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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: 2819562" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>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.</p><p></p><p><em>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. </em>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.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"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." </p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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 <em>did</em> have some friends here, I've been dreadfully lonely." She dropped her head for a moment then shook a smile back onto her face. </p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"Those were my good guesses," she laughed. "Perhaps you collect things that belonged to famous people? </p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>How long have you been on your own? The way you say it, it sounds like a long time. Like you left home early."</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"Until now? You don't consider <em>me</em> 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?"</p><p></p><p>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." </p><p></p><p>Jacky gets up and heads to the bar waiting for Greely to finish serving drinks to the poker tables.</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"Another round coming right up. Good luck with your gambling!"</p><p></p><p>"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." </p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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. </p><p></p><p>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!" </p><p></p><p>Thom gets flustered and puts Ruby down, almost dropping her. "I'm sorry pretty lady," he stammers. </p><p></p><p>"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." </p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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." </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?" </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>"Naw, he gets like that a lot. He hates losing his money, but we love taking it don't we boys!"</p><p></p><p>"Mr. Whittaker travels a lot? What does he do?" Jake asks.</p><p></p><p>"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. </p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>After Ruby walks away from the table Jake says, "Keep your mind on the game boys, otherwise I get the money too."</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>After excusing herself Ruby wanders around the saloon. Checking that Greely isn't watching her she quickly heads up the stairs. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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!"</p><p></p><p>Even with someone calling for her Ruby continues to concentrate, but is unable to determine what kind of magic is emanating from the door.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?"</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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?"</p><p></p><p>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."</p><p></p><p>"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."</p><p></p><p>"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.</p><p></p><p>"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. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819562, member: 12815"] 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. [i]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. [/i]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 [i]did[/i] 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 [i]me[/i] 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. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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