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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2266787" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 36, “An Over-eager Child”, Tuesday, March 14th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>The next morning Ruby watched from bed as Jake got dressed to make the stage. She didn't smile or speak, she just watched. Finally he was packed and ready to go, and he wandered over to the bed. Jake reached for her hand, "Don't be mad at me, you know I have to go." Ruby sighed. "Yes, I know. So go. The sooner you leave the sooner you will come back for me." Jake leaned over and kissed Ruby. "Goodbye for now, Princess." He turned and headed for the door. </p><p></p><p>"Jake wait!" Ruby called out from the bed. She jumped up and dragging the sheet she ran to him. "Baby, please be careful." She grabbed him and kissed him passionately. "I'll be here, waiting for you." She gave him a smile and hug before releasing him. "Tell Red I said hi." She watched Jake walk down the stairs before shutting the door. She went to their window and waved to him as he walked down the street. Then she got back in bed and it didn't take long for her to fall back asleep. This time she knew he would be back.</p><p></p><p>Chester goes to the El Parador stable to get his horse ready for a ride. Once that's done he goes inside to get some breakfast and something for lunch. Chester rides out to the mine to check on the miners. He reflected on the night before. Chester had sat quietly at the bar, nursing a beer. He decided that he would have to watch what he does, not knowing what the law would try to use against him or his friends in the future. As for the present… as for the present, he would just enjoy the company of his friends. </p><p></p><p>Chester decided that he needed to keep an eye on the new guy, Luc. “There's one who's no stranger to violence.” He thought to himself. He shook his head and thought “Is Ruby trying to take in every wayward newcomer?” He had been the first and loudest to applaud Clarisse at the end of her sets. Before he left he had told her how well she sang. He says out loud “She's a lovely girl. Last night wasn’t the time to ask her out, I was still a bit riled up about the Marshall. Maybe tonight.” </p><p></p><p>The workers at the Fisk Mountain Mine are happy to see him. In addition to the owners Lewis, MacNaulty and Elliott they have hired a half-dozen men to help, consisting of former employees of Brown's Ice House Samson Hill, Beecher Lawson and Will Hickey plus three regular El Parador patrons Arturo Barletta, Manuel Abrego and Jorge Doninguez. Also on hand are two guards who Chester had hired, a wood elf named Alfonso Rios and a human named Paul Dixon.</p><p>Chester dismounts and ties his horse to the rail. He pulls out a notebook and pencil. "Good morning guys. Alfonso, Paul, were there any problems?" “None he replies. Chester spends the rest of the morning looking around.</p><p></p><p>Two full nights of restful sleep had made a difference for Kate. The dark circles were disappearing, still there but only shadows now. Kate turned her head this way and that, examining her hair and riding clothes in the mirror, then laughed. "Vain thing," she muttered and turned away from the mirror. She'd slept late today, and Dorita would be fit to be tied if she didn't appear for a meal soon. Kate grabbed her riding jacket and went downstairs to breakfast.</p><p></p><p>Ruby woke again mid morning. She had spent most of yesterday in bed and was well rested. She got out of bed, and while not entirely thrilled with the idea that Jake was gone she had confidence that she didn't have the last time he left. He'd be back as soon as he could. Ruby had a few errands to do, but decided to start the day by visiting the El Parador. She would enjoy Dorita's breakfast and most likely some sort of lecture, then she would find Kate. She took her time getting dressed and headed over to the El Parador. Ruby arrives to find both Kate and Ginnie just sitting down for either a late breakfast or early lunch.</p><p></p><p>Ruby walks over to Kate and kisses her cheek. "Morning!" She nods to Ginnie, "And good morning to you too, kid." Ruby has a seat. "I'm starving! Where is Dorita?" Ruby leans back in her chair. "I want to hear all about your trip to Boston, but first I should tell you, Jake is going to be away for a while again." Kate exclaims, "Again? Well, I suppose the last time was, what almost a month and a half ago. But I have to wonder where it is he runs off to. It's also none of my business. Are you going to be alright without him, I know you wanted him back with you...."</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs, "Business stuff." She runs her hand through her hair. "I was always alright without him before, but I do miss him when he's not around. It's lonely in that big room when you are by yourself. But enough of that, tell me about Boston. How is your family?"</p><p></p><p>"They're well," Kate said, looking at Ruby. "I didn't see my brothers, but Mother and Father were both there, as well as a couple of family friends. We had a couple very good meals, and I got to sit with Papa for a while and just talk. They want me to come home, of course, and it was tempting. I spent a lot of yesterday thinking about it. But I have too much here to leave now."</p><p></p><p>"Kate, that's sweet. I'm glad you decided to come back. And I know what you mean about being tempted. Mr. Eastman has a lot of money and that is what tempts me." She turns and looks right at Kate. "I'm shallow like that," she shrugs and laughs. "But you, you have the ranch and I know how much you love it. I haven't been out there in a while. Maybe we can take a ride one of these days. So, any plans for today?"</p><p></p><p>"A ride out to the ranch actually," she said, pointing out her clothes. "And I think I want a new dress. No, I know I want a new dress. If you want to go with us, there are some other things I can tell you about my trip. I'm not sure how exciting it will be for you once we get out there, but you're welcome. Did you have any ideas?"</p><p></p><p>'Well, yes, I did want to close my account at the Condon's Bank, for obvious reason." Ruby raised an eyebrow. "I also wanted to talk to Wyatt Earp, but that could wait. Hold on a minute." Ruby got up from the table and went into the kitchen. A few moments later she came up with a push, but a few plates full of food. "That's more like it." She put the plates down and sat. "I could always use a new dress. Sounds like fun."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, whatever you want from Earp, it's probably a bad idea to take me along. I never did find out what happened yesterday. I should have asked Chester last night, but I didn't think of it. I was busy telling him the parts he didn't know. We can go to the bank on the way out of town, then go to Mary Kelley's on the way back in." Ruby laughed. "You know I spoke with Earp Saturday night. I'm not so sure I'm top on his list either. But let's go find out how he feels, no? Otherwise the rest of the plan sounds good." "Oh by the way, I need help fixing another dress..." "Yes, I know you talked with Earp, what else could you possibly want with him? How he feels about what? You ripped another dress?" </p><p></p><p>"I only meant seeing him is the only way we'll know how he feels about my visit to him. Don't worry I won't drag you there. Apparently Jake had some talk with him, and I'm going to offer him a job." Ruby looked up at Kate before taking another bite of food, "Yes, only Jake could find a way to offer his jailer a job.” Kate replies, "Wyatt Earp in the Lucky Lady. Well, at least he'll have to believe you if something crazy happens there some night. There are worse things than having a Marshal for an eyewitness. Why don't you go talk to him after breakfast and meet us back here, then we can go out to the ranch."</p><p></p><p>“As for the dress, it had nothing to do with Jake," Ruby laughed. "Well," she blushed, "Actually it did. He shot me. It was an accident but now my dress has a hole in it and blood stains. We're going to need to fix it like we fixed my leather pants."</p><p></p><p>Ginnie says, “Ma'am Kate do you think the dress shop might be interested in some of the lace I have. I wouldn't mind making some money for the material for a dress for myself or for that matter some material to make one of those fancy crazy quilts that I remember from back east.” Kate replies, "I'm certain they would be interested, Ginnie. They would make the dress for you, you know, unless you really enjoy sewing that much. I just can't seem to get the hang of it. A quilt for your bed at our new house would be nice, wouldn't it?" </p><p></p><p>Ginnie says, “Um Miss Ruby didn't you fix your pants by sitting in a tub of water? That won't work for a hole. I might be able to fix the dress or at least change it enough so that the hole doesn't show. I never really thought about having someone else sew for me I've been making my own clothing since I was a wee babe and it's a lot less expensive to get fabric than a dress. and you end up with lots of scraps for the crazy quilts.” Kate replies, "I'm sure Mrs. Kelley has plenty of scraps you could rummage through for your quilt." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed. "I made them fit nice by sitting in a tub of water. But I got shot in those pants too and yes, there was a hole." Ruby looked to Kate with furrowed brows, "Haven't you shown this girl anything?" She turned back to Ginnie. "There is more than one way to fix a hole, kid. When we do it we'll let you watch, maybe you'll learn something you do pick things up fairly quickly." Kate says, "No, in fact, I haven't. I barely know what I'm doing as far as that goes. I didn't think it was appropriate for me to start teaching someone else." </p><p></p><p>"Sounds good. I'm done now actually so I'll run and get changed and then see him and meet you back here." Ruby got up and took a few steps away from the table. "Kate," she waited until she looked up. "I am really glad you decided to stay." With that Ruby headed back to the Lucky Lady. Kate shook her head as Ruby bounced out. It was hard to stay angry with her, and when the moment had come Kate hadn't confronted her about telling Earp that Tucker was with her family. But Kate was honest enough to admit that she had been missing her friend, and she didn't want to upset things. But it would have to be discussed.</p><p></p><p>Ginnie asks Kate, “Ma'am Kate dress first or after the ranch?” Kate says, "I had planned on after. Is there anything else around town you need? Or maybe we could look around a little for some furniture for our house." Manuel Gonzales comes downstairs and joins Kate and Ginnie for their meal. Ginnie says to him “Mr. Gonzalas have you talked to Ma'am Kate yet? and do you need anything we're going shopping today I'm going to trade some of my lace for material for a dress and maybe scraps at the dressmaker for a quilt.”</p><p></p><p>He replies, "No Ginnie, Katherine and I have not had that opportunity yet. You need to learn some patience child. And no, I do not need anything other than a meal, but thank you for asking." She says, “I know, but every time I have ever waited for something it has been taken away from me so I don't like to wait as the chance will disappear.” Kate says, "No one's going to take anything away from you, Ginnie, but I understand how hard it is to wait. What is that about you needed to speak to me?" Kate asked her teacher. </p><p></p><p>Gonzales leans over and whispers into her ear "Little Ginnie memorized the incantations and motions that I cast to get us to Boston and has been trying to do them herself." Kate's eyes turned to Ginnie as Mr. Gonzales spoke. Her eyebrows raised but she clamped her lips shut for a moment. "That's incredibly dangerous, is it not?" she asked him in a whisper. Ginnie protests, “I didn't try them. I showed them to you. I know umm it can be dangerous so I wanted to make sure that I was somewhere that was safe and with someone who could stop what I was doing if I didn't get it quite right.” </p><p></p><p>Gonzales was about to answer Kate’s question when Ginnie makes her comment. He tells Kate "I think the three of us will need to think about this further. Ginnie, Kate and I will need to talk about this once we've thought this over. We are not opposed to your leaning, and you've shown that you know how to be discreet, we just don't want you to endanger yourself in any way." Kate adds, "And having this secret does endanger you. Ginnie. Please remember that. Secrets of any kind are dangerous."</p><p></p><p>She answers, “Ma'am Kate I've held more secrets than you'd ever know and I know how to keep them and how dangerous they can be. I promise not to do anything without checking with you first sir. I didn't put any of it down on paper so the only place it is in my head.”</p><p> </p><p>Once back at the Lucky Lady, Ruby ran upstairs and dressed in her leather outfit. It was much more comfortable than the stuffy riding outfit. She put two braids in her hair, grabbed her guns and was off. She arrived at the Marshall's office quickly. She laughed to herself, she didn't have a knot in her stomach like she last time. She confidently strides in and looked for Wyatt.</p><p></p><p>Neither Wyatt or Warren are in at the moment. Eduardo Rodriguez is sitting behind the desk. Ruby notices that he is now wearing a Deputy Marshall's badge. Ruby nods to him. "Mr. Rodriquez. How are you today?" He smiles, "I'm just fine Miss West. I didn't think it would happen but the Merchant's Association actually voted to make me a Deputy. It was a close vote. I must say, that Mr. Adair's prejudice against non-humans is about the worst I've ever encountered. Wyatt says that you've had a run-in with him as well.” </p><p></p><p>She replies, "Yes, I have had a few runs in with Mr. Adair. Seems he decided he doesn't like me or Jake and is trying to make both of us suffer for it. Tell you the truth, I'm been afraid he might try something worse than just vote against one of us." He says, "Then we have something in common. He said that a wood elf like me should never be allowed to carry a badge or gun. It shows how little he knows, I don't even use revolvers. I find that a well thrown dagger works far better at a short distance." </p><p></p><p>She asks, "I'm wondering, Can you tell me where Wyatt is?" He replies, "Probably around half way between here and Tombstone I would imagine. He had some new information he wanted to pass on to his brothers, something I believe you know something about."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, I should have figured Wyatt would be heading straight to Tombstone." Ruby shrugged. He says, "Yes, but he didn't want to leave Warren here alone, so had to wait until the Merchant's Association met this morning to vote me in." </p><p></p><p>She comments, "Our business will have to wait for another time then. Well, perhaps you might like to come by the Lucky Lady and check us out. You know we accept all races in our Saloon and drinks would be on me, for not holding grudges about my bad behavior last weekend. I was just worried about my boyfriend, I'm sure you understand." Ruby leans back on the desk and smiles at him. </p><p></p><p>"Yes Ma'am, and I was truthful with what I told you on Friday. I was there because Wyatt asked me to go there, but I did enjoy enjoy my meal and it is nice to know that there are places that accept all races." Ruby's smile stayed warm. "Shall I expect you to come by tonight then?" He says, "Yes Ma'am. I agreed to take the day shift and Warren will take the night, so I will be off duty unless some trouble should arise."</p><p></p><p>She says, "You may call me Ruby, Mr. Rodriquez. And perhaps I'll even sing tonight, since you'll be by. I usually have off on Tuesdays. At any rate, I'll see you later." With a wink and a bounce Ruby leaves the jail and heads over to the El Parador to wait for Kate and Ginnie.</p><p></p><p>Ginnie asks Kate, “Can we go look at the fabric now? I think I might need to make a pair of pants for work on the ranch too.” Kate answers, "Pants are a good idea. I think Ruby wanted to... and there she is," Kate said as Ruby came in. "Ruby would you mind if we went to Mary Kelley's first? It's probably not very polite to go after the ranch when we'll be smelling like a stable." Smelling like a stable?" Ruby crinkled her nose. "Just what were you planning on doing out at the ranch? But sure, we can go to Mary Kelly's first. I never turn down the chance to shop."</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "What I always do at the ranch, work with the horses. Although today I thought I'd show you our little house, since you haven't been out there for a while. Let's go get a new dress, and Ginnie can get her fabric. Mr. Gonzales, will you have time for me when we get home?" He replies, "Yes, we have a lot to do together." "Oh what are you two up to now?" Ruby asks curiously. Kate looked at her teacher for a moment, wondering if there was more to that comment than she thought. Ruby obviously thought so. "Nothing outside the usual, as far as I know," she smiled. "I'll see you later, Mr. Gonzales." </p><p></p><p>He replies, "That you will. Wear something nice, we may go out for a late supper. You can join us too Ruby if you'd like." He looks at Ginnie's disappointed face and says, "Not you little one, although if you're good today I'll have Dorita work with you tonight on something you may enjoy." "Late Supper? What's that all about? People will be suspicious," Ruby laughed. "A late supper with you might save me from one with Mr. Eastman, though." They bid Mr. Gonzales farewell and head over to Mary Kelly's Dry Goods.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2266787, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 36, “An Over-eager Child”, Tuesday, March 14th, 1882:[/B] The next morning Ruby watched from bed as Jake got dressed to make the stage. She didn't smile or speak, she just watched. Finally he was packed and ready to go, and he wandered over to the bed. Jake reached for her hand, "Don't be mad at me, you know I have to go." Ruby sighed. "Yes, I know. So go. The sooner you leave the sooner you will come back for me." Jake leaned over and kissed Ruby. "Goodbye for now, Princess." He turned and headed for the door. "Jake wait!" Ruby called out from the bed. She jumped up and dragging the sheet she ran to him. "Baby, please be careful." She grabbed him and kissed him passionately. "I'll be here, waiting for you." She gave him a smile and hug before releasing him. "Tell Red I said hi." She watched Jake walk down the stairs before shutting the door. She went to their window and waved to him as he walked down the street. Then she got back in bed and it didn't take long for her to fall back asleep. This time she knew he would be back. Chester goes to the El Parador stable to get his horse ready for a ride. Once that's done he goes inside to get some breakfast and something for lunch. Chester rides out to the mine to check on the miners. He reflected on the night before. Chester had sat quietly at the bar, nursing a beer. He decided that he would have to watch what he does, not knowing what the law would try to use against him or his friends in the future. As for the present… as for the present, he would just enjoy the company of his friends. Chester decided that he needed to keep an eye on the new guy, Luc. “There's one who's no stranger to violence.” He thought to himself. He shook his head and thought “Is Ruby trying to take in every wayward newcomer?” He had been the first and loudest to applaud Clarisse at the end of her sets. Before he left he had told her how well she sang. He says out loud “She's a lovely girl. Last night wasn’t the time to ask her out, I was still a bit riled up about the Marshall. Maybe tonight.” The workers at the Fisk Mountain Mine are happy to see him. In addition to the owners Lewis, MacNaulty and Elliott they have hired a half-dozen men to help, consisting of former employees of Brown's Ice House Samson Hill, Beecher Lawson and Will Hickey plus three regular El Parador patrons Arturo Barletta, Manuel Abrego and Jorge Doninguez. Also on hand are two guards who Chester had hired, a wood elf named Alfonso Rios and a human named Paul Dixon. Chester dismounts and ties his horse to the rail. He pulls out a notebook and pencil. "Good morning guys. Alfonso, Paul, were there any problems?" “None he replies. Chester spends the rest of the morning looking around. Two full nights of restful sleep had made a difference for Kate. The dark circles were disappearing, still there but only shadows now. Kate turned her head this way and that, examining her hair and riding clothes in the mirror, then laughed. "Vain thing," she muttered and turned away from the mirror. She'd slept late today, and Dorita would be fit to be tied if she didn't appear for a meal soon. Kate grabbed her riding jacket and went downstairs to breakfast. Ruby woke again mid morning. She had spent most of yesterday in bed and was well rested. She got out of bed, and while not entirely thrilled with the idea that Jake was gone she had confidence that she didn't have the last time he left. He'd be back as soon as he could. Ruby had a few errands to do, but decided to start the day by visiting the El Parador. She would enjoy Dorita's breakfast and most likely some sort of lecture, then she would find Kate. She took her time getting dressed and headed over to the El Parador. Ruby arrives to find both Kate and Ginnie just sitting down for either a late breakfast or early lunch. Ruby walks over to Kate and kisses her cheek. "Morning!" She nods to Ginnie, "And good morning to you too, kid." Ruby has a seat. "I'm starving! Where is Dorita?" Ruby leans back in her chair. "I want to hear all about your trip to Boston, but first I should tell you, Jake is going to be away for a while again." Kate exclaims, "Again? Well, I suppose the last time was, what almost a month and a half ago. But I have to wonder where it is he runs off to. It's also none of my business. Are you going to be alright without him, I know you wanted him back with you...." Ruby sighs, "Business stuff." She runs her hand through her hair. "I was always alright without him before, but I do miss him when he's not around. It's lonely in that big room when you are by yourself. But enough of that, tell me about Boston. How is your family?" "They're well," Kate said, looking at Ruby. "I didn't see my brothers, but Mother and Father were both there, as well as a couple of family friends. We had a couple very good meals, and I got to sit with Papa for a while and just talk. They want me to come home, of course, and it was tempting. I spent a lot of yesterday thinking about it. But I have too much here to leave now." "Kate, that's sweet. I'm glad you decided to come back. And I know what you mean about being tempted. Mr. Eastman has a lot of money and that is what tempts me." She turns and looks right at Kate. "I'm shallow like that," she shrugs and laughs. "But you, you have the ranch and I know how much you love it. I haven't been out there in a while. Maybe we can take a ride one of these days. So, any plans for today?" "A ride out to the ranch actually," she said, pointing out her clothes. "And I think I want a new dress. No, I know I want a new dress. If you want to go with us, there are some other things I can tell you about my trip. I'm not sure how exciting it will be for you once we get out there, but you're welcome. Did you have any ideas?" 'Well, yes, I did want to close my account at the Condon's Bank, for obvious reason." Ruby raised an eyebrow. "I also wanted to talk to Wyatt Earp, but that could wait. Hold on a minute." Ruby got up from the table and went into the kitchen. A few moments later she came up with a push, but a few plates full of food. "That's more like it." She put the plates down and sat. "I could always use a new dress. Sounds like fun." "Yes, whatever you want from Earp, it's probably a bad idea to take me along. I never did find out what happened yesterday. I should have asked Chester last night, but I didn't think of it. I was busy telling him the parts he didn't know. We can go to the bank on the way out of town, then go to Mary Kelley's on the way back in." Ruby laughed. "You know I spoke with Earp Saturday night. I'm not so sure I'm top on his list either. But let's go find out how he feels, no? Otherwise the rest of the plan sounds good." "Oh by the way, I need help fixing another dress..." "Yes, I know you talked with Earp, what else could you possibly want with him? How he feels about what? You ripped another dress?" "I only meant seeing him is the only way we'll know how he feels about my visit to him. Don't worry I won't drag you there. Apparently Jake had some talk with him, and I'm going to offer him a job." Ruby looked up at Kate before taking another bite of food, "Yes, only Jake could find a way to offer his jailer a job.” Kate replies, "Wyatt Earp in the Lucky Lady. Well, at least he'll have to believe you if something crazy happens there some night. There are worse things than having a Marshal for an eyewitness. Why don't you go talk to him after breakfast and meet us back here, then we can go out to the ranch." “As for the dress, it had nothing to do with Jake," Ruby laughed. "Well," she blushed, "Actually it did. He shot me. It was an accident but now my dress has a hole in it and blood stains. We're going to need to fix it like we fixed my leather pants." Ginnie says, “Ma'am Kate do you think the dress shop might be interested in some of the lace I have. I wouldn't mind making some money for the material for a dress for myself or for that matter some material to make one of those fancy crazy quilts that I remember from back east.” Kate replies, "I'm certain they would be interested, Ginnie. They would make the dress for you, you know, unless you really enjoy sewing that much. I just can't seem to get the hang of it. A quilt for your bed at our new house would be nice, wouldn't it?" Ginnie says, “Um Miss Ruby didn't you fix your pants by sitting in a tub of water? That won't work for a hole. I might be able to fix the dress or at least change it enough so that the hole doesn't show. I never really thought about having someone else sew for me I've been making my own clothing since I was a wee babe and it's a lot less expensive to get fabric than a dress. and you end up with lots of scraps for the crazy quilts.” Kate replies, "I'm sure Mrs. Kelley has plenty of scraps you could rummage through for your quilt." Ruby laughed. "I made them fit nice by sitting in a tub of water. But I got shot in those pants too and yes, there was a hole." Ruby looked to Kate with furrowed brows, "Haven't you shown this girl anything?" She turned back to Ginnie. "There is more than one way to fix a hole, kid. When we do it we'll let you watch, maybe you'll learn something you do pick things up fairly quickly." Kate says, "No, in fact, I haven't. I barely know what I'm doing as far as that goes. I didn't think it was appropriate for me to start teaching someone else." "Sounds good. I'm done now actually so I'll run and get changed and then see him and meet you back here." Ruby got up and took a few steps away from the table. "Kate," she waited until she looked up. "I am really glad you decided to stay." With that Ruby headed back to the Lucky Lady. Kate shook her head as Ruby bounced out. It was hard to stay angry with her, and when the moment had come Kate hadn't confronted her about telling Earp that Tucker was with her family. But Kate was honest enough to admit that she had been missing her friend, and she didn't want to upset things. But it would have to be discussed. Ginnie asks Kate, “Ma'am Kate dress first or after the ranch?” Kate says, "I had planned on after. Is there anything else around town you need? Or maybe we could look around a little for some furniture for our house." Manuel Gonzales comes downstairs and joins Kate and Ginnie for their meal. Ginnie says to him “Mr. Gonzalas have you talked to Ma'am Kate yet? and do you need anything we're going shopping today I'm going to trade some of my lace for material for a dress and maybe scraps at the dressmaker for a quilt.” He replies, "No Ginnie, Katherine and I have not had that opportunity yet. You need to learn some patience child. And no, I do not need anything other than a meal, but thank you for asking." She says, “I know, but every time I have ever waited for something it has been taken away from me so I don't like to wait as the chance will disappear.” Kate says, "No one's going to take anything away from you, Ginnie, but I understand how hard it is to wait. What is that about you needed to speak to me?" Kate asked her teacher. Gonzales leans over and whispers into her ear "Little Ginnie memorized the incantations and motions that I cast to get us to Boston and has been trying to do them herself." Kate's eyes turned to Ginnie as Mr. Gonzales spoke. Her eyebrows raised but she clamped her lips shut for a moment. "That's incredibly dangerous, is it not?" she asked him in a whisper. Ginnie protests, “I didn't try them. I showed them to you. I know umm it can be dangerous so I wanted to make sure that I was somewhere that was safe and with someone who could stop what I was doing if I didn't get it quite right.” Gonzales was about to answer Kate’s question when Ginnie makes her comment. He tells Kate "I think the three of us will need to think about this further. Ginnie, Kate and I will need to talk about this once we've thought this over. We are not opposed to your leaning, and you've shown that you know how to be discreet, we just don't want you to endanger yourself in any way." Kate adds, "And having this secret does endanger you. Ginnie. Please remember that. Secrets of any kind are dangerous." She answers, “Ma'am Kate I've held more secrets than you'd ever know and I know how to keep them and how dangerous they can be. I promise not to do anything without checking with you first sir. I didn't put any of it down on paper so the only place it is in my head.” Once back at the Lucky Lady, Ruby ran upstairs and dressed in her leather outfit. It was much more comfortable than the stuffy riding outfit. She put two braids in her hair, grabbed her guns and was off. She arrived at the Marshall's office quickly. She laughed to herself, she didn't have a knot in her stomach like she last time. She confidently strides in and looked for Wyatt. Neither Wyatt or Warren are in at the moment. Eduardo Rodriguez is sitting behind the desk. Ruby notices that he is now wearing a Deputy Marshall's badge. Ruby nods to him. "Mr. Rodriquez. How are you today?" He smiles, "I'm just fine Miss West. I didn't think it would happen but the Merchant's Association actually voted to make me a Deputy. It was a close vote. I must say, that Mr. Adair's prejudice against non-humans is about the worst I've ever encountered. Wyatt says that you've had a run-in with him as well.” She replies, "Yes, I have had a few runs in with Mr. Adair. Seems he decided he doesn't like me or Jake and is trying to make both of us suffer for it. Tell you the truth, I'm been afraid he might try something worse than just vote against one of us." He says, "Then we have something in common. He said that a wood elf like me should never be allowed to carry a badge or gun. It shows how little he knows, I don't even use revolvers. I find that a well thrown dagger works far better at a short distance." She asks, "I'm wondering, Can you tell me where Wyatt is?" He replies, "Probably around half way between here and Tombstone I would imagine. He had some new information he wanted to pass on to his brothers, something I believe you know something about." "Ah, I should have figured Wyatt would be heading straight to Tombstone." Ruby shrugged. He says, "Yes, but he didn't want to leave Warren here alone, so had to wait until the Merchant's Association met this morning to vote me in." She comments, "Our business will have to wait for another time then. Well, perhaps you might like to come by the Lucky Lady and check us out. You know we accept all races in our Saloon and drinks would be on me, for not holding grudges about my bad behavior last weekend. I was just worried about my boyfriend, I'm sure you understand." Ruby leans back on the desk and smiles at him. "Yes Ma'am, and I was truthful with what I told you on Friday. I was there because Wyatt asked me to go there, but I did enjoy enjoy my meal and it is nice to know that there are places that accept all races." Ruby's smile stayed warm. "Shall I expect you to come by tonight then?" He says, "Yes Ma'am. I agreed to take the day shift and Warren will take the night, so I will be off duty unless some trouble should arise." She says, "You may call me Ruby, Mr. Rodriquez. And perhaps I'll even sing tonight, since you'll be by. I usually have off on Tuesdays. At any rate, I'll see you later." With a wink and a bounce Ruby leaves the jail and heads over to the El Parador to wait for Kate and Ginnie. Ginnie asks Kate, “Can we go look at the fabric now? I think I might need to make a pair of pants for work on the ranch too.” Kate answers, "Pants are a good idea. I think Ruby wanted to... and there she is," Kate said as Ruby came in. "Ruby would you mind if we went to Mary Kelley's first? It's probably not very polite to go after the ranch when we'll be smelling like a stable." Smelling like a stable?" Ruby crinkled her nose. "Just what were you planning on doing out at the ranch? But sure, we can go to Mary Kelly's first. I never turn down the chance to shop." Kate says, "What I always do at the ranch, work with the horses. Although today I thought I'd show you our little house, since you haven't been out there for a while. Let's go get a new dress, and Ginnie can get her fabric. Mr. Gonzales, will you have time for me when we get home?" He replies, "Yes, we have a lot to do together." "Oh what are you two up to now?" Ruby asks curiously. Kate looked at her teacher for a moment, wondering if there was more to that comment than she thought. Ruby obviously thought so. "Nothing outside the usual, as far as I know," she smiled. "I'll see you later, Mr. Gonzales." He replies, "That you will. Wear something nice, we may go out for a late supper. You can join us too Ruby if you'd like." He looks at Ginnie's disappointed face and says, "Not you little one, although if you're good today I'll have Dorita work with you tonight on something you may enjoy." "Late Supper? What's that all about? People will be suspicious," Ruby laughed. "A late supper with you might save me from one with Mr. Eastman, though." They bid Mr. Gonzales farewell and head over to Mary Kelly's Dry Goods. [/QUOTE]
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