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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2416038" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 47, “The Guys Who Couldn’t Shoot Straight”, Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>The dinner crowd is in full swing at the Lucky Lady. The conversations are then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. "Oh boy..." Ruby heads to the door and looks around outside. Three more shots ring out, and at least one sounds to be from a different weapon than the other shots. They appear to be coming from the northwestern end of town.</p><p></p><p>Jake had just started to get changed when he heard the gunfire. He starts towards the window, but stops suddenly and instead grabs his long barrel Colt before running down the stairs. On the way down he belts it on cross draw opposite his other Colt. "Home." He mutters to himself again just before getting to the bottom floor. He sees Ruby at the doorway and hurries over. Ruby walks outside the Lucky Lady and looks towards the northwestern part of town.</p><p></p><p>Two more shots ring out, Jake recognizing the second as the distinctive sound of a Colt Peacemaker. The other is from a revolver of a different model. Jake estimates the shots as being fired two or three blocks away. "That's a lot of shooting. Should we go back inside or go get ourselves into some more trouble?" Ruby gives Jake a half smile. "Not like we need the help..."</p><p></p><p>"I should mind my own business." Jake says to no one in particular. "Chester, you coming? And where in Hades is that Luc guy?" Jake draws the long barrel and cocks it. Chester says, "Let me get my Spencer from the cabinet. Sounds like we'll need some firepower. Think the place will be OK without us?" Chester loads his rifle as he follows Jake to the gunfire.</p><p></p><p>"Hey, wait for me!" Ruby makes her way back inside before the boys can leave without her. "Jeff..." is all she has to say for him to pass her one of the rifles from behind the bar. "Thanks," she says as she hurries back outside to catch Jake and Chester. Jake buttons his duster with his left hand while moving. "Ruby, do we know where Nanuet is? Gun shots probably mean we'll need healing." She replies, "He was around, maybe in the kitchen with Maria. I'm not sure though." Ruby has to hurry to keep up with Jake's long pace.</p><p></p><p> "Let's try not to need healing, ok?" He looks back over his shoulder. "Oh, and try and stay behind me. I haven't even kissed you yet." Ruby smiles. "Yes, baby." She follows behind him closely and lets Chester get in front of her too. Chet says, "Oh good. I thought he was talking to me." The darkness hides the smile on his face. "Don't forget. Cover is your friend. Is it worth getting the Marshall?" He replies, "Chester, if gunfire doesn't call the Marshall I don't know what will." Nanuet says, "Don't know yet, let's go find out." Jake stays near the side of buildings and is looking all around and trying to listen for footsteps.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about."</p><p></p><p>Across town and a few minutes earlier Katherine tells Conrad, "Well, I just need to go upstairs and change. Will you be coming back here?" He replies, "For you I would be happy to." Their conversation is then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. In a short period of time a total of six shots are fired. Kate's hand went instinctively to her skirt where Tom's pistol was hidden. "Where was that from?" she asked, moving toward the door.</p><p>Kate waited a moment, but no one answered, so she looked back at Conrad, then dashed out the front door and looked around. There were others in the street, moving toward the north. Kate hitched up her skirts and began to run, thinking only that she didn't know where Ginnie or any of the others were, and her friends seemed to attract bullets.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about."</p><p></p><p>As Minerva is coming up the steps of the Lucky Lady she hears gunshots and Sees Ruby Rushing out of the building. “Ruby, What's going on here? If you need healing I'll come along. Do you have an extra weapon somewhere? This derringer isn't going to be much help.” Nanuet asks, "Miss Minerva, can you fire a rifle? I am not much for using guns anyway." Nanuet holds his rifle out to the preacher woman. Minerva rushes along behind Ruby and the man she assumes to be Jake. As he hands it to Minerva he says, "You DO know how to use this, right?" Minerva grabs the rifle from Nanuet and says, “I think I can handle this. Thanks.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I hope we don't need any healing, but you're more than welcome to come along if you'd like. I took the rifle from the Lucky Lady so here, stay with me and take my gun." Ruby doesn't even stop while lifting her skirts up on one side and pulling out her gun. </p><p></p><p>Luc heard the gunshots. He shook his head and stood by the door of the Lady Luck. " Ain't getting in the middle of it," Luc said lighting a thin cigar," don't get paid enough to run towards the gunshots." But what Luc was thinking was he needed to keep a low profile. Don't crap where you eat was his motto. Shooting a fella in another town miles away was fine, but shooting someone 200 hundred feet from where you slept was another.</p><p></p><p>A crowd is moving to the northwest end of town. The group heads that way, two blocks down Main and then north onto Federal. Just as they are turning the corner another volley of four shots rings out, two from each revolver. The crowd seems to be stopping at the intersection of Sierra and Federal, pointing further north to the Cochise Boarding House. "Do we know anyone staying at the Boarding House?" Ruby gets closer to the crowd, "What's going on?" He says, "I don't know, come on."</p><p></p><p>The group reaches the crowd, recognizes a few faces including Wells Fargo Driver Chuck Nevers. Minerva is following Nanuet through the crowd. With a motion she sends Luna to safety in a nearby rooftop. Nanuet comments, "Jake, I hate to say it, but you are the best talker here. Maybe you can find out what is going on? I can say a prayer over you that would at least make someone think twice about taking a shot at you. Oh yeah, and welcome back Mr. Jake." He replies, "OK, maybe that'll work. Let's get closer first." Jake keeps moving. "Oh, and someone ask Nevers if he knows what's going on."</p><p></p><p>Ruby starts following Jake when she sees Chuck, so she stops, but keeps an eye on where he is going. "Mr. Nevers, do you know what's going on?" Minerva also spots the stage coach driver in the crowd and calls over “Senor Nevers, Do you know what is going on?” </p><p></p><p>Jake puts buildings between him and the Cochise to cross the street and then crosses between two homes on the south side of the boarding house. Nanuet follows Jake and loosens one of his knives in its sheath." Two more shots fire, both from the Peacemaker. Jake sees the result of both shots, one passing through a street side window on the second floor of the boarding house, the second blowing a hole in the wall four feet from the window. </p><p></p><p>A man who Jake recognizes as a Lucky Lady patron, one of Tony's Regulars (and Ruby would know is named Mike Moore) says, "Damn, they brought the battle upstairs. This thing is going the distance." He looks to Ruby and says, "Someone said Lemuel Bauer walked into the dining room during dinner and just started shooting." Ruby asks, "Any idea who that guy is or why he started shooting? I don't recognize the name." Nanuet says, "I don't know who he is either but if I can get within 100 feet or so of him I have a prayer that might be able to temporarily paralyze him." He moves on. Minerva notices that Ruby has gotten to Chuck Nevers before her so she continues to follow Nanuet. </p><p></p><p>Nevers tells Ruby, "He owns the Union Market over on Fremont Street." Nevers gestures to a woman and says "That Elvira Hooten, she owns The Cochise, maybe she can tell you more." Meanwhile, a chair flies out of the window of a room in the southwest corner of the boarding house's second floor. That is followed by two shots from the gun that isn't the Colt. Ruby cringes as the chair comes flying out the window, followed by the gunshots. She makes her was to the woman Nevers pointed out. "Ms. Hooten, Ruby West, we've never met. Do you need some help with this, uh, situation? What's going on?"</p><p></p><p>Jake moves to the side of the Cochise and then goes quickly to the door ducking windows on the way. He looks around and listens a brief moment before looking in the door. Chester slings his rifle onto his back. He yells out, "Everyone go home. It isn't safe out here. Trust me, Doc Eaton's elixirs taste horrible." </p><p></p><p>About halfway down the block Kate heard footsteps running behind her. She took a peek behind her and saw Conrad running to catch up. It didn't take long before he was next to her and slowing down to keep her pace. They followed the crowd over to the Cochise Boarding House, and Kate saw Ruby's bright hair in the crowd. She pushed her way over. "What's going on?"</p><p></p><p>"I was serving dinner. Hooten came in with a gun in his hand and started shooting at poor Tony. Everyone scrambled out of the room. Somebody handed Tony a gun to defend himself with." Ruby sighed. "Something to do with a woman perhaps? Who knows." Ruby pulled her hair back. "Alright, send someone to fetch the Marshal if you haven't already. My friends are already trying to help." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet hustles up behind Jake. He turns and tells Minerva to stay back. "Mr. Jake before you do anything crazy like go inside that building let me do this first." Nanuet holds the necklace in his hand and chants for a moment before placing his hand on Jake and casts a spell. He says, "That should help protect you some." Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Minerva is up against the building, aiming her rifle toward the door. A look of surprise crosses her face when Nanuet cast his protection spell on Jake. </p><p></p><p>Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Jake hears movement upstairs. Another shot rings out from the unknown revolver. He then hears running followed by another peacemaker shot, then more running. Nanuet follows behind Jake into the building.</p><p></p><p>Ruby starts making her way over to the Boarding House and sees Kate. "Just another friendly neighborhood shooting. Come on, I think Jake went in there already, and you know I'm not letting him go in alone." Ruby gets to the House and takes a couple steps in the door to look around. "And I'm not letting you go in alone. You know, someday this kind of thing is going to get us in a lot of trouble," Kate said as she pulled the pistol out of her skirt. "I'd better not have to rip up another petticoat." She followed Ruby into the house.</p><p></p><p>Jake sees Tony Lucky running away from somebody. Tony charges into a room at the northwestern end of the hall, slamming the door behind him. The man fires his Peacemaker but the chamber is empty. He stops to reload the weapon. "Hold on Mr. Bauer." Jake steps out of his hiding spot, keeping his gun behind his back. "Don't get yourself in any more trouble, please put the gun down. You don't want Tony to get away because you go to jail."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet spots the man chasing Tony and keeps an eye on him as he finds cover. He then begins the chant necessary to cast another spell. When the chant is finished he stands up and points at the stranger. "Halt!" he commands. Jake notices the man isn't moving, standing like a statue. Nanuet exclaims, "Wow, I haven't tried that one before. Jake, move quick and disarm him. It won't last too long!" Ignoring Nanuet's warning Minerva had entered the building in time to see him execute his hold spell.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sees the scene with Jake and Nanuet, and it looks under control. Jake springs to the man and wrests the gun from his hand. "Someone make sure the Tony isn't going to come out shooting!" "Sure, where is he?" Ruby walks towards the end of the hallway that Jake just nodded to. "Uh, Tony? We stopped the maniac shooter. You can come out now." </p><p></p><p>Tony Lucky opens the door a crack and looks outside, "It's safe now?" he asks. Ruby sees that the Tony in question is their Tony, from the Lucky Lady. "Yes, it's safe, get out here. What did you do to cause this man to come in and shoot up the place trying to get you?" Ruby crosses her arms and waits for him to come out. Kate relaxed then looked back out the door to see Conrad standing uncertainly outside. She gave him a reassuring smile and turned back to listen to Tony's answer.</p><p></p><p>Jake puts Bauer's unloaded pistol in his belt and checks him for other weapons quickly. Then he stands behind Bauer with his gun on him. "Can someone tie this guy? He probably isn't going to be rational when he comes out of this." Then in a louder voice, "Tony Lucky, I don't know what you did to make this guy angry but lose the pistol before something happens." Tony comes out of the room and hands the pistol over to Jake and says "Sure, I don't really know how to use it anyway. Looks like neither of us hit the other."</p><p></p><p>Tony says, "I’ve done nothing lately to cause this. I was sleeping with his wife Ilsie, but that was weeks ago!" "Oh," Kate said succinctly, then turned her back and walked out. "I should shoot you myself," Ruby says shaking her head. "Hey Jake," she calls down the hall, "I think you should let the guy go." She looks back at Tony with a raised eyebrow. "That's a dangerous business you got yourself in, and now we're going to be short a card dealer while you're in jail. That DOES NOT make me happy, Tony." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet comments, "Well, I don't know if it is worth getting shot over, but it sure ain't the nicest thing a man could do." Jake tucks this revolver into his empty holster. "Uh, Nanuet, how long is Bauer going to be like this?" Nanuet replies, "Not long, at the most about 20 seconds, depends on how strong his will is though."</p><p></p><p>Outside, Chester sees no one is paying him any mind. He thinks “Probably the most excitement most people here have seen in a year. Us being the exception.” Chester enters the building when he notices that the shooting has stopped or at least paused. Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez arrives and asks for an explanation of what is going on. Chester crosses his arms and listens. "Hi Marshall. We didn't fire a shot." Rodriguez looks at him. Chester says, "What? I don't want to give you any excuse to put us in jail, that's all."</p><p></p><p>Kate watched the Deputy Marshall approach the others still near Tony. She turned to Conrad and said, "It looks like we'll be short a gambler tonight, not that he was much of one. Jake will get to run a table. I can't say I'm sorry, I've never liked Tony." Kate stopped and looked at Booth, his face was pale. "What is it?"</p><p></p><p>Eduardo heads inside and asks what occurred. "I heard the folks outside say the Mr. Bauer here came in shooting at Mr. Lucky. We didn't arrive until later. Lots of shots fired by both of them. We just dropped in to ask them to stop. Messes up business you know. You are welcome to them." Jake offers helpfully. Eduardo takes both Tony Lucky and Lemuel Buaer into custody, tying their hands behind their backs. He tells them "You picked a bad time for this kind of nonsense, Judge Isby is in town this week, so this will probably be settled tomorrow."</p><p></p><p>Jake gives Eduardo the guns he collected. "Do you need any help getting them to the jail? If not I need to go back to work." "Back to work? You just got home!" Ruby pouts a little before she starts walking back to the Lucky Lady.</p><p>Eduardo replies, "No, shouldn't be a problem. Looks like the fight has gone out of these guys. Thanks for helping out." The Deputy walks off with his prisoners and the crowd starts to disperse. </p><p></p><p>Mrs. Hooten and her husband begin to inspect the damage to their building. Mike Moore shakes his head and says, "I can't believe that neither of them hit the other after all those shots." Jake looks over at Ruby and says quietly. "I can. I've seen Tony play poker." Then he looks around the group gathered outside the Cochise. "What is it with Promise City? I've never seen so many attractive, armed and dangerous woman in one place in all my life." Jake sees Ruby stomping away and takes off after her. </p><p></p><p>Minerva strolls over to Nanuet and smiles. "That was nice work there. I wasn't aware of your talents." That could have been a very messy situation if not for your fast thinking." "Uh... thanks." Nanuet stammers and blushes. "I haven't used those prayers before now. I thought it was worth a shot. My ancestors have blessed me this day." </p><p></p><p>"Whoa there Miss West!" Jake trots over to stop her. Ruby stops walking and looks at Jake expectantly. He walks over to her and says, "What was I going to say to him, I have to do this?" He picks her up in a sweeping motion and gives her a long kiss.” Nanuet offers his arm to Minerva and laughs heartily. "Let’s get out of here before these two get serious."</p><p></p><p>Minerva looks up at Nanuet and laughs "I agree, we may have been safer in here before. I was heading over to the Lucky Lady for a meal and some refreshment. I must find Luna first." she hooks her arm in his and they walk out. Minerva makes a clicking sound and Luna flies down from the roof.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles as Jake sweeps her up. She puts her hand on Jake's face and returns his kiss. "I missed you," she says softly, "Even if you were only gone a couple days. Is everything ok?" "Yes, everything is fine. My friend was just worried about me and was not very clever about asking." He puts her down. "Let's go back, I've been too long without a drink." </p><p></p><p>He sees Katherine and Conrad. "Will we be seeing you folks tonight?" Ruby takes Jake's hand and waits only a moment for Kate to answer before she slowly starts pulling him towards the Lucky Lady. Kate says, "Yes, we were just getting ready when the shooting started. I need to go back to the El Parador for a few minutes, but we'll be along soon. It's good to see you back, Jake," "It is good to be back." </p><p></p><p>Jake lets Ruby lead him on. "Ruby, who is the attractive woman on Nanuet's arm? Will Sonoma be shooting at her? I think I've had enough of that tonight." Ruby looks around until she finds Nanuet. She flips her hair and head back towards Jake. "The attractive woman on Nanuet's arm is Minerva, the new cleric. I told you about her, she tried to get me to go to church, remember?" Ruby smiles knowingly at Jake. "And I doubt Sonoma will be shooting at anyone, especially after the way she was dancing a certain gentleman that was not Nanuet last night." "Why do I have the feeling I am missing a whole lot of what is going on?" Jake shrugs and gives a half smile. "Never mind for now." She replies, “What? So we have some things to talk about... But let's eat some dinner first.” Along with the others they head back into the Lucky Lady.</p><p></p><p>Kate took Conrad's arm then and began to walk sedately back to the Cantina. The first block or so was quiet, then Conrad cleared his throat. "That was a dangerous situation to rush into like that. Is this recklessness what that old wizard is teaching you?"" She replies, "No, my teacher would be scolding me as we speak, I imagine. But my friends were involved, Conrad. I can't just let someone hurt them and that means helping. I would do the same for anyone I care about." They walked on to the El Parador. "Go talk to Miss Higgins. I want to change my dress. I'll be here when you get back, I promise. No more running into danger tonight."</p><p></p><p>Chester walks back into the Lucky Lady. Chester sees Luc standing by the door. "Oh, there you are. We were looking for you earlier. How do you like being a bouncer here?" " Not all that bad," Luc said pulling the cigar out of his mouth," not the roughest place I've worked but it definitely has it's moments.” Chester replies, "Oh really? That must have been some place." Luc asks, “What was all the shooting about?" Chester answers, “One of the gamblers here, Tony Lucky, was seeing a woman. Her husband didn't like it, so he tried to plug him. Surprisingly, no one got hurt."</p><p></p><p>"Well as long as I don't have to throw 'em out of here they can shoot at each other all they want," Luc said taking a drag on the cigar," seems this place is never dull. Can't wait to see what you people do for New Year's 'round here!" Chester shrugs. "Beats me. I got to Promise City after New Year's." Jeff then asks Chester, "What happened out there?" Chet replies, "Oh, a jealous husband and Tony Lucky shot at each other. Neither one got hurt, but the Marshall has them now." He shakes his head. "Anything interesting happen while we were gone?" Chester unloads his Spencer and lock it back into the gun cabinet.</p><p></p><p>As they enter the Lucky Lady Minerva hands the rifle back to Nanuet. "Thank you for the loan Senor Nanuet. Thanks to you it was not necessary to use it. Perhaps you would like to sit with me for a bit. I don't know many people in town yet and I am having a bit of a dilemma. Perhaps you could help me." He says, "Perhaps I can and yes, I would like to sit with you for a bit. Your owl is amazing! Not the easiest animal to tame."</p><p></p><p>She replies, “Ah, I can see that you are a lover of animals also. Luna is very special to me. When I was young I had to keep my talents a secret. Clerics are not well accepted where I come from." A bitter look crosses Minerva's face and she quickly shrugs it off and smiles. "Luna was a gift from the goddess. I found her injured in the woods and discovered that I had the gift of healing. I noticed that you too have been granted gifts from your ancestors." </p><p>Minerva orders whiskey for herself and asks Nanuet if he would like a glass also. </p><p></p><p>“And I'll introduce you to Minerva. She's already heard all about you." Ruby giggles a little then guides Jake over to the table where Nanuet and Minerva are sitting. "Minerva, it's nice to see you again. I've heard you been busy with the new church. I wanted to introduce you to Jake, my boyfriend. Jake, this is Minerva Florencia."</p><p></p><p>"She's the new preacher?" Jake says with a bit of a surprise in his voice but quickly recovers. He take her hand, gives it a kiss and says in his mangled Spanish, "Me bendicen. La diosa selecciona bien." <<Translation: “I am blessed. the goddess selects well. >> Minerva looks up with her crooked smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She exaggeratedly flutters her lashes and laughs loudly. "Si, Senor, that is very perceptive of you. Let us hope that the committee are so easily convinced." He releases her hand and puts his arm around Ruby. "Welcome to the Lucky Lady. If you'll all excuse me for a very short while I need to clean up and change after travelling." He looks to Ruby before he lets go of her. </p><p></p><p>After Jake walks away Nanuet tells Minerva, "I know Ruby has given you her story about Jake, so I will give you my impressions. Jake is a bit of a scoundrel, a silver-tongued man with a good aim and a better eye. He'll take every advantage, but a better man I could not have stand beside me in any situation. A true friend and companion. That is Silver Jake Cook." </p><p></p><p>Minerva says, "I love living in Promise city but I am having a slight problem. I believe that Mr. Lacey and others have the expectation that I will build them a church. I personally don't have any need of a church except as a convenient place to gather the people. The god are everywhere but If I am going to continue to preach here I can hardly refuse outright. So I must find someone who can take this project off my hands. A Senor Jeff Mills was recommended to me but I do not know of him. I was told that the owners of the Lucky Lady would be able to let me know if he is an honest man. Perhaps you know him?”</p><p></p><p>Nanuet looks over at Ruby. "Well Ruby, before I turn Jeff over to Minerva's charms, I will defer to you, since he is your employee.” Minerva says, "I am glad to hear that Jake is a good man. Ruby deserves that. Although he does seem to be somewhat of a flirt! As for the whiskey if Ruby will join us perhaps we should order a bottle." Minerva turns to Ruby. "That's some cowboy you have there! Now what can you tell me of this Jeff Mills?" Ruby says, "Oh, uh, excuse me too, I have to talk to Jake about a few things, he did just get back. Nanuet will keep you company and make sure you have everything you need and we'll be right back." Ruby starts to follow Jake up the stairs. </p><p></p><p>Kate changed out of the green dress and into the yellow dress she'd worn the night she and Ruby had gotten in trouble over at the Palace Saloon. Her hair was a mess, so the let it down and quickly brushed it out, then pinned it up simply. A hat and shawl completed the outfit, and by the time she went downstairs Conrad was waiting. They walked together to the Lucky Lady.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, “And as for the whiskey, I'll have a double." "I'll take care of that for you, Nanuet," Kate said as she and Conrad came up behind the table and Ruby ran off toward the stairs. "Conrad Booth, may I introduce Miss Minerva Florencia, the new Priestess. Oh, and Jeff Mills... He's honest, loyal, dependable, a talented builder, and not as boring as I just made him sound. He's also right over there behind the bar. I'm guessing whiskey for you as well Miss Florencia? Conrad, what can I get you?"</p><p></p><p>Minerva then turns to Katherine and Conrad as they approach the table. "Senorita Kate, You look lovely this evening as usual." Minerva reaches out to touch the fabric of Kate’s dress" Such a beautiful shade of yellow. Perhaps someday soon you could direct me to the shops in town." Katherine introduces Mr. Booth and Minerva turns to him, smiles her sunny trademark smile and holds out her hand to him, palm down, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Senor. Please join us. I believe we have a bottle on the way."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2416038, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 47, “The Guys Who Couldn’t Shoot Straight”, Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00 P.M.[/B] The dinner crowd is in full swing at the Lucky Lady. The conversations are then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. "Oh boy..." Ruby heads to the door and looks around outside. Three more shots ring out, and at least one sounds to be from a different weapon than the other shots. They appear to be coming from the northwestern end of town. Jake had just started to get changed when he heard the gunfire. He starts towards the window, but stops suddenly and instead grabs his long barrel Colt before running down the stairs. On the way down he belts it on cross draw opposite his other Colt. "Home." He mutters to himself again just before getting to the bottom floor. He sees Ruby at the doorway and hurries over. Ruby walks outside the Lucky Lady and looks towards the northwestern part of town. Two more shots ring out, Jake recognizing the second as the distinctive sound of a Colt Peacemaker. The other is from a revolver of a different model. Jake estimates the shots as being fired two or three blocks away. "That's a lot of shooting. Should we go back inside or go get ourselves into some more trouble?" Ruby gives Jake a half smile. "Not like we need the help..." "I should mind my own business." Jake says to no one in particular. "Chester, you coming? And where in Hades is that Luc guy?" Jake draws the long barrel and cocks it. Chester says, "Let me get my Spencer from the cabinet. Sounds like we'll need some firepower. Think the place will be OK without us?" Chester loads his rifle as he follows Jake to the gunfire. "Hey, wait for me!" Ruby makes her way back inside before the boys can leave without her. "Jeff..." is all she has to say for him to pass her one of the rifles from behind the bar. "Thanks," she says as she hurries back outside to catch Jake and Chester. Jake buttons his duster with his left hand while moving. "Ruby, do we know where Nanuet is? Gun shots probably mean we'll need healing." She replies, "He was around, maybe in the kitchen with Maria. I'm not sure though." Ruby has to hurry to keep up with Jake's long pace. "Let's try not to need healing, ok?" He looks back over his shoulder. "Oh, and try and stay behind me. I haven't even kissed you yet." Ruby smiles. "Yes, baby." She follows behind him closely and lets Chester get in front of her too. Chet says, "Oh good. I thought he was talking to me." The darkness hides the smile on his face. "Don't forget. Cover is your friend. Is it worth getting the Marshall?" He replies, "Chester, if gunfire doesn't call the Marshall I don't know what will." Nanuet says, "Don't know yet, let's go find out." Jake stays near the side of buildings and is looking all around and trying to listen for footsteps. Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about." Across town and a few minutes earlier Katherine tells Conrad, "Well, I just need to go upstairs and change. Will you be coming back here?" He replies, "For you I would be happy to." Their conversation is then interrupted by the distant sound of gunfire. In a short period of time a total of six shots are fired. Kate's hand went instinctively to her skirt where Tom's pistol was hidden. "Where was that from?" she asked, moving toward the door. Kate waited a moment, but no one answered, so she looked back at Conrad, then dashed out the front door and looked around. There were others in the street, moving toward the north. Kate hitched up her skirts and began to run, thinking only that she didn't know where Ginnie or any of the others were, and her friends seemed to attract bullets. Nanuet comes from the pantry where he was storing some dry goods. "I thought things had been too quiet around here. Let me grab my gun quick before we go." Nanuet heads to get his stuff. He mutters a prayer to his ancestors as he gathers his rifle and knives. "OK, I'm ready, let's see what that is all about." As Minerva is coming up the steps of the Lucky Lady she hears gunshots and Sees Ruby Rushing out of the building. “Ruby, What's going on here? If you need healing I'll come along. Do you have an extra weapon somewhere? This derringer isn't going to be much help.” Nanuet asks, "Miss Minerva, can you fire a rifle? I am not much for using guns anyway." Nanuet holds his rifle out to the preacher woman. Minerva rushes along behind Ruby and the man she assumes to be Jake. As he hands it to Minerva he says, "You DO know how to use this, right?" Minerva grabs the rifle from Nanuet and says, “I think I can handle this. Thanks.” Ruby says, "I hope we don't need any healing, but you're more than welcome to come along if you'd like. I took the rifle from the Lucky Lady so here, stay with me and take my gun." Ruby doesn't even stop while lifting her skirts up on one side and pulling out her gun. Luc heard the gunshots. He shook his head and stood by the door of the Lady Luck. " Ain't getting in the middle of it," Luc said lighting a thin cigar," don't get paid enough to run towards the gunshots." But what Luc was thinking was he needed to keep a low profile. Don't crap where you eat was his motto. Shooting a fella in another town miles away was fine, but shooting someone 200 hundred feet from where you slept was another. A crowd is moving to the northwest end of town. The group heads that way, two blocks down Main and then north onto Federal. Just as they are turning the corner another volley of four shots rings out, two from each revolver. The crowd seems to be stopping at the intersection of Sierra and Federal, pointing further north to the Cochise Boarding House. "Do we know anyone staying at the Boarding House?" Ruby gets closer to the crowd, "What's going on?" He says, "I don't know, come on." The group reaches the crowd, recognizes a few faces including Wells Fargo Driver Chuck Nevers. Minerva is following Nanuet through the crowd. With a motion she sends Luna to safety in a nearby rooftop. Nanuet comments, "Jake, I hate to say it, but you are the best talker here. Maybe you can find out what is going on? I can say a prayer over you that would at least make someone think twice about taking a shot at you. Oh yeah, and welcome back Mr. Jake." He replies, "OK, maybe that'll work. Let's get closer first." Jake keeps moving. "Oh, and someone ask Nevers if he knows what's going on." Ruby starts following Jake when she sees Chuck, so she stops, but keeps an eye on where he is going. "Mr. Nevers, do you know what's going on?" Minerva also spots the stage coach driver in the crowd and calls over “Senor Nevers, Do you know what is going on?” Jake puts buildings between him and the Cochise to cross the street and then crosses between two homes on the south side of the boarding house. Nanuet follows Jake and loosens one of his knives in its sheath." Two more shots fire, both from the Peacemaker. Jake sees the result of both shots, one passing through a street side window on the second floor of the boarding house, the second blowing a hole in the wall four feet from the window. A man who Jake recognizes as a Lucky Lady patron, one of Tony's Regulars (and Ruby would know is named Mike Moore) says, "Damn, they brought the battle upstairs. This thing is going the distance." He looks to Ruby and says, "Someone said Lemuel Bauer walked into the dining room during dinner and just started shooting." Ruby asks, "Any idea who that guy is or why he started shooting? I don't recognize the name." Nanuet says, "I don't know who he is either but if I can get within 100 feet or so of him I have a prayer that might be able to temporarily paralyze him." He moves on. Minerva notices that Ruby has gotten to Chuck Nevers before her so she continues to follow Nanuet. Nevers tells Ruby, "He owns the Union Market over on Fremont Street." Nevers gestures to a woman and says "That Elvira Hooten, she owns The Cochise, maybe she can tell you more." Meanwhile, a chair flies out of the window of a room in the southwest corner of the boarding house's second floor. That is followed by two shots from the gun that isn't the Colt. Ruby cringes as the chair comes flying out the window, followed by the gunshots. She makes her was to the woman Nevers pointed out. "Ms. Hooten, Ruby West, we've never met. Do you need some help with this, uh, situation? What's going on?" Jake moves to the side of the Cochise and then goes quickly to the door ducking windows on the way. He looks around and listens a brief moment before looking in the door. Chester slings his rifle onto his back. He yells out, "Everyone go home. It isn't safe out here. Trust me, Doc Eaton's elixirs taste horrible." About halfway down the block Kate heard footsteps running behind her. She took a peek behind her and saw Conrad running to catch up. It didn't take long before he was next to her and slowing down to keep her pace. They followed the crowd over to the Cochise Boarding House, and Kate saw Ruby's bright hair in the crowd. She pushed her way over. "What's going on?" "I was serving dinner. Hooten came in with a gun in his hand and started shooting at poor Tony. Everyone scrambled out of the room. Somebody handed Tony a gun to defend himself with." Ruby sighed. "Something to do with a woman perhaps? Who knows." Ruby pulled her hair back. "Alright, send someone to fetch the Marshal if you haven't already. My friends are already trying to help." Nanuet hustles up behind Jake. He turns and tells Minerva to stay back. "Mr. Jake before you do anything crazy like go inside that building let me do this first." Nanuet holds the necklace in his hand and chants for a moment before placing his hand on Jake and casts a spell. He says, "That should help protect you some." Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Minerva is up against the building, aiming her rifle toward the door. A look of surprise crosses her face when Nanuet cast his protection spell on Jake. Jake looks for a spot in the boarding house that would give him cover from anyone coming down the stairs and then heads for it. Jake hears movement upstairs. Another shot rings out from the unknown revolver. He then hears running followed by another peacemaker shot, then more running. Nanuet follows behind Jake into the building. Ruby starts making her way over to the Boarding House and sees Kate. "Just another friendly neighborhood shooting. Come on, I think Jake went in there already, and you know I'm not letting him go in alone." Ruby gets to the House and takes a couple steps in the door to look around. "And I'm not letting you go in alone. You know, someday this kind of thing is going to get us in a lot of trouble," Kate said as she pulled the pistol out of her skirt. "I'd better not have to rip up another petticoat." She followed Ruby into the house. Jake sees Tony Lucky running away from somebody. Tony charges into a room at the northwestern end of the hall, slamming the door behind him. The man fires his Peacemaker but the chamber is empty. He stops to reload the weapon. "Hold on Mr. Bauer." Jake steps out of his hiding spot, keeping his gun behind his back. "Don't get yourself in any more trouble, please put the gun down. You don't want Tony to get away because you go to jail." Nanuet spots the man chasing Tony and keeps an eye on him as he finds cover. He then begins the chant necessary to cast another spell. When the chant is finished he stands up and points at the stranger. "Halt!" he commands. Jake notices the man isn't moving, standing like a statue. Nanuet exclaims, "Wow, I haven't tried that one before. Jake, move quick and disarm him. It won't last too long!" Ignoring Nanuet's warning Minerva had entered the building in time to see him execute his hold spell. Ruby sees the scene with Jake and Nanuet, and it looks under control. Jake springs to the man and wrests the gun from his hand. "Someone make sure the Tony isn't going to come out shooting!" "Sure, where is he?" Ruby walks towards the end of the hallway that Jake just nodded to. "Uh, Tony? We stopped the maniac shooter. You can come out now." Tony Lucky opens the door a crack and looks outside, "It's safe now?" he asks. Ruby sees that the Tony in question is their Tony, from the Lucky Lady. "Yes, it's safe, get out here. What did you do to cause this man to come in and shoot up the place trying to get you?" Ruby crosses her arms and waits for him to come out. Kate relaxed then looked back out the door to see Conrad standing uncertainly outside. She gave him a reassuring smile and turned back to listen to Tony's answer. Jake puts Bauer's unloaded pistol in his belt and checks him for other weapons quickly. Then he stands behind Bauer with his gun on him. "Can someone tie this guy? He probably isn't going to be rational when he comes out of this." Then in a louder voice, "Tony Lucky, I don't know what you did to make this guy angry but lose the pistol before something happens." Tony comes out of the room and hands the pistol over to Jake and says "Sure, I don't really know how to use it anyway. Looks like neither of us hit the other." Tony says, "I’ve done nothing lately to cause this. I was sleeping with his wife Ilsie, but that was weeks ago!" "Oh," Kate said succinctly, then turned her back and walked out. "I should shoot you myself," Ruby says shaking her head. "Hey Jake," she calls down the hall, "I think you should let the guy go." She looks back at Tony with a raised eyebrow. "That's a dangerous business you got yourself in, and now we're going to be short a card dealer while you're in jail. That DOES NOT make me happy, Tony." Nanuet comments, "Well, I don't know if it is worth getting shot over, but it sure ain't the nicest thing a man could do." Jake tucks this revolver into his empty holster. "Uh, Nanuet, how long is Bauer going to be like this?" Nanuet replies, "Not long, at the most about 20 seconds, depends on how strong his will is though." Outside, Chester sees no one is paying him any mind. He thinks “Probably the most excitement most people here have seen in a year. Us being the exception.” Chester enters the building when he notices that the shooting has stopped or at least paused. Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez arrives and asks for an explanation of what is going on. Chester crosses his arms and listens. "Hi Marshall. We didn't fire a shot." Rodriguez looks at him. Chester says, "What? I don't want to give you any excuse to put us in jail, that's all." Kate watched the Deputy Marshall approach the others still near Tony. She turned to Conrad and said, "It looks like we'll be short a gambler tonight, not that he was much of one. Jake will get to run a table. I can't say I'm sorry, I've never liked Tony." Kate stopped and looked at Booth, his face was pale. "What is it?" Eduardo heads inside and asks what occurred. "I heard the folks outside say the Mr. Bauer here came in shooting at Mr. Lucky. We didn't arrive until later. Lots of shots fired by both of them. We just dropped in to ask them to stop. Messes up business you know. You are welcome to them." Jake offers helpfully. Eduardo takes both Tony Lucky and Lemuel Buaer into custody, tying their hands behind their backs. He tells them "You picked a bad time for this kind of nonsense, Judge Isby is in town this week, so this will probably be settled tomorrow." Jake gives Eduardo the guns he collected. "Do you need any help getting them to the jail? If not I need to go back to work." "Back to work? You just got home!" Ruby pouts a little before she starts walking back to the Lucky Lady. Eduardo replies, "No, shouldn't be a problem. Looks like the fight has gone out of these guys. Thanks for helping out." The Deputy walks off with his prisoners and the crowd starts to disperse. Mrs. Hooten and her husband begin to inspect the damage to their building. Mike Moore shakes his head and says, "I can't believe that neither of them hit the other after all those shots." Jake looks over at Ruby and says quietly. "I can. I've seen Tony play poker." Then he looks around the group gathered outside the Cochise. "What is it with Promise City? I've never seen so many attractive, armed and dangerous woman in one place in all my life." Jake sees Ruby stomping away and takes off after her. Minerva strolls over to Nanuet and smiles. "That was nice work there. I wasn't aware of your talents." That could have been a very messy situation if not for your fast thinking." "Uh... thanks." Nanuet stammers and blushes. "I haven't used those prayers before now. I thought it was worth a shot. My ancestors have blessed me this day." "Whoa there Miss West!" Jake trots over to stop her. Ruby stops walking and looks at Jake expectantly. He walks over to her and says, "What was I going to say to him, I have to do this?" He picks her up in a sweeping motion and gives her a long kiss.” Nanuet offers his arm to Minerva and laughs heartily. "Let’s get out of here before these two get serious." Minerva looks up at Nanuet and laughs "I agree, we may have been safer in here before. I was heading over to the Lucky Lady for a meal and some refreshment. I must find Luna first." she hooks her arm in his and they walk out. Minerva makes a clicking sound and Luna flies down from the roof. Ruby smiles as Jake sweeps her up. She puts her hand on Jake's face and returns his kiss. "I missed you," she says softly, "Even if you were only gone a couple days. Is everything ok?" "Yes, everything is fine. My friend was just worried about me and was not very clever about asking." He puts her down. "Let's go back, I've been too long without a drink." He sees Katherine and Conrad. "Will we be seeing you folks tonight?" Ruby takes Jake's hand and waits only a moment for Kate to answer before she slowly starts pulling him towards the Lucky Lady. Kate says, "Yes, we were just getting ready when the shooting started. I need to go back to the El Parador for a few minutes, but we'll be along soon. It's good to see you back, Jake," "It is good to be back." Jake lets Ruby lead him on. "Ruby, who is the attractive woman on Nanuet's arm? Will Sonoma be shooting at her? I think I've had enough of that tonight." Ruby looks around until she finds Nanuet. She flips her hair and head back towards Jake. "The attractive woman on Nanuet's arm is Minerva, the new cleric. I told you about her, she tried to get me to go to church, remember?" Ruby smiles knowingly at Jake. "And I doubt Sonoma will be shooting at anyone, especially after the way she was dancing a certain gentleman that was not Nanuet last night." "Why do I have the feeling I am missing a whole lot of what is going on?" Jake shrugs and gives a half smile. "Never mind for now." She replies, “What? So we have some things to talk about... But let's eat some dinner first.” Along with the others they head back into the Lucky Lady. Kate took Conrad's arm then and began to walk sedately back to the Cantina. The first block or so was quiet, then Conrad cleared his throat. "That was a dangerous situation to rush into like that. Is this recklessness what that old wizard is teaching you?"" She replies, "No, my teacher would be scolding me as we speak, I imagine. But my friends were involved, Conrad. I can't just let someone hurt them and that means helping. I would do the same for anyone I care about." They walked on to the El Parador. "Go talk to Miss Higgins. I want to change my dress. I'll be here when you get back, I promise. No more running into danger tonight." Chester walks back into the Lucky Lady. Chester sees Luc standing by the door. "Oh, there you are. We were looking for you earlier. How do you like being a bouncer here?" " Not all that bad," Luc said pulling the cigar out of his mouth," not the roughest place I've worked but it definitely has it's moments.” Chester replies, "Oh really? That must have been some place." Luc asks, “What was all the shooting about?" Chester answers, “One of the gamblers here, Tony Lucky, was seeing a woman. Her husband didn't like it, so he tried to plug him. Surprisingly, no one got hurt." "Well as long as I don't have to throw 'em out of here they can shoot at each other all they want," Luc said taking a drag on the cigar," seems this place is never dull. Can't wait to see what you people do for New Year's 'round here!" Chester shrugs. "Beats me. I got to Promise City after New Year's." Jeff then asks Chester, "What happened out there?" Chet replies, "Oh, a jealous husband and Tony Lucky shot at each other. Neither one got hurt, but the Marshall has them now." He shakes his head. "Anything interesting happen while we were gone?" Chester unloads his Spencer and lock it back into the gun cabinet. As they enter the Lucky Lady Minerva hands the rifle back to Nanuet. "Thank you for the loan Senor Nanuet. Thanks to you it was not necessary to use it. Perhaps you would like to sit with me for a bit. I don't know many people in town yet and I am having a bit of a dilemma. Perhaps you could help me." He says, "Perhaps I can and yes, I would like to sit with you for a bit. Your owl is amazing! Not the easiest animal to tame." She replies, “Ah, I can see that you are a lover of animals also. Luna is very special to me. When I was young I had to keep my talents a secret. Clerics are not well accepted where I come from." A bitter look crosses Minerva's face and she quickly shrugs it off and smiles. "Luna was a gift from the goddess. I found her injured in the woods and discovered that I had the gift of healing. I noticed that you too have been granted gifts from your ancestors." Minerva orders whiskey for herself and asks Nanuet if he would like a glass also. “And I'll introduce you to Minerva. She's already heard all about you." Ruby giggles a little then guides Jake over to the table where Nanuet and Minerva are sitting. "Minerva, it's nice to see you again. I've heard you been busy with the new church. I wanted to introduce you to Jake, my boyfriend. Jake, this is Minerva Florencia." "She's the new preacher?" Jake says with a bit of a surprise in his voice but quickly recovers. He take her hand, gives it a kiss and says in his mangled Spanish, "Me bendicen. La diosa selecciona bien." <<Translation: “I am blessed. the goddess selects well. >> Minerva looks up with her crooked smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She exaggeratedly flutters her lashes and laughs loudly. "Si, Senor, that is very perceptive of you. Let us hope that the committee are so easily convinced." He releases her hand and puts his arm around Ruby. "Welcome to the Lucky Lady. If you'll all excuse me for a very short while I need to clean up and change after travelling." He looks to Ruby before he lets go of her. After Jake walks away Nanuet tells Minerva, "I know Ruby has given you her story about Jake, so I will give you my impressions. Jake is a bit of a scoundrel, a silver-tongued man with a good aim and a better eye. He'll take every advantage, but a better man I could not have stand beside me in any situation. A true friend and companion. That is Silver Jake Cook." Minerva says, "I love living in Promise city but I am having a slight problem. I believe that Mr. Lacey and others have the expectation that I will build them a church. I personally don't have any need of a church except as a convenient place to gather the people. The god are everywhere but If I am going to continue to preach here I can hardly refuse outright. So I must find someone who can take this project off my hands. A Senor Jeff Mills was recommended to me but I do not know of him. I was told that the owners of the Lucky Lady would be able to let me know if he is an honest man. Perhaps you know him?” Nanuet looks over at Ruby. "Well Ruby, before I turn Jeff over to Minerva's charms, I will defer to you, since he is your employee.” Minerva says, "I am glad to hear that Jake is a good man. Ruby deserves that. Although he does seem to be somewhat of a flirt! As for the whiskey if Ruby will join us perhaps we should order a bottle." Minerva turns to Ruby. "That's some cowboy you have there! Now what can you tell me of this Jeff Mills?" Ruby says, "Oh, uh, excuse me too, I have to talk to Jake about a few things, he did just get back. Nanuet will keep you company and make sure you have everything you need and we'll be right back." Ruby starts to follow Jake up the stairs. Kate changed out of the green dress and into the yellow dress she'd worn the night she and Ruby had gotten in trouble over at the Palace Saloon. Her hair was a mess, so the let it down and quickly brushed it out, then pinned it up simply. A hat and shawl completed the outfit, and by the time she went downstairs Conrad was waiting. They walked together to the Lucky Lady. Nanuet says, “And as for the whiskey, I'll have a double." "I'll take care of that for you, Nanuet," Kate said as she and Conrad came up behind the table and Ruby ran off toward the stairs. "Conrad Booth, may I introduce Miss Minerva Florencia, the new Priestess. Oh, and Jeff Mills... He's honest, loyal, dependable, a talented builder, and not as boring as I just made him sound. He's also right over there behind the bar. I'm guessing whiskey for you as well Miss Florencia? Conrad, what can I get you?" Minerva then turns to Katherine and Conrad as they approach the table. "Senorita Kate, You look lovely this evening as usual." Minerva reaches out to touch the fabric of Kate’s dress" Such a beautiful shade of yellow. Perhaps someday soon you could direct me to the shops in town." Katherine introduces Mr. Booth and Minerva turns to him, smiles her sunny trademark smile and holds out her hand to him, palm down, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Senor. Please join us. I believe we have a bottle on the way." [/QUOTE]
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