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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty, “Back in Town”, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 2:00 P.M.

Before riding off Jake walks over to Katherine and speaks with her privately for a moment. "If you have time, stop in to see Van Horne. Tell him I want that favor he owes me. Tell him I want that piece of jewelry that belongs to a mutual friend and to give it to you for me. I will return it when I come back to Promise City. Also, do not forget that Tomlinson can tell if anyone is lying. These men or us." He wishes her a safe trip and will see her soon.

It actually takes the quartet around seventy-five minutes to make the ride back to Promise City. They go directly to Dick Lockmeyer's stables, where Harker pays Lockmeyer to feed and water all four of the animals, saying they will be back in an hour and needing them then. Harker says he needs to head back to his house to pick up some more weapons and supplies. Costas makes sure that Kate gets safely back to her home before heading over to see Judge Isby along with Tomlinson.

Kate enters the building through the back door. Class is in session in the main room, and she sees that Mother Jimenez is giving a guest lecture to the class about local plants. Kate resisted the urge to run into the room and welcome the older woman. She hadn't expected to see her back so soon, but since Diana had departed it wasn't such a surprise. Instead of interrupting the lesson she peeked in the parlor to see if Janet Fly was there, then ran up the stairs to her own room to fetch her spell book which she kept locked up in her desk.

The parlor was empty but she finds Janet upstairs in one of the rooms. This room had been unfurnished and thus far just used for storage, but now is full of furnishings, presumably from Janet and Roger's room next door. Janet is in front of a spinning wheel spinning wool into yarn. She smiles and says to Kate "Welcome back." Kate smiled and stepped into the room. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here yesterday, I was called away unexpectedly. And I'm afraid that business isn't complete but I hope to sleep in my own bed tonight. Did Ginnie get you settled alright? Are you comfortable enough? Is there anything you need?"

Janet replies, “Yes, Ginnie got me settled in fine. She is very interested in my spinning wheel, although more from an engineering/mechanical standpoint than a desire to actually spin wool. My brother-in-law Buck helped bring my things over, I hope you don't mind. Familiar furnishings help make this seem more like home.” Kate replies, "Of course I don't mind. I'm sure everything will be a bit disorienting until you get settled in, and hopefully I won't be called away like this again. You'll find Ginnie is very curious about many things, and goes far faster than I can keep up with."

Hurrying to make it down to the schoolroom before Mother Jimenez had left. Kate slips in quietly but everybody in the room still notices. Jimenez has concluded the main part of the lecture and is now passing around bark samples and leaves of the various trees in the area. Kate went over to Meghan and Mollie when they noticed her come in. The children were busy passing the samples although they too were giving her curious glances.

"I apologize," she said quietly. "I had no idea yesterday's business would hold me up so long. I'm afraid I'm not really back for today either. There's some more work to be done before I can come home and rest. Meghan says, "No need to apologize, we've used the opportunities for guest lectures. Duncan Frye was in this morning talking about the craft of leatherwork and as you see Mother Jimenez is here now."

Kate says “It looks like everything is just fine here. How did Mother Jimenez happen to be here. Not long ago she left for what she thought would be an extended time away." Meghan says, “She's here in the building teaching because her own students, Sonoma and Conrad Booth, suggested it to her. She's back in the area in general because she sensed that her mate had returned.”

Kate states, "I'm glad she's returned. She's been a help to me more than once and I believe Sonoma and Conrad both missed her. I'm glad you found someone to come in, although I'm sorry to have missed their lectures myself. I always like hearing about what other people do, and my botany is far behind. We may need to make some kind of plan for my absences, it doesn't seem its going to stop happening. And then there's..." Kate looked at Mollie then Meghan. "Well, we can talk about it all tomorrow.”

Meghan says, "Relax Kate, for both of us this is our only job, you've also got a ranch to run. We understand and are just glad that we can help." Kate replies, "I know, and you wouldn't believe how much peace of mind that gives me." The three women continued talking for the next few minutes until Mother Jimenez had answered all the children’s questions and the samples had been returned. As they had been taught they all thanked her for coming.

When Meghan and Mollie took over Kate took Mother Jimenez into the kitchen and closed the door to the schoolroom. "I'm so pleased you're back, when did you get here? Have you seen Conrad yet?" She replies, "Si, I was with him this morning. He is now over at the Lucky Lady doing a dress rehearsal of the play that he will be performing in."

Kate says, "I guess I'll see him in a few minutes then. I have to run over there before I go back out of town. I want to thank you for this ring," she said, taking the older woman's hand with the one she wore the protective circlet on. "It saved him last night. I'm sure you know about the blood monsters in the area. Hopefully after tonight there won't be any more of them. One of them tried to drain my life from me. It almost succeeded, but the baby is well. I have to go back out if only to stay with the Bishop until he's certain I'm completely recovered, but since the monsters are in town as well I'm not any safer here."

She replies, "I could protect you as well as that Bishop, I am actually more powerful than him. I know of the type of monster that you speak of as does my mate." Kate replies, "I have no doubt you could, and I would be more comfortable to tell the truth. But I have other tasks as well, and I can actually help without undue risk. We have leads, I think we'll know who they all are by tonight and will be able to stop the most recently created from rising. There are at least two in town. I believe Bronco Madsen is one of them." Kate quickly explained what they already knew of vampires and how to deal with them, then asked, "Is there anything I haven't mentioned?"

Jimenez says, "Your knowledge of these creatures is more complete than mine. I would suggest that you remain in the sunlight until they are all vanquished." Kate answers, "That's what I'm going to try to do. Unfortunately the sun does go down, and my home being used for a public purpose probably won't keep the creatures out. I must go to the Lady, but perhaps we will talk again tomorrow. Thank you for lending your knowledge to our students, I'm sorry I missed it. I'm so glad you've come back." She hugged the woman, not sure if it was a welcome gesture but not letting that stop her. "I'm curious about your mate," she smiled.

Jimenez replies, She replies, "His name is Jadito. He is an Elder of the High Elvan Yavapai tribe. He is non-Apache so fled to Mexico to be with out sons during Cochise's uprising nearly two decades back and we have been apart since that time."

Kate took a few moments after that to talk with Ginnie privately, giving her a quick update telling her who and what to watch for in town, then taking some time just to hug her and be a mother rather than a guardian. Then she quickly made for the Lady to see Cornelius Van Horne. She finds the front door locked and a sign reading "Private Function until 5:00 P.M." She hears music and voices inside.

Kate debated for a moment whether to knock or go around back to the kitchen door. In the end she decided she probably shouldn't be going down alleys and pounded loudly on the door. The music inside eventually stops. The door is then unlocked and opened. Standing this blocking the doorway is Josephine Marcus, attired in an Elizabethan gown with a low neckline. She gives Kate a curt look and says, "As a school teacher I would have thought you would have been able to read. The sign says closed, go away."

Kate had had enough in the last few days and her voice was just as curt when she answered. "Not everything has to do with your play. Is Van Horne inside and is the back door unlocked?" Miss Marcus says, "I think he's upstairs. Get in if you have to, and when you leave go out the back." As soon as Kate enters Josie locks the door behind her and heads back toward the actors on the stage. As Kate heads across the room towards the stairs Conrad’s gaze never leaves her and he ignores Josie's next comment to him about the play.

Kate hustled through the room. She felt Conrad's eyes on her immediately but could not stop. Instead, she mouthed silently and exaggerated, "I love you, go back to work." Then she dashed up the stairs and looked for a closed door to knock on, since she wasn't sure where Jake had put Van Horne. She eventually finds the rotund southerner who comes to the door and with a smile states in his Georgia accent "Well hello, and what is it that brings the Lucky Lady's most beautiful pianist to my door at this hour?"

"Not a difficult feat when the others are men," Kate said. "Jake sent me. He wants to call in a favor, a piece of jewelry that belongs to a mutual friend. I'm to bring it to him, and he'll return it when we come back to Promise City. There's obviously more history between the two of you than I know of, but I'm not asking any questions." Van Horne replies, "Ah yes, allowing men to keep some of their secrets is a wise trait in a woman. I believe I remember where I put the trinket."

He heads over to the dresser. While he is looking through things Kate notices a large suitcase in the corner, the exact same one in fact that had been carried the man whose face she bandaged following the explosion at the Palace. He finds what he is searching for and brings her over an amulet and says, "This is the one, if memory serves it belonged to a saloon hostess named Allouetta."

"Allouetta? She must have gotten tired of hearing the song," Kate said and held up the amulet to look at it before slipping it into the pocket of her pants. "I'm not surprised Jake would have known a saloon hostess. He probably knows more than he has fingers to count them on." Van Horne replies, "I honestly can't say, I've only known Mr. Cooke a short while myself, although it appears that we both know quite a few of the same people. Then again, the circuit of long-term professional gamblers west of the Mississippi is rather small, lots of people coming and going but not that many of us in it for the long haul."

Kate replies, “I suppose I'll be learning a bit about that myself this weekend. I'm sure you can guess it's not my area of expertise. I wonder if you would do me the favor of delivering a note for me? I don't want to disturb the rehearsal downstairs. Of course, I'll also have to ask you for paper and pen to write it." Van Horne says, "I would be very happy to assist you little lady." He gestures over his desk where a fountain pen, paper and envelopes are waiting. "Help yourself," he states.

"Thank you." Kate went inside and sat at the desk, writing out a short note in her neat hand. She writes:

My Dear,
I did not want to interrupt your rehearsals, but I know my running through the saloon will have you worried. Mother Jimenez knows the details of what I am doing, I don't have the time to write it all out. There is no reason to fear, I am with the Bishop and others who consider my safety of great importance. These last days seem to have conspired to keep me away from you, especially since I have wished to reassure you that our argument was just that. I love you and will see you as soon as I can.
All my love, Katherine

She folded it into the envelope and wrote 'Conrad Booth' on the outside before closing it. She states, "You'll just need to take it downstairs once the rehearsal is over. I'm sure you know Mr. Booth." Van Horne says, "Indeed I do, I have played at his table at the Long Branch on many occasions. He is signed up to play in my tournament this weekend. Actually he's not the only Booth to do so, the world renowned actor Edwin Booth has also signed up to play."

She replies, "He signed up to play? I knew he was coming, but... I wonder if he'll be any good as a player?" Van Horne replies, "Oh I would think so. There is a well known story of when he was on a world tour and played a high-stakes game in Hawaii with the island kingdom's King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani." She states, "You'll have to tell me the story after we return, I have never heard it.

She handed him the envelope, fairly certain the man would read the note the moment she left the room. "I'm afraid I must go, I'm expected. Thank you for your help, and I hope you're sufficiently recovered from your rude awakening Sunday morning." He replies, "Yes, these accommodations are quite adequate. Good day to you Mrs. Kale." She answers, “Good day, Mr. Van Horne."

Kate hurried back down the stairs of the Lucky Lady and headed for the back door. She tried to be unobtrusive as she passed through the downstairs on her way back to the school where Mr. Tomlinson and the Bishop would expect her. The others soon arrive with the horses. Harker has two extra saddlebags that he puts on his mount and is also has a mechanical crossbow strapped across his back.

Before riding off Ginnie comes out of the school and says, "We didn't get much of a chance to talk, you're probably wondering what's going on around here in your absence. Chumbley was by a few hours ago with today's paper. Here's a copy for when you get a free moment." Ginnie hands up the paper. Kate sees the main headline reads "Law and Order Party Replaces Bill Watkins".

"Well," Kate said, looking at the headline, "I'm not sure if that's good news or bad. We'll spend time together tonight after I get back, Ginnie." She squeezed the girls hand before letting go. "I love you."

Back at the mine, Jake wanders between the two men that are separated in their confinement. He makes certain they have shade and water, and are not in too much discomfort. He also keeps his eyes and ears open in the surrounding area, waiting for the others to return. It is 3:45 in the afternoon when the quartet who rode off to town return.

Tomlinson calls Cooke aside and says, "The Judge signed the pardon. He's anxious to find out what he can about Palmer. I told him the informant Messier was too afraid of Judge Isby to tell him directly, he might change his mind, so it was best to let me continue to take the leadership on this." "You are a fairly good judge of character in my experience," Jake tells him. "There is more going on here than is first obvious, but I cannot predict exactly what it is. We are short of time and need to take some risks." Jake gives him a wink, "Ready to play some poker Kevin?" Tomlinson replies, "Hearts and backgammon are more my games but I get the gist. We should continue to keep these men separated." Jake replies, "Let me talk to Miller first. Even if that does not yield anything, it will make Messier suspicious."

Since Tomlinson is talking to Jake, Kate took the paper and sat down next to Minerva. "Ginnie thought we might like to know," she said, letting out a long breath. The trip back and forth and the hurry while in Promise City had taken more out of her than she was willing to show, but she was very grateful to be sitting down. While she waited for a chance to slip the amulet to Jake, Kate opened the paper and read over what she had missed in Promise City while she was gone.

The top story says that the Law and Order Party has replaced Bill Watkins as a candidate for Town Council with Don Hudson, the town's baker. Watkins is quoted to say that he will remain in the race as an independent candidate for office. The article goes on to say that the Freedom Party has also replaced the vacancy caused by Bob Skull's departure, with roofer Tim Gorch now running in that position for Town Council.

A related article covers the previous night's debate, which sounds like it was far less heated than the night before. The most surprising quotes, at least to the reporter Chumbley, are various comments made by Doctor James Eaton. He talks of working together with the people of town of all races and genders and the need to find common ground. When asked about the two schools he says that the elected Town Council should give serious consideration to consolidating them into a single school for all of the children in town to attend together.

An article about the New Douglas Gang mentions that Pinto Joe Weams, Mongo Bailey, Shotgun Sally Fox and Pamela Yeats are now all four at the Colorado State Prison in Canon City, Colorado awaiting their trial. There has been no further information about the possible whereabouts of Arthur Deadeye Douglas and Mae Clarke.

Another article talks of the Fisk Mountain Mine and them having brought in over $ 10,000 worth of silver ore in the previous two weeks. The last noteworthy piece of news mentions the arrival back in town of Nevada rancher Joe Cartwright and his fellow ranch workers Dusty Rhodes, Candy Canaday and Joe's adopted brother Jamie Hunter-Cartwright. The paper indicates that they arrived late on Tuesday night and spent an hour or so at the Long Branch Saloon before retiring to the Promise City Hotel. They told the Mirror that they are in town to assist the Cattleman's Association.

Kate laid the paper down on her knee. Was it possible that Doctor Eaton we beginning to see things differently? Was it possible Diana's visit could have changed him so much, or perhaps she had just underestimated him to begin with. The return of some of the Cartwrights was interesting as well. She would have to ask Emery Shaw about it when she got back to town. Tomorrow, more likely. She needed to give Ginnie and Conrad her attention first.

She got herself back up on her feet and went over to Tomlinson and Jake. "I'm ready to get some information out of Messier. We don't really have that much time if we want to take on the creatures in the daylight." Jake replies, "Agreed. Did things go well in town?" She answers, "Well enough. The school was going on just fine without me. I didn't try to do too much since we were just leaving again anyway. I probably should have gotten something to eat now I think about it.

Mr. Tomlinson, since you work with the Judge I'd suggest you start at least. I hope he'll just tell us everything without too much prodding now he has his pardon." Jake does everything he can not to roll his eyes. "Kevin, maybe you should tell Mr. Harker some secret the Judge told you. Then you can tell Katherine the same secret... or something that will take a couple of minutes."

Kate looked over at Jake. "If there's something I'm missing you could just tell me instead of treating me like an idiot. If you want to do something just say so and do it. I'd be more than happy to just sit and rest for a while." "Sometimes I am so suave I can hardly stand it," he grabs Katherine by the hand and take her a few steps away from Tomlinson. "Did you get the amulet?" He says in a low voice, "If you did, indicate where it is and I will get it. I would rather keep it a secret, I do not want ANY of the others to know I am using it. I promise not to enjoy taking it." Even lower he says, "It is magic. It allows one to read minds. I want to ask the other one a few questions before we have at Messier. I am sure you will not be surprised that I do not trust either of them.

She ran a hand through her hair and pitched her voice to match his. "No, I'm not surprised, and yes I got it. It's in my right-hand trouser pocket. I'm sorry. Nearly dying doesn't put me in the best of moods. Neither does trying to keep quiet the real reason you want me here. I had to interrupt the dress rehearsal to get into the Lady, prompting Miss Marcus to ask me if I didn't know how to read a closed sign. I had to run past Conrad with no explanation despite the fact we haven't cleared up our argument yet... I've had about as much as I can take and still be polite. I didn't mean to take it out on you." Jake replies, "Well, I have been called worse. I may be called worse before this day is over." He turns Katherine around politely, pushing her towards Miller and pulling the amulet out of her pocket swiftly and scrumptiously.

 

[Silver Moon]

Sorry for the delay - life has been a bit crazy as of late.

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-one, “The Wizard Speaks”, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 4:00 P.M.

Jake says, "Go talk to Miller and give me some cover to put this on. Thanks, you did better than fine. We have a dirty job to do and little time for niceties. I will give you a nod when I am listening." Jake adjusts his jacket and wipes the sweat off his brow, putting the amulet around his neck when he bends over and replaces his hat. Following the now familiar process, he activates the amulet and attempts to monitor Gary Miller's surface thoughts. Once it is working he moves towards Katherine and the miner, nodding to Katherine in greeting.

Kate went over to Miller and sat down a few feet away. "Rough day, I know. I hope you know if we'd have meant you harm it would have been done by now. All we're after is information, and nothing to do with your mine at that." "He says, well, I'm really not sure what's going on, both of my partners haven't been around much lately and Stephen is acting rather strange today. There have been a bunch of other folks around at night too, but they get quiet whenever I'm around."

As Kate's conversation with the man continues Jake is able to deduce that Miller is both confused and scared. He doesn't know why all these armed men are around, none of whom have badges. One appears to be a Greek Priest but Miller follows the Norse gods so that is no comfort to him. Miller also believes the other man is Stephen Wicks although is confused about why his friend is acting oddly.

Jake asks Miller where is Slim Decker, and is there anyone else about the property right now. Miller indicates that he hasn't seen Decker since Sunday night, although he must have left on foot as his horse is still in the corral. He says he thinks he and Wicks are the only ones around. Kate says, "You said there are other folk around at night. Your friend must have at least introduced them to you. Who were they?" He answers, "I don't know, Slim and Steve never introduced me and I kept a distance." She replies, "A wiser choice than you know." She patted his shoulder and stood up. "Steve's strange behavior is what we want to know about. Keep being patient, hopefully we'll be out of your hair before too much longer."

"Alright, thanks," Jake tells him and walks away, indicating Katherine should follow. When they are out of earshot he says, "As far as I can tell Miller is telling the truth, and does not know anything. Strange that Decker is not around too, that likely means something. It may be best if you and Tomlinson start the questions with Messier. I will stand behind him and tap my nose if I know he is lying, I will nod first I this thing works on him." Agreeing, they move over to Tomlinson and Messier. Kate followed Jake and heard his thoughts, ending going over with Kevin Tomlinson to speak to Messier.

They reach Messier who demands to see the Pardon. He reads it over and then says, "This appears to be in order but I need to cast a spell to authenticate this signature, it might still be a forgery." Kate raised an eyebrow. "We've gone quite out of our way to accommodate you, but if you still have doubts... Mr. Tomlinson, you're the laws representative here. But I might suggest we be certain he's telling the truth before we allow it."

Tomlinson says, "You're right. Tie Miller back up and let's get everybody around here. Bishop Papandraius can then cast his Truthfulness Spell and the rest of us can cover this man with firearms to prevent any attempt at escape." Messier replies, "Why would I need to escape if this document is genuine? Are you implying that it isn't?" Tomlinson "It's genuine, you're just paranoid, although living several weeks alongside vampires I guess gives you a valid reason for that state of mind."

Kate states, "It would be foolish to accept the pardon at face value, but it would also be foolish of us to allow you to cast an unknown spell without a guarantee as to what it is. So let us all, yourself included, protect ourselves as we build our trust." Miller is secured out of earshot but within sight. Tomlinson pulls Papandraius aside and says, "Don't let on when your spell ends, if he thinks it's still running he'll keep telling the truth."

The group all gather around Messier with weapons drawn as the Bishop casts the Truthfulness spell. Tomlinson says, "What are you planning to do Mr. Messier?" He replies, "Cast a spell to authenticate this signature on the pardon." Bishop Papandrius nods that is correct. Tomlinson says, "Proceed". Messier runs his hand along the paper above the signature as he says an incantation. When he removes the hand the writing has changed from black to red ink, then changes back. Messier says, "It is genuine." He folds up the pardon and places it inside of his jacket pocket. He then says, "Alright lady and gentlemen, what do you want to know?"

Kate watched with interest as Messier cast his spell, not having heard of a such a spell before. "Let's start with the Vampires. The locations and names of those still active and those about to rise. Also I'd like to hear the names of all the Vampires you knew about, who was the leader among them if there was one, and how they chose who to make into monsters."

He replies, "The three still living, if you can call it that, are Morty Turner, Stephen Wicks and Slim Decker. Turner and Wicks are both in town wearing new faces that they had me put on them. Decker is over guarding the four that will rise tonight. Those four were Raymond Cunningham and two of his workers, I don't know their names, but one was a human and the other was an ogre. The fourth one was rancher Denny Gaurin, who owned the Rattlesnake Ranch. He's the one who Wicks is impersonating. Those five are over at the Cunningham Mine, they moved in there the night after you guys searched the place, figuring you wouldn't come back since you already checked it.

As to the vampire hierarchy, I think Turner is the leader. He had with him that other vampire who you attacked with me yesterday and killed for good this morning. His name was Czernik, he was from somewhere in Eastern Europe and couldn't speak any English, Turner knew his language. The other ones who you killed were Eric Sharpaxe, my partner Dudley Jobin, Dooley Wilson and some rancher whose name I don't know.

As to how they choose, you'll have to ask Turner. I know they kept Miller as a human to run errands during the day for them, just as they had done with Ordway up at the other mine. In fact, Wilson had me disguise Ordway to impersonate him a few weeks back for some wedding in town that was outdoors during the day and Wilson was expected to attend."

Kate asks, "What face is Mortimer Turner wearing? And while I'm thinking about that, what other people have you made items to impersonate?" Messier replies, "I do not know the name of the man whose face Turner is now wearing, he gave me a photograph to use to create it. The photograph is back at the Beatrice mine, I can show it to you later. The changes to Wicks and Turner was done using a spell. I do not have the ability to made items but I do know how to cast upon items receptive to them to put a specific image into them. I only completed the two items that you took from Wilson, those were all that Palmer had."

Kate asks, "And what faces did you put in those items? Sorry to keep staying on the same topic, but there are quite a few other things that may be connected, we need to know as much as possible." He replies, "Then why waste my time asking me what you already know, the belt buckle has the Cook image and the money clip has the Kane image."

Kate ran a hand through her hair again and shook her head. "Because my memory is starting to resemble Swiss cheese. So Palmer had you make those items, and he's the new leader of the Cowboy Gang. I could make some guesses as to why they wanted Mr. Cook, but not so much for Mr. Kane. Did they let you in on the whys?" Messier states, "No, they don't discuss things with me, I'm just the hired help. Although I have heard Turner make unkind remarks regarding Mr. Kane, he doesn't care much for him for some reason."

Standing behind Messier, Jake catches Katherine’s attention. He puts a hand to his chest over the amulet that is hidden under his shirt and shakes his head. He shrugs and then comes around to the front so he can watch Messier’s face and eyes, using the 'old fashioned' way of attempting to gauge the truth of his words. Kate asks, "What's the connection between the Vampires and the Cowboy Gang? We've long suspected there was some kind of relationship, but we haven't been able to collect enough information to make the link."

Messier replies, "The connection is Vaughn Palmer, he is in some way connected with Morty Turner's Uncle. Most of the Cowboy Gang members are actually unaware of the true nature of the vampires, that information was shared with only a few of them, most of whom are now dead." Hermes, Jake thinks, Colin Turner again. He states, "Mr. Messier, how do you come know that the Cunningham mine was searched and that Decker moved back in? Does he have any others with him besides the pending vampires?"

Messier replies, "They had Miller watching the Cunningham mine from a distance. He was under Turner's hypnosis, so has no recollection of it. I know they moved back because I helped them move two of the caskets out of the Sharpaxe Mine to there. The only one with Decker is the shackled ogre who they are saving for the others first meal. But they are hard to find, being behind an illusionary mine that is also trapped against intruders."

Jake nods. "We are running out of time and there is so much to know. Figured Miller was their tool, we have to leave here without making it really obvious where we are going." He looks around at the others, "What do we really need to know to finish things at the Cunningham mine?" Tomlinson says, "We need to know specifically where that wall is." Harker says, "Harbrace and I were there before, we know the layout. We can have him draw it out for us." Kate states, "The word trapped is making me nervous as well. I'd like that map to include where and what the traps are."

Tomlinson says, "Okay Mr. Wizard, here are your choices. You either draw out the Cunningham mine for us with descriptions of all of this or you come with us." He says, "I am willing to draw it out." Jake listens for the response but is already mentally preparing for what comes next. He draws his long barreled pistol in a non-threatening way, and ejects the round in fifth position of the cylinder. He takes a small leather case out of an inside pocket of his duster and removes a single bullet, a magical pyrotechnic round. He inserts that round into the newly empty space, parks the hammer back over the empty sixth cylinder position and reholsters the weapon. Part of him is listening, while the other part is going over his weapons.

"So," Jake asks matter of factly while Messier is making the map, "Does anyone know what Decker looks like or should I just shoot anyone I meet?" After Messier drew out the map, Kate said, "Is there anything more you can tell us about the Cowboy Gang? Anything you haven't already told us? I know you want to stay in the area with your mines, but your pardon won't protect you from Palmer. The quicker we can get Palmer the sooner you can wear your own face again."

Wicks/Messier replies, "He is my student but I am a far more powerful mage. I can protect myself from him. He now leads the gang from Promise City and that is where he gets his money from although I am unsure who his financier is." Jake states, "Fisk. I find it hard to believe it is not Fisk. We will see..." Kate nodded and after Jake mentioned Fisk she added. "Any idea who his lieutenants are? And I doubt you know anything about it, but it never hurts to be thorough. Did you know anything about the hooded riders from Sunday morning? Hear any rumors or see anything strange?"

He replies, "No, I do not know the hierarchy of his gang or who most of the members are. All I know are the faces and bodies of three of them, as Palmer has had me change them during the last few months to keep Wyatt Earp from killing them. I used images I remembered of people I knew from France rather than anybody they might actually meet."

"Merci, Monsieur Messier. Je sais que ce n'a pas été plaisant mais il libère un bon nombre de gens, y compris vous-même." He replies in English, "You are very welcome, and like each I you I only do what I must to survive and prosper." Kate turned to Mr. Tomlinson. "Is there anything you can think of we've missed?" Jake says, "We still need to see that picture of what Turner now looks like. Can we continue this discussion after we deal with the creatures at the Cunningham mine?"

Harker says "The Cunningham mine is several miles closer to here than the Beatrice. Should we just leave these two here? Should we have all of use for the Cunningham Mine or could one or two of us bring this wizard to his home for the photograph?" Kate asks, "Is Mr. Miller still under vampiric influence? We should free him if we can or we'll be just leaving him here to be killed by them. Or perhaps Mr. Messier can protect him as well? I think we should stay together. Things are too unpredictable to be splitting up. But I'll accept whatever you all decide. If you don't mind, I'm going to sit for a bit."

Tomlinson says, "I could rid Miller of the influence but it would take time that we don't have right now. We can't bring him, while he is still under some control I wouldn't trust him. Despite the pardon I also would not trust our wizard friend Messier either. I say we need to both secure and separate them, perhaps leaving one here and the other at the Sharpaxe mine along the way." Kate says, "Whatever you think Mr. Tomlinson. But I would move Mr. Miller instead of leaving him here." Jake says, "No, I say we leave Miller here. The more we interact with him, the more the vampires can know. I know it may be dangerous for Miller, but that is a risk we should take. We need to increase our odds of destroying these creatures for good."

Jake nods at Katherine. "There are enough of us to leave some here or go with him to the Beatrice mine or where ever." Jake looks at Messier directly but speaks to the others. "He is dangerous enough that leaving a couple of folks behind would put them at serious risk if he had reason to harm them. I am hoping we have put that behind us. Better to be partners in this than dangerous enemies to each other. I would feel better if he stayed here with a couple of folks." Jake looks back to Tomlinson. "Who do we need for expertise to take care of the creatures at Cunningham? I want to do this right this time."

Tomlinson states, "The Goddess gave those arrows to Nakomo and Harbrace, they are the two most important to bring. Beyond that, I am needed to permanently destroy the caskets, Bishop Papandraius will be needed if any of us are caught and drained and you had success against those other two. So that leaves Harker, Priestess Minerva and Mrs. Kale."

Kate walks a few feet away and sits next to Minerva who has been quiet during all this.
"Minerva sits with her hands clenched her lap. She hisses quietly to Katherine. "It is all I can do not to shoot that man here and now. How dare he justify what he has done by saying that he does what is necessary to survive. I wish that I had not promised not to harm him."

Kate states, "Right now, I'm just grateful we have the information we need. I've done things a few time just to survive, but yes, I would have died before I allowed myself to be used by these monsters. They would have had to subsume my will before I helped." The Priestess says, "We have all done things that we regret, but he feels no remorse. He is no different than those who murdered my father. I know that I promised not to harm him but I did not promise not to pray for justice." she spits.

Kate answers, "He doesn't seem to." Kate sighed. "I'm afraid I just don't have enough left to get worked up about it. But that is how I am, I'll be terrified and hopping mad after it's all over. I didn't get to thank you yesterday for what you did for us. I was trying so hard to help and stay as safe as possible but those walls fooled me. The Bishop may have done the spell to fix me, but I wouldn't have lived to reach him without you." Minerva replies, "It is not necessary to thank me. You are my friend." she says waving off the words of gratitude. "Besides the power did not come from me, it came through the necklace given to me by the goddess Diana. The gods work through me, I am only a vessel. "

Jake interrupts Minerva and Katherine. "The advice seems to be that everyone is needed at the Cunningham mine except you two and Harker. Either of you want to stay with Messier and not go to the mine?" Regretfully Kate said, "Minerva should go. Having two clerics is always a good thing. I should be safe enough with Mr. Harker.”

Minerva states, "Messier is dangerous. I should stay with you. Nakomo is a cleric also. He should go to the mine. He has the arrows." Kate answers, "I believe they included Nakomo in the necessary people. I would prefer to go but I am not needed and not at full health. They may need more healing than the Bishop can provide."

Minerva answers, "I am not comfortable leaving you here, but perhaps you are right." she stands and hugs Katherine. "Be careful." She follows Jake over to the horses. "Katherine, try to keep Harker out of trouble this time." Jake gives her a wink. At the horses he says to Tomlinson, "I guess we are ready." The ride off to the Cunningham mine.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-two, “The Marshals Debate“, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 2:00 P.M.

Chester, Eduardo, Hank and Father Valdez have reached Tombstone by 1:45 P.M., which is fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure of the Promise City stagecoach. Eduardo waves to Chuck Nevers and Newton Gilly as they prepare the vehicle for departure. Hank slaps the drivers on the back. "Keep the change, gentlemen. You earned it." Chester says to the drivers, "Thanks guys. We made it just in time. Chuck, Newton, can you give us a ride back to town?"

Nevers asks Chester, "How'd you get out here then?" Chester replies, "We rode out with a friend of Hank's here. But, uh, we got left behind. So about the stage..." Gilly says, "We only have two seats left for inside, two of you will have to ride up top with us." "That's fine by me? How about you guys?" The others agree and they buy tickets. Chester and Eddie ride with Nevers and Gilly, while Hank and Valdez sit inside. "Sure glad we caught you when we did. I didn't feel like staying overnight."

The Wells Fargo Stagecoach set off from Tombstone heading east. The trip is uneventful, with arrive back in Promise City at 5:30 P.M. Chester hops off the stage and waits for everyone else to disembark. He says to the others. "Eddie, let's get back to the office to tell the Marshall what we found out. Father, Hank. I'll see you later." The lawmen go back to the office and fill in Berg about what Luca told them.

Marshall Berg says, "That's all very interesting but there's nothing that we can use for evidence for any arrests, just one man's speculation. How would you suggest we proceed?" Chester replies, "Luca said that Ashley hired men from Buckley and Thayer to do the rustling. We lean on them some and one of them should talk."

Berg replies, "There are three or four ranchers left at the Thayer Ranch but they're keeping a low profile and sticking close together, afraid that they'll be Wyatt Earp's next targets. As far as I know none of them ever worked for Buckley. The only one still living who has worked for both is Ken Wagner. He's one of the three who inherited that ranch from Buckley but after his two partners were found to be members of the Hooded Riders Judge Isby ordered that ranch sold to make restitution. As there is no proven connection between Wagner and the riders he is protesting that order, with Fisk handling that appeal. As far as I know he's currently a house guest of Attorney Fisk."

Chester states, “Then we'll have to pay him a visit. Getting Wagner away from Fisk will be hard, but I'll find a way around that. Fisk won't be able to object to an official visit by the law." Berg says, "Yes, but it will have to wait. You have the Marshal's debate in an hour. You should probably get yourself a bite to eat and cleaned up some before then." Chester answers, "Oh. Thanks for reminding me, Mitch. I gotta go."

Chester hustles over to Gilson's to take a quick bath. "It'll be nice to wash all that dust and grime off. Thanks, Mrs. Gilson." "She replies, "You're welcome, Deputy. Just call if you need anything." "I will." Chester bathes quickly, but thoroughly. He dries off and walks back to the Lucky Lady, feeling refreshed. He sees Jeff Mills there. "Hey Jeff. How was your trip?" Jeff replies, "Fine, and yours? Heard you wound up in Tombstone without a horse." "Yeah. Hank Hill's airship might have been scared off by the French army. The local sheriff found a dead officer near where we were supposed to meet. So we borrowed one of his wagons to get to Tombstone. We found the guy we were looking for and got some good information. We'll talk about your trip later. Glad to see you safe." Jeff say "Yeah, Kris Wagner from Wells Fargo came by a little while ago looking for you, his men told him you'd just gotten back. He asked that you stop by Drover's Hotel and see him before the debate if you can." "He was? I'll be there after I get something to eat. Thanks for the message, Jeff."

Chester eats Maria's dinner heartily. After Chester finishes dinner, he changes into fresh clothes and walks over to Drover's. He looks around for Wagner. Wagner is at a table dining with his wife Emma and sons Luke and Jacob. Upon seeing Chester he excuses himself from his family and gestures for Chester to join him at the deserted end of the bar, sitting in the last two barstools.

Wagner says, "Deputy, I'm not sure if you heard the story about the attempted Benson Wells Fargo Stagecoach robbery of March 1881? You haven't? Well, fifteen months ago tomorrow a quartet of bandits attempted to rob the stage running between Benson and Tombstone. Shots were fired and the stage managed to get away, but not before one of the drivers and a passenger were fatally killed.

The four bandits were later identified but only one was arrested and he managed to then escape. The other three were each later killed in unrelated crimes, but the escapee has never turned up. The Wells Fargo reward is still current. I figured you might need to know about this later. He takes a paper out from his coat pocket and unfolds it. It reads "Wanted for Murder and Grand Larceny $ 900 Reward" A drawing of a rugged man is below it and under than the name "Luther King".

Wagner says, "Yeah, King, first cousin of the guy you're debating tonight for the Marshall's job. Worked at the King's Bar-W Ranch up until that robbery attempt." Chester gives a low whistle. "This could come in handy. Thanks, Kris. Having a murderer and bandit in a family would be a hard thing to swallow for a lawman. You think the King family is hiding Luther or at least know where he is?"

Wagner replies, "Not that we know of, Wells Fargo has been actively looking for this guy for a while. The only unconfirmed rumor was that he was seen last November in the company of Claude Buckley and a wood elf named Luca but Marshall Hollister investigated that and said it was false." Chester's breath catches in his throat for a second and he coughs. Wagner says, "Are you alright, Deputy?"

Chester says, "I'm fine. Just a little dust is all. Maybe that's why Buckley was killed." Wagner indicates he wouldn't know. Chester looks closely at the Wanted poster to memorize Luther's face. You never know when he could come out of hiding. Wagner says, "Here, take it, I can get more from the company." Chester replies, "Thanks a bunch, Kris. I'll see you later."
He heads back to eat with his family.

The clock on the wall shows that Chester has around fifteen minutes until the debate is scheduled to begin. Chester comments to nobody in particular “Might as well head over to the hall now. Early bird catches the worm. You never know when he could come out of hiding.”

Chester arrives at the Town Hall for the debate. The room is filled with around seventy-five people. Chester sees Clarisse but notices that most of his friends are not present. Chester waves to Clarisse. She blows him a kiss. He blows one back. I hope the others are safe.

The six candidates for the Town Marshall debate take to the stage. Judge Isby introduces them in alphabetical order from left to right as Henry ‘Hank’ Hill, who is employed by the owners of the Promise City Mirror and is an independent candidate, Moss Johnson, a former Army Captain who is running as an independent candidate, Ashley King whose family owns the Bar-H ranch and is with the Law and Order Party, Chester Martin who is currently a Deputy Marshall and is with the Unity Party, Prosper ‘Deacon’ McCoy who is the bouncer for the Palace Saloon and is with the Freedom Party and Charlie Villers who has previously worked as a Deputy Sheriff and is with the Liberty Party. Judge Isby outlines the debate rules.

The first question is to Hank Hill and reads, “Why does a gunslinger want to be Town Marshall?” Hank replies, "Ya need a fella that can handle a six gun...And I'm a better than fair shot."

The next question is for Moss Johnson and reads, “Word is that you were dishonorably discharged from the Army. Wouldn’t that disqualify you as a viable candidate?” He replies, “Absolutely not, in fact, the reasons behind that are what makes me the best candidate. I was discharged for taking what was deemed too aggressive a stance against the Apache, specifically against Chief Cochise. A few years later he went on the warpath and killed hundreds of humans, many right here in this county. That never would have happened if I hadn’t been removed.

Today you have hundreds of Apache warriors right at your doorstep. In January they came close to wiping out this town and only quick intervention from the army prevented that. You need a strict decisive Marshall for this town to protect you from those redskins. And as far as dishonorable discharges are concerned, Martin here was too and you made him a Deputy Marshal.” Chester gets a sour look on his face. The army nearly made things worse. That was Nanuet's doing.

The next question is for Hank Hill and reads, "How would you enforce the law in Promise City?" He replies, "Like I told ya a few minutes ago, Ya need a fella that can handle a six gun...And I'm a better than fair shot."

The next question is for Ashley King and reads, “What is your opinion of the present law enforcement of this community?” King says, “I am appalled. Lawlessness has run rampant, with candidates murdered including a Deputy Sheriff. Multiple buildings in town were destroyed last weekend both here and at an outlying mine, with several good candidates threatened, many of whom have now withdrawn from the race. That is not how a Democracy should work and the good people of Promise City should no longer be afraid. As Marshall I will either catch or drive off these outlaws and make this town safe for the good families of town. My party is called Law and Order and that is what we stand for.”

The next question is for Moss Johnson and reads, "What are your qualifications for Marshal?" He replies, "A long Army career ending at the rank of Captain. I know how to command men and strategize. I've also been working in the area for a few months so have gotten a good feel for this town."

The next question is for Hank Hill and reads, "Who do you think you'd pick for Deputies?" He replies, "Any man that can shoot better and drink more than I can."

The next question is for Charlie Villars and reads, “Mr. Villars, you are a new resident in town, barely qualifying for the residency requirement, and have continued to reside at an outlying ranch. How do you know what the people in town need from a Marshall?” He replies, “I know because the ranch I am at is the Thayer Ranch, where the ranch owner and several ranch hands have been unjustly murdered by Wyatt Earp delusional paranoia while the current town law enforcement officers have turned a blind eye to his vigilante streak. This town needs a decisive leader for Town Marshall and we sure don't have it now!"

Moss Johnson is asked the next question which is also regarding an opinion of the present town law enforcement. He says, "They are a bunch of idiots! The attack of those hooded riders proves that! It happened three days ago and the only folks arrested were allowed to escape. This Deputy standing here is useless and should be run out of town on a rail. I can't believe anybody would seriously consider voting for him for Marshal."

Chester blurts out, "Snavely, Allman, and Skull escaped using sorcery. How do you guard against that?" Moss Johnson replies, "There are ways. Clerics can do that. You had a Bishop right here in town and didn't bother to ask him for help." Chester replies, "The Bishop was already on his way to the office, when they escaped."

Charlie Villers interjects, "Hold on a minute Johnson, you're tar-and-feathering the wrong guy! “Let me make one clarification, I in no way blame Deputy Martin for what has taken place. He is a very good man and knows how to protect this town, as witnessed by his stopping Pony Deal in March and leading the posse that stopped Johnny Ringo in April. During that awful shootout three weeks back he was just following his boss’s orders, as all good employees should. It is not his fault that Marshall Berg is totally ineffectual, has bungled all recent investigations and is unfit to wear a Marshall’s badge.

In fact, I’ll go one step further. Deputy Martin only needs to voice his agreement right now about Berg’s complete incompetence and assure this audience that he would have handled things very differently during this last month if he had been Marshal. If Deputy Martin does that, then I will withdraw from this race right now and throw my full support behind his candidacy.” “As will I ,” Prosper McCoy interjects.

Chester says, "Marshall Berg is doing the best he can. It isn't his fault that the Cowboy Gang is still active in the county. We're not getting a lot of help from the Sheriff there." Villars says, "Then you're as daft as Berg! Sheriff Behan is a friend of mine, he's done a lot. After Deputy Sheriff Hunter was murdered he sent not one but two Deputies. They're doing all they can but are new here, so it'll be a while until they get up to speed. But I've worked with them before, back when I was a Deputy Sheriff, they're a smart bunch. They'll have this solved soon enough, sooner if we elect somebody competent to help them."

Chester responds, If they're so smart, how come the Cowboy Gang was so active until a few months ago? Like you said, I stopped Pony Deal and lead the posse that dealt with Johnny Ringo." Villars interjects, "That was all around here in Promise City, Colin Hunter's assigned area. Leslie and Nagle were over in Tombstone helping John Behan keep peace there. I think that's a cheap shot, trying to blame your own incompetence on poor Deputy Hunter, who gave his life attempting to do the job you were clearly incapable off." Judge Isby pounds the gavel before Villars can continue, stating "That's enough on that topic, let's move on.

The next question is for Ashley King and asks if he will have a bias towards ranchers over businessmen given his background. King says, "No sir, I will not. All people of Promise City will be treated equally. In fact, I have withdrawn my membership from the Cattleman's Association partially to show I would not favor just one group."

The following question is for Hank Hill. The question reads, "Mr. Hill, you have stated before that you are from McKinney Texas. In that town is a Clement Hill who is your cousin, the son of your father’s brother. Are you aware that Clem Hill is related through his mother to Frank and Jesse James and that in the last year since they robbed this town they have been spotted back in your home town? Don’t you find that rather coincidental, especially since they knew exactly where to go in town and who to rob?” Hank replies, "Cousin Clem is back home ? That mangy sidewinder better not show his hide at his uncle Cotton's place. There'll be an ass kickin fer sure ah tell ya what."

Ashley King interjects, "He didn't answer the question. Isby pounds the gavel and says, “Mr. King, that is enough. You were not referenced in his answer and have spoken out of turn.” King replies, “Judge Isby, my family lost money from the bank that was robbed, so it directly involves me.” Judge Isby says, “You were not recognized to speak so you are out-of-order. If you speak out of turn again I will have you jailed and fined for contempt.”

Hill replies, “They knew where to hit through their cousin Cleatus James, who lived in this town. I am the one who shot Cleatus and helped stop Billy the Kid!” Ashley King interjects, “Yes indeed, you initiated a shootout with some of the gang to provide a diversion so that Frank and Jesse could escape from town with all of the money. And shortly after that you and your friends had the money to make a trip to Europe. How much was your payoff Hill?” Isby pounds the gavel and orders King removed from the room for contempt.

Chester reaches into his pocket for Luther King's wanted poster and pushes it deeper and mutters to himself, “No need for this now. I really didn't want to use it, but Ashley can't become Marshall.” The remaining half-hour of the debate is uneventful, with no major revelations. The last question asked of Chester is "Deputy Martin, your loyalty towards Marshal Berg is commendable, but are there any differences in the approach of law enforcement that you would enact as Marshall than you predecessor?

Chester gathers his thoughts for a few moments. He takes a deep breath and says, "The Marshal was a lawyer before he became marshal, so he thinks like one. He responds to problems when they happen. I like going out and finding trouble before it finds us. I'm an old cavalryman, so that suits me better. We need to hunt the Cowboy Gang down to clean up this town. How many more stagecoaches are they going to rob? I'm not going to let them ride herd over this place, if I have anything to do about it."

The final question in the debate is directed at Charlie Villars . It reads "Mr. Villars, you were close friends with a number of people who Wyatt Earp has killed. Is that what has prompted you to decide to run for public office?" He replies, "In part, I was a deputy before under Sheriff Behan and knew Colin Hunter well. He thought it important enough to run for office and I owe it to him to try to do what he set out to do. As for Earp, the first thing I plan to do upon election as Marshall is deputize enough folks who can shoot well to make it clear that he's no longer welcome around here and if he ever returns to Promise City it will be his final mistake." With that answer the Judge declares the debate ended. He invites everybody to return the next night for the mayoral debate.

As Chester leaves the stage Clarisse rushes up to him, gives him a hug and says, "You were wonderful." Chester enthusiastically returns the hug. He kisses her and says, "Why thank you my dear." He ruefully shakes his head. "This election isn’t going to be easy. I should've expected being challenged on my loyalty to Marshall Berg. Now they can tar me with the same brush. Villars had a good point about getting more deputies. We are getting stretched thin." They decide to head over to the Lucky Lady.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-three, “The Cunningham Mine“, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 5:00 P.M.

The ride to the Cunningham mine is uneventful. Harbrace indicates that the minehead entrance is just over the next bend. Jake draws his Italian rifle and they carefully look around the bend at the surrounding area. Tomlinson says, "Cooke, why don't you and Father Harbrace move forward with me. Nakomo, Priestess Minerva and the Bishop can follow a short distance further back." Jake nods. He leaves the long rifle on the horse and takes the Spencer. He drops out the first bullet and nods again. "I am ready. I am a fool, but I am ready." He moves up with Tomlinson.

As they enter the doorway of the minehead Tomlinson says, "The two of you know I have some experience with wizardry, I am not certain of those other three, I certainly would not want the Bishop to know. I will cast a spell that will allow me to detect the location of any traps within our path. But first I should cast a spell upon one of you that will allow you to see through any illusions, as I cannot maintain two active spells simultaneously."

Nakomo lnotches an arrow while nervously looking about. "Nakomo, do not use the holy arrows yet. The vampires will not be out here in the sun." Minerva says as she readies her rifle and adjusts the whip at her waist. Jake immediately starts to point at Harbrace and then stops. With a shiver he says, "Alright. Me." Tomlinson removes from his pocket a sliver of yellow-tinted glass which he places on Jake's arm with his own hand over it. With his other hand he makes a wavy gesture and begins to state a Latin phrase. To Jake it feels like the glass is cutting into his arm and then the pain ceases. When Tomlinson removes his hand the glass is gone and there are no marks on the arm.

Jake shudders again, looking at Tomlinson and back to his arm several times. "Too late to change my mind? Ah, never mind." Jake pops the round he removed back into Spencer and slings it over his shoulder. He draws his Colt, puts a sixth round in it and says, "Let us be on with it." Minerva and Nakomo follow behind Jake and Harbrace.

Tomlinson casts the second spell on himself and then has Harbrace gesture for the other three to follow. They move through the main chamber which has three side passageways. Jake sees a shimmering section of wall of a different color and upon closer concentration notes that it isn't actually there, with another passageway behind it. He realizes that the others do not see it. It also isn't listed on the map that Messier drew. Jake quickly taps Tomlinson on the arm. "There is a fourth passage." He walks quietly to it and pushes his foot through the bottom of it.

Tomlinson says, "Not on the map, and doesn't appear to go anywhere near where he said the creatures are at. What do you think?" Jake says, "I think I do not trust Messier. Who else can make these hidden doors? If he is the only one, then he lied. Even if he did not create it, he is wizard enough to know it was there, do not you think?" Minerva comments, "Messier does what he must do to prosper. You cannot trust his words or his deeds."

Tomlinson says, "The Bishop indicated that what he told us was truthful, but he drew this independent of the conversation. However, he did describe where the creatures were. We have two choices, we investigate this new wrinkle or we follow the original map to see if those monsters are where he said. Based upon what he first told me we only have around two-hours left before those new ones join the world." Minerva says, "I do not doubt that what he spoke was the truth. That does not mean that he has revealed it in it's entirety. The truth can be used to deceive also. I think that we should go down this unmarked passage and see what he did not want us to know." Jake nods. "Let us be quick about it."

They proceed down the passageway, which leads to large chamber with a mineshaft going downward. There is a considerable amount of machinery in the room, including a steam powered machine with large drill-like bits to bore into the earth. Iron and beam braces support a metal ladder going downward. Jake mutters, "Mierde. Why is it always climbing?" He looks around. "I guess I am climbing down." Jake starts down.

They go for 120 feet before the walls change color to rock with shiney parts. They get a little further down until they reach an irregularly shaped chamber with some steam powered digging machines. With the lantern they see that they are standing in the midst of a silver vein. Jake detects nothing more illusionary and there is no way to exit the chamber other than the ladder. Minerva says, "Luna, fly ahead and report back to me." Luna flys down the shaft ahead of Jake.

Jake comments, "Mierde. Maybe he is just greedy and left this part out. Let us get back up quickly." It takes another fifteen minutes for them to find their way back to the section with the other passageways and another twenty to get to to location where Messier specified the illusionary wall was. During that time Jake does not see anything else amiss although there are a few spots that they have to stop for Tomlinson to either deactivate or spring traps, all of which are noted on the map.

As they reach the spot where the wall is specified Jake is able to discern the fake wall, an irregularly shaped doorway seven feet high and three feet wide at it's widest point. Jake is able to see that beyond the doorway is a short corridor, maybe ten to twelve feet deep, that is then ends at a wooden frame covered over by a dark sheet. Jake describes what he sees to the others before stepping through the illusion, gun drawn. Looking all about, up and down and listening intently he kicks out at the solid wall to make sure no vampire is there before putting his back to it.

The corridor that Jake steps into has solid walls on both sides and runs ten feet on the right and twelve on the left until it reaches the wooden frame with the sheet fastened to it. The sheet is dyed black and secured on the top but loose on the bottom. There does not appear to be any easy way to see what is on the other side without moving the sheet. The way behind Jake is narrow enough to only allow single file. Jake whispers "Is it trapped?"

Tomlinson nods, "Yes, the bottom corners of the sheet are linked to traps. If we try to push it open they will activate. It looks well secured on the top as well." "So much for bursting through with surprise...." Jake holsters his pistol and draws the hunting knife from its hidden location behind his neck. The razor sharp edge glints in the lamplight. Tomlinson raises an eyebrow and Jake just shrugs in response and whispers, "How about we cut the sheet and take a look? Unless you have a better idea?"

Jake continues to whisper, "If something tries to grab me through the cloth, I will drop to the ground quickly and let you all shoot it with your arrows or do something...." They nod reassuringly in a vague sort of way. Mumbling under his breath, "Yes, I like a crisp plan," he silently approaches the dark cloth. Inspecting that the top is firmly in held in place, he makes a quick vertical cut from the top about half way down and then pulls away from the cloth holding himself tight against the right side wall.

When nothing happens, Jake then makes a small incision across the top of the cloth beginning from his previous incision for about two and a half feet to the left. Again he pulls back towards the right side wall. After a moment, he carefully peers through the newly made window in the cloth.

The lantern is back around the corner so it provided minimal light, but enough so that Jake is able to see into the other room. Unfortunately for him the other room was completely darkened so the minimum of light is enough to alert the sole occupant of the room of their presence. A tall thin man in cowboy garb is seated atop one of three caskets within the twenty-foot diameter room. He is seated twelve feet from the doorway with the curtain and immediately swings the double-barreled shotgun in his hands up towards the window in the cloth. "Mierde! Duck!" Jake hits the floor and covers his head with his arms.

Jake and Tomlinson both drop without a problem. Minerva also drops without getting hit but also drops lantern which breaks and goes out (but doesn't start a fire). Nakomo is missed from getting hit only due to his shorter height. The Bishop takes full brunt of the shotgun blast and the lantern goes flying. Harbrace is blocked by Bishop so escapes injury. He manages to catch the flying lantern, preventing a fire and keeping the hallway illuminated.

Time seems to move in slow motion. The shotgun blast pushed the sheet enough that one of the lower corner traps is set off. There is a bright flash down on the floor from the other side of the cloth and the lower corner of the sheet sets fire from the opposite side. The air is still heavy with smoke and Jake hears the sounds of boots striking the floor inside the room. Harbrace sets the lantern on the ground and places his hands atop Bishop Papandraius to cast his most powerful healing spell.

Jake turns his mouth towards the boy and whisper, "Be ready Nakomo." In his mind Jake counts out the distance from the door to the man. A cautious man takes a two foot step, five steps is where I want him. He listens intently for sounds in the other room, sounds that give Jake a clue to what action to take. He waits to count out five steps and imagines the mans torso just where it would be on the other side of the cloth. Jake holds very still, concentrating and holding his hunting knife ready to throw and thinks to himself, “Funny, it is one of the last items I still own that came with me from Philadelphia.”

Jake hears continued sounds of footsteps inside the room, but they are moving away rather than towards the doorway. The loudest sound is behind Jake from Harbrace, the Latin incantation of him casting his healing spell upon the Bishop, which the occupant of the room would also be able to hear. He thinks, “Blast. We cannot have this holding us back.” Jake reaches out and grabs a small edge of the cloth away from the unexploded corner as possible and pulls hard and drops to the floor again, once again covering as much of his body with his duster as possible.

The explosion from that corner goes off, lighting that corner of the sheet on fire as well as the remaining parts of the sheet near it blast away. Jake's duster protects him from the majority of that trap explosion. Minerva is temporarily blinded by the flash as well and is mostly blocked by Jake but also takes minor damage from the exploding debris. Nakomo, being half-elf is not hindered by the dim light and calls out the # of men he is able to see while quickly notching a holy arrow and taking aim.

Minerva prays to the gods to protect them and pulls one of her two remaining vials of holy water from her pocket. Nakomo can make out the shape of two moving beings in the room. One is very large, larger than a man, lying on the floor in the corner. Nakomo's infravision indicates that he appears to be radiating heat as a living person would. The other one has moved over behind one of the caskets and knealed down behind it, providing a significant amount of cover, while he levels his shotgun towards the doorway prepared to fire.

Jake nods as Nakomo blurts out what he sees. His back still to the burning curtain, Jake pulls out a fuse holds it against his hunting knife and quickly wraps his bandana around the blade in a crude approximation of a stick of dynamite. People see what they expect to see. Still crouching he turns and lights the fuse from the flame, "Well then, let us blow him back to the foul pit in Hades that spawned him!" he says loudly and tosses the 'stick of dynamite' in an arch about fifteen or so feet into the room, behind where he remembers having seen the man and coffin. He crouches low to give Nakomo a shot if one presents itself and prepares to spring into the room.

The shotgun is fired. It is off target and hits the side of the doorway, showing Nakomo and Jake with some rocks and gravel but no metal shot. Between the gunpowder from the shotgun blast and the dust from the debris it is temporarily difficult to spot the man who fired. When vision clears Nakomo no longer sees him behind the coffin. The empty shotgun remains lying across the top of the casket.

When Nakomo yells out that the room is occupied Minverva pray's to the gods to Protect Jake from the evil that lurks in the dark. Minerva does something and the air around Jake feels different but he does not take the time to figure out what. He dives into the room and rolls across the floor in an attempt to avoid being attacked as he enters the room. Instead of attacking his senses are finely tuned to avoiding being struck or shot. At the end of his roll he ends in a crouch and knocks the shot gun off the coffin to floor next to him.

As Jake is rolling and tumbling towards the casket Nakomo spots a bat flying up from behind the opposite side of the casket straight towards the ceiling. Looking up towards the darkened ceiling the young Indian spots a section approximately one-foot round heading up that from the temperature difference around it concludes is a vent to the outside. Nakomo aims his arrow and shoots at the bat. The arrow misses, but the Goddess-enhanced magical shaft does light up as it flies, illuminating the upper part of the chamber and drawing the other's attention to the rapidly flying bat that is now twenty-feet from it's exit. Jake snaps his head up, draws his long barreled Colt and rapidly fires off three rounds at the critter. The bat proves to be an elusive target given it's small size, rapid speed and irregular flight path. Jake's initial shot is close but misses. The second shot is perfectly hit, the bullet striking the bat square in the chest and the creature letting of a loud screech as it plummets towards the ground, his third shot also missing due to the rapid change in flight path. The bat strikes the ground hard and lies unmoving, much of its chest now missing. It then begins to transform back into the form of the man who had been Slim Decker.

With his gun now pointed at the figure on the ground Jake says, "Uh, I think this is the part where you expert hunters and priests do something to make sure it is going to stay dead. Well it is technically dead, but you know what I mean." Tomlinson points to the gaping hole in the center of the man's chest and says, "Yes, I can already see the tissue starting to regenerate." He draws his sword and with a single downward thrust decapitates the creature. Jake involuntarily starts when the creature's head rolls away. "Father always said, when trouble starts do not lose your head. Father was an idiot and lead a sheltered life."

Meanwhile, thirty feet away Father Harbrace casts his final healing spell onto Bishop Papandraius to keep the man alive. Minerva rushes over to offer her assistance to Harbrace while Nakomo stands transfixed staring at the headless corpse of the man that was Slim Decker. Jake shakes Nakomo's arm gently, "Keep your wits boy, keep your eyes open to the shaft above and the caskets. Just in case."

Then turning to Tomlinson, "We should have some fledgling vampires to dispatch. Let us be about our business. Every minute we dally here is a temptation for Messier. I am not certain that Harkins and Mrs. Kale are a match for him. Those two will play him fairly, I do not expect that same back." While he speaks Jake reloads his pistol. A wide eyed Nakomo mutely nods his assent. He notches another arrow and watches the ceiling.

Tomlinson goes over to the tied and bound ogre and casts a spell. "We appear to have gotten here in time. He's fully alive, no blood has been drained from him." There are three closed caskets in the room, two are made of nicely polished and stained wood. The third is a cheaply made pine box. Two more bodies are lying on the floor behind the furthest casket, a human and an ogre.

Tomlinson comments, "These would be Mr. Ray Cunningham and his worker Socrates. This is their home so they would not immediately require a receptacle for the dirt. According to Cunningham's son they were the first two drained so will be the first of these to rise, I had best dispatch them first." Jake nods. "Tell me if you need my assistance, otherwise I will just watch over things."

Tomlinson replies, "Just cover me. We should still have another hour or two but I wouldn't it's not beyond the realm of possibilities that one might awaken earlier than anticipated." Jake nods. While walking around he retrieves his old hunting knife and neckerchief. He checks on Nakomo a couple of times telling the boy, "You did good, no panic when it counted." Nakomo's eyes brighten and a little color returns to his cheeks upon hearing the words of praise from his hero,
"Thanks. I can't say that I wasn't scared, and I don't scare easily... but You, Mr. Jake, You were cool as a cucumber. Do you think that you could teach me how to shoot like that? "

"Heh, Silver Jake Cucumber." Jake shakes his head, "Do not believe that I was not scared, only a fool would not have been. I will teach you shooting, but how good you get depends on practice. Having a good teacher is only a start." The boy replies, "I will practice every day. Thanks." He says without taking his eyes off his task."

Jake watches the area and the creatures that Tomlinson is dealing with in some detail. Though interested in what might be found if he searched around, he keeps his attention on Tomlinson and being his support. Priestess Minerva assists John Harbrace is stabilizing the wounded Bishop in the outer hallway. Tomlinson sets up candles and pours a green liquid in a circle around each of the caskets. He then casts spells Next he draws his sword and decapitates both bodies after which he pours an opaque liquid from a water-skin over both bodies.

He says, "They are cleansed now. We only need to burn them now to finish this." Jake says, "Then the caskets too? Here or outside?" Tomlinson replies, "I was only speaking to these two bodies here. We still need to check out the other three caskets and see who might be inside, then deal with them as well. The caskets themselves would make good material for a fire to then burn the bodies on top of, especially as our friend Decker has pointed out that this room has an air vent for the smoke to go." Jake says, “Well, let us be about it. Is the Bishop stable enough for us to now concentrate on these boxes?"

Minerva continues to tend to the Bishop. Using one of the Cure Critical Wounds stones Minerva is able to stabilize the Bishop enough that he can stand again. He indicates that he is weak but still capable of turning the undead if it is needed. Tomlinson gestures to the caskets and suggests "We should do these one-at-a-time. One of them would have been Decker's so it would now be empty. I'm assuming the other two both have occupants in them."

Jake replies, "Yes, one at a time. Does anyone have the skills to tell which one is empty? We should check that one first. I am game to open the lid." Minerva helps him over to an empty wooden box and sits him on the crate against the wall. "Rest here out of the way, Costa. Hopefully your divine intervention will not be required." She walks over to Nakomo. "I will watch here. It would be best if you and your arrows were by the caskets."

Tomlinson replies, "None will be completely empty given that they would all have dirt, and not knowing how much dirt is in each would make it near impossible to tell. Plus lifting a casket or knocking on it could awaken a sleeping occupant if one of these is already among the ranks of the undead."

Minerva states, "I will ask the gods to detect any evil that may be present in the boxes." She bows her head and concentrates. She detects trace amounts of evil from the two nicer made caskets and none from the poorly made pine box. She states, "There is a trace of evil lingering around those two. and there does not seem to be anything evil in the pine box, but be careful just the same, they could be trapped also."

Jake looks to Tomlinson expectantly. "Do you think they are trapped?" Tomlinson replies, "They do not appear to be to me. Which should we begin with?" Jake replies, "Pine box. Get your tools ready. Nakomo over there so you have a clear shot when I open the lid. Ready?" Jake opens the lid and steps back. The casket contains a dead human wearing cowboy clothes who looks familiar to some. Tomlinson says, "Denny Gaurin, owned the Rattlesnake ranch. Since you can't detect evil from him that means we got here in time, he hasn't risen yet, he's just a corpse. Help me out here John."

Harbrace and Tomlinson remove the body which is then decapitated with the sword, doused with holy water, and has a spell cast upon it. Harbrace and Tomlinson then tip the casket over to dump out the dirt, which Tomlinson also sprinkles on holy water. When they are done Jake closes up the pine box. "Nakomo, climb up here and stand on top. You will have a better shot if one is needed from here." Once he is in place Jake says, "That one next," pointing to the one on his right. "Everybody get in place, get your tools ready." Once they are all in location he stands behind the coffin and reaches across and opens it, the lid coming towards him.

Nakomo climbs on the coffin and notches an arrow, aiming it at the box that is about to be opened. Minerva stands on the periphery clutching her holy symbol with one hand and her gun with the magical bullet in the other. The second casket proves to be empty other than a few inches of dirt on the bottom. They move on to the third which like the second only contains dirt and no body. Tomlinson says, "That's not good, that means that another of those creatures might still be nearby."

Jake says, "I figured these two to belong to the two in town. Either way, we should destroy them, right?" Tomlinson replies, "Yes, and let's be quick about it." The dirt is dumped from both caskets which Harbrace then takes an axe to. The wood is piled up and doused with kerosene. Jake searches the room while Tomlinson builds his fire. It is lit and the two bodies piled atop. Once the fire is roaring Tomlinson says, "Let's be gone from this place. The smoke might attract notice." When the Judges confidante suggests they leave, Jake agrees and out they go.

The sun has set and the sky is beginning to darken when they exit the caves. Tomlinson says, "That took longer than I had hoped, it looks like we were just in time." Minerva continues to look about for trouble while helping the bishop to his feet. "Come Costa. We will go to the Silver Star and get Katherine. Perhaps you can rest while we are there." She supports him as they walk out side into the fresh evening air.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-four, “Messier’s Workshop“, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 4:30 P.M.

Despite her fatigue Kate spent some time pacing after the others left. She looked to Mr. Harker and said, "I hate staying behind. The worrying is harder than the danger." He says, "I know, but we can use this time to our advantage. Let's see if Mr. Messier might have anything more to say." Kate nodded. "I think I'm out of questions, but I'm always thinking up more. And we have to go get that picture, don't we?"

She turns to the wizard and asks, "Well Mr. Messier, where do we need to go to get this picture of our friend Mortimer's current face?" He says, "We need to ride to the Beatrice Mine." Harker says, "Fine, but first let's all bring Mr. Miller back in the building and secure him in such a way that he won't be running off anywhere." It doesn't take long to get Miller tied and gagged in his own bed. The three mount up for the ride to the Beatrice Mine, which takes nearly an hour as Harker makes sure they go wide around the Cunningham Mine area not trusting Messier to keep the other's presence a secret.

They eventually reach the mine. Harker says, "Okay, we'll secure the horses near the gate and go in together. Is this picture in the bunkroom?" Messier says, "No, I have it in a secret location." "How far into the mine is this secret location?" Kate had a very bad feeling about going into the mine with this man, and she wasn't sure if it was justified or just paranoia. He says, "It is one level lower, accessed by the second shaft that we'll reach." Harker says, "Fine you lead."

Kate followed the two men into the mine, trying not to think of what had happened to her just the day before. Her skin was crawling. She lagged behind just a bit, then muttered under her breath the armor spell, hoping Messier wouldn't notice. The spell to see the invisible would have to wait until he had started down whatever shaft they were going to. Harbrace insists upon descending the ladder first with Messier directly behind him. They reach the next level down while the shaft continues. Harker moves away from the ladder followed by Messier and they then wait for Kate.

Kate waited until Messier was down and sure he couldn't hear her, the rapidly and quietly cast the spell that would allow her to see the invisible. She then made her way to the ladder and followed the men down. he arrived at the bottom of the ladder and said, "Let's go. After yesterday I don't like being in here." Messier says, "You hurt me, this is my home."

He leads them through the corridors, off from which are various chambers where ore has been mined. They eventually reach a fork. He says "It is here." He reaches over to the section of the wall with the "V" part of the fork and moves a stone a foot up on one side, another eighteen inches up on the other side and so on until he has stepping stones going toward the ceiling. He then begins to climb stating "There is an illusionary trapdoor up here." Harker calls out, "Then stop! One of us will go first instead." Kate looks closely at the ceiling and manages to discern the outline of the magical image.

Kate says, "This place is just full of illusionary walls. You must have thought someone would find it, or you just like to plan for the worse. Usually wise. Mr. Harker will go first. Take care, Mr. Harker, the illusion is blocking our sight." Harker leaves Kate with the bullseye lantern and takes a lit candle. He disappears through the ceiling and calls down. "Okay, he can come up but I don't want him touching anything." Messier climbs up followed by Kate.

The room is round in shape around twenty-five feet in diameter and is a combination workshop/laboratory/library. At the far end is a small wood stove with a vent pipe going into the wall. Messier says, "It's over in the bookcase," and gestures to a three shelf wooden bookcase continuing around thirty books. Kate approaches and looks at the books. She recognizes two of them as being two of the three books that Johnny Ringo had taken which weren't recovered from the other cave in early April. He tells her the photograph is inside the book with the maroon binding on the third shelf down.

Kate looked carefully at the maroon book. With the spell up to see through illusions she couldn't cast detect magic. She held her body far to the side, letting only her hand be in front of the book as she took it off the shelf to check for the photograph. "Did you get any of these books from Mr. Palmer?" "Yes, four of them." He describes which ones, two of which were those that had been in Ringo's library and another is the maroon one with the photo.

The man in the photograph has very distinctive facial hair. She says, "Well, that beard will be hard to miss," Kate said as she looked at the photograph, then handed it to Mr. Harker. "You said you used a spell to change his appearance. Aren't spells finite? It would wear off eventually unless I'm mistaken."

Messier replies, "Yes, and although there is nothing in the photograph to gauge height another physical characteristics is that he is also short in stature. There are various types of transformational magics, some are more illusionary in nature and indeed fade after a short while, others such as those created using the magical item tend to be more permanent unless the item is lost. I am a rather powerful wizard so under normal circumstances the spells will hold longer than those cast by a lesser wizard. But I have found that when cast here in eastern Cochise County the spell retains itself with far more permanency and will not fade unless the individual leaves this region."

Kate comments, "That's the second time you've said that. About being a powerful wizard? Just how powerful are you?" He states, "I am the most powerful wizard in this region of the country, more powerful that the Frenchman who runs the gun shop in Promise City, more power than the French tailor in Tombstone, more powerful than Palmer and than Johnny Ringo was. Magical spells come in various tiers of difficulty. I have not only mastered the two common tiers known to most mages and the tier known to most teachers but also the tier above that, normally reserved for grandmasters of magic."

Kate thinks to herself, “I need to buckle down to my own studies. Comforting he didn't name Mr. Gonzales or myself. How sad he'd be to know he isn't the most powerful.” "Impressive," she said aloud. "Cochise County is an unusual place. You think nothing of telling me the names of other wizards in the area? I would think secrecy would be better for all users of magic." He replies, "Have I really told you anything that you didn't already know? Palmer indicated that you were one of Ringo's enemies and that you personally had knowledge that some of his books were magical in nature. Wasn't it one of those Frenchmen who told you that?"

She replies, "I was one of Ringo's enemies, and I did know many of those books were magical in nature. That's why I fought so hard to keep them from him. Beside the fact that they were gifted to me by the real owner. The man he bought them from stole them. My mother is French. I wasn't shielded from all knowledge of magic although I was not taught any. Would have been impossible since Maman didn't know it either. Still, I didn't need to be told what kind of books they were. Does Palmer hold a grudge, or consider me to be a threat of some kind?"

Messier answers, "I would not know. He does consider your friend Cook a threat, given that Cook managed to murder Ringo. Ah yes, you are partially French, that would make sense. American's are ignorant of magic and could not properly use it even if taught. It is we of French blood who the world has chosen to be the world's leaders in the arcane." "Of course," Kate agreed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I have often regretted not going to France when I had the chance. So much I might have learned there. You say Palmer sought you out for a teacher. How did he find out about you? I would have thought Ringo would have been his teacher since he was part of the Gang and close enough to Ringo for the man to share Palmer my own situation with the books."

Messier replies, "He did seek out Ringo as his teacher, it was only after Ringo's demise that he needed to find another. He made the assumption that as a Frenchman I might be a wizard and came here. He entered while we were down below mining. He used magic designed to detect more magic and found this secret workroom. He then waited here for me. At that point I could hardly deny it, so reluctantly agreed to assist him.”

She asks, "Did he threaten to expose you?" Messier replies, "No, he threatened to kill me. I believe that he was sincere." She answers, "I believe you were right. Magic is all well and good, but there's only so much it can do against the barrel of a gun pushed against your chest; as Mr. Ringo learned so well in his last moments. So Palmer kept your teaching for himself, the passed it on to others in the gang? I heard a rumor he'd been seen here training others in the use of magic."

He replies, "Yes, he's been training a few of his men, Madson and Fuller, on how to use spells. And having me give him instructions as well." Kate says, "They can't be very advanced yet. I'm familiar with Madsen, but I don't recall a Fuller." He replies, "Someone from Tombstone. A bunch of them had been hiding out in town at one of the saloons but it burned to the ground last month. Dan Madsen moved to Promise City to reestablish his Hardware and Taxidermy shop and they came with him."

Kate turned and put the book back on the shelf. I probably could have asked Wyatt Earp the names of every Cowboy he knew of and he'd have told me. "Am I remembering right you said something about Jasper Ordway? He worked for Thayer, didn't he? That ranch seems to be another place where the Vampires and the Cowboy Gang merge." Messier replies "It served their purposes until you folks and Earp went and wiped them all out. Then they relocated out this way."

"That's one thing I can't claim any responsibility for. My friends seem to have developed a concern for my physical safety lately, which is why I'm here instead of clearing vampires out of a mine. We should go, I'm longing for the sunlight. And I won't even ask for the return of my books," she said lightly. He says, "Not so fast, if Palmer or his boys come back before you get him I'll be as good as dead. I need to change my appearance to something other than Wicks or my own face. It'll take me around a half-hour to prepare and cast."

Kate says, "I wondered how you planned to deal with that. What do you think, Mr. Harker? We have no one here now to guarantee he is telling the truth, but I can't see any reason for Mr. Messier to be lying to us at this point. Will it still be sunlight out in another half-hour?" Harker raises his revolver and replies, "No, I'm not letting him touch any equipment or cast any spells until after the Bishop verifies his intent. We'll bring what you need back instead. Messier, tell Mrs. Kale exactly what you will need and she will carry it for you."

Messier reluctantly tells her which book to get as well as which containers of ingredients to take. Kate collected the things and put them into a saddlebag Messier had in his room, relieved that Mr. Harker had refused. She been trying to build a kind of camaraderie with Messier ever since his comment about the French leading the world in all matters arcane, and it seemed to have paid off in information. The more goodwill she could maintain the better. "Okay, lets get out of here."

The sun is still in the sky when they depart the mine but will soon be setting behind the Dragoon Mountains to the west. They ride back to the Silver Star Mine, arriving there as the sky is beginning to darken. The others are not back yet from the Cunningham Mine. Mr. Miller is still tied and bound inside and when asked confirms that nobody has been by since they left.

Miller and Messier were still being kept as far from each other as possible in the small building. Kate checked the door to make sure it was securely locked and the windows closed. "I'm not much of a cook, but I can manage something simple. Perhaps we should all eat, it's been a long day." Miller manages to catch her attention and when Harker ungags him he tells her where to find the food storage bins, which are secured in a closet inside metal containers in order to keep bugs and rats out.

"I don't think there's any need to replace the gag," Kate said. "It can't be comfortable and Mr. Miller has been more than patient with what's happened today." She looked through the bins, trying to find whatever they could eat without much preparation since she still was not a good cook. She finds some beans, barley, corn and dried meats to make up some soup. Miller looks to Messier and says, "Steve, what's going on? Who are these people?"

Messier/Wicks replies using Wicks voice, "Gary, these folks work for Judge Isby. Slim fell in with some bad people and made some deals for all three of us without our direct consent. He also implicated us in his shenanigans. We're innocent and I've been doing what I can to convince these folks of that, and keep us from sharing the same hangman's rope that awaits Slim. Probably best that we don't discuss this further until we have a chance to talk to an attorney." Gary Miller nods his agreement.

Kate adds, "And certainly not here with us. I don't want to have to gag anyone again, gentlemen. If there's anything either of you would like to tell us, we'll be glad to hear it out of earshot of the other." Miller blurts out, "I don't know anything about any of that, Slim kept me away from his new friends. I'm just a poor prospector, that's all, hell we haven't found a damn thing here other than a small amount of copper and we've been working it for over a year now."

Kate replies, "We've been following this case for some time, Mr. Miller, we know the level of your involvement or lack thereof. A few more uncomfortable hours and everything should be settled." Kate got the simple soup started then sat down next to Mr. Harker. She was practiced at speaking without her voice carrying by now and did so. "I'm sorry you got stuck staying behind, Mr. Harker. I'm sure you'd rather be with the others."


Harker replies, "No, not really. I'm worried about them but truth be told, I don't particularly enjoy this line of work. I do it because it must be done, so nobody has to suffer like my beloved Mina did." Kate nodded and was quiet for a minute. "The knowledge becomes a responsibility. I have wondered if I can ever go back to a life where I don't take action, where I leave the problems for others. The law blinds itself to too much, and I know too much to sit by without feeling guilty. Has Mr. Tomlinson discovered anything more about the one he's looking for?"

Harker lowers his voice so that Messier will not hear and says, "That's what we're here fore. Mr. Messier's information will be quite valuable." "In finding the young woman? The slayer?" Kate asked so softly that she could barely hear it. Harker replies, "Oh no, I meant in locating Mortimer Turner. The slayer will come from this community after the present one perishes, but that also might occur years from now. It is important that Mr. Tomlinson is here when that happens."

Kate asks, "Is there some kind of history with Mortimer Turner? Something that makes it more important to destroy him than the others? Just like those still living, I suppose vampires can still be ambitious." He replies, "No, with Tomlinson it is more of a case of unfinished business. Our watcher friend thought that Turner was dispatched over a year ago. It is a blemish on his record as long as Turner remains and continues to create more to the ranks of the undead."

"I see," she said with a bit of a smile. "No one likes things they thought were finished to come back and haunt them. Like you, I don't enjoy this work, but I wish I could have gone. I know it's safest for me here and that I don't have much to offer as far as help goes, but I always worry when I don't go it will be the one time I was needed. That my absence will be the difference." He replies, "I understand. Do not worry too much about our friends, I am certain that they will soon return with news of success in their endeavor." She says, "I hope so, I want to go home. Although there's more work to do when we get to town." It was quite and dull waiting for the others to come back. Once it was ready, Kate served the mediocre but servicable soup. She'd eaten far less than she should today and it was telling. It was easy to ignore the taste and eat.

The others who went to the Cunningham mine arrive return to the Silver Star Ranch, arriving at around 8:45 P.M. "Now what," Jake says as they are dismounting. "Messier's count of vampires did not match what we found. Where are the others?"

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-five, “Returning to Town, “Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 8:45 P.M.

Inside, Kate was near the bottom of the bowl of soup when there were finally noises coming from outside. She went to the window and looked out, barely able to make out the shapes of riders. She waited for them to come to the door or to hear a familiar voice.

"Katherine!" Jake calls out. "Is everything well?" Kate let out a long breath and threw open the window. "We're all here, safe. We got the picture. Is it done?" "No, not done." Minerva says helping the Bishop through the door. "The numbers don't add up. We think there may be more out there." Kate turned and looked at Messier. "Mr. Messier, I thought as one Frenchman to another you'd have been honest with us. And if you were, I think you'd best start making some educated guesses at where some of those night creatures may have gone."

Messier says, "I have been honest with you." He then gestures towards Miller and says, "Maybe we should discuss this elsewhere? Or maybe have him go outside for a few minutes?" Kate says, "Father Harbrace, would you mind taking Mr. Miller outside?" Jake takes a moment to look about outside, looking for anything unusual or signs of others about or watching them. Outside looks to be clear. Harbrace offers to escort Mr. Miller outside, saying it is better to keep Mr. Wicks as contained as much as possible.

"There's soup on the stove. It's not good, but it won't kill you," Kate said as the others came back inside. "How did it not match what you expected?" Once Miller is gone Wicks/Messier turns towards Jake and says, "I told you the truth to the best of my knowledge, the Bishop here confirmed it. I had not been at that cave since yesterday, so things could have been changed since then." Jake replies, "You are in this with us now. If Turner finds out that you helped us, your previous value means nothing."

Jake describes what they found. "So, where are the other fledglings?" Messier replies, He replies, "Fledglings? You mean new vampires? Four of them should have been there, Ray Cunningham, Guerin, the ogre and the human worker. They were all there when I left, plus the caskets that belonged to Decker and that Turner's European friend who you eliminated this morning." The Bishop says, "That Ogre who we rescued rode back with us. Maybe he knows where the other two may have gone to."

Jake says, "Seems like a good idea. Katherine, want to try that?" "I don't think you need my permission, Jake," she teased. "Sorry, I'm tired and getting just a bit silly. Did you leave him outside? I'll take some of my soup out and have a talk with him." Jake says, "That was what I had in mind." Kate left the door open behind her as she went out with the soup. "Sorry, it's not very good. Filling though. I know it's not easy to talk about, but we want to make sure no one else goes through what you did. My friends had expected to find two more creatures in the mine. Do you know where they went?"

The Ogre named Copernicus is a bit slow witted and rambles for a while. Kate has to keep prompting. After around two or three minutes she finally manages to get the comment that "One of 'em, the one with the face of the dead guy in the pine box, came last night and took away Joey's body and a sack full of dirt." She says, "Thank you. Did anyone take any of the others away?" The ogre replies, "Only Simon, Ray's son. They dragged him off three night's ago. He was a good boy." Kate patted his arm. "Simon is fine. Someone rescued him and brought him into town. You go ahead and eat that, alright?" She went back inside to the others. "He said the one wearing Guerin's face came in and took Joey's body away along with a bag of soil. The only other thing he knew was that they'd dragged Simon off three nights ago." Jake says, "That is still one short. Mierde. Now what?" Tomlinson says, "Okay, so now there would be three of them then. This Joey would have just awakened tonight, around an hour ago. Wicks is wearing Guerin's face and running for Town Council. And the third is Mortimer Turner."

Kate asks, "What can we do but keep following the trail we already know of?” Jake says, "Nothing except to go back to town, unless we are going to search all these mines again." Kate states, "The mines are a needle in a haystack right now. We know there are creatures in town, and they're the ones that seem to be in charge. I say back to town." Minerva states, "We should hurry back to town. The people are in danger." Jake says, "Let us go then." Minerva offers to help Costa out to the horses. Kate points out "There is still the matter of Mr. Miller and Mr. Messier. Mr. Tomlinson, since you're the closest thing to the law we have here how do you want to deal with them?"

Messier says, "Hold on a minute, I'm not going anywhere, especially not back to Promise City with you guys. Turner sees me with you I'm as good as dead." Kate says, "I don't think anyone suggested you coming along, Mr. Messier. The Bishop is still in rough shape. Perhaps we should leave some here to keep an eye on Mr. Messier and Mr. Miller." John Harbrace says, "I'll stay with him. We'll head back up to Dos Cabezas in the morning. It's closer and his friend Father Barnes is there now. We'll bring Messier with us too."

"Thank you, Father." Kate stepped over to the Bishop and thanked him again for his help and wishing him a speedy recovery. She went out to the others and got Meribel. "Let's go home," she said. The group of Jake Cook, Katherine Kale, Minerva Florencia, Nakomo, Jonathan Harker and Kevin Tomlinson ride back to town together. They reach Promise City at 9:45 P.M. It appears to be a rather quiet Wednesday night, with few people out and about.

Once they are back near town and it is light enough, Kate hands around the picture she got from Messier. Tomlinson says, "I've seen this before. Not the person, but this portait." He pauses for a minute and says, "A larger version of this same photograph is hanging on the wall of the Territorial Offices in Prescott." Kate states, "Not the Territorial Governor?" Tomlinson says, "No, I've met the current Governor, it isn't him." She comments, "That's a relief, at least.”

She asks, "Would the debate be over yet? One of them was running for Sherrif, wasn't he?" Tomlinson says, "No, Guerin is running for Town Council. The Marshall's debate would have ended around an hour ago." Kate says, “We need to find Palmer as soon as possible. Do we know where the Cowboys tend to congregate now?" Tomlinson says, "Yes, over at the Liberty Party Headquarters next to Fisk's house, except for that Daniel Madson, his hardware and taxidermy shop is up on the corner of Sierra and Front."

Jake says, "We need to find Chet and tell him." Turning to Tomlinson, "No idea what the name of this person is in the picture? Must be someone important to be on the wall of the territorial office." Jake gets a glance at the photograph and immediately recognizes him, having met the man at the Three Gods Meeting Hall in Tucson on the last Saturday in may. He doesn't recall the man's name offhand but believes him to be some sort of politician. "I may have played poker with this guy, but I do not remember his name." Jake shrugs. "I guess I will know him when I see him. I will go find Chet."

Kate watched her friend ride away, then turned back to Mr. Tomlinson. "Should we start with the Taxidermy shop? It will be private at least. I hate the idea of publicly having to take on one of these things. It could get very ugly, very fast." Tomlinson replies, "I'm not sure that we have enough information to be breaking into a business at this hour of the night. If we're wrong they could bring us up on charges, or for that matter, just start shooting with legitimate reason as we would appear to be intruders."

Kate says, "I wasn't so much thinking of breaking and entering as I was of knocking on the door and seeing if he was there. I suppose that isn't wise either. That leaves the party headquarters, where no one who isn't a party member is allowed. Unless you are as part of those running the elections?" Tomlinson says, "The real question is whether we should act tonight or wait until we have more information. The time constraint before was the rising of the new vampires, and we've stopped all but one, who would have already risen by now. And we know that these creatures are impersonating candidates for office, so stay for-the-most-part where they are now for the next week.

Kate says, "It's going to be messy no matter when we take them. The disappearance of candidates or newly elected councilmen won't go unnoticed. I'm not sure how much more information there is to find, but you're right, the time issue isn't as pressing. I still don't like the idea of these things free to make more, but you'd know better than I would. I can't say I'd be adverse to getting back to my own life for tonight."

Minerva and Nakomo are quietly listening to the conversation. Minerva interupts when she hears Thomlinson suggest that they wait until morning. "I disagree! Time is of the essence. Every night this evil is allowed to roam the streets another unsuspecting soul is taken and their numbers multiply." she stops a look of shocked revelation on her face. "By the gods, we haven't even warned them that they are in danger!" she says angrily. "If we are going to let this evil continue we should at least warn the people. Meirde! It is like sending lambs to the slaughter."

Tomlinson says, "What do you suggest then Priestess? John Harbrace and Bishop Papandraius are not with us. It has been a long day for the rest of us and those creatures are active at night. Wouldn't it be better to go investigate those places in the light of day when we could have justifiable and rational reasons to explain our presence?" She replies, "I know we are weak! and I know that telling the people could start a panic, but not telling them could cost them their lives.... and I cannot just go to bed to 'sleep on it.' Nakomo and I will at least keep watch over the Liberty Party headquarters and I will ask Luna to watch from the skies over the town." " Argh! I apologize for my outburst. I know you are doing your best, but as you have said We are all tired and it is so frustrating!"

Tomlinson replies, "Indeed. I believe Mr. Cook was going to go speak to your Deputy friend. His assistance will greatly help as he is a law enforcement officer of this town. If he decides to act tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow then I will accompany you, otherwise we should delay further action until morning." I will see you later then"

She thinks to herself, “I do not see how waiting for the law to give us permission will make us safer.“ She turns to Nakomo. "Why don't you go and find Sr. Jake and the Deputy. I am going home to get cleaned up and rest a bit. Luna, Por Favor, Patrol the town from the air tonight and let me know if we are needed." "Buenos Nochas, Katherine. Get some rest yourself."

"I understand your anxiety," Kate said, "I want this to be finished and I don't like the idea of leaving these creatures able to make more. But I am not sure how much longer I can continue. I am not really fully recovered and getting killed because fatigue dulls my thinking won't help anyone. I do have some things to do before I can sleep, so even if Deputy Martin decides to wait I can keep my eyes open for the man in the photograph. Don't worry, I'll find my own bed soon enough."

The weary priestess heads for home, passing by the Liberty Party headquarters on her way. She walks around the building and listens for any activity within as she does so. There are lights on at the Liberty Party headquarters building and also in Fisk's house adjacent to it, but both buildings appear quiet. She sees Deputy Sheriff Dave Nagel guarding the front door and taking an occasional patrol around the building.

Time passed as Kate, Nakomo, Tomlinson and Harker waited for Jake to return and Kate found herself dozing on Meribel's back. "Gentlemen, would you mind if I just ran my errand now while we wait. If I'm not back when Jake and Chester return you could find me at the Long Branch." Tomlinson says, "Actually, I need to head over to the Territorial Offices to fill the Judge in on what we heard about Palmer. You can catch up with me there if you decide to go this evening.

Kate looked over at Nakomo and Mr. Harker, feeling just a little guilty to leave them there. "Hopefully Jake won't be long; I'll get back as soon as I can." Kate nudged Meribel's flanks and took the short ride to the Long Branch. If she was lucky Conrad would be on a break. She tied the reins to an empty hitching post and stepped inside, suddenly aware she was still in her riding clothes and covered in road dust.

Nakomo departs for home. When he arrives Minerva is asleep on the couch. He looks down upon her with affection and pulling a colorful quilt over her, extinguishes the lights and drags a chair up to the window where he sits and whittles while watching the Liberty Party headquarters. Thoughts of the day run through his mind causing a myriad of emotions to pass over his face. A smile curves his lips as he scrapes the wood. "I handled myself well. Mr. Jake even said so. Boy he can sure handle a gun. I will be as good as him one day."

But his joy quickly turns to dismay "I need to practice more with my bow first. I missed with Diana's arrow when others were counting on me and people could have died. Mrs. Kale almost did. Now there are more out there and I am out an arrow. I will be more careful before wasting another. He looks into the night sky and whispers "Diana, goddess of the hunt, lead me to the evil beasts and hold my arrow true. and please keep my family safe." he says looking over to where Minerva is sleeping.

Jake had arrived at the Marshal’s Office. The only one there is Mitchell Berg. He says, "Hi Jake, you missed the debate. Chet did alright although he walked into a trap that the Freedom and Liberty party candidates laid out for him. They made the grand gesture of offering to withdraw from the race and throwing their support behind his candidacy if he would only blame me for everything that's gone wrong. Most men would have taken that offer, but Chet has too much integrity, which I'm sure they knew. He fully supported me and my actions and may have cost himself the election in the process."

Jake says, "There is still time for him to get himself elected. All the cards have not been played yet. Are you going to come out in support of him or are you going to stay neutral in all this?" Berg replies "I support him completely, but while his opponents keep reiterating how people keep getting murdered, buildings keep getting blown up, and prisoners keep using magic to escape from jail my endorsement does him more harm than good."

Jake laughs, "That is exactly how I feel! Only for different reasons." Jake laughs some more before shaking his head and lets out a long sigh. "I have things to tell him. If you see him and he still has not found me, have him try the Lady and then my house. Good night Marshall." Jake heads over to the Lucky Lady next.

Kate enters the Long Branch Saloon. Conrad is indeed there but it busy with a table full of players. She is certain he saw her enter. "Mrs. Kale, please join us," a familiar sounding voice rings out. She turns to see Little Joe Cartwright, a Nevada rancher who she last saw in January, sitting at a table with three more men, one a younger man in his early twenties, the others appear to be in their forties to fifties. Kate put a smile on her face and crossed the floor to join the men. "Mr. Cartwright," she said, offering her hand. "I'm sorry I'm not properly dressed. When did you arrive?"

Joe laughs and says, "No properly dressed? We're ranchers, you're wearing the right uniform. Mrs. Kale, let me introduce you to three of the other folks who keep the Ponderosa Ranch running." He gestures to the two older men and says, "This is 'Candy' Canaday and Dusty Rhoades." He then points to the younger man and says, "And this is my stepbrother Jamie Hunter Cartwright." Kate shook hands around the table and took a seat. "A pleasure to meet you all. I hope your father and brothers are all well. What brings you this time? Not more cattle rustled, I hope."

He replies, "Emery Shaw asked us to come, he said that there was some dissention in the ranks among his new Cattleman's Association, that two of the ranches pulled out and he felt protection was needed for his remaining ranches. Of course, none of that prepared us for the surprise encounter we ran into tonight." Kate sat up straighter. "Surprise encounter? What happened? None of the ranches were attached, I hope?"

Joe replies, "Oh no, nothing like that. Do you remember the history that we told Geronimo in January, about our encounter with Cochise twenty years go. An Army Captain had called for a peace treaty with the Apache but instead attempted to poison them, killing most of the Indians. Cochise sought revenge and the Army Captain came to us for protection, my brother Adam getting shot in the process. But Father insisted on hearing both sides and truth came out. The Captain was courts-marshaled out and removed from the service. He was the one we saw, Moss Johnson, up on stage of town hall for the debates. The man is here now and running for Town Marshall, using his own warped version of history with the Apache as his credentials for office."

Kate states, "Then I know just the man you ought to see. Mr. Chumbley down at the newspaper office would be very interested in hearing what you have to say, as would the rest of the town. The last thing we need is a man like that for our Marshall. Just after you left last time there was a misunderstanding with the Apache where both side had thought the other had broken the treaty. My friends and I had to move very fast to keep it from boiling over." Joe says, "Well then, we should probably go and visit this Mr. Chumbley before he finishes writing up the account of tonight's debate."

Kate says, "I think you can at least finish your drinks first, but I wouldn't wait long. I'm often amazed how fast he is. Did Mr. Shaw say what he thought the ranches might need protection from?" Joe says, "He said that he heard that some rustlers were watching a few of the ranches and then one of those ranches got half their herd rustled. He helped us out in January so we decided to return the favor." The younger man adds, "And Joe told me how pretty those daughters of Shaw's were so I thought I'd come and see first hand."

Kate replies, "Those rustlers were watching my place too, but I think we moved fast enough to get some extra people there and all the animals branded that the rustlers went looking for easier pickings." She turned to Jamie and added, "I've only met Mr. Shaw's daughters a couple times, but I can say they are pretty. And spirited, so I hope you like strong-willed, independent women," she laughed. "He's got his niece living with him here in town now, and she's quite lovely as well. The boys at my school are having trouble keeping their eyes on their books." Joe laughs and says, "Shaw said before that he was concerned about the men around here being after his daughters just for his money. Pa has had the same reservations about some of the Virginia City gals and their interest in Jamie here. Sounds like this might be able to work."

"A good place to start anyway," Kate laughed. "Don't get too set though, I'm sure those ladies already have some ideas of their own. And follow your instincts. Not every girl who is interested is only interested in the money. My family was worried when I first met my late husband, but he convinced Papa that he wasn't interested in money. To the day he died he never took a cent of Seagram money, even when Papa tried to give it to him."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-six, “Broken Mirror, Broken Hearts”, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 9:30 P.M.

Upon his arrival the first thing that Jake notices is that the full-length mirror behind the bar is mostly gone, with several bullet holes in the wall with only a few shattered pieces of mirror hanging from the sections where it was mounted. Job Kane has a poker game going with some of the regulars. Tony Lucky is hanging around the bar with one of his players, his game having apparently broken up not long ago.

Jake helps himself to a whiskey. "I truly am afraid to ask.... but what happened here?" Tony says, "Happened around two hours ago. Some drunken prospector, didn't want to give up his gun to Thom and emptied it into the wall. Jeff got cut by some flying glass, Doc Eaton came by and patched him up, he's up in his room now. Thom managed to get the guy's revolver but the guy took off before anybody could grab him."

Jake walks over to Thom, "Hey big fella, can I see that gun you took from that troublemaker? I am glad you kept anyone from getting hurt, including you." While Jake examines the gun he asks Thom, "What did this guy look like? Was there anything in particular you remember about him?" Thom hands Jake a Colt Thunderer revolver. He says, "Yeah, the guy acted odd, and his eyes had that glassed over look like I haven't seen since Thomasville."

Jake nods. "Get yourself a good sized piece of the broken mirror and prop it up over there," Jake points to the floor a little ways from the door. "Make it blend in if you can or hide it behind something, but put it so you can see the reflection of anyone coming in or out of the door. If you see someone without a reflection, remind me that we are out of rye whiskey." Jake gives him back the pistol. "Be careful with the glass Thom, we do not want any more employees in bandages."

Jake gives Job Kane a sideways glance before going back to the bar. Jake secretly experiments with what he can see in the mirror and the people in the room. He tries to get a look at everyone. Everybody in the room has a reflection. Afterwards he heads up to check on Jeff Mills. He knocks at Jeff's room. Jeff replies, "Come in". He enters to find the big man seated in a chair beside the bed with a map spread out on top of the bedspread. His left hand and arm have some bandages over them.

Jake says, "Tough luck there Mr. Mills. I trust you will heal soon enough. A might strange in a town full of blood suckers to have our mirror shot to Hades." Jeff says, "I was thinking the same. You don't find it a coincidence that the poker tournament is coming up in a few days do you?" Jake says, "I was never one to draw to an inside straight, so I am not inclined to easily believe coincidences. I do not see any connection to the tournament directly though. All I see is someone without a reflection wants to come into the Lucky Lady and keep that a secret."

Mills replies, "Well, thankfully I'm already knowledgeable to these creatures thanks to Tomlinson and his fellow hunters. I'll go see them in the morning and explain the situation, they may have some suggestions and items to help protect the place. We may also want to hire on some of them as added security for the tournament too, but you'd have to discuss that with Mr. Van Horne. He should be back now. Jake, I understand that he's a part owner and all but I don't trust Van Horne and am not happy about him living under our roof. He spent most of tonight over at the Gay Lady with Evan Adair and they looked to be far too friendly with one another than I'm comfortable with."

Jake says, "For now just keep an eye on the fat Georgian. Mr. Van Horne looks after himself, so in the end I suspect we may be able to use him against Adair if it is in Van Horne's interests. We will just have to play that one by ear. I am not adverse to having Tomlinson or any of his crew as security. Even if they do not have much to help us we ought to fill this place with small mirrors that we can use." Jake then tells Jeff the details of the vampire hunts from the last couple of days including what he knows about Messier. Finally, pointing down at the map Jake asks, "What is this for?"

Jeff replies, "Well, now that Colin Hunter is gone I've been considering actually looking for that buried Confederate gold." "Really?" Jake looks at him for a long moment. "There is something about a pile of gold that can make a man crazy. You be careful over that." Jake tips his hat to Jeff, "Take care of that arm." As Jake is closing the door he adds, "And let me know if you want another crazy to help you look for that gold." Down stairs Jake makes a quick trip to the outhouse.

Chester and Clarisse come into the Lucky Lady. He sees the broken mirror. "What happened here? Did I miss a bar fight?" Tony Lucky interjects "No, more like a one-sided shootout. A drunken prospector didn't want Thom to take his gun. Jeff got cut by some broken glass but otherwise nobody was hurt. The guy ran off." Chester replies, "That's good that no one was seriously hurt. Is Jeff going to be OK? And where's the gun? I want to take a look at it. Maybe I can figure who it belongs to."

Thom gives Chester the gun, a Colt Thunderer. It has not distinguishing marks on it. Thom says, "Jeff is upstairs. He's okay, Doc Eaton checked him out." Chester turns the gun over in his hands. He gives it back to Thom, who puts it into the cabinet. "Did you tell the Marshall? Especially with all that's going on, we can't have random shootings in town.” Thom says, "Deputy Cassidy came by and we told him what happened." Chester pats Thom on the arm. "Thanks, Thom."

Chester says, “I'll see if Jeff saw who did it." He turns to Clarisse and says, "I won't be long, dear." She says, "Hurry back. You're not on duty." He kisses her on the forehead. "I know, but I'm here now." Chester goes upstairs and knocks on Jeff's door. "Jeff? It's Chet. I want to see how you're doing." Jeff says, "Come on in Chet. Jake was just by a short while ago too." He opens the door and walks in. Jeff is sitting in his bed. "Tony told me some guy came in and shot the mirror. Are you hurt bad?"

Jeff replies, "Nah, just some scratches. The only problem with my getting hurt is that it didn't enable me to catch the drunk, me made it clean away." Chet replies, "That's good. Did you get a good look at him? Was it a local? A night or two in the hoosegow should teach him not to shoot up the place." Jeff says, "Nah, never saw him before. Dressed like a prospector, dirty brown overalls, denim shirt, work boots, hat that didn't fit right, long scraggly beard and brushy mustache."

Chester replies, "Hmm. I'll tell the Marshall. Maybe he's staying in town." Jeff says, "I'll bet we don't see him again after tonight. Jake's worried though, he thinks it may have something to do with those creatures of the night. He may be right, that mirror being gone will make it harder to catch those guys." Chester replies, "He does? That's just great. Does Rixton's sell mirrors? If we can't get a mirror in time for the tournament, we'll have to put up holy symbols. Garlic wouldn't be neighborly."

Jeff says, "I'll check out the different stores in town tomorrow for mirrors. Between the general stores, the furniture store and the pawn shop I should be able to find some." Chester answers, "Good. None of us wants those bloodsuckers to come in here. Clarisse is waiting for me downstairs, so I'm going to go. Get better." "Okay Chet, I'll see you tomorrow."

Jake returns, having missed Chet coming in. He goes back to the bar to finish his drink. Chester returns downstairs to see Clarisse seated at the table and Jake Cook over at the bar. Chester makes his way to the bar. "Hey Jake, heard someone shot the mirror."

"Yes." Jake has another sip of his whiskey and glances around to make certain no one is close by listening in. In a quiet voice, "Seems very strange, does it not? When I asked him about the man, Big Thom also mentioned to me he had a funny glazed look in his eyes. Does that sound familar? Why not have one of your minions come in and eliminate an easy way to identify you. Either someone is planning to come here to fight back, or they simply want to come in here. Not sure why, maybe the poker tournament. Maybe word is around that I have killed one too many vampires."

Jake goes on to tell Chet all the details of the last several days. "So there you have it. Turner and Vaugh are both in town. Katherine has the picture of one disguise and the other is Denny Gaurin. Messier also mentioned a Kane disguise in a money clip, as if we already knew that. Either we have it and do not realize it, or there is someone who can magically impersonate Job Kane. Minerva is all but ready to go busting doors down to go after them, you might want to find her. Besides all that, everything is just peaches and cream." Jake tosses the remaining whiskey down his throat. "I have had enough, Chet. I am headed home. Fetch me if you have need, I have not been sleeping well anyway." Jake bids him good night.

Chester watches Jake leave the saloon for a few moments. Then he looks around for Clarisse. He finds her and takes a seat at the table. "Some drunk shot the mirror. Jeff got hit by some glass, but isn't hurt too bad." Clarisse covers her mouth, "Oh no. You've got to do something. The town needs to see you're doing something to bring this lawlessness to heel." "After dinner, I'll stop by the office. There's just so much going on. I'm having trouble keeping track of it. Let's just eat."

The gambler returns his horse to the El Parador. His rifles and saddle bags hanging heavily from his shoulders he trudges his way home. Exhausted, Jake stows his gear and goes to bed. After laying awake staring at the ceiling for some time he accepts the futility of sleep just yet and rises.

Back in his kitchen the box is still waiting for his further examination. Fortified with another glass of whiskey in hand, he removes the box. Again he reads the letter from Ruby before he examines it more closely, including the pine box it was shipped within.

In the packaging beneath the box is a short note in the same handwriting as the package address. It reads:

Jake,
Just wanted to let you know that all is going well. I am keeping a close watch on the ladies and making sure no harm comes to them. If I have any suspicion that Miss. West's family knows of our being in New York State I will usher them off on the next train.
Richard

Jake reflects upon Richards letter quietly for some time. He retrieves his sisters photograph from his secret wallet and lays it on the table in front of him. "Virginia, you and Ruby have nearly nothing in common, except you are both afraid of your parents." He mulls that statement over for some time, trying to image being worried about what his father or mother might make him do. He shrugs to himself, unable to fathom that particular problem. Jake had never been afraid of his father, perhaps that was the root of the problem.

He attempts to imagine Ruby's worry and fails. "After years on the road, the cowboy gang, and dark creatures from the abyss it is hard to be worried about a couple of spoiled, old money, parents from New York." He sips at his whiskey and remembers the first few months after leaving Philadelphia. One memory in particular rises above the rest, the first time he killed a man. Except in Jakes case, the first time was three men.

While he finishes his whiskey, no new feelings emerge, no new insights appear. He folds the notes back up, places them in the box and carries it upstairs. Back in bed he thinks the he needs to speak with Red tomorrow, and drifts off to sleep.

At the Long Branch, Kate notices that Conrad calls a break at his table. Three of his players wander up to the bar and two leave the Long Branch. Conrad Booth remains at his table without getting up. "I hope you'll excuse me? I came in to speak to someone and I see he's free now. I'm sure we'll see one another again. I'm looking forward to Mr. Chumbley's article."

She stood up and after a few more polite comments walked over to the table where Conrad was sitting. With each step she was a little more nervous until she wasn't sure she wouldn't rather run out the door. Then she was there. "I hope I'm welcome?" He replies, "Always. I see that you are safe. I was worried about you." She replies, "I knew you would be, that's why I came here first.
Is there somewhere we can talk?"

He says, "Sure, hold on." He walks over to Kate Higgins and says, "Let Spaulding take the table now, I need the rest of the night off." She says, "And I suppose you want tomorrow night off too?" He replies, "No, I'll play, and I'll bring in some celebrities in town for the tournament too. You won't be disappointed." Conrad joined her again and she said, "I didn't mean to pull you away from your work. Where are we going?"

He replies, "Let's see, late on a Wednesday night what would be open that we would be welcome at? The Palace is closed, the Alhambra is the new Freedom Party Headquarters, the Comique won't let me in, the Lucky Lady would put you to work, Drover's will bring you constant interruptions from Unity Party members and the El Parador will bring about an equal number of interruptions from our friends. I guess only that leaves the Gay Lady and the Rio Grande. Do you have a preference?"

She replies, "I was thinking something more private. The grove behind Mr. Valdez's church, perhaps?" "Oh, well I guess that would work," he replies. The two of them head over there. As they arrive Conrad makes small talk, pointing out the names of some of the non-native trees and shrubs that have been planted there and where Mother Jiminez had obtained them from.

They finally reached the fallen log they'd often sat on before. Kate took his hand and rubbed the back of it with her fingers. "Conrad, I... we could argue day and night. Chances are we probably will after I tell you about the last two days. But no matter how hard we argue, or how angry we get, I love you. An argument is not going to change that. I love you. Let's talk this through. I hate the feeling of things being not right between us."

Conrad replies, "Katherine, I love you. I have no desire to argue. But I am concerned about your safety and helping deranged murderers like Earp will lead to nothing but trouble. You can't expect me to stand idly by and allow things like that to happen." "And I don't." Kate sat down on the log and gestured for him to sit with her. Once he was settled she continued. "We don't have to agree about everything, but how we handle the disagreement is very important.

Conrad, I weighed the dangers differently than you and came to a different conclusion. But you equated my disagreement with a lack of ability to understand. If someone stood and basically told you that you were too brainless to understand your own situation you'd be angry too. If I had kept my own temper as well we might have worked it out; I might not have been so sensitive. But last Sunday I'd just seen those hooded riders running through town, my daughter threw lit dynamite out of our home. Then I went to the ranch and found out he was there. Again. All I wanted was a safe place to go, a place to be comforted, and that place was you. But it didn't turn out that way."

Conrad replies, "Katherine, you need to look at it from my perspective. You hadn't shared any of that with be before. I went out to the ranch to be with you and found out that you were working with an insane murderer who the law is actively seeking. You tried to rationalize what you did by saying that he paid fro the horse that he got from you, well the law wouldn't make that distinction, they'd see you as helping Earp. I...I saw you in a situation that had spun out of control and wanted to resolve it."

Even though they appeared to be alone, Kate sat close and kept her voice very low. "You misunderstood my meaning when I told you he bought the horse. I was only trying to tell you that I wasn't supporting him so much that I'd give him a horse. Not that the law would care one way or another. And yes, I hadn't told you anything about this. If you were questioned you could honestly say you knew nothing. And Mr. Gonzales did already know. I told him the day Rufus Davis married Anita Ramirez. At the time the ranch was being watched by Thayer's men. I had no idea why except some clues that Thayer was connected to the Cowboy Gang. Earp's the one who told me."

Kate ran her hand through her hair. "Several times he's shown guilt over what happened to Tom. He said he would leave and not return if I asked it, or he would look into what was going on with the men watching. I thought the Gang has much more reason to harm me than Earp. I made a choice. I question it every day. I didn't realize then he'd look for hiding places on the ranch. When you saw him leaving he'd just been told by the three of us not to come back, and I don't believe he will."

Conrad replies, "Well then, if he doesn't return then it is a moot point so there is no reason to argue further. I've missed having you around to talk to, and when my father arrives on tomorrow's stagecoach I would like you by my side to greet him and his friends."

Kate looked at him for a moment, resisting the urge to shake her head to clear it. "That's not quite the end of the argument, dear, there's one more thing. If you had just suggested to me we go see Mr. Gonzales for advice I'd have agreed. Even if we both have to walk away for an hour until we calm down, work it out with me, don't make choices for me." She held his hand tighter. "I missed you, too. What time does your father arrive tomorrow?"

He replies, "Mid-afternoon, he's traveling with two of the gamblers coming to the poker tournament. They'll be on the westbound stage from New Mexico." Kate says, "School gets out at 3:30, I think I can manage it. I suppose you'd like the fancy lady there to meet the stage instead of the rancher." She slid closer so their knees were touching. "Luckily all the pretty clothes still fit." He replies, "It doesn't matter to me what you wear, you're the most beautiful woman in Promise City regardless. Kate....let's not argue again. But...I am who I am. I've learned how to be decisive, to make quick decisions, that's part of why I am good at my profession."

She says, "I know. We both have to get used to this, and I can almost guarantee we'll argue again. We're a rather odd pair, after all. I'm just learning to make those decisions and I'm still sensitive about them and my new freedom. You're used to making decisions, and you seem to have a wide protective streak." She took his other hand and looked up. "I rather like that, truth be told, but we're going to clash now and then until we learn to accommodate one another. For now, why don't you accommodate me with a kiss?"

Conrad lifts up her hand and gives a soft kiss to it. He then lowers the hand and looks lovingly into her eyes. He leans in, softly touching his lips to hers while wrapping his arm around her back. Kate closed her eyes and rubbed the back of his neck with her fingers while the other hand slipped inside his jacket to rest on his side. Her breath came quicker and she pressed herself closer, feeling safe for the first time in days. Conrad pulls her closer and hugs her with both arms.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-seven, “Return of the Hooded Riders”, Wednesday June 14th, 1882, 10:30 P.M.

An uncertain amount of time passes with the two locked in the embrace. Kate laid her head against his shoulder and wrapped both arms around him underneath his jacket. Her fingers massaged his back along his spine. Slowly the tension of the last days drained away although the fatigue remained. "Oh, I've been needing you," she whispered. She kissed his cheek and chuckled, "You and a good meal,"

She pulled back a little and kissed him again. "You took the rest of the night off, why don't we get something to eat and I can tell you about what's happened over the last two days. We could go over to the El Parador, unless you're still worried about interruptions and want to go to the Gay Lady instead." He replies, "The El Parador will be fine now that things are right again between us."

"Mmm, home. Privacy is very nice, but just a bit dangerous. Your kisses are far too tempting to resist for long." She pulled her hands back slowly, letting them slide along his back and sides before she slipped them away completely. "I just need to let some people know where to find me, then we can eat. I doubt I'll be needed again tonight."

Conrad says that he will meet Kate at the El Parador in twenty minutes. He heads back to his home where he washes up and puts on a fresh shirt and tie. Kate ran back down the street to where Mr. Harker was now waiting alone to let him know where she would be, and to tell him not to wait forever for Jake, but to try at the Lucky Lady if it got too long.

Patient Meribel had been stabled before they went into the grove, so Kate ran home and changed into a dress, explaining to Janet Fly that she was just running back out to get something to eat. She brushed her hair out loose and behind the closed door of her bedroom used a cantrip to clean herself up. At the last moment she added the slightest bit of perfume.

When she arrives he is at a candlelit table with a bottle of wine awaiting them as well as a plate of Dorita's appetizers. He says, "I would have ordered the food too, but didn't want you to think I was trying to make decisions for you." She stopped to kiss him lightly before taking her seat. "I appreciate that," she said, leaving any comments on the difference between dinner and Wyatt Earp for another day. "I tend to crave certain things these days. Of course, some of them I can't get, like strawberries. Kate Higgins didn't seem to happy with you."

He replies, Yes, well, there's a reason. Maybe you should do your candle trick and I'll explain further." Kate took a pinch of powder from a folded bit of paper she carried and discretely dropped it into the flame with a murmured phrase. "Much better. I hope I'm not the cause of your trouble. I've tried not to interfere with your work."

He replies, "No, it's not you, it's this upcoming poker tournament. She had agreed to sponsor both myself and the Long Branch's other top gambler Wendell Spaulding for the tournament, paying half of our entrance fee. Well, earlier tonight she spoke to us about it. I won't go into the details, but the bottom line is that rather than each of us trying to win for ourselves she expects us to be sure to favor her new friend Adair. I refused and said I would pay my own entrance fee and intend to win."

Kate states, "So she wanted you to cheat? I suppose she might not consider it cheating if you're not trying to win, but still. I know you would never agree to such a thing, but I'm sorry for the strain it's going to cause you at work. Mr. Spaulding didn't object? I hate to be telling tales, but maybe Jake should know about this?"

There had been several days worth of happening to catch up on with Conrad and it was quite late when he finally walked her home. Kate slept soundly once she finally got home. Thankfully Janet Fly was already asleep. Ginnie was not, having got wind of the fact that Katherine had returned. She repeated the tale of what had happened over the last two days, then sent her girl and herself off to bed.

Through the night, Minerva and Nakomo take turns watching the Liberty Party headquarters. The tired priestess relaxes her guard as Apollo peeks over the horizon, bringing a measure of safety with his presence. Minerva retires to her room and prays for guidance. Luna flies through the window. "Buenos Dias, Luna. Did you see anything of interest during your patrol of the town?" Luna indicates it was a quiet night with minimal movement around town. Minerva and Nakomo alternate sleeping and watch throughout the night while Luna continues her patrol.

At around an hour before dawn Luna returns to alert her that a wagon driven by a trio of dwarves has rapidly ridden into town, stopping at the Marshal's Office where they carried a human body in the back of the wagon inside. "Minerva reaches over and pats Luna's head. "Gracias, Luna. You have keen eyes." She picks up her weapons and enters Nakomo's room to wake him. She finds that he is still dressed and is sleeping soundly sprawled across the bed. She sakes him gently. "Luna says there is another body. I am going to the Marshals office to see what I can find out."
He jumps out of bed. "I will come with you." She nods her assent and he grabs his bow and follows her out the door.

They head through the quiet darkened streets until they reach the Office. They enter to see a trio of dwarves, including the Unity Party Town Council Candidate Vidkan Gerhardtsohn as well as Deputy Marshal Helen Barker. A human body with visible wounds lies on the floor with a blanket beneath but not covering him. The man is wearing a dark hood like those of the riders who attacked the town the previous Sunday. Barker states, "Hello Minerva," she states, "Is there a problem?" The Priestess moves toward the body looking for wounds "I could not sleep. Who is this?" she shrugs her head toward the body.

Vidkin's friend translates for him stating "The hooded riders, the ones who attacked our mine last Saturday, they came back. This time we were waiting, they got more than they bargained for. There were eight of them, we brought down four of their horses and this one. The others rode off." While they are talking Marshal Berg arrives.

Minerva moves forward. "I will pray for his soul." she steps forward and leans over him to examine him, looking for anything unusual. Nakomo stands behind her fingering his bow. She takes out her holy water and anoints him keeping in mind that he could be a vampire. here are no marks near his neck or any other indication that this man is among the undead. The holy water also has no effect on his body. She finishes her task and steps back. "What happened to their horses? And the riders who were on them when you took them down."

The dwarves reply that the dead horses are still at the mine. The other outlaws doubled up on the remaining mounts when they exited. Two of the ones who lost horses were wounded, one from the falling horse another from wounds inflicted by the dynamite traps set for the hooded riders. Vidkin adds, "I doubt they'll be back given the beating they took."

Minerva states, "We should get one of the ranch owners to look at the horses. If the horses are from local ranches we may be able to identify which ones. I will speak to Senora Kale about it. She is familiar with the brands of the area. We should ask Doc Eaton to alert us of any injuries that he treats today. Do we have any of the horses from any of the attacks that are alive?"

Berg says, "Yes, they were among the ones rustled two weeks ago from the Phillip's Ranch." Deputy Rodriguez says he will follow up on Minerva's suggestion and return with the dwarves to the mine to check the brands on the dead horses. Helen says she will go talk to Doctor Eaton. We will be at the El Parador having breakfast. If anything else develops please let us know."

At 5:30 A.M. Chester Martin is awakened by a knock on the door of his room. Thom's voice says, "Deputy Martin, Marshall Berg needs you over at his Office." Chester grumbles in his sleep for a moment. Then he sits up in bed and rubs his eyes. With a searching hand, he turns up the lamp sitting on the nightstand. The dim light is enough for him to see the clock in the room. "What is it Thom? It's half past five."

Thom repeats, "Marshall Berg need to see you in his office, now." "OK, OK. I'm up. Let me get dressed, then I'll be right over." "You're not mad at me, are you?" No, no, Thom. I'm not mad at you. It's just early, that's all. I'll see you later." Chester gets dressed and straps on his gunbelt. "Please don't be another killing. This place can't take any more of this." He walks over to the office and enters. Eduardo and Chester arrive simultaneously not long afterwards. Chester sees who is there and says, "Morning, Marshall. What's happening? More trouble from the riders?"

Berg updates his deputies about what has transpired over at the Last Ditch Mine and some of the Priestess's suggestions of what to do for the follow up. Vidkin then repeats what they have said. Berg reaches down to do the unveiling one the hood. It reveals a man with a brown beard and mustache and receding hairline. Berg says, "I've never seen him before. Have any of you?" None of the other present recognize him either.

The mention of another attack chases away any drowsiness Chester had. "Good for them dwarves. Sounds like they gave more than they took. Marshall, you didn't recognize the dead fellow? I guess someone is bringing in outside help for this. We should definitely bring in a rancher to see if he can place the horses. Who do we trust enough for that? Someone from Shaw's ranch would do." Berg tells his deputies and the Priestess "You may be right Chester. The most there were last time was eight, we killed two, and now there's eight again. Well, let's see if we can find somebody who can identify this guy, that'll at least give us some direction."

Chester says, "It's a long shot, but let's start with the local hotels. We should get a photograph to make things easier." Berg says to Helen, "Can you set that up?" Chester continues, "If we don't get any luck here, we'll have to go to the nearby towns, Galeyville first. In the meantime, figuring out whose horses we have will cut down on the list of suspects. These guys must be getting money from someone."

A few blocks away Kate awakens. After all of the business and danger of the last few days it was a relief in the morning to go into the schoolroom and teach. A wood elvan family named Santos arrives. They are new to town having come from Texas. Mrs. Santos has a long conversation with Kate about their son Matthew and his classes. She says that he has enjoyed his first few days of school and she should be proud of what they have accomplished. Kate states, "Your son is doing very well, we're impressed. I'm still a little surprised by it all, myself. It's a much grander undertaking than I'd originally imagined, and thank goodness for it. With all the help the school has received we can offer much more to the students."

The priestess and her protégé walk over to the El Parador in search of a strong coffee and a hearty meal. Dorita welcomes Minerva and Nakomo to the El Parador. She is pleased to be able to offer the Priestess some freshly ground coffee that just arrived from Columbia. They are each served up a nice meal. Given the early start of the morning there is no need to rush, as it will still be a while until 7:45 when Nakomo will start school.

They are soon joined by Doctor James Eaton, whose very presence in her establishment clearly surprises Dorita. The Doctor orders a cup of coffee. He shows some urgency in his voice and tells Minerva, "Priestess, I was concerned when I heard that you and Father Harbrace were both called away. I trust this has something to do with those arrows that the Goddess gave to you. I confess that I do not fully understand what is going on, but the desires of the Goddess take precedence over all else. I....I'm not sure how to tell you this, but based upon things that I have seen and heard I believe that there may be wizard magics involved with this whole matter."

"Minerva sips her coffee and offers the Dr. a seat. "Por favor, sit and tell me why you believe this to be true." Doctor Eaton reluctantly takes a seat and says, "Well, my business associate Ron Porter, he runs an apothecary shop. He says that a lot of his inventory seems to have disappeared. At first he thought a crate or two might have gotten misplaced on his trip here from Tombstone, but he now thinks otherwise. He says what is missing is very specific things, items that could be used to create magical elixirs. He thinks some wizard may have stolen them. Given what the Goddess said I'm thinking it may have been those creatures. Devils would use devil magic wouldn't they?"

Minerva's brows knit together and her mouth purses into a thin line of disapproval at the bias of his comment. "I leave the judgment of others abilities to the gods Senor. Now tell me specifically what items were stolen and when." Eaton replies, "No, but Mr. Porter would probably give you an inventory if the town's Priestess asked him as he is a rather religious man." Jim Eaton departs. Not longer afterwards Jonathan Harker arrives. He asks Minerva "Are you interested in paying a visit to that new hardware store where we suspect some of the undead may be at?"

When Doc Eaton stand to depart, the priestess and Nakomo rise also. "Gracias, Doctor. I am grateful that you have come to me with this information. I will go to the apothecary after breakfast. May the goddess keep both you and Senora Eaton safe from this evil." As they are about to resume their seats Jonathan Harker arrives. Nakomo and Minerva follow him out, leaving their breakfast behind.

On their way Harker tells Minerva "Daniel Madson ran a hardware and taxidermy in Tombstone but got burnt out last month. His brother Bronco lived around here, working out on the Thayer Ranch, so Daniel decided to move here. He bought out a private residence up on the corner of Sierra and Front Streets."

They arrive at Madson's Hardware and Taxidermy, a two-story wood framed twenty by twenty-five foot building. The shop is on the first floor and is open for business. Mounted on the walls are stuffed animal heads and several whole animals mounted on plaques. The northern and eastern wall is covered with shelves with various hardware goods. But what their eyes are drawn toward is along the western wall, namely a dozen nicely caskets, stacked four wide and three high. They are identical to the pair of nicely made caskets that had been found and destroyed in the Cunningham Mine. Two men are in the building, both bearded and in standard western garb. "May I help you?" one asks.

Minerva steps forward smiling brightly. "Buenos Dias Senores. I am the Promise City Priestess of Olympus, Minerva Garcia Florencia, this is my apprentice Nakomo and Senor Harkin's. We have come to see your fine shop and ask how you are faring since the fire. It would appear that you are recovering well." she admires the animals on the walls and strokes the pelt of a preserved fox." You do fine work!" She nods toward the caskets "Do you plan to preserve people as well?"

Daniel Madson replies, "Always been one of my specialty, and from the way the ranchers have been getting killed off by that lunatic Earp there appears to be a real need. Do you like the workmanship? I use a much better board than the scrub pine you find around these parts and mix the stain myself. I feel that the departed deserve to have some place decent for their remains."

Minerva walks over to the caskets and turning her back to the man, runs her hand over the wood as though admiring the quality and attempts to detect any evil within them. Minerva senses a presence of evil from the none of the caskets on the top two rows or the two on the ends of the bottom row, but does detect evil from the two bottom caskets surrounded by the others. She also gets a sense of evil from both Madson and his assistant, but nowhere near the extent that she got when near vampires.

Minerva's grits her teeth as the sensations of evil flood her mind. but her smile is in place when she turns back to the men. "The craftsmanship is lovely." She continues to browse noting the layout of the room and the placement of windows and doors. The main door is on the south wall. Another door is in the back. There is a staircase up to the second floor. There are two windows on the south wall. She notes dark curtains pulled back on both sides of the windows.

Nakomo and Harkins wander about the room casually browsing and keeping alert for trouble. Minerva continues to make casual conversation and then wishes the gentlemen a good day before exiting the shop. When they are out of earshot, she shares what she has learned with Harkins and Nakomo. "Those men are evil and the caskets on the bottom harbor evil as well. We must get everyone together and destroy them before night fall."

She turns to Nakomo. "You need to get to school. When you arrive find a way to speak with Senora Kale privately and inform her of our find. Tell her we will meet this afternoon after school at the Lucky Lady to decide on a course of action. Sr. Harkins, I would like you to find Deputy Martin, Senor Tomlinson and whoever else is involved in this and have them meet with us also. I need to go and speak to Senor Porter at the apothecary. I will meet you all at the Lucky Lady at 2:00." Minerva makes her way to the apothecary.

Back at the Marshal’s Office Deputy Helen Barker takes the photograph of the dead hooded rider and the lawmen spend the morning circulating it around. A few ranchers recognize him as "A John somebody". Icabod Shakelton is asked to come in to identify him and confirms that it was the man named John who had seen with Jason Snavely the previous Sunday morning. Further inquiries uncover the man's full name to be John Rouse and that he was a miner in Galeyville before the silver played out.

Three of the four dead horses have the mark of the Phillips ranch and match the description of those that had been rustled two weeks earlier. The fourth appears to have had a different brand but it has been burned off. When the group meets back in the office a little past noon, Chester says, "I can't say I'm surprised the Cowboy Gang is mixed up in this. I bet Snavely was one of the riders who got away last night. Since this John Rouse came from Galeyville, what can we do about it?" Berg says, "We don't have any authority there, but the sheriff does. If the riders hired Rouse, they may have hired some of his friends."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-eight, “Jake’s chat with Red”, Thursday June 15th, 1882, 10:30 A.M.

Having now had adequate sleep Jake rises. He stretches and looks at himself in the mirror. "Shave and a bath this morning Mr. Cook." The smell of spent gun powder still lingers on his clothes, hair and hands. He rubs at the heavy bristle on his cheek and loses himself in thought.

The simple act of looking yourself in the mirror is beyond those vampires. I wonder if it bothers them? Ruby contemplated eternal beauty. I will bet she never considered that mirrors would no longer be her friends. Jake chuckles at that. He almost has a moment of pity for the vampires but quickly remembers what they have done. Even beyond the death and destruction, the controlling of others free will was something Jake could not brook. The near moment of pity comes and goes. They must be destroyed. The moments of reflection pass quickly, he was not one to plumb the depths of philosphy.

His morning planned, he went forward. The El Parador for coffee, breakfast and some Dorita scolding. Fortunately for Jake, the scolding is kept to a minimum and the coffee is the best he has ever had at the El Parador. Furniture maker Cole Rixton stops by to tell him that the beds that Cornelius Van Horne ordered for three of the Lucky Lady's rooms to hold some of the tournament gamblers are almost done and will be delivered that afternoon.

He then heads back home to clean his pistols followed by a bath at Gilson’s. Laurie Gilson is practically floating on air as she waits on Jake and has Jules Heurta bring her to her room. Jake notices that she is wearing a diamond engagement ring on her ring finger. He congratulates her, admires the ring and adds, "A fine man he is." Next he is off for a shave. While at Johnson's Barber shop he hears of the Last Ditch Mine getting attacked again by the hooded riders, with the miners winning this round. Word is that one of the riders is over at Lester's Funeral Parlor as a result.

He then heads off to the Lucky Lady to check on business. Jeff informs Jake that there isn't a mirror to be had in town, that previous week all of them were purchased from every store in town that had them in stock. Jake suggests, "First, find someone to go to Tombstone and bring some back. Here is $100. Second, find out who bought them."

Lastly he decides to have a conversation with Red. He arrives at Van Horne's room to find the large man resting in bed with a a clipboard filled with papers in front of him and a pile of telegrams stacked on the bed. Also seated in the room is Father Blackstone, the Priest of Hermes from the Three Gods Meeting Hall. Jake exclaims, "Welcome to Promise City. It is a pleasure to see you again." Turning to Van Horne, "Has Francesco reported back on his activities? Especially regarding his cousin and Adaire?"

Van Horne replies, "Yes, this should be a very interesting poker tournament indeed. Mr. Adair has very high hopes of it ending with him owning this establishment and you being penniless my dear Mr. Cooke. He mistakenly thinks that he now has enough people involved in his corner to make that happen, including every one of the dealers and most of the people on security."

Jake states, "I had meant to tell you earlier that Tony Lucky was feeding information to Adaire for profit. I feed Mr. Lucky some false information and I had a sense that he and his cousin went directly to share with him. Did Francesco confirm that? I wanted to make certain the Francesco was not going soft and worrying about his cousin's predicament."

Van Horne laughs and says, "It made sense to send Francesco on ahead early to establish himself in town, especially since Tony really is his cousin. Francesco is loyal to me and to you by extension. He considers his cousin an idiot and his only goal as far as Mr. Lucky is concerned is to save the fool from himself. In this specific situation his main objective will be to get himself and the good Mr. Lucky permanently out of town once Adair realizes the two haven't done what he expected of them. "

Jake says, "I expected as much, however I had not the time earlier to tell you what I saw. I may continue to feed Adaire falsehoods through Tony. I trust the Francesco will understand. It would be a shame if he came to harm became of Tony's poor choices. I am temped to shoot him myself some days." Red says, "Ah yes, but please don't. I don't really understand it myself but Franceso does feel a family obligation to protect Mr. Lucky. Mr. Grappini has tried to explain it, something about being Italian and blood being thicker than all else regardless of your feelings towards an individual."

Jake sighs, "Fine. I will restrain myself. Father, would you give this old geezer and myself a few moments alone? We need to discuss some things and I would feel terrible asking for forgiveness later if you knew just how conniving I really was." Jake gives him a trademark smirk. Blackstone stands and says, "Yes, I will leave. I hear that this town has a Church of Olympus in it which I should pay a visit to. Before I go I have this for you." He takes out a paper from his vest pocket. "It is a telegram from Richard that arrived last night in Tucson. He opted to send it via us in Tucson, not wanting the contents to be seen by the operators in Promise City, Tombstone or Wilcox." Blackstone leaves.

Jake reads the telegram:
Wednesday, June 14

To Jake Cooke c/o Three Gods Meeting House, Tucson, Arizona Territory.
Leaving New York City in the morning. Ruby insists on visiting Grandmother to say goodbye. Minimal risk involved as the woman promised not to tell Ruby's parents we were here. Trip after much riskier. Ruby insists we go to Rochester to return item to a man there. Man is a family friend who may contact parents. Will be at Grandmother's until Friday noon. Send telegram if you feel trip too dangerous and suggestions of how to convince Ruby. Richard"

It then lists the Tarrytown, New York address that they will be staying at.

Jame says to Red, "Did you hear about the the letter from Kitty Trent that was found on the dead body of one of the hooded attackers that morning you were nearly blown to pieces? I forged it and snuck it on it at the Marshall's office. I let slip to Tony Lucky that there was a letter, and that is what he ran off to tell Adaire with Fracesco in tow. The rest of what Tony told him was of his own fabrication. Adaire's old fighter, our new bouncer clued me in that Tony was ratting me out. I should not have trusted him, but fortunately he is a buffoon and told Adaire useless and inaccurate information. That is part of what I wanted to tell you."

Jake hands the telegram to Red. "I have no advice to give them. What I really wanted to tell you was I will not be here when Ruby comes back to Promise City." Jake proceeds to tell Red the whole story, everything he has been thinking and what decision he has come to. "When I am with her it is like the mythological siren song, I cannot resist. I really do care for her, but I am just not ready for this. No matter how strongly I feel for her, I must get away. I am sure I will regret this for the rest of my days but there is no other answer for me. I think I will make arrangements to sell out everything and go. I have been thinking of going to San Francisco to find my sister. Did I tell you I am an uncle?"

Red looks at the letter and says, "Don't go making any hasty decisions here Jake. This letter indicates that she has delayed her return for a while longer, maybe even indefinitely. They certainly won't be back for the tournament this weekend. Richard will continue to keep us informed as to where the trio is at. As for making arrangements to sell things, there is no need, I will buy anything you own for fair-market-value plus ten-percent. Then again, according to Mr. Van Horne's dear friend Evan Adair, come Sunday night you won't have anything left to sell.

And in regards to visiting San Francisco, you already have the information on a bank account there with Mr. Alistair’s name on it and I can loan you the chain to be him. I can make arrangements for you in that city under any name you wish. I also know that Mr. Booth has connections in that city and would be willing to help your stay there in whatever anonymity you desire."

Jake replies, "Red, as always, you are more than generous. I had not considered selling everything to you, that would certainly be simpler that what I had planned. I was not going to flee today if that is what you thought I was saying. I agree though, I will bide some more time and see what transpires. It would truly be a shame to miss out on the tournament."

They chat a while longer before Jake says, "There is another very serious matter before us. I was not going to bother you with it but I have some reason to believe it will be visiting us here at the Lady, if not the tournament itself. It was related to why I needed this," and with that Jake returns the amulet to Red. He goes on to tell him the story about the vampires. "Hard to believe it, I know. I would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes over and over again. I think we should tell Father Blackstone. If it comes to pass they visit here, he may have some tools to assist in defending the saloon if he is warned."

Red replies, "An amazing tale, but I've heard and seen stranger things before. I think I will have Blackstone speak to this Father Harbrace about this matter. Well Jake, it looks like this poker tournament is really going to happen. As of right now we have twenty-two participants and a number of maybes, so we should continue to plan for thirty. Several will be arriving on the stagecoaches today and more tomorrow.

I am considered the main sponsor but during much of it I'll be busy dealing, as will Mr. Kane, and you will be playing. So we might want to have a host and hostess for the event. Blackstone would probably do fine in the capacity of host, which would also give him ample reason to approach all guests and check for....irregularities. For a hostess I had assumed that Ruby or Jane would take that role, but they won't be back in time. Do you have any thoughts along those lines?"

He continues, "I've already spoken to Mr. Finnegan about security, he suggested we may want to talk to the mining foreman up at the Breakheart Stamping Mill, a Mr. Boston Harker. He is apparently a rather trustworthy soul, Hubbard wouldn't have given him that much responsibility otherwise. He's also the only one who has beaten Finnegan in the boxing ring and has earned a reputation for that."

"Harker? Yes, I hear he is trustworthy. I am fine with that. A hostess...." Jake begins to stroke his beard. "Not many women in town I would trust. Katherine for certain, but she may not wish to be in that role with Conrad Booth playing in the game. We can ask her. The Priestess Florencia would be another. Again, she may decline because of the apparent conflict of interest but then again... if I hint that the fiends may attempt to attend she would certainly demand the position. That and she is not beyond being swayed for a donation to the poor box. What qualities did you want in a hostess, besides candy for the eyes?"

Red replies, "That and some brains inside the head as well, to be able to decide what needs to be done and when. Each player is paying big bucks to participate and need to feel they are being adequately taken care of."

"I will see what can be done about a hostess," Jake tells Red. "I will see you later." Jake takes a stroll over to the Lester's funeral establishment and expresses interest in the identity of the dead man. "A shame all this killing. The Marshall suggested that he could use all the help available to identify the gang involved, and would appreciate it if someone could identify this misbegotten soul," Jake lied smoothly. "Figured I would give it a shot, I know quite a few folks around the region." Dick Lester shows him the corpse. Jake does recognize the face, but not from recently. He was one of the riders who attacked the Morand stagecoach the previous January that they barely escaped from. Jake tells Mr. Lester that he does not know the man and thanks him for his assistance. He then goes back to the Lucky Lady to think things over.

Back at the Marshal’s Office Deputy Helen Barker takes the photograph of the dead hooded rider and the lawmen spend the morning circulating it around. A few ranchers recognize him as "A John somebody". Icabod Shakelton is asked to come in to identify him and confirms that it was the man named John who had seen with Jason Snavely the previous Sunday morning. Further inquiries uncover the man's full name to be John Rouse and that he was a miner in Galeyville before the silver played out.

Three of the four dead horses have the mark of the Phillips ranch and match the description of those that had been rustled two weeks earlier. The fourth appears to have had a different brand but it has been burned off. When the group meets back in the office a little past noon, Chester says, "I can't say I'm surprised the Cowboy Gang is mixed up in this. I bet Snavely was one of the riders who got away last night. Since this John Rouse came from Galeyville, what can we do about it?" Berg says, "We don't have any authority there, but the sheriff does. If the riders hired Rouse, they may have hired some of his friends."

At noontime Hannah Milford comes by with lunch for Kate and the other teachers. She comments about attending the Marshal debate the previous evening, having attended since her tenant Clarisse's beau is one of the candidates. She says that he carried himself well but from the debate he is clearly linked to the present law enforcement efforts, and if the murders and explosions keep continuing it is unlikely that he will win
Kate states "I fear that may be true. What most people don't seem to understand is that any investigation takes time. That's not to say there haven't been mistakes. The escape by Skull and his cronies is a black eye, but that isn't representative of what our Marshals are doing. They're following every lead they have, been when so many people are uncooperative it becomes difficult to get the job done. I'm afraid if some of the other candidates win we'll have people who will shoot first and ask questions later. That's how innocent people get hurt."

Hannah says, "I'm sure it will all work out, the Gods and Goddesses will be watching over our town as they have before." She departs. Kate notices the halfling Chumbley coming up the street with a stack of newspapers. "Maybe Mr. Chumbley's paper will have more from the debate," Kate said as she fished a nickel from a well-hidden pocket. She went out into the bright, comforting sunshine, waved down the halfling, and gave him her nickel. "I need to catch up," she smiled. "If you leave this town even for one day you miss all sorts of interesting things."

The headline of the newspaper reads "Pinto Joe Weams Killed in Prison". The story beneath relates how at the Colorado State Prison in Canon City he attempted to steal a guard's gun and was shot dead. The guard has been cleared of the killing as Weam's cellmate Mongo Bailey confirmed what transpired. The story mentions that Bailey, Shotgun Sally Fox and Pamela Yeats remain in the prison awaiting trial.

The other front page story is an account of the debate the previous night, mentioning how both Charlie Villars and Deacon McCoy both offered to withdraw from the race and support Deputy Martin's candidacy if he would renounce Marshal Berg. Chester instead supported his boss completely. Kate handed the paper to Meghan. "It's like Chester to support Marshal Berg. But he's going to need some help. I think I'm going to have to talk to Emery Shaw later. I'll be glad when this election is over."

Thumbing through the paper Kate notes that a two-page center spread is an oversized advertisement for the Law and Order Party, with quotes from all candidates assuring the town of safety and security once they are elected. Before Kate heads back inside Postmaster Eddie Palmer arrives with a large package for her. "Thank you, Mr. Palmer," she said and took the package. She made polite small talk for a moment before taking the package inside. She looked it over for a return address or any other clue as to who it might be from before carefully opening it.

It has a New York City postmark on it. Inside the large wooden crate, underneath the layers of wrapping and packing, is a finely crafted handmade wooden cradle. It is painted white and at the head and the foot is a cut out in the shape of a heart. Inside the cradle is a soft, fluffy white and blue checkered comforter which is covering a small brown teddy bear.

Dear Kate,

I hope this letter finds you doing well. I sent a letter to Jake recently and in it I asked him to say hi to you then I realized I should just do it myself (especially because I am sure he forgot to mention it to you). Isn’t that silly? So… hello!

All is well with me. I have been very very busy and it has been an amazing trip. You will never imagine all the stuff that has happened! I got to meet my grandmother for the first time that I can remember. It was wonderful and I will be seeing her again before I head home. I almost cannot wait except that I have been filling my time shopping, eating and let’s just say… socializing. Janie and I are trying to break down Richard and get the man to crack a smile. I think we are almost there. We are taking New York City by storm and it has been wonderfully relaxing. I almost feel like my old self.

Almost. I have been doing a lot of thinking and figuring while I am here relaxing too. Promise City is so fast paced and… well, you know, it has been dangerous and things change so quickly. I find myself longing for slower times when things were simpler for all of us. I suppose those times did not last very long, did they? Gangs and business and Colin and love… no, not simple at all.

I have made some decisions, some important ones, and have more things to think over before I return. For the first time in my life I have to not only put myself first but really put myself first and try to make better decisions for me. So when I get back I need to change the way things are. A part of that is that I need to tell you some things, things I have kept to myself for fear of what you might think, that you would judge me and think worse of me. I know you will when you hear what I have to say. But I think being more open that is the only way my heart will ever be at peace and I know you will do your best to forgive what it is I have to reveal.

Don’t I sound silly? I guess I do. But oh, how I miss you! I hope you are relaxing, enjoying your teaching and things are calm there. Right before I left things were so chaotic and I just had to get away. I know you understand. But I really hated leaving you and wish you were here with me now. I know you could not have left behind Ginnie and Conrad but you and I could have so much fun here! You have become not only my friend but the calming influence in my life. I’ve never had that before. You and Nanuet are the two most level headed people I know and who knew I would ever have someone in my life who could fill that role. I miss him too. I miss all of you. I am lucky to have you in my life. And it is embarrassing to say that I need you in ways I never thought I would. Thinking things through without being able to talk to you has been very difficult. I need your opinion! At least someone to tell me I am not entirely crazy. And heck, you might think that anyway when you here what I am thinking.

I am not exactly sure when I will be back. But I promise it will not be long. I miss you and love you my friend. Take care of yourself.

Love Always,
Ruby West

Kate tenderly folded the letter and slipped it back inside the envelope. Despite her assurances to Ruby the day she left, Kate hadn't been in any way sure her friend would return. But her greater fear had been of being forgotten. She reached in and felt the soft fabric of the toy bear's ear. In her mind, she could see her little boy cuddled under the blue and white blanket with the bear standing a vigilant watch. The sound of children shouting outside as they played brought her back to the present, and the fact that Mollie and Meghan were still here with her. "A gift from Ruby," she said by way of explanation. "I should take it into the kitchen before the children come back in."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-fifty-nine, “Meanwhile....on a New York City Train”, Thursday June 15th, 1882, 10:30 A.M.

The train was just pulling out of Manhattan’s Grand Central Station. Sitting together inside one of the Pullman passenger cars are well dressed trio comprised of a man in his late twenties and two women each around a decade younger. The leader of the group is a Priestess of Aphrodite by the name of Jane Boag. She is a senior partner of the Three-Gods Meeting House in Tucson Arizona. Beside her is a junior partner of the same establishment, Richard Broughton, whose personal expertise is security. He has been serving the role of bodyguard for Jane and her companion. The final member of the group is Jane’s dear friend Constance Grace West otherwise known as Ruby, a singer and co-owner at Promise City, Arizona’s Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon.

Half-a-month has now gone by since Ruby West left Promise City. What had been intended as a short visit to Tucson had expanded into a journey back east when at a party celebrating Ruby’s birthday she opened a mysterious package sent by her grandmother from New York. The trio set off for a visit to the woman, arriving at the Tarrytown, New York home on the fifth of June. They spent a few days there where Ruby had an excellent visit before heading down to Manhattan.

The last week has been spend on a fun-and-exciting shopping spree at all of the finest stores in the city. The shopping was now over, with over $ 20,000 of Jane’s money having been spent and the multitude of packages now on westbound trains heading back to Tucson. The trio, however, was going in a different direction, as Ruby had insisted that they pay a final visit again to her Grandmother before returning to the west.

Ruby casually reclines back into the plush seat, pulling her feet up underneath herself. The corner of her full lips curl upwards as she faces her friend. "So Janie, did you enjoy yourself in the City as much as I did?" The petite priestess smiles in return and says, "Oh Ruby Darling, you ask the silliest questions. I've gone on shopping sprees in cities before but never with so much money to spend and that variety of places to spend it at. And shopping alone is never as much fun as with a good friend."

"That's me, silly Ruby!" she giggles before turning her face to the man sitting next to them. "And you, Richard, did you enjoy your trip to the City with two silly girls? Or are you counting the seconds until we get you back to civilization?" Richard gives Ruby a rare smile and says, "I found the trip very useful. I was able to obtain a number of things that will help with the Three Gods back in Tucson that would not have been available back in Arizona. And I was able to keep our senior partner safe, that has its own reward." Ruby replies, "Oh? What sort of things did you find that you think will be helpful?"

Richard replies, "Oh, just a few trinkets that I picked up down in the French and Portugese quarters of the city. Things that will help with security." She states, "You are very sneaky sir, not wanting to give away your secrets. I'm sure you'll keep the temple very safe, just like you've done for us."

Ruby turns her face to the window and watches the sights of the city begin to pass them by. She says quietly, "I hope I'll still be able to visit the Three Gods, you know, when we get back." Jane smiles and says, "Visit? Oh no Ruby Darling, I plan to you to live with us there. Promise City, now that's a place to visit. For you the Three Gods will be home." Ruby takes the petite woman's hand in hers and rests her head on her shoulder. It was such a nice feeling... warm and comforting. Ruby felt a small tinge though, she missed someone back in Promise City, someone who she hadn't realized she relied on so much for those warm and comforting feelings. Some time passes before Ruby speaks again. "Are you two sure you're okay with extending our trip just a little more? I know you want to get back."

Jane says, "Ruby, your Grandmother and her husband were such gratious hosts before and I'm sure they will be again. I can certainly understand your wanting to say goodbye, it might be years until you make it back east again and there is no guarantee she will still be with us then." Richard interjects, "I have my reservations. They promised not to notify your parents Ruby, but so long as we remain in New York State there is the risk of them finding out you are here. Normally I wouldn't be so concerned about an attempted kidnapping, but in this case it would be more difficult for me to prevent it....assuming of course that you don't want me to actually shoot your father in the process."

Ruby teases, "Richard, are you offering?" She laughs a little. "No... I would not want that. I may not like my parents but I would not want them to be hurt. After all, I wouldn't be here without them." She pauses and thinks on the implication, but only briefly. "Very well, we'll make our trip brief. I don't want to end up in the clutches of my parents and keep you from your lives. But I very much appreciate you accompanying me this trip. It's meant a lot to me and I really needed it. And by the way Jane, the women in my family are very long lived. I'm sure Nana has many wonderful years ahead of her. WE have many years ahead of us, together." Jane says, "I certainly hope so, she is a lovely woman and I see a lot of her in you."

Ruby's smile widens considerably. "I hope we are similar. My whole life I've imagined her to be a certain way, doing the things I dreamed of doing and living the life I wish I could. And it certainly sounds like she has done all that and more. I'm entirely jealous." Ruby adjusts her head on her friends shoulder. "Although she is now a bit more settled down than I ever thought I would want to be. Right now though, I don't have any illusions about that. I am just going to concentrate on getting now fixed so later will be better."

"What about you, Janie?" Ruby gives a quick glance towards Richard but her gaze doesn't linger. "What about you and Red?" Richard appears uncomfortable being present for the direction of the conversation and gets up and walks around. Jane tells Ruby, "It is far too soon to tell. Red....well, I don't know. He appears to love me deeply but also didn't hesitate when I suggested taking this trip. If he truly loved me why would he be anxious for me to go?" "I can't answer that for you Janie. I thought the same thing about Jake." Ruby squeezes her hand for a moment. "Maybe he was anxious as much as giving you your space. I'm sure Red loves you. What would you like to have happen?"

Jane replies, "That is not for me to say. The Goddess Aphrodite will make that decision for me. I will do whatever she wishes." Ruby answers, "I wish she'd tell me what to do! Some things are not clear. How does she tell you?" Jane replies, "Ruby, I am one of her Priestesses, as was my mother. I've been able to communicate with the Goddess all of my life and have learned how to interpret her desires. You are a novice, I would not expect you to be able to communicate with Aphrodite, or to be able to interpret her desires correctly if you have. But Ruby, I can work with you. We can do this together and try to determine what she wants from you." Ruby replies, "Maybe we can do that. Maybe we should do that. I just don't want to make a mistake but after all our talks, it seems clear what I should do."

Ruby closes her eyes and is quiet as she thinks over all they have discussed the past two weeks. It doesn't take long, probably due to the early hour, that Ruby falls asleep. The train continued northward along the western end of Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River, the New Jersey Palisades on the opposite shore. While at a train stop in the Bronx, Richard takes a short walk out on the train platform and purchases a newspaper. When the train lurches to a stop Ruby's eyes pop open. She watches Richard walk outside and taps on the window to get his attention. She motions for him to get her a paper too but then decides the air will do her good. She stands and stretches, then excuses herself.

She walks outside to Richard. "Ahhh, fresh air. The city air feels so oppressive sometimes. So," she points to the paper, "Anything interesting?" He replies, "Local politics...continued progress on the Brooklyn Bridge, said to be the eighth wonder of the world. Oh this is interesting. Ruby, do you remember a guy named Pinto Joe Weams, a member of the New Douglas Gang?" Ruby shudders as the memory of Jake near death hits her. "Yes, I remember him," she says dully. "How could I forget? Why is he in the news here?" Ruby strains to see the paper over Richard's arm.

Richard replies, "The Douglas Gang Bank Robbery is big news worldwide, haven't you been following it?" Ruby's eyes widen a bit. "No... actually I've been sorta... busy... and distracted. What happened?" Richard replies, “Around two weeks ago the New Douglas Gang hit the Tabor Bank in Leadville, Colorado. They stole approximately $ 1.6 million dollars, making it the biggest bank robbery in world history. They also killed around a dozen guards and soldiers making their getaway. It look like they managed to escape at first, but apparently they split up into pairs, a male and female gang member in each grouping. Four of his gang members have been caught since then, but Deadeye Douglas and his gal Mae Clarke are still on the loose as well as most of the stolen money."

"1.6 million dollars?? Holy..." Ruby shakes her head. "I hope they catch Deadeye too. He's the one who shot Jake. And that girl of his is a world class bi..." Ruby stops midsentence. "I wonder where they are. So what's with Pinto Joe? He's in jail then?" Richard says, "Not any more according to this story. It indicates that on Tuesday he apparently got stupid. When a guard was bringing Weams his lunch the outlaw decided to make a grab for the man's gun. There was a short struggle which ended with the guard emptying the revolver into Weam's torso. Pinto Joe is now in the prison cemetery."

"Good. One more enemy in the ground... if you know what I mean." Ruby looks him in the eyes, "I'll be glad to get back to a day when I don't constantly have to watch my back for someone trying to kill me." She sighs, "We should probably get back on the train. Is there anything else good in the paper?" Richard says, "I'll look it over, probably mostly local news. If you and Jane are going to nap I'll sit further over and pretend to read the newspaper while I keep an eye on things. I'll be another hour until we reach Tarrytown as the train has a half-dozen more stops in between."

"Well, I've had a bit of a nap already. While I almost never turn down the chance to cat nap I can keep you company too. You've been so wonderful to me this trip... And besides, I like you," Ruby says with a teasing smile on her face. "You're like the cute brother I never had or wanted." She stops and looks up, "Hmmm... that didn't come our right, did it? Anyway," she hooks her arm through his and leads him back inside the train, "I'll leave it up to you. Beautiful chatty girls or peace and quiet."

The trip from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown Station is only thirty-two miles, but with three stops in Manhattan, three in the Bronx, two in Yonkers another in the town of Dobbs Ferry followed by one in Irvington it takes them until noontime to finally reach the destination. During that time Richard and Ruby have a long but superficial chat, with him expressing all sorts of opinions about the various people of Tucson, the climate and weather, the advantages and disadvantages of it compared to New York and even his opinions of the women's recent purchases in the city. At no point however, despite any of Ruby's attempts, does he state any anything about his own family, background or his opinions about Jane or Red.

"You're very secretive Richard. I suppose that's a good idea, you don't really know me that well. For that matter neither does Red so maybe he told you to keep an extra eye on me. I mean, I am with Jake, right?" She smiles at him disarmingly, "So I guess not to be trusted." Richard says, "Miss West....Ruby...it is not you who I do not trust but myself. My past has some unresolved issues which for the time being I prefer to keep that way. Sharing them would just make that preference more difficult."

Ruby laughs and teases, "Well, don't worry, I'll protect you when your wife shows up looking for you!" She stops laughing but keeps smiling, "I do understand about the past and how it can affect you. I've come to the conclusion for myself that I need to be more honest. I've done some things I'm not too proud of but they're done and I do not ever plan on going back." She stands and stretches, "Enough about me, if you ever feel like talking I'd love to listen. And I am actually good at keeping secrets. Plus I owe you for keeping such good care of these weeks.""

It is shortly after noon when the train arrives at Tarrytown Station. Richard helps carry the luggage out to the platform and tells the two of them to wait while he goes to hail a carriage to bring them to their destination. Once he is out of earshot Jane says to Ruby "I saw you chatting with Richard. What were you two talking about?" "I was asking him about his life. He was secretive and close lipped about it though." Ruby glances in the direction he disappeared to. "He's very handsome and intelligent. I wonder why he is alone. Do you know anything about him?" Jane replies, "Only that he and Red have known each other for a long time and that Red wholeheartedly trusts him. That's good enough for me."

Ruby nods her head but decides to try to get more information from Richard... in time. "You know, I only really know Red through Jake and the small amount of time we've spent together. And I'm not normally very trusting... But Richard's been great this trip and there is no reason not to trust him. I like him." Ruby smiles as she again looks off in his direction. When she sees him approaching again she says, "Alright, let's get on our way. I'm hungry and the more time I get to spend with Nana the better!"

Richard hails a Hansom cab. Patented in 1834 by the English architect Joseph Hansom, this type of vehicle quickly gained acceptance as a public cab. Hansom's original was redesigned a number of times. Putting the driver high up behind the cab was probably the most significant modification.
The trio climb onboard while the driver puts the luggage in the storage compartment. Richard tells the driver the destination and they are off. He says to the ladies, "This should be pleasant visit, your grandmother and her husband were wonderful hosts during our visit at the beginning of last week."

"They were, weren't they?" Ruby smiles. She watches the sights go by out the window as they start their drive. Ruby says, "I don't know about the two of you... I mean, Janie, I know about your Mom... but otherwise I don't know... I've never really had family I could count on, no one who was nice to me or cared about me growing up. It feels really good to have that in her. I mean, friends, boyfriends, husbands, they could all leave you. But your family should be the ones to stick around, right? I really hope she can be that for me, I hope she can learn to love me."

"I had such an amazing time last visit, I am sure they will be good hosts again. It was very sweet of them to ask us to return before we left. I didn't want to leave at all. And again, I am really lucky I have friends like you who don't mind extending our visit. I feel a little bad you will miss the poker tournament." Jane replies, "Don't, I honestly do not care for the game. I primarily just wanted to get back to see Red, but my being there would probably be a distraction to him so it is better that I am here with you." "Even so, I appreciate it."

Ruby goes back to looking out the window, enjoying the ride and anxiously awaiting her grandmother's neighborhood. I wonder if she'll really be excited to see me... The carriage arrives at the house. In most communities the building would be considered elaborate given the ten-room size occupying approximately three-thousand square feet of living space. However, Tarrytown had more than its share of mansions owned by New York City's wealthiest, so compared to most of them it was below-average, lacking a separate building for servants or a carriage house.

Ruby excitedly jumps out of the carriage. She smoothes down her dress and hair and looks to Jane and Richard. "How do I look? Do I look alright? I mean, you know, do I look acceptable?" They both just look her over and laugh. She resists sticking her tongue out at them, instead heading up the walkway to the house. She stands before the door for a moment, just staring at it. Finally she takes a deep breath in and knocks.