Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter 216, “The remaining numbers“, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 11:00 A.M.
Chester told the gang "I guess my duel with Mr. Tomlinson will have to wait for some other day. I'll tell the Marshall that I'm going to look into something about I found out about the Cowboy Gang. I hope he buys my excuse. It's the truth, just not the whole truth. Eduardo is back on his feet, so him, Helen, and Mitch should be able to handle things. It's a shame the hand cannon is still broken. That was a nice piece of work. But Jeff is the only one who can get it fixed and Sheriff Hunter has been following him whenever he leaves town." Chester heads for the office.
Kate says, "They're his initials. John Peters Ringo." Except for clearing up that confusion, Kate was quiet as the others made plans. Since she wouldn't be there, perhaps it was best that way. No one had questioned the need for someone to imitate her, but eventually she would have to explain why she wasn't going.
The others scattered and Kate was left with no one to escort her. She blew out the candle and considered. It was fairly unlikely that Ringo would harm her before the deadline. She was probably the safest person in the room. Still, Jake would have fits if she went out alone. She checked in the kitchen and found Jeff there helping Maria put away groceries. He agreed to escort her on a couple errands and they hurried over to Conrad Booth's house where she rapped loudly on the door.
Kate hears Conrad voice boom out "I'll be right there." He opens the door a few minutes later while adjusting his tie. "Sorry, I was resting," he says to Kate. He then notices Jeff standing a short distance off and watching them. "What is going on?" he asks her softly. Kate says, "I'm sorry to wake you, I know you needed the rest. I need to know, have you gotten a special delivery letter today?" He says, "Ah, no, I haven't. Katherine, what is going on?"
"Thank heaven," Kate said, expelling a long breath. "Others have. I got this," she said, checking to be sure anyone’s view would be blocked by the door or her body before handing him the note from Ringo. "And others have received cards with only a number on it. Jake, Dorita, Miss Florencia, I don't know who else." He reads it over and says, "Kate, these books that he mentions. Is that why he was after us on Monday?"
Kate answers, "Partially, but not all. This isn't something to be discussed on a doorstep, and I don't have much time. I have to check on Ginnie. Can I come inside for a moment to explain?" Conrad says, "Actually, let's both go see to the safety of your little girl before we do anything else."
"Thank you," she said, moving back so he could come outside and slipping the note out of his hand and back into her pocket at the same time. "She should be with Mary Kelley getting ready for the festival." Kate and Conrad hurried over to the dressmaker's shop looking for Ginnie. Kate finds Ginnie bundling lace for sale and setting up a basket of sewing notions for onsite mending and repairs for when the festival starts
"Ginnie," Kate cried, hurrying over and hugging the girl whether she liked it or not. She let go after a moment and asked, "Honey, have you received a letter today, something that looked like this?" Kate held out the envelope without removing the note. Ginnie stiffens then relaxes into the hug she is given. “Hello Mr. Booth Ginnie says with a smile.”
She turns to Kate and says, "I haven't gotten any mail but Mrs. Kelly did get a strange letter today it just said FIVE in it why?” The girl looks at Kate's face and the stress that she is trying to hide.
"Ok tell me what's wrong and don't leave ANYTHING out" Ginnie says with a glare as she pulls the two of them into the back storage room
"Yes, you should know, but first..." Kate hugged her again. Then she took the note out of the envelope and handed it to Ginnie to read. She kept her voice down even though the room was private. "Conrad, the books he means are the ones I got from the rustlers caves. I told you about them. It turns out they were Ringo's personal library, and about half of them are books about Magic. It's the reason he wants them back so badly, and the reason we have tried to keep them from him. With that much knowledge who knows what kind of destruction he could cause.
A couple weeks ago he sent Jake a message, saying that his group must choose a side in Ringo's war with the Earps. He made it clear we would not be allowed to stand aside. Obviously, we didn't choose Ringo's side. Lately Ringo has been erratic. He is now a priest of Ares, and I suspect his mind is slipping. He is obsessed with this town.
There is not much more to tell you, Ginnie," she said, turning to the girl. "I'm trying to find out who else got the notes with the numbers. He is going after anyone I know it seems. I don't know what to say to Mrs. Kelley, if anything at all. The others are making plans to take Ringo out, today. There's no solid plan yet. Just a thought of taking a wagonload of books out and trying to draw Ringo into the open. We suspect he has men all over town."
Ginnie replies, “I figured when you showed me the books that they had to be from somewhere so I've been binding blanks and copying the magic ones. There is quite a pile of forgeries that I've amassed along with the blanks. Let me check with my network and see if anyone has seen Ringo between my lunch customers and the kids that I know I can usually find out what I need to fairly quickly. I'll stay as safe as I can but if Ringo is out to hurt you it's going to be a messy festival.”
Kate says, "Ginnie, I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't like this...." She knelt down in front of her. "You're right, it could be very messy for anyone who was foolish enough to befriend me. Do you realize how absolutely irresponsible of me it would be to let you do this? I... I don't know Ginnie..." Kate was quiet for a long minute. "We do need information. Badly. Conrad, you haven't said a word. What are you thinking?"
Conrad replies, "That the three of us should be on the next stagecoach out of town." He pauses, "But of course we couldn't do that...the lives of six of your friends are in danger. We'll have to give him those books, there is no other choice." Kate took his hand and squeezed it. "Or at least make him think he's getting them. Ginnie, would you be hampered by someone keeping an eye on you as you go? I know how hard it is not to be able to help, and you can help, but I can't just let you run around alone right now."
Ginnie replies, “Ok I need you to tell me everything you can about the people that are involved with Ringo or that you think might be involved. I'm going to set the Kelly kids on the trail of anything that might be happening along with some of the other street kids I know of. I think the best place for me right now is here so that they can bring the information that they find. I need to be somewhere they can get to and not have it unusual and this is the best place for that.
Give me until 1:30 to get what I can together that way I can hit my lunch run and find out what I can from the workmen too. In the meantime I have a few tricks up my sleeve that should help to keep me safe and it would be suspicious if I disappeared right now. If you and Mr. Booth could go back to the cantina and let Dorita know I'll need to speak to Ricardo when I pick up the lunch run that would help a lot and if Mr. Gonzalas is there let him know that I might be needing some help from him or Sonoma, that would help too. oh and try not to get dead in the next few hours, after all that would just ruin the festival wouldn't it?”
Ginnie smiles and proudly states, “Ruby couldn‘t catch me when I didn't want caught. You know of anyone who might be able to keep up with me if I decide I need to get away? If you can find someone who will stay out of the way when I need them to and keep I'll consider thinking about taking them with me but I don't know anyone in town who isn't busy at the moment that can possibly do that do you?”
Kate replies, "I do, and he's right outside. Jeff Mills knows how to keep you in sight and keep himself out of sight. He wouldn't be right with you, just nearby to help if something goes wrong.
Of course, you could make him carry the beer buckets for you," she grinned at the girl. "I would feel a lot better about this knowing you had help nearby."
Ginnie stops and seems to be weighing the pros and cons of Jeff following her around Kate and Conrad can actually see her mind racing. “Okay I'll talk to him but he has to understand that I need to be able to do what I need to do without intervention unless something happens that I can't handle and that's my call.” Ginnie cocks her head and waits for Kate to answer her.
Kate replies, "Alright, Ginnie. You're right about it being suspicious if you suddenly change your routine. Although I'm sure I've already been plenty suspicious today. Let's go talk to Jeff." They went back into the front room and Kate whispered to Conrad. "Buy something, anything to give us another excuse to have been here. We're going to go talk to Jeff." Kate and Ginnie went outside and waved in a friendly way to Jeff, as if they had just seen him. She spoke very quietly, saying that Ginnie had some extra work today and Kate would feel better if she had some discreet protection. She looked at Ginnie and said, "Why don't you two discuss it a bit?"
Ginnie looks at Jeff and decides that she is going to be up front with him. "It is likely that Ringo or one of his buddies is going to try to kill a lot of people today during the festival. I have a fairly extensive information net at my disposal but I need to put it in motion without getting myself killed. The best way for me to do that is to run my normal routes and talk to the people I need to but getting dead is not a great way for me to make future profit so Ma'am Kate thinks that you will be able to follow me without getting in the way of me doing what I need to and at the same time keeping me from getting dead. What do you think, you want in?"
He smiles says, "I can help to keep you safe. I won't underestimate you either because of you age. I served in the Army as a soldier during the Civil War when I was younger than you are now. Let's work out a number of hand signals. I should be able to keep from twenty to one-hundred feet from you at all times unless you signal that you are in trouble."
Ginnie pauses for a second then looks at Kate "OK works for me give me until 1:30 If I find out something important before that I'll send Ricardo to the cantina with the info people are used to seeing us together anyway. you need to get safe." Kate watches as the girl's grey eyes turn to steel "It's time for me to really go to work. Mr. Mills come back to the shop with me I can get that button on in two shakes" With that she turns and heads back to the store hand signals and lists of people running through her head at high speeds
Kate went back inside and casually kissed Ginnie's cheek. "I love you, honey. Be careful," she whispered. Before Kate leaves Ginnie grills her on every piece of information she can remember about the cowboy gang members that Ginnie doesn't know about. She pulls bits and pieces from Kate like a police officer working a murder case, after all if she doesn't get the information she needs someone else might be investigating her own murder. Ginnie questions Kate for details down to the tones of the voices and the cadence of the speech that she has heard and the color of their boots. Ginnie knows that the only way she might find one of these men is because of something they don't think is important enough to hide.
Kate gave Ginnie every bit of information she remembered, and a few she didn't know she had remembered until Ginnie's questioning brought it out. She then said goodbye and thanked Jeff for helping out. Kate stepped back over to Conrad. "Are you ready to go? I need to go home and talk to a few people." "Yes, let's go." he says.
It is now 11:45 A.M. and the town is getting very crowded. The usual population of 300 has at least doubled if not tripled. The Emporium north of town is mobbed as are most of the General Stores and specialty shops. Most taverns and saloons are filling up as well as people spread out in search of their mid-day meals. She and Conrad walked back to the El Parador. It was crowded and noisy inside. "Thank you. You don't have to stay, I know you're tired. I need to see my teacher."
Chester arrives Berg is there checking the gun rack. "Morning Marshall. I found out something about the Cowboy Gang, so I'm going to take a look. Is that alright?" Mitchell Berg looks up from his desk and says, "What have you heard?" While he asks that Chester notices an open envelope on the Marshall's desk that looks to be the same size and color as those which Jake and Minerva had.
Mitchell Berg looks up from his desk and says, "What have you heard?" While he asks that Chester notices an open envelope on the Marshall's desk that looks to be the same size and color as those which Jake and Minerva had. Chester stops in the middle of his turn towards the door. "Mitch, that envelope on the desk. The note had a number on it?" Berg looks surprised. "How did you know that? I just received it a couple hours ago. It had a word actually, but it spelled out the number One."
Chester takes a deep breath. "A bunch of other people have gotten letters like that. They're threats from Johnny Ringo. He believes that Katherine Kale has some property of his and he'll do anything to get it back. Including killing all those who got that." Chester points to the envelope. "That's what I was going to look into. Since you got one of those you must be very careful. Ringo could show up anywhere today. Have you heard from Eduardo or Helen? I'm worried that they got notes like yours." Berg replies, “I saw Helen a half-hour ago. She's watching things over at that traveling retail group. She didn't say anything. Eduardo is over by the stage area watching things from there."
Ruby heads out to the Post Office with Jake following a distance behind her. She discovers that, being a Saturday, the Post Office is closed. Finding it closed Ruby heads over to the gun shop. She looks for Pierre. "Hello Miss West, How can I help you today?" Pierre asks. "Good morning. I have a favor to ask of you. I know you have no real reason to do me any favors but..." She glances around the shop, "Can we speak in private?" He replies, "Oui. I am alone now. Just latch the door if you don't want any interruptions."
Ruby looks out the door and finds Jake, nodding her head to him before latching it shut. She quickly walks back to him and un-slings her pack from her back. "I have this item," she pulls the rod out of her bag. "And I need it hidden or at least less conspicuous. I thought maybe you had a spell or some other way of helping." She sighs, "There is a dire need for this almost immediately. It looks like the ammunition that was stolen from you is about to be put to use."
He examines the rod commenting "A Mexican Fire Cannon! I've heard of these but have never seen one. They used to mount these on ships! These haven't been used in decades." He looks it over some more and says, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid that I can't help you much with instructions on how to use these. You'd probably have to find a Mexican sailor from one of those ships."
Ruby gives a little laugh. "No, I already know how to use it. What I need is to be able to take it out without certain people who know about these things immediately knowing what it is. I'd prefer them to know when they see the big ball of flame come shooting towards them." He states, "Oh, well that is something I can help you with. Follow me." He leads her into the back room where there are literally hundreds of firearm pieces. He takes out some tools and measure the length and width of the rod. He then compares it to a number of shotgun barrels. "Similar to a Loomis single-barrel" he comments.
He then heads over to a workbench and pulls out a wooden box on the bottom, which is filled with wooden stocks for rifles. He sort through until he finds one from a pre-Civil War Loomis shotgun and holds the rod against it. He says "Give me an hour and I can get it attached and try a little camouflage, nothing that'll impact the magic functioning though. Most folks around here haven't seen a Loomis single-barrel before, heck, they stopped making them after they came up with the double-barreled model back in '59. So it should hold up to the casual observer."
She states, "That is perfect! Thank you SO much. I will return in an hour's time. Just let me know whatever the expense is, obviously I'll cover it.” He replies, "We can work that out later. I'll walk you out and then give this my undivided attention." He then says aloud, more to himself than Ruby, "A Mexican Fire Cannon! Amazing!"
She then asks, “By the way, do you know where I can find Eddie Palmer, the Postman?" Pierre says, "He's usually at his place, a room in the back of the Post Office building. He usually eats an early lunch though so you might try the Promise City Hotel and Restaurant." She replies, "Thank you again!"
Ruby walks back outside and makes eye contact with Jake, who nods in return. Then she heads for the Promise City Hotel to look for Palmer. It is now early afternoon and the lunch crowds are beginning to wander in. She spots Palmer sitting alone at one of the smaller tables, finishing up his lunch. She smiles and heads over to him. "Good morning Mr. Palmer. May I have a seat for a moment?"
Eddie Palmer looks up at Ruby, appearing to be annoyed that his meal was interrupted. "If you must..." he states. "Oh," Ruby replies innocently, "I though you were finished with your lunch. I can come back if you prefer?" He replies, "No, what is done is done. What is it that is of such importance?"
Ruby sits at his table and places her elbows on the table leaning forward, accentuating her cleavage. “Mr. Cook got a special delivery today, delivered by you. You see, there is something important about the festival in those letters and it would help to have some information about it. I’m wondering,” she says, leaning even more forward, and giving a dazzling smile, “Who else got special deliveries, if you might so kind to share?”
He attempts to make eye contact with Ruby but his eyes keep wandering lower. He says, "I...um...I'm afraid that I cannot say who got those letters. It is a Postmaster's duty to keep the mail confidential." "I realize that you aren't supposed to share but it is actually really important to me," she leans just a tiny bit closer to him and whispers, "And I would be very grateful..." "Mierda!" Jake says to himself out of the blue and leaves Ruby with Eddie Palmer.
Ruby notices perspiration on his forehead. He says, "I...um...you say that the letter was about the Festival? That makes sense, why else would eight Special Delivery letters need to go out on a Saturday. I...well...no, I don't think I can tell you who they were for.....it would be wrong."
"A few people have already shared that information with me," she continues in a sultry voice, "Mr. Palmer, and I'm sure the others will soon follow suit. Could you maybe give me a hint... it's so important to me..." Palmer says, "Well...I suppose I could tell you my delivery route this morning. That wouldn't necessarily tell you who I delivered mail to, just where."
Ruby nearly giggles inside remembering what Jake said to her, "Mr. Palmer you ARE so smart! You are a public servant and your work habits should be public knowledge. You could tell me that without breaking any rules," she says and then leans in and continues in a quieter and more sensual voice, "or breaking your sacred trust. After all, I'm a taxpayer right?" She giggles ever so slightly, "It's almost like you work for me. Isn't that silly?" She bats her eyes.
He says, "Well, umm...err, I started my deliveries at the Marshall's Office on Fremont, then went to the El Parador Hotel and Cantina at Fremont and South, then to the Comstock House on South, then over to the Long Branch Saloon on Main and across the street to the Lucky Lady, then over to the Tailor Shop at Front and Sierra, on to the Palace at Sierra and Fremont and then back to the El Parador."
"Mr. Palmer, I mean Eddie... can I call you Eddie? You are an absolute angel, some people might even call you a life saver." Ruby stands and takes a lace hanky out of her bosom to wipe his forehead. She then leans over and leave a large lipstick kiss there. "I have to run now, thank you ever so much!" With that she bounces to the door and looks for Jake.
Jake had rushed back to Pierre's gun shop with a worried look in his eyes. He walks right up to Pierre and in a quiet voice says, "Those rounds that can trace someone, the seekers or whatever you called them.... What in Hades is the range on those things?"
Pierre replies, "The ones that draw themselves to warm-blooded individuals? Those were 45-calibur bullets, useable in either a Smith and Wesson Schofield revolver or a Colt Peacemaker. You use one of those guns Mr. Cooke so should know the range, it's the same for most magical as regular. Thankfully there wasn't a full box of those, only six shells. The full box of twelve 45-caliburs that was stolen were the ones that prevent magical healing.”
Jake asks, "How much can they turn?" Jake stammers and then says, " I know this is going to sound strange, but have you ever seen them modified to perhaps look for someone by name?"
The gunsmith replies, "Oh no, nothing strange about that at all, that's one of the properties of those types of shells. But it would take a mage a while with the skill and ability to do that to them. The ones I had would have just gone to the nearest warm body unless somebody has modified them further.
If you believe rumors, that Confederate weapon-smith Bailey had modified that specific type of shell for John Wilkes Booth to use against Lincoln. The advantage of those is that the targeted person just has to be in the general vicinity to be hit, the magic will actually turn the bullets up to a targeted person up to 45-degree angle." Jake exclaims, "Mierda.”
Chester told the gang "I guess my duel with Mr. Tomlinson will have to wait for some other day. I'll tell the Marshall that I'm going to look into something about I found out about the Cowboy Gang. I hope he buys my excuse. It's the truth, just not the whole truth. Eduardo is back on his feet, so him, Helen, and Mitch should be able to handle things. It's a shame the hand cannon is still broken. That was a nice piece of work. But Jeff is the only one who can get it fixed and Sheriff Hunter has been following him whenever he leaves town." Chester heads for the office.
Kate says, "They're his initials. John Peters Ringo." Except for clearing up that confusion, Kate was quiet as the others made plans. Since she wouldn't be there, perhaps it was best that way. No one had questioned the need for someone to imitate her, but eventually she would have to explain why she wasn't going.
The others scattered and Kate was left with no one to escort her. She blew out the candle and considered. It was fairly unlikely that Ringo would harm her before the deadline. She was probably the safest person in the room. Still, Jake would have fits if she went out alone. She checked in the kitchen and found Jeff there helping Maria put away groceries. He agreed to escort her on a couple errands and they hurried over to Conrad Booth's house where she rapped loudly on the door.
Kate hears Conrad voice boom out "I'll be right there." He opens the door a few minutes later while adjusting his tie. "Sorry, I was resting," he says to Kate. He then notices Jeff standing a short distance off and watching them. "What is going on?" he asks her softly. Kate says, "I'm sorry to wake you, I know you needed the rest. I need to know, have you gotten a special delivery letter today?" He says, "Ah, no, I haven't. Katherine, what is going on?"
"Thank heaven," Kate said, expelling a long breath. "Others have. I got this," she said, checking to be sure anyone’s view would be blocked by the door or her body before handing him the note from Ringo. "And others have received cards with only a number on it. Jake, Dorita, Miss Florencia, I don't know who else." He reads it over and says, "Kate, these books that he mentions. Is that why he was after us on Monday?"
Kate answers, "Partially, but not all. This isn't something to be discussed on a doorstep, and I don't have much time. I have to check on Ginnie. Can I come inside for a moment to explain?" Conrad says, "Actually, let's both go see to the safety of your little girl before we do anything else."
"Thank you," she said, moving back so he could come outside and slipping the note out of his hand and back into her pocket at the same time. "She should be with Mary Kelley getting ready for the festival." Kate and Conrad hurried over to the dressmaker's shop looking for Ginnie. Kate finds Ginnie bundling lace for sale and setting up a basket of sewing notions for onsite mending and repairs for when the festival starts
"Ginnie," Kate cried, hurrying over and hugging the girl whether she liked it or not. She let go after a moment and asked, "Honey, have you received a letter today, something that looked like this?" Kate held out the envelope without removing the note. Ginnie stiffens then relaxes into the hug she is given. “Hello Mr. Booth Ginnie says with a smile.”
She turns to Kate and says, "I haven't gotten any mail but Mrs. Kelly did get a strange letter today it just said FIVE in it why?” The girl looks at Kate's face and the stress that she is trying to hide.
"Ok tell me what's wrong and don't leave ANYTHING out" Ginnie says with a glare as she pulls the two of them into the back storage room
"Yes, you should know, but first..." Kate hugged her again. Then she took the note out of the envelope and handed it to Ginnie to read. She kept her voice down even though the room was private. "Conrad, the books he means are the ones I got from the rustlers caves. I told you about them. It turns out they were Ringo's personal library, and about half of them are books about Magic. It's the reason he wants them back so badly, and the reason we have tried to keep them from him. With that much knowledge who knows what kind of destruction he could cause.
A couple weeks ago he sent Jake a message, saying that his group must choose a side in Ringo's war with the Earps. He made it clear we would not be allowed to stand aside. Obviously, we didn't choose Ringo's side. Lately Ringo has been erratic. He is now a priest of Ares, and I suspect his mind is slipping. He is obsessed with this town.
There is not much more to tell you, Ginnie," she said, turning to the girl. "I'm trying to find out who else got the notes with the numbers. He is going after anyone I know it seems. I don't know what to say to Mrs. Kelley, if anything at all. The others are making plans to take Ringo out, today. There's no solid plan yet. Just a thought of taking a wagonload of books out and trying to draw Ringo into the open. We suspect he has men all over town."
Ginnie replies, “I figured when you showed me the books that they had to be from somewhere so I've been binding blanks and copying the magic ones. There is quite a pile of forgeries that I've amassed along with the blanks. Let me check with my network and see if anyone has seen Ringo between my lunch customers and the kids that I know I can usually find out what I need to fairly quickly. I'll stay as safe as I can but if Ringo is out to hurt you it's going to be a messy festival.”
Kate says, "Ginnie, I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't like this...." She knelt down in front of her. "You're right, it could be very messy for anyone who was foolish enough to befriend me. Do you realize how absolutely irresponsible of me it would be to let you do this? I... I don't know Ginnie..." Kate was quiet for a long minute. "We do need information. Badly. Conrad, you haven't said a word. What are you thinking?"
Conrad replies, "That the three of us should be on the next stagecoach out of town." He pauses, "But of course we couldn't do that...the lives of six of your friends are in danger. We'll have to give him those books, there is no other choice." Kate took his hand and squeezed it. "Or at least make him think he's getting them. Ginnie, would you be hampered by someone keeping an eye on you as you go? I know how hard it is not to be able to help, and you can help, but I can't just let you run around alone right now."
Ginnie replies, “Ok I need you to tell me everything you can about the people that are involved with Ringo or that you think might be involved. I'm going to set the Kelly kids on the trail of anything that might be happening along with some of the other street kids I know of. I think the best place for me right now is here so that they can bring the information that they find. I need to be somewhere they can get to and not have it unusual and this is the best place for that.
Give me until 1:30 to get what I can together that way I can hit my lunch run and find out what I can from the workmen too. In the meantime I have a few tricks up my sleeve that should help to keep me safe and it would be suspicious if I disappeared right now. If you and Mr. Booth could go back to the cantina and let Dorita know I'll need to speak to Ricardo when I pick up the lunch run that would help a lot and if Mr. Gonzalas is there let him know that I might be needing some help from him or Sonoma, that would help too. oh and try not to get dead in the next few hours, after all that would just ruin the festival wouldn't it?”
Ginnie smiles and proudly states, “Ruby couldn‘t catch me when I didn't want caught. You know of anyone who might be able to keep up with me if I decide I need to get away? If you can find someone who will stay out of the way when I need them to and keep I'll consider thinking about taking them with me but I don't know anyone in town who isn't busy at the moment that can possibly do that do you?”
Kate replies, "I do, and he's right outside. Jeff Mills knows how to keep you in sight and keep himself out of sight. He wouldn't be right with you, just nearby to help if something goes wrong.
Of course, you could make him carry the beer buckets for you," she grinned at the girl. "I would feel a lot better about this knowing you had help nearby."
Ginnie stops and seems to be weighing the pros and cons of Jeff following her around Kate and Conrad can actually see her mind racing. “Okay I'll talk to him but he has to understand that I need to be able to do what I need to do without intervention unless something happens that I can't handle and that's my call.” Ginnie cocks her head and waits for Kate to answer her.
Kate replies, "Alright, Ginnie. You're right about it being suspicious if you suddenly change your routine. Although I'm sure I've already been plenty suspicious today. Let's go talk to Jeff." They went back into the front room and Kate whispered to Conrad. "Buy something, anything to give us another excuse to have been here. We're going to go talk to Jeff." Kate and Ginnie went outside and waved in a friendly way to Jeff, as if they had just seen him. She spoke very quietly, saying that Ginnie had some extra work today and Kate would feel better if she had some discreet protection. She looked at Ginnie and said, "Why don't you two discuss it a bit?"
Ginnie looks at Jeff and decides that she is going to be up front with him. "It is likely that Ringo or one of his buddies is going to try to kill a lot of people today during the festival. I have a fairly extensive information net at my disposal but I need to put it in motion without getting myself killed. The best way for me to do that is to run my normal routes and talk to the people I need to but getting dead is not a great way for me to make future profit so Ma'am Kate thinks that you will be able to follow me without getting in the way of me doing what I need to and at the same time keeping me from getting dead. What do you think, you want in?"
He smiles says, "I can help to keep you safe. I won't underestimate you either because of you age. I served in the Army as a soldier during the Civil War when I was younger than you are now. Let's work out a number of hand signals. I should be able to keep from twenty to one-hundred feet from you at all times unless you signal that you are in trouble."
Ginnie pauses for a second then looks at Kate "OK works for me give me until 1:30 If I find out something important before that I'll send Ricardo to the cantina with the info people are used to seeing us together anyway. you need to get safe." Kate watches as the girl's grey eyes turn to steel "It's time for me to really go to work. Mr. Mills come back to the shop with me I can get that button on in two shakes" With that she turns and heads back to the store hand signals and lists of people running through her head at high speeds
Kate went back inside and casually kissed Ginnie's cheek. "I love you, honey. Be careful," she whispered. Before Kate leaves Ginnie grills her on every piece of information she can remember about the cowboy gang members that Ginnie doesn't know about. She pulls bits and pieces from Kate like a police officer working a murder case, after all if she doesn't get the information she needs someone else might be investigating her own murder. Ginnie questions Kate for details down to the tones of the voices and the cadence of the speech that she has heard and the color of their boots. Ginnie knows that the only way she might find one of these men is because of something they don't think is important enough to hide.
Kate gave Ginnie every bit of information she remembered, and a few she didn't know she had remembered until Ginnie's questioning brought it out. She then said goodbye and thanked Jeff for helping out. Kate stepped back over to Conrad. "Are you ready to go? I need to go home and talk to a few people." "Yes, let's go." he says.
It is now 11:45 A.M. and the town is getting very crowded. The usual population of 300 has at least doubled if not tripled. The Emporium north of town is mobbed as are most of the General Stores and specialty shops. Most taverns and saloons are filling up as well as people spread out in search of their mid-day meals. She and Conrad walked back to the El Parador. It was crowded and noisy inside. "Thank you. You don't have to stay, I know you're tired. I need to see my teacher."
Chester arrives Berg is there checking the gun rack. "Morning Marshall. I found out something about the Cowboy Gang, so I'm going to take a look. Is that alright?" Mitchell Berg looks up from his desk and says, "What have you heard?" While he asks that Chester notices an open envelope on the Marshall's desk that looks to be the same size and color as those which Jake and Minerva had.
Mitchell Berg looks up from his desk and says, "What have you heard?" While he asks that Chester notices an open envelope on the Marshall's desk that looks to be the same size and color as those which Jake and Minerva had. Chester stops in the middle of his turn towards the door. "Mitch, that envelope on the desk. The note had a number on it?" Berg looks surprised. "How did you know that? I just received it a couple hours ago. It had a word actually, but it spelled out the number One."
Chester takes a deep breath. "A bunch of other people have gotten letters like that. They're threats from Johnny Ringo. He believes that Katherine Kale has some property of his and he'll do anything to get it back. Including killing all those who got that." Chester points to the envelope. "That's what I was going to look into. Since you got one of those you must be very careful. Ringo could show up anywhere today. Have you heard from Eduardo or Helen? I'm worried that they got notes like yours." Berg replies, “I saw Helen a half-hour ago. She's watching things over at that traveling retail group. She didn't say anything. Eduardo is over by the stage area watching things from there."
Ruby heads out to the Post Office with Jake following a distance behind her. She discovers that, being a Saturday, the Post Office is closed. Finding it closed Ruby heads over to the gun shop. She looks for Pierre. "Hello Miss West, How can I help you today?" Pierre asks. "Good morning. I have a favor to ask of you. I know you have no real reason to do me any favors but..." She glances around the shop, "Can we speak in private?" He replies, "Oui. I am alone now. Just latch the door if you don't want any interruptions."
Ruby looks out the door and finds Jake, nodding her head to him before latching it shut. She quickly walks back to him and un-slings her pack from her back. "I have this item," she pulls the rod out of her bag. "And I need it hidden or at least less conspicuous. I thought maybe you had a spell or some other way of helping." She sighs, "There is a dire need for this almost immediately. It looks like the ammunition that was stolen from you is about to be put to use."
He examines the rod commenting "A Mexican Fire Cannon! I've heard of these but have never seen one. They used to mount these on ships! These haven't been used in decades." He looks it over some more and says, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid that I can't help you much with instructions on how to use these. You'd probably have to find a Mexican sailor from one of those ships."
Ruby gives a little laugh. "No, I already know how to use it. What I need is to be able to take it out without certain people who know about these things immediately knowing what it is. I'd prefer them to know when they see the big ball of flame come shooting towards them." He states, "Oh, well that is something I can help you with. Follow me." He leads her into the back room where there are literally hundreds of firearm pieces. He takes out some tools and measure the length and width of the rod. He then compares it to a number of shotgun barrels. "Similar to a Loomis single-barrel" he comments.
He then heads over to a workbench and pulls out a wooden box on the bottom, which is filled with wooden stocks for rifles. He sort through until he finds one from a pre-Civil War Loomis shotgun and holds the rod against it. He says "Give me an hour and I can get it attached and try a little camouflage, nothing that'll impact the magic functioning though. Most folks around here haven't seen a Loomis single-barrel before, heck, they stopped making them after they came up with the double-barreled model back in '59. So it should hold up to the casual observer."
She states, "That is perfect! Thank you SO much. I will return in an hour's time. Just let me know whatever the expense is, obviously I'll cover it.” He replies, "We can work that out later. I'll walk you out and then give this my undivided attention." He then says aloud, more to himself than Ruby, "A Mexican Fire Cannon! Amazing!"
She then asks, “By the way, do you know where I can find Eddie Palmer, the Postman?" Pierre says, "He's usually at his place, a room in the back of the Post Office building. He usually eats an early lunch though so you might try the Promise City Hotel and Restaurant." She replies, "Thank you again!"
Ruby walks back outside and makes eye contact with Jake, who nods in return. Then she heads for the Promise City Hotel to look for Palmer. It is now early afternoon and the lunch crowds are beginning to wander in. She spots Palmer sitting alone at one of the smaller tables, finishing up his lunch. She smiles and heads over to him. "Good morning Mr. Palmer. May I have a seat for a moment?"
Eddie Palmer looks up at Ruby, appearing to be annoyed that his meal was interrupted. "If you must..." he states. "Oh," Ruby replies innocently, "I though you were finished with your lunch. I can come back if you prefer?" He replies, "No, what is done is done. What is it that is of such importance?"
Ruby sits at his table and places her elbows on the table leaning forward, accentuating her cleavage. “Mr. Cook got a special delivery today, delivered by you. You see, there is something important about the festival in those letters and it would help to have some information about it. I’m wondering,” she says, leaning even more forward, and giving a dazzling smile, “Who else got special deliveries, if you might so kind to share?”
He attempts to make eye contact with Ruby but his eyes keep wandering lower. He says, "I...um...I'm afraid that I cannot say who got those letters. It is a Postmaster's duty to keep the mail confidential." "I realize that you aren't supposed to share but it is actually really important to me," she leans just a tiny bit closer to him and whispers, "And I would be very grateful..." "Mierda!" Jake says to himself out of the blue and leaves Ruby with Eddie Palmer.
Ruby notices perspiration on his forehead. He says, "I...um...you say that the letter was about the Festival? That makes sense, why else would eight Special Delivery letters need to go out on a Saturday. I...well...no, I don't think I can tell you who they were for.....it would be wrong."
"A few people have already shared that information with me," she continues in a sultry voice, "Mr. Palmer, and I'm sure the others will soon follow suit. Could you maybe give me a hint... it's so important to me..." Palmer says, "Well...I suppose I could tell you my delivery route this morning. That wouldn't necessarily tell you who I delivered mail to, just where."
Ruby nearly giggles inside remembering what Jake said to her, "Mr. Palmer you ARE so smart! You are a public servant and your work habits should be public knowledge. You could tell me that without breaking any rules," she says and then leans in and continues in a quieter and more sensual voice, "or breaking your sacred trust. After all, I'm a taxpayer right?" She giggles ever so slightly, "It's almost like you work for me. Isn't that silly?" She bats her eyes.
He says, "Well, umm...err, I started my deliveries at the Marshall's Office on Fremont, then went to the El Parador Hotel and Cantina at Fremont and South, then to the Comstock House on South, then over to the Long Branch Saloon on Main and across the street to the Lucky Lady, then over to the Tailor Shop at Front and Sierra, on to the Palace at Sierra and Fremont and then back to the El Parador."
"Mr. Palmer, I mean Eddie... can I call you Eddie? You are an absolute angel, some people might even call you a life saver." Ruby stands and takes a lace hanky out of her bosom to wipe his forehead. She then leans over and leave a large lipstick kiss there. "I have to run now, thank you ever so much!" With that she bounces to the door and looks for Jake.
Jake had rushed back to Pierre's gun shop with a worried look in his eyes. He walks right up to Pierre and in a quiet voice says, "Those rounds that can trace someone, the seekers or whatever you called them.... What in Hades is the range on those things?"
Pierre replies, "The ones that draw themselves to warm-blooded individuals? Those were 45-calibur bullets, useable in either a Smith and Wesson Schofield revolver or a Colt Peacemaker. You use one of those guns Mr. Cooke so should know the range, it's the same for most magical as regular. Thankfully there wasn't a full box of those, only six shells. The full box of twelve 45-caliburs that was stolen were the ones that prevent magical healing.”
Jake asks, "How much can they turn?" Jake stammers and then says, " I know this is going to sound strange, but have you ever seen them modified to perhaps look for someone by name?"
The gunsmith replies, "Oh no, nothing strange about that at all, that's one of the properties of those types of shells. But it would take a mage a while with the skill and ability to do that to them. The ones I had would have just gone to the nearest warm body unless somebody has modified them further.
If you believe rumors, that Confederate weapon-smith Bailey had modified that specific type of shell for John Wilkes Booth to use against Lincoln. The advantage of those is that the targeted person just has to be in the general vicinity to be hit, the magic will actually turn the bullets up to a targeted person up to 45-degree angle." Jake exclaims, "Mierda.”