Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2999392" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Sixty-three, “A Silent Competitor”, Wednesday, May 31st, 1882, 7:30 P.M.Back at the Lucky Lady, Jake explains to Marshall Berg that Ruby is out of town for a few days.  He asks Berg about his plans for the election, wondering if he has considered running for any office.   Berg replies, “No, not at this point. If the future sheriff ever needs to assemble a posse I might be convinced to temporarily wear a Deputy badge, but I have no plans to be a permanent lawman again.”When Job has a break during his game Jake waves him over.  ”Marshall Berg wants to talk to us about something.”  Turning to Mitchell Berg Jake asks, “Is this official business?”   He replies, “Yes, but for Attorney Berg not Marshall Berg. We'll want to go somewhere private to discuss this.” “There are several empty rooms upstairs,” Jake says and takes them up. “So what does Attorney Berg have to say?”  Berg states, “I have been approached with an offer from one of the other attorney's in town, an offer for young Mr. Hoover for his share of this establishment.  The other attorney won't reveal the name of his client, nor did he even want me to disclose his own name.   I'm going to have to present this to the young man, it's a legitimate offer and one that would establish a sizeable enough college fund for the boy, in keeping with the terms of Nile's last will and testament.  But before I did I wanted to give you a heads up, so that you may start to consider making a counter offer.” “Thanks Mitch, I appreciate the warning.” Jake looks at Job, “I cannot imagine that anyone who is afraid of revealing their name would be a good partner. I am willing to put up money to help purchase his share, or for that matter put up enough to buy him out.” Jake scratches at his beard and asks Berg, “Was the lawyer Hamilton Fisk?” Berg replies, “As I said, I'm not at liberty to say. Nor can I really disclose to you the amount of the offer, but it's more than Nile's original investment and probably less than that share of the Saloon is worth today given all of the improvements to the building. So I'm going to recommend to the boy that he turn the initial offer down.   I've drafted a letter for young Hoover's mother about Nile's death and will have to appraise of her this too.  Stanley Barker is writing her a letter to include in the package as well to assure her that the boy is safe and being watched out for.  We might want to get Miss Florencia to write a note also, as the boy's mother is currently studying to be a Priestess of the same church so it might be helpful for her to mention that she's also helping to look after the boy.” “Mitch, you are still my Attorney in matters where your official duties are not in conflict. I am not interested in a secret partner nor do I want to see the boy hoodwinked out of what Niles intended. Deliver this offer to the boy; Job and I will agree to what we think the Saloon is worth today and I am willing to pay him ten percent more than that and we can sign the papers immediately. After that he is welcome to hang around Lucky Lady the summer and stay with the Barkers as long as they will have him.”  “Niles wanted him to have a college fund, and that should do it for him. What do you think Job? Is the whole thing worth $5,500 now? You can go in on that with me if you care to.”   Berg says, “I'm not comfortable with making any final decision until the boy's mother is contacted about this, but it sounds like I made the right decision coming to the both of you.  Let's not discuss actual dollars yet, I'll just let his mother know that an outside offer has been made as well as a counter-offer from Niles Hoover's partners.”Jake sighs, “As you will Mitch, I know you have the boy’s best interests at heart.” Jake rises and shakes his hand, “Do not let someone less well meaning twist your propriety around to gain some advantage over us or young Bert.”  They head back to the main room and Berg departs.A while later Jake Cook sees the fairly large group enter the Lucky Lady where they are seated at two of the larger tables, seated by gender.  One table has seated at it Emery Shaw, Forest Morand, Tempel Morand, Calvin Oldfield and Ricardo Perez. The other table has Katherine Kale, Sonoma Figures and Francesca Perez. Flint Greymountain bypasses both tables and goes directly to the bar when he makes himself at home atop one of the barstools. Jake approaches the table with the men and asks, “Well Mr. Shaw, did your meeting go well?”   He replies, “As well as can be expected Jake. The Cattlemen will be recommending both myself and Mr. Escobar for Councilman positions and Deputy Martin for the Marshall Job.  We'll also be making a recommendation that Mr. Watkins not be on the Law and Order ticket.”  Jake says, “Seems like progress but I think you still have much work ahead of you. Let me know if you need some assistance.” When they are done talking, Jake goes about the business of running the saloon for the evening.Kate was crushed a slight annoyance at the separation of the group by gender, instead focusing on the opportunity to get to know Miss Perez without so many people present. Instead of a drink she only asked for a cup of tea.    “Well, I stuck my foot in my mouth tonight but I did learn a bit about the King men. Despite what they said, I still have my doubts Doctor Eaton would treat me if I had need. But perhaps I'm being unfair.” Francesca says, “No, you're not.  The Doctor does not like anybody except humans and he has made that very clear.  Presently one-fifth of this inner town is non-human. When you add in the populations of the outlying ranches, farms and mines that are joining you get somewhere between one-quarter and one-third.  I doubt that a single one of those individuals will vote for Eaton. And the frequent customers of the Long Branch, Gay Lady and Palace Saloons won't vote for the Vigilance Committee at all.  I fail to see how that becomes a majority.” “It doesn't, but I think Mr. Shaw wants to avoid pushing too far and having the Vigilance Committee refuses any of our ideas. You saw how touchy the King men were tonight, and after what happened today the committee will be feeling defensive. Thankfully you don't have to vote for an entire slate of candidates. Mr. Rixton was thinking of running for an office and I'd far rather see him in a council seat than Eaton. At least we have good reason to suggest Bill Watkins not run for anything.  I'm wondering if I should offer basic reading lessons to adults over the next few weeks. I think people would be more likely to choose a slate if they have a hard time reading the ballot.” Mrs. Perez replies, “I think that is a good idea but the problem will be getting people to admit that they are illiterate.  You should talk to Judge Isby.  Once the candidates are all known he should be able to put together a sample ballot.  Perhaps you could hold several voter information nights at the Town Hall, maybe devote a different night to each of the different offices and have each candidate speak on their views.  In conjunction to that you could display an oversized version of the ballot and walk them through it. That way everybody will understand but be able to save face as their purpose for being there would be to hear from the candidates rather than learning how to fill out a ballot properly.” “That's a much better solution, and good for everyone. I know I'd like a chance to hear all the candidates speak. I have no idea how many people in town are illiterate, or how many can read and write their first language but not in English. This is certainly going to be a challenge.  Where is your ranch, Mrs. Perez? Ours is so close to town I don't often get much further out.” She replies, “I know, your ranch and that of the dwarf are around a mile to the southeast near where Pine Creek begins.  As the crow flies our ranch is around two-and-a-half miles west of yours although that small mountain immediately west of your ranch would prevent you from getting there directly.  That same mountain is where Five Mile Creek begins, which is what irrigates our ranch lands although the upper end of our ranch is also fed by a tributary from Pine Creek.”Kate replies, “Even going around that mountain it wouldn't be so far to get to. I wish I had more time to devote to the ranch, but with the school now it will be some time before I can really focus. Thank heaven for Sonoma,” Kate said and smiled over at her. “By the way, with the Committee for Racial Equality sponsoring the school now, I'll have a $35 a month salary to contribute to funds for the ranch.” She looked back to Mrs. Perez and asked, “Do you think some of the other ranchers would be willing to play host to schoolchildren now and then? We want them to have hands on experience with different ways of making a living.”    Francesca replies, “Well, our two ranches are by far the closest to town, it would be harder to get to the others.  My father-in-law started ours up around a hundred or so years back. He was born here, just as both of his parents were.  Ricardo's folks were two of the half-elves who Mr. Escobar spoke of in his conversation with Mr. Condon.” “That is a point. I just don't want people to think we're getting free labor from schoolchildren. I thought if we went to other ranches as well it would dispel that.  I was very impressed with Mr. Escobar. Pedro had spoken of how Mr. Condon used to be a friend to the elves and half-elves in the area, and I had intended to go remind him of that. Now I'm glad I didn't. And what he said resonated with more than just Mr. Condon.   Do you know him at all?”Francesca replies, “Who? Mr. Condon or Mr. Escobar?  Actually, I know both but especially the Escobar's.  They have been best friends with my husband's family for centuries.  I only moved into the area around forty years back, that is when I met Hosea.    Back when Cochise declared war on all non-Apache we had to leave our homes or risk being killed.  Thankfully Mr. Shaw had a well-manned ranch that was defendable, they invited our two families and a few others in to live with them. We were there for nearly a full twenty months, it was the only ranch in southeast Arizona who survived the Apache onslaught.  I gained great respect for the Shaw family during that time.  I'm sorry you never met Vicky, she was quite a woman. As for Condon, Frank and Morgan were among the first humans to settle in the town when Elton Hubbard discovered silver at his Breakheart Mine.  Hosea and I could ride into town three or four nights a week for dinner and dancing at the El Parador and the Condon brothers were there every night.  It's safe to say that I danced with each of them at least a hundred times.” Kate says, “I would have liked to have known Mr. Shaw's wife. From what I've seen of himself and his daughters she must have been a special person.  I can't imagine so many people together on the ranch for nearly two years, constantly afraid of attack. Thank goodness the treaty held a few months back.   Those must have been precious days; before there were many humans here and everyone knew each other. The El Parador being the hub of activity for the town, human or elf. I wonder what happened to break Mr. Condon away from those he'd called friend.” Francesca replies, “I wouldn't know, as the town grew we spent less and less time here.  We've also been very busy with the ranch. Our main focus is to raise bulls to breed with the cattle on both the Lazy-S and Rocking-H ranches.  With the help of Mother Jiminez we have some of the most virile animals in the country.   As for the Condon's, I know that Morgan is still close to the Elven families in town and after today I would imagine that Frank will again too.  We need to do what we can to keep reminding him of who his true friends are.  Maybe I should stop by his bank tomorrow and invite him to the El Parador for another dance.” Kate smiled. “That sounds like a good idea. I think Dorita and Pedro would be glad to see him again, and Mr. Gonzales too. They make people family, and it hurt them to have him abandon them.  Speaking of friends, I'm glad to have met you today. I hope we'll see each other more often. I think it's time I made a few more friends.” She smiles and says, “Thank you. I've wanted to stop by and visit your ranch, maybe lend a hand....” She then turns to Sonoma and says, “But I was personally told by your Grandfather, young lady, that you wanted to prove to everyone that you could do this on your own.  I'm glad to hear that you have been succeeding.”Kate says, “Stop by just to visit, although if you really want to lend a hand we won't refuse you. I'd be glad to see you here in town as well.   Sonoma has been amazing; doing so much with so little help.”Kate continued to talk with Mrs. Perez and Sonoma for a while, but leaving the gentlemen to themselves. She wasn't quite comfortable that Mr. Morand had called her by her first name during the meeting, but things were different here and she could not expect the same level of formality she would have encountered back East.  At about nine-thirty she went back over to the El Parador and spent more time with her family, heading back to her house at eleven to be up and ready for school in the morning.Over at the Town Hall, once the lecture ended the audience had mingled.  Chester and Clarisse mingle with the crowd. He says to Clarisse, “Did you like the talk? I couldn't follow it all, but it's nice to have interesting people come to town. I can't shake this sense that the eclipse is a bad omen, though.”   Clarisse says, “It isn't a bad omen unless the Priestess says that it is, and she hasn't said that.””That's true. It's just that the moon blocking the sun feels unnatural. It shouldn't get dark during the day.” He sees Nakomo standing off to the side of the room. “Hey there Nakomo. That was some lecture. How are you settling in? Anyone hassling you?” Nakomo hesitates for a moment wondering if he can trust the Deputy. Knowing that he is a friend of the priestess he decides that that he is safe to talk to. “I had difficulty accepting his explanation. The Yavapai believe that it is the sun god that watches over us in the sky and my father taught me that it is the god Apollo. This professor does not seem to believe either. I hope he does not make the gods angry with his lack of faith. Senorita Minerva's explanation helped a bit.” “No, I am not being hassled. Everyone... well mostly everyone, is being very kind. There are some who do not like me because of my Yavapai blood and others who shun are because of my human blood. I wish it were not so. The priestess still won't let me go out on my own. And I am tired of being cooped up.” He looks at him shyly as an idea occurs to him. Would you take me out sometime? I could be a help to you,” he says hopefully.Chester says, “I... I guess I could show you what the town has to offer. The priestess is right in not letting you out alone yet. It hasn't been long since that mob wanted to string you and your friends up. Give them some time to realize that you don't mean any harm. Did you have anything thing in mind, or do you just want to see someone else for a change?” Nakomo replies, “I would just like to see something other than the jail, courthouse, town hall and Priestess's home.  I did get to go out into the desert for a short while but otherwise that's all I've been to in town. I'd feel same in the company of a Deputy, and my cousin Nanuet indicated that I can trust you.” Chester replies, “Fair enough. I'll be free tomorrow night. Clarisse is singing at the Lucky Lady then, so we can go there. If gambling's more your style, then there are faro and poker games in a number of places, too.”  Nakomo says, “That would be nice Deputy Martin. I haven't seen much of the human world. If Miss Townsend sings half as beautiful as she looks, then it'll be a good evening.” Clarisse blushes. “That was nice of you to say, Mr. Nakomo. Thank you.”  Chester slaps Nakomo on the back and says, “Then it's settled. I'll come get you at the Priestess's house. Good night, Nakomo, Minerva.”   Chester and Clarisse go dancing at the Gay Lady. Afterwards he drops her off at her place and he turns in for the night.Friedrich and Amelie Seagram find the town's Priestess in the crowd and approach her. “Miss Florencia, what a pleasure to see you again. I wonder if it would be possible to have a word?”  Minerva turns and greets them cheerfully shaking hands and introducing her ward. “Hola, Senor, Senora. May I introduce Nakomo? It is he that we must thank for this beautiful paint job.” She says motioning to the newly whitewashed walls. Nakomo stands silent looking a bit awkward but pleased with the praise. He bows slightly in acknowledgment when the introductions are made. ”Si, I have a few moments. How may I assist you?”  Amelie looked up at her husband as he said, “It's about Katherine truth be told. Last time she visited she gave us some... unusual news. After what happened at the meeting this morning there's no question of your connection to the gods. I have faith in the gods and the miracles they can bestow, but these last months have been hard for Katie and I'm not certain what her state of mind might have been. Mr. Gonzales suggested you might be able to give us some insight.”Mineva nods in understanding. “Your faith is commendable as is your concern for your daughter.” she places her hand over theirs. “You may rest assured that the gods did intervene in this miraculous event and that she was indeed visited by her beloved Thomas.”</blockquote>

Verification