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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2105375" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Eighteen, “Blackmail”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882</strong></p><p></p><p>Kate went over to Frye's Harness and arranged to have some new clothes made. They would look just like her protective spell when it was cast, so that it would not be obvious when she used the magical armor. She'd have to know there might be danger ahead of time, but she was willing to hedge her bets. Then she headed over to the Marshall's office.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet heads back to the general store and looks for more books. After the last two did not go over so well he stops to ask Judge Lacey if he has anything that he recommends and makes sure that Mr. Lacey understands that Nanuet can not read so he needs his help picking the books out. He then drops off his findings at the jail for Chester saying "I hope these are good, not sure what they really are about you know."</p><p></p><p>Chester looks down at the two books. The first is Uncle Toms Cabin or Life Among the Lowly by Harriet Beecher Stowe, With Introductory Remarks by James Sherman of Surrey Chapel. George Bell & Sons, York Street Covent Garden London, 1881. Engravings by Hinchliff. The other is Lives of Andrew Jackson and General Marion: Embracing Anecdotes of Their Characters. Boston, Lee & Shepard Publishers. 1881 </p><p></p><p>Chester looks up at Nanuet. "These will be just fine. Thanks again." He holds up Uncle Tom's Cabin, 'Life among the Lowly is were I am now." Then he holds up the other and smiles. "This book is about two human military leaders. Nice choice. By the way, make sure Ruby and Katherine stay safe. With us in here, who knows what trouble they'd get into." He rolls his eyes.</p><p></p><p>"Why Chester, what a thing to say," Kate said as she came into the Marshall's office. She very carefully avoided looking toward the desk where whichever Earp was on duty would be sitting. He replies, "Sorry, Katherine. Um, I was being ironic. Yeah, ironic. Seeing as we're the ones in jail and all." He gives an unconvincing innocent look. </p><p></p><p>She says, "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I didn't know until I got to the Lucky Lady last night. I see you're already set for things to read. Is there anything else I can do for either of you?" He answers, "Not much, I'm afraid. Our lawyers are probably already looking for information themselves. But, thank you for asking."</p><p></p><p>Ruby stayed where she was, staring at Jake. "Actually, yes, Kate, I think both of these boys need suits. I know Jake does and I haven't seen Chester with one either. Will you join me when we're done here?" "Of course, Ruby, if you think it's necessary," Kate said, a little surprised. She replies, "You don't think so? They have to go before Judge Isby. He already doesn't like us, Jake and I anyway."</p><p></p><p>Wyatt interrupts the conversation "No telling what he thinks of you. I guess we'll find out soon enough." Kate walked forward and grasped Ruby's hand, squeezing it tight and keeping her eyes away from Earp. "It never hurts to be presentable," she said as if Earp hadn't spoken at all. "We'll take care of it." Wyatt replies, "Ah, I get. Ignoring me are you now Mrs. Kale. Fine, be that way, I won't be the one to suffer for it."</p><p></p><p>"Why don't you leave her alone?" Ruby finally turned herself from Jake, "Unless you have something you want to tell all of us?" "It's alright Ruby. Don't worry about me." Kate turned to face Earp. "What else is there for me to do, Marshall?" she asked quietly, with no trace of challenge in her voice. Wyatt looks around the room, at Chester and Jake in the cells, and Nanuet and Ruby near the cells and then lastly at Kate, staring her straight in the eye. Warren Earp stays over near the door, casually turning the lock to keep anyone else from entering. </p><p></p><p>Wyatt states "I’m just saying that Judge Isby has great respect for the law, in fact he relies heavily on the word of the local lawmen. You’ve seen that at prior court hearings. I’ll get to testify first and set the direction of his outlook on the events, based upon the findings of my investigation I’m still busy conducting my investigation, none of my findings are final yet. But based upon what I know right now I’d say that Danby Jones is an idiot, that only he is guilty of anything, and that he just blamed these two in the cells to keep himself out of prison. </p><p></p><p>But that’s only what I think right now. I still have at least of couple of days to investigate this case. Personally, this isn’t how I’d rather spend my time. I would much rather be working on investigating the Cowboy Gang stagecoach robberies. But that investigation has run cold, it dried up when we lost the trail of a Mr. Colby Tucker. </p><p></p><p>Now, if I should happen to get an anonymous tip as to where this Colby is, and it proves to be correct, then I guess I’d spend the next couple of days on that investigation instead. But until something like that happens I’ll just have to keep working this one. There’s no telling what I might find. Heck, I could even discover that some of you are involved as well."</p><p></p><p>Kate just looked at Wyatt. "I'd say your first instinct is correct. Jones is an idiot and these two men are innocent of any wrongdoing. I'm sure you'll be convinced of that before the trial on Monday. We've proved in the past that we are always willing to assist in the keeping of the peace. I remember a cold, wet night in this very office when three of us put ourselves on the line for that very purpose." </p><p></p><p>She turned back to the cells. "I'm sorry, I should go. I'll see you outside Ruby," she said and headed for the door, hoping they wouldn't prevent her from leaving. Warren casually unlocks the door and holds it open for Kate to exit. "Someone will be back with dinner." Ruby gives a last glance to Jake before heading to the door. She stops when she is near Wyatt and says very quietly, "After I finish work tonight we can talk. Where do you want to meet?" "I'll let you know" he whispers back.</p><p></p><p>Ruby walks out and meets up with Kate. "Let's go get those suits," she says dully. They make their way over to Kelly's Dry Goods to see what they have in stock. "The gray for Jake and the black for Chester, I'd say." She also suggests a couple vests to match. "We'll take them now, and let you know about the tailoring later, thank you." Kate paid for the suits and left with Ruby. </p><p></p><p>"Will you come with me over to the El Parador?" she asked quietly. "I want to give you something." "Of course," Ruby replies and follows Kate back. Kate lead the way up to her room and sat down at the small table. She pulled out a piece of paper and her pen and began neatly writing. After the ink dried she carefully folded the paper and wrote "Marshall Wyatt Earp" on the outside. </p><p></p><p>She handed it to her friend. "I'm so sorry. It's my own foolishness that caused this, and I have to take responsibility for it. Just hold on to that until after work tonight, alright? Then take it to the Marshall." "What is this Kate?" "It's what you think it is. I won't be able to come to the Lucky Lady tonight, I'm sure Sonoma can play for you." Kate took a deep breath and blinked back tears. "I have a few more letters to write and some business to take care of, it could take quite a while."</p><p></p><p>"And why would you think I would take this to the Marshal?" Ruby had become suspicious of Kate, there was no way she could have heard her talk to Wyatt from outside the jail. "What business do you have that suddenly that has to get done on a Saturday night when we need you?" Ruby's eyebrow was raised and she had a very serious look on her face.</p><p></p><p>"Read it if you like Ruby. All my business needs to be done today. They claim Mr. Tucker was involved with the Cowboy Gang, which we both know to be a lie. They want him because of what he knows. But their story makes me an accomplice. The moment they have that in hand they'll arrest me. They won't let a chance to be rid of me slip by."</p><p></p><p>Ruby tucked the note inside her pocket. "Maybe they are right, maybe Mr. Tucker did join the Cowboy Gang. After all, he was there playing cards with Johnny Ringo." Ruby sat on the bed. "But I doubt they'll arrest you Kate, there are too many of us that know the truth and besides, they aren't going to take a chance that you tell the Judge." Ruby sighed. "You need to stay with Mr. Gonzales. You can do your business in his room. Keep Ginnie with you too. I'll take care of the rest." Ruby stood and headed for the door. "Promise me you'll stay with Mr. Gonzales tonight."</p><p></p><p>"Tom was playing cards with him, are you going to tell me Tom joined the Cowboy Gang too?" Kate shook her head and laid out another piece of paper. "I'm so sorry Ruby. I never meant to hurt any of you. I can do my writing with Mr. Gonzales." "I'm not telling you Tom joined the Cowboy Gang, but the truth is we don't know what Tom and Colby were doing there and we don't know anything about Colby Tucker. Maybe you are better off keeping that in mind." </p><p></p><p>"I want to hear you promise me you will stay with Mr. Gonzales tonight. I'm not stupid Kate. We will find a way out of this but not if you go and do something crazy. And you need to make sure to protect Ginnie." Ruby walked up next to Kate and put her hand on her arm. "You didn't hurt anyone, this isn't your fault." Ruby paused. "But I just can't let them hurt Jake, I know you understand." Kate replies, "I'm not going after the Earps if that's what you mean. They've won. Enough people have been hurt."</p><p></p><p>"No, it's not what I mean. And I know if you were going to stay with Gonzales you would promise me that you would stay with him. One of us has experience with shady deals, Kate, and it's not you. I can't try to get us all out of this if I don't know what you are going to do. Look, Jake and Chester are in jail until Monday. You don't need to go off doing something irrational." Ruby laughs, "Save that for me." She pauses, "Hum.. why don't we both go see Mr. Gonzales together, right now?"</p><p></p><p>Kate looked at Ruby, exasperated. She wasn't going to get rid of Ruby without giving in to something. Maybe her teacher and Ruby could think of an alternative. If not he had to sleep at some point and she could slip away. She gathered her papers and went with Ruby. They head to Mr. Gonzales room.</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Kate find Gonzales reading inside his mansion. They fill him in on the entire situation and getting threatened by Wyatt Earp. "So, do you have any ideas for us? I'm afraid Kate is going to try something foolish." Gonzales looks at both Ruby and Kate and says "Ideas? Seems like the key piece of knowledge that everyone needs here is the current whereabouts of this Mr. Tucker. Another talk with him might also be in order, when Kate spoke to him last he was too afraid for his life to think rationally. Do you have any idea where we might find him?" Kate looked up from where she was sitting with red-rimmed eyes. "He's with my family in Boston," she said quietly. "But I can't tell Earp that. I wrote him a note, told him that Mr. Tucker went east. I hoped it would give me enough time to reach Mr. Tucker and warn him."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies, "You think that will satisfy the Earps?" He turns to Ruby and asks "Do you think that will be enough for them?" She answers, "I don't know. I don't think the Earps will be satisfied until they have Mr. Tucker in a cell, or worse. </p><p></p><p>He sits down and thinks for a minute. "Well, going to Boston today isn't possible, I don't have the spells needed to transport us there. We could do it tomorrow, except I've never been there, and can only bring us to somewhere I know. The closest I've ever been to New England is New York City." Kate says, “The train ride from New York is less than a day. Leaving tomorrow, we'd still be ahead of them. I can't let Jake and Chester go to jail, but I can't betray Tom's friend either. I'm so sorry, I should have gone back to Boston."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies "There's another possibility. It's riskier, but with your help Kate we could do it. I could cast a Detect Thoughts spell on you prior to casting the transport spell and bring us to the image from your mind. But it would have to be a place you know intimately, one that wouldn't have changed since you saw it last, and preferably a place where nobody else will be when we arrive. You would also have to totally open your mind to me, without resisting in any way, otherwise the image would not be complete enough for me to use it."</p><p></p><p>"There are quiet places in my parents home where no one would be. I know the schedules of the servants, we could avoid them. I don't mind having the spell cast on me." Katherine looked down at the floor. He replies, "That could still be problematic. The furnishings and decor may have been changed since you saw it. Even a different rug could throw off the spell. Then there's also the problem of having to explain to your parents how we got into the house. No, I was thinking of somewhere more remote, maybe an outdoor location shielded from changes in the weather or perhaps an unused barn stall."</p><p></p><p>Kat asks, "Ruby, do you think the note will be enough for the Earps? I didn't want you to know where I was going, I wanted you to be able to honestly say you didn't know. But I suppose home is the obvious place." "No," Ruby says suddenly. "Your note Kate is not enough to satisfy the Earps and I don't plan on using it to implicate you. You must be crazy to think I would hand them over in writing that you helped Tucker." </p><p></p><p>"And nothing short of them having Tucker is going be enough. Wyatt said, 'AND PROVES TRUE.' So what if you get to Boston and warn Tucker? Then the Earps get there and he isn't there and they think we lied and now we're in even more trouble then before. Then they come after all of us and kill us." Ruby pauses, "This needs to end. I think you need to take Mr. Gonzales advice. Talk to Tucker, last time you spoke to him he was irrational. It's time for him to come back. Kate, this must be hard for you, but you have decisions to make. It's either going to be Tucker or all of us."</p><p></p><p>She replies, "It's not going to be any of us. They want him, they can have him, but they aren't going to like it." Kate started walking slowly around the room. "I didn't want this, but I'm done playing by their rules." She laughed bitterly. "They had everything they wanted, the fools. When we bring him back, he needs to see Berg. Judge Isby would be better. Before he sees anyone named Earp. </p><p></p><p>The Earps are never going to feel safe until everyone who knows this secret is silenced. So we have to bring the secret out. Not in public, I'm not that stupid. But if we can get Berg and Isby to talk to Tucker first, then get Wyatt called in, we might be able to make a little legal arrangement. Our silence for Jake and Chester's freedom, and my time with Morgan. All four of them can stand there with guns drawn on me for all I care, as long as I get to say what I want to say. Maybe we take him to Morgan first. We can say what needs to be said and then he can tell his brothers to back off. I don't know, I don't want to risk anyone if we can avoid it." </p><p></p><p>“It’s too late, we’re all at risk, whether you want to admit it or not.” Ruby ran her hand through her hair. “There is no going back now.” Kate sighed, “As far as I know, Morgan isn’t here in Promise City and I’m not inclined to do this in Tombstone, on their turf. And they will never agree to see Judge Isby. I don’t know if he is bought or not but if he isn’t and we bring this to him, that’s the end for all of us. Maybe we can get a couple of lawyers involved. I really don’t know that Mitchell Berg will go for any of this but there is only one way to find out. And you can’t trust that leech Fisk, so that only leaves the new guy, who we know nothing about.” </p><p></p><p>“You prepare to go to Boston tomorrow and bring Tucker back with you. You stay in tonight and keep yourself safe. I’m going to talk to Wyatt and I’ll see what I can find out, how far I can push him. But I will tell him that you are bringing Tucker back. The Earps can choose to do this quietly or not, it’s their choice.” Kate nodded and sat down. "There's nothing else we can do, is there? I'm sorry Ruby. I'll do what needs to be done." She folded her hands on the table and looked down at them. "I'm sorry." </p><p></p><p>Ruby sat down next to Kate. "I don't know what else to do but force the issue. I had been hoping that you might be able to just live with this, but now the Earp's have made it clear they don't want to let it go. We can't let them blackmail us forever." Ruby put her hand under Kate's chin and gently lifted her face up. Looking her in the eyes, "It's not your fault. But you need to figure out just what you will do to make this go away. We all have to decide that for ourselves." She drooped her and hugged Kate tightly. "Hopefully this will all be over soon, one way or the other."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2105375, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Eighteen, “Blackmail”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882[/B] Kate went over to Frye's Harness and arranged to have some new clothes made. They would look just like her protective spell when it was cast, so that it would not be obvious when she used the magical armor. She'd have to know there might be danger ahead of time, but she was willing to hedge her bets. Then she headed over to the Marshall's office. Nanuet heads back to the general store and looks for more books. After the last two did not go over so well he stops to ask Judge Lacey if he has anything that he recommends and makes sure that Mr. Lacey understands that Nanuet can not read so he needs his help picking the books out. He then drops off his findings at the jail for Chester saying "I hope these are good, not sure what they really are about you know." Chester looks down at the two books. The first is Uncle Toms Cabin or Life Among the Lowly by Harriet Beecher Stowe, With Introductory Remarks by James Sherman of Surrey Chapel. George Bell & Sons, York Street Covent Garden London, 1881. Engravings by Hinchliff. The other is Lives of Andrew Jackson and General Marion: Embracing Anecdotes of Their Characters. Boston, Lee & Shepard Publishers. 1881 Chester looks up at Nanuet. "These will be just fine. Thanks again." He holds up Uncle Tom's Cabin, 'Life among the Lowly is were I am now." Then he holds up the other and smiles. "This book is about two human military leaders. Nice choice. By the way, make sure Ruby and Katherine stay safe. With us in here, who knows what trouble they'd get into." He rolls his eyes. "Why Chester, what a thing to say," Kate said as she came into the Marshall's office. She very carefully avoided looking toward the desk where whichever Earp was on duty would be sitting. He replies, "Sorry, Katherine. Um, I was being ironic. Yeah, ironic. Seeing as we're the ones in jail and all." He gives an unconvincing innocent look. She says, "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I didn't know until I got to the Lucky Lady last night. I see you're already set for things to read. Is there anything else I can do for either of you?" He answers, "Not much, I'm afraid. Our lawyers are probably already looking for information themselves. But, thank you for asking." Ruby stayed where she was, staring at Jake. "Actually, yes, Kate, I think both of these boys need suits. I know Jake does and I haven't seen Chester with one either. Will you join me when we're done here?" "Of course, Ruby, if you think it's necessary," Kate said, a little surprised. She replies, "You don't think so? They have to go before Judge Isby. He already doesn't like us, Jake and I anyway." Wyatt interrupts the conversation "No telling what he thinks of you. I guess we'll find out soon enough." Kate walked forward and grasped Ruby's hand, squeezing it tight and keeping her eyes away from Earp. "It never hurts to be presentable," she said as if Earp hadn't spoken at all. "We'll take care of it." Wyatt replies, "Ah, I get. Ignoring me are you now Mrs. Kale. Fine, be that way, I won't be the one to suffer for it." "Why don't you leave her alone?" Ruby finally turned herself from Jake, "Unless you have something you want to tell all of us?" "It's alright Ruby. Don't worry about me." Kate turned to face Earp. "What else is there for me to do, Marshall?" she asked quietly, with no trace of challenge in her voice. Wyatt looks around the room, at Chester and Jake in the cells, and Nanuet and Ruby near the cells and then lastly at Kate, staring her straight in the eye. Warren Earp stays over near the door, casually turning the lock to keep anyone else from entering. Wyatt states "I’m just saying that Judge Isby has great respect for the law, in fact he relies heavily on the word of the local lawmen. You’ve seen that at prior court hearings. I’ll get to testify first and set the direction of his outlook on the events, based upon the findings of my investigation I’m still busy conducting my investigation, none of my findings are final yet. But based upon what I know right now I’d say that Danby Jones is an idiot, that only he is guilty of anything, and that he just blamed these two in the cells to keep himself out of prison. But that’s only what I think right now. I still have at least of couple of days to investigate this case. Personally, this isn’t how I’d rather spend my time. I would much rather be working on investigating the Cowboy Gang stagecoach robberies. But that investigation has run cold, it dried up when we lost the trail of a Mr. Colby Tucker. Now, if I should happen to get an anonymous tip as to where this Colby is, and it proves to be correct, then I guess I’d spend the next couple of days on that investigation instead. But until something like that happens I’ll just have to keep working this one. There’s no telling what I might find. Heck, I could even discover that some of you are involved as well." Kate just looked at Wyatt. "I'd say your first instinct is correct. Jones is an idiot and these two men are innocent of any wrongdoing. I'm sure you'll be convinced of that before the trial on Monday. We've proved in the past that we are always willing to assist in the keeping of the peace. I remember a cold, wet night in this very office when three of us put ourselves on the line for that very purpose." She turned back to the cells. "I'm sorry, I should go. I'll see you outside Ruby," she said and headed for the door, hoping they wouldn't prevent her from leaving. Warren casually unlocks the door and holds it open for Kate to exit. "Someone will be back with dinner." Ruby gives a last glance to Jake before heading to the door. She stops when she is near Wyatt and says very quietly, "After I finish work tonight we can talk. Where do you want to meet?" "I'll let you know" he whispers back. Ruby walks out and meets up with Kate. "Let's go get those suits," she says dully. They make their way over to Kelly's Dry Goods to see what they have in stock. "The gray for Jake and the black for Chester, I'd say." She also suggests a couple vests to match. "We'll take them now, and let you know about the tailoring later, thank you." Kate paid for the suits and left with Ruby. "Will you come with me over to the El Parador?" she asked quietly. "I want to give you something." "Of course," Ruby replies and follows Kate back. Kate lead the way up to her room and sat down at the small table. She pulled out a piece of paper and her pen and began neatly writing. After the ink dried she carefully folded the paper and wrote "Marshall Wyatt Earp" on the outside. She handed it to her friend. "I'm so sorry. It's my own foolishness that caused this, and I have to take responsibility for it. Just hold on to that until after work tonight, alright? Then take it to the Marshall." "What is this Kate?" "It's what you think it is. I won't be able to come to the Lucky Lady tonight, I'm sure Sonoma can play for you." Kate took a deep breath and blinked back tears. "I have a few more letters to write and some business to take care of, it could take quite a while." "And why would you think I would take this to the Marshal?" Ruby had become suspicious of Kate, there was no way she could have heard her talk to Wyatt from outside the jail. "What business do you have that suddenly that has to get done on a Saturday night when we need you?" Ruby's eyebrow was raised and she had a very serious look on her face. "Read it if you like Ruby. All my business needs to be done today. They claim Mr. Tucker was involved with the Cowboy Gang, which we both know to be a lie. They want him because of what he knows. But their story makes me an accomplice. The moment they have that in hand they'll arrest me. They won't let a chance to be rid of me slip by." Ruby tucked the note inside her pocket. "Maybe they are right, maybe Mr. Tucker did join the Cowboy Gang. After all, he was there playing cards with Johnny Ringo." Ruby sat on the bed. "But I doubt they'll arrest you Kate, there are too many of us that know the truth and besides, they aren't going to take a chance that you tell the Judge." Ruby sighed. "You need to stay with Mr. Gonzales. You can do your business in his room. Keep Ginnie with you too. I'll take care of the rest." Ruby stood and headed for the door. "Promise me you'll stay with Mr. Gonzales tonight." "Tom was playing cards with him, are you going to tell me Tom joined the Cowboy Gang too?" Kate shook her head and laid out another piece of paper. "I'm so sorry Ruby. I never meant to hurt any of you. I can do my writing with Mr. Gonzales." "I'm not telling you Tom joined the Cowboy Gang, but the truth is we don't know what Tom and Colby were doing there and we don't know anything about Colby Tucker. Maybe you are better off keeping that in mind." "I want to hear you promise me you will stay with Mr. Gonzales tonight. I'm not stupid Kate. We will find a way out of this but not if you go and do something crazy. And you need to make sure to protect Ginnie." Ruby walked up next to Kate and put her hand on her arm. "You didn't hurt anyone, this isn't your fault." Ruby paused. "But I just can't let them hurt Jake, I know you understand." Kate replies, "I'm not going after the Earps if that's what you mean. They've won. Enough people have been hurt." "No, it's not what I mean. And I know if you were going to stay with Gonzales you would promise me that you would stay with him. One of us has experience with shady deals, Kate, and it's not you. I can't try to get us all out of this if I don't know what you are going to do. Look, Jake and Chester are in jail until Monday. You don't need to go off doing something irrational." Ruby laughs, "Save that for me." She pauses, "Hum.. why don't we both go see Mr. Gonzales together, right now?" Kate looked at Ruby, exasperated. She wasn't going to get rid of Ruby without giving in to something. Maybe her teacher and Ruby could think of an alternative. If not he had to sleep at some point and she could slip away. She gathered her papers and went with Ruby. They head to Mr. Gonzales room. Ruby and Kate find Gonzales reading inside his mansion. They fill him in on the entire situation and getting threatened by Wyatt Earp. "So, do you have any ideas for us? I'm afraid Kate is going to try something foolish." Gonzales looks at both Ruby and Kate and says "Ideas? Seems like the key piece of knowledge that everyone needs here is the current whereabouts of this Mr. Tucker. Another talk with him might also be in order, when Kate spoke to him last he was too afraid for his life to think rationally. Do you have any idea where we might find him?" Kate looked up from where she was sitting with red-rimmed eyes. "He's with my family in Boston," she said quietly. "But I can't tell Earp that. I wrote him a note, told him that Mr. Tucker went east. I hoped it would give me enough time to reach Mr. Tucker and warn him." Gonzales replies, "You think that will satisfy the Earps?" He turns to Ruby and asks "Do you think that will be enough for them?" She answers, "I don't know. I don't think the Earps will be satisfied until they have Mr. Tucker in a cell, or worse. He sits down and thinks for a minute. "Well, going to Boston today isn't possible, I don't have the spells needed to transport us there. We could do it tomorrow, except I've never been there, and can only bring us to somewhere I know. The closest I've ever been to New England is New York City." Kate says, “The train ride from New York is less than a day. Leaving tomorrow, we'd still be ahead of them. I can't let Jake and Chester go to jail, but I can't betray Tom's friend either. I'm so sorry, I should have gone back to Boston." Gonzales replies "There's another possibility. It's riskier, but with your help Kate we could do it. I could cast a Detect Thoughts spell on you prior to casting the transport spell and bring us to the image from your mind. But it would have to be a place you know intimately, one that wouldn't have changed since you saw it last, and preferably a place where nobody else will be when we arrive. You would also have to totally open your mind to me, without resisting in any way, otherwise the image would not be complete enough for me to use it." "There are quiet places in my parents home where no one would be. I know the schedules of the servants, we could avoid them. I don't mind having the spell cast on me." Katherine looked down at the floor. He replies, "That could still be problematic. The furnishings and decor may have been changed since you saw it. Even a different rug could throw off the spell. Then there's also the problem of having to explain to your parents how we got into the house. No, I was thinking of somewhere more remote, maybe an outdoor location shielded from changes in the weather or perhaps an unused barn stall." Kat asks, "Ruby, do you think the note will be enough for the Earps? I didn't want you to know where I was going, I wanted you to be able to honestly say you didn't know. But I suppose home is the obvious place." "No," Ruby says suddenly. "Your note Kate is not enough to satisfy the Earps and I don't plan on using it to implicate you. You must be crazy to think I would hand them over in writing that you helped Tucker." "And nothing short of them having Tucker is going be enough. Wyatt said, 'AND PROVES TRUE.' So what if you get to Boston and warn Tucker? Then the Earps get there and he isn't there and they think we lied and now we're in even more trouble then before. Then they come after all of us and kill us." Ruby pauses, "This needs to end. I think you need to take Mr. Gonzales advice. Talk to Tucker, last time you spoke to him he was irrational. It's time for him to come back. Kate, this must be hard for you, but you have decisions to make. It's either going to be Tucker or all of us." She replies, "It's not going to be any of us. They want him, they can have him, but they aren't going to like it." Kate started walking slowly around the room. "I didn't want this, but I'm done playing by their rules." She laughed bitterly. "They had everything they wanted, the fools. When we bring him back, he needs to see Berg. Judge Isby would be better. Before he sees anyone named Earp. The Earps are never going to feel safe until everyone who knows this secret is silenced. So we have to bring the secret out. Not in public, I'm not that stupid. But if we can get Berg and Isby to talk to Tucker first, then get Wyatt called in, we might be able to make a little legal arrangement. Our silence for Jake and Chester's freedom, and my time with Morgan. All four of them can stand there with guns drawn on me for all I care, as long as I get to say what I want to say. Maybe we take him to Morgan first. We can say what needs to be said and then he can tell his brothers to back off. I don't know, I don't want to risk anyone if we can avoid it." “It’s too late, we’re all at risk, whether you want to admit it or not.” Ruby ran her hand through her hair. “There is no going back now.” Kate sighed, “As far as I know, Morgan isn’t here in Promise City and I’m not inclined to do this in Tombstone, on their turf. And they will never agree to see Judge Isby. I don’t know if he is bought or not but if he isn’t and we bring this to him, that’s the end for all of us. Maybe we can get a couple of lawyers involved. I really don’t know that Mitchell Berg will go for any of this but there is only one way to find out. And you can’t trust that leech Fisk, so that only leaves the new guy, who we know nothing about.” “You prepare to go to Boston tomorrow and bring Tucker back with you. You stay in tonight and keep yourself safe. I’m going to talk to Wyatt and I’ll see what I can find out, how far I can push him. But I will tell him that you are bringing Tucker back. The Earps can choose to do this quietly or not, it’s their choice.” Kate nodded and sat down. "There's nothing else we can do, is there? I'm sorry Ruby. I'll do what needs to be done." She folded her hands on the table and looked down at them. "I'm sorry." Ruby sat down next to Kate. "I don't know what else to do but force the issue. I had been hoping that you might be able to just live with this, but now the Earp's have made it clear they don't want to let it go. We can't let them blackmail us forever." Ruby put her hand under Kate's chin and gently lifted her face up. Looking her in the eyes, "It's not your fault. But you need to figure out just what you will do to make this go away. We all have to decide that for ourselves." She drooped her and hugged Kate tightly. "Hopefully this will all be over soon, one way or the other." [/QUOTE]
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