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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813777" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 108, “A Letter from California”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:00 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Kate made sure Nanuet was comfortable, then took Ginnie downstairs. They raided the pantry a bit and sat together downstairs at the Lucky Lady. Kate swallowed and looked at the girl. "Ginnie, I'm sorry. I've neglected you lately. I know you don't want a mother, you had your own. You're an independent girl and I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, so I've tried to let you do that as much as I can. Maybe a little too much. I don't want to restrict you, but for the next few weeks at least we must keep very close track of each other." </p><p></p><p>Ginnie replies, “Ma'am Kate I need to take a looks at those books that Johnny Ringo wanted and I need to see if I can read them. The only way I'm going to be safe is to learn the magic that seems to scare you so much even though you use it yourself. I learned that you can only fight and stay safe when you understand and can use your enemies strengths against them, and where the cowboy gang and Johnny Ringo is concerned that means I need an edge that they won't expect and that is magic. Right now he thinks of me as a slightly flighty 8-year-old empty-headed little girl because I didn't trust him and that is what he expects from me because that is what I wanted him to see but I need more than that. I'll stay where you know where I am and not get into a place where there can be any danger that I can't handle but I need to learn the magic too. </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "It's not that I'm afraid of the magic Ginnie, I'm afraid of what can happen if you get caught using it. And I'm not a competent teacher for you yet; I barely know what I'm doing myself. My teacher has been away lately, so I haven't been able to discuss your education with him. Perhaps we can start with some small things, hopefully they will be enough. I hope you'll never have to deal with any of the Cowboys, a foolish hope I suppose. I have a few of the books here, why don't we take a look at them?" </p><p></p><p>As Ruby gets closer to the jail, her eyes grow stormy and she starts to clench her jaw, thinking about what she has to do. She enters the porch of the jail, she reaches down and grabs her gun off her leg. She stomps into the jail and thrusts her gun at Rodriquez, who has a shocked look on his face, and leaves it his hands. </p><p></p><p>She continues on her path and before he knows it Ruby reaches through the bars of the cell and grabs Gifford by the collar, pulling him roughly up against the cold metal. "Now Mr. Gifford you and I are going to have a little chat," she spits out, "And this time you are going to cooperate, you understand? You want to know why? Right now my friends and me are the only reason you are still alive. The man who came in here and threatened you is dead, for shooting someone I care about very much, so I'm not in the mood to be nice." She lets him loose slightly before banging him up against the bars again. "Oh, I'm sure they'll send someone else here to finish the job, you know I'm right. You and I now have a common enemy. The way I see it, we're your only hope of getting out of here alive you little weasel, so start spilling." </p><p></p><p>He glares at her and says "Go to Hades! Only a few of those guys want me gone and you just said you killed one of those. I've got lots of friends who will take care of me." "Oh sure, this coming from the guy who was just crying to get you out of here." Ruby lets go of his collar with a push. </p><p></p><p>"Marshall, how much is Mr. Gifford's bail?" she asks without turning her gaze away from him. "There's a few other friends waiting out there for him," Ruby laughs viciously. "It IS too bad you gave away the location of the farmhouse. All your friends who were there are DEAD and now certain other friends of yours are a bit ticked about it." </p><p></p><p>Rodriguez replies, "The Judge left town before he was captured and only he can set bail. This guy is here for several weeks until the Judge comes back." Ruby replies, "Oh yes, I remember. The judge is my friend, he told me he was leaving at dinner the other night. Too bad Mr. Gifford, you won't be alive when he returns." </p><p></p><p>Ruby turns her back to him and glances at the floor when Ringo had been. Jake had asked her to check out the bloodstain on the floor. After she looks it over for a few moments, she looks back to Rodriquez. "I suppose the war has begun Mr. Rodriquez." She leans in closer to the Marshal. "Jake wanted me to warn you about Hunter. We have reason to suspect he has links to the Cowboy Gang. Don't trust him." She stands up straight again and continues loudly, "And if Mr. Gifford decides he likes his life and wants to talk to me, you know where to find me." </p><p></p><p>Ruby leaves the jail and casually walks over to the Gay Lady. She orders a drink at the bar then asks to speak with Madge. Miss Duprey joins her and they have a conversation about what has been going on with the Cowboy Gang. Afterwards Madge shows Ruby around the Gay Lady, showing her the many improvements she has made to the place. She concludes by saying "While to doesn't compare to where I worked in New Orleans, I have come to love it here." </p><p></p><p>"Oh! I forgot to tell you... I took a trip to New Orleans with Mr. Gonzales. What a wonderful city! We went to the place you used to work and met your old boss. Kate had to translate for me though, I don't speak French, yet anyway. We danced most of the night away. But Madge, you HAVE done a wonderful job here, this is just the kind of place I would like to have one day. And I'm glad you are here or we might not have met." </p><p></p><p>"On another topic... I told the new priestess that I would help her with her festival. I'm hoping you and your girls could help out. We can sing and or dance, family style, of course," Ruby laughs, "Or Minerva mentioned a Greek play of some sort? I'm up for anything. Would you be interested in helping out? The festival will be two weeks from today, I believe." </p><p></p><p>"Of course, ma petite soeur aux cheveux rouge, anything you need or want that I can do for you. Please let me know." Ruby smiles and gives Madge a hug and kiss on each cheek. "Thank you so much. I really needed your advice." With that she heads out the door and back to the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Her two fur balls greet her on the porch and she takes a moment to pet them both. Once she enters she asks Harry if anyone is around and he tells her Kate and Ginnie are in the kitchen. Ruby heads there and finds the two picking at some food. She hops up on the counter and helps herself to some cheese off Kate's plate. "So, are you two alright from earlier? How about Nanuet and Minerva, have you checked on them lately?" </p><p></p><p>"You've not even been gone a half-hour Ruby. I haven't wanted to disturb them. I'm sure they're fine but we can go up and check if you like. I'm alright, and more importantly Ginnie is safe," Kate said with a fond smile. "I wasn't hurt at all, though I had a very unpleasant conversation with Johnny Ringo. I came out of the El Parador just in time to see Nanuet shot, then the shooter took aim at me. I ducked back inside, I don't know why he didn't shoot, I didn't think I was that fast. I didn't have my pistol so I couldn't shoot back." Kate shook her head. "But it's all over, for now at least." </p><p></p><p>"Johnny Ringo, right. Ginnie, why don't you go play with the puppies?" Ruby says in a tone that is more telling than asking. Ginnie rolls her eyes but moves off to the side a bit to pet them. Ruby continues quietly. "Don't get too upset, Kate, I don't think anything will come of it, but Ringo was in the jail trying to blame Morgan Earp's death on you. Something about Ringo looking for you, you and your horse being gone during the same period of time, how you were then back in the morning, that you had the motive and to check your gun for signs of being fired. I don't think Marshal Rodriquez believed him so I wouldn't be too worried but I wanted to let you know. Even before that Jake had told Warren where we went, although I'm not sure if he specifically mentioned who was there or not." She picks again off Kate's plate and starts swinging her legs. "Like I said, I wouldn't worry about it too much at this point. Let's see what Jake has to say when he gets back." </p><p></p><p>Kate closed her eyes for a moment. "And to think, just a day or two ago he was offering me Morgan Earp's head. It's easily disproved even if Marshall Rodriguez does look into the accusation. They all saw me come into the El Parador last night after seven, I saw Ginnie upstairs in our room and then went to bed. Morgan was shot around ten o'clock I think, and Ginnie would have come back up to go to sleep by midnight or one. There is no way I could have made the trip. </p><p>I haven't really had the chance to think about the fact that he's dead, Ruby. It's so mixed up with other things I don't know what to feel." </p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, "I'm sure you are. But once you narrow it down to the fact he killed your husband... well, there isn't much sympathy there. Unfortunately, Ringo is forcing us to work with his brothers now," Ruby rolls her eyes. "Maybe they aren't as bad as we think?" Ruby says almost questioningly before shaking her head. "I know what you mean about feeling mixed up. I'm not having a good couple of days myself," she sighs. </p><p></p><p>"I know," Kate said, hugging Ruby. "And I don't see it getting any easier any time soon. But I'm tired of being pushed and blackmailed, and I'll be damned if I'll let them defeat me. I've come too far and worked too hard to give up, as terrified as I am." She pushed a lock of hair away from Ruby's face. "And I know you don't like being defeated any more than I do. Do you want to talk about what's mixing you up?" Kate asked, glancing over at Ginnie, whose ears she was sure were perked up and taking in everything. </p><p></p><p>"There's nothing to talk about really. I'm just tired of getting shot at and having my friends and people I love shot at and almost dying, them and especially me." Ruby shrugs. "Oh but hey, Jake wanted me to give this to you," she says reaching down her bodice. "A letter. He wants you to read it out loud to everyone, says you need to practice for your teaching days," Ruby laughs. She holds the letter out to Kate. </p><p></p><p>Kate took the letter from Ruby and glanced at the envelope. "Oh, from Maggie! I've been wondering how she's getting along. I've been terrible about writing, I keep intending to and then something distracts me. I hope Jake won't mind if I read it to myself first," she laughed. "Reading it out loud goes better if you've already read it once or twice, you know," she finished and eagerly pulled out the folded pages to read. Her eyes moved quickly down the page, and although she knew it wasn't the point she was pleased to see how excited Maggie might have been to see Kate there. "My twin has been busy, but happy from the sound of it. Jake doesn't mind this being read aloud? Some of it is rather personal." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs again. "He won't mind believe me." Ruby's thoughts drift to the day she stole his letters and read them and she pulls on her hair. "It takes a lot more than that to bother Jake." Ruby smiles as Kate reads the letter. "Jake gave it to me and said to give it to you to read out loud. And I guess he doesn't mind any longer talking about his sister. Did he ever tell you about her?" </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "Only a little bit. He showed me her picture, and explained who she was. She and I are very alike, it seems, in more than appearance. He seemed uncomfortable talking about her; I think he loves her very much. He didn't say much about her, just let me see her picture." </p><p></p><p>"He does love her very much." Ruby sits quietly for a for moments. "I don't know what he would want you to know but I guess since he's passing out the letter he might not mind talking about her anymore..." Ruby's voice trails off as she considers what to say next. "Well, he left his family and home because he was protecting her." Ruby smiles. "As much as Jake wants us to think he's a scoundrel he's a good man. I wish I had someone like that to take care of and love me." </p><p></p><p>"You do, Ruby," Kate said in a mild voice. "You have that very same man loving and caring for you. Not to mention me," she teased. "I've been saying Jake is a good man for months, but we'll keep playing along with his scoundrel game." </p><p></p><p>Ruby answers, "Oh, he cares for me, for sure. And we're working on the love part, I hope I can get him to realize it. I don't ever want to lose him." Ruby continues to swing her legs and play with her hair. "I don't know what Jake would do if he actually realized he wasn't as much a scoundrel as he thinks he is. We'd better let him keep his illusions," Ruby laughs. </p><p></p><p>"He'll grow out of them someday," Kate laughed. "Now, if you're not going to rest yourself, lets go back out in the front room. Ginnie and I were looking at those books Ringo wanted, she can actually read them, thank goodness. And I can start you on a little French. Ginnie, let's get back to our studying while we wait for Jake and Chester to get back." </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "He'll grow out of them someday," Kate laughed. "Now, if you're not going to rest yourself, lets go back out in the front room. Ginnie and I were looking at those books Ringo wanted, she can actually read them, thank goodness. And I can start you on a little French. </p><p></p><p>Ginnie, let's get back to our studying while we wait for Jake and Chester to get back." Kate was hesitant to agree. Miss Duprey was a stranger to her and as much as her nature resisted it, she had begun to accept that people could not always be taken at face value and trusted. Still, Ruby was persistent, and reminded her that Mr. Gonzales had recommended the woman as a teacher. Finally Kate agreed and the three took the books and left the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Ruby led the way and soon Kate was being introduced to Miss Duprey. "Miss West said you were interested in these volumes. We have a bit of time if you'd like to take a look." Madge looks over the books "Oh, these are in Latin. I'm afraid I cannot read it. Many French words are Latin in origin, but not enough for me to make sense of." "Yes, I also read French, and I can't get much out of them myself. Ginnie can read them," Kate said smiling fondly at the girl, "But Ruby seemed to think you might have something else to offer. I apologize if we've disturbed you." </p><p></p><p>She says, "It is quite all right. Come by the Gay Lady sometime, we put on quite the show." Kate replies, "Yes, I've heard so from more than one person. The trouble with working at a saloon is you rarely get to stop by another, but perhaps I will find time soon. Thank you, we should be getting back. Have a good night, Miss Duprey." </p><p></p><p>Kate led Ruby and Ginnie back to the Lucky Lady, feeling rather foolish. Ruby must not have told her the books were in Latin, or she had some other reason for wanting Kate to go there. Once they returned to the Lady they settled into a corner table. Ginnie plunged into the Latin texts, and Kate began to patiently school Ruby in the very basics of the French language. </p><p></p><p>After a while Ruby loses interest in her French lessons. "I wonder when Jake is getting back," Ruby says while looking at the door. She continues to glance at the door every so often and barely notices when Kate has stopped the lesson and is staring at Ruby. "I was never good at lessons," Ruby says sheepishly, "Sorry. I do still feel a bit tired, maybe I should rest for a little while. You will stay, right?" </p><p></p><p>"I'll stay," she said gently. "I think you might need the immersion method of learning a language. I just speak it around you until you start to understand," she teased. "Go get some rest, Ginnie and I will work on these books. Oh, ah, I might need to send a note, is there someone who could take it for me, do you think?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby giggles, "Well, I know a few french words and phrases I learned that way, but we don't repeat them in polite society." She giggles again. "Yes, I will go and rest. I don't think I fully caught up after yesterday and I'm tired." As she speaks she rubs her shoulder but she catches herself and stops. "Yes, you can ask Harry to deliver your letter, or Jeff if he shows up. I'm sure either of them would be glad to do it," Ruby says with a yawn. "Make yourself at home, use a room or whatever you need." She gives Kate and Ginnie a small smile. "I'll see you soon." </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads upstairs and this time changes out of her dress and clothes and into the closest of Jake's shirts on the floor. She climbs onto to the bed, not bothering to get under the covers. She stretches her long legs out, rolls onto her belly and is asleep before her head hits the pillow. </p><p>Kate scratched out a new note for Conrad Booth, giving up on the one that she had crushed in her hand when she ran out of the El Parador earlier. She said only that she was needed by her friends tonight and could not go to the Long Branch. After a bit of thought she penned another for Dorita. She had probably frightened her earlier, then had not come back to explain. She gave both to Harry Rote and asked him to take them to the El Parador. </p><p></p><p>Once she was finished she turned to Ginnie and asked, "Well, what's the verdict on the books?" After Ruby walks upstairs and Ginnie is sure she is out of earshot she looks at Kate and sighs. </p><p></p><p>"Ma'am Kate I told both you and Ruby I could read those books but it seems you were the only one who actually heard me say it. And the next time Ruby tells me to "go play with the puppies" I'm going to let her know that I don't like dogs, I like them even less than horses and I don't like horses either. I've heard every one of the conversations and there is a good chance that my life may depend on the things she thinks aren't important enough for me to know or I'm not old enough for. </p><p></p><p>I'm glad she trusts the woman she brought us to because she thought she could read the books but I'm really glad that she couldn't read these. There is a lot of things in a couple of them that could be very useful and very dangerous if Johnny Ringo had gotten his hands on them or for that matter anyone who had a thirst for power and the ability to use magic. </p><p></p><p>One book talks all about spell components in this area and is definitely something I need to study more as I want to make sure I fully understand what I'm reading. It also is something I think we're going to need if we're going to keep the magic use quiet. Being a young girl is great cover for going to pick pretty flowers and interesting things and I think that we're going to need a source of components that is more reliable than trying to buy them from people hiding the fact that they understand how magic works. </p><p></p><p>The other books talks something about a hidden wood elven village where the people were wiped out by small pox. The man who wrote it talked about how they used magic he wasn't used to but he really didn't seem to understand what that actually meant. I need to work on that one some more too. Four are history texts that Ringo would have cared less about but are good practice and not a bad bunch of stories. "Two are very important for you" Ginnie says with a smirk "because they will help teach you in beginning Latin. We can start YOUR lessons later." </p><p></p><p>We need to make sure that the first two I told you about are safe when I'm not working on them. And we might want to keep this quiet until I'm sure about what I read. I can just see people wanting to head off on a grand adventure if they think there are magic toys to be played with and I want to make sure I'm prepared before we get ourselves into that situation. I think that a nap might be a good idea I want to look at these books with fresh eyes and right now I'm a little tired. </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "The place where we keep the books is very safe. No one who shouldn't see them can find them. You just have to ask me when you want one and I can get it for you. I don't want to be mysterious with you about where they are, but this secret is not mine to tell." With a little laugh she said, "As for Latin lessons, I am certainly in need. Hopefully you'll have more luck with that than with teaching me to sew. </p><p></p><p>Mr. Booth knows a great deal about the local plants as well. Between him, my teacher, and this volume we should be able to get what we need. And I have some excuse for plant gathering myself. I've made some study of Chemistry, which I've hoped to get back to soon. Plants are used in those studies as well." </p><p></p><p>Kate neatly piled the books up. "I was surprised when Ruby asked you to go play with the puppies. Usually she is the one telling me you are old enough to handle things. But I knew you would hear everything, and I make it a policy not to argue with people who have been shot in the last day. Let's go upstairs and find a place for you to rest." </p><p></p><p>Kate picked up the books and went with Ginnie upstairs, peeking into rooms until she found an empty one. "Here we are," she said. As Ginnie got herself settled on the bed Kate asked, "Ginnie, what did your parents teach you about gods?" Ginnie just shrugs her shoulders and says “Not much.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813777, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 108, “A Letter from California”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:00 P.M. [/B] Kate made sure Nanuet was comfortable, then took Ginnie downstairs. They raided the pantry a bit and sat together downstairs at the Lucky Lady. Kate swallowed and looked at the girl. "Ginnie, I'm sorry. I've neglected you lately. I know you don't want a mother, you had your own. You're an independent girl and I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, so I've tried to let you do that as much as I can. Maybe a little too much. I don't want to restrict you, but for the next few weeks at least we must keep very close track of each other." Ginnie replies, “Ma'am Kate I need to take a looks at those books that Johnny Ringo wanted and I need to see if I can read them. The only way I'm going to be safe is to learn the magic that seems to scare you so much even though you use it yourself. I learned that you can only fight and stay safe when you understand and can use your enemies strengths against them, and where the cowboy gang and Johnny Ringo is concerned that means I need an edge that they won't expect and that is magic. Right now he thinks of me as a slightly flighty 8-year-old empty-headed little girl because I didn't trust him and that is what he expects from me because that is what I wanted him to see but I need more than that. I'll stay where you know where I am and not get into a place where there can be any danger that I can't handle but I need to learn the magic too. Kate replies, "It's not that I'm afraid of the magic Ginnie, I'm afraid of what can happen if you get caught using it. And I'm not a competent teacher for you yet; I barely know what I'm doing myself. My teacher has been away lately, so I haven't been able to discuss your education with him. Perhaps we can start with some small things, hopefully they will be enough. I hope you'll never have to deal with any of the Cowboys, a foolish hope I suppose. I have a few of the books here, why don't we take a look at them?" As Ruby gets closer to the jail, her eyes grow stormy and she starts to clench her jaw, thinking about what she has to do. She enters the porch of the jail, she reaches down and grabs her gun off her leg. She stomps into the jail and thrusts her gun at Rodriquez, who has a shocked look on his face, and leaves it his hands. She continues on her path and before he knows it Ruby reaches through the bars of the cell and grabs Gifford by the collar, pulling him roughly up against the cold metal. "Now Mr. Gifford you and I are going to have a little chat," she spits out, "And this time you are going to cooperate, you understand? You want to know why? Right now my friends and me are the only reason you are still alive. The man who came in here and threatened you is dead, for shooting someone I care about very much, so I'm not in the mood to be nice." She lets him loose slightly before banging him up against the bars again. "Oh, I'm sure they'll send someone else here to finish the job, you know I'm right. You and I now have a common enemy. The way I see it, we're your only hope of getting out of here alive you little weasel, so start spilling." He glares at her and says "Go to Hades! Only a few of those guys want me gone and you just said you killed one of those. I've got lots of friends who will take care of me." "Oh sure, this coming from the guy who was just crying to get you out of here." Ruby lets go of his collar with a push. "Marshall, how much is Mr. Gifford's bail?" she asks without turning her gaze away from him. "There's a few other friends waiting out there for him," Ruby laughs viciously. "It IS too bad you gave away the location of the farmhouse. All your friends who were there are DEAD and now certain other friends of yours are a bit ticked about it." Rodriguez replies, "The Judge left town before he was captured and only he can set bail. This guy is here for several weeks until the Judge comes back." Ruby replies, "Oh yes, I remember. The judge is my friend, he told me he was leaving at dinner the other night. Too bad Mr. Gifford, you won't be alive when he returns." Ruby turns her back to him and glances at the floor when Ringo had been. Jake had asked her to check out the bloodstain on the floor. After she looks it over for a few moments, she looks back to Rodriquez. "I suppose the war has begun Mr. Rodriquez." She leans in closer to the Marshal. "Jake wanted me to warn you about Hunter. We have reason to suspect he has links to the Cowboy Gang. Don't trust him." She stands up straight again and continues loudly, "And if Mr. Gifford decides he likes his life and wants to talk to me, you know where to find me." Ruby leaves the jail and casually walks over to the Gay Lady. She orders a drink at the bar then asks to speak with Madge. Miss Duprey joins her and they have a conversation about what has been going on with the Cowboy Gang. Afterwards Madge shows Ruby around the Gay Lady, showing her the many improvements she has made to the place. She concludes by saying "While to doesn't compare to where I worked in New Orleans, I have come to love it here." "Oh! I forgot to tell you... I took a trip to New Orleans with Mr. Gonzales. What a wonderful city! We went to the place you used to work and met your old boss. Kate had to translate for me though, I don't speak French, yet anyway. We danced most of the night away. But Madge, you HAVE done a wonderful job here, this is just the kind of place I would like to have one day. And I'm glad you are here or we might not have met." "On another topic... I told the new priestess that I would help her with her festival. I'm hoping you and your girls could help out. We can sing and or dance, family style, of course," Ruby laughs, "Or Minerva mentioned a Greek play of some sort? I'm up for anything. Would you be interested in helping out? The festival will be two weeks from today, I believe." "Of course, ma petite soeur aux cheveux rouge, anything you need or want that I can do for you. Please let me know." Ruby smiles and gives Madge a hug and kiss on each cheek. "Thank you so much. I really needed your advice." With that she heads out the door and back to the Lucky Lady. Her two fur balls greet her on the porch and she takes a moment to pet them both. Once she enters she asks Harry if anyone is around and he tells her Kate and Ginnie are in the kitchen. Ruby heads there and finds the two picking at some food. She hops up on the counter and helps herself to some cheese off Kate's plate. "So, are you two alright from earlier? How about Nanuet and Minerva, have you checked on them lately?" "You've not even been gone a half-hour Ruby. I haven't wanted to disturb them. I'm sure they're fine but we can go up and check if you like. I'm alright, and more importantly Ginnie is safe," Kate said with a fond smile. "I wasn't hurt at all, though I had a very unpleasant conversation with Johnny Ringo. I came out of the El Parador just in time to see Nanuet shot, then the shooter took aim at me. I ducked back inside, I don't know why he didn't shoot, I didn't think I was that fast. I didn't have my pistol so I couldn't shoot back." Kate shook her head. "But it's all over, for now at least." "Johnny Ringo, right. Ginnie, why don't you go play with the puppies?" Ruby says in a tone that is more telling than asking. Ginnie rolls her eyes but moves off to the side a bit to pet them. Ruby continues quietly. "Don't get too upset, Kate, I don't think anything will come of it, but Ringo was in the jail trying to blame Morgan Earp's death on you. Something about Ringo looking for you, you and your horse being gone during the same period of time, how you were then back in the morning, that you had the motive and to check your gun for signs of being fired. I don't think Marshal Rodriquez believed him so I wouldn't be too worried but I wanted to let you know. Even before that Jake had told Warren where we went, although I'm not sure if he specifically mentioned who was there or not." She picks again off Kate's plate and starts swinging her legs. "Like I said, I wouldn't worry about it too much at this point. Let's see what Jake has to say when he gets back." Kate closed her eyes for a moment. "And to think, just a day or two ago he was offering me Morgan Earp's head. It's easily disproved even if Marshall Rodriguez does look into the accusation. They all saw me come into the El Parador last night after seven, I saw Ginnie upstairs in our room and then went to bed. Morgan was shot around ten o'clock I think, and Ginnie would have come back up to go to sleep by midnight or one. There is no way I could have made the trip. I haven't really had the chance to think about the fact that he's dead, Ruby. It's so mixed up with other things I don't know what to feel." Ruby replies, "I'm sure you are. But once you narrow it down to the fact he killed your husband... well, there isn't much sympathy there. Unfortunately, Ringo is forcing us to work with his brothers now," Ruby rolls her eyes. "Maybe they aren't as bad as we think?" Ruby says almost questioningly before shaking her head. "I know what you mean about feeling mixed up. I'm not having a good couple of days myself," she sighs. "I know," Kate said, hugging Ruby. "And I don't see it getting any easier any time soon. But I'm tired of being pushed and blackmailed, and I'll be damned if I'll let them defeat me. I've come too far and worked too hard to give up, as terrified as I am." She pushed a lock of hair away from Ruby's face. "And I know you don't like being defeated any more than I do. Do you want to talk about what's mixing you up?" Kate asked, glancing over at Ginnie, whose ears she was sure were perked up and taking in everything. "There's nothing to talk about really. I'm just tired of getting shot at and having my friends and people I love shot at and almost dying, them and especially me." Ruby shrugs. "Oh but hey, Jake wanted me to give this to you," she says reaching down her bodice. "A letter. He wants you to read it out loud to everyone, says you need to practice for your teaching days," Ruby laughs. She holds the letter out to Kate. Kate took the letter from Ruby and glanced at the envelope. "Oh, from Maggie! I've been wondering how she's getting along. I've been terrible about writing, I keep intending to and then something distracts me. I hope Jake won't mind if I read it to myself first," she laughed. "Reading it out loud goes better if you've already read it once or twice, you know," she finished and eagerly pulled out the folded pages to read. Her eyes moved quickly down the page, and although she knew it wasn't the point she was pleased to see how excited Maggie might have been to see Kate there. "My twin has been busy, but happy from the sound of it. Jake doesn't mind this being read aloud? Some of it is rather personal." Ruby laughs again. "He won't mind believe me." Ruby's thoughts drift to the day she stole his letters and read them and she pulls on her hair. "It takes a lot more than that to bother Jake." Ruby smiles as Kate reads the letter. "Jake gave it to me and said to give it to you to read out loud. And I guess he doesn't mind any longer talking about his sister. Did he ever tell you about her?" Kate replies, "Only a little bit. He showed me her picture, and explained who she was. She and I are very alike, it seems, in more than appearance. He seemed uncomfortable talking about her; I think he loves her very much. He didn't say much about her, just let me see her picture." "He does love her very much." Ruby sits quietly for a for moments. "I don't know what he would want you to know but I guess since he's passing out the letter he might not mind talking about her anymore..." Ruby's voice trails off as she considers what to say next. "Well, he left his family and home because he was protecting her." Ruby smiles. "As much as Jake wants us to think he's a scoundrel he's a good man. I wish I had someone like that to take care of and love me." "You do, Ruby," Kate said in a mild voice. "You have that very same man loving and caring for you. Not to mention me," she teased. "I've been saying Jake is a good man for months, but we'll keep playing along with his scoundrel game." Ruby answers, "Oh, he cares for me, for sure. And we're working on the love part, I hope I can get him to realize it. I don't ever want to lose him." Ruby continues to swing her legs and play with her hair. "I don't know what Jake would do if he actually realized he wasn't as much a scoundrel as he thinks he is. We'd better let him keep his illusions," Ruby laughs. "He'll grow out of them someday," Kate laughed. "Now, if you're not going to rest yourself, lets go back out in the front room. Ginnie and I were looking at those books Ringo wanted, she can actually read them, thank goodness. And I can start you on a little French. Ginnie, let's get back to our studying while we wait for Jake and Chester to get back." Ruby says, "He'll grow out of them someday," Kate laughed. "Now, if you're not going to rest yourself, lets go back out in the front room. Ginnie and I were looking at those books Ringo wanted, she can actually read them, thank goodness. And I can start you on a little French. Ginnie, let's get back to our studying while we wait for Jake and Chester to get back." Kate was hesitant to agree. Miss Duprey was a stranger to her and as much as her nature resisted it, she had begun to accept that people could not always be taken at face value and trusted. Still, Ruby was persistent, and reminded her that Mr. Gonzales had recommended the woman as a teacher. Finally Kate agreed and the three took the books and left the Lucky Lady. Ruby led the way and soon Kate was being introduced to Miss Duprey. "Miss West said you were interested in these volumes. We have a bit of time if you'd like to take a look." Madge looks over the books "Oh, these are in Latin. I'm afraid I cannot read it. Many French words are Latin in origin, but not enough for me to make sense of." "Yes, I also read French, and I can't get much out of them myself. Ginnie can read them," Kate said smiling fondly at the girl, "But Ruby seemed to think you might have something else to offer. I apologize if we've disturbed you." She says, "It is quite all right. Come by the Gay Lady sometime, we put on quite the show." Kate replies, "Yes, I've heard so from more than one person. The trouble with working at a saloon is you rarely get to stop by another, but perhaps I will find time soon. Thank you, we should be getting back. Have a good night, Miss Duprey." Kate led Ruby and Ginnie back to the Lucky Lady, feeling rather foolish. Ruby must not have told her the books were in Latin, or she had some other reason for wanting Kate to go there. Once they returned to the Lady they settled into a corner table. Ginnie plunged into the Latin texts, and Kate began to patiently school Ruby in the very basics of the French language. After a while Ruby loses interest in her French lessons. "I wonder when Jake is getting back," Ruby says while looking at the door. She continues to glance at the door every so often and barely notices when Kate has stopped the lesson and is staring at Ruby. "I was never good at lessons," Ruby says sheepishly, "Sorry. I do still feel a bit tired, maybe I should rest for a little while. You will stay, right?" "I'll stay," she said gently. "I think you might need the immersion method of learning a language. I just speak it around you until you start to understand," she teased. "Go get some rest, Ginnie and I will work on these books. Oh, ah, I might need to send a note, is there someone who could take it for me, do you think?" Ruby giggles, "Well, I know a few french words and phrases I learned that way, but we don't repeat them in polite society." She giggles again. "Yes, I will go and rest. I don't think I fully caught up after yesterday and I'm tired." As she speaks she rubs her shoulder but she catches herself and stops. "Yes, you can ask Harry to deliver your letter, or Jeff if he shows up. I'm sure either of them would be glad to do it," Ruby says with a yawn. "Make yourself at home, use a room or whatever you need." She gives Kate and Ginnie a small smile. "I'll see you soon." Ruby heads upstairs and this time changes out of her dress and clothes and into the closest of Jake's shirts on the floor. She climbs onto to the bed, not bothering to get under the covers. She stretches her long legs out, rolls onto her belly and is asleep before her head hits the pillow. Kate scratched out a new note for Conrad Booth, giving up on the one that she had crushed in her hand when she ran out of the El Parador earlier. She said only that she was needed by her friends tonight and could not go to the Long Branch. After a bit of thought she penned another for Dorita. She had probably frightened her earlier, then had not come back to explain. She gave both to Harry Rote and asked him to take them to the El Parador. Once she was finished she turned to Ginnie and asked, "Well, what's the verdict on the books?" After Ruby walks upstairs and Ginnie is sure she is out of earshot she looks at Kate and sighs. "Ma'am Kate I told both you and Ruby I could read those books but it seems you were the only one who actually heard me say it. And the next time Ruby tells me to "go play with the puppies" I'm going to let her know that I don't like dogs, I like them even less than horses and I don't like horses either. I've heard every one of the conversations and there is a good chance that my life may depend on the things she thinks aren't important enough for me to know or I'm not old enough for. I'm glad she trusts the woman she brought us to because she thought she could read the books but I'm really glad that she couldn't read these. There is a lot of things in a couple of them that could be very useful and very dangerous if Johnny Ringo had gotten his hands on them or for that matter anyone who had a thirst for power and the ability to use magic. One book talks all about spell components in this area and is definitely something I need to study more as I want to make sure I fully understand what I'm reading. It also is something I think we're going to need if we're going to keep the magic use quiet. Being a young girl is great cover for going to pick pretty flowers and interesting things and I think that we're going to need a source of components that is more reliable than trying to buy them from people hiding the fact that they understand how magic works. The other books talks something about a hidden wood elven village where the people were wiped out by small pox. The man who wrote it talked about how they used magic he wasn't used to but he really didn't seem to understand what that actually meant. I need to work on that one some more too. Four are history texts that Ringo would have cared less about but are good practice and not a bad bunch of stories. "Two are very important for you" Ginnie says with a smirk "because they will help teach you in beginning Latin. We can start YOUR lessons later." We need to make sure that the first two I told you about are safe when I'm not working on them. And we might want to keep this quiet until I'm sure about what I read. I can just see people wanting to head off on a grand adventure if they think there are magic toys to be played with and I want to make sure I'm prepared before we get ourselves into that situation. I think that a nap might be a good idea I want to look at these books with fresh eyes and right now I'm a little tired. Kate says, "The place where we keep the books is very safe. No one who shouldn't see them can find them. You just have to ask me when you want one and I can get it for you. I don't want to be mysterious with you about where they are, but this secret is not mine to tell." With a little laugh she said, "As for Latin lessons, I am certainly in need. Hopefully you'll have more luck with that than with teaching me to sew. Mr. Booth knows a great deal about the local plants as well. Between him, my teacher, and this volume we should be able to get what we need. And I have some excuse for plant gathering myself. I've made some study of Chemistry, which I've hoped to get back to soon. Plants are used in those studies as well." Kate neatly piled the books up. "I was surprised when Ruby asked you to go play with the puppies. Usually she is the one telling me you are old enough to handle things. But I knew you would hear everything, and I make it a policy not to argue with people who have been shot in the last day. Let's go upstairs and find a place for you to rest." Kate picked up the books and went with Ginnie upstairs, peeking into rooms until she found an empty one. "Here we are," she said. As Ginnie got herself settled on the bed Kate asked, "Ginnie, what did your parents teach you about gods?" Ginnie just shrugs her shoulders and says “Not much.” [/QUOTE]
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