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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2833901" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 124, “Poker in Tombstone”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 6:45 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Some seventy miles to the northwest of Tombstone is the town of Tucson. The Earp Brothers have just loaded Morgan’s Casket on the westbound train to California. James Earp is saying goodbye to his brothers as he prepares to board the train. His wife and stepdaughter are already on board and Wyatt is saying his goodbyes when he spots somebody familiar further down the tracks peering out from behind another parked train. </p><p></p><p>Wyatt instructs Virgil and James to remain talking on the platform while he heads onto the train and then slips out the door on the opposite side. He grabs his brother Warren and new allies Sherm MacMasters and Turkey Creek Johnson. The four of them make their way around the long way where they manage to spy Ike Clanton and Frank Stilwell carrying rifles and watching Virgil and James. Wyatt deduces that they are waiting for him to exit the train and rejoin his brothers. </p><p></p><p>Just as the train is about to leave at 7:00pm James Earp climbs on board, leaving Virgil standing alone on the tracks. There is some hurried conversation between the Clantons and Stilwell. Stillwell then raises his rifle towards Virgil while Ike continues to argue. “Let’s do it,” Wyatt exclaims as he and his companions step forward. A voice from somewhere further over that sounds very much like Billy Clanton’s yells, “Look out Ike.” </p><p></p><p>Ike Clanton drops his gun and manages to roll beneath the nearest train while Stilwell starts to turn. He is partially turned around and now facing the Wyatt and his three companions when his body gets riddled with bullets and buckshot. They briefly look for the two Clanton brothers but both seem to have high tailed it out of there. </p><p></p><p>Warren reminds Wyatt that they have no formal jurisdiction in Tucson or Pima County for that matter. “Good point,” Wyatt says, commenting that nobody has come to investigate the shots. MacMasters says “May not have heard it, the train was just pulling out then.” They four collect Virgil and head back to their hotel, leaving Stilwell’s body lying beside the train tracks.</p><p></p><p>Back in Tombstone, Ruby loops her arm through Jake's and they head over to Neil Cassidy's Saloon to play cards. Standing outside Jake retrieves his pocket watch from his new vest, which causes him to admire the vest again. "I have to admit," he says running his thumb over a lapel of dark brown silk, "at first I wasn't sure this looked good on me, but as usual you were correct." </p><p></p><p>He checks the time and deposits the watch back, tracing a finger over one of the flowers in the thick pattern of woven roses, dusty rose in color over deep brown background. He brushes his the wool pants with his hands, the fabric dark brown like the lapels of his vest but with a tight and fine golden plaid. Satisfied he is presentable, he takes Ruby's hands and turns her one way and then the other. "Perfect," he nods and smiles. "Let us go in. Something about the name of this saloon is familiar....." </p><p></p><p>Ruby gives a little curtsey at the compliment then takes Jake's hand to enter the saloon. "Yes, Silver Jake Cook, it does have a ring to it," she giggles. She stops suddenly in the doorway and looks at Jake with a grin, "Have I ever told you how handsome you are? How irresistible you are?" </p><p></p><p>"You may have once, but my memory is a bit faulty." He squeezes her hand, "Feel free to remind me." Ruby laughs and says, "You are the most handsome and sexy man I've ever known! How is that?" She giggles, gives him a quick kiss and they continue inside. </p><p></p><p>The saloon isn't very crowded, it is a Monday night and they spot Cassidy right away. They approach him and Ruby notices Jake's eyes darting around looking for anything or anyone out of place. She squeezes his hand and smiles brightly at Cassidy, reaching out her right hand to him, "Good evening Neil." He takes her hand and kisses it, "Good evening Ruby," he nods, then extends his hand to Jake, "Jake. Glad the two of you decided to take me up on my offer. What can I get you?" </p><p></p><p>"I'm feeling adventurous, why don't you serve us something, that isn't beer, you reserve for your favorite customers," Jake answers as he shakes Neil’s hand warmly. When Cassidy leaves them to have his bartender get the drinks Jake says to Ruby, "Are we going to play at different tables tonight, or are you going to clean me out?"</p><p></p><p>"Oh I don't want to not play with you baby..." Then she realizes Jake is kidding with her and she gives him a playful pinch on the arm. "Just for that I AM going to clean you out!" Cassidy brings them some drinks and after a few more minutes of chat they all head to a table.</p><p></p><p>Cassidy introduces Jake and Ruby two his partners, "This is Mike Liberty, he owns half of this place, and Finn O'Connor who owns the other quarter. Gentlemen, this is Jake Cook and Ruby West, they own half of the place that I gamble at in Promise City." Finn acts as dealer, as Cassidy, Ruby and Jake are dealt in. The other two players at the table are introduced as Charlie Johnson and Paul Rivera. Roger Fly comes in shortly thereafter for a bit to eat.</p><p></p><p>Between hands Jake asks Charlie in a amicable tone, "A bunch of Johnsons around these parts. Are you related to the Johnsons that own the barber shop in Promise City or a guy around here who goes by the name Turkey Creek?" He replies "Neither, I'm related to the Johnsons of Rock Ridge."</p><p></p><p>The game starts with some friendly conversation, everyone being taken by Ruby's charms. However, soon enough the hands start getting large and the men start thinking about their cards instead of how much cleavage she is showing each time she wins a hand. The experienced card players very quickly determine that neither Johnson or Rivera are any good at poker. </p><p></p><p>When they stop briefly to refresh drinks, Rivera has already lost over $50. The dealer Finn seems to be saddled with terrible luck tonight. He loses a big hand to Jakes three tens with three nines and another big hand to Ruby's ten high straight with an eight high straight. When they stop for the first break Rivera has lost around $90 and says he won't be joining them when they start back up. He mumbles something about being out classed and needing enough money left for a couple of drinks and a cheap whore at the cribs. Ruby giggles out loud at this despite trying to hold it in. The dealer is down over $100, having lost another big hand to Ruby who is up nearly $90 and ahead of everyone. Johnson, despite his lack of poker skills is about even, while Jake and Neil are both up.</p><p></p><p>Finn starts the game back aggressively when the break is over, determined to change his luck. Unfortunately he is dead wrong, losing one hand after another to Jake, and suckering Ruby in as well. Halfway to the next break he has lost another $100 and Jake covers him on his last bet that he was sure he was going to win. Although he seems angry, Finn apologizes and says he rather not play anymore tonight. Neil seems surprised, knowing that Finn has more cash reserves than that but doesn't say anything to him. Jake at this point is up over $200 and Johnson is still about even, periodically drawing good cards. </p><p></p><p>"Jake," Neil says, "Why don't you deal? It would be my honor." Jake answers, "Oh, no, Neil. This is your joint and I'm on holiday. I trust you, go ahead and lead us." Jake pushes him the cards Ruby has nearly lost everything she won before the first break and starts to pout. Jake catches her eye and shakes his head slightly, taking a slow deep breath. She nods, takes a breath and gets back to the game. The cards go quickly and at the second break Ruby is up over $100 including taking $50 from Jake in a big hand, Neil has lost all his winnings and is about even, Jake is still ahead but by less than $200 and Johnson to everyone's amazement is still about even. </p><p></p><p>During the break Ruby is positively giddy, "This is so much fun! Winning is definitely better than losing," she says smiling from ear to ear. "Those sayings about being a good sport and enjoying the game are a load of crap." Jake laughs, clicks his glass on hers and says, "You have discovered the truth of the matter, Ruby West." </p><p></p><p>Jake stops to see Finn, chats with him for a minute. Finn confesses that his mind was elsewhere, having some personal trouble. Jake nods and pretends to listen for a bit with the appropriate sincerity, satisfied that Finn isn't angry with him he excuses himself to go back to the game.</p><p></p><p>They settle in after the break just the four of them; Cassidy, Cook, Johnson and West. Before very long Ruby and Jake are winning hand after hand from Neil Cassidy, and in no time he is down over $140 dollars split evenly between them. Johnson continues to keep about even, still not playing well but drawing just the right cards here and there. There drinks are refreshed and they continue at it. </p><p></p><p>"Neil," Ruby say with a charming smile and a little forward lean towards him, "I feel bad that we are taking all your money tonight. Well, maybe just a little bad." She says with a laugh. "No don't feel bad Ruby, I am about to win it all back." </p><p></p><p>Neil, however is quite wrong. Because out of the blue in a really big hand Johnson calls when Jake was sure the man would drop and won with a full house cleaning out Neil's table stake. Johnson now was nearly $90 over where he started, Ruby was up over $150 and Jake had amassed $275 over where he started. </p><p></p><p>"That's enough for me tonight folks," Neil says all around and then to Johnson, "I suppose you are ready to take your winnings and go?" "I think my luck is just getting hot if we can still play?" He replies and Neil looks surprised. "Fine by me, if you would like to see if you can win my money from Jake Cook. Jake would you deal after the break.?" Jake, who was also surprised says, "Uh, sure. I'd be happy to."</p><p></p><p>"Jake, It's getting late and I still want to dance. Why don't you just tell him no?" Ruby rubs her body suggestively against Jake. "Now stop that, that's not fair." He says but doesn't stop her. "We've cleaned out both owners and it would be bad to blow off one of his customers. We'll play a little longer to make him happy. You could always pretend to be yawning and give us an excuse to not do this all night long." "So just clean him out and be done with it." </p><p></p><p>"If it were just that easy." He replies and guides her back to the table. First hand back into the game everyone has very good cards, but Johnson was right his luck was good and with four sevens he took the largest pot of the night. Jake deals again and it is obvious that once again everyone has good cards. Jake calls him and Johnson lays a full house, threes over tens, and starts to pull in another good size pot when Ruby says, "Tut, tut Mr. Johnson I believe this one is mine" She demurely lays down her cards to reveal a full house queens over sixes. Behind her Neil Cassidy is chuckling. </p><p></p><p>Charlie Johnson recovers himself and apologizes to Ruby. He looks at the stack of money in front of him, the predatory look on Jake's face, and finally at Neil Cassidy mouthing silently, 'Take it home, you fool'. Johnson suddenly yawns, and says, "It is very late. I wouldn't want to keep you tied up any longer Miss West." He bids goodnight and pulls the $223 over his starting stake into his pockets. He finishes his drink at the bar and is out the door. </p><p></p><p>Ruby is just about bouncing in her seat and clapping her hands. "That was sooooo much fun. Did you see the look on his face?" She giggles and then laughs. "Yah, I did." Though he is still ahead for the evening, Jake calculates he lost $200 in the last two hands. "I'm up almost $80, but you my dear Ruby took away around as much Charlie Johnson for the evening. Congratulations." "Can we do this tomorrow?" She says giddily. Before Jake can answer she says, "Let's go dancing."</p><p></p><p>Jake replies, “Let me just finish up here.” Ruby slips a few bills deep down her bodice, getting a raised eyebrow from Jake then asks him to hold onto the rest for her. She bids everyone goodnight, kisses Jake and heads outside. Jake also says goodnight then takes care of the bill, which is fairly small considering what they drank. Jake makes sure to thank Cassidy again for his hospitality then meets up with Ruby outside. </p><p></p><p>They wander around Tombstone until they hear some lively music and they follow the sound to a saloon that is still mobbed with people. They head inside to the sight of a bawdy scene, girls dancing on stage, people dancing in various spots around the saloon, some respectably, some not, drinks being spilled everywhere, poker playing, fights, drunks passed out in the corners and everything in between. Ruby smiles and takes Jake by the hand pulling him inside.</p><p></p><p>Jake and Ruby follow what they believe are dance hall sounds, finding themselves at the Bird Cage Theater. They very quickly discover that they have wandered into a brothel, with music and dancing taking place by women attired in low cut and revealing clothing. The dancing is rather poor but the man at the piano is playing rather well. Ruby and Jake look over to recognize the man as Roger Fly, who had slipped out of the Silver Dollar Saloon earlier when they were playing poker.</p><p></p><p>Ruby looks about, finally recognizing the place for what it is and shrugs. Jake smiles and says, "Hold on a minute." He heads over to Roger Fly and drops a dollar in his cup. "Fine piano playing." A couple of girls come up behind Jake; one starts running her hand through his hair and the other grabs his arm and puts it around her.</p><p></p><p>Roger looks up and his face turns red with embarrassment. He sheepishly comments, "I...er....didn't expect to see any of you here. Please don't tell my wife Janet. She's very active with the Vigilance Committee and won't even let me set foot in the saloons back in town." "Never saw a thing. Not to worry Mr. Smith." Jake nods a couple of times. "Too bad though, I was going to ask you if you wanted to play at the Lucky Lady some time. Keep it in mind." </p><p></p><p>"Uh ladies, not tonight thanks." He tries to untangle himself and they resist and laugh. Jake points to Ruby, "See that woman over there? The one with the mighty evil expression on her face? I think she is about to come over here and remove your livers and feed them back to you. Trust me, you don't want that she is an awful cook." The ladies laugh nervously and let go of him, one mutters 'your loss'. Jake winds his way back through the crowd to Ruby, "Let's try another spot." </p><p>"If you want to..." She replies.</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake let their ears guide them to another location, looking for music, drink and dancing. "They all can't be whore houses." Jake comments. "At this hour, they could be." Ruby replies with a serious expression and then laughs and pulls on his arm towards the sounds of music. After walking around the town for a bit they finally find a suitable dance hall. Once inside they grab a small table in a corner and order a round of drinks. </p><p></p><p>As soon as they finish enjoying their fine whiskey Ruby laughs, “Well, aren’t you going to ask me to dance?” Jake chuckles in return, “So impatient, Miss West,” while shaking his head. “Of course, will you honor me by being my dance partner this very fine evening? I’d like to be the envy of every man in here.” Ruby smiles and takes Jake’s hand leading him out to the dance floor. Jake starts spinning Ruby before they are even there and she grabs on tight while he swings her around. </p><p></p><p>They continue to dance and drink for a couple of hours, turning down anyone who asks either of them for dances. By the end of the evening, which is actually morning, Ruby and Jake are satisfied they are drunk enough so they sloppily head back to their room. Even in his drunken state Jake continues to be paranoid looking around and Ruby laughs at him every time she sees his eyes dart to the side. </p><p></p><p>Once back at the Grand they try to pretend like they aren’t drunk as they pass the desk clerk and stumble up the steps. They get back to their room and Ruby says, “Tomorrow, Mr. Cook, we are going to finish that bath we started!” She takes off her clothes giggling and with exaggerating motions and falls into the bed. Jake fumbles with his buttons for a minute before he gets his clothes off, then dives into the bed too. "Well, this night is certainly going better than the day went..." she says as Jake pulls her under the blankets...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2833901, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 124, “Poker in Tombstone”, Monday, March 20th, 1882, 6:45 P.M.[/B] Some seventy miles to the northwest of Tombstone is the town of Tucson. The Earp Brothers have just loaded Morgan’s Casket on the westbound train to California. James Earp is saying goodbye to his brothers as he prepares to board the train. His wife and stepdaughter are already on board and Wyatt is saying his goodbyes when he spots somebody familiar further down the tracks peering out from behind another parked train. Wyatt instructs Virgil and James to remain talking on the platform while he heads onto the train and then slips out the door on the opposite side. He grabs his brother Warren and new allies Sherm MacMasters and Turkey Creek Johnson. The four of them make their way around the long way where they manage to spy Ike Clanton and Frank Stilwell carrying rifles and watching Virgil and James. Wyatt deduces that they are waiting for him to exit the train and rejoin his brothers. Just as the train is about to leave at 7:00pm James Earp climbs on board, leaving Virgil standing alone on the tracks. There is some hurried conversation between the Clantons and Stilwell. Stillwell then raises his rifle towards Virgil while Ike continues to argue. “Let’s do it,” Wyatt exclaims as he and his companions step forward. A voice from somewhere further over that sounds very much like Billy Clanton’s yells, “Look out Ike.” Ike Clanton drops his gun and manages to roll beneath the nearest train while Stilwell starts to turn. He is partially turned around and now facing the Wyatt and his three companions when his body gets riddled with bullets and buckshot. They briefly look for the two Clanton brothers but both seem to have high tailed it out of there. Warren reminds Wyatt that they have no formal jurisdiction in Tucson or Pima County for that matter. “Good point,” Wyatt says, commenting that nobody has come to investigate the shots. MacMasters says “May not have heard it, the train was just pulling out then.” They four collect Virgil and head back to their hotel, leaving Stilwell’s body lying beside the train tracks. Back in Tombstone, Ruby loops her arm through Jake's and they head over to Neil Cassidy's Saloon to play cards. Standing outside Jake retrieves his pocket watch from his new vest, which causes him to admire the vest again. "I have to admit," he says running his thumb over a lapel of dark brown silk, "at first I wasn't sure this looked good on me, but as usual you were correct." He checks the time and deposits the watch back, tracing a finger over one of the flowers in the thick pattern of woven roses, dusty rose in color over deep brown background. He brushes his the wool pants with his hands, the fabric dark brown like the lapels of his vest but with a tight and fine golden plaid. Satisfied he is presentable, he takes Ruby's hands and turns her one way and then the other. "Perfect," he nods and smiles. "Let us go in. Something about the name of this saloon is familiar....." Ruby gives a little curtsey at the compliment then takes Jake's hand to enter the saloon. "Yes, Silver Jake Cook, it does have a ring to it," she giggles. She stops suddenly in the doorway and looks at Jake with a grin, "Have I ever told you how handsome you are? How irresistible you are?" "You may have once, but my memory is a bit faulty." He squeezes her hand, "Feel free to remind me." Ruby laughs and says, "You are the most handsome and sexy man I've ever known! How is that?" She giggles, gives him a quick kiss and they continue inside. The saloon isn't very crowded, it is a Monday night and they spot Cassidy right away. They approach him and Ruby notices Jake's eyes darting around looking for anything or anyone out of place. She squeezes his hand and smiles brightly at Cassidy, reaching out her right hand to him, "Good evening Neil." He takes her hand and kisses it, "Good evening Ruby," he nods, then extends his hand to Jake, "Jake. Glad the two of you decided to take me up on my offer. What can I get you?" "I'm feeling adventurous, why don't you serve us something, that isn't beer, you reserve for your favorite customers," Jake answers as he shakes Neil’s hand warmly. When Cassidy leaves them to have his bartender get the drinks Jake says to Ruby, "Are we going to play at different tables tonight, or are you going to clean me out?" "Oh I don't want to not play with you baby..." Then she realizes Jake is kidding with her and she gives him a playful pinch on the arm. "Just for that I AM going to clean you out!" Cassidy brings them some drinks and after a few more minutes of chat they all head to a table. Cassidy introduces Jake and Ruby two his partners, "This is Mike Liberty, he owns half of this place, and Finn O'Connor who owns the other quarter. Gentlemen, this is Jake Cook and Ruby West, they own half of the place that I gamble at in Promise City." Finn acts as dealer, as Cassidy, Ruby and Jake are dealt in. The other two players at the table are introduced as Charlie Johnson and Paul Rivera. Roger Fly comes in shortly thereafter for a bit to eat. Between hands Jake asks Charlie in a amicable tone, "A bunch of Johnsons around these parts. Are you related to the Johnsons that own the barber shop in Promise City or a guy around here who goes by the name Turkey Creek?" He replies "Neither, I'm related to the Johnsons of Rock Ridge." The game starts with some friendly conversation, everyone being taken by Ruby's charms. However, soon enough the hands start getting large and the men start thinking about their cards instead of how much cleavage she is showing each time she wins a hand. The experienced card players very quickly determine that neither Johnson or Rivera are any good at poker. When they stop briefly to refresh drinks, Rivera has already lost over $50. The dealer Finn seems to be saddled with terrible luck tonight. He loses a big hand to Jakes three tens with three nines and another big hand to Ruby's ten high straight with an eight high straight. When they stop for the first break Rivera has lost around $90 and says he won't be joining them when they start back up. He mumbles something about being out classed and needing enough money left for a couple of drinks and a cheap whore at the cribs. Ruby giggles out loud at this despite trying to hold it in. The dealer is down over $100, having lost another big hand to Ruby who is up nearly $90 and ahead of everyone. Johnson, despite his lack of poker skills is about even, while Jake and Neil are both up. Finn starts the game back aggressively when the break is over, determined to change his luck. Unfortunately he is dead wrong, losing one hand after another to Jake, and suckering Ruby in as well. Halfway to the next break he has lost another $100 and Jake covers him on his last bet that he was sure he was going to win. Although he seems angry, Finn apologizes and says he rather not play anymore tonight. Neil seems surprised, knowing that Finn has more cash reserves than that but doesn't say anything to him. Jake at this point is up over $200 and Johnson is still about even, periodically drawing good cards. "Jake," Neil says, "Why don't you deal? It would be my honor." Jake answers, "Oh, no, Neil. This is your joint and I'm on holiday. I trust you, go ahead and lead us." Jake pushes him the cards Ruby has nearly lost everything she won before the first break and starts to pout. Jake catches her eye and shakes his head slightly, taking a slow deep breath. She nods, takes a breath and gets back to the game. The cards go quickly and at the second break Ruby is up over $100 including taking $50 from Jake in a big hand, Neil has lost all his winnings and is about even, Jake is still ahead but by less than $200 and Johnson to everyone's amazement is still about even. During the break Ruby is positively giddy, "This is so much fun! Winning is definitely better than losing," she says smiling from ear to ear. "Those sayings about being a good sport and enjoying the game are a load of crap." Jake laughs, clicks his glass on hers and says, "You have discovered the truth of the matter, Ruby West." Jake stops to see Finn, chats with him for a minute. Finn confesses that his mind was elsewhere, having some personal trouble. Jake nods and pretends to listen for a bit with the appropriate sincerity, satisfied that Finn isn't angry with him he excuses himself to go back to the game. They settle in after the break just the four of them; Cassidy, Cook, Johnson and West. Before very long Ruby and Jake are winning hand after hand from Neil Cassidy, and in no time he is down over $140 dollars split evenly between them. Johnson continues to keep about even, still not playing well but drawing just the right cards here and there. There drinks are refreshed and they continue at it. "Neil," Ruby say with a charming smile and a little forward lean towards him, "I feel bad that we are taking all your money tonight. Well, maybe just a little bad." She says with a laugh. "No don't feel bad Ruby, I am about to win it all back." Neil, however is quite wrong. Because out of the blue in a really big hand Johnson calls when Jake was sure the man would drop and won with a full house cleaning out Neil's table stake. Johnson now was nearly $90 over where he started, Ruby was up over $150 and Jake had amassed $275 over where he started. "That's enough for me tonight folks," Neil says all around and then to Johnson, "I suppose you are ready to take your winnings and go?" "I think my luck is just getting hot if we can still play?" He replies and Neil looks surprised. "Fine by me, if you would like to see if you can win my money from Jake Cook. Jake would you deal after the break.?" Jake, who was also surprised says, "Uh, sure. I'd be happy to." "Jake, It's getting late and I still want to dance. Why don't you just tell him no?" Ruby rubs her body suggestively against Jake. "Now stop that, that's not fair." He says but doesn't stop her. "We've cleaned out both owners and it would be bad to blow off one of his customers. We'll play a little longer to make him happy. You could always pretend to be yawning and give us an excuse to not do this all night long." "So just clean him out and be done with it." "If it were just that easy." He replies and guides her back to the table. First hand back into the game everyone has very good cards, but Johnson was right his luck was good and with four sevens he took the largest pot of the night. Jake deals again and it is obvious that once again everyone has good cards. Jake calls him and Johnson lays a full house, threes over tens, and starts to pull in another good size pot when Ruby says, "Tut, tut Mr. Johnson I believe this one is mine" She demurely lays down her cards to reveal a full house queens over sixes. Behind her Neil Cassidy is chuckling. Charlie Johnson recovers himself and apologizes to Ruby. He looks at the stack of money in front of him, the predatory look on Jake's face, and finally at Neil Cassidy mouthing silently, 'Take it home, you fool'. Johnson suddenly yawns, and says, "It is very late. I wouldn't want to keep you tied up any longer Miss West." He bids goodnight and pulls the $223 over his starting stake into his pockets. He finishes his drink at the bar and is out the door. Ruby is just about bouncing in her seat and clapping her hands. "That was sooooo much fun. Did you see the look on his face?" She giggles and then laughs. "Yah, I did." Though he is still ahead for the evening, Jake calculates he lost $200 in the last two hands. "I'm up almost $80, but you my dear Ruby took away around as much Charlie Johnson for the evening. Congratulations." "Can we do this tomorrow?" She says giddily. Before Jake can answer she says, "Let's go dancing." Jake replies, “Let me just finish up here.” Ruby slips a few bills deep down her bodice, getting a raised eyebrow from Jake then asks him to hold onto the rest for her. She bids everyone goodnight, kisses Jake and heads outside. Jake also says goodnight then takes care of the bill, which is fairly small considering what they drank. Jake makes sure to thank Cassidy again for his hospitality then meets up with Ruby outside. They wander around Tombstone until they hear some lively music and they follow the sound to a saloon that is still mobbed with people. They head inside to the sight of a bawdy scene, girls dancing on stage, people dancing in various spots around the saloon, some respectably, some not, drinks being spilled everywhere, poker playing, fights, drunks passed out in the corners and everything in between. Ruby smiles and takes Jake by the hand pulling him inside. Jake and Ruby follow what they believe are dance hall sounds, finding themselves at the Bird Cage Theater. They very quickly discover that they have wandered into a brothel, with music and dancing taking place by women attired in low cut and revealing clothing. The dancing is rather poor but the man at the piano is playing rather well. Ruby and Jake look over to recognize the man as Roger Fly, who had slipped out of the Silver Dollar Saloon earlier when they were playing poker. Ruby looks about, finally recognizing the place for what it is and shrugs. Jake smiles and says, "Hold on a minute." He heads over to Roger Fly and drops a dollar in his cup. "Fine piano playing." A couple of girls come up behind Jake; one starts running her hand through his hair and the other grabs his arm and puts it around her. Roger looks up and his face turns red with embarrassment. He sheepishly comments, "I...er....didn't expect to see any of you here. Please don't tell my wife Janet. She's very active with the Vigilance Committee and won't even let me set foot in the saloons back in town." "Never saw a thing. Not to worry Mr. Smith." Jake nods a couple of times. "Too bad though, I was going to ask you if you wanted to play at the Lucky Lady some time. Keep it in mind." "Uh ladies, not tonight thanks." He tries to untangle himself and they resist and laugh. Jake points to Ruby, "See that woman over there? The one with the mighty evil expression on her face? I think she is about to come over here and remove your livers and feed them back to you. Trust me, you don't want that she is an awful cook." The ladies laugh nervously and let go of him, one mutters 'your loss'. Jake winds his way back through the crowd to Ruby, "Let's try another spot." "If you want to..." She replies. Ruby and Jake let their ears guide them to another location, looking for music, drink and dancing. "They all can't be whore houses." Jake comments. "At this hour, they could be." Ruby replies with a serious expression and then laughs and pulls on his arm towards the sounds of music. After walking around the town for a bit they finally find a suitable dance hall. Once inside they grab a small table in a corner and order a round of drinks. As soon as they finish enjoying their fine whiskey Ruby laughs, “Well, aren’t you going to ask me to dance?” Jake chuckles in return, “So impatient, Miss West,” while shaking his head. “Of course, will you honor me by being my dance partner this very fine evening? I’d like to be the envy of every man in here.” Ruby smiles and takes Jake’s hand leading him out to the dance floor. Jake starts spinning Ruby before they are even there and she grabs on tight while he swings her around. They continue to dance and drink for a couple of hours, turning down anyone who asks either of them for dances. By the end of the evening, which is actually morning, Ruby and Jake are satisfied they are drunk enough so they sloppily head back to their room. Even in his drunken state Jake continues to be paranoid looking around and Ruby laughs at him every time she sees his eyes dart to the side. Once back at the Grand they try to pretend like they aren’t drunk as they pass the desk clerk and stumble up the steps. They get back to their room and Ruby says, “Tomorrow, Mr. Cook, we are going to finish that bath we started!” She takes off her clothes giggling and with exaggerating motions and falls into the bed. Jake fumbles with his buttons for a minute before he gets his clothes off, then dives into the bed too. "Well, this night is certainly going better than the day went..." she says as Jake pulls her under the blankets... [/QUOTE]
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