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

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety, “Emily’s Future Path”, Friday, June 16th, 4:30 P.M.

Back at the Marshal’s Office Chester comments to Marshal Berg "The Judge’s ruling on Porter was a surprise. I didn't know Dr. Eaton would go out of his way to help Grant Porter out. The service will straighten him out, even if it is the Navy. Let's hope he isn't foolish enough to risk his family's home by trying to escape."

Over at the Hoover School Emily didn't try to talk to Nakomo again that afternoon and he didn't seem very interested in talking to her again anyway. She really had not meant to offend him but she didn't want to play at grown-up things. He seemed to consider himself a man, and men had expectations. Emily just wanted to be a girl a while longer. Too many boys in Chicago had wanted her to play at being a woman.

She collected her things, including the little box lunch Mrs. Lee gave her every morning even though they didn't live in the boarding house anymore, and went outside to meet her Uncle. Instead of her Uncle, Emily saw her cousin Ellen waiting there for her and her face brightened a bit. "Hi Ellen, what did you do all day today?" Ellen replies, "Making father happy. I've spent most of the day with those wealthy Nevada ranchers, the Cartwrights. The youngest one, Jamie Hunter Cartwright, isn't so bad, he's around my age and is very friendly. The more I appear interested in him the less Pa will suspect about Paul."

Emily asks, "Are you just gonna go on forever like that? Just keep trying to fool Uncle and sneak around to see your boy on the side? I'd guess you want more than that someday." Ellen replies, "You'll understand when you're older, that's how love works. It's unpredictable, you never know who you will fall for. And once Pa is elected Mayor he'll be too busy to pay any attention to me, Paul and I will have a new sense of freedom." Emily says, "I think Uncle will find time to keep track of all of us. I don't wanna understand love, especially if I have to be older to do it."

Emily walked quietly next to Ellen for a while, chewing over her thoughts. "I kinda had an argument with someone today. Nakomo left school with Mrs. Kale early yesterday, and she missed the two days of school before that, so I went and asked him where he went. He didn't wanna say, but I was being pretty nosy. But then he wanted to take me by the arm and escort me. I didn't want him to and he got offended. I like him good enough, but it made me uncomfortable."

Ellen says, "Nakomo? What kind of a name is that? Is he Dwarven?" She shook her head. "Half-elf, like me. He lives with the priestess, I guess he's he ward." Ellen says, "Well, if he were really like you he would have treated you in a civil manner. Perhaps you should try to find yourself some human friends instead." Emily states, "He said he was just trying to be polite, it bothered me cause I don't like that boy-girl stuff. He wouldn't know that."

She stopped walking suddenly, eyes dark and wide. "What does it have to do with being human anyway? Am I only okay cause I grew up with humans instead of elves?" Ellen says, "No, of course not. A lot of elves out here have become civilized. It's not where you are raised but how you are raised. If that boy were raised among his kind he may not be aware of the proper ways to do things."

Emily states, "You're not listening. Isn't taking a girl's arm what men are supposed to do? I was the one who wasn't civilized. And why does there have to be one right way to do things? Everyone always wants me to do things their way." Ellen stops and plants her hands on her hips and exclaims, "Well I don't. You're old enough to make your own decisions as far as I am concerned. Don't go painting me with the same brush as you do with your Uncle and parents?"

"That's not what I'm doing. I just... I like the elf part of me, and the way you're talking sounds like you're glad Ma trained it out of me." Emily blinked back tears, Ellen having hit a very sore spot.
"I know you're not gonna tell me what to do, but lots of people have told me everything'll be okay if I just act human, be human. I'm elf too, it's all I have of Pa and I'm going to keep being elf too, even if it's uncivilized."

Ellen retorts, "I never said you shouldn't honor your Elvan heritage. I just said that boy may not have been raised the way we have been so you shouldn't assume that he has been. I'm also not saying that all elves around here are bad or uncivilized. But I know from experience that some are bad and uncivilized, and until you know what type they actually are you shouldn't make assumptions."

"Some humans are bad and uncivilized too, Ellen," Emily said quietly. "And a lot of them assumed I was bad just cause of how I looked. It got so bad at school that Ma started teaching me at home. I'm not trying to pick a fight with you, Ellen. I know you don't think that elves are bad, I'm just kinda sensitive."

Ellen says, "Well, I'm not trying to fight with you but you should know that my father, mother and several ranch hands spend years under siege on our ranch by Cochise and his warriors whose intent was our deaths. And his successor Geronimo is right up in the those mountains wanting to do the same. He went on the warpath in January and it was only due to the efforts of Deputy Martin and his friends to make peace that this town still stands." Emily bit back her words. She'd forgotten that Ellen would have reason to think that way about elves, not just ignorance. She just nodded and shifted her box.

Emily eventually asks, "Am I gonna get you in too much trouble if I go somewhere? Uncle doesn't want me going off alone." Ellen replies, "I think he was mostly worried about the Hooded Riders, who were attacking candidates and their families. They're all caught now, but it still might not be the safest place to go by yourself until you know your way around." "I just want to go to the grove. I know the way from there to the house, it's kind of hard to miss," she said hopefully.

Ellen says, "The one over by the Mexican Church? Sure, that's fine, it's within sight of the town. That's an interesting place, there are several trees and shrubs there not native to this area. That Priest must really have a green thumb when it comes to plants." "I've wanted to go there since I got here," the bright smile found its usual place on her face. She handed her things to Ellen with a quick please and thank you, then ran as fast as she could toward the collection of trees.

The grove is truly spectacular, with at least fifteen different types of trees. Many are indeed not native to the areas and some in fact should not be able to thrive in this climate, but they do none-the-less. Emily is there for around ten minutes when she sees a male half-elf exit the church and head in her direction. He calls over, "Hello, I am Father Thomas Valdez. Aren't you Mr. Shaw's niece?"

Emily turned away from the tree she'd been considering climbing to look at the man walking from the church and nodded. "Yes, but my name isn't Shaw, it's Emily Banks. I hope it's ok for me to be here." He smiles and says, "Of course it is, you have been expected." "I have?" She looked around as if someone were going to step out from behind one of the trees. "Me? I mean, I wanted to come here right away, but Uncle doesn't want me to go round by myself. Who would expect me?"

The priest answers, "An old friend, an elf from the Yavapai tribe by the name of Jadito. He was told that you were coming and that he was to be your mentor, to teach you the ways of the Gods of nature." Emily stared at the man for a minute. "Who told him? It's strange anyone but my family would have known I was coming here. I already know some special things, but I only knew they weren't wizardry. Are there special gods for nature?"

He says, "The Elves worship many gods of nature, as to the Celts. And he was told of your imminent arrival in Promise City by none other than the Roman Goddess Diana herself, who also has great respect for nature." "I say hello to her when the moon is out," Emily said, her mind struggling. "She was paying attention to me? What am I supposed to do?"

He replies, "She was here to help the Roman Priest and Priestess to rid this town of some monsters who had temporarily imbedded themselves in this community. As for what you should do, continue to visit here. Jadito is currently with his mate but I expect him to return in a day or two." "I told Uncle something felt strange here, like there was something that didn't belong. It's all gone today, last night it started to go away. I thought maybe I just didn't know what Promise City felt like yet."

Her quicksilver smile suddenly appeared again. "You'll have a hard time keeping me out of here. You don't mind if I climb your trees, do you? The trees never seem to mind." Valdez says, "Why would I want to keep you out of here, these trees are for all of those who love and appreciate nature. Climbing is fine, but if you bend or break any limbs you are responsible for then repairing them." She exclaims, "You can do that? I can heal animals or people, but I don't know how to heal a tree. How do you do it?"

Valdez smiles and says, "My specialty is healing people, you'll have to ask Jadito, he is the nature priest." "I'll just have to be careful until I meet him then." Emily sat down and began taking off her shoes. "Did you plant all these trees here? How long ago? Some of them shouldn't even be able to live here." He replies, "Most of them were planted by my friend Mother Jiminez. A few of the newer ones were planted by my friend Morgana. You should have your family send out some seeds from where you are from and you can plant and cultivate some yourself."

"Really? There are some beautiful trees in Illinois. There was an oak tree I really liked, he always felt friendly. I can really plant things here too?" She pulled off her shoes and wiggled her toes, then got up and walked to the elf priest. "It must be nice to live here and take care of this grove. Is it hard to serve the gods?" "Why don't you ask him" Valdez states as he gesture to a very old Indian who is approaching.

Emily looked curiously at the new visitor and started to walk forward, but stopped. "Who is that? You said that... Jadito, wouldn't be back for a couple days." Valdez says, "I hadn't through so, but he doesn't exactly keep a fixed schedule. Come on, I will introduce you." He takes her over and says, "Jadito, I would like you to meet Emily Banks." The elf looks down at her and says in a stern voice, "Hello young lady. When would you like to begin your training?"

Her usually sunny disposition was a little awed by this old elf. "I... If it was up to me I'd start right now and just have training instead of going to school anymore. But my Uncle would object. I'm not really supposed to be here now." Jadito replies, "Yes you are, you just haven't realized it yet. This Emily is your new home. You may continue to reside in your Uncle's house, but it is here in this grove where you will feel alive and one with the land."

Emily looked down at her feet and wiggled her toes in the grass. "I knew that already, I think. Maybe that's why I wanted to be here since I first got here. Mr. Valdez said Diana told you that I was coming here. It's a little scary to think about." Jadito says, "Why? If your Uncle had told us you were coming that wouldn't phase you, why should a deity who is one with the land not know and be pleased by a new nature priestess coming to worship?"

"Am I a preistess?" she asked, a bit awed by the prospect. "I never felt special enough to be noticed by a deity, I'm just me. But I'd like to be a priestess." Jadito states, "You will be a Priestess. One thing about Diana is that she has a prophetic vision, she can see what people can accomplish. She has faith in your as do I, and for that matter, as does your Uncle. Welcome young Emily to where you now belong. Perhaps we can start your training tomorrow, you're not in school on Saturdays are you?"

"No sir, no school on Saturday," she answered, her excitement starting to get the better of her. Uncle doesn't like me to go around alone, but I will be here whenever you say. You're right, this is my place." He says, "I will stop by your house tomorrow morning at a time of your suggestion to speak to your Uncle. I will bring with me some people who will understand whose council he will respect. We will establish the terms of your training at that point in time. Know this though, I expect a serious commitment from you, not just for this to be a passing thing that you soon grow tired of."

She answers, "I understand sir, and I won't get tired. I left my mother to come here where I could be near places like this. I couldn't imagine what I was going to do when I grew up because I only want to be part of the world outside the city. How does anyone want anything else?" she finished shaking her head in confusion. "This is my first Saturday with Uncle, so I don't know what he plans. Best to come in the morning."

Jadito says, "Very well, I will see you then." "Yes sir, thank you," Emily said, looking at this stern-faced stranger even as she wondered why she'd agreed so readily to everything he said.
"Thank you, Mr. Valdez," she added, then ran back over to where her shoes were. She'd intended to climb the tree, but for once the idea had been chased out of her head. Instead she grabbed the shoes and ran barefoot back to her Uncle's house.

Emily carefully opened the front door of the house and peeked inside, looking for her Uncle. When she didn't see him she slipped inside and made for her room. The play was tonight and she needed a bath. Uncle was going to have plumbing put into the house, but until then she'd have to go to the bathhouse and she didn't remember the way there. She tried to calm down her emotions and went looking to see if anyone was home. She enters to find her cousin Tricia on the couch lip-locked with a young man whose arms are wrapped around her.

"Is everyone around here crazy?" Emily muttered, not really caring if Tricia heard or not. She added, louder, "You must be pretty sure Uncle won't be home for a while." The two break apart and Tricia says, "He went over to watch the hanging, he'll be gone for at least a half hour." The boy's face turns the shade of crimson. Tricia says, "Emily this is Simon Cunningham, Simon, my cousin Emily."

She replies, "Um, hi Simon. Nice to meet you. Maybe I'll just go upstairs to my room. When did Uncle leave? Why would he want to watch a hanging?" Tricia answers, “He left a few minutes ago, and he doesn't want to watch a hanging but felt that with so many townspeople present he had to be there since he's running for Mayor." Emily comments, "He's probably right about that. Was he mad I didn't come back with Ellen?"

Tricia says, I think he was preoccupied, plus Ellen was a quick in and out herself so he might have assumed she was going back to wherever you were." "Good," Emily nodded. "I only been here a week, I don't want to be getting Uncle mad yet, and I don't guess a hanging will make him cheery. I guess I'll go upstairs and leave you be. Will you let me know when Uncle gets back? I want to go have a bath but I don't know the way and I ain't supposed to go alone." Tricia agrees. As Emily is going upstairs she hears Tricia tell her boyfriend, "You'd better go now that she's back."

"I ain't gonna say nothin', do what you want," she called behind her as she continued up to her room and shut the door quietly behind. For a moment she felt like an intruder in her own house, especially considering her fight with Ellen earlier. But this was her home not theirs anyway, and the excitement from her meeting in the grove pushed those somber thoughts away fast. She opened her window and climbed partway out, so she was sitting on the sill with her legs dangling and watched what was happening outside.

She hears sounds from two blocks away of the crowd at the hanging but thankfully the buildings in between block that from view. Instead she looks a block to the west at the horses in the corral beside Drover's Livery. She idly watched the horses mill around the corral. She'd though maybe she'd get a job there, but now it looked like she was going to be too busy for that. Jadito seemed... stern. Often people she was around long enough started to indulge her, she never quite understood why. But she was pretty sure Jadito wasn't going to do that. It was kind of a nice thought. Uncle indulged her enough, although she would have adored him just for bringing her here and loving her, but her nature wanted something to work at too.

Emily looked down to see if Simon had left yet. She was awful glad she didn't have any money to worry her or make Uncle try to keep boys away. She'd spent the last couple years keeping them away just fine herself. She hadn't heard the door open or close, but she now sees Simon Cunningham walking west on Sierra Street in front of Drover's and continuing onward.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-one, “Hanging Aftermath”, Friday, June 16th, 4:45 P.M.

Kate and Conrad finish up the meal but seeing quite a few people heading east outside Conrad observes "The hanging must have just gotten over, folks are heading back to where ever. Let's stick around here a while longer until all of them clear out." Kate nodded. "Since there's no one shouting or angry, I assume this hanging went as it was intended. I don't regret the loss of Bob Skull or Elmer Koontz, but I'm just as glad not to have seen it."

Conrad replies, "I agree. I also think that if the town decides to actually build a school they should pick a site other than that municipal lot where the gallows was erected. Jeff Mills would like a fire station, far better to put that on the site than a place to education children. I don't believe in ghosts but I do feel that places of intentional death hold bad omens."

Kate says, "I don't believe in ghosts as most people think of them, but I do know that a spirit can be trapped here after they pass, unable to move on until those still here let them go. I suppose it would be possible for the spirit to stay because of its own anger. I don't know. But I would never build anything for children on such a site and I would refuse to teach there. I've never heard you say something like that, like believing in omens. Do you believe the land takes on a taint from what happened on it?" He replies, "Mother Jaminez has taught me a great deal. She knows more about the land than anybody, if she says that places can hold bad omens then I am inclined to believe her."

Kate held his arm a little tighter and shivered. "Yes, Mother Jaminez is very wise. She helped us yesterday, locating those who avoided the sunlight although she would go no further. I will have to make sure we soak the ground at the ranch with good omens, and my school as well. I want the town to have a public school, but I had gotten the idea in my head of my school lasting decades and maybe becoming a boarding school. But that was probably more than I'd be able to handle anyway with the ranch to work."

Conrad says, "Well, let's wait and see what comes of the election before making any permanent decisions regarding your school." She says, "My dear, I'm not planning for much beyond December. There's just no way to know how things are going to stand.” Mr. Maverick finishes the meal and he departs with Mrs. Enion. Some more people enter and from their conversation both Conrad and Kate conclude that the hangings did indeed occur. She says, "It's over, at least." She watched Mr. Maverick walk away with Mrs. Enion. "She would be an interesting woman to know. She seems to have a sense of humor about life."

Conrad says, "Yes indeed. Let's see, he called her Miss. Stone, mentioned con artistry, she spoke with a hint of a British accent and referenced her father. I imagine that would be Michael Stone, probably the best in the business for that line of work. If memory serves, he lived here in the States for several years following the war until he ran into trouble with the law and then returned to England."

"How do you know all these things?" she laughed. He says, "I've been a gambler for a while now and grew up in the theater. As shocking as it might sound the business of con artistry is interrelated with both of those professions. I imagine that was part of why your family was so skeptical of me in the first place.

Kate replies, "Not shocking at all. And I think my family would be skeptical of anyone I introduced to them, they always have been. Charmichael was more of a surprise though. Well, he'll go to college a meet some lovely girl and marry her and forget he ever thought of me. I was suggested politics for the fascinating Mrs. Enion as a way to honestly pit her wit and charm against others. Keeping criminals out doesn't have to mean keeping talented people out."

She says, "The family business. That certainly would explain her accommodations in California. I can see how such a life might be appealing. Pitting your mind against another and using the power of your personality to cloud their thinking until you've set things up just as you want them. We could have used her as a consultant for the Unity party. There are plenty of places for a quick wit and a winning smile." He replies with a laugh, "From what I saw of San Francisco politics I would say that profession also strongly overlaps with con artistry. And wasn't the Unity party founded in order to keep the criminals out of office?"

Conrad says, "Yes, but despite what she said I am skeptical of Mrs. Enion's putting the past behind her. If she were truly committed to that she wouldn't have just conned her way into the tournament." Kate answers, "Maybe... I'll keep my eyes open during the tournament, at least when I'm there. And perhaps I'll just say a word to Jake. I don't like to lay suspicion on someone who might not deserve it, but I think he'll understand."

He replies, "That might be a wise move. And on the subject of wisdom, I keep thinking that I made a foolish move, turning down Mrs. Higgins entry money because I didn't like the strings attached. Not only has it created tension between myself and my employer but it will cost me another $ 1,500 for what was probably a meaningless gesture. Her conditions would have only factored in if Mr. Adair, Mr. Cook and I were all three among the final players in the game, which is unlikely with twenty-eight participants."

Kate states, "It was the right thing to do, even if it's not easy. It wasn't meaningless. Mrs. Higgins must know that you're her employee, not her toady. I'm glad you didn't compromise your conscience to make your days easier." Kate looked down for a moment. "You've changed a great deal since I met you, and I'm sure Mrs. Higgins lays some of that at my door. I'm sorry about that. Maybe it really is time to think of what else you might be able to do. Although I don't know that there's anything here as lucrative as gambling."

He says, "Well, there's always politics! The Law and Order Party may be looking for a new candidate or two, maybe I should approach them about being a substitute." "But my dear, it just wouldn't do to have you on the losing party!" Kate teased. "Honestly, I usually find as long as you keep your eyes open there are opportunities. And things with Mrs. Higgins should smooth out after the election is over and things settle down again. After all, you're still bringing money into her saloon."

He replies, "Indeed I am, and if either myself or Mr. Spaulding do well in the tournament that should bring even more people to the Long Branch given the publicity that this will generate. Actually, Earp going on trial when he is should add even more, because reporters coming for the trial will no doubt cover the end of the tournament as well."

She says, "They'd be fools if they didn't. This is going to be a very busy town the next few days. There's enough time for reporters to get here for Wyatt's trial from almost anywhere in the country if they use usual methods. If I were Jake I'd sniffing out some opportunity for myself in that. Either advocating the idea of voting for all races and genders, or just getting a little publicity for the school. I might have to think about that a bit."

At the gallows, Minerva stands tight lipped at the back of the crowd watching the ropes swing with the weight of retribution. With grim satisfaction she silently acknowledges that this time, the law has done it's job and justice has been served. She melts back from the crowd being careful not to draw attention to herself and makes her way to the jail to speak with Earp.

Back at the municipal lot, the crowd is starting to clear from the gallows area, with Koontz and Skull both swaying by their ropes, the deaths having come swiftly. Dick Lester rides up with his wagon, with two of the fancy caskets from Madson's store in the back. Berg tells Chester, "Let's cut them down and get this over with." Chester climbs onto the scaffold and cuts Skull down with his Bowie knife. "Who paid for the fancy coffins? Adair?"

Dick Lester says, "Adiar paid for Skull's, Fisk paid for the one for Koontz." Chester says, "Let's get them down quickly. They'll go bad fast in this heat." He looks at Berg. "Marshall, do you think Snavely and the others will get off on the appeal?" Berg says, "Not at all, with Grant Porter's testimony the case against them is rock solid. That was very smart of Isby to treat the boy the way he did, the Judge actually didn't want to do that at all." Chester raises an eyebrow. "He didn't? It was good of him to give the young man a second chance."

Berg says, "As far as Isby was concerned Porter deserved a rope as much as his co-conspirators. But he was smart enough to realize that he had a weak case, since the hooded riders all kept their hoods on and with Ashley King, Luthor King and Don Hudson all conveniently dead the others would shift the blame to them or deny having been part of the gang during their crimes. So Isby realized the only way to accomplish true justice for the majority of them was by getting one to talk, and Porter seemed the best bet for that since Porter's father and Doc Eaton also put pressure on the boy to do so."

Chester replies, "Smart man. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Plus Porter's young enough to learn from his actions. I can't believe he's as hardened as the others." Berg replies, "I agree. I was the one who came up with the idea of military service as an alternative to prison time. Isby only went for that since it would guarantee the boy would be out of the Judge's jurisdiction for the future. The part that the judge kept quiet about was the boy's use of magic, it wasn't just Vaughn who knew how to mix up those potions, I think that's the real reason he wanted him gone from here."

Chester drags Skull to the wagon. "Yeah. If that came out, then he couldn't let Porter off with just service. Chances are that the laws against sorcery won't come off the books anytime soon." Berg replies, "No Chet, they won't, which is why people will have to keep pretending they don't see things that they clearly see, or come up with mundane explanations for them instead." Chester shakes his head. He says, "I have to admit. If you told me about this stuff a year ago. I would've wanted to string up Porter, too. Now? Now, sorcery is just a tool. A powerful and strange tool. But a tool all the same." Berg says, "I agree. And although he would never admit it in public I'm fairly confident that Judge Isby thinks so too."

The bodies are secured and Lester drives away. Berg says, "We might as well leave the gallows assembled until Monday, that'll give all of the newcomers in town for the weekend activities pause before they act harshly." Chester smiles grimly. "Nice thinking, boss. Every little thing will help. Hopefully this tournament won't draw too rough a crowd. Not much room in the jail." Berg answers, "Actually only Earp is left, but if you ask, that's enough."

As Chester and Berg walk back the Marshal says, "On the subject of this weekend, I've arranged with the Deputy Sheriffs to have one of them guarding outside of our Office with one of us inside guarding Earp. Neil and Sheriff Nagle are currently en route to Tombstone with the hooded rider prisoners. Eddie and Leslie are guarding Earp. But I'm also concerned about the large gathering tonight at the Lucky Lady. Why don't you plan on being there for the play, but I'm going to ask you to pay more attention to the audience than the performers."

Chester states, "OK. I'm your man. Are you afraid of something specific or just a general sense of dread? By the way, how much do you trust Nagle and Leslie? Because I don't trust them very much." Berg answers, "That's why they are guarding outside and we're inside. Leslie is a bad apple, they never should have put a badge on him. Nagle strikes me as okay, and he is at least somewhat bright. It was his idea in Tombstone to use dynamite to make fire breaks back during that fire last month. They would have lost a lot more of the town otherwise."

Chester replies, "Hmph. As long as Leslie doesn't turn him, I guess that will have to do. Let's hope that they don't figure out why they're being kept outside. I take it, you warned the others to keep an eye on the deputies." Berg replies, "Yes. The Sheriff Deputites realize that for Earp's safety the doors need to be locked at all times with guards on both side. They may hate Earp, which is as much incentive as anything. They want to ensure that Earp's friends don't try to bust him out of jail before the trial."

Chester says, "There are enough still left after the war they've had with the cowboys? I'm not saying that it can't happen, but how likely is it? We should check out anyone staying at the Great Western and the Promise City Hotel. Earp's friends, or enemies for that matter, could be watching the jail. Once is enough." Berg says, "Anybody new to town will probably be attending that play tonight Chet, you keep a close eye out there." Chester replies, "I hear you, Marshall. I'll keep my eyes peeled for any newcomers and anyone acting odd."

Minerva arrives at the Marshal's Office and is denied admittance by Deputy Sheriff Frank Leslie who is guarding the door. Minerva stands firm, "Deputy Leslie, I demand to know why you would bar Senor Earp from a visit by the church." Leslie replies, "Lady, I'm not even allowed inside. My orders are to guard the outside and not to let anybody inside other than Marshall Berg and his deputies. Unless you're wearing a badge you stay out here."

Minerva continues to stand defiant. Leslie says, "Ma'am, I have my orders." She states, "Well, I will just have to speak to Marshall Berg. Where is he?" "I think he's over at his office," is Leslie's reply. "Gracias, I will go and speak to someone of authority then." she turns on her heel leaves.

The crowd finally thinned out and Conrad escorted Kate back home. Janet Fly would be inside and hopefully Ginnie would be home as well. At the back door, Kate looked around to make sure there was no one to see them. "There's something I've been wanting to do all day," Kate said with a smile. “You're going to be wonderful tonight. I can't wait to see you." She lifted her face to kiss him. "For luck," she teased. He smiles and says, "Now I can only hope that the elder Booth doesn't charm you away from me."

"The Elder Booth holds no charms for me. He may be able to act many parts, but he can't fill all your roles," she said lightly but sincerely. Conrad replies, "I'm just teasing. Well, I'd better be off. If I'm late Miss. Marcus is liable to put in my understudy instead." "He might have a chance if you don't kiss me good-bye," she said, getting up on her toes. He leaned down and obliged her, then waited until she was inside before hurrying off to get ready for the play.

Chester and Berg reach the office. Deputy Sheriff Leslie is sitting on the porch. Berg says, "Afternoon, Deputy Leslie. Anything unusual happen?" Leslie replies to Chester's question, "That Priestess tried to get in to see Earp. I sent her on her way." Chester says, "She did? Wonder why she'd want to see Wyatt. I don't remember them meeting before. I'll have to ask her later. Thanks."

Chester and Berg unlock the door to the office and head inside. Berg asks, "Everything going smoothly so far?" Helen says, "Yes, everything is fine here. Glad you're back Mitch, I have to go meet Stanley for supper. He's playing tonight at the play." Berg smiles, "Alright. Go on ahead, Helen. You should have time to get ready. Tell Stanley to break a leg tonight." Helen chuckles and says, "Will do, Mitch. It'll be a good show. I've heard Miss Marcus is a very good actress. Chet, I'll see you there." Chester says, "I'll be there, Helen."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-two, “Adair’s Secrets”, Friday, June 16th, 3:30 P.M.

Jake and Gonzales remove the box and open it. Contained within are two bound bundles of un-circulated British currency, one being fifty 1000 pound bank notes and the other fifty 500 pound bank notes; some newspaper clippings, a stack of twelve pages of documents that all appear to be legal documents of various types, two passports, a thin wooden box with a dozen bullets, a woman’s diamond engagement ring, two gold necklaces with heart-shaped lockets, a key with a paper tag attached to it with the number “#58 - Southampton” written on the tag, four large gold coins with Germanic writing and portraits of German leaders and the final item is a seven-by-nine inch photographic portrait of four men standing together, two in uniforms, the youngest non-uniformed man being Adair with writing on the back in German.

Jake immediately starts looking at the legal documents. The documents begin with four single-page property deeds – One to a house in Oakland, California, one to a house in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, one for the Palace Saloon in Promise City, Arizona Territory and the other to a house and farm in Jefferson City, Missouri. A three page document loaning $ 150,000 from Evan Adair to Republican Nation Chairman Zechariah Chandler dated November 22, 1876 stating that the purpose of the donation is to assist with legal issues regarding the disputed election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden.

Next is a four-page $ 70,000 loan document from Evan Adair to an Augustus Prentiss dated July 5, 1878. Slipped in between the pages of the document is a newspaper story dated June 28, 1878 regarding a $ 70,000 discrepancy in the books of the California Diocese of the Roman-Greek Church with quotes from the Diocese Treasurer Bishop Charles McCoy stating that a formal investigation is taking place. Another newspaper clipping dated July 7, 1878 indicates that the missing money was located, with McCoy stating that it was never actually missing but that a large deposit had been erroneously made to the wrong church account.

The final document is a one-page $ 20,000 loan document from Evan Adair to a Harvey McCoy of Oakland, California dated November 11, 1878. While looking at the other things Jake says, "I know we did not come here to rob a bank. I am not sure we can, without a doubt, get what we need in nine minutes. Since you are my partner in this I will respect your moral stance on this question. The owner of this box is a liar, thief, black mailer and a murderer. What is worse is, as far as I can tell, he enjoys all those roles. I put it to you that we just take the contents of this box with us as is, and sort it out in safety. We take something for our troubles, and in a delicious turn of irony we help the town in his name.

For example, I can imagine a scenario where we start an education foundation with some of this money, guarantee that all children in town have the opportunity of an education paid for from a school trust fund. I would be happy to arrange such a endeavor if this money turns out to still have value." Jake has a huge smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. "What do you say? There is something undeniably satisfying about it, do you not think?"

While Jake has been talking Gonzeles has been looking at the newspaper clippings that were with the money. He says, "Jake, I don't know about our taking that money. These are from various British newspapers, dated August 2 through 5, 1874, They describe a London bank robbery where four people were killed, specifically one teller, one bank guard and two policemen. The articles say that the three male robbers successfully stole 425,000 pounds. The bank was insured by Lloyds of London, who have offices here in the United States, and are probably still actively working the case."

Jake says, "This is more than I can figure out in a few precious minutes." He scratches his chin a couple of times and faint grin comes to his lips. "Perhaps we should bring the money back to Promise City. Give it back to Adair... sort of. Hide it in his house or saloon and get some word to Lloyds about someone bragging about a bank robbery in Britain and let them settle it out. With some cleverly planned help of course."

Gonzales says, "Jake, you over think things. We just need to let Lloyds know it is here, this is Adair's bank box isn't it? The article also mentions who the Scotland Yard detective handling the case is. A few telegrams should get the ball rolling." Jake smiles genuinely. "I may over think things but you cannot deny my style. I bow to your superior wisdom, let us just take what we need and wake poor mister greedy banker."

The elf replies, "I'm just concerned about being caught holding money, older bills in mint condition no less, from a bank robbery where people were killed. I would have a hard time with an alibi too as those dates indicate that it occurred at a time when I was actually living in Europe.
As for the banker, that's why I waited until you were both turning the keys to cast the spell, it's usually best to put people to sleep when they are actively doing something so if they wake up doing the same thing they will be confused about what just happened but less inclined to think that a gap of time is missing. We will want to keep him busy in here afterwards for a while, otherwise he'll look at a clock and realize that some time is missing."

Gonzales glances at the watch and says, "We have three-and-a-half minutes left and will need the last thirty seconds to stand him back up." He briefly glances at the two passports and then hands them to Jake saying, "Take a look at these, we'll probably want to leave one or both behind so they have a clear picture of who the box owner is."

One passport is a German passport issued to Evanovich Kowalski Adarcziek of Warsaw. It lists his date of birth as June 18, 1850 in Krakow, Poland. The stamps inside show movement within the Austrio-Hungarian Empire in the 1860’s and the Germanic Empire in the early 1870’s as well as some stamps from Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. The photograph is of Evan Adair and resembles his age in the photograph with the other three men.

The second passport is a French passport issued to Evangelou Frenchette Adairre of Paris. It lists his date of birth as June 18, 1852 in Nice, France. The stamps inside show moment between France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and England between the years 1869 and 1874. The final stamp shows arrival in the United States from England on September 13, 1874. The photograph is also of Evan Adair but appears older than that in the German passport but younger than he is today.

Jake says, "I'd say leave them both. Not sure what the first one would tell the investigators by itself, but together they do not paint a law abiding picture. The second has important dates relating to the newspaper articles." Jake begins neatly securing the other documents on his person so he will be ready when Gonzalez indicates it is time to position the banker Drysdale. Jake returns his hand to the key in the turned position, watching the banker out of the corner of his eye.

The banker regains consciousness, Gonzales waiting a second until he is steady on his feet before releasing the levitation spell. Drysdale shakes his head and acts confused about what just happened. He then notices that Jake's persona has turned his key so finishes turning his own key and helps remove the empty safety deposit box. Drysdale says, "So this metal box will hold safe your property where it will be locked in this vault and only you will have access to get to it."

"Huh," Jake says in his Jay Brothers voice. He turns it this way and that, testing its strength and knocking on it with his knuckles. "Show me that there key of yers can't open this dern thing w'out mine." Jake keeps the banker busy with that and several other inane requests for a few more minutes before saying, "Well, I reckon it seems secure." He then takes the meaningless valuables they brought and begin to stow them in the box. "Hey young fella, don't be openin' that thar book. That's only fer me to look in."

Drysdale assures Jake that the valuables are safe from anybody other than him from getting at them. They return to the banker's office to complete the paperwork for the box and for the banker to collect the fee. He says, "The cost of the box is one dollar a month." Jake half heartedly attempts to get a discount for the year but gives in easy and agrees to pay him for three months, "I'll be back down from-," Jake stops himself pretending he received a look from Miguel and then finishes, "from the mine around two months from now wi' me pockets full 'er gold. If'n this city slicker place ain't lost my stuff by then, I'll be puttin' some gold in yer bank too."

When the banker Drysdale is done with his insipid gratitude, the disguised pair leave the building. Gonzales flags down a carriage and asks to be taken to the Los Angeles Library. He and Jake climb inside. Jake says, "The library? I know what it is, but why?" Gonzales replies, “Some quick research, I would like to know the telephone number for the nearest Lloyds of London Office. One call should get things in motion and if we don't call within the next hour they'll be gone for the weekend."

"Telephone, heh. Seems like magic." Jake laughs, "No do not burst my bubble and explain to me how it works, either way it is alien and beyond my attention span." Jake seems content to follow the old wizard. They enter the library and he speaks to an elderly man at the reference desk. He is given a book that discusses in detail businesses in the United States. "Ah, here it is," he says in a strongly thick Mexican accent. He jots down a series of numbers on a sheet of paper.

They then head next door to a restaurant where Gonzales hands the man at the desk a $ 5 bill and asks if there is a telephone he can use. They are shown to a wooden booth in the corner. Gonzales takes the receiver off the phone and tells the Operator he wants Lloyds of London San Francisco Office and the exchange. He then tells the next person that he has information regarding an 1874 bank robbery in London that Lloyds paid $ 425,000 in losses on. While he is waiting to be connected he then hands the phone to Jake. Jake rolls his eyes and takes the phone. "Magic," he mutters.

When someone comes to the phone, Jake answers but in a voice with a Mississippi drawl, "Howdy, y'all ken here me? Good. Not sure if'n y'all be still chasin' afta them thats robbed the bank across the ocean in Britain." Jake listens and nods, "Y'all still lookin' into that? Good. Well I don't be knowin' much but overheared some liquored up braggart talkin' somethin' about robbery, shootin' some men and takin' loads of pounds. Pounds o' what I don't know."

Jake listens again but the smirk is wide on his face. He controls it and continues. "Oh. Why don't they jus call em dollars like we do?" Smiling, Jake listens again. "We'll I be a god fearin' man and figgered I should tell someone what I heard." Pause. "No, I didn't see the man's face but I heard some of his brags. Somethin' about a box with a number on it. One hundred and fourteen. That and somethin' about the Commerce Bank in Los Angeles California. He also joked and laughed about name, Evangelou F. Adairre”.

Jake listens and nods again. "No, nothing else. Oh, wait, another joke about a palace in some place called Promise City Arizona. No, I don't understand the joke but they were all liquored up so maybe that's why it was funny to them." The man with the British accent on the other end of the phone then asks, "And what would your name be sir? And where might I be able to find you?"
Jake feigns fear in his voice, "What would y'all need to find me fer? I mean, I don't want no murderin' bank robbers comin' lookin' fer me 'cause they find out the law is after 'em."

The man replies, "It would help if I could meet you in person to find out more from you about exactly what happened. Could you hold on a minute? I want to check something." Jake replies, "I don't know about no meeting but I'll wait on you a moment sir." Jake says, "I don't know about no meeting but I'll wait on you a moment sir." After a short delay the voice returns and says, "Did you say Promise City, Arizona Territory? According to the San Francisco Chronicle there is a high stakes poker tournament going on there this weekend. Did you hear this man say anything about gambling?"

Jake says, "I didn't hear nothin' 'bout no tournament, but now that y'all saw the word he did brag 'bout gamblin' though." The man at the other end says, "Well sir, I appreciate your assistance in this matter. I need to end this conversation to make some telephone calls. I anticipate being in Los Angeles early tomorrow morning. Is there a place where we can meet? And what did you say your name was?"

Jake answers, "Like I said, I don't know that I should be meetin' y'all. Might not be safe, I don't know why its worth riskin' my life. We might meet, the gods willin' sir. For time bein, sir, y'all ken call me quicksilver. What is yer name, good sir?" He replies, "My name is Harcourt Rugglesby III. If you wish to meet I anticipate stepping off the train at 7:53 A.M. tomorrow on Track 29." "Godspeed and luck to you sir," Jake says and terminates the call.

"Thanks for the warning, senor." Jake shakes his head and laughs. Gonzales says, "You did fine. Let's find us somewhere private and change back, then we can go visit Maggie before heading back." Jake nods. When they are ready to change, he removes the items he brought along to have in disguise plus the papers from the bank. "I never did believe the grass is greener. I am always quite please to be me again." Jake takes the moment to examine his hands and arms as a reassurance, but it is not long before his ever present smile is back in place. "Let us go have your visit, I am ready to go back when you are." Gonzales hails another cab and gives the driver the address.

While Jake and Gonzales are away in Los Angeles back at the Lucky Lady Job Kane and Cornelius Van Horne are busy supervising the changes at the saloon to accommodate the play this evening. The tables have all been removed and stored either upstairs or outside covered over with tarps. Jeff Mills and Michael George are busy getting the gun check area and bar ready for a considerably larger number of patrons than usual. The pugilist Finnegan and the ogre Copernicus (rescued from the Cunningham mine) are busy bringing over another 100 chairs from the Town Hall and setting them up in rows behind the Lucky Lady's chairs which have been arranged as the front three rows.

Western Union telegram operator Dave Melany arrives with a stack of telegrams for Mr. Van Horne and one for Jake Cook. Van Horne explains Jake isn't around at the moment and signs for it as well. After reviewing the contents of the telegrams he has a brief discussion with Job Kane and then brings the stack upstairs to his own room.

Back in Los Angeles, Jake and Gonzales arrive outside of a large wooden restaurant with the sign "Maggie's" above the door. They enter starts with a vast lobby, 20 by 40 feet and lined on all walls with various couches that are either new or newly reupholstered. They then enter the main restaurant, which is a vast room 100 feet wide and 75 feet long, filled with chairs and tables. Around twenty-five tables have patrons dining at them, some human, some elvan, some half-elvan.

The single-story building has a high ceiling, twenty feet up, with elaborate lit candle chandeliers. Two doors in the rear lead to a large kitchen where they had originally arrived. The other side of the room has a large stage, fifteen feet out and running most of the 75-foot length of the building. A full-sized grand piano sits atop of it. New curtains are on both sides of the stage, with ropes to draw them. Nearly two-dozen waitresses wearing formal long sleeve dresses with white aprons at the tables as waitresses. The hostess asks if the two would like to be seated.

Gonzales says, "Yes, two for a light meal. And could you also tell Maggie Whipple that some old friends are here to see her." They are brought to a table and handed menus, showing a rather expansive selection. Within minutes Jake sees Maggie Whipple appear and head in their direction, him recognizing her by her eyes as her appearance has otherwise changed considerably since their last meeting, with her having lost twenty-pounds, dyed her smattering of grey hairs dark, is attired in a dress far too spectacular for the likes of Promise City and in general looks to be a decade younger. A smile fills her face and she exclaims "Manuel! Jake! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Hi Maggie. The place looks grand, but pales in comparison to what being in Los Angeles has done for you." Jake makes small talk and answers her questions about the people in Promise City. Jake and Gonzales complete a relaxing meal and conversation with Maggie and she then gives them a tour. While they are in the pantry Gonzales has Jake distract her enough for him to retrieve where he had stashed his brazier. They then depart, finding a deserted alleyway for him to light up the brazier and cast the spell to return back home. They arrive back in his workshop room.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-three, “Early Evening”, Friday, June 16th, 5:30 P.M.

Kate started poking her head into rooms, looking for Janet. Janet is busy on her spinning wheel. She smiles and looks up at Kate and says, "Good news. I got a letter today from Roger. He's all settled in Los Angeles." "That's wonderful news," Kate said and sat down. "What else does he say? That you can share, of course. A letter is private after all.” Janet replies, "Yes, but I have to share the high points with you.

Kate asks, “Does he find it to his liking?" Janet says, "Yes, he says he misses me but not this town. He's already decided that his brother can keep the boarding house, and he wants me to join him as soon as it is feasible." Kate smiled gently at Janet. "While that's not good news for me, it's good news for you. I assume feasible means that he has a home set up for you to live in? And what are the highlights? I'd love to hear them."

Janet says, "I think feasible means at a point when I'm no longer angry with him. I'm not there yet. The highlights are that he is back with his mentor and they have reestablished their former relationship." Kate answers, "I wish I had some advice for you, but I know from my own marriage that no but you and your husband can work that out. But you are welcome here as long as you need to stay. And you're always welcome down in the schoolroom too. I saw you today listening to our guests. It's nice that he was able to slip back into an old friendship so easily."

Mrs. Fly replies, "Yes, and I think the change of scenery will do us both well. But first I would like to try that horse riding again. Would we have a chance to go back out to your ranch this weekend?" Kate says, "That probably depends on how early in the morning you're willing to get up. I'm not sure when they'll need me at the Lady tomorrow, but the tournament doesn't get started until noon. So If we get out to the ranch early we should have plenty of time for riding." Janet says, "I'm an early riser, I had to be to make breakfast for all of the boarders before they headed off to work in the morning."

Kate says, "I've learned to get up early since I came here. Before that I lived in big houses with people to make breakfast for me, and do just about every other chore as well. I do miss that sometimes, but this is the far better life. So we'll rise tomorrow with the sun and have a nice ride out to the ranch. I think you'll be able to handle that. I have two riding horses here in town; you can ride Meribel and I'll take the stallion.”

Kate then asks “Now, are you coming to the play tonight?" Janet replies, "I wasn't planning to, it's not proper for a married woman to go out evenings without her husband. I might attend the Sunday matinee at the Town Hall, that would meet society's standards." Kate answers, "I don't meet many of society's standards myself, but as long as you're going to go to one of the performances I won't argue with you.

But don't let society's standards stop you from living, Janet. If I'd followed them I'd be back in Boston, still swathed in black seeing no one but my family. I don't need to wear grief on my sleeve to feel it, and Tom didn't want it. I concern myself with being moral and don't worry so much about whether anyone else knows it." Janet answers, "I admire that about you Katherine but it just isn't in me to go against tradition, it's too ingrained in my background."

Kate says, "You've already begun. Riding lessons may be acceptable, but it's a step toward independence and doing something just for the joy it brings you. You're right; my way isn't for everyone. You must be true to who you are. Maybe now and then that means breaking just a little tradition," Kate smiled. "I admit, I thought in my condition my reputation was going to be completely lost, which does make it easier to go my own way. Diana seems to have changed that, but breaking tradition seems to be ingrained in me now."

Janet replies, "The Goddess including the Eaton's will go a long way. James isn't very well liked in this town but he is well respected. I sincerely hope that he does win a seat on the Town Council next week, it would be the best for you and the baby as well if he does." "Why do you think so?" Kate asked curiously. "What will be different for me with the Doctor on the council?"

Janet replies, "He would wield more influence on the Council than not. I don't know what the future holds but the lives of you and your child will be intertwined with several aspects of this town, the church and the school being just two of them. The Town Council will be making decision regarding both the church and school, far better to have a man who was present when the Goddess spoke to throw his support your way."

Kate replies, "Perhaps. I'm still having difficulty thinking this affects anyone's life but my own and those close to me. Those who love me still will and I'll still have my ranch no matter what else happens." Janet replies, "Yes, but wouldn't things be better if you didn't feel it necessary to have to go hide on your ranch?" Kate says, “Oh, I wouldn't hide there Janet. I'd still have my friends at the El Parador and the Lucky Lady and a few others around town. But if I had to give up teaching I would still have plenty of work to do and a full life.

You are right that things will be easier for me if the town understands. But I don't want to be an object of religious interest or curiosity either." Janet answers, "Yes, it might be a bit much if Diana followers start to make pilgrimages to your ranch." Kate says, "Exactly. I just want to live my life quietly, the best way I know how. But that cat is out of the bag now, so I will have to deal with perhaps a small amount of fame. Diana told me something that might help just a bit. There'll be a rash of births in Promise City around the new year, so many people will be too busy with their own babies to worry about mine."

Janet says, "Ah, so if your Priestess friend draws attention to all of the births and says that they are all gifts of the gods, that the town has been blessed, that will make yours stand out less." Kate answers, "I hadn't really thought of Minerva making some announcement, just that people would be busy with their own families. But this is all far in the future. For today most of the town is still blissfully ignorant. I'm glad Roger is settled," Kate said and stood up. "I should be getting ready for the play. Has Ginnie been back yet? I wanted to take her with me, but she sometimes loses track of time working."

Janet says, "She was in and out like a whirlwind a half hour back. I didn't even get a chance to say Hello." "She does that," Kate said ruefully. "Ginnie was so independent before she came to live with me that I don't like to take that away from her. You can't un-grow-up. Hopefully after the election is over things will quiet down and we can get back to our cozy nights here with our bowls of popcorn. I should go get ready. If I don't see you this evening, I'll see you tomorrow morning."

She went into her own room, wishing she had time for a real bath. Instead she settled for a prestidigitation spell. She took the time to brush out her hair and pin it up in the most complex style she could manage without help. The dress she put on was icy blue with a narrow skirt in front and a multi-layered bustle in the back. The fabric shimmered and made a crisp, rustling sound when she moved. It was off-the shoulder, and long white gloves would cover her ams leaving only a couple inches of skin exposed between them and the sleeves.

Kate kept her jewelry simple; a thin chain supporting an oval pendant of aquamarine, with dangling earring featuring the same stone. As a last touch she put on the perfume she rarely wore now. It was still a little early, so she went downstairs to wait a bit.

As Helen Barker leaves the Marshall’s Office Earp's Lawyer Elihu Upton appears at the door and asks to speak with his client. Chester opens the door and escorts Upton in. "Afternoon, Mr. Upton. Come on in. I'm going to have to frisk you before you can go into the cell. OK?" Upton says, "I understand, Deputy. Go ahead. Marshall, once you let me in, please give us some privacy." Berg replies, "Not a problem, Mr. Upton. We accorded the same respect to Mr. Hardin."

Berg and Chester lock Upton in the cell and then head to the opposite side of the room. Berg says, "Let's pull up a few chairs and chat, that way they'll realize we're not trying to eves-drop on their conversation while we still get to watch them." Berg begins the conversation with "So, are you still interested in running for Town Marshall? It might be a quiet job with all of the outlaws now either caught, imprisoned or hung."

Chester answers, "You bet. It's important for the town to have a choice. It's just me and Hank Hill left, right? Berg answers, "No, there are still four of you. Adair's party still has Prosper McCoy and then there's that Independent guy Moss Johnson. Although the rumor is that he was seen going into the Great Western Boarding House an hour ago, so he might be Ashley King's replacement on the Law and Order ticket." Chester states, "Well, that won't change the number of candidates, so I'm not too worried. The Law and Order party's reputation has to take a hit from this masked rider business." Berg states, “I would say so. It'll be interesting to see how Frank Condon frames things for the debate Sunday night. They're gong alphabetically so he will get to speak first."

Chester says, “Okay, yeah, it'd be nice to have things quiet around here." Berg says, "I couldn't agree with you more. I'm thinking you should try to keep the current deputies on if you win although Eduardo might be a hard sell." Chester answers, "Of course. They've lived here longer than me, so they know the town better. If Eddie has been a deputy for all this time already, convincing the committee to keep him on won't be hard. I may offer a deputy's badge to Hill if I win, though. So, are you going back to the lawyer job after the election?"

Berg replies, "Yep, I'm just going to be an attorney. I think offering Hill a deputy spot is a good idea. You might want to have that conversation with him, and make sure that he does the same if he wins. As for Eduardo, he's now been almost killed twice on this job and hasn't physically recovered from what that undead monster did to him. But quite frankly, I think it's his having to guard his long-time friend and the man who hired him that has him down the most. I doubt that will get any better either if Earp gets the noose."

Chester says, "If Eduardo still wants the job, it's his. I'll understand if he wants to take an easier line of work. Clarisse always worries about me out there. Seeing a friend headed for the gallows can't be easy. Good idea about talking to Hill about wanting to stay on if he wins. It hadn't crossed my mind." Berg says, "I wasn't too sure about him at first but him and his friends seem to be making an effort to become more legitimate and they sure did right catching the hooded riders. You might want to suggest to Hill that Helen and Neil should also be retained if he wins."

Chester replies, "I was thinking that. Seems like he won't need too much convincing from what I've seen. Any\way, if I'm going to the play, I'm going to need to get going. I'll catch you later, Marshall." Chester stops by Gilson's Bath House to wash the stink of the hung bodies. He takes a long hot soak before drying off and changing into fresh clothes.

He walks to the Double Eagle and sees Clarisse waiting for him in the sitting room. He kisses her and says, "Hey, dear. Been waiting long?" She says, "Not at all, Chet. Were you at the hanging today? Nasty business, but they were bad men." "I was. It's hard keeping law and order in town without the threat of the noose." Clarise says, "It will be different if the others lose their appeal, many in town won't feel the same way about Icabod, Jason and Kirby as they had about Koontz and Skull."

"They tried to burn the town down. I was at Tombstone when they had their fire, and that was an accident. They'd been riding around for a while. If they didn't want to swing, they should have gotten out before that." She replies, "I know, but....well...you don't know them. They're not bad people, they just got carried away with how to go about accomplishing what they wanted. Peg Watkins feels that Kirby should have been given the same option as Porter, he's still just a boy. It's not fair."

Chester says, "This isn't the first time Kirby's been in trouble, Clarisse. He's been hanging out with the Cowboy Gang. Judge Isby has let him off before, so he probably feels like Kirby didn't learn his lesson. Tell me about them, though." She says, "According to Peg Kirby was ashamed of what he did before. This was his way of making it up to his father, ensuring that the Law and Order Party got into office."

Chester states, "This probably damaged the party, having a candidate's son involved in the whole mess.” She replies, "Bill Watkins was already off the ticket due to his debate performance, but some of the other candidates are thinking of withdrawing as well now. Frank Condon is trying to convince his brother Morgan to fill any gaps that might appear." Chester taps his chin. "Hmm. If he enters, he'll be a wild card. He hasn't spoken in any of the debates, so we don't know how he stands, unless you know him personally. I do know he doesn't like me. That's for sure."

Chester says, “Does Kirby have anyone outside of his family who will speak for him, like Dr. Eaton did? Otherwise Judge Isby isn't going to go for a deal." She replies, "No, not really. Kirby working with the Ringo's Cowboy Gang a few months back which burned all of those bridges." Chester pulls Clarisse closer to him. "Then I doubt the judge is going to go easy on him. I'm sorry." Clarisse replies, "Well, the most important thing is that they have been stopped. I was so worried that you would get hurt Chet."

He replies, "I know. You always worry about me and I appreciate it. I love you, Clarisse Townsend, and wouldn't want to do anything to hurt you. When I win this election, things will be quieter around here. Wyatt's in our jail, there aren't many Cowboy Gang members left, and the masked riders have been caught. I don't see why the peace and quiet shouldn't stick."

Minerva, busies herself with church affairs and makes her way back to the jail to see if Chester is in. Minerva is frustrated by her failure to get into the jail to speak with Wyatt Earp and so instead goes home to bathe and get dressed to attend the play.

Nakomo comes into the room and asks "What shall I wear to the play Miss Minerva." "I have just the thing" she says and rifling through the wardrobe pulls out the beautiful suit that Nanuet wore the night of the ball. She lays it out on the bed remembering how handsome and out of place he looked the night he wore it to please her. She tells the young man, “This belongs to your cousin, but since he cannot be with us today I am sure that he would not mind your wearing it."

 

[Silver Moon]

DMs Note: This chapter was an interesting exchange to play out. Tricia Shaw had been the playing character of a former player so I tried to play her consistent to how she had been played before while still trying to move the character development forward. The conversation got even more interesting once Emily and Tricia began talking about Mrs. Kale, as Emily and Kate are both playing characters played by Orchid Blossom.


Chapter One-hundred-ninety-four, “Tricia’s opinions”, Friday, June 16th, 5:30 P.M.

Back at the Shaw house, Emily pulled her legs in from the second floor railing, went back downstairs and found Tricia. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get in your way. I really won't say nothin'. Humphrey have a girl somewhere too?" Tricia says "No, and you have the wrong idea about Simon. He's a perfect gentleman. Their mine was attacked by outlaws...his father along with two of the three workers at their mine were brutally murdered last weekend and Simon was wounded and left to die. He's lucky to be alive. He came here to talk and cry, I was only trying to comfort him."

"What idea do you think I had?" Emily asked and thumped down on the sofa. "It must be horrible to have someone kill your Pa. He is lucky, but I don't guess he'll think so for a while." Tricia says, "No, he and I used to be sweet on each other but we had a bad breakup a few months back. I didn't plan to see him again, but after I heard what happened to his Pa I just had to again." "So he isn't the one you were upset about last week when I got here? The one Uncle chased away?" Emily asked dubiously.

"Yeah, he's the one," Tricia replies. "Well then I'm confused," Emily shrugged. "Sounds more to me like you were mad he let Uncle chase him off, but you still liked him and now you were making up." "I'm confused too," Tricia says. She stands and says "I thought I loved him, then I hated him. He didn't have the backbone to stand up to Pa and.....and I thought I was carrying his child. Turns out I was wrong, but he...he wasn't willing to stand up for me. I told him I never wanted to see him again. But a few hours ago I found out what happened to his Pa and that he was staying over at the Lucky Lady. So I went to see him."

Emily says, “I'm not a great person to talk to about this, I never even had a boyfriend. Or wanted one. I guess I would doubt someone who wouldn't stand up for me; you got into the trouble together, you should have been facing it that way. I love Uncle and I don't wanna tell you to do something he won't like, and I think you and Ellen love your Pa. You know he just wants to protect you but you'll never have any kind of life unless you take charge of it. Maybe you're madder at yourself than Simon."

Emily turned red. "Maybe till you're less confused you should keep your knickers on." Tricia says, "I plan to. As I told you, I hadn't intended to see him at all. But how could I stay away under the circumstances. He's hurting, he needs comfort." Emily replies, "You don't have to convince me. You went to the Lucky Lady cause of what happened, makes sense. I guess I just don't see how you ended up here, kissing. But I guess you don't either." Tricia says, "Actually, I wanted to talk to him in private, about the future. I think I convinced him to speak to father....then one thing led to another."

Emily replies, "What happened prob'ly woke him up. Sometimes things you think'll always be there suddenly go 'poof'! Starts making a lot more sense to get what you want sooner instead of later." Tricia says, "Well, right now he's just confused. He also may now be rich, he says they found silver in the mine, which is why the outlaws tried to steal it from them. So he's not after me for Pa's money

Emily replies, "That'll help with Uncle then, if he's got his own money.” Tricia answers, "He doesn't have it yet, it's still in the ground. He also doesn't know how to mine it, that was his Pa's know-how, Simon just helped with the paperwork and bookkeeping. He's an accountant by trade, not a laborer." Sorry Tricia, I'm just not very good at this stuff. I usually talked to Ma about getting boys to leave me alone.," she shrugged. "I think love is pretty much made of people being confused." Tricia says, "Thanks Em, having you here is like having a sister who will actually listen to me for a change."

Emily replies, "Sisters are hard. I miss everybody at home, except Eliza. She's a brat, she's always in my way and her nose was always in my business. And there was no way to get away from her. Ma says her and your Ma used to drive each other crazy sometimes too, but once they didn't live together anymore they liked each other lots better. It was just being stuck together all the time that made them fight."

Tricia exclaims, "I don't think there will ever be enough distance and time away from Ellen! That girl is impossible! All she ever thinks about is herself!" Emily replies, "Do you ever think about Ellen? Or Humphrey and what he wants? Or about what your Pa wants?" Emily asked quietly. "Not how it affects you, just about them? We all mostly think about our own selves. Me too. If you help Ellen though, she's more likely to help you. Someone has to do it first, even though it takes some swallowing." Tricia replies, "Oh, just wait until you spend some more time with Ellen. You'll see that she is impossible!"

Emily says, “Well... I did have a fight with her after school, but I don't think she was being impossible. She had reasons to think the way she did, although I hope I can change her mind someday." Tricia says, “"You have a better chance of moving the planet then getting her to change her mind. I also think it is totally unfair the way she is using that nice Jamie Cartwright. She's making him think she is interested in him so that she can later make a trip out to Nevada to visit him. But all she really wants is to spend time on the journey out to Nevada and back with our driver Paul."

Emily comments, "I don't know how Uncle doesn't know about Paul already; it's not hard to tell. Maybe she told Mr. Cartwright all about it already? Is she letting him take her to the play tonight?" Tricia replies, “Oh yes, with Father's blessing. I'm tempted to go with Simon but that might not be the best way to have things start out with him and Father. Maybe it would be best if Simon approaches father for advice about the mine, he needs counsel from somebody who won't try to take advantage of him."

Emily says, “"And if they get to know each other, Uncle can see what kind of man he is. If he's hardworking and determined on his own to make his mine work, I bet Uncle would see that and reconsider when you talked about Simon being your boyfriend again." Emily sighed softly. Trisha was just as self-absorbed as Ellen but she didn't realize it. "For tonight I don't mind sharing my Uncle if you don't mind sharing your Pa. I've never been to a real play. I hope I can understand it."

Tricia replies, "Not at all, you have just as much claim to him as we do. I do hope he wins this Mayoral race, that will make him so happy. He hasn't had much to be happy about since Mother died." Emily replies, "He likes to take care of people," Emily said, wrestling with another thought trying to form. "I think maybe Aunt was the one who took care of him, and it's awful lonely without someone to take care of you. Being Mayor would make him happy, that would be nice. Ma still seems sad sometimes too. I always wish I could fix it."

Tricia states, “Ya can't fix everything. Your being here seems to have cheered him up some, he's always been worried about you since....well...for a while now." A shy smile appeared on Emily's face. "I cheer him up? I like that. He's been worried about me? I haven’t even seen him for a few years, I'd think he had enough to worry about without me. Since when was he worried, Tricia?" She says, "Well....er....um....I'm not supposed to bring it up, I don't want to upset you."

Emily exclaims, "Huh? Nothing bad was happening in Chicago, except for the problem I had with those human boys at school. If it's about me, shouldn't I get to know? You can't say something like that and then not tell." Tricia says, "Um....he doesn't want us to talk to you about.....the fire." "Oh." Emily pulled her feet up onto the sofa and wrapped her arms around her knees. "I think about my Pa every day, so you wouldn't be bringing up nothin' I don't think about anyway."

She took a deep breath. "Tombstone smelled like it when I got there, I didn't like that." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Ten years is a long time to worry. I thought it was something else I didn't know about." Tricia relaxes a bit, apparently not more comfortable with the subject, and says, "No, but his worry was more than you just loosing your Pa. He said that your Pa had adjusted to being...different...around human folks. He said that without your Pa's presence it
would become harder on you."

Emily nodded. "Being an elf doesn't make you act funny. Elves live one way, humans live a different way. Pa just lived like a human for a while. I was raised like a human. In our neighborhood everyone knew my Pa and about the fire, and they knew who I was and were nice to me. School was harder, and people would whisper when Ma took me places they didn't know us. It didn't get real bad till a couple years ago when I started to look grown up. Some of the human boys thought since I was only an elf-girl I should do whatever they wanted. They learned different real quick. That's when Ma took me out of school."

Tricia says, "I never had the opportunity to go to school. Ma had been trained as a school teacher, that's how she first met Pa in fact as she was teaching in Tucson when they met. So she taught the three of us, but it would have been nice to have had a chance to be with other students." Emily says, "I coulda done without it. School wasn't any fun, Tricia. You just sit inside and stare at a book till the teacher calls your class up and you recite what you've been reading. Or solve math problems in your head.

Mrs. Kale's school is better. There's more teachers so you don't just read, and they teach things you'll actually need to know. Most of the kids there are younger than me, and I made Nakomo mad today so there's not really anyone to talk to there but I guess that's better than too much attention." Tricia says, "Pa speaks very highly of Mrs. Kale. I get the impression that he would have been interested in a social relationship with her except that another gentleman in town is already courting her."

Emily exclaims, "Really? I suppose it's bad manners to try to get a girl someone else is already courting. But Uncle deserves to be happy too and if he likes her maybe he should do something about it. Has he liked anyone since your Ma?" Tricia says, “"Not really. For the last year he's started to flirt with women who he finds attractive but he hasn't gone out on a date with any of them." Emily says, "I don't guess there's been a lot of women for him to meet out here until the town started up. Who's courting the teacher anyway?"

Tricia replies, "She's dating one of the town gamblers, he plays over at the Long Branch Saloon. He's also playing the male lead in the play tonight. Mrs. Kale seeing her would probably be rather scandalous if she were an unmarried woman. Being a widow, people have been given her the benefit of the doubt." Emily says, "Uncle's much better than any old gambler, even if he is going to be in a play," Emily said. "He'd be a good husband, although Mrs. Kale's pretty young, Uncle might not want a whole 'nother set of kids," she finished with a laugh.

Tricia says, "Some of the other ones he was flirting with were even younger, younger than me in fact. Mrs. Kale is young but has some maturity about her. Still, if he's living in town instead of on the ranch it will be much easier for him to find someone. I'm not sure if I really want a stepmother though." Emily says, "My stepfather has always been real good to me. Uncle wouldn't marry a woman that wouldn't be good to his family, and you all are grown-up so a stepmother wouldn't have any kind of charge of you. It would be strange to have a new person in the family though.
We're just imagining anyway. Right now it don't look like Uncle is going to bring a lady home anyway."

The two girls were quiet for a minute, Emily still hugging her knees to her chest. "Tricia? I guess maybe Uncle wasn't wrong about the fire, there's other stuff I don't like to talk about that happened after that. But maybe, sometime, I might wanna." Emily suddenly looked much younger. "I'm glad I'm here now." Trica smiles and says, "Yep, having you here will be just like having a younger sister!" Emily replies, "I've always been the big sister and helped take care of the little ones. It's nice to have people taking care of me instead. Tricia, Uncle is spoiling me something awful. Has he always been like that?"

Tricia replies, "No, only to mother, she was the one who spoiled us while he remained the stern disciplinarian. It's only been during the last year that his attitude towards myself and my siblings have change. He's finally realized that we're all adults now and seems uncertain what to do. Your being here gives him a chance to play father again and he's falling into a 'daddy' role that he never had time for before." Emily asks, "Does that bother you? I mean... that's he treating me different?"

Tricia replies, “Nah, it keeps him busy and happy and I'd rather have him spend time spoiling you than chasing after some saloongirl half his age like his friend Seawell is doing." "Uncle wouldn't chase after a saloongirl," Emily laughed. Tricia replies, "Don't bet on that, we've had one saloongirl out at the ranch a couple of times who he seemed enamored with. But I think I heard that she's currently dating Judge Isby." Emily says, "I'd guess there's more to her than just being a saloongirl then." Tricia says, "I don't think so, I found her to be rather empty-headed. She's very good looking though, which is why the older men seem to notice her."

Emily says, "I think he's going to be mad tomorrow. I met some people today... they're coming to talk to him tomorrow. I don't understand it all, but there was something about the goddess Diana and a mentor and I'm supposed to learn to be a priestess." She replies, "Well, Pa does believe in the gods and I think he's friends with the town's Priestess."

Emily says, "I don't think that kind of priestess, not for the Greek gods. Well, for Diana at least, but... for all the gods that love nature. It was so exciting! Mr. Valdez already knew who I was, and Jadito wanted to start teaching me right away. It would be so much better than school! Jadito is going to come tomorrow morning and bring someone Uncle would trust. A play tonight, then tomorrow I get to spend the day outside in the grove."

Tricia says, "I know who Valdez is but who is this Jadito?" The younger woman answers, "He's, umm... Well, he's an elf, older, and her seemed nice but stern. He's a Yavapai elf. Mr. Valdez said Diana herself told him I was coming here and he was supposed to teach me." Tricia asks, "An old Yavapai? Is that the one who Manny Escobar used to talk about, who helped found this region three hundred years ago?"

Emily shrugged. "I don't know who Manny Escobar is. Sounds right though, he was very old. Three hundred years would be nothing for him. Sometimes it's strange to think about how long I'll live. But never as long as Jadito."

 

[orchid blossom]

It was definitely interesting to get another character's perspectives. I always felt a little strange that Emily was so interested in Mrs. Kale, but I've also thought it was a bit odd that no one really wonders where it is she runs off to all the time. Emily is a curious girl, and she smelled an adventure somewhere.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-five, “A Night in Rochester”, Friday, June 16th, 6:30 P.M.

Ruby feels like she has only been asleep for a couple of minutes when Roger nudges Ruby and says, "The train just stopped. We're in Rochester." She smiles sleepily at him as she stretches, "That didn't seem nearly long enough..." She stands and looks at Richard, "Are we just wandering around to find a place to stay now?" She looks at Roger, "Where are you going to stay? You weren't planning on staying here tonight originally, right?"

Roger says, "Not originally but we're game to do so now." He yells over to his comrades "Okay boys, grab your duffle bags and lets go find us a place to sack out." Richard looks to Ruby and says, "I will get our bags." She replies, "Thanks Richard!" Ruby exits the train and waits for Roger. "We're going to find somewhere to stay. I don't know what you are thinking but do you just want to meet back up tonight or are you going to follow us? We'll probably stay someplace nice." Richard gathers up the bags. Two of the sailors pass their duffle bags onto their shipmates and go to assist him.

They leave the train depot and are surprised by the number of rails continuing in all directions with a horse drawn street car stopping to pick up passengers. Roger asks, "Should we ride some more or walk?" "I'd rather walk but we have so many bags," she says, glancing over her shoulder at poor Richard. "Let's ride and just get the rooms." Richard confirms that the car has downtown as its destination and they all board. It makes it way onward going by all of the factories along the river.

Ruby was accustomed to the vast number of linen and cloth mills that used the river for power but was surprised by a number of new factory buildings that had grown up in the last five years. These buildings were along the main roadway but away from the river, although still along the railroad tracks, apparently powered by the now more abundant coal. As the sun is setting to the west she starts to read the names on the factories....Kimball Cigarette Company, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Taylor's Instruments, Western Union Company, Howe Scales, Cunningham Carriages, Gleason Gears and lastly The George Eastman Company.

Ruby's heart skips a beat when she sees the Eastman factory. She knew he was successful... but this successful? Suddenly the urge to see him returned. She looks to Jane but she's still busy entertaining the troops. Plus, Ruby wasn't sure she could talk about this with her now anyway, her feelings being what they were. Ruby smiles. George had done what he set out to, something he was always so passionate about. He was making his dreams come true and she was honestly happy for him. She strains her head to look at the factory as they drive by, in the very off chance she might catch a glimpse of someone she was looking for. The factory appears to have already closed for the day as most of the lights are off.

Disappointed, Ruby turns back in her seat. She sits quietly lost in her thoughts. The car continues towards downtown, passing a few more factories with signs reading Adler Brothers and Company, Koch and Company, Gordon Grain Binder, Hatch Boots and Shoes and Rochester Blue Label Ketchup. The car stops at the Reynolds Library and then continues on another block to the busy downtown, passing the Powers Art Gallery along the way. Several bars and restaurants appear to be open.

Ruby comments, "Richard, we should get off soon, I'm sure we'll find an appropriate hotel in downtown." They see the Woodcliff Inn a block east right after Hawson's Dance Hall. "That should do just fine," Ruby comments. "I seem to remember the Dance Hall being adequate too." She smiles mischievously. "So I've heard." They all make their way over to the Inn. Ruby lets Richard take care of the details of checking in. The sailors and Richard head into the hotel to get rooms.

Ruby and Jane sit down at the bar to wait for them. Jane says, "So, that Roger seems to be monopolizing your time. What do you think of him?" "I think he's sweet. And handsome." Ruby waves to the bartender. "And sexy. What do you think?" Jane says, "I think he's after only one thing Ruby, a one night stand." Ruby orders a bourbon from the bartender before answering Jane.
She comments, "What's wrong with that Janie? You do it all the time."

The Priestess replies, "Nothing is wrong with that Ruby, but if you honestly think that is what I do then you have no true understanding of my religion. What I am saying is that you should be discrete, after all, this is the city where your parents and your former fiancé live. I don't know what the next few days will bring, but they will only be more difficult for you if unsavory gossip accompanies your visit."

"I don't care about gossip or what my parents think. I doubt we'll be seeing anyone my parents know anyway, they don't exactly interact with the little folk, if you get my meaning." Ruby sighs. "No Jane, I don't think that is what you do. I am sorry if it came out that way. It's just...," Ruby's voice trails off and she is quiet. The bartender conveniently brings their drinks at that moment and Ruby sips her bourbon. "Did you know that Jake and Red introduced me to this," she holds up her glass. "I'd never really had it before them." Ruby is quiet again for long moments.

She continues sadly, "Jane, there are so many things I never had before Jake. I didn't want to talk to you about this, I didn't want to hurt your feelings in any way. But I have no one to talk to... Jake and I... I mean..." Tears start to pour out of Ruby's eyes and she sobs, "Why hasn't he come for me Janie? He promised he would." Jane says, "Men promise a lot of things Ruby when they are with you. I would say that his silence speaks volumes." "I know." Ruby wipes her eyes with the back of her hands, then sits up taller. She takes a deep breath in, "I already know it." She sips her bourbon and calms herself down.

Ruby speaks up again, "I sent him a telegram. I asked him to please wire me back. I said I would check when we got here to Rochester. But I know he won't, write me back that is. He'll read what I wrote and know I was saying goodbye, as much as I didn't want to. I want things to be like they were but they can't. And in the end, some details may have been different, but in the end, he was just like all the rest." Ruby takes another deep breath in. "So I thought spending the night with Roger would help break me of Jake. He's nice enough, and probably been with enough women to know what to do.” Jane comments, "Well, that should certainly help you to find out your true feelings. I still think you should be discreet, there is no need to borrow trouble."

Ruby exclaims, “But what I really want to do is see George." Jane replies, "And I can assure you that Richard will not allow that to happen until some time tomorrow after he has had a chance to make some inquires around town. He's not willing to lose you by being impatient and reckless." Ruby asks, "And you said discrete. What's discreet? Hiding out here in this Inn all night? And what do you mean lose me? What are you two thinking is going to happen to me?"

Jane says, "No, we won’t stay at the inn, we'll all go dancing. I'm just saying that you should be careful sneaking into and out of Roger's room so that you don't get seen by hotel employees or other guests. As for what could happen, Richard assumes that either your parents or your ex-fiancé will force you to stay against you will." Ruby exclaims, "I don't even think my parents should be here. They're probably out on Long Island at the other home," Ruby rolls her eyes.

She continues, "And George, George would definitely not make me stay against my will. He's my friend, he's not an enemy. If anything happens, I'll try to be discrete. Even though I don't really care what anyone here thinks, you are obviously concerned and probably seeing something I'm not." Ruby rolls the shot glass between her hands. "Do you think I shouldn't sleep with him Jane? Is it a stupid idea? What's your advice?"

Jane replies, "My advice is that you find a few moments alone and pray to Aphrodite for guidance. She wants us to work together, but that can wait until tomorrow. Let's go dancing and relax, then you should ask her to lead you to the next step with any or all of the men in your life." Ruby nods. "That's good advice Janie." She throws back the bourbon and slides off the stool, flipping a dollar onto the bar. "Let's go get cleaned up and ready to go out. My butt hurts from sitting all day and I'm dying for a bath."

They approach Richard who gives the women a single key to the room that he has secured for the two of them. Ruby snatches the key and jingles it, forcing herself into a better mood. "Let's go get ready darling," Ruby purrs. "We'll meet you boys later!" Ruby asks the desk clerk to prepare some baths in their room for them. They head upstairs and Ruby is pleased to see a bathtub with indoor plumbing, knobs for both hot and cold. "Oh my gods!" Ruby exclaims excitedly. "Janie, look at this! I have to get this in my house back in Promise City and the Lucky Lady too. You have to get this at the Meeting House. It's been so long since, well, since...,"

Ruby's enthusiasm overtakes her and she doesn't finish her statement, instead she peels through her bags and pulls out a couple of dresses and accessories. She draws a bath, sinking into the hot hot water, enjoying every relaxing moment of it. Afterwards she takes her time dressing as Jane also takes a bath. Ruby helps Jane with her hair, babbling about this and that but nothing important. Finally both the women are ready and dressed stunningly they head back downstairs to meet up with the men.

It appears that the sailors have also cleaned up, as most have damp and freshly combed hair, several with short stubble beards are now clean shaven, and all have on fresh white uniforms and shoes with such a polish that they let off a shine. The only ones absent from the group are the Lieutenant and Richard, who Bjorn says headed off together a short while ago. "Who's ready to go dancing?" Ruby chirps. The men enthusiastically agree, Bjorn and Carl each taking one of Jane's arms with Roger alone taking Ruby's.

Ruby places a hand over Roger's as they walk next door to the Dance Hall. "So, Officer Birch, what exactly do you have planned for us tonight? You did promise me a lesson in the stars." He replies, "Some vigorous exercise first, we don't get very many opportunities for ballroom dancing on board ship." "Alright then. I'll leave you to the romancing part." Ruby guides them into the dance hall. "Drinks first or are you ready to hit the floor? Either way, lead the way." She smiles widely, looking at him expectantly.

The next hour is intermixed with dancing, Roger monopolizing Ruby's time until he finally begins to tire at which point he makes a gesture towards her to his shipmates and they begin to approach her, one per dance, to ask her to dance with them. During that time Jane has also been dancing with the various sailors. Ruby's body knew the moves to the dance just as well as she could walk. She enjoys the light, freeing feeling, dancing and flirting, not a care in the world.

"Are you enjoying yourself Officer?" she asks, smiling and playing with her hair. Her present dance partner, the handsome Carl von Diamond, smiles back and say, "Indeed I am dearest Ruby, there is nothing more pleasant than to have one's arms around somebody as lovely and lively as you." "Isn't that sweet?" she smiles. "You all seems to have such nice manners. So far anyway," she teases. "And I am just as lucky to have my evening filled by handsome, sweet men." "We aim to please," is Carl's reply. Ruby laughs and continues her dance until she gets tired.

After that hour is up, she bounces over to Roger who it sitting at the bar, standing very close to him. "Have you been drinking Sir?" she asks. Roger replies, "Not to excess, I was waiting for your company before I did that." "And now you have it." Ruby waves the bartender over. "What will be our libation for the evening?" Roger states, "I normally drink beer but that just doesn't seem appropriate with a fine woman like you."

Ruby laughs. "You drink your beer. I'll drink...," she pauses to consider, "...Champagne. I love the bubbly, although I usually try to avoid it. Nasty headaches and all. But you have such limited time here on land, you should drink what you like." When he places the order with the bartender he shows that Champagne is a drink not unfamiliar to him as he reviews what is available and orders a superior vintage. "My, my, Roger, you surprise me. I would have never guessed you have some knowledge of champagne." Ruby leans a little closer and sets one elbow on the bar. "Did I mention I like surprises?"

He says, "I learned all about wines and champagnes at a young age. I mentioned how my mother worked as a clerk for the Governor of Bermuda? Well while she was doing her job I was helping out in the kitchen, most of the time peeling potatoes or chopping vegetables. I got to know the mansion's wine steward pretty well and he taught me about wines. He also taught me how to swear and play cards, which are more useful skills for my Naval career than being a sommelier."

Ruby laughs heartily. "Yes, I imagine they would be much more useful. You know, you haven't asked me yet what I do. Why don't you try to guess?" He replies, "My first impression is that you are independently wealthy so you don't have to do anything that you don't want to." Ruby laughs again. "You're right, I don't do anything I don't want to. But why would you think I'm independently wealthy?" The champagne arrives and she sips at it. "Yum!"

He states, "Well, if Richard isn't your brother or boyfriend then he is clearly your bodyguard, just as your associate Jane appears to also be a servant of some sort, a private nurse perhaps. Business Associates you say, well whatever the business is you are clearly the head of it." Ruby sips again at her champagne. She looks around the room, finding Jane dancing and Richard watching everyone else. She looks with love in her eyes at them.

"Actually, Roger, they are my friends. Jane is one of my best friends and she decided to bring me here as a birthday present. I'm originally from New York you see and have some loved ones here. She decided it would be good for me and she was right. Richard came along to keep us two young hens out of trouble. I hate to break the news to you, but I am not wealthy." She looks back to Roger, "I'm just a singer." She smiles widely, "I hope that will be enough for you." He smiles and says, "And I'm just an old sailor. Having the most beautiful woman in the State here with me suits me just fine, regardless of her profession."

"Good." Ruby clinks her glass with Roger's beer then takes a sip. "Up for more dancing?" He replies, "Absolutely, I'll do my best to not stamp on your feet." Ruby grabs his hand and drags him back out onto the dance floor. They dance for another twenty minutes after which he appears to have tired out. One of the other sailors, the young apprentice seaman whose name escapes Ruby, offers to step in. As Ruby takes the young seaman by the hand she teases Roger, "I hope you aren't going to tire and keep sending in reinforcements all night Officer Birch."

He replies, "No, I wouldn't trust several of them with you. But I have no worries of young Seaman Hamel attempting to steal you from me, not unless he wants his first tour of duty to be a miserable one." Ruby laughs and looks at the boy, who can't be much younger than she. "Can you dance?" she asks. The boy nods, apparently threatened somewhat by Roger's implied threat and says in a meek voice "Yes...I can."

"Well then, don't keep me waiting. Show me!" She pulls him into a spin and they start twirling around. As they dance Ruby asks, "So tell me, what do YOU think of the Officer?" Seaman Apprentice Hamel says, "He's not really an Officer, he's a Petty Officer, that's an enlisted position albeit one of the top ones. Back at the Naval Academy I had to answer to real officers, the Commandant of the school was a retired Commodore."

"See, I don't even know how it works. But he didn't seem to mind being called by the title. Nevertheless, tonight is not the night for a lesson." Ruby smiles and tests the boy's dancing skills. He says, "Learning Military ranks is one of the first things they teach you in the Academy. I graduated in the top ten-percent of my class." "Well congratulations. You must be smart." Ruby peers over his shoulder to see what Roger is doing. Ruby does not see Roger anywhere in the room. Ruby squints and searches for him some more, but doesn't see him. When the dance is over she grabs her drink and goes off in search of him. She wanders the room and will finally make her way outside in search of him.

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-six, “Kate’s Escort to the Theater”, Friday, June 16th, 6:30 P.M.

Kate doesn't have to wait long when the actor Edwin Booth arrives to escort her to the Lucky Lady. If the door between the kitchen and the schoolroom hadn't been open Kate might not have even heard the knock. She hurried through the desks and opened the door. "Good evening, Mr. Booth," she said with a smile. "I hope you've been having a pleasant stay. I have to thank you again for coming to the school this afternoon, the students enjoyed it a great deal." "And I enjoyed meeting them, they are fine people," he replies.

"Yes." She smoothed her fine skirt and picked up her handbag. "I hope I'm not inconveniencing you. I hardly imagine your original plans for the night included me." Edwin Booth "Then you would be mistaken. An evening with you provides me a chance to pick up our conversation where we left off. I had requested that you contact me if you discovered evidence of a deception from the man claiming to be my son. As you haven't sent anything I assume that nothing of that sort has crossed your path."

"I have seen nothing to send you," Kate said honestly. "I will admit, I've been wrapped up in my own troubles the past few weeks; this is a much more exciting town than you'd think. We had our first argument, but that's all it was. A disagreement about some choices I made. On the good side, I can tell you he refused to play dishonestly in the tournament tomorrow. His employer would have paid his entry fee if he had agreed to help another player. And he's been very excited about this play. Although he hasn't said it, I think it's also given him an opportunity to make friends of people he didn't have the chance to before."

Edwin nods and says, "None of that changes anything regarding his possible relationship with me, although it does support the premise that he is a man of good character, so less likely to be perpetuating a deception unless a false personae is part of that deception." She replies, "You know what my beliefs are, but they're of no consequence. I have a friend I could introduce you to, someone with the knowledge and wisdom to help shed light on the situation. This man has become like family to me and just as protective. As such he keeps a close eye on Conrad as well, I'm sure."

Kate smiled and tried to lighten the atmosphere. "And perhaps the play tonight will help settle your mind one way or the other." He replies, "I don't know but understand what you are getting at. I am one to appreciate the arts, let's go see if Pauline Markham's protégé can equal her performance of Juliet, which I have had the pleasure of seeing before." Kate replies, "My friend Ruby was supposed to play Juliet, but the recent death of a mutual friend unhinged her a bit. Not that alone of course, but she felt the need to leave town for a while and gather herself. She wants to be an actress; this would have been her debut."

Kate slipped a pale wrap around her shoulders, secured the door and took Mr. Booth's arm. "I have to say, I'm just a bit disappointed that it's not my inestimable charms that bring you to my door," she said, teasing. Edwin Booth replies, "Ah but the night is young, you have many more hours to carry me away with your inestimable charms." She says, "I'll do my best to be a pleasant and entertaining companion for the evening. I'm afraid it's been quite some time since my society days in Boston, I've come to appreciate the real conversation and occasional bluntness of society here." "Bluntness has its time and place," is his subdued response.

Kate turned her head to look at him. "It sounds as if you have had a run in with someone who didn't know that." He replies, "I've had a long and interesting life, with its ups and downs. Tonight I just want to sit, relax and enjoy a production in the company of other patrons of the arts. Have you been to very much theater before?" She replies, "My parents often took us to see plays as well as concerts. Before my late husband became ill we went often. After that there wasn't the energy or the money to go any longer."

She was quiet for a moment. "Someday I'd like to be a true patron. For now I'll make sure my students are exposed to the arts as well as things like mathematics and geography." Booth says, "I know that my founding of the Player's Club has done much to promote the arts as I know it. I hope that what I have started still exists long after I have departed from the Earth." "I'm sure it will," Kate said. "It's a beautiful place, and there will always be those who devote themselves to the arts and want a chance to know others who do the same. I know I would value such a place."

Booth replies, "I am hoping that a similar institution will soon arise here in the west. San Francisco would probably be the best location for such an establishment." She replies, "San Francisco? I admit, I know little about the cities in California. I've visited Los Angeles briefly but that's the extent of my knowledge. Is there someone there you think might start another artists group?"

He replies, "No, and I’ve no specific location yet. Los Angeles has potential but isn't nearly as established as San Francisco, so I have a hard time picturing it as being a central place for the arts. My father used San Francisco as his base of operations for several years, you might say he founded the arts in that community, so it has a special passion for me." Kate replies, "I have reason to believe I'll be going to San Francisco fairly soon. A couple of months from now, most likely. I hope to take advantage of the arts there although I don't imagine I'll get to mingle with the artists there. My own skills aren't advanced enough to be considered artistry, but they give me great joy and that's all I ask."

They continue to walk around town, taking a more roundabout way than the direct path to the Lucky Lady and he says, "San Francisco is a place I have longed to return to myself. I have many pleasant memories from when I was there before in my youth." She answers, "Then why not go back? You have the means and I'd guess the freedom to travel as you please. You might create some more memories there, meet some other artists, even plant the seed of another player's club there."

He replies, "That is a good suggestion. For the last few years I have stayed close to New York to help make the Club a success, my only travels being to obtain new financial patrons or to acquire unique items such as the piano that you played on when you were there." She states, "That was a truly beautiful instrument. I don't think I'll ever play a finer. I'd like to do more traveling, although now that I have my ward Ginnie, the ranch, and a school it will be some time before I'm able. My father had planned to take me to Europe, but I met my husband and didn't want to leave."

Booth replies, "Europe is overrated, I'll take New York instead." While they are walking a group comprised of two-dozen mounted cavalry soldiers ride into town heading west down Main Street in the direction of Drover's Livery and Corral. Kate sees that they are led by Lieutenant Gamble who she has met before. “What are they doing here?" Kate said, dismayed. "The man in charge is Lieutenant Gamble. Among his better qualities are arrogance, racism, and a well-developed sense of what's good for him. I wonder if the government has taken an interest in making sure Earp makes it to trial."

Edwin Booth replies, "That would not surprise me. The New York papers mentioned that President Arthur was considering sending in troops to deal with the lawlessness taking place in the Arizona Territory. I believe that Earp's name was prominently mentioned in that news story." She says, "The time for that would have been a week ago. We've taken care of the problems now. Those hooded riders who destroyed buildings in town last weekend have been apprehended, as has Wyatt Earp. And the other troubles the soldiers would never believe, much less be capable of dealing with.” He replies, "Well, that wouldn't be the first instance of the government being a day late and a dollar short."

She continues, “The government insists on being blind to certain things that if they would just accept they would be able to deal with Cochise county much more easily." Kate stopped suddenly and coughed, realizing how heated she was becoming. And about things she could not discuss with this man. He says, "I'm sure the newspapers will detail why the army is here, the Mirror seems to have a good grasp of the pulse of this town."

She asks, “Have you met the Editor yet? I'd be very surprised if he wasn't running around this town all weekend trying to get interviews with all the visiting notables. Mr. Chumbley is an excellent editor and reporter. You should have seen the horrible rag we had before he came here."
He replies, "I've seen a number of horrible rags in my day, most of which had unkind things to say about my performances." "A dead give-away to any theatre-goer that they were reading a substandard newspaper."

Kate took one last look at the soldiers as they rode by. "I wish they weren't here. Gamble causes more trouble than he solves. Do reviews really bother you? You're an experienced actor, confident in your skill. What does it matter what a critic thinks?" He replies, "Every actor cares about reviews, it's part of the personality that comes with the job." Kate asks, "What kind of personality is that?" He states, "Boldly confident and outgoing in order to cover up a world of insecurities."

"That sounds familiar," Kate said with a gentle smile. "I have many bold, confident friends who might be horrified to know I see through the facade. I tend to wear my own insecurities on my sleeve. That carries its own dangers, I suppose. Do you not find that acting bold and confident helps you feel that way?" He replies, "Yes, but I am also an older man now, my days of insecurity are mostly behind me now. One reason I don't act any more is that I no longer feel the need to be the center of attention. Although I did enjoy the attentions of your students this afternoon."

With a smile on her face she replies, "There is something magical about children, perhaps because their demands are simple. And a little attention is never amiss. What lady doesn't like a compliment now and then? It's no different. There's something to be said for an older man. It must be confidence, as you say. So you don't miss acting? Did not the art itself bring you joy, beyond the attention?"

He replies, "I miss the final curtain call and the applause. I don't miss the hustle and bustle lifestyle of going from town to town, the constant costume changes, dealing with novice actors who believe themselves far better than they actually are, the requirement of going out on stage even when unhealthy, having to make due with whatever hotel room the frugal theater company owner rented for you, and in my own case having to live down the stain on the family name caused by my brother."

She says, "It sounds like a life for a young adventurous man who craves excitement. I can't imagine such a life." Kate was quiet for a moment. "I have seen Conrad dealing with the same stain, deserved or not. You will want to stay out of the Comique. One of the owners there started a rumor about Conrad cheating at poker after he told the owner he was distantly related to your brother. The owner asked him because of his name; and he's a hothead. I'm not sure your safety would be guaranteed there." Booth replies, "I dealt with worse but I will take your advice and avoid that establishment."

She says, "I'm sure you have. I have never understood the compunction to lay blame for one person's actions on another close to them. I suppose anger with no legitimate target will find the nearest target it can." Kate was quiet for a moment. "But this is all terribly serious. Far too serious for people who barely know each other. So tell me, do you think you have a chance to win in the tournament, or are you just playing to see how well you can do?"

Booth replies "I sincerely doubt I'll win, I'm a good player but nowhere near as good as most of the other entrants. I'll actually be very surprised if I am still in the tournament by the end of the evening on Saturday. But this journey has given me the undivided attentions of Assemblyman Roosevelt and Mr. Berwind on the long journey out here and will again on the trip back. I dare say that the pledges of donations to the Player's Club that I will solicit from those two during the trip will far outweigh any losses that I personally incur, probably ten-fold."

"An investment," Kate nodded. "I have thought of trying to take advantage of all the notables and media attention here this weekend, but since my causes are votes for all races and genders and support for my school I don't think they fit. What will you do with yourself once you're finished playing? Stay and observe the rest of the tournament?" He replies, "Well yes, it will provide me with an unparalleled opportunity to see your Mr. Booth in his natural element, and if we're both eliminated by Saturday night or Sunday afternoon I will have a second or third opportunity to see him up on stage."

"My Mr. Booth?" Kate said with a warm little smile. "I don't know that I'd call poker his natural element, but he certainly is good at it. I do think he'll enjoy the challenge of playing against strangers. I'm looking forward to seeing him onstage myself, I haven't seen him act either." He replies, "Perhaps....unless this has all been an elaborate ruse to win us both over." Seeing the expression that comment causes on Kate's face Booth adds, "But we will know soon one way or another." He looks around to make sure that nobody overhears and then says softly "I have obtained a magical device that will verify once and for all if the two of us are related, provided that your Mr. Booth is willing to participate."

She immediately replies, "The chance to be certain of your relation is one he won't let pass by. I cannot imagine what it would be like to grow up without one of your parents. My Papa and Maman made me the person I am. Conrad wants to know. Although I'm not sure when a good time to bring it up would be. He needs his concentration most of the weekend. Perhaps after he finishes the tournament?"

Edwin Booth replies, "Very well, I will wait until we are no longer playing to mention it to him. The item was not easy to obtain, I had to write to France for it and pull in several favors. It was originally created centuries ago to determine Paternity in situations regarding claims to the French crown." Kate states, "This is very important to you as well, isn't it? Not just for the purposes of protecting your daughter and your property. To you personally." He sighs and replies, "Yes, I just hope that we both won't turn out to be disappointed." Kate didn't answer, but took his arm more securely. "Come. If we don't reach the Lucky Lady soon, we'll be late for the play."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-seven, “Theater Night at the Lucky Lady”, Friday, June 16th, 6:15 P.M.

Gonzales and Jake have arrived back in the elderly elf‘s workshop. Jake says, "Gracias Senor, I am certain that the McCoy's will appreciate their new found freedom, thanks to you. I will hold onto the documents that release them long enough to make it feasible they arrived by some courier to my attention. I trust that they will be appreciative and wish to reciprocate the service, at least enough to provide some information. If not, I will not black mail them for it, there certainly has been enough of that. Shall I assume you wish to remain anonymous as always if they ask about their benefactors?" Gonzales replies, "Absolutely, anonymity has worked well for me to this point."

The wizards opens the magical doorway from his mansion leading back into his room at the El Parador and Jake departs. He makes his way to the Lucky Lady first to check on the play activities. Upon his arrival at the Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon the first person Jake encounters is the typically unkempt prospector Ned Walters, who resides at the Saloon each weekend spending much of his hard-earned silver. He is almost unrecognizable to Jake, as Ned apparently arrived early in town and appears freshly bathed, his beard neatly trimmed back, and is attired in a brand new three-piece suit that from the tailoring must have come from Kelly's Dry Goods. Ned tells Jake that he is looking forward to playing in the tournament this weekend.

Glancing at the clock, Jake sees that the play is scheduled to begin in forty-five minutes. He does not see any of the actors yet although several members of the orchestra have arrived and are setting up near the piano under the direction of Sandra Wainwright, who is presently arranging her cello. Cornelius Van Horne walks up to Jake and says, "It looks like we will be full for the tournament, I just received a telegram from Bat Masterson and Luke Short asking for both to be signed up to play. They expect to arrive tomorrow late morning."

"We have no lack of gun fighters for our event. It would certainly be nice if they held their fire until they were out of the saloon." Jake shrugs. "There is something about poker and pistols." He replies, "I'm honestly not sure that the tournament is the main reason they're coming. Those two are among Wyatt Earp's closest friends, and didn't sign up until after the newspaper stories went out about his arrest." "Sounds to me that ol' Silver Jake Cook does not need to provide the entertainment over the next several days. I must remember to duck at the appropriate time." Jake laughs, stops and then laughs again.

Van Horne replies, "Well, it should be lively at any rate." While they are talking Ned Walters head upstairs to his room. Van Horne tells Jake, "He's one of six tournament players who will be staying in rooms here at the Lucky Lady. Twichy Brooklyn, Brady Hawkes and Victor Muratz have already checked in too. We're still waiting for Jim Franklin and Willy Spinner, they're expected to arrive tonight." "I do not know much about any of them, did you pick those least likely to shoot each other to stay here?" Jake says with a smirk.

He says, "Process of elimination, I excluded the fast-draw gunslingers like Hardin, Thompson and Maverick, since I didn't want them to have firearms on the premises. Likewise I eliminated the married ones like Lottie Dano and Anson Safford, otherwise their spouses could just go upstairs to retrieve a gun.

On the subject of guns, I plan to make carried firearms one reason for tournament elimination. We'll be able to make an exception for Mrs. Barker since she is a Town Marshall but I don't see that we can extend that to you Jacob. However, there's nothing to say that the dealers can't be armed. How about whichever dealer you are with having a gunbelt with your Peacemaker, with you seated on that dealer's gun side, that way it will always be within your reach?"

Jake replies, “Seems like a good plan," he palms his derringer and smoothly opens his hand to reveal it to Van Horne. "I have hardly ever fired this one, but it will be strange to be without it. I usually have it secreted for emergencies. No matter," he shrugs and it disappears as readily as it appeared, "we must follow the rules." His crooked half smile only punctuates the irony of his last statement.

A quartet of wood Elvan musicians arrive, all of whom Jake recognizes from playing at the Davis/Ramirez wedding although Pedro Figures is the only one he knows by name. Pedro stops to say hello to Jake while the other three head over to the orchestra area to set up. Jake says, Buenos noches, mi amigo. A pleasure to see you. You are looking fit; is all well?" He replies, "Si, tonight I get to play music in the establishment owned by my friends. That is cause for celebration."

Jake looks at him curiously, never having considered that Pedro might not have been or felt welcome outside the El Parador. "I am pleased to have you. I, um, trust you did not believe you were not welcome here. Mi casa es tu casa. (my house is your house)." Jake wishes them well on the performance tonight and leaves him to his business. Jake continues to busy himself as patrons start to arrive.

Eventually Emily's Uncle came home, grim-faced from the hanging. They both walked over to the bath house and cleaned up, and by the time Humphrey arrived and they went to dinner Uncle Emery was smiling again. Emily was wearing one of the new dresses her Uncle had given her, a lovely deep pink with the tiniest bustle and a high neck. Some of her hair was pinned up in the back and the rest left to hang loose. Her cousins arrived and they headed off to the play.

Katherine Kale and Edwin Booth arrive at the Lucky Lady a half-hour before the play is scheduled to start. Jeff Mills is standing by the door doing a gun-check. There is no admission charge but a box wrapped with floral paper and flowers is on a pedistal by the door with a card reading "Donations to support the arts" in flowery script. Harry Rote is seated at the piano playing out some light pieces of music.

Seats have been set up to accommodate 120 patrons, with only a dozen full at this point. The orchestra is setting up, with Sandra Wainwright near her chello directing the musician. Pedro is there with his violin and waves to Kate. Nine of the twelve chairs in the orchestra area are occupied, indicating a few musicians may be running late, and play pianist Stanley Barker isn't present yet either.

She waved back at Pedro with a smile. "I have never approved of arriving fashionably late to the theater," Kate said and opened her handbag. She dropped a couple coins in the box. "That is my friend Mrs. Wainwright directing the orchestra, and Pedro Figueres there with the violin. I lived in his Cantina when I first moved here; his family is now my family. His daughter is one of my partners at my ranch."

The Barkers arrive, Helen stopping at the door to talk to Jeff Mills about security while Stanley heads up to see Mrs. Wainright. "I'll be back in a moment. I want to go up and say hello to Pedro and Mrs. Wainwright." She smiled at the elder Booth and made her way to the front of the room. Kate kissed the elf's cheek and asked, "Will Dorita get to see you play?" He replies, "Si, on Sunday at the Town Hall. Friday and Saturday night's at the El Parador will be hectic enough without both myself and Estaban for her to get away too."

Kate says, "I wish I could have played here with you, although I'm enjoying not having any responsibility tonight so I can watch and enjoy. We probably could have arranged for Sonoma to come into town and help out but I didn't think of it. Have you been enjoying it all?" Pedro replies, "Si, it has been great fun, especially now that Ashley King is not with the company. He didn't want any of us Elves involved with the production."

Kate comments, "Thankfully that wasn't up to him to decide. I have never worked out why he seemed to be holding out olive branches toward me, I suppose now I never will. Did the company have someone to take his place?" He answers, "Si, King was playing Escalus, the Prince of Verona. They moved Kevin Kelley up into that role, he was playing Friar John before that. They convinced Newman Sanders to take over that part, Sanders is one of the workers at Cassidy Lumber."

Kate says, "That must have caused no small amount of confusion, but I have confidence everyone will be wonderful tonight. It just feels like a night for good things. Good luck, Pedro." Kate caught Sandra's eye and smiled, but didn't interrupt her and looked to see if anyone else had arrived. Edith Berman arrives carrying both her clarinet case and case with several percussion instruments which she arranges near her chair. Another man who Kate does not know arrives carrying a viola and sets up near the stage. It is almost time for the play to start when the final musician arrives, one of the army soldiers, who has three different types of drums with him.

Kate made her way back to the seats that Edwin Booth was holding for them. "The soldiers couldn't have come just for that young man to play percussion," she said quietly. "Of course, I have grown a bit paranoid since I moved here." She looked over the crowd to see who was in attendance. Kate recognizes dozens of familiar faces, including Emery Shaw accompanied by his three children and his niece Emily. Also present are all of the members of Arcade's Gang except for Morgana, who is in the play. She settled down into her seat. "I'll have to remember to talk to Emery Shaw later."

The Shaws had arrived at the Lucky Lady about fifteen minutes before it was time for the play to start, and Emily's eyes were busy taking in every detail. Even though it was set up like a theater she imagined the tables out and rough men at the tables playing cards and drinking. After he talked to a few people her Uncle led them all to seats and got settled in for the play.

Act I begins. Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the Montague family start a street fight, which is joined by Benvolio of the Montague family and Tybalt of the Capulet family. The fight is extremely dramatic, as all six use well choreographed sword fighting moves. Sampson and Gregory are both portrayed by two of the soldiers who had ridden into town with Estaban Fuente playing Mercutio. The capulet servants are played by Jose Ramirez and Coolie Fagan, neither of whom Kate was aware knew how to fight with swords. Tybalt is played by master fencer Hans Schmidt.

Escalus, the Prince of Verona played by Kevin Kelley angrily learns of this fight, declares a death penalty for further feuding between the two families. Conrad makes his entrance as Romeo, who the audience learns is lovesick with Rosaline, played by Julia Barbeau, who will not return his love. His friend Benvolio, played by Kevin Tomlinson, tells Romeo to look at other girls.

Meanwhile Lord Capulet, played by Don Wainwright, is keen for Paris to marry his daughter Juliet, played by Josephine Marcus. He plans a party to be held later that night. Romeo and friends decide to turn up uninvited, Romeo hoping to see Rosaline, whom he still pines for. Lady Capulet, played by Morgana Arcadiam, discusses the idea of marriage to Paris with Juliet, Paris portrayed by Army Sergeant George Ball. Juliet keeps her options open. The Nurse, played by Liza Brown, wishes Juliet every possible happiness.

Meanwhile Mercutio attempts to cheer a lovesick Romeo up, telling him to be rough with love if need be. At the Capulet's party, Romeo who is disguised by a masque (mask), falls in love with Juliet on sight. Capulet stops Tybalt from attacking Romeo at his party, telling him there will be other opportunities. Both Romeo and Juliet learn that they are each enemies of the other's family... A Prologue sung by a choir dramatizes the conflict both Romeo and Juliet feel between their love for one another and their loyalty to their respective families. Act I ends. During the entire act the music has been on par with any other orchestra that Kate has ever heard.

Jake Cook had taken a seat in the back of the room. He is only mildly interested in the play, his attention fading in and out. The expression on his face changes when Juliet, played by Josephine Marcus, takes the stage. He keeps to his seat for the balance of the act but the bored look is replaced by a more uncharacteristically sullen one.

Kate applauded enthusiastically with the rest of the crowd. She had lost herself as easily here as she had at the theater in Boston or New York. A twinge of jealousy ran through her at how wonderful it must be to sit in that orchestra and make music. In the short time between acts she looked over to see how Edwin Booth was feeling. Edwin was watching the play very intently.
The actors all depart the stage and house lights come up.

"Intermission. The bar is now open," Harry Rote announces from behind the bar. The musicians stow their instruments and head away from the music area for the intermission. Stanley Barker remains playing at the piano until he is relieved by the Comique's pianist Warren Watson who removes several sheets of music from his leather satchel and begins to play. Stanley rushes over to his wife Helen who praises his performance at the keyboards.

"If you don't mind," Kate said quietly, "I'm going to mingle a bit. Perhaps you'd like a few moments with your own thoughts." Mr. Booth stood when she did and nodded, allowing her to pass and taking his seat again. She straightened her pale-blue skirts and the pendant around her neck and went over to Emery Shaw. "Amazing isn't it? I expected good things from all these talented people, but even I'm astonished." Shaw says, "Well, I'm afraid that I am not one to judge. I've only been to the theater a few times. I did find them to be very good for the most part. That sword fighting was amazing."

Kate says, "I had forgotten they'd planned to talk to some of the local soldiers about helping with the swordplay parts. I saw them come into town earlier and was a bit worried, thinking there were here about our high profile prisoner." Shaw says, "I think they're here for both reasons. I heard that they met with Deputy Sheriff Leslie and then posted a few troops as extra guards around the jail. Personally, I don't mind, provided that it helps keep things under control in town for this weekend. I'm more than a little concerned with the number of famous and infamous gunslingers who will be in our midst."

Kate says, "I'm not comfortable with it either, and I'm going to have to be here tomorrow and Sunday. I'm hoping they'll all stick to cards, and the no weapons policy here will probably make it safer than most other places. The soldiers leader is Lt. Gamble; I'm not comfortable with him, either. Did Mrs. Perez speak to you today?" Shaw replies, "Yes she did. I feel awful about what happened. I should have held a meeting of the Cattleman's Association earlier this week. We would have noticed the absence of the Perez Family and sent somebody out to investigate."

Kate firmly replies, "This isn't your fault, Emery. There were no issues to discuss; no rustling or reason to believe there would be anymore. Plus your niece arrived and needed your attention. Would you have called a meeting just to count noses?" He answers, "No, but with the election pending we could have discussed that again. Do you think we should hold one soon to discuss what happened with the Perez's? We talked about posting Indians at each ranch but never followed through on that, I wish we had."

Kate says, "We still can. Remember we'd just had some emergency meetings after the whole fiasco with Anse King, and for most of the ranches getting into town for a meeting is a hassle. Emery, I know all about worrying over things I could have done to change things. All you can do is go forward." He answers, "I agree, starting with the debate on Sunday night. It appears we are now down to just three candidates, myself, Mr. Condon and Mr. Fisk. I plan to use the occasion to outline my vision for this community. Frank Condon is an able administrator but not a man of vision. Fisk is a man of vision but his is not one that I or many others wish to see. By the debate's end I hope that contrast is evident."

Kate says, "I think they will. I'm more of an immediate problem solver; I'm anxious to hear what your ideas are to help this community grow without being irrecoverably tied to the success of the mines. And with your ability to see where your opponents talents lie, you should be able to separate yourself from them without having to belittle them." Shaw replies, "I have no intention of belittling either man. As I stated before, I find Frank Condon is an able administrator and would make a fine mayor once this town is established and settled, that time might be four years from now, it might even be two years from now, but it is not today. As for Fisk, his vision of the town is one of freedoms at the expense of personal safety, I plan to highlight that fact."

Kate states, "I know you wouldn't belittle, I was trying to say you won't be negative and that will be a help. Apparently this is not my best day; my foot is firmly stuck in my mouth. And I know I did something wrong when I was dressing for the evening since no one has told me how lovely I look, and I know I look absolutely smashing," she teased, lightening the mood. He says with a smile, "Katherine, if I always took the time to stop to tell you have attractive I find you we would never have the chance to talk about anything else."

Widened eyes betrayed her surprise even as she managed to control the blush that threatened. "That would be a shame, I enjoy sometimes saying just what I think." Changing the subject back, Kate says, "The Debate will go well. You've built a successful ranch and I'm sure you can lead us to building a successful town too. With room for everyone to live in it." "That is what I intend to do," he replies. "I know it. Is Emily settling in alright? I see your whole brood is here tonight, even if Ellen is with one of those Cartwright boys."

He states, "Yes, Emily is doing just fine from what I can tell. She felt confined in Chicago, this will give her new opportunities. And my family came to town for the debate last night that was canceled. Humprey went back to the ranch last night and just returned but the girls decided to spend the weekend at my new house." Kate says, "It must be a bit crowded there, then, but I get the impression you don't mind." "There's never a thing called too much family," is his reply.

She says, "Indeed. I wish... I would keep the independence of my life here but have my family nearby if I could. But that good fortune is yours. I should return to my escort. I'm being terribly rude leaving him to sit there alone. Enjoy the evening, Emery, and make sure to let me know if there is anything I can help with before the election. It's a busy weekend but I'll do whatever I can."

Jake waits until the crowd disperses at the bar before having Harry pour him a triple Oredain tequila. He takes it outside by himself. "Well as I live and breathe, it is Mr. Jacob Cooke!" Even before turning around Jake recognizes full well the rich speaking voice of Commodore James Duvall, although it has been a good many years since he last had an opportunity to play at the gambling table of the former Mississippi Riverboat owner.

"I am honored that the renowned Commodore Duval remembers me. I trust you are well? The Arizona desert is quite different from the Mississippi delta, I would not have pictured you this far from a stately stern wheeler plying the mighty river." The Commodore replies, "Well ever since my good ship The Lauren Belle grounded on that sandbar my luck hasn't been what it once was. I am hoping to reverse that turn of fortune this weekend. Can I safely assume that the Van Horne Tournament is what has drawn you to this place as well?"

A smile finally breaks through Jake's troublesome mood, "Ironically, my good Commodore, just the opposite. The Lucky Lady," Jake points to the building behind him with his thumb over his shoulder, "is part mine. The tournament was drawn here because we had a suitable location and enough locals with the money and poker habit to get it started." Jake continues with a bemused look on his face. "You are correct in assuming that I would have traveled to the tournament if the tournament had not come to me."

Duval looks up at the Lucky Lady and comments "A fine looking place Jacob, and chances are it won't run into any sandbars and sink." Jake answers, “True, but we still have to navigate man made calamities. Thank you, Commodore, I trust you will enjoy you time here. I think you will it is welcoming enough, perhaps you will stay on for a few days after the tournament before heading off to your next conquest?"

He replies "Of course, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see Wyatt Earp swinging from a rope." Jake is bit taken aback by the comment. "Do you have a personal interest in the matter or is it purely for the historical and entertainment value." He replies, "Oh simply for the entertainment. It will also give me a story to tell at future card games and gatherings."

Jake nods and changes the subject. "Are you trying to win enough money to be back in the riverboat business, Commodore? Or are you working on your retirement nest egg?" He replies, "Ask me that on Sunday after I've won the tournament." Jake gives him a confident, easy smile, "I will ask you that on Sunday, sir, but it remains to be seen who will earn the title of best poker player this weekend. I expect it will be quite memorable, quite memorable indeed."

 

[Silver Moon]

Chapter One-hundred-ninety-eight, “If you can‘t be with the one you love, love the one you‘re with”, Friday, June 16th, 9:00 P.M.

Ruby West spots Petty Officer Roger Birch around a block away talking to a pair of men dressed in common worker clothing. She leans up against the wall and just watches with interest what is going on down the block. Roger removes his money clip and peels off a few bills which he hands to the men. They pocket it and move off in the other direction. She crosses her arms and continues to wait, waiting for Roger to see her. He starts back, a look of surprise crossing his face when he notices her.

She stays leaning up against the wall. "What was that about? Secret navy stuff?" Roger says, "You could say that. Trust me, you are better off not knowing. I thought you'd still be dancing with Seaman Hamel." "I was but I am wondering why you keep sticking me with everyone but you." She stays with her arms crossed. "What was that about?" He hesitates and says, "Er...I was telling the truth when I said that you were better off not knowing. It's not entirely legal and I wouldn't want to get you into any trouble."

She raises an eyebrow. "I still want to know." He looks around and lowers his voice, stating "It has to do with magic, the kind that is illegal....wizardry." Ruby laughs. She tries to hold it in but she can't. "I've heard of it. What of it?" Roger replies, "Well, there are certain magical items that make shipboard life easier. I have always had the role of helping to procure those items for my buddies. That is what I was just doing." "Interesting." She uncrosses her arms and stands up. "You know, the fresh air feels good. What do you want to do now?"

He says, "Actually we'd better get back inside or else Seaman Apprentice Hamel will notice that I'm gone. He was the one I was trying to keep this secret from, not you. I figured you'd keep him busy long enough for me to complete my business transaction." "Alright." Ruby takes his arm and they wander back inside. She leans over and whispers as they walk, "If he asks any questions just tell him you trying to sneak some kisses." Roger replies, "I plan to. The problem with that boy is he is totally 'by-the-book'. If he gets wind of any of my side businesses he'd report me right to the ship's captain."

Ruby asks, "How would he? Get wind that is?" Roger says, "From what I've seen thus far he is a very observant young man. He also asks a lot of questions." She comments, “He didn't ask me anything. Instead he bored me with the whole 'top 10% of my class' thing." Roger laughs, "Ah, he was trying to impress you. He's obviously the closest one of us to your age so probably figured that if he could get you to pick him instead of me if you thought he was special."

Ruby laughs heartily. "I need a man, not a boy. And especially one that brags about his scores in school." She rolls her eyes. "Now come Roger, no more talk of this. Let's get drunk or something else fun. We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves." Roger says, "I agree, I held off drinking to excess until after that business was done. Best not to do things like that drunk. But I have no other plans for tonight than doing whatever it is you wish Ruby."

She says, "Well, I wish to drink, possibly even too much." She moves closer to him. "And I want you to act like you like me while we're doing said drinking. Shower me with attention and all that. I'm needing it tonight." Roger smiles and says, "Well, that is an easy request to follow, as I do like you and showering you with compliments will come naturally, as you are indeed the most beautiful woman I have seen in years if not decades." "That's very sweet. You should get working on that," she laughs. "Order us a couple of bottles of something. Then maybe we'll get out of here."

He orders two bottles of champagne to go and plus another $2 for the loan of a pair of glasses. While he is ordering Ruby excuses herself and finds Jane. "I'm going to be... out...for a while. Don't worry about me, okay?" Ruby nods her head towards the handsome men. "Should I knock before coming back to our room tonight?" Jane replies, "No, Don't knock, that would wake me. Today isn't the day for worship services. You really don't understand my religion do you?

Ruby exclaims, "How can I understand it Jane? You've never explained it. As long as I've known you, you been evading my questions. So why don't you tell me, since I obviously don't understand and I want to know." Jane says, "Aphrodite calls me to share love as part of the Sunday worship services. I have no desire to spend time with men other than that unless it were somebody who I truly was in love with."

"And who would that be Jane? Your opinion on that seems to change frequently." Ruby feels bad right after she says it. "That didn't come out the way I meant. I guess... I mean I guess I don't understand but I really do want to know more. Would it be better if we do that tonight?" She gazes over to Roger, "I'm not sure about him anyway, it would give me an excuse." Jane replies, "No. Go have fun Ruby, you've earned it. I will enjoy the company of these men until I tire of them at which point I will retreat to my room. There will be time tomorrow late morning or early afternoon for us to see what Aphrodite wishes to say to you."

"Jane...," Ruby pauses. "Did you remember I'm supposed to be in the play tonight? I wonder if they are doing it without me." A sad look crosses Ruby's face. "I really wanted to do it too. I'm not there because I ran away. And right now, for the first time this trip, I wish I was there instead of here." Jane says, "Ruby, you're here now, make the most of where you are and the people who you find yourself with."

The more Ruby let herself think, the more she was confused. She thought she had made the decision already for how to spend the rest of the evening. But the sudden reminder of the play, and what could have been, brought her down. And now it seemed even Jane didn't want to spend time with her. "Alright Janie. Have a good night," she says quietly before returning to Roger. Ruby takes his arm and in a still quiet voice she says, "Get me out of here, please Roger."

Bottles in hand, he leads her outside and they take a short walk down to Canal Street, walking across the aqueduct over the Genesee River and seeing the water flow beneath. Roger stops and sits down on the edge of the bridge watching the water flow. He says, "The best of both world, dry land beneath our feet and the rush of water as well. Now are you going to tell me what that woman said to suddenly change your mood?"

Ruby sits down next to Roger, leaning forward to look over the edge, swinging her feet gently. She is quiet for a few minutes before she answers Roger's question. "It wasn't really what she said." A few more swings of the feet. "I was supposed to play Juliet in a play in my Saloon tonight. I wanted it so badly. But things happened, I couldn't stay. I ran away, I guess you could say." Ruby pauses, considering if she should continue. "I'm good at that. I wonder if I stayed how different things would be."

Roger reaches over and takes her hand. He holds it and says, "And as Romeo danced with Juliet he states 'You are like a shrine enclosing a holy relic, and I would be unforgivably uncouth to touch it with my unworthy hand except that I am ready to kiss away the damage I have done.' Juliet replies, 'There's nothing wrong with your hand, and handholding while we dance is quite legitimate; but you're being a little too bold in wanting to kiss me. If you're really a pilgrim, you should greet me only with your hand, as palmers do.' To which Romeo replies, 'Even holy pilgrims are human: they've got lips. Please let me kiss you.' "

He reaches his other arm around her back and says, "The words of the great bard still resonate today. Ruby West, please be my Juliet tonight, and as Romeo stated, please let me kiss you." Ruby bites on her lip, while looking Roger in the eyes. She moves her head in close to his and says in a soft voice, "A kiss sounds... nice, right now. I'll be your Juliet tonight, Roger Birch." He takes her in his arms and a long passionate kiss follows.

Ruby West had not kissed a man other than Jacob Cooke in over six months, not with the same intentions as the ones she had right now. For almost three weeks she had been alone, and lonely, longing for the touch of a man. This wasn't that man, but he was here and certainly able and willing, to fill the role she was longing for. She returns his kiss as her emotions wage a war inside her. Her heart and her head are eventually overwhelmed and silenced by the growing urge of her body to be satisfied and her kiss echoes the sentiment.

Ruby's hands find their way to Roger's face and her palms lie flat on his freshly shaved cheeks. When she finally pulls back from the kiss she keeps him looking straight at her. "That was nice," she whispers a bit breathlessly. "I hope there are more where that came from." He replies, "There are, but perhaps we should find us another venue." Ruby nods. "Good idea." She stands and offers her hand to him. "Any ideas?" she smirks. "How about my room back at the hotel," Roger says softly. Ruby takes his hand tightly in hers. "Lead the way, I'll follow."

A bottle in each hand, the glasses shoved into his coat pocket, he escorts her through the streets of Rochester until they reach the hotel. He says, "I'm in room 214, join me there in a few minutes." "I'll be there," Ruby replies, before standing on her toes and kissing him on the lips. She smiles at him as he walks off. She goes to the bar and orders a drink, drinking it over the next ten minutes. Finally she pays the bartender and heads upstairs, looking for room 214.

She finds the room and knocks on the door. He opens it. She sees that even though the room has an electric lamp in it he has opted to light a candle instead as the only illumination. The bottles of champagne are also now sitting in a bucket of ice and the bedspread on the bed has been turned down. "Hi," she says softly as she enters the room and closes the door. "It looks nice in here." She walks over to the champagne. "Should we have a drink?" He replies, "We should darling Ruby."

Ruby pours two drinks and hands one to Roger. "Care to make a toast?" He proposes "To tonight, one of the best nights in my life and I hope that the memory of it is for you." "To tonight." Ruby clinks her glass on his. "Let's not get to the memory part just yet, shall we? I'm very much looking forward to enjoying the present." She locks eyes with him as she takes a long drink from her glass. It doesn't take long for her to finish her champagne and when she does she carefully places her glass on the side table.

She smiles, steps closer to him and says, "Now where were we?" He replies, "I believe that I was telling you that I find you to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Your hair is like the fire igniting in my heart with heat intense enough to melt the mightiest of icebergs. Your smile is that of Helen of Troy, which alone could launch a thousand ships. And your body is one that could be a model for sculptors to use to carve depictions of the Goddesses themselves."

"The world you say?" The thought only briefly flutters through her mind, of Jake and how he used to similarly tell her she was beautiful. Ruby shakes her head to banish the thoughts, her long hair bouncing around. She leans forward and slowly pulls off her fancy shoes, one at a time, leaving her considerably shorter but still rather tall. In a sultry voice she continues, "Take care in what you say about the Goddesses dear Roger, for they are a jealous bunch and may decide to punish you for your misdeeds. I, on the other hand," she steps in to him and slides a hand onto the back of his warm neck, "I plan on rewarding you for your most excellent choice of words."

One tiny step forward and Ruby's face is just inches away from his. She looks him in the eyes and with just that look, invites him to continue the kiss he started earlier. He leans over and gives her the briefest of kisses but also pulls back only inches from her face afterwards as an invitation for her to continue. Ruby closes the distance, pressing herself up against his lean body. She kisses him passionately for long minutes, gripping him tightly around the neck with her arms.

She pulls back slightly and says in a soft voice yet very sincerely, "Roger, please don't fall in love with me tonight. It will just end in pain and heartache for both of us." She searches his eyes, hoping she doesn't already see the hurt that might be between them. Her softy replies, "Ruby, darling, please don't take this the wrong way, but it takes far more than one night of passion for me to fall in love."

She smiles widely as she starts unbuttoning his shirt with one hand. "Very good, that's exactly what I wanted to hear." It doesn't take long before the shirt is removed and thrown on the floor, and Ruby is admiring his fit shape. "Now... about that night of passion... You have my full permission to love me for tonight, Roger Birch." Birch does not need to hear that twice as he skillfully begins to remove her garments.

Ruby makes it only slightly more difficult for him to do as she won't stop kissing him while she pulls him to the bed. The kisses are interrupted only by his occasional comments about her beauty. "It seems as if you've done this before," Ruby teases breathlessly between kisses. He exclaims, "Ah, now you have discovered my secret. I am not a virgin." Ruby laughs lightheartedly and pulls him down on top of her. "Well then, I guess you won't mind finding out that I'm not one either." "Shocking!" he exclaims.

She laughs again. "Well, if that's all it takes to shock you then you're in for a long night...," she says. "A very long night," she smiles deviously and continues to make her point. He takes her into his arms and gives her a passionate kiss as the level of intimacy continues to mount. Ruby and Roger spend the next hours passionately showing each other just how far from virgins they are.

Ruby and Roger keep busy for hours until they collapse in sweaty contentment. Ruby doesn't sleep, she just wraps herself around Roger, enjoying the warmth and closeness of another person. She lazily traces her finger along his well toned chest, not letting her mind wander to the implications of what she's just done.