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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2805476" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>Minerva looks up she sees Nanuet walking away with her bags. <em>Now where is he going?</em></p><p></p><p>Not wanting to be left alone, she quickly ends the conversation with the priest. "I shall come see you, Padre. Bless you and may the gods keep the wolves in the hills." She picks up her skirts and hurries after Nanuet. <em>This seems to be becoming a habit of his.</em> "Wait for me!"</p><p></p><p>"I was waiting, but this seems to be the only way to get your attention sometimes, now lets hurry and catch up with the others." </p><p></p><p>Once Minerva has caught up with him he quickens his pace to try and catch the rest of the group.</p><p></p><p>Minerva trots beside him a bit breathless from her anger and trying to keep up with his long stride. "Well" she huffs, "I must say that I do not like it at all when you do that. I was trying to get information I would appreciate it if, next time you could wait a moment <strong>after</strong> you announce that you are leaving before you just rush off and leave me in the dust."</p><p></p><p>"This is no time to fight. I understand you were trying to get information but the group is leaving. I for one don't want to be left behind."</p><p></p><p>"Well you could have just said that instead of running off with my bags. Where are we going?" she says as she continues to try and match his stride.</p><p></p><p>"I really don't know," Nanuet says as they turn the corner and see the rest of their friends standing in front of a run down building. "I guess right there for now. Doesn't look too pleasant."</p><p></p><p>Ruby, Jake, Kate and Chester make their way past Gordon's Hotel and make the right turn as the stranger instructed. A chill wind blows by causing the hair on their necks to stand on end. There is little light as most of the buildings are shuttered closed. On the block that they turned onto, just past the Hotel on the right is Greely's saloon, the only sign of life around the town at this point. Music and conversation can be heard from inside as the group passes. They make their way past a couple more buildings including a small bank and a church on opposite sides of the street before they reach the next intersection. They make the left and quickly make out the run down boarding house a few buildings away. There are no lights inside, a few of the windows are broken and a shutter hangs crooked from the front window.</p><p></p><p>Ruby stops in front of the boarding house, the chill wind making her shudder and goosebumps cover her arms. She wraps her arms around herself as she looks up at the dilapidated building. </p><p></p><p>"I don't want to go in there," she says softly.</p><p></p><p>Kate slipped her arms around Ruby. "Neither do I, but I will."</p><p></p><p>When they all catch up Jake says, "Last chance before we go in. Do we go back to Greeley's and gather information and then look for him in the daylight or are we ready to go in guns blazing?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "Considering I don't want to do it at all, we'd better go now before I completely change my mind. We don't even know he is here."</p><p></p><p>"We would have a better chance of finding him at home in the daytime. Perhaps now would be a good time to check out his lair." Minerva says her anger quickly changing to nervousness. "The priest told me that two others have become monsters also, they could be hiding in here too."</p><p></p><p>"I'm not sure how much more there is to be found out. And the longer we wait, the more chance he learns we're here."</p><p></p><p>Thoughts run quickly through Ruby's mind. Scared thoughts, confused thoughts, nervous thoughts, the conversation she had with Jake, trying to be brave thoughts, what Colin's eyes look like on her and his thoughts in her mind. She feels the weight of the stake in her skirts and hopes she can do what she has to do. </p><p></p><p>She ignores her friends standing outside, stalling again, and tries to enter the boarding house without a word. Unfortunately, the door is locked.</p><p></p><p>Ruby quickly decides that kicking in the door will cause too much noise so she glances around the street. Since no one is out and it's dark, she feels safe and she pulls her new lockpick set out of her bodice. She kneels in front of the door and starts trying to pick the lock.</p><p></p><p>As she works on the lock the others see a light appear from inside towards the back of the first floor. The light slowly works its way towards the front of the building.</p><p></p><p>Jake drops the luggage and takes out his sawed off shotgun. He scans the street, windows and sky.</p><p></p><p>Chester drops his bags and puts his hand on his right pistol. "Careful, we don't want to shoot Turner's housekeeper." Minerva takes out her pistol and moves to the side of the building while Nanuet moves to the side of the door and puts his hand on one of his knives.</p><p></p><p>Jake taps Chester's arm and points up across the street at the dark birds perched on the single story building. "Ruby, light coming from inside."</p><p></p><p>Chester takes a peek. "Not a good sign. Looks like they're waiting for something." Chester looks back at the open door. His hand still rests on his grip.</p><p></p><p>Kate stood a little away from the others, looking up and down the street and putting on her best confused face. She pulled out a little piece of paper and looked at it, then looked at the boarding house. She rubbed her arms as if she were cold and waited.</p><p></p><p>Ruby picks the lock with relative ease. The door swings in and she hears the sound of footsteps very close by and sees the light of a lantern or candle just around the corner. </p><p></p><p>An elderly male voice rises out to the street. "Hey what in tarnation is going on? Don't you see the bell? Don't people knock any more?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby stands and quickly stuffs the picks back down her bodice. "Oh sorry sir, I didn't see the bell actually." She pauses and tries to get a good look at the man. Squinting in the light she says, "I'm looking for someone, it's important."</p><p></p><p>A tall, gaunt man dressed in full length red longjohns is holding a sputtering lamp. "Well why didn't you say so. Why don't you bring yourselves inside where I can see you." The man holds the light up and sticks his head outside. "Don't get to many boarders lately, had a long day just figured I would turn in early. Sorry I didn't leave a lamp on for you." </p><p></p><p>The man holds the door open and directs the group to his parlor which is just to the left of the door. Directly opposite the door is a set of stairs leading to the upper floor and to the right appears to be a dining area.</p><p></p><p>Jake tucks his shotgun back under his coat and lets it hang from the lanyard. He follows the man inside dragging his baggage inside.</p><p></p><p>Chester grabs some bags and brings them inside. "Evening, sir. Are you Mr. Smythe?"</p><p></p><p>"Yup, I guess I am. Now young lady, you said you were looking for someone and that it was important? Who might you be looking for, I hope it isn't old Henry Smythe, I haven't done anything important in years!" he says with a chuckle.</p><p></p><p>Ruby keeps her voice low as she speaks. "It's alright. We understand this town has been having some... issues lately and not too many people travel at night. We're looking for someone. He has something of mine and it's really important I speak to him."</p><p></p><p>"Well maybe I can help you better if you tell me who that person might be." The elderly man walks towards a dusty chair. "Mind if I sit? These old bones of mine ache all the time now."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles at the man. <em>Either he is covering or really stupid...I'm betting a little of both.</em> "Colin Turner. He's a good friend of mine."</p><p></p><p>After Ruby says the name Jake watches the man very closely observing his reaction and response. While Minerva says outside on the side of the building and listens through the broken window. She continues to look around, watching for any movement or anything unusual.</p><p></p><p>"A good friend of your's you say? That's odd, can't remember Colin having any friends, good bad or indifferent. He rents the room in back. I doubt he's in though, he has a key to the back door, comes and goes as he pleases. Heard him moving around earlier today, or at least I though it was him. Might be over at Greely's he hangs out there most nights when he is in town."</p><p></p><p>"Really? We passed it on our way over here." Chester hopes someone else caught the mention of a back door direct to Turner's room.</p><p></p><p>"Yes. I met him when he passed through my town. I'm quite sure he knows me," Ruby smiles. She gives Jake a look, hoping he picks up her thoughts.</p><p></p><p>"Well I can go see if he's in for you. What did you say your name was again?"</p><p></p><p>"Actually, if you don't mind, I'd prefer it be a surprise..." Ruby says.</p><p></p><p>"A surprise you say? Well if I weren't so old and thought my heart could take it I'd like surprises too. Stay here and I'll be right back." </p><p></p><p>The old man lights a candle from the lamp and leaves the lamp for the group to see with and heads towards the back of the building through the eating area on the other side of the front door.</p><p></p><p>Ruby waits a few moments then stands and follows the man quietly at a distance.</p><p></p><p>Kate whispered very quietly to Jake. "If he's not here, I can look in Greeley's for him. He will certainly know any of you. He might not know me this way."</p><p></p><p>Jake nods at Katherine, "But wait for us." He follows quickly after Ruby as noiselessly as possible.</p><p></p><p>Minerva turns to Nanuet and whispers, "Let's go check the back way in."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet slides over to stand near Minerva. He sees that she is listening intently through one of the broken windows. He moves up next to her and whispers. "What is going on in there?"</p><p></p><p>"The old man said that Colin uses the back entrance to get in and out. Let's go check it out," Minerva says and quietly makes her way to the back entrance where she tries the door.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet nods in agreement and heads to the back following Minerva closely. He loosens the pistol in it's holster and pulls a knife out of it's sheath.</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake sneak behind the elderly Mr. Smythe. There is a hallway that leads out of the dining area heading towards the back of the building. He heads that way after stopping to pet a large tabby cat. He is whistling to himself and appears to not notice Jake and Ruby who are having a very difficult time navigating the creaky floor. </p><p></p><p>The hallway goes all the way to the back of the building with two doors to the right and one to the left as well as one at the end of the hallway which could only lead outside. Mr. Smythe heads to the door on the left and is about to knock when he hears a creak in the floor. </p><p></p><p>"Now I thought I told you kids to stay put!" he yells and turns back towards the dining area. "I don't need a bunch of strangers wandering around my house!"</p><p></p><p>Sorry," Ruby says softly. "But I'm dying to see if my friend is here."</p><p></p><p>Kate stayed back with Chester, but replaced her money purse with another that contained some odd bits and bobs. Her eyes were adjusting to the darkness, and she keep them moving around the room, watching for anything strange.</p><p></p><p>Chester and Kate notice the room is dusty and filled with cobwebs. It is mostly a sitting room and is decorated as such with several upholstered chairs, most with tears in them. There is also a desk that is canted to one side and has a matching wooden chair pulled up to it. There are shelves on the walls that are filled with old knick knacks such as model ships, children’s toys and faded paintings.</p><p></p><p>"Mr. Martin," Kate said, emphasizing the accent she'd been using as Maddie, "Did you notice how bright the moon is tonight? For a moment I thought it flickered, but it must have been my imagination. This town is giving me a case of the shivers."</p><p></p><p>"You can call me Chester, Maddie. I agree about this place. Like there's an evil soaked into the ground of the town. He walks over to the desk and takes a look at the stuff strewn about the top, but doesn't touch anything.</p><p></p><p>There are scratches on the floor from where the chair has been dragged on the floor and on the top of the desk he sees a couple empty ink pots and a piece of wax melted on one end. He also notices the dust near the handles of the roll top has been disturbed.</p><p></p><p>"Well I will let you know, now get outta here," Smythe grumbles in response to Ruby. He watches the dining area for a few moments to see if anyone is continuing towards him. Satisfied that they are not he knocks loudly on the door, his swollen knuckles making an odd sound against the aged wood. He waits a few moments before knocking again and yelling out "Mr. Turner, are you in this evening? There is someone who says she is a friend of yours. A beautiful young lady I must say!" </p><p></p><p>He waits for a moment and knocks and yells one more time then puts his ear to the door. After that he returns to the parlor to tell them "He appears either to not be at home or to not be taking visitors this evening."</p><p></p><p>Ruby breathes a sigh of relief but then her muscles immediately tighten up again. "Dammit," she mutters, "I want this over with!" Not sure if she can trust the man she starts concentrating really hard in the area he is standing, then slowly taking a look in the whole area.</p><p></p><p>Jake asks, "How many other guests do you have? Do you have rooms available?"</p><p></p><p>"Other guests? No other guests. I have 2 rooms that are available upstairs, the others need repairs, roof leaks and such. If you'd like I can make them ready for you, but no more than two per room."</p><p></p><p>"Anybody interested in seeing the rooms upstairs?" Jake says to Maddie and Chester.</p><p></p><p>Chester refuses, and Kate says, “No, I'd just like to ask after my Aunt and Uncle."</p><p></p><p>Ruby snaps out of her concentration. She shakes her head, not having found anything. </p><p></p><p>"Thanks for checking. We'll go check out the saloon." She doesn't bother to wait for Jake to get rooms before she heads out the door and starts over to the Saloon.</p><p></p><p>"Looks like the lady does not want to look at the rooms." Jake grabs their gear and heads out into the street the way he came in.</p><p></p><p>"You can go with your friends, Chester. I'll be along." </p><p></p><p>Kate went quickly through asking Mr. Smythe about her fictitious relatives, and was appropriately distressed and the negative answer. She thanked him politely and moved to follow the others outside.</p><p></p><p>“Have a good night, Mr. Smythe." Chester leaves with Maddie. Outside, he says, "I wanted to take a look at the desk in the sitting room. Someone's used it recently. Smythe said that Turner comes and goes by his own door."</p><p></p><p>"You should have looked. You could go back and ask about a room, but I don't suppose he would leave you alone down there. I could go back with you and peek while you're gone... but you might get stuck staying there then."</p><p></p><p>Chester shudders. "I don't want to get stuck in the same place as Turner. It's not important. Let's go to Greeley's. I wonder how easy it would be to sneak in the back of the house."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet waits with Minerva near the back door. "Do you see that?” he says, pointing to the moon. “It looks like bats or something, but there are so many. I don't think I have ever seen that many at once."</p><p></p><p>"How odd! What do you suppose that it means? Let's see if we can get inside." She tries the door and finds it locked. Just as she tries it though she hears someone exit quickly out the front door. </p><p></p><p>"What was that?" Nanuet says. "Sounds like they might be leaving." </p><p></p><p>He makes his way around the side of the building towards the front at a moderate pace.</p><p></p><p>Minerva steps back outside and follows Nanuet to the front of the house where she sees everyone leaving. She catches up with them, while continuing to watch the moon.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet grabs his and Minerva's luggage from the front of the old boarding house and heads after Ruby and the others hoping that Minerva follows.</p><p></p><p>"Meirda!, I'm going to have to have a talk with that man!" she mutters and rushes once again to keep up. "Wait for me!"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2805476, member: 12815"] Minerva looks up she sees Nanuet walking away with her bags. [i]Now where is he going?[/i] Not wanting to be left alone, she quickly ends the conversation with the priest. "I shall come see you, Padre. Bless you and may the gods keep the wolves in the hills." She picks up her skirts and hurries after Nanuet. [i]This seems to be becoming a habit of his.[/i] "Wait for me!" "I was waiting, but this seems to be the only way to get your attention sometimes, now lets hurry and catch up with the others." Once Minerva has caught up with him he quickens his pace to try and catch the rest of the group. Minerva trots beside him a bit breathless from her anger and trying to keep up with his long stride. "Well" she huffs, "I must say that I do not like it at all when you do that. I was trying to get information I would appreciate it if, next time you could wait a moment [b]after[/b] you announce that you are leaving before you just rush off and leave me in the dust." "This is no time to fight. I understand you were trying to get information but the group is leaving. I for one don't want to be left behind." "Well you could have just said that instead of running off with my bags. Where are we going?" she says as she continues to try and match his stride. "I really don't know," Nanuet says as they turn the corner and see the rest of their friends standing in front of a run down building. "I guess right there for now. Doesn't look too pleasant." Ruby, Jake, Kate and Chester make their way past Gordon's Hotel and make the right turn as the stranger instructed. A chill wind blows by causing the hair on their necks to stand on end. There is little light as most of the buildings are shuttered closed. On the block that they turned onto, just past the Hotel on the right is Greely's saloon, the only sign of life around the town at this point. Music and conversation can be heard from inside as the group passes. They make their way past a couple more buildings including a small bank and a church on opposite sides of the street before they reach the next intersection. They make the left and quickly make out the run down boarding house a few buildings away. There are no lights inside, a few of the windows are broken and a shutter hangs crooked from the front window. Ruby stops in front of the boarding house, the chill wind making her shudder and goosebumps cover her arms. She wraps her arms around herself as she looks up at the dilapidated building. "I don't want to go in there," she says softly. Kate slipped her arms around Ruby. "Neither do I, but I will." When they all catch up Jake says, "Last chance before we go in. Do we go back to Greeley's and gather information and then look for him in the daylight or are we ready to go in guns blazing?" Ruby says, "Considering I don't want to do it at all, we'd better go now before I completely change my mind. We don't even know he is here." "We would have a better chance of finding him at home in the daytime. Perhaps now would be a good time to check out his lair." Minerva says her anger quickly changing to nervousness. "The priest told me that two others have become monsters also, they could be hiding in here too." "I'm not sure how much more there is to be found out. And the longer we wait, the more chance he learns we're here." Thoughts run quickly through Ruby's mind. Scared thoughts, confused thoughts, nervous thoughts, the conversation she had with Jake, trying to be brave thoughts, what Colin's eyes look like on her and his thoughts in her mind. She feels the weight of the stake in her skirts and hopes she can do what she has to do. She ignores her friends standing outside, stalling again, and tries to enter the boarding house without a word. Unfortunately, the door is locked. Ruby quickly decides that kicking in the door will cause too much noise so she glances around the street. Since no one is out and it's dark, she feels safe and she pulls her new lockpick set out of her bodice. She kneels in front of the door and starts trying to pick the lock. As she works on the lock the others see a light appear from inside towards the back of the first floor. The light slowly works its way towards the front of the building. Jake drops the luggage and takes out his sawed off shotgun. He scans the street, windows and sky. Chester drops his bags and puts his hand on his right pistol. "Careful, we don't want to shoot Turner's housekeeper." Minerva takes out her pistol and moves to the side of the building while Nanuet moves to the side of the door and puts his hand on one of his knives. Jake taps Chester's arm and points up across the street at the dark birds perched on the single story building. "Ruby, light coming from inside." Chester takes a peek. "Not a good sign. Looks like they're waiting for something." Chester looks back at the open door. His hand still rests on his grip. Kate stood a little away from the others, looking up and down the street and putting on her best confused face. She pulled out a little piece of paper and looked at it, then looked at the boarding house. She rubbed her arms as if she were cold and waited. Ruby picks the lock with relative ease. The door swings in and she hears the sound of footsteps very close by and sees the light of a lantern or candle just around the corner. An elderly male voice rises out to the street. "Hey what in tarnation is going on? Don't you see the bell? Don't people knock any more?" Ruby stands and quickly stuffs the picks back down her bodice. "Oh sorry sir, I didn't see the bell actually." She pauses and tries to get a good look at the man. Squinting in the light she says, "I'm looking for someone, it's important." A tall, gaunt man dressed in full length red longjohns is holding a sputtering lamp. "Well why didn't you say so. Why don't you bring yourselves inside where I can see you." The man holds the light up and sticks his head outside. "Don't get to many boarders lately, had a long day just figured I would turn in early. Sorry I didn't leave a lamp on for you." The man holds the door open and directs the group to his parlor which is just to the left of the door. Directly opposite the door is a set of stairs leading to the upper floor and to the right appears to be a dining area. Jake tucks his shotgun back under his coat and lets it hang from the lanyard. He follows the man inside dragging his baggage inside. Chester grabs some bags and brings them inside. "Evening, sir. Are you Mr. Smythe?" "Yup, I guess I am. Now young lady, you said you were looking for someone and that it was important? Who might you be looking for, I hope it isn't old Henry Smythe, I haven't done anything important in years!" he says with a chuckle. Ruby keeps her voice low as she speaks. "It's alright. We understand this town has been having some... issues lately and not too many people travel at night. We're looking for someone. He has something of mine and it's really important I speak to him." "Well maybe I can help you better if you tell me who that person might be." The elderly man walks towards a dusty chair. "Mind if I sit? These old bones of mine ache all the time now." Ruby smiles at the man. [i]Either he is covering or really stupid...I'm betting a little of both.[/i] "Colin Turner. He's a good friend of mine." After Ruby says the name Jake watches the man very closely observing his reaction and response. While Minerva says outside on the side of the building and listens through the broken window. She continues to look around, watching for any movement or anything unusual. "A good friend of your's you say? That's odd, can't remember Colin having any friends, good bad or indifferent. He rents the room in back. I doubt he's in though, he has a key to the back door, comes and goes as he pleases. Heard him moving around earlier today, or at least I though it was him. Might be over at Greely's he hangs out there most nights when he is in town." "Really? We passed it on our way over here." Chester hopes someone else caught the mention of a back door direct to Turner's room. "Yes. I met him when he passed through my town. I'm quite sure he knows me," Ruby smiles. She gives Jake a look, hoping he picks up her thoughts. "Well I can go see if he's in for you. What did you say your name was again?" "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd prefer it be a surprise..." Ruby says. "A surprise you say? Well if I weren't so old and thought my heart could take it I'd like surprises too. Stay here and I'll be right back." The old man lights a candle from the lamp and leaves the lamp for the group to see with and heads towards the back of the building through the eating area on the other side of the front door. Ruby waits a few moments then stands and follows the man quietly at a distance. Kate whispered very quietly to Jake. "If he's not here, I can look in Greeley's for him. He will certainly know any of you. He might not know me this way." Jake nods at Katherine, "But wait for us." He follows quickly after Ruby as noiselessly as possible. Minerva turns to Nanuet and whispers, "Let's go check the back way in." Nanuet slides over to stand near Minerva. He sees that she is listening intently through one of the broken windows. He moves up next to her and whispers. "What is going on in there?" "The old man said that Colin uses the back entrance to get in and out. Let's go check it out," Minerva says and quietly makes her way to the back entrance where she tries the door. Nanuet nods in agreement and heads to the back following Minerva closely. He loosens the pistol in it's holster and pulls a knife out of it's sheath. Ruby and Jake sneak behind the elderly Mr. Smythe. There is a hallway that leads out of the dining area heading towards the back of the building. He heads that way after stopping to pet a large tabby cat. He is whistling to himself and appears to not notice Jake and Ruby who are having a very difficult time navigating the creaky floor. The hallway goes all the way to the back of the building with two doors to the right and one to the left as well as one at the end of the hallway which could only lead outside. Mr. Smythe heads to the door on the left and is about to knock when he hears a creak in the floor. "Now I thought I told you kids to stay put!" he yells and turns back towards the dining area. "I don't need a bunch of strangers wandering around my house!" Sorry," Ruby says softly. "But I'm dying to see if my friend is here." Kate stayed back with Chester, but replaced her money purse with another that contained some odd bits and bobs. Her eyes were adjusting to the darkness, and she keep them moving around the room, watching for anything strange. Chester and Kate notice the room is dusty and filled with cobwebs. It is mostly a sitting room and is decorated as such with several upholstered chairs, most with tears in them. There is also a desk that is canted to one side and has a matching wooden chair pulled up to it. There are shelves on the walls that are filled with old knick knacks such as model ships, children’s toys and faded paintings. "Mr. Martin," Kate said, emphasizing the accent she'd been using as Maddie, "Did you notice how bright the moon is tonight? For a moment I thought it flickered, but it must have been my imagination. This town is giving me a case of the shivers." "You can call me Chester, Maddie. I agree about this place. Like there's an evil soaked into the ground of the town. He walks over to the desk and takes a look at the stuff strewn about the top, but doesn't touch anything. There are scratches on the floor from where the chair has been dragged on the floor and on the top of the desk he sees a couple empty ink pots and a piece of wax melted on one end. He also notices the dust near the handles of the roll top has been disturbed. "Well I will let you know, now get outta here," Smythe grumbles in response to Ruby. He watches the dining area for a few moments to see if anyone is continuing towards him. Satisfied that they are not he knocks loudly on the door, his swollen knuckles making an odd sound against the aged wood. He waits a few moments before knocking again and yelling out "Mr. Turner, are you in this evening? There is someone who says she is a friend of yours. A beautiful young lady I must say!" He waits for a moment and knocks and yells one more time then puts his ear to the door. After that he returns to the parlor to tell them "He appears either to not be at home or to not be taking visitors this evening." Ruby breathes a sigh of relief but then her muscles immediately tighten up again. "Dammit," she mutters, "I want this over with!" Not sure if she can trust the man she starts concentrating really hard in the area he is standing, then slowly taking a look in the whole area. Jake asks, "How many other guests do you have? Do you have rooms available?" "Other guests? No other guests. I have 2 rooms that are available upstairs, the others need repairs, roof leaks and such. If you'd like I can make them ready for you, but no more than two per room." "Anybody interested in seeing the rooms upstairs?" Jake says to Maddie and Chester. Chester refuses, and Kate says, “No, I'd just like to ask after my Aunt and Uncle." Ruby snaps out of her concentration. She shakes her head, not having found anything. "Thanks for checking. We'll go check out the saloon." She doesn't bother to wait for Jake to get rooms before she heads out the door and starts over to the Saloon. "Looks like the lady does not want to look at the rooms." Jake grabs their gear and heads out into the street the way he came in. "You can go with your friends, Chester. I'll be along." Kate went quickly through asking Mr. Smythe about her fictitious relatives, and was appropriately distressed and the negative answer. She thanked him politely and moved to follow the others outside. “Have a good night, Mr. Smythe." Chester leaves with Maddie. Outside, he says, "I wanted to take a look at the desk in the sitting room. Someone's used it recently. Smythe said that Turner comes and goes by his own door." "You should have looked. You could go back and ask about a room, but I don't suppose he would leave you alone down there. I could go back with you and peek while you're gone... but you might get stuck staying there then." Chester shudders. "I don't want to get stuck in the same place as Turner. It's not important. Let's go to Greeley's. I wonder how easy it would be to sneak in the back of the house." Nanuet waits with Minerva near the back door. "Do you see that?” he says, pointing to the moon. “It looks like bats or something, but there are so many. I don't think I have ever seen that many at once." "How odd! What do you suppose that it means? Let's see if we can get inside." She tries the door and finds it locked. Just as she tries it though she hears someone exit quickly out the front door. "What was that?" Nanuet says. "Sounds like they might be leaving." He makes his way around the side of the building towards the front at a moderate pace. Minerva steps back outside and follows Nanuet to the front of the house where she sees everyone leaving. She catches up with them, while continuing to watch the moon. Nanuet grabs his and Minerva's luggage from the front of the old boarding house and heads after Ruby and the others hoping that Minerva follows. "Meirda!, I'm going to have to have a talk with that man!" she mutters and rushes once again to keep up. "Wait for me!" [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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