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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2724772" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 73, “The Stranger“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 9:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Katherine and Ruby are finishing up their conversation when a man rides up. He has on a leather long coat and wide-brimmed hat which are deflecting most of the rain. He hitches up his horse and walks inside. Ruby and Kate both notice his face, clean-shaven except for a neatly cropped mustache, short hair neatly cut, and deep dark eyes. He ignores the women and walks directly into the saloon.</p><p></p><p>"The silent type. We should probably head in and see what the tall, dark stranger wants." Kate paused a moment. "You know, that face was familiar. The horse even more so. Come on, Ruby, let's go see who he is." Ruby furrows her brows for a moment. "He looks familiar to me too. You said you recognize his horse? Strange." Ruby hops off the railing. "Yes, let's go. I should ask Mrs. Barker," Ruby says snidely, "How George is. The sooner he leaves Promise City the better for all of us." </p><p></p><p>Ruby takes Kate hand and they head back inside. Ruby heads to the bar and looks around for the stranger. The stranger has just finished taking off his gunbelt, a revolver on each side, and hands the belt over to Luc. He then removes the coat and hat, hands them to Luc as well, and says, "Find somewhere warm to let these dry out and there will be a dollar in it for you." He has on a tailored three-piece chocolate brown suit over a tan cotton shirt with a western style tie. With the exception of this man's well-worn and still wet cowboy boots his wardrobe could double for something of Conrad Booth's. The stranger gets himself a whiskey from Niles Hoover. </p><p></p><p>Kate gets a better look now at the man's face inside of the well lit Saloon and she freezes up. "Oh no. No, no, no," Kate whispered. She followed Ruby woodenly over toward the bar and laid her suddenly cold hand on her friends arm. Katherine whispered in Ruby's ear, "Johnny Ringo. He knows us, you, me and Jake from the rustlers caves. Why is he here? Why isn't he in Tombstone?"</p><p></p><p>"Kate," Ruby whispered, "Stay calm. He might not have noticed us yet, he didn't seem to on the way in. Listen, go in the kitchen, quietly take Jeff with you and tell him what is going on. And stay in there but keep your eyes and ears open." Ruby looks at Kate seriously, "Now's not the time to argue, he knows you better than the rest of us, GO." Ruby gives her a little push. Luckily Jeff was already standing near the kitchen. </p><p></p><p>Ruby casually walks over to Jake's table. She stands across from where he is sitting and bends forward slightly. That always gets his attention, she laughs to herself. Jake does look up and when he does Ruby discreetly tugs on her ear and earring. Jake nods and she starts walking back across the room, closer to where Ringo is standing. She makes sure to catch Jake's eye, makes sure Ringo isn't looking at her, then ever so slightly nods towards Ringo. The gunfighter turns and walks directly towards Jake's poker table. Ruby makes sure to get herself out of the view of Johnny Ringo as he walks towards Jake. </p><p></p><p>Kate walked over to Jeff Mills. "Can you give me a hand in the kitchen please, Jeff?" She slipped into the kitchen and walked to the back door, hopefully out of Maria's hearing. "Jeff, you know Jake, Ruby and I had some exciting times when we first came here. That day we brought Maggie those bed frames from the cattle rustlers caves? That man who just came in is Johnny Ringo. We didn't see him, but he was there that day. He saw the three of us and Nanuet. We don't know why he's here. Ruby wants me to stay in here, but she wanted you to know what was going on."</p><p></p><p>Ruby knew that Jake would get the signal she had just given him, the ones they had worked so hard on... </p><p></p><p><em>Flashback.... February 16, 1882 </em></p><p>While they are lying in bed one day Ruby looks like she is preoccupied. “What are you thinking about?” Jake asks as he strokes her hair. “Oh, just thinking about all the trouble we get into. I have been thinking lately that we should have some sort of signals, so we know if we need help, you know things like that. What do you think?” Jake looks confused so Ruby sits up. “Ok, so if I’m standing across the room and you see me going like this,” she quickly runs her fingers of her right hand across her chest from left to right, “What are you going to think?” </p><p></p><p>"That you must've dropped crumbs on yourself, if you spilled whiskey you'd use a hanky." Jake says in mock seriousness. "Of course if I ran my hand across your chest it would mean something different." </p><p></p><p>Ruby shakes her head and laughs. “No, you would think, I’d better get over there, she needs me NOW.” Ruby pauses and she smiles. “Right? And if I went like this,” she discreetly tugs at her ear, “That would mean, this guy is dangerous, be prepared, watch your back. And if I go like this,” she runs her fingers over her lips, “That means?” </p><p></p><p>"Err... chest means you need me now, ear means dangerous guy, so lips must mean.... " Jake scratches his beard a couple of times ".... Jake's an idiot and he still can't figure it out." </p><p></p><p>“Lips means come over here and give me a kiss!” Ruby laughs as she leans forward and kisses Jake. Then she leans back, sitting on her feet. “No, really, it means time to create a distraction or go along with a distraction I am creating. We just make up whatever signals we want Jake. We can’t have them be obvious or someone else will guess what they are too.” Ruby stops to ponder for a moment. "I think we should have more, what do you think?” </p><p></p><p>"You're right, pulling the ear to get me to listen is a bit too obvious" He rubs his eyes. "OK, it's early still but I'll ask my brain to start working." He sits up also. "But let's make a couple of things simple, I don't remember complicated stuff. Left hand for Jake, right hand for Ruby. So if you want me to create the diversion run the fingers of your left hand over your lips. Fingers of right hand means you are about to create one." Jake stretches his arms and yawns. "Seems to me we ought to have a 'we need to get the heck outta here' signal. We do a lot of that." </p><p></p><p>"Yeah, that signal is... if we see the other one running start running too," Ruby giggles. "Oh ok, I'll be serious. How about if we rub our neck? And if we do that we should pick a spot to meet in case we get separated. How about near our horses, just in case it's serious?" </p><p></p><p>"No, not rubbing the neck. I do that when I'm tired. Then you'd be hanging 'round the El Parador barn and pissed at me at least once a week." “You’re right I would be mad about that,” Ruby giggles. Jake thinks a moment. "How about adjusting your collar and clasping your hands, like this?" He demonstrates. "Yes, I agree. We should meet at the horses." “Sure,” she replies. </p><p></p><p>Ruby stops again to think before smiling. "Of course, you already know the "go with it" look very well. I'm just sorry you figured it out so quickly and it got us in all this marriage trouble." Ruby sighs and sits Indian style. </p><p></p><p>"Anyway, how about pay attention and check this person out? If we rub our wrist like this, " Ruby shows him, "Behind someone. What do you think? Can you think of something better?" </p><p>"No, that's good." Ruby gets serious for a minute. "Jake, did you ever do this before with anyone? Take the time to learn this stuff?" </p><p></p><p>"Not with a partner. I did learn some with a bunch of folks in Chicago. But those were specific to whatever scam they were pulling." Jake's eyes goes unfocused in thought for a moment before he looks back and laughs. "I was still pretty new to the whole art, and it didn't always go well. Funny though, it was how I started to learn to fast talk my way out of trouble." His smile fades as he looks her in the eyes and holds the gaze. "You?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby’s face remains serious. “Yes, I did this before. Except then it wasn’t my idea and was used to do dangerous things in dangerous situations. No one really suspects a pretty young face, well, until they catch you anyway. Back then when someone told me to do something I did it.” Ruby looks away from Jake’s gaze. “That seems like ages ago,” she says quietly. “Since this was my idea I’m assuming it’s for US, me and you, to get us OUT of dangerous situations, not get us in?” </p><p></p><p>Ruby lays back on the bed and stretches. “But we do work well together, don’t we? I feel like we can do anything we put our minds to, if we do it together. Sometimes I think you know what I'm thinking or feeling without me even telling you.” </p><p></p><p>"I do feel that way sometimes." Jake looks wistful, and then changes back to his familiar grin. "Of course other times I can tell exactly what you are thinking." He gives her leg a gentle slap. "All right, let’s review those signals again ....." </p><p></p><p><em>Back to the present….</em></p><p>After Kate told Jeff what was going on she took a few deep, calming breaths. Right now the man had no weapons, and he'd come in peacefully enough. "It might be nothing Jeff. He might just be here to see where we are, or he might be here for a drink and a hand of cards. You'd better go back out, they might need you." Kate sat down on a crate and rubbed her arms. "It's going to be a long night," she said to no one in particular and sat back to listen to the rain.</p><p></p><p>The stranger sits down in the remaining empty chair at Jake's table, sipping his whiskey and just watching. Helen wins $ 35 in the current hand. The stranger removes a $ 100 bill from his pocket and then looks up towards Jake. He says in a voice that barely hints of a Texas accent "Hello Sir, I am interested in joining your game tonight. My name is John Peters Ringo." Henry Weller exclaims "Johnny Ringo?" John turns towards him and says, "I'm known by that name, yes." </p><p></p><p>Al Brower asks "What brings you to Promise City?" Ringo replies, "I heard that a friend of mine was in the town jail, I came to visit him." </p><p></p><p>Helen says, "Deal him in Mr. Cook. His money looks as good as anyone." Ringo replies, "Yes Ma'am, that's true, although I must point out that I have a problem playing at the same table as you." She gives him a sharp look and with anger in her voice says, "You won't play cards with a woman?" He replies, "Your gender isn't the issue. My problem is the bulge in your right calf. It appears that you neglected to check you weapon at the door." </p><p></p><p>A long pause follows. She then stands, walks to the door, reaches down and into the slit in her long skirt and removes a pearl-handled revolver from her boot holster. She and hands it to Harry Rote to put away and then returns to the table.</p><p></p><p>"Welcome Mr. Ringo. If everyone is amenable we will switch to five card stud so we can handle eight hands. Two hole cards, high card showing starts the bidding." Jake smiles, introduces the folks around the table and deals him in.</p><p></p><p>Ruby wasn't sure if Jake had gotten her signal or not, but she thought it better to get out of Ringo's sight for the moment. She heads into the kitchen and sits next to Kate. "Well, Johnny Ringo just sat down to play cards with Jake and introduced himself as Johnny Ringo." Ruby runs her fingers through her hair and sighs. "This is going to be an interesting night I would say." She is quiet for a few moments while she thinks. </p><p></p><p>"I don't think he saw either of us. He knows you better than the rest of us, since you talked to him back in Tombstone. I only was in that jail for a few moments, but this," she pulls on her hair, "Might give me away. How many redheads you think are around these parts anyway?" she smiles nervously. "Maybe if I play dumb like I don't recognize him things will be ok. I should get back out there and sing. What's he going to do, shoot me in front of the whole saloon?" Ruby scrunches up her nose. I don't want to trap you in here but if things go wrong you can cast your spells from here in without people knowing what you're doing and putting your life at risk. What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>Katherine replies, "You don't really think he came in here by chance, do you Ruby?" Ruby answers, "No, I don't think he came in here by chance, although I'm not sure he saw us when he walked in. I'm not a mind reader, I don't know why he came here tonight, the very day after someone asked me to keep my eyes open for people like him showing up here, it's suspicious." </p><p></p><p>Kate's hand was steady as she took Ruby's, and her voice was calm. "Billy Claibourne didn't recognize me in those caves, even though he's seen me many times. Johnny Ringo recognized me after only seeing me once before in riding clothes, and probably from a distance. I have no doubt he has recognized both you and Jake by now. </p><p></p><p>But I don't think he's here to cause trouble. At least not tonight. I don't think I can stand to just sit here in Maria's way. And why should me life be at any less risk than yours?" She dropped her voice and whispered, "And Maria would see me using spells. And how would I even know when you need me?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "As for Maria, she used to work at the El Parador, remember? I'm not worried about her seeing spells. What I do worry about is you getting hurt. I'll leave what you do up to you. I'm going to go out and sing and you can come and play the piano or not. But whatever you do, be careful." Ruby squeezes her hand, then lets go. She smoothes her hair then stands up tall, squaring her shoulders. She adjusts her dress and satisfied she looks her best, heads back out to the main room and up to the stage. Kate stood up, gave herself a shake, and followed Ruby back out into the saloon where she sat down at the piano and began to play.</p><p></p><p>As Kate played for Ruby her eyes kept drifting over to Jake's table where Johnny Ringo had been dealt into the game. Out of jail and cleaned up, Kate could see how Tom had perhaps not realized what kind of man Ringo was. If she hadn't known better, she would have assumed he was an educated man and not a threat. And to be honest, Tom hadn't always been the best judge of character. </p><p></p><p>When Ruby finished her set Kate stayed at the piano and played a difficult classical piece, trying to keep her mind calm. When the piece ended she looked around the room and saw how busy it had gotten. Apparently Ruby's "death" had brought in patrons despite the rain. Reluctantly she stepped down and began serving drinks.</p><p></p><p>Kate had signaled the end of Ruby's set by starting to playing some classical music. Ruby knew it helped Kate stay calm, so she wasn't going to complain. Instead of doing too much talking she makes her way back out to the rain. She takes in a deep breath of the now cool air. She was worried about having Ringo at Jake's table, who knew what could go wrong. She sits on the railing for the second time that night and keeps one eye on the rain and one on Johnny Ringo.</p><p></p><p>Alfredo Garcia is clearly intimidated by Ringo and soon drops out of the game. Henry Weller's winning streak also comes to an abrupt end and he drops out after the fourth hand. After a total of eight hands Jake has won two, Neil Cassidy has won three, Ringo has won two, and Brower has won one. Helen's game is definitely off, but Jake isn't sure if it is because of Ringo, the whole George Eastman situation or the fact that she feels uncomfortable being unarmed. Conversation at the table has been at a minimum.</p><p></p><p>Most nights Kate would have left Tony Lucky's table for last, but tonight dealing with Mr. Lucky was the least of her concerns. She would have to take care of Jake's table sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. When the current hand ended she made her way over and cleaned up the glasses from the players who'd dropped out. </p><p></p><p>She nodded at the remaining players. "Mrs. Barker, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Brower, the usual? Something for you, Sir?" Kate finished with a quick glance at Ringo. He replies, "A good book would be nice." Without missing a beat she replies, "I'm afraid you're in the wrong establishment for books, Sir. If you're not thirsty I'll fill these other orders," she said and headed over to the bar.</p><p></p><p>With Luna perched on her shoulder, Minerva has spent the evening sipping her drink while wandering the room and listening to the general buzz and chatter of conversation. She is playing a little game she thinks of as "Who's Who". She is very aware of her surroundings and is enjoying the interactions of the crowd, attempting to make connections and decide what she thinks various people are up to. </p><p></p><p>Looking toward the door she saw a man enter the saloon and head for Jake's table. A flustered Ruby and Kate enter behind him and rush into the kitchen. What are those two up to now? she sighs, but decides not to interfere, shaking her head she thinks, Those two always have their heads in a noose about something.. </p><p></p><p>She continues to wander the room, keeping an eye on the kitchen door, and stops to observe the card playing table from a distance. Jake is announcing a new game and there seems to be some unpleasant interaction between the new stranger and George Eastman's cousin. Remembering what Senor Jake said about every player giving something away, she discreetly watches the players actions and eyes trying to guess correctly whether or not they are bluffing and what is going on between the players. </p><p></p><p>She notices that Ruby and Kate are still looking nervous when they come out of the kitchen, and although she had planned to go home and prepare an enlightening sermon for Sunday, Minerva decides that perhaps she should stay and keep a watchful eye on her friends. Eyes and ears alert she continues the evening playing her game of "Who's Who" while perusing the crowd and listening to the music. </p><p></p><p>Minerva waits for Ruby to finish her set and follows her out to the porch. "Hola Ruby. Que pasa ? (what's up?)" Minerva places her hands on the rail and inhales deeply "I do love the smell of rain. Don't you ?" Ruby turns away from the rain to glance at her friend, but only for a moment. "Si, I do love the rain, the look, the smell, the feel of it. I'm hoping it will still be raining later tonight so I can enjoy it the way I want to." </p><p></p><p>Ruby can tell Minerva is looking at her questioningly and she smiles. Quietly she leans towards her, "Have you ever heard of Johnny Ringo?" She looks around to make sure no one is close enough to listen, "Of course you have, everyone has. He is rumored to be the head of the Cowboy Gang now. Well, we had a little, um, incident with him a few months ago." Still sitting on the railing, Ruby sits back against the support. "He just walked into our saloon and is playing cards with Jake."</p><p></p><p>"No, but he does seem to be making everyone at the card table extremely uncomfortable, and I can see that both you and Kate are quite worried by his appearance. Are you expecting trouble?” Minerva places her hand on Ruby's arm and reassures her. "I shall be close by if you find that you need my assistance."</p><p></p><p>"I don't know what to expect," Ruby sighs. "I really need a drink right now." She hops off the railing. "Thank you for the offer of your assistance. I hope we don't need it." She puts the smile back on her face. "Let's go back in. We can enjoy the rain later." She takes Minerva by the arm and they walk back inside. </p><p></p><p>Ruby introduces Minerva to a few of their regular customers. Some already know of her from her sermon on Sunday. Finally, she takes her to Jake's table. They stop near Helen and Ruby nods a hello. "How is George?" she asks, keeping her eyes off Mr. Ringo.</p><p></p><p>Ignoring Ruby, Helen stares at Jake until he makes eye contact. She then says, "Mr. Cook, I for one take my poker playing very seriously. If you can't keep your saloon help from interrupting card games that are in progress I'm afraid that I will have to find somewhere else to play."</p><p></p><p><strong>"Saloon help?"</strong> Ruby snaps back, as her hazel eyes start to narrow and grow cloudy.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2724772, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 73, “The Stranger“, Friday, March 17th, 1882, 9:00 P.M.[/B] Katherine and Ruby are finishing up their conversation when a man rides up. He has on a leather long coat and wide-brimmed hat which are deflecting most of the rain. He hitches up his horse and walks inside. Ruby and Kate both notice his face, clean-shaven except for a neatly cropped mustache, short hair neatly cut, and deep dark eyes. He ignores the women and walks directly into the saloon. "The silent type. We should probably head in and see what the tall, dark stranger wants." Kate paused a moment. "You know, that face was familiar. The horse even more so. Come on, Ruby, let's go see who he is." Ruby furrows her brows for a moment. "He looks familiar to me too. You said you recognize his horse? Strange." Ruby hops off the railing. "Yes, let's go. I should ask Mrs. Barker," Ruby says snidely, "How George is. The sooner he leaves Promise City the better for all of us." Ruby takes Kate hand and they head back inside. Ruby heads to the bar and looks around for the stranger. The stranger has just finished taking off his gunbelt, a revolver on each side, and hands the belt over to Luc. He then removes the coat and hat, hands them to Luc as well, and says, "Find somewhere warm to let these dry out and there will be a dollar in it for you." He has on a tailored three-piece chocolate brown suit over a tan cotton shirt with a western style tie. With the exception of this man's well-worn and still wet cowboy boots his wardrobe could double for something of Conrad Booth's. The stranger gets himself a whiskey from Niles Hoover. Kate gets a better look now at the man's face inside of the well lit Saloon and she freezes up. "Oh no. No, no, no," Kate whispered. She followed Ruby woodenly over toward the bar and laid her suddenly cold hand on her friends arm. Katherine whispered in Ruby's ear, "Johnny Ringo. He knows us, you, me and Jake from the rustlers caves. Why is he here? Why isn't he in Tombstone?" "Kate," Ruby whispered, "Stay calm. He might not have noticed us yet, he didn't seem to on the way in. Listen, go in the kitchen, quietly take Jeff with you and tell him what is going on. And stay in there but keep your eyes and ears open." Ruby looks at Kate seriously, "Now's not the time to argue, he knows you better than the rest of us, GO." Ruby gives her a little push. Luckily Jeff was already standing near the kitchen. Ruby casually walks over to Jake's table. She stands across from where he is sitting and bends forward slightly. That always gets his attention, she laughs to herself. Jake does look up and when he does Ruby discreetly tugs on her ear and earring. Jake nods and she starts walking back across the room, closer to where Ringo is standing. She makes sure to catch Jake's eye, makes sure Ringo isn't looking at her, then ever so slightly nods towards Ringo. The gunfighter turns and walks directly towards Jake's poker table. Ruby makes sure to get herself out of the view of Johnny Ringo as he walks towards Jake. Kate walked over to Jeff Mills. "Can you give me a hand in the kitchen please, Jeff?" She slipped into the kitchen and walked to the back door, hopefully out of Maria's hearing. "Jeff, you know Jake, Ruby and I had some exciting times when we first came here. That day we brought Maggie those bed frames from the cattle rustlers caves? That man who just came in is Johnny Ringo. We didn't see him, but he was there that day. He saw the three of us and Nanuet. We don't know why he's here. Ruby wants me to stay in here, but she wanted you to know what was going on." Ruby knew that Jake would get the signal she had just given him, the ones they had worked so hard on... [I]Flashback.... February 16, 1882 [/I] While they are lying in bed one day Ruby looks like she is preoccupied. “What are you thinking about?” Jake asks as he strokes her hair. “Oh, just thinking about all the trouble we get into. I have been thinking lately that we should have some sort of signals, so we know if we need help, you know things like that. What do you think?” Jake looks confused so Ruby sits up. “Ok, so if I’m standing across the room and you see me going like this,” she quickly runs her fingers of her right hand across her chest from left to right, “What are you going to think?” "That you must've dropped crumbs on yourself, if you spilled whiskey you'd use a hanky." Jake says in mock seriousness. "Of course if I ran my hand across your chest it would mean something different." Ruby shakes her head and laughs. “No, you would think, I’d better get over there, she needs me NOW.” Ruby pauses and she smiles. “Right? And if I went like this,” she discreetly tugs at her ear, “That would mean, this guy is dangerous, be prepared, watch your back. And if I go like this,” she runs her fingers over her lips, “That means?” "Err... chest means you need me now, ear means dangerous guy, so lips must mean.... " Jake scratches his beard a couple of times ".... Jake's an idiot and he still can't figure it out." “Lips means come over here and give me a kiss!” Ruby laughs as she leans forward and kisses Jake. Then she leans back, sitting on her feet. “No, really, it means time to create a distraction or go along with a distraction I am creating. We just make up whatever signals we want Jake. We can’t have them be obvious or someone else will guess what they are too.” Ruby stops to ponder for a moment. "I think we should have more, what do you think?” "You're right, pulling the ear to get me to listen is a bit too obvious" He rubs his eyes. "OK, it's early still but I'll ask my brain to start working." He sits up also. "But let's make a couple of things simple, I don't remember complicated stuff. Left hand for Jake, right hand for Ruby. So if you want me to create the diversion run the fingers of your left hand over your lips. Fingers of right hand means you are about to create one." Jake stretches his arms and yawns. "Seems to me we ought to have a 'we need to get the heck outta here' signal. We do a lot of that." "Yeah, that signal is... if we see the other one running start running too," Ruby giggles. "Oh ok, I'll be serious. How about if we rub our neck? And if we do that we should pick a spot to meet in case we get separated. How about near our horses, just in case it's serious?" "No, not rubbing the neck. I do that when I'm tired. Then you'd be hanging 'round the El Parador barn and pissed at me at least once a week." “You’re right I would be mad about that,” Ruby giggles. Jake thinks a moment. "How about adjusting your collar and clasping your hands, like this?" He demonstrates. "Yes, I agree. We should meet at the horses." “Sure,” she replies. Ruby stops again to think before smiling. "Of course, you already know the "go with it" look very well. I'm just sorry you figured it out so quickly and it got us in all this marriage trouble." Ruby sighs and sits Indian style. "Anyway, how about pay attention and check this person out? If we rub our wrist like this, " Ruby shows him, "Behind someone. What do you think? Can you think of something better?" "No, that's good." Ruby gets serious for a minute. "Jake, did you ever do this before with anyone? Take the time to learn this stuff?" "Not with a partner. I did learn some with a bunch of folks in Chicago. But those were specific to whatever scam they were pulling." Jake's eyes goes unfocused in thought for a moment before he looks back and laughs. "I was still pretty new to the whole art, and it didn't always go well. Funny though, it was how I started to learn to fast talk my way out of trouble." His smile fades as he looks her in the eyes and holds the gaze. "You?" Ruby’s face remains serious. “Yes, I did this before. Except then it wasn’t my idea and was used to do dangerous things in dangerous situations. No one really suspects a pretty young face, well, until they catch you anyway. Back then when someone told me to do something I did it.” Ruby looks away from Jake’s gaze. “That seems like ages ago,” she says quietly. “Since this was my idea I’m assuming it’s for US, me and you, to get us OUT of dangerous situations, not get us in?” Ruby lays back on the bed and stretches. “But we do work well together, don’t we? I feel like we can do anything we put our minds to, if we do it together. Sometimes I think you know what I'm thinking or feeling without me even telling you.” "I do feel that way sometimes." Jake looks wistful, and then changes back to his familiar grin. "Of course other times I can tell exactly what you are thinking." He gives her leg a gentle slap. "All right, let’s review those signals again ....." [I]Back to the present….[/I] After Kate told Jeff what was going on she took a few deep, calming breaths. Right now the man had no weapons, and he'd come in peacefully enough. "It might be nothing Jeff. He might just be here to see where we are, or he might be here for a drink and a hand of cards. You'd better go back out, they might need you." Kate sat down on a crate and rubbed her arms. "It's going to be a long night," she said to no one in particular and sat back to listen to the rain. The stranger sits down in the remaining empty chair at Jake's table, sipping his whiskey and just watching. Helen wins $ 35 in the current hand. The stranger removes a $ 100 bill from his pocket and then looks up towards Jake. He says in a voice that barely hints of a Texas accent "Hello Sir, I am interested in joining your game tonight. My name is John Peters Ringo." Henry Weller exclaims "Johnny Ringo?" John turns towards him and says, "I'm known by that name, yes." Al Brower asks "What brings you to Promise City?" Ringo replies, "I heard that a friend of mine was in the town jail, I came to visit him." Helen says, "Deal him in Mr. Cook. His money looks as good as anyone." Ringo replies, "Yes Ma'am, that's true, although I must point out that I have a problem playing at the same table as you." She gives him a sharp look and with anger in her voice says, "You won't play cards with a woman?" He replies, "Your gender isn't the issue. My problem is the bulge in your right calf. It appears that you neglected to check you weapon at the door." A long pause follows. She then stands, walks to the door, reaches down and into the slit in her long skirt and removes a pearl-handled revolver from her boot holster. She and hands it to Harry Rote to put away and then returns to the table. "Welcome Mr. Ringo. If everyone is amenable we will switch to five card stud so we can handle eight hands. Two hole cards, high card showing starts the bidding." Jake smiles, introduces the folks around the table and deals him in. Ruby wasn't sure if Jake had gotten her signal or not, but she thought it better to get out of Ringo's sight for the moment. She heads into the kitchen and sits next to Kate. "Well, Johnny Ringo just sat down to play cards with Jake and introduced himself as Johnny Ringo." Ruby runs her fingers through her hair and sighs. "This is going to be an interesting night I would say." She is quiet for a few moments while she thinks. "I don't think he saw either of us. He knows you better than the rest of us, since you talked to him back in Tombstone. I only was in that jail for a few moments, but this," she pulls on her hair, "Might give me away. How many redheads you think are around these parts anyway?" she smiles nervously. "Maybe if I play dumb like I don't recognize him things will be ok. I should get back out there and sing. What's he going to do, shoot me in front of the whole saloon?" Ruby scrunches up her nose. I don't want to trap you in here but if things go wrong you can cast your spells from here in without people knowing what you're doing and putting your life at risk. What do you think?" Katherine replies, "You don't really think he came in here by chance, do you Ruby?" Ruby answers, "No, I don't think he came in here by chance, although I'm not sure he saw us when he walked in. I'm not a mind reader, I don't know why he came here tonight, the very day after someone asked me to keep my eyes open for people like him showing up here, it's suspicious." Kate's hand was steady as she took Ruby's, and her voice was calm. "Billy Claibourne didn't recognize me in those caves, even though he's seen me many times. Johnny Ringo recognized me after only seeing me once before in riding clothes, and probably from a distance. I have no doubt he has recognized both you and Jake by now. But I don't think he's here to cause trouble. At least not tonight. I don't think I can stand to just sit here in Maria's way. And why should me life be at any less risk than yours?" She dropped her voice and whispered, "And Maria would see me using spells. And how would I even know when you need me?" Ruby says, "As for Maria, she used to work at the El Parador, remember? I'm not worried about her seeing spells. What I do worry about is you getting hurt. I'll leave what you do up to you. I'm going to go out and sing and you can come and play the piano or not. But whatever you do, be careful." Ruby squeezes her hand, then lets go. She smoothes her hair then stands up tall, squaring her shoulders. She adjusts her dress and satisfied she looks her best, heads back out to the main room and up to the stage. Kate stood up, gave herself a shake, and followed Ruby back out into the saloon where she sat down at the piano and began to play. As Kate played for Ruby her eyes kept drifting over to Jake's table where Johnny Ringo had been dealt into the game. Out of jail and cleaned up, Kate could see how Tom had perhaps not realized what kind of man Ringo was. If she hadn't known better, she would have assumed he was an educated man and not a threat. And to be honest, Tom hadn't always been the best judge of character. When Ruby finished her set Kate stayed at the piano and played a difficult classical piece, trying to keep her mind calm. When the piece ended she looked around the room and saw how busy it had gotten. Apparently Ruby's "death" had brought in patrons despite the rain. Reluctantly she stepped down and began serving drinks. Kate had signaled the end of Ruby's set by starting to playing some classical music. Ruby knew it helped Kate stay calm, so she wasn't going to complain. Instead of doing too much talking she makes her way back out to the rain. She takes in a deep breath of the now cool air. She was worried about having Ringo at Jake's table, who knew what could go wrong. She sits on the railing for the second time that night and keeps one eye on the rain and one on Johnny Ringo. Alfredo Garcia is clearly intimidated by Ringo and soon drops out of the game. Henry Weller's winning streak also comes to an abrupt end and he drops out after the fourth hand. After a total of eight hands Jake has won two, Neil Cassidy has won three, Ringo has won two, and Brower has won one. Helen's game is definitely off, but Jake isn't sure if it is because of Ringo, the whole George Eastman situation or the fact that she feels uncomfortable being unarmed. Conversation at the table has been at a minimum. Most nights Kate would have left Tony Lucky's table for last, but tonight dealing with Mr. Lucky was the least of her concerns. She would have to take care of Jake's table sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. When the current hand ended she made her way over and cleaned up the glasses from the players who'd dropped out. She nodded at the remaining players. "Mrs. Barker, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Brower, the usual? Something for you, Sir?" Kate finished with a quick glance at Ringo. He replies, "A good book would be nice." Without missing a beat she replies, "I'm afraid you're in the wrong establishment for books, Sir. If you're not thirsty I'll fill these other orders," she said and headed over to the bar. With Luna perched on her shoulder, Minerva has spent the evening sipping her drink while wandering the room and listening to the general buzz and chatter of conversation. She is playing a little game she thinks of as "Who's Who". She is very aware of her surroundings and is enjoying the interactions of the crowd, attempting to make connections and decide what she thinks various people are up to. Looking toward the door she saw a man enter the saloon and head for Jake's table. A flustered Ruby and Kate enter behind him and rush into the kitchen. What are those two up to now? she sighs, but decides not to interfere, shaking her head she thinks, Those two always have their heads in a noose about something.. She continues to wander the room, keeping an eye on the kitchen door, and stops to observe the card playing table from a distance. Jake is announcing a new game and there seems to be some unpleasant interaction between the new stranger and George Eastman's cousin. Remembering what Senor Jake said about every player giving something away, she discreetly watches the players actions and eyes trying to guess correctly whether or not they are bluffing and what is going on between the players. She notices that Ruby and Kate are still looking nervous when they come out of the kitchen, and although she had planned to go home and prepare an enlightening sermon for Sunday, Minerva decides that perhaps she should stay and keep a watchful eye on her friends. Eyes and ears alert she continues the evening playing her game of "Who's Who" while perusing the crowd and listening to the music. Minerva waits for Ruby to finish her set and follows her out to the porch. "Hola Ruby. Que pasa ? (what's up?)" Minerva places her hands on the rail and inhales deeply "I do love the smell of rain. Don't you ?" Ruby turns away from the rain to glance at her friend, but only for a moment. "Si, I do love the rain, the look, the smell, the feel of it. I'm hoping it will still be raining later tonight so I can enjoy it the way I want to." Ruby can tell Minerva is looking at her questioningly and she smiles. Quietly she leans towards her, "Have you ever heard of Johnny Ringo?" She looks around to make sure no one is close enough to listen, "Of course you have, everyone has. He is rumored to be the head of the Cowboy Gang now. Well, we had a little, um, incident with him a few months ago." Still sitting on the railing, Ruby sits back against the support. "He just walked into our saloon and is playing cards with Jake." "No, but he does seem to be making everyone at the card table extremely uncomfortable, and I can see that both you and Kate are quite worried by his appearance. Are you expecting trouble?” Minerva places her hand on Ruby's arm and reassures her. "I shall be close by if you find that you need my assistance." "I don't know what to expect," Ruby sighs. "I really need a drink right now." She hops off the railing. "Thank you for the offer of your assistance. I hope we don't need it." She puts the smile back on her face. "Let's go back in. We can enjoy the rain later." She takes Minerva by the arm and they walk back inside. Ruby introduces Minerva to a few of their regular customers. Some already know of her from her sermon on Sunday. Finally, she takes her to Jake's table. They stop near Helen and Ruby nods a hello. "How is George?" she asks, keeping her eyes off Mr. Ringo. Ignoring Ruby, Helen stares at Jake until he makes eye contact. She then says, "Mr. Cook, I for one take my poker playing very seriously. If you can't keep your saloon help from interrupting card games that are in progress I'm afraid that I will have to find somewhere else to play." [B]"Saloon help?"[/B] Ruby snaps back, as her hazel eyes start to narrow and grow cloudy. [/QUOTE]
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