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

[Silver Moon]

Between the "Prelude" and "Chapter 1" falls the events from the Arcade's Gang story "Tombstone", which are Chapters 98 to 100 (100 yet to be posted) of that Story Hour.


Chapter One, “Painting”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 7:45 A.M.

Katherine Kale prepares to start the day, dressing and heading downstairs inside her and Ginnie’s home on East Street. She sees that Ginnie has already left for her part-time job over at Mary and Kevin Kelly’s Dry Good Shop. Kate heads downstairs to the nearly barren kitchen and wonders if she will ever learn to actually cook.

She enters the larger twenty-foot square section of the first floor designed as the schoolroom. It had taken far longer to get this room ready than she had anticipated. Originally she planned to retain the original rooms but Meagan O‘Hara convinced her of the practicality of a single-room design. But that meant that walls of the original structure required removal and since some of those were weight bearing then support pillars needed to be erected in their place.

Several men in town had volunteered to help with that, but until Sunday the 14th they had not been available to help, having volunteered to construct the town’s new church as well. Once the church was dedicated and opened they began in earnest, spending that week on the construction followed by a few more days for the walls to be freshly painted and then dry.

Kate had planned to officially begin teaching at the start of this week, on Monday the 22nd even though some of the ordered textbooks still hadn't arrived. But fate intervened once again in the form of red dots, measles, an outbreak of the disease striking several families in town.

To contain the disease Doctor James Eaton quarantined the houses where the disease was and also ordered the school to postpone its opening for a week, fearing that some of the other children might have also been exposed to the disease from their playmates. Doctor Eaton had the proper elixirs to treat the disease, which he shared only with the human families of the town. Father Thomas Valdez, the half-elf Mexican & Celtic Priest, was able to treat the non-human children. The affected children were now all recovering and should be able to start the classes the following Monday.

Kate picked up her handbag and parasol and left the house, locking the door behind her. It occurred to her to go to the Lucky Lady and see Ruby for breakfast, but then she remembered that Ruby and Jake didn't live there anymore, never mind that they wouldn't be awake at this early hour. She turned her steps toward the El Parador. Dorita was already bustling around the Cantina, feeding the breakfast crowd. Kate slipped into the kitchen and asked, "Can I help?"

The middle-aged wood elf Dorita smiles and says "Get some food, go sit down, and eat! You still way too skinny. Never should have let you move out, you not take good care yourself." "I'm taking care of myself!" Kate protested, following the script of their morning ritual. "My face is getting absolutely round!" In the mirror that morning Kate had noticed her face was getting round. Not for anyone else to notice maybe, but there it was. And it was getting harder to pull her corset tight as well.

She filled a plate and was on the way out the door when Dorita stopped her and piled more eggs on her plate. Kate leaned over and kissed Dorita's cheek, "I love you too, Mère de mon coeur." Kate says hello to several of the patrons as she finds an available table to eat at.

The sun was still rising in the sky when Nanuet showed up at Jake and Ruby's new house. She has asked him for a favor, to do some painting in the new house, and he had obliged without hesitation. He was surprised that she asked him to come over so early. I hope she'll be up by now he thinks as he knocks loudly on the door. "Ruby it's Nanuet, I'm here to do that painting we talked about," he yells out after a moment.

Ruby answers the door in a huff. Standing in her white chemise and skirt she rubs her face with the back of her hand, leaving a smear of yellow paint across her cheek. "Hi Nanuet, come in, you're just in time. I'm starting to get frustrated." She points to the stairs and indicates quiet. "Jake is still sleeping. Wait! Don't... oops too late. You got paint on your... oh never mind." Nanuet accepts her invitation and enters the house. "What seems to be the trouble?"

"Don't what?" she asks innocently but is quickly distracted. "It's this place! It's so huge! And it's in great shape but I want it to look nice, you know, like a home instead of a house. But there is so much to do!" She pulls at her long hair. "I don't even know where to start. I thought I would paint but think I made a mess just opening the container."

"Well let me give you a hand. Show me where you are working." Nanuet lets Ruby lead him to the room that she wanted to paint. As they are walking through the house he continues speaking. "Ruby the homemaker huh? I would have never thought it when I first met you. I guess the same for me as well, never stayed put too long myself. Don't worry about it being too much, just take it one thing at a time, and you don't need to do it all yourself."

"This is going to be the living room," she waves around the room. "I thought the golden yellow color would be pretty." She stops and stares at the walls, shaking her head. Ruby sighs, "I don't know how I got myself into all this. You are right. Five months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of this. I mean, I guess I thought this is all what I really wanted..." She leans over and comes up with a paintbrush. "So I just go up and down with this?" She thrusts the brush towards Nanuet and some paint flings off it, landing on him. "Whoops," she says, obviously embarrassed.

"Yeah, up and down, only try and get the paint on the wall instead of the elf." he says with a laugh. "You didn't get yourself into this by yourself, you had some help. Life's best moments are surprises I always thought, it's less fun if you always know the outcome. Here, let's get something to put on the floors and move this stuff out of the way. Then we can work on painting technique. Not sure I know that much, but I'm learning."

Nanuet helps Ruby do the prep work for painting and then they discuss some proper techniques for painting. "Here, not so much paint and hold the brush like this. Try and keep painting in the same direction. Good, that's better." Ruby stands near Nanuet, copying what he is doing, pushing the brush up and down, up and down. "I like surprises. Well, fun surprises anyway." She brushes for a while, trying not to make too much of a mess.

She says, "This is really hard Nanuet." He replies, "Is it? I find it rather relaxing. I like how the paint covers up the old stuff, gives it a new look, and it is so easy for you to see how much progress you are making. Take a step back and see how far you've gotten already."

Ruby steps back and looks at the wall. "I didn't mean the painting. I meant everything else. It's hard staying and fighting for what you want." She looks at Nanuet's section of the wall, coming out much better than her own. "I had to get this place, if I was staying here in Promise City. I was too nervous about Colin to stay in the Lucky Lady." She pauses for a long moment.

She blushes, "It's not the only reason why I wanted this place or even trying so hard to make it nice though." He says, "What? You're still losing sleep over Turner? He's gone Ruby, he can't hurt you anymore. What else do you have on your mind though? I mean if you are buying a house with Jake things must be OK with you two right?" She replies, "No, I'm not losing sleep over Turner. Not anymore anyway. He is gone, that is true, but I am not sure how gone is gone. Living here is better. Him, or others like him, can't get in unless we invite them."

Ruby gets back to painting. "Sure, everything is great with me and Jake. I just want this place to be nice for him so he will be happy. Well, me too, I want it to be nice for me too. We did sorta have a fight, a disagreement, a couple of weeks ago when we got back from Thomaswell." She looks sideways at Nanuet, "But everything is ok now. I guess as long as I give him what he wants," she gives a light laugh and shrug, "Not that I mind it."

"You think that a nicely decorated house is what makes him happy? We both know Jake better than that. I think if he was with you Ruby he would be happy in a tent. I am sure he appreciates the effort that you make, things like the room you decorated in the Lucky Lady and what you are doing now, but that is not what is most important. He loves you for who you are, and he is not looking for a woman that can keep up a nice home. He loves you for your spirit, the way you handle yourself and how you deal with life. He loves you, not any house." Nanuet takes a step back to look at the progress. "See you're getting the hang of it. You don't need to push so hard though, let the brush do the work."

"No," she says, trying not to push on the brush so hard, "I didn't mean the house is what he wants, silly. I meant as long as I stay with him and do the things that make him happy." Ruby blushes and turns her face away from Nanuet. "Actually, I told him I would give him what he wants and I will. I love him more than anything. It's.. well... I never thought this would happen." She paints another stripe on the wall. "We fought about getting married. He doesn't want to. I thought I didn't either but I changed my mind and I did. Or do. Well, did. We decided that was never going to happen so I am trying not to think about it too much. It was a stupid idea. "

"But when we bought the house someone made a comment...about us living together and not being married. I really used to not care what people thought about me at all but it really hurt me. I know I shouldn't let it get to me but I couldn't help it." She gives Nanuet a half smile. "I bet your people don't even worry about such stupid things, huh?"

He replies, "Not that marriage is a stupid thing, but it is certainly different amongst my people. We have courting and weddings, but it doesn't hold as much sway as it does here. Elves tend to be a bit looser with their morals when they are younger, spending time with many partners. When an elf meets their life mate they know. There is no doubt." Nanuet dips his brush and continues painting, pondering his next words before continuing.

"Things don't always go as planned, and people's expectations, wants and desires change as they mature. You were forced to grow up quickly I know, but maybe not all of you matured at the same time and only now do you see marriage as a good option, I don't see that as an unlikely scenario. Also, I know you never expected to meet anyone like Jake, just as I never figured on being a shaman or meeting Minerva. I wouldn't give up on marriage just yet, but be patient. If it is meant to be then it will happen. Jake loves you, that much is obvious. Your bond is stronger than many people I have seen who are married, and that is more important. Hmmm, looks like we might need a ladder after all. Do you have one?"

Ruby smiles and shakes her head. "No, we don't have much except some new furniture. We can steal one from the Lucky Lady I suppose." Ruby steps back again. "Hey, this isn't coming out so bad." She wipes her hand across her face again, leaving another golden streak. "Once you get use to it anyway. As for maturing, I am quite mature." She pauses, "Except when I'm not. Jake and I are perfect for each other in that regard. I suppose that is why we fell in love." Ruby cracks up laughing.

"Well I think you're getting the hang of the painting and maybe even your relationship with Jake. I am going to go grab that ladder. Anything else you can think of that you might need while I'm out?" "Not unless you can find someone else to paint this place," she laughs. "I'll keep going until you get back." She gets back to painting but stops and looks at Nanuet over her shoulder, "Thanks Nanuet, you're a good friend. I tried to talk to the girls but... well, I felt like they didn't understand."

Nanuet stops on his way out "Just being me I guess. It is good to know that you feel you can talk to me. I'm learning a bit about how to be a good listener. All this priestly training I guess. Give me a few minutes, I'll be right back." "Well, thanks. Hey how about some coffee?" she says as she gets back to painting. "I'll need it to get more than this room done." Nanuet leaves the house and heads over to the Lucky Lady in search of a ladder.

Kate is almost done her meal when Mr. David Melany from the Western Union Telegraph Office charges through the doorway. His eyes wander around the room until his eyes stop upon Kate. He approaches the table and states “Mrs. Kale, I have a telegram for you.” He hands it to her and then departs It reads:

Katherine. The Seagrams are now en route to Arizona along with Mr. Pickering, his entourage of six students and the remainder of the books that you ordered. Henri, Phillip your mother and I are all on this trip to see your new home. Our train arrives in Tombstone at noon on Thursday, May 25th. I suspect that your mother will be exhausted from the long train journey and the Wells Fargo Company has also indicated that their stagecoach to Promise City would not be able to accommodate all eleven of us. So Pickering and his boys will take the Coach on Thursday while I have booked rooms for the family at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Tombstone for Thursday night. General Pleasants and his friends will be arriving in Tombstone on the morning of Friday the 26th, so we will meet them and then travel together to Promise City that afternoon. Fondly looking forward to seeing you again. Please inform Mr. Booth that his purchases are now traveling west under my watchful eye. Your loving father, Frederick

Kate jumped up from her table and ran into the kitchen. "Look Dorita," she sang out, pushing the telegram toward the startled wood elf. "They'll be here on Friday! Oh, the house isn't half-ready to be seen, half wall-papered and all the pretty things packed up to keep from getting paint on them. You'll have room here for my family won't you? It's only two rooms, and I think I asked you to keep them, although now I can't remember if I did or not," she laughed.

Dorita replies, "Good you ask before I rent the rooms out to all the dwarven prospectors who come for weekend. Si, I hold two rooms for Kate's family, they always be welcome here." "Thank you, Dorita. How could I be happier? I'll have my human family and my elvan family all together in one place. I was supposed to find someplace for General Pleasants and his friends to live in here, but I haven't seen anything much available. I have to talk to Conrad at lunchtime anyway, I'll see if he knows of anything then. I should talk to someone about boarding Mr. Pickering and his students as well." Kate kissed Dorita's cheek. "I'll be back at lunchtime. Maybe I'll just run by Jake and Ruby's and see if she's awake before I start all this work."

Kate had hurried out into the street and made the walk over to her friend's new home. Her knocking was loud enough to be heard by someone who was awake, but not to wake anyone up. Meeting either of the residents when you woke them up wasn't a pleasant experience.

Meanwhile, Nanuet enters the Lucky Lady. It is a bit after the breakfast hour and there are only a few patrons present. One is Don Wainwright, one of Jake Cook's poker players who owns a mercantile story in town, which specializes in the sale of musical instruments and sheet music. He is sitting at the bar having a mug of hot coffee while talking to Harry Rote, who assists at both the Saloon and the liquor distribution business run by one of the Lucky Lady's co-owners, Niles Hoover.

Lucky Lady Manager and the aforementioned co-owner Hoover is sitting at one of the tables drinking a mug of coffee with Austin Blake, owner of Drover’s Livery and Drover’s Hotel. Nanuet says hello to the men present at the saloon and tells Niles that he will be borrowing a ladder for a little while. "Helping Ruby with some painting, shouldn't be too long." Niles tells Nanuet, "If you see Jake or Ruby please ask them to stop by, Mr. Austin and I would like to have a short chat with them." Nanuet states, "Oh sure thing, I am headed back to their new house right now, Ruby should definitely be there."

A block to the east, It doesn't take long for Ruby to answer the door, covered in paint. "Good morning Kate, come on in. What brings you by so early?" Kate replies, "It's not early, it's nearly nine o'clock. I just wanted to show you this," she smiled and pushed out the telegram. "And ask, since you just looked for a house if you know if there are any others available. I was supposed to keep my eye open for someone, but I haven't seen anything empty. I'm so excited. I didn't realize Maman and the boys would come too."

Ruby chuckles, "It IS early, for people like us anyway. You should know by now we're night owls." Ruby pushes some hair off her face and reads the telegram. "Wow Kate, that is very exciting. Your whole family is coming here, that's great. As for the houses, I had asked Niles and he told me about this one. But he might know of others, being a bartender people tell him all kinds of things. Nanuet is here helping me paint, so if you want to go over and ask him yourself feel free. Otherwise, I could go after I'm done."

"I knew they were coming, but I suppose it didn't seem real. If they stay long enough they could get to see your play, Ruby. And you are covered in paint. I'd suggest skipping the bath and getting the paint off you the easy way," she laughed and wiggled her fingers to indicate a spell. "I need to find a place that can handle Mr. Pickering and his students as well, so I'll go do that first, then I'll head over to the Lady. If you're finished by then I'll see you there, how's that?"

Ruby answers, "You think they are staying that long, long enough to see the play I mean? When are they arriving? I'll give you some advice, don't put them in the Double Eagle. That woman is a prude and obviously a huge supporter of the Vigilance Committee. Don't give her any business.” Ruby looks down at her clothes and laughs. "Hey, painting is hard work! But your suggestion is noted, it's a good idea."

Kate replies, "They'll be here Friday evening. I'm not sure how long they're staying, but it's a long trip to make to just turn around and go back again. And don't worry, I don't plan to give the Vigilance Committee any business if I can help it. I'd sent them over to Dorita, but she's already holding rooms for my family and she's always full up on the weekends. It will probably have to be the Promise City Hotel, I think most of the boarding houses are about full, and they wouldn't want short term residents anyway."

Nanuet then takes the ladder and heads back to the house. He knocks on the door before entering and sees Ruby and Kate chatting. "Good morning Kate.” "Good morning," Kate answered happily. Nanuet says, “Ruby, I'm just going to bring this ladder to the room we were painting. Niles is at the Lucky Lady, said he and Austin Blake from the Drover's Hotel wanted to talk to you about something. I can finish up the painting if you want to head over now and see what they want."

"Oh really? I wonder what they want?" Ruby says to herself. "Well Kate, if you want to go now, I will go with you. I am curious what they want to talk about." Kate almost handed the paper to Nanuet before remembering he couldn't read English. She tells him, "You'll have to come to dinner at the El Parador on Friday and meet my family, Nanuet!"

He states, "Oh really? Your family is coming to visit are they? I'll be there and I'll be sure to bring my best manners. I am sure you are excited about their visit." Kate says, "Just bring yourself, Nanuet, that is all I need. You come with manners all built in." Kate turned back to Ruby and said, "Seems you need to go to the Lady anyway. I wonder what Austin Blake could want?"

Nanuet then turns back to Ruby "Well I'm going to finish up that room now that I can reach. I'll lock up if I finish before you get back." Ruby says, "Thanks Nanuet, that's be great. Although I am sure I won't be too long, I can't imagine what they might want to chat about, so I should be back to help." "Thanks Nanuet, that's be great. Although I am sure I won't be too long, I can't imagine what they might want to chat about, so I should be back to help."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Two, “Finding Lodgings”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 9:15 A.M.

Ruby takes Kate's arm and steps out the door. "Let's go find your friends a house." They walk the whole one block over to the Lucky Lady. Once inside Ruby finds Niles and Austin. "Good morning gentleman. I heard I've been summoned?"

Lucky Lady Manager and co-owner Niles Hoover is sitting at one of the tables drinking a mug of coffee with Austin Blake, owner of Drover’s Livery and Drover’s Hotel. Blake states “Good Morning Miss West. I would like to talk to you about a business proposition. Mr. Hoover says I should secure a tentative agreement from each of the owners before we continue negotiations." Niles nods.

Blake continues, “Well, my wife Vera about how the town is becoming frightfully short of hotel rooms, with the Promise City Hotel and El Parador both often finding themselves at full capacity. Vera and I have decided that we would like to add two more floors onto our restaurant to turn it back into a hotel and restaurant.”

Ruby smiles easily at Austin. "I don't think we actually decided yet what we are doing with the renovation Mr. Blake and one of our options was opening as a hotel. We agree with you, this town is very short on hotel rooms. But we are always interested to hear business opportunities. What did you have in mind?" Ruby slides into a chair at the table and indicates for Kate to do the same if she'd like. Kate took the offered chair and listened with interest. General Pleasant's friend would be needing work when he arrived, and a building boom would provide that at least for his first few weeks.

Blake says, “You and I both sell food and drink but our other services differ. Our place doesn’t offer gambling or entertainment while up until now your place hasn't offer lodgings and ours hasn't since our first few months of operation. What we do have that you don't have are a barn, corral or stable. I would also be able to a place for you and your patrons to board horses and house carriages.

Vera has always says that she wouldn’t want gambling on our premises although she is not opposed to our partnering with a gambling establishment. She is, however, adamantly opposed to prostitution, which eliminates our ever partnering with the Long Branch, Palace or Gay Lady. I personally find the Peacock’s all to be small and unappealing so that means either the Lucky Lady or the Comique. I figured I’d start the conversation here since I already have an arrangement buying my liquor from Niles."

Ruby taps her lip. "Do you have experience running a hotel Mr. Blake? And what would you like from us in return?" He replies, "The reason our place is called Drover's Hotel in the first place is that we started out renting rooms. But the restaurant business was more profitable so we knocked out some walls and expanded that room instead. We've been talking about getting back into the hotel business for a while now. We're just looking to rent reasonably priced rooms to the common folk and Niles here seemed to think you were planning to go for a more upscale clientele here, so we wouldn't necessarily be direct competitors.

Honestly though, what we really need is your Mr. Mills. I'd like to hire him for a month or two to manage the construction. I’ve watched how efficiently he's supervised the construction of your top floor and your new addition so I would want him to perform work in a similar capacity at my establishment.”

A look of surprise crosses Ruby's face. "No Mr. Mills? That would be a very difficult thing not having him, he does so much for us here. And I don't know how comfortable he would be with that, we would have to ask him." Ruby again ponders, "I am sure we can find a way to help each other out. We should run all this by Jake and see what he thinks. He's very good at getting the maximum benefits for all involved in every situation. So are you suggesting some sort of swap of services? Any ideas about how we would arrange it?"

He replies, "Well no, that's why I started talking to Niles about it. He said I'd have to talk to all of you. I know that Mills lives here. If he's busy working for Vera and me instead for a couple of months then I'd be willing to pay you for his room and board. I can stop by this evening when Mr. Cook and Mr. Kane are around to discuss this further if you'd like."

She says, "That's a good idea, why don't you stop by later. I will inform Mr. Cook of your ideas and this will give him time to think it over. Maybe we should ask Jeff if he'd even be interested. So, we'll see you later then?" Ruby turns to Niles. "Kate was wondering if you'd heard of any other houses available for purchase. She has some friends coming to town who need a place to live." Kate turned to Mr. Blake and said, "If you're going to build on, he'll be needing work as well. I'm not sure he's ever done construction, but perhaps I could introduce you Friday or Saturday?" Austin Blake says he'll be back later and leaves.

Niles thinks for a minute and says, "Let's see, there's that place on South between Hamilton Fisk's house and the cemetery. Used to belong to Elton Hubbard but he sold it to Fisk not that long ago. I don't believe that Fisk has been using it for anything. Also on South is the old Indian Head Saloon. It's been empty ever since Hubbard evicted Porter Norris from it for housing those criminals who robbed the gun shop.

What else, let me see...Burton Lumley owns a vacant lot on Front where O'Reilly's Cafe used to be. That burned down last December, accidentally lit on fire by one of his patrons, that drunk who published the Promise City Herald. I think I heard about something being available over on East as well, part of the building where those elvan twins live in."

Kate says, "Thank you, Mr. Hoover, you're very helpful. I think we'll avoid the one Mr. Fisk owns. I wouldn't want Mr. Caudell to get fleeced his first day here. I'll speak with Mr. Hubbard about the old saloon, and I have to go back to the El Parador for lunch today, so I can talk to whichever twin happens to be around then. As long as I have your ear, which boarding house would you recommend for a single gentleman?"

He replies, "No question about that, the Double Eagle. That's where Harry and I lived before Ruby twisted our arms about moving in here. Hannah Milford is a great cook, one of the best in town. They provide breakfast and lunch as part of the boarding. They've rented out my old room but still have Harry's available, plus the one that Danby Jones used to rent too."

She says, “Thank you again, Mr. Hoover. Ruby honey, I'm going to run and finish making my arrangements. I'll be at the El Parador for lunch if you're hungry, otherwise I'll see you for work tonight." Kate kissed her friend's cheek, then floated out of the Lady. Ruby interjects, "Kate... you're not going to..." Ruby shakes her head, her friend had already left. What has gotten into that girl? Ruby thinks to herself, “She just told me this morning she wasn't going to give them any business“.

Ruby asks Niles, "So what did you think of his proposal? Having somewhere to put people's horses would be beneficial, but I can't see how we can be without Jeff for a month or two.”
He says, "It's not just the horses but a place for the carriages too. If you're really looking to make the Lucky Lady the draw for the rich and famous that's how many of them will get here.

As for Jeff, well that addition is just about done, he says it will be finished by early next week. As for the other work around here, that new guy Thom has helped out a lot, but even with him things were difficult last week when both Jeff and Nanuet were away. It made for a lot of extra work around here for Harry Rote and me to do.

As luck would have it, we might be able to spare Jeff for a while. My nephew will be coming soon, he'll be spending the summer with me. He's only seven, too young to travel alone, so a family friend named George Kilgore is accompanying him. George is currently between jobs at the moment and I trust him, he could help fill in for Jeff for a while.” She asks, “And how we can make this work to our advantage."

He replies, "I say we leave that aspect of it to our two gambler partners, they make their living by working advantages." She states, "Niles, it sounds like you've thought it out already. I'm not against this, it sounds like it could work out for everyone. I just didn't want to get the short end of the stick, if you know what I mean. But you're right, Jake and Job will be better to make those decisions." "I will head home and tell Jake about it. We'll see you later."

She bids him good-bye and heads back home. "Nanuet?" she calls out, "Are you still here?" "Still here!" he hollered out from the room he was still busy painting. "Just touching up and then I figure I will clean up a bit. You'll have to let me know what other rooms you'll want painted next."

"Nanuet, I need every room down here painted! Thanks for offering," she giggles. "Upstairs was already done so you're off the hook for that." Ruby walks back in and picks up the paintbrush again. "So, Mr. Blake of the livery wants to steal Jeff away from us for the summer. You believe that?" she says with a smile. He replies, "Really? What does he want with Jeff? Are you going to let Jeff work somewhere else? He does a lot of stuff for you guys."

"Well, they want to build a hotel so they need Jeff's expertise. Our renovations are almost complete so in that way we won't be needing him. I don't know what we would do without Jeff. Unless of course someone else wanted to take over his job while he was away..."

Ruby glances at Nanuet with a smile. "I don't even know if Jeff wants to do it." Nanuet says, "What? Why are you looking at me like that. I'm not as smart as Jeff Ruby, I just do the little stuff. I mean if you need me you know I'll do whatever you want but, well I just figure I'm not up to snuff."

Nanuet says, "Oh I know that, not too many people are as good at the building stuff as Jeff. But having someone with brains at the door... you know that is important. Niles says he has someone who also can help so it wouldn't be all on you. Just an idea for you to get some more money is all." Ruby turns back to the wall. "Wow this is coming out great. Your part is anyway," she laughs. "How will I make it up to you? Having your help that is?"

He replies, "Make it up to me? What are you talking about? You don't have to do anything. Did you forget that I work for you? I don't mind doing work, need to have something to keep myself busy. Let me talk it over with Minerva, but it sounds like a good idea and I am honored." "Make up to you helping with the house silly. What? Did you think we're paying you for this?" Ruby laughs. She says, “Well if you insist then I'll have to think about it. I'm sure I can come up with something if I put my mind to it. For the meantime, let's finish what we started here." He states, "Good idea, let's finish."

Kate walked down to the Double Eagle. She went inside and peeked in the dining room looking for either of the Milford's. Hannah Milford is busy in the kitchen. She notices Kate and stops what she is doing. "Hello Mrs. Kale," she states. "Is there something I can help you with? Will you be needing anything for the school?"

Kate replies, "Oh, nothing for the school, but thank you for asking. I came on behalf of a friend, General Henry Pleasants. The Seawell's have hired him to help manage their mining operations, and he'll be arriving on Friday. He asked me if I might look around for a room for him before he arrived. I asked Mr. Hoover where he'd recommend, and he said yours was the best place, hands down. I wonder if you might have a room available?"

Hannah Milford tells Kate, "Oh, we have two. We did have three just a few weeks ago but I rented the largest one out to Mr. Laughton, the new teller at Condon's Bank. I believe I've heard of this Mr. Pleasants before, a war hero wasn't he? Come on upstairs, I'll show you the rooms."

They go upstairs in the three-story brick building. One room is ten-foot square and on the second floor in the northwest corner of the building. The other is slightly larger, ten-by-twelve feet, and on the center of the eastern side of the building. Both rooms are furnished with twin-sized beds, a dresser, corner table, sitting table, coat rack and upholstered chair. She says, "I showed this room to Colonel Michael Seawell. He liked that the windows look down upon the Morand complex. He was eventually persuaded to board at Fly's Boarding House instead, as it was right next door to their offices."

Kate states, "It's a lovely room, and it is a nice view of the complex." As they had mounted the stairs, Kate remembered what Ruby had said about this place, although she herself hadn't heard anything against Mrs. Milford. Ruby must have meant the Great Western. They held committee meetings there. "Yes, Mr. Pleasants was an Union army engineer, which is the capacity in which he's been hired by the Seawells. I don't want to speak for him, but I can certainly recommend the room. Since you have two rooms available there's no rush. I hope you'll let me know if that changes before Friday?"

Hannah says, "Oh I will. And please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you with the school. If you'll be needing lunches for yourself and the other teachers you could get them here, maybe send a student over to pick them up for you. I have a similar arrangements with Condon's Bank and Johnson's Barber and Bath shop."

Kate replies, "Thank you. I don't find ready support everywhere, I appreciate the offer very much.
As far as lunches go, all I have to do is walk though a door and I'm in my kitchen," she laughed. "But I must also admit I'm a miserable cook and there may be days when I'd far rather eat someone else's cooking. I'll consider the idea." Kate said goodbye to Mrs. Milford.

She made her way over to Fly's Boarding House, again going inside and looking for one of the proprietors. Janet Fly is around, "Hello neighbor," she calls out to Kate, "Roger's out back in the photo studio if you're looking to schedule a picture." Kate replies, "Hello! I hadn't thought of having my picture taken, but my family will be arriving for a visit on Friday night. We just might want a picture taken while they're here. I actually came about the boarding house."

Kate finally reached the other woman and explained again about Mr. Pleasants. "I'm just looking ahead for him to see where rooms are available and which he might like. You're not full up, are you?" She says, "Pleasants? That name sounds familiar. We still have one open room. He might like it here, what with Colonel Seagram staying here too. The Colonel liked the fact that his office is right next-door and he can watch it from his room window. Some people avoid our places as two of our tenants are not fully human, but if he can accept living under the roof with a half-elf or half-orc he's welcome to stay here.

Our other tenants are very nice as well, you should come by for dinner some time, all four men are single and have good jobs doing honest work. We have staying here Neman Sanders, Roy Ryder and Luis Hodges who all work for Neil Cassidy. Plus Wells Fargo clerk Coolie Fagen. Walter O'Reilly recently came back to town and mentioned being interested in taking the remaining room here but Roger isn't so sure about him."

"Why Janet Fly, are you matchmaking? I doubt any of those gentleman would be interested in me, and I'm really not looking," she said with good humor. "Who's Walter O'Reilly?" Janet Fly replies, "He's a sweet young man who used to own a cafe and restaurant on Front Street. But his place burned down last December and he moved to Tucson. That didn't work out so now he's back, working as a waiter and cook for Alice and Haywood Smith over at the Silver Dollar Restaurant. I like Walter, but Roger isn't sure about having somebody living here who was associated with a fire, even though it really wasn't Walter's fault." Kate says, "Well, I imagine especially with the photo studio attached fire is something he would be nervous about. It 'really wasn't his fault'? I take it he was implicated in it somehow?"

Janet Fly says, "He had left the cafe to go run an errand and asked one of his customers to keep an eye on things. But the customer was that newspaperman, that awful drunkard Parker Baxter, and he was in the worst possible combination, both drunk and hungry. He went to cook himself up something and set the whole place on fire. Poor Walter was heartbroken about loosing everything he owned. Baxter only gave him $ 50 as compensation for the loss. Walter sold the building lot to Burton Lumley and left town."

Kate replies, "The poor man. Although I have to wonder why he would leave Baxter in charge of anything. Still, it's good he feels he can come back. It's hard to live in a place where you experienced a loss." Some of the glow faded from Kate's face for a moment before the moment passed. "Well, could I see the room you have so I can tell the General about it?"

Janet leads up upstairs, which has a narrow central corridor running east to west with three rooms off on each side. The available room is on the southeast corner. It is ten-by-ten feet in size with a bed, side table with gas lantern, dresser and clothing rack. From the south window is an excellent view of Jake and Ruby's new house 30 feet away. The east window over looks the single-story 15-foot square photo studio and then to Kate's house set another 15 feet further back from the studio.

"This is a cozy room. And considering the view is of my house and Jake and Ruby's new house, I think I'd like to know that a friend lives in this room," she laughed. Janet Fly makes a very distasteful facial expression at the mention of Jake and Ruby but refrains from any verbal comment. The two women started back down the stairs. "I hope the children won't bother you too much on school days. One thing I'm missing is a schoolyard. During their lunch and recess I'm sure there'll be a lot of running and shouting."

Janet says, "Children are wonderful. Roger and I haven't been blessed yet, but we are hoping to have a family some day ourselves. And now that you have found yourself an honest and respectable job you will no longer be forced to play piano at that awful saloon. I do hope that you come by for supper some time, the men here are of a much better moral standard that those who you've been forced to associate with until now. I'm sure that when you are ready to be courted at least one of them will show an interest."

A faint look of regret crossed Kate's face and she thought to herself, “Another person who will no longer be a friend once Diana's gift is apparent.” She says, "I haven't associated with anyone I don't wish to, Mrs. Fly," Kate said gently. "Well, that's not quite true, I could do without seeing Tony Lucky again. But I enjoy playing piano, and as I don't have one working at the Lucky Lady gives me the opportunity. I'm sure your boarders are perfect gentlemen and will be excellent neighbors. Perhaps someday soon Ginnie and I will both come for dinner. Thank you for your help. I'll come by next week perhaps about a picture after I talk to my father."

Kate left Fly's with a bit less spring in her step, although anyone who saw her would still only see a much happier woman than they were used to. She returned to her own house and continued unpacking some of the boxes that had arrived from Boston, making the kitchen a much more inviting room with the pretty fabrics for her table and cabinets. Once lunchtime approached Kate left again and returned to the El Parador.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Three, “Lunch and Dessert”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 11:00 A.M.

Ruby and Nanuet finish painting the living room and reception area. When they are done Ruby gets him a glass of lemonade that Maria had dropped off with ice from the icebox. They sit together on the porch. "Wow, that was a lot of work, my arm is killing me! But it looks great. Thanks again for all your help. Just two more rooms to go then I can decorate." She sips at her lemonade. "I should wake up Jake. He doesn't normally sleep this late."

Ruby and Nanuet sit and chat for a little while longer. Finally, Ruby stands and places her lemonade on the porch. "I am going to run a do a quick errand. I guess I kept Jake up too late last night," she laughs, "So I don't want to wake him just yet. Feel free to make yourself at home." Ruby gives Nanuet a quick kiss on the cheek before making her way to the intersection of East and South Street, ending her trip at the O'Hara's house.

She knocks on the door, guessing one of the many people who live there should be home. She hears Meagan O'Hara's heavily accented Irish voice say, "Who is it?" from the other side of the door, which remains shut. "It's Ruby West," she calls back, "A friend of Katherine Kale's." She calls back, "Oh yes, I remember. I'm afraid that I can't open the door Miss. West, Caitlin has the measles. We're all taking the medicine and shouldn't be contagious but the Doctor says we shouldn't take any chances and say quarantined until at least Friday."

"Oh my," Ruby comments before she has a chance to catch herself. "Does Kate know? More importantly, do you need anything?" She says, "When I spoke to Kate on Monday that was before Caitlin broke out. We've stayed put since then. We're fine though, Dorita has been bringing food over for us."

"That's good. If you need anything else tell Dorita to tell one of us." Ruby pauses. "I came because I have a job I need filled and thought maybe someone in your household could use one. But this seems like a bad time, talking though the door and all..." "Well, why don't I stop by your place for lunch on Friday and we can talk then," Ruby replies.

"That sounds good. Take care of yourself until then. Try not to go too crazy cooped up with all those kids!" Ruby heads back to her house. Nanuet was still relaxing on the porch. "Now I'm going to wake up Jake," she laughs. Heading inside and upstairs she stands for a moment in the doorway to her new room. She smiles at the scene before striding to and hopping into the bed. "Wake up sleepy head!" she says loudly. "You're late in telling how much you love me today!"

Ruby attempts to wake up Jake mostly unsuccessfully. "Fine, I'm going to have lunch with Kate then. But I need to talk to you today about business at some point so make sure to find me
please." Nanuet finishes his lemonade with Ruby and then when she heads off for lunch he heads to get cleaned up and find Minerva. Ruby cleans the paint off herself and dresses. She kisses a sleepy Jake and heads over to the Cantina for lunch.

Kate waved to Ruby as she came inside and sat down. Her plate was loaded again, courtesy of Dorita and Kate was slowly making her way through it. "How was the morning? Conrad must be sleeping in, since he's not here yet." Dorita brings them both beverages and says "Conrad not here now, he here hour ago then go off with Arcade's Gang."

Kate replies, "Oh. Well, it wasn't very important. My father just wanted to make sure he knew something he ordered would arrive when they did. I hope there isn't any trouble." Dorita says "No trouble, they say they just need his help with something. I'm sure he be back for supper, I tell him you looking for him." "Thank you, Dorita. Just don't let him panic about it," she smiled. "He has a tendency to worry."

Kate says, "Ruby what did Jake think of what Mr. Blake had to say? I'll admit I was a little lost. Beside offering a place for your clientele to stable their mounts and vehicles and getting Jeff for a foreman I wasn't sure what else he was looking for." "I didn't tell him yet," Ruby replies, anxiously looking for her own plate from Dorita. "He is being lazy today and sleeping in."

"Honestly, I don't know how the situation works out for us. We could pay Austin for the ability to stable the horses and such. I don't know if he was referring to sending customers our way for gambling and entertainment. But if he opens a hotel it will be competition for us, even if our place is nicer than his. He didn't seem to have many answers, except what he needs from us."

"Taking Jeff is worth more than room and board, that's for sure. I don't know how we could be without him. Niles said he has someone who could help replace him and Nanuet could also work more but I'm just not sure Jeff is replaceable. Especially during this time we will be so crazy, and we need to hire all kinds of new people... Ugh!" Ruby puts her head in her hands. "It's too much to think about. This is Jake's department."

Dorita brings Ruby her plate of food and asks Kate if she wants any more. While the two women are eating they see Burton Lumley, owner of the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon, enter the building. He goes over to the bar and speaks briefly to Dorita's husband Pedro. On his way out of the building he notices Ruby and Kate and stops at their table.

He tells them "The Promise City Merchant's Association will be meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Town Hall Building." Ruby replies, "Thank you Mr. Lumley. Is this a scheduled meeting or is something going on?" Lumley replies, "It's unplanned. Judge Isby is back in town with news of the Governor's answer to our petition to incorporate. He's called for a combined meeting of our group and the Promise City Vigilance Committee."

Kate says, "Thank you, Mr. Lumley, I'll be there. This ought to be interesting. We're going to have to work with the Vigilance Committee if it's good news and that will be a challenge." He replies, "We will indeed, we will need consensus from a majority of both groups in order to accomplish anything. Thankfully their two newest members, Derek Avery and Zeb Cook, seem to be more reasonable than the other three so that should help."

Kate replies, "Let's hope so. Everyone's going to have to give a little, even the Vigilance Committee. I'll see you this afternoon, Mr. Lumley." The man tipped his hat and hurried off to continue spreading the word about the meeting. Kate turned to Ruby and said, "I get the feeling it will be a frustrating few weeks trying to deal with that committee."

Ruby laughs, "You get the feeling? I'm pretty sure that is a fact Kate. They are the most stuck-up, prudish people I have ever met. If the answer is yes to incorporate, no one is going to agree on who should run this town." Ruby rolls her eyes, "What a mess it will be. As for myself," she begins digging into her food, "I could care less about it. Although tonight's meeting should be interesting. Sparks will be flying. Maybe I'll come along, should be an open meeting I would guess."

Kate replies, "Even if it's not, you hold a stake in one of the represented businesses. It shouldn't be hard to get them to let you in. I know you don't care whether we're incorporated or not, but if the governor approved the request you'll probably care about who ends up in charge. And as you say, the flying sparks should be entertaining. It's turning out a much busier day than I expected."

"It doesn't matter who is in charge. In the end who's in charge is the person with the most money in their pocket." Ruby shrugs. "So I don't actually care. If whomever it is makes my life hard then I'll leave." Ruby scoops some chili into her mouth. "Which would suck, but that's life and the way of politics."

Kate answers, "Well then I'll care enough for both of us, since I don't want you to leave. I'm selfish that way. I won't let anyone chase me away from the place I chose for my home. You're right, politics isn't pretty, or particularly honest much of the time. But at least here we have a chance to have a say right from the beginning and perhaps keep some of those people from getting too much influence."

Ruby rolls her eyes, "You can try Kate, but I know from personal experience how unlikely that is." She pauses. "And... you're a woman. They don't give you too much say to start. Me on the other hand, I don't really care what rules they put in effect. I generally get my way in the bedroom," she smiles with a twinkle in her eyes. Ruby continues to eat. "So what are you doing today? Besides the meeting that is."

"Just checking with the hotel to make sure they'll have room for Mr. Pickering and his students. Then I'll probably go home and try to get some work done on the house. With my family coming I want it to look nice. I'm afraid Maman is not going to be impressed with my new home."

Ruby replies, "I know about getting work done on a house, though I can't believe I can say I even have a house of my own! As for your family, they'll get used to it. This is your life now and if they love you they'll love all the things about you. I can help you if you want. Although our decorating styles are definitely not the same. I'm sure you have ideas already and I can help. I might complain a little though, my arms hurt from painting," she laughs.

Ruby says, "I should tell Jake about the business stuff at some point, but that can wait." Kate replies, "He's got to wake up at some point," Kate laughed. "As long as he knows before the meeting, and about the meeting, it'll be fine. All that's really left to do is finish the wallpapering in the parlor and then to unpack my packages from Boston. You like opening packages, I know.

If you're about done, let's run to the hotel and then we can do the fun parts of decorating a house. But you have to promise to let me help you with yours in return." "You know Kate," Ruby says while finishing the remainder of her plate, "A little over 5 months ago I wouldn't be getting up for another, oh, two or three hours. We're night owls, what can I say? And sure, I won't turn down a chance to get some help on our house. Although I still have to decide on my decorating scheme. I like that part." Ruby pushes her plate away. "I'm ready," she smiles.

Kate smiled and the two left the Cantina for the Promise City hotel. On the way she said, "I would just have the students stay with Dorita, but she's always full up on the weekends and my family will already be staying there." In what was becoming a familiar routine for the day, Kate and Ruby stepped into the hotel and asked Melissa Smith what kind of room they might have for six students and their teacher.

She indicates that she has four rooms available for Thursday night but only two for the weekend. She does have all of the extra cots that had been at Ruby's new house, so they could double up in some rooms on those if necessary. While Melissa Smith is talking to them both Ruby and Kate take in the aroma of her freshly baked cherry pie.

"I'll let them know, thanks," Kate said. The smell of the pie was tickling her nose despite the fact that she'd just eaten lunch. "I don't suppose you'd wrap up a couple pieces of that pie for us, would you? I just ate, but it smells wonderful." "Yes, smells delicious. Where do you get your recipes from? Everything you make is just fantastic. I love when Jake brings me here for dinner," Ruby comments.

Melissa says, "Oh, they're mostly just old family recipes. Cooking has always been my hobby. Eric has stated several times that he married me for my cooking." She wraps up two pieces of pie to go. "I'm sure it was more than just the cooking," Kate said and paid for the pie. "Thank you. I'll bring the gentlemen by tomorrow when they arrive."

As the girls left and went back to Kate's house she asked, "Ruby, is my face getting round?" "Uh..." Ruby pauses and takes a long look at Kate's face. "I don't think so, why?" Kate says, "I'm just hungry all the time, like I'm trying to make up for all the food I wasn't eating when I first came here. My corset is getting quite tight, and when I looked in the mirror this morning I could have sworn my face was rounder. Silly, isn't it?"

"Well, I'm really not the best one to ask about details like that," Ruby smiles and looks at Kate again, taking her chin in her hand and inspecting her face side to side. "Why would that be funny, you are carrying a brat, right? I can see you being hungry. Although it would be early for the corset getting tight part."

"Dorita's been taking awful advantage of my willingness to eat. She still pokes me and tells me I'm too skinny," Kate laughed. "I'll have to keep an eye on it. But I'm still eating this pie! C'mon, I'll show you all my pretty linens and bric a brac for the house."

"I bet you have some really nice stuff." Ruby follows Kate into her new house. "Yes, Dorita has a way of making us all eat. She thinks everyone is too skinny. I wonder if there is anyone she doesn't think that about?" she wonders out loud. "Skinny is not usually a word used to describe me. So what are we doing today? And how is the school coming along?"

Kate says, "You can peek in the schoolroom if you want, it's all ready. This measles outbreak pushed back the start though. I won't ask you to help me finish hanging the wallpaper since you've been painting all day. But there are curtains to hang, closets to fill, vases and photos and things to put out. You know, the little things that say that Ginnie and I live here."

Ruby says, "Oh that reminds me. I went to see the O'Hara's today, I wanted to find out if any of them are looking for work. Anyway, they are all stuck in their house until Friday because of the measles. Thought you'd want to know that. I asked if she needed anything and she said no, Dorita is taking care of her."

Ruby kneels on the floor next to a box and starts pulling out the contents. "Do you have spots for all this stuff?" Ruby says while carefully studying each item she pulls out. Late replies, "Not specifically. Just which rooms they go in. Poor Meagan. All of them closed up in that little house. But Friday will be here soon, and the little buggies Conrad ordered for Ginnie and her twins. That'll get them out from underfoot for a while."

"Well, I can move them around, that is easy enough." Ruby pulls a few more items out. "Buggies? What's that about?" Kate states, "Getting Ginnie used to horses without her having to ride them, mostly. And to get her outdoors a little more when she's not working. They're little two-wheeled carriages like the ones they use for racing. Very safe though. He ordered one for the O'Hara girls too, thinking Ginnie would be more interested if she had some friends learning too. Conrad thinks they could race them eventually, but I don't see where they would do that. I'm not sure I like that idea anyway, but we can argue about that later."

"Racing buggies?" Ruby raises an eyebrow. "I guess that sounds like fun." She lets it drop after that. Ruby lets Kate direct her what to do. Even though her arms hurt and she is starting to feel cranky at all the work she doesn't complain. Kate keeps talking lightly about things as she and Ruby drop things off in the rooms where they belong. She only has her help with things Kate couldn't do alone, like folding blankets and hanging pictures.

After a couple hours she can see Ruby's patience wearing thin so they went back downstairs and ate the cherry pie they had brought back from the hotel. "Most of the rest is little things I can do myself. Why don't you go have a nap or maybe a bath to relax your arms? I can help at your place tomorrow."

Ruby tried not to be too happy that her work was over or leave too quickly. "Oh, a nap sounds very good. And I have to talk to Jake anyway. I can come back another time to help you too if you need it. As for my house, the bedroom is all set up so there is no rush for anything else," she smiles wickedly. "I'll see you at the meeting tonight." She gives Kate a peek on the cheek and hurries back to her own house and nice comfy bed where she curls up with the puppies and falls right to sleep.

Kate kept arranging her little house, humming under her breath as it began to look more like a comfortable home than a barren house. As the time for the meeting neared, Kate went upstairs to her pleasant room. It was painted a soft white color, and her bed and the vanity were all decorated with a soft green. The pictures Ruby had helped her hand were all pastoral scenes, and the bedside lamp was etched with flowers around the glass flame enclosure. Inside her room Kate changed into her gray dress, fixed her hair again, and headed for the town hall.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Four, “The Silver Dollar Restaurant”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 12:00 P.M.

Nanuet heads to the church and finds her hard at work with some weaving. "I think I finished my morning chores, shall we go get lunch?" Nanuet offers. Minerva looks up, a distracted look on her face. "Huh? What? Lunch? Oh, my! Is it that late already? I have been at this since dawn. When I awoke this morning, the gods had planted this idea in my head for an altar cloth. It is a very intricate design." She stands and stretches the knots out of her shoulders and back. "I completely forgot about breakfast. It was so much easier when Bea had it waiting for me. Si, lunch is a fine idea."

Minerva grabs her parasol and allows Nanuet escorts her to lunch. Nanuet says, "I figured we could try the Silver Dollar for lunch today. You know, just for a change of scenery. The altar cloth is beautiful, you really do wonderful work with your weaving." They arrive at the Silver Dollar Restaurant and look to have a nice peaceful lunch.

The Silver Dollar Restaurant has been completely remodeled, with the former Silver Dollar Saloon's bar and barstools long gone. In its place two stoves and a pantry have been added to the far end of the single-story 20x30 foot structure. Eight tables fill the room, one large table able to seat up to eight, four tables of four, and three tables for two. A short balding man with eyeglasses is busy preparing food.

Alice Smith is busy waiting on tables. Her husband Haywood Smith is standing at the door wearing a starched shirt, bow tie and fancy vest. He smiles and says, "Priestess, where would you like to sit." Minerva smiles sweetly in return and gives a little curtsy. "Buenas Dias, Senor Smith! It is a lovely day, is it not? A seat by the window would be pleasant. It smells heavenly in here!" she says breathing in the delicious aromas. "What is that wonderful smell? Senor Nanuet and I are absolutely famished!"

Nanuet and Minerva are seated in a corner table, covered with a nice embroidered tablecloth with matching cloth napkins and fancy silverware. Mr. Smith replies, "What you are smelling is the specialty of our chef, Walter. His world famous beef stew served inside of a hot, freshly baked bread bowl." Nanuet says, "We'll take two please and some iced tea to drink if you have that of course." Alice brings them the food, each served on a nice piece of stoneware pottery. She lights the candle between them and then gets their iced tea, each with a slice of lemon in it.

On the walls is a slate with the desserts listed, namely Apple Crumb Pie, Blueberry Cobbler and Raspberry Bread Pudding. Another sign on the wall lists the dozen beverages available, the only two alcoholic ones being Honey Mead and Apple-Pear Wine. Nanuet digs into the hearty meal. He turns to Alice between bites and says, "I love what you've done with the place, looks really nice! Seems like you've got a good selection too.” She replies, "Thank you Mr. Indian. The Saloon business just wasn't for us and I knew that Hay could give his cousin Eric a run for his money."

He asks, “Any chance I can buy a bottle of that wine? It sounds intriguing." She states, "Oh yes, make me an offer, I'll sell you as much as you'd like. We still have two cases of that stuff. Hay was able to sell the whiskey, beer and other liquor back to Mr. Hoover but he didn't want the wine or mead." He says, "How about $2 a bottle. I'll take two if you're agreeable." Alice replies, Absolutely, I'll have them ready for you by the end of the meal."

Minerva chuckles. "If I indulge in a bottle of wine, I may be weaving instead of weaving. But I believe that I have worked on the altar cloth enough for one day." He says, "Well the wine was going to be for a future occasion, that is why I requested a whole bottle. I figured perhaps we could take it home and store it until an appropriate moment."

Nanuet continues to devour the stew. "There is a meeting tonight, merchant committee and Vigilance committee together. I am pretty sure Jake and Ruby are going, I figure you will probably have to be there as well, I think I'll head over to the Lucky Lady and keep an eye on things there."

Minerva says with a look of distaste. " I am sure that Senora King and her little army of followers will be there." she sighs. " I would much prefer to spend my time with you and this bottle of wine, but I suppose that I should do my duty and attend this meeting. "Perhaps we can share the wine afterwards?" she says hopefully.

Nanuet replies, "Oh certainly, I am most agreeable to that. I just figured that all the decision makers at the Lucky Lady would be involved in that meeting one way or another so I figured I would make sure to be there early tonight to help them out. I hope the meeting is a productive one. Mrs. King will surely be there, and I am sure she has a lot to contribute. Remember to be patient, keep that temper of yours in check."

"That is easier said than done, Mi Amor. Perhaps it would be better if you went to the meeting and I stayed at the Lucky Lady," she jokes. Nanuet chuckles heartily at Minerva's lighthearted jest. "Perhaps, but unfortunately I am not the priestess, just her companion. You'll do fine I'm sure." Nanuet and Minerva finish their lunch, Nanuet pays for the meal and the two bottles of wine. He then heads back to Minerva's house to store the wine and do a few chores.

Ruby slept until mid-afternoon at which point Jake was long gone from the house. She heads over to the Lucky Lady in search of him. He isn't there either, although another man is that has been patiently waiting for Ruby West to arrive. Mr. Kevin Tomlinson, assistant to Judge Isby, is seated there holding a white rose. He hands it to Ruby and says, "Miss West, Judge Nathan Isby requests the company of your presence this evening for dinner."

She states, "Hello Mr. Tomlinson," she says, taking the rose with a smile and smelling it, "You may tell the Judge I would be pleased to meet him for dinner. The Promise City Hotel?" He replies, "Yes Ma'am, at 6:30 P.M." "After the meeting," she says out loud to herself. "Alright, I will be there. Tel him I am looking forward to it. And good luck to you both at the meeting today."

Tomlinson departs. Not long afterwards Sandra Wainwright arrives carrying a stack of new sheet music that she just received which she offers to show to Ruby and play any of them that Ruby would like to hear on the piano. Ruby gladly looks through the sheet music. She asks Sandra to play six or seven songs she doesn't recognize, of all different types.

As Sandra plays Ruby sits next to her on the bench, looking over the sheets. "You probably have the most experience with people in this town who like to sing or play instruments. Do you know of anyone who isn't currently working somewhere who might like to sing or play in public every once in a while? I think with our renovation we might need to add some more entertainment."

Sandra says, "You're only saying that because you were at the Comique two nights ago when I played there. I could never do that here, with the extra part you're adding on it would be way too big, too many people. And who would want to hear me?" A female voice that Ruby immediately recognizes as her friend Josephine Marcus speaks up behind both women and says, "I would for one, you sing wonderfully Mrs. Wainwright. I was glad that I was there to hear it."

"Actually, I wasn't. I absolutely agree with my friend Josie, your singing is beautiful and you should be proud to show off your voice. And I would be thrilled if you wanted to sing here. But I do need someone who wants to do the job, who can be reliable in getting up on stage." Ruby smiles gently at her, "You know, some nights there are smaller crowds and singing in front of people does take some getting used to...

Josie says, "Mrs. Wainwright, perhaps you could help Ruby and myself. We are planning to put on a production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in a few weeks. Well, a small orchestra would really enhance the production, to play appropriate pieces of music at the more dramatic moments, plus pieces at the beginning and end. I saw that your store sells musical instruments, perhaps you could help find us a few musician to play, with you on the piano of course, unless you'd rather play another instrument of course."

Ruby's eyes widen slightly as does her almost ever-present smile, "Hey, that's a GREAT idea! Sandra, I am very excited about the show and you would make an excellent addition." Sandra asks, "What type of instruments would you want for the orchestra? How many musicians?" Josie asks, "What do you think Ruby?"

Ruby momentarily gets a deer-in-the-headlights look on her face. She recovers and says, "Well, shouldn't we leave that up to the head of this little orchestra? I think if Sandra is going to help us she should have the special title and be able to choose who she thinks would be most needed."

They hear footsteps on the porch of the Lucky Lady. Standing in the doorway, his flat brimmed black hat slightly askew, black leather duster open and familiar Colt strapped low on his right leg is the gambler Jake Cook. From the stubble on his cheeks it looks like he has not shaved, but otherwise he seems bright eyed and alert. His gaze takes in the ladies before sweeping the room and coming back to them. He is smiling.

"Finally decided to get up today darling?" Ruby calls out across the room. She motions for him to come closer. "We're talking about the play." She turns back to Sandra and smiles dazzlingly. "So what do you think, about the orchestra that is?" Mrs. Wainwright says, "I think it is a wonderful idea. I don't think you'd need me on piano though, you have no shortage of piano players in this town. I should play my cello instead." Josie says, "Well, as you are now the Musical Director of our play that is your decision." Sandra blushes.

"You'll be wonderful, do not worry." Ruby laughs, "We can always put your back to the audience if you prefer. Besides, I plan to stun everyone with my performance so they'll only be looking at me anyway," she laughs again. Jake tips his hat, "Ladies," before he sits down.

Niles Hoover stops by the table and says, "Jake, we've got a meeting of the Merchant's Association tonight at 5:30. I also need to talk to you about Jeff when you get a chance." Ruby says, "Oh, I still need to talk to Jake about some business stuff too. Josie, can you and Sandra excuse me for a moment?" He replies, “Niles, I will find you in a few minutes." He stands and follows Ruby, "Business?"

She replies, “Yes actually business. Probably what Niles wants to talk to you about." Ruby explains the offer from Austin Blake to Jake. She says, "I'm not exactly sure about giving up Jeff, even though Niles says he has someone who can take over for him. And we'd need to ask Jeff if he wants to do it. But of course, I'd leave it to your brilliant business mind to find a way to have this be to our advantage. After all, he would be getting the Lucky Lady and Ruby West. Doesn't quite compare to a place to leave your horses."

Jake replies, "Heh, no that does not seem to be a fair trade. Fine, I will talk with Niles and see what he is thinking. We do have a bigger saloon to fill now, though I am not sure helping the competition is the way to do it. I will be back in a few minutes." He goes to speak with Niles. "Wait!" Ruby calls out after him. She shakes her head and sighs as Jake walks away.

Niles and Jake talk for a few minutes. Niles says, "I honestly didn't get the impression that a partnership is really what he's after, although I'm sure a discount on the liquor he buys from me would enter into the conversation at some point. I think he really just wants to borrow Jeff to build his place for him." "Does he have anything we want?" Jake asks Niles. "Not like he is going to turn down our customers who might want to board there horses there. Do we need to partner with a corral? Lumley is part owner of the Bar-H is he not? That does not seem to give him much advantage, does it?"

Niles replies, "Not a lot of advantage that I can see at all. I know that you and Ruby still board your horses at the El Parador, so a partnership with Blake could give you another place to put them. But honestly, you might be better of with them at the Bar-H instead since it's right across the street from your new house. Near as I can see the only real advantage might be to get the folks in town to better know and accept Jeff. His past seems to have haunted him, but now that he's been voted in as Fire Marshall that alone should get people to warm to him, no pun intended."

"You are a funny guy, Niles," Jake says slapping him on the shoulder. "I will talk to Blake and see if he has anything else interesting to say, but I am not inclined to partner at this time. Is there anything else you needed me for?" He replies, "Nope, I'll talk to Job about it tonight. I will see you at the meeting."

Ruby turns to the actress and says, "So Josie, what else do we need to do for the play right now? I've just been told that the addition will be done, so we'll have the beautiful huge stage to use." She replies, "Well, right now we have to cast all of the parts and get our actors busy reading their lines. We should do that in the next few days, and start rehearsals next week."

Ruby states, "So we already have our Romeo and Juliet and our Mercutio. Should we maybe have auditions or something for the rest? Or try to approach people on our own? I wanted to speak to Mary Kelly about making the costumes." Josie says, "Auditions would help to promote the play, but as small as this town is and with only one newspaper that shouldn't be hard to do anyway. You know the people in town better than I do. You may want to give some small parts to some of your critics to make them allies instead."

Ruby answers, "That IS a good idea. I just have to think of who..." Ruby starts tapping her lip. "I'm not sure who can do it, I'll have to think on it. I don't want to make the wrong choice and ruin the play." Josie answers, "That's why I suggested minor parts. Don't worry about ruining the play, we've got all of the major things covered provided we can find enough swordsmen."

Ruby starts getting slightly flustered. "Yes, swordsmen and small parts, I understand. Let me think about it. I will try to come up with parts by tomorrow. I should be able to find enough swordsmen, how many do we really need anyway?" Josie says, "Well we already have Conrad and Estaban, they're the two main ones. Mr. Booth suggested we get a few more as well. I'm thinking we could go as high as six or eight total given the size of your stage." Ruby says, "I bet Kevin will do it too. I will ask someone who was in the competition, or even Judge Lacey, he was interested and he helped organize. He can get me a list I'm sure. Thanks Josie for the good ideas."

Jake returns to the ladies, "I take it you lovely and talented ladies have this play well in hand? I expect that this town will be remembering this little extravaganza for years to come with fond memories." Ruby wraps her arm around Jake's waist. "There is a lot to do." Jake can tell Ruby is trying to keep her feelings of being overwhelmed under control. "Up, lots to do. Oh I still need to talk to you about something. But that I need to do alone when I am done with Josie. I will work on the parts and try to get some stuff done tomorrow. Anything else for today?"

Josie replies, "Thank you for letting me direct. We'll, I'll see you later, and Julia and I are going to go do some shopping. We may stop by here tonight if you'll be singing." "Yes, I'll be singing, so hopefully we will see you later. Have fun shopping!" Ruby kisses her cheek and watches her friend leave. She smiles fades just a bit.

"So, what did Niles say?" she asks Jake. He says, "Pretty much what you told me. The only thing he can see might be a benefit for Jeff, and even then not much. I will talk to Blake and see what else he offers, but I am not excited by the idea. I just have to not make him angry. What else did you want to talk about?"

"Well, I wanted to go with you to the meeting tonight. I think the sparks will fly and I don't want to miss it. Then after that..." she pauses for a moment, "I, ah, have a date for dinner." Jake raises one eyebrow.

A flush comes to Ruby's cheeks. "Look, I have been really trying to be better these past bunch of weeks, I am trying because I love you and don't want people getting the wrong ideas. Here in the saloon I have been much better about, you know, the way I act sometime, when mostly I don't even know I am doing it because I don't do it on purpose. And in this case everyone already think I am sleeping with him and it's just not a good idea to piss him off. But if you want me to say no I will, I will find him and tell him no. That is more important to me. Even after I said yes I wasn't sure I should have. I don't want you getting the wrong idea. Or him, getting the wrong idea that is."

Finally she stops her tirade of words and looks up at Jake with big green eyes, hoping not to find him angry. Jake looks sternly at her before cracking a smile, "This will be a first, some other guy buys dinner and I get to sleep with the girl." Jake then laughs and says, "Enjoy your dinner, I trust you. Just do not enjoy it too much, OK?" He looks at his pocket watch, "It is getting close to meeting time, and we can talk on the way over if you like."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Five, “Incorporation”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 5:00 P.M.

Nanuet and Minerva's had spent the afternoon doing a few chores before. About 4:45 PM they head over to the Lucky Lady saloon. Minerva walks with Nanuet over to the Lucky Lady and kisses him goodbye. "Wish me luck!" she says and heads over to the meeting. Inside, Ruby looks like she is about to say something important when Nanuet comes strolling in. Nanuet says, "Hey everybody, figured I'd come over early and keep an eye on things around here so you all could go to the meeting."

"Uh, sure Jake, let's go." She walks towards Nanuet, "Thanks a lot for all your help today. Hopefully the meeting won't be too crazy. We'll see you later." Jake and Ruby head over to the meeting. Ruby doesn't contribute whatever it was she was going to say.

Nanuet searches out Thom and spends some time in casual conversation with him trying to determine how Thom is adjusting. It seems as though Thom is a bit overwhelmed with the size of the town but nothing that is out of hand. Nanuet works with him tidying up, restocking the bar and kitchen and other menial tasks while keeping an eye on things.

Meanwhile, Chester sits with Marshall Berg in the office. "Hey Mitch. Do we need to be at this town meeting?" Berg replies, "I've agreed to be up on stage with Judge Isby, he wants me on one side and Deputy Sheriff Hunter on the other. Figures the two of us standing there will help keep people in line if the discussion gets out of hand. Helen's a member of the Merchant's Association so she'll be with them, although I may have her stand instead of sit.

I figure you and Eddie should stay slightly outside, position yourselves near the door and get a good look at everybody as they come in. And if anything goes on during the meeting requiring a lawman either or both of you could then just go without making it obvious. " Chester replies, "Sounds good to me. This meeting is about something both the Merchant's Association and the Vigilance Committee can agree on. I don't expect any trouble. By the way, are you a member of the Merchant's Association, being a lawyer here?"

Berg answers, "No, no need. Only folks selling merchandise in town are require to join, not us who just provide services. I think your friend Katherine joined, since her school is a business and I believe she's planning to sell items made by the students to help support it. I could join, but then I'd have to pay dues. Neither of the other lawyers has either, although we all attend the meetings."

Chester says, "Gotcha. Kate likes to get involved, so that's no surprise. Plus it gets the school in the public eye, being that it's new and all. Do you think there's a good chance we'll get incorporated? That way we can get a proper mayor here." "And a real Town Marshall too, so I can get back to lawyering," Berg states.

Chester scratches his head. "I forgot you had to cut back on lawyering to take this job. I guess you'll be glad about that. The pay's better, too." Berg says, "Well, it's not like I ever really wanted the job. I just didn't care for the alternatives presented. I suppose I should probably wait and see who else is planning to run before I totally decide against it. I just hope whomever wins has the good sense to keep You, Helen and Eddie on. You three have done great."

"Thanks, Mitch. That means a lot coming from you. Heck, maybe I should throw my hat in the ring. I don't much like the idea of a Vigilance Committee man in the job." Berg replies to Chester, "Well, someone like Bill Watkins would probably still be better than a cattle rustler. Remember, Fisk proposed that Buckskin Frank Leslie for the job last time. Turning the town over to a criminal would be like asking the wolf to watch the sheep."

"Fisk did what? I wasn't at the meeting, so that's the first I heard of that. Thank Zeus you decided to step in." Chester shakes his head. "Buckskin Frank Leslie. I heard he was a higher up in the Cowboy Gang. That would have been a disaster had he been made Marshall. Is it time to go to the meeting yet?" Berg replies, “Yes, it’s about that time.

At 5:15 P.M. Deputies Chester Martin and Eduardo Rodriguez are standing together near the doors to the town hall in the back of the room. Judge Nathan Isby is standing at the podium on the stage in the front of the room. Flanked on either side of him are Town Marshall Mitchell Berg and Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter. Seated on the stage in three chairs to his left are Deputy County Recorder Dennis Winston, Deputy County Assayer Joe Reiser and the Judge’s assistant Kevin Tomlinson.

The front of the room is comprised of seventy chairs, arranged with an open aisle down the center of the room with five rows of seven chairs each on each side of the room. The Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon owner Burton Lumley is holding a clipboard and doing a head count of those present from the Promise City Merchant’s Association, as he is the Association’s current President. The Association is comprised of one owner from each of fifty-four businesses selling merchandise in town to the general public. Service companies may join if they desire although mines, farms and ranches are excluded. All of the chairs in the second to fifth rows have been reserved for the Association and most of them are currently occupied. Standing along the side wall beside these chairs rather than sitting is photographer Helen Barker who also serves as a Deputy Marshall of the town.

In five chairs at the right front side of the room in the first row are the members of the Promise City Vigilance Committee, these being Great Western Boarding House owner William Watkins, Condon’s Bank owner Frank Condon, Doctor James Eaton, Zebadiah Cook who owns Cook’s General Store and First National Bank Head Teller Derik Avery. Seated beside them is that group’s chief financial sponsor, rancher Rebecca King and next to her is her adult son Ashley.

Seated in the seven chairs on the left front side of the room are Promise City Mirror reporter Angelica Young, her Editor the halfling Hezekiah B. Chumbley, Silverbell Mining Company owner Elton Hubbard, Attorney Hamilton Fisk, Attorney Elihu Upton, rancher Forest Morand and rancher Emery Shaw.

Chester keeps watch over the crowd. He wasn't expecting trouble, but it had a way of sneaking up on a person. He breaks his job only to greet his friends when they arrive. Ruby takes a seat alone near the back of the room, although she does try to catch the Judge's eye and give him a smile before she sits. There is a chair available behind Emery Shaw, which Jake Cook seats himself in. Jake quietly greets Morand and Shaw, "A pleasure to see you gentlemen. I hope this goes well today." They agree.

In the new town hall, Kate found a seat three rows back next to Mr. Rixton. She smiled pleasantly at him. "Mr. Rixton, how nice to see you. Have I told you have comfortable my house is now with your furniture in it?" Rixton replies, "Anything I can do to help the school. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing." "The children in town have the right to an education, and although I haven't taught before I have had a great deal of learning. Beside, I need something to keep me out of trouble," she laughed. "Just this morning someone was trying to matchmaker for me. So, do you think this meeting has good news?" He replies, “We’ll have to wait and see.”

Judge Isby begins the meeting promptly at 5:30. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I am pleased to announce that the Governor of the Arizona Territory has accepted your petition to Incorporate as the Community of Promise City. The logistics of this Incorporation are what the meeting today is about. As stated in your petition, this process will be conducted under my direct supervision. A few details still need to be worked out.

Before we get to the matter of an election of a Mayor, Marshall and five-person Town Council we first need to formally map out the boundaries of the Incorporated Town. The town will obviously include the streets and buildings currently falling under the jurisdiction of the Town Marshall. The owners of all outlying ranches, farms and mines will need to be contacted prior 5:30 P.M. on Monday, May 29th, as to their desire to join the community of Promise City. Their decision will need to be recorded at that time by at least two of the three Country or Territorial Officials seated on the stage to my left.

We will reconvene this combined group at that time to finalize the map. We will then start to work on the specific criteria to qualify as a candidate for office and also decide exactly who will be permitted to vote.” Bill Watkins yells out "What's to decide? Male human landowners will serve and vote, they're the ones who do everything around here."

Kate politely raised her hand for recognition, rather than follow Mr. Watkin's example and shout out. Noticing that Deputy Marshall Helen Barker is reaching for her gun Marshall Berg glares at her and shakes his head side to side. Isby also sees this and chooses to quickly recognize Kate. "Yes Mrs. Kale," he says.

Kate stood up and said in a quiet voice that still carried through the room, "I have not shared Mr. Watkins experience. The work on the ranch I own with my partners and the teaching of my school will not be done by any male human landowners. It may be decided at the next meeting that I will not have a right to vote, but I am a member of the Merchant's Association and I do have the right to make my voice heard as we incorporate. Let us make no assumptions.”

Jake is very curious about how Morand and Shaw are taking the conversation and watches their expressions carefully. Kate continues, “Judge Isby, what would be expected of the ranch owners, and what can we expect if we chose to place our land inside the town's limits?" Morand and Shaw both perk up upon hearing that question, apparently curious about that answer themselves.

Isby says, "The main thing would be that you would have a voice in the town's government. You would also have the protections of the Town Marshall and the town would be free to pass and administer its own laws and enforce such laws as long as they don't conflict with those of the Arizona Territory. Given the quantity of cattle rustlers and thefts of mine ore in the past year those extra protections could be helpful." Morand and Shaw both whisper to each other and nod their heads in the affirmative.

Isby continues, "And depending upon the specifics decided those at the ranches should also be entitled to run for office and vote. The negative is that you could be subject to pay town taxes if any are approved by the Town Council." "Thank you, Judge," Kate said and took her seat again. Her real concern was that there were no human males with interest in their ranch. If the right laws were passed running it could become almost impossible if they were in town limits. Jake peers around to see if his partners, Torvald MacNaulty, Ralph Elliott, or Humphrey Lewis are in attendance, seeing that they are not. Both Patrick Seawell and his father Michael are.

Ibsy continues, "Factors to take into consideration are residency, age, race and gender. You can decide that for yourself, the Territory and Country will not impose those upon you when voting for local offices. As per your original charter and the petition to the Governor, a concurring majority opinion is needed from each of your two groups representing the town. If a consensus isn’t reached at that time we will continue to meet here as a group every Monday, Wednesday and Friday thereafter, alternating meeting times between 7:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M.

Once the criteria are established for both the candidates and voters the election will be set for three weeks from then. The first five days will be for voter registration after which no new voters will be added to the rolls. The next five days will be for candidate registration. Registration will then close although any registered political parties will be permitted to make substitutions up until two days before the election. Days eleven through twenty of this period will be for the election campaign.

Finally there will be the Election Day. No campaigning of any sort will be allowed on Election Day. The three men to my left, under my supervision, will count all of the ballots. Once I certify the election it will be final and the elected officers will then be sworn in for two-year terms of office. Now, are there any questions?”

Jake raises his hand, "Political Parties? Local parties do you mean? How would they be registered?" Isby replies, "Filing as a political party requires a $ 50 filing fee and would require at least two qualified candidates for office and a maximum of one candidate for each office on the ballot. They would register with at least two of the three named officials to my left. Money raised from the filing fee would be used to offset the town's cost of the election. Parties could be affiliated with a National party or be completely independent.

An advantage of a party is that the ballot would permit a vote for an entire slate of candidates with just a single mark instead of having to vote for the individual candidates. That can be an important consideration if literacy is poor. Parties could also substitute candidates as I stated before. A political party would be able to declare a location its formal headquarters and candidates who were not on that party's slate would be barred from entering that building during the election campaign." Chester thinks, “That could get ugly if the place was a saloon.”

Jake nods, "Thanks." The implications of what Isby just said nearly make his head spin. Kate nearly groaned out loud, imagining a party made up of Vigilance Committee candidates being elected with one stroke of a pen. By contrast, Ruby covers her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle a yawn. She twists her hair around her finger, gazing out the window and daydreaming about her play.

Isby takes a few more questions. One asks about the timing of Political Party registration. Isby says they could start to register immediately but are not required to do so until the final day of candidate registration. Other questions are asked about where the three officials will be located for the next few days, each stating that they plan to remain close to their homes.

Somebody asks why Kevin Tomlinson is one of the officials since he doesn't live in the town nor is he a County official, while Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter is not. Isby says, "I needed an odd number of officials and couldn't include Deputy Hunter as he plans to run for office so that would have been a conflict of interest."

Kate looked at the Deputy Sheriff, remembering how he had followed herself and Conrad out of town during their first picnic. It was likely his interest in office was an interest in finding the gold he believed hidden in the area. Although that did preclude a desire to serve. Her head was busily spinning with everything they had heard. She was fairly certain there would be quite a few meetings before the two groups could agree on much. Hopefully, her sex wouldn't prevent her from making some of these people see sense.

With no further questions Isby calls for the meeting to be adjourned and for the groups to reconvene there at 5:30 P.M. on Monday. "Thank the gods..." Ruby mutters. She notices a few glances her way and adds, "That our fine City will finally be incorporated like it should be." Some heads nod and she smiles fakely, standing and making her way outside before the rest of the crowd.

Chester relaxes when the judge calls the meeting to a close. Of course this was setting up the ground rules. The real meetings are going to be worse. Berg has nothing more for him to do, so Chester heads for Clarisse's home.

Kate made her way to the front of the room through the chattering crowd. She managed to get Judge Isby's attention and said quietly. "I didn't want to change the subject by asking during the meeting, but if we place our ranch within town limits... I'm concerned about the laws that could be passed. You heard Mr. Watkins. There are no human males with interest in that ranch. Could the town pass laws that would make operating difficult for us?"

Isby says, "You put too much stock in Mr. Watkins, I'm personally glad he articulated his position today as that allows for five days for the opposition to mount. You were here the day that Mrs. Barker made herself Deputy, I doubt she's going to quietly see her rights now taken away.

Watkins only has to worry about what his dozen or so tenants think, that's not true of General Store owner Zeb Cook or of the two bankers sitting on the Vigilance Committee. They have to answer to their customers who are of all races and genders. Even if both bankers stick together with Watkins narrow way of thinking that'll just give Elihu Upton the opportunity he needs to open up his own bank and I believe that both of them know it."

Kate replies, "I hope you're right. I'll have to talk to my partners and see what they think. It's not long until Monday so we'll have to decide quickly. Mrs. Barker and I may have to put our heads together and strategize. Thank you, Judge."

Kate again made her way through the thinning crowd to where Helen Barker stood. "We're going to have our work cut out for us, Deputy," she began. "I think I can say we feel the same way about what Mr. Watkins said?" Helen replies, "You wanted to shoot him too?" Kate cocked her head to the side, thoughtfully. "For me, it would be a lot more satisfying to run him down on a horse. We all have our preferred weapons," she said with a wry smile.

Kate continues, "I meant more that neither one of us intends to let people like Bill Watkins walk all over us. If I had wanted to sit lily white and helpless as men decided my future for me, I'd have gone back to Boston. I wish I had more experience in these matter, but I hope we can work together to make sure we keep everything we've gained here."

Helen Barker replies to Kate, "I'm sure we can. I'm not worried about the Merchant's Association, I was able to get enough support from them for Deputy, should be able to do the same for a woman's right to vote. The tricky part will be getting three votes from the Vigilance Committee. I think that your singer friend will be instrumental in helping with that." Kate answers, "Ruby? How so? From what I can tell, she isn't much interested in anything that goes on with the incorporation."

Helen Barker says, "Oh no, not Ruby, that whole Committee absolutely hates her due to the festival. I mean Clairesse. She and Beth Eaton have gotten to be best friends and she also belongs to Peg Watkins sewing circle, as is Helen Cook. You convince her and you're halfway there."

Kate answers, "Helen Cook, hmm? Clairesse and I aren't really any more than acquaintances, but she might be willing to take me along with her on a visit to Mrs. Eaton. I had been thinking of asking Doctor Eaton to give me some further medical training, but I know he doesn't think much of me. A good opinion from his wife might help us there too. I'm a terrible sewer, but perhaps I might even wiggle my way into that sewing circle."

Kate sighed. "I don't feel quite right about it all, but we don't like in a world of black and white. And probably none of these women are really unkind, just unaware." Helen says, "That sewing circle usually meets in the afternoons, so you would probably be tied up with your school. My Stanley participated with them for a while be he found it to be too much gossiping for his tastes, so I doubt you'd care for it."

"You're right, I wouldn't. Gossiping for the sake of gossip isn't my cup of tea. I'm not sure what excuse I can think of to get introduced to Mrs. Eaton, but I'll see what I can come up with. From some conversations I had earlier today, I'm better thought of in town that I'd guessed. At least by some. They seem to be under the impression that my working at a saloon was just what a young widow had to do to get by. Which isn't all wrong. The point being I may have more influence than I thought."

Helen says, "Don't push your luck. Some of the town gossip is about you and that crooked gambler Conrad Booth. As long as you're seen in his company you'll never be accepted by many of the folks in town." Kate answers, "Then I won't be accepted. I don't believe those rumors, and until he shows me he's not worthy of my trust he has it. Since I don't expect that to happen, the wagging tongues in town will just have to keep wagging. Let me guess, either I'm a terrible person for seeing a man so soon, or I'm a naive little girl he's taking advantage of."

Helen says, "Neither, just a bad judge of character as far as they are concerned. Don't worry about what people say, I never have, and believe me Stanley and I have heard it all. But we women need to play this right this weekend to line up the votes for Monday." "I'm not going to worry, but thanks. I'm not used to being on the wrong side of society. As I said, I don't have much experience with this kind of thing. Beside talking with Clairesse, do you have any other suggestions?" Helen says, "Start there, I'll talk to Helen Cook. We'll talk again either tomorrow or Friday."

"Thank you, Mrs. Barker. My family will be arriving on Friday afternoon, so it might be better to meet before then. Although they might have a few ideas of their own to help us out. It's going to be a long weekend." Kate said good-bye to Mrs. Barker and walked slowly from the Town Hall, lost in thought. The task ahead seemed very overwhelming at the moment.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Six, “Ruby’s Next Dinner Date”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 6:00 P.M.

Ever since Bill Watkins made his pronouncement that only human male landowners should vote Minerva sat quietly, clenching her folded hands together as she struggled to control Mar's influence upon her temper. She reminds herself, "I told Nanuet that I would be patient and I will, but 'by the god's, that man should be horse whipped!”

She sat for a long time then glanced around the room and noticed that many were looking at her to gauge her reaction to discussion. She was unable to keep the look of distaste from her face but was re-assured to see her feelings mirrored those on many other faces in the room, including Katherine's. She also noticed Helen reaching for her gun and gives a small smile of satisfaction. "It is good to know that other's share my views."

As soon as the meeting is adjourned she plastered a smile on her face and made non-committal small talk with all those that approached her. After some time she is finally able to make her way over to the Lucky Lady in search of Nanuet, a kiss and a good stiff drink. Nanuet is surprised to see Minerva back so quickly. "Well that meeting was much shorter than I figured it would be. Is everything OK?"

"It went as expected." she sighs and gives him a kiss before she tosses her hat on the table and plops herself down on the nearest chair. With quick impatient movements, she peels off her gloves while she continues to vent her feelings to her lover. Her rapid words and thick Spanish accent reveal her disgust and frustration. "That buffoon, Bill Watkin's got up there and started spouting horse manure about how 'male human land owners' should be the only ones allowed to run for office or vote since, according to his snake-in-the-grass view, they are the ones who do everything around here. Can you believe that he had the audacity to say such a thing? It took all of my will and that of the gods to prevent me from leaping up and giving him a piece of my mind and the back of my hand as well!"

She smiles crookedly at him. "You would have been proud of me, Mi Amor. I managed to sit and hold my tongue." But, "she laughs. "Helen Baker on the other hand, would have shot him right between the eyes, if she could have gotten away with it! She looks up at the bar. "I could really use a drink right now... and perhaps that wine that you promised me later?"

Back at the Town Hall, Jake makes his way across the room and to Ruby, going outside with her. "I want to talk with Shaw and Morand before they leave, Seawell too I think." He pulls her aside so they can talk without being heard while he watches for those men. "If you have a mind to use the play to build some relationships that might be used by our Priestess or School Marm to sway some vigilance committee votes I have some suggestions for you for those bit parts. Consider Liza Brown or Derik Avery, just be sensitive that it may make Cole Rixton unhappy if you are too friendly with Derik. Also, Zeb and Helen Cook might be a vote that can be swayed. I doubt that Watkins will change his tune, but speaking of tunes.... if Frank Condon can sing, I wonder if he can act?

I have no idea if Doc Eaton is a lost cause or not, he seems like a tough one and I do not know if he can be gotten to through his wife. Of course, all this would depend on our Priestess or School Marm being involved in your play and helping you out to gain access to those folks." Jake shrugs. "Elections aside, I bet Chet would be happy if you involved Caressed. It might be a nice gesture to include the Gilson woman. That would keep Berg in our camp."

He notices Ruby is giving him a doe eyed look and he says, "I know, that was a bit much to take all in one bite. Lest you think I am interested in a political career, fear not. I just want to help our friends out and make sure we have, if not a friendly town government, at least one that does not hate us." She replies, "I figured on asking Claresse and Laurie, probably her boyfriend Judge Lacey too." She continues innocently, "I don't understand though, why would Kate or Minerva care who I put in the show? I mean, how is that helping them?"

He replies, "Access is the first stage in manipulation, my dear. Once you become a trusted friend, when folks can know you for real, then they are more inclined to listen to your point of view. If they feel good about how you have just made their life better, made their dream come true, improved their standing in the community, then all the better."

Jake grins, "Manipulation is not a bad thing. We all do it. Some of us just do it better than others. Is that not true?" He asks and taps her lips ever so gently. "It is also important to pick the right people to help along in life. So, if our friends want to try and influence the opinions of certain committee members who just happened to be having a great time all working together to bring some culture to this little town....." Jake glances up at the sky and whistles a little drinking tune.

While Jake is looking up Ruby lightly pinches his belly. "So what you are saying is you think that the priestess and the school teacher are going to care about this stupid election? Do YOU care about this stupid election?" He replies, "Just enough to make sure it does not mess with our lifestyle or our investments."

"Ugh Jake." Ruby rolls her eyes. "Have I mentioned how much I HATE politics?" She slides up next to him, "Didn't you say you were going to take me away to celebrate? To Tucson? Isn't it time to go there? Wouldn't that be soooo convenient?" Ruby continues to look with at Jake with big green eyes and a mischievous smile.

He says, "Yes, well that certainly sounds better than worrying about this election. Fortunately or unfortunately, I happen to own a share of a silver mine here, and WE happen to own half of a saloon here, and WE happen to now own a house here, so unless we suddenly do not care about the value of those investments we ought to pay a little teeny tiny bit of attention to all these goings on." He lets her wiggle her way in for a moment before he adds, "On the other hand at some point here I am certain to get sick of this and need a break. I did promise you and Red we would go to visit. We will, let us just see what is developing here first."

"Fine," Ruby says with edge but is still smiling, "I'll just consider it you owing me... something, making me suffer though an election and all. However will you make it up to me?" Her face turns innocent again, although Jake knows it's not real. "Oh! I almost forgot, I have to get to dinner on time, I don't have much time to get ready!" Ruby looks Jake in the eyes and bites on her lip, "You can tell me later how you'll make it up to me." She kisses him on the lips then runs off to their house to dress.

He watches her run, and shakes his head. "No politics, eh, my love? So why are you meeting with Isby?" He chuckles pleasantly and goes about looking for Shaw and Morand, trying to catch up with them before they leave.

Ruby dresses in her mauve gown and quickly does her hair up. She ties a black velvet ribbon around her neck, grabs her shawl and hurries to the Promise City Hotel. Ruby actually arrives before the Judge. Melissa Smith escorts her to the table that has been reserved for them and asks Ruby what she'd like to drink. She states, "I'll take two iced teas please. I'm sure the Judge will be along any moment."

Chester arrives at Claresse's hotel. He sees her and says, “Evening, Clarisse. Do you want to catch some dinner? The meeting went alright. No troubles at all." She says, "Sure Chet. Just let me get my things." Once she's ready. they go to the Lucky Lady and get a table.

Ruby has been waiting for fifteen minutes when Judge Isby finally arrives. He heads directly to the table and says, "Please forgive me darling, I was confronted by a number of people immediately after the meeting and had a hard time getting away. I'll make it up to you." Ruby smiles and stands when she sees him, offering the Judge her cheek. "That's alright, I know you are a busy man. But I will take that promise," she laughs. "Have a seat, I ordered you an iced tea."

The middle-aged Judge says, "Wonderful, you're getting to know me better. Well, you should be seeing a lot of me as I should be here for a solid month. So dearest Ruby, what have you been doing with yourself for these past eight weeks or so that I've been away?"

"But I am sure you'll be quite busy with the upcoming election." Ruby pulls her napkin into her lap and glanced around to make sure no one is nearby. "It's been a busy eight weeks, to say the least." She waits until they order before beginning her tale.

As long as they are alone Ruby proceeds to quietly tell the Judge about the conclusion to the Cowboy Gang story. She elaborates on the section where she was shot by Johnny Ringo with the special bullet and almost died. "So...Mr. Cook shot and killed Johnny Ringo, thank goodness we don't have to worry about him anymore. But the Earps are still on the warpath, I had a visit from them just a couple of days ago." He replies, you did? They're wanted men. You had better tell me about this visit."

She answers, "Well, before I continue I have to make sure we're still on the same terms as before... and what I tell you is confidential. It's really important to me." He says, "Then maybe you'd better keep what you know to yourself. I have an obligation to the Territory to enforce the law, including going after wanted criminals despite my friendship and admiration for Wyatt Earp."

Ruby nods her head. "I appreciate you not forcing me to explain. For being honest with me, I will tell you this and you can take it or leave it. I believe that Wyatt and his companions were headed to Tombstone." Ibsy says, "Ah, then I don't have to do anything, that's out of my Jurisdiction. Now, what else have you been doing with yourself, you look absolutely radiant."

Ruby pauses for a moment, wondering if maybe someone had wandered close enough to be listening in on him or her. A small blush comes to her face, "Thank you Your Honor, that's very sweet," she says while delicately touching her hair. "Well, let's see... We are renovating the Lucky Lady, making it larger and nicer. We're even thinking of turning it into a hotel. I'm very excited about that." She continues excitedly, "And I'm putting on a production of Romeo and Juliet on the new stage in a few weeks. Oh, say you'll come!"

He replies, "Of course I will come. Can I safely assume that you are playing Juliet?" "I'm so pleased you will come! It's really my pet project, I've always wanted to act for real. But it's going to be a lot of work." She smiles and pulls some hair off her face, "Yes, I'll be playing Juliet, our tragic heroine. It's such a beautiful love story, I hope I can do it justice. So what have you been up to these past two months? Staying out of trouble I hope?"

He answers, "Well, I spent over a week in Prescott presenting the town's petition to the Governor. I finally got him to agree, he was hesitant at first because of the expense to the Territory, which he said would take him a month to locate the funding before he could approve it. So I spent that month in the other three communities where I hold trials, taking care of everything up until now and letting the local law know that I won't be back until July.

I've also spent some more time with Kevin, my teaching him better marksmanship with rifle and revolver and having him teach me swordsmanship. I feel physically better than I have in years. I still weigh the same, 171 pounds, but the small amount of fat that I was carrying around my stomach is now replaced with muscle higher up. I've also given up smoking a pipe."

She says, "This election is going to be all the town is talking about for a while. I'm glad you're here to make sure things go smoothly. The potential for scam artists is great, particularly with a last minute "political party" bait and switch of candidates or even as simply as massive buying of votes from the poorer uneducated folks." Ruby lifts her glass of iced tea off the table, cradling it in her hands. A few condensed droplets run down her fingers, dropping into her lap.

"I've also taken lessons with Kevin, although I'm just beginning. Ironically, I find it very relaxing. It IS a good workout and Kevin is a generous teacher." Ruby takes a sip of her iced tea. "So," she continues curiously, "What has brought on your sudden renewed vigor? Losing weight and even stopping your pipe..."

The tall, dark hair, square-shaped face man with a chiseled jaw looks back at Ruby and says, "I feel better." He drinks another sip of tea and says, "I wish I could say it was your influence but I first started to feel this around a week or two after I had seen you last. Perhaps it is Kevin's instruction that has caused my health to improve.

I'm now forty-seven years of age, which is incidentally the average life expectancy in the United States today, but rather than being on death's door I feel again like I did when I was half my age. My limp has also improved. And amazingly, with my latest haircut I've noticed that my graying sideburns have become dark again. Most would suspect that I have been using dye to make myself appear younger, but I have not, it occurred on its own. I have no explanation other than I feel better about myself."

Ruby smiles, "Well, I wish I could take the credit for your turnaround. You do look better, more alive. And actually happy. I guess you just needed a hobby. I suppose you'd better keep up with Kevin, huh?" she laughs. "But it is odd that it started two weeks after leaving here...were you somewhere special at the time?"

"At any rate, take what works. I wish I knew the secret of youth. My birthday is coming soon and I don't like adding the years on." She exaggerates, "One day my beauty will fade and then what will I be left with? I'll be just another old redhead with nothing to do with her time but reminisce about the old days when life was exciting..."

Isby replies, "We were in the town of Clifton at the time, one of my other court towns. We were going to move on to Safford but Kevin insisted that we had to go back to Wilcox instead, even though we had just been there a few days before. Actually, come to think of it, I didn't actually start to feel a lot better until after we were back in Wilcox.

But enough of that, it is good to be back here and with this election I'll finally get to stay put for a change. That will be nice, especially since I now have a nice place to stay at." She exclaims, "I KNOW you're not talking about that old saloon... where are you staying?" He answers, "Oh, it won't even look like a saloon by the time that Kevin and I are through with it. The territory appropriated $ 300 for us to remodel it. We've already been to Rixton's to buy proper furniture and to both Lacey's and Cook's to get curtains, linens and other odds and ends."

Ruby smiles "Very good! If you need help, let me know. I consider myself talented in the art of decorating. So... I was wondering... we started having these dinners to help each other with the Cowboy problem. Now that is mostly taken care of, do you still see a benefit in us meeting like this?" Ruby's smile is easy but she is anxious to hear the answer.

Isby says, "You honestly think the Cowboy problem is over?" She answers, "Well, not entirely I guess...It was just that Ringo was the one harassing us." He states, "And Ringo was financed by Hamilton Fisk, although we were never able to prove it. And Fisk is planning to run for Mayor. I always suspected Deputy Colin Hunter was part of that mess too, and now he's Fisk's handpicked choice for Town Marshall. No Miss Ruby, this is far from over."

She says, "I understand. I wish that wasn't so but I see it is. I quite enjoy our dinners anyway. It's just... you see... well... I am actually very much in love with my boyfriend. People think I am sleeping with you, makes me look like I'm, well, you know what. And even though Jake says he doesn't mind, I just wanted to make sure I could still be of use, you know what I mean? I don't mind it, as long as it's necessary, I want to help."

Isby says, "Well, if you're calling off our heated love affair I guess I'll just have to wallow back home and cry myself to sleep. But I should point one little tidbit to you first though, the Governor put me in charge of all aspects of this community Incorporation. That mean's that for the next month I'm pretty-much in charge of this town and nobody will want to get on my bad side. I'll have the Cowboys, the Vigilance Committee and anybody else looking to run for office being extra nice to me. I wouldn't be surprised if that was extended to my lady friend…if I had one."

Ruby stares at him for a moment than laughs. "How can a lady turn that down? Please don't take what I said in the wrong way, I was trying to break you with you," she laughs again. "Just wanted to make sure I can still be of use."

Isby replies, "We'll probably have to play it differently this time, play up the fact that you're sharing information with me. We may be able to turn this Jake Cooke thing to our advantage as well, make people think this is all some sort of love triangle." He smile and winks adding, "Of course, I guess it really is until he decides to give up." Ruby fakes a blush. "My now, Your Honor, you'd fight over me?" she giggles.

She says, "Alright, whatever you think is best, you let me know and I'll play along. Is there anything I can do for now?" He replies, "I'm sure that there is, but then, we should probably save that for our honeymoon." He laughs out loud and says, "Actually, I believe that I see a couple over there eating an apple cobbler, how do two pieces of that sound."

"My, my Judge... you DO have some new vigor about you," she says with a raised eyebrow. Then she laughs, "Apple cobbler sounds wonderful." After they finish their cobbler Ruby delicately dabs at her lips. "Well, that was another wonderful dinner. Thank you so much for inviting me. I do enjoy it." “It was my pleasure,” he replies.

"Well Your Honor, I should go prepare for the show tonight. The Saloon is always more crowded when something like today's meeting occurs. Everyone like to come out and gossip," she giggles. She stands and offers him her hand. "Thank you again. I'm certain you'll let me know when you want me again," she says, her dazzling smile appearing on her face. The Judge walks her to the door of the restaurant and kisses her hand. He then heads back inside to settle the bill as Ruby scampers away.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seven, “The Cattleman’s Association ”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 6:15 P.M.

Jake sees the ranchers walking together by the intersection of Fremont and South, with them then turning west onto South Street. By the time Jake reaches that intersection they have already walked by the Promise City Hotel & Cafe and are continuing westward on the street. Jake calls to them, "Mr. Shaw, Mr. Morand, hold on a moment!"

They stop at the intersection of South and Allan and wait for Jake to catch up with them. "Walk with us Mr. Cook," Emery Shaw states as he and his companion continue walking westward. Jake nods and follows them, "I wanted to ask you gentlemen about your plans regarding Promise City. If you do not mind me saying so, I rather respect your opinions and judgment. We may not always see eye to eye, but I would rather have you two involved in the running of Promise City than," Jake coughs, "ahem, let us just say a number of others."

They continue on until the pass Condon’s Bank, stopping in front of the former Indian Head Saloon. Emery Shaw gets out a key and unlocks the door, gesturing for the others to go inside. "Welcome Mr. Cook to the new Cattleman's Association," he states. "You want to know our plans for Promise City, we plan to be an active part of this new community."

Jake grins broadly, "That is good news. I hope the association headquarters is a dry location, I would much rather have you celebrating you successes after the meetings at the Lucky Lady.” Forest Morand says, "I'm sorry to say that it probably will be, since our third partner is Anse King."

Emery says, "Yes, it was high time that the Lazy-S, Bar-W and Rocking-H joined forces. If we had done this previously we might have been able to stop with Cowboy Gang on our own instead of having to wait for Wyatt Earp to come to our rescue."

“After all we do have the golden voice of Ruby West." Jake chuckles. "There's that too," Emery laughs, "Quite a looker that Ruby. If you hadn't snatched her up first I would have." "If she turns out to be the death of me then you can have you chance, but short of that I guess I am a lucky fellow." Jake rubs his beard, "Anse King, huh, seems like you men have your work cut out for you. Any chance of someone making trouble or making it difficult for the ranches, mines or other outlying folks to join up or not? Do you expect any problems in this first part of drawing the map?"

Morand says, "Anse isn't so bad, a lot more reasonable than that wife of his. He's concerned mostly about just running his ranch and finding enough things to keep that son of his busy."
Shaw says, "Just so he leaves my daughters alone, something about that boy never sat right with me." Morand says, "I'll have to talk to my brother and Seawell about the mine, but I imagine we'll want to be part of the town too. As for the Cattlemen's association, we'll be happy to let the smaller legitimate ones join up. There are a few however that we suspect were just fronts for the Cowboy Gang to pass off their rustled cattle. Those we won't want anything to do with."

Jake continues to rub his beard, "You had an rustler problems of late?" "Not since you put Johnny Ringo into the grave," Morand states. Jakes says, "All in all I would say the climate is promising. Let me know if I can be of any service, Mr. Shaw, I feel like I owe you one. I have to get to work now, I'm dealing tonight. I hope to see you gentlemen at the Lady sometime soon."
Emery Shaw says, "I'll stop by later tonight. Jake departs, leaving the two ranchers alone to discuss the future.

At the Lucky Lady Nanuet tells Minerva, "I am proud that you held you temper. I know it is a monumental struggle for you to hold your tongue on certain occasions. Sounds like things will remain interesting around these parts one way or another. It will be interesting to hear what the others have to say about this. I figure Ruby won't care one way or another, Jake will be figuring out the scenario that benefits his interests best and Kate will be looking to fight the good fight, make sure that everyone who deserves a say has one. She helped me see that point awhile back when we were buying the property for the ranch.”

She smiles and he says with a wink, “Let me get you that drink. The wine is back at the house, that will have to wait for later for a more intimate moment" as he walks back to the bar. It is still early on the Wednesday night. Job Kane is around this evening. He usually heads up to Wilcox to visit with his lady friend on Wednesday and Thursdays but has stuck around this week for some unknown reason. He and Niles are seated together over at one of the table sharing together a supper made by Maria while Niles updates Job as to what transpired at the meeting.

When her Indian companion returns Minerva states, “I do believe that some of your endless patience is rubbing off on me, Darling," she grins broadly. "See what a good influence you have upon me? Perhaps you would be willing to continue to influence me later on this evening?" she giggles, running her fingers up his arm. "But for now I think that that a little socializing is in order. I would like to hear what opinions others hold about this incorporation. It is prudent to know who our allies are, who remains to be swayed and whom we must oppose."

He says, “Ok, socializing for you, work for me. And yes, we'll save some more influencing for later on." Thom wanders downstairs. "I'll catch up with you later, let me know if you find out anything good with your socializing. I am going to go see what Thom is up to."

Nanuet makes his way over to the giant man. "Hey there Thom, everything OK? You seem lost." Thom smiles his innocent smile. "No, Thom's not lost. I was just looking for the doggies, but I think Thom should be working now. I like working for Mr. Jake and Ruby they are so much nicer than Mr. Greely was. I miss all the pretty girls who worked for Mr. Greely though, they were always nice to Thom too."

Nanuet smiles at the simple man and nods in agreement. "Well Thom you behave and don't do things to make people mad and the nice people will be nice to you. You can't trust everybody, but most people around here are good people. I like working for Jake and Ruby too. They treat me well. Why don't you see if Maria needs more wood for the stove." Thom nods and does as he is told.

The short walk back to the El Parador passed quickly and Kate went inside looking for Ginnie and dinner. Before she sat down to eat, Kate found Pedro and took him aside for a moment. "What did you think of that meeting?" she asked. Pedro replies "What is to think? Even if Deputy Barker does convince the men to allow women to vote they will never allow non-humans to. Right now I am considered an equal with those in the Merchant's Association. After next Monday I will lose my voice."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Kate said embraced him. "I'm not sure if that's much comfort, but I intend to fight for the right of every person in this town to make their voice heard, human, elf, dwarf, halfling, half-orc or ogre. We have minds to think with and hearts to feel with, what does the package matter?"

Pedro replies to Kate, "I know that is how you feel. That is one of many reasons why Dorita and I consider you family." She replies, "How did I get so lucky as to land here that day in January? Just don't give up hope. We can't let them win that easily. Now I need to eat something, and ask Dorita if Conrad's been in yet. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Pedro says, "Try these". He hands her a bowl of a baked corn chip snack and a small bowl of salsa to dip them in. He says, "Conrad has not been around since this morning. Dorita tells me that your family will be here the day after tomorrow. Are you planning to go to Tombstone to meet them?"

"Mmm," Kate held up her hand as she finished the bite of the snack she'd just eaten. "That's very good. I hadn't thought to go get them, the telegram says they'll take the stage with General Pleasants and Mr. Caudell's family. Did you need something from Tombstone? I have a day to decide if I want to go meet them." Pedro replies, "Oh no, I never go near there. Elves have never been treated all that well there, if I ever do need something I send Grant to get it."

Kate laid her hand on Pedro's arm and was silent for a moment. "I've not been treated well there either. Let us both stay here and make this town one where we're welcome. I think I'll go upstairs and take dinner with Mr. Gonzales. I'll be sure to let you know any tidbits that come my way."

She turned and went up the stairs to her teacher's public room. It was only a few steps to the spot on the wall where she spoke a few words and made a gesture that revealed the door to his real residence. "Grandpere, are you here?" Kate notices that the Great Hall of the mansion has now been remodeled, with the pool and fountain now considerably larger and filled with fish of various sizes and colors.

Gonzales comes out of the library holding a book in his hand, "Hello Katherine, how nice to see you my little sandpiper. How are you today?" "I'm well," she said and kissed him on the cheek. She got out the telegram and handed it to him. "I've been busy making arrangements for everyone's arrival, and then there was a meeting about the incorporation of the town. I'll have a very busy time trying to sway people to my way of thinking. After you tell me all about how you are, perhaps we could have a lesson? Lately I feel as if... well, as if the spells I learn for one day don't fill me up. If that makes any sense."

Gonzales replies, "You and Ginnie appear to have that in common, the lessons never appear to be long enough for her. I am so glad we made that trip to Boston three weeks back, she's been so much happier ever since then." Kate sat down on the edge of the now larger fountain. "This is lovely. She does seem happier. I'm afraid I didn't get to spend the time with her in Boston I'd have liked too, but I think she feels more part of our family now. I don't want the rest of this year to be a hard time for her, constantly doubting her place.

And no lesson is ever long enough. But what I'm trying to say is, I think I'm ready for slightly more powerful spells. The first ones you taught me, even if I exhaust every spell I have for a day, I feel as if I had more energy, where as before I felt exhausted." He says, "Well, I'm really not up to doing a lesson right now. I was working with Morgana for much of the morning and that about wore me out. Why don't we just sit and chat for a while." "Of course." Kate took one of her favorite spots sitting on the floor next to her teacher's chair.

Another half-hour passes as Kate fills him in on the details of the Town Hall meeting. She concludes "I know I'll have allies when it comes to women being able to vote. I'm more worried about being a lone voice in support of all races voting. And I'm not sure how much influence I have or how far I can push it." He replies, “The lone voice? It strikes me that the main voice in town these days is the Promise City Mirror, edited by the halfling Chumbley and published by the half-elf Morgana. You may be less lonely than you think." She says, "I hope so. I'll have to stop by and see Mr. Chumbley in the next couple days and see what we can come up with. I've never met Morgana."

She stopped and laughed. "Janet Fly was trying to get me to come to dinner at the boarding house soon to meet her gentlemen boarders who 'would be sure to take an interest when I'm ready to be courted.'" He states, "Well, that was certainly nice of her. Seeing as how you and she are next-door neighbors you may want to take her up on that. I'm sure that you and the half-orc Coolie Fagan would make a wonderful couple."

Kate kept laughing with the easy laugh that had only returned to her over the last few weeks. "Mr. Fagan is a gentleman, and probably more suited to me than many of the other men in town." Her voice became more serious as she went on. "I intend to take her up on it. She said today too that now that I have a respectable job I would stop being forced to associate with certain people. Since I want to get along with my neighbors, I think I'll just have to make them love me so much that when the little one makes himself known they just can't get on without me no matter how much they disapprove. I don't intend to change for them at any rate."

Gonzales says, "That is wise. It is always good to get along well with your neighbors. I believe that the Condon Brothers could probably use a reminder of that. Two years ago they were close friends with us and all of the other elves who live on this side of town. Their house was right next-door, where your Mr. Booth now lives and they dined here every evening. But as the town grew up they've gravitated towards the more human and their prejudices."

"I don't know them well, but after what happened with Jake and Chester..." She shook her head. "They seem to blow along wherever the wind pushes them, ingratiating themselves where it seems to make their lives easiest. But perhaps inside them they remember their friends. I might have to remind them."

Gonzales comments that he hasn't eaten anything since breakfast so should probably head down to the Cantina. She replies, "I'm hungry, as usual. Come have dinner with me before I run off for work tonight." The two left the fine rooms and went downstairs into the busy Cantina for one of Dorita's good dinners. After the meal Gonzales says that he needs to go take a nap, that the last few days have been long ones for him and that it is starting to catch up with him. Kate said good night to her teacher, then peeked in the kitchen where she'd thought she'd seen Ginnie once or twice during dinner. She was indeed there, and Dorita was glad to let her take the question-some girl with her over to the Lucky Lady.

Following her dinner with the Judge Ruby takes her time walking over to the Lucky Lady. She kept running though their conversations over and over in her mind. She was going to have to speak with Jake to really make sure he was still ok with her seeing the Judge. She enters the Lucky Lady where her puppies greet her at the door. She stops to play with them for a few moments before heading to the bar for a drink.

As she is slowly enjoying her whiskey, lost in her thoughts, a particular thought pops to the front. "Oh!" she says out loud to no one then looks around for Niles. "I quite forgot Mr. Blake was coming back around dinner time. Did he?" Niles says, "No, but the announcements by the Judge seem to have distracted most of the folks in town. I'm guessing that he'll drop by later."

Ruby says, "I know what you mean about being distracted. I guess it's not all that important for the moment. We still haven't even asked Jeff if he's interested. But we should get prepared, I bet we'll be busy tonight. What do you think about all this election stuff?"

He states, "Too soon to say, but incorporation might be a good idea. I was talking Dave Melany over at the Western Union office. He's getting sick and tired of having to have telegrams travel back and forth to Tombstone by stagecoach. He says that it now takes longer to get word from here to Tombstone than from Tombstone Arizona to Paris France. According to Melany there's a Territorial Law that all incorporated towns have to be able to send telegrams to the capital in Prescott. So if this thing passes then the Territory will be required to finally finish putting in the telegraph lines."

Ruby replies, "That's very interesting. Well, I guess it is very interesting to those who would get telegraphs. Eventually progress even has to make it's way here to little ol' Promise City. Did they start bringing the telegraph here already?"

Niles says "Oh, they started to do that a year-and-a-half ago, when they started laying railroad tracks. The telegraph lines were going in parallel the rails. But the tracks only made it five miles east of Tombstone when the railroad changed their mind and stopped.

Western Union had already set up their office here under the assumption that the line would soon be finished, Melany's basically been stranded here ever since with only about an hour's worth of work to do each day, passing out the telegrams that the stagecoach delivers here. Spends the rest of his time helping out Steve Lord at the Alhambra.

"Poor guy, getting stuck like that. Well, maybe now they'll finish it, like you said." Ruby takes another sip of her whiskey. "Hey, do you know why Job is here tonight? Isn't he usually up in Wilcox with his girl on Wednesdays?" Niles replies, "Yeah he is. I asked and he said that he doesn't want to talk about it. I assume that they had some sort of a fight. Ah, young love."

He smiles at two of Tony Lucky's players who have just walked in and sit down at the usual table. He turns back to Ruby and asks, "How many spare rooms do we have available at the moment? My nephew Bert will be here any day now, I could have him share my room with him if necessary. My friend George Kilgore will need a place too, but I suppose I can ask the Milfords to let him stay at the Double Eagle."

She answers, “Well Niles, I think we have at least three. One on the third floor, the one your liquor was in, and my old room. Maybe you want to move in there? We had that space we used for an office, that little separate room, but it would be perfect for your nephew. That way you could be together but still have some privacy. If your friend George is going to help with Jeff's job he should stay here anyway. Of course, the addition will be done soon and then we'll have plenty of rooms."

"Which reminds me, have you thought of anyone who might be good for us to add to our staff, someone who has some idea how to run a hotel?" she laughs. "Plus I've been looking for a faro dealer, have you heard anyone who can deal?" Niles says, "The only one I know of is Mad Dog Mike Moore, but I don't think I'd trust the guy. He used to deal over at the Indian Head, which got shut down for being housing those guys who robbed the gun shop."

She answers, "Well, have to keep our eyes and ears open, we would want someone trustworthy. But we can look, especially now since Jake got that beautiful table for his birthday. At some point I want to go over the schedule for the play. I would like to do more than one performance. I was thinking at least three, maybe Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The evenings could be at 7:00 P.M. so it won't take away too much card time. Maybe the profits from the Sunday show could help benefit the school or something. Don't say anything about that yet though, I'm not sure."

Kate arrives at the Lucky Lady, surprised to see Job Kane there, but it was an odd day all around. She stepped over to the bar. "Good evening, Ruby. Mr. Hoover. I think we're a little early tonight." Ruby gets a little guilty look on her face and her eyes widen slightly at Niles. She turns to her friend and says, "Evening Kate. How did the rest of the house work go?"

Kate replies, "No trouble. It was just little things, mostly. Finishing the wallpapering will have to wait for another day. If I wait until my brothers get here I can probably get them to do it for me. I saw you at the meeting. I was surprised, I didn't think you were interested." Ruby laughs, "Depends on what you're saying I am interested in. If you meant seeing fireworks... that I'm interested in. As long as I'm not the target anyhow. If you mean the completely boring and utterly useless idea of the election then you're right."

Kate says, "We're just going to have to agree to disagree there. But I bet you wish they'd let Helen Barker draw her gun then. There weren't too many fireworks today. Those will come later. Pedro's feeling discouraged. He has a voice in the Merchant's Association and he doesn't want to lose that." Ruby replies, "Agree to disagree on what? As for Pedro, I bet he feels pretty helpless. We already know how a very vocal part of the community feels about non-humans. I don’t' know how possible it would be for him to get a vote."

Kate responds, "Disagree on the uselessness of elections. I'm not sure either, but I'm going to do my best to make it happen. Judge Isby said he was actually glad Bill Watkins opened his mouth today. It will help those less vocal people get motivated to make sure him and people who share his views don't run amok." Ruby says, "Well Kate, how are you going to feel if you do all that work to fight for what is right and Hamilton Fisk gets into office because he has more money than anyone else?"

Kate answers, "Like running him down on my horse. But this is happening whether we like it or not. Ignoring it won't change the outcome. Taking action might. I'll take might over won't any day." Ruby replies, "I'm not ignoring anything Kate. I just don't care. I've had too much of back stabbing lying politics in my life and come to realize that the rich just get their way, no matter what it says on paper. My experience has never been different so why should I think this one would be?"

She then adds, "That being said, I had dinner with the Judge. Actually, I want to talk to you about that but I don't know now is the right time." She glances around the Saloon looking for Jake. "I think I'll have the opportunity to help you in some way with the play. Or at least Jake seems to think so." Kate says, "Just let me know when and I'll be glad to listen," Kate said, a bit confused. "Don't compromise your play though, I know how important it is to you. You're going to have so much fun with that play. I hope you'll let me know if there's any way I can help you with it when I'm not teaching."

Ruby answers, "Of course I will! But I know you are really busy these days so I expect you won't have much time to participate. But we have a musical director now so soon she'll be casting the little orchestra, if you want to play the piano. Of course, you can always give me your opinions on costumes too, although I know we have different tastes in dresses," she says laughing while looking over Kate then looking over herself.

"The other thing, well, it's about seeing the Judge and I don't want to talk about it if Jake is here, you know? I don't know where he is." Kate says, "Well, these dinners with the Judge are more along the lines of business meetings, aren't they? Why would that bother Jake? Now costumes, that depends on whether you want to be faithful to the time period the story happens in, or if you want to go beyond those boundaries some. Remember Juliet is fourteen and the protected daughter of a wealthy family. Her dresses wouldn't look like yours," Kate laughed.

"The dinners... well... they were supposed to be and now I'm not so sure about the Judge... and if Jake is being honest about him not caring. I mean, I know I have to ask him. I just...let's just wait to talk about it. As for the costumes, I mean, they should be close to the time period, right? And suitable for family audiences. i know something about how Juliet feels being all protected and such. I can't stand high necks and all that crap. I have to show off some of my best assets, right?" she smiles innocently. "After all, some customers are coming to see me."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Eight, “The Fate of the Earp Vigilantes”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.

Clarisse and Chester finish their meal. She says that they have another hour until she has to sing her first set at the Comique. She asks him what his opinion is of this town election. Chester lights a cigarette. Stubbing out the match, he says, "As far as I can see, this is good for the town. We get a proper government, which leads to stability. Of course if the wrong kind of people get elected, then it gets bad. Do you believe women and non-humans should get the vote? It could change who gets into office."

Regarding Ruby’s costume as Juliet, Kate says, "Don't worry, high necks weren't in vogue at that time. In fact, they had a tendency to show a lot more than we do now. You'll feel right at home," she teased. Kate watched Ginnie scampering around the room and smiled. "I feel a little bit like Juliet today; Mrs. Fly was trying to matchmaker for me." She went on lightly telling the story with a laugh. "And here I thought I'd be spared that, being already taken. I have to admit I'm rather curious at to who might have been interested. Vain of me, isn't it?"

Jake walks in to the Lucky Lady and starts to head for the stairs but when he sees Katherine and Ruby he stops and goes to meet them. "Good evening," tipping his hat, "how are we all tonight?"

Kate peeked over Jake's shoulder as she moved between them and the door. "Just fine. My family will be here Friday, I hope you'll stop by the El Parador on Friday night and meet them. Although since I'll be working they might come here afterward."

A tall man bearded man of around twenty years of age enters the Lucky Lady behind Jake. He is wearing a brown derby hat, yellow high collared shirt, dark wool pants held up with brown suspenders and bow tie, plus a big fat canvas satchel over his shoulders.

Harry Rote stops the man and asks him what he has inside the bag. “This“, he states as he thrusts his hand into the satchel. Perennially the distrustful soul, Jake steps between the ladies and the man standing with Harry though the young gambler does not draw his pistol but watches closely.

The man pulls out a newspaper and calls out loudly to the entire Saloon, “Tombstone Epitaph, Special Edition, Ten Cents.” He holds up a copy of the paper with the bold headline covering half the front page which reads: Earp Vigilantes Killed!!!

Kate's face turned pale and she thumped down into the nearest chair. "Jake, would you..." she trailed off, waving her hand toward the papers. Jake's hand falls away from his holster, "Harry, buy a few for us and send him on his way."

All seven of the other patrons in the Lucky Lady rush up to purchase copies as Harry gets three dimes from the cash register to buy thee of them. The man pockets his dollar in change and heads back out the door with his satchel. Harry hands two of the papers to Jake while he begins to read the third with Niles Hoover peering over his shoulder. Kate mutters, "Can they really be gone?"

Jake grabs the two from Harry and noticing Minerva and Nanuet waves them over. He drops a paper on the table between Katherine and Ruby before going around the other side and opening the other copy and placing it on the table so others can see if they are interested. He reads. The story begins on page one and then continues onto the second and third pages.

Earp Vigilantes Killed!!!

During the night of Tuesday, May 23rd, four members of Wyatt Earp’s vigilante gang were killed in Cochise County’s central Dragoon Mountains. The identified dead consist of Warren Earp, Turkey Creek Johnson, Charlie Smith and Texas Jack Vernillin. By all appearances they were not slain by their enemies but died due to their own carelessness as victims of a dynamite accident.

The Earp Vigilante gang has been hunting and killing members of the cattle rustling Cowboy Gang since mid-march when Tombstone’s Deputy Marshall Morgan Earp was shot and killed in town. In the last ten weeks nearly thirty reputed gang members have been slain by the Earp Vigilantes. Ironically, the Earp/Cowboy war began in early March when the bodies of four reputed Cowboy Gang members were discovered in the Dragoon Mountains.

Prospectors Bruce Herd, Theodore Lavoie, Ronald Pierce and Dickey ‘Boom Boom’ Swanson were working a claim at the northern tier of the Dragoon Mountains when they heard the continuous sounds of multiple explosions at approximately 10:30 P.M. last evening. They approached the scene of burning fires and great destruction, seeing from a distance the mangled bodies of four men and six horses. Herd and Lavoie rode to Tombstone to alert the authorities while Pierce and Swanson stood guard.

Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan and Tombstone Marshall Virgil Earp investigated the scene together. It was later discovered that two full one-hundred-stick cases of dynamite had been stolen from Crowley’s Hardware in Tombstone. Sheriff Behan speculates that the Earp Vigilantes stole the dynamite to use in their war against the Cowboy Gang.

Most of the dynamite appeared to have still been inside the saddlebags of the unfortunate horses although it appears that at least Turkey Creek Johnson had some on his person. Johnson looks to have moved too close to the group’s campfire, which caused the dynamite that he carried to detonate. That began a chain reaction of explosions as the dynamite on the horses also ignited.

The present whereabouts of the vigilante leader Wyatt Earp and his associate Sherman McMasters are unknown. Their horses were found among the carnage, apparently brought by the others to help transport the dynamite. There were no tracks indicating that anybody had left the scene of the accident, nor is it likely that anybody else present could have survived the force of the explosions. It is therefore assumed that Earp and McMasters are still waiting at their hideout for their associates to return and may still be unaware of the mishap. Behan has reorganized his posse and has now gone off to search for these two men.

Marshall Virgil Earp is said to be distraught over the death of his youngest brother and is planning to accompany Warren Earp’s body back to the family’s home in California. Speculation is that he will resign his position as Tombstone’s Town Marshall.

Kate let out a long sigh. "So Virgil will leave and none will be left. And I'm still here." Ruby looks under the headline to see if an author is listed. The story's byline is listed as Sam Purdy. He is also listed as being the paper's Editor and Publisher rather than John Clum. She comments “I don't know who the author is. I wonder if this story has any truth to it?" Kate interjects, "You thought it all sounded a bit suspicious too?"

Ginnie speaks up after reading the article over Kate's shoulder "Why don't we talk to Chumbley? It's a newspaper and he's a newspaperman. He has contacts that would get the information quicker than any of us could. And he seems to really like Ruby too. And one thing he's good at is talking.”

Jake snorts a laugh, "Good is an understatement, girl." He then drops his hat on the table and runs a hand through his hair. "I would say that it is pretty likely those four are dead. The bodies will be seen, it will be easy to verify that. Ginnie's idea has merit, who knows if the circumstances as described are true." Then in a low whisper, "Remember when Chester was hurt in the explosion while invisible and we had trouble finding him? There could be two other bodies there and no one would have seen them. Or Wyatt could have simply been somewhere else at the time."

"That's a good idea Ginnie," Kate exclaims as she slipped her arm around Ginnie's waist and leaned her head against her shoulder. "I bet he's fuming about being scooped. It's early yet, we could send someone over to his office and ask him to stop by.” She stops, "Harry," Kate called. "Would you do us a favor and run over to the newspaper office? If Mr. Chumbley isn't busy we'd like to see him. Tell him I'll buy him one of Maria's good dinners for his trouble."

Ruby states, "You're right Jake, they could be there and no one can find them. Although that particular uh, effect, only lasts so long." Ruby pauses and bites her lip for a minute. "Poor Josie, when she reads this she will be frantic. I would be."

The Lucky Lady remains rather quiet. Tony Lucky arrives but instead of starting his usual poker game gets caught up in the newspaper and conversation with his players about it. Nanuet heads over to see what Jake needs. He eyes the newspaper and shakes his head. "Can't read it boss. What's up?" Harry returns with Chumbley causing the quiet to cease. He rushes up to Ruby and exclaims "Ruby! Can you believe it! The Earps blowing themselves to bits!" "Good evening Mr. Chumbley. No," she laughs, "Actually I can't believe it. Doesn't it sound a little... suspicious?"

Nanuet exclaims, "Is that what's in the paper? Something happened to the Earps?" "Oh, right. Forgot." Jake starts to reads the pertinent sections to him but is interrupted by Chumbley who says, "If only one of the lawmen had checked it out I'd say so, but with both John Behan and Virgil Earp agreeing then it's probably true. Sam Purdy isn't one to go make things up either. But I'll find out for sure tomorrow. Angela Young and I will be taking the Stagecoach to Tombstone in the morning."

"Then who will be left to report on the Promise City doings if you two leave?" Ruby pauses. "You trust Johnny Behan?" Chumbley replies, "Oh, I'd just be staying in Tombstone for the hour or two before it heads back here. That should give me enough time to find out some new information for my own paper and also introduce Angela to the people she'll need to talk to. She would come back on Friday. That way I should be able to get papers new editions of the paper out both Friday and Saturday! Ruby, would you care to run ads in either of them? They should be really good sellers!" She replies, "You're right, they probably will be. Sure Chumbley, we'll take some ads. We have a lot of news coming up soon."

Jake looks towards Kate and says, "You still counting Earp heads Katherine? I suppose I can understand that you feel connected to that family. Does not seem healthy though." Jake shrugs and looks around at all the others in the saloon still chatting on about the Earps.

He then asks, "Is that troublemaker brother of yours coming in to town with your family? Maybe I can show him around town." Jake smirks. "I trust they will be here for a bit, I will likely be out of town on Friday. I promised an attractive young lady a visit to Tucson soon, and I might not be back by Friday. Probably not long after though I would be back." "Oh!" Ruby jumps into Jake's conversation, "Are we going now, Jake, are we?" She has a huge smile on her face and looks like she is about to burst waiting for the answer.

Kate says, "Not counting heads so much as counting the days until there isn't an Earp within 100 miles of me. I don't really expect more trouble from them, but some people find protecting the memory of someone just as important as protecting their life. I'll just be easier if they're far away.

And yes, Henry will be here, and my younger brother Phil too. You're lucky Henry isn't bringing his wife, you wouldn't have any fun then. You try all you want to corrupt him," Kate laughed. "I want them to enjoy their trip." Jake says, "Can do, Katherine. I myself do not do any corrupting, I just help folks find their inner truth."

Chumbley says to Ruby, "Good, figure out what size ads and what you want for copy, Josiah Young can get those all typeset while I'm away tomorrow." While he is talking an obviously distraught Josie Markus comes into the Lucky Lady. She is crying and being helped along by her friend and Clarisse's cousin Julia Barbeau. A copy of the newspaper is sticking out of the pocket of Julia's dress.

Ruby doesn't get her answer to Jake's statement before Josie arrives. Ruby hurries over to her and puts an arm around her and moves them away from the nosey newspaperman. "I'm sorry Josie, come on, have a seat." Ruby helps her sit and waves to someone to get her a drink. "Look, we don't really know anything yet and the article doesn't mention Wyatt..."

Josie replies softly, "Virgil will know, Wyatt will have contacted him if he's still alive. I have to get to Tombstone to find out. Oh this is so awful, we saw all of those men just yesterday. How could this have happened?" Ruby shrugs, "I really don't know. But Wyatt was doing something very dangerous and we all knew it. He just wouldn't give up his need for vengeance. But let's not make any assumptions until you know for sure. Are you going to leave tomorrow?"

Jake says across the room to Ruby, "I thought we might leave on the morning stage to Tombstone, if that is any help." Ruby gives Josie a reassuring smile, "We'll take you tomorrow Josie, if that was your plan." She tries to keep her own excitement under wraps at her friend’s misfortune. Seeing that her friend is in good hands with Ruby and Jake, Julia heads over to the table with Chester and Clarisse to join them.

Kate kept herself away from the woman who came in. She had never met Josie Markus, and she wasn't feeling particularly sympathetic at the moment. When Jake went to join Ruby, she followed Julia over to Chester and Clarisse’s table. "Do you mind if I sit with you for a while?"

Chester sees the look on Julia's face. "What's going on? Why was everyone clustered around the newspaper like that?" Julia replies, "Oh it's terrible. Wyatt Earp and a few others were going after the Cowboy Gang. But there was an accident and some of them are... Wyatt's missing, so Josie is worried sick."

Josie says to Ruby that would be wonderful if she could accompany her to Tombstone. She then asks Ruby if there is somewhere that she can go lie down. "Of course, I'll bring you upstairs." She brings the glass of whiskey and helps Josie to the room near the top of the stairs. It was all set up again now that Nile's liquor was out in the shed out back. "You'll feel better after a nap," she says, placing the glass down on the nightstand. "Where have you been staying?"

Josie replies, "With Julia, in her room at the Gay Lady. Now that she's involved with Colonel Seawell she doesn't see other men in her room anymore, so having a friend there isn't an imposition. Thank you Ruby, you are very kind. What time will the stagecoach leave?"

She replies, "The stage leave at 9:00 A.M. I know, it's very early. But the sooner we leave the sooner we get there. You can always sleep on the stage. You take some rest. If you feel like it, you can stay here tonight if you'd rather be alone." Ruby kisses her friends cheek and closes the door behind her when she leaves.

When Ruby takes Josie upstairs, Jake makes his way to Job Kane. "Partner, you are not looking too happy today and your attendance is unexpected." Job says, "I was about to head out of town when I heard about Isby calling the meeting so I stayed to find out what that was all about. Bernice knows that I can't always get away from here, but I do miss seeing her." Jake replies, "Nothing more serious than that? You seem awfully low. What does she do to earn her living, seem to be you could convince her to move here. I am sure we could figure something out."

Ruby heads back downstairs, the smile now growing on her face. She decides not to interrupt Jake and Job so instead she returns back to Kate and Ginnie. "So, I guess I won't be here when your family arrives. I am sorry about that," she says, her smile remaining.

Kate turned from the table where she was sitting with Chester, Julia, and Clarisse and returned the smile. "No you're not. They'll be arriving in Tombstone while you're there. You might even see them and you wouldn't even know it. As long as you're not gone too long, you'll be back before they leave." "I am actually sorry, just not ALL that sorry," Ruby laughs. "You're right, I wouldn't know it, I haven't even seen a picture or anything. Don't worry, we won't be gone too long. I have a play to put on in a few weeks after all."

Conrad Booth arrives at the Lucky Lady. He goes directly up to Chumbley and says, "All set little guy." "Thanks," Chumbley replies as the halfling heads out the door. "Uh, bye Chumbley!" Ruby calls out after him. She turns back to her friends, "What was that all about?" Kate looked at Conrad with one eyebrow raised and said, "I don't know. Care to enlighten us?"

Conrad says, "My friends Morgana and Josiah Arcadiam asked me to go to Tombstone tomorrow along with him and his reporter. Chumbley won't be staying there long and they were worried about their employee Angela being alone in that wild town. They need their ace reporter there to cover the story but that place is still too dangerous for a very pregnant fifteen-year-old girl to be by herself, and sending any of the members of Arcade's Gang along would probably just be asking for trouble."

Kate nodded. "You'll see my family there then. They're arriving tomorrow. Mr. Pickering's students are coming here on the stage tomorrow, and my family with come with General Pleasants and Mr. Caudell and his family on Friday." Conrad says, "And starting tomorrow that place will also be swarming with newspapermen and photographers. When will your family be arriving?"

"Mmm," Kate took the telegram out of her pocket and looked at it. "Noon tomorrow. Then the General and his friends on Friday morning. I hadn't been planning to meet them, but if the town is going to be swarming maybe I should. Oh. Papa said to tell you what you ordered is with them and he's keeping a close eye on them."

"Ah, the buggies. I suppose I could rent a horse from the O.K. Corral to ride one of them back here once Angela is done. That would probably be safer for the buggy than having the stagecoach tow it. Wait a minute, your school isn't opened yet. If you and Ginnie wanted to come along too you could meet your folks and then ride the other buggy back."

Kate stopped and thought for a moment. "I don't like leaving with the election meetings coming up so soon, but I think I can work it. I might just ride along with the stage though, then I'll already have a horse for the buggy. We could bring one for you and Angela, too." He replies, "Good idea, that would save us having to rent them." he states. As Ginnie is running around he asks her and she enthusiastically approves. He tells Kate, "Don't worry about the election meeting, it isn't until Monday. We'll be back on Friday." Kate nodded. "Then it's all settled. Poor Maman, I think life here is going to quite shock her, starting with my riding leathers," she said with a smile.

Ruby says, "Oh, that's going to be one crowded stage. I'll be right back." She heads over to Jake, wrapping an arm around him. "We'd better get our tickets before the stage books up. I wonder if a lot of people might try to get to Tombstone tomorrow? I wouldn't want us to miss our trip."

Jake replies, "I had not considered that. I am overdue to start my game. Maybe you could send someone over to get the tickets if they are still open? If not we can have somebody waiting when they open in the morning." He gives her a squeeze and a kiss. "Oh, and remind me at my first break to tell you and the others about my conversation with Emery Shaw and Tempel Morand."

Job catches Jake before he heads back to his game and says, "Thanks for asking. I've tried to talk my dear Bernice Turner into moving here but she has resisted that idea. As for how she makes her living, she and her late husband had managed to accumulate some savings. Her husband's Uncle Colin also helps to support her."

Jake freezes in mid-step. He slowly and with composure turns back to Job and asks, "Her husbands uncle? Would that be a brother to her late husbands father? I mean to say, is his name Turner too?" Job replies, "Yes, he's a businessman from somewhere further east, West Texas or maybe New Mexico. I've only met him a couple of times. You might have met him, he was in town last month during the festival and I think he stopped by here for a drink."


DM's Note: What actually transpired with the Earps occurred with my other gaming group and can be found in Chapters 98 to 100 of this Campaign.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Nine, “Travel Arrangements”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 7:00 P.M.

Kate says to Conrad, "As long as you're here let me ask. Kate Higgins, I'm sure she'll be all for us ladies being able to vote. Do you think she'd be supportive of all races voting?" Conrad replies, "Hard to say. One of her working girls is a half-elf but she generally discourages non-human customers, although she doesn't outright prohibit them like the Palace. But you can count on her spearheading the women's vote movement. And yes, I already got her permission to have tomorrow night off, but I should be heading back over there now." Kate replies, "Let me walk you out." Kate stood up and took his arm, then walked with him out onto the Lucky Lady's porch. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said giving his hand a discrete squeeze.

When Kate leaves, Clarisse says to Chester, "Don't Mrs. Kale and Mr. Booth make a nice couple? I don't approve of how he makes his living, but it's not my place to say." "Kate and Conrad? I knew they spend a lot of time together, but seeing each other? I had no idea." Clarisse giggles. "That's because you're not paying attention. But I could tell from the way they look at each other."

Ruby bounces off to find Harry. "Would you mind terribly running to the Wells Fargo office and picking up three tickets for tomorrow's stage? It's important that we're on it and I have a feeling it will sell out. I have to get singing soon or I'd go myself." Ruby reaches down her bodice and retrieves some money, pushing it into Harry's hands without counting it. "Thank you!" she practically sings.

She starts bouncing her way to the stage, making sure to take the direction that leads her near Jake. "I sent Harry..." she begins but stops short. He had his poker face on and to anyone but Ruby he was his normal self. "Job, we need to talk later in private." He walks towards his poker table when Ruby intercepts him. "What's wrong Jake?" she asks, when she finally looks at his face.

He replies, "I cannot... uh, talk about it right now. We will need to talk later. Nothing to, um, worry about right now but something we just need to think about." Jake blinks a couple of times before he gives her a weak smile. "I have some money that needs removing from some nice people's wallets."

Ruby furrows her brows as Jake weakly smiles at her and sets up at his table. She shrugs. Jake was probably just being paranoid again. She was too excited to let that get in the way of her good mood. Ruby nods to Kate and when she is ready the two of them begin their night of lively tunes. Ruby sings her heart out on love ballads and drinking songs but she stays away from anything sad, tragic or depressing. She weaves her way in and out of the crowd, thoroughly enjoying herself as she entertains.

When the break comes along, Jake gathers up as many of his friends and partners as he can find. He relates his conversation with the Misters Shaw and Morand. "Those are two good men to have involved in running the town, so there is reason for optimism. They seemed to think that Mr. King was a good partner, just his wife needed some handling. Katherine, if you consider yourself a cattle ranch, you should talk to them. They appear open to include the smaller ranches in their association."

Ruby says, "Mr. Shaw is a good man, he's been so helpful to us... except... well, he is prejudiced against non humans. He made some comments about Nanuet on one of our trips. I was surprised to hear it from him actually, he seems so kind, he has been kind, to me."

Niles says, "Well, you can't really blame Shaw for being somewhat prejudiced against Indians, his grievances are legitimate. Twenty years ago his ranch was attacked multiple times by the Apache under the command of Cochise. Cochise declared war on humans. The Shaw's ranch were the only humans to survive that, and I'm sure that there were many times where he thought that he and his family were going to be killed."

Ruby nods. "That makes sense then, must have been very scary. Besides that I haven't found another fault in him yet and even that has an explanation. He is a good man to have on our side, no matter what we do. Kate, you'd do well to join up with them. They could become one powerful force."

Kate says, "And how welcome do you think we'd be, Ruby? Even if it was just me as a representative for our ranch, Nanuet and Sonoma own just as much as I do. And lets face it, Sonoma does most of the work. I'm not saying they wouldn't accept us, but I'm not sure I should approach them without some kind of invitation, or at least being told of their existence by them."

Ruby replies, "Excuse me, Kate, it was just an idea for the future. I suppose you haven't has the same experience with Emery as I have. He would be a good man to have as a supporter is all and I thought it would be good if you figured things out before they approached you. I mean, why wouldn't they, Jake said they were going to ask the smaller ranches. And we, that includes you and Nanuet, helped get some of his stolen cattle back. Emery has promised me he will stop in here one of these days and I am sure he will. It was just something for you and your partners to think about."

"I'm not offended by the idea, Ruby," Kate said gently. "You're absolutely right. I'm just edgy about what Bill Watkins said today. Human male landowners are the only ones who do anything in this town? He should spend a day out at the ranch watching Sonoma work."

"Oh." Ruby ponders for a moment. "Don't listen to that idiot. I bet his wife would have something to say about that, I mean, does she sits around on her butt all day doing nothing? Or does she do his laundry and pick up after him, make his meals... Without her he'd probably be nothing. Please," she rolls her eyes, "I'd like to hear him say that to my face. I could have a line of men out the door vouching for what I do for them." Ruby giggles, "Maybe I don't want to know though."

"Sometimes what you imagine is more fun than the truth anyway," Kate smiled. "I bet in this case, what is real would be far worse than anything Mr. or Mrs. King could imagine." Ruby bursts out in giggles.

Kate says, "I'll talk to Sonoma about it when I speak to her about whether we want to be inside town limits or not. Speaking of.... Nanuet, what do you think? It's our choice whether we want to be city limits or not. If we are, we'll be subject to the town’s laws and any taxes they decide to levy, but we'll also have the protection of the town Marshall and any other benefits. I'm just not sure what to do yet."

Nanuet ponders what Kate says for a moment, a puzzling look on his face. "Well I think if we were one of the only ones who didn't join up we'd be a target for sure. If we do decide to try and incorporate into the town then we would have some protection should something go wrong. This kind of thing is still very foreign to me, so I might change my mind before the whole thing is final, but my initial response would be yes. As far as this whole thing regarding non-humans, we need to straighten some things out. Let me get some numbers together, see how many of us non-humans there are and see how much of an influence we really have. We can definitely shake some things up."

Kate's smile grew wider as Nanuet went on. This attitude wasn't one they'd have seen back in January. "I hadn't thought of the disadvantage we might be at if most others join and we don't.
I'd bet you have a lot of influence if you speak together. Let me know if I can help in any way with the shaking, Nanuet."

Harry Rote returns and gives Ruby the three Stagecoach tickets. He says, "That newspaperman Chumbley bought three as well, and had asked them about leaving earlier that 9:00 A.M. Kris Wagner says he's willing to if they manage to sell all eight seats and everybody is agreeable." Ginnie has caught the conversation and asks Kate, "Won't we be needing those two other tickets?"

"I'm going to ride alongside on Meribel, I don't know if they'll want me to buy a ticket or not as I'll expect them to carry my luggage. We'd just need one for you unless you want to ride alongside as well." Ginnie's face scrunched up in distaste and Kate said, "I didn't think so. She turns and says, “Harry, I hate to ask you to go back out again, but would you? Tell Mr. Wagner we're willing to go early, and just buy two tickets. If for some reason I don't want to ride tomorrow then I'd be able to go inside the coach." Kate dipped into her handbag and gave him enough money for two fares.

Ginnie says, "Ma'am Kate, that would be a waste of money. One-way tickets to Tombstone run $ 3.00. Buy me one but not you if you're riding instead, we'll tell them your bag is mine. If you want to leave early we should just see if anybody else wants to join us." "I suppose you're right, but who else might want to go?" "Kate?" Ruby says in a questioning voice, "Are you going to Tombstone too? I thought your family was coming here?"

She replies, "Conrad is going with Chumbley and his reporter to keep her safe after Chumbley comes back. The buggies he ordered are on their way with my family, so I'm going to drive one of them back. Plus, with the news out Tombstone will be buried in journalists. I thought it might be better if I went to meet my family since it's probably going to be pretty chaotic in Tombstone."

Ruby says, "I didn't know Kate, or we would have brought you tickets too. Sorry about that. Probably a good idea to get your family, Tombstone can be overwhelming. Then again they are already from a big city so it shouldn't be that huge of a deal. Anyway... I'd better get back to singing another set. I still have to get home and pack my stuff after we're done here."

Minerva spends the evening listening in and joining in on other's conversations. Whenever she is asked and even when she is not asked, she voices her opinion that ALL should have a right to vote and run for office. "We are all children of the gods and should be treated with equal favor."

As Chester is walking Clarisse out to the Comique, he overhears the others planning to go to Tombstone. He stops and asks, "Mind if Clarisse take that last seat? We haven't been there together, so now's a god a time as any. With this news about the Earps, I should ask Virgil what he knows. Wyatt may try to come back here after all. Harry, stay here. I'll get the tickets after I walk Miss Townsend over to the Comique. OK?" Harry says, "Sure, Chet."

While the others are discussing Promise City politics and travel plans Jake seems distracted. He looks over a Job Kane a number of times before he finally pushes his chair back and walks over to him. He brings him over to the corner of the saloon where they can speak quietly and alone. "Job, this is going to sound fairly far fetched but here goes."

Jake explains how one Colin Turner came to town and threatened Ruby, how they learned he was actually a monster, and how they went to Thomaswell to find him and destroy him, and finally how they discovered other monsters and destroyed them. "Now we do not know if this Colin Turner was destroyed or not, but he did not seem to be in Thomaswell any more. I was not sure I should tell you, partly because you would think I was a lunatic, and partly because I am afraid you would bring Bernice here and give Colin Turner, if it IS the same Colin Turner and that seem likely, another reason to come back to Promise City. Well, you are my business partner and my friend, and ... well ... I could do no less."

Jake looks down at his feet and shuffles about for a moment and adds, "When we have more time I can tell you the whole story, that is if you do not believe I belong in an asylum." Job says, "What....Turner some sort of monster? I'm confused Jake, what exactly are you saying? First you ask me about bringing her here and now you don't want me to?"

Jake replies, "I am a bit confused myself. No, you should have your woman wherever you feel she is safe. I just had a selfish moment worrying about Ruby. You understand? Bernice is still welcome here. I had no idea that her uncle could have been the same man that became one of those monsters. Colin Turner may be destroyed, and if not he may be too afraid of us to ever come back. I have no way of knowing either way. If she does hear from him, I would greatly appreciate knowing about it."

Rubbing the back of his neck he adds, "The priestess has some books, in them they describe what these monsters can do and how to protect yourself. Perhaps we will never hear from this Colin Turner again, but being a good gambler Mr. Kane you might want to take a read of those books. Like I said before, we can talk more later and I can tell you everything else I know."

Job says, "I'll do that. Just as well that I'm not dealing tonight, I doubt I could at this point. You say he threatened Ruby? Jake, I feel terrible, I was the one who invited him here, last January not long after we first bought this place." Jake startles at that but then says, "Job, how could you have known? Just do not invite him back again, partner." Jake forces a smile at the poor attempt at humor. Ruby eyes Jake speaking with Job, again looking like something is wrong. She gets up on stage minding her own business and sings her set with her mind half on Tucson. Jake and Job speak for minute longer before Jake heads back to his table and an uneventful night.

After he walks Clarisse to the Saloon, Chester visits the Wells Fargo office. "Evening Mr. Wagner. I'd like to buy the last two tickets on the morning stage to Tombstone, please." Kris Wagner hands over the tickets. Chester says, "Thanks. Can we leave earlier than 9:00? We want to get an early start on the day." Wagner replies, "Sure, but you'll need to agree on a time with the Promise City Mirror and the Lucky Lady, they've each got three people going on this run."

"Should have asked before I left. I'll be right back." Chester jogs back to the Lucky Lady. "Kate, what time do you want to leave tomorrow? I got the last two tickets on the stage." He hands one to her. "This is for Ginnie. Clarisse is going to be riding on the coach. I can ride alongside." Kate replies, "I'm agreeable to any time, Chester, I didn't really need to leave early myself. I think eight would be fine."

Ruby finishes her set for the evening. She continues to be excited as she says goodbye to some of her regular customers. Finally she ends at Nanuet. She explains that she and Jake will be gone for some time, going to Tucson to visit a friend. "Will you keep an eye on the place while we're gone please?" Nanuet replies, "Of course. Any idea what some time is? Will your other partners be around?"

She replies, "Oh, not that long I would guess we should be back sometime next week. Today is Wednesday, right? Maybe after the weekend. I don't know for sure. Yes, the other partners should be around, Niles and Job. But I'm not sure about Jeff and Thom needs an eye kept on him. And of course, my beloved puppies and our new house need attention too." Ruby flashes him a dazzling smile.

Nanuet replies, "Let's see, you are going out of town to relax and I get to watch the Saloon, baby sit Thom and the puppies and keep an eye on your house. Sounds like a piece of cake. It will either keep me out of trouble or put me into loads of it. Seriously though, I a honored that you would think highly enough of me to give me so much responsibility. Have a great trip."

"We will. I hope it stays quiet here for you." Ruby kisses Nanuet on the cheek. "You are such a good friend. Thank you." Ruby starts walking away then stops. Looking back over her shoulder she says, "Try to keep you and that priestess out of trouble Senor." With a laugh she bounces away to finish her goodbyes and go pack.

After his game closes up, he finds Ruby. "Nothing really to worry about, but I just learned of a strange coincidence. Actually it is not a coincidence. Remember when I wondered whether that Colin Turner was related to Job Kane's girl up in Wilcox? Unfortunately it appears I was right. He was her late husbands Uncle. I was asking Job about his girl and the name came up."

Jake swallows hard, "I have to admit, at first it bothered me. The more I think about it, I am glad to find out. It explains how Turner wandered through here the first time long ago, and if by some strange twist he was not destroyed and ever contacts his niece we would learn about it through Job." He locks his eyes with hers. "I was tempted to just keep it to myself, keep you from worrying. I do not particularly like thinking or talking about it any more. So there you have it, no secrets. No need to be creating any new worry either."

On the outside Ruby remains relatively calm. But the panic is evident in her eyes as they dart around the room, checking to make sure there is no one there she doesn't want there. She gulps, "Are you SURE it is the same Colin Turner? How can you tell me not to worry?" She continues quickly with an intake of breath, "Forget it, it doesn't matter." She slowly exhales and gets her composure back. Squaring her shoulders, "Does this mean we need to take a trip to Wilcox instead of Tucson?"

"If you listen carefully to me," Jakes says slowly, "I would not insult your intelligence and tell you not to worry. I said, no new worries. Whatever amount of worry you resigned yourself to has not changed. At least I do not believe it has. " He sighs. "No, I do not think this makes anything any different. It just explains some things. And should he ever contact Bernice... well, we have an early warning. We have been all over this. Nothing is different. I can understand your reaction, I had the same one. I have had the benefit of all night to think about it. I think nothing is different. We should go to Tucson and enjoy ourselves. If at some point in the future you think we should go to Wilcox, then we will, but not tomorrow."

Ruby nods, "Yes, let's go to Tucson and enjoy ourselves. And try not to think about this. Is it time to go and pack yet?" she says with a halfhearted smile. Jake nods affirmative, "I will be up in a few moments." "You mean out, our room isn't up anymore baby," Ruby giggles.

She wanders over to Kate and Chester, "I guess we'll see you in the morning?" "Yes, the stage will leave at eight, not nine, so don't be late." Kate say Ruby's too early look cross her face and said. "You can sleep more on the stage, no one will mind. I need to get home and pack myself." Ruby exclaims, "Eight? It's supposed to leave at nine. THAT is way too early as it is!"

Kate replies, "Mr. Chumbley wanted to go a little bit early. Since the stage is full there won't be anyone showing up five minutes before nine wanting a ticket." Ruby narrows her eyes, "They can't just change the time like that! Not because that little half pint wants to!" Ruby sighs. "Well, hopefully we can get the train out of there tomorrow and not have to stay overnight, I guess getting in earlier will help."

Ruby takes a few moments to run upstairs and tell Josie of the change in time, asking her to meet at the Wells Fargo office in the morning. She wishes her goodnight then returns downstairs. She bids everyone else good night or goodbye before heading to the porch to wait for Jake.

Chester walked Kate and Ginnie home, where they packed for one night away from home and turned in early since they would have to leave early the next morning. It would be an especially early morning since she would have to make a trip out to the ranch before they left.

Jake makes his rounds, saying goodnight and making arrangements for things to be handled while he is away. He and Ruby head to their home. Ruby pulls a few dresses out of the closet, laying them on the bed to look them over. Without looking at Jake she begins, "So... you didn't ask me how dinner with the Judge went." "I got distracted with other things." Jake states simply. "So, how did your dinner with the Judge go? If I remember our earlier conversation he was buying dinner and I get to sleep with the gorgeous saloon singer."

Ruby laughs. "Yes, I guess that is true, isn't it? Not a bad deal for you." Her smile fades a bit. "Well, dinner was fine. But something was, oh I don't know, something was odd maybe." "You know, I wasn't even sure I should go, once I thought about it." She stops what she is doing and looks right at Jake. "What do you think about me having dinners with the Judge?" He replies, "Frankly, I would rather you did not. If there is some good reason to keep it up, then I suppose I will just suffer through it."

"Oh." Ruby goes back to distracting herself, pretending to look at her dresses. "Well, I asked him why he thought we should still have dinner. He said there was still more Cowboy Gang problems, that Fisk is going to run for Mayor and Hunter is probably in cahoots with him..." She pauses, pulling on her hair as she ponders. "That isn't why you don't want me to continue, is it?"

Jake stops his packing. "You are my woman, that is why I do not want you dining with another man on a regular basis. I DO trust you, but I do not have to like you sitting with another man. Besides, people talk. Maybe think they can do whatever they want with you and I will not interfere. Maybe they think I can be pushed around on other things too. Leads to confrontations and hot lead flying. It is far safer for you, me and others to think I am perfectly willing to draw this gun and protect my own. Better if they think I am good with this gun, but wonder how good. So I wear it brazenly and provocatively, but draw it infrequently. That way everyone stays alive. Death is a unpleasant thing, even more if it involves you or me." Jake gives her a grin and walks towards her.

"I also did not care for people shooting at us, you dancing naked on Main Street, chasing after Pete's murderer, Nanuet in the middle of negotiations between the Federal Government and some blood thirsty Indian Chief, Katherine giving a book of magic mumbo jumbo to Johnny Ringo, Minerva attempting to gouge my eyes out, or the Cowboy Gang attempting to blow my saloon to Hades." Jake shrugs. "What is a poor saloon rat to do? Jake Cook stands by his friends. Apparently he does some mighty foolish things over being in love, too."

Ruby wraps her arms around Jake's neck. "Being in love is hard work, huh?" She smiles, "I wonder if the benefits outweigh all the work." He says, "So far they do, and the outlook for the future is promising. Keep those benefits coming...," he says while his hands begin to roam and his lips move to her neck. Ruby moans and is distracted from her thoughts as she throws her head back and enjoys Jake's wandering touch. "Uhh.. Jake... dinners... ahhh... packing....oohhhhhhh...," Ruby giggles as she melts and that is the end of talking about dinners with the Judge.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Ten, “The Road to Tombstone”, Thursday, May 25th, 1882, 6:00 A.M.

Kate was up with the sun the next morning and on her way out the door as Ginnie was getting ready to run over to the El Parador and get a basket of breakfast for the two of them. At the ranch, Kate picked two harness horses to pull the buggies back and stopped to have a bite to eat with Sonoma and Flint. She filled them in about the incorporation meeting and about the choice they'd have to make. Since she intended to bring her family out to ee the ranch, they could discuss the decision then. She hurried back to town and met Ginnie and the others at the Wells Fargo office around 7:45 A.M.

In the morning Jake packs his final travel bag with his pistol accessories and the pearl handled long barrel. He writes a short note to MacNaulty, Elliott, and Lewis describing what was announced by Isby and makes arrangements to have it delivered to them. In the note he recommends at least one of them come into town and learn more. Once he has all his gear accounted for and is dressed for travel he hauls their gear down to the stage. Grumbling all the way about the time and the diminutive newspaperman.

Ruby barely wakes come the next morning. She throws a few more things into her bag with only one eye open. Practically sleep walking she drops the dogs off at the Lucky Lady, and slips a note under Mr. Lacey's door before she walks over to the Wells Fargo Office. Any 'good morning Ruby' is answered with a grunt. She almost falls asleep standing while waiting for the stage to arrive.

The Wells Fargo Stagecoach is ready to board at a few minutes before 8:00 A.M. An annoyingly awake Chumbley bounces up onto the carriage, followed by the very pregnant Angela Young who Chuck Nevers helps up into the vehicle. A barely conscious Conrad Booth follows and within seconds of his sitting down is sound asleep.

Kate looked from Ruby to the already sleeping Conrad and smiled. She trotted Meribel up to the coach and with an amused glance at Ginnie said, "Mr. Chumbley, perhaps you'd like to ride out here with me for a while. I don't imagine you'll find much good company inside until a more civilized hour of the morning." He says, "That would be fine Mrs. Kale, I would love to talk to you, but could you strap me in well enough that I won't fall off? I've never really taken to horses which is why I ride stagecoaches."

Clarisse and Chester arrive, with him leading his horse. As he loads their bags on the stage, he says, "Morning folks. I guess the last passenger's on his way." Clarisse says, "Good morning everyone. I trust you all slept well?" Ruby gives Clarisse the same grunt she gives everyone else. Then she blindly climbs in the stage and takes a seat near the window, pulling Jake in next to her. Once her head hits his shoulder she falls back asleep.

She exclaims, "Oh!" Chester leans. "That means she didn't sleep well, dear. Not everybody is an early riser." "The question for most of these people, Miss Townsend, is did they wake well?" Kate said lightly. Josie Marcus is the last of the riders to arrive. As anxious as she is to get to Tombstone she still isn't a morning person. She hands her bags up to Chuck Nevers and climbs on board.

Jake looks out of the corner of his eye and says, "Good morning to you Katherine Kale I trust you woke well." Leaning back careful not to disturb Ruby he tilts his hat forward and hides his face. "Good Morning Miss Townsend, a pleasure to be riding with you. I look forward to speaking with you in a couple of hours."

Kate got down and carefully secured the halfling reporter onto the steadier horse. "I'll ride right next to you. Just let me know if you'd like me to take the reins or if you want to return to the coach."

The Tombstone newspaperman rides up on his horse to ride alongside the stage. He sees Chumbley with Kate and opts to ride on the opposite side. Chumbley tells Kate "That's Sam Purdy, he purchased the Epitaph from John Clum at the beginning of the month. Terrible shame that, as he's a Democrat and so is the editor of the town's other paper, the Tombstone Nugget. So the town now has two Democratic voices and the Republicans have lost their voice. I don't support either party, but feel that the town is best served having both viewpoints raised. I guess that may make me a hypocrite saying that, as I'll be running front-page editorials in both of my next two papers in support of non-humans getting to vote and have no intentions of running the opposite view, not that Watkins or Adair will have any trouble voicing that on their own."

Kate says, "I look forward to it. You know of course that my voice will support people of all races and genders having a vote. I spoke to Mr. Figueres last night, and while he isn't hopeful I tried to buoy his spirits. Do you have any other thoughts on how to sway others to our way of thinking?"

Chumbley replies, "Well, I already wrote the editorial for Friday's paper which Josiah will have typeset by the time I return tonight and will have another one for Saturday's. Of course, swaying them through reading what I wrote first entails getting people to buy and read the papers, so my finding enough new information to sell papers both days is essential. Beyond that I'd suggest talking to all of the employers of non-humans in town, that's about one-third of the businesses by my reckoning."

Kate replies, "Well, I think there's at least one thing I can tell you that might help. General Henry Pleasants will be arriving in Tombstone tomorrow morning, and will be moving to Promise City to work for Colonel Seawell. Also, Professor Pickering of Boston will be arriving today with six astronomy students in order to observe an eclipse next week."

Chumbley jots down the information. He continues to prattle on for the next hour. The Carriage stops at around 9:15 A.M. when they are between the intersection to Dos Cabezas and the Shaw's Lazy-S Ranch.

The Stagecoach comes to a halt as another coach approaches. The other coach is from the Lazy-S and is being driven by ranch hand Tim Kilpin. The two carriages stop as the drivers converse. Chumbley decides that he has had enough horseback riding for this month and asks for Kate to help him down so that he can go back inside.

Ruby barely awakens as the stage stops. "Are we there yet?" she asks quietly with her eyes only half open. Chumbley exclaims, "Oh no, pretty Ruby, only about a quarter of the way, maybe a third. I just got tired of riding the horse. So, how is everybody in here?" Ruby groans, then plops her head back on Jake's shoulder, pushing her face into his neck. "Sleepy," she responds to Chumbley. "In mourning for the death of silence," Jakes remarks dryly from under his hat. Ruby pinches Jake under his jacket.

"Oh, I can be quiet, I brought a book to read," the Halfling exclaims. He pulls out a small book with a green leather binding. It is written in a fancy script language that none of those inside the coach recognize. Ruby can't keep the giggle in and it slips out. "That must be some book. What are you reading?" she says muffled through Jake's shirt.

Chumbley replies, "It's an ancient halfling tale from Australia's early years. It's about a halfling who heads off on a great quest. It is titled 'There and Back Again'. Would you like me to read some of it to you?" "Maybe you could read some of it another time." Ruby yawns, "I wouldn't be such a good audience right now." It's no time at all before the rocking rhythm of the coach puts Ruby back to sleep. Her head keeps falling forward and she jerks upright each time, but continues to fall asleep over and over.

Kate rode up close enough to the drivers to catch their conversation. Chuck and Tim chat briefly about Tim taking Ellen Shaw into town to do some shopping and then pick up Emery to come back home. Chuck talks about needing a day off, that the other driver Chandler Wells went back east for a family funeral and hasn't returned yet so it's been nine consecutive days that he's been working. The Shaw carriage gets moving east again and the Wells Fargo Stage heads off west to Tombstone.

Chester rides close to the stage, in conversation with Clarisse. After a while, Chester rides over to Purdy. "So, Mr. Purdy. Was this your first time in Promise City?" "Yes," he replies, "I've had the Epitaph for a little more than three weeks now. Clum no longer had time for it and the job of Tombstone's Postmaster so he accepts my proposal to purchase the paper. I put out my paper in Tombstone yesterday morning but the Tombstone Nugget had gotten out an hour earlier and most people bought it instead so I figured I'd have a market in Promise City for the rest. I got the papers onto the 2:00 PM stagecoach and rode alongside. That worked well, I sold out, but I doubt I'll be making this a regular occurrence." Chester replies, "This kind of news doesn't come by often, so I see why you made the trip. It's hard competing with the local paper on a regular basis."

Kate rode along with the coach, enjoying the early morning air and the quiet ride. Every now and then she was tempted to nudge Meribel into a run and speed away in front of the stage to ride alone, but instead she stayed by the stage. There would be time soon enough for long rides on the ranch with Henry where they could jump and race as they never could in Boston. She kept an eye inside the carriage as they rode, making sure Ginnie was comfortable and waiting to see when and how Conrad would wake.

The Stagecoach continues along at a steady pace, arriving in Tombstone at 11:15 A.M. As they rode into Tombstone, it suddenly occurred to Kate how strange this morning was. Once she had arrived on a train here, expecting to be met. Now she was doing the meeting, and this one promised to be much happier.

Back in Promise City, Nanuet had woken up before the sun like usual. He watched Minerva sleep for some time before heading to the grove to tend to the plants and animals within. Before he knew it the sun was climbing into the sky. "Well, I had wanted to see them off, but I think I missed that."

The lean elf stood up and wiped the dirt from his hands. He walked over to Jake and Ruby's house and checked to make sure it was locked up and that everything seemed to be in place. After that he headed over to the Lucky Lady to feed the dogs and check on things. Once he was satisfied that things were in order for the day and gave Thom some chores to do he headed to the El Parador.

"Good morning Dorita, I'd like some breakfast please. Do you know if your grandfather would be available? I'd like to speak to him sometime soon about what happened at this incorporation meeting yesterday." Dorita heads upstairs and comes back with Mr. Gonzales. He gestures to a corner table at the end of the room and asks Dorita to bring over the jug of Greek wine. He pours them each a glass, drinks his, and then pours himself another one. Nanuet states. "Thank you Dorita, your promptness is much appreciated."

The elderly wood elf smiles at Nanuet and says, "Well, I trust that Miss. Florencia appreciated my birthday present to her." Nanuet picks up the glass and sniffs at it before trying the wine. "I am sure she did, there were so many gifts presented that evening? I must apologize, but I don't remember what you gave her, could you remind me?" Nanuet says taking another sip of the wine.

Gonzales replies, "My present was that I allowed her boyfriend continued life despite the fact that he broke my Great Granddaughter's heart. You do remember that conversation that we had before don't you?"

Nanuet's face drops at Gonzalez's statement. "Yes, I recall the conversation, and I appreciate that you have not followed through on that threat. I am sure a man of your experience realizes that all relationships that start off with the best intentions do not always bear fruit. I have apologized several times to Sonoma and only wish her the best. Is there more you wish of me in regards to that situation or can we put it behind us?"

He says, "Well I can certainly understand why you have become enamored with Miss. Florencia, I find the woman breathtaking myself. And being a short-lived human your relationship with her will probably last for another fifty or sixty years at the most. After the Priestess is gone you can sit down for a long talk with Sonoma and apologize then.

In the meanwhile you might want to consider divesting yourself of your interest in the ranch. Sonoma has been putting her heart and soul into it and resents your lack of contribution to the effort. Finding a buyer should not be hard, I would be willing as would Mr. Booth, but I think the women are trying to be independent of the two of us. If you wish to maintain the Apache connection you might consider the centaur Qualtaqa, I believe he is finding the El Parador barn a bit confining and I know he has earned money from his recent trip to Europe with Arcade's Gang. You should probably discuss the idea first with your partners.”

Nanuet replies, "Minerva is a special woman and it seems the gods themselves have blessed our relationship. I had not dwelt on idea of her being a short lived human, but rather have decided to live in the moment. As far as the ranch is concerned, I agree that seems to be the best idea. Sonoma has done amazing work at the ranch but I have not been able to hold up my end. I will discuss this with Sonoma and Katherine and determine the best course for all."

Nanuet refills his glass of wine and then says "If I may change the subject I would like to ask you what you think about this whole town incorporation thing and about us non-humans making sure we have a say. As far as I understand the idea of females and non-humans being able to voice their opinions on town matters might be in jeopardy and I would like to see that it doesn't happen. I know how Kate feels and I know I would have her support in this endeavor.”

Gonzales replies, "The idea of females having a voice is not unprecedented. The entire Utah Territory allows women to vote and many communities in the other western States and Territories have as well. Other races....that's a different matter. I've heard of places that allow Dwarves and Halflings the vote. And that Civil war guaranteed the right to vote for Ogres. Orcs and Elves, that's another matter. In California anti-orc sentiment is now so strong that they are petitioning the United States Congress to pass laws ending all Chinese immigration. And most people consider elves to be savages out to kill all whites.

You asked my option. Obviously I would like a voice in the community that I live in, but I also realize that fighting for it could have a backlash against all of us regardless of the outcome. Evan Adair isn't the only one in town with a humans-only attitude."

Nanuet replies, "I understand what you are saying, things around here could get ugly I am sure. I personally don't know anything about politics and would be getting in over my head, but it was not that long ago that I didn't know anything about being a shaman either. I would like to ask some of the other non-humans and others who accept us to see what they think. Maybe there are enough of us to make a stand, and if we go about it the right way then hopefully things won't have to get too bad. I respect your opinion so if you tell me not to do it I will listen."

Gonzales says, "The best approach would be all or nothing, if they begin breaking it down into acceptable or unacceptable races then things will get even uglier and the likelihood of you, Cornflower Peck and Qualtaqa being allowed that opportunity will be next to nothing. The other key is to resolve the residency issue first, so that they know that half the Apache from the hills won't be marching into town and demanding a vote."

"OK, so first thing is to figure out is how residency will be determined. I didn't plan on doing things race by race, so we are on the same page there. Any ideas on how to get started first? I suppose a meeting with Judge Lacey might be a good idea."

Gonzales replies, "It can't hurt, mention that you work for Ruby, he's sweet on her. You might also want to wander over next door to Brown's Ice House and talk to Liza, that cute young woman who often dines here with her father and brother. She's engaged to Derik Avery, who sits on the Vigilance Committee. She's always been comfortable with the various races who congregate here."

"I think I will, and uh thanks for sharing the wine with me." Nanuet gets up and offers to shake the elder elf's hand before departing. He stops next door at Brown's Ice House. He knocks and asks to speak with Liza.

Hannibal Brown calls for his daughter. The freckle-faced brunette is wearing a brown dress with yellow gingham trim and a straw bonnet. "Hello Mr. Nanuet," she says, "looking to buy some ice? Did the Priestess buy an icebox for her cottage?" "Oh, just Nanuet please. Sure, I'd like to set up a regular supply if that is OK with you. Do you make regular deliveries?"

Nanuet discusses the particulars of getting set up with a delivery schedule and makes sure the business is done before moving the conversation to politics. "So, did you hear about the meeting they had yesterday? It seems folks like me might have our hands tied around here pretty soon." "What do you mean?" she asks quizzically.

He replies, "Well, if some people in power around here get there way only male land owners will have a say in the new government. People like you and me won't even have a vote. Even some of the business owners will have no say in what goes on. I think that would be a real shame and could cause some resentment." Liza talks to Nanuet for another fifteen minutes about the subject, agreeing with him on many points. She has spent a considerable amount of time at the El Parador and says that she would hate to see nice people like Pedro and Dorita to be treated unfairly.

Liza talks to Nanuet for another fifteen minutes about the subject, agreeing with him on many points. She has spent a considerable amount of time at the El Parador and says that she would hate to see nice people like Pedro and Dorita to be treated unfairly."

Minerva awakens to find that Nanuet has left. She reaches over and buries her face in his pillow, breathing in the memory of his scent. His spot in the bed is still warm, prompting her to stretch and smile as she sighs with pleasure. She daydreams back to the wonderful night before, and how he had fulfilled his promise to exert his influence upon her.

She looks up when she hears the rustling of feathers and greets her feathered companion. "The gods have truly smiled upon me, Luna. I am truly loved and loved truly. Time to spread the word." she says aloud and laughing in delight, she leaps out of bed, energized and ready to take on the day.

Minerva dresses and rummages through the icebox to find herself something to eat. She decides to visit Beatrice for a friendly chat, knowing that she always has her ear to the ground and will be able to fill her in on the local gossip. Most of the morning gossip from Beatrice Lee is about the upcoming Incorporation of the town and the various attitudes expressed thus far by her other tenants. Many of the miners who reside there have concerns about the Vigilance Committee taking over and imposing restrictive laws on the populace.

She says, "Si, I can certainly understand their concerns. I have many of my own. I was here when they tried to vote in that silly law about women having to be covered from neck to toe," she smiles optimistically. "But we must remember that the gods love all of their children. They will show us the way to enlighten the opposition." she sips her tea and thinks aloud. "Perhaps I should pay a visit to Senor Condon to check on the church's money to be sure that it is being kept safe."

Minerva continues to question Beatrice on how she thinks that each committee member will vote and any leverage that she might know of that would help sway them. "You have lived in Promise City far longer than I have, Bea and you are such an observant woman, a thief in the night could not make his way past you." she chuckles and smiles disarmingly. The two women sit amiably and chat for a while before Minerva rises and kisses Bea affectionately on the cheek. Gracias, mi amigo." She hugs her and makes her way to the bank.