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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-one, “Dinner with Al“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 5:00 P.M.

As Jake leaves the saloon he has already decided that the first stop is Al Brower. Jake enters the Comique at approximately 5:00 P.M. As it does not serve food there aren't any customers yet, with Warren Watson busy stocking the bar and Al Brower busy with a hammer and nails repairing a broken chair.

"Al, you never cease to amaze me. You have a myriad of talents. I am in awe of you." Jake pulls a chair up next to him. "I get tired just watching you." Jake glances around the saloon to make sure no one is close and Warren is far enough away to not overhear them. He says quietly, "Did Adair come to see you?" Al replies, "No, why would he? That man hates me almost as much as he hates you."

Jake pats him on the arm. "Cheer up, you will not always be in my shadow." After Jake finishes laughing at his own joke he continues. "Adair is out scouting for candidates for his new party. He is splitting from Fisk. I did not really think he would come here, but I was not sure. I wanted to give you some advance notice that another party was forming up and was looking for your support." Jake suddenly furrows his brows. "Why does Adair hate you?"

Al replies, "I live at the Double Eagle Boarding House, across of Sierra Street from the Palace. The Comique's previous singer Flossie McKenna lived there too. Adair once propositioned her and I intervened, nothing physical, just verbal, but it was enough to create some permanent animosity. Plus he also hates the fact that we'll do celebrations here during all of the Dwarven holidays."

"It does not take much to make an enemy of that one," Jake says and then cryptically, "some day I will take care of that problem. Never mind that, I came here for another reason. Keep this confidential until you hear it publicly or it makes the paper. Shaw and Escobar were not in agreement with that platform the so called Law and Order party put forth. As far as I can tell it was a complete surprise to them both. I was worried that those lunatics would drive voters to Fisk and Adair's party. So I did a little match-making and it appears to have worked.

Sounds like Shaw and Escobar are willing to join forces with Vera, your new partner," Jake watches for Al's reaction, "and start another party. Something more moderate and sensible. Something that will not put us saloon owners out of business. I think we can get Martin to join as the Marshall. Since you are my friend and a fine upstanding business owner I wanted to let you know, and get you prepared to support this fledgling party. What do you think?"

Al replies, "I would support that party very much Jake. As for the Blake's, Austin told me that he had approached you first about a partnership and you turned him down. I wasn't trying to do anything behind your back." Jake laughs loudly and raucously. Warren eyes him suspiciously.
Jake wipes a tear from his eye and says, "Austin came looking to borrow Jeff Mills from me. The old boy made no mention of any partnership, none that I remember anyway." Jake shrugs but cannot wipe the smile from his face. "That is really funny. I would have considered a partnership of some sort. That is if he would have really offered one." Jake wipes both eyes and then says, "Sorry if I teased you about it. I really do wish you luck with whatever you are up to with them. I am not upset in the least."

Al replies, "Good, I'd like to keep our relationship as it is, friendly rivals when it comes to business and even friendlier rivals when we're sitting across from one another at a poker game. Hold on a minute." He gives the chair a few more taps with the hammer and says, "That should about do it. One of these days I'm going to have to break down and buy some more from Rixton instead of continuing to repair these."

He waves to Watson and says, "I'm off to get a bite, should I bring you back something?" Watson says, "No thanks, Mrs. Milford will be sending me over some dinner soon enough." Brower replies, "Very good." He turns to Jake and asks, "Have you eaten yet?" "No. Lead on." As they are walking Jake says, "Now that you mention it, I do remember Ruby and Niles," Jake's expression darkens for a minute but he shakes it off, "telling me something about him wanting to partner up. It did not seem worth my time. I must have been preoccupied." Jake flashes him another grin. "That is nothing new though."

Al leads Jake two blocks away to the Silver Dollar Restaurant at the corner of Allen and Sierra Streets. He says, "Have you had a chance to dine here Jake since Hay Smith converted it over to a restaurant?" Jake looks it over as if really noticing it for the first time. "No, sir. I take it he has done all right?"

Al replies "Yeah, Haywood Smith's new wife Alice didn't care for the saloon and made him change it. She's part of Mrs. King's sewing circle. He wasn't making money as a saloon anyway since she made him close each night at 9:00 P.M. It's worked well for him in this format because he hired Walter O’Reiley as his chef. Walt used to own another restaurant here in town until it burned down a little while before you came to town. It had been on that vacant lot behind the First National Bank."

They enter and Jake sees that it has been completely remodeled, with the former Silver Dollar Saloon's bar and barstools long gone. In its place two stoves and a pantry have been added to the far end of the single-story 20x30 foot structure. Eight tables fill the room, one large table able to seat up to eight, four tables of four, and three tables for two. A short balding man with eyeglasses is busy preparing food. All but two of the smaller tables are full and Al and Jake help themselves to one.

A paper menu is on the table and lists three main courses: Beef stew with freshly baked bread; Grilled steak and baked potatoes; Lamb chops and mashed potatoes. On the walls is a slate with the desserts listed of Apple Crumb Pie, Cherry Pie, Stanley Barker's Cookies and Raspberry Bread Pudding. Another sign on the wall lists the dozen beverages available, the only two alcoholic ones being Honey Mead and Apple-Pear Wine. Jake orders the steak and coffee. He makes small talk with Al, giving him ample opportunity tell Jake why he really wanted to have dinner with him.

Al says, "Jake, I wanted to discuss something with you. I...I can't seem to forget about Madge Duprey, I guess I love her. Do you know where Madge as gone? She used to spend a lot of time with Ruby, who has been gone for around are week now too. Are they together? What's going on?" "Mierde," Jake mumbles. "I wish I really knew."

He lowers his voice, "I do not know where Ruby is." He tries to continue but gets a lump in his throat. He calms himself and goes on, "I do not think they are together. I think they left for different reasons." Again he is unable to speak for a moment. "I do not know where Madge is, I only know that she left because it was dangerous for her to stay. I suspected she would come back some day when it was safe, but I do not know for sure. I am guessing that part of keeping her safe, and allowing her to come back some day was for everyone to believe she was never coming back. Even those closest to her."

Jake looks at Al, and truly knows how he feels right now. He lowers his voice even more, "It is too soon to attempt to contact her. It would put both her and anyone attempting to contact her at some significant risk. Let some time pass, Al. Maybe another week or two. We can talk again, and if the danger is past I will do what I can to help you send her a message. I think she is quite safe, be at least comforted by that."

Al says, "I'm a big boy Jake, I can take care of myself. Who is she hiding from? What is the risk? I will....." Al then drops his fork onto his plate as he sees somebody walk by the front window and mutters, "Damn, I thought he'd gone for good." Jake turns to see the rotund form of Mr. Cornelius Van Horne out on Sierra Street walking east in the direction of the Palace Saloon. He is followed by Billy Glass of the Wells Fargo Company who is carrying two rather large suitcases.

"Now that is interesting....." Jake has another bite and chews it slowly. He has a drink from his coffee and takes his time to swallow. "I will have to go see for what reason Mr. Van Horne has come to our fine little city."

Then in a lower voice, "Yes, Al, you are a big boy. You are a smart business man, run a fine saloon, gun shop, cigar shop and are even pretty good repairing broken chairs. You are also a fine friend. Are you a gun slinger too now? Are you ready to take on a problem even the law cannot solve? If I tell you what I know, and what I have guessed you will do something about it. She is safer if you do not know. At least for now." Jake takes another sip of coffee. "I am telling you that you will lead the risk right to her, and in the process get yourself shot. If she was in any danger, I would have come to you EVEN IF it was only a guess.

Right now she is safe. If I tell you anything, she is less safe. That is what I believe right here," Jake releases one hand from the coffee cup and taps on the center of his chest right over his heart. "She did not leave to get away from you, that should give you some comfort. You know, she might have left thinking that if she told you the problem you would have attempted to do something about it. I have never enjoyed looking in a six foot hole at the remains of my friends. Al, do not put me through that."

He nods and says, "Alright Jake, I trust you at the poker table I'll trust you in this. But I want you to promise that you will either warn her or come to me if you think that she is in this danger again." Jake replies, "Agreed. If I think she is no longer safe I will come find you right off. We can talk again about this in a week, if it seems safe then I will use my guess to attempt to get her a message." If only my own problems were that simple. "I know this is most distressing to you, I really do understand. There is reason to be optimistic, I have a feeling deep down inside that luck will be on your side."

Al replies, "Thanks Jake, I'm glad we had this chat. Now if we can only convince Van Horne to stay away from our saloons we'll be doing just fine." The food arrives and the two dine. Jake concludes that Mr. O'Reilly is an excellent chef and comments about that. Al replies, "That he is. His cafe always had a pretty good crowd. Too bad he let that newspaperman Baxter burn the place to the ground. Smart of Haywood Smith to talk O'Reilly into coming back to town, this restaurant will really give Haywood's cousin Eric Lee Smith and his wife Melissa a run for their money." Jake replies, "Cousins? Huh...."

Jake and Al chat about nothing much and enjoy the meal. "Are you coming by tonight? I cannot hang out here, I need to talk to Lumley and see if I can keep him from throwing his lot in with Adair." Al says, "Yeah, I probably will. I'm in the mood to play for the first time in over a week. I should go tell Warren and Pierre about Van Horne being back in town. I'll warn you now, if Van Horne shows up at either the Comique tonight or your table at the Lucky Lady then I'll have to call it quits at that point." "I understand. I will see you later." Jake pays the dinner bill, "This one is on me."

Silver Jake wanders into the Gay Lady looking for Burton Lumley. Jim Hagen tells him that Lumley will be out in a few minutes, he is just out back. Jake nods and orders a whiskey, slouches and rests his elbows on the bar waiting for the Gay Lady's owner to come out. "Hello stranger," says a husky female voice while a single fingernail traces a line across the back of Jake's neck. Jake suppresses a tiny shiver but does not turn around. "Hello Fi."

"My, my, it has been a long time since Silver Jake Cook has been here without that red head that is always trailing after him." The woman's hand wanders through his hair before she hops up on the bar next to him. She sits with her legs crossed high and her skirt pulled up. "Come by for a little variety?" Fifi LaFarge bats her eyes several times at him. He says, "Be nice Fi, you know I only have eyes for one woman." He smiles pleasantly and makes an effort not to stare at her provocatively display legs.

Fifi leans forward with a greedy smile, putting her bosom on display for the young gambler. "It is not your eyes that I was thinking about." "Heh." Jake gives up any pretense on where he is looking. "Come on now Fi, do not be getting me into trouble." "You never needed any help getting into trouble before." She titters quietly and sits back, but leaves her legs on display. "I thought you had enjoyed my company, when was it..."

"New Years eve." He replies. "Ah, yes," she taps her red lips with one long fingernail. "New Years eve, and New Years day, and that evening too if I recall. I was quite impressed with your, what should we say? Stamina?" A smirk comes to his face. "Yes, well, I had a lovely time. I will not deny that I did enjoy myself, we had quite a time did we not?" Jake chuckles and then gets serious. "My life has changed, Fifi, I met the woman of my dreams."

"Yes, of course you did. Where is she now?" She cocks her head to one side, her brown hair spilling over her half bared shoulder, and gives him a rather confident smile. "No matter, if you change your mind you know where to find me." She kisses her fingers and then places them on his cheek. "See you around, Silver Jake." She hops down off the bar. "Yes, see you around Fi." He watches her swing her hips as she walks away.

Lumley comes over to Jake and says, "Well hello again Mr. Cooke, I can't say I'm surprised to see you. So, you've come back to twist my arm into joining this moderate party of yours?" Jake grins. "I am no ruffian. If you have hitched your wagon to Adair's horses, then nothing I can say will convince you otherwise. If you are still on the fence, then I am here to help you see other opportunities."

Lumley replies, "I haven't been over to the Palace to see Adair yet but I'm definitely leaning in that direction. So go ahead and make your pitch, tell me how your party will aggressively fight the Law and Order party! Because so help me if those fools make it into office because we didn't do everything we could to legally stop them then we have nobody to blame but ourselves!"

Jake states, "We agree on one thing, that we must stop the Law and Order Party. I also felt that it was just as bad to have Fisk and Adair running this town. I was convinced that if we did not do something Mrs. King's cronies with their foolish newspaper advertisement would drive enough voters to Fisk and Adair to get them elected. I suppose the good news is they are no longer working together, which splits their support base. It could start to make your head spin, but I think that gives the advantage back to the Law and Order gang." Jake takes a sip of the whiskey and resists making a face at the quality of it.

"If you join Adair, you give him legitimacy that he otherwise would not get. Plain and simple. You have to ask yourself, at the end of the day do you really want to be beholding to Evan Adair? The man is worse than a rattlesnake. If only half the rumors about him are true, then you are dealing with a devil and giving that same devil a hold on this city. A city that you helped build. Adair is rather proud of the long list of people he has burned because he felt slighted by them."

Jake downs the rest of the whiskey. "I know you are expecting a slick line from me. I am going to disappoint you. I do not know YET how this moderate party is going to win, but it IS going to win. With you helping Adair it will be harder. It will be a darned shame that after all this time of you helping to lead it, that it should start its incorporation without you. This is going to sound funny coming from me, but the folks that are joining this party truly want the right thing for Promise City. I think that enough of the folks in Promise City will figure that out by election time. Manny, Shaw, the Blake’s, and yourself are know for being reasonable folk AND for sticking to your guns. That is what the people of Promise City will see.

Martin has risked his life more times than I have fingers to fight the Cowboy gang. It just feels right and I will do what it takes to help them get elected. Heck, Burton, you and I have not always seen eye to eye, but I respect you and what you have done for this town. You think I somehow imagine that you will be beholding to me when this is done?" Jake laughs and shakes his head. "Sometimes even Silver Jake Cook does the right thing. Do the right thing. Make sure you are standing with folks that have real character when this is all over. Work with them. Keep the Cowboy Gang AND Mrs. King's morality police from killing this town."

Lumley replies, "You make some good points Cook but until I hear a platform from your group that does counter Mrs. King's cronies I'm not signing up. I'll tell you what, I'll stay an independent for a while longer to give you folks some time to get organized. I'm already registered so tomorrow's deadline doesn't restrict me, and since political parties can make substitutions up until two days before the election I could still join either you or Adair at a later date if I decide to."

"That is fair. I will tell Shaw and the others that. Have a good evening." Jake heads next to the El Parador. He tells Pedro to keep his ears open for Manny's new party and not to lose hope. "Have you seen Senor Gonzalez about? I need to speak with him for a quick moment." Pedro says, "I believe that he is upstairs in his room. I can have somebody go check if you would like." Jake answers, "If he has a quick minute, and I would not be bothering him. Otherwise, I can come back tomorrow."

Pedro catches Ginnie rushing through the room and sends her upstairs to get Gonzales. The elderly wood elf makes his way downstairs a short while later and approaches Jake. Ginnie trails her teacher through the room heads to the kitchen to grab a cookie and ducks a playful swat from Dorita as she heads back into the main room smiling at the "Food you eat no more cookies!" yelled at her as she bounces into the room.

Jake waits a few minutes and Senor Gonzalez comes down to see Jake. "Thank you for seeing me. I wanted to let you know what was happening in the elections." Jake proceeds to briefly tell the old wizard about the Law and Order party, Fisk and Adair splitting up and the new party that was starting up. "I trust you will think on it, and perhaps share with Katherine any advice you might have or inside knowledge regarding this. We will need all the help we can get, and time is short."

Then nonchalantly Jake slips in the real reason he came to seem him. "We do not want to miss any opportunities," Jake pretends that reminds him of something, "Speaking of missed opportunities, when I told Al Brower about it he seemed to have a hard time focusing on it. Sounds like he was really head over heels in love with Madge Duprey and is having a tough time now that she is gone and not coming back. It is a crying shame that she does not know old Al is in love with her." Jake then touches his hand to his hat and nods his head. "Thank you again for seeing me, I will not keep you any longer. I have to get to work." He gives Senor Gonzalez a wink and a smile.

Gonzales takes all of the information in without comments. He thanks Jake for stopping by before heading back upstairs, bringing Ginnie with him and promising to show her a new book he recently acquired.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-two, “The Unity Party“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 5:00 P.M.

When Kate left the Lucky Lady and fetched the stallion she'd intended to drive. Instead she rode the spirited horse the short mile out to their ranch where she searched out Flint and Sonoma to get them up to speed with what had happened in town. It only took a few minutes to explain what had happened in town, and a couple more to let them both look over the paper. Kate pitched in with the chores for the next hour and got back into town in time for a quick bath and to change into respectable clothes before heading over to meet Flint for the Association meeting.

The two arrive and walk into the Cattleman's building. Not everyone is there yet, but the room is already buzzing. For a new organization it has had an eventful existence and this meeting looks to be no different. Kate looks around the room and tries to asses the mood, and check to see if either of the King men are there yet. Somehow the idea of seeing either of them looking disgruntled makes the corners of her mouth twitch.

The others begin to arrive. Kate notes that Calvin Oldfield, Anse King and Ashley King arrive together and stay in the back corner of the room. Kate also notices that Ashley is favoring his left arm and hand rather than his usual right and the young man grimaces slightly when Forest Morand approaches him and shakes his right hand. The Perez Family arrives and Ricardo Perez heads up to the podium to begin the meeting.

Kate tries to surreptitiously glance at Ashley King's hand, wondering what might have happened. She almost decides to go ask by way of greeting him, but Ricardo Perez arrives before she can quite make up her mind to do it. She and Flint take seats in the middle of the room and wait to see what Mr. Perez will have to say.

Ricardo Perez pounds the gavel and says, "We have two agenda items tonight. The first item is the death of ranch owner Nick Thayer and his ranch hand Jasper Ordway. They were not part of this association but this could still impact us if it is the work of cattle rustlers. A proposal was made at the last meeting to have part-Apache help with communications on whichever ranch wishes them to help. Mr. Morand, do you have anything further on that?"

Forest says, "Yes, I've spoken to six men who work for me, all of them part-Apache. All of them are willing to work with other ranches and they know three other full-bloods that they trust who do not follow Geronimo. That's nine men willing to help out if we want them." Anse King says, "Hades no, and any of you are fools who do this." Calvin Oldfield nods that he agrees with his friend.

"We're willing to participate," Kate said firmly. "And considering our proximity to town the quicker word can get to us the quicker we can get the law out if it's needed. We're also close to Apache lands, so I'll understand of the men who don't follow Geronimo don't want to be quite so close to the mountains."

The discussion continues on that subject and it is left that each rancher is free to ride out to the Morand's Rocking-H ranch this upcoming weekend to interview the men and see if one or two might be compatible to temporarily join another ranch to help with communications. Perez then moves on to the other subject, the Law and Order Party. He takes out at reads the page from the newspaper with the party's candidates and platform. Ricardo then turns to Emery Shaw and says, "And you agreed to this platform!" Shaw angrily says, "No, not at all. Manny Escobar and I weren't even shown a copy in advance of it coming out in the paper! Shows that they don't really care about our opinions."

Anse King blurts out, "That's bull! They incorporated your recommendations! Even threw Watkins off the ballot because of this Cattleman's Association opinions." Shaw yells back, "Well then, they can just put Watkins name back because I quit! I want nothing to do with that group and neither does Manny Escobar!"

Kate again asked for permission to speak and said, "The question then becomes, if our candidates no longer want to participate in the Law and Order Party, how do we proceed? There were a lot of people worked up after that ad came out today. That stand has polarized the competition and moved more moderate people toward Fisk and Adair. I don't think we can moderate the Law and Order party enough to win those people back."

Anse King stands up and says, "What in Hades are you talking about Kale! The people in this community need law and order! Weren't you listening a few minutes ago? Ranchers and lawmen are getting killed out there! Closing down the gambling and prostitution and limiting the amount of drinking is the most sensible idea to hit this town in ages, you do that and the criminals will find somewhere else to go!"

Kate kept her voice calm and reasonable but showed no sign of backing down against Anse King.
"I absolutely agree that law and order are needed. But I don't agree that getting rid of gambling and prostitution and limiting drinking will accomplish that. Ranchers and lawmen are being killed outside the town. It has to do with rustling and trying to hide those activities.

How will ending gambling and prostitution convince these people to stop stealing cattle? There are plenty of places in the area they can go to for those vices and still steal from Promise City's ranches. But the material point is not whether or not I agree with you. It's whether or not a slate carrying that agenda can get elected, and I don't believe they can. The population leans too heavily toward people who make their living from mining and saloons. You can't make changes if you can't get in office."

King yells back, "Oh sit down and shut up Kale! What do you know, you won't even let your daughter go to a decent school." Ricardo Perez slams the gavel down and yells. "ORDER! I won't have any more outbursts like that from you Mr. King." He looks up and says, "Damned right you won't. Who ever invited elves in here to begin with? I quit!" He then marches out the door followed by his son Ashley. Calvin Oldfield stays but has an confused look on his face.

Kate remains standing for a moment, a surprised look on her face. She quickly smoothes her expression and says, "My apologies. Angering Mr. King was not my intention. I can only speak my mind as my conscience directs me. Of course not everyone will agree with me, but that's what discussion is. Again, I apologize," she finishes and takes her seat. Emery Shaw stands and says, "You have nothing to apologize for Mrs. Kale, Mr. King was out of line. Please continue Ricardo."

Perez says, "Well, yes. As I was starting to say, the Law and Order Party appears to no longer value our opinion or feel the need to cooperate. Some of you may have heard that the Liberty Party has split up, with Adair breaking off from Fisk to form his own party. I for one feel that none of those three parties offers what our Association needs from a town government. While it has not been proven there is sufficient circumstantial evidence to suggest that Fisk has Cowboy Gang affiliations. Adair is not a man to be trusted. And I concur with Mrs. Kale that the Law and Order party is unelectable."

Shaw raises his hand to be recognized. He stands and says, "I was meeting for dinner with Manny Escobar and Vera Blake, who is running as an independent candidate. She feels the same way and the two of us have decided to form our own party as an alternative. I am planning to run for mayor with Manny and Vera for council positions. We plan to ask Deputy Martin to join our ticket for the Marshall position."

Not wishing to seem overbearing, Kate keeps her silence at the this moment. But she does lean over to Flint to ask, "Who do you think would be a good candidate?"

The other ranchers indicate support of Shaw and his proposed running mates, which is not surprising as they had already supported all except for Vera Blake, whose Drover's Livery has always had a good relationship with the ranches. Shaw says, "We were talking about other possible candidates for the remaining three council positions. Merchant's Association President Burton Lumley is still running as an independent but I think he would make a good addition. Other names that were tossed around are miner Patrick Seawell, furniture maker Cole Rixton, lumberman and deputy Neal Cassidy and Priestess Minerva Florencia. But we wanted to see what this Association thought first."

Oldfield says, "I think you're insane. The Law and Order Party is the way to go. With Fisk and Adair splitting that makes them a shoo-in. You're nuts to try to further sub-divide the electorate!" She replies, "What we'd like to do is just the opposite, unite the electorate." Kate continues on to point out the advantages of having candidate from many different professions, and finally adds, "And of course we need a representative name for this party.

Oldfield marches towards the door and says, "Try the Hopeless Party, because that's what you are." He leaves, slamming the door behind him. Shaw says, "Well, before I shoot off my mouth any further let's make sure that the remaining members of this Association are in support." Ricardo calls for a vote on the proposed political party. When the vote is called Kate raises her hand in the affirmative to support the new party rather than the Law and Order party.

The vote is unanimous. Discussion then follows on the proposed candidates mentioned by Shaw. Forrest Morand speaks very highly in favor of his business partner Patrick Seawell. There are mixed feelings about Lumley although the overall consensus is positive. Perez speaks highly in favor of Priestess Florencia. Flint speaks up in favor of Rixton, who he got to know well back when he lived at the El Parador.

Kate says, "I think we'll want to keep Mr. Lumley from running on Mr. Adair's ticket and the best way to do that is to have him on ours. Mr. Seawell adds someone the miners can get behind. To me it comes down to being between Mr. Rixton and Priestess Florencia. But we must also consider that any one of them might not be interested." Other suggestions are asked for. Proposed names to make for a diverse party include Wells Fargo manager Kris Wagner, Father Thomas Valdez, Dry Goods owner Kevin Kelly and the reporter Angela Young.

Kate nods as more suggestions are made of people she hadn't considered, but would likely make good candidates. While it is wonderful to hear all these ideas it makes it that much more difficult to make final choices. "I only know them a little bit," Kate says. "Those of you who know them better, do you think any of them would be interested in running for town council? I get the feeling Mrs. Young would, but that's just instinct.

Shaw says, "I'm not sure that Mrs. Young would really help the ticket due to her age, our opponents would use that against us. I also wouldn't want both Florencia and Valdez on the ticket, it would appear too top heavy on clergy. I would suggest we ask Florencia first and then Valdez if she says no." Forest Morand adds that Mrs. Young’s position as a newspaper reporter would probably be a conflict for her as well and she might not want to give up that job to take a council seat.

Kate asks, "Does Mr. Kelley bring something to the table that Mr. Rixton doesn't? I'm in his establishment frequently, so I know he's an honest and fair man and would be a good representative of the merchants in town, but so would Mr. Rixton." Perez says, "Each has an advantage. Rixton is a member of the Committee for Racial Equality, Kelley is not. Kelley is married and is wife is well known and like among town. Both are well respected and either would make a fine candidate."

Kate shares a quick glance with Emery Shaw. "Perhaps we should narrow it down into categories and then vote to rank the possibilities in order of preference. There isn't a poor choice in the bunch." The Cattlemen's Association goes with Kate's suggestion.

The first category is Marshall, with Chester Martin being the first choice and Neil Cassidy as the back-up choice. The next category for the first of three council positions is clergy with Priestess Florencia being the first choice and Thomas Valdez as the back-up choice. Forest Morand strongly agrees that a mining representative would be important and feels that Patrick Seawell will accept. Flint says that if Seawell says no to temporarily put in his name on the registration papers and he will informally check with the other mines and come back to the Association with the name of a good substitution.

The final position is the one with the most debate. Eventually they settle upon Burton Lumley as the first choice, primarily because of the even handed way he has managed the Merchant's Association. They agree that the back-up for that position should be a Merchant's Association member, but are torn between Rixton and Kelley as the two top choices. There is consensus that if none of those three are interested to ask Kris Wagner.

"As long as we get the slate registered by tomorrow evening we have to time to work out the Merchant's Association representative if Mr. Lumley chooses not to join us. We still have the difficulty of what to call this party." A short discussion follows on the name, with the names Unity Party and Harmony Party being the two suggestions with the most support.

Kate says, "Personally I favor Unity. Harmony is a passive word, Unity is active." Some of the other members look at her oddly and she adds with a shrug, "Sometimes I'm a bit overeducated. Mr. Shaw, will the candidates already on the slate be approaching the potential candidates?" Shaw says, "Ideally I would like for myself, Mr. Escobar and Mrs. Blake to approach them together with the offer, however I am willing to delegate that to others if they already have a better ongoing relationship with one of the candidates and think they would be more successful in obtaining an affirmative response."

"I think you have the right idea there. We may plan to support it, but the party should be independent of the association." Shaw says, "But we also need a party headquarters for the next two weeks and I was thinking this building would work nicely since it isn't used most of the time. We could have Attorney Berg draw up a formal rental agreement to have the Unity Party rent from the Cattleman's Association if we want to make that distinction."

The meeting runs later than the other meetings have, as they have to determine a new dues structure for the group given the loss of the King and Oldfield ranches. Another conversation that grows from that is a discussion on whether they would like to maybe expand the Cattleman's Association to also include ancillary ranch-related businesses, including the various farms in the region, Dick Lockmyer's Bar-H Stables, Drover's Livery, Mason's Feed and Grain and Weller's Blacksmithing.

Discussion continues for a few more minutes when Mr. Perez declares the meeting closed. Following the meeting Emery Shaw, Forest Morand, Temple Morand, Rocardo Perez, Flint Greymountain and Katherine Kale head over to the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon.

Kate suggests they might want to go through a few more meetings until the association was a bit more established before adding new businesses, but that it makes sense to include them as they all impact each other. As the smaller group sat down in the Lucky Lady Kate sat down with a bit of a sheepish smile on her face. "I really am sorry it got out of control with Mr. King. I was trying to be reasonable, but I think politics is just not one of my talents."

Her companions agree. Her head was swimming from too much of trying to wrap it around the intricacies of politics. "Does anyone know what happened to Ashley King's right hand?" she asked. "I noticed he favored the other today as it seemed to be in some pain." The others don't know but say that minor injuries are rather common among ranchers. Shaw asks Kate, "Katherine, how would you suggest that Miss. Florencia be approached about our offer? You appear to know her the best of our group."

"I'd approach her straight on, she is a very forthright person and would appreciate that. Tell her right out that we are trying to put forth a slate of candidates that represents the many interests in town, and we think that she would be a strong voice for the many who are concerned about the town becoming a real community and being friendly to and safe for families. And of course a little flattery never hurt. The festival proved she cares about this community and can organize and work on a large scale. Point that out. And of course you Emery also know about her opposition to the Cowboy Gang with various others," Kate finished with a smile.

Manny Escobar adds, "For all practical purposes Miss Florencia has been part of the town council from the moment she arrived in town. She has managed to unite diverse people and gain compromises that many would not have thought possible. This Incorporation would never have taken place if not for her." Kate says, "That's true. She cares passionately about the town and took that role on when she arrived. The idea of making that official should appeal to her. And she hates the Vigilance Committee and Adair as I'm sure you all know. She should have a great deal of interest in keeping them both out of office."

Shaw laughs and says, "And I already know how she feels about Hamilton Fisk and his Cowboy Gang friends. Yes, I have a hunch that if our Party is a fourth viable alternative she will want to support us." Kate says, "Even if she feels a political position would be in conflict with her duties as Priestess, talk to her about ways she can support the party. Just her endorsement would give it a boost. And she has some visitors at the moment; higher ranking members of the church. Their support would be a great boon. Miss Florencia is unusual, there are those who are still uncertain about her. Endorsement from higher up in the church would steady those people."

Forest Morand says, "Yes, her main boss is here in town. That will confirm it one way or another. I'm honestly not sure of the Church's position with politics. I know that Arch-Bishops are barred from holding political office, although they work in conjunction with top officials, but I don't think those restrictions filer down to local clergy."

Kate says, "Luckily for us, we won't have to wait for her to get word back on whether she can or cannot accept. I hope she can. She understands what so offended Mr. King. That you can't legislate morality. If you want less drinking, gambling, and prostitution, you can't just pass a law. If you want less prostitution then make sure women can get good educations and have a chance at other employment."

Manny Escobar says, "Which is what you are achieving thorough your school Mrs. Kale. Priestess Florencia is one of a handful of women who have helped to make the equal rights for women a reality in this town. She and Mrs. Barker have shown that a woman can hold a position of authority traditionally held by men in human society. Examples such as those set by you, Mrs. Gilson and Miss Kaufman also stand out in this town. Even Mrs. King has done a lot for the role of women, although she would probably be against if anybody pointed that out to her."

Kate chuckled. "Indeed she would, but you're right. She's shown women can be strong, opinionated, and change the world they live in. Part of what makes that possible is the newness of this town. There are things that need doing and nothing to stop a woman from stepping in and doing them. I could never have done all this is Boston, the status quo is too entrenched."

Shaw says, "I know what you mean, that's true of all established cities. My wife's family was from Chicago. Every time we visited there I couldn't wait to get away and get back to the wide open spaces of my ranch." Forest Morand says, "I agree, I've never lived in a city but the part of Ohio where my father had first established his farm became far too crowded for my liking, which is why my brother and I kept traveling south and west. Most people think of the southwest as nothing but desert, but this lush fertile section is a paradise one would expect to only find in Olympus."

"I wouldn't have thought I could come to love a place so soon, but I do love it here. Despite everything that's happened. My mother has tried several times to get me to return to Boston but I couldn't live there again. There are things I miss of course, theatre, concerts, parties, but I wouldn't trade my freedom for them. And I won't sit by quietly while some people try to build a cage for me here."

Temple Morand says, "Well, if it's theater you want there will be a Shakespearean play held here the end of next week." His father Forest adds, "And Mr. Barker performs concerts every Saturday night at either the Comique or here at the Lady." Manny Escobar interjects, "And as for parties, I dare say that nothing in Boston ever compared with one of Pedro and Dorita's."

Kate says, "Oh no, Pedro and Dorita throw the best parties. No stiff formality there, just good friends, food, and music. The play is next week already. I have to see about making sure all the locations are ready, I should do that in the next few days. I was too busy to get involved in the production the way I would have liked, but I can do that little bit. I hope enough people attend and enjoy the play that one might be produced every two or three months. We certainly have enough talented people."

She asks, "Have you gentlemen been here when I've played? Beside accompaniment? Perhaps when Miss Townsend takes a break I could play a bit for you. I haven't forgotten all of my old civilized life." Temple and Forest indicate they've heard her play. Manny says that he's heard her play before over at the El Parador back when they had a piano. Ricardo Perez says that he hasn't had the pleasure yet and gestures to the unoccupied piano.

Kate nodded and spent the next half-hour relieved of the task of keeping up conversation; which was admittedly not terribly onerous with her present company. Instead she lost herself in playing the lovely waltzes which were some of her favorite pieces until Harry came back to play again for Clarisse and she returned to the ranchers.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-three, “Jake and Van Horne”, Thursday June 8th, 1882, 6:30 P.M.

Emily's heart beat faster as the rhythm of the train started and slowly sped up as it pulled out of the station. Her stepfather stood on the platform waving and she waved back, flashing him her brightest smile. Somewhere within her she knew she should be sad like she had been in the garden, but her reprieve there seemed to have purged the melancholy and instead of looking back she looked forward. Home would still be there and trains went both ways.

Faster than she could have imagined they were outside the edge of the city and flying through the trees. In less than an hour she was farther away from home than she'd ever been. It seemed like things should look different, but she wasn't really very far away yet and the trees and grass looked like the same familiar friends she knew. Of course, inside this train she couldn't run into those woods and climb the trees. Hopefully there would be trees to climb in Arizona. She liked to be up high among the birds and leaves.

Emily pulled the letter from her Uncle out of her bag and carefully unfolded it. It was really addressed to her mother, but since it was about Emily she'd been allowed to take it with her. She skimmed over the first part where he inquired after everyone's health and started at the second paragraph.

Promise City has taken the first steps toward incorporation. As I write this the debate about who gets the vote is raging on. There are many passionate supporters of extending voting rights to all races and genders. I feel optimistic that those voices will win the day, which is one of the reasons I decided to write.

Your girl Emily must be nearly grown now, and when we last wrote you mentioned that she was growing more dissatisfied with city life but you weren't sure what else you could offer her. I remember visiting Chicago and while I enjoyed the company I longed for the wide open spaces as Emily seems to. There are many elves and half-elves here, and greater opportunities for people with the temperament we seem to share.

My own daughters are grown now, and while they still need some looking after I find myself with a lot more free time than I used to have. I'd like to invite Emily to come out and live with us for a while. If she likes it we can make it a permanent arrangement.

It would be difficult to part with your eldest, but I know her happiness is your greatest concern and I really believe Promise City would be good for her. Please consider and wire me back as to what you think.

The letter went on but it wasn't anything that concerned Emily. She remembered her Uncle Emery as a tall man with a warm hug and comforting voice. Vaguely she remembered him as a partner in crime for a little girl who would rather run wild outdoors than sew quilt blocks. Each time her nerves resurfaced she brought up those faded memories and glanced at the letter.



Back in the town that is her destination, Jake leaves the cantina, he contemplates going to look for his friend Red but thinks the better of it. He decides to let Van Horne find him, that way it is less suspicious. As he walks back to the Lucky Lady in time for his Thursday night game, he chuckles as he remembers the staged card game at the Three Gods Meetinghouse. Jake is not one to dwell the fact that Niles was killed while he and Ruby were away, though he sometimes wonders if that night would have turned out different if he were there.

Flashback - Three Gods Meetinghouse the night after the Tombstone Fire:
Van Horne starts up the poker game and Jake is eager to join up. He places piece of paper in front of Van Horne who reads it, nods and has one of his assistants hand Jake a large stack of chips. Word goes around and soon others are arranging their stake. City Councilor Charles Hummel, who broke even at Marybeth's table, takes a seat while a Mr. Granville Benson of Denver waits his turn. He places five thousand dollars worth of gold coins on the table and receives five stacks of chips, which only look about one third of Silver Jake Cook's stake. Next up is Mr. Robert F. Bates with his companion Kat standing behind him followed by former Governor Safford who has decided to change from Faro to Poker.

Once everyone is settled, Cornelius Van Horne welcomes them all with his exquisite southern manners, almost as thick as his drawl. Jake is the model of confidence, tuxedo looking sharp, stake standing tall and his smile almost as bright as the chandeliers. The game starts slowly, with the players feeling each other out before the stakes begin to grow. Benson watches the others intently, but seems to dismiss Jake who is by far the youngest player at the table. Jake makes the first foray into larger bets, and takes a pot without anyone calling his bluff. Benson comments, "Nouveaux riches." with a deplorable attempt at authentic French pronunciation. Jake acknowledges his comment with a predatory smile, and it takes every bit of Red O'Brien's self control not to burst out laughing at the man that Jake will shortly separate from his stake.

In the next hour, Jake does indeed manage to part Benson from half his stack, but it is Governor Safford who cleverly underplays his hand and catches Benson for the rest of his stake. Councilor Hummel who has lost half his stake and feeling out classed takes the opportunity to retire from the game as well. The remaining four players take a short break.

Refreshed, the four begin again but without the cautiousness of the first round. Though Jake Cook and Governor Safford began the second round ahead the stakes quickly rise and fall in a series of large pots that get the assembled crowd watching with hushed fascination. At the end of the second hour Van Horne is now ahead significantly and Safford has managed to hold on to his earlier winnings while Jake and Bates are down, their stacks looking about the same a little under ten thousand dollars worth. On the next hand, Jake pushes the pot up quickly while Van Horne drops out. The betting continues until Jake, after examining the facial expressions of his two remaining rivals, slides in the rest of his stake. Safford eyes him warily and then laughs, "Youngster, you are bluffing." He drops his cards on the table. "However, I am not willing to pay to find out."

Jake just nods without cracking a smile. "I'll pay," says Bates followed by a sharp intake of breath from his girl, Kat. Robert Bates pushes his remaining stake into the pot without counting it and then drops his cards face up on the table. "I'll save you the embarrassment boy," he adds gloating over his two pair, aces over jacks. "Fair hand," replies Jake barely moving his lips. Without further pretense, Silver Jake Cook drops his cards face up on the table. "You paid for them."

Bates shakes his head and stands when he sees the full house, three threes and two sixes. "A pleasure," Jake says with no hint of sarcasm. "Very bold, gentlemen." Van Horne collects up the cards while Jake rakes in his chips. They do not stop for a break. Several more hands are dealt but nothing notable happens. Finally, Safford opens the betting aggressively. Jake eyes him and Van Horne carefully before reluctantly calling him. Van Horne does not look at his cards before matching the bet. Safford draws one, Jake and Van Horne each take two.

Jake watches Safford carefully. The former governor makes a good sized bet, but Jake judges the man is making a good show and is disappointed in his draw. Jake sees his bet and doubles it. Van Horne raises an eyebrow, glances once at his cards and calls Jake's bet. Safford spends a good minute staring at Jake before doubling the younger gambler's bet. A grin slowly spreads to Silver Jake Cook's face. He pushes enough to match the bet into the pot. "Mr. Van Horne, would you spot me the difference between what I have left in my stack and what is in the Governor's?"

"Another bold play Mr. Cook? What are you willing to put up against it?" "You know I am good for it," Jake says smoothly. "I do not have anything else with me." "Highly irregular sir, you know we have certain rules. I would accept, say, five percent of your saloon. I know it quite well." Van Horne looks smug. "The Lucky Lady?" Jake looks surprised but quickly replies, "Yes. Fine, five percent of the Lady." "Very well then, I will cover the difference for you."

Jake then pushes the rest of his stake into the pot. Van Horne pushes a large stack of chips in as well, "I call." Jake seems surprised and suspicious that Van Horne stayed in. "Not me, I fold." Safford throws his cards down. "Win or lose, Cook, you are too dramatic for me tonight." Jake just shrugs in response and lays his five clubs on the table for all to see. "Not quite good enough," Van Horne says and lays down his full house eights over kings, "partner."

The game is over and the crowd begins to disperse. Jake, shaking his head and looking disappointed. Some in the crowd claim that they heard the young gambler say "I will just win it back next time." Flashback to the following morning "That was quite the performance last night, lad." Red offers Jake a morning drink, some concoction that Richard had made. Jake sips at it, "Not bad. Tequila, orange juice and some sugar I think." Red nods. Jake continues, "Are you implying that you had doubts about that last hand?"

"Me boy, you were bordering upon lunacy." Red gives him a broad smile. "Not at all. I was certain Safford had two pair. Mr. Van Horne would not have covered Jake's bet if he was not certain about Safford's hand as well. Nor would Van Horne have if his own hand was not good either." Jake returns the broad smile. "Know me too darn well, you do Jacob. And I you." Red chuckles

Jake raises his glass to his friends. After the clink he says, "So there we have it. Van Horne won five percent of the Lucky Lady and I threw you enough cash from the others last night to ease my guilt a bit over the difference in value between the meeting house and the saloon." Jake drinks from the glass and sighs. "Some days life is a fine thing, Mr. O'Brien." "Aye, me boy, that it is, that it is."

Back to the present, Jake settles in at the main room of the Lucky Lady. Normally he does not have a drink before starting his game, but he rewards himself with a bourbon for all his hard work today. Here is to you Jake Cook. "Harry," Jake says sipping on the fine Kentucky libation, "better get your hands on some additional bourbon. I have a feeling it will be in demand." Jake's table soon fills up with Carl Berman, Al Brower, Alfredo Garcia, Pierre Jaquet, Zachary Morand and Don Wainwright.

"A pleasure to see you all here." They make some small talk and then Jake offers to deal some five card stud while there are so many players. Clarisse arrives and begins her first set of the night. Darla Peacock starts up a game of Faro over on her table. Tony Lucky appears to be having a particularly good night. The place soon fills up with patrons. Michael George appears to have a good ongoing relationship with a quartet of miners who set themselves up at the bar and look like they're not planning to leave until closing time.

Jake's game goes well. Al has his first good game since Madge's departure. By 9:00 PM Don Wainwright decides to call it a night, being down around $ 12. Carl Berman is up a few bucks and decides to head home too. Jake has them take a break and says they will be switching the game to draw poker since the others have left. He makes a quick sweep of the saloon, checking on his new bartender and Faro dealer. All seems to be going well. He wonders briefly about how Job is doing, but mentally shrugs and goes back to enjoying himself at the Lucky Lady. He talks to big Thom for a moment, as always trying to encourage the simpleton and then stands back enjoying the whiskey and listening to Chet's girl sing.

Several heads turn at once and Jake looks to see who has arrived. Mr. Evan Adair is standing in the doorway. He is attired in a European-cut brown suit, gold lamay vest, ivory silk shirt, brown and gold patterned silk tie, and is using a mahogany cane with gold stopper and an ivory handle. He wanders into the room looking from side to side for somebody. Jake was ready to restart his game but cannot resist greeting his good friend. "Good evening Mr. Adair, welcome back to the Lucky Lady."

Adair gives Jake a look of distain and says, "Would Mr. Kane be present? I wish to speak to him." Jake mocks Adair's look and replies, "Sorry, no. Job is out of town. Anything else we can help you with?" "Yes," Adair replies as he reaches inside his vest. He removes a newspaper and hands it to Jake saying "I was just reading in this paper from Tucson about what a pathetic loser you are. Gambling away one-fifth of your saloon! I've already dropped a copy of this off at the Promise City Mirror so by this time tomorrow everybody will know of your reckless foolishness."

"Heh." Jake says, "Just one fifth of my share, not of the whole saloon. Of course you would not know anything about winning or losing a saloon in a card game." Jake smiles unperturbed. "Nice of you to be concerned enough to let everyone know. Did you come here to offer to buy my share out in addition to young Hoovers?"

Adair laughs and says, "Yes, I've heard that rumor, but my sources indicate that is Mr. Austin Blake who wishes to purchase a portion of this rat trap. Why would I want it? I already have the best saloon in town. If Mr. Kane is not here I will be leaving. However you can expect to see me back here during the Tournament, you can feel free to gamble away the rest of your ownership of this place then so that I can sell that to Blake."

Jake says, "I will count the days in eager expectation of seeing you again. I am impressed that you will come and play with the big boys. It would be a shame if I am the only one not afraid of gambling against the famous Cornelius Van Horne. Good night to you Evan Adair." Jake turns his back on the man but looks at him out of the corner of his eye from the mirror behind the bar.

Adair shakes his head and turns towards the door. Michael George moves out from behind the bar and moves over to the door to intercept him, moving to block the doorway. "What?" Adair exclaims. George gestures to the cane and says, "Sir, the next time you come here please remember to check that, sword canes aren't permitted inside this building." He then steps aside to let Adair depart. After Adair is gone Jake points at his new bar tender and comments, "Nicely done, sir, nicely done."

Michael George replies, "Thank you, I was hoping that I wasn't overstepping my bounds. I recognized that cane for what it was because I saw it for sale from that merchant caravan that was in town back during the festival. Interesting that Adair felt the need to have a weapon with him when he came in here." "Heh," Jake replies, "you may have noticed that he and I do not exactly get along. He tried to kill me once."

Jake shrugs. "Possibly he assumes I will return the favor. In any case do not antagonize him unnecessarily. He is a vengeful man." Michael George says, "I had heard that. I've never interacted with him before though, our Peacock's Saloon was beneath his notice." "Fortunate for you."


They are well into the second round of poker at Jake's table when Emery Shaw, Forest and Temple Morand, Ricardo Perez, Flint Greymountain and Katherine Kale take seats at a table. Jake nods to them and smiles. When Nakomo wanders by next, Jake waves him over.

Nakomo dresses and looks at himself in the mirror his face is bright red except for the large white circles around his eyes where the glasses afforded him some protection from the sun as he repaired the roof. He looks down at his hands, which are also not burnt because of the gloves that the sheriff insist that he wear. He groans and pales at the sight of his crimson flesh, his stomach somersaulting as he breaths deeply to suppress the nausea. He flinches when he touches the burning flesh of his arms and hobbles out the door to begin his nightshift at the Lucky Lady.

"Give Mr. Shaw a message for me boy," Jake starts to say and then stops noticing that Nakomo's skin is burnt and blistered in sections on his face. "What in Hades happened to you? I sure trust whatever caused this was worth the trouble." Jake shakes his head a couple of times and continues, "Tell Mr. Shaw I will stop over and speak to him about Mr. Lumley at my next game break."

Jake then winces, "That appears mighty painful," and shaking his head again turns back to his game. Nakomo replies, "Apollo, Sir." Manuel Escobar notices Nakomo showing Jake the burns and blisters now as well. He stands and tells his companions, "Please excuse me.” He approaches the table and says, “I feel that I should take this boy over to see Father Valdez about these injuries." Nakomo says, "No Sir, I am fine Sir. I have to get back to work now." he backs away and makes his way to the kitchen as quickly as he can, clenching his teeth against the pain as he does so.

Shaw comes over to see what the problem is. "Stubborn one that boy is," Shaw states. Escobar replies, "Well then, I guess I'll just have to bring Father Valdez back here." The elf heads out the door. Shaw turns to Jake and says, "Manny's already thinking like a town leader.

When the second break at Jake's game comes around, he immediately makes his way to the Cattlemen's table. "Good evening all." Jake takes a seat without waiting to be offered one. "I had a conversation with Lumley. He was not ready to join the ticket yet, but I at least convinced him to delay joining Adair's. He wants to hear about your platform before he makes a decision, which seems reasonable. He is still fixated on aggressively going after the Law and Order party. I am not so certain that the best way to counter them is attack them directly, but certainly their outlandish proposals needed to be countered. I suggest you speak to him in the morning. You need a platform to go public with in any case."

Shaw replies, "Yes we do, but unlike the Law and Order Party I refuse to set a platform without the participation of ALL of the candidates, so it will have to wait until we recruit them. I'll head over and talk to Lumley in the morning, thanks for helping out Jake." Jake just nods. "I also spoke with Al Brower a bit. He is ready to support the party when it goes public. And as soon as you do, we will work on some additional supporters. For now though, unless you particularly need something from me, the next steps are up to you."

Shaw says "That's fine. We're going to have the Cattleman's Association be the Party's Headquarters, but the party will officially rent the building from them to keep the two organizations separate. We discussed several other candidates who we will need to approach about the council positions." Jake lets that statement hang in the air for a long moment, just nodding and smiling.

Shaw continues, “Anyway, as I was saying, they want Chester Martin as Marshall but if he says no they will approach Neil Cassidy for that position. For the remaining three council positions the group decided that they want one to represent the clergy, with Priestess Florencia being the first choice and Father Valdez the back-up if she refuse. A representative from the mining community would be next on their list, with Patrick Seawell being the first and only choice. If he refuses Flint here says we should list him on the ballot until he can find another miner who the group approves of. Lastly we want somebody representative of the town Merchants, with Cole Rixton as our first choice and Kevin Kelly as the alternative choice."

Jake listens intently, nodding as he goes along. "Well thought out. Though I personally like the man, Valdez may be too much too soon for those folks that would support you but are new to this unity thinking." Jake smiles and stands. "To Luck," he takes a sip of his bourbon, "but let us not leave it only to luck. I must return to work."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-four, “A Stubborn Boy”, Thursday June 8th, 1882, 8:30 P.M.

At the Marshal’s Office Berg and Chester resume the conversation they had begun earlier in the day. Chester says “We got fooled by the Clantons into going after Earp, they set us up. Good thing we weren't quick to shoot otherwise some of us wouldn't be here. Marshall, unless you think Dooley Wilson or Phil Grove killed Buckley, we're no closer to finding out who did it." Berg says, "Neither of those makes that much sense Chet. I as confused as you are as to what it going on."

Chester gets up. I guess we'll have to sleep on this. Did anyone tell Sheriff Behan that Hunter's dead? It doesn't look good that people are dropping like flies. Nobody's going to want to leave the town limits if this keeps up." Berg says, "Another of Behan's Deputies, Frank Leslie, is in town at the moment. I've heard some mixed things about him so wanted to check the situation out before apprising him of the situation. I'll go do that now. I'll be back in an hour and you can go off duty then and go hear your woman sing."

Over at the Lucky Lady Escobar arrives with the priest Thomas Valdez. So as not to embarrass the boy they have Nakomo join them in one of the other rooms. Shaw heads upstairs as well. Valdez examines the boy's arms and asks "What is it that you were doing to cause such injury to yourself?"

Nakomo replies, "It is part of my punishment, Sir." he says and attempts to shrug it off as though it doesn't matter but he winces and grows pale at the attempt, a small groan escaping his lips before he is able to suppress it. Appalled earlier by his unmanly display of discomfort in front of Mr. Cook, he quickly covers his discomfort. He stands straight , refusing to give in to the pain. He concentrates and looks towards Mr. Shaw, Nakomo’s thoughts being “He must think I am such a big baby.”

Shaw turns to the boy and asks "Who did this to you son?" Nakomo pulls back embarrassed by all the attention. He shrugs his shoulders as though he does not care. "It's no big deal. I was repairing the roof at the Sheriff's office. It was part of my punishment. It's just a little slap from Apollo. I'll be o.k. I know that I have to pay for my crimes."

Valdez speaks firmly and states "Young man, nobody in this town is trying to cause you physical injury. Your sentence was for community service. How is the community served by you being injured? I will answer that, it is not! If you are not in top physical condition then you would not be able to do the work that the town needs you to do. Now stay still and let me heal your arms so that you can return tomorrow to your appointed task."

Nakomo replies, "Yes sir, If you think that's the right thing to do..." he says holding out his burned arms but before the man can heal him he quickly lowers them again, ..."but if Apollo wanted me to be punished, don't you think that I should just take it like a man? I mean, if you heal me he might not like it. He could do something worse to me! like make me blind! I don't want to be blind and I heard that he sometimes does that to people, like during the eclipse. I don't know. Maybe I should talk to Miss Minerva about it first.” Valdez gestures for Shaw to leave, thinking the boy will be more open to suggestion with only those of elven blood present.

Father Valdez says "Maybe WE should both go and speak to her. While I respect the gods of the Greek and Roman Pantheons I do not follow them as she does. She would be better able to interpret Apollo's will, and if she doesn't her house guests will. Come with me young man!" Nakomo panics at the man's tone. ".. but, but sir, I can't leave now! "he looks around like a trapped animal looking for an escape. "I am working. Mister Cook is depending on me. Besides Miss Minerva is sure to come here when she returns. She doesn't leave me on my own for long without checking on me." he says sheepishly

Valdez lowers his voice and says firmly and slowly "If Mr. Cook has any objections I will discuss it with him later. If he decides to dock your wages for your absence then I will pay you the difference. As a citizen of this town I for one wish for you to be able to do your community service, which you cannot properly do if you are not healthy. So either you will allow me to heal those injuries or we will go together right now to see your Priestess. Those are your choices, take your pick Sir, which will it be?"

After Nakomo was taken upstairs Kate stayed down with the others and listened to their talk. She answered their questions about her school and the baseball game earlier in the week. Shaw eventually returns. Finally she asked them, "Where would you look if you wanted to hire on hands you can trust? With the Cowboy gang still active I'm loathe to hire people I don't know, but I don't think we have much other choice."

Forest Morand says, "Already taken care of. Emery and I have met other ranchers over the years and have telegrammed them asking for some honest folk to come help out in the short term." Shaw says, "Yes, in fact I sent a cable to those ranchers in Nevada, the Cartwrights. Joe Cartwright should be along in a few days with some of his hands."

"I've met the Carwrights myself," Kate said without commenting on the odd way things seemed to have come full circle. "I certainly trust them. It will at least give me some time to find someone. Flint, I'd meant to speak with Naki-Yai to see if she might know of anyone looking for work. I have to say, I'd never imagined the ranch would grow so quickly. The town has changed so much even since I came here," she said. "I can't imagine the changes you've both seen." Forest replies, "Yes, there have been considerable changes. And if my friend Emery can get himself and his friends elected that will make them all changes for the better."

Kate says, "You have a lot of faith in your friend, but I tend to agree with you. I'll certainly prefer them to the changes the other parties would bring. Are they really that blind?" Morand says, "Some of them, yes. And these recent murders aren't helping matters. President Chester Arthur has threatened to send in Federal troops to enforce the law around here. If that happens in the next two weeks the Law and Order party will use that to their advantage."

Kate says, "Let's pray it doesn't ever happen. I wish I understood these murders, but they just don't make sense. They seen to be focused on people connected with Thayer, like a personal vendetta?" Shaw says, "What about Sheriff Hunter? He wasn't affiliated with the Thayer ranch." "No, but..." Kate paused, considering whether she should be speaking ill of the dead. "We suspected that he was part of or least a supporter of the Cowboy Gang. I knew he followed me out of town on at least one occasion and he did it to others as well."

Morand says, "I am very surprised by that. I thought him to be a man of the law." Emery Shaw says, "I'm not surprised. His boss, County Sheriff Behan, was a bit too friendly with the Tombstone branch of the Cowboy Gang." Kate states, "All I can say is these aren't random killings. Most of us aren't in any more danger than usual. I'm just not sure who 'most of us' are. I have Ginnie and... I have people to keep safe."

"Yes and we wish to continue that, mutual safety is one of the reasons that we formed this Cattleman's Association to begin with," Shaw says. Kate replies, "I know. I'm afraid I'm not very good company tonight, I keep coming round in circles. I'm glad my family went home, I'm rather surprised they didn't try to drag me back after that mob scene." Shaw says, "Well, in the interest of full disclosure your father wanted to. I helped talk him out if it. In my eyes you've proven yourself more than capable of taking care of yourself. But I did tell him that I would help keep an eye on you and look out for your safety. But don't think I'm patronizing you Katherine. The main reason I told him that was because of your membership in the Cattleman's Association. I will keep an eye on you and look out for your safety, just as I will do the same for Forest Morand and Ricardo Perez."

"I should have guessed," she said, shaking her head. "We'll all look out for each other. That's how I've managed to get by since I got here and I don't expect that to change any time soon. Next time we ride out after the Cowboy Gang I'll even let you in on it beforehand," she laughed.

Valdez and Escobar return downstairs with Nakomo. Valdez lowers his voice and says firmly and slowly to Nakomo “So either you will allow me to heal those injuries or we will go together right now to see your Priestess. Those are your choices, take your pick Sir, which will it be?" The Indian boys says, "I am sorry, Father Valdez. I am not trying to make you angry. I am only trying to follow the will of the gods, like Miss Minerva is teaching me. You wouldn't want me to go against the gods would you?" He pleads. "besides, I'm sure that Miss Minerva will be here soon, really, I thought she would have been here by now. ." He says looking through the door into the saloon. It not like her to be gone for so long he worries.

Across town, Minerva goes home to an empty house. Thinking that Nakomo is still in school she decides to take a nap to regain her strength. She awakens in the early evening feeling refreshed but finds that Nakomo is still not home. She changes into a fresh gown and hurries over to the Lucky Lady to see if he is working.

The saloon is in full swing when she arrives. Music is playing, whiskey is flowing and the games are all in progress. She looks around the room but does not see Nakomo. She makes her way to the kitchen thinking he could be washing dishes. When she enters the room she sees Nakomo backed into a corner. He has a look of panic in his eyes. Padre Valdez is speaking to him in what sounds like a stern voice. She strides over and makes her presence known. “What is going on in here?" before the words are barely out she notices Nakomo's blistered face and arms. "By the gods! What has happened to you?!"

Valdez replies, "Priestess, he injured himself doing the community service to the town and refuses to let me heal him. He seems to think that this is part of his punishment. I know for a fact that Marshall Berg would never knowingly allow harm to come to the boy." "Injured himself? "she bristles, "it looks more like someone left him out in the sun too long! Who is responsible for this Nakomo?" she says as she continues to examine his burns.

"I am, Miss Minerva. I was given a job to do, and I did it. Apollo, added his own punishment." Nakomo say's defiantly. Minerva sighs, he is a stubborn one. I need to remember he is no longer a boy to be commanded." "Perhaps he is just trying to tell you that you should not stand under on a shiny roof under, his powerful rays for so long. You have paid his price. I do not think that he will object to our healing you." Remembering that she has exhausted herself once this day using her healing powers she says, "You should consider letting Padre Valdez heal your wounds." "Yes, I would like that." he says wincing as he turns to the priest.

Valdez places his hands upon Nakomo and states the spell. Minerva notes as he casts the spell that the light from his hands that passes over the wounds has more of a gold than the version of the spell that she usually performs. The arms resume their normal color. Minerva thanks Valdez and then asks if he can heal Nakomo's face as well. "Of course Priestess," he states and casts the necessary spell on the boy.

Gracias, Padre." Minerva says to Valdez before he leaves. She turns to Nakomo. "We will talk more of this later if you wish, but I know you would like to get back to work so I will go and have some dinner in the saloon.'" she says in a steady voice. Overwhelmed by her sudden role as guardian to a teenage boy, the responsibilities of her training, the demands of playing hostess to church officials, having another confrontation with vampires and being commanded by the goddess to appear before her the following day. Nakomo waits until he is alone. He feels his face and arms, astounded by the miracle that Father Valdez has performed. He grins and picking up a dishrag, gets back to work.

The ranchers continued to talk and after another few moments Minerva hurried through the doors to the back where Mr. Valdez was with Nakomo. Kate says, "It might be a good chance to speak to the Priestess after Nakomo is taken care of. I'm curious to see what she'll say myself." The night wears on, and Jake's game wears on and finally comes to a close. He relaxes with another bourbon and hangs around the saloon.

She leaves him in the kitchen, orders a bottle of whiskey from the bar and finds herself a quite table where she can sort out the events of the day. Jake notices the priestesses troubled expression, that and her sitting alone with a bottle of whiskey. He gives her a few minutes on her own before he meanders over and sits uninvited. "You look quite harried, Senorita. That look is unbecoming of a beautiful young woman such as yourself. Perhaps you dwell overlong on the troubles and not enough on the pleasures, boons and windfalls?" Jake gives her a friendly smile, not quite a smirk but still with the aura of an amused rogue.

Minerva peeks over the rim of her glass and gives him rueful smile. "Windfalls?" She chuckles darkly swirling the glass and causing the amber liquid to form a tiny tornado in it's center. "I feel as though I have been given something more akin to cyclone falls since my arrival in this town... one mess after another. My head is spinning from the force of it all." She lifts the bottle to pour another drink and holds it out to him. "May I offer you a glass"? she says filling her own. "Perhaps it would look more appropriate to the good folk of Promise City if I were to be seen drinking with another... even if he is a snake charmer." she teases.

He empties his glass and passes it across to her with an affirmative nod of his head. "Snake charmer?" He seems to find that amusing. "I have been called may things, but never a snake charmer. If it salvages your reputation, go ahead and tell them you were attempting to redeem this poor old saloon rat. Go on, Promise City makes your head spin." His smile never wavers. "That is part of the problem." her eyes blaze. "I have never given two hoots about what others have thought of me and since I have come to this town, my every move is judged!"

She sighs heavily. "I wish Nanuet were here. He has been gone for only ten days but it feels like forever." she sips her drink to disguise the trembling of her lips but is unable to keep the brightness of unsheathed tears from her eyes. "He is so patient and wise... "she shrugs "I feel as though I am being swept up by events and he is not here to council me. I miss him terribly." She says miserably. "Ah, but you do not really want to hear my troubles. Nor am I inclined to reveal them with so many of the good people of Promise City within hearing range, but I do appreciate your concern."

"If you desire a friendly ear to bend, just call on me. I am happy to oblige. I understand how having Nanuet gone can drag your heart down. I am missing someone too." His ever present smile fades and he is quiet for a moment. "If you accept the job as our spiritual leader here in Promise City," he spreads his arms wide indicating all around him and his impish grin spreads again too, "then you must accept that folks will judge you. I am certain it will be done harshly, unfairly and without much clever wit at that.

What they cannot do, is determine whether it is you," he briefly points his finger at her, "or that bird of yours who is giving the hoots. That decision lies solely with you my friend. No matter how hard you try to give it away or blame the tactless masses, that responsible is yours alone." Jake raises his glass to his lips but before taking a sip he adds, "Not everyone is so lucky as you Senorita. Few have a friend who can truly give a hoot for them with such aplomb."

Momentarily startled by the unexpected words of wisdom, she is caught off guard by his joke and lets out a long, loud laugh. When those within hearing turn to see what their spiritual leader finds so amusing they see her lean in and place her hand over the gambler's. Her eyes are sparkling and she is smiling broadly.

"Gracias, Senor Jake. You are a good friend. I am afraid that I was beginning to take myself too seriously, but when I came in and saw what had happened to Nakomo, on top of what else has happened this day... I do need someone to talk to though, and with Nanuet gone, there is no one. I may take you up on your offer." she looks around at the eyes watching them, "but I do not think that now would be a good time. For now I believe I will just continue to enjoy your fine whiskey and observe my flock until Nakomo is ready to come home."

"A fine idea, I like hearing that. What joy is there in owning a saloon if your friends cannot enjoy drinking and relaxing in it?" With those words he uses the toe of his worn boot to pull a chair closer. Once in place, he resumes his familiar slouch with feet resting on the dark wood of the chair. As if it was a natural segue from their previous conversation, Jake began, "Did I ever tell you the story about the Russian man and his Italian woman that I met on the riverboat?"

He does not really wait for her reply and launches into the mildly humorous and mostly harmless story of Jake the understudy poker dealer, a cantankerous Russian fur trapper of some means, a statuesque young Italian woman the Russian obtained in exchange for a debt owed him, and the young gamblers attempts to part the man from both his available cash and for a time his wife to be. ".... so the Frenchman got the king that I moved in the deck because I counted wrong. He cleaned both me and the Russian out and won the girl to boot. For the next two weeks I scraped and painted that bloody paddle wheeler during the day while I worked the gambling deck at night to pay back the seed money I borrowed to get in that boiler room game. I was not quite as sunburnt as young Nakomo," Jake winces involuntarily, "but it was close."

He chuckles, "I lost my concentration watching Lucia and miscounted the cards. She was so excited at the prospect of being free of that barbarian that her eyes were sparkling, her chest was heaving, and her skin had that flush color..." Jake sighs. "I think it worked out for the woman. The Frenchman lived in New Orleans and was going to give her a job as a maid in his big house. He seemed like a decent sort anyway. The Russian got tossed off the boat at the next stop because he had not paid any of his bills. For that big pile of scheming and hard work all I got was to see Lucia smile for a little time while we played cards. You know what?" He asks but again does not wait for a reply, "It was worth it."

After the story, Jake pushes back his chair and stands. He tips back the rest of his glass. "Gracias por la bebida. Enjoy a pleasant nights rest, Senorita, you have earned it." He leaves the glass on the table but before he turns he adds, "Oh, and thank you for the, um...." He smiles at her and taps at his cheek indicating the smile. "This was much more pleasant than scraping a big old Mississippi paddle wheeler." He tips his hat.

Minerva sits at the table thinking about Jake's story and how much more substance there is to him than he let most people see. Later when the saloon is starting to close and Nakomo is done his work for the night they walk home through the dark night. He does not mention his sunburn and she is content to keep silent for now. They walk home quietly each lost in their own thoughts, or perhaps Nakomo is silent for fear of a scolding. When they enter the house, Minerva is relieved to find that her houseguests have retired for the evening. She hugs Nakomo and wishes him sweet dreams before going to her own room to pray.

"Dear goddess, Minerva, Please guide me with your wisdom. I am a poor guardian. Had I attended to Nakomo better, he would not have been hurt today... and where was I when he needed me? Off hunting vampires!" As she says this she suddenly remembers that the goddess Diana commanded a meeting with the priests tomorrow at noon. "I am too weary to explain it all. I will inform the bishop tomorrow. she thinks as she strips off her gown and falls onto the bed. She pulls up the covers and snuggles Nanuet's pillow, wishing that hurry home.

After the end of Clarisse's final set on Thursday night at the Lucky Lady she rejoins Chester at the table near the stage. Emery Shaw asks if he can join them and then tells Chester about the Unity Party, asking if he would be their candidate for Marshall.

Kate finally said goodnight to the gentlemen at the table and went home. Walking alone after dark was probably not the best of ideas, but one of the side-effects of being seen as able to care for herself was that it was assumed she could certainly walk herself home. At least she hoped it was that and not her company that kept anyone from offering to see her home.

She went home by way of walking past the Long Branch and peeked inside as she went by. Conrad was sitting at his table, dealing out the next hand and she was tempted to step inside. Better sense prevailed and she continued on home. Was it just last night when Doctor Eaton had stopped her? He wouldn't be happy with today's developments; it was likely whatever progress she'd made with him was destroyed. It wasn't long before she arrived at her own home. The light was on in Ginnie's room and Kate spent some time talking with her before retiring to her own room and her lonely bed.

After the end of Clarisse's final set on Thursday night at the Lucky Lady she rejoins Chester at the table near the stage. Emery Shaw asks if he can join them "Sure thing, Mr. Shaw. Pull up a chair. Now what do you want to talk to me about?" Shaw says, "How'd you like to get back at Ashley King? I heard about what happened at the wedding. I don't know if you've heard, but I had a blow up with his father. I've split from the Law and Order party. Manuel Escobar and I have formed a new party, the Unity party. We'd like you to be our man for Marshall? How does that strike you?"

Chester smacks his hand on the table. "It would suit me well. Who else is running under your guiding?" Shaw scratches his chin. "So far, it's just Manny and I and you, if you join up with us. We're trying to get Vera Blake to be one of our councilmen. I haven't heard back, yet. So what do you say, Chester? Are you with us?" He extends his hand. Chester shakes Shaw's hand and states, "Yes sir. Sign me up."

Jake returns to his home at end of the evening. After he unlocks the door he sees a sealed envelope on the floor that had been slipped under the door with "Jake" written on it. He opens the envelope, removes the single sheet of paper inside, and reads:

"Jake,
Arrived in town. Spending today reestablishing old ties. Jane and Ruby have gone away on an errand together but nothing to worry about, I sent Richard along to help keep them out of trouble. Will catch up with you tomorrow evening.

After he reads it he sets it alight from single oil lamp lit in his parlor. "Nothing to worry about...." He says aloud to the air. He shakes his head. "Red my friend, you know not of what you speak." He kept his worries to himself, since there was only one person in the world that could solve them it made little sense in burdening anyone else. At least Red was in town, that was something.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-five, “News of the Day”, Friday June 9th, 1882, 6:30 A.M.

The sun shines through the window of the Priestess’s house all too soon. Nakomo is already up and serving breakfast to the priests when Minerva enters the kitchen. She greets her guest cheerfully and takes her place at the table. Once Nakomo leaves for school she explains. What happened to Hildie in the cave and the appearance of Diana. "She has commanded us to appear before her at the Church of Olympus at noon." The clergy are surprised by the proclamation that a Goddess from Olympus will be physically in their midst. Hilldi confirms that she was physically present the day before. At the Bishop's insistence they head next door to clean the church building to the best of their ability prior to her arrival.

Minerva's morning is interrupted at around 10:00 by the sudden arrival of Emery Shaw, Manuel Escobar and Vera Blake. They tell her about their new Unity party and request that she join the ticket as a candidate for a position on the town council. Minerva groans inwardly but draws strength from Jakes words of the night before. She thinks to herself, "How will I ever get out of this without offending?

She presents a cheerful smile to the trio and responds enthusiastically. "Gracias Amigos! I am quite flattered that you would think me a suitable candidate to put forth your ideals..., but I am afraid that I must decline your offer. Please understand, I heartily agree with your ideals but, I must answer to a higher power. The gods, alone, dictate my actions and there may come a time when they command me to act in a way that will not find favor with the views of your party.

I believe that I can reach the hearts of more people and foster change much more effectively in my present role as spiritual leader. Taking a political stance would only confuse people and diminish my influence. Besides. "she jokes looking around at the church, "Where would I ever find the time?"

The committee spend another ten minutes attempting to convince Minerva to join. Shaw explains how for all practical purposes Minerva has been on the town council for months now, citing the Festival being her idea and all that it has done for the town. Escobar agrees, telling her how the current climate towards racial equality would not have been possible without her influence. Vera Blake adds that the same is true for the rights of woman, that Minerva has had no small influence upon.

"Si, that is all true, and it is true precisely because of my role as spiritual leader. Even those who do not agree with my views know that I speak for the gods. and are more likely to reflect upon my words. If I were to be seen as a political figure, people would question my motivation. Do you not see? I am much more valuable to you in my present role. It will benefit no one if we muddy the waters." Shaw says, "The group thought that you might feel that way. They suggested Father Thomas Valdez as an alternative name, but wouldn't we run into the saw problem with him being a religious leader in town? Who else would you suggest Priestess?"

"That is for him to decide." she says of Valdez. But why not you, Vera or or Katherine Kale? She is a home owner and a business owner, a member of the cattlemen’s association, a refined lady of impeccable standing from up north and she is an independent woman who is not afraid to speak out for her beliefs" As you know she has been in the press quite a bit lately, so people are familiar with her face and her views."

Shaw says, "Katherine would be welcomed but she has indicated how busy she is already between the ranch, school and other her other interests. I'm also not finished with trying to convince Mitchell Berg to join us. Right now the ticket is comprised of myself as Mayor, Chester Martin as Marshall, and for Town Council Manuel Escobar, Vera Blake, Patrick Seawell and Cole Rixton. All we have left to fill is the final slot which we had hoped that either you or Father Valdez would be good for."

Marshall Berg, as a man of authority, would be an excellent candidate. I wish you the 'luck of the gods' I know that you already have their blessing and my support as well." She sakes their hands and wishes them Buenas Dias, before going back to lighting candles and preparing for the goddess' arrival.

After a fitful sleep, Jake awoke late and had breakfast at the El Parador Cantina. Dorita is busy this morning, so Jake enjoys a quiet breakfast without motherly commentary. Afterwards, he makes his way to Drovers. "Good morning Austin." Jake finds him puttering around. "No need to be pestering after Vera," he replies good naturedly and with only a glance up from his work, "she has already joined Emery Shaw's Unity Party." "No, I am not here to pester your wife. I came here to see you." Austin Blake stops what he is doing and looks up. "Oh?"

"Yes." Jake approaches and leans up against the wall. Playing with his hat in his hands he says, "I will get right to the point. I heard from Adair that he believes you have been bidding for Niles Hoover's share of the Lucky Lady. Since the bidder has kept their identify secret, I figured Adair must be wrong. I mean, Austin Blake is an honest and straight up kind of man. I would not expect him to do that kind of thing in secret without talking to the other partners of the Lucky Lady. Would he?"

Austin looks Jake straight in the eye and says, "I don't know how Adair found out but yes, I was working with Upton to get a share of the Lady. As for my methods, you may recall that I approached you directly about a partnership a few weeks back and you never got back to me. That's why I decided to go through the lawyer. But now that you know I can cut him out of it. Once that boy gets out of school we'll round up him and Attorney Berg and settle this once and for all."

"I did not understand you desired that kind of partnership." Jake shrugs. "Job Kane and I are bidding against you. We figured that anyone who was hiding behind a lawyer could have been just trying to disrupt the saloon. We even suspected Adair could have been behind it, trying to harm his competition. I am relieved that it is you after all." Jake runs a hand through his hair and stands. "Invite me to sit down so we can talk this through. Help me understand what you want and do not want. Are you attempting to buy into the Lucky Lady just to get Jeff Mills?"

Blake replies, "No sir, I am interested in expanding into the hotel business and be able to offer full packages to guest, including livery service, food, lodgings and entertainment. I have the livery and food, not the lodgings and Vera is opposed to entertainment at our location. Since you've already gone to the effort of expanding your operation to include a hotel it would have been easier for me to buy into this place than go to the effort of adding onto my existing building, or better yet, have both with different levels of lodgings for different income levels of customers.

So Mr. Cook, we appear to in a bidding war against one another for young Mr. Hoover's share. You may very well win, at some point it becomes cheaper for me to build and have my operation fully owned by myself. But I haven't given up on us being partners. I should warn you though, Misters Jacquet and Brower have also expressed interest in my partnership idea, so my backup plan is even more feasible."

Jake replies, "Sir, we were in a bidding war only because I thought you were someone else. Frankly, I would welcome someone to run the hotel business. I am quite good at what I do, but that does not extend to the details of taking care of hotel guests and the like. You have seen how we run the saloon part of the Lady, I do not expect it to change much. If you think you are comfortable with that, and do not intend to rock the boat then I believe we can make a deal."

Jake scratches his chin beard a few times. "If we were partners, I could certainly help with future deal making. That is something with which I have a little experience." Jake grins. "I can imagine a future that includes the Blokes with a share of the Lucky Lady, an expanded hotel at your site built under the guiding vision of Jeff Mills, and funded by some partners that could include Al, Pierre and even Jake. Then there could be some deals made with other businesses in town. Not partnerships mind you, but agreements. Like getting Gilson's bathhouse to offer something special to our customers in return for our recommending them. Make it easy to get services like laundry, mending, gun cleaning, you name it." Jake starts to get that glint in his eye. "Why, Austin Blake, the possibilities are endless."

Blake says, "Then I believe that we are thinking on the same train of thought. Al and Pierre have no lodgings nor really the ability to expand the Comique to include them. They had bought a building for that purpose but never got around to establishing it. I believe that building is now your home, and it's actually the money from that purchase that they wish to invest in an expanded Drover's.

I know that Al Brower has no interest in owning part of the Lucky Lady, he says he wouldn't be able to enjoy gambling there if he did, but he has mentioned that this establishment and his have a habit of stealing each other's entertainment. With a mutual arrangement of some sort you might be able to avoid that in the future, and together you might be able to bring in special acts from out-of-town for weekends, to perform a night at each location.

So I think we can work something out. Vera is wholeheartedly opposed to the profession of prostitution, so would never agree to partner with the Gay Lady, Palace, Long Branch or El Parador, but a mutual arrangement between Drover's, the Lucky Lady and the Comique could work in all of our best interests. And as for a hotel, you won't find yourself a better manager than Vera. For that matter, she could probably work with your operation here to help reduce your food costs by a good twenty-percent from what you are paying now."

Jake states, "I am confident that I can convince Job that this is a good arrangement. I made the last offer to Berg, let us hold to that amount. It will go to a good cause. I would like to acquire one fifth of Hoover's share, and let you have the balance. That would give you twenty percent of the Lucky Lady. We could make those arrangements today and Vera could straighten out the hotel business there immediately. If we can fill those rooms, then we can arrange the money to invest in the hotel here. We can start talking with Pierre and Al on the other ideas any time." Jake gives him a grand smile and offers his hand, "What do you say, Partner?"

Austin shakes his hand and replies, "Cook, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." "Done. A pleasure, sir. I will find Berg and let him know and see if they will accept the last offer, since there are no more bidders. I will let you know when he can process the papers." Jake hangs about with his new partner for a little while chatting away until he senses that Austin Blake is comfortable before he departs in search of Mitchell Berg. Jake finds Berg and explains the offer to him. Jake also explains the need to write Van Horne into the contract. They part with Berg insisting on checking with Upton before he approaches the bishop with the final offer.

As Friday dawned for Kate was grateful it was the last day of the school week. She was anxious to spend some time out at the ranch getting some work done. The morning passed by swiftly and pleasantly until lunchtime came when she, Meghan and Mollie sat down to eat the lunch that had been delivered a few minutes before.

Angela Young stops by the school with today's edition of the Promise City Mirror. Kate notes that Angela's baby has shifted position, and is now riding much lower in her body, almost to the birthing position. Kate gave Angela three nickels to get a copy for each of the teachers. She smiled as the young woman handed them over and said, "Not much longer now, if you don't mind my mentioning it. Will you be taking a break from your work after the baby arrives?"

Angela says, "Somewhat, although with Mary Wong as our live-in nanny it will be a lot easier than it was when our son Mark was born." She hands the newspapers to Kate and waddles out the door. Kate handed the papers to the other teachers. "I'm almost afraid to read it, but I will," she joked as she opened the paper and continued to nibble her lunch.

The Friday Morning Paper has the headline “Political Parties Implode!” The story is very long, running the full length of pages 1, 3 and 6. It reads:

Two independent events of Thursday morning have resulted in the two existing political parties in town imploding and from the remnants of them a total of five parties have arisen with the leaders of each party scrambling to recruit the independent candidates to join their ranks.

The first event that transpired was the untimely deaths of Liberty Party candidates Colin Hunter and Nicholas Thayer. The second event was a meeting of the Promise City Vigilance Committee, the sponsoring organization of the Law and Order Party. At that meeting the agenda began with Derrick Avery being formally expelled and replaced with Deputy County Recorder Dennis Winston. Next was the creation of a party platform, which was published in yesterday afternoon’s Promise City Mirror.

Shortly thereafter the Liberty Party called for an emergency meeting to nominate new candidates and develop their own platform. While agreement was reached on naming Long Branch saloon owner Kate Higgins as the replacement for Thayer a lack of consensus developed over the choice for a new candidate for Marshall. The development of a platform proved to be even more contentious, resulting Council candidates Evan Adair and Tector Driscoll both resigning and Adair then expelling the Liberty Party from the Palace Saloon, which had been its headquarters up until that point.

Adair and Driscoll then decided to form their own political party, called the Freedom Party, with Adair as the Mayoral candidate. They then began recruiting other candidates, successfully convincing Kate Higgins to abandon the Liberty party in favor of the Freedom Party. As of this morning it is uncertain who else will join this new party although what is known that Adair has approached registered independent candidates and fellow saloon owners Vera Blake and Burton Lumley and also made overtures to Steve Lord at the Alhambra. Additionally, he sought to meet with Job Kane of the Lucky Lady but Kane is presently away from town.

While that was transpiring on Thursday afternoon, Hamilton Fisk reestablished the Liberty Party headquarters at the vacant building owned by him on Sierra Street, previously the home of Preacher Hagler, situated between his own residence and Boot Hill. At that point his party was reduced to only three candidates, himself as Mayor and Porter Norris and Ike Sherman for council positions.

Since then Charlie Villars, a Thayer Ranch resident and former Cochise County Deputy Sheriff has been recruited for the Liberty Party’s Marshall position. Council positions will be filled by Denny Gaurin of the Rattlesnake Ranch and Bronco Madson of the Thayer Ranch. Readers may recall that Madson had been reported missing early on Sunday but he returned to town yesterday after hearing of Thayer’s death, having been in Galeyville for the past few days. The final council position remains unfilled as of this point although Sherman was quoted to say “If Hamilton can’t find anybody else by 5:00 P.M. today my wife Jess will take it.”

Meanwhile, an irritated Derrick Avery took issue over his expulsion from the Law and Order Party and decided to now run for Town Council as an independent candidate. In soliciting signatures for his petition he came upon a number of similarly minded persons and the idea for the Integrity Party was formed. Joining Avery in this new party are storeowner Judge Lacey and Deputy County Assayer Joseph Riser forming a trio for town council.

Another person hearing of this new party was independent Candidate Elihu Upton, who had just received a telegram from the National Republican Party declining to allow him to run under their banner. This prompted him to then seek out and also join the Integrity Party. They will use Upton’s Law Office and Counting House as their headquarters. They still have unfilled positions for Mayor, Marshall, and the final council position. Avery has stated “We’re actively pursuing Mitchell Berg to join us, in whichever of those three positions he would like to have.” Present Town Marshall and Attorney Berg was instrumental in bringing about the Incorporation of the town but he has previously indicated that he is not interesting in running for a political office.

Then on Thursday evening a fifth party emerged from the evening meeting of the Sulfur Springs Valley Cattleman’s Association. At that meeting a heated argument developed between Law and Order council candidate Emery Shaw and Anse King, father of Law and Order Marshall candidate Ashley King. The argument resulted in both Shaw and Manuel Escobar resigning from the Law and Order Party and with King and Calvin Oldfield then resigning from the Cattleman’s Association.

Following the departure of King and Oldfield, Shaw then proposed the formation of the Unity Party with himself as the Mayoral candidate, Escobar as a council candidate and Deputy Marshall Chester Martin as their candidate for Marshall. The Mirror has since learned that Independent council candidate Vera Blake has also been asked to join the Unity Party ticket. There is no word on the remaining three council positions.

After King and Oldfield delivered news of the resignations of two of their council candidates the Law and Order Party then held an emergency nominating meeting. The vacant positions on that ticket will be filled by boarding house owner Bill Watkins and rancher Calvin Oldfield.

While all this was going on one other new candidate for office emerged when El Parador Cantina musician Estaban Fuente registered as an independent candidate for town council. When asked by this reporter about his candidacy Fuente said that he was prompted to enter the race by the Law and Order Party’s published platform. He says that he is looking forward to a lively public debate with their candidates.

All candidates for office need to be registered by 5:00 P.M. this evening, although established political parties are allowed to make changes and substitutions up until 5:00 P.M. on Sunday June 19th. Tomorrow’s paper will have a full listing of all registered candidates.

A story appears on page seven under the headline “Gambler Looses Saloon in Poker Game”. It mentions Jake Cook’s loss of one-fifth of his ownership of the Lucky Lady at a Tucson poker game on Saturday, May 27th. The story states that the winner of that game was gambler Cornelius Van Horne. It states that Van Horne has now returned to Promise City where he is organizing a high-stakes game to be held at his newly acquired saloon on Saturday, June 17th.

A story on page nine tells has the headline “Pinto Joe Weems and Shotgun Sally Fox Captured by Army”. It reads: Following the Thursday June 1st bank robbery in Leadville Colorado, during which a number of soldiers were killed, New Douglas Gang members Pinto Joe Weems and Shotgun Sally Fox along with Arthur Deadeye Douglas and safecracker Mae Clark apparently traveled northwest through the Rocky Mountains.

There is no word of what has become of the remaining two members of the New Douglas Gang, Pamela Yeats and Mongo Bailey. All six had been involved before with Promise City bank robberies.

The quartet eventually emerging on Monday June 5th at a trading post along the Colorado River where they spent the night and then rode west. On Tuesday descriptions of the quartet were given to soldiers traveling downriver in search of the outlaws. The Army caught up with them that night in a town twenty-five miles downriver. A gunfight followed during which three more soldiers were killed. The outlaws split into pairs and rode off in different directions, with Douglas and Clarke managing to escape.

The soldiers after Weems and Fox tracked the wounded pair into the mountains where they were eventually surrounded and captured. Approximately a quarter-million dollars of the stolen money was recovered from the pair. They are now being sent to the Colorado State Prison in Canon City to await trial and sentencing. The paper features advertisements for the Law and Order, Freedom and Liberty parties.

Kate folded the paper quietly. "I'm not sure if this is good or bad. Derrick Avery's party would be a real challenge to our Unity party. There was no one on his ticket I would be uncomfortable with, but a split in the vote could let Adair or Fisk win this." She was quiet for a moment. "Would you ladies mind if I ran over to see Emery Shaw? I'll be back before it's time to call the students in again."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-six, “Party Business”, Friday June 9th, 1882, 11:45 A.M.

Kate finds Emery over at the Comstock House eating his lunch. “You'll soon be tired of seeing my face," Kate said lightly and laid the paper on the table. "Have you seen this? We may have some competition in the moderate area." Emery has not seen the paper yet and spends a few minutes looking over the article.

He smiles and says, "Good for them. I would worry about it if not for two things, the party of Rustlers and Bigots has split, dividing that vote, and the Law and Order party loosing Manny and gaining Watkins should cut their voting base in half as well. What this means is that an active campaign, focused upon the issues, is more important than ever. But we have both Helen Barker and Jake Cook to help us with that, so I'm not too worried. In case you haven't noticed, both of them have a tendency to get what they want."

Kate replies, "I'd noticed that. So we'll, well you'll, just have to run a winning campaign. Hopefully the townsfolk will choose our ticket at the one best representing their interests. I have to get back to the school before lunch is over." A mischievous smile crossed her face. "Is Bea watching us?" He smiles and replies, "Yes, and probably planning our wedding. It should make for a wonderful family, my niece will be arriving tomorrow and she's just a little bit older than your girl Ginnie."

"Your niece? Well, along with the children you already have and the children who might come along later it would be quite a large family, wouldn't it?" she laughed. Bea should check with Mrs. Fly, I believe she wants to marry me off to one of her boarders.” He laughs, "Only them? What of the other boarding house owners? Surely Mrs. Hooten and Mrs. Milford must have suitors in mind for you too!" "People do seem to want to marry off widows," she smiled. "I wonder if those suitors have been informed yet."

Kate says, “It will certainly be nice to have another girl Ginnie's age about. How long will your niece be staying? Should I expect her at school Monday morning?" "She will be staying as long as she wants. She's related on my late wife's side, from Chicago, but she's half-elvan which doesn't necessarily work well in a large human city. I wrote about the vote towards racial equality and of the society that Cassidy started and they decided to finally take me up on my long standing offer for her to relocate here."

Kate replies, "It would be hard for a mother to send her daughter away, even when she knows it would be a better place. If she's anything like you or your daughters I'm sure she'll like it here. Will you get a room for her here, or are you thinking of getting your own place in town?" He says, "She'll have a room here at the Comstock House until after the election. Then if I find myself in a leadership position then I'll probably build us a house here in town."

Kate answers, "Good. I wish you a pleasant journey to fetch her from Tombstone. That is assuming she isn't coming by herself on the stage. I should get back to the school. I'm tempted to give Bea something to think about, but I'm going to let my better sense prevail."

On his walk through town after leaving the Marshall's office, Jake encounters Katherine walking quickly towards her school. "Hey, slow down a minute." He quietly tells her the highlights of the encounter in the mountains with the vampires. "I was wondering if you could check these items out later today. You know, your special way." He hands her a brown neckerchief with a knot tied in it. Although the contents are concealed, inside are the belt buckle, ring and cuff link he found in the cave.

"No one thought it was important to tell me this yesterday? Perhaps before I walked alone though town in the dark on my way home from the Lady?" she asked, obviously bothered. "I can understand you not coming to get me, I couldn't have helped you with strangers there and I was teaching anyway, but would I even know about this now if you hadn't needed something? Which I will take care of for you, but I make no guarantees."

"Errrr...." Jake looks down at his feet, "I did not bump into you alone yesterday to tell you. Besides, they were destroyed by then so you were safer last night after we knew than the night before that when we did not know, you know?" He gives her a bit of a shy smile, "Come on now Katherine. Do you really believe that if I thought you were in any danger last night that I would have let you walk home alone?"

He looks about again to make sure no one is walking close to them. "You know as well as I do that Mortimer Turner is still about someplace. That did not prevent you from walking about alone." He gives her a smirk, "I am sorry, you are right. I am a selfish, thoughtless, undependable, lazy saloon rat. Let me make it up to you. I will go and get you one of those garlic necklaces that you can wear day and night to be safe. I will make sure it is extra large and smelly because I care so much about you."

She states, "I didn't wear those damned necklaces in Thomaswell and I'm not wearing one here. If you really want to make it up to me I've been having the absolute worst craving for strawberries," she teased. "Next time please, just tell me and let me decide if it's important for me to know. And I do work at your saloon, no one would think it odd for you to ask for a private word. Mortimer Turner has every reason to be in Wilcox and none to be here, but you're right, I should still be more careful. I just didn't want to impose on any of the gentlemen, they'd been stuck with me long enough.

I was accosted by a monster of a different sort Wednesday night. Doctor Eaton asked for a private word as I passed his office. Wanted to convince me to give up the rivalry between the schools and help support the Law and Order party." She went on and explained the conversation they'd had two nights ago. "I suppose any progress I might have made with him was lost when the Cattleman's Association rescinded its support. Emery Shaw is looking at you as an excellent mind to help us win the vote, you know."

"An excellent mind? Here I go thinking he likes me because I am shifty conniver. What am I to do?" After a short chuckly he says, "Doc Eaton huh. They must have been really desperate to hold out a hand. If it is any consolation, you must still have a shred of respectability in their eyes." Jake's voice takes on a formal, commanding quality. "Fear not, Katherine Kale, your past history of indiscretions, also know as befriending gamblers and saloon singers, can be annulled. There is still a chance you can be saved." Jake gives her a wink.

She replies, "Just wait another month or two and they'll give me up for a degenerate. If the Vigilance Committee respects me then I know I'm doing something wrong. Doc Eaton wanted me to stop offending Mr. Shackelton. I'd have to hide in a closet to manage that.” Kate handed him the newspaper. "There's another moderate party that formed yesterday, spearheaded by Derrick Avery after the morality police excommunicated him. Emery wasn't too concerned about it, he felt with Helen and a certain shifty conniver on our side that we'll run the better campaign.

"Yes, I was worried about that. Not that Derrick can win, but that he will steal votes that otherwise would find a home in the Unity Party. He or Mitch Berg were good options for consideration by Emery." Jake scratches at his beard again, while he thinks. "Liza Brown might be the key to Mr. Avery. File that thought away Katherine. Near the end of the campaign, if they can be convinced that the votes they draw from the Unity Party just might get Fisk or Adair's folks elected they might be convinced to withdraw and publicly ask their supporters to vote for the Unity Party. Timing is everything, she would have to be approached by just the right person at just the proper emotional moment." Jake gives her another wink.

Kate states, "Mr. Berg doesn't want public office, Jake. I'll be surprised if he accepts. Maybe a few years down the road, when elections come up again he can be persuaded. Derrick Avery would have been a good thought, in our hurry he never occurred to me. And what would be the proper emotional moment, Jake? I'm not quite the conniver you are, sometimes I need a bit of help."

He shrugs. "We will know it when we see it. Fear, worry, doubt are the indicators. People like to have their problems solved for them." Then he chuckles darkly. "Or perhaps when we create it." She says, "I guess I'd best start getting to know her then. Advice from a stranger rarely goes down well. I've been trying to win over half this town anyway, I might as well add her to the list."

He replies, "She has been known to come to the El Parador and is in favor of women's rights. So you have at least two things to talk about. Let me know if our mayor to be needs any help finishing his candidate list. He needs a published platform pretty fast. I cannot do much convincing of the undecided without it. You have yourself a pleasant afternoon Katherine. I will be about if you have need of me."

"Why don't you go find the mayor to be for yourself? He'd be glad to see you." Kate reached out and briefly squeezed his hand. "And I always have need of my friend. You know that. Perhaps I'll see you tonight at the Lady." She smiled one last time and slipped back into the schoolhouse just as the students were settling in. Jake goes to have lunch at the Lucky Lady.

Emery Shaw and Manuel Escobar arrive for lunch at the Lucky Lady and join Jake. Patrick Seawell and Helen Barker arrive to join them. Shaw says, "Almost done. The Party has me as Mayor, Chet as Marshall and four solid candidates for Council, namely Pat and Manny, Vera Blake and Cole Rixton. How did you do Helen with talking to your boss?" Helen says, "I spent close to an hour talking to Marshall Berg about the fifth position. He's adamant that he's not running for any position. Can't say that I blame him. On the other hand that also means that the new Integrity Party only has around four hours left to fill three positions."

Patrick Seawell interjects, "Make that two. They just talked my father into the being their Marshall candidate. Since he was the one who took charge of the group of military veterans who helped put down that riot two weeks back they felt that he had already proven himself to be the man for the job." "Hermes." Mutters Jake. "Shame on us for not getting these folks behind the Unity Party before they discovered their need to go against the others. We need to get those folks on our side."

Shaw says, "Well, great minds think alike. So both Priestess Florencia and Father Valdez turned us down for the final council position. Who else should we approach, we only have four hours ourselves and that includes collecting twenty-five signatures." Jake says, "Derrick Avery."

Shaw says, "You mean have him run for both parties? Sorry Jake, that won't work. Kate Higgins already spoke to Judge Isby about that when she was trying to decide between the Freedom and Liberty Parties. Isby said she had to make up her mind and pick one not both, that if a Candidate couldn't make up their mind which to support how could they expect a voter to." "No, that is not what I mean." Jake steeples his fingers and is lost in thought for a brief moment. "I mean get him to give up his party and get their support. We probably can't effect that in four hours. We should try though."

"What if we had a sort of support or guidance committee for the party? That way we could invite some of those folks to get on board with us, keep their dignity over not running and share their wisdom and experience with the candidates. Your father for instance," he says looking at Seawell, "likely does not really want to be Marshall. I bet that old Chet would love to have the man's support and advice. We convince Avery to join the ticket, or the committee and everyone wins." Jake taps his lips a few times with his finger. "In the mean time get Cassidy or Mrs. Kale to fill out the ticket on just in case with the understanding that we will replace them during the week." Pause. "Likely, anyway."

Shaw says, "I like how you think Jake, but I do believe we need more time than is immediately available. Chances are that to get them in with us some of their candidates may need to replace ours. Rixton for one probably wouldn't mind, but I'm not sure about the others. Thankfully we'll have lots of time for possible substitutions. Plus I would want to talk to the Cattleman's Association before making such a wide change of strategy.

But that idea has enough merit for me to go speak to both Avery and Upton about it. We could probably both find enough "straw men" to fill out our remaining vacancies, with one of those two temporarily flipping up into their group's Mayoral slot for the time being. That'll give all of us more time to talk to Berg for Town Council, which would probably cement a union given how strongly they feel about him." "How about if I run for Mayor on the Integrity ticket." Jake says deadpan. "That will have them all running for the Unity Party," he finishes with a big grin.

Before anybody can comment Jake states, "I am out of other ideas right now. Have at them, Emery." Helen says, "Okay, stick me in as the last Committee person for the Unity party, consider that a placeholder for Mitch. I'll get a petition going, shouldn't be too hard for me to find the signatures." Shaw says "Thanks Helen." He leaves to go find Upton and Avery. "I can sign my name," he offers to Helen.

After Emery and his political party departed, Jake checked around the Lucky Lady. He found everything there was in control so went back home to relax on his porch and watch Promise City go by. You never knew for sure when an opportunity might be seen. A short time passes and Eddie Palmer walks by. "That makes it easy," the Postman says and walks up to the porch.

"Makes what easy?" Jake queries from his reclined position in the chair. The gambler had just finished flicking most of a deck of cards into his hat perched upon the railing.

"Makes delivering this letter to you easy, Mr. Cook."

Jake accepts the letter. "Thank you Mr. Palmer, have a pleasant day." Eddie waves over his back as he continues his rounds. The name on the return address is a Miss M. E. L. Reiter. Jake smiles and opens the envelope.

Jake Cook
c/o Postmaster
Promise City, Arizona

Greetings Little Jake!

We did not receive additional letters from you or your prey and have tired of checking the post office box some weeks ago. Did the scam go south? I hope this letter does not find you in prison.

Big Abbey and I had a big fuss. Lately there were too many new girls and all of them are just plain stupid full of poppies or they were lingers. This has damn near drove all the good clients away and replaced them with unsavory thin walleted vermin. Instead of tossing those cheap harlots out on their bony behinds she wants to fill the place with cribs! Imagine! We had it out, she pulled a pig sticker on me and I ran off.

I am now working on my own and getting by. As you well know that can be powerful challenging in this neighborhood. Boring as all get out too. I have no desire to travel to the old states so I would welcome any opportunities you may know about, or create, out west. You must be working for somebody in Promise City having been there so long. Recommend me to them. Hades, Jake, why not just invite me down for a visit. You know I can cover my room and board in trade. Write when you can.

Yours,
M

That was Mattie. No beating around the bush, no lipstick kiss on the letter, no hello how are you, Mattie got right to the heart of it. Well maybe not the heart of it, because Jake wondered some days whether Mattie had one at all. No, that was harsh, Mattie had a heart she just chose not to listen to it on occasion. Jake laughed quietly and put the letter away in his shirt. It might be fun to see Mattie again, but not at the risk of erupting volcano Ruby. He thought about sending her a few dollars and then decided against it. "She would just figure out how to black mail me for more." He collected up the cards and begin spinning them with long arcs into the hat again.

Chester spends Friday collecting signatures for his petition to be a candidate for Marshall. It doesn't take him long. Once that's done, he spends some time in the Lucky Lady.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-seven, “The Goddess Arrives”, Friday June 9th, 1882, 12:00 P.M.

The priests and priestess's finish their preparations just as the church bells chime 12. The bishop kneels, his head bowed in supplication as his lips move in prayer. Hildie sits nervously biting her nails her eyes darting about in anxious anticipation. Minerva garbed in green vestments her olive laurel crowning her head sits serenely on the familiar large white pillow, her legs tucked under her skirts, her hands moving gracefully over the stem of her flute while Luna perches unblinking upon her shoulder. In contrast to Hildies nervousness, Minerva's face is one of utter serenity and joy as she fills the air with soft, tranquil notes, patiently awaiting the arrival of Diana.

There is a knock on the door. Minerva opens the church door to see three individuals standing there. One is a tall bearded man wearing black clothing comprised of a black suit, shirt with buttoned collar, black hat and black shoes. The two people with him are Doctor James Eaton and his wife Elizabeth. The man says, "Hello, you must be Priestess Florencia. I am John Harbrace, an ordained priest of the church. I have been worshipping in private study with some of your congregation for the last few weeks. This may sound odd, but in a dream last night I was told to be here today at noon and to bring my friends the Eaton’s with me."

The young priestess hides her surprise behind a welcoming smile. "Please enter and be at peace in the house of the gods." she returns to her pillow and once again picks up her flute. Minerva plays for five minutes when there is another knock on the door. She answers to see an elderly elf standing there. He introduces himself as Jadito of the Yavapai tribe and says that he too was asked to be present here at this time.

She bows low, to hide her thoughts.” My goodness, It would appear that Diana is throwing a fiesta "Please enter and be at peace in the house of the gods." she responds as she gestures for him to enter. She once again returns to her pillow and plays her flute while listening as the Bishop introduces himself and the others.

The old Indian enters the church. Father Barnes approaches the elf and the two embrace in a warm hug, with the younger mostly-human man thanking the other for coming. The pair takes a seat near the back of the church. Beth Eaton appears to now be uncomfortable with the elf’s presence. Doctor Eaton looks like he is about to speak but is silenced by a hand gesture from Father Harbrace, cautioning him to be patient. Bishop Costas stands and gestures his hands upward. His assistant, the priest Demetrius, clasps his hands in prayer as does the dwarven priestess Hilldi. Father Harbrace and Priestess Florencia do as well.

The Bishop states, “We mere mortals are truly honored Goddess Artemis to be present in this place to serve you and welcome you into our midst.” Up until then the sun had been shining through the stained glass windows, illuminating the interior of the building, but the radiance now greatly increases with light shining through from the windows of all directions including those not directly in the sun’s rays.

At the front of the room before the alter a woman materializes who both Minerva and Hilldi recognize from the previous day although all of those in the room immediately know who she is, some by the name Artemis others by the name Diana. She is attired as before, in the Native American buckskin dress and sandals with her bow and quiver of arrows on her back. The Eaton’s both stare in awe. Minerva stands and bows in formal greeting. "Welcome, Diana. We are honored by your presence."

She nods in Minerva's direction. Hilldi falls to the floor at her feet and profusely thanks the woman for restoring her life. The Goddess says, “Rise child, you grant me too much credit, it was your prayers and yours alone that drew me to that cavern. I did for you what I would have done for any devoted followers under those same circumstances.”

The Bishop kneels before her and states, “I personally thank you for saving both priestesses from those abominations.” She tells him “Rise. Those creatures are why I asked to speak to you today. That threat is not diminished, two other creatures of their ilk remain in this region and they will bring more of their kind into existence if not stopped.”

She reaches behind her and draws six arrows from her quiver. “These have now been blessed with powerful magic that will destroy these creatures. She releases the arrows from her hand and they individually float across the room in groups of three, one group levitating in the air before Minerva and the other group before Father Harbrace.

Towards Harbrace she says, “Your prowess at archery remains fresh in your memory however your own personal anguish has robbed you of the resilience needed to see this task trough. I now restore unto you the confidence and fortitude that you had before so that tomorrow you can join the other hunters for this mission."

She turns and to Minerva she states, “Your trust in the gods was what allowed Aphrodite to draw you towards an elvan mortal. You should cherish the memory of that first love but also know that The Fates have now set the both of you upon very different paths.

However, through that mortal you have been given responsibility for another, his blood kin who is now your ward. You two have much in common, both of you have lost family and have found yourself here in this new place. The youth has great inner strength but lacks the self-confidence and the wisdom to use that strength that you and your friends can teach to him. He has the skill to use these arrows while you have the wisdom to tell him when and where to fire them. I see a future of potential greatness for the two of you."

Minerva solemnly extends her arms to accept the arrows. She bows her head in acknowledgment, "Gracias, Diana. I accept your gift and shall instruct my ward on their use. Nakomo is a bright, compassionate young man. He is very much like his cousin and has shown a bent for the healing arts as well." She is suddenly struck by the remainder of the goddess's message and struggles to keep calm, fighting the fear and panic that grip hers her in it's icy claws. Her thoughts race.. but what do you mean 'cherish the memory of my fist love. Nanuet will return, the gods of Olympus as well as the Yavapai gods have ordained our union, surely they would not be so cruel."

Diana gestures for both Bishop Costas and the elf Jadito to step forward. She says to the elf “You have brought the totems?” He replies, “Yes, I have done as the female centaur instructed me.” He reaches into a large pouch on his belt and removes three necklaces, each made of silver with eleven turquoise teardrop-shaped stones fastened to it ranging in size from two-inches at both ends to a single five-inch stone in the center. Minerva recognizes them as being very similar to the Apache necklace that Nanuet had worn, but with four fewer stones, lacking the smallest of stone sizes that his contained.

She says, “As high priests of your respective religions you have the knowledge and power to help meld these items into their final form. Take one of these in each hand holding one between you.” The two men do as instructed, the men both holding an individual necklace in the hand closest to her with both of them holding the third together. She reaches out and grasps each of the individually held ones, creating a link between the three of them through the necklace.

Diana then states words in the language of the ancient Greeks and the room is bathed in a cascade of colors with gold and turquoise being the two most prominent. Those in the room can see the three necklaces change color as well, as color flows up and down the arms and hand of the men as well as the Goddess, this glow now a bright shade of silver. The light then fades. The two men look physically exhausted and on the verge of collapse. She takes the three necklaces and loops them over her right arm. She then places her hands upon the shoulders of both men and channels energy back into them.

She gestures for Costas to step back and motions for Minerva and Father Barnes to step forward. As Minerva nears she gets a closer look at the necklace, noticing that the color of the stones are now a blend of turquoise and gold.

The Goddess states, “These totems are now a blend of the power from the deities worshiped by both the humans and elves of this region. This community of Promise City is aptly named as it represents the future, and not only of this town, but of the territory, country and world. This place is a nexus where deities have touched the land as well as where both earth and arcane magics thrive. The influence of this special place today knows no boundaries. With support of those present in this room today and the educators within this community no fewer than three of the local youth will one day hold the office of President of these United States and from that office will reshape the world to share the optimism and egalitarianism learned at this time.”

The goddess then places the first necklace around Father Barnes’s neck and states, “You now follow the Pantheon to which I belong however your were also taught by your elvan grandmother about the deities of her people. Much of that has been forgotten. I now restore to you that memory, which you will need in your new role as the spiritual leader of the neighboring town of Dos Cabezas."

The next necklace she hands to Jadito and states, “This one is for your protégé, who is traveling here as we speak. She is a composite of the two races and her congregation will be comprised of the mountains, hills and plains of this region. She will protect not just the people but the flora and fauna respected by the native peoples that I too hold dear.”

Diana places the final necklace around Minerva’s neck. She states, “You who were born in a land of great prejudice had the courage to travel to a different land and stand for what you believed in. May you continue to stand for those convictions as the spiritual leader of this community with this item will assist you in that task.”

Minerva states, "Gracias, Diana. I will do my best to honor the gods who's power resides in these stones." She stands silently fingering the stones around her neck, remembering another time and necklace and how the gods joined their forces together to allow her to save Nanuet and binding them together in the process.

She looks up, her eyes glistening with a mixture of anger and sorrow as she dares to demand answers. "But what of Nanuet? Is he well? Will he not return to me as he promised? The gods have seen fit to bind us together through the power of love. Surely it is their intent that we mate for life as does the wolf of the forest." she pleads helplessly. "You come before me heralding my bravery and presenting me with gifts with one hand while using the other to rip the heart from my bosom. Are the gods so carelessly cruel as to condemn us to a life void of love at such an age?", she says her Spanish temper shimmering on the surface.

Diana says, "Love and responsibility do not always go hand-in-hand. Presently his people have a greater need for him than you." Jadito speaks up now saying, "Priestess, news of the renegades conspiracy to commit murder has created a great rift between the Yavapai and the humans. As a result, the Office of Indian Affairs and the Territorial Governor are considering further dividing up the Yavapai tribe and sending them off as remnants to other reservations. Nanuet was instrumental in preventing the army from destroying the Apache several months back and now must assume a similar role for his own people. He and the man named Clum are with the Tribal Elders in Prescott trying to rectify this situation. It may take some time to work out."

Diana says, "Affairs of the heart are the realm of Aphrodite and you may wish to speak to one of her Priests or Priestesses concerning such matters. What I can tell you is that you must also learn to be patient and trust in the gods to guide you." Minerva is very much relieved by the elder elfs explanation. "He will not be gone forever than."

She turns back to Diana " I apologize for my outburst, goddess, but when you suggested that I 'cherish his memory' I feared him to be dead and lost to me forever. I know that being born on the feast day of Mars has influenced me and that patience is not one of my strong suits, but love is patient and so long as Nanuet walks the earth, I shall await his return."

But in her heart Minerva knew different. "Trust in the gods?, she thought. The gods had not stepped in and saved her when, as a child, she was being ridiculed and ostracized for her divine powers. She had learned to run and hide on her own. They did not prevent her mother from dying in childbirth, nor intervened when the wizards had murdered her father. They had not even extracted vengeance from those who had murdered him, she was forced to do that on her own and then flee. She knew that it was not bravery that had brought her across the ocean but the need to survive. If she had stayed and waited for the gods to save her, surely she would have hung for her actions. The gods had always done as they willed. Why should they be any less callous now. She knew that they did what they did to serve their own purposes. She would continue to do their will, but she would certainly not expect or trust them to hold her interests above their own, for that was the way of the immortals.

Diana has shifted her attention. She gestures for the three she had called forward to now step back. She then motions for Hilldi, Demetrius and Elizabeth Eaton to each step forward. She states, “While all present in this room have great respect for my Pantheon it is the three of you who have always worshipped me as your personal patron deity. Devotion such as that is what sustains me and I am honored to be here among you.”

She reaches into a pocket on her belt and removes three gold coins which she hands to each of the three of them. “Always carry this token that I give to you, it will grant you health and long life. With this comes great responsibilities.”

She turns first to the human priest and says, “Demetrius, you will return to the land of your native Greece where you will provide guidance as a senior aide to the Patriarch of the church. Speak from your heart and be honest to all you interact with. Learn what you can from the Patriarch and his successors so that you too can aspire to that position.” He nods and says, “Thank you.”

She turns towards the dwarf and says, “Hilldi, you will travel north to the land known as Alaska where you will learn from the native population. That land is the property of Russia but will soon transfer to the United States. Before your present century ends there will be a large influx of new citizens, both human and dwarven. Your unique background will be instrumental to having a successful merger between and coexistence among the populations of the three races.” He nods her agreement and states, “As you wish Artemis”.

Diana then turns towards Elizabeth Eaton and says, “You and your family have made a home here and I would not uproot you from that. Back during the war you assisted your aunt with the practice of midwifery. I need for you to utilize those skills once more. A devoted follower of mine perished and his spirit remained trapped to this world. The native gods and I were later able to free him.

Prior his departure to the afterlife we allowed him to take physical form once more for a final farewell with his widow. She is now with child from that union. I need your support, both physically and mentally, to help safely deliver this child into this world. The child has my blessing and I ask that he have yours as well.” She nods and says, “I will do as you wish Diana.”

Minerva listens on, pleased that Katherine will be attended to, but wonders how Mrs. Eaton and Katherine will get along. When the meeting is drawing to an end she approaches Diana once more. “We are honored that you have chosen to grace us with your presence and also thank you for the gifts they…you have bestowed upon us. The evil that we fight is great and it is doubtful that the battle could won without your blessings, but do you have an idea where we should begin our search for these creatures?"

Diana replies, "The experienced hunters will be able to assist in that task, they will be returning to your town tomorrow. Father Harbrace should be introduced to those men at the earliest opportunity as they will need one another. I will be taking my leave of you now. I have a few more errands to attend to today and will be departing from this region and world this evening. Continue to keep me in your prayers and I will watch over you from Olympus." She begins to fade away.

The group looks on in awe as the goddess fades away. Minerva shakes herself and turns to Harbrace. "I shall introduce you the other's tomorrow. but perhaps I should fill you in on what has transpired so far." She looks over his shoulder toward the Eaton's. "Perhaps we should speak in private. Come to my house for lunch. If Nakomo is going to be involved in this, I need to tell him what has been happening also. He will not be pleased that I have kept him in the dark." she sighs.

She makes her way to Mrs. Eaton and extends her hand. "Elizabeth, It is good to know that you will be watching over Mrs. Kale and that you have the expertise to help her when her time comes. I know very little of childbirth, except that my own mother did not survive it, but if you require my help I will gladly offer it."

Beth Eaton's face takes on an odd look, "Katherine Kale! That's the widow who has Diana's blessing?" Jim Eaton's eyes also go wide at hearing that piece of news. Minerva states, "Si, yes it is. Will this be a problem for you." Beth hesitates and then says, "No, it is as the Goddess has commanded." Minerva smiles "Si, Diana would not have chosen you if she did not think that you would do your best by Mrs. Kale. Katherine has been and is going through a lot and it will do her heart good to know that she has your friendship and support."

Minerva turns to Hilldi and hugs her tightly. "You deserve all the honor that the goddess has chosen to bestow upon you Hildie and if you are to lead the people of Alaska you must believe that you are meant for the task. You are a very special woman."

Minerva walks home with Harbrace, replaying her conversation with the goddess in her mind as he rambles on and on about how awesome it is to receive a visit by a god. “It is such an honor! Such a blessing! We must erect a shrine to her! Something large that will really show her our true devotion!”

Minerva smiles distractedly. "Si, It is quite rare for the gods to make their presence known.
“Unless you happen to live in Promise City, that is.” She musses. "What is it about this town? The gods must have a summer cottage on the outskirts of the dessert or something! They swarm here and take up residence like the tourists to the beaches of Costa del Sol during the high season. They have their summer flings with the locals, break their hearts and then head for home without so much as a thought for the poor souls who’s lives that they have meddled in.”

She brushes her dark thoughts aside as she enters the house. “Nakomo! Are you here?” Nakomo comes in from the yard and brushes the dirt from his hands. “I was out weeding the herb guard...” he stops speaking and eyes the stranger suspiciously. Minerva introduces Father Harbrace and suggests that they all sit down to lunch while she explains the reason for his visit.

She tells Nakomo of yesterday’s episode in the cave. It is a long telling as she fills in all the details, How they found and destroyed the vampires and how the goddess appeared and saved Hildie. She goes on to explain that these are not the only vampires that they having encountered, including the Turners, Ruby’s story and the vampires in Thomaswell in her telling and finally ending with the meeting earlier in the week with Thomlinson and Harkins.

The young half-elf, sits statuesque, his chiseled features and fathomless expression reminding her that he is kin to Nanuet. As she continues to unfold the tale she notes, with growing uneasiness, the storm brewing in his dark eyes. In an effort to divert him she tells him of Diana’s noon time visit and with a flourish presents him with the arrows that the goddess bestowed upon him, while praying that he will be so awed by such a gift, that his anger will be forgotten.

She is once again about to discover just how little she knows of teenage boys and the workings of her charge's heart and mind. Nakomo sits, looking down at his white knuckles as they grip the arrows in his lap. Minutes pass while he composes himself. He looks up at her accusingly, his voice deadly calm. “So it takes the command of a god to get you to tell me the truth and let me help you?!”

He stand and faces her “I promised my cousin that I would take care of you and keep you from harm and yet you go running off to chase vampires without me? I am 15 years of age!” he says standing tall before her and poking his chest proudly. “ My cousin Nanuet knows that I am a man. The whole Yavapai Nation knows that I am a man. The gods of Olympus knows that I am a man and yet you dishonor me by continuing to treat me like a child! I have tried to show you respect by doing what you have asked of me. I have tried to be patient with you Miss Minerva, but I am a Yavapai warrior, not a baby to be coddled.”

He holds up the arrows. “My cousin Nanuet has charged me to protect you and the goddess Diana, herself, has commanded me to fight evil. I cannot not permit you to stand in my way any longer. ” Minerva, stunned by the reprimand looks at the man before her, nods and says. "So be it."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eight, “A Surprise Visit”, Friday June 9th, 1882, 4:00 P.M.

After their daily afternoon conference was over and Ginnie had run off to Mary Kelly's to work, Kate went upstairs to her room where Jake's bundle lay. She laid each item out on her vanity; a belt buckle, a ring, and a pair of cufflinks. Despite the fact she was on the second floor she walked to each window and closed the curtains.

She had only done this spell once before when Mr. Gonzales had taught it to her, but she was a quick study and remembered it well. She had not studied that morning, so sat down with her spell book and memorized the necessary spell three times, foregoing the more powerful spell she could have learned instead. It was three hours later when she emerged from the house with the tightly wrapped bundle in her pocket and looking for Jake.

Out of habit Kate first went to the Lucky Lady, still not used to the fact that Jake and Ruby had done the incredibly improbable and bought a house. She turned her steps there when he wasn't at the saloon and found him tossing cards into his hat. "It must be hard work to look that lazy," she said, stepping onto the porch. "I have a package for you."

Jake slaps a hand over his chest and looks mortified. "You cut me deep, Mrs. Kale. You think me shallow? I do not merely look lazy, Madam, I am lazy." He sits up and offers her a seat as well. "But think of all the years it took you to cultivate such talent." She took the offered seat. "Those were some interesting bits and bobs you gave me earlier. Did you want to discuss them out here?"

"You figured them out already?" Jake sits up straighter. "We could double talk out here, but why put you at any risk? Come inside, I can offer you some lemonade." Jake stands and opens the door. "I can offer you some, but actually having any is another story." As Katherine enters the house he adds, "I am always amazed that people actually go shopping and have all those various things in their pantry. That and they can actually combine them to make tasty treats. Here, please take the nice stuffed chair. I will get you some water." From the kitchen she hears, "Do not fret, someone else cleans the glasses and dishes." "Here." He offers her a tall clean glass of water. "Interesting bobs?"

Kate sat down, a little mystified at his solicitude but keeping her opinions on it to herself. She took a drink then set the glass down and pulled the kerchief out of her pocket. "I've seen something like this before, in the lynch mob. I pulled it off one of them and exposed his face. Body terribly burned; I think he was at the farmhouse when we rescued Nanuet and Chester. This one does the same job, changes someone's appearance just like my hairclip does. Might be a way to get some information if someone could masquerade in this disguise.

The ring makes an animal friendly toward you. This one's geared toward rodents for some odd reason. And these," she said and picked up the cufflinks, "are my personal favorite. Put the wearers hands next to each other so the links touch, speak the command, and they act as handcuffs." Jake listens intently while she describes the items. He says, "Interesting. Your hair clip is like Tex or Mr. Austin. Any idea who the buckle pretends to be?"

She replies, "You'd be in a better position to know than I would. Any one of the people killed yesterday perhaps? Or an anonymous rancher, someone so plain no one would think to note them. Maybe they're doubling someone in town. Someone would have to try it to find out." Jake answers, "Like I told you, it looked like Dooley Wilson. Could be it was not...." Jake seems hesitant about something before finally speaking, "I would rather not try it on just now. Nor do I need to have rats stopping by for a drink right now either," he wrinkles his nose.

"You ought to test out those cufflinks on Conrad," with a gleam in his eye he continues, "seems like that would be, um, entertaining." "We don't, um... entertain one another in that way," Kate said, blushing hard but obviously not offended. "It should be simple enough to find out if Dooley Wilson is still about town, just drop by the Long Branch."

He says, "Agreed. That should be easy to figure out. Harder will be to figure out who I blew to pieces if Dooley is still at the Long Branch. I can put these toys in my safe unless you have a better spot. Maybe tomorrow we can try out the belt buckle. Is there any precautions to take?"

"Locking them up should be precaution enough. They aren't going to explode or do any damage without someone behind them. You don't need any competition in the saloon rat business, so you definitely want that ring locked up," Kate teased. "When we try the buckle we probably just need privacy. We don't need rumors of someone back from the dead or someone long lost returning."

"Funny, saloon rats... I wonder if this ring would work on me? I better lock it up tight." Jake gives her a wink. "Last chance on the cufflinks. No? Alright. Hey, speaking of Conrad, could you ask him if he sees Dooley tonight? That would be less suspicious than me asking after him and I have to deal tonight

She says, "You mean me leaving work at the Lady to wander over to the Long Branch and inquire about their pianist isn't suspicious? Don't worry, I'll stop by and check. If Dooley's there I can just tell Conrad I missed him today and wanted to say hello. And since I've played piano there once or twice, it would make sense for me to note Dooley's absence. I should warn you though, if Dooley's gone they may try to steal your pianist." "Steal from me?" Jake laughs. "That is a dangerous business. I will just take my chances."

Kate finished the glass of water and stood. "I should go. It must be almost seven-thirty. I have to get to work at your saloon and you have a game to start soon. Thank you for the comfortable seat and the drink." "Yes, you are welcome." Jake stood up and looked a little awkward, an expression that was not at all common on his face. "Heh, I guess I am not much of a host. Not used to having a guest in my house. Heh, not used to having a house." He shrugs. "Thanks Katherine. See you in a few minutes." She says, "You did fine. It's just like welcoming someone into your saloon. Say hello, make sure they have what they need, and spend a few minutes chatting. I'll see you at the Lady."

Jake saw her to the door and she made a quick trip home to change her dress and meet Ginnie. The two walked together to the Lady to work the busy Friday night shift. Jake made his entrance at the Lucky Lady ready for poker the same way every time. A man dressed in black linen trousers, tailored white silk shirt open at the neck, a set of silver jack of spade cufflinks on his sleeves, a short barrel fast draw Colt peacemaker hung low on his right side, a knife hidden in his well worn boot, and a friendly smile on his face walks nonchalantly into the saloon. If he was a boat on a placid lake Silver Jake Cook would have made nary a ripple. He works the crowd in a wide circle, appearing from nowhere, exchanging greetings and pleasantries while making his way to the bar for his first drink.

True to her word, Ginnie arranged things in the Lady so Kate didn't have to start off serving drinks. Instead she went straight to the piano. Miss Townsend wasn't there yet so she played as it pleased her. And since Ruby wasn't back yet she felt free to play some classical pieces along with the saloon songs that seemed to be the preferred fare. Although now that she'd been in town longer, she realized the Lady got the crowd that preferred a more subdued atmosphere than could be found at the Palace or Comique, but more relaxed than the formal Long Branch. They might not want classical music all the time, but it was appreciated now and then. Conrad would be starting his game around now, so Kate figured she would head over to see him after Miss Townsend's first set, he would probably be set for a break by then.

Neil Cassidy joins Chester for supper at the Lady. He says, "Hi Chet, just came off duty and have the night off. Figured I'd spend it here, I hope Jake's in the mood to lose tonight, I feel lucky." They dine and converse mostly in small talk. Chet mentions getting all of his signatures. Cassidy says, "Yeah, I spent today doing that myself. I've been asked to be a candidate for Town Council for the Integrity Party."

Chester lights a cigarette when he finishes with his meal. He says, "Integrity Party, huh? Who's in charge? Ever since the splits happened, I can't keep track of who's in which party." He laughs. "I'm in the Unity Party now. I'm glad I'm not directly running against you. I'm not sure if I could win, then."

Neil relies, "Derek Avery's our Mayoral Candidate, the one running against you for Marshall is Colonel Michael Seawell. I hear his son is in your party for Town Council. Don't spread this around but Avery and Shaw have already started talking about combining Unity and Integrity into a single party. If that happens I'll be one of the folks to drop out, as being on the Town Council would mean I'd have to resign as Deputy due to a conflict of interest." Chester replies, "That's interesting. Whoever said that politics was boring? So you'd rather be a deputy than a councilman. I don't blame you. Better a bullet in the front than a knife in the back."

Neil says, "Well said, I believe Helen feels the same way. She's now on your ticket for a council spot but I think she'd rather be a deputy too." Chester grins. "I had a feeling she might. Good as she is with a gun, she'll make a powerful voice on the council. There'll be no ignoring her once she gets her mind on something. But enough of politics. How's business been doing? I bet Tombstone is using a lot of your lumber."

Neil says, "You're damn right they are. We've been having trouble keeping up with demand. That means more money flowing into the cash registers." The evening's evening entertainment starts. Neil excuses himself and heads for Jake's poker table. Chester gets to the bar and orders a drink. He sits and enjoys himself. .

With Job out-of-town Jake manages to quickly assemble a full table of the regulars - Weller, Walters, Cassidy, Garcia, Wainwright and Berman, with ranchers Emery Shaw and Forest Morand waiting in the wings for some of the first six to drop out. Surprisingly Al Brower is not around tonight. Darla Peacock and Tony Lucky each have full tables as well and Clarisse has the crowd enraptured with her singing. Both Harry Rote and Sandra Wainwright are now alternating chores at the piano, freeing Kate up to head over to the Long Branch.

When Kate arrives she sees that Conrad has a full table. The piano is empty and Kate Higgins comes up to Kate, asking her if she would play for a while as her pianist Dooley Wilson hasn't shown up for the second night in a row. Katherine Kale says, "I can play for a little while, but I'm working at the Lady tonight so I'll have to go back. There's plenty of help there so they'll be alright for a while. Have you any idea where Mr. Wilson is? Not that I know him well, but I had not heard he was an irresponsible person at all."

Kate Higgins replies, "No, this is quite unlike him. He is usually rather responsible. I understand you have another job but if you could just play for a while, maybe until Conrad's next break in the game, I would appreciate it.“ "It's no trouble. I hope Mr. Wilson returns soon and without a distressing reason for his absence." Kate asked what type of music was wanted, then sat down and played. Something about playing here, perhaps the fact that she had absolutely no responsibilities here, always allowed her to get lost in her playing.

Kate plays for around fifteen minutes. As she is finishing up one of Mozart’s concertos she suddenly notices that the usual saloon background sounds cease. She turns and sees that the patrons of the saloon all appear as statues, frozen in whatever position they were last in.

A familiar voice to her left then says, "You play this instrument very well." She turns to see the Goddess Diana now standing beside the piano, attired as an Indian woman in a native buckskin dress and sandals, with the same bow and quiver of arrows strapped to her back as Kate saw six weeks earlier. Kate was silent for a moment, shock clear on her face. Her hand unconsciously rubbed the wood of the piano.

"To make music has been one of the great joys of my life," she said simply. She took a few deep breaths. "Forgive me, I had not thought to be so blessed as to be favored by your presence again. Especially in such a place as this." Kate desperately wanted to ask the reason for her visit, but to ask after a goddess' intentions was presumptuous at best.

Diana smiles and says, "Such a place as this? Why would I find this place any more pleasing or displeasing as the church where we last met? Because of the drinking, gambling and trading of flesh? The vast majority of the Olympic deities frequently drink to excess, most gamble, and more than a few engage in various liaisons that most members of your clergy would find truly shocking.

But I came here now not for that but to enjoy your music. Yes there are tens of thousands of pianists on this world with more technical talent than you, four within this very town, but none who put as much joy into the act of playing as you have been doing tonight. And Mozart has always been one of my favorite composers. He himself was blessed by one of the Olympic Muses, otherwise he never would have been able to create such great works at such a young age."

"To the great fortune of us all. I was raised on Mozart, Bach, Strauss, so many others. The first time I played here... I had just learned how my husband had truly died and I poured out so much pain and anger, I sometimes think I left part of myself in this instrument. I am happy to know my playing pleases you."

She was quiet again for a moment. "I do not follow the clergy, they are not mine, but I suppose I still remember the lessons I was taught as a child. I should remember not all I was taught was true. I hope you will forgive me for asking, but I have been uneasy in my mind. Mother Jimenez told me she believes the measles were brought to the children of the town through your influence. If it is so, there must have been a reason, but is it truly so?"

Diana says, "Yes, I was responsible and there was a very good reason for it. I am able to see events as they will transpire unless they are changed. But unlike others from Olympus, I for one do not like to radically interfere with the course of the affairs of mortals. My preference is to make very subtle changes where I see fit.

In this instance I foresaw a great tragedy in your future. The easiest way to change it was to give a disease to a child, which would cause no lasting harm to that child or those that who the child came in contact with and which the medical personnel of this town could deal adequately with. As a result Katherine, you were not teaching in a Promise City classroom at noontime fifteen days ago. Instead, you were standing on a train platform in Tombstone and greeting the arrival of your family. An invisible Wyatt Earp was present on that same train platform then. Because of you being there he became aware of who your brother was, and therefore went out of his way to save the young man's life some five hours later."

Kate's eyes closed but tears still managed to fall from them. She swallowed several times until she felt she could again speak. "I felt there must be a reason if it was true. I'm not sure I could have survived another loss, I... when I learned how Tom died, afterward I just kind of stopped. If we had lost Henry as well..." she shivered. "Thank you. I had no idea you were watching out for my family as well as myself, at least while they were here. I don't know what I've done to deserve your blessings, but I am grateful."

Diana replies, "Katherine, I am watching after you, not your family, other than situations which would have negatively impacted your mental well being. For that reason I met earlier this day with the clergy of this region. Like you, I also choose to not follow the regular dealings of the human clergy of your nation, as I have found them to be far too regimented and human-centric for my tastes. But my blessing upon you will soon be apparent to others and it would not do for them to stone you to death, brand you with a scarlet letter A, or any other such nonsense that they may be practicing at the present time. So I personally told them what has occurred, so that they will be a help rather than a hindrance to you going forward."

"Oh." Kate had to smile just a bit. "They are not stoning or branding just now. Mostly it will be gossip and clucking tongues. There will be those in town who will want nothing to do with me, and those who will ostracize me, but I should come to no physical harm. Conrad offered to marry me when I told him, so that others would not question my condition. But I couldn't. I cannot imagine this child having any name but Kale.

I have a few weeks yet before it becomes obvious," she said, self-consciously rubbing her barely rounded belly. "I will be glad to have the clergy understand, most of them here are more open-minded than those back east. Miss Florencia especially. But I hope they will not feel they should have some kind of dominion over my boy because of his... unusual beginning."

Diana replies, "They should not treat him any differently, after all, it isn't my child but that of you and your husband so is fully mortal. This is interesting territory you have here Katherine. So much of the land within hundreds of miles is so barren, it is good that you have found for yourself an oasis of fertile pastures to build your ranch. The game in the nearby mountains are plentiful once more and challenging to hunt. I have enjoyed these last few weeks in the region and my being here has provided the opportunity for me to meet and help a dwarven follower of mine who had escaped my notice until now."

"Yesterday, with the vampires? A friend told me about it, a bit after the fact," Kate said with a little edge. "There are those in this town who will not welcome the proof of at least one gods acceptance of other races. She must be a very strong woman to strike out on her own path. It's good she landed here in Arizona, where many minds are more open. It is a beautiful land here. We're fortunate that the mineral strikes were found among the fertile lands rather than the desert. That would have driven me back to Boston and I value this life far to highly to wish for that. The game is recovering quickly from the visits of the earth spirits then."

Diana replies, "Yes, nature abhors a vacuum and this land is too rich for animals to not be attracted back to it. Up in the mountains I have managed to tag white tail deer, mule deer, bear, wolf and mountain lion. As for the undead, these vampires, Hilldi's associates did quite well in dispatching this pair of them. With their experience the remaining pair will most likely soon perish as well, provided of course that the hunters get to them before they can sire any more of their kind."

Kate says, "I only know of one other, there are two? One was Mortimer Turner, up in Wilcox, by the hunters you mean Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Harker? Or Jake and the Priestess? One of the vampires they slew was the pianist here. They had magical items that could change your appearance so we wanted to make sure it really was Mr. Wilson, that's why I came tonight. Since he hasn't been here it really must have been him. Can you tell me who they are, or is that undue influence?"

Diana replies, "I do not know their names, only that they travel in pairs. One pair was here while the other pair was in that northern town. That pair have now been driven from it, their resting places there destroyed. But these four had been prepared for that eventuality, with each pair also housing resting places for the other two, so the other two will be coming here now. Hilldi should remain, she can help the hunters."

Kate says, "I will make sure the others know, they should be prepared. They may be here already... I feel so helpless, I know I can't help them but I'm not used to staying behind. Thank you for telling me, it will be an advantage to them. There have been so many mysterious deaths, I don't know if the townspeople will believe the truth if they were told. It reflects badly on the lawmen here even though they are good people." Kate fell silent. It was difficult to know just was appropriate to say to a goddess and what wasn't. "Will you be in the area through December? I feel I am keeping you from other things."

Diana says, "No Katherine, I will be taking my leave of you now. I came here to help set the stage for your child's birth. A devoted follower of mine will serve as your midwife and ensure that the child will be born safely. You have kept me from nothing more pressing, I have enjoyed the hunting in these mountains and wished to personally see this enchanted land where you reside. But I must go, I have other followers on other worlds who I must now attend to. We may not personally see one another again."

Kate states, "I understand. I had never expected to see you personally again after our meeting in Boston, I consider this second meeting a great blessing. How will I know this midwife? I had thought to have Dorita or Maria help me, but I'm certain they are not who you mean."

Diana replies, "She will seek you out. I told of her the circumstances behind your child's inception. She was very skilled in midwifery before but I have blessed her further, so that children that she delivers will all be born healthy. The town will be needing that, as Aphrodite's influence a few month's back has led to a significant number of women in this region to now be with child. Yours will be among the first of many Children born during the months of December and January."

Kate smiled. "My boy won't be lonely then. I'm glad such a blessing can come from the chaos of that time." She laughed suddenly. "I just know I'm going to be peeking at every woman I know trying to guess who. I will watch for the coming of your chosen midwife. I hope she and I will get on well."

Diana smiles and says, "It should be a very educational experience for the both of you." The Goddess then begins to fade away. As had happened in Boston, Kate slumped when the world suddenly began to spin again and the overwhelming feeling of the presence of the goddess was gone. She looked around the room, but everyone else was going on as if nothing had happened. Which indeed nothing had for them.

Kate took a few deep breaths to steady herself, then turned back to the piano keys. When Conrad's break came up she excused herself to spend a few moments with him, promising to meet for dinner tomorrow. She had intended to tell him tonight what she'd learned about Mr. Wilson, but her mind was not settled. He did walk her back to the Lady before returning to his game, and the night passed quietly there.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-nine, “Tournament Plans“, Friday June 9th, 1882, 9:00 P.M.

Most people take no notice of the smell. The stronger scents of tobacco smoke, human perspiration and spilled beer are far more noticeable. The busy sights and sounds of the saloon all conspire to distract attention away from anything so subtle. Not so with the gambler known as Silver Jake Cook. He always pauses a brief moment to enjoy the sound and faint but distinctive smell of a fresh deck of cards being opened. Tonight was no exception. The rip and snap of bridging a fresh deck of cards was like music to his ears, the smell of the card stock as he made the first shuffle was like balm for his soul, and the sharp feel of unworn cards in his hands made is arms tingle with life.

Politics may be raging outside the doors of the saloon, foul creatures may be flying through the dark night, outlaws were in their secret camps planning their next dastardly deeds, his woman was who knows where, and yet Jake was able to find solace in his small oasis at the poker table. He knows it is only for a little while and he accepts that willingly. For that little while he loses himself in his work.

He takes a sip from his glass. Ah, the smooth taste of fine crafted whiskey. A genuine smile takes control of his lips, "Gentlemen, shall we ante up and be about the reason we are all sitting here tonight?" Smiling heads nod, coins land in the center of the table and cards flow smoothly from the deck in the young dealers hands. Ah, there is much right in the world.

The game flows smoothly for the next two hours, with Alfredo Garcia and Ned Walters eventually dropping out and being replaced at the table by Forrest Morand and Emery Shaw. As Neil Cassidy had predicted to Chester, he is in a lucky mood this night, and by 10:00 PM is up over $ 100. The next winner is Forrest Morand, up around $ 35 followed by Jake who is ahead $ 15.

Cassidy's smile then vanishes from his face. He gestures and exclaims, "Oh crud, look who came back." The table turn their heads in unison towards the doorway. Standing there is the large and imposing figure of Mr. Cornelius Van Horne at the door of the Lucky Lady. He is attired in a three-piece robin’s egg blue suit with white silk shirt, a blue-and-white paisley print silk tie, and white top hat. In his hand is his cane with the gold tip on the bottom.

Thom asks Van Horne if he has a gun to check and Van Horne replies in his thick Georgia accent, “Good man, I would not stoop to something as pedestrian as carrying firearms. When I am present in establishments such as this I rely upon good people such as yourself for my personal protection.”

Jake sighs. "Alright folks, no need to be alarmed. Take a short break and I will be right back. No need to be concerned, I will handle this." "Michael," Jake says striding quickly to the bar, "I believe the esteemed Mr. Van Horne enjoys bourbon. It is alright Tom, it is not his stick that folks here worry about." Jake does not chuckle at his little jibe. "Welcome, sir, what can we do for you this evening?"

Van Horne exclaims "Ah, my good Mr. Cook. I would like to speak to both yourself and Mr. Kane regarding the logistics of the upcoming poker tournament that I have scheduled for this establishment.” Jake says, "Yes, I heard about that from my good friend Mr. Adair. I understand it is in the newspaper too. Job is in Wilcox right now, I am sure he will be surprised." Van Horne says, "Sir, I am just exercising a prerogative of my new status as a partial owner of this establishment. I know that you were rather drunk that night in Tucson but you do recall loosing one-fifth of your ownership to me don't you?"

"There is nothing wrong with my memory, nor am I suggesting I do not honor my debts. We would be pleased to support your prerogative as our newest partner." Jake places his hands on his hips, "We are more accustomed to discussing our plans with our partners before publishing them in the newspaper. Make yourself at home, sir, while I go back to my game. Bad business to keep your customers waiting. You and I can talk a little later if you care to."

Jake walks back towards his game but stops and turns, "Since Job is away, partner, his table is open. Feel free to startup a game if you can find some players. It is not every day Promise City has a chance to play at a table with the famous Cornelius Van Horne." Jake indicates towards Job's table and then goes back to his game.

Van Horne gets a glass of Bourbon from the bar and sits down near the stage where he listens attentively and watches appreciatively the performance of Miss Clarisse Townsend. He sits for the next hour watching the show, only getting up once to order a refill on his drink and at the same time placing a $20 bill in Miss Townsend's tips cup. Chester noted with some interest Van Horne entering and speaking with Jake. The gambler leaves his mind when Clarisse begins to sing. A twinge of jealousy flares up when Van Horne drops the tip in the jar, but it passes quickly

Jake goes back to his game and pointedly ignoring the large southerner while they are playing. When the game finally breaks up after Clarisse has finished singing, Jake gets himself a fresh whiskey and approaches Van Horne. "If you would care to handle some business, you have my attention." Jake points to a table away from the remaining patrons and bustle of cleanup.

Van Horne replies, "I prefer to keep my business matters discrete than to discuss them in a public saloon. Would there maybe be somewhere more private we can meet Sir?"

Once behind closed doors Red maintains the Van Horne illusion but changes his speaking voice back to the normal voice belonging to Patrick O’Brien. "Good job Jacob my boy with being short with Van Horne, keep it up, we don't want Adair to get suspicious. He's planning on playing in the tournament in spite of the ridiculously high entrance fee that I've set. He wanted me to host it at his place instead but I pointed out that he couldn't what with it being the Freedom Party Headquarters, which prevents other candidates and potential players from going there. But I'll be housing several out-of-town high rollers there for the weekend, so he'll still be able to make a buck out of this.

Word is that Burton Lumley, Neil Cassidy and Conrad Booth are also interested in playing, so we might need to have six tables to accommodate three-dozen players instead of the thirty I had originally planned for. So, I was wondering if you or Mr. Kane wanted to participate in the tournament as players or dealers. Adair is hoping that you'll play so that he can win the remainder of this saloon away from you, as if the $ 30,000 grand prize isn't enough!"

"Despite the fact that it is a good business opportunity and I ought to support it as a dealer, I would rather be a participant. It is not the money so much as the challenge." Red replies, "That's fine, and you would still benefit financially as part-owner of the host saloon. Since I went with the very high entrance fee of $ 3,000 I decided to invite high-rollers from all over. Thus far I’ve sent out fifty invitations with a plan of getting a total of thirty players. I’ll need at least twenty players just to break even, given the advertised $ 50,000 in prize money. That breaks down as $ 30,000 for 1st place, $ 15,000 for 2nd place and $ 5,000 for 3rd place.

I’ve also budgeted another $ 10,000 for expenses, around half of that for dealer and security salaries, the other half for participant expenses based on twenty players. As part of the gambler package I’ll be covering all food, beverage, lodging and travel expenses from the time they leave Tucson on Thursday or Friday until they return to there on Monday or Tuesday.

After negotiating deals with the railroad, hotels in Tombstone and Wilcox, the two stagecoach companies and hotels and restaurants here I figure will be around $ 175 a participant for expenses for the non-tournament hours and another $ 75 each for food and beverages consumed at the Lucky Lady during the tournament. For participants living in town we'll wave the $ 175 since they won't be needing the transportation and lodging, but they'll still have to put in the rest of the $ 3,000.

My plan is for that if we have more than twenty participants there will be a profit. Obviously there is some variable cost as the number gets bigger, the need for more dealers for instance plus the costs associated with each participant, but most of each incremental entrance fee would be split evenly between myself as the organizer of the event and the saloon acting as host."

Jake shrugs and grins, "Alright, I could suffer along with the money too. I cannot speak for Job on that matter. We will have to wait until he returns." Van Horne states, "Well, the tournament will begin at 2:00 PM on the Saturday June 17th and run until sometime between midnight and 2:00 AM. If it is still going on then we will resume at 2:00 PM on Sunday and play until it is concluded.

I will be one dealer and my business partners Mr. Stevens and his sister Mrs. Osborn will deal as well. I’ve assumed you and Mr. Kane would be the fourth and fifth dealers, but your playing instead works fine, better than fine if it gets under Adair's craw. I still have another week to round up another dealer or two. Our old friend Bradford Rhinehardt still deals up in Kansas City and we might also be able to track down our Mississippi Riverboat associate Lancelot Knight, assuming he still goes by that alias and not his real name of Gerry Stickney."

"Sounds fine," Jake emphasizes the next word, "partner," and punctuates it with a grin. "I will leave my intentions regarding playing unspoken. If we get enough dealers, then I am in the pool." Jake just cannot keep the smile of his face. "Gods, I love to play poker." Red replies, "We both share that passion. And on the subject of passion, I assume that you got the note that I left for you last night.

Jacob me boy, I’m not sure that you are aware to the extent that the death of your business partner Niles Hoover has had on that girl of yours. Jane thinks it is the culmination of all the emotional events from the past few months with Hoover’s demise being straw that broke the camel’s back. At any rate, Jane recognized that Ruby was on the verge of a total emotional collapse.

Jane therefore thought it best for Ruby to stay with us instead of rushing back to Promise City as she had planned to. So last Friday, the date of Ruby’s birthday, we let her sleep in until after the final trains for Tombstone and Wilcox had left that could have gotten her on a stagecoach back to Promise City in the evening. Let me assure you, Ruby was madder than a wet hornet when she found out what we had done and expressed her displeasure to us with a long string of colorful language, including several adjectives, a few nouns, and one verb that I had never heard before.

So that night we did our best to make it up to her with an elaborate and well attended birthday celebration at the Three Gods Meeting House. That was followed by a private celebration upstairs attended by only the three of us and my partner Richard. Ruby opened up a number of presents from us, including the one that you had spoken to Jane about, a combination elixir and salve that when combined with a special incantation from Jane would permanently remove all traces of scars from Ruby’s body. Jane emphasized to Ruby that it the present was from you.

She then opened her final gift, a well-worn package that had been sent from back east. It turned out to be a dress from her grandmother. It also included a note which Ruby shared only with Jane and not myself or Richard. That prompted them to discuss whether a trip back east was warranted. Ruby was hesitant, fearing that her parents might hear that she was nearby even though the grandmother actually lives in a different community than them.

Jane assured Ruby that they could keep the visit a secret and that she would protect Ruby from any potential parental abduction. Richard agreed to go along as well on the trip as well as added protection. Jane then clinched the deal by offering to take Ruby on an expensive shopping spree at all of the finest stores in Manhattan once the visit with the grandmother was concluded. They all left the following day.

I debated writing to let you know but I thought that you would sleep better thinking her safe with us in Tucson instead of off on some wild adventure. Two days ago, on Wednesday, I received a telegram from Richard. He says that the visit with the grandmother went well. They are now on the shopping trip in New York City and he says they will return when either Jane runs out of money or when the stores run out of merchandise. Richard is unsure which of those events will occur first at the rate they are buying things.”

Jake's expression is neutral while he listens to Red. The only betrayal by his face is when he hears that Ruby's scars will be healed. "I am pleased she is safe at least." He just looks at Red for a while, only his eyes betraying that there is a deluge of thoughts and emotions going on behind them.

"Since the day I met her, I have been expecting her to run. That is what she knows, that is what she does. It would be different if we needed to run. She may think that we did. She thinks she is running from Promise City." Jake sighs. "I am no stranger to running myself. I like to think I knew why I was running. I worry that Ruby is really running from her friends, and especially me."

Red gives him a questioning look but does not speak. "She is terrified of being dependent on anyone and everyone. When things get tough, she becomes fearful that those she has let into heart will die and break it. That is why she runs. I could chase her, and we could run from trouble to trouble for a while before I woke up some morning and discovered her gone. Gone because she finally understood why she was running and who she really needed to leave behind. I want very badly to be wrong about this, but I fear I am not." Jake stands. "The difference with me, Red my friend, is that I am willing to have my heart broken. These past months in Promise City are more precious than gold to me, every day was worth the mess that will be Silver Jake Cook on the day he learns that Ruby West has left him behind."

Red is silent for quite some time after hearing that. He replies, "Well Jacob, I honestly don't know if she is running or not. What I do know is that I wired Richard back, thanking him for the update and letting him know that the Poker Tournament will be held here at the Lucky Lady on Saturday, June 17th. If she is going to return I would expect that we see her by then.” Jake nods. "Enough of that talk. It is good to see you old friend, or should I say hear you, eh?" They talk for a while before Red must go, not wanting to raise any more suspicions.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ten, “The New Jake”, Saturday June 10th, 1882, 9:00 A.M.

Minerva spends most of the night tossing and turning, alternately dreaming about her father, Nanuet and vampires. Her eyes are puffy and her olive complexion is slightly ashen when she enters the kitchen. She says very little as she picks at her breakfast. She and Nakomo make their way to the hotel where Harbrace is staying.

Father Harbrace invites Minerva and Nakomo to join him for breakfast over at the Silver Dollar Restaurant. They get a corner table and are served chef Walter O'Reilly's famous breakfast platters, featuring fried eggs, bacon, hash brown potatoes and a freshly baked muffin.

Minerva states, "We need to find out when Thomlinson and Harkin are coming back into town. I would also like to fill in Deputy Martin, Sr. Cook and Senora Kale so that we are prepared when Thomlinson and Harkin return. They all have had experience with these abominations. Have you, any experience or knowledge in this area, Padre?"

Harbrace says, "Yes and no, Hilldi said it was vampires we are dealing with here. I've dealt with more pedestrian types of undead, those that evil clerics can create. Things like skeletons, zombies and ghouls. The most dangerous type I've ever fought was a creature known as a weight. Vampires are in a whole different league. I wouldn't even consider this except for the arrows the Goddess gave us." "Si, It is an entirely different league. These arrows must be very powerful. I still think that we need more help though." she stands "We must find the Deputy and Sr. Cook. Perhaps they have heard from the hunters. We will look at the 'lady' first."

For Jake Saturday morning breakfast is late and uneventful. After a belly full of Dorita's cooking and coffee he is on his way. Jake has a leather belt cut that will fit the buckle he found in the cave and pays Fry with last coin from his weekly stipend generated from the Lucky Lady.

Since the second round of construction began, the partners had agreed to put most of the operating profits back into the business to cover construction costs. They each received $25 a week during this time. What for most common folks in Promise City would have been a generous allowance to live well with, Jake burned through it easily every week. Food, tips, little gifts of appreciation to his girl or others, payments for information sought, care of his horse, laundry, tailored clothing, practice ammunition and drink were among the items that consumed his money day in and day out. It was even more surprising to some since he paid nothing for rent, owning his own home. Besides large amounts of money for his drinking tab he hardly knew where it all went nor did he worry much about it.

Conversely, large purchases or investments came out of his mine earnings or poker winnings which he tended to keep separate. It was more of a habit than a system. That habit had amassed a fair amount of cash that Jake would undoubtedly use for some sudden investment opportunity. .... or just as likely in a high stakes poker game and there was one going to happen very soon. On the way he sees Chester Martin and waves him down. "He pal, can you come with me to the Lucky Lady? I want to talk to you about something, and show you something too."

Chester puts down the saddle he is carrying. "OK, Jake. I'm going to put this away, then I'll meet you there." Chester walks to the stables and sets the saddle on its rail. He brushes his hands and enters the Lucky Lady. Chester joins Jake at the table. "Hey Jake. I didn't know that Van Horne character was back in town.” Jake replies, "Apparently he got in yesterday. Seemed to have been quite busy too. Not a bad sort, just a bit too uppity. You know the type. Come up stairs, we need some privacy."

Once behind a closed door Jake says, "I found a few things in the cave. I think they came off the thing that looked like Dooley Wilson. I say it that way because of what Katherine learned about these items." He goes on to describe them. Then he removes the small mirror from his pocket and places it on a chair. "I am going to try out the belt buckle." As Jake removes his own belt and begins to put the enchanted one on he asks, "Any guesses who it will look like?"

Chester states, "Perhaps the President himself. More likely you'll look like Dooley. Are you sure you want to be fooling with that kind of sorcery without Kate or Ruby around?" He states, "No, I am sure I should NOT be." With that he cinches the buckle. Chester takes an involuntary step back.

On Saturday morning Kate went to the ranch for her riding lessons with Mrs. Fly and helped Sonoma and Flint with the chores. She returned to town a bit before noon and managed to get a bath before heading over to the Lady to let Jake in on what she'd learned about Mr. Wilson the night before. Not seeing Jake or any of her other friends downstairs at the Lady, Kate went up the stairs to the second floor and knocked on the only closed door. The two men inside hear the knock on the door and asks who it is. Kate answers back and Chester opens the door.

Jake asks, "Who do I look like? I do not feel any different." Kate stepped inside and Chester shut the door behind her. She looked from the deputy to Jake and raised an eyebrow. "You look like Jake. Nothing will happen without the command word. It's quite a fashion statement though. You have to say "Hot Damn," if you want anything to happen."

Jake laughs quite heartily at that. "That is exactly what I was told outside the private men’s club in St. Louis. That was the password to get inside." Jake laughs again, "That was quite a night, at least what I remember of it. What was her name?" He looks up at Katherine and then, "Err, right. Hot Damn."

The command word is spoken but nothing appears to happen, the man still before them being Silver Jake Cook. However Kate is good at attention to detail and notices that there are subtle differences in the length of his goatee and hair, recognizing Jake to now look exactly like he did the previous week rather than just a moment before.

"My, isn't that interesting. Someone knows you're a threat, Jake. And they took you seriously enough to want to masquerade as you." She took a small mirror out of her pocket and handed it to him. "It's very well done. And you're almost due for a haircut." Chester agrees with Kate's initial opinion. "You haven't changed." Jake exclaims, "Mierde."

Kate says, "I can tell you as well that Dooley Wilson hasn't shown up for work in the last two nights. That's why I was at the Long Branch so long yesterday. Kate Higgins asked me to play for a while since he wasn't that. Apparently it's quite out of character for him not to show up. It's a good thing that item is now in our hands, someone could cause some real chaos with that."

Chester states, "Wait a minute. The buckle disguises the wearer as Jake? I couldn't tell the difference, so it can't have been made too long ago. Kate, have you ever seen 'Jake' doing something odd recently?" She shook her head no. "Drinking, gambling, loafing. All pretty standard. But I imagine if someone was using this they'd try to keep away from anyone who knows Jake well." Chester says, Chester scratches his chin. "Make you wonder who else is being copied."

Jake only seems to be half listening to Chester and Katherine talk. He stands there rubbing at his bearded chin and looking at himself in the mirror. His concentration is not on the image in the mirror though. Finally he blurts out, "Messier." Chester turns to Jake. "Who's Messier?" Jake exclaims, "Blasted French wizard who Ginnie caught cheating here. I took his cheating cufflinks off him and sent him packing. I should have done more than that apparently." Jake unbuckles the belt. "Blast, I do not know for sure it is him but I have a bad feeling."

Kate says, "What would this Messier person have to do with the Vampires? There's always the chance they hired him to make them a disguise and he thought it was funny, but it seems unlikely to me. But I didn't meet the man, I don't know." "I do not know. If not him, then someone. Dooley is missing, huh. Well since this," Jake holds up the buckle, "is me. Then that was Dooley. That is our lead deputy, what wizard was working with Dooley or his friends. Maybe you could learn something when you start looking into his disappearance."

Chester states, "Well I'll look into it. Luckily I don't need to explain all this to the Marshall. With all the murders this won't be easy. Do you know if Tomlinson and Harker have any news?" Jake states, "I have not heard from them."

Kate says, "I'm meeting Conrad for dinner later, I can see what he might know. Perhaps when the last time he saw Mr. Wilson in daylight was, or if his behavior has been different lately. I learned a few other things last night that you won't like. Apparently the monsters in Wilcox had arrangements with the ones here. Their coffins has been destroyed. They'll flee here, to a place Wilson would have prepared for them." Jake states, "Mierde. Even more important to find out all we can about him. That and someone could check out the other old Cowboy gang caves." Chester says, "Then we'll hunt them down as well. I don't care if I have to dig up every mine in the county."

Jake snaps his fingers, "I have been meaning to give you this, Chet." Jake removes a ring from his left hand and gives it to him. "It makes a soft landing if you fall from any height. I have not really needed it. Figured you might, climbing around after vampires and all." "Thanks." Chester puts the ring on carefully. He notes, "It fits perfectly. I hope I'll never have to use it." Kate says, "We should check out all the hiding places we've found so far. I'm sure there are many more, but these Vampires were once human, they're unlikely to know the area the way a native elf would. And we should talk to Minerva. It seems to me the visiting Priests who helped yesterday would be helpful again."

Jake says, "Any suggestions for what we do with this belt and buckle? I can think of a number of ways it might come in handy. Should I just lock it up for now or do one of you wish to have it handy?" Chester replies, "If they're like people, then they'll stay in places they know well. If we know where they liked to go when they were alive, then the vampire is likely to go there too."

"I couldn't do justice to a Silver Jake Cook disguise. Unless you think someone else should have it, I'd say keep it locked up so we can be sure you're the only Jake in town. What devious ways can you think of to use it?"

Nakomo and Harbrace follow Minerva to the Lucky Lady. They enter but do not see anyone about. Minerva recalls the room that Jake took her to the last time she needed to speak privately. She climbs the stairs and knocks on the door. Kate replies to Jake’s question with a chuckle. "Well Senor Gonzalez told me that these items -" Jake is interrupted by a knock on the door.

Jake says, "I have figured how to get the whole town to want rooms at the Lucky Lady. Close the door." In a louder voice, "Who is there?" "It is Minerva Garcia Florencia and I have Nakomo and one other with me. We must speak with you. Por Favor, open the door." Jake opens the door, "Welcome, welcome, come on it. The more the merrier." As they enter Jake asks Katherine, "What else did Tomlinson and Harkins tell you last night." Kate says, "I, ah... I didn't see them, although I expect they'll return here very soon. Probably today. I don't know much else right now. Except the Vampires travel in pairs, and there is only one pair left unless they have a chance to make more of their kind before they're killed."

Chester states, "Afternoon Minerva, Nakomo. What do you need to talk about?" Minerva introduces Father Harbrace and explains what Diana told them, including the gifts that she bestowed upon them, but leaving out the part about Elizabeth Eaton being commanded to tend to Katherine. "Have you heard from the hunters? Diana told us that they would be able to track the bloodsuckers."

Minerva states, "By the gods, what a horrible thought. We do not have any time to lose. Diana told us that the hunters would arrive today. Do any of you know where they stayed the last time they were here? We should leave them a message to seek us out as soon as they arrive." Jake says, “Not sure. Harkins I do not know, but Tomlinson usually can be found with Judge Isby. He is the judges assistant."

Harbrace says, "Diana gave me three arrows to use against them, and three more for the boy," he gestures towards Nakomo. Kate listened to Minerva and let out a long breath. "I saw Diana last night as well, in the Long Branch. That's how I know the Vampires are coming here." Minerva says, “You, saw Diana last night?"

Kate replies, "It's not the first time. I've met her once before when I went home to Boston. I went to the Old North Church after I'd told my father about my condition and she came to me there. Everyone else just stops, frozen and it's as if we are the only ones there... She is leaving the area now, but she wanted me to know there is someone here she wants to serve as midwife for me. She didn't say who. I asked about the vampires and she told me what she could. She said she didn't know names, unfortunately."

Minerva does not reveal that she knows who the midwife is, thinking that now was not the time, since it would probably just upset Katherine and distract them from their current crisis.
"You are fortunate that she favors you so. Your son does not know how lucky he is.”

Chester interjects, "Arrows? pardon me, but what are they going to do against vampires?" Minerva states, "Diana assured us that the arrows would destroy them." Harbrace says, "These arrows are essentially a silver tip fixed to a wooden stake, both of which could be fatal to a vampire even if they were normal arrows. These however are far more than that, they came from the quiver of Diana herself." Chester arches an eyebrow. "Blessed by the goddess herself? Very impressive. If they don't do the trick, then nothing will."

Jake just starts shaking his head. "Seems like you have your work cut out for you." Minerva looks at Jake. "I was hoping that you would assist in this task." He replies, "Uh, ya, sure. Silver Jake Cook, saloon rat and vampire exterminator extraordinaire." He does not look pleased and finishes with, "Yes, yes, I will assist how I can. You should keep the gun and ammo that belonged to Edwards that I gave you yesterday too. More fitting that you have it than me anyway."

A slight smirk plays across her lips "It is, after all, to your advantage to dispose of these vermin before they take over too many of your customers, Senor Cook. For although vampires are creatures of the night, I do not believe that they drink beer or whiskey." "Very droll, Senorita." Jake manages a smile anyway. While everyone is still talking he slips a ring into the hand of the priestess. "Later," he says quietly. Minerva palms the ring and puts it in the pocket of her gown.

"All of us along with Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Harker should be able to handle two of the creatures if we just knew where to find them. Does anyone know when the stage gets in from Wilcox?" At her request Jake gives Minerva an envelope and paper. She scribbles a message letting Tomlinson know where they are and that they must meet with him and Harkins immediately upon his arrival. She folds the paper, places it in the envelope and seals it. She writes Tomlinson's name on it before handing it to Nakomo. "Por Favor, Hurry and deliver this message to the Judges house. On your way back stop and find out the train schedule."

Eager to please, Nakomo says "I will be right back." and runs down the stairs with the message. Nakomo returns fifteen minutes later to say that the message was delivered and that the Morand Cartage Stagecoach from Wilcox is expected to arrive between 2:30 and 3:00 PM Kate says, "That gives us some time to wait. Did Mr. Wilson say anything to you the other day that would indicate their plans or who they might be working with?"

Jake says, "As soon as I realized he was one of those foul beings I blew him to Hades. We need more clues. Specifically how Dooley Wilson and Phil Grove are connected and who else is connected to them. Obviously it has something to do with the Thayer Ranch. Chet, you and Berg got a bunch of leads from Wagner, if you need help with any of them you will need to speak up.”

Chester states, Chester says, "Wagner told me and the Marshall that they went out there often. He said that Thayer was meeting with Vaughn Palmer. He was the guy who placed second in the shooting match at the festival. He was going by Stephen Murdock then and Chris... Goudge now."

Jake says, “Then there is Messier. If I remember correctly he owns the Beatrice Mine with Dudley Jobin and the Hoover Mining Trust. We need to figure out how he might be connected. It could be time for some of the Hoover Trust to make a visit to their assets." Jake sighs. "Then there is Mortimer Turner. Even if the great lady Artemis cannot reveal his name, we know it. Just another day in Promise City. How about we go down stairs for some lunch before you all go off to save the world?" With that they do.

While they are settling in to a large table, the post master walks into the room. "Got another one for you Mr. Cook. You are a popular fellow this week." He hands Jake the envelope. "Thanks Eddie," Jake says but quickly gets distracted when he reads the return address: Virginia Claire Maguire of San Francisco, California. Although he has not seem that handwriting since he left Philadelphia, there is no question in his mind that it is authentic. He quickly stuffs the letter in his trouser pocket and joins the others at the table.

During the meal Father John Harbrace says, "I want to thank you folks for opening up to a stranger like me.” Chester says, "That's right nice of you, father. The way these vampires keep spreading like wildfire, we need all the help we can get." Harbrace continues, “You know, when I walked away from the Church six years back I never planned on returning to the faith, let alone going off and killing monsters at the personal calling of a Goddess."

Kate says, "There are few whose heads wouldn't be turned a bit by having a task to perform at behest of a goddess. She must think very highly of your skills to ask you to take it up. It is nice to open up for an ally. As for what you say Chester, is there a money trail to connect all the people meeting out there that we could follow?"

"Money trail?" Jake interrupts. "We were told that Fisk was working with Thayer. If the cowboy gang has allied themselves with vampires...." Jake doesn't finish the thought and shudders involuntarily. "That could tie Dooley Wilson with Fisk at his favorite hangout. Could be also that they have allied themselves involuntarily. I wonder if their rivals the Circle8 ranch knows anything that would be useful? What do you think, Chet, is Katherine's idea a good one?"

Chester says, "Yeah, follow the money. That's a good idea, but how do we go about it? We can't just ask Fisk, 'So, can we see your books?'" Kate says, "I wasn't thinking so much of Fisk as men from Thayer's ranch. Find out where they tended to spend their money, what they spent it on. If they seemed to have more than usual lately. Of course you're not able to look at people's financial records, but you are a deputy Chester. It's perfectly normal for you to ask questions about victims of crimes and their associates."

Chester says, "Thayer's men don't like me very much. If I can get a couple drinks in them, they'll warm up to me. I can work on what they know about Murdock and that cave. If I were Wyatt, I'd be far away from here. He's putting Josie and himself at great risk by staying around. But, knowing him, he'll stick around to finish what he started. Thayer's men may not know that he's still around. If I let that drop, who knows?" That question is soon answered as Thom knocks on the door to tell Chester that he is wanted in the Saloon's main room.