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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: 2819666" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Aftermath Part V</span></p><p></p><p>FLASHBACK to earlier that week....</p><p></p><p>In the week before his birthday Ruby, on a quest to find Jake the best birthday presents she can, waits patiently until Jake has left the Lucky Lady Saloon, off for some target practice.</p><p></p><p>She hurries downstairs, stopping at the bar to speak to Niles. "Morning," she says cheerily, "I hope you're doing well? I have a question for you." She flashes him her dazzling smile while waiting for his response.</p><p></p><p>He replies, "As well as can be expected what with Jeff Mills out of town with Deputy Martin. It's made for extra work for Harry, Nanuet and myself. I never realized exactly how much work that Jeff does around here, he makes it seem so effortless."</p><p></p><p>He smiles and says, "Well Miss. Ruby, what exactly can I do for our Lucky Lady?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs, “And Thom is certainly no Jeff, but at least he tries.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby moves a bit closer to the bar and leans over partially. “Well, I was wondering if you’ve heard any rumors around, or know of anyone having a place available.” She looks around the saloon to make sure no one is in earshot. She continues in a whisper, “A house, I’m looking for home, some place besides here Jake and I can live.”</p><p></p><p>"A house? Well, let's see. Al owns a place that he's not using. It's on the northeast corner of Fremont and Main right across the street from the Comique. He and Pierre Jaquet originally purchased it to use for their own house but they've opted to remain at the Golden Eagle Boarding House instead. I guess they must really like Hannah Milford's cooking. Can't say that I blame them, Harry and I both roomed at the Golden Eagle before you convinced us to move in here."</p><p></p><p>“Al… really? Hmmm…” Ruby has that ‘I’m thinking-daydreaming’ face on as her thoughts drift. She snaps out of it, “That’s right down the street from here, that would be perfect! I really do need to see him then. Perhaps when he comes in for dinner tonight I’ll catch him. If you see him can you please mention I need to speak with him?”</p><p></p><p>"Oh yes, I'll do that, but I really don't expect to see him until after the Gun Shop closes up. He's working it alone this week with Pierre out of town."</p><p></p><p>“Good point. Well,” Ruby reaches out and puts her hand on Hoover’s, “Thank you Niles, you’ve been a huge help. I don’t know what we would do without you!” she calls back over her shoulder as she saunters her way out of the Saloon.</p><p></p><p>She meanders the familiar path from Main to Freemont to South Street, ending with the well known Cantina. Ruby bounces into the El Parador with a happy smile on her face and she glances around for Dorita.</p><p></p><p>Neither Pedro or Dorita appear to be around. Two dwarves are sitting at a table drinking beer. The only employee around is one of the Ramirez brothers, standing behind the bar. He initial thought is that it is Jose, as he often tends bar. She then notices the pressed shirt and vest, realizing that it is instead Jose's twin brother Carlos, who generally just runs a table of poker and three-card-monte games in the evenings.</p><p></p><p>Ruby approaches the bar. “Buenas tardes Señor. Where are Dorita and Pedro this fine morning?” She looks around the bar then giggles. “Oh, excuse my rudeness. How are you today Carlos? You’re up early.”</p><p></p><p>"Si, too damned early if you ask me," he states. "Pedro asked me to come over this morning....no, actually he asked Juan. But that good-for-nothing brother of mine never came home last night so I had to fill in. Pedro and Dorita are over at Father Valdez's house. Today is the anniversary of her Mother's death and they go there to say prayers."</p><p></p><p>Ruby’s face turns solemn. “Oh, I didn’t know. How sad. Today would not be a good day to ask for a favor then.” Then a small smile returns to her face. “It seems you can always count on your brother, eh Senor?”</p><p></p><p>Carlos says, "Yes, well hopefully this time a jealous husband won't come gunning for him and shoot at me instead. You remember that incident from last January don't you?"</p><p></p><p>“Yes, actually I do. We had to tie the guy to a chair if I recall. Your brother and his wandering ways," she says, shaking her head, "Which lucky lady is he romancing now?”</p><p></p><p>“He's seeing Trisha Crichton, the cook and waitress over at the Rio Grande Hotel. Don't spread that one around. Trisha and the Rio Grand's owner Peter Lovelace aren't married or anything but they do have some sort of a relationship. I'm not quite sure how she's managing to keep her thing with Juan quiet, as she and her father Jonah both live in the back room of the Rio Grande."</p><p></p><p>Ruby shakes her head. “One of these days your brother is really going to get himself… and you… in real trouble. What’s he got anyway, that all the girls are falling all over him?” Ruby pauses and laughs, “Wait! Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright, I should get going. I want to do something for Dorita now I know about her mother.”</p><p></p><p>He suggests, "Just drop by Valdez's church and say a prayer. That would probably mean more to her than anything else."</p><p></p><p>“Really? I uh… will think about it, thanks.” She bids Carlos good day and heads off.</p><p></p><p>Ruby wanders out into the grove, to a spot she knows pretty flowers grow. She hums to herself as she picks a variety of wildflowers, making a small natural bouquet. When she is satisfied with it she debates, just bring it back to the El Parador or stop by Valdez’s church. She decides, since she is already in the grove of the church to stop in, it won't kill her. She adjusts her dress, smoothing it and her hair down the best she can and enters the church.</p><p></p><p>Ruby quickly discovers that she is the only human in the church at the moment, the other dozen or so people all being wood elves. At the front of the church Dorita, Pedro, and three other elves of approximately the same age are seating with Father Valdez and holding hands together. They all have their eyes closed and are praying in a language that is neither English or Spanish. Seated in the pews behind them are another five elves a generation younger than those in the circle, also with their eyes closed.</p><p></p><p>Manuel Gonzales is seated by himself in the back row of the church. His head was also down but he turns it and gives a half-hearted smile to Ruby as she enters.</p><p></p><p>She respectfully smiles back then stands next to the pew he is in. “May I?” she whispers, pointing to the seat next to him.</p><p></p><p>He nods and gestures for her not to speak.</p><p></p><p>She nods in return. She sits quietly next to him in the pew, a very unfamiliar place to her to be. She twists the flower stems in her hands as she looks around, barely remembering the church from her first visit inside. She pays close attention to the ceremony, even though she doesn’t know what they are saying she can feel the emotions.</p><p></p><p>After a while Gonzales taps her shoulder. He gestures to the flowers and motions that she should bring them up front.</p><p></p><p>At that point Valdez says something loudly which the others all repeat. They open their eyes and raise up their heads.</p><p></p><p>Ruby rises from her seat next to Gonzales and slowly walks up the main aisle. She feels a bit timid as she walks, not wanting to ruin the sanctity of the ceremony and not knowing what to do. She reaches the front and stands near Dorita, not speaking but holding out the small bouquet of flowers to her.</p><p></p><p>Dorita takes the flowers. She smiles, as does Pedro. Dorita says, "Thank you for showing your respects." She then turns back towards the Priest, handing him the flowers. He starts to say another prayer and they all bow their heads.</p><p></p><p>Ruby’s not sure what to do, so she bows her head for a few moments before heading back to the seat next to Mr. Gonzales. She sits next to him quietly for some long moments while continuing to watch what they are doing up front. Why did she give the flowers to the Priest? They were for her. Her instincts take over and she closes her eyes. She says some prayers to Aphrodite, to watch over Dorita and her family, continuing to bless them with love and happiness. More time goes by before she opens her eyes again.</p><p></p><p>Gonzales notices that she is done. He gestures for her to stand and depart, with him following her. Once they are outside of the church he says, "Thank you so very much. That was most kind of you to come. It will mean a lot to Pedro and Dorita, as it does to myself."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles warmly and touches his arm. “Of course. If I had known sooner I would have brought Jake with me too. I am sure he would have liked to pay his respects to your other bird of prey with me. It just happened I was stopping by to ask Dorita for a favor and Carlos told me. I am glad he did. One day you will have to tell me more about her.”</p><p></p><p>"What is to say, my Francesca Justina was the apple of my eye. No parent will admit to having a favorite child, but in truth she was. So full of life and energy. You remind me much of her. She and her brother Ramon would have followed me anywhere and they did.</p><p></p><p>That day twenty-nine years ago was the worst of my life. He should have killed me as well, and could have, but he knew exactly how much my children meant to me. Letting me live was his way of causing me further suffering. My other daughter, Eldora, has not spoken one word to me since that day. That was her seating inside beside Dorita. Her children, as well as those of Ramon, all blame me too. Being here is very hard on me and your well wishes have helped to make today more bearable. Thank you my Golden Eagle."</p><p></p><p>“That’s horrible.” Ruby is quiet, not knowing what to say. “I am honored that you compare me to your beloved daughter, teacher, and that I am your Golden Eagle now.” Ruby steps closer and hugs Gonzales tight. Her speaking muffled with her face pressed against his shoulder she says, "And while I don't know all the details I am sure you would never put your children, your apprentices, your family or your friends in any danger if you could help it."</p><p></p><p>He gives her a very, very long hug in return without saying a word. He finally breaks the embrace and says, "Thank you sweet child, you have no idea how wonderful it is to hear you say that. I need to go back inside now."</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods. “I will see you later. I will also try to visit Dorita soon.” She waits until Gonzales walk back into the church before leaving. She heads back to the Lucky Lady.</p><p></p><p>She passes the afternoon practicing some songs and also re-reading sections of Romeo and Juliet. She also spends some quality time napping with Jake.</p><p></p><p>Once dinner time begins she hangs around downstairs, anxiously waiting to see Al Brower.</p><p></p><p>The Gun Shop closes up at 5:00 P.M. this Tuesday evening and Al Brower is walking through the doors of the Lucky Lady two doors down at 5:01 P.M. He takes his usual table and asks the new man Thom, "What is Maria offering on tonight's menu?" Thom shrugs his shoulders and says, "I go ask." Al says, "Don't bother, I'll have whatever she's made. I haven't had a bad meal from her yet."</p><p></p><p>Ruby doesn’t waste any time as she walks right over to Brower’s table. “Good evening Mr. Brower, how are you this pleasant evening?”</p><p></p><p>"Mr. Brower? Why be so formal Ruby, call me Al. I'm doing just fine." Thom brings a plate of barbecue chicken and a baked potato out to Al along with a tankard of beer. "Thank you," he states.</p><p></p><p>“Welcome,” Thom answers. “Does Pretty Ruby want some too?”</p><p></p><p>“No thank you Thom. You should have some though, I am sure you are hungry.” Thom eagerly sets off to the kitchen. Ruby laughs and shakes her head, “He has some appetite.”</p><p></p><p>Al states, “Someday you’ll have to tell me how you left on a vacation and came home with him, practically a giant!”</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs again, “Now Al, a girl can’t give away all her secrets, now can she? He may not be smart but he's loyal. A perfect watchman for our second door, once it's completed.” Ruby slides into the seat across from Brower. “So, I hear you have a place you don’t want anymore. A house?”</p><p></p><p>"A house? Oh, you mean the one across Fremont Street from the Comique. Well, I suppose we no longer need it. Pierre Jaquet and myself originally purchased it to use for our own house but we've never gotten around to leaving the Golden Eagle Boarding House. I can't say we're ever going to either. Between the gun shop, saloon, cigar store and my being here at nights neither of us are around enough to need a house. </p><p></p><p>Both of our other Comique employees Warren Watson and our singer Clairesse Townsend both live at the Golden Eagle too. Our only employees not there are the gamblers, but the Milfords wouldn't allow a gambler to live there anyway. Hannah Milford's cooking is to die for, too bad she only does breakfast and lunches, although Maria's dinners are very, very good as well. </p><p></p><p>And Clay Milford makes sure the place is safe. The other tenants are Peter Lovelace of the Rio Grande, that new lawyer's two clerks Hatcher Meeks and Gunther Heppel and the Condon brother's new teller Fletcher Laughton. All four of them are quiet but friendly. Still two vacancies since Harry and Niles moved in here. It'll be interesting to see who the Mildfords bring in to fill those rooms. </p><p></p><p>Ah, I'm rambling. You were asking about the house. It's empty most of the time. Whenever the Promise City Hotel becomes full we'll rent the building out to Eric and Melissa Smith so they can handle the overflow. That happened last month during the two weeks around the festival. So one room has old army cots, blankets and pillows stacked in it for those times but otherwise the place is empty. We figured that eventually we might want to get a fourth business established there but have about decided that we really don't have the time. What would you want it for? Not another saloon I hope, the Comique has enough competition already."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs, “Oh no, not a saloon. A house, a home actually, for Jake and I. I like my room in the saloon but it’s not like having a real home. Neither of us has had one in a very long time. So I asked around and Niles told me you had a place you might want to get rid of.”</p><p></p><p>Al replies, "Well, as I said, it's not like I've been anxious to get rid of it, but I wouldn't mind having the two of you for neighbors. Pierre is half owner so I'd have to talk to him about it first, so we'll have to wait until he gets back. I'll stop by the County Claims office tomorrow before I open up to find out what a house like that is selling for these days. Whatever the going rate is I'll knock off ten-percent and it will be yours as long as Pierre agrees."</p><p></p><p>“That would be great! As long as Pierre agrees that is.” Ruby pauses and taps her lips while she thinks, “Can I see it? I can’t just buy it without seeing it or Jake will laugh at me.” she giggles. “And oh, don’t tell him, I want it to be a surprise for his birthday.”</p><p></p><p>He replies, "Sure, we can head over there after I finish this fine meal. Do you know what kind of pie Maria might have made today?"</p><p></p><p>“No, I don’t. But I’ll go find out.” Ruby excuses herself and goes into the kitchen, returning after a few minutes with a large pie of hot apple pie. “Hope you like apples!” she says setting the plate on the table.</p><p></p><p>"And still hot! Excellent!" he states as he digs in.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sits again, keeping Al company while he eats. She asks him about his businesses and how he did with the festival.</p><p></p><p>"It was the best weekend we ever had at the Comique. Did great at the cigar shop too since that emporium only sold tobacco tins and no cigars. Out partner Alton Boyd sold out of his entire stock by early Sunday afternoon. Alton had a large crate of dried tobacco leaves so he bought several tobacco tins from that emporium guy. Alton Pierre and I spent the next two hours rolling up more. Sold all of them as well, even though they weren't of Boyd's usual quality. So our two partners did very well.</p><p></p><p>We didn't do much business at the gun shop, since all of our best stock had been stolen by the Cowboy Gang a few days earlier and the emporium had a gun dealer with good variety and prices. Adding in the gun shop losses from the robbery Pierre and I pretty much broke even by the time everything was done, and would have had an overall loss if it wasn't for that stolen ammunition that was recovered from the cave."</p><p></p><p>“That’s great, Al,” Ruby says sincerely. Then she blushes slightly. “You know, I still haven’t gotten around to asking Niles how we did.” She shrugs and grins, “I guess that’s why I’m just the singer. One of these days I will.”</p><p></p><p>When they are finished with the meal they leave, having to take the long way to Main and Fremont by way of Allen and Sierra for him to stop at the Double Eagle Boarding House to pick up the keys. While he is upstairs in his room Hannah Milford says with some irritation in her voice, "Hello Miss West. I haven't seen much of you since the festival. My husband Clay and I saw a little too much of you then. What on earth made you think that it was appropriate to parade around town naked?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles easily, “Good evening Mrs. Milford.” She takes a step closer to the woman. “I certainly did not parade around town naked, I preformed in what was clearly stated to be an adult show. And…,” her smile grows wider, “You didn’t get to see any of the good parts anyway, so I was definitely not naked.”</p><p></p><p>She replies, "I hardly consider a handkerchief attached to a string being clothed. Neither do most of the other decent folks in town. The next time the Vigilance Committee brings up the notion of a dress code I think you'll see a different result due to your performance."</p><p></p><p>Al soon returns and sensing some heavy tension in the room suggests to Ruby that they depart.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps. Or perhaps not, especially considering the majority of this town is not on the Vigilance Committee and I do believe you might find some who enjoyed the performance. Well,” Ruby continues cheerily, “Have a good evening.” She takes Al’s arm and as she walks out she flashes Mrs. Milford a dazzling smile over her shoulder.</p><p></p><p>Once outside they start the walk to the building. “I hope I didn’t embarrass you,” Ruby says sincerely. “Seems some people decided to skip the warning that night at the festival that the show was for the grown ups.” She sighs, “Plus they seem to forget all the good we do for the town and focus on something they see as bad.”</p><p></p><p>"Oh, was that about your dance? I guess she's gotten tired of just nagging Niles and Harry about it and decided to go directly to the source. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have brought you in."</p><p></p><p>They walk down Fremont Street to the Intersection with Main to the twenty-by-twenty-five foot two-story wooden structure. All of the windows have gingham-style curtains on the inside which are presently drawn shut. The main entrance is in the southwest corner on Fremont facing Main which he unlocks with a key. </p><p></p><p>The first room is ten by fifteen feet, with two doors on both the north on each end and one on the east walls. The room also has a staircase leading up. He opens the doors, which lead to the other three rooms on the floor, the two on the northwest and southeast corners being ten foot square and the one on the northeast corner being ten by fifteen. That room has a vent pipe for a woodstove and another door to the outside. </p><p></p><p>They head upstairs which leads to a five foot wide corridor running from the north to south wall. Off from the corridor are four ten-by-ten foot rooms, one of which has the aforementioned army cots, blankets and pillows. </p><p></p><p>He says, "There's not all that much too it. There are fancier houses, we bought it primarily for the location."</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles as she walks through, pretending to inspect things closely but really imagining the things she would be doing with Jake in each room. “It’s in wonderful condition. And besides, it doesn’t need to be fancy, I’d rather decorate it myself.” The gingham curtains bring a large smile to her face.</p><p></p><p>Once they are upstairs Ruby unfastens a curtain and looks outside, down into the street. “It’s really perfect,” she says, looking back at Al. “But seeing it makes me realize how much work this will be. I’m a bit overwhelmed at all that will have to be done. I am afraid I don’t know much about keeping house.”</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I know. That's one of the reasons that Pierre and I never got around to moving in either. I suppose you could always hire a housekeeper, that's what the Condon brothers, the Hubbards and Fisk do."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs, “Oh yes, I definitely plan on doing that. But I was thinking more of just filling this place with furniture! And the kitchen, have to set that up too. I don’t know anything about kitchens. Oh well, I’ll figure it out I always do.” Ruby turns and faces Al fully. “I’ll take it! I mean, we’ll take it! Oh, I am so excited!” Ruby jumps up and down then hugs Al tightly. Suddenly she pulls back, “If Pierre agrees that is. Do you think he will?”</p><p></p><p>"Yeah, I suppose he will. As for the furniture I'd suggest you sweet talk Cole Rixton over at Rixton's furniture. I heard that he cut Kate a special deal on furniture for the schoolhouse since like him she was part of 'Dorita's extended family'. Of course, that was back when he was dating Liza Brown and happy about life. Now that she's engaged to Derick Avery he may have a different outlook on life."</p><p></p><p>“I’ve been told I have a knack for sweet talking, I guess we’ll find out what I can really do,” she chuckles. “But poor guy, I guess that engagement came from the festival?”</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks around the house, “We’re going to need so much…” Feeling a little overwhelmed she walks back downstairs. She rests her head against a wall and closes her eyes. Again, she pictures her room at the Lucky Lady, then pictures her life with Jake here. Even though some things would be harder, like meals and stumbling home drunk, it just seemed… right… for them to have this place together.</p><p></p><p>She opens her eyes, “As soon as you can let me know what you’re asking I’d appreciate it. I’d like to surprise Jake on his birthday. I was hoping I could give you a deposit and my word in exchange for the key. I would really like Jake and I to sign the papers together. You know we’re good to our word.”</p><p></p><p>"Jake's Birthday? When is that?"</p><p></p><p>“The 15th of May. It’s soon. We both wanted to get a house, I figure the gift is in him not having to do the work to find and procure the place. He still has to pay for it,” she laughs lightly. “I want to get him something else too, but I need someone else’s help and they were busy today.” Ruby walks back into the room that was her future kitchen, trying to put to memory the dimensions. “I’m going to have a party for him the night of Saturday the 20th at the Lucky Lady.” She spins to face Al, “I hope you’ll come?”</p><p></p><p>"Oh, I'll be there. Tell you what, if Pierre isn't back by say noon on the 15th we'll go ahead and start the deal without him. That way you can at least tell him you've made a deposit on a house. I'm sure Pierre will agree, we just can't legally finalize the deal without his signature."</p><p></p><p>“I understand. I thought I’d bring Jake by and let him look around, and that would be enough on his birthday. Like I said, I want Jake to be there to sign the papers too but don’t want to tell him before his birthday. So it sounds like a plan.” Ruby offers Al her hand. “Shall we shake on it then?”</p><p></p><p>"Sure. Stop by the gunshop on the fifteenth and I'll give you the key." They shake on it and part ways.</p><p></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>The next day Ruby again finds an excuse to slip out of the Lucky Lady without Jake, telling him she has a letter to mail at the post office. She hurries over to the El Parador, hoping to find Dorita.</p><p></p><p>She finds her in the kitchen busy making breakfast. “Buenos Dias Senora. How are you today? Yesterday must have been very trying for you.”</p><p></p><p>"Si, my aunt and cousins always make the day harder. They not accept Grandfather wasn't at fault. Pedro, Sonoma and I are only family members who speak to him and continue to show our love." </p><p></p><p>She pauses and then looks up to Ruby stating, "You stopping by with the flowers was thoughtful. Thank you."</p><p></p><p>"Of course, Dorita," she says sincerely. "I would have liked to bring Jake too to pay his respects but I only found out at the last minute. I really am sorry." There is an uncomfortable moment of silence before Ruby continues.</p><p></p><p>“Senora, Necesito preguntar un favor, por favor.” (I need to ask a favor, please). “I would like to find a gift for Senor Jake. I was hoping you could help me.”</p><p></p><p>"Si, what can I help you with? Something special you would like cooked up for him?"</p><p></p><p>"I do need to have something cooked, that is true. And you are the best cook around...But what I was really hoping for is some tea." She doesn't wait for Dorita to respond. "You have made some special teas before and there is one in particular I am looking for. I need it, it's very important to me. I have heard of it before, when I was younger someone had one. It's a tea that when you drink it you have a vision of where a certain person is. Have you heard of it?"</p><p></p><p>"Si, I have heard of it. I think it called Elixir of Clairvoyance. I not know how to make it but Grandfather may have recipe for it. I will ask him."</p><p></p><p>"I would so appreciate it. I can ask him too, if that would be better."</p><p></p><p>"I do it. Check back later, maybe when you come in for food. You too skinny, Maria not feeding you enough."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs, "Well I guess you'll have to yell at her then, won't you?" She hugs Dorita, "Thank you Senora, for everything. I will check back later for the potion, and I promise I'll eat then too." Ruby bounces out of the Cantina, glad to have Jake's gifts secured.</p><p></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>Later that night Jake and Ruby come to the Cantina for dinner. Ruby says to Jake, "I'm going to say hi to Dorita. I'll be right back." She gives him a peck and heads into the kitchen. She finds the elven woman standing at her usual spot at the stove. "Evening Dorita," Ruby smiles, "How did your mission go?"</p><p></p><p>"Very good, Grandfather says he see recipe in one of new books you find but not sure which book it in. He tearing apart library now looking. Thank you for giving him new thing to do. My Aunt and cousins' visit always upset him terribly. He been hiding in his room since worship service ended yesterday."</p><p></p><p>"Oh really? Maybe I should go and pay him a visit. I think I will." Ruby pauses, "I know it's not really my business but I wish there was something I could do to help. It's really not fair that they blame your grandfather."</p><p></p><p>She says, "Well, I can understand why they do. He told them it was all his fault. I know that he never mean for harm to come to mother and uncle, he love them dearly."</p><p></p><p>Ruby shakes her head. “I guess they are just so angry at losing their beloveds that they need someone to blame. And it IS so like your grandfather to take the blame on himself. I’m going to go up now.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby stops by Jake momentarily. “Darling I’m going to check on Mr. Gonzales, he’s not feeling well. I’ll be right back, please order for me.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby heads upstairs and doesn’t bother knocking. She lets herself into her teacher’s room then into the secret room when she does not find him there.</p><p></p><p>“Teacher?” she calls out, “Where are you?”</p><p></p><p>He does not immediately answer. She then hears a soft bubbling sound coming from his workshop/laboratory even though the door is shut.</p><p></p><p>She quietly opens the door to see him in the midst of brewing some sort of elaborate experiment. He has four braziers going, each with a different colored liquid boiling inside. On the table are boxes and bags of various powders, with differing amounts of powder on three different scales. Instead of his regular clothing he has on a heavy leather apron and long leather mittens similar to those that blacksmiths sometimes wear. He also has on a metal helmet with glass visor attached to it, covering his face. On the tables are two different books, each opened and held in place with rocks as paperweights.</p><p></p><p>Ruby watches in utter curiosity as her teacher plays mad scientist. Colored steam rises from the braziers and a faint odor of some kind of flower Ruby couldn’t place was in the air. She slowly walks forward but does not get too close. She again calls out softly, trying not to startle him, “Teacher?”</p><p></p><p>He turns and notices her. He commands, "Out, out, and shut the door behind you! I'll be along shortly, this stuff will soon need to simmer a while on low. Too dangerous for you in here right now. Out, out, out!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby ushers herself quickly out of the room, knowing not to anger her teacher and also knowing to heed his warnings. So while she waits she wanders around the mansion, looking at whatever is around very curiously.</p><p></p><p>She finds the library a mess, with books piled everywhere. The rest of the mansion is as it should be. After twenty minutes he exits the room. He removes the apron, gloves and helmet and smiles at her stating, "My, you bring about quite a challenge. I've never created any of these elixirs before now."</p><p></p><p>"Really? I had not realized there was anything you haven't done! But don't you look happy," she smiles at him. "I really do appreciate you making it for me. I know how you feel about Jake and all..." her voice trails off.</p><p></p><p>"Not happy? I'm delighted! I haven't had this much fun in ages. I thought I'd seen the elixirs listed in one of those books, it turns they were in two but different variations. So I'm mixing them all up to experiment with. One book calls has an Elixir of Clairvoyance, which allows you to see another person. It also has an Elixir of Clairaudience which allows you to hear another person.</p><p></p><p>The second book has both elixirs but also a variation that claims they are safe to mix and use simultaneously. Mixing potions is always dangerous work, whether in the stomach or in the laboratory, which is why I've taken extra precautions.</p><p></p><p>As for Mr. Cook, I'm doing this for you, not for him. You are right though, I should really try to mend that broken fence at some point. You are too important a person in both of our lives for us to constantly be at odds with one another."</p><p></p><p>Ruby bounces over to Gonzales and ends in his arms. “You are the BEST!” She hugs him tightly. “I just know you and Jake can get along, I mean, really get along. It’s just hard for him to trust people. He hasn’t had it easy either, especially with family, but he IS a good man.” Ruby finally lets him go. “And thank you so much for doing this, it means a lot to me to be able to give it to him.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby pauses in thought, “See and hear, huh? I wonder what other kinds of things you can do with this stuff. I didn’t realize it was so much fun,” she teases the old elf.</p><p></p><p>He replies, "We'll I'm making enough for two doses of each, as I would want to test them before giving them to anybody else to use. I'll let you know the result and if they do what the books say they'll do. That isn't always the case."</p><p></p><p>Ruby’s eyes widen. “You mean things can really… go wrong? Isn’t that scary? I guess it’s kinda exciting too, who knows what cool things could happen. How will you test it? When will they be done?”</p><p></p><p>"Well, I have another hour or two to work on them, then they'll need to cool a settle. Should be ready late tonight. I'll probably test them out then. If they work the second one of each will be ready for you when you drop by tomorrow."</p><p></p><p>“Oh! That is soooo wonderful,” Ruby throws herself into Mr. Gonzales arms again. “Can I help? How can I replay you?”</p><p></p><p>"Repay me? You already did with your thoughtful visit yesterday. It was just what I needed right then. I'll see you later my little bird."</p><p></p><p>Ruby just stands there and smiles, thinking, “I’m glad I could be of help then. I will see you tomorrow. I’m afraid to say Have Fun,” she laughs on her way out,</p><p></p><p>Ruby lets herself out of the mansion and the old man’s room. She returns to Jake where they enjoy a very filling dinner.</p><p></p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>Ruby returns to Gonzales room the next day. She lets herself in and finds him. She excitedly asks, “How did you make out last night?”</p><p></p><p>"I finished them. They work. Here you go." He hands her three ceramic vials, each capped with a different colored cork.</p><p></p><p>He explains, "The one with the red cork is the Elixir of Clairaudience. Once it is consumed the person must then concentrate on a place known to them regardless of the distance away. For the next twenty minutes you would then hear whatever noises are coming from that place."</p><p></p><p>"The one with the blue cork is the Elixir of Clairvoyance. It works like the other one except you would see in your mind whatever is transpiring in that area. Again, it must be a place known to you. Alternately, you could use it to see a specific individual known to you. Note that if the area is dark you might not be able to see due to the darkness."</p><p></p><p>"The one with the purple cork is the combined Elixir. It simulates the effects of both of the others simultaneously however unlike the other two the combined elixir has a limited range of approximately 100 miles. The sole exception to that is it would probably allow sight and hearing if both the drinker and other location were both at locations with high concentrations of both wizard and earth magics."</p><p></p><p>Ruby’s eyes widen as Gonzales hands her the three vials and explains abut them. “All three? This is SO much more than I could have hoped for!” She again hugs Mr. Gonzales excitedly, almost dropping the vials in the process. “Oh, I can’t wait to give these to him! He’s going to love it, thank you so much,” Ruby gushes, and continues to gush for on for endless minutes.</p><p></p><p>Finally she stops. “I really mean it. You, and your family, have been nicer to me than most people and I’m not even sure what I did to deserve it. But I’ll take it.” Ruby hugs him again and starts for the door. “I hope you’ll come to the party on Saturday night,” she calls out as she leaves. Her voice faint, “It’s for Jake and the Priestess Minerva…”</p><p></p><p>Anxious to continue to improve his shooting Jake asks Helen Barker again to give him some guidance. He would rather have Red do it, but he could not see his way clear to Tucson just now and was loathe to wait. He felt that he was at a plateau and just needed to be nudged up. So once again she tutored him, though this time she seemed less aloof and cold. He figured it had something to do with him shooting Johnny Ringo. </p><p></p><p>After spending some time giving him pointers and showing him how to improve she says, "Perhaps you should worry a little more about not getting shot yourself."</p><p></p><p>"I always worry about that. I only pull this," he says patting his Colt, "when all other choices are gone."</p><p></p><p>"No," she says, "even when you are forced to pull your gun you could be harder to hit. Try to draw on me." </p><p></p><p>Jake at first thinks she is kidding but then his eyes go wide as she flings the bullet at him, hitting him hard square in the chest. "Ow! What the --"</p><p></p><p>"Now," she continues interrupting his vulgarity, "you are not only a good shot Mr. Cook, but you understand how to shoot a man, not just a target. Think about what you aim for. Now think about making it hard for me to hit you there." Without warning she flings another bullet at him and he shifts his torso and she misses. "Wipe that grin off your face and draw on me while doing the same thing, only this time...."</p><p></p><p>They practice the little exercise for a long time. She shows him moves that do not shift his gun arm too much and teaches him some more about his center of gravity and shooting. "Doing that does take a toll on your aim, but shooting down your opponent is no good if you get shot too."</p><p></p><p>"Helen, is there any end of surprises in you?" She does not answer, but instead returns his smirk.</p><p></p><p>................................</p><p></p><p>Out in the desert, just far enough out not to worry folks about the gunshots, once again Jake places empty liquor bottles on rocks, on a board between trees and nestled in the arms of a large cactus. Last time he tried snapping off three rounds quickly, the third round never quite came fast enough. Since then he had practiced, had been coached by Deputy Barker, had practiced dry firing in the mirror, and more importantly knew he was ready. He removes each pistol and loads a six round in the chamber under the hammer that normally remains empty for safety.</p><p></p><p>Out flashes the Colt and the shots come fast, faster than before. If the lizard watching from the rock had understood what a gun was, it might have been amazed at the blur that was the hammer striking repeatedly as the gamblers left hand fanned over it just barely touching the tip. The gun barrel, unperturbed by the hammer motion, pointed true and disgorged hot lead towards the glass bottles that shattered. Top, middle, bottom, the bottle shattered and then again the same to its companion bottle on the rock as the six shots echoed across the desert. The man with the flat brimmed black hat twirled the gun and dropped it in its holster slung low on his right leg. The acrid gun smoke just begins to clear when he cross draws his new long barreled pistol with the pearl grips and proceeds to remove the necks effortlessly and fluidly from six glass bottles. Too long to twirl in his hand, the long barrel is slid firmly back into its holster. Jake inhales a whiff of the smoke and feel the tang of sulfur in nostrils. His eyes dart back and forth over the targets as he brushes some black powder residue from his hand and a faint grin comes to his lips.</p><p></p><p>He reloads and fires several times, pleased with the results. He also tries some extra difficult shots, and finds that he is still most accurate with a single shot or two. Even the slight wobble generated by managing three shots, or a second fanning of the hammer after the first is enough to put his aim off slightly. He spends the next hour doing the same with his shotguns, the Spencer carbine and the Vetterli rifle that Emery Shaw gifted to him. At the end while packing up his weapons, he cannot keep the grin off his face.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819666, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]Aftermath Part V[/SIZE] FLASHBACK to earlier that week.... In the week before his birthday Ruby, on a quest to find Jake the best birthday presents she can, waits patiently until Jake has left the Lucky Lady Saloon, off for some target practice. She hurries downstairs, stopping at the bar to speak to Niles. "Morning," she says cheerily, "I hope you're doing well? I have a question for you." She flashes him her dazzling smile while waiting for his response. He replies, "As well as can be expected what with Jeff Mills out of town with Deputy Martin. It's made for extra work for Harry, Nanuet and myself. I never realized exactly how much work that Jeff does around here, he makes it seem so effortless." He smiles and says, "Well Miss. Ruby, what exactly can I do for our Lucky Lady?" Ruby laughs, “And Thom is certainly no Jeff, but at least he tries.” Ruby moves a bit closer to the bar and leans over partially. “Well, I was wondering if you’ve heard any rumors around, or know of anyone having a place available.” She looks around the saloon to make sure no one is in earshot. She continues in a whisper, “A house, I’m looking for home, some place besides here Jake and I can live.” "A house? Well, let's see. Al owns a place that he's not using. It's on the northeast corner of Fremont and Main right across the street from the Comique. He and Pierre Jaquet originally purchased it to use for their own house but they've opted to remain at the Golden Eagle Boarding House instead. I guess they must really like Hannah Milford's cooking. Can't say that I blame them, Harry and I both roomed at the Golden Eagle before you convinced us to move in here." “Al… really? Hmmm…” Ruby has that ‘I’m thinking-daydreaming’ face on as her thoughts drift. She snaps out of it, “That’s right down the street from here, that would be perfect! I really do need to see him then. Perhaps when he comes in for dinner tonight I’ll catch him. If you see him can you please mention I need to speak with him?” "Oh yes, I'll do that, but I really don't expect to see him until after the Gun Shop closes up. He's working it alone this week with Pierre out of town." “Good point. Well,” Ruby reaches out and puts her hand on Hoover’s, “Thank you Niles, you’ve been a huge help. I don’t know what we would do without you!” she calls back over her shoulder as she saunters her way out of the Saloon. She meanders the familiar path from Main to Freemont to South Street, ending with the well known Cantina. Ruby bounces into the El Parador with a happy smile on her face and she glances around for Dorita. Neither Pedro or Dorita appear to be around. Two dwarves are sitting at a table drinking beer. The only employee around is one of the Ramirez brothers, standing behind the bar. He initial thought is that it is Jose, as he often tends bar. She then notices the pressed shirt and vest, realizing that it is instead Jose's twin brother Carlos, who generally just runs a table of poker and three-card-monte games in the evenings. Ruby approaches the bar. “Buenas tardes Señor. Where are Dorita and Pedro this fine morning?” She looks around the bar then giggles. “Oh, excuse my rudeness. How are you today Carlos? You’re up early.” "Si, too damned early if you ask me," he states. "Pedro asked me to come over this morning....no, actually he asked Juan. But that good-for-nothing brother of mine never came home last night so I had to fill in. Pedro and Dorita are over at Father Valdez's house. Today is the anniversary of her Mother's death and they go there to say prayers." Ruby’s face turns solemn. “Oh, I didn’t know. How sad. Today would not be a good day to ask for a favor then.” Then a small smile returns to her face. “It seems you can always count on your brother, eh Senor?” Carlos says, "Yes, well hopefully this time a jealous husband won't come gunning for him and shoot at me instead. You remember that incident from last January don't you?" “Yes, actually I do. We had to tie the guy to a chair if I recall. Your brother and his wandering ways," she says, shaking her head, "Which lucky lady is he romancing now?” “He's seeing Trisha Crichton, the cook and waitress over at the Rio Grande Hotel. Don't spread that one around. Trisha and the Rio Grand's owner Peter Lovelace aren't married or anything but they do have some sort of a relationship. I'm not quite sure how she's managing to keep her thing with Juan quiet, as she and her father Jonah both live in the back room of the Rio Grande." Ruby shakes her head. “One of these days your brother is really going to get himself… and you… in real trouble. What’s he got anyway, that all the girls are falling all over him?” Ruby pauses and laughs, “Wait! Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.” “Alright, I should get going. I want to do something for Dorita now I know about her mother.” He suggests, "Just drop by Valdez's church and say a prayer. That would probably mean more to her than anything else." “Really? I uh… will think about it, thanks.” She bids Carlos good day and heads off. Ruby wanders out into the grove, to a spot she knows pretty flowers grow. She hums to herself as she picks a variety of wildflowers, making a small natural bouquet. When she is satisfied with it she debates, just bring it back to the El Parador or stop by Valdez’s church. She decides, since she is already in the grove of the church to stop in, it won't kill her. She adjusts her dress, smoothing it and her hair down the best she can and enters the church. Ruby quickly discovers that she is the only human in the church at the moment, the other dozen or so people all being wood elves. At the front of the church Dorita, Pedro, and three other elves of approximately the same age are seating with Father Valdez and holding hands together. They all have their eyes closed and are praying in a language that is neither English or Spanish. Seated in the pews behind them are another five elves a generation younger than those in the circle, also with their eyes closed. Manuel Gonzales is seated by himself in the back row of the church. His head was also down but he turns it and gives a half-hearted smile to Ruby as she enters. She respectfully smiles back then stands next to the pew he is in. “May I?” she whispers, pointing to the seat next to him. He nods and gestures for her not to speak. She nods in return. She sits quietly next to him in the pew, a very unfamiliar place to her to be. She twists the flower stems in her hands as she looks around, barely remembering the church from her first visit inside. She pays close attention to the ceremony, even though she doesn’t know what they are saying she can feel the emotions. After a while Gonzales taps her shoulder. He gestures to the flowers and motions that she should bring them up front. At that point Valdez says something loudly which the others all repeat. They open their eyes and raise up their heads. Ruby rises from her seat next to Gonzales and slowly walks up the main aisle. She feels a bit timid as she walks, not wanting to ruin the sanctity of the ceremony and not knowing what to do. She reaches the front and stands near Dorita, not speaking but holding out the small bouquet of flowers to her. Dorita takes the flowers. She smiles, as does Pedro. Dorita says, "Thank you for showing your respects." She then turns back towards the Priest, handing him the flowers. He starts to say another prayer and they all bow their heads. Ruby’s not sure what to do, so she bows her head for a few moments before heading back to the seat next to Mr. Gonzales. She sits next to him quietly for some long moments while continuing to watch what they are doing up front. Why did she give the flowers to the Priest? They were for her. Her instincts take over and she closes her eyes. She says some prayers to Aphrodite, to watch over Dorita and her family, continuing to bless them with love and happiness. More time goes by before she opens her eyes again. Gonzales notices that she is done. He gestures for her to stand and depart, with him following her. Once they are outside of the church he says, "Thank you so very much. That was most kind of you to come. It will mean a lot to Pedro and Dorita, as it does to myself." Ruby smiles warmly and touches his arm. “Of course. If I had known sooner I would have brought Jake with me too. I am sure he would have liked to pay his respects to your other bird of prey with me. It just happened I was stopping by to ask Dorita for a favor and Carlos told me. I am glad he did. One day you will have to tell me more about her.” "What is to say, my Francesca Justina was the apple of my eye. No parent will admit to having a favorite child, but in truth she was. So full of life and energy. You remind me much of her. She and her brother Ramon would have followed me anywhere and they did. That day twenty-nine years ago was the worst of my life. He should have killed me as well, and could have, but he knew exactly how much my children meant to me. Letting me live was his way of causing me further suffering. My other daughter, Eldora, has not spoken one word to me since that day. That was her seating inside beside Dorita. Her children, as well as those of Ramon, all blame me too. Being here is very hard on me and your well wishes have helped to make today more bearable. Thank you my Golden Eagle." “That’s horrible.” Ruby is quiet, not knowing what to say. “I am honored that you compare me to your beloved daughter, teacher, and that I am your Golden Eagle now.” Ruby steps closer and hugs Gonzales tight. Her speaking muffled with her face pressed against his shoulder she says, "And while I don't know all the details I am sure you would never put your children, your apprentices, your family or your friends in any danger if you could help it." He gives her a very, very long hug in return without saying a word. He finally breaks the embrace and says, "Thank you sweet child, you have no idea how wonderful it is to hear you say that. I need to go back inside now." Ruby nods. “I will see you later. I will also try to visit Dorita soon.” She waits until Gonzales walk back into the church before leaving. She heads back to the Lucky Lady. She passes the afternoon practicing some songs and also re-reading sections of Romeo and Juliet. She also spends some quality time napping with Jake. Once dinner time begins she hangs around downstairs, anxiously waiting to see Al Brower. The Gun Shop closes up at 5:00 P.M. this Tuesday evening and Al Brower is walking through the doors of the Lucky Lady two doors down at 5:01 P.M. He takes his usual table and asks the new man Thom, "What is Maria offering on tonight's menu?" Thom shrugs his shoulders and says, "I go ask." Al says, "Don't bother, I'll have whatever she's made. I haven't had a bad meal from her yet." Ruby doesn’t waste any time as she walks right over to Brower’s table. “Good evening Mr. Brower, how are you this pleasant evening?” "Mr. Brower? Why be so formal Ruby, call me Al. I'm doing just fine." Thom brings a plate of barbecue chicken and a baked potato out to Al along with a tankard of beer. "Thank you," he states. “Welcome,” Thom answers. “Does Pretty Ruby want some too?” “No thank you Thom. You should have some though, I am sure you are hungry.” Thom eagerly sets off to the kitchen. Ruby laughs and shakes her head, “He has some appetite.” Al states, “Someday you’ll have to tell me how you left on a vacation and came home with him, practically a giant!” Ruby laughs again, “Now Al, a girl can’t give away all her secrets, now can she? He may not be smart but he's loyal. A perfect watchman for our second door, once it's completed.” Ruby slides into the seat across from Brower. “So, I hear you have a place you don’t want anymore. A house?” "A house? Oh, you mean the one across Fremont Street from the Comique. Well, I suppose we no longer need it. Pierre Jaquet and myself originally purchased it to use for our own house but we've never gotten around to leaving the Golden Eagle Boarding House. I can't say we're ever going to either. Between the gun shop, saloon, cigar store and my being here at nights neither of us are around enough to need a house. Both of our other Comique employees Warren Watson and our singer Clairesse Townsend both live at the Golden Eagle too. Our only employees not there are the gamblers, but the Milfords wouldn't allow a gambler to live there anyway. Hannah Milford's cooking is to die for, too bad she only does breakfast and lunches, although Maria's dinners are very, very good as well. And Clay Milford makes sure the place is safe. The other tenants are Peter Lovelace of the Rio Grande, that new lawyer's two clerks Hatcher Meeks and Gunther Heppel and the Condon brother's new teller Fletcher Laughton. All four of them are quiet but friendly. Still two vacancies since Harry and Niles moved in here. It'll be interesting to see who the Mildfords bring in to fill those rooms. Ah, I'm rambling. You were asking about the house. It's empty most of the time. Whenever the Promise City Hotel becomes full we'll rent the building out to Eric and Melissa Smith so they can handle the overflow. That happened last month during the two weeks around the festival. So one room has old army cots, blankets and pillows stacked in it for those times but otherwise the place is empty. We figured that eventually we might want to get a fourth business established there but have about decided that we really don't have the time. What would you want it for? Not another saloon I hope, the Comique has enough competition already." Ruby laughs, “Oh no, not a saloon. A house, a home actually, for Jake and I. I like my room in the saloon but it’s not like having a real home. Neither of us has had one in a very long time. So I asked around and Niles told me you had a place you might want to get rid of.” Al replies, "Well, as I said, it's not like I've been anxious to get rid of it, but I wouldn't mind having the two of you for neighbors. Pierre is half owner so I'd have to talk to him about it first, so we'll have to wait until he gets back. I'll stop by the County Claims office tomorrow before I open up to find out what a house like that is selling for these days. Whatever the going rate is I'll knock off ten-percent and it will be yours as long as Pierre agrees." “That would be great! As long as Pierre agrees that is.” Ruby pauses and taps her lips while she thinks, “Can I see it? I can’t just buy it without seeing it or Jake will laugh at me.” she giggles. “And oh, don’t tell him, I want it to be a surprise for his birthday.” He replies, "Sure, we can head over there after I finish this fine meal. Do you know what kind of pie Maria might have made today?" “No, I don’t. But I’ll go find out.” Ruby excuses herself and goes into the kitchen, returning after a few minutes with a large pie of hot apple pie. “Hope you like apples!” she says setting the plate on the table. "And still hot! Excellent!" he states as he digs in. Ruby sits again, keeping Al company while he eats. She asks him about his businesses and how he did with the festival. "It was the best weekend we ever had at the Comique. Did great at the cigar shop too since that emporium only sold tobacco tins and no cigars. Out partner Alton Boyd sold out of his entire stock by early Sunday afternoon. Alton had a large crate of dried tobacco leaves so he bought several tobacco tins from that emporium guy. Alton Pierre and I spent the next two hours rolling up more. Sold all of them as well, even though they weren't of Boyd's usual quality. So our two partners did very well. We didn't do much business at the gun shop, since all of our best stock had been stolen by the Cowboy Gang a few days earlier and the emporium had a gun dealer with good variety and prices. Adding in the gun shop losses from the robbery Pierre and I pretty much broke even by the time everything was done, and would have had an overall loss if it wasn't for that stolen ammunition that was recovered from the cave." “That’s great, Al,” Ruby says sincerely. Then she blushes slightly. “You know, I still haven’t gotten around to asking Niles how we did.” She shrugs and grins, “I guess that’s why I’m just the singer. One of these days I will.” When they are finished with the meal they leave, having to take the long way to Main and Fremont by way of Allen and Sierra for him to stop at the Double Eagle Boarding House to pick up the keys. While he is upstairs in his room Hannah Milford says with some irritation in her voice, "Hello Miss West. I haven't seen much of you since the festival. My husband Clay and I saw a little too much of you then. What on earth made you think that it was appropriate to parade around town naked?" Ruby smiles easily, “Good evening Mrs. Milford.” She takes a step closer to the woman. “I certainly did not parade around town naked, I preformed in what was clearly stated to be an adult show. And…,” her smile grows wider, “You didn’t get to see any of the good parts anyway, so I was definitely not naked.” She replies, "I hardly consider a handkerchief attached to a string being clothed. Neither do most of the other decent folks in town. The next time the Vigilance Committee brings up the notion of a dress code I think you'll see a different result due to your performance." Al soon returns and sensing some heavy tension in the room suggests to Ruby that they depart. “Perhaps. Or perhaps not, especially considering the majority of this town is not on the Vigilance Committee and I do believe you might find some who enjoyed the performance. Well,” Ruby continues cheerily, “Have a good evening.” She takes Al’s arm and as she walks out she flashes Mrs. Milford a dazzling smile over her shoulder. Once outside they start the walk to the building. “I hope I didn’t embarrass you,” Ruby says sincerely. “Seems some people decided to skip the warning that night at the festival that the show was for the grown ups.” She sighs, “Plus they seem to forget all the good we do for the town and focus on something they see as bad.” "Oh, was that about your dance? I guess she's gotten tired of just nagging Niles and Harry about it and decided to go directly to the source. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have brought you in." They walk down Fremont Street to the Intersection with Main to the twenty-by-twenty-five foot two-story wooden structure. All of the windows have gingham-style curtains on the inside which are presently drawn shut. The main entrance is in the southwest corner on Fremont facing Main which he unlocks with a key. The first room is ten by fifteen feet, with two doors on both the north on each end and one on the east walls. The room also has a staircase leading up. He opens the doors, which lead to the other three rooms on the floor, the two on the northwest and southeast corners being ten foot square and the one on the northeast corner being ten by fifteen. That room has a vent pipe for a woodstove and another door to the outside. They head upstairs which leads to a five foot wide corridor running from the north to south wall. Off from the corridor are four ten-by-ten foot rooms, one of which has the aforementioned army cots, blankets and pillows. He says, "There's not all that much too it. There are fancier houses, we bought it primarily for the location." Ruby smiles as she walks through, pretending to inspect things closely but really imagining the things she would be doing with Jake in each room. “It’s in wonderful condition. And besides, it doesn’t need to be fancy, I’d rather decorate it myself.” The gingham curtains bring a large smile to her face. Once they are upstairs Ruby unfastens a curtain and looks outside, down into the street. “It’s really perfect,” she says, looking back at Al. “But seeing it makes me realize how much work this will be. I’m a bit overwhelmed at all that will have to be done. I am afraid I don’t know much about keeping house.” He replies, "I know. That's one of the reasons that Pierre and I never got around to moving in either. I suppose you could always hire a housekeeper, that's what the Condon brothers, the Hubbards and Fisk do." Ruby laughs, “Oh yes, I definitely plan on doing that. But I was thinking more of just filling this place with furniture! And the kitchen, have to set that up too. I don’t know anything about kitchens. Oh well, I’ll figure it out I always do.” Ruby turns and faces Al fully. “I’ll take it! I mean, we’ll take it! Oh, I am so excited!” Ruby jumps up and down then hugs Al tightly. Suddenly she pulls back, “If Pierre agrees that is. Do you think he will?” "Yeah, I suppose he will. As for the furniture I'd suggest you sweet talk Cole Rixton over at Rixton's furniture. I heard that he cut Kate a special deal on furniture for the schoolhouse since like him she was part of 'Dorita's extended family'. Of course, that was back when he was dating Liza Brown and happy about life. Now that she's engaged to Derick Avery he may have a different outlook on life." “I’ve been told I have a knack for sweet talking, I guess we’ll find out what I can really do,” she chuckles. “But poor guy, I guess that engagement came from the festival?” Ruby looks around the house, “We’re going to need so much…” Feeling a little overwhelmed she walks back downstairs. She rests her head against a wall and closes her eyes. Again, she pictures her room at the Lucky Lady, then pictures her life with Jake here. Even though some things would be harder, like meals and stumbling home drunk, it just seemed… right… for them to have this place together. She opens her eyes, “As soon as you can let me know what you’re asking I’d appreciate it. I’d like to surprise Jake on his birthday. I was hoping I could give you a deposit and my word in exchange for the key. I would really like Jake and I to sign the papers together. You know we’re good to our word.” "Jake's Birthday? When is that?" “The 15th of May. It’s soon. We both wanted to get a house, I figure the gift is in him not having to do the work to find and procure the place. He still has to pay for it,” she laughs lightly. “I want to get him something else too, but I need someone else’s help and they were busy today.” Ruby walks back into the room that was her future kitchen, trying to put to memory the dimensions. “I’m going to have a party for him the night of Saturday the 20th at the Lucky Lady.” She spins to face Al, “I hope you’ll come?” "Oh, I'll be there. Tell you what, if Pierre isn't back by say noon on the 15th we'll go ahead and start the deal without him. That way you can at least tell him you've made a deposit on a house. I'm sure Pierre will agree, we just can't legally finalize the deal without his signature." “I understand. I thought I’d bring Jake by and let him look around, and that would be enough on his birthday. Like I said, I want Jake to be there to sign the papers too but don’t want to tell him before his birthday. So it sounds like a plan.” Ruby offers Al her hand. “Shall we shake on it then?” "Sure. Stop by the gunshop on the fifteenth and I'll give you the key." They shake on it and part ways. --------------------------------------------------------------- The next day Ruby again finds an excuse to slip out of the Lucky Lady without Jake, telling him she has a letter to mail at the post office. She hurries over to the El Parador, hoping to find Dorita. She finds her in the kitchen busy making breakfast. “Buenos Dias Senora. How are you today? Yesterday must have been very trying for you.” "Si, my aunt and cousins always make the day harder. They not accept Grandfather wasn't at fault. Pedro, Sonoma and I are only family members who speak to him and continue to show our love." She pauses and then looks up to Ruby stating, "You stopping by with the flowers was thoughtful. Thank you." "Of course, Dorita," she says sincerely. "I would have liked to bring Jake too to pay his respects but I only found out at the last minute. I really am sorry." There is an uncomfortable moment of silence before Ruby continues. “Senora, Necesito preguntar un favor, por favor.” (I need to ask a favor, please). “I would like to find a gift for Senor Jake. I was hoping you could help me.” "Si, what can I help you with? Something special you would like cooked up for him?" "I do need to have something cooked, that is true. And you are the best cook around...But what I was really hoping for is some tea." She doesn't wait for Dorita to respond. "You have made some special teas before and there is one in particular I am looking for. I need it, it's very important to me. I have heard of it before, when I was younger someone had one. It's a tea that when you drink it you have a vision of where a certain person is. Have you heard of it?" "Si, I have heard of it. I think it called Elixir of Clairvoyance. I not know how to make it but Grandfather may have recipe for it. I will ask him." "I would so appreciate it. I can ask him too, if that would be better." "I do it. Check back later, maybe when you come in for food. You too skinny, Maria not feeding you enough." Ruby laughs, "Well I guess you'll have to yell at her then, won't you?" She hugs Dorita, "Thank you Senora, for everything. I will check back later for the potion, and I promise I'll eat then too." Ruby bounces out of the Cantina, glad to have Jake's gifts secured. --------------------------------------------------------- Later that night Jake and Ruby come to the Cantina for dinner. Ruby says to Jake, "I'm going to say hi to Dorita. I'll be right back." She gives him a peck and heads into the kitchen. She finds the elven woman standing at her usual spot at the stove. "Evening Dorita," Ruby smiles, "How did your mission go?" "Very good, Grandfather says he see recipe in one of new books you find but not sure which book it in. He tearing apart library now looking. Thank you for giving him new thing to do. My Aunt and cousins' visit always upset him terribly. He been hiding in his room since worship service ended yesterday." "Oh really? Maybe I should go and pay him a visit. I think I will." Ruby pauses, "I know it's not really my business but I wish there was something I could do to help. It's really not fair that they blame your grandfather." She says, "Well, I can understand why they do. He told them it was all his fault. I know that he never mean for harm to come to mother and uncle, he love them dearly." Ruby shakes her head. “I guess they are just so angry at losing their beloveds that they need someone to blame. And it IS so like your grandfather to take the blame on himself. I’m going to go up now.” Ruby stops by Jake momentarily. “Darling I’m going to check on Mr. Gonzales, he’s not feeling well. I’ll be right back, please order for me.” Ruby heads upstairs and doesn’t bother knocking. She lets herself into her teacher’s room then into the secret room when she does not find him there. “Teacher?” she calls out, “Where are you?” He does not immediately answer. She then hears a soft bubbling sound coming from his workshop/laboratory even though the door is shut. She quietly opens the door to see him in the midst of brewing some sort of elaborate experiment. He has four braziers going, each with a different colored liquid boiling inside. On the table are boxes and bags of various powders, with differing amounts of powder on three different scales. Instead of his regular clothing he has on a heavy leather apron and long leather mittens similar to those that blacksmiths sometimes wear. He also has on a metal helmet with glass visor attached to it, covering his face. On the tables are two different books, each opened and held in place with rocks as paperweights. Ruby watches in utter curiosity as her teacher plays mad scientist. Colored steam rises from the braziers and a faint odor of some kind of flower Ruby couldn’t place was in the air. She slowly walks forward but does not get too close. She again calls out softly, trying not to startle him, “Teacher?” He turns and notices her. He commands, "Out, out, and shut the door behind you! I'll be along shortly, this stuff will soon need to simmer a while on low. Too dangerous for you in here right now. Out, out, out!" Ruby ushers herself quickly out of the room, knowing not to anger her teacher and also knowing to heed his warnings. So while she waits she wanders around the mansion, looking at whatever is around very curiously. She finds the library a mess, with books piled everywhere. The rest of the mansion is as it should be. After twenty minutes he exits the room. He removes the apron, gloves and helmet and smiles at her stating, "My, you bring about quite a challenge. I've never created any of these elixirs before now." "Really? I had not realized there was anything you haven't done! But don't you look happy," she smiles at him. "I really do appreciate you making it for me. I know how you feel about Jake and all..." her voice trails off. "Not happy? I'm delighted! I haven't had this much fun in ages. I thought I'd seen the elixirs listed in one of those books, it turns they were in two but different variations. So I'm mixing them all up to experiment with. One book calls has an Elixir of Clairvoyance, which allows you to see another person. It also has an Elixir of Clairaudience which allows you to hear another person. The second book has both elixirs but also a variation that claims they are safe to mix and use simultaneously. Mixing potions is always dangerous work, whether in the stomach or in the laboratory, which is why I've taken extra precautions. As for Mr. Cook, I'm doing this for you, not for him. You are right though, I should really try to mend that broken fence at some point. You are too important a person in both of our lives for us to constantly be at odds with one another." Ruby bounces over to Gonzales and ends in his arms. “You are the BEST!” She hugs him tightly. “I just know you and Jake can get along, I mean, really get along. It’s just hard for him to trust people. He hasn’t had it easy either, especially with family, but he IS a good man.” Ruby finally lets him go. “And thank you so much for doing this, it means a lot to me to be able to give it to him.” Ruby pauses in thought, “See and hear, huh? I wonder what other kinds of things you can do with this stuff. I didn’t realize it was so much fun,” she teases the old elf. He replies, "We'll I'm making enough for two doses of each, as I would want to test them before giving them to anybody else to use. I'll let you know the result and if they do what the books say they'll do. That isn't always the case." Ruby’s eyes widen. “You mean things can really… go wrong? Isn’t that scary? I guess it’s kinda exciting too, who knows what cool things could happen. How will you test it? When will they be done?” "Well, I have another hour or two to work on them, then they'll need to cool a settle. Should be ready late tonight. I'll probably test them out then. If they work the second one of each will be ready for you when you drop by tomorrow." “Oh! That is soooo wonderful,” Ruby throws herself into Mr. Gonzales arms again. “Can I help? How can I replay you?” "Repay me? You already did with your thoughtful visit yesterday. It was just what I needed right then. I'll see you later my little bird." Ruby just stands there and smiles, thinking, “I’m glad I could be of help then. I will see you tomorrow. I’m afraid to say Have Fun,” she laughs on her way out, Ruby lets herself out of the mansion and the old man’s room. She returns to Jake where they enjoy a very filling dinner. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby returns to Gonzales room the next day. She lets herself in and finds him. She excitedly asks, “How did you make out last night?” "I finished them. They work. Here you go." He hands her three ceramic vials, each capped with a different colored cork. He explains, "The one with the red cork is the Elixir of Clairaudience. Once it is consumed the person must then concentrate on a place known to them regardless of the distance away. For the next twenty minutes you would then hear whatever noises are coming from that place." "The one with the blue cork is the Elixir of Clairvoyance. It works like the other one except you would see in your mind whatever is transpiring in that area. Again, it must be a place known to you. Alternately, you could use it to see a specific individual known to you. Note that if the area is dark you might not be able to see due to the darkness." "The one with the purple cork is the combined Elixir. It simulates the effects of both of the others simultaneously however unlike the other two the combined elixir has a limited range of approximately 100 miles. The sole exception to that is it would probably allow sight and hearing if both the drinker and other location were both at locations with high concentrations of both wizard and earth magics." Ruby’s eyes widen as Gonzales hands her the three vials and explains abut them. “All three? This is SO much more than I could have hoped for!” She again hugs Mr. Gonzales excitedly, almost dropping the vials in the process. “Oh, I can’t wait to give these to him! He’s going to love it, thank you so much,” Ruby gushes, and continues to gush for on for endless minutes. Finally she stops. “I really mean it. You, and your family, have been nicer to me than most people and I’m not even sure what I did to deserve it. But I’ll take it.” Ruby hugs him again and starts for the door. “I hope you’ll come to the party on Saturday night,” she calls out as she leaves. Her voice faint, “It’s for Jake and the Priestess Minerva…” Anxious to continue to improve his shooting Jake asks Helen Barker again to give him some guidance. He would rather have Red do it, but he could not see his way clear to Tucson just now and was loathe to wait. He felt that he was at a plateau and just needed to be nudged up. So once again she tutored him, though this time she seemed less aloof and cold. He figured it had something to do with him shooting Johnny Ringo. After spending some time giving him pointers and showing him how to improve she says, "Perhaps you should worry a little more about not getting shot yourself." "I always worry about that. I only pull this," he says patting his Colt, "when all other choices are gone." "No," she says, "even when you are forced to pull your gun you could be harder to hit. Try to draw on me." Jake at first thinks she is kidding but then his eyes go wide as she flings the bullet at him, hitting him hard square in the chest. "Ow! What the --" "Now," she continues interrupting his vulgarity, "you are not only a good shot Mr. Cook, but you understand how to shoot a man, not just a target. Think about what you aim for. Now think about making it hard for me to hit you there." Without warning she flings another bullet at him and he shifts his torso and she misses. "Wipe that grin off your face and draw on me while doing the same thing, only this time...." They practice the little exercise for a long time. She shows him moves that do not shift his gun arm too much and teaches him some more about his center of gravity and shooting. "Doing that does take a toll on your aim, but shooting down your opponent is no good if you get shot too." "Helen, is there any end of surprises in you?" She does not answer, but instead returns his smirk. ................................ Out in the desert, just far enough out not to worry folks about the gunshots, once again Jake places empty liquor bottles on rocks, on a board between trees and nestled in the arms of a large cactus. Last time he tried snapping off three rounds quickly, the third round never quite came fast enough. Since then he had practiced, had been coached by Deputy Barker, had practiced dry firing in the mirror, and more importantly knew he was ready. He removes each pistol and loads a six round in the chamber under the hammer that normally remains empty for safety. Out flashes the Colt and the shots come fast, faster than before. If the lizard watching from the rock had understood what a gun was, it might have been amazed at the blur that was the hammer striking repeatedly as the gamblers left hand fanned over it just barely touching the tip. The gun barrel, unperturbed by the hammer motion, pointed true and disgorged hot lead towards the glass bottles that shattered. Top, middle, bottom, the bottle shattered and then again the same to its companion bottle on the rock as the six shots echoed across the desert. The man with the flat brimmed black hat twirled the gun and dropped it in its holster slung low on his right leg. The acrid gun smoke just begins to clear when he cross draws his new long barreled pistol with the pearl grips and proceeds to remove the necks effortlessly and fluidly from six glass bottles. Too long to twirl in his hand, the long barrel is slid firmly back into its holster. Jake inhales a whiff of the smoke and feel the tang of sulfur in nostrils. His eyes dart back and forth over the targets as he brushes some black powder residue from his hand and a faint grin comes to his lips. He reloads and fires several times, pleased with the results. He also tries some extra difficult shots, and finds that he is still most accurate with a single shot or two. Even the slight wobble generated by managing three shots, or a second fanning of the hammer after the first is enough to put his aim off slightly. He spends the next hour doing the same with his shotguns, the Spencer carbine and the Vetterli rifle that Emery Shaw gifted to him. At the end while packing up his weapons, he cannot keep the grin off his face. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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