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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2544070" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 55, “The Vigilance Committee Meeting”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Minerva looks over Senor Lacey's shoulder to see Ruby and Jake waving at her. She excuses herself and rushes over to them. "Come to watch the execution?" she laughs. I think the committee may be holding the trial at the Great Western Boarding house as we speak!" The smile leaves her face and she looks at them both warmly," This means a lot to me to have your support. I have no idea what this rally is about or even if it involves me. I hope I'm worrying for nothing but I have an uneasy feeling about this." She turns to Jake, maybe having someone here from the Merchants committee will balance the scales a little."</p><p></p><p>"You can have our support, but you may be better off without it." Jake makes a little frown. "I am not exactly one of the favorite folks with the Vigilance Committee. If I can do anything I will, but I'll keep as low a profile as I can just in case you knowing us is bad for your image with them. I don't know what to expect here either."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I agree with Jake. You can have it but you might be better off, at least at first, facing them on your own. We'll be around though if you decide you do need us. I think Kate will be by too, but she had a quick errand to run." Ruby smiles back at Minerva. "We'll just hope your gods are watching out for you today. And if they are we can celebrate later." She leans in closer to Minerva. "And if they aren't we'll plot and scheme how to get what you want on our own." "I'm not sure my head can take much more celebrating today" Minerva laughs holding her head, "but It's a comfort to know that, should it become necessary, I won't have to scheme alone." </p><p></p><p>Ruby stands up straight again. "Oh nice decorating, by the way." Minerva grins, "Oh, Do you like it? Woven by my own hand. Perhaps someday I could weave something a bit less... dramatic to place over the bar at the Lucky Lady </p><p>She chuckles mischievously," Let us hope the committee has an appreciation of art."</p><p></p><p>It is almost 3:30 and in addition to Jake, Ruby, Minerva and Judge Lacey sixteen other people have gathered to watch the meeting, four men and twelve women. Most of them are unfamiliar to Jake and Ruby but they do recognize Algelica Young, wife of the Promise City Herald Typesetter, Beth Eaton, wife of the Doctor, Haywood Smith who owns the Silver Dollar Saloon and Attorney Mitchell Berg. The door opens and another familiar face walks in, namely Clairese Townsend. Ruby leans closer to Jake, "I wonder what she's doing here. A little young to be on the Vigilance Committee." </p><p></p><p>"The evils of this world know no bounds, thus vigilance must not have boundaries. Therefore those of all ages, races, creeds and sexes must bind together to ensure the salvation of civilization." Jake says with appropriate seriousness. "Well, unless of course you are not human, then you couldn't be on the committee. Yes and if you are a woman you couldn't vote. Oh, you are kind of young so we don't have to listen to you. Ah, yes your financial status too, that would be a good indicator of your ability to be determine what is moral. But outside of all that..." "I'll bet young Miss Townsend finds the committees work a comfort but is torn because of the impact it may have on her ability to have work." Jake shrugs, "That would only be a guess." Ruby rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes, yes... I know. Don't worry, us just sitting here is bringing down the morality of this group..." It's Jake's turn to roll his eyes. "Ok, I'll shut up." Ruby sits back and waits for the meeting.</p><p></p><p>A short distance away, Kate juggled her packages and books and grasped Ginnie's hand to keep herself from running. She explained to Conrad Booth what had happened at the trial as they walked over, ending with, "I feel a bit of a vulture, swooping down just when the poor man has lost his business and his wife. But I won't look a gift horse in the mouth either. I want to give him a very fair price, so at least he won't have to go to prison. Here we are." She opened the door and stepped inside.</p><p></p><p>The building itself is a simple single-story clapboard structure, smaller than the ones around it, being fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet deep. It has both a front and back door and various counters and shelves. Conrad says, "I suppose this might work. Is he selling just the store or the house too?" "House?" Kate comments. Booth walks her over to the back window and points to a twenty-by-thirty foot two-story wood-frame house forty feet diagonally across, on East Street behind Fly's Boarding House. "That's where the Bowers lived", he says.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "I don't know if he intends to sell the house as well. He'll have to live somewhere. He might decide to leave town, I suppose. I'll ask him when I go see him later. But what would I do with two houses? Admittedly, I have been worried about going from the Lucky Lady back to the ranch late at night. Or I could be sensible and rent it out." Kate turned back to the room they were standing in. "It might be a little tight, but I think this will do. It will have to do unless I want to build, and there's a lumber shortage just now. I could be happy here." "Well, let's go talk to Mr. Bauer," Booth says.</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded and hurried out into the street. "Hopefully I can settle it quickly, I want to get to the Vigilance Committee meeting before it's too far along. But how much do you think I should offer him? What's a fair price?" "The store, probably between $ 500 and $ 600. The building isn't that great but the location on Fremont Street would be worth something. The house is probably worth closer to $ 1000, but East Street isn't the most desirable location in town so you could probably knock off a few hundred." </p><p></p><p>As they pass by the Town Hall building they see around two dozen people inside. Kate notices that Minerva has put up several tapestries. A few minutes later Katherine muttered as they entered the jail, "I spend entirely too much time here." She put on a polite smile. "Marshal, may I speak with Mr. Bauer please?" Tony Lucky yells out from the other cell "What about me Kate? Aren't you going to bring me some food and books like you did Job, Jake and Chester?"</p><p></p><p>Kate turned to the other cell with a withering look. "Mr. Lucky, I have not given you permission to call me by my given name, nor am I likely to. I won't be wasting my time bringing you anything. You spend most of your time amusing yourself, I'd think you could use the rest." Tony angrily replies "Hey, get off your moral high horse Mrs. Kale. At least I run an honest table, which is more than I can say for your boyfriend there."</p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "How very clever, insulting my friend. Rumormongering only makes you sound ignorant. I have no moral high horse, Mr. Lucky. Amusing yourself is fine, I'm just disgusted with your lack of judgement in amusing yourself with a married woman. I'm even more disgusted with hers. So why don't we agree to mutually despise one another and get on with our lives?"</p><p></p><p>Tony Lucky wanders back to the rear of his cell and Katherine hears him mutter the phrase "Fornicating Female Dog"** Conrad Booth's face turns red with anger as he balls up his fists and starts to move in the direction of the jail cell. Warren Earp notices this and stands over near the desk, moving his hand towards his revolver. "Conrad, don't!" Kate whispered desperately, putting her hand out to stop him. "Don't get yourself in trouble over it. His opinion means less than nothing."</p><p></p><p><em>(**Family friendly euphemisms used here).</em></p><p></p><p>Booth says, "You're right. Let's talk to Bauer." He steps over to that cell and says, "Hello Lemuel, it's been a while. I was sorry to hear of your predicament but I think that we may be able to help you out here. Word is that you're off to prison unless you come up with some money fast and that your wife took everything in your business and home." He replies, "Yeah, all that I have left is around $ 160 in the bank." Warren Earp interjects, "No, according to Paul Stevens she took that too. She used it to buy the horses and wagons to leave town in." "WHAT!" he exclaims. Booth says, "Yes, but my friend Mrs. Kale here may be of some help to you. Katherine?"</p><p></p><p>Katherine approached the cell. "I'm sorry to meet you under these conditions, Mr. Bauer. I've spent the morning talking to families with children about starting a school. There is a great deal of interest, but I was worried that there were no buildings I could use. I have some money set aside, and I would like to buy your store building if you're willing to sell it. I think it could make an excellent school." He replies, "Sounds good, I figure its worth around $ 750."</p><p></p><p>"I'm afraid I can't go quite that high. I won't have much left after I buy the building, and I'll still need to put in desks, a blackboard, buy books and other supplies. And I still need to support myself and Ginnie until the school starts turning a profit, which could take over a year. How would you feel about $550? You'll still have your house to sell, which is likely worth a great deal more."</p><p></p><p>Booth interjects "Actually Lemuel, after what you've gone through the best thing for you would be a fresh start altogether. Here's the deal, we'll give you $ 1,000 right now for both buildings. You might be able to get more, but it would take you time. If you agree now we can get you out of here in a matter of minutes, which will still leave you enough time to grab a lawyer and meet with the Judge today to file divorce papers. Otherwise you'll have to wait a month, being stuck here in this town with nothing to your name." Bauer spends just a minute thinking about it and then says "Sold."</p><p></p><p>Kate was glad Mr. Bauer was too distracted to read the shock on her face. By the time he answered she'd recovered enough to say, "Very well. We'll be back in a few minutes with the money." She juggled her packages again, caught Ginnie's eye, and went out the door with Conrad behind them. Once they were about half a block away from the jail she stopped and turned to Conrad. "Would you like to explain what just happened in there? We will buy both the store and the house?"</p><p></p><p>Conrad replies, "Just looking out for your interests, isn't that why you brought me along? First of all, he was asking you for too much for that little beat up store. The only thing it has going for it was the location on Fremont Street, but for your purposes that location shouldn't matter, so why pay more? And I may have a possible buyer in mind for the store though, who might pay top dollar just because of the location, so the net effect could be that you'll get a much bigger building for far less than you were willing to pay. Plus we can finish this up this transaction right now, I have enough in my safe to pay him right now. I'll go get the money. Why don't you go get Mr. Berg for the paperwork. If you can't find him then get that new lawyer Upton, don't even think of going to Fisk."</p><p></p><p>Kate's mouth opened and closed a couple times. "I...I'll go find Mr. Berg. But we need to talk about all this later." She and Ginnie headed off toward Mitchell Berg's office. Ginnie can hear her muttering under her breath. "Only asked for help in assessing the building, not to negotiate for me. Entirely too presumptuous, and now I'll owe him money! Turns out well for the school, but.... It's not his place. Should have discussed it with me first</p><p></p><p>Ruby had tried to sit quietly for a little while. Finally, "This thing is late starting. I guess they go by their time, huh? Kate's going to miss it, where did she run off to anyway? To go see that building?" "I've been thinking about some ideas. You want to hear them?" "Ideas? Sure. You know I love to hear the sound of your voice anyway. All that and I get ideas too." Jake looks around. "Perhaps we ought to stand away from the others?"</p><p></p><p>"What kind of ideas do you get from hearing my voice?" Ruby laughs. She then glances around the room, "If you think we should move we can, but I'm not sure it's necessary. It's not any really big ideas or anything." She thinks about it then shrugs, "Ok, we should stand anyway while we wait because who knows how long this meeting will take and I don't want my butt to get numb." They stand and head outside the door and make their way to a less busy area. </p><p></p><p>"Well, you might think it's a stupid idea..." Ruby is hesitant at first now that the time came to say it. She looks down and starts kicking at some pebbles with her toe. "I want to do a play in the Lucky Lady. There is no theater here in Promise City and there's enough people who would come I think. We could do it during the afternoon or we could do it during our less busy nights if you think it would get in the way. We could even do a night of it to benefit Kate's school or Minerva's church or something." She rolls her eyes. "Oh but Jake I really want to do it!" Jake laughs. "Don't go getting offended or upset." He laughs really hard. "I never in a thousand years would have pictured myself as a theatre owner." He puts his hands on her shoulders. "You're crazy. So why not?" Ruby can see he is thinking. "Sounds like a real civic activity too."</p><p></p><p>Ruby gives a squeal and a hop. "Oh I'm so excited!" She gives Jake a little kiss, "And now we have to figure out which play to do! I had something in mind but then I was thinking a singing part would be good so we would have to ask Kate to put songs into the play if she could. I don't know of any good plays that have good songs for a woman and we're going to have to do auditions for the other parts but I guess we have to figure out what play we're doing first. And anyway the one I want to do you or Kate would have to help me read it cause I know I couldn't read it on my own..." She looks at Jake who is just shaking his head. "What?" "Oh, they finally decided to show up for their own meeting, let's go inside. We can talk more later." They both head back inside and have a seat.</p><p></p><p>The door opens and six people walk in. Jake recognizes the five men as Doctor James Eaton, Great Western Boarding House Owner Bill Watkins, his former employer Frank Condon, the owner of Cook's General Store Zebadiah Cook and Derrick Avery, the head teller of the First National Bank of Promise City. Trailing them is a tall matronly woman wearing a long charcoal gray dress, her steel gray hair tied back in a tight bun. She glances at the wall hangings with a look of disgust on her face. Minerva smiles inwardly as says softly. "Good, I definitely got her attention." </p><p></p><p>The five men sit in chairs at a table in the front of the room. A man seated in the front row across from the table stands and gives his chair to the woman. Bill Watkins is apparently the chairman of today's meeting as he pounds a gavel on the table and calls the group to order. He begins by welcoming both Zeb Cook and Derrick Avery as new members of the Executive Committee. He then asks "Mrs. King. Would you be so kind as to take the minutes of today's meeting?" The woman with her hair in the bun replies "I would be honored to." </p><p></p><p>The first order of business is to accept the minutes from the February 17th meeting as submitted. Next Frank Condon gives a report of the Promise City Vigilance Committee's treasury as $ 214.36. Watkins then recognizes Doctor Eaton who stands and declares "The Roman/Greek Church has acted upon our request to remove the easily tempted Reverend Anson Haggler as this town's spiritual leader. Until an appropriate priest can be assigned they have temporarily sent us Mrs. Minerva Garcia Florencia to serve as our Interim Minister. Mrs. Florencia, we welcome your being here to observe our meeting." Minerva notices the "Mrs." preceding her name but chooses not to comment until the scene has played itself out. </p><p></p><p>Eaton looks back to Watkins who says, "The next item of business to be discussed is the matter of a proper dress code for the citizens of this town." "They're kidding, right?" Ruby says softly, "They must be insane." Minerva sits quietly with her hands in her lap, reading the reaction of the people in the room. She is delighted with what she sees and laughs inwardly, "Shouldn't be too difficult to get what I want. I just have to wait for them to finish killing themselves off."</p><p></p><p>Doctor Eaton begins "It has been brought to the attention of this Committee that two of the establishments of entertainment within this town allow females to parade around inside in less than full proper attire. If we wish to establish this community as a family friendly place this cannot be. I make a proposal that a dress code be established for the main dining rooms of each restaurant and saloon in town." </p><p></p><p>Watkins calls for discussion on this motion. The group is unanimous that the torso should be fully covered from a point two inches below the neck down to the knees. Some feel that down to the ankles would be more appropriate but storeowner Cook points out that the waitresses need the freedom of movement to get from table to table safely. Discussion of the arms leads to an impasse. They are in agreement that shoulders should be covered but the sleeve length is heavily debated, with Cook wanting to allow up to the armpits while Eaton wants arms covered to the wrists. Their lack of agreement calls for the motion to be tabled until the next meeting, which is set for two weeks from this date. </p><p></p><p>The final item on the day's agenda is a formal protest to the Promise City Merchant's Association for allowing a non-human to be appointed as Deputy Sheriff. The protest calls for the man's immediate dismissal. The motion passes unanimously. Watkins then adjourns the meeting. </p><p></p><p>"They can't tell us what we can wear in OUR SALOON or anywhere else for that matter!" Ruby shakes her head. "What a bunch of prudes." Ruby makes her way over to Minerva. She glances around to make sure none of the Committee is nearby. "That went well, huh?' she says quietly. "The nerve of them! Did they say something about Mrs. Florencia? You're not married are you?"</p><p>Minerva, eyes dangerously dark hisses under her breath "A bunch of hot winded, pompous asses, they are" . "By the goddess I came from Spain to get away from such bigotry. This is my home now and I will not run from it. Minerva fumes "Cover up in this heat? When heifers fly over the moon! Apparently I am in violation of the dress code." Minerva says derisively as she removes her shawl exposing much of her arms.</p><p></p><p>"Old Caleb White once told me that Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike." Jake rubs his hand on the side of his face and looks back and forth between Minerva and Ruby. "I think that folks just try to regulate what they are afraid of; Fear is the mother of morality." Jake looks around the room again. "I really like your tapestries. I guess more accurately, I liked how Mrs. King liked them. Let's think about what happened here some more before you two start scheming." He smiles at the two of them.</p><p></p><p>"Yeah, they're afraid they might see some breast and like it." Ruby huffs. "Alright let's get out of here then. Or Minerva do you need to speak to them now?" Ruby also glances at Clairesse to see what her reaction is, trying to guess why she is present. The young lady's facial reaction is unemotional as it had been during most of the meeting. She notices Ruby glancing her direction and quickly exits the building.</p><p></p><p>Minerva replies, "I should introduce myself to the committee before I leave. I'll catch up with you later. " Minerva stills herself and takes a calming breath. She sets her most charming smile in place and strolls over to Dr. Eaton and Mr. Watkins and extends her hand. "Buenas Tardes, Senores. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Senorita Minerva Garcia Florencia."</p><p></p><p>Watkins says, "Yes, I know. I attended the services last Sunday. Eaton says, "And my wife and children were in attendance. I'm sorry to have missed it, I had been called away on a medical emergency." Watkins says, "We hope that you have settled in for your short time here." Eaton adds, "Yes, we'll clear up this misunderstanding with the church.” </p><p></p><p>She replies, “I have not been sent here by the church Senor, I have been directed here by the goddess." Minerva gently places a hand each of their shoulders with a gentle smile and look of concern continues in a soothing voice “She would caution you Senors, Do not be so arrogant as to insult the gods with petty declarations. Do you dare be so bold as to decree that the beauty of Venus be hidden beneath a shroud? I assure you Senors that this is not her will. Ask rather that the earth be forever hidden from the sun for it would be an equally foolhardy request." </p><p></p><p>Watkins comments, “Well, somebody obviously thought that sending a Spanish-speaking preacher would help to convert some of those heathen wood elves to the proper faith. But that would just be a waste of your time, best to focus on the true believers." Minerva replies, “Did not the gods create all mankind in their image? Wood elves, dwarves and humans alike? Should we disregard our children, leaving them in the woods for the hungry wolf because they are innocent of our ways? Does a mother reject the infant who suckles at her breast because the babe hungers only for the ambrosia that the breast offers? I tell you Senors, It does not make the mother love her child any less. “ She smiles benevolently “Be assured that the gods recognize all their children.” </p><p></p><p>Minerva straightens her shoulders and says in a commanding tone “Senors, Do not presume to place yourselves upon the throne of Olympus. As you can see,” Minerva makes an elaborate gesture towards the tapestries, while casting a ‘Doom’ spell on Watkins. She says, “The gods do not deal kindly with those who would presume too much. The goddess would remind you of this that you would rethink whom you serve Senors. You would be wise to heed my words for the gods choose to speak through me. I am their instrument and have come to Promise City to do their work. If the Committee is willing to help me in their service I will gladly accept their assistance. “</p><p></p><p>She then adds, “But, Senors, I fear that this committee has it's own agenda which may be in conflict with the gods will. My allegiance must be to the gods as should yours be. "She looks at them imploringly. “Will you assist me in their work, Senors? I will be awaiting your answer." She turns to leave and turns back. "I may be reached Comstock House. Good day to you Senors, May the gods will be done."</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks to Jake then watches Minerva talking to Eaton and Watkins. "I guess she is better off without us right now? Definitely me, I'm not dressed appropriately," Ruby says snidely. "And I should get back soon to get ready for my dinner with George," Ruby pauses, "...And Judge Isby." She shakes her head and rubs her temples. "Is there anything I should know about why you want me to go with Mr. Eastman tonight?" "Not really, except that you don't need to worry. Just be your usual wonderful self. I have a feeling everything will work out just the way you want it." Jake gives her a reassuring smile. "You asked me to help, and I am." "Alright, baby." She gives him a smile and a kiss. "I'm going back to the Lucky Lady to get ready." </p><p></p><p>The Vigilance Committee Meeting has just ended by the time that Kate and Ginnie walked towards the intersection of Fremont and Main and she sees Mitchell Berg exiting the building where the meeting had been held. They hurry across the street and up to the lawyer. "Mr. Berg," Kate said a bit breathlessly. "I know this is quite irregular, but I wonder if you have a moment to step over to the jail? I didn't see you at the trial this afternoon." She quickly ran down what had happened with Mr. Bauer's wife, and the pending purchase. "We need someone to draw up the papers. I don't know Mr. Upton yet and I wouldn't trust Fisk if my life depended on it."</p><p></p><p>Mitchell Berg asks Kate for a little more detail about what she is looking for. She briefly explains that Bauer is selling his property, getting released from jail and will then want to see Judge Isby about a divorce. Berg checks his pocket watch and says "It looks like I'm going to have a busy next hour. Okay, I'll head back to my office and get some standard property exchange forms and a divorce decree and meet you at the jail." </p><p></p><p>Kate and Ginnie head back to the Marshall's Office. Eduardo Rodrigues makes his way over to the building as well, entering behind Ginnie and Kate. Warren asks him "Was it as bad as we suspected?" Eduardo says, "Yes, I stayed outside of the back door and heard the whole thing. I certainly wouldn't have been welcome inside, in fact they are filing a formal protest over one of my race being made Deputy." Conrad Booth arrives back a few minutes later. They let Bauer out of the cell. Warren Earp collects the money for the fine and restitution for damage. Earp lets him use the desk to write out the names for the property transfers which Bauer signs and both lawmen sign as witnesses. </p><p></p><p>Berg tells Conrad and Kate "Bauer assumes his wife still has the original Deeds to the property but I'll file papers with the county recorder invalidating those due to abandonment of property and with this transfer form be able to get new ones are reissued in your names. Actually, do you want both of your names on each property or just one?" Booth says, "That's Mrs. Kale's decision." Kate paused for a moment then decided, "Both on each please. That makes the most sense."</p><p></p><p>Booth just nods. Berg finishes the paperwork. Bauer gives Booth a key ring and explains the keys to the store and house. A third key is to the outhouse behind the store, but he says that he usually keeps it unlocked. Booth tells Bauer, "Your wife left the store that way too, not that there was anything left for anyone to take." Berg then tells Bauer "We'd better hurry if we want to catch the Judge before he closes up shop for this visit to Promise City." The two of them make their way out the door. </p><p></p><p>Warren tells Eduardo "The bank's closed, so I'd better go see Paul Stevens about this fine money as it goes to the Territory. You keep an eye on Lucky." He leaves as well. Booth looks at Kate and Ginnie and says, "I guess we might as well leave too. Mr. Lucky didn't really seem to appreciate our stopping by. But first we'd better go lock up our new property. "Yes, we wouldn't want anyone deciding to try and set themselves up thinking it abandoned property."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2544070, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 55, “The Vigilance Committee Meeting”, Thursday, March 16th , 1882:[/B] Minerva looks over Senor Lacey's shoulder to see Ruby and Jake waving at her. She excuses herself and rushes over to them. "Come to watch the execution?" she laughs. I think the committee may be holding the trial at the Great Western Boarding house as we speak!" The smile leaves her face and she looks at them both warmly," This means a lot to me to have your support. I have no idea what this rally is about or even if it involves me. I hope I'm worrying for nothing but I have an uneasy feeling about this." She turns to Jake, maybe having someone here from the Merchants committee will balance the scales a little." "You can have our support, but you may be better off without it." Jake makes a little frown. "I am not exactly one of the favorite folks with the Vigilance Committee. If I can do anything I will, but I'll keep as low a profile as I can just in case you knowing us is bad for your image with them. I don't know what to expect here either." Ruby says, "I agree with Jake. You can have it but you might be better off, at least at first, facing them on your own. We'll be around though if you decide you do need us. I think Kate will be by too, but she had a quick errand to run." Ruby smiles back at Minerva. "We'll just hope your gods are watching out for you today. And if they are we can celebrate later." She leans in closer to Minerva. "And if they aren't we'll plot and scheme how to get what you want on our own." "I'm not sure my head can take much more celebrating today" Minerva laughs holding her head, "but It's a comfort to know that, should it become necessary, I won't have to scheme alone." Ruby stands up straight again. "Oh nice decorating, by the way." Minerva grins, "Oh, Do you like it? Woven by my own hand. Perhaps someday I could weave something a bit less... dramatic to place over the bar at the Lucky Lady She chuckles mischievously," Let us hope the committee has an appreciation of art." It is almost 3:30 and in addition to Jake, Ruby, Minerva and Judge Lacey sixteen other people have gathered to watch the meeting, four men and twelve women. Most of them are unfamiliar to Jake and Ruby but they do recognize Algelica Young, wife of the Promise City Herald Typesetter, Beth Eaton, wife of the Doctor, Haywood Smith who owns the Silver Dollar Saloon and Attorney Mitchell Berg. The door opens and another familiar face walks in, namely Clairese Townsend. Ruby leans closer to Jake, "I wonder what she's doing here. A little young to be on the Vigilance Committee." "The evils of this world know no bounds, thus vigilance must not have boundaries. Therefore those of all ages, races, creeds and sexes must bind together to ensure the salvation of civilization." Jake says with appropriate seriousness. "Well, unless of course you are not human, then you couldn't be on the committee. Yes and if you are a woman you couldn't vote. Oh, you are kind of young so we don't have to listen to you. Ah, yes your financial status too, that would be a good indicator of your ability to be determine what is moral. But outside of all that..." "I'll bet young Miss Townsend finds the committees work a comfort but is torn because of the impact it may have on her ability to have work." Jake shrugs, "That would only be a guess." Ruby rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes, yes... I know. Don't worry, us just sitting here is bringing down the morality of this group..." It's Jake's turn to roll his eyes. "Ok, I'll shut up." Ruby sits back and waits for the meeting. A short distance away, Kate juggled her packages and books and grasped Ginnie's hand to keep herself from running. She explained to Conrad Booth what had happened at the trial as they walked over, ending with, "I feel a bit of a vulture, swooping down just when the poor man has lost his business and his wife. But I won't look a gift horse in the mouth either. I want to give him a very fair price, so at least he won't have to go to prison. Here we are." She opened the door and stepped inside. The building itself is a simple single-story clapboard structure, smaller than the ones around it, being fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet deep. It has both a front and back door and various counters and shelves. Conrad says, "I suppose this might work. Is he selling just the store or the house too?" "House?" Kate comments. Booth walks her over to the back window and points to a twenty-by-thirty foot two-story wood-frame house forty feet diagonally across, on East Street behind Fly's Boarding House. "That's where the Bowers lived", he says. Kate says, "I don't know if he intends to sell the house as well. He'll have to live somewhere. He might decide to leave town, I suppose. I'll ask him when I go see him later. But what would I do with two houses? Admittedly, I have been worried about going from the Lucky Lady back to the ranch late at night. Or I could be sensible and rent it out." Kate turned back to the room they were standing in. "It might be a little tight, but I think this will do. It will have to do unless I want to build, and there's a lumber shortage just now. I could be happy here." "Well, let's go talk to Mr. Bauer," Booth says. Kate nodded and hurried out into the street. "Hopefully I can settle it quickly, I want to get to the Vigilance Committee meeting before it's too far along. But how much do you think I should offer him? What's a fair price?" "The store, probably between $ 500 and $ 600. The building isn't that great but the location on Fremont Street would be worth something. The house is probably worth closer to $ 1000, but East Street isn't the most desirable location in town so you could probably knock off a few hundred." As they pass by the Town Hall building they see around two dozen people inside. Kate notices that Minerva has put up several tapestries. A few minutes later Katherine muttered as they entered the jail, "I spend entirely too much time here." She put on a polite smile. "Marshal, may I speak with Mr. Bauer please?" Tony Lucky yells out from the other cell "What about me Kate? Aren't you going to bring me some food and books like you did Job, Jake and Chester?" Kate turned to the other cell with a withering look. "Mr. Lucky, I have not given you permission to call me by my given name, nor am I likely to. I won't be wasting my time bringing you anything. You spend most of your time amusing yourself, I'd think you could use the rest." Tony angrily replies "Hey, get off your moral high horse Mrs. Kale. At least I run an honest table, which is more than I can say for your boyfriend there." Kate replies, "How very clever, insulting my friend. Rumormongering only makes you sound ignorant. I have no moral high horse, Mr. Lucky. Amusing yourself is fine, I'm just disgusted with your lack of judgement in amusing yourself with a married woman. I'm even more disgusted with hers. So why don't we agree to mutually despise one another and get on with our lives?" Tony Lucky wanders back to the rear of his cell and Katherine hears him mutter the phrase "Fornicating Female Dog"** Conrad Booth's face turns red with anger as he balls up his fists and starts to move in the direction of the jail cell. Warren Earp notices this and stands over near the desk, moving his hand towards his revolver. "Conrad, don't!" Kate whispered desperately, putting her hand out to stop him. "Don't get yourself in trouble over it. His opinion means less than nothing." [I](**Family friendly euphemisms used here).[/I] Booth says, "You're right. Let's talk to Bauer." He steps over to that cell and says, "Hello Lemuel, it's been a while. I was sorry to hear of your predicament but I think that we may be able to help you out here. Word is that you're off to prison unless you come up with some money fast and that your wife took everything in your business and home." He replies, "Yeah, all that I have left is around $ 160 in the bank." Warren Earp interjects, "No, according to Paul Stevens she took that too. She used it to buy the horses and wagons to leave town in." "WHAT!" he exclaims. Booth says, "Yes, but my friend Mrs. Kale here may be of some help to you. Katherine?" Katherine approached the cell. "I'm sorry to meet you under these conditions, Mr. Bauer. I've spent the morning talking to families with children about starting a school. There is a great deal of interest, but I was worried that there were no buildings I could use. I have some money set aside, and I would like to buy your store building if you're willing to sell it. I think it could make an excellent school." He replies, "Sounds good, I figure its worth around $ 750." "I'm afraid I can't go quite that high. I won't have much left after I buy the building, and I'll still need to put in desks, a blackboard, buy books and other supplies. And I still need to support myself and Ginnie until the school starts turning a profit, which could take over a year. How would you feel about $550? You'll still have your house to sell, which is likely worth a great deal more." Booth interjects "Actually Lemuel, after what you've gone through the best thing for you would be a fresh start altogether. Here's the deal, we'll give you $ 1,000 right now for both buildings. You might be able to get more, but it would take you time. If you agree now we can get you out of here in a matter of minutes, which will still leave you enough time to grab a lawyer and meet with the Judge today to file divorce papers. Otherwise you'll have to wait a month, being stuck here in this town with nothing to your name." Bauer spends just a minute thinking about it and then says "Sold." Kate was glad Mr. Bauer was too distracted to read the shock on her face. By the time he answered she'd recovered enough to say, "Very well. We'll be back in a few minutes with the money." She juggled her packages again, caught Ginnie's eye, and went out the door with Conrad behind them. Once they were about half a block away from the jail she stopped and turned to Conrad. "Would you like to explain what just happened in there? We will buy both the store and the house?" Conrad replies, "Just looking out for your interests, isn't that why you brought me along? First of all, he was asking you for too much for that little beat up store. The only thing it has going for it was the location on Fremont Street, but for your purposes that location shouldn't matter, so why pay more? And I may have a possible buyer in mind for the store though, who might pay top dollar just because of the location, so the net effect could be that you'll get a much bigger building for far less than you were willing to pay. Plus we can finish this up this transaction right now, I have enough in my safe to pay him right now. I'll go get the money. Why don't you go get Mr. Berg for the paperwork. If you can't find him then get that new lawyer Upton, don't even think of going to Fisk." Kate's mouth opened and closed a couple times. "I...I'll go find Mr. Berg. But we need to talk about all this later." She and Ginnie headed off toward Mitchell Berg's office. Ginnie can hear her muttering under her breath. "Only asked for help in assessing the building, not to negotiate for me. Entirely too presumptuous, and now I'll owe him money! Turns out well for the school, but.... It's not his place. Should have discussed it with me first Ruby had tried to sit quietly for a little while. Finally, "This thing is late starting. I guess they go by their time, huh? Kate's going to miss it, where did she run off to anyway? To go see that building?" "I've been thinking about some ideas. You want to hear them?" "Ideas? Sure. You know I love to hear the sound of your voice anyway. All that and I get ideas too." Jake looks around. "Perhaps we ought to stand away from the others?" "What kind of ideas do you get from hearing my voice?" Ruby laughs. She then glances around the room, "If you think we should move we can, but I'm not sure it's necessary. It's not any really big ideas or anything." She thinks about it then shrugs, "Ok, we should stand anyway while we wait because who knows how long this meeting will take and I don't want my butt to get numb." They stand and head outside the door and make their way to a less busy area. "Well, you might think it's a stupid idea..." Ruby is hesitant at first now that the time came to say it. She looks down and starts kicking at some pebbles with her toe. "I want to do a play in the Lucky Lady. There is no theater here in Promise City and there's enough people who would come I think. We could do it during the afternoon or we could do it during our less busy nights if you think it would get in the way. We could even do a night of it to benefit Kate's school or Minerva's church or something." She rolls her eyes. "Oh but Jake I really want to do it!" Jake laughs. "Don't go getting offended or upset." He laughs really hard. "I never in a thousand years would have pictured myself as a theatre owner." He puts his hands on her shoulders. "You're crazy. So why not?" Ruby can see he is thinking. "Sounds like a real civic activity too." Ruby gives a squeal and a hop. "Oh I'm so excited!" She gives Jake a little kiss, "And now we have to figure out which play to do! I had something in mind but then I was thinking a singing part would be good so we would have to ask Kate to put songs into the play if she could. I don't know of any good plays that have good songs for a woman and we're going to have to do auditions for the other parts but I guess we have to figure out what play we're doing first. And anyway the one I want to do you or Kate would have to help me read it cause I know I couldn't read it on my own..." She looks at Jake who is just shaking his head. "What?" "Oh, they finally decided to show up for their own meeting, let's go inside. We can talk more later." They both head back inside and have a seat. The door opens and six people walk in. Jake recognizes the five men as Doctor James Eaton, Great Western Boarding House Owner Bill Watkins, his former employer Frank Condon, the owner of Cook's General Store Zebadiah Cook and Derrick Avery, the head teller of the First National Bank of Promise City. Trailing them is a tall matronly woman wearing a long charcoal gray dress, her steel gray hair tied back in a tight bun. She glances at the wall hangings with a look of disgust on her face. Minerva smiles inwardly as says softly. "Good, I definitely got her attention." The five men sit in chairs at a table in the front of the room. A man seated in the front row across from the table stands and gives his chair to the woman. Bill Watkins is apparently the chairman of today's meeting as he pounds a gavel on the table and calls the group to order. He begins by welcoming both Zeb Cook and Derrick Avery as new members of the Executive Committee. He then asks "Mrs. King. Would you be so kind as to take the minutes of today's meeting?" The woman with her hair in the bun replies "I would be honored to." The first order of business is to accept the minutes from the February 17th meeting as submitted. Next Frank Condon gives a report of the Promise City Vigilance Committee's treasury as $ 214.36. Watkins then recognizes Doctor Eaton who stands and declares "The Roman/Greek Church has acted upon our request to remove the easily tempted Reverend Anson Haggler as this town's spiritual leader. Until an appropriate priest can be assigned they have temporarily sent us Mrs. Minerva Garcia Florencia to serve as our Interim Minister. Mrs. Florencia, we welcome your being here to observe our meeting." Minerva notices the "Mrs." preceding her name but chooses not to comment until the scene has played itself out. Eaton looks back to Watkins who says, "The next item of business to be discussed is the matter of a proper dress code for the citizens of this town." "They're kidding, right?" Ruby says softly, "They must be insane." Minerva sits quietly with her hands in her lap, reading the reaction of the people in the room. She is delighted with what she sees and laughs inwardly, "Shouldn't be too difficult to get what I want. I just have to wait for them to finish killing themselves off." Doctor Eaton begins "It has been brought to the attention of this Committee that two of the establishments of entertainment within this town allow females to parade around inside in less than full proper attire. If we wish to establish this community as a family friendly place this cannot be. I make a proposal that a dress code be established for the main dining rooms of each restaurant and saloon in town." Watkins calls for discussion on this motion. The group is unanimous that the torso should be fully covered from a point two inches below the neck down to the knees. Some feel that down to the ankles would be more appropriate but storeowner Cook points out that the waitresses need the freedom of movement to get from table to table safely. Discussion of the arms leads to an impasse. They are in agreement that shoulders should be covered but the sleeve length is heavily debated, with Cook wanting to allow up to the armpits while Eaton wants arms covered to the wrists. Their lack of agreement calls for the motion to be tabled until the next meeting, which is set for two weeks from this date. The final item on the day's agenda is a formal protest to the Promise City Merchant's Association for allowing a non-human to be appointed as Deputy Sheriff. The protest calls for the man's immediate dismissal. The motion passes unanimously. Watkins then adjourns the meeting. "They can't tell us what we can wear in OUR SALOON or anywhere else for that matter!" Ruby shakes her head. "What a bunch of prudes." Ruby makes her way over to Minerva. She glances around to make sure none of the Committee is nearby. "That went well, huh?' she says quietly. "The nerve of them! Did they say something about Mrs. Florencia? You're not married are you?" Minerva, eyes dangerously dark hisses under her breath "A bunch of hot winded, pompous asses, they are" . "By the goddess I came from Spain to get away from such bigotry. This is my home now and I will not run from it. Minerva fumes "Cover up in this heat? When heifers fly over the moon! Apparently I am in violation of the dress code." Minerva says derisively as she removes her shawl exposing much of her arms. "Old Caleb White once told me that Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike." Jake rubs his hand on the side of his face and looks back and forth between Minerva and Ruby. "I think that folks just try to regulate what they are afraid of; Fear is the mother of morality." Jake looks around the room again. "I really like your tapestries. I guess more accurately, I liked how Mrs. King liked them. Let's think about what happened here some more before you two start scheming." He smiles at the two of them. "Yeah, they're afraid they might see some breast and like it." Ruby huffs. "Alright let's get out of here then. Or Minerva do you need to speak to them now?" Ruby also glances at Clairesse to see what her reaction is, trying to guess why she is present. The young lady's facial reaction is unemotional as it had been during most of the meeting. She notices Ruby glancing her direction and quickly exits the building. Minerva replies, "I should introduce myself to the committee before I leave. I'll catch up with you later. " Minerva stills herself and takes a calming breath. She sets her most charming smile in place and strolls over to Dr. Eaton and Mr. Watkins and extends her hand. "Buenas Tardes, Senores. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Senorita Minerva Garcia Florencia." Watkins says, "Yes, I know. I attended the services last Sunday. Eaton says, "And my wife and children were in attendance. I'm sorry to have missed it, I had been called away on a medical emergency." Watkins says, "We hope that you have settled in for your short time here." Eaton adds, "Yes, we'll clear up this misunderstanding with the church.” She replies, “I have not been sent here by the church Senor, I have been directed here by the goddess." Minerva gently places a hand each of their shoulders with a gentle smile and look of concern continues in a soothing voice “She would caution you Senors, Do not be so arrogant as to insult the gods with petty declarations. Do you dare be so bold as to decree that the beauty of Venus be hidden beneath a shroud? I assure you Senors that this is not her will. Ask rather that the earth be forever hidden from the sun for it would be an equally foolhardy request." Watkins comments, “Well, somebody obviously thought that sending a Spanish-speaking preacher would help to convert some of those heathen wood elves to the proper faith. But that would just be a waste of your time, best to focus on the true believers." Minerva replies, “Did not the gods create all mankind in their image? Wood elves, dwarves and humans alike? Should we disregard our children, leaving them in the woods for the hungry wolf because they are innocent of our ways? Does a mother reject the infant who suckles at her breast because the babe hungers only for the ambrosia that the breast offers? I tell you Senors, It does not make the mother love her child any less. “ She smiles benevolently “Be assured that the gods recognize all their children.” Minerva straightens her shoulders and says in a commanding tone “Senors, Do not presume to place yourselves upon the throne of Olympus. As you can see,” Minerva makes an elaborate gesture towards the tapestries, while casting a ‘Doom’ spell on Watkins. She says, “The gods do not deal kindly with those who would presume too much. The goddess would remind you of this that you would rethink whom you serve Senors. You would be wise to heed my words for the gods choose to speak through me. I am their instrument and have come to Promise City to do their work. If the Committee is willing to help me in their service I will gladly accept their assistance. “ She then adds, “But, Senors, I fear that this committee has it's own agenda which may be in conflict with the gods will. My allegiance must be to the gods as should yours be. "She looks at them imploringly. “Will you assist me in their work, Senors? I will be awaiting your answer." She turns to leave and turns back. "I may be reached Comstock House. Good day to you Senors, May the gods will be done." Ruby looks to Jake then watches Minerva talking to Eaton and Watkins. "I guess she is better off without us right now? Definitely me, I'm not dressed appropriately," Ruby says snidely. "And I should get back soon to get ready for my dinner with George," Ruby pauses, "...And Judge Isby." She shakes her head and rubs her temples. "Is there anything I should know about why you want me to go with Mr. Eastman tonight?" "Not really, except that you don't need to worry. Just be your usual wonderful self. I have a feeling everything will work out just the way you want it." Jake gives her a reassuring smile. "You asked me to help, and I am." "Alright, baby." She gives him a smile and a kiss. "I'm going back to the Lucky Lady to get ready." The Vigilance Committee Meeting has just ended by the time that Kate and Ginnie walked towards the intersection of Fremont and Main and she sees Mitchell Berg exiting the building where the meeting had been held. They hurry across the street and up to the lawyer. "Mr. Berg," Kate said a bit breathlessly. "I know this is quite irregular, but I wonder if you have a moment to step over to the jail? I didn't see you at the trial this afternoon." She quickly ran down what had happened with Mr. Bauer's wife, and the pending purchase. "We need someone to draw up the papers. I don't know Mr. Upton yet and I wouldn't trust Fisk if my life depended on it." Mitchell Berg asks Kate for a little more detail about what she is looking for. She briefly explains that Bauer is selling his property, getting released from jail and will then want to see Judge Isby about a divorce. Berg checks his pocket watch and says "It looks like I'm going to have a busy next hour. Okay, I'll head back to my office and get some standard property exchange forms and a divorce decree and meet you at the jail." Kate and Ginnie head back to the Marshall's Office. Eduardo Rodrigues makes his way over to the building as well, entering behind Ginnie and Kate. Warren asks him "Was it as bad as we suspected?" Eduardo says, "Yes, I stayed outside of the back door and heard the whole thing. I certainly wouldn't have been welcome inside, in fact they are filing a formal protest over one of my race being made Deputy." Conrad Booth arrives back a few minutes later. They let Bauer out of the cell. Warren Earp collects the money for the fine and restitution for damage. Earp lets him use the desk to write out the names for the property transfers which Bauer signs and both lawmen sign as witnesses. Berg tells Conrad and Kate "Bauer assumes his wife still has the original Deeds to the property but I'll file papers with the county recorder invalidating those due to abandonment of property and with this transfer form be able to get new ones are reissued in your names. Actually, do you want both of your names on each property or just one?" Booth says, "That's Mrs. Kale's decision." Kate paused for a moment then decided, "Both on each please. That makes the most sense." Booth just nods. Berg finishes the paperwork. Bauer gives Booth a key ring and explains the keys to the store and house. A third key is to the outhouse behind the store, but he says that he usually keeps it unlocked. Booth tells Bauer, "Your wife left the store that way too, not that there was anything left for anyone to take." Berg then tells Bauer "We'd better hurry if we want to catch the Judge before he closes up shop for this visit to Promise City." The two of them make their way out the door. Warren tells Eduardo "The bank's closed, so I'd better go see Paul Stevens about this fine money as it goes to the Territory. You keep an eye on Lucky." He leaves as well. Booth looks at Kate and Ginnie and says, "I guess we might as well leave too. Mr. Lucky didn't really seem to appreciate our stopping by. But first we'd better go lock up our new property. "Yes, we wouldn't want anyone deciding to try and set themselves up thinking it abandoned property." [/QUOTE]
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