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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2858890" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 128, “Gormley”, Tuesday, March 21st, 1882, 11:00 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>When Minerva arrives at the Lucky Lady she explains the situation to Nanuet and Jeff. "They do not know who is watching them. It could be one of those cowboys. I have my pistol in my skirts but perhaps we should have something more powerful in case it is that Ringo person. She takes Nanuet aside and tells him what the various "magic" bullets do. "Do you have any of the hold person bullets? Maybe we could hit who ever it is with one of those. They are busy watching Katherine and her friend, so perhaps we could surprise who ever it is. What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>"Well I will get my rifle and head back with you. I don't think I have any of those magic bullets that you speak of, but I'm also not keen on shooting at someone when I don't know who I am shooting at. Has anyone tried entering the hotel? Is there a back entrance? A way we could get inside without being seen by our mysterious spy? Jeff, you've lived around here longer than I have, is there another way in that you know of?"</p><p></p><p>Jeff replies, "Yes, there's a back door for people who want to get to their rooms without having to travel through the restaurant. Goes up a back staircase. The hallway runs square down the center of the second floor, with rooms on either side. Should be able to reach the corner room without a problem. Let's go."</p><p></p><p>Kate chatted about inconsequential things with Mr. Gonzales, hoping it was entertaining their watcher. The minutes that passed before they could see Minerva coming down the street seemed long, but eventually she came down the street with Nanuet and Jeff.</p><p></p><p>Grant rushes into the Marshall's Office. "Deputies. Mrs. Kale wanted me to come get you both. Here's a note." Chester reads the note and shows it to Eduardo. "Kate says that someone is watching the El Parador from the Promise City Hotel. She says to come in from the kitchen door to avoid being seen. I wonder if this is related to the shooting." Eduardo says, "OK, Chester. Let's go and find out what's happening. Senor Keebler, lead the way." </p><p></p><p>Grant brings them into the El Parador kitchen. "Wait here. I'll get Mrs. Kale." He goes out onto the porch. "Mrs. Kale, the deputies are here in the kitchen." Kate walks back inside. "Chester, Deputy Rodriguez, I'm glad you both could make it. there's somebody spying on the El Parador from across the street. Could you look into it?" Eduardo says, "How can you tell?" She replies, </p><p>"The person is using a spyglass. Not an everyday occurrence, don't you think?" </p><p></p><p>"I guess you're right. Chester you go in the back door of the Hotel and I'll go in the front. Then we'll go upstairs. Don't draw your weapon, unless someone draws on you. OK?" "Sounds good to me. Hopefully there's a good explanation behind this." Kate says, "I'll go back out onto the front porch. Who ever it is, they are probably watching me and Mr. Gonzalez."</p><p></p><p>She adds, "I saw the others from the Lucky Lady heading down the street, you might not be alone when you go inside. Gentlemen, Pony Deal pointed that rifle at me from the top of the town hall, I don't know why he didn't shoot when I ducked inside. I don't like the idea of someone watching the place where I live. Whatever you can find out, I'd appreciate. Better to stay unseen if you can. Thank you." Kate stepped back outside and sat down again on the stairs.</p><p></p><p>Jeff, Nanuet and Minerva are making their way towards the hotel when they see Deputy Rodriguez entering the front of the building. "Well there goes the idea of surprise I guess." says Nanuet in an agitated tone. "Let's make our way around back anyways before they see us so at least they won't know how many of us there are." Nanuet and Minerva follow Jeff around the back of the hotel.</p><p></p><p>Minerva whispers. "Perhaps we should ask the clerk who is staying that room before we go up and make a scene. We should probably cover all the exits as well. It wouldn't do to sneak in the back and have them waltz out the front door. "</p><p></p><p>Chester and Eduardo go out the back way of the El Parador. There they split up. Chester goes north on the east side of the El Parador, heads west behind the Great Western and his new Office, until he reaches the back of the Hotel. Eduardo goes west behind the buildings on South St., come up north on Allen to the front door. Ask they agreed, He gives a whistle then he goes inside. Chester hearing the whistle goes in the back door. </p><p></p><p>Jeff, Minerva and Nanuet are now walking south down Allen street between the Rio Grande and the cooper shop when they notice Eduardo Rodriguez enter the Promise City Hotel front door. Well, unless there is a third exit then I think we have all the exits covered and it looks like the two deputies have it under control. Perhaps one of us should go out front in case he manages to slip past and makes his way out there. Which do you prefer Jeff?" </p><p></p><p>Jeff replies "I'll stay here and you two can watch the front. Just holler if you need help." Nanuet and Minerva split up and each walk up a different side of the hotel and meet at the front waiting for something to happen. "Never a dull day in these parts is there? I wonder if Jake and Ruby are having as much excitement."</p><p></p><p>Minerva comments, Oh, You know Jake and Ruby! Something exciting always pops up to get those two in trouble. Let's just hope it has nothing to do with the cowboy gang or the Earps" Nanuet answers, "Yes, let's hope. I also hope this doesn't ruin our lunch, I asked Maria to cook up something extra nice for us today."</p><p></p><p>Katherine was careful not to let her expression change as the Marshalls moved into the back of the hotel and her friends covered the door. Instead she kept talking to her teacher, babbling on about the ranch and the school; hoping to give nothing to their watcher. Her hand was in her skirts, close to the pistol. Even with the wall there, she was nervous. She hated being stuck here playing bait, not able to help or know what was happening, just waiting for the sound of gunfire and hoping it wouldn't come.</p><p></p><p>Chester surprises the cook in the kitchen. "Sorry, ma'am. I'm here on official business. Just passing through." He reaches the front desk after Eduardo does. The half-elf asks Melissa Smith the innkeeper, "Mrs. Smith, who's staying in the room overlooking the southeast corner?" "A Mr. Gormley rented it," She replies. "Is there some trouble?"</p><p>Armed with that information, Eduardo quickly communicates it to Chester, Minerva, Jeff and Nanuet. Chester says, "That's the guy I was looking for, came into town with Ringo and stayed." Jeff interjects, "Well, there's only one staircase up to the second floor, but one of the windows to his room is right above the front porch, so he could try escaping out that way if we spook him. How should we handle this?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet states, "Well you two are deputies and one should probably go up and the other should stay here, that way either way he decides to go there will be a lawman. Up to you who wants to go up to the room. I am willing to go up if someone wants to stay down here in case he does try to escape."</p><p></p><p>Chester says to his fellow deputy, "Nanuet and I can go up to the room." To Minerva and Jeff, he says, "Are you two heeled?" He receives nods. "How about Jeff and Eduardo, you wait out front incase he tries to jump out the window. Minerva? Can you wait here in the lobby, in case he gets past me and Nanuet? Everyone be careful and we don't know if he's done anything wrong yet."</p><p></p><p>"Si, Senor Chet, I can stay here and keep him from leaving, but I do not know what this man looks like. I shall stand here and visit with Senora Smith." She notices that the woman is pale, with a fearful look in her eyes and so smiles her brightest and most reassuring smile and pats her arm. "I am sure this nice lady will be kind enough to tell me If Senor Gormley is descending the stairs. Is that agreeable with you Senora?" She says to the innkeeper. Minerva keeps her free hand on her gun, which is tucked in her skirts. She chats with the woman about the hot weather and the festival to keep her calm while she watches the stairs. </p><p></p><p>"Now Senora, do not be so nervous. There is no need. I am sure that all is well. The deputy just wants to ask Mr. Gormley some questions. Now if you could watch the stairs while we talk and just place your hand on mine if he begins to descend the stairs I shall keep him occupied until the Deputy arrives."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet checks his rifle to make sure it is all set to go. He gives Minerva a serious look and says "Be careful, these guys are dangerous as we all know too well by now." He turns to Chester "Lead the way lawman." Chester and Nanuet arrive at the door to the room. A quick check of the doorknob shows the door to be locked. They do not hear any sounds inside.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet asks, "Do we break the door down or do we get a key from the front desk? I would imagine that they would have a key that opens all the doors right?" Chester replies, "We could try knocking first. I'm sure they have a key downstairs in case Gormley doesn't open the door." Nanuet says, "See Chet that is why we keep you around! I would have never thought of that!" Nanuet laughs and shakes his head at his own inability to see the obvious solution.</p><p></p><p>Chester motions Nanuet to the left side of the door. "Ready? Here goes." Chester pounds on the door. "Mr. Gormley? This is Deputy Marshall Martin. Please open the door, I want to talk to you." He then stands to the right of the door and waits for a response. The door does not immediately open and there is no response. </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, some 140 feet to the east, Kate and Manuel watch as the man and telescope move back into the room and away from the east facing window. No more than fifteen seconds later they see a scruffy looking young man holding a telescope and a revolver climb out of the south facing window of the same room and out onto the front porch roof of the Promise City Hotel.</p><p></p><p>"Damn," Kate muttered as she estimated the distance. "He's too far away for anything but something flashy, and I don't want to be in jail with him." She stood up casually. "How far apart can the horses go?" she asked, pulling herself up on one as if a ride was what she had intended all morning. Gonzales hops onto the other and says, "Let's find out. And with a wide grin says, "I guess all that riding practice will come in handy."</p><p></p><p>Kate got herself settled on the horse, sitting uncomfortably sideways in a saddle not made for it. She clicked her tongue and moved forward at a brisk pace, purposeful but not hurried, careful to keep the man in sight. "A bit of slippery ground should slow him down when we're close enough. Otherwise we cut him off. This wall is impenetrable, yes? Might be amusing to see him run into it. We'll signal Jeff and Marshall Rodriguez when we pass by."</p><p></p><p>Back upstairs, Chester pounds on their door again. "Gormley, open up." Still no response. "Hmm. We don't have a warrant or anything. I'll go get the key. No sense in busting down the door. Keep watch, but he may turn invisible." Chester comes down the stairs. "Mrs. Smith? Can I have the key for Mr. Gormley's room?" </p><p></p><p>She says in a wavering voice, "I can't let you have the key, but I can go upstairs. Is he dangerous?" Chester says, "I don't think so, ma'am. I just want to ask him some questions." Mrs. Smith knocks on the door, "Mr. Gormley, it's Mrs. Smith. I'm opening the door." She turns the key in the lock. Chester gently moves her aside and opens the door. Nobody is inside but the window is open. </p><p></p><p>Below, Gonzales is doing his best to keep pace with Kate. The man has left the window and is moving across the roof towards the northwest corner, where there is a gutter drain that he may attempt to slide down. Gonzales comments, "Notice how he scurries across the roof, must be awkward footing. Do you have that wand handy?"</p><p></p><p>Kate slipped her hand down to her skirts where the want was nestled with her pistol. "I have it. Considering the situation lately, it would be foolish not to carry it. It's rather flashy though, are you sure we'd want to use it?" He replies, "The streets aren't that crowded, I don't think anybody is looking. A single bolt to the back of the knees should do the trick."</p><p></p><p>Kate took a casual look around as she pulled the slender rod from her skirt. She kept it down close to her leg so it wouldn't be seen. She pulled her horse closer to Mr. Gonzales', shielding herself from as many eyes as she could, then pointed the wand and spoke the command word, focusing on hitting the man behind his knees.</p><p></p><p>The beam of light shoots out and flies upward. Kate and Gonzales had reached the Hotel so the beam only has thirty-five feet to travel. Gormley was already moving too quickly across a roof that was at a thirty degree slant, and his leg bends in on him as the leg collapses. He tumbles down and falls from the roof but manages to grab onto the edge with both hands, dangling there.</p><p></p><p>Kate put on a shocked face, or as close as she could come, and pulled the horse up short. "Sir! However did you manage to do that?" She nudged the horse forward again, with Mr. Gonzales going to the other side, blocking the man from having a clear escape route. She looked around and let her eyes light on Marshall Rodriguez and Jeff standing at the hotel's front door. </p><p></p><p>"Marshall! We need some help here!" she said moving close as if to get the horse under the man. Gonzales moves his horse forward too, essentially pushing an invisible wall into him. When pushed he looses his grip and falls, landing at the feet of Rodriguez and Mills.</p><p></p><p>Kate slid down off the horse and feigned concern. "Are you hurt?" She picked up the weapon and telescope the man had dropped when he fell off the roof. "Interesting items you have here. Not many who carry a telescope. What in the world were you doing on the roof?" Gormley looks up at Kate and says, "I'm an astronomer!"</p><p></p><p>Kate states, "The suns been up for hours, and it will be many more before there are any stars to be seen. Unless it was a different kind of star you were interested in." Kate looked up at Jeff. "I believe we have some astronomically minded friends nearby. I'm sure they would be interested in talking to...I'm sorry, how rude. I didn't ask your name. Who might you be?" He replies, "I'm...Jones...Mark Jones." </p><p></p><p>Mrs. Smith is now standing at the doorstep alongside Chester and Nanuet and interjects "Actually I believe your name is Thaddeus Gormley. And I prefer my patrons to leave through the doors instead of the windows. You'd better find yourself somewhere else to stay than here." Rodriguez says, "I believe that I know just the place."</p><p></p><p>Kate states, "Mr. Gormley, how unkind to conceal your real name. It seems Marshall Rodriguez here has a comfortable place for you to reconsider that, and some other statements you might want to make. Marshall, might you need me for anything?" Eduardo replies, "Not that I can think of. I believe we have this under control." He and Chester grab Gormley and march him off to the jail. Gonzales makes a gesture to cancel the scroll spell on the horses.</p><p></p><p>Chester thanks everyone for helping. Once they get to the jail, Eduardo pushes Gormley into an empty cell. Chester says, "I've been looking all over for you Thad. You're a hard man to pin down." He motions to the items Gormley had on him. "So what were you planning to do with these? Doing a little hunting, maybe?"</p><p></p><p>He says, "No, I'm an astronomer. I thought that there was supposed to be a eclipse during the day today but I must have gotten my dates wrong. It'll probably come tomorrow." Chester says, "A lunar eclipse, huh. What's with the weapon? Don't know too many stars that shoot at you. And how do you know Johnny Ringo?" Gormley replies, "Ringo? I've played cards before with him in Galeyville. Don't know him other than that. And most people in this town have a gun of some sort, why are you picking on me?" </p><p></p><p>Rodriguez says, "Because I think you're a liar. Give me a few minutes and I'll prove it." He opens the front door and calls out to one of Juan Tulucca's children. They have a short exchange in Spanish and the boy runs off. </p><p></p><p>A few minutes later the boy returns and talks to Eduardo in Spanish. The Deputy Marshall turns to Gormley with a big smile and says, "Okay Mr. Astronomy, according to Old Mother Jiminez the next lunar eclipse isn't scheduled to occur until June 1st of this year." Gormley starts to ask nervous and then says, "I need to see my Uncle Ajax. He works over at the big mine in town."</p><p></p><p>Chester replies, "I just saw him earlier today. He's mighty disappointed in you. Said he told you his mine was looking for workers, but you didn't want to work hard. Isn't that right? I can still go get him if you want, but how about you tell us just what you were doing spying on that saloon." Gormley looks flustered. He then says to Chester "Is there a law in this town that you can't look out a window?"</p><p></p><p>Chester answers, "Nope. But there is one about shooting at a town Marshall. There were two men shooting at this office a couple days ago. One of them is dead and I think you are the other. I heard you were seen with Johnny Ringo the day of the shooting." Gormley answers, "Yeah, so what? He was the guy who got shot, not the shooter. What makes you think that I was the other guy in the Great Western?"</p><p></p><p>Chester states, "That's interesting. How did you know the shots came from the Great Western? It's not like it was published in the newspaper or anything." He answers, "Half the town knew that 'cause of all the burning stuff that they threw out the window. Not like that was any secret." Chester sighs. "All right. I'll get your uncle. I sure hope that your talking to us won't get back to the Cowboys." Chester opens the door and pauses, before leaving for the mine.</p><p></p><p>Kate looked at Minerva, Nanuet, and Jeff after Chester and Marshall Rodriguez took the man away. "I'm willing to bet there's someone watching the Lucky Lady too. Maybe we should go take a look?" After watching the scene unfold outside the building Nanuet smiles at Minerva and says "I always seem to be late to the party." He then turns to Kate and says "Yeah, that is a good idea. Maybe we should stop at the jail first and grab Chester so we have a lawman with us first in case anyone else needs arresting today." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet, Kate, Jeff and Minerva head by the jail and ask Chester to come by the Lucky Lady once he is done at the jail, explaining that they want to check the place for spies as well. Before heading off with the others, Kate handed the reins of her horse to her teacher. "You enjoyed that, didn't you?" she said, noting the sparkle in his eyes. "Would you let Ginnie know everything is alright and I'll be back in a little while?" </p><p></p><p>"Of course, my little sandpiper." He took the reins from her and deftly slipped a ring into her hand as he did so. "Take care." "I will. I hope your errand goes well, Mr. Gonzales. I'll be home later," she smiled, slipping the ring onto her finger and then joined Nanuet, Minerva, and Jeff. The foursome then head to the Lady and begin scoping out the surrounding area for anything suspicious.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "If they're doing the same thing here, they'll be watching the front door. I'll go upstairs and look out the windows. I didn't spot the other man, Mr. Gonzales did. We might want to note anyone was isn't usually around as well."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet begins asking the others to help him search the Lucky Lady inside and out. "We should search every room, high and low. Then search around the perimeter of the building too. Jeff, I'll take the ladies and we'll check out the inside while you take a walk around the outside of the building and look for anything suspicious. Then we can swap and each cover each other. Don't want to miss anything. Alright then, let's get to work, I'm starving and need to eat lunch!"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2858890, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 128, “Gormley”, Tuesday, March 21st, 1882, 11:00 A.M.[/B] When Minerva arrives at the Lucky Lady she explains the situation to Nanuet and Jeff. "They do not know who is watching them. It could be one of those cowboys. I have my pistol in my skirts but perhaps we should have something more powerful in case it is that Ringo person. She takes Nanuet aside and tells him what the various "magic" bullets do. "Do you have any of the hold person bullets? Maybe we could hit who ever it is with one of those. They are busy watching Katherine and her friend, so perhaps we could surprise who ever it is. What do you think?" "Well I will get my rifle and head back with you. I don't think I have any of those magic bullets that you speak of, but I'm also not keen on shooting at someone when I don't know who I am shooting at. Has anyone tried entering the hotel? Is there a back entrance? A way we could get inside without being seen by our mysterious spy? Jeff, you've lived around here longer than I have, is there another way in that you know of?" Jeff replies, "Yes, there's a back door for people who want to get to their rooms without having to travel through the restaurant. Goes up a back staircase. The hallway runs square down the center of the second floor, with rooms on either side. Should be able to reach the corner room without a problem. Let's go." Kate chatted about inconsequential things with Mr. Gonzales, hoping it was entertaining their watcher. The minutes that passed before they could see Minerva coming down the street seemed long, but eventually she came down the street with Nanuet and Jeff. Grant rushes into the Marshall's Office. "Deputies. Mrs. Kale wanted me to come get you both. Here's a note." Chester reads the note and shows it to Eduardo. "Kate says that someone is watching the El Parador from the Promise City Hotel. She says to come in from the kitchen door to avoid being seen. I wonder if this is related to the shooting." Eduardo says, "OK, Chester. Let's go and find out what's happening. Senor Keebler, lead the way." Grant brings them into the El Parador kitchen. "Wait here. I'll get Mrs. Kale." He goes out onto the porch. "Mrs. Kale, the deputies are here in the kitchen." Kate walks back inside. "Chester, Deputy Rodriguez, I'm glad you both could make it. there's somebody spying on the El Parador from across the street. Could you look into it?" Eduardo says, "How can you tell?" She replies, "The person is using a spyglass. Not an everyday occurrence, don't you think?" "I guess you're right. Chester you go in the back door of the Hotel and I'll go in the front. Then we'll go upstairs. Don't draw your weapon, unless someone draws on you. OK?" "Sounds good to me. Hopefully there's a good explanation behind this." Kate says, "I'll go back out onto the front porch. Who ever it is, they are probably watching me and Mr. Gonzalez." She adds, "I saw the others from the Lucky Lady heading down the street, you might not be alone when you go inside. Gentlemen, Pony Deal pointed that rifle at me from the top of the town hall, I don't know why he didn't shoot when I ducked inside. I don't like the idea of someone watching the place where I live. Whatever you can find out, I'd appreciate. Better to stay unseen if you can. Thank you." Kate stepped back outside and sat down again on the stairs. Jeff, Nanuet and Minerva are making their way towards the hotel when they see Deputy Rodriguez entering the front of the building. "Well there goes the idea of surprise I guess." says Nanuet in an agitated tone. "Let's make our way around back anyways before they see us so at least they won't know how many of us there are." Nanuet and Minerva follow Jeff around the back of the hotel. Minerva whispers. "Perhaps we should ask the clerk who is staying that room before we go up and make a scene. We should probably cover all the exits as well. It wouldn't do to sneak in the back and have them waltz out the front door. " Chester and Eduardo go out the back way of the El Parador. There they split up. Chester goes north on the east side of the El Parador, heads west behind the Great Western and his new Office, until he reaches the back of the Hotel. Eduardo goes west behind the buildings on South St., come up north on Allen to the front door. Ask they agreed, He gives a whistle then he goes inside. Chester hearing the whistle goes in the back door. Jeff, Minerva and Nanuet are now walking south down Allen street between the Rio Grande and the cooper shop when they notice Eduardo Rodriguez enter the Promise City Hotel front door. Well, unless there is a third exit then I think we have all the exits covered and it looks like the two deputies have it under control. Perhaps one of us should go out front in case he manages to slip past and makes his way out there. Which do you prefer Jeff?" Jeff replies "I'll stay here and you two can watch the front. Just holler if you need help." Nanuet and Minerva split up and each walk up a different side of the hotel and meet at the front waiting for something to happen. "Never a dull day in these parts is there? I wonder if Jake and Ruby are having as much excitement." Minerva comments, Oh, You know Jake and Ruby! Something exciting always pops up to get those two in trouble. Let's just hope it has nothing to do with the cowboy gang or the Earps" Nanuet answers, "Yes, let's hope. I also hope this doesn't ruin our lunch, I asked Maria to cook up something extra nice for us today." Katherine was careful not to let her expression change as the Marshalls moved into the back of the hotel and her friends covered the door. Instead she kept talking to her teacher, babbling on about the ranch and the school; hoping to give nothing to their watcher. Her hand was in her skirts, close to the pistol. Even with the wall there, she was nervous. She hated being stuck here playing bait, not able to help or know what was happening, just waiting for the sound of gunfire and hoping it wouldn't come. Chester surprises the cook in the kitchen. "Sorry, ma'am. I'm here on official business. Just passing through." He reaches the front desk after Eduardo does. The half-elf asks Melissa Smith the innkeeper, "Mrs. Smith, who's staying in the room overlooking the southeast corner?" "A Mr. Gormley rented it," She replies. "Is there some trouble?" Armed with that information, Eduardo quickly communicates it to Chester, Minerva, Jeff and Nanuet. Chester says, "That's the guy I was looking for, came into town with Ringo and stayed." Jeff interjects, "Well, there's only one staircase up to the second floor, but one of the windows to his room is right above the front porch, so he could try escaping out that way if we spook him. How should we handle this?" Nanuet states, "Well you two are deputies and one should probably go up and the other should stay here, that way either way he decides to go there will be a lawman. Up to you who wants to go up to the room. I am willing to go up if someone wants to stay down here in case he does try to escape." Chester says to his fellow deputy, "Nanuet and I can go up to the room." To Minerva and Jeff, he says, "Are you two heeled?" He receives nods. "How about Jeff and Eduardo, you wait out front incase he tries to jump out the window. Minerva? Can you wait here in the lobby, in case he gets past me and Nanuet? Everyone be careful and we don't know if he's done anything wrong yet." "Si, Senor Chet, I can stay here and keep him from leaving, but I do not know what this man looks like. I shall stand here and visit with Senora Smith." She notices that the woman is pale, with a fearful look in her eyes and so smiles her brightest and most reassuring smile and pats her arm. "I am sure this nice lady will be kind enough to tell me If Senor Gormley is descending the stairs. Is that agreeable with you Senora?" She says to the innkeeper. Minerva keeps her free hand on her gun, which is tucked in her skirts. She chats with the woman about the hot weather and the festival to keep her calm while she watches the stairs. "Now Senora, do not be so nervous. There is no need. I am sure that all is well. The deputy just wants to ask Mr. Gormley some questions. Now if you could watch the stairs while we talk and just place your hand on mine if he begins to descend the stairs I shall keep him occupied until the Deputy arrives." Nanuet checks his rifle to make sure it is all set to go. He gives Minerva a serious look and says "Be careful, these guys are dangerous as we all know too well by now." He turns to Chester "Lead the way lawman." Chester and Nanuet arrive at the door to the room. A quick check of the doorknob shows the door to be locked. They do not hear any sounds inside. Nanuet asks, "Do we break the door down or do we get a key from the front desk? I would imagine that they would have a key that opens all the doors right?" Chester replies, "We could try knocking first. I'm sure they have a key downstairs in case Gormley doesn't open the door." Nanuet says, "See Chet that is why we keep you around! I would have never thought of that!" Nanuet laughs and shakes his head at his own inability to see the obvious solution. Chester motions Nanuet to the left side of the door. "Ready? Here goes." Chester pounds on the door. "Mr. Gormley? This is Deputy Marshall Martin. Please open the door, I want to talk to you." He then stands to the right of the door and waits for a response. The door does not immediately open and there is no response. Meanwhile, some 140 feet to the east, Kate and Manuel watch as the man and telescope move back into the room and away from the east facing window. No more than fifteen seconds later they see a scruffy looking young man holding a telescope and a revolver climb out of the south facing window of the same room and out onto the front porch roof of the Promise City Hotel. "Damn," Kate muttered as she estimated the distance. "He's too far away for anything but something flashy, and I don't want to be in jail with him." She stood up casually. "How far apart can the horses go?" she asked, pulling herself up on one as if a ride was what she had intended all morning. Gonzales hops onto the other and says, "Let's find out. And with a wide grin says, "I guess all that riding practice will come in handy." Kate got herself settled on the horse, sitting uncomfortably sideways in a saddle not made for it. She clicked her tongue and moved forward at a brisk pace, purposeful but not hurried, careful to keep the man in sight. "A bit of slippery ground should slow him down when we're close enough. Otherwise we cut him off. This wall is impenetrable, yes? Might be amusing to see him run into it. We'll signal Jeff and Marshall Rodriguez when we pass by." Back upstairs, Chester pounds on their door again. "Gormley, open up." Still no response. "Hmm. We don't have a warrant or anything. I'll go get the key. No sense in busting down the door. Keep watch, but he may turn invisible." Chester comes down the stairs. "Mrs. Smith? Can I have the key for Mr. Gormley's room?" She says in a wavering voice, "I can't let you have the key, but I can go upstairs. Is he dangerous?" Chester says, "I don't think so, ma'am. I just want to ask him some questions." Mrs. Smith knocks on the door, "Mr. Gormley, it's Mrs. Smith. I'm opening the door." She turns the key in the lock. Chester gently moves her aside and opens the door. Nobody is inside but the window is open. Below, Gonzales is doing his best to keep pace with Kate. The man has left the window and is moving across the roof towards the northwest corner, where there is a gutter drain that he may attempt to slide down. Gonzales comments, "Notice how he scurries across the roof, must be awkward footing. Do you have that wand handy?" Kate slipped her hand down to her skirts where the want was nestled with her pistol. "I have it. Considering the situation lately, it would be foolish not to carry it. It's rather flashy though, are you sure we'd want to use it?" He replies, "The streets aren't that crowded, I don't think anybody is looking. A single bolt to the back of the knees should do the trick." Kate took a casual look around as she pulled the slender rod from her skirt. She kept it down close to her leg so it wouldn't be seen. She pulled her horse closer to Mr. Gonzales', shielding herself from as many eyes as she could, then pointed the wand and spoke the command word, focusing on hitting the man behind his knees. The beam of light shoots out and flies upward. Kate and Gonzales had reached the Hotel so the beam only has thirty-five feet to travel. Gormley was already moving too quickly across a roof that was at a thirty degree slant, and his leg bends in on him as the leg collapses. He tumbles down and falls from the roof but manages to grab onto the edge with both hands, dangling there. Kate put on a shocked face, or as close as she could come, and pulled the horse up short. "Sir! However did you manage to do that?" She nudged the horse forward again, with Mr. Gonzales going to the other side, blocking the man from having a clear escape route. She looked around and let her eyes light on Marshall Rodriguez and Jeff standing at the hotel's front door. "Marshall! We need some help here!" she said moving close as if to get the horse under the man. Gonzales moves his horse forward too, essentially pushing an invisible wall into him. When pushed he looses his grip and falls, landing at the feet of Rodriguez and Mills. Kate slid down off the horse and feigned concern. "Are you hurt?" She picked up the weapon and telescope the man had dropped when he fell off the roof. "Interesting items you have here. Not many who carry a telescope. What in the world were you doing on the roof?" Gormley looks up at Kate and says, "I'm an astronomer!" Kate states, "The suns been up for hours, and it will be many more before there are any stars to be seen. Unless it was a different kind of star you were interested in." Kate looked up at Jeff. "I believe we have some astronomically minded friends nearby. I'm sure they would be interested in talking to...I'm sorry, how rude. I didn't ask your name. Who might you be?" He replies, "I'm...Jones...Mark Jones." Mrs. Smith is now standing at the doorstep alongside Chester and Nanuet and interjects "Actually I believe your name is Thaddeus Gormley. And I prefer my patrons to leave through the doors instead of the windows. You'd better find yourself somewhere else to stay than here." Rodriguez says, "I believe that I know just the place." Kate states, "Mr. Gormley, how unkind to conceal your real name. It seems Marshall Rodriguez here has a comfortable place for you to reconsider that, and some other statements you might want to make. Marshall, might you need me for anything?" Eduardo replies, "Not that I can think of. I believe we have this under control." He and Chester grab Gormley and march him off to the jail. Gonzales makes a gesture to cancel the scroll spell on the horses. Chester thanks everyone for helping. Once they get to the jail, Eduardo pushes Gormley into an empty cell. Chester says, "I've been looking all over for you Thad. You're a hard man to pin down." He motions to the items Gormley had on him. "So what were you planning to do with these? Doing a little hunting, maybe?" He says, "No, I'm an astronomer. I thought that there was supposed to be a eclipse during the day today but I must have gotten my dates wrong. It'll probably come tomorrow." Chester says, "A lunar eclipse, huh. What's with the weapon? Don't know too many stars that shoot at you. And how do you know Johnny Ringo?" Gormley replies, "Ringo? I've played cards before with him in Galeyville. Don't know him other than that. And most people in this town have a gun of some sort, why are you picking on me?" Rodriguez says, "Because I think you're a liar. Give me a few minutes and I'll prove it." He opens the front door and calls out to one of Juan Tulucca's children. They have a short exchange in Spanish and the boy runs off. A few minutes later the boy returns and talks to Eduardo in Spanish. The Deputy Marshall turns to Gormley with a big smile and says, "Okay Mr. Astronomy, according to Old Mother Jiminez the next lunar eclipse isn't scheduled to occur until June 1st of this year." Gormley starts to ask nervous and then says, "I need to see my Uncle Ajax. He works over at the big mine in town." Chester replies, "I just saw him earlier today. He's mighty disappointed in you. Said he told you his mine was looking for workers, but you didn't want to work hard. Isn't that right? I can still go get him if you want, but how about you tell us just what you were doing spying on that saloon." Gormley looks flustered. He then says to Chester "Is there a law in this town that you can't look out a window?" Chester answers, "Nope. But there is one about shooting at a town Marshall. There were two men shooting at this office a couple days ago. One of them is dead and I think you are the other. I heard you were seen with Johnny Ringo the day of the shooting." Gormley answers, "Yeah, so what? He was the guy who got shot, not the shooter. What makes you think that I was the other guy in the Great Western?" Chester states, "That's interesting. How did you know the shots came from the Great Western? It's not like it was published in the newspaper or anything." He answers, "Half the town knew that 'cause of all the burning stuff that they threw out the window. Not like that was any secret." Chester sighs. "All right. I'll get your uncle. I sure hope that your talking to us won't get back to the Cowboys." Chester opens the door and pauses, before leaving for the mine. Kate looked at Minerva, Nanuet, and Jeff after Chester and Marshall Rodriguez took the man away. "I'm willing to bet there's someone watching the Lucky Lady too. Maybe we should go take a look?" After watching the scene unfold outside the building Nanuet smiles at Minerva and says "I always seem to be late to the party." He then turns to Kate and says "Yeah, that is a good idea. Maybe we should stop at the jail first and grab Chester so we have a lawman with us first in case anyone else needs arresting today." Nanuet, Kate, Jeff and Minerva head by the jail and ask Chester to come by the Lucky Lady once he is done at the jail, explaining that they want to check the place for spies as well. Before heading off with the others, Kate handed the reins of her horse to her teacher. "You enjoyed that, didn't you?" she said, noting the sparkle in his eyes. "Would you let Ginnie know everything is alright and I'll be back in a little while?" "Of course, my little sandpiper." He took the reins from her and deftly slipped a ring into her hand as he did so. "Take care." "I will. I hope your errand goes well, Mr. Gonzales. I'll be home later," she smiled, slipping the ring onto her finger and then joined Nanuet, Minerva, and Jeff. The foursome then head to the Lady and begin scoping out the surrounding area for anything suspicious. Kate says, "If they're doing the same thing here, they'll be watching the front door. I'll go upstairs and look out the windows. I didn't spot the other man, Mr. Gonzales did. We might want to note anyone was isn't usually around as well." Nanuet begins asking the others to help him search the Lucky Lady inside and out. "We should search every room, high and low. Then search around the perimeter of the building too. Jeff, I'll take the ladies and we'll check out the inside while you take a walk around the outside of the building and look for anything suspicious. Then we can swap and each cover each other. Don't want to miss anything. Alright then, let's get to work, I'm starving and need to eat lunch!" [/QUOTE]
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