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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-one, “The Cheater”, Friday, June 2nd , 1882, 10:00 P.M.

Ginnie heads over to the table "Can I bring you anything else?" Ginnie says as she begins to clear the table and looks for clues of who this woman is that would be here without anyone else. The woman looks up at Ginnie and softly says, "It is getting late and I must be going. You have done well my little bird. Please let Jake know that the neatly dressed man at his table is a wizard and is using magic to cheat."

She replies, “Thank you my teacher, I will let him know, the change is good but your eyes will always give you away. I would suggest leaving by the back a woman traveling alone always attracts attention in this town especially if she isn't know. Very Loudly Ginnie speaks "I'm sure that we could have our cook explain some of the ingredients to you it is a very good recipe but I wouldn't expect to get all her secrets if you could come with me we can go speak to Maria." With that she begins to clear the table and leads the way to the kitchen.

Ginnie comes out of the kitchen and brings Jake a glass and says, "You have a problem at your table. Our mutual friend informed me before he went to the kitchen that your well dressed patron is a wizard who is using magic to cheat." After Ginnie's warning Jake looks at Messier more carefully, remembering that Red had a medallion and wondering what this man was doing to help his game. Ginnie begins watching the wizard both to see if she can identify if it is some sort of item or spell and to see if she can pick up any tricks on hiding magic use at the same time.

Paul Messier looks at Jake and says, "So, that's it then?" Ginnie's focus shows a slight shimmer indicating magic use radiating from both of the man's metal cufflinks. "Seems like the prudent thing to do," Jake tells him. "Unless you really think that you want to go one on one with the dealer?"

Messier gestures to Job Kane's table and says, "It looks like he might now have space for another player." Job began the night with six players but is now down to three, namely town blacksmith Henry Weller, Phil Rogers who works at the Lucky Deuce mine and Dean Fryberg who works at the town's stamping mill. Jake replies, "Looks like he does. You can likely slide in between hands."

Ginnie grabs Melvin "I need you to do something without asking why can you do that?" Melvin nods yes to Ginnie. She says, “I want you to clear that table behind the man in the suit at Jake's table. Trip when you're behind him and spill the leftover beer down his back. Can you do that? I know it's not something you'd usually do and I'm sure that Jake will yell but he is only going to be acting ok?” Melvin nods and says, "Okay, but I really did want that job." She says, “Believe me if work is what your looking for I can easily make sure you have more than you'd ever need.”

Melvin heads over and starts to clear the table as instructed. Ginnie then slides behind Jake. "Cufflinks," she whispers as she moves away to clear a table across the room. Melvin skillfully trips and spills two mugs of beer, one half full and another a quarter full onto Mr. Messier's back, side and pants. The man jumps back and turns exclaiming "Imbecile!"

Ginnie runs over and begins pushing Melvin toward the kitchen and out of the line of fire "Go grab a mop! Sir please let us send you upstairs to clean up. I'm sure we can find some clean dry clothing for you and we will make sure to get your shirt freshly washed in the morning" Messier says, "Thank you Miss. I have done well at the table so think it is time to call it a night. I will take a room for the night if one is available."

Jake scowls at Melvin, "That is coming out of the boy's pay. Here let me help you out of your damp jacket." Jake stands to the mans right side behind him and attempts to remove the cufflink on that side with his jacket. Jake manages to get the cufflink unfastened from the shirt but Messier moves before Jake can get a firm grip on it and it begins to drop towards to the floor.

Knowing that Ginnie will be watching closely, Jake quickly swings his boot under the falling cuff link to keep it from making a sound on the wooden floor and launches it in her direction while turning Messier the other way to help with the other sleeve. Ginnie moves to intercept the cufflink. She fails to catch it with her hand and it bounces off of her arm and down towards the floor. She extends her leg and catches it with her book. Jake sees Ginnie move but Messier blocks his view of exactly what she did. However he does not 'hear' the cufflink hit anything.

Ginnie then exclaims "I can't believe he did that! Dumped Beer on him! Where is he with that mop!" She storms off into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen with the door closed she grabs Melvin, kisses him on the cheek and exclaims, "You did a great job!" Meanwhile Jake has no difficulty removing and pocketing the second cuff link.

Messier says to Jake, "So, can I get a room?" "Yes, of course you can. You certainly have earned it." Jake turns and calls out to Tom, "Show Mr. Messier to the third room on the right on the second floor." Turning back to cheating wizard Jake says, "I will be right up after him." Satisfied that Tom is leading him upstairs to a bedroom with no furniture in it.

Jake steps into the kitchen. "Boy!" he hollers and then in a normal voice, "you are convincing as a bumbling idiot. And you," he says pointing at Ginnie with an edge in his voice, "here is your other cuff link." He gives her a wink and a grin. As Jake turns to go he says over his shoulder, "You might come upstairs with Al Caine in a bit if he gets nasty. I got this thing about cheaters in my saloon....." With that he leaves the kitchen and makes his way to the room where he expects Messier to be starting a tantrum.

"Ok now the hard part" she says as she looks at Melvin "I need you to go to the El Parador and take these with you" She hands him the cufflinks "Try not to be seen but you need to get there fast. Find Mr. Gonzalas and tell him that Ginnie has asked you to have him put them in his room. Can you do that?" Melvin nods "And get back here as quick as you can, you did a great job and I'm sure that you don't have to worry about a job anymore, now go!" With that she shoves him out the back door grabs a mop and a pan of warm water and heads into the saloon. She places the mop behind the bar and starts up the stairs with the water.

Nakomo coninues to scrub tables while watching table three. Minerva continues to accompany the band with her flute. Her attention is drawn to Jake when she hears him bellow at the boy. She watches the scene unfold. She does not notice Jake remove the man's cufflink but she does see Ginney scoop it up and disappear into the kitchen with Melvin and Jake follow the man up the stairs. When the lively musical piece comes to a close, she thanks the band for allowing her to play and casually makes her way over to the staircase where she can listen upstairs.

Messier returns from upstairs complaining about there not being any furniture in the room he was directed towards and demanding another one instead. Jake says, "Stay with us a moment Tom." Jake moves to intercepts him coming down the stairs takes him back up. Jake then gives Messier a disarming smile and begins his lie. "Not much of a hotel without furniture, really. You know, there is a funny story about that. I am sure you know of people who perhaps are a little short on money,"

Jake allows himself to glance across the man's well worn clothing, "and they must make difficult decisions. Do I buy dinner or do I buy whiskey? We here at the Lucky Lady have grown so fast and we have had to make some of those same difficult choices. We will have furniture in all the rooms soon, but this month we had our own decision to make. Do we buy beds for the new rooms in the hotel...." Jake indulges himself and his smile takes on a certain predatory look, "or do we pay for a way to detect someone who is using magic to cheat at cards?" Jake spreads his arms indicating the room around him. "As you can see for yourself we did not choose furniture." While not taking his eyes off of Jake for the first time since the beer was spilled on him Messier crosses his arms, checking each sleeve for the missing cufflinks, with a shocked look crossing his face.

Jake then switches on his diplomatic charm. "I must be frank with you, I am appalled by your un gentleman-like behavior. You come into our saloon in the company of two other gentlemen and take advantage of them. One of which is my loyal customer Ned. What would he think about this? You sir, under the roof of the saloon that was partly owned by your benefactor the late Niles Hoover, undertake such activity that must make him look down and wonder about his generosity and be chagrined that you would treat his heir, the young Hoover boy, with such disdain.”

Messier’s jaw drops and he is about to speak with Jake continues, “You otherwise appear to be a well educated and respectable man, what could drive you to discard your principles in such a manner and reach to the depths moral depravity?" Inwardly Jake smiles at himself, maybe that was a bit over the top. Messier says, "Sir, I have no idea what you are talking about. I obviously need a bed to sleep in and if you do not have one here there I will be going."

"No? I am being too subtle perhaps?" Jakes expressions changes to one decidedly unfriendly. "My desire was to settle this in a civilized manner, and give you an opportunity to explain yourself or even show some remorse. Cheaters are not welcome in the Lucky Lady sir. Is that plain enough? Wizards are not viewed very kindly in this town either, but I have no wish to bring that kind of trouble upon your person. I am not a cruel man. If continue to deny what we both know is the plain truth, then I will have no choice than to forbid you presence in this establishment and warn my fellow saloon owners of your type of behavior. Have I made myself quite clear?"

Messier replies, "Yes sir, you do not wish for me to return. Very well, I will go and not darken your doorstep again. I assure you sir, that Mr. Walters was uninvolved with my.....participation in the game this evening." "Well you show some character at least." Jake replies. "Is Ned Walters a good friend of yours?"

Messier replies, "He is a competitor, whether at the poker game or in the mines. I only had two friends here in Promise City, both of my business partners and one of them is now dead. Good day to you sir." He attempts to get around Jake to head towards the door. "Niles Hoover?" Jake shakes his head, "You have a funny way of showing your friendship." As he heads toward the door Messier says, "Hoover's gone. I'll leave flowers at his grave."

"I am beginning to see why you are a man with only one friend left..." Jake lets him go but follows him out. Messier heads two doors down to the Comique, where his partner Dudley Jobin is at the bar having a whiskey. Messier walks over to Jobin and says, "Change in plans, let's get back to the mine."

After Messier is long gone, Jake shares much but not all of the story with Job Kane and Harry Rote. He leaves out any mention that Ginnie had any knowledge of magic. "Harry, what in blazes did Niles see in that man?" Harry says, "Can't say, that was one of Nile's deals that I wasn't involved with. I do know that back when we ran the bar at our own location it was Jobin rather than Messier who was a regular customer, so it could be that he was the one Niles dealt with." Jake says, "Something is strange about that man. Keep an ear open about him."

Jake makes sure that the staff understands the Messier is no longer welcome in the Lucky Lady because of his remorseful cheating. The nights wanes and the Lucky Lady is finally clearing out. Jake tells Ginnie they can talk tomorrow if she wants. As they take their leave, Jake follows Minerva and Nakomo outside into the street. "Nakomo, can the Senorita and I have a few minutes of privacy?" Nakomo shrugs "Sure, I will go on ahead, if you are willing to walk her home."

"That is not really necessary, Nakomo. I can find my own way home." she replies. The young elf gives her a firm look and says pointedly. "You said, it was not wise to walk alone in these times. Either he walks you home or I wait." Jake cannot help but smirk, "I am always willing to see an attractive Senorita home safely." "Si, I shall be about as safe as the hen who is guarded by the fox." she laughs good naturedly. When Nakomo's eyes begin to darken she reassures him. "It was a jest Nakomo! I will be perfectly safe with Senor Cook. You go on ahead. I will be home shortly."

Jake glances around to make certain there is no one nearby and then speaks to Minerva in a quiet voice. "There are a few things of which you ought to be aware," Jake says with a little bit of tiredness in his voice. "You need to keep them to yourself though. Wyatt Earp is still skulking around and looking for revenge on the Cowboy Gang members who were involved in the murder of his brother. That is a good news, bad news story. He came to visit me last night and shared some of what he has learned of late.

He believes that Fisk is now working with the Thayer gang in trying to take control of Promise City. I have long suspected Fisk of being one of the money men behind the Cowboy Gang but have nothing to prove it with. Earp also believes that there are more than one faction of the gang and they are at odds. He mentioned the Crazy-8 ranch specifically as not being part of Fisk's faction. He claims to have been trailing a gang member when he watched Martin and Berg being threatened by the Crazy-8 men, and says he shot to save their lives. Earp denies having cut Buckley's throat however."

"Earp did say that he witnessed two of the Thayer boys spying on Katherine's ranch from a distance and I warned Katherine about that." Jake runs a hand through his hair and chuckles, "I have told Chet and Katherine much of the same as what I am telling you, though I may have withheld a little bit here or there as necessary."

"Earp recommended that we just let the outlaws kill each other off. We also need to be careful what we do just about anywhere. Behan and Leslie are most certainly on the Gang's payroll and that makes out of town law enforcement decidedly one sided. Berg barely has a hold on the town, and he is strictly against vigilante style justice. That may be a noble position but with him so outnumbered he is certainly doomed without some help. Anyone who does help him may well find themselves arrested by him regardless of their good intentions."

"Earp will probably leave the area when Josie does. Secretly they are seeing each other. He is also intent upon punishing Madge Duprey for ratting out his most recent gang and causing the death of his other brother. I doubt that she was the cause of it, but I have no way of knowing for sure. She sent a letter indicating she had run off to Paris or somewhere and was never coming back. I do not know that I believe that either, but did not wish to suggest so in public. Earp thinks she is in Tucson." He pauses to take a breath and to let what he has told the priestess sink in.

The sign of the Lucky Lady catches his eye and he turns to look at it, temporarily lost in his own thoughts. He finds himself staring at the queen of hearts that makes up the 'a' in the sign. "My, but there certainly seems to be an awful lot going on in this town." she shakes her head and replies with a touch of sarcasm. "I do appreciate your filling me in on what is going on and am doubly pleased that you feel you can do so, so completely." she chuckles. "Tell me, Is it that you think that your secrets are safe with me or that perhaps we are of a like mind?" "Perhaps it is some of both." Jake draws his gaze back to Minerva.

She says, "I do not know much about any of these men except that they are trouble and that scoundrel Fisk is nothing more than a flannel mouthed liar. I think that Senor Earp has the right idea though, about letting them kill one another off, but we should keep a close eye on them just in case they need a little nudge in that direction. As for Marshall Berg, he is not one to beat the devils around the stump but I believe him to be a bit overly optimistic if he believes that "The Law" will prevail without a little help. I, like you senor, do not believe in waiting for divine intervention when something must be settled. After all the gods help those who help themselves, eh?" she winks.

"When they do, I find that to be the case. Fisk is much more than a liar, Senorita, do not underestimate him. He is the money and direction behind much of what the Cowboy Gang does. I know you have a personal distaste for Evan Adair, I do as well. Fisk is a far greater danger to our well being than that other snake in the grass." Jake clenches his jaw and then sighs, "Speaking of Adair, Berg told me that Fisk was successful in his appeal. Adair is now free again." Minerva let's loose with a string of oaths of profanity and then exclaims “I should have aimed more to the left." Jake looks at her curiously, not sure what to make of the outburst.

Minerva nods toward the Lucky Lady. "How are you faring in Ruby's absence?" He says, "Oh, uh, fine. Of course I miss her." He looks back at the saloon he bought so Ruby would have a place of her own. "I have been so busy of late I have hardly had time to think about her being gone," he lied. "I am sure she will be back soon," he lied again. "There are times when I miss her more than other times," he does not finish the thought out loud but inwardly thinks, like today on her birthday. Once again he finds himself staring at the queen of hearts on the sign. By force of will he turns to look at the priestess, "Have you heard from Nanuet?"

"No, I have not." she says biting her lip. "I am rather worried about the reception that he will receive from the Yavapai when he tells them what has happened but I am sure that the gods will guard him while he is away. " she says with more conviction than she feels. "Well here we are." she says as they reach her front gate. "Gracias for walking me home, Sr. Jake. My new ward takes his promise to Nanuet very seriously." she chuckles. "I am going to have to find something other than my well being to occupy his time. If you know of anyone who is looking for help, I think that a job would do him good."

"I could get him work at the mine I am sure, but that is foul work at best. We may need some more hands at the Lady, I have not completely figured out how we are re-staffing. If he is interested have him speak to me tomorrow." He bids her good night and makes his way home.

Ginnie waits till the end of the night to fill Job in on what she dealt with for business for the saloon " My estimate was a little off we only made a 27% profit increase over other nights but I was a little distracted for a while and we did end up needing to pay both the boys for the cleaning duty which cut into the tip money but I think it was worth it. If you give me a couple of days I'll pull together a plan to see if we can continue the increase and possibly sit down with Jake and discuss my increase in pay. See you tomorrow I've got a school report to present." with that she swings through the kitchen to grab one last cookie from the plate on the counter and heads not home but to the El Parador. it had been a very interesting evening

Once at home, Jake wanders about rather aimlessly seeming to avoid something. After staring blankly out the window for nearly ten minutes he sighs. He takes a bottle of tequila from the cabinet and slowly walks up the stairs. Jake removes the trunk that was covered by a cloth in the corner and disperses the contents around the room. He tosses a pillow on the floor and sits upon it, leaning back against the wall.

He pulls open the bottle of tequila and looks about at the eighteen attractively wrapped packages arrayed around the room. He drinks directly from the bottle and one by one stares at the packages. He imagines Ruby opening each one. He imagines her squealing with delight as she tears through the fancy paper and discovers the treasure within. He can see her hair bouncing and swinging about. He can hear her shrieks and laughter. He can even smell her perfume. Time slowly passes and is measured by the receding level of the tequila. Long after midnight Jake releases the bottle and slumps over into uneasy sleep.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-two, “Breakfast Gathering”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 8:00 A.M.

Kate woke in the morning still feeling tired. It had been a very busy week and it seemed it was all catching up with her now. The sun was much farther above the horizon that it usually was when she woke. Thankfully she had no obligations until she must be out at the ranch at noon. She dressed simply and went out to Laurie Gilson's for a bath. It was lovely to have a tub at home now, but for this morning she was going to let someone else do the work.

Kate was surprised to discover that Laurie Gilson wasn't actually in at the moment, having left her assistant Jules Huerta in charge of the Bath House for a few days while she and Judge Lacey were away on a trip of some sort. Jules is being assisted by Skip Weston, a former cowboy turned bouncer who lost his job in the Tombstone fire and then came to Promise City looking for work. A bath is drawn for Kate.

Once the bath was drawn and Kate was alone she removed her clothing and looked down at herself. True she had put on a few pounds, but Conrad was a little early in thinking she was showing. Her figure was still neat and slim although a little thicker than it had been. She could no longer see her ribs sticking out; her hips were once again full and round. For now she only looked healthy. It would be late in July before she truly began to take on an obvious shape.

The inspection complete, Kate stepped into the tub and sank down into the steaming water. She smiled to herself thinking of Laurie gone off with Judge Lacey. Apparently it was not nearly so taboo a thing here as back home. She'd been rather shocked by Clarisse going to Tombstone with Chester as well. She spent a good hour in that tub soaking away her own dark thoughts and emerged feeling more rested than she did after her night of odd dreams. Once she was dressed again she went over to the El Parador to get some breakfast.

Dorita says she will get Kate food and brings her out a cup of tea to start with. While Kate is waiting Chumbley comes by with the day's newspaper hot off the presses and sells a copy to her as well as the other five patrons. He asks Pedro about Sydney Sue and is told she hasn't come down for breakfast yet. Disappointed, Chumbley departs.

The main story on page one has the headline "Two More Ranchers Murdered". It tells of the deaths Thursday afternoon of Denny Garvin of the Thayer Ranch and Gordy Bryson of the Crazy-8 Ranch, both killed by rifle shots out at the Crazy-8 Ranch on Thursday afternoon. The story reads that two of the town's lawmen, Mitchel Berg and Chester Martin were present at the shooting but not directly involved. Three other ranchers present claim that the lawmen were indirectly responsible, that they had given a signal to their hidden ally to assassinate the men. The story confirms that none of the other three Deputy Marshall's could have been involved as they were in all town at the time with multiple witnesses.

The other front page story has the title "Election Fraud Attempted!" It actually tells of two separate accounts. The first is what Kate had heard the night before from Nate Caudell, of Bill Watkins attempting to bribe Dennis Winston. The other account is about the Alhambra's owner Steve Lord missing Wednesday morning's vote due to a telegram sending him to Benson to be with his dying father. Upon his arrival there he found his father to be in fine health. The Benson telegraph operator confirmed that the telegram was indeed sent from there but the man who sent it was not anybody known in the town.

The remainder of the newspaper is mostly advertisements, with three more candidates announcing their intentions to run for office. These are a quarter-page ad from Dennis Winston stating that he will run for Town Council. He says that if the Law and Order tickets asks him to he will be honored to join that party but otherwise he will run as an independent. Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter has a half-page advertisement announcing his candidacy for Town Marshall. And a full-page advertisement has been placed by Attorney Elihu Upton, announcing his candidacy for Town Council. He states that he has been a life-long Republican and has contacted the National Party about their support of the election.

There is a nice story on page four about the dedication ceremony of the Hoover School. The school is also mentioned in a page seven story stating that they have accepted the challenge from the Promise City School of Moral Values for a game of baseball on Tuesday afternoon, the game to be played at the field north of town.

Ginnie stumbles out into the room book in one hand cookie and glass of milk in the other red hair tussled and knotted and still in the clothing she had on last night. "Oh Hi Ma'am Kate, things got interesting last night after you left and when the saloon closed I needed to come here. Oh and we made 27% more profit last night over a regular night."

Kate's mouth dropped open for a moment, listening to the torrent of words coming out of Ginnie's mouth. The one thing that really registered was that she hadn't even known Ginnie hadn't come home. Kate had checked her room this morning, but she was so often up and doing before Kate rose that it wasn't unusual that she wasn't there. "I'm glad you at least knew to go somewhere safe if you weren't coming home. You're first night in charge was a success, then. But what was so important that you couldn't come home at night?"

Ginnnie sits down and begins to pull out a pinch of powder as Dorita snatches the cookie out of her hand and places a plate of eggs and flatbread in front of her "Breakfast then talk then bed no more cookies" Kate exclaims, "Haven't you been to sleep yet?" Ginnie replies, “Well I did fall asleep for a little while over one of the books I was looking at. After I closed up the Lucky Lady I came straight over to Mr. Gonzales’s library, I really needed to find out something, and I've been there ever since. When I woke up I realize that it would be breakfast time and I could have it here although I was hoping just to have cookies and milk but I guess Dorita has other ideas.”

Kate exclaims, "And thank goodness she does. You need to eat real food. At least you've had some sleep and I expect you to get some more after breakfast. In a bed. Is there a reason you didn't get Mr. Gonzales to help you?" Gonzales voice rings out behind Kate and says, "Probably because I was sound asleep in my own room."

He notices the powder in Ginnie's hand and says, "And I believe she would prefer to have breakfast over candle light before telling us what she has discovered." Ginnie does the honors of the candle and Privacy Spell. Once it is in effect Gonzales tells Kate, "Before leaving the Lucky Lady I, or rather the middle-aged woman seated near the stage, told Ginnie that I was tied and heading off to bed so I'm sure that is why she chose not to disturb me. I also informed her that one of Jake's customers was a wizard using magic to cheat, which I assume is what this all-night research project was all about."

The sunlight streaming through the open window strikes Jake's lidded eyes like sharp knives. He gently searches the top of his head in an attempt to remove the iron spike that must have been driven into it without success. Stiff and achy from having slept on the floor he moves slowly into a kneeling position where his stomach takes its turn in providing an unpleasant reprimand as well. He momentarily considers whether he should shoot himself in the head or go in search of hot black coffee. He decides that his Colt makes too much noise to shoot himself.

In clean but wrinkled clothes he presses his hat down keeping as much of the sun out as he can. He leaves his house headed for the Lucky Lady but forgets to turn. Halfway to the El Parador he realizes his misdirection but decides it is too far to walk to the Lady now. "Dorita can make coffee," he mumbles, "but if she tries any of that blasted hangover cure I swear I will shoot her." He takes a few more steps and remembers how much noise his Colt makes. He shrugs, winces from the ache and continues to the cantina. Inside he sits at the closest table, cradles his head in his hands and mumbles "Black coffee," to the first thing that resembles Dorita Figueres that walks by.

The coffee mug is banged on the table loudly before the words are finished coming from Jake's mouth. Dorita exclaims, "Coffee, Coffee! You no need coffee! You drink this instead.” When the bottle takes the man he runs to his mama when his mama not here he comes to me!" She then smacks another mug of coffee on the table and a plate of what looks like dry flat toast in front of him "HE stay away for days then no 'Good morning Dorita', no 'Hello Dorita', just "BLACK COFFEE" HUM!" With that she heads into the kitchen muttering in Spanish.

While Gonzales, Ginnie and Kate are talking Jake had staggered into the saloon, plopped himself down at the first table he saw and had the interchange with Dorita. "Ruby's birthday was yesterday," Kate said quietly, nodding toward Jake. "Is this something he needs to hear as well, Ginnie?" Ginnie looks at Jake "Yes he should know what I've found out but I'm not going near enough to him to tell him, at least not until he's had some of that coffee. So I'll catch you up on what happened after you two left then get him."

She turns to Gonzales and asks, "Will the candle still work if we start without him or would he need to be here for the whole thing?" He replies, "The candle will work if people come and go, it is the proximity to the table of the person that is the factor." Ginnie replies, "Okay then, let him get some coffee into him and I'll catch you up."

Ginnie then tells the two of them in excruciating detail the events of the evening before, from Gonzales clueing her into the magic to her identifying the cufflinks as a magical source, Melvin's beer dump, Jake's slight of hand the cufflink nearly hitting the floor and her getting the second one from Jake, getting the pair out of the Lucky Lady and the possibility of her having a full time job managing the saloon. "Well that brings you up to speed now we just have to make sure Jake can actually listen to a voice without his head shattering into a million pieces for the next part."

Kate replies, "You have been busy, haven't you? I'll go get Jake, it'll just be a minute." She got up and walked over to the table where Jake had sequestered himself, trying to step as quietly as her heeled shoes would allow. She kept her voice low as well as she said, "Jake? Ginnie has news for you. Come over and sit with us."

Jake looks up at her with blood shot eyes. He stares blankly for moment before he nods. With some suspicion the takes a mug that looks like coffee. After a deep breath he wills his body to rise and follows Katherine to the other table. He plops himself down in an empty chair, mumbles, "Morning," and with elbow on the table rests his head on one hand. With some trepidation he manages to sip the coffee.

"Good morning Mr. Cook," Gonzales states. "We asked you over here to discuss those magical cufflinks that you removed from your patron. Young Ginnie has spent the entire night researching them and I am just as curious as you to discover what she has found out about them."

She states, “At first I wasn't sure what I was looking for, if it was some kind of mind reading device, or a way to see through the cards, or something like that. What I finally figured out is it is very much like a small contained set of magic mirrors. You cast a spell, then pick a spot and activate the cufflink. The link then acts as a mirror that allows you to see where you activated the link like a mirror. I think he had one set up behind you Jake, so he could see your hand and another set up behind another player. That way he could win by knowing what you carried. Also the links are set so that only the wizard who cast the spell can see the mirror everyone else sees plain old metal cufflinks. Now can I have a cookie?”

Kate says, "You can have breakfast and get to sleep. After you get up you can have a cookie. Don't forget, we're having guests out at the ranch at noon to practice for that ridiculous baseball game.” Ginnie pouts and states, “But I don't want breakfast, I don't want to go to bed and I don't know if I want to learn how to play baseball.” She pauses and then says, ”Hey! Can I use magic while we're playing so that those close-minded spoilt human-only brats lose?

Kate replies, "I don't want to learn how to play baseball either, but I'm going to. I've done a lot of things I don't want to; you'll get used to it. I didn't want to eat at all for a few months so I didn't. You saw what that did. And we will not be using magic to make sure they lose. If they win, they win. I won't stoop to cheating to show them up. They only time I'm worried about doing better than them is when it comes to education. Don't go to bed if you don't want to, but don't blame me if you're tired and cranky all day. Breakfast is non-negotiable. But there might be a cookie at the end of it."

Kate turns to her hung over friend and asks, “Did you confront this man about the cheating Jake? Will he be back?" Jake rubs his eyes before responding. "The man was mean spirited and showed no remorse." Jake relates the conversation with him. "There was something about him that suggests I have not seen the last of him." Jake has another long drink of the coffee. "I will not be returning Messier his little toys, though I prefer not to be suspected of cheating at cards. Ginnie, you can keep them if you like. You earned them. Even though you do not normally wear a mans shirt cuff, I suspect you can find a way to use them."

"I wish I had heard the conversation myself. From what you're saying it sounds like that man was at the Lady on reconnaissance. For Evan Adair, maybe?" Kate said uncertainly. Gonzales replies, "Or perhaps he was just there to cheat at cards. He shows up there on the night when it is the most busy, when one of the partner's has just died and another partner is out of town. It could just be that he suspected the Lucky Lady of being an easy mark. And he would have probably been right if I had not been there in disguise. From what I heard Adair didn't know he was going to be released from Tombstone until mid-morning on Friday, setting things up for that evening with miners living a different direction from town strikes me as a little soon even for Adair."

Jake looks back at her dully, his throbbing mind not really working very well yet. "Adair?" Gonzalez responds and Jake pretends to agree with his assessment and nods his head. Then he immediately wished he had not. Adair, he thinks to himself, I will have to think about that.
He nurses his coffee and his head while the others currently better able to think do so.

Kate states, "I suppose I'm just getting suspicious in my old age. It's lucky you were there, and I'm ashamed I didn't realize it." He says, “He replies, "Well, there is a lot I have not had a chance to teach you yet. You have been rather busy." She replies, "That's no excuse, I should be making the time. I'll be here tomorrow afternoon, ready to study."

Kate turned to Ginnie with a softer look and said, "And you've done brilliantly figuring out how those cufflinks worked, never mind working with Jake to get them in the first place. Just humor me and take care of yourself today after your hard work."

Gonzales says, "I'll head upstairs with her. I have that potion that makes a person feel like eight hours rest after just one which I think this calls for." He turns to Ginnie and says, "You've done a remarkable job thus far but there are still some key elements to those cufflinks that you haven't identified such as the command words. We'll work on that this morning and still get you out to the ranch in time for baseball. I've never played it myself but I've seen Doctor Eaton and his boys practicing it before and it looks like fun."

Chester comes down the stairs from his room. He stops by the El Parador for breakfast. Dorita will have my head if I don't. He smiles and shakes his head. Chester notices the group sitting at the table. He waves and Kate waves in return. She motions for him to join them. He sees the candle on the table and nods. Pulling up a chair, the lawman enters the silent bubble. He says, "Morning everyone."

Gonzales states, "Good morning Deputy Marshall. I was reading in the newspaper that you've been knee-deep in dead ranchers. Care to share with us what is going on?" He gestures towards the candle, indicating that they have some privacy for this discussion.

Chester clears his throat and speaks, "A couple days ago, we found Claude Buckley murdered near Sam Slade's place. I don't know if you know, but he was one of the rabble-rousers who wanted to lynch Nakomo and the other Indians. The Marshall recognized him, so we rode out to the Crazy-8 to talk to his ranch hands. Not only did they not want to talk, but 2 of them, Bryson and Garvin point rifles at us.

While we're trying to talk them out of shooting us, someone else shoots them down. Mitch gets Wagner into the ranch house, while I go after the gunman. I catch a glimpse of him, a guy in a brown jacket riding an Appaloosa. He saved us from Bryson, but Garvin was lowering his rifle. I reckon he killed Buckley, but I've heard that isn't true. I found tracks coming from Hamilton Fisk's house leading to the body, so I'm going there next."

Kate states, "We've suspected Fisk is the money behind the Cowboy Gang for some time. This sounds like more evidence of a couple different factions vying for power. I recognized one of the men in the lynch mob as a Gang member. Those killed also didn't choose to join the town, but I'm not sure that's a factor.” Chester replies, "That's what I thought at first, too. But what I've heard recently gives me pause."

Kate adds, “I was also told that men from Thayer's ranch have been watching our ranch. I have no idea why, but I'm going to warn Sonoma about it later today." Chester asks, "Anything unusual happen out there, Kate? You need some protection?" She answers, "Nothing unusual, just a lot with cattle and horses and planting. I don't know if we need protection. For now we'll have to keep our eyes and ears open and our guards up."

Chester scratches his chin. "Then why would they be watching the ranch? They must be looking for something. It'll be a good idea to find out what that is before they do." Kate replies, "I don't know, Chester. It could have to do with us having put a large number of Cowboys underground. It might be because our ranch is owned by women, elves, and dwarves. Or it might be because our ranch stood for giving all races the vote. Or it could be something else entirely." Chester states, "I don't like it. They could start shooting at you at any time. What do you say about me paying these guys a visit?"

Kate says, "I say no, truth be told. If we tip them off that we know we may never find out why. I doubt they'll be forthcoming if you asked them." Chester gives a grim smile. "Who said anything about asking them anything? I'd rather just scare them off. But if you think that would tip them off, then I'll hold back. Should the Marshall take the advice of Jake's visitor and not look into Buckley's death? People are going to ask questions if he does." Kate replies, "That's up to you, Chester. He was probably right, if we let them to themselves they'll probably take care of the problem for us. But letting that kind of thing go sets a bad precedent."

Ginnie states, "It could also be that the birth rate for the animals at the ranch is about 200% more than normal and they want to figure out why and what's going on. That kind of expansion is money in the bank especially if they can figure out how it's being done. If nothing else they may be thinking of acquiring some of the "extra" stock and with so many it would be easier to nab a few head. Sonoma told me that when the mother still has at least one to feed she won't make as much of a fuss if one is missing"

Kate sighed. "We need to start branding. And we need to hire on hands. I don't know where we'll find people we can trust or how we'll pay them but it's going to more than we can handle very soon. We should probably name the place, too."

Minerva had risen with the sun gives thanks to her gods and goes out to work in her garden. Nakomo comes to the door looking very much the teenager, with his tussled hair and a distaste for the early hour evident in his chocolate eyes. "You are up very early Senorita Minerva." he says reprovingly. You should have woken me. I would have done the gardening." Minerva straightens and sits back on her haunches, wiping the hair from her eyes with the back of her dirt covered hand. "It is not necessary for you to do everything Nakomo. Besides which, I like gardening. It busies the hands and free's the mind for thinking."

She stands and wipes her hands on her apron. "I have been up for a while and so have had time to contemplate a great many things. I think that a job for you is a fine idea. I spoke to Senor Jake about it last evening and he sounded like he could find you work. You should speak to him about that later today after you have enrolled in school. Nakomo startles at this proclamation and Minerva raises her hand, blocking his protest.

"I will brook no argument, Nakomo. The spirit knows that its growth is the real aim of it's existence and education is paramount to that growth. Now I know that you are concerned about how you will pay for it, but I am sure that we can work out an arrangements with the Hoover school. Come let's have some breakfast and then we will go out to the desert and continue your weapon's training." Upon their arrival Manuel Gonzales waves Minerva and Nakomo over to the rapidly filling table and gestures for them to have a seat.

While the group is eating breakfast Josiah Arcadiam (Arcade) and his wife Morgana enter the El Parador in the company of two men. The first of these men is Hans Schmidt, the pilot for Arcade's Gang and a former resident of the El Parador. The other is the man is recognized by Kate and Chester as Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. They take a seat at the far end of the room. Manuel Gonzales excuses himself and goes to join those four. Kate, Ginnie and Minvera all notice that Morgana lights a candle and casts the Privacy Spell for that table. Ginnie watches the other group carefully trying to decide if the privacy spell works on the way people see others speaking as well or if it is just the verbal that it masks it and also is listening with half and ear still watching the other table.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-three, “Come Saturday morning, I'm goin' away with my friend”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 9:00 A.M.

Ginnie continues to observe Gonzales and his companions while Kate and Chester talk. Chester says, "I agree with you, if we let this be, then more cowboys will end up dead on our doorsteps. Not to mention people feeling that Buckley's death was because he didn't want to join the town. That's how rumors start."

The Halfling Sydney Sue come down from upstairs and takes a seat at the bar on one of the higher barstools. Manuel Escobar and his wife Rosita come in with Frank Condon and the three of them sit down at a table near the door.

Kate says, "I should go. I have work to do out at the ranch before our guests arrive. We can talk some more about this when our suffering companion is recovered. You'd think I'd have dealt with this kind of thing often enough now that I would know what to do." Jake only flicks his eyes in her direction with the slightest rise of a single eyebrow.

Kate shook her head. "I'll see you later at the ranch, Ginnie. We'll be having a picnic and I'm sure there will be some cookies. Feel better, Jake.” He half-heartedly waves a hand in her direction.
“Good morning, Chester," she said as she rose and left the table. Chester says, "Have a nice day, Kate. If you see Sonoma, tell her about Thayer's men. And you keep your eyes peeled, too. OK?

Kate said a pleasant "Good morning," as she passed the table where Manuel Escobar sat with his wife and Frank Condon. "Good morning to you Mrs. Kale," Frank Condon replies with a smile. The Escobars also give her a pleasant greeting before going back to their conversation with Frank. She returned the smile and filed that small occurrence away in her mind for further thought. As a member of the Vigilance Committee she had never been quite sure just what Frank Condon was all about.

Instead of going straight home Kate stopped and registered to vote first, not wanting to somehow forget to do it. When she returned to the house she changed into the pants she'd bought from Judge Lacey during the first days she was here. They still had plenty of room in them. After that it was a short walk back to the El Parador to get Meribel and on to the ranch.

As Kate is getting her horse from the El Parador stable a strange man rides up. He is tall, with long dark hair flowing down his back, dark eyes and a dark mustache. He has on a tan long coat, high boots and light brown cowboy hat. On his belt are two colt revolvers with the handles facing forward. His horse is rugged looking with four full saddlebags. He hitches his horse up to one of the rails and removes one of the saddlebags, putting it up on his left shoulder and heads towards the front door of the Cantina.

As Kate led Meribel out she said loud enough to be heard, "That's a beautiful horse. They'll treat you well inside, there's no better food in town than in the El Parador." He looks back towards Kate and with a distinctly Texas accent says, "Thank you Ma'am. I trust I can get a room here as well?" "Of course. It's the weekend and they get quite full, but Dorita should be able to find room for you. I lived here for several months myself and I still miss it sometimes. I'm Mrs. Katherine Kale."

"Timothy Courtright", he replies. He then asks "And could you tell me where I would find the Marshall's Office?" Kate pointed out the Great Western Boarding House across the street from the El Parador, then finished, "That building right across from it is the Marshall's office. One of the Deputy Marshals is inside the El Parador now. Ask for Deputy Chester Martin." "Thank you Ma'am," he replies. Kate nodded, got up on Meribel, and started out for the ranch. She kept her eyes carefully open and aware while making the short trip.

He makes his way inside the Cantina and looks around until he sees the man wearing the badge. He then heads over to the bar and gets the attention of Dorita. "Can I help you?" she asks. He says, "Yes Ma'am, my horse is in your stable now and I would like a room if you have one." She replies, "I have guests just stay last night, room will be open later." "Very well, I'll be back later then."

Jake glances up at the man and then goes back to rubbing his eyes. "If you do not mind Chet, I will just stay here." The man makes his way over to the table where Jake and Chester are sitting and looking towards Chester asks, "Are you Deputy Martin?" Chester looks up at the man. "Yeah, I am. Can I help you?" He holds out his hand and says, "Hello, I'm Timothy Courtright, former City Marshall of Fort Worth. I'm here in town to see your Marshall Berg. Would you be able to take me to him?" Chester replies, "Sure. I'm pretty much finished up here. I'll see you later, Jake." Jake grumbles something in reply.

When Gonzalez appears finished at the other table, Jake motions to him to come back while the candle is still burning at the table where Jake is seated. The two are alone at the table and Jake says, "Earp came to see me. Among the things that I learned was that he still believes that Madge and Mr. Austin were responsible for the attack on Earp's gang and his other brothers death. I told him again that I did not believe that Madge had the courage to turn him in. I have no idea if he is listening to me. I know that Madge is gone, at least temporarily.

Her boy friend believes it is forever, if that was her intention that he believe that. Earp thinks that she sent the letter from Tucson so will go there when he is done in Promise City. I know that Austin will be safe, and likely so will Madge but I wanted to make sure you knew." Jake closes his eyes against the throbbing headache and then sips some more of the black coffee. "That is all."

Gonzales says, "Madge should be safe. She is now in Europe, but not where somebody would think to look for her. Plus she is now using a new name." He then says, "I am glad that you dealt with that cheater. I hate to see wizards acting unethically. It gives us all a bad name." Jake looks up surprised. "I was not all that harsh with him, I suppose I should have been harder. Thought I would give him a chance to explain. He was not in the mood. I have a bad feeling he will be trouble soon." Jake shrugs.

Gonzales replies, "You did fine under the circumstances. One other thing about wizards is that it is not a good idea to back them into a corner. Letting him leave was probably the safest course of action for you." Jake was about to say that Mr. Colt did not really care if he was a wizard or not, but thought better of it. "I trust losing his cufflinks and being discovered was enough of a deterrent for now."

Gonzales replies, "I should think so, it usually is. No wizard wants to be exposed to the law. My main job here at the El Parador is to make sure that no magic is being used for cheating, there's no reason why I can't expand those duties to your place as well, although I think I should teach Ginnie and Kate to refine some of those skills as I had done for Ruby and Sonoma."

"That is mighty generous of you. Even though I do not back away from a challenge, that is one area way beyond my understanding." Jake finishes his coffee. "The kid did a fine job and did not even put herself in any risk. Smart one, she is." Manuel says, "Smarter still for your partner Job to recognize her potential. Job's card games have been off ever since Hoover died, as he's been too distracted trying to be manager to play. Last night Ginnie told him not to worry and to enjoy playing again, which he did. Obviously the customers won't respect a twelve-year-old girl as the manager, most of the employees probably won't either, but if you keep Job as the 'figurehead' and let Ginnie make the decisions you should be rolling in money soon enough."

"If that is what they desire, that is fine by me. I have no appetite for running a saloon." Jake gently scratches his head. "You probably knew that though," and manages a smile regardless of his state. "I just fix it when it is broken." He then manages to stand, easing himself out of the chair. "I better have myself a few more hours sleep. Thank you again for your help. I will see you around town Senor." Gonzales says goodbye to Jake and heads back upstairs. Just as Jake is getting up to leave Count von Zeppelin and Mr. Schmidt head across the room to depart as well. After speaking with Manuel Gonzalez, Jake slowly makes his way back home. He climbs into bed and spends the better part of the daylight hours in and out of sleep.

Chester and Courtright walk to the office. "What's your business with the Marshall, if you don't mind my asking?" He replies, "I'm looking for information about the New Douglas Gang, I figure he's the best place to start." Chester whistles. "The New Douglas Gang, huh. I haven't heard about them in months. You're from Fort Worth, right? That mean they're in Texas?"

Courtright replies, "No. Colorado actually. Robbed a bank up there two nights ago. The bank owner has contacted me to help hunt them down. One thing I've learned is that people on the run usually touch base with people in their former lives. Since most of his gang was from this area I thought this would be the best place to start." Chester replies, "I haven't seen any of them recently. Not since the day the bank here got robbed. One of them put a whole bunch of shotgun pellets in my side."

Berg arrives and Courtright explains why he is there, stating that the Bank manager had sent his detective agency a telegram hiring them to find where the New Douglas Gang had escaped to.
Courtright spends the next half-hour getting whatever detail he can from the two lawmen about Pinto Joe Weams, Mongo Bailey, Pamela Yeats and Sally Fox. At the conclusion of the interview he says "I think that I'll poke around your town some more today and maybe head over to Galeyville tomorrow."

Berg says, "Be careful, Galeyville is a dangerous place for an ex-lawman to head off to alone." "Nothing I can't handle," Courtright replies. Chester adds, “The Cowboy Gang has been hit hard, but they're still trouble." Courtright thanks the lawmen and then departs.

Once he is gone Berg says, "Chet, the answer to my prayers may have just fallen into our laps." Chester points to the door. "Him? He's looking for the New Douglas gang." Berg replies, "Right, and has reason to believe they might show up around here. I doubt that, but with Courtright in the area our mystery killer may decide to move on, which would suit me just fine. Chet, this town is a powder keg at the moment and we're barely keeping it from exploding. A lawman with Courtright's reputation probably can't hurt to have around."

He replies, "Gotcha, Mitch. Maybe we can get him to stay at a hotel here, instead of Galeyville. I heard that the killings are about two splinter groups of the Cowboy Gang fighting each other. And that we shouldn't get involved. I don't like that. Buckley was killed here. If we let that go, then who knows what could happen. Like you said, the town's on edge with the election and all. I want to interview Fisk. The tracks led from there."

Berg replies, "I agree. He should be up by now, let's go pay Mr. Fisk a visit." Chester and Berg stop by Fisk's home. Berg knocks and calls out, "Fisk? It's Marshall Berg and Deputy Martin. Can we ask you a few questions?" Fisk is still wearing a terrycloth bathrobe when he comes to the door, although the aroma of coffee indicates that he has been awake. He doesn't invite them in, instead saying "What do you want? Come to arrest me now for filing Adair's appeal I suppose."

Berg says, "No. Do you know Claude Buckley? He was murdered not far from here." Fisk says, "Yeah, I knew him, served as his lawyer once around a year ago back when Marshall Hollister bring him in. I read about his murder in the papers, no real surprise given that Wyatt Earp is still on his personal vendetta against all suspected cattle rustlers."

Chester adds, "When did you last see him? We found tracks leading from the body back to here." Fisk replies, "I know that, I saw Dick Lester bring his hearse wagon to the hill back there. Buckley had paid me a visit Wednesday afternoon about a legal matter. While he was here I tried to talk him into having his ranch join the town but he was solidly against it. Now if you want his killer then stop bothering me and go catch Wyatt Earp. And if Earp needs a lawyer I'll offer to defend him for free, I could use the publicity."

Berg asks, "Care to enlighten us as to this legal matter?" Fisk replies, "Now Marshall Berg, as an attorney you of all people should understand the value of attorney-client confidentiality." Berg answers, "That doesn't extend beyond death." Fisk says, "It does for this, it also concerns his ranch hands, at least some of whom you and your friends haven't managed to kill yet."

Chester asks, "What makes you think that Earp's behind this? If I were him, I'd have high-tailed it out of here. " Fisk replies, "What makes me think that? The man is insane, that's what. He's been murdering everybody he suspects of cattle rustling. And if you two were any kind of lawmen you would have stopped him by now! Unless you're planning to arrest me I think we're done here. Good day to you."

Once Kate arrived at the ranch she sought out Sonoma to update her and find out what needed doing. Sonoma gestures to the horse corral and a now familiar looking Appaloosa horse and says, "He told me about the men who were watching the ranch when he dropped off his horse this morning. He says they aren't up there now. Flint sent Naki-Yai up into the mountains to find out what the Apache may have seen as well. We should probably think of branding the horses just in case."

She then gestures to Earp‘s mount and says, "We need somewhere else to keep that horse. Chester saw it and probably Marshall Berg too. If he sees it we could get in some serious trouble.
The cattle should be branded too. Ginnie suggested they might be watching because of our high success rate in breeding, and it's in the gang's nature to rustle cattle. I hope the Apache might have an idea. I have too many theories to make sense of anything. Some guests will be coming out this afternoon. The school for 'Moral Values' challenged us to a baseball game and we need to do a little practicing."

The two women talked for a while longer, Kate agreeing they needed to have a brand made and get their animals marked. Then she got down to helping with the ever-growing list of chores and kept herself busy until near noon when people would begin to arrive.

Minerva and Nakomo spend a productive morning target shooting in the desert. They decide to reward themselves with lunch at the Lucky Lady. "Maybe Mister Cook will be there and I can talk to him about that job." Nakomo says hopefully. "Si, and then you can seek out Senora Katherine and speak to her about enrolling in school." Minerva reminds him. They ride back to town, Luna following in their wake and order themselves lunch at the Lady.

They are almost finished their meal when they are joined by Father Thomas Valdez, Rufus Davis and Anita Ramirez to plan the next day's wedding ceremony. Minerva smiles brightly. "Buenos Noches, Padre, Senor Davis, Senorita Ramirez. I am pleased that you are here. We do not have much time left before the ceremony tomorrow." Minerva motions to the chairs. "Por favor, sit so that we may discuss the final details."

When everyone is seated she continues. "Senorita Ramirez, do you plan to wear the traditional roman wedding garb or were you thinking of something more Elven?" Anita says, "We want this ceremony to be a mix of both cultures. Roman garb would be fine but I would want to wear my Grandmother's hand-woven Mexican shawl with it if that is acceptable."

Minerva replies, "Si, So long as you wear the knot of Hercules about your waist, little else is of real consequence. I am sure that wearing your grandmother's shawl would be pleasing to the gods. After all weddings are about the importance of family and wearing your grandmother's shawl shows that you hold family dear.

The most important part of your attire is the knotted belt which is tied about your waist to invoke Hercules blessing. He is the guardian of wedded life and it would not do to neglect him at such an auspicious time. You must remember that only your husband may untie this knot at the appropriate time." she winks. "You should also wear the traditional flame colored veil. The veil is topped with a wreath of flowers, which you must gather yourself as a tribute to the gods. Now, have you given any thought to the ceremony itself?"

Father Valdez says, "I spoke to them about the use of need to sing the Song of Joining to the Central American deities. Beyond that Rufus is looking to have this be a traditional ceremony of your church." She replies, "It is important to honor all the gods. Where would you like to hold the ceremony?" Valdez says, "Actually, we were thinking of holding it at your church but having the reception afterwards in the floral grove behind my church." She says, “That is a wonderful idea! The floral grove is so beautiful! It would be a grand place to hold the ceremony as well if you prefer that."

Anita is in favor of that idea and Rufus relents and says, "If you find that appropriate Priestess then we can do that." While they are talking Conrad Booth enters the Lucky Lady in the company of Josephine Marcus. They sit at a table over by the stage.

The young priestess enthusiastically rubs her hand together. "It is settled then. I will leave the decorating to the bride and groom. Now let us discuss the ceremony." She details the traditional Roman Church ceremony for them adding in the native American bonding ceremony. "Now we shall have a toast." she orders a bottle of wine and pours a glass for each of them. She spills a small amount on the floor to honor the gods and raises her glass in a toast. "To Love, Life and Happiness eternal. May you have them all!"

They toast the upcoming marriage. Rufus says that he has to get over to the Billiard Hall as he's usually open by now. Anita grabs both Minerva and Valdez by the hand and gives them each a squeeze. She exclaims, "Thank you both! This will be the wedding I always hoped for. I have to go see my brothers now about the reception. Good day." She hurries off.

After they run off Father Valdez smiles at Minerva and says, "So, I hear that my friend Father Silas Oraibi Barnes will be paying you a visit early next week." She says, "Pardon?" I had not been informed. Did he say why he was coming?" Valdez replies, "He said that you were hosting the training session with your Bishop this month, just as he hosted you last month at his church up in Flagstaff."

Minerva slaps the palm of her hand on her forehead. "By the gods, how could I have forgotten? There has been so much going on lately I completely forgot he was coming! Did he say how many would be attending? Will you be attending Padre?" Valdez replies, "I was hoping to attend. While I am not a Priest of your church I have always tried to take an ecumenical outlook. In fact, when this town first got started I set up a section of my church with an altar for the Greek and Roman gods so that the first humans in town would have a place to honor their deities. It has been a few years since I last saw Father Barnes, he and I are actually distant relatives."

She replies, "Really?! My what a small world! How are you related?" Valdez replies to Minerva, "My grandfathers were both Spanish soldiers with Coronado who came through this region 341 years ago. Father Barnes also is a descended of Spanish soldiers through his maternal grandparents, and one of those soldiers happened to be the same man."

When lunch is finished. Nakomo inquires as to the whereabouts of Mr. Cook but is told that he hasn't been in yet. He and Minerva head over to the school house to enroll Nakomo but find that no one is there either since it is a Saturday. Minerva gives him a stern look. "We will return first thing Monday morning. In the meantime it is a beautiful day and Shadow could use some exercise. Let us go for a ride." They make their way to the stable and mount up, while Minerva, using her ability to speak with animals once each day, chats with the horses. "It is too fine a day, Shadow, too fine to be stuck in this place. Tell what is new in the stable. Any gossip of interest?" she says patting his muzzle.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-four, “Visitors at the Ranch”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 12:30 P.M.

The Caudell and O'Hara families arrive at Kate’s ranch. Meghan has brought her entire family, including her brother-in-law Shamus who Kate had only met briefly a few times. Kate has gotten to know all seven of the O'Hara girls due to the school where the youngest six are enrolled and also Shannon from the other night plus visits to the Kelly's store where Shannon works. But this is the first time Kate has gotten to really meet Meghan's two boys, as her eldest Patrick works at the mine with his Uncle Shamus while the toddler Shamus is too young for school so stays with Mrs. Tolucca during the day.

They are soon joined by Roger and Janet Fly who ride out to join the picnic and watch the practice. Roger apologizes for the other Committee members not being able to join them but says that as a result of the Tombstone fire both Neil and Travis are working almost around the clock to get more building supplies made, Cole Rixton is out straight making bunk beds for Count von Zeppelin’s workers, and Rufus Davis is planning his next day's wedding.

Kate says, "Oh no, it's perfectly alright. I'm glad to have you and Janet here, and of course it's important to get the people of Tombstone settled as soon as possible." Kate made the rounds greeting everyone, taking a bit of extra time with Meghan's male relations since they'd never met. Finally she said to Meghan, "You wanted a look around if I remember correctly?" Kate organizes a tour of the ranch while Sonoma discretely moves Wyatt Earp's horse off into Flint's cave.

Kate decided to forget about her discomfort with the whole idea of the baseball game and just enjoy having guests. She took those who were interested through the barn and corrals, pointing out the best of the stock and talking about what they had been doing, (leaving out any mentions of magic, of course.) Her pride in the place was obvious, although in the back of her mind she realized she was also taking the first steps in "selling" the place. People wouldn't know they could get a well trained horse from Kate Kale unless she told them.

She made sure it was clear that Sonoma did the lion's share of the work out here, especially as they looked over the cattle. "This is what I came here to do," she said finally. "Although I find teaching quite to my liking as well."

Following the tour they spend the next hour practicing baseball, with Shamus O'Hara and Nate Caudell acting the part as coaches. Kate is taught how to play the role of catcher. Mollie proves to be an excellent pitcher. Melvin, Colleen and Kathleen work out a comfortable arrangement working the three bases, although Nate suggests that for the Tuesday afternoon game that Melvin play center field instead as he could cover most of the outfield and the right and left fielders would only have to throw balls to Melvin to pitch in instead of having to throw them to the infield themselves. Ginnie has as little to do as possible with the practice although with the parts she participates with she does quite well.

The adults and Ginnie finish practicing while Colleen, Kathleen and Melvin continue to teach the three youngest O'Hara girls the finer points of the game. Kate turned to Mollie and said, "Why don't we go into the house and get the lunch together? Everyone must be hungry now that they've gotten all that exercise." The meal is quickly reheated, having already been fully cooked by Dorita. They are joined by Sonoma and Flint for the meal. Janet Fly says a blessing to the Greek and Roman Gods. Kate sat quietly through Mrs. Fly's blessing, quite practiced at looking pious while not participating.

Flint points out that the Norse, Native American and Central American deities also bless the land and are worshiped by the respective owners of the property. "You are quite right," Roger Fly states, "Sonoma, Flint, we would be honored to hear your blessings as well." "Please," Kate said encouragingly. "Our ranch is blessed by many gods, they should all be honored."

Prayers are stated to the other deities. Everybody enjoys the food and the meal conversation is kept light. Near the end of the meal Janet Fly asks Kate, "So, are any of these horses for sale? And do you give riding lessons?" Kate replies, "The horses are for sale, except for a few that are our personal mounts and some that are work horses. I've improved the training on many and there are a few that had received no training before at all.

I have not given lessons, but I'd be more than happy to give lessons if anyone wanted to learn. I ride astride but I could teach a lady to ride side-saddle. I have to say that I agree with my husband about that, however. It's just unsafe, no matter how skilled you are." Janet replies, "It is just so peaceful out here, I wouldn't mind spending every Saturday out at this ranch. And some of your animals are beautiful. When I was a girl my Grandmother had horses, although I was too young and never got to ride any of them. But I would feed them carrots and sugar cubes. Roger always rents a buggy from drovers to go places, like today, but I would really rather be riding my own horse."

Roger Fly adds, "And spending at least a day away from my brother and sister-in-law wouldn't hurt either I suppose." Janet blushes and says, "Oh Roger, your family are fine. I don't mind having them under our roof, it's the least we can do for them after they lost everything in Tombstone. And Buck is better than you with the photography." Roger looks like he is about to say something else but decides to refrain.

Kate let the bit of marital byplay pass. "Sometimes you need a quiet place to go. I imagine running a boarding house doesn't leave you much time for peace. I wish I could spend more time here rather than in town, but that isn't to be for some time. If you wish to learn to ride I'll be glad to teach you. I plan to be here most Saturdays and Sundays.” Janet replies, "Sunday is the day to worship the Gods but I would love to spend my Saturday's out here with you."

Kate says, “I suggest investing in a pair of pants. If that idea makes you too uncomfortable talk to Mary Kelly about a split skirt. Much of the control you have over a horse comes from your knees, so it's better if you have one on each side of the horse." Janet answers, "I will see Mrs. Kelly about that this afternoon. Would it be possible to change clothes out here? I wouldn't want any members of my sewing circle seeing me wearing pants, it's so unladylike." Kate brushed a crumb off the pants she was wearing. Small steps are better than no steps at all. "That's no trouble at all. I'd bring some stout boots too if you have them."

She replies, "I should be able to get a pair from Frye's." She turns to her husband and says, "Oh Roger, this is so exciting! I'm going to be a rider! Let's go pick out a horse!" He replies, "I would suggest that you hold off on that for a few weeks. Try riding several of them first to see which one best suits you."

Kate says, "Not many have that opportunity; you might as well take advantage of it. They have personalities of their own and finding one that suits you will make learning much easier. You could go take a look at them though and get used to being around them." Janet and Roger Fly got up and went back over to the horse corral, she pointed excitedly at different animals and they ignoring her in favor of grazing. Kate let out a long breath and sat next to Mollie Caudell. "I hope you don't mind my unladylike pants," she laughed softly. "Of course, I never did argue they weren't unladylike, just convenient. How are you doing today?"

Mollie says "Well, my pitching arm is a little sore, I was out of practice. It's nice to be throwing a baseball around again. Back in the war we would play the game in our off-time, that's where I first learned how. After our boys were born we continued, it's a fun game for a family.

When the Nash County League got going Nate fielded a team with him and the boys from the school. We were playing a game at the far end of the county when the pitcher got hit on the head in the first inning. They had just enough players to play so were now a man short and risked having to forfeit. Nate suggested to the other team that I be allowed as the substitute. They found that funny and agreed to let the middle-aged housewife play. I threw a shut-out, not one man made it to base. The rest of the team wouldn't let me quit afterwards so I pitched for the rest of that season and the following three."

Kate states, "I've never been much for sporting and I'm sure it shows. But that must have been fun to be part of a team and break all those taboos. Seems you've spent your life doing what was right for you instead of what society wanted. I admire that. Would you go for a short walk with me? I... well, I need a little advice and I think you're just the person to ask." Mollie replies, "Sure, the others seem to be doing alright with out us. Lead on."

Kate led the other woman away toward the open grassland behind the house. She was quiet for a few minutes trying to decide how to broach the subject. Finally she decided the direct approach was best with Mollie. "I have a question about, well.... I'm pregnant. And I really don't know much about being pregnant. I'm starting to have some very odd feelings and I don't know if it's just me or the baby."

Mollie stares at Kate, surprised by the news. She then blinks and says, "Okay, I've been pregnant twice. Nate Junior was an easy birth, Melvin...not so much." She then spends the next ten minutes telling Kate about the various symptoms of pregnancy and how to deal with each. She doesn't ask Kate any other questions about it.

"So this..." Kate blushed hard and looked down. "Ah, increased desire is normal? I suppose there isn't anything I can do about that except live with it. Thank you. I'll tell Meghan before it becomes obvious, until then only a few of my friends know. You both deserved to know before it becomes common knowledge." Mollie nods and says, "And we should probably pull you out of the game Tuesday after the first inning. We'll try out some of the other students on Monday to see if they're any good at baseball." Kate replies, "I feel fine physically. Not tired or sick at all, I can play. Unless of course we find someone who'd be a better player. In that case I'd be all for letting someone take over for me."

Nakomo and Minerva had galloped out of town and find themselves, unknown to Nakomo, heading for Kate's ranch. They arrive mid afternoon and find the ranch bustling with activity. "It seems that Senora Kale and Senorita Sonoma have company. Come with me. I will show you around. Luna, see if you can locate Senora Kale for us so that we may speak to her about enrolling Nakomo in school."

Luna flies off on her mission and Minerva dismounts. Nakomo sits astride his horse eyeing his guardian suspiciously but says nothing. "Come on, I would like to see the horses." she strides off without waiting for a response. Nakomo dismounts and follows her, muttering something under his breath about it not being Monday yet. "Howdy Priestess," the dwarf Flint exclaims, "Come to join the picnic? You're a little late but there's probably still some food, Dorita made lots of it."

"Senor Flint! how have you been? I have not seen you in quite some time. Picnic? I would not want to intrude. I was just looking for Senora Kale." As they make their way back they see Minerva and Nakomo ride up. Mollie says to Kate "Now there's a healthy looking boy who is probably good at athletics. Why don't you talk to the Priestess about having him come to class, at least for a couple of days so that we can use him in the game."

Kate says, "I'd rather get him into school permanently. I wouldn't feel right about putting someone into the game that isn't really part of the school." As they got closer to the newest guests Kate said, "Good afternoon. What brings you out?" “Buenas Dias, Senora Kate, Senora Mollie. She greets them cheerfully. "It was such a lovely day for a ride and the gods have somehow fashioned the winds to blow us onto your doorstep." Minerva chuckles. Nakomo smiles timidly and nods in greeting.

"We do not want to intrude upon your company by staying overly long, but while we were here Nakomo would like to speak with you." She says nudging the boy forward. Nakomo looks back at her with the mild look of resentment often found on a teenagers face when he is being forced to do the right thing. He faces Katherine, squaring his shoulders, he stands proudly, looking an awful lot like his cousin Nanuet as he announces in a clear voice "I would like to enroll in your school. I don't have much money but I will find a job soon. I am a hard worker and could pay you in work until then."

"You need not worry about paying at all. The school is free and open to anyone who wishes to learn. Just be there Monday morning at 8:00 and we'll get you all settled in.

There's no need for either of you to hurry away. Our school was challenged to a baseball game by the school set up by the Vigilance Committee so we were just having a bit of practice. The kids here will be your classmates if you'd like to go meet then, Nakomo."

"You need not worry about paying at all. The school is free and open to anyone who wishes to learn. Just be there Monday morning at 8:00 and we'll get you all settled in. There's no need for either of you to hurry away. Our school was challenged to a baseball game by the school set up by the Vigilance Committee so we were just having a bit of practice. The kids here will be your classmates if you'd like to go meet then, Nakomo."

Kate smiled and shook her head no just as firmly. "Debts can be paid off by more than just money or work, Nakomo. I get my payment in helping the students learn to 'make their own way,' as you say. If it's a job you want I'm sure Sonoma could use another hand with the stock around here, but you would be paid just as any other person we might hire. We could certainly use another experienced player on our team for Tuesday's game. It sounds like you came to us at just the right time."

He says, "I love to play ball. My father and I used to play all the time." before my mother died and he sent me to the Yavapai" . "Ummm, I think I'll go and join the practice." He says and trots away to join them. "It seems your young charge will be here at the ranch for a while. There's plenty left in Dorita's basket if you're hungry," Kate offered. "I could eat a bit more myself. It sounds as if you believe Nakomo will be here in Promise City for some time?"

Minerva watches Nakomo trot away. "Gracias Katherine, It will do him good to get involved with children his own age. He may be a difficult one to get to open up, though. He has been sorely mistreated, But I am sure if anyone can do it is you. He is a very special young man. " Kate states, "I'll let him get settled for a week or two before trying anything too much with him. He needs to become comfortable first. How old is he, really? Obviously he's an adolescent, but he seems younger and older at the same time."

The Priestess replies, "Si, I know what you mean. Sometimes he behaves as though I were the child and he the adult... " but I suppose when you have had to fend for yourself as he has done, that it is necessary to behave older in order to just survive. " she says sadly. "How old is he? I am not sure, but I believe him to be about 14 or 15 in human years. As I said he is a remarkable young man. I am sure that you will immensely enjoy having him in your classroom."

She looks over to see Nakomo happily engaged in the game. "Did you say that Dorita had some of her wonderful food left? I think that perhaps I am hungry after all." she laughs. "I am glad that we came today, Katherine. I think that Nakomo is too!"

"You know Dorita, she always gives you far more food than you need. Quite a few people seem to be glad they came out today," Kate said, gesturing toward where the Flys were walking back from the corral. "A community seems to be building around the school. I hadn't expected that, but it's welcome."

"The spirit hungers for knowledge and purpose. Education provides the knowledge. It is what puts us on a higher plane of existence than the animals, and a sense of Community provides order and purpose for many, allowing them a safe haven to test their moral strength against the darker forces of the universe. I think you will find that you have an abundance of support for your cause.. and many opinions about how you should carry out your mission as well." She smiles ruefully.

"Especially since there is opposition to it. People have a need to stand up for what is right, and the Hoover Memorial School is right. You certainly have my support. All you need do is ask and I shall do whatever I can to assist you. I will attempt to give it freely, without adding my opinion to the great many you will receive but," she shrugs her shoulders and laughs, "as you know, withholding my opinion is quite contrary to my nature." They reach the table of food and Minerva begins piling food on her plate.

"Thank goodness there are many who want to help, it makes things much easier. But I must say I hate about the idea of this baseball game." Kate shook her head. "It is not a friendly game. There was no way to refuse without them accusing us of being cowards or poor sports. If we lose, they will say it's because humans are superior. If we win they'll be even further agitated and probably accuse us of cheating somehow.

I'm trying to just think of it as something fun for the children, but.... Considering Ashley King proposed it after Doctor Eaton and Mr. Shackelton were trying to figure out "what to do" about us..." Kate shrugged. "There's another one who confuses me. I can't figure what side Ashley King is on." Minerva replies, "It is unfortunate that the children are being drawn into the 'political games', but they need not be made aware of their role in it. They are sweet innocents and will enjoy playing regardless of the outcome."

She raises her hand as though shooing away a bothersome insect. "There will always be poor sports in the world Katherine, I have little tolerance for such behavior and find it the product of weak moral fiber. I am confident that you will teach the children to be graceful, whether they win or lose. As for Ashley King, he does not strike me as a bad man, though I do not know his agenda in all of this. I would not discount him as an ally as yet. He made it clear to me upon our fist meeting that he was not his mother. That can only be a good thing.

I would not worry about the game. You should just enjoy it and not fret about the outcome. There are some things we have not control over. Those things are best left in the gods' hands, and they do love a good game! Of course that does not mean that we should not try and influence the outcome," she grins. "Come let us join in the practice."

Kate answers, "I've had my practice for the day, but I could eat a little more and cheer them on. Ashley King warned me that his mother and her friends were up to something before the sign appeared on the schoolhouse door. Conrad heard that I'd had a drink with the man and he.... let's say he was very concerned. I've not seen him like that before. I think I will just keep that man at a distance until I have a better chance to form my own opinion."

Minerva answers, "Perhaps I should make a point of getting to know him better, so that I may have a clearer opinion also. I believe that I owe him a bottle of wine." Kate answers, "Take care doing that. It's no secret he fancies you and you wouldn't want to give him encouragement where none is meant. Paying back a debt is a good excuse to talk to him again, though." "Sweet on me? I had not really taken notice. He knows that I belong to Nanuet," she shrugs it off.

The Priestess says, "I shall see what I can find out later, but for now I think I will play ball with my new charge." She runs onto the playing field and practices with the youngsters. Mollie had gone back over to the others, and once Miss Florencia had gone to the field Kate went over to the Flys and talked horses a bit more. Then she spent some time with Meghan and her family, getting the chance to know them better. Especially Patrick, as he was always busy with work they rarely crossed paths.

After a long and laughter filled practice of baseball, Minerva and Nakomo ride home. This is the first time that Minerva sees her young charge so relaxed and happy. He almost seems like the young teen that he is as he smiles and sings a Yavapai song. Minerva smiles as he sings enjoying the moment while attempting to push away thoughts of the future. "What if Nanuet should send the boy back to the Yavapai. He was treated so poorly there. I will not see him turn back into the skittish rabbit that he was when first he arrived."

As the afternoon wore on the visitors headed back to town. The Flys went first, followed by the O’Hara’s and lastly the Caudells. Kate chipped in with the chores again, doing as much work as she could trying to make up for the fact that she was not here to help as much as she would like.

When Sonoma made her rest she walked down to the tree along the creek where Tom rested. She sat silently against the tree for a time then slowly began to talk. Every night she took at least five minutes to tell Tom about her day, but now she took at least a half-hour telling him more. About how her body was changing and how his son was already affecting her. About her fears and hopes and the school. She laughed, thinking how if someone were watching her now they would think she was crazy, talking to herself.

She then hears a voice behind her which she recognizes as the voice of Wyatt Earp. He comments, "Mr. Kale was a good man. I didn't know him well, but from what I hear he was devoted to you Mrs. Kale. I'm sure that he would appreciate all that you've done in his memory."

Kate didn't turn around to look behind. "The rest of my life will be lived in his memory. His death didn't make him any less a part of me or part of my life. I wouldn't know what people around Tombstone said about him, they were all too afraid to tell me anything. Those who did talk had their own motivations. How long have you been here?"

Earp replies, "Just a few minutes. I came for my horse but do not see it in the corral. Mrs. Kale, words alone cannot make up for what Morgan did, actually nothing can. If it is any conciliation to you, I didn't know, neither did my brothers James and Warren. It was only after Morgan was killed that Virgil shared that information with us." Kate answers, "We had guests. Sonoma hid your horse in one of the caves. It's been seen by lawmen; we couldn't take the chance that someone would see it and connect us to you."

Kate was silent for a long moment. "Consolation doesn't change anything. You see now why I hid Colby Tucker from you. Virgil never wanted him in connection to the Cowboy Gang; and if you knew him at all you'd have realized that. Mr. Tucker wasn't meant for a western life. He's better off where he is. At least I know you didn't set out intentionally to harm me. Virgil came to Tom's funeral, did you know that? When we moved him here I wondered what he was thinking as Tom's coffin sank into the ground.

My consolation is finally knowing the truth, and Morgan's apology. I didn't know when he offered it, but once I knew..... I could have forgiven him if you had only let me talk to him. Then maybe he could have forgiven himself. If you didn't know, why did you ask me why I came to Promise City the night the dynamite shed exploded?"

Wyatt replies, "It seemed like a odd place for you to come to. You had no family here and at the time I thought you had no real prospects for employment or the temperament for the type of life this town has to offer. Obviously I was wrong on that account, you've done very well for yourself in the last five months. Thank you for hiding the horse, I don't want to cause you and your co-owners any problems. And as for Virgil, he is a broken man both mentally and physically. Every day he lives with that memory he will suffer."

She says, "I'm sorry. As angry as I am, and I am angry, I have never wished harm to any of you. I hope he finds his own strength again. Jake laughed when I said once that if you reach out to help others, they'll help you. But my life here is the proof of it. You probably weren't wrong thinking this wasn't a place for me, but I'm adaptable. I wouldn't trade my freedom here for society life."

Earp answers, "Yes Ma'am, and the freedom you found was to put aside the bottle, most people don't get that type of will power. It was no secret that back in Tombstone you were drinking yourself to death. After you found a job here at a saloon I expected more of the same. I clearly underestimated you.” Kate says, "I'm surprised anyone was paying enough attention to realize what I was doing. I came here to try to start over, and that meant not drinking. Still, I found other ways to hurt myself."

He says, “I'll leave and not return here if that is what you wish, but before you agree to that you should know that Nick Thayer's men have been watching your ranch. They were out her on Thursday morning and from the tracks I've just found have been back here at least one more time since then. They've also been scouting out the ranch seven miles southwest owned by Ned Phillips. I'm not sure exactly what they are up to yet, but am willing to stick around and find out if that is your preference."

Kate almost told him to leave, but stopped even as she drew the breath. She needed protection and she was experienced enough now to know that she couldn't provide it herself. "I would appreciate your help. I don't understand what could be of interest here, or who. I want us all to be safe. If you can help that happen, I'd be grateful. You already know how to be discreet, so I don't need to say anything else."

He replies "Very well then. If you could let me know which cave my horse is in I will be on my way." Kate described which cave the horse was in and listened for his footsteps fading away. Her eyes fell on the gravestone and she said, "Oh love, what am I doing?"

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-five, “The Great Bank Robbery”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 1:30 P.M.

When his stomach finally decides it wants food more than it does not, Jake dresses again, packs away all the packages back into the trunk and makes his way to the Lucky Lady in time for an early supper. Harry Rote and Thom are the only ones around. Maria isn't expected for another hour to start cooking for the supper crowd, but there is still a half pot of soup on the stove from lunch. Harry brings Jake a bowl and some home baked bread to go with it. "Mind if I join you?" Harry asks. "No need for you to ask, just sit," Jake says and kicks a chair out.

Harry sits down and says, "Thanks. I was hoping you could give me some advice. Niles made this liquor distribution business appear to be effortless but I've found that isn't the case. One of my suppliers decided to raise his prices to me ten-percent just because I'm not Niles and Kate Higgins at the Long Branch says I messed up her last order, with two things missing. I should have written it down instead of going by what she said from memory, which is what Niles always did."

Jake shakes his head at Harry. "You are not Niles. Do what works for you. Build your own relationships. Sure, build on what Niles left you and what Niles taught you but I am certain he did not expect that you would be HIM." Jake slurps some of the soup before he continues, "Since you are NOT Niles some of these folks will likely test you. If you need to write down orders and have your customers sign them, so what? Just tell them that you are doing it do make things right for them, so that their orders are never wrong again. Even if it is because you do not trust them, just keep that part to yourself." Another slurp of Maria's soup. "About that supplier who wants to take advantage of you...."

Jake stops and scratches at his beard a moment, "try this. I will offer to sell you comparable items at ten percent less than what Niles was paying. Now you go and tell this supplier that someone is trying to undercut him. Tell him that Niles trusted him, his product and his delivery and that you would like to stay with him. If he can give you a five percent discount on what he was charging Niles, you can lower your prices and keep this other guy out of Promise City. The extra volume from all the Tombstone business should generate enough extra to make up his difference." Jake gives him a wink. "Do not let him forget you are trusted in town just like Niles and are the link to delivery here. You might mention you expansion plans."

Harry replies, "Thank you Jake but what if he calls my bluff and stops selling to me? Do you really have an alternate source for liquor?" "No, of course I do not." Jake looks him in the eye, "Look, we could probably find another source but never gamble unless you are willing to risk losing." Harry says, "Then I think I'll take your advice but tone down the comment. Instead of saying that I have another source I'll state that I heard about one and may make further inquiries." Jake says, "Good for you, do it your way. That is what I am talking about."

While they are talking Chumbley comes into the Lucky Lady hawking his newspapers. However, this is a different paper than the one he was selling that morning. Jake's ears perk up when he hears the halfling exclaim, "New Douglas Gang Commit Record Bank Robbery!" Jake waves him over mumbling, "At least the band is not playing." He hands the diminutive journalist his coin and takes a paper.

The main headline of the Mirror reads: New Douglas Gang Commit Record Bank Robbery! The story takes up all of pages one and two. It reads:

The New Douglas Gang led by Arthur Deadeye Douglas has just pulled off the largest bank robbery in United States history, stealing over $ 1,600,000 from the Tabor Bank of Leadville Colorado on Thursday, June 1st.

Leadville is situated at the base of Mount Elbert, the nation's highest mountain. It was founded in 1860 at the time of the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. It is currently the home to the nation's most lucrative silver mining operations with over $ 100 million in silver having been mined there and currently has the nickname of The Silver Capital of the United States. Horace Tabor is the town's wealthiest citizen, owning a percentage of most mines in the area and is the exclusive owner of the Matchless Mine, the most profitable mine in town.

The New Douglas Gang was formed right here in Cochise County last January when Arthur "Deadeye" Douglas broke Pinto Joe Weams, the brothers Koonz, Mongo Bailey and Dudley Yeats out of the Tombstone Jail. They then attempted to rob Condon's Bank but were thwarted by the bank's guards Chester Martin and Jacob Cook, managing to escape with a mere $ 300 while leaving behind Pinto Joe Weams and Pamela Yeats captured with Elmer Koonz and Dudley Yeats dead. Judge Isby sentenced Weams and Yeats to be hanged but before that sentence could be carried out Douglas freed them, with Deputy Sheriff Colin Hunter hogtied and gagged in the process.

The New Douglas Gang were next seen in Cheyenne Wyoming during the first week of March. They were recognized by a newspaperman who communicated with this reporter for a positive identification, with the gang now including Douglas's former girlfriend and safecracker Mae West. Unfortunately the newspaperman was spotted by them, captured, and left hogtied and gagged in the gang's hotel room.

Two days later the gang robbed the Wells Fargo Stage running between Deadwood, Dakota Territory and Cheyenne. The Wells Fargo driver and guard and one United States Army soldier were killed in the robbery. The gang then vanished, along with the stagecoach. Wells Fargo posted a sizeable reward but no traces of the gang or the stolen vehicle materialized.

At approximately 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 1st the New Douglas Gang resurfaced in Leadville at the Tabor Bank, the largest bank in town with the most sizeable deposits. The gang apparently set fire to the town's firehouse across town as a distraction while they broke into the bank. Both guards on duty were shot and killed and safecracker Clarke made short work of the locks on the vaults, which coincidentally were made by the same Harrisburg Safe Company of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where Clarke's deceased husband worked as an engineer.

The gang opened three of the four vaults, most of which were filled with silver, but opted to only take bundles of currency comprised of $ 20 bills or higher. They escaped town using the same stagecoach from the March robbery. Army Soldiers assigned to Leadville were unsuccessful in stopping the Gang from leaving town, resulting in three dead soldiers and another four wounded. Cavalry troops chased after the stage but were stopped when the Gang dynamited a mountainside, blocking the roadway. The stagecoach was later found a mile further south, burning at the bottom of a 400 foot cliff, however the only bodies found were those of the horse team. It is unknown where the Gang has now gone off to.

Horace Tabor has reported to his insurance agent that over $ 1.6 million was stolen. He has assured his depositors that their money is safe, the stolen currency being part of his own personal fortune and not that of the depositors. He reiterated that only a fraction of the bank's total cash and silver holdings were stolen and that nothing at all was taken from either of the two silver vaults and that the other currency vault remained unopened. He says that he also plans to quadruple the number of bank guards.

Tabor has offered a reward of ten-percent of all monies recovered with an additional bounty of $ 50,000 for Arthur Deadeye Douglas and $ 10,000 each for Mongo Bailey, Mae Clarke, Sally Fox, Joe Weams and Pamela Yeats. The Wells Fargo Company has posted a $ 10,000 reward for the death or capture of Douglas and $ 2,000 each for the other five members of the gang. The Harrisburg Safe Company has posted an additional $ 20,000 bounty for the capture or death of Mae Clarke. This comes to a total of over $ 300,000 in reward money if the entire gang is caught and the stolen money recovered.

Most of the remainder of the paper are advertisements, with only two other news stories. A story on page four tells of the ongoing construction of telegraph lines between Tombstone and Promise City. It states that to date the first three miles beyond those of the previously built incomplete five-mile rail line have been put in place. This brings them to the southeastern most point of the Dragoon Mountain range. The project is scheduled to be completed by election day. It states that in total miles a line from Wilcox would have been shorter but more difficult to place and maintain as it would have had to go through the Dos Cabezas Mountains while the Tombstone route is longer but close to level, being placed alongside the existing stagecoach road.

A short story on page six reads "Local Actors Chosen for Play". It states that Miss. Josephine Marcus of the Pauline Markham Acting Troupe will be directing several performances of William Shakespeare's classic 'Romeo and Juliet' on the weekend of June 16th to 18th. The stars of the play will be Mr. Conrad Booth and Miss Ruby West. Other performers chosen include Miss. Morgana Arcadiam, Miss. Julia Barbeau, Miss. Liza Brown, Mr. Alton Boyd, Mr. Coolie Fagan, Mr. Estaban Fuente, Mr. Boston Harker, Mr. Kevin Kelly, Mr. Ashley King, Mr. Rolf Larsen, Miss. Shannon O'Hara, Mr. Jose Ramirez, Mr. Hans Schmidt, Mr. David Tomlinson, and Mr. Don Wainwright.

Harry Rote has put in a half-page ad for the Liquor Distribution business, offering specials on cases of Italian wines harvested the previous year.

A quarter-page ad for the Comique Variety Hall and Saloon welcomes the new arrivals who will be working for Count von Zeppelin and says that tonight will feature German cuisine and music at the Comique.

The back-page advertisement is for the Palace Saloon and is a repeat of that from the previous two papers promoting the Saturday night boxing rematch between Boston Harker and the house pugilist Finnegan. It also mentions the meeting of the Liberty Political Party to be held at the Palace immediately following the fight.

Minerva and Nakomo ride home from Kate‘s ranch. This is the first time that Minerva sees her young charge so relaxed and happy. He almost seems like the young teen that he is as he smiles and sings a Yavapai song. Minerva smiles as he sings enjoying the moment while attempting to push away thoughts of the future. "What if Nanuet should send the boy back to the Yavapai? He was treated so poorly there. I will not see him turn back into the skittish rabbit that he was when first he arrived."

Minerva arrives back in town and is surprised to see one of her parishioners, the Italian Joseppi Franjoluppi, waiting for her in the small garden behind her house. He notices the Indian boy with her and says, "Ah, Seniorita, I wanted a word in private with you. If now is a bad time I can come back later."

"Oh No Senor Franjoluppi. Now is fine. Nakomo why don't you go on and get cleaned up. I will be in shortly." Minerva leads Senor Franjoluppi, through the gate. They enter the house and she motions for him to have a seat in, what she thinks of as her office. She closes the door behind her and sits across form him. "Now, Tell me how I may be of assistance."

Joseppi says, "I have a problem. I....I am not used to women priests. Back in Milan they are all men. But when you were away last month I spoke to the Greek Priest who was filling in for you. He said that I can should talk to you about my problem. Priestess, I have a difficult family obligation that I need to fulfill. I have been stalling, not wanting to do what is expected of me. But I feel that this is wrong, that I must make my family proud.

But it is difficult, I had joined the French Foreign Legion to run away from these obligations and felt that the unexpected move to the United States would prolong that. But fate has now drawn me back. Priestess, is this a sign from the Gods that I must do my duty?" Minerva cocks her head and looks at him questioningly "Not all signs are from the gods Senor. What is the obligation that you speak of?"

He replies, “A family feud of honor, it goes back decades in my mother's homeland of Sicily. My brother was killed by the Corleone family and I am to avenge that honor. A Corleone is here in Promise City. I have tried to avoid him, but also fear that he may recognize me and kill me first unless he fears retribution from my employer's, Arcade's Gang."

She says, "You are indeed stuck between.. what is the phrase?, a rock and a hard place." She sighs in sympathy. I will attempt to advise you, though the choice is yours to make. There is no shame in ridding the world of evil. It is an unpleasant but necessary task." Minerva say's, her mind flashing back to her mangled father's body lying in a pool of blood and the wizards that she slew on his behalf before fleeing Spain.

"But to cold bloodedly murder innocent people for a feud that occurred decades ago? The gods will not find honor in that, Senor." You must decide if your family's respect is more important to you than your immortal soul. However, if this man you speak of should attempt to take your life first, well even the law will not fault you for defending yourself."

"Ah, I understand," says Joseppi. "You are saying that I should not initiate this action but should be armed and prepared if he should come for me. Very well, I will do as you suggest and also avoid going near the Lucky Lady saloon, where he works as a gambler." She replies, “He works as a gambler at the Lucky Lady? I hope you will not consider me to forward, but may I ask his name?"

Joseppi replies, "Anthony Corleone, I believe that he gambles under the name Tony Lucky." She says, "I have heard of him. I did not realize that he was a Corleone. I do not know him well, but Promise City is a small town and it will be difficult to avoid him. Por favor, watch your back Senor Josseppi and do not travel alone. I will keep watch as well."

Joseppi replies, "I will. I have asked around, Mr. Lucky spends most of his time away from the saloon either sleeping at his boarding house or enjoying the company of the women at the Palace Saloon. It should not be hard to avoid him if I stay to a small circle and avoid those places." She replies, "That is a good plan. Be sure and come to me if you need help. May the gods watch over you until we meet again Senor." Minerva stands signaling that the meeting has come to an end and walks him to the door. "Remember, do not hesitate to find me if you need help."

She bids him good evening and goes in search of Nakomo. She finds him in his room clean and dressed to go out for the evening. "Senorita Minerva, I am going to the Lucky Lady in search of Mr. Cook. Would you like to come with me? "That is a fine idea." she agrees. "We can take our evening meal there as well. I just need time to clean up." she wipes her hands on her dirt stained gown. It was quite a fun game, was it not?" "Yes I really liked it a lot. My father used to play with me before he went away."

She asks, "Went away? Where did he go?" "They dragged him away to prison." he says and without further explanation, he turns and leaves the room." "Que lastima, Poor nino." she mutters under her breath as she watches him walk away. So much heartache for one so young."
She bathes quickly, changes into clean clothes meets Nakomo in the yard where he is once again standing silent. She comes up behind him and puts her hand on his shoulder. "I lost my padre too. We will commiserate together when the time is right. For now let us enjoy the end of this beautiful day." She puts her arm through his calls to Luna and they head to the Saloon for dinner.

This was a quiet day for Chester, with him and Helen on Duty for the morning and afternoon so that they can each have the night off to watch their significant other's perform at the Lucky Lady. Mitchell Berg and Eduardo Rodriguez both arrive at 4:00 P.M. to relieve them. They are accompanied by Deputy Marshall Neil Cassidy who had the day to work with his lumber company, as he had some extra hands today to help him.

Berg shuts and locks the door and says, "Okay, everybody have a seat. I have some new information regarding the death of rancher Claude Buckley." He takes out a folded up piece of paper and says, "This was found shoved under Eddie's door. It's written in Spanish." He hands it over to Eduardo who reads:

"Marshall Berg should stop looking into Buckley's death. Buckley was the man who killed Marshall Hollister last December. The man who hired Buckley to do that killing is now planning to run for office and Buckley made the mistake of trying to blackmail him. I cannot come forward or I will be killed as well, as Buckley knew of my involvement but the other killer does not. Further investigations on your part will only result in more dead lawmen." Berg says, "Obviously that note could be a lie, but something sounds genuine about it to me. They never did find Hollister's killer."

Chester exclaims, "This ties it. If people can get away with killing a Marshall, then none of us will be safe. If the mastermind is a candidate, then who knows what the guy will try if he gets elected. What do you all think?" Berg replies, "I think I'd like to have one of us at the Palace tonight for that meeting of the Liberty Political Party. But then again, after what happened last Saturday and their gambler Karp getting killed that probably wouldn't be a safe proposition for any of us.

Chester replies, "Much as it pains me, I agree. I wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall when it happens though. I hate that lawmen are have to be careful of where we can go. But that's neither here nor there."

Berg says, “Chet, the best thing we can do is make sure this killer doesn't get into office. No telling who he is but I can take a guess, you probably can to. You should know that you'll have my full support for Marshall, you're one person who I know I can trust. Let me know what I can do to help you get elected." "Yep. Ain't too hard to figure out." Chester looks at Berg. "Are you saying that we're done looking into Buckley's murder?"

Berg replies, "I think we may be at a stopping point unless we can determine either who wrote this note or who the killer is that it references. Fisk seems obvious.....maybe too obvious. Actually, this note could have been written by somebody on the other side who wants us to go after Fisk. Then again, maybe I'm over thinking this."

Kate sat for a while longer at the ranch after Earp left. She then finally got herself moving. It was about 5:30 by the time she arrived home and after she cleaned off the smells of animals and exercise she crawled into her bed. She managed to wake in time to make it to the Lucky Lady for her nights work.



<<Note: The New Douglas Gang are the playing characters in my travelling "Sidewinder Recoiled" campaign, which can be found in the Story Hour titled "Seven Outlaws in Search of a Bank">>

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-six, “Mama Brain”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 5:30 P.M.

The Lucky Lady was already busy with three poker games in full swing and Miss Townsend ready to start singing. Ginnie hurried away to start busing tables and collect the tips, as well as keep the place running smoothly. Kate was about to get into her apron and start serving when she caught sight of Tony Lucky. They had happily ignored each other for months now, but for some reason she didn't want to deal with him today. Instead she went smiling to the piano and played for Clarisse as she sang.

After the set Kate sighed and got to serving. It wasn't long before Miss Florencia and her new charge came in. "What can I get you?" she asked pleasantly when she reached the table. Minerva replies, "We are celebrating this beautiful day and we are starving after that ball practice. Why don't you recommend something for two hearty appetites. Perhaps you will have time to join us this evening?" she says hopefully.

Kate says, "It looks to be quite busy tonight, I doubt I'll have time to sit down. With the extra people from Tombstone it may stay busy even after the fights at the Palace start. I'll ask Maria what her favorite is tonight and bring that for you." Ginnie swings by the table and sets glasses one of water and one of wine before the priestess and Nakomo. "Up for some bussing after your done eating?" she asks the young Indian "I could use some help so I can run some of the other things here." Nakomo's eyes light up and he stands when he sees Ginny approach. "Oh, yes! Thank you. I will eat quickly."

Evidently, Maria's favorite tonight was fried chicken with biscuits and fresh spring vegetables. Kate brought out two plates and smiled at Nakomo's eagerness to help. Ginnie had once asked 'who would want to marry me?' They might all be too young to be thinking that far ahead, but it was obvious Nakomo and Melvin Caudell might end up rivals for Ginnie's affection. Not that Katherine would ever drop a hint of that to Ginnie.

Nakomo digs into his meal, cleaning every last crumb off of his plate.
"Excuse me Senorita Minerva, I am going to help Miss Ginny." He stands and makes his way over to the young girl leaving Minerva to finish her meal alone.

Kate dropped the plates off quickly and hurried away back to the kitchen to nibble at a few bits herself, suddenly remembering she hadn't stopped for dinner. Some ranchers finish up their dinner and head out, leaving behind a copy of the most recent Promise City Mirror, the second edition this day, sitting on the table next to Kate. Kate carried the paper away into the kitchen and read as she nibbled. With all the bounties, the Douglas Gang was unlikely to come near Promise City again; a fact for which she was truly thankful.

Of more interest to her was the casting of the play. Seeing Ashley King's name was a surprise, especially considering Conrad's suspicions about him. She had a sudden desire to be a fly on the wall at those rehearsals. She sighed and headed back out into the saloon. Nakomo had already finished his dinner, so dropped off the paper at her table. "I thought you might be interested. The cast list for Ruby's play is there."

Tony Lucky arrives promptly at 7:30 PM to get the poker game going with his players. Surprisingly Miss. Darla Peacock, a tall and thin brunette of around twenty-five years in age and co-owner of Peacock's Saloon arrives shortly thereafter. She heads over to the far side of the room and removes the cloth covering from the yet unused Faro table that Cole Rixton had made for the Lucky Lady. Job Kane approaches her and she states , "Mr. Cook offered me a position here running the game. I thought I'd give tonight a try here before making a decision either way. The house gets twenty-percent, right?" Job smiles and replies, "Yes Ma'am, welcome to the Lucky Lady."

Minerva pats the seat next to her and picks up the paper. "Gracias, come sit down and relax for a while. Oh, I see Senor King is in the play also. I did not know that he could act. How are they managing rehearsals with Ruby away?" She glances up and her eyes narrow when she spots Tony Lucky. "Katherine, What do you know of that man?"

She says, "Little, but more than I want to. Mostly what my instincts tell me, which is to stay clear of him. If I could avoid serving his table I would. He's never leered at me like he does at most women; one of the blessings of not being beautiful. He was in jail with Lemuel Bauer when Conrad and I went to buy the school building. He asked me if I was going to bring him things like I did for Job, Jake and Chester when they were in jail and I told him no in no uncertain terms. We argued and he called me a foul name. Conrad went after him but I convinced him Lucky wasn't worth it. I was rather sad he didn't go to prison in the end."

Kate fell silent for a moment with her hand resting on the back of the chair where she stood and looking over at Tony Lucky. I wonder if Conrad really would have been outside the prison the day Lucky got out? She shook her head to clear it. "I don't know how they'll manage the rehearsals without Ruby. I'm sure Miss Marcus knows the part, she'll probably stand in."

Minerva asks, “Will you have time to sit a spell this evening? It has been a while since we have had a chance to visit." "I don't think we've ever 'visited'. We've plotted and planned and tried to think ourselves out of difficult places, but we haven't visited," Kate said, genuinely puzzled. Minerva replies, "No, I supposed we haven't. Perhaps it is time that we do."

Seeing that Miss Florencia was not going to let her leave without resorting to rudeness Kate took a seat. She had no idea what to do with her hands, eventually clasping them and laying them in her lap. Kate had no idea what to say and the silence stretched as she searched. It was her turn to speak, after all. "I, uh, why did you want to know about Mr. Lucky?"

Chester comes in and comes over to where Kate and Minerva sit. "Evening, Kate, Minerva. Mind if I sit with you? This Buckley thing is a big mess." Not wanting to break the confidence of her parishioner, Minerva smiles at Chester instead. "Buenas Nochas, Deputy Martin. Por favor, Have a seat. She lowers her voice "Si, Have you learned anything new about the situation?" Chester whispers back, "Not much. People are dropping a lot of hints that we should stop looking into it, though. I don't want to, but the boss is the boss." Minerva raises her eyebrows in surprise. "The Marshall is suggesting that you stop looking into it? Why would he do that?"

Ginnie drops drinks over at the table wine for the priestess and Ma'am Kate ale for Chester and water glass for everyone so she would have a reason to haunt the table if things looked like they might be getting interesting. It looked like it was going to be a light information kind of evening for the adults and she wanted to make sure that she was in on whatever happened without being obvious. She also wanted to keep an eye on this new Faro dealer. It wasn‘t a game she knew but she wanted to be sure that there was no cheating going on. She made better tips if people knew they were in a safe place to gamble. And if a woman could become and excepted Faro dealer maybe it was something she should learn just in case.

Recovered from last nights binge on tequila, Silver Jake Cook arrives looking sharp in his white silk shirt and black linen trousers. The ever present Colt Peacemaker hangs on his side, a natural part of him. His gregarious smile broadens a bit more when he spies that Miss Peacock is in the saloon and at the Faro table.

Jake waves at Ginnie as she passes by towards the table where Chester, Katherine, and Minerva are seated. He waves towards them as well before walking directly to the Faro table. Job immediately speaks up, "Hi Jake! Miss Peacock came by to give it a try here before deciding to come on board." "Excellent," he says with a nod and a touch to his hat, "I am certain you will do well."

A quick turn of his head to the right and left before he says in a lower voice, "It is unusual that we have any trouble, and someone with your experience can certainly handle a drunken cowboy but if you need some assistance do not hesitate. Al, Thom or Harry can provide some visible support, or privately tell one of the servers that you need me if there is something more complicated. It is important we keep our reputation as an honest establishment." His smile returns and his voice regains its normal volume, "Enjoy yourself and make some money." Jake stays a few minutes longer pointing out anyone she does not know and then leaves her to the game. He speaks with Harry so he knows to make sure she is having a good night. After that he stops by the table where his friends are chatting away.

Nakomo is busy wiping down tables when he spies Mr. Cook entering the saloon. He is impressed as he silently watches the impeccably dressed man confidently saunter across the room. He notices that although he procures an easy smile and a nod to all that he passes, his eyes capture and calculate every detail of his surroundings. The lanky teen tucks his rag into his waistband and follows Mr. Cook over to the table.

He stands looking a bit nervous and awestruck waiting to be noticed. Minerva smiles and to ease his discomfort says "Ah Nakomo, come and take a break. You remember Senor Cook, of course."
Nakomo holds out his hand and stands a bit taller. "Good evening Mr. Cook." Ginnie swings by the table where everyone seems to be gathering and takes a good look at the way Nakomo is fingering the rag tucked into his belt. She smiles at him and nods to Jake with a "Well, ask him already!" look on her face and waits she figures she'll give him exactly three minutes to ask for a permanent job before doing it herself.

Jake turns and accepts the boy's handshake. "Hello Nakomo." Jake notices the rag but says nothing about it. Nakomo toys with the rag while Minerva gives him an encouraging look over Jake's shoulder. "Ummm, Sir, Senorita Minerva told me that I should speak to you about work.... Do you have any for me? I am a very hard worker and I am an honest man."

"A hard worker, eh..." Jake scratches his chin and tries not to grin. "Yes, well, I am sure we can find work for you. Keeping the tables and room clean is a good start. That and be helpful to Maria. We will pay fairly, later on we can talk about the details." Which, much to his chagrin, reminds Jake that he needs a saloon manager. "Thank you! Thank you!! " the boy enthuses pumping his new employers hand. "I won't let you down Mr. Cook. No sirreee! You can count on me!" He grins foolishly at Ginnie and rushes off to clean more tables. Jake shakes his head a couple of times and says to Ginnie, "Do not let the boy clean the varnish right off the table tops with his enthusiasm."

Kate smiled at Ginnie as she dropped off the wine but didn't partake of any. Once Chester arrived she fell silent, grateful to have the Priestess distracted from her. When Jake and Nakomo came over as well Kate began to let her mind wander. Everything was so different than it had been back in January. They were so often working together during trouble that Kate wasn't sure how to relate to her friends when things were quiet. She tried not to fidget as she sat at the table and just let the conversation flow past her.

Ginnie slides behind Kate's chair and whispers "I think I've found a replacement for you as far as serving goes which should keep you off your feet for the end of your um..short term disability. Now if he'll only ask for the bloody job we'll be set. You'll go play music when you feel like it and rest when you need to. Do you think he'll be happy with just tips for pay?"

"I thought I was supposed to take care of you, not the other way around," she said fondly and reached back for Ginnie's hand. She kept her voice to a whisper as well. "If you give him just tips when both he and Melvin are here they could get competitive over them. Fifty cents or night or so for a salary would guarantee a little something, good night or bad. Just playing sounds like a dream. The sooner the better for that. I'm not physically tired now, but I seem to be having trouble concentrating."

Ginnie replies, “Ma'am Kate that's called momma brain. Your spending so much on the baby that your brain stops working, at least that's what my momma used to say. I like the idea of the straight wage so that they get something when ever they work but I think I'll cut it to twenty-five percent and give them a split of the end of the night tips that will be pooled for the evening. That way they have a base but both will give good service. I can have them both doing their best so that they get more money that way. They still need to do a good job but are more likely to help each other on the floor. Thanks Ma'am Hey do we have anyone trying to kill us at the moment or is it just the people watching the ranch that we have to worry about right now?”

"Just the people watching the ranch as far as I know. Doc Eaton and that horrible tutor want to "do something" about our school, but I don't think we're in physical danger from them," Kate sighed. "Your momma was a wise woman. I guess I'll just have to start leaving myself notes to remember things. You'll want to keep a close eye on those boys, Ginnie. Even when they have reason to work together at that age they can be competitive just because they are. Sometimes it drives them to doing their best, sometimes not. Either way I'm sure they'll be lots of help."

Ginnie replies, “Maybe we should talk to our teacher about protecting the school? The priest may be able to help too and should be willing to um "bless" the school since so many of the children go to his church. If they are going to be up to something I'd like them to stumble on a nasty little surprise if they are out to hurt someone and it's likely that they may be. Some how with their thoughts on the non humans keeping their place I doubt that they would worry if an Indian or Mexican kid got caught in the crossfire of a poorly placed match. I really don't like Doc Eaton or that nasty close-minded tutor either maybe we could challenge them to an actual educational contest sometime something more telling than baseball.”

Kate answers, "And it would protect us as well. I admit Ginnie, I've worried about someone setting fire to the building. We may be out a lot, but it's our home and I don't want to wake some night to a house full of smoke. I'm hoping to go in for lessons tomorrow. We can talk to him then. I was thinking of having a School Exhibition after a few months, once everything has settled down and the students have gotten enough lessons under their belts. We could invite them to participate, but we'd better be damn sure our students are better educated. And find someone to ask the questions who won't skew them to the human-centric education being given at the other school."

Jake greets the others. "I have a game to run in a minute or two. Everyone is well I assume? What news have you?" Kate lit the candle on the table and tossed in the powder that would give them privacy with a practiced gesture and mutter. "I'm a bit tired, but fine. We had a baseball practice out at the ranch today. I was informed that my watchers have returned to the ranch at least once. They've also been watching Ned Phillips place. Someone is looking into it for me," she said, looking to Jake and hoping he understood.

She wasn't sure just how much Chester knew but he was the law now and it was best not to force him to take action. Chester raises his eyebrow. "Whoever you got doing it better be careful. There's no telling what those guys are up to. I still say that I can look into that." Kate answers, "I know, Chester, but I don't want them to get spooked by the law getting involved and do something rash. Believe me, as soon as I have anything more definite you'll know."

Kate continues, "Otherwise there's nothing new since this morning from me. I should warn all of you that my ability to remember things seems to be leaving me. Ginnie called it momma brain," she laughed. "I may need a few reminders now and then of little things." Chester smiles, "I'll keep that in mind. Minerva pats her hand, "That is certainly understandable. We'll have to chat about 'momma brain' later, when the men leave." "I think by the time the men leave I will have to get back to work," Kate said, but did not pull her hand back.

Who else knew that and is looking into it for her, Jake wonders, I cannot imagine Conrad crawling around the dessert on his belly skulking after outlaws. He listens while she continues to speak but a suspicion comes to him while he does. Earp? That makes no sense. Jake says, "So far we only know that they were watching three ranches. What do Phillips, Buckley's and your ranch have in common? Phillips and Buckley both declined to join the town. We do not know if Phillips is part of the Cowboy gang. Unless it is simply that Fisk has different reasons for each or just does not like all three of you." Jake chuckles, "With that logic there is somebody watching the Lucky Lady too. Not much to go on yet."

Ginnie says, “I'm not sure what I can do about people watching the ranch but I can put some eyes on the Lucky Lady that can be trusted.” Jake says, "Fine with me. No heroics though. Let me know before someone takes any foolish risks."

Seeing that the privacy spell is up, Chester returns to his normal voice. With a little anger, he answers Minerva’s earlier question about the Buckley killing saying, "I've heard that this is a Cowboy Gang matter and we should stay out of it. And we got a note from Buckley's killer saying that the person who ordered the killing is running for office. Buckley got killed trying to blackmail the guy and lawmen could die if we continue looking into this. I'm not going to stand around while people are killed in the streets, even if it is a Cowboy."

She replies, "Mi Doses! (my gods) I should hope not! What would happen to the people of Promise City if those who were sworn to protect them hesitated because they were afraid for their personal safety. I understand that you are bound by the law, but I will aid you in whatever way I can.” Chester looks partially satisfied. "If you say so. I just can't sit around, though."

Minerva replies, "Perhaps, Chester that it would be to your advantage if it were perceived that you were just sitting around. Let us be your eyes and ears for now. No one will perceive a priestess and a school teacher as a threat." Chester starts to say something, but shuts his mouth. He starts again, "Little do they know, eh? OK. I'll take your advice and stay out of this for the while. And I'm going to stay out of what's going on between the two of you. Clarisse is singing at the Comique, so I'm walking her there. Have a good night, ladies."

"Perhaps we can get together later this evening." Minerva says giving Katherine's hand a squeeze before pulling her hand back. "With Nanuet and Ruby both away it has been a bit too quiet of late." "I am afraid if it's excitement you want I'm not who you're looking for," Kate said quietly. Minerva holds back her exasperation. "I promised Nanuet that I would not be pushy."
"No Katherine, I am not looking for anything more than companionship."

Kate stopped herself from blurting out the first thought that came to mind, specifically why she would want straight-laced Katherine's company. "Companionship isn't something that you'll be lacking at the Lady, you know that." Exasperated by yet another perceived rejection of her offer of friendship, Minerva blurts out. "Have I done something to offend you, Katherine?"
"so much for patience." she thinks.

"No. I just... I can't understand why you," Kate hesitated, unable to find words to express herself. "You made your opinion of me quite clear in Thomaswell." "You can not understand what!?" Minerva says visibly hurt and trying to control her anger. "Why I continue to offer my hand in friendship time and time again, even though you slap it back each time? I was drugged in Thomaswell, Katherine... and it was a very stress filled time, with Collins stalking Ruby and all the undead walking around. you can hardly condemn my behavior at such a time... although I must admit that I was a bit angry that you had rebuffed me yet again and I apologized for that, but you have harbored resentment toward me since the day I arrived in town and I would like to know why."

Kate exclaims, "Because I've had no choice! One day you were just here, and within days you knew everything. Suddenly a stranger knew all my secrets, things that could get me killed and I had no say. Maybe that's why you keep trying to treat me so intimately when I feel like we're strangers. It would be easy to be fooled into thinking we're close when you know all my secrets. And you're always trying to get me to tell you the most personal things... I find with alcohol and laudanum the tongue gets loosened, but they don't create thoughts. You wouldn't have said it clear-headed, but you'd have still thought it."

Minerva is stunned by the revelation. "You resent me because you are afraid that I will reveal your secrets? I can certainly understand your unease because of the way the gods have thrown us together, but months have passed since our first meeting. Ample time for you to get beyond what I am and discover who I am. Katherine, You should know by now that I will never break your confidence. It is not in my nature. I am a woman of 'The Gods' and even if I were not, you could still trust me. Or perhaps that is why you distrust me. As for treating you intimately. I am Spanish. We treat everyone that way. I am sorry that you misconstrued my overtures. .

This is not Boston Katherine. We do not have time to observe the social niceties in getting to know one another over a cup of tea. Promise City is a dangerous place for a woman alone and time is of the essence. I need to know who I can count on to guard my back. I need to know who I can place my trust in and depend on. When the gods directed our ceremony in the desert I took it as a sign that we were bonded somehow. I have made it quite plain that I value your life and have proven time and again that you can depend on me. I need to know if I can depend on you in return. If I cannot than I must believe that the gods are mistaken.

Nanuet advised me to have patience with you, but I do not think that patience is the answer. There is a reason for your coldness toward me that you have yet to reveal and until you do this tension between us will remain. I know that now is not the time but Por favor Katherine let us make the time to settle this."

"Fine," she said shortly. "Better to have it all out, but now I have to get back to work. We can fight when I'm finished." Kate got back to work, for once preferring to serve drinks rather than sit down. It was a busy, unexceptional night; just the kind most saloon owners like and she almost managed to forget the earlier, unfinished argument.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-seven, “Differences of Opinion”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 7:30 P.M.

Ginnie pulls Jake aside and continue talking to him about business “Jake I have a list of supplies that the Lady is going to need to continue to bring in a profit. I need you to sign it so that people don't question what's being picked up as it will need to be charged to your account here.” He says, "Certainly, just bring it over and I will sign it."

She says, “I have set a wage of twenty-five percent plus one-sixth of the nightly tips for both Nakomo and Melvin And we are running a little low on the upper shelve whiskey but should be set until next week unless something changes. I have the floor set and Ma'am Kate will be doing more playing and less tables. I expect to have the take even tonight or a little above but we should think about another advertisement run it's time. And we still need to talk about my pay.”

He answers, "I am surely in part to blame on the upper shelf volume. Do not scrimp there," he says with a smirk. "We are not dragging our feet on your pay, Ginnie girl, but what is your job? Are you managing the saloon at night? What about our hotel? You really want a full time job or just a part time one? Are you just doing this for a short while or are you in it for a while? Once you know what you want then we figure out how you do it and make everyone believe that someone of legal age is running the show. Then you tell me what you want out of it all. You want just a salary? You want services like room and board? You want to trade some or all of a salary for a percent of sales or profit?" Jake shrugs. "I am all ears."

The child continues, “On the plus side it seems that we have limited people trying to kill us at the moment although that may change with the elections. Are you planning to run for town council? We need to make sure that we have someone that will get the right story first hand before it gets muddy and lost in the rest of the political garbage.” Jake's eyes nearly pop out of his head, "You think I should run for town council? Up until now I thought your judgment was pretty good. Who in their right mind would vote for me? Hermes, all we need is another reason for folks to be digging up dirt on me."

After he finishes speaking with Ginnie Darla Peacock approaches Jake and says, "Pretty good night so far Mr. Cook. I'll let you know by the end of the evening how things turn out." The Barkers are not present, as they are playing at the Comique since its 'German night' theme lends itself to the work of Mozart, Wagner and Beethoven.

Job Kane arrives and starts his game up. Neil Cassidy, Al Brower and Ned Walters all join Job, as does attorney Elihu Upton who as far as anybody can remember has never visited the Lucky Lady before. Jake starts up his game for the evening. Seated now at Jake's table are Alfredo Garcia, Don Wainwright, Carl Berman, Pierre Jaquet, and the dwarven miner Torvald MacNaulty.

The remainder of the night at the Lucky Lady passes with a minimum of eventfulness. The Barkers arrive late after spending the first few hours of the evening at the Comique and Clarisse excuses her self to go sing there for the rest of the night. Jake finishes the night $ 50 ahead. Darla Peacock's Faro game is deemed a success, with over a dozen different players joining her game throughout the night.

Saturday night wound down and Kate cleaned up after the last patrons. Miss Florencia was again sitting at a table, waiting. Kate sighed. Her own thoughts were muddled and she wasn't sure she wanted to clear them. It wouldn't reflect well on her. Finally she made her way over to the table and sat down, taking the long way around the very tempting bar.

Minerva watches her as she approaches, she says a quick prayer, determined to listen to her goddess Minerva and not to say the wrong thing. When Kate sits opposite her she says nothing.
Several minutes passed in silence. "You misunderstood me earlier. Any fears I may have had about you revealing my secrets are long gone. I resent the fact that you know them at all. I never chose to tell them to you. I was forced to, or you guessed them. A stranger knew intimate things about me that not even my family did. Can you imagine anyone being comfortable with that?
After that you just seemed to assume I wanted that intimacy. So again, I wasn't given a choice."

Minerva speaks calmly, with a congenial smile upon her lips. " It does seem that we have been thrown together rather abruptly, does it not? I chose to accept the gift that the gods placed in my path. Whether or not you do is your choice to make Katherine. The gods cannot force their will upon us the choice is ALWAYS ours to make. "

"I didn't say anything about the gods, their gifts, or their wills. Abrupt is a mild word for it. One night I walked into the Lucky Lady to find not just a new acquaintance, but someone suddenly trusted by some of the most naturally suspicious people I know. What was my choice? To abandon people who needed me for my own protection and comfort? That is no choice."

"It was a difficult choice, but a choice that YOU made, none the less. And the fact that your naturally suspicious friends trust me should have eased your mind, not placed you in further turmoil. So what is the conflict that wars within your heart, Katherine. Is it that I am a priestess?

With all your talk of equality, I would hope that you could see beyond that. I must admit that I did not trust you when I discovered what you were. It took me a while to reconcile the fact that you are a wizard with my past experiences. Where I come from wizards are a controlling, power hungry lot, who care naught for anything but their own gain.." she said bitterly. "But I have learned not to judge a people as a whole. Not all wizards are alike, just as all clerics are not alike."

Kate replies, "I went to Greece and faced one of the highest ranking Priests in the world. I went to the Priests who visited in March for help. Alone. I know that clerics are not all alike, but I will never trust a cleric at first meeting. It's a lesson I learned very early and I've never forgotten. I even came to you for help. I didn't tell you that secret either, only that Tom had been with me and yet you knew. And I got more than I bargained for. I only wanted to thank Diana, not stand naked in the desert honoring goddesses I had no intention to honor when I set out. The only thing I thought about Jake and Ruby's trust what that if you were fooling them you had to be very good."

Minerva replies, "I am sorry that my presence has caused you discomfort and that you feel that you need protection from me, Katherine... but truly, I am not out to con anyone. I ask you, To what purpose would I do so? I have placed my way in harms path for Ruby, Jake, Chester, Nanuet and you on several occasions. I do not see the gain in that, unless of course I am trying to find my way home to Olympus sometime soon," she chuckles.

She puts her hand up. "Now don't get me wrong. I realize that I have gained their friendship in return and I in turn, have grown to rely on them also," her mind momentarily wanders to Nanuet, "but what is the harm in that? Is it not natural to ward off loneliness and seek out companionship in a strange place? Did you not do the same? As for your vestment that I know your secrets; I see what the gods wish me to see. I will not apologize for it."

She falls silent for a moment. Her eyes fill with regret. "I have offered my hand in friendship Katherine. There is nothing more that I can do. As you said; you walked into the Lucky Lady that day and passed judgment. You do not trust me. Nothing I say or do will open your heart to me and I will not force you to do so. I promised Nanuet that I would not push.. I am afraid that I have not held to that promise very well, but I will not push further." She begins to rise.

"You may rest assured that I do not know all your secrets, Katherine. I do not know what happened to you to cause you to close your heart to me. But I do know that if you continue to let it fester it will eat at your soul. If you change your mind and want to share whatever it is that is that has caused you so much pain, you know where to find me."

Kate wanted to let her leave. She almost did but they couldn't go on with each other like this. And there was Mr. Gonzales to consider. "You know, it's like we speak different languages. Everything I say you misunderstand just enough to bend it out of shape. "I don't feel I need protection from you. I don't think you're going to betray my secrets or attempt to do me harm. It's not you I don't trust, it's the ones you represent."

Kate got up and paced, rubbing her arms with her hands. "You really want to know the last of my secrets? When I was a little girl I loved going to church. It was a miraculous place. So full of light and beauty and music, and I loved the gods. I loved them. I wanted to know everything, understand everything and feel all wrapped up in them like a blanket. I even dreamed I might serve them someday. And then Papa went to the war."

Kate walked over to the window, arms still wrapped around herself. "My mother is French. The clergy at our church were always welcoming to her; but that changed after Papa left. She continued to bring us to church every week but the clergy became more and more hostile to her. Finally she stopped taking us, but we still held services at home. As an adult I realize she was never devout but she never gave us any hint of that as children. They started coming to us. Almost every day one of the priests or priestesses would come by. To 'comfort us in Papa's absence,' they'd say. Phil was only a baby, but they spent hours trying to poison us against Maman. I still remember the terrible things they said about her, calling her a witch and worse.

One day a group of them came into the nursery. One of the priestesses was holding Phil. Maman ran in after, shouting at them but they held her back. One of the priests tried to grab me but I ran and hid behind Henry in a corner. He tried to keep them away from me even as they were trying to take him too." Kate's voice was increasing broken as she went on. "Papa was already gone, and they were going to take us from Maman. Mathias and Mr. Emerson had to threaten them with guns to make them leave without us.

Nothing ever happened to any of those priests. They were never punished, they didn't lose their powers. It was as if it didn't matter to the gods what they had done. I loved them, but.... I had nightmares for months. When Papa came home and tried to take us back to church... for two months he had to turn around and go home because I was so terrified. I never went to church again." She had to stop and breathe, openly weeping now.

"I finally made a place for myself here, and then you arrived. You're very much like me, you realize that? A counselor, a healer, even down to the color of our hair and eyes. You're what I might have been, and you fill my place better than I did."

Minerva's eyes shine with tears as Katherine reveals her sad tale. She sits back down, careful not to touch Katherine, sensing that her comforting gesture would not be welcome. She speaks quietly. "The gods are not always gentle in the molding of our destinies. They use others as crude tools to pound and slice at us mercilessly as a potter does when he forces a lump of clay to reveal the beautiful sculpture hidden within it.

I understand your pain all too well, but do you not see that in the end the gods did not allow you and your siblings to be taken from your Maman? That the attempt was required to mold your destiny? It is the pain of your experience that has made you what you are; a strong, compassionate woman with the heart and intelligence required to sculpt the lives of others, to teach them to fight against injustice as you have learned to do. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for, Katherine. " She resist reaching out to place her hand over Katherine's and continues.

"We are more alike than you know. It is as though our lives are mirror images of one another. I was raised in a land where I had to hide my cleric abilities for fear that my family would be punished. I arrived home one day to find my father lying in a pool of blood, murdered by wizards who ruled with a cruel hand. And then the gods led me here. To you. You have taught me not to judge all wizards as one. I am asking you to reach beyond your pain and try to do the same. I'm sorry about your Papa. That ridiculous war will continue to breed hatred for many, many years."

Kate was quiet for a while, collecting herself. "I think you still don't quite understand, maybe because I don't really understand myself. I do not believe you have any intention of harming me or anyone else. And I have come to trust that my secrets and my life are safe with you. My trouble is... how do I explain? For many years people have been trying to get me back to church. You and I disagree very fundamentally about how much involvement the gods take in our lives. But I've had people pushing at me for so many years that I have become very sensitive. You attribute almost everything to the gods, and I feel as if you are trying to convince me."

She unconsciously mirrored the other woman's earlier gesture and raised her hand. "I know that is not your intention. It is just your belief and natural to express it. So often I am already struggling to push away the erroneous feeling of being pressured when that enthusiastic friendliness comes in and I just feel overwhelmed.

It will just take some time for me to adjust. And I was, but I'm afraid I was very hurt by what was said in Thomaswell, perhaps because I felt the truth of it. And it made me question again why you would seek my friendship. You seem to be drawn to bright, exciting people and I am neither."

"I have never tried to force you to go to church Katherine, except that one time when I was trying to rally support for myself when I first came to town and that had nothing to do with the church or the gods or saving anyone's soul. If the truth be told, if I did not need this job, I would not feel compelled to enter a church either. We both know that Prayer is useless without action. The gods expect us to act, not whine about our troubles. They do not need prayers to know us. They are gods! They know what is in our hearts whether or not we grovel at their feet and whine about our lot in life, or beg for their intervention. And we both know that it is not always wise to wait for that," she says with a slight smile and a touch of sarcasm.

"I regretted my words to you as soon as they were out. I was hurt by your repeated rebuffs and believed you to be prejudiced against what I am. It was petty of me to strike out as I did and I apologize for it.

Why would I want your friendship, you ask? You said it yourself. We are very alike you and I, and although our methods may be different our hearts beat in the same rhythm. We both abhor injustice and feel compelled to right it to protect those who are unable to fend for themselves. As individuals we are strong but together Katherine, we are formidable." She laughs. "Between the two of us, the bigots, petty minded and evil doers of this town do not stand a chance! I will make a sincere attempt to heed your words and not be too preachy although I must warn you, I will most probably fail in this attempt and you will have to just tell me to quiet my mouth," she grins. "I am glad that we had this talk and now that I understand why you have responded to me the way you have, I will not be offended."

Kate nodded. "Hopefully I won't continue to offend you at all. I feel a bit as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I will feel freer to speak my own mind and that always makes me more comfortable. I'm a little volatile right now as well. The little one seems to be wreaking havoc with my emotions and it's hard to keep a serene countenance. I'm just thankful that the ring Mr. Gonzales lent me spares me from the fatigue and the morning sickness."

"I wish that Senor Gonzales had a ring that would spare me from the fatigue and worries I have felt since Nakomo has come into my life. I wish that Nanuet would return. I am not sure that I am made to be a parent and it would seem that that is what I have become, at least for the time being. I never had a mother to show me how to nurture another and I know nothing of the mind and hearts of teenage boys. What am I going to do? I know very little about Nakomo's past except that he was mistreated," she shakes her head and sighs. "How do parent's make it through the day never knowing if they have said or done the right thing?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the first thing about teenage boys either. Except perhaps that there are two who are sniffing around Ginnie at the moment, and she seems to be completely oblivious. I'm no expert, I've only had Ginnie with me for a few months. She was on her own for a long time, so I just try to acknowledge that she is perfectly capable of caring for herself and only step in when absolutely necessary.

Some days are hard to get through. Rather than worry about whether what you did was right or wrong, just make sure you do it with only their interest in mind. As long as you're sure you're acting in their best interest instead of yours you won't often go wrong."

"Gracias, Katherine. You have such a gift when it comes to dealing with children. I am sure that you are right. Ginnie is proof of it. She is such a wonderful girl. I hope that it will not be to much of an imposition if I ask your advise from time to time. I am terrified that I will only make matters worse with the boy. It is getting quite late and I do not want to keep you overly long. A woman in your condition needs her rest and I have a wedding to perform tomorrow."

"I'm looking forward to that. This town needs more happy events to make it a community. One which I hope would eventually win over even the Vigilance Committee. How can a community where all races are living peacefully together be wrong?"

Kate stood up and offered her hand. "We may have a few bumps, but I think we will rub along together now. And you are right, I have a great desire for my bed. Good night, Minerva.

“I am not looking for a fight, Katherine and I am sorry if you believe that. Spaniards are very passionate people, heated discussions are how we resolve our differences. I apologize if you are insulted by my outburst, but really it only shows how much I care. I will try and contain my enthusiasm and attempt to speak more calmly when you return. I will wait for you to finish for the evening and we will talk." She says and picks up her wine. "Buenos Nochas Katherine. I shall see you at the wedding." she says and makes her way home feeling relieved that they have finally come to understand one another at least a little bit.

Jake meanders about at the end of the night, ingratiating himself among all those remaining. He congratulates Darla Peacock, and indicates he is looking forward to her coming back but does not pressure her. After making sure that everything is fine for the night, but without actually doing any real work he make his way home.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-eight, “Brunch Guests”, Sunday June 4th , 1882, 8:30 A.M.

Sunday morning rolls around and as usual the new Promise City Church of Olympus is around two-thirds filled. Minerva does notice that her usual critics, the Promise City Vigilance Committee, are surprisingly not in attendance this morning. Normally they sit in the back row with their arms crossed and scowls on their faces throughout the service, but this morning they are nowhere to be seen.

Minerva notices the conspicuous absence of the Vigilance Committee with a mild sense of unease but decides to leave their fate in the hands of the gods. She finishes her sermon with her mind half on the wedding that she is to perform at sunset. Sitting with Clarisse, Chester notes the absence of the Vigilance Committee. He nudges her and says, "Where do you think they went? They're not ones for missing Sunday services. Something must be up."

Clarisse replies, "They're having their own service over at the Town Hall building. Mrs. King found another priest who they find more acceptable." Chester says, "Now well, that's interesting. Doesn't Priestess Florencia have the backing of the national church? She's on good terms with the Archbishop. How did they find a priest to come here and risk stepping on toes?"

Clarisse replies, "He is no longer practicing, some sort of falling out with the Church hierarchy. He's been prospecting for gold and silver in the hills for the last five years. He was short on money so Anse King talked him into preaching again for a stipend." Chester gives a low whistle. "That's a dreadfully drastic step to take. They're taking a big chance that the church won't cut them off completely. It just creates more trouble for the town." He shakes his head. "What do you think?"

Clarisse replies, "I'm here with you aren't I? Miss. Florencia has some odd ways about her, but the Bishop did declare her the town's spiritual leader. Our place is here with her." Chester says in mock surprise, "You mean you're not here because of my rugged good looks?" He kisses her on the cheek. "I'm grateful for you being here. It means a lot to me. Good riddance to the Vigilance Committee."

She replies, "Oh no Chet, they are good people. Some of them are a bit myopic in their outlooks and miss the big picture, but they all mean well. They have the best interests of this town at heart, unlike those cattle rustlers who you have had so much trouble with." He says, “They have a mighty funny way of showing it. You're right, though. Perhaps, I'm not giving them enough credit. We have the shared goal of civilizing the area." Chester sighs. "But, I'll keep any thoughts about them to myself. I don't want you to think that I'm being unfair to them."

Kate woke Sunday morning and paddled lazily around her house. There was no place she had to be, nothing she absolutely had to do. She spent an hour just sitting in the parlor reading, not even bothering to put on more than her dressing gown. It was well past nine when she finally made herself presentable and wandered over to the El Parador looking for breakfast.

Kate arrives downstairs to see Chumbley and Sydney Sue dining together. She notices that the only employee present is the handyman Grant Keebler. Grant approaches Kate and says, "Dorita left scrambled eggs and sausages simmering on the stove. Is that acceptable? Otherwise I could cook you up some tasty toast." "Sounds like your cooking skills are about as sophisticated as mine," she laughed. "Eggs and sausage are fine. Where has Dorita gone off to? It's unusual for her to be out, not that she doesn't deserve some time to herself."

Grant says, "There is an Elvan service taking place this morning over at Mr. Valdez's church that they have all gone off to attend. It is a preparation ritual to welcome the gods of peace, love and fertility that is performed in advance of a wood Elvan wedding." She smiled. "How lovely that sounds. It will be nice to see people get married for no other reason than loving each other. It's rarer than it should be. I'll take the eggs. Did Mr. Gonzales go too?"

He replies, "Yes, actually, nearly every wood elf within thirty miles is in attendance. And afterwards Pedro plans to make sure that any of them who haven't registered to vote yet go and do so." "Excellent," Kate laughed. "I registered yesterday, myself. It wasn't long ago he didn't believe he'd be able to vote." She chatted for another couple moments, then let Grant go. He brought out the egg a few moments later and Kate enjoyed the quiet breakfast

Jake is up early Sunday, at least for Jake, and has breakfast at the Promise City Hotel. He then walks over to the Lucky Lady because he does not know what else to do with himself. When Jake arrives he finds the only one present other than Thom to be Judge Isby's assistant and clerk Kevin Tomlinson who is sitting at one of the tables and drinking a cup up coffee. Thom points and says, "Mr. Jake, that man want to talk to you or Mr. Job." Thanks Thom, looks like I lose." Jake chuckles and leaves a perplexed Thom at the door.

"Morning," He says to Tomlinson and takes a seat at his table. Tomlinson sits up straight and says in his crisp English accent, "Good morning Mr. Cook. I have heard that you might be able to rent out private dining rooms on your second floor? Would it be possible for me to rent one for later this morning for a private brunch?" "Yes, of course you can. It will take a little extra effort on short notice but I am sure we can manage."

Jake looks at him curiously, "May I ask what this is about?" Tomlinson locks eyes with Jake and replies, "Nolan Edwards." Jake replies, "Nolan Edwards? Now there is a name I had not expected to hear again. You say that and expect some reaction from me Mr. Tomlinson." Jake keeps his poker face, but remains pleasant. "Yes, I met a man who used that name. Perhaps you should speak more plainly."

Tomlinson says, "Not in a public room. I realize that we are nearly alone now, but people could enter at any moment. I have a business associate in the same line of work as Mr. Edwards worked. He has some questions for you, as do I. Any of your friends who joined you in New Mexico are also welcome to join us for the brunch." With that Tomlinson stands and prepares to depart.

"Whoa, there partner," Jake says but does not stand. "You presume too much. Do not toy with me about this, it is far too personal." Jake slaps the table with one hand. "Come upstairs and pick out the room you would like to use," Jake then stands and walks to the stairs. They head upstairs together. Tomlinson sees a room with a rectangular table with eight chairs and says, "Yes, this would be acceptable."

"Fine. Who do you want me to invite? Oh, and what precautions will you take about being overheard or seen in here? If you are truly dealing with what Edwards was after, walls and doors are no barrier," Jake says rather ominously. Tomlinson replies, "The room will be properly secured, nobody other than those present will have any knowledge of what is being said or who is present. I would suggest that you at least bring Deputy Martin to the brunch, as he is the only law enforcement officer in town that is aware of the nature of this threat."

Jake exclaims, "Hermes! Tomlinson, what does everyone know? Is everyone who came to New Mexico known and what we were about?" He replies, "Nobody knows except for myself and my associate, who has just come here directly from Thomaswell. My associate's cousin lives here in town but hasn't been informed of any of this, nor has Judge Isby. That is one reason I wanted a private room here. Your associates all have business here in this building so their coming and going won't be seen as unusual. My associate and I will arrive and leave separately. Discretion is the key too maintaining a low profile."

"Blast." Jake scuffs his foot along the floor. "Fine, I will tell the others of your cryptic offer of brunch." Jake starts walking away and adds, "I will be here either way." Tomlinson leaves a $ 20 on the table and says, "Very good sir, please arrange for appropriate quantities of food. I will see you shortly."

After her breakfast Kate again found herself at a loss. She had intended to see her teacher here, but it seemed that wasn't going to be possible. There was always the ranch, but she had planned to get there around noon today and that was hours away yet. Conrad would still be asleep and Ginnie was already off on her own business. Her feet took their own path over to the Lucky Lady where she sat down and played, wandering on the piano keys, making it up as she went along.

In the main room Jake encounters Katherine at the piano. He gives her a brief summary of Tomlinson's conversation with him. "Join us at your pleasure. I will understand if you decide to pass on the opportunity. I have to go locate the others." Jake tips his hat and heads out. He attempts to locate Maria to arrange the food but she is nowhere to be found. Since he cannot locate her he makes other arrangements with the Promise City Hotel. Melissa Smith agrees to have the food delivered in around an hour. Jake then goes looking for Minerva and Chester.

The worship service ends and Minerva heads to the back of the church to greet her parishoners and wish them a good day as they leave the church.. Mr. Franjoluppi smiles and thanks her for her recent advice. She replies, "You are quite welcome, Senor Franjolupi. How are you faring?" He states, "Very good, thank you Priestess. Good luck today with the wedding, it should be a joyous occasion!"

"Si," she looks beyond them toward the sun. "the gods are smiling upon us all today." She continues to greet her parishoners until Chester and Clarisse near the exit. "Buenas Dias! Deputy, Senorita Townsend." Chester says, "Morning to you too, Priestess. Wonderful service as always." Clarisse adds, "It's good to see you again, priestess. How are you?" She replies, "I am doing quite well. Did you enjoy the service? I noticed that there were a few more vacant seats today than usual."

Clarisse replies, "Yes, I did, priestess. Your sermon was very insightful. It will give us much to think about. I don't know about the empty seats." Chester says, "Priestess, the Vigilance Committee is going to services with another priest. He's some miner they hired." She replies, "A miner priest? How odd. Well we cannot force others to worship as we do now can we?" She smiles and shrugs her shoulders in dismissal. "They will return to the flock when they have seen the error of their ways."

Jake finds Minerva, Chester and Clarisse outside the church. "Chet, got a minute?" He pulls the lawman away from his girl and the priestess. Jake quickly explains the situation, "Come to brunch in about an hour but leave Clarisse somewhere." "OK. Odd that this comes up now, though. I'll be there. See you later." After Chet leaves with Clarisse, Jake waits for Minerva to finish greeting her flock. She states, "Hola, Senor Cook. What brings you to the church of Olympus so early in the day?"

"It is early." Jake looks around, "Tomlinson came to see me this morning and mentioned Nolan Edwards." Jake then tells the rest of their conversation. "Thought you might want to come along. Your choice though." Jake tips his hat, "See you in an hour." "The priestess's eyes go wide at the mention of Nolan Edwards. "Si, I will be there." She hurries home and changes out of her robes. "Nakomo I have some business to attend to before the wedding. I will be back in a couple of hours." She rushes over to the Lucky Lady Praying to the gods as she goes. Jake goes back to his house, straps on his long barreled Colt, puts his special ammunition on his belt and then walks leisurely back to the Lucky Lady to wait for Tomlinson and his friend.

Kate stayed at the piano after Jake left, wishing he hadn't run off, necessary as it was. There was no question she would be there, if only to find out if she needed to pack up and leave town before news of what she was could spread. Considering the manner, she doubted that was the case. The thought that more of those monsters might show up was something else she didn't want to consider. There was danger enough without that.

When Jake finally returned Kate went to wait with him. "He didn't give you any clue?" she asked. Jake answers, "He was evasive. If it was not so serious a matter I would have sent him packing." Kate replies, "I don't like that he said Judge Isby knows nothing of it. Why would he feel the need to tell you that? We didn't do anything wrong in Thomaswell. You and Chester were deputized." Kate stopped. She laid her hands in her lap, feeling very small. "The sooner this is over the better." "I suppose you could assume he was threatening. I did not take it that way. I just do not like being manipulated or kept in the dark." Jake paces back and forth a few times. "I suppose we will find out soon."

Clarisse spends the next hour of the morning telling Chester about the goings-on in her sewing circle. When brunch time comes, he excuses himself and heads for the Lucky Lady. The food has already been delivered are brought upstairs by Kate and Jake. Jake comes back downstairs and greets both Minerva and Chester as they arrive, sending them upstairs.

Kevin Tomlinson arrives next carrying a satchel similar to a doctor's bag. He tells Jake "A Brit named Jonathan will be arriving soon. We can then begin the brunch." Tomlinson reaches the upstairs room and says hello to the three in the room. He then removes three candles which he places on the table inside small iron candleholders. He then lights the candles, placing a glass plate between them which he pours a liquid into that resembles white wine.

Kate gestured to the candles. "Very pretty, Mr. Tomlinson. What is their purpose?" Tomlinson replies, "Protection from the undead." "It's broad daylight," Kate said, confused. "But I suppose you will explain when we're all here. I apologize. I'm sure you understand the mystery has me a bit on edge." Chester asks, "Kevin, what's with all the secrecy?" "All will be explained momentarily," Tomlinson states.

Downstairs, a well-dressed man in a European-style dark wool-blend three-piece suit arrives. The man also has on a gold silk ascot with a diamond pin, a silk top hat, and white gloves. He says in a London accent "Hello Sir, I am here for a private brunch." "You are Mr. Charles then?" Jake says with a pleasant smile and an extended hand. The man shakes Jake's hand and says, "Harker actually, shall we?" "Yes, we shall," he replies in nearly British accent and points towards the stairs. He follows the man up the stairs.

Jake soon arrives with the well dressed gentleman who introduces himself to the others as Jonathan Harker. Once the door is shut Tomlinson says, "I apologize for the informality of this but I will need for us to all join hand while I state an incantation to ward away evil and the undead."

Kate held out one hand to Jake and one to Chester. She watched and listened carefully, trying to decipher whether this was clerical or arcane magic. Jake shrugs and takes the offered hands. Chester shakes Harker's hand before joining hands. "Afternoon, Mr. Harker. What brings you here?" Harker replies, “Please do as instructed Sir.” As the incantation is going on the candles flicker and the liquid within the plate darkens to a deep crimson before fading back to the light amber color. Tomlinson gestures for everybody around the table to take a seat.

Jonathan Harker says, "What we have to tell you now is very secretive, it is imperative that you not share this information with anybody outside of this room." Kevin Tomlinson says, "You have all had experience dealing with the undead, specifically vampires. You met Mr. Nolan Edwards and from what Jonathan was able to deduce from his interviews in Thomaswell, were instrumental in ridding the world of the creature who was responsible for killing him and turning him into a monstrosity."

Harker says, "Mr. Tomlinson and I have dedicated our lives to ridding the world of creatures such as those who you came up against. Many years back I joined this fight against the King of all vampires, Count Vlad Dracula of Wallachia, who has been terrorizing Europe since the mid-fifteenth century. He....he tried to take my fiance Wilhelmina Murry from me. We destroyed him, or so I thought, but in reality he merely fled England and returned to his homeland. Since that time I have been tracking down him and his kin."

Jake nods, "So what is the specific threat to Promise City?" Tomlinson says, "Vampires sir, one in particular. I believed him dead but I was mistaken. I fear that your saloon may be in danger, as your partner Job Kane is currently having an ongoing relationship with this vampire's wife." Harker interjects, "Ex-wife actually, Mortimer Turner is technically deceased."

Kate states, "Would he be related to a Colin Turner? He was the Vampire we were hunting down that led us to Thomaswell. He.... had developed an obsession with a friend of ours, Miss West." Jake just shakes his head over Harker's focus on the pointless topic of the state of their marriage. "So Mortimer was Colin's Uncle or something?"

Tomlinson states, "Colin Turner claimed to be Mortimer Turner's Uncle. In actuality the relation goes much further back, he was the man's Great, Great, Great, Great Uncle. Colin was also Mortimer's sire, that is, the vampire who turned him into a member of the undead." Harker says, "Yes, Colin Turner killed his only living relative. The pair then began to influence the good people of Wilcox, bringing them under their spell and draining many of the citizens of blood, but not enough to cause death." Chester asks, "Where can we find this Mortimer Turner? Is this why you're with Judge Isby, Kevin?"

Tomlinson says, "I was sent here from London to America to investigate the situation in Wilcox. I belong to an order who are devoted to tracking and combating malevolent supernatural entities, vampires in particular. We are known as The Watchers Council.”

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Seventy-nine, “The Watcher”, Sunday June 4th , 1882, 10:45 A.M.

The Englishman Kevin Tomlinson states, “We are known as The Watchers Council. We fight the supernatural monsters, vampires in particular, primarily by locating individuals with the talents required to fight such beings and win and then provide them with the necessary training and weapons to accomplish this task. Becoming Judge Isby's clerk solved a great many problems and also allowed me to help remove the Judge from Turner's influence."

Without thinking Kate reached up and rubbed her neck where Greeley had bitten her. "You think Mortimer might still be attached to his wife and come after Job? The Judge was under a Vampire's influence? I assume Mortimer's since Colin has been gone for a while now."

Tomlinson says, "Actually, that influence ceased while the four of you were in Thomaswell. I didn't know what brought about the change at the time, but apparently your actions were the cause. The Judge and I returned to Wilcox where I was thankfully able to prepare and provide elixirs to Mrs. Turner, Judge Isby and around two-dozen other citizens of Wilcox who had been under their influence. Those people are now fine, actually better than fine, as one side effect of this special elixir is that they are all now in superb health and each is physically a decade younger than their chronological age."

Harker states, "We do not know what he plans to do next. Bernice Turner thought him dead and buried but she has seen him recently. That is why she has made Job stay away. We plan to head off to Wilcox tomorrow but wanted to first apprise you of the situation so that you can be on alert."

Tomlinson says, "We also have need of two of Nolan Edward's personal possessions which we believe are now in your possession. His holy symbol and a pair of leather gloves." Kate replies, "I'm not sure who was holding on to those, I don't believe I have them. You said your council seeks out people to help in its mission, giving them training and weapons? What methods does your group approve of?"

Tomlinson says, "We actually seek to train a specific person known as a Slayer. To each generation is born a young female bestowed with mystical powers which gives her superhuman senses, strength, speed, endurance, agility, healing and stamina in the fight against forces of darkness. For the last fifteen years the Slayer has been an Italian woman by the name of Angela Martignetti. Her watcher, Jason Cromwell, feels that her time is soon to come to an end. The Watcher's Council was provided a vision that foretold that the next slayer would come from this community. I was sent here to find this potential and prepare her. I initially thought that Ruby West was that individual but was mistaken."

Jake chokes a bit. He looks to Minerva who appears to be a bit stunned. "The priestess has the holy symbol. I believe Manuel Gonzalez has the gloves." Chester interjects, "If not her, then who? You said there's one woman per generation. Shouldn't you be able to figure out who that one is easily?" Kate adds, "But you still believe this woman to be here? How would you discover who she is?"

He replies, "The only constant is that it is typically a young woman between the ages of fourteen and nineteen. She may not be here in Promise City yet, but she will be here at the time when the present Slayer perishes. That is when the new slayer will be born, when the young woman will be granted the supernatural powers. It could happen tomorrow or it could happen many years from now. I hopefully will be able to identify her in advance, but if not, will find her then and start her training at that point in time."

Jake states, "I get the impression that women in this career path do not pass quietly in their sleep." Tomlinson and Harker both give Jake a stern look. He simply shrugs and says, "Must be hard recruiting new applicants." Tomlinson says, "It is their destiny. It is my job to train this Slayer so that she can have a longer life expectancy and carry on the task of ridding the world of undead."

Chester says, "You expect these Slayers to die young? Why would anyone volunteer for that kind of duty? And why only one, if there's such a need?" Tomlinson replies, "The Slayer is unique. Only one girl receives these supernatural gifts." Minerva turns a bit pale when she is told of more vampires. May the gods protect us. She sits quietly listening to the details as her mind calculates who this new Slayer could possibly be. "I wonder how old Clarisse is? Hmmm who else falls into that age range?"

Kate says, "I'm grateful that I'm too old and Ginnie is too young. Our one encounter with these monsters was enough for me.” Harker says, "Yes, quite. But for now we need not worry about who the potential slayer might be. Our task at hand is to find and eradicate Mortimer Turner." Kate comments, “You've been very cautious today, making sure this conversation is private. I know Vampires can get into your mind but do they have some kind of power where they could have eavesdropped on us today? It's daylight outside. They should be holed up hiding from the sun."

Tomlinson says, "The Watcher's Council is a secret order so it is necessary to maintain discretion. Freelance monster hunters like Nolan Edwards draw too much attention to themselves which is what eventually cost him his life. Mine and Jonathan's way works much better. Jonathan's cousin Boston Harker lives here in town so as far as anybody is concerned he is just visiting a relative of his."

Kate replies, "Well, we've tried to be discreet but since you found out what we did apparently we weren't that successful." Harker says, "Sheriff Weeks disclosed what he knew to me and Deputy Martin had used his real name. Kevin was able to piece the rest together." Kate shook her head and smiled. "And we just confirmed a great deal for you just by being here."

Jake asks rather bluntly, "What does Mortimer Turner look like? Where was he last seen, and does he have any habits about where he hides his coffin?" Tomlinson says, "I do not know the location of the casket. I believed him dead, I stabbed a stake into his chest myself over a year ago but the body was never recovered, it fell over a cliff as I stabbed him. I can only presume that I must have missed the heart and he survived."

"Yes, Mr. Tomlinson, I am familiar with how difficult it is to drive a stake into the heart of one of those creatures," Jake says with some exasperation, "and I have little doubt you would finish the job if you KNEW where he hid his casket. That is not what I asked you." Jake runs a hand through his hair. "So... Where were you when he went over the cliff? What does he look like so I can be wary? Did he have any habits that might be useful to know?"

Tomlinson says, "We fought at an abandoned silver mine five miles from Wilcox. I thought that his casket was inside but it was not. I also checked his house in town and it was not there either.” Chester interjects, "Where exactly? If we're going to do this, we better do it right.” Jake nearly chokes. Chester says, “How much help are you going to give us? Or are you concentrating on finding this 'Slayer'? I've got a few killings on my plate already." Jake says, "I think you have plenty to do already, Deputy."

He continues, “Mortimer Turner stands approximately five-foot-nine with short slicked black hair and deep blue eyes. He has sideburns that are beginning to gray around the ears and a short goatee but no mustache. His most unusual and distinctive feature are two amputated fingers on his left hand, the pinkie and ring fingers, cut off just above the first finger joint. He lost those in a boyhood accident in a sawmill. He usually wears gloves to hide them." Jake listened intently to the description Tomlinson gives of Mortimer Turner.

Kate states, "He sounds a lot like Colin, only dark instead of blonde. I don't think we'll have any trouble recognizing him. Thank you for the warning, although I hope it will prove to be unnecessary." Jonathan Harker says, "Yes, quite. The group of you did well in Thomasville. The people of Wilcox are free of their influence due to your work. Warning you of this new predicament is the least we can do." Jake manages not to roll his eyes when Harker compliments them on 'saving' Thomaswell.

Tomlinson looks to Jake and says, "Mr. Cook, your Miss. West visited the Judge on Wednesday morning and said that she would be gone for a short while. Given the elder Turner's interest in her that is probably a good thing. You would be wise to keep her away from here until we know that it is safe again." Jake replies, "Wise? Any control that I exercised over Miss West was tenuous at best." He looks away briefly before looking back and at the two of them. "Will you speak with Job Kane? Or are you leaving that to me?"

Tomlinson says, "The two of us are heading up to Wilcox on tomorrow morning's stagecoach to see what we can find. We wanted you to know what has transpired. As for Mr. Kane, I can speak to him this evening and find out what his wishes are in this matter." Jake stands. "If that is all gentlemen? I am grateful for the warning."

The men indicate they have nothing further. They do both stay to partake of the brunch that has been prepared. Jake tells them to enjoy their breakfast, "She makes some of the best food in town." He leaves the others behind muttering, "Mierde," several times as he makes his way down the stairs. Not sure what else to do with himself, he takes a seat on the porch of the saloon and ponders lazily.

Kate stayed a while for politeness sake although she didn't eat much. Her breakfast at the El Parador had been filling and there wasn't room for much more. Normally she would have been as full of questions as Ginnie, but she had asked Nolan Edwards most of those questions and this morning had brought back the painful memory of the poor mans death.

After a while she said her polite good-byes and left. As she passed out the door she saw Jake sitting on the porch, lost in thought. She sat quietly down next to him and waited. Jake looks up and smiles. "How can you take anyone serious with a name like Mortimer." She replies, "Mortimer the Terrible doesn't have much of a ring to it, does it? Mortimer the Red, perhaps? Mortimer the Bloody?" She chuckled. "No, I can't do it. I hear the name and I think of an ancient man without teeth. It seems Job has interesting taste in women."

"How was he to know that the widow woman's husband was not exactly dead in the ordinary sense. Interesting part is that one or more of them looked after her." Jake shrugs. "Nothing to do but wait it out. I will not go seeking that kind of trouble." Kate replies, "Neither will I. I've made several promises to be extra careful for a while. As for Job, we widows are trouble. You ought to know that," Kate laughed. "And we're occasionally good listeners too, if you should ever need one."

She stood up and straightened her dress. "There's a wedding at sundown and the whole town's invited. I hope we'll see you there." "I have heard it said that marriage is the only game of chance where both people can lose." Jake grins but makes no move to get up. "Likely I will be there. No harm in wishing them luck, even if the game is rigged."

She replies, "Of course it's rigged. Whether that's good or bad depends entirely upon who did the rigging." She bent down and kissed his cheek, not caring if it embarrassed him. "I've got ranch work to do, I'll see you later." "Pleasant day to you," he replies. After she turns away he touches a finger to the cheek she kissed. It reminded him of someone that he has not seen in several years. Jake let his mind wander again.

Jake sits for a good half hour until broken from his concentration by the annoying laugh of an overly pleasant halfling by the name of Chumbley who is out and about selling today's edition of the Promise City Herald.

Jake flips him a coin on his way by and takes one of his papers. All this turmoil in town was at least good for his business, he thought. Jake continues to slouch on the pouch with his feet up for a while, watching people strolling along before he finally opens the paper. He reads at a leisurely pace, easily distracted by the goings on around him.

The lead story carries the banner “Finnegan Falls”. It details the previous night’s fight at the Palace Saloon, where the house pugilist Finnegan suffered his first defeat after twelve consecutive weeks of victories. The winner of the bout was Boston Harker, the barrel-chested foreman of the Breakheart Stamping Mill and Smelter. Harker had challenged Finnegan the previous week and that fight lasted for sixteen rounds until Harker eventually fell. The rematch the previous evening was shorter, with Finnegan falling to a knockout punch in the ninth round. Harker was awarded a $ 100 prize for his victory.

Two other stories begin below the fold on page one and both continue onto page two. The first of these has the headline “Rustlers Return”. It states that the first significant incidence of cattle rustling since the death of Johnny Ringo took place the previous evening when fourteen cattle and eight horses were rustled from the Phillips Ranch. Those animals represented approximately one-third of their livestock and half of their mounts. The crime took place when Ned Phillips and his hands were busy putting out a fire in the hay barn, which had apparently been set by the rustlers as a distraction. Since Phillips had opted to not join the Incorporated town the crime is being investigated by Deputy Sheriffs Colin Hunter and Frank Leslie.

The other story has the banner “Liberty Party Formed” and concerns the Liberty Party which was established during the previous night’s rally at the Palace Saloon following the fight. Signatures were obtained from registered voters for a full slate of candidates and the party became officially registered with Judge Isby that morning. The Political Party Headquarters is the Palace Saloon and all non-Liberty party candidates for office are barred from entering there until after the election. The slate of candidates consists of Hamilton Fisk as candidate for Mayor, Colin Hunter as candidate for Marshall, and as candidates for the Councilman positions Evan Adair, Tector Driscoll, Porter Norris, Ike Sherman and Nicholas Thayer. The party vows to uphold ‘Liberty’ for all citizens of Promise City rather than imposing unnecessary restrictions upon the town’s citizens.

There is a short story on page six about Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin and the relocation of his ballooning operation from Chihuahua, Mexico to Promise City. He states that he has sixty employees, mostly humans originally from Germany but also a handful of Mexican wood elves. The manufacturing operation will be established in the valley five miles northeast of town in the valley between Fisk and Bowie Mountains. He states that the operation will officially join the township and that all of his workers will have arrived in time to register to vote.

The remainder of the newspaper consists of advertisements, with the back page being a full-page advertisement for both the Palace Saloon and the Liberty Party. On the interior pages are three separate quarter-page advertisements for political office, namely Burton Lumley for Councilman, Elihu Upton for Councilman and Vera Blake for Councilwoman. The last page reminds Jake that the Lucky Lady is overdue for some advertising. He passes the balance of Sunday morning on the porch doing nothing at all.

Once the meal at the Lucky Lady is finished, Chester gets up from the table. "I got work to do, so have yourselves a good day." Chester leaves and heads for the office. Eduardo is there and waves Chester over. "Afternoon Chet. Did you see the paper? The Phillips Ranch got hit by rustlers." "No, didn't know it came out today. Let me see." He reads the story and comments, "Hmph. Wonder if they'll change their minds about joining town. It'd be funny if Leslie was on of the ones who took the cattle. Eduardo, do you if there's going to be a ranch to join the town after incorporation?"

He reads the story about the Liberty Party and comments to Eddie, "That note you got, think it was talking about Fisk? He's first on my list of suspects." Eduardo replies, "Mitch says that seems like the obvious answer, maybe too obvious. I'm trying to determine who might have written the note. First of all it was written in Spanish. Then I had Mother Jiminez check with the animals in the area to try to determine who might have slipped it under my door. The description she got wasn't that specific but it was definitely a dark-haired male wood elf of slightly-below-average height."

Chester says, "A wood elf? I'm a bit surprised the locals would have anything to do with Fisk. Well, it does narrow down who left the note. There can't be many wood elves working with Fisk. I mean, I agree that Fisk is the simple choice, but I'm a simple man. We'll have to thank Mother Jiminez. Hmm, I didn't know she could talk to animals. That's a mighty handy skill to have."

Eduardo says, "As far as I know Fisk never associates with any non-humans. I'll continue to follow this lead, I'm not convinced that the writer of the note is himself guilty of anything other than having knowledge that can get him killed if we're not careful." Chester says, "But didn't the note say that he was one of the killers? Why would he write that if it wasn't true? Do you believe him when he says, that he could be killed over this?"

Eduardo reaches into his pocket and removes the note, reading it aloud:
"Marshall Berg should stop looking into Buckley's death. Buckley was the man who killed Marshall Hollister last December. The man who hired Buckley to do that killing is now planning to run for office and Buckley made the mistake of trying to blackmail him. I cannot come forward or I will be killed as well, as Buckley knew of my involvement but the other killer does not. Further investigations on your part will only result in more dead lawmen."

"Nope, the writer doesn't actually confess to any killings here, just his 'involvement' whatever that means. So he may be an accessory after the fact, which is still a crime, but not to the same degree." Chester says, "Yeah. I guess I got stuck on that 'other killer' thing. If a wood elf didn't want to be found by humans, how easy would that be? He may already have flown the coop."

Eduardo says, "It depends upon who he actually is. Thankfully there is the wedding today, which will attract every wood elf in the area. Anybody missing will be conspicuous by their absence. Alternately, the reception should also give me an opportunity to approach and talk to anyone who I may suspect of being the writer." Chet replies, "Good plan. Do you need me there, or would I stick out too much? I'm sure you'll have a good time in between talking to people."

Eduardo replies to Chet, "I'll have enough fun at the wedding, there's no reason that I can't mix work and play. And since Rufus Davis invited the whole town, except for that Shackelton fellow, there's no reason for you to not attend as well. Just don't let it give that girl of yours any ideas."

Chester starts coughing. "Don't scare me like that. I've only known her a few months. I hadn't given much thought to marriage." Eduardo grins. "I can bet you that she has. But don't let that stop you from taking her to the wedding." He claps Chester on the back. "Go get changed and I'll see you there." Chester raises his hands in mock surrender. "OK. OK. Message received. See you there."

Kate's mind was busy as she got changed and back over to the El Parador to fetch Meribel. The thought that those monsters could still be a danger wasn't something she wanted to think about. She kept picturing the girls in her school, the older ones who would be of age to be this "Slayer." It seemed cruel to wrench a girl from the life she'd always known and lay such a responsibility on her.

Otherwise she worried about Jake. He seemed alright, but he was sitting inside himself at the moment. Perhaps he had talked to someone, perhaps not. All she could do now was to be available. She sighed and peeked inside the El Parador to see if Conrad was there. Conrad Booth is indeed inside the El Parador having his first meal of the day even though it is about an hour earlier than usual.

Kate also notes that the wood elves are all back from their church service. It had been strange earlier sitting in the El Parador when it was so quiet. Now everything seemed right inside. Kate went in and slid into a chair at Conrad's table. "You're up early. I just wanted to know if you were going to the wedding this afternoon." He replies, "Yes indeed, as if Dorita would let any of us miss it! And I agree, it is early, but Miss Marcus and I are meeting our actors at the Gay Lady at noon so I thought I would get a bite of breakfast first.”

Kate says, "I wish I could go with you; I'd like to see the play get started. But I have my own work to do today. There are more horses that need training that I have time for. But I'll be back in plenty of time for the wedding. Would you care to..." Kate hesitated. It seemed a silly question after her admission to him in Boston, but everything felt a little uncertain today. "I should be here by five-thirty if you'd like to walk over together." Conrad smiles and says, "I would be honored to accompany you fine lady."

Kate looked at the baggy pants and man's shirt she was wearing at the moment and laughed. "Is there a lady under here? I hope I can find her by this evening." She resisted the urge to lean over and kiss him. "Thank you. I think you're just what I need today." He smiles and replies, "And I hope that at some point you'll realize that I'm what you need every day. But until that time comes I will remain content with joining you at weddings in the role of spectators rather than participants."

"When I'm ready to be a wife again you'll be the first to know my dear," she said and squeezed his hand. "I should get going. I'll see you in a few hours and you can tell me all about getting the play started." Conrad replies, "That I will, I've been enjoying it thus far and we've barely started."

Kate gets up to leave and nearly collides with Chumbley as he hurries into the El Parador carrying a stack of newspapers. "I'll take one of those, Mr. Chumbley," Kate said and fished a nickel out of her pocket. "I hope you had a nice breakfast this morning despite the quiet Cantina." He sells her the paper and says, "Why yes I did. That Sydney Sue is simply amazing. I am so glad she returned to town." He hurries into the Cantina to sell more of his paper to the other patrons.

Kate reflects that this election period has been very profitable for Hezekiah B. Chumbley and the Promise City Mirror, with enough news and advertisements for daily editions. The news of the Douglas Gang’s record robbery in Colorado had even promoted a second edition on the day before! And enough news has now been gathered since for an eight-page Sunday edition. She glances at the paper.

Kate had been reading as she went back into the stable. After she read about the livestock stolen from Ned Phillips place she turned right back around and headed upstairs and into her teacher's rooms. "Grandpere? Are you here?" she called.

"In the workshop," his voice bellows out. She enters the room to see that he is in the process of making some sort of concoction, as different colored liquids are boiling within three beakers mounted above the brazier and he is currently crushing something up into fine powder. She says, "I'm sorry, I don't want to disrupt. I just read something disturbing in the paper and wanted a bit of advice. I can come back later."

He replies, "No, have a seat and tell me what is on your mind. I can crush up goats' hooves just as easily with an audience than by myself." Kate settled herself on a tall stool. It would be nice to talk plainly where she was certain no one could hear. "Livestock was stolen from Ned Phillips ranch last night. Men from Thayer's ranch have been watching the place and they've also been watching our ranch. I'm afraid we might be next. We don't have any hands, no one but the three of us and I'm not there enough to count as security. The Apache keep an eye out but they can't break the treaty and come down to thwart rustlers.

I know Thayer's men have been watching because Wyatt Earp told me. He was looking into why but I think this clinches it. Even if he should catch them he's only one man." Gonzales replies, "Wyatt Earp is more than just one man and we both know it....he's an insane lunatic but one with magical protections on his physical body. He might be of help. And don't discount the Apache, several of them regularly leave the mountains for employment on the Morand Family's Rocking-H Ranch. It would cost you some money or trade goods but there is nothing to prevent you from hiring some of them as well."

She says, "I don't have a problem with hiring on some hands, I was thinking about it yesterday truth be told. There's too much work now to leave it all on Sonoma and Flint, and it's unfair to do so. And I could trust the Apache, but that will take a few days and I'm not sure how to protect us until then. I can spend the next few nights at the ranch, but one more person sleeping won't make much difference." Kate took a deep breath. "I can't believe I didn't send Earp away. He said that I would never see him again if that's what I wanted, but I needed him to help keep us safe. He said Virgil didn't tell him what Morgan had done until after he was killed. I think I believe it."

Gonzales replies "Wyatt Earp is a lot of things but I've never known of him to lie. I'm sure he may have suspected what occurred, he's too smart not to have, but if he says he didn't actually know he is probably being truthful. As for the ranch, I cannot miss this wedding today but am willing to head out to the ranch afterwards and stay for as long as necessary. It also may not take that long for you to hire some Apache ranch hands. You already have a relationship with Geronimo and your friend Flint's woman Naki-Yai is of the tribe." While he is talking he finishes making the powdered hooves and then pours the contents through a funnel into a beaker with boiling green-yellow liquid.

She replies, "I think I'll start with Naki-Yai. Getting to see Geronimo isn't that easy," she smiled, "and not every Apache knows who I am. I'm actually relieved the surveillance seems to have just been about cattle rustling. I was afraid of something more sinister. I wouldn't want you to miss the wedding, I'm certainly not going to. What are you working on there that needs goat's hooves?"

He replies, "A special elixir designed to save the lives of all of my family and friends." He catches the worried look on Kate's face and laughs, "Oh, it's nothing sinister my little bird. One element of a Wood Elvan wedding is that the bride has to bake a special treat for the reception, a type of pastry with sweet meat and cheese. Miss. Ramirez's cooking makes yours look like that of a master chef by comparison. This elixir should negate any indigestion that would result from her conconction."

Kate laughed aloud. "At least someone's a worse cook than I am," she said and shook her head. "I heard some other interesting things today, but I can tell you about them later. If I don't get out to the ranch soon I won't have enough time to get anything done before I head back." She hopped down and kissed the elf's cheek. "I will see you later."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter Eighty, “Saloon Details”, Sunday June 4th , 1882, 12:30 P.M.

Kate finally made her way to the ranch, enjoying the pleasant ride in the fresh air before the heat of the day set in. No one else seemed to notice how warm it was getting, but considering she was used to it still being chilly at the beginning of June she might not be the best person to judge by.

Everything was quiet out at the ranch and Kate got down to the work of training. It wasn't good to be doing it in this piecemeal way; she would have to set a rigid schedule and make sure she followed it. She spent several hours working with the wild horses the Apache had brought before she stopped by Sonoma and Flint to share what she had learned about the rustlers and suggest hiring hands.

At around 2:00 in the afternoon Darla Peacock stops by Jake's Porch and asks if they can continue their previous conversation. "Sit yourself down, Miss Peacock. Might I suggest that you can call me Jake if you think that I could call you Darla?" Jake smiles pleasantly. "Please, begin where ever you feel comfortable."

She says, "Alright Jake, I won't beat around the bush here. I've asked around and I hear that you and Mr. Kane each only work four nights a week. That appeals to me, we've had Peacock's Saloon open every night for the last eighteen months and I've forgotten what a night off looks like. So my first question for you is how many nights were you planning to have Faro?

I'd be willing to do a fifth night but I'd really like some time off. And if you decide you want another Faro dealer for my nights away I would like to be the one to make that hiring decision, as it is my table that will suffer if a bad choice is made. I know that during previous summers a Mr. Teddy Whipple dealt Faro at the Lone Star. I assume that he won't be returning, which would be my preference, as I've heard missed reviews of his...abilities.

And my other concern is my fiance Michael George. I would be interested in his schedule mirroring mine. He is a good bartender and I would expect his starting pay to be at least eighty-percent of what you presently pay your bartenders, plus I assume he would get to keep whatever tips are left at the bar. Lastly I want to confirm that you will not require us to reside at the Lucky Lady. Michael and I own a house a block-and-a-half north of here which we would plan to continue living at."

He says, "I would like Faro six or seven nights a week. I figured I would start with one dealer, and if she was good enough, and I think she is, I would have her hire the second dealer. Most nights we would only need a single dealer, but if business was good enough I would expect my main Faro dealer to decide when we needed two dealers on the busiest nights."

Jake maintains his pleasant smile, "You should be on the best nights, we both make out that way. Work all seven if you want, but I am satisfied with you on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at a minimum. The Whipples no longer have any stake in the saloon so you need not fear any of them coming back. Since you would be hiring any other Faro dealers, I expect you to maintain the quality. I do not care where you and Michael call home, no need to sleep at the Lady. Just be here on your shifts is all I ask. We need a good bartender and I can agree to your terms regarding Micheal for the most part. Just understand on occasion we may need some help other than just your nights. The Lady is a bit of a family and we all pitch in when needed to keep her going, our customers coming back and each other safe. He can start as you suggested and we will see how it goes from there."

"We run an honest place, and as one of the owners we always have the right to question the decisions of our employees. In practice, it almost never happens. We have a fine group. So..." Jake extends his hand to Darla, ... can I welcome you aboard?" Darla replies, "Yes you can....but can we hold off on announcing it and having us start for a couple of days? I would like to be able to get the best possible price for the current saloon and if people already know we've already decided to move on that won't happen."

He asks, "How much do you think you can get for it?" Darla replies, "It depends on the seller. With the Gay Lady on one side and Cook's General Store on the other I could probably get the most from one of them. I might even be able to get them into a bidding war. And even if they aren't interested, with the recent mining discoveries combined with the Tombstone Fire there are probably at least a dozen other folks who would be interested in starting up a saloon at that location. I figure the lot alone is worth more than the building, I should be able to clear an easy three thousand, possibly as much as four."

"Hmmm, well that is too rich for me. I was thinking I might take it off your hands but that is many times more than I guessed it was worth. It is a fine location, good luck on it. We talked before about that, I would rather see Cook get it so we do not help the competition."

Ginnie swings by sees Jake talking to Darla. she stands where he can see her and she lets him know that she's there close enough to hear what is going on. she waits a couple of minutes and then pops up to the two of them. “I was wondering if I could talk to you Jake about some of the questions you had for me. I also wanted to know if it would be possible for the new faro dealer to possibly teach me the game.” Jake says, "Well good afternoon to you too young lady. I assume you know Miss Peacock? I personally have no qualms about her teaching you the game if she is willing. I am not sure that Promise City is ready for a youngster dealing Faro.…”

Darla looks at Ginnie and says, "You're the daughter of the school teacher and piano player aren't you? I believe that I saw you waiting tables last night at the Lady." Ginnie says, “I'm not looking to deal but I need to understand what is going on if I want to make sure I know what is going on.
I've been thinking about your questions. Oh and by the way I have another slip for you to sign I've arranged with Chumbley for advertising space in each addition of the paper until the week after the election is held he gave me a good deal.” She looks at Ms. Peacock gets a nod from Jake and keeps going.

“I've taken care of the restock with Harry if he asks you sent me with the list. I've also restocked the pantry for Maria we should be set for the next week or so. the books look to be in line and we have pulled in about twelve-percent more than previously but the saloon has been slightly busier than usual. I'm not planning on going anywhere soon but I don't see this as a full-time job for me I've already got most of the people dealing with us believing that Job is managing the onsite and using me as a messenger. You are doing the books and ordering half and using me as a messenger, so that front suits me fine.

I also don't want the customers believing that I'm doing anything more than just bussing tables or they will start watching their words in front of me. I've got Nakomo and Melvin to pick up any slack that way so I think we're in good shape.” Darla takes in everything that Ginnie has just told to Jake. She asks him, "Do I even want to know?" "Ginnie is an over achiever," Jake says deadpan.

"Ginnie girl, Darla Peacock is going to be joining us as our Faro dealer full time soon. We will want to put that in the paper when she does. In the meantime, do not make it public until she has her affairs in order." He turns back, "Darla, the rumor is probably already out about you and the Lucky Lady since you dealt here that night. Just let us know when we can run the advertisement."
Back to the child, "Yes, Ginnie, bring the papers around and I will sign them. We can finish our business when Darla and I are done."

Ginnie states, “Actually it was thought by the people that were playing that you were looking to expand and had a short term test run with Ms. Peacock to see if there was any interest and if it would take up more space than bring in profits. She is known as one of the best and most honest dealers around so it made sense that you would use her to see if the idea would work or if you were going to just add another poker table instead.

The people talking also thought that she may have approached you to get a little more of a public face to her game as the saloon is more visually accessible than the back room limiting her clientele to word of mouth. With the influx of people from the Tombstone fire it made sense. I'll get the paperwork. I think that Maria may have made some cookies for the wedding I'm going to see if any um... Broke.” "No wasted cookies at the Lucky Lady," Jake says. Ginnie departs with her usual spurt of energy.

To Darla he replies, "Talk to me if you end up having any trouble selling the saloon. We could explore alternatives. Otherwise, I am pleased to have you on board. Anything else?" Darla replies, "No, I think that about covers it. I think I will enjoy working with you and Mr. Kane. I'm not so sure about Mr. Lucky, something about him rubs me the wrong way, but as long as my Michael is around I doubt he will make any trouble for me." "If Tony Lucky causes you any trouble, just let me know." Jake and Darla say goodbye after which Jake goes to find Ginnie.

Ginnie slips into the kitchen in search of "broken" cookies. None of the ones in the tin current are broken but she senses that some have the “potential to break” so removes them. She finds a quiet table in the back and lays out the projection sheets for Jake to look over when he comes in. She has set up both long and short term schedules for the hotel and saloon. put together projective budgets that coordinate with growth and loss potential. Purchase lists have been set up for staples and specialty items along with the costs of furnishing the upstairs rooms and the level of rent that she believes they can expect from them. Long term and upkeep schedules along with potential individuals and pay rates that they would accept for the jobs are listed in a separate file.

Jake finds her in the kitchen with an array of papers. In her usual fashion she races through what they all are and how he should use them. "Ginnie, you are very, um, thorough." He strokes his beard a few times, "Do you ever have any fun girl?" She replies, "This is fine work, now I need someone to follow this. We still need a manager, somebody that can be here much of the time. Someone who can keep the customers happy and keep all this staff in line. Keep your ears open for the right body. Perhaps one of those new families in town, that Southerner friend of Mrs. Kale or that Irish woman."

Jake shrugs his familiar shrug. "Anyway, we need to look about. Then we will need to present your plan in the proper way so they feel good about using it, make it part of their ideas. We have to manage the people part you know. So.... where in all this," Jake waves a hand over the papers and gives her a little grin, "does it say what we pay Ginnie for her, ahem, messenger services and still turn a profit? You can free lance if you like, working as much or as little as makes sense for you." He then teases, "Besides, if you were full time how would we make any money with you eating all the profit in cookies?"

"Something else I want to do is partner with other businesses for services our guests will want. We recommend those business or even have them deliver services here and in turn our guests get a convince, maybe a better price or some other special treatment. We can use Laurie Gilson as the bath house for example. We will need someone for laundry services and decide what to do about breakfast. We either hire our own breakfast cook or have someone else manage that using our kitchen. Maybe you can come up with some other partnership ideas. I am only interested in businesses that treat the customers well like we do."

By four-thirty Kate was back in town and heading over to Laurie Gilson's where she took a long soak. For the wedding she dressed in one of the new gowns she'd brought from Boston. It was a summer dress of pale lavender with a layered bustle in the back. A cameo necklace nestled in the hollow of her throat over the square neckline. She twisted some of her hair up behind her head, and let the rest hang loose, then pinned her hat on and went over to the El Parador.

Kate entered the El Parador and seeing thta Conrad wasn't there yet, went looking for Dorita to see if there was something she could do to help. There was no doubt Dorita would be busy with something. She then sees Dorita has the entire kitchen whipped up into an assembly line preparing food for the wedding reception, with Pedro, Pepita, Angelica and Ricardo all busy cooking various things. She tells Kate that there isn't room for any more people in the crowded room, but if she wants to help she can go over to the Lucky Lady's kitchen where Maria and her brother Estaban are also busy making food for the occasion.

She replies, "I can't, I'm to meet Mr. Booth here. But perhaps my best help is to keep myself as far away from the cooking as possible." With a smile she slipped out of the way, acting a bit like Ginnie and snitching a sweet to nibble on while she waited for Conrad. Conrad arrives fifteen minutes later in the company of Manuel Escobar, the reclusive Mother Jaminez and a rather old looking high elf in native garb.

Kate stood up and walked over with a smile. She greeted Mother Jaminez first, then Mr. Escobar and offered a friendly nod to the stranger. "I'm glad to see you all under such pleasant circumstances." Escobar introduces the old Indian as Jadito, stating that he is "an old family friend." Kate recognizes the name from Escobar's origin story told at the meeting on Wednesday morning. He is the Yavapai elf who along with Mother Jaminez and a Hopi centuar helped the Escobar family in getting the pregnant wood elves safely away from Coronado's troops three-and-a-half centuries earlier.

Jadito smiles and says, "And you are the Katherine Kale who Mother Jaminez has spoken of. It is good of you to be willing to own property with a Yavapai elf, few humans would be so generous." Kate replies, "It was only good sense to own the property with friends. We had need of the skills each of us could provide, although I must admit Sonoma and Flint do the lions share of the work. We'll be looking for ranch hands now. You are Yavapai. Have you have seen Nanuet recently? I know he was traveling to see his people, I hope he got there with little trouble?"

Jadito replies, "He is currently with the Yavapai tribal elders. They have gone to Prescott to meet with the Territorial Governor in an attempt to repair the damage caused by the actions of the renegades." Kate says, "I hope the Governor has the wisdom to listen. You've come for the wedding? I haven't seen so much of the town excited since the Festival." He replies, "The wedding yes....and also to live here. I have already registered to vote."

"Wonderful," Kate said with a wide smile. "I hope you'll find Promise City to your liking. Miss Florencia will be glad of your presence, I'm sure. Young Nakomo is staying with her and she's finding having an adolescent boy around a bit overwhelming."

He replies, "I know that I will like it here, I lived here for several centuries. Of course, that was before there was a town here. But Manuel says that there is finally hope for the races to coexist which is what I have always supported. I will be pleased to lend my voice to that. I only wish that a more reasonable leader was in charge of the Chiricahua Apache than Geronimo. But I will do what I can to help moderate him."

He then states, "I have one of the other reasons I have come here is for Nakomo. If you could direct me to the home of this Priestess Florencia I would like to have a conversation with both her and the young man." Kate says, "She'll be performing the ceremony soon, so you can see her there. But just in case..." Kate went on to describe where the new house was that Minerva lived in. "She'll be pleased to hear news of Nanuet." Thank you," he states. He speaks briefly to both Jiminez and Escobar and then heads out on his own. Escobar then heads into the kitchen to speak to Pedro.