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Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2819590" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>After sleeping half of the previous day and most of the night, singer Ruby West finally awakens. Her head pounds with headache and her throat feels parched. Her whole body aches, even more so when she instinctively stretches, and a unhappy moan escapes her lips. She reaches out to the night table for a drink, an old glass of something still left over. She takes a small sip, guessing it's cheap left over whiskey. She scrunches her nose and for once wishes for some water. With an "Ugh" she shakily puts the glass back and tries to sit up in bed, using her arms for support. The room spins and when it stops and becomes clearer she finds Jake in his usual chair, awake.</p><p></p><p>"Hi," she says softly, putting her hand to her throbbing head. "What happened?"</p><p></p><p>"I am not sure what you remember. After the house was fairly well along burning to the ground.... let me see... You took enough poppies to send yourself to oblivion, we brought you home and cleaned you up, you sang a lovely song, and other than that it was very quiet. I am rather pleased to see the sun is up and you are looking better." Jake scratches his chin once or twice, forcing himself not to rub his tired eyes. "I am betting that you do not feel particularly well though."</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks to the floor, her hair covering her face. She is silent for a long moment, unsure of what to say. Finally she raises her head and meets Jake's gaze, her eyes wide and guilty looking. "I remember, at least I think I do," she says quietly, "And I'm sorry." She looks away as she rubs the back of her neck with her uninjured hand, "I'm just... what happened...I can't..." She struggles to find the words but they won't come. "You're right, I don't feel too well."</p><p></p><p>Ruby's eyes get moist but she doesn't cry. "I just can't do this much longer. It's getting so hard... I need to get this done and get out of here."</p><p></p><p>"What, you think that I have never hidden in the bottom of a bottle before?" Jake smiles at her. "I am not angry with you." His smile slowly disappears, "Actually, once I finally woke up and realized you were hitting the laudanum I thought it could be the answer to my little problem. I could let you stay doped up, useless if the vampires controlled you, and yet I could still keep you where I could see you and protect you."</p><p></p><p>Jake sighs heavily. "It has been a bad plan. Drunk or doped, your will is easier to break when they try to take you. Like myself, you are also remarkably able to function even when most others would have fallen down and gone to sleep. I cannot keep up this pace without sleep," the words draw out the yawn he had been suppressing. "If you really cannot do this, perhaps I should put you on a stage with Katherine back to Promise City. Fill yourself full of enough laudanum so you would be of no use to them and let Katherine guide you back. I could then concentrate on making certain that any monster that had any designs on you is destroyed and follow you back quickly." Jake rises, wincing slightly as his muscles complain. "I do not want you to go, I would rather do this together. However I am rather fond of living, and looking forward to our little celebration after this is over... among other things." He comes and sits next to her on the bed. "You can let me do this for us. You can be the strong one another time. I know that you can be strong when I need you the most."</p><p></p><p>"I don't want to be your problem, baby," Ruby whispers, "I want to be strong. I want to be strong for you. I used to be strong..." Her head aches and she eyes the new, full bottle that the doctor gave her, longing to take a sip.</p><p></p><p>Instead Ruby moves closer to Jake, swinging her legs off the bed, then letting one of them lean up against Jake's. She sighs deeply, "I don't want to leave you." She shakes her head back and forth and she chokes as her words come, "Please don't send me away."</p><p></p><p>"Send you away! Hermes as my witness, I do not want to." He runs a gentle hand through her hair, "You will have to decide. If you cannot get along without that bottle, then I have to keep you hidden either here or someplace else. I have yet to figure out how to hide you here. Maybe there is a way...."</p><p></p><p>"I'm not leaving then," Ruby says stubbornly. "And I will try not to use the bottle." She pauses, "But the nightmares are truly bad and my imagination worse. I need you next to me at night, your arms around me to protect me."</p><p></p><p>She lets Jake caress her hair and enjoys being close to him for a bit before she speaks again.</p><p></p><p>"I will talk to Whittaker today. I will see what I can find out. But I don't understand what we are still doing here. We think Colin is dead and now those others are dead. What else is there to do?"</p><p></p><p>"I need to be more certain that no one is coming back to Promise City after you, or me for that matter." In response to the comment he expects he continues quickly, "I know, I know, I am too suspicious. That quality has kept me alive so far. Even when we know that, do you think that Nanuet and Minerva will be satisfied and leave? They will want to make sure there are NO more vampires. Can you really leave them behind to face them alone? I do not think I could do so. I can however let them take the lead and give whatever aid they need."</p><p></p><p>Jake sits, looking like he is thinking. "I just wish I knew what was behind all this, without that it is hard to know if we are still in danger beyond just being in this pit of a town."</p><p></p><p>She sighs, "No, I couldn't leave them, you know that." She again hangs her head, "I've just been so... scared. You know, I've finally got something good and I don't want it to end." She rubs her head gently, her headache still there. Her stomach also joins the protest of yesterday's actions and she starts to feel sick</p><p></p><p>"How can we even find out what is behind all this? I thought Colin was the only one. And even in death he was still just a man." A small smile comes to Ruby's lips, "Just like all the rest, he found me irresistible too. But these others were different."</p><p></p><p>Jake just shakes his head with a lop sided grin. "Yes, there is no one else quite like you my dear Ruby West. I am certain the three others were just foul men to begin with, made worse by the curse on them. I cannot say what really motivates them." Jake stifles another yawn. "Perhaps one of our friends has a clear head after a good nights rest. We can ask them over breakfast to determine if any clever ideas have emerged. Otherwise it is Whittaker, Greely and that mysterious well. That and maybe a bit of rest for me." He yawns again.</p><p></p><p>"Are you going to breakfast?" Just the thought of eating churns Ruby's stomach, even though she knows that she will need to get something to eat. She places her palm flat against her belly. "I thought you would be going to sleep."</p><p></p><p>"I told you I am going to see Whittaker myself, after breakfast. And I don't want to stay here anymore, don't you agree?"</p><p></p><p>"I need to eat something, even if I am going to sleep afterwards. Yes, I think we can assume Edwards knows his business and a private residence is the best idea. I got a little sleep in the early evening, I could wait a little while and back you and the others up with Whittaker." He yawns again. "I think I would rather have that rest in a house anyway, and the sooner the better."</p><p></p><p>"Well, they can't get into a house if it was our own, and then you could sleep next to me, where you belong. And that is most important. Let's try to do that tod-," Ruby's voice stops suddenly. She wobbly slides off the bed before hurrying to the window and kneeling, arriving at the chamber pot just before she vomits.</p><p></p><p>Jake ties her hair back and says, "I will be right back." He locates some fresh wash cloths, towels, and water from the hotel staff. He gives Ruby whatever time she needs to be ready.</p><p></p><p>When Ruby finally stops throwing up she kneels back on her heels and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "I suppose I deserve that," she says wearily, with a pale face and dark circles under her eyes. Jake hands her a glass of water and then wipes her forehead with a cool cloth.</p><p></p><p>She reaches up and grabs his wrist. "I'm sorry about yesterday, I mean about...the gun and..." Jake doesn't let her finish, "Forget it Ruby. It wasn't you. I know that and so do the others. Let's get you cleaned up."</p><p></p><p>Ruby weakly tries to get off the floor, so Jake helps her up. She takes her time slowly cleaning herself up and getting dressed and as she does she starts to feel better.</p><p></p><p>"You should get some food in you," Jake comments, "It will help."</p><p></p><p>"I know, I know," A small sad smile comes to her lips, "But what I really want is in that bottle." She points to the bottle the doctor had given her. "I'm going to really try Jake but I might need to take some anyway." She refills her silver flask and slips it in her skirt. "I will try. Now let's go to breakfast so you can get some rest."</p><p></p><p>They head downstairs and find a table large enough to accommodate everyone, in case they decide to show up. Ruby sees Maddie and nods but doesn't speak to her, hoping she return as Kate.</p><p></p><p>"I'm going to see Whittaker after breakfast. If he'll see me there shouldn't be any danger in the light. If not, I'll need you tonight." Ruby smiles, "Well, I always need you. But you know what I mean. So after you eat you get some rest."</p><p></p><p>Jake nods his agreement, looking tired but still forcing himself to eat. When Nanuet and Minerva come down he puts $500 in the Indian's pocket, "For you two, from what was found in Turner's trunk. It will help defray expenses."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet looks at the money and his eyes widen. "Well we can do a lot with this, if they ever get to move out of that boarding house Minerva we can get you some real furniture and for now it pays for room and board. Thanks." He grabs the waitress and orders breakfast for himself and Minerva, his stomach grumbling. "Jake my friend, you look tired hopefully we can get this over with soon and get back to something that resembles a normal life. And Ruby, how do you feel today? You looked pretty out of it yesterday, glad to see you up and around." The food arrives and he begins digging in with fervor.</p><p></p><p>Chester comes down to breakfast. He looks around for Nolan Edwards. Hopefully that note as enough for Edwards to be careful around the sheriff. "Morning folks. Did you sleep OK? Did Mr. Edwards or the sheriff tell anyone what they found at the house?"</p><p></p><p>"Good morning." Ruby smiles as Chester joins them. "Well, yes I guess I am feeling better. Not totally better though." She picks at her toast as Katherine also joins them. "Morning Kate." She takes a small bite of the dry toast and follows it with some strong coffee.</p><p></p><p>"I guess I should start by apologizing to everyone I tried to kill yesterday. I'm really sorry. Especially you, Minerva, I am especially sorry I shot you." Ruby does let anyone interrupt.</p><p></p><p>"No, we haven't seen Edwards. Chet, did you find out any information yesterday yourself? How about you guys?" Ruby looks to Minerva and Nanuet.</p><p></p><p>"There were three caskets in the basement. We were about to open them, when the house caught fire." </p><p></p><p>"I know that I have been acting strange lately, I've just been really scared. I don't want to stay here in the hotel anymore, since the...," she quickly glances around the room to make sure no one is listening, "Monsters can get in here. It would really help me to not be here. And poor Jake doesn't get to sleep anymore either. So unless we're leaving real soon a more private place might be in order."</p><p></p><p>"I'm going to speak with Whittaker after breakfast." A smile crosses her face, "We're friends already. And I think Kate mentioned visiting Greely?" Katherine nods in agreement. "Chester, maybe you want to go with her? He seems very suspicious."</p><p></p><p>"I can do that. It'll even be all official like. By the way, where's Maddie been?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby finally stops blabbering and looks up at her friends staring at her. "What?" she says quietly, "I just desperately want to get out of here."</p><p></p><p>"We all do, Mrs. Jacobs," Chester says. "Being away from Clarisse is killing me. But the only way to make sure is to do this right."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, Chester that is very sweet, missing your lass and all. I guess you really like her, huh?" Ruby smiles genuine then turning mischievous. "And I don't know about that Maddie. You like her too?"</p><p></p><p>"As for your other question... Those three, with the aforementioned caskets, Jake thinks they can do the same as Colin and one of them... you know... made me do...well..." Ruby pokes around in her toast some more. "I don't know. Doesn't mean Colin I guess."</p><p></p><p>After a moment Ruby goes on. "Today Jake will sleep and we can meet up for dinner and the saloon tonight to go over what we found out. Nanuet and Minerva, maybe you two might want to check with Edwards and see if he found out anything or if he needs any help. Plus, get him to go to the Saloon tonight too."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet answers, "I can check in with him and see if he has any info or needs any help. We'll make sure he gets over to Greely's tonight, that should not be a problem."</p><p></p><p>"Good," Ruby nods. She eyes Jake's plate of breakfast food, then takes a bite of her toast and has a sip of coffee. Suddenly she felt like she hadn't had anything to eat in days and was starving. She looks back at her friends, "Alright, it seems we have a plan then. We should also be ready to go down that well at some point. I guess daytime is better, maybe tomorrow? Someone has to figure out a way to get under that statue. Maybe we have to dig a hole next to it to get down there."</p><p></p><p>She picks a small piece of bacon off Jake's plate to see how it will go down. "Does anyone have anything else then?"</p><p></p><p>After breakfast is finished the friends all head off in their own directions, Chester and Kate to find Greely, Nanuet and Minerva to find Edwards, Jake to sleep and Ruby to Whittaker’s. </p><p></p><p>Ruby walks Jake upstairs. While up there she takes his flask of holy water and hides a stake in the back of her skirt, "Just in case."</p><p></p><p>"You need anything?" she asks. "I'm going to come right here after I am done with Whittaker."</p><p></p><p>"Just you," he says and lays down to rest.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles and kisses Jake on the cheek. "Have a good rest love." She quietly leaves their room and the hotel, ending her journey at the strange house.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smoothes her dress and her hair, takes a deep breath, then walks towards the dark lonely house. </p><p></p><p>Chester and Kate stop by Greely's bar first. They enter and Chester calls out, "Mr. Greely? Thom? Anyone here? It's Mr. Martin and Miss Anders. I want to ask you a few questions."</p><p></p><p>Thom is there and he answers, "No, Mr. Greely at home. He sleep during the daytime, he not here."</p><p></p><p>Chester turns as if to leave, but then pauses and turns back to face Thom. "Thom, has Mr. Greely always slept during the day? Even before your accident? Try to remember, please."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, he sleep during the day. He stays up all night running saloon. Thom," he says, pointing to himself, "Used to too, when Thom ran saloon."</p><p></p><p>"OK, thank you Thom. We'll let you get back to work. You wouldn't want to disappoint, Mr. Greely."</p><p></p><p>Chester and Kate walk to Greely's home. People walk around sullenly as through abandoned by the Fates. Kate notes, "The townspeople are so sad, as though they have no hope, no future as long as they live here. The vampires have terrorized these people."</p><p></p><p>"Yep. These folks didn't really have a chance against the vampires. Not many would. Vampires are things of legend and magic. Far beyond most folks' experience."</p><p></p><p>The pair reaches Greely's home. Chester knocks on the door, like before there is no answer. He pounds on the door, but still there is no answer. Chester tries the doorknob, but it's locked. He says to Kate, "I'll go this way, you go that way. Take a look in the windows, see if anyone's here." They check in all the windows, but the curtains are drawn in all of them. "We're not getting any answers today. "I'll try at the saloon tonight. Let's go back."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva check around the hotel to see if they can find Edwards. They will not give out his room number but will take a message to give to him. Nanuet and Minerva leave a simple message just saying that they would like to touch base with him and to see if he is OK. They then head to the sheriff’s office where Al Weeks is hard at work. He says they didn't hear or see anything to crazy last night but that they came back to work pretty late. He says that he would not be surprised if Edwards is still sleeping as he told him that he is usually a night owl.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet faces Minerva. "It seems our work is done for now my love and we have the afternoon to be together, some time to recharge ourselves before tonight. Any ideas on how you would like to spend our time?" he asks, taking her hand.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps we should return to the hotel and have lunch. Do you think it would be unseemly to spend the remainder of the afternoon in our room?" she says with a mischievous grin. "After all we are going to be up all night hunting monsters it would be wise to rest awhile."</p><p></p><p>"Well we can certainly spend the time in our room, but I don't know about resting!" he says with equal mischief in his voice.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva pass the afternoon in their bedroom engaging in extracurricular activities before they collapsed and got some rest. When called upon by Ruby and Jake they headed downstairs to meet with them.</p><p></p><p>As Ruby approaches the house she harkens back to stories she read as a child about haunted houses and ghosts. The house is new, but the windows are shuttered tight or boarded up. Even the front door has curtains over the small windows near the top. Someone certainly does not want the light in their home.</p><p></p><p>She shudders as she approaches the front door slowly, searching for anything out of the ordinary. She stands outside and knocks firmly on the door.</p><p></p><p>Several moments pass and Ruby contemplates leaving but she takes a quick deep breath and knocks again. Shortly after the second knock the door swings inward and a thin, ratty looking Mexican man opens the door. "Si Senorita, what do you want?"</p><p></p><p>She smiles, "Good afternoon Sir. I'd like to speak to Mr. Whittaker please."</p><p></p><p>"Sorry, Mr. Whittaker not talk to nobody today. He might be at Greely's tonight, you talk to him there."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, but it's important," Ruby says, straining to look over him and see into the house. "I'd really like to see him outside of Greely's. Is Mr. Whittaker alright?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, he is very much alright. He is tired, he sleep all day and come out to Greely's late tonight. You have message you want me to give Senior Whittaker?"</p><p></p><p>"Alright, please do. Tell him Mrs. Jacobs would like to speak to him when he has a moment. I would very much appreciate it. I'm staying at the hotel. If he could stop by ask for me at the desk. Otherwise I will be the saloon tonight."</p><p></p><p>"I will tell him Senorita. Sorry he could not help you right now. If I were not busy then I wish I could help you," he says narrowing his eyes.</p><p></p><p>"I'm quite certain you would be so kind, Senor. Good day." Ruby turns on her heel and walks back down the path, only glancing back over her shoulder once.</p><p></p><p>As Ruby begins to turn and walk away she hears a voice call out from somewhere in the house.</p><p></p><p>"Mrs. Jacobs, please come in. Romo, show Mrs. Jacobs to the parlor, I will be right down. Please excuse the conditions, I will explain shortly."</p><p></p><p>Ruby blinks as she is called back into the house. She turns and walks in slowly, letting Romo show her to the parlor. She really hadn’t been expecting to speak with Mr. Whittaker this morning. As she nervously waits she takes in the surroundings of the dark room.</p><p></p><p>About 3 minutes pass as Ruby waits in silence. Romo passes by the entrance to the room a few times each time stopping to leer at Ruby for a moment before moving on. A tall man with a receding hairline enters the room carrying a lantern. Ruby recognizes the scowl on his face from the card table at Greely's. Bobby Whittaker sits down across from Ruby and says "I apologize for the unusual situation with the light, I have a condition that makes me intolerant to sunlight, so I must avoid it at all costs. I hope that is a sufficient explanation. Beyond that, what brings you by my home today ma'am?"</p><p></p><p>"No sunlight? That must be awful," Ruby comments, "I'm sorry to hear that." She pauses and pays close attention to his reaction before continuing. "Well, first I wanted to apologize for the other night. I'm sorry if you didn't like my behavior at the card table. I'm used to the way we do it at home. I didn't mean to be the newcomer and upset you."</p><p></p><p>His reaction is placid, if he is feeling any emotion his face or body language does not show it. "My condition has not affected my life Mrs. Jacobs, so there is no need to be sorry, as you can see I have done OK for myself. As for the cards, don't worry, I just haven't gotten used to losing yet, but it seems that if it wasn't you then someone else would take my money, no hard feelings. I doubt you came up here to discuss the card game from the other night though."</p><p></p><p>"Well, I did want to apologize. I don't like making people feel so uncomfortable that they get up and leave around me. Quite the opposite actually." She looks around the room again, "Could I have some water please? I had a rough night last night and my throat is very dry."</p><p></p><p>"Mrs. Jacobs, I do not run a restaurant or a saloon, I thought you might have something important to say, if you do please say it otherwise I believe it is time for you to go. I am a busy man and have many things to do."</p><p></p><p>Ruby puts a surprised look on her face. "Well, I am sorry to offend you Mr. Whittaker. Actually I came for some business too. I heard you've been in the real estate business lately. I am looking for a house or apartment."</p><p></p><p>"Buying or renting? I suppose I would be able to deal with either one. I am looking to sell or rent the former mayor's home. I just closed on it myself this week. If you would like to take a look around I can have Romo meet you there with the key later today."</p><p></p><p>"Renting probably, unless you insisted on us buying it. Yes, we'd like to look around. How much are you asking?" Ruby plays dumb. "I heard some rumors about the mayor. Do you know what happened to him?"</p><p></p><p>"All I know is that he and his wife are deceased and had no kin to claim the property so it went up for public auction. How does $20 a week sound for rent?"</p><p></p><p>"Sounds reasonable. But my husband may prefer to buy, would you mind meeting with us yourself later? Perhaps after dinner? He's sort of a night person anyway, so the two of you should get along. If he wants to buy then you could settle with him then."</p><p></p><p>"If I were to meet you for dinner tonight it would have to be very late. I have some business already scheduled for early this evening. I plan on heading over to Greely's afterwards as long as things go as planned with my other business. Perhaps we should just meet then?"</p><p></p><p>"We can meet then, at the saloon if you'd like. But my husband will want to see the house first. So whatever you think will work." Ruby stands and looks around the room for any type of mirror. "Do you have something I could freshen up myself up with?" She pats at her hair. "Need to keep my little incident under cover the best I can. I'm sure you heard what happened."</p><p></p><p>Whittaker stands when Ruby does. He listens to what she is saying then nods and says "Romo, please show Mrs. Jacobs to the washroom on the first floor, then escort her out. I would like you to make arrangements with her as to when you can meet her at the mayor's residence with a key so that she and her husband can have a look around the place."</p><p></p><p>Damn, she thinks, that didn't work. "Alright Mr. Whittaker, thank you for seeing me. We will see you later tonight to finish our business." She lets Romo show her to the washroom, getting a good look around as she does.</p><p></p><p>The house is sparsely furnished and what little furniture is there appears to be more functional than decorative. There is literally no sunlight anywhere in the house but Romo knows his way around very well and uses a lantern to help him see the way. He brings Ruby to the washroom and patiently waits for her to finish before seeing her out.</p><p></p><p>"What time you want to see the house?" he says as he guides her to the door.</p><p></p><p>"Right before dinner? Say 5:00? Then we'll meet with Mr. Whittaker at the Saloon."</p><p></p><p>"5:00 should be OK, but I can not stay long. If you recall Mr. Whittaker said he had some business to take care of in the early evening, and I will be going with him. He will meet you at the saloon afterwards, but not immediately."</p><p></p><p>"Sounds like important business. We wouldn't want to keep you from it. 5:00 it is then." Ruby nods towards him, "Thank you sir." She gets directions to the Mayor's old residence then heads back to the Hotel.</p><p></p><p>Ruby returns to their room, satisfied with the outcome of her visit with Mr. Whittaker. When she returned with Jake later that day together they would find out if he was one of the monsters or not.</p><p></p><p>Ruby's head still pounded, her heart was racing and a light sweat started to break out on her forehead. She reaches for the flask in her skirt but instead decides to try the only other thing that ever relaxed and comforted her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby quickly drops her clothes to the floor and climbs into bed with Jake. She snuggles up to him, pressing her nose against his neck. She breathes in deeply and sighs.</p><p></p><p>He opens his eyes briefly as she climbs in, wraps an arm around her and falls back to sleep.</p><p></p><p>She fights the urge to get out of bed and have a drink, instead using Jake's warmth and scent to distract her. Eventually she falls restlessly asleep.</p><p></p><p>A few hours later Ruby wakes with a start. She sits straight up in bed, sweat covering her. She is tightly grasping Jake's hand in hers and she tries to slow her breathing down as she figures out where she is. Her eyes adjust to the light slowly and she recognizes her surroundings. She takes a deep breath in, then covers her face and sobs lightly as she tries to calm down.</p><p></p><p>Her movement wakes Jake who first reaches for his derringer under the pillow, but when he sees that she has only woken from some dream leaves the gun there. He waits quietly, watching her for a time before he finally sits up slowly and embraces her.</p><p></p><p>Ruby throws her arm around Jake, but doesn’t let go of his hand. “I...I had a dream. A nightmare, well, mostly. I know you believe we can get messages in our dreams. Do you also believe that things you dream about can come true?”</p><p></p><p>Jake looks uncomfortable for a moment. "Well, I believe they could come true." He clears his throat. "I have had both experiences, going along with the message dreams and, um denying them."</p><p></p><p>“Well I do, believe that things I dream can come true or will come true. Like little messages to me from somewhere, maybe even from myself, I don’t know.”</p><p></p><p>She again takes a deep breath in. “I’ve had this dream many, many times. I used to have it all the time. But this time was different, the dream changed. You were there.” Ruby’s eyes meet Jake and she smiles softly at him before looking back down to his hand, still gripped tightly in hers.</p><p></p><p>“We were on a ship in the ocean, taking a trip somewhere. We were down below, relaxing and enjoying each other. And then suddenly something happened and the ship turned over. We were trapped inside, and the cold water was rushing in.” Ruby’s voice starts to crack as she speaks. “And everyone was panicking and I panicked too. There was no way to get out.” She wipes a tear from her eye. “And I knew I would die, that we would die, if I didn’t do something but I couldn’t, I wasn’t strong enough or brave enough. I couldn’t escape.” She hangs her head, as if embarrassed. “Through all this I was holding a doll in my hands and all I kept thinking was that I felt so sorry for my little doll, because she was so beautiful and was soon going to be hopelessly stuck at the bottom of the ocean.” This seems to really hurt Ruby to say, her face is pained. “And when I used to have this dream that is what happened. The water came in and we went under. And I died.” A few more tears fall to the bed.</p><p></p><p>“But this time was different, this time, when the water came in, you grabbed me by the shoulders and you said, ‘Ruby, I will get us out of this. I can save us, if you believe I can. But I need your help. I will do everything, all you have to do it hold on.’ And you extended your hand to me and gripped my hand tightly in yours. And you said, ‘You hold onto me and I’ll never let you go.’ And I believed that you could. So I held onto my doll so tightly with one hand and you with the other. And you said, ‘Close your eyes so you don’t see the monsters and everything will be alright.’ And you kissed me and then I held my breath and closed my eyes.”</p><p></p><p>“Then I felt the water rush over us, and it was cold and it was trying to tear us apart. But I held tight and kept my eyes closed. And I felt you pulling me, through the ship and out the top and into the cold ocean. It was so hard to hold on and I felt like I was slipping, but every time I thought I couldn’t hold on any longer you gripped my hand tighter, holding me to you.”</p><p></p><p>“Once we were outside the ship, I cracked my eyes open. It was so dark but I could see there were monsters, so huge and scary, trying to get us, but somehow you maneuvered us and kept us safe. And you never let me go.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby drops her arm from around Jake and again looks at their clasped hand. “You never will, will you Jake? I just have this feeling you really won’t, ever let me go.”</p><p></p><p>Jake grins, "No, I will not ever let you go. Are you just figuring that out now?" He shakes her a little, and then just squeezes her tight.</p><p></p><p>Staying within Jake’s arms Ruby places her hand gently on his bearded face and tilts it towards her. She smiles then brushes her lips softly against his. Looking up at him with big eyes she continues, “You saved us Jake, you really are my knight in shining armor. You even save me from myself.” She lets her lips brush his again.</p><p></p><p>Ruby is quiet for a moment, resting in Jake’s arm. “Can you guess when I started having that dream?”</p><p></p><p>Jake hesitates, a little unsure of himself suddenly. "I probably should know, but just tell me."</p><p></p><p>"When I was with Jimmy." Ruby says simply.</p><p></p><p>"Ah." Jake says and nods to himself. I am glad Jimmy is already dead, or I would have to kill him, Jake thinks, slowly at that. He gives her a reassuring squeeze and asks, "Did your little doll have beautiful red hair?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks up at Jake with large sad eyes and nods. “I was so sure it would have been a girl. I wanted to name her Molly. Do you like the name Molly, Jake?” Ruby looks down at their hands, her own deep red hair falling over her shoulders as she looks down. She runs her finger back and forth over Jake’s tiny thorn shaped scar.</p><p></p><p>"Molly is a pretty name," he says in a low voice.</p><p></p><p>“After that was all over, the doctor said he wasn’t sure I could still have babies. Not that I want one of those little monsters anyway…” her voice trails off, her face melancholy.</p><p></p><p>But suddenly she smiles and the sadness begins melting away, replaced with something mostly foreign to Jake…hope. “But I told you my dream was different, it ended differently and by the time we got to the top of water it was still you and me, like it always will be. And the pretty little doll was there too. I know you think I give you too much credit. But you are so strong. And brave. You don’t think you are but you are. You are willing to stand face to face with a true monster, for me. What more could a girl ask for?” she says, squeezing Jake in return, her eyes shining with adoration.</p><p></p><p>“We are similar in many ways but we are different in some. I believe the things I dream can come true or will come true, like a vision of what is to be. And you… you even save me in my dreams. You turned something horrible into something good.”</p><p></p><p>Jake is instantly speechless, his acerbic wit and clever retorts are no help to him at this moment. Embarrassed, all he can think about is how scared he really is and how many times he has miscalculated or mishandled their problems. A flash of Johnny Ringo's thoughts as the outlaw turned the cylinder in his gun to the next bullet try to creep their way in to Jake's current thoughts but he forces them away and suppresses a shiver. "We are going to get out of this one just fine too. Together. Working together."</p><p></p><p>"I know," Ruby says, "That is what I am trying to say." She moves on the bed so she is kneeling in front of him. "My dream told me so. I haven't had enough faith I guess. I used to and somehow I lost it along the way." She takes his hands in hers and squeezes. "I've been foolish. And I don't know when I let everything fall on you. Even in my dream you said, 'I can save us, but you have to hold on.'" Ruby looks down, a crimson blush on her cheeks, "But I was letting go." She looks back up, looking deep into his chocolate eyes, "But I'm not going to do that anymore. What I am saying is I won't let go either Jake. I promise. Even things that seem impossible aren't... with you. I don't want to lose that." Picking up on Jake's embarrassment she cocks her head to the side, "What's wrong?"</p><p></p><p>"Wrong? Not wrong, just... well," he grins, "You give me too much credit. Perhaps I am inspired to greatness."</p><p></p><p>Ruby returns Jake's grin, "No lover, you don't give yourself enough credit. Inspired to greatness? It wouldn't be the first time I've been called inspiring. Speaking of inspiring...," she moves a little closer, "We have some time before we have to go see our new house. How ever will we pass the time?" she giggles, placing her hands on Jake's beard. "You know, I kinda like it."</p><p></p><p>"The beard? Heh. I was just thinking I was ready to shave it off and finish this little trip looking l normally do. Maybe even get some more of the locals money playing poker looking like me." He pushes her over onto the bed. "There is still plenty of time to enjoy it..."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs as she falls back onto the bed, her hair fanning out around her. "Well, I like the old way better," she giggles. "I'm ready for the old way. There are a lot of things we have been not doing the old way." She pulls Jake down on top of her and gives him a long kiss as he starts unbuttoning his shirt that she is wearing.</p><p></p><p>Then she pushes him off her. "Wait a minute." She pauses and looks into Jake's eyes, then takes a deep breath in before unbuttoning the shirt herself. Then she takes Jake's hands and places them on her waist. "It isn't as bad as it looks," she says softly with a blush.</p><p></p><p>"As long as it does not hurt to touch," he says, leaning back over her. "This will just speed up the healing process."</p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles again, letting out her tension. "It's doesn't really hurt. Only a tiny bit. I just need to be distracted from it." She lifts her long legs and wraps them around Jake. "Ahem," she says, clearing her throat, "That's your job."</p><p></p><p>Whereby Jake went about doing his best to distract the faux Jacobs from the problems in Thomaswell for a while.</p><p></p><p>Ruby lies in Jake's sweaty arms, happier and more content than she has been in while. She explains to him what happened at Whittakers and that they need to meet Romo at 5:00 to see the house.</p><p></p><p>"Ready to buy our first home Mr. Jacobs?" Ruby teases.</p><p></p><p>"Best to rent while the property values are still dropping," he says with a smirk. "The real opportunity might be to follow that Romo guy and see where Whittaker is going. You or I could follow them quietly, not to mention Chet or Nanuet could too, as well as track them. What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, I agree with you darling. But don't you leave me alone. I will admit I'm in a precarious enough state. Nanuet is a seasoned tracker, and so is Chester. Let one of them go please." Ruby sits up in bed. "As much as I hate to say it, we should get ready soon. We don’t' want to miss our opportunity. I have a strong suspicion that Whittaker is a vampire, and the cause of all this trouble."</p><p></p><p>"Let us go and find the others then, and see if they are game for a little tracking and spying. Somebody needs to be ready before we check out the house." They go about getting ready, then go looking for the others.</p><p></p><p>Ruby notices, for the first time, how loose her gown really is as she gets ready. "Why didn't you tell me I was getting so scrawny? That might have helped me see things a little clearer."</p><p></p><p>"You were not ready to see clearly," Jake replies plainly, "so why just make you feel bad?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, because if I thought you didn't want me I might have figured things out a little sooner."</p><p></p><p>"And all I had to do is lie and say I did not want you? I wonder why I did not think of that sooner," he says shaking his head. "Get moving skinny."</p><p></p><p>Ruby's mouth drops opens as she begins to protest but Jake is already pushing her out the door by her behind.</p><p></p><p>Jake and Ruby go door to door to find all their friends, gathering them together and explaining the situation.</p><p></p><p>"So we have to go and look at the house, but maybe someone else wants to track this Romo guy after he leaves. He was very seedy and he looked at me funny too, so I'd be careful around him."</p><p></p><p> "I was thinking that Nanuet with Minerva backing him up could watch Whittaker's house while we are doing this. Minerva could send her owl after us if needed. Chet, are you up to following Romo? You would need to hide out while he shows us the Mayor's old house and then follow him after that. We'll follow you."</p><p></p><p>"That is a good idea." Minerva replies to Jake's suggestion</p><p></p><p>"Yep. Just describe him to me and I'll see where he goes. How long do you want me to trail him?" Chester asks.</p><p></p><p>Ruby gives Chester a good description of Romo, then Jake says, "That's a good question. I assume until he leads us to Whittaker, but use your judgement. I was guessing we will not be going that far, but could be wrong."</p><p></p><p>Minerva turns to Ruby. "You look like you are feeling more yourself Senorita Ruby. No more headache?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, I am not fully feeling myself, I do actually have a headache. But I realize I may have been a bit... dramatic with my cure. I've been really scared. I not used to that and I don't deal with it well."</p><p></p><p>"We are all fearful of the consequences and after trying your 'cure' myself I can certainly understand why you chose that path." Minerva says sympathetically.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs, "Without it I have terrible dreams, nightmares. But today I had one that wasn't so bad," she looks at Jake and blushes slightly. "Maybe I even got a vision of the future. Anyway, I will try harder. I just really need to get this over with now. I can't take much more." </p><p></p><p>Chester lights a cigarette and nods. "Alright. Luna should be able to find me if you lose sight of me. Are we ready?"</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "Nanuet and Minerva can take Katherine with them and let her see where they are going to be hiding, then she can come back. If we need them, she can go back and find them."</p><p></p><p>Minerva smiles encouragingly at Ruby. "It will be over soon." Minerva grabs her parasol takes Nanuet's arm and strides toward the door with Luna following.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, we'd better go before we're late." Using the directions Ruby was given Ruby and Jake head over to the old Mayor's house.</p><p></p><p>Romo is waiting on the porch to the older house, he leans against the porch smoking a cigarette. It is a narrow, two story house. There are the remains of some flowers that were probably laid on the porch in tribute to the mayor and his wife. The house is fairly old, probably one of the town's original buildings. It is however in very good repair, having been kept up very well.</p><p></p><p>Chester finds a hiding place across the street from the old mayor's house. He drops his cigarette and crushes under his boot while he waits. He pulls down the brim of his hat to hide his face and puts his badge in his jacket pocket. <em>So, Romo. Who do work for? Are you a slave to the vampires? And what do you know about what's going on around here?</em></p><p></p><p>Romo stands up and discards his cigarette and begins unlocking the front door when he sees the couple approaching.</p><p></p><p>"Very prompt, I like that. I show you inside. You like you can leave me $40 for one week rent, one week deposit and I leave you with the key. Mr. Whittaker likes you for some reason Mrs. Jacobs."</p><p></p><p>"Oh?" Ruby acts surprised, "Why do you say that?" she asks while looking around.</p><p></p><p>"Well, since I work with him he never call anyone into his house before. And, he never lets anyone else do his business for him. He always handles all that stuff, but he let me do this with you, collect the money so you could have the key now if you wanted it."</p><p></p><p>Ruby glances at Jake quickly. "Really? I wonder why? I feel so special. Let's take a look around inside shall we?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby gulps and tries to hide her rising panic as they start their tour.</p><p></p><p>"Do YOU know what happened to the Mayor and his wife?"</p><p></p><p>"No senorita, I no know what happened to them. I only know that they are dead," he says lowering his head for a moment mumbling softly "may they rest in peace," before continuing to unlock the door and open the house to them.</p><p></p><p>The house is still furnished although all personal belongings have been removed. A light layer of dust lays over everything and it appears that no one has been in the house for several days.</p><p></p><p>Ruby tries to act like an excited wife looking at a new home, guessing which things a housewife might like, "Oh darling look at the wonderful kitchen, I could make you such wonderful dinners and your favorite pies in this kitchen!"</p><p></p><p>Jake examines the house, looking for unusual features or places that may have a hidden doorway, secret section or panel. He is otherwise quiet, watching Romo carefully. "Hmmm, it was been a while since I had a good home cooked meal," Jake replies with some amusement.</p><p></p><p>Romo is quiet, standing out of the way twiddling his thumbs.</p><p></p><p>Jake does notice that there is what may look like the outline of a concealed door under the table in the living room/parlor. The dust there lies a little differently and a faint outline can be seen.</p><p></p><p>"We'll take it." Jake says suddenly and takes out his wallet.</p><p></p><p>Romo smiles widely and hurries over towards Jake. "Senor Whittaker will be so happy."</p><p></p><p>Romo counts out the money that Jake offers him and hands the key over to him. "You can just stop by at the house once a week and I can take the money. Thank you and enjoy the house. Anything else I can do for you?"</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "I think that is all for now. We will stop by if we have any other questions."</p><p></p><p>Romo folds the bills in half and tucks them in his shirt pocket, patting it once for good measure before leaving the couple in their newly rented piece of Thomaswell, NM.</p><p></p><p>"I just can't wait to move in and get cooking for you. It has been too long you're right. Prudence would dictate that we eat in more, we've been eating out way too much." Ruby continues to look around, guessing that Jake found something. "Oh but what about looking at the bedroom? Isn't that the most important room of all? I mean, where will we make all those chubby little babies if the bedroom isn't perfect for it?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby waits until Romo leaves then drops the smile. "What did you find? I was guessing we should look upstairs for clues."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819590, member: 12815"] After sleeping half of the previous day and most of the night, singer Ruby West finally awakens. Her head pounds with headache and her throat feels parched. Her whole body aches, even more so when she instinctively stretches, and a unhappy moan escapes her lips. She reaches out to the night table for a drink, an old glass of something still left over. She takes a small sip, guessing it's cheap left over whiskey. She scrunches her nose and for once wishes for some water. With an "Ugh" she shakily puts the glass back and tries to sit up in bed, using her arms for support. The room spins and when it stops and becomes clearer she finds Jake in his usual chair, awake. "Hi," she says softly, putting her hand to her throbbing head. "What happened?" "I am not sure what you remember. After the house was fairly well along burning to the ground.... let me see... You took enough poppies to send yourself to oblivion, we brought you home and cleaned you up, you sang a lovely song, and other than that it was very quiet. I am rather pleased to see the sun is up and you are looking better." Jake scratches his chin once or twice, forcing himself not to rub his tired eyes. "I am betting that you do not feel particularly well though." Ruby looks to the floor, her hair covering her face. She is silent for a long moment, unsure of what to say. Finally she raises her head and meets Jake's gaze, her eyes wide and guilty looking. "I remember, at least I think I do," she says quietly, "And I'm sorry." She looks away as she rubs the back of her neck with her uninjured hand, "I'm just... what happened...I can't..." She struggles to find the words but they won't come. "You're right, I don't feel too well." Ruby's eyes get moist but she doesn't cry. "I just can't do this much longer. It's getting so hard... I need to get this done and get out of here." "What, you think that I have never hidden in the bottom of a bottle before?" Jake smiles at her. "I am not angry with you." His smile slowly disappears, "Actually, once I finally woke up and realized you were hitting the laudanum I thought it could be the answer to my little problem. I could let you stay doped up, useless if the vampires controlled you, and yet I could still keep you where I could see you and protect you." Jake sighs heavily. "It has been a bad plan. Drunk or doped, your will is easier to break when they try to take you. Like myself, you are also remarkably able to function even when most others would have fallen down and gone to sleep. I cannot keep up this pace without sleep," the words draw out the yawn he had been suppressing. "If you really cannot do this, perhaps I should put you on a stage with Katherine back to Promise City. Fill yourself full of enough laudanum so you would be of no use to them and let Katherine guide you back. I could then concentrate on making certain that any monster that had any designs on you is destroyed and follow you back quickly." Jake rises, wincing slightly as his muscles complain. "I do not want you to go, I would rather do this together. However I am rather fond of living, and looking forward to our little celebration after this is over... among other things." He comes and sits next to her on the bed. "You can let me do this for us. You can be the strong one another time. I know that you can be strong when I need you the most." "I don't want to be your problem, baby," Ruby whispers, "I want to be strong. I want to be strong for you. I used to be strong..." Her head aches and she eyes the new, full bottle that the doctor gave her, longing to take a sip. Instead Ruby moves closer to Jake, swinging her legs off the bed, then letting one of them lean up against Jake's. She sighs deeply, "I don't want to leave you." She shakes her head back and forth and she chokes as her words come, "Please don't send me away." "Send you away! Hermes as my witness, I do not want to." He runs a gentle hand through her hair, "You will have to decide. If you cannot get along without that bottle, then I have to keep you hidden either here or someplace else. I have yet to figure out how to hide you here. Maybe there is a way...." "I'm not leaving then," Ruby says stubbornly. "And I will try not to use the bottle." She pauses, "But the nightmares are truly bad and my imagination worse. I need you next to me at night, your arms around me to protect me." She lets Jake caress her hair and enjoys being close to him for a bit before she speaks again. "I will talk to Whittaker today. I will see what I can find out. But I don't understand what we are still doing here. We think Colin is dead and now those others are dead. What else is there to do?" "I need to be more certain that no one is coming back to Promise City after you, or me for that matter." In response to the comment he expects he continues quickly, "I know, I know, I am too suspicious. That quality has kept me alive so far. Even when we know that, do you think that Nanuet and Minerva will be satisfied and leave? They will want to make sure there are NO more vampires. Can you really leave them behind to face them alone? I do not think I could do so. I can however let them take the lead and give whatever aid they need." Jake sits, looking like he is thinking. "I just wish I knew what was behind all this, without that it is hard to know if we are still in danger beyond just being in this pit of a town." She sighs, "No, I couldn't leave them, you know that." She again hangs her head, "I've just been so... scared. You know, I've finally got something good and I don't want it to end." She rubs her head gently, her headache still there. Her stomach also joins the protest of yesterday's actions and she starts to feel sick "How can we even find out what is behind all this? I thought Colin was the only one. And even in death he was still just a man." A small smile comes to Ruby's lips, "Just like all the rest, he found me irresistible too. But these others were different." Jake just shakes his head with a lop sided grin. "Yes, there is no one else quite like you my dear Ruby West. I am certain the three others were just foul men to begin with, made worse by the curse on them. I cannot say what really motivates them." Jake stifles another yawn. "Perhaps one of our friends has a clear head after a good nights rest. We can ask them over breakfast to determine if any clever ideas have emerged. Otherwise it is Whittaker, Greely and that mysterious well. That and maybe a bit of rest for me." He yawns again. "Are you going to breakfast?" Just the thought of eating churns Ruby's stomach, even though she knows that she will need to get something to eat. She places her palm flat against her belly. "I thought you would be going to sleep." "I told you I am going to see Whittaker myself, after breakfast. And I don't want to stay here anymore, don't you agree?" "I need to eat something, even if I am going to sleep afterwards. Yes, I think we can assume Edwards knows his business and a private residence is the best idea. I got a little sleep in the early evening, I could wait a little while and back you and the others up with Whittaker." He yawns again. "I think I would rather have that rest in a house anyway, and the sooner the better." "Well, they can't get into a house if it was our own, and then you could sleep next to me, where you belong. And that is most important. Let's try to do that tod-," Ruby's voice stops suddenly. She wobbly slides off the bed before hurrying to the window and kneeling, arriving at the chamber pot just before she vomits. Jake ties her hair back and says, "I will be right back." He locates some fresh wash cloths, towels, and water from the hotel staff. He gives Ruby whatever time she needs to be ready. When Ruby finally stops throwing up she kneels back on her heels and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "I suppose I deserve that," she says wearily, with a pale face and dark circles under her eyes. Jake hands her a glass of water and then wipes her forehead with a cool cloth. She reaches up and grabs his wrist. "I'm sorry about yesterday, I mean about...the gun and..." Jake doesn't let her finish, "Forget it Ruby. It wasn't you. I know that and so do the others. Let's get you cleaned up." Ruby weakly tries to get off the floor, so Jake helps her up. She takes her time slowly cleaning herself up and getting dressed and as she does she starts to feel better. "You should get some food in you," Jake comments, "It will help." "I know, I know," A small sad smile comes to her lips, "But what I really want is in that bottle." She points to the bottle the doctor had given her. "I'm going to really try Jake but I might need to take some anyway." She refills her silver flask and slips it in her skirt. "I will try. Now let's go to breakfast so you can get some rest." They head downstairs and find a table large enough to accommodate everyone, in case they decide to show up. Ruby sees Maddie and nods but doesn't speak to her, hoping she return as Kate. "I'm going to see Whittaker after breakfast. If he'll see me there shouldn't be any danger in the light. If not, I'll need you tonight." Ruby smiles, "Well, I always need you. But you know what I mean. So after you eat you get some rest." Jake nods his agreement, looking tired but still forcing himself to eat. When Nanuet and Minerva come down he puts $500 in the Indian's pocket, "For you two, from what was found in Turner's trunk. It will help defray expenses." Nanuet looks at the money and his eyes widen. "Well we can do a lot with this, if they ever get to move out of that boarding house Minerva we can get you some real furniture and for now it pays for room and board. Thanks." He grabs the waitress and orders breakfast for himself and Minerva, his stomach grumbling. "Jake my friend, you look tired hopefully we can get this over with soon and get back to something that resembles a normal life. And Ruby, how do you feel today? You looked pretty out of it yesterday, glad to see you up and around." The food arrives and he begins digging in with fervor. Chester comes down to breakfast. He looks around for Nolan Edwards. Hopefully that note as enough for Edwards to be careful around the sheriff. "Morning folks. Did you sleep OK? Did Mr. Edwards or the sheriff tell anyone what they found at the house?" "Good morning." Ruby smiles as Chester joins them. "Well, yes I guess I am feeling better. Not totally better though." She picks at her toast as Katherine also joins them. "Morning Kate." She takes a small bite of the dry toast and follows it with some strong coffee. "I guess I should start by apologizing to everyone I tried to kill yesterday. I'm really sorry. Especially you, Minerva, I am especially sorry I shot you." Ruby does let anyone interrupt. "No, we haven't seen Edwards. Chet, did you find out any information yesterday yourself? How about you guys?" Ruby looks to Minerva and Nanuet. "There were three caskets in the basement. We were about to open them, when the house caught fire." "I know that I have been acting strange lately, I've just been really scared. I don't want to stay here in the hotel anymore, since the...," she quickly glances around the room to make sure no one is listening, "Monsters can get in here. It would really help me to not be here. And poor Jake doesn't get to sleep anymore either. So unless we're leaving real soon a more private place might be in order." "I'm going to speak with Whittaker after breakfast." A smile crosses her face, "We're friends already. And I think Kate mentioned visiting Greely?" Katherine nods in agreement. "Chester, maybe you want to go with her? He seems very suspicious." "I can do that. It'll even be all official like. By the way, where's Maddie been?" Ruby finally stops blabbering and looks up at her friends staring at her. "What?" she says quietly, "I just desperately want to get out of here." "We all do, Mrs. Jacobs," Chester says. "Being away from Clarisse is killing me. But the only way to make sure is to do this right." "Ah, Chester that is very sweet, missing your lass and all. I guess you really like her, huh?" Ruby smiles genuine then turning mischievous. "And I don't know about that Maddie. You like her too?" "As for your other question... Those three, with the aforementioned caskets, Jake thinks they can do the same as Colin and one of them... you know... made me do...well..." Ruby pokes around in her toast some more. "I don't know. Doesn't mean Colin I guess." After a moment Ruby goes on. "Today Jake will sleep and we can meet up for dinner and the saloon tonight to go over what we found out. Nanuet and Minerva, maybe you two might want to check with Edwards and see if he found out anything or if he needs any help. Plus, get him to go to the Saloon tonight too." Nanuet answers, "I can check in with him and see if he has any info or needs any help. We'll make sure he gets over to Greely's tonight, that should not be a problem." "Good," Ruby nods. She eyes Jake's plate of breakfast food, then takes a bite of her toast and has a sip of coffee. Suddenly she felt like she hadn't had anything to eat in days and was starving. She looks back at her friends, "Alright, it seems we have a plan then. We should also be ready to go down that well at some point. I guess daytime is better, maybe tomorrow? Someone has to figure out a way to get under that statue. Maybe we have to dig a hole next to it to get down there." She picks a small piece of bacon off Jake's plate to see how it will go down. "Does anyone have anything else then?" After breakfast is finished the friends all head off in their own directions, Chester and Kate to find Greely, Nanuet and Minerva to find Edwards, Jake to sleep and Ruby to Whittaker’s. Ruby walks Jake upstairs. While up there she takes his flask of holy water and hides a stake in the back of her skirt, "Just in case." "You need anything?" she asks. "I'm going to come right here after I am done with Whittaker." "Just you," he says and lays down to rest. Ruby smiles and kisses Jake on the cheek. "Have a good rest love." She quietly leaves their room and the hotel, ending her journey at the strange house. Ruby smoothes her dress and her hair, takes a deep breath, then walks towards the dark lonely house. Chester and Kate stop by Greely's bar first. They enter and Chester calls out, "Mr. Greely? Thom? Anyone here? It's Mr. Martin and Miss Anders. I want to ask you a few questions." Thom is there and he answers, "No, Mr. Greely at home. He sleep during the daytime, he not here." Chester turns as if to leave, but then pauses and turns back to face Thom. "Thom, has Mr. Greely always slept during the day? Even before your accident? Try to remember, please." "Yes, he sleep during the day. He stays up all night running saloon. Thom," he says, pointing to himself, "Used to too, when Thom ran saloon." "OK, thank you Thom. We'll let you get back to work. You wouldn't want to disappoint, Mr. Greely." Chester and Kate walk to Greely's home. People walk around sullenly as through abandoned by the Fates. Kate notes, "The townspeople are so sad, as though they have no hope, no future as long as they live here. The vampires have terrorized these people." "Yep. These folks didn't really have a chance against the vampires. Not many would. Vampires are things of legend and magic. Far beyond most folks' experience." The pair reaches Greely's home. Chester knocks on the door, like before there is no answer. He pounds on the door, but still there is no answer. Chester tries the doorknob, but it's locked. He says to Kate, "I'll go this way, you go that way. Take a look in the windows, see if anyone's here." They check in all the windows, but the curtains are drawn in all of them. "We're not getting any answers today. "I'll try at the saloon tonight. Let's go back." Nanuet and Minerva check around the hotel to see if they can find Edwards. They will not give out his room number but will take a message to give to him. Nanuet and Minerva leave a simple message just saying that they would like to touch base with him and to see if he is OK. They then head to the sheriff’s office where Al Weeks is hard at work. He says they didn't hear or see anything to crazy last night but that they came back to work pretty late. He says that he would not be surprised if Edwards is still sleeping as he told him that he is usually a night owl. Nanuet faces Minerva. "It seems our work is done for now my love and we have the afternoon to be together, some time to recharge ourselves before tonight. Any ideas on how you would like to spend our time?" he asks, taking her hand. Perhaps we should return to the hotel and have lunch. Do you think it would be unseemly to spend the remainder of the afternoon in our room?" she says with a mischievous grin. "After all we are going to be up all night hunting monsters it would be wise to rest awhile." "Well we can certainly spend the time in our room, but I don't know about resting!" he says with equal mischief in his voice. Nanuet and Minerva pass the afternoon in their bedroom engaging in extracurricular activities before they collapsed and got some rest. When called upon by Ruby and Jake they headed downstairs to meet with them. As Ruby approaches the house she harkens back to stories she read as a child about haunted houses and ghosts. The house is new, but the windows are shuttered tight or boarded up. Even the front door has curtains over the small windows near the top. Someone certainly does not want the light in their home. She shudders as she approaches the front door slowly, searching for anything out of the ordinary. She stands outside and knocks firmly on the door. Several moments pass and Ruby contemplates leaving but she takes a quick deep breath and knocks again. Shortly after the second knock the door swings inward and a thin, ratty looking Mexican man opens the door. "Si Senorita, what do you want?" She smiles, "Good afternoon Sir. I'd like to speak to Mr. Whittaker please." "Sorry, Mr. Whittaker not talk to nobody today. He might be at Greely's tonight, you talk to him there." "Oh, but it's important," Ruby says, straining to look over him and see into the house. "I'd really like to see him outside of Greely's. Is Mr. Whittaker alright?" "Yes, he is very much alright. He is tired, he sleep all day and come out to Greely's late tonight. You have message you want me to give Senior Whittaker?" "Alright, please do. Tell him Mrs. Jacobs would like to speak to him when he has a moment. I would very much appreciate it. I'm staying at the hotel. If he could stop by ask for me at the desk. Otherwise I will be the saloon tonight." "I will tell him Senorita. Sorry he could not help you right now. If I were not busy then I wish I could help you," he says narrowing his eyes. "I'm quite certain you would be so kind, Senor. Good day." Ruby turns on her heel and walks back down the path, only glancing back over her shoulder once. As Ruby begins to turn and walk away she hears a voice call out from somewhere in the house. "Mrs. Jacobs, please come in. Romo, show Mrs. Jacobs to the parlor, I will be right down. Please excuse the conditions, I will explain shortly." Ruby blinks as she is called back into the house. She turns and walks in slowly, letting Romo show her to the parlor. She really hadn’t been expecting to speak with Mr. Whittaker this morning. As she nervously waits she takes in the surroundings of the dark room. About 3 minutes pass as Ruby waits in silence. Romo passes by the entrance to the room a few times each time stopping to leer at Ruby for a moment before moving on. A tall man with a receding hairline enters the room carrying a lantern. Ruby recognizes the scowl on his face from the card table at Greely's. Bobby Whittaker sits down across from Ruby and says "I apologize for the unusual situation with the light, I have a condition that makes me intolerant to sunlight, so I must avoid it at all costs. I hope that is a sufficient explanation. Beyond that, what brings you by my home today ma'am?" "No sunlight? That must be awful," Ruby comments, "I'm sorry to hear that." She pauses and pays close attention to his reaction before continuing. "Well, first I wanted to apologize for the other night. I'm sorry if you didn't like my behavior at the card table. I'm used to the way we do it at home. I didn't mean to be the newcomer and upset you." His reaction is placid, if he is feeling any emotion his face or body language does not show it. "My condition has not affected my life Mrs. Jacobs, so there is no need to be sorry, as you can see I have done OK for myself. As for the cards, don't worry, I just haven't gotten used to losing yet, but it seems that if it wasn't you then someone else would take my money, no hard feelings. I doubt you came up here to discuss the card game from the other night though." "Well, I did want to apologize. I don't like making people feel so uncomfortable that they get up and leave around me. Quite the opposite actually." She looks around the room again, "Could I have some water please? I had a rough night last night and my throat is very dry." "Mrs. Jacobs, I do not run a restaurant or a saloon, I thought you might have something important to say, if you do please say it otherwise I believe it is time for you to go. I am a busy man and have many things to do." Ruby puts a surprised look on her face. "Well, I am sorry to offend you Mr. Whittaker. Actually I came for some business too. I heard you've been in the real estate business lately. I am looking for a house or apartment." "Buying or renting? I suppose I would be able to deal with either one. I am looking to sell or rent the former mayor's home. I just closed on it myself this week. If you would like to take a look around I can have Romo meet you there with the key later today." "Renting probably, unless you insisted on us buying it. Yes, we'd like to look around. How much are you asking?" Ruby plays dumb. "I heard some rumors about the mayor. Do you know what happened to him?" "All I know is that he and his wife are deceased and had no kin to claim the property so it went up for public auction. How does $20 a week sound for rent?" "Sounds reasonable. But my husband may prefer to buy, would you mind meeting with us yourself later? Perhaps after dinner? He's sort of a night person anyway, so the two of you should get along. If he wants to buy then you could settle with him then." "If I were to meet you for dinner tonight it would have to be very late. I have some business already scheduled for early this evening. I plan on heading over to Greely's afterwards as long as things go as planned with my other business. Perhaps we should just meet then?" "We can meet then, at the saloon if you'd like. But my husband will want to see the house first. So whatever you think will work." Ruby stands and looks around the room for any type of mirror. "Do you have something I could freshen up myself up with?" She pats at her hair. "Need to keep my little incident under cover the best I can. I'm sure you heard what happened." Whittaker stands when Ruby does. He listens to what she is saying then nods and says "Romo, please show Mrs. Jacobs to the washroom on the first floor, then escort her out. I would like you to make arrangements with her as to when you can meet her at the mayor's residence with a key so that she and her husband can have a look around the place." Damn, she thinks, that didn't work. "Alright Mr. Whittaker, thank you for seeing me. We will see you later tonight to finish our business." She lets Romo show her to the washroom, getting a good look around as she does. The house is sparsely furnished and what little furniture is there appears to be more functional than decorative. There is literally no sunlight anywhere in the house but Romo knows his way around very well and uses a lantern to help him see the way. He brings Ruby to the washroom and patiently waits for her to finish before seeing her out. "What time you want to see the house?" he says as he guides her to the door. "Right before dinner? Say 5:00? Then we'll meet with Mr. Whittaker at the Saloon." "5:00 should be OK, but I can not stay long. If you recall Mr. Whittaker said he had some business to take care of in the early evening, and I will be going with him. He will meet you at the saloon afterwards, but not immediately." "Sounds like important business. We wouldn't want to keep you from it. 5:00 it is then." Ruby nods towards him, "Thank you sir." She gets directions to the Mayor's old residence then heads back to the Hotel. Ruby returns to their room, satisfied with the outcome of her visit with Mr. Whittaker. When she returned with Jake later that day together they would find out if he was one of the monsters or not. Ruby's head still pounded, her heart was racing and a light sweat started to break out on her forehead. She reaches for the flask in her skirt but instead decides to try the only other thing that ever relaxed and comforted her. Ruby quickly drops her clothes to the floor and climbs into bed with Jake. She snuggles up to him, pressing her nose against his neck. She breathes in deeply and sighs. He opens his eyes briefly as she climbs in, wraps an arm around her and falls back to sleep. She fights the urge to get out of bed and have a drink, instead using Jake's warmth and scent to distract her. Eventually she falls restlessly asleep. A few hours later Ruby wakes with a start. She sits straight up in bed, sweat covering her. She is tightly grasping Jake's hand in hers and she tries to slow her breathing down as she figures out where she is. Her eyes adjust to the light slowly and she recognizes her surroundings. She takes a deep breath in, then covers her face and sobs lightly as she tries to calm down. Her movement wakes Jake who first reaches for his derringer under the pillow, but when he sees that she has only woken from some dream leaves the gun there. He waits quietly, watching her for a time before he finally sits up slowly and embraces her. Ruby throws her arm around Jake, but doesn’t let go of his hand. “I...I had a dream. A nightmare, well, mostly. I know you believe we can get messages in our dreams. Do you also believe that things you dream about can come true?” Jake looks uncomfortable for a moment. "Well, I believe they could come true." He clears his throat. "I have had both experiences, going along with the message dreams and, um denying them." “Well I do, believe that things I dream can come true or will come true. Like little messages to me from somewhere, maybe even from myself, I don’t know.” She again takes a deep breath in. “I’ve had this dream many, many times. I used to have it all the time. But this time was different, the dream changed. You were there.” Ruby’s eyes meet Jake and she smiles softly at him before looking back down to his hand, still gripped tightly in hers. “We were on a ship in the ocean, taking a trip somewhere. We were down below, relaxing and enjoying each other. And then suddenly something happened and the ship turned over. We were trapped inside, and the cold water was rushing in.” Ruby’s voice starts to crack as she speaks. “And everyone was panicking and I panicked too. There was no way to get out.” She wipes a tear from her eye. “And I knew I would die, that we would die, if I didn’t do something but I couldn’t, I wasn’t strong enough or brave enough. I couldn’t escape.” She hangs her head, as if embarrassed. “Through all this I was holding a doll in my hands and all I kept thinking was that I felt so sorry for my little doll, because she was so beautiful and was soon going to be hopelessly stuck at the bottom of the ocean.” This seems to really hurt Ruby to say, her face is pained. “And when I used to have this dream that is what happened. The water came in and we went under. And I died.” A few more tears fall to the bed. “But this time was different, this time, when the water came in, you grabbed me by the shoulders and you said, ‘Ruby, I will get us out of this. I can save us, if you believe I can. But I need your help. I will do everything, all you have to do it hold on.’ And you extended your hand to me and gripped my hand tightly in yours. And you said, ‘You hold onto me and I’ll never let you go.’ And I believed that you could. So I held onto my doll so tightly with one hand and you with the other. And you said, ‘Close your eyes so you don’t see the monsters and everything will be alright.’ And you kissed me and then I held my breath and closed my eyes.” “Then I felt the water rush over us, and it was cold and it was trying to tear us apart. But I held tight and kept my eyes closed. And I felt you pulling me, through the ship and out the top and into the cold ocean. It was so hard to hold on and I felt like I was slipping, but every time I thought I couldn’t hold on any longer you gripped my hand tighter, holding me to you.” “Once we were outside the ship, I cracked my eyes open. It was so dark but I could see there were monsters, so huge and scary, trying to get us, but somehow you maneuvered us and kept us safe. And you never let me go.” Ruby drops her arm from around Jake and again looks at their clasped hand. “You never will, will you Jake? I just have this feeling you really won’t, ever let me go.” Jake grins, "No, I will not ever let you go. Are you just figuring that out now?" He shakes her a little, and then just squeezes her tight. Staying within Jake’s arms Ruby places her hand gently on his bearded face and tilts it towards her. She smiles then brushes her lips softly against his. Looking up at him with big eyes she continues, “You saved us Jake, you really are my knight in shining armor. You even save me from myself.” She lets her lips brush his again. Ruby is quiet for a moment, resting in Jake’s arm. “Can you guess when I started having that dream?” Jake hesitates, a little unsure of himself suddenly. "I probably should know, but just tell me." "When I was with Jimmy." Ruby says simply. "Ah." Jake says and nods to himself. I am glad Jimmy is already dead, or I would have to kill him, Jake thinks, slowly at that. He gives her a reassuring squeeze and asks, "Did your little doll have beautiful red hair?" Ruby looks up at Jake with large sad eyes and nods. “I was so sure it would have been a girl. I wanted to name her Molly. Do you like the name Molly, Jake?” Ruby looks down at their hands, her own deep red hair falling over her shoulders as she looks down. She runs her finger back and forth over Jake’s tiny thorn shaped scar. "Molly is a pretty name," he says in a low voice. “After that was all over, the doctor said he wasn’t sure I could still have babies. Not that I want one of those little monsters anyway…” her voice trails off, her face melancholy. But suddenly she smiles and the sadness begins melting away, replaced with something mostly foreign to Jake…hope. “But I told you my dream was different, it ended differently and by the time we got to the top of water it was still you and me, like it always will be. And the pretty little doll was there too. I know you think I give you too much credit. But you are so strong. And brave. You don’t think you are but you are. You are willing to stand face to face with a true monster, for me. What more could a girl ask for?” she says, squeezing Jake in return, her eyes shining with adoration. “We are similar in many ways but we are different in some. I believe the things I dream can come true or will come true, like a vision of what is to be. And you… you even save me in my dreams. You turned something horrible into something good.” Jake is instantly speechless, his acerbic wit and clever retorts are no help to him at this moment. Embarrassed, all he can think about is how scared he really is and how many times he has miscalculated or mishandled their problems. A flash of Johnny Ringo's thoughts as the outlaw turned the cylinder in his gun to the next bullet try to creep their way in to Jake's current thoughts but he forces them away and suppresses a shiver. "We are going to get out of this one just fine too. Together. Working together." "I know," Ruby says, "That is what I am trying to say." She moves on the bed so she is kneeling in front of him. "My dream told me so. I haven't had enough faith I guess. I used to and somehow I lost it along the way." She takes his hands in hers and squeezes. "I've been foolish. And I don't know when I let everything fall on you. Even in my dream you said, 'I can save us, but you have to hold on.'" Ruby looks down, a crimson blush on her cheeks, "But I was letting go." She looks back up, looking deep into his chocolate eyes, "But I'm not going to do that anymore. What I am saying is I won't let go either Jake. I promise. Even things that seem impossible aren't... with you. I don't want to lose that." Picking up on Jake's embarrassment she cocks her head to the side, "What's wrong?" "Wrong? Not wrong, just... well," he grins, "You give me too much credit. Perhaps I am inspired to greatness." Ruby returns Jake's grin, "No lover, you don't give yourself enough credit. Inspired to greatness? It wouldn't be the first time I've been called inspiring. Speaking of inspiring...," she moves a little closer, "We have some time before we have to go see our new house. How ever will we pass the time?" she giggles, placing her hands on Jake's beard. "You know, I kinda like it." "The beard? Heh. I was just thinking I was ready to shave it off and finish this little trip looking l normally do. Maybe even get some more of the locals money playing poker looking like me." He pushes her over onto the bed. "There is still plenty of time to enjoy it..." Ruby laughs as she falls back onto the bed, her hair fanning out around her. "Well, I like the old way better," she giggles. "I'm ready for the old way. There are a lot of things we have been not doing the old way." She pulls Jake down on top of her and gives him a long kiss as he starts unbuttoning his shirt that she is wearing. Then she pushes him off her. "Wait a minute." She pauses and looks into Jake's eyes, then takes a deep breath in before unbuttoning the shirt herself. Then she takes Jake's hands and places them on her waist. "It isn't as bad as it looks," she says softly with a blush. "As long as it does not hurt to touch," he says, leaning back over her. "This will just speed up the healing process." Ruby giggles again, letting out her tension. "It's doesn't really hurt. Only a tiny bit. I just need to be distracted from it." She lifts her long legs and wraps them around Jake. "Ahem," she says, clearing her throat, "That's your job." Whereby Jake went about doing his best to distract the faux Jacobs from the problems in Thomaswell for a while. Ruby lies in Jake's sweaty arms, happier and more content than she has been in while. She explains to him what happened at Whittakers and that they need to meet Romo at 5:00 to see the house. "Ready to buy our first home Mr. Jacobs?" Ruby teases. "Best to rent while the property values are still dropping," he says with a smirk. "The real opportunity might be to follow that Romo guy and see where Whittaker is going. You or I could follow them quietly, not to mention Chet or Nanuet could too, as well as track them. What do you think?" "Yes, I agree with you darling. But don't you leave me alone. I will admit I'm in a precarious enough state. Nanuet is a seasoned tracker, and so is Chester. Let one of them go please." Ruby sits up in bed. "As much as I hate to say it, we should get ready soon. We don’t' want to miss our opportunity. I have a strong suspicion that Whittaker is a vampire, and the cause of all this trouble." "Let us go and find the others then, and see if they are game for a little tracking and spying. Somebody needs to be ready before we check out the house." They go about getting ready, then go looking for the others. Ruby notices, for the first time, how loose her gown really is as she gets ready. "Why didn't you tell me I was getting so scrawny? That might have helped me see things a little clearer." "You were not ready to see clearly," Jake replies plainly, "so why just make you feel bad?" "Well, because if I thought you didn't want me I might have figured things out a little sooner." "And all I had to do is lie and say I did not want you? I wonder why I did not think of that sooner," he says shaking his head. "Get moving skinny." Ruby's mouth drops opens as she begins to protest but Jake is already pushing her out the door by her behind. Jake and Ruby go door to door to find all their friends, gathering them together and explaining the situation. "So we have to go and look at the house, but maybe someone else wants to track this Romo guy after he leaves. He was very seedy and he looked at me funny too, so I'd be careful around him." "I was thinking that Nanuet with Minerva backing him up could watch Whittaker's house while we are doing this. Minerva could send her owl after us if needed. Chet, are you up to following Romo? You would need to hide out while he shows us the Mayor's old house and then follow him after that. We'll follow you." "That is a good idea." Minerva replies to Jake's suggestion "Yep. Just describe him to me and I'll see where he goes. How long do you want me to trail him?" Chester asks. Ruby gives Chester a good description of Romo, then Jake says, "That's a good question. I assume until he leads us to Whittaker, but use your judgement. I was guessing we will not be going that far, but could be wrong." Minerva turns to Ruby. "You look like you are feeling more yourself Senorita Ruby. No more headache?" "Well, I am not fully feeling myself, I do actually have a headache. But I realize I may have been a bit... dramatic with my cure. I've been really scared. I not used to that and I don't deal with it well." "We are all fearful of the consequences and after trying your 'cure' myself I can certainly understand why you chose that path." Minerva says sympathetically. Ruby sighs, "Without it I have terrible dreams, nightmares. But today I had one that wasn't so bad," she looks at Jake and blushes slightly. "Maybe I even got a vision of the future. Anyway, I will try harder. I just really need to get this over with now. I can't take much more." Chester lights a cigarette and nods. "Alright. Luna should be able to find me if you lose sight of me. Are we ready?" Jake says, "Nanuet and Minerva can take Katherine with them and let her see where they are going to be hiding, then she can come back. If we need them, she can go back and find them." Minerva smiles encouragingly at Ruby. "It will be over soon." Minerva grabs her parasol takes Nanuet's arm and strides toward the door with Luna following. "Yes, we'd better go before we're late." Using the directions Ruby was given Ruby and Jake head over to the old Mayor's house. Romo is waiting on the porch to the older house, he leans against the porch smoking a cigarette. It is a narrow, two story house. There are the remains of some flowers that were probably laid on the porch in tribute to the mayor and his wife. The house is fairly old, probably one of the town's original buildings. It is however in very good repair, having been kept up very well. Chester finds a hiding place across the street from the old mayor's house. He drops his cigarette and crushes under his boot while he waits. He pulls down the brim of his hat to hide his face and puts his badge in his jacket pocket. [i]So, Romo. Who do work for? Are you a slave to the vampires? And what do you know about what's going on around here?[/i] Romo stands up and discards his cigarette and begins unlocking the front door when he sees the couple approaching. "Very prompt, I like that. I show you inside. You like you can leave me $40 for one week rent, one week deposit and I leave you with the key. Mr. Whittaker likes you for some reason Mrs. Jacobs." "Oh?" Ruby acts surprised, "Why do you say that?" she asks while looking around. "Well, since I work with him he never call anyone into his house before. And, he never lets anyone else do his business for him. He always handles all that stuff, but he let me do this with you, collect the money so you could have the key now if you wanted it." Ruby glances at Jake quickly. "Really? I wonder why? I feel so special. Let's take a look around inside shall we?" Ruby gulps and tries to hide her rising panic as they start their tour. "Do YOU know what happened to the Mayor and his wife?" "No senorita, I no know what happened to them. I only know that they are dead," he says lowering his head for a moment mumbling softly "may they rest in peace," before continuing to unlock the door and open the house to them. The house is still furnished although all personal belongings have been removed. A light layer of dust lays over everything and it appears that no one has been in the house for several days. Ruby tries to act like an excited wife looking at a new home, guessing which things a housewife might like, "Oh darling look at the wonderful kitchen, I could make you such wonderful dinners and your favorite pies in this kitchen!" Jake examines the house, looking for unusual features or places that may have a hidden doorway, secret section or panel. He is otherwise quiet, watching Romo carefully. "Hmmm, it was been a while since I had a good home cooked meal," Jake replies with some amusement. Romo is quiet, standing out of the way twiddling his thumbs. Jake does notice that there is what may look like the outline of a concealed door under the table in the living room/parlor. The dust there lies a little differently and a faint outline can be seen. "We'll take it." Jake says suddenly and takes out his wallet. Romo smiles widely and hurries over towards Jake. "Senor Whittaker will be so happy." Romo counts out the money that Jake offers him and hands the key over to him. "You can just stop by at the house once a week and I can take the money. Thank you and enjoy the house. Anything else I can do for you?" Jake says, "I think that is all for now. We will stop by if we have any other questions." Romo folds the bills in half and tucks them in his shirt pocket, patting it once for good measure before leaving the couple in their newly rented piece of Thomaswell, NM. "I just can't wait to move in and get cooking for you. It has been too long you're right. Prudence would dictate that we eat in more, we've been eating out way too much." Ruby continues to look around, guessing that Jake found something. "Oh but what about looking at the bedroom? Isn't that the most important room of all? I mean, where will we make all those chubby little babies if the bedroom isn't perfect for it?" Ruby waits until Romo leaves then drops the smile. "What did you find? I was guessing we should look upstairs for clues." [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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