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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3306504" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 221, “Returning to Town“, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 2:45 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>Kate held the note away from herself. "We might as well go back to town. Mr. Ringo has a new idea." She passed the note to whomever would try to take it. "Apparently I have one last chance." Ruby grabs the floating note from the air and as she reads it she feels Jake's breath on her neck, reading over her shoulder. "Why bring us out here and try to kill us? What if he had succeeded, then he would never get the books."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet suggests, "Maybe he thought we would bring the books here with us. Maybe he realizes those are not the actual books he wants or maybe he figured he could get them with us dead or alive once he saw the books on the wagon. Too many things to think about." </p><p></p><p>Minerva says, "He can't be very far if he knew that these were not his books. He must have a way of recognizing that magic books are in the pile. After all we did have some of his books in the wagon and he still knew they weren't the ones he wanted. I wonder what would happen if we put just one magic book in the pile. Do you think that would fool him? Minerva says turning to Ruby. </p><p></p><p>She turns to Nanuet "Give him his books back?" she says her eyes growing wide. "We are not going to give him the power of those books. It does not matter that they were his. He is an evil man! Would you give evil the means to murder and destroy that which is good? The fact that he has given Katherine another chance tells me just how important those books are to his success. Once those books are in his hands we will have lost. I will die before I see those books in his hands, Nanuet. </p><p></p><p>She begins to pace as she talks” I am tired of being held ransom. We have the upper hand with these books let us number them and make demands of our own. Let him surrender." I do not know why he has led us out of town. It is probable that this was just a ploy to get us out of town. We must hurry back immediately." She brushes the dust from her riding skirt, and with a grim expression strides toward her horse and prepares to ride.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "That a wagon will pass through town tonight while Mr. Twain speaks. If I load it with the books he will go away and leave us alone. And if I don't, he starts killing. He says he needs them to fight his war with the Earps, and that I am insolent and greedy. I'd be glad to be rid of the damn things by now! But to give him that kind of advantage...."</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "You believe this liar? What if Chester and Nanuet died? Would it still be a question to give him what he wants?" Kate replies, "Or he somehow found out what we planned. I don't know. Like Ruby said, he must realize if he kills us he'll never get them, unless he intents to raze the town to find them. I don't know what I believe Ruby. It doesn't really matter, I'm sure it would be wrong." </p><p></p><p>"You know, you're the one who did this to yourself, Don't get mad at me," Ruby huffs. "You don't want us to care? Fine, we won't. Let us know when you figure out what to do to get us out of this mess." Kate exclaims, "Where in Hades did you get that idea? You know, every time I don't react to something the exact same way you do, you assume I don't care. Of course I care, and I want you to as well! But I'm tired of being made to feel like an uncaring, cruel, idiot child every time I don't agree with you! The way I feel is never right for you. Well, I'm sorry I don't have years of experience to fall back on. I'm doing the best I can. My apologies if it isn't good enough." Kate tried to hide the sounds of her sniffling for a few moments. </p><p></p><p>Ruby has no idea where Kate is, but she keeps talking anyway. "I was referring to your 'I'm sure I'm wrong' comment," she piles more books in the cart, hoping she's not aiming for Chester, "You're right, everyone here has more experience than you in this. I was asking a simple question and you got all defensive. But that's besides the point that I am mad at you for coming out here at all. I already told you how I felt. You should know by now how fast the dead bodies pile up." </p><p></p><p>The books are done being piled into the cart and Ruby hops up on the bench, taking the reins. "I'm not supposed to care about finding your dead body around here, especially in your condition? You ARE being uncaring by making the rest of us risk our lives even more than we already are to protect you and the damn baby!" </p><p></p><p>Kate says, “We can talk on the way back. Chester needs help. Let's get him in the cart and get moving." Ruby says, "Good idea. Does anyone know how long this invisibility potion he took lasts for?" They all help load him gently into the cart. Ruby and Jake rehitch the horses and they all crowd into the cart. Kate took advantage of the fact that she was invisible to slip off the horse and move away from where Ruby was. </p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "Are we taking these books back with us? We might need to return them tonight?" Nanuet responds, "We should give him the books, all the books. They belong to him and we stole them. He's says he'll leave us alone if we return them, let's do that." Nanuet looks to the dwarves. "Sorry. I'll move them back onto the cart." Nanuet first says a prayer to his ancestor, healing his wounds, then begins putting the books back into the cart. Ruby rolls her eyes but helps him.</p><p></p><p>Chester asks, "What happens if Ringo wins his war with the Earps. Does he come after us next?" Kate says, "I don't know Chester. Things would certainly be a lot clearer if we did. I don't know what reason he would have for coming after us anymore, except spite." Nanuet stops loading the books and looks into the cart in the direction of his invisible friend. "Look, if he stole something from us, we'd be trying to get it back. He says he'll leave us alone, we listen to everything else he says, why don't we believe this too?" Chester says, "Maybe I believe it. I just don't like giving in to bullies." With that Ruby sets the horses in motion.</p><p></p><p>Kate prayed the others were ignoring the argument and had missed what Ruby just said, and in front of strangers. If the miners had been paying attention, there would be no hiding it now. She didn't bother to argue anymore. There was no point. Ruby would never see how loaded a question she had asked. What would she think of Nanuet and Chester had died? If she said to give Ringo what he wanted, she could be accused of being uncaring for not wanting revenge, and if she said not to give him what he wanted, she would be uncaring for risking them further when she could stop it. The only thing she knew for certain now was that she would not share another secret with Ruby.</p><p></p><p>The group continue to talk during the three mile ride back to town. As they near Promise City the potion in Chester's system begins to wear off, making him appear rather odd as only parts of him have become visible. During the way back after a long silence a voice recognizable as </p><p></p><p>Jake's speaks. "I'm sorry for dragging you all to a trap. Especially you Chet. The first note I got from Ringo said that staying neutral was not an option. Has he changed his mind? As you say Nanuet, his books were stolen. If our property was stolen, would we threaten and kill innocents to get it back? Giving him his books back is no guarantee that he won't try to kill us anyway. Even if he goes away to fight the Earps, he'll be back. Do we all run away from here?" </p><p></p><p>"As some of you have already said, this trap made no sense. Did he know we would react that way without a shadow of a doubt? Seems unlikely. Seems more likely he learned that we were going to react that way. Perhaps his mean were watching and we were too obvious. Maybe somebody was standing invisible nearby, or he can read thoughts somehow. It is possible that we told him or one of his men directly." </p><p></p><p>"Look at all the masquerading going on here, why couldn't Ringo or one of his men be masquerading as someone we trust? Someone who heard enough of the plan to figure it out, or heard the whole plan. Think about it people, think hard about it. No more big planning meetings. No more big plans. We pass information quickly and quietly. Tonight, try and stay nearby when ever possible, and try to keep others in sight."</p><p></p><p>When they reach the town the festival is in high gear. The Polaski brothers are still playing their Polka music on the main stage. They appear to have recently bathed are attired in traditional Polish garb. A very large crowd is gathered in the fields north of town where the Fencing competition is still going on. Meagan O'Hara, assisted by Doctor James Eaton and his wife Beth, are helping to organize the hoop rolling competitions for the children.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Not to think that I didn't just hear you say no planning, but there is one basic thing we all need to know. Do we intend on loading up that wagon tonight? There is no good choice, only two bad ones." Kate then says, "I have to go run the children's activities. I should be fine surrounded by others."</p><p></p><p>Again from the air she hears Jake's voice. "You know how I feel about it. However, I have tried my best to stop him and failed several times. I have nearly got some of you killed in the process. Follow your heart, Katherine, I won't stop you." It was disconcerting not to be able to see his expression. After another pause he adds, "If the festival is successful maybe we can get a good price for the Lucky Lady. Ruby and I have both wanted to see San Francisco." Ruby starts to say something and feels but does not see a pair of fingers on her lips.</p><p></p><p>Ruby nods her head slightly but doesn't continue her train of thought. "No books," is all Ruby comments. After the wagon stops the fake Katherine helps Minerva bring Chester to Valdez's church for healing. Valdez tells them he needs time to look Chester over so Ruby heads back to the Lucky Lady. </p><p></p><p>Back in Gonzales room she removes all her items as before then strips off Katherine's leathers. She states,” I love milk," and turns back into herself. She runs her hands over her own body with an "AAHhhh..." before dressing in her own clothes. She explains to Gonzales about the trap and what happened, also about the new letter. </p><p></p><p>Ruby heads back over to the Lucky Lady. Back in her room she throws a fit, stomping around and even throwing an empty perfume bottle at the wall. It shatters and scares the puppies, who had been chasing Ruby back and forth as she paced. The crash reminds her of them so she kneels on the floor to clean up the glass. She stops and pets them, trying to calm herself down.</p><p></p><p>"Nanuet, stay invisible and come talk to me," says Jake's voice from thin air. When the others go off with Chester, Jake continues. "I want to talk to you and Ruby, let's follow her when she's done back to the Lucky Lady." They follow the others to the church and wait outside. Then they follow Ruby to the El Parador, again waiting outside. Each time Jake gets close and listens in on as many conversations in the street that he can while waiting. He is especially interested in anyone speaking quietly. Finally they follow Ruby to the Lucky Lady, letting her go inside first and waiting for there to be no one in the way of them getting inside. "Let's go," Jake tells him. </p><p></p><p>Minerva stays with Chester until she is sure that he is doing well. She stops at the Comstock House to change and re-hides her weapons in the secret pockets of her skirt before leaving the house with her parasol. She makes her way to the Lucky Lady looking like she doesn't have a care in the world, watching the sights and greeting people by name as she watches for trouble.</p><p></p><p>When Jake and Nanuet arrive upstairs they encounter a strong smell of perfume and see Ruby on the floor with the puppies. Lucky starts to wag her tail. "Ruby, it's Nanuet and me." Jake looks at the glass on the floor but does not comment on it. "I'm going to stay invisible until just before I need to entertain. I think I'll wander around but pay special attention to the Papago store. If you are able to Nanuet, I'd like you to see what you can learn as well. Think about the other places that the gang has been using." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "OK, I will head over to the Billiards Hall and the saloon where they slept after that night at the Palace. I just hope this invisibility doesn't wear off at a bad time. When should we meet back here? And about the books, I know Ringo is a bad apple, and I don't want him to have the tools needed to do more bad things, I was just trying to make a point that we listen to everything else he says. Anyways, I'll be off then."</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "It is nothing new that I am suspicious. We need to figure out if Ringo or one of his guys is impersonating somebody who we are giving our plans. Seems ridiculous to say this, but we need to make sure Conrad Booth is really Conrad Booth. Think about who else we have told about our plans. "I lied to Katherine. I don't want her to give the books to Ringo. Ruby, make sure that Gonzalez knows that. If Katherine believes she is giving them to him maybe that will fool Ringo, how ever he is finding out. That may buy us some time." There is a short snort of a laugh. "Either that or California sounds pretty good." </p><p></p><p>"We should be relatively safe until Clemens speaks, if Ringo believes Katherine is going to give up the books. If we can't figure out what Ringo is planning then all we can do is be ready for the worst." Ruby replies, "Yes, I will make sure he knows." Ruby is still huffing from her fit, but continues to pet the puppies as Jake talks. Her mind spins with all these new and unwanted emotions. "What else should I do?"</p><p></p><p>Jake replies, "I don't know." There is a silence. "I'm going to do what I do best, trust to my luck and act fast." Another silence. "Be careful and be Ruby. I'll be on the north side of town checking out the Papago, the Palace and the alleys if you need me. Otherwise I'll meet you back here before it is time for me to be on stage."</p><p></p><p>"Wait! Don't go yet..." Ruby says quickly and almost frantically, "Where are you?" She turns towards the spot where Jake's voice was coming from. "I want to talk to you before you leave." Her eyes dart around, mostly watching the floor for movement until she guesses to where Jake is. "I'm here." She hears his voice and then a faint tapping of his boot on the floor until she can touch him. She reaches out her arms until she feels the warmth of his body. She turns and looks around the room, not knowing where Nanuet is but seeing Mischief pouncing around something. She grabs onto Jake's arm but stands quietly waiting for the other business to be done.</p><p></p><p>Jake says, "I'll be back about quarter to five. I need to be on stage at quarter past five. I think you have the idea, those seem like good choices. I can't deal with the books anymore. I've said my peace too many times already. I'm going to see that Ringo dies one way or another. If not, we can't stay."</p><p></p><p>"I understand," Nanuet replies, "Although I don't like being chased out of town. I'm going to do what I can to help you and make sure that doesn't happen. I'll be off now. Good luck." Ruby waits until their door opens and closes before turning her body to where she thinks Jake is. </p><p></p><p>"Jake... I realized something earlier." She doesn't know just where Jake is so her eyes and head wander as she speaks. "I know it's a bad time to be having issues but... I just can't worry about Katherine anymore, I can't do it. She thinks she's helping when she's really just being selfish, coming along with us. I asked her not to come, but she came anyway. I can't..." Ruby is visibly upset and tears starts welling in her eyes. "I can't worry about having to look at her dead body, especially knowing she's carrying a baby." She looks down to the ground. "I'm already so worried about you, and her, then everyone else, I'm not even on my own list anymore."</p><p></p><p>She can feel that Jake is close and then feels his embrace. "Then put yourself on your list for me. I can't have my partner behaving suicideally. That will doom us both." She can feel his hand stroking her hair. "I do not know what to do differently, girl. I am here for you." She snuggles closer into Jake's embrace. "That is my point. I can't do the right thing for us if I have to worry about her. And I'm scared to death for her." </p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs,” You and I are the same, we've haven't had to think of things like this before. And Jake," she picks her head up, wishing she could look into his eyes, "I can't lose you, I don't know what I would do." A small tear runs down her cheek. "I can't just be Ruby anymore. It's Jake and Ruby now." She feels the small tear wiped away. She feels his lips on hers and he says in a whisper, "I will be back in a little while. I'll be careful. You do the same." She feels her hands taken by his and he kisses them too before letting them go. "I'll be back soon." He says again from somewhere near the door way.</p><p></p><p>Ruby blinks back a few more tears as Jake quickly leaves. She feels alone and scared and she knows she has no time to sort her feelings out. Jake was gone before she had a chance to protest. He hadn't really heard what she said. She looks down at the puppies, who are sitting loyally at her feet. "Caring about people only makes you weak," she tells them, "Don't let anyone tell you any differently." </p><p></p><p>She finishes cleaning the glass up and has a seat in a comfy chair for a bit while enjoying a couple glasses of bourbon. It relaxes her a bit and she knows it's time to continue with the day. She chooses her cream colored gown with the peach flowers on it, fixes her hair and heads out. She checks on Niles, who is extremely busy but in heaven, letting Ruby know they are doing great business. </p><p></p><p>On his way out Jake sees Minerva. He comes up near her and whispers, "We should talk. Perhaps the back of the saloon again?" There is a faint chuckle from nowhere. "If you think I can restrain myself I'll follow you. Act like you are fixing your dress or something." Minerva looks down and pretends to adjust her skirt in an effort to hide her smirk. "Si, I have been looking for you." she says and walks to the back of the saloon. </p><p></p><p>"Senor Jake I do not know what you are thinking but we CANNOT return the books to Johnny Ringo." "I lied to Katherine." The thin air sounding like Jake replies. "We don't seem able to fool Ringo and I thought that he was somehow monitoring her. I asked Ruby to tell Gonzalez not to let the real books out." "Gracias," she says in relief. "I meant what I said back at the mine. I will defend those books with my life. Senor Ringo CANNOT have them under any circumstances. </p><p>I also wanted to let you know what happened when I went to the Palace yesterday. I met a Senorita Kitty Trent and tried to get her to deliver a message to the Aphrodite Priestess that we needed her help in this war. The girl lied to me and told me that there was no Priestess at the Palace. The fact that they refuse to talk to another Priestess of the Roman/Greek church confirms that are doing something that they should not, like using charms and spells on the people to take control of the town. </p><p></p><p>Apparently that is what those Priests that we saw earlier are in town about.. They are here to chastise me. It seems that someone sent word to the European Officials that I am the one using magic to control the minds exert un due influence the People of Promise City. If I cannot set them straight, they may just tar and feather me and hang me from the town square! So until this is over and I can exonerate myself. I need to avoid them." Jake says, "Kitty is Adair's creature. They only do what is good for them. She may not have even told the woman there about you." "Well she was gone quite some time. I believe that she did speak to them and then returned to lie to me. It was obvious in her expression." </p><p></p><p>She hears Jake whisper "No, I would be sure she spoke to Adair. She would do nothing without his consent. You have seen enough to know that Ringo could be disguised as anyone. Anyone. I will feel better when I know that Conrad is Conrad." Minerva taps her foot in thought. "If Nanuet used a bit of that powder that he has would not that reveal the truth? Hmm It would probably be easier to have Katherine just ask him a personal question that only the two of them know the answer to. I will keep my eyes open but with all the invisible people around here and people masquerading as others, I'm not sure what good it will do." </p><p></p><p>"I had the same thought about a personal question. Have a care though on the outside chance that I am correct. I did not share THAT particular fear with Katherine. I was not sure how she would take it, and if it were to be true then it might be more useful if she did NOT know the truth for a while. That is a dangerous plan, though. Let us clear my suspicions about Booth so that we can continue to trust in his assistance and protection of Katherine." </p><p></p><p>"If he is impersonating Conrad, how long do you think that he has been doing so? I know of some very private conversations that she has had with him recently. Based on his response to her, I do not think that she had those conversations with John Ringo. Perhaps I should draw the conversation around to the topic in question and see if he knows what I am referring too." He replies, "I don't know, you are a clever woman. Trust your instincts. I need to go. Nanuet is also staying hidden for some time. We are going to meet here just before five." There is a silence and then. "Don't be afraid to continue to trust Ruby."</p><p></p><p>Minerva looks through Jake and begins to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. To anyone who walks by, it would appear that she is talking to herself and laughing at the wall. "It is nearly impossible to decide who is who anymore." she says gesturing wildly. "invisible people, people looking like other people. I can no longer trust my eyes. If I question Conrad on personal knowledge and there are two Conrad's the only way I will know that he is Johnny Ringo is if he doesn't know what I am talking about and If he does understand my conversation all that proves is that I am either talking to the real Conrad or that Katherine spoke to the wrong one but it doesn't prove or disprove that there are two Conrad’s. On top of that This priestess of Aphrodite is affecting peoples emotions and actions. For all I know RUBY is Johnny Ringo or at the very least she is under the influence of this renegade priestess! You think I should trust Ruby? Senor, right now I do not trust anyone. I do not even trust myself." She says shaking her head as she walks away.</p><p></p><p>Kate went up to her room and changed into a plain, blue dress. Mr. Gonzales had told her how to end the invisibility, so she was able to manage that without having to go see him. Right now she wasn't ready to see anyone. She would go help with the children for a while and let herself calm down, then come back and work out what to do. The laughter of children greeted her as Kate arrived at the field. Despite the other feelings going on inside her, she was able to smile. "Mrs. O'Hara, thank you so much. I'm sorry to have left this to you alone. But I'm here now and ready to go.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 3306504, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 221, “Returning to Town“, Saturday, April 1st , 1882, 2:45 P.M.[/B] Kate held the note away from herself. "We might as well go back to town. Mr. Ringo has a new idea." She passed the note to whomever would try to take it. "Apparently I have one last chance." Ruby grabs the floating note from the air and as she reads it she feels Jake's breath on her neck, reading over her shoulder. "Why bring us out here and try to kill us? What if he had succeeded, then he would never get the books." Nanuet suggests, "Maybe he thought we would bring the books here with us. Maybe he realizes those are not the actual books he wants or maybe he figured he could get them with us dead or alive once he saw the books on the wagon. Too many things to think about." Minerva says, "He can't be very far if he knew that these were not his books. He must have a way of recognizing that magic books are in the pile. After all we did have some of his books in the wagon and he still knew they weren't the ones he wanted. I wonder what would happen if we put just one magic book in the pile. Do you think that would fool him? Minerva says turning to Ruby. She turns to Nanuet "Give him his books back?" she says her eyes growing wide. "We are not going to give him the power of those books. It does not matter that they were his. He is an evil man! Would you give evil the means to murder and destroy that which is good? The fact that he has given Katherine another chance tells me just how important those books are to his success. Once those books are in his hands we will have lost. I will die before I see those books in his hands, Nanuet. She begins to pace as she talks” I am tired of being held ransom. We have the upper hand with these books let us number them and make demands of our own. Let him surrender." I do not know why he has led us out of town. It is probable that this was just a ploy to get us out of town. We must hurry back immediately." She brushes the dust from her riding skirt, and with a grim expression strides toward her horse and prepares to ride. Kate says, "That a wagon will pass through town tonight while Mr. Twain speaks. If I load it with the books he will go away and leave us alone. And if I don't, he starts killing. He says he needs them to fight his war with the Earps, and that I am insolent and greedy. I'd be glad to be rid of the damn things by now! But to give him that kind of advantage...." Ruby exclaims, "You believe this liar? What if Chester and Nanuet died? Would it still be a question to give him what he wants?" Kate replies, "Or he somehow found out what we planned. I don't know. Like Ruby said, he must realize if he kills us he'll never get them, unless he intents to raze the town to find them. I don't know what I believe Ruby. It doesn't really matter, I'm sure it would be wrong." "You know, you're the one who did this to yourself, Don't get mad at me," Ruby huffs. "You don't want us to care? Fine, we won't. Let us know when you figure out what to do to get us out of this mess." Kate exclaims, "Where in Hades did you get that idea? You know, every time I don't react to something the exact same way you do, you assume I don't care. Of course I care, and I want you to as well! But I'm tired of being made to feel like an uncaring, cruel, idiot child every time I don't agree with you! The way I feel is never right for you. Well, I'm sorry I don't have years of experience to fall back on. I'm doing the best I can. My apologies if it isn't good enough." Kate tried to hide the sounds of her sniffling for a few moments. Ruby has no idea where Kate is, but she keeps talking anyway. "I was referring to your 'I'm sure I'm wrong' comment," she piles more books in the cart, hoping she's not aiming for Chester, "You're right, everyone here has more experience than you in this. I was asking a simple question and you got all defensive. But that's besides the point that I am mad at you for coming out here at all. I already told you how I felt. You should know by now how fast the dead bodies pile up." The books are done being piled into the cart and Ruby hops up on the bench, taking the reins. "I'm not supposed to care about finding your dead body around here, especially in your condition? You ARE being uncaring by making the rest of us risk our lives even more than we already are to protect you and the damn baby!" Kate says, “We can talk on the way back. Chester needs help. Let's get him in the cart and get moving." Ruby says, "Good idea. Does anyone know how long this invisibility potion he took lasts for?" They all help load him gently into the cart. Ruby and Jake rehitch the horses and they all crowd into the cart. Kate took advantage of the fact that she was invisible to slip off the horse and move away from where Ruby was. Ruby asks, "Are we taking these books back with us? We might need to return them tonight?" Nanuet responds, "We should give him the books, all the books. They belong to him and we stole them. He's says he'll leave us alone if we return them, let's do that." Nanuet looks to the dwarves. "Sorry. I'll move them back onto the cart." Nanuet first says a prayer to his ancestor, healing his wounds, then begins putting the books back into the cart. Ruby rolls her eyes but helps him. Chester asks, "What happens if Ringo wins his war with the Earps. Does he come after us next?" Kate says, "I don't know Chester. Things would certainly be a lot clearer if we did. I don't know what reason he would have for coming after us anymore, except spite." Nanuet stops loading the books and looks into the cart in the direction of his invisible friend. "Look, if he stole something from us, we'd be trying to get it back. He says he'll leave us alone, we listen to everything else he says, why don't we believe this too?" Chester says, "Maybe I believe it. I just don't like giving in to bullies." With that Ruby sets the horses in motion. Kate prayed the others were ignoring the argument and had missed what Ruby just said, and in front of strangers. If the miners had been paying attention, there would be no hiding it now. She didn't bother to argue anymore. There was no point. Ruby would never see how loaded a question she had asked. What would she think of Nanuet and Chester had died? If she said to give Ringo what he wanted, she could be accused of being uncaring for not wanting revenge, and if she said not to give him what he wanted, she would be uncaring for risking them further when she could stop it. The only thing she knew for certain now was that she would not share another secret with Ruby. The group continue to talk during the three mile ride back to town. As they near Promise City the potion in Chester's system begins to wear off, making him appear rather odd as only parts of him have become visible. During the way back after a long silence a voice recognizable as Jake's speaks. "I'm sorry for dragging you all to a trap. Especially you Chet. The first note I got from Ringo said that staying neutral was not an option. Has he changed his mind? As you say Nanuet, his books were stolen. If our property was stolen, would we threaten and kill innocents to get it back? Giving him his books back is no guarantee that he won't try to kill us anyway. Even if he goes away to fight the Earps, he'll be back. Do we all run away from here?" "As some of you have already said, this trap made no sense. Did he know we would react that way without a shadow of a doubt? Seems unlikely. Seems more likely he learned that we were going to react that way. Perhaps his mean were watching and we were too obvious. Maybe somebody was standing invisible nearby, or he can read thoughts somehow. It is possible that we told him or one of his men directly." "Look at all the masquerading going on here, why couldn't Ringo or one of his men be masquerading as someone we trust? Someone who heard enough of the plan to figure it out, or heard the whole plan. Think about it people, think hard about it. No more big planning meetings. No more big plans. We pass information quickly and quietly. Tonight, try and stay nearby when ever possible, and try to keep others in sight." When they reach the town the festival is in high gear. The Polaski brothers are still playing their Polka music on the main stage. They appear to have recently bathed are attired in traditional Polish garb. A very large crowd is gathered in the fields north of town where the Fencing competition is still going on. Meagan O'Hara, assisted by Doctor James Eaton and his wife Beth, are helping to organize the hoop rolling competitions for the children. Kate says, "Not to think that I didn't just hear you say no planning, but there is one basic thing we all need to know. Do we intend on loading up that wagon tonight? There is no good choice, only two bad ones." Kate then says, "I have to go run the children's activities. I should be fine surrounded by others." Again from the air she hears Jake's voice. "You know how I feel about it. However, I have tried my best to stop him and failed several times. I have nearly got some of you killed in the process. Follow your heart, Katherine, I won't stop you." It was disconcerting not to be able to see his expression. After another pause he adds, "If the festival is successful maybe we can get a good price for the Lucky Lady. Ruby and I have both wanted to see San Francisco." Ruby starts to say something and feels but does not see a pair of fingers on her lips. Ruby nods her head slightly but doesn't continue her train of thought. "No books," is all Ruby comments. After the wagon stops the fake Katherine helps Minerva bring Chester to Valdez's church for healing. Valdez tells them he needs time to look Chester over so Ruby heads back to the Lucky Lady. Back in Gonzales room she removes all her items as before then strips off Katherine's leathers. She states,” I love milk," and turns back into herself. She runs her hands over her own body with an "AAHhhh..." before dressing in her own clothes. She explains to Gonzales about the trap and what happened, also about the new letter. Ruby heads back over to the Lucky Lady. Back in her room she throws a fit, stomping around and even throwing an empty perfume bottle at the wall. It shatters and scares the puppies, who had been chasing Ruby back and forth as she paced. The crash reminds her of them so she kneels on the floor to clean up the glass. She stops and pets them, trying to calm herself down. "Nanuet, stay invisible and come talk to me," says Jake's voice from thin air. When the others go off with Chester, Jake continues. "I want to talk to you and Ruby, let's follow her when she's done back to the Lucky Lady." They follow the others to the church and wait outside. Then they follow Ruby to the El Parador, again waiting outside. Each time Jake gets close and listens in on as many conversations in the street that he can while waiting. He is especially interested in anyone speaking quietly. Finally they follow Ruby to the Lucky Lady, letting her go inside first and waiting for there to be no one in the way of them getting inside. "Let's go," Jake tells him. Minerva stays with Chester until she is sure that he is doing well. She stops at the Comstock House to change and re-hides her weapons in the secret pockets of her skirt before leaving the house with her parasol. She makes her way to the Lucky Lady looking like she doesn't have a care in the world, watching the sights and greeting people by name as she watches for trouble. When Jake and Nanuet arrive upstairs they encounter a strong smell of perfume and see Ruby on the floor with the puppies. Lucky starts to wag her tail. "Ruby, it's Nanuet and me." Jake looks at the glass on the floor but does not comment on it. "I'm going to stay invisible until just before I need to entertain. I think I'll wander around but pay special attention to the Papago store. If you are able to Nanuet, I'd like you to see what you can learn as well. Think about the other places that the gang has been using." Nanuet says, "OK, I will head over to the Billiards Hall and the saloon where they slept after that night at the Palace. I just hope this invisibility doesn't wear off at a bad time. When should we meet back here? And about the books, I know Ringo is a bad apple, and I don't want him to have the tools needed to do more bad things, I was just trying to make a point that we listen to everything else he says. Anyways, I'll be off then." Jake says, "It is nothing new that I am suspicious. We need to figure out if Ringo or one of his guys is impersonating somebody who we are giving our plans. Seems ridiculous to say this, but we need to make sure Conrad Booth is really Conrad Booth. Think about who else we have told about our plans. "I lied to Katherine. I don't want her to give the books to Ringo. Ruby, make sure that Gonzalez knows that. If Katherine believes she is giving them to him maybe that will fool Ringo, how ever he is finding out. That may buy us some time." There is a short snort of a laugh. "Either that or California sounds pretty good." "We should be relatively safe until Clemens speaks, if Ringo believes Katherine is going to give up the books. If we can't figure out what Ringo is planning then all we can do is be ready for the worst." Ruby replies, "Yes, I will make sure he knows." Ruby is still huffing from her fit, but continues to pet the puppies as Jake talks. Her mind spins with all these new and unwanted emotions. "What else should I do?" Jake replies, "I don't know." There is a silence. "I'm going to do what I do best, trust to my luck and act fast." Another silence. "Be careful and be Ruby. I'll be on the north side of town checking out the Papago, the Palace and the alleys if you need me. Otherwise I'll meet you back here before it is time for me to be on stage." "Wait! Don't go yet..." Ruby says quickly and almost frantically, "Where are you?" She turns towards the spot where Jake's voice was coming from. "I want to talk to you before you leave." Her eyes dart around, mostly watching the floor for movement until she guesses to where Jake is. "I'm here." She hears his voice and then a faint tapping of his boot on the floor until she can touch him. She reaches out her arms until she feels the warmth of his body. She turns and looks around the room, not knowing where Nanuet is but seeing Mischief pouncing around something. She grabs onto Jake's arm but stands quietly waiting for the other business to be done. Jake says, "I'll be back about quarter to five. I need to be on stage at quarter past five. I think you have the idea, those seem like good choices. I can't deal with the books anymore. I've said my peace too many times already. I'm going to see that Ringo dies one way or another. If not, we can't stay." "I understand," Nanuet replies, "Although I don't like being chased out of town. I'm going to do what I can to help you and make sure that doesn't happen. I'll be off now. Good luck." Ruby waits until their door opens and closes before turning her body to where she thinks Jake is. "Jake... I realized something earlier." She doesn't know just where Jake is so her eyes and head wander as she speaks. "I know it's a bad time to be having issues but... I just can't worry about Katherine anymore, I can't do it. She thinks she's helping when she's really just being selfish, coming along with us. I asked her not to come, but she came anyway. I can't..." Ruby is visibly upset and tears starts welling in her eyes. "I can't worry about having to look at her dead body, especially knowing she's carrying a baby." She looks down to the ground. "I'm already so worried about you, and her, then everyone else, I'm not even on my own list anymore." She can feel that Jake is close and then feels his embrace. "Then put yourself on your list for me. I can't have my partner behaving suicideally. That will doom us both." She can feel his hand stroking her hair. "I do not know what to do differently, girl. I am here for you." She snuggles closer into Jake's embrace. "That is my point. I can't do the right thing for us if I have to worry about her. And I'm scared to death for her." Ruby sighs,” You and I are the same, we've haven't had to think of things like this before. And Jake," she picks her head up, wishing she could look into his eyes, "I can't lose you, I don't know what I would do." A small tear runs down her cheek. "I can't just be Ruby anymore. It's Jake and Ruby now." She feels the small tear wiped away. She feels his lips on hers and he says in a whisper, "I will be back in a little while. I'll be careful. You do the same." She feels her hands taken by his and he kisses them too before letting them go. "I'll be back soon." He says again from somewhere near the door way. Ruby blinks back a few more tears as Jake quickly leaves. She feels alone and scared and she knows she has no time to sort her feelings out. Jake was gone before she had a chance to protest. He hadn't really heard what she said. She looks down at the puppies, who are sitting loyally at her feet. "Caring about people only makes you weak," she tells them, "Don't let anyone tell you any differently." She finishes cleaning the glass up and has a seat in a comfy chair for a bit while enjoying a couple glasses of bourbon. It relaxes her a bit and she knows it's time to continue with the day. She chooses her cream colored gown with the peach flowers on it, fixes her hair and heads out. She checks on Niles, who is extremely busy but in heaven, letting Ruby know they are doing great business. On his way out Jake sees Minerva. He comes up near her and whispers, "We should talk. Perhaps the back of the saloon again?" There is a faint chuckle from nowhere. "If you think I can restrain myself I'll follow you. Act like you are fixing your dress or something." Minerva looks down and pretends to adjust her skirt in an effort to hide her smirk. "Si, I have been looking for you." she says and walks to the back of the saloon. "Senor Jake I do not know what you are thinking but we CANNOT return the books to Johnny Ringo." "I lied to Katherine." The thin air sounding like Jake replies. "We don't seem able to fool Ringo and I thought that he was somehow monitoring her. I asked Ruby to tell Gonzalez not to let the real books out." "Gracias," she says in relief. "I meant what I said back at the mine. I will defend those books with my life. Senor Ringo CANNOT have them under any circumstances. I also wanted to let you know what happened when I went to the Palace yesterday. I met a Senorita Kitty Trent and tried to get her to deliver a message to the Aphrodite Priestess that we needed her help in this war. The girl lied to me and told me that there was no Priestess at the Palace. The fact that they refuse to talk to another Priestess of the Roman/Greek church confirms that are doing something that they should not, like using charms and spells on the people to take control of the town. Apparently that is what those Priests that we saw earlier are in town about.. They are here to chastise me. It seems that someone sent word to the European Officials that I am the one using magic to control the minds exert un due influence the People of Promise City. If I cannot set them straight, they may just tar and feather me and hang me from the town square! So until this is over and I can exonerate myself. I need to avoid them." Jake says, "Kitty is Adair's creature. They only do what is good for them. She may not have even told the woman there about you." "Well she was gone quite some time. I believe that she did speak to them and then returned to lie to me. It was obvious in her expression." She hears Jake whisper "No, I would be sure she spoke to Adair. She would do nothing without his consent. You have seen enough to know that Ringo could be disguised as anyone. Anyone. I will feel better when I know that Conrad is Conrad." Minerva taps her foot in thought. "If Nanuet used a bit of that powder that he has would not that reveal the truth? Hmm It would probably be easier to have Katherine just ask him a personal question that only the two of them know the answer to. I will keep my eyes open but with all the invisible people around here and people masquerading as others, I'm not sure what good it will do." "I had the same thought about a personal question. Have a care though on the outside chance that I am correct. I did not share THAT particular fear with Katherine. I was not sure how she would take it, and if it were to be true then it might be more useful if she did NOT know the truth for a while. That is a dangerous plan, though. Let us clear my suspicions about Booth so that we can continue to trust in his assistance and protection of Katherine." "If he is impersonating Conrad, how long do you think that he has been doing so? I know of some very private conversations that she has had with him recently. Based on his response to her, I do not think that she had those conversations with John Ringo. Perhaps I should draw the conversation around to the topic in question and see if he knows what I am referring too." He replies, "I don't know, you are a clever woman. Trust your instincts. I need to go. Nanuet is also staying hidden for some time. We are going to meet here just before five." There is a silence and then. "Don't be afraid to continue to trust Ruby." Minerva looks through Jake and begins to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. To anyone who walks by, it would appear that she is talking to herself and laughing at the wall. "It is nearly impossible to decide who is who anymore." she says gesturing wildly. "invisible people, people looking like other people. I can no longer trust my eyes. If I question Conrad on personal knowledge and there are two Conrad's the only way I will know that he is Johnny Ringo is if he doesn't know what I am talking about and If he does understand my conversation all that proves is that I am either talking to the real Conrad or that Katherine spoke to the wrong one but it doesn't prove or disprove that there are two Conrad’s. On top of that This priestess of Aphrodite is affecting peoples emotions and actions. For all I know RUBY is Johnny Ringo or at the very least she is under the influence of this renegade priestess! You think I should trust Ruby? Senor, right now I do not trust anyone. I do not even trust myself." She says shaking her head as she walks away. Kate went up to her room and changed into a plain, blue dress. Mr. Gonzales had told her how to end the invisibility, so she was able to manage that without having to go see him. Right now she wasn't ready to see anyone. She would go help with the children for a while and let herself calm down, then come back and work out what to do. The laughter of children greeted her as Kate arrived at the field. Despite the other feelings going on inside her, she was able to smile. "Mrs. O'Hara, thank you so much. I'm sorry to have left this to you alone. But I'm here now and ready to go.” [/QUOTE]
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