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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty, “Capture of the Hooded Riders“, Friday, June 16th, 8:45 A.M.

As Judge Isby was about to adjourn court Hank Hill pops his head in and states, “Not so fast Judge, I’ve got a few more guys here for ya.” Coming in the door behind him are other members of Hank’s group also known as Arcade’s Gang, namely Josiah ‘Arcade’ Arcadiam, ‘Sure-shot’ Sam, and the half-orc Louie also accompanied by rancher Ricardo Perez. Each of the four escorting a man with a hood over his head and hands tied behind his back.

All four hooded men appear to have firearms wounds with torn and bloody clothing, as does the half-orc Louie. The final two people to enter are Morgana Arcadiam and Francesca Perez. Out the window Kate sees a horse drawn wagon parked in front of the building with Ricardo’s father Hosea Perez seated in it. Hank announces, “I’ve got those hooded riders who were terrorizing the town.” He pulls the hood off from the first one revealing a gagged Jason Snavely, a previously proven member of the riders who had escaped from jail earlier in the week.

There is much commotion in the room so Judge Isby pounds the gavel to restore order. The Judge then says, “This is all of them?” Hill replies, “No, three more are outside in the wagon. We tried to take’em all alive but those three wouldn’t have it.” Kate stared. After they'd managed to escape, Snavely and Scull had both stayed in the area. If they had any sense they'd have both been long gone. She waited to find out if one of those men was Ichabod Shackelton.

Marshall Berg asks, “Where did you find these men?” Hill replies, “They were holed up out at the Perez Ranch. We followed their ringleader Ashley King out to there and then moved in to rescue the Perez family” Francesca exclaims, “They’ve been holding us hostage four five days.” Berg gestures to the prisoners and asks, “Is King is one of these men?” Hank says, “No, he’s one of the three outside in the wagon.”

“Who are the two out there with him?” Judge Isby asks. Hill replies, “One was the town’s baker Don Hudson, and we’re told the other was Ashley’s cousin Luther King.” Kate fought the urge to run over to Francesa Perez. Ashley King was dead, and she could find no feelings of regret over that. What would the King's do now? She took a deep breath. Thankfully their vigilantism had thus far been undetected. Berg interjects, “Luther King is wanted for robbing a Wells Fargo Stagecoach last year in the western side of this county. There’s a $ 500 reward for him, dead or alive.”

Judge Isby states to Hill , “Well then, I would say that turns out to be a very good thing for you and your friends Mr. Hill.” Hank says, “Yep, we can sure use the money.” Judge Isby says, “I’m wasn’t talking about the reward money. I don’t endorse vigilantes in my jurisdiction and would be obligated to bring your Arcade’s Gang up on charges for your actions this morning, but bounty hunting is another matter altogether, legal and fully endorsed by the Arizona Territory.”

Berg walks forward to unveil the prisoners. The hood is yanked off of one man, revealing him to be Bill Watkin’s son Kirby. The next one is revealed as school teacher Icabod Shackelton. The final one is Grant Porter, the sixteen-year-old son of the new town Apothecary. All three men are gagged to prevent them from speaking. The Judge says, “Marshal Berg, how long would it take for you to conduct a quick but thorough investigation of the facts for a trial?”

Berg replies, “Probably a couple of hours. We’ve already fully investigated what they did here in town and at the Last Ditch Mine. I’ll just need some time to talk to the Perez family here and probably get a few of the dwarven miners to come into town to testify.” Isby says, “Then we’ll reconvene for a trial at 4:00 P.M at the Promise City Town Hall How many can you accommodate in your jail until then? It seems to be getting rather full?”

Berg says, “I’ll go talk to the Deputy Sheriffs, there’s still time this morning for us to get Ike Clanton onto the Tombstone stagecoach to the County Jail and to get Mike Moore on the Wilcox stagecoach and off to the Territorial Prison in Prescott, that’ll free up some space.” Judge Isby says, “Okay, go coordinate that. Mr. Tomlinson and I can watch these four in the short-term. Find room for misters Snavely, Shackelton and Watkins. We’ll keep the Porter boy here and hopefully somebody can go round up his father to come and join us for a little chat.”

Kate had to wonder just how much Bill Watkins had to do with his son's participation in all this. But they'd heard before the man had been most displeased with the boy helping the Cowboy Gang, so she might be letting her prejudices run away with her. Shackelton was no surprise at all. With his arrest, there would be no teacher for the Moral Values school. Unless they filled that vacancy quickly, her school might be growing in the next week. She kept her seat, waiting to make sure all the court business was done.

Chester thinks, “At this rate, the next Marshall will the last guy alive on election day“. Dismissing the grim thought, he comes forward to take Snavely, Watkins and Shackleton into custody. "Come on you bunch. Time to find some space for you." Shackelton jerks his head wildly around and makes noises through his gag indicating that he wishes to speak. Isby motions for Tomlinson to ungag him. The school teacher blurts out “I demand a lawyer.”

Isby motions for Tomlinson to regag him and states, “A valid point. I’d say that all three of the town’s lawyers have clear conflicts-of-interest in this case, one being the Marshal and the other two belonging to political parties that your group allegedly attacked. But there are a number of folks who have arrived in town for the poker tournament, we’ll check and see if any of them might hold a law degree.”

Isby stands and says, “Thank you Mr. Hill for your community service. Marshal Berg will be contacting you and we’ll obviously be needing you and the Perez family all back later as witnesses for the trial.” He turns to his bailiff and says, “Mr. Tomlinson, we are adjourned until 4:00 P.M. Once Mr. Earp is escorted out you may then clear the court room.” Wyatt Earp is handcuffed to Chester and they depart, with Deputy Marshal Barker at Attorney Upton following a short distance behind them.

Chester escorts Earp to the office, asking him along the way. "Why'd you do it, Wyatt? Why couldn't you have let the justice system take care of them? Now you're going to hang and leave Josie alone." Earp replies, "I just couldn't let Palmer get away again. He was directly involved in the deaths of both Morgan and Warren. He was also in thick with Ringo, in fact Palmer was the one who talked Ringo into using targeted bullets, one of which had your name on it. And now he was about to get himself elected to the Town Council under the guise of Bronco Madson. It was an abomination that you and your friends gave me an opportunity to rectify, so I took it."

Chester says, "I can't say I'm very sorry that he's gone. maybe the judge will go easy on you for that. You know him better than me, so is that likely?" Earp replies, "Deputy Martin, I've been both a lawman and gambler. You play the cards you are dealt. I man see a rope before this day is done, but my brothers will now both rest easier. For me that's a fair trade." Chester nods. "I reckon that justice sometimes means going outside the law. Just as long as you're willing to accept what comes afterwards. Do you think though, that your brothers would want you to join them in Hades?" Earp replies to the Deputy, "I reckon that I've earned myself a place there."

As people started to chatter Kate's mind began to work. The Liberty party was gone, the arrest of so many connected to Law and Order candidates would hurt that party, and Bob Sculls conviction would do Adair's party no good. Things were looking quite good for the Unity party today.

She hurried over to Francesca Perez. "I'm so glad you're alright," Kate said. "I had my suspicions about Shackelton, and Ashley King as well, but nothing to act on. It must have been horrible for you." Francesca replies, "Si, it was. The only consolation was that they kept their head covered the entire time, which we interpreted to mean they were not planning to kill us." Kate replies, "Thank the gods for that. They must have been quiet about what they had being as well, then, unless they were ignorant enough to discuss their plans in front of you."

She replies, "We were confined to our rooms on the second floor of the farmhouse except for when they were hungry, when they would make me cook for them. We were mostly guarded by the one who I now found out was the bank teller Snavely. He was friendly and polite the entire time. The truth is, even if we had seen his face we wouldn't have recognized him, we do our banking at Frank Condon's bank instead of the one Snavely worked at."

Kate says, "I saw Snavely on Sunday outside my school. His hood had flapped up and I saw his face. They must have gone out to your ranch right after their rampage through town. What could have motivated them? Most of these aren't the kind of men you'd think would do this." Kate shook her head. "I'm sure you want to go and I'm keeping you. If there's anything we can help with just let me know. I imagine you're a little behind on your ranch work." Francesca replies, "I will talk to Emery about that. We're probably due for another Cattleman's Association Meeting anyway."

Kate adds, "Sunday or Monday night, I imagine. There is the play and the poker tournament this weekend; it might be hard to get everyone together. I'm glad you're alright. I'll see you this afternoon at the Town Hall, I must get myself to the school." Francesca states, She replies, "And I need to go talk to Marshal Berg along with my husband and his father." Kate said goodbye and made her way through the crowd and out into the fresh air where she hurried back to school, uncertain about the time.

Classes have only been in session for around fifteen minutes when Kate arrives and Ginnie appears to be doing fine with the group of students who Kate normal takes. Meghan gets her students going with a self-directed assignment and heads over to Kate asking, "What happened? Did they decide to hang Earp?"

Kate kept her voice down so only Meghan would hear. "The trial will be held Monday. It will be a jury trial in order to prevent any appearance of impropriety. Judge Isby wants no chances of a conviction being turned over on appeal. Attorney Upton asked for the weekend to prepare a case. He'd had no opportunity to speak with Earp privately. Bob Skull was sentenced to hang, Ike Clanton got three years for using Wizard magics, and Elmer Koontz will hang for the bank robbery. The best news today is that Arcade's Gang brought in those hooded riders. Ichabod Shackelton was one of them. So was Ashely King, but he resisted being brought in. He was killed in the fight."

Meghan replies, "Oh my! What happens to their so-called School of Moral Values?" Kate answers, "I don't know, but Doctor Eaton only taught there part-time, and at his debate he suggested combining all the children into one school. I think we should be prepared for an influx of students. It's not good to become a slave to the values of appearance. The values we teach here will serve the students much better." Meghan agrees.

The morning goes drags on slowly for Kate at the school, perhaps due to the fact that so much has gone on. During lunch time she has two visitors, the first being Conrad to tell her that the guest speakers will arrive at around 1:00 P.M. The other is Josiah Young, selling copies of the Friday Promise City Mirror. All of the front page contains information that she already knew having been at the court room earlier, under the headlines of "Hank Hill Stops Hooded Riders", "Earp Jury Trial Set for Monday" and "Koontz and Skull to hang this evening."

Josiah is beaming and announces to the teachers that he and Angela now have another son. Kate states, "Oh, that is wonderful! From your face I can tell Angela came through just fine as well. She must be exhausted. I don't suppose the announcement of your little one's birth is in the paper?" He replies, "Oh yes, a small item on the bottom of page eleven under the heading ‘Local Announcements‘". "Well then, I think I need another copy of that paper so I can send the announcement to my brother Henry."

After Josiah was on his way, Kate looked at the announcement, then through the rest of the paper. An insides story gives some further details of Pinto Joe Weams attempted prison break on Tuesday in Colorado that resulting in him being shot to death by a guard. Another story mentions many celebrities who have arrived in town for the poker tournament including gunslinger John Wesley Hardin who is said to have killed over twenty men, Commodore Duvval a noted Mississippi River gambler, gunslinger Ben Thompson who is now the Town Marshal of Austin Texas, Edwin Booth the celebrated Actor, Brett Maverick a well-known gambler and Joseph Cartwright whose family owns a large ranch in Nevada. Kate was amazed at the number of people here for that tournament. She would be very busy at work, and hopefully no one would manage to sneak a weapon past Jeff and Thom.

Mother and son are both fine. The rest of the paper has few surprises, mostly repetitions of advertisements that had also appeared in both of the previous day's editions, as there had been little time since then to prepare new copy.

The only other story of interest is regarding the telegraph service. Western Union operator Dave Melany announces that the telegraph lines run all but a six-mile stretch between Promise City and Tombstone and that Western Union has temporarily set up telegraph stations at the ends of both lines with riders in between, resulting in a delay of only ninety-minutes for a message to travel between the two towns. He says that if all continues on schedule the remaining lines will be in place by Monday afternoon.

The paper mentions the boy's name of Conrad Henry Young. He was delivered at 11:14 P.M. by midwife Elizabeth Eaton. Kate indulged in a moment of daydreaming; picturing her own little boy running and shouting with Angela's. "I'll be able to wire Henry about his namesake," Kate said, pointing out that the telegraph would soon be complete. "How nice to hear some truly good news."

Josiah says "Yes, Mrs. Eaton says that Angela should take the next week off from work but if I know her she'll be there to cover the Earp trail. She feels that Chumbley has too much of a bias in regards to the Earp family and wants the Mirror to be impartial. At any rate, she won't be lugging newspapers around town for a while." Kate asks, “She thinks Mr. Chumbley has a bias about the Earps? In what way? He's always tried to be impartial as far as I can tell."

Josiah replies, "But he also worked for John Clum, who was very close friends to the Earps. Angela fears that if the trial goes against Earp, which is very likely, Chumbley will make the story sound like a travesty of justice. That would hardly be fair to Judge Isby, who I have no doubt will try to keep things as fair as possible."

Kate answers, “As he showed this morning by agreeing to a jury trial. We should let you go so you can get back to work. Congratulations, Mr. Young," Kate said, smiling. As Josiah left she thought about what he'd said. It was more a matter of curiosity now, but Chumbley had been in Tombstone when Tom was killed. How much had he known of the truth?

Meghan and Mollie both look over the paper during lunch. Meghan comments "I hope I don't get selected for that jury. I do not think that I could ever sentence a man to hang no matter how guilty he is." Kate says, "I couldn't either, and I won't attend them. I wouldn't be chosen for that jury. Wyatt Earp saved my brother's life in Tombstone; I'm certain that will be enough to disqualify me. I'm not even sure I want him to be convicted. What he's been doing is absolutely wrong, but the alternative is the Cowboy Gang."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-one, “Hero Worship“, Friday, June 16th, 12:45 P.M.

The teachers' lunch is interrupted by a knock on the door. Kate opens the door to see Doctor James Eaton standing there, with his three children Rebecca, Philby and Tad standing around ten feet behind him. He says in a soft tone, "Good afternoon Mrs. Kale. Would it be too much of an imposition to ask that my children be permitted to spend the afternoon here at your school? You may have or may not have heard but the other school is closed today. I've just been called to attend an emergency meeting of the Vigilance Committee which will most-likely take the entire afternoon. Normally my wife Beth would be free to watch the children, but she's still attending to Mrs. Young and the newborn."

"They're very welcome, of course," Kate answered without hesitation. "Would you like me to include them in our classes, or just allow them to study their lessons on their own?" Mollie Caudell steps forward and with her hands on her hips and in an indignant tone of voice says "Not so fast. Doctor, I think that you have a lot of nerve! After doing nothing but bad-mouth our school for the last two weeks you suddenly find it is alright for your children to be here when you find yourself in need of a babysitter!"

Kate stared for a moment, although she shouldn't have been surprised. For one of the few times in her life, she just wasn't sure how to handle this one. She states, "Mollie, I told the town that all children will be welcome here, and I don't want to go back on my word. I understand, though. It is rather confusing, but also an opportunity. Doctor Eaton said some interesting things at his debate which made me think he has been examining his views."

"I have indeed," the Doctor states. "I understand your feelings on this issue Mrs. Caudell and while I am not going to make excuses for my....former colleagues….the animosity towards the Hoover School originated from them and not myself. Mrs. Kale and I have had a few conversations regarding a potential merger. And I am here not looking for a babysitter for my children, there are mothers of other children from my school I could leave them with at the moment. I want them here now primarily due to the meeting I must now go and attend. Actions speak louder than words and my leaving my own children in your care will speak volumes to the others on the Committee."

Kate says, "Our discussions have so far been about cessation of hostilities, to tell the truth. May I ask what your message is? Beyond reconciliation between the schools. I get the impression you mean more than that." Eaton replies, "Mrs. Kale, Mrs. Caudell, Mrs. O'Hara, there is no need for two separate schools in this town. It is not right for the children and is a needless duplication of precious resources. Regardless of who wins the election I would hope that the new Town Council makes a town sponsored school the first order of business once they are sworn into office. And based upon what I have learned from the Goddess Diana I personally want it to be this school under the supervision of Mrs. Kale."

Kate blinked and coughed. "Thank you, Doctor. I'm not sure I would be the right choice as a teacher, since the ranch often pulls me away unexpectedly, but I would certainly want to stay involved. You are right, there is no need for two schools here. And Mrs. O'Hara and Mrs. Caudell would make excellent teachers for a town school," she said and looked over to them, wishing one of them would speak.

Meghan steps forward and says, "Doctor, things have been rather tense lately for everybody and emotions are quite high at the moment. We would be happy to have your children spend the afternoon with us. Today we have some guest speakers coming who I am sure they will find very interesting and educational." She steps forward and asks, "So what are your children's names?" The Doctor motions his children forward and introduces them.

The teachers smiled and greeted the three children. "Our classes start again in about ten minutes. If you'd like to go outside and play with the others there are some of the things from the festival in that box there," Kate said with a warm smile. "Otherwise you can wait inside until we get started again and I'll get you settled." Kate turned back to Doctor Eaton. "I hope things go well at your meeting. Is there somewhere we should send you children if you haven't been by for them before school gets out?"

Eaton replies, "If you tell me what time that will be I will be certain to be back in time. I can always call the meeting to take a break if necessary. Thank you so very much Mrs. Kale." "It's no difficulty," Kate said and told him when school usually let out. "I hope your meeting goes as smoothly as it can." Doctor Eaton nodded and after Philby and Tad had gathered a few things from the box he took his children out to where the others were playing, then left for the committee meeting.

Kate says to the other two teachers, "You're probably both wondering what he meant by the Goddess Diana business. If you can stay after dismissal for a bit I'll explain it all." Rebecca Eaton interjects, “Mother told us, she was summoned to meet the Goddess and was told that you have been blessed." Kate blushed. "I thought you'd gone with your brothers, Rebecca. Your mother came to see me last Saturday, although Diana had already told me she had arranged for someone to take care of me. What exactly did your mother tell you?"

The nine-year-old girl Rebecca states, "She said that you are the chosen one of the gods. It will be an honor to attend your school Mrs. Kale. I hope that I prove myself worthy to be in your presence." "Honey, listen to me," Kate said and got down so she was no taller than Rebecca. "I'm just an ordinary person, no better than anyone else who lives in this town. You don't need to be worthy to be in my presence, in fact, I'm honored to have you and your brothers here. The Goddess blesses many people, every day. Including your mother."

Rebecca nods and her face turns red. She rushes back into the school to join her brothers. "A bit of hero worship there wouldn't you say?" Meghan comments. "More than a bit. This is the kind of thing I was afraid of," Kate sighed. She looked around to make sure no one beside the other two teachers were in earshot. "I'll explain more fully after school. The short version is Diana brought my Thomas back to me to say goodbye. This was in March. Her blessing to us both is the child we always wanted. She also arranged for Mrs. Eaton to act as midwife for me. Which has had the excellent side effect of getting the Doctor and his wife to reconsider their attitude toward me."

Mollie had already been told part of the story so takes Kate's revelation in stride. Mrs. O'Hara apparently believes it as well as she just smiles and says, "Katherine, you might have been better blessed to not have to go through pregnancy, I've done it nine times and can assure you it is no picnic."

Kate hugged Meghan. "Oh no, I want to go through it. When you've been afraid you never well, or can't... I'm so glad you both know now. I've hated not sharing this, but before Rebecca said what she did there was no reason for you not to believe I was crazy. Or trying to excuse my condition. Rebecca’s reaction is the other reason I've wanted to keep the truth quiet. I don't want to become some holy object to people, or the destination of pilgrimages."

Mollie smiles and replies, "I think we will both manage to keep our cool, that is, provided that you still find us worthy to be in your presence." "On the contrary. I'm not certain I'm worthy to be in yours!" Kate laughed lightly. "Our visitors should be here soon, I suppose it's time to get back to work." The three went inside and got the Eaton children settled before the visitors arrived.

At exactly 1:00 P.M. there is a knock on the door. Kate answers to see Conrad Booth standing there. Behind him are Edwin Booth and two other well-dressed gentlemen. One looks to be in his early thirties and is attired in a three-piece suit, silk shirt and tie and top hat. The other man is shorter, thin with a mustache and eyeglasses and appears to be in his early twenties. Kate smiled warmly at Conrad then extended her hand to Edwin. "What a pleasure to see you again, sir. Would you introduce me to your friends?"

Edwin gestures to the older man and says, "Yes, Katherine Kale, this is Edward Julius Berwind, a successful Philadelphia businessman in the coal industry. He then gestures to the younger man and says, "And this is a friend of mine from a prominent family in New York City, Theodore Roosevelt. He has always wanted to see the west."

Kate states, "Mr. Berwin, Mr. Roosevelt, it's my pleasure. The west is beautiful, Mr. Roosevelt. I'm sure you will fall in love with it just as my brother did when he was here. My colleagues Mrs. Meghan O'Hara and Mrs. Mollie Caudell." As they all greeted each other Kate took a moment to say hello to Conrad. When the introductions were over Kate asked. "Who would like to speak first? I'll introduce you to the class and we can get started. The children have been excited all day." Edwin says, "Let's go in chronological order based upon the oldest, that would be me."

Kate spoke briefly to the students, recalling how they'd been studying plays and Shakespeare in particular, then introducing Mr. Booth. The children all said hello as they'd been taught, then settled in to listen. The teachers found places on the outside of the room with their other guests. Kate whispered to Conrad, "Can you stay, or do you have to go get ready?" "I wouldn't miss this for anything," he replies.

Edwin Booth steps forward and begins with a dramatic scene from Richard III. He then shifts gears and demonstrates his versatility with a short scene among the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream. He then begins a short interactive lecture/discussion with the children about the timelessness of Shakespeare and the parallels between Elizabethan England and the Arizona Territory, demonstrating that he has done some good research about the territory. The next half hour is spent taking questions from the audience and Kate sees that he has a natural rapport with youngsters.

Kate was pleased to see her students excited and asking enough questions to keep the elder Booth quite busy. Many of them had remembered school as a place to be seen and not heard, and it was a habit that was hard to break with some of them. "He has a natural touch with them," Kate said quietly to Conrad. She stole a glance at the Eaton children to see what they might be thinking. The Eaton children appear to be marginally entertained.

Edwin introduces the next speaker, Edward Julius Berwind. Mr. Berwin talks first about the silver mines in and around the town asking the students questions to test their knowledge of the operations. Not surprisingly it is the O'Hara children who provide the most answers given what they have been told by their older brother and uncle who work at one. From there Berwin begins talking about the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and of the similarities and differences between the types of mining. He then explains his job of being a mine owner and manager of the day-to-day operations and of the importance of good planning and having a vision for the future.

Kate asked her own question, asking about the longevity of coal mines versus silver mines. He explains that the geology is different stating "Coal mines are comprised primarily of coal while silver tends to run in thin veins intermixed with other forms of rock. As such, they also play out quicker." Kate says, "Which is why we are lucky here to have the development of ranches and the Von Zeppelin's new enterprise. The mines may last for decades, but when they do play out we will have the infrastructure in place to support the town without them."

Berwind entertains questions for another half-hour. He then introduces Mr. Roosevelt. The young man lectures about the value of a good education. He speaks of his four years at Harvard where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then speaks about his eighteen months at Columbia Law School, which he left before finishing his degree, explaining how he felt that wasn't his calling. He says that last November he was elected an Assemblyman to the New York legislature, the youngest man even elected to that body. He is then asked a question by young Matt Santos asking, "What was the most inspirational moment of your life?"

Roosevelt replies, "That would be in 1865, watching the funeral procession through the Streets of New York of Abraham Lincoln from the upstairs window of my Grandfather's house. I was only six at the time but it occurred to me then how much Mr. Lincoln accomplished in his life and how any of us could accomplish as much if we set our minds to it." Seven-year-old Consuela Tolucca asks, "What will you do with your life now?" He says that while he has always admired the west and wanted to visit it, his life is back east with his Legislative responsibilities and that his wife Alice and he hopes that they are blessed soon with children.

Kate asks, "What do you hope to accomplish in the New York Legislature? What issues did you base your campaign on?" He replies, "One of the first things I did was convene a Cities Conference, taking the cities back from the political machinery of the corrupt parties and bosses who had run things up until this. I have been called a number of things, audacious, bombastic, and naive being the most vocal criticism, but with morality on my side I will be victorious because the corrupt have no defense that can be justified."

Kate nodded and said to the students, "This is the power of the vote. The people of New York voted for Mr. Roosevelt, and those votes have helped clean up the government there. We are just beginning our government here, and our votes will determine what kind of laws we live under." Roosevelt turns the discussion back on the teachers, asking them a number of questions regarding the upcoming election. He is quite pleased and favorably comments about the town's decision to extend the vote to all races and genders as well as recognizing that citizens as young as sixteen be allowed to participate.

When the discussion is over he proposed that the three speakers remain for a short while to answer any other questions the audience may have. The children are told they can go visit whichever one they wish. Not surprisingly, most of the girls in the class immediately flock to Edwin Booth while the majority of the boys head over to Mr. Berwind. A trio of students head over towards Roosevent, namely Consuela Tolucca, Matthew Snatos and Herbert Hoover.

Kate floated over toward where Mr. Roosevelt was sitting, listening to what the children would ask. She also took note of who went where, especially girls who went to see Mr. Berwin, or boys who wanted to see Mr. Booth. Any hints as to where the children’s interests lay could help her offer what they needed to feed them.

Roosevelt becomes even more animated with the smaller group, telling them how he envisions a time when anybody can grow up to become President of the United States regardless of social class, race and gender. He then freezes in mid-motion. Kate looks around the room and notes that time has frozen for everyone except her. She then sees the Goddess Diana, attired again in Native American garb, seated on the chair beside her.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-two, “The Train to Albany“, Friday, June 16th, 10:45 A.M.

Richard comes back down stairs and says to Ruby, "Jane will be continuing on with us. She says that Aphrodite wishes for you to be trained and that is her primary mission regardless of whatever it is that has come between the two of you." Ruby nods. “I hope nothing has come between us, whatever that may be is up to Jane.” Ruby chats casually with her grandmother until it is time to leave.

James and Richard work to arrange the contents of the truck into the various suitcases, hidden between and beneath things so that if anybody were to open the cases the documents would not be immediately noticed. A carriage pulls out front, one more ornate than those they had ridden in before. James says, "I've asked a friend to take us to the Depot. Given what has transpired I thought that safer." Ruby replies, "That seems very wise. And I'm glad you're escorting us."

Ruby climbs into the carriage, taking a seat by the window. As they enter the carriage and James introduces Ruby to a man seated inside, Timothy Powers, Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. She offers her hand, "Very nice to meet you Sir." She looks too James, "My, you have some very important friends!" She looks back to the man and smiles. "What's it like being the Deputy Commissioner of the Police Department of this crazy city?"

He replies, "Actually Tarrytown isn't part of the city, but the answer to your question is that it is rather time consuming. We has a string of corruption in the department a while back but I think that is all behind us now." He turns to James and says, "On the phone you said there might be a problem?" James summarizes for him the story about the crate of documents and of finding the house having been broken into a searched the night before. He omits mentioning that the documents were in the house at the time and with them now."

Commissioner powers signals for the driver to pull over. He exits and tells the driver and guard to take a round-about way to the train depot and to be on the lookout for anybody who might be following them. The coach resumes its journey. Ruby says, "I have to admit, I'm relieved that someone will be watching out for my grandmother and James. This whole thing has made me nervous."

Powers replies, "Well, your grandfather, Mr. Parker did our department a great favor not that long ago and we feel obligated to return it. Tarrytown doesn't really have the manpower for what it sounds like may be needed but I can pull some strings to get our force to assist." She asks, "Oh? What did he do?" Powers says, "That corruption I spoke about, James played a significant part in assisting us in catching the culprits. We set up a sting operation with James in the role of man offering the bribes. He put himself at risk for us in order to clean up the town."

"James!" Ruby says surprised, "That was very noble of you. Did you ever think that your current trouble might also be because of that?" He replies, "Of course I did although at present I can't see how the two could be connected. But that is why I felt the need to contact Commissioner Powers." "I understand," she nods. "Well, please keep a good eye on them Commissioner. They are very dear to me." Ruby smiles and makes polite conversation but doesn't mention it again. She watches out the window as the sites go by, hoping it won't be long until she sees them again.

They arrive back at the train station in short order. The driver and guard indicate that they did not see anybody following. Commissioner Powers and guard, apparently a plainclothes detective as Powers calls him Lieutenant, accompany them to the train with the bags. Nana gives Ruby a big hug while James shakes Richard's hand. Ruby returns the hug, squeezing her grandmother tightly. "Nana, please say you'll write. We're supposed to be getting a telegraph in Promise City, you could do it that way, or send a letter. Either way, please keep in touch. Now that I've found you I don't want to lose you."

Nana replies, "Ruby, you I have no intention of you loosing me, that's why I sent you the dress." Nana gives her a kiss on her the cheek and tells her again how much she loves her. "I love you too Nana!" She pulls back slightly from her grandmother and looks to James, "Take care of each other you too. I'll see you soon." With that Ruby kisses her grandmother's cheek, then James's cheek, then Nana's cheek again before bouncing onto the train. She takes a window seat and waves vigorously to them before the rain pulls away.

Richard sits down beside Ruby while Jane takes the window seat on opposite side of the aisle across from Richard. "Janie, you haven't said much. Are we okay?" Ruby asks, obviously concerned. "Yes Ruby, I am fine," she replies in a cold and serious tone of voice. Ruby answers "You don't sound fine. You sound quite upset actually. You should have gone home." Ruby stares at her friend overlong before she looks away.

"I cannot go home, I have an obligation to my Goddess!" Jane states. Richard stands and says, "Perhaps the two of you should sit together for this conversation. I think I'll go find the dining car." Ruby says, "There isn't going to be a conversation Richard, but feel free to find the dining car if you wish. Jane here doesn't seem to understand that in the current state of things, which I have just figured out, I won't be doing any sort of training and she is wasting her time." Ruby crosses her arms across her chest and shifts her body to look out the window.

Jane's eyes flare up and she says, "Ruby, weren't you paying any attention last night! Aphrodite has commanded for me to train you. We cannot go against the wishes of a Goddess!" Ruby turns her head to face her friend. "Jane Boag, I said nothing of disobeying the goddess. But training in her ways is MY choice. And if we can't even talk civilly then it's not time to do this. I don't want you to be hurt and I don't want to be hurt myself. I have gone through this too many times, it's why I stopped making friends. You're my friend and I love you but I can see that right now is not the time for this. "

She turns back to the window, "And not for nothing but I have enough to fret over today than to worry about this." "I need your help goddess, please help me." Jane pauses, "Those were your words Ruby. And so Aphrodite made me to see beyond my own selfish desires so that I can now objectively train you. That is my duty to both you and to her." Ruby states, "She may have done that Janie. But now I know how you feel and I can't stay around you knowing that it's hurting you this much. I do need her help. But I can't do that at your expense."

Jane states, "Forcing me to go away would hurt me more Ruby, I must do as the goddess commands, that is more important than anything and everything else." "Fine...," Ruby replies sharply, "Fine. I won't ask how you are or how you feel okay? I'm not pushing you away. Let's just leave the rest alone right now. I have to start thinking about what I am going to say to George." "I will go find Richard," Jane states. She stands and walks away.

Ruby sighs. That didn't go as planned... And it's only because I do care about her... She shakes her head and looks out the window again. The trip was long but before she knew it they would be in Rochester. Ruby's belly yet again uncharacteristically fills with butterflies and a smile comes to her face. She leans her forehead up against the window and sets to her thoughts.

The leg of the journey to Albany goes uneventfully. Richard and Jane return from the other car, both sitting in the seats on the opposite side of the train as Ruby. They reach the State Capital at 2:15 P.M. and have to disembark as it is a different train that will take them west. They have a 75-minute long layover until the next train. Richard gathers up all of the luggage, leaving Jane and Ruby standing together on the train platform.

They stand in uncomfortable silence, both fidgeting. Finally Ruby breaks the silence. "Janie, I don't want us to fight. I don't want our trip to be soured by us fighting. Please, just tell me what you want me to do. Leaving you completely alone isn't an option." Jane replies, "Aphrodite wishes for me to train you. You are here in part to seek answers regarding the heart. Even if you do not love this George Eastman, he loves you, and has said prayers and made donations to my Goddess. She seeks to give both of you honest answers, just as she did to me last night. We need time to work together."

A surprised look comes to Ruby's face. "He still loves me? I thought for sure when he left without a word he must have gotten over me..." Ruby starts biting at her lip but when she realizes it she forces herself to stop. "Alright Jane, we need time. I don't suppose we could do it on the train? What kind of time and space do we need? I'm ready when you are. As long as you are okay with it..." Jane states, "We will work on it tonight at whatever lodgings we get in Rochester, unless you'd rather spend tonight here in Albany. You can visit Mr. Eastman tomorrow."

"Oh." Ruby's face drops a little. "I was, uh, looking forward to seeing George tonight. Well, maybe we can stop by and see him so he's knows we're here and he can hopefully make time for me tomorrow. I'd rather get to Rochester. I'm tired of traveling. Plus, I put on this whole outfit..."
She glances at Jane's face for her reaction. "What do you want to do?" Jane replies, "Why don't we get to Rochester and find lodgings. The two of us could then begin to communicate with the Goddess then. You might still be able to see George this evening."

Ruby nods. "Alright, let's do that." She starts heading back onto the train but pauses. "I just don't want us to fight. You're too important to me Janie." Jane states, "Ruby, I am not fighting with you. I don't know how you got the impression that I was." "Well... we weren't really agreeing...," Ruby blushes. "I guess we weren't. I was just expecting it. I‘m glad we're not fighting." Ruby squeezes her friends hand then hops back up on the train. "Let's go!" she says with a smile.

Jane replies, "There is no rush Ruby, our next train isn't even here yet." Richard returns to them with the luggage. He says, "Ruby, you haven't eaten yet. There is a diner around the corner if you want to either get a quick bite now or pick up something to eat along the next leg of our journey." Ruby says, "Oh I got so flustered I didn't even realize." She looks to her friends, "Sure, let's go around the block to the diner and get something to eat. I've been so preoccupied I hadn't even thought of it. Lead the way Richard."

The diner has twelve tables as well as stools by the bar. Richard escorts the ladies to a table and tells the waitress that they only have a half-hour until their train. She suggests the house special, steak and cheese sandwiches, and asks what they would like for beverages with the meal. Ruby says, "The steak sandwich sounds wonderful. And I'll have an iced tea please."

After the waitress leaves Ruby picks at her napkin. "So, what did you two think of my grandparents?" Jane replies, "I think that they are wonderful people. I can see that much of your personality comes from your mother. Can I assume from what you've said about your mother that it has skipped the generation in between?" Ruby starts to laugh but stops abruptly. "Yes, that is correct. I always wondered how I turned out so differently from my mother. My mother is the most manipulative and ruthless person you've ever met. Well... maybe I have some of that in me, but I honestly think my mother is missing a heart. You wouldn't want to meet her, trust me."

Jane replies, "You are correct in that assessment if you say that she has no heart. My life is dedicated to the affairs of the heart." Ruby smiles at her friend. "And it's a good occupation for you Jane." She turns to Richard, "How about you, what do you think of my grandparents?" He replies, "I found them to be overly inquisitive but other than that they appeared to be very nice people. I could see why you desired to visit them."

Ruby states, "I think they were inquisitive because they are concerned. About who my friends are." She lowers her voice. "They are convinced you are the same person in that book of theirs." Ruby locks eyes with Richard and asks, "How old are you Richard?" Ruby pays careful attention to whether he is telling the truth or not as he speaks. He lowers his voice so that Jane cannot hear and says, "I am a few years shy of three-hundred. We can discuss this later when Jane is not around." Ruby nods her head in agreement and changes the subject. "Where is lunch? I'm starving!" The food and beverages arrives and the three have a quick meal with a minimum of conversation.

They then head back to the railroad station, where the westbound train has arrived. This is an older train with mostly freight cars and only a single passenger car. The car is around two-thirds filled, mostly businessmen from the look of them but also a contingent of a dozen sailors from the United States Navy. Ruby's lips form into a smirk. "Well, this trip just got more interesting." As she settles into her seat she doesn't try to hide the fact she is looking over the sailors.

Without taking her eyes off the men she comments, "Hey, neither of you commented on my new haircut. Do you like it?" Richard says, "It looks fine Ruby." Jane says, "To be totally honest, I preferred it long." "That doesn't sound like two positive votes," Ruby says with a raised eyebrow. "And it's still long, it's halfway down my back!" She shrugs. "Oh well. I wanted a change." She smiles mischievously, "Jane, look at all those sailors over there. Aren't you interested in finding out how hard they work for our country?" "What exactly do you have in mind," Jane asks. The smirk stays on Ruby's face. "Just a little conversation is all... Come on it'll be fun." Ruby takes Jane by the hand and pulls her up, dragging her over to the servicemen.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-three, “The Daedalus Stone“, Friday, June 16th, 3:00 P.M.

Kate notices that time has frozen for everyone except her then sees the Goddess Diana, attired again in Native American garb, seated on the chair beside her. "I had not thought to see you again," Kate said, for the first time meeting the goddess with a semblance of composure. "I'm glad I was wrong. The last days have been difficult and to see you is comforting."

The goddess replies, "You can relax now, those creatures are now all gone. Another happens to be on its way here but for completely unrelated reasons. Mr. Tomlinson and Miss O'Hara should have no difficulty in identifying him and taking appropriate actions, so you need not concern yourself with that." Kate nodded. "I'm thankful for that. Every time I had to decide if I should help or not was more difficult. If I may ask, what has drawn you back here?"

She replies, "The future path of your nation and your world in general. As I stated before, I prefer to act in subtle ways. I had an opportunity earlier this afternoon to bring about major change through a very minor act on my part and chose to do so." Kate asks, "How so? Through Mr. Berwind or Mr. Roosevelt perhaps?" Diana responds, "Yes. Have you ever heard of the Daedalus Stone?"

Kate answers, "I don't think so, but then my memory seems to be shrinking as my belly expands." Diana asks, "Well, are you familiar with the ancient tale of Daedalus and Ikarus?" Kate states, “Yes, although it's been a long time. Father and son, they were fleeing Crete. Deadalus had built two sets of wings and warned his son to stay away from the sun and from the water. His son didn't listen and flew too high. The wings melted and he drowned."

Diana replies, "Yes, the story is true to a point. Greek families later modified a few of the facts in order to instill the lesson that children should listen to the parents. Daedalus was a skilled craftsman and did indeed build a pair of winged gliders for him and his son to escape, but they traveled together. His mistake was indeed using wax for part of it, and just as would happen if you leave a candle in the sun, over time the exposure to the constant sunlight caused the wax became softer and the wings began to separate. Both crashed onto the land, where Icarus was killed instantly. But Daedalus was spared by having on his person a stone enchanted by Zeus himself to prevent physical harm to whomever held the stone against their skin."

Kate was silent a moment. "Yesterday... I saw Wyatt Earp running toward an enemy, wearing not a stitch of clothing. Covered in soot. An then there was that enormous explosion when the dynamite shed went up. And yet there he was today, in nearly perfect health." Diana smiles and says, "You are both wise and observant. Daedalus passed the stone on to his priest and it remained in the hands of the clergy until Alexander the Great conquered the lands and displaced the churches.

The stone later became the property of the Roman Emperor. Julius Caesar's death was due primarily to the fact that a concubine stole the stone from him, replacing it with a copy. He walked into his death mistakenly thinking himself invulnerable. It remained the property of a Roman General after that, who was assigned to the part of the Empire that would become Great Britain. He mated with a local and the stone passed on to their descendents. Those descendents would become part of Scotland's Monroe Clan and the stone would be carried by Clan Leaders from the Battle of Bannockburn where the Scots gained their independence from the British until the Battle of Culloden over three hundred years later when that independence was lost.

The stone found its way with a Monroe settling in the New World, specifically your city of Boston. There is a story of a Monroe who fought at the Battles of Lexington and Concord which began the American Revolution. At the end of the day his clothing contained twenty-nine bullet holes, but there was not a scratch on him. The following year the stone passed on to a cousin serving in the Continental Army. That cousin, James Monroe, fought with distinction. He carried the stone with him during his term as the fifth president of the United States.

Upon his death in 1831 the stone was to go to his youngest daughter Maria but instead was stolen by a maid working for the family. She sold it to her brother who later traveled to California with the forty-niners looking for gold. During the next two-decades the stone changed hands many times without its true nature becoming known. It was only after Wyatt Earp won it as a stake in a poker game that the powers were discovered again."

Kate states, "Wouldn't it be amazing if we could read the history of things just by holding them? The stone is truly ancient then, and already been in the hands of some truly epic men. Earp won it in a card game? Whoever had it obviously didn't know what it was. I suspect you wish to put it into the hands of someone else? One of these gentlemen?"

Diana smiles and says, "I already have, around two hours ago. Earp survived both the fireball and the dynamite explosion by having the stone in his hand, but the explosion carried him hundreds of feet through the air and into the second story brick wall of your town butcher’s home and shop. The impact caused him to drop the stone and then fall to the ground resulting in the first physical pain he experienced in nearly two decades. He awoke in the jail cell.

Mr. Roosevelt was a sickly child but learned to overcome that through vigorous exercise. After lunch and before coming over here he took a walk around the town to burn off some of the meal. I merely needed to draw his attention to the item. It is now in his pocket and he should eventually discover its true properties. It is important that he keeps the stone. In less than two years time both his wife and mother will die within months of each other and he will fall into a deep depression, worse than that which overtook you Katherine. Even after he remarries and has children with his second wife he will still have an unconscious desire to rejoin his first wife in death.

He will resign from the New York Assembly and travel out west. He will be suffering from survivor's guilt and have a form of death wish, volunteering for the most dangerous of jobs. He will die serving as a Deputy Sheriff in the Dakota Territories, a place even rougher and more dangerous than here. If the gods intervene and save him then he will go on to return east where he will become the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. In that role he will fight the status quo and for morality without any concern for his own personal safety and will be murdered in a conspiracy of corrupt police and politicians.

If the gods intervene yet again to save him from that fate he will volunteer to be an officer in the United States Army during a war against Spain near the end of this century. He will die leading a charge up a hill on the Caribbean Island of Cuba. If the gods were to intervene yet another time as a war hero he will receive the nomination for Vice President of the United States and later assume the Presidency. But that too will be short-lived as he will make public appearances again without concern for his own safety and will die from an assassin's bullet.

Katherine, in none of those timelines will he survive to become the great man that he can be, nor would he inspire those children who now surround him to go on to all that they can accomplish. He has the potential to be one of the greatest leaders in your Nation's history and be immortalized alongside Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. And my own selfish reason for this is that he will take an opposite position as Berwick and that man's contemporaries, who see natural resources for them to exploit. Roosevelt will be inspired by the man who will become his best friend, Seth Bullock, who ten years ago when he was with the Montana Territorial Legislature got the Montana land known as Yellowstone Forest preserved.

As President Roosevelt will declare large patches of virgin forest and other natural wonders throughout the country to be national parks, preserved for Millennia for Americans to enjoy as they are today. Without him, the oil, coal and railroad barons of the early twentieth century will destroy those lands and the animals upon them and it will be lost forever. So with the Daedalus Stone, that will change everything, and Roosevelt will survive despite his unconscious death wish and aspire to greatness. And if I can preserve several hundred thousand acres of land and the animals upon them by simply pointing out a lost rock on the ground to one man then that is what I have done."

Kate was silent for longer this time, taking everything in. "I wouldn't wish the pain I've known on any other. Somehow, knowing Tom and I will be together again somehow makes it easier to wait for that time to come. And knowing I have things to do here. I wish there was some way I could tell him that, but I don't think it's good to know too much about our own futures. I would hate to see this land covered in mines and shafts and railroad ties everywhere." She hesitated. "I have a question for you, but first, why tell me all this?"

Diana answers, "Because you have been feeling guilty about your actions yesterday. You followed your instincts which cost your group the element of surprise and set a number of other things in motion. Had you acted differently Mr. Earp would still have the Daedelus Stone rather than Mr. Roosevelt and your nation and world would now be facing a far more bleak future."

Kate states, “I was impatient. I knew none of us were experienced with such things, and it seemed like every time we turned around another thing was standing between us and the creatures. Not only that I displayed my skills. I just... At least no innocents were killed, and as you say, someone very important will live to fulfill his promise. You have taken greater care of me than I could deserve."

She looked over to where Rebecca Eaton sat frozen. "Speaking of deserving... Doctor Eaton's daughter said she hoped she was worthy to be in my presence today. She called me a chosen one of the gods! I don't want to be a holy object to anyone, I'm just Katherine. I told her that you bless many, including her mother, but I don't think she really understood me. I suppose I want to know... I thought I would have to keep this a secret. That people would think I was crazy. Now enough people know the truth that I wouldn't have to hide it, but I'm afraid of people reacting just like Rebecca. I'm not sure how to handle it. As a child I thought I might serve the gods. It's too late for that now, I'm on another path, and practicing another power. Is this the way I can serve?"

Diana replies, "Katherine, the child does not really understand. She is basing an opinion upon incomplete information. Information is the key and you already have the tools at your disposal to shape this town's perception of you. This town's priestess is a close personal friend of yours as is the editor of the town's newspaper. Furthermore, the publisher of that same paper shares the same teacher as you. If you wait until options are already formed it will be difficult to change them, but the opportunity is before you to define and shape them yourself."

She then points across the room to the children and Mr. Roosevelt and says, "And as for how to best serve me, you are already doing it. Look at the faces of those three youngsters, they are soaking up every word he says like a sponge and being inspired to know no limits. Years from now when he is President they should be encouraged to write to him. He too will remember this day and will write them back. Time is fluid, deities and their servants could change things, but if history proceeds upon the path that I have now set into motion Theodore Roosevelt will go on to be this nation's twenty-sixth president and will bring this country into a leadership role on the world's stage.

A few decades later Herbert Hoover will continue that mission as the nation's thirty-first president. Early in the twenty-first century Matthew Santos will become the forty-forth president and the first non-human to be elected to that office. During his term Consuela Tollucca will serve on President Santos's Cabinet as his Secretary of Health and Human Services and then later as his Vice President. She will succeed him as the forty-fifth president and the first woman to hold that office. Under her leadership the entire planet will be united with a mission of peace. These are the minds that you will help to shape Katherine. It is an awesome responsibility but also one that I know you will be able to fulfill just by being yourself and following what you truly believe in."

Kate says, "I hope that is all that's required, I don't how to do more. The potential is in these children, I'm only a facilitator." She looked over at the children and the visitor she hadn't even known would be here today. "It's more than I can wrap my mind around, how small decisions add up. Mr. Roosevelt wouldn't be here today if I hadn't... If I hadn't allowed myself to care for Conrad and bring him with me to Boston and go with him to New York." She stopped short of saying If Tom hadn't died. You're really suggesting that I lay my private life out for the whole town in the newspaper? I would feel as if I were bragging. I suppose it could be included in a story about your visit to the church. It would be better for the school if the town understood."

Diana replies, "I am saying that once people begin to notice you should trust your friends." Kate answers, "Well, I've said more than once I was on a mission to win over most of this town. I'll just have to keep working on that." Kate blushed and added, "I appreciate how patient you are with all my little foibles. In Boston I always knew who I was and what to do. Here, everything is so different, I'm often uncertain and always questioning. And sometimes resentful." She looked over at her students. "I wish Niles could see how far his nephew will go. I wish I could see what Matthew and Consuela will do, but I'm glad they'll stay friends and support each other. The world will be so different by then."

Diana says, "Yes it will. I will be taking my leave of you Katherine. I will visit you once more, shortly after your son is born, but that will most likely be our final physical encounter. But when you speak to me I will listen." Kate answers, "Yes, somehow I have believed so since our first meeting. I will try not to blather on too much. Now I have another reason to be eager for December to arrive. The words can't possibly express how grateful I am, but I thank you."

Diana answers, "No, thank you. And I believe that I can also help you with the situation that you had with young Miss Eaton." Time resumes it's natural pace as the chatter of the room reconvenes. Conrad turns to Kate and says, "Would you like to introduce me to your friend." Kate sees that Diana remains beside her attired in the Native garb. The only change to her physical appearance it that her ears are now pointed, giving her the appearance of a half-elf of High Elvan descent. Kate shook her head and said to the Goddess. "You don't have any idea how disorienting that is, do you?"

She took Conrad's hand. "My dear, this is Diana. Diana, Mr. Conrad Booth." He arches his eyebrows and says, "Diana, were you named after the Goddess of the Hunt and Moon?" She smiles and says, "No Mr. Booth, I am the Goddess of the Hunt and Moon." He appears momentarily at a loss for words.

Kate squeezed his hand. "It's alright. There are no bad tidings or surprises today. And I'm sure she would be interested in meeting someone likely to be a large presence in my son's life." Conrad says, "Well...yes. Thank you Diana for showing your blessings upon my friend Katherine. Your continued presence in our lives is a great honor. We are indebted to you." She replies, "Thank you sir. Continue to keep Katherine and her son safe and I will be indebted to you as well."

She stands and walks across the room to where the three Eaton children are listening to Mr. Berwick. She gestures for them to approach her. Five-year-old Tad begins to go that way until Rebecca grabs him and pulls him back, exclaiming "That woman is part elf. They are savages, never approach them." The room then becomes silent again and most people in the room freeze in place once more. Kate notes that she and Conrad are not frozen, nor are the Eaton children. It only takes a second for Philby Eaton to see that the others are unmoving and point that out to his siblings.

The woman says, "Yes, I am part Elvan and also part Human." Her physical image then shifts again, alternating from races to race, her body transforming from tall to small and back to human sized again as she becomes Ogre, Halfling, Orc, Gnome, Dwarf and back to Human. She then says, "I am one with all races who believe in me. I am Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt and Moon. I met your parents last week children, just as I am meeting with you now. I bestowed blessings upon them as I will for all believers. Do not harbor hatred or mistrust in your hearts for those of other races, as all races are truly one, and only through working together can we prosper. Now please come forward, I have a gift for each of you."

The children appear reluctant to move. Kate approached then and squatted down and says to then, "She is very lovely, isn't she? But the first time I saw her I was a little scared, too. There's nothing to fear. As we are hers, she is ours, and as you love her so she loves you. Your mother showed you the token Diana gave her. Why don't you go see what she might have for you?"

The three approach. She reaches into a pouch pocket and removes eleven seeds, handing a pair to Tad, three to Philby and six to Rebecca. She says, "Each of these seeds are for fruit trees not native to this area but with the proper supervision and caring will thrive for you. Each of you is to find a mentor, a person familiar with the flora and fauna of this area and the two of you are to plant these together, each of you three planting just one seed."

"Tad, you will go with Mr. Booth," and she gestures across the room to Conrad. He waves back. "He knows of a special place to the east of here, where he has taken Mrs. Kale for picnics. The two of you will plant your seeds there.

Philby, you will find an older high elf named Jadito. He has lived in these lands for hundreds of years. Take Emily Banks with you, the three of you will study together for I sense that you have the spirit in you to become a priest of nature, as does she. It is alright to worship the deities of both the Roman pantheon while also showing reverence to the deities of the elves, the half-elves have done so for centuries and the gods accept them. You three will plant your seeds at Jadito's favorite mediation area.

Rebecca, you will seek out the centaur Qualtaqa to assist you. You have seen him before in town but have always been afraid. Fear him not, his honor is like that of the Knights of the Round Table and once befriend he will protect you forever. The two of you will plant a pair of seeds in his meditation spot. The final four seeds you will give to your parents who with the Priestess Florencia and her companion Nanuet will plant them near the newly constructed church. Until now there has been mistrust between the four of them before and this bond with strengthen their ties. They will learn to become fast friends, depending upon one another to help stabilize this town."

She then reaches into another pouch and removes four acrorns, handing one to each child. "This town will be your home for the near future and in future years a place that you will always be drawn back to visit. But once you are each are married, starting a family and ready to settle down in a permanent location elsewhere you should plant that acorn. A long-lived tree will then grow in that spot and so long as your family resides in the shade of that tree it they will be kept safe." She hands the final acorn to Kate and says, "Plant this on your ranch and it will do the same for your family."

Kate replies, "Thank you. I'm sure it will grow as beautiful as Tom's tree, and bring as much comfort. I hope members of my family will be there for many generations." Diana smiles and says, "Ah, but I thought that you did not wish to know too much of your own future? I must go now." She turns towards the Eaton children and says, "Always remember what I have told you." She looks towards Conrad and says, "Be alert Mr. Booth." To Kate she says, "I will see you in December." Her appearance changes back to the half-elvan. Sound reconvenes throughout the room. Diana casually walks up and out the door. Meghan walks over to Kate and asks, "Who was that half-elf? A friend of yours?"

Kate replies, "Yes, a very good friend. She'll be back in December, when the event she set in motion comes to pass." Meghan is quick on the uptake and says, "The event....do you mean to say that was...." Kate laughed softly. "Yes. She checks on me from time to time and she wanted me to know a few things to set my mind at rest. And she straightened out the 'hero worship' problem." "And how did she do that?" Meghan asks.

Kate replies, "She spoke to the Eaton children and gave them each seeds to plant. And she told them where, and with whom to plant them. Hopefully their parents will believe them, since it is an elderly high-elf, a centaur, and Conrad who they're supposed to plant with. Hopefully, Rebecca having her own experience will solve any worthiness concerns she had." Meagan replies, "Well....um...I guess that's good. If I had known we were entertaining a Goddess here today I would have worn my better dress."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-four, “Hi Sailor!“, Friday, June 16th, 3:30 P.M.

Ruby drags Jane over to the twelve sailors who have boarded the train for the journey westward. "Good afternoon gentlemen," Ruby says in a sweet voice. "How is everyone today?" The men immediately stand at attention. One has lieutenant stripes and the others appear to be enlisted men, but it isn't the officer who initiates conversation. A handsome auburn-haired clean-shaven man says "Well hello ladies, please tell me that we have the good fortune of traveling with you all the way to Buffalo."

She replies, "Actually, we're not going quite so far, we'll be getting off in Rochester." Her smile widens. "But that's still pretty far. If you don't mind me asking, what's a fine group of upstanding gentlemen such as yourselves doing going to Buffalo? Are you headed home? I wouldn't think there was a naval base in Buffalo." He replies, "Not a base, but a port. We'll be catching up with our new ship there. We don't have to report until tomorrow afternoon though, what is there to do in Rochester?"

Ruby swings her hair from one shoulder to the other, "Well, it is a city, although not nearly as large as Manhattan. But there's still plenty to do. What do boys like you like to do in your spare time?" The spokesman for the group says "We're fans to nightclub shows, billiards, drinking to excess and private recreational activities. Does any of that suit your fancy?" Ruby smiles slyly, "Oh, I think we could be good friends tonight, those are some of my favorite activities. But I would have to ask my friends before I made a decision."

Ruby looks over her shoulder at Jane and at Richard, trying to gage their interest. Jane says, "Okay Ruby, I'm game." Richard says, "If you ladies wish to accept the company of these gentlemen for the evening that is fine, I have a number of things to check out once we get to Rochester. But let's find some lodgings first so that you'll have somewhere to stagger back to after your night on the town." Ruby salutes Richard with a giggle. "Aye aye Captain, will do!" She again takes Jane by the hand and pulls her down into one of the sailors seats. "You don't mind if we chat for a while, do you? We'd love to hear all about your exploits."

The spokesperson introduces himself and Petty Officer First Class Roger Birch, and the others as Petty Officer Second Class Carl von Diamond, Petty Officer Third Class Gregory Flemming, Petty Officer Third Class Daniel Fowler, Petty Officer Third Class Bjorn Kiesow, Seaman Brent Shoal, Seaman Dominick Martini, Seaman Stephen Frye, Seaman Armand Vann, Seaman Jordan Munson, Seaman Apprentice Claude Hamel and Lieutenant John Loughlin.

"It's wonderful to meet you all. " Ruby stands and gives a little curtsy and a nod of her head, "I'm Ruby West and this is my friend Jane Boag. We're here visiting from out west." She plops back down in her seat and crosses one leg over the other. "You said you were heading to a new ship. Where are you shipping off to?"

He replies, "We're meeting up with the USS Resolve in Buffalo, it is a naval armored freighter assigned to the Great Lakes region. All of us except for Seaman Apprentice Hamel and Lieutenant Loughlin served together on the USS Wyoming, a steam sloop that was recently decommissioned. Prior to the Wyoming Petty Officer Flemming, Petty Officer Fowler, Petty Officer Kiesow and I also served together on the USS Spuyten Duyvil, an armored torpedo vessel built during the Civil War and decommissioned in 1880." Ruby says, "That sounds all very... official. So then you'll be staying on the Resolve in the Great Lakes area then? Or being a freighter will you be traveling around?"

Roger replies, "We'll be transporting equipment and supplies for the various branches of the military from different ports along the Five Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Not as exciting work as a sloop schooner or torpedo boat, but there will be many more ports of call to visit and have fun at."

"Well, having fun is never a bad thing, is it?" Ruby grins up at the handsome man. She pats her hand on the seat next to her indicating for him to sit. "It's much preferable to not having fun. I came out here to New York to have some fun and celebrate my birthday. I think I've been doing well so far but I'm always looking for additional opportunities." She bites her lip in a tempting way as she continues to smile at him. He looks her over from head to toe and says, "Let me guess, your twentieth?"

"Nineteen," she says proudly. "I think I'm doing pretty good for nineteen. So, we can have a birthday party tonight. If you're interested, of course." He says, "Why that's a splendid idea, let's find the liveliest place in Rochester and have it there. It'll do the young Lieutenant good to see what the real world is like!" "Oh," she raises an eyebrow, "Why does the young lieutenant not know what the real world is like?" She looks the quiet lieutenant over waiting to hear the answer.

Roger states, “He's led a sheltered life. He's from a small isolated farm town in Vermont. They had no alcoholic beverages and did not allow for pre-marital relations. Isn't that so Lieutenant?" The young man says, "Yes, it was a quiet town but a very friendly place. I had never left it. But back during the War between the States my father did his civic duty and served and I felt that I should do the same. My grandfather is a good friend of one of our Senators in Congress, so pulled some strings to get me a navy commission as an officer." Roger says, "And I consider it my civic duty to educate our new ship officer before we actually arrive at our ship. Isn't that right boys?" The other sailors all echo agreement.

Ruby laughs. "A lady would be appalled at this discussion, no?" She shakes her head and laughs again. "Well John, seems you have a lot to learn. If you want to that is... Trust me when I say there is a whole wide world out there and I think you'll find it very... pleasurable." Ruby looks to Jane, still grinning. "Janie, you're awfully quiet. It seems like you might be able to help this boy out a bit. You know, discuss with him some of the more common ways of making the goddess happy." Jane just smiles.

The train begins to depart Albany station. Each of the ladies takes a seat with a sailor sitting down beside her and a pair of sailors seating themselves in the pair of seats both in front of and behind the ladies. Richard sits a little further back beside the innocent Lieutenant. The one who sits with Ruby is Roger who asks, "And why is it that you are going to Rochester?" She says, "I'm visiting an old friend. He doesn't know I'm coming though, it's a surprise. Hopefully a pleasant one."

Roger says, "Well of course it will be a pleasant one, what red-blooded American male wouldn't be happy to have a visit from you? But before that you'll have to show my friends and I the hot night spots of Rochester. What locations would you recommend?" Ruby answers, "Quite honestly, I haven't been around the City in a few years, things have probably changed. But if you head to Madison Square you'll most likely find something entertaining to do. Something up your alley. Which sounds like it would be right up my alley too."

Ruby stared into the man's eyes for a moment. She felt alive and excited and was truly enjoying this experience. It had been weeks now since she had the warmth of a man attracted to her this close and made her skin tingle. Jake's attentions had been enough to satisfy her but where was he? Obviously he didn't care that she was missing or he would have tried to contact her. Still, she wished it was him sitting across from her and not this stranger. She grins again and forces her thoughts back into the moment. "So, Roger, how old are you? Tell me a little about yourself."

He replies, "I know I don't look it but I'm thirty-one, been in the service since my eighteenth birthday. The first thing I learned from the war veterans is that the best way to stay alive in combat is to make true friends who will do anything for you. We haven't been in a war since then but if we do I've got my friends all set as that has been my philosophy since then. Greg, Dan, Bjorn and I have been together so long now that we know exactly how each other thinks and will even finish each others sentences." "There really isn't anything better than true friends. I've been learning that myself recently," she says as she looks to Jane. Her voice drops and she puts a hand on his arm as she leans closer to him. "Was being in the war as terrible as I think it was?"

"According to the Veterans it was, that was before I became a sailor." He gestures to Petty Officer von Diamond and says, "Carl here was the only one of our group to actually serve in the war." Von Diamond says, "Yah, and I joined near the end. Spent that time off the Virginia coast maintaining a naval blockade. We only saw combat once when a Confederate ironclad ran the blockade. Rockets flew left and right that night." “Lucky for you then, not to be there. It must have been really scary." Ruby shivers and is quiet for a few moments.

Finally she smiles mischievously again. "So... if you can read their minds and finish their sentences, what are Greg, Dan, Bjorn thinking right now?" Roger says, "Greg wants to find a bar and get drunk, Bjorn is hungry for fried chicken and you can go ahead and slap Dan's face for the thoughts that are going through his mind right now." Ruby throws her head back and laughs heartily at that. When she is done laughing she flips her hair from one side to the other and gazes at Roger. "And what are you thinking right now?"

He laughs, "Honestly, along the same avenues as Dan is except I believe in getting some dancing and drinks in first. You can go ahead and slap me now and get it over with." Ruby raises an eyebrow and replies seriously, "Now why would I want to do that?" He smiles and says, "Well, don't say I didn't give you an opportunity." He gestures across the car and says, "It looks like your friend is getting along fine with my friends." Ruby glances over and sees that Jane is indeed captivating the attention of the five sailors surrounding her, showering each with an equal amount of attention and flattery.

"Oh, she has that way with everyone." A genuine and unforced smile flits to Ruby's lips as she looks on with awe at her friend. "She really is something else, just an amazing person. So good with people." Ruby laughs, "Plus she's really fun." Ruby takes a section of hair and twirls it around her finger, "By the way, I reserve the right to give you that slap later. If you do something to deserve it of course."

The conversation remains light until the train reaches Utica Station, around a third of the way to Rochester, when the conductor announces a forty-five minute layover while they change over some freight cars. Roger suggests to Ruby that they go stretch their legs. "Sounds like a good idea, I hate being cramped." Ruby stands and stretches then takes Roger by the arm. As they pass Richard Ruby comments, "We're just going for a little walk, we'll be back in a bit. Keep your eye on Janie and make sure she doesn't get into trouble!" Ruby winks at him and lets Roger guide her out the train and in whatever direction he chooses.

"The sky is go gray, I wonder if it's going to rain soon," she comments casually as they walk. They take a brief walk down Utica Lane a few blocks from the train depot and he leads her into the Utica Mansion Inn. The large Victorian-style mansion has embossed wallpaper and handsome wood paneling. He leads her through the restaurant and over to the bar where he orders himself a brandy and for Ruby whatever she would desire. Ruby indulges and orders a pink champagne. She sips it slowly, savoring the sweet bubbly flavor.

She looks around at the rich surroundings, "Have you been here before? Seems like you knew just where to go." He laughs and says, "Well, sort of. This place is apparently brand new, I was actually expecting to see the building that stood on this spot when I was last in Utica two years ago. It wasn't quite as upscale as this, but then again, I'm sure a lady of your refined tastes wouldn't be caught dead in a working class saloon."

Ruby holds her glass up eye level and stares through the glass before placing it on the bar. She puts her back to the bar and casually leans up against it. "That's very sweet of you to say. But...," she pauses for effect, "If you try hard you can imagine me not always having the ability to have such refined tastes. I've probably been in seedier places than you have sir." She turns back to the bar and takes another sip of her champagne. "I prefer that those days are over though and certainly appreciate the finer things in life. Particularly when I'm being lavished with them." She raises her champagne glass in toast and the sly grin returns to her face.

She concludes, "And that's all you need to know about me." "For now," he says with a devious smile on his face. She returns the smile, "For now." Then she laughs, "Are you always this forward?" He replies, "We don't get shore leave that often Miss. West." "I understand." She runs a finger back and forth along the fine wood bar, stalling. She then says, "I suppose I should mention that I have a boyfriend." Roger glances around the room and says, "I don't seem to see him anywhere around here. Is he waiting for you in Rochester?"

"No," Ruby replies, a tint of sadness in her voice, "I don't think he's waiting for me anywhere. It's... complicated. He's in Arizona. That's where I'm from. I own part of a Saloon there." Ruby pauses then takes a big gulp of champagne. "I think he maybe regrets me. He hasn't tried to contact me since I left three weeks ago, including my birthday." Roger says, "Well then, I'm not quite sure what to say. I can't imagine that he would have done that if he truly cared about you. Oh well, his loss is my gain, and since it's not very likely that a Great Lakes freighter will be docking in Arizona any time soon I don't plan to worry about running into him."

It takes a moment but Ruby's lips do again turn into a smile. "I think you're right Roger. His loss." Ruby slides her jacket off her shoulders, the revealing neckline of her dress more prominent. She then asks, “So... where does that leave us?" He smiles and replies, "As I see it, we have a few options available. We can each have another drink and then make our way back to the train. Or we can let the train leave without us, get a room at this inn, and catch up with our friends tomorrow."

Ruby's heart started pounding in her chest. What started as harmless flirting suddenly turned into a life altering decision. She gazes at Roger then finishes her drink quickly. She smiles at him from under her eyelashes, running a finger across his chest. "While I am very, very tempted right now to take you up on that offer, my friends would be awfully worried if I didn't make it back on the train. To the point they would probably get off the train and come looking for me." He says, "Well pretty lady, we wouldn't want them to worry now. I guess we should be heading back." He finishes off his drink and leaves a $ 10 bill on the table.

Ruby takes his arm and they start heading back. She stops them suddenly when they get to the sidewalk. She looks up to the sky, back inside the Inn and to Roger. She steps in close to him and whispers, "I know I have to get back on the train. But why don't you try convincing me otherwise anyway?" He replies, "No my dear, my suggestion was not only impulsive and ungentlemanly, but you are quite right in pointing out that it would cause your friends to worry. Back to the train it is."

Ruby pouts through a smile. "And here I was thinking I would get a little kiss." She shrugs playfully, "I hope I don't change my mind." She takes his arm and waits for him to lead her back. He takes her arm. While they are walking he leans over and plants a kiss on her cheek. "Satisfied now?" he asks. "Satisfied? No," she teases. "But it'll do for now."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-five, “Tournament Players Arrive“, Friday, June 16th, 11:00 A.M.

Jake had slept very late on Friday. When he finally dragged himself out of bed, he dressed and made his way to the Promise City hotel. There, in his inimitable way, he convinced Mrs. Smith to reopen the kitchen for some breakfast despite the fact that it was almost lunch time, while he nursed a coffee.

After the meal, he swallowed his pride and heads to the church. Alone in the street he lets the grimaces of pain escape to his face. I need to remind myself to avoid getting blown up in the future. He seeks out Nakomo and finds him out back of Minerva's house tending the garden. At least Jake assumes that is what the boy is doing, since Jake has never tended one before and is not quite sure what it actually involves. Certain that it would involve work anyway, that thought loses interest and he does not ask the young half elf about it.

"Good morning, Nakomo." Jake says pleasantly. "Forgive my manners from yesterday, I never thanked you for the healing you bestowed upon me." Jake offers him a hand shake and grimaces in pain, real pain though he strategically lets it show at that time. Nakomo scrambles up off of his knees in alarm. “OH! Mr. Jake! You were hurt worse than you let on. You are so brave but you should have told me! Here, let me look at you." He says tugging his hero over to the swing and pushing him down onto the seat. Jake stifles a moan and a groan as the exhuberant youngster moves him across the yard and then onto the swing.

Nakomo says, "Now do not try to make light of it I can see that you are still suffering. Show me and I will heal what I can." he says running his hands over Jakes sides and arms." Does this hurt?" "Hermes!" Jake exclaims followed by a sharp intake of breath as the boy's prodding finds a broken rib. "Yes!" He lets the breath out and then says in a more composed voice, "I promise to not make a witty comment about it if YOU promise not to push it out the other side of me."

The boy states, “Oh! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! Mr. Jake. I will be more gentle." He places his hands over the injured ribs, bows his head in concentration and begins a soft Yavapie chant. Jake feels the heat eminating from the boys hands and a warm soothing sensation penetrates his ribs. After a few minutes Nakomo sits back on his haunches and looks up at Jake expectantly. "Any better?" Jake lets out the breath he did not realize he was holding. "Yes, Nakomo, that is an improvement. Thank you, I did not mean to be ungrateful while you examined me earlier." He shifts about and tests the healing. "My injuries were worse than I orginally thought. It is still sore, but better for having seen you. Is all well with you and the Priestess after yesterday's busy day?"

Nakomo shrugs his shoulders. "I guess so. I'm just glad that it's over. Miss Minerva seems okay too. physically at least, but when we went to the church afterward she started crying, real quiet like. She didn't think that I noticed and I didn't say anything. All those tears.. I guess I was embarassed by them. Then all of a sudden her clothes were clean and she made some comment about the gods telling her to stop her whining. Next thing I know she stomps out making some noise about getting something to warm her belly and I haven't seen her since. I heard her stumbling around when she came in late last night but she left again this morning before I saw her.”

"Heh, she is a fiery one, always up to something." Jake chuckles, apparently amused at some private joke. "I need to get to the saloon, we have a big poker tournament this weekend. If you want to work it, feel free to see Mr. Van Horne with my recommendation. You are bound to get some fairly large tips with all that money floating around." He thanks him again and heads out.

Nakomo watches Jake leave, pleased with himself that he could ease his pain. He turns back to the task at hand and finishes weeding the herb garden before heading off to school for the afternoon. School wasn't such a bad thing. He looked forward to a 'normal' day. The classes were interesting, especially the math and science and there were a number of rather pretty girls in attendance as well. He grinned and quickened his pace.

Mid-way through the afternoon Jake Cook arrives at the Lucky Lady to see Cornelius Van Horne seated with two gentlemen and a lady. One is a young barrel-chested man with sparkling blue eyes dark hair and sideburns. The next man is young and thin, with dark hair beneath a plain black wide-brimmed hat and plain black clothing except for the white shirt. The woman is fair haired, blue eyed a bit on the plump side and looks to be in her early thirties. She is wearing very fashionable clothing most likely from Paris.

"Good afternoon Mr. Van Horne," Jake says and tips his hat to the table. "Please introduce me to your gentlemen friends," his smile widens, "after you introduce this charming lady." Van Horne introduces the woman as 'Poker Alice' Ivers, the younger man as Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith and the older man as Brett Maverick. He then adds, "Maverick was just warning me about another of the players, Commodore Duvall."

Maverick gives his tell-tale smile and says, "Yes, around six-years back I won the Commodore's high-stakes tournament about his riverboat, twenty players had each put in twenty-five grand, so a full half-million pot. But the Commodore had conspired to steal it back, he didn't succeed, but the experience causes me some hesitancy to playing with him again."

Jake states, "I do not know the Commodore well, only saw him a few times. He likely does not even know who I am. What little I do know from my personal experience leaves me trusting him none and liking him even less. If there is not enough proof of his previous misdeeds to keep him out, then we have no choice but to go on. We are certainly not going to cancel just because he is in town. Forewarned is forearmed." Jake smirks, "Faint heart never filled a flush, eh Mr. Maverick?"

Maverick replies, "Indeed, our paths have never crossed before Mr. Cook, but I have heard of both you and Mr. Van Horne by reputation. I'm looking forward to playing and don't want to miss a chance to play in this event, but wasn't going to stick around if the security wasn't tight. My Pappy always said, 'A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but one. A thousand to one is pretty good odds.' "

Jake says, "Heh, your Pappy said that did he? I wonder if he ever met ol' Caleb White." Jake shrugs, "No matter. I trust your stay will be pleasant, and the game quite memorable. I look forward to it as well. Is there some assistance that I might offer since you are new to town?" He looks from one face to another with a friendly smile, lingering only a short extra time on Alice's eyes and granting her a faintly larger smile before releasing contact.

After they leave Van Horne says to Jake, "All three are checked into rooms over at the Promise City Hotel. It looks like we be fielding five tables for the tournament, with a total of twenty-eight players as of right now. I was just about to head over to the Promise City National Bank with these three to have them deposit the entry fee into the Tournament's account." Jake says, "Ah, yes, that reminds me I need to transfer my fee as well. I will join you if you do not mind." Van Horne says, "Certainly, we can go together. I need to confirm with Mr. Stevens who had deposited the fees yet. He has agreed to keep the bank open tomorrow morning until noon in case there are stragglers." Jake nods and will go with them when they are ready.

As they are walking Jake catches the day's paper headlines and asks about it. Van Horne gives him a summary, especially noting the information about the hooded riders, saying that the 4PM trial will be beyond absurd. "Because of who is on trial?" Jake asks."

Van Horne whispers back, "It's not that, it's just that the irony is beyond belief. These 'Law and Order' extremists are being defended by none other than John Wesley Hardin, the most notorious gunslinger the west has ever seen. Apparently he spent the last five years behind bars studying law and passed the bar exam upon his release from prison. He was the only lawyer in town other than Berg, Fisk and Upton, who are all conflicted."

Over at the school, Emily stood listening to Mr. Berwind talk about mining coal. Most of the girls had gone over to see the handsome actor but she had little care for that. Or at least she cared more about what this man did. She stood in the back, arms folded across her chest, eyes wary. She didn't begrudge anyone the coal to warm their homes, it had kept her family warm during long winters, but the dangers to the workers and what it did to the land...

Even as he talked, she had the feeling she was missing something. She must have been sleepy and nodded off a couple times. Trisha had been mad last night which didn't make sleeping easy. At least that was probably it. But that nagging feeling of something different in the air couldn't be explained by being sleepy.

Across the room Kate hugged Meagan in reaction to her Diana comment and stated, "She doesn't seem one to stand on formality. It can be very disconcerting when she decides to pay a visit." She laughed. "Welcome to my life, Meghan." Meghan says, "Indeed, it does seem to be full of surprises. Hopefully Patrick and Shannon will find themselves quieter lives than we seem to have these days." Kate replies, "I think we all want that for our children. I'm certain it's what my parents want for me; Maman still wants me to come home. You gave them a good start, they have to take it from here." Kate then muses to herself, “Patrick might still have a chance at a quiet life. Shannon did not.

She comments, "I should check on Conrad, this was his first time and I think he's a little rattled." With a squeeze of the other woman's hand she went to Conrad. "Are you alright? You wouldn't realize it, but you've always been there when Diana has visited me." He replies, "But those times I was like the other students and teachers were? Frozen? Honestly Kate, I'm not quite sure what has me troubled more, that I just met a deity or that I have to now ask the Eaton's permission to spend time with their son."

Kate answers, "Yes, frozen. Once in the Old North Church, and once in the Long Branch when I was there playing. Diana didn't say you had to be alone. If they're uncomfortable one of them could come with you, or I could. Meeting her must be strange for you, who didn't even believe in gods not so long ago. Oddly, I find my awe fading and I see her more like a friend. An incredibly powerful friend that I pray to, but she listens."

Conrad smiles and says, "Well then, that answers my next question, namely why has she visited you so frequently of late. Your having that comfort level with her before the child is born I'm sure must be important to her. And while I personally did not believe in the gods you on the other hand wanted nothing to do with them at all, so I am not the only one whose outlook has changed."

Kate answers, "I haven't changed that much, I still want nothing to do with the rest of them. Diana has said that she prefers to make small changes rather than manipulate mortals as most of her kind do. She visited me in Boston because I called to her, although I didn't know she would come. At the Long Branch she told me that she had arranged a midwife for me, and answered some questions I had. Today she came because of the guilt I felt about my actions yesterday. Her concern seems to be my mental well-being." She was quiet for a moment. "I have to wonder if I am still so very fragile."

Conrad replies, "Fragile? This from a women who yesterday decided to go fight vampire?" He gestures across the room to Janet Fly, who had apparently been listening to the guest speakers from the alcove in the far corner and says, "Now somebody like her I think of as fragile, hardly you." Kate answers, "Tom's death nearly broke me, and the truth of it almost drove me mad. It may take a great deal, but I have been on the edge and I don't really know how recovered I am. Janet will learn to be strong. Her weakness is caring too much what others think."

Conrad says, "Well, this has been an interesting afternoon." He looks at his watch and says, "The guests seem to be winding down and are probably anxious to see more of this town. You seem to have almost an hour left in your school day. Are you planning to attend the trial for the Hooded Riders? I could come by in an hour to escort you." Kate says, "Yes, I was planning to go, and since you cannot be my escort this evening you'll have to perform that duty this afternoon."

Conrad says, "Very well my dear. With the delay of Mr. Earp's trial until Monday Miss. Marcus will indeed be portraying the part of Juliet this weekend. She says that the play will actually be a welcomed distraction, especially since her former fiancé will be arriving to prosecute her lover. As for an escort for tonight, I believe that another gentleman who coincidentally shares my last name might be willing to assume that role."

Kate answers, "I certainly wouldn't object, although I doubt such a notion has occurred to him and I wouldn't wish to impose. If I approached him he could not politely refuse and I don't want to put him in that position. I have to make sure Mr. Gonzales knows he can come home tonight as well, in case he doesn't already know. I should get back to my work." Kate squeezed his arm, then went to thank each of their guests for coming, making sure the children did as well.

The downside to having the guest speakers is that for the next ten minutes after they leave the children are still wound up and no longer in the mood to concentrate on their studies. Instead of trying to settle the children down immediately, Kate, Meghan, and Mollie wound their way through the room, telling each child to go to a specific corner of the room when they gave the signal, mixing up the children so there was a range of ages in each group.

After the excitement in the room started to die down, Kate rang the little bell on the desk and the children filed into the corners. Instead of trying to settle them to regular studies, the lesson was in manners as each group was assigned to make a thank you for one of their speakers and include something they had learned in the note. This way they could keep discussing what had just happened and not waste the rest of the school day. After the visitors had left and the teachers split them up, Emily was glad she wasn't in the group sending thanks to the miner. She helped some of the younger kids write and waited anxiously to be dismissed.

The school lets out promptly at 3:45 P.M. Emily sits down outside on the bench, waiting for her Uncle, managing to swing her legs even though they were too long to avoid hitting the ground. She watched Nakomo get closer, then jumped up and hurried over. Nakomo's grin widens as he approaches the pretty, long legged girl with the bright smile. "Normal" He thinks, and changes his gait in imitation of Jake's easy saunter. "Hi Emily!"

"Where did you go yesterday?" she asked brightly. His smile falters and his blue eyes flash momentarily at her query but he quickly covers up his annoyance. "So much for normal." he sighs inwardly. "Ummm, Yesterday? Oh, I had some business with Miss Minerva to attend to. Did I miss anything fun here?" Emily replies to Nakomo "Something felt funny around this town yesterday, and now it's gone. A good gone. I just thought it was kinda funny you both disappeared and then the town went crazy."

Nakomo Looks up at the brilliant blue sky unmarred by clouds, "It is a good day." he says offer her his arm. Let's go in and see what the other students may be up to." Emily looked at the arm, puzzled. "Not much, I guess. You sure in a hurry to go to school. I didn't think you liked it that much." She shrugged and started toward the building still talking to Nakomo. "And they say girls keep secrets. I don't have any secrets." "I like it well enough. It beats working on a tin roof. Come on." He says avoiding her remark and pulling her to where kids are playing around back of the school .

"You don't have to pull," Emily said, putting a steps distance between her and the boy. "I had enough of that nonsense in Chicago." "I wasn't trying to rush you, I was just going to escort you." he says holding his hands up in surrender before turning away shaking his head. "girls" he thinks in frustration. I will never figure them out. Nakomo had only had that look in his eye for a second, and she didn't want to encourage it to come back, but she didn't want him to think she didn't like him either. She comments, "Escorting is something grown-ups do. I'm not a grown-up, and I'm glad. I'd rather just be friendly and not worry about all that girl-boy nonsense."

He turns back, "Well, you are a girl. And I was taught to treat girls with respect. I was Just being polite. but have it your way then." He turns and goes into the building. Emily flopped back down on the bench outside the school and started playing with her long hair, making little braids in the ends and then pulling them apart again. Sometimes being a girl stunk. Like not being able to say you could do things by yourself without hurting feelings, and like not being able to go anywhere by yourself. She continued to wait for her Uncle to arrive.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-six, “Grant Porter’s Revelations”, Friday, June 16th, 3:45 P.M.

Doctor Eaton arrives at that time to collect his three children. Tad excited starts to tell him about meeting the Goddess Diana and being given seeds to plant. Rebecca stops Tad, stating, we can talk about this when we get home. Doctor Eaton approaches Kate and asks, "Was one of your guest speakers the Goddess?"

Kate replies, “No Doctor, but she did stop by to check on me today. I had some regrets about some of my actions and she came to reassure me. I expressed some concern; your children seemed to be in awe of me and I am still only an ordinary woman. Just extraordinarily blessed. So Diana revealed herself to them and spoke with them." The Doctor replies, "Then it is good that I brought them here this afternoon, perhaps it was she who caused me to do so." Kate answers, "Perhaps, although I think it more likely she took advantage of your decision rather than caused it. She doesn't tamper with our thoughts. I hope your meeting wasn't too difficult."

He states, "It's not over yet, we took a break so that the members could attend the trial this afternoon. We'll resume afterwards. But things will be different, Anse and Rebecca King collected the bodies of their son and nephew and left. They then got into a shouting match with Judge Isby over his decision to not charge Arcade's Gang with the deaths. It ended with them withdrawing their ranch from the township of Promise City. That will also terminate their financial support of my school."

She nodded and sighed. "I suspected they would decide to leave, I'm sorry your school is caught up in it. I can't say I had any affection for the Kings but no one should ever have to bury their own child." He states, "Don't concern yourself about the school just yet Mrs. Kale. I have the weekend to organize next week's lessons. Several of the student's parents have valuable skills, so I should be able to plan out at least three days. Then come Wednesday, the newly elected Town Council can decide what to do about the education in this town."

Kate answers, "Your students couldn't be in better hands. In fact, I'd hoped in a few weeks after everything has settled down you might agree to take on one more student. I picked up my nursing skills rather piecemeal, I'd very much like some formal instruction if only to be sure I won't accidentally do any harm.” He replies, "You and I both hope for things to settle down, and yes, I would be happy to enhance your medical training, Thank you again for watching the children, I should be getting them home."

"They were a pleasure to have here," Kate answers and turned to the children and said goodbye, asking them to say hello to their mother for her. "Thank you for bringing them. I'm sure I'll see you later." Eaton and his children depart. Mollie Caudell comments to Kate, "Who was that man? He looks a lot like Doctor Eaton but he sure doesn't sound like Eaton." Kate smiled. "I know, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. For something to happen and have the family go back to hating me. But their experience in the church last weeks seems to have opened their eyes."

Mollie says, "If you ask me I'd say it was that spell that the Priestess cast upon him at that election meeting. Ever since then he's been a different man." Kate says, "He did look like he'd just walked over his own grave. And then, after at least one god spoke through the Priestess he didn't believe in, he gets to actually meet another and find out she believes in all sorts of things he didn't. It must be a hard thing to wrap ones mind around."

The teachers got the room cleaned up and Mollie and Meghan were on their way. Kate spent the time waiting for Conrad getting a few moments with Ginnie, which were harder and harder to come by these days. Just before Conrad arrived she ran off to Mary Kelley's and Kate was ready to go when he arrived. Conrad takes Kate by the arm and they make the short walk one block west to the Promise City Town Hall, arriving at five minutes until four.

The building is rather crowded at this point with at least one-hundred-fifty people in attendance, including all of the dwarves from the Last Ditch Mine and their German friends employed by Count von Zeppelin. The Judge and Bailiff arrive and the Court is called to order at 4:00 P.M. The Marshal and his Deputies then escort in three of the four accused, namely Icabod Shackelton, Kirby Watkins and Jason Snavely. Alongside the men is a slim clean-shaven man in a suit with short dark hair, apparently their attorney.

Chester whistles in surprise at the size of the crowd. He nudges Eddie. "They really came out in droves for this." Eddie whispers back, "These guys did try to burn down half the town, Chet. Who do you think their lawyer is? I haven't seen him around before." Chet says, "Beats me. Probably some shyster from Galeyville." Across the room Conrad softly mutters "I don't believe it!" He then hurries over to Chumbley and the two whisper a short conversation to each other.

Conrad then returns to Kate and sits down beside her, still shaking his head in disbelief. "My dear, what is it? That man? No one is brilliant enough to help them get away with this," she whispered. He whispers back, "It's not that, it's just that……the hooded riders are being defended by John Wesley Hardin, the most notorious gunslinger the west has ever seen. Chumbley says he studied law behind bars the last five years and passed the bar exam upon his release from prison. He was the only lawyer in town other than the regulars, who couldn’t defend them due to conflicts of interest.“

Judge Isby says, "Mr. Snavely, Shackelton and Watkins will be defended by Attorney J. W. Hardin of Texas. I have granted him dispensation for this trial to practice law in the Arizona Territory. Mr. Hardin, do you need any more time to confer with your clients?" The Attorney says in a soft-spoken voice, "A few minutes if that is alright with you Sir." Isby says, "Proceed. Marshal Berg, if you could go get the Porter boy now?" "Yes Sir," Berg says and departs.

"That's not the voice I expected," Kate said. "But I suppose his voice isn't what he usually did his talking with.” She looked around the crowded room. "Seems the only time most of the town is together is for trials. We have a few too many of them here." Conrad replies, "I imagine that Monday's will be even more crowded as a lot of reporters are coming to cover the Poker Tournament and will be sticking around to see what Wyatt Earp's fate will be. But once that is done with we should hopefully be seeing the last of these trials." Kate answers, "I hope so. Less trials very likely means my life is quieter. And I have enough to worry about with all my new admirers."

Minerva rides back into town in time to see the crowd gathered in front of the court house. She hitches Shadow to a post and works her way through the crowd to Chester. "What's going on here? They're not trying Earp yet, are they?" Chester says to her, "No, not yet. We've got the riders on trial first. Apparently the former outlaw John Wesley Hardin is defending them."

Marshall Berg returns with young Grant Porter also accompanied by the boy's father and Doctor James Eaton. They go to the front of the room and sit on the opposite side as the three accused.

Judge Isby calls the court back to order. He says, "I will be treating Mr. Porter's case differently than the other three. He is a juvenile, and furthermore, two of the other gang members were his school teachers who therefore had opportunity to apply undue influence on the boy." Hardin stands and says "I object your honor. The boy is sixteen years of age, which is the age that this town has recognized him to be a legal adult. Furthermore, he is even registered to vote."

Judge Isby says, "Your objection is noted, however are you disputing the fact that both Mr. Shackelton and Mr. King were both his assigned teachers and were therefore in a position to greatly influence the boys actions?" Hardin says, "Yes sir, if the town recognizes him to be an adult he was responsible for his own actions." The Judge calls Doctor Eaton to take the stand. He says, "Doctor Eaton, you were the third teacher at Grant Porter's school and therefore in a better position than anyone to gauge the relationships. How would you characterize the situation?"

Eaton says, "Ashley King took it upon himself to be the boy's mentor. They were inseparable whenever Grant wasn't at his father's shop. I for one was not comfortable with the relationship and truly feel that undue influence was involved, that the boy was coerced." Hardin gets up to cross-examine Eaton but is unable to get the surgeon to change his opinion or state anything to
the contrary, the closest he gets being to have Eaton confess that he does feel pity for the boy. Kate cringed. A teacher's position should never be used in that way. The responsibility was to teach the child how to think for themselves, not teach them what to think.

Judge Isby invites Hardin to retake his seat and also cautions the Attorney "You will be provided an opportunity to cross-examine Mr. Porter after he is finished answering my questions but until then I do not want to hear any outbursts from you or your clients. Is that clear?" Hardin indicates that it is. Grant Porter takes the stand. Judge Isby asks the boy to describe in his own words everything that he knows about the actions of the Hooded Riders, starting from the inception of the group. Kate took Conrad's hand and a deep breath, then sat up straight to listen.

Grant says "The group started up shortly after Ashley King shot and killed Colin Hunter and Nicholas Thayer". That revelation leads to much commotion in the courtroom and the Judge pounds the gavel to restore order. Chester coughs when he hears Grant and then mutters to himself, “That's a bold thing to say under oath.” Kate remembered her own encounters with Ashley King, and his interest in Minerva. She looked at Conrad and remembered his warnings and wondered what he thought of this.

Judge Isby says, "King told you about that?" Grant says, "No, but he missed school that day and the next day had his arm bandaged. I just found out what happened just a few days ago at the farmhouse. He was telling Snavely and that Galeyville guy, John." The Judge says, "Please continue."

Grant says, "King had been riding from town back to his own ranch the night before when he spotted Wyatt Earp. He followed Earp, who it turns out was following a trail left by Thayer and Ordway. According to King, Earp got careless and rode into an ambush, Ordway killed his horse and Earp fired back and caused Ordway to fall dead from his perch at Earp's feet. Earp then got on Ordway's horse and rode off. Figuring whoever Ordway was with would have heard the shots King didn't want to get caught in a crossfire so found a place to lay low a quarter-mile away.

He heard somebody shouting Ordway's name from higher up the mountain but they waited until the first light of dawn to climb down to investigate. The two who came down were Thayer and Hunter. At that point in time there were only two political parties running for office and both of those two were in the opposing party, so King saw it as too good an opportunity to pass up, especially with Earp's horse lying dead there to pin the blame on him. So King took careful aim and shot them both. What he didn't count on was that sharpshooter Vaughn Palmer to be up the mountain watching, and King then took a bullet in his arm.

He got away then, with Vaughn continuing to shoot at him. King rode up to Dos Cabezas, bribed some guys there to vouch for him having been playing poker there all night, then took the stagecoach to Wilcox towing his horse. When he got there he found a doctor to patch him up. He then rode back to Promise City that night." They'd heard so many different things about had happened at that mine-head that Kate wasn't sure how seriously to take this testimony. She filed it away in her mind to compare with everything else later.

The Judge asks, "And how did that lead to the formation of the hooded riders?" Grant replies, "He told Shackelton what he had done, who felt that the ends justified the means and any act was necessary to keep the cattle rustlers from taking over the town through elected office. They decided that the campaign needed to continue, with the Palace Saloon their next target. In the next few days they rounded up others who felt the same way. King also went to Galeyville to get his cousin Luthor, who had been hiding out there since there was a price on his head. Luthor and his friend John had experience with munitions."

Isby asks, "Why were you recruited?" Grant says, "Because I had access to certain ingredients from my father's apocathary shop that Mr. Hudson needed." "Mr. Hudson, the baker?" Isby says. "Baker and alchemist," Grant replies, "He had been mixing up magical potions for King and Buckley for years, but his suppliers had dried up." Kate ponders that it Seems like everyone here knew how to do just a little magic. Kate shook her head and wondered how many others of her neighbors had talents. Chester thinks, When this trial is over, Judge Isby's going to have a bunch more to start. At this rate, we'll need a bigger jail.

Isby says, "So they organized this group. Had this actually been long in the planning?" Grant Porter replies, "Apparently yes. King had previously commissioned Claude Buckley to steal him some horses since the riders wanted to remain anonymous. Buckley's men then took up surveillance on two of the smaller ranches, the Phillips Ranch and the Perez Ranch. They rustled the horses from the Phillips Ranch but also continued to watch the Perez Ranch, which we later used as our headquarters after the attack on the town." Kate whispered to Conrad, “Not my ranch? Perhaps the early warning from Wyatt about Thayer's men had spared us the attention.”

Judge Isby says, "How did the Last Ditch Mine get targeted?" Grant says, "It wasn't until the newspaper came out stating that the Dwarf had enough votes to win. Shackelton wasn't going to let a non-English-speaking non-human ever become mayor. Ashley also thought that a dry run would be good since he was going to have to be in church instead the next morning during the attack on the Palace."

The Judge says, "And the targets were the Palace Saloon, Fly's Photo Studio, the Papago Cash Store, the Morand-Seawell Mining Office, Driscoll's Tannery and the Hoover Memorial School?" Grant replies, "No, I only heard mention of the Palace, Papago and Tannery, those were the ones affiliated with the Liberty and Freedom Parties. A few of the gang members improvised that morning with the others. Ashley was actually mad about that, as it implied that the Law and Order Party might have been responsible since they were the only party not effected." Kate whispers to Conrad “So the school had not been a planned target.” It still wasn't clear whether her presence there was why the dynamite was thrown into the school, but somehow she felt better just knowing violence against herself and Ginnie had not been planned.

Judge Isby says, "And after Mr. Snavely and Mr. Allman were arrested and jailed, how did they go about escaping?" Grant says, "That was the easy part. While the trial was going on the Marshall's Office and Jail were unoccupied so Ashley just went in and hid the Turn to Gas potions in the cells." "They were locked? How did he get in?" the Judge asks. Grant replies, "Ashley had a set of keys, Marshall Hollister gave them to him over a year ago." Isby looks up to Marshall Berg and says, "That set of keys has not been recovered. Let's get Dick Lockmeyer to go re-key those locks today, and add a padlock and chain to each just to be double-sure." Kate was surprised there hadn't been more problems with prisoners if King had a set of keys.

The Judge inquires about taking over the Perez Ranch. Grant says, "That wasn't totally planned either, that was just where Snavely and Allman rematerialized. Since they had scouted it out before they knew it was lightly populated and where to get clothes and weapons. They hid their faces and captured the Perez family. Allman then came and got the rest of us. We alternated who was there, since most of us had obligations here in town. Ashley and I would ride out there each morning before school to collect Mr. Shackelton. That is what we were doing this morning when Arcade's Gang barged in."

Kate leaned into Conrad and whispered so softly she wasn't sure even he would hear. "That ranch is so close to us, we should have realized something was wrong there." He whispers back, "Don't blame yourself, there is that hill in between."

The Judge says, "Thank you Mr. Porter. Mr. Hardin, would you like to cross examine the witness?" He stands and says, "Not at this time, but I will need time to confer with my clients. Could I request a recess?" The Judge says, "That would be in order. I call a half-hour recess. We are adjourned until them. Marshal Berg, please escort the three prisoners and their attorney back to the jail. Everybody else remain seated until they have left the room."

The Marshall and deputies do as they were instructed. On the way back to jail, Chester asks, "You gents have anything to say for yourselves? Anything at all that will keep you from swinging from the gallows?" Hardin says, "Do you have a law degree Deputy? If not, then I think it best if you let me be the one to discuss options with my clients." Chester says to Hardin, "No, Mr. Hardin. I don't. But you don't know Judge Isby well, do you?"

Hardin replies, "I know that he is the fairest of all Judges who I have ever met and he has earned by respect. What more do I need to know than that Deputy?" Chester replies, "He's fair, that's for sure. He's also severe in his judgments." "Most fair and honest men are," Hardin replies. They get back to the Marshal's Office. Hardin says, "I need some privacy while I confer with my clients. If you could lock us all in the cell and stay on the opposite side of the room I would appreciate it."

Chester looks at Berg, who says, "That's your right, Mr. Hardin. First Deputy Martin has to check you for contraband. We've had a few men escape from here via magic potions. You understand, don't you? Now, if you don't mind." He replies, "I understand and expected as much, which is my I left my revolver back in my hotel room."

Berg motions Chester over to Hardin. Chester says, "This won't take long." He pats down Hardin, looking for potions, wands, rings, and the like. He appears clean. He talks to the men, the conversation with Kirby Watkins becoming very animated at times as the prisoners apparently aren't altogether happy with the strategy he is proposing. As he walks closer to each, getting with in a foot of the man while maintaining eye contact they each back down and submit.

Berg whispers to Chester "Are you watching the body language? He may be a soft-spoken man of average build, but he's letting his reputation speak for him. Watkins is the only one of those three who dares to stand up to him, and even he is wavering." They eventually finish and Hardin says, "We are ready to head back."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-seven, “Trial of the Hooded Riders”, Friday, June 16th, 4:00 P.M.

Once the prisoners were gone Kate stood up and stretched a bit. She responds to Conrad‘s comment about not knowing what happened at the Perez ranch. "I don't really blame myself, but we should be more in the habit of checking on our neighbors now and then. What a mess all this is." She looked around the room and saw Minerva toward the back and waved to her.

Kate looked around the room to see who else was there even as she spoke to Conrad. "At least I know I wasn't on the list originally, whatever happened later." Conrad says, "Don't dwell too much on it, it's finally over now. Earp is caught, the Hooded Riders are caught, the Liberty Party no longer exists, the Eatons actually like you, and we're now both personal friends of a Goddess. It's time to think positively. Tonight you'll sit alongside my father and watch my debut as a leading man, then tomorrow you'll get to see me become the poker champion of Promise City! Start thinking about how we'll spend the $ 30,000 purse for first place!"

"We? I don't I'm going to be playing any poker," she laughed. "I think I'll be serving drinks tomorrow night, but you can feel free to tip your waitress well. I've been looking forward to seeing you act; I want to see you doing something you really love. And I want to have my suspicions that you'll be wonderful confirmed." He replies, "It has been a long time since I've taken to the stage, but with both you and my father in the audience watching I will be inspired."

She smiled and whispered to him, "How is it you always say these things in places where I can't kiss you? It might be a good thing that I won't be un-chaperoned this evening; inspiration goes both ways." He replies with a smile, "My, what a temptress you are these days." She replies, "I feel better than I have in a long time. I suppose I'm getting my sense of fun back." She squeezed his hand. "I'm going to mingle a bit. I haven't been keeping up with the Unity party the last few days. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Kate looked around the room for Emery Shaw, then made her way through the crowd. "A lot to take in, isn't it?" she asked, nodding toward the judges seat. Shaw replies, "Yes indeed, it will be interesting to see if the Law and Order Party can rebound from this. Not sure if you heard yet but Fisk and Adair have made up. The Liberty Party is no more and Fisk is now the Freedom Party's Mayoral Candidate, with Adair now running for Town Council. The positive aspect of that is that I'll only have to debate one of them on Sunday night instead of both."

Kate answers, "I hadn't heard that. It makes you wonder if they ever really fought. Clever strategy to break, attract people who liked Fisk or Adair but not both, and then come together again after the voter has likely made a decision and won't change it because of the merger. Of course, I see conspiracies around every corner these days. The vigilance committee was meeting this afternoon. They'll resume after the trial. I imagine we'll know soon enough after that what the Law and Order Party plans to do. It's starting to look like a very small debate."

Shaw replies, "Yes, looks like it will be just myself, Fisk and Frank Condon. As for your conspiracy theory, I'm certain that neither of them planned on Earp killing off all of Fisk's fellow candidates or of Bob Skull getting caught with Adair and thereby tarnishing his reputation. I would say those factors had as much to do with the merger than anything." She says, "Hard to imagine Adair's reputation could be further tarnished. You're likely right, but that isn't nearly as interesting as my theory," she smiled. "Thank heaven the school week is over and there is plenty of entertainment to be had the next two days. With so much going on I'm getting all turned around.”

She then adds, “I think you might be surprised at what comes out of the vigilance committee meeting. Doctor Eaton dropped off his children at my school this afternoon." Shaw replies, "My, that is a surprise, I would have never expected that. He does appear to be somewhat of a changed man these days." Kate answers, "Mrs. Caudell thinks the Priestess might have intimidated him into rethinking things with her announcement at the election meeting. He and his wife have both been trying to mend fences with me, but that's neither here nor there, since it isn't to do with elections.”

Changing the subject, Kate says, “Emily seems to be settling in, although a little restless." Shaw replies, "She's anxious to explore the wide outdoors. While this town doesn't feel nearly as confining to her as the city of Chicago did, it is the outside that she really wants to spend her time. I've just been hesitant to let her given all of the dangerous characters around."

Kate says, "I understand. I'm never comfortable with how much running around alone Ginnie does. But I'm not her mother and she was independent for a long time before she came to live with me. Perhaps you need to find a few people you trust who could go out with her. With the elections still going you're wise not to let her go alone. Maybe even after if someone doesn't like how it comes out." Shaw replies, "Well, one of the jobs of the newly elected officials will be to stabilize the situation in town, all the more reason to see that the right people are elected."

"The right people, which is the Unity party, of course." Kate looked at Shaw with a new eye, wondering how much truth he could handle. Or rather, how much truth he could be given without risking herself. "It's not going to be an easy task, Emery. I think we have the people to make laws that are right for Promise City, but until the entire region settles down keeping the peace is going to be an uphill battle."

He replies, "I know, part of me is glad that Sheriff Behan is making his way to Promise City for Earp's trial. Do you know that in all of his years in Cochise County he has never once set foot east of the Dragoon Mountains? I plan to have a long chat with him about restoring order regardless of whether I am elected Mayor or not, after all, I am also a leader of the Sulfur Springs Valley Cattlemen's Association, which should have some influence in total county matters." Kate says, "Just take care, I don't trust Sheriff Behan. I lived in Tombstone for a few months and Behan had a lot of dubious connections. You already know I've helped go after Cowboys, and we had some strong hints he had connections to them as well."

Two doors away, the Marshall and Deputies unlock the cell and escort the men back to the Town Hall building. Upon their entrance to the room the other people present quiet down and return to their seats. As the prisoners returned Kate said a quick goodbye to Mr. Shaw and returned to her seat next to Conrad, giving him a warm smile. "Politics," she said simply and waited for the trial to resume.

Judge Isby calls the court back into session and asks, “Attorney Hardin, before I call the next witness is there anything you wish to say?” The man stands and says, “Yes Judge, first of all I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve in the role of an attorney. Most people would not have afforded me the opportunity due to my past reputation.”

Judge Isby says, “Attorney Hardin, the Governor of Texas granted you a full pardon, which expunges the record of your past acts. Since that time you have taken it upon yourself to become a practitioner of the law and the State of Texas has seen fit to grant you a license to practice law. You are qualified to defend these men and thus far have been fully sufficient towards that task.” Hardin soft-spoken man replies, “Thank you Sir, I appreciate the chance”. Kate studied Hardin's face, wondering how he was going to turn that conversation to the advantage of his clients.

Hardin walks forward and states “I came here today prepared to mount a case against Arcade’s Gang based upon their own questionable reputation, Hank Hill’s thinly veiled attempt to raise his stature in the eyes of the voters, and what was for the most part circumstantial evidence linking my clients to any actual criminal activity. However I feel that Mr. Porter’s first hand testimony has changed all of that. The main reason that I traveled to Promise City was to participate in a poker tournament. I have been a gambler long enough to recognize when I have been dealt a loosing hand, as is clearly the case with this trial.

I have discussed this with my clients and at this point in time we are prepared to dispense with the remainder of this trial. They plead guilty to the charges of rustling as well as breaking and entering at the Perez Ranch. They however plead innocent to the charges of murder, as it was Luther and Ashley King who killed the two victims at the Palace Saloon and not any of the three of them. They...we, ask for the mercy of the court, as none of them having ever been convicted of any felony before and all of them are very repentant of their most recent actions.”

Kate spent a moment staring before her mind began to race. Because they buildings they'd blown up hadn't managed to kill anyone they should avoid culpability for the destruction they caused? They had taken it upon themselves to destroy other buildings... She was glad to hear them plead guilty, she wished they would plead to all the crimes they'd committed.

Judge Isby says, “I appreciate your being forthright and of the men having the integrity to admit the truth." He pauses and then states, "However, as far as any mercy is concerned I find that it is not warranted. Mr. Watkins appeared before me just a few months ago, at which time I was lenient and gave him a second chance, which he has clearly squandered. Mr. Snavely appeared before me just days ago at which time he committed high perjury and then afterwards committed an escape from jail, both of which are felonies. And Mr. Shackelton has committed the most repulsive act of all, attempting to corrupt a youth entrusted to his care and putting that youth’s life in mortal danger. I do not need to find them guilty of murder, the admission of guilt for rustling itself carries the death penalty. I sentence the three of them to hang before sunset tonight.”

Kate squeezed Conrad's hand, her other hand clenched in her skirt. Her eyes settled on each of the men in turn ending with Shackelton and wondered where their lives had gone wrong and who had taught them to hate so much. Attorney Hardin immediately states “I wish to appeal that ruling.”

Judge Isby replies, “As is your right. According to the Constitution of the Arizona Territory you have five days to file that appeal with the Governor. Until then these men will be held at the County Jail in Tombstone. Marshal Berg, I believe that the Wells Fargo Stage has a Friday night run to Tombstone leaving in less than an hour. Please make arrangements with the Deputy Sheriffs to see that these men are on it. Also coordinate with the Sheriffs to ensure that between your lawpersons and them that at least two lawmen remain guard over Mr. Earp at all times from now until his trial on Monday." "We will," Berg replies. Berg and his deputies round up three prisoners and head out the door with them.

Once they were gone Kate said to Conrad, "I don't want to be here. Can we go? I don't really care where, just out of here." Before Kate and Conrad can get up Judge Isby says, “Mr. Grant Porter, please rise for sentencing.” The young man stands. Judge Isby says, “I hereby sentence you to six years imprisonment for your willing participation in the actions of the Hooded Riders. However, I am also prepared to offer you an alternative. Two of your teachers led you astray, your other teacher can lead you to salvation. Doctor Eaton, please explain to the court the telegram that you have received.”

The Doctor stands and says, “I have received a telegram in response to one that I sent this morning. I contacted the Captain Armand Hennessy, the commander of the United States Navy ship that I served under. He presently has a position open on his ship for a Pharmacist Mate to assist the ship’s doctor. It is a job in which Grant Porter is well qualified for from working with his father. Captain Hennessy is willing to take on Mr. Porter for a six-year enlistment. Mr. Porter would have to report by a week from Monday, June 26th, as that is when they set sail from San Francisco.”

Judge Isby says to Porter, “Well son, what would you prefer, six-years in the Arizona Territorial Prison or a chance to spend that same period of time serving your country with honor?” Grant does not hesitate to reply, “I choose to join the Navy Sir.” Judge Isby says, “Very well. Your father and Doctor Eaton will accompany you to San Francisco leaving Promise City on Thursday of next week, they cannot leave sooner than that due to Doctor Eaton being a candidate in the upcoming election.

Mr. Porter, you would normally be held in jail until that time however your father has agreed to post bond for you, putting your family’s home and business up as collateral. What that means is that you can spend the next six days with your family instead of behind bars, but if you attempt to flee the bond will be forfeited and your family will loose everything. Do you understand?” Grant replies, “I do sir. I assure you, I won’t be going anywhere until Doctor Eaton and Father are ready to leave with me.” “Very well”, the Judge replies. He pounds the gavel and states, “We are adjourned.”

"That was well done," Kate said, some of the desperation fleeing from her face. "I'm not sure Doctor Eaton would have done that a month ago. Let's go outside, I want the sunshine." Conrad says, "I have to be with the acting company in another hour but there's time to go eat. How about either the restaurant at the Promise City Hotel or perhaps the Silver Dollar Restaurant? It should be fairly easy to find a table as I imagine most of the townspeople will be heading over to watch the hanging of Koontz and Skull."

Kate answers, "If they actually hang. I don't think there's been a planned hanging where the fugitives didn't escape since I've been here. Either way, I don't want to be there to see it. How about the Silver Dollar? The hotel might still be busy with so many people visiting." "The Silver Dollar it is then," he states. He takes her arm and escorts her to the building.

Not surprisingly, half of the other patrons in the establishment are also performers in the evening's play. The handsome man dining in the table beside them however is a stranger. He is attired in a nicely pressed suit, frilly silk shirt, western tie and a dark cowboy hat. Haywood Smith comes with two glasses of ice water. He gives them menus which show that tonight's specials are a shank-cut steak with potatoes, hot rolls and green beans, breaded lamb chops with squash and green beans, or Walter O'Reiley's World Famous Beef Stew served in a bread bowl.

Kate says, "Green beans sound like heaven right now," Kate said, deciding on the steak. "I'm sorry if I was a little anxious to leave. It was all just so ugly I didn't want to be around it anymore. Lucky for me tonight there is beauty to be seen. Are you nervous about tonight, or are you far too experienced for such a small thing as nerves?"

He replies, "Oh, I get nervous before every performance, most actors do. I should be more nervous with my father there, his presence has certainly got other people in the company on edge, but his being there actually calms me." While they are dining a woman enters the building. Kate recognizes her from the school's dedication ceremony, her husband having painted the sign, but does not recall the woman's name. She heads over toward the adjacent table with the man dining alone. He appears startled to see her.

She exclaims, "Brett Darling, how wonderful to hear that you are in town!" He puts down his stew spoon, wipes his mouth and chin with his napkin, and says, "Why Moria, darling, I am surprised that you would even speak to me after our last encounter. Shouldn't you still be at that fine San Francisco Spa, the Harwell House?" Conrad's head tweaks just a little at that.

The woman replies, "That is all behind me, I am willing to let bygones be bygones." She seats herself and says, "Although I do hope that you brought enough money to pay for two to join the poker tournament." He replies, "And why should I pay your entry fee?" She says, "Consider it repayment darling, one-hundred dollars for each month that you arranged for me to be at that...spa." Conrad whispers to Kate "Harwell House is a woman's prison."

She whispered as well. "She did say it was all behind her. And I believe she is the wife of the man who painted the sign for the school, she was at the dedication. Beside, we have no idea what she might have done. Who is the gentleman?" Conrad replies, "Brett Maverick, probably my most challenging competitor in the tournament."

"So he's the one who'll have to settle for second place," Kate laughed. "He's quite handsome; he rather reminds of Jake. I'd guess they're cut from he same cloth. I hope you're going to let him win at collecting ladies hearts, although even that might be impossible after Romeo. I wonder if he will pay her fee. If he does I'll keep my eyes open at the tournament, just in case. Not that I'll know what to look for."

Conrad and Kate catch the next exchange from the adjacent table as Brett says "So when did you arrive, today's stage Miss Stone?" She replies, "No, actually I live here in Promise City, it's been my home for the last year." Maverick nods and says, "Ah, and which saloon do you deal at?" She replies, "None, I haven't touched a playing card since I arrived in town. And the name is Enion, not Stone" She flashes him her left hand. He does look surprised and says, "Ah, a ring on your finger, so you're going for a long con. You've hooked yourself a wealthy husband who doesn't know about your past!"

She laughs and says, "Sorry to disappoint you but it's no con, I'm happily married to a man who is poor as dirt, has to work two jobs just to keep a tin roof over our heads. And he knows all about my past, in fact we met in Harwell House, where he was the maintenance man and painter." Maverick smiles and says, "So you've been hiding your past not from him but you have from the town. Don't you think this tournament will blow your cover?" She says, "It may not be a secret any more, Mr. Van Horne knows who I am and who my father is. And with the $ 30,000 purse Patrick and I will be able to enjoy a more pleasant life style. He can quit his second job and just focus upon what he likes to do most."

Maverick says, "Yes, but only if I put up the money for you to play. What if I only brought enough for one entrance fee?" She replies, "Then you can watch me play. You owe me and I intend to collect, put up my $ 3,000 and we're square." He replies, "How can I resist such a tempting offer. As it turns out, I do have enough for two, put if you win I expect fifty-percent." She smiles and says, "Ten percent, to which you'll say forty I'll say twenty and after some more haggling we'll settle on thirty. Let's just cut to the chase and shake on that amount now."

He says, "Agreed, but before I front you the money let's have Attorney Hardin draw up the papers to make it nice and legal." She says, "Hardin? Why not one of the town attorneys?" Maverick replies, "I don't know them, or more to the point, you do know them. I've played cards with Hardin before. I outdrew him too, which I'm sure he still remembers."

Kate lifted an eyebrow at Conrad while she sipped her drink. "The things you learn," she whispered. He smiles and says, "Yes, I can only hope that my performance of Shakespeare will be half as entertaining." Kate answers, "Nice to know there's someone in town who can outdraw Hardin. Although we seem to be surrounded by people who turned their lives around. It makes me feel better about this afternoon. As for your performance tonight, I expect to be riveted. And I get to dress for the theatre which I haven't done in ages." "Very well," he replies.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-eight, “Petty Officer Roger Birch”, Friday, June 16th, 4:15 P.M.

She stops suddenly when she finds them standing right outside a telegraph office. "We have a few minutes, right? I need to send a quick telegraph." They enter the office. The telegraph operator, an older tall thin man with busy sideburns, immediately stops working with a pile of papers and staring at Roger's uniform says, "Good afternoon. How can I be of assistance Petty Officer?" Roger smiles at the man and says, "This young lady needs to dispatch a telegram Sir." The man takes his pad of paper and fountain pen and awaits her dictation.

Ruby reaches for the pad of paper, "You don't mind if I write it myself, do you? It's personal." Ruby sets about scribbling on the pad of paper. The quick note turns into a letter. Many emotions run across her face as she writes it. She reads it over a few times before sliding it back to the clerk. "Can you read it?"

He replies, "I can. He looks at the address that she wrote out and then counts up the words and characters. He says, "This will be expensive to send due to the length, you may want to consider shortening it. At present it will cost you $ 3.75." Ruby reaches down the front of her bodice and pulls out a $5 bill. "It's worth it," she says, pushing the money across the counter, "It's important."
She sighs and takes Roger's arm. She plasters a fake smile on her face and looks up at him. “Ready?"

Roger escorts her back to the train depot. Richard is pacing on the train platform and exclaims, "There you are! I was beginning to worry, the train is about to depart!" "Aren't you sweet!" Ruby exclaims. She bounces over to Richard and kisses his cheek lightly. "I'm here now, you don't have to worry anymore." She hops up onto the train and looks for Josie. Josie now has eight of the sailors surrounding her and she appears to be actively involved in conversation with all of them, sharing the attention equally between her admirers.

Ruby smiles and squeezes her way through the men, to get Jane's attentions. "Are you alright sweetie? These men aren't bothering you, are they?" she teases. She keeps eye contact with Jane to read whether she is comfortable or not. Jane smiles and says, "No problem at all, these men are devoted followers to the Greek and Roman Pantheon, although being sailors their devotions are to the deity they know as either Poseidon or Neptune, but they're open minded enough to be interested in what Aphrodite has to say." "Of course they are. And really, who doesn't want to hear what you have to say?" Ruby winks at he friend. "I'll be close if you need me."

Ruby moves to the opposite side of the car and a few rows back and takes a seat next to the window. She chooses an empty row, leaving space for Roger if he chooses to join her. Roger indeed sits beside her. He asks, "So, where are you from Ruby? You said Arizona but that isn't a Western accent you are speaking with." She replies, "Right now I'm from Arizona. Promise City to be exact. That's where I live and work. Before that, all over. And before that, New York City." She crosses her legs towards Roger and shifts her body so she's facing him. "I grew up in New York. How about you?"

He replies "The Island of Bermuda." "You're from Bermuda? That's very exotic. Tell me about it." Ruby looks at him with genuine interest. "I love to travel, although I've never been anywhere that exciting." She pauses then smiles. "Yet." Roger replies, "My father was an American Sailor, served with the American Navy during the Mexican-American War and then for a New England ship captain following the war. He met my mother there, she's a British citizen, works directly for the British Governor of the Island. It was a fun place to grow up but I had to leave shortly after I became a teenager due to the American Civil War. I was raised by my paternal Grandfather in Massachusetts after that until I was old enough to enlist in the Navy."

Ruby smiles, "Is that what you plan to do too, Roger, follow in your father's footsteps? Fall in love with some exotic beauty in some exotic locale and make her your wife?" He replies, "Nah, too much work and effort. For now I will be happy to settle for the company of a beautiful woman who I met on at train in Albany." That's sweet." Ruby looks out the window and watches the green trees whoosh past. It was so different here than in Arizona, like it was another world. "Do you believe in fate then, Petty Officer Birch?"

"How could I not Miss West?" is his reply. She shrugs, "I don't know, some people don't. They believe our fate is completely in our own hands. I think sometimes there are just reasons for things happening. Right place and right time, all that." Her smile grows and she lets her arm fall between the two of them so they are touching, "I just have a feeling there was a reason we were supposed to meet today. The gods much have some devious plan we're unaware of."

He answers, "Well, I believe that as gratitude for my service while at sea the great Poseidon allows for me to have enjoyment while I'm away on land. I would say that meeting you could very well lead to further enjoyment." The corner of her lip turns up just a little further. "Perhaps," is her only answer. "So, how come you're here with me and not being enthralled by my beautiful friend?" she nods towards Jane. "There are times when even I am enthralled by her."

He replies, "Her type, I've met them before. They don't go for guys like me. I don't think I would ever be able to establish any kind of special rapport with her, which is what I need from a relationship no matter how short-term it might be." "And what is her type, exactly?" Ruby bounces her crossed leg up and down. "And more to the point, what's this special rapport you're talking about? I'm curious... as to why you think you and I have, shall we say, hit it off?"

Roger says, "Her type? Why the person who not only wants to be a center of attention but has difficulty operating outside of that environment. I need to be able to relate to a person as an individual, to be able to know that for at least that one short moment in time the world comprises only of the two of us and nobody else." Ruby gazes into Roger's eyes and just smiles at him for a long moment. She could easily imagine it was just this handsome man and herself and all her troubles started fading away.

"I like that Roger, it's sweet. I'm done with completely meaningless interactions." She leans her head in a little closer to his. "It's very sweet." "I have my moments," he states softly. He leans his head against hers and says, "It's times like this that I miss most when I am at sea." Ruby answers, "Yes, I imagine it would be very lonely out there. I was lonely for a long time too, I know what it feels like." She gently puts her head on his shoulder. "I'm pretty tired, I was up late last night. How about you?"

He says, "The lonely part is when you are far away at sea without any sight of land. Even with my friends with me it still feels like you are the only people in the world. I imagine that will be less of a factor on Great Lakes Duty, as either the Canadian or American shore will always be visible except on foggy days or when near the very center of Lake Superior." "I bet it's very dark and cold there in the middle of the ocean. But you could probably see the stars pretty good, no?"

He replies, "Yes, but you can do the same in the middle of an empty field at night and the ground won't be moving beneath your feet like an ocean." "True," she smiles. "I'm currently having a love affair with the stars in the sky. It doesn't matter how I get to see them as long as I can." He replies, "I know all of the star constellations. Maybe we could find somewhere away from the city lights and I can point them out to you." She replies "That sounds exciting."

She pauses and runs a finger very lightly across his thigh, "And romantic." He smiles and says, "There will be time for that later young lady, the train is almost to our next major stop. That'll be another forty-five minute layover while they change some freight cars if you want to stretch your legs again." She answers, "Well, Officer, in case you didn't notice, my legs are long and do get cramped easily. Perhaps I can be persuaded to go for a walk."

He says, "Well, it's now 4:45 P.M. and we are approaching the community of Syracuse. About three blocks from the train station at the corner of Jefferson and Salina Streets is Dey's Department Store, which on Friday's is open into the evening hours. How about we wander over there and I'll buy you a present." Ruby picks up her head and excitedly says, "Oh I looovveeee presents! You know me well already. How do you know about this store? Been in Syracuse before?"

He replies, "Around two years ago when we were between ships. We were part of a group sent to pick up some electrical equipment for the Navy from a local manufacturer. The shipment wasn't ready when we arrived so we had to stick around for a couple of days." She answers, "I see. You've been all over, huh? Have you been around the world or just the country?" He says, "I've been all over the Atlantic, never made it out to the Pacific."

"I want to travel one day. Go everywhere I can. I long for adventure and romance." She laughs, "But you've probably already figured that out about me." "I imagine I still have a lot to learn," he states. The train comes to a stop at Syracuse station. They get up to leave with Roger telling Richard, "We're just stepping off to do some shopping, we'll be back before the train leaves."

Richard looks to Ruby and asks, "Would you like me to go with you?" If it would make you more comfortable you can. But I think we'll be alright, we're just going a couple of blocks away. It's up to you." Ruby takes Roger's arm and follows his off the train. Richard stays on the train. Roger leads her directly to Dey's Department Store. Their destination is a large brick five-story building with "Dey Brothers" on the door in gold letters above the main entrance.

They enter to see a building lit with electric lights and filled with hundreds of customers. A sign indicates which items are on which floor and in addition to the staircases up is also an elevator. "What would you like to look at?" Roger asks. She looks at the sign to what is on which levels. "I don't even know where to start. What do you suggest?" He says, "If we had time I would suggest a leisurely beverage and pastry at the Tea Room on the opposite side of this floor. But since we are pressed for time how about we buy you something from either the perfume counter, the jewelry counter or the unmentionables department."

Maybe we can get the pastry to go, I hate to miss out on a good dessert." She grabs him by the hand and pulls him into the elevator. Once inside she announces, "Fourth floor, unmentionables please!" with a giggle. She looks up at him, "You make it very hard for a woman to choose you know. Who can turn down jewelry?" He replies, "Well, I am on a sailor's budget and we enlisted personnel aren't paid that highly. Far better to get a nicer item in a less expensive department than having to settle for a lower quality item in a high-priced section."

The doors of the elevator shut and Ruby faces Roger. "You know, you really don't have to buy me anything. Maybe just a drink tonight. But you don't have to get me anything now." He says, "I don't have to buy you anything, but I want to. I'm just saying that a diamond necklace would have been out of my price range, while something black and lacy would probably fall within my budget." “Fair enough. Although...," She steps closer to him, "I suppose you buy something black and lacy for every girl you've got in every port?" she asks with a grin and a raised eyebrow.

Roger says, "You must have me confused with my friend Carl, he's the one with a girl in every port. Bjorn also does well with the ladies. That's not my routine. I have usually had a steady girl in places where my ship was calling home for a while but I don't know any women at any of the Great Lakes ports where I'll be spending the better part of the next few years. It's too bad you're not staying in the area instead of heading back out west."

Ruby answers, "You don't even know me Roger. How do you know it's a bad thing?" He replies, "Because I am a good judge of character and put great stock in first impressions." "And what was your first impression of me?" she asks with a flip of her long hair. He answers, "That you're like me. Fun-loving, wanting to put part of your past behind you and make the most of the moment. No great concerns about the future but surrounding yourself with good people to help bring you there."

They arrive at the department in question where Roger gets the attention of a female salesperson. He slips the woman some money and says, "Please see that Miss. Ruby finds something nice." To Ruby he says, "I will wait for you out here." "Isn't he sweet?" she says to the saleswoman. Ruby stands on her toes and kisses Roger on the cheek. "I'll find something perfectly pretty, don't you worry," and she bounces off with the saleswoman.

"So... how much naughty can I buy?" Ruby asks with a smile. Ruby bounces from rack to rack, holding up all kinds of pretties. She knows she doesn't have a lot of time so she quickly chooses a few things to try on. After a few minutes she emerges from the fitting room with a smile on her face. She puts a sheer pink set on the counter and has the women wrap it. Finally she meets back up with Roger. "All done! Any time to grab that pastry?"

He replies, "Should we pick one up for your brother too? I saw him spying on us from the street outside of the main doors." Ruby laughs, "He's not my brother. And I guess he's not a very good spy either, huh?" She takes Roger's arm and leads him towards the tea room. "He's my business partner. He was worried about his investment so he came along on the trip with Jane and I. Could you believe he figured the two of us would get into trouble?" Roger says, "Not your brother? I could have sworn that he was by the way that he acted and he doesn't appear at all interested in you romantically. Maybe he's after your friend Jane instead."

"Oh," Ruby smiles as they walk to the bakery counter, "You can't imagine someone not interested in me, huh? Well, he's all business. We can barely get him to break a smile with our crazy escapades. And believe me, we've tried HARD." "Oh, I believe you," he states. He gestures to the various types of pastries before them and orders a strawberry tart for himself. Ruby orders an almond crescent. "So... are you a good dancer Roger?"

He replies, "Not hardly, two left feet, but I try to compensate for that deficiency with other activities." Ruby laughs, "I wonder if I want to know what those other activities are...Don't worry, I'm an excellent dancer and have been told I can help even the most unsteady man look good on his feet. " She taps her lip, "Or was look good off his feet?" She giggles again and shrugs light heartedly. "I'm suddenly feeling rather silly." He laughs and says, "Uncoordinated feet, not unsteady, I've lived most of my adult life aboard ships at sea."

She replies, "True... you must feel more at home on the water than you do at land, no? But you can't stay there forever. What do you plan to do?" Ruby nibbles at her pastry as the talk and walk back to the train. She peers around to see if she notices Richard. Roger says, "I plan to remain in the Navy until I reach my thirty years of service and quality for a pension, I'm almost half-way there now. Beyond that, well, that's too far off to think about."

"Ah, a lifetime to the armed forces. It just seems so... lonely." Ruby shrugs. "It wasn't too long ago that I myself hadn't worried much about the future either. Things change though." They find themselves standing on the train platform. "I haven't been near the ocean in a long time. I think it's about time again." He replies, "Well, it will probably be a few years until I see the Ocean again myself. I imagine that Lake duty will be rather similar, although the water will be calmer except during storms." Ruby nods her head. "Well, I'm sure it won't be that different really."

Ruby stands silently lost in her thoughts as she nibbles on her pastry, not really sure what other conversation to have with Roger at the moment. Roger and Ruby re-board the train with only minutes to spare before it leaves Syracuse station. Richard is sitting in the same seat he was in before reading a newspaper, with no outward indication that he has ever been elsewhere. "Did you have a nice walk Richard?" Ruby smirks as she plops down into the seat in the aisle in front of him. "You missed the delicious pastries."

He replies, "I found what I needed, namely a newspaper stand that in addition to Syracuse papers also had the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. He had both today and yesterday's editions so I bought both. I plan to spend the final hour of this train journey familiarizing myself with what has been transpiring there recently." Ruby sits up on her knees and turns backwards. Leaning over the seat she asks, "Why do you need to know all that?"

He lowers his voice so that Roger won't hear and replies, "My job is security and I take that job very seriously. I don't know Rochester, it's a place I have never been. I checked out what I could while in New York City, most particularly the road maps and train schedules, in the event that we have to make for a quick escape to get you away from your parents. The local papers clue me in to some of the local happenings and issues as well as the current gossip. If I have to fabricate any stories while we are there I will have the information needed to make it plausible."

Ruby stares seriously at him for a moment before smiling again. "You DO take your job seriously, huh? Well, good job." She laughs and starts turning back around in her seat but stops. Her smile dies just a bit and she asks, "Am I making your job harder Richard?" He smiles and says, "Actually no, your new friend Roger helps to provide a viable cover that should prevent people taking any extra notice of you when we first arrive." "Hmruph, I don't like not to be noticed. I may have to lose him," she teases. "Well, I'm glad. I don't want to make your life harder. You would tell me, right? If I was?" He replies, Yes, unless it were necessary to keep you safer by your not knowing."

Ruby pauses, "Do you think my parents are going to be a problem?" He answers, "A security mindset always assumes the worst-case scenario. We should be fine for the first twelve-hours of so as we now have a dozen military men to call to our assistance if needed. Once they're gone we'll have to play it by ear." Ruby nods. "I know you don't think so, but I'll be safe with George. I know it. But thanks for doing a good job anyhow." She smiles at him then turns around and sinks into her seat.

The train pulls out of Syracuse station. Roger says, "I'm glad we got off to stretch our legs. One thing the Navy has taught me is that whenever you have an opportunity to get your feet on solid ground, even for only a few minutes, you should take it." "And I got this," Ruby holds up her bag from the department store before sticking it under her seat. "That makes it totally worth it too," she teases. "But yes, it gets hard to stay cramped up too long." Ruby leans her head back against the seat. She was tired and a nap would do her good. Plus she realized all her good intentions to figured things out for her upcoming visit were out the window. "You know Roger, I'm a bit sleepy. I think I'll rest my eyes if you don't mind."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-eighty-nine, “A good day for a bank robbery”, Friday, June 16th, 2:15 P.M.

When the group if finally ready to leave the Lucky Lady for the bank, Jake is the first to step into the street. He looks it up and down for anything unusual. Though Jake himself is not carrying any more money than usual, the others obviously much be carrying enough to make it worth some young hot head's while to risk a daylight robbery and run for the hills. If he sees nothing, he nods to Van Horne in a reassuring way and follows them.

The five head over to the bank. They are still down a teller, with the employees present being Bank Manager Paul Stevens, Teller Shannon O'Hara and Guard/Maintenance Man Chandler Wells (who also works for Wells Fargo). Stevens greets Van Horne and personally sees to the deposits for the tournament players. Jake transfers his fee as well and then withdraws enough money to pay Pierre for his recent purchase. He bids the others good day and makes his way to Pierre's place and gives him the money.

He takes a stroll around town on the look out for an opportunity to speak with Prosper McCoy's wife with it being too obvious. The McCoy's reside in a two-story wood-framed house at the northwestern corner of the Sierra and Allen intersection. Jake sees through a window on the Sierra Street side of her house that she is presently home but does not see her husband around. There are construction noises coming from the Palace Saloon a block to the east, which is most likely where he is at. Jake removes his hat, and with it twirling on his hand he knocks on the door. He glances around to see who might be watching.

Bonnie McCoy comes to the door. She opens it and based upon the expression on her face it appears that she does not recognize Jake. "Yes Sir, may I help you?" she asks. "Perhaps you can Mrs. McCoy, and in turn perhaps I may help you. My name is Jake Cook, Ma’am, and if you invite me in I would be pleased to explain." Jake gives her a reassuring and charming smile. "Two people who both think it is a shame that Evan Adair once again evaded going to jail may benefit from a short conversation."

She lets him in after glancing both ways down the street to make sure that nobody else is noticing. She says, "I have heard of you Mr. Cook. Mr. Adair will be very displeased if he hears that you are at my house." Jake replies, "That is an understatement Ma’am. He will not hear it from my lips, and I will be brief and to the point. Evan Adair has tried to kill me and burn down my saloon, and who knows what else. Clearly some day I will need to end his persecution of me. I would much rather that his own foul plans were his undoing, and let the law put him away for good instead.

Mrs. McCoy, I understand that you may have your own reasons for disliking Adair. We need not discuss that. The opportunity that I give you is this; if you happen to know something, or can get word to me of something that I could use to have Adair caught up in his own evil web please share that with me. No one will know that you told me anything, and I take all the risk from here on. If you know nothing, or fear that the risk to you is too great then just say the word and I will bid you good day. Either way I will keep a gentlemen's silence." Jake smiles at her. "What have you got to loose? Except maybe a vulture that darkens your life."

She begins to cry and says, "I wish I could help you Mr. Cook, but I'm afraid that I can't. You see, Evan Adair has some items in a bank's safety deposit box in Los Angeles, California that he will use against us if we were to ever act against him." Jake says, "There, there, Mrs. McCoy, I am not asking you to act against him. Merely if you found the opportunity to pass along some information that he would not know came from you. I would use it in a way that would not implicate anyone." Jake glances again to make sure he is not visible from the street. Not sure why, but he asks, "What bank is that?"

She says, "The First Commerce Bank....in Box 114. Do...I mean...is there a any chance you could get the documents there? We would be ever so grateful." He replies, "I do not know how I would. Robbing banks is not my specialty. Stranger things have happened though...." He scratches his chin and moves to the door. "Please get word to me if you think of anything that might be, um, useful. Otherwise, we have never met." Jake puts his hat back on and inclines it slightly to her. He has her look out the door before he leaves to see if anyone is around before he leaves.

Jake goes over to the El Parador for a whiskey and some time to think. Jake enters to see Manuel Gonzales sitting with a large spread of a dozen Mexican dishes spread out before him and a large tankard of ale, obviously having either a late lunch or early supper. Jake gets a whiskey from the bar before wandering over to see the old wizard. Jake states, "Buenos tardes, senor. If a man's appetite is any indication of his health I would judge you are quite well. Of course it also may have something to do with that daughter of yours, between her talents in the kitchen and her predilection for seeing everyone well fed."

He replies, "Why thank you, I'm just catching up for lost time. I've spent the last several days out at Sonoma's ranch, helping to guard it against the return of Wyatt Earp. Only today was I was informed of Mr. Earp's incarceration in town so made my way back. Sonoma tries, but her cooking is not in the same league as her mother's. I have certainly missed this!" Gonzales eats some more and then says, "So are all things working well towards your poker tournament tomorrow? When I spoke with Mr. Van Horne earlier he said that he wanted to hire me to help with security."

Jake says, "That would be a most welcome addition. I suppose that the preparations go well enough." Jake takes the liberty of sitting down next to Gonzalez. "I learned that Evan Adair plans some less than honorable activities involving the tournament. To make a long story a tad shorter, hoping to get something on him to keep that snake in the grass under control I learned that he has been black mailing the McCoy's. OK, so I new that, but what I did not know was the black mail material is in safety deposit box number 114 at The First Commerce Bank in Los Angeles."

Jake shakes his head. "I am not a bank robber, neither am I indebted to the McCoy's to risk my neck over this. I should just put it out of my mind. But I despise Adair, and even as unprincipled as I usually appear to be, black mail makes my blood boil." Jake looks up from short rant, eyes dark. "Heh, listen to me." Slowly his face releases the anger and tension. "So other than that there are several other well known con artists joining the tournament." He shrugs, his familiar smile returning to his face. "Just another day in Promise City."

Gonzales says, "Hmmm....Los Angeles you say. I've been meaning to check in on Maggie Whipple. We probably have another three or four hours until that bank closes if you'd care to go and check it out." Jake asks, "Just what do you have in mind, senor? A sort of casual look-it-over, check-it-out, or bring some tools if we may have an opportunity to try something adventurous Jake-style check-it -out?"

The elderly elf replies, "Well, I'm not thinking armed robbery. But what's to stop a couple of businessmen from showing up and opening a new safety deposit box at the same bank? Unless they are warded against magic we'd only need a few minutes alone in the room with the boxes." "Hmmm." Jake strokes at his beard, "Nothing. I will let you finish your meal while I change and get something that may be useful." He replies, "Well, as far as changing is concerned I still have those items that make the younger version of myself, as well as Mr. Austin who went into hiding due to Wyatt Earp being after him."

Jake says, "I suppose that makes changing unnecessary, but I still have one more item that might be useful. I will be quick about it and be back." Jake makes his way back to the Luck Lady and finds Van Horne. "I need to speak to you," Jake says in a stern voice. He takes the large Georgian into the kitchen, telling Maria it is time for a short break. "What in Hades were you thinking!" Jake exclaims and then gives his friend Red a grin. Then in a quiet voice. "Not much time to explain I need to hurry. I may be able to help you with the Adair problem..."

Jake tells him about the bank, safe deposit box and the McCoy's. "Know anything useful about any of that? Oh, and let me borrow your amulet again." Van Horne hands over the amulet and says, "Just be careful Jacob, Mr. Adair most likely has friends or associates of some kind at that bank." Jake nods. "Good advice. With luck we both may be rid of him once and for all. Then we can argue about who was more foolish with him." Jake gives the Irishman a friendly pat on the arm and stops before opening the door. In a loud voice, "Fine then, but I am not happy about it!" With a wink Jake opens the door and stomps out of the Lucky Lady, his frown visible to all.

When he enters the El Parador Jake has a smile on his face. Gonzales is waiting by the staircase and says, "Let's head up to my room." Jake nods and follows him. Once upstairs Jake says, "If you have any old papers or newspapers or book I can bring that will not be missed or lead anyone back to us, I would bring it along as our treasure that needs to be locked up. It would keep the ruse plausible."

Gonzales replies, "Good idea. I believe that I can locate a few odds and ends that will fill that void." He gets two books and some papers which he places inside of a well-worn leather satchel. He also collects the hat and eyeglasses for the magical transformations but for now he and Jake remain as their usual selves. He then gathers the brazier and goes through the now-familiar burnt powder and incantation that Jake has experienced before. They vanish from Gonzales's workshop and reappear inside a dark room of some sort with the only light coming from the brazier.

It takes Jake's eyes a few seconds to adjust at which point he makes out that they are in some sort of food pantry, with shelves and shelves full of cans and bottles on both sides and large wooden barrels at the far wall. He then makes out a doorway on the other wall with a faint amount of light coming from beneath the crack. Jake moves silently towards the door and listens for a moment before whispering to Gonzalez, "Now what?"

Gonzales says, "We are in the pantry of Maggie's Restaurant, which leads to the kitchen. We are between meal times so the kitchen should be unoccupied at the moment, but we should check to make sure first. If necessary I can turn us both invisible to exit, although I would hate to miss an opportunity to see Maggie Whipple again." "I do not think there is any need to be invisible," Jake shrugs and listens at the door again. Hearing nothing, he cautiously and slowly turns the handle and opens the door just a hairline crack to look into the kitchen.

The kitchen is large one with multiple industrial-style stoves and sinks and hundreds of pots and pans. The place is exquisitely clean and nobody is presently in there. There are several pots with what appears to me soup simmering on the stove, with stirring spoons beside them, indicating that somebody is coming in at least periodically to stir them. Jake opens the closet door and quickly looks for a door to the outside. He and Gonzales are able to make their way outside onto the Street. Manuel says, "Let's find somewhere private to change into our other selves. Do you want to be the younger me or the older human Gentleman?"

"I can be old for a day." Jake follows and asks, "Will this change absorb all my gear? Do I need to take anything off that I want to have available to me?" Gonzales replies, Mr. Austin comes fully-clothed. If there are any items you will want in the other form you should remove them first." When he is ready to change, Jake removes the amulet he borrowed from Red, his dagger, derringer and extra derringer rounds, plus the money from his wallet. "Ready."

Gonzales hands Jake Austin's glasses and tells him to say the command world "Tarnation". He becomes a human male between sixty and seventy years of age, with long white beard, bushy sideburns, bushy eyebrows and bald head. He is dressed in a blue cotton shirt, tan wool pants, a wide belt and cowboy boots. He has a straw campaign-style hat on his head. A pair of wire-framed eyeglasses magnify his robins-egg blue eyes. He has a sheathed dagger on his belt but no other weapons. He has a rabbit-skin pouch on his belt and small book in his shirt pocket.

Jake looks himself over and chuckles. He goes about putting the items he removed back on his person, "Aw shucks, ain't no one gonna take me serious at no fancy bank." Jake gives a broad, toothy smile. Gonzales says, "Hogwash, this is California." He put on the necktie and does his own transformation, now still looking much like himself but at less than half his age. Gonzales and Jake head out from the alley to the main street and Gonzales hails a hansom cab to pick them up. "First Commerce Bank please," he states.

Jake and Gonzales ride through the main streets of Los Angeles and continue towards the southwestern side of the city. They can see and smell the Pacific Ocean in the distance. They continue on for a few more miles to the section of the city known as Beverly Hills. The carriage comes to a stop before a large marble building with the sign reading "Commerce Bank". Jake is careful to leave the carriage more slowly than he is accustomed and feigned being an older man. After the carriage moves on, "Do you have any preference for false names?"

He replies, "I usually use Miguel instead of Manuel, so I'll be Miguel Fernandez. Last time I called you Jay instead of Jake, and pulled the name Brothers out of the air since you're from Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly love. Use whatever name you like just so it can't be traced back to the two of us." Jake shrugs, "I can be ol' man James Brothers, Jay to my friends. Let us do it."

They enter the spacious lobby of the building, seeing multiple teller windows. They approach and inquire to the teller about their desire to obtain a safety deposit box. The teller says they will need to speak to the bank manager. They are escorted over to an office with the sign on the door reading “M. Drysdale, Manager”. A mustached man of average height and graying hair stands to shake their hands and asks how he can be of service to them.

Jake states, "Well there young feller, Miguel here keeps on a tellin' me I need ta git my important papers n' money in a safer spot. Frankly I don't see what's wrong w'my safe spot, but Miguel tells me I'm bein' a foolish old coot. That's not exactly what he says, but I'm holdin' my tongue on account of the wimin folks alls about. So if'n ya be so kind jus' tell Miguel here that my spot is safer for my mine deeds n' stacks o' money than this here big shiny buildin' so we ken be goin'."

Drysdale looks up with a look of mild distaste on his face, apparently unaccustomed to dealing with common rabble such as are presenting themselves to him now. He says, "I'm not sure what you have in mind sir. If you are referring to Safety Deposit Boxes they may be out of your price range." Jake exclaims, "Jus' how blasted expensive are yer safer whatever boxes? I jus' took a lil' pocket cash w'me when we left d'mine." Jake withdraws some crumpled bills from his pocket and holds them out to show his friend Migel. In it are five one hundreds plus a mixture of tens and twenties. He says accusingly at Migel, "Ya didn't tell me we'd need ta bring any o' d'gold!"

Milburn Drysdale's eyes bug out at the sight of all the bills and the mention of gold. He immediately changes his attitude and begins to treat his visitors as though they are kings! He showers them with compliments and tells them many assurances of why his bank is the safest place for them to put their things. Drysdale explains that they have boxes of various sizes, that all boxes are secured within their own vaults with the finest of locks to keep people out. Each box requires a pair of keys to open, one of which the bank holds and the other belonging to the renter of the box.

He takes out a ledger listing and opens to a page listing safety deposit boxes by number and size. Jake reads upside down beside Boxes 101 to 148 it says 2 ½ -inch-by-12-inch” and that list of numbers shows three boxes without names beside them. The name listed for Box 114 reads “Evangelou F. Adairre”. The manager inquires “What size box were you looking for?” Jake says, "Oh, sumthin about," he makes some rather vague motions with his hands that describes nearly nothing and finally says, "about a foot long n' mebee couple inches or so deep. Now, tell me again how you would kip my private stuff safe."

Drysdale explains again that all boxes are secured within their own vaults with the finest of locks to keep people out. Each box requires a pair of keys to open, one of which the bank holds and the other belonging to the renter of the box. He says that he will show them and they can start using the box today if they would like.

They enter through a metal door which Drysdale unlocks to a corridor with three vaults, stopping at the center one which he unlocks. The room is six-feed deep and has safety deposit boxes on both the left and right walls with around four feet of space in between. The boxes to the right are four different large sizes and number between 001 and 100. The ones on the left have three columns of sixteen boxes numbered 101 to 148 that are 2 ½ inches high each with around an inch of space in between followed by two columns of 1 ¼ inches high with around an inch of space in between numbering 149 to 196. Drysdale takes out his key ring and uses his key to box number 140, handing another to Jake and telling him to insert the other and turn.

Jake pretends to fumble with it a bit before getting it right. He then turns it. Just as they turn the keys together and Drysdale's back is to the Mexican Gonzales mutters something in Latin. Drysdale begins to collapse to the floor unconscious, Gonzales catching him and setting him gently down onto the floor. Gonzales has also opened up his pocket watch and says “We have exactly nine minutes from when I cast the spell until he awakens.”

Gonzales says, "Get his key to Box 114 and put it in the lock". Jake does as instructed. Gonzales then removes from his pocket what appears to be a fountain pen, placing the ink end on the lock where Adair's key would go. He then says an incantation in Greek and the last two-inches of the pen turn to clay which Gonzales pushes into the lock. He then says another word in Greek and tells Jake “It has solidified in the shape left by the lock mechanism.” They turn the keys together and open the door. They then remove the box.