"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour

Minerva follows the Sheriff out of the boarding house. She takes him by the arm ."I will try and explain. Por favor, let us give Senora Jacobs a moment to compose herself."

"Oh, sure! Any useful information you have would be appreciated ma'am." Wilson responds.

Minerva explains how Colin Turner came to their town and his power to control others. "He was obsessed with Senora Jacobs and had vowed to make her his for all eternity. I have seen his handiwork first hand. He was a vile, evil monster. and so we came here to destroy him before he destroys others. Apparently someone else had the same idea."

"Well I think my duty is to find out who that someone is at this point. If they could do what they did to him then what could they do to this town? C'mon Mr. Martin, let's go give Mr. Greely a visit and see if he can answer some questions."

Chester follows along. "How long have you been sheriff? This all must be a blur."

"Well 'round these parts I've been sheriff for almost 11 years now. Up till recently it's been a nice job, felt like I could handle things."

"I bet you didn't count on this. This Turner thing is going to be more than any one person can handle. If you want my help, I'm here. I've seen what Turner can do."

Sheriff Wilson and Chester head off to Greely's house to see if they can get an audience with them. When they arrive there is no answer. They then head to the saloon to see if he is there.

The sheriff and Chester head over to Greely's saloon. Thom is there and he is sweeping the floor with a new broom.

“Howdy there Thom, working hard I see!” Wilson says

Thom laughs, “This isn't hard work, this is easy. Mr. Greely like the saloon to be clean though, so Thom does his best. “

“That's good Thom. Thom, speaking of Mr. Greely is he around today, I would like to speak with him.”

“Uh, no Mr. Sheriff, Mr. Greely is not, uh, not around here right now. I don't know where he went.”

The sheriff interrogates Thom a bit longer while walking through the saloon checking to see if Greely is around or if there are any clues to his whereabouts. Speaking with Thom seem to be quite pointless so eventually the sheriff gets frustrated enough to leave.

"I think your friend might be on to something, I mean where would Greely go? He must be sleeping somewhere, I mean he stays up all night. I say we go back to his place and check it out."

As they walk to Greeley's house, Chester says, "I'm with you, Sheriff. Greeley keeps some strange hours. Do you know him well? Has he changed recently?"

"I can't say I do know him that well. It is a small town and all but I am a church going man, not a gambler or a drinker. The only times I set foot in that saloon are work related, so I can't say I know Greely too well. Seems like regular folk to me, probably just sleeping so that he can run his saloon at night."

They arrive at Greely's house and knock on the door again. They wait a few moments before knocking again and the Sheriff holler out "Mr. Greely, Sheriff Wilson here, I'm coming in."

The door is unlocked, the sheriff seeming a bit surprised with all the trouble around lately. He opens the door and steps into the house. It is a sparsely furnished single story house. The curtains are drawn and the house is eerily quiet. Chester and Wilson search the house room to room but find no sign of Greely.

Chester is unnerved as he walks through the home. "Where can he be? If he's not at work and not at home, then where? This isn't good."

"Well perhaps we just missed him. He may be out picking up supplies or getting a meal. This is why I need a deputy in times like this, so that I could leave someone here to watch for him. I wonder where Al has gotten himself to." Wilson says scratching his head. "It's not that unusual for him to get involved in something and get involve with what he is doing, so I guess I shouldn't be too worried. Let's check the house over one more time and then I think I'll head back to the office."

* * *

Jake positions himself between the trunk and Ruby. "This changes nothing. I am still here for you and we will still come out of this safe and together."

Ruby stands for a few more moments with her mouth hanging open. She points to the dress, now laying on the edge on the truck, "But t-that's my dress. He's really crazy!" She looks at the floor, "And my pictures..." Her lip starts to tremble before she looks Jake deep in the eyes, "And you don't think he's dead."

"If I knew for certain he was dead, then I would feel better." Jake gives her a little smile and runs his finger down her cheek. "Hey, you know me, I never get much sleep at night anyway. So what if I get to stay up all night long for a few more nights while we sort this out. Now be a good wife and help me finish looking around here. I need some sleep so I can be up tonight. You protect me during the day and I will keep you safe during the night. Partners right?"

Ruby keeps her lips from pouting any further and she replies softly, "Yes, partners Ja..Mr. Jacobs." She keeps her nagging thoughts to herself and keeps her eyes off of Jake. "I'll be a good wife and help you look. What do you want me to look for? I already searched around here, except for the trunk, Minerva wouldn't let me look."

"The coffin. That is what I am curious about. If this is really Turner's coffin, then it would show the use of say... 6 weeks. Coffins are not designed to be opened and closed that many times are they?" Jake lets that thought sink in to her. "Now, if the coffin does NOT show signs of wear, then that makes me think it is a ruse. If the coffin DOES show signs of wear, then it could be Turner's, or it could be another of these vampire creatures. If that pile of ashes was not Turner, then who?" Again he lets that thought sink in. "Either way, we need to examine it very closely because the wisest thing to do is to destroy it no matter who it might have belonged. Once we have learned what we can, we destroy it."

Ruby glances at Jake, "How romantic." She finds a good spot next to the coffin and kneels on the floor next to it. First she concentrates on it for any magic, then she starts thoroughly searching it, looking for signs of wear like Jake mentioned, or anything else odd about it.

Jake and Ruby do examine the coffin, specifically any spots that would show wear and tear from the lid being taken off. Ruby does not notice anything magical about it. It takes some time but they do find the pieces necessary. After some examination they both agree that the coffin does show signs of being used for some time and the lid having been taken on and off several times including some marks that indicate it would have been moved by someone inside the coffin.

Minerva re-enters the room. "Si, we need to destroy it, but we cannot do that in here. We will have to take it apart and bring it outside so that we can burn it." She turns to Ruby. "Are you alright?"

I am tired, my mind is not working straight. If this is his, he had it shipped all the way from Promise City too!" Jake looks for any signs of that handling or shipment as well, finding none.

"No, but thanks for asking," Ruby replies. "You two figure out what to do with it, ok?"

Ruby walks over to the floor near the trunk and kneels again. She sets about slowly picking up all the pictures of herself and wiping the dirt off them.

"I did not get a chance to examine the bottom of the trunk. perhaps you could do that, Ruby?" Minerva asks.

Ruby looks up from the pictures on the floor. She still looks somewhat dazed from their discovery. She nods and moves closer to the trunk, checking out the bottom.

"Nanuet!" Jake calls out to his Indian friend. "Help me haul this wood outside. We need to burn it." Jake looks to Minerva and says politely, "Could you please keep Constance company while we dispose of this?"

Once outside with the scraps of the coffin, Jake asks Nanuet, "What did you learn out here. You spent quite a bit of time. Anything we can use?"

"I am not sure if it is useful or not, there were our tracks here too from last night, but I think I have it figured out. I think there were four men who came here on foot. One of them was a very large man, another man walked with a limp. They had someone else, a fifth person with them when they left. It looks as though he may have been bound up and he was definitely struggling. Tracks are not that old, 6 hours or less I would say."

Jake looks impressed. "What, you could not tell what color hats they wore?" He then slaps the Indian on the shoulder. "Well done. Now, who do we know matches those descriptions? Time to take stock of the town." Jake seems lost in thought for a moment before he says, "O'Neil had time to organize this...." He then remembers the book case inside. "Let us get this burning," he says removing his dagger and saying the special word, "I want to look at the books inside."

Jake and Nanuet watch the coffin burn. Considering the dry climate the wood burns quite slowly and makes a large amount of smoke. Nanuet says that he'll watch the fire so that Jake can check the books. "I can't read anyways, so I'll be no use there."

Still in Turner’s room Minerva says softly, "Ruby? I am truly sorry that you are going through this." She bends down and picks up the photographs. "These are quite lovely and rather untraditional. Did you have them taken recently?"

"Yes," she says softly, "I had them taken for Mr. Fly, so he could make more business at your festival." She continues to search as Minerva looks over the pictures. "And thank you. I'm sorry I'm going through this too, you have no idea. My whole life is falling apart. But no matter what you are a good friend, like the others."

Ruby checks the bottom of the trunk and it is indeed a false bottom. Stored inside is a large sum of money as well as certificates of stock in Thomas Edison's Phonograph Company.

Ruby's eyebrows shoot up. "Holy... That's a lot of money." She pulls out the certificates and looks them over.

"By the Goddess, That IS a lot of money. What are those other papers?"

"They look like stocks or something in some Thomas Edison Company? Whoever he is."

“That's the name on this machine that I pulled out before,” Minerva says. “Are there any names on the stocks? Can you tell who they belonged too?"

The certificates appear to indicate stock ownership in a new company started by Thomas Edison to produce and sell his relatively new phonograph machine. Ruby notices the design on the certificate matches the design on one of the cases in the trunk. There are about 100 of these certificates each indicating 5 shares of stock. A quick count of the money indicates there is approximately $1500 in cash.

"Senorita Minerva, I really wish you weren't here right now," Ruby comments with a sigh. Ruby stands. "What do you want to do with it?"

“What do I want to do with it? I was not suggesting that we do anything with it. I was just wondering who they belonged too.”

Jake arrives back in the room after they have got the fire burning outside. He notices Ruby holding a large pile of bills and comments, "Looks like you are buying the drinks tonight."

"I'd be more than happy to darling. I could probably drink this much in beverages tonight."

He then sits himself on the floor and starts looking through the books, taking note of their titles, opening them up looking for hand written notes or other pieces of paper. "Play the recordings if they will work while we finish searching."

The books appear to be mostly well known fiction. Most of them do appear to have been read several times. There are some that appear to be gifts from customers and other acquaintances but any inscriptions are not recently dated. There appears to be nothing odd about the books.

Minerva steps outside to find Nanuet. "Hola, Mi Amore." She walks over and hugs him tightly. "How are you holding up? Have you found anything useful out here?"

Nanuet smiles warmly at Minerva and gives her a tender kiss. "I'm holding up just fine. How is Ruby handling things? I am sure she is upset by all this. She is a strong woman though, I'm sure she be OK. Although after the whole Cowboy Gang situation I am sure she was looking forward to a break. Now that Turner is dead hopefully she can move forward."

"Ruby will be fine, especially now that she has found all of that money to console her." Minerva chuckles and leans in for another kiss. She leans back and becomes serious. "Nanuet do you really believe that Colin is dead? It just does not feel right to me. I felt his power. He was so strong. I find it difficult to believe that he was so easily overcome. Why did he not just vanish in a puff of smoke like he did back home?" she furrows her brow. "I am really worried."

"If he truly is dead my guess is that there is something more powerful than him who did it. He was scared last night when he fled the saloon right? What could scare him? It wasn't us because we didn't kill him."

"You are probably right. But what could be more powerful than him? I pray to the goddess that whoever has such power is on our side and not the side of evil."

"I am just thinking that he had to come from somewhere. I mean he was human once right? And then someone or something turned him into that thing. Maybe it was here, maybe it was on the road somewhere on one of his business trips? The stage isn't here yet so we still have time."

A look of horror fills Minerva’s eyes "So you think that there may be an even greater evil lurking about?"

"I don't know, it is just speculation. I just figure that something had to make him what he was. Turner said he was going to do that to Ruby right? Something must have done the same to him at some point. Someone must have been strong enough to at least capture him right?"

Minerva thinks for a moment. "We need to find out who that is. "Perhaps the Priest of the Occult that was sent for has done this. Perhaps he has arrived in town." she says hopefully but then shakes her head and sighs. "I wish that I could believe that Colin was destroyed but something just doesn't seem right to me and I keep wondering about the cufflinks."

Nanuet ponders Minerva's words before responding. "I hope that this priest they sent for knows what he is doing and is not a scam artist or worse. Perhaps he has arrived, we could check for him. I am not sure if we will ever find out for sure that he has been destroyed since we did not witness it or complete the deed ourselves. Perhaps the best we can do is find who did do it and get them to confess." Nanuet pauses for a moment before continuing. "I think the others have moved on to other pursuits, perhaps we should think of our next step? What were you wondering about the cufflinks exactly? I suppose they were his at least at some point. Any ideas?"

"Senor Chester found one of Turner's cufflinks in the dead girls room and Ruby found the other one in the pile of ashes 2 days later. Does it not strike you as odd that a man as meticulous as Colin Turner would continue to wear the other one for two days after losing the first one?" She shakes her head in puzzlement. "I mean, he must change his clothes right? Why would he continue to wear the one cufflink without its mate? It just doesn't fit... and the other thing that is bothering me is what Senor O'Neil said at breakfast. He claims that Turner has only been in town for a couple of days but the Mayor and his wife were murdered last week.

I'm not sure what to do next. Maybe we should try and find out who was in Turner's room. You said that one of the men was big and the other had a limp. There are certainly several big men in town including that Thom fellow that works for Greely, but there can't be that many men with a limp."

Nanuet nods. "It does strike me as add that the cufflink would be there so many days later. Maybe he had more than one set? Maybe somebody put it there for someone like us to find or maybe Turner has been harried and not had a chance to get to new clothes. I mean the trunk wasn't even unpacked yet. As far as the Mayor and his wife, I am thinking there are more creatures like Turner here in town. That is why I said earlier that maybe there might be something more powerful than Turner. Maybe another monster like him, maybe a different beast all together. As far as who was in Turner's room, it shouldn't be too hard to see someone who has a limp in this little town."

"Do you remember all those bats that we saw the night we arrived?" Minerva asks. “You said that you thought that maybe they were displaced from their cave. Perhaps we could try and find the cave that they came from and see what spooked them out of it."

"I suppose we could, but that will take some time. We don't know the area and I don't want to be out there after dark. Perhaps tomorrow we get an early start and search around. Tonight we can ask if anyone knows of any caves in the area," Nanuet says.

Minerva shudders at the thought of being out of town in the dark. "Si, that is an activity best saved for the friendly light of day. Let us inquire about the man with the limp and then we can return to the hotel for a meal." She smiles as Nanuet’s face lights up at the mention of food. "Perhaps the priest would know something." Minerva and Nanuet stroll over to the church.

The priest spends some time with Nanuet and Minerva. He thinks about his congregation and tells them that he can't think of anyone specifically with a limp. "Perhaps it is one of the ranchers outside of town? Are you sure you know that it was somebody with a limp?" the priest asks Nanuet. The elf smiles coyly and says "About as sure as you are of your Gods."

"Well, we didn't find out anything there." Minerva says after they step out the door. "Why don't we make our way back to the hotel. I would like to freshen up and see how the others are doing. Later, we can go over to the saloon and do some people watching."

"Sounds like a good plan to me. At least now we have an idea of something to look for."

When Minerva steps out of the room and Ruby hurries over to Jake. "What should we do with all the money? I wasn't sure the Priestess would think it right we took it but I was going to find a way anyway."

Jake opens one of the large pockets on his duster and grins. "We can worry about proper wealth redistribution later."

Ruby takes a large handful of money and sticks it in Jake's pocket. She does that with all the money and stock certificates, finding a nice warm home for all of them. Finally she looks up at Jake and smiles, a hint of her normal twinkle in her eyes. "It looks like Mr. Jacobs IS buying the drinks tonight. What recordings were you talking about?”

"I thought someone said there was one of those Edison Phonothingies. They record spoken words or music." He gets up off the floor and examines the trunk contents and boxes in detail looking for a player and any recordings.

There is a case that Minerva had removed from the trunk that is labeled to contain what Jake is looking for. He undoes the latches and opens the case to reveal a brand new phonograph. There is a pocket made into the lid of the case that does appear to hold a record. Jake plays the record and a crackly recording of a ballad is heard.

"Ruby, why don't you see if anything is hidden in this contraption while I look at the other box." It felt good to say her name. To call her anything else seemed wrong, he always thought that she should have been born with that name it described her so well. Realizing that he was momentarily daydreaming he moved quickly to the other box.

He examines it carefully. He tries to read what was last typed on the machine by looking at the plate or making an imprint of any ink on there with paper.

Ruby thoroughly searches the phonograph box. There is nothing magical about it and there are no hidden compartments. The only thing she finds is a small drawer with a few spare parts.

Jake examines the typewriter. There are a few used sheets of paper as well as some clean ones. The used sheets seem to have sample letters addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Jones living at 100 Maple Avenue. or other nonsense such as quotes from fairly tells or well known sayings. The last thing typed appears to be the sentence, "And they lived happily ever after."

Ruby says, "Nothing here. Did you find anything? And what do we do now? We should go back soon, I have a headache. Plus we should tell Kate."

Jake nonchalantly puts the papers back so as not to draw attention to them. "Nothing. If you have no other ideas, we should go back to the hotel." A new wave of exhaustion hits him.

"I have no ideas, I didn't sleep good last night either. This stuff makes me tired too. And I told you I have a headache." Ruby looks at the papers that Jake just put down, then she looks into his eyes. "You sure you didn't find anything?"

"Nothing that will help us or make you feel any better." Jake takes her hand and kisses it. "Do you really want to read what is on that piece of paper? What if it is Turner's words of love to you? What if it words that show he was once just like us? What if the words on the paper forever taint something that is precious to us?" He then smiles. "It is not so momentous as that, but nothing you need to see. You are free to examine them, I will not stop you but it may make you sad."

Ruby shuts her eyes tight. "I'm already sad Jake," she says softly. "Why don't you kiss me and make me feel better?" Ruby's eyes flutter open and she gazes at Jake. "Please. I need you."

Jake gives her a tender kiss. "Now take me back to the hotel. Rest with me a while and then I have some things I want you to do for me while I sleep. Do not leave me alone too long, I do not trust this town. Let us walk and talk." They tell Nanuet and Minerva they will be at the hotel if they are needed.

Jake rambles as they walk, "It is possible that Turner is gone. Somehow I still have some doubts. It seems Minerva and Nanuet are determine to stay here and root out any other of these monsters that may be still here." Jake pulls her close before continuing. "I would sooner burn this town to the ground, but I find it hard to abandon the two of them. I know you would be free of this place as fast as possible but consider this..." Jake glances at her face, "If Turner is gone, you are no longer the target. If he is not gone then we must stay here and finish what we came to do. Let us see which is true before we head out."

"Chester may wish to let the Sheriff know he is a lawman from Arizona. Perhaps he will deputize him. Hades, let the Sheriff deputize me. That would allow us to do more without fear of going to jail. We can still leave anytime, I will not be burdened by conscience when it is time to leave. Talk to Chester for me. Then there is our friend Katherine. It might be helpful if she arrived in addition to Maddie. That would give us some freedom to speak and work with her but still allow Maddie to be independent and a cover for spells if things got ugly." Jake unintentionally leans on Ruby, the long hours without sleep finally taking their toll. "If Turner is gone, there is no need for us to pretend not knowing the others. If he faked his demise, it is because he recognized us. So it seems to me besides Maddie, there is little need to keep up that charade. However if we suddenly changed our names we might lose the trust of the lawman. Talk to the others and see what they think." Jake sighs heavily and rubs his eyes. "I am sorry, but I am so tired I can hardly think anymore."

As they enter the hotel Ruby squeezes Jake's hand. "You don't need to apologize baby. I know you're trying very hard to do the right thing." Jake is so weary he doesn't realize how weary Ruby is too. They climb the stairs and enter their room.

Ruby undresses and slips into Jake's recently discarded shirt. She sits on the edge of the bed, "I will do what you ask. I will get up later and talk to everyone. You know I'll do anything I can to help."

Jake hangs his pistols on the bedpost, puts his shotgun under the bed and tucks the derringer under the pillow. He looks at Ruby who is shaking her head and he laughs. He gets undressed and crawls under the blankets pulling Ruby in with him. Only moments go by before he is asleep.

After Jake is asleep Ruby slides out of bed and pours herself a large whiskey with some added kick. She drinks it as quickly as she can and crawls back into bed. She almost immediately relaxes as she cuddles right up to Jake, snuggling as close as she can without smothering him. It only takes minutes before she happily passes out.

A few hours pass before Ruby wakes. Her sleep had been fitful but at least there were no dreams. She watches Jake sleep for a while, wanting nothing more than to stay with him in bed forever, but that wish was not to be.

She gets out of bed and dresses, stopping only once for a drink to help her ever present headache and worry. She knew it would kick in soon enough and help her relax. She kisses Jake lightly on the cheek then exits the room, heading to Kate's.

Ruby knocks on the door softly, "Maddie? Hello, are you home?"

Kate sat up on the bed, taking off the cool cloth she'd had laying over her eyes. "I'm here, you can come on in."

Ruby glances up and down the hallway, making sure no one is looking before slipping into Kate's room. She plops down on the bed next to her. She is quiet for a few long moments before speaking. "It's very hard having you like this."

"Imagine being like this. My skin feels too tight. I can't do or say the things I want to. If I see something I can't just do something about it, I have to find some way to let one of you know without being obvious about it. And if something seems to be wrong, I can't just ask. I feel very alone. This is safest for me, I know, but I hate it."

"So then why'd ya do it? Jake mentioned me hiding too, but I didn't want to. I don't like to hide... hide like that anyway."

"Because it's an advantage in other ways. Not being seen as one of the group lets me talk to people who take a dislike to you. And people are protective of a young woman traveling alone, they may be more open to me. Plus I would be a surprise for Turner that he didn't prepare for if he knew you were coming. I just didn't realize it would be so... divisive, I guess. How much I would have to compromise to keep up the story."

"I don't know what divisive means, but it is hard, that's for sure. I can't say anything to you and pretending like I don't know you..." Ruby sighs then turns on her side, resting her head on her hand. "It stinks." She is quiet for a moment, then she laughs. "Even as Maddie your room is still totally neat. And my room is still a mess and only been in it one night! Even as crappy a night as it was some things stay the same. I can't wait to be done here. Have I mentioned that this stinks?"

"Once or twice," Kate laughed lightly. "I'm going to do something I shouldn't." She got up and carefully closed the curtains and locked the door. Then she reached up and took the clip out of her hair. She felt her body shift back to its own form and sighed. "Oh, that's so much better." All the pins that had been in her hair rapidly followed the clip.

Kate walked back over to the bed and hugged Ruby. "I can't wait to be done either. I want to go home."

Ruby hugs Kate back. "That's better Kate. I don't like you as Maddie, it's not you. I mean, it is, but it isn't... oh you know what I mean!" Ruby release her grip on Kate and lets herself fall back on the bed. "All this stuff, everything going on right now, it's so hard. I hate like it. Colin, the traveling, Jake... it's too much for me. And right after all the Cowboy stuff too. I'm sure you're worn out too, it hasn't been easy on anyone."

"I'm exhausted. I was so looking forward to resting and Conrad and I were just getting close and then having to leave...

I've noticed you've been fuzzy, like you're trying to go away like I did after you told me about Morgan Earp, but you're still here. I can't fix the Colin problem for you, but maybe I can help with Jake?"

Ruby immediately stiffens. "Ah...the last time I tried talking about Jake it didn't go so well. As for fuzzy...I, ah... realize I haven't been dealing so well with all the stress. I've been having bad dreams, having been sleeping well, been stressed. Same as everyone else."

"Well, let me give you just one piece of advice to help with Jake, dear. Tom and I had our worst fights and misunderstandings when one or the other of us was having a hard time. When you're already tired and confused, the most innocent remark can seem critical, or you can take out your frustrations on him just because he's there. I know it doesn't help right now while you're both stressed, but try to think twice about what you say, and what he says to you. What is said and what is heard can be completely different."

"The thing is Kate, Jake and I are not you and Tom. We're different. We're not used to being with someone else like this or being in love at all. And we're not the type of people who think about everything they say before they say it." Ruby gazes up at the ceiling. "But you're right; I don't understand what he says to me a lot of the time, I get confused."

"Not being used to it is doubly a reason to think. I don't expect either of you to change who you are. I'm not saying to think before you speak, although that would be good," she said with a little smile. "Just to think after. When Jake says something you don't understand, ask. And believe what he tells you. You two are learning how to trust each other; you're both used to listening for the double-meaning in every comment. Practice taking each other at face value. It'll take a while, but you can do it."

Ruby sighs and she closes her eyes, "I do ask. He doesn't answer in a way I can understand. I think... I'm afraid I'm messing things up with him. I think I told you about what I said to him... well, everyone thinks I was wrong. I guess I was," she shrugs even with her eyes closed. "I need to straighten things out and don't know how. But Kate," Ruby rolls over, opens her eyes and looks dreamily at Kate, "He's so much sweeter and kinder and caring than people think. And he's so protective, I LOVE that about him, I really do. And he's romantic and thoughtful. You can't even imagine. He's so special and unique and perfect for me. I'm really scared I'm messing things up. I don't know how to be a girlfriend, forget about being a good girlfriend."

"Honey, I wish I could tell you what to do, but every couple is different. About what you said to him about marriage, just don't push. Don't try to tell him it's ok if he doesn't want to get married, show him that you're going to be around married or not and give him a chance to get used to the thought.

And he is special. You just try to be for him what he is for you, and you'll be fine."

Ruby smacks the bed with her hand, "It's not good enough. I want some answers!" She settles herself down and concentrates on breathing. She sighs and continues in a softer voice, "I’m not pushing him. Why does everyone think I'm pushing him? I ASKED a question is all." She picks at a stray thread hanging off the blanket. "I UNDERSTAND him not wanting to marry me. I mean, who would really?" She rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes I know I get asked all the time. But not from anyone who really knew me." She shakes her head, her red hair sprawling out on the bed around her, "It's not the point. If you tell a man that you will be around, married or not, then why would they ever marry you?"

"I didn't mean pushing about marriage, but I'm guessing you've tried to have talks about you said? Trying to make it sound less serious or you didn't really mean it? I mean just let it go, stop trying to make it better.

And I want you to consider something. Tell me how you felt about marriage before you met Jake, and before Aphrodite entered your life."

"I can't just let it go Kate. You don't understand. I guess that's a good thing that you can't see the way things have been for me."

She scrunches her nose as she ponders. As she lays quietly thinking her face and body relaxes slightly and her eyes get a little unfocused. "Hmmm... what did I think about marriage? Well, I thought I would never ever ever do it. That's what I thought." A silly smile crawls onto Ruby's lips. "But that's before I met Jacob Alistair Cooke, the man I didn't know was the man of my dreams." She bursts into a fit of giggles before continuing, "I didn't want anyone to own me. But Jake isn't like that, you know? And he cares about me and loves me."

"You're right, he isn't like that. It's why you trust him, and to know that someone trusts you so much that they are willing to give up their freedom can be frightening. I was scared stiff about being married to Tom; thinking I would let him down somehow. Just knowing he'd left his heart in my hands made me afraid I might somehow break it.

I can't claim to know how Jake thinks or feels. But I'd say he knew how you felt about marriage and your change of heart tells him that you truly feel he's your white knight. And it makes him afraid that he can't live up to the man you see. Jake never believes us when we tell him he's a good man; he doubts himself. I think he fears failing you, not marriage."

Ruby's head had started getting that comforting fuzzy feeling as Kate had been speaking. She smiles at her friend, trying so hard to comfort her. "Yes... yes you're right," Ruby answers softly. "Maybe Jake is afraid of failing me. Silly boy, he doesn't understand that he can't no matter what he does." Ruby stretches out her long legs and sighs again. "Sometimes you're so smart Kate. Jake IS my white knight. But maybe I put too much pressure on him. I know I've changed." She looks out Kate's window and up into the blue sky. "Things are different for all of us now. Oh well. We can go home and maybe things will go back to the way they were." She flops her head to gaze at Katherine's dark features. "Except of course where you don't want them to go back to where they were before."

"He puts the pressure on himself, honey. Just forgive him when he makes mistakes, and love him when his faults peek out. Not to say you should never give him a hard time," she laughed. "But don't hold grudges. He'll learn soon enough that he doesn't have to be perfect, he just has to love you.

Things are different now, but mostly in good ways for me. I don't need to go back anymore as long as I can keep going forward."

"I meant something else entirely... maybe something about Conrad?" Ruby smiles and pulls herself up with great effort. "I should go and take a nap. I'm tired, haven't been sleeping very well. I might have mentioned that already." She rises off the bed. "Sorry you have to be Maddie but I hope we'll be home soon and you won't have to worry about it anymore."

Kate reached up and took Ruby's hand. "Don't go yet. I've been so lonely.... And what about Conrad?" she asked, blushing hard.

Ruby pauses. Trying to figure out if she should stay or go back to Jake was confusing her. "Alright Kate, I'll stay a few more minutes." Without letting go of Kate's hand she lets herself fall back onto the bed. "I should go back to Jake soon though, I always miss him when we're apart. Isn't that silly? I feel like a schoolgirl with a crush." She smiles dreamily again and stretches her arms out over her head. "He's so handsome..." Ruby fades into her thoughts for a few moments before snapping back.

"As for Conrad... I only meant that maybe you didn't want things with him to be the same as they were... when you get back."

Kate took her free hand and smoothed Ruby's hair away from her forehead. "And how do you think things are between Conrad and I?"

"I think you like him." She pauses. "A lot." Ruby shrugs, but continues to enjoy Kate's touch. "But maybe you think you want more."

"And you believe I should reconsider that," she said gently. "I do like him. He's changed a great deal since we first met, and I find I like that. He's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but when he says he loves me.... I believe it. I don't know if he still wants to marry me, he doesn't seem like the marrying kind. Right now I just want to enjoy being close to someone again and figure out if I do want more."

"No, I didn't say that at all. I think you have to follow your heart. I just didn't want you to get married for the wrong reason and chain yourself down forever to the wrong man." Ruby's eyes flutter a little and she stretches again, snuggling into the bed. "If you like him you should be with him. He just doesn't seem like your type, whether he loves you or not."

"I couldn't marry him like that. If I do marry him someday it should be only because we want to be together.

He wasn't my type when I met him, but he's rapidly becoming a man I can love. And I need the lightness and humor he has, and a little bit of the western scoundrel too. I do like him, but I'm not going to be rash. It may seem rash to all of you, but I'm not doing anything without thinking first."

"Rash? No, not rash. Some people make the wrong decisions for the wrong reasons. And even the right decision made for the wrong reason can be a wrong decision." Ruby purses her lips in confusion at her own words, but continues anyway. "It doesn't seem like you are or you would have married him already."

"Kate I don't think I've told you but you're doing a good job. Losing your husband and coming out here and staying anyway and now you're successful, with a ranch and a school and you seem happy. I can't even handle this little bit of stress I've got. I just don't know how to do it."

"Thank you, I needed to hear that. Sometimes I feel like I just make mistake after mistake," she laughed. "And your little bit of stress is not a little bit. This thing with Turner has been awful. With Jake, you never stayed around to care about someone before, so you're learning on the spot how to do it. Of course it's hard, and confusing, and mistakes will be made. Don't beat yourself up for not being perfect."

"Turner and Jake, yes it's been hard." Ruby's eyes stay glazed but she laughs, "But Katherine Kale, I AM perfect," before she breaks out into a fit of giggles. "Or at least there used to be many man and maybe even a woman or two who thought so."

"Perfection is overrated. In fact, perfect people are usually annoying. You are delightfully flawed, which of course makes you nearly perfect." Kate took a deep breath. So much for the buttering up. "What I'd like to know," she continued casually, "Is when you took your last dose of Laudanum."

Ruby had been smiling and relaxed and she stays that way. "Katherine Kale," she responds equally casual, "What ARE you talking about?" Ruby stretches again but keeps her relaxed gaze on Kate.

"Opium you drink, I'm sure you're familiar with it. I can certainly understand if you've been having a hard time getting to sleep lately and need a little help. When Tom was ill the doctor gave it to me now and then to help me rest, but never more than two nights in a row. He always said the last thing I needed was to be just as sick as my husband when we broke the addiction."

Ruby sets her eyes on Kate. "Yes, I've been having trouble sleeping lately. But what would give you the impression that I am addicted to opium?"

Kate shifted a little so Ruby's head was comfortably in her lap. It was the same way she'd sat with Tom in the early days of his illness. She went back to stroking Ruby's hair. "I don't think you are. Yet. But I've seen enough of those vacant stares and faraway smiles to know someone using laudanum when I see it. And at this time of day you didn't use it to help you sleep. Just take care. Use it to help you sleep now and then, but don't take it constantly. Or I'll end up holding the bucket while you empty your stomach when you run out."

"That won't happen!" Ruby sits up in the bed, now obviously tense. "You don't know what's it's like... with Colin chasing me... with Jake, he doesn't want me anymore... with the nightmares of getting turned into one of them or having the life sucked out of me or Jake having to kill me with a stake through my heart... or even the ones about getting married! Those used to be good and they aren't anymore. So you don't know Kate," she finishes stubbornly.

"I didn't say I did, Ruby. I only know that drug will add to your problems, not solve them.

And if you think Jake doesn't want you anymore, then you're just flat out crazy. Why would he be here otherwise? To do the world a favor?" She shook her head. "No. That man is just plain in love with you. Silver Jake Cook wouldn’t do all this for anyone else."

"Love or not he didn't want me earlier. He turned me down Kate. He's NEVER done that before. No one's done that before, not to me." Ruby takes a moment and calms herself down. She sits up tall in the bed and smoothes her dress. "I should go now."

Kate stifled a laugh and tried to beat down the grin that wanted to come to her face. She grabbed Ruby's hand. "Honey, there's a first time for everything. And men... ummm..." Kate blushed. "When they're very worried or stressed... And Jake is very worried about you. Well, sometimes they can't. I thought you'd have known that."

"Can't?" Ruby repeats in disbelief. "You must be mistaken. Even if you aren't I've never been turned down before for any reason..." She accents the next word, "EVER. E-V-E-R." She can't help the pout that forms on her lips. "I didn't like it. I DON'T like it."

"I never did either, and believe it or not Tom rarely said no to me. And trying at a time like that is just frustrating. Better to take care of what's worrying him and then see how he feels about it."

"That's not how it should work!" Ruby says forcefully. She rises off the bed. "I don't want it to work that way. And with the way things are for us we would never get to be together! How can I take care of all our problems? It's impossible!" Frustrated Ruby's fists ball up but she makes herself relax. She says softly, "I just want to be with him, I don't care about any of this other crap. It's too much to worry about, I can't deal with it anymore." She walks to the door and facing it says, "I just want to disappear where no one knows who we are and it's just us. Then I wouldn't ever have these problems anymore."

"Of course it's impossible. That's why you do it together. And I can't see either of you being happy hiding from the rest of the world." All signs of mirth fled from Kate's face. "I'm sorry I can't make it all right for you, Ruby. I can't find the magic words to help you. All I know is that I'm certain Jake loves you, and that's the most precious thing you have. After that it's up to you."

She turns her face to Kate, looking back over her shoulder. She musters a lame smile, "Thanks Kate." She tries to look cheery, "I'm sure once this Turner thing is over it'll be alright."

Kate walked over and hugged her. "Aphrodite promised you love, she didn't promise it would be easy. It's work now and then too. We will get through this, and you and Jake will have that time. If you need me I'll be here, my head still hurts."

Ruby turns toward Kate and hugs her tightly. It felt really good for that few moments to be wrapped in caring arms. "Thanks again Kate," she whispers in her ear. "I know I have to get things straightened out. I'm thinking of taking a vacation when this is over."

"I have a headache too, I'm going to lay down. I hope you feel better soon." She gives Kate a final squeeze then slips out the door.

A moment later there is another knock. Kate opens the open. Ruby begins, “I forgot. Jake thinks it’s time for Katherine Kale to show up. He has all his ideas and he agrees it’s too hard to not be able to speak with you when we do what we have to do. So if you have to be Maddie you can but you can also be Kate. I don’t know how he expects Kate to just show up but maybe if you just walk out of your room then no one will even bother asking.” She shrugs. “I don’t know, you can figure that part out. And Chester too, we won’t pretend to not know him. But Jake and I have to keep pretending to be married because I don’t know why. But that’s what Jake said.” She shrugs again. “Ok, back to nap. See you later.” Without waiting for a response Ruby leaves. Kate watches her meander down the hallway, running her hand over the wallpaper as she walks.

Ruby eventually finds Chester as he and Wilson finish with Greeley. Chester says to Wilson, "I'll see you later Sheriff."

"Afternoon Chester," Ruby says tiredly. "Enjoying our little vacation yet?"

Chester replies, "Nobody's getting shot at. I'd say that's good. I wasn't expecting to find that someone else got to Turner before us, though. It seems strange that he could be killed so easily."

"I agree, it seemed too easy but I'm not going to complain, that's for sure. I'm glad he's dead."

"Listen, Jake is trying to rest now but he wanted me to speak to you. He was thinking it might be a good idea to mention to Sheriff Wilson that you are a lawman back in Promise City. And that maybe he could think about deputizing you and Jake while we are here, you know, to help him out. And so we can get done what he have to. What do you think?"

"Looks like we can trust Wilson, so I'll tell him who I really am. He'll be at his office later, so I'll catch him then. This has overwhelmed him, especially since his deputy has gone missing. I bet he'll be glad for the help."

"I agree, he seems nice AND frazzled and will be glad for the help. Try to ask about Jake too if you can. That way Jake can also not have the law hanging over his head. I know neither of you has any plans on going back to jail and with the badge neither of you will have to worry about it."

Chester says, "Good point. If the local judge is anything like Isby, our story about hunting a vampire won't work."

Ruby laughs, "That sure is true. Oh, and another thing, he wanted me to run it by you... At this point it seems silly to try to act like we don't know each other. It's been tough pretending that we don't know you or Kate. He was thinking to scrap that with you, and also have Kate make an appearance now but he wanted your opinion first. But we have to stay Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs so people don't start distrusting us because of the name change. Does that seem like a good idea?"

Chester scratches his head. "If we're going to do this right, we're going to have to play it straight. People are going to figure out anyway, if we're working together. We're going to need everyone and pretending not to know each other just gets in the way. I agree on you and Jake staying married." He winks. "Lying about not knowing the others is one thing. Lying about marriage is another."

"I agree, we need everyone. It's very hard pretending not to know you or Kate. I don't like it. And the better we work together the faster we get out of here." Ruby smiles and laughs, "Well, we wouldn't be the first couple to lie about being married or not," Ruby laughs.

"Kate will be happy that she can know us now. She must be getting lonely."

"Ok, I should get back. Jake wants me to watch over him and talk to the others too. Try to get some rest, I have a feeling it'll be a long night."

"Jake looked all tuckered out. He sure was yawning a lot. Did he stay up the whole night? It's kind of funny in that we'll have to act like these creatures to hunt them." He shakes his head. "I'll get some rest after I see the sheriff. See you later, Constance."

"Yes, he stayed up all night to watch over me. I have to go and return the favor," she smiles. "I'll see you later."

Ruby finds her way back to their room. She again slips into Jake's shirt, takes a drink and falls into their bed.

Ruby just stares at Jake sleeping. Twilight was starting to fall on the little dusty town and Ruby wasn't sure if she should dread it or feel free to again enjoy the night. She had been certain that Colin was dead, but no one else seemed to agree.

Not wanting to wake Jake up she rolls over in the bed and stretches. Closing her eyes she tries to block out any unpleasant thoughts until her mind relaxes. She wishes over and over for Jake to wake up and wrap his arms around her so she could feel comforted and safe.

The motion on the bed wakes Jake, who had not been sleeping very deeply. His eyes come open readily, the room being dim. He watches her move for a minute or two before speaking. He loved to watch her move.

"Tedious is it not? Watching over someone while they sleep, when you would rather be on their schedule and long to be in their arms?"

Ruby startles and jumps slightly when Jake speaks. "Oh, I woke you up," she says, rolling over towards him. "I'm sorry."

She reaches her hand out and touches his stubbly, almost bearded face. "Yes, I hate it, the schedule. This morning I was happy because I thought we were done with all this." She quietly looks into his brown eyes then smiles. "And yes, I long to be in your arms, I always want that. But I understand."

Jake reaches out and pulls her into him, snuggles her back to his chest and wraps his arms around her. "I should get up and eat something. Seems I missed a few meals over the last day or so. That last one was pitiful and the coffee was miserable." He snorts a chuckle. "Doubtful that I will perish from starvation if I linger here in bed a little longer though."

"I know, I haven't been eating very well either. We should try to have a nice dinner."

Ruby happily lets Jake pull her into the snuggle and she practically purrs as she rubs her nose against Jake's chest, inhaling deeply. "I wish we could leave this place and go home," she sighs. "But I guess I should just be satisfied that we are all here and unharmed."

"I spoke with Chester like you asked, he's going to talk to the Sheriff. And I also talked with Kate and told her to have Katherine Kale show up. I don't know what her plan is." Ruby is quiet for a moment. "Come to think of it, I forgot to tell her what happened this morning." Jake can't see Ruby's face but he knows if he could, she would be furrowing her brows. "That's odd. Oh well, she'll find out later."

She hugs him tighter and lazily covers his chest with little kisses. Finally she looks up, setting her green eyes on his. Dreamily she says, "Tell me you love me Jake. I don't care about anything else."

"I do love you Ruby West, that is no word of a lie." Jake says nothing more. He is content to smile his little smile and gaze into those emerald eyes.

Ruby stretches her neck and kisses Jake softly on the lips. Then she sighs contentedly and rests her head back on his chest. The rhythm of his heart beating soothes her and eventually she smiles as she realizes her heart is beating in time with his. A beat that is strong and predictable, just like her Jake. Ruby starts to feel calm all over, the simple yet powerful effect that Jacob Cook held over her.

* * *

Kate spent the rest of the day inside her room with the door locked and the curtains drawn. The thought of changing back to Maddie made her skin crawl. It was good to look down and see her own small hands, her own figure, her black hair hanging in long waves. She thought over the things she had talked about with Ruby, and wondered if it was time to tell Jake that Ruby had found a new way to numb herself.

She also tried to work out how Kate could arrive in town. An illusion of her arrival would work, but she would have to talk to Jake herself before she made any decision.

As the sun began dropping in the sky, Kate sighed heavily and put the clip back into her hair. Her body shifted again and the pretty young blonde reappeared, but the bright smile was dimmer as she went down to the hotel dining room for dinner.

* * *

Ruby eyes are just closing into what would be a real assured and relaxed sleep when Jake announces it's time to get up for dinner.

Ruby blinks a few times, trying to wake herself up. "Do we have to?" she asks as she pulls herself sitting at the edge of the bed. "I was so unbelievably comfortable."

"My stomach is grumbling so loud I cannot see how you could get any rest." Then with a combination of physical and verbal cajoling over several minutes he manages to get the two of them out of bed.

"Here," he says gathering the supplies he purchased in Albuquerque, "help me put this together." He holds out the small leather pouch for her to hold. He smears the inside with the gummy material and then fills it with the syrupy cactus juice. He mixes in the corn starch and cochineal and then pulls the small pouch tightly closed. "You will KNOW when I want you to use this by what I say. Just loosen the string a little and smash it on you somewhere in midsection. After that, be the great actress that I know you can be and I will take it from there and give you the best distraction that I can." Jake shows her the derringer and ammo he purchased in Albuquerque. "I will keep this in my right coat pocket. That is another way you will know." He laughs. "I know you really want to act, but I hope we do NOT need to use this scam. I like to be prepared though."

Jake arms himself as normal plus his long barreled Colt. He puts his hunting knife, sawed off shotgun, some extra shotgun shells and the wooden stake in his smallest travel bag. Finally he dons his duster and hat, and puts two of the acid shotgun shells in his left pocket. Hefting the small bag he says, "See now, I am dressed for a night on the town."

"Yes darling, we are all ready for a night on the town," Ruby smiles. "And unlike the rest of you, I believe Colin Turner to be dead and I'm going to celebrate at Greely's by getting drunk out of my mind."

Ruby changes into her dress as Jake goes over the plan again. She places the pouch between her corset and gown, having Jake help her set it into the right spot. Then she curls up her hair and even adds her black velvet choker to go with her heart shaped earrings. She looks a bit faraway and Jake can't tell how much of what he is saying is sinking in. Jake notices her pick up her silver flask and tuck it into the waist band of her gown. She stands and smoothes out her dress before spinning around with her arms wide open. "How do I look? Acceptable for Mrs. Jacobs?" She stops spinning with her back to Jake and glancing over her shoulder makes a cute little face, touching her chin to her shoulder.

"Stunning as always."

"I do not know what to believe regarding Turner. If he is NOT dead, then he staged his demise to fool us. In which case he is afraid of us and that is good. But why leave the valuables behind in his room to be taken by someone? If he IS dead, then who killed him and why? I would like to know that whoever did it does not think we are a concern. "

Jake opens the door for her and says, "Either way it means my disguise is not needed. I think I am going to play some poker tonight." She notices he has a predatory grin on his face.

"Oh, no more Mr. Jacobs then? I'm sure you'll be glad to be rid of him and his wife." Ruby smiles but leaves the rest of her comment to herself.

"No, the names should stay in place. Suddenly changing names would create distrust, I only meant I do not have to keep acting different. I stayed away from the card table to not give someone looking for a brown haired card player an easy clue."

Ruby heads to the stairs. "You get back to cards, I'm sure you've missed it. Although those fellows from last night aren't much competition and you'll be bored."

Arriving at the dining room she comments, "How do you plan on getting the rest of that information?"

"Plan? Heh, I will think of something." He holds her chair out for her before sitting down himself.

Ruby sits, "I'm sure you will darling, think of something, you always do." Ruby browses over the menu but can't seem to concentrate on what she wants to eat. Instead she looks forward to after dinner and getting a good nights rest after that. "What are you getting?"

"I wonder what they cannot ruin, eh? We will get that. Steak seems safest."

"I'll just have what you're having!" Ruby chirps. "But where is the waitress?"

"So, we really get to have some fun at Mr. Greely's tonight? Maybe before I get drunk enough you have to carry me home I can look at the do... the thing again. The thing that was out of place yesterday. What else do we have to do tonight before I can enjoy myself?"

Jake shrugs. "I wonder what the others learned. I am just going to keep my ears open and make it up as a I go along. That is a fine idea about the door, do that. There are a number of things that still do not make sense. Like if you remembered the bad things about Turner after he is gone from you, why is Colleen not?"

A different woman comes out to the dining room than was there for breakfast. She is a petite Mexican woman who seems a bit shy and awkward. She speaks with a heavy accent.

"Hola, my name is Maria. I will cook for you tonight. Everything on the menu is OK, I can cook. I can cook Mexican food too if you like, you choose."

Jake is interrupted and turns to the woman. "Buenos Noches Senorita." He speaks to her in Spanish. "Are you the regular evening cook? Make us two of the best steaks you can find, in your Mexican specialty. I am sure it is wonderful. Surprise us with the rest. A hearty bottle of wine if you have it and something chocolate for dessert." He fishes out a couple of dollar coins and places them in her hand. "Take your time Senorita and make it a masterpiece. Gracias."

The woman listens intently to Jake's instructions and smiles as the tip is placed in her hand. She curtsies and answers "I am a new cook, I am getting a try out. I know how to cook very well, only started recently cooking for the hotel though. I will make you a wonderful meal and I believe I have just the right wine for you senor."

She curtsies slightly and then heads to Maddie to take her order offering the same, both the menu and any traditional Mexican dishes.

"I would love Mexican food," Maddie answered with a genuine smile. "Whatever it pleases you to cook. The food is always better if the cook enjoys preparing it. Thank you." As the cook walked away, Kate went back to her solitary thoughts.

After the cook scurries away Ruby notices her go to "Maddie".

Ruby places her napkin in her lap, "I don't know most of what you said but it sounded good. And sexy too," she smiles. "I think I heard the word chocolate in there," her smile widens. "You're such a wise and considerate husband."

She looks Jake in the eyes, "I spoke with that Maddie earlier. She isn't feeling herself, she's rather out of sorts. She must be lonely." Ruby nods to see if Jake gets her meaning. "She would like our friend Kate."

"I wonder where everyone else is? Although I'm already enjoying our nice romantic dinner for two."

Ruby takes a long slow glance around the room. "I don't remember if I told you. I spoke with Mr. O'Neil earlier. Seems he really is just looking for that book. I said we'd help him if he helped us. I'm hoping he'll start spilling more than what he has already. I think he knows more than he is telling." Ruby sets her gaze back on Jake. "And while I'm having a moment of clarity, I think we should go back and look at that statue, the one by Whittaker's house? Something doesn't seem right about all of that."

Jake questions her about that and she shares what she was told about the statue. "It does sound peculiar."

"How do you feel about looking at it after dark? Should we wait for morning light or look tonight? The locals here run for cover as soon as the sun goes down, probably with good reason."

Ruby shrugs, "I'm not afraid of the dark. Only of Colin Turner. And that problem seems to have taken care of itself."

Jacky O'Neil wakes from his slumber. He stretches, then heads towards the wash basin in his room and pours some fresh water in and begins cleaning up. He takes his time getting ready for the evening. He debates shaving but decides that can wait for another day. He puts his clothes on and heads downstairs to the dining room. Seeing the Ruby and Jake dining at one table and Maddie sitting alone he decides to leave the couple alone and talk with the loner.

"Good evening ma'am. Maddie I believe it was correct? I see your sitting alone and I just figured it didn't seem right for us to dine alone when we can share each other's company. Do you mind if I join you?”

Maddie jumped when O’Neil spoke, surprised out of her thoughts. "Mr. O’Neil, you surprised me. Of course I don't mind. Please sit. I haven't felt very well today, I guess I'm just a bit tired and distracted. Perhaps you can provide a more pleasant distraction."

"Well I can certainly try. I am not sure of your ailments, but perhaps a good meal will help ease your symptoms. Maria here is a good cook, even if you don't care all that much for Mexican food. As for a distraction, there isn't much for me to offer but conversation, perhaps a silly card trick or two," he says with a laugh.

"I love Mexican food. I asked Maria to cook whatever she enjoys cooking most and I expect to have a wonderful dinner. Better than breakfast anyway." She leaned forward to whisper and shuddered. "Once I saw the cook licking her fingers this morning I couldn't enjoy a bite.

I only had a headache today. I saw the doctor and he gave me something to help me rest while it passed. It's mostly gone now, thankfully. I suppose it is just worry that is ailing me. The family I was to meet never seems to have been here, and with the rumors in this town.... " She stopped and shook her head with a smile. "I'm sure none of that interests you. Perhaps I need to see those card tricks after all. Or I need a fun night out. I saw you in Greely's last night and you seemed to be having a good time."

"Believe me when I tell you I've seen worse things done to food that I've had to eat,” O’Neil says. “But you don't want to hear those stories either. I'm glad to hear that your headache has passed, perhaps then you might want to join me at Greely's again tonight. In the meantime while we are waiting for food I'll entertain."

O'Neil uses some slight of hand to have a deck of cards appear in what was an empty hand just previously. He does a half a dozen intricate tricks with the cards to entertain Maddie as they wait for their food.

Maddie blushed prettily. "I'd be glad to join you over at Greely's, never let it be said I turned down an offer from a handsome man. But you know, eventually we'll have to tell a few stories, or we'll run out of things to talk about." She watched as O’Neil deftly did tricks with cards, making a note of how dexterous he was with his hands.

"I am sure I can think of a story or two that would be appropriate. The Gods know I have enough of them."

They finished their meal continuing with small talk. O'Neil makes it a point to look Maddie in the eyes as he speaks. She notes that he is a well spoken, eloquent man and that he knows how to handle himself around women. Jacky eats a light meal as this is his first meal after waking. When it looks as though the meal is coming to a close O'Neil formalizes his prior invitation. "So, shall we meet in the hotel lobby in say one hour from now and head over to Greely's from there? Gives me a chance to make myself a bit more presentable."

"More presentable? My dear sir, I cannot imagine how you could improve. I on the other hand could certainly use a bit of time to make myself ready for an evening out. An hour it is." She smiled and stood up, peeking back over her shoulder as she left the dining room.

Back upstairs in her room, Kate got herself into a different dress. As herself, this one was modest, but with Maddie's larger attributes it showed a rather generous amount of bosom. Well, Ruby wouldn't think so, but it was much more than Kate would usually show. She styled the blonde hair so it hung loose down her back with only the front pulled away from her face and twisted up. To finish she even added earrings and tied a black velvet ribbon around her throat.

While she got ready she tried to think of ways to get the man to open up and perhaps tell her more than he's planned. But without knowing exactly what she was fishing for, it was hard to think of anything definite. Once it had been nearly an hour she locked up her room and went downstairs to the lobby to meet her escort.

O'Neil chuckles to himself in regard to Maddie's comments, thinking that he just rolled out of bed, splashed some water on his face, put some clothes on and stumbled down to the dining room.

"Good, I will see you in an hour."

* * *

After his talk with Ruby, Chester walks over to the sheriff's office. Chester knocks on the door. "Sheriff? It's me, Mr. Martin."

Wilson calls out, "Come on in, the doors open." When Chester enters, the sheriff adds, "What's on your mind?"

Chester says, "Sheriff, it looks like you're going to need some more help. I'm a deputy marshall for Promise City. It's not an accident that I'm here either. Me and some friends of friends are here in Thomaswell to hunt down Colin Turner. He's killed a couple people in our town and we've tracked him back here. One of the worst things is that some of those he's killed can turn into monsters like him. That's why we've been so curious about him and his victims. If you want our help, you can deputize me and Mr. Jacobs. What do you say?"

Sheriff Wilson rubs his chin. "You know Mr. Martin, I could use some help. I just don't know how the people of the town would feel if I went ahead and deputized strangers who have been in town for a day. Let me talk to some of the folks and see if I can get a feeling for what the people think. They just might be scared enough to let it happen. Tell you what, I will give you an answer tomorrow morning, just stop by and we can talk about it then. I certainly do appreciate the offer for help though."

"You're welcome. That's all we're asking, a chance to help. After what he did in Promise City, he can't be allowed to live. I'll see you later, Sheriff."

Minerva and Nanuet stroll back to the hotel and return to their room to freshen up before dinner. When they return downstairs they notice Maddie and Senor O'Neil flirting with one another at a corner table but opt to leave Maddie alone to work her charms on O'Neil. They eat and head to the saloon in search of a man with a limp.

* * *

A few minutes after taking the orders Maria returns with bread and butter for the tables. About 20 minutes after the original order Maria brings out a bottle of red wine for Jake and Ruby and pours them each a glass. She tells them that their food will be out in only a moment and then she checks on the other tables to see if they need anything else before their food is ready as well. A few moments after that everyone is served. The food itself is of fair quality but it has been prepared skillfully and overall is good. Maria is attentive and does what she can to fulfill the diners needs.

"Por favor, Senora." Jake stops her. "You mentioned you were the new cook. What happened to the last one?" Ruby pokes at the food with her fork while Jake speaks to the cook. She finishes off her glass of wine and eyes the bottle.

"Her family pack up and leave town senor. They were afraid of the blood monster."

Ruby keeps her head down playing with her food but moves her eyes to the woman. "So, does everyone in this town know about this monster?"

"Some people won't admit that such a monster exists, but that is what I believe, and that is what Ana believed before she left with her family," Maria says, then returns to the kitchen.

Ruby picks at the label until the corner comes loose. Then she slowly pulls the label off and drops it on the table before pouring herself another glass. She pushes the food around with her fork before eating a few bites. She glances over at Jacky O'Neil a few times and even smiles at the memory of their earlier conversation.

"Not hungry? It was not the best we have ever had but she tried. So skip on to dessert." Jake lightly taps the label that is resting on the table with his knife. "Starting a collection?"

"No, just bored," Ruby sighs. "And I guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was. But the wine is good. But won't be as good as whatever they have at Greely's." Finally she looks up at Jake. "Baby, how long we will have to stay here before we can go home? I mean, what if you never find anything else? Will we have to stay forever?"

"We only arrived yesterday, have a little patience." Jake then smirks, "Besides between the meals here and the hotel rate we will either have stomach distress or be broke soon. If you are done, how about some fresh air?"

"Patience! You know I don't have any patience. Ugh." She pushes the plate away from her. "I'm done. But have that cook send the dessert up to our room for later. I bet I'll be hungry then and need some satisfaction." She returns Jake's smirk. "Ok, let's go for a walk." Ruby stands and grabs the half empty bottle of wine. She walks out and waits for Jake to talk to the cook.

Once outside she hooks her arm through his. "Let's see what's in this dirty little town." They wander around the streets, not finding anything interesting. Finally Ruby announces, "Let's go see the statue then find that well. I have a wish to make."

Ruby and Jake make their way out to the west end of town where their conversation with Colleen had taken place earlier that day. There are benches and an old, disused, lichen covered statue of Thomas Wilkes, the town founder, sitting atop a foundation of brick and mortar, glaring away at anybody visiting the monument. The Whitaker house sits eerily on top of a hill further to the west, a lone path leading up to the residence.

Ruby squints her eyes and starts to search the statue over, beginning casually then becoming more serious. She only stops to take small sips from the bottle of wine.

The statue is fairly unremarkable, being of a mediocre quality of workmanship. It appears to have been untouched for quite some time since the lichens growing on it appear to be undisturbed. The pedestal seems to be a little odd being of brick and mortar rather than just stone as most statue pedestals are.

Ruby reaches up to her hair and discreetly pulls her small dagger out. She uses it to check the mortar, to try to gauge how old and crumbly it is. "Do you think this looks odd?" she asks Jake as she pokes around. The mortar is fairly old, probably 50 years or more. It crumbles fairly easily. With a little work the bricks could be pried loose. Whether because she is bored, fuzzy headed or just curious, Ruby does start to pry off some bricks.

"Having a statue at all in a dead end town is odd. I was going to donate a statue to Minerva's church but thought better of it. Around here where do you get material or a sculptor?" Jake mimics the statue pose. "How do I look? What a stupid pose."

Ruby laughs at Jake's joke. "Yeah, it is a stupid pose on a stupid statue in a stupid town." She stops poking around and looks up skeptically, "You were going to donate a statue to the church?"

Jake thinks about what he just said and looks to where the statue is looking, just in case it is telling him something. He then takes the back of his gun and taps the statue, so see if it is solid or hollow while Ruby digs in the mortor. "The base would be a good place to hide something. What in Hades would old Thomas be keeping secret?"

Ruby says simply, "A very valuable 1st edition Hoyle's Book of Cards."

Eventually Ruby gets a few bricks pried loose. Before she can get enough down to cause too much structural damage to the pedestal she realizes that the pedestal is just a hollow wall of bricks and mortar. Inside the hollow structure on the ground lies what appears to be a wooden door or cap of some kind.

"Ya, well I figured I would contribute something." He looks on with interest at her work on the bricks to let that topic die.

"Now that is unusual." Jake looks around to see if anyone if watching them. He tests the statue to see how it is attached to the pedestal. "Can you tell if it is secured or locked?"

"Well, it looks like the statue is just sitting on top of this pedestal. I can't really see inside to tell if it's locked or secured but if I pull off more bricks to look the whole thing might collapse."

Jake offers his hand down to Ruby. "Come up here Constance you will ruin your pretty dress." Then in a lower voice, "We should come back here with some help and see what is beyond yon portal. You are not exactly dressed for going underground."

Ruby takes Jake's hand and lets him pull her up off the ground and to him. She rests her hands on his chest as she stands close and looks up at him. She whispers, "Gods, I had forgotten how much I hate that name and most especially you calling me it. This has been my punishment for...," she momentarily furrows her brows as she ponders, "...Well for something."

"Sorry my love, next time pick a different false first name. I suppose we will just have to be more formal in public, Mrs Jacobs."

"Don't be sorry," Ruby giggles, "I just wasn't prepared to go undercover. Besides unfortunately that isn't a false first name." Ruby rolls her eyes then giggles again. "I don't mind being Mrs. Jacobs but people might get suspicious if that is all you call me."

She stays close as she continues to talk, "But you are right, I am not dressed to go adventuring but rather for celebrating which is what I planned to do with my evening. We can come back another time after you've had time to figure out how not to let that huge statue fall and crush us. And when we're not saddled down with a ridiculous amount of explosive gunpower." She raises an eyebrow at Jake's arsenal and laughs. "And we have everyone else with us."

"If we are going exploring then it seems to me a ridiculous amount of gunpowder is just the thing,” Jake says. “Maybe Chet or Nanuet has an idea about shoring up the pedestal or moving the statue. I am sure we can come up with something."

"I am sure someone that is not me will come up with some fabulous and clever idea to get us down there when you are ready. But not tonight. Now take me to Greely's and get me drunk so you can have your way with me later." Ruby smiles and her eyes twinkle, it's obvious that some of her previous cares and worries have floated away. Ruby accuentates her next statement, "Please darling husband."

"How can I refuse the wiles of such a charming and seductive woman?" Jake offers her his arm. "May I escort you to Greely's then?"

You did this morning, she thinks to herself but her smile stays put. "You are quite right, it's impossible so don't bother trying. Ruby loops her arm through her lovers. "Yes, let's get to Greely's.

Chester arrives at the hotel as Ruby and Jake are heading out to walk around the town. When he enters he sees Jacky O'Neil wrapping up dinner with Maddie and over hears them making plans for later that evening.

Hmm. Seems like everyone is relaxing with Turner gone. I'm not sure about that O'Neil fellow, but Kate hasn't asked me to follow. Course, there's only one game in town and that's Greeley's. I should head over there anyway just to see if Greeley's come back. Chester gets the house special from Maria. "This is good, Miss. Thanks." After dinner, he goes to Greeley's and pulls up a chair at one of the poker tables.

After Maddie goes upstairs, O'Neil heads back to his room where he spends his time getting ready. When he appears in the lobby to escort Maddie he is clean shaven, his hair is styled neatly, and he is wearing wool dress pants with a blue tweed gus shirt, held together with a set of basket weave suspenders. A holster hangs from his hip complete with his colt. Newly polished boots adorn his feet and a bolo tie with a gemstone slide is wrapped around his neck. He greets Maddie warmly.

"You look stunning ma'am, the ribbon is a very nice touch. We're going to make all the other men jealous tonight," then offers his arm to Maddie. They make there way over to Greely's Saloon.

"Is it terribly vain of me to be pleased by that?" she laughed. "I think the two of us just might be too fine for this little town."

They reached Greely's and found a table. O’Neil brought her a glass of wine and sat down with his own drink. "Now, Mr. O’Neil... that sounds so formal. You wouldn't mind if I called you Jacky, would you? I've told you all about what brought me to this far end of the country. What about yourself?"

"Jacky would be fine. As far as what brings me here, as I explained to your friends, I am looking for something, something specific. Rumor has it that there is a 1st edition printing of "Hoyle's Book of Games" that was once owned by someone in this town. That's all, just a simple book about how to play cards. You could say it is a collector's item and that I am a collector."

"A first edition? I understand those can be quite valuable, especially if there was a printer's error or if the later editions changed drastically." She shrugged with a self-deprecating little smile. "My Daddy loves books. What a hassle every time we moved. He insisted on packing up that library and off it would go with us. I'm starting to miss my family. I wish I did have some friends here, I've been dreadfully lonely." She dropped her head for a moment then shook a smile back onto her face.

"I doubt you need help with card playing, so you are either a collector of books, or a collector of things related to gambling. Perhaps I should try to guess which it is," she teased.

"Well you can keep guessing. I will give you a hint though,” Jacky says. “It has nothing to do with the things you said so far. Sounds like you moved around a lot huh? I've never stayed too long in one place myself. Kinda grew up fast ya know, spent a lot of time on the road. I like to see new faces and new places. Keeps things interesting."

"Those were my good guesses," she laughed. "Perhaps you collect things that belonged to famous people?

We did move a lot. Started in Virginia, and been all over east of the Mississippi, and a few places west. I'm good at making friends, but I never stayed in one place long enough to find out if I could keep them.

How long have you been on your own? The way you say it, it sounds like a long time. Like you left home early."

"Well you could say that me and my folks couldn't get along. I was 12 when I left. Me and a pal... Frank Wells. We did OK for a while, found odd jobs and stuff, made a few friends, saved up enough money to buy guns and horses within a year. Started getting in more and more serious trouble as we got older. Frank is probably still in jail or hung from the end of a rope somewhere. Me, well I managed to stay one step ahead, up till now anyways." O'Neil says with a wink.

"Until now? You don't consider me trouble, do you?" she smiled. "Sounds like you and Frank had some rough times. Hanging offences are nothing to sneeze at. You don't... well, you don't do anything like that anymore." She paused. "You don't, do you?"

Jacky puts one hand behind his back and raises the other putting three fingers up "Scouts honor!" he says with a smirk. "Ma'am, I ain't gonna steer you wrong, I'm a scoundrel and a low-life. I live on the edge, one minute at a time. As far as you being trouble, jury is out on that. If you're just going to sip at that wine though my guess would be no. Let's see if that old phonograph thingy is here so we can dance."

Jacky gets up and heads to the bar waiting for Greely to finish serving drinks to the poker tables.

Ruby and Jake wander their way to Greely's Saloon. Once inside Ruby heads for the bar and orders two "Of the finest whiskey you carry" from Greely. She asks him, "So how is Miss Colleen today?"

"I am of the belief that Miss Colleen is fine. I checked in on her when I closed the place up early this morning and she was sleeping soundly. She was gone when I woke, she hasn't decided to ply her wares about here yet this evening, but it is early yet and she tends to be a night owl like most of us."

"Well, that's good news that she is feeling better. She was certainly acting odd last night." Ruby glances around the room while she sips at her whiskey. "I think my husband and I are going to play cards tonight. Do you think that Bobby Whittaker will be back? He didn't seem to like me much last night."

Greely grunts noncommittally. "Not sure if he will be back or not. Most nights he is here, some nights he's not. Suppose just wait and find out is the best bet. If he does show up he will be playing poker, that's for sure. That's all he does. Hardly even buys a drink."

Ruby shrugs, "Just wondering is all. I don't mind taking anyone's money and the rest of the fellas at the table seemed pretty fun." She smiles at Greely, then leans slightly forward on the bar. "Why don't you get us another round and then we'll go play."

"Another round coming right up. Good luck with your gambling!"

"Thanks Mr. Greely." Ruby eyes Thom standing near the door. "Wait for those baby," she motions to Jake to watch the drinks, "I'll be right back."

Ruby saunters over to Thom, "Hi!" she says in an easy, friendly tone. "How are you tonight? Did you get that gift I sent over earlier?"

Thom blushes in Ruby's presence. "Uh... you sent the broom? That was really nice of you. I like you." Thom says the blush continuing to redden. "Can I give you a hug?" he asks with a big smile.

"Yes, I sent the broom. And I like you too." Ruby smiles at him. "And sure, you can give me a hug, sweetie," she laughs. "I bet I'll even enjoy it." Ruby bats her eyelashes at Thom a few times and waits for his hug.

He grabs her a bit roughly and lifts her off the ground, swinging her around in a huge bear hug as she giggles and tries to catch her breath as he squeezes her. Finally she yelps, "Put me down!"

Thom gets flustered and puts Ruby down, almost dropping her. "I'm sorry pretty lady," he stammers.

"It's ok, Thom," she says breathlessly, "I did enjoy it. I just don't want to make my husband too jealous," she laughs as she notices Thom looking nervously at Jake. "It was a very nice hug. And you can call me Constance, although I do like being called pretty lady," she says gently placing a hand on his arm. "You are very sweet. Now I should get back to Mr. Jacobs."

Ruby gives him a small peck on his ruddy cheek and starts her walk back to Jake, glancing at Thom over her shoulder with a flip of her hair and a wink.

By the time she returns to Jake her second whiskey is waiting so she drinks the first down. She cocks her head to the side as she looks into Jake's eyes, "Mind if I play cards with you tonight?" Her smile is still easy and her voice light.

"It would be a pleasure, my dear." Jake finishes his first drink as well and takes the second to the table in the back. "Do you folks have room for a couple more?"

Ruby follows Jake to the table with her whiskey. "Sure, have a seat," a man that Ruby doesn't recognize answers. "We'll pull up another table."

Ruby fluffs out the skirt of her gown and sits in the chair Jake had pulled out for her. "Isn't that kind of you," Ruby smiles and reaches out her hand. "Constance Jacobs. And this is my husband Alistair."

One by one the regulars continue to fill in. Soon the saloon is fairly full and things seem as they were the night before. Many men are drinking, the poker game going on in the back of the room, minus Bobby Whitaker, plus a few newcomers. Jacky leads Maddie over to the same corner where he sat the previous night. Thom maintains his post near the door and Greely serves drinks from behind the bar. There are a few prostitutes plying their trade but Colleen is not among them. There is nobody in the bar who appears to have any trouble walking normally.

Jake chats amicably and watches the room while he plays. He does not feel the need to hide his poker skills, though it feels strange to play out of his black linen pants and white silk shirt.

Ruby is the most competition for Jake and the game stays friendly with the pots only reaching the 7 - 12 dollar range. A few of the guys wonder where Bobby is and if he is showing up. "He's usually here by now, wonder if he's out of town again. Did he say anything to you guys?"

One of the regular players answers "Naw, he left all in a huff last night, didn't say if he'd be here today or not."

With a hint of apology in her voice Ruby says, "I'm afraid that might be my fault. Apparently he didn't like my speaking voice last night. He must not like me. Maybe I should go and apologize for ruining his game. Hmmm..." Ruby taps her lips like she is thinking. "Yes, I think I will, maybe tomorrow. Flush!" she chirps as she throws her cards down. "This is fun, I like it here," she says, throwing back her whiskey and motioning the bar for another.

The men all moan as Ruby takes another pot. A waitress comes with a round of drinks and deftly swats several wandering hands as she passes out the various beverages.

"Naw, he gets like that a lot. He hates losing his money, but we love taking it don't we boys!"

"Mr. Whittaker travels a lot? What does he do?" Jake asks.

"He never says where he got that money from, but he must have a bunch of it. Built that big ol' house out the west end of town. He doesn't travel much, just some nights he doesn't show up and when we ask him he always says 'I was out on business, now shut up and deal!' The man does his best imitation of Bobby Whittaker.

Everybody laughs but the newcomer at the table says "That sounds just like him, but don't let him hear that, you're liable to regret it. He don't take kind to jokes."

Jake chuckles along in a good natured way. "He does not like to be teased, huh. Is he a dangerous man, or you just do not like chasing his money from the table."

"I don't think he's dangerous, I mean he's got a temper an' all, but he ain't never hurt nobody. Bark is worse than his bite I imagine. Yeah, he keeps coming up with more cash so we keep taking it."

"I'm sorry gentlemen," Ruby smiles, and this time there isn't a hint of apology in her voice for winning yet another pot. She quickly drinks down her whiskey. "How about I sit this hand out then, give someone else a chance to win?" She stands and stretches. "Watch my money for me darling lover," Ruby purrs and leaning towards him kisses Jake overlong on the lips. "I'm going to look for someone."

After Ruby walks away from the table Jake says, "Keep your mind on the game boys, otherwise I get the money too."

"You're a lucky man Mr. Jacobs, we'll just leave it at that. That is one fine woman. Can she sing and dance too?" the man says with a chuckle as he deals the next hand.

After excusing herself Ruby wanders around the saloon. Checking that Greely isn't watching her she quickly heads up the stairs.

She positions herself down the right hallway so she can see the door but not be seen from downstairs. She waits a moment to double check that no one will hear her, then she casts her spell upon the door.

The familiar glow that only Ruby can see overlays the door. She continues to concentrate, but she can here a voice from downstairs. "Hey! Who's up there, no customers upstairs tonight. Not after last night. Get yourself down here right now!"

Even with someone calling for her Ruby continues to concentrate, but is unable to determine what kind of magic is emanating from the door.

Jake looks over at Greely and waves him over, "A round for this table on the lucky husband before I change my mind." Jake then keeps an eye on him to make sure he is not going to cause any serious trouble for Ruby.

After the drinks are passed around and the next hand is dealt Jake says to the new man, "No one introduced us, sir, what is your name?"

"Sorry friend, thanks for the drink by the way. Name's Owen Gills, live over on the east side, work in the telegraph office. What about you?"

"Yeah sure, be right there. Thom, go upstairs and check that out, I know I heard somebody up there. No keys tonight." He then heads over to the card tables and takes an order. Thom obediently listens to his boss and heads towards the stairs.

"Dammit," Ruby swears. Looking both ways she still doesn't see anyone so she steps closer to the door and tries concentrating on it with her special ability.

Ruby can hear heavy footsteps on the stairs as she begins to concentrate. She doesn't take her eyes off the door, but she can feel someone getting very close. A strong hand lands on her shoulder and a familiar voice can be heard "Pretty Const-ance" Thom says with a struggle. "Greely says you can't be up here tonight. No keys he said."

"Oh, I am sorry. I wanted to check on Colleen but she isn't here." Ruby keeps her eyes on the door a few more seconds hoping to get the spell but finally looks up at the big man. "What does that mean, no keys?"

Ruby finally thinks she figures out what type of spell is on the door. Thom scratches his head trying to determine if he should share information with Ruby. "Greely tells Thom how many keys are out so I know how many people should be upstairs." He lowers his voice and says "But he don't know I can't count too good." and finishes with a finger up to his pursed lips. "Please come downstairs pretty Constance, Thom don't want any trouble."

"I won't tell," she whispers to him. She looks back at the door. "Thom, is there something special about this door? Please tell me."

"Uh... No?" Thom says quizzically. "It is just a door." He then turns Ruby around so she is facing the stairs and leads her down to the saloon floor.

"Alright!" Ruby lets Thom lead her downstairs. Instead of heading back to the table she heads outside to the porch to get some air. As she passes Maddie she makes eye contact and smiles at her.

Ruby, followed closely by Thom make their way down the stairs. Greely returns to the bar and O'Neil is speaking with him. Greely kneels down behind the bar and returns with a box that was similar to the trunk in Turner's room. O'Neil gives him some money and begins setting up the phonograph on the bar as a few of the patrons begin arranging the furniture to make some space for dancing.

While out there she sits on the railing and swinging her legs, she takes a teeny tiny sip straight from the flask that was tucked into her skirt. Then she leans her head on the support and drifts off into her thoughts as she gazes up at the stars.

Maddie went and stood in the open doorway so she could still be seen by O'Neill, but she could also talk to Ruby. "Nice night," she said quietly.

Ruby snaps out of her thoughts. "Yes, I can actually see some stars tonight. Although the air still seems very heavy." She looks at Kate, "I see you found a handsome man to spend the night with," Ruby smiles.

"Very handsome. He'll be fun to spend the evening with; he's very charming. We're going to have music for dancing, if you like to dance."

"Yes, I've seen Mr. O'Neil's charm-iness up close and personal. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. And I do love to dance, most especially if I can drag my husband away from the cards to dance with me." Ruby smiles at how easily she could refer to Jake as her husband and goosebumps runs up her arms as she shivers. Shaking the thought from her mind she looks back up to the stars. "It's strange," she says dreamily, "It's very dark here. Last night I couldn't see them at all. I love the stars."

As Ruby and Kate stand on the porch a figure approaches out of the darkness. As she appears they can tell that it is a female figure wearing a dress. A voice calls out "I thought I might find you here Mrs. Jacobs." Colleen says with a smile in her voice. "Nice night isn't it?"

Ruby drags her eyes from the sky to Colleen. "Oh yes, very nice night." She returns the smile. "How are you feeling tonight?"

"Quite well thank you, but I heard there was no business here tonight. Figured I might try to lure one of these drunks over to the Gordon tonight. Four bucks is a little steep though so I doubt I'll get too far."

Colleen makes her way past the ladies and Thom, giving the man a pinch on the cheek as she walks by. Her hips begin to sway their suggestive sway as soon as she enters the saloon.

Maddie stayed by the door and kept her ears open, but turned back so she was looking into the room toward Jacky.

"Colleen?" Ruby calls after her. She keeps her arms wrapped around the railing for support as she strains her neck. "Why did you think I would be here tonight?"

Colleen turns around and say "Just seemed like you weren't the kind of woman to stay inside a hotel room all night, even if the only place in town looks like this one" she turns back around and starts approaching the men.

Ruby watches Kate turn her back and eye Mr. O'Neil. Was she worried that Colleen might snag him? Ruby shrugs and says out loud to no one in particular, "She's right." She turns her gaze back up to the stars as she lets her worries completely slip away.

Soon Jacky begins making his way towards "Maddie" as some scratchy sounding music can be heard from the phonograph on the bar. "Not as good as the real thing, but it beats not dancing at all. Care to join me? I do much better with a partner."

"You'd look rather silly dancing all alone, I must admit. I would love to dance, and I still find those phonographs just amazing." Maddie put her hand in his and let him lead her out into the space that had been cleared out.

"It's been a while, I hope I remember how to do this!" O'Neil says as he grasps Kate's hand and puts the other on his hip. He is a little rusty at first but within a minute or so he is deftly leading Kate across the saloon floor in a lively dance. Soon other couples join them making the makeshift dance area a bit crowded.

"You remember very well. Seems we've started a fad." Maddie smiled a sweet, slightly shy smile. "How long do you think you'll be in town? I'm stuck here until the stage comes back, or I can find someone to take me to the next town."

"Well I figure I'll be here until I either run out of money or find what I'm looking for," Jacky says. "I happen to have plenty of money at the moment so I am hoping for the later of the two options."

Back at the poker game Jake answers Owen Gills question. "Oh, I thought the missus introduced us. Alistair Jacobs, from Denver." Jake nods and smiles. "You would be the first to hear any news here abouts I suppose. Anything happening here about?"

"Well, I am not supposed to share the telegraphs, supposed to keep them confidential. But I will say that there is supposed to be someone arriving in town that might be able to help us with what's been going on lately, you know the strange deaths and all. Your deal Mr. Jacobs."

Chester pipes up, "Come on you can tell us. I mean, this guy's coming here soon, right. We're going to find out anyway."

"Sorry sir, I probably said more than I should have. Especially with strangers around. No offense. Oh, look at that, full house! 6's full of Queens."

Chester shrugs, "Suit yourself." He peeks at his hand and tosses the cards on the table. "Damn. A pair of kings."

Owen Gills excuses himself from the table "Time for a break boys, one too many beers I think, need to use the outhouse."

He gets up and heads for the back door but then just as quickly as he got up he turns around and heads back to the table. "Spoke a bit too soon maybe, looks like trouble is coming."

As Owen sits back down, three rough looking men come in the back door. The lead man is a hulking figure, matching Thom for size. He wears a red shirt and a black duster. He needs a shave as the course black hair on his face indicates.

He is followed by a young man with blonde hair who would probably be considered handsome by most if it weren't for the sneer on his face. He wears a white duster and white gloves.

Lastly is a man who looks like he has been on a two week bender, he is unwashed and unshaved. He appears nervous and has his hand near knife sheath.

All three men appear to be drunk by the way they stagger.

Chester looks at the others at the table. "Do you know these guys?"

"Who are they?" Jake asks.

One of the men answers in a low voice, "The big guy in front is Nevada Dan, the one behind him with the white duster is 'Gloves' Williams and that last guy is Eugene Smith, he owns the ranch where they all work."

Chester whispers back, "Why are they trouble? 'cause they're drunk?"

"Just watch" Chester is told.

Jake just watches them out of the corner of his eye, and continues to play cards. He glances at the door and Ruby outside periodically.

Minerva has been sitting quietly sipping her drink and watching the action. As the 3 men enter the saloon she sits up straighter and nudges Nanuet. She places her hand on her pistol hidden in the secret pocket of her dress and continues to watch.

Nanuet responds to the nudge. He nonchalantly reaches down to check his knife and loosen it in its sheath. He slides his chair back a bit and finishes his drink in a big gulp.

O'Neil's head turns towards the back door as the three men come in "So much for a fun night, these three are idiots. Let’s get some air."

"Who are they?" she said, looking with wide eyes and taking his arm. "You've seen them before?"

"Local yokels. I think one of them owns a farm or something nearby. They come here to cause trouble or at least that is what I've seen of them so far. Ruin my fun."

"Our fun," Maddie said. "Are they dangerous or just bothersome?"

"Sorry, our fun, that's what I meant. Dangerous or bothersome? My guess is both, but so far I have managed to avoid them for the most part. I bet they give that Indian hell though, seems to me they don't like white folks."

"What kind of trouble do they cause?" she asked, moving with him toward the door. "Fights? So what do we do for fun now? This is the only saloon left in town, isn't it?

"They don't usually stick around too long. I am sure someone saw them and fetched the sheriff. He doesn't harbor any love for them, last couple of times he handled things pretty well."

"The poor Sheriff. As if he didn't have enough troubles."

Nevada Dan walks over to the card table and grabs a drink right out of one of the locals hands as he is about to drink. He makes his way towards the dance floor, people parting the way for him. He sees Nanuet and starts heading right towards him.

Eugene follows behind Dan and continues to finger his knife while "Gloves" Williams hangs back and rests one hand on his gun, occasionally giving his white duster the once over with his free hand ridding it of imaginary dust particles.

Greely calls for Thom and then says "Hey boys, no trouble tonight now. I had enough problems last night. Let's keep it civil."

Outwardly Minerva looks relaxed and unconcerned. "Oh, Oh. Looks like trouble" Minerva says under her breath.

Jake says, "Good time for a short break." He finishes his drink and pushes his chair back. When he stands he turns and surreptitiously tucks his duster behind his holster. He walks across the room to the bar and takes a view of the room as he does.

Ruby enjoys the quiet of the stars peering back at her. She decides it's time for another drink so she wanders back inside and heads to the bar. Oblivious to the drama going on side she leans up against it and waves to Greely. "Mr. Greely, sir, I'd like another whiskey please."

"Sure honey, just as soon as I take care of these boys here. They're just ahead of you. So what'll it be boys?" Greely asks.

Nevada Dan doesn't turn around but continues to look at Nanuet. "Double whiskey for me and the boys" he slurs, "don't waste the good stuff on us." He then turns to Nanuet and glares. "What are you doing here savage? Don't you know we don't like your kind around here?"

Rubys raises an eyebrow but barely looks concerned.

Nanuet keeps his simmering anger under control as he looks up at the man. "I'm just here minding my business sir, enjoying a night out with my woman."

Nevada Dan gives Minerva a lewd look, undressing her with his eyes. "Savages should mate with their own kind, right boys?" The other two laugh and nod.

"You tell 'em Dan!" yells out Williams. "You tell that savage! We don't want his kind here!"

Chester sees Nevada Dan making a beeline for Nanuet. He gets up from the table. "Excuse me, I need a drink." He moseys towards the bar.

Nanuet stands and blocks the man's view of Minerva. "Well, perhaps you should remember that when choosing a mate for yourself. Now I am here minding my own business and I would suggest you do the same." Nanuet flexes his hand that is closest to his knife but tries to keep a calm look on his face.

"Oh really? You're making suggestions now huh? Well I suggest you and me take this outside where I can show you what to do with your suggestion."

Greely shakes his head and yells out again "Now Dan, just simmer down. Here have a whiskey on the house. You and your boys come and sit down here at the bar and have a round on the house."

Williams yells back at Greely "Shut up old man, we have things under control, just pour the drinks and we'll get 'em when were damn well ready."

Eugene continues to finger the knife he has now removed from it's sheath as he scans the room back and forth.

"Another one for me," Jake tells Greely and then turns to watch 'Gloves' closely. He looks across to Nanuet and tries to catch his eyes, smile and nod towards the man in the white duster.

Standing outside the door, Kate heard the foul words the hooligans were slinging at her friend and bristled. "Who are they to accuse anyone of being savage?" she said quietly to O'Neill. "Seems to me they're the barbarians."

"You're too kind" Jacky replied. "If it bothers you I'll see what I can do. So far they've left me out of their little games. Maybe I can talk some sense into them."

Maddie considered for a moment. "It does bother me, but I wouldn't want to endanger you. They don't seem like people on whom sense is going to have much effect."

"Well I appreciate the concern, and I think you're right on with the sense part. Seem pretty thick to me." Maddie sees O'Neil reach down to his holster as he talks, wiggling the weapon slightly.

Chester gets to the other side of the bar so that he and Jake bracket the scene. "Mr. Greely, I want another beer, please." Greely looks over at Chester and raises his hands slightly as if to say "wait".

Ruby hears some shouting and turns away from the bar. She calls out, "Hey, can you come and get your drinks please? I can't get the attention of the bartender until you come and get your damn drinks. And I'm thirsty! So stop being rude. Get your drinks before you pick on the savage."

Nevada Dan spins around after Ruby's comments. He storms over to her pushing "Gloves" Williams aside on his way. He grabs a drink off the bar and slams it back then gets right in Ruby's face and says "You weren't talking to me were you? Nobody talks to Nevada Dan like that, you hear me?" he then turns and spits on the floor.

Chester says under his breath, "Oh, you shouldn't have done that." He flexes his hands in preparation for a bar fight.

Ruby doesn't back down but instead makes a face as she wipes some spit off her face. "Yes, I was talking to you. How would you like it if you spent the ENTIRE day dreaming about the whiskey you were going to enjoy that night but someone was keeping you from it? And let me tell you something," she scrunches her nose, "Spitting on the floor like that is just gross. If you would have gotten it my gown or shoe I'd be mighty upset. I don't share spit with strangers."

"Now, you want to enjoy some whiskey with me?" Without breaking her gaze on Nevada Dan she waves her hand in the air. "Mr. Greely, make that two whiskeys pronto."

Jake doesn't take his eye's off 'Gloves' but says, "I would not mess with her, it can be very dangerous."

Dan is obviously just looking for trouble as he disregards Ruby's offer for a drink and Jake's warning. He turns to Eugene Smith who still stands near the back of the room and says "Hey Gene, you hear this little girl backsass me? You believe this?" Dan then turns around looks at Ruby "Nobody talks back to me, you do what you are told woman." He then backhands Ruby across the face and steps away from the bar.

Ruby stands there with her mouth hanging open, but only for a second before she returns Dan's slap, but with her fist closed and all her weight behind it.

Ruby's fist hits the ruffian square in the jaw. His jaw cracks and his head snaps back and to the side and he staggers backwards. He then rapidly shakes his head back and forth and laughs. He then turns back to Ruby and reaches for her grabbing her and flinging her easily across the saloon crashing into the tables. Nevada Dan then reaches across the bar and snatches the whiskey bottle out of Greely's hand and starts drinking from it. His two partners laugh at the situation.

Minerva startles as Ruby, like a rag doll, is effortlessly tossed across the room. She quickly casts protection against evil upon herself and rushes across the room toward the door, gripping the pistol with the magic bullets, still hidden in her skirt.

As soon as Kate saw Dan slap Ruby, her hand pulled free of Jacky's and went down the front of her dress to pull the Derringer from her bodice.

Jake launches himself at the big man and since he is off balance he is able to tackle him to the ground. He laughs with glee. "Finally a man willing to fight for a woman! He swings wildly at Jake and misses but then scrambles free and begins to stand up.

Chester grabs at "Gloves" but the man is too quick and too strong for him. He manages to slip out of the grab and draws and points his gun at Chester. "Don't do anything stupid, this ain't your fight."

"Damn. You got me." Chester folds his arms and tries not to look at the others, in case they're dong something. At least Gloves has to pay attention to him, instead of helping Dan out.

Eugene Smith just watches, appearing almost as amazed at the others at the spectacle.

Jake remembers what Red taught him about bar fighting and attempts to hamstring the man before he can get up.

Jake's attempt at preventing the man from standing up is unsuccessful as he clambers to his feet. He grabs at Jake and pulls him to his feet. "Shall we dance?" he says with a sneer.

In moments any chance of a clear shot was gone and Jake and Chester jumped into the fray. With Jacky still standing next to her it would be difficult to cast anything. With luck, he would run in and help and she would be free to act.

Unfortunately for Kate, Jacky O'Neil believes his place is right next to his date protecting her from any harm that might come her way. He watches the scuffle, wincing and making faces anytime a blow is struck.

After Ruby is flung 20 feet across the saloon and crashes into the tables she is momentarily dazed. Luckily she was well on her way to drunk and high and some of the pain is temporarily suppressed. She moans as she rises off the floor, holding her left arm to her chest. Dizzy, it takes a moment for her to rise and get her bearings. Besides the burning on her cheek, the pounding in her head and the throbbing in her arm she feels a warm liquid sensation on her forehead. Reaching up she gingerly touches the spot then stretches out her hand in front of her. Dark red blood drips off her fingers and plops to the floor.

Even in her stupor she realizes where Dan is standing and that no mere mortal could launch someone like that across the room. After her fuzzy ah ha moment she wastes no time lifting up her skirt and grabbing her gun off her thigh as she starts walking.

She takes some long strides and before she knows it she is standing behind Dan pointing her gun at his head. "You should have had the drink Dan... Now let go of my husband before I blow your brains out all over him."

Dan looks at Ruby and laughs. "And you should have stayed on the floor!" he says. He looks her right in the eyes and Ruby can feel her will falter. She lowers the gun and says "Please, don't hurt him" in a weak voice.

Meanwhile, Jake attempts to flip out of his hold pushing off his chest but he finds the man's grip is inhumanly strong. He does his best but cannot find success.

Dan then drags Jake closer to the door saying "Now, let's take this outside!"

Jake struggles to reach a vial of holy water in his shirt pocket and then spill it on Dan's hand. Jake says, "I think someone needs to cool off."

A sudden rush of emotion fills Ruby as she is dragged back to the spot Colin Turner had brought her before. Tears start welling in her eyes as she looks on helplessly, Jake being dragged out towards the street. The crowd all stood, enthralled and terrified of the action going on in the saloon.

Ruby runs over to the big guy Thom and grabs his arm. With tears streaming down her face she pleads, "T-thom, p-please help him. Please. D-don't let him get hurt."

Since the man has Jake by the shirt he is able to reach the vial and flick the stopper off and splash some of the liquid on the man's hand.

Nevada Dan howls in pain as his skin begins burns where the water has come in contact with it. He releases his grip on Jake for a moment as he is shocked by the pain.

"Gloves" Williams turns his attentions towards Dan, Jake and Ruby when he hears the scream. Eugene Smith takes a pair of steps towards their direction as well the knife now held defiantly out in front of him.

Thom, now brandishing a 3 foot long piece of 2 by 4 makes his way towards the fray and bellows "Don't hurt pretty Constance or her friends!" Oddly though he stops almost in mid stride and stands complacent in the middle of the floor, halway between the doorway and the bar. Thom looks down at Ruby the piece of lumber now hanging limply by his side. He looks at her sadly but does not react other than to change his expression from anger to sadness.

Minerva races to the door and blocks the exit to the saloon. She raises her arms, revealing her holy symbol and with the the wrath of her goddess Minerva shining in her eyes yells. "Begone foul one!"

Dan winces at the sight of the holy symbol in Minerva's hand and turns his head away from it. However it is only momentary and he soon regains his composure. He turns back towards Minerva his eyes now aglow as if his soul was burning, fangs now protruding where benign teeth were only moments before.

Once Nanuet sees that "Gloves" attention has been distracted away from Chester he takes his knife and throws it at the man's back. The blade strikes squarely but somehow it is turned aside and falls harmlessly to the ground.

Jake shakes himself free and steps back five feet from Nevada Dan. While stepping back he is cross drawing his long barrelled Colt and saying loudly, "Something wrong with water blessed by the gods, vampire?" Jake fires one incendiary round at the large man's chest from point blank range.

Minerva is shaken by the ineffectivness of her prayers. "Once again the gods have failed to heed my call to destroy evil." She quickly scrambles out of range and pulls out a vial of holy water when Jake draws his weapon.

Holding her breath and sobbing Ruby watches helplessly as Jake is being dragged out. But she takes a tiny breath in as Jake breaks free and pulls his gun. She quickly prays to the goddess Aphrodite to watch over her lover and best friend, especially because she can't. She remembers what Jake said to her back in Promise City, about needing her help.

Still holding her arm, battered and bruised, she turns her attentions to Eugene Smith, refusing to look him in the eyes but otherwise keeping close attention on him. With tears still running down her bruised cheek she raises her gun at him and says definately, "Stay where you are."

Jake fires the fiery ammunition directly at the creature. He is instantaneously engulfed in flames. He screams and flails for a few moments before the now well known cloud of gas takes his place. The cloud of gas floats out the doorway into the night.

Almost simultaneously another gunshot can be heard, this one coming from outside. Kate and Jacky O'Neil turn to see Sheriff Wilson and a stranger wearing a full-length black robe with a large silver holy symbol around his neck. There is a peacemaker strapped to one hip and a hammer and mallet strapped to the other.

Sheriff Wilson was the source of the gunfire as he as fired a shot straight up into the air before entering the saloon. He makes his way inside the door way with the newcomer right behind him. "Alright, I've had enough of you roughnecks causing trouble in my town. I'm taking you all in this time, I've had enough!"

Eugene Smith gives a sneer to Ruby before he follows his fellow blood sucker in turning to gaseous form and retreating. "Gloves" Williams is quick to do the same.

After the vampires turn to gas Ruby stands for a moment, stunned at the events. With a trembling hand she reaches out for her whiskey, still sitting on the bar, and drinks it quickly down. Then she runs into Jake's arms, sobbing, burying her bruised face in his shoulder.

* * * * * *

Minerva looks around the room to verify that everyone is o.k. and then with shaky knees, lowers herself onto the nearest chair. She spots a drink sitting on the table beside her and without thinking pick it up and downs it in one gulp.

Jake manages to holster his weapon before Ruby attaches herself to him. He holds her tight and mutters, "Mierda," while still glancing around the room and back at the sherriff. "I'm glad you showed up, though I will say a few minutes earlier would have been better."

Sheriff Wilson nods to Jake. "Got here as fast as I heard the news. Old Ned Rooster saw those troublemakers riding in to town. He knew they would be up to no good, been making problems for me for a month now. Ned came and fetched me and I figured this would be the first place to look, glad I did. Everybody OK?"

Ruby lifts up her head and touches her forehead, a bit of fresh blood on her fingertips. "Uh, I hit my head on those tables back there, I'm, uh, a little dizzy. Plus I think I might have broken my arm." As soon as she tries to flex her fingers she grimaces, so keeps it still. She gently touches her face, it still smarting from the powerful slap but doesn't comment about it.

"I think I need a lot more drinks, that'll help." She is quiet for a minute then says, "I was right earlier, about them. You have monsters here."

Chester draws his guns when "Gloves" turns his back on him. "What in Hades? More of these things?" Before he can fire, the sheriff enters Greely's. He holsters his weapons and rushes to Ruby and Jake. "Jake, Ruby are you OK? Looks like Turner isn't the only one we have to worry about."

Ruby puts on a brave face, "I think I'm a bit hurt but I'll be alright." Then she shudders, "And I think you're right about having more troubles then we already do. Are you alright? And where is K..." Ruby stops herself short as she looks around but says no more.

"That's good. I'm fine. "Gloves" pulled a gun on me, but the sheriff showed up quick. I saw Maddie in the far corner of the room." Chester looks around the bar for her. "I reckon these blood monsters aren't much of a secret anymore."

Ruby looks to the Sheriff but eyes the stranger, "Who's this guy you have with you?"

Jake lets the others talk while trying to get Nanuet or Minerva to come over. 'Ruby is hurt', he mouths soundlessly at the first one to look his way.

Minerva notices Jake motioning to her. She taps Nanuet on the arm and nods towards Jake. "I think Ruby is hurt." The two clerics go over and Minerva bends over Ruby to examine her injuries. She places her hand on Ruby's arm and prays silently for a moment. "There. Does that feel any better?" she says softly to Ruby.

Ruby tentatively flexes her fingers and notices an improvement. "Yes, it feels a bit better, thank you Minerva." Her face still smarted and Ruby knew well enough by now that cure spells healed the damage but not the bruises, and she could only imagine just how bruised she would get.

Minerva picks up Ruby's drink. "I think you may have the right idea here," she says and takes a long sip, draining the glass almost completely. She shudders, "This doesn't taste right. Must be bad whiskey. Either that or all this evil just leaves a bad taste in my mouth." Before Ruby can respond she takes the glass to the bar and instructs the barkeep, "Please dispose of this and prepare us two fresh ones from a different bottle. I believe that your whiskey has gone bad."

Ruby's eyes widen slightly as she silently watches Minerva drink her whiskey down. She had gotten a couple of drops of laudanum into it while no one was watching and now the priestess was going to get a taste of a new kind of medicine. But Ruby was really too upset, too scared, too hurt, and still a bit too influenced herself to really be able to process what was happening. She gives Minerva a half hearted smile. "Yes, must be something wrong with the whiskey, although I didn't notice anything myself," she lies.

Greely takes the glass from Minerva with a puzzled look on his face. "Bad whiskey, I'm not sure I believe that." He puts the glass up to his nose and inhales deeply. "Nothing wrong with the whiskey, someone's doctoring their drinks is all. I'll be glad to get you a couple of fresh ones though."

"Minerva looks momentarily panicked. "Doctored? What do you mean doctored? With what?"

"Well I can't be positive, but if I had to guess I would say it is probably laudanum. Somebody must have a headache or something." He opens a new whiskey bottle and pours Minerva two generous glasses. "On the house." he says as he slides them over. "Be right back."

Maddie's eyes were open wide as she shivered outside the saloon. Still, Katherine's instincts were saying this masquerade had gone on long enough. She was needed now, Maddie was a distraction. "I....I want to go back to the hotel, please," she said to Jacky. "I'm sorry. I don't feel like having fun anymore."

"I quite understand. That was some scene back there. Let me walk you back" Jacky offers.

"Thank you." Maddie took his arm and wasted no time in getting back to the hotel. "I'm sure you want to go back," she said when they arrived. "It's sure to quiet down soon, and you still have most of your day. I'll be fine now. Thank you, Jacky," she said with the brightest smile she could muster.

Jacky nods his head and gives a wide smile in return. "Well if you're still around for a few days perhaps we could give it another try. I was starting to enjoy myself. Have a good night Maddie, I'm sure I'll see you around."

O'Neil then turns and leaves, apparently headed back to the saloon.

Maddie stayed outside watching O'Neill until he was out of sight. She then stepped inside the hotel lobby and checked to see if it was deserted. Making the change to Kate would need to be done with good timing. And maybe an illusion or two. But first she needed O'Neill to believe she had gone to her room, and then to get back out as Kate, unseen.

Inside Greely's saloon the newcomer shuffles his way past the sheriff and introduces himself. "Name's Nolan Edwards. Looks like you folks handled yourselves pretty well here, might be able to use your help. Hunting these things down is a dangerous game though, have to know what you're doing."

The man looks to be in his 60's but is fit as a fiddle. He talks with a southwestern accent and speaks loudly and clearly.

Ruby stretches out her uninjured hand and starts introducing herself but as soon as he mentions needing their help she pulls her hand back. Handled ourselves well? I just got beat up! I’m not sure we DID handle ourselves well here Mr. Edwards. And I for one do not look forward to doing it again.” She immediately withdraws from the conversation and heads outside, back to looking at her stars. She leans up against the wall of the saloon and tries to keep her tears in, the ones that she was so sure this morning were gone for good.

Nolan Edwards begins to speak in an even, soothing voice, but Ruby is already gone. He realizes her state of mind and since she is a stranger to him he decides to let her go. "Well Sheriff, you got the right man. I'll set to it first thing in the morning. I think I'll head to the hotel and settle in, get started first thing tomorrow."

Sheriff Wilson who looks exhausted just nods. He heads to the bar and waits for Greely to return so that he can get served.

Once things have settled down a bit several of the patrons leave for the evening mumbling about checking on things and getting an early start for the next day.

Greely tells Thom to start cleaning up and putting the furniture back where it is supposed to be. He heads outside to where Ruby is standing.

"Sorry about that ma'am are you OK? I'm not sure what has gotten into those boys lately. They used to be customers of Thom's and lately they've been around here. At first they were fine, but now they seem to have gone out of their minds. Should I go fetch the doctor for you?"

Ruby wipes her eyes and stands up straighter when the man walks outside. "Oh, Mr. Greely, you startled me for a moment. It's alright, it's not your fault." Ruby is quiet for a moment. "Yes, I would like the doctor, perhaps he can meet me over at my room, I'm going back there soon." She is quiet again then her brows furrow. "What do you mean customers of Thom's?"

"Thom used to own a saloon about 2 blocks from here. Couldn't run the place after his accident so I hired him on, you know, to help out around here. I'll fetch the doc for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out."

"Oh he did?" Ruby shakes her head. "Poor Thom. He seems so nice, that's such a shame. As for the men, they've obviously become monsters. Hopefully this new guy the sheriff got can help you." She looks back up into the sky. "Thanks Mr. Greely, just the doctor will do."

"You can just call me Greely, everybody else does. Again, I'm sorry, hopefully they won't be coming back anytime soon. I guess I best be getting back inside. I wouldn't stay out here alone if I were you Mrs. Jacobs."

"I'm only two steps away from the door. But thank you."

She watches Greely return to the saloon and falls back against the wall. She rubs her head, some dried blood flaking under her fingers as she shudders. Overcome with emotions Ruby suddenly feels exhausted and longs for her bed.

"Damn it Ruby!" Minerva says scanning the room, for the red headed she devil, but Ruby has already left. "Laudanum." she mutters. She spies Nanuet across the room and brings the drinks over to him and hands him one. "Ummm, Have you seen Ruby anywhere?"

"I think she might have gone outside, I thought I saw her go out the front door. Might be best to just let her be though. I think that monster might have controlled her actions again. She just let him go, never took the shot, that is not like her. She probably just wants to be left alone."

"Yes, Poor Ruby. She says not sounding very sympathetic. It's been a tough night for everyone now hasn't it? I need to talk to her and find out what she's been putting in the whiskey."

Nanuet looks puzzled. "Putting in the whiskey? I don't understand. What would she be putting in her whiskey?"

"Laudanum. She's drinking laudanum, and I need to know how much she put in the glass, because I just drank the whole damn thing." She giggles.

"Laud-ah-numb?" Nanuet says stumbling over the words. "I don't know what that is, but uh... are you OK?"

Nanuet stands up and begins his own search for Ruby. He spies Jake and heads over to him dragging Minerva with him. "Are you OK Jake? Is Ruby OK? Do you know where she went?"

Minerva follows along behind Nanuet. "Ya, Mr. Cookie. Where's that she devil of yours." Minerva laughs again.

Jake could be the center of attention when he needed to be, but unlike Ruby he also could disappear in plain sight. He needed a moment to think, and just blended in saying nothing and listening to the conversations going on around him. Was I the only one who saw three men turn into wisps of vapor right before our eyes?

Jake blinks a moment and then focuses on Nanuet's face. "On the porch, she is on the porch." He raises his eyebrows and looks oddly at Minerva and then back to Nanuet questioningly.

Minerva now thinks that the whole situation is hysterical and just continues to laugh.

"I think she might be putting something in her drink. Minerva drank from her glass and says that she is putting Laudanum in her whiskey whatever that is." Nanuet then points to Minerva and says "And now she's acting a little off center. I wanted to check with Ruby and see if I can figure out what is going on."

"No, never mind. I'm fine now!" Minerva says grinning widely. "As a matter of fact I feel GREAT!" she spins and stumbles into Nanuet, giggling.

"I am as blind as an old mole at high noon," Jake says shaking his head. "Flowers my indian friend, more accurately poppies. Makes you feel good, a little too good. Similar to what they smoke over a Wong's back in town."

Kate returned to the saloon to find Ruby sitting on the porch. "You never change, do you honey? Always outside looking at the stars," she smiled.

Ruby pulls her knees to her chest and smiles up at Kate. She doesn't think twice about the fact that Kate is Kate and not Maddie. "I guess not," she says softly, "I really like the stars. And Jake does too, which makes it even better. At least I think he does." Ruby glances down at her bruised wrist but doesn't say anything else.

Kate bent down and lifted up Ruby's wrist. "When we go to that hotel there, I'll put something on that wrist to help keep the bruising down." She leaned down and kissed her friend's forehead. "Jake loves the stars so much he found the only one that lives on earth to love. How about we go inside and surprise the others?"

Ruby fought even harder to hold back her tears. "That was really nice Kate, what you said about Jake. I'm really glad you're here. But please go inside, I'd rather be alone for a few minutes. I'm sure you saw what happened."

"I did," she whispered. "It's why I'm here." In a normal tone of voice she said, "I understand, just make sure you sit so we can see you through the doorway, alright?"

"I'll stay right here Kate, I promise."

Kate squeezed Ruby's shoulder and went inside the saloon. It was rather a relief when not one male head turned to take any special notice of her. She looked around the room and spotted Nanuet, Minerva, and Jake and headed over. "How typical," she said with a smile. "I can't leave you alone for a moment, can I?"

Jake nods and says, "I am glad you were able to catch up with us Katherine."

She leaned down and kissed Jake's cheek. "I thought you might need me. And Constance might too."

"HEY KATIE! " Minerva says slapping Katherine on the back.

Kate immediately stiffened. "Don't call me that, Miss Florencia. Ever."

She turned to Jake and said, "I'm not sure when your lady started this new habit. But it might not be too late to break it without the usual difficulties."

"You know Katherine," she giggles. "You should loosen those corset strings of yours a notch or two."

Jake sighs. At a different time this would be funny. "I need to talk to, ah, my wife for a minute. I would like to know what Nolan can tell us, but I think I need to check outside first. Perhaps you three should speak to him and I will join you in a few minutes." Jake then looks at Nanuet and shrugs, "Or maybe two of you."

"There was only one person who ever called me by that name, madam. As you are not he, I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions on my corset to yourself." Kate turned to Nanuet and asked, "Who is Nolan?"

"I apologize if I have offended you. Madam." Minerva says with a low curtsy trying to keep a straight face." But may I suggest that perhaps if you allowed someone to loosen that corset for you, you would find it easier to... well breathe."

"I will accept your apology when you are sober and actually mean it, Priestess."

Nanuet steps up beside Minerva trying to break the conversation between her and Kate. "I believe Nolan is the man the town sheriff had sent for to help with the little problem they've been having around here. Seems pretty cocky to me. Haven't met the guy yet though so I have to give him a fair shake before I make any judgement."

Kate nodded. "I think a man would have to be confident to make his living as a monster slayer. Is he here now?"

"I was just trying to be helpful..." Minerva smirks. "And I will have you know that I am not drunk..I am.." She grabs Nanuet’s arm and looks up at him. "Nanuet what am I?" she giggles. "Well whatever I am it's not so bad. Talk to Ruby maybe she'll give you some too."

"I'd prefer not, thank you. I'm familiar with it," Kate said flatly.

"Si, I was going to kill her, but I feel so damn good now. It would spoil the mood. I'll kill her tomorrow." She giggles. I think I have to go now though," she turns to Nanuet. "Por favor, Mi Amor. Take me home."

Chester comes up to the group. "No, you just missed him, Kate. He went to his hotel. I reckon you saw those three troublemakers turn into steam, right? I wouldn't be surprised if they were more of those vampires. Things are getting worse not better. Speaking of which, what's gotten into Minerva? She's acting crazy."

"Chester," Kate said warmly and gave him a quick hug. When she was close she whispered in his ear, "Yes I saw."

Chester returns the hug, with a bit of surprise. He whispers back, "Then we've got much more problems than just Turner."

She let go and said in a more normal tone of voice. "Miss Florencia has accidentally taken some Laudanum, which is affecting her very oddly. Most of the time people become very relaxed when they take it. But I suppose she didn't get much, and combined with alcohol it might have just relaxed her inhibitions a bit."

"Why would someone do that? Isn't that stuff meant for headaches? It doesn't make much sense. Uh-oh, here she comes. With these new monsters around, we need to take more care."

"Ruby's been taking it since asked her to drink less. I wouldn't worry about the Priestess, she knows it's a bad idea. I already talked to Ruby about it, but it seems she didn't listen."

Nanuet is pulling Minerva toward the door when Chester arrives. "Well hello there Mr. Cheshire" she giggles. "I mean Chester. You sure were quick on your feet tonight, Deputy. Just like a cat! "I know! I shall call you Cheshire Cat." Like the cat in the story." She puts her arm around him in a comradely gesture and gives him a wide Cheshire cat grin. "Have you read the book? It's a wonderful book! I have read it many, many times." She leans in and whispers loudly, "Do you think he could have been talking about this town when he wrote it?" and standing straight and striking a pose she gaily recites a section of it's text as Nanuet continues to try and drag her to the door.

"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.
"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldn't have come here."

Minerva bows and continues to giggle as Nanuet finally gets her through the door. The last thing Chester hears is Minerva yelling from the street. "Buenos Noches, Chester Cat! If I were you I would make myself invisible. I think we have fallen down the rabbit hole! Everyone in this town is crazy!"

And it seems like the craziest one right now just might be you!" Nanuet says lightheartedly.

"I am glad that you have decided now is a good time to go back to the hotel though, that way I can keep my eye on you.” Nanuet attempts to guide Minerva back to the hotel as she animatedly chats to him about whatever pops into her fuzzy brain. "I think that we have fallen down the rabbit hole, Mi Amore. Do you not agree that Chester would make a fine Cheshire cat?... And Ruby and Jake are obviously the queen and knave of Tarts."
She recites in a sing-song voice as she walks backwards facing Nanuet,

The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts,
All on a summer day:
The Knave of Hearts, he stole those tarts,
And took them quite away!

"Katherine could be the Queen of Hearts. She can be so stuffy sometimes!” She imitates Katherine’s posture, shakes her finger at Nanuet and in a stern voice mimics. “There was only one person who ever called me by that name, madam. As you are not he, I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions on my corset to yourself…” She changes her stance and says equally sternly. “I will accept your apology when you are sober and actually mean it, Priestess." Minerva raises her finger to the sky and proclaims to the dark night "Off with their heads!" Before she breaks down into another fit of giggles.

Kate stood stiffly as the Priestess's voice carried into the saloon. "As I am not needed here, I will go get myself a room at the hotel. Good night. Good night, Chester."

She walked softly out of the saloon, past Ruby on the stairs and Jake on the street and into the hotel where she called for the innkeeper to arrange for her lodgings.

Once outside Jake sits on the porch with his back to the wall of the saloon, his hat resting on his knee. Looking at Ruby he says, "Greely's is not as relaxing as I expected."

Ruby opens her eyes at Jake but doesn't lift her head. "No, well, you didn't come here to relax, did you?" She blinks her cloudy eyes a couple of times, "And I didn't get to celebrate like I expected either."

"Frustrating, I agree." Jake glances up at the stars. "With perseverance and luck though, we still have each other. Therefore, we have more opportunities for relaxation and celebration."

"Yes darling, we still have each other." Ruby keeps her head down but closes her eyes again. "I need to get out of here, get back to the hotel." She turns her face away from Jake, trying to hide the soon to be bruise.

"I would like to speak with that Nolan Edwards character, but I will not leave you alone. You can wait here for me for a few minutes, go back with Katherine if I can convince her and I will meet you back in a short while, or if neither is to your liking I will just find him in the morning. You choose." Jake's tone is soothing and not at all condescending.

Ruby sighs, "What do YOU want to do Jake?" She realizes her little slip, picks up her head and looks around but takes another sigh when she sees that no one is around.

"I want to speak to him now and have you wait for me."

"I will wait if you want me too, you know I will. But I really want a bath and the doctor is going to meet me there soon too. I just don't want to stay here too much longer. I know you understand."

Jake nods in response, his face somber. He reaches out and gently touches her hand. "I will be quick."

He takes a few quick steps down the street and catches up with Nolan Edwards. He politely but firmly interrupts the man. "Sir, I heard what you said. Perhaps we can be of use to each other, though my plans for the next several days are unclear. However if my wife and I do not make it through the night alive I will not be much use to you... or worse. I seem to have made more enemies of vampires tonight, more than I already had if that is possible. Let us plan to meet for breakfast and speak further. What I need from you for tonight is some advice to keep us safe until the morning light." Jake clears his throat, "Especially since that larger one seemed to have influenced my wife during our little encounter tonight."

"You know sir, I like your style." Edwards says offering to shake Jake's hand. "I normally would decline your offer for breakfast, as I am usually a creature of the night like most of my prey but tomorrow my plan is to get my bearings around here so I will be up during the day. As for tonight, keep your windows closed tightly. I understand you are staying at the hotel, so that means they can enter freely, but normally they cannot enter private places without being invited first, something to keep in mind. Garlic does help keep them at bay, as well as a holy symbol if you have faith in it. If you and your friends can keep a watch at night you might be better off, at least if they come you will have warning. During the evenings it is best to keep away from people you don't trust. One look into the eyes of one of these creatures could be your doom. And drink or anything that dulls your mind is just and advantage to these creatures. They not only prey on your blood, but on your mind as well so it is best to keep it as sharp as possible. Good luck sir and I will see you tomorrow morning."

"Luck. Yes, luck to you sir." Jake stands there watching him walk away. "Mierda."

Ruby watches Jake stride back into the saloon. She closes her eyes again and starts quickly fading into her thoughts. If Jake is there how can I get another bottle of laudanum? Especially since he will be watching over me like a hawk. She squeezes her eyes shut even tighter. Her heart pounds in her chest, the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness beginning to overwhelm her. Even her clothes feel like they are constricting her and she starts desperately pulling off her ankle boots and stockings. After they have been removed Ruby looks up to the heavens once more and prays for a refreshing breeze but none comes. The air feels as heavy as her heart and she hangs her head again once more.

Jake hurries back to Ruby. "I do not know if I am any wiser for that conversation." He offers his hand to her to help her up. "I suppose it confirms most of what we have learned on our own. Let us get you to the hotel." He retrieves his bag from the saloon and they leave.

Ruby lets Jake gently pull her up to her feet but then she pulls her hand away. "Let's get back." Ruby picks up her stockings and shoes and they walk across the street to the hotel.

Even as Jake is speaking to Edwards Nanuet is still trying to get Minerva to the hotel. "Oh, Nanuet, I feel like I could fly," Minerva laughs giddily and spreads her arms like a bird as she spins around. Nanuet deftly catches her in his arms to prevent her from stumbling to the ground.

She looks up at the bright moon just as a solitary bat flies overhead prompting her to recite another Carroll poem.

"Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! How I wonder what you're at! Up above the world you fly, Like a tea-tray in the sky."

"It is no wonder that Senorita Ruby professes to have so many headaches." she observes. From the confines of his arms. "Such a wonderful remedy, this lauda…lauda…laudanum. Not only do I NOT have a headache, but I am not even sure that I have a head!" she laughs and holds her head to stop the spinning. She halts in the middle of the street to dramatize another poem.

You are old, father William," the young man said,
"And your hair has become very white;
And yet you incessantly stand on your head--
Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

"In my youth," father William replied to his son,
"I feared it might injure the brain;
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none,
Why, I do it again and again.

I wonder if Ruby has any more of this? It rivals the wine of the gods! You would like it."

Nanuet stops Minerva in her flutterings and forces her to look him in the eyes. "I am sure you will not understand this right now, but please at least humor me. This stuff you took, it can do you no good. It breaks your will and clouds your thoughts. In our situation right now those monsters could easily prey on your weak will. I do not wish to be the one to ruin your fun, so if we retire to the hotel we should be fine. At another time when your head is clearer we will discuss this. Until then, enjoy yourself but do not leave my sight."

"Are you implying, sir, that I am not myself?" Minerva grins. "Well that just proves that we have indeed fallen down a rabbit hole and that I am Alice! But does that make you the caterpillar?" she giggles and recites.

Who are YOU?' said the Caterpillar.

Alice replied, rather shyly, `I--I hardly know, sir, just at present-- at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.'

Minerva can see that Nanuet is quickly losing his patience and so she tries to be serious for a moment.
"I promise," she says crossing her heart, "That I will not leave your sight. If you take me back to the hotel and give me a reason to stay in it," she says leaping into his arms and boldly kissing him long and hard. "So, do we have a deal?" she says saucily.

"That is an offer I can certainly accept my dear Alice, although I am no caterpillar." Nanuet returns the kiss happy to have her attention so that he can keep her out of trouble. He carries her back to the room listening to her ramblings and explanations of "Alice in Wonderland". Once he places her on the bed she sits up and unsuccessfully attempts to unlace her boots.

"Some day you will have to read that book to me, it sounds very... ummm... interesting. In the meantime Alice, will you answer me a question?"

"Yes mi amor, ask me your question and I will tell you no lies!" she responds with another giggle.

"How much do you love me?" he says with a smile, as he walks over to the bed and slowly and deliberately helps her unlace her boots.

"What do you mean how much do I love you?" she says laying on the bed and bracing her boot on his leg. "That is such an easy question. I love you more than the number of stars on the stairway to the heavens! Now you answer the question," she says lowering her bare foot and placing her other booted foot on his leg.

Nanuet slips the boots off and gently pushes Minerva back so that she is laying down. He slips his own moccasins off and climbs onto the bed next to her. "That is an immeasurable amount of love. Where do you keep it all?" he says nuzzling her neck gently.

"Well, You will just have to search for it won't you?" she teases.

"You forget I am a ranger before I was a cleric, finding lost things is one of my specialties. But first I like to know as much as I can about what I am searching, so tell me of this immense love, what defines it?" he says as he removes his vest then again kisses Minerva on her slender neck.

Minerva snuggles in closer enjoying the sensation. "What defines it?" Minerva says trying to focus on his words through the buzzing in her head. "It has no definition, Mi Amor and knows no bounds!"

"Well then I will have to be cautious while tracking this indefinable prey if I am ever to truly behold it." Nanuet deftly begins undoing buttons on Minerva's dress. "I think I know where I should start my search though."

Back in their room Ruby wearily sits on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry Jake."

Are you sorry my love? Or do you simply regret the current predicament? Jake thinks as he taps his lips and stares at her, looking every bit forelorn. "Ruby you know I will do everything that I can to keep you safe, and keep us together." He sits on the bed next to her, puts a hand behind her neck and with the other he closes her eyes. He holds her firmly as she tries to pull back. Jake kisses her forehead, holding that moment. He then says, "Open your eyes." When she does she can see his face is close and he is observing her eyes. He sighs, kisses her on the lips while removing the small container at her waist.

He releases her and begins to balance the silver container on his finger tips, passing it back and forth across them. "What could you possibly need old saw bones for? You can just sing a little and cure whatever little cut or bruise you have left. Unless of course you need to fill this little flask up again?" He looks away from her and continues talking. She is not sure if he is talking to her or himself. "Fool that I am, so in love with you that I did not see it. Right in front of my eyes, but blind to any faults you could have I am. Perhaps it is for the best for now...."

He finally turns and looks to her. "Is that what you want from the doctor? More headache medicine?"

There is a knock on Ruby and Jake's door. "Doc Phillips here," a weary voice says. "They summoned me to take a look at Mrs. Jacobs."

The crimson blush that has been frequenting Ruby’s face recently returns to her cheeks. But it is obvious to Jake that Ruby isn’t playing, but honestly embarrassed. She is considering telling Jake everything but is interrupted by the knock at the door.

Jake thinks a minute, and remembers seeing the Doctor during daylight so he walks to the door and opens it. "Come in Doctor. Thanks for coming at this hour. Here she is. She had quite a shock besides the bumps and bruises. It was a frightening time at the saloon. Terrible time for her to have run out of headache medicine," Jake slips the container unnoticed into his pocket, "I hope you have some of that to help her rest over the next several days."

The doctor looks past Jake and eyes Ruby. "Headaches seem to be an epidemic around here. What were you taking for your headaches ma'am and was it working for you?"

Ruby sits on the bed, still looking dazed. "Uh, laudanum. Yes it has been working," she says hanging her head as she speaks. "But I wanted you to check my head and my arm too. I don't want to get a scar."

The doctor looks over to Jake first to make sure it's OK that he comes into their room. He heads to the bed and lays his case on the bed, flicking the latches open with a practiced hand.

"Yes, I heard you got pretty banged up over at Greely's. Damn ruffians, taking their problems out on women now too. Here, let me see your arm first."

The doctor takes his time and does a gentle but thorough exam on Ruby. He does not have a full bottle of laudaunum with him so he offers Ruby a dose to help her sleep and requests that she comes to his office the next day.

"That way I can take another look at your face and arm and we can talk about the headaches."

She silently takes the dose in a small bit of whiskey. She looks up at the doctor, "Am I going to get a scar on my face from this?" she points to the mostly healed over cut. "And how long am I going to have this bruise?"

"I don't think you'll get a scar. Keep your face clean and if possible uncovered so it stays dry and it should heal fairly quickly. The bruise will probably take a couple weeks to completely fade away. That is some bruise, did he just hit you or was there something else?"

"He hit me, then he threw me across the room. But they aren't human, they're monsters!"

She looks down to her feet and says quietly. "A couple of weeks?" She shakes her head then throws herself down on the bed.

Jake approaches the doctor, "You can see she isn't feeling well. We'll see you in the morning."

"Sleep well, I'll be expecting you tomorrow."

Yeardly Phillips takes his leave of the "Jacobs" and heads back to his office.

Ruby keeps her head low. "Jake, I need a bath. Please find out if I can get one."

Jake heads downstairs to the main desk and rings the bell.

Victor Bishop answers the bell in a timely manner. He is wearing a smile when he comes to the desk. "Good evening sir, what can I do for you?"

Wearily Jake returns his smile. "Good evening. I was wondering if I might trouble for you a bath for my wife. We had some trouble over at the saloon and she needs a little bit of relaxing."

Bishop's face shows his surprise. "Oh my, trouble you say. Is that why the doctor was here? Is she OK." He wrings his hands. "Forgive me, I should not be troubling you with questions. I will get a bath drawn for you right away."

Jake keeps his smile on. "It's alright. She going to be fine, she just needs some rest. It was some ruffians who need to be dealt with. Seems you have a lot of troublemakers around." Jake drops a dollar on the desk. "Thank you for the bath, we appreciate it."

"You are quite welcome sir, whatever I can do to help."

Jake nods and heads back upstairs. He informs Ruby that the bath will be drawn and good to his word the clerk soon arrives. Ruby remains quiet and refuses to look Jake in the eyes. Jake pulls the chair across the floor, placing himself in front of the window.

Once the clerk leaves Ruby slowly starts pulling the shoulder off her dress but she stops suddenly. She looks up to Jake, "I don't want you to look."

A look of concern immediately crosses Jake's face. "Ruby what's wrong?"

"I just don't want you to look is all," she says, almost shyfully.

Instead of arguring Jake nods, "Alright Ruby." He turns his head to look out the window.

Ruby again undresses, this time faster than before. Jake can't help himself, his concern overwhelms him, so once she has her back to him to get into the tub he takes a quick peek. Ruby is covered in bruises, literally from head to toe. Jake winces but quickly recovers and looks away as Ruby leans her head back on the tub and looks at him. "Ok, you can look now."

Her body stiff and sore she gingerly cleans the dirt and grime off herself before closing her eyes and waiting for the opium to kick in.

Time goes by before Jake wonders if Ruby is asleep. He approaches the tub and when he touches her arm she jumps. The doctor had given her a larger does then she was used to taking and it affected her quickly. Jake suggests she gets out of the tub before she falls alseep for good and they have a repeat of the last time he tried to get her out of the tub.

Ruby again makes Jake turn away when she gets out of the tub. She dries off and crawls into bed, pulling the sheet up to her chin. Jake sits on the edge of the bed next to Ruby but she turns away from him. "Good night," she says softly and Jake takes the hint.

He sighs and goes back to his chair near the window, waiting to hear the tell tale sounds of her sleeping. Then he takes the garlic that Minerva gave them and puts it on the window and door and all around Ruby's bed. He settles himself into the chair by the window and starts going over in his mind what he will say to Ruby in the morning.

Kate was conveniently given the room across the hall from Maddie. She stopped in that room to fetch her bag, leaving a few things in Maddie's room to make it look occupied. Her pocketbook would not be able to keep up this masquerade for long.

Once in her own room, Kate got ready for bed and wondered why she had ever wanted to return to her own persona. Truly, she felt great relief to be in her own skin again, but Kate's reception was rather less than she might have hoped for.

Still, it was a productive night. She was sure now that O'Neill was not a vampire, just a scoundrel out for himself. They had a lead on who the vampires were, and the monster hunter was here. Hopefully before long they could leave this town and Kate could go back to her own life. Perhaps her resolution to stop holding herself apart from the others had been wrong.

She took a picture out of her bag that she hadn't dared display in Maddie's room and said quietly, "I am only Katie for you, my dear. Never for anyone else." She smiled a bit through the shimmering tears in her eyes. "And Papa. But you never really minded sharing with him, did you?"

After a few more quiet minutes she sighed and went to bed.

The good part about Katherine's early retirement was her early waking. She went across the hall and mussed up Maddie's room as if someone had slept there. Then Maddie made an appearance downstairs and had about half the amount of breakfast Katherine really needed. It gave eating for two a whole new meaning.

By the time she made sure Maddie had been seen enough for the day, it was about the time the others would wake. She changed back to herself and went downstairs for a "light" breakfast which she hoped she wouldn't take alone.

Chester wakes up after another restless sleep. The fact that there were more vampires in Thomaswell didn't sit well with the lawman. He readies himself for the new day ahead. This time he remembers the garlic necklace and puts it in his pocket. He shuts his door and comes down to the dining room. "Morning Kate. When did you get into town? Mind if I take a seat?"

"Of course not, Chester. I would love some company.

I got in late yesterday. You wouldn't believe the trouble I had getting here. No one would come nearer than a couple miles. I had to walk the last bit. What has been happening that I've missed?"

"You should have wired us, someone would have met you. Apparently Turner's dead--burned at the stake or something like that. The others have done some digging around at his home at Smythe's Boarding House. I'm supposed to see the sheriff today to see if me and Mr. Jacobs can get deputized so we don't get into trouble if we shoot someone."

Kate closed her mouth when she realized she was gawking. "Turner is dead?" she whispered. "And no one bothered to tell me this yesterday?"

"Nobody let you know? We're getting sloppy with sharing information here. Sorry you found it out this way."

She took a deep breath and got hold of herself. "The deputizing is a good idea. The sheriff seems a good man and is in desperate need of help. I don't believe Mr. O'Neill is one of them. He's certainly a scoundrel and a bounder, but he's human. He didn't go back to the saloon last night, he headed east instead." She finished, taking advantage of the whispers.

"Me and him went out looking for Greely yesterday. We stopped by his place, but he wasn't there or at his bar. Kind of strange, but with those guys at the bar last night, we can't worry about that. So, O'Neil didn't find what he was looking for?"

"Not as far as I can tell. I would have followed him last night, but I thought I was needed at the saloon. And after that... well, I was a bit upset and in no condition to be running about at night, alone.

About Greeley, we absolutely should worry about him. Just because we've seen three other monsters doesn't mean there aren't more, or that Greeley doesn't know something. His saloon seems to be the center of everything here. I have a hard time believing he is clueless about what is happening."

"The bar might be the center of it all just because it's the only game in town, but I see your point. I'll try to get the sheriff to look for Greely again. Since we didn't find him yesterday, that shouldn't be too hard." Chester takes a bite of his eggs. "What are you going to do today?"

"I don't know. Whatever all of you need me to do, I suppose. Which might mean I'll end up in my room all day," she shrugged.

Ruby begins to stir in the early morning. She stretches and moans, her body quickly reminding her of the previous night. Her back is still to Jake and she can't tell if he is awake or not. She blinks her eyes a few times, the light of the early morning hurting her eyes, eliciting another soft moan. Finally, keeping the sheet up to her chin, she rolls onto her back and stretches her legs out to the edge of the bed. She turns her head to the window and spots Jake sleepily staring at her. "Morning," she says quietly.

Jake rises and walks to the bed, kneeling beside her. "How is my beautiful woman today?" Jake manages a smile in spite of his tired state. He does not wait for a response and places her small silver flask on the night table beside the half empty bottle of whiskey. "It is not completely empty. I need to meet that Edwards fellow for breakfast. Take your time and come down if you feel up to it, otherwise I will bring some food back up for you." He kisses her tenderly on the forehead. "The sun is up, you have nothing to worry about."

Jake then turns away from her. He washes his face quickly, dons his duster and weapons and returns to the bedside. "There is nothing you need to worry about. Rest, I will take care of everything." He kisses her again and makes his way to meet with Edwards.

Ruby sits up in bed, letting her feet drop to the floor. She lets the sheet drop as she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. She glances at her silver flask, sitting so enticingly next to her on the nightstand. She would be needing it, but not yet.

She stands and begins digging though her bag, choosing the most coverage she has, which isn't much. She shudders when she looks in the mirror, her eye blackened and her face half bruised. It was almost as bad as her incident with Jimmy. Even with makeup there would be no covering this up. She leaves her hair all the way down so it would hopefully cover up part of her face.

She sits herself on the edge of her bed and has a morning drink. Her feelings are still overwhelming her and what better way to deal with them than to avoid. Jake hadn't even really let her speak this morning, and she could tell he didn't want her too.

She knows she should eat something but instead decides to take a walk to see the good doctor. She sneaks down the stairs and only peeks in the dining area, seeing Kate and Chester together and Jake and the new stranger. Ruby vowed she would join them if they were still there when she returned from the doctor.

She asks directions and quickly makes her way to his door. She knocks and enters, "Good morning doctor?"

The door opens and the doctor is there to greet her with a smile.

"Ah, up bright and early! That is a good sign. Headache feeling any better? Hop up on the table here and lets have a look-see. That bruise is even worse than I thought," he says regarding Ruby's face. "I am going to want to check your vision as well."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're way too happy in the morning?" Ruby asks with a raised eyebrow while sliding onto the table. "I couldn't continue sleeping, which is why I am up so early. Plus," she pauses while looking around his office, "I was hoping less people would be out this time of day." Ruby looks to the floor and lets her hair hang down around her.

She sighs, "No my headache isn't better, in fact it might even be worse. Or will be once I start having to see my friends today. I've had a lot of stress lately." She looks up so he can look her in the eyes. "A LOT of stress."

"Well if you're looking to avoid stress you've come to the wrong place. I'm not going to pry into your personal business but you've got to take it easy for a few days and get some rest. I'll give you the laudanum because I know that's what you're after but let me do a few tests first."

Doctor Phillips checks Ruby out, testing her vision, reflexes, sensitivity to light and other things. He declares that she will be fine but needs to get some rest. He gives her more laudanum for her headaches and to help her sleep.

Ruby thanks the doctor while she pockets the laudanum. "I will try to rest," she adds, "But I don't think there is rest to be had in this town... for anyone." She drops $5 on the counter and leaves, keeping her head down as much as she can.

Nolan Edwards waits quietly, sipping his tea. A half eaten piece of toast and some fruit sit on a plate beside him. He greets Jake without even looking up from the book that he is reading. "Good morning sir. I see you made through the night unscathed, how does your wife fare?"

"No further harm has come to her, but she is not doing very well. She was hurt physically but it seems to be the emotional part that is most distressing...." Jake lets that part of the conversation fall gladly when the woman arrives to take his breakfast order. He asks for a large breakfast and some coffee.

When she goes away Jake decides he will tell this man what he knows about the vampires. He relates the story of how Colin Turner showed up in Promise City and the incident at the grave yard there. He also tells him about how his wife found the ashes that folks believe is Colin Turner. "It could be him, but too much about it does not add up. The cuff links, the timing, the location.... For now I will continue to suspect he exists. I am no vampire hunter Mr. Edwards, or do you prefer a title of your order? I just came here to put an end to the threat to my wife. There is nothing I would not do to keep her safe." His breakfast arrives and he begins to eat it, watching the man's eyes and waiting for his response.

"You may be no vampire hunter, but I am just that. Been doing this for too long, but it's not a job that others are eager to take up, so I keep on doing what I know how to do. I'd be interested to take a look at the site where you found the ashes as well as his room. Since I wasn't there I doubt I will know for sure if the ashes belong to him, but if they do, who did it to him is the more interesting question." He pauses, taking a bite of toast and a sip of tea.

"As far as what you would do to protect your wife, well we might just be putting that theory to the test. Give me the morning to do some looking around. We'll see what I find and meet here early afternoon."

"Very well," Jake replies quite aware of the ominous sounding tone of his comment. "Ah, there she is." Jake rises and pulls a chair up for his wife. "I am pleased you are feeling well enough to come out."

Ruby gives Jake a small kiss on the cheek, "Yes, well, I had to see the doctor, which I did. He says I should rest." She smiles and sits. "Mr. Nolan, I should apologize for last night. I haven't exactly been myself lately."

Nolan stands when Ruby enters. "No apologizes necessary. If anyone understands what you might be going through I certainly have a shot at that. I was just talking with your husband about my plans for the day."

"Well, I'm sure you will be happy to join my husband in saving the world then. That is your plan for today honey, right?" Ruby smiles at Jake as she grabs a piece of toast off his plate and forces herself to take a nibble.

Jake winces outwardly at her words. The tone was sweet but to him it seemed a bitter comment. He pushes his plate between them and says without looking up, "Just trying to save my favorite piece of it."

"Can't save the world all in one day. Things like this need to be planned out or you will find yourself at a disadvantage. I'd like to try and find out where those ruffians who visited the bar last night live. Maybe give them a visit this afternoon while the sun is high."

"I need a little sleep, I have been up all night. If you are intending to destroy that monster who hurt my woman, I will be there. There are others we may be able to count on as well." Jake sips some more coffee. "I was told those three from last night lived on a ranch, but I do not know where. Perhaps I can have one of my friends take you to where the ashes were found and Turner's room at the boarding house if you like. You will not find a coffin there though, we burned it." Jake mechanically picks at the food in his plate, hungry but not really tasting it.

"Well then get some rest while you can. Let's meet back here at 2:00 PM and I will let you know what I found and we can figure out some sort of plan from there. Get some rest, you'll need your strength and wits about you."

Ruby continues to pick at Jake's plate, suddenly finding she can stomach food. "Oh and one of you may want to check with the sheriff. On my way back from the doctor something was happening at his office, there was a big crowd there. I didn't want to stop without you baby...," she gazes at Jake, "Plus looking like this...I would rather not be alone."

Jake sighs, "Mierda, will I never get any sleep again." He stands, moves to the door and calls to the woman in the kitchen, "Mrs. Jacobs would like some pastry she can take with her." Coming back to the table he downs the balance of his coffee. "We had best go see what is happening. I will try to convince Chester to take care of whatever needs doing. Wait here a moment for the pastry." Jake bends down and kisses her on top of her head and says in a whisper, "You are always my sunlight."

Jake steps over to the table where Katherine and Chester are eating. "Morning folks." Jake spreads his duster a little wider and positions himself so any others will not see his hands as he counts out $250 in bills for each of them. He whispers, "Ruby found this in Turner's room, I thought you could use it to help cover expenses." Then in a louder voice. "I am headed over to see what is the commotion at the Sheriff’s place or something out there. Come on out when you are done eating."

The woman has come and left some sweet rolls on the table. Jake grabs whatever Ruby leaves behind and helps her stand. They leave the hotel and she points towards the crowd. Jake moves in close and wraps an arm around her waist but freezes before pulling her to him. "Are you in pain? Does it hurt if I touch you?" His face displays concern through his weariness.

Ruby reaches up a hand and touches Jake's face. "Even if it did it would be worth it. It's not bad now, just some bruises. It looks horrid though, I know. But I'd weather that and worse for a snuggle and a kiss any day," she smiles at him.

He gingerly pulls her close. "After we hear what the crowd has gathered about perhaps you will consent to lay with me a while, Mrs. Jacobs. Though I dearly need some sleep, I confess that I need to feel your warmth more."

Ruby smiles tenderly at Jake. "I must admit, I long to lay with you too." Some thoughts cross Ruby's mind but she quickly pushes them away, to deal with when the time comes.

As they approach the crowd he stops suddenly and whispers in her ear, as if the words needed to be said urgently. "Take all the rest and medicine you must. Perhaps I have asked too much of you, perhaps I should have insisted you stay behind with Gonzalez." She begins to protest but he quickly puts his fingers on her lips. "Hush and listen. That time has passed, and you are here with me and I could not part with you, could not stand to wonder if you are safe. Even if we share everything, it does not mean we must share equally. I see now that this is mine to do, and you need to give me what strength you have, but no more. The time will come when I cannot bear a burden and you will be there to carry it for me. I know this surely, and I know that I will protest and you will feed me these words back from this day." The last few words manage to bring a smile to his face, the first of the morning. "And I will choke on them."

Ruby's chest tightens as Jake's strength and love for her shine in his eyes. "It's nice to see you smile baby." Ruby quietly stares at him for a moment, even through the noise of the crowd around them. "I'm only sorry I can't help you like I want to. I'm just not strong enough, strong like you are."

"You just need some rest that is all, you will be - " Jakes attention is interrupted by the man on the porch.

From where they now stand Jake and Ruby can see someone standing on the porch to the sheriff's office. Hard to make out who it is as they are bobbing behind cover repeatedly. He appears to be hysterical, waving his arms and screaming at 15 or so people that have gathered out front. "Go on folks, get out of here. You've all seen enough, now leave!" The Jacobs do not push their way through instead choosing to watch the scene unfold from the back of the crowd.

As they get closer they can see that the missing deputy, Al Weeks has returned. It his him that is attempting to disperse the crowd. His attempt is somewhat successful as a few people walk away, some just shaking their heads, some crying. As they leave the view to the porch becomes clearer and a gruesome sight is unveiled. A pale body hangs from a rope on the porch, slightly swaying back and forth. A tarnished star is pinned on the chest of the body, the body of Sheriff Wilson.

"Looks like there is an unexpected job vacancy." I was wondering how long it would take for that to happen, Jake thinks to himself. I suppose he was quite a thorn in their side. Just like someone else I know.

They step up to the porch. Jake pays close attention to the deputy "My condolences, Deputy. Must be a trying time for you. We saw the sheriff last night at Greely's when he helped us out. Quite a shame that this would happen to such a dedicated man. Whatever work he had you doing for him since yesterday morning must have been very important for him to risk being alone while you were away."

Ruby shudders and turns her head away from poor Sheriff Wilson. She takes Jake's hand as he walks forward she follows.

Jake speaks with the deputy and when Ruby is close enough she finally gets up the nerve to look at the sheriff. Her eyes wander to the man. Ruby does notice a pair of puncture wounds on his neck as well as other bruises and marks indicating that he was physically beaten.

Deputy Weeks is definitely extremely distraught and feels guilty for what happened to the sheriff. He can hardly speak and when he does it is between sobs.

"I... I... I left the sheriff alone... it was my fault. I just had to get away.... just for one day. I shouldn't have left him alone, I... I just couldn't take this... this anymore! They'll pay for this... those sons of bitches will pay!"

Ruby tugs on Jake's arm and whispers quietly in his ear, "Look at his neck."

"Who is that, Deputy. Who is going to pay?" Jake only glances quickly to where Ruby is pointing, already expecting what she found.

"You just had to get away...." Jake repeats softly what the deputy had said and looks sympathetically at Ruby. "Deputy, can you remember what you did with the rope yesterday?"

"Those farmboys, they're always causing trouble. It had to be them, I just know it was. And I'm gonna take them out!"

Deputy Weeks looks puzzled for a moment "Rope? What rope?" He thinks for a moment then seems to remember something. "The rope from the alleyway, from yesterday morning. I didn't do anything with it. Why?"

Having already had one breakfast, Kate was ready to follow Jake and Ruby only a minute or two after they left.

"I'll see you in a few minutes, Chester," she said quietly. "Maddie's breakfast and mine, I think I've had enough. I want to see what's going on. Thanks for keeping me company."

Kate made the quick walk over to the Sheriff's office, and took advantage of her small size to wiggle her way through the slowly dispersing crowd. The first thing she could see was a slowly swinging rope, and for a moment she thought there had been a hanging. A moment later she stumbled back and swallowed hard.

She turned her head away and came up behind Jake and Ruby.

After Ruby points out her find to Jake she keeps her hand in his but turns her head. She sees Kate in the crowd, standing right behind her. She looks at her sadly. "Poor Sheriff Wilson," she mouths to her.

Kate stepped up next to Ruby looking decidedly green. "Mr. Jacobs wanted Chester and I to come over. Chester wasn't quite finished. I wish I'd never eaten."

"Me too. I had some toast and a couple bites of pastry and I wish I didn't have that. "Poor guy. He must have found out something," she whispers.

"Or he made someone angry. From what I heard, those men who came into the saloon last night didn't need much reason to hurt people."

"You're telling me," Ruby shoots back, suddenly regretting begin out in public. She turns her face back towards Jake and while still holding his hand in hers she buries her face on his shoulder.

"It was missing Deputy. When the missus took me to see the spot the rope was missing. Odd, is it not?" Jake glances back to see Katherine behind him then continues to the Deputy, "Is that when you suddenly had to leave? Do you remember where you went?"

"I waited for the sheriff, but he didn't come back. I took a ride on my horse, just a ride so that I could relax for a few hours. It wasn't a big deal. I thought it wasn't a big deal."

Chester pushes his way through the crowd. He shouts, "Make way. Make way." Getting to the front of the crowd, he gasps at the sight before him. He goes up to the deputy, "Cut him down, deputy. The town doesn't need to see him like that." He turns around. "Go home now. This isn't a freak show. Shoo." Chester pulls out his knife, stands on a chair he grabs from the office and cuts down the body. Once the people leave, he asks Weeks, "Just what in Hades happened here? I just saw the sheriff yesterday. He told me and Mr. Jacobs here to stop by. He needed help because you weren't around. Where have you been?"

"I didn't go that far!" exclaims deputy Weeks. "Look I was here when he went to bed, he was fine. So it wasn't my fault. I didn't want anything to happen to him, and I want revenge! This has gone on long enough!"

As Chester covers the body, he says, "Good answer. But don't go off half-cocked. That's a good way of getting dead. You were here last night? Did he say anything to you about what's going on? We need to figure out how big this thing is. Then we can talk about revenge. OK?"

Ruby pipes up, "Maybe someone should ask Greely where he went last night after he left the saloon, although you say you were here when he went to bed Deputy?"

Ruby is silent again. "Well, Deputy... you're going to need some help. Looks like you're the Sheriff now. Jake and Chester can help you investigate if you give them the power to."

The recently promoted deputy listens to both Ruby and Chester as they speak considering their advice. "Well if I am the new sheriff and you two are willing to help me then I'll get you badges right away. Consider yourselves deputized. Sheriff Wilson did talk with me for a few minutes last night after he came back from Greely's. He told me about the Edwards fella who's supposed to be helping us out. He told me about Colin's room and the state of affairs there. We can go and find Mr. Greely if you folks think he is part of this, just have to take care of Sheriff Wilson first."

"Sure, sure." Chester catches the eye of a passing child. "Hey, kid. Here's a quarter. Go to the church and get the padre. Bring him back here pronto, OK?" He says to Weeks, "Are you ready to go once the priest takes the sheriff?"

After Deputy Weeks answers, Jake nods and motions to the others and says, "Let us give the man a moment to pull him self together. This has been quite a shock for him. Let him have a moment with his friend."

Jake leads the others a little ways away and speaks in a low voice. "I am exhausted and need to get a few hours sleep. I am supposed to meet with Nolan Edwards at two o'clock, if one of you would be so kind as to wake me just before that time. I believe we are going to discuss going after the three that were at the saloon last night. I am certain we could use your help if you are able to join us. Please extend the invitation to Nanuet and Minerva."

Jake glances over to make sure that the Deputy is not listening in before he continues. "There is more that I need to share with you. Did you hear what the deputy said earlier? He just HAD to get away. I think he was compelled by one of them. Do what you can with the deputy just beware what you do or say with him. I wonder if that means they could turn the law against us?" Jake shakes his head, as if chasing a thought away. "I suppose that is more difficult if we are the law."

"I do not trust Greely, something is up with him and his response to the having vampires in his saloon was underwhelming at best. He acted like they were just juvenile delinquents, not monsters from Hades." Jake rubs his chin a few times. "Edwards said they cannot come in a home without being invited, but they can in the hotel. That makes no sense to me, but neither do them going up in smoke. I wonder if we could rent a house for us? Ask around if you get the chance."

"If someone does see Edwards before two, ask him what we can do to prevent the sheriff from coming back as a vampire. We do not need any more trouble, and it seems an ignoble end for the poor sod."

Jake rubs eyes and sighs heavily, glancing again at the Deputy. "Any reason we had for pretending we do not know each other seems to be gone. We will keep up the pretense being the Jacobs just so we do not make people suspicious of us, however you two do what you think is best. Katherine, you could use Maddie as your protection for casting spells in an emergency and she could then disappear. That is your business of course. On the other hand you may want to distance yourself from me. After last night I suspect Nevada and his friends are not too fond of me. With the sheriff out of the way they might believe I am the next most troublesome person in Thomaswell for them."

Ruby's mouth opens and shuts a couple of times, each time the shutting part prompted by Jake's expression to her. She fidgets, looking from the poor sheriff to Jake then finally she says, "Well, the day I found the ashes... Sheriff Wilson did ask the deputy to stay behind and look for more clues. Maybe whomever did it that day came back? But then again... it was daylight." Ruby looks confused for a moment but doesn't say anything else on the matter.

"So, Deputy Jacobs, go get your badge so we can go rest."

"I would rather have Katherine able to disappear, I think," Kate said. "Maddie made some progress with Jacky O'Neill last night. I'm fairly certain he isn't a vampire, just a scoundrel out for himself. But once you and Chester are law, he'll have even more reason to distrust you. If Maddie becomes associated with you he might start avoiding her too. And while I don't think he's involved, he's an opportunist. If someone tries to get him involved against us it'll be good to have someone he'll at least speak to."

"I do not remember if I told you this before, but I put some holy water on my hand just before shaking his the night before last. It did not seem to hurt him, so I came to the same conclusion as you." Jake rests a hand on her shoulder. "What you said about Maddie makes sense. If you think that Katherine may have to disappear, consider using a false last name. You never know what might get back to Promise City some day. I am certain that lawman Alistair Jacobs will be on the forgiving side over a little bit of wizardry." Jake gives her a wink.

"Chet, I'll let you help the Deputy, I mean Sheriff Weeks take care of Wilson. Just bring me my star when we meet with Edwards. Wait for me before you get in too much trouble. OK Soldier?"

"I should use Anders," she laughed. "I could claim to be related to Maddie and save myself the cost of that second hotel room.

I understand what you're saying," she said more seriously. "I'll consider it. And it wouldn't be the first time I've had to be subtle."

"Be safe and do what you can. We will see you both at two then." Jake tips his hat and Ruby reaches out and squeezes Katherine's hand. She gives Chet a flash of a smile but turns her face away quickly. The Jacobs then make their way back to the hotel and then their room.

"Chester, I'm going to go back to the hotel and ask the man there if there any houses for let. I'll let Nanuet know what Mr. Jacobs said as well. I'll see you back there soon, alright?"

"OK, Kate. I don't know how much Weeks will want us to do for general law and order. Hopefully not much. These vampires are going to take a lot of time to bring to ground. We'll need to know if they're connected to Turner."

Chester catches the eye of a passing child. "Hey, kid. Here's a quarter. Go to the church and get the padre. Bring him back here pronto, OK?" He says to Weeks, "Are you ready to go once the priest takes the sheriff?"

"Yes, that makes sense. Once the priest shows up and handles Sheriff's Wilson's body we can go look for Greely." Al Weeks replies.

The young boy smiles widely as he gets the quarter from Chester and sprints off in the direction of the church. He does not need to go far as the priest has heard of the sheriff's untimely demise and was headed in the direction of his office already. Soon the body is taken away and funeral arrangements will be made for the following day.

"Here is your star mister, and here is the one for your friend." Weeks says handing Chester two metal star badges. "I think your duties will be mostly to deal with the murdering monster situation first and foremost. There is no general law and order while they still roam freely." Al Weeks says. "If we are going to look for Greely now you should pin yours on, just so it's official. I guess we should go by his house first since the saloon is closed during the day."

As Chester pins on the star, he says, "Thanks for this. You're going to need all the help you can get. I've seen what one of them can do. I can't imagine what three are capable of. Let's go to Greely's house, then. Sheriff Hunter took me there yesterday, but we didn't find him. We even went inside. I hope we can catch him this time. I hear you about the monsters. What do you know about them? I heard the three who came into Greely's come from a ranch nearby."

"Yes, they live out at a ranch that Eugene Smith owns, about 2 miles east of town. For the past 6 weeks or so every time they come to town they start trouble, now I know why... they're monster's too. We'll find Greely, one way or another." Sheriff Weeks and Chester head to the saloon, which is closed up tight. They knock on the front door, then head around to the back. There is no answer and no sign of activity so they head back to Greely's house.

Chester and Al arrive at Greely's house and find the same welcome there. The house is locked up tight. They check around the house and find it locked up tight, doors and windows. The deputy is not surprised figuring he is sleeping and would lock the house during the day while he rested. "Perhaps we just wait for him tonight and question him then?"

"I'm not surprised. Have you seen him in the daytime recently? From what I've heard, these monsters are killed by the light of day."

"Well, I don't expect to see much of him during the daytime since his saloon is open overnight. Man has to sleep sometimes right? I am more concerned with the yokels out at the ranch. We should hit them while the sun is up. One of them was hurt by your friend right? That should help even the odds a bit more in our favor."

Chester nods. He doesn't fully agree about Greely, but says nothing about it. "Mr. Jacobs and some of the others are meeting with the monster hunter, I forget his name. We should go see them before looking for those yokels. There's strength in numbers."

Sheriff Weeks nodded in agreement. "Yes I agree, a posse's effectiveness grows with it's size. I'll grab lunch and then meet you over at the hotel at 2:00."

Minerva wakes up feeling rather fuzzy. She lies still for a moment trying to remember the events of the previous night. She groans in dismay as the memories of her behavior return. "Well, lets hope that my friends have a sense of humor." She rolls out of bed feeling a bit light headed and looks around for Nanuet who is sitting cross legged on the floor with his eyes closed. When he hears Minerva stir he opens his eyes and smiles. "How do you feel my love? You had an interesting experience last night."

Minerva rises naked from the bed and stretches unselfconsciously. She turns and gives Nanuet a sheepish grin before going to light her candles in preparation of her morning prayers. She glances back over her shoulder at him. "Was I really that bad? It was quite fun really, but I think I may have revealed more than was prudent," she laughs. "Do you think that Katherine will ever speak to me again?"

"Yes, I think she realizes your state of mind was influenced by the liquour and drugs. Perhaps you do owe her an apology though. Once you finish your prayers we can go see if we can find the others. I imagine Jake stayed up all night watching over Ruby so he is most likely resting for now, but the others may be out and about."

When Kate returned to the hotel she found the innkeeper, Mr. Bishop. "I was wondering if there were any houses to let in town? With so many people gone, it seems there must be quite a few houses open."

Victor Bishop scratches his head a few times, scrunches his eyebrows and crumples his forehead. "See the problem is that I don't think things have been cleaned up yet. Wills, deeds to land, titles on property. I am sure we can find you something. Thinking about moving here? I'll tell you what, I'll look into and get back to you by this afternoon."

"I don't know about moving but I may be here some time. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it."

Chester would be busy with Deputy Weeks for a while, so Kate went back into the dining room to wait for Nanuet to come down so she could fill him in.

Nanuet waits for Minerva to finish her morning prayers and get cleaned up and dressed. The two head downstairs to see if the dining room would still serve them breakfast. They turn the corner and head into the room. Minerva pauses when she sees Kate is present but Nanuet urges her forward with a stern look and the couple greets Kate.

"Good morning Kate, where's everybody else? Did we miss anything this morning?" Nanuet says, breaking the ice.

Before Katherine can turn away from her. Minerva grabs her arm and says contritely, "Senora Katherine, I hope you are not too angry with me for my rude behavior last evening. I was not myself and would not have spoken out of turn had I been in control of my faculties. It would seem that the combination of alcohol and laudanum have a very strange affect on me," she chuckles sheepishly. "Please forgive me for being so bold. It was quite unladylike of me."

"By the way, we met a woman on the coach. Her name is Maddie and she is traveling alone. Considering all that is going on in this town, I do not think it wise for any of us to be isolated. Perhaps you would consider sharing her room instead of staying by yourself. I do believe that it would be safer for both of you to do so and if you are agreeable I will broach the subject with her on your behalf. "

"Any drug is dangerous. Mixed with the alcohol your behavior is understandable," Kate said perfunctorily. She turned to Nanuet and said quietly, "Sheriff Wilson is dead. He was found hanging by his feet outside his office this morning. Chester is with the Deputy looking for Greely, and the Jacobs retired upstairs to get some rest.

Mr. Jacobs spoke to Mr. Edwards this morning." Kate then filled them in on what Jake had told the others outside the office. "I asked Mr. Bishop to find out if there are any houses to let in town. Mr. Jacobs seems to feel renting a house would mean a private residence. I'm not quite so convinced, but we can ask Mr. Edwards this afternoon when he meets with Mr. Jacobs."

She turned back to Miss Florencia and said, "If we stay in the hotel I will consider your suggestion, Priestess."

Minerva looks at her friend "Priestess, hmmm," she says the sadness evident in her expression. "After everything that we have been through together I thought that I had come to mean more to you than that, Katherine. It is unfortunate that the bond we shared in the desert is naught but a distant memory. I pray that someday you will come to realize our friendship." Not wanting Katherine to see how hurt she is by the rebuff she turns and leaves the hotel.

"You'd best go with her Nanuet," Kate said. "It's daylight, but I'm not sure how safe it is to go about alone. I believe Mr. Jacobs expects us to look for those men that disappeared last night after he wakes. The meeting is at two o'clock. I'll see you then."

Once Nanuet had followed his Lady out the door Kate sighed and went back upstairs to her room. She pushed back the curtains and sat down by the window to stare out at the blue sky.

It was not in her nature to enjoy hurting anyone, but she would not lie to the Priestess to save her feelings. Whatever degree of intimacy the Priestess had thought they had achieved, it was far greater than any Kate had ever perceived. They did not run to one another for comfort, did not tell one another their secrets. Yet Miss Florencia always seemed to know her secrets. The wizardry she had been forced to reveal before she was ready, the child the Priestess had guessed she carried, Conrad's offer of marriage in a moment when Kate had been confused and wishing for someone to tell her what to do.

And the ceremony..... Katherine shook her head. She had felt no more bonded to the other women after than she had before. She had felt more open, but that was Aphrodite's doing and Katherine had pushed that unwanted influence away from herself as soon as she knew what it was. And then to learn that a small ceremony of her own design would have done just as well.... Why had the woman not told her that in the first place instead of taking her to stand cold and naked in the desert, worshipping goddesses she had no desire to honor?

Miss Florencia already had Ruby and Nanuet, Jake and Chester; they were all delighted with her. What did she want or need straight-laced, stick in the mud Katherine for anyway? Kate rubbed her arms. There was no one she could talk to. Ruby could handle nothing more right now, and Jake needed everything he had for their current mission. Nanuet was obviously out and while Chester would give the shirt off his back to help, he just wouldn't understand. She felt as if she were fading away like an old photograph soon to be forgotten.

Minerva quickly walks up the street, unaware of her surroundings. Nanuet calls out to her but instead of responding she lengthens her stride. He quickens his pace to catch up with her and taking hold of her arm turns her around to face him.

Distraught, she attempts to pull away. “I need to be alone” She insists, the tears glistening in her eyes.

“Where are you going?”

“I don’t know. I just need to walk.” She turns from him and begins walking again. Nanuet matches her pace and silently accompanies her to the edge of town, where they find themselves approaching the well and statue of the towns Founder.

Minerva sits on the bench kicking her booted toe into the dust and lets the tears come. Nanuet sits beside her, patiently waiting her out.

After some time she breaks the silence. “I am so tired of being the outsider!” she rants. “All of my life I have been ostracized for what others believe me to be. I thought that when I came to Promise City that I had left the loneliness behind me, that it would be different. I thought that I had found true friends, but I am still the same pariah that I have always been.” She stands and walks over to the statue. “I have tried to show her what is in my heart but she is unable to see beyond her own fear. I am NOT the priests of her childhood and it hurts deeply when she insults me by referring to me as priestess. I would lay my life down for Katherine… for all of them. What must I do for her to see me for who I am?”

Sensing that she is running out of steam Nanuet comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her. “Do not be too hard on her, my love. She may be cautious and slow to trust but someday she will overcome her past and see you as the same caring and loyal woman that I have come to admire and love so dearly.

Minerva turns into his arms and embarrassed by her show of weakness attempts to excuse her outburst. “I am sorry Mi Amor. I do not mean to go on so. Perhaps it is the lingering effects of the laudanum." She starts fiddling with the bricks on the statue. “Jake and Ruby said that there was a hidden door in here. I wonder what’s down there she says removing the loose bricks.

"I wouldn't go removing too many, you're liable to bring that whole thing down on top of you." Nanuet warns as he sneaks a bit closer looking over her shoulder.

Minerva looks down into the hole. "Well as much as I'd like to find out, we really don't have time right now anyway. I think we should get back for the meeting, and I know that you want to eat before that time since I dragged you away before you had the chance." she says attempting to put a lightness into her tone.

She places the bricks back into their proper places and the two, hand in hand, make there way back to town and enter the hotel before the others arrive. They eat and wait for the monster slayer to arrive.

Once he and Ruby are back inside their room, Jake closes the curtains and darkens the room as best he can. Guns hung on the bed post, duster tossed into the corner, he sits on the bed breathing slowly while rubbing his eyes.

Ruby sits on the bed next to Jake, letting her leg touch his as she lets her eyes adjust to the dark. She takes his hand in hers, "You must be so tired baby. You need to rest."

Her voice seems to startle him a little and he sits upright. "Help me with my clothes."

Ruby silently obeys. She slowly pulls off Jake's boots and socks, then his shirt, letting her hands linger on him whenever she can.

Finally she undoes his pants. "You need to lay down now baby." Jake complies and Ruby pulls off his pants as he does. "Do you want a drink before you fall asleep?" she asks softly.

"No, thank you princess. There is only one thing I need." Jake reaches out with one hand to her. "Abandon that dress and come lay with me. I have need of your warmth. I need to feel your skin against mine. I have great need of your strength and fire. I know it is in there, come and share it with me."

Ruby's lips curl up at the edges and sitting on the edge of the bed she starts slipping her dress off her shoulders, pulling the straps low. She stops suddenly and sighs. She turns her face over her shoulder, back to Jake, making sure her hair covers the bruised side, "Can you close your eyes? Maybe we can imagine we aren't here and none of the bad things are happening."

Jake closes his eyes. "Come to me, Ruby, help me forget the world for a time."

Once Jake’s eyes are closed, Ruby quickly undresses and slides into the bed next to him. She closes her eyes too, then reaches out for Jake face. She runs her hands over his short but grown in beard, keeping a hand on each cheek. "I love you Jake Cook," Ruby says softly, "I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"Punishment for some heinous crime I am certain," he says with mock seriousness, then his tone changes. "Now that you are naked to me in the flesh, with nothing between our skin, let there be nothing between us in spirit as well my love. Say what you will to me, unburden yourself for you do not have to fear me. Say what you wish, let the words come and then your fears will fall to the floor like your dress, for we do not need them here in bed between us. You will feel better. My arms will still hold you and I will still love you. Say what you will and let your fear of me pass away." Jake strokes her hair and then runs his finger along her lips. "I need you Ruby, I need your strength and your love. Your fear withholds some of that strength from me, dearest one. Name the fear if you can, name it and by doing so discard it. If you cannot name it today, do not let that trouble you. I will not love you a whit less. Either way just love me, Ruby West, just lay here and love me."

Ruby breathing gets heavy and quick as she considers telling all to Jake. She opens her eyes and stares at her lover, his eyes closed but his face relaxed and open to her. Ruby takes a deep breath in and starts rambling, “I’m… I’m sorry…I just… so afraid of them, the monsters, them taking me, taking me away from you…I dreamed Colin killed me and I… I liked it…it felt good… good that I could never be like this…bruised and ugly,” she starts sobbing as she rambles, “And them being able to make me not help you like I want to is HORRIBLE…and if they ever made me hurt you I just couldn’t bare it…it would be the worst thing that ever happened to me… because I love you and don’t want to do anything to ever hurt you…” She sobs a few more times, “And the dreams… I can’t take them anymore… if I’m not dreaming about them I’m dreaming about you, which would be good except I keep dreaming we’re getting married and I know it’s never going to happen and that hurts me too… and I LIKE being Mrs. Jacobs, I KNEW it would be a problem... because now I have a taste of what it would be like to really have you and how people would treat me...And something else… You...you…you didn’t want me…yesterday… I c-can’t… it really hurts… no one ever turned me down before… ever. Made me feel s-soo bad, like you really didn’t want me and maybe I’m just not worth all this trouble. And I’m just not like this and I don’t know how to not be like this now…,” More sobs come from Ruby and she grasps Jake’s face, “Open your eyes and look at me Jake.”

Jake slowly opens his eyes.

Ruby stares deep into his caring brown eyes, “I-I’m l-lost and I don’t know how to fix it, how to get back to me... and to you.”

Jake takes her rose-thorn scarred hand and taps her palm. He places his own scarred palm against it and smiles at her. "See? I am still here, my arms still hold you and I love and want you all the same. Let your fears languish on the floor for a time, we need not pay them heed right now. Those that are hardy enough to survive we will address in time. This is not their time, this is our time." Jake kisses her palm and places her hand on his chest over his heart.

Ruby presses her palm down tightly on Jake’s chest. Feeling his heart beating steadily the corners of her lips once again rise ever so slightly. She places her face next to her hand on his chest, letting the beat soothe her very weary and emotional soul. She stays like that, unmoving, for an unknown amount of time. Finally she lifts her head and starts covering Jake’s chest with warm, wet kisses, making her way up to his lips. “I will love you Jacob Cook,” she whispers, “And you will love me.” She finally lets her lips touch Jake’s, her kisses soft at first but they grow deeper as she gradually shifts more and more of her body onto Jake. The slow, deep and passionate kisses begin to regenerate Ruby and finally she lifts her head to look Jake in the eyes but she says nothing, letting her hands gently caress his face his while her warm body presses against him.

She laces her fingers through his, then reaches their clasped hands up over Jake's head. She rolls them over, letting Jake cover her, the weight of him shielding and protecting her. "Tell me again you will always want me and need me baby," Ruby says breathlessly, "That's still all I ever want."

Jake places his lips near her ear and whispers, "You are the only one for me. Always and forever I will want you and need you." What starts as a long sigh of contentment from Ruby's lips ends as more a purr as she pulls his arms back down and around her. Their lips find each other and their bodies become one. Eventually, warm and satisfied, they both move from the solace of lovemaking to the sanctuary of sleep.

At 2:00, Ruby wakes Jake who had not heard Katherine knock. He manages to disentangle himself from Ruby with only a little cajoling. "The sooner this is done the sooner I do NOT have to get out of bed."

He dresses quickly and leaves the room dark. "I will go check on the meeting, take your time getting dressed and I will fill you in when you come down. I think that nice leather outfit is what you will need this afternoon." Jake hurries down stairs while the thoughts swirl in his head. If that Nevada guy is able to know what Ruby knows it will be better if we keep her from knowing what we are doing until we are there. He peeks around the corner into the dining room and sees Chester with the newly promoted Sheriff. "Mierda!" he exclaims quietly and steps back. He rubs his beard a couple of times before he sprints back up the stairs. I told that Martin not to trust Weeks. I suppose there is no harm in having Ruby there then. That boy is just too trusting. Well I did not specifically tell him not to bring him to the meeting with Edwards. Perhaps you are too distrustful Mr. Cook? Jake laughs out loud and mutters to himself, "Not hardly." He is still laughing when he knocks on their door and lets himself back in the room. "They are ready down there, I guess you need to hurry."

Jake avoids looking at her directly while she gets dressed. He keeps himself busy by packing up his gear, including six sticks of dynamite in his small travel bag with the items from last night. He can almost hear Flint's voice, 'There is almost nay problem a little well placed dynamite cannot fix laddie, and them it cannot, well she be a might pretty sight anyway'. Jake almost laughs out loud again. All in all the thought of a little revenge on Nevada Dan for last night has him in a good mood.

Ruby had taken her time getting ready, even after Jake had tried to rush her. She seemed happy and content, making herself as pretty as she could, but still leaving her long unruly hair loose and wild around her face. By the time Jake dragged her downstairs Ruby actually did feel hungry.

When they are done, he slings his Spencer and her shotgun over his shoulder, grabs his bag and escorts Ruby down stairs and into the dining room.

Ruby whispers to Jake, "I am starving baby, let's eat something please." As the rest of them talk Ruby picks at her food and glances from Jake to the room, back to Jake with a dreamy smile on her face, not paying attention to what is really being said.

A few minutes prior to the 2:00 hour the spry man of more than 60 winters who was now being called "The Monster Hunter" around the small town of Thomaswell entered the dining hall of the Gordon Hotel. He waited until all the others were gathered before he spoke.

"Well, I spent the morning looking around. Noticed a few interesting things, I'll share what information I have and we can collaborate on the rest."

Nolan Edwards goes on to discuss the house to the west of town, how it is certainly set up so that little or no sunlight can get it. "Whitaker has that place buttoned up tight, has to be a little bit suspicious, plus he just happened to show up in town around the same time the trouble started."

He also explains that the site of the stake and ashes from the previous morning do look authentic to him. "The ashes look real enough based on my experience. Not sure how they tied him in place before the sun came up, but it at least looks like the remains of a sun-baked vampire to me."

He also discusses looking around the Smythe boarding house. "That old man was a bit reluctant to let me in, but I convinced him. A little money goes a long way, especially in a dying town like this one. Anyways I poked around. Didn't really find anything that you folks already hadn't figured out, but there is no sign that he has returned either. Without a coffin I am leaning towards the idea that he is truly gone."

Lastly he discusses his conversations with the townsfolk about those who died and when and also their general attitude. "There are some tough folks here, willing to try and scratch a living out here where there is not much to scratch with. As far as the deaths it is hard to formulate any patterns. On one hand it seems there was definitely more than one monster at work here, one who preys on drifters or vagrants and lowlifes and one who enjoyed the company of young women. Then there are the deaths like the mayor and his wife, or the sheriff. They fit in neither category, or rather one of their own. Not sure what to make of that or anything other than there was or is more than one vampire at work here."

Chester says, "I checked out Boot Hill recently. It doesn't look like anything has disturbed the graves. Back in Promise City one of Turner's victims, a Gus Thomas, became one of them. We killed him after digging him up."

"There is still more than one," Kate said. "Last night, just before you arrived at the saloon they were there causing trouble. Mr. Jacobs had a tussle with one of them and it turned to mist to escape, as did its two friends."

"I think it is pretty clear that Nevada, Gloves and Smith are vampires." Jake looks directly at Edwards. "Do you know how long it takes one of those monsters to heal? I hurt Nevada pretty bad I would imagine but I keep hearing that they can regenerate if they get back to their coffins. Also, are they dormant during the day or do they just hide from the light? And lastly, when they take control of someone, are they able to know what that person knows or listen in to what is happening around them or something?"

"They do heal rather quickly. It depends on whether you forced him into the mist by hurting him that badly or if he chose to go into a mist by himself. If he changed to a mist by chance then he was not hurt enough that it wouldn't be healed by now. As far as what they do during the day, they usually sleep most of the daylight hours away but they are not necessarily dormant as you say. They must hide from the light though, they have no choice about that. I have seen a few in my day that can tolerate sunlight for half a minute or so, but no longer than that. Lastly, the domination, based on my experience they do not know what you are thinking, but rather they can give you a command and that is all you think about until it is completed. Then you have your own will back until another command is issued. They do not have to be present to issue commands either. Do you have reason to believe that someone is dominated? If so, you must be very careful, that person is as much a threat as one of them, they will not be able to control their actions!"

Ruby looks up surprised, "Oh yes, that would be just horrible. Have to be very careful about that. Do we think that now?"

"I guess we do not know for sure..." Jake looks to the Sheriff. "Where do those three ruff-necks live? Is it far? Can we get there and back while the sun is up?"

"Mr. Jacobs? Me and the Sheriff were going to go out to the ranch to take care of those three while it's still daylight."

"I'm glad you came back here first, then. Against those three you'll need as many people with you as possible," Kate said.

"That's what I told the sheriff. Oh, by the way, Mr. Jacobs, here's your badge." Chester hands Jake the tin star.

He takes it, holding it by one point and turning it back and forth in his hand. Ruby looks at him curiously but Jake does not notice.

Al Weeks gets a riled up look on his face. "Oh, I know exactly where they live. Yes, we can make it there and back while the sun is still up, only about 2 miles out of town. I would accept any help that you folks are willing to give, but I'm going out there either way, with or without you."

Chester says, "I'm going. I just need to grab my rifle from my room."

Weeks says, "Mr. Jacobs. You and Mr. Martin are hereby deputized in the service of Thomaswell. Your primary concern is the threat of these vampires. Do you accept?"

"Yes, sir." Might as well since my primary concern was these vampires anyway. Jake flips the star a couple of times in his hand before shrugging and pinning it to his shirt.

Kate nodded and continued. "Mr. Edwards, we know that fire and sunlight kill these things. We also read that a wooden stake through the heart would do it, and holy water hurts them. Are there any other ways to kill them? And is there some way to prevent them turning to mist?"

"I've never figured out a way to stop them from turning to mist. The best thing is to hit them where they live, that way they have nowhere else to go. While in mist form they must retreat to their coffin. Sunlight and a stake through the heart, submerging them in running water. Those are the ways I know of that will end them. I have proven each of them more than once, they work," Edwards finished.

"We hadn't heard of submerging them in running water. I'm very curious as to the whys of these methods, but I suppose that is for another day. Mr. Jacobs suggested we rent a house in town in order to have a private residence. Would a rented house serve the purpose, or would it be like a hotel in that while you are staying there it is owned by another?"

"A rented house will do fine, they should not be able to enter, unless the owner of the house invites them or you invite them to do so. They can enter public places that are open to everyone, stores, saloons, hotels, etc. without needing an invitation" Nolan Edwards answers.

Just then there is a light knocking outside the room and the sound of someone clearing their throat. "Pardon the interruption folks, I have some information for the young lady," he says motioning towards Kate, "about what you asked me this morning."

Victor Bishop explains to Kate that there are 3 properties that are suitable as rentals, two of them are now owned by Mr. Greely, and the other is owned by Bobby Whitaker. "Thom's former saloon and his home are both owned by Greely now, the former mayor's home is now owned by Bobby Whitaker. From what I gather both have been looking to either sell or rent those properties. I hope that helps."

"It does help very much Mr. Bishop, thank you," she said with a smile. "It was very kind of you to inquire for me."

"Not at all, Miss," Bishop answered before leaving them to their conversation.

"Very interesting," Kate continued. "It gives us an excuse to talk to Whittaker, but if he's a vampire we certainly wouldn't want a house he owns. And if I heard right, Greely didn't really take to any of you, and he's a bit of a suspicious character himself."

"Oh, Mr. Greely doesn't have a problem with me, at least I don't think he does. As a matter of fact he feels bad about..." Ruby's voice trails off and she unconsciously touches her still tender arm. "Anyway, I could speak with him." Then she furrows her brows, "But are we moving here? I don't want to move here."

"No, honey," Kate said gently, laying her hand on her friend's arm. "But Mr. Edwards says these monsters cannot enter a private residence. So if we rent a house in town for our stay, we can sleep at night in greater safety since they would have to be invited to enter."

"Then how did Colin get in our room at the Lucky Lady?" Ruby asks curiously, trying to piece the information together.

"It's a saloon, which is open to the public. I'd guess as long as they can enter the building they can go into any room they want without impediment. So if you lived in a hotel like I do, even though your room is your private residence they could still come inside since the hotel is open to anyone."

Ruby picks at her toast and scrunches her nose, "Then I guess we have to get a house. We can't live in the saloon anymore." She looks up at Kate with her cloudy eyes, "But I looovve our room at the Lucky Lady." She looks at Jake, "We can't stay there anymore but I don't want to leave."

Kate wrapped her arms around Ruby and hugged her. "Of course you can stay at the Lady. When we go home these monsters will be gone and you'll have nothing to worry about."

Ruby puts her head on Kate's shoulder as she hugs her. "That's nice," she whispers in her ear. Keeping her head in place she says, "We never know when there might be more of them and I don't want to have to go through this again. And Jake said when we got back we would decide. About the room that is." Ruby giggles, "Could you imagine me and Jake with a house?" More giggles erupt from Ruby. "How fun."

"It just might be. There's all sorts of freedoms to having your own house. I don't think there was a room in our house that Tom and I didn't," she stopped whispering and cleared her throat. "Well it's about as private as you can get.

And think of all the fun you had putting together your room. A whole house is that much more fun."

"Katherine!" Ruby squeals with giggles, "You're so silly." She adjusts her head for comfort, keeping it on Kate's shoulder but she gazes at Jake with an easy smile, "I want a house baby." She takes Kate hand in hers, "Kate says having a house is fun."

"It is." Kate squeezed Ruby's hand and returned to the conversation with the monster hunter. "So this afternoon we go after the thugs from last night. Mr. Edwards, do you have any strategies you usually use? Things were should be aware of so we are not shocked or surprised at an inopportune moment?"

"Each fight is different, as the creatures still retain their minds and the ability to think. They are not mindless like ghouls or zombies." Nolan pauses to take a swallow from his flask. "I prefer to try and surprise them, hopefully the one that was shot last night was hurt enough that he will still be recovering. If we know where the coffins are and the light is out we have the advantage, we have many places to go where they can not follow. If we can sneak in and stake them where they lie that would be the easiest though."

"So we'll want to try to find the coffins before the vampires if at all possible. I should go get changed and gather my own equipment. I'll be back in just a few minutes, Constance," Kate said as she gently disentangled herself from Ruby.

She went upstairs and changed into her leathers which she had tucked into the very bottom of her bag. Her hair was quickly released from its pins and simply braided. She removed the sleep bullets from her derringer and replaced them with the magic bullets, and made sure her pistol was fully loaded. It was only for cover anyway, but she still needed the bang. Once she was ready she went downstairs to rejoin the others.

Nanuet had been quiet lately, more so than usual, but he finally speaks up. "Well, we are all in this together. Minerva and I will be right back we have to gather our gear as well."

Nanuet and Minerva head upstairs to gather gear and supplies and head back downstairs in a timely manner.

Jake moves over to speak with the priestess. "Do you have any more of that holy water? I used mine up last night, it worked well getting him to release me. Oh, I meant to thank you for putting yourself between the doorway and Nevada, I did notice."

"De nada, Senor. I thank the gods that you are safe." She places her hand on his shoulder and smiles sincerely "You can trust that so long as I have breath in me that I will not allow harm to come to any of my new friends.

Holy water? Si, I have plenty and will make more. I have given vials to the others as well. I only hope that they make more use of the holy water than the garlic that I handed out on the coach. If you had been wearing yours perhaps the evil one would not have gotten his hands on you to begin with heh?" She gently reproaches him and hands him a vial that she has been keeping in her skirt.

"Oh, point made. De Nada," Jakes says accepting the vial and stowing it in his shirt pocket.

Jake's attention is then drawn to Edwards who is answering Katherine's queries. 'Hmmmm,' he thinks. "Sheriff Weeks, can you arrange some transportation? A buggy and some horses perhaps? Several coils of rope as well if you have them. Let us get whatever else we need and gather outside in fifteen minutes. I for one am anxious to be about our business with those three and put and end to them at least."

Weeks replies promptly. "I can get a carriage for us and a team of horses, not a problem. Might take me more than 15 minutes to get over to the livery hook up the team and get back, but I'll be back as quick as I can. I'll get plenty of rope as well."

Ruby watches everyone but Jake leave. She looks at him, "I know you got all our stuff ready already. You're so prepared baby." Ruby continues to pick at some food. "I don't know what you want me to do today, I don't want to get too close to those things again." Ruby gently touches her cheek, but quickly covers her face with her hair. "Let's just get this over with so we can get out of this dirty little town."

Time passes and all the friends meet up in the dining room with their gear. They all head outside and wait for Sheriff Weeks and the carriage to arrive.

"Now that you mention it, I do want you to stay away from those creatures. You can keep an eye on Weeks though. He used language like you, Katherine and Colleen did when Turner made you do things. Maybe I am just too suspicious. Either way, keep an eye on him and if he tries to do anything to stop us you might give him a nap. Know what I mean?"

Ruby nods, "Oh you think he's the one..." Ruby stops. "But what about Weeks and Edwards? You want me to do it in front of them? I mean, use my skills..."

"You are a clever girl, think of something. We did practice some tricks to hide it. Besides, if it comes done to life or death, use them."

About half an hour after the meeting breaks up, Sheriff Weeks pulls up in a carriage that has enough room for everyone. The Sheriff has his own mount which he states that he would prefer to ride. He offers to lead the way to the ranch if someone else can drive the carriage.

As the group is loading up to depart the doctor comes and speaks with Sheriff Weeks. He then addresses the party with the information that was just given to him.

"The good doctor hear has determined that Sheriff Wilson died from blood loss before he was hung. He had three puncture wounds, one on the neck, and one on each wrist. All three wounds were from different sources as the bite sizes are all different. This leaves no doubt to me that our friends at the ranch did this."

"Hey Chet how about you driving?” Jake asks. "I was thinking we could stop somewhere a little ways away and walk in quietly, if there is a place to stop somewhat unnoticed."

Before he helps Ruby into the carriage, Jake opens his bag and takes out two of Minerva's garlic necklaces. He puts one around his neck and then places one around Ruby's. "Yes, yes I know they are quite pungent. Humor me Mrs. Jacobs and let us smell like an Italian kitchen together."

"Yes darliingg," Ruby purrs as she leans in close to Jake, letting him wrap the garlic around her neck, "As long as we do it together. I like Italians. I mean Italian. Food. I like Italian food. Let's get some when we get home."

Nanuet also adorns his garlic jewelry and offers to ride atop the carriage with Chester. "My sight is pretty good, I might be able to notice anything strange from up there."

Kate climbed into the carriage and sat looking out at the town. If she had been a bit quicker, she'd have offered to drive herself. It had been a while since she'd had the riens of a team and she would have enjoyed sitting on top of the carriage in the fresh air. At least a breeze started blowing in once the carriage began moving.

Sheriff Weeks jumps on his mount and spurs forward. He is eager to get to their destination but soon realizes he is outdistancing the carriage. The day is hot and hazy, the unrelenting sun beating down on the party. After about a half hour ride the sheriff wheels his mount and rides back to the carriage.

"The ranch is about 300 yards away up the road. I figured this would be a good place to stop and we can go forward from here on foot."

Kate scrambled gratefully out of the carriage, not waiting for anyone to offer a hand to help her down. The black leather soaked up the sun and she wished she could take off the duster, but not only did it help hide her gestures when she needed to, the damned garlic was stuffed in the pockets.

She still hadn't gotten a gunbelt or holster for the pistol, so she checked it in her pocket and put her derringer on the other side, then waited for the others to be ready.

"It's hot!" Ruby blurts out as the carriage comes to a halt. She pulls her jacket off, her poor shirt straining over her bust as she ungracefully tugs at the leather. She throws the jacket on the floor before letting Chester help her out of the carriage.

Chester says to the group, "Don't go anywhere alone. We have the advantage in numbers, but they know their home better than we do. A single person would get overwhelmed right quick." He checks his Spencer and sets up near the front door.

"Ahhh, that's better," she smiles, stretching while looking around. Everyone was preparing their various weapons and gadgets so Ruby figured she should too. Her gun still had special bullets in it and with her leather outfit she could wear the gun belt and holster that wrapped around her waist and leg for easier access to her gun. She pats her gun then shrugs. There wasn't anything else for her to do. She had the stinky garlic around her neck, the holy water in her pocket, her tools down her shirt, her dagger tucked into her waistband.

"I want one of those stakes and I'm not going anywhere without one," Ruby announces as she twists her hair up into a messy knot. Everyone there already knew and had seen her pretty bruise, so might as well be comfortable.

Nolan Edwards departs the carriage and wipes the sweat from his brow. "Yes, it's hot but the sun is our ally today." He scans his new allies quickly "Not sure how much good garlic will do if we are invading their hideout, but I suppose it can't hurt. Remember, our initial plan is stealth, lets try and get them where they lie."

"I understand, Mr. Edwards," Kate said. "We'll follow your lead."

Edwards nods and looks to Sheriff Weeks. "You know the lay of the land the best, can you lead the way to the house?"

Weeks checks his weapon again, straightens his badge on his chest, then nods as he starts walking forward.

As the ranch comes into view it is noted that there are two buildings, a two-story house which lies straight ahead and a barn which is off to the right. The buildings are separated by a dirt road, the same one that the party had followed in the carriage up to this point. Also to the right is the large fenced in area where the cattle are kept.

All is silent as the group nears the apparently deserted ranch house. Cattle chew grass to the right but seem to be keeping a lazy eye on the stranger's progress. In fact one of them - a very large bull - begins wandering toward the group, an odd look in it's eyes. Fortunately there is a wooden fence separating the group from the beast...

Ruby pokes Jake in the arm and whispers, "Do you see that?" while pointing to the freaky looking bull. As they continue to walk on she says, "I guess we try to house first? Let's get this over with."

"This whole town is weird." Jake shoulders his bag and unslings his Spencer. He loads the first round in the magazine and follows along quietly behind the others. Spooked by the bull, he keeps an eye on it.

Minerva has remained quiet during the ride to the ranch. Although outwardly calm. She is tense and alert, taking in the surroundings.

She is armed with a stake, her holy water and pistol with the magic bullets and has her whip hooked to her belt. Without waiting for assistance she jumps down from the carriage and makes her way to the edge of the house where she can discreetly peer into the window.

Ruby watches Minerva walk up to the window, so she as silently as she can, follows her and peeks over her shoulder into the window.

Kate sighed as the others went right up to the house. Quietly at least. She was no cow expert, but being around the cattle on the ranch she was at least familiar with them. There was definitely something strange about that bull. She was suddenly glad of the pistol in her pocket and got hold of it as they walked past the fence.

Jake and Katherine are rewarded for their vigilance as they are the first to notice the bull begin to charge towards the fence, as soon as Minerva walks past it and towards the house. The bull breaks through the fence as if it were made of balsa wood and continues it's charge in the direction of Minerva and Ruby. Almost at the same time a shot rings out from the upper story of the house and Minerva howls in pain as the shot strikes her squarely in the chest

Nanuet cries out "NO!" as he sees Minerva get shot. He runs forward, saying a prayer as he goes.

Nolan Edwards reaches for something in the folds of his robes and then begins a chant as he keeps his attention focused on the bull. After a few moments he shouts "The creature is undead! I will try and turn it back!"

"Damn it!" Kate swore as the Priestess crumpled. Nanuet was already on his way, so she made for the barn to cover not only her body but her spells as well. She peered at the upper story window trying to get line of sight on the shooter and hoped Edwards could take care of the bull.

Since Ruby was right behind Minerva, she grabs her and tries to drag her to the nearest cover alongside the house. "Oh, I know a good song," Ruby comments as she helps her, and she starts singing her song of healing as she helps her move. Unaware of the bull, they keep their eyes peeled on the house, looking for where the shot came from.

Ruby's voice fills the air as she sings her magical song. The now familiar blue glow appears around the wound on Minerva's chest and the bleeding slows but does not cease as the bullet works it's way out of the wound.

Jake swings his Spencer carbine around quickly and snaps off two magically enchanted rounds at the bull. One of them hits the large target but the bull seems undeterred by the damage that the weapon does to it and continues it's charge.

Jake moves to intercept the unholy bovine before it can get to the women. "Señor Toro, aquí." *Mister Bull, over here! After he moves closer he aims and fires the next round in his Spencer at it.

The bull is much too far away and moving too quickly for Jake to intercept it so he aims and fires the Spencer at it again. Again his shot is straight and the bullet hits the huge bovine and explodes, causing the creature to fall, plowing into the ground it's momentum carrying it forward. The carcass burns, the odor of it's seared undead flesh causing the companions to retch.

Kate couldn't see the shooter and was ready to help with the bull until she saw Jake strike it with the incendiary bullet. She turned and ran around the barn, hoping to be able to approach the house without having shots taken at her.

The monster hunter holds forth his holy symbol and begins speaking his words of turning when the bull explodes in front of him. He turns his head away, shielding his eyes from the explosion and says "Or you could just blow him up. I like your style Mr. Jacobs, I like your style." He scans the area and sees Kate slipping behind the barn. "I think your friend has the right idea, let's follow her so we are not such an easy target". Nolan Edwards then makes his way towards the barn hoping to not draw any more fire from the farmhouse.

The barrel of a rifle shows through the window again, and one shot is fired at Nanuet which misses and a second shot is fired at Jake, hitting his duster but doing no damage.

Nanuet continues moving forward, oblivious to the shot being fired at him despite his spell to ward off attacks. He arrives at Minerva and Ruby's location near the house and sees the bullet expelled from Minerva's body. He kneels down and examines the wound. "Thank you Ruby, your song saved her. Minerva, look at me. Are you OK?"

"I should have looked up," Minerva berates herself. She sees the panic in Nanuet's eyes and attempts to make light of the situation. “I will be fine once we destroy these bastards. On top of all of their other evil deeds they have ruined a perfectly good dress."

Ruby looks at Nanuet with surprise on her face. "I did? With just my song?" She pauses for only a moment before ducking under the porch and positioning herself in front of the door, pulling her gun off her hip. "Get her under here Nanuet," Ruby says before calling out, "Hellllooo, anyone home?" while simultaneously kicking in the front door.

Nanuet smiles at his lover's whimsy. He pulls her up and carefully makes his way along the house to the cover of the porch and to see what Ruby had uncovered.

"Gentlemen," Kate nodded as Jake and Edwards caught up with her at the corner of the barn.

"We'll have to take our chances, it seems Constance already has the door open. They'll be needing us." Kate looked up at the windows, checking for more shooters. She took a deep breath and said, "I don't see anyone at the windows. On the count of three?" After the men nodded she counted it off and dashed toward the house.

Chester draws both his Remingtons and checks to make sure they're both fully loaded. Once Ruby kicks the door down, Chester motions toward the stairs. He whispers, "The gunfire came from upstairs. Let's go up there."

Ruby nods. She only quickly glances back at Jake, knowing if she lingers too long he'd try to stop her from going in at all. "What about the monster hunter?"

Chester nods in agreement and Ruby calls out, "You first Mr. Edwards."

Once Nolan Edwards arrives he is more than willing to take the lead but first he says "Yes, there is obviously someone upstairs, and we have no idea if they are a vampire or not. More importantly we should be looking for their coffins so we can actually destroy any that might be resting. Usually they prefer to keep the coffins in dark places, maybe there is a basement or an interior room that is blocked from the light. Keep your eyes open."

Nolan checks his weapons and holds his holy symbol in one hand and his peacemaker in the other. Several stakes hang from the belt on his robe. He ascends the stairs slowly scanning back and forth.

"Wait!" Ruby whispers, pulling on Nolan's arm. "Maybe we should split into 2 groups then? One to search down here and one to deal with whoever is upstairs?"

Nolan replies in a whisper "Excellent idea, I don't know who does what well among your friends, but splitting up sounds like a good idea. The house can't be too big in case someone gets in trouble."

"Jake," Ruby frantically waves him over and whispers, "Split us into 2 groups, one to go upstairs, one to search around for coffins down here. The priests are probably better going up with Nolan."

He looks about quickly and says, "No, split up the priests I think is better. Whatever special powers they have both groups will need." He glances at his friends quickly and says, "Chet, you Minerva and Nanuet down here. Katherine watch the entrances to the first floor and outside, come to help whichever group needs it. Ruby, you, me and Edwards will take care of the shooter upstairs." Jake scratches his chin before quickly moving over to a chair and breaking off a piece of a leg about one foot long. He rummages through his bag and removes a fuse, jams it into the splintered end of the broken leg and thrusts it into his pocket. He draws his fast draw Colt, and closes his duster. "I am ready. Maybe I should go first up those stairs."

Chester says, "OK. Hit 'em hard. We'll check the ground floor and then the cellar. The entrance is probably out back." He pats the pocket to his jacket. "I have a stake here and the garlic is in my other pocket. Minerva, Nanuet, let's go."

Ruby gulps. "I was hoping that we could investigate the coffins..." her voice trails off after seeing Jake's face. "Alright, I just thought Minerva and Nanuet might have a better chance at those things..." Her voice trails off again. "Ok FINE. Give me one of those," she says, pointing to Edwards stakes. He hands one to Ruby and she smiles half heartedly, "Thanks," before standing next to Jake.

"You want to tell me again how much you love me before we go up there?" Ruby says while keeping her eyes focused up the stairs.

Jake gives her a kiss and then a smirk. "We need to continue that later my love, so I can put it into the proper words. Wish me luck, and stay close." Jake squeezes past Edwards and moves quietly up the stairs and stops near the top to listen and examine the openings.

"Luck!" Ruby says then obeys her lover, sticking close behind him with her hand grasped tightly on his belt, letting the vampire hunter take up the rear. She keeps her gun in one hand and the stake in the other.

"Give me one minute, Chet," Nanuet says. Nanuet stands next to Minerva and gently takes her hand, "Are you sure you are feeling up to this? You are still injured," he asks in a concerned tone. "You could wait outside with Katherine..."

Chester looks over his shoulder. "You were hit? I know that healing magic is powerful stuff, but maybe you should take it easy for now."

"Gracias, Mi Amor. I appreciate your concern, but I am fine," she says standing on her toes to gently place a kiss upon Nanuet's lips. "I cannot rest until this is finished. Come we will all finish this together," she says drawing her gun and following Chester.

Nanuet shakes his head at Minerva's will and smiles. "Ok, let's go." He has gun in hand and keeps a close eye and ear on the rear of the group.

Chester Minerva and Nanuet begin carefully checking the first floor rooms of the house. "Looks like we search the family room first, kitchen, then the dining room. After that we look for the cellar."

They make their way into the house searching the family room first. The family room has a large couch and coffee table as well as a rocking chair. There are three windows, two on the same wall as the door facing out the front of the house and one on the wall to the right.

As they move deeper into the house they see the kitchen to the right and the larger dining room next to it. The kitchen has an open archway leading into it and at first glance appears unoccupied. The back wall of the house has another window and a door leading to a back porch.

The wall to the left has another opening, leading to a hallway and the back of the stairs that lead to the second floor has a closed door.

The dining room is furnished with a large oak table and 6 chairs. It is also currently unoccupied.

All of the windows have thick heavy drapes that keep the light out. Odd shadows are cast through the rooms from the light that comes through the front door and around the edges of the windows.

Chester helps Nanuet open the drapes. "Minerva, keep a watch on the door down that hallway there. That might lead upstairs. If whoever's upstairs is flushed out by Jake and the others, they'll come out that way. Where'd Sheriff Weeks go?"

"Not sure where he went, Chet." Nanuet walks to the heavy drapes. "Let's shed a little light, shall we?" He pulls the drapes open illuminating the room with light as they continue to search on.

Sheriff Weeks had been outside poking around the barn and cattle yard when he realized that the others had all left him. He sprints to the house and through the door as Nanuet and Chester are opening the drapes.

"Sorry!" he huffs, out of breath. "I was just looking around outside, didn't realize you had moved on. Is everyone still OK?" Weeks asks.

"Did you find anything out there?" Chester asks. "We haven't seen anything out of the ordinary so far. Just these heavy drapes on the windows."

"No, not really. I found their horses in the barn, they seemed normal, not like that bull. The others are upstairs?"

Chester nods. "Yep. Hard to explain horses with glowing eyes. Probably why they didn't change them too. We're checking out the first floor and then the cellar. Hmm. Let's see what's in the kitchen."

Minerva silently moves down the hall to the closed door and listens while watching for any movement bt doesn't see or hear anything as she listens at the closed door. It is actually eerily quiet in the house. The only movement she spots is that of Chester, Nanuet and Sheriff Weeks.

Minerva tries the knob on the door in the hopes that it is a door to the upstairs but it does not turn, apparently the door is locked. Since it is the back of the stairs leading up though, Minerva doubts that what is behind this door would lead up. It is most likely a closet under the stairs or... stairs leading down.

Chester and Weeks check out the kitchen while Nanuet stays with Minerva near the closed door. The kitchen, unlike the rest of the house is a mess. There is food that has been left out for weeks. The smell hits them as soon as they stick their heads inside. Weeks immediately pulls his bandana over his nose and mouth and coughs weakly.

Used pots and pans are piled up in the dry sink and a sack of corn lies spilled onto the floor. A rat scurries out when he hears people approaching.

Chester coughs, "Ugh. That's horrible. This must have been from when these guys were still alive." He spits on the floor. "Let's check out that other door."

Leading the other group, Jake steps up on the landing and gently touches the knob to see if it is locked, and listens while he is doing so. There are no sounds to be heard, and the locked door remains stubbornly closed.

"Watch my back and the other doors," he whispers to Ruby. He buttons up his duster tight and flips up the collar. He places his bag and rifle on the floor behind him. He points down at his bag and whispers, "Dynamite."

Jake pulls the hammer back on his Colt. He turns the knob just enough to release the latch and flings the door open and drops to the floor on his side with the pistol pointing into the room.

Jake's maneuver draws the attention of the rooms occupant as a pair of gloved hands reach out for him as he drops to the floor. Once he realized the ploy, Pete "Gloves" Williams retreats back into the room leaving the door ajar.

Ruby stands, wide-eyed and surprised, as Jake drops to the floor, flinging the door open. Luckily the creature retreated back into the room instead of targeting her. She pushes Jake's bag back with the toe of her boot and flattens herself out on the wall next to the door. Breathing heavily, she keeps her eyes on the other doors in the hallway and tries to stay calm.

Jake fires off a round at Williams and rolls over onto the stairs out of sight of the door.

Ruby lets her head fall back against the dirty wall. She keeps nervously glancing up and down the hallway as Jake fires into the room and Nolan starts muttering something, his attentions also on the room.

Suddenly, Ruby squeezes her eyes shut. No no no... I can't, I can't, she argues to herself, shaking her head back and forth Noooo... A sweat breaks out on her forehead as she fights a losing urge and her hand starts to rise against her own will.

Trembling, her arm continues to rise as silently tears fall down her cheek. Her body and movements not her own, Ruby pulls herself off the wall and aims her gun at the man on the floor, her lover and best friend, Silver Jake Cook.

Ruby West's aim was known to be true and she struggles with herself as she shakily aims the gun right at Jake's head.

Jake fires as "Gloves" ducks back into the room but is unable to hit the moving target from his position. The bullet hits the door frame right where the body would be showering him and the floor with shards of splintered wood.

Jake looks up and sees Ruby point the gun at him. He attempts to push the gun up and away and push her down the stairs. "Ruby, no!"

"She's possessed by one of them!" Nolan Edwards says as he holds his holy symbol firmly in his hand and thrusts it out before him as he makes his way past Jake and Ruby into the doorway. A hissing can be heard from somewhere deeper in the room and Edwards yells "That's right you monster! Stay back, you cannot fight the strength of the gods that I wield!"

Jake's push is strong and Ruby trips, falling backwards down the stairs. She loses her gun as she falls, hitting her head on the steps as she does. When she comes to a stop she lies dazed near the bottom of the stairs, still trembling and tears falling down her dirty cheeks.

Minerva hears the gunshot from upstairs. "By the goddess! Nanuet! Jake and Ruby must be in trouble!" She rushes back to the stairs that lead up.

Nanuet grabs the back of her skirt and stops the wayward priestess. "No Minerva," he says sternly, "We must continue down here. We knew there was someone or something upstairs but it is now safer for everyone to stick to the plan." His voice softens, "We must search and find the blood monsters down here, if there are any. They will be alright."

Nanuet keeps his grip firm on Minerva but has a calming look in his eyes.

Minerva tries again to run off, but Nanuet has her gripped tightly. "What has come over you my love? You deliberately go against the plan and put us all in danger? Have you been possessed by one of them?" Nanuet, extremely concerned, looks deeply into Minerva's eyes. "I am not letting you run off right now."

Minerva tries to pull away from Nanuet. "No, I am NOT possessed. They are in trouble!. Did you not hear the gunshot?"

"Yes I heard," Nanuet says quickly, with a tinge of annoyance now in his voice. "We make plans for a reason. They are in even more danger if they are surprised by vampires that run up the stairs from down here and block and trap them up there. And they are not expecting us, if we run into the fight we could get shot by them. We need to do our job down here, and quickly at that. They will call us if they have need of us."

Nanuet keeps his grip on Minerva but looks to Chester, who had continued to search and has found the door. Chester readies his gun and tires opening the door.

"Nanuet's right. They have the vampire hunter with them. If the others are downstairs, then we need to get them now. Chester holsters his guns and tries to break the door down.

The door frame snaps where the door knob was as it breaks apart after Chester's mighty blow. Beyond the doorway are stairs that lead down into darkness. "Check around for a lamp or lantern. Even monsters need to see."

Nanuet looks at Chester with an odd look. "Chester, I am not a monster and I can see in the dark, perhaps they have that same ability. Their weakness is daylight, I doubt they have too many lights around here."

"Did you not think there would be shots involved. I am sure they will call for help if they need it. One shot is no big deal."

"I'm sorry," Chester says. "I didn't mean that you were a monster, Nanuet. I didn't know your people could see in the dark."

Nanuet is about to continue speaking when two more shots ring out from upstairs. Jake realizes that they are coming from inside the room in front of him.

"Is three shots a big deal Nanuet? Perhaps they are unable to call for help. Perhaps they have already fallen to the evil!"

"Katherine!" Jake yells. "Ruby is not herself, come stop her!" He pulls his bag over and tears it open. Out comes a stake from the bag and into Jake's hand as he follows Edwards.

Katherine hears Jake's cry and she comes running in, finding Ruby at the bottom of the stairs sobbing and crumpled.

Ruby shakes her head as she sees Katherine come towards her. She squeezes her eyes shut tight again but the tears come even stronger than before. "I'm sorry," Ruby chokes out, as she stands slowly, "I'm very sorry..." With that she lunges at Kate and in one deft move she pulls her dagger off her belt and tries to stab at her.

Katherine tries to duck but is no match for Ruby's quickness as Ruby only narrowly misses stabbing her. Kate grabs Ruby by the shoulders, trying to hold her off as they roll around on the floor. She cries out, "Jake! I need help!" and manages to dodge Ruby's swats.

Chester's torn between continuing with the mission and helping his friends. "Damn. Let's go downstairs and take care of this quickly." He draws both guns. "I'll go first. Sheriff, could you carry the lantern, please?"

Nanuet says to Minerva, "I hear Katherine asking for help, go see to her."

Nanuet quickly turns his back to Minerva and starts towards the stairs with Chester. They wait only moments before Weeks hurries back with the lantern. "Let's go. Minerva's attentions are elsewhere."

Upstairs, Jake sees that both men have fired shots, Nolan is clutching his gun arm and there is a wound there. The vampire is laughing at him just as it lunges forward towards Nolan, his white duster flowing out behind him.

Jake leaps into the room, steps aside to attempt a flank on Williams and thrusts the stake at him putting his full weight behind it.

"The heart!" Nolan groans. "It only works if you hit them in the heart."

The vampire is desperately trying to get at the man's neck and his bared fangs are slowly inching closer. Another shot goes off and the vampire staggers backwards, a hole in it's stomach. Green liquid flows from the hole, eating away at it's clothing and smoking as it drips onto the floor. Jake's swing with the stake misses due to the sudden movement. A tendril of smoke is rising from the barrel of Nolan's gun as he tries to collect himself.

"I think you should have told me that little detail earlier," Jake says as he drops the stake and cross draws his long barrel Colt. He steps back and fires two rounds into Williams.

The first shot flies wildly off to the side, hitting the dresser and causing it to burst into flames. The second shot hits the blonde vampire squarely and does what it is designed for, causing him to explode in a fireball. Where his body should be however there is nothing and a cloud of mist is seen nearby.

The room, which is quickly becoming filled with smoke from the now blazing furniture, is decorated like a typical bedroom with a single bed, a dresser and a night stand next to the bed. There is also a chest at the foot of the bed. The smoke is beginning to obscure Jake's vision and he does not see anything that resembles a coffin.

"Quick give me a hand with this, Edwards!" Jake yells and points to the chest. "Chuck it out the window and let run."

Edwards grabs the chest with his good arm and helps Jake heave it out the window and watches it crash to the ground below. Jake notices the older man is looking a bit pale.

"We need to find where the coffins are! He won't be able to regenerate if we destroy them!" He then turns and heads for the door leading to the landing at the top of the stairs.

Ruby continues to swat at Kate, each shot getting closer. She uses her weight to flip Kate over and pin her to the ground, using her thighs to squeeze Kate into place. She is about to raise her dagger when she catches Minerva rushing over out of the corner of her eye.

As she already has the advantage on Kate she quickly grabs her derringer with her free hand and fires it at Minerva.

Minerva sees Ruby and ducks, praying for the gods favor.

Ruby's single shot strikes Minerva in the shoulder spinning her around. Ruby flinches as her shot hits and she stutters, "I am so-sorry,".

Then Ruby hears Kate casting a spell and turns her attentions back to her. She tries to interrupt her casting her spell but stabbing at her once more.

The bullet strikes Minerva’s flesh causing searing pain, but she is able to grit her teeth and finishes her casting before screaming out in pain.

Ruby finds herself stiffing up and soon becomes rigid falling over with some assistance from Kate.

"Senora." Minerva says with some urgency "Help me carry Ruby outside." Minerva picks Ruby up under the arms and Katherine takes her legs. They quickly bring her outside away from the house.

Jake makes his way back to the landing and his bag. He pulls out a potion and hands it to Edwards, "Drink this, I need you alive." He glances down the stairs and sees Katherine, Ruby and Minerva. "Have you got Ruby contained?"

Katherine calls up to Jake in an exasperated tone, "Does ANYONE ever have Ruby contained?" as she and Minerva struggle with Ruby. "I don't know what will happen when she unstiffens."

Jake sees that they are taking Ruby outside and cannot wait any longer. He tests the door to the left of the stairs to see if it is locked and keeps his weapon ready.

They get Ruby outside, near the pen. "Perhaps we should tie her before she breaks the spell?" Kate says to Minerva. "I can use some long bandages. They need us, at least you, in there now."

"Tying her with bandages is a good idea. I need to get back." Minerva sprints back to the house and heads for the cellar.

Edwards looks at the flask for a brief moment before gnawing the stopper off with his teeth and chugging the elixir down. "Thanks, feeling better already. Let's hurry before this place burns down with us in it!"

Jake holsters his pistols, grabs up his rifle and bag and runs down the stairs. He stops at the front door to toss his rifle out. He notices Ruby's revolver on the floor and kicks it out the door into the yard as well.

Nanuet and Sheriff Weeks try to ignore the chaos from the front of the house and upstairs. "Let me get this lantern lit." Weeks says taking out matches. "There, that should do it." he says, adjusting the flame.

"I'll follow the both of you, let's get down there and see what we're dealing with," says Nanuet.

As the trio goes into the cellar, Chester asks, "Say, Sheriff. Have you been in the house before?"

"Never been in the house no, until recently I've never had cause to. These guys were always good folks up till recently."

As they arrive in the cellar, an eerie sight is revealed. 3 new coffins lay on tables in the center of the room. There are various other stored supplies and a root cellar with food stuffs, but the trios eyes are drawn to the coffins. Two of them are closed, while the left most one has the lid tossed to the side.

"Alright, let's break these up. From to what I've been told, that'll keep these vampires from coming back." He sniffs the air. "Does anyone else smell smoke?"

Nanuet says "Chester, I think those two might still be occupied" pointing to the ones with the lids still intact.

"Smoke?" Sheriff Weeks says. "I thought that was just the lantern, it seemed kinda smoky to me."

"You're probably right. Get the lids off these caskets. I have one stake. We're going to need one more." Chester and Nanuet lift the lid off one of the caskets. Chester reaches for the stake in his pocket.

Outside, Ruby sits up suddenly, having broken the spell. Kate's back is to her, and she sees Minerva run into the house. She only takes a second to rub her head before she quickly dives at Kate and tackles her to the ground. her dagger missing she does the best she can, and reaches for Kate's slender neck, tackling her to the ground with all her weight.

If there was one thing a girl learned with two brothers, it was how to fight dirty. There was no way Kate was going to win this with brute strength, so she reached around, grabbed Ruby's hair and yanked her head back while drove her knee up between the other woman's legs. It wouldn't hurt as much as it would hurt a man, but it would hurt.

And with that move Kate is able to free herself from Ruby's grasp . Both women land sprawled out on the ground. Kate scratched dust from the ground and cast a sleep spell at Ruby.

Ruby still can't seem to control her actions, and looks like she is pained, but is not giving up. She shakes off the spell, then rises over Kate on her knees and slaps her hard across the face before driving back on top of her. Kate's spell seemed to have failed and Ruby's slap hit home, stinging Kate's face, but doing little real damage.

"Mierda," Jake says as he sees Katherine and Ruby wrestling in the yard. He drops his bag on the ground away from the house and pulls out two sticks of dynamite. "Hey darling, it is me that you really want to stop because I am going to blow those coffins to Hades in a minute," Jake says rather loudly in a nonchalant manner. He places the sticks in the pockets of his duster and puts his hands on his hips. "Come on lover, I am right here."

Nolan Edwards peers out the door at Jake and his eyebrows rise when he sees the explosives. "No time for playing, if you are going to do what I think you are going to do then let's get on with it."

Nolan turns back into the first floor of the house and begins screaming for the others to come outside and that the house is on fire.

"Looks like a change in plans then. Let's get out of here." Chester, Nanuet, and Weeks rush up the stairs. Smoke billows throughout the first floor. Coughing, Chester says, "Out the back door. It should be right over here."

Nolan Edwards sees Chester and the other two emerge from the basement and he helps usher them out the back door and then follows them around to the front of the house.

Ruby looks up to Jake, holding two sticks of dynamite, and back to Kate, sprawled out on the ground. She quickly realizes that Jake is the more dangerous of the two so she stands and gets out of Kate's reach.

Ruby stands for only a second, her heart trying to win out over her head but she fails again. She starts quickly walking towards Jake, a wild look in her eyes and she starts speaking in the language Jake doesn't know but now recognizes. It's not long before Ruby gets to Jake and in one quick motion she tries to knock his legs out from under him and straddle him.

Jake takes the derringer out of his right pocket surreptitiously takes a step towards Ruby and tosses it in the air towards her when she starts to speak in that weird language. "Here, shoot me why don't you? It is the only way to stop me. Your spell will not work on me, the priest has seen to that."

Ruby doesn't fall for Jake's trick, she lets the gun drop. She continues to try to knock him to the ground.

Ruby got to Jake before Kate could manage another spell. She hoped her placement would be right and cast a grease spell under Ruby's feet, trying to keep it from spreading under Jake as well.

Ruby's trip is successful knocking Jake prone. However, she soon finds her own footing to be suspect and despite her excellent reflexes and balance soon finds herself sprawled out next to her lover.

As Jake rises Ruby takes Jake's moment of weakness and again tries to knock him to the ground. This time he easily avoids the trip.

"Damn." Jake exclaims, he rises quickly and sprints into the house, pulling the magical dagger on the way. "Incendie." He looks for the door to the basement. "Where is everybody?" he yells.

A chorus of voices answer him from outside the back door. "Outside, we went out the back door!" The flames are now engulfing the upper story and a large beam falls down the from the ceiling and tumbles down the stairs.

Jake ducks, pulls the dynamite sticks one at a time out of his pocket, tosses them down the stairs into the cellar and sprints for the door. He dives out the back door immediately after.

There is a loud "BANG!" from inside the house as the dynamite explodes. By now the entire roof is ablaze and starts to sag from the concussion of the dynamite. It will be only a matter of a couple minutes before the entire house collapses.

Kate was rapidly running out of options, even counting the unthinkable ones where she actually had to hurt Ruby to stop her. She ran up to where Ruby and Jake had been wrestling, ready to try to knock Ruby down again if she tried to go after Jake.

Ruby stands and starts to follow Jake but stops abruptly. She looks down at her feet, looks around at her surroundings, obviously confused. She sees Kate not too far from her, approaching, but doesn't see anyone else. Ruby falls to her knees, and covers her face with her hands. Her long hair shields her face from view, but her whole body moves up and down as she sobs violently.

Kate slowed her run, seeing Ruby stop trying to pursue Jake. She approached carefully until she was sure the other woman would not attack her. She got down on her knees next to Ruby and laid her arm around her shoulder. "You're alright now," she said quietly.

"Don't touch me!" Ruby says forcefully, moving away from Kate. "I'm poison."

Kate didn't try to get any closer, but she didn't back away. "You're not poison. They are poison, and now you are free of it."

Ruby doesn't look up, she just keeps sobbing, but she shakes her head. "I'll never be free of them, ever."

She sobs for long moment before she rises and runs off, over near the barn. She falls against the wall, still sobbing and hiding her face. At that moment, she never wanted to look at her friends again.