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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2814891" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Nine, “Travel Arrangements”, Wednesday, May 24th, 1882, 7:00 P.M. Kate says to Conrad, "As long as you're here let me ask. Kate Higgins, I'm sure she'll be all for us ladies being able to vote. Do you think she'd be supportive of all races voting?" Conrad replies, "Hard to say. One of her working girls is a half-elf but she generally discourages non-human customers, although she doesn't outright prohibit them like the Palace. But you can count on her spearheading the women's vote movement. And yes, I already got her permission to have tomorrow night off, but I should be heading back over there now." Kate replies, "Let me walk you out." Kate stood up and took his arm, then walked with him out onto the Lucky Lady's porch. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said giving his hand a discrete squeeze. When Kate leaves, Clarisse says to Chester, "Don't Mrs. Kale and Mr. Booth make a nice couple? I don't approve of how he makes his living, but it's not my place to say." "Kate and Conrad? I knew they spend a lot of time together, but seeing each other? I had no idea." Clarisse giggles. "That's because you're not paying attention. But I could tell from the way they look at each other." Ruby bounces off to find Harry. "Would you mind terribly running to the Wells Fargo office and picking up three tickets for tomorrow's stage? It's important that we're on it and I have a feeling it will sell out. I have to get singing soon or I'd go myself." Ruby reaches down her bodice and retrieves some money, pushing it into Harry's hands without counting it. "Thank you!" she practically sings. She starts bouncing her way to the stage, making sure to take the direction that leads her near Jake. "I sent Harry..." she begins but stops short. He had his poker face on and to anyone but Ruby he was his normal self. "Job, we need to talk later in private." He walks towards his poker table when Ruby intercepts him. "What's wrong Jake?" she asks, when she finally looks at his face. He replies, "I cannot... uh, talk about it right now. We will need to talk later. Nothing to, um, worry about right now but something we just need to think about." Jake blinks a couple of times before he gives her a weak smile. "I have some money that needs removing from some nice people's wallets." Ruby furrows her brows as Jake weakly smiles at her and sets up at his table. She shrugs. Jake was probably just being paranoid again. She was too excited to let that get in the way of her good mood. Ruby nods to Kate and when she is ready the two of them begin their night of lively tunes. Ruby sings her heart out on love ballads and drinking songs but she stays away from anything sad, tragic or depressing. She weaves her way in and out of the crowd, thoroughly enjoying herself as she entertains. When the break comes along, Jake gathers up as many of his friends and partners as he can find. He relates his conversation with the Misters Shaw and Morand. "Those are two good men to have involved in running the town, so there is reason for optimism. They seemed to think that Mr. King was a good partner, just his wife needed some handling. Katherine, if you consider yourself a cattle ranch, you should talk to them. They appear open to include the smaller ranches in their association." Ruby says, "Mr. Shaw is a good man, he's been so helpful to us... except... well, he is prejudiced against non humans. He made some comments about Nanuet on one of our trips. I was surprised to hear it from him actually, he seems so kind, he has been kind, to me." Niles says, "Well, you can't really blame Shaw for being somewhat prejudiced against Indians, his grievances are legitimate. Twenty years ago his ranch was attacked multiple times by the Apache under the command of Cochise. Cochise declared war on humans. The Shaw's ranch were the only humans to survive that, and I'm sure that there were many times where he thought that he and his family were going to be killed." Ruby nods. "That makes sense then, must have been very scary. Besides that I haven't found another fault in him yet and even that has an explanation. He is a good man to have on our side, no matter what we do. Kate, you'd do well to join up with them. They could become one powerful force." Kate says, "And how welcome do you think we'd be, Ruby? Even if it was just me as a representative for our ranch, Nanuet and Sonoma own just as much as I do. And lets face it, Sonoma does most of the work. I'm not saying they wouldn't accept us, but I'm not sure I should approach them without some kind of invitation, or at least being told of their existence by them." Ruby replies, "Excuse me, Kate, it was just an idea for the future. I suppose you haven't has the same experience with Emery as I have. He would be a good man to have as a supporter is all and I thought it would be good if you figured things out before they approached you. I mean, why wouldn't they, Jake said they were going to ask the smaller ranches. And we, that includes you and Nanuet, helped get some of his stolen cattle back. Emery has promised me he will stop in here one of these days and I am sure he will. It was just something for you and your partners to think about." "I'm not offended by the idea, Ruby," Kate said gently. "You're absolutely right. I'm just edgy about what Bill Watkins said today. Human male landowners are the only ones who do anything in this town? He should spend a day out at the ranch watching Sonoma work." "Oh." Ruby ponders for a moment. "Don't listen to that idiot. I bet his wife would have something to say about that, I mean, does she sits around on her butt all day doing nothing? Or does she do his laundry and pick up after him, make his meals... Without her he'd probably be nothing. Please," she rolls her eyes, "I'd like to hear him say that to my face. I could have a line of men out the door vouching for what I do for them." Ruby giggles, "Maybe I don't want to know though." "Sometimes what you imagine is more fun than the truth anyway," Kate smiled. "I bet in this case, what is real would be far worse than anything Mr. or Mrs. King could imagine." Ruby bursts out in giggles. Kate says, "I'll talk to Sonoma about it when I speak to her about whether we want to be inside town limits or not. Speaking of.... Nanuet, what do you think? It's our choice whether we want to be city limits or not. If we are, we'll be subject to the town’s laws and any taxes they decide to levy, but we'll also have the protection of the town Marshall and any other benefits. I'm just not sure what to do yet." Nanuet ponders what Kate says for a moment, a puzzling look on his face. "Well I think if we were one of the only ones who didn't join up we'd be a target for sure. If we do decide to try and incorporate into the town then we would have some protection should something go wrong. This kind of thing is still very foreign to me, so I might change my mind before the whole thing is final, but my initial response would be yes. As far as this whole thing regarding non-humans, we need to straighten some things out. Let me get some numbers together, see how many of us non-humans there are and see how much of an influence we really have. We can definitely shake some things up." Kate's smile grew wider as Nanuet went on. This attitude wasn't one they'd have seen back in January. "I hadn't thought of the disadvantage we might be at if most others join and we don't. I'd bet you have a lot of influence if you speak together. Let me know if I can help in any way with the shaking, Nanuet." Harry Rote returns and gives Ruby the three Stagecoach tickets. He says, "That newspaperman Chumbley bought three as well, and had asked them about leaving earlier that 9:00 A.M. Kris Wagner says he's willing to if they manage to sell all eight seats and everybody is agreeable." Ginnie has caught the conversation and asks Kate, "Won't we be needing those two other tickets?" "I'm going to ride alongside on Meribel, I don't know if they'll want me to buy a ticket or not as I'll expect them to carry my luggage. We'd just need one for you unless you want to ride alongside as well." Ginnie's face scrunched up in distaste and Kate said, "I didn't think so. She turns and says, “Harry, I hate to ask you to go back out again, but would you? Tell Mr. Wagner we're willing to go early, and just buy two tickets. If for some reason I don't want to ride tomorrow then I'd be able to go inside the coach." Kate dipped into her handbag and gave him enough money for two fares. Ginnie says, "Ma'am Kate, that would be a waste of money. One-way tickets to Tombstone run $ 3.00. Buy me one but not you if you're riding instead, we'll tell them your bag is mine. If you want to leave early we should just see if anybody else wants to join us." "I suppose you're right, but who else might want to go?" "Kate?" Ruby says in a questioning voice, "Are you going to Tombstone too? I thought your family was coming here?" She replies, "Conrad is going with Chumbley and his reporter to keep her safe after Chumbley comes back. The buggies he ordered are on their way with my family, so I'm going to drive one of them back. Plus, with the news out Tombstone will be buried in journalists. I thought it might be better if I went to meet my family since it's probably going to be pretty chaotic in Tombstone." Ruby says, "I didn't know Kate, or we would have brought you tickets too. Sorry about that. Probably a good idea to get your family, Tombstone can be overwhelming. Then again they are already from a big city so it shouldn't be that huge of a deal. Anyway... I'd better get back to singing another set. I still have to get home and pack my stuff after we're done here." Minerva spends the evening listening in and joining in on other's conversations. Whenever she is asked and even when she is not asked, she voices her opinion that ALL should have a right to vote and run for office. "We are all children of the gods and should be treated with equal favor." As Chester is walking Clarisse out to the Comique, he overhears the others planning to go to Tombstone. He stops and asks, "Mind if Clarisse take that last seat? We haven't been there together, so now's a god a time as any. With this news about the Earps, I should ask Virgil what he knows. Wyatt may try to come back here after all. Harry, stay here. I'll get the tickets after I walk Miss Townsend over to the Comique. OK?" Harry says, "Sure, Chet." While the others are discussing Promise City politics and travel plans Jake seems distracted. He looks over a Job Kane a number of times before he finally pushes his chair back and walks over to him. He brings him over to the corner of the saloon where they can speak quietly and alone. "Job, this is going to sound fairly far fetched but here goes." Jake explains how one Colin Turner came to town and threatened Ruby, how they learned he was actually a monster, and how they went to Thomaswell to find him and destroy him, and finally how they discovered other monsters and destroyed them. "Now we do not know if this Colin Turner was destroyed or not, but he did not seem to be in Thomaswell any more. I was not sure I should tell you, partly because you would think I was a lunatic, and partly because I am afraid you would bring Bernice here and give Colin Turner, if it IS the same Colin Turner and that seem likely, another reason to come back to Promise City. Well, you are my business partner and my friend, and ... well ... I could do no less." Jake looks down at his feet and shuffles about for a moment and adds, "When we have more time I can tell you the whole story, that is if you do not believe I belong in an asylum." Job says, "What....Turner some sort of monster? I'm confused Jake, what exactly are you saying? First you ask me about bringing her here and now you don't want me to?" Jake replies, "I am a bit confused myself. No, you should have your woman wherever you feel she is safe. I just had a selfish moment worrying about Ruby. You understand? Bernice is still welcome here. I had no idea that her uncle could have been the same man that became one of those monsters. Colin Turner may be destroyed, and if not he may be too afraid of us to ever come back. I have no way of knowing either way. If she does hear from him, I would greatly appreciate knowing about it." Rubbing the back of his neck he adds, "The priestess has some books, in them they describe what these monsters can do and how to protect yourself. Perhaps we will never hear from this Colin Turner again, but being a good gambler Mr. Kane you might want to take a read of those books. Like I said before, we can talk more later and I can tell you everything else I know." Job says, "I'll do that. Just as well that I'm not dealing tonight, I doubt I could at this point. You say he threatened Ruby? Jake, I feel terrible, I was the one who invited him here, last January not long after we first bought this place." Jake startles at that but then says, "Job, how could you have known? Just do not invite him back again, partner." Jake forces a smile at the poor attempt at humor. Ruby eyes Jake speaking with Job, again looking like something is wrong. She gets up on stage minding her own business and sings her set with her mind half on Tucson. Jake and Job speak for minute longer before Jake heads back to his table and an uneventful night. After he walks Clarisse to the Saloon, Chester visits the Wells Fargo office. "Evening Mr. Wagner. I'd like to buy the last two tickets on the morning stage to Tombstone, please." Kris Wagner hands over the tickets. Chester says, "Thanks. Can we leave earlier than 9:00? We want to get an early start on the day." Wagner replies, "Sure, but you'll need to agree on a time with the Promise City Mirror and the Lucky Lady, they've each got three people going on this run." "Should have asked before I left. I'll be right back." Chester jogs back to the Lucky Lady. "Kate, what time do you want to leave tomorrow? I got the last two tickets on the stage." He hands one to her. "This is for Ginnie. Clarisse is going to be riding on the coach. I can ride alongside." Kate replies, "I'm agreeable to any time, Chester, I didn't really need to leave early myself. I think eight would be fine." Ruby finishes her set for the evening. She continues to be excited as she says goodbye to some of her regular customers. Finally she ends at Nanuet. She explains that she and Jake will be gone for some time, going to Tucson to visit a friend. "Will you keep an eye on the place while we're gone please?" Nanuet replies, "Of course. Any idea what some time is? Will your other partners be around?" She replies, "Oh, not that long I would guess we should be back sometime next week. Today is Wednesday, right? Maybe after the weekend. I don't know for sure. Yes, the other partners should be around, Niles and Job. But I'm not sure about Jeff and Thom needs an eye kept on him. And of course, my beloved puppies and our new house need attention too." Ruby flashes him a dazzling smile. Nanuet replies, "Let's see, you are going out of town to relax and I get to watch the Saloon, baby sit Thom and the puppies and keep an eye on your house. Sounds like a piece of cake. It will either keep me out of trouble or put me into loads of it. Seriously though, I a honored that you would think highly enough of me to give me so much responsibility. Have a great trip." "We will. I hope it stays quiet here for you." Ruby kisses Nanuet on the cheek. "You are such a good friend. Thank you." Ruby starts walking away then stops. Looking back over her shoulder she says, "Try to keep you and that priestess out of trouble Senor." With a laugh she bounces away to finish her goodbyes and go pack. After his game closes up, he finds Ruby. "Nothing really to worry about, but I just learned of a strange coincidence. Actually it is not a coincidence. Remember when I wondered whether that Colin Turner was related to Job Kane's girl up in Wilcox? Unfortunately it appears I was right. He was her late husbands Uncle. I was asking Job about his girl and the name came up." Jake swallows hard, "I have to admit, at first it bothered me. The more I think about it, I am glad to find out. It explains how Turner wandered through here the first time long ago, and if by some strange twist he was not destroyed and ever contacts his niece we would learn about it through Job." He locks his eyes with hers. "I was tempted to just keep it to myself, keep you from worrying. I do not particularly like thinking or talking about it any more. So there you have it, no secrets. No need to be creating any new worry either." On the outside Ruby remains relatively calm. But the panic is evident in her eyes as they dart around the room, checking to make sure there is no one there she doesn't want there. She gulps, "Are you SURE it is the same Colin Turner? How can you tell me not to worry?" She continues quickly with an intake of breath, "Forget it, it doesn't matter." She slowly exhales and gets her composure back. Squaring her shoulders, "Does this mean we need to take a trip to Wilcox instead of Tucson?" "If you listen carefully to me," Jakes says slowly, "I would not insult your intelligence and tell you not to worry. I said, no new worries. Whatever amount of worry you resigned yourself to has not changed. At least I do not believe it has. " He sighs. "No, I do not think this makes anything any different. It just explains some things. And should he ever contact Bernice... well, we have an early warning. We have been all over this. Nothing is different. I can understand your reaction, I had the same one. I have had the benefit of all night to think about it. I think nothing is different. We should go to Tucson and enjoy ourselves. If at some point in the future you think we should go to Wilcox, then we will, but not tomorrow." Ruby nods, "Yes, let's go to Tucson and enjoy ourselves. And try not to think about this. Is it time to go and pack yet?" she says with a halfhearted smile. Jake nods affirmative, "I will be up in a few moments." "You mean out, our room isn't up anymore baby," Ruby giggles. She wanders over to Kate and Chester, "I guess we'll see you in the morning?" "Yes, the stage will leave at eight, not nine, so don't be late." Kate say Ruby's too early look cross her face and said. "You can sleep more on the stage, no one will mind. I need to get home and pack myself." Ruby exclaims, "Eight? It's supposed to leave at nine. THAT is way too early as it is!" Kate replies, "Mr. Chumbley wanted to go a little bit early. Since the stage is full there won't be anyone showing up five minutes before nine wanting a ticket." Ruby narrows her eyes, "They can't just change the time like that! Not because that little half pint wants to!" Ruby sighs. "Well, hopefully we can get the train out of there tomorrow and not have to stay overnight, I guess getting in earlier will help." Ruby takes a few moments to run upstairs and tell Josie of the change in time, asking her to meet at the Wells Fargo office in the morning. She wishes her goodnight then returns downstairs. She bids everyone else good night or goodbye before heading to the porch to wait for Jake. Chester walked Kate and Ginnie home, where they packed for one night away from home and turned in early since they would have to leave early the next morning. It would be an especially early morning since she would have to make a trip out to the ranch before they left. Jake makes his rounds, saying goodnight and making arrangements for things to be handled while he is away. He and Ruby head to their home. Ruby pulls a few dresses out of the closet, laying them on the bed to look them over. Without looking at Jake she begins, "So... you didn't ask me how dinner with the Judge went." "I got distracted with other things." Jake states simply. "So, how did your dinner with the Judge go? If I remember our earlier conversation he was buying dinner and I get to sleep with the gorgeous saloon singer." Ruby laughs. "Yes, I guess that is true, isn't it? Not a bad deal for you." Her smile fades a bit. "Well, dinner was fine. But something was, oh I don't know, something was odd maybe." "You know, I wasn't even sure I should go, once I thought about it." She stops what she is doing and looks right at Jake. "What do you think about me having dinners with the Judge?" He replies, "Frankly, I would rather you did not. If there is some good reason to keep it up, then I suppose I will just suffer through it." "Oh." Ruby goes back to distracting herself, pretending to look at her dresses. "Well, I asked him why he thought we should still have dinner. He said there was still more Cowboy Gang problems, that Fisk is going to run for Mayor and Hunter is probably in cahoots with him..." She pauses, pulling on her hair as she ponders. "That isn't why you don't want me to continue, is it?" Jake stops his packing. "You are my woman, that is why I do not want you dining with another man on a regular basis. I DO trust you, but I do not have to like you sitting with another man. Besides, people talk. Maybe think they can do whatever they want with you and I will not interfere. Maybe they think I can be pushed around on other things too. Leads to confrontations and hot lead flying. It is far safer for you, me and others to think I am perfectly willing to draw this gun and protect my own. Better if they think I am good with this gun, but wonder how good. So I wear it brazenly and provocatively, but draw it infrequently. That way everyone stays alive. Death is a unpleasant thing, even more if it involves you or me." Jake gives her a grin and walks towards her. "I also did not care for people shooting at us, you dancing naked on Main Street, chasing after Pete's murderer, Nanuet in the middle of negotiations between the Federal Government and some blood thirsty Indian Chief, Katherine giving a book of magic mumbo jumbo to Johnny Ringo, Minerva attempting to gouge my eyes out, or the Cowboy Gang attempting to blow my saloon to Hades." Jake shrugs. "What is a poor saloon rat to do? Jake Cook stands by his friends. Apparently he does some mighty foolish things over being in love, too." Ruby wraps her arms around Jake's neck. "Being in love is hard work, huh?" She smiles, "I wonder if the benefits outweigh all the work." He says, "So far they do, and the outlook for the future is promising. Keep those benefits coming...," he says while his hands begin to roam and his lips move to her neck. Ruby moans and is distracted from her thoughts as she throws her head back and enjoys Jake's wandering touch. "Uhh.. Jake... dinners... ahhh... packing....oohhhhhhh...," Ruby giggles as she melts and that is the end of talking about dinners with the Judge.</blockquote>

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