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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2037831" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 92 “The Education of Maggie Whipple”, January 10th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>'Why don't you let us rest so we can be prepared for later then?" Ruby says. Kate adds "And you should rest too. You're going to have a busy three days when it's your turn." She looked over at the others helplessly. "Where will you be tonight, Maggie?"</p><p></p><p>She replies "I don't know. I haven't thought about it. Right now I have to go hire somebody to replace me a the Lone Star for the next three nights, with me gone It will be down a combination piano player and waitress and cook." </p><p></p><p>Sonoma speaks up "I can do it." "What?" Maggie exclaims. The young elvan woman replies "I can do it. Just tell me what you need done." She then says "And I won't tell your father what I think of him." Sonoma continues "And as for where you'll be, you will be here doing some of the work that I normally do." Maggie says, "Oh, I don't think that I could work...here." "THEN FIND SOMEONE ELSE!" Sonoma snaps back.</p><p></p><p>Jake laughs a little at the look on Maggie's face and says, "Look, let me know later on what you all are thinking about this. I have some business to attend to. I guess I'll see you at the Lone Star later tonight. Ruby if you want to come for the ride be down stairs in a little while." He leaves Katherine's room and heads back to his own. When he leaves he has his shotgun, both pistols, extra ammo and the notorious leather duster. He heads down stairs and waits for Chester and MacNaulty to come back.</p><p></p><p>"Ladies," Ruby says diplomatically, "let's be nice now shall, we?" She turns to Maggie. "We will all be going out of our way to help you and Tom, Maggie, and there really is no reason why you can't work here. Sonoma is a very capable chef, waitress and musician and maybe we'll even get her up on stage to sing with me and that will certainly draw the men's attention. You are doing yourself a disservice by not using her help." Ruby pauses and tugs at her now dry pants, "And besides, think of working here as an grand adventure that will broaden your horizons..."</p><p></p><p>Ruby runs downstairs to see Jake before he leaves. “I don’t think I can go with you tonight, Maggie is going to need us to be on time I think.” She sighs, “Not sure what or why I got myself into this whole Saloon business but I did…” </p><p></p><p>"Ruby's Lone Star." Jake pretends to be looking up at a sign over the Saloon. "It does have a nice sound to it." Ruby gives him a look. She starts reaching down the front of her dress. “Listen I wanted to give you the money you left at Lacey’s today, your change….” </p><p></p><p>Jake holds out both hands in a stopping sign and says, "No, no, I wanted to buy you a new dress and whatever else." He wags his finger at her, "You bought me a horse with gear and I told you I pay my debts. Besides I got the better deal." Ruby says, "How do you figure that, I didn't pay that much for the horse?" "All you get is to see me riding that thing," He folds his arms across his chest. "I get to see you in that new dress." </p><p></p><p>“Then I guess you’ll be pleasantly surprised as I bought three new dresses, which will be ready tomorrow, plus these pants,” she spins around showing them off, “and riding clothes and a new leather jacket…wow I got a lot! I also got some pretty new uh, lacey, satiny things, that go under the dresses, those you can see later. ” She says with a sly smile. “Hey, what’s your favorite color anyway?” "Red. But a green dress would match with your eyes and be just the thing for your hair." He says and reaches out and touches the edge of her hair. </p><p></p><p>“Please be careful, I won’t be there to stop any run away coaches this time.” Ruby has a look of concern on her face. She gives him a kiss then says, “So promise me, please, you’ll try to be careful and not do anything foolish…” "No coaches tonight, just horses. And I'll be careful. No promises on foolish though" he finishes with a smile. Alright Jake, I'll see you later!" She says over her shoulder as she walks away, flipping her hair. Geez, I can't spend every minute of every day worried about someone, she thinks. </p><p></p><p>Back upstairs, there the tension in the room with Kate, Maggie and Sonoma is thick enough to cut with a knife. Kate says, "I know what you're thinking of, Maggie. Let me assure you, I wouldn't live here if this weren’t a good place. Dorita and Pedro are kind and generous, and from what I've seen it doesn't get wild here. Especially on a weeknight. </p><p></p><p>And I know how you feel about, well, Ladies of a Certain Profession. You know that I feel very much the same way, but since I came here I've had to open my mind to a few things. To these women, it seems really just another profession. And if I were to refuse to even speak to them, I would miss knowing the very sweet girls who live under this roof, and perhaps the chance to understand something that I so far cannot. </p><p></p><p>Sonoma is more than capable of filling in for you and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised here. And you'll get to see how others run their business, which is always a valuable experience. If you're amenable, why don't you go on downstairs with Sonoma and she can show you what you'd need to do."</p><p></p><p>Maggie exclaims, “But Katherine this hotel employs prostitutes! You may be able to dismiss that but I cannot. Prostitution is a vile and disgusting institution that is nothing more than another type of slavery. It is dehumanizing towards women, forcing them to take Aphrodite’s most precious gift and corrupt it in the indulgence of men’s every whim. It is wrong to make women parade around in little to no clothing and be forced to spend time in the act of fornication. Harlots are made to fulfill every vile request of any man that may desire them, oblivious to any diseases or hygiene problems that the man may have. And all so that some rich saloon owner can line his own pockets with most of the money that changes hands.” </p><p></p><p>Sonoma waits for Maggie to finish her rant and then replies, “Mrs. Whipple, you have very accurately described what goes on over at the Palace Saloon. Most of what you said is also true of the Long Branch and Gay Lady. However, it bears no resemblance to what transpires here at the El Parador. </p><p></p><p>The women who rent rooms here do not work for my parents they work for themselves. They are always appropriately attired while in the Cantina. They are not forced to do anything or be with anyone who they do not wish to. We provide them with a clean and safe place to work and will permanently bar from this establishment any person who attempts to mistreat them. </p><p></p><p>Your choice of the word ‘dehumanize’ is very interesting, as we are not human. Wood elves tend to view sexuality from a different perspective than you humans do and it is inappropriate for you to apply your human standards to us. Do not judge us until you get to know us. Katherine's suggestion is a good one, I think three days here would certainly help to expand your outlook. </p><p></p><p>And while we are on the subject of race, what other employment would you suggest for my friends? You own a business here in town. If one the wood elves who works here had approached you for a job at the Lone Star would you have hired her?” My friend Angelica has a four-year old son to support as well as a two-year-old daughter living with her mother that she also supports. Both of the other women whose profession you disapprove of send the majority of the money they make back to her families in Mexico, who would otherwise starve without it. Would you have people live in poverty rather than make their own choice in life? </p><p></p><p>Maggie has no immediate response. Sonoma says, "Come, let us go speak to my mother. If you still have a problem with being in the Cantina with my friends then you could stay in the kitchen which would free my mother up to wait on the tables."</p><p></p><p>"Go on down, Maggie, and see for yourself." Kate kissed her on the forehead. "We can talk again when I get back from the Lone Star tonight." As Maggie and Sonoma left, Kate leaned over and whispered quickly to the young wood elf. "She has been under enormous stress, and she's very close to breaking down completely. I know because I've been in the exact same situation. Take her ranting with a grain of salt. It's about her world coming apart, and she's wrapping herself in what she thinks she knows, trying to protect herself." </p><p></p><p>Sonoma nodded and closed the door. Katherine sighed deeply and changed into a simple skirt with the barest hint of a bustle and a plain blouse. She pulled a dark shawl over her shoulders and curled up in the chair by the window. A few minutes later there was a knock on her door. </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads up to Katherine's room. She knocks on her door. "Kate? Are you here? I'm going to take your advice and see Chumbley. Do you want to come with me? And even if you don't come with me I'll need help getting ready tonight. Will you help?"</p><p></p><p>"I'm here Ruby," Kate called out, tired. "Come in if you like. I think you can handle Chumbley. Just let me know when you're back and I'll give you a hand." "Alright, Kate, I'm just going to go then. Try to get some rest." Ruby isn't sure she should push the issue with Kate. If Kate wanted to talk she would. Kate dabbed at her eyes, picked up Tom's picture and wrapped herself more tightly in her shawl. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet waits for Jake outside already saddled up with rifle in hand. "Mr. Jake, I am starting to enjoy your company. I am ready to ride with you again." Nanuet looks over his shoulder and between two buildings you can see the outline of a canine like creature and the light reflecting off a pair of intelligent eyes. "Ready Maska?'</p><p></p><p>Chester returns from the stamping mill. He tells Jake "We got there in time. Hubbard brought the load in and got it ready for processing then locked up for the day. It will be the first load processed when they start up again tomorrow morning." Chester then laughs and adds "And it felt great for his clerk to see me coming in with a load of valuable ore on the same day that he fired me." Chester gets his horse. Grant Keebler gets three other horses from the El Parador stable for himself, Samson Hill and Will Hickey to ride. The six of them (and the wolf) ride out of town to the northeast. Chester reloads his weapons before the group leaves for the mine. He rides alongside Jake, "Mr. Cook, about how far is it to the mine?" Jake answers, "Five miles by horse over mountain roads, figure 1 to 2 hour’s round trip."</p><p></p><p>Ruby's first stop looking for Chumbley is the Alhambra. She finds him there eating his dinner alone. "Hi!" She says chipperly to him, sitting at his table. "Did you enjoy the trial today?" He says "Oh yes, Miss West, it was very interesting. I had heard about 'Hanging Nat' Isby but had never seen him in action before! The circuit judge that handles Tombstone isn't nearly as strict. Imagine, getting five years just for shooting at Wyatt Earp! And your friend getting a year just for trying to toss out a drunk! Remind me never to cross paths with that judge as a defendant. </p><p></p><p>I'm really glad I stuck around. I had originally planned to head back to Tombstone this morning but stayed the extra day for court. I'm glad I did, I still had thirty-five papers left and managed to sell them all to the crowd on their way out of the Comique. I also picked up six more advertisements today. We may need to expand the paper from eight pages to twelve at this rate."</p><p></p><p>She replies, Yes, he certainly did seem strict didn't he? Poor Job, what horrible lies were said about him today. I can't believe that judge would believe such things! And what that girl said about me, I cried all afternoon about it. Why would anyone be so mean? But I was thinking, since your paper always prints the truth, maybe I could help straighten out the story..." </p><p></p><p>"Plus, I think I can help you with another story, a big one I'm sure. But first why don't you tell me what you were planning on printing about trial."</p><p></p><p>Chumbley says, "Oh, you don't have to worry Miss. West. I plan to print just the full testimony of the Earps and the Judge, after all, they are all public officials and there should be a public written record of what they say. Beyond that, I was just going to paraphrase what the defendants said. I don't think it's necessary to print the rest of it. </p><p></p><p>I would never go printing any lies about you. I also wouldn't print those lies and gossip about the Lone Star. After all, Mr. Whipple was one of the first people to buy an advertisement from me for the paper. It was an ad about you in face. You know, I should probably check in on him again to see if he wants to place another one. Now, what is this big story?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, I am relieved to hear that you won't be printing anything about any "new" profession of mine, you know I'm only a singer," she says smiling. "Well, did you hear about the stage coach that ran into town today? I was on it. I could tell you what happened, if you're interested that is." Chumbley is extremely interested and orders up drinks for both himself and says, "Please tell me what happened? I especially want to know about how you managed to lose the horse team but still ride down Main Street."</p><p></p><p>"Well, we were being chased by some extremely bad people, maybe even some members of," she looks around then whispers, "the cowboy gang." Ruby proceeds to tell Chumbley about what happened, leaving out anything incriminating, and tells of how brave and strong MacNaulty was and how heroic Jake was for almost sacrificing himself to save them and how in the end Ruby climbed underneath the stage and how they all steered it together. </p><p></p><p>"And the Earps are extremely angry over the near death of Morgan and are fairly sure they know just who was behind the attack and will be delivering justice in a timely manner." "Oh but Chumbley, even though people know I was on the coach, please don't say I told you all this. I know you only want to print the truth, so I figured I would tell you but I don't want any bad men after me."</p><p></p><p>Chumbley thanks Ruby for the information and says that he will be certain to leave her name out of the story. His final comment is "If you still have those twisted rifles drop they by before I leave tomorrow morning. I'm sure my editor will want to see them, he may even want to get an artist to draw them to print in the next edition.</p><p></p><p>Ruby heads back to the Cantina. It is still a little early to get ready so takes a nap, not wanting to bother Kate. When she awakes she grabs everything she will need to get ready and heads to Kate's room. She knocks on the door and Kate lets her in. </p><p></p><p>"Kate, thank you for helping me get ready tonight. I want to look extra special. I'm going to wear my favorite dress, my red one," she throws the dress on Kate's bed. "And I want to do something different with my hair, plus get the knots out from this morning. You're really sweet to help me, you know." Ruby starts getting undressed and Kate quickly turns her back. Once she has underclothes on she says, "Ok, you can turn back around now," with a laugh. "Let's do my hair." </p><p></p><p>As Kate is doing her hair Ruby cautiously asks, " Is everything ok with you? You seem out of sorts." </p><p></p><p>Kate kept pulling the brush through Ruby's hair, carefully working out the knots. "Everything's as ok at it ever is, dear. It's just been a very long day with no chance to rest. I needed time to sit quietly and think, as much as would rather avoid thinking about what happened this morning. I hate that I helped kill someone, and even worse, I used magic to do it." </p><p></p><p>"Yes, we have had some very busy and, let's just say, exciting days lately. But Kate," Ruby turns to her friend, putting her hand on hers, "you did what you had to do. Listen there are other ways to get out of trouble. But sometimes you get into a situation and it’s your only choice, the other person isn't willing and there isn't anything you can do about it. You are a genuinely good person and I'm sure it's eating you up, having to kill someone. I don’t like having to kill someone either, you saw me the day at the caves. I try to avoid situations like that at all costs. So maybe we should try to make that a plan from now on, huh? And maybe you can work with Mr. Gonzales on some spells that will help with that.” Ruby turns back to facing forward. “Can you put it up or something? My hair that is.” </p><p></p><p>"Yes, I can put it up." Kate worked quietly; smoothly pulling Ruby's hair back from her face and pinning it up, but letting the hair in the back hang in loose curls. Her own twisted and tucked style would be out of place on Ruby. She left a few tendrils to curl around Ruby's face. "There," she said, handing Ruby the small mirror. "That should do." </p><p></p><p>"Oh Kate, you did a great job! Now help me with my corset please." She stands up and when Kate comes towards her Ruby hugs her tight. "I thought you might need that," she smiles. "Now, let's make this tight shall we? I want to be extra tempting tonight." Kate starts tugging on her corset. Ruby had the feeling Kate was used to the constraints of corsets, among other things. "Did I tell you Jake is taking me out tonight? To celebrate his silver mine deal." </p><p></p><p>"I hope some place beside the Palace is open after the Lone Star closes," Kate laughed. "Hold on to something Ruby, this isn't going to be comfortable." Ruby took hold of the doorknob, and Kate put her knee against Ruby's back side and leaned all her weight back, pulling on the corset strings until they could go no tighter. "Now let's get your dress on and get going. I feel like playing the piano."</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Kate make their way downstairs. Sonoma is in the main room of the Cantina waiting on a few tables. From the kitchen they hear the voices of Dorita and Maggie. The room is fairly crowded. Jake, Nanuet and Chester do not appear to have returned yet. </p><p></p><p>They see Riley, who hasn't been around much the last two days. He is sitting by himself at the bar drinking a glass of whiskey. Ruby approaches Riley. "Anymore strange dreams Mr. Riley?" She takes a seat next to him. "Or any luck finding your friend?" No, I've been wandering around the hills for the past few days looking for him. Saw at least a dozen men out riding around up there but there don't seem to be any Apache anywhere.</p><p></p><p>"Yeah it must be tough to find someone out in the desert. I still think Nanuet is your best bet. You should ask him to help you." Ruby pauses. "Interested in coming out to the Lone Star tonight?" "Sure, one saloon is as good as another," is his response. "Great. We'll be leaving in a little while or you can just meet us there, either way we'll be glad you did."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2037831, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 92 “The Education of Maggie Whipple”, January 10th, 1882:[/B] 'Why don't you let us rest so we can be prepared for later then?" Ruby says. Kate adds "And you should rest too. You're going to have a busy three days when it's your turn." She looked over at the others helplessly. "Where will you be tonight, Maggie?" She replies "I don't know. I haven't thought about it. Right now I have to go hire somebody to replace me a the Lone Star for the next three nights, with me gone It will be down a combination piano player and waitress and cook." Sonoma speaks up "I can do it." "What?" Maggie exclaims. The young elvan woman replies "I can do it. Just tell me what you need done." She then says "And I won't tell your father what I think of him." Sonoma continues "And as for where you'll be, you will be here doing some of the work that I normally do." Maggie says, "Oh, I don't think that I could work...here." "THEN FIND SOMEONE ELSE!" Sonoma snaps back. Jake laughs a little at the look on Maggie's face and says, "Look, let me know later on what you all are thinking about this. I have some business to attend to. I guess I'll see you at the Lone Star later tonight. Ruby if you want to come for the ride be down stairs in a little while." He leaves Katherine's room and heads back to his own. When he leaves he has his shotgun, both pistols, extra ammo and the notorious leather duster. He heads down stairs and waits for Chester and MacNaulty to come back. "Ladies," Ruby says diplomatically, "let's be nice now shall, we?" She turns to Maggie. "We will all be going out of our way to help you and Tom, Maggie, and there really is no reason why you can't work here. Sonoma is a very capable chef, waitress and musician and maybe we'll even get her up on stage to sing with me and that will certainly draw the men's attention. You are doing yourself a disservice by not using her help." Ruby pauses and tugs at her now dry pants, "And besides, think of working here as an grand adventure that will broaden your horizons..." Ruby runs downstairs to see Jake before he leaves. “I don’t think I can go with you tonight, Maggie is going to need us to be on time I think.” She sighs, “Not sure what or why I got myself into this whole Saloon business but I did…” "Ruby's Lone Star." Jake pretends to be looking up at a sign over the Saloon. "It does have a nice sound to it." Ruby gives him a look. She starts reaching down the front of her dress. “Listen I wanted to give you the money you left at Lacey’s today, your change….” Jake holds out both hands in a stopping sign and says, "No, no, I wanted to buy you a new dress and whatever else." He wags his finger at her, "You bought me a horse with gear and I told you I pay my debts. Besides I got the better deal." Ruby says, "How do you figure that, I didn't pay that much for the horse?" "All you get is to see me riding that thing," He folds his arms across his chest. "I get to see you in that new dress." “Then I guess you’ll be pleasantly surprised as I bought three new dresses, which will be ready tomorrow, plus these pants,” she spins around showing them off, “and riding clothes and a new leather jacket…wow I got a lot! I also got some pretty new uh, lacey, satiny things, that go under the dresses, those you can see later. ” She says with a sly smile. “Hey, what’s your favorite color anyway?” "Red. But a green dress would match with your eyes and be just the thing for your hair." He says and reaches out and touches the edge of her hair. “Please be careful, I won’t be there to stop any run away coaches this time.” Ruby has a look of concern on her face. She gives him a kiss then says, “So promise me, please, you’ll try to be careful and not do anything foolish…” "No coaches tonight, just horses. And I'll be careful. No promises on foolish though" he finishes with a smile. Alright Jake, I'll see you later!" She says over her shoulder as she walks away, flipping her hair. Geez, I can't spend every minute of every day worried about someone, she thinks. Back upstairs, there the tension in the room with Kate, Maggie and Sonoma is thick enough to cut with a knife. Kate says, "I know what you're thinking of, Maggie. Let me assure you, I wouldn't live here if this weren’t a good place. Dorita and Pedro are kind and generous, and from what I've seen it doesn't get wild here. Especially on a weeknight. And I know how you feel about, well, Ladies of a Certain Profession. You know that I feel very much the same way, but since I came here I've had to open my mind to a few things. To these women, it seems really just another profession. And if I were to refuse to even speak to them, I would miss knowing the very sweet girls who live under this roof, and perhaps the chance to understand something that I so far cannot. Sonoma is more than capable of filling in for you and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised here. And you'll get to see how others run their business, which is always a valuable experience. If you're amenable, why don't you go on downstairs with Sonoma and she can show you what you'd need to do." Maggie exclaims, “But Katherine this hotel employs prostitutes! You may be able to dismiss that but I cannot. Prostitution is a vile and disgusting institution that is nothing more than another type of slavery. It is dehumanizing towards women, forcing them to take Aphrodite’s most precious gift and corrupt it in the indulgence of men’s every whim. It is wrong to make women parade around in little to no clothing and be forced to spend time in the act of fornication. Harlots are made to fulfill every vile request of any man that may desire them, oblivious to any diseases or hygiene problems that the man may have. And all so that some rich saloon owner can line his own pockets with most of the money that changes hands.” Sonoma waits for Maggie to finish her rant and then replies, “Mrs. Whipple, you have very accurately described what goes on over at the Palace Saloon. Most of what you said is also true of the Long Branch and Gay Lady. However, it bears no resemblance to what transpires here at the El Parador. The women who rent rooms here do not work for my parents they work for themselves. They are always appropriately attired while in the Cantina. They are not forced to do anything or be with anyone who they do not wish to. We provide them with a clean and safe place to work and will permanently bar from this establishment any person who attempts to mistreat them. Your choice of the word ‘dehumanize’ is very interesting, as we are not human. Wood elves tend to view sexuality from a different perspective than you humans do and it is inappropriate for you to apply your human standards to us. Do not judge us until you get to know us. Katherine's suggestion is a good one, I think three days here would certainly help to expand your outlook. And while we are on the subject of race, what other employment would you suggest for my friends? You own a business here in town. If one the wood elves who works here had approached you for a job at the Lone Star would you have hired her?” My friend Angelica has a four-year old son to support as well as a two-year-old daughter living with her mother that she also supports. Both of the other women whose profession you disapprove of send the majority of the money they make back to her families in Mexico, who would otherwise starve without it. Would you have people live in poverty rather than make their own choice in life? Maggie has no immediate response. Sonoma says, "Come, let us go speak to my mother. If you still have a problem with being in the Cantina with my friends then you could stay in the kitchen which would free my mother up to wait on the tables." "Go on down, Maggie, and see for yourself." Kate kissed her on the forehead. "We can talk again when I get back from the Lone Star tonight." As Maggie and Sonoma left, Kate leaned over and whispered quickly to the young wood elf. "She has been under enormous stress, and she's very close to breaking down completely. I know because I've been in the exact same situation. Take her ranting with a grain of salt. It's about her world coming apart, and she's wrapping herself in what she thinks she knows, trying to protect herself." Sonoma nodded and closed the door. Katherine sighed deeply and changed into a simple skirt with the barest hint of a bustle and a plain blouse. She pulled a dark shawl over her shoulders and curled up in the chair by the window. A few minutes later there was a knock on her door. Ruby heads up to Katherine's room. She knocks on her door. "Kate? Are you here? I'm going to take your advice and see Chumbley. Do you want to come with me? And even if you don't come with me I'll need help getting ready tonight. Will you help?" "I'm here Ruby," Kate called out, tired. "Come in if you like. I think you can handle Chumbley. Just let me know when you're back and I'll give you a hand." "Alright, Kate, I'm just going to go then. Try to get some rest." Ruby isn't sure she should push the issue with Kate. If Kate wanted to talk she would. Kate dabbed at her eyes, picked up Tom's picture and wrapped herself more tightly in her shawl. Nanuet waits for Jake outside already saddled up with rifle in hand. "Mr. Jake, I am starting to enjoy your company. I am ready to ride with you again." Nanuet looks over his shoulder and between two buildings you can see the outline of a canine like creature and the light reflecting off a pair of intelligent eyes. "Ready Maska?' Chester returns from the stamping mill. He tells Jake "We got there in time. Hubbard brought the load in and got it ready for processing then locked up for the day. It will be the first load processed when they start up again tomorrow morning." Chester then laughs and adds "And it felt great for his clerk to see me coming in with a load of valuable ore on the same day that he fired me." Chester gets his horse. Grant Keebler gets three other horses from the El Parador stable for himself, Samson Hill and Will Hickey to ride. The six of them (and the wolf) ride out of town to the northeast. Chester reloads his weapons before the group leaves for the mine. He rides alongside Jake, "Mr. Cook, about how far is it to the mine?" Jake answers, "Five miles by horse over mountain roads, figure 1 to 2 hour’s round trip." Ruby's first stop looking for Chumbley is the Alhambra. She finds him there eating his dinner alone. "Hi!" She says chipperly to him, sitting at his table. "Did you enjoy the trial today?" He says "Oh yes, Miss West, it was very interesting. I had heard about 'Hanging Nat' Isby but had never seen him in action before! The circuit judge that handles Tombstone isn't nearly as strict. Imagine, getting five years just for shooting at Wyatt Earp! And your friend getting a year just for trying to toss out a drunk! Remind me never to cross paths with that judge as a defendant. I'm really glad I stuck around. I had originally planned to head back to Tombstone this morning but stayed the extra day for court. I'm glad I did, I still had thirty-five papers left and managed to sell them all to the crowd on their way out of the Comique. I also picked up six more advertisements today. We may need to expand the paper from eight pages to twelve at this rate." She replies, Yes, he certainly did seem strict didn't he? Poor Job, what horrible lies were said about him today. I can't believe that judge would believe such things! And what that girl said about me, I cried all afternoon about it. Why would anyone be so mean? But I was thinking, since your paper always prints the truth, maybe I could help straighten out the story..." "Plus, I think I can help you with another story, a big one I'm sure. But first why don't you tell me what you were planning on printing about trial." Chumbley says, "Oh, you don't have to worry Miss. West. I plan to print just the full testimony of the Earps and the Judge, after all, they are all public officials and there should be a public written record of what they say. Beyond that, I was just going to paraphrase what the defendants said. I don't think it's necessary to print the rest of it. I would never go printing any lies about you. I also wouldn't print those lies and gossip about the Lone Star. After all, Mr. Whipple was one of the first people to buy an advertisement from me for the paper. It was an ad about you in face. You know, I should probably check in on him again to see if he wants to place another one. Now, what is this big story?" "Well, I am relieved to hear that you won't be printing anything about any "new" profession of mine, you know I'm only a singer," she says smiling. "Well, did you hear about the stage coach that ran into town today? I was on it. I could tell you what happened, if you're interested that is." Chumbley is extremely interested and orders up drinks for both himself and says, "Please tell me what happened? I especially want to know about how you managed to lose the horse team but still ride down Main Street." "Well, we were being chased by some extremely bad people, maybe even some members of," she looks around then whispers, "the cowboy gang." Ruby proceeds to tell Chumbley about what happened, leaving out anything incriminating, and tells of how brave and strong MacNaulty was and how heroic Jake was for almost sacrificing himself to save them and how in the end Ruby climbed underneath the stage and how they all steered it together. "And the Earps are extremely angry over the near death of Morgan and are fairly sure they know just who was behind the attack and will be delivering justice in a timely manner." "Oh but Chumbley, even though people know I was on the coach, please don't say I told you all this. I know you only want to print the truth, so I figured I would tell you but I don't want any bad men after me." Chumbley thanks Ruby for the information and says that he will be certain to leave her name out of the story. His final comment is "If you still have those twisted rifles drop they by before I leave tomorrow morning. I'm sure my editor will want to see them, he may even want to get an artist to draw them to print in the next edition. Ruby heads back to the Cantina. It is still a little early to get ready so takes a nap, not wanting to bother Kate. When she awakes she grabs everything she will need to get ready and heads to Kate's room. She knocks on the door and Kate lets her in. "Kate, thank you for helping me get ready tonight. I want to look extra special. I'm going to wear my favorite dress, my red one," she throws the dress on Kate's bed. "And I want to do something different with my hair, plus get the knots out from this morning. You're really sweet to help me, you know." Ruby starts getting undressed and Kate quickly turns her back. Once she has underclothes on she says, "Ok, you can turn back around now," with a laugh. "Let's do my hair." As Kate is doing her hair Ruby cautiously asks, " Is everything ok with you? You seem out of sorts." Kate kept pulling the brush through Ruby's hair, carefully working out the knots. "Everything's as ok at it ever is, dear. It's just been a very long day with no chance to rest. I needed time to sit quietly and think, as much as would rather avoid thinking about what happened this morning. I hate that I helped kill someone, and even worse, I used magic to do it." "Yes, we have had some very busy and, let's just say, exciting days lately. But Kate," Ruby turns to her friend, putting her hand on hers, "you did what you had to do. Listen there are other ways to get out of trouble. But sometimes you get into a situation and it’s your only choice, the other person isn't willing and there isn't anything you can do about it. You are a genuinely good person and I'm sure it's eating you up, having to kill someone. I don’t like having to kill someone either, you saw me the day at the caves. I try to avoid situations like that at all costs. So maybe we should try to make that a plan from now on, huh? And maybe you can work with Mr. Gonzales on some spells that will help with that.” Ruby turns back to facing forward. “Can you put it up or something? My hair that is.” "Yes, I can put it up." Kate worked quietly; smoothly pulling Ruby's hair back from her face and pinning it up, but letting the hair in the back hang in loose curls. Her own twisted and tucked style would be out of place on Ruby. She left a few tendrils to curl around Ruby's face. "There," she said, handing Ruby the small mirror. "That should do." "Oh Kate, you did a great job! Now help me with my corset please." She stands up and when Kate comes towards her Ruby hugs her tight. "I thought you might need that," she smiles. "Now, let's make this tight shall we? I want to be extra tempting tonight." Kate starts tugging on her corset. Ruby had the feeling Kate was used to the constraints of corsets, among other things. "Did I tell you Jake is taking me out tonight? To celebrate his silver mine deal." "I hope some place beside the Palace is open after the Lone Star closes," Kate laughed. "Hold on to something Ruby, this isn't going to be comfortable." Ruby took hold of the doorknob, and Kate put her knee against Ruby's back side and leaned all her weight back, pulling on the corset strings until they could go no tighter. "Now let's get your dress on and get going. I feel like playing the piano." Ruby and Kate make their way downstairs. Sonoma is in the main room of the Cantina waiting on a few tables. From the kitchen they hear the voices of Dorita and Maggie. The room is fairly crowded. Jake, Nanuet and Chester do not appear to have returned yet. They see Riley, who hasn't been around much the last two days. He is sitting by himself at the bar drinking a glass of whiskey. Ruby approaches Riley. "Anymore strange dreams Mr. Riley?" She takes a seat next to him. "Or any luck finding your friend?" No, I've been wandering around the hills for the past few days looking for him. Saw at least a dozen men out riding around up there but there don't seem to be any Apache anywhere. "Yeah it must be tough to find someone out in the desert. I still think Nanuet is your best bet. You should ask him to help you." Ruby pauses. "Interested in coming out to the Lone Star tonight?" "Sure, one saloon is as good as another," is his response. "Great. We'll be leaving in a little while or you can just meet us there, either way we'll be glad you did." [/QUOTE]
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"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
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