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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty “Conrad’s Anger“, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 1:00 P.M.

Once Wyatt Earp has rode away Kate rides back to the ranch she sees a now awakened Conrad Booth standing near the front of her house with a stern look on his face. With a little anger in her voice he says, "Katherine! What do you think you are you doing giving shelter to that murderer? His brother murdered your husband, he should be last person on earth who you assist, and doing so could get you killed!"

Kate slid down off the horse and tied it to the porch. "In the house," she grated quietly and walked past. Inside, she pulled off her duster and gloves and tossed them over a chair. "How do you refuse a madman, Conrad?" she said, spinning around to face him. "Once we'd even seen him, do you think any of us would still be breathing if we'd sent him packing?

I'm not going to defend him, he's insane. But he knew nothing of what Morgan did until after his brother was dead, but he still feels the guilt. And that guilt has brought us some measure of protection from him, I'm not about to set him off in a rage. From what he said today, he won't be back here." Kate kept pacing off her angry energy, the words flying like daggers from her mouth.

Conrad pauses before replying. He says, "Katherine, I care for you, I love you, I wouldn't want to see anything bad happen to you. I know this, that man is indeed insane and any contact you have with him brings danger. What do you think he would have done if he saw me here? He knows that I gamble at the same saloon as Fisk."

She replies, "That would be why we left you peacefully sleeping in the house. You really think he doesn't know we're involved, or that he'd be surprised to see you here? He lived here, don't forget, I think he knows that you're not friendly with Fisk. Bad things happen to me every day. Some days it's just bad news, some days it's someone trying to blow up my house! The only way to make it stop would be to leave here and I'm not doing that.

Earp won't return here again, so much the better. I'd prefer never to see him again." Kate looked down and saw her hands starting to shake. She'd been trying to keep herself together all day and that self-control was crumbling. "You act as if I welcomed him." Conrad replies, "Katherine, I don't know what to think! I woke up and looked outside to see Sonoma helping that killer up onto a horse, and not just any horse but one that I've seen out here many times before. What was I supposed to think?"

Kate picked up the water pitcher and tried to pour a glass, but it slipped out of her hand and shattered. "Damn it," she muttered. "I don't know, maybe that we're trying to walk a line here that doesn't get us killed by either side? That we're in a position we don't want to be in and we're making the best of it we can?"

Conrad exclaims, "Giving that murderer shelter? Giving him a horse? That's the best of it that you can? I'm starting to think you are as insane as Earp is. Well, I for one am not going to sit by and watch you and your partners throw away everything you've worked for in order to help some homicidal maniac!" Conrad stands up and marches towards the door.

Kate raises her voice sharply and replies, "He bought the horse, and he doesn't stay here. He only came here to pass on information, then left. You're taking over my life now? You'll overthrow the decisions we've made together just because you think you're right? We don't want to help him, we just don't want to be dead. You think the law will treat any of us kindly after you tell them? Leslie's just looking for a reason to put me at the business end of a noose, and Berg's too honorable to make an exception even if he understands. You'll force us all to flee our home. If you're going to the law, this is the last time you'll ever see me. Don't do this. Secrecy is all that's kept us safe."

Conrad raises his voice and replies, "I wasn't going to the law, do you think I'm an idiot? I'm heading back to town to inform your teacher about this. I don't have the power to protect you myself but he does, and I doubt he will just stand by and let his granddaughter and favorite student get themselves killed or imprisoned."

Kate's shoulders relaxed a bit and the angry edge left her voice. "I don't think you're an idiot, I think you're angry and scared. What makes you think my teacher doesn't already know?" He replies, "I think that if he knew the extent of your involvement he would have already taken action to keep that murderer away from this ranch. When you regain your senses you'll realize that I am right about this. And if you don't and decide to never speak to me again, well, I can live with that content in the knowledge that my actions have kept you safe." He exits the room and heads towards the corral to get a horse.

Kate grabbed her duster and gloves and pulled them on while she followed him out the door. She leapt onto her horse still tied to the porch and pulled the reins free. Meribel felt her rider's emotions, and her steps were energetic as they rode over to the corral and waited for Conrad to be ready. Conrad gets a horse from the corral saddled up. He starts to ride away from the ranch, a determined look on his face, without saying anything further to Kate.

Kate quickly caught up and considering passing him by and leaving him in her dust, but that wasn't the idea here. She didn't need to get there first, but she certainly wasn't letting him go "tell" on her without being there to fill in the very large holes in what he knew. It was only a short mile back to town and they were soon riding up to the El Parador. Conrad ties his horse up to the front rail outside of the El Parador rather than putting it in the stable.

He walks up to the bar and asks Pedro is Manuel Gonzales is around, that he needs to see him right away. Pedro pops his head into the kitchen and asks Dorita to go upstairs and get him. Kate followed Conrad's example and tied her horse up out front. Once inside, she stood at the bottom of the stairs and waited to greet her teacher, and incidentally prevent them from talking without her present.

Manuel Gonzales arrives and notes the seriousness on both Conrad and Kate's faces. Conrad says, "I have a serious matter to discuss with you Sir, would you accompany me next door to my home?" Manuel looks towards Kate to gage the reaction on her face. Conrad adds, "This concerns the safety of your Great Granddaughter Sonoma." Gonzales takes Kate's hand and says, "Yes, we will go with you." "Thank you, Grandfather," Kate said softly, squeezing his hand. They headed out the door together toward Conrad's house, which Kate had not entered since January when they'd put their money in his safe.

Once the door is shut Conrad exclaims in a slightly raised voice and with no small amount of hand gestures, "Sir, Katherine took me with her out to the ranch today. I was tired due in part to our trip to Brooklyn early this morning and asked if I could take a nap. I slept for fifty-three minutes.

When I awoke I looked out the window to see an amazing sight, namely your Great Granddaughter Sonoma escorting the fugitive Wyatt Earp out of Flint's Cave, where he had apparently been staying, and giving him one of the horses from the ranch. Thankfully I did not see a brand on that horse but I recognized it as one that I had seen there several times before and it is possible that somebody else could too.

When I spoke to Katherine she has indicated that Earp has been there before. She does not expect him to return, but what is to stop him? He is far too dangerous a man to be assisting, especially with the new Sheriff Deputies actively engaged in looking for him. I have tried to talk some sense into Katherine about this, but she does not wish to listen."

Kate exclaims, "I did listen, I'm just not convinced doing anything different would be better. The horse belongs to Earp, he bought it for $200. And he isn't staying in the cave. Sonoma, Flint and I went together to talk to him and tell him that it wasn't safe for him or us for him to be on our land. He said he only came because he had information to pass on and couldn't find Jake. Apparently Earp's been talking to more than just myself.

When he first came to the ranch I wasn't there, and Flint and Sonoma felt it was safer to board his horse than refuse him. We've only seen him a couple times since. And it's usually been about bringing us information rather than hiding himself. The man is unstable, whenever we see him we shoo him on as soon as possible, but we aren't going to bring his wrath down on us by making him think we might turn on him."

Conrad says nothing further. Gonzales is silent for a while and then says, "You are both correct. Bringing on the wrath of a madman would be foolish, but continuing to assist him is equally dangerous. And I would no longer trust him to not return, he is desperate and alone so will keep using the few people who have helped him in the past. I think that I should relocate to the ranch myself. Being Sonoma's Great Grandfather it would not seem odd for me to be there.

If he should return I will make it known to him that he is putting the owners in danger and to please move on. He clearly is unaware that I am a wizard or he would have sought out myself rather than Madge last month, so he would not perceive me as a threat. But if he does refuse my request then I may have to teach him the danger of underestimating me. As for any information he might have, if he sought out Cook before he can do so again, I have no doubt that our good Mr. Cook's instinct for self-preservation will kick in before he is in any potentially fatal danger."

Kate walked over and kissed her teacher on the forehead. "I'll warn Jake that Earp might seek him out more often, however often it was to begin with. Up until Leslie started looking for him it seemed safe enough just to chase him off when he came around. He seemed anxious not to distress me; one of the times he came he explained that he hadn't known what Morgan had done until after his brother was dead. His guilt seemed to be enough to keep him from staying around the ranch for long. But if he is growing more desperate, as you believe, that may not hold for long. Please don't risk yourself overmuch getting rid of him, I don't want to lose my teacher. And thank you for not screaming at me about what's already done and over."

Gonzales says with a smile, "You thank me too soon my little bird. I will obviously discuss this with Sonoma, Flint and Naki-Yai and may indeed have cause to yell at the four of you once I determine all of the facts regarding this." Kate answers, "Perhaps, but you won't do it today, when I've already had enough to deal with."

He turns towards Conrad and says, "And thank you sir for bringing this to my attention and for accompanying me this morning as well. I look forward to your upcoming performance as well as an opportunity to become acquainted with your sire." Kate asks, "Are you ready to go, Grandfather? I should go change and then head over to the Lady unless you need me for anything else?"

Conrad holds the door open in silence while he wait for the two of them to depart. She took the old elf's arm and walked out with him, saying nothing. Once they were off the porch and onto the street she said, "I'll have to stable Meribel and apparently the horse Conrad rode as well. Then I'm going over to Laurie Gilson's and over to let Jake in on what I know. I hope you won't mind if I come up later for some peace and quiet? Unless you're going to leave right away, then I guess I hope you won't mind if I hide in your rooms for a while."

Gonzales replies, "I will leave in a couple of hours, I wish to be there by the time it is dark. But it will take me a while to pack, I may be there for several days and I have a few experiments in progress that I will need to brief Ginnie on how to maintain until I return."

"Sometimes I'm jealous of Ginnie, she gets to spend so much time with you. I'll be happy when this election business is over and everything settles down and I can focus on my own lessons. It's Sunday night so I don't have to work, maybe I'll come back out," Kate sighed. "I don't know if I could sleep in the house tonight." The older man replies, "Whatever you decide is best, I'll find you before I leave either way." With that he leaves her to tend to the horses and heads into the El Parador.

Kate sighed and took the horses into the stable, making sure they were comfortable and had plenty to eat and drink before going back to her house to collect a clean dress. She avoided looking at the broken window. She would have to talk to the Wainwrights about getting it fixed.

She took a long soak in one of Laurie Gilson's quiet rooms, trying to regain the self-control she'd so recently lost. Her own behavior was nothing to be proud of, but she was still rankled by her argument with Conrad. The sensible part of her knew that he was frightened for her and probably nearly as stressed as she was. The rest of her was still angry and disappointed. She'd hoped to go back into the house, have a cup of tea, and take some comfort in some quiet time alone with Conrad. Instead that source of comfort had been another attack, the worse because she had doubted the decisions herself.

Another hour passes for Jake sitting casually on the porch until he sees a pair of women approaching, who he recognizes as Sandra Wainwright whose husband Don is one of his regular players accompanied by the actress Josephine Marcus. Jake nods his head and touches the brim of his hat as the pair approach, "Good day to you." Josephine says, "Good day to you Mr. Cook, may we join you? We wished to talk to you about the play."

"Certainly," Jake says with trademark broad smile but inwardly groans, "let us go inside where there are enough chairs." He leads them in thinking, I figured that was what these women wanted. Next she is going to ask me about Ruby. Meirde. They sit down and Josephine describes the play, how the cast has been working very hard to make it an excellent production. Sandra talks about what she has put together for musicians and the music that will be part of the play.

Josephine then says, "I have a very big favor to ask of you. I would like to have the actors and musicians do full dress rehearsals on Wednesday and Thursday, and would like to do these at the venues where we will be performing. Would it be possible for you to close your saloon to the public for a few hours on one of those afternoons for us to rehearse there?"

"Close the saloon?" Jake gives an audible hmmmmm and then looks to Sandra for a quick second, all for show. If that is all she wants I am getting off easy. "Well it is for the good of the town. You can have Wednesday afternoon. Will you be done by five o'clock?"

Josephine says, "Oh yes, and we'll wait until your lunch crowd departs before we begin." Sandra says, "Thank you so very much for letting us have the premiere there on Friday night. While you won't be able to play poker that night you should do very well on food and drink orders. And the play will be something that your customers will be talking about for weeks."

"Yes, well, I do not think we come out ahead money wise but we are part of the town. Here and there we do our part. Sad to say some folks do not recognize that. Either that or no matter what we do it will not be enough." After Jake ends his own little bit of acting he finishes with, "Do not be worried about that just keeping working on making the play the best it can be. Good luck to you.... Errr, what do they say? Break a leg?" Josephine says, "Yes, that is indeed the expression. Thank you Mr. Cook." The two ladies depart.

Jake sits a while longer on the porch, outward appearances that he is lazing the day away. His mind however is not relaxing. Ideas are raised and discarded, various possibilities are weighed, odds considered until finally a decidedly evil smile crosses his lips. Rising slowly he takes a tour of the devastation around town. Outside of Seawells, he uses his singular talent of palming items to gather a bit of charcoaled wood and dirt in his handkerchief. He makes a few more stops before he finishes his tour and returns home.

Soon he finds himself sitting at his desk, Kitty Trent's handwriting sample retrieved from the safe is laying flat in front of him. He is busily practicing her flowing script again on scrap paper, smooth lines returning to him from previous practice. When he feels he has it right, he begins on a clean sheet.

Pleased with his work, Jake strolls over to the Marshals office. After some time Jake convinces them to show him the dead bodies. He once again employs his singular ability to palm items. This time to place the note, lightly smeared with burnt wood charcoal and dirt across the top fold that would have barely protruded, into a pocket. After shaking his head and admitting he does not know them, he brushes his hand across the pocket forcing the paper to make a slight sound. Clumsily, he attempts to remove it as if he was trying to do so unseen but with certainty he will be captured in the act.

Mitchell Berg says "What is that you have there Cook?" "Have?" He hides his hand partially behind his leg. "Have?" Seeing that Berg is staring at his hand his holds up the piece of paper. "Oh, you mean this. Seems to have been in his pocket. Thought I would take a look, being the curious type and all..." Jake starts to unfold the note. "I'll take that," Berg states. "This is a law enforcement matter Cook, so unless you're interested in wearing a Deputy's badge again I'd suggest you go on your way."

"Me? A deputies badge?" Jake laughs. "You sure know how to hurt a guy." He hands Berg the note. Jake says with a grin, "You sure you do not want my advice on the matter?" He receives a stern look from Berg. "Fine. When this is all over you must tell me what it said. Being a curious guy and all." An additional stern look and Jake says, "Yes, I am going." And lets himself out.

Again, Jake walks home but just stands in front of the building for a minute before turning and making his way back to the porch of the Lucky Lady. He gets a bourbon and relaxes with his feet up on the railing content to wait for Tony Lucky to arrive for the next part of his subterfuge.

It is soon the dinner hour and there are around fifteen patrons at the Lucky Lady. Jake takes a look inside and sees Tony Lucky sitting with his cousin Frank Lucky and one of his semi-regular players, a miner by the name of Mike "Bubba" Pyle. They apparently came in by way of the side door and are eating an early supper together. Jake walks over to the table. "So did I hear correctly, this is your cousin Frank? Welcome."

The man looks up and says, "Yes sir, Frank Lucky. I was on my way to Texas and decided to stop off along the way and visit with my cousin." Jake replies, "Glad to see you are all fine. Nasty business this morning. Could have been very bad if the fire team had not gotten things under control." Frank says, "Indeed it was, very impressive. Am I to understand that the man who headed up that fire team works as the head of security for you here?"

"Yes, that would be Jeff Mills. We were fortunate that they never got to our place. I must say though, that if someone's saloon had to be damaged, it could not have happened to a nicer guy. I can just see Adair fuming over it now, and no idea who did it. The lawmen certainly will not tell him what they know, that Berg is tight lipped and dedicated to the rules. While I was over at the Marshall's office they found a note on one of the hooded riders dead body. Looked to be woman's handwriting from the glimpse I saw. But you know straight laced Berg, he shooed me out of there straight away before I could get a good look. I bet old Adair would pay a pretty penny to get his hands on that note." Jake shrugs. "You will not catch me helping that snake find out anything. I say let the lawmen do their job and he can just sit tight and sweat it out."

Tony makes no comments to what Jake has just told him. He instead asks, "So Jake, when are we going to sit down and talk about this upcoming tournament? Will I get to keep my usual twenty-percent from my players or are you planning some other payment arrangement?"

Jake replies, "No Tony, this is not regular poker play. The tournament is Van Horne's and we will for the most part go by his rules. He will be deciding on the dealers, and is quite particular. He has a number of them coming in from out of town. I myself will likely pay the entrance fee and be a contestant. I do not know yet what Job will be doing, but I believe that Van Horne will ask him to be one of the dealers. Being a player, I will exempt myself from these decisions so that it is all on the up and up. Honestly Tony, I do not feel you have the experience to handle this and will not be recommending you. I expect that Van Horne will feel the same way."

Tony says, "Well then I guess I'll go ask him myself then, I heard he took a room upstairs." Frank says, "Can I come with you? I can vouch for how good a dealer you were back East and some of the tournaments you participated in there." Tony says, "Sure Frank, let's go up and see the big man." "That is the great thing about America, it is a free country. Go ahead and speak with him. Just do not misrepresent my opinion."

Jake leaves them and goes to see Maria about supper. "How about a little something special tonight Maria? I am feeling like I deserve it." While he is eating alone Jake trusts that he embarrassed Tony Lucky just enough to make sure that both his greed and his pride made certain that Adair got the information.

Twenty minutes after heading upstairs Tony returns, with a bit of a smile on his face. He tells Jake "Okay, I talked to the guy. He hasn't decided yet on who his dealers will be, he says he needs to wait and see exactly how many people show up to play. He says that he's wants me as one of the dealers but might need me even more for security detail, since as the gambler with the most seniority here I know better than anybody how to spot cheaters around this place. At any rate, he's promised I'll make more than I would have on a regular Saturday night either way. He also hired Frank here to help with security too! I'll see you later Jake, I have a few errands to take care of before my game tonight. I'll be back at the usual time." He and his cousin depart.

Inwardly, Jake laughs. That is exactly what I would have done if I was not intentionally pissing off Tony Lucky. He takes his time and savors the fine meal Maria's prepared for him. I wonder if 'Frank' will be upset when someone kills Mr. Tony Lucky over the dangerous game he is playing. Jake smiles throughout his meal.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-one “The First Debate“, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 3:00 P.M.

Marshal Berg had told Chester, "Helen and I will head over and get Mr. Snavely.” Regarding Chet’s idea of accompanying the Sheriff Deputies back to the Crazy-8 Berg states ”Good idea, but I'd rather send Neil with them. There's already enough tension between you and those boys from Sheriff's Office given that you and Jeff Mills live at the same place."

Midway through the afternoon Minerva and Nakomo are interrupted by a knock on the door. She looks up to see roofer Tim Gorch accompanied by two other men. His companions are tall burley men wearing western garb. He introduces them to his cousins, Lyle and Tector Gorch from Abilene Texas. Tim says, "We'd like to finish up the roof on the Sheriff's Office and Jail. We figure with four of us working we should be able to get most of it done this afternoon and finish it in the morning."

Minerva stays behind to pray and prepare for the burial services, Hoping that she will be finished in time to attend the evening's rallies. She admonishes Nakomo and the men to drink plenty of water and keep themselves covered up before turning to her task. Nakomo spends the afternoon with Tim Gorch and his cousins, Lyle and Tector Gorch Working on the roof of the Sheriff’s office. The afternoon goes by swiftly. Nakomo asks Lyle and Tector "So what brings you up here from Abilene Texas? It seems like a long way to go to repair a roof."

Lyle turns to Tector and says "Did you just hear a low-life elf daring to speak to his betters?" Tector replies, "Nope, must have just been the wind. The only thing I do with elves is kill 'em." Tim Gorch yells over "Shut up and get back to work guys, the sooner we finish this job the sooner we can start on Adair's which will be really good pay. Leave the kid alone, free labor is free labor." Nakomo's ears turn red at the nasty remarks but he turns away without responding and continues laying down the roof. He spends the rest of the afternoon listening in on their conversations.

Kate left the bath house cleaner of body if not of mind and headed to the Lucky Lady looking for Jake, who was sitting downstairs just finishing a meal. "I've been learning some interesting things today," Kate said when she arrived at his table. "Mind if I share?" "I am always eager to hear about interesting things. Please, sit down. Would you like Maria to bring you some food?" Jake seems quite at ease and in a fine mood.

"Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten since my breakfast was interrupted this morning. I'd better eat, even though I don't feel much like it. Kate reached into her pocketbook and pulled out one of the little paper packets she kept there. She deftly dropped the powder into the candle burning on the table to create some privacy.

"I had a visit from Wyatt Earp today. Apparently he was looking for you, but you weren't home so he came to the ranch. Seems he took down another one he suspected in Morgan's killing and buried him. Yet, despite his death, Bronco Madsen is still running for council on Fisk's ticket and was at the Liberty party rally. All that's left of the grave Earp put him in is a dug up hole."

Jake raises an eyebrow when Katherine uses magic to silence their conversation. "Are you saying that Madsen is a vampire? Or is there some other foul way to bring him back? Be a good way to discredit Fisk if somehow Madsen could be discovered and destroyed by daylight or some such thing in front of witnesses. Is he scheduled to debate at some point? That could prove interesting. On the other hand, what if someone is just masquerading as Madsen. You know, with one of those magic devices that changes your appearance. This gets more complicated by the minute."

She replies, "Vampire seems like the best bet to me. And it gets even better. Earp was talking about Monsieur DuMont, Madge's supposed teacher. We both know better than that. The interesting part is that Earp seems to think he's seen DuMont around, teaching magic to some of the miners at the Beatrice mine. He thinks DuMont has disguised himself as someone named Pierce and someone named Murdock before and works for the Cowboy Gang." Kate closed her eyes and shook her head. "And I was talking with my teacher barely more than an hour ago and it didn't even occur to me to tell him. He needs to know this too."

"That might explain things somewhat and give me the tie in to Messier. If Vaughn Palmer, Nick Goudge, and Stephen Murdock are really all the same man and he was indeed Ringo's number two guy then we are starting to get somewhere. It may prove fortunate the Earp has come to believe DuMont is another of his disguises. We just need to plant the story that Madge found out her 'teacher' was not the nice person she thought he was and fled. If Earp believes that and this wizard can be eliminated then Madge could come back if she chose. Feel free to share that little bit of thinking if it seems useful. That would be just speculating on my part since I do not know anything." Jake gives her a wink.

Kate replies, "I'm guessing since Earp was looking for you this morning he's sought you out with information before. You might as well know he's been talking to us at the ranch as well, and he's holed up in the caves there once or twice. Since I'm not usually there I don't know how often he's done it. He was the one who told me Thayer's men were watching our place and kept an eye out as to why. I've been quiet about that because I didn't want to put Chester in a bad situation. But Earp wants the information about Madsen passed onto the Marshals. Chester has been good about not asking where I've learned things, though."

Jake replies, "Yes, Earp has. Same deal, I kept it to myself to keep Chet out of it. That and to keep the information coming." Kate says, “The information was handy too. Mr. Gonzales is going to stay out at the ranch for a few days to make sure Earp doesn't come around again. Conrad saw him there today and we fought about it." Kate rubbed the back of her neck. "So you're likely to be our last connection to him. He said he didn't see anything having to do with this morning's attacks; he was out at the Crazy-8 all night." Jake nods but does not comment.

Maria brought out a loaded plate and Kate began to dutifully eat the dinner without much noticing what it was. "Do you think you could escort Ginnie and I back to the ranch tonight? I don't want to sleep in the school building, but I have to go to the debate and put in an appearance at the rally before I can go and it'll be dark by then." He replies, "I am not playing tonight. I can do that for you. I wonder if Conrad would want to join us for the ride too? Just to keep me company on the way back of course." There is the faintest upturn of a smile on one side of his face which is otherwise unreadable.

Kate became suddenly very interested in her food. "There's safety in numbers. I certainly wouldn't expect you to ride back alone when I don't want to ride out that way. He might be playing tonight, I'm not sure." Jake says, "If you see him, ask him. Otherwise I am certain I can find someone else to tag along."

Kate nodded but kept her eyes on her plate. "We didn't hear anything from the Vampire hunters today, did we?" Jake answers, "Not I. Things were pretty quiet here after this mornings excitement. Except for Lumley's little announcement that his political party mates were out to do in the saloons that were not supporting Adair's party, it was fairly dull." She says, "Considering Adair doesn't have a saloon anymore, that would be a trick. There are people in town who just aren't going to frequent the kind of places joined up with Adair. It's not the atmosphere they want.
So they either want to legislate you out, or use violence, neither one of which I'd put past them."

Jake answers, "I am certain our good Mr. Adair would not limit himself to just those two options if he could find others. If he can be kept busy with other problems and did not have time for us, that would suit me fine. What exactly that might be escapes me just now." She says, "I'm sure you'll think of something, I have faith in you." Kate's plate was finally empty, and she did feel better for the food. "I should get over to the debate. The sooner started, the sooner done and I can go home."

Jake reaches into his pocket and retrieves the pocket watch he won in a card game, "You are almost late. I suppose I should go as well. No doubt the discussion will be all about me." Jake gives her a smirk and rises from his seat. "After you."

A grim faced Nakomo slams the door behind him as he enters the house. Minerva peeks her head out from her office. "By the gods, Nakomo be a little quieter..." she strides into the room. "What' s wrong." "Nothing I haven't dealt with before, Miss Minerva. Those eyed, empty headed fools just don't like elves is all."

He continues to slam around the room. "They would have thrown me off the roof but they thought that I was worth the free labor. Arghh.. I know I shouldn't let it bother me, The Yavapai treated me the same way, heck most of the human kids treated me like dirt too, but I was hoping that things would be different here." His face reddens as he tries to control his emotions. "I just want to be like everybody else.“ He slams down his hat and kicks it. "I sure as heck don't know how Diana expects me to change the black hearts of such egotistical bastards."

The Priestess nods in understanding. "Si, It is frustrating. The gods often give us a mission without telling us how to accomplish it. But Diana would not have asked you to do this if you did not have the tools to make it happen. It is for you to find the method, but you must have patience. I doubt that you will convert the entire town over night. Perhaps you should try to win over one -eyed egotistical bastard at a time?" she pauses. "Diana said that you understood both worlds, that you are the best of both worlds. You must discover what those attributes are. Understanding is the first step toward enlightenment. Understanding of yourself as well as the minds of others." she pats his shoulder "I am sure that you will figure it out."

"I know that they fear what they do not know. " He sighs. "l will just have to enlighten them by making myself known." Minerva looks up and down his grimy form. "But for now you need to get cleaned up so that we can go to the debates so that we can become a bit more enlightened about the town council candidates. Hurry now. We do not want to be late. I am sure that it will be quite entertaining as well." Nakomo gets cleaned up while Minerva makes him a quick meal of meat and cheese. "We cannot wait for Nanuet. Hopefully he will meet us there."

At the time gets toward 7:00 PM many of the people in town make their way over to the Town Hall for the evening's scheduled debate. Chumbley is standing outside selling today's edition of the paper, which has stories about the fire that actually don't contain much more information than is already known. On page two is a glowing tribute to the firefighters including interviews with both Jeff Mills and Judge Lacey. People gather around in the hundred-or-so chairs that have been set up. In the center of the stage is a podium and nine chairs have been arranged beside it, four to one side, five to the other.

Judge Isby approaches the podium and says “Welcome to the first of three debates for positions on the Town Council. The other two Town Council debates will be held the next to nights at the same time and place. Candidates for each debate were chosen Saturday by lot. Each night will feature candidates from all five registered political parties. We will hold a similar debate on Wednesday night for the Town Marshall position and on Thursday night for the Mayoral position." The nine candidates then walk out on stage, each standing in front of their appointed seat, arranged alphabetically by last name.

The Judge continues, "Tonight’s debate features from left to right Deputy Marshall Helen Barker who along with her husband owns Barker’s Photography Studio and is with the Unity Party, Zebadiah Cooke who along with his wife owns Cook’s General Store and is with the Law and Order Party, Tector Driscoll who owns Discoll’s Tannery and is with the Freedom Party, Manuel Escobar who works for the Rocking-H Ranch and is with the Unity Party, Roger Fly who with his wife owns Fly’s Boarding House and Fly’s Photography Studio and is with the Integrity Party, Denny Guerin who owns the Rattlesnake Ranch and is with the Liberty Party, Steve Lord who owns the Alhambra Saloon and is with the Freedom Party, Calvin Oldfield who along with his wife owns the Circle-R Ranch and is with the Law and Order Party and Attorney Elihu Upton who owns Upton’s Counting House and Brokerage.

Members of the audience are to refrain from speaking directly to the candidates but may submit questions in writing to the Moderator. Written questions should state which candidate the question is for. If a candidate’s answer references another individual on stage or another political party that individual or party’s representative may make a response once the first person has finished speaking. Continued rebuttals on that same point will be permitted until the Moderator feels that the topic has been exhausted."

Kate slipped into the room just as Judge Isby was finishing his explanation and found a seat near the back. Jake enters just after Katherine, and in contrast stands at the back for a minute unconcerned that he is coming in late. After scanning the room and taking in who is there he takes a seat in the middle of the room. Nakomo and Minerva rush over to the town hall and find a couple of seats at the back of the room just as Zebediah Cook is being asked the first question.

The Judge states, “Mr. Cook, the Law and Order Party has listed a party platform imposing curfews upon drinking establishments in town. Do you agree with that decision?” Cook replies, “I do in practice, however I am flexible as to what the specific hours should be, feeling it is something that the elected Town Council will need to decide.”

Isby takes another card and reads, “The next question is to Steve Lord. At present the Alhambra is a one-person operation. How is it that you will have time to serve the town or even know what the wishes are the town are when you are always inside your own building?” Lord replies, “If elected I plan to hire a part-time bartender. I am also close friends with both Hez Chumbley, the Editor of the Promise City Mirror and the Western Union Telegraph Operator Dave Melany so am frequently updated by them as to the happenings in town, so do not feel that I am uninformed. For that matter, both of those men have assisted me before with the saloon, so it is not entirely a one-person operation.”

Isby says, “The next question is to Tector Driscoll.” He reads, “Your former tannery building was seriously damaged in this morning’s attack by masked hoodlums. How as a member of the Town Council would you help protect the town from future attacks?” He replies, “I’ll do that by making sure that outlaws know they aren’t welcome here! I’ll also make sure that we have skilled lawmen instead of the incompetent fools we have today!” At that Helen Barker raises her hand to be recognized and the Judge gestures that she may speak.

She says, “The Marshall’s Office has been actively working on this case. Mr. Driscoll may not be aware of it but an arrest has been made in the case and the individual will stand trial tomorrow.” Driscoll replies, “Yeah, I know you got the National Bank’s junior teller Jason Snavely, and that his buddy Upton here is his lawyer. But you still haven’t arrested Snavely’s boss Derrick Avery yet! Snavely wouldn’t even consider going to the outhouse without Avery’s permission! It’s obvious to everyone except these idiot lawmen and lawwoman that Avery and his so-called Integrity Party were the ones behind the attack!”

Helen states her reply as Integrity Party members Fly and Upton both raise their hands to be recognized. She says, “Other arrests will be pending but as of now there is no evidence that Mr. Avery had anything to do with this! He was with us all in Church when the attack occurred!” Driscoll says, “Sure he was, that was his alibi! Seven riders attacked the town this morning. According to the newspaper, last night when they visited that Dwarf’s mine there were eight of them! Avery was obviously showing the others what to do yesterday!”

Isby pounds his gavel and says, “That is quite enough Mr. Driscoll! The details regarding this law enforcement matter will come out tomorrow morning in my courtroom, not today from your unfounded speculation. Mr. Fly, I believe that you wished to speak?” Fly says, “I do, Mr. Driscoll, the Integrity Party had nothing to do with this morning’s attack other than being its victims! Our Marshall Candidate Michael Seawell’s business was destroyed and I lost my photography studio! They also attempted to blow up my boarding house.”

Driscoll says, “We don’t really know if that guy was after your boarding house or not since he was stopped first. As for your photo studio, I find it very convenient that you just happened to remove all of your equipment from it last night in advance of the attack. Why would you do that unless you knew it was coming?” Fly replies, “I had no such advanced knowledge! Yesterday’s Wells Fargo Stage brought my brother Buck a crate of new photographic equipment to replace that which he lost in the Tombstone Fire. I brought mine equipment inside the boarding house so that we could make a side-by-side comparison of each and determine what to use until Buck moves back to Tombstone.”

Driscoll replies, “Why should we believe one word that you say Fly? You’re even dishonest to your wife! You claim to be a wholesome family man but whenever you visited your brother before in Tombstone you would sneak off and spend hours with the ladies at the Birdcage Theater brothel!” Judge Isby pounds the gavel and says, “That’s quite enough Mr. Driscoll!”

The color drains from Roger Fly’s face. Janet Fly gives off a shriek and then quickly exits the room. Seeing that, Roger Fly immediately leaves the stage to go after her. Before exiting out the door Roger Fly turns and angrily yells back to Driscoll “If you know so much about my Tombstone activities then you also know I never touched one woman at the Birdcage, all I did there was play the piano.” He slams the door loudly behind him. Upton still has his hands raised but Isby gestures for him to lower it and says, “Let’s move on to another topic.”

Kate sighed to herself and thinks That didn't take long, let's hope this whole thing doesn't devolve into an exercise in character assassination.

For the next twenty minutes questions are asked to several of the candidates about their philosophy towards town management with get non-inflammatory answers about wanting to do the best for the town. Manuel Escobar gets a chance to talk about how proud he is of the people of Promise City who he welcomes as friendly neighbors to his long-time home.

The room becomes a bit heated when Steve Lord’s answer to a question directly attacks the written platform of the Law and Order Party. This leads to exchanges back-and-forth between him and both Zeb Cook and Calvin Oldfield in defense of their party’s platform. Driscoll also raises his hand to be recognized during this although Isby ignores him.

Next, Elihu Upton is asked a question regarding his background and he talks of his success in law school and prior experience managing an insurance brokerage. This is followed by a question to Denny Guerin about his availability due to the Rattlesnake Farm’s distance from town. He indicates that he plans to be more actively involved with the town than he has before.

The next is a question to Tector Driscoll about his position on firearms being allowed on the public streets. He says, “The wild west is a dangerous place, people should be allowed to carry personal protection. But I support the right of merchants to have gun checks within their establishments to keep their patrons safe.” Jake becomes bored with the proceedings and moves to stand in the back of the room near the door way.

The next question is to Zebadiah Cook and states “The Law and Order Platform calls for the elimination of prostitution within the town. Wouldn’t that have a detrimental impact on the overall business of the saloons?” Cook replies, “No it would not. A number of establishments in this town including Mr. Lord’s Alhambra as well as the Comique and Lucky Lady do not have prostitution and they have been successful.”

Lord asks to be recognized and says, “Thank you Mr. Cook, although your answer is somewhat in error. I know for a fact that Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon now promotes prostitution, which is a deplorable situation given that one of the owners is a six-year-old boy.” Helen Barker raises her hand and interjects, “Judge, may I speak? I am the guardian of that aforementioned boy.” Judge Isby says, “Yes, you may.” Helen says, “Mr. Lord is in error. The Lucky Lady does not promote prostitution, that has been its longstanding policy since back when the Whipples owned it as the Lone Star!”

Lord replies, “I’m sorry to inform you then that the management’s attitude has changed Mrs. Barker. With the upcoming poker tournament sponsored by the Lucky Lady the owners have made arrangements for several of the players to spend time with harlots, those services being included as a part of the tournament entrance fee. Buying prostitutes for their customers is clearly promoting prostitution. The fact that they have made arrangements for those liaisons to take place at other locations rather than directly under their own roof merely speaks to the hypocrisy of the owners!” Helen stares towards the back of the room, looking directly into Jake Cook's eyes and replies in a stern voice, “My ward knows nothing of that Mr. Lord and I will investigate further into those allegations.”

Jake stands upright and puts a hand in his trouser pocket. "No, the Lucky Lady does not offer prostitution. The policy of that establishment has not changed. Mr. Van Horne, new to the ownership is sponsoring the tournament. The Lady itself is not the tournament sponsor, we are merely providing the venue for a price. If Mr. Van Horne is including other services in his price of entry, I have no knowledge of it. You can make all the claims that you wish about what the Lucky Lady does and does not promote. The fact of the matter is we do not make judgment on the topic. We simply choose to not offer that service for business reasons. The Lucky Lady is a saloon that caters to its patrons and is not looking to make a political statement about the private lives of citizens. Sorry to disappoint you Mr. Lord." Jake ends with a confident smile on his face.

Judge Isby pounds his gavel and says "Mr. Cook, perhaps you did not think I was serious when at the start of the debate I stated that 'Members of the audience are to refrain from speaking directly to the candidates'. I can assure you, I was very serious indeed. Mr. Tomlinson, kindly escort Mr. Cook over to the Arizona Territorial Office Building so that he and I can have a discussion later on what the punishment should be for his inappropriate outburst." Kevin Tomlinson approaches Jake and gestures towards the door. Jake shrugs, waves goodbye to the crowd and exits the room.

Kate says to herself “Hopefully Judge Isby wouldn't be too hard on Jake tonight.” She doubted he'd heard the original warning, and he was supposed to take her out to the ranch later on.

A debate ensues between Denny Geurin and Helen Barker about the role of women in town after Geurin makes the comment that "Women don't belong on the Town Council, they should stay in the kitchen and bedroom where they belong." Kate balled up her fists and bit her tongue as she listened to Mr. Guerin spout his offensive and downright crude drivel. And this was supposed to be the quiet debate. Considering how some of the candidates were attacking the others, Kate was very glad she was not running for office.

Helen Barker gets the last word on the women’s rights debate when she concludes, "As to the woman's place being in the kitchen, while I admit that there are a number of women in this town who are indeed excellent cooks I consider our town's best cook to be the Silver Dollar Restaurant's Walter O'Reilly." That elicits a laugh from the audience. Judge Isby says, "By my pocket watch it is now 8:30 P.M. which was the scheduled time for this debate to end. I declare us adjourned." He pounds the gavel. The candidates begin to leave the stage.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-two “Rally at Drover’s Hotel“, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 8:15 P.M.

Kevin Tomlinson escorts Jake Cook to the Arizona Territorial Office. They enter the building and Jake sees that it has been remodeled further since the last trial he attended there. Kevin says, "The debate should be wrapping up soon. Can I get you something to drink?" Jake replies, "If you are offering something with a bit of spirit in it, certainly, I would be much obliged. Otherwise, I will pass. Anything news on your hunt?"

Tomlinson says, "No, which is actually good news as we've confirmed over a dozen probable locations where they are not." He spends a few minutes over by a dry sink and icebox. Kevin then brings a silver tray over to Jake and sets it down on a table beside a chair. On the tray are a half-filled bottle of a quality brand of whiskey, a glass with ice in it and a stack of five twenty-dollar bills. "Have a seat and help yourself," Kevin comments.

Jake does have a seat. "What about you? I will drink alone, but company is always more pleasant." He pours himself a glass over ice. "I actually prefer it straight but ice is a nice change once in a while.“ Tomlinson says, "That sounds like a good idea but I'll wait until the Judge arrives and make sure he doesn't need me for anything else tonight before I indulge."

Jake inquires, “Will you tell me why the money is there?" Tomlinson replies, “As for that" gesturing to the pile of money, "We can't go having people interrupt the debates each night, I anticipate the other debates to be even more volatile than this one was. But if Mr. Chumbley prints in tomorrow's paper that you were made to pay a $ 100 fine that should keep everybody quiet."

Jake replies, "Sure, that would keep others from opening their mouths frivolously. So why are you putting the money out if we could just say I paid? I suppose you have books to balance and the money really needs to be there. Who is funding my inability to keep my mouth shut?" Tomlinson says, "That funding? Oh, it was found on a couple of guys who Marshall Berg found lying around in streets and locked up today, they're now over at Dick Lester's place. You're right about the books having to balance, all fine money goes into the Territorial coffers.

One other thing you should know about the Judge he's brutally honest, but he's not here right this minute and doesn't know the exact amount that was in those men's wallets. I don't consider it stealing if the money winds up exactly where it would anyway. So I would suggest you pocket that money now before he arrives and then you'll have no in difficulty paying your fine."

Jake shakes his head and scoops up the money. "Thanks." He has a sip from the whiskey. "Nice. Funny thing is that I do respect the Judge. However, I do not think we have much in common. Or maybe anything in common." Jake chuckles. Tomlinson replies, "Other than both dating the same girl?" "Heh." Jake says and nearly spills his whiskey. "Touche, Mr. Tomlinson."

At the Town Hall, Judge Isby says, "By my pocket watch it is now 8:30 P.M. which was the scheduled time for this debate to end. I declare us adjourned." He pounds the gavel. The candidates begin to leave the stage. Kate took a few calming breaths before standing up from her seat. She couldn't imagine many people in this town agreeing with Mr. Guerin. And considering women were voting in this election it was very likely he'd just shot himself in the foot. She made her way over to Helen Barker. "It wasn't quite what I expected," she said. "We get to see some of the uglier parts of our neighbors. You handled yourself very well."

Helen replies, "Thank you Mrs. Kale. Now if you will excuse me I need to go speak to Mr. Kane about placing an advertisement in tomorrow's newspaper to further clarify the Lucky Lady's position and then get to the Unity Party rally over at Drover's. Be sure to stop by, Stanley made cookies." Kate replies, "Of course. I won't detain you."

As Helen hurried away Kate looked around the room. She didn't really feel up to socializing, but it was necessary. Instead of staying at the hall, Kate left and made her way over to the rally at Drover's. Kate made the short walk to Drover's alone, wishing Jake hadn't been taken out of the debate. She hadn't often been in the Hotel, but it was bright and busy with the rally going on. Kate looked around to see who was there.

Well, that was all very interesting" Nakomo comments to Minerva at the end of the Debate. Minerva chuckles, "Si, I hope that Senor Jake can withstand the reprimand that he is about to receive from the Judge. Come, let us see what we can learn from the Unity Party Rally. I think that you will find that you are among friends there." Nakomo nods and they make their way over to Drover's"

Kate sees that Emery Shaw is walking around Drover's with a young girl in tow, who she assumes is his niece. Kate notes with some surprise that the girl appears to be a half-elf. Kate found a smile and walked over to the older man. "Emery, it's good to see you back in town, I'm sorry it has to be with such bad news." She smiled at the girl and waited for Emery to introduce them before speaking.

"Katherine, I would like to introduce you to my niece Emily! She just arrived from Chicago. She'll be staying here in town with me. We stopped by your school earlier today to sign her up for school, she met your ward Ginnie." He turns to the girl and says, "Emily, this is the headmistress of the school, Mrs. Kale." Kate replies, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emily. I hope your journey was pleasant, I know how a long train trip can be. Did Ginnie take care of everything for you?

Emily nodded, saying, "Yes Ma'am. I guess I have to take some tests tomorrow, though. It didn't sound like regular school with being able to work outside." Kate says, "No, it's not like most schools. We teach the basics of course, but this is the west. Hands on education is going to serve all of you far better than dry books."

Helen and Stanley arrive and begin to mingle with the small crowds at Drover's, most of whom Kate recognizes are employees of either Drover's, Wells Fargo or the Morand complex. Vera Blake is acting the part of hostess, making sure that everybody's drink glasses are filled. Patrick Seawell is making the rounds as well along with his father Michael and Julia Barbeau.

As Minerva enters she scans the room to see who has arrived. She spots Katherine speaking to Mr. Shaw and a young girl and makes her way over with Nakomo. "Buenas Nochas Katherine, Senor Shaw. How are you all this evening? Nakomo and I have come to show our support. Nakomo shakes hands with Mr. Shaw and shyly nods in acknowledgement to the girl. Emily smiled brightly at the Priestess and the boy with her.

"I'm well enough," Kate answered. "It's been a very long day. A stick of dynamite was tossed into the school this morning while Ginnie was inside. She threw it out the back door into the hillside. We're lucky it's still standing. We can use the support. I'd like to see a few more people here."

"Si, It has been a long day, Ginnie threw the dynamite out of the school?! You are very fortunate indeed! Perhaps when the unity party wins the election they will be able to put an end to such foul antics." Minerva notices Nakomo staring at the girl and turns to her. "And who is this young Lady?" Shaw states, "Buenas Nochas Seniorita, have you met my niece Emily yet?" He gestures to the young half-elf.

"How do you do, Priestess?" Emily said respectfully. "My Uncle says you give very interesting sermons. I'll be glad to see it next week when your church is just yours again. And when things aren't interrupted." "No, I have not had the pleasure, but I did notice that she attended the services this morning. "This is my ward Nakomo." Minerva says motioning toward the tight lipped elf at her side. "Will you be staying with us long, Emily?"

"Hello, Nakomo," she said in a friendly way before she answered the Priestess. "I came here to live with Uncle, so I guess I'll be here for a few years at least. Someday I'll have to find a place that belongs to me, although I think Ellen and Humphrey would let me help with the ranch if I wanted to stay and work there." The Escobar family of Manuel, Rosita and Enrico, arrive at Drover's and begin to mingle in with the crowd.

“Hi" Nakomo responds and awkwardly extends his hand for her to shake. "I'm new here too. I like it well enough. Will you be going to the school?" Emily shook, ignoring the boys obvious discomfort. "I thought I was all done with school, but Uncle wants me to go here for a while. It sounds different, so I guess it will be fine, expect for having to take tests tomorrow."

Kate gave herself a bit of a shake, realizing that she had drifted off into her own thoughts. "I assume you've been updated on everything that happened while you were gone?" she asked Emery Shaw quietly as the young ones were being introduced. Nakomo takes her hand and stops to stare when he notices her ears. His mouth spreads wide in a grin. "Would you like a lemonade, Emily?" "Thank you, I am a little thirsty. It's much warmer here than in Chicago. I suppose that'll take some getting used to."

Meghan O'Hara arrive at the Unity Party rally at Drover's Hotel with three of her children in tow, namely her 17-year-old son Patrick and her twin 13-year-old girls Cathleen and Colleen. Meghan notices Kate chatting with Minerva and Shaw with the two half-elves and heads over there with her girls while Patrick heads over to the bar to chat with Chuck Nevers. "How are you Meghan?" Kate asked as she arrived. "I'm afraid we have a broken window at the school, but other than that the damage seems to be superficial. It's good to see you here.

Did you attend the debate? I'm afraid I got there just as it was starting, so it was hard to see who was there. I was disappointed in the mud-slinging." Meghan says, "No, I missed it. Shannon was working late at the Kelley's. Mr. Booth was able to get nearly a dozen costumes for the play but they all need alterations so Mary and Shannon have their work cut out for them to be finished by Wednesday's dress rehearsals. Shannon finally arrived to watch the younger ones so that we could come here."

"You didn't miss much. No one said anything that contradicted my thoughts on the candidates. I think our candidates came out looking more level-headed than the others. I know Mr. Booth was excited about the costumes," Kate added. "At least they don't have to sew them from scratch."

The twins approach the new girl. "Hi I'm Colleen and this is my twin sister Cathleen." Cathleen shies waves and gives her a small smile. "We're from across town. Are you visiting someone? Maybe we could hang out!" Cathleen nudges Colleen and whispers to her "Calm down! let her talk too!" Nakomo is about to lead Emily over to the bar to order lemonade when Mrs. O'Hara arrives with her two girls. "Um, I'll get some for everybody." He says and scurries off.

"I'm Emily Banks." She offered her hand to each of them in turn. "Mr. Shaw is my Uncle. Ma sent me out here to live with him, so I'll be staying and going to school. I'd rather be outside and ride and climb trees, but I guess school isn't so bad." Kate chatted with Meghan for a few more minutes, then excused herself to greet some of the others.

Minerva excuses herself and makes her way across the room to Helen Barker. "Buenas Noches Senora Barker. How is Master Bert faring?" Helen says, "Our young Herbert Hoover is doing splendidly. One thing I hadn't anticipated when I decided to run for office with this Unity Party was his interest in the endeavor. He's been helping me with strategy and campaign suggestions and has been following with great interest. It's interesting to see one so young take an interest in civic and governmental affairs, it wouldn't surprise me if he one day runs for politics himself."

The Priestess replies, "I am not surprised. He seems quite bright and is a very determined young man when he gets an idea into his head. He was a one man campaign when he approached me about wanting to stay in Promise City. " she chuckles. "I am sure that he will go far with your guidance. Speaking about politics, I want you to know that you can count on my support. We need fair minded people who aren't afraid of these ruffians, running things.

Helen replies, "Why thank you Priestess, and if you don't already know it you can count on my support for you as well. I honestly doubt that women would never have gotten the right to vote if not for you being in charge of the church and my wearing this badge. We set a strong example that make the arguments of our opposition seem weak by comparison."

“I quite agree, Helen. Now if we could only eliminate the racial prejudice in this town as well, I'd say that we were in Olympus. Tim Gorch and his cousin's really mistreated my ward Nakomo today. Told him that he shouldn't talk to his betters and that they liked to kill elves, or some such nonsense. And then those cowards in the hoods coming in and torching buildings..."she shakes her head in disgust. I just don't understand such narrow minded thinking. None of it makes any more sense then denying a woman the right to vote because she has breasts."

Helen replies, "A lot of this doesn't make sense but I wouldn't worry about the hooded riders too much if I were you. Two were killed, another has been arrested and we have leads on two more. Judge Isby will try the one we arrested tomorrow morning and we think he'll name all of the others."

Kate made her way over to Vera Blake and asked if there was anything she could do to help. Mrs. Blake shooed her off, saying she did not need to be working tonight as well. Kate wasn't sure what to do with herself. Before long she found herself near Mr. Escobar. She greeted him, saying, "You did very well tonight. All in all, our candidates looked level-headed and concerned about the town."

Minerva replies, “Two innocent people were killed today as a result of these cowardly men who hide behind hoods, Deputy Barker. All the worry in the world will not save them. But opening the hearts of those who are blind to the Gods Will may save others and if we cannot do that than a hanging is always an effective deterrent." Helen says, "Justice will be served tomorrow, both Mitch and Judge Isby have had it with this violence and candidate intimidation and plan to put a stop to it."

Judge Isby soon arrives at the Territorial Office, locking the door behind him. "What are you drinking?" he asks. Tomlinson replies, "He's having whiskey on the rocks, would you like one Sir?" Isby replies, "Yes, I need one after that fiasco. Pour one for yourself too Kevin." He sits down in a chair opposite Jake while Kevin brings the drinks over, taking a seat himself. The Judge turns to Jake and says, "So Mr. Cook, that was rather rude of you. Has Kevin suggested to you what my usual fine is for wealthy silver mine owners who interrupt me?"

Jake answers, "Some of us consider it rather rude of folks to make up lies and call others hypocrites with impunity under the guise of politics. All I did was answer the allegation made against me and my partners. I even withheld my personal opinion on the matter. I am no politician, I was not there to get votes. Hades, I support letting women have prostitution if that is how they want to earn their living."

Jake has a sip of whiskey. "Thanks for the libation by the way. Wealthy silver mine owners? Not like I am in the same class as Hubbard." Jake snorts a laugh. "Kevin indicated that you would likely charge me $100. I figure since I only gave him half a mind that you could reduce it to $50. To your health." Jake holds his glass up in toast.

Isby says, "My health indeed, which has been quite remarkable as of late if I do say so myself. We can determine the amount of the fine before you leave, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you first. I am told that your house is on Fremont Street and that you arrived at the Palace not long after this morning's altercations. What can you tell me about the events that transpired?"

"As usual, you are very astute Judge. There is a great divide between what I can tell you and what I will tell you. Do not get me wrong, that was a despicable display this morning. I am more than willing to help this town combat those involved. Unfortunately, as you likely surmised my help is not always strictly in line with accepted practices. So if Judge Isby is asking,"

Jake takes another sip of whiskey with an audible ah, "Then I saw men with hoods scrambling about, tossing dynamite. I ran into the street and saw Katherine Kale being accosted. I ran down the street to aid her and while running by Fly's Photography, that particular building had the temerity to explode while I was near it. By then the riders were heading out of town. I understand that Katherine managed a look at one face. I saw no faces." Jake calmly takes another drink from the whiskey. "You keep a fine whiskey, sir. Now if a gentleman who was off duty gave me his word indicating whatever I said was off the record...."

Ibsy stops Jake "Say no more Mr. Cook, as you said, I can sometimes be astute. I heard that Snavely was arrested based upon an eyewitness account but did not hear who the witness was. If you see Mrs. Kale tell her I expect to see her in my courtroom tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM to testify. My other question to you, and there is no need for you to be discrete about this, is what you know of any recent Cowboy Gang happenings. I know from my past conversations with Miss. West that you have had multiple confrontations with them and I am not convinced that those rustler and outlaws are finished with this town."

Jake replies, "Loads. Lots of speculation and some facts. Pretty clear they are still about. On the speculation front, as long as Hamilton Fisk is walking free in this town the Cowboy Gang will plague it. There are miles of circumstantial evidence that he is involved as either the leader or money man or both. A wizard that may be Johnny Ringo's old second man is rumored to be about. If Nick Goudge, Vaughn Palmer, and Stephen Murdock are really the same man there is reason to believe he is still around and up to his eyeballs in trouble.

I am guessing that the only reason they leave me alone is the war that is going on between the two factions, Thayer and Fisk versus the old Crazy-8 ranch. Seems like the Crazy-8 is taking the worst of it. There is something going on that I do not understand yet and hopefully I will figure it out before it is too late." He gives Isby what other details he has about who is working for who between the Thayer and Crazy-8 ranches, and other miscellaneous connections.

After that long bit of talking Jake has a equally long drink of whiskey. "Judge, have you ever heard of vampires?" Jake catches Tomlinson giving Jake a stern look and shaking his head to indicate "No!" Isby replies, "Yeah, stuff of legends. Read Bram Stoker's novel once about a European Count. Why do you ask?" Jake states, "Well if they were real, a guy like Fisk would be just the kind to suck this town dry."

Isby laughs and finishes his drink. He says, "Well, I won't be keeping you. Pay your fine and be on your way Mr. Cook. If you hear from Miss. West please tell her that I am missing our meals together." Jake drains his glass and nods. "Sure thing." He walks to the door expecting Kevin to follow.

There he reluctantly withdraws some twenty dollar bills from his pocket and carefully counts out five before giving them to the Judges assistant. "If you change you mind and reduce the fine, donate the rest to the school. Maybe they can teach the young ones to keep their mouth shut." Jake smiles broadly. "Good night gentlemen."

Tomlinson takes the money, unlocks the door, and wishes Jake goodnight. Jake heads north up Front Street and turns right onto Main, nearly colliding with Cole Rixton who is rushing westward. The furniture maker apologizes and says, "Sorry Mr. Cook, I'm late to my political party's rally!" "Good luck to you Mr. Rixton. I will not keep you." Jake side steps him and tries not to laugh. Having had enough politics for one night, Jake goes back to the Lucky Lady.

Cole Rixton arrives at the rally making all candidates now present except for Chester Martin, who is on guard duty over at the jail. Kate walked over to the door when Mr. Rixton arrived. "It's good to see you, Mr. Rixton. I hope everything is going well for you." Rixton says, "Yes, it's fine, I went to check on Roger Fly but he and Janet won't let me in. She's not taking the debate revelations well, that's for sure. Then I had to get back to the shop to put another coat of stain on some furniture due to the buyer tomorrow. Life sure is busy these days."

Kate answers, "I imagine life will stay busy for a city councilman, and expert craftsman. I think I'll be needing a few more pieces of furniture myself, but that won't be for some time so just consider this a warning. It might be a good sign that the Fly's didn't answer, at least if it means they're talking." Kate paused a moment, remembering the way things had been left between herself and Conrad that afternoon. "I certainly don't believe he was doing anything other than playing the piano."

Cole replies, "I don't either but I wouldn't have imagined him doing that either, given how his wife feels about places like that. She'll see it as a betrayal either way and will be even more embarrassed given that she is active in Peg Watkins sewing circle. Things have been tense enough between her and them between his participation on the Committee for Racial Equality as well as the sponsoring of your school. Plus they've been having marital problems anyway with his brother and sister-in-law living under the same roof, Janet Fly and Mollie Fly don't get along that well."

Kate says, "I imagine it must be crowded with so many in the house. And I know a bit about in-laws. My brothers wife is very sweet, but I wouldn't want to spend more than an evening with her parents. I should have realized his support of the committee and the school would cause her some difficulty, but I suppose I only hoped their example might cause some of the ladies to reconsider their positions. Well, if she needs a friendly ear I hope she will remember I'm right next door."

The rally continues for another ten minutes until Emery Shaw stands up on a chair and calls for everybody's attention. "Thank you all for coming to the Unity Party rally! Please take the time to get to know any of our candidates, socialize and ask them their opinions. I think that you will find that of the five political parties ours has the most moderate perspective. Consider us to be the 'big tent' under which all of the current citizens in town are welcome. I can safely say that you will not find the same result with all of the other political platforms." He then steps down from the chair to applause.

Kate applauded with the others, glad Emery had kept his words short and sincere. She just hoped people didn't feel because they were moderate they didn't have any strong positions. Since she wasn't running she didn't have access to whatever meetings and discussions the candidates might be having. She went back over to Emery and waited patiently as he finished answering a question. Once the asker had left she took her opportunity, quietly asking, "So, what is the platform beside not trying to push the community to one extreme or another?"

He replies, "That's it for now. We're going to have a lunch meeting with all of the candidates here tomorrow to decide on the rest of the platform. We had planned to do that today but with the explosions and fire that was no longer feasible." Kate nodded. "It wasn't a good day for anyone and probably better to wait. Not the welcome you wanted for you niece, I imagine," she finished, nodding toward the pale-haired girl across the room with Nakomo hovering around her.

Kate talked a few more minutes with Mr. Shaw, did a little more mingling, then excused herself. Still thinking about the Fly’s, she turned toward the Long Branch instead of the Lucky Lady and stood awkwardly looking in the door for Conrad. Kate is surprised by the scene at the Long Branch, as no games are going on. Mitchell Berg, Neil Cassidy and Eduardo Rodriguez are all inside talking to the various patrons who appear to have been separated, each sitting at different tables.

She stepped inside but didn't move any farther into the room. She tried to catch the eye of one of the lawmen, and finally cleared her throat. "Mr. Cassidy, might I have just a moment when you're available?" Neil excuses himself from his conversation with Rita Lopez and walks over to Kate. He asks, "Mrs. Kale, do you have any information about the murder?"

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-three “Derek Avery’s Murder”, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 8:30 P.M.

Jake Cook arrives back at the Lucky Lady. Job Kane tells him, "It's a quiet night at the Lady. Tony Lucky has five at this table including his cousin Frank. Job approaches Jake and says, "I heard about the debate. Helen came by, she made it clear that she expects us to have a story in tomorrow night's paper that clarifies our position on both this tournament and prostitution. One of us should probably head upstairs and talk to Van Horne about that. I've been reluctant to do so."

"Fine. I will do it. It will be easier with a bottle of bourbon though." Jake retrieves a bottle with two glasses. "Remember that sometimes I do the dirty work," he tells Job with point of his finger. Jake slowly mounts the stairs as if he is reluctant to reach the top, once again trying not to laugh all the way up. He knocks on Van Horne’s door, "Excuse me Mr. Van Horne, we have a business matter to discuss." Van Horne's thick Georgia accent says, "Come in then Mr. Cook."

In a loud voice Jake says, "You cost me $100 tonight," and closes the door. Then in a quiet voice while holding up the bottle of bourbon, "Care for a drink?" He is still in the Van Horne form but he switches to his own voice and says, "Pull up a chair Jacob me boy, and let's chat. I've been wanting to speak with ye for quite some time but it didn't seem appropriate until now." Jake pours some bourbon in each glass, hands Red one and touches them together, "Luck."

"Before I forget, Van Horne's alleged funding of prostitutes has become an issue with the election and all. If you are paying for that you need to distance that activity from the Lucky Lady. You know, you are just hiring the Lady for the venue. All other 'lady' hiring is from the tournament business or whatever. I am sure you know the routine. Frankly I do not give a rats tail but everything is news worthy thanks to this blasted election. What did you want to talk about?"

He replies, "Why the future of the saloon, our dear friend Evan had in mind winning it from you during the tournament and then shutting it down. But with this morning's mishap he's reconsidered.....after he wins it he plans to turn it into the new Palace Saloon."

Jake answers, "What a great idea. That man is so smart. Since there is already a tournament with an entry fee and a prize, why would I be inclined to bet my twenty percent share? Against his wreck of a saloon in a grudge match? My best revenge is watching him squirm without a saloon." Jake swirls the bourbon in the glass and sips it. "Actually my best revenge is a might more violent, but I digress."

Red replies, "Well Evan figures that whatever tricks I pulled in Tucson to get you to lose your five-percent can be duplicated. He's also stacked the deck by having five participants who he thinks are in with him to win, namely himself, an out-of-town gambler friend of Steve Lord, from Kate Higgins’s saloon with be her gamblers Conrad Booth and Wendell Spaulding and from the Gay Lady is Burton Lumley. It’s also uncertain what his relationship now is with Hamilton Fisk, who is also going to play.

Then he's figuring since I'm arranging both the dealers and security I'll set things up so that any cheating won't be caught. When I stressed to him that Van Horne won't do anything dishonest he laughed and let on that he knows about my magical amulet and what it does. So this is now blackmail, he wants me to help him out to win this thing by any way possible or he destroys Van Horne's reputation."

"I hate blackmail. You cannot trust a man you put in a corner like that." Jake grits his teeth and frowns. "Are you getting sloppy in your old age? How did Adair find out about your little piece of Jewelry? That may be very important to know. And if he knows about it, how does he keep you from knowing what he thinks?" Red can see the thoughts racing behind the younger gamblers eyes.

Red replies, "How he found out is uncertain, but I did live with him for several months. Most-likely he has known since way back then and has just been waiting for the time to use it against me. One advantage I have is that Van Horne could just permanently disappear if necessary, his will is up to date and we are both among his beneficiaries, so what Adair can do to him is limited. We have several days to consider what to do, but I fully intend that this tournament be an honest one."

He pours himself another drink and says, "Drink with me Jacob, I need some cheering up. The death of the young woman at the Palace has upset me far more than I would have thought possible." "I do have some thoughts about how to deal with Adair, but that can wait. What is this about the woman?" Jake seems concerned.

Red replies, "Sara MacBridger....she died in her bed. When the dynamite went off the wall and floor fell out from under her and the floor above collapsed on top of her....poor Sara." In an uncharacteristic display of emotion he wipes his eyes and says, "Jake, my Jane is right, the gods do watch over and protect our lives. I never actually believed it until now." Jake states, "They did not watch out for Sara. Why are you suddenly a convert?"

Red replies, "I didn't even know Miss. MacBridger, she was new to the Palace. She took Jane's place and was in Jane's old room. Jake, if the gods hadn't convinced me to bring Jane with me to Tucson that would be her lying in the casket over at Lester's Funeral Parlor" "Ah." Jake is quiet and refills both their glasses. "So the gods convinced you huh? Well I will not deny you that belief. They put their hands in our lives for good and ill." Jake offers a quick toast. "Here is to getting some of the good."

Jake and Red share the toast and the older man then says goodnight, indicating that it had been a longer and rather traumatic day. Jake leaves him to his rest, taking the bottle back down stairs and delaying the other serious conversations for another time.

At the Long Branch Saloon, Deputy Neil Cassidy has just asked Kate "Mrs. Kale, do you have any information about the murder?" She exclaims, "Murder? Who was murdered? You're not talking about the hooded men from this morning, are you? I only came in looking for Mr. Booth and wondered if he was here or not. I didn't want to interrupt but it didn't seem you would be finished here anytime soon."

Neil says, "Mr. Booth is waiting upstairs for us. Mr. Avery was found around twenty minutes ago. He was stabbed to death just outside the back door of this saloon, lying between the Long Branch and the back door of Johnson's Barber and Baths. We were hoping somebody here might have seen or heard something but so far there doesn't appear to be anybody who did."

Kate stood in stunned silence for several moments. "This has to stop. Poor Mr. Avery, he didn't deserve that." She took a minute to pull herself together, then asked, "Why is Mr. Booth waiting upstairs?" Neil replies, "Marshall Berg wanted to speak to him in private and asked him to wait alone in one of the rooms. I can tell him you were looking for him when the Marshall is through."

"Please. Tell him I'll either be at the Unity rally or at the Lucky Lady. I assume you want this news kept quiet for as long as possible?" Neil says, "Yes, please." Mitchell Berg finishes up his conversation with Kate Higgins and rushes over to Kate Kale. "Mrs. Kale, I'm glad I saw you. Judge Isby wanted you to come and testify as a witness tomorrow at Mr. Snavely's trial. It was supposed to start at 8:00 AM but I'm going to ask him to delay it until 9:00 or 10:00 given this new investigation as it is probably related. Will you be available then?"

She replies, "I'm supposed to be teaching, but Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Caudell can handle things without me. I didn't even know Mr. Snavely had been arrested. I hope he's been forthcoming with what he knows?" Berg replies, "His arrest was due to your eye-witness of seeing him. He hasn't been very forthcoming but that may change with the murder of his boss. I'll send one of my deputies over to the school when the trial is about to start."

"Thank you. You should know I plan to stay out at the ranch house tonight. After what happened this morning I wouldn't sleep well in the school building. I'd appreciate it if whoever is on duty could check in on the place now and then. No one else knows I was the one who saw him, do they?" He replies "Deputy Martin told those of us at the Marshall's Office. Judge Isby mentioned you by name to me so somebody told him as well. Hold on for a minute, I'll have Neil escort you to where you are going just to be on the safe side."

"Thank you." Kate waited while the men went back to their work. Her mind had busily trying to avoid thinking about what she had just learned, but the picture of a man stabbed to death in an alley was far too familiar for her to force out of her mind. Thankfully it was only a few moments before Mr. Cassidy walked her outside. "Where are you going, Mrs. Kale?" he asked. "The Lucky Lady please, Jake is going to escort me out to the ranch later."

At the Lucky Lady Tony Lucky's game has broken up early and they have all left. Harry Rote is over at the piano playing. Jeff Mills is sitting with Coyote Kay Kaufman at the table closest to the door chatting with her. The only other patrons in the Lady are a young couple Pat and Moria Enion, who he doesn't recall ever visiting the Lady before. Pat Enion works part time for Morand Cartage but his preferred profession is sign painting and he was the one who had made the Lucky Lady's distinctive sign in March.

Jake leaves Jeff and Coyote alone, not sure what is between them but thinking it is best to let them be uninterrupted. After returning the bourbon bottle to the bar Jake welcomes the Enion's to the Lucky Lady. He chats briefly telling them he is happy to see them and if he feels they prefer their privacy he will quickly leave them be. The Enion's chat pleasantly with Jake for around a ten minutes, mostly small talk.

Patrick then asks, "So, how what can you tell me about this poker tournament that I keep hearing about?" Jake fills them in on the details of the tournament. "A bit of a steep entrance fee, but that is the only way to keep it to serious players and make the pot large enough. Should be entertaining to watch too. Nothing like a poker tournament to bring out the pride in a real poker lover. Every player wants the recognition they are among the best." The innocent looking freckled-faced Moria looks up and speaking in a soft voice with just a slight hint of a Welch accent asks, "And it is acceptable for a woman to play?"

"Heh." Jake's grin grows wide. "Acceptable to me and the tournament organizers. Helen Barker is one of our regulars here. I dare say she would have strong words if someone were bold enough to attempt preventing women from joining if they chose." Jake releases a chuckle. "I would be pleased to have you join Mrs. Enion. If you are asking if it is acceptable around town for a woman to play poker, I would say that depends heavily on who you count as friends. Heck, I suspect that one of those political parties would ban poker for men AND women if they had there way." Jakes says with a little bit of aggravation. "Please feel welcome to make friends here and join the tournament."

Cassidy escorts Kate over to the Lucky Lady and bids her goodnight. Kate walked inside and saw that Jake was busy talking with a couple she didn't recognize. Instead of interrupting she went over to the piano and began to play the Chopin piece she'd played in New York, trying to find some calm. When Jake finishes with the Enion's, he takes a seat near the piano. As he listens to Katherine play he slouches in a chair with his feet up on a table and enjoys his bourbon in quiet contemplation.

The Enions finish up their beverages and depart. Jeff Mills heads up to the bar to get Coyote Kay Kaufman a refill of her tankard. He calls over to Jake, "Are you going to be needing me for the rest of the night boss?" When Jake says they are fine Mills fills a tankard for himself and goes back to join Miss. Kaufman.

When the piece was over Kate sat down at the table Jake had chosen. Her voice was grim and quiet as she said, "Derrick Avery is dead. Stabbed to death behind the Long Branch." "Avery? Huh, I had not expected that. I figured that Snavely was next, and whoever he could finger would not let him make it to trial. That is too bad, Avery was a decent enough sort. At least once he gave up on the Vigilance committee. Foolish to be hanging around in an alley behind the Long Branch, it ser-" Jake stops speaking suddenly. "Oh. Yes that is quite tragic." He pulls his feet off the table and sits up. "Though it seems obvious, I wonder if it is really related to Snavely and this mornings trauma?"

"He didn't deserve that," Kate said, taking firm hold of herself to stop her shaking hands. "Mitchell Berg said Snavely hasn't been forthcoming with information. That fact that he might live to see trial take some suspicion off the Cowboy Gang, at least for this. I can make this make sense in one way, but it may be my own bias. I think we're looking at people even more extreme than the Vigilance Committee. They'll strong-arm as much as they can, but Doctor Eaton at least would never allow murder to get something done.

I asked at Drover's this morning if anyone had taken their horses out this morning. Icabod Shackelton took a wagon and two draft horses. Chester followed just such tracks this morning after the attack. The Palace is the most notorious saloon in town, Ike Sherman is known to be friendly was criminal elements. The Morands work with other races, and Mr. Fly is on the Committee for Racial Equality and is helping to support my school. I still don't know if the school was a target but it would certainly be on Shackelton's list. And now Derek Avery, who was kicked off the Vigilance Committee for supporting the vote for other races. It all makes sense if the perpetrators are looking to make this town a human only town without sin."

"Real sin lies only in hurting other people unnecessarily. All other ‘sins’ are invented nonsense by those looking to foist their morality view on the world around them." Jake snorts a chuckle, "I should leave the preaching to Senorita Florencia." He takes a sip from his bourbon and continues, "I came to a similar conclusion myself this morning after the attack. Someone with the Vigilance Committee views about morality that is willing to kill the 'sinners' to get their way does appear to be a likely perpetrator. Shackleton, eh? He and I have not had much contact, so I do not know much about him. He is Mrs. King's creature. Could be King money is involved."

"I like your preaching. I'm not sure about King money. I don't know them well but I don't get that feeling from them. One of the ladies suggested to me that if the Kings don't get the influence they want here they would turn to Tombstone instead. All I really know of Shackelton is he's never spoken to me without an insult, and he is incredibly bigoted. He would certainly love to see the school burn to the ground. His behavior at the baseball game was unpardonable. I don't want to get to set in the idea of Shackelton though. We still know that that the Cowboy Gang is out there along with the restless corpses."

Jake shrugs. "I suppose we will find out more at the trial in the morning. Do I understand from what you said that Berg and company do not seem to have any witnesses or major clues on the who did in Avery?" She replies, "He had just been found about fifteen minutes before I stopped at the Long Branch. They were interviewing the people there, but I doubt they would have told me any sensitive information anyway. They had Conrad waiting upstairs, so I couldn't see him.

I have to testify in the morning, they'll send someone to get me from school when the trial is starting. They said no one has been told that I was the one who saw Snavely."

Jake replies, "I had not known that. I knew you told the lawmen, so I figured word was around. I mentioned to Isby that it was you, and I was surprised that he did not know. Sorry, I was not thinking. Anyway, I will see you safe to the ranch." Privately he thinks, I almost wish one of them would try something. In my current mood I would enjoy putting several more of them down. If not for Katherine's safety I would not mind drawing them out. "Do you have adequate protection at the ranch?"

Kate answers, "Mr. Gonzales is there with Sonoma and Flint. I'll be fine. Most people would look for me in town if they were looking. Telling Judge Isby is fine, it's not like you were wandering around talking with everyone telling them what I'd seen. Hopefully after tomorrow I'll just go back to the usual amount of danger. I wouldn't want to start staying other places and making whoever is out there think I was trying to hide from them."

"I know what you mean. I have this aversion to letting folks like that think they have any influence over me." Jakes sighs. "Anytime you want to go is fine with me. I am not needed here. Jeff and Coyote are too busy staring into each others eyes to notice me anyway." Jake gives her a silly grin. "No rush either. I need to pickup a few items at my house before we ride out."

Kate says, "The only thing I'm waiting for now is Conrad to come by. I'm still annoyed he went to Mr. Gonzales instead of spending more time trying to talk to me first, but his heart was in the right place and I don't want to go to bed angry. I just need to collect Ginnie before we head out of town." She looked over at Jeff Mills and his companion. "Looks like Jeff is starting to shake that reputation. At least things are going well for someone. Why don't you go on and get your things? I'd like to play a while longer."

Jake nods, finished the last bit of the cherished Kentucky bourbon in his glass and stands. "As you like. I will meet you out in front of the saloon." He leaves her to the piano and private time she obviously needs. After Jake left Kate turned back to the piano, letting herself pour everything out through its keys. She says to herself “I have to get a piano for the house. Everything else I have done, I think I can manage that.”

Over at Drover’s, Minerva finishes her conversation with Helen and continues to circulate the room. Smiling and shaking hands with those around her as though she herself is running for office, she loudly voices her position, bestowing her blessings upon those who are in favor of racial equality and warning everyone of the gods' displeasure with those who are of a more narrow mind.

"There is no place in this town for those who cannot play nice. We are all children of the gods' and They have made it clear that it is up to us to treat one another as brother and sister before it is too late. They cannot protect us from what we are bringing down upon ourselves. All of this bigotry and hatred is only serving to widen the chasm of evil. Mark my words, if we do not pull together soon something dark and horrific will emerge from the abyss and even the gods may not have the power to stop it."

As she moves from one group to another she repeatedly glances at the door wondering where Nanuet could be. I wonder if he even knows that we are here, at Drover's? She chuckles inwardly as she notices that Nakomo is awkwardly hovering around the girls with a pitcher of lemonade, filling their glasses as quickly as they emptily them. "He is a brave young man, to take on three at once. It will be good for him to get to know his peers. Oh but I wish Nanuet were here" she sighs and anxiously eyes the door one more time. "what could be keeping him?"

She gives her attention back to the woman who is speaking to her and catches something about 'the women folk banning together and parading through the streets for women's suffrage. The young priestess nods and smiles distractedly. Oh, That sounds like a fine idea, Senora." she pats the woman's shoulder and glances beyond her as though she sees someone. If you will excuse me, por favor. I must go now." She briskly escapes out the door before anyone else can accost her and leans her elbows on the railing, deeply inhaling the cool night air. "

Some hurried men rush into Drover's Hotel and depart equally as fast a minute later with Helen Barker with them. Minerva then hears several people talking saying that Derek Avery has been found murdered. "Minerva does not follow, but instead looks up to the heavens and addresses the gods angrily and demands. "Why do you allow this to continue?! How many more must be sacrificed to gain our freedom?" She bows her head and prays for the soul of Derek Avery.

Nanuet finds out Minerva's whereabouts from others and makes his way to the drover's. He stands in the background for a few moments listening to her speak and then when she has a quiet moment he approaches and says "I see your job as priestess is never done. Sorry that I have been of little help since my return, there just seems to be so much going on I am not sure where I should be or what I should be doing. I knew that you would be doing some good so I figured by your side would be a wise choice."

Warm feelings of joy and relief wash over Minerva when she feels the soft breath of her lover's voice tickling her ear. As she turns into his arms to greet him, she is knocked back by the waves of disbelief and anger that begin to roll though the room in the wake of the news that Derek Avery has been murdered.

Her eyes dart around the room as she tries to assess the severity of the situation. "Well you are just in time then! Although I'm not so sure about your choice being a wise one. By the gods! This was supposed to be kept quiet! Nanuet, we must do something before this turns into another mob scene!" She looks to Nanuet for answers as the dull roar escalates to shouts of outrage. Nanuet takes Minerva's arm firmly and attempts to soothe her. "Let's stay calm first. I think people are just scared and nobody here means to do harm, at least not right now. Let's stay here and keep an eye on things for the time being, deal with anything serious as it arises."

Minerva and Nanuet walk through the crowd speaking calmly to individuals here and there, re-assuring everyone that the law is handling the situation and advising them that the best thing they can do is to go on home. When the building begins to empty, Nanuet and Minerva leave as well and make their way home.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-four “Night Rides”, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 9:30 P.M.

Nanuet finds out Minerva's whereabouts from others and makes his way to the drover's. He stands in the background for a few moments listening to her speak and then when she has a quiet moment he approaches and says "I see your job as priestess is never done. Sorry that I have been of little help since my return, there just seems to be so much going on I am not sure where I should be or what I should be doing. I knew that you would be doing some good so I figured by your side would be a wise choice."

Warm feelings of joy and relief wash over Minerva when she feels the soft breath of her lover's voice tickling her ear. As she turns into his arms to greet him, she is knocked back by the waves of disbelief and anger that begin to roll though the room in the wake of the news that Derek Avery has been murdered.

Her eyes dart around the room as she tries to assess the severity of the situation. "Well you are just in time then! Although I'm not so sure about your choice being a wise one. By the gods! This was supposed to be kept quiet! Nanuet, we must do something before this turns into another mob scene!" She looks to Nanuet for answers as the dull roar escalates to shouts of outrage.

Nanuet takes Minerva's arm firmly and attempts to soothe her. "Let's stay calm first. I think people are just scared and nobody here means to do harm, at least not right now. Let's stay here and keep an eye on things for the time being, deal with anything serious as it arises." Minerva and Nanuet walk through the crowd speaking calmly to individuals here and there, re-assuring everyone that the law is handling the situation and advising them that the best thing they can do is to go on home. When the building begins to empty, Nanuet and Minerva leave as well and make their way home.

Kate had no idea how long she had been playing when she felt Conrad come in, nor how she knew he'd entered the saloon. He chose the same place that Jake had left, and when the piece was over she walked over and stood next to his chair. "We can talk about it tomorrow," she said and offered her hand. He accepted it and squeezed. "Alright, Katherine. Alright." He stood up slipped one arm around her waist. "Why don't we go over to the El Parador?"

"Actually, Jake is going to take me out to the ranch for the night. We wondered if you might come was well and you can ride back to town together." He replies, "The Long Branch cleared out after the lawmen finished, so I have the time." They walked out to wait on the porch for Jake to come back. They talked quietly while they waited, but not about their fight earlier, or about what had happened behind the Long Branch. Instead they talked about commonplace things until Kate began to feel more like herself.

When Jake returned they went back to the El Parador to get the horses and fetch Ginnie before they started out for the ranch. The cool Arizona night was refreshing. Jake remained quiet and rode behind the three of them. Katherine and Conrad were making small talk, and Jake quickly understood something remained strained between them. He listened and watched for something out of place, but it never happened. Not that he minded riding at night, Jake was a creature of the night. Not like those dark souls that sucked the life from others, but he reveled in the night without asking or taking from another. Poker not withstanding.

Once in a while he rode up beside Ginnie, and pointed up at the sky. She precociously instructed him in the constellations and in the science of astrology. Mostly he nodded and smiled and ignored her lectures. There was something about Ginnie that he liked, but that was not it. After each little vignette of learning he would let his mount slow and fall behind. He enjoyed the cool breeze, the dark sky with stars that twinkled like diamonds, and the shadowed landscape that was silhouetted against the edges of the sky. He felt confident that he would not need them, but his pistols hung reassuringly at his sides.

Kate's mind drifted through the ride, even as she talked. The moon was nearing full and it's presence gave her some comfort. All the talk of Diana being the moon was silly of course, but it was a reminder that she was not alone. As was the presence of Jake quiet behind them, and Conrad despite their argument.

It was a short ride, shorter than she would have liked. Ginnie ran over to Sonoma's house looking for Mr. Gonzales as soon as they arrived, leaving Kate to unsaddle and turn the horses loose in the corral. Jake had gotten down off his horse, and managed to look like he was helping without actually doing it. While Conrad was hanging Ginnie's saddle, Kate went over to Jake and said, "Thank you for coming out, I do appreciate it. It's still... hard for me to ask for help when I need it."

"Not to worry. Glad to be there for you." Jake gives her a smirk and says, "I will let you know when you become a burden. Good night Katherine." "You're not getting out of here quite that easy," Kate said with a sudden flash of humor. Before he could react she gave him a very sisterly hug. "Good night."

Jake patiently waited a respectable distance away so Conrad and Katherine could say their good nights or not without him hearing. He gazed in the direction of Promise City, but in the inky darkness of the desert night there was no sign that the little town even existed.

Conrad walked her over to the door of her little house where they'd had their argument earlier today. The kiss they shared before he left wasn't like their others, usually long-awaited and passionate by the time they found themselves alone. Instead it was tentative, neither sure what the other wanted. Kate squeezed his hand, hoping he understood that a fight didn't end the world, then sent him off to Jake for the ride back to town.

Ginnie already had the lamp lit and was busily studying at the table. Kate kissed her on the forehead and went straight to her bed where she tossed and turned through a nightmare-haunted dreams. Conrad mounted up and rode over to Jake, "Ready?" Jake nodded his assent, settled into the saddle and they rode quietly towards Promise City. For the first quarter mile the only sounds were the crunch of the horses hooves on the dry trail and the single call of a small owl.

Jake asks, "Troublesome day Conrad?" He replies, "The first real argument that Katherine and I have had. Blast it Jake, why can't she see that any contact with the Earps, ever, puts her in danger. And she sold him a horse from this ranch! I know she hasn't had many visitors out here so not many other folks would recognize it as a former horse of hers, but there's still the chance. And whether she sold it or gave it to him will be a moot point with those Sheriff Deputies, they'll see it as aiding a fugitive either way and lock her up for it."

Jake answers, "Yes, I understand your frustration. Katherine is a trusting soul and does not consider the implications of many of her actions. If it were me I would have reported the horse stolen some time ago. She has a traumatic and emotional link to the Earp family. It is unrealistic that she will behave rationally dealing with them, especially Wyatt."

Jake pauses and considers his words. "Wyatt has been stopping by to see me now and again. He and I were not what I would call friends, but I think there is a certain respect between us. So I would tell him what I knew and he would do the same. The information that he has shared may have kept Katherine or the others from coming to harm, so I did not dissuade him from meeting with me. He has been acting like a crazed lunatic, and he has not taken any counsel I have given. I was not telling the others that he was seeing me for my own protection as well as theirs. I took the risk knowing I had the best chance of protecting myself if it was discovered. Besides, I am not above lying about it and saying his visit was forced at gun point."

Conrad replies, "Well, you're a big boy Cook, you can take care of yourself. Katherine however, is far too trusting a soul. This does create an odd situation, always before when a woman and I argued I would just say that I was wrong, whether I was or not. I can't do that this time, because I don't believe I was wrong this time and I'm not going to lie to Katherine." "But you would gladly lie to other women?" Jake chuckles, "No, no, do not be offended, I am only teasing you. Yes of course you do not wish to lie to Katherine. I do not see what is odd about the situation unless you are like me and have times where telling the truth has an odd feel." Jake laughs.

"That does not mean you should leave her wondering about how you do feel. Women are meant to be appreciated and complimented, not to be understood. Even if you do have a different opinion do not let her wonder if it affects your feelings for her. Make it clear it does not, that in spite of your differences, change your feelings for her. Maybe even let her know it increases your feelings for her. The same attention that women crave works whether you are arguing or not. Compliments, flowers, gifts, rapt attention and the like still works wonders. A woman's imagination if far greater than our own meager ones. If you allow any doubt, that doubt will immediately grow and fester like dandelions in the field." He spares a glance across at Conrad, "You already know all this. Being in love can make a man stupid."

Conrad says, "I'll take your word for that Jake, I've never been in love before, this is a whole new experience for me." Jake says, "Not much else useful I can tell you about love. I have not been too successful with it. Best I can do for you is to be a frightful example and wish you luck." A short silence passes between them before, "Do you know anything interesting about Avery's murder?"

Conrad replies, "No, although Berg thought I may have. He questioned me for a good half-hour about it, wanting to know every detail of what I saw or heard during the entire evening." Jake asks, "Did he question the others that thoroughly? Why did he single you out?" Conrad answers, "He singled me out because he's noted that I am observant of details so I don't take offense at that. It would have been nice to see Katherine then though given our earlier fight."

Then the building peaks finally became visible on the horizon they were surprisingly close to town. Few lights cast their feeble glow against the darkness. By unspoken mutual consent they ended their conversation, neither wanting their words to be heard by the denizens of Promise City.

They parted when Jake left his horse at the El Parador. Grant woke but Jake waved him off and sent him back to bed. When the brown haired gambler finally stood in front of his house he paused. His gaze turned towards the Lucky Lady, barely visible from there in the blackness. He was tempted to spend the night at the saloon, his unease finally becoming clear to him. No, not tonight. Soon though. As Jake entered the house he marveled at the way the quiet and solitude of the darkest hours brought a peculiar clarity to his thinking. The last action he took before laying down in bed was to hang his pistol on his bedpost. The days traumatic events easily slipped away from him and he entered an easy sleep. Note everything was not in place yet, but at least he knew what he wanted.

Kate and Ginnie arrived back in town shortly after sunup escorted by their teacher. He took the horses back to the El Parador for them so they could bathe, eat, dress, and be ready for school on time. A night of bad sleep had left its traces on Kate's face in the form of dark circles under her eyes and a pale complexion. Since she would be in court today she dressed in her dove grey gown and made sure her hair was securely pinned. She even brought down her gloves which were not worn nearly as much as they used to be.

Eventually they heard Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Caudell arrive. Kate went into the schoolroom and it was obvious by their faces that her bad night was showing. She quietly explained that she would have to leave to testify this morning. "I'm not sure I'll be up to returning for the day. Do you think you'll be able to handle things without me?" They indicate that they can. A short while later Deputy Marshall Neil Cassidy stops by the school to tell Katherine Kale that she will be needed in the courtroom. He walks her to the Arizona Territorial Office Building.

Chumbley has a Monday morning paper out early. The lead story is of Derek Avery's murder although there is a lack of any real details other than the fact that he is dead and that a wake will be held at the Rio Grande Saloon on Monday evening with a Tuesday morning funeral. The story says that his fiancé Liza Brown is distraught with grief and not taking any visitors.

There is a full account of the previous night's debates, including the full text of Jake Cook's speech. The story also mentions Jake being fined $ 100 for his outburst.

There is a short story about the Sunday night wake at the Alhambra for Sara MacBridger and Dave Carleen of the Palace. Steve Lord and Prosper 'Deacon' McCoy both gave short speeches for the deceased. Evan Adair made a short appearance but did not speak.

Another story mentions that Ike and Jesse Sherman have decided to leave Promise City. They have telegrammed the home office for the Papago Cash Stores Company to request management of a Papago Store in a different community. Judge Isby also sent the Papago Company senior managers a wire explaining that the misfortune the befell the Shermans in Promise City was in no way their fault and adding his recommendation to their being entrusted with a store elsewhere.

The remainder of the paper is mostly advertisements, including a full-page advertisement for the Lucky Lady which mentions the Friday night play, the Saturday night poker tournament and also reiterates their position as requested by Helen Barker on not promoting prostitution.

Emery Shaw walks Emily to the Hoover Memorial School for her first day of class. She has a school bag with the various items she may be needing for the day as well as a boxed lunch that Bea Russell had made for her. They reach the door of the schoolhouse and he says, "Well dear, here we are. Have a good day and do well on the tests.

I'll come by and get you at the end of the school day and we'll go look at a house. The Sherman's, who owned a store that got blown up yesterday, have decided to move away. They own a two-story wooden house in the residential western end of town and are willing to sell it to us if we find it acceptable." Emily exclaims, "Really? I thought you weren't going to buy a house unless you won the election? I'd like to be in a house. The boarding house is very nice, but it's busy."

Emery replies, "Given what has been transpiring in this town I would feel safer with a house of our own. You'll like the neighbors too, Travis Calhoun's place is behind it and Neil Cassidy's is across the street. Both of those men are founding members of the Committee for Racial Equality which helped pave the way for the right of non-humans to vote. The man that this school is named for was another member of that Committee." "I know you wouldn't buy us a house that didn't have nice neighbors," Emily said with a smile, followed by a sigh. "I suppose I should go inside. Thank you, Uncle. I'll see you later."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-five “The Inquest”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 9:15 A.M.

Deputy Marshall Neil Cassidy stops by the school to tell Katherine Kale that she will be needed in the courtroom. He walks her to the Arizona Territorial Office Building. All tables and large furniture have been removed from the main floor and extra chairs have been arranged in the courtroom to accommodate the potential crowds. There are presently around thirty-five people in the courtroom. Neil Cassidy and Marshal Mitchell Berg stand near the front of the room.

Katherine Kale finds a seat between Jake Cook and Emery Shaw. She spots Evan Adair, Kitty Trent and Bob Scull seated in the back row. She recognizes most of the faces in the room. Jason Snavely is not present yet.

Bailiff Kevin Tomlinson calls the court to order and announces Judge Isby’s presence. Judge Isby enters, attired in his Black robes. begins by saying “At the request of Marshall Berg we will be holding an inquest this morning rather than a trial. The main difference is that where a trial is used to determine guilt or innocence an inquest is a legal inquiry for the purpose of determining further information regarding one or more criminal acts.”

Hamilton Fisk raises his hand and is recognized. He stands and states, “Judge Isby, I wish to go on record with my objections to this procedure. An inquest is a miscarriage of justice! If the lawmen of this town lack sufficient evidence for a trial then they should continue to work the case until they have it. Call it whatever you wish but this is nothing more than a witch hunt, with the accused not allowed the legal counsel they are entitled to.”

Judge Isby says, “Your objection is noted. As far as legal counsel are concerned I will reiterate what I told you earlier, that formal charges and sentencing will not occur as part of the inquest. With any arrests made based upon this morning’s testimony the person or persons given sufficient time to secure legal counsel prior to a formal trial. For that reason I have asked both you Attorney Fisk and also Attorney Upton to be present, should either of you decide to provide legal counsel in the future.

And under normal circumstances I would have denied the request for this type of proceedings, given that the nature of an inquest allows Marshall Berg far more latitude than would occur at a regular trial. I strongly caution Marshall Berg to not abuse this privilege. I have agreed to grant this request primarily because of the death of Mr. Avery, as it appears he was killed as a result of unfounded rumors. I wish to curtail future violence resulting from rumors and the best way to do that is get the actual facts out in the open. Five people were brutally killed in this town yesterday. It is time for this lawlessness to end.

And as for your ‘witch hunt’ comment, this nations legal and religious scholars have always held the Colonial-era Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials as a key event in our nation’s history, helping to establish this as a nation of law and gods and not of wizardry. The two-hundred or so witches and warlocks put to death as a result of those proceedings paved the way for the freedoms that we all enjoy today. I take great pride in that heritage.”

Kate reached over and squeezed Jake's hand. It was possible she would have to lie today. If she was asked how the mask had lifted far enough for her to see, she would have to flat out lie. She had hoped if it ever come to it the Judge might be lenient, might understand that she only used what she knew in defense of herself and her friends. She had used a magical attack against Snavely. If he mentioned it she would have to lie about that as well. She took a few deep breaths and tried to put on a calm face.

Jake turns to Katherine and whispers, "What is wrong?" She whispered so low it was difficult even for Jake to hear. "The judge just told me what he thinks of me, even if he doesn't know it.” Jake mutters, "Oh." Was she seen performing the forbidden?

Berg calls as his first witness Mr. Evan Adair. Adair takes the stand and Berg asks, "Could you please tell the court what transpired with your saloon yesterday morning?" Adair says, "Yes, a bunch of hooded outlaws rode into town and blew it up. My bartender Dave Carleen died defending the place and one of my other employees, Sara MacBride, died when a wall collapsed following a dynamite blast."

Berg asks, "Were you injured yourself?" Adair says, "No, I was down the street at my home during the attack." Berg asks, "And who else was with you?" He replies, "Bob Skull and Kitty Trent were both there with me." Berg asks, "And do you have any idea, other than unproven rumors, who was responsible for the attack." Adair says, "That's what I'm here to find out today!"

Berg then asks, "And do you know who was responsible for the death of your Mayoral race rival Derek Avery? Adair says, "I have no idea, and don't go trying to blame me for that, I was with Kate Higgins and Kitty Trent for several hours last night when the death occurred." Berg thanks him for his testimony.

Kate began to breathe easier. The questioning seemed very matter-of-fact. Her part here would be small, and hopefully she could phase her answers in such a way that were in fact true without being too revealing.

Berg calls Miss Kitty Trent to the stand. He asks, "Do you have anything further to add to what Mr. Adair stated about what transpired at the Palace Saloon yesterday?" She says, "Only that I will greatly miss Sara, she was a sweet girl." Berg asks, "Miss Trent, could you please tell the court how you know a Mr. Carson Block?" She replies, "He is a rancher at the Crazy-8 Ranch. He plays faro and poker at the Palace." "And also participates with the others services offered there?" Berg asks. She replies, "Yes."

He then asks, "And you have provided those services to Mr. Block." She replies, "I no longer participate in those tasks." Mr. Berg says, "Yes Ma'am, I am aware of that. But when you did, Mr. Block was one of your regular acquaintances was he not? He was in your company at least one night every weekend, sometimes both nights, is that correct." She says, "Yes, but what does..." He interrupts and says, "Miss Trent, would it surprise you to learn that Mr. Block was one of the participants of yesterday's attack on the Palace?" Her face takes on a shocked look.

She says, "Yes it would, why would he do that? If you know he was one of them then why haven't you arrested him?" Berg replies, "Ma'am, he was one of the two men who did not survive the attack. He is now over at Lester's Funeral Parlor." Her face takes on another shocked look. s the questioning of Kitty Trent continues, Jake keeps his smug feelings hidden.

Berg continues, "Miss Trent. The following two items were given to me today, one is a liquor order from last month to Hoover's Liquor. Another is for some custom jewelry work at Hammer's Jewelry and Locksmithing from two months back. Did you write out both of these?" She looks them over and says, "Yes. Why?" He then says, "Because the handwriting on those exactly matches this note..." which he then removes from his pocket "...that was found on the body of Mr. Carson Block." Berg then reads the note:

I am giving this note to your intermediary as instructed. I expect we will be out of the Palace Sunday morning at home as usual. I will make certain we do not leave before that time, after all women need time to get ready. Why do you need me to do this, what is happening? I am becoming increasingly concerned that he suspects me. It is time that you provided the balance of the money promised for my services rendered. It has not been difficult to keep part of his attention on Cook and away from you. At times like that he can be quite easy to manipulate. Enough is enough, if I do not leave soon I fear I will go the way of a previous lover. Do not believe I can keep your secret for long if I am discovered. As you know he can be quite ruthless with traitors.

Kitty exclaims, "I wrote no such thing!" Berg says, "I will leave that to the Judge to decide." He hands the note and other papers to Isby. Judge Isby looks them over and says, "These appear to all be by the same hand. Marshall Berg, do you wish to make an arrest at this point in time? The author of this note asks, 'What is happening?' I do not know if you could prove conspiracy to commit murder from this alone?"

Marshall Berg replies, "Not at this point in time Judge, however for her own safety I am offering protection for Miss Trent while she considers her options and decides what to share with us." He turns to the saloon-woman and says, "Mrs. Barker is at her home and will see you safely to an undisclosed location while we ensure that nobody present here follows you out. I hope that your memory returns soon and we can resume this discussion. You are dismissed." The clearly frightened young lady leaves the stand and hurries out the door. Jake keeps his glee hidden and thinks “Block was an old customer of Kitty Trent! That was a fortunate break for my plans. Not so much for Miss Trent.”

Berg calls undertaker Dick Lester to take the stand and asks about his examination of Derek Avery’s body. Lester says “The cause of death was obvious, a wound to the heart caused by a large cutting blade, from the size of the wound most likely a Bowie knife.” Berg asks, “Was there any other bruising on the body?” Lester says, “Yes, around the neck or chin. It appears that the attacker approached him from behind and wrapped his left arm around Mr. Avery’s neck and then stabbed the knife in with his right hand.”

Berg asks, “Was there anything else out-of-the ordinary about Mr. Avery’s wounds?” Lester replies, “Yes, a cracked rib and corresponding deep bruise was an inch below the stab wound. From the center of that bruise I removed an inch-long splinter. Berg asks, “What could have caused that? Lester says, “It appeared to have been a second thrust into the chest with a wooden object.” Berg thanks him.

He then calls Cole Rixton to the stand. The is much murmuring throughout the room, as it is well know that Rixton had previously dated Avery’s fiancé Liza Brown and was displeased that she had spurned him. Berg hands Rixton a magnifying glass as the aforementioned inch-long splinter. “Mr. Rixton, you are the town’s resident expert on carpentry with wood. What can you tell me about this splinter?”

Rixton looks closely and says, “It appears to be from an ash tree, with a light lacquer on side.” Berg asks, “Is that type of wood common to this region?” Rixton replies, “No, it is not.” Berg asks, “Where in this town wood somebody obtain that wood with that shade of lacquer?” Rixton nervously replies, “I am the only one in town who uses those.”

Kate watched closely as Mr. Rixton answered the questions. She had no doubt that he was innocent of any wrongdoing; he made furniture for people all over town. Anyone could have gotten their hands on that piece of wood. More interesting was the fact it had been used at all. Kate wracked her brain, trying to remember when she had last been Derek Avery in the sunlight. Jake suddenly remembers bumping into Rixton who was going late to the Unity Party gathering and wonders who else saw him.

There is much commotion in the room. Many people comment how Rixton had not only motive but knives of all sizes that he uses in his furniture work. Chumbley is writing frantically. In the back of the room a smile comes to Evan Adair’s face. Judge Isby calls the room to order. Berg asks, “What type of cut would have caused such a splinter?” Rixton examines it further and says, “A sharp irregular cut.”

Berg says, “You heard Mr. Lester’s testimony about the knife thrust and the second wound. If a second wooden object had been in the same hand as the Bowie knife could the knife have slipped and caused that splinter?” A bead of perspiration appears on Rixton’s brow and he replies with a defensive tone, “I wouldn’t know. Kate shared a glance with Emery Shaw sitting next to her, aware that if Mr. Rixton was not cleared of all suspicion quickly, the chances of the party succeeding would fall drastically.

Berg replies, “I’m not accusing you of anything Mr. Rixton. I’m only asking you to give thoughtful speculation based upon your carpentry experience. If somebody had both a wooden object and knife in their hand at the same time and struck an object as Mr. Lester described would the knife slip and cut the wood?” Rixton stops and thinks. He then says, “It is more probable that the wood would slip and strike the knife. The hand would probably have a firmer grip on the knife hilt than the wooden one. From Mr. Lester’s description the wooden object had struck a rib bone which could have caused it to be knocked upward.”

Berg takes out a Bowie knife and hands it to Rixton and says. “Holding this in your right hand, please demonstrate how you would hold it in the manner that Mr. Lester suggested.” Rixton picks up the knife and warps his fingers and thumb around the hilt. Berg asks “How could you also hold a second wooden object below it?” Rixton says “I really couldn’t. The only way would be if I extended my thumb and…”

The furniture maker’s face then becomes animated as he pieces together where this line of questioning is headed. He looks up and loudly exclaims, “Or unless the thumb itself was the wooden object!” Berg asks, “And have you constructed wooden thumbs for anybody in town Mr. Rixton?” Rixton loudly exclaims, “Yes sir I have, I made one for Mr. Bob Skull two weeks ago after his own thumb was shot off in the riot!”

Kate almost sighed audibly before she stopped herself. She almost felt guilty about feeling so relieved, but she didn't want to see him persecuted and innocent anymore than she wanted to see him guilty. She also felt guilty about thinking of politics rather than Mr. Rixton's suffering. Jake has to forceably remove the smile from his face. Now Bob Skull? He composes himself and makes the obligatory disapproving glance at Evan Adair, expecting to enjoy every moment of it.

Berg pivots around and stares at the back of the room. “Mr. Skull, could you please come forward? I am curious to see if your wooden thumb has a cut on it that matches the splinter that we found on Mr. Avery” Skull sits shocked for a moment. "Come on Mr. Skull, we don't have all day," Berg states. The man finally stands and starts to walk forward.

Despite the endless worries rattling around her mind, a smile tugged at the corners of Kate's mouth. Mitchell Berg was not the Marshall right now, but what he should be, an attorney. This was his element, and it seemed suddenly very wrong that the town should ever have taken him out of it. The fact that Bob Scull was about to be exposed didn't discourage the smile either.

As Skull walks Jake Cook thinks that he notices something cupped inside of Skull’s right hand.
Jake quickly catches Tomlinson's attention. With a urgent look on his face Jake points to Skull, closes his own right hand and raps on it several times with the index finger of his left hand.

Tomlinson goes to intercept Skull and says "What do you have there in your hand sir?" With a masterwork of sleight of hand, that almost goes undetected even for Jake, the aforementioned Skull begins to raise his hands while simultaneously slipping whatever was cupped in the right hand up into his right sleeve of his jacket. Skull opens his palms to show both Tomlinson and those assembled in the room that they are empty. "Nothing," is his reply. "What is that sticking out of his sleeve?" Jake says to Shaw just loud enough for Tomlinson to overhear him.

"And your sleeve sir?" Tomlinson asks. "What this?" Skull says as he reaches up his sleeve and removes a capped black metal fountain pen, "It's a pen." Tomlinson then reaches over and pats down both arms to confirm there is no other contraband. Rixton vacates the witness seat at the front of the room and Skull takes a seat, while nervously holding the fountain pen between his index and middle fingers and tapping it on the desk. Berg approaches and says, "Please extend your right hand sir so that I can examine that wooden thumb." Skull passes the fountain pen over to his left hand and extends his right.

Berg locates a small cut on the thumb, which he places the splinter on and announces, "An exact match." Skull exclaims, "I'm really not surprised but I'm innocent. That cut was there when Rixton fitted me with that thumb, this is all a frame up! Rixton killed his gal's new lover and is now trying to pin the murder on me." Kate suddenly remembered a scene at the back door of the Lone Star. Jeff Mills pointing a gun at this very man, only moments before Ruby hit him over the head with a frying pan. Hopefully this time he would end worse than waking up in a pig pen.

Judge Isby says, "Well, Mr. Skull, that assertion should be easy enough to prove. Bishop Costas Papandraus knows how to cast a 'Truthfulness' spell which will determine once and for all which of you is lying. Deputy Cassidy, the Bishop was planning to take the Wilcox stagecoach as far as Dos Cabezas. Please head over to Morand Cartage and see if it has left yet." Neil Cassidy leaves the room.

Fisk stands and says, "Judge Isby, it is illegal to use that spell in a court of law, the Supreme Court itself made that ruling." Judge Isby replies, "That is not entirely correct sir, I am well versed in the United States Supreme Court's 1866 ruling in the case of Peabody vs. Sherman. It ruled that a local priest could not use the spell due to the priest's own biases towards the individuals being questioned. It does allow for the exception of Regional Bishops to use the spell in conjunction with felonies where they are not personally involved in the case."

Fisk says, "How can you say Bishop Papandraus is not personally involved? He helped heal the people at the Palace who were injured in the attack." Berg says, "I disagree. Attorney Fisk's point may be valid in regards to the attack by the hooded outlaws. Avery's murder is a different case altogether, it took place twelve hours after the attack and the Bishop was in no way consulted on it. Plus as was already stated here, the motive for that murder could be completely unrelated to the morning's events."

Isby says, "I agree. In regards to the Avery murder I feel that the Bishop's answer from the gods would be both valid and the most expedient course to take. As to any other applications of the spell I will rule on a case-by-case basis." Kate wasn't sure if she should be relieved or not. There was a law against magically compelling truth, which was good for her. But it could also be circumvented, and even if it was legally, it would be too late to sue if it were ever used to discover her talents. For now, she just enjoyed the idea of getting the truth out of Bob Skull. Too bad they couldn't ask him more questions.

Cassidy returns after ten minutes and says, "The stage already left, and those priests weren't the only ones on it. Instead of going to the Barker's house Miss. Trent went straight to the stagecoach office and got on." Berg says, "Well, we can take care of that. Deputy Cassidy, tell Chet to bring Mr. Snavely over here. Then take Deputy Rodriguez and try to find either Hank Hill or Morgana Arcadium. Arcade's Gang has a vehicle that can get to Dos Cabezas before the stagecoach does and if Mr. Hill expects to garner any votes for Marshall in this town he had better help out the law when asked. The two of you go with them and bring back the Bishop as well as Miss. Trent."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-six “Snavely’s Trial”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 9:45 A.M.

Chester sits at the desk in the Marshall's office. He glances over at the prisoner. Jason Snavely sits in the cell, staring off into space. Chester says, "So, Snavely. What was in it for you? Did you really think we wouldn't find out you were mixed up in this? You killed a couple people, so it'll be the rope for you. You want to unburden yourself?" Snavely glares at Chester and says, "I already told Berg, I have no idea what you're talking about. I was out of town riding yesterday morning, I didn't get back until after all the trouble was over."

Neil shows up at the Marshall's Office where Eduardo has stopped in to bring Chet a snack. Neil says, "Eddie, come with me, we have an errand. Chet, take Mr. Snavely and bring him over to the Territorial Offices, they need him now." Chester wipes his hands on his napkin. "Time to see the judge, Snavely. Turn around and hold your hands behind you. I need to shackle you before we head to the Offices." Snavely does as asked and then Chester unlocks the cell door. He grabs Snavely's shoulder and says, "Come on. We don't want to keep anyone waiting." They arrive at the Territorial Office.

Judge Isby declares, “I now call the Inquest back to order.” Berg stands up and replies, “Thank you Judge. I call Mrs. Margaret Watkins as my next witness.” Peg Watkins takes the stand. Berg asks, “Mrs. Watkins, could you please tell the court how you know Mr. Jason Snavely and any encounters you had with him yesterday morning?” She states, “Mr. Snavely is a boarder at the Great Western Boarding House which my husband and I manage. Mr. Snavely joined several of us for breakfast yesterday morning at approximately 7:45 A.M.”

Berg asks, “And afterwards? Did he accompany you to church?” She replies, “No, which was unusual for him. Normally he walks with us to church where he sits with his employer’s family.” Berg asks, “Do you know where he went and when he returned?” She says, “No, he left before breakfast was finished and did not return back to the boarding house until mid-afternoon.” He thanks her for her testimony.

He Berg calls Mr. Geoff Tryder to the stand. Chester and Kate both recognize the young man who comes forward as one of the men from Tombstone’s O.K. Corral who helped them get the horses and buggy out of the burning barn there. Berg asks, “Please tell the court where you work and who you saw there yesterday morning.”

Tryder says, “I work at Drover’s Livery. Yesterday morning we had two of our regular customers come to the livery. Mr. Duncan Frye came at around 7:30 to rent a horse for the morning and Mr. Icabod Shackelton arrived a little before 8:00 to rent a wagon and draft horse for the morning.”

Berg asks when they returned them. Tryder says, “I don’t know sir, when the fire broke out I headed over to offer my help. I worked in Tombstone before and was there last month during the big fire, so knew how important it was to offer assistance. I helped to catch and bring the escaped horses from the Papago Corral back to Drover’s, then returned to help where I could. I noticed by late morning that the animals and cart that had been rented that morning were all back, so the men must have brought them back while we were still busy fighting the fire."

Berg calls Duncan Frye to the stand and asks where he was that morning. The leather merchant describes how he had taken a horse to break in a new saddle, barding and gloves that he had custom made for Count von Zeppelin and how he rode out to the valley five miles away to show them to his customer. He then returned to town. Berg asks if he saw anybody else on the ride to or from town and Frye says that he did not.

Berg calls Icabod Shackelton to the stand and asks where he was. Shackelton replies, “I would normally have gone to worship services on Sunday morning but my personal pastor Father Harbrace was unavailable and I opted to not go to the church in town that morning because I was disgusted with the hypocrisy of non-believing candidates for office going there just to be seen. So I rented a horse and wagon to go off alone for private devotions.”

Berg asks, “Where did you go?” Shackelton says, “Around a mile west of town, alongside Pine Creek. It was quiet and peaceful and I medicated and prayed to my deities.” Berg asks, “Did you see anybody else?” Shackelton replies, “Yes, my time of prayer was interrupted after an hour by a trio of riders coming east heading towards town, riding across the stream.”

Berg asks, “Did you know these riders?” Shackelton replies, “Only Mr. Snavely, who I knew from the bank. I may have seen the face of one of the others before but did not know his name. The third one, who Snavely referred to as John, I had never seen previously.” Berg asks, “And what happened then?” Shackelton replies, “Mr. Snavely asked if I could give him and his friend John a ride back to town. He said they had been out for a ride but that their other friend needed to get the horses back to his farm.”

Berg asks, “And you gave them the ride?” Shackelton says, “Yes. Their other friend headed back to the west with the three horses. They were quiet for the ride back to town and headed off on their own once I got back to Drover’s.” Berg holds up a woodcut with the combined NP symbol used by the Phillip’s Ranch and asks, “Did any of the horses have this brand on them?” Shackelton says, “Yes, I saw that on Mr. Snavely’s horse and one of the others.” Berg thanks the man for his testimony.

Berg calls Katherine Kale to the stand. He says, “Mrs. Kale. Could you please tell this court when you last saw Mr. Jason Snavely?" Despite her own nerves, Kate's voice was steady and carried through the room without being loud. "I last saw Mr. Snavely yesterday morning outside my home, which is also the Hoover Memorial School Building. He was helping one of the black hooded men onto the back of the horse he was riding. As he did that his own hood flapped up and I saw his face."

Berg reiterates to Kate, “Are you completely certain of what you saw? She replies, "Yes, I'm certain." Following her answer he calls Mr. Snavely to the stand and says. “Mr. Snavely, I believe that there has been sufficient evidence presented here today to obtain a conviction with a sentence of death given that two people were killed. I find it unlikely that you are the ringleader behind this attack on the town. Full cooperation from you now in naming your accomplices would go along way towards a prison sentence rather than a hanging.” Was Mr. Avery involved in this attack?” Snavely looks down and says, “No, he had nothing to do with it. I am sorry that he was murdered because of me.”

Berg asks, “Please tell us who was responsible for the attack by the hooded riders.” Snavely pauses. He then stands up and points his finger at Hamilton Fisk and yells, “It was him! Fisk hired me! He knew about my family, that we would lose our family farm in Iowa. He offered me $ 10,000 if I joined his group of riders, I needed the money for my folks. He promised that nobody would be hurt, that we were just going to scare people to drop out of the election!”

Fisk stands and blurts out, “That’s absurd! The man is lying! I had nothing to do with yesterday morning’s attack!” The room breaks into much commotion. Kevin Tomlinson approaches Judge Isby and whispers something to him while the room is in disarray. Isby then pounds the gavel and restores order.

Judge Isby turns to the defendant and says, “Mr. Snavely. Given that your work supervisor has been killed just because of his association with you I would caution you to not perjure yourself. False testimony will therefore be seen by me as further conspiracy to commit murder given that the accused would face capital charges. The High Priest Papandraius has already been called to come here and cast a Truthfulness spell and we can bring you back here to repeat what you said in front of him to verify its accuracy. I will ask you once more to tell the truth and only the truth, who were your co-conspirators in this attack?”

Snavely replies, “The other riders were three other members of Fisk’s party, Charlie Villers, Porter Norris and Bronco Madson. Fisk kept the Shermans out of it since he knew Jesse would never go along and he thought blowing up the Papago store would steer suspicion away from the Liberty Party. Fisk wanted revenge against Adair and Driscoll for quitting his party and starting their own.”

Berg interrupts to ask, “Who were the other four riders?” Snavely hesitates and then says, “Kansas Clem Hawkins, Carson Block and two guys from Galeyville called John and Fred.” Jake notices that while everyone in the room is watching Snavely while he gives this testimony the Judge is actually watching his Bailiff Tomlinson who gives subtle hand gestures, holding his palm horizontally during the naming of Fisk’s fellow party members and then holds it vertically during the naming of the final four.

Judge Isby pounds his gavel and says, “Mr. Snavely, as you are probably already aware, neither Hawkins or Block survived the attack. We can further investigate who those Galeyville men might be. However I do not believe that you are telling the truth about the identity of the others. I will have you held until High Priest Papandraius can join us. I call a half-hour recess while Marshall Berg returns Mr. Snavely to jail. Marshall, you can also bring Mr. Rixton and Mr. Skull there, they should be held until the Priest returns as well.

Isby then turns towards Fisk and says, “Mr. Fisk, for your own safety I suggest that you and the three other named party members to return to your party headquarters or another place of your choosing. The Sheriff’s Deputies are currently holding another potential conspirator whose testimony may contract Mr. Snavley’s. At any rate, the Sheriff Deputies will now be free to provide you with security until this matter is resolved, hopefully by this afternoon. Mr. Chumbley, I strongly suggest that you delay printing today’s newspaper until after all of the facts surrounding this have been determined. We are now in recess.”

A huge weight had been lifted from Kate's shoulders. Once again she'd let her imagination get ahead of her, but she resolved not to forget. She had to be more careful with her skills. She stood up between Jake and Emery Shaw. "Do you think I'll be needed again later?" Shaw replies, "Probably not, but we know where to get you. I was thinking of getting the Unity Party Candidates together for lunch to work on the party platform but that will be hard to do with Cole behind bars, so we should probably do that for dinner instead, say around 5:00 at Drover's if either of you are interested in joining us for the discussion." Kate says, "Of course, however I can help."

I will try to be there." Jake tells Shaw. "Katherine, I will walk you back." He takes her by the elbow and gently guides her outside. Once they are out of earshot of anyone else, Jake says in a low voice, "Were you aware that Kevin Tomlinson has a ring that will allow him to know if someone is telling the truth or not? Keep that in mind in the future. I was watching Tomlinson, and I believe he told the Judge that Snavely was lying about Fisk and his cronies being involved."

Kate replies, "I wasn't aware. I'm just grateful I didn't have to be more specific." Kate glanced around them, making sure no one was close by. "Jake, I used a spell to get the mask to lift. And I used one against one of the hooded men who got away. I fired the pistol at the same time, so maybe he didn't realize what it was... We already know Mr. Tomlinson has a much broader view of the world than the judge, but I just don't know if it would be safe to tell him about my talents. If he knew, I wouldn't have to worry about it getting to the judge."

Jake replies, "Hermes, woman, Tomlinson may be broad minded but the more folks that know a secret the less it is. If he finds out somehow, or already knows, we will deal with it." Jake glances around casually and continues, "There are ways of withholding the truth without lying. I saw his hood flap up and reveal his face, for example does not say you did it. Are they going to ask you how it happened? Only if you call attention to it. None of those men are going to testify against you doing..." Jake pause, "you know. That would be admitting they were here and masked riders."

Jake stops suddenly and looks at her. "On the other hand, you are lousy at withholding the truth. Not enough practice. You might be better with Tomlinson on your side. Mierde." He scuffs at the dirt with his boot. "You will have to decide which way is best. Just let me know if Tomlinson is in on it, it might make it easier for me if I ever have to cover for you. The bishop is another matter. You might ask your teacher if there is a way to spoil the truth spell if it ever came to that. Strange though, that Isby would claim to be so harsh on that topic. I know for a fact he had bullets like that, and does not see a problem with the ring." Jake shrugs. "Convenient ideology I suppose."

She replies, "I'm not going to tell Mr. Tomlinson unless it becomes necessary. As in I have to do something and it's unavoidable. If we learn somehow that he doesn't think it's evil, I'll reconsider that. I am no good at lying, although skirting the truth is a little easier. I don't know what's up or down anymore. I've had a terrible couple of days, I'm exhausted, and I can't think straight. For today I'm just going to be glad I'm done testifying. As for the Judge, some people don't mind using an item that holds magic, but they still see holding it inside yourself as something that corrupts."

"Splitting hairs, but who am I to moralize." Jake seems to find that funny. Kate tried to smile, but she was really too tired to find the humor. "Thank you for the escort, Jake. I'll see you later on today. I need to get back to teaching." "Good day to you," he taps a finger to his hat and smiles. He watches her go towards the school while he stands and thinks about what to do next.

Kate paused for a moment outside the door and tried to put everything else out of her mind. She didn't quite manage a smile, but did manage to wipe most of the worry off her face before she went back inside to her students.

Jake watches the crowd file back in to watch the proceedings. Deciding that the first part was entertaining, he enters and finds his seat. Deputy Sheriffs Leslie and Nagle drag Clifford Allman into the Territorial Office Building. Berg says, "Thanks, I believe Fisk is looking for you two." The Sheriffs depart. Berg glances at Allman, noting the fresh black eye, pulled lip and cut on his chin. "Those guys rough you up a bit?" he asks. Allman nods yes.

The crowd returns and Isby calls the Inquest back to order. Berg calls Clifford Allman to the stand. Berg begins "Mr. Allman, you are here because of your involvement with the masked riders. Your associates Carson Block and Kansas Clem Hawkins are dead. Your associate Jason Snavley has already testified and named all of the other riders. The only thing that will save you from a noose is for you to also give up those names."

Allman says, "What difference does it make? I give those names and the Sheriff's Deputies will kill me." Berg replies, "They won't touch you again. Following your testimony you will be brought to the Town Jail not the County Jail." Allman hesitates, still unsure of what to say. Allman looks up and says, "Fisk was behind it. The other riders were Charlie Villers, Porter Norris and Bronco Madson." Jake notes that Tomlinson's hand gesture remains the same as the previous testimony.

A very displeased Judge Isby says, "Mr. Allman, Lying to this court is a very serious offense. You should know that Bishop Papandraius has been summoned to come and cast a Truthfulness spell at your trial this afternoon. You have a few hours behind bars before then to reconsider your next actions, which will decide your fate." Judge Isby turns to Marshall Berg and asks, "Do you have any further witnesses to call Marshall?" Berg replies, "No sir." Isby pounds the gavel and says, "I call this Inquest adjourned".

Chester takes notes during the inquest. The marshals will have to check out the stories of those named. Shackleton claims to have met up with the riders accidentally, so he'll have to be questioned as well. Berg and Chester escort Allman back to the Town Jail where Helen Barker is on guard duty. Cole Rixton and Jason Snavely are in one cell. They put Allman in the cell with Bob Skull. Berg dismisses Helen, saying that he and Chet can watch these four until Neil and Eddie return with the Bishop.

Jake leaves, disappointed in the show. I wonder who they are more afraid of than Isby? He returns to the Lucky Lady and does a little jig, laughing nearly hysterically. "What a terrific way to start the day." Having skipped breakfast to make the inquest on time, he scrounges what leftovers he can from the kitchen and spends the rest of the morning at the saloon.

Chester and Mitch have spent several hours waiting patiently, watching the prisoners and chatting with one another. Dorita brings by lunch for the lawmen at around 12:30 PM. They are nearly done eating there meal when Cole Rixton exclaims "MARSHALL". Both lawmen turn and look at the cells, where they see both Clifford Allman and Jason Snavely dissolving into clouds of light blue smoke. Chester and Berg leap out of their chairs. Berg fumbles with the keys to the cell, but manages to get it open. They grab for the smoke, but it wafts between their fingers.

A shaken Cole Rixton hands a small blue bottle to Berg and says, "Snavely had this, I think he found it under his bunk." Berg sniffs it and says, "Some kind of magical elixir I'd guess." All that is left of Snavely are the clothes that he had been wearing, piled onto the floor. The lawmen look over into the other cell at the pile of clothing that Allman had worn. Berg asks, "Where's the bottle?" Bob Skull replies, "He dropped it." They look at the floor and Berg asks "Where?" Skull smiles and says, "Into my hand..." and he too begins to turn to smoke.

Chester exclaims, "Damnation. The Cowboys' pet wizard got them out right from under our noses. They can't have gone far. Let's hope they're probably at the Palace. Should we go?" Berg says, "Yeah." They lock Rixton in the cell and lock the door to the Jail and Marshall's Office on the way out. They spend the next hour with Helen's help looking for the outlaws to no avail.

Neil returns with the Priest. They say that Kitty Trent managed to give them the slip in Dos Cabezas, exiting out one side of the carriage when they approached the other. Eduardo stayed behind to look for her and will hopefully be bringing her back on the stagecoach on its way back from Wilcox.

Judge Isby holds a trial and Rixton testifies, the Bishop confirming that he is innocent of killing Derek Avery. An angry Judge Isby declares that the Crazy-8 Ranch, Kansas Clem Hawkin's Sunset Farm, and any personal possessions left behind by both Jason Snavely and Bob Skull are to be sold with Attorney Upton assigned to make sure that the victims of the Hooded Riders attack are compensated from the proceeds.

When the Marshals get back to the office, Chester kicks a chair. "All this stuff is making us look bad. How can the town trust us to get justice for them if we can't even keep outlaws in our jail? The only good thing about this whole mess is that the Liberty Party has mud on its face. I reckon we won't be seeing Allman, Snavely, or Skull round these parts for a while. We better tell the deputy sheriffs." Berg says, "Maybe that's part of their plan, to hurt your campaign for Town Marshall."

Chester replies, "It's a very good one, if that's what they're after. Would the other candidates be so desperate to blow up half the town, though? This is murder we're talking about. I'm not going to back down. If whoever is behind this wins the election then there'll be more threats in the night."

Berg says, "Well, if we manage to catch and punish the guilty between now and the election then their plan backfires and makes you look good. But right now we don't have many leads to go by.
I'm thinking that maybe you and Eddie probably should consider making that trip down to Mexico we were talking about before to see that wood elf who wrote the note. Hank Hill was generous with the balloon today, he might be inclined to do so again, which would get you there and back in only half a day."

Chester smiles slightly. "You heard the Marshall, Eddie. Let's go." The pair of deputies walk over to Hill's usual hangout. Once there, they find the Texan. "Mr. Hill. We got a job for you and that wondrous flying machine you have. Me and Eddie need to visit Mexico to see an old friend. Can you take us there and back?" Hank says, "I can take you to the boarder but not over it, this contraption was confiscated as a spoil of war and if we cross into Mexico somebody just might try to take it back."

Eddie says, "That would be good enough. We're going to the town of Naco, around sixty miles away. You could bring us just beyond Bisbee and we could walk the last few miles on foot if we have to." Hank says, "I'll have to go find our pilot Hans if you want to go now, or do you want to wait until tomorrow morning?" Eddie looks to Chester and asks, "Manny Escobar said that Mr. Shaw is having your party meet at Drover's for supper to put together a platform. Shouldn't you be there for that?"

Chester slaps his forehead. "Yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Eddie. Mr. Hill, can we leave tomorrow? I have something important to do tonight.” He replies, "Sure thing, and call me Hank". Chester extends his hand. "You can call me Chet. This here is Eddie. In public, you got to call us Deputy. The Marshall is a stickler for that."

Chester says, “Say, aren't you running for office, too?” Hank replies, "Yup, running for Town Marshall same as you." Chester replies, "Well, I won't hold that against you. Good luck, Hank. What kind of experience do you have with the law?" He replies, " Just abiding by the law whenever ah can..."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-six “Rhinehardt”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 3:00 P.M.

Chester replies to Hank Hill, "That's good to hear. We haven't any problems with Arcade's Gang, so you're all good at keeping your noses clean. I like that. So, we'll see you tomorrow then, Hank." Chester and Eddie walk back to the office. Chester asks, Chet asks, “Eddie, how happy do you think our friend will be to see us?" Eduardo replies, “Not sure, and I wouldn’t exactly call him a friend.”

They arrive at the office. Chester says, "Marshall, we'll be using Mr. Hill's airship early tomorrow morning. That'll give that German fellow, Hans, enough time to prepare. Plus, Mr. Shaw's having a meeting tonight for all the candidates. I'm going to need to go to that." Berg says, "Okay Chet, I'll probably be locking this place up soon. I had Helen bring the glass with the rest of that magical elixir over to the town's new Apothecary, Harlin Porter. He thinks it is something called an Elixir of Gaseous Form.

He looked it up in a book and said that unless they had considerable experience before using that type of elixir they would have been at the mercy of the magic and that we should have just tried to following the clouds in the direction of the wind until it wore off after an hour or two and they would have solidified. Doesn't help us much now, but we'll know better what to do if we come up against that again."

"Gaseous Form, huh? We'll have to do a better job of checking folks we put in the hoosegow. Eddie replies, "But we did check them Chet, Mitch is always very good about that. He even took away Rixton's pocket watch, Allman's chewing tobacco tin and Skull's pen and notepad before locking them up. He patted them all down real good, there's no way that I know of that they could have had those glass vials on them without them being found."

Chester says, “Having those varmints gone should slow down whoever is behind these attacks. Knowing them, they'll try to sneak back into town. Maybe even use one of those magical disguises. I catch you later, Marshall, Eddie." Chester walks over to Drover's.

The periodic west to east stage rolled out of Promise City leaving a single passenger and his belongings behind. Shortly afterwards, a broad shouldered man with a stout waist stood in the street outside the Lucky Lady. He glanced one more time at the slip of paper, satisfied he had the correct saloon. He scratched once at his prominent side burns, though the thick black whiskers refused to submit they had long ago been surpassed in number by their gray counter parts. The story on his head was different the black hairs still held on to the majority.
As he stood in the doorway, he appeared like a middle aged farmer. The fine black wool of his coat and pants belied his otherwise menial appearance. He placed a small travel bag on the floor and coughed politely.

Harry Rote approaches, "Yes, can I help you?" The man turns his face towards Harry, who for the first time notices the large scar on his left cheek. The man thrusts out a hand and fixes his steel colored eyes on Harry, who is momentarily taken aback. "Bradford Rhinehardt, sir. I am here to see Cornelius Van Horne. I understand I have lodging arranged." His tone is pleasant and polite. "Could you notify Mr. Van Horne and send a boy for my trunk?"

Jake notices that stranger at the bar and wanders over. "How are you, Jeff? How about a whiskey." He glances at the face of the large man next to him and is mildly surprised to recognize him, though his hair is more gray than the last time he say him. Jake begins a turn to give him a welcoming hug but stops himself and instead says, "Nasty looking scar you carry there."

The man with the scar looks to Jake, smiles and then says, "Would have been much worse if a good friend of mine hadn't kept the bruiser who did it from getting in another jab. My friend wasn't all that bright though, he used a full bottle of whiskey to hit the guy with instead of an empty one. The bartender made us pay for it too, cost us the last of our money, what a waste of good alcohol." "Heh." Jake accepts the glass of whiskey from Jeff. "A guy like that probably still does dumb things. To your health."

After a sip of whiskey to the toast Jake says, "You in town for the poker tournament?" He replies, "Yes I am. I received a telegram from a Cornelius Van Horne asking me to be a dealer. Funny thing is, I've never met him, I've heard of his reputation and I guess he's heard of mine. So, is that why you've come to town?"

Jake says, "You do not know Van Horne? Well then, that puts you a notch higher in my book. I figured you for a friend of his. You must have some reputation, Van Horne is fussy." Jake savors another sip of whiskey. "I came to town a while back and stayed here. Seems like I am no brighter than that friend of yours." Jake offers him his hand. "Jake Cook. I am part owner of what you see around you."

The man shake's Jake's hand and says, "Bradford Rhinehardt, from New York by way of Kansas City. Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Cook." Jake asks, "Would you like to meet Mr. Van Horne? I can take you up to his room." Mr. Rhinehardt takes Jake up on his suggestion to go meet Van Horne. Jake takes him up to the room and knocks on the door. "Mr. Van Horne, you have a visitor." Van Horne asks for them to come in. The man with Jake says, "Hello Mr. Van Horne, my name is Bradford Rhinehardt, you sent for me."

The large man lying in the bed puts down the book he was reading and says, "Yes I did Sir, I am sponsoring a high-stakes poker tournament here at the Lucky Lady this upcoming weekend. I need honest dealers and your reputation proceeds you as to being one. The pay would be an even $ 1,000 plus room and board here at the Lucky Lady for this week if you are interested." The man says, "Yes Sir, I am." Van Horne replies, "Very good then, Mr. Cook will get you settled."

They leave Van Horne, Jakes takes him to an available room. "How will this do?" Rhinehardt looks the room over briefly and replies, "This will be satisfactory." Jake nods, closes the door and gives the man a sudden hug, "It had better be satisfactory. I do not want any of my other rooms smelling of greasy German sausage and stale beer." He releases him and smiles, "Rhiney, it has been a while. How in Hades are you?"

He replies, "I've been good Jake, not very rich, but getting by. And you're looking well yourself. Nice looking place you have here. I gather that you were the one who recommended me to Van Horne." "I mentioned your name, but he had already heard of you. Not sure if my recommendation helped or hurt." Jake shrugs, "Sometimes the fancy Mr. Van Horne and I annoy each other. Business is business though. Speaking of which, I will be playing in the tournament so best we do not look too chummy in public for now. Not to worry though, we will take good care of you. Besides you will be in good shape for a while, a thousand dollars buys a load of lager and wurst."

He replies, "Thank you Jake. I must say, I am surprised to find you in such a small place as this. I could always find myself at home in a small town like this but you always struck me as needing something like Kansas City or an even larger place."

"And you were always too astute for your own good." Jake slaps him on the arm and smiles, though the smile is a bit pensive. "It was a routine, you know, start in the city until I was no longer welcome. Then work the surrounding large towns, followed by the outlying smaller towns. Bored again I would move to another city. Somehow I ended up here, made a few friends, talked my way into part ownership of a silver mine, earned enough money in various ways to buy into this saloon, and got myself caught up in a war between outlaw gangs, and a bunch of other ill considered activities I will not even mention. Did I mention I also ended up with a regular girl?"

Jake takes his time tells him some of the story. "When she is here, it is like a siren song. Now that she is away, I think I have come to my senses. She is probably the best thing that will ever happen to me, but you know Jake..." He looks sad for a minute but quickly snaps out of it. "Look what you have done to me," Jake smiles again. "It really is great to see you again. I should have come to visit you in Kansas City. You think the law has forgotten about me by now?"

Rhinehardt replies, "The Armour family never forgets anybody they don't like, but I believe it's O'Brien who they are still looking for not you. Do you know what ever happened to Old Red, I haven't heard anything from him since you two skipped town together."

"I did hear from him earlier this year. He is still laying low. He seemed well enough. It sure would be nice to spend some time with him, all three of us for that matter. I will let you settle in. If you get hungry, our cook Maria is pretty good though it has a decidedly Mexican flavor. If you want someplace else, try the Promise City Hotel." Jake turns to leave, but stops with his hand on the door knob. "Watch yourself here, at times it can be a dangerous place. The good news is my liquor distributor is also one of my bartenders, so if I have to break a full bottle of whiskey over anyone's head this time I get a good discount." They both laugh. As Jake leaves he says over his shoulder, "That and I can afford to pay for it."

At the bar Jake gives Jeff a ten dollar bill. "That guy says he prefers German style beer. Give this to Harry and tell him it is from Rhinehardt to grease the skids in locating some for him." Noting that it is getting late, Jake departs for the dinner meeting with Shaw.

Kate decides that there was something comforting about falling back into routine. The endless high spirits of the students was infectious and the day teaching seemed to do her as much or more good as going away to rest alone would have. Things weren't all better by any means, but they were better. As the children all rushed out at the end of the day Kate noticed Emery Shaw outside the door, probably her to pick up his niece. "How was your first day, Emily?" she asked the girl.

The girl replies, "A lot of tests. I hope I don't have to take any more for a while," the girl said with a sunny smile. Kate says, "We'll grade them tonight and get you in the proper classes tomorrow. I'm not a big believer in tests myself, you won't spend another whole day taking them until you want to graduate. I think your Uncle's waiting for you," she finished as they arrived at the door.

"Any news on what happened after I left this morning?" Kate asked him as Emily was distracted by Nakomo. Shaw says, "Lots of news, almost all bad. Jason Snavely, Clifford Allman and Bob Skull all managed to escape from jail. So when the Bishop arrived it was anti-climatic. Rixton testified and was proven innocent of Avery's murder.

I spoke to him a short while ago, he's decided to drop out of the Town Council race. And word is that Roger and Janet Fly have decided to leave town for good, her being too embarrassed to face the public again after the revelations about her husband."

Her disappointment was almost palpable. "I hate to see the Flys leave; I like them both very much. I wonder if it would be too big a liberty to stop over and have a talk with Mrs. Fly. I can see why Mr. Rixton would want to drop the race. It begins to look more and more like we should combine the Unity and Integrity parties, although amongst all these lives hurt I feel terrible to even think about politics. Even though Skull and his compatriots are gone, I'd say they proved themselves guilty by running. What do they hope to do now, I have to wonder."

Shaw says, "Combining the parties sounds like a good idea. I'll stop by and see the remaining Integrity Party members and invite them to join us this evening. As for politics, the only plus is that while Isby didn't believe Fisk and his friends part of the hooded riders group both Snavely and Allman testified that they were and by escaping it isn't disproved."

Kate replies, "And that casts suspicion even more strongly on Fisk's party. Still and all, I'd rather have gotten to the truth. I still don't know if this school was a target, or if they threw that dynamite because I was here defending it. We can't continue to live like this. The sooner this election is over, the better. Although if the perpetrators don't get their way, the elections probably won't stop it. Do you worry for your own safety at all?"

Shaw says, "That's a silly question Katherine, I fought off Cochise, I served two years as an Officer during the Civil War, I stood by your side against the Cowboy Gang a few months back. Was I afraid on those occasions? Damned right I was! Only a fool isn't afraid, but I've learned there are times that a person has to take a stand. I'm more determined than ever now to become Mayor of this place!"

"I'm glad I'm not the only insane fool left in this town," Kate said with her first genuine smile of the day and impulsively laid her hand on his arm. "Sometimes I feel like I'm standing by myself. I really needed to hear someone else say that today." Shaw bids Kate goodbye, saying he'll see her in another hour-and-a-half at Drover's. He and Emily head away and he asks her how her first day at school went.

After the school emptied, Kate sound down with Emily Banks' exams and began to go over them. It kept her time filled until about four-thirty when she headed upstairs to change into a less drab dress. She decided on the red, and rearranged her hair. Presentable was probably the best she could say for her appearance, but it was all that was needed.

Shaw and Emily head north up East Street and then west on Sierra, passing by the ruins of the buildings that burned down. Most of the fencing around the Papago Corral is still standing. Shaw says, "There's a guy up on that hill to the east named Hayes who catches and trains wild mustangs. He's buying this corral from the Shermans."

They pass the Palace, which now has makeshift beams supporting canvas tarps over the holes in the walls and roof. They go another three more blocks to the corner of Sierra and Federal Streets. She can see the foot bridge over Pine Creek a block further west with just a few houses and then open space beyond it.

They knock at the door and Jesse Sherman answers. It appears to Emily that the woman has been crying. Most of their possessions are backed in boxes or rolled up in blankets. Ike Sherman comes over and shakes Shaw's hand. Ike says, "I appreciate your being willing to buy most of the furniture, that'll save us trying to move or sell it individually." Shaw replies, "Well, that will make it easier for us to move in right away."

He introduces Emily and the Sherman's give a tour. The building is twenty-five feet wide east to west and twenty-feet north to south. The first floor is divided into three rooms, with the combination kitchen/dining room being the largest. A staircase up leads to the second floor which is divided into a master bedroom and two smaller rooms. A ladder and trapdoor lead to the attic which has a full pitched roof.

Ike says, "This used to belong to the Condons and we rented but they sold it to us last year after the James Gang robbed them and they needed cash. We paid them $ 800 for it, we'll sell it to you for the same, plus $ 100 for the furniture." Shaw replies, "Well, if this is acceptable to Emily I'll make it an even $ 1,000, you have nice furniture here, I wouldn't want to cheat you."

Emily had first met Mrs. Sherman with her usual sunny smile, but it dimmed at the woman's obvious sadness. She tried to keep her excitement down as they went through the house. It would be by far the biggest place she'd ever lived in, and from one of the upstairs windows she could see far off to the horizon. "It's a beautiful house, Uncle. I like that I'll be able to see horses and the countryside from here. And it will be much quieter than the boarding house."

Emery Shaw says, "Well then, that decides it. Let's go over to the Promise City Bank and transfer some money to you Mr. Sherman." The three of them head over to Front Street and down to Front and Main. They enter the single-story brick building and Emily is surprised to see a young red-haired girl not much older than her behind the teller's window. Emery Shaw greets her with a smile and says, "Hello Miss. Shannon O'Hara, I'm surprised to see you working here."

The girl looks up and says in a voice with a slight hint of an Irish accent, "When I heard that one teller had died and another was in jail I approached Mr. Stevens about a job. Mathematics has always been a strong subject for me and I had a letter of reference from my former tutor, a Professor at Belfast University, so he agreed to let me work here on a trial basis. It pays much better than what I was making at the Kelley's, although I still plan to work there on weekends."

"Two jobs? And you've been to University? You've been busy." Emily suddenly realized she hadn't really been spoken to or introduced. "I'm Emily Banks, Mr. Shaw is my Uncle. I didn't mean to interrupt." She smiles and says, "Shannon O'Hara and I've heard of you. You met my mother, older brother and one of my sets of twin sisters last night." Shaw says, "And Emily spent the day at your mother's school as well.

Shaw explains what he needs. Shannon calls over Mr. Stevens to help with the transaction given the dollar values involved. The money is transferred over into Mr. Sherman's account. So we will only have a couple days at the boarding house. I think Mrs. Russell will be sad we're leaving. She seems like a motherly kind of lady. It was nice to meet you, Miss O'Hara. Next time you'll have to tell me what you heard about me and tell me all about you." They head out, going to the Comique Variety Hall and Saloon. Emery Shaw approaches Vidkan Gerhardsen and asks him to join them for dinner at 5:00 PM at Drover's.

Emily had the feeling that when his mind switched to politics he had forgotten she was still with him. Which was fine with her since she doubted he'd have let her come inside this saloon if he'd been thinking about it. She listened curiously to the dwarf speaking his own language. She spoke the elvan tongue herself but didn't often get the chance to. She looked curiously around the room while she waited for her Uncle to be ready.

There are around fifteen patrons in the establishment at the moment, nine humans and six dwarves. She hears what is the familiar accents of people from Illinois and sees the bartender talking to a man at the bar, both peppering the speech with familiar Chicago accents and jargon. Emily's ear kept going back to the familiar speech even though she knew how rude it was to eavesdrop. She wanted to say hello, but wasn't sure what to say. Instead she approached the bar and said, "Could I trouble you for a glass of water? It sure is nice to hear some homey voices. I just came from Chicago and I didn't realize I missed it."

The bartender smiles and says, "Well Hello Miss, I'm Warren Watson and I originally hail from the city's west suburb of Cicero. I saw you come in with Mr. Shaw, are you related to his wife's side? He said before that they're from the city? Would you like something to drink, I have lemonade and sarsaparilla?" The second man says, "Hello Miss, I'm Hiram Kowalski, grew up in South Chicago along the Lake near Rainbow Beach." "Lemonade would be very nice, thank you. Mr. Shaw's wife was my Ma's sister. He visited sometimes and he thought maybe I would like it better here than in a big city. I lived not far north of where the fire started." Shaw looks at the clock and interrupting Emily says, “We should go, I want to be there when the other folks arrive.”

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-seven “Too Many Candidates”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 5:00 P.M.

Chester and Kate arrive at the candidates meeting simultaneously. Emery Shaw is seated at the head of several tables that have been put together on the northwest corner of the room. All other tables in the place have been moved further away to give that group some privacy. Place settings are along the table with Vera and Austin Black bringing out bowls of food and placing them on the table for a family-style dinner.

By 5:15 PM everybody expected is present, with the Unity Party candidates Emery Shaw, Chester Martin, Vera Blake, Helen Barker, Manuel Escobar, and Patrick Seawell, the Integrity Party candidates Michael Seawell, Elihu Upton, Neil Cassidy, Judge Lacey and Joe Riser, and independent candidates Vidkin Gerhardsen, Estaban Fuente and Jeremiah Peck.

Also present are family members and friends of the candidates consisting of Emily Banks, Clarisse Townsend, Austin Blake, Stanley Barker, Herbert Hoover, Rosita Escobar, Enrico Escobar, Julia Barbeau, Hatcher Meeks, Laurie Gilson, Torvald Ercksohnn, Cornflower Peck, Jake Cook, Minerva Florencia and Nakomo.

The group spends until 5:45 enjoying the meal and one another's company. Shaw then stands and starts the meeting, "Hello, thank you all for coming. I wanted all of the more-moderate candidates here to discuss the present situation. We have the debate tonight at 7:00 and I know that many of you also plan to stop by Derek Avery's wake over at the Rio Grande so I'll right to the point. Cole Rixton has withdrawn from the Unity Party just as the Integrity Party has had Roger Fly withdraw as well as the loss of Mr. Avery. And with most of the Hooded Riders still free this election has become a real danger to the candidates and their families.

What I propose is that the parties and like-minded independents consolidate into one party. That way we will not be dividing the votes of the more moderate-minded people in town and anybody wishing to withdraw at this time could without a problem. Once a new slate of candidates is decided the candidates can then work on the official party platform and announce both the party makeup and platform as part of tonight's debate. This group assembled here is large enough that we should be able to get most the 25 signatures for anybody needing one.

Let me start by saying that I am firmly committed to staying on as the Mayoral Candidate, in fact I am more determined than ever. Is there any other interest in that office? You were running for that too Mr. Gerhardsen." Speaking through his translator Torvald the dwarf Vidkin explains that due to the threat to his workers he has decided to withdraw from the Mayor's race but is interested in being on the Town Council instead. Nobody else shows an interest in the mayoral position.

Shaw then says, "Next is the Town Marshall Position. Both Michael Seawell and Chester Martin are running for it." Seawell speaks up first, looking towards his girl Julia and says, "My fiancé and I have discussed the matter and she feels very strongly that I should withdraw. I regretfully agree, my staying in the race puts the others living at Fly's Boarding House in too much risk."

Shaw asks, "And what about you Deputy Martin?" Chester pauses for a second, then says, "I haven't talked to Clarisse about it, but I'm staying in. The only way I know to make Promise City safer is for me to do it myself. I can't trust whoever Adair puts up and I don't know that much about Hank Hill. The Cowboy Gang and other outlaws have made themselves too comfortable in this county and that affects us. I take the escape from our jail personally and I want to see those men brought to justice."

Kate hid a small smile. She hadn't heard about an engagement for Colonel Seawell, but it was nice to think love could be found for those who might have thought they were past it. She was also relieved that there wouldn't be a struggle over a mayoral candidate, although she was a bit surprised no one had argued against consolidating the parties. Then again, there had already been talk of such a thing that she had not been privy to. Although she was certain Chester wasn't pulling out of the race, she waited to hear what he would say.

Following Chester's response Shaw says, "Okay, that leaves the Town Council, collectively we have eleven of you here for five positions." Neil Cassidy says, "Helen and I would both prefer to remain deputies, which would be a conflict-of-interest if we were on the council, so we'll withdraw."

Elihu Upton says, "You can count me out as being a Councilman on your party as well. Mr. Shaw, I have great respect for you and have heard nothing but good things, but I can't in good conscience join a party with you as the head of it. I sincerely feel that the next Mayor should be somebody who has resided in this town during the last year, not at a ranch twelve miles away. With Avery gone and with Fly, Cassidy and Michael Seawell withdrawing there really is no point in trying to maintain the Integrity Party, so I will go back to being an independent candidate for Town Council." He stands and leaves as does his business associate Hatcher Meeks.

After the door closed Kate said, "I can certainly see Mr. Upton's position, but his criteria makes finding a good mayor for this town very difficult. Few people have been here at, even fewer for more than a couple of years. Mr. Shaw is one of them. Eventually the mining will slow down and the ranches and farms will have to support this town, both businesses Mr. Shaw knows very well. Our good Mr. Vidkin is also a new-comer but is willing to serve his new home. Our other options for mayor are Adair and Fisk, and while they may have lived in town over the last year I hardly think their motives are the betterment of Promise City for everyone who lives in it. I believe we have the right candidate for the job."

Jake remains silent thinking, So far so good. He kept his quiet waiting until he was needed to sway the party in the proper direction. Speak too much and your words are diluted; hold them for impact. Patrick Seawell says, "Well, I'm not sure that the party needs two miners on it, so if we're adding Vidkin then I guess I'll drop out. Besides, I have a hunch I may not have the time to serve anyway, one of our mines is starting to look rather promising."

Estaban speaks up and says, "I should probably remain an independent, I'm not planning to pull any punches in tonight's debate in regards to Bill Watkins, and I have a hunch I'm one of his targets as well." Joe Riser speaks up and says, "You're right about that, I board at the Great Western and he's not too fond of all the late night festivities held across the street at the El Parador." Jeremiah Peck also says, "I guess I'll stay and independent too. I plan to directly address the Freedom Party's racist attitudes so you may not want to be associated with my comments."

Shaw says, "Well then, that leaves us with five for Town Council. From the original Unity Party we have Manuel Escobar and Vera Blake, from the Integrity Party we have Judge Lacey and Joe Riser, and then we have added in former mayoral candidate Vidkin Gerhardsen, who we'll need to circulate a Town Council petition for. Mr. Peck, Mr. Fuente, I'll have to ask the two of you to leave if you won't be on our ticket so that we can work on our party's platform."

The two men leave along with Peck's wife Cornflower. Kate followed the three over to the door. "Good luck to both of you," she said quietly as they stepped outside. "You'd both be fine councilmen and I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say at the debates." Jeremiah replies, "And good luck to you as well, I'm hoping that aside from the two of us", gesturing to Estaban, "the rest of the council is made up of your party instead of the other choices available to the town."

Kate returns to the table as Shaw is discussing the written platform of the Law and Order Committee. He says, "The best strategy for the debate tonight is to let Kate Higgins and Estaban Fuente take on Bill Watkins and Dennis Winston directly about their platform but it should also provide us with an opportunity for us to show that we are a moderate alternative. The Law and Order group wants to eliminate prostitution, drinking on Sundays and impose strict hours for businesses in town. Higgins and Fuente will want no laws at all about those. The answer is probably somewhere in between."

Vera Blake says, "Well, I plan to speak my mind on that. When my stagecoach driver friends come in late from a run and want to get a drink and unwind they come to Drovers, I don't want them having to face a "'Closed' sign because of some silly law." Joe Riser says, "But Watkins does have a point, more than once noise from a celebration at the El Parador has gone well into the wee hours of the morning, and the Great Western isn't the only place they're keeping up."

Shaw says, "I agree, and the issue really shouldn't be one of if a place is open but rather is the noise from it bothering the neighbors. I know the Figures family, if they realized they were bothering folks they'd probably be willing to take some measures once it got late to curtail the noise. So maybe our proposal would be that at after 11:00 all saloons would be required to shut their windows, play only quieter instruments such as a piano and guitar, and have patrons no longer congregate on outside porches." "That does not seem unreasonable." Jake remarks.

Shaw says, "Exactly, and that's the opinion of a saloon owner folks! The key here is for us to not argue either extreme but to instead present a moderate solution to the problems. And as far as noise is concerned, the Law and Order party hasn't addressed the biggest source of noise in town, namely the Stamping Mill and Smelter. Right now they only operate in daytime hours so it is a non-issue, but if they outlying mines begin to produce that could change. If any of you have ever spent a night in Tombstone you know how difficult it is to sleep when the stamping mills are going, and their mills are located further from the main town as than this one is."

Assayer Joe Riser says, "Well, Law and Order won't address that since the Stamping Mill's owner Elton Hubbard financially supports them." Vera Blake says, "Which makes them a bunch of hypocrites!" Shaw says, "Fine, but don't you call them that during the debate Vera." "If I may," Jake interjects, "just wait for them to make an unreasonable proposal. You know, like no noise from the saloons in the evening at all. Instead of taking them to task, just ask a clarifying question. Would that include all business equally? For example would the smithy or the mining operations have to follow all the same rules? That way before you even get your position out, their position becomes suspect."

Kate interjects, "May I also suggest not actually using the word moderate during the debates. Those with extreme views will try to change it to wishy-washy. The idea that you are trying to address everyone's concerns will come across just fine, just like Watkins hypocrisy will without having to use the word." Shaw laughs and says, "Yes, I am counting on the bad behavior of others to help make many of our points for us."

He continues, "Another point that may come up tonight, and will definitely come up in Wednesday night's Town Marshall debate is the present lawlessness going on. The escape of three prisoners today while our candidate was present won't help matters. My suggestion is that everybody present at this table right now do everything that we possibly can to help identify and catch these outlaws in the next eight days." Vidkin's friend Torvald translates his comment of "Those hooded riders took our mine by surprise last weekend, if they come back we will be ready for them."

Doing everything I possibly can, Jake muses privately, would certainly not shed a positive light on the Unity Party. Inwardly he chuckles. Besides, I already killed two of them. Still, I will see what can be done. He nods in response to Shaw's comment. Shaw says, "Well, I'll have until Thursday night's debate to articulate my vision for Promise City. Essentially I see that not as it is today but as a community of greatness, the best in the entire Arizona Territory. I will emphasize how this party has people from diverse backgrounds as well as a mix of ages, races and genders to provide an adequate representation of the town."

Minerva has sat through the entire meeting without saying a word, no small feat for her intrusive Spanish temperament She says, "These decisions are meant for the people of Promise City to work out together. It is not for the church or the gods to decide their path.". She follows the banter back and forth trying to sort out all the names, and parties, who stands for what, who is against what and who appears sincere about their positions. She listens to Kate and is once again awed by the demure woman's intuitive knowledge of the political arena. "It is a shame that she is not running for an office of some sort." The priestess eyes darken when Seawell, Helen and the little dwarven man withdraw their candidacies, but understanding their positions, she says nothing.
Satisfied that she is able to lend her support to this political party without compromising her service to the gods she continues to just sit quietly and nod her approval.

Kate nodded and said, "Hopefully we can offer enough options that we can draw in the most voters. What else has anyone heard that people in town are concerned about? I hear most people talking about the saloons or the lawlessness, but towns face many more challenges than that. Since we now have two schools education is covered for the moment, but as the town grows a public school will have to be started. A larger tax base will allow everyone's taxes to be lower, so any ideas about how to draw people and businesses here should also go down well.
What services can be provided by those taxes?

Shaw says, "Fire protection is obviously one, yesterday proved that. We should probably also have one school rather than two but that might be a better issue for the Town Council to address after they are elected. I'd also suggest, unpleasant as it is to discuss, plans for things like refuse disposal," Kate added. "The streets can get quite nasty sometimes. And while it will be a long time until the town needs anything like a hospital, we may want to suggest some kind of emergency plan. People get hurt in fires, floods happen, sickness spreads. If we have plans in place for these things before they happen people will feel safer and better prepared.

It could be as simple as having a designed office to go to for information, or a building designated as the first place to take wounded or ill people when their numbers are great. Right now when there are multiple injuries everyone in town with medical knowledge just runs it. It works well enough but some organization there wouldn't hurt."

Shaw says "Okay, there is one more issue that we need to address, and that has to do with religion. The Law and Order Party essentially views the Greek/Roman Church as the only true religion. Having Vidkin and Manuel on our ticket already proclaims that we think otherwise, as they follow other deities, but I'm thinking that we should perhaps be more explicit in discussing that. What are your opinions on that?"

Minerva sits taller and leans into the table, finally feeling that it is appropriate to speak. "Why do you feel it necessary to make this an issue in your campaign? It is not necessary to proclaim your stand on the issue of freedom of religion. As you have said, the diversity of your party speaks for itself. Those who attend my church know clearly what the gods' will is in this matter and will vote accordingly.. and I certainly have not kept the gods' will secret from the misguided souls who would think otherwise and will continue to set them straight as is my duty." she smirks recalling several very satisfying scathing lectures that she had recently scalded those 'misguided' folks with.”

Kate interjects, "I agree that our beliefs about religion are apparent already and do not need to be made an issue by us. But we do need to be ready to respond to the Law and Order Party.

I would assure the voters that this party has no intention of legislating religion. When religion begins to play a hand in government, it also opens the door for government to play a hand in religion. All citizens should be free to practice their own faith and not be restricted by the practice of others.

For example, we would not legislate a drinking ban on Sundays. It is the responsibility of a practitioner of a faith to observe the tenants of that faith. It is not the responsibility of the government to enforce a religious observance. Sunday is the holy day for the Greek/Roman church, but not for others. Followers of the Greek and Roman faith who feel Sunday should be a day of abstention should observe that; to force that observation on people who follow a different faith is not acceptable."

Jake interjects, "As citizen I would expect the same separation of church and state here as elsewhere." Minerva says, “It is not a matter of separating the gods from the people, Senor Jake. It is about not taking away ones right to worship as one sees fit. There are many gods and many ways to worship them and do their will . Neither the governing body nor the people have the right to prevent another from exercising their duty to a higher power." Jake says, "Semantics, Senorita. I support the right of the individual to make their own choices and live by them. I do not argue the point, just ask this group to respect the right of the individual."

Shaw says, "Very well, we won't need to get more specific on that point. If everybody would please sign Vidkin's Town Council petition he and I will then get whatever more we need to get to twenty-five and go see Judge Isby. Hopefully he'll let him join tonight's debate." Jake queues up to sign, anxious to get out of this meeting. Kate gladly signed the petition, finally feeling like something was going well.

Minerva signs the petition and then pulls Jake aside. "Are you going to the debate tonight? I know that the election is important but I fear that it is distracting us from hunting down the vampires. Has Senor Tomlinson found out anything more about their whereabouts?" He smiles as if they are discussing nothing more important than the weather, "Last night Tomlinson said they had not found anything yet. I have no idea where to go looking. I would gladly face hideous death at the fangs of those fiends," Jake smirks, "rather than listen to this political dribble again, that and last night I got a hundred dollar fine for maintaining my honor." Jake laughs after that. "Whatever is left of it."

Minerva laughs at his joke but remains serious and says, “I am glad that you feel that way, since that may well happen. . Kate approached her friends just in time to catch the last of Jake's comment. "Are we so boring, Jake? I admit, I've had about enough myself but it's necessary." If you must know the truth..." he maintains that impertinent smile. "This is not exactly my forte. You know I will help where I can. Calling this tedious would be kind." Kate smiled. "For me as well, Jake."

Minerva says, I cannot sit idly by waiting for them to take another victim. I want to go and search for them but I have no idea where to begin looking." "Our other fiend problem? At least that one seems one we might be able to solve. I mentioned to Jake a few things earlier today that might help with that. I wish I could go after them with you. Since I can't, I'll worry about politics and let you do the dangerous things." Minerva’s raises her eyebrows. "After all that has happened, How can you say that Politics is any less dangerous? You have information?"

"Not less dangerous, perhaps. But there is standing up for what you believe in and watching your back," she dropped her voice, "and then there is walking into a place full of who knows how many sets of hungry fangs. The first doesn't break my word to Diana. The second... would take some rationalizing."

Minerva states, "I must say that Iam quite impressed that Jake is even here. He doesn't have a reputation for being the altruistic sort.” She jokes affectionately. "Nor am I certain that having such a scoundrel in attendance is good for the party's moderate reputation." She turns to the gambler. "Why are you here, Jake?"

"Besides looking out after my business interests, Silver Jake Cook stands by his friends and pays his debts." He glances over and makes sure that no one else is listening. "I suggested to Shaw he move from council to mayor candidate, and I worked to get the two parties to merge. I am doing what I can to make this the town you folks want. Have no fear Senorita, once this group finally settles on a platform I will do what can be done to get this group elected without it being too obvious and then fade into the background to let them go about the business of running this lovely little town."

Minerva smiles her approval, "We are of a like mind there, but I find it difficult to envision you fading into the background, perhaps operating from the background..." Jake grins in a noncommittal manner and shrugs. Kate adds, "The longer I've been here the more I see sometimes it's better to be in the background. Notice I'm not running for anything.”

Kate checked to make sure no one was near and kept her voice low. "Regarding information, a source told me that Bronco Madsen is among the newly undead. A source I trust." Minerva says, "Bronco Madsen?" I am not familiar with him." Kate says, “Bronco Madsen is running for a council seat on Fisk's ticket. My suggestion would be to get Mr. Tomlinson and whoever else is supposed to help, follow Madsen tonight and either corner him and get information, or find out where he hides during the day, get him there, and get information." Jake states, "Madsen is scheduled to debate Tuesday night. If he really is going to show I had some ideas about that."

"Perhaps we should go someplace more private if we are going to discuss this." Minerva says quietly while looking over her shoulder at the other's present in the room. Jake says, "If we are done here, we can retire to the Lucky Lady while we wait for the debates to start." Kate quickly agreed and took one of Jake's arms. "You don't mind do you? Just a bit like old times, except I haven't been drinking." Jake nods and smiles. "Old times." He offers the other to Minerva and they head over to the Lucky Lady.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-thirty-eight “Jadito’s Tale”, Monday June 12th, 1882, 5:00 P.M.

Nanuet had started the day in his morning meditation. He then walked his young relative Nakomo to school and then heads out of town with Maska. He walked south in the direction of his ranch but hesitated to actually go there, instead going to sit up on the hill to the southwest of it. From there he sees that Sonoma and Flint have been very busy with the land. There is a section where corn and wheat are growing. He notices among the sheep flock that there are over a dozen new lambs.

He spends the day in thoughtful meditation. Towards evening he senses that he and Maska are no longer alone and turns. An old elvan Indian stands behind him no more than ten feet away. Nanuet would not have thought it possible for anybody to climb the hill unseen by both himself and his animal companion, but there the man stands.

The man is wearing Yavapai clothing and looks to be several centuries old, the human equivalent of around sixty years of age. Nanuet reflects back in his memory and realizes who this could possibly be, as there was a tribal elder of the village when he was a boy who wore similar clothing. That man was named Jadito and left the tribe several decades earlier for some unknown reason.

Nanuet shakes his head a little bit to clear his thoughts and then refocuses his eyes making sure he is truly seeing what is before him. He stands and faces the elder, his hand lowering to rest on Maska's back. "Jadito? Is that you?" Nanuet says in a quizzical voice. "I have not seen you in many many moons."

Jadito approaches Nanuet and says in the Yavapai tongue "It is I Nanuet. I am pleased that you have returned. Thank you for accompanying the Elders to Prescott, you do our tribe a great service." He gestures to the ranch to the northeast and says, "I understand that together with your friends you have purchased that large plot of land. While we were both raised to believe that land can not be owned it is the way of the humans and it is good that we have shown that we can adapt."

He sits down and takes from his pouch some dried meat which he offers to both Nanuet and Maska. He says, "My dear friend Kajika has chosen wisely in picking an animal companion for you. She is a beautiful wolf."

"Thank you Jadito, for the meat and for the comments" Nanuet says as he takes some jerky from the elder. I have found a way to exist here and have even found companionship. I have found a place amongst these people and have learned their ways of constructing buildings. I did miss our people but I think I can find a home here. Oh and yes, Maska is a beautiful animal, she is amazing."

Jadito replies, "I understand. I too have returned here for similar reasons. I consider this region my home, it is where I met my mate and where we raised our children. My Alajandra is not Yavapai, she is a mix of Apache high elvan and wood elvan blood from a Mexican tribe so would never be fully accepted by our tribe. And this is her home, I would not take her from it. And I myself would never feel comfortable on the San Carlos Reservation, I would feel like a prisoner."

He stands and says, "So I have returned to the place where I am most comfortable. I am glad that you are here too, it will be good to have another of our people here to speak too in our native tongue. I have heard what you have done to make peace between the Apache and the humans. The Yavapai are proud of your accomplishments. I trust that you have made friendships among the other races of this region."

Nanuet replies, "I try and make friends with all whom I meet. I have befriended humans, dwarves, other elves and although it has been some time I have even met a centaur. It has been an amazing time but the human lifestyle is so fast and active in comparison to our slow and deliberate ways. Sometimes I need to slow down and spend a day with nature and speak with the earth, time for reverie is not always available." Nanuet enjoys a piece of the jerky then offers what little bit he has left to Maska. He asks Jadito, "Do you have shelter here? Where do you and your partner live?"

Jadito replies, "You have many questions, it might be best if I told you my history, that would answer most of them. I was born among the Yapavia people nearly 900 years ago and for the first half of my life was content to live among the tribe as one of the people, never venturing far from home. Then in in what by the human calendar was the year 1456 I was selected to accompany my tribal chief as a guard for the Great Conclave. This was a meeting of tribal leaders held approximately every seventy-six years, the time when the great white bird would visit our world though it's flight though the night sky.

The conclave was held in its traditional place a great distance to the east, at the mouth of the great Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, which today marks the intersection of the states of Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. That journey was a remarkable experience for me, as it opened my eyes to the diversity of the elvan people. Tribes from throughout the North American continent were present, including tribes of the centaur race. That conclave told of the coming of a new race to our continent, the dwarves, who were exploring the rivers and great lakes of the northeastern part of the continent. They came not as conquerors but as traders.

I joined my chief for the following conclave some seventy-five years later, in the year 1531. I was joined at that time by my sister from whom you Nanuet are a direct descendent. That conclave brought word of another new race, the humans, who came not as traders but as invaders. They had already begun to overrun the great Incan and Aztec cities of the wood elves to the south, and others had settled along the eastern coast in the lands of Massachusetts and Virginia. We were warned by the Great Chiefs to return to our tribes and take precautions to protect ourselves from these new peoples.

But a number of us felt that there was another way, that we could learn to live in a peaceful co-existence with these humans if the attempt was made. That was the message that I brought back to my people. But the timing of my message was wrong. Less than a decade after that conclave the human Spaniard Francisco Vasquez De Coronado set out from the south on his exploration of conquest of the North American continent. His men had no respect for the peoples of the land and brought war with him as he swept through our territories, taking slaves as they went. The Yavapai were unprepared and had our crops and livestock confiscated and some of our tribe were taken as slaves including our chief's brother. After they left the tribal elders cast me out, feeling that my words of peace had betrayed the people.

I decided that the way to redeem myself was to free the captured Yavapai slaves, so followed Coronado's army southward on their return to Mexico. Along the way I met two like-minded individuals who agreed to help me with my quest, Alajandra of mixed Apache and wood elvan descent and my best friend Kykotsmovi who was a centaur of the Hopi tribe. We kept our distance by day and approached the human encampment at night in our attempt to ascertain the best method of freeing my tribe mates. Coronado stopped for a long encampment here, specifically at the location where the town of Promise City now stands.

We learned that when Coronado had set out from the city of Compostela in Mexico their army of conquistadors had captured wood elvan slaves on their journey northward, young men to carry their burdens and tend the animals and young women to provide the humans companionship at night. On this return journey to Mexico dozens of the wood elvan women were visibly with child and Coronado felt this made them too weak to travel. Furthermore, many of the Conquistadors did not want these women to return to Mexico since the bastard offspring could cause complications with the men’s wives back home. So Coronado decided to have these women put to death.

The night before these women were to be executed the three of us planned and accomplished a great rescue. Working with a wood elvan priest and his family who had accompanied Coronado we managed to free and bring the fifty-two pregnant wood elvan women escape unseen from the camp that night, as well as the six Yavapai who had been captured. We headed up into the Chirichaua Mountains and stayed in hiding until Coronado’s army had moved on.

The six Yavapai returned to the tribe, bringing word of my accomplishment and restoring my honor with the tribe. I, however, remained as the Priest realized that the women would not be safe in Mexico, that Coronado would put them to death if they returned, so they could not go home. So they made a new home here. The Celtic and Mexican Church in Promise City, which has the grove that you so love, was built at that time some 340 years ago. Alajandra helped to deliver all of the children with not one child or mother dying in childbirth, a remarkable accomplishment given that the human part of the offspring made for larger babies than elvan women usually carry.

That priest's son, Manuel Escobar, still remains here. Alajandra and I were mated in a Mexican Ceremony officiated by Father Escobar. We built our home there, where that farm now stands." He gestures to the southwest to a ranch a mile away, who Nanuet had heard was owned by a wood elvan family named Perez. "That stone structure which you see near the main barn was the home of my centaur friend Kykotsmovi, who lived to see his hundredth birthday, far longer than the normal lifespan for that race. I also met your mentor Kajika at that time.

Alajandra and I raised our children here, along with the wood elves who we freed and their half-elvan offspring. Two of our sons married half-elvan women and moved back to the villages of Compostela, Mexico following the fall of the Spaniards. One of our daughters perished, the other now lives with her husband in northern Arizona near the Grand Canyon.

After our children left Alajandra and I parted from one another. She remained here, training new apprentices in the ways of the land, while I returned to the Yavapai people and was made a tribal elder where I stayed for nearly a century. Some thirty years ago Mexico then signed a treaty with the United States ceding this land to them. I feared for my Alajandra being alone here where humans would surely come, this being the most fertile land around.

So I returned to my Alajandra. I helped to negotiate a peaceful coexistence with the first humans to come here, the Shaw and Morand families. During the time of Cochise's uprising I left again as this place was not safe for me not being of Apache blood. The Yavapai were having their land taken from them then, and I would not live on a reservation, so I went and lived with my sons in Mexico.

But I have now returned, spending a short while with the Yavapai and now am back here. My Alajandra still resides in the area and has taken on new apprentices, including one of the co-owners of your ranch. She speaks well of you, my mate is known to most here by as Mother Jimenez. She and I are glad to see one another but I would not intrude upon her small Promise City home and for the last two weeks have resided with Father Valdez in the town's church. I am proud to say that I am registered to vote and will help to choose the next leaders of this town."

Nanuet replies, "That is an amazing story Jadito. I had not stopped to consider that there might be history here before the village of Promise City exists how it is today. I would love to hear more when the time allows, but the concluding statement you reminded me of something. There is to be debates this evening in town. Perhaps if we did something to disguise your appearance you would like to come? Either way I must be returning to be at my partner's side. She is a public figure and must be present and I would like to be at her side."

Jadito replies, "Very well my cousin. This place is special to me, I come here to mediate as I did centuries before. Could we meet here together again at some time tomorrow morning?" "Yes, I will gladly meet you tomorrow. How about an hour after sunrise?" Once the time is agreed upon Nanuet will bid his leave of Jadito and Maska and return to town.

Back in town, Jake, Kate, Nakomo and Minerva head up the stairs at the Lucky Lady to a room for some privacy. The door is closed and Jake begins, "My first idea was to get a good sized mirror, hang it at the town hall behind the podium and cover it. At the appropriate time the cover could be removed. It would reveal any of the foul creatures not only to us, but to others. It gives us the opportunity to act and discredits the other party."

Minerva states, "That is a fine idea, but Madsen is not debating until Tuesday. Each day that we wait is an opportunity for them to create more foul creatures and put other's under their spell. How do we even know if Hamilton Fisk is acting on his own volition, or the Judge or even Kevin Tomlinson? There is no telling who they are controlling."

Kate says, "Mr. Tomlinson has experience with this, I think we can trust he isn't being controlled. While I like Jake's idea too, I'm not sure it's a good idea to expose the existence of vampires to the entire town. Who know what kind of panic it could lead to? If we do want to follow the idea, and it does do a nice, nice job of further discrediting Fisk's ticket, I think we'd still want to have someone follow Madsen tonight and find out where he hides from the daylight and who with. Once he's exposed he wouldn't be nearly so forthcoming."

Jake says, "Not that I am the trusting sort, but we can only really suspect someone is is acting abnormally. If we start looking too hard, we will see suspicious actions in everyone." Jake strokes his beard. "Besides following Madsen we might pay a visit to the Beatrice mine after the debate. I have reason to have suspicions there. Who we bring and what exactly we look for is not clear, but I have a feeling that it is a good place to start."

Minerva says, "I agree that both ideas have merit, but why wait until after the debate to visit the mine? Hopefully Nanuet will return from wherever he has run off too and will be able to come along with us. Do you think that Madsen will be at the debate tonight?" Nakomo speaks up. "I am coming along too."

Kate says, "I think you might be right about that. I'd say Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Harker, and Chester should all know. Nanuet as well if he's willing to get involved with vampires again. And whoever else Diana designated as those who were supposed to fight these creatures." Minerva adds, "Diana designated Padre Harbrace to this task as well." Kate says, "I don't know the Father, so you'll have to judge if you want him involved or not." Kate looked over at Nakomo. "And I certainly have no authority about what my student does. I admire the willingness though."

The normally subdued Nakomo stands proud, bristling around the edges, "The goddess has chosen me and Father Harbrace, it is not for us to question her judgment. He should be kept informed." Kate stopped her first answer from coming out. She believed in questioning everything, but Minerva would likely not be pleased with such counsel being given to her ward.
"I have found no reason to do so," Kate said mildly. "I have to be at the debates soon. Do you need me for anything else?"

Jake just shakes his head at Nakomo's bravado and blind faith. If that boy gets too confident in his goddess, we will be bringing him back home in a box. Or worse, I might have to save him. "Not from me," Jake gives her an impish smile, "enjoy the debate. Do not forget it costs one hundred dollars to speak from the audience."

"Enjoy? Well, maybe it's possible, it could certainly be exciting. At least if my favored candidates look good and others look like fools. If you can, let me know when you're back safe. Be careful." Kate slipped out of the room and headed back out into the political arena, this time toward the Town Hall.

When Katherine leaves for the debate Minerva takes Nakomo's arm. "I would like to stop at the church and pick up a few things before we go to the debate, Nakomo, Escort me, por favor."
She can feel the tension emanating from him as the walk toward home. She breaks the silence.
"It is true that the goddess chose you to assist in the slaying of these vampires, Nakomo, but being chosen does not mean that you are all knowing or invincible nor does it guarantee that you will be successful. It is good that you believe in the faith that the goddess has in you but you must understand that the success or failure of your actions is directed by you and only you and not by a god. Blind faith such as that, will surely get you killed and us along with you."

"But Miss Minerva, the Goddess said..."
She turns toward him and raises her hand palm outward at his protest. "No. You must listen to me if you are going to be a part of this. Padre Harbrace is doing his part as is Senora Kale, Deputy Martin and others. We all have our parts to play in this deadly game and the moves of each player involved may not be readily apparent to you or me, nor is it necessary for it to be so or for all of us to act as one.

She gives him a look that brooks no argument "If you are going to believe everything that Diana tells you then it would also be wise for you to remember that She commanded you to act according to my instructions. Now I want your word that you will do so." He replies, "Yes, Miss Minerva. I will remember."

She states, "Good. Now let us go in the church and get some supplies." She enters the sanctuary and returns with six vials of holy water, four of which she puts in the pocket of her gown before she gives him the other two. She also gives him a holy symbol. "Wear this under your shirt. She looks around the church. " We must also stop at the house but before we go we should empty out the donation boxes."

It does not take long to empty the boxes of Jupiter, Minerva, Dionysus and Venus since each only holds a few coins and an occasional bank note, but she is puzzled by the wad of bills and the pile of silver dollars that she pulls from the box that sits in front of the Mosaic of Hermes that Jake so generously had commissioned. "There is close to $70 in here. Someone must either have gotten quite lucky and is giving thanks or else they are in dire need of Hermes’s assistance. I hope that it is the fist as opposed to the latter, but either way I am sure that Hermes will reward such a generous donation."

"Praise the gods." she prays and stuffing the money in her pocket. hurries home. "Nakomo, it wouldn't hurt to have those arrows that Diana gave you but you should keep them in a bag or something." She says over her shoulder as she heads into her room. She quickly pulls back her hair and changes into darker clothing. She picks up her parasol and pockets the mirror on her dresser, as she does so she notices the item that Jake had palmed to her the day that Tomlinson came back to town. She picks it up, examines it and drops that into her pocket also. She re-enters the living room while she is checking the chamber of her gun to be sure the special bullets are loaded into it. "Now we can go to the debate." she surveys the room one last time. "I wonder what is keeping Nanuet?" she says to her feathered companion who is eyeing her from the perch by the window. "Luna, I think he knows where to find us but if you find him first bring him to the hall."