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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813812" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 114, “To Tombstone Again,” Monday, March 20th, 1882, 8:15 A.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>Across town, Jake starts to wake slowly, having that feeling that someone is watching him. He feels soft lips against his and opens his eyes, large hazel eyes staring back at him. Ruby pulls back a little, her hair hanging over one shoulder, and she smiles widely, "Good morning baby. I would ask you to start our vacation early," she says tickling him, "But if we don't get out of bed soon and pack we'll miss the stage." </p><p></p><p>"No, that wouldn't do at all." Jake notices the improvement in her mood but does not comment on it. "We have a show to catch, don't we?" He climbs out of bed and then abruptly reaches back and lifts Ruby out and swings her around. "No being lazy today, we can be lazy tomorrow." Laughing he rests her on her feet and sets to packing. </p><p></p><p>When Jake is finished packing he has a rather full carpet bag that contains a variety of traveling and dress clothing. He has also prepared a backpack which has his carbine strapped to the outside and a sawed-off shotgun inside along with plenty of ammunition for all the weapons he is taking with him. At the last minute he also puts his old hunting knife inside. Ruby notices that instead of packing an extra pistol like he normally does, Jake straps an second pistol on himself before donning his duster. He then goes through an elaborate albeit brief touch and check of each revolver, the derringer and the boot knife. Each is adjusted for comfort and checked for ease of removal. Seeming satisfied, he covers his head with the black hat. </p><p></p><p>Ruby dresses in travel clothes, leaving her long jacket and hat to the side for last. She puts her green dress in her bag with emphasis, winking to Jake as she does. She packs other various items of clothing, jewelry, perfume and makeup. Finally she heads to the safe, which is now disguised by the false closet wall that Jeff Mills constructed, and takes out the cloth wrapped tiara, which she places carefully in her pocket, along with the small black velvet box that has been taking up residence for the past week. While she has it open Jake deposits some cash in the safe, "Poker winnings." She leaves Jake to gather her weapons for her. </p><p></p><p>While he is putting Ruby's rifle with his and her extra pistol in his pack he says, "Ruby, you seemed to have something stuck," Jake stops for emphasis, "in your throat when I said only one of us can get to the books yesterday. I don't even know where the books are, I just thought Katherine had them locked up somewhere. Should I be worried about where they are or who can get to them?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby looks up from her packing, “They are locked up. No, you don’t need to worry. They are probably in the safest place in all of Promise City, if you could say that.” She stops her train of thought carefully choosing her next words, “I can get to them. But Ringo will never find where they are, even if he ransacks the entire El Parador. They are safe. And if necessary Kate can put herself and Ginnie and anyone else in real danger with the books too.” Jake shakes his head. "I'll just never get used to this. Sounds good, spooky but good.” </p><p></p><p>Looking up from her packing, “Poor little Jake,” Ruby says in a mocking tone, “Afraid of things he can’t see and things that go bump in the night…” She walks over to him and places her hand on his face, “It must be scary to not know,” she says seriously, “You and I are going to have a talk one of these days, darling, so you won’t be so spooked. What do you think?” </p><p></p><p>"Afraid? Me?" He puts his hands on his hips. "Damn right I am. So educate me. I won't promise to lose my healthy concern over those kinds of matters but I'd rather know what I'm dealing with." </p><p></p><p>Ruby takes Jake’s hands off his hips and puts them on her waist. “Oh, Mr. Cook, you have no idea how much fun it is for me to educate you.” She kisses him playfully while looking him in the eyes. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll teach you things you need to know. And what I don’t know we’ll find out together. You might even grow to like it, after all,” she smiles, “You like me, right?” "No, I treasure, cherish and adore you," he says with a wink, "but that is different magic." </p><p></p><p>Ruby leans closer to Jake and putting her fingers though the loops in his pants, pulls him the rest of the way to her. She kisses him passionately for a moment before steeping back away. She smiles, then turns on her heel and bounces out of the room, leaving her packed bag on the bed for Jake. He shakes his head and picks up all the bags. </p><p></p><p>As they walk down the stairs Jake say, "Let's make sure we see Chester before the stage leaves. I have one more thing to tell him." They arrive downstairs in main room of the Lucky Lady, looking for Chester. Ruby gets them some breakfast and they eat while chatting with Niles Hoover. </p><p></p><p>Niles says "Sorry that I can't go with you but somebody has to stay here and run the place. Job should be back from visiting his lady friend so he can help out." </p><p></p><p>Hoover then says, "Oh, and here's some reading material for your trip." He hands over two newspapers, a copy of the Tombstone Epitaph Promise City Edition and a copy of the Promise City Herald. Both have front page stories about Morgan Earp's death. He says, "Chumbley came by last night with his paper after you went to bed. The Epitaph has a lot more detail about what occurred in Tombstone than the local paper so I thought you'd want to know what you were walking in to." </p><p></p><p>He shrugs his shoulders and says, "And yes, I know you don't like us supporting the Herald but they have a rather complimentary story on page one about Deputy Marshall Chester Martin so decided to make an exception this time. That kid, Angelica Young was going around selling those this morning, around an hour ago. Since she was the one covering the Merchant's Association meeting yesterday instead of Baxter I figured the story might be accurate for a change." </p><p></p><p>"Don't worry Niles. I'll take care of my man," Ruby says giving Jake a little squeeze. "Besides, you ARE the one who has to run this place, you do such a good job. Thanks for the papers," Ruby says grabbing them. "That girl seems sweet enough and I've been trying to talk to Chumbley about hiring her. I just haven't had the chance. It's Baxter we don't like. He turned us into Mr. and Mrs. Cookie." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Chester then both arrive. After Nanuet tells his story Jake says quietly, "I was thinking, maybe you or Chester could check over Pony Deal's gear and clothes. Even better if you can arrange Katherine to do her special check of them. If he had anything unusual we want to make sure we can take advantage of it. Understand?" </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Yep. Anything in particular to look for? I'll give it a good once over once I get some breakfast. By the way, we didn't tell Deputy Rodriguez about the blood. Better safe than sorry." </p><p></p><p>"I'm sure they can take care of that. I also found this receipt in his wallet. Maybe Tombstone will have some answers about that." Ruby looks at the faces staring at her. "Um, I just wanted to find out who he was..." She looks uncomfortable for a moment, then quickly continues, "Time to go! Stage, we don't want to miss it. Come on Jake..." Ruby rises and starts tugging at him. </p><p></p><p>As Ruby is dragging Jake away Nanuet tries to continue the conversation. "Yeah, I understand. Pony Deal huh? Isn't he one of the big shots in the Cowboy Gang? Score another one for us then huh? Hey, when can we expect you guys back? I don't want to be worrying about you guys unnecessarily. Hope you guys have fun, don't worry about things here, we can handle it!" </p><p></p><p>"He was," Ruby answers. "We're supposed to be back by Wednesday night. And you just keep yourself safe and take it easy." Ruby kisses Nanuet on the cheek. "I plan on having lots of fun! Hopefully Jake will play along. Take care of the pups, they'll miss me I'm sure." She smiles at Nanuet, gives each pup a good head patting then continues to drag Jake out. "Bye!" she yells out over her shoulder. </p><p></p><p>Chester says, "Oh wait. I'll go over to the stagecoach office with you, I need to ask them for a favor." When the trio get outside, Jake asks Chester, "How'd your first night go? I guess pretty good since I didn't hear any shooting. So what do you need to go see the Wells Fargo people about?" Chester says, "I wanted to ask them if they'd drive the stage to the jail. That way Eduardo and I don't have to walk Gifford down the street." </p><p></p><p>Jake comments, "Hmm. Makes sense. Too bad that Gifford's going to be on the same stage as Ruby and me." Chester says, "There's only one trip a day. Just bad timing, I guess." Jake shakes his head. "This will be an interesting ride." When they get to the office, Chester takes Chuck Nevers aside. "Could you drive the coach to the jail to pick up the prisoner, Gifford? It'll be safer than walking him down the street." </p><p></p><p>Chuck checks with his boss Kris Wagner, who wholeheartedly agrees. Wagner tells Chester that he's sending both Billy Glass and Newton Gilly on shotgun duty as an added precaution. Jake lets the drovers take the bags of clothing and stow them but brings the pack of weapons inside the stagecoach with him. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet heads upstairs to his room to get a few hours of reverie in before continuing the day. He sits in his usual cross-legged position closes his eyes and clears his mind to begin the daily ritual. Or tries to clear his mind. He takes a deep breath and tries to focus his thoughts inward, but again he fails. Instead the picture in his mind is of a striking young human woman. She has flowing dark hair and soft olive skin that, he notices, swells and curves in all the right places. </p><p></p><p>Although at first frustrated with his inability to maintain the concentration necessary for his usual recuperative trance he realizes that day dreaming about Minerva is much more pleasurable than reflecting on other recent events. He gives in and lays down on the comfortable bed, another luxury he denies himself most days and instead of reliving his past he wonders about the future. He thinks about his recent experiences with the woman he only met so recently, named after a goddess, hailing from across the ocean, brought here by chance. "Chance or fate?" he says as he drifts off to sleep. A sweet feminine voice echoes back in his mind "It is neither of those senor, but it is the will of the Gods." </p><p></p><p>Jake is soon joined by Roger Fly and Neil Cassidy who arrive at the street outside the carrige. Jake notes that both men are well armed. Neil is not only wearing the double-action Colt Thunderer that he regularly checks at the Lucky Lady but also has Sharps Big Fifty breechloader rifle slung over his shoulder. Fly has a Colt Peacemaker on his belt and a Remingon-Whitmore M1873 double-barreled shotgun. Jake steps outside to them. </p><p></p><p>Neil says, "Jake, I don't know if you've ever been introduced yet. Roger runs the best boarding house in Promise City, two of my lumberyard employees live there." Roger gives Jake a firm handshake and says, "Pleasure to meet you sir." </p><p></p><p>"Good morning Roger, mine as well. It looks to be fine weather, here's hoping we don't have to warm up all this iron we are carrying, eh?" Jake looks to Neil and says, "Neil's not one to give away compliments so readily," wondering to himself if that was true, "you must have a fine place indeed." </p><p></p><p>Ruby watches Jake climb into the coach with all the weapons. No doubt he was in there situating himself, looking for the spot with the best advantage and worst weakness, placing the weapons in prime grabbing positions. Ruby wasn't going to worry about any of that. She had been hoping that Gifford wouldn't end up on the stage with them and it would be a quiet ride. </p><p></p><p>She desperately needed some relaxing, some peace and quiet, to think, figure things out. She wanted to spend some time with Jake, just the two of them alone, quality time to remind her who he was, but more importantly, who she was. </p><p></p><p>Jake was obviously distracted with their safety, so Ruby heads inside the office to purchase her ticket. Kris Wagner tries to dissuade her from buying a ticket on the stage, but Ruby insists she has business in Tombstone and that she can take care of herself. As she exits the office she watches Neil Cassidy and Roger Fly approach the coach. "Hello Mr. Cassidy, good morning." she nods to him, "And Mr. Fly, we haven't been introduced. Ruby West," she says extending her hand. "I've been meaning to come down to your studio and introduce myself, and get some pictures taken, but I've just been so busy with the Saloon. You'll have to forgive me," she smiles sweetly, batting her eyelashes only slightly. "It's a beautiful day for a ride, it's a shame it's under these circumstances." </p><p></p><p>He replies, "Charmed to meet you as well Miss. West. I had just assumed you had your formal portrait done at the other photography studio since that photographer works at your saloon on weekends." </p><p></p><p>"Thank you, Mr. Fly." She grasps his hand gently and ladylike, then slowly lets go. "Well, Mr. Barker no longer works at the Lucky Lady. And I haven't had any formal portraits done, but I was hoping to get one of Mr. Cook and myself. Perhaps when we return from Tombstone?" </p><p></p><p>Those at the stage are joined by one more passenger, the only paying passenger on this trip, namely the halfling reporter Chumbley. The five climb into the coach as Nevers, Gilly and Glass take their positions up top. They ride over to the Marshall's Office, stopping as close to the door as possible. </p><p></p><p>Jake and the guards asll watch the street, windows, alleys and roof tops. Jake glances about the ground looking for footsteps or dust without bodies. He'd be wary of anything unusual happening this early, like a wagon or something else large nearby or coming by. He also listens for the sounds of footsteps and/or the metal on metal sound of weapons being prepared for shooting. </p><p></p><p>Both Deputy Marshalls assist with the transfer of the prisoner. They have tied his hands behind his back and tied a gag over his mouth as they walk him to the door and out to the carriage. He is loaded on board without incident. He is crammed into a seat between Cassidy and Fly, with Jake, Ruby and Chumbley seated on the other side. Rodriguez wishes them luck. The stage rides out of town. </p><p></p><p>Ruby doesn't bother watching Gifford as he already has three men's eyes trained on him. Instead she turns her attention to Chumbley. "So, you have any exciting news for us today, Mr. Chumbley?" He says, "Well, I see that you already have copies of both newspapers in your hands, so I doubt I've anything more than what you've read. Oh, if you don't mind, could I take a look at that copy of the Promise City Herald?" </p><p></p><p>"Sure," Ruby replies handing him the paper. "I guess I'd better read them then to find out what's going on, huh? No more false reports of my death I hope," she giggles. She then settles in between Jake and Chumbley and reads the paper. When's she's done she'll trade Chumbley and read the other to see if there is any different news. </p><p></p><p>Jake looks relieved that the halfling isn't running off at the mouth. The main story in the Epitaph is about Morgan Earp's death. It tells how all five Earp brothers attended the Saturday night play entertainment at the Schieffelin Hall. Afterwards Wyatt and Morgan headed to Campbell and Hatch's Saloon for billiards. At approximately 10:30 PM two shots rip through the window of the rear door. One smashes into the wall above Wyatt's head, the other penetrates Morgan through the small of his back, shattering his spine. It passes right through his body and lodges in the thigh of George Berry. George Parsons, life long friend of Wyatt Earp, was a witness and was sure that one of the assassins was Frank Stilwell. </p><p></p><p>The main story in the Herald is also about Morgan Earp's death, although it doesn't have the same level of detail. That paper also has a story about the previous day's Merchant's Association meeting and the appointment of the new Deputy Marshall. Cole Rixton and Zack Morand, both of whom spoke in favor of Mr. Chester Martin, are interviewed by the reporter and have high praises for the man. Martin's employer Frank Condon is also interviewed and his reply is "Well, I guess that means you won't be seeing him guarding my bank any more. But not to worry, between my brother Morgan and I your money will be safe there." </p><p></p><p>Another story tells of the prior afternoon's shootings of Johnny Ringo and Nanuet. The story is sparse about who Nanuet is, just mentioning that he is an Indian who occasionally works for the Gunsight Brick Yard and Lucky Lady Saloon. It does describe in detail the healing that Minerva performed and has high praise for her being sent to the community.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813812, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 114, “To Tombstone Again,” Monday, March 20th, 1882, 8:15 A.M. [/B] Across town, Jake starts to wake slowly, having that feeling that someone is watching him. He feels soft lips against his and opens his eyes, large hazel eyes staring back at him. Ruby pulls back a little, her hair hanging over one shoulder, and she smiles widely, "Good morning baby. I would ask you to start our vacation early," she says tickling him, "But if we don't get out of bed soon and pack we'll miss the stage." "No, that wouldn't do at all." Jake notices the improvement in her mood but does not comment on it. "We have a show to catch, don't we?" He climbs out of bed and then abruptly reaches back and lifts Ruby out and swings her around. "No being lazy today, we can be lazy tomorrow." Laughing he rests her on her feet and sets to packing. When Jake is finished packing he has a rather full carpet bag that contains a variety of traveling and dress clothing. He has also prepared a backpack which has his carbine strapped to the outside and a sawed-off shotgun inside along with plenty of ammunition for all the weapons he is taking with him. At the last minute he also puts his old hunting knife inside. Ruby notices that instead of packing an extra pistol like he normally does, Jake straps an second pistol on himself before donning his duster. He then goes through an elaborate albeit brief touch and check of each revolver, the derringer and the boot knife. Each is adjusted for comfort and checked for ease of removal. Seeming satisfied, he covers his head with the black hat. Ruby dresses in travel clothes, leaving her long jacket and hat to the side for last. She puts her green dress in her bag with emphasis, winking to Jake as she does. She packs other various items of clothing, jewelry, perfume and makeup. Finally she heads to the safe, which is now disguised by the false closet wall that Jeff Mills constructed, and takes out the cloth wrapped tiara, which she places carefully in her pocket, along with the small black velvet box that has been taking up residence for the past week. While she has it open Jake deposits some cash in the safe, "Poker winnings." She leaves Jake to gather her weapons for her. While he is putting Ruby's rifle with his and her extra pistol in his pack he says, "Ruby, you seemed to have something stuck," Jake stops for emphasis, "in your throat when I said only one of us can get to the books yesterday. I don't even know where the books are, I just thought Katherine had them locked up somewhere. Should I be worried about where they are or who can get to them?" Ruby looks up from her packing, “They are locked up. No, you don’t need to worry. They are probably in the safest place in all of Promise City, if you could say that.” She stops her train of thought carefully choosing her next words, “I can get to them. But Ringo will never find where they are, even if he ransacks the entire El Parador. They are safe. And if necessary Kate can put herself and Ginnie and anyone else in real danger with the books too.” Jake shakes his head. "I'll just never get used to this. Sounds good, spooky but good.” Looking up from her packing, “Poor little Jake,” Ruby says in a mocking tone, “Afraid of things he can’t see and things that go bump in the night…” She walks over to him and places her hand on his face, “It must be scary to not know,” she says seriously, “You and I are going to have a talk one of these days, darling, so you won’t be so spooked. What do you think?” "Afraid? Me?" He puts his hands on his hips. "Damn right I am. So educate me. I won't promise to lose my healthy concern over those kinds of matters but I'd rather know what I'm dealing with." Ruby takes Jake’s hands off his hips and puts them on her waist. “Oh, Mr. Cook, you have no idea how much fun it is for me to educate you.” She kisses him playfully while looking him in the eyes. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll teach you things you need to know. And what I don’t know we’ll find out together. You might even grow to like it, after all,” she smiles, “You like me, right?” "No, I treasure, cherish and adore you," he says with a wink, "but that is different magic." Ruby leans closer to Jake and putting her fingers though the loops in his pants, pulls him the rest of the way to her. She kisses him passionately for a moment before steeping back away. She smiles, then turns on her heel and bounces out of the room, leaving her packed bag on the bed for Jake. He shakes his head and picks up all the bags. As they walk down the stairs Jake say, "Let's make sure we see Chester before the stage leaves. I have one more thing to tell him." They arrive downstairs in main room of the Lucky Lady, looking for Chester. Ruby gets them some breakfast and they eat while chatting with Niles Hoover. Niles says "Sorry that I can't go with you but somebody has to stay here and run the place. Job should be back from visiting his lady friend so he can help out." Hoover then says, "Oh, and here's some reading material for your trip." He hands over two newspapers, a copy of the Tombstone Epitaph Promise City Edition and a copy of the Promise City Herald. Both have front page stories about Morgan Earp's death. He says, "Chumbley came by last night with his paper after you went to bed. The Epitaph has a lot more detail about what occurred in Tombstone than the local paper so I thought you'd want to know what you were walking in to." He shrugs his shoulders and says, "And yes, I know you don't like us supporting the Herald but they have a rather complimentary story on page one about Deputy Marshall Chester Martin so decided to make an exception this time. That kid, Angelica Young was going around selling those this morning, around an hour ago. Since she was the one covering the Merchant's Association meeting yesterday instead of Baxter I figured the story might be accurate for a change." "Don't worry Niles. I'll take care of my man," Ruby says giving Jake a little squeeze. "Besides, you ARE the one who has to run this place, you do such a good job. Thanks for the papers," Ruby says grabbing them. "That girl seems sweet enough and I've been trying to talk to Chumbley about hiring her. I just haven't had the chance. It's Baxter we don't like. He turned us into Mr. and Mrs. Cookie." Nanuet and Chester then both arrive. After Nanuet tells his story Jake says quietly, "I was thinking, maybe you or Chester could check over Pony Deal's gear and clothes. Even better if you can arrange Katherine to do her special check of them. If he had anything unusual we want to make sure we can take advantage of it. Understand?" Chester says, "Yep. Anything in particular to look for? I'll give it a good once over once I get some breakfast. By the way, we didn't tell Deputy Rodriguez about the blood. Better safe than sorry." "I'm sure they can take care of that. I also found this receipt in his wallet. Maybe Tombstone will have some answers about that." Ruby looks at the faces staring at her. "Um, I just wanted to find out who he was..." She looks uncomfortable for a moment, then quickly continues, "Time to go! Stage, we don't want to miss it. Come on Jake..." Ruby rises and starts tugging at him. As Ruby is dragging Jake away Nanuet tries to continue the conversation. "Yeah, I understand. Pony Deal huh? Isn't he one of the big shots in the Cowboy Gang? Score another one for us then huh? Hey, when can we expect you guys back? I don't want to be worrying about you guys unnecessarily. Hope you guys have fun, don't worry about things here, we can handle it!" "He was," Ruby answers. "We're supposed to be back by Wednesday night. And you just keep yourself safe and take it easy." Ruby kisses Nanuet on the cheek. "I plan on having lots of fun! Hopefully Jake will play along. Take care of the pups, they'll miss me I'm sure." She smiles at Nanuet, gives each pup a good head patting then continues to drag Jake out. "Bye!" she yells out over her shoulder. Chester says, "Oh wait. I'll go over to the stagecoach office with you, I need to ask them for a favor." When the trio get outside, Jake asks Chester, "How'd your first night go? I guess pretty good since I didn't hear any shooting. So what do you need to go see the Wells Fargo people about?" Chester says, "I wanted to ask them if they'd drive the stage to the jail. That way Eduardo and I don't have to walk Gifford down the street." Jake comments, "Hmm. Makes sense. Too bad that Gifford's going to be on the same stage as Ruby and me." Chester says, "There's only one trip a day. Just bad timing, I guess." Jake shakes his head. "This will be an interesting ride." When they get to the office, Chester takes Chuck Nevers aside. "Could you drive the coach to the jail to pick up the prisoner, Gifford? It'll be safer than walking him down the street." Chuck checks with his boss Kris Wagner, who wholeheartedly agrees. Wagner tells Chester that he's sending both Billy Glass and Newton Gilly on shotgun duty as an added precaution. Jake lets the drovers take the bags of clothing and stow them but brings the pack of weapons inside the stagecoach with him. Nanuet heads upstairs to his room to get a few hours of reverie in before continuing the day. He sits in his usual cross-legged position closes his eyes and clears his mind to begin the daily ritual. Or tries to clear his mind. He takes a deep breath and tries to focus his thoughts inward, but again he fails. Instead the picture in his mind is of a striking young human woman. She has flowing dark hair and soft olive skin that, he notices, swells and curves in all the right places. Although at first frustrated with his inability to maintain the concentration necessary for his usual recuperative trance he realizes that day dreaming about Minerva is much more pleasurable than reflecting on other recent events. He gives in and lays down on the comfortable bed, another luxury he denies himself most days and instead of reliving his past he wonders about the future. He thinks about his recent experiences with the woman he only met so recently, named after a goddess, hailing from across the ocean, brought here by chance. "Chance or fate?" he says as he drifts off to sleep. A sweet feminine voice echoes back in his mind "It is neither of those senor, but it is the will of the Gods." Jake is soon joined by Roger Fly and Neil Cassidy who arrive at the street outside the carrige. Jake notes that both men are well armed. Neil is not only wearing the double-action Colt Thunderer that he regularly checks at the Lucky Lady but also has Sharps Big Fifty breechloader rifle slung over his shoulder. Fly has a Colt Peacemaker on his belt and a Remingon-Whitmore M1873 double-barreled shotgun. Jake steps outside to them. Neil says, "Jake, I don't know if you've ever been introduced yet. Roger runs the best boarding house in Promise City, two of my lumberyard employees live there." Roger gives Jake a firm handshake and says, "Pleasure to meet you sir." "Good morning Roger, mine as well. It looks to be fine weather, here's hoping we don't have to warm up all this iron we are carrying, eh?" Jake looks to Neil and says, "Neil's not one to give away compliments so readily," wondering to himself if that was true, "you must have a fine place indeed." Ruby watches Jake climb into the coach with all the weapons. No doubt he was in there situating himself, looking for the spot with the best advantage and worst weakness, placing the weapons in prime grabbing positions. Ruby wasn't going to worry about any of that. She had been hoping that Gifford wouldn't end up on the stage with them and it would be a quiet ride. She desperately needed some relaxing, some peace and quiet, to think, figure things out. She wanted to spend some time with Jake, just the two of them alone, quality time to remind her who he was, but more importantly, who she was. Jake was obviously distracted with their safety, so Ruby heads inside the office to purchase her ticket. Kris Wagner tries to dissuade her from buying a ticket on the stage, but Ruby insists she has business in Tombstone and that she can take care of herself. As she exits the office she watches Neil Cassidy and Roger Fly approach the coach. "Hello Mr. Cassidy, good morning." she nods to him, "And Mr. Fly, we haven't been introduced. Ruby West," she says extending her hand. "I've been meaning to come down to your studio and introduce myself, and get some pictures taken, but I've just been so busy with the Saloon. You'll have to forgive me," she smiles sweetly, batting her eyelashes only slightly. "It's a beautiful day for a ride, it's a shame it's under these circumstances." He replies, "Charmed to meet you as well Miss. West. I had just assumed you had your formal portrait done at the other photography studio since that photographer works at your saloon on weekends." "Thank you, Mr. Fly." She grasps his hand gently and ladylike, then slowly lets go. "Well, Mr. Barker no longer works at the Lucky Lady. And I haven't had any formal portraits done, but I was hoping to get one of Mr. Cook and myself. Perhaps when we return from Tombstone?" Those at the stage are joined by one more passenger, the only paying passenger on this trip, namely the halfling reporter Chumbley. The five climb into the coach as Nevers, Gilly and Glass take their positions up top. They ride over to the Marshall's Office, stopping as close to the door as possible. Jake and the guards asll watch the street, windows, alleys and roof tops. Jake glances about the ground looking for footsteps or dust without bodies. He'd be wary of anything unusual happening this early, like a wagon or something else large nearby or coming by. He also listens for the sounds of footsteps and/or the metal on metal sound of weapons being prepared for shooting. Both Deputy Marshalls assist with the transfer of the prisoner. They have tied his hands behind his back and tied a gag over his mouth as they walk him to the door and out to the carriage. He is loaded on board without incident. He is crammed into a seat between Cassidy and Fly, with Jake, Ruby and Chumbley seated on the other side. Rodriguez wishes them luck. The stage rides out of town. Ruby doesn't bother watching Gifford as he already has three men's eyes trained on him. Instead she turns her attention to Chumbley. "So, you have any exciting news for us today, Mr. Chumbley?" He says, "Well, I see that you already have copies of both newspapers in your hands, so I doubt I've anything more than what you've read. Oh, if you don't mind, could I take a look at that copy of the Promise City Herald?" "Sure," Ruby replies handing him the paper. "I guess I'd better read them then to find out what's going on, huh? No more false reports of my death I hope," she giggles. She then settles in between Jake and Chumbley and reads the paper. When's she's done she'll trade Chumbley and read the other to see if there is any different news. Jake looks relieved that the halfling isn't running off at the mouth. The main story in the Epitaph is about Morgan Earp's death. It tells how all five Earp brothers attended the Saturday night play entertainment at the Schieffelin Hall. Afterwards Wyatt and Morgan headed to Campbell and Hatch's Saloon for billiards. At approximately 10:30 PM two shots rip through the window of the rear door. One smashes into the wall above Wyatt's head, the other penetrates Morgan through the small of his back, shattering his spine. It passes right through his body and lodges in the thigh of George Berry. George Parsons, life long friend of Wyatt Earp, was a witness and was sure that one of the assassins was Frank Stilwell. The main story in the Herald is also about Morgan Earp's death, although it doesn't have the same level of detail. That paper also has a story about the previous day's Merchant's Association meeting and the appointment of the new Deputy Marshall. Cole Rixton and Zack Morand, both of whom spoke in favor of Mr. Chester Martin, are interviewed by the reporter and have high praises for the man. Martin's employer Frank Condon is also interviewed and his reply is "Well, I guess that means you won't be seeing him guarding my bank any more. But not to worry, between my brother Morgan and I your money will be safe there." Another story tells of the prior afternoon's shootings of Johnny Ringo and Nanuet. The story is sparse about who Nanuet is, just mentioning that he is an Indian who occasionally works for the Gunsight Brick Yard and Lucky Lady Saloon. It does describe in detail the healing that Minerva performed and has high praise for her being sent to the community. [/QUOTE]
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