lets them approach and offers no resistance.

Chester and Nanuet's weapons are removed. The man on the wagon tells tells the two men in the wagon. "Secure the gun but stay close. If these guys try anything or have friends who try to stop us we may need it fast." He tells the other five "We're going back to the ranch. A pair of you should ride alongside each of them, one to each side, the other take up the rear. We'll lead."

Nanuet rides along, paying attention to his surroundings. He tries to look at the men closely as they ride so that he can remember them if he needs to in the future. He awaits anxiously for the trip to end counting the horses steps as they trot along.

They ride north, circumnavigating around several mountains in the Dragoon range. They then head a bit to the northeast and soon arrive at a valley with a two-acre corral containing thirty cows, a barn and a farmhouse. They ride down to the area and approach the farmhouse. The man in charge gets out of the wagon.

"He tells the four men nearest Nanuet and Chester "Get them off the horses and bring 'em inside." He tells the others "Put the wagon and horse into the barn." Nanuet continues to do what the men say, offering no resistance. Again he looks the men in the face whenever possible trying to imprint them into his memory. Chester also looks around trying to recognize his surroundings. How far will these guys go to get this information they think Nanuet has? When will the others wonder where we are? He snorts. Where's George Eastman when you need to raise an alarm?

Nanuet and Chester are locked in one of the bedrooms. Chester says, "I don't suppose you can pray for a way out of here. We're in some bad trouble. We don't have what they want and we killed one of them." Nanuet replies, "I don't have any prayers that can help us."