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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2814888" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Eight, “The Fate of the Earp Vigilantes”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 7:00 P.M. Clarisse and Chester finish their meal. She says that they have another hour until she has to sing her first set at the Comique. She asks him what his opinion is of this town election. Chester lights a cigarette. Stubbing out the match, he says, "As far as I can see, this is good for the town. We get a proper government, which leads to stability. Of course if the wrong kind of people get elected, then it gets bad. Do you believe women and non-humans should get the vote? It could change who gets into office." Regarding Ruby’s costume as Juliet, Kate says, "Don't worry, high necks weren't in vogue at that time. In fact, they had a tendency to show a lot more than we do now. You'll feel right at home," she teased. Kate watched Ginnie scampering around the room and smiled. "I feel a little bit like Juliet today; Mrs. Fly was trying to matchmaker for me." She went on lightly telling the story with a laugh. "And here I thought I'd be spared that, being already taken. I have to admit I'm rather curious at to who might have been interested. Vain of me, isn't it?" Jake walks in to the Lucky Lady and starts to head for the stairs but when he sees Katherine and Ruby he stops and goes to meet them. "Good evening," tipping his hat, "how are we all tonight?" Kate peeked over Jake's shoulder as she moved between them and the door. "Just fine. My family will be here Friday, I hope you'll stop by the El Parador on Friday night and meet them. Although since I'll be working they might come here afterward." A tall man bearded man of around twenty years of age enters the Lucky Lady behind Jake. He is wearing a brown derby hat, yellow high collared shirt, dark wool pants held up with brown suspenders and bow tie, plus a big fat canvas satchel over his shoulders. Harry Rote stops the man and asks him what he has inside the bag. “This“, he states as he thrusts his hand into the satchel. Perennially the distrustful soul, Jake steps between the ladies and the man standing with Harry though the young gambler does not draw his pistol but watches closely. The man pulls out a newspaper and calls out loudly to the entire Saloon, “Tombstone Epitaph, Special Edition, Ten Cents.” He holds up a copy of the paper with the bold headline covering half the front page which reads: Earp Vigilantes Killed!!! Kate's face turned pale and she thumped down into the nearest chair. "Jake, would you..." she trailed off, waving her hand toward the papers. Jake's hand falls away from his holster, "Harry, buy a few for us and send him on his way." All seven of the other patrons in the Lucky Lady rush up to purchase copies as Harry gets three dimes from the cash register to buy thee of them. The man pockets his dollar in change and heads back out the door with his satchel. Harry hands two of the papers to Jake while he begins to read the third with Niles Hoover peering over his shoulder. Kate mutters, "Can they really be gone?" Jake grabs the two from Harry and noticing Minerva and Nanuet waves them over. He drops a paper on the table between Katherine and Ruby before going around the other side and opening the other copy and placing it on the table so others can see if they are interested. He reads. The story begins on page one and then continues onto the second and third pages. Earp Vigilantes Killed!!! During the night of Tuesday, May 23rd, four members of Wyatt Earp’s vigilante gang were killed in Cochise County’s central Dragoon Mountains. The identified dead consist of Warren Earp, Turkey Creek Johnson, Charlie Smith and Texas Jack Vernillin. By all appearances they were not slain by their enemies but died due to their own carelessness as victims of a dynamite accident. The Earp Vigilante gang has been hunting and killing members of the cattle rustling Cowboy Gang since mid-march when Tombstone’s Deputy Marshall Morgan Earp was shot and killed in town. In the last ten weeks nearly thirty reputed gang members have been slain by the Earp Vigilantes. Ironically, the Earp/Cowboy war began in early March when the bodies of four reputed Cowboy Gang members were discovered in the Dragoon Mountains. Prospectors Bruce Herd, Theodore Lavoie, Ronald Pierce and Dickey ‘Boom Boom’ Swanson were working a claim at the northern tier of the Dragoon Mountains when they heard the continuous sounds of multiple explosions at approximately 10:30 P.M. last evening. They approached the scene of burning fires and great destruction, seeing from a distance the mangled bodies of four men and six horses. Herd and Lavoie rode to Tombstone to alert the authorities while Pierce and Swanson stood guard. Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan and Tombstone Marshall Virgil Earp investigated the scene together. It was later discovered that two full one-hundred-stick cases of dynamite had been stolen from Crowley’s Hardware in Tombstone. Sheriff Behan speculates that the Earp Vigilantes stole the dynamite to use in their war against the Cowboy Gang. Most of the dynamite appeared to have still been inside the saddlebags of the unfortunate horses although it appears that at least Turkey Creek Johnson had some on his person. Johnson looks to have moved too close to the group’s campfire, which caused the dynamite that he carried to detonate. That began a chain reaction of explosions as the dynamite on the horses also ignited. The present whereabouts of the vigilante leader Wyatt Earp and his associate Sherman McMasters are unknown. Their horses were found among the carnage, apparently brought by the others to help transport the dynamite. There were no tracks indicating that anybody had left the scene of the accident, nor is it likely that anybody else present could have survived the force of the explosions. It is therefore assumed that Earp and McMasters are still waiting at their hideout for their associates to return and may still be unaware of the mishap. Behan has reorganized his posse and has now gone off to search for these two men. Marshall Virgil Earp is said to be distraught over the death of his youngest brother and is planning to accompany Warren Earp’s body back to the family’s home in California. Speculation is that he will resign his position as Tombstone’s Town Marshall. Kate let out a long sigh. "So Virgil will leave and none will be left. And I'm still here." Ruby looks under the headline to see if an author is listed. The story's byline is listed as Sam Purdy. He is also listed as being the paper's Editor and Publisher rather than John Clum. She comments “I don't know who the author is. I wonder if this story has any truth to it?" Kate interjects, "You thought it all sounded a bit suspicious too?" Ginnie speaks up after reading the article over Kate's shoulder "Why don't we talk to Chumbley? It's a newspaper and he's a newspaperman. He has contacts that would get the information quicker than any of us could. And he seems to really like Ruby too. And one thing he's good at is talking.” Jake snorts a laugh, "Good is an understatement, girl." He then drops his hat on the table and runs a hand through his hair. "I would say that it is pretty likely those four are dead. The bodies will be seen, it will be easy to verify that. Ginnie's idea has merit, who knows if the circumstances as described are true." Then in a low whisper, "Remember when Chester was hurt in the explosion while invisible and we had trouble finding him? There could be two other bodies there and no one would have seen them. Or Wyatt could have simply been somewhere else at the time." "That's a good idea Ginnie," Kate exclaims as she slipped her arm around Ginnie's waist and leaned her head against her shoulder. "I bet he's fuming about being scooped. It's early yet, we could send someone over to his office and ask him to stop by.” She stops, "Harry," Kate called. "Would you do us a favor and run over to the newspaper office? If Mr. Chumbley isn't busy we'd like to see him. Tell him I'll buy him one of Maria's good dinners for his trouble." Ruby states, "You're right Jake, they could be there and no one can find them. Although that particular uh, effect, only lasts so long." Ruby pauses and bites her lip for a minute. "Poor Josie, when she reads this she will be frantic. I would be." The Lucky Lady remains rather quiet. Tony Lucky arrives but instead of starting his usual poker game gets caught up in the newspaper and conversation with his players about it. Nanuet heads over to see what Jake needs. He eyes the newspaper and shakes his head. "Can't read it boss. What's up?" Harry returns with Chumbley causing the quiet to cease. He rushes up to Ruby and exclaims "Ruby! Can you believe it! The Earps blowing themselves to bits!" "Good evening Mr. Chumbley. No," she laughs, "Actually I can't believe it. Doesn't it sound a little... suspicious?" Nanuet exclaims, "Is that what's in the paper? Something happened to the Earps?" "Oh, right. Forgot." Jake starts to reads the pertinent sections to him but is interrupted by Chumbley who says, "If only one of the lawmen had checked it out I'd say so, but with both John Behan and Virgil Earp agreeing then it's probably true. Sam Purdy isn't one to go make things up either. But I'll find out for sure tomorrow. Angela Young and I will be taking the Stagecoach to Tombstone in the morning." "Then who will be left to report on the Promise City doings if you two leave?" Ruby pauses. "You trust Johnny Behan?" Chumbley replies, "Oh, I'd just be staying in Tombstone for the hour or two before it heads back here. That should give me enough time to find out some new information for my own paper and also introduce Angela to the people she'll need to talk to. She would come back on Friday. That way I should be able to get papers new editions of the paper out both Friday and Saturday! Ruby, would you care to run ads in either of them? They should be really good sellers!" She replies, "You're right, they probably will be. Sure Chumbley, we'll take some ads. We have a lot of news coming up soon." Jake looks towards Kate and says, "You still counting Earp heads Katherine? I suppose I can understand that you feel connected to that family. Does not seem healthy though." Jake shrugs and looks around at all the others in the saloon still chatting on about the Earps. He then asks, "Is that troublemaker brother of yours coming in to town with your family? Maybe I can show him around town." Jake smirks. "I trust they will be here for a bit, I will likely be out of town on Friday. I promised an attractive young lady a visit to Tucson soon, and I might not be back by Friday. Probably not long after though I would be back." "Oh!" Ruby jumps into Jake's conversation, "Are we going now, Jake, are we?" She has a huge smile on her face and looks like she is about to burst waiting for the answer. Kate says, "Not counting heads so much as counting the days until there isn't an Earp within 100 miles of me. I don't really expect more trouble from them, but some people find protecting the memory of someone just as important as protecting their life. I'll just be easier if they're far away. And yes, Henry will be here, and my younger brother Phil too. You're lucky Henry isn't bringing his wife, you wouldn't have any fun then. You try all you want to corrupt him," Kate laughed. "I want them to enjoy their trip." Jake says, "Can do, Katherine. I myself do not do any corrupting, I just help folks find their inner truth." Chumbley says to Ruby, "Good, figure out what size ads and what you want for copy, Josiah Young can get those all typeset while I'm away tomorrow." While he is talking an obviously distraught Josie Markus comes into the Lucky Lady. She is crying and being helped along by her friend and Clarisse's cousin Julia Barbeau. A copy of the newspaper is sticking out of the pocket of Julia's dress. Ruby doesn't get her answer to Jake's statement before Josie arrives. Ruby hurries over to her and puts an arm around her and moves them away from the nosey newspaperman. "I'm sorry Josie, come on, have a seat." Ruby helps her sit and waves to someone to get her a drink. "Look, we don't really know anything yet and the article doesn't mention Wyatt..." Josie replies softly, "Virgil will know, Wyatt will have contacted him if he's still alive. I have to get to Tombstone to find out. Oh this is so awful, we saw all of those men just yesterday. How could this have happened?" Ruby shrugs, "I really don't know. But Wyatt was doing something very dangerous and we all knew it. He just wouldn't give up his need for vengeance. But let's not make any assumptions until you know for sure. Are you going to leave tomorrow?" Jake says across the room to Ruby, "I thought we might leave on the morning stage to Tombstone, if that is any help." Ruby gives Josie a reassuring smile, "We'll take you tomorrow Josie, if that was your plan." She tries to keep her own excitement under wraps at her friend’s misfortune. Seeing that her friend is in good hands with Ruby and Jake, Julia heads over to the table with Chester and Clarisse to join them. Kate kept herself away from the woman who came in. She had never met Josie Markus, and she wasn't feeling particularly sympathetic at the moment. When Jake went to join Ruby, she followed Julia over to Chester and Clarisse’s table. "Do you mind if I sit with you for a while?" Chester sees the look on Julia's face. "What's going on? Why was everyone clustered around the newspaper like that?" Julia replies, "Oh it's terrible. Wyatt Earp and a few others were going after the Cowboy Gang. But there was an accident and some of them are... Wyatt's missing, so Josie is worried sick." Josie says to Ruby that would be wonderful if she could accompany her to Tombstone. She then asks Ruby if there is somewhere that she can go lie down. "Of course, I'll bring you upstairs." She brings the glass of whiskey and helps Josie to the room near the top of the stairs. It was all set up again now that Nile's liquor was out in the shed out back. "You'll feel better after a nap," she says, placing the glass down on the nightstand. "Where have you been staying?" Josie replies, "With Julia, in her room at the Gay Lady. Now that she's involved with Colonel Seawell she doesn't see other men in her room anymore, so having a friend there isn't an imposition. Thank you Ruby, you are very kind. What time will the stagecoach leave?" She replies, "The stage leave at 9:00 A.M. I know, it's very early. But the sooner we leave the sooner we get there. You can always sleep on the stage. You take some rest. If you feel like it, you can stay here tonight if you'd rather be alone." Ruby kisses her friends cheek and closes the door behind her when she leaves. When Ruby takes Josie upstairs, Jake makes his way to Job Kane. "Partner, you are not looking too happy today and your attendance is unexpected." Job says, "I was about to head out of town when I heard about Isby calling the meeting so I stayed to find out what that was all about. Bernice knows that I can't always get away from here, but I do miss seeing her." Jake replies, "Nothing more serious than that? You seem awfully low. What does she do to earn her living, seem to be you could convince her to move here. I am sure we could figure something out." Ruby heads back downstairs, the smile now growing on her face. She decides not to interrupt Jake and Job so instead she returns back to Kate and Ginnie. "So, I guess I won't be here when your family arrives. I am sorry about that," she says, her smile remaining. Kate turned from the table where she was sitting with Chester, Julia, and Clarisse and returned the smile. "No you're not. They'll be arriving in Tombstone while you're there. You might even see them and you wouldn't even know it. As long as you're not gone too long, you'll be back before they leave." "I am actually sorry, just not ALL that sorry," Ruby laughs. "You're right, I wouldn't know it, I haven't even seen a picture or anything. Don't worry, we won't be gone too long. I have a play to put on in a few weeks after all." Conrad Booth arrives at the Lucky Lady. He goes directly up to Chumbley and says, "All set little guy." "Thanks," Chumbley replies as the halfling heads out the door. "Uh, bye Chumbley!" Ruby calls out after him. She turns back to her friends, "What was that all about?" Kate looked at Conrad with one eyebrow raised and said, "I don't know. Care to enlighten us?" Conrad says, "My friends Morgana and Josiah Arcadiam asked me to go to Tombstone tomorrow along with him and his reporter. Chumbley won't be staying there long and they were worried about their employee Angela being alone in that wild town. They need their ace reporter there to cover the story but that place is still too dangerous for a very pregnant fifteen-year-old girl to be by herself, and sending any of the members of Arcade's Gang along would probably just be asking for trouble." Kate nodded. "You'll see my family there then. They're arriving tomorrow. Mr. Pickering's students are coming here on the stage tomorrow, and my family with come with General Pleasants and Mr. Caudell and his family on Friday." Conrad says, "And starting tomorrow that place will also be swarming with newspapermen and photographers. When will your family be arriving?" "Mmm," Kate took the telegram out of her pocket and looked at it. "Noon tomorrow. Then the General and his friends on Friday morning. I hadn't been planning to meet them, but if the town is going to be swarming maybe I should. Oh. Papa said to tell you what you ordered is with them and he's keeping a close eye on them." "Ah, the buggies. I suppose I could rent a horse from the O.K. Corral to ride one of them back here once Angela is done. That would probably be safer for the buggy than having the stagecoach tow it. Wait a minute, your school isn't opened yet. If you and Ginnie wanted to come along too you could meet your folks and then ride the other buggy back." Kate stopped and thought for a moment. "I don't like leaving with the election meetings coming up so soon, but I think I can work it. I might just ride along with the stage though, then I'll already have a horse for the buggy. We could bring one for you and Angela, too." He replies, "Good idea, that would save us having to rent them." he states. As Ginnie is running around he asks her and she enthusiastically approves. He tells Kate, "Don't worry about the election meeting, it isn't until Monday. We'll be back on Friday." Kate nodded. "Then it's all settled. Poor Maman, I think life here is going to quite shock her, starting with my riding leathers," she said with a smile. Ruby says, "Oh, that's going to be one crowded stage. I'll be right back." She heads over to Jake, wrapping an arm around him. "We'd better get our tickets before the stage books up. I wonder if a lot of people might try to get to Tombstone tomorrow? I wouldn't want us to miss our trip." Jake replies, "I had not considered that. I am overdue to start my game. Maybe you could send someone over to get the tickets if they are still open? If not we can have somebody waiting when they open in the morning." He gives her a squeeze and a kiss. "Oh, and remind me at my first break to tell you and the others about my conversation with Emery Shaw and Tempel Morand." Job catches Jake before he heads back to his game and says, "Thanks for asking. I've tried to talk my dear Bernice Turner into moving here but she has resisted that idea. As for how she makes her living, she and her late husband had managed to accumulate some savings. Her husband's Uncle Colin also helps to support her." Jake freezes in mid-step. He slowly and with composure turns back to Job and asks, "Her husbands uncle? Would that be a brother to her late husbands father? I mean to say, is his name Turner too?" Job replies, "Yes, he's a businessman from somewhere further east, West Texas or maybe New Mexico. I've only met him a couple of times. You might have met him, he was in town last month during the festival and I think he stopped by here for a drink." DM's Note: What actually transpired with the Earps occurred with my other gaming group and can be found in Chapters 98 to 100 of this Campaign. </blockquote>

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