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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: 2819632" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>After Kate, Chester, Minerva and Nanuet are safely away to the church the smile drops off Ruby's face. She glances at Jake but doesn't say anything, heading into the bar. She sits on a stool at the bar and orders 2 whiskey's, pushing one in front of the seat next to her. She cradles hers in her hand for a moment, like she is deciding what to do next, before putting the glass to her lips and taking a sip.</p><p></p><p>Jake follows Ruby in and drops their gear at the door. He turns to Thom and says, "Stay here and watch our stuff, do not let anyone touch anything." Thom nods and mumbles to himself. He scans the room before he makes his way to the bar, his duster open and the flaps pulling back as he squeezes past chairs and people. He ignores the looks he is receiving about the guns still hanging on his sides, and protruding from his pack. He sits, drinks a sip quickly and pushes his hat back. He takes one more look around the room, more to tell folks to leave them and their gear alone than to see who is there. He sits quietly next to her, not looking at her. Finally he says, "We did not receive the comforting resolution that we were seeking."</p><p></p><p>"Really? I wasn't aware," she snaps.</p><p></p><p>She grasps the whiskey glass in her hands and sighs deeply, "I'm so sorry Jake. I didn't mean to bite your head off, it's not your fault." She takes a long drink from her glass before placing it back down on the bar. She is silent for many moments. She glances over at him, "Will you forgive me?" Jake nods and pats her hand.</p><p></p><p>She quickly looks back down at the bar, "How am I supposed to live in peace knowing he is out there?" She hangs her head, "And he wants me?"</p><p></p><p>"Knowing I want you more?" Jake gives her the best smile he can muster.</p><p></p><p>"I am not sure what to think about him. I cannot seem to tie the disparate bits of information together. You knew before I did not think he was dead. I cannot make sense of what happened, we just do not know enough. I must have missed some important clue...." Jake stares across the bar at himself in the mirror and then downs the whiskey. He waves at the bartender for a refill.</p><p></p><p>"If he is alive, he either hid from us or left town. That at least says he was afraid. Colleen said as much too." Jake starts in on his second glass before continuing. "We are not babes in the woods about what he is and can do any more. We do know how to fight back. We have destroyed at least five of his kind since meeting him." Jake takes another large sip. "Damn. How in Hades did I let him get away."</p><p></p><p>"Not you Jake," Ruby says quietly, "It wasn't you." Ruby closes her eyes and sighs again, "I guess it just wasn't meant to be easy." She pauses before opening her eyes. "For us. Easy for us." She grasps his hand in hers again, keeping the whiskey in the other. "But we're still together, right? He didn't get me, we're still together."</p><p></p><p>She hangs her head low again. "It'll be hard always looking over my shoulder, looking for him and those eyes. But you are right about one thing, we have defeated the others and Greely... who made him..." her voice trails off.</p><p></p><p>"Unless we go back to Thomaswell, we go home." Silence. "I want to go home Jake." She drinks her whiskey down. "And celebrate the fact that we at least scared him off. Hopefully for good." Ruby puts a cheery face on. "But you know, maybe he is dead. I think I'll keep believing that."</p><p></p><p>"Maybe he is. The facts of the matter are confusing, I am not certain what to believe. I find it hard to be believe if he was alive that he was still in Thomaswell, though I would have burned every structure to the ground to find him." A dark smile crosses his face as he adds, "I suppose somebody would have tried to stop me from that."</p><p></p><p>He tips back the remains of his second whiskey. "I agree with you, let us go home. There is still reason to celebrate. We did all we could." He looks back to the door, at Thom standing next to it with his arms hanging loosely looking down at their gear. Jake laughs, "I am not quite used to how to talk to that big puppy dog of yours."</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs but a smile comes to her face as she looks at the big man standing near the door. "I don't know what it is Jake, I just feel like someone should be taking care of him. Course, you and I aren't the best ones for that," she laughs. "But look, he'll be working in the saloon, something he is used to. I couldn't just leave him there with nothing and nobody." Ruby shrugs, "A moment of weakness I suppose."</p><p></p><p>"He'll be a help for us Jake, I just have a feeling he's suppose to be with us. So please be nice to him. And now that the Lucky Lady is growing we'll need someone else at the second door."</p><p></p><p>She is quiet for a bit before a giggle escapes her. "He says he wants a girlfriend. Maybe he'll find one."</p><p></p><p>"Be nice to him? Who was it who just earned him $2500? Hermes save me from the fool that I am. Be nice to him." Jake shakes his head, taps on the bar and points to his empty glass when the bartender looks over. "Be nice to him, indeed. You make it sound like I am a great, cantankerous villain. I will be nice enough to big Thom, but leave me out of the matchmaking business." Jake snorts a laugh.</p><p></p><p>Ruby face looks like a child who has been scolded. "I didn't mean you're not nice Jake, and you did get him his money, that's true. I just want you to continue to look out for him is all. You know there are many around Promise City who would take advantage of him. And admit it," she places her hand on his arm, "You're the type to take advantage of situations when you can. I am too. As for the matchmaking," she finally smiles, "He's on his own."</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs. "I suppose we're going to have to eat something today. I don't feel hungry at all." She finishes her whiskey down quickly. "I'd rather hole up in our room with a bottle of this stuff," she holds up her glass.</p><p></p><p>"I will not deny that I respond to, ahem, opportunities. I would never take advantage of someone like Thom. I prefer to prey on those who deserve it. I will get you a bottle if you agree to eat something first."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles lovingly at Jake. "I'll agree to that. I know I have to be better. We can go next door and get rooms and lunch first."</p><p></p><p>Ruby is quiet for some time. "I hope Nanuet is ok. Let's go and get the rooms so they are ready when they get back."</p><p></p><p>Jake gets Ruby a bottle as promised but holds onto it. He picks up the bag of weapons and has Thom follow them to the hotel where Jake and Ruby walk tiredly up to the desk while Thom guards the bags.</p><p></p><p>The same clerk greets them at the hotel as did last time they stayed. "Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs I believe it was. We have plenty of room available and should be able to accommodate any needs you have."</p><p></p><p>Ruby turns her back and leans up against the desk while Jake does business.</p><p></p><p>He gets 5 rooms this time around, the extra one being for Thom. He tells Ruby to take Thom and meet him in the restaurant while he carries the weapons bag up himself, having the hotel staff to carry everything else to the appropriate rooms.</p><p></p><p>When he returns to the dining room he finds Ruby sipping at a whiskey and Thom gobbling up the contents of the bread basket. He sits next to Ruby, his spot also reserved with a whiskey and she comments, "I ordered us lunch. I wasn't sure when the others would return so I didn't get them anything."</p><p></p><p>Jake nods.</p><p></p><p>Ruby turns to the big man, "So, what kind of things in the Saloon can you do Thom?"</p><p></p><p>Thom starts talking with his mouth full and continues chewing between words "Mmmpwhell I can *chew carrmmphy stummpth" then begins laughing, choking and spitting out a half chewed biscuit. "Ha ha! Sorry. I can carry stuff, sweep floors, pour beers, and kick the mean men out. Thom can follow rules good. "</p><p></p><p>"That is good to know Thom. Following the rules is very important around our Saloon." Ruby smiles half - heartedly at Thom, her heart not quite ready to be light just yet.</p><p></p><p>She sits back in her seat and nurses her whiskey while they wait for their lunch and the others to show up.</p><p></p><p>"Jake, is there anything we have to do while in this town or are we getting right out of here tomorrow? I seem to recall the rooms here... lacking."</p><p></p><p>Dinner shows up but their friends have still not returned. Ruby keeps her worries over Nanuet to herself as she makes small talk with Thom and Jake.</p><p></p><p>She picks at her lunch with her fork, finding it very unappealing. "Won't it be great to be home and have Maria's cooking again? Or even Dorita's, she's the best cook in town Thom. I didn't see a lot of elves in Thomaswell, have you ever met an elf before?"</p><p></p><p>"I know elfs. Most of the elfs I know come from Mexico I think. Is your friend an elf? He doesn't look the same as elfs I know."</p><p></p><p>"You mean my friend Nanuet who got hurt? Yes, he is an elf. There are many different kinds of elves that come from all different areas. My friend Dorita is an elf and her grandfather Manual is an elf, he is my teacher. We let all kinds of people into our Saloon." Ruby smiles. "You'll see when we get to the City. It's much bigger than Thomaswell."</p><p></p><p>Ruby leans way back in her chair and pushes her plate away. "I can't wait to get home. I'm going to sleep for days."</p><p></p><p>Thom laughs at Ruby's comment, then says "Sleep for days? I wish I could sleep for days. I'm afraid of the dark though, and I have bad dreams when I sleep so I couldn't sleep for days" he says then puts on a pout. "Ruby, will someone else help me with the new big city if you are sleeping for days, cause that is a long long time?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes Thom, someone will help you. You're going to make lots of new friends. Besides me and Jake, there are our other friends who we took the stage with, plus other people who work in our Saloon. You will be working mostly with Jeff, he will tell you what to do at the door. Plus Niles and Job also own the Saloon with us. Then there is the cook Maria and Niles helper Harry. Don't think about it too much, you'll meet them when you get there."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles, "And there is something else. Jake and I have 2 puppies, Lucky and Mischief! They need lots of playtime and they are so much fun, you'll love them."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, that sounds like lots and lots of people. I hope I can remember all their names. Lots of new friends, I hope they like Thom as much as you do Ruby."</p><p></p><p>Jake, lagging behind in the conversation says, "I cannot remember the train schedule. The only thing I might do if there is time is inquire about the Edison stock value. It might be easier to do in a real city."</p><p></p><p>"Is Promise City not a real city?" Ruby pauses, "No, I guess here would be bigger and better. I wonder, should we go get our tickets today so we know what time the train is? I don't want to get stuck another day."</p><p></p><p>"As soon as we know if the indian can travel, I will purchase tickets. It is already late, the ticket office might not be open tonight. If not, instead of getting up early to buy them we could stay up all night." Jake takes another bite of his food. "I would willingly stay up all night again just to watch you, but I much rather have you awake."</p><p></p><p>"You're right I guess, we should wait to find out about Nanuet. I'm getting worried. I mean, I was worried before...I guess I don't know how long these things take."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smirks, "Do you have the energy to stay up all night, Mr. Jacobs?"</p><p></p><p>As soon as Ruby sees them enter she jumps up and runs to Nanuet, hugging him tightly. She doesn't let go for long moments until she hears Minerva clear her throat. "I am so glad you are alright, I was worried!" she says, slowly letting go of him. </p><p></p><p>"It went well," Kate said by way of a hello. "Nanuet is probably still hungry, even after what he ate at the church. And I'm fine as well. I don't suppose I could get a bite to eat as well?"</p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Is there a train leaving soon, or are we stopping at a hotel tonight? How's Thom doing away from Thomaswell?"</p><p></p><p>Next Ruby hugs Kate, "I am glad you are alright too. Of course you can eat. I didn't want to order anything and have it get cold." She releases her friend and sits back at the table, a small more relaxed smile now on her face. "But pick at what is here and we can get more." Ruby waves to the waitress to return to their table.</p><p></p><p>"We didn't get train tickets, Jake wanted to wait and see if Nanuet could travel. Does everyone feel well enough to travel?" At that moment Ruby instinctively rubs her neck, remembering her own weakness, but she keeps it to herself.</p><p></p><p>Kate sat down next to Ruby and ordered a decent-sized meal, even after the snacking she'd done at the church. She picked at Ruby's plate and asked, "How are you feeling? Still rubbing at your neck." She took another look at the site of the bite. "It must be making you tired."</p><p></p><p>"I feel much better now knowing that the rest of you are ok." Ruby watches as Kate eats off her plate. At least someone is, she thinks.</p><p></p><p>As Kate looks over the bite she continues, "It's itchy but it'll be fine, I'm alright" she lies. She averts her eyes from Jake, knowing full well he'd pick up on a fib in a second.</p><p></p><p>"Mmmhmm. We'll discuss this later," Kate whispered then let it drop. "It's already late, I doubt there's a train out until tomorrow. Much as I'd like to get home, we could all use a night's rest before we go on.</p><p></p><p>The waitress takes the orders for the newcomers. After she does so she says "Please don't think I was eavesdropping or anything, but I heard you talking about taking a train back east to Tombstone. Might want to make yourselves comfortable for the night, no trains leaving till tomorrow. 10 AM I believe is the train outta here. Just thought I'd save you a trip to the station."</p><p></p><p>A small groan escapes from Minerva before she is able to suppress it. <em>I was really hoping to be home in my own bed.</em> "Well I suppose we shall have to make the best of it. I wonder where we can find some entertainment for the evening. I for one could use some fun!"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet puts his hand gently on Minerva's arm and strokes it gently. "Perhaps we can make our own entertainment mi amor? I think it is best if we keep things as simple as possible until we get home. Staying in is what I had in mind. This is a strange city and I for one have had enough excitement to last me for a while."</p><p></p><p>Minerva smiles at his implication. and whispers in his ear. "Si, I am willing to stay in tonight if that is what you wish, but I cannot guarantee that it will not be exciting," she giggles.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet squeezes her hand gently. "I can compromise" Nanuet whispers back. </p><p></p><p>Kate said, "Jake, I've been wondering if we might send a telegram from here. Before we left Promise City we'd talked about bringing Tom home. I doubt anyone will want to be leaving Promise City anytime soon, so if your people met us in Tombstone, we could bring him back with us. I know, it's an odd time to ask, but I... I want to see him safely at rest."</p><p></p><p> Jake nearly spits out his drink, "My people?" Ruby pats him on the back. "You misunderstood me, Katherine. I will hire the help we need in Tombstone. There is nobody to wire." He chuckles. "I am certain I will find adequate strong backs for the work, and ones that can do it with the proper deference. You leave that to me when we get to Tombstone. Your husband has waited long enough, we will get this done."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you," Kate said gratefully. "I just thought you'd meant to get some of the men who worked at the mine to help. I'm sure you're right, there will be men who can handle it in Tombstone. I think I'll just rest tonight, myself. I'm afraid Joe from Kincaide's will have to miss Maddie this time though town."</p><p></p><p>Minerva looks to Kate with gentle sympathy, thinking how difficult it must be to consign one you love to the gods. "Senora," she says softly, "as I had previously stated, if you would like me to officiate at a burial ceremony for your husband, I would be honored to do so. However if that is not your wish, I will not be offended. I just want you to know that my offer still stands," she says and looks away, a bit uncomfortable with the possibility of another rebuke.</p><p></p><p>"I have not changed my mind, Senorita. Tom's faith is very strong, and I was not satisfied with the service in Tombstone. I'm sure you can provide a much more fitting tribute to his life and his faith."</p><p></p><p>"I will do my best, Senora. Perhaps when we have more time you could tell me more about him and also share with me, any special readings that he was particularly fond of."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet turns to Kate and says "I would be honored if I could be one of those chosen to do the work required to move your husband, I feel it is the least I could do for the support you've given me. Besides," he says looking at Jake with a wink "hard work helps keep me young."</p><p></p><p>"Heh, that does not bode well for me. I suppose I will have to depend on something else to delay my decay," he adds with a smirk before he finishes another glass of whiskey. </p><p></p><p>Ruby finally speaks up, "Oh Kate, you know Jake will help take care of it for you. It'll be good to be finished."</p><p></p><p>Kate took Ruby's hand and squeezed it. "I know he will. It's the last promise I made Tom. We had planned for a ranch together, he should be there. So after dinner, rest and relaxing, and then up for the train tomorrow?"</p><p></p><p>"Relaxing sounds good to me. Relaxing and a bath." Ruby pulls her feet up underneath her in her chair. "And a drink." She glances sideways at Jake, "Although I believe Mr. Cook would like to experience the city of Alburquerque."</p><p></p><p> "I am more interested in the company than the city," Jake says quietly. He refills his own glass and offers the bottle around to anyone who desires more. Raising his glass he offers a toast to, "Being on the train tomorrow morning and heading towards home."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet raises a glass and proclaims "I'll drink twice to that!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby raises her glass and clinks it with the others. "To going home," she says softly under her breath and also drinks her whiskey down. She sits quietly as her friends toast and chat away. Ruby glances around the restaurant, her eyes finally settling on the stairs going up.</p><p></p><p>She fills her glass and stands before announcing, "I'm pretty tired, I'm going to go lay down for a bit. You know where my room is if you need me. Thom, you should stay in the hotel tonight, we don't want you getting lost in the city." She smiles at him, then at the rest. "Good night. I hope everyone can rest peacefully tonight."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819632, member: 12815"] After Kate, Chester, Minerva and Nanuet are safely away to the church the smile drops off Ruby's face. She glances at Jake but doesn't say anything, heading into the bar. She sits on a stool at the bar and orders 2 whiskey's, pushing one in front of the seat next to her. She cradles hers in her hand for a moment, like she is deciding what to do next, before putting the glass to her lips and taking a sip. Jake follows Ruby in and drops their gear at the door. He turns to Thom and says, "Stay here and watch our stuff, do not let anyone touch anything." Thom nods and mumbles to himself. He scans the room before he makes his way to the bar, his duster open and the flaps pulling back as he squeezes past chairs and people. He ignores the looks he is receiving about the guns still hanging on his sides, and protruding from his pack. He sits, drinks a sip quickly and pushes his hat back. He takes one more look around the room, more to tell folks to leave them and their gear alone than to see who is there. He sits quietly next to her, not looking at her. Finally he says, "We did not receive the comforting resolution that we were seeking." "Really? I wasn't aware," she snaps. She grasps the whiskey glass in her hands and sighs deeply, "I'm so sorry Jake. I didn't mean to bite your head off, it's not your fault." She takes a long drink from her glass before placing it back down on the bar. She is silent for many moments. She glances over at him, "Will you forgive me?" Jake nods and pats her hand. She quickly looks back down at the bar, "How am I supposed to live in peace knowing he is out there?" She hangs her head, "And he wants me?" "Knowing I want you more?" Jake gives her the best smile he can muster. "I am not sure what to think about him. I cannot seem to tie the disparate bits of information together. You knew before I did not think he was dead. I cannot make sense of what happened, we just do not know enough. I must have missed some important clue...." Jake stares across the bar at himself in the mirror and then downs the whiskey. He waves at the bartender for a refill. "If he is alive, he either hid from us or left town. That at least says he was afraid. Colleen said as much too." Jake starts in on his second glass before continuing. "We are not babes in the woods about what he is and can do any more. We do know how to fight back. We have destroyed at least five of his kind since meeting him." Jake takes another large sip. "Damn. How in Hades did I let him get away." "Not you Jake," Ruby says quietly, "It wasn't you." Ruby closes her eyes and sighs again, "I guess it just wasn't meant to be easy." She pauses before opening her eyes. "For us. Easy for us." She grasps his hand in hers again, keeping the whiskey in the other. "But we're still together, right? He didn't get me, we're still together." She hangs her head low again. "It'll be hard always looking over my shoulder, looking for him and those eyes. But you are right about one thing, we have defeated the others and Greely... who made him..." her voice trails off. "Unless we go back to Thomaswell, we go home." Silence. "I want to go home Jake." She drinks her whiskey down. "And celebrate the fact that we at least scared him off. Hopefully for good." Ruby puts a cheery face on. "But you know, maybe he is dead. I think I'll keep believing that." "Maybe he is. The facts of the matter are confusing, I am not certain what to believe. I find it hard to be believe if he was alive that he was still in Thomaswell, though I would have burned every structure to the ground to find him." A dark smile crosses his face as he adds, "I suppose somebody would have tried to stop me from that." He tips back the remains of his second whiskey. "I agree with you, let us go home. There is still reason to celebrate. We did all we could." He looks back to the door, at Thom standing next to it with his arms hanging loosely looking down at their gear. Jake laughs, "I am not quite used to how to talk to that big puppy dog of yours." Ruby sighs but a smile comes to her face as she looks at the big man standing near the door. "I don't know what it is Jake, I just feel like someone should be taking care of him. Course, you and I aren't the best ones for that," she laughs. "But look, he'll be working in the saloon, something he is used to. I couldn't just leave him there with nothing and nobody." Ruby shrugs, "A moment of weakness I suppose." "He'll be a help for us Jake, I just have a feeling he's suppose to be with us. So please be nice to him. And now that the Lucky Lady is growing we'll need someone else at the second door." She is quiet for a bit before a giggle escapes her. "He says he wants a girlfriend. Maybe he'll find one." "Be nice to him? Who was it who just earned him $2500? Hermes save me from the fool that I am. Be nice to him." Jake shakes his head, taps on the bar and points to his empty glass when the bartender looks over. "Be nice to him, indeed. You make it sound like I am a great, cantankerous villain. I will be nice enough to big Thom, but leave me out of the matchmaking business." Jake snorts a laugh. Ruby face looks like a child who has been scolded. "I didn't mean you're not nice Jake, and you did get him his money, that's true. I just want you to continue to look out for him is all. You know there are many around Promise City who would take advantage of him. And admit it," she places her hand on his arm, "You're the type to take advantage of situations when you can. I am too. As for the matchmaking," she finally smiles, "He's on his own." Ruby sighs. "I suppose we're going to have to eat something today. I don't feel hungry at all." She finishes her whiskey down quickly. "I'd rather hole up in our room with a bottle of this stuff," she holds up her glass. "I will not deny that I respond to, ahem, opportunities. I would never take advantage of someone like Thom. I prefer to prey on those who deserve it. I will get you a bottle if you agree to eat something first." Ruby smiles lovingly at Jake. "I'll agree to that. I know I have to be better. We can go next door and get rooms and lunch first." Ruby is quiet for some time. "I hope Nanuet is ok. Let's go and get the rooms so they are ready when they get back." Jake gets Ruby a bottle as promised but holds onto it. He picks up the bag of weapons and has Thom follow them to the hotel where Jake and Ruby walk tiredly up to the desk while Thom guards the bags. The same clerk greets them at the hotel as did last time they stayed. "Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs I believe it was. We have plenty of room available and should be able to accommodate any needs you have." Ruby turns her back and leans up against the desk while Jake does business. He gets 5 rooms this time around, the extra one being for Thom. He tells Ruby to take Thom and meet him in the restaurant while he carries the weapons bag up himself, having the hotel staff to carry everything else to the appropriate rooms. When he returns to the dining room he finds Ruby sipping at a whiskey and Thom gobbling up the contents of the bread basket. He sits next to Ruby, his spot also reserved with a whiskey and she comments, "I ordered us lunch. I wasn't sure when the others would return so I didn't get them anything." Jake nods. Ruby turns to the big man, "So, what kind of things in the Saloon can you do Thom?" Thom starts talking with his mouth full and continues chewing between words "Mmmpwhell I can *chew carrmmphy stummpth" then begins laughing, choking and spitting out a half chewed biscuit. "Ha ha! Sorry. I can carry stuff, sweep floors, pour beers, and kick the mean men out. Thom can follow rules good. " "That is good to know Thom. Following the rules is very important around our Saloon." Ruby smiles half - heartedly at Thom, her heart not quite ready to be light just yet. She sits back in her seat and nurses her whiskey while they wait for their lunch and the others to show up. "Jake, is there anything we have to do while in this town or are we getting right out of here tomorrow? I seem to recall the rooms here... lacking." Dinner shows up but their friends have still not returned. Ruby keeps her worries over Nanuet to herself as she makes small talk with Thom and Jake. She picks at her lunch with her fork, finding it very unappealing. "Won't it be great to be home and have Maria's cooking again? Or even Dorita's, she's the best cook in town Thom. I didn't see a lot of elves in Thomaswell, have you ever met an elf before?" "I know elfs. Most of the elfs I know come from Mexico I think. Is your friend an elf? He doesn't look the same as elfs I know." "You mean my friend Nanuet who got hurt? Yes, he is an elf. There are many different kinds of elves that come from all different areas. My friend Dorita is an elf and her grandfather Manual is an elf, he is my teacher. We let all kinds of people into our Saloon." Ruby smiles. "You'll see when we get to the City. It's much bigger than Thomaswell." Ruby leans way back in her chair and pushes her plate away. "I can't wait to get home. I'm going to sleep for days." Thom laughs at Ruby's comment, then says "Sleep for days? I wish I could sleep for days. I'm afraid of the dark though, and I have bad dreams when I sleep so I couldn't sleep for days" he says then puts on a pout. "Ruby, will someone else help me with the new big city if you are sleeping for days, cause that is a long long time?" "Yes Thom, someone will help you. You're going to make lots of new friends. Besides me and Jake, there are our other friends who we took the stage with, plus other people who work in our Saloon. You will be working mostly with Jeff, he will tell you what to do at the door. Plus Niles and Job also own the Saloon with us. Then there is the cook Maria and Niles helper Harry. Don't think about it too much, you'll meet them when you get there." Ruby smiles, "And there is something else. Jake and I have 2 puppies, Lucky and Mischief! They need lots of playtime and they are so much fun, you'll love them." "Oh, that sounds like lots and lots of people. I hope I can remember all their names. Lots of new friends, I hope they like Thom as much as you do Ruby." Jake, lagging behind in the conversation says, "I cannot remember the train schedule. The only thing I might do if there is time is inquire about the Edison stock value. It might be easier to do in a real city." "Is Promise City not a real city?" Ruby pauses, "No, I guess here would be bigger and better. I wonder, should we go get our tickets today so we know what time the train is? I don't want to get stuck another day." "As soon as we know if the indian can travel, I will purchase tickets. It is already late, the ticket office might not be open tonight. If not, instead of getting up early to buy them we could stay up all night." Jake takes another bite of his food. "I would willingly stay up all night again just to watch you, but I much rather have you awake." "You're right I guess, we should wait to find out about Nanuet. I'm getting worried. I mean, I was worried before...I guess I don't know how long these things take." Ruby smirks, "Do you have the energy to stay up all night, Mr. Jacobs?" As soon as Ruby sees them enter she jumps up and runs to Nanuet, hugging him tightly. She doesn't let go for long moments until she hears Minerva clear her throat. "I am so glad you are alright, I was worried!" she says, slowly letting go of him. "It went well," Kate said by way of a hello. "Nanuet is probably still hungry, even after what he ate at the church. And I'm fine as well. I don't suppose I could get a bite to eat as well?" Chester says, "Is there a train leaving soon, or are we stopping at a hotel tonight? How's Thom doing away from Thomaswell?" Next Ruby hugs Kate, "I am glad you are alright too. Of course you can eat. I didn't want to order anything and have it get cold." She releases her friend and sits back at the table, a small more relaxed smile now on her face. "But pick at what is here and we can get more." Ruby waves to the waitress to return to their table. "We didn't get train tickets, Jake wanted to wait and see if Nanuet could travel. Does everyone feel well enough to travel?" At that moment Ruby instinctively rubs her neck, remembering her own weakness, but she keeps it to herself. Kate sat down next to Ruby and ordered a decent-sized meal, even after the snacking she'd done at the church. She picked at Ruby's plate and asked, "How are you feeling? Still rubbing at your neck." She took another look at the site of the bite. "It must be making you tired." "I feel much better now knowing that the rest of you are ok." Ruby watches as Kate eats off her plate. At least someone is, she thinks. As Kate looks over the bite she continues, "It's itchy but it'll be fine, I'm alright" she lies. She averts her eyes from Jake, knowing full well he'd pick up on a fib in a second. "Mmmhmm. We'll discuss this later," Kate whispered then let it drop. "It's already late, I doubt there's a train out until tomorrow. Much as I'd like to get home, we could all use a night's rest before we go on. The waitress takes the orders for the newcomers. After she does so she says "Please don't think I was eavesdropping or anything, but I heard you talking about taking a train back east to Tombstone. Might want to make yourselves comfortable for the night, no trains leaving till tomorrow. 10 AM I believe is the train outta here. Just thought I'd save you a trip to the station." A small groan escapes from Minerva before she is able to suppress it. [i]I was really hoping to be home in my own bed.[/i] "Well I suppose we shall have to make the best of it. I wonder where we can find some entertainment for the evening. I for one could use some fun!" Nanuet puts his hand gently on Minerva's arm and strokes it gently. "Perhaps we can make our own entertainment mi amor? I think it is best if we keep things as simple as possible until we get home. Staying in is what I had in mind. This is a strange city and I for one have had enough excitement to last me for a while." Minerva smiles at his implication. and whispers in his ear. "Si, I am willing to stay in tonight if that is what you wish, but I cannot guarantee that it will not be exciting," she giggles. Nanuet squeezes her hand gently. "I can compromise" Nanuet whispers back. Kate said, "Jake, I've been wondering if we might send a telegram from here. Before we left Promise City we'd talked about bringing Tom home. I doubt anyone will want to be leaving Promise City anytime soon, so if your people met us in Tombstone, we could bring him back with us. I know, it's an odd time to ask, but I... I want to see him safely at rest." Jake nearly spits out his drink, "My people?" Ruby pats him on the back. "You misunderstood me, Katherine. I will hire the help we need in Tombstone. There is nobody to wire." He chuckles. "I am certain I will find adequate strong backs for the work, and ones that can do it with the proper deference. You leave that to me when we get to Tombstone. Your husband has waited long enough, we will get this done." "Thank you," Kate said gratefully. "I just thought you'd meant to get some of the men who worked at the mine to help. I'm sure you're right, there will be men who can handle it in Tombstone. I think I'll just rest tonight, myself. I'm afraid Joe from Kincaide's will have to miss Maddie this time though town." Minerva looks to Kate with gentle sympathy, thinking how difficult it must be to consign one you love to the gods. "Senora," she says softly, "as I had previously stated, if you would like me to officiate at a burial ceremony for your husband, I would be honored to do so. However if that is not your wish, I will not be offended. I just want you to know that my offer still stands," she says and looks away, a bit uncomfortable with the possibility of another rebuke. "I have not changed my mind, Senorita. Tom's faith is very strong, and I was not satisfied with the service in Tombstone. I'm sure you can provide a much more fitting tribute to his life and his faith." "I will do my best, Senora. Perhaps when we have more time you could tell me more about him and also share with me, any special readings that he was particularly fond of." Nanuet turns to Kate and says "I would be honored if I could be one of those chosen to do the work required to move your husband, I feel it is the least I could do for the support you've given me. Besides," he says looking at Jake with a wink "hard work helps keep me young." "Heh, that does not bode well for me. I suppose I will have to depend on something else to delay my decay," he adds with a smirk before he finishes another glass of whiskey. Ruby finally speaks up, "Oh Kate, you know Jake will help take care of it for you. It'll be good to be finished." Kate took Ruby's hand and squeezed it. "I know he will. It's the last promise I made Tom. We had planned for a ranch together, he should be there. So after dinner, rest and relaxing, and then up for the train tomorrow?" "Relaxing sounds good to me. Relaxing and a bath." Ruby pulls her feet up underneath her in her chair. "And a drink." She glances sideways at Jake, "Although I believe Mr. Cook would like to experience the city of Alburquerque." "I am more interested in the company than the city," Jake says quietly. He refills his own glass and offers the bottle around to anyone who desires more. Raising his glass he offers a toast to, "Being on the train tomorrow morning and heading towards home." Nanuet raises a glass and proclaims "I'll drink twice to that!" Ruby raises her glass and clinks it with the others. "To going home," she says softly under her breath and also drinks her whiskey down. She sits quietly as her friends toast and chat away. Ruby glances around the restaurant, her eyes finally settling on the stairs going up. She fills her glass and stands before announcing, "I'm pretty tired, I'm going to go lay down for a bit. You know where my room is if you need me. Thom, you should stay in the hotel tonight, we don't want you getting lost in the city." She smiles at him, then at the rest. "Good night. I hope everyone can rest peacefully tonight." [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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