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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-sixty, “Afternoon Meeting”, Thursday June 15th, 1882, 12:30 P.M.

Kate asked Mollie to help her carry the crate into the kitchen while Meghan called the children back inside. "I think it's time to tell Meghan," Kate sighed. "It's three months soon. In another month anyone who know what to look for is going to have it figured out. I'm getting tired of breaking this news to people. At least it's just Meghan and the committee left." Mollie says, "Yes, but it would probably be best to break this to her at a time other than a school day, as we don't know what her reaction will be."

Kate nodded. "I didn't really mean today. This weekend, sometime. I hope she won't... I don't want to lose her respect. But that's for later. Today there is teaching to do." She led the other woman back out into the room full of chattering children to get started with the afternoon's lessons. The children get back into their assigned groups and continue their afternoon lessons.

At the Marshal’s Office, Berg tells Chester “I sincerely hope the rest of those riders were Galeyville people. It was shocking enough to discover that Mr. Snavely was mixed up in this I would hate to think that six more of the town's citizens are part of this too." Chester replies, "Hate it if you want, but I doubt all of these riders are from out of town. Some of them must be local, or else people would start noticing strangers here."

At around 1:00 P.M. there is a knock on the door. Meghan answers it and then comes back to Kate saying, "Your friend Conrad is outside. He wishes to speak to you." "Thank you, Meghan. I hope nothing's wrong, I can't imagine why he'd be here now. I'll be back in a minute." The children where already studying independently with Kate there just to answer their questions. She nodded to Ginnie then hurried outside.

"Is something wrong?" she asked. A smile fills his face and he says, "No my dear, everything is right. My father's stagecoach arrived early. He and his traveling companions are over at the Promise City Hotel right now checking in and getting a bite to eat. We chatted briefly and he asked about you. I mentioned that you were teaching and described your school. He says he would like to stop by and see either this afternoon or tomorrow. Would you class be interested in having a visit by a world renowned Shakespearian actor?"

"Of course we would! But tomorrow, we're not prepared today. How did you find out he arrived early? You weren't waiting at the station already, were you?" she teased. Conrad replies, "Don't be silly, I paid Coolie Fagan to notify me when it arrived. Tomorrow will be fine." She asks, "And how did your meeting go? There were others there so he can't have said anything too personal. Did he ask you about the play? I'm surprised he thought to ask about me at all."

Conrad replies, "We didn't talk too long, they wanted to get settled in. He was curious why you weren't with me which is why he asked." She replies, "That's quite an assumption he was making about the two of us, thinking we would be together. Are we that obvious?" Her hand was halfway over reaching for his before she realized she was standing in front of the school in broad daylight.

"Our plans are changed now. Did you still want to see me after school? And shouldn't there be a rehearsal today?" He says, "Yes, I was so concerned about my father's arrival that it had slipped my mind. We are rehearsing at the Gay Lady from 3:00 to 5:40 P.M. I could join you for dinner afterwards if you would like." Kate nodded. "That sounds lovely. But don't be afraid to let me know if you want to spend the time with your father instead. He won't be here that long.”

He replies, “I offered but he said he was going to have dinner with his traveling companions. He says he may stop by the Long Branch Saloon later this evening.” She says, “I got a gift from Ruby today, from New York. A sweet little cradle and a little stuffed bear toy. Seems everything good comes from New York today." He answers, "Indeed, well I find my last visit there to be very memorable, and not just due to my meeting with the famous Edwin Booth." Kate smiled and looked down for a moment. When she looked back up she said, "You'd better go before I do something completely inappropriate on a public street for schoolchildren to see."

Jake is back at the lady for around ten minutes when he is approached by Job Kane. "Hey Jake, some of our regular players want to have a special poker game tonight. They're all interested in playing in the tournament this weekend but the three grand admission is too rich for their blood, so they want to do a winner-take-all game each putting in whatever amount is needed for the full combined total. The dealer will get a flat amount for the game. Are you interested in dealing?" Jake thinks for a minute and then smiles. "Yes. I would enjoy that. I especially like getting another of our regulars in the tournament. I am in." Job says, "Good, I'll let them know. So far it's Henry Weller, Neil Cassidy Helen Barker and Al Brower, but they may find one or two more by game time."

Just before 2:00 Nakomo raises his hand to get Kate’s attention. They walk outside and he tells her about the vampires in the caskets at the taxidermy shop. "You could have told me a little earlier," she told the young man lightly. Kate was feeling increasingly guilty about leaving the school to Meghan and Mollie, but Nakomo's message couldn't be ignored so shortly before two she and Nakomo left for the Lucky Lady. She wished there was some way to explain that what she had to do was important, and hopefully temporary. She preceded Nakomo into the saloon, then went to the bar and got herself a glass of water before finding a table to await the arrival of the others.

Just before two, Minerva finishes collecting the money from the church poor boxes and strolls briskly to the Lucky Lady for the meeting. When Minerva walked in she waved her over to the table where Kate and Nakomo were waiting. "We've had a bit of luck?" she asked when the Priestess had found her way over. Minerva replies, "Si, It would seem that Hermes's favors us. Did Nakomo tell you about the caskets at the taxidermist shop?"

Kate quickly made the table private, there were few patrons to see and she made sure none were watching them first. "But there were two walking around in the day, but they seemed to show evil as well? I wonder if they are mind controlled." Minerva shrugs her shoulders. "It is possible. If they are under the vampires influence, it should cease once we destroy the vampires. "

Kate says, "It will also make it that much harder to get to them. We'll want to avoid hurting them if possible. Are Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Harker coming? And where are Jake and Chester?" Minerva replies, "They should be here soon. We should order some food while we wait. I am sure that Nakomo is starving." she says looking at her willowy charge affectionately. I am unsure if it because he is a teenager or if it is an elf thing, but he seems to eat all the time. Nanuet is the same way. They treat every meal as though it were the last one they will ever eat." "It's entirely possible it's just a family thing," Kate smiled. Nakomo excuses himself to go see about Deputy Martin.

Nakomo stops by the Marshall's office a little after two. He knocks on the door and is let in by Eduardo. "Good afternoon. I'd like to speak to Deputy Martin, please." Berg nods and says, "That's fine, Chet. Go ahead." Chester follows Nakomo to the porch. "What is it, Nakomo?"

The young elf says, "We're having a meeting at the Lucky Lady about the nightwalkers." "Nightwalkers? Oh, right. I'll be there in a few minutes. Thanks." Nakomo leaves and Chester walks back into the office. "Mitch, there's something I need to take care of now." Berg replies, "Actually I think we're done for now here. Go on." Chester makes his way to the Lucky Lady. He spots the others at the table and takes a seat saying, "Afternoon folks. What's going on?"

Kate let Minerva and Nakomo fill him in since all her knowledge was secondhand. "Seems they've been hiding in plain sight. Which means we have to figure out how we're going in there and getting rid of them in plain sight. I'd say we should avoid making it too complicated. After all, there aren't really any innocents there. If the two are mind-controlled, they'll be happy they were released after it's over." Jonathan Harker arrives soon. He says, "Kevin won't be able to join us, he's off on an errand with the Judge. I trust that the Priestess has informed the rest of you to our discovery this morning."

Kate says, "Yes. We were discussing the possibility that the men you talked to are influenced. And the difficulties of going in there during business hours and in plain sight." Chester suggests, "Maybe we can pretend to be buying coffins and try to open the ones with the vampires inside." Minerva replies, "The vampires are in the coffins on the bottom. They are also surrounded by other coffins. I do not see how we could discretely get to the ones that the vampires are in. I think that we will have to forcefully restrain their guardians.”

Late says, "Minerva's right. We'll want to come inside on some pretext, and perhaps get next to the coffins, but after that there's no hiding what we're there to do. And the sooner the better. I think we all have things we'd rather do tonight than chase these monsters." Chester adds, "Not to mention they'd have the high ground at night, so to speak. Any ideas on how to get them out of the way without hurting them. Me holding a gun on them would not look good in the papers."

Kate suggests, "Nanuet once caused a man to stand as if frozen for a few moments. Is that something you could do, Minerva?" She replies, "I could try. The gods may see fit to grant me this gift in our time of need but we should have another plan just in case..." Kate looked at the others. "I don't think we want to over plan here. Once we get inside any plan we've made is likely to go astray. I'd say we're best off to make sure we have everyone we can gather, all our useful tools, and go." Chester says, "We have the element of surprise, so we should strike fast."

Kate asks, "Mr. Harker, you and Minerva were inside earlier. Would it be possible for just one or two to go inside and then the others come in another way to take advantage of surprise? Could we perhaps get influenced ones outside somehow?" Harker gives her a detailed description of the room. Minerva states, "I have a bullet that I believe came from the cowboy gang that will induce sleep once introduced into the blood steam. It fits, they fit a double-action Derringer. Did Jake give any of them to you, Katherine? Of course if we use them they will make a little noise but it's such a small gun we could cover up the sound."

Kate answers, "He did, I'd completely forgotten about them. Let's try the quieter methods first, if they don't work we can fall back to the sleep bullets. I have a couple quiet things I can try first as well. Do we have any of those incendiary rounds without Jake here? These two aren't sitting in soil, if they dissipate into mist to escape they can survive since this is their home ground."

Minerva replies, "I could ask the gods to favor us with silence, by doing so even if there is a scuffle no one will hear it.. of course that has it's own complications." she looks to Kate meaningfully. “:f we attack midday, will they not be sleeping? I believe that I am one of the strongest, present. Chester and I could then either drive a stake into them or behead them."

Nakomo speaks up, "I am not very strong, but the gods favor me also. You could ask the gods to protect you from evil and I will petition them to do the same for Deputy Martin. and don't forget I have the arrows. We don't need to get close to destroy them, we only have to raise the lid." Kate says, "I'm not sure they sleep so deeply that they won't wake when things start happening. The quiet would be good for that as well, even with its difficulties. Would there be an area of the room unaffected by the spell, or could it be created that way to leave a corner free?” Minerva replies, Once the gods have answered my prayer sound will be stifled within a fifteen-foot radius around me. Senor Harkins, what did you say you estimated the size of the room to be?"

Kate asks, “Nakomo, do you have enough arrows left? I understand it was very effective." Nakomo replies. "I have one arrow left and Father Harbrace should have three unless he has spent them. I will ask Diana for divine favor before we enter the building to be sure that my aim is true this time." Minerva interjects. "It is not wise to ask the gods for too many boons in one day, Nakomo. They can be fickle and if you ask them to protect Chester from the evil that confronts us the gods may choose to ignore your prayer to guide your hand. The arrows are precious. We should save them for a time of dire need. Do not spend them unless we are unable to dispose of he abominations by more ordinary means."

Minerva asks, "will Senor Harbrace be back in time to assist us with our task?" Kate says, "Father Harbrace is in Dos Cabazes caring for the Bishop, so must be prepared to destroy at least one of them by mundane means. A nice sunny corner that isn't quiet would do just fine for me. I'm sorry, but I cannot risk letting one of them touch me again. Diana has laid a task on me as well and I can't perform it if I am killed."

Minerva replies, “I agree that you should not put yourself in harms way again. Perhaps you could stay outside and guard the door against intruders. After all we are going to do this thing during business hours and we wouldn't want anyone walking in off the street before our task is finished.
So if all are in agreement this is what we will do. Hopefully the gods will give Chester and myself protection from this evil before we enter the shop. I will also ask them to silence the area and we will attempt to put the guardians to sleep with bullets, failing that, we will just have to bop them on the head.

Once they are subdued we check for traps, move the caskets that are on top of the vampires caskets, open the lids and dispose of them. Sounds simple enough don't you think? Minerva says with a crooked grin. She looks toward the door. "I wonder what is keeping Jake? I do not want to wait much longer but our chances of success would multiply greatly if we were all here for this." Kate nodded her agreement. "Simple is best. A complicated plan falls apart faster. I can't shoot from the doorway, so I'll give you my sleep bullets just in case you need them."

Jake and big Thom come in the front door of the Lucky Lady. Thom is carrying a trunk while Jake is carrying a much lighter canvas bag. Jake waves at the table of his friends and then guides Thom up the stairs. Not more than a few minutes later he is back down, thanks Thom and sends him on his way. Approaching the table, Jake eyes them suspiciously. He stands next to Katherine and says, "What a sorry, mirthless bunch of worry laden leading citizens. I surely trust that once this town is cleaned up it will have all been worthwhile and there will be some joy in this hole of a town." He gives them a smirk, "In the mean time, I will just have a drink. Anyone else interested?"

Kate reached back and touched Jake's arm with a smile. "Hardly leading citizens. More like the power in the shadows, stealthily protecting the citizens of Promise City from that which goes bump in the night, never receiving the thanks or the glory so richly deserved. Some of those things had the good manners to hide where we can find them during the day, we were just discussing dispatching them so we can all enjoy our evening."

Jake answers, "Glory is vastly overrated, if you ask me. Have a care about which shadows you hide in while exerting your power." Jake grins and glances around at them. "As the most unlikely and completely unofficial spokesman for the fine citizens of Promise City allow me to extend to you our most gracious and richly deserved thanks. There, all better now. So, what are you planning and why are you still sitting here?"

Kate says, "We're waiting for you. Minerva sent out the word earlier today to meet here at two o'clock. You obviously never got it. Madsen's Hardware and Taxidermy is hiding a couple vampires, but we suspect the two men working there are influenced." Kate outlined their plan quickly. "We thought we ought to keep it simple."

Jake shrugs, "Waiting for me? Thanks, you know how I get when I feel left out." He looks shrewdly at Katherine while scratching his beard. He leans over and says quietly in her ear, "Do you remember the cuff links that would lock a mans hands together? Do you know the command that makes them work?" Kate replies, "I remember them; you should have them locked up somewhere. I don't know the command word myself, but Ginnie would be able to help with that."

Jonathan Harker says, "I may be able to offer some help with the two gentlemen as well. If they are under magical influence I have a smoke device that creates a cloud which dispels that. Unfortunately it would also negate any of the Priestess's clerical magic as well." Kate asks, "How long would it take for the cloud to dissipate? Would its effects on the men last even after it does? If we could get them outside so you could use it there and our clerical magics would still work that would be ideal." Harker replies, "Inside of a closed building it would take a while, so other magics might not work."

Kate says, "Every time we've managed to destroy these creatures it has been because we used magical means. We could use the smoke and then just wait for it to dissipate. It's not like the creatures can leave the building in the daylight. I also wonder, the mist form they take when they want to run away, can that form tolerate sunlight or are they truly trapped in the store?

"I bet I could help you get those cuff links on one of the men," Jake replies with a twinkle in his eye, "if you can get them to work. Otherwise, if they are truly under that control of those things the only way I know how to keep them from being a problem is to put a gun in their face or worse." Jake shrugs. "If you are going to use preternatural means to combat them, just tell me how you want me to help." Jake fishes out a bullet from a leather container in a buttoned pocket and exchanges it for one in his long barreled Colt muttering, "...in case things get ugly."

Kate interjects, "Sounds like a good way to get them outside so we don't have the smoke in the building. Sounds like maybe Jake goes inside with Chester or Minerva perhaps? They try to get them outside, using the cufflinks if necessary. If they don't come out fairly quickly, the rest of us enter and Mr. Harker uses his smoke in the room? How does that sound?"

Jake states, "Katherine, you wound me to the heart. Using the cuff links if necessary? The cuff links are the most clever part of the plan, almost sublime. And the best part, my good Mrs. Kale, is that you will get one of those poor unfortunates to put them on. Yes, of course I will be helping a might." He gives her a wink. "Then we will go in and take care of the second one." Jake offers Katherine a hand to rise out of the chair. "And by we, I mean poor Jake the monster bait, along with whomever else is fool like he is. Otherwise, I like the plan. It is elegant in its simplicity. Let me tell you my idea about the cuff links while we go get them. We can meet the others outside Madsen's place."

As you like," Kate said, looking a bit bewildered by the torrent of words but willing to go along. "Simple was the idea, complicated just falls apart faster." She nodded to the others. "We'll see you in a few minutes." As they walked, Kate said, "I'm sorry to make you monster bait, but I just can't risk going myself. After what happened Tuesday... You understand. Now, oh ye of the loquacious tongue, what is going on in your brain?"

"Are you up for a bit of acting?" Jake nods not waiting for her to say yes. "Imagine if Katherine was admiring Jake's cuff links," he points to where it would be if he was indeed wearing his silver spade links. "Jake says something like, its not every man who knows how to wear them properly. Anyway," Jake continues to walk at a brisk pace, "one thing leads to another and Jake manages to finagle Katherine into taking a bet that she later regrets. Especially since Jake, through some trickery with words, gets to pick the victim. You play the part of the put upon widow woman, and Jake plays the part of the scoundrel. A part may I add that I have some practice with, but I digress." They reach his house.

"So it really is quite simple in a complicated way," he smirks again. "I pretend to pick a man who I feel is unlikely to be smart or cultured enough to know how to wear cuff links, and you draw upon his sympathies to win the bet. Between my implied insult and your stroking of his ego, he is very likely to come outside and put the cuff links on. If that does not work then offer him half the bet if he succeeds. I manage to get his arms around something outside like the hitching post and you lock the cuffs. If that does not work then it is your plan all the way." Wait here a moment," He rushes inside without giving her time to reply.

Five minutes later, he is back outside. He is wearing a white shirt with his silver cufflinks and a trademark grin. He quickly shows her the other cufflinks and then drops them in his pocket. "I am certain you will be pleased to know I left the dynamite here this time. Ready? Monster bait is." Kate says, "We'll have to stop by the school and talk to Ginnie. And I think a different dress is in order. It does depend just a bit on my appearance, after all. The only thing I don't understand is how we get the man to come outside to try them?"

Jake says, "Heh, well that part requires you to go in and get him while I stand in the door way with the cuff links. If he does not wish to come out, the scoundrel outside says, 'see I told you he would not know how to do it.' Besides the light is better outside, or whatever. After that, you STAY outside." She answers, "I'm not going to argue with you about that. Having the life pulled from me is not an experience I want to repeat. I did a few silly things like this in school, I think I can remember how it went."

They entered her house from the kitchen door. Kate peeked into the schoolroom and motioned for Ginnie to join them. They handed the girl the cufflinks and once the curtains were closed Ginnie cast a part of the spell Kate had not yet learned. While Ginnie did her work Kate ran upstairs and but on a less demure gown than the one she'd been wearing. It was a blue dark enough to suggest a widow's black, but low enough in the front to catch the second glance of any man who had eyes.

A glance in the mirror showed her newly curved figure showed to good advantage in the dress. She let part of her hair down to hang over her shoulder, grabbed a shawl to pretend at modesty, then hurried back downstairs. Ginnie was just finishing up with that look she always had when she solved a problem. "Pour l'amusement," the girl stated with satisfaction. "That's kind of an odd command for these, isn't it Ma'am Kate?" Kate cleared her throat and choked down a laugh. "Indeed. I'll tell you all about what we're doing when I get back. The same thing as the last few days. You'd best get back to class." She led Jake back out the kitchen door. "All right, I'm ready to make a fool of myself."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-one, “Nana”, Thursday, June 15th, 12:30 P.M.

The door opens and Ruby sees Nana's husband standing there. Looking beyond him she sees Nana standing in the next room, a smile on her face. Ruby longs to run to her grandmother but instead finds herself being held back by a mostly foreign feeling... nervousness. She stands in the door and smiles, "Hello Grandmother and James. I hope you don't mind we decided to take you up on your offer to say goodbye before we returned home."

Nana smiles and replies, "Don't be silly Ruby, you and your friends are always welcome here." She holds out her hands for the hug that Ruby wishes to give. Ruby's smile widens as she rushes towards her grandmother. "Oh Nana..." She wraps her arms around her grandmother's waist and squeezes, but not too hard. She rests her head on the older woman's shoulder as the emotions roll over her like a wave crashing on the shore. "Finding you has been like a dream to me. A really good one."

Nana replies, "I was always here Ruby, it was your parents who kept me away." James helps Richard with the luggage. Jane says, "Thank you so very much for having us back here. Ruby is indeed fortunate to have you in her life again." Ruby sighs, "I know. And I hate them for that. That was just one of the many injustices they did to me." She lifts her head and smiles at the red haired woman. She really did resemble Ruby, although she had a few silver stands of hair around her face and a few wrinkles and laugh lines. Otherwise the woman looked more like her mother than her grandmother. Ruby runs her hand along her smooth rosy cheek.

"Nana, this time I hope to have some time for us to really talk and get to know each other better. We only have a day, I have one other errand to do before we return home. But I want to make the most of the time we have." She returns the embrace warmly and says, "Indeed we shall. James has a full night planned for us. We have planned a nice dinner tonight at one of the finest restaurants in town, Bella's Restaurant over on South Broadway followed by a performance downtown at the Tarrytown Music Hall."

"Bella's restaurant, huh? That's a beautiful name. I will have to remember it for my next life when I might actually have a baby to name!" Ruby laughs. "Tonight sounds like a lot of fun for all of us. Maybe we should get our things settled and then you and I can go for a walk? My legs are itching to stretch. And you can show me around while we chat."

James shows the three up to their rooms. Ruby is the first to return downstairs and Nana is sitting in the main room sipping a drink. Ruby notes an open bottle of wine in an ice bucket. Nana says, "Would you care for a drink darling, and we could maybe go for a walk out back in the garden. I want to hear about your week in the big city."

"That sounds positively perfect," Ruby beams as she crosses the floor to the ice bucket. There are fine crystal glasses sitting on the table next to the bucket so Ruby uses those, pouring a generous glass of wine for each of them. She hands one to her grandmother and follows her out the back way to the gardens.

Ruby sips at her wine as she talks animatedly about their time in New York City. The day is sunny and warm but not too hot as they walk through the little pathways that cut through the bright and fragrant flowers. She describes the shops, the restaurants, the shows, their hotel and most especially the nightlife that they experienced the past week. Her excitement over her experience cannot be held back as she even describes the people and architecture of the buildings. “Oh Nana, I’ve been away for the city for so long, and even when I was there I was not free to enjoy it. But coming back this time has been so amazing. Even though Promise City is my home now I am really a city girl at heart. It’s so exciting and fun, there is always something new to see and do. This trip has been quite an adventure.”

Nana smiles and replies, "Oh Ruby, you've always been one for a life of adventure. Your parents never understand that aspect of your personality. But I do, you and I have always been very much alike. And I see that over time you have....changed. We are now more alike than different."

Ruby takes more of a gulp than a sip of her wine. A sudden small flush comes to her cheeks and she pauses before she speaks again, trying to carefully choose the right words. "Since you mentioned being alike... there was something I wanted to ask you." Ruby fiddles with the glass in her hand as she stammers over her words. "Do you still... I mean, can you still... Oh darn it." She avoids looking at her grandmother instead looking to the ground where she kicks at the dirt with the toe of her shiny new boot. "Does stuff still... happen? I mean, can you make things happen? Mother and father never really told me exactly what went on with that."

Nana replies, "They are afraid, they do not want this family to be known as using witchcraft. But New York City is a place of magic, it is one of the few places in the United State where the magical ley lines for sorcerer magic also intersect with the ley lines of the earth known for earth magics. London, Paris and Madrid are three other such places. There are only a few other places like that in the United States, and southeastern Arizona is one of them, so I am not surprised that you found yourself there."

Ruby relaxes, but only a little. "So then you know that, I mean, about me. That I can... do things too." Her lips turn up slightly, "Maybe that is why I found myself in Promise City. I have a teacher now, someone who has helped me learned to harness the power we share. He is a powerful...," she lowers her voice for the next word, "Wizard. I also had a mentor for a while, a women who could sing so wonderfully, just like me. But she is gone now, not to return. To be honest, I think I have more power in that way than anyone else in Promise City, at least I don't know any other singers who can sing as well as I can. Then again, I don't use any magics for that. I guess I won't be able to get any better without a teacher with those skills, I'm not sure what I can do."

Her grandmother smiles and says, "You need not concern yourself too much about that my dear, magical people tend to attract magical people, it will just be a matter of time until another bard finds his or her way into your life. In the meanwhile you are here today with me now and it is good to see that we share this...wonder. I can never understand the attitude that gifts such as ours are a bad thing. Magic is a tool, the good or bad is determined by the motives and objectives of the person using them, not the act of using magic unto itself."

"Yes, you are right Nana, about all of it. I never understood why mother and father or my friends didn't accept me for who I was even if I did have some special things about me. I am just very grateful to have learned how to finally control it!"

Ruby sighs, "This trip has been fun but in my alone time I have also been thinking. Thinking about a lot of things that have gone wrong in my life. I just want to be happy and I want my friends and loved ones to be happy too. I decided I need to make some changes. One of them being more honest about the things I've done and the things I can do. If people truly love me they'll understand, right? I don't want to hide things anymore."

Nana replies, "Ah, but we must still be careful. The use of special magic is considered to be witchcraft by most and is illegal in the United States. It is safe to say that if your parents ever find out about what you can do they will blame me." Ruby quickly replies, "Oh, I know that. I meant being truthful about other things, like what I've been up to the past 4 years. Well, I guess that too, but I mean my friends... even some of them in Promise City don't know. I hate hiding stuff."

"Besides, my parents should know, if they ever paid attention at all. They just didn't want to admit it." Ruby pauses. "Maybe they don't, who knows. I don't care about them anyway." Nana replies, "Yes my dear, but they could still cause difficulties. They may not love either one of us but we are still family, and as such if we were to be apprehended by the law for using witchcraft it could bring a blemish to their well-crafted reputations." Ruby answers, "Yes, you are right."

Ruby leads her grandmother over to a bench that is surrounded by large colorful roses that are growing up a trestle. "I spent so many years running from them, afraid they would catch me and force me back into that hell they've created. Only recently I've become not so scared of them. Still, it's why Richard came with Jane and I. To protect me from them." Ruby sighs, "I don't think George would tell them I came to see them. But he never understood what went on or why I hated them so much. They put on such a good show for everyone, to hide the real them."

Nana says, "Yes, and that risk is very real. It is now entering the summer months. Your parents may have already relocated to their summer home up in Rochester, which would further add risk to you visiting Mr. Eastman. I am not saying you shouldn't go, but you must be careful and make sure that he doesn't alert your parents that you are in the area."

Ruby gazes at the flowers for long moments, her eyes going a bit hazy as she daydreams. When she snaps out of it she reaches into her pocket, retrieving a small black velvet box. She plays with it in her hands while she talks. "I thought about not going to see George. I know it's very risky. But Nana," she looks into the older woman's eyes, "I MUST go and see him." Ruby goes back to looking at the box. "Things have happened... I tried to see him... to explain... make sure he is okay…"

Ruby pops the lid of the box open and extends her hand to her grandmother revealing the jewelry inside. The perfect diamond sparkles in the sunlight, even the band glints in the sun.
“You see, I have to see him.” Nana says, "Ah, I see. Have you decided exactly what it is you are going to say to him?" "Well... I...I..." Ruby stutters then suddenly stops. She pulls the box back towards her and stares at the ring.

"I don't know what I'm going to say. I mean, I wasn't going to see him to accept his marriage proposal, if that is what you're asking." She sighs deeply and runs a hand through her hair, unintentionally imitating someone close to her with the same habit. "We have a lot of history together Nana. Sometimes I wish things were different...," she shakes her head, "No, they are how they are. I am going to see him to make sure he's okay. Some things happened back in Promise City..."

Ruby spends the afternoon telling her grandmother the story of how her marriage was arranged to George and how she ran away, what she did in between and ending with him showing up in Promise City, her proclaiming her love for Jake, George "murdering her" and her never getting to see him after that. "I haven't been entirely honest with Jake about George, about us being friends as children, the things we did together. But now.... Oh!" Ruby buries her face in her hands. "Oh Nana, I'm just so confused!"

Nana replies, "Ruby, have you spoken to your friend Jane about this? I have never been one to depend upon the deities but she is a Priestess of Aphrodite, who better than she to give you advice regarding love?"" Ruby answers, "I haven't, not really. I mean, she knows all about George and all about Jake. She knows I have been rethinking things. She knows most of it. But Nana, she is Jake's best friends lover. I'm not sure she can be objective."

Ruby again fiddles with the box in her hand. "I should lay it all before her, you are right. She is one of my best friends. She just believes so strongly in Aphrodite... and what if she is wrong? She's told me I am meant to be with Jake. But sometimes I am not certain. I wish I could be certain. At least more certain." A sparkle catches Ruby's eye. "It is beautiful, isn't it? He spared no expense. Perhaps I'll speak to her tonight, after the show."

Nana says "Yes, that might be a good idea. We'll head out soon, maybe take a walk along the Hudson River before heading over for dinner." Ruby nods. "Let's just enjoy the garden then, shall we?" As they begin walking Ruby asks, "How should we dress tonight?" She says, "Semi-casual. No need for gowns and tails but we should be presentable for the theater." "Alright Nana. Sounds perfect."

They walk a little more until Nana says it is time to go in. Ruby passes on the dress requirements to Jane and Richard then retires to her own room to get ready. She chooses to wear her grandmother's old dress, the one she sent to Ruby in Promise City. http://crawfordmanor.com/cecily.html She carefully does her hair up into an up-do, although it is still rather wild.

Before she leaves the safety of her room she takes one final glance in the mirror. She fingers the heart shaped earrings that have never left her ears. "What are you doing right now Jacob Cooke?" she says while staring at her reflection. She shakes her head and slips the black velvet box into her purse. Once she is ready she meets the others downstairs.

Jane smiles and says, "I knew that would look good on you." Nana and James come into the room. Ruby's Grandmother does not comment on the dress but Ruby can tell from the expression on her face that she is pleased." Ruby spins around and smiles. "I love it and it fits me perfectly! We're such a handsome group, I'm sure we'll draw all the stares tonight. Is everyone ready? I'm starving." "Just waiting for Richard," Jane states. He emerges around ten minutes later dressed in a new tailor made suit purchased the previous week in the city.

A surprised look crosses Ruby's face. "My, my Richard, don't you look handsome?" She loops her arm through his. "I like the new outfit, it suits you. You clean up nicely." She looks up at the tall man with a wide smile, "Jane and I might have to compete for your attentions tonight. As for me, I'll be trying to get some of those secrets out of you. I haven't given up yet."

Nana smiles and says, "Now Ruby, leave your dear friend alone. I'm sure he will tell you his secrets when he feels the time is right." She looks towards him and says, "Er at ikke riktig god herr ?" For the first time since Ruby has known him Richard's cool demeanor is momentary startled and he says to Nana, "My, somebody is observant. At some point you'll have to tell me how you figured that one out."

Ruby furrows her brows in her now well known confused look but doesn't let go of Richard's arm. "What does that mean? What language is that?" He replies, "My native tongue, Norwegian." Ruby looks back and forth between Richard and her grandmother. "Yes, Nana, how did you figure that out? I know you've done much traveling, and I'm jealous by the way, but just by looking at him you can tell? That's impressive."

Ruby whines slightly as she pulls Richard to towards the door, "But can you tell us how you knew on the way? I am hungry, I mean famished. I've gotten my appetite back lately and I'm making up for lost time!" Nana says, "During your previous visit I noticed he used a few phrases that were distinctly not American. In my younger days I spent some time with a group of dwarves from Norway and found some phrases familiar."

"See Richard, we'll figure you out yet. But I'm confused... you're not a dwarf. Aren't native Norwegians dwarves?" Richard says, "Not all Norwegians, they've let some humans immigrate over time. My grandfather moved there from Russia. Our family was being persecuted by the Czar and his army. So there Ruby, you now know my family history."

"Why was your family being persecuted by the Czar Richard?" Ruby asks curiously while still pulling him towards the door. Richard says, "He was a terrible ruler, a total autocrat who ruled with an iron fist. He had thousands of people put to death by his militias." "Sounds just like my parents," Ruby says as she rolls her eyes. "Well I for one am glad you're here and not there then."

James had arranged for a carriage to give the group a ride downtown. They spend the next hour driving through Tarrytown, looking at the various mansions and riding along the Hudson River.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-sixty-two, “The Hardware Store”, Thursday June 15th, 1882, 2:30 P.M.

When the trio arrives at Madson's Hardware there are now three people in the room instead of two. Two of them, the workman who was there before as well as the new man, are at a pair of sawhorses on the far corner of the room with saws and lumber, apparently making another casket. Kate and Jake both notice that the previous stack of twelve identical caskets is now only ten, four on the two bottom rows and only two on the top. The other man in the room identifies himself as Daniel Madson and asks what he can do for them.

Kate tried not to panic, unsure what to do now, and thinks to herself “This is what comes of complicated plans“. Likely the ones they wanted weren't even here anymore. She glanced back at Jake who was lounging in the doorway, then turned a smile for Mr. Madsen. "Uh, well there are a few things I need. My friend Priestess Florencia was there this morning and said you might have some tools, crowbars and hammers and such, although she wasn't sure I'd want to come in, with the dozen caskets inside. It seems she miscounted though, I only see ten."

Madson pauses and then replies, "Dick Lester bought a pair for his funeral parlor. He liked our workmanship." She replies, "I had heard it was particularly fine. I believe my husband's casket would have come from your hands in Tombstone." Kate bought a couple sundries to excuse her presence, then went to the door where Jake stood with his usual smirk. "I'm positive the creatures aren't here anymore," she whispered and looked back at Madsen with an embarrassed look before she turned back to Jake. "I think we just need Mr. Harker in here with his smoke. If we don't need to fight in here, there's no reason to get these men out."

While Jake is waiting for Katherine, he watches Madsen to gauge from the man's body language if he thinks he is lying. Jake nods and steps away from the door, "I will go see if anyone saw anything come in or out of here, and check with Dick Lester. I will be as quick about it as I can. We do not know that they actually left the shop." He waves Chet over as they continue to walk away from the shop, "If anyone leaves this shop before Harker finishes his work, follow them."

"Oh, Katherine," Jake says before he runs off, "Madsen was blinking fast and controlling his facial muscles, I think he was lying to you when he said Lester bought them. But you knew that. I will keep an eye in this direction if you need me while I ask around. I will not be far." Kate says, "Don't worry, you'll hear the screams if things go bad." As Jake left to begin his inquiries, Kate stepped over to Jonathan. "There are two caskets missing now, I think they've been moved already. Let's set off your smoke in the building and clear these men's minds so they can tell us who took them and where."

He wanders off to discretely see if anyone noticed any caskets being moved from Madsen's store. Jake seeks out any of the children in the area, especially the young half elves that have been useful to him in the past. Between questioning folks he takes a look back towards the store and keeps his ear open for trouble.

There are no children around, not surprising as both schools are in session. However, directly across the street is Kelly's Dry Goods at which either Mary or Kevin Kelly might have seen something and next door to that is Barker's Photographic Studio with their adjacent house, where Stanley Barker is usually at during the day. Feeling like he would have to do less explaining to Stanley, he starts there. He knocks and when Stanley finally answers Jake says, "Hi Stanley, I am helping out Deputy Marshall Martin. Did you happened to notice anything unusual over at Madsen's across the way today? Or anything at all? I am especially curious as to whether they delivered any caskets today." Stanley replies, "Not that I noticed, that would have required a horse and wagon and I didn't see any. But I could have missed it too, Harry Rote was by late morning for his hour-long piano lesson."

After Jake finishes with Stanley he goes over to the Kelly's shop. He orders two new tailored white silk shirts and makes some small talk. He finally interjects, "There is something odd about that Madsen and his shop across the way. Do you notice it too? Hard to put my finger on it. For example he has a stack of caskets in there this high and he keeps making more. Does he know something we all should? Is he even selling any of them? I have not seen any of those caskets leave his shop have you?"

Kevin says, "None that I can see. He was making them outside for a while until Mrs. Hooten over at the Cochise Boarding House complained, now he's moved his operation inside." Mary interjects "Yes, with all those atrocious stuffed animal heads. I swear, that man is preoccupied with death, human or animal. I am so sorry that he convinced the Maxwell's to sell the house to him. They were good neighbors." Jakes nods, "Yes, that was a shame. You never know though, perhaps-" Jake recalls that back when he worked for Condon's Bank Bruce Maxwell was the junior teller. After Scott Taylor quit following the robbery he was promoted to head teller.

Back inside, Nakomo and Minerva wander around the shop. Minerva stops in front of a small, snowy white stuffed owl and looks into it's lifeless eyes." tears coming to her own. She thinks, “So much death here and it's only purpose is to give pleasure to those who gaze upon it. ugh."
She shudders and moves between Nakomo and the men at the counter to shield him as he casts detect evil. Nakomo concentrates and prays as Minerva has taught him, thinking "Oh gods and Goddesses of Olympus, reveal to me, the evil in this place so that I may cleanse the earth of it's presence."

Nakomo hears sounds inside his head speaking to him in the Yavapai language "You are in the presence of great evil" it tells him. In a brief instant he sees the three men in the room different as they appeared before, all three human males, but with different faces and bodies than he had seen before. The real face of one of the workmen is familiar to him as he has seen it on a wanted poster in the Town Marshal's Office. They then resume their previous appearance to him.

Momentarily unbalanced by the vision, he grabs Minerva's sleeve. She turns at his touch and recognizing the dark look of panic leads him out of the shop. As she passes Katherine and Chester she discreetly motions for them to follow. Once outside she leads them away from the building and turns to Nakomo. "Tell us what you saw."

The boy replies, "I heard a voice in my head. The gods spoke to me. They really spoke to me!" Minerva nods but says nothing, understanding his experience all to well. “They let me see the men for real. The ones behind the counter, they are not what they look like. I mean they have masks on, different faces on. I recognized one of them from the poster in the Marshals office. The God said that they are all very evil." He continues to describe each man's real appearance.

Kate states, "Then we need to take care of them. As soon as Jake is back. They must know by now why we were back, we have to move or they'll be prepared for us when we return. I'll get Jake, don't let them leave." She lifted up the front of her dress to the tops of her shoes and ran over to Kelly's store. "Jake, we need you," she said from the doorway. Jake turns quickly to see Katherine standing in the doorway. "... perhaps he will decide to vacate the place and someone nice will move in. Sorry, have to run." As he heads out the door he adds, "Let me know when the shirts are ready." He follows Katherine, unconsciously adjusting the pistols in their holsters.

Kate states, "Seems the men inside the shop are all wearing borrowed faces. Nakomo did that spell that tells a priest when there's evil present. They are all showing themselves incredibly evil. Vampires or no we want these men." They quickly returned to the others and Kate said, "I think we have to move now." She dropped a mirror into her hand. "I'll look to see who has a reflection. We destroy any vampires and try to take down any humans, agreed?"

Chester nods and slides a cartridge into the empty chambers in his six-guns. "We need to cover the back door. Once we start, we can't let them escape. Who knows what trouble they could get into." Harker asks, "Deputy, how do we justify our going in and attacking them? The Goddess may have told the boy that the men are evil but that will not hold up in a court of law, even if it is proven true, evil people still have a right to run a business here in America. And if the attack appears to be unprovoked won't that will all but eliminate your chances of being elected Town Marshal?"

Kate says, "They also showed him that they are wearing faces that aren't their own, which would be use of magic that priests do not use. Is that not enough, Chester? At least to try and arrest them? And Mr. Harker's smoke set off in the room would expose them, I believe." Harker says, "It should dispel the magic, but they might realize that when they see the smoke and resort to violence. If people are killed there would need to be sufficient evidence to make it clear cut in Isby's court, otherwise Deputy Martin will be the one to pay the consequences."

Kate took a deep breath, trying to drown her increasing frustration with reason. "What do we do then? Watch the building until night? And then what?" Minerva states, "Once we have taken care of them, will they not revert to their original forms? After all they are wanted by the law. It seems to me that Chester will be a hero for ridding the town of such vermin. I am not willing to wait until night fall."

Chester states, "Nakomo said that one of them was in one of our Wanted posters. We found that out and then we dispelled the disguises. Shouldn't that be enough?" Harker replies, "Perhaps. So how exactly should we do this?"

Jake asks, "What does your device look like and how does it work? Will it make it hard to see? Perhaps I can come up with a distraction to draw their attention for a few moments before they realize what is happening." Harker says, "It looks like a glass marble like a child would play with. When dropped while the command word stated it will break and a cloud of white smoke will pour from it and fill the room in around a minute. The effect of the smoke is that magics will cease to work while the smoke remains. If the false faces on the men is caused by a spell that will end the spell. If it is caused by a device then the change would only be temporary, only until the smoke clears, unless the device were found and removed."

Minerva states, "They may be magically protected from attack also so we will have to move quickly. Once the magic is dispelled I could paralyze one of them and Chester or Jake could knock one out with a sleep bullet. Katherine could also safely shoot another from the doorway. Of course it would be loud unless I silence the room first." Harker replies, "Yes, but be aware that once the cloud is there the magical silence would also be dispelled."

Minerva pushes her dark hair unconcernedly off of her shoulder "It will be loud then. Katherine could stay outside and make sure that no one enters and gets in harms way. and now that I think of it...No offence Katherine... Maybe it would be best if Chester and Jake fired the sleep bullets. We want to be sure our aim is true and they are both excellent shots."

Kate states, "I can tell you what items are causing the change in appearance from the doorway, but I will have to do so before Mr. Harker dispels the disguises. Chester, I would suggest as soon as we can see their real identities you inform the man on the wanted poster that he's being arrested. Let's keep everything as legal as we can." Even as she talked her eyes were glued to the building, watching to make sure their prey didn't leave.

Minerva states, "And who will be in the room to dispute the legality of this event? We will do what must be done to protect the people." Kate states, "Of course we will, but this time we are taking action in broad daylight in the middle of town, not an out-of-the way ranch or mine. People will know something is happening, Chumbley will ask questions, and they will want to know Chester is not stepping over his bounds. Also, unless you want to tell people about all the hidden parts of the world they don't understand, we need to be able to explain this is dry, legal terms. And try not to kill anyone who isn't a Vampire."

Minerva replies, "It is my job to educate others about the hidden parts of the world that they do not understand, but now is not the time for that discussion. Too much time is passing and we are losing the advantage. We must agree on our actions and just do it." she turns to Chester expectantly "Since Deputy Martin has the most to lose here, I will follow his lead." Kate says, "I'll need a moment where no one can see me and then a chance to look in the door before Mr. Harker sets off his smoke."

Jake looks confused. "Uh, fine. So no magic will work while the smoke is in there. Chet is just going to march in there and arrest them, or at least one of them. Katherine will tell him what items needs to be removed that create disguises, if any. They might be wizards or vampires or not. We also do not know where the two missing coffins went. Oh, and I forgot, Chet does not know what story he will tell yet about how he knew they needed arresting." Jake shrugs. "This plan is a masterwork of simplicity."

Before anyone can chide him for his sarcasm he adds, "I suppose then I will go around back as the Deputy here suggested and make certain none of them run out that way. Try not to shoot me if you can when I come in to help you." He tips his hat, "Ladies, have a pleasant day."

Kate exclaims, "Jake, wait. The magic will not work while the smoke is in there. It's important. That's why I need to look in there before the smoke starts. I really don't care what the plan is, it just needs to be simple and it needs to be now and I'm out of ideas. So anyone who can do better is welcome to. We can keep an eye on the place until later, but sadly I think we've already given ourselves away."

Minerva's eyes darken dangerously and she marches over to him and holds his arm. When he turns questioningly towards her she smiles sharply and replies. "If you have a better plan, we would be most pleased to hear it. and as for how Nakomo discovered that the men are masking themselves, He has no need to hide his relationship with the Gods.

Harker asks, "Would it help the deputies case if he knew exactly who it was that he will be arresting?" Kate says, "I believe so. Anything we know can help." Harker replies, "Well, the boy said the wanted poster is hanging in the Marshal's Office. I believe that your Deputy has access to that building."

The Deputy exclaims, "Alright. Guard the doors so they don't leave before I get back. I'll make it quick." Chester jogs to the office. He darts in and scans the bulletin board for the Wanted poster he's looking for. He says, "Hey there. I got a lead on one of the guys here. He's over at the coffin makers in disguise. I just wanted to make sure who our man is." Chester heads back with three wanted posters in hand, not being completely sure of which of the three men was the one that Nakomo had seen.

While Chester is running his errand Jake says, "Look, arresting people is not what I do. Neither is this, this," he waves his hands around, "supernatural stuff. I am here to help, fool that I am. If we were certain of anything at all I might be able to bluff something to give us an edge. At this point I have no better plan, it is far too late for that in any case. We are standing about here like a school boy afraid to ask the girl to the dance. Doing something is better than what we are doing. It is best that I watch the back door. Do not worry that pretty smile of yours Senorita, I will be there when you need me. No need to pummel me again."

Jake smirks, buttons his duster down to the waist and heads around back. Once out of the main street he carefully picks his way to the back of the store, watching for who may be about and attempting to not be noticed. He moves the flap of his coat off his holster, expecting that he will need the gun before this is through.

The Deputy returns. When Chester shows Nakomo the posters the boy points and says, "That one." Of the three pictures Nakomo points to the one that Chester preferred not to think about, Brice Koontz. Koontz and his brother Elmer were both participants with Arthur 'Deadeye' Douglas's Gang during their robbery of Condon's Bank on the thirteenth of January of this year. At at time both Chester Martin and Jake Cooke were employed as guards at that bank and both were shot during the robbery, Jake almost fatally. Marshal Wyatt Earp had fired shots at the fleeing bank robbers and word was that at least one of the Koontz brothers was hit and later had died, although recent rumors have said otherwise, with them both having been spotted near Galeyville within the last month.

Chester calls Jake back over and says, "You're not going to like this." He shows the poster to the others. "Brice Koontz is the guy Nakomo recognizes. He was part of the Douglas Gang when they robbed Condon's Bank last spring. Both me and Jake were shot. He would have died if it weren't for Nanuet healing him in time. We owe him one. I'd say that's reason enough for me to go in there and try to arrest Koontz."

Harker says, "Indeed it does, he's not just a wanted criminal but wanted for crimes right here inside this town." Kate nodded. "So give me a chance to look inside. I can tell Chester how he's changing his appearance. When he goes to arrest the man he can either pull the item off, or Mr. Harker can set off his smoke. After that I think we have to react to them."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-sixty-three, “Battle at the Taxidermy Shop”, Thursday June 15th, 1882, 3:00 P.M.


Kate heads over towards the window and looks inside. The two work men are both still busy with the saws cutting up planks for another casket. Daniel Madson is standing by the desk jotting something down in a ledger book. She concentrates on all three men looking for magic auras and sees an aura around a gold band on one of Madson's fingers. One of the two workmen, the one Nakomo identified as Brice Koontz, has a holstered gun on his belt that the barrel gives off a magical aura too as well. Neither Madson or the other workmen have any firearms on their person, although the workman does have a Buck knife on his belt and Madson could theoretically have something within reach in the desk.

Before slipping away to join the others, Kate tried to catch reflections in her mirror although she know the glass would interfere with her results. She made sure to shade the mirror from the sun so as not to flash light into the room. Kate notes that all three men have reflections in the mirror, which is not altogether surprising as the windows are open with the curtains drawn back and sunlight shining in.

Chester spots a young man who he recognizes as one of the stable hands from Drover's Livery heading down the street. He motions the young man child over and flashes his badge. He says, "Go to the Marshall's office and tell him that I'm arresting someone here and I could use some help. Can you do that?" The young man says, "Sure Deputy" and runs off. Chester says to the others, "OK. To make this legal, I'm deputizing you for the time being to help me arrest Brice Koontz. Whatever else we find in there is also covered. Got it?"

Minerva looks to Chester. "What about the other two? I have no intention of letting them go. Perhaps it would be better if the law were not present." Chester replies, "Hmm. What were you planning on doing with them if they're living?" Minerva looks him in they eye and simply states "Whatever the gods direct me to do."

Kate slipped away from the window and rejoined the others. "They seem to have just gone back to work," she said and described the scene inside. "Madsen is wearing a magical ring and Koontz has magic on his gun. I'd guess it's a spell creating his disguise, which means the smoke will keep him exposed. It also means no magic will work in that building. That shouldn't really be a problem. None of the three are creatures, they all have reflections."

Jake reaches the back door of Madsen's shop and finds it locked. He kicks the ground and hisses, "Blast!" through clenched teeth. He stomps back to the street, "Red would be telling me I told you so for not learning how to pick locks." Jake reaches the street and see the others apparently moving towards the door. He shrugs and walks quickly towards them, attempting to avoid drawing attention to himself. Once Jake was with them again Kate whispered to him, "No vamps, just disguised humans. I'm going to stay outside." Once they reached the door she let the others go in and stepped away from the building, aware the bullets could go right through a wall.

She turns away and then turning back to him waves her hand toward the door and bows slightly, indicating that he should go first. "After you, Deputy Martin" Before they near the entrance Minerva loosens the whip in her belt and uses Nakomo to shield herself from prying eyes as she places a magical sleep bullet in the chamber of her gun. She quickly fills the rest of the chambers with regular ammo. She puts it in her pocket and keeps her hand on it as they enter. Chester bows slightly and opens the door to the shop. He keeps his right hand on his pistol. "Good day folks." Jake rolls his eyes and shakes his head thinking “I hope they do not shoot him too many times“.

Madson stops and looks up. The two workmen also stop sawing and turn their heads in Chester's direction. Madson folds up his ledger and takes a step forward away from the desk. "Good afternoon Deputy, what can I do for you?" Minerva waits a few seconds and keeping one hand on her whip and the other on the gun in her pocket, she enters the shop after Chester.
Jonathan Harker hangs back, his hand wrapped around the marble that can dispel magical effects. He stayed just outside the door but kept his ears open, waiting for the moment when he would be needed. Nakomo enters the shop after Minerva. She turns to him and exclaims, "There you are! I was looking for you."

"Back again Priestess?" Madson says. He then adds "I saw you looking at that stuffed owl this morning. It normally sells for $ 10.00 but I'll let you have it for half that." Minerva hides her revulsion with a smile. "Gracias, No Senor. I was just searching for my ward. Nakomo, come over here and tell me what you think of this owl." she motions for him to follow her over behind the table that the owl sits upon so that they can have cover if it should become necessary.

As the others go in, Jake glances around the street and buildings just to make sure someone was not watching them. He listens, just out of sight, to what is happening inside. Jake is finely tuned to the sound of guns, guns being drawn from leather holsters and hammers being locked. He listens intently, poised to leap into the room to save his friends. He promised himself that later on in the day, he would wonder why.

Chester draws his gun and points it at Koontz. "I believe you're someone we've been looking for, Brice Koontz. Slowly take out your gun and drop it on the floor." The man who Chester is speaking to slowly raises his hands and says, "I don't know what you're talking about Deputy. My name's Adam Butler." While Chester is watching the man's hands the accused unexpectedly kicks over the sawhorse in front of him, sending the planks flying towards the Deputy. Minerva has had her hand on the trigger of the gun in her pocket and draws her weapon loudly yelling "Stop where you are!

Chester steps aside and fires at Koontz. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be." Minerva exclaims, "Harker! The smoke!" and fires a regular round from her weapon at Koontz. Koontz drops to the floor, causing Minerva and Chester's initial shots to both be too high and miss. He rolls to the side while reaching to draw his gun.

Madson yells out the phrase "Kerthanwah". Three of the stuffed creatures in the room, a coyote, a red wolf and a hawk, suddenly come to life. Hearing the magical word, Harker steps forward into the room and throws the marble onto the floor, calling out the command for the smoke to fill the room. Chester curses at the miss and draws his second Remington. He tries to find cover before firing on the wolf. He coughs as the smoke fills the room.

Kate ran around the back of the building, pulling her pistol out of her pocket. The smoke would probably obscure everyone's vision and she didn't want any of those men trying to escape out a window. Oddly startled, instead of diving into the room Jake steps to the door way to observe what is happening, fearing he will harm his friends if he draws his gun before getting a good look at what is going on in the confusion.

Madson points to Chester and says "Tawaka" as the Hawk screeches and flies directly towards the deputy as the coyote and wolf both cautiously move in his direction. As this is happening the smoke fills the room and the false faces and bodies fade away from the three occupants. The three animals continue towards the deputy, these apparently being their natural forms. As the anti-magic smoke swirls around four other stuffed creatures in the room also take to life again, a large squirrel, a wolverine, a falcon and the owl that Minerva had looked at earlier.

Nakomo notches an arrow and let's it fly toward Koontz. Nakomo's arrow just missing hitting Koontz, who manages to draw his gun and point it towards Minerva. From the doorway, Jake instinctively draws and fires at the hawk heading towards Chet. Harker pulls a pistol out of his pocket, aims, and fires at the Wolverine. Around the back it didn't look as if anyone were trying to escape through the windows so Kate started to move toward the door again, but spent a few more seconds behind the building watching the windows.

Chester's shot strikes the wolf wounding it, and it retreats over beneath the staircase while whimpering. The coyote however charges forward and opens it teeth, preparing to take a bite out of Chester's leg. The hawk flies by Chester's head, raking the forehead with a claw causing a nasty cut. Jake's shot hits the hawk, causing the bird to explode into a pile of flesh, blood and feathers which rains down onto the deputy. The third workman uses the confusion and smoke to start to charge up the staircase to the second floor. Chester tries to see through the gore covering his face and shoots with both guns at the coyote. "Thanks, Jake."

Minerva swings her whip at the owl. Minerva's whip motion misses and both the owl and falcon fly out of windows in the room as the squirrel hides inside of a box. The wolverine climbs up onto a stuffed buffalo head to get above the fray. In the momentary lull Harker ducks into the room and heads for the stairs, chasing down the one running away. Kate moves around to the front of the building to where she can see in through the open door, looking to see how long it is taking the smoke to clear.

The man who had pretended to be Madson makes a break from the front door. He is a man is in his late thirties, with short curly hair that is turning white and a mustache and goatee. Kate recognizes him from her three months living in Tombstone. He was a rancher who lived outside of town by the name of Ike Clanton who had a reputation for getting notoriously drunk. Kate was still holding the tools she'd bought in the store earlier. She dropped them, then bent down as if picking them up. Mixed in with the fussing she cast a grease spell, causing the ground beneath Clanton to become slippery.

Back inside, the workman manages to get up to the second floor with Harker quickly behind him. As Harker reaches the top step he sees that the second floor is a large single room, the black curtains on the windows all drawn, and in the center of the room are a pair of caskets that the workman is charging towards. Jake's first shot is perfect towards the remaining first floor workman, blowing the man's brains out, the next two shots being totally unnecessary but causing further carnage to the body and it begins to collapse onto the floor. Harker lifts his weapon and shoots at the workman ascending the stairs, hoping to stop him before he can wake the creatures. "The creatures are up here!" he shouted, hoping he wouldn't be alone up here for too long.

The coyote locks a bite onto Chester's leg. Koontz moves while firing at Minerva, missing on his initial shot. Minerva moves toward Chester and swings her whip to get it off his leg. Chester yells in pain. "Get off. Get off." Downstairs, Minerva's whip hits the coyote hard. It moves away from Chester and takes a bite towards the whip. Chester lowers his guns at the animal and lets loose with two shots, his shots both strike the coyote, killing it. Nakomo notches an arrow toward the man running for the door but delays because Kate is in the line of fire. Nakomo yells to Minerva and runs up the stairs after Harker. She draws her gun and runs up after him.

Clanton starts to slip on the ground, falling part way and stopping himself on one knee. He attempts to stand again. Kate pulled out her derringer, still armed with the sleep bullet since she'd not had a chance to give it to Minerva and with the magic missile rod laid against its side and up her sleeve where it was almost invisible. "Just stay there, Mr. Clanton," she said, stepping closer. "I don't think I could miss from this range." Being a coward at heart, Clanton surrenders, raising his hands in the air. Katherine sees Marshall Berg and Deputy Barker rounding the corner of Fremont and Sierra and running in their direction.

"Marshall!" Kate shouted, still holding the derringer steady and focusing on Clanton. "This is Ike Clanton, I believe I've heard the name Clanton in association with the Cowboy Gang. I know he was in there wearing a magical disguise as Madson." Jake scans around the room, making sure no more of the animals are attacking them.

Upstairs, Harker dives for one of the windows, grabbing the heavy draping and yanking it open, hopefully letting sunlight flood into the room. As Harker goes to yank at the window curtain the man draws the bowie knife to throw at Jonathan. Jonathan shifts his weight a bit to drop and roll backward as he takes the curtain with him, trying to land behind the coffin to get some cover. Minerva rushes into the room and fires her gun at the man as he releases the knife. Nakomo works on tearing down the curtains. Chester looks around for more enemies. None look like any threat, so he follows Minerva up the stairs.

The curtain begins to rip off, letting in a sliver of sunlight, as the knife enters deep into Jonathan Harker's chest. He remains conscious but is very seriously wounded. Jonathan had seen enough wounds to know better than to try to pull that knife out. He'd only bleed to death faster. Instead he tried to lift his weapon and fire again at the man who'd thrown the knife into his chest.

After glancing this way and that, not seeing any threat from the animals cowering in the room, Jake mounts the stairs holstering one pistol and drawing the other. Reaching the top of the stairs Chester fires at the man. Minerva shoots the man in the chest and Chester's shot hits the man in the abdomen shortly thereafter. Between the two shots the man is slain and he falls. Nakomo gets the curtain pulled down, letting in more light but the angle is such that none shines directly into the center of the room where the caskets are. The lid from the casket that the man had pounded on lips open and a man begins to sit up, fangs showing.

Minerva yells to Jake as he rounds the corner. "The coffin!" She rushes over to Harkin and cast a heal spell on him. Meanwhile Nakomo notches his last special arrow and waits for a clear shot. The creature launches itself out from the casket, landing like an acrobat on the floor mid-way between the casket and the Indian boy with the arrow.

The scene is chaotic as Jake peers into the room. He hears Minerva and turns his focus towards the coffin, noticing that Nakomo has already pulled his bow back and is firing. He points his pistol and cocks the hammer, waiting for Nakomo's action and a clear shot between the boy and the Deputy. Chester tracks the creature with his six-guns and fires when he lands. "Take that." Four of Chester's six bullets strike the creature but cause no permanent damage, the smoke having negated the magical properties of the bullets.

Nakomo releases his arrow and lets it fly toward the creature. The arrows of the Goddess Diana however take far more to make ineffective, so retain the abilities granted to them. The arrow strikes the creature in the shoulder and a bright light then flows from the arrow point all over its body and it then explodes, the pieces turning to dust as they wash over the party. The young warrior gives a triumphant cry as his arrow hits its mark "Yes!"

Chester holsters his guns and looks around for a piece of wood to be used as a stake. "We gotta get the other one before it wakes up. Nakomo, you have more of those arrows, just in case?" The boy replies, "No, that was my last one, but I do have some holy water and a stick of wood." Chester states, "Good man. Give those to me and go get the doctor. Minerva, I'm ready for your blessing." Minerva states, "Wait, Chester. Let me pray to the gods to protect you from the evil in that casket before you open the lid, then you can drive the stake through it's black heart."

Jake walks across the room, keeping an eye and his gun pointed towards the unopened coffin, and looks out the window. Seeing Katherine outside he says, "Somebody better get the Doc, Harker looks bad." Kate didn't look up, just called back, "The Marshall's on his way, I'll go as soon as he gets here."

Nakomo fearing that the remaining vampire will rise from it's coffin, ignores the thought of running for the Doctor and instead prays to the gods to favor those in the room. Minerva then says "Nakomo, Open the windows to clear the rest of the smoke first." She then goes to quickly sees to Harker’s wound. After the Priestess casts a healing spell on him, Jonathan tried to slide himself back out of the way of the others. Minerva's high sweet voice fills the room as she lays her hands upon Chester and quickly chants a Latin prayer to the gods to protect him and keep him safe from the influence of dark forces.

Upstairs, they cautiously gather around the casket and prepare to remove the lid. Minerva continues to sense evil from it. Assuming the first vampire was the Cunningham mine worker named Joseph who would have become a vampire the previous day, they anticipate the occupant of this one to be either Stephen Wicks or Mortimer Turner, wearing the faces Denny Gaurin and the man from the photograph respectively. The lid is lifted and the vampire still appears to be asleep but it has none of the four faces that they expected to see. Instead, it is their good friend and El Parador neighbor, the furniture maker Cole Rixton. His eyes suddenly open.

Chester tries to splash the holy water on Rixton as he raises his stake. "You're one of them? No." The holy water burns and the creature that appears to be Rixton cries out in pain as his undead flesh begins to burn. He thrusts his right arm up, grabbing the blade section of the wooden stake in Chester's hand. Chester immediately discovers that that the creature has incredible strength, as he is unable to push his own arm with the stake forward.

Jake takes a side step to get a clearer view. As he steadies his pistol in two hands and aims he says, "You are not Cole Rixton, are you?" Breaking his own rule, Jake aims at the bicep of the creature's right arm that is grabbing the stake. Calmly, steadying his gun, and like any good marksman he holds his last breath and squeezes the trigger gently, like a lover. Once, twice the report of a Colt 45 explodes in the room, expelling two of Pierre's enchanted rounds. "Get him Chet, I had coffee with Cole Rixton this morning."

Downstairs, Berg reaches Kate to take Clanton into custody as more shots ring out from the second floor of the Hardware and Taxidermy Shop. Deputy Barker is almost there as well. Kate wanted to run up the stairs, but Harker was hurt and there were enough upstairs to do whatever needed doing. "Someone's hurt, I have to get Doctor Eaton," she said to the Marshall.

She ran toward Helen and stopped when she got close to say, "If you go inside, be careful. What's upstairs could have powers you don't expect. Listen to the others." Berg already knows about the undead so says, "Helen, I'm on it. Stay here with this guy, if he moves shoot him. And if any bats fly out of the upstairs windows shoot them dead." Berg then charges in through the front door of the building. Kate then lifted her skirt again and ran to find Doctor Eaton.

Jake’s first shot grazes the arm which continues to twist Chester back. Chester releases the wooden stake before his own arm is twisted so far back that it will break. The creature throws the wooden stake at Jake simultaneous to the gambler's second shot rings out. The bullet also strikes the creature in the arm, the bullet entering and exiting without hitting any bone and inflicting minimal damage to the monster. Minerva Holds up her Olive Branch Holy Symbol and prays to the gods in an attempt to turn the creature.

The creature abruptly shifts to the side to get away from the Priestess's Holy Symbol, causing the casket to tip over onto its side as he rolls out of it at Chester feet and a few feet from Nakomo. The overturned casket temporarily blocks Jake's next potential shot into the creature. Jake stoops and grabs the stake. "Chet, do not let him take your toys away from you this time." In a high arc over the coffin, he tosses the deputy the stake. Chester catches the stake and aims a kick at the faux Rixton's neck. "We'll find out who you are yet." He flips the stake point down and drives it toward the creature's heart. Chester's aim is true and the creature ceases moving.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-four, “James Parker’s Mystery”, Thursday, June 15th, 3:00 P.M.

As the carriage drives through Tarrytown, New York the passengers look at the various mansions along the Hudson River. "It's very beautiful here," Ruby comments. "I had forgotten how much I enjoy the colors of the trees and flowers. Mostly everything out west is just green. Or dirt color. Anyway, it's not like here. Did I tell you I have a house?" Nana says, "No, just the saloon. What is your house like?"

Ruby replies, "The saloon is a dance hall and also now a hotel. Or should be open as a hotel as far as I know. My house... well, it's white. And two stories. I really only bought it to keep the saloon safer by me not staying there." And not get attacked by vampires, she thinks, But that's a story for another time.

She describes the house, the rooms and the outside. "I've been decorating it, that's been fun. It's sort of exotic, bright, sexy colors, kind of how I imagine Arabia to be. It's coming out nice. Although I don't really want to do the upkeep part. I might have to hire someone to do that. I'm not good at stuff like that. Hey Jane, earlier you mentioned something about living at the Three Gods Meeting House... what was that about?"

Jane smiles and replies, "I had a long telephone conversation with my beloved two days ago. One of the junior partners of the Meeting House had a family emergency. He needed to return to Atlanta and also had need for a large quantity of money so we bought out his share. We've agreed to pass that on to you, so you are now a junior partner in the establishment, which includes your own room on the partner's floor."

"Really?" Ruby's mouth drops open. "I mean, really?" she says more excitedly. "REALLY?" She jumps out of her seat, over Richard and dives towards Jane but being in a carriage she is off balance and half falls into her lap. "Really Janie?" she says hugging the petite woman, "That is so generous and just... just... so...," Ruby can't finish her statement, her emotions overwhelming her. She just hugs her friend tighter. "Thank You Jane," she whispers into her ear. "Thank you."

Jane returns the embrace and says, "Oh Ruby, no need get that excited. I want you in Tucson with me, and as you pointed out a few weeks back, Jake's partnership to the Meeting House isn't yours. So now you have your own." "It just means so much to me Janie, you have no idea." Ruby hugs her friend tightly again then squeezes in between Jane and Richard. "I'd like to be with you in Tucson too. Although Promise City is my home...,"

Ruby decides this is not the time to continue with that conversation so she changes the subject slightly. "Jane, I want to take you up on your offer. You know, teach me how to hear the goddesses guidance. What would I have to do?" Jane says, "Yes, I have wanted to do that for quite some time. Aphrodite has already chosen you to follow her in some capacity and it is high time that you let her show guidance towards what is truly in your heart." Ruby nods and smiles widely. "When do we start?" Jane says, "We can start tonight after we get back to the house."

They arrive at Bella's Restaurant, a medium-sized Italian place on one of the main Streets in town. James makes arrangements for the carriage to pick them up at the theater after the show. The group head inside where a table has been reserved for them. Ruby doesn't look this way or that, she doesn't try to take in every detail or mind what every person is doing. Part of her was used to Jake doing it. But a large part of her just didn't care to be constantly looking over her shoulder anymore.

She glances around the restaurant quickly and practically gets giddy. "Gods! I haven't had Italian food in ages! It's one of the things missing from Promise City. There is one chef who makes Italian but he only works one night a week at one of the Hotels. This should be great." They are seated at a table set for five people. The waiter brings a wine list over to James who selects an appropriate bottle. The menus are brought over and are all in Italian. Nana does translation for the table.

Ruby exclaims, "Nana, you never cease to amaze me! How many languages can you speak?" Nana replies, "That's hard to quantify, it would depend whether you count regional dialects as their own language or subclasses of another. I'm not the only multi-linguistic one here, your Richard probably knows a good half-dozen and James has had to learn several languages for his work as a researcher and historian." Ruby laughs, "Well, you'll be glad to know that you won't have any competition from me in the 'who is the smartest at this table' contest. I'll just have to settle for most charismatic. Although I am working on learning Spanish and French. Mostly because I know people who speak those languages."

After they order their dinner Ruby says, "Why don't you entertain us with some of your adventures? We'd love to hear them." James and Nana recount the story of how they met, on an archeological expedition in Egypt when they were investigating the burial place of one of the pharaohs. Jane says that she doesn't have many tales to tell, having lived for almost all of her life in Kansas City, Missouri.

Richard tells a tale of his serving with the Union Cavalry during the Civil War and how at Fredericksburg his company captured over 200 Confederate troops and six of their cannon. James says, "A noble soldier. But Richard, that wasn't your first military engagement was it? Didn't you also serve as an officer with the Norwegian Army during the capture of Bohuslan during the Glydenlove War?" Richard laughs and says, "James, for a historian you seem to have no grasp of dates. That obviously occurred long before I was ever born, why would you think I was involved with that engagement?"

James replies, "Due to the painting by Claus Msinichen of the city's capture. If not you Richard than your double." Richard says, "Probably an ancestor. My grandfather chose Norway to flee to from Russia as we had relatives there." Richard then changes the conversation, asking Nana about her travels through Europe. "We all have our secrets, don't we?" Ruby puts her hand over Richard's and pats it in a reassuring way before helping to change the subject. "Why don't you tell us about the show we're going to see tonight?" James replies, "We're going to see Forgery’s Fairy, Gilbert and Sullivan's three-act comedy that premiered last year." Ruby exclaims "Oh? I was a fairy for the costume ball not too long ago! I admit I have a bit of an obsession with them. And we could all use a good laugh. The show sounds wonderful."

The meal begins to wind down, with a dessert consisting of Italian-style ice cream being brought to the table. During dessert James tells the table about his current project, a history of the Whig political party that was active from 1832 to 1856 and elected two presidents, Zachary Taylor and William Henry Harrison, both of whom died in office. Harrison's Vice President John Tyler was also a Whig but split with the party after assuming the Office of the Presidency.

"That was SO delicious, I’m stuffed!" Ruby exclaims, leaning back in her chair. "James, it sounds like you do very important work. I don't have the mind for it at all. Where does this stuff go when you're finished?" James says, "Just to one of my publishers and then to whoever wishes to read about it. With that party gone a quarter-century now interest in them will be declining, so the sooner this comes to print the better. There have been books referenced on the British Whig Party but not much has been written about the American branch. So while there is still interest in several prominent Whigs, such as Daniel Webster, and Abraham Lincoln had been the head of the Illinois Whig Party until the Republican Party was founded."

Ruby furrows her brows slightly but tries to hide her confusion. "So... you write books? I wasn't really sure what you did." James lets out a buoyant laugh at that "I write books! Priceless, Ruby my dear, you have an interesting way of looking at things. Actually I am a hunter, a hunter of antiquities. But the life style of a world explorer can get expensive so I often have to resort to such pedestrian ventures of authoring books.

The subject of this book came about quite accidentally. I was attending an auction at the New York City Offices of Sotheby’s Auction House and took a slight interest in a crate full of correspondence from the estate sale of Percival Smoot, executive assistant to John Canfield Spencer. Spencer was a New York politician back in the 1830's and 40's, born upriver in Hudson. He served as an assemblyman and state senator up in Albany but didn't hit the national front until John Tyler fired his entire Whig Cabinet and sought replacements.

Spencer served two years as Secretary of War followed by two years as Secretary of the Treasury. He was the only northerner on Tyler's cabinet and resigned near the end of Tyler's term in protest to the annexation of Texas. In my travels to China I had done some research on the First Opium War between Great Britain and China, which ended in 1843. So I thought that with Spencer being the United State's Secretary of War during those years there might be something of value about it in Smoot's Collection, possibly some correspondence to Spencer from Queen Victoria, so was willing to bid up to $ 100 for the crate, but thought it would go for much less.

Much to my surprise there was another bidder, a man from Virginia who was very interested. We got into a bidding war and my emotions came into play, with my final bid being $ 650. He outbid me at $ 700 at which point my common sense got the better of me and I dropped out. As the auctioneer pounded the gavel letting the other the other man know he won a wave of emotion crossed the man's face that appeared to be great relief. He then sat back down in his seat and appeared to fall asleep, although in actually, he died, probably of heart failure.

He had come alone to the auction and was not known by the Sotheby’s so since he hadn't paid yet the crate went to me as the second highest bidder. What followed was a two-year-long legal battle with the man's estate who wanted to take possession of it, the court holding it in the interim. I eventually won, getting the crate delivered to me just last week. During the intervening two years I conducted further research on my auction rival, finding that he was a high official in the Whig Party, which prompted me to dig further. As I've collected all of this information I figure I might as well put my efforts to work and publish it."

Ruby says, "Now that sounds much more exciting than writing books! A hunter of antiquities... that sounds like a fabulous way to spend some time. "So... did you find something juicy in the crate? It must have been something good for the party to want to retrieve it and the man's estate to fight for it." James replies, "That's what I've been thinking too but I haven't found anything obvious yet. I haven't had the time to really read through all of the material though and Percy Smoot was very thorough, having kept records of everything during the thirty-two years that he was working for Spencer.

"You'll find something, I just know it. Perhaps it will be something that will make you famous! Or at least have a book so popular you can get back to what you love doing. Like adventuring in an Egyptian tomb. Sounds so exciting...," Ruby's eyes glaze over momentarily while she daydreams about exploring an ancient tomb with her handsome lover by her side, all the things they might find and fun they could have...

James replies, "I'm sure I will, my rivals wouldn't be so persistent otherwise. Since I won the court case they've been even more so, their latest offer was $ 2,000 for the entire collection of documents. Of course, the more they push the more I want to hang on to them. It's now turned into a mystery." Ruby snaps out of her daydream and shakes her head. "Sorry! I tend to do that sometimes."

She leans across the table, checks all directions to make sure no one is close enough to listen in then whispers, "Have you checked it for...," she says this word even quitter, "Magics... yet? Perhaps there is more to it than you even imagine." Nana shakes her head 'No' and mutters "Shh, we're in public. Even keeping your voice low is not safe." Ruby nods her head in understanding. "Sorry," she whispers back. In a louder voice she says, "Are we ready to go to the show?"

"Certainly" says James as he and Richard stand and help the ladies up. They exit the restaurant on South Broadway and head seventy-five feet north to the intersection where Broadway becomes North Broadway with Main Street to the left and Neperan Street to the right. Ruby can see the Theater Marquee just a short distance down Main Street at number 13.

They reach the theater which is a large two-story building. Their tickets are on the ground floor, which is comprised of three sections each of which has fourteen rows. The sections to the left and right have up to nine seats per row which the center section running thirteen seats across each row each chair situated behind the space between the two seats in front of it so allow better viewing. James has tickets for seats 101 to 105, meaning the very front row in the center section beginning towards the left aisle and into the center. Ruby is given seat 105, one of the best seats in the house, with Jane in seat 104 beside her.

Ruby leans across Jane to get closer to the end seats and squeezes Nana's hand. "These seats are AMAZING! You all are absolutely spoiling us, we may never want to leave! I'm so excited to see the show, I love the theater." She smiles widely at her grandmother and James before leaning back in her seat, taking in the environment and atmosphere and checking out the crowd. The curtain rises and the show begins. Ruby and her companions enjoy many laughs at the comedy, about a man who has a personal fairy who can go back in time and change events. Much hilarity and hijinks ensue.

The intermission arrives and Ruby excuses herself to get some air. She makes her way outside to the street, along with a mob of other patrons. As she squeezes outside suddenly a man catches her eye. A feeling of dread comes over her and her heart starts pounding as the man stares back, his light blue eyes piercing her like they always did. It can’t be him, it just can’t, she thinks. In a blink of an eye Colin Turner was gone, slipping away. Instead of running away, she heads towards the man. She catches a glimpse here and there, and she follows him. She thinks she sees him slip around the corner and she follows quickly, pushing her way through the crowd to get there. Once around the corner she finds herself alone.

She leans up against the wall and tries to calm herself down, her breathing heavy and erratic. She keeps a steady eye on the alleyway but no one else appears. Ruby gets herself together, smoothing her hair and dress and finally manages to calm down. She puts a smile back on her face and returns inside to the show. She had already decided she was going to let Colin Turner scare her any longer. She returns to her seat still smiling. “I can’t wait to find out what happens,” Ruby comments to Jane, “And how the story ends.”

While this is going on the theater owner's are busy giving personal attention to the group of four people seated to Ruby's right, paying the most attention to the woman seated in seat 107, which is probably the best seat in the house. Ruby gives the woman a quick but through look over. She also tries to overhear their conversation to see if she can catch who the woman is. The woman is an older lady wearing conservative clothing. The theatre owner's wife congratulates the woman for her strong position on women's suffrage and says, "With strong voices on our side like yours Miss. Alcott it is only a matter of time until women get the right to vote."

Ruby waits until the woman is left alone. She leans forward in her chair and speaks in the woman's direction. "Hello, Miss Alcott is it? I overheard you talking about the woman's right to vote. My name is Ruby West." She stretches out her hand to greet the woman. The woman nods and says, "A pleasure to meet you Miss. West. I am Louisa May Alcott and yes, I hope that women will one day be allowed the vote although I fear that I personally won't live to see that day."

Ruby replies, "It might be sooner than you think. In the little town I live in out west women were given the right to vote. My best friend had a large part to do with that." Ah, you are from the Utah Territory" she states. Ruby answers, "Promise City, Arizona to be exact. I'm not into the whole politics thing really. But they are also fighting for the right of non humans too. It makes sense really. It won't be long before the rest of the country follows."

Alcott replies, "You have a very optimistic outlook Miss West, I would hope it to be true. So, have you been enjoying the production thus far?" "Very much so, it's entertaining and funny. Although it could use a couple of songs," she laughs. "I guess I would say that, I'm a singer myself." Alcott says, "They have approached me about putting on a production of some of my works. I am thinking that 'A Modern Mephistopheles' might be adaptable to the stage, and perhaps 'Silver Pitchers, and Independence'. Neither are as well known as my March Family books so this could bring them to a wider audience."

Ruby says, "I am embarrassed to say that I have not read them. I've been really busy as of late and not much time to read. But when I get back from my vacation the new me vows to start reading! What are they about? If you can give me the quick-before-the-show-comes-back-on version." She replies, "A Modern Mephistopheles is an Americanized version of Goethe's Faust legend. I focused upon the heroine, Gladys, as the embodiment of all feminine virtues. Silver Pitchers and Independence is a collection of short romances which could be combined into three separate acts of a production."

On the subject of a production, the house lights are flashed indicating for people to return to their seats for the second act to begin. Ruby replies, "Well, they both sound very interesting. I think I'll pick them up and take a look. It was very nice meeting you Ms. Alcott." Ruby extends her hand to the woman. "I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time." "Not at all," she replies. People return to their seats and the curtains open for Act Two.

Ruby leans back into her seat. She looks at Jane and whispers, "That woman is some famous author. She seemed nice. Louisa May Alcott is her name." Jane replies “Alcott! The one who wrote 'Little Women'? Oh Ruby, we've got to expand your literary knowledge, she's a giant in American literature." Ruby shrugs, "I didn't know. I'm really not that great of a reader to be honest. She seems nice enough though, maybe we can talk to her after the show if you want to meet her." Jane says, "There will be another intermission between the second and third acts, we can chat with her then."

Ruby says, "Boy, I am really enjoying this show." Her previous encounter on the street already almost forgotten Ruby relaxes and enjoys the rest of the show. The house lights then lower and the curtain opens for the second act.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-five, “An Anguished Prisoner”, Thursday, June 15th, 3:30 P.M.

Once the danger is past, Minerva and Nakomo attempt to help Mr. Harker. Nakomo has some healing skills and uses these in addition to a heal spell. "The smoke will make the spell weaker," Harker managed to say. "But it'll help until the doctor gets here. Thank you." Chester says, "According to Kate, your belt buckle hides who you are. Let's see." Chester removes the belt from the fake Cole Rixton. Rixton remains the same. Things are quiet after that.

The silence is then broken when they then hear gunshots ring out from downstairs. Jake sighs, "Not again." Still holding his long barrel Colt he bounds down the stairs, hoping Katherine did not enter the building. Jake sees Marshall Berg at the base of the stairs holding a smoking gun. The red wolf that had earlier hidden beneath the staircase is lying dead at his feet.

The Marshall looks up towards Jake and says "It...it charged at me. I had no choice." Jake nods. "Some days you have no choice. Nice shot Marshal Berg." Jake keeps his gun pointed at the wolf and kicks it just to make sure it is dead. Then he glances around the room to see if anything else is amiss. The only other thing living in the room is the wolverine, which is still hiding up on the wall on top of the stuffed buffalo head.

In a lower voice to Berg Jake says, "There were two of them in coffins upstairs. Deputy Martin lead the group up there and took care of them. Mr. Harkins has a bad knife wound though." He walks over to the dead man on the floor and kicks his pistol out of hands reach, though it seems obvious the man should be quite dead. Jake did not know what to believe any more. "Thanks," Berg replies and then heads upstairs to confer with the Deputy. Jake notices out the window that Helen Barker is guarding the prisoner.

"Now what are we going to do with you?" He says to the animal. "I do not recall this town having a wolverine catcher. No need to shoot you if you cause no harm." The wolverine appears content up in his perch. when Berg is out of sight, he begins to look over Koontz to see if he has anything interesting about him. Jake keeps an eye on the critter and his gun drawn. Jake finds that Koontz has an older Colt 44-caliber model, a 1860 design single-action cap-and-ball percussion revolver with an 8-inch barrel used in the early days of the Civil War. The rounds in the chamber however do not look to be the standard issue for the weapon. Jake takes the pistol and puts it in one of the large outside pockets of his duster. He reloads his weapons. Finally he finds a cloth to haphazardly cover the dead body with.

A crowd begins to gather. Berg returns outside and takes Clanton off to the Town Jail, leaving Helen and Chester in charge of dispersing the crowd and investigating what is going on. Deputy Sheriffs Frank Leslie and Dave Nagle arrive on the scene and demand to know what has happened with their friend's store. Jake moves to the doorway and waits for an opportune moment to leave the store, causing as little notice and commotion as possible he blends into the crowd. He heads back to the Lucky Lady.

Kate went toward the Eatons, pounding on the door when she arrived. She tells him what has transpired. Kate returns with Doctor Eaton. The Doctor is led upstairs and begins to check Harker's wounds. He calls for a wagon to bring the man over to his office. "I'll take care of that," Kate said. On her way out she stopped and whispered to Minerva, "I'm going to stop by the jail and make sure Clanton doesn't have anything he can escape with."

Kate went downstairs and saw Grant Keebler moving past the crowd. She stopped him and asked if he would bring a wagon to move Mr. Harker. When he agreed, she went over to the town jail. The streets around here were quiet with everyone gathering at the Taxidermy Shop to find out what had happened.

Minerva waits for the room to empty and then she and Nakomo conduct a thorough search of the coffins and the room. When they are finished she sprinkles holy water on the coffins. They go downstairs and do another thorough search of the Taxidermy shop. She sends Nakomo home and makes her way to the Lucky lady for a stiff drink.

Kate stepped into a quiet alley where she wouldn't be seen and again cast the Detect magic cantrip. When she stepped inside the jail she used the newly enhanced vision to make sure Clanton had nothing else magical on him, and that there wasn't anything magical in the room that would allow him to escape. Eduardo Rodriguez is guarding the prisoner, Berg having returned to the site of the battle. Kate concludes from looking at Clanton that he either has nothing magical or if he had something it's magic was permanently negated by Harker's smoke.

Upon seeing her enter Clanton gets up from the bench where he was seated. He leans against the bars and asks, "Mrs. Kale, do you know what happened to...those upstairs?" She replies, "Did you consider the ones upstairs friends, Mr. Clanton? Ones such as they have bitten me and tried to drain me of blood, and another tried to drain my life away with a touch. Why would you be concerned for such creatures?" He states emphatically, "I need to know. What has become of them?"

Kate looked at Clanton. "Deputy, is it all right to tell him, or would you prefer he be told later? At least as much as I know? Eduardo says, "Berg hasn't had a chance to speak to him yet. The prisoner has already asked for his lawyer, Fisk, so the Marshal didn't expect him to be very forthcoming until his lawyer is present." Kate turns back to the prisoner and says , “Before I tell you Mr. Clanton, I'd like to know why you need to know so badly."

Clanton walks away from the bars and says, "Never mind, you keep your secrets. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough once my lawyer gets here." She answers, "I can tell you this much Mr. Clanton; there was only one up there by the time I arrived with Doctor Eaton. And that one was posing no threat to the people in the room." Clanton sits down in the bench inside of the cell and buries his head in his hands and starts to sob and mutters to himself between cries. Kate can barely make out the anguished phrase "...supposed to protect you Billy.."

"Who's Billy?" Kate pulled a chair over and sat in it not far from the cell. "Mr. Clanton, I've been in a few situations where I didn't have any good choices. I'm guessing you were in one of those. I don't know everything that's been going on, but I'm probably a more sympathetic ear than you're likely to find after your lawyer gets here. Would you like to talk about it? Would I be endangering the case to listen to him, Deputy?" Clanton screams at Kate, "Leave me alone. You and your friends have done quite enough already!"

Kate put the chair back. "I have to wonder if you really understand what was up there." Without waiting for an answer she went to stand with Eduardo and spoke quietly. "Will you be able to hold him at all?" Eduardo says, "I believe so. His brother Phinney is in prison right now for financially backing Frank Stilwell's branch of the Cowboy Gang. Ike here and his brother William would probably be in prison with them except the two were both reported killed at the hands of Wyatt Earp and his gang last March and April."

She says, "He probably went underground when Wyatt started after them and took advantage of the multiple deaths among the Cowboys. He was using a magical disguise, so he's probably been living under it for weeks. Are you going to need me or any of the others here, Deputy?" Eduardo replies, "Not that I know of. As long as the Marshal knows where to find you that should be okay." "All right. After the mess is cleaned up I'll either be at home, the El Parador, or the Lucky Lady."

She quietly left the jail and went back to the Taxidermist shop. Most the crowd has now been dispersed. Dick Lester's hearse is parked outside and he and his two gravediggers are collecting the three bodies from inside, appropriating three of the empty first floor caskets to carry them in.

Kate sees Marshal Berg talking to the newspaper reporter Chumbley and catches part of Berg's conversation ".....because Cook was upset about his saloon getting shot up last night by one of the men rumored to be living here. Jonathan Harker is Cook's new bodyguard, he and his cousin Boston are providing security at the poker tournament, so Cook brought him along for protection when they accompanied the Deputy to investigate."

With Doctor Eaton there she hadn't had a chance to check over the upstairs room for magic. Chester was alone there, so she stepped just inside the door and recast the Dispel Magic cantrip. She heads upstairs and casts the spell, finding nothing magical in the second floor room. Kate sat down for a few moments as Chester filled her in on what had happened upstairs, including the body that looked like their friend, but they suspected was not even though they hadn't managed to get the appearance to change.

She was tired of her friends dying. The disguises had often been of people she cared about and it was only getting worse. "I'm going to the furniture store to see if Mr. Rixton is there." Chester says, "OK, Kate. There's not much more you can do around here. I hope this wasn't Cole." He pauses, then adds, "Thanks for taking care of Harker. He would have died if you hadn't shown up. I can handle things from here." Chester goes downstairs to keep anyone from interrupting Nakomo and Minerva's search. He searches behind the counter to find any clues as to what was going on

Outside she again slipped past the crowd, and headed toward her friends store. Katherine arrives at Rixton's Furniture to find the building locked although she hears sounds from inside. Kate slipped around the building and looked for a window she could peek in. Something had been going on today, and she wasn't prepared to deal with an enemy on her own.

Looking through a window on the southeastern side of the building she peers into his workroom. Cole Rixton is inside working on a piece of furniture, smoothing out the edges with a plane. Above the waist he does not have his usual suit, shirt and tie but is just wearing a sleeveless cotton undershirt. The sun is shining through the windows and the sun is shining on his arms as he works. Kate then notices bite marks on his neck. "Oh damn." Kate exclaims.

She turned and went into the El Parador. She had not seen her teacher for a few days, but that was her own fault. She looked around the main room quickly then went upstairs into the magical rooms. Gonzales's rooms are unoccupied. In the workshop Kate notices notebooks with pages of meticulous notes in Ginnie's handwriting next to various ongoing projects and experiments. She states, "Damn it. All I need is a dispel magic. I have to get back to my own studies." She took a quick look at the notes, hoping there might be a clue as to where he teacher was.

While Kate is working Ginnie hurries in and heads to the workroom to update the experiments and notes. "Ginnie," Kate said with relief and wrapped her arms around her girl. She took an extra moment just to enjoy having Ginnie there and still for a moment. "I'm sorry I had leave school again today, the same thing as the last few days." She filled Ginnie in on the last couple hours. "With Mr. Tomlinson away and Mr. Harker hurt, I'd hoped our teacher could help me with a dispel for Mr. Rixton. I'm not even sure he needs it, but he's been bitten. Since he was standing in the sun I suspect they've touched his mind."

Ginnie pauses and says, "That would make sense, they would need to be able to control him in order to prevent two people with the same face from walking around town simultaneously. Our teacher is still out at the ranch, protecting it from Wyatt Earp. But this sounds more like something you would need clerical magics for instead of wizard magics." Kate answers, "Maybe." She sat down on the edge of the fountain and took a deep breath. "I'll head over to the Lucky Lady in a minute; I'm just tired. Minerva is still barely more than a novice, like me. I hope she can do what we need. And maybe Mr. Rixton will be able to tell us something useful once he's freed."

Ginnie says, "The most powerful Priestess in town is the Nature Goddess Mother Jimenez. She is more powerful than our teacher. Maybe she could help." Kate answers, "Perhaps she could. I'll have to stop by her house and see if she's there on the way to see the others. And after we get Mr. Rixton back to himself, I'm going to have to come back up here and ask you to explain all this to me. You hardly need me for a teacher, dear, you're far ahead."

Ginnie replies, "Not all that much to explain, just things that he had in progress that he wanted continued until he returned. I don't even know what all of them are, which is why I'm taking detailed notes, as I don't know what he might be looking to have happen." Kate says, "Maybe we can look it over together later and see if we can work it out." Kate hugged Ginnie again. "I should go. I'll be so glad when all this is over, the election is over and we can get back to our regular lives when I get to sit with you and eat popcorn in the evenings. Don't work yourself too hard, and I expect to see you eating dinner downstairs later."

Kate went back outside and went over to the house where Mother Jimenez lived and knocked on the door. Kate hears some shuffling inside and Jimenez then opens the door. "Ah, Mrs. Kate, what can I do for you?" she asks. Kate says, "It's more what you can help me do for someone else. May I step inside?" The elderly woman moved back and let Kate pass through, closing the door behind her.

"We had another encounter with the creatures today. One of them was wearing the face of a friend. Thankfully Jake had seen that friend earlier today, so we knew he couldn't be one of them. I stopped by Mr. Rixton's store to see if he was alright. It's locked up, but I heard noise so I peeked in the window. He is there working, and the sun is touching him, but I could see even from the window he'd been bitten. I'm not powerful enough to free his mind if it's been touched by them, but I think you would be. If you'd be willing to come and try. I'd bring others as well, in case of trouble."

She replies, "Ah, you speak of the Tlahuelpuchi and the Civateto. I have sensed their presence in the community. Fear not, they will not venture near my home or the homes of the others of Elvan-blood, I have warded those homes against them." Kate answers, "The one I speak of isn't Elvan, but human. If I brought him here, would entering free his mind? If you can sense them, could you tell me who they are? And the words Tlahuelpuchi and Civateto, one must mean Vampire, what does the other mean?"

The old elvan woman says, "The Tlahuelpuchi are the vile dead who feed from the living. The Civateto are those still alive who are under their power. I can perform a ceremony to determine how many of each are nearby and how far from here they are located. I will need privacy for that ceremony. Please return in one-third of an hour and I will have the answers."

Kate says, "Thank you, that's more than I'd hoped for. Hopefully we'll be able to free the Civateto once we know where to find them. Beyond Mr. Rixton, of course. The others I know with the power to do that can't be found just now. I'll see you in a little while," Kate said and left the woman to her work. She took advantage of the twenty minutes to go over to the Lucky Lady and look for the others.

Back at the shop, Berg talks to Chester. "What happened here, Chet? Eddie told me you took a wanted poster from the wall today. Then there was a shootout here." Chester says, "I found out that Brice Koontz was hiding out in Dan Madson's shop." Berg asks, "He was part of the Douglas Gang that robbed Condon's Bank last spring, right?" Chester replies, "Yep. Anyway, I go in and try to get him to come in quietly. He doesn't and Madson releases some animals he had in the store. So we have it out and Koontz is dead. I asked Priestess Florencia, Jake, Nakomo, and Mrs. Kale to help. Don't worry, I deputized them before we went in."

Berg heads upstairs with Chet and has a shocked reaction when he sees that one of the deceased is Cole Rixton. Chester looks around and says in a low voice, "This is one of those bloodsuckers. They usually crumble to dust but this one didn’t so he must not have been one of these creatures for very long. We believe he's not Cole, but someone else in a magic disguise. We should check at the furniture shop to make sure he's OK. How do you want to go, Mitch?"

Berg says, "I'll make sure that nobody else sees him other than Dick Lester. I'll go with Dick over to his funeral parlor with these bodies. Why don't you catch up with the Nature Priestess and see what she knows about how to deal with this." "OK. I'll go do that. When it rains it pours. I hope this is the last of the infestation. I'll update you on what Mother Jimenez says later." Chester takes the direct route to her home.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-six, “Sixteen Candles”, Thursday, June 15th, 4:00 P.M.

The school day finally ended and Emily went outside with the others. Mrs. Kale had left again today, this time with Nakomo; and they both wore faces that didn't bode for good. Emily's own spirits were muted today and seemed to her the town's were too. There were a lot more parents there today than usual. Most of the kids usually ran shouting home, but today many of their parents were here to pick them up with pasted on smiles. She looked for her uncle and hurried to him. She asks, "What's happened today Uncle?"

Shaw says, "Deputy Martin was involved with a shooting incident around an hour ago a block away from our house. One of the men who robbed Condon's Bank last January was back in town working at Madson's Hardware using a magical disguise. Martin went to arrest him and the man and his coworkers resisted." She replies, "Oh. That's not quite what I'd expected. But an arrest will be good for the Deputies chances to get elected, won't it?"

Shaw replies, "It will help. At a minimum it will keep Frank Condon from saying anything bad about Deputy Martin in tonight's mayoral debate. That's a very good thing as there was some bad blood between the two of them before." She says, "The timing was lucky then." Emily walked quietly for a minute. "Are you ready for tonight’s debate Uncle?" He states, "Absolutely, since there are only four candidates instead of six to eight like the other debates Judge Isby has modified the format, allowing each candidate up to ten minutes at the beginning to explain their positions. I am fortunate that it will be done alphabetically so I will get to go last. I've been working on my speech for two days now, it should be well received."

She says, "Since you go last people will remember your speech best, and since the extreme people go first you'll sound all the more sensible after they rant and rave," Emily smiled. "I'd like to come tonight if that's okay." Shaw replies, "Of course you can come, I want all of my family to be present. The coach from the Lazy-S will be arriving soon with Humphrey, Ellen and Tricia." She replies, "Oh, good! It gets a little lonely just the two of us sometimes."

They walked a little longer as Emily hesitated. Finally she said, "Uncle, do you notice something... I don't know. Wrong feeling? Not with the election or anything like that, but kind of... unnatural? I thought I'd get used to how the earth here felt, but it still seems uncomfortable with itself. Does that make any sense?"

Meanwhile, Kate arrives at the Lucky Lady. Minerva is sitting at a table in the corner of the room nursing a tequila when Katherine comes in. Jeff Mills is there with an anxious look on his face as asks Kate "Was it the monsters? I heard that the doctor was called for Jon Harker." As he is speaking Jake Cook arrives. Kate waved Jake and waits until he arrived to answer Jeff’s question.

Kate says "It was vampires. Some had been hiding in Madsen’s store using magical disguises. One of the creatures was wearing Cole Rixton's face. We couldn't figure out how to make it shift back, but it's not him. I looked in the windows at the furniture store and Mr. Rixton is there working, but I could see the bite on his neck. I'm sure they've touched his mind. I went to see Mother Jimenez. She's doing a ceremony. In about twenty minutes she can tell us where every vampire and every Civateto in town is."

"You could not figure out how to change his face back?" Jake frowns and looks puzzled. "Could not the Cole Rixton in the shop be someone else then? He does not have to be a blood sucker to have his face changed. We must be careful what we assume. Of course that could mean the switch happened long ago." He again seems lost in thought.

"Let's go join Minerva so I don't have to explain again." She led the men over to the table where they all sat and she briefly repeated what she'd already told them for Minerva. "The Rixton in the store was standing in sunlight, so if it isn't him it is at least not a vampire. The shop was locked up; it makes sense they would touch his mind, tell him to lock up and not see anyone, then steal his face. But I won't lock my mind to it. We couldn't find any sources of magic on the corpse wearing his face."

Exhausted from trying to heal Harkins and casting spells Minerva sits rather slumped in her chair as she continues to sip her drink. "Well I suppose we won't know who is the real Rixton until we speak to Mother Jimenez and get into his shop. Nakomo is at home, but we could retrieve him on the way." Kate laid her hand on the other woman's arm for just a moment. "I'm tired too. But I'm more tired of all this going on. Let's finish it. Jeff, I don't know how you feel about it, but you'd be welcome to help." Jeff says, "I'm willing to help.”

Jake comments, "Makes you wonder though, about Liza Brown and Derek Avery's murder. Was Miss Brown affected by the goddess of love during our times of undue influence? Or would she say that she left Cole Rixton because he was a different man than he seemed before?" He shrugs. "Maybe Jake is letting his imagination run wild. Whatever the case, be careful what you assume." Kate replies, "Sometimes an imagination run wild finds the truth, Jake. I will assume nothing. And I hate to throw myself in, but we are short help."

Jeff suggests they go over and see what Mother Jimenez has to say. Minerva downs the rest of her tequila and stands. "Si, I would prefer to end this in the light of day. I will go and get Nakomo and meet you there." "Let's hope she tells us it's not as large a job as I fear it is." She stood up and led the others out of the Lady to Mother Jimenez’s small house. Jake shrugs. "I will follow you." Minerva explains the situation to Nakomo and they hurry over to Mother Jimenez’s.

They waited a few moments for Minerva to join them with Nakomo before Kate knocked on the door. "Mother Jimenez? It's Mrs. Kale." The arrive at Mother Jimenez’s house at 4:30 P.M. It is situated in the eastern side of town, in a block of houses with shared walls, her abutting neighbors being Rufus and Anita Davis to the north and Cisco Halston, one of the Gay Lady's gamblers, to the south. They notice small amounts of smoke coming from the front windows.

Kate sniffed the air, trying to tell if the smoke was ceremonial, or if it was a fire of a more sinister kind. "Mother Jimenez?" she called louder. "Come in" the woman's voice states. They enter and Kate notices that she has rolled up her sleeping mat and moved back the chair and table to make a large space in the middle of the room. On that she has marked off a three by five foot rectangle on the dirt floor. One of the three foot edges is closest to the door and a lit candle is along the edge of it. Around a foot inside the rectangle parallel to the candle on the edge is a large flowering plant that looks to be firmly rooted although it had not been there twenty minutes before.

Another fifteen lit candles are also the rectangle. Most of them are in the far left hand corner, two of which are much fatter than the others with considerably larger wicks and quite a bit of flame. Those two candles are about half burnt down. Beside the furthest one are six other candles, three regular sized and three smaller. The other large candle is six inches closer with both a large and small candle beside it. A pair of smaller candles is towards the center of the rectangle. Another two, one smaller and one larger, are situated between the plant and the groupings of several candles. One more candle is to the left of them near the longer edge.

Kate held her skirts carefully to make sure they didn't catch any flame. "I'm sorry I was insistent. We saw the smoke out the windows and I wasn't sure if it was from your ceremony or something else." Her eyes swept the scene on the floor, hoping that each candle did not represent a monster or people touched by them. "Thank you for doing this. Did you discover the monsters?"

Before she can answer there is a knock on the door. They hear Chester’s voice outside. "Come in," Jimenez calls out. "The others are here." Chester pulls the door open and walks in. He removes his hat and says, "Good afternoon, Mother Jimenez. What's with all the candles?"

She replies, "The two very large candles represent the Tlahuelpuchi. I am thankful there are just the pair of them, from the feelings I had sensed earlier I believed that there were more. The other candles represent the Civateto. The larger of these candles are the Greater Civateto, those linked to the pair of Tlahuelpuchi. The smaller candles are the Lesser Civateto, those who were infected by monsters who are no longer among us. The plant represents my home and the rectangle the town itself, with the candles proportional. The largest grouping of them is the building along South Street nearest to the cemetery, which is consistent with their wanting to be near the dead.”

Chester exclaims, "The what and the what? Are you saying you know where the bloodsuckers are?" She replies, "That I am, Deputy Martin. The 'bloodsuckers' as you put it are known as Tlahuelpuchi. Their mind-controlled slaves are the Civateto." "Oh, my gods" a pale faced Minerva whispers "There are so many of them" "Most of them have only had their minds touched. We can free them by destroying the two who still exist. But how are we still living? They must know we've been hunting them."

Jake stays near the edge of the door. He thinks to himself “This is bloody weird and this woman is a blasted lunatic no matter how powerful she may be.” He mentally shrugs. Well, so are vampires or whatever she calls them. He listens for another minute and cannot take it anymore. He slips out the door and goes across the street. In the alley he swaps his ammunition around. In his long barrel he places his remaining five magic rounds from Pierre and a single pyrotechnic round. He places six normal rounds in his fast draw deciding that he needs to visit Pierre very soon. He watches for his friends.

Kate says, "We've been destroying the creatures, so there should be less. Who lives in the house next to Boot Hill?" Mills replies to Kate's question saying, "That's the Liberty Party Headquarters. And the other very large candle near it would be the building immediately east of it, Hamilton Fisk's House. Between those two buildings that accounts for ten of these sixteen candles."

Kate replies, "Two places we can't even pretend to walk into on honest business. But Fisk should be visiting his new client Ike Clanton right now. Mills points to the pair of candles a little more than a foot away from the plant that are between the plant and large group of candles on the far end and says, "I believe you are right about that Mrs. Kale, I make that pair out to be around where the Jail is located."

Kate asks, “Are we prepared to go? I am." Minerva replies, "Si, but it will not be easy. The slaves will try and prevent us from destroying their masters." Nakomo's eyes grow wide. "Do you think that we will have to kill some of the slaves? I don't want to kill innocent people." Kate replies, ""We'll do everything we can to avoid it Nakomo. And killing the creature should free them, so we just have to hold them off long enough. I can try to encourage the slaves to sleep, but I'm not sure it would overcome the vampires hold. I have a few other tricks that might keep them away while you do the hard business." Nakomo says, "I hope so. I really hope so."

Minerva places her hand on his shoulder. "We all hope so Nakomo, but we will need a plan. Maybe we can lock them in one of the buildings or make a barrier of some sort. Kate turned to Jeff and said, "Somehow I imagined Fisk to be helping of his own free will. I hope it's not someone else at the jail who's been touched and not Fisk." Kate says, "Let's start at Fisk's while he's gone, then move over to the party headquarters. The only slaves we will have to deal with are the ones right there. Mother Jimenez, do you have any advice to offer? You have already helped so much, I hesitate to ask you to accompany us."

Jimenez replies, She replies, "I cannot accompany you, I am needed here to keep the Elvan people safe from these monsters." Kate remembered her teacher's words about Mother Jimenez and her motives. "If we succeed, that will no longer be necessary, but I will not pressure you. Does anyone have some of the special ammunition for Jeff? We should follow these leads before they move somewhere else."

Chester asks, "Is there any other way of breaking the hold the vampires have? If Fisk and the guy we have locked up are slaves, then Berg and the others need to know." Minerva answers, "I don't have the power to do it, nor the access. Mr. Harker used his smoke already, and he said Mr. Tomlinson was gone with Judge Isby. I think killing the master is the only way." Chester nods and takes a deep breath. "I see.”

Minerva states, "Going together will draw attention to us. I will send Luna to fly over and check it out first so we know what we are dealing with." Luna sees considerable activity going on in the first floor of the Liberty Party Headquarters. The second floor windows are all drawn and shut. All of the windows and shades are drawn at Fisk's house next door so the owl cannot see inside.

Kate states, "All right. But I suggest we not over plan. No plan survives contact with the situation. If Fisk has a front and a back door, I'd say we make noise at the front, draw some of them there, then slip in the back. We can walk over separately and from different directions." Minerva says, "O.K. Once we are in maybe we can bar the door and keep them out. While we finish our business. Just be sure we have enough stakes. and a very sharp blade help."

Kate gave Jeff the stake she'd been carrying against a last resort need to defend herself. Nakomo speaks up. "I have been whittling more stakes." He hands one to each of them. Kate says, "If you're all ready, Jeff and I can head over first, then Minerva and Chester can come from the direction of the church. We can meet you behind Fisk's house. Ready Jeff?" Jeff indicates that he is ready. He suggests they come in from behind Baines butcher shop and the home of Ray Singer to get to Fisk's.

Chester says, “We better get it done before sunset. Breaking into Fisk's home will mean the end of my becoming Marshall. What's got to be done has got to be done right. Let's go." Kate stopped. "Damn it. Chester, we need you to be able to get elected. Damn it! How can we make this legal for you?" Minerva states, "It is Chester's choice to make, Katherine. There are greater rewards than becoming Marshall to be gained by doing what is right. If the people of Promise city do not recognize him for the great man that he is, The gods surely will."

Kate replies, "I know. But Chester is the only candidate who understands what actually happens around this town and recognizes the real causes, including supernatural ones." "Minerva shrugs her shoulders. "What will be, will be. Are we ready?" Chester says, "This is more important. If I don't go and something happens to any of you, then how can I live with myself. The election will just have to wait. I'll try to hide as much as I can." He shrugs. "If I lose, then things will be like they were a few months ago."

Kate suggests, "Chester, if you want to run and talk to Marshall Berg before you meet us, please do." Chester says, "OK. Don't wait long. Who knows when Fisk will come back. I'm going to update him." "Thank you," Kate said again to Mother Jimenez. "Hopefully this will soon be over." She turned to Jeff and said, "All right, let's go." When Minerva and Nakomo leave the old woman's house, Jake follows them.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-seven, “Liberty Party Headquarters”, Thursday, June 15th, 4:30 P.M.

Chester arrives at Dick Lester's funeral parlor. Lester is out front in the main room and says that Berg is in the back. Chester enters the rear room to find the Marshall there with Kevin Tomlinson. Berg looks up and says "You were right Chet, it wasn't Cole Rixton." Chester sees the man lying in the casket but doesn't recognize him. Tomlinson says, "It was Billy Clanton, a Tombstone hothead, cattle rustler, and brother of the guy we now have in jail. There are confirmed reports that Earp did indeed kill this man, but he must have already been a member of the undead at that point."

Chester whistles. "That's good to hear. That means Cole is being controlled by them. Mother Jimenez said that there are two vampires in town and about thirty people under their control. Fisk and Ike Clanton are two of them. The others are mainly in Fisk's house and Liberty Party headquarters. We're about to bust into Fisk's house while he's at the jail. Someone needs to warn whoever's at the office about Fisk and Clanton. I got to get back."

Berg exclaims "Chet, you can't go breaking into a Mayoral candidate's house or his party's headquarters three hours before the Mayoral Debate! The town knows nothing of these creatures, it would appear you are simply trying to soil his reputation at a critical time!" Tomlinson says, "Maybe we should wait. Harbrace is still up in Dos Cabezas and he still has one remaining arrow given to him by the Goddess." Chester states, "The longer we wait, the stronger their grip. At this point it's more important to stop them than for me to get that star."

Jake watches Chester go one way, and the four others go another. He immediately starts to follow the four, concerned about the women and certain that the four of them must be headed to immediate danger where as Chester is probably on an errand. He stops, in mid stride and something tells him to follow Chet. Torn, he quickly gives in to his intuition. He follows him to Lester's place and positions himself to overhear the conversation. Fisk! He nearly spits the name out loud. Nothing would stop me from going into his house. He then nearly laughs out loud. Or the two of us.

Jake walks around the front of Lester's place and enters. He strides right up to Berg and Chester. "Marshal. Deputy." He tips his hat. "I have heard from some friends we have a problem. Chet are you thinking of busting into Fisk's house to solve it?" From the look on his face Jake continues, "I thought so. Marshall what if we could disguise one of your Deputies," Jake nods his head towards Chester, "as someone else and break into Fisk's place to deal with this problem? You keep Fisk occupied and we do the dirty work. Rumors can be what they are, but none of them involve the deputy here. Even though it does not look like he is there, a fully deputized law officer of Promise City leads the action and I agree to follow his direction. You agree, however, to do what you can to keep me out of jail." Jake winks.

Berg begins to speak and Jake cuts him off, "Yes, I know my methods rankle your ethics. You must agree, however, that a little unorthodox Jake help is better than the good people of Promise City being turned into food troughs for a bunch of the most foul creatures you could imagine." Berg replies, "Mr. Cook, I have to uphold the law. I cannot allow you or the Deputy here to go busting into the homes of citizens in this town or into the offices of political parties.

Now, what I can do is have my lawmen continue to follow up on the investigation already begun my Deputy Martin an hour ago. Those men were resisting arrest and harboring a criminal, Mr. Brice Koontz here. Brice never went anywhere without his idiot brother Elmer, who is neither of these other two bodies. So Elmer is probably still around too, also with a false face. If you can find some reasonable evidence of where this Elmer is we can certainly investigate further, after all, he robbed Condon's Bank. But Chet, if that location turns out to be the headquarters of one of the other political parties you stay clear of it and get Helen or Neil to go there instead."

Jake gets a dark look in his eye. "Mitchell Berg, though you and I may have not seen eye to eye on every matter, I have respected and trusted you. I have considered you a friend. I have behaved myself in your town under your watch. I have done what I can to keep you ought of trouble, and even perhaps from being shot full of holes. I have done what I have done of my own free will and you owe me nothing. Nothing!." Jake seems to be barely controlling himself. "These, these, things... have crawled out of the pits of Hades, the spawn of foul gods and you are afraid of breaking a few laws in Promise City!"

Jake is nearly hysterical. "Fine. Have your cherished laws. May they do a fine job of ordering the nice people of Promise City in a queue for these fiends to feast upon at their pleasure. I thought you would care more about the actual people." Jake points at Berg. "Let this be upon your conscience. As Hermes is my witness I have done more than my share, only the gods know for what blasted reason." Jake turns on his heel and storms out of Dick Lester's place into the street. Chester looks on in shock as Jake storms off. "Marshall, are you sure about this? These creatures are past what the law can deal with. How can you keep one of them in jail? But, if you want evidence, I'm going to find it."

Kate left with Jeff but didn't hurry since Chester was talking to the Marshall. "I hope this isn't all a mistake," she said, half to him and half to herself. Jeff and Kate reach the back door undetected. Jeff checks the door and confirms that it is presently locked. There is a glass window a foot above the knob which he says he could break and reach in to turn the knob from the inside, but the sound of the breaking glass might be heard.

She comments, "The windows are probably locked as well." Kate was silent a moment, knowing there was a way she could get them inside. "Jeff, have you ever wondered why the others being me along on these dangerous missions?" He replies, "No Ma'am, you've proven yourself quite capable before and I know you to be trustworthy. If I didn't think you were up to it I wouldn't be with you now."

She replies, "Then trust me when I say, if it's necessary, I can open this door without having to break any glass. I'd rather not, but the silence will be more important. You should know that I must be very careful here. I can't take all the risks I usually would, and the others may act protectively, more so than you'd expect."

Minerva communicates with Luna. "What do you see?" She communicates that she sees nothing unusual. Minerva and Nakomo casually stroll to the front of the building, keeping their eyes open for any one who might be guarding the place. A man steps out from the Liberty Party Headquarters and eyes the two of them. Minerva recognizes him as Charlie Villers, the Liberty Party's candidate for Town Marshall.

She states, "Good Day, Senor Villars. How are you?" He replies, "Just fine Priestess. I heard that you were involved with that altercation a few hours ago over at my friend Dan's hardware store." Minerva shrugs noncommittally. "He is a friend of yours?" Villars replies, "Dan is yeah. I heard that he got carted off to Jail for questioning, that the only ones who were killed were the Koontz brothers. Honestly Ma'am, I'm sure Dan was unaware of who those two really were since they had magical disguises on. I imagine Deadeye Douglas gave them those before heading off to Colorado, he was a wizard you know."

Minerva answers, "No I did not know that. They are a part of Dead Eye Douglas's Gang? Perhaps it would help your friend if you went to the Marshal’s office now and spoke on his behalf." He answers, "Yes, that might help. I believe that Hamilton Fisk is over there now as well." He pokes his head inside to tell his friends where he is going and then heads off east down South Street. Minerva and Nakomo wait for Villars to walk away and around the bend. They then walk directly into the headquarters to see how many are inside and to get a layout of the room .

Three men are seated in chairs on the ground floor of the room. Another is standing behind a bar with a well-stocked liquor cabinet beside it and looks as though he had been serving drinks to the others present. Minerva doesn't recognize any of them. In addition to the dozen or so chairs, two old couches, and a staircase upstairs there is one other item on this large 25 by thirty foot first floor room that stands out, namely a large stuffed grizzly bear standing upright, a full nine feet tall, on a pedestal near the back door of the room. She states, “Good day gentlemen. I was wondering if you had any literature for tonight’s debate.”

Minerva recalls the animals that came to life in the taxidermy shop, and eyes the bear warily. "So about that literature..." The one behind the bar says, "Lady this isn’t a library or a church. Women only come to visit us here for one thing so unless that's what you want I'd suggest you get a move on." Nakomo lunges forward and Minerva blocks him. "Do not trouble yourself with these vermin Nakomo, they are not worth our time." She exits the shop and casually makes her way around to back, checking for other entrances and windows as she does.

When she gets to the back she tells Kate and Jeff what they found out. "There is a huge bear in there as well. It would be difficult to kill. If it becomes necessary, I could paralyze it for a while.. There is also a staircase and four men guarding it."

Kate says, "Perhaps we need to rethink this. I don't doubt we could take care of what's in this house, but we're going to use up resources doing it. In the headquarters there are four men and the bear and we would be weaker than we are now. Surveillance may be what we need right now. The monsters won't come out until dark and they will not need all their guards. Someone watching these places with a mirror will tell us which ones they are and we could track them down."

Minerva exclaims, "The monster's don't require guards when they are awake, because they are so strong. I would rather take on 100 mortal men then one of them in the night, but you are right we are not strong enough alone. We should get Tomlinson and Jake and then figure out a way to distract or restrain the men while Chester and someone else goes upstairs and destroys the creature. Could you create a barrier on the stairs to prevent them from coming up? I could create a wall of wind on the stairs but that would certainly draw attention."

Kate shook her head. "No, those things are beyond me. But we do need to find the others. I'm sorry. I pushed you all hard to come here now and could have gotten us all killed." Minerva ignores the comment and says, “How about a physical barrier blocking the upstairs from inside the up stairs room? I wonder if there is a way to get up there without using the door?" She says examining the roofline and any windows on the second floor. "Now would be a good time to spout wings or be able to crawl up walls. I am sorry, I do not seem to have any clever ideas."

Kate replies, "We do know where Fisk is, and we suspect him of being influenced. If we freed him, he might be willing to let us into the house himself. I realize that's unlikely given how ornery he is, but it's not impossible." Minerva replies, "Ornery? Katherine you are being too kind. However I do agree that if we freed his mind he might let us into the house, but the others minds are still clouded and they will continue to protect the vampire even if he does not."

"We don't really have time for me to wax eloquent about Mr. Fisk's better personality traits," Kate said dryly. "I was thinking more of the legal entry into the house and the party headquarters. I don't have a way to get in from the upstairs, and I'm not sure a barrier on the stairs would help. We'll have to get past the people downstairs to get up anyway. I think the best we could do is designate a couple people to get upstairs and the rest of us would have the job of keeping the guards down. I could make the stairs quite slippery once our friends were up."

Nakomo, Katherine and Minerva are a short distance from the house they are watching when Deputy Martin arrives. He asks the young Indian, "Did you notice if any of the men inside are in disguise like at Madson's?" He describes Elmer Koontz based on his Wanted poster. "If we know he's in there or any other outlaw, then we can go in. Otherwise we'll be breaking the law." Minerva replies, "No, Senor Martin, the hombres inside made a point of being unfriendly and I did not stay. I can ask the goddess to share what knowledge she will with me. Stay here a moment."

Minerva goes back to the doorway, but first positions herself outside and prays quickly to see the evil within. She then stands in the doorway and scans the room. "I dropped my hair pin," she says after gathering to her what the goddess will show her. She bends quickly and retrieves the non-existent pin from the floor and leaves them with a scathing look. She sensed some evil from most of the men present but no great quantities of evil as a vampire would radiate.

Meanwhile, Jake gets a short distance away from the funeral parlor when Kevin Tomlinson catches up with him. "Hold on Jake, you're forgetting something, Berg isn't the law, that is, the final law, around here. The last word will be with Judge Isby and I have his ear. You know that I agree with you, this can't wait." Hands on his hips, Jake is breathing hard. "What are you suggesting? That we tell Isby what is going on? You already made it clear he should not know, for reasons I suspect but you have never confirmed. How do I know for sure his is not one of the old crone's little candles, again."

Tomlinson replies, "Isby is not under their influence, he hasn't been since Colin Turner was destroyed by you guys over in Thomaswell. But he doesn't understand about supernatural creatures and now isn't necessarily the time to teach him. If he knew that he was under Colin Turner's undue influence, well, that would shake his self-confidence and he wouldn't be the decisive judge that we need him to be.

But bank robbers are another matter, especially ones wanted for a major robbery here in this town. Berg is right about that dead Brice Koontz not straying far from his brother, that should give you enough leeway to do whatever you want. And weren't both you and Martin guards at that bank at that time, who both got wounded then? Seems like the notion of 'law of the west' would apply here too, in that you two are getting back at an injustice done to you. If worse comes to worse I could probably convince Isby to allow a jury trial instead of a directed verdict, at which point you'd probably get acquitted based upon that alone."

Jake replies, "Well, then, I feel worlds better about risking getting shot to pieces or dined upon by fanged demons from Hades. I mean, who would not? I get to save the noble but ignorant citizens of Promise City and look forward to the joys of being on trial where I PROBABLY can get a jury who will PROBABLY acquit me. Shucks, Mr. Tomlinson, when you put it that way sign me right up!" Jake grits his teeth and kicks at some dirt. "Fine, let us be searching for Elmer Koontz. First we find the others and see what they know. That will give me time to think about doing this without poor Silver Jake Cook going to jail."

When Minerva returns Jake and Kevin Tomlinson have joined the others. "Your pardon, Senor Martin," the priestess says, "but the goddess only reveals that they are evil, but less evil that those cursed vampires. I do not know if they wear disguises of magical nature." Jake says tersely to them all, "So, does anyone have any idea on how we locate Elmer Koontz?" He has that impatient look in his eye that often appears before he does something rash.

Jake, Kate, Minerva, Chester, Nakomo and Kevin Tomlinson are huddled together near the back door of Fisk's house. They see Charlie Villars heading west again on South Street, returning to the Liberty Party Headquarters. They move further behind the building so that he will not see them. While doing that Jake catches the glimmer of the sun reflecting off of something metal along the hillside some 200 feet back, some 85 feet southwest and lower than the Lucky Deuce Mine situated on those hills. Looking closer he sees the barrel of a rifle around 185 feet away protruding from behind a boulder near the base of the hill and pointing in their general direction.

Jake snaps his hand out and saucily grabs Minerva's buttocks, "Slap me -" He never finishes his sentence as her arm was already in motion and he fails to duck her hand in time as planned. He grabs her dress and fakes a fall, pulling her with him. He flails his arms and legs around and throws himself in the middle of their group attempting to knock down or scatter everyone. "Hit the ground, now!" He hisses desperately.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-eight, “Threats and Intruders”, Thursday, June 15th, 8:00 P.M.

Ruby says, "Boy, I am really enjoying this show." The house lights then lower and the curtain opens for the second act. When the curtain goes up for the second short intermission Ruby stands from her seat to stretch her long legs. Finding Ms. Alcott unoccupied she again speaks to the woman. Ruby smiles easily, "Ms. Alcott, I hate to disturb you, but it appears my friend is a big fan of yours and would like to meet you. Do you have a moment?"

Miss Alcott is introduced to Jane and the two of them engage in a long discussion of the novel Little Women and its sequels. While that is going on Ruby notices a man approach Nana's husband James and whisper something into his ear. He appears to be momentarily bothered by what the man says to him. Richard also notices this interchange. Ruby tries to casually overhear what is being said but the conversation was too short for her to have caught the specifics.) Ruby looks to James, and takes a step away from Jane and Ms. Alcott's discussion. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes, everything is fine," he replies. Ruby has not known him for very long but senses that he is not being entirely honest. Richard makes eye contact with Ruby and she gathers that he too is concerned. The house lights flicker, indicating that the final act of the play will soon be starting. As the lights go down Ruby squeezes past Jane. "Janie, why don't you take my seat and I'll sit next to Richard." She doesn't wait for a response, she just plops into Jane's seat.

Leaning over to Richard she whispers in his ear, "Did you hear what was said? What do you think is going on?" Richard replies, "He said something to James about 'after the play', whatever that means. I think I'll keep a close eye on our friend." He replies, “Who? James or the guy who is bothering him? You think James is up to something?" Richard says, "James appears to be genuine, I doubt your Grandmother would have married him otherwise. It was that other Gentleman who I am concerned about. He went back up to the balcony so I can't point him out to you now, but there was something about him that bothered me."

Ruby nods her head. "Let me know what I should do to help. Maybe this has something to do with that box he won at auction." Ruby leans back in her chair. This time she keeps an eye on her surroundings while watching the show. Distracted by a potential problem the third act seems to fly by with breakneck speed and the house lights go up following the final curtain call. James helps Nana to her feet as Richard helps up both Ruby and Jane. "Well, wasn't that fine," Nana states.

"Yes, it was, Nana. What a very good choice. And I like the lesson too: You should never wish for things that happen to not have happened. They always happen for a reason." Ruby smiles, "It makes us who we are." Ruby turns her back to the stage and scans the emptying room, particularly looking up to the balconies or to see if she finds the man from earlier.

The five make their way down the aisle and out towards Main Street. James appears anxious to leave and heads to the curb in search of the carriage that he had asked to come for them at the end of the play. Ruby hooks her arm through Richard's and tries to look casual. "So family, are we heading home now? I believe Janie has some things to talk to me about." James says, "Where is that carriage? It was supposed to be here now." His gaze shifts towards a pair of men approaching. One is nicely dressed in a suit and Ruby believes he was the one she saw inside earlier. The other is taller and more muscular, dressed in blue jeans and a cotton work shirt.

Ruby glances quickly at Richard, making eye contact. Then she pretends to not see the men, stepping between them and James. She says loudly, "Well, we certainly should complain about that carriage being late!" Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Parker," the man says as he nears. "Your driver was called away for another fare, he asked for me to apologize and say he would be back in short order for you."

Richard doesn't take his eyes off the pair and says, "Well then, we will be a short while. Jane, why don't you take Mrs. Parker back inside the theater then. We'll come get you when the carriage arrives." James looks to his wife and says, "Yes, that is a good idea. Get yourselves something to drink while we wait." Ruby is momentarily unsure of what to do, stay with Richard or go with her grandmother and Jane. It seemed that Richard wanted her to stay with him and maybe she could be of help if there was trouble.

Ruby announces, "I think I'll stay outside where the air is fresh. You two go in and enjoy that drink." Jane and Nana head back inside. The men approach James and the better dressed one says, "May I have a word with you in private?" Richard says, "Go right ahead, Ruby and I will be nearby when you're through." Richard then jestures to Ruby for them to move further away. She gives Richard an "Are you sure?" look but heads off to the side with him anyway. When they find a spot she leans up against the wall. Trying not to be paranoid she whispers in Richard's ear, "Should I check them for magic?" Richard replies, "Yes, you do that, while I practice the fine art of lip reading."

"A mighty fine thing to know. Us women like it when a man is obsessed with our lips," she says, her own full lips turning up into a smile. She starts concentrating, using her special skills with detecting magic. She starts off by looking across the street as to not look too suspicious, before she turns her gaze to James and the two men. She detects no magic from either of the men by James but does detect several magical items on James....his shoes, a ballpoint pen, his watch fob and his wedding ring. Richard softly mutters "He saying something about the box...a final offer...Oh, he's threatening James, he says that he'll burn down the house to destroy the documents."

Ruby's concentration is broken and she starts taking some steps forward. She looks back at James with stormy eyes, "Let's go." Richard says "Wait...James is telling them that burning the house won't accomplish their goal, that he has the documents at another location." Ruby can read uncertainty on the face of the man threatening James, unsure if he is being truthful or not. Ruby reluctantly listens to Richard and leans tentatively back against the building. She keeps a steady eye on the two men and waits

Richard says, "He told James they would come around tomorrow to get the documents, otherwise James won't like the consequences." The large man then moves closer to the pair, blocking Richard's view of the lips. "That's it." Ruby pulls herself off the wall. "I'm not waiting anymore." She starts meandering over to James and says loudly in a sweet voice, "Now gentlemen, I'm not sure what business you have with James but I don't get to visit too often so surely you don't want to keep him too long with business, do you?" She stands smiling and looking up at the men from under her eyelashes, even though her eyes are still stormy. Until tomorrow," the man states. He and the larger man turn to walk away.

"Good night gentlemen," Ruby continues in her fake sweet voice. "Now where is that carriage?" Ruby looks up and down the street like she is searching for something. She then looks back to James and says quietly, "Is everything alright?" James plasters a phony smile on his face and says, "Oh yes, everything is fine dear. Why don't you go and get Jane and your Grandmother. Our carriage should be back at any moment."

"James... if there is something wrong I hope you will confide in Richard while I'm inside. He's a good listener I've discovered and a good friend." With that Ruby heads inside to find Nana and Jane. She strides over to them smiling, "Ladies, time to go!" Ruby returns with the other two women. James notices the carriage up the street heading in their direction. Ruby smiles at Richard and James, "Did you two have a nice chat while we were gone?" Richard answers, "He said we'd talk back at the house."

She sidles up to Richard and again speaks softly, "Should we try to follow those guys or something?" Richard replies, "No, they've already hopped another carriage up the Street." Ruby nods. "Alright then. Let's get home." Once the carriage arrives she hops up with the others for the ride. As they ride back to the house Ruby asks Richard, "What time is our train for Rochester leaving tomorrow?" Richard replies, "Noon, we can sleep in."

The carriage drops them off and they head inside. The expression on James's face changes from one of passive worry to active concern once they are inside. He says, "Something is different." Nana looks around and says "I believe you are correct dear, nothing in this room appears to be missing but things appear to have been moved. We should check the rest of the house."

Ruby states, "What if there is someone still in here? We'd all better be careful. Maybe we should split up into two groups, we," Ruby waves at Jane and Richard, "Don't really know where anything would be to start with to notice something out of place." "Then we should stick together," Nana says. They go room by room, finding items misarranged elsewhere but nothing appears to be missing. They carefully check to make sure that nobody else is in the building.

Nana then whispers to Ruby "Why don't you get Jane and Richard to go elsewhere in the house and I can use some of my....talents...to confirm that nobody else is here and then secure the doors." "Okay Nana." Ruby does as she is told, bringing Richard and Jane into the palor. She pours them all a drink of wine while they wait for Nana to return. They spend twenty minutes chatting, mostly small talk although Ruby senses that both Jane and Richard are very concerned. Nana comes in to get them and says, "Please join James and myself in the front hallway."

They enter the room to see that a hidden panel has been removed from the wall revealing a small chamber beneath the main staircase. James says, "We were successful this time, they didn't find what they were looking for, but they may be back."

Ruby, Jane and Richard see that the four-foot square chamber is lined with shelves along the far wall and is filled with a number of valuables, some pottery of assorted sizes, statues of silver, gold and jewels, several paintings all of them looking old and based upon the clothing and backgrounds on the canvases appear to be from a variety of different cultures, and lastly the wooden crate with stacks of papers inside it. Ruby's eyes widen as she gazes at the valuables inside the secret spot, "Oh Nana, what will you do? About these people I mean? They are serious about getting this back. What can we do to help?"

Nana says, "Well, it's dangerous, it could put you at risk....but would you consider taking it with you when you leave tomorrow?" James interjects "No dear, that would not right, it is too much a danger to Ruby. She wouldn't be able to defend herself like we could" Jane laughs and says, "If you think that maybe you should hear some more of Ruby's stories of what she's been doing during the last half year!" Ruby doesn't even pause before replying, "Of course I'll take it with me, don't give it a second thought. And Jane is right, I can defend myself and I have a place in Promise City that NO ONE can get to. I've been through much danger and I'm still here. But what about you, if they still think it's here..."

Nana replies, "We can deal with that. There are.....ways to communicate information....provided it is truthful. Errors of omission, such as where the items are now, need not enter into the conversation." James says, "Exactly, I'll get my lawyers involved in the meanwhile and convince my rivals that I might be willing to consider selling and that the items have been put into safe keeping in the meanwhile. I'll then involve myself with another unrelated project during which they can watch me all they want and still discover nothing further about these documents."

"I won't tell you exactly where it will be, then you can answer honestly you don't know. But you can trust me when I say, it will be safe. I just worry about you. I couldn't bare it if something happened to you." "What about whatever they are trying to hide? I may have some friends who would be interested in looking at what's there. Would that be helpful to you? If not I can just keep it safe. Besides," Ruby smiles, "This means eventually you'll have to come to visit me to get it!"

James says, "Involving your friends could put them at risk, if the people after this manage to track it to you. But yes, I would be willing to let people who you trust look at this, maybe they will be able to find whatever it is that has thus far escaped my notice." "Alright," Ruby nods, "I'll see what we can find when I get home." "Do you think there anything else we can do tonight?" Nana says, "No. There doors are all secured and we have set our house alarm. We should all be safe for the night."

"Alright, good." Ruby stares at her grandmother for a long moment before suddenly stepping forward and hugging her tightly. "It's going to be okay Nana." She steps away. "Janie, do you still want to start tonight? Showing me what you need to show me?" Jane says, "Let everybody get settled in for the night first, then we can start." "Absolutely. I just wanted to check if you still wanted to do it, you know, after all the excitement of the evening."

Ruby heads to the side table and pulls a decanter with a dark liquid in it, guessing it's bourbon. "I think I need a drink, one of my favorites. Nana... James... Richard... would you like one too or are you going to bed now? It is getting late." She pours herself and Jane generous glasses and waits for a reply, gently swirling the contents of the bottle as she does.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-sixty-nine, “The Man Behind the Rocks”, Thursday, June 15th, 5:00 P.M.

Tomlinson reacts immediately to Jake's command, pulling both Kate and Nakomo with him onto the ground. Kate's legs got tangled in the mass of skirts of Kevin pulled her down. She managed to scramble to her feet and follow, as well as pull the derringer out of her bodice. "Follow my lead," he says as he then rolls around the corner of the building and into the alleyway between the east wall of Fisk's house and the west wall of Ray Singer's house. Chester gets up and scrambles behind cover. Chester follows as well, staying low, and with a confused look on his face.

Jake notes that the four of them are now potentially out of the line of fire from the rifle. He and Minerva are still potentially in range, but it would be a considerably more difficult shot with them both lying on the ground presently much lower and smaller targets. He sees that the rifle barrel remains at the same angle it had been at before, not having shifted with the sudden movement of his group.

Tomlinson leads the procession around the front of Ray Singer's house and onto South Street. "Follow me and look out," he says as he heads a block east and then across the street to the Arizona Territorial Offices where he and Judge Isby reside. Then he follows Tomlinson to the Territorial Offices. Jake and Minerva remain behind.

Jake rubs his bright red cheek, "Damn you woman, make up your mind. I wish you would decide if you are interested or not!" Then in a fast whisper, "Go ahead and holler at me, but quickly stomp off east while you do so and get behind that shed. There is a rifle pointed in our direction." “What in Hades ever made you think that I would be interested in the likes of you! Senor Cook!" she bellows. "and You know very well that I belong to Nanuet!" she turns and with a swish of her skirts stomps off down the road as directed careful not to look in the direction of the rifle.

She places her hand in her skirt pocket to draw out her gun, when she gets behind the shed she draws her weapon and scans the area for trouble. "Ah, Minerva, do not be mad at me." He flips over on his hands and knees and crawls after her. As he does so he glances back at the rifle, trying to determine what it might be aiming at, and if it was high enough to shoot over the top of the houses into town or was the shooter limited to someone in one of the houses near them. He scampers behind the shed.

He tells her, "I saw a rifle barrel pointed in this direction and needed to act fast." He is speaking quietly and quickly. "It did not move when we scattered, it must not have been at us. I am going to sneak around and see who might be the target. Have your owl come around low behind me and I will scrawl a message and send back to you if I learn anything." As he sneaks off he adds, "I have no idea where the others went to...."

At the Territorial Office, Chester asks, "What'd you see?" She shared a glance with Nakomo. "What happened?" she asked quietly as she could. Tomlinson replies, "Unsure, Cook indicated trouble and I reacted accordingly. We'll find out what is going on after he and the Priestess get here, that is, unless they go to her home or church instead." Chester states, "Are you saying we're going to wait for them to find us? Jake saw something out there. By the fact that he hit the dirt, he must have seen a gun. I can't let that pass." Kate says, "There's been no shots, so we know Jake and Minerva got out of the way safely. If we go blundering in we could ruin whatever Jake is trying to do. We don't want to wait long, but a moment should be alright." Chester looks skeptical. "OK. But you know I hate waiting."

Kate wrapped the shawl around her shoulders, more uncertain of their path now. "How did Jake find you, Mr. Tomlinson? Mr. Harker told us you weren't available." He replies, “Cook ran into me at Lester's funeral parlor, I was fixing the bodies so that we won't see those guys again. I then ran into Jeff Mills on the way over to see you and he filled me in some more. We have some privacy here now, the Judge is over at Johnson's getting a bath, haircut and shave.”

Kate states, "Then here's an important question. What are the consequences of going into Fisk's place and the headquarters? For Chester I mean? And for us as well. Legally. It needs to be done, but what can we expect afterward?" Tomlinson says, "Fisk's house would be okay as long as Deputy Martin has sufficient cause, the Liberty Party Headquarters is a different matter entirely, the Judge was clear that other party offices are off limits to the candidates of other parties. However, that's not to say he can't remain outside and cover the exits, after all, the Streets of Promise City fall within his jurisdiction."

Kate comments, "I doubt a spell from Mother Jimenez that told us undead are sheltering there and Fisk's mind is likely touched by them, forcing him to cooperate is enough." Tomlinson says, "Better to stick with the Elmer Koontz angle, a wanted bank robber whose brother you just had a shootout with sounds valid." Kate replies, "Elmer Koontz angle? I'm afraid you've gotten beyond me. But if it will explain why we're in Hamilton Fisk's house, I'll trust you."

Tomlinson says, "The Koontz Brothers were both part of the Deadeye Douglas's robbery of Condon's Bank. They didn't leave the area with Deadeye when the others left. Brice Koontz was one of the men who Deputy Martin shot earlier, who had been wearing a magical face. Brice was the brains of that pair and Elmer never went anywhere without him, so somewhere near here is the other bank robber with a false face." She asks, “And what leads us to Fisk and the Liberty Party Headquarters?"

Tomlinson replies, "The Liberty Party Headquarters is where two of the four guys at the Hardware/Taxidermy shop were living. Of course, since they had altered faces Fisk can always deny knowing who they really were, but if one Koontz is living there that's where you'll find the brother." Chester says, “he Marshall told me that I can't go breaking into his house or the Liberty Party headquarters without proof." Tomlinson tells Chester, "You should stay out of the Party Headquarters, Fisk's house is a different matter if he is harboring a criminal."

With the immediacy of the danger apparently having passed Jake cautiously makes his way further south using the storage building behind Fisk's house as cover. From there he is able to cautiously make his way beyond Fisk's outhouse and to the northwest end of the hillside with the Lucky Deuce Mine near the top.

At this point he has covered a little over eighty feet of the distance to the shooter, but is still around one hundred feet away. He moves out until he can see the rifle barrel again and better gauges the angle to judge that it wasn't the back of Fisk's house that it is pointed at but more to the left, making the target either the door on the west side of Sam Slade's house some 130 feet from the rifle or the backdoor of the Liberty Party Headquarters some 180 feet from the rifle.

Taking care to stay hidden and not have any metal flash in the sun, Jake takes a stub of a pencil and scrawls a short note on a scrap of paper which reads “Slade or Liberty Hdqtr.” He holds the rolled paper out tentatively towards the bird, who snatches it from his fingers. Jake snaps his hand back, "Yeah, nice bird." The small owl wings its way silently back to where ever her mistress might now be.

While he waited he attempted to puzzle out what might be happening. He thinks “I would hate myself if the shooter was going to do some of our dirty work and I stopped him. Who would want to shoot Slade? Not a friend of mine that one, more often than not supports Fisk's agenda. Likely because the man is a bigot. He does not seem to be mixed up in the Cowboy gang, though you never know. I wonder if he keeps any dynamite at his house. Jake pulls his hat down lower to keep the sun out of his eyes. More likely someone at the Liberty Party headquarters. Jake taps his lips. Who are you Mr. Rifleman? Earp? Vaughn? Who?”

Minerva stretches out her arm as Luna flutters gently down and lands upon it. With a soft coo, Luna drops the note into her mistress's palm. Minerva unrolls the note and reads. "Hmmm, Well this does not tell me whether it is friend or foe up there, Luna. Why don't you go and have a look. But keep your distance. I don't want him to shoot you out of the sky."

Luna flies high, up to nearly 500 feet which while still within rifle range makes her presence less obvious to those below. She confirms to Minerva that there is a lone man well concealed behind the rocks. She cannot make out his face due to the dark cowboy hat on the man's head. Luna communicates the information to Minerva. "Well at least we know there is only one. I am going to find Jake." she says and carefully makes her way over to where Jake has scrambled off too and lets him know what Luna has seen. "I think we should find the others and figure out how to sneak up on this mysterious gun slinger from behind."

Jake replies, "I might be able to come up behind him. I wonder though, is he acting alone?" The thought spoken out loud causes Jake to look around, imagining various places where he would hide men in an ambush. "Allow me to be quite blunt Priestess. If one of more of us approach the holder of that rifle and confront them, we will certainly prevent them shooting at their intended target. They may decided to shoot at us instead, having discovered them about to prepare someone for a six foot hole in the ground. Do we wish to risk that if they are going to shoot one of the Cowboy Gang? I know I do not." He scans the houses in and around that corner of town as well. "Our hidden shooter could be Earp, Vaughn, one of the hooded gang, who knows."

"Unless you have a wiser plan, I suggest you hurry off and find the others. Tell them that I am coming up behind the rifle man, and that they ought to stay safe but make their way to this corner of town. This may be part of something bigger, so be mighty careful. If the shooter is after someone I do not want shot, I will do what I can to stop it. Otherwise...." Jake gives her a smirk, "otherwise I was just out here bird watching and happened to be on the hill when the shooting started."

Jake watches Minerva make the wide arc away from the shooter and back around the cover that brought her to him. In spite of the seriousness of the situation he cannot help but admire her swaying hips under that long Spanish dress. He shakes his head, Back to work. Minerva carefully makes her way over to where Katherine, Chester and Tomlinson are now waiting.
"There is a lone man aiming his weapon at what appears to be The Liberty headquarters. Jake is going to try and sneak up to the man from behind. I have sent Luna to follow from a distance. She will communicate to me if he is in trouble."

Kate nodded. "I'm glad you both are well. At least whoever is behind that weapon is showing some restraint, whether he's a guard or an enemy of the people in those buildings." Tomlinson says, "Yes, but one unintended consequence of his presence is that it has delayed us. It is now around 5:00 PM, meaning around two hours until sunset, however those two buildings are in the shadow of Silverbell Hill immediately to the west of it, they'll be fully shaded an hour earlier."

Still uncertain if the rifle holder is acting alone, Jake continues to scan the area all around him until the Priestess is out of sight. He then quickly plots the best course that keeps him out of sight of the would be shooter but gives him a view to shoot or stop them if that becomes necessary. Using the predictable and timed noises from the smelter, he moves quietly and as unobtrusively as possible. Once he has gotten as close as possible without alerting his prey, he settles in to wait and watch. On a whim he removes one magic round from his long barrel Colt and replaces it with an unusual and especially nasty magic round that he liberated from the Cowboy Gang.

Twenty minutes pass with little visible movement from the man ahead, from which Jake can primarily make out just a dark hat and clothing. The man then shifts position, standing up to stretch. Jake is not one-hundred percent certain, but based upon the man's height, build, movement and what little Jake just now saw of the left side of the man's face it appear to be Wyatt Earp. The man returns to his crouched down position with the rifle and readjusts his aim towards the buildings.

Jake slowly and quietly maneuvers himself closer to the man. He stays low so he does not give either one of them away. In a faint voice he begins speaking. "Here I am out looking for the elusive saffron breasted western desert rock snipe. Thought I had seen one. When they are hidden and waiting for their prey you can only find them by noticing their long beaks. Instead I find you. Strange coincidence." A short pause. "Planning to kill anyone whose death would improve my day?"

Without turning his head or showing any indication of surprise Earp replies, "Perhaps....ever gone hunting for quail Cook?" Jake replies, "No. Is that a bird that needs to be flushed out? More importantly, am I going to regret having asked that question?" Earp answers, "Yes, it is a bird that needs flushed out. It appeared that was what you and your friends were fixing to do, which would have suited me just fine. Two of Morgan's brother's killers and the one responsible for Warren's death too are using that building as a sanctuary. I haven't been able to act because Sheriff Deputies Leslie and Nagle have been guarding them, but that shooting two hours or so ago seems to have drawn that pair away."

Jake shrugs, though Earp cannot see it knowing Jake as he does he must imagine that is his response. "I saw a rifle barrel pointed in my general direction. It distracted me." A pause. "You will likely not believe me or possibly even care, but there is something in that building far worse than the murderers of your kin." Another pause. "I suppose I will be back about my business. Enjoy your hunt Mr. Earp." Earp replies, "Very good Mr. Cook. You and your friends don't need to worry, I never miss my intended targets."

Which does not mean you do not kill or harm others intentionally, Jake muses to himself as he moves quietly back around the way he came. Once back on the street, he looks about for the others. He sees them conspicuously gathered together a short distance away. While still awaiting Jake’s return Kate comments, "We can't wait much longer." She'd never realized that the suddenness of these things was what kept her calm. Her stomach was churning hard enough that she was almost sick. "And once those buildings are shaded I can't go with you."

He joins them and Kate asked when he approached. ""What's the news, Jake? Time is running short." Tomlinson also asks, "Well Mr. Cook, what was the problem?" Jake answers, "Wyatt Earp is hunting those that killed his kin. He is just waiting for an opportunity. I suggest we ignore him and continue with our business. At worst he is a distraction to those in the building. He may even prove useful, but he has his own demons and has little interest in ours." He looks expectantly from face to face. "So, have we settled on a plan yet?" Kate replies, "There was ever a plan?