"Ballots & Bullets" (TSR Module BH3) Concluded!

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-one, “A Victory Celebration“, Tuesday June 6th , 1882, 5:00 P.M.

The Hoover School's bench erupted in cheering after their teacher tagged out the last runner. The children rushed up to hug Mollie still shouting and laughing. Kate was applauding as hard as anyone, but she spared a glance over at the teachers of the Moral Values school and then over to their students. After a few moments she started getting the children organized to shake hands with the opposing team.

Icabond Shackelton storms off before any handshakes can be done but Ashley King makes an effort to organize his team into a single file line to shake hands with the opponents. Doc Eaton gets at the end of that line. King walks over to Kate and says "Congratulations," extending his hand. Kate shook his hand and said, "Thank you. And the same to you; your students played a good game," she said sincerely.

Ashley says, "Your team did very well too. Putting that Indian in as your catcher for the last inning is what saved you guys, otherwise instead of him getting you two outs off of my last hit we would have had three runs and the score would now be 11 to 9 with only one out. We'd probably have been able to overtake you." She replies, "Very possibly. Nakomo is talented, experienced, and a great lover of baseball. And I was willing to risk the lead to let some of the younger children play. They'd have been so disappointed if they hadn't."

He replies, "Yeah, I know what you mean. We probably shouldn't have left either my son Troy or Doc's kids Tad and Philby in as long as we did but they were having too much fun to pull them out. That's probably what really cost us the game. I'll see you at the meeting tonight Mrs. Kale. The Vigilance Committee won't be meeting until just before then so I'm still not sure what they'll think of your ultimatum. Personally, I'd rather have both Shaw and Escobar on the ticket instead of Watkins but I'm not going to challenge my father on that one."

"Family can make things difficult sometimes; it's wise to choose your battles. Have a good afternoon, Mr. King." Kate followed the team back over to the bench where many of the parents had gathered around to congratulate their children. "If you'd all like to come over to the school, we've arranged a little party."

They all return to the school along with the families and sponsors. Dorita and Pedro have covered most of the desks with tablecloths and there are vegetables with a salsa dip on some, sliced fruit with a honey dip on others, hot bread and butter on others and bite-sized taco treats on the rest. At Kate's desk in the center is a large punchbowl of lemonade and glasses.

The room was abuzz with happy chatter as the students and their parents enjoyed the party. Kate thanked Dorita and Pedro for setting everything up and knowing exactly what she wanted even when she hadn't. She got a few moments to speak to Mollie and asked, "Are you alright? That pitch was pretty close."

She laughs, "And it's a damned good thing for his sake that he didn't hit me. Somebody would have wound up lying there unconscious....and it wouldn't have been me. But since brawling isn't the best example to set for our school so it's a good thing he missed." Kate says, "A very good thing. I had all I could do to keep from laughing when you made your first few pitches. And that was absolute desperation in the last inning. I'm not sure of the rules, but I rather expected Judge Isby to tell them they couldn't be playing that many field positions.

I feel bad for their students, Mollie. Not only did they not win, and I'm sure they wanted to, I'm fairly certain they weren't getting a party even if they lost. I feel bad that they're exposed to that everyday." Mollie replies, "You can stop feeling sorry for them. Every child in that school had an opportunity to be a part of this school, and they still do. What they saw today were examples of good sportsmanship and poor sportsmanship. Actions speak louder than words." Kate says, "They didn't get to choose, their parents did. But don't worry, I won't spend too much time feeling sorry for them."

Colleen exclaims "This party is so much fun and the game was awesome!" Kate replies, "And you did very well. You deserve it." Neil Cassidy waits until everybody has their lemonade glasses and then proposes a toast "To the students and teachers of the Niles Hoover Memorial School. Today you proved to the town what a fine group of people you are, who are willing to rise to any challenge put before you. The Committee for Racial Equality is proud to be your sponsor."

The crowd lifted their drinks and joined the toast after which they all mingled together again. Kate knew she should probably say a few words, but Mr. Cassidy had said anything that needed saying and she didn't want a spotlight on her anymore today. During the party she slipped upstairs and put on her proper clothes for the Association meeting. She chose a particularly demure and feminine dress, perhaps unconsciously attempting to look as different as possible from the woman in the baseball uniform earlier in the day.

Back downstairs the crowd had begun to thin a bit as evening came on. Kate talked with a few more people, then let Mollie know she was leaving for the Association meeting. Conrad has arrived at the school and makes his way over to Kate. "That was very impressive Katherine. You should be pleased with how well your students performed. Where did the uniforms come from?"

She answers, "My professeur provided those," she said. "And I'm glad of it. It made the children feel proud of themselves and confident. I'm very proud, although I'd have been just as proud if they'd lost. I saw you in the crowd before the game. It was nice to know you were there." Conrad replies, "Well, of course I'm going to support the business venture of yours that keeps you here in town instead of a mile away. And I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss this chance now to try more of Diorite’s fine cooking."

She says, "You eat Dorita's cooking every day. The only way you haven't tried it before is if she's never cooked it before. I have to go to the Cattleman's Association meeting, would you care to walk me over?" "I would be happy to my dear," Conrad states as he extends his arm.

On the way over he says, "The stagecoach arrived a half hour ago with a telegram from my mother. She says that she won't be attending the play, feeling the journey is too long for her to make alone. I'm thinking that we should plan on making a trip to San Francisco once this play and election are over with." "It would be a long trip for a lady to make by herself. I... It would have to be after the school term ends as well. I can't leave Mollie and Meagan to take care of everything alone. I would enjoy seeing your home," she said.

Conrad replies, "Good. We'll plan it for then. I'm also thinking that if she isn't coming I might invite my father. It would be the first chance for him to see me act in a starring role. It's rather short notice so I doubt he will be able to come here, and I wouldn't have considered inviting him if my mother were to be present, but....well.....what do you think?"

Kate was quiet for a moment, thinking. "I don't know. I'm sure he'd be interested in knowing what you're doing and about your life. It seems very soon after our visit to see him again, but it's not likely you will be acting again soon. You must decide for yourself, but this opportunity won't come often unless you decide to change professions again." Conrad replies, "Well, I doubt there will be many opportunities here in Promise City for full-time employment as an actor, and I have no intentions of moving away from you, so I guess that means I'll be sticking with gambling."

"I don't want to be the reason you don't do something you love. I know for now you've been satisfied here, but if you ever want that life again..." Kate paused and looked down. "You should be able to do something that makes you happy." He replies, "Kate, being with you makes me happier than anything I've ever known." Kate looked up at him and decided to be quiet for now. I hope the day doesn't come when you regret what you've given up for me. Instead she squeezed his hand and walked a little closer. "I love you too."

The reach the front door of the Cattleman's Association building. He says, "Here you are. I should be heading off to my job at the Long Branch. Good luck with your meeting." "Good luck with your game," she answered and slipped inside the Cattleman's office, curious to see if Ashley King's mood had improved. Ashley King is standing with Tempel Morand chatting pleasantly. The person in the room with a foul expression on his face is Ashley's father Anse King.

Emery Shaw comes up to greet Kate saying, "I hear that congratulations are in order! Your school won the baseball game. I'm not surprised, you've risen to every other challenge put before you." "There's not much credit to be given to me this time," she smiled. "The children did the work, and Mrs. Caudell came as quite a surprise to our opponents. I was just glad I didn't embarrass myself."

Shaw says, "Well, I'm just sorry that I missed the game. You'll have to let me know when you plan to play again and I'll be sure to be here." Calvin Oldfield arrives followed by Flint Greymountain, are were the last two members being waited for.

Anse King heads up to the podium and hits the gavel once. "I'll keep this quick. The Vigilance Committee agreed to your terms. Watkins is off the ballot and both Shaw and that old elf are on it. I don't agree with that decision but I'm not on the Committee. They'll get the paperwork filed tomorrow and announce the Party's ticket in Thursday's newspaper. You've also pushed them as far as they are willing to go so I would suggest that you don't push your luck any further." He then pounds the gavel again and says, "Meeting Adjourned." He steps away from the podium and says to Oldfield, "Let's go Cal." The two of them exit together.

"Well that was... abrupt," she said to Mr. Shaw. "I guess I have more free time this evening than I'd planned on." Shaw lowers his voice so that Ashley won't overhear and says, "Your second victory against the King's today. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, just be happy for the result. Shall we head over to the Lucky Lady?"

"Certainly." Kate took the gentleman's arm and kept her voice down as well. "I am disappointed not to have Mr. Martin on the ticket. He's a friend of mine and I have confidence that he can do the job and wants to do the job." Shaw says, "Well, from what I heard he and Ashley King had some type of disagreement, after which the Vigilance Committee wanted no part of him."

She says, 'That's a shame; Chester hasn't mentioned it to me. Although after their compromise on the matter of Bill Watkins, yourself, and Mr. Escobar I doubt they would have been willing to take Mr. King off their ticket. I don't imagine Bill Watkins is a happy man tonight." As they arrive at the Lucky Lady Shaw replies, "No, I can't imagine that he is. But then again, my life doesn't revolve around his happiness. Have you eaten yet Mrs. Kale?"

She states, "I haven't, beside the snacks we had after the game. We threw a little party for the students." Shaw checks his gun with Thom at the door and escorts Kate over to one of the smaller two-person tables near the stage. The place isn't very busy yet with only eight customers, four of whom are at Tony Lucky's table waiting for the gambler to arrive and start his day. Harry Rote walks over to take their drink orders.

Shaw says, "That sounds good. And could you ask Maria to come over here, I'd like to ask her about some food as well. Scotch and water for me Mr. Rote. Mrs. Kale?" She says, "Just tea Harry, thank you." "Alright Kate," Harry said and headed off for the kitchen to get Maria. She says, "I haven't been back out to the ranch in a couple days, but I'm already feeling much better about how secure we are. This association is an excellent idea. How are things going out at your place?"

He replies, "My children appear to have things under control down at the Lazy-S ranch, and my man Tim Kiplin's there too and he ran the place during the two years that I was away in the war. I'm not worried about it other than hearing about rustlers again." Maria arrives and the table. Shaw engages her in a long conversation in Spanish. She heads back into the kitchen and he replies, "Food should be on its way out soon. Maria's making you something special to celebrate your victory. She says Dorita shouldn't have all the fun."

"Sometimes I can't believe she and Dorita aren't related," Kate laughed. "Now that there's no one to overhear, I have to admit I greatly enjoyed winning that game. I know they proposed the game for the express purpose of showing us up and putting a spoke in their wheel gives me deep satisfaction. Small of me, I know, but there it is."

Shaw replies, "Not small at all. You should take pride in your students' accomplishments. The only reason I'm willing to work with the Vigilance Committee at all on this is election is to keep Fisk and his cronies out. It doesn't mean I'm all that fond of any of them. I'm curious now who they'll run for their third Council position with Watkins out, Derek Avery on his way off their Committee and Frank Condon on the ballot as mayor. That was the main reason I wanted Watkins out, with Eaton and Zeb Cook they would have made a solid three-person majority so the other councilmen would never be able to get anything passed that they disapproved of.

The paper indicated they talked to Dennis Winston but he's already showed that he won't march to their drumbeat so it probably won't be him either. Morgan Condon's a possibility, but he's more radical than his brother. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait until Thursday's paper to find out."

She says, "I just hope that after this is all over I can live with the results. I remember some of the things the Vigilance Committee was trying to get done. Mandatory long sleeves and high necklines? We live in Arizona Territory! I'm not going to pass our from heat exhaustion because the sight of a little skin bothers them, and I'm certainly not going back to riding sidesaddle in a dress. Hopefully they'll have to take on a more moderate candidate, someone who could bring the two extremes together. But I wouldn't be surprised to see them pull someone from their school. I pray not that Shackelton."

Shaw replies, "I get the impression that he and Mrs. King prefer to take a lower profile position to spew their hatred from. I doubt they'll propose a female candidate, given Watkin's attitude towards women participating in the democratic process." "Well, I have an attitude toward Mr. Watkins participating in the democratic process," Kate said, "so I guess we're even.

I have to wonder about his wife. If my husband had stood up and said only human male landholders did any work, I'd have told him he could cook his own dinner, clean his own rooms and wash his own clothes while I basked in my life of ease eating sweets. He'd learn fairly quickly that 'woman's work' is work." She stopped and turned red. "I apologize, that was hardly helpful.
I don't think there are many women considering running. Certainly not myself; I already have too much on my plate."

Shaw replies, "Actually I was reading in the paper that Vera Blake has decided to run. Good for her, she'd make a very good council member. She's been the driving force behind both her restaurant and livery stable since it was built, she just lets her husband Austin take the showy stuff. She's also starting to get bored now so a town position would be just the thing for her."

"How novel it would be to be bored," Kate said just a bit wistfully. "Mrs. Blake would be excellent. I imagine once you have a business up and running smoothly you might look for other challenges. I'm going to have to start looking for a way to sell the trained horses from the ranch, Mrs. Blake could be a good place to start.

I still need to talk to Judge Isby about making sure everyone understands how to fill out the ballots. We don't want to embarrass anyone who has difficulty reading English, so instead of offering tutoring in the basics of the language it was suggested be have a few informational sessions about the ballots."

Shaw replies, "Well, candidate registration ends on Friday evening, after that we'll all know who is running so the Judge can make the ballots up them." Maria brings out the food, a honey-glazed leg of lamb served on a bed of rice with sliced carrots on the side and a freshly-baked loaf of a honey-wheat bread. Shaw says, "I have beef so often out at the ranch that I wanted something other than steak."

"Who could object to this?" Kate asked, breathing deep and enjoying the smell of the lamb. "And that bread looks divine. Thank you, Maria, this is lovely. Sonoma has us raising chickens, geese, and sheep so we'll have plenty beside beef to enjoy. What I really miss is seafood. In Boston fresh seafood is everywhere. Don't you miss spending time out at your ranch? You seem to me someone who enjoys doing and being busy."

Chumbley enters the Lucky Lady and bounces over to the table that Kate and Shaw are at. He says,"Mrs. Kale, you're just who I was looking for. I should have today's paper out in the next hour or two. Eight pages have already been printed and Josiah is printing off pages five and eight right now. I still have some space on pages six and seven and wanted to get some quotes from you for a story about today's ball game. I already have quotes from Shakelton.

Chumbley takes out his notebook and reads "That half-elf chicken-thief boy was their best player. He wasn't even going to that school until after we challenged them to the game, just started yesterday. I suppose that we could have gone out and tried to find a ringer too, but that would have been cheating." Chumbley looks up, "Would you care to comment on that?"

Kate says, "Priestess Florencia approached me about enrolling Nakomo in school on Saturday after she learned he would be staying with her for at least several weeks. It was certainly fortunate for us that he started in time to participate, but it is the same good fortune that gave us Mrs. Caudell who has only been here a little more than a week herself. Every player was important today," she finished, resisting the urge to add that at least they didn't stop letting the children play at all when they grew frustrated at the end.

Chumbley says, "All write. I'll print that. Shackelton also had one other comment about the schools. Let me see...." Chumbley looks over his notes, "The main contrast between the schools is exhibited right in the names. Ours is the Promise City School for Moral Values, meaning that we place morality first and foremost in our curriculum. Their school, on the other hand, is named for a liquor distributor whose supported the saloons that promoted gambling, excessive drink and prostitution. The owner of that school is herself a tavern wench who is often seen in the company of a crooked gambler."

Chumbley looks up and says, "I'm not planning to print that quote but thought you'd want to know what that bigot was going around saying." She states, "Thank you Mr. Chumbley, I appreciate that you aren't printing that. Those who know me would know better than to believe it but those who don't," she shrugged. Then she reached over and gently took the pencil from his hand.

"Off the record, Mr. Shackelton is very lucky that I don't play the games he does. Otherwise instead of Katherine Kale, widow, schoolteacher and rancher, he would be dealing with Katherine Seagram Kale, daughter of a prominent Boston business man, possessor of the finest education a woman can receive in a world that will not allow her into college, classical pianist, and personal friend to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, Professor Pickering, and so many others it would take too long to name them.

And if they think they can bring money to bear, as they proved by their stunt with the uniforms, they haven't seen anything. But I have chosen to live here on my own talents. I may someday choose to tap into the money that is mine, but not until I know I could support myself and Ginnie without it or until the good I could do with it outweighs my personal preference.

As for what Mr. Shackelton thinks our school stands for, we both know actions speak louder than words. There were examples of good and bad sportsmanship on the field today, and it was the adults of the Moral Values School who demonstrated the later." Chumbley replies, "Don't worry, that will be in the story, at least the part about the bean ball thrown at Mrs. Caudell." She says, "Yes, that was out of line. But I was relieved that it didn't happen again." Chumbley states, Probably afraid that Isby would throw him out of the game, or maybe even throw him in jail. That wouldn't do too well for his election campaign." Kate laughed. "Indeed it would not."

She handed him his pencil back and added. "You can print this. The children of the School for Moral Values should be congratulated on playing a wonderful game. It was our lucky first inning that got us ahead, but things were quite evenly matched afterward. If we were to continue these matches, I imagine each team would win about half the time." He says, "Okay, I'll print that. I imagine they'll either be wanting a rematch right away or not at all."

Kate answers, "You're right about that. I didn't mind it, but it was rather distracting. I'd like to get back to the business of educating. I think the children will be playing a lot of ball at their recess from now on, though." He says, "As well they should. It's a great game. Something like that could even grow to become a national pasttime." She replies, "I couldn't say about that. Sports aren't one of my interests to tell the truth. But as long as the children are having a good time I'm all for it." "Very good. Well, I must be off. I've a paper to write." Chumbley hurries away and out the door. Shaw and Kate continue to dine in peace.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-two, “Unexpected conversations“, Tuesday June 6th , 1882, 7:00 P.M.

Tony Lucky arrives and begins his game. Clarisse Townsend soon arrives to begin her full-time job as singer at the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon. Kate shivered a bit when Tony Lucky arrived. "I'm glad I'm only a tavern wench a couple nights a week now. The less time I spend around that man the better."

They continued to chat until the meal was nearly gone and Maria was bringing out sweet pastries filled with nuts and honey. "How come the rest of the associations didn't come for drinks tonight? I suppose it didn't seem like much of a meeting." Shaw says, "With rustlers in the area most of them wanted to get back to their ranches. Their loss, I'll take a quiet dinner with a pretty lady over guarding cows any night."

She replies, "It's always a pleasure to have a chance to talk with you, Mr. Shaw. You've been such a help, and I somehow feel free to really speak my mind. That's always a relief. And I think we know one another well enough to drop the formality. My name is Katherine, or Kate if you prefer." He answers, "Very well, but you must call me Emery. After meeting your father I'd say that your comfort level with me could have to do with the fact that I may remind you of him. He and I are of similar age and temperament, plus we both fought in the war, put our families as our top priorities, and have grown successful businesses on our own."

She says, "Perhaps. You do certainly seem to be cut from the same cloth. Except the German accent. The difference is sometimes I don't want Papa to see the parts of me that want to lash out at people like Dr. Eaton and Icabod Shackelton. But you'll forgive me my little foibles, won't you?" He laughs, "Well, since I share the same sentiments I would say that I have to."

As they are finishing up the meal Shaw says, "Well, I was thinking of playing some cards this evening. Are Mr. Kane or Mr. Cook expected?" She replies, "One or the other I'm sure. They wouldn't leave the place with just Mr. Lucky for the night. They both have a stake in the place now, after all. They usually start around eight o'clock."

Other patrons begin to arrive. Tuesday nights are typically not all that busy, but by 8:00 PM there are close to twenty patrons. Back when the building was smaller that would have made the place look full, but with the expanded room it still appears to be half empty. Job Kane arrives and many of his regulars gather to join him. Emery Shaw heads over to play. Clarisse takes to the stage and begins to sing her first set of music to the piano playing of Harry Rote.

Kate sat and listened to Miss Townsend for a while, at loose ends as to what to do with herself now. Eventually she wandered out of the saloon and back toward the El Parador to listen to the music there. She heads south on Allen Street. As she is passing by the office of Doctor James Eaton she hears the door open and he calls out, "Mrs. Kale, do you have a minute?"

She turned and looked back. "Yes," she said, confusion obvious in her voice. "Is there something I can help you with?" He says, "Yes, a word with you if that is acceptable, in private." "Of course." Kate stepped into the Doctor's office and allowed him to close the door behind her. She didn't move far into the room. "How can I help you?" Doctor Eaton says, "This rivalry between the two schools cannot continue, at least during the next two weeks. We should have a united front against this so-called Freedom Party."

"Doctor," Kate said sincerely, "As far as I am concerned there is no rivalry. I may disagree with the philosophies the school is based on but I have no ill wishes toward it. I would far rather be left in peace to educate the children placed into my care. Two weeks ago there was no school here, now there are two. So much the better. And believe it or not, I find the Freedom Party as vile as you likely do."

He states, "I do believe that. I heard a rumor that Adair once tried to set fire to that Saloon you work at. Mrs. Kale, I am glad to hear that you feel this way. Look, I'll work on Shackelton to get him to calm down. Please don't do anything to incite him further. You may want to talk to Miss Townsend too, she has Mrs. King's ear."

She says, "I'm afraid you'll have to tell me what it is that incites Mr. Shackelton. My very existence seems to do that. I admit, the day the school opened I quite purposely offended him and I'm not proud of it. Other than that I don't know how I've offended him. And what would you have Miss Townsend tell Mrs. King? I know the lady's voice carries weight, but I don't know how involved with things she really is."

Doctor Eaton says, "She's the financing behind it, just as Cassidy is for your school and Shaw and Morand are for your Cattleman's Association. Money carries weight Mrs. Kale. But as long as her precious Ashley wins as Marshal she should be happy. Look, none of them know we're having this conversation. I would appreciate it if it stays that way." She says, "I don't think I'd have a chance to tell them, even if I wanted to. I'm glad to find you are perhaps more moderate-minded that I would have guessed. You didn't say how I could avoid aggravating Mr. Shackelton."

He states, "Mrs. Kale, this conversation needs to end now. I am not going to tell you Shackelton's secrets, just stay out of his way and don't let him bait you. As for my mindset, I was a military man. I saw more death and destruction than you can imagine, but at least a military lifestyle had order. This community, it is chaos incarnate. Drunkenness, lawlessness, murderers being given badges. Mrs. King wishes to introduce civilization and law to this town and I wholeheartedly support that objective."

She answers, "I didn't want to know his secrets, just what I could do to avoid crossing him. I will just continue on trying to avoid him. I would like to see more law here and civilization as well. But there is a balance to be struck between law and individual choices. I just fear Mrs. King's methods may be more extreme than necessary to achieve her goals. But I do not know her personally, so I could be wrong. I'll be on my way, now, unless there was anything else?"

Eaton says, "No, that is all. I should be getting back to my family. Goodnight Mrs. Kale." "Good night, Doctor," Kate said and slipped back outside. Her thoughts were busy as she finished her interrupted walk to the El Parador. For a moment there she'd had some hope for the Doctor, and perhaps there was still some cause for that.

Kate wandered distractedly into the El Parador. She looked to see who was there, and thought briefly of joining the musicians until she remembered that the piano was no longer there, even though it had been temporarily moved back for the wedding reception. With a sigh she sat down to listen for a little while until it was time to go home.

For the two days after the wedding, Jake seemed ill at ease. It seemed to start during the actual wedding celebration and contrary to expectations he left early after giving the happy couple his best wishes. He made appearances at the Lucky Lady and pretended to help with chores but mostly stayed at home sitting on the porch. Sometimes with a cup of black coffee and other times with a glass of whiskey but always just watching the street. He seemed to take no interest in the politics that everyone else found so fascinating and compelling.

He would chat amicably with anyone who stopped by but did not prolong conversations or go out on visits with the exception of Al Brower. He and Al spent a good hour or so chatting on Jake's porch. "I'll see you at the Lady Wednesday night Al." Jake gave him a friendly handshake and a warm pat on the arm. Al bids him a fond goodnight, thanking Jake for listening to his woes about loosing his recent love, Madge Duprey. Al says he will wander back to the Comque to check on how the new temporary singer Josie Marcus. He says that Pierre is currently off in Tombstone looking for a permanent replacement.

At around 8:00 PM on Tuesday evening Jake is still sitting on his porch when Miss Darla Peacock joins him. After a few minutes of small talk she says, "Well, we found a buyer for our saloon. The new man from Tombstone, Harlan Porter, plans to open up an Apothecary shop at that location. We'll finalize the purchase tomorrow late morning.” Jake replies, "Splendid news. Congratulations."

She suggests, “Why don't Michael George and I meet with you and your partners tomorrow for lunch to make our plans going forward and decide what type of announcement to put in the newspaper." "It is a date then, we will see you for lunch at the Lucky Lady," he responds with a smile. At the mention of the word partners, Jake has a little internal twinge. Ruby is who knows where and Hoover is dead. He decides not to invite the Hoover boy, that would raise too many questions with Peacock. Looks like it is just Jake and Job for lunch with Darla and George. After Darla Peacock leaves, Jake walks to the saloon and asks Job Kane to meet them for lunch tomorrow as Darla had suggested.

Minerva had spent the last few days in training with the other priests. At the end of each day she drags herself home and dutifully swallows the food that Nakomo places in front of her before she tumbles into her lonely bed. Thank the gods for sending Nakomo here. I don't know how I would manage without him.

Luna, sensing her mistress's return, flies through the window, lands on the bed and coo's softly seeking her attention. Minerva smiles weakly and raising her hand scratches the bird between the shoulder blades. "Ah Luna, I know you miss Maska, sorely. I too feel the sharp knife of loneliness in my heart. Some days the pain is unbearable. It seems that they have been gone a long time and I am becoming uneasy." and physically and emotionally exhausted from the days labors she is unable to hold back the tears as she holds her pillow and wishes for Nanuet's safe return.

Mornings were taking on a comforting familiarity for Kate. Wake after the sun had fully crossed the horizon, dress and arranger her hair, and go down to the kitchen for breakfast with Ginnie. Sometimes it was just things that could be cut up and eaten, sometimes Kate cooked the few simple things she knew how. Maybe eggs with fried potatoes and bacon. They would eat together and talk about the coming day, and then it was off into the schoolroom to begin the day.

Winning the baseball game the day before was great for the self confidence of the entire class. Mollie initiated a discussion at the start of class on the importance of good sportsmanship and other virtues.

Nakomo makes his way to the school. He is a bit nervous but refuses to let it show. He holds his head up high and enters the school. Looking around he notices that many of the students have already gathered. He spies an empty seat near the back of the room and sits.

Ginnie slides up to Nakomo "you look like your going to throw up on your shoes relax I figured that you would be a mess so I asked Ma'am Kate if I could give you the entrance exam I'm working on. I'm developing it so I can set the program that will work best for you or any new students that we get as people are likely to be coming and going on and off. You know fill the holes but not make you do things you know how to over and over again. so relax lets head over here I have everything we'll need and no chance to embarrass yourself before you know what your doing. it will also give you some time to see how the school works after all we need to stick together.

Nakomo bristles at the implication that he is nervous enough to throw up on his boots but is secretly relieved to see a friendly face. "I am not going to be sick. I was just waiting for instructions." He follows her to a spot where he can take the exam. "I hope that this school will be more than reading and writing. That is ALL we did at the white man school I attended before I joined the Yavapai"

"The school is set up with a lot of reading and writing with math and science too that's what we do in the morning. The afternoon is different from most other schools as there are individual study opportunities. In the morning you'll be placed in a class where your skills lie in that area that's why you'll see lots of different age groups doing the same thing and the kids change groups as they grab the concepts. That's one of the really good thing about having three teachers they each can work on a level and if kids miss a class they don't have to worry as much about not being able to keep up at birthing time or harvest and they can advance as quickly as they get the information.

In the afternoon there are classes to help kids if they are having real trouble with something or have missed a bunch of time so they don't fall to far behind. Where I don't think the priestess is going to let you skip school very often you'll likely be able to go in a different direction.

The afternoon is set aside for independent study on specific subjects I've been recently using my time to analyze the astronomical patterns earth power lay lines and correlate the findings with the stone circles that were built centuries ago.” "Nakomo brightens. " I really like science and math. They didn't teach a lot of science at my old school, but this doctor that I used to hang around, taught me a lot of science, mostly the healing sciences though.

Ginnie says, “I have some fairly unorthodox beliefs when it comes to a connection between astronomy and lay lines and magic but for now I'm just working on the functionality of the two in connection and trying to analyze the connection between solar and earth based magic and tapping the conjunction between the two. I'm sure that if you have a particular interest there will be a way to explore it possibly without tons of reading and writing although I really don't understand why you wouldn't like it."

"Huh? the functionality of the two connections?" Nakomo scratches his head in confusion. "and I didn't say that I didn't like reading and writing, just that I was hoping there would be more to this school than just that. Sounds like there is. um, Maybe we should do that test now. He says changing the subject.

Hannah Milford brings lunch over for the teachers at noontime and offers then congratulations for the previous day's game. "Thank you very much, and thank you for this," Kate said gesturing toward the lunch. "I got my eyes opened just a bit yesterday. I've never been much for sport but it really seems to have made the children feel good."

Hannah replies, "Yes, it was so good to see all of the children out there playing." She turns to Mollie and says, "And that was amazing Mrs. Caudell, where did you learn to throw a ball like that?" Mollie replies, "Back in North Carolina. My husband's school had a team that I pitched on." "I imagine having two active boys kept you playing as well," Kate added. "Not many boys are lucky enough to have mothers who get out and play with them like you did."

The ladies continued to chat and after a short time Kate asked, "I wonder if you might do us another favor. We'd like to have different kinds of foods for snacks for the children so they can be exposed to foods they aren't used to. I wonder if you might be interested in bringing something in some day? The school foots the bill, of course."

Hannah indicates that she would be happy to. Mollie says, "Mrs. Milford, I am not much of a cook myself but I could get you some recipes from my home in North Carolina if you would like to try some of them out on the children." Hannah indicates she would be interested in that. "Wonderful," Kate smiled. "From the first time we spoke about the school you have been supportive, Mrs. Milford. I'm very grateful, not everyone has been as generous as you." Hannah departs and the students return for the afternoon session.

Wednesday morning Jake is up with the sun, having had no reason to stay up late the previous night. He dresses leisurely, takes breakfast at the El Parador, speaks for a short while with Pedro and then Dorita before getting his horse. Trusting it will give him some focus, he collects up some weapons and heads out to the desert for shooting practice.

Afterwards, he cleans and oils his weapons meticulously, changes clothes and arrives at the Lucky Lady ten minutes before noon. He walks towards the bar to get a drink, but changes his mind halfway there instead taking a seat at the back of the saloon to wait for the others. He removes a deck of cards from his silver case and practice some fancy shuffle tricks with them.

Job Kane is soon to arrive. Jake notes that his business partner looks tired. Darla Peacock and her fiancé Michael George then arrive and join the two of them. Darla says, "Well, it's done. Peacock's Saloon is no more and our bank accounts are now considerably richer. How would you gentlemen like to proceed with our employment here?"

Jake states, "I do not see any reason to wait for the newspaper advertisement, you both can start tonight. We can get Chumbly the words today and it will run in his next edition. Job, Harry and myself will show you all around and how we do things. Probably not much different than you would expect. Michael, you can start at the same time as the other barkeeps every day. Darla, we start the poker games after dinner between seven and eight. If you have players you can begin earlier if you like. Job, anything else?" Job says, "I think that about covers it. The house gets twenty-percent of your winning. And we will loan you up to $ 200 if there is a night that you fall short and ever need more money for the night. Please don't pass that on to Tony Lucky, that offer doesn't extend to him."

Jake says, "Darla have you decided what nights besides Thursday, Friday and Saturday you will personally deal? George, I assume you will work the same nights, you can work more if you care to and increase your earnings." She replies, "Well since I'm starting on Wednesday let's say Wednesday through Saturday to start. Michael and I haven't been outside of Promise City in over a year so having a few days off in a row will let us finally see things I've always wanted to like the Grand Canyon."

"Splendid," Jake replies. "The Lucky Lady is proud to announce that Miss Darla Peacock will be joining the staff as the lead Faro dealer. Miss Peacock is looking forward to seeing her familiar players and greeting new ones. The Lucky Lady is also pleased to welcome Mr. Michael George behind the bar. Stop by and help us welcome them both." Jake taps his lips, "How is that for the newspaper? I figure I can give half pint an interview too for some free publicity."

"That would be just fine Mr. Cook," is Darla's response. Maria brings them out lunch, beef tips over rice with chopped carrots on the side and freshly baked bread. While they are eating the saloon is invaded by priests, as Minerva enters in the company of her Bishop Costas Papandraus, his aide Demitrius Theopopulos, a tall thin human with enough of a point to his ears to suggest some Elvan lineage, and a female dwarf in priest garb. They all have a seat at another table and order lunch. The Bishop asks about wine and Harry Rote is sent over the table where he rattles off their choices and a very good bottle is chosen.

The pass lunch with friendly chat. Jake makes an attempt to learn something about George while they do so. When lunch is done, Darla and Michael excuse themselves and make some polite conversation about seeing them all tonight. Jake eyes the table where Minerva and the other priests are sitting, not sure whether he wants to speak to them or not. Instead he asks Job, "Why are you so tired partner? You look like I usually do in the morning." Jake chuckles. "Except maybe not so hung over."

Job says, "It's my woman Bernice. She won't come here and she told me not to go to Wilcox anymore either. Looks like it's over between us." Jake hesitates a moment, wondering if it is better that his partner does not know, wondering if he is better off losing his woman but staying out of the potential hazards. No, he decides, it goes against the core of his beliefs. "Did Tomlinson or Harker talk to you about the Turner family history? Did they tell you Mortimer Turner may still be alive?" Job will have to make his own decision.

"Mortimer...is alive." Job's poker face completely breaks. "Well, I guess that explains it then. She's back with her husband. Honestly Jake, I didn't know. I'm not like Tony, I would have never gone for a married woman." Jake allows Job to finish. "Nobody is going to compare you to Tony Lucky. So neither Harker or Tomlinson spoke with you after they spoke with me. Mierde." Jake takes a deep breath and then says, "Come upstairs."

They find an empty room and close the door. "This is difficult to explain. If Harker and Tomlinson are correct, Mortimer is not really alive, but not really dead in the traditional sense." Looking at Job's confused expression Jake once again mutters, "Mierde." He then grabs a chair and sits on it backwards with his arms folded across the wooded slotted back. "Sit down partner, this is going to take a few minutes."

Jake reminds Job of the story of Colin Turner, retells the key points and then goes on to recount what Tomlinson and Harker told him. "So you see, your woman's husband does not fall neatly into a legal category of which I am aware. I do not believe there has been a ruling on whether or not a marriage is still considered intact if your spouse becomes a vampire. I would wager that is not your foremost concern."

Job says, "No, it is not. I think I'll head over to the Arizona Territorial Office and talk to Mr. Tomlinson about this. I'd hate to leave with Ruby away too but If I decide to head up to Wilcox for a few days can you cover for me?" Jake says, "Not to worry, you already did the same for me. Have a care though and avoid doing something rash."

Job sarcastically comments, "Nothing rash? Good idea Jake, I'll follow your example." "Job, my friend," Jake replies with good humor, "some people are meant to be a good example, I suspect I am just going to settle for being a frightful warning.”

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-three, “Future Work“, Wednesday June 7th , 1882, 2:00 P.M.

Jake stands and tells Job, "If you decide to go, come back and tell me. If you are fool enough to be like me at least let me tell you what works and what does not when fighting those monsters." Job tells Jake he will do that. They head back downstairs.

As their body language now indicates that the conversation has ended they are approached by Bishop Costas Papandraus. He asks, "Hello gentlemen, might I have a word with the two of you in private?" Jake glances back at the stairs he had just descended with a sigh and says, "My pleasure." He leads the bishop back up, "You think there is anyone waiting after you that needs to speak to me in private? If there was you could send the up so I do not have to keep going up and down these stairs."

Back in the room the he and Job had just vacated, Jake offers the bishop a seat before taking one for himself. "What is on your mind?" The Bishop explains, "I have been authorized by Hulda Hoover, Burt's mother, to broker the sale of the boy's share of the Lucky Lady. I have already met with Attorney Berg and the other potential buyer has raised their offer to $ 1,800 but the buyer's attorney Elihu Upton hinted that they might be willing to go higher."

Jake grimaces and shakes his head. "It is a fine thing to get the most money for the boy. It is what Niles wanted so the boy deserves it. Nothing good can come from this secret buyer nonsense though. What kind of partner needs to keep themselves hidden?" Jakes expression quickly turns more serious. "Either we are being played the fool to up the price to the boy, or someone whose motives are not pure wants a share here."

The Bishop says, "I can assure you sir that the mother's motives are pure. She is away in seminary school now studying to become a Priestess. That is why she is unable to handle the matter directly herself and asked me to broker it for her. I can show you her telegram if you doubt my word." Jake says, "I was not questioning the sellers motives, nor yours. I am questioning those of the other interested party in purchasing his share."

Jake turns to Job Kane, "I am tempted to let it go and make the new partners life miserable, since we can outvote them anyway. Only tempted mind you." Turning back to the Bishop, "I am willing to add $100 to that offer and not inclined to let the share go to a faceless partner. Job and I can figure out how we split that later, I am willing to fund the whole amount if he does not wish to take on a greater share."

Job says, "Jake and I can handle that, but I agree, let's not lose this place to some unknown person, although I suspect that I do know who this mystery buyer may be. He failed in his attempt to burn the place down so now he wants to destroy it from within." Jake says, "I had a similar thought, but no proof behind it so I have not said his name aloud either." Job interjects "If it was anybody we'd want to work with they'd have approached us directly."

Jake turns back to the bishop. "Sorry if I seem perturbed by this matter. Niles Hoover was a fine man, and I am happy to see his nephew get a generous price for his share. I am unhappy that someone less scrupulous is taking the opportunity to attempt to ruin what we, with Niles help, have built here. But that is not your problem, you have our improved offer."

"Thank you sir." The Bishop departs. Once he is gone Job breathes a sigh of relief and says, "I was worried for a minute there when he said that he wanted to talk to us in private. Top church man for the territory, I figured it had to be bad news. Never would have figured him for wanting to talk to us about buying a saloon."

Jake replies, "I cannot say that I ever received good news from church officials wanting to talk to me in private in the past. Nor have I ever had a bishop make me an offer on a saloon before. It is a might strange, why not delegate it to one of his lackeys? Perhaps I am just too suspicious. Still..." Jake slowly scratches his chin a few times lost in thought before he continues, "Shall we go down and see who wants to speak with me in private next." The gloom has past and Jake once more wears his cocky smile.

Much to Jake's delight there are no further people downstairs who are seeking an audience with him. Job heads out on his errand to the Arizona Territorial Offices. After Job left, Jake handled the newspaper business with Chumbley. He also spent a little time wandering about town to see what was happening for himself. He spent the balance of the afternoon at the Lady Lucky before returning home to dress for the evening.

The afternoon passed swiftly for Kate and at the end of the day the children went laughing outdoors back to their homes. As usual the three teachers spent another half- hour cleaning up and discussing the day. Once the other ladies had left Kate decided to go over to the livery thinking she might catch Mrs. Blake there. She got her handbag and walked over in the late afternoon sunshine.

Kate recognizes one of the two young men working in the livery this afternoon as one of the men who helped her save the buggy from the O.K. Corral in Tombstone and assumes that he found employment here after his other employer burned down. He says that Mrs. Blake is over at the Hotel. She heads around, pondering why they never changed the name of Drover's Hotel to Drover's Restaurant when they expanded the one-story structure into a larger single-room restaurant by taking out the guest rooms.

Kate stepped inside the Restaurant and looked for Mrs. Drover. It was only a moment before the lady herself came bustling forward. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Blake," Kate said pleasantly. "I wonder if you might have a few minutes for some business?"

Vera Blake looks unusually nervous and her cheeks turn red as three men emerge from the back room. One is he husband Austin Blake and beside him are Al Brower and Pierre Jaquet. Austin has what appear to be a set of blueprints in his hands. As they exit the room Austin is saying "...materials become available, should be in..." He then stops abruptly when he notices Kate. Al and Pierre both quickly state, "Good afternoon Mrs. Kale" as they make their exit from the building.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Kate nodded as they passed. "I've never seen two men who looked more as if I'd caught them with their hands in the cookie jar," Kate said lightly. "The town seems to be growing by leaps and bounds lately, doesn't it?" "Yes it does," Vera Blake states. "What can I do for you Mrs. Kale?"

Kate says, "Two things. Firstly, I'd like to pay for the storage of my little buggy through the end of the month. Eventually I'd like to move it out to the ranch but not until I'm more comfortable with our security. We already lost one in the fire in Tombstone. Secondly, I wanted to talk a little horse business if you're willing. I find myself with an abundance of horses and I have some ideas that might benefit us both."

Kate paid for the storage, wishing Mrs. Blake would relax. It was obvious they were expanding in connection with the Comique and were embarrassed since she worked for the competition. And probably worried they had lost their element of surprise. As far as Katherine was concerned there was plenty of room for everyone and there was no reason to look so guilty.

"With the fire in Tombstone our population is expanding, and I imagine quite a few people need horses, which I have. But I don't have a system set up to get the animals to the people who need them. Which is why I'm here. I'd far rather provide your livery with horses than be in competition."

Vera calls her husband over and Kate repeats her offer. He says, "Well, that would have some advantages. Your ranch is much closer to town than some of the others are. But it is probably premature to have that discussion until after I've gone out there and taken a look at the animals and how they are being fed, raised and trained."

"Absolutely," Kate said. "I'd be glad to take you out and give you a tour and show you what we're doing. Some of the horses already had some training so I've just tried to refine that. The mustangs though, have had no other training but mine. My husband ran a livery in Boston and I learned from him. I can take you out any day after school lets out or on Saturdays or Sundays."

Austin says, "That sounds fine. How about Sunday after church?" She says, "That's fine. I'll meet you outside the church after the service then." Kate turned back to Vera and said, "Mrs. Blake, I heard a rumor that you were running for a council position. I'd be pleased to hear it was true."

She exclaims, "A rumor? I put an advertisement in one of last week's papers announcing it. Doesn't anybody read that rag? Don't tell me that I wasted my money! Thanks for your support, I know I can count on the Wells Fargo crew and my regular customers for their votes but need to expand that if I hope to get elected. Helen Barker has offered to manage my 'campaign', just waiting for all of the candidates to be registered before she starts, so I guess word will really be spreading around soon."

"In this town, I consider everything to be a rumor until I hear it for myself. A legacy of Mr. Baxter's defunct paper, I suppose," Kate laughed. "I believe you'll do very well and I won't be at all surprised when you win a seat. With so many candidates at one extreme or another it's good to have someone with good sense running. One last bit of business and then I'll let you get back to yours," Kate said, then went on to describe the food tasting they were setting up on a weekly schedule for the children and asked if she would be interested.

"This is a little farther away, but we intend to give the children a chance to see what kinds of careers there are in a town like Promise City and how the businesses really work. It probably won't be for several months, but I wonder if you might consider giving some of the older students a tour of your business and talk to them about what's involved in running a restaurant and a livery. Just something to think on; I don't need an answer now."

Vera says, "That sounds great, sure I'd be happy to help your school out. I also wouldn't mind having some of your teenagers to help out around here if any of them need after school jobs." "I'll let the students know. Thank you."

Kate shook hands with both of them and said good afternoon. Much as she hated to do just exactly what the Blakes were afraid she was going to do, she would have to warn Job and Jake about their upcoming competition. But it wasn't urgent. She went over to the El Parador and pestered Dorita for a while as she nibbled on whatever was at hand.

After school on Wednesday Nakomo makes his way home swinging his school books and humming a quiet tune. He feels that school is going really well and is enjoying the challenges put before him. He has a bounce in his step as he walks through the door. Luna is the only one home to greet him. She is sleeping on her perch, her head tucked under her wing when he enters but comes immediately awake and flies over to land on his shoulder and peck his cheek.

He chuckles at the affection and kisses her head in return. "Where is Miss Minerva, eh pretty bird? She still off killing herself with all that priest training? She's so tired when she gets home she doesn't have much energy for either one of us lately." he says and moves toward the kitchen as he chats with the bird.

"Not that I'm complaining' or nothing', she has done sooo much for me. I can't ever come close to repaying the debt. It almost feels like a have a real home here, you know.... Making' friends going' to school and working' at the saloon. The gods are finally smiling down at me, Luna. I only hope it will last, but most days I'm too scared to hope." he says as he opens the ice box and makes a snack for himself and Luna, carefully cleaning up after himself before going to the sheriff's office to see what more community service the man has in store for him. Luna accompanies him to the sheriff's office. He calls out as he enters. "anybody home?"

Mitchell Berg is on duty have a seat and tell me what your impressions are of the town." Berg pours Nakomo a glass of lemonade while they chat. Nakomo sits in the offered chair and politely accepts the glass of lemonade. He appears a bit uncomfortable, not having yet learned to trust people in authority.

" I've been very busy and Miss Minerva has only recently given me permission to go about town on my own..." he says sipping the lemonade. "but I really like being here. I am washing tables at the saloon for Mr. Cook and helping Miss Minerva at the church and I am in school now" he becomes more animated. "and I got to play in the baseball game. We won. It was great!" Berg replies, "Yes, I heard about that. Good job young man." That chat for a few minutes more until Tim Gorch comes by with a ladder. He puts it up on the side of the building and the three climb up to the flat wood and tin roof.

Gorch says, "A roof like this should have cost around $ 500 right, which is what I heard you paid, but whoever was hired cheated you. The tin sheets are only a fraction as thick as they should be and were made of too many separate sheets that were poorly welded together. See all of those splits and cracks, that's where the dust and dirt is leaking in from. The wood underneath looks okay, but you need new tin sheeting for the whole thing. I can get you the materials for cost, around $ 200, if you can find enough volunteers for the labor."

Berg says "I was hoping you could show this young man how to do what needs done. He's strong and willing." Gorch says, "Yeah, I could do that." Nakomo, scrambles up the ladder after Gorch. Gorch and Berg spend the next half-hour with him showing the boy how to first sweep off a section while being careful of whoever might be below, then how remove the bad sheet of tin and prep the area for the new sheet. He tells the boy to be careful, wear a hat, work gloves if he has them, and to bring lots of water up with him as the metal reflects the sun so it makes for hot work.

While Kate is eating Conrad arrives for his dinner, a little earlier than his usual. He says, "Ah good, I was hoping to find you here. I spoke with Mrs. O'Hara and she says I can start teaching her girls how to use the buggy tomorrow after school. Would Ginnie be available then too? I wouldn't mind you helping out with the first lesson given your superior familiarity with horses."

She replies, "Ginnie usually goes to Mary Kelly's after school, but I'm sure something can be arranged. I planned to go out tomorrow afternoon anyway, so that's no problem. We'll want to make sure we get the right horse pulling the buggy. There are a few with the right temperament."

Conrad lowers his voice and asks, "Kate....when we were in New York I asked about if Mr. Gonzales could maybe teach me a few things. Have you had a chance to speak to him further about that?" She says, "Don't the two of you ever talk to one another? I mentioned it to him before we left Boston. He said he could likely give you some basic instruction in just a few simple things. And nothing that would help you with playing cards. We should ask him again, but I don't see why it would have changed.

She adds “He doesn't apprentice men anymore, he says they aren't as much fun to look at as women," she laughed. "Well, I certainly won't debate him on that point," Conrad laughs. She replies, "I did, I know any number of very handsome gentlemen." Dorita brings out some full meals, Spanish rice, refried beans and enchiladas. Kate looked at the full plate in front of her, a bit dismayed. She had spent the last half-hour snacking in Dorita's kitchen. "I do believe Dorita is trying to make me fat. I may be hungry lately, but I'm not sure I can tackle all this."

Conrad replies, "Well, this restaurant is not quite as posh as that one in New York. I don't think it will find mention in the society pages if we share this time." She states, "Can you imagine Promise City with society pages? As if we weren't all in each other's business enough!" She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I'll be glad to share with you, as long as you know I'll be hungry again in an hour or so and it'll be all your fault," she teased.

They continue to have the meal. While they are dining Chumbley comes in with today's version of the Promise City Mirror. It appears to have been a slow news day, with the main story being that a Mr. Porter, previously of Tombstone, is opening a new Apothecary Shop where Peacock's Saloon used to me. The story begins on page one and continues on page six. It includes an interview with Porter, who mentions that Doctor Jim Eaton and Zeb Cook each own a quarter interest in the shop. Opposite it on page seven is an advertisement for the Lucky Lady, announcing Darla Peacock as their new Faro dealer.

Kate says, "Oh, it will be good to have an apothecary. I'm sure Doctor Eaton wouldn't agree to further my medical education, but this Mr. Porter might. And it's not so far away from chemistry. And it looks like Jake found someone to deal Faro and lost a competitor at the same time. Things look good."

Conrad flips through the paper, many of the ads being the usual ones for town merchants with repeats of previous political ads for Burton Lumley, Dennis Winston and the back page ad for the Freedom Party. Conrad stops on page nine and points out a story to Kate about a $ 2,000 load of ore being processed from the Fisk Mountain mine. He says, "Looks like a good day for your Mr. Cook indeed." Kate says, "My Mr. Cook? He's been rather keeping to himself since Ruby went away." Kate took the paper and looked over the article. "Well, I've never known Jake to not be cheered up by a little cash. Maybe I'll stop by and congratulate him tonight."

Conrad replies, "Maybe you'll stop by? You're not working tonight?" She answers, "It's Wednesday. I only work on Friday and Saturday now. I have so much going on that trying to work at the Lady too is asking for trouble. I can go in any night and help out, but the only nights I'm required to be there are the busy nights." Conrad says, "Well then, can I tempt you into stopping by the Long Branch at some point. Kate Higgins complimented you piano playing last time and I always feel luckier when you are around."

Kate answers, "I don't know, my dear. Mrs. Higgins was very vocal about her feelings toward all races voting and considering the school's mission... To be honest I don't remember much about the one night I was there with you. I'd like to go again. I'm just not sure I should." Conrad replies, "Okay, that's fair. You should know that Kate Higgins made it clear to all of us that her opinions are her own and not those of her employees, in fact, she suggested that we keep our opinions to herself regardless of what they are so as to not alienate any potential customers. However, she felt obligated to vote as she saw fit, which I have to respect her for.

Kate says, "I don't want to encourage divisiveness in the town either, and I don't think our relationship is any secret anymore," she smiled. "I know she voted her conscience as I did." She was quiet for a few moments, thinking. "Alright, if I'm welcome there I'll join you. Just tell me what night. I'm not sure I can duplicate my playing that night. It was... unusual." Conrad replies, "How about tonight, or tomorrow night, or any night after that."

Kate laughed lightly. "So anxious. I think I'll be staying out at the ranch later tomorrow night. I guess it will have to be tonight." "Then I will look forward to it. I will see you later my dear." Conrad leaves money on the table as he gets up to leave. Other people begin to come into the tavern now for dinner, including several of the town's wood elves. After Conrad left, Kate gathered her things together and walked over to the Lucky Lady to talk to Jake.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-four, “Bar Talk”, Wednesday June 7th , 1882, 5:00 P.M.

Nakomo sits in the offered chair at the Marshal’s Office and politely accepts the glass of lemonade. He appears a bit uncomfortable, not having yet learned to trust people in authority.
" I've been very busy and Miss Minerva has only recently given me permission to go about town on my own..." he says sipping the lemonade. "but I really like being here. I am washing tables at the saloon for Mr. Cook and helping Miss Minerva at the church and I am in school now" he becomes more animated. "and I got to play in the baseball game. We won. It was great!"

Berg replies, "Yes, I heard about that. Good job young man." That chat for a few minutes more until Tim Gorch comes by with a ladder. He puts it up on the side of the building and the three climb up to the flat wood and tin roof.

Gorch says, "A roof like this should have cost around $ 500 right, which is what I heard you paid, but whoever was hired cheated you. The tin sheets are only a fraction as thick as they should be and were made of too many separate sheets that were poorly welded together. See all of those splits and cracks, that's where the dust and dirt is leaking in from. The wood underneath looks okay, but you need new tin sheeting for the whole thing. I can get you the materials for cost, around $ 200, if you can find enough volunteers for the labor."

Berg says "I was hoping you could show this young man how to do what needs done. He's strong and willing." Gorch says, "Yeah, I could do that." Nakomo, scrambles up the ladder after Gorch. Gorch and Berg spend the next half-hour with him showing the boy how to first sweep off a section while being careful of whoever might be below, then how remove the bad sheet of tin and prep the area for the new sheet. He tells the boy to be careful, wear a hat, work gloves if he has them, and to bring lots of water up with him as the metal reflects the sun so it makes for hot work.

Jake is standing at the bar with Michael George. He seems to be dividing his time between Michael, watching Darla's table, reading Chumbley's newspaper and greeting his regular poker players. When he spots Katherine he folds the paper and stuffs it under the bar. With a pat on Michael's arm he leaves him to greet Katherine. He waves to his table, "I will be over in a minute. Good evening Katherine, you are looking lovely tonight."

Kate looked down at the plain dress she was wearing. "It must be the good day I had. I saw in the paper you had a nice load of ore come in from your mine. And you have a new faro dealer. Your business investment seem to be doing well for you." She motioned slightly with her head toward and empty table and started walking over. After looking around to see if Al Brower was there she took a seat.

"I walked into something very interesting today, over at Drover's Restaurant. I went over to do some business for the ranch and Mrs. Blake seemed nervous. Then her husband came out of the back with Al Brower and Pierre Jacquet. They had some papers that looked an awful lot like blueprints. And they all looked terribly embarrassed to see me standing there. I feel like a bit of a heel sitting here and telling you other people's business, but it looked to me like you might have some competition before long. As far as I'm concerned there's room for everyone, but I thought you might like to know."

"Hmmm," Jake says and then, "that fits in with Drover wanting to borrow Jeff Mills a while back. I had not figured on Al and Pierre. No Matter," he slaps the table lightly. "Good luck to them. I have no desire to make the saloon any bigger. Let them be the biggest hotel in town, as you say there should be plenty of business to go around. Thanks for the low down. You should not feel guilty, it is not like I am going to do anything to harm them." Jake glances back at his table waiting for him, "Except maybe a little healthy competition. Perhaps Adair will take notice of them and leave me be a while. Though I doubt that." Jake rises. "I suppose they could have some other idea in mind, I will keep my ears open. They were receptive to your overture?"

"Yes. The Blake's have a livery and I have horses, it makes good sense. I talked to Mr. Brower the day of the wedding as well and he was perfectly friendly. I can't say I understand why they were so embarrassed. I suppose it doesn't really matter." Kate looked up at Jake from her chair. "You have your game to run, and I have... plans. But I don't see enough of you lately. We'll need to fix that." Jake starts to speak but is interrupted by Job.

Job Kane arrives and joins them in the conversation. He tells Jake "Mr. Tomlinson and his friend Mr. Harker are still away in Wilcox and didn't return on today's stagecoach as Isby had anticipated them doing. I'll take the stage up there tomorrow morning and begin by checking for those men before I go to see Bernice. I'm thinking of asking my cousin Al to join me for this trip instead of going alone. You can probably spare her now that we've got Mr. George here to bartend and help out."

Jake states, "Of course Job, anyway I can help. We will be fine here." He makes a quick glance back to Katherine before he adds, "Just do not forget that your AND their real reason for being there is secret." Kate says, "I'm not a bouncer, but I can come in as well if you need me." She looked at Job and added. "And be very careful. Secrets have a way of... biting. If you're not prepared."

"We should be fine with Big Thom and Michael. Since I made Clarisse full time Chet is always here too," Jake chuckles. "I am still looking for a manager for the place, or at least someone to run the hotel operations. Since I will be seeing more of you, we can talk about that later." Jake smirks, tips his hat and makes his way to his table.

Kate shook her head and stood up. "Have a safe trip Job. Come back soon. I'm glad you're not heading off alone." She said good-night and walked quickly back to her house. Ginnie was there at the moment, raiding the kitchen before heading away to the Lady to bus tables and "manage" for the night. Kate reminded her to make sure someone walked her home before Ginnie ran off.

Upstairs she pulled out another of the new dresses from Boston. It was a dark red dress trimmed in black lace with a slightly daring neckline. Instead of replant her hair Kate added a carved comb. For the first time in a long while she went through her jewelry and put on earrings and a pendant necklace, even following that up with a bit of perfume. She wasn't sure if Conrad was going to pick her up or if she was supposed to meet him. For the moment she went downstairs and got a book to read while she waited for her escort

The players at Jakes table are Al Brower, Tempel Morand, Henry Weller, Don Wainright, Alfredo Garcia and a newcomer to town, Slim Whitman. Jake introduces Slim around and starts the game. Although it comes up several times, Jake uses his particular brand of humor to keep the conversation away from the upcoming election. He also carefully avoids making any comments about Tempel being a younger brother, knowing the man is sensitive to that topic. During the night they learn that Slim is just passing through, making some sort of delivery. Too bad, Jake thinks to himself, the mans face is as easy to read as a book. Jake was happy to see the usually outclassed Alfredo take a big hand away from Slim.

Wednesday night passes uneventfully, with Jake noting that Don Wainright has improved his poker playing over the last couple of months. Finally as the game closed up and everyone was leaving Jake made the private comment that he was biting his lip over, "Good night Al, and good luck on that new partnership. I am pleased to see you getting out of your depression by throwing yourself into something constructive." Jake then patted him brotherly like on the should and went about pretending to help close up the Lucky Lady as Al Brower briefly looked startled and confused before recovering. He waved at Jake and left.

With years of practice, Jake was quite good at appearing to be productive without actually doing anything that could be called real work. Somehow, most people who knew Jake fairly well just accepted the fact and rather enjoyed having him around while they worked. Though no wizard, that was the magic of Silver Jake Cook.

Over at the El Parador a voice states, "My, don't you look lovely. That's a new color for you isn't it?" Conrad's voice exclaims as he walks through the doorway. She replies, "I did have a red dress I was going to wear to the festival, but someone talked me into a costume instead. Maman was insistent about new clothes when we were there, even though they won't fit very long." She set the book down, slipping a little piece of paper in to mark her place. "I won't be able to stay too late, I'm afraid."

Conrad replies, "Every minute that you are with me will receive my fond appreciation. And your mother is right, the new clothing is a good idea. You'll fit into them again in the future. Shall we go?" They stepped outside and Kate locked up the house then took his arm. "I admit, I am looking forward to playing the piano somewhere my style of playing is appreciated. Not that they don't at the Lady, but the atmosphere is different there."

They enter the Long Branch Saloon. It is fairly crowded for a Wednesday night although most of the patrons Kate does not recognize, assuming them to be miners or ranch hands who don't frequent either the El Parador or Lucky Lady. Among the people who she does recognize are Boston Harker of the Breakheart Mine, Dick Hammer who runs the watch and jewelry store next door to the Lucky Lady and Hamilton Fisk who is playing cards with two other men at one of the tables. Kate Higgins greets her with a smile and says, "Nice of you to join us this evening Mrs. Kale."

She says, "Thank you. After stealing your dealer away so many times I thought I ought to let him steal me for once. And a little variety is nice now and then." Kate Higgins gestures to a table with four men at it and says, "Conrad, why don't you deal for them.” He leads Kate over to the table and makes introductions.

“Hello Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Mrs. Katherine Kale. She owns the Hoover Memorial School here in town and also has a ranch a mile to the south. Katherine, this is Mr. Timothy 'Jim' Courtright, formerly the Marshall of Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Tobias Priddie who co-owns the Lucky Deuce Mine, Mr. Justin Boyer who owns the Gila Belle Mine and Mr. Carlton Azmuss who works for the Western Union Company."

Kate said, "A pleasure to meet you gentlemen. I haven't had much opportunity to meet many of the mine owners in town. Marshall, Mr. Azmuss, I hope you won't mind my sitting with you." Azmuss replies, "Not at all young lady, please have yourself a seat." Conrad quickly explains the style of poker he will be playing this evening. He deals out the cards and the game begins.

Both mine owners are aggressive players while Azmuss and Courtright are rather cautious." Azmuss asks Courtright what he's doing in town. The Texan replies, "Bounty hunting. Several of the New Douglas Gang have friends and acquaintances in the Promise City/Galeyville area. I'm guessing that they may make their way back here to hide out." Kate rubbed her hand where one of the Douglas Gang had shot her in January. "I'd prefer not to see them again. That Gang almost killed two of my friends and as much as I'd like to see them behind bars, I'd prefer just to not see them at all."

Courtright replies, "Well, if I have my way they will all be behind bars and I will be a rich man. The bounty on that bunch is substantial after that robbery they did." Kate replies, "I should imagine so. They made off with a fairly ridiculous amount of money if I remember correctly. I don't know if they would come back here. Nothing but bad memories. Not only did a couple of them get shot they only got a hundred or so in real money. The rest was dummy cash.”

He states, "But this is also where they have friends who will help them hide. Right now they need to keep a low profile, as strangers they would stand out most places they go, so I expect them to reenter their previous lives, which took place here for most of them." She comments, “Hunting bounties must be an interesting profession, although I don't suppose the waiting is amusing." He says, "It's more interesting than being a Marshall, that job is rather boring most of the time." Kate laughed lightly. "Obviously you've never been Marshall in Promise City. I'm friends with the lawmen here, and it's not quiet very often."

She continued to chat with the bounty hunter for another minute or two, then turned to Mr. Azmuss and said, "I hope your work is going well. It will be lovely to have an office here. I often send telegrams to my family in Boston." He tells Kate, "Well, I'm here to supervise the installation of the lines. We've got them about forty-percent done from Tombstone. I came out here to see about hiring a crew to start from this direction too, otherwise we might not finish in time for the election." She answers, "I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding hands to help. We're anxious to be closer connected to the rest of the world. It's law that it must be finished before we can hold the election, isn't it?"

He replies, "It's the law that all incorporated communities must be able to communicate with the Territorial capital of Prescott, be it from telegraph, telephone or some other technological means. If we don't quite finish by election day we'll have to hire our own version of the Pony Express with riders continuously available to cover the gap and telegraph operators at both ends of that line. That would be rather expensive to maintain, better to just have it completed by that date.

I don't think this issue has come up before, usually the railroads are what cause a town to grow large enough to be incorporated, and the telegraph lines are always built simultaneous to the railroads." "A large number of successful mines seems to have the same effect," Kate said, smiling at the mine owners. Hopefully it won't be long before the train makes it here as well."

Kate let the conversation go on without her for a bit after that, not wanting to be a distraction from Conrad's game. Still she smiled and paid close attention as the gentlemen talked and offered comments when they seemed appropriate. She also kept her eyes open, watching each player as well as Conrad and trying to see the tells that Jake had talked about.

As they're walking home Chester asks Clarisse, "So how's being a headline singer at the most popular saloon in the county?" She says, "You're very sweet for saying so. It's very nice. Now I don't have to rush from one place to the other. I can concentrate on singing. I hope Miss Marcus works out for the Comique. How was your day?" He replies, "Not bad. Still having trouble finding Claude Buckley's killer. And I need to get the twenty-five signatures on my petition to run for Marshall. Politics ain't easy."

Clarisse replies, "Getting the signatures should not be difficult, you just need to find the registered voters who support you and haven't already signed a petition for another Marshal candidate. Between the two places where you've lived, the Lucky Lady and the El Parador, you should be able to accomplish that."

Chester snorts. "I know, I know. I have a bad feeling about getting on the Law and Order ticket. I had some words with Ashley King at the wedding. Having him on the ticket will better their chances of getting in. That'll make it easier for them to push me aside. If that happens, then I'll have to run on my own. Marshall Berg's still behind me, what else do I need?" Clarisse says, "You have my support, what else do you need my dear than that?" They arrive at the Double Eagle Boarding House and she gives him a long kiss goodnight.

Chester and Clarisse stay in the moment for a while. When they release each other, he says, "How could I forget? There's nothing like the support of a good woman. And you my dear, are that in spades. I'll see you tomorrow, OK. Sleep well." He waits until she waves goodnight from her window, then leaves. On the way back to the Lucky Lady, he thinks about setting up a meeting with Wyatt Earp.

By the time Chester returns the poker games have broken it. Thom looks tired so Chester tells him to head upstairs to bed, that he'll lock up. It turns out to quiet for the next half hour, with only five remaining customers all but one of whom eventually finish up their drinks and head out. The remaining customer is a tall thin man with gray mutton-chops, a balding hairline and wearing tattered wool coat that appears several sizes too big for him. The man is slowly nursing a drink from a tankard of beer, having just a sip every five minutes or so. He appears to be waiting for something or someone.

Chester gets a drink from Harry and walks over to the man. Sitting down on a stool, he says, "How are you doing? I'm Chester. What's your name?" The man replies in a Southern accent. "I am Thomas Neville Waul, I practice law in Texas. I was hoping to meet with Mr. Jeffrey Mills about a legal matter. Are you expecting him back anytime soon." Chester recognizes the man's name but can't immediately place where he has heard it before.

Jake, unburdened by concentrating on cleanup up the room, overheard the conversation and says from across the room, "You are not likely to find Jeff here tonight. He has been spending most of his time lately on civic matters." Jake walks across the room. The mans name meant nothing to him. "I am Jake Cook, one of the owners here. Is Jeff in some sort of trouble? Or are you just looking for him to tell him his great aunt passed and left him a pile of antique tea cups?"

Waul replies, "Well, that's really a confidential matter between myself and Mr. Mills. If you believe that he will be here tomorrow I can return then." "I am certain we can locate him and let him know you are asking after him. Sure, come on back tomorrow night." Jake glances to Chet to gauge his reaction. Chester finishes his drink. He says, "Have a good night, Mr. Waul. Where are you stopping? Maybe Jeff can leave you a note there." Waul replies, "Staying with some friends. I'll stop back tomorrow." The man departs.

"Chet my friend, the man will not say what he wants or where he can be reached. Not a promising sign." Jake leans up against the bar. "I think we ought to warn Jeff to be cautious with this one. Unless he knows what it is all about. You think this guy might be a bounty hunter or something?" Chester stews over just where he knows the name from. Finally, he snaps his fingers. "Now I know where I'd heard that name. Waul was a general during the War of Rebellion. He fought in Arkansas. One of my old fort commanders faced his troops, then. This must have something to do with Jeff's old problem."

"I should have kept talking to him, maybe it would have been distracting. Of course, I don't have the kind of talents that can truly distract a dedicated gambler," she laughed. "I'm not sure I'd want them anyway. Poker is difficult to follow. I understand a little bit, Ruby taught me, but what's going on at the table is too much for me to keep up with." "I wish these people would one day realize that the war is over." Jake shakes his head. "Nothing else to do but let Jeff know. Good night Chet." Chester slaps Jake on the back. "I know. I know. We better find Jeff before Waul does."

An hour passes at the Long Branch until Conrad calls for a break. During that time he has done poorly, down somewhere between sixty and sixty-five dollars by Kate's estimate. Both Azmuss and Priddle have dropped out, with Courtright being the most ahead and Boyer a little ahead. Everyone rose from the table to stretch and walk a bit. When the players were out of earshot Kate said quietly to Conrad, "Maybe I should go. I don't seem to be lucky for you after all."

"Nonsense my dear, let's step outside for some fresh air. Then you can take up the keyboards when we return, I'm sure that your beautiful music will inspire me." Once they are outside, and out of earshot of those inside he exclaims, "Damn, that Courtright is good. Thankfully I won't have to play him again tonight, I gave Kate Higgins the signal to switch the dealers around and she agreed."

Conrad and Kate return back inside and he walks her over to the piano. He then goes back to his table and acts surprised when Kate Higgins announces a dealer change and has him change places with Norm Wilkie. Kate smiled, then turned to the keyboard. She started with a fairly challenging classical piece, then varied her selections between other classical pieces and many of the pretty folk songs she had learned over the years. She wasn't certain what kind of reception her music would receive her, but she enjoyed making it none the less.

Time passes as Kate becomes lost to the keyboards, playing song after song without interruption. When she finally stops there is applause from a few scattered places in the room. Conrad is sitting in a chair nearby watching her. "That was wonderful my dear. My game ended ten minutes ago. Shall I walk you home?" "Oh," Kate said, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lose track of time like that. I'd be glad of your company, it's late to be walking out alone, I'm sure." She let her hand linger reverently on the instrument for another moment or two. "I miss having a piano at home."

Conrad replies, "And where in your home would you put one? Your school takes up most of the first floor and I'm not sure that the second floor would support the weight of one....plus I for one wouldn't want to be the one to carry it up the stairs." Wistfully she answered, "I don't know, but why ruin a perfectly lovely daydream with logic?" Her gaze was far away for a moment before it floated back to earth and disappeared between a more sensible expression. "Perhaps I'll have to add on to the house before too long."

He walks her back and says, "Or have another school building built. I believe you once said that you were only doing this until the town decided to step up and establish one on their own. Depending upon what comes of this election that may very well happen." She says, "That when I thought it was only my own livelihood that depended on it. Now there's Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Caudell to consider and we can still offer subjects that wouldn't be offered in a public school. And after it was dedicated to Niles... I couldn't just abandon it. Another building would be something to consider. After the baby comes it could be inconvenient to have him crying upstairs while there are lessons down."

Conrad replies, "That is a good half-year away, no point in worrying about it now. And there's no reason why a new building can't carry the name of the good Mr. Hoover as well. I will say this, that one room school house that you have now would actually make a good concert room, it has lots of seating and the sound carries well." "Are you sure you weren't sent here to tempt me?" she laughed. "Truthfully, the schoolroom wouldn't be a bad place to put a piano. It would still be in my home and I could use it as part of music lessons.

Sound does carry well in that room. I would love to hear choir there." They arrived at her back door. "Thank you for inviting me. I hope your night improved." Conrad replies, "I'm here alone with you now, I can't think of a better improvement than that." He leans in to give her a goodnight kiss. Kate lifted her face to meet him and kissed him tenderly and lingered against him for a moment. "Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow we'll have three rambunctious girls with us."

He takes her hand and gives it a kiss as well, adding "Until tomorrow my dear" He waits until she has let herself inside and locked the door before he turns south on East Street and off towards his own home. Kate knew she should go to bed. She had a nice contented feeling that should have induced her to sleep but instead she got ready for bed and stayed up to write Maggie a nice, chatty letter. It had been months since Maggie left and it was probably time to speak to Mr. Gonzales about taking her to visit.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-five, “Murders at Dawn”, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 5:45 A.M.

Chester is awakened by a knocking at his door. He hears Thom’s voice say “Marshall Chet, Marshall Berg is downstairs. He needs you right away.” As Chester heads downstairs he the light of dawn has crept over the horizon and the sun is just beginning to show its face when Chester sees Mitchell Berg is standing near the bar. Berg says, “Go get your horse Chet, we have a bit of riding ahead of us. Ken Wagner of the Thayer Ranch has just informed me that three recently killed bodies are up by the Dos Cabezas Mountains a few miles to the north of the Thayer Ranch.”

Chester runs his fingers through his hair. "Damn. What in Hades is going on around here? Does Sheriff Hunter know about this? That's his territory." Chester pauses and adds, "Oh, and do we know where Wyatt Earp was?" Berg lowers his voice, even though nobody else is in the room, and says, "Chet.....Deputy Sheriff Hunter is one of the three bodies."

Chester stops combing his hair and looks at Berg with a start. "This just went from bad to worse. Let me grab my rifle and I'll be with you." Chester unlocks the gun cabinet and grabs his rifle. He loads it with normal ammunition. "Let's go, Marshall. Who's coming with us?" Berg says, "Neil, Priestess Florencia, and the Bishop." Chester nods, "Good thinking. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time either."

Meanwhile, a few blocks away Minerva is awakened by a knock on the door. She hears the voice of her neighbor, Deputy Marshall Neil Cassidy say, “Priestess, I’m sorry to have to wake you but the Marshall could use some help from either you or one of your house guests.” Minerva, as usual had awoken with the dawn and was giving thanks to her gods when she hears the knock at the door. She dons her robe and rushes to answer it. "Deputy Cassidy?! What is the trouble?"

He replies, "Trouble. One of the ranchers from the Thayer ranch came into town with news of some dead bodies. Since the last time he and Chet went out there they were nearly killed he's decided to be more careful this time. He's bringing three deputies this time instead of one and thought it might be a good idea to have one or two of you priests along as well, in case it's some sort of trap and we need healing."

She says, "I will wake one of them and meet you at the Sheriffs office in twenty minutes.
Minerva knocks on the guest bedroom door. "Costas?" she whispers. "There has been some trouble. We are needed." She quickly explains the situation to him. Minerva quickly dresses in her riding clothes. She grabs her rifle and sword and then knocks on Nakomo's door to let him know that she has business to attend to. He eye's her weapons with panic in his eyes. "Where are you going? I am coming with you!"

She places her hands on his shoulders and looks him in the eye to reassure him. "It is alright Nakomo. I will stay out of harms way. The sheriff has asked me to accompany him and it is always best to be prepared. The Bishop and Deputy Martin will be with me. I will be well protected. You go to school and I will see you later in the day." She calls to Luna to accompany her and she and Costas quickly stride to the stable, saddle their horses and ride to the Sheriff's office. She enters without knocking and introduces the Bishop. "We are ready."

Deputy Marshall Eduardo Rodriguez and Deputy Marshall Neil Cassidy are both waiting. Neil says, "Just waiting for the Marshall, he's gone to get Deputy Martin." A third man is there, attired as a rancher. He looks familiar to Minerva and she thinks for a minute as to where she saw him before. She then recalls, he was part of the mob that wanted to lynch the Indians. She narrows her eyes, her lips becoming a thin line as she remembers "What does this man have to do with this?" she says nodding to him.

Chester and Berg meet the group on horseback. "Morning Neil, Minerva, your Excellency. Did the Marshall tell you what happened?" Berg looks at Ken Wagner and says, "Tell them what you told me." The Thayer Ranch worker says, "Nick and Jasper never made it back to the ranch last night. I rode out early, before sunup, looking for them and found them....dead, along with Deputy Sheriff Hunter."

Berg says, "Okay folks, let's ride. Stay on alert, we don't know what we're riding into." Wagner leads the four lawman and two priests north towards the Dos Cabezas mountains. Nearly an hour passes and they had ridden several miles when they approach a small valley between a foothill and the base of the first mountain. Minerva scans the hills. "This would be a good place for an ambush. I am sending Luna ahead. She has keen sight and will be able to warn us of trouble. She sends Luna up to scout ahead and holds her rifle at the ready.

Chester says, "Wagner, do you know who would do this? It can't be easy to kill three men, especially a deputy sheriff." Wagner says, "Probably the same person who has been killing ranchers for the last two weeks, not that you've done anything to stop them!" Minerva continues to scan the hills as she asks, "How did they die?" Wagner replies, "Gun shots from the look of it."

Luna sees four bodies ahead, three men and a horse. One man and horse are before a large boulder, one body is behind it and another atop of it. There does not appear to be anybody else around other than a pack of coyotes interested in the dead horse. As they approach they see the pack of coyotes eating part of the body of a dead horse and the Bishop casts a spell creating water above the canines. Being hit by several unexpected gallons of water works to scare them away.

They approach the horse, which still has its saddle and barding on it. Both Chester and Berg recognize the dead animal from two days earlier as the Appaloosa belonging to Wyatt Earp. Lying thirty feet away, face up beside a large boulder at the mountain base, is the body of a man. The cause of death is clear as there is a bullet hole through the man’s forehead. The man looks familiar to Chester but he does not know the name. The priest examines the body of the man. Wagner says that it is Jasper Ordway who worked at the ranch. Ordway has no visible weapons with him.

Minerva dismounts and carefully examines the bodies, looking for anything unusual. She closes their eyes and prays briefly over each one. Chester sidles over to Berg. He whispers, "That's the horse I saw the last time we were at the Thayer Ranch. If that's Earp's, then where is he and is he the shooter or a victim?" Berg whispers back, "I don't know yet. Let's keep looking.” Berg asks Wagner, “Where are the others?” “Over behind the boulder, follow me.” He leads the lawmen and priests around the side of the large rock to where there is around a forty-five degree angle on the hill. They see two saddled horses tied up to a tree, the saddlebags of one having the words “Cochise County Sheriff” written on it.

Nick Thayer is lying on his side on the hill with bullet holes and blood visible on his pants and another through his neck. The man’s arms and torso appear unscathed. The priest examines the body while Eduardo looks around. Eddie says, “The ground has been disturbed some. It looks like he fell from higher up, probably that rock, and landed here.” Eddie points to an indentation in the dirt, “But now he is a foot further over. Chester nods and helps Eddie look for any tracks.

Neil Cassidy looks at Wagner and says, “Is this how he was when you found him?” Wagner says, “Yes.” Cassidy then says, “Then how is it that you’re wearing his jacket?” Wagner begins to shake and says, “I….he was dead, he didn’t need it any more.” Berg says to Wagner, “Take it off, that’s now evidence.” Wagner removes and hands the Marshall the leather jacket. Cassidy says, “His gun holster is empty and I don’t see his revolver. Did you take that too?” Wagner reluctantly replies, “Yeah, it’s in my horse’s saddlebag.”

Berg says, “Well check that next. Consider yourself under arrest Mr. Wagner, you appear to be a murder prime suspect." He exclaims, "But I'm the one who told you about this, why would I have told you that if I killed them?" Cassidy says, "To make yourself look innocent, looks like it didn't work."

Berg asks Wagner "Now where’s Sheriff Hunter?” The now solemn man leads them up the incline towards the back of the boulder and up upon it, where Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter is lying face down on the boulder with a large quantity of blood having pooled in a small crevice on the rock. Chester and Eddie do not see any additional tracks other than those of the two deceased. They tell Berg it looks like Thayer and Hunter were both standing here together when they got shot and add that they don’t see any other tracks near the Sheriff.

“Did you leave him alone?” Berg asks Wagner. The rancher replies, “Yeah, I didn’t get near him, it was obvious he was dead due to all the blood.” They turn the body over to reveal four separate bullet wounds in the chest. The priests come over to examine this body as well.

Chester and Eddie continue to look around and find a rifle lying towards the front of the boulder above where they found the body of Ordway. It is pointed in the general direction of the dead horse below. Eddie now goes to stay back with Wagner while the Priest comes forward with the others. He tells them, “Ordway has been dead for several hours longer than the other two. It looks like he was killed some time last night the others just a few hours ago." Cassidy adds, "Ordway was shot by a revolver, the other two with a rifle."

This is consistent with Chester's tracking, as it looks to him like Ordway shot Earp's horse from the top of the rock and Earp then shot Ordway who fell to the base. This took place a good six or seven hours earlier. It appears that Thayer and Hunter happened upon the scene three or so hours earlier and were then shot by a rifle from a distance.

Chester reports back to Berg. "I hate to say it, but it looks like Earp shot Ordway. Could be that Ordway shot Wyatt's horse first. That'd make it self-defense. But why would he stay in the area for a few hours and ambush Thayer and Sheriff Hunter? That part doesn't make sense. Seems like he'd want to get away from here as quick as he could. Killing a deputy sheriff will bring all sorts of trouble on him now." Luna continues to soar above, keeping a keen eye out any movement below.

Cassidy says, "That's Earps horse lying down there? Those other two horses tied up together were Thayer and Hunter's. I don't see one for Ordway and I doubt he walked all the way out here on foot." Berg tells the group comprised of himself, Chester, Cassidy, Minerva and the Bishop "There are a lot of unanswered questions here, more questions than answers in fact." He gestures back towards where Eduardo is guarding Wagner out of earshot and says, "And I think he may know more than he's told us. How should we approach this?"

Chester says, "Earp must have taken Ordway's horse. Does anyone know what kind it was?" Chester lights a cigarette. He takes a puff and says, "We should tell him that he looks good for the killings. You know, scare him into spilling the beans." Berg says, "Yeah, Wagner taking Thayer's gun and jacket was a stupid move. Let's go threaten him with a triple-murder charge and remind him that Judge Isby is in town."

Berg turns to the Bishop and says, "We'll point out to him that you can also use a Truthfulness spell if you have to." They head back to Eduardo and Wagner. Berg begins by saying, "Okay Wagner, we've checked the situation out. Why did you do it?" Wagner exclaims, "Did what? I found them this way." "Like you found Thayer's possessions? We don't think so." Wagner begins to perspire and shake.

Chester taps an ash from the end of his cigarette. "Lucky for you Judge Isby's in town. There won't be any sort of wait for your trial. None of that build-up. Short and sweet. Yep. Of course, you can help yourself by giving us something. Anything we can give to the judge." Minerva watches the man squirm, taking grim satisfaction from his discomfort. "This man does not respect the law. He proved that when he stormed the jail and caused the death of a more honorable man.” Cassidy says, "He hasn't got anything to tell us, he killed all three of them in order to rob Thayer. There's no point in dragging this out, I say we just shoot him right here." Berg says, "No, we'll drag him back to town and let Isby pass sentence. He'll still be dead by nightfall. Tie his hands Eddie and toss him over the back of his horse."

As Eduardo begins to tie his hands Wagner blurts out, "I didn't kill anybody! I was just coming out her to relieve Ordway on guard duty. I found all three of 'em like this, honest." Berg holds up his hand and says, "Guard duty? Wagner says, "Yeah, Nick and Jasper came out here last night." Berg says to the Bishop, "Hold on, could you please start your Truthfulness spell?" The priest casts the requested spell. Berg looks back to Wagner and says "Please continue."

Ken Wagner points up to the rock and says, "Nick was meeting somebody up the mountain, the Deputy Sheriff I guess." He points to the rock and says, "I've been out here a few times before, last night was Jasper's turn. We guards have never gone further than that rock, we just make sure nobody tries to go up the mountain after Nick. The trail behind us is one of only two ways to get up to the top with a horse, whoever he meets goes up the other way."

“If he cannot prove his innocence, perhaps we should not waste the Judges time, eh?" Minerva says contemptuously. He exclaims, "I told what I know. I didn't know who Nick was meeting or why, Jasper and I were just here to guard the trail. I didn't kill any of them, they were dead when I got here." Luna alerts Minerva that the town undertaker Richard Lester is around a mile to the south and moving in that direction with his horse drawn wagon.

Minerva exclaims, "your words are worthless to me." she pauses to listen to Luna. " The undertaker is on his way. He will determine the time of death. You had better pray to the gods that you can prove your whereabouts at the time of their deaths and that you did not dry gulch these men."

Chester states, "So, it was always Nick who came out here while you guys guarded him? Haven't you ever been curious about who he's meeting up there. Maybe he let a name slip?" He looks at Berg. "Marshall, we should check out the other side of the rock. Maybe we can figure out who Nick was meeting." Berg says, "We'll check it out once the Bishop's truthfulness spell is finished, until then we should try to see what else this man may know that could help this investigation."

Chester says, "Good point. I forgot about that." He asks Wagner, "Did you ever ask who he was meeting? And what days exactly did you come out here?" Wagner says, "He usually came out here around every-other-night or so. Most of us never were allowed to go any further than the rock, the only ones he ever took up there with him were Phil Grove and Vaughn Palmer. We all knew not to ask who he was meeting up with."

Berg looks up and says, "Palmer, I know that name. That was the real name of the man who went by the name Stephen Murdock, the marksman who finished second in the Festival rifle competition, who was Johnny Ringo's partner!." Eduardo says, "He was a wizard?" Berg says "Yes he is, and we never caught him!."

Berg grabs Wagner and says, "So I'm dealing with a stinking witch! I hate wizard magic! I can bring you up on charges for assisting wizardry, you'd hang for that alone! You want to live, tell me what name is Palmer going by now Wagner and what does he look like now!" Wagner says, "He been using the name Chris Goudge since March. He....he...he changed his appearance again with a magic belt but it got damaged in the Shootout, he's stuck with his own looks now. His face is all burnt so he's been staying away from people since then. I...I think that's who Nick has been visiting with up the mountain."

Chester says, "We better go after him now, Marshall. If he didn't hear the gunshots, then he'll wonder where Nick is. If we don't go now, then he figure out something's wrong and vamoose. Me and a couple people can go up the mountain to catch him." Berg says "Okay Chet I have a few more questions for Wagner here while the Bishop's spell is still working. You other four go check it out, but be careful."

Deputies Martin, Rodriguez and Cassidy along with Priestess Florencia make their way up the trail, which is easy enough to follow given the recent tracks down made by Thayer and Hunter's horses. They do see any other recently made tracks. Chester replies, "Will do, Marshall." To the others he says, "Let me and Eduardo scout ahead a few yards for ambushes. Then you follow along and keep your eyes and ears open. OK?" They agree, so Chester and Eduardo lead the party up the mountain. Chester has his Spencer rifle in his hand as they travel upwards.

Chester and Eduardo head up the mountain. The trail narrows with rocks and inclines on both sides of the trail. It reaches a steep section, where a horse would have had to be rather rugged to make it up. The two continue onward, followed by Minerva and Neil. When they get to the rough spot, Chester dismounts and motions to the others to do so as well. He asks Eduardo, "If you wanted to watch this path, where would you do it from?"

Eduardo says, "From the side, that way, over by that ridge." Minerva's companion Luna remains in the sky and assures her that the quartet climbing the mountain appear to be alone. She passes that information on to the deputies. Chester states, "OK. Minerva says it's clear, but let's be careful anyway. Let's get to the bottom of this. If the Cowboys are regrouping, I want to know about it."

The quartet continue up the mountain. As they near the top the horse tracks mysteriously vanish. Then, fifteen feet further up the trail a single set of tracks appears coming from the opposite direction. Chester holds up his hand to halt the group. "Whoa there. Eduardo, what do you make of this? It looks like whoever rode up here before met someone coming down the mountain and then disappeared."

He wrinkles his nose. "Smells like sorcery to me. What do you want to do? I say we continue going up the mountain." Eduardo continues to look around. He heads over to the side of the trail and towards a steep rock to the side. He leans forward towards the rock and disappears into thin air, with only the rock remaining.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-six, “Emily Banks”, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 7:00 A.M.

In Chicago, Illinois, a young woman named Emily tucked her two everyday bonnets away in the lid of her shining new trunk. Her straw poke-bonnet with the soft pink ribbon lay on the bed next to it, waiting. All her clothes were packed away, including all her skirts with the hems let down to cover her shoes. When she had turned 15 last month Ma had finally said she was old enough for grown-up dresses but her long, pale hair still hung loose down her back.

"I heard there aren't any trees in Arizona," her younger sister Eliza said smartly. "No trees or grass, just cactuses and dust." She shut the lid of the trunk and snapped its locks. "Don't be silly. There are cowboys there, and if there are cowboys there must be cows, and if there wasn't any grass what would the cows eat? Uncle Emery has a ranch there, you think they grow dirt?"

Eliza crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue, but a moment later she had flittered on to something else. "Cowboys! There'll be lots of those there. And outlaws," she added in a wide-eyed whisper. She bounced on her bed and said louder, "Are you going to carry a gun?" "You really think Uncle Emery would let me?" she laughed. "Well, maybe he would. Trisha and Ellen know how to shoot. I just hope I get to be outside a lot instead of stuck inside sewing or something."

Emily tried to take a deep breath and wiggled her shoulders uncomfortably. "You'll get used to it," her mother said as she bustled into the room. She quickly unlatched the trunk lid and slipped in a couple small packages, then secured it again. "How do you get used to having your ribs squeezed?"

"You could start by not wearing it too tight." Her mother's capable hands had the new corset fixed in a moment and her dress fastened up again before she could complain again. "Not everything about growing up is fun, Emily." "Will Uncle Emery like me, Ma?" she asked uncertainly.

"He always has before," her mother said, tucking Emily's hair behind her ear. "You don't remember him much, but you always got on well. It was his idea for you to go to Promise City; and Chicago just doesn't seem to suit you, there's too much of your Papa in you." Emily turned to the old looking glass.

Her mother was dark-haired, but she was blonde like her father. His blue eyes were in her face, too, but the most tell-tale signs of him were the delicate pointed ears peeking through her hair. But that wasn't what her mother was talking about. "Why don't you go out and visit your garden before we to go the rail station, Emmy?" her mother said as she hugged her. Emily nodded and headed outside where it was always a little easier to breathe.

In Promise City, Thursday morning came for Kate and the school day with it. She went from the kitchen to the schoolroom, looking forward to another pleasant day. The teachers and students at the Hoover School were falling into a routine and the day went smoothly from beginning to end. Before dismissal Kate mentioned that Drover's Restaurant was looking for help if any of the older students were looking for a job after school.

Jake awakes and hour or so after sunrise, has a leisurely breakfast at the El Parador and then inquires around town for Jeff Mills whereabouts. Maria tells Jake that Jeff is still sleeping upstairs in his room, having gotten in rather late the night before. "Seems odd that I would be up before anybody," he mumbles to himself. "Tell Mr. Lazybones that I am looking for him when he finally drags his sorry tail out of bed." Jake cannot keep the smile off his face when he says that. He leaves Maria to her work and enjoys a stroll around town, chatting with folks along the way before he returns to the Lucky Lady for a cup of coffee.

When Jake returns Jeff Mills is up and about, busy restocking the bar. Jake walks over to the bar and places both elbows on it leaning forward "There was a man in the saloon looking for you late last night, right at close. Claimed his name was Willis... no Walls, no... Waul! That was it." Jake stands up straight and mimics the man's Texas accent, "Thomas Neville Waul, I practice law in Texas."

Resuming his normal slouch, Jake continues, "He was a tall thin fellow, with long bushy sideburns that had long since turned gray and receding head of hair. Something about him did not set right with me. He would not say what he wanted with you other than it was a legal matter. He also would not say where he was staying other than with friends." Jake ponders a bit and adds, "Oh, yes, his coat. I took him for a man that should have been able to afford a decent coat and yet his wool one was tattered and too big on him. Almost like it meant something to him or maybe it was his long ago and he has lost some weight." Jake shrugs losing interest.

"Anyhow, I told him we would get word to you and he should come back tonight. Chet seemed to think a man by that name a general that fought in Arkansas. If you would rather avoid this hombre we can tell him you are out of town or something." Jeff replies, "I will be out of town, Job Kane has asked me to go with him up to Wilcox. He was going to bring Thom but Thom didn't seem to like the idea. The stagecoach leaves Morand Cartage in an hour.

And yes, Wahl was a Confederate General and was also the delegate sent to Washington D.C. to negotiate back when Sherrod Hunter first hatched his scheme for a New Confederacy. I'm not surprised that he was sent this time since we turned that Marc Jackson away in March." "Interesting..." Jake is quiet for a minute. "So, what would you like me to tell him. Anything in particular? Would you rather I just discourage him?"

Jeff exclaims, "Tell him I resigned my commission years ago and I will not reconsider. Also tell him I have a new job, Promise City Fire Marshall, and now that I've finally managed to put the past behind me and gain some respect in the eyes of this community I have no intention of doing anything to change that. If that doesn't work then be creative, but yes, I want him gone."

Jake says, "I will see what I can do. Take care of our Mr. Kane." He goes to the kitchen and gets some coffee and then takes a seat in the saloon.
Back in Chicago, it was 11:00 A.M. and the June sun was warm on the little garden that bloomed and nodded behind their house. The vegetable plants were still small and newly sprouted from the dark earth, but the flowers that came up year after year were in their glory. Emily had taken off her shoes and stockings and wiggled her toes in the grass, feeling the cool blades between them. The sounds of the city were far away here among the whispering of leaves and the songs of the birds.

Emily walked slowly up and down the neat rows of vegetables looking carefully at the plants, straightening a stake here and there. After her inspection she sat down on a grassy spot among the flowers. She had what Ma called a "green thumb." It was part of why she was going to Promise City; a place she was afraid really might not have grass. More and more the city felt as if it were pressing against her and when those times came her stepfather would drive her out to the woods beyond the last buildings of the city and she would take deep breaths as if she had just been released from prison.

Today it didn't feel like a prison, just home. Each flower and plant in the garden was home, and the house it lay behind with her mother and stepfather and her little brothers and sisters. But they were all human and she was different, more than just being half-elf. One of the garden rabbits had made its way to her knee, its small nose twitching. As two tears fell from her eyes the little animal nudged her. She spoke a charm and wiggled her finger at the rabbit and suddenly her mind was filled with its chattering about its new brood and comfortable burrow.

"You won't eat the garden when I'm gone, will you?" Emily said when it slowed down. "Just the lettuce I planted for you in the back corner." It moved it's head up and down emphatically and indicated that it didn't understand "gone."

Emily sighed and tried to explain very simply that she would be like the plants in the winter. That you couldn't find them for a while, then something changes and they come back. She wasn't quite sure it understood but the spell ended and the rabbit hopped up into her lap until her mother called her back inside to leave for the train.

A short while later she came in from the garden and watched her stepfather load the trunk up in wagon. Once everything was ready she went down the line of all her little brothers and sisters, giving hugs and saying goodbye.

Now that the time to actually go was here the melancholy she indulged in the garden succumbed to the excitement of traveling away for the first time. Beside Eliza there was Sarah, then there was baby Jack in her mother's arms who just drooled, which what he did most of the time when he wasn't eating or crying. Peter was last, only about three years old and he pulled on her skirts saying, "Emwy, Emwy."

He didn't really understand, but Emily bent down and kissed him again anyway, then tickled his belly to make him giggle. "You be good, Petey," she said. "You be good!" he said stoutly and laughed at his joke. "I'll be good." She went and kissed her mother's cheek, then went out and got in the wagon with her stepfather.

It was a short ride to the rail station. Once they arrived her stepfather made arrangements for her trunk and spent a few minutes talking with one of the railroad men. "They'll make sure you get on the right train when you change. Your uncle will met you in Tombstone." She says, "I understand. I'll pay attention and make sure I don't go the wrong way."

He gave her a long hug and said, "If you don't like it, you can always come home. You just send us word and we'll have you back in no time." She hugged him back, but even then the sounds of the train were calling to her. "I'll come home again," she promised, then got on the train that would start her on her journey to Promise City, Arizona.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-seven, “Deja Vu”, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 7:45 A.M.

Chester shouts, "Eddie! Where are you? Can you hear me?" He looks at Minerva, "Can you ask the goddess to find him?" The rock says, "I'm right here," in Eddie's voice. He then walks back out from inside the rock. He gestures and says, "It's not real, just an illusion of some sort. There's a cave here. That's why the horse tracks stop, they went inside. Right now it's dark in there though. I can see somewhat in the dark but the rest of you will need a light source to see." Chester says, "I don't have a lantern and you shouldn't go in there by yourself. Let's hope this cave has only one way in or out. You stay here and I'll go tell the Marshall what you found. Maybe they have lanterns or a torch.”

Cassidy says, "I have an oil-filled cigar lighter. If I keep my thumb on the opener it'll keep a continuous flame. It'll probably run out of oil in around ten to fifteen minutes though, so we can't stay in there for long." Chester says, "OK. We'll take a quick look. I imagine whoever in there is hiding out from the law. Otherwise, why stay all the way out here and have secret meetings? Eddie, you go in first, then me. Neil's behind me and Minerva will guard our backs." Chester slings his weapon on his back and draw a Remington. "Are we ready?" Minerva cocks her rifle and follows Chester into the cave.

Eduardo and Minerva take the lead. Cassidy stays in the middle with his lighter lit. Chester follows up the rear. The initial part of the cave is a tunnel entrance. The cavern is a natural rather than man made one, without any support braces. The walls are irregular in shape and rough, with only the floor having been somewhat leveled out to eliminate potential hazards for the horses.

The tunnel goes for fifteen feet ending in a Y-shaped chamber approximately forty feet at its longest point and fifteen feet at its widest. The room reeks of the smell of horse manure and horse urine. There is hay in one corner near a small tub of water. There is another corridor continuing off from the center. Chester shakes his head. "The last time I was in a cave like this, a bunch of Cowboys on horseback tried to run me down."

Standing at alert, Minerva examines the walls and floors as she listens for sounds. From the corridor ahead she hears the distant sound of running water. Minerva picks up a rock off of the cavern floor and prays, causing light to emanate from the rock. "She holds the rock out before her and moves cautiously toward the sound of the running water. The corridor ahead forks, the one to the right ending at hole down where an underground stream is running some twenty feet below. A pulley system is mounted on the wall with metal buckets to haul up the water with. Chester follows Minerva. "Let's take a look down the left fork. Looks like whoever was here has flown the coop."

The other tunnel is narrow, winding and irregular in elevation so horses would not have been able to be led down. They see a side chamber off to the right which has a cast iron wood stove in it as well as a blacksmith's forge. A metal pipe goes up into the stone wall which apparently vents the smoke from both the stove and forge to the outside. A pile of empty bottles and cans is in the far corner of that room and a small table near the pile has an iron frying pan and a specula.

Continuing down the irregular hallway they reach a larger chamber, approximately 20 feet square with stone support pillars in the center, looks to have been used as a bedroom area. Three old army cots with wool blankets are along the right wall. Two empty trucks are near the cots. A large rock with a flat top is on the left side with wooden five wooden chairs around it. Eduardo and Chester find tracks on the floor that appear to be just a few hours old. There are no other exits from this room.

Chester kicks a cot in frustration. "Blast. They're gone. Once they hear about the murders, they won't be coming back either. Let's search the place to make sure there aren't any hidey-holes. I figure 2 people stay here regularly. I'd love to know who all five who meet here were. Let's make it quick." Chester and the others tap in the walls and check under the cots and any rugs in the room for any hidden doors and the like.

Chester soon discovers what is essentially a two-by-three foot window around two feet up from the floor covered over by another illusion making it look like a solid wall. Peering through with the light source they see that is a shaft, almost level with a slight down grade, that goes at least fifty feet and then curves to the right.

Chester smashes one of the chairs and cuts up one of the blankets. With those he makes a couple torches. Cassidy lights them and shuts his lighter. He says, "Thanks. That was getting hot. I take it we're going down the tunnel?" Chester says, "Yep, unless anyone has any objections. We need to follow the trail before it gets cold. Be ready for anything." Eduardo suggests that he go first since he is smallest and has better vision. He tells the others to stay a distance back with the torches.

They are able to crawl down the tunnel but the floor and walls are rough and hard on the hands and knees. After the tunnel's curve it begins to slope down. Chester estimates they have gone close to 150 feet in length and to an depth maybe 30 or 40 feet lower than the last chamber when Eduardo reaches a room. Eduardo helps the others into the chamber, which is a natural cave shaped like a trapezoid, forty by sixty feet with stalactites and stalagmites in the room, with literally thousand of bats hanging from the ceiling.

There are several smaller cave openings in the far wall leading deeper into the mountain, most of them being too small for a person to crawl into but ideal for a bat to fly through. At the far end of the room is the only non-natural item in the room, a dark colored canvas tarp covering over what they assume is a six-by-five foot table. The tarp only has a few droppings of bat guano on it, indicating that it has probably only been a few hours since it was last moved in place.

Chester shivers when the light reveals the bats. He mutters under his breath, "Just like Thomaswell. Wait, there's something that brings to mind. What was that?" He goes over to Minerva, "Minerva, all these bats are reminding me of something, but I can't remember. Something like Thomaswell." Neil Cassidy asks "Thomaswell? What's Thomaswell?"

Chester says, "Remember a couple months ago, when me, Jake, Ruby, Minerva, and Nanuet went on vacation? Well we weren't really on vacation. We ended up in the town of Thomaswell because Colin Turner fled there. You're not going to believe this, but he wasn't really alive. He was some kind of blood-sucking creature who was after Ruby. We tracked him there and found another like him. We killed them there and Turner's spell on Ruby was broken."

Eduardo says, "I have heard legends of such monsters. I am sorry to hear that any would venture to this place. It is good that all of you managed to return safely." Cassidy gestures to the tarp and says, "Should we check that out?" Chester replies, "Thanks, Eddie. It was no picnic in the park. That's for sure. Neil, let me get that. Get your guns out. No telling what's underneath." Chester draws a pistol in his left hand. He taps the butt on the tarp to see if there's something solid.

The gun butt strikes what appears to be solid wood beneath the tarp. He calls back to the others, "It's wood. Get ready." He says under his breath, "Now I remember why I thought of Thomaswell. This is probably Mortimer Turner." He yanks the tarp off the wooden object. Beneath the tarp are a pair of wooden caskets, side by side, sitting atop a wooden platform to keep them above damp floor.

Minerva exclaims, "Mortimer Turner?! as in Colin Turner? What are you talking about!?" she says grabbing Chester's shoulder spinning him toward her. "Are you suggesting that there are vampires in there?" she says incredulously, her voice going up a pitch. "What have you drawn us into Chester?” She hisses. I did not come here prepared to fight a creature of darkness! I do not have so much as a vial of holy water or a wooden stake upon my person!" She looks at him her eyes blazing as she mutters a string of unholy oaths, oblivious to the affect her colorfully language has on the men.

Chester raises his hands. "Whoa, whoa there, priestess. I had no idea this would be down here. How was I supposed to know the Cowboys were in cahoots with vampires? I thought this was over with Thomaswell. It looks like they're not here or asleep, anyway." Neil Cassidy interjects, "Vampires? I thought those were things of myth?" Eduardo says, "No sir, like most legends, they have a basis in fact. And during the day vampires are said to reside within their own coffins." He unconsciously takes a step back away from the pair of caskets as he states that.

"Minerva swings from Chester to Cassidy, her lips a thin line. "No, they most definitely are not creatures of myth." she glares back at Chester. "Deputy Martin can attest to that, as can I. It would be folly to continue on from here. I do not have the power to protect us from such evil." she holds up her hand to stifle their protests. "You gentlemen do not know what you are dealing with here. We must go back and get the Bishop and the others who have dealt with this before. This situation is much more dire than a few murderous scallywags."

Eduardo concurs. Chester re-drapes the tarp over the caskets and they begin to make their way back the way that they had come. On the way down they see that undertaker Richard Lester has arrived. Marshall Berg has tied Wagner’s hands behind his back and placed him seated on the bench of undertaker's wagon. The Bishop and the Marshall have carried and placed the three bodies into the back of wagon.

When they reach the bottom of the hill, the priestess strides over to the Bishop. "Costas may I speak to you privately" Without waiting for his response she pulls him aside and explains the situation. " I think that we should find Sr. Cook before we attempt to open those caskets. Perhaps they are just dead bodies in those caskets but I do not want to take a chance. I do not know if Sr. Cook would be willing t embroil himself in this situation a second time, but he is a quick thinker on his feet. We would not have been successful in Thomaswell if he had not been there. Mrs. Kale would also be helpful, but she is with child and I am hesitant to put her at risk."

The Bishop is started to hear that vampires may be in the area. He calls Dick Lester over and suggests that they take another look at the three bodies, moving clothing and checking the wounds. They conclude that Jasper Ordway and Nick Thayer perished from the gunshot wounds as originally indicated. Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter's corpse however reveals something else entirely. While the Deputy's shirt has been punctured by four bullet holes and the chest is covered with blood they discover that Hunter's vest managed to stop three of those bullets and slowed the fourth.

The Bishop states to the group but out of earshot of Wagner "His vest must have been magical. The final bullet did penetrate the chest and lung but did not go very deep. So those shots might have incapacitate him but wouldn't have killed him." They check his neck but don't see any marks. Marshall Berg points out that Hunter is wearing a pair of leather gloves, which is something he has never seen the man do. The gloves are removed to reveal puncture wounds above the veins of both wrists.

They go back to check the large pool of blood that Hunter was lying in, discovering that it is blood that had come from the dead horse, apparently poured by the killer or killers beside Hunter to give the appearance that he had bled himself to death. Minerva becomes a little paler and her eyes grow a little wider when she she's the puncture wounds in the man's wrist. "I examined this man, I didn't think of pulling off his gloves." she berates herself.

Minvera once again prays over the man. "You are with the gods now. It is far better to reside in Olympus than to be condemned to becoming one of them. She whispers thinking of the vampires. When the undertaker takes the body, Minerva picks up the bloodied vest and places it in her saddle bag. "There is no point in leaving this behind. It will not do him any good now and we may need it soon enough." she sighs. When the other's are ready she mounts up and heads back to town in search of Jake.

The group arrives back in town at approximately 10:30 A.M. Marshall Berg advises the group to keep the investigation quiet. The Bishop agrees but does suggest that Chester and Minerva clue in their friends. Neil Cassidy and the Bishop go with Richard Lester to help move the bodies. Eduardo goes to bring Wagner to the jail and also fill in Deputy Barker. Berg says that he has a few things to investigate on his own in town for the next hour or two.

Minerva stops home to check on Nakomo but finds that he has already left for school. She digs out magic rounds for her rifle and fills a small pack with 1/2 a dozen holy water vials. As she leaves the room the icons of Jupiter and Minerva seem to beckon to her. She stops, lights the candles and prays for strength, guidance and wisdom. "I don't know why any of this keeps happening but I am trusting you to help me deal with it." She admonishes the statues. her last thought before walking out the door to search for Jakes is that at least Nanuet and Ruby are out of harms way.

She knocks on Jakes door but gets no response. Thinking that he must still be sleeping she pounds harder but eventually gives up when he does not come staggering to the door. The thought dawns on her that perhaps by some 'miracle' he could already be up and about his daily business. If the gods are on my side I will find him at the Lucky Lady. She hurries over to the Lady where she finds a bleary eyed Jake sipping his morning coffee. "Thank the gods!" she practically shouts as she looks to the sky. “Senor Jake, I must speak to you, now, in private."

Jake is slouched down in the wooden chair with his feet up on the table, his hands cradling a cup of coffee. "Thank the gods?" He slides his feet off the table. "For Jake Cook? Heh. That is a first."
He stands, still holding his coffee, and indicates with his hand the direction of the stairs, "Most of the rooms are empty." Minerva smirks at the comment and says in mock seriousness "But I thank the gods for you every day. If not for men like you, the townsfolk would find my presence unnecessary." she chuckles. She stands aside so that he can lead the way up the stairs.

"Ah, so I do have a purpose," He replies good naturedly and leads her up to an empty room. Everyone needs to tell Jake something in private lately, he thinks to himself as he walks the stars.
"Now Senorita, what could possibly be such trouble this early in the day?"

Jake opens a door and motions for her to go through it. Minerva enters the room and shuts the door behind them. "I would feel better if we could ward the room against listening ears." she looks around the room as if checking to be sure that they are alone and then shrugs her shoulders. "This will have to do." she turns and begins to pace " I was asked to accompany Chester and Marshall Burg up into the hills this morning. Apparently there were more murders and they asked me to go along to investigate, in case they found trouble and needed healing...."she continues to unfold the sequence of events. "and then we found a cave, whose entrance was concealed by magic. When we entered we found two wooden caskets.”

She turns and looks at him "Two! I refused to go further until we had the right weapons and more experienced people with us. "she looks at him meaningfully. "I am asking for your help Jake. You know me and you know that I cannot allow these abominations to walk the earth. Of course it could just be that someone felt the need to just hide a couple of bodies up there in the hills." she smiles disbelievingly at her own words. She pauses and watches his eyes, attempting to anticipate his response.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-eight, “Vampires“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 10:00 A.M.

"Meirde," escapes Jake’s lips quietly and he manages to avoid dropping his coffee. He is greatly tempted to tell her to find other help, he has slain enough vampires to say he has done his share. But no, his personal code will not allow it. He sighs and reluctantly says, "You were there for me." He walks to the unadorned window and looks out. He stares at the street. How ordinary. Why cannot it all be ordinary? He realizes he is wasting valuable time.

A tender smile comes to her lips along with a strong sense of relief when she hears his words. She had been alone in the world for so long it still surprised her to know that there were people who were willing to stand alongside her and guard her back. Unable to express her gratitude she nods and simply replies "Gracias."

He quickly rouses himself from such inward musings. "I wound on each wrist?" He says thinking out loud. "The sheriff in Thomaswell had three wounds, and there were three of them. I would say that two coffins is no coincidence. I will go prepare." He walks to towards the door and stops just before opening it.

"We learned a few things, I believe. I still do not understand what powers the gods give you that may help but there were more mundane items that will be useful. Can you and the others gather them while I get ready? We could use stakes and hammers, rope, some flammable oil, hmmm..." he strokes the whiskers on his chin before running his hand down his shaved cheek, "garlic, and as much of that god blessed water as you can get your hands on." He opens the door to let her out. "I will meet you at the Marshall's office as quickly as I may."

Minerva places her finger to her lip as she considers his list. " I have already gathered most of what is on your list but I did not think of oil. I will go and get some. Make sure to bring some of those special bullets of yours.. just in case." I will see you at the sheriff's then." She rushes home to gather the rest of the items and say an extra couple of prayers while she's there before meeting everyone at the Sheriffs."

After speaking with Minerva, there is no time to lose. He walks quickly to the El Parador. There he instructs Grant to saddle up his horse and bring it over to Jake's house. Again he walks quickly to his house. He dons his duster, straps on his second revolver and tosses his rifles and extra rounds on the bed. As he passes the mirror it strikes him that he has not outfitted himself such in a while. Before he can get melancholy, another thought springs to his mind. "The mirror!"

He opens the drawer of his night stand and removes the small mirror that was taken from the deceased Nolan Edwards, "Perhaps it will be of some further use in the way you intended." Again, another thought springs to mind. "Jake you idiot," he says out loud to himself while he dials the combination of his safe. "Edwards likely would have been pleased to see this used again."

Into his saddle bags goes extra rounds, the sawed off shotgun, the last two sticks of dynamite and fuse he has in the house, and the small burlap sack from the safe. He specifically loads his last four pyrotechnic rounds into the long barreled Colt revolver that Ruby had given him. He sighs heavily, pushing that thought away and fills the remaining two holes in the cylinder with Pierre's magic rounds. He pops a sixth magic round in his fast draw Colt, pats his derringer that is loaded with a single magic round with one hand, adjusts the dagger in his boot. He has one pyrotechnic round left for his Spencer, so he loads that to be fired first. He takes a short moment to look around and take inventory. "I feel like the blasted army with all this iron."

Just as he thinks he is prepared, he can hear his horse and Grant at the front. "Thanks for the favor, pard. I would not have asked if it was not an emergency." Jake ties his long shotgun across the back of the saddle while Grant helps him with the saddle bags. The Spencer and the Vetterli slide into the long holsters on each side of his horse. "Looks like you're going' t'war?" Grant asks of him as he steps back. "If all goes well I will be back in a few hours, all will be safe and no one will be the wiser. Keep it to yourself." With that Jake spurs his horse to meet Minerva.

Chester comes into the Lucky Lady not long after Jake has left for his home. Grant sees him come in and says, "Is something going' on, Deputy? I just brought Jake's horse around to his house. He was loaded for bear, he was." Chester says, "We got a situation. I can't tell you more than that. But it's dangerous. We won't be long." Chester thinks, Let's hope we all make it back this time. He grabs his two Spencer magazines containing pyrotechnic ammunition and popped them into his Blakeslee cartridge box. Finally he reaches under the bed and draws out the box containing the hand cannon. "Never know when I'll need this." He opens the box and check to see that there are shells in the box. He comes back downstairs, ties the hand cannon box to his saddle and rides back to where the others are waiting.

Jake, Minerva and Chester meet up at the Marshall's Office. Marshall Berg and Eduardo Rodriguez are ready to ride out with them. He says that Neil Cassidy and Bishop Costas Papandraus are over at Lester's Funeral Parlor. They will be remaining there as the Bishop needs to conduct a ceremony to prevent Sheriff Hunter from returning from the dead and Neil will stand guard to prevent the ceremony from being interrupted. However the Bishop has sent the female dwarven Priestess Hilldi Argyle MacTavish to join them. She tells them that she has had previous experience with both caves battles and fighting undead so might be able to help.

Minerva places her finger to her lip as she considers his list. " I have already gathered most of what is on your list but I did not think of oil. I will go and get some. Make sure to bring some of those special bullets of yours.. just in case." I will see you at the sheriff's then." She rushes home to gather the rest of the items and say an extra couple of prayers while she's there before meeting everyone at the Sheriffs.

She returns to her horse, Shadow, and begins to pack up the saddlebags. She begins piling in her holy symbols, vials of holy water, rope and there rest of the items on her list. When she moves to open the second saddlebag she remembers the armored vest that was taken off of the dead man. "Ugh!" it is still covered in blood. The blood of the horse, not the dead man, she recalls. "Spilled by a filthy fiend. Well perhaps it will help me more than it did him." She takes it into the house and cleans it off before slipping it on under her blouse." She returns to Shadow making one last inventory of items before securing her rifle to the animal. She gives a soft whistle, signaling Luna to follow her and makes her way to the Marshall’s office.

Jake fishes the burlap sack out of his saddlebag. From it he removes a Colt Peacemaker with a standard length barrel and a red neckerchief with a not in it. He undoes the knot and removes six bullets that all have shiny silver slugs on the top of their cartridges. He reties the neckerchief and then carefully loads the Colt with the six rounds. He hands both to the priestess Minerva. "It belonged to Nolan Edwards. Those are enchanted silver tipped rounds in it. I had put it away just in case we needed it someday. I never expected to need it again so soon. I know you have your own pistol, however Edwards carried these for a reason. Perhaps he is looking upon us and glad his weapon will combat these fiends once more." Jake shrugs. "We need all the help we can get no matter how unlikely."

Jake greets the others, chatting in a relaxed and friendly tone with no more concern than if they were going rabbit hunting. Finally he asks with no more fanfare than asking who was going skin the catch, "Who is the hammer and stake wielder? I tried doing that a couple of times and was down right pitiful at it. Especially if they are still moving around, biting and all. I am just not strong enough. Is it you Chet? Any chance we could drive one right through the box and not have to open it?" Chester says, "I can do it. They sleep during the day, right? That'll make it easy. I'll have to do it quick like. They're going to wake up when I start."

The Priestess Hilldi says, "The undead I am personally familiar with are wraiths and specters however I do know some lore regarding vampires. For the stake to effectively stop one it needs to be driven direction into the heart. So it is unlikely that you would be able to discern exactly that target without being able to see exactly how the corpse is lying."

The group ride off back in the direction of the Dos Cabezas mountains. They reach the murder site and head up the train to the cave. Once they enter the first chamber Hilldi makes the observation "Early high elvan, mostly natural but with modifications made for habitation. I estimate the workmanship to be between one and two thousand years in age."

As they continue towards the next inner chamber with the cots Hilldi says, "I sense great evil has been here recently. Please wait while I say a prayer for support from my patron deity." The room becomes silent as the dwarf begins her prayer saying, "Goddess Aretmis, daughter of Leto and Zeus, goddess of the wilderness the hunt and the earth, watch over us as we venture forth through this place. Guide our path and the aim of our weapons as we face these abominations to life itself. This we ask."

Chester bows his head in prayer to the goddess of the hunt. After the prayer is finished, he says, "Elves made this place? I never took them for cave-dwelling folk." Hilldi says, "They weren't normally. The present tribes in Arizona and New Mexico, the Apache, Navajo and Yavapai, all descend from the ancient Pueblo Indians, but prior to that they lived near the mountains, it being a source for water, and the Elders and Shaman of the tribe would reside in the caves."

She points out a place in the wall with very faint discoloration in the stone can barely be seen. She says, "Those are drawings on walls made by the shaman thousands of years ago. Weather, age and smoke from fires and tobacco have coated these walls in the time since then, but if these walls were to be cleaned using proper cleaning solutions you would once again be able to see the drawings that the ancients had left." Chester gives a grim smile. "Interesting, priestess. But, umm, we have a more pressing concern. Sorry about that, but I want to get this over with as soon as possible. Those blood-suckers could wake up at any moment."

Eduardo leads the group of six down the narrow tunnel into the inside chamber with the bats. He waits by the chamber entrance and helps the others into the room. Jake left his rifles out with the horse. His sawed off shotgun loaded with bird shot hangs on a lanyard outside his duster. Once in the room he places the burlap sack, now containing two sticks of dynamite and fuse on the ground near the wall. Back to the wall he watches and listens carefully as the others come into the room. The calm confidence replaced with a grim determination.

Chester says in a low voice, "We'll open one coffin, then the other. If I'm doing the staking, someone else will have to do the opening. Keep watch on the other one. We don't want to get surprised. OK?" Berg tells Chester "You're the strongest, we'll get the casket lid and you do the staking." They had brought a bulls eye lantern with them this trip which Marshall Berg opens up and positions on the ground pointing towards the caskets.

Eduardo and Chester venture forward checking the room for tracks. Based upon the lack of fresh prints and a build up of bat guano on the tarp they conclude that the room is undisturbed since their previous visit a few hours before. Chester and Eduardo carefully remove the tarp and gesture for the others to come forward. Hilldi takes out her holy symbol fastening it on a chain around her neck. She then gets out a wooden stake and hammer as well.

Marshall Berg and Deputy Rodriguez get on either end of the casket lid and working together lift it off. The first casket is empty save for a few inches of dirt covering the bottom of it. Chester and Hilldi move around as the other lawmen move to the top and bottom of the other casket. They remove the lid of second casket revealing a dead body inside. The body is perfectly still, the arms crossed over his chest and eyes closed. He is also lying on a few inches of dirt.

Berg states "It's Philemon Grove, the man who killed Niles Hoover. He was shot dead during the mob riot and supposedly buried the next day on the Thayer Ranch." Minerva Florencia looks forward at the face of the man who she had shot, the bullet hole in his forehead clearly visible. Eduardo comments, "Ken Wagner said earlier that Grove was the only one who Nick Thayer ever brought up here with him."

Chester gets a puzzled look on his face. "Can people become vampires if they're already dead?" He lowers his hands. "If Grove's not a vampire, what's he doing here? And who's the other coffin for? This doesn't make any sense." "Ahem," Jake finally speaks up, "Can you check to be sure he is not one of them, uh creatures? I know they usually get violent when you open the lid, perhaps it would be best to make certain before we go chatting on." Hilldi replies, "No, they cannot become undead after death. But he could have already been a vampire before he was shot. How did they check his body? Did they just check to see if he was breathing? Because he wouldn't have been, since vampires don't breathe. I think that....."

Her words are then abruptly ended as she and the deputies had made the potentially fatal error of looking at each other while they conversed and not the body inside the casket. Thus, they are taken by surprise as the arms rapidly uncross and thrust upward, each hand grabbing both Hilldi and Eduardo by the necks as Philemon Grove sits up in the casket. His eyes glow read, his mouth reveals fangs and he makes a guttural sound as his fingers begin to tighten on their necks and thrusts his arms up higher lifting them both up from the floor.

Jake groans inwardly, “I just told you.…” Minerva had been pulling a bottle of holy water out of her gown pocket When the evil creature grabs Hilldi, she throws the vial of water on him. Her aim is a bit off with around half of the vial striking the casket. Some does fall upon Grove's harm holding up the dwarf and the arm begins to burn but he does not release his grip.

A voice then calls out from across the room "Phil...stop." The voice comes from a man who steps out from behind one of the larger stalagmites in the room. The man's face is familiar to most in the room as a Promise City resident although only those who had been to the Long Branch Saloon before know him by name. The man appears to be unarmed however his left hand remains behind the stalagmite in front of him so could potentially be holding a gun in it. Berg exclaims, "Wilson? What is going on here?" The man continues to look at the vampire in the coffin and says, "Phil, don't kill them." The vampire continues to hold the dwarf and the elf in the air by the neck, but he does now relax his grip instead of crushing the windpipes.

What is Dooley Wilson doing here? Jake's mind is racing as soon as the man appears. He pretends to be stunned by the turn of events where he is standing away from the others and takes a half step back. He uses this bluff to remove the small mirror from his left coat pocket and shift the duster flap to clear his pistol for a cross draw. He angles the mirror so he can get a quick glance of the man behind the stalagmite while his mind ticks off what he remembers. I cannot remember seeing Dooley in daylight recently, the mirror in the Long Branch is away from the piano, there is access to the piano from the back or upstairs away from the mirror. Jake mentally prepares to draw and shoot in half a moment if what he suspects is true. After a quick glance he drops the mirror back in his pocket just as surreptitiously as he removed it, keeping his focus the Long Branch piano player but not looking him in the face.

Wilson states, "You must forgive my companion for his ill-manners. He suffered a serious injury to his brain when you lawmen fired upon the crowd. He has been no more than a simpleton since then. Of course, that bullet would not have harmed him unless it was magical. I'm curious what Judge Isby would say Marshall Berg if he knew that the Town Marshall and his deputies were using illegal wizard magics!"

Finding no reflection of Dooley Wilson in the mirror, Jake ignores any distractions and immediately fast draws his long barreled Colt. No quick fancy shots, no special tricks, all his focus is on the aim. He points the gun at the thing that was once Dooley Wilson, dead center at the chest using all his skill and experience and pulls the trigger once. The trademark retort that is the Colt Peacemaker echos in the cavern as a single pyrotechnic bullet leaves the barrel towards the vampire. The only thought in Jakes mind was, Hilldi I hope your goddess was paying attention.

The pyrotechnic shot is on target, striking Dooley Wilson at the intended location causing a large explosion which explodes the body of the undead creature sending flaming pieces of body parts around the area while simultaneously breaking and splitting the stalagmite in front of him. Jake mutters, "Seems to be an opening for a piano player at the Long Branch, I bet Kate Higgins wants one that is not so 'hot' on the keys."

One unintended consequence of the explosion is that the one-thousand-plus bats along the ceiling become active and afraid, leaving their perches and flying haphazardly across the room with near-ear-shattering shrieks given the close quarters. Meanwhile, at the sight of his companion's demise the creature that was once Philemon Grove again squeezes his fingers on the throats of his two captives.

Minerva grips her holy symbol and prays to Jupiter and Minerva to protect her from the evil creature, casting protection from evil and drawing her silver dagger, throws herself between the vampire and Hilldi and Eduardo in an attempt to break his hold on them. Minerva knocks against the vampire, her holy symbol grazing the arm holding Deputy Rodriguez. The vampire screams in pain and tosses the Deputy away knocking Minerva to the floor with him.

Chester reacts and lunges for Phil Grove. He tries to stab the vampire in the heart with the stake he holds. Chester successfully jabs the wooden stake into the monster's chest above the heart but the initial thrust does not drive it deep enough to puncture the heart. He ignores this threat, being preoccupied by the dwarven priestess whose larynx he is crushing. Minerva pulls another vial from her pocket and throws it at the vampire's face. The vampire's face begins to burn and he finally releases Hilldi, who falls to the floor either unconscious or dead.

Jake then spins the cylinder on the revolver, moving the first of two enchanted rounds into position. There is a crowd of people around the remaining fiend who is still holding the dwarven woman. Minerva falls, Chester attacks and he aims at a point just below where the neck reaches the chest and waits for a clear shot, not wanting to shoot any of the others. "Patience, Jake, patience," he mutters to himself waiting for the opportunity.

Chester takes the mallet in his right hand and tries to pound the stake home. "I don't want to see any more of you people ever again." The stake finds its mark and the vampire collapses into the casket.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ninety-nine, “The Goddess Arrives“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 11:00 A.M.

Jake returns the hammer to the weapon without firing. He holds his position, watching and listening for more of the fiends while attempting to ignore the still frantic bats. Chester looks at the ceiling for more threats. He asks no one in particular, "Who was that guy?"

The lawman points to Hildi. "Minerva, check on her. I'll check on Eddie." He props Eddie up and slaps his face. "Eddie, wake up. Can you hear me?" Eddie is still alive, but Chester recognizes based upon what happened to Nanuet in Thomaswell that some of man's life force has been drained from him. Chester says to Berg, "He's still alive, but in bad shape. We need to get him to the Bishop soon. Grove sucked some of the life out of him. How's Hildi?" Berg continues to wave his arms to get the frenzy-induced bats to fly away from the side of the cavern.

When the vampire releases Hildie, Minerva rushes to her side and drags her out of his reach. She bends over her, checks her breathing and attempts to heal her through the power bestowed upon her by the gods. Between the crushed windpipe and having her life force drained Hilldi is clearly dead but Minerva still attempts to heal her. Minerva shouts, "Don't die on us, Hildi. Your work here isn't complete. Damn it."

The others then notice a second woman materialize out of thin air beside Minerva. The woman has brown eyes, brownish-black hair tied back in a pony tail and a shapely figure. She is attired in Native American clothing, a deerskin dress and sandals, although she clearly is not elvan. Strapped to the woman's back is a quiver of arrows with an unstrung longbow attached to it. The mesmerizing woman lays her hands upon Hilldi and the room illuminates with light as energy flows from the woman into the dwarf, whose neck begins to heal and the color returns to the priestess's body.

Upon seeing the woman, Chester falls to his knees. "Lady Artemis. Your servant is hurt real bad. She fell fighting the walking dead." The Goddess nods acknowledgement to Chester while continuing to heal the dwarven priestess. Minerva's faith in the gods prevents her from being startled by the appearance of Diana at such a dire time. She assumes that Hildie has been saved and turns to the apparition with a smile of gratitude.

The energy continues to flow from the Goddess to the priestess. Within moments Hilldi is fully healed and her eyes blink awake. She sees who is standing above her and then faints dead away again. Diana stands and says, "She will be fine, she was just startled." Chester says softly, "Who are we that the gods come to us so regularly?" He clears his throat. "Uh, Lady Artemis? I don't know if he's a follower of yours, but this man has been drained by the vampire. Can you do something for him, too?"

She then turns towards Minerva and says in a commanding voice "Tell her I will meet with her and the other priests tomorrow at noon in the local Church of Olympus." Minerva turns to her and bows respectfully. "I will tell them." The Goddess nods and begins to fade away. By the time that Chester's request is uttered she has already begun to fade. In less than a minute's time she is gone.

Jake is interrupted in his search of the room by the apparitions words. Taken aback only momentarily, he shakes his head and continues searching. Not a good sign when the gods want to spend time with you. Jake's right eyebrow pops up at the apparition. He is quiet until the light starts to fade. "There is something else you do not see everyday." He holsters his pistol and starts to search about the room. Jake manages to find a belt buckle, a metal cufflink and a gold ring. There are also scraps of clothing but no flesh or blood, only an dark black dust.

Minerva bends to Hildie and gently shakes her. "Hildie, wake up." "Now what?" Jake asks the group that is gathered around Eduardo and Hilldi. "We should get those two back. Was there something else here?" Chester gets up and brushes off his pants. "I feel so blessed." He says to Jake, "We should destroy these coffins. Vampires need them to, er, live, right? And we should make sure there aren't any other secret passages out of this room."

"Good plan." Jake replies. He sets about searching through the coffins before using a hammer to break them apart. A search of the room reveals no secret doors, although higher up there are dozens of small passageways to other parts of the cave complex that the bats come and go through

While they finish up Jake asks, "What are you going to tell folks? Grove is no problem, folks believed he was dead anyway. No one who counts will miss him. What about Doolie? As the locals would say you are missing el cuerpo muerto, the dead body. Are we just going to keep quiet and let folks wonder where he ran off to?" Minerva looks at him, surprised by the question. "I don't see why we should say anything at all! We did not kill him. He was not alive to begin with. And as you have pointed out, there is no body"

Chester says, "What are we going to say, Jake? I'm sorry, but the piano player was a creature of the night? Oh yeah, one of the guys we shot dead a couple weeks ago is back and not happy about it? We can't say anything. People will think we're nuts or they'll believe us and go into a panic." Jake replies, "I am certainly happy keeping quiet. Just with three lawmen in the room I figured I would make certain."

Berg says, "No, we have to keep quiet about this. And I would also appreciate it if all of you also keep quiet regarding what Wilson said about the magical ammunition. I'm not worried about what Judge Isby will say, Heck, he's the one who gave me some of it. But there are a lot of people in town who feel that wizard magic is the work of witchcraft and that's not something we need to add to the volatile situation the town now finds itself in."

"The Mexican Indians have a saying, Nunca decir la verdad poblar quiénes no son dignos de ellos, it means never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it." Jake smiles, takes up a stack of boards and makes his way out with them. Minerva turns to Jake "I'm not sure that's what Senor Berg was implying." Minerva says, in a disapproving tone.

"You should be familiar with that emotion, Senorita, most folks do not find wizard magic palatable. Even to the point of hanging or burning the undesirable cretin involved." Jake shrugs as he continues to drag the coffin boards out. "I never even believed it was real until I got to Promise City."

Chester smiles and says, "Marshall, you know my feeling on the magic ammo. My neck's on the line, too. He turns to Eduardo, "Eddie, can you walk? I can help you if you want. We're getting out of here. You took a whale of a beating, but you should see the other guy." Chester grabs a bunch of boards. Berg says, "Enough talk. Let's get out of here before someone or something else shows up." He and Chester help Eduardo through the tunnel and out of the caves.

After the others leave she says to Jake” I am not suggesting that we should reveal what has happened. I agree that it is necessary to keep certain things concealed." She sighs.
"Perhaps I am just being over sensitive, it is just that I am growing weary of the self serving attitude that certain people have no worth. I keep the secret to protect them, not because they are not 'worthy." she shakes her head and walks out of the cave. before she exits she turns back” I apologize, I am drained from the healing and not explaining myself very well." Chester says, "Me too. There's not much more to do here."

Jake piles the boards and spills an oil on them. "No offense taken." He removes his dagger, and chuckles at the irony, "Incendie." The oil and boards go into flames. “I am ready to go back." Eduardo is assisted down the mountain. Hilldi says that she never felt better, in fact, some injuries that she's had for years now appear to be fully healed. The group get on their horses and ride back to town.

Minerva catches up to Hildie. They ride along companionably while Hildie chatters on about how wonderful she feels. "Oh, by the way, Hildie, I am to give a message to you and the other priests. Diana commands that we meet with her at Church of Olympus. We are to be there at noon " Hilldi gives Minerva a looks of shock and says, "She...wants to meet with us? What....what did I ever do to deserve such an honor? I am not worthy." There's that word again Minerva thinks in frustration. "Of course you are worthy! There is no reason why the gods should not favor you." Hilldi says, "She, she has already done so much. How badly did that monster injure me?"

Minerva replies, "Pretty badly. I don't think that you were breathing. I believe that she actually resurrected you. Try not to think about it too much. I'm sure she'll let you know what she expects in return for such a favor." Hilldi is quiet for a long while. She then says, "Whatever she expects I will do so and then some. I owe her everything."

Chester rides over to Jake. "We're going to have to tell Williamson and Harker. They'll want to know about this." "When they get back, sure. Perhaps they will tell us they took care of Turner." Jake gives him a wink. Chester gives a short laugh, "We should be so lucky. I have a feeling we're going to help look for him."

Chester and Berg get Eduardo to the church. The Bishop tends to him while the lawmen wait. The Bishop tells the lawman that Eduardo should stay with him for the indefinite future. Berg says, "If you feel that's best for him, Bishop. You feel better, Eddie. Come on Chet, let's let him get some rest." They make their way back to the office. Helen gets up from the desk, "Where's Eddie?" Berg says, "He got hurt in the cave. The Bishop's going to be taking care of him for a while. We killed Phil Grove and Dooley Wilson."

She replies, "Phil? But he was shot a couple weeks ago. I saw Rich Lester take him away. And I never took Dooley for a Cowboy." Chester says, "You're not going to believe this, but they weren't really alive. They were vampires." She says skeptically, "Vampires. Like in the stories told around the campfire." Chester says, "Yep. They're real and dangerous. Remember Colin Turner from the festival? He was one too."

Berg says, "Anyway Ken Wagner and Jasper Ordway went out to the mountains to guard Nick Thayer. Apparently he was meeting Vaughn Palmer, who's now going by Nick Goudge. I'm not sure where Dooley and Grove fit into this. What's more, Wyatt Earp's mixed up in this somehow." Helen takes it all in stride, smiles, and replies, "Vampires? And Palmer was a wizard right? Plus Earp as well! Never a dull moment around this place is there? Chet, are you sure you want the job of Marshall here?"

Chester takes off his hat and scratches his head. "Well, I got to admit this stuff is far past anything I'm used to, but I got to try." The lawmen are interrupted by the arrival of Timothy James Courtright. He says, "Looks like I'll be moving on. They caught two of the New Douglas Gang up in Colorado, Pinto Joe Weems and Shotgun Sally Fox."

He takes out a telegram and looks it over stating, "The Gang had checked into a hotel in some out-of-the-way town along the Colorado River, but during the night a boat with Army troops came sailing in looking for them. Didn't take the troops long to find them since there was only one hotel in town. Word is there was quite a shootout, a couple of soldiers got killed and the gang then split up. The remaining soldiers chased the wrong bunch, cornering Weams and Fox in the mountains, but letting Deadeye Douglas and Mae Clarke get clean away. So I'm off to Colorado. Good luck here in Promise City, maybe I'll stop back again some time."

Chester shakes Courtright's hand. "Same to you Marshall. I'm glad they caught Pinto Joe and Shotgun Sally. She shot me in a bank robbery a few months ago, so I owe her one. Say, by the way, do you remember who told you Buckley's killer was on the hilltop? The tip didn't pan out like we hoped." Courtright replies, "I think the man's last name was Clanton, never caught his first name. Sorry it didn't work out." The former lawman turned bounty hunter departs.

Just before 4:00 P.M. once the school had emptied there were only the teachers, Ginnie, and Colleen and Kathleen. She arranged to meet the girls back here, then went to get her stallion from the El Parador and then fetch the buggy from Drover's. On her way back from Drover's with the horse and buggy Kate sees Chumbley walking around town selling the current day's newspaper and yelling out the headline of “Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter Murdered”.

"Mr. Chumbley, I'll take one of those please." She pulled a nickel out of the pocket of her pants and paid. "Thank you." Kate got the buggy moving again and back to her house before she opened the paper to read it. The headline takes up most of the front page which is probably intentional as the story that follows is very short on details. It reads:

“Town Undertaker Dick Lester brought three bodies into town this morning, apparently killed either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The bodies were those of Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter and two members of the Thayer Ranch, the ranch owner Nicholas Thayer and his ranch hand Jasper Ordway. This makes a total of six ranchers killed during the last two weeks, four from the Thayer Ranch and two from the Crazy-8 Ranch. Hunter and Thayer were both candidates for office on the Liberty Party ticket. Marshall Berg said that an ongoing investigation is taking place but would not give any further details. Cochise County Deputy Sheriff ‘Buckskin’ Frank Leslie will be taking over Hunter’s duties here in Promise City."

Kate flips through the rest of the paper. Page five has a full page advertisement for the “Law and Order Party”. It lists the candidates as Mayoral candidate Frank Condon, Town Marshall candidate Ashley King, and Councilmen candidates Zebediah Cook, Doctor James Eaton, Manuel Escobar, Emery Shaw and Dennis Winston.

Following the listing of the names is the party’s platform which reads:

The Law and Order Party will restore the word of law and need for order to the Community of Promise City. Gone will be the days of fear from cattle rustlers, bank robbers and murderers. This town will become one where families can live in peace.

When elected the Law and Order Party promises to:

1. Enact new legislation to discourage potential lawbreakers including long mandatory terms of imprisonment for all violent crimes.

2. Maintain the sanctity of the holy day by prohibition of the sale and consumption of all alcoholic beverages on Sundays except for that used during religious ceremonies run by clergy of the Roman-Greek Church.

3. Make all gambling and prostitution illegal within the town boundaries of Promise City.

4. End all displays of public nudity such as those from the midnight dance at the festival as well as those done nightly at the Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon and Palace Saloon.

5. Establish reasonable hours for all drinking establishments with closing times of 9:00 P.M. on Monday through Thursday and 10:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays.

6. Prohibit the carrying of firearms on public streets except for authorized law enforcement officers and members of a town militia.

7. Encourage new families to come and establish homes within Promise City.

The paper ripped as Kate's grip tightened. I don't know why I'm surprised, I really should have known. She was still angered by that list. They were not living back east, and in face some of these ideas were more draconian than any you'd find there. There were not enough families in Promise City for that platform to carry the vote, and Kate herself certainly wouldn't give it her support. She sighed. Nothing was going to change that platform. She tied the horse to one of the porch posts and went inside with a stormy expression.

After around ten minutes Conrad Booth walks up to her, a copy of the newspaper in his hands. He says, "Terrible news about Sheriff Hunter. I don't know what's going on but I'm now really worried about your ranch. I'm glad that Cattleman's Association got started up when it did." "I'm not in any danger," she said absently. "From what I've been seeing this is political. I don't have anything in common with Thayer and we've improved the security. When we're out today I'll talk to the others about getting hands hired, and soon.

It's this that's made me angry," she said, thrusting the ad into his hands. "We have a hanging judge here, and they think long sentences will deter criminals? I would love to see prostitution end, but it's not going to end just because we pass a law. And making gambling illegal? You can't legislate morality! If you close the saloons early, you're just going to have a lot of miners looking for another way to have fun. And if I want a glass of wine on Sunday I'll have one! I'm not a follower of their church. And If they think I'm going around this town unarmed they've got another think coming. I thought the idea of working with them was to moderate some of this idiocy."

Conrad says, "But look at it on the bright side! Once they are swept into power and outlaw gambling I'll have to take up acting as a profession! We can convert all of these closed saloons into theaters! I'm sure that if the miners and ranchers can't go anywhere to get a drink they'll be happy to watch a production of Shakespeare instead."

She gave him a half-hearted smile. "At least you'd be doing something you'd truly enjoy. Somehow I don't think the miners will appreciate Shakespeare more than every now and then. We should go before they make it illegal for me to wear pants or show my arms." Conrad replies, "Kate, I was joking. Somehow I doubt they will be swept into office with that platform. In fact, I think I'll go check to make sure that Kate Higgins has seen this. I'll be back in a bit."

She put her hand on his sleeve to hold him there for a minute and said, "I know you were, I'm just not finding much to laugh about. I'm overreacting, I know. This isn't really a surprise. I guess I had just hoped for better. We'll be ready when you get back."

Jake buys a paper when Chumbley comes round to the Lucky Lady. Jeff Mills looks over his shoulder and comments, "Hunter, huh," when he finishes with the lead story. "I guess he will not be following me around anymore." Jake scratches his beard and grins before turning the page. He spies the Law and Order platform and spits out, "Hermes! Those fools." He folds the paper under his arm and heads over to the Gay Lady in search of Burton Lumley.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred, “A Party of Unity“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 4:15 P.M.

Conrad returns very shortly and says, "She wasn't there. She was called over to an emergency meeting of the Liberty Party at the Palace Saloon. She's not even a supporter of that group but after this paper came out Fisk and Adair managed to talk her into joining them for the meeting."
Pedro comes into the room with Grant Keebler, a copy of the paper in hand. Grant says, "Ah you've both heard the news. Shall we start boarding up the building now?"

"Absolutely not," Kate said fiercely. "In fact, I think they just shot themselves in the foot. There aren't enough people in this town who would support that platform to get them elected. The bigger worry is where will all those votes go? I'm probably going to anger the Cattleman's Association by not supporting our slate, but they'll get over it." Conrad says, "Speak of the devil."

Kate turns to see Emery Shaw walking into the El Pardor, his face beet red, and he dispenses with any pleasantries and says, "Katherine, we need to meet tonight about this." She replies, "So the Association didn't have any input about this ad. I'm relieved to hear it. When do you want to meet? I'll be there.” He says, “No input from myself or Escobar what-so-ever. I've sent riders out to all of the outlying ranches to get the folks for the meeting, but it may take a few hours. Figure around 7:00 P.M. if that works for you."

Kate says, “Don't they realize this platform will lose the election? And probably help Adair's party win?" Shaw answers, "I have no idea. They are so full of themselves and their high-and-mighty moral standards that they seem to forget they are really in the minority." She states, "They did follow though with not trying to close all the saloons at least, but still... They've always been full of themselves. And blinded by their own self-righteousness. I'll be there at seven thirty. Who'll have the chair tonight? Is there anything I can do for you until then?"

Shaw replies, "The Perez Ranch gets to chair tonight's meeting. That should be interesting, they have no love for this Vigilance Committee. Try to talk some of your partners into attending, that might help. I will see you then Katherine." After he leaves Conrad says, "So I see that you and Shaw are now on a first name basis. And I heard that he treated you to a semi-private dinner following the last meeting. Should I start to get jealous?"

This time her smile was genuine. Just knowing action was being taken had cheered her up considerably. "It gets cumbersome using last names, and we've known each other long enough to dispose with the formality. No reason for jealousy, my dear. I don't think Emery is looking for a lady other than to share dinner with now and then. Usually those inclined head over to the Lady for a drink after a meeting, but with the rustling most of the ranchers headed home. As we both live in town now..."

Conrad says, "Well, he has been a widower for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if he is looking for somebody to share his life with, preferably somebody closer to his age. I imagine that if he wins a position he'll probably buy or build a house instead of just renting a room in a boarding house. With his money he can certainly afford it." She says, "There's nothing to show you are here to stay like building a home. And I wouldn't be surprised to see him find a wife to share it with either."

Kate turned to Grant and Pedro. "I don't know what will happen at the meeting tonight, but it seems likely to me at least that we'll decide to break from the ticket and form our own slate. It was already a risk once before and by taking out this ad without consulting all the candidates they've shown again that they don't really care anything about our opinions. There are enough moderate independent candidates that we could approach to form a good, moderate ticket."

Kate talked with the men for a while longer then said, "I want to make sure Jake has seen this. I doubt Adair approached him like he did Kate Higgins, and he's very interested in keeping Adair and his buddies out of office. Can you wait for me for a few minutes?" He agreed and Kate hurried down Sierra Street then turned down Allen.

Jake arrives at the Gay Lady and sees Lumley behind the bar talking to his bartender Jim Hagen and one of his gamblers Cisco Halston. A copy of the newspaper is on the bar in front of them, folded to the page with the Law and Order platform. Jake strides right up to them, "Good afternoon gentlemen." He drops his own paper on the bar. "I see you have noticed it too. Those damn fools will drive some folks right into the Adair and Fisk’s Liberty Party, or Freedom Party or whatever they are calling it."

Lumley says, "I know, they both came by together to see if I would fill the Thayer vacancy for their ticket for the Councilman position. I turned them down, saying I'll keep running as an independent. I seriously considered it but I just don't trust Fisk, there's no way I would support him for Mayor."

"Folks need a moderate alternative to these two extreme ends." Jake drums his fingers on the table. "I worry that a bunch of separate independent candidates will not be able to move the vote away in large enough numbers to defeat one side or the other. All it would take is one last minute event to drive people one way or another. I would not put it past either of those groups to create one."

Jake withdraws his hands from the bar and stuffs them in his pockets. "Would you consider joining a moderate party? Upton was looking into the Republicans. There is Vera Blake and Chester Martin out there too that need a home. Maybe we can get Elton Hubbard to throw his support in. That and we might steal some of the moderate candidates from the Law and Order ticket who do not whole heartedly agree with this line of horse dung." Jake taps the paper for emphasis. "Vote for Burton Lumley and his party, do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live." Jake gives him a grin.

Lumley replies, "That's worth considering Mr. Cook, seriously worth considering." He turns to bartender Hagen and says, "John, run over to Drovers and see if Vera can break away to come chat." I wouldn't mind being Mayor myself but given that my establishment promotes all of the vices that the Law and Order Party wishes to abolish that would just make this moderate party a lightening rod for them, and possibly drive more potential votes away from us. Do you have anybody in mind for the Mayor spot?"

"That really is the tough call, is it not? I was hoping that Emery Shaw might consider it, but not if he agrees with that," Jake points again to the newspaper like it was an unpleasant insect. "You?" Lumley says, "I would support Shaw. I'd also be in favor of Mitchell Berg, but I doubt we would be able to convince him. Neil Cassidy would be another possibility. Beyond that I can't really think of anybody who I would get behind." Jake says, "I already asked Berg about it once, he was rather emphatic about not being interested. I think he is still overwhelmed about this whole Marshall business. I agree about Cassidy, if we do not line up behind Berg or Shaw."

Kate reached the corner with Main and just as she was going to head for the Lady's door she saw Jake through the windows of the Gay Lady. Kate went there instead and saw the newspaper laid out between Jake and Burton Lumley. "You've seen the ad, then. There's an emergency meeting of the Cattleman's Association tonight. I thought Emery Shaw was going to have a apoplexy when I saw him." Lumley looks up and says, "Funny you should mention him, we were just talking about the good Mr. Shaw." Jake asks, "He is not in agreement with the published platform?"

Kate answers, "Well, he just came by to tell me there is an emergency meeting tonight. They didn't ask him or Mr. Escobar about that ad whatsoever, and I seriously doubt Mr. Shaw agrees with that platform. I suspect, and keep in mind I'm not always right, that we may break from the Vigilance Committee. I for one won't shed any tears about that. I take it you gentlemen are trying to find something to do about this as well?"

"Yes, we were just discussing it as well. I was attempting to convince Burton here," Jake points over his shoulder with his thumb, "to start or join a moderate party. We were privately wondering if Emery Shaw could be enticed away from the so called Law and Order Party." Jake turns back to Lumley, "Tell you what, I will go work on Shaw and you speak with Vera Blake. That would be an excellent start. Do you think we could locate him Katherine?"

Lumley's bartender Hagan returns and says, "Vera Blake is busy right now, Mr. Evan Adair is over at Drover's talking to her right now about joining his Party. Didn't catch any details, he clammed up as so as he saw me." "Hermes, that bastard is fast. Let me handle this," Jakes says with a dark smile. "Katherine, find Shaw and meet us back here." Jake walks purposefully to see Vera Blake.

Jake enters to see Adair and Vera Black at the far corner of the building with Austin Blake having joined them. Austin sees Jake approaching and says, "Cook! Have you seen the Law and Order platform! Those bastards want to put all of us our of business." Adair adds, "Yes, we were just discussing what to do about this."

"Yes Mr. Blake, I have seen it. Quite amazing and disturbing all at once. Even if I was not a saloon owner they would not have my vote on principle alone. Actually I came here to discuss just that," Jake gives Adair a smile, "as a registered voter that is. I was interested in Vera's views and what she intended to do in office.

If I may be so bold, I have always respected the both of you and I am keen to hear your thoughts. My only surprise is that she is not in discussions with any of the other independents who are looking to form a third party. Quite an impressive group actually, curious that these folks that the town already looks up to had not gathered together before. I suppose this ridiculous platform from the so called Law and Order Party sparked them. Healthy competition is a good thing, an exercise in our liberties and freedoms. I am sure you agree Mr. Adair." Jake nods to the man. "But listen to me ramble on. I came here to listen to you."

Adair says, "Actually we're both on the same train of thought Mr. Cooke. I have just presented Mrs. Blake with the notion of a third party as Mr. Fisk and I have come to a difference of opinion over his party's platform and I am no longer affiliated with his so-called Liberty Party. The tanner Tector Driscoll agreed with me and we both resigned from that party together and told them to find somewhere other than my saloon to meet at. I believe that I have already convinced Kate Higgins to join my new party as a candidate for Council and am hoping that Mrs. Blake will as well."

"Democracy at work! Is it not a marvel? Good for you Vera Blake, that certainly makes you quite in demand among the political parties. You will be in a good negotiating position when Burton Lum-" Jake stops in mid sentence. "Er, there I go blathering on again."

Adair says, "Actually I plan to go see Mr. Lumley next. I intend to lead an aggressive counter to the Law and Order party's platform and I believe he will agree with me on this. Please consider joining me Mrs. Blake, our party will be stronger with you on it and we can't be letting the Vigilance Committee shut this town down." Vera Blake interjects, "Well gentlemen, it is nice to be in such high demand. But I have promised Helen Barker to let her manage my campaign and will not be making any decision on a party affiliation until I discuss it first with her."

Adair looks perturbed by that and Jake notices him unconsciously touch the spot where Deputy Barker shot him two weeks earlier. He says, "Mrs. Blake, am I to understand that you are not capable of making your own decisions?" Austin Blake interjects "No sir, you are hearing her say that she will be giving her friend the courtesy of a conversation." Adair says "Very well then, I'm off to see Mr. Lumley."

Jake waits until Adair has left the building before he remarks, "My, my, Mr. Adair certainly becomes unpleasant when he does not get his way. Did he happen to mention exactly what he and Hamilton Fisk had a falling out over?" Austin Blake replies, "Primarily the platform. As Adair just said, he wants to aggressively go after the Law and Order Party. Fisk doesn't, he feels time and resources can be better spent running a positive campaign instead of a negative one. Adair feels that will just play into the Law and Order Party's hands. Those two also split over who to replace Sheriff Hunter with as Marshall although Adair didn't tell us either name."

Kate says, "I'm not sure where Shaw will be, I'll try over at the Comstock House, but he might be spreading the word about the meeting." Kate hurried out and over to the Comstock house, asking Bea when she arrived if Mr. Shaw had returned. She departs.

Jake says, "Since I trust neither Fisk nor Adair, I am not sorry to see trouble in their party. I will be quite honest, I suggested to Lumley that you and he would be good together on a ticket and that this town needs a moderate party in this election. The last thing we need is either extreme ends antics driving folks to the other. Please come over and talk to Burton and consider seriously what good you two could do together." Jake pushes his hat back on his head, "I am told that Emery Shaw was surprised by his parties platform. Perhaps he would listen to other offers?" Jake gives them his trademark grin. "I am off to find Shaw and invite him over to the Gay Lady after Adair finishes annoying Lumley." Jake chuckles at that. "Will you come over and talk with them too?"

"I was thinking that a good slogan might be, do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live. You can have both." What do you think? Austin Blake says, "I think you are a natural at these political situations Mr. Cooke." Vera says, "I believe Helen is on duty right now at the Marshall's Office. I will go and see if she can break away to join us and if not I will at least discuss this with her. I truly do value her opinion, I doubt that women would have been given the right to vote yet alone run for office without her influence." "Excellent." Jake tips his hat, "We look forward to seeing you at the Gay Lady then." Outside of Lumley's place, Jake checks to see if Adair is inside and if so waits until he leaves.

At the Comstock House Beatrice Lee tells Kate that Shaw returned a few minutes ago and is upstairs in his room. She smiles and offers to head upstairs and tell him he has a visitor. Kate gets the impression from the tone of voice and slight smile that Bea believes this to be a 'social' visit rather than a business matter. Kate smiled pleasantly. It doesn't take much to start a rumor in this town. And yet openly dancing with and kissing Conrad people can't believe. "I would appreciate that, thank you. I'll just wait here."

Emery Shaw comes downstairs a few minutes later. He has changed his shirt and combed his hair since he saw her last. A smile appears over his face and he exclaims, "My, this is a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to see you until later." Kate notes that Bea has remained upstairs but is peering around the corner and eavesdropping on their conversation.

Kate dropped her voice, attempting to deprive Bea of her bit of gossip for the day. "There is some talk among the independent candidates of banding together and forming a moderate slate. Jake and Mr. Lumley would like to talk to you about it over at the Gay Lady." Shaw replies, "Well then let's go."

The two make their way back to the Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon. They enter to see Evan Adair chatting with Burton Lumley and bartender John Hagen." They break off the conversation as the others enter. Adair says, "Well, I have a few more people to see. Please let me know soon." Lumley replies, "I'll stop by your saloon later tonight with my decision." Adair gives Kate a nasty look as he makes his way out the door.

"Dissension in the ranks... It sounds even more promising for a moderate third party. And leaving Adair out in the cold warms my heart," Kate smiled. Lumley interjects, "Yes, but what exactly would be the platform of this Moderate party? I'm seriously considering throwing in with Adair and his new "Freedom" party. I'm one of the people who has the most to lose if that Law and Order group makes it into office and the best way I see it is that they need to aggressively fought point-by-point."

Kate interjects, "I'd imagine the possible candidates would have to work that out. If I were setting a platform I'd go with the strong law-enforcement angle, perhaps suggest pushing to get the railroad here. How you deal with the other party would be up to you. Emery, what do you think?" Shaw says, "Well, I think that I can understand Mr. Lumley's opinion but while there is a possibility that he may be part of a rival political party I would rather continue this discussion elsewhere. Burton, you are welcome to join our ticket as a Council member, we would be honored to have you." Lumley thanks Shaw.

Emery Shaw leads the group across the street to the Lucky Lady. He stays by the door until he sees Vera Blake and Helen Barker coming and ushers them inside. He tells Vera "Change in plans. Lumley is actually considering joining Adair's new Freedom Party so I thought it best to discuss this further at another location." Helen puts her hand on Vera's arm and says, "Don't even think about it yourself. You know what Adair is like." "I do indeed," Vera replies. Emery leads the ladies over to a table with Kate and Jake.

"Damn," Jake mutters, "I am not ready to give up on Lumley. It will not do to have him give legitimacy to Adair’s' party. I AM pleased that you folks are here to discuss some good old fashioned common sense though. Thanks to you all for listening to my ideas, but I will leave it up to you what you want to do from here. I will help as I can, but my personal involvement might be more of a hindrance than a help going forward."

Shaw says, "Jake, you stood by my side against the Cowboy Gang, that act of character says more about you than any rumors that might be floating around this town." Vera says "You two did what?" Shaw says, "Oh, you'll read about it in the paper some time in the next week or so, although Mr. Cook has asked me to keep his name out of it."

Vera says, "Well, I wasn't going to join either the Liberty Party or Law and Order Party, not that I thought either would ask me to. The same goes for this new Freedom Party." Helen says, "We only need two candidates to officially make a party and we already have the signed petitions filed for Town Council." Shaw says, "Yes, and you indicated that Mr. Martin would probably be willing to join a moderate party." Helen says, "Even if Chet says no I' should be able to convince him." Shaw says, "Okay that's three. We should be able to convince Manny Escobar too. And we'll leave a Council position open for Lumley at least for now. Who else?" Kate shrugged. "A week or so ago Cole Rixton had been considering running, but I haven't heard him move any farther with it. Neil Cassidy would be a good candidate."

Maria brings the group out an early supper. Shaw says, "Ah, Miss. Fuente, could I ask you to do us a favor. Please go down to the Escobar house and ask Manuel to come and join us." She looks towards Jake who nods yes. She is off. Shaw says, "Either Cassidy or Rixton would be good but not both, their Committee for Racial Equality has divided support of the town so I wouldn't want to make a moderate ticket too top heavy, and they would have to be for a Council position and not Mayor. Speaking of which, who should we propose as Mayor?"

"I've heard your name mentioned once or twice today, Emery," Kate said. "Excuse me, just a moment." Kate walked over to Harry Rote behind the bar. "Can you do me a favor? Conrad Booth is waiting for me at my home. It looks like I'm going to be here for a little while. Could you let him know, please? Thank you." Kate returned to the table and took her seat."

Shaw says, "Well, I first considered running for Marshall, but Mayor has a certain appeal. The only potential problem is that many of the townsfolk don't know me. But I have established a good relationship with Count Von Zeppelin, and his men now constitute a fifth of the electorate. Okay, it makes sense. I'll need to get a new signature petition but that shouldn't be too much of a problem."

It isn't long until Manuel Escobar and Conrad Booth both join the group. They are updated as to the discussion. Manuel shows interest in this group. Booth mentions that he has spoken again to Kate Higgins who had agreed to be on the Liberty Party ticket for town council before the party split. He states, "She says that she agrees with Adair's anti-Vigilance Committee platform but also feels loyalty to Fisk, who gambles at her saloon every night, so hasn't made up her mind which of those two Parties to now go with." Blake thanks him for that information.

Shaw says "Okay, here's the proposed ticket. Myself for Mayor, Chester Martin for Marshall, and for the Council we propose Vera Blake, Manuel Escobar, either Neil Cassidy or Cole Rixton, we try to convince Burton Lumley into taking another, and that still leaves the final slot. Our ticket now has sufficient representation from ranches, current law enforcement, and the Merchant's Association including a saloon. Seems like the only major voting block missing would from be the town's mining intersects."

"I do not know Elton Hubbard very well." Jake says. "He seems to keep to his business. What do you all think of him? Would he, or someone he trusts be a good candidate?" Vera Blake speaks first saying "The problem with Hubbard is that he thinks first and foremost for Elton Hubbard and nobody else. On the other hand, he is the richest man in town which would give the ticket financial backing, from what I hear he's a reasonably good boss, and he certainly has the town's interests at heart since the town's fortune is directly tied to his."

Shaw says, "You're right about him treating his employees fairly. All of the other tenants at the boarding house where I'm rooming work for him and speak well of him. I would suggest that we at least make him the offer, although he might turn us down, as he's never cared about town matters or politics before. Once we finish up here I'll go see his right hand man Earl Hogan and try to get to see him before the Cattleman's Association Meeting. If he says no then I'd probably consider asking either Michael or Patrick Seawell."

Kate adds, "The only things I know about Elton Hubbard are that he supports the Moral Values School, and I suspect he supplied their uniforms." She shrugged. "Which doesn't tell me much about him. It's always a good sign when employees speak well of their boss. The Seawells I know a good deal better. They're both good men and I would support them."

Shaw says, "Hold on, if Hubbard is in league with the Moral Values School then maybe we should reconsider asking him altogether. I've gotten to know Colonel Michael Seawell and he seems like a good man, albeit quite a bit preoccupied with the young lady he is courting, or maybe I'm just jealous. I don't know Patrick as well but he seems to be the driving force behind the mining expansions in this region."

Kate says, "I haven't been privy to all Mr. Seawell's business dealings, but from what I do know he's quite shrewd, but doesn't run over people to accomplish his goals. Sonoma helped him buy some land owned by an elvan family and they came to an agreement good for everyone. I believe he only bought about half the land they owned, and has been a good neighbor by helping them find more water sources. Jake probably knows more than I do with his share in one mine." Jake says, "I like Seawell, good fellow. Seems to have principles. He would also enjoy sticking it to Fisk, which is part why I like him."

Jake repeats his proposed slogan "Do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live." Shaw says, "That's great, we'll offer them both." He looks back at Katherine and says, "This should be an interesting Cattleman's Association meeting tonight. We'll have to grab tonight’s chairman Ricardo Perez before hand to clue him in to the potential fireworks." "I can do that," Manuel Escobar volunteers.

Shaw says, "Okay, it sounds like Patrick Seawell is our fifth Council member. So which of that other pair should we ask first, Cassidy or Rixton?" Jake says, "I would lean towards Cassidy, but will he draw more votes to the ticket than Rixton?" Vera Blake says, "Cassidy is more controversial due to his participation in that shootout two weeks ago. Martin was part of that too, but he was already a Deputy so had to follow the orders of his boss, Cassidy volunteered to go into that fight."

Escobar says, "Rixton has greater support of the wood elvan population. They like Cassidy, he was the first in-town merchant to hire non-humans and threat them well, but Rixton's is a member of Dorita's 'Extended Family' over at the El Parador and has been for quite some time. It's one thing to be a good boss to other races but when you decide to live with and regularly socialize with them it has greater resonance."

Kate says, "Mr. Cassidy seems more visible, and his lumber business is very important right now. Mr. Rixton is more of an unknown, at least to my mind. His lower profile might be an advantage. I'm not sure which would be better. It could be a moot point though, it's possible neither of them would be interested."

Jake says, "Try thinking this way, look at the ticket and see if the addition of either of those gentlemen brings in voters that would not already vote for this ticket. And then who does each drive away. They are both upstanding businessmen in the community, we want both their support but the ticket is not just about who would be a good councilman. We need numbers of voters."

Shaw says, "Rixton may be friends with the wood elves of town, but with Manny here on the ticket already I'm not sure that will bring in any more votes. Both belong to the Committee for Racial Equality so they are balanced in that respect. Personally I favor Cassidy but that's just because I know him and I don't really know Rixton. As was pointed out, there's more controversy to picking Cassidy which our opponents will use against us."

Vera Blake says, "Yes, but on the other hand Rixton may be the safer candidate due to his shy personality, but that won't necessarily help to get people energized for an election campaign." Helen says, "There's one other consideration. If Cassidy is on the Council then he will have to resign his position as Deputy Marshall to avoid a conflict of interest. I'm thinking that for continuity sake that Chet will want him, me and Eddie to all stay on as his deputies."

Jake shrugs. "This ticket needs backers too. Bring Cassidy in, tell him what we are thinking and let him lend a voice in this. He does have money and influence in town. I find it hard to believe he would not support this ticket anyway, but he will be more enthusiastic if we involve him. Besides there is a an old cowboy saying, if you're riding’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there. We could use some other opinions." He pauses and says, "Now, what block of voters are we not capturing. Excluding Cowboy gang members and Mrs. Ashley's cronies."

Vera Blake says, "What about Church-goers? You can't just assume they are all going to vote for the Law and Order ticket, especially with all of the sermons that Miss. Florencia has been given that are counter to that group's opinions." Emery Shaw says, "You know, that Priestess would make for a pretty good Council member herself."

Kate says, "She's certainly passionate enough about the town that no one would doubt her dedication. Half the reason for the festival was to get the town to work as a community and it was very successful. She might consider it in conflict with her position as the town's priestess, but I think she would consider it a chance to do a great deal of good."

"I think she will at least support this ticket. Offer her a spot if you think that is best and if she declines keep her on as an advisor or sorts. Get people to join the party, that makes them involved. Each of you needs convince folks to vote for the whole ticket not just individuals." Jake frowns a moment, "Speaking of which, the party needs a name." Shaw says "That it does. The term 'Moderate' is way too neutral, makes it sound like we don't stand for anything."

"We're trying to create a party that will make a government we can all live with. Unity sounds like a good name to me, if a little grand." Conrad says, "That's not bad, unfortunately it starts with the letter "U" so alphabetically it will appear last on the ballot for parties, after the Freedom, Law and Order and Liberty Parties. How about a name starting with something with spelling that falls before 'FR'." Shaw says, "You're underestimating the voters. They'll find our party's name even if it appears fourth instead of first."

Kate says, "Perhaps, but it never hurts to take whatever edge you can find. Once the ballots are set I planned to hold a couple of informational sessions at the school so those who might have a little trouble with reading or understanding would be sure to be able to find the candidates they wanted to vote for. But if anyone has another suggestions higher up in the alphabet I'm ready to hear them."

Thus far a fabulous name is not leaping to my mind," Jake remarks. "I am certain one will become apparent soon, or perhaps it is the Unity Party. Unless there is something else I can do here right now, I should be off drumming up some additional support." Jake grins. "Discretely of course until you are ready to announce."

Shaw says, "Well, I don't think we're ready to announce yet since we're only firm on the three of us sitting here. I'm assuming that Chester Martin and Patrick Seawell will be receptive. And we're still not sure of the remaining two slots, we have to see what Lumley decides, choose between Cassidy and Rixton or perhaps ask the Priestess if she is interested. At the Cattlemen's Association meeting I'll just mention myself, Manny and Deputy Martin as those were the three that the Association had recommended."

Kate adds, "And you never know what other suggestions might come up there. It's good to keep things open for now. I feel a whole lot better about things. I know we wanted to try and moderate the Law and Order party but I was just not comfortable with it. The ticket we've talked about here has a real chance to attract all the people who just don't feel the extremes represent them. I'll keep trying to think of a better name."

Kate asks, "Who will you send to approach Mr. Seawell? And when? The sooner we have an alternative to the other parties the better." Shaw says, "I know Michael Seawell, not Patrick. I suppose I can go talk to the father and have him make introductions to his son." Kate says, "I know him, we sold him the building that he set up for his offices. I don't know if he'll still be there now. Of course, you might want to wait until after the association meeting. I don't know."

Shaw says, "Yeah, might be best to wait. Some of the other Association members might have other ideas. He boards at the Double Eagle now so we should be able to find him there later." Kate nodded. "Do you need me for anything else? I was on my way out to the ranch when all this got started. It's too late to give the girls their driving lessons, but I can still go out and give Sonoma a hand before it's time for the meeting." Shaw says, "That's a good idea. The meeting isn't for another two hours. Try to convince Flint to come back with you too, we may need him at the meeting."

"I'll talk to him. I'll see you in a couple of hours. Conrad, I don't suppose you still want to go out there with me?" Conrad says, "No, I think I'll go catch up with the O'Hara twins and Ginnie and walk them over to Drover's to the buggy. We won't have time to ride it today but I can still point out the safety features to them and explain a little about the unique aspects that the Concord Coach Company put into it. Maybe let them get used to sitting in it at least. We'll do the lesson riding right after school."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then." Kate turned to the others again. "I think this is going to go very well. I'll be back in a little while." Jake listens to the discussion, nodding as he does. "Fine then. I will see you after the association meeting. Good luck."