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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2715114" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 72, “The Calm before the Storm“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Once her mind had quieted Kate turned and went back inside the to her seat at the table. "If you haven't settled it already, I think Ruby is right about having the dancing outdoors. It would be a shame not to enjoy this nice spring weather, and it shouldn't be difficult to build a floor for dancing. Beside, I imagine the other activities will take place outdoors as well."</p><p></p><p>Kate turned to Conrad and asked, "Do you think Kate Higgins would be interested?" Conrad replies, "I'm sure that she would be. She's always one for a good party. I think the opposition will come from the Vigilance Committee."</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "Minerva, this is a great idea. Mr. Berg and Ms. Gilson, what do you think?" Laurie says, "I don't know. It has been so long since I've thought about anything other than just running my business that I don't know what to think." Kate nodded. "Sometimes a change is just what we need to open our eyes again and bring us out of our shells." Laurie says, "That's easy for you to say. I heard that you are a widow too, but you have all of your friends to help support you. I've had to struggle every day just to get by ever since my Peter was killed. The first extravagance I've allowed for myself is this meal."</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks to Laurie. "I'm sorry Laurie, we didn't know." Ruby looks her right in the eyes. "After what you did for me last night, you won't be able to stop me from being your friend, you may even regret your act of kindness one day." Ruby smiles at her. "We know things must be tough for you but I'm glad you came out with us. Everyone needs some fun every once in a while."</p><p></p><p>"It is not easy to say," Kate said gently. "I was alone in Tombstone for three months before I came here. I had a family in Boston, but I couldn't make myself leave the place where Tom was. I would be there still, alone in a dingy room with only a bottle for company except for the one chance I took. I got on the stage and came here. That decision changed everything."</p><p></p><p>Laurie puts her hands on Kate's and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. It appears that we have some things in common. I wish that I had your strength. When Peter was killed....well....I acted instinctively. Peter had kept a gun inside our cashbox and I used it. I spent the month after that in the Wilcox Jail while they petitioned the Territory for a judge. That month behind bars drained me of any strength that I had left. My trial was the first one that Judge Isby held in this county, and he found me innocent. That's so absurd, how can any person be 'innocent' if they've taken another person's life." She starts to cry and then looks up at those around the table "Oh, I'm so sorry, you were having a fun time, planning your party. And now I've ruined it. I should be leaving."</p><p></p><p>Ruby hops out of her chair quickly and hugs Laurie tightly. "You haven't ruined anything and we're not letting you go anywhere. You've just given us another reason to make sure the party goes well." Ruby pushes her down gently into her chair. "You only did what you had to do Laurie. We all only do what we have to. You should spend some time with Kate, maybe even out at the ranch. She loves it out there so much, she always comes back refreshed."</p><p></p><p>Mitchell Berg speaks up and tells Laurie, "Listen to these folks, they're smart people. As for your trial, Judge Isby got that one right. Even if that man hadn't shot your husband you were still well into the law to stop him from firing at anybody else. Businesspeople have a right to protect their businesses. That's especially true of your line of work, as when people are bathing they are most vulnerable, being naked and unarmed. </p><p></p><p>I'm sure the knowledge that you keep your customers safe has helped your business. In fact, you should have one of those newspapermen point out that you've successfully protected your customers from danger while your main competitor on the other hand managed to get himself captured and tied up by Deadeye Douglas."</p><p></p><p>"The ranch for me, is probably like your business is for you. Something we were supposed to do together. It's my way of keeping him with me." Kate reached across the table and took Laurie's hand. "You still have strength, if you'll allow yourself to use it. It hurts. Every time you try to move on, or feel happy, you feel guilty as if life shouldn't be good again. My best help is knowing that Tom would not have wanted me to spend my life grieving and drinking." She smiled softly. "Come see me whenever you wish. A good cry now and then would do us both some good."</p><p></p><p>Everyone at the table is silent for a few moments. "Alright, enough crying for today!" Ruby gives Laurie a sympathetic glance then a smile. Berg turns to Minerva and says, "About the festival, anything that can help pull this town together would be a good thing. Right now the town seems to be on a collision course in two separate directions." Kate comments, "There must be a middle ground, but from what I've heard the Vigilance Committee wants a level of restriction far beyond what you would see in even the most "civilized" of cities. There's nothing wrong with wanting this town to be a safe place for everyone who lives in it, but they must realize that we live in the Arizona Territory, not Rome."</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "What power does the Vigilance Committee have anyway? Who cares if they don't like how I dress?" Kate answers, "They are the only ones who really care, they and a few others who are frightened by people who won't be cowed by pressures of society. They don't really see a low-cut dress, Ruby. They see a woman who has said 'I will live my life the way I want to. I will chose for myself to be single or married, run a business, take a lover, save money or spend it.' They are afraid that independence will spread and they will have to live in a world they can't control."</p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "Come on, we're done with dinner, let's go to the saloon." Ruby stands. "Mr. Seawell, we'll see you and your father tomorrow?" He nods. "Very good." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen and pays Dorita for the dinner. She gives her another hug. "Feel better. If you need anything, please come and get one of us." Ruby gives her a genuine smile before bouncing back out to her friends. </p><p></p><p>"Alright, off we go!" She takes Laurie by the arm and escorts her to the Lucky Lady. "Have you ever played cards, Ms. Glison?" Laurie replies "Well, when I was a girl my friends and I would play the game Old Maid when our mother's weren't around. Is that what you mean?" </p><p></p><p>"No, no Old Maids around here." Ruby squeezes her arm. "We'll have to teach you the game of poker, one of these days." Ruby looks back over her shoulder to where Mitchell Berg and Jake are talking. "What do you think of Mr. Berg?" She replies, "I don't really know him. He must be a customer of the other bath house, although I could probably talk him into coming to mine instead now that we've been introduced. He seemed inclined towards that given his suggestion earlier."</p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, "Good, so you won't mind spending some time tonight keeping each other company then? Senorita Florencia will most likely sit with you too. The rest of us have to work, you understand." Ruby points them to a table in a good location. "If you need anything just ask." She heads to the bar and instructs Hoover and Mills to take good care of the table. </p><p></p><p>Katherine said good night to Mr. Seawell and Conrad, telling him she would pay him the $325 on Monday to square away the house. She had sensed his discomfort when she was talking about the last few months, so tried to be reassuring when she said good night. She went over to the Lucky Lady then and got to work, laughing a bit as she heard Ruby began matchmaking as she passed by.</p><p></p><p>As they leave the El Parador Jake is speaking with Mitchell Berg and notices that Minerva seems uncertain if she is following them. "Senorita, you are coming with us, no?" Jake smiles, takes her arm and pulls her along with them. As they leave a white owl flutters down and lands on Minvera's shoulder startling Jake. He recovers quickly and they continue on. </p><p></p><p>"Senorita, Mr. Berg seems to think you have an excellent idea as well. He's a good man to know. Perhaps he and I don't see the world exactly the same but he is a man of integrity and he tells you plainly where he stands. I respect that." Jake welcomes them both to the Lucky Lady and Berg finds himself a seat with Ms. Gilson. </p><p></p><p>Jake takes Minerva aside for a moment before gathering up his poker players. "Al Brower who is one of the owners of the Comique often comes to play poker here. If he comes tonight I'll mention your idea and suggest he speak with you tonight. He's a good sort too. Have a seat and enjoy yourself, we'll talk later." Jake gets himself a whiskey from the bar and checks with Jeff Mills to make sure everything is well. After that he greets his players and settles down to his game.</p><p></p><p>Ruby wishes Jake luck with his game, then she heads to the stage and waits for Kate to be ready to play. "I'm going to start with Mr. Berg's song tonight, Kate." Ruby gets to stage and greets everyone to applause. "I'm going to start the night with a song for a friend who is here tonight." She smiles and nods to Mr. Berg and starts her set by singing "The Girl I Left Behind Me."</p><p></p><p><em>I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill,</em></p><p><em>And o'er the moorland sedgy</em></p><p><em>Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill,</em></p><p><em>Since parting with my Betsey</em></p><p><em>I seek for one as fair and gay,</em></p><p><em>But find none to remind me</em></p><p><em>How sweet the hours I passed away,</em></p><p><em>With the girl I left behind me.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>O ne'er shall I foget the night,</em></p><p><em>the stars were bright above me</em></p><p><em>And gently lent their silv'ry light</em></p><p><em>when first she vowed to love me</em></p><p><em>But now I'm bound to Brighton camp</em></p><p><em>kind heaven then pray guide me</em></p><p><em>And send me safely back again,</em></p><p><em>to the girl I left behind me</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Her golden hair in ringlets fair,</em></p><p><em>her eyes like diamonds shining</em></p><p><em>Her slender waist, her heavenly face,</em></p><p><em>that leaves my heart still pining</em></p><p><em>Ye gods above oh hear my prayer</em></p><p><em>to my beauteous fair to find me</em></p><p><em>And send me safely back again,</em></p><p><em>to the girl I left behind me</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>The bee shall honey taste no more,</em></p><p><em>the dove become a ranger</em></p><p><em>The falling waters cease to roar,</em></p><p><em>ere I shall seek to change her</em></p><p><em>The vows we made to heav'n above</em></p><p><em>shall ever cheer and bind me</em></p><p><em>In constancy to her I love,</em></p><p><em>the girl I left behind me.</em></p><p></p><p>At the first break Jake takes Al Brower aside and tells him briefly of the Priestess Minerva's festival idea. "Seems to me it would be good for the town, saloons, restaurants and hotels. I figure we can come up with ways that all the saloons benefit and get a shot at some extra income. There are plenty of folks to keep us all busy, there would be no need of cut throat competition. Of course not everyone would feel that way. Why don't you speak with Senorita Florencia yourself and see, she is very persuasive and that is a good sign of the potential success." </p><p></p><p>Jake introduces Brower to Minerva, "Senorita Florencia, may I present Al Brower one of the owners of the Comique. I told him briefly of your festival idea, but I'm sure I cannot do it full justice." Jake gets a refill on his glass as Katherine wanders by and listens in on the conversation.</p><p>Brower says to Minerva, "I actually own more than just part of the Comique, I'm also part owner in the town's Gun Shop and also the Cigar Shop. I think that all three of my businesses could become part of this festival. Please tell me more."</p><p></p><p>Senor Bower sits with Minerva as she enthusiastically regales him with her festival ideas, including her thoughts on raising money for a town fire truck as well as supporting the new school. .."And so Senor, you can see how profitable this will for your businesses and the town, both financially as well as spiritually. And it will be such fun! " Finally running out of steam she leans back in her chair and beams at him..." Senor Jake has informed me that you are an honest and clever man, Senor. I welcome your support and thoughts on the matter. "What part would you like to play in the Festival?"</p><p></p><p>Al replies, "Well, I'm always one for contests. Perhaps some marksmanship contests, and I could donate a new weapon from my gun shop as a prize. For that matter, cigars make good prizes too and it could help to bring me more customers in the future. As for the Comique, it's too small for most of what you're planning but if you decide to split up the evening events into different locations then I'd be happy to offer my saloon."</p><p></p><p>Minerva is so thrilled by the positive response she can barely contain herself. She reaches over and squeezes his hand while the excitement dances in her eyes. “Oh, a Marksmanship contest! Senor Jake was right, You are such a clever man! Wonderful. wonderful ideas! And prizes too! Yes, Senorita Katherine and Ruby were also suggesting that we do much of the evening events out doors. Like a street faire! She leans in and says in a loud whisper "I do believe they are conspiring to hold a Costume Ball also! Will you be attending?” She grins at him mischievously and clapping her hands together. "Oh, We shall put on a festival that will have Dionysus blessing the crops and livestock for years to come! "The gods do love a party!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby finishes her first set and heads outside, like she normally does. She stops along the way to chat happily with customers, going over the story of her demise over and over again. Once outside she breathes in the fresh air and watches the clouds gather, as the wind has begun to whip around. She leans on the railing and closes her eyes, wishing for the rain. Later it would rain, and she would enjoy it.</p><p></p><p>Laurie Gilson approaches Ruby after she finishes the set and comments "Your singing is wonderful. Thank you for inviting me. I'm going to be going now but I'll stop back tomorrow if that's alright with you." Ruby smiles at Laurie. "Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Gilson, I always like to hear I'm appreciated. Of course we'd be very happy to have you, you'll always be welcome here." Thunder rumbles in the sky, "Hurry home before you get soaked!" Ruby calls out after her. </p><p></p><p>While Laurie and Ruby they are talking Mrs. Helen Barker enters the Saloon. She heads immediately for Jake's table and asks "Room for one more?" "Helen, you have always been welcome at the table, have a seat." Jake smiles and deals her in. </p><p></p><p>Helen replies, "Why thank you Mr. Cook. Hello, I believe that I know most of you here," she looks around, "Al, Neil, Henry, Forest....and who might you be?" He replies, "Alfredo, Alfredo Garcia, I work for Biff Johnson." She asks, "Have you been playing here long?" He replies, "Si, Mr. Jake invited me. This is my first Friday night though. I usually play here on Thursday but last night's game, well, you know." She nods and says, "Yes, I remember." </p><p></p><p>Ruby saw Helen walk in as she was talking to Laurie. She would go in and ask about George, but not now. She sits on her normal spot on the porch railing and watches the rain fall from the sky with a faint smile. Outside, lightening strikes and rain begins to fall.</p><p></p><p>Kate heard the thunder crash and smiled. "Here it comes," she said to herself. Mrs. Barker had just come in and gone to Jake's table, which she hoped wasn't a bad sign. She took a quick look around the saloon, noting that everyone seemed to have what they needed for the moment, then slipped outside where Ruby was sitting on the porch. "Good to see, isn't it?"</p><p></p><p>"Kate!" Ruby smiles, "Come here," she motions to her friend. "Yes, I love the rain, it's so refreshing and cleansing. Except for the mud part," she giggles. Now that Kate was close enough to her, Ruby reaches out and puts her arms around her friend. "So... I heard you refused to believe I was dead. I really appreciate that you know."</p><p></p><p>"It was such a ridiculous thing," Kate laughed. "Really, Mr. Eastman was so drunk he could barely walk. I talked to him a bit, and told him it was time to face facts. So he said something like 'There is no future, she's gone from me forever!' That's what set the whole thing off. I wasn't too worried until no one could find you. I still didn't think Mr. Eastman had done anything, but we've talked about what can happen to a woman alone, and I was afraid something like that might have happened." </p><p></p><p>Kate slipped her arm around Ruby's waist and hugged her back. "It was such a relief to know you spent the night safe. I can't believe I knocked on Laurie Gilson's door last night! I was so close...." Ruby tightly hugs Kate back. "Poor George," Ruby laughs, "I must have embarrassed him good to do what he did. I'm not sure you or anyone here heard what happened. It's a long story but it ended with...well..." A soft blush appears on Ruby's cheek, "I stood up on a table in the El Parador and screamed that I loved Jake and would never marry Mr. Eastman." She shakes her head. "It's just crazy Kate, I feel like I'm crazy."</p><p></p><p>"I didn't know there was anything that could still make you blush," Kate teased. "You're not crazy. But love can do that to you. It sends your head out in ten different directions, that's the fun part." </p><p></p><p>Jake’s table plays for the next half-hour, Jake winning $ 12 thus far for the night. The winner so far this evening is Blacksmith Henry Weller, having a surprisingly good night and being up over $ 50, although everyone else at the table is confident that his luck will soon turn.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2715114, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 72, “The Calm before the Storm“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.[/B] Once her mind had quieted Kate turned and went back inside the to her seat at the table. "If you haven't settled it already, I think Ruby is right about having the dancing outdoors. It would be a shame not to enjoy this nice spring weather, and it shouldn't be difficult to build a floor for dancing. Beside, I imagine the other activities will take place outdoors as well." Kate turned to Conrad and asked, "Do you think Kate Higgins would be interested?" Conrad replies, "I'm sure that she would be. She's always one for a good party. I think the opposition will come from the Vigilance Committee." Ruby exclaims, "Minerva, this is a great idea. Mr. Berg and Ms. Gilson, what do you think?" Laurie says, "I don't know. It has been so long since I've thought about anything other than just running my business that I don't know what to think." Kate nodded. "Sometimes a change is just what we need to open our eyes again and bring us out of our shells." Laurie says, "That's easy for you to say. I heard that you are a widow too, but you have all of your friends to help support you. I've had to struggle every day just to get by ever since my Peter was killed. The first extravagance I've allowed for myself is this meal." Ruby looks to Laurie. "I'm sorry Laurie, we didn't know." Ruby looks her right in the eyes. "After what you did for me last night, you won't be able to stop me from being your friend, you may even regret your act of kindness one day." Ruby smiles at her. "We know things must be tough for you but I'm glad you came out with us. Everyone needs some fun every once in a while." "It is not easy to say," Kate said gently. "I was alone in Tombstone for three months before I came here. I had a family in Boston, but I couldn't make myself leave the place where Tom was. I would be there still, alone in a dingy room with only a bottle for company except for the one chance I took. I got on the stage and came here. That decision changed everything." Laurie puts her hands on Kate's and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. It appears that we have some things in common. I wish that I had your strength. When Peter was killed....well....I acted instinctively. Peter had kept a gun inside our cashbox and I used it. I spent the month after that in the Wilcox Jail while they petitioned the Territory for a judge. That month behind bars drained me of any strength that I had left. My trial was the first one that Judge Isby held in this county, and he found me innocent. That's so absurd, how can any person be 'innocent' if they've taken another person's life." She starts to cry and then looks up at those around the table "Oh, I'm so sorry, you were having a fun time, planning your party. And now I've ruined it. I should be leaving." Ruby hops out of her chair quickly and hugs Laurie tightly. "You haven't ruined anything and we're not letting you go anywhere. You've just given us another reason to make sure the party goes well." Ruby pushes her down gently into her chair. "You only did what you had to do Laurie. We all only do what we have to. You should spend some time with Kate, maybe even out at the ranch. She loves it out there so much, she always comes back refreshed." Mitchell Berg speaks up and tells Laurie, "Listen to these folks, they're smart people. As for your trial, Judge Isby got that one right. Even if that man hadn't shot your husband you were still well into the law to stop him from firing at anybody else. Businesspeople have a right to protect their businesses. That's especially true of your line of work, as when people are bathing they are most vulnerable, being naked and unarmed. I'm sure the knowledge that you keep your customers safe has helped your business. In fact, you should have one of those newspapermen point out that you've successfully protected your customers from danger while your main competitor on the other hand managed to get himself captured and tied up by Deadeye Douglas." "The ranch for me, is probably like your business is for you. Something we were supposed to do together. It's my way of keeping him with me." Kate reached across the table and took Laurie's hand. "You still have strength, if you'll allow yourself to use it. It hurts. Every time you try to move on, or feel happy, you feel guilty as if life shouldn't be good again. My best help is knowing that Tom would not have wanted me to spend my life grieving and drinking." She smiled softly. "Come see me whenever you wish. A good cry now and then would do us both some good." Everyone at the table is silent for a few moments. "Alright, enough crying for today!" Ruby gives Laurie a sympathetic glance then a smile. Berg turns to Minerva and says, "About the festival, anything that can help pull this town together would be a good thing. Right now the town seems to be on a collision course in two separate directions." Kate comments, "There must be a middle ground, but from what I've heard the Vigilance Committee wants a level of restriction far beyond what you would see in even the most "civilized" of cities. There's nothing wrong with wanting this town to be a safe place for everyone who lives in it, but they must realize that we live in the Arizona Territory, not Rome." Ruby exclaims, "What power does the Vigilance Committee have anyway? Who cares if they don't like how I dress?" Kate answers, "They are the only ones who really care, they and a few others who are frightened by people who won't be cowed by pressures of society. They don't really see a low-cut dress, Ruby. They see a woman who has said 'I will live my life the way I want to. I will chose for myself to be single or married, run a business, take a lover, save money or spend it.' They are afraid that independence will spread and they will have to live in a world they can't control." Ruby states, "Come on, we're done with dinner, let's go to the saloon." Ruby stands. "Mr. Seawell, we'll see you and your father tomorrow?" He nods. "Very good." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen and pays Dorita for the dinner. She gives her another hug. "Feel better. If you need anything, please come and get one of us." Ruby gives her a genuine smile before bouncing back out to her friends. "Alright, off we go!" She takes Laurie by the arm and escorts her to the Lucky Lady. "Have you ever played cards, Ms. Glison?" Laurie replies "Well, when I was a girl my friends and I would play the game Old Maid when our mother's weren't around. Is that what you mean?" "No, no Old Maids around here." Ruby squeezes her arm. "We'll have to teach you the game of poker, one of these days." Ruby looks back over her shoulder to where Mitchell Berg and Jake are talking. "What do you think of Mr. Berg?" She replies, "I don't really know him. He must be a customer of the other bath house, although I could probably talk him into coming to mine instead now that we've been introduced. He seemed inclined towards that given his suggestion earlier." Ruby replies, "Good, so you won't mind spending some time tonight keeping each other company then? Senorita Florencia will most likely sit with you too. The rest of us have to work, you understand." Ruby points them to a table in a good location. "If you need anything just ask." She heads to the bar and instructs Hoover and Mills to take good care of the table. Katherine said good night to Mr. Seawell and Conrad, telling him she would pay him the $325 on Monday to square away the house. She had sensed his discomfort when she was talking about the last few months, so tried to be reassuring when she said good night. She went over to the Lucky Lady then and got to work, laughing a bit as she heard Ruby began matchmaking as she passed by. As they leave the El Parador Jake is speaking with Mitchell Berg and notices that Minerva seems uncertain if she is following them. "Senorita, you are coming with us, no?" Jake smiles, takes her arm and pulls her along with them. As they leave a white owl flutters down and lands on Minvera's shoulder startling Jake. He recovers quickly and they continue on. "Senorita, Mr. Berg seems to think you have an excellent idea as well. He's a good man to know. Perhaps he and I don't see the world exactly the same but he is a man of integrity and he tells you plainly where he stands. I respect that." Jake welcomes them both to the Lucky Lady and Berg finds himself a seat with Ms. Gilson. Jake takes Minerva aside for a moment before gathering up his poker players. "Al Brower who is one of the owners of the Comique often comes to play poker here. If he comes tonight I'll mention your idea and suggest he speak with you tonight. He's a good sort too. Have a seat and enjoy yourself, we'll talk later." Jake gets himself a whiskey from the bar and checks with Jeff Mills to make sure everything is well. After that he greets his players and settles down to his game. Ruby wishes Jake luck with his game, then she heads to the stage and waits for Kate to be ready to play. "I'm going to start with Mr. Berg's song tonight, Kate." Ruby gets to stage and greets everyone to applause. "I'm going to start the night with a song for a friend who is here tonight." She smiles and nods to Mr. Berg and starts her set by singing "The Girl I Left Behind Me." [I]I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill, And o'er the moorland sedgy Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill, Since parting with my Betsey I seek for one as fair and gay, But find none to remind me How sweet the hours I passed away, With the girl I left behind me. O ne'er shall I foget the night, the stars were bright above me And gently lent their silv'ry light when first she vowed to love me But now I'm bound to Brighton camp kind heaven then pray guide me And send me safely back again, to the girl I left behind me Her golden hair in ringlets fair, her eyes like diamonds shining Her slender waist, her heavenly face, that leaves my heart still pining Ye gods above oh hear my prayer to my beauteous fair to find me And send me safely back again, to the girl I left behind me The bee shall honey taste no more, the dove become a ranger The falling waters cease to roar, ere I shall seek to change her The vows we made to heav'n above shall ever cheer and bind me In constancy to her I love, the girl I left behind me.[/I] At the first break Jake takes Al Brower aside and tells him briefly of the Priestess Minerva's festival idea. "Seems to me it would be good for the town, saloons, restaurants and hotels. I figure we can come up with ways that all the saloons benefit and get a shot at some extra income. There are plenty of folks to keep us all busy, there would be no need of cut throat competition. Of course not everyone would feel that way. Why don't you speak with Senorita Florencia yourself and see, she is very persuasive and that is a good sign of the potential success." Jake introduces Brower to Minerva, "Senorita Florencia, may I present Al Brower one of the owners of the Comique. I told him briefly of your festival idea, but I'm sure I cannot do it full justice." Jake gets a refill on his glass as Katherine wanders by and listens in on the conversation. Brower says to Minerva, "I actually own more than just part of the Comique, I'm also part owner in the town's Gun Shop and also the Cigar Shop. I think that all three of my businesses could become part of this festival. Please tell me more." Senor Bower sits with Minerva as she enthusiastically regales him with her festival ideas, including her thoughts on raising money for a town fire truck as well as supporting the new school. .."And so Senor, you can see how profitable this will for your businesses and the town, both financially as well as spiritually. And it will be such fun! " Finally running out of steam she leans back in her chair and beams at him..." Senor Jake has informed me that you are an honest and clever man, Senor. I welcome your support and thoughts on the matter. "What part would you like to play in the Festival?" Al replies, "Well, I'm always one for contests. Perhaps some marksmanship contests, and I could donate a new weapon from my gun shop as a prize. For that matter, cigars make good prizes too and it could help to bring me more customers in the future. As for the Comique, it's too small for most of what you're planning but if you decide to split up the evening events into different locations then I'd be happy to offer my saloon." Minerva is so thrilled by the positive response she can barely contain herself. She reaches over and squeezes his hand while the excitement dances in her eyes. “Oh, a Marksmanship contest! Senor Jake was right, You are such a clever man! Wonderful. wonderful ideas! And prizes too! Yes, Senorita Katherine and Ruby were also suggesting that we do much of the evening events out doors. Like a street faire! She leans in and says in a loud whisper "I do believe they are conspiring to hold a Costume Ball also! Will you be attending?” She grins at him mischievously and clapping her hands together. "Oh, We shall put on a festival that will have Dionysus blessing the crops and livestock for years to come! "The gods do love a party!" Ruby finishes her first set and heads outside, like she normally does. She stops along the way to chat happily with customers, going over the story of her demise over and over again. Once outside she breathes in the fresh air and watches the clouds gather, as the wind has begun to whip around. She leans on the railing and closes her eyes, wishing for the rain. Later it would rain, and she would enjoy it. Laurie Gilson approaches Ruby after she finishes the set and comments "Your singing is wonderful. Thank you for inviting me. I'm going to be going now but I'll stop back tomorrow if that's alright with you." Ruby smiles at Laurie. "Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Gilson, I always like to hear I'm appreciated. Of course we'd be very happy to have you, you'll always be welcome here." Thunder rumbles in the sky, "Hurry home before you get soaked!" Ruby calls out after her. While Laurie and Ruby they are talking Mrs. Helen Barker enters the Saloon. She heads immediately for Jake's table and asks "Room for one more?" "Helen, you have always been welcome at the table, have a seat." Jake smiles and deals her in. Helen replies, "Why thank you Mr. Cook. Hello, I believe that I know most of you here," she looks around, "Al, Neil, Henry, Forest....and who might you be?" He replies, "Alfredo, Alfredo Garcia, I work for Biff Johnson." She asks, "Have you been playing here long?" He replies, "Si, Mr. Jake invited me. This is my first Friday night though. I usually play here on Thursday but last night's game, well, you know." She nods and says, "Yes, I remember." Ruby saw Helen walk in as she was talking to Laurie. She would go in and ask about George, but not now. She sits on her normal spot on the porch railing and watches the rain fall from the sky with a faint smile. Outside, lightening strikes and rain begins to fall. Kate heard the thunder crash and smiled. "Here it comes," she said to herself. Mrs. Barker had just come in and gone to Jake's table, which she hoped wasn't a bad sign. She took a quick look around the saloon, noting that everyone seemed to have what they needed for the moment, then slipped outside where Ruby was sitting on the porch. "Good to see, isn't it?" "Kate!" Ruby smiles, "Come here," she motions to her friend. "Yes, I love the rain, it's so refreshing and cleansing. Except for the mud part," she giggles. Now that Kate was close enough to her, Ruby reaches out and puts her arms around her friend. "So... I heard you refused to believe I was dead. I really appreciate that you know." "It was such a ridiculous thing," Kate laughed. "Really, Mr. Eastman was so drunk he could barely walk. I talked to him a bit, and told him it was time to face facts. So he said something like 'There is no future, she's gone from me forever!' That's what set the whole thing off. I wasn't too worried until no one could find you. I still didn't think Mr. Eastman had done anything, but we've talked about what can happen to a woman alone, and I was afraid something like that might have happened." Kate slipped her arm around Ruby's waist and hugged her back. "It was such a relief to know you spent the night safe. I can't believe I knocked on Laurie Gilson's door last night! I was so close...." Ruby tightly hugs Kate back. "Poor George," Ruby laughs, "I must have embarrassed him good to do what he did. I'm not sure you or anyone here heard what happened. It's a long story but it ended with...well..." A soft blush appears on Ruby's cheek, "I stood up on a table in the El Parador and screamed that I loved Jake and would never marry Mr. Eastman." She shakes her head. "It's just crazy Kate, I feel like I'm crazy." "I didn't know there was anything that could still make you blush," Kate teased. "You're not crazy. But love can do that to you. It sends your head out in ten different directions, that's the fun part." Jake’s table plays for the next half-hour, Jake winning $ 12 thus far for the night. The winner so far this evening is Blacksmith Henry Weller, having a surprisingly good night and being up over $ 50, although everyone else at the table is confident that his luck will soon turn. [/QUOTE]
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