Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded

Chapter 71, “Prisoners“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 3:00 P.M.:

Nanuet and Chester hear some raised voices outside of the bedroom. The door and walls block most of it but they do catch the following: "..shot up Billy pretty bad..." then a minute later "...tipped off the Stagecoach" follow by the other voice saying "Damn. Fisk won't be happy, he wanted it..." and then after that "....because we don't know what they were going to tell the Earps."

Chester says to Nanuet, "Things have gone from bad to worse. They think we foiled their stagecoach robbery. Let's check the window. Maybe we can get out that way." Nanuet replies, "Good idea." He walks over to the window to check it out. While he does so, he mentally calls to his companion Maska in hopes of making a connection with her.

The window is boarded up from the outside and won't open. The door then opens and a man walks in. Two of the rustler that escorted him in come in as well and based upon the body language this new one is clearly the leader. The man has intense deep blue eyes, a thick mustache and receding hairline. He has a firm build and is wearing revolvers on each side, a fast draw revolver on his right and a long barreled revolver on his left. Once the three enter the door is shut behind them. Chester takes a hard look at the leader. There was something familiar about the guy. He was the bartender at the Oriental Saloon in Tombstone. How'd he get to be the man in charge?

Nanuet looks the three of them in the eyes ending with the man he perceives to be the boss. "So what do you want to know. I already told your friends we don't know anything." He replies, "They also said that you've been doing all the talking. So I'd like you to keep your mouth shut Indian and let your friend talk for a change." He looks at Chester and says, "I want the truth. I'm not a patient man. What were you two going to tell the Earps in Tombstone?" Chester snaps back to the present. "That is the truth. We're not going to see the Earps. Why would I want to do that? I was in their hoosegow before."

He replies, "Ah, you must be Mr. Martin then. I have friends in your town. We heard that you and Cook were arrested, and then let go without trial. So the Earps gave you freedom in exchange for cooperation. Is that it?" Chester replies, "No. That's not it at all. I had a good lawyer. He convinced the judge that it was all Danby Jones's doing. I just played along."

The rustler leader continues to question Chester to no avail. He finally gets frustrated and says, "Fine, we'll leave you here for a while to think about your future and if you want to have one. Strip down to your skivvies, I'm not leaving you any concealed tools or weapons to try to escape."

Chester shrugs. He strips down to his underclothes. "See? Nothing hidden." Nanuet also strips, although reluctantly. Maska hadn't answered his call earlier, so he tries again to reach his companion. "That too," the leader says, pointing to Nanuet's necklace. "The necklace does not come off. Not while I am still breathing." Nanuet says, his voice remaining steady and calm. Chester thinks, “Uh-oh. Hope that guy doesn't push too far.”

The man reaches into his pocket, then removes it, something in your hand. "If that's the way you want it," he states and waves his hands at Nanuet. A white powdery substance falls over Nanuet's face and chest. He immediately discovers that he can no longer breathe. Before he passes out Nanuet clutches his hand around the necklace and holds tightly. He does his best not to panic as the asphyxiation occurs.

Chester yells out, “"What in Hades did you do? Stop it." The two cowboys keep Chester from interfering. Nanuet eventually collapses onto the floor. The leader steps forwards and removes the necklace. He then casts some type of spell over Nanuet, who remains unconscious but Chester can see his chest moving again. Chester relaxes somewhat when he sees that Nanuet is still breathing. "You satisfied?"

The man replies, "Yes. Don't try anything, that isn't the only magic at my disposal. Think about the situation you are in and maybe you'll be more willing to talk." He has his men gather up Chester and Nanuet's possessions and then they depart, locking the door behind them. Chester rushes over to Nanuet and shakes him lightly. "Nanuet, wake up. Don't you die."

Nanuet finally wakes up three house later. "What happened? My head hurts." He reaches for his necklace. "Chester, where's my necklace?" Chester replies, “"Those damn cowboys took it with our clothes. The leader used some sort of magic to choke the life out of you. Then he took it. I recognize that guy, though. He was the bartender at one of the saloons in Tombstone. Sit still while I try to pry the boards off the window."

Chester gets part of the first board off the window and peers out through a crack between that board and the next. Three armed Cowboy Gang members are outside around twenty feet away and watching that corner of the building. It will therefore be impossible to get out that way unseen, at least until it gets dark.

They look around the room. The floorboards seem solid and from what they saw outside the building was constructed on a low foundation, with not enough of a crawlspace for either to crawl through. The front of the farmhouse was two-story, but this bedroom is along the single-story side section of the building. The ceiling above is flat, although they remember this part of the building as having had a pitched roof.

Chester will look for a way to get above the ceiling. Chester lifts up the lighter Nanuet onto his shoulders. They check the room's ceiling boards, finding all of them are firmly in place but notes also that they are made thinner and made of a lighter wood than the wall and floor boards.

They hear somebody approach quickly get back down. One of the two gunmen who had been with the leader before enters the room carrying two metal buckets. His partner stands outside the door with a rifle pointed into the room. The man only enters the room a few feet then puts down the buckets, saying "Boss said for us to bring you some food and water, you'll be with us for a while. You can use the empty bucket when you need an outhouse."

He backs out the door, closely watching the pair. The doors are then locked from the outside. One bucket is two-thirds full of water. The other bucket has four cooked ears of corn, a loaf of bread and two hard-boiled eggs.

Chester says, "That's a good sign. They must need us for something other than this message we're supposed to have. That means they're not going to kill us outright. So, there's time to figure out an escape." Chester peels an egg. He thinks out loud, "Were we the primary objective or just one of opportunity? Probably bad luck. I guess the stage was the main target."

The room itself was dark, with only a very faint amount of light coming through the boarded up windows. That light began to fade although sunset was still an hour away. Based upon the smell in the air Nanuet concludes that darker storm clouds had rolled in.

The storm the begins, with bright flashes of lightening that provided more light through the cracks, however briefly. The two search the barren room, the furniture having been removed. They find a nail. That provides them with a tool to use to then search between cracks in the floorboard where they locate and dig out four more nails, two ten-cent coins, a rolled up two-foot length of fishing line with a fishhook at the end and sewing needle. Chester asks, "What can we do with this stuff? The fishing line can be a strangling cord, if it comes to that." Nanuet states, “I suppose we could in a pinch but let's hope it doesn't come to that.”

Nanuet estimates that it is approximately 9:00 PM when he senses that his animal companion Maska is nearby. The storm begins to intensify. Nanuet calls to Maska, and tries to sense her well being. He instructs her, if it is safe and she can travel in the storm, to head back to town and go to the Lucky Lady, which she would know the Lucky Lady well as Nanuet stays there sometimes, and try to lead his companions back to where they are being held. After receiving back a message of worry from Maska, Nanuet mentally reassures her, and asks her again to get to the Lucky Lady, trying somehow to alert his friends to where he and Chester are.

Nanuet tells his friend, “I am not sure if Maska got my message or not, but I tried to send her back to Promise City to get the others. Now I wonder if that wouldn't just be leading them to right into trouble." Chester shakes his head. "I still can't get over the fact that you can talk to your wolf without saying anything. If Maska gets to them, they'll know something's up. I hope that's enough."

Nanuet pauses and circles the room a few times. He peers at the buckets, cups his hands and scoops some water out and drinks before continuing. "I agree that they must need us for something or they would have killed us by now. Let me try to contact Maska again. I suppose we could work on that window again now that it is dark. That rain and thunder is pretty loud, should mask the sound. Although I am not sure where I am going dressed like this." Nanuet says with a laugh trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Chester smiles. "I think that's the least of our worries. One of us should listen at the door while the other loosens that window. It's a better bet than going into the ceiling. I hope Maska can get the others soon. The cowboys don't strike me as a patient bunch."

Nanuet states, "I have always had a connection with animals, since I was young. Maska is special though, very smart, and we have a unique bond. I just hope that she heard me and is on her way to get them. I'll listen at the door. You work on that window. Try to keep the noise to a minimum though." Nanuet makes his way over to and then crouches next to the door to the room listens intently. He stays off to the side so that if the door were to be opened he would not be directly in the path.

"Will do. Let's try this." Chester resumes prying the boards off the window. They time the prying of the boards to coincide with the thunder to mask the noise. They manage to get the first board off and then a flash of lightening brightens the sky. They see two guards still outside, wearing yellow slickers and carrying rifles. Both have moved further over, around fifty feet away, towards the edge of the barn where the roof offers them some protection from the rain.

Chester states, "One down, a couple more to go. Think we can sneak by those guards?" Nanuet thinks deeply for a moment. "I doubt it. We will make too much noise trying to get out the window and it will probably take us too long to execute. Also, if we do get away they will easily track us in this mud. I think we should loosen up all the boards so that we can easily get them off, then in the morning when I can pray for new spells we can make a better effort. What do you think?"

Chester replies, "Good point. I just hope whatever they're waiting for isn't 'til tomorrow. We shouldn't sleep at the same time, just in case they come back tonight. Do you need to sleep to get your spells back?" Nanuet answers, "Yes, I actually need about four hours of rest in order to get my spells back. Maybe you should sleep now and then in a few hours I will wake you and you can watch while I rest then after my time you can sleep again?" Nanuet says in a solemn tone. Chester thinks on this for a moment. "OK, Nanuet. Let's get the window boards loosened first. I want to be able to get out of here fast."

He then states, "Chester, I am sorry to have gotten you into this. It was my idea to chase after Chumbley so he didn't print that story about Ruby's death. I appreciate you being a loyal friend and accompanying me. I am not sure how we can get out of this one, but if we ever do, I owe you one." Chester replies, "Considering how you've patched me up before, I think we're even. We'll get out of this fine. It's just how much it'll cost us that I'm worried about. I hope this isn't some sort of trap for the others."

Chester and Nanuet spend the next half hour working the boards loose, timing the loudest work to coincide with thunder. They fix them back in place. Once they are done no more than five minutes pass when they hear the sound of the door to the room unlocking. "Here they come. Hide the nails and fishing line under the bed. Be ready to rush them. I doubt they're here to tuck us in." Chester gives a half-smile. Nanuet stifles a laugh and then attempts to hide the line and nails before they enter. He then prepares for the door to open.

The door opens and the room fills with light from a lantern in the hallway. It is the same two men, one standing further back with a shotgun. Chester's guess that they weren't there to tuck them in proves to be incorrect in a sense, in that the man who enters the room has a pair of wool blankets under his arm. In his other hand is a metal bucket. He puts the bucket down, which is empty, and picks up the other one left for a toilet. He then drops the two blankets onto the floor and saying "Boss says it'll be cold tonight."

Chester states, "Er. Much obliged." Once they leave, Chester looks at Nanuet. "Well what do you know. Looks like I was wrong. They're not stupid. That guy with the shotgun was too far to get to before he fired. Something's going on and I don't know what it is. I guess we'll find out in the morning. Hope your god grants you some good prayers."

Nanuet says nothing to the men but nods when they mention that it will be a cold night. "No, they certainly aren't stupid or at least have not seemed to make any mistakes yet. They need us alive for some reason or another, have to figure out what that is. Well, get some rest now, I'll stay up and keep an eye on things." Chester sleeps until Nanuet estimates it is just after midnight. He then wakes Chester to watch for the remainder of the night while Nanuet sleeps.

Chapter 72, “The Calm before the Storm“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.

Once her mind had quieted Kate turned and went back inside the to her seat at the table. "If you haven't settled it already, I think Ruby is right about having the dancing outdoors. It would be a shame not to enjoy this nice spring weather, and it shouldn't be difficult to build a floor for dancing. Beside, I imagine the other activities will take place outdoors as well."

Kate turned to Conrad and asked, "Do you think Kate Higgins would be interested?" Conrad replies, "I'm sure that she would be. She's always one for a good party. I think the opposition will come from the Vigilance Committee."

Ruby exclaims, "Minerva, this is a great idea. Mr. Berg and Ms. Gilson, what do you think?" Laurie says, "I don't know. It has been so long since I've thought about anything other than just running my business that I don't know what to think." Kate nodded. "Sometimes a change is just what we need to open our eyes again and bring us out of our shells." Laurie says, "That's easy for you to say. I heard that you are a widow too, but you have all of your friends to help support you. I've had to struggle every day just to get by ever since my Peter was killed. The first extravagance I've allowed for myself is this meal."

Ruby looks to Laurie. "I'm sorry Laurie, we didn't know." Ruby looks her right in the eyes. "After what you did for me last night, you won't be able to stop me from being your friend, you may even regret your act of kindness one day." Ruby smiles at her. "We know things must be tough for you but I'm glad you came out with us. Everyone needs some fun every once in a while."

"It is not easy to say," Kate said gently. "I was alone in Tombstone for three months before I came here. I had a family in Boston, but I couldn't make myself leave the place where Tom was. I would be there still, alone in a dingy room with only a bottle for company except for the one chance I took. I got on the stage and came here. That decision changed everything."

Laurie puts her hands on Kate's and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. It appears that we have some things in common. I wish that I had your strength. When Peter was killed....well....I acted instinctively. Peter had kept a gun inside our cashbox and I used it. I spent the month after that in the Wilcox Jail while they petitioned the Territory for a judge. That month behind bars drained me of any strength that I had left. My trial was the first one that Judge Isby held in this county, and he found me innocent. That's so absurd, how can any person be 'innocent' if they've taken another person's life." She starts to cry and then looks up at those around the table "Oh, I'm so sorry, you were having a fun time, planning your party. And now I've ruined it. I should be leaving."

Ruby hops out of her chair quickly and hugs Laurie tightly. "You haven't ruined anything and we're not letting you go anywhere. You've just given us another reason to make sure the party goes well." Ruby pushes her down gently into her chair. "You only did what you had to do Laurie. We all only do what we have to. You should spend some time with Kate, maybe even out at the ranch. She loves it out there so much, she always comes back refreshed."

Mitchell Berg speaks up and tells Laurie, "Listen to these folks, they're smart people. As for your trial, Judge Isby got that one right. Even if that man hadn't shot your husband you were still well into the law to stop him from firing at anybody else. Businesspeople have a right to protect their businesses. That's especially true of your line of work, as when people are bathing they are most vulnerable, being naked and unarmed.

I'm sure the knowledge that you keep your customers safe has helped your business. In fact, you should have one of those newspapermen point out that you've successfully protected your customers from danger while your main competitor on the other hand managed to get himself captured and tied up by Deadeye Douglas."

"The ranch for me, is probably like your business is for you. Something we were supposed to do together. It's my way of keeping him with me." Kate reached across the table and took Laurie's hand. "You still have strength, if you'll allow yourself to use it. It hurts. Every time you try to move on, or feel happy, you feel guilty as if life shouldn't be good again. My best help is knowing that Tom would not have wanted me to spend my life grieving and drinking." She smiled softly. "Come see me whenever you wish. A good cry now and then would do us both some good."

Everyone at the table is silent for a few moments. "Alright, enough crying for today!" Ruby gives Laurie a sympathetic glance then a smile. Berg turns to Minerva and says, "About the festival, anything that can help pull this town together would be a good thing. Right now the town seems to be on a collision course in two separate directions." Kate comments, "There must be a middle ground, but from what I've heard the Vigilance Committee wants a level of restriction far beyond what you would see in even the most "civilized" of cities. There's nothing wrong with wanting this town to be a safe place for everyone who lives in it, but they must realize that we live in the Arizona Territory, not Rome."

Ruby exclaims, "What power does the Vigilance Committee have anyway? Who cares if they don't like how I dress?" Kate answers, "They are the only ones who really care, they and a few others who are frightened by people who won't be cowed by pressures of society. They don't really see a low-cut dress, Ruby. They see a woman who has said 'I will live my life the way I want to. I will chose for myself to be single or married, run a business, take a lover, save money or spend it.' They are afraid that independence will spread and they will have to live in a world they can't control."

Ruby states, "Come on, we're done with dinner, let's go to the saloon." Ruby stands. "Mr. Seawell, we'll see you and your father tomorrow?" He nods. "Very good." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen and pays Dorita for the dinner. She gives her another hug. "Feel better. If you need anything, please come and get one of us." Ruby gives her a genuine smile before bouncing back out to her friends.

"Alright, off we go!" She takes Laurie by the arm and escorts her to the Lucky Lady. "Have you ever played cards, Ms. Glison?" Laurie replies "Well, when I was a girl my friends and I would play the game Old Maid when our mother's weren't around. Is that what you mean?"

"No, no Old Maids around here." Ruby squeezes her arm. "We'll have to teach you the game of poker, one of these days." Ruby looks back over her shoulder to where Mitchell Berg and Jake are talking. "What do you think of Mr. Berg?" She replies, "I don't really know him. He must be a customer of the other bath house, although I could probably talk him into coming to mine instead now that we've been introduced. He seemed inclined towards that given his suggestion earlier."

Ruby replies, "Good, so you won't mind spending some time tonight keeping each other company then? Senorita Florencia will most likely sit with you too. The rest of us have to work, you understand." Ruby points them to a table in a good location. "If you need anything just ask." She heads to the bar and instructs Hoover and Mills to take good care of the table.

Katherine said good night to Mr. Seawell and Conrad, telling him she would pay him the $325 on Monday to square away the house. She had sensed his discomfort when she was talking about the last few months, so tried to be reassuring when she said good night. She went over to the Lucky Lady then and got to work, laughing a bit as she heard Ruby began matchmaking as she passed by.

As they leave the El Parador Jake is speaking with Mitchell Berg and notices that Minerva seems uncertain if she is following them. "Senorita, you are coming with us, no?" Jake smiles, takes her arm and pulls her along with them. As they leave a white owl flutters down and lands on Minvera's shoulder startling Jake. He recovers quickly and they continue on.

"Senorita, Mr. Berg seems to think you have an excellent idea as well. He's a good man to know. Perhaps he and I don't see the world exactly the same but he is a man of integrity and he tells you plainly where he stands. I respect that." Jake welcomes them both to the Lucky Lady and Berg finds himself a seat with Ms. Gilson.

Jake takes Minerva aside for a moment before gathering up his poker players. "Al Brower who is one of the owners of the Comique often comes to play poker here. If he comes tonight I'll mention your idea and suggest he speak with you tonight. He's a good sort too. Have a seat and enjoy yourself, we'll talk later." Jake gets himself a whiskey from the bar and checks with Jeff Mills to make sure everything is well. After that he greets his players and settles down to his game.

Ruby wishes Jake luck with his game, then she heads to the stage and waits for Kate to be ready to play. "I'm going to start with Mr. Berg's song tonight, Kate." Ruby gets to stage and greets everyone to applause. "I'm going to start the night with a song for a friend who is here tonight." She smiles and nods to Mr. Berg and starts her set by singing "The Girl I Left Behind Me."

I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill,
And o'er the moorland sedgy
Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill,
Since parting with my Betsey
I seek for one as fair and gay,
But find none to remind me
How sweet the hours I passed away,
With the girl I left behind me.

O ne'er shall I foget the night,
the stars were bright above me
And gently lent their silv'ry light
when first she vowed to love me
But now I'm bound to Brighton camp
kind heaven then pray guide me
And send me safely back again,
to the girl I left behind me

Her golden hair in ringlets fair,
her eyes like diamonds shining
Her slender waist, her heavenly face,
that leaves my heart still pining
Ye gods above oh hear my prayer
to my beauteous fair to find me
And send me safely back again,
to the girl I left behind me

The bee shall honey taste no more,
the dove become a ranger
The falling waters cease to roar,
ere I shall seek to change her
The vows we made to heav'n above
shall ever cheer and bind me
In constancy to her I love,
the girl I left behind me.

At the first break Jake takes Al Brower aside and tells him briefly of the Priestess Minerva's festival idea. "Seems to me it would be good for the town, saloons, restaurants and hotels. I figure we can come up with ways that all the saloons benefit and get a shot at some extra income. There are plenty of folks to keep us all busy, there would be no need of cut throat competition. Of course not everyone would feel that way. Why don't you speak with Senorita Florencia yourself and see, she is very persuasive and that is a good sign of the potential success."

Jake introduces Brower to Minerva, "Senorita Florencia, may I present Al Brower one of the owners of the Comique. I told him briefly of your festival idea, but I'm sure I cannot do it full justice." Jake gets a refill on his glass as Katherine wanders by and listens in on the conversation.
Brower says to Minerva, "I actually own more than just part of the Comique, I'm also part owner in the town's Gun Shop and also the Cigar Shop. I think that all three of my businesses could become part of this festival. Please tell me more."

Senor Bower sits with Minerva as she enthusiastically regales him with her festival ideas, including her thoughts on raising money for a town fire truck as well as supporting the new school. .."And so Senor, you can see how profitable this will for your businesses and the town, both financially as well as spiritually. And it will be such fun! " Finally running out of steam she leans back in her chair and beams at him..." Senor Jake has informed me that you are an honest and clever man, Senor. I welcome your support and thoughts on the matter. "What part would you like to play in the Festival?"

Al replies, "Well, I'm always one for contests. Perhaps some marksmanship contests, and I could donate a new weapon from my gun shop as a prize. For that matter, cigars make good prizes too and it could help to bring me more customers in the future. As for the Comique, it's too small for most of what you're planning but if you decide to split up the evening events into different locations then I'd be happy to offer my saloon."

Minerva is so thrilled by the positive response she can barely contain herself. She reaches over and squeezes his hand while the excitement dances in her eyes. “Oh, a Marksmanship contest! Senor Jake was right, You are such a clever man! Wonderful. wonderful ideas! And prizes too! Yes, Senorita Katherine and Ruby were also suggesting that we do much of the evening events out doors. Like a street faire! She leans in and says in a loud whisper "I do believe they are conspiring to hold a Costume Ball also! Will you be attending?” She grins at him mischievously and clapping her hands together. "Oh, We shall put on a festival that will have Dionysus blessing the crops and livestock for years to come! "The gods do love a party!"

Ruby finishes her first set and heads outside, like she normally does. She stops along the way to chat happily with customers, going over the story of her demise over and over again. Once outside she breathes in the fresh air and watches the clouds gather, as the wind has begun to whip around. She leans on the railing and closes her eyes, wishing for the rain. Later it would rain, and she would enjoy it.

Laurie Gilson approaches Ruby after she finishes the set and comments "Your singing is wonderful. Thank you for inviting me. I'm going to be going now but I'll stop back tomorrow if that's alright with you." Ruby smiles at Laurie. "Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Gilson, I always like to hear I'm appreciated. Of course we'd be very happy to have you, you'll always be welcome here." Thunder rumbles in the sky, "Hurry home before you get soaked!" Ruby calls out after her.

While Laurie and Ruby they are talking Mrs. Helen Barker enters the Saloon. She heads immediately for Jake's table and asks "Room for one more?" "Helen, you have always been welcome at the table, have a seat." Jake smiles and deals her in.

Helen replies, "Why thank you Mr. Cook. Hello, I believe that I know most of you here," she looks around, "Al, Neil, Henry, Forest....and who might you be?" He replies, "Alfredo, Alfredo Garcia, I work for Biff Johnson." She asks, "Have you been playing here long?" He replies, "Si, Mr. Jake invited me. This is my first Friday night though. I usually play here on Thursday but last night's game, well, you know." She nods and says, "Yes, I remember."

Ruby saw Helen walk in as she was talking to Laurie. She would go in and ask about George, but not now. She sits on her normal spot on the porch railing and watches the rain fall from the sky with a faint smile. Outside, lightening strikes and rain begins to fall.

Kate heard the thunder crash and smiled. "Here it comes," she said to herself. Mrs. Barker had just come in and gone to Jake's table, which she hoped wasn't a bad sign. She took a quick look around the saloon, noting that everyone seemed to have what they needed for the moment, then slipped outside where Ruby was sitting on the porch. "Good to see, isn't it?"

"Kate!" Ruby smiles, "Come here," she motions to her friend. "Yes, I love the rain, it's so refreshing and cleansing. Except for the mud part," she giggles. Now that Kate was close enough to her, Ruby reaches out and puts her arms around her friend. "So... I heard you refused to believe I was dead. I really appreciate that you know."

"It was such a ridiculous thing," Kate laughed. "Really, Mr. Eastman was so drunk he could barely walk. I talked to him a bit, and told him it was time to face facts. So he said something like 'There is no future, she's gone from me forever!' That's what set the whole thing off. I wasn't too worried until no one could find you. I still didn't think Mr. Eastman had done anything, but we've talked about what can happen to a woman alone, and I was afraid something like that might have happened."

Kate slipped her arm around Ruby's waist and hugged her back. "It was such a relief to know you spent the night safe. I can't believe I knocked on Laurie Gilson's door last night! I was so close...." Ruby tightly hugs Kate back. "Poor George," Ruby laughs, "I must have embarrassed him good to do what he did. I'm not sure you or anyone here heard what happened. It's a long story but it ended with...well..." A soft blush appears on Ruby's cheek, "I stood up on a table in the El Parador and screamed that I loved Jake and would never marry Mr. Eastman." She shakes her head. "It's just crazy Kate, I feel like I'm crazy."

"I didn't know there was anything that could still make you blush," Kate teased. "You're not crazy. But love can do that to you. It sends your head out in ten different directions, that's the fun part."

Jake’s table plays for the next half-hour, Jake winning $ 12 thus far for the night. The winner so far this evening is Blacksmith Henry Weller, having a surprisingly good night and being up over $ 50, although everyone else at the table is confident that his luck will soon turn.

Chapter 73, “The Stranger“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 9:00 P.M.

Katherine and Ruby are finishing up their conversation when a man rides up. He has on a leather long coat and wide-brimmed hat which are deflecting most of the rain. He hitches up his horse and walks inside. Ruby and Kate both notice his face, clean-shaven except for a neatly cropped mustache, short hair neatly cut, and deep dark eyes. He ignores the women and walks directly into the saloon.

"The silent type. We should probably head in and see what the tall, dark stranger wants." Kate paused a moment. "You know, that face was familiar. The horse even more so. Come on, Ruby, let's go see who he is." Ruby furrows her brows for a moment. "He looks familiar to me too. You said you recognize his horse? Strange." Ruby hops off the railing. "Yes, let's go. I should ask Mrs. Barker," Ruby says snidely, "How George is. The sooner he leaves Promise City the better for all of us."

Ruby takes Kate hand and they head back inside. Ruby heads to the bar and looks around for the stranger. The stranger has just finished taking off his gunbelt, a revolver on each side, and hands the belt over to Luc. He then removes the coat and hat, hands them to Luc as well, and says, "Find somewhere warm to let these dry out and there will be a dollar in it for you." He has on a tailored three-piece chocolate brown suit over a tan cotton shirt with a western style tie. With the exception of this man's well-worn and still wet cowboy boots his wardrobe could double for something of Conrad Booth's. The stranger gets himself a whiskey from Niles Hoover.

Kate gets a better look now at the man's face inside of the well lit Saloon and she freezes up. "Oh no. No, no, no," Kate whispered. She followed Ruby woodenly over toward the bar and laid her suddenly cold hand on her friends arm. Katherine whispered in Ruby's ear, "Johnny Ringo. He knows us, you, me and Jake from the rustlers caves. Why is he here? Why isn't he in Tombstone?"

"Kate," Ruby whispered, "Stay calm. He might not have noticed us yet, he didn't seem to on the way in. Listen, go in the kitchen, quietly take Jeff with you and tell him what is going on. And stay in there but keep your eyes and ears open." Ruby looks at Kate seriously, "Now's not the time to argue, he knows you better than the rest of us, GO." Ruby gives her a little push. Luckily Jeff was already standing near the kitchen.

Ruby casually walks over to Jake's table. She stands across from where he is sitting and bends forward slightly. That always gets his attention, she laughs to herself. Jake does look up and when he does Ruby discreetly tugs on her ear and earring. Jake nods and she starts walking back across the room, closer to where Ringo is standing. She makes sure to catch Jake's eye, makes sure Ringo isn't looking at her, then ever so slightly nods towards Ringo. The gunfighter turns and walks directly towards Jake's poker table. Ruby makes sure to get herself out of the view of Johnny Ringo as he walks towards Jake.

Kate walked over to Jeff Mills. "Can you give me a hand in the kitchen please, Jeff?" She slipped into the kitchen and walked to the back door, hopefully out of Maria's hearing. "Jeff, you know Jake, Ruby and I had some exciting times when we first came here. That day we brought Maggie those bed frames from the cattle rustlers caves? That man who just came in is Johnny Ringo. We didn't see him, but he was there that day. He saw the three of us and Nanuet. We don't know why he's here. Ruby wants me to stay in here, but she wanted you to know what was going on."

Ruby knew that Jake would get the signal she had just given him, the ones they had worked so hard on...

Flashback.... February 16, 1882
While they are lying in bed one day Ruby looks like she is preoccupied. “What are you thinking about?” Jake asks as he strokes her hair. “Oh, just thinking about all the trouble we get into. I have been thinking lately that we should have some sort of signals, so we know if we need help, you know things like that. What do you think?” Jake looks confused so Ruby sits up. “Ok, so if I’m standing across the room and you see me going like this,” she quickly runs her fingers of her right hand across her chest from left to right, “What are you going to think?”

"That you must've dropped crumbs on yourself, if you spilled whiskey you'd use a hanky." Jake says in mock seriousness. "Of course if I ran my hand across your chest it would mean something different."

Ruby shakes her head and laughs. “No, you would think, I’d better get over there, she needs me NOW.” Ruby pauses and she smiles. “Right? And if I went like this,” she discreetly tugs at her ear, “That would mean, this guy is dangerous, be prepared, watch your back. And if I go like this,” she runs her fingers over her lips, “That means?”

"Err... chest means you need me now, ear means dangerous guy, so lips must mean.... " Jake scratches his beard a couple of times ".... Jake's an idiot and he still can't figure it out."

“Lips means come over here and give me a kiss!” Ruby laughs as she leans forward and kisses Jake. Then she leans back, sitting on her feet. “No, really, it means time to create a distraction or go along with a distraction I am creating. We just make up whatever signals we want Jake. We can’t have them be obvious or someone else will guess what they are too.” Ruby stops to ponder for a moment. "I think we should have more, what do you think?”

"You're right, pulling the ear to get me to listen is a bit too obvious" He rubs his eyes. "OK, it's early still but I'll ask my brain to start working." He sits up also. "But let's make a couple of things simple, I don't remember complicated stuff. Left hand for Jake, right hand for Ruby. So if you want me to create the diversion run the fingers of your left hand over your lips. Fingers of right hand means you are about to create one." Jake stretches his arms and yawns. "Seems to me we ought to have a 'we need to get the heck outta here' signal. We do a lot of that."

"Yeah, that signal is... if we see the other one running start running too," Ruby giggles. "Oh ok, I'll be serious. How about if we rub our neck? And if we do that we should pick a spot to meet in case we get separated. How about near our horses, just in case it's serious?"

"No, not rubbing the neck. I do that when I'm tired. Then you'd be hanging 'round the El Parador barn and pissed at me at least once a week." “You’re right I would be mad about that,” Ruby giggles. Jake thinks a moment. "How about adjusting your collar and clasping your hands, like this?" He demonstrates. "Yes, I agree. We should meet at the horses." “Sure,” she replies.

Ruby stops again to think before smiling. "Of course, you already know the "go with it" look very well. I'm just sorry you figured it out so quickly and it got us in all this marriage trouble." Ruby sighs and sits Indian style.

"Anyway, how about pay attention and check this person out? If we rub our wrist like this, " Ruby shows him, "Behind someone. What do you think? Can you think of something better?"
"No, that's good." Ruby gets serious for a minute. "Jake, did you ever do this before with anyone? Take the time to learn this stuff?"

"Not with a partner. I did learn some with a bunch of folks in Chicago. But those were specific to whatever scam they were pulling." Jake's eyes goes unfocused in thought for a moment before he looks back and laughs. "I was still pretty new to the whole art, and it didn't always go well. Funny though, it was how I started to learn to fast talk my way out of trouble." His smile fades as he looks her in the eyes and holds the gaze. "You?"

Ruby’s face remains serious. “Yes, I did this before. Except then it wasn’t my idea and was used to do dangerous things in dangerous situations. No one really suspects a pretty young face, well, until they catch you anyway. Back then when someone told me to do something I did it.” Ruby looks away from Jake’s gaze. “That seems like ages ago,” she says quietly. “Since this was my idea I’m assuming it’s for US, me and you, to get us OUT of dangerous situations, not get us in?”

Ruby lays back on the bed and stretches. “But we do work well together, don’t we? I feel like we can do anything we put our minds to, if we do it together. Sometimes I think you know what I'm thinking or feeling without me even telling you.”

"I do feel that way sometimes." Jake looks wistful, and then changes back to his familiar grin. "Of course other times I can tell exactly what you are thinking." He gives her leg a gentle slap. "All right, let’s review those signals again ....."

Back to the present….
After Kate told Jeff what was going on she took a few deep, calming breaths. Right now the man had no weapons, and he'd come in peacefully enough. "It might be nothing Jeff. He might just be here to see where we are, or he might be here for a drink and a hand of cards. You'd better go back out, they might need you." Kate sat down on a crate and rubbed her arms. "It's going to be a long night," she said to no one in particular and sat back to listen to the rain.

The stranger sits down in the remaining empty chair at Jake's table, sipping his whiskey and just watching. Helen wins $ 35 in the current hand. The stranger removes a $ 100 bill from his pocket and then looks up towards Jake. He says in a voice that barely hints of a Texas accent "Hello Sir, I am interested in joining your game tonight. My name is John Peters Ringo." Henry Weller exclaims "Johnny Ringo?" John turns towards him and says, "I'm known by that name, yes."

Al Brower asks "What brings you to Promise City?" Ringo replies, "I heard that a friend of mine was in the town jail, I came to visit him."

Helen says, "Deal him in Mr. Cook. His money looks as good as anyone." Ringo replies, "Yes Ma'am, that's true, although I must point out that I have a problem playing at the same table as you." She gives him a sharp look and with anger in her voice says, "You won't play cards with a woman?" He replies, "Your gender isn't the issue. My problem is the bulge in your right calf. It appears that you neglected to check you weapon at the door."

A long pause follows. She then stands, walks to the door, reaches down and into the slit in her long skirt and removes a pearl-handled revolver from her boot holster. She and hands it to Harry Rote to put away and then returns to the table.

"Welcome Mr. Ringo. If everyone is amenable we will switch to five card stud so we can handle eight hands. Two hole cards, high card showing starts the bidding." Jake smiles, introduces the folks around the table and deals him in.

Ruby wasn't sure if Jake had gotten her signal or not, but she thought it better to get out of Ringo's sight for the moment. She heads into the kitchen and sits next to Kate. "Well, Johnny Ringo just sat down to play cards with Jake and introduced himself as Johnny Ringo." Ruby runs her fingers through her hair and sighs. "This is going to be an interesting night I would say." She is quiet for a few moments while she thinks.

"I don't think he saw either of us. He knows you better than the rest of us, since you talked to him back in Tombstone. I only was in that jail for a few moments, but this," she pulls on her hair, "Might give me away. How many redheads you think are around these parts anyway?" she smiles nervously. "Maybe if I play dumb like I don't recognize him things will be ok. I should get back out there and sing. What's he going to do, shoot me in front of the whole saloon?" Ruby scrunches up her nose. I don't want to trap you in here but if things go wrong you can cast your spells from here in without people knowing what you're doing and putting your life at risk. What do you think?"

Katherine replies, "You don't really think he came in here by chance, do you Ruby?" Ruby answers, "No, I don't think he came in here by chance, although I'm not sure he saw us when he walked in. I'm not a mind reader, I don't know why he came here tonight, the very day after someone asked me to keep my eyes open for people like him showing up here, it's suspicious."

Kate's hand was steady as she took Ruby's, and her voice was calm. "Billy Claibourne didn't recognize me in those caves, even though he's seen me many times. Johnny Ringo recognized me after only seeing me once before in riding clothes, and probably from a distance. I have no doubt he has recognized both you and Jake by now.

But I don't think he's here to cause trouble. At least not tonight. I don't think I can stand to just sit here in Maria's way. And why should me life be at any less risk than yours?" She dropped her voice and whispered, "And Maria would see me using spells. And how would I even know when you need me?"

Ruby says, "As for Maria, she used to work at the El Parador, remember? I'm not worried about her seeing spells. What I do worry about is you getting hurt. I'll leave what you do up to you. I'm going to go out and sing and you can come and play the piano or not. But whatever you do, be careful." Ruby squeezes her hand, then lets go. She smoothes her hair then stands up tall, squaring her shoulders. She adjusts her dress and satisfied she looks her best, heads back out to the main room and up to the stage. Kate stood up, gave herself a shake, and followed Ruby back out into the saloon where she sat down at the piano and began to play.

As Kate played for Ruby her eyes kept drifting over to Jake's table where Johnny Ringo had been dealt into the game. Out of jail and cleaned up, Kate could see how Tom had perhaps not realized what kind of man Ringo was. If she hadn't known better, she would have assumed he was an educated man and not a threat. And to be honest, Tom hadn't always been the best judge of character.

When Ruby finished her set Kate stayed at the piano and played a difficult classical piece, trying to keep her mind calm. When the piece ended she looked around the room and saw how busy it had gotten. Apparently Ruby's "death" had brought in patrons despite the rain. Reluctantly she stepped down and began serving drinks.

Kate had signaled the end of Ruby's set by starting to playing some classical music. Ruby knew it helped Kate stay calm, so she wasn't going to complain. Instead of doing too much talking she makes her way back out to the rain. She takes in a deep breath of the now cool air. She was worried about having Ringo at Jake's table, who knew what could go wrong. She sits on the railing for the second time that night and keeps one eye on the rain and one on Johnny Ringo.

Alfredo Garcia is clearly intimidated by Ringo and soon drops out of the game. Henry Weller's winning streak also comes to an abrupt end and he drops out after the fourth hand. After a total of eight hands Jake has won two, Neil Cassidy has won three, Ringo has won two, and Brower has won one. Helen's game is definitely off, but Jake isn't sure if it is because of Ringo, the whole George Eastman situation or the fact that she feels uncomfortable being unarmed. Conversation at the table has been at a minimum.

Most nights Kate would have left Tony Lucky's table for last, but tonight dealing with Mr. Lucky was the least of her concerns. She would have to take care of Jake's table sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. When the current hand ended she made her way over and cleaned up the glasses from the players who'd dropped out.

She nodded at the remaining players. "Mrs. Barker, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Brower, the usual? Something for you, Sir?" Kate finished with a quick glance at Ringo. He replies, "A good book would be nice." Without missing a beat she replies, "I'm afraid you're in the wrong establishment for books, Sir. If you're not thirsty I'll fill these other orders," she said and headed over to the bar.

With Luna perched on her shoulder, Minerva has spent the evening sipping her drink while wandering the room and listening to the general buzz and chatter of conversation. She is playing a little game she thinks of as "Who's Who". She is very aware of her surroundings and is enjoying the interactions of the crowd, attempting to make connections and decide what she thinks various people are up to.

Looking toward the door she saw a man enter the saloon and head for Jake's table. A flustered Ruby and Kate enter behind him and rush into the kitchen. What are those two up to now? she sighs, but decides not to interfere, shaking her head she thinks, Those two always have their heads in a noose about something..

She continues to wander the room, keeping an eye on the kitchen door, and stops to observe the card playing table from a distance. Jake is announcing a new game and there seems to be some unpleasant interaction between the new stranger and George Eastman's cousin. Remembering what Senor Jake said about every player giving something away, she discreetly watches the players actions and eyes trying to guess correctly whether or not they are bluffing and what is going on between the players.

She notices that Ruby and Kate are still looking nervous when they come out of the kitchen, and although she had planned to go home and prepare an enlightening sermon for Sunday, Minerva decides that perhaps she should stay and keep a watchful eye on her friends. Eyes and ears alert she continues the evening playing her game of "Who's Who" while perusing the crowd and listening to the music.

Minerva waits for Ruby to finish her set and follows her out to the porch. "Hola Ruby. Que pasa ? (what's up?)" Minerva places her hands on the rail and inhales deeply "I do love the smell of rain. Don't you ?" Ruby turns away from the rain to glance at her friend, but only for a moment. "Si, I do love the rain, the look, the smell, the feel of it. I'm hoping it will still be raining later tonight so I can enjoy it the way I want to."

Ruby can tell Minerva is looking at her questioningly and she smiles. Quietly she leans towards her, "Have you ever heard of Johnny Ringo?" She looks around to make sure no one is close enough to listen, "Of course you have, everyone has. He is rumored to be the head of the Cowboy Gang now. Well, we had a little, um, incident with him a few months ago." Still sitting on the railing, Ruby sits back against the support. "He just walked into our saloon and is playing cards with Jake."

"No, but he does seem to be making everyone at the card table extremely uncomfortable, and I can see that both you and Kate are quite worried by his appearance. Are you expecting trouble?” Minerva places her hand on Ruby's arm and reassures her. "I shall be close by if you find that you need my assistance."

"I don't know what to expect," Ruby sighs. "I really need a drink right now." She hops off the railing. "Thank you for the offer of your assistance. I hope we don't need it." She puts the smile back on her face. "Let's go back in. We can enjoy the rain later." She takes Minerva by the arm and they walk back inside.

Ruby introduces Minerva to a few of their regular customers. Some already know of her from her sermon on Sunday. Finally, she takes her to Jake's table. They stop near Helen and Ruby nods a hello. "How is George?" she asks, keeping her eyes off Mr. Ringo.

Ignoring Ruby, Helen stares at Jake until he makes eye contact. She then says, "Mr. Cook, I for one take my poker playing very seriously. If you can't keep your saloon help from interrupting card games that are in progress I'm afraid that I will have to find somewhere else to play."

"Saloon help?" Ruby snaps back, as her hazel eyes start to narrow and grow cloudy.

Chapter 74, “The Winning Hand”, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 10:00 P.M.

Kate was just returning to the table with drinks when she heard Helen's comment. She bit her tongue. Certainly she was not the best waitress in town but she had waited until between hands as she always did. From now on Helen Barker could just be thirsty. She set the drinks on the table and started to walk away, until she heard Ruby's reply. She suddenly busied herself cleaning a table where she could still hear.

Jake tries hard not to laugh, "Helen, I am sure a simple please don't talk to me while I am playing poker to her would have been sufficient. As one of the owners of the Lucky Lady I am sure she would understand and respect your wishes." He holds her gaze with a friendly smile.

Helen exclaims, "Fine, be rude to your customers. See how long you stay in business with that attitude. I fold," she states, tossing down the cards on the table. She gets up from the table and walks over to the bar. "Don't be mad at us because you made an error in judgment asking your cousin to come here..." Ruby calls after her.

Kate stepped over to Ruby and said very quietly, "Let it go this time, Ruby. I don't know what is going on with her, but you don't need to respond to her insults. If she riles you up, she wins." Jake finishes the hand with the others and says, "Gentlemen, I suggest we take a break to refresh ourselves. We will start up again in fifteen minutes and I will see if anyone else wishes to join us."

Helen Barker orders a whiskey from Hoover, downs it in one gulp. She then tells him, "Niles, I'm afraid that you'll have to find yourself a new piano player for Saturday nights. Stanley and I will be spending our time at the Comique instead. And you can tell your partners that they have a lot to learn about who has made an error in judgment."

She drops a $ 5 bill on the bar, then turns and walks to the front door. She waits while Harry Rote gets her checked revolver. Harry asks, "Will I still be able to get piano lessons from Stanley?" She smiles and says, "Of course Harry, you're always welcome in our home. However, Stanley will have to start charging you for them." She then walks out the door.

Kate slipped her arm around Ruby's waist and said softly, "We knew that was coming the moment she brought George Eastman in here. I'll talk with her tomorrow, if you like, and see if I can't get Mr. Barker back for Saturday nights. Why does she dislike you so?"

Ruby answers, "Why would I want you to talk to her? We run a saloon Kate, not a concert hall. We don't need Stanley Barker coming in here to play his classical music on Saturday nights." Ruby looks to Kate, "You play because it makes you happy and that's fine with me. We don't need him to play music that most of our customers could probably care less about. Besides, we have you if they do."

"I have no idea why she doesn't like me. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that her husband looked at me and she's jealous. It wouldn't be the first time." Ruby rolls her eyes. "And I was genuinely concerned about George, I don't want him to get hurt. But this whole thing IS her fault."

Kate answers, "I was more concerned about her ill will. She's the kind of woman who will bad-mouth the Lucky Lady all over town. But, I suppose with what happened last night people will assume she just has hard feelings about Mr. Eastman being suspected of murder. It's good of you to be concerned about him. Excuse me, I should get back to work." Kate walked back to the piano

Jake quickly goes out the door and on to the porch as Helen leaves. "Helen Barker, you don't need to run away. You can tell me off right here on the porch if you have something to say." Helen says, "Mr. Cook, please feel free to ask Mr. Kane about my poker playing as it is usually his table I play at, or ask Mr. Brower as I often play at his saloon as well. I take my game very seriously and will not tolerate interruptions during a serious game. It not only throws off a person's concentration but in less than honest games interruptions are often signals to a participant. I'm not saying that happened just now, but Miss West did have an opportunity to see my cards just now.

As for any other discussion. My cousin made a business proposition to you and has been expecting you to stop by our house to finalize it. That proposition is still on the table. I would suggest that you drop by either tomorrow or Sunday while you still have the opportunity to do so."

Jake answers, "I'm sorry you are angry with me Helen, I've never treated you with anything but respect here. You are still welcome if you decide you wish to return." Jake looks down at his feet. "I thought you of all people might understand. I'll bet you have had your share of folks who said things about you and Stanley, you playing poker, you being an independent soul. How much would it take for you to sell Stanley? I told your cousin no. He won't take no. I won't be stopping by. Good night Helen, be careful of the rain." Jake's words don't seem to affect Helen Barker.

Ruby followed Kate to the piano. "You're right about her ill will, but what can we do? You're right too that as long as I won't marry her cousin we'd lose her as a customer." Ruby gives a small laugh. "Jake will be mad at me for interrupting his game. I didn't even think about it to tell you the truth."

Kate sat down to play, sticking to energetic saloon songs. "Kate, don't take what I said in the wrong way. I love it when you play, you're so good at it. You can play anything you want to. All I'm saying is that we don't need Stanley Barker coming in to play piano on Saturday nights. Saturdays we have you and Sonoma, both excellent piano players." "What should I do? Go kiss her ass? She caused me so many problems this week."

Kate answers, "I'm not suggesting that. I just thought I might be able to smooth it over. You're right, we don't need Mr. Barker on Saturdays anymore. Maggie and Tom needed him before you came here. There is plenty of other entertainment now. It's your saloon Ruby, I just want it to be successful."

Ruby puts on hand on Kate's face while she plays. "You've very sweet Kate. And you're brave to want to go talk with her. You can try to smooth things over if you want to. I'm sure Jake will appreciate not losing a player for the tables. As for the entertainment," Ruby smiles, "That includes you. I couldn't sing every night without a piano player."

Ruby stands and winks at Kate before walking over to the bar and pouring herself a whiskey. Then she walks out to the porch where Jake is still standing. "I hope she didn't give it to you too badly out here."

When she walks away, Jake turns to go back into the saloon but Ruby is there. "Not that what you said was helpful," Jake says to Ruby with a laugh, "but I think she was just looking for a reason to have words with you. She would have gone off on you no matter what you said."

Ruby breathes a sigh of relief. "You think so? What I wanted to do was tell her to get her ass out of here and never come back but I thought you'd be mad at me for losing a player for you." Ruby starts playing with her hair, "It really is her fault all this happened. I don't know why she would want me as a cousin anyhow."

Jake laughs hard. When he stops he says, "Probably only to get you married and out of town away from Stanley. She did say that if I wanted to accept Eastman's offer I better stop by the house tomorrow or Sunday or it would be too late. I hope that means he's leaving town and giving up. Perhaps he's too embarrassed to show his face."

"He's still on about that? I figured for sure after last night he'd give up." Ruby scrunches her nose. "And I hope it means he's leaving and not planning on kidnapping me or something stupid like that." Ruby moves a little closer to Jake and plays with his belt. "Listen, I've been thinking. I want something, you want to hear what it is?" Jake looks down at her hand on his belt. "You've never had to think very long before wanting that before." He tries unsuccessfully to hide a smile.

Ruby looks up at Jake from under her eyelashes. "No silly, not that." Ruby continues quickly, "Well, I do want that but that's for later..." She returns his smile and cocks her head to one side, while continuing to play with his belt. "I want a billiards table for the saloon. It'll be a great addition to the Lucky Lady. Plus I like to play."

"Billiards huh. Well we need more room, so we need to be profitable for the expansion, so figure out how to keep customers. Even the ones you don't like." He takes her hands and kisses them. "I'd better get back inside and get the game going and keep an eye on things."

As Kate played she kept her eye on Johnny Ringo, drinking at the bar while he waited for Jake's game to resume. She wished there was some way to satisfy him without returning the books. Why she was feeling so stubborn about them was a mystery to her, except that whether or not he'd been part of the rustlers, she was certain he was part of the Cowboy Gang, no matter how cultured he appeared. The thought of giving in, yet again, to someone who wanted something from her grated on her nerves.

A few minutes later she managed to catch Harry Rote's eye. She signaled him to come over and said, "I'm sorry about your lessons. I'm not the player Mr. Barker is, but I'd be glad to give you what instruction I can, free of charge."

He replies, "Thank you, I'll take you up on that offer. I'd still like to be able to see Mr. Barker at least once a week for lessons. Do you think I might be able to get Miss West to give me a raise so that I can pay for them?"

She states, "I'm not certain. Miss West is new at business, and I haven't seen enough to guess. I imagine it won't do any harm to ask. If I were you I'd make myself especially useful for a day or two, then approach her. Remember though, there are three other owners here. You could ask Jake, Mr. Kane, or Mr. Hoover as well."

"Oh, I already have Hoover's support. He's been like a father to me. And Mr. Kane knows that Stanley Barker brought in business on Saturday nights, far more than Miss. West realizes. Last week the only one's who showed up once the boxing started at the palace were here to listen to him. If I keep up the lessons we might be able to get him back. He'll listen to me."

"I had thought myself to go talk to Mrs. Barker, but I'm afraid I would only make things worse. She's not someone I really understand. Miss West thought if anyone wanted classical music I could play, but I couldn't replace Mr. Barker. I just don't have the skill. I think if you already have the support of two of the owners you should be able to get Miss West's as well."

Jake escorts Ruby back inside and does a quick sweep of the room with his eyes looking for anything amiss, his players from tonight and any possible additional players he can invite. He'll gather them all up and get started again.

Jake is not able to get any other players, the other patrons in the bar being scared off by Ringo's presence. Jake, Ringo, Cassidy and Brower sit down to play. Before the game begins Al looks at both Jake and Ringo and says, "You two both live dangerously. Intentionally getting Mrs. Barker angry isn't something I'd want to do."

Jake replies, "Al, you know me by now. I wasn't trying to be smart with her, I was sincere. She's got a burr under her saddle for another reason. She is a feisty one though. Hopefully she'll cool off and reconsider. It would be a shame not to have her company any more."

Johnny Ringo looks at Brower and says, "You said the two of us? What did I do?" Al replies, "You disarmed her, that's probably what threw off her game. She needs everything just so and never goes anywhere without her baby. Trust me, I know, I own the town's gun shop. I've cleaned that gun dozens of times."

Ruby was huffy that Jake blew her off. Fine, she thinks, I'll do it on my own. There's plenty of space in here for a billiards table. She stopped at the bar, had another whiskey, then got back on stage for another set. As she sang she thought about what Jake had said, how Helen mentioned the offer to Jake, yet again. The thought again begins to surface that she should try to speak with George. Maybe on my next break...

Kate actually began to relax through Ruby's set. Johnny Ringo wasn't making any trouble, and the patrons seemed especially happy to hear Ruby tonight. In hindsight, ridiculous as it might have been it was sweet to see how much the patrons cared about Ruby. Just behind the sound of the music Kate could hear the rain. She was going to get soaked going back to the El Parador. Without Chester here there was no one to escort her back. Hopefully Ringo would be long gone by then.

Al Brower does poorly in the next half-hour of play, as is typical when the night wears on. Neil Cassidy had been playing well for a fair amount of the night, but his game is tapering off as well, winning only one small hand. The main action is now between Jake and Ringo, and Jake gets the idea that Ringo had been intentionally playing less than he was capable of earlier in the night. With the exception of the one hand won by Cassidy the two had been alternating wins the whole half hour, with the money in the pot increasing each time.

Ruby stops daydreaming and starts really singing. She concentrates as best she can on holding the audience, trying to pass on the emotions she is singing about. She sings with more passion than she has in a while. While she sings, she comes off the stage, wandering around the customers, sitting on laps here and there, tapping on hats, taking sips out of unguarded whiskey glasses, flirting and smiling at everyone.

At the end of her long set she makes her way back up on stage. "And one last song, for my Mr. Cook." There are a few grumbles and boos from the crowd. "Sorry boys," Ruby says with a smile, before starting to sing Jake's song for him. Jake takes advantage of the extra focus and edge 'his song' gives him and pushes hard on that hand against Ringo.

Jake looks at his current hand. Three Queens - diamonds, spades and clubs, an eight of spades and a four of clubs. He has one last opportunity to throw in and draw more cards before placing bets. Jake holds the queens and draws two.

Jake first card drawn is an eight of diamonds, and he realizes that if he had kept the other eight he would have had a full house. He then draws the final card - the Queen of Hearts. Al takes three cards this time while Ringo takes one and Neil opts to keep what he had last time. The betting begins, with Neil starting out with $ 25, the biggest opening hand of the night. Al folds. Ringo calls the $ 25 and then raises it another $ 25. They then turn to Jake.

Jake sees his $50 and raises an additional $25. Neil calls the $ 25 and raises the pot another $ 50. Ringo says, "That's more cash than I have with me at the moment, but I'd like to stay in the game. Mr. Cook, perhaps you may be willing to advance me the money needed. I have this to leave as collateral." He reaches into his pocket and removes a wrapped piece of cloth. He unfolds the cloth on the table to reveal a piece of jewelry. Jake immediately recognizes Nanuet's necklace, and the cloth that it was wrapped in as being part of Chester's shirt.

"Sure Mr. Ringo, that'll due." Jake keeps his poker face and tries to judge Neil's position.

After Ruby finishes her set she wanders over to the bar. She gets Jake a fresh glass of the good whiskey and brings it to him at the table. The players faces look serious, so she leans over and places the glass down in front of Jake. She would ask him later what he thought of his song. As she bent down she saw his hand, 4 Queens. She doesn't give it away but keeps the same smile she walked over with.

Jake covers Ringo's call and calls as well. The cards are revealed. Neil Cassidy has four of a kind, four Threes and a King. Ringo shows his hand, a full house with three Aces and a pair of Jacks. Jake shows his hand. Neil looks to Jake and says "Looks like you win Mr. Cook." Jake looks back and forth between Neil and Ringo and says, "I guess it is my night to be lucky."

Chapter 75, “The Stand Off”, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 10:45 P.M.

Ruby giggles, "Nice hand baby." She sees the still serious look on Ringo's and Jake's faces so keeps the comment she was going to make to herself. "Can I get anyone anything, a fresh drink perhaps?"

Ringo folds the cloth back over the necklace and the slides it across the table to Jake. Johnny Ringo then says to Jake, "You hold on to this for now. Is there somewhere more private where the two of us can talk?" He replies, "Sure".

When Ruby finished her set Kate stepped down as well and began to wend her way through the crowd serving drinks. A big hand was finishing up at Jake's table, and Jake saw Johnny Ringo slide a cloth-wrapped bundle across the table and say something. Whatever sense of relaxation she had achieved disappeared as she made her way closer.

First Jake scoops up the cash on the table and then gathers up the cards. He palms the queen of diamonds as he does so. Taking his time he puts the rest of the cards into his card case. He points at the stairs, "There is a room we can use upstairs." When Ringo looks towards the stairs Jake puts the palmed queen of diamonds into the cloth with the necklace. "Ruby, a couple of whiskeys please before we head up."

Ruby goes to the bar and gets the whiskeys as she is asked, then returns to the men. Jake puts the cloth wrapped necklace in his pocket before he takes one whiskey from her and hands it to Ringo. He takes his whiskey and turns to go up stairs. When he does he uses the sleight of hand that he and Ruby had practiced dozens of times, using his own body to shield the fluid moments as he handed the cloth package to Ruby. He notices out of the corner of his eye that Minerva is quickly heading towards Ruby and Katherine. Lastly Jake brushes his Colt with his wrist in that reassuring way, and quickly climbs the stairs and leads Ringo into one of the unoccupied rooms. He lets Ringo close the door behind them.

Ruby West had known Silver Jake Cook long enough and intimately enough, more than any other person in her life, to be able to read him flawlessly. Sometimes they joked about their ability to read each other’s minds, knowing what the other one was thinking or wanted almost all the time. Ruby always felt it was something bigger than the two of them, and she didn’t understand it, but never questioned the gift they were given.

She knew Johnny Ringo was trouble, she had just been waiting for his hand to be revealed. She saw the calm that came over Jake, the calm that came when there was trouble in front of him. She now had something in her pocket that Jake wanted her to see and Minerva was quickly approaching her. She saw the message in Jake’s eyes, for her to stay calm and be smart. She watched him brush his gun, another signal she knew well.

Ruby kept her smile on as she watches Jake walk up the stairs. Ruby puts a finger to her lips, then makes a motion for Minerva and Kate to stay where they are. They hear the door close upstairs. Ruby heads to Jeff, who is standing by the weapons cabinet near the door and whispers to him, “I believe Mr. Ringo wishes to cause us harm. Jeff, you’ve always been a loyal employee. I’m asking you now to continue that. Please, as quietly and as unseen as you can, take all the ammunition out of his weapons.” Jeff nods his head in agreement.

Earlier that evening Ruby had introduced Minerva to a few of their regular customers. Some already know of her from her sermon on Sunday Minerva spoke with each of them graciously accepting their compliments and inquiring if they will be attending Sunday's sermon. Finally, she went to Jake's table. Minerva stood back while the scene between Ruby and Helen played itself out observing the reactions of the other's at the table.

As the evening grew later Minerva continued to unobtrusively watch the poker game from a short distance away in an attempt to learn more about the game and this Johnny Ringo that Ruby was so worried about. When Johnny runs out of money he pulls out a vaguely familiar piece of cloth. Nestled inside is Nanuet's necklace. Knowing that Nanuet would not willingly part with it, Minerva feels fear rise up and grab her throat. keeping her face blank she inches closer and listens in to the conversation. When Jake and Johnny leave the table she makes her way over to Kate and Ruby. They can see the barely disguised panic in her eyes as she whispers, "Senorita's, we must talk privately." " Where is Senor Nanuet?"

Ruby makes her way quickly back to her friends. “Let’s also head upstairs.” Ruby can hear Jake and Ringo’s voices and they choose a room close, but not too close to them. Once they are inside and the door is shut Ruby looks to Minerva. As she talks she puts her hand in her pocket and touches what Jake had handed her. As she answers Minerva she pulls the cloth out. “Nanuet went to Tombstone with Chester to find Chumbley, to stop him from printing the story about my untimely demise.” With those words Ruby looks down to her hand. She closes her eyes, her fears coming true. It was Chester’s shirt, Nanuet’s necklace, and Jake’s warning sign for her, the Queen of Diamonds. Ruby took a deep breath then looked back at Kate and Minerva. “Ladies, we are in a lot of trouble.”

“I don’t know what Ringo wants, but I’m telling you right now we’re all in a lot of danger. Obviously the Cowboys have Nanuet and Chester. ” She turns to Minerva and as she does she places the card down her bodice. “Senorita, you seem to want to be friends with us and so far we have no reason not to trust you, although we do not really know you all that well. I’m going to tell you something and hope you will take that this is shared with friendship and trust, and as we don’t have a lot of time I can only hope that you will be ok with it. I am not exactly ‘just a singer’. I have the ability to manipulate…" She pauses for effect then continues with emphasis, "...Magic. And I’m going to be using it now to try to help our friends. I hope you won’t feel the need to turn me in.”

Minerva replies, "Kindred spirits. Remember Ruby? No , I will not turn you in. I know only too well what it's like to live in fear of being discovered." She laughs mirthlessly to herself. A wizard! By Zeus, I find myself befriended by a wizard! What lesson are you trying to teach me now goddess?"

She grasps Kate and Ruby's hands. "It is true, It has only been six days since my arrival in Promise City, But the gods have conspired to forge a strong bond between us and I for one will remain true to it for good or ill. Nanuet and I share a special connection as well and although I do not know Chester as well, I know of his importance to you. I will do whatever is in my power to insure the safety of all of you."

Ruby gives Minerva a genuine smile and squeezes her hand, and Kate's too. "Yes, I remember. Now's not really the time, but I've been so lucky coming here to Promise City, meeting all of you." She pauses for a moment to look at her friends. "Alright, enough of that. We need a plan. The first thing I'm going to do is read Senor Ringo's thoughts. I'm sure Jake will be counting on that and asking the right questions. And I must do it soon. Do either of you have any ideas?"

Ruby pauses again. "Just know this. If I can help it I won't let anything happen to either of you, or Jake. And I will kill Johnny Ringo if I have to, to keep that from happening." Both Minerva and Kate can see the serious, murderous look in Ruby's eyes.

"O.k. Let's find out what's going on in that room so we can make a plan. We'll guard you so that you can focus on reading his mind." Minerva pulls her derringer out from the folds of her skirt and snickers. "It Doesn't seem quite adequate does it?"

Ruby glances at her friend. "It's good enough to get the job done, and you'd better believe that it will. No one really comes up here, although it is Friday night at that prospector is usually around."
Ruby looks at Kate, who is looking a bit pale. "It's going to be ok. Just think about any ideas that can help us while I try to figure out what's on Ringo's mind."

"I've learned a few new tricks lately, I'll make sure you're not interrupted. Find out what he knows, Ruby," Kate said as she slipped Tom's pistol out of it's hiding place in her skirts. Ruby tries to give a reassuring smile to her friends. She recites the incantation she knows so well, then concentrates. Ruby doesn't see who opens the door, she just makes her way into the hallway. She notices that the door is open a crack so she takes a few steps back into the room and tries to detect the thoughts from where she is.

Jake and Ringo were in the room. Ringo left the door open a crack and motioned for Jake to wait. After a few minutes he sees the other three head upstairs. "I asked for privacy, your friends don't seem to believe in that. I don't care for ambushes either, as I'm sure they are armed.” He pauses and watches the other three proceed down the hallway and then hears one returning. He turns back to Jake and says, “Goodnight then, don't try to follow me. Don't leave here for the next five minutes if you ever plan to see your friends again." Ringo begins to exit the room.

Kate slipped the pistol back into her skirt as the door opened. Ringo hadn't been there long, certainly not long enough for Ruby's spell to work. Jake draws on him quickly, cocking the hammer with his left hand and ready to pull the trigger with the gun pointed at his upper chest. "Sit down. We didn't talk yet."

Ringo looks back and tells Jake "So I was right, this was trap. I was willing to talk to you, but not to a lynch mob. I'm leaving. Go ahead and shoot me. Do you honestly think I didn't bring any backup with me? If I don't walk out of this saloon alive neither will anybody else." He turns and starts to walk towards the stairs. Jake holsters his gun and sits down in the room.

Kate and Minerva can see Ruby concentrating, looking like she is lost in thought. Her face quickly changes emotions and before they can stop her she steps out into the hallway, blocking Ringo from the stairs. She motions for them to stay back in the room and she closes the door behind her.

Ruby hurries into the hallway, "Wait, Mr. Ringo, please don't leave." She tries to look as non threatening as she can, and watches his reaction before continuing. "Look, I'm not sure what happened in there with Jake, but we only came up here because we are worried about our friends. Please don't leave, tell us what you want." Ruby has a very worried look on her face.

He replies, "I told Cook what I wanted downstairs, he decided not to grant my request. What I want now is for you to move out of my way or do I have to move you myself?" Why do you have to talk to him, why can't you talk to me?" Ruby asks softly.

"Talking isn't what I do with women who look like you," is his response as he moves forward and she moves to the side to let him pass. He spell then kicks in and she begins to detect his thoughts. He starts to descend down the stairs, his back to her, when she says "Sure Mr. Ringo, go ahead, walk away...."

Ringo continues down the stairs, ignoring Ruby. She says, "You think because you work with the law, you got connections, you can get away with whatever you want." He reaches the landing and continues down the remainder of the way to the first floor as calls out to him, "But now you're stuck. Killing us isn't going to get you what you want, you need us alive for that, so eventually you're going to have to trust us, whether you want to or not."

Ruby hurries across the room after him. As he stops and asks Jeff Mills for his gun back she steps in front of him and blurts out "Oh, but I guess girls who look like me don't think like that, we just *beep* right?" Ruby looks him straight in the eyes as she says this. He stares her back in the eye, lowers his voice, and replies, "Miss, I know for a fact that you are a person of action not words." As he says that she sees an image from his mind of herself back in the bandit’s caves firing at Curly Bill Brocius and realizes that Ringo was also there at the time.

Ringo takes his gun back, and comments "The weights wrong." She states, "You are absolutely right, I am a person of action, and I do what I have to help and protect my friends. We all know the facts of your reputation. I think you were setting us up." She points to Jeff. "Jeff has your ammunition." She continues without giving him a chance to reply, "Did you think we were going to let you come in here and shoot us in our own saloon? Jeff will give it back to you once you're outside."

He replies, "Don't bother, I have more." He gestures to Jeff and says, "Hat and coat please." Jeff hands them to him. Ringo puts on the coat and says to Ruby, "Don't really care for the fit of this one, too bad I lost my old one." Ruby takes a good look at the table near the bottom of the stairs, before looking back at Ringo. “Yes, you're right, it's not a flattering fit. Maybe you shouldn't have left the old one... unattended." She flips her hair and with a smile adds, "That's just a guess of course."

She takes a step closer to him and says quietly, "You and I are not really all that different you know. Think about what you would have done in our place and our situation." She backs away, leaving him plenty of room to get by. "Just think about it." Johnny Ringo does not respond to that. Instead he says to Ruby, "Tell your friend Warren I'm sorry I missed him tonight, but I'll be sure to catch up with him real soon."

He puts on his hat, heads outside into the rain and starts to unhitch his horse. "I don't have any friends by the name of Warren," Ruby calls out after him. "If you referring to who I think you are, I been screwed by them enough times to let them fend for themselves." Ringo gets on his horse and rides off to the west. With the rain coming down he may or may not have heard Ruby's last outburst.

When Katherine heard Ruby's voice move toward the stairs. It sounded like Ringo was not stopping. She waited a few more minutes, then opened the door quietly and looked out. Ruby had gone downstairs with Ringo. Kate crossed the hall and stood in the doorway. "Jake?" she said quietly, looking much like a child knowing she had done something naughty. "I'm sorry. What happened?"

He replies, "Sorry? For trying to help your friends? Don't apologize. Nothing happened. He heard you three come up and decided to head out. So I drew on him and told him to sit down. He didn't and I didn't shoot. I should have. I should have killed him right here." Jake looks at her but is looking right through her.

Ruby turns on her heel and walks to the stairs. Once she is half way up the stairs she bolts for the room Jake is in. She bursts in the door, out of breath, and sees Kate and Jake. Only a moment later Minerva joins them. Once Ruby catches her breath, a torrent of thoughts pour out.

"That ^&^*$ Ringo. I don't know what happened in here, but he had a spell that would protect him from bullets, although he was scared it might not work. He wanted to hurt me, but he didn't, thinking that Jake would shoot him if he did and he didn't want to take the chance. If any of us shot at him though, they were going to blow up the entire saloon. He's got some guys outside and he's got some friends sitting downstairs. And he was there, there in the room, invisible, the day I killed Curley Bill so he saw everything. Plus he wants me to warn Warren Earp about him coming." Ruby finally stops and takes a breath. She looks at each of her friends in turn, "What in Hades are we going to do?"

Ruby sits next to Jake on the bed, "I pretended I was scared at first, which I wasn't but... What about Nanuet and Chester? Do you think they're dead?" By her face Jake can tell Ruby is starting to get worried now.

Jake states, "Obviously Ringo wants something from us or for us to do something. He doesn't need them alive to make us believe they are. The thought crossed my mind that he is just trying to finish off those that hit the rustlers cave, and wants us in a convenient spot. I'm not optimistic that Nanuet and Chester are alive, that's is why I wanted to kill him. I should have done it. I don't care how many men he has down stairs."

Jake looks down at his feet for a moment before looking back at the three women. "Unless someone has a clever idea you should either clear out of town or be prepared to kill them before they kill us. In cold blood if necessary. I'm not giving up on Nanuet and Chester, but I'm prepared for the worst."

Crap, thinks Ruby, Jake thinks Nanuet and Chester are dead. She wasn't really listening to the rest of the conversation, she was lost in thought. If it wasn't for me 'dying' they wouldn't have been riding to Tombstone and none of this would be happening right now. Damn it! You are a stupid girl, she shakes her head.

Kate says, "He'll make contact again. He can't get whatever he wants from us if he doesn't, and if he just wanted us dead this saloon wouldn't be standing." She was quiet for a moment, rubbing her arms as if she were cold.

"I can't just clear out. I got you involved with this, I'm not going to leave you to clean up the mess. How am I going to keep Ginnie safe? We're probably safest at the El Parador, but if we're endangering them.... I don't know. I don't have any clever ideas right now. Ringo holds all the cards. Who can we count as allies? The Apache watch our ranch, I know, but with the treaty there's not much they can do to help us unless the Cowboys go into the mountains. Much as I hate it, we may have to line up with the Earps."

Jake says, "I'm glad to have you with us in this Katherine, but no looking back about who caused what. It doesn't really matter. Today is what matters." Jake scratches his beard. "No, the Apache can be allies. They don't have to fight, knowing where the cowboy gang is and even more importantly where Nanuet and Chester are..." Jake pauses and looks away, recovers and looks back, "is far more valuable. The Apache seem to watch everything. We need to get word to them. Maybe Nanuet's mentor might have a way to locate him. We also need to tell Gonzalez. Anybody who knows us could be in danger. Nobody goes anywhere without protection. If what Ruby learned is true, then they are probably watching us and maybe even trying to listen in."

"Ruby, what in Hades were you talking about Ringo having connections with the law or something and needing us?" “Huh?" Ruby replies to Jake, snapping out of her thoughts, obviously confused. "I was trying to get all my ideas out I don't even remember what I said. What are you asking me? The last thing Ringo said before he rode off was 'Tell your friend Warren I'm sorry I missed him tonight and I'll see him real soon'. He thinks we're friends with the Earps. I told him they messed with us enough times I don't exactly consider them friends but I don't know if he heard me. It is raining pretty hard out there. Is that what you wanted to know?"

Jake replies, “No. But that is important too.” Kate interjects, "I think more why you referred to Ringo as having connections with the law, rather than us, Ruby. I heard you say that to him in the hallway.” Jake adds, "You were standing at the top of the stairs yelling down to Ringo. Something about him having connections with the law, thinking he can do whatever he wants, but having to trust us?"

Ruby says, "You heard that too? I wasn't yelling. I was seeing his thoughts and was trying to find out for Judge Isby if Ringo had any connections to any lawmen anywhere. I was just trying to trick him into thinking it, IF it even is true. The judge thinks the law in certain places are in with the Cowboys. Ringo's only thought was that the Earps want him dead. It would help us to know if he did have connections with the law, I mean, so we know who else to look out for." "Smart move, trying to get him to think about his law connections." Jake says approvingly.

"As for trusting us, you both just said he obviously wants us for something and whatever it is he's going to have to trust us if we wants to get whatever it is." Ruby sighs and runs her fingers through her hair, "But I'll tell you, he had this place covered, if we would have done anything but exactly what he wanted, all of us and more would have paid very dearly."

Kate states, "Thankfully that didn't happen. And now we have an idea of how far Ringo is willing to go. Jake is right, we all need to be very careful. I hope he won't try anything over at the El Parador. I might be beneath his notice; I'll be thankful if I am. Beside contacting the Apache, is there anything else we can do? I should warn Sonoma, it's unlikely but they might target the ranch. Jake, Mr. Gonzales is out of town right now, I don't know when he'll be back. I should go to the Apache myself. I could ride out in disguise so the Cowboys wouldn't know to follow, but I'd have to be myself again before I get there. And we'd have to find someone who could come with me that the Cowboys wouldn't suspect.”

Ruby reminds Kate, "Did you forget you sassed him on your last visit to Tombstone? Or that he knows you have his books? I don't think you'll be under his radar. We'd better warn them at the El Parador and maybe let them...um... hide Ginnie, in case they know your... our ties to her." Ruby gives Kate a knowing glance.

"Look, we have no idea what he wants. We do knows he wants to threaten us by using our friends. He wanted to talk to Jake. Maybe the rest of us don't matter to him, who knows. We need to think if there is a way we can find Nanuet and Chester. The Apache is a good idea too. Is Lousie around?"

Kate replies, "I don't know where Louise is right now. I didn't really sass him, Ruby. I just didn't give him what he wanted.” Ruby states, “"Not giving Johnny Ringo what he wants IS sassing him, Kate."

Kate says, “I'm worried about staying in the El Parador. I don't want to endanger anyone there, even though it's probably the safest place for me to be. I could go to my house on the ranch, or the new house in town, but staying alone is a bad idea. Ginnie... I just don't know. I can't keep her with me, but I don't know where else to have her go. If they know about her, then leaving her with Dorita doesn't solve anything. She'd refuse to be sent far away, and how could I even get her on a train to Boston? And I'll have to make sure Conrad keeps away from me. They may know about him, they may not, but either way it's safer for him not to be near me”

Ruby sighs. "The El Parador is most definitely safer than here. And you can't go and stay by yourself at the ranch or your new house, neither is a wise idea." Ruby meets Katherine's eyes. "Ginnie should stay in Mr. Gonzales room. He's not here so he won't mind. As for Conrad, I doubt Ringo will want to start getting others like him involved." Kate answers, "Others like him? Ruby, Conrad is my friend, but you didn't see him when we talked to Irby Cole. He's not one to stand up against people like Ringo; he keeps his head down. Unless you just mean Ringo won't involve people outside our core group."

Kate continues, “. I can go talk to the Apache tomorrow if we can find someone to go with me. I can go in disguise so they won't recognize me. Or perhaps Naki-Yai could carry a message for me." Ruby says, "Who can we get... I don't know, that's just dangerous. They'll suspect anyone from here. Maybe you could send that Apache lady and Flint... He'd do that for us.” Kate says, "Flint was there too, not in the caves, but outside. He might be in just as much danger as we are."

Ruby asks, “What do you think, Jake, Minerva?" "Look Katherine, you can stay here or go to the El Parador. Be where ever you feel safe. I don't know that the Lady IS safe right now. Either way if you are going out tonight I'll bring you. Same for you Minerva." Minerva has a confused look on her face and seems to be having trouble following the conversation. Jake turns back to Ruby, "What did you mean paid dearly, was there something more than his men downstairs? Is there something else we should be doing right now?"

“Isn't blowing up the Lucky Lady and killing us and all the innocent customers in here enough? They only thing we should be doing is figuring out how to find Nanuet and Chester and that is what I am going to do." Ruby snaps, "I don't care about warning other people who probably have no part in this," she says as she glances at Kate. "We each choose to do what we think we should be doing, what we think is important."

Ruby stands and walks for the door, "Let me know if the rest of you figure out a plan." She walks out of the room and stomps up the stairs to her bedroom. Jake gives a heavy sigh, "I'll be right back." As he heads out the door, "Try not to run out on me just yet, I don't know if I can fight the Cowboy gang and chase three head strong women all over town in the rain and keep my sunny disposition."

Chapter 76, “I hate it when you’re right”, Friday, March 17th

Jake walks up the stairs thinking about what he is going to say and enters the room none the wiser. He sees Ruby stomping about, gathering her traveling clothes and things she might need to go and find Nanuet and Chester, leaving them together in case she needs them fast. He goes directly to changing out of his silk and linens. He says, "I'm not one to tell a woman how to feel, but it isn't your fault that the Cowboy gang is doing all this. You aren't making them hurt anybody. Best we can do is get them back, if they are still alive, don't let them get any more leverage on us by grabbing or threatening others and make them pay, for..." Jake swallows hard, "... for whatever they have done."

His street clothes back on he straps his long barrel Colt across his regular belt and continues, "So go ahead and let it out, tell me what you are thinking. First tell me this, because I didn't understand what you meant. If I shot Ringo was the cowboy gang going to blow up the Lady later, or is the Lady wired up to blow and I should go do something about that?" Jake puts on his duster and grabs the sawed off shotgun and some extra shells for it while she answers.

Ruby continues to stomp around for a few more moments. “I don’t know Jake. What he thought was, ‘Go ahead and shoot me. Len will give the signal and the boys will blow this place to kingdom come.’ I don’t know what that means, except it sounds really bad.” Ruby’s pile has grown larger and she looks it over. “I think that’s good.” Her leather clothes top a pile of weapons and her backpack, which is full. She finally plops herself down on the bed.

“How can Kate be so self centered right now, thinking about Conrad? We need to find Nanuet and Chester, I won’t believe that they are dead until I see if for myself. Why would the Cowboys care about him?” She doesn’t let Jake finish, “Right they wouldn’t. And we don’t have time to sit around here and think about all the people who can be hurt because they know us. And it is my fault, if they didn’t go to Tombstone for that stupid story they would be here and ok.”

Jake loops the lanyard on his shotgun around his neck and buttons up the top half of the duster, keeping it hidden. "Sure and it's my fault I didn't cut Eastman's throat earlier this week, and it's my fault you are still here in Promise City. While we are at it let's go dig up Pete and kick him for getting killed, we would have never been in the rustlers cave if not for that."

Jake drops his hat on his head. "If it makes you feel better, part of this is your fault. So what? Katherine's getting attached to Conrad and she's scared, so maybe none of us are thinking straight." Jake opens his nightstand drawer and takes out his old hunting knife and adds that to his belt. "So I think they are dead and you think they are alive. So what? We are both going after them, aren't we? Give me a kiss and get dressed. We'll need all four of us to make sure this building isn't loaded with explosives. Then we are going to find Nanuet and Chester."

Ruby is quiet for a moment, thinking, then stands up from the bed slowly. “I HATE it when you do that, you know.” Jake raises an eyebrow but Ruby doesn’t see it as she is already starting to take off her dress. “I HATE it when you’re right,” she calls over her shoulder. “And I HATE it when I want to be mad but you know the right things to say.” Ruby drops the dress to the floor and pulls on the leather outfit. “And I HATE it that you didn’t even tell me that I looked good in the green dress before I had to take it off.” It only takes a minute for her to finish dressing. Ruby walks towards Jake and wraps her arms around him in a tight hug. “You really do think they’re dead, don’t you? I’m glad you didn’t kill Ringo because if they are dead he’s going to wish you did him that favor.”

He says, "Don't dwell on what I think. We just better make sure this building doesn't blow up then, I expect to see you in that dress again someday soon." Ruby gives him a smile. "Chester likes that dress too you know. So let's go get him so he can enjoy it." Ruby kisses Jake, grabs her pack and guns and starts heading out the room, then stops suddenly. "Jake, we don't know that much about the priestess and if she can handle herself in dangerous situations. I mean, I'm guessing she can but you never know. Promise me you won't let anything happen to her, or Kate. I mean, just watch out for them, please."

"I'll do what I can to keep them safe." As they leave the room he adds, "Protector of attractive women was not what I had in mind when I used to think I was a ladies man." She adds, "Yeah well, now you got your hands full with two. And don't forget, it was your idea to come off the market, so you are a ladies man no more! You belong to me, right Mr. Cook?" Ruby gives him a giggle and a wink. "You always make me feel better Jake, I mean it."

"Yes, I'm off the market." Jake smiles at her as they approach the room where he hopes Katherine and Minerva are waiting. "Now that you feel better, let's try and not be blown to pieces." Ruby gives him another kiss. "Good plan. You want me to come in there with you or can I start investigating outside?" He says, “Yes, come in. But I agree with you wanting to get out there quick, so WE can go look for dynamite. Ringo's may still have friends in the room downstairs if there are perhaps these two can keep them busy while we check out the outside."

As they walk into the room Ruby says, "Oh I can tell you exactly what the guys downstairs look like. I saw them through Ringo's eyes. They might be gone by now, so we should hurry if we want to get info. Plus we don't want to wait around and give them time to set up another trap for us."

Ruby turns to Minerva. "I know you said you were in this with us, but it is a very dangerous, life threatening situation. You might want to consider that before you head out with us." Ruby smiles at her, "Although we would be happy to have your help if you're still offering." Ruby looks at Kate and Minerva. "I'm going out to try to find Nanuet and Chester. I know it's crazy, with this weather and they could be anywhere, but that's what I'm doing unless someone else has another plan."

Jake states, "I'd like nothing better than to, ahem, take care of any of Ringo's friends in the room down stairs. We need to find out about Chester and Nanuet before we start taking any of them out. If we find we have to, we can't leave any evidence before we get our friends back."

Jake scratches his chin before continuing. "How is this to start? We all go down stairs. If Ruby sees any of Ringo's friends you give us some kind of signal or info so we know which ones. Ruby goes to the kitchen and waits for a minute before going out the kitchen door. I tell Jeff Mills some of what is happening and then hangs around for a minute before he has to visit the outhouse. Katherine and Minerva keep Ringo's friends from going outside, or if they can't let us know somehow. Ruby searches for explosives and Jake covers her. If things go bad, get creative. When the building is safe, we start figuring out how to find them."

"Fine," Kate said flatly, arms still crossed over her chest as they had been since Jake and Ruby came back. She took several steps until she stood in front of Ruby. "How dare you insinuate that I don't care about Nanuet and Chester?" she grated, barely louder than a whisper. "All we know about where they are is somewhere between here and Tombstone, and they might not even be there. There is magic that could help, but I don't know it and there is no one to help me. I can't go ask if the Apache saw anything now in the night with the Cowboys out there. So forgive me if I tried to think of something I could do rather than everything I can't!"

As Kate gets in her face Ruby stands tall, a good 4 inches over her, not backing down in the slightest, also crossing her arms. Her eyes are cold and cloudy as she says calmly, “I didn’t insinuate anything, Katherine, it’s just not my style. I’ll tell you how I feel," she continues punctuating each word slowly, "right to your face. You should hear me fairly well from where you are standing. Before I left I did not hear one word about Nanuet or Chester, so what should I think? What I did hear was how hard and dangerous YOUR life is for you and the people around you. You need to decide if you should even stay in Promise City if you think you are putting Ginnie and Conrad in that much danger all the time.”

“But this isn’t about YOU or what YOU can do, not everything is. It’s about what WE have to do together, that is the only way to get out of this mess. I’m tired of us, and I mean all of us, not working together. We wouldn’t be in half the trouble we get into if we did. If we are going to be friends and survive here, do well here in Promise City, we have to work together.” Ruby puts extra emphasis on the last word.

Kate backed off a step and said, "I suggest we go over to Drover's and ask if they were seen on the road to Tombstone. It would give us at least an idea of where to start looking. After we're finished here, of course."

Ruby declares, “Now I’m not going to stand around here arguing another minute. You don’t like my ideas, fine, do as you will. Your idea about checking who might have seen them on the road is a good one, they would have passed the coach if they made it to Tombstone. But first, I’m going to check out this building and make sure it isn’t about to explode.” Ruby turns away from Katherine and looks to Jake. “Well?” She giving him the ‘you wanted me in here’ look.

Kate didn't back away from Ruby either, but now was not the time for an argument. "You know damn well I'm not letting you go anywhere alone. If you're going out to look I'm going too. It's not all about YOU either. We can argue about this later. Jake had a plan, let's do it." “I'm not trying to make it about me," Ruby replies without turning back to Kate.

Minerva stands silently taking in all the conversation and waits until Ruby and Kate are done venting their frustration on one another. she sighs and thinks, " Why does Senor Jake always assume that when someone goes missing they must be dead. Such little faith.

She ignores the scathing comments and faces them all with a calm look about her. "I think it is a good idea to first make sure that the building is not going to blow up. And I agree that we should take the men downstairs and get whatever information that we can out of them. I don't know if Ruby can still read their minds or not but it would be a good idea to try and do so. I would also like to bring to your attention that Although I have been in your saloon there is no reason for Senor Ringo to associate the new preacher with any of you so I may be able to move more freely.”

“And I would like to point out " she says turning to Jake "that although it is true that Nanuet would not have willingly parted with his amulet, it is still quite possible that he and Chester are alive and we should act on that assumption. We will do them no good by eliminating possible sources of information or ending up in jail. Also If they are indeed alive, they will probably be so in the morning or Senor Ringo would not have wanted to discuss them with you. I'm not sure if searching for them tonight would be very fruitful in this weather. If we wait until the rain stops I can instruct Luna to search from the air while we ride, She has keen night sight as well as sharp hearing and smell, but if you decide that we must ride soon than I shall be willing to do that also.
However, it would help if I had a horse."

She turns to Ruby, "And yes, I can handle a gun and am also quite proficient with a rapier ,which is a much quieter weapon. I can also petition the goddess for extra help if we are faced with a confrontation and heal should it become necessary.” Ruby replies, "I'm afraid my spell has ended, Senorita. I can't detect anyone's thoughts until tomorrow." Ruby sighs, "Those are good talents to have, let's hope we don't have to use them."

"Alright, I'll head downstairs and will give a," she tugs on her ear, "Behind anyone if they are still here." She puts her hat on her head and without further words heads downstairs. She stops briefly at the bar while the rest of her friends make their way downstairs. Ruby fingers the necklace in her pocket while she waits. Before Jake goes down stairs Minerva tells him, "If they are heading out the door, I'll have Luna fly out."

Once they are downstairs Ruby walks towards the back of the saloon, making her way near Tony Lucky's table. She does stop briefly here and there to bid some customers goodnight. She waits until a hand is dealt and the players are looking down and as she walks past them discreetly tugs her ear behind the one known as Len. She continues past and back into the kitchen. She waits a minute, as Jake instructed before going out the back door.

Minerva gets herself a drink at the bar and then moves to where she can observe the game at Tony Lucky's table and the two doorways to the outside. Luna sits contentedly on her shoulder. Kate plastered a smile on her face and went back to serving drinks, checking more often on Tony's table than she normally would.

Jake walks over to Jeff Mills pats him on the shoulder and smiles. Jake speaks in a low voice to him so no one can hear and stops speaking if someone comes near. "Keep smiling like I'm telling you a joke. Johnny Ringo, who just left threatened to blow up the Lucky Lady. Ruby and I are going to go out and check to see if he was bluffing." Jake laughs and hits Jeff on the shoulder. "Katherine and Minerva are going to keep any of Ringo's men who are still here from coming out while we check. If things get ugly, help them out."

Jake finishes in a normal voice, "Don't tell Ruby I told you that one, she wouldn't think it as funny as we do." They laugh some more before Jake adds, "All this rain makes your bladder active, eh?" He heads to the doorway next to the bar and to the latrine. After making sure he was not followed, he looks around and makes sure he isn't being watched. Then he disappears into the shadows and moves quietly keeping Ruby safe and watching for any of the Cowboy gang outside.

Once Ruby is out, she silently as she can in the rain, makes her way around the building, looking for any suspicious people or any signs of tampering of the building or explosives. She does her best to hide in the shadows of the buildings, even if the lightning makes it hard.

The rain has intensified and there do not appear to be any people out and about outside. The Lucky Lady has been built with a solid brick foundation, but there are a few ventilation grates on the east and west walls for air to circulate in the crawl space between the ground and floorboards a foot above. A check of the two grates on the east wall looks promising, with enough light coming from the window for Ruby and Jake to see that the paint on the grate screws has not been disturbed.

They move over to Allen Street and check the east wall. The light isn't as good, but the lightening flashes briefly illuminate the scene. The first grate shows signs of having been removed at one point, the second still has original paint over it. Going back to the other grate, there does not appear to be any rust over the bare metal on the screw, although it has been dry for the past two months so it is still possible that it was removed by Tom Whipple when doing routine maintenance back in January.

Ruby reaches down into Jake's boot and retrieves his dagger. She looks around the street and since no one is crazy enough to be out in this weather the street is deserted. She kneels next to the grate, has Jake cover her anyway, recites the trigger word and a small flame comes out of the tip of the knife. She points the flame in the grate, looking for any sign of recent activity. Any distinct footprints that might have been left have already been washed away. Based on the missing paint and a partially stripped screw it is clear that at some point a dagger or screwdriver was used at some point to remove this particular grate.

Ruby kneels in front of the grate, leaning back on her feet. She hands Jake the flaming dagger and pulls out of a secret pocket in her jacket what looks like a long leather wallet. When she opens it Jake sees a bunch of tools (thieves tools). She picks the most appropriate tool and unscrews the grate from the wall, pulls it off and moves it to the side. She takes the flaming dagger back from Jake and carefully holds it outside the opening with the light shining inside. Leaning down to the level of the grate she carefully looks inside to see if there is anything there. She decides that if she doesn't see anything she will slowly extend her arm inside, careful not to light any explosives that might be there.

The crawl space has lots of the usual things one would expect to find there - old dried leaves, dead bugs, some rat skeletons and some rusted old nails. But what stands out is a wooden box, 8-inches wide, 6-inces deep and 4-inches high. The box does not appear to have a lid, although neither Ruby or Jake can see what may be inside as the box is around eight feet away from the grate, beneath the kitchen. There are indentations in the dirt where a shovel or rake was used to move the box to that location

Chapter 77, “Splitting Up”, Friday, March 17th

"If it's explosive, how would they have set it off?" Jake says almost thinking out loud. "That thing isn't magical, is it? Want me to find a rope to throw around it to pull it back, and maybe pole or rake to guide it the rope over the box?"

Ruby replies, "We have no idea what that is Jake, it might not be meant to blow up the building." She looks up at Jake, "Ok, it's probably meant to blow up the building." She points to her bag. "I have some rope in the bag, but have another way to get the box I think. Check the street, make sure no one is around and hold this for me." After Jake confirms there is no one there, he opens his jacket wide to be safe, and she hands him the still lit dagger. He blocks Ruby casting the spell, then leans forward to give her some light. She says some words that Jake doesn't know and concentrates all her energy on moving the box closer to her.

Ruby reaches out with her "Mage Hand" spell. At first it does nothing, then the box begins to wobble from side to side. It then begins to lift up from the ground. Once it is a few inches above the ground Ruby brings it towards her. It soon covers the seven foot distance and comes up towards her hands.

Ruby stands with the box in her hands. She has Jake keep the flame at a safe distance while they look inside the box. The box has about an inch of a ivory-colored powder in the bottom of it, along with something that has grown black from mold and four rat bodies that are mostly skeletons with a little bit of fur still left on them. Jake sees writing on the side of the box that reads "Rat Poison".

Ruby scrunches her nose. "Eeww, we have rats? Gross!" she says while thrusting the box at Jake and letting it go. She gives a shiver and it's not from the rain. "Alright, we've checked all over. I think the building is safe enough, don't you? Let's get out of the rain, I'm getting soaked."

"Seems so. We can have Jeff fix the grate later. When we get back inside look around and make sure there isn't anything around that one of our customers brought in that could be explosives. I doubt there is, but one last check couldn't hurt." Jake enters the Lucky Lady from the same door he exited, and spends some time shaking the water off him.

While trying to dry off he scans the room taking in anything unusual, including any packages, bags or boxes. Next, he walks over to the gun cabinet and takes the bullets that Ringo left behind from Harry. "Souvenirs." He jokes with Harry. Jake examines them before dropping them in his pocket. Lastly he heads over behind the bar and waits for Ruby to meet him there.

Ruby walks into the kitchen and shakes the water off her. The puppies come running over and in the process get wet, which start Maria yelling in Spanish. Ruby just shakes her head and leaves her coat on the table.

Kate nodded and tried to keep her searching unobtrusive as she looked around the inside of the saloon for anything suspicious. It was easy to get behind the bar and take a look. It seemed unlikely there would be anything in the kitchen, as Maria would have caused a ruckus if someone had disturbed her kitchen who did not belong there. Eventually Ruby and Jake came back in. She didn't go right over, not wanting to indicate trouble any more than had already been done.

Minerva continues to watch the players of the poker game and doors, listening in to their conversation and watching their body language to see if Len has a partner in the room (she is also checking Len to see if he may have a device or clue of some sort on his person) while she wanders around , nonchalantly looking for places in the room where explosives might be hidden.

She approaches Kate and places her glass on Kate’s tray, pretending that she is ordering another drink. She whispers to her. "We should be looking for explosives in the room too, under the tables and behind the bar should be searched too. Have you checked the kitchen and under the stairs? Tell Senor Mills to do the same." she smiles as though she is saying "thank-you" and continues her perusal of the room.

Ruby walks into the main room and sees Jake standing by the bar. She takes a long, slow look around the room for things out of place. Except for the fake smile on Katherine she doesn't see anything. Minerva seems to be keeping a good eye out so Ruby wanders over to the bar and Jake.
She nods for a whiskey from Hoover, which he promptly gives. She drinks it down, then turns her back to the bar and leans on it. Looking at Jake, "You're going to have to help peal out of these pants later." She looks back around the room. "What now?"

Jake replies, "Perhaps Katherine and Minerva want to go back to their rooms and get dressed more appropriately for trouble? Maybe we could have Jeff escort them over. Then we disappear and see if Len leaves and follow him?"

"They could locate Flint and have him standby if we need him, and maybe even find out from his Apache friend if they would help look for him. Katherine mentioned questioning the stagecoach guys." Jake looks around the room thinking. "I don't like all this magic stuff being used against us, why don't we have all that crap? We do have a piccolo thing, I wonder if Minerva could figure out what to do with it?" He rubs his eyes and says, "Stop me I'm rambling."

Ruby leans over and kisses Jake hard on the lips. "How's that?" she smiles. "All good ideas. I actually have the piccolo and that bell in my bag. Let's gather Minerva and Kate at the corner table and tell them the plan, see if they agree."

Ruby heads to the table and Jake asks both women to join them. Once everyone is there they go over the plan. She makes sure no one is closer enough to listen in as she whispers the plan. "Jeff will escort you two back to home to get you changed, preferably as quick as you can. If you could use Kate's suggestion to check at Drovers, that would be good although I doubt anyone will be there. Try to find someone from Wells Fargo, Mr. Nevers maybe and ask if they passed Nanuet and Chester on the road. Then try to find Flint."

"Jake and I will be going out. We'll make sure no one follows you from a distance. Either way we'll be doing some following. We'll meet up, we need to pick a spot. Then we go have a little chat with Gifford. And Senorita, we have an item that you might be able to use. We'll give it to you before you leave. What do you think?"

Kate listened and nodded as Ruby finished. "It's Friday as well, the stage schedule was different. But it's still worth a try. We could meet at the stables at the El Parador, although that might be a bit obvious." Jake comments, "As long as you get there unobserved, it will be fine." Jake replies. "Besides, it is a safe place to wait when you are done your errands and by then we may want the horses." "We can talk more privately there as well. All right, I think I'll go ask Jeff to see me home," Kate said quietly and stood up.

Jeff Mills reports that he's checked out the saloon and there don't appear to be any surprises left around the room. Tony Lucky calls for a break at his poker table. The one called Len stays seated while Tony heads up to the bar and most of the other players head outside to the outhouse.

When Jake approaches Minerva she behaves rather formally as though she doesn't know him very well. She quietly explains that it would be to their advantage if the strangers in the room didn't think that they were friends. She tells him that she will wander to the table and listen in to their plan from a distance and then return to the Comstock House to gather the items that she will need. Using slight of hand Jake places the piccolo in her tapestry bag and with a formal "Good night" goes and sits with Ruby and Katherine.

Ruby had listened to Minerva and Kate's plans. Before they take their leave Ruby said loudly. "Come on Jake, let's go make the bed squeak." With a wink she takes his hand and they head upstairs.

Once they get to the second floor Ruby says, "We can't let Len know we're going to be watching him. Come on." Ruby heads into the room with the liquor and squeezes around it. She gets out door and onto the second story balcony.

Ruby walks over to the edge and looks down. "Once I get down, pass my bag to me." Jake says, "Sure. I'll bet you won't be surprised to hear me say this isn't the first time I left a building from the second floor in the dark of night."

"No, it's not, which is why I knew you'd be able to do it." Ruby checks to make sure no one is below. She swings her legs over the edge of the railing and, holding onto the edge of the roof lowers herself down to the ground, dropping the difference.

Jake hands down the bag to Ruby when she gestures for it. Jake then tests the edge of the roof to make sure he can grip it, and flips to the ground. "Ready? Let's get hidden across the street where we can see all the doors." "Sure." They use their skills to move across the street as hidden and silent as they can, which isn't hard in the rain.

Inside, Kate raised her voice, "Good night then." Kate went behind the bar and got her hat and bag, then asked Jeff to see her home. Once they were outside she asked him for a little detour. Jeff and Kate reached Drover's and Kate ran inside. It was late by now, and nearly deserted. There was no one inside from the Wells Fargo office, but considering the time it wasn't surprising. Ruby and Jake see Katherine leave with Jeff but they don't see Minerva. "What is she doing? She was supposed to leave with Kate and Jeff."

Minerva, sipping her drink, wanders towards their table and stands with her back to them listening to the plan. When they exit the saloon she stays behind and wanders over to the table where Len is sitting alone. "Hola, Senor. Are you enjoying the game tonight?"

He replies, "Si Priestess." He then switches from English to Spanish and says, "I am surprised to see a Messenger of the Gods partaking of the various vices that are offered by the town. I saw you go upstairs with the owners earlier, how is it that you know them?"

She smiles her signature innocent, charming smile. "I am new to town." she laughs " I have been here less than a week so I do not know anyone very well yet. Senor Jake is a member of the Merchants Committee. I am hoping to gain his support for the Festival of Dionysus which I am planning. Do you like living in Promise City Senor?"

He replies, "I don't live here. I have a place up north, near Wilcox. I'm just in town visiting some friends. Heard this place had good entertainment and honest card games so I though I'd give it a try. Name's Lennie, Lennie Wagner."

After waiting outside a while for something to happen Ruby gets restless. "You wait here Jake, I'll be back in a bit." Ruby heads off quickly and quietly while Jake stares dumbly after her. "Ah, sure." He shrugs and continues to watch the Lucky Lady for Len to depart.

Minerva holds out her hand, "I am Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia. It is a pleasure to meet you Senor Wagnor." I do not know much about cards but I have been watching and it is quite fascinating. As for the Lucky Lady, the owners seem honest enough. Wilcox? I am not familiar with that as I hail from Spain. Where about's is it?"

He replies, "It's a town in the northern end of the county, around thirty miles northwest of here. It is a please to meet you. I would offer to help teach you cards but am not sure that you would be welcomed at this table as the dealer has made many sexist remarks tonight regarding females."

She says, “I don't think that the parishioners would appreciate my attempting to increase the tithe money through gambling" she laughs. I do appreciate the offer though, perhaps another time? I must be going if I am going to finish writing Sunday's sermon in time. You said you were visiting friends in town. What are their names? Perhaps I know of them?” He states, "Probably not, they live a bit out of town. Charlie and Martha Jones."

She asks, “Will you be attending services with them on Sunday?” He answers, "I imagine that I won't be in the area by then, but if I am I will stop by." She warmly wishes him. Buenas Nochas as she departs. She leaves the saloon and removes her derringer from it's secret pocket. Looking around to be sure she is not being followed she heads to the Comstock House.

Kate went back outside and shook her head. She told Jeff, "Let's get over to the El Parador. I need to change, and this dress is soaked." Jeff walks Kate to the El Parador. He asks "Do you want me to wait for here you or are you going to be staying here now?" "Go on home and get dry. If I need to leave again tonight I won't go alone. Thank you, Jeff," Kate said as they stood on the covered porch.

She tried to shake off all the extra water she could, hoping to avoid dripping all over Dorita's floor. "Good night, be safe." Kate dashed inside and up the stairs as quick as she could. Once inside her room she peeled off the wet gown, got herself dry as possible, and changed into the leather riding clothes she'd been wearing earlier. She leaned over Ginnie's cot and kissed the girls forehead. "I love you, Ginnie," she said quietly, then went back downstairs.

Ruby makes her way to the grove, trying to avoid being seen while not to stepping in any big puddles. If there is any spot around here to cast this spell for Nanuet the grove is good as any. He spends most of his time there and, she laughs to herself, His ancestors should get a good view of me in this rain. She gets to the grove and makes her way to a secluded spot.

Ruby takes Nanuet’s necklace out of her pocket and kneels back on her feet. She closes her eyes and concentrates on the necklace, feeling the smoothness of the stones that were left, even smelling Nanuet on it. What would Nanuet do, she thinks. He would pray to the gods of nature, who are obviously pretty pissed about something sending us this storm. But that is more Minerva’s thing. I need to think about what powers I have.

She concentrates and concentrates, her thoughts like a song in her mind. Help me find my friend, she thinks, please send me a clue to help me find him. And help me see it when I get it. In her mind she sees a swirling, twirling, shimmering aura of twinkling lights, like nothing she has seen before and she doesn’t think, just lets her thoughts go.

She hears a song in her mind, one she has never heard before and it keeps repeating over and over. She stays in this reverie for a while, before finally opening her eyes. Ruby sees an outline of a female centaur Storm Golden Eye standing before her. Standing beside her is a man, also made of light, who Ruby has never seen before. Both are faint, barely visible to Ruby.

Once back at the Comstock House where she retrieves her pistol and Rapier. She changes into a riding skirt, pulls on her boots and tucks her dagger in. As she leaves to head for the stables of the El Parador she throws her green woolen cloak over her shoulders tucks luna under her cloak and clasps the ornate olive leaf clasp. She arrives around back of the El Parador stables to find that no one has arrived yet.

Inside the Cantina, Dorita sees Kate and approaches here. "Katherine, I'm glad you're back. I didn't see you come in. A well dressed friend of your husband stopped by to see you." She gestures to a table in the far corner. Kate looks up to see John Peters Ringo sitting and staring up at her.

Chapter 78, “Ringo’s Book”, Friday, March 17th

"Storm?" Ruby asks, "I need help in finding Nanuet, the Cowboy Gang has kidnapped him and I think they mean to harm him. Plus they want to use us for some plans of theirs, what we don't know." Storm's mouth moves but no sound comes out. Ruby then hears Storm's voice in her head saying "They live. He has sent Maska."

Ruby was filled with relief at Storm's words. Her friends were still alive. "Is Maska coming here? Do you have any idea when she will arrive? Will she be able to take us to them?" Storm's voice says, "He commanded her to come here to you. It will take her much of the night."

"Thank you Storm, you have been a good friend to Nanuet." Ruby looks up to the sky, "And thanks to whoever should get it for making my spell work!" She watches Storm disappear in front of her before running back to Jake.

Back inside the El Parador, Kate closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them. "Thank you, Dorita. For everything." There was no getting around it. Kate walked to the table in the far corner. "Always a pleasure to see a friend of my husband," she said as casually as she could manage.

Ringo stands and holds the chair for Katherine to sit while turning and asking Dorita "Please bring me a glass of white wine, and a glass of whatever Katherine's personal preference would be." "Tea, thank you," she said, taking a seat. She folded her hands in her lap, and looked at Ringo as he took his seat. "How kind of you to stop by and see me. I'm sure Tom would have appreciated it." She thinks “As long as we're playing friends, I might as well really play it.”

Ringo replies, "Yes, I miss him, he was a good man." Dorita brings the drinks. John smiles and says, "I'm a very religious man. Before taking a drink I always say a prayer to Dionysus." She replies, "I am not religious, it was one of the few bones of contention between my husband and I. But feel free to say your prayer, you won't offend me.”

Ringo just nods. He then begins his prayer, stated in Greek. Kate does not know the exact words he is using but notices something familiar in the tone and flow of the words. He then begins gesturing with his hands with the familiar motion of the Privacy spell that she was taught as he drops some powder from his hand onto the lit candle in the center of the table. He finishes his incantation and looks up to her, adding "I hope you don't mind the smell of incense. It is part of the religious ritual."


"Seems I've missed out on a few things by skipping church. I don't mind." Kate hesitated. Ruby was right that this kind of dealing was something she knew nothing about. "Now that your prayers are finished we can talk. It's rather late for a social call, I assume you have some business?"

He replies, "Yes, when we spoke in January you asked about Thomas's last card game. I told you then that I was not his killer and that I suspected Buckskin Frank Leslie. I have confirmed that Leslie was also innocent. That narrows the list of suspects to two, Colby Tucker and Morgan Earp. Tucker disappeared the day that we spoke. Earp is now back in Tombstone. I can approach him on your behalf if you would like me to."

Katherine blinked. "I don't understand. It's been many weeks since we spoke, and I have learned what I needed to since then. And somehow I don't think an Earp would treat you very kindly. And what's in it for you?"

Ringo replies, "Revenge, the time of reckoning is at hand. You may have read in the newspaper about four bodies found recently in the Dragoon Mountains. They were friends of mine, and the Earps killed them. This has gone on for too long. I'm offering you a chance to avenge your husband's death, to see that his murderer gets what he deserves. Doesn't that interest you? Unless I am mistaken it did in January."

"January." Kate shook her head. "In January I was one step away from insanity, out of my mind with shock and grief. Most people I know would consider revenge to be putting a bullet in the man who wronged you. I don't. All I want is to see my husband's killer, for him to look me in the eye and admit what he did. And for him to know the consequences. Make no mistake, I hate Morgan Earp. But I lived in Tombstone for three months, Mr. Ringo. I saw what the Cowboy Gang does to people. It's not pretty when your choice is between a gang who terrorizes an entire county, and corrupt law."

Ringo replies, "I doubt he would ever admit to you what he did. If you truly wish to look him in the eye for that conversation my friends can grab him and take him to a secluded place for your talk. But if I do that we will not be letting him return to his brothers, that would be fatal for all of us. You know the Earps, the risk would be too great."

She replies, "I do know the Earps. Your offer is... generous, in it's way, but I must refuse. I was on a coach in January, and we were chased down by outlaws. I killed a man that day, defending that coach. I still feel guilt over it, like a stain on my soul. To have your friends grab Morgan Earp would be no different than putting a gun to his head myself. No matter what he did, I couldn't live with that. You know, I saved Morgan Earp's life that day. Ironic, don't you think? I didn't know then what I know now."

Ringo says, "Well, that is that then. I was not lying when I said that I considered myself a friend of your husband and that he was a good man. I truly wish you no harm, but you have something of mine that I need back. Here." He slides her a folded up piece of paper. She unfolds it to see that it is written in script in Spanish with a flowery signature at the bottom reading, Eduardo Ramon de Coahuila . He then slides across another piece of paper with a short note written in Latin.

She states, "I'm sorry. I can't.... I don't understand Spanish or Latin. Just English and French. Are we talking about the books again?" He replies, "In a sense. The Spanish note is my receipt for the library. I did not have it on my person when we last spoke. I purchased them from the Warlord of the Mexican Province centered around the town of Medera. It is less than a week's ride to the south of here if you wish to have the receipt verified.

The other note is for Mr. Cook. I wrote here while I was waiting for you. I chose Latin as he will need to find either the town's Doctor or one of the Lawyers to translate it for him, and by the time he does that I will be long gone. Before I go I want one thing from you. What I asked for earlier, a book. Specifically, a book in Latin with a red leather binding and the Roman Numeral XXIII on the spine in gold lettering above the word Augustus. If you would please go get if for me I will then be on my way."

"Mr. Ringo, the books..... They've brought a great deal of joy to someone who is very important to me. Someone who, along with my friends, has helped keep me alive and sane. It breaks my heart to think of taking them away. Could we come to some arrangement? I know I don't have enough money to pay you for them, but perhaps you could give me a list of those you particularly wish back? Or allow me to choose a number to keep for which I could pay.”

He sits without replying. She relents and says, “The book you asked for I'll get for you. And I must ask. Our friends... Are they alive?" He answers, "Yes they are, I have no desire to harm them. Some of my associates do, but I can control those men. As for the books, you say that you can read English and French. And your friend who the books have brought pleasure to is most likely a Spanish speaker. You may keep all of the books in those languages. I am only interested in the ones written in Latin, Greek and the Greek dialect known as Atlantean Script. In exchange for them I will see to it that your friends are returned."

Kate states, "Those did appear to be the most interesting volumes. Things written in Atlantean Script are always worth the reading. If things had been different I think we might have been friends, Mr. Ringo. Do you know, the reason Tom was in the Oriental that night was to ask you to partner with him in a ranch? I think I'd have rather known you that way. It will take some time to get through the volumes and find the texts you require. Would I take them to the same place I took your horse?"

Ringo replies, "Yes, Tom had asked me prior to that about it and I was very interesting in the ranch. We never got to that discussion that last night though, he became preoccupied with cards. Not a great gambler usually, but he was hot that night. Morgan thought he was cheating and, well....you know the rest. Look, for now I'd be satisfied with just the volume I requested. Could you check for it? I can get instructions to you tomorrow morning as to where to bring the other books for the exchange. I'll be expecting an answer from my question to Cook by that time as well."

Kate nodded and went upstairs. She waited in front of the door to Mr. Gonzales room for a minute, making sure no one followed. Then she slipped inside, quickly said the incantation, and let herself into Mr. Gonzales rooms.

In the library she stood in front of the tall shelves, her eyes skimming over them for the red-bound book. It took a few minutes, but she eventually found it. She took a moment to look over the shelves, wondering how angry Mr. Gonzales would be when he saw the most valuable texts gone. But she couldn't think of what else to do. Rightfully, they did belong to Mr. Ringo, but she didn't care to think of what he might do with that knowledge. At least for tonight, it was just the one book. Never mind that it was most likely his spellbook.

Outside, Minerva slowly opens the door to the El Parador sables and steps in out of the rain. She is greeted by the soft neighing of the horses. She approaches each of them and gently rubs their muzzles whispering soft words of reassurance. Luna flies to the rafters where she can get a better view of scurrying mice While Minerva finds a soft spot in the hay of one of the stalls where she hide and watch the door. Her pistol is drawn.

When Ruby gets close to the Lucky Lady and Jake she goes back into the shadows and, walking the long way, silently walks up behind him and grabs him. "Hey lover," she says in a low voice. Jake startles, "Mierda. I'll get you for that." He stays down but turns to face her. "I've not seen Len come out. What have you been up to?"

She grabs Jake and kisses him. "You will huh? I look forward to it." She looks like a kid with a secret that she can't wait to spill. "They're alive." She smiles at him. "Maska is coming, it will take most of the night for her to get here, but she can lead us back." Ruby continues to ramble, "She'll be tired though, so I don't know if we can find a way to let her rest at least some of the way to where ever they are. I wonder if someone can speak to her, maybe the priestess, she is a cleric like Nanuet. But we have to prepare."

"I doubt Len will come out soon then. I mean, I thought I made it clear we were going upstairs. The point was that he might follow Kate and Minerva together. You want to go in a grab him? Or just go see Gifford? Or keep waiting here?" Ruby's relief is all over her face and her newfound enthusiasm is obvious.

Jake states, "I'm sure you will get around to telling me how you know that. We should head over to the El Parador stables and let Katherine and the priestess know too. If Len is waiting for us inside then he isn't looking for us outside. After we let the others know we can see about Gifford. Let's stay out of sight just in case there are others."

"You know how I know, Jake," Ruby says raising her eyebrows. "I'm going to have to start giving you lessons every single day until you deal with this, aren't I? What fun can I have with you..." Ruby says devilishly. "Although I did promise you I wouldn't do that anymore," she teases. Ruby looks at him seriously, puts her lips to his ear and whispers, "I used magic, darling."

"Wait, are we going to see to Len or Gifford? I'm confused. Why wait here for Len then leave? Why don't we just go right in and confront him and make him tell us what the %$% is going on? I don't think the Marshal is going to let us in this late, that's the only problem with Gifford. You want to go right to the El Parador now?"

He says, "I don't see how we are going to be able to interrogate Len in the saloon with all the witnesses, and if he is waiting for us in there then we'll just be sitting here otherwise. Up until now we didn't have anyway of finding Nanuet and Chester, with Maska we will. Katherine may have learned something from the stage drivers, and anyway they'll be waiting for us in the stables. The El Parador isn't far, it won't take long to let them know what you learned. If you have a better idea, I'm game."

She replies, "I don't. So you want me to wait here for Len or go with you?" He says, "Why don't we both go, and decide our next move there?" "Let's go." Jake and Ruby leave the Lucky Lady and make their way over to the El Parador.

Kate quietly left the room and went back downstairs to the table where she handed John Ringo the book. "Why do I feel I'm handing you a loaded weapon?" He replies "You are just giving me back a treasured possession. Open it up and see the inscription on the inside cover."

She flips the book and reads:

To John,
This volume details the key years in the life of Caesar Augustus. I have always found great inspiration from this story and hope that you do as well.
Best of luck and remember all I taught you,
Armand
May 2, 1873

He says, "See, it's just a personal heirloom. It wasn't even part of the collection that I purchased in Mexico. Your giving it back was a gesture of good faith that I was looking for. I am now more inclined to trust you."

Katherine shook her head. "Strangely, I trust you as well. I don't think lies are one of your vices. I will admit though, that I don't understand you. You're obviously educated, erudite, and skilled. You could make a good living any number of ways. Yet you choose such a life." He replies, "Part of life is the excitement of living. My background might qualify me for a job working in an office but I would hate it."

"Yes, I bet you would. I would think though that you could find excitement in a slightly less... illegal manner." Kate idly flipped the pages of the book, looking at the unfamiliar script. "I need to learn a few more languages. You have a favorite spot I see, this book looks like a few of my favorites, well read in certain spots," she said, looking at the worn pages.

Kate notices that the most worn pages appear different than the seventy pages that came before them. These center pages have the Latin text on the left hand side, but the right hand side only has Latin on the top and bottom paragraphs. The center paragraphs are instead in the Atlantean script, a different spell on each page. She stops on a page that she recognizes from her own studies as being a Charm Person spell. Ringo acts nervous, loosing his composure for the first time and reaches over to retrieve the book. He says, "I'll take that if you don't mind."

Kate flipped to the back of the worn area as he was asking for the book. She took a quick look, hoping to gauge how advanced he was, then closed the book and slid it over. "Of course. I'm sure you've been missing this quite a bit." He says, "I'll be in touch and we can make this exchange tomorrow. We do not have to be on opposite sides of this fight. The Earps have hurt us both. Goodnight Mrs. Kale." He leaves a $ 20 bill on the table to pay for the drinks and then stands and puts his hat and coat back on.

Once at the barn, Jake and Ruby find Minerva there. Ruby asks, "Where is Kate?" Miverna replies, "I don't know Senorita, I have been waiting here for all of you as you instructed. I have not seen or heard from Senora Katherine since she left the saloon."

Chapter 79, “The Note”, Friday, March 17th

In response to the comment that the Earps are both their enemies and they should work together against them Kate tells Ringo “Perhaps not on opposite sides, but I think you understand me well enough to see why I am hesitant to be on the same side. Good night Mr. Ringo." Kate watched as John Ringo walked out of the El Parador. She leaned over and blew out the candle, then picked up the money and handed it right to Dorita.

Jake shares that Ruby has learned that Nanuet and Chester are alive and that Nanuet's wolf, Maska, is on the way back here to meet us. Minerva then says, "Katherine will be worried, we need to tell her we are waiting for the wolf."

"Seems like I spent enough time sitting in the rain for Katherine to have gotten dressed twenty times," Jake remarks. "That is not a good sign." "It does seem like she has been gone a long time," replies Minerva, "perhaps you should go inside the El Parador and find out. I think it would be better if the Cowboy gang didn't know I was working with you. I shall wait here for you to return."

Ruby turns to Minerva. "Nanuet is a priest like you are and he can speak with the wolf. Will you be able to also?" Minerva replies, “Yes, There is a good possibility that I will be able too, but not for the same reason and only for a limited time.” Jake turns to Ruby and says, "Let's go in through the kitchen and stay out of sight." She replies, "Good idea."

Jake and Ruby make their way into the busy kitchen. Since they are known by all they get a few glances but no one yells at them, Dorita not being in the kitchen. Ruby giggles as she grabs at some pastry that is on the counter. She takes a bite then shares some with Jake as they walk.
They make their way to the door to the main room and the two of them peek in.

Kate headed for the kitchen and it's back door to the stables. As she approaches the kitchen door only to see it open a crack and Ruby peer out at her. Katherine thumped back on her heels with a gasp. "You scared me," she whispered. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had a visitor." Now that he was gone her composure was beginning to break. "Let's go out to the stables, I found out some interesting things. The most interesting being that our friends are alright."

Ruby says, Oh, I was just coming to tell you the same thing. How do you know that?" She glances around the dining room looking for anything out of place. "Anyway, let's go, Minerva is waiting." They go back through the kitchen and Ruby grabs some more pastry on the way. They get back outside to the stables where Minerva is waiting.

Ruby walks over to her horse and pets her. "I haven't ridden her in awhile." Ruby turns back to Kate. "Who was your visitor?" she asks curiously. "And what's our plan going to be now? Should we go back to see if Len is still there so I can try to follow him while we wait for Maska?"

Kate's hands had begun to shake. Now that the need for calm was over, nerves were reasserting themselves. "Johnny Ringo was waiting for me," she said and handed his note to Jake. "He told Dorita he was a friend of Tom's. That note is in Latin, we'll have to get it translated. He did that purposely, so he would be gone before we knew what it said.

He said he has no wish to hurt Chester and Nanuet, but some of his companions do. He can control them, and he assured me he would release them in exchange for all the books we took that are not in English, French, or Spanish. I'll get a message tomorrow morning as to how to go about it." Kate paused and sat down in the hay.

"All he wanted from me tonight was a personal favorite book of his. It looked normal until I flipped through the middle." She dropped her voice. "It was a spell book, I recognized one of the spells. And he used the privacy spell in front of me, saying he needed to say a prayer to Dionysus before his drink. I'm not sure he realized I know, but he got very nervous when I opened that book. I'm not suggesting we tell anyone, if wizards start exposing each other that knows where it will end. But he doesn't know I'll keep it to myself, which gives us an advantage."

"I was beginning to suspect that Johnny Ringo was a wizard, so it's true." Jake shudders a bit. "What does it mean that you gave him back his spell book? Katherine," Jake begins and hesitates before continuing, "do you really trust Ringo? I know that you tend to trust people, and you know that I do not. You had the item he wanted to the most in your hand to work a trade with him and you gave it to him. Does he want the other items enough to make sure that Chester and Nanuet come back alive? What if he lied to you?"

Jake looks from one face to another. "So you all know I see the dark side of people, see the worst they can do. Consider this now. Ringo knows he can blackmail us and get away with it. If he isn't afraid to blackmail us again, it's likely that he will sometime if he is around to do it. We also have an uncomfortable choice to make. If Ringo told Katherine the truth and we follow Maska into the camp, we are putting the boys and ourselves at risk for nothing. If he lied, and we don't, we may never see them alive again." Jake looks at the paper, which is illegible to him, "Can anyone read this damn thing?"

Kate says, "Mitchell Berg should be able to translate it for you. Doc Eaton as well, but we know how well you two get along. We should find out what that says before we make any definite plans. In exchange for that one book I got Ringo's confidence in my word, at least a level of trust from him. I think he takes that very seriously. Do I trust him? I'm not sure if that's the right word, but I believe he keeps his word once he gives it. I don't think he lied to me. I think.... I think he's looking for allies against the Earps."

Kate pulled her knees against her chest and looked up at the others. "He offered me Morgan Earp. When I asked what was in it for him he said 'The time of Reckoning has come.' He offered me vengeance, to help me see that Morgan Earp got what's coming to him. I know, harming an Earp is not out of his way, but he seemed desirous of my agreement. He even offered to bring Earp somewhere so I can have that conversation, and that would be going out of his way, to take him alive rather than just kill him when he gets the chance.

He left it open, even though I refused him. 'We don't have to be on opposite sides of this fight,' he said. In the end, I think he realized we walk a narrow line with the Earps, friends and foes at the same time. We're a wild card, unpredictable, and he wants us on his side or at least firmly against the Earps before he makes his move. Or I might have finally slipped off the deep end and gone insane," she ended with a weak smile.

"Oh, what it means that he has his spell book back is that he can cast spells again. But I managed to get a look at the last spell. With a bit of research I should be able to find out how advanced he is."

Ruby looks over the note, which she can't read, while listening intently to Kate talk. When she finishes, "Why would Ringo talk to you," then Ruby turns and looks at Jake, "And you, but not me? He said, 'Talking's not what I do with women who look like you'." Ruby leans back against a stall. "I think he's scared of me because he saw me shoot Curly Bill." Ruby shakes her head.

Kate says, "You might be right. I can't speak for Jake, but I think Ringo spoke to me because of Tom. He said a few other things to me that indicate that he liked Tom. He even continued to look into Tom's death after I'd asked him about it. He had suspected Frank Leslie and ruled him out."

Ruby continues, "Anyway, I suppose when Maska gets here she'll be tired, maybe too tired to show us the way back. So it makes sense to wait until morning at least to get this note translated." Ruby taps the note in Jake's hand. "But it doesn't make sense that he gave Kate his word if we gave back the books he would let Nanuet and Chester go, why would there still be a note for Jake?" Ruby runs her hand through her hair. "Well maybe he wants his coat back too. But why wouldn't he just say that and not run off leaving us with a note. There's gotta be something interesting in there. Think it's too late to get Mitchell?"

Kate says, "He wrote the note before we talked, but I doubt he would have still sent it if it wasn't still relevant. It's not too terribly late yet, and you seem to have making a friend out of Mitchell Berg. I don't think he'd mind. I can spend the time until Maska comes doing some research unless you want me to come with you."

Ruby says. "One more thing, if we admitted that we knew he was a wizard, it would also let them know that at least one of us is too. If we want to do something tonight we can go back and look for that guy Len." "Kate, be careful trusting Mr. Ringo, I don't think he's to be trusted at all. As much as you might trust him, or think he was friends with Tom, you were in the building tonight that he would have blown to pieces without a second thought." Ruby kicks at some hay on the floor.

Ruby says, "I think your idea is good, we should try to find Mr. Berg tonight then. He might even still be at the Lucky Lady. Why don't you go do your research but PROMISE you will not leave here without someone with you. It's not safe. We'll go find Berg."

Kate states, "I promise. There's no reason for me to go anywhere. You'll know where to find me when you get back. And don't worry, I know Ringo wouldn't think twice about killing me if I was in the way."

Blast!" Jake suddenly says and in a flash a hunting knife is in his hand and slammed into a wooden support. "I don't like any of this! I don't like being threatened, I don't like being blackmailed, I don't like my friends being held hostage, and I don't like having others involved in my business just because I can't read this bloody thing!" He says waving the note around.

He is breathing heavy as he pries the knife out of the post. "Since I don't know where Nanuet is I'm willing to go along for now. At any time if I think Ringo isn't going to deliver them back safe and sound, don't get between him and me. Fine, let's find Berg and see if he can read this to me. Then we can decide to tell the Marshall or Isby tonight, tomorrow or at all. I don't know what to do about Len, maybe the note will help us decide." Jake thrusts his knife back in his belt and kicks the post. "Damn." He takes out his right side Colt, dries it a bit on a handkerchief before spinning the cylinder and putting it snugly back in it's holster. "I'm ready who wants to come to find Berg?"

"Kate is staying here to research. Minerva and I will come with you." She turns to Minerva, "Give us a minute though, ok?" Ruby takes Jake by the hand and leads him to a more private spot. "Jake, you're totally right being upset, this does suck and I'm pissed off too. I don't trust Ringo at all, believe me. And our friends might not necessarily see things the way we do. But," she takes his face in her hands and looks him in the eyes, "I need you to stay calm." She continues in a whisper, "They are alive and we are going to get them back." She kisses him softly for a moment.

He replies, "Fine. I'll buy they are alive and I'll contain myself. I think we are entirely TOO calm." Jake breathes a heavy sigh. "I'm fine." "Hey, you're doing better than me, I yelled at Kate." Ruby looks at him seriously, "I was only trying to help. You know whatever ideas you have, I'm with you."

Ruby smiles at Jake and takes his hand again, leading him back to the ladies. “We’re ready, let’s go.” They escort Kate back inside safely. Jake, Ruby and Minerva make their way through the rain and mud to the Lucky Lady. They enter and check around to see if Berg or Len are still there or if anyone else of note has entered.

Tony Lucky's game has now ended and he and all of his players have departed, including Len. There are only three patrons left at the bar that Hoover is chatting with. Berg isn't present. Minvera stays behind in case Maska shows up. The rain finally stops when Jake and Ruby head up the street to Berg's house, seeing light coming from inside the curtains.

They head up to the door and Ruby knocks. "Mr. Berg, it's Ruby and Jake. We need to speak with you please." He opens the door and lets them in. Mitchel Berg is still attired as before and appears to have been doing some work at his desk before retiring for the night. He lets the three in and says, "I'd normally offer you some tea, but haven't made a pot tonight since I spent my time at your saloon instead."

And we are very glad you did," responds Ruby, "And insist you do it again soon. Besides," she leans in close, "Laurie said she enjoyed your company and we're hoping she comes back again soon too." Ruby smiles at Berg as she talks.

"Anyway, we have a matter that has just been brought to our attention and we need some help. It is a private matter, so your discretion would be appreciated." She takes the note from Jake. "We need this translated, it's in Latin and we were told you could read Latin. It's important that we find out what it says as soon as possible or we wouldn't have bothered you so late."

Berg takes the note and sits down at the desk. He reads it through once and comments "This is very odd. It is about armies preparing for battle. But the strange thing is that it isn't addressed to a General. It appears to have been sent to a 'Preparer of Food'. Why would somebody discuss military strategy with kitchen help?" Ruby looks at Silver Jake Cook but does not answer Mr. Berg's question directly. "That is strange..."

Jake cuts in, "Could you tell us what the whole thing says please?" "Okay, just a second." He reads it through once more to himself and then a second time out loud. "It says:

Preparer of Food

You and your forces stand on the battlefield between two mighty armies. The time for battle is at hand. Decide which army to stand with - the Army of the Righteous falsely labeled criminals or the Army of the Charlatans that impersonate the law. Choose now and choose wisely, as only one army will be victorious. It would also be unwise to decide to flee from the field of battle wearing an Army Commander’s armor."

"Well, that is a weird note, huh?" Jake notices the strain in Ruby's voice. As she stands, "Mr. Berg, we very much appreciate your help with this. Can we compensate you in some way?" He replies, "No need, you didn't take much of my time. Although I am curious. What is this note all about, an excerpt from a text about the Roman Legion?"

"Why, Mr. Berg," Ruby says taking his arm while walking herself to the door, "I think you might have figured out the mystery. And here we were thinking it might be something important, just because we couldn't read it. I myself feel a bit relieved." Thanking him again, they say goodnight to Mitchell Berg. Ruby and Jake walk back to the Lucky Lady to get Minerva.

As they are walking the streets of Promise City heading back towards the El Parador Jake remarks, "Preparer of Food? That's the best he could? Hermes, no wonder he is forced to be an outlaw." While they walk Jake keeps his eyes open to see if they are watched or followed. "We need to all sit down and talk in private. Apparently each of us have a choice to make and we should discuss it before someone," Minerva and Ruby both look at him, "ahem, before Jake does something rash. Let's find Katherine."

Katherine went back upstairs to Mr. Gonzales rooms, tossed her duster across the back of the chair in the library, and got down to research. She went straight for the spell books and carried as many as she could out to the table in the front hall and dug in, looking for anything that matched the last spell in Ringo's spell book. As she flipped pages she noticed the shaking of her hands getting worse. Her eyes kept blurring and she repeatedly dashed tears out of them as she continued to read.

Kate eventually locates a page with similar symbols and script to the final page she saw in Ringo's book. She doesn't have the ability to actually read this particular spell yet but is able to cross reference the symbol title to a chart of Gonzales's she found in another book, finding it to be what Gonzales had listed as a "4th Level Wizard Spell". Gonzales himself knew spells of one-level higher, so Ringo was not all that powerful a wizard as of yet, but he was still far above Kate's current abilities.

Kate slowly closed up the books and returned them to the shelves. Ringo was not as powerful as her teacher, but he was significantly more powerful than she or Ruby, and she didn't know what he could do with that power. In the next few days he would learn the spells that would help him in his fight. It might have been better to let him go away angry than to have given him that book back.

She got her jacket back off the chair and went back downstairs. The cantina was quiet, all the patrons gone and only Dorita and Pedro left cleaning up. Kate sat down at a table and waited for the others to return. Jake and Ruby head back to the Lucky Lady to pick up Minerva, then over to the El Parador for Katherine.

"Well, what in Hades is he talking about?" Ruby looks at Jake with furrowed brows as they walk, "I don't get it, I mean why does this even involve us?" At that moment they find themselves standing in front of the El Parador. Once inside they see Katherine sitting at a table waiting for them. Ruby greets Dorita and Pedro and gets a bottle of whiskey and some glasses. They sit and tell Kate what the note said. "I don't know what you think or what Jake had in mind, something about making a choice."

Kate replies, "I'm not sure why Ringo thinks we are involved, but we've certainly been involved with law matters before. We cleaned out his caves, we've done guard duty, and Jake was even a deputy for a night. He might be assuming that we wouldn't stand aside while he fights his battle. What really worries me is his warning against fleeing. Ruby said he was in the caves, so he knows Jake has his duster. But I don't know if he means don't try to stand aside without returning it, or don't try to stand aside at all.

Does Ringo really think he's righteous? We have three choices. Warn the Earps and stand with them, join up with Ringo, or try to keep out of it. And if we choose the later, we'd best be prepared to defend ourselves against the Cowboys. If anyone can think of another option I'd be glad to hear it."

Jake notices Minerva seems to be following the conversation very closely as if having some difficulty understanding. "Senorita, this must all be very confusing to you. There is much more going on here than just Chester and Nanuet being held hostage. I know you are concerned about them, but in order to help and be safe you need to know many things that came before. Knowing all those things would make you involved far more than you might imagine. If I tell them to you there really is no going back." Jake looks questioningly at the priestess.

A serene look comes over Minerva as she responds "Senor, I do not fear the path that the goddess has led me down. I shall continue to have faith in her purpose wherever this road shall lead me. Please tell me what I must know." Jake nods and says, "Well then, may the goddess protect you from our particular brand of madness then." He begins to tell her some stories...

Chapter 80, “Choosing Sides”, Friday, March 17th

Jake tells Minerva about Flint's partner Pete, whose murder leads them to the rustlers cave. He tells her about the adventure there. "That is why we were surprised to learn that Johnny Ringo was there invisible. So he, Billy Clairbourne and some guy named Dell all knew we were there. All knew we were part of the group responsible for what happened there. Many of the Cowboy gang met their end that day, not the least of which were the McLaury brothers and Curly Bill Brocious who folks sitting at this table put to rest."

Jake then tells her all about the trip to the mine and the attack by outlaws. "We have yet to prove it, but only Hamilton Fisk could have substantially gained by having the miners and myself not come back alive. Many of the men involved that day had ties to the Cowboy gang."

Finally Jake tells her about Katherine's husband Tom. He leaves out many of the painful details about Katherine's life. "Katherine believes that Morgan Earp is responsible for her husband's death. There is enough evidence to indicate that is likely true, including the Earp brothers covering up the details and threatening those who might bring those details to light. That is why I was in jail when you came into town, Wyatt Earp was framing me to blackmail Katherine into giving up a witness." He looks at Katherine and Ruby, "Did I miss something important?"

"I think that's everything relevant," Kate said quietly. "When I met Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, he was in jail on charges from the Earps, but he was being held in the county jail for some reason. Sheriff Behan seemed annoyed, at the very least by that. When Ringo wanted to talk to me, I said the sheriff probably wouldn't allow it, hoping he would help me. But he just said he didn't care.

I don't know if that's relevant, but it seemed strange to me. That's when Ringo suggested it might have been Frank Leslie who killed Tom. Which also seems strange to me, considering we're fairly certain Leslie is part of the gang too."

Ruby drinks down her whiskey. "Cowboys, Earps.. I don't really care about any of them and I'm not willing to risk my life for either. I want Nanuet and Chester back. I want to live at the Lucky Lady in peace. So far both of those groups have threatened the people I love and to disrupt my life. But even if we stay out I bet we'll end up having to choose no matter what. Jake is right, while the Earps have blackmailed us, the Cowboys have openly come after us. At least the Earps have been at our side occasionally." Ruby looks at Kate, "But I don't see how you could want to work with or help any of the Earps after what they took from you."

Kate ran her hand through her hair. "I would prefer to stay out of this, but I don't think it's possible. It's tempting to let Johnny Ringo bring me Morgan Earp, but what happens after that? The Cowboy's get rid of any semblance of law. Living here becomes dangerous for anyone who isn't with him or her. Yes, we might have the protection of having helped them, but who knows what strings they might attach to us.

You're right Ruby. I want nothing to do with helping the Earps. But I would far rather live under the Earp's rule than the Cowboy's. Although I'll admit, I'm taking some pleasure in the thought of making the Earp's beholden to me." “What does that mean?" Ruby looks at her curiously.

Kate shook her head "Maybe nothing. From what we know the Earp's don't know Ringo is ready to make his move. And there are only the four of them, five if James joins in to help them. The Cowboy's will have them greatly outnumbered. Our help would be very important for them. And if any of them are capable of the least amount of feeling, I rather like the idea of them feeling guilt and remorse over the fact that I'm willing to help them despite everything they've done to me. They killed my husband, blackmailed his widow, and terrorized my friends. To owe those same people their lives would smart a great deal, I think. And I like the idea of their discomfort."

"Oh I see..." Ruby replies shaking her head. "Smart thinking Kate. Well, no matter what side we choose, I can't see sitting here while our friends are held hostage. We need to decide if we should go and save them or try to work a deal with Ringo, even though he is not to be trusted at all. I mean, I have this ability that can, uh, make people well, see me in a more favorable light, and make them be more willing to do what I want them to do. He might have the same kind of thing and try to use it on us." Ruby pauses. "I do like Deputy Marshall Rodriquez, he seems nice enough. He's going to wish he never came here though."

"Oh yes, my research. You're right Ruby, he has that same skill you do, and more. He's not as powerful as our teacher, but he's not far behind. Definitely beyond you and I." "Crap." Ruby starts biting her lip as she thinks. "Who knows how many Cowboys have those same skills. I mean, I'm sure not to that extent or Ringo wouldn't be in charge." Ruby glances around the room. "You know, this might not be the best place to be talking about this, plus I am getting tired, it's been a really long day. Coming back from the dead is tiring work," she gave a little smile.

Ruby says, "I don't think Maska will be here until morning, she is far away, which means if and when we go it will be a long trip. Kate, did you say Ringo was going to give you a sign or something tomorrow? I mean, if you're not here for it then he'll know we are up to something."

Kate says, "I'm supposed to get instructions on where to take the books in the morning. I don't know how they're coming. And he expects and answer from Jake in the morning, so he must be planning on coming back here for that. I can trade the books for Nanuet and Chester. If we join up with the Earps after that, I might just get them back in a day or two. Hopefully before our teacher knows they're gone."

Ruby replies, "Well, they don't really belong to him anyway. I'm sure he won't be mad knowing that they went to save Nanuet and Chester." Kate states, "It's not important, I'm just being optimistic thinking I'll be in a position for it to matter if he is. Do we have any other ideas for tonight? If not I should get the ransom ready. At least Ringo is clear about it when he's blackmailing you."

Jake has been quiet letting Ruby and Katherine speak for a while. Finally he says, "That all depends on whether or not we are going to join Mr. Ringo's war and on which side. If we are going to wait until we get Nanuet and Chester back to take any action or even make a decision, then I guess we have nothing else to do. Frankly I can't really imagine Ringo trusting me to be on his side. Plus all he has done is threaten me to convince me to help him. I don't like giving in to blackmail, those kind never stop once they know you will comply."

Jake takes a long slow breath in and lets it out with a sigh. "If we decide to actively oppose the Cowboy gang we should tell Isby and the marshals at least some of what is going on in the morning. That and there is a Mr. Gifford in jail that may prove to be useful. I wonder who Maska is going to come to and should we be waiting where the wolf can get to us?"

Kate says, "You know my thoughts. Standing aside is preferable but likely impossible. This is what I would do, which means there will probably be at least ten things wrong in it. I would make the exchange in the morning, the books for our friends. Then I would give Ringo his answer, which would be that we will not be joining him. Then we find Warren Earp and warn him, and find out what to do next. Judge Isby isn't in town, so we can't tell him, and Wyatt Earp is in Tombstone at the moment. After that those who are inclined to pray can do so. Since we'll probably spend the next week or more being shot at, we'll need all the help we can get."

Jake states, "What's really wrong is we are at the whims of Johnny Ringo and the Cowboy gang. I agree we really don't want to be on either side, but if we tell him we don't choose a side regardless of his bluster and threats is he really willing to force us over to Earps side? I'm on my side, and if he wants war with us, then we'll work with who ever is against him until it's done. Better yet, tell him nothing and let him worry and wonder." Jake runs his hand through his hair and scratches the back of his head. "Since I can't figure out exactly what else to do tonight, I suppose I wait."

Minerva is overwhelmed by all the new information that Jake has just told her. she mulls it all over while listening to the group weighs the pros and cons of the situation. She says, "I do not think it is wise to trust our friends safety to this Johnny Ringo's word. A wolf in sheep clothing is no less of a wolf. He strikes me as a ruthless man of convenience, not a man of honor and he has already proven himself a liar. I do not advise we should wait overly long to begin our search for Senor Nanuet and Senor Chester for although they may be alive presently, I am sure that being in the hands of such disreputable men places them in harms way. When Maska arrives, I will speak to him and then I think we should set out in search of our friends. But What ever decision is agreed upon, it would be prudent for everyone to get some sleep and we can take turns watching for his arrival."

Kate interjects, "Intolerable as it is, it will be quicker in the end to wait for Maska. We won't waste time wandering without a clue. I still hold out hope Ringo will keep his word, but I'm prepared for him not to. Jake, whatever you decide I will go with, as long as it's not joining the Cowboy's. Since you don't want any of us going out alone, we can either meet up here or someone can come get me to bring me wherever you want to meet. Since everything seems to rest on what happens in the morning, I'm going to go collect the books and pretend to sleep."

Minerva says, "Cowering down to blackmail leaves a sour taste upon my tongue! Do not let his promises cloud your vision, Senora Katherine. These books of which you speak sound quite dangerous in unscrupulous hands and from what you say, Senor Ringo sounds like a powerful wizard. Giving him those books could be our own undoing. I am certain he would not hesitate to use the knowledge in those books to harm us. Would it not be preferable to free our friends before he is able to act and keep such dangerous weapons from him as well? I don't think we should tell him that we are not joining him. He will figure it out soon enough. What is the purpose of angering him in such a fashion? It would only endanger our friends further.”

Kate says, "Whatever we do, it won't be until morning. Of course I would rather not give him what he wants, but it may be the only option. If it can be done your way, Senorita, I would be thrilled. I'll see all of you in the morning, or when there's news. Maska is intelligent, she'll find a way to one of us when she gets here. I don't have anything more to add, or any skill with this sort of thing anyway. I'll go with whatever you decide. Good night."

Minerva states, “Let us hope that it is the will of the gods, to end this thing quickly and to get our friends home safely. I agree there is no more that we can do this night until we hear from the wolf. Minerva turns to Jake and Ruby. "Luna and I would like to stay here this night and wait for his arrival if that is amenable. I will go back to the Comstock House and get what we will need for the night and for our journey. " Buenos Nochas Senora Kate. Hasta Manana." With that Kate went back upstairs to Mr. Gonzales rooms to pile up books and try to discover a way to read a language she didn't know, or copy them somehow. Ruby and Jake retire to their room and Minerva returns with Luna to make her comfortable in the saloon and await the arrival of the wolf.

Mid-way through the night Luna alerts Minerva that a wolf is approaching the Lucky Lady. Maska lets off a low howl. Upstairs in Jake and Ruby's room the puppies awaken to the sound of the howl and begin barking. Minerva goes upstairs and awakens Jake and Ruby with the news and then heads back downstairs. She gives the wolf some water and a bite to eat from the kitchen and checks him over for wounds while speaking soothingly to him.

Ruby had used her magic to dry her leather outfit earlier so now put it back on. She and Jake gather their substantial pile of weapons, gear and traveling clothes and head down the stairs to Minerva and Nanuet's wolf. The clock shows that it is now 1:45 A.M. At Gonzales library Kate is sound asleep at the desk, having barely gotten a few pages copied when exhaustion overcame her.

Once Minerva has fed Maska and looked her over for injuries she prays for a moment and then begins speaking to Maska. "We have been expecting you my friend. Tell us where Nanuet is" Maska indicates that Nanuet is being held prisoner in a farmhouse near the mountains in the direction of the sunset.

Minerva asks, "How far away are they?." Maska indicates that she has been walking and running for 5 hours. Minerva asks, "Are you able to lead us back to them?." Maska indicates that she can but if the group is leaving now she would prefer to ride on something as she is exhausted. "What landmarks did you pass on the way?" She describes the mountain range and the farmhouse being near the upper corner on the Promise City rather than Tombstone side of the range.

The Priestess then asks, "How many men did you see at the farmhouse?" Maska communicates that she has detected the scents of eighteen different people although all may not have been there. Minvera tells her owl, "Luna, When we get there fly to a safe spot and stay hidden. If you see men Hoot once for each man you see. Remember our trick. If I do this," She raises her arm and points upward. "Fly high and screech as loud as you can. Try and stay out of sight."

She turns back to the wolf, "Maska, Our time to speak is running short. When we can no longer speak. Growl low to warn us of trouble." "May the goddess keep you safe from harm." Minerva hugs the wolf tightly. "You have a brave and true heart my friend. I am honored to make your acquaintance and Senor Nanuet is doubly blessed that you have chosen to befriend him" She reassures her "Together we shall rescue your companion and see him And Senor Chester safely home." Maska places her paw in Minerva's hand as if to shake on it and the spell ends.

Jake comments to Ruby, "Katherine still trusts Ringo, but I still don't. I just don't understand what kind of power he has, or how to fight his magic. That book he just got back, can he use it right away or does it take time? Ruby you also said he was protected from my bullets with magic, is there anyway around that? Does it run out or can we make it go away? Or is there a way to make my bullets go through his protection?"

Jake is scratching his beard and thinking hard. "I don't know if we should rush off or rescue them now or not. My heart tells me we should. If we put Maska on a litter it would still take us nearly six hours to get there, including the time to get ready to leave. That would be past sunrise and we wouldn't have the surprise of darkness. I wonder where Ringo will be? He may or may not show to meet Katherine. Should we leave Katherine to meet with Ringo or who he sends? Would she want to come with us if we were going on a rescue? The three of us and Maska are not a lot against up to eighteen Cowboy gang members. I'll bet Flint would come with us. I wonder if that Apache woman could get us some kind of help. If we get the marshal or Isby involved now we will have decided whose side we are on in Ringo's war...."

Ruby touches Jake's shoulder and interrupts his rambling. "Slow down lover, give us a chance to answer." After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them. Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends.”

She pauses, :”After Jake stops speaking Ruby starts pacing back in forth, furrowing her brow and tapping her lip, finally she sighs. “We have a lot of decisions to make and not a lot of time to make them.”

“Look, my instincts also tell me to go ourselves and bring Nanuet and Chester back. But I’m just not sure that is the right thing to do. Maybe we should wait for the book deal to go down and find out if Ringo is telling the truth or not about our friends. I mean, let’s say he does intend to follow through. Kate gives him the books, we get our friends. Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying.”

“And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.”

“I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows.

She looks toward Minerva. “Can you think of any spell that would let you communicate with Nanuet or Chester? If we do wait until tomorrow I can also read his mind again while the deal goes down to find out what he is really thinking and if he is trying to scam us.”

Ruby continues, “One thing is clear to me though. If we want to live in this town and stay in business we're going to have to side with the Earps. Even if we just pretend to be on their side. Otherwise they will make our lives a living hell, and they do have the power to do that, look at what they have done already. Unless we can find a way to make the Cowboys and the Earps both think we're on their side. I don't see another option." She stops pacing in front of Jake and looks right at him. "I'm sorry but I can't stand to see you in jail again."

She pauses, “Well, maybe Ringo already has them on their way here so he can do that. I’ll never trust what Ringo says but that doesn’t mean he IS lying. And yes, we would be greatly outnumbered and need a good plan of action to succeed being so outnumbered.” Ruby stops to think. “But… if Kate were to not show up that would probably be big trouble so I really think we need her to meet him again, so we would be down at least her. I’m not sure she would agree to stay behind.”

She then defiantly states, “I wouldn’t have given him the book, although I’m sure that’s not the only one he has for his spells.” Ruby runs her hand through her messy hair. “Jake, you and I are going to have a private talk one of these days about the way things are in the world. I’ve seen many things on my travels, good and bad and you are at a disadvantage not knowing. Some people have a gift like me and don’t need books. Other people need to study those books to be able to do what I do, so yes it would take time. There is a way to cancel the effects of magic but that is not a skill that I know or am powerful enough for. I’m sure there is also a way to make your bullets get through spells like that but again that is not something I know. Perhaps some of those books Ringo wants back has some of those answers. But you know me,” she smiles, “I’m not big on reading OR studying.” As she says this she looks Jake right in the eyes and raises her eyebrows.

Minerva states, “I question why Senor Ringo is so anxious to have these books. I fear that they could present a danger to us and others if he should acquire them. Also, once the books are no longer in our hands we are no longer able to use them as leverage to insure our friends return. She looks at everyone darkly, I do not trust his intent. He has already lied about the function of the one book that Senora Katherine gave him by saying it had no value other than a sentimental one.

There is no cause to believe that he would not lie again. I am hesitant to leave Senora Katherine here to deal with such a ruthless man. He is by your own admission, a wizard who possesses greater power than your own and cannot be trusted not to harm her in our absence. I would like to see us stay together for safety's sake and we really could use her help in freeing our friends. As I told Katherine earlier, I am uneasy about delaying our departure.

I can speak to the animals again after dawn but Maska is to tired to travel. I could tell Luna the location that Maska has relayed to us and send her with a message tied to her leg but she does not know of this farmhouse and there is no guarantee that she would recognize the location from the description alone. The longer Senor Chester and Senor Nanuet are held captive the graver their danger. I think that we should also consider the possibility that Nanuet and Chester will not wait overly long for our arrival. When Maska does not return they will assume that she did not arrive here safely If they do not realize the great number of men holding them captive they could be making an escape attempt on their own.”