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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2121393" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Twenty-one, “Melancholy Moods”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Nanuet gets more angry as the new woman talks about him to Ruby. He gets up from his seat and takes a step towards the women. "Sorry Ma'am it is not my job around here to be hospitable, I'm just the help. It's been a rough couple of days so I ain't in the mood to be having to watch my back and her back”. He gestures to Ruby, “With all these new people in town." </p><p></p><p>He takes a deep breath and wipes his sweaty brow. "You sure seem to think you know a lot about me, having just met me and all. And I sure as heck don't need to be going to no church sermons. I have my ancestors to pray to and that works just fine for me." Turning to Ruby he says "I will be around either helping with the liquor or giving Maria in the kitchen a hand." </p><p></p><p>Minerva looks up. Surprised by Nanuet's angry reaction to her light teasing. She sincerely replies. "My apologies Senor, I certainly meant no insult to you or your ancestors hope that you will forgive me. It is obvious that you are worried about your friend. I should have been more sensitive. Although I must stand by my original observation. That you are a good friend to Ruby.” Nanuet walks off mumbling.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles warmly at Minerva as Nanuet walks away huffing. “Yes, Nanuet is devoted, we have been though a lot together in a short amount of time. Sorry about his attitude, he’s new to civilization.” Minerva replies, “No need to apologize. The world would be a much better place with more honest men like him in it and less civilized ones don't you think?" Ruby laughed and took another sip of her drink. “I’m sorry to say you won’t find many trusting souls around here, not in this place anyhow.” </p><p></p><p>The smile slowly drops off Ruby’s face. “I’m not going to lie to you. The gods and goddesses you speak of have not looked very kindly on me in my life. I’m not even sure they exist. So while I appreciate the offer I doubt I’ll be at church tomorrow.” </p><p></p><p>Minerva says, "I know what you mean. Sometimes it seems the gods are too busy running the worlds to concern themselves with the likes of us. Better to help each other than wait for divine intervention. You let me know if you need either. I'll do what I can." She leans in and whispers. " You can get that rabbit stuck in a trap look off your face too. "If the truth be told, I'm not much of a churchgoer myself. I find that All praying does is wear out the knees and slow you down. Better to stand and fight for yourself. I'm doing this sermon as a favor to Senor Lacy for helping me out. Don't know if he'll thank me for it though. I came to Promise City to serve the gods in my own way and that's what I aim to do." </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, “As a matter of fact I don’t know where I’ll be at all tomorrow.” Maybe Boot Hill, she thinks to herself. At least then I won’t have to worry about getting out of church. Ruby sighs, “Yes, I have troubles, some bigger than others and you can just imagine where the man fits into that scenario. If the gods do exist though, I hope they’re watching out for him.” Minerva can clearly see the worry on Ruby’s face, and Ruby catches that she recognizes it. She starts playing with her hair in a nervous way. “He’s in a bad spot currently, as are all my friends, and tonight I have to see what I can do about it. I’ll do anything that I can, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough.” </p><p></p><p>“Alright, enough of that. I know you said you had to get going.” Ruby stands. “Kindred spirits, huh? I like the sound of that. Why don’t you come back tonight, and hear me sing. It’s one of two things I’m really good at.” She catches Minerva’s raised eyebrow. “You’ll have to ask the man what the other thing is,” she laughed. “I know you’ll enjoy the El Parador and its diversity.” She reached out her hand and helped Minerva up, “Lunch is on me, hope you enjoyed it.” </p><p></p><p>Minerva answers, "I'd love to hear you sing. Luna loves music too. She especially loves the flute." Minerva opens her tapestry bag. Nestled inside is a slender silver instrument. "Now if I'm to come back later I have a lot to do. " Ruby gives Minerva directions to Judge Lacey's General Store. Minerva picks up Luna and her tapestry bag and heads for the door. She turns back to Ruby. "Please try to smooth things over with your friend. I meant no harm. The goddess be with you, Ruby" and she heads out the door swaying just a little.</p><p></p><p>Ruby watches her walk out. Yes, I think we will be friends, and she smiles… Now where is Nanuet? Ruby heads out back and finds him helping with the liquor. She brings him upstairs and tells him about the situation with Kate and Gonzales and going to Boston. “And you can decide later if you want to join them, I would imagine you can just show up if you want to go.” </p><p></p><p>Nanuet leaves and Ruby collapses on the bed. Soon enough she would bring Jake and Chester their dinner and it was going to be hard to not give away to Jake she planned to meet Wyatt alone. He would never agree to her doing that. Ruby curls up on the bed, and just waits for the time to pass. Downstairs, Maria and Sonoma get the food ready for the dinner crowd. Luc talks to Jeff Mills about the duties of being a bouncer.</p><p></p><p>Minerva arrives at Lacey’s General Store, a large wooden building along South Street east of Condon’s Bank. The large single-story clapboard structure is set up with the store occupying the front of the building, with the back right-hand section partitioned off as the living quarters for the owner. </p><p></p><p>The store has a wide variety of merchandise, including a bookcase full of new books. A wool union army uniform is proudly displayed upon the wall along with a framed written citation recognizing "Lieutenant Lacey for his bravery during the battle at Mechanicsville on June 27, 1862". The owner is standing behind the counter. He is a handsome man in his late fifties or early sixties, with a wide chest and rugged looks, bald on the top with white along the sides and white muttonchops. </p><p></p><p>"Buenos Tardes Senor. I have finally arrived." Mr. Lacey looks up to see a shapely young woman in traveling attire with an owl perched upon her shoulder. "And who might you be, Miss?" He asks. Minerva introduces herself and Luna. She inquires about living accommodations and tomorrow’s service.</p><p></p><p>He says that the services will be held at the Promise City Town Hall. He says that the building is unfinished, but that they borrow chairs from three of the saloons near it. He is extremely thrilled that she is in town. He suggests that she find lodgings at the Promise City Hotel, which is two doors east right after Allen Street. He adds "But if you're planning to stay a while you may want to check out one of the boarding houses in the next week or so."</p><p></p><p>"Si Senor, Luna and I are planning to stay on indefinitely. I appreciate all you are doing for us. I was hoping that you could recommend a boarding house for us to stay? " Judge Lacey says "You're better off waiting until after the service tomorrow, let the boarding house owners know who you are. They don't take in just anybody, but they all regularly attend the worship services. Trust me, one night at the hotel will be all you need."</p><p></p><p>She tells him that she will see him at the service tomorrow and heads for the Wells Fargo Office to ask the man to send her bags on ahead. She then heads for the hotel.</p><p></p><p>Over at the El Parador Gonzales suggests to Kate that they head downstairs for some of Dorita’s Saturday night Dinner Specials. Kate agreed saying, "I think this is the first Saturday since I've been here that I haven't worked. I'm not sure if I can eat, but I'll try. I must look a fright," she finished as she checked her hair by touching the knot at the back of her head. Instead of trying to fix it she just pulled out the pins and let it hang loose. </p><p></p><p>"It's still early, perhaps it will be quiet yet,'" she said as they left his rooms and went downstairs. They arrive in the Cantina, which has filled up early this night. Dorita has kept a table open for her Grandfather and she and Manuel sit at two of the four tables. She brings out a flour-tortilla dish that has an interesting spicy smell to it that Kate cannot identify as well as a salad made of fresh greens. </p><p></p><p>Kate began eating slowly, finding the spicy food pleasant but hoping it wouldn't upset her stomach. It was just easier to eat than to argue with Dorita about it. "It's busy today," she commented, looking for any familiar faces. She says, "What will we do after dinner? I don't know if I can stand being cooped up doing nothing, and I'm not sure I can sleep yet."</p><p></p><p>Gonzales replies, "We're going out for the evening. I believe that tonight is the night that Mr. Barker is playing at the Lucky Lady, and you've always enjoyed his piano playing. But consider this your night off. Once we're done eating lets go back upstairs and I'll work that hair clip into a proper disguise for you. Give some thought as to what you want to look like."</p><p></p><p>"I do enjoy Mr. Barker's playing, thank you." Kate waits for a moment, then says with a small but genuine smile, "I always thought it would fun to try blonde." They talked quietly through dinner, and Kate was relieved to not see Conrad Booth there. She knew she looked terrible from her sleepless night, and trying to explain to him would be difficult at best.</p><p></p><p>Across town, Ruby’s eyes slowly opened. She hadn’t realized that she fell asleep. Sleep was becoming less and less reliable lately. She knew tonight would be no different. She dragged herself out of bed and decided that she would get dressed for performing now, just in case something held her up. She looked through her closet and finally decided on the green dress. Jake always loved it when she wore that dress. It was probably the fact that, besides being strapless, the top looked like it was a tad too small, hugging her curves with only a bit of black lace holding in her assets. She also pulled some fresh clothes for him to bring with her. </p><p></p><p>She took her time dressing, pulling her corset particularly tight and making sure everything was exactly where she wanted it. She admired herself in the mirror; fixing her hair so it curled just right, falling over her breast. Men are so predictable, she smiled to herself, to my advantage… She needed to look her best, but no matter how she tried she could still see the worry in her own eyes, staring back at her. She secured her guns in their usual spots, her thigh and down the front of her dress. Her dagger was also in place in the back of her hair. </p><p></p><p>She took the two suits and Jake’s fresh change of clothes and made her way downstairs. She asked Nanuet to go over to the El Parador and get some fresh clothes for Chester too. Maria was in the kitchen, finishing Jake and Chester’s meals. Ruby took a jug for coffee and filled it. The she took another that she brought out into the main room. No one was there, so she filled it with Kentucky bourbon and put it aside. Maria came out with the dinner plates and headed back into the kitchen. Ruby glanced around no make sure no one was there then said a few words over the jug of bourbon before heading out with Nanuet to the jail. </p><p></p><p>They arrived at the jail and Wyatt Earp was still on duty. Ruby showed him the clothes and he carefully went through it. Next he picked through the food. Ruby carefully opened the jug of bourbon. It was steaming and smelled like coffee and Wyatt nodded the ok. “And this one is for you,” she left him the jug that actually was filled with coffee. Then she made her way over to Jake and handed him the clothes and food, then the jug. Nanuet did the same for Chester. </p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, “Coffee, Jake? Remember the first night we shared coffee together, almost three months ago now? The night you told me I was the best thing that happened to you that week. The night you said you wouldn’t pay to see me dance. The night we…” she doesn’t finish that thought, she just smiles. “All because of the coffee.”</p><p></p><p>Jake sees Ruby come in wearing his favorite green dress. She's putting on a careful show Jake thinks, she's gone to extra care and it shows. "Thanks Darling, that's just what I need. Bored to tears in here. It's almost like you could read my mind." He tries to catch her lovely hazel eyes with his deep brown ones, and gives her a faint raise of his eyebrows.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods knowingly, then laughs loudly. "You needed the coffee or the dress? Listen, I have some things to do tonight, so I'll stay while you eat then I have to leave." Ruby then pulls up the chair and sits, making small talk while Jake and Chester eat. Ruby doesn't act nervous but she is quiet. After Jake is done eating she stands. She leans forward towards Jake, giving him a good view, and uses her finger to motion him closer. She whispers, "I just want you to know, if anything happens to me, I want you to go to Berg, or at least make sure you talk to him and tell him what happened, ok?"</p><p></p><p>Jake's eyes were enjoying the cleavage peaking over the top of Ruby's tightly stuffed top when suddenly they snapped up to meet her eyes. They looked serious and scared, and he tried to hold them from fleeing by will alone. His anger started to flair, but instead he found himself just feeling helpless. He nodded but didn't smile and whispered, "Be careful."</p><p></p><p>Ruby wrapped her hands around the bars of the cell. "I'll try," she whispered back. "You be careful too." She didn't break his gaze, she hoped it wasn't going to be the last time she looked into his usually twinkling brown eyes. "And don't forget to read your fairy tales. They always make me feel better."</p><p></p><p>Jake just nods to Ruby and lets go of her eyes. "Thanks to you too, Nanuet." Chester says, “Thank you both. It smells wonderful. Did Maria make it?" Nanuet hands over the fresh shirt and pants. "Thanks for the change of clothes, too." Nanuet replies, "Uh yeah, Maria and Sonoma are both in the kitchen right now, Sonoma came into town last night and decided to stay for a few days I think. They both worked on the food I'm sure. Hope it's good." Chester says, "In that case, thank them both for me. How are things between you and her, if I'm not being too nosy. If you don’t want to answer 'cause the Marshall is here, that's fine too."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet answers, "Not really sure Chet. We haven't been spending too much time together, she is a very independent woman. But yeah, things have been quiet between us. I think she has found her calling with the ranch though." Chester replies, "I'm sorry to hear that, Nanuet. She is a wonderful girl. Aren't you going to move out there soon?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, “I don't know. Before this whole fiasco I was finding the company of the new ownership at the Lucky Lady to be my preference. I am sure I will spend time out there, but I am thinking of splitting my time between the ranch and here in town. Ruby offered me a spot at their saloon, but I think they have a full house. We'll see I guess." </p><p></p><p>"I think I had better go now. I have a few things to take care of, wanted to re-shoe my horse and stuff. Have a quiet night guys. Ruby, I will see you later over at 'The Lady' " Nanuet turns and leaves quickly. He heads out of the building and finds a spot nearby where he can hide. He wants to keep an eye on the jail and watch for Ruby. She has certainly been acting strange tonight. he says to himself as he settles in.</p><p></p><p>Ruby can barely pull herself away from Jake, but she does with no further words and doesn’t look back. Ruby catches Wyatt’s eye as she walks past him, and she nods. She makes her way outside and when no one is looking she slips into the shadows of the alley. She leans up against the wall, trying to collect herself. She only lets a moment go by before reciting the short incantation to read people’s minds. </p><p></p><p>She immediately picks up Jake thoughts. “Coffee. You vixen! You're a lifesaver! Wyatt is a good liar or Virgil and Morgan never told him about Morgan's knife in Kale's back. Wyatt acts like he believes the story Virgil tells the world. Wyatt seems to really want to stop the Cowboy Gang. The Earps sent their women away for safety. He wants them to be able to come back. </p><p>If that's all true, then it's not Tucker he wants but a lead to the Cowboy Gang. Don't give him any new reasons to want me in here!” </p><p></p><p>Jake’s thoughts are interrupted when she picks up that Chester likes her in the green dress. Ruby smiles and tries to focus on Jake again. “Wyatt thinks Deadeye killed Curly Bill and that Tom Kale may have joined Cowboy Gang. I've been talking to Wyatt about a lot of stuff, trying to keep him as friendly as possible. Me helping fight the Cowboy Gang, him maybe dealing Faro at the Lucky Lady, but he won't tell me what in particular he's trying to find out on the gang. Still holding out for Tucker. Damn you look good! If only these bars weren't in the way I'd kiss those…”</p><p></p><p>Her thoughts are interrupted again this time by Wyatt’s and she pays close attention. Wyatt is thinking about where to meet Ruby later and deciding when to send Eduardo over to the Lucky Lady to tell her. He is worried that she is setting him up for an ambush so doesn't want to give her too much advanced notice as to where and plans to keep both Eduardo and Warren nearby just in case. </p><p></p><p>Then the spell ends. Ruby tries to sort out what Jake told her. Wyatt doesn’t know. Well, that won’t be for long. She decides to head back to the Lucky Lady. It is Saturday and it’s their busiest night, so the crowd will probably start early plus she hasn’t eaten anything in a while. She looks both ways to make sure no one is looking then slips back onto the main road. She arrives back and the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet watched Ruby step out of the jail. He kept an eye on her as she tries to slip away. He thought “What the heck is she doing? Ah, she must be casting a spell or something.” A few minutes later when she starts heading back to the Lucky Lady Nanuet does his best to get ahead of her without being seen and slip in the back door before she arrives. He greets her when she comes in and keeps her company as she eats her small evening meal.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2121393, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Twenty-one, “Melancholy Moods”, Saturday, March 11th, 1882:[/B] Nanuet gets more angry as the new woman talks about him to Ruby. He gets up from his seat and takes a step towards the women. "Sorry Ma'am it is not my job around here to be hospitable, I'm just the help. It's been a rough couple of days so I ain't in the mood to be having to watch my back and her back”. He gestures to Ruby, “With all these new people in town." He takes a deep breath and wipes his sweaty brow. "You sure seem to think you know a lot about me, having just met me and all. And I sure as heck don't need to be going to no church sermons. I have my ancestors to pray to and that works just fine for me." Turning to Ruby he says "I will be around either helping with the liquor or giving Maria in the kitchen a hand." Minerva looks up. Surprised by Nanuet's angry reaction to her light teasing. She sincerely replies. "My apologies Senor, I certainly meant no insult to you or your ancestors hope that you will forgive me. It is obvious that you are worried about your friend. I should have been more sensitive. Although I must stand by my original observation. That you are a good friend to Ruby.” Nanuet walks off mumbling. Ruby smiles warmly at Minerva as Nanuet walks away huffing. “Yes, Nanuet is devoted, we have been though a lot together in a short amount of time. Sorry about his attitude, he’s new to civilization.” Minerva replies, “No need to apologize. The world would be a much better place with more honest men like him in it and less civilized ones don't you think?" Ruby laughed and took another sip of her drink. “I’m sorry to say you won’t find many trusting souls around here, not in this place anyhow.” The smile slowly drops off Ruby’s face. “I’m not going to lie to you. The gods and goddesses you speak of have not looked very kindly on me in my life. I’m not even sure they exist. So while I appreciate the offer I doubt I’ll be at church tomorrow.” Minerva says, "I know what you mean. Sometimes it seems the gods are too busy running the worlds to concern themselves with the likes of us. Better to help each other than wait for divine intervention. You let me know if you need either. I'll do what I can." She leans in and whispers. " You can get that rabbit stuck in a trap look off your face too. "If the truth be told, I'm not much of a churchgoer myself. I find that All praying does is wear out the knees and slow you down. Better to stand and fight for yourself. I'm doing this sermon as a favor to Senor Lacy for helping me out. Don't know if he'll thank me for it though. I came to Promise City to serve the gods in my own way and that's what I aim to do." Ruby says, “As a matter of fact I don’t know where I’ll be at all tomorrow.” Maybe Boot Hill, she thinks to herself. At least then I won’t have to worry about getting out of church. Ruby sighs, “Yes, I have troubles, some bigger than others and you can just imagine where the man fits into that scenario. If the gods do exist though, I hope they’re watching out for him.” Minerva can clearly see the worry on Ruby’s face, and Ruby catches that she recognizes it. She starts playing with her hair in a nervous way. “He’s in a bad spot currently, as are all my friends, and tonight I have to see what I can do about it. I’ll do anything that I can, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough.” “Alright, enough of that. I know you said you had to get going.” Ruby stands. “Kindred spirits, huh? I like the sound of that. Why don’t you come back tonight, and hear me sing. It’s one of two things I’m really good at.” She catches Minerva’s raised eyebrow. “You’ll have to ask the man what the other thing is,” she laughed. “I know you’ll enjoy the El Parador and its diversity.” She reached out her hand and helped Minerva up, “Lunch is on me, hope you enjoyed it.” Minerva answers, "I'd love to hear you sing. Luna loves music too. She especially loves the flute." Minerva opens her tapestry bag. Nestled inside is a slender silver instrument. "Now if I'm to come back later I have a lot to do. " Ruby gives Minerva directions to Judge Lacey's General Store. Minerva picks up Luna and her tapestry bag and heads for the door. She turns back to Ruby. "Please try to smooth things over with your friend. I meant no harm. The goddess be with you, Ruby" and she heads out the door swaying just a little. Ruby watches her walk out. Yes, I think we will be friends, and she smiles… Now where is Nanuet? Ruby heads out back and finds him helping with the liquor. She brings him upstairs and tells him about the situation with Kate and Gonzales and going to Boston. “And you can decide later if you want to join them, I would imagine you can just show up if you want to go.” Nanuet leaves and Ruby collapses on the bed. Soon enough she would bring Jake and Chester their dinner and it was going to be hard to not give away to Jake she planned to meet Wyatt alone. He would never agree to her doing that. Ruby curls up on the bed, and just waits for the time to pass. Downstairs, Maria and Sonoma get the food ready for the dinner crowd. Luc talks to Jeff Mills about the duties of being a bouncer. Minerva arrives at Lacey’s General Store, a large wooden building along South Street east of Condon’s Bank. The large single-story clapboard structure is set up with the store occupying the front of the building, with the back right-hand section partitioned off as the living quarters for the owner. The store has a wide variety of merchandise, including a bookcase full of new books. A wool union army uniform is proudly displayed upon the wall along with a framed written citation recognizing "Lieutenant Lacey for his bravery during the battle at Mechanicsville on June 27, 1862". The owner is standing behind the counter. He is a handsome man in his late fifties or early sixties, with a wide chest and rugged looks, bald on the top with white along the sides and white muttonchops. "Buenos Tardes Senor. I have finally arrived." Mr. Lacey looks up to see a shapely young woman in traveling attire with an owl perched upon her shoulder. "And who might you be, Miss?" He asks. Minerva introduces herself and Luna. She inquires about living accommodations and tomorrow’s service. He says that the services will be held at the Promise City Town Hall. He says that the building is unfinished, but that they borrow chairs from three of the saloons near it. He is extremely thrilled that she is in town. He suggests that she find lodgings at the Promise City Hotel, which is two doors east right after Allen Street. He adds "But if you're planning to stay a while you may want to check out one of the boarding houses in the next week or so." "Si Senor, Luna and I are planning to stay on indefinitely. I appreciate all you are doing for us. I was hoping that you could recommend a boarding house for us to stay? " Judge Lacey says "You're better off waiting until after the service tomorrow, let the boarding house owners know who you are. They don't take in just anybody, but they all regularly attend the worship services. Trust me, one night at the hotel will be all you need." She tells him that she will see him at the service tomorrow and heads for the Wells Fargo Office to ask the man to send her bags on ahead. She then heads for the hotel. Over at the El Parador Gonzales suggests to Kate that they head downstairs for some of Dorita’s Saturday night Dinner Specials. Kate agreed saying, "I think this is the first Saturday since I've been here that I haven't worked. I'm not sure if I can eat, but I'll try. I must look a fright," she finished as she checked her hair by touching the knot at the back of her head. Instead of trying to fix it she just pulled out the pins and let it hang loose. "It's still early, perhaps it will be quiet yet,'" she said as they left his rooms and went downstairs. They arrive in the Cantina, which has filled up early this night. Dorita has kept a table open for her Grandfather and she and Manuel sit at two of the four tables. She brings out a flour-tortilla dish that has an interesting spicy smell to it that Kate cannot identify as well as a salad made of fresh greens. Kate began eating slowly, finding the spicy food pleasant but hoping it wouldn't upset her stomach. It was just easier to eat than to argue with Dorita about it. "It's busy today," she commented, looking for any familiar faces. She says, "What will we do after dinner? I don't know if I can stand being cooped up doing nothing, and I'm not sure I can sleep yet." Gonzales replies, "We're going out for the evening. I believe that tonight is the night that Mr. Barker is playing at the Lucky Lady, and you've always enjoyed his piano playing. But consider this your night off. Once we're done eating lets go back upstairs and I'll work that hair clip into a proper disguise for you. Give some thought as to what you want to look like." "I do enjoy Mr. Barker's playing, thank you." Kate waits for a moment, then says with a small but genuine smile, "I always thought it would fun to try blonde." They talked quietly through dinner, and Kate was relieved to not see Conrad Booth there. She knew she looked terrible from her sleepless night, and trying to explain to him would be difficult at best. Across town, Ruby’s eyes slowly opened. She hadn’t realized that she fell asleep. Sleep was becoming less and less reliable lately. She knew tonight would be no different. She dragged herself out of bed and decided that she would get dressed for performing now, just in case something held her up. She looked through her closet and finally decided on the green dress. Jake always loved it when she wore that dress. It was probably the fact that, besides being strapless, the top looked like it was a tad too small, hugging her curves with only a bit of black lace holding in her assets. She also pulled some fresh clothes for him to bring with her. She took her time dressing, pulling her corset particularly tight and making sure everything was exactly where she wanted it. She admired herself in the mirror; fixing her hair so it curled just right, falling over her breast. Men are so predictable, she smiled to herself, to my advantage… She needed to look her best, but no matter how she tried she could still see the worry in her own eyes, staring back at her. She secured her guns in their usual spots, her thigh and down the front of her dress. Her dagger was also in place in the back of her hair. She took the two suits and Jake’s fresh change of clothes and made her way downstairs. She asked Nanuet to go over to the El Parador and get some fresh clothes for Chester too. Maria was in the kitchen, finishing Jake and Chester’s meals. Ruby took a jug for coffee and filled it. The she took another that she brought out into the main room. No one was there, so she filled it with Kentucky bourbon and put it aside. Maria came out with the dinner plates and headed back into the kitchen. Ruby glanced around no make sure no one was there then said a few words over the jug of bourbon before heading out with Nanuet to the jail. They arrived at the jail and Wyatt Earp was still on duty. Ruby showed him the clothes and he carefully went through it. Next he picked through the food. Ruby carefully opened the jug of bourbon. It was steaming and smelled like coffee and Wyatt nodded the ok. “And this one is for you,” she left him the jug that actually was filled with coffee. Then she made her way over to Jake and handed him the clothes and food, then the jug. Nanuet did the same for Chester. Ruby asks, “Coffee, Jake? Remember the first night we shared coffee together, almost three months ago now? The night you told me I was the best thing that happened to you that week. The night you said you wouldn’t pay to see me dance. The night we…” she doesn’t finish that thought, she just smiles. “All because of the coffee.” Jake sees Ruby come in wearing his favorite green dress. She's putting on a careful show Jake thinks, she's gone to extra care and it shows. "Thanks Darling, that's just what I need. Bored to tears in here. It's almost like you could read my mind." He tries to catch her lovely hazel eyes with his deep brown ones, and gives her a faint raise of his eyebrows. Ruby nods knowingly, then laughs loudly. "You needed the coffee or the dress? Listen, I have some things to do tonight, so I'll stay while you eat then I have to leave." Ruby then pulls up the chair and sits, making small talk while Jake and Chester eat. Ruby doesn't act nervous but she is quiet. After Jake is done eating she stands. She leans forward towards Jake, giving him a good view, and uses her finger to motion him closer. She whispers, "I just want you to know, if anything happens to me, I want you to go to Berg, or at least make sure you talk to him and tell him what happened, ok?" Jake's eyes were enjoying the cleavage peaking over the top of Ruby's tightly stuffed top when suddenly they snapped up to meet her eyes. They looked serious and scared, and he tried to hold them from fleeing by will alone. His anger started to flair, but instead he found himself just feeling helpless. He nodded but didn't smile and whispered, "Be careful." Ruby wrapped her hands around the bars of the cell. "I'll try," she whispered back. "You be careful too." She didn't break his gaze, she hoped it wasn't going to be the last time she looked into his usually twinkling brown eyes. "And don't forget to read your fairy tales. They always make me feel better." Jake just nods to Ruby and lets go of her eyes. "Thanks to you too, Nanuet." Chester says, “Thank you both. It smells wonderful. Did Maria make it?" Nanuet hands over the fresh shirt and pants. "Thanks for the change of clothes, too." Nanuet replies, "Uh yeah, Maria and Sonoma are both in the kitchen right now, Sonoma came into town last night and decided to stay for a few days I think. They both worked on the food I'm sure. Hope it's good." Chester says, "In that case, thank them both for me. How are things between you and her, if I'm not being too nosy. If you don’t want to answer 'cause the Marshall is here, that's fine too." Nanuet answers, "Not really sure Chet. We haven't been spending too much time together, she is a very independent woman. But yeah, things have been quiet between us. I think she has found her calling with the ranch though." Chester replies, "I'm sorry to hear that, Nanuet. She is a wonderful girl. Aren't you going to move out there soon?" He replies, “I don't know. Before this whole fiasco I was finding the company of the new ownership at the Lucky Lady to be my preference. I am sure I will spend time out there, but I am thinking of splitting my time between the ranch and here in town. Ruby offered me a spot at their saloon, but I think they have a full house. We'll see I guess." "I think I had better go now. I have a few things to take care of, wanted to re-shoe my horse and stuff. Have a quiet night guys. Ruby, I will see you later over at 'The Lady' " Nanuet turns and leaves quickly. He heads out of the building and finds a spot nearby where he can hide. He wants to keep an eye on the jail and watch for Ruby. She has certainly been acting strange tonight. he says to himself as he settles in. Ruby can barely pull herself away from Jake, but she does with no further words and doesn’t look back. Ruby catches Wyatt’s eye as she walks past him, and she nods. She makes her way outside and when no one is looking she slips into the shadows of the alley. She leans up against the wall, trying to collect herself. She only lets a moment go by before reciting the short incantation to read people’s minds. She immediately picks up Jake thoughts. “Coffee. You vixen! You're a lifesaver! Wyatt is a good liar or Virgil and Morgan never told him about Morgan's knife in Kale's back. Wyatt acts like he believes the story Virgil tells the world. Wyatt seems to really want to stop the Cowboy Gang. The Earps sent their women away for safety. He wants them to be able to come back. If that's all true, then it's not Tucker he wants but a lead to the Cowboy Gang. Don't give him any new reasons to want me in here!” Jake’s thoughts are interrupted when she picks up that Chester likes her in the green dress. Ruby smiles and tries to focus on Jake again. “Wyatt thinks Deadeye killed Curly Bill and that Tom Kale may have joined Cowboy Gang. I've been talking to Wyatt about a lot of stuff, trying to keep him as friendly as possible. Me helping fight the Cowboy Gang, him maybe dealing Faro at the Lucky Lady, but he won't tell me what in particular he's trying to find out on the gang. Still holding out for Tucker. Damn you look good! If only these bars weren't in the way I'd kiss those…” Her thoughts are interrupted again this time by Wyatt’s and she pays close attention. Wyatt is thinking about where to meet Ruby later and deciding when to send Eduardo over to the Lucky Lady to tell her. He is worried that she is setting him up for an ambush so doesn't want to give her too much advanced notice as to where and plans to keep both Eduardo and Warren nearby just in case. Then the spell ends. Ruby tries to sort out what Jake told her. Wyatt doesn’t know. Well, that won’t be for long. She decides to head back to the Lucky Lady. It is Saturday and it’s their busiest night, so the crowd will probably start early plus she hasn’t eaten anything in a while. She looks both ways to make sure no one is looking then slips back onto the main road. She arrives back and the Lucky Lady. Nanuet watched Ruby step out of the jail. He kept an eye on her as she tries to slip away. He thought “What the heck is she doing? Ah, she must be casting a spell or something.” A few minutes later when she starts heading back to the Lucky Lady Nanuet does his best to get ahead of her without being seen and slip in the back door before she arrives. He greets her when she comes in and keeps her company as she eats her small evening meal. [/QUOTE]
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