Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter Sixty-four, “Conversations”, Sunday, January 8th, 1882:
Chester says, "Thank you, Pedro." He goes to his room and sets down his bag. The saber and rifle go on top of the dresser. Gesturing at the sword, he says to the air, "I don't know why I'm still carrying that thing around with me… Habit, I guess. I should ask that Pedro about this building work Miss Ruby mentioned."
Nanuet is taken aback by the question and sizes the man up as he rises from his seat. "Hello to you sir. I may know this Apache you seek, but my acquaintances are generally not the business of strangers. As you can see I was in the middle of a conversation." He looks back and smiles at Sonoma. "If you'll give me a minute maybe we can have a proper conversation including introductions."
Nanuet turns back to Sonoma and says "The day is late now but if you have the chance tomorrow maybe you would accompany me on a walk? I have someone I would like you to meet. Your company was a pleasure this evening and the cobbler was outstanding, thank you Sonoma." She replies, “I enjoyed our evening also however with the people coming in I may need to get back to work I will talk to a friend of mine at the church about what we spoke of and see what I can do to help you. And I'd like to walk with you I need to go to the grocery tomorrow if your up...”
She slips out of the seat and offers it to the man who began the conversation with Nanuet and begins to leave the table. Can I get you anything to eat or drink sir?
Nanuet turns to the man who approached him and motions for him to sit at a nearby table. "Now sir, if I might acquire your name and an explanation of why you are interested in whom I might be acquainted with?' He begins by saying "Sorry about interrupting your conversation with the woman. This concerns her too.
Riley says, “Look, the Apache named Kajika was...no make that is, things like that don't change....is my blood brother. I've been having these strange dreams since last Monday night. They have something to do with a centaur Indian woman. I'm really confused about them so I thought that Kajika could help." Nanuet replies, "I know Kajika and I believe I know the centaur that you speak of. Kajika is my teacher, my mentor. If we are thinking of the same centaur, then she was a companion of mine. Can you explain the dreams to me?"
Riley says, "The woman centaur was leading me around a campfire, then into the Mountains. There was some sort of monstrous creature, its image was never clear, but the centaur was having us guard it. By us I mean myself, you the three people I was with on the stage, that Mexican woman you were sitting with and that woman who was playing the piano here earlier. We were protecting it against another group of monsters - giants, ogres and some large furry bear like creatures. I had another dream like that only we were protecting the monster against cowboys. Does that make any sense to you? So, how is Kajika? It's been almost eight years since I last saw him."
"Kajika is in good health as far as I know. His wisdom runs deep and I am honored that he has chosen me to share some of that wisdom with. Maybe we should go visit him soon.
This monster that you speak of, the one that you see us protecting in our dreams, I wish you had seen it more clearly. When I enter reverie this evening I will meditate on the subject and see if that brings forth any answers. If you don't mind, since you mentioned my companions in your dream I would like to fill them in on what you have mentioned to me." Nanuet thinks for a moment and says "Actually it might be better if you were to tell them yourself. Give me just a moment please."
When Ruby got inside she saw Riley talking to Nanuet and thought "that guy really is nuts." She kept her eye on him while talking to Kate. She noticed Katherine sitting at the piano.
She takes a deep breath, walks towards her and sits on the bench. “Hi Kate, How are you feeling today? I’m hope you had a good rest and slept off all that whiskey!” "I prefer not to talk about that," Kate answered matter-of-factly. "Jake left a note saying that Maggie wanted to see me, but he didn't way where you'd gone. I've been waiting for you. I need to talk to you and Jake about Maggie. Bring him up to my room when he's back. It won't take long."
Kate left the piano and walked straight-backed up the stairs to her room. The pins in holding her hair were beginning to hurt. She pulled them out and let her hair fall loose. Then she picked up her book and sat curled on her bed to read and wait. “Oh crap,” thinks Ruby. Kate is mad. Ruby decided not to wait for Jake. Who knew how long he would be gone? Besides, Kate being mad would just make him fidgety. “I’d better deal with this now.” Ruby marched right up to Kate’s room and knocked.
Jake arrived at the Marshall's office and Morgan Earp happily accepted the pie while he brought the other to Job. Jake gives Job a run down of what happened at the Lone Star. "I didn't make much either night, but at least I was ahead." Job tells Jake "Looks like you may have to take my place tomorrow night too, Judge Isby still isn't back in town. Look, this is important, one of the guys at my table each Monday is Travis Calhoun. He owns the brickyard and Tom's going to needing to ask him and Neil Cassidy for a good price on supplies to build that third floor." "Ah, sure. What exactly are you expecting here?"
Job says "Oh, nothing dishonest. Just the little things to help influence a player, encourage him when you think he might have a good hand and discourage him when he might have a bad one. Call a break when he looks tired, don't call one when he's on a roll. That sort of things to keep in a good mood. Maybe even have Ruby sing a song especially for him too. He asks. "And I guess I am a little confused, were you and Tom needing me tonight?" Job replies, No, the Sunday night crowd is almost non-existent. I always take it as my night off, although I usually spend it somewhere a little more exciting than in here."
"Well you'll be out soon Job." Jake gets up and motions to the Marshall that he is leaving. "I'll come back tomorrow if I can. I'm sure the Marshall will let me know about the trial, I am after all the other witness. Let us know if you need anything else." He waves goodnight to the Marshall, "I'll let Dorita know how much you liked the desert."
“Kate, its Ruby. Jake might be gone a while, why don’t you let me in now?” "It's open," Kate said calmly. "We'll still have to wait for Jake, though. I don't know that I want to tell the story twice," she said as Ruby came in and closed the door behind her. "Have a seat." Ruby sits down on the edge of Kate's bed. She laughs to herself, the only time her room was this neat was before she was in it. "So, what did you do today? Anything exciting?"
Kate replies, "Talked to Maggie, had a lesson with Mr. Gonzales, went to visit Job." She considered leaving it right there, but she knew that her frustration was really with herself, not Ruby. She had no right to be upset because Ruby and Jake hadn't told her where they were going.
"I noticed something strange when I went to the Marshall's office," she said, finally putting down her book. "He noticed that someone came in, looked up, and then dropped his coffee. He tried to tell me visiting hours were over, and there aren't any official visiting hours. I did get to talk to Job for a few minutes, but I can't help but wonder why Morgan Earp didn't want to let me."
Ruby replies, “Sounds like you had a busy day. I hoped you learned something good from Mr. Gonzales. I know you’ll do well with that. And you said you wanted to wait to tell me what Maggie said so we’ll wait for Jake…”
Ruby proceeds cautiously. “I’m not sure why Morgan Earp wouldn’t want you to see Job. That sounds very strange.” Ruby notes this and guesses the reason but without proof… “I spent the day with Jake,” Ruby says blushing slightly. “We went to Tombstone actually. Then the stage got chased by bandits on the way home… well, I guess you don’t want to hear about it.”
Kate says, "I assumed if you wanted me to know about your day, you would have let me know where you were going. Nanuet seemed to know, although I didn't ask. There was plenty of room in Jake's note to say." Kate paused. "I know it's not reasonable for me to expect you to tell me where you're going. I'm not your mother. But I don't like to be frightened. If you had been much later I would have been out looking for you when you got back, but I wouldn't have known where to start."
“Why Katherine, are you mad at us?” Ruby tried to stifle a laugh. “I’m sorry; we didn’t mean to make you frightened. You were sleeping and we figured you needed the rest to recuperate from your exploits last night.” Ruby takes a breath. “We’re friends right? So I guess you have a right to wonder where we go. But you have to remember I’m not used to telling people what I’m up to every moment. Besides Kate, you might not want to know what I’m up to every moment.”
Ruby throws herself back on Kate’s bed. “Oh but Kate, remember what I was saying about Jake? And getting myself into trouble with men like him?" Ruby sighs, "I think I’m in trouble…” Ruby was right of course, and Kate knew it. It hadn't occurred to her to tell them her plans for the day either. Private lives were private. "Just let me know the next time you plan to disappear for an entire day, alright? Just for the sake of my peace of mind."
Kate laughed to herself and stroked Ruby's hair. "Now, about Jake. What kind of trouble are you in?" She knew already, of course. She'd known before Ruby had, but it was better to make Ruby talk about it. It seemed to be her day for counseling.
Ruby says, “He’s very charming, don’t you think? And handsome in that rouge-ish sort of way.” Ruby sits up suddenly. “But the problem is I become agreeable to things I shouldn’t be agreeable to, you know what I mean? And I get so easily talked into things that aren’t good for a girl like me. Damnit!” Ruby collapses back on the bed. “Oh why did we meet him that day??” Ruby goes on and on talking about how great Jake is and Kate's ears perk up when she hears, "And I'm going to meet him for a drink later, just the two of us...".
Kate replies, "Well then, when Jake gets here I'll try to make it quick." Kate waited a moment to speak again. "Listen to me, Ruby. You and Jake are the same kind of people I think. Just make sure you both have the same idea before you go too far. You know Ruby, we'll never get Jake up here if we don't know he's gotten back. Why don't you go downstairs and check?" Ruby got up off the bed and headed downstairs to check on Jake. Kate smiled to herself. As far as she was concerned, this was the kind of trouble Ruby needed.
Chester heads downstairs to the bar. "Pedro, could I have a beer, please? By the way, I heard there might some building work here? Is that true?" Pedro tells Chester that he doesn't know anything about any construction, but it's possible that his wife Dorita is planning something and just hasn't told him yet. "Oh that's OK. Thanks for the beer" Chester pays for the drink and leaves a tip. Then he smacks himself in the head. Idiot! She said the Lone Star Saloon. Heh. Good thing I didn't drop her name. That would have been embarrassing.
After he finishes the beer, he leaves the El Parador. After walking around town a bit, he sees a bar with that name on the sign. This must be the place. Chester walks inside and sits at the bar. "Barkeep, a beer please." While waiting for his beer, he looks around. When Tom serves him, Chester asks, "Excuse me. I heard that you might be looking for help building an addition to your place. Do you need a hired hand?" Tom Whipple says "My word gets around fast. I don't know if we'll be needing anyone else, we already have five guys for the project. But let me know where you're staying just in case." Chester looks downcast. "Oh, I see. I'm stopping at the El Parador. Do you know about any other place looking for men?" Whipple replies, “I think that the Breakheart mine is looking for mine workers. Driscoll's Tannery is also looking for help." Chester replies, "Thank you. I'll check them out tomorrow."
Afterwards, he walks back to the El Parador. Riley is still sitting there. Chester joins him. "Well, Riley. What brings you to these parts? Other than dreams, that is. What did the dreams tell you?" Chester and Riley turn as a young teenage girl enters the El Parador. She looks to be around fifteen and is very pregnant. A toddler is following her. He has a stack of papers in her hand and yells out "Cowboy Gang Eliminated! Promise City Herald, only five-cents. Hot off the presses - Cowboy Gang Eliminated!" He calls over to her, "I'll take one of those."
He pays the nickel and glances at the front page. The main story is what she was yelling, namely "Outlaw Gang Eliminated". The story details how a group of ranchers from Nevada known as the Cartwright family were driving 200 head of cattle back home and had 60 of them stolen by Ranchers. They left the rest of the herd at the Lazy S Ranch and backtracked the rustler's trail to their lair. A major shootout followed, leaving 21 rustlers dead, including the leader Curly Bill Brocious. There are also two follow-up stories related to it, one detailing the exploits of the Cowboy Gang and another about Curley Bill.
Most of the rest of the four-page paper consists of advertisements for various stores and saloons around Promise City, including an ad taking up most of the back page for the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon featuring the talents of the famous Madge Dupree from New Orleans singing and dancing to the music of Pepe Diderot.
There are two more stories on the back page. One concerns an altercation at the Trail Dust Saloon, where the owner Dudley Yeats drew his gun on Town Marshall Wyatt Earp. The paper says that Yeats was wounded and in now in jail awaiting trial. The other story describes another altercation, this one at the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon where brewer Marvin Keach exchanged shots with gambler Job Kane. Both men are said to be in jail awaiting trial.
Chester thinks, Whew. A lot of shootin' goin' on around here. I better be careful. Chester decides to repeat his unanswered question to Riley and says "How are you doin', Riley? What brings you to Promise City?"
Jake heads back to the Cantina, looking for Elliot or any of his friends. A pregnant girl moves right up to Jake and says "Promise City Herald, only five cents! Outlaw Gang Eliminated!" "I'll take two. Here, I only have a dollar." He lies and gives her a silver dollar and walks away. He tucks the papers under his arm and scans the room. Ruby sees Jake across the room and walks over to him. "Kate wants to see us upstairs. I think she's pretty pissed off we left her out today. Said she was worried. Anyway, I think I got her mind off it by changing the subject." Jake replies, "OK, let's go see her. I mean, how bad can it be?" Ruby gives him the raised eyebrows, and he says "Fine. Don't tell me."
Jake follows Ruby back to Katherine’s room. "I'm glad you're here," Kate said as Ruby and Jake came in. "Sit down." Kate started by filling Jake in on why she and Ruby had left the Lone Star the night before. "I met Maggie for lunch today, and told her why we left. She was very upset to say the least. I brought her back here before she could fall apart in public. A couple years ago, a couple of men cornered Maggie in an alley. You can imagine their intentions. She had her mother's wedding ring in her pocket, so she put it on and yelled how her husband Tom was within earshot, how he was a great marksman, and they had better leave her alone." Kate shuddered, thinking of how terrifying it must have been.
"They did, thankfully. But that incident started a misunderstanding that has never been cleared up." Kate paused. "Tom and Maggie aren't married. They're brother and sister. After Maggie was attacked, people started talking about Tom's wife, and he thought it would be safer for her if people kept believing it. Flossie left the Lone Star because she wanted Tom to marry her. But their father insisted they keep up the charade. He believes if the town finds out no one will trust Tom to run an honest establishment."
"I encouraged her to tell the truth, now, before their father gets here. Apparently they have to prove they can run a successful business before Tom can inherit the Lone Star in Denver. He doesn't want to lose that, so he's kept up the pretense. I thought you should know, if for no other reason than to know that Tom never cheated on Maggie. His watching me is still impolite, but it's not sinister in any way. I feel rather sorry for him, all he can do is look. But if either of you can think of a way to get them out of this...."
Ruby sits there in shock for a few moments. Then she tries to stifle it, but she can't. She just starts laughing. "That would explain a lot." Jake is quiet for a moment. "In a way Tom's father is right." Ruby and Katherine look at him with some surprise. "If you want to run an honest gambling place, the image of honesty is everything."
He walks around the room and strokes his beard. "Given the competition in the sleazy gambling places, they'd never make it without the honest reputation." He looks at both of them who still look a little incredulous. Jake guesses he was supposed to agree telling the truth and love conquers all was the best policy. "Sorry." He shrugs his shoulders.
"Of course I do have a couple ideas." He says with his trademark grin. "Neither of which is completely honorable. Interested?"
Ruby replies, "Jake, I am dying to know..." She lays down on Kate's bed and props up her head on her hand. Kate says, "I have a hard time seeing how lying about your relationship to protect your sister is a more egregious act of dishonesty than cheating on your wife. I saw what this is doing to Maggie. Honorable or not, any idea to get them out of this is welcome." Jake walks over and takes Katherine’s hand, gives it a squeeze and lets it go. He walks over to the wall and leans against it and puts his hands in his pockets. "Katherine Kale, I don't know if I am a bad influence on you or you are a good one on me." He looks at the ceiling a moment while stroking his beard.
"If Tom's father suddenly died that would take the pressure off of Tom but not really resolve anything." Jake sees that Katherine’s eyes nearly pop out of her head and even Ruby's eyebrows are both arched. "Hold on, I'm not suggesting anything. Just reviewing the facts."
"We could let the truth come out. But it is risky and a lot of work." Jake starts talking fast. "We'd have to start spreading rumors on how noble Tom was to protect his sister, get important folks on his side, convince gamblers that his integrity was more important that his honesty in the facts of marriage. Maybe get a newspaper write up, find the important town gossips, find the opinion leaders...." Jake pauses for a breath. "But it is still risky."
He goes back to stroking his mustache. "Perhaps the best and simplest way is to continue the lie." Katherine’s eyes narrow as Jake says this. "No, not give up. I didn't say continue to lie. Continue THE lie. Get a divorce." Jake pushes his hat bat on his head at a rakish angle. "It's perfect. Tom already has the reputation as a cheater, and the gamblers are OK with that. So Maggie's had enough, demands a divorce and half the Lone Star. They work out a legal contract, agree to continue as business partners because of the money involved, everyone is happy." Jake spreads his arms apart with palms up. "What do you think?"
Ruby exclaims, "Jake, that is a fabulous idea, get a divorce. That would solve this whole mess." Ruby looks up at him, obviously impressed. "Kate, you think Maggie would go for it? I'm sure Tom would be happy to be free." Kate says, "It does seem to solve the problem quite neatly. I don't know about here, but back East there is a serious stigma attached to divorce. It shouldn't be too bad on Tom, but a divorced woman is often looked down on. Still, it may be worth it to them. At least they would be free to live their own lives."
"True," Says Jake, "But the two biggest problems for divorced women are finding work and getting a husband. She's not likely to get many suitors being married, and she is half owner of a Saloon. She'll just have to deal with the rest if she wants out." Jake adjusts his hat back straight and grins. "Any other colossal problems that need addressing?"
It didn't look like Kate had anything else to discuss, not right now anyway. Ruby was happy their conversation was winding up. She was looking forward to having a drink with Jake and being alone with him. Then she heard a knock on the door.
Chester says, "Thank you, Pedro." He goes to his room and sets down his bag. The saber and rifle go on top of the dresser. Gesturing at the sword, he says to the air, "I don't know why I'm still carrying that thing around with me… Habit, I guess. I should ask that Pedro about this building work Miss Ruby mentioned."
Nanuet is taken aback by the question and sizes the man up as he rises from his seat. "Hello to you sir. I may know this Apache you seek, but my acquaintances are generally not the business of strangers. As you can see I was in the middle of a conversation." He looks back and smiles at Sonoma. "If you'll give me a minute maybe we can have a proper conversation including introductions."
Nanuet turns back to Sonoma and says "The day is late now but if you have the chance tomorrow maybe you would accompany me on a walk? I have someone I would like you to meet. Your company was a pleasure this evening and the cobbler was outstanding, thank you Sonoma." She replies, “I enjoyed our evening also however with the people coming in I may need to get back to work I will talk to a friend of mine at the church about what we spoke of and see what I can do to help you. And I'd like to walk with you I need to go to the grocery tomorrow if your up...”
She slips out of the seat and offers it to the man who began the conversation with Nanuet and begins to leave the table. Can I get you anything to eat or drink sir?
Nanuet turns to the man who approached him and motions for him to sit at a nearby table. "Now sir, if I might acquire your name and an explanation of why you are interested in whom I might be acquainted with?' He begins by saying "Sorry about interrupting your conversation with the woman. This concerns her too.
Riley says, “Look, the Apache named Kajika was...no make that is, things like that don't change....is my blood brother. I've been having these strange dreams since last Monday night. They have something to do with a centaur Indian woman. I'm really confused about them so I thought that Kajika could help." Nanuet replies, "I know Kajika and I believe I know the centaur that you speak of. Kajika is my teacher, my mentor. If we are thinking of the same centaur, then she was a companion of mine. Can you explain the dreams to me?"
Riley says, "The woman centaur was leading me around a campfire, then into the Mountains. There was some sort of monstrous creature, its image was never clear, but the centaur was having us guard it. By us I mean myself, you the three people I was with on the stage, that Mexican woman you were sitting with and that woman who was playing the piano here earlier. We were protecting it against another group of monsters - giants, ogres and some large furry bear like creatures. I had another dream like that only we were protecting the monster against cowboys. Does that make any sense to you? So, how is Kajika? It's been almost eight years since I last saw him."
"Kajika is in good health as far as I know. His wisdom runs deep and I am honored that he has chosen me to share some of that wisdom with. Maybe we should go visit him soon.
This monster that you speak of, the one that you see us protecting in our dreams, I wish you had seen it more clearly. When I enter reverie this evening I will meditate on the subject and see if that brings forth any answers. If you don't mind, since you mentioned my companions in your dream I would like to fill them in on what you have mentioned to me." Nanuet thinks for a moment and says "Actually it might be better if you were to tell them yourself. Give me just a moment please."
When Ruby got inside she saw Riley talking to Nanuet and thought "that guy really is nuts." She kept her eye on him while talking to Kate. She noticed Katherine sitting at the piano.
She takes a deep breath, walks towards her and sits on the bench. “Hi Kate, How are you feeling today? I’m hope you had a good rest and slept off all that whiskey!” "I prefer not to talk about that," Kate answered matter-of-factly. "Jake left a note saying that Maggie wanted to see me, but he didn't way where you'd gone. I've been waiting for you. I need to talk to you and Jake about Maggie. Bring him up to my room when he's back. It won't take long."
Kate left the piano and walked straight-backed up the stairs to her room. The pins in holding her hair were beginning to hurt. She pulled them out and let her hair fall loose. Then she picked up her book and sat curled on her bed to read and wait. “Oh crap,” thinks Ruby. Kate is mad. Ruby decided not to wait for Jake. Who knew how long he would be gone? Besides, Kate being mad would just make him fidgety. “I’d better deal with this now.” Ruby marched right up to Kate’s room and knocked.
Jake arrived at the Marshall's office and Morgan Earp happily accepted the pie while he brought the other to Job. Jake gives Job a run down of what happened at the Lone Star. "I didn't make much either night, but at least I was ahead." Job tells Jake "Looks like you may have to take my place tomorrow night too, Judge Isby still isn't back in town. Look, this is important, one of the guys at my table each Monday is Travis Calhoun. He owns the brickyard and Tom's going to needing to ask him and Neil Cassidy for a good price on supplies to build that third floor." "Ah, sure. What exactly are you expecting here?"
Job says "Oh, nothing dishonest. Just the little things to help influence a player, encourage him when you think he might have a good hand and discourage him when he might have a bad one. Call a break when he looks tired, don't call one when he's on a roll. That sort of things to keep in a good mood. Maybe even have Ruby sing a song especially for him too. He asks. "And I guess I am a little confused, were you and Tom needing me tonight?" Job replies, No, the Sunday night crowd is almost non-existent. I always take it as my night off, although I usually spend it somewhere a little more exciting than in here."
"Well you'll be out soon Job." Jake gets up and motions to the Marshall that he is leaving. "I'll come back tomorrow if I can. I'm sure the Marshall will let me know about the trial, I am after all the other witness. Let us know if you need anything else." He waves goodnight to the Marshall, "I'll let Dorita know how much you liked the desert."
“Kate, its Ruby. Jake might be gone a while, why don’t you let me in now?” "It's open," Kate said calmly. "We'll still have to wait for Jake, though. I don't know that I want to tell the story twice," she said as Ruby came in and closed the door behind her. "Have a seat." Ruby sits down on the edge of Kate's bed. She laughs to herself, the only time her room was this neat was before she was in it. "So, what did you do today? Anything exciting?"
Kate replies, "Talked to Maggie, had a lesson with Mr. Gonzales, went to visit Job." She considered leaving it right there, but she knew that her frustration was really with herself, not Ruby. She had no right to be upset because Ruby and Jake hadn't told her where they were going.
"I noticed something strange when I went to the Marshall's office," she said, finally putting down her book. "He noticed that someone came in, looked up, and then dropped his coffee. He tried to tell me visiting hours were over, and there aren't any official visiting hours. I did get to talk to Job for a few minutes, but I can't help but wonder why Morgan Earp didn't want to let me."
Ruby replies, “Sounds like you had a busy day. I hoped you learned something good from Mr. Gonzales. I know you’ll do well with that. And you said you wanted to wait to tell me what Maggie said so we’ll wait for Jake…”
Ruby proceeds cautiously. “I’m not sure why Morgan Earp wouldn’t want you to see Job. That sounds very strange.” Ruby notes this and guesses the reason but without proof… “I spent the day with Jake,” Ruby says blushing slightly. “We went to Tombstone actually. Then the stage got chased by bandits on the way home… well, I guess you don’t want to hear about it.”
Kate says, "I assumed if you wanted me to know about your day, you would have let me know where you were going. Nanuet seemed to know, although I didn't ask. There was plenty of room in Jake's note to say." Kate paused. "I know it's not reasonable for me to expect you to tell me where you're going. I'm not your mother. But I don't like to be frightened. If you had been much later I would have been out looking for you when you got back, but I wouldn't have known where to start."
“Why Katherine, are you mad at us?” Ruby tried to stifle a laugh. “I’m sorry; we didn’t mean to make you frightened. You were sleeping and we figured you needed the rest to recuperate from your exploits last night.” Ruby takes a breath. “We’re friends right? So I guess you have a right to wonder where we go. But you have to remember I’m not used to telling people what I’m up to every moment. Besides Kate, you might not want to know what I’m up to every moment.”
Ruby throws herself back on Kate’s bed. “Oh but Kate, remember what I was saying about Jake? And getting myself into trouble with men like him?" Ruby sighs, "I think I’m in trouble…” Ruby was right of course, and Kate knew it. It hadn't occurred to her to tell them her plans for the day either. Private lives were private. "Just let me know the next time you plan to disappear for an entire day, alright? Just for the sake of my peace of mind."
Kate laughed to herself and stroked Ruby's hair. "Now, about Jake. What kind of trouble are you in?" She knew already, of course. She'd known before Ruby had, but it was better to make Ruby talk about it. It seemed to be her day for counseling.
Ruby says, “He’s very charming, don’t you think? And handsome in that rouge-ish sort of way.” Ruby sits up suddenly. “But the problem is I become agreeable to things I shouldn’t be agreeable to, you know what I mean? And I get so easily talked into things that aren’t good for a girl like me. Damnit!” Ruby collapses back on the bed. “Oh why did we meet him that day??” Ruby goes on and on talking about how great Jake is and Kate's ears perk up when she hears, "And I'm going to meet him for a drink later, just the two of us...".
Kate replies, "Well then, when Jake gets here I'll try to make it quick." Kate waited a moment to speak again. "Listen to me, Ruby. You and Jake are the same kind of people I think. Just make sure you both have the same idea before you go too far. You know Ruby, we'll never get Jake up here if we don't know he's gotten back. Why don't you go downstairs and check?" Ruby got up off the bed and headed downstairs to check on Jake. Kate smiled to herself. As far as she was concerned, this was the kind of trouble Ruby needed.
Chester heads downstairs to the bar. "Pedro, could I have a beer, please? By the way, I heard there might some building work here? Is that true?" Pedro tells Chester that he doesn't know anything about any construction, but it's possible that his wife Dorita is planning something and just hasn't told him yet. "Oh that's OK. Thanks for the beer" Chester pays for the drink and leaves a tip. Then he smacks himself in the head. Idiot! She said the Lone Star Saloon. Heh. Good thing I didn't drop her name. That would have been embarrassing.
After he finishes the beer, he leaves the El Parador. After walking around town a bit, he sees a bar with that name on the sign. This must be the place. Chester walks inside and sits at the bar. "Barkeep, a beer please." While waiting for his beer, he looks around. When Tom serves him, Chester asks, "Excuse me. I heard that you might be looking for help building an addition to your place. Do you need a hired hand?" Tom Whipple says "My word gets around fast. I don't know if we'll be needing anyone else, we already have five guys for the project. But let me know where you're staying just in case." Chester looks downcast. "Oh, I see. I'm stopping at the El Parador. Do you know about any other place looking for men?" Whipple replies, “I think that the Breakheart mine is looking for mine workers. Driscoll's Tannery is also looking for help." Chester replies, "Thank you. I'll check them out tomorrow."
Afterwards, he walks back to the El Parador. Riley is still sitting there. Chester joins him. "Well, Riley. What brings you to these parts? Other than dreams, that is. What did the dreams tell you?" Chester and Riley turn as a young teenage girl enters the El Parador. She looks to be around fifteen and is very pregnant. A toddler is following her. He has a stack of papers in her hand and yells out "Cowboy Gang Eliminated! Promise City Herald, only five-cents. Hot off the presses - Cowboy Gang Eliminated!" He calls over to her, "I'll take one of those."
He pays the nickel and glances at the front page. The main story is what she was yelling, namely "Outlaw Gang Eliminated". The story details how a group of ranchers from Nevada known as the Cartwright family were driving 200 head of cattle back home and had 60 of them stolen by Ranchers. They left the rest of the herd at the Lazy S Ranch and backtracked the rustler's trail to their lair. A major shootout followed, leaving 21 rustlers dead, including the leader Curly Bill Brocious. There are also two follow-up stories related to it, one detailing the exploits of the Cowboy Gang and another about Curley Bill.
Most of the rest of the four-page paper consists of advertisements for various stores and saloons around Promise City, including an ad taking up most of the back page for the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon featuring the talents of the famous Madge Dupree from New Orleans singing and dancing to the music of Pepe Diderot.
There are two more stories on the back page. One concerns an altercation at the Trail Dust Saloon, where the owner Dudley Yeats drew his gun on Town Marshall Wyatt Earp. The paper says that Yeats was wounded and in now in jail awaiting trial. The other story describes another altercation, this one at the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon where brewer Marvin Keach exchanged shots with gambler Job Kane. Both men are said to be in jail awaiting trial.
Chester thinks, Whew. A lot of shootin' goin' on around here. I better be careful. Chester decides to repeat his unanswered question to Riley and says "How are you doin', Riley? What brings you to Promise City?"
Jake heads back to the Cantina, looking for Elliot or any of his friends. A pregnant girl moves right up to Jake and says "Promise City Herald, only five cents! Outlaw Gang Eliminated!" "I'll take two. Here, I only have a dollar." He lies and gives her a silver dollar and walks away. He tucks the papers under his arm and scans the room. Ruby sees Jake across the room and walks over to him. "Kate wants to see us upstairs. I think she's pretty pissed off we left her out today. Said she was worried. Anyway, I think I got her mind off it by changing the subject." Jake replies, "OK, let's go see her. I mean, how bad can it be?" Ruby gives him the raised eyebrows, and he says "Fine. Don't tell me."
Jake follows Ruby back to Katherine’s room. "I'm glad you're here," Kate said as Ruby and Jake came in. "Sit down." Kate started by filling Jake in on why she and Ruby had left the Lone Star the night before. "I met Maggie for lunch today, and told her why we left. She was very upset to say the least. I brought her back here before she could fall apart in public. A couple years ago, a couple of men cornered Maggie in an alley. You can imagine their intentions. She had her mother's wedding ring in her pocket, so she put it on and yelled how her husband Tom was within earshot, how he was a great marksman, and they had better leave her alone." Kate shuddered, thinking of how terrifying it must have been.
"They did, thankfully. But that incident started a misunderstanding that has never been cleared up." Kate paused. "Tom and Maggie aren't married. They're brother and sister. After Maggie was attacked, people started talking about Tom's wife, and he thought it would be safer for her if people kept believing it. Flossie left the Lone Star because she wanted Tom to marry her. But their father insisted they keep up the charade. He believes if the town finds out no one will trust Tom to run an honest establishment."
"I encouraged her to tell the truth, now, before their father gets here. Apparently they have to prove they can run a successful business before Tom can inherit the Lone Star in Denver. He doesn't want to lose that, so he's kept up the pretense. I thought you should know, if for no other reason than to know that Tom never cheated on Maggie. His watching me is still impolite, but it's not sinister in any way. I feel rather sorry for him, all he can do is look. But if either of you can think of a way to get them out of this...."
Ruby sits there in shock for a few moments. Then she tries to stifle it, but she can't. She just starts laughing. "That would explain a lot." Jake is quiet for a moment. "In a way Tom's father is right." Ruby and Katherine look at him with some surprise. "If you want to run an honest gambling place, the image of honesty is everything."
He walks around the room and strokes his beard. "Given the competition in the sleazy gambling places, they'd never make it without the honest reputation." He looks at both of them who still look a little incredulous. Jake guesses he was supposed to agree telling the truth and love conquers all was the best policy. "Sorry." He shrugs his shoulders.
"Of course I do have a couple ideas." He says with his trademark grin. "Neither of which is completely honorable. Interested?"
Ruby replies, "Jake, I am dying to know..." She lays down on Kate's bed and props up her head on her hand. Kate says, "I have a hard time seeing how lying about your relationship to protect your sister is a more egregious act of dishonesty than cheating on your wife. I saw what this is doing to Maggie. Honorable or not, any idea to get them out of this is welcome." Jake walks over and takes Katherine’s hand, gives it a squeeze and lets it go. He walks over to the wall and leans against it and puts his hands in his pockets. "Katherine Kale, I don't know if I am a bad influence on you or you are a good one on me." He looks at the ceiling a moment while stroking his beard.
"If Tom's father suddenly died that would take the pressure off of Tom but not really resolve anything." Jake sees that Katherine’s eyes nearly pop out of her head and even Ruby's eyebrows are both arched. "Hold on, I'm not suggesting anything. Just reviewing the facts."
"We could let the truth come out. But it is risky and a lot of work." Jake starts talking fast. "We'd have to start spreading rumors on how noble Tom was to protect his sister, get important folks on his side, convince gamblers that his integrity was more important that his honesty in the facts of marriage. Maybe get a newspaper write up, find the important town gossips, find the opinion leaders...." Jake pauses for a breath. "But it is still risky."
He goes back to stroking his mustache. "Perhaps the best and simplest way is to continue the lie." Katherine’s eyes narrow as Jake says this. "No, not give up. I didn't say continue to lie. Continue THE lie. Get a divorce." Jake pushes his hat bat on his head at a rakish angle. "It's perfect. Tom already has the reputation as a cheater, and the gamblers are OK with that. So Maggie's had enough, demands a divorce and half the Lone Star. They work out a legal contract, agree to continue as business partners because of the money involved, everyone is happy." Jake spreads his arms apart with palms up. "What do you think?"
Ruby exclaims, "Jake, that is a fabulous idea, get a divorce. That would solve this whole mess." Ruby looks up at him, obviously impressed. "Kate, you think Maggie would go for it? I'm sure Tom would be happy to be free." Kate says, "It does seem to solve the problem quite neatly. I don't know about here, but back East there is a serious stigma attached to divorce. It shouldn't be too bad on Tom, but a divorced woman is often looked down on. Still, it may be worth it to them. At least they would be free to live their own lives."
"True," Says Jake, "But the two biggest problems for divorced women are finding work and getting a husband. She's not likely to get many suitors being married, and she is half owner of a Saloon. She'll just have to deal with the rest if she wants out." Jake adjusts his hat back straight and grins. "Any other colossal problems that need addressing?"
It didn't look like Kate had anything else to discuss, not right now anyway. Ruby was happy their conversation was winding up. She was looking forward to having a drink with Jake and being alone with him. Then she heard a knock on the door.