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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2852741" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 127, “Gifford’s Fate”, Tuesday, March 21st, 1882, 9:00 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake are awakened with a knock on the door. They hear Big Nose Kate's voice outside the door saying "Mr. Cook, Deputy Marshall Williams needs to speak to you at your earliest convenience. He's asked that you join him and your friends over at Fly's Boarding House on Fremont Street."</p><p></p><p>"Damn," Jake mutters, "it ought to be illegal to wake folks up in a fancy hotel." He rolls over a little too far and falls to the floor with a thud. He sits there for a minute before Ruby groggily asks, "Jake, what are you doing?" "I'm trying to remember where I left my head." He slowly rises off the floor, "I guess I'll just go on without it." He meanders around the room for a moment before he locates some clothes and starts to put them on. A</p><p></p><p>s the fog starts to lift from his head he comments out loud, "Meet with my friends at Fly's? Mierda, he wants to talk to me with Cassidy and Fly. It must be about Gifford." While pulling on his pants he stumbles over to the bed to talk to Ruby. She's pulled the blankets over her head and Jake has to feel around with his hands to find her. He peels the blankets back to expose her face, which elicits from Ruby a low moan and some clawing around at the air looking for the missing blanket. "Why don't you come with me? Something feels wrong. I'd rather you weren't here alone anyway, and you might have some insight to what we hear from Williams." She stuffs her head under the pillow and Jake can't understand her muffled reply. He lifts the pillow off her head. "What?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby moans again before peeking her eyes open. Suddenly, “We’re on vacation!” she shouts at him. “No business!” She pulls the pillow out from Jake’s hands and deposits it back over her head. “Damn it woman, why are you yelling?” Jake cringes. “Come on, get up. I don’t want to go anywhere without your beautiful face in view.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby knows Jake is waiting and staring at her, so she slowly pulls the pillow down, and as it moves it takes her knotty red hair with it, covering her face. “Whatever happened to breakfast in bed…getting brought eggs and bacon and chocolate cake and coffee without having to get up…” she sighs, “Oh how I long for those days sometimes…” Ruby sits up in bed. “You’re going to owe me, Mr. Cook.”</p><p></p><p>"Yes, yes, Jake is going to pay." He sits on the wooden high backed chair and starts pulling his boots on, thinking that chocolate cake is not what his stomach needs at this particular moment. He finally gets one boot on and cradles his head in his hands for a few moments before working on the other. "Coffee. I think I need coffee." He finally pushes this other foot into the boot with a groan, and starts slowly strapping on his weapons followed by his duster and hat. He sits back down on the high backed chair and leans his head way back which causes his hat to fall off. He waits quietly and motionless for Ruby to finish, wishing he didn't have to bend down to pick up his hat.</p><p></p><p>Ruby gives a long exaggerated stretch before letting her feet hit the floor. She stretches her arms over her head again and catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror as she does. The corners of her mouth turn upwards as she admires herself, turning back and forth slightly to get a better view. Finally she breaks her stare, and with the same smile on her face she gets dressed. She was already feeling much better than the past week, her old self quickly returning. </p><p></p><p>With a small bounce in her step she heads over to where Jake is sitting and picks up his hat off the floor. She lifts her skirts and straddles Jake, landing with a plop on his lap. She gently places his hat on his head and adjusting it she says, “Come on, we both need some coffee.” She pauses, “And kisses, they are always good for breakfast too.” She leans in and kisses him passionately. “Wake up!”</p><p></p><p>Jake stands and leans on Ruby, "You're too blasted cheerful. And loud, you're too blasted cheerful and loud." He yawns and mutters, "Take me to the coffee." Ruby laughs, "We're on vacation, what's not to be happy about?" Jake raises an eyebrow, but Ruby continues before he can comment, "You've never complained about me being loud before baby," with a mischievous smile. "Now let's go." </p><p></p><p>They make their way down stairs to find some coffee and something to eat on the way. The serving person is new and a bit flustered and says they need to sit down to get service. Jake gets a foul look on his face and opens the flap on the right side of his duster but Ruby pushes it back before the waiter can see Jake's Colt. </p><p></p><p>Ruby leans Jake against the wall and takes the waiter aside. Jake watches her bat her eyes, touch his shoulder and give him a dazzling smile. He still seems uncertain to Jake. Ruby then shrugs her shoulder, points to Jake and whispers in the man's ear. His eyes get big and he rushes into the kitchen. Two minutes later he comes back with two mugs of coffee and a large strudel. He goes back to the kitchen without making eye contact with Jake. </p><p></p><p>As they leave the Grand Hotel Jake says, "Alright, what did you say to him?" Ruby smiles, "Nothing that isn't true. Oh wait, I forgot something!" Ruby hurries back inside and heads to the desk. She asks for paper and a pen, and scrawls a quick note, handing it back to the desk clerk. </p><p>She makes it clear that the note is specifically for Mr. George Eastman and George Eastman alone with very specific instructions given that it is only to be given to him. It reads.</p><p></p><p><em>Dear George, </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>As I am sure you've heard by now, I am currently in Tombstone. I came to attend the theater but as I've been told you are not returning to Promise City I would also like to return something to you that belongs to you. I had an unfortunate incident with Helen and I'm not sure she can be relied on to give you my message. She refused to tell me if you were ok. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Please try to see me George. I would very much like to know that you are alright after that dreadful night. I am asking that you meet me alone, so just the two of us can talk. I will be here until Wednesday's stage. Leave me a note with the clerk and I'll be sure to get it. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Ruby</em></p><p></p><p>She then heads to meet back up with Jake. Walking slowly they make their way to Fly's boarding house. Once there they go right in and ask after Deputy Marshall Williams.</p><p></p><p>Roger's brother greets them at the door. Once Jake introduces himself the man says "Go right on into the dining room, they're waiting." Jake and Ruby enter. Williams is in the room, standing by himself. Fly and Cassidy are both seated at the table drinking coffee and chatting among themselves. Williams turns and says, "Okay, you're all here now. I have some bad news to tell you, Lane Gifford is dead." "What happened?" Ruby asks. "Not that I'm surprised..."</p><p></p><p>Williams says, "A little after 7:00 AM Deputy Sheriff Breckenridge came by the Marshall's Office and Jail. He had picked me up some breakfast for me since I was tied to the office with the prisoner. I didn't think anything of it, as he's always been a stand up guy. He left, I locked the door, and then sat down and ate the food. When I woke up a half-hour later the door was still locked but Gifford was lying dead in his cell with a bullet hole in his forehead."</p><p></p><p>"Have you previously had any suspicions about Breckenridge?" Ruby asks while glancing at Jake, desperately trying to rub the sleep from his eyes.. "Where is he now?" Williams replies, "I caught up with Breckenridge at his house a few minutes ago. He was shocked when I told him what happened. I've learned to tell when a person is lying and I'd say he was genuinely surprised. He told me that it was his boss, Sheriff Behan, had instructed him to bring me the food and even told him what restaurant to get it from. I've asked Breckenridge to not discuss this with Behan."</p><p></p><p>Jake yawns again, "Does Breckenridge understand how much trouble he could be in if Behan blames him? How loyal is this guy to Behan?" "Which restaurant was it? I'd rather not eat there." Williams replies, "Breckenridge takes his job as a Deputy seriously, which includes chain of command. I doubt Behan will do anything to harm him. The restaurant was the Raging Steer over on Third Street."</p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I don't suppose you got any information out of him before his untimely death?" Williams replies, "No, he was still closed lip. Was worried about the Earps though, not that it matters much now." Ruby glances around to make sure no others are in the area. "He did tell us he knew these supposed 'moneymen' who are backing the Cowboys. Perhaps it's Behan? Or Behan also knows who it is?"</p><p></p><p>Jake's eyes start to focus and he looks at Williams and the others while rubbing his beard. "I have some questions.... Who has a key to the office? Did anyone hear the gunshot? Who knows Gifford is dead? Is it few enough people to control it and see who knows who shouldn't know yet?"</p><p></p><p>Williams answers, "The keys only belong to the Marshall and Deputy Marshalls. With Virgil, Wyatt out of town and Morgan dead that just leaves myself and Deputy Marshall Collins. But Collins is out of town at the moment. I don't know about the gunshot, somebody probably heard it but I haven't had the time to check yet. After locking the office up I went directly to Breckenridge, then to the Grand Hotel and here to alert you all. As far as I know that's all who know about it so far, and Breckenridge agreed to keep this quiet."</p><p></p><p>Jake states, "Someone could have Morgan's keys, but they couldn't have known Gifford was coming to town." Williams says, "Actually, Warren has Morgan's set." Jake says, "I didn't mean to imply before that Behan was going to go after Breckenridge. Somebody is going to get blamed for this. Right now you and Breckenridge would be the major suspects if someone was looking into this. If Behan is a part of it, you can be sure he isn't going to let the blame reach him if he can help it." </p><p></p><p>Jake looks around at everyone again. "Keep it quiet until the Earps get back. No one talks to anyone about it. Later, if we find out someone is talking it could lead us back to who is involved. I'm sure you can make it so it looks like Gifford is just sleeping or something if folks come by." He nods at Williams. "Oh, where is Collins by the way?" Williams replies, "Wyatt sent him out on an assignment. I'm not at liberty to discuss the details."</p><p></p><p>"Fine. Just wondering if he is a suspect." Jake shrugs and then rubs his eyes. "I can't think of anything else right now, can any of you? If not then Ruby and I are going to get lost for a few hours and let Williams pretend to guard Gifford and see what happens." Williams says "Be careful." He turns to Fly and Cassidy and says, "Not sure which train Wyatt will be on." Cassidy says, "If he's on the first one we'll head straight to the office and jail."</p><p></p><p>"Be careful? Do you think there is a reason we are in danger?" Ruby asks with furrowed brows, some stress creeping back in. "Please let us know if the Earps are on that train. If we're not back leave a note at the Grand for us? Or would you prefer we just check in?" Williams tells them he will leave them a note at their hotel or send a messenger. Jake and Ruby bid them farewell. </p><p>As they walk back to the Grand Jake chuckles darkly and Ruby asks, "What's funny" "I was still waiting for Williams to tell us the bad news." Jake replies with a smirk. </p><p></p><p>"Funny," Ruby replies but her thoughts are elsewhere. Finally she speaks up, “Why did you want to leave the Bird Cage last night?” "When we were there, the only women inside were whores. I didn't feel like telling every guy that came over to you all night to get lost." Jake shrugs, "Fly's piano playing wasn't bad. I told him let me know if he wanted to play at the lady." Jake tells Ruby what Roger Fly told him about Fly's wife Janet. </p><p></p><p>Ruby starts to comment about the Bird Cage, but realizes Jake has a good point. Although it would be likely she would be approached anywhere they went, a whorehouse could lead to trouble. “You so very smart, Mr. Cook, about the Bird Cage and about Mr. Fly. We will be seeing him at the end of the week for our photograph. Maybe we can convince him then of playing at the Lucky Lady. But I also think Mr. Rote has been trying to learn how to play. I think Kate is under too much stress and we’re going to have to fire her for her own good,” Ruby laughs. “But we’ll have to keep her on the payroll until that school or the ranch is up and running. Then she could come when she felt like it. But let’s not talk about that now, ok? And we’ll find somewhere else to go dancing tonight. Somewhere better than where we went last night. Now let's go have our picnic."</p><p></p><p>They arrive back at the Grand and approach the front desk, inquiring about their lunch and horses. The clerk tells them the lunch is already packed on one of the horses and the horses are out front waiting for them. He also describes a route to a nice area, with a stream and shade. They thank the friendly boy and head outside, with Jake making a quick trip to grab his weapons. </p><p></p><p>When they get there they notice the horses are of extremely fine quality, well groomed and trained. Jake helps Ruby climb up and realizes that she is wearing a dress and not her riding gear. She smiles down at Jake and waits for him before they ride out together. Jake straps his weapon pack on the back of his horse and tries not to dwell on the reason he is dragging it around. </p><p></p><p>They follow the boy’s directions and even though it is easy to find it doesn’t look like it is a very used area. The hop off their horses and Jake ties them down as Ruby starts investigating. </p><p></p><p>It is a perfectly beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and a comfortable temperature. The ground is filled with patches of wildflowers in all colors and the stream is crystal clear. “It almost seems to perfect to be true, doesn’t it?” Ruby calls out as she continues to glance around. Jake makes a tripod out of the two rifles and a dead tree branch on which he hangs his duster and tops with his hat. He leaves his pack next to the tripod and begins put out the packed lunch. </p><p></p><p>Finally Ruby’s gaze falls on Jake, who is finishing putting out the blanket and lunch. She meanders her way back over to him, taking in the scenery along the way. Before Jake knows it Ruby is pulling her dress off her shoulders and sliding out of it. What’s left is her white underclothes, skirt hanging low and top off her shoulders, both edged delicately in eyelet lace. “Aahhh that is soooo much better, don’t you agree? It’s too nice out to be hidden in a stuffy dress.” </p><p></p><p>Jake smiles a simple and warm smile. "Hidden? There is no way to hide you Ruby West. When you rode into this glade even the flowers got jealous. That does look more comfortable." “It is,” she says simply, returning the smile. Without warning she takes a couple more steps towards Jake and in one swift move unbuttons and removes his shirt. “There, that wasn’t so hard now was it? Of course now I will be completely and utterly distracted from eating my lunch,” she says playfully as she plops down onto the soft blanket. She leisurely pulls off her boots then pulls her skirt to the top of her thighs, starting to remove her stockings. She glances up at Jake staring and laughs, “You want to help?” </p><p></p><p>"Just enjoying the show. If I help, lunch will be over before we begin. Part of a picnic is enjoying the view." Jake sits down and pulls off his boots. Laying down he sighs contentedly and turns facing Ruby. </p><p></p><p>Ruby reaches over to Jake and tussles his hair before finishing her show. She stretches out her long legs daring the sun to warm them. She looks up into the sky and enjoys the mild breeze, her hair moving gently around her. Moments pass before either of them speak. “You know, one of life’s little pleasures is a day like this. I’m really glad we made it here, I wasn’t sure we would have time.” Her eyes move to the horses and an idea comes to mind. “Baby, do you like to ride? I know you asked Kate for lessons, are you good?” </p><p></p><p>"She's taught me some. I'm probably equal parts taught and a knack for learning stuff like that. I'm not as good as Katherine, but I can ride. What did you have in mind?" </p><p></p><p>“What do you think I have in mind? A ride of course…” Ruby stands and grabbing Jake’s hands pulls him up. She nears her horse, petting the dark brown stallion gently as she looks into his eyes. She smiles mischievously, apparently getting an unspoken question answered. She hops up and immediately spurs him forward. Answering the challenge, his front legs rise off the ground in a jump and he races off. He comments, "So much for a lazy lunch."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2852741, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 127, “Gifford’s Fate”, Tuesday, March 21st, 1882, 9:00 A.M.[/B] Ruby and Jake are awakened with a knock on the door. They hear Big Nose Kate's voice outside the door saying "Mr. Cook, Deputy Marshall Williams needs to speak to you at your earliest convenience. He's asked that you join him and your friends over at Fly's Boarding House on Fremont Street." "Damn," Jake mutters, "it ought to be illegal to wake folks up in a fancy hotel." He rolls over a little too far and falls to the floor with a thud. He sits there for a minute before Ruby groggily asks, "Jake, what are you doing?" "I'm trying to remember where I left my head." He slowly rises off the floor, "I guess I'll just go on without it." He meanders around the room for a moment before he locates some clothes and starts to put them on. A s the fog starts to lift from his head he comments out loud, "Meet with my friends at Fly's? Mierda, he wants to talk to me with Cassidy and Fly. It must be about Gifford." While pulling on his pants he stumbles over to the bed to talk to Ruby. She's pulled the blankets over her head and Jake has to feel around with his hands to find her. He peels the blankets back to expose her face, which elicits from Ruby a low moan and some clawing around at the air looking for the missing blanket. "Why don't you come with me? Something feels wrong. I'd rather you weren't here alone anyway, and you might have some insight to what we hear from Williams." She stuffs her head under the pillow and Jake can't understand her muffled reply. He lifts the pillow off her head. "What?" Ruby moans again before peeking her eyes open. Suddenly, “We’re on vacation!” she shouts at him. “No business!” She pulls the pillow out from Jake’s hands and deposits it back over her head. “Damn it woman, why are you yelling?” Jake cringes. “Come on, get up. I don’t want to go anywhere without your beautiful face in view.” Ruby knows Jake is waiting and staring at her, so she slowly pulls the pillow down, and as it moves it takes her knotty red hair with it, covering her face. “Whatever happened to breakfast in bed…getting brought eggs and bacon and chocolate cake and coffee without having to get up…” she sighs, “Oh how I long for those days sometimes…” Ruby sits up in bed. “You’re going to owe me, Mr. Cook.” "Yes, yes, Jake is going to pay." He sits on the wooden high backed chair and starts pulling his boots on, thinking that chocolate cake is not what his stomach needs at this particular moment. He finally gets one boot on and cradles his head in his hands for a few moments before working on the other. "Coffee. I think I need coffee." He finally pushes this other foot into the boot with a groan, and starts slowly strapping on his weapons followed by his duster and hat. He sits back down on the high backed chair and leans his head way back which causes his hat to fall off. He waits quietly and motionless for Ruby to finish, wishing he didn't have to bend down to pick up his hat. Ruby gives a long exaggerated stretch before letting her feet hit the floor. She stretches her arms over her head again and catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror as she does. The corners of her mouth turn upwards as she admires herself, turning back and forth slightly to get a better view. Finally she breaks her stare, and with the same smile on her face she gets dressed. She was already feeling much better than the past week, her old self quickly returning. With a small bounce in her step she heads over to where Jake is sitting and picks up his hat off the floor. She lifts her skirts and straddles Jake, landing with a plop on his lap. She gently places his hat on his head and adjusting it she says, “Come on, we both need some coffee.” She pauses, “And kisses, they are always good for breakfast too.” She leans in and kisses him passionately. “Wake up!” Jake stands and leans on Ruby, "You're too blasted cheerful. And loud, you're too blasted cheerful and loud." He yawns and mutters, "Take me to the coffee." Ruby laughs, "We're on vacation, what's not to be happy about?" Jake raises an eyebrow, but Ruby continues before he can comment, "You've never complained about me being loud before baby," with a mischievous smile. "Now let's go." They make their way down stairs to find some coffee and something to eat on the way. The serving person is new and a bit flustered and says they need to sit down to get service. Jake gets a foul look on his face and opens the flap on the right side of his duster but Ruby pushes it back before the waiter can see Jake's Colt. Ruby leans Jake against the wall and takes the waiter aside. Jake watches her bat her eyes, touch his shoulder and give him a dazzling smile. He still seems uncertain to Jake. Ruby then shrugs her shoulder, points to Jake and whispers in the man's ear. His eyes get big and he rushes into the kitchen. Two minutes later he comes back with two mugs of coffee and a large strudel. He goes back to the kitchen without making eye contact with Jake. As they leave the Grand Hotel Jake says, "Alright, what did you say to him?" Ruby smiles, "Nothing that isn't true. Oh wait, I forgot something!" Ruby hurries back inside and heads to the desk. She asks for paper and a pen, and scrawls a quick note, handing it back to the desk clerk. She makes it clear that the note is specifically for Mr. George Eastman and George Eastman alone with very specific instructions given that it is only to be given to him. It reads. [I]Dear George, As I am sure you've heard by now, I am currently in Tombstone. I came to attend the theater but as I've been told you are not returning to Promise City I would also like to return something to you that belongs to you. I had an unfortunate incident with Helen and I'm not sure she can be relied on to give you my message. She refused to tell me if you were ok. Please try to see me George. I would very much like to know that you are alright after that dreadful night. I am asking that you meet me alone, so just the two of us can talk. I will be here until Wednesday's stage. Leave me a note with the clerk and I'll be sure to get it. Ruby[/I] She then heads to meet back up with Jake. Walking slowly they make their way to Fly's boarding house. Once there they go right in and ask after Deputy Marshall Williams. Roger's brother greets them at the door. Once Jake introduces himself the man says "Go right on into the dining room, they're waiting." Jake and Ruby enter. Williams is in the room, standing by himself. Fly and Cassidy are both seated at the table drinking coffee and chatting among themselves. Williams turns and says, "Okay, you're all here now. I have some bad news to tell you, Lane Gifford is dead." "What happened?" Ruby asks. "Not that I'm surprised..." Williams says, "A little after 7:00 AM Deputy Sheriff Breckenridge came by the Marshall's Office and Jail. He had picked me up some breakfast for me since I was tied to the office with the prisoner. I didn't think anything of it, as he's always been a stand up guy. He left, I locked the door, and then sat down and ate the food. When I woke up a half-hour later the door was still locked but Gifford was lying dead in his cell with a bullet hole in his forehead." "Have you previously had any suspicions about Breckenridge?" Ruby asks while glancing at Jake, desperately trying to rub the sleep from his eyes.. "Where is he now?" Williams replies, "I caught up with Breckenridge at his house a few minutes ago. He was shocked when I told him what happened. I've learned to tell when a person is lying and I'd say he was genuinely surprised. He told me that it was his boss, Sheriff Behan, had instructed him to bring me the food and even told him what restaurant to get it from. I've asked Breckenridge to not discuss this with Behan." Jake yawns again, "Does Breckenridge understand how much trouble he could be in if Behan blames him? How loyal is this guy to Behan?" "Which restaurant was it? I'd rather not eat there." Williams replies, "Breckenridge takes his job as a Deputy seriously, which includes chain of command. I doubt Behan will do anything to harm him. The restaurant was the Raging Steer over on Third Street." Ruby says, "I don't suppose you got any information out of him before his untimely death?" Williams replies, "No, he was still closed lip. Was worried about the Earps though, not that it matters much now." Ruby glances around to make sure no others are in the area. "He did tell us he knew these supposed 'moneymen' who are backing the Cowboys. Perhaps it's Behan? Or Behan also knows who it is?" Jake's eyes start to focus and he looks at Williams and the others while rubbing his beard. "I have some questions.... Who has a key to the office? Did anyone hear the gunshot? Who knows Gifford is dead? Is it few enough people to control it and see who knows who shouldn't know yet?" Williams answers, "The keys only belong to the Marshall and Deputy Marshalls. With Virgil, Wyatt out of town and Morgan dead that just leaves myself and Deputy Marshall Collins. But Collins is out of town at the moment. I don't know about the gunshot, somebody probably heard it but I haven't had the time to check yet. After locking the office up I went directly to Breckenridge, then to the Grand Hotel and here to alert you all. As far as I know that's all who know about it so far, and Breckenridge agreed to keep this quiet." Jake states, "Someone could have Morgan's keys, but they couldn't have known Gifford was coming to town." Williams says, "Actually, Warren has Morgan's set." Jake says, "I didn't mean to imply before that Behan was going to go after Breckenridge. Somebody is going to get blamed for this. Right now you and Breckenridge would be the major suspects if someone was looking into this. If Behan is a part of it, you can be sure he isn't going to let the blame reach him if he can help it." Jake looks around at everyone again. "Keep it quiet until the Earps get back. No one talks to anyone about it. Later, if we find out someone is talking it could lead us back to who is involved. I'm sure you can make it so it looks like Gifford is just sleeping or something if folks come by." He nods at Williams. "Oh, where is Collins by the way?" Williams replies, "Wyatt sent him out on an assignment. I'm not at liberty to discuss the details." "Fine. Just wondering if he is a suspect." Jake shrugs and then rubs his eyes. "I can't think of anything else right now, can any of you? If not then Ruby and I are going to get lost for a few hours and let Williams pretend to guard Gifford and see what happens." Williams says "Be careful." He turns to Fly and Cassidy and says, "Not sure which train Wyatt will be on." Cassidy says, "If he's on the first one we'll head straight to the office and jail." "Be careful? Do you think there is a reason we are in danger?" Ruby asks with furrowed brows, some stress creeping back in. "Please let us know if the Earps are on that train. If we're not back leave a note at the Grand for us? Or would you prefer we just check in?" Williams tells them he will leave them a note at their hotel or send a messenger. Jake and Ruby bid them farewell. As they walk back to the Grand Jake chuckles darkly and Ruby asks, "What's funny" "I was still waiting for Williams to tell us the bad news." Jake replies with a smirk. "Funny," Ruby replies but her thoughts are elsewhere. Finally she speaks up, “Why did you want to leave the Bird Cage last night?” "When we were there, the only women inside were whores. I didn't feel like telling every guy that came over to you all night to get lost." Jake shrugs, "Fly's piano playing wasn't bad. I told him let me know if he wanted to play at the lady." Jake tells Ruby what Roger Fly told him about Fly's wife Janet. Ruby starts to comment about the Bird Cage, but realizes Jake has a good point. Although it would be likely she would be approached anywhere they went, a whorehouse could lead to trouble. “You so very smart, Mr. Cook, about the Bird Cage and about Mr. Fly. We will be seeing him at the end of the week for our photograph. Maybe we can convince him then of playing at the Lucky Lady. But I also think Mr. Rote has been trying to learn how to play. I think Kate is under too much stress and we’re going to have to fire her for her own good,” Ruby laughs. “But we’ll have to keep her on the payroll until that school or the ranch is up and running. Then she could come when she felt like it. But let’s not talk about that now, ok? And we’ll find somewhere else to go dancing tonight. Somewhere better than where we went last night. Now let's go have our picnic." They arrive back at the Grand and approach the front desk, inquiring about their lunch and horses. The clerk tells them the lunch is already packed on one of the horses and the horses are out front waiting for them. He also describes a route to a nice area, with a stream and shade. They thank the friendly boy and head outside, with Jake making a quick trip to grab his weapons. When they get there they notice the horses are of extremely fine quality, well groomed and trained. Jake helps Ruby climb up and realizes that she is wearing a dress and not her riding gear. She smiles down at Jake and waits for him before they ride out together. Jake straps his weapon pack on the back of his horse and tries not to dwell on the reason he is dragging it around. They follow the boy’s directions and even though it is easy to find it doesn’t look like it is a very used area. The hop off their horses and Jake ties them down as Ruby starts investigating. It is a perfectly beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and a comfortable temperature. The ground is filled with patches of wildflowers in all colors and the stream is crystal clear. “It almost seems to perfect to be true, doesn’t it?” Ruby calls out as she continues to glance around. Jake makes a tripod out of the two rifles and a dead tree branch on which he hangs his duster and tops with his hat. He leaves his pack next to the tripod and begins put out the packed lunch. Finally Ruby’s gaze falls on Jake, who is finishing putting out the blanket and lunch. She meanders her way back over to him, taking in the scenery along the way. Before Jake knows it Ruby is pulling her dress off her shoulders and sliding out of it. What’s left is her white underclothes, skirt hanging low and top off her shoulders, both edged delicately in eyelet lace. “Aahhh that is soooo much better, don’t you agree? It’s too nice out to be hidden in a stuffy dress.” Jake smiles a simple and warm smile. "Hidden? There is no way to hide you Ruby West. When you rode into this glade even the flowers got jealous. That does look more comfortable." “It is,” she says simply, returning the smile. Without warning she takes a couple more steps towards Jake and in one swift move unbuttons and removes his shirt. “There, that wasn’t so hard now was it? Of course now I will be completely and utterly distracted from eating my lunch,” she says playfully as she plops down onto the soft blanket. She leisurely pulls off her boots then pulls her skirt to the top of her thighs, starting to remove her stockings. She glances up at Jake staring and laughs, “You want to help?” "Just enjoying the show. If I help, lunch will be over before we begin. Part of a picnic is enjoying the view." Jake sits down and pulls off his boots. Laying down he sighs contentedly and turns facing Ruby. Ruby reaches over to Jake and tussles his hair before finishing her show. She stretches out her long legs daring the sun to warm them. She looks up into the sky and enjoys the mild breeze, her hair moving gently around her. Moments pass before either of them speak. “You know, one of life’s little pleasures is a day like this. I’m really glad we made it here, I wasn’t sure we would have time.” Her eyes move to the horses and an idea comes to mind. “Baby, do you like to ride? I know you asked Kate for lessons, are you good?” "She's taught me some. I'm probably equal parts taught and a knack for learning stuff like that. I'm not as good as Katherine, but I can ride. What did you have in mind?" “What do you think I have in mind? A ride of course…” Ruby stands and grabbing Jake’s hands pulls him up. She nears her horse, petting the dark brown stallion gently as she looks into his eyes. She smiles mischievously, apparently getting an unspoken question answered. She hops up and immediately spurs him forward. Answering the challenge, his front legs rise off the ground in a jump and he races off. He comments, "So much for a lazy lunch." [/QUOTE]
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