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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3014762" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Sixty-seven, “Jake’s Visitor”, Thursday, June1st, 1882, 9:30 P.M.After Kate had left Henry slid into her seat and looked at Jake. “She told us about the things she's done here, but.... Earp is squeezing her for everything he can get in return for pulling me out of that fire,” he said bitterly. “Why doesn't that man just leave her alone?”      Jake answers, ”Because he wants his revenge more than anything or anyone. A man who hates that much and is that focused on killing cannot be reasoned with.”   Henry replies, “Then maybe he needs to be put down. The man's dangerous.” Josephine Marcus makes her way over to Jake. She smiles and says, “Care for a dance Mr. Cook?” “Why yes, I think I would.” Jake stands and dances with her.   Henry nodded as Jake got up to dance, then his face settled into an unfamiliar scowl.  The dance continues fine for the first two-thirds of the song. Josephine then changes position, leaning in far closer to Jake and then moving her mouth towards the side of his neck.   Jake pretends not to notice. Josephine raises her head up and when her lips are immediately below Jake's ear she softly whispers “Wyatt wants to see you.”   He says, “Lucky me.” A few more dance steps later he adds,  “What about?”   She whispers back, “I don't know but it's important. He wouldn't risk coming to town otherwise.” He says, “Mierde.” Another couple of steps. He asks, “He is in town? He is loco.” A few more steps. “How do I see him?” Josie replies, “He's waiting for you over at your house.” The music ends and he says, “Thank you for the dance, it truly is my lucky day.” Josie releases Jake and says, “Please don't get him angry. He's...well...rather agitated these days.”   He says, “Thanks for the advice. Though I have heard the only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself.”   She replies, “I'll see you on Saturday then.” Josie then heads over to the bar and orders herself a glass of wine. Jake hangs around the Cantina for a while longer. He finds a few quiet moments first with the priestess Minerva and then with Chester. He tells them both what he and Katherine suspect about the burned Cowboy wizard and what Jake suspects about the Crazy8 rancher's death. He also tells them if it was about not joining town then Phillips could be at risk too. He does not tell them about Wyatt Earp waiting for him. When Jake tells him about what he suspects in the rancher's death, Chester reconsiders what he was going to do. He tells Jake about Buckley's ranch hands getting shot. “We're looking for a guy with a brown jacket riding an Appaloosa. But keep this under your hat. We don't want a panic among the people not joining the town.”   Jake says, “I will not be telling anyone, just those of us that were involved in the Cowboy war. An Appaloosa, huh. Should not be too hard to find out what folks around here have one of those, eh Marshall?”   Chester replies, ”Hey, hey. We haven't even had the election yet. But, we'll be checking out the local stables.” “Marshal, Deputy Marshall, it is all the same to me. Just be careful. I will talk to you later.” He pats Chet on the shoulder and mingles some more.   Before he leaves for the evening, Jake sits with Katherine's brother Henry for a minute. When they are alone he says quietly to the brooding man, “Wyatt Earp is a fanatic with no fear, a cool head under fire, a fine shot and has some remarkable luck. I do not know how your luck is, but you are none of the other things. Do not go after him for your sister's sake, that would only be courting your own death.” Jake swirls his drink around and takes a sip. “Try imagining looking up from a six foot hole at all your loved ones looking down at you just before they begin shoveling dirt. Maybe that will quench your appetite for meddling with that demon of a man.”   Henry looked startled for a minute. “I got to imagine that after the fire. I had to write my wife and tell her I almost died. Believe me, I have no delusions about going after Earp myself but I won't shed any tears over him when his luck finally runs out. He's tortured Katie enough, she shouldn't have to give in to him just because he saved me.” “We will all keep an eye on Katherine. She is an easy touch, that is why the likes of Wyatt Earp and Johnny Ringo latch onto her. Wyatt will not push too hard, he may be fearless but he is no idiot. He cannot achieve his revenge with the entire town after him.” At least I want to believe he does not think so, Jake thinks to himself.  Henry lifted his eyes and looked around the room full of people, all here because they cared about his sister. “I know you'll all watch out for her, as you have before. She's told us all about it. I hope you're right and the man hasn't lost all sense.” “Hermes, I hope she did not tell you everything!” Jake says with mock embarrassment. “You do the hoping for us, while I work on getting us out of trouble. Good night Henry, safe trip to you and your family.” “Most women keep a secret or two,” Henry said, finally cracking a smile and shaking Jake's hand. “I'm glad she's not alone. Thank you. Luck to you too.”Jake gathers up his hat and coat, makes the rounds of good night and farewells. He pauses for a short time on the porch imagining that it was his family in the room. It was easy to do with Katherine there, looking so like Virginia. No, he thinks, it could never be like that. Then he laughs, a loud raucous laugh. He had searched for regret or remorse and there was none. He had chosen his path and there was no looking back. He was who he was by the choices he made. I do not pass judgment on myself, I have no time to waste on that. It is much more important to enjoy the journey. With that he turns and walks to his house, buttoning the top half of his duster as he goes. Chester and Clarisse go back to dancing. Tomorrow was the search for a killer. but tonight, he could take his mind off things.   After their current dance Kate and Conrad separated and she went to see her teacher. Earlier in the evening he'd been having an energetic dance with Miss Florencia, and now he was sitting having a glass of wine. “It was very kind of you to get this party up for us,” she said as she joined him. “It's going to be strange after they go away.” Gonzales says, “They are good people. Between our visits to Boston and their trip here we've now seen them three times in as many months. Fear not, we will see them again. But right now they need to return, Henry should be back with his wife and children and from what I here Phillip will stay here for good unless you get him away soon.” “I wouldn't be surprised if after college he decides to move West. This life would suit him better, but there's enough of Papa in him that he's not going to skip his chance at college. He's different than last fall when I left and I don't think he's done changing.” Kate looked over at the dance floor where here parents were taking a turn around the floor. They looked relaxed and happy, and very different than when they danced in Boston. Every time she had seen them dance before there was a formality, as always in society. It was good to see that shell shed and the real people beneath enjoying themselves. Kate sighed softly. “Well Grandpere, are you going to dance with me?” He replies, “Of course I will, but no tangos please, our Priestess just about wore me out earlier. And speaking of the Priestess, has anybody approached Miss. Florencia yet about running for a Town Council position? It seems to me she's more-or-less been in that role ever since she arrived in town, we might as well make it official.”   She says, “I don't think anyone has, but I'm not in a position to know. It's an excellent idea; only Fisk and Adair's faction would be actively against her. She has been a leader since the day she got here, although she might prefer to be exclusively a priestess, I don't know.” Gonzales replies, “Well she can always ask her church officials about it too when they arrive. I believe that I heard a rumor that they will be here early next week.”   Kate says, “Really? Have you heard why? Having to do with the election perhaps?”  He replies, “No, not the election, just continued training for the Priestess I think. The Flagstaff priest is a friend of Manny Escobar's and write him that he would be coming for a visit along with that Bishop who was here at the festival.” Kate nodded. “You know, I have every reason to trust them after how they helped us last March but I still....” She toyed with the gold bracelet around her wrist, the one from the temple in Greece. She shook her head and sighed. “They're not coming for me, so I needn't worry over it. Come, this song is a bit slower. I won't be satisfied until I get a dance.” They dance together for two dances, Kate enjoying the comfort of the closeness to her teacher. Kate's father then approaches and says, “Would you mind if I cut in.” Gonzales steps back and Frederick Seagram steps in. As the dance begins he tells his daughter “I am very proud of you.” Kate's smile brightened her whole face. “Thank you, Papa. I've tried, sometimes it hasn't gone so well but it's getting better.”  He replies, “Look around this room daughter. These people may be here to say goodbye to us, but in truth, you are the reason why they are all here.” Minerva and Nakomo make their way over to Kate's mother before they depart for home. Minerva says, “Senora Seagram, . I hope that you can make it back this way again so that we can get to know one another better. Your daughter will be sad to see you go, but having you hear has done her a world of good.” She looks over to where Katherine is dancing with her father. “It has been some time since I have seen her so happy and at ease. Will you be back for the birth of her son?” Kate shook her head. Mrs. Seagram says, “Actually we're hoping that she will come to Boston in December for that.” “That is a wonderful idea. I am sure that she will feel much more secure in Boston with her family. I am sure that giving birth must be a bit frightening, especially in a backwoods town such as this. We will take good care of her until then.” she reaches out and hugs the woman. “Adios, Senora Seagram. May the gods see you safely to your door.” Nakomo extends his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Seagram.” Minerva and Nakomo say good night to their friends as they move to the door and head home. “It's the El Parador. Dorita, Pedro, Mr. Gonzales. They made a family here and they don't have a party without gathering all of it. They're good people. This is what a community should be.” Seagram replies, “The Figures family are better than good people, they are everything that people should be. And what you have done, promoting the multi-racial school, helping to convince the Merchant's Association to accept all races, setting the example by partnering your ranch with three different races, that Katherine is commendable and you should be as proud of yourself as I am. I could not have asked for more.” Kate blushed and was quiet for a minute. “I've only done what's right, Papa, but I'm glad I haven't disappointed you. What I am proud of is having been strong enough to do the right thing even when it's not the easy thing. Even then, when there is a place like this to come back to it's not hard.” He replies, “Just be careful Princess, as nice as things are here at the El Parador that isn't the same with the others in town. Today's newspaper talks of a murder we remember all too well last Saturday's mob scene. Stay close to Mr. Gonzales and your other friends, they will help to keep you safe.” “I have every reason in the world to take care, and I will. We all take care of each other.” As the song ended Freidrich kissed Kate on the forehead, then gave her a long hug which she returned just as fiercely. It was getting late, and another hour passed before only the residents of the Cantina remained with Kate, Conrad, and her family. It was close to midnight when Kate and Conrad stepped outside into the moonless dark. He took her arm as they walked slowly toward her house. “I hate to speak of such a thing on such a lovely night,” Kate said, “but might you have an idea of just what Hamilton Fisk has financial interest in around town? Conrad embraces Kate and says, “You are correct, that is not a conversation for tonight. Discussions of him can wait until tomorrow. Right now just concern yourself with your family and seeing them safely away. I will meet you at noon for the dedication ceremony of the school. After that we can get a bite to eat and talk of town issues then.” “Alright, it can wait until tomorrow. I was just afraid if I didn't ask tonight, I'd forget to ask at all. I seem to be terribly absent-minded lately.” She laid her cheek against his chest and held him close for a few moments. A familiar flutter began in her stomach. “I should go inside and get some rest. Kiss me before you go?” He leans over and gives her a long passionate kiss. He says, “I'll walk you in. I'll say my goodbyes to your family tonight, I'm unlikely to awaken in time to see them off tomorrow.” They head back into the El Parador and Conrad goes from person to person, giving firm handshakes to Frederick and Henry Seagram and hugs to Ameilie and Phillip Seagram. He then heads back to his house.   Kate leaned against a table, her knees feeling just a bit weak. As Conrad said good-bye to her family she recovered her breath. Her Father and Henry had the good sense not to say anything to her about it as they walked her back to her house. They left her there with hugs and wishes for a good night's sleep. After leaving the El Parador Jake walked unhurriedly, makes some noise opening his door and only lights a single light in the main room. He consciously keeps his hand away from his Colt. As the room fills with light Jake sees Wyatt Earp sitting comfortably in the nicest chair in the main room. He is dressed in dark clothing. The leather jacket looks a little big on him and the dark hat has more wear than the one that Wyatt has worn before. His guns are holstered and his rifle is leaning against the wall four feet from where he is seated. “My, Ruby, you look horrible...” Jake moves the light so it will not illuminate Earp's face brightly if someone was looking in the window but not so dark that he cannot judge the former lawman's expressions. ”... did you finish making yourself at home, or were you waiting for me to pour you a drink?” Earp stares up at Jake, a humorless expression on his face. Jake gets a good enough look at the eyes to confirm that it is indeed Wyatt Earp he is speaking too. Earp states, “I haven't touched anything other than the door and this chair. I am not a thief, it was just too dangerous for me to remain outside. Josie indicated that Ruby was away, otherwise I wouldn't have come here at all. I would not harm your woman Cook.” Jake nods in understanding. Because you respect me, or do not want me as an enemy? Jake does not let his face betray his thoughts. “No, I do not think you are a thief. Excuse my manners, having fugitives in my parlor is a tad distracting. Do you want a drink?”   Earp replies, “No thank you. I won't keep you long, but I have some important information for you. The lives of your friends depend upon it.”  Jake says, “Well then, I am listening.” Earp says, “Tell your friend Mrs. Kale that I appreciate her watching my horse for me. Good thing too, otherwise I wouldn't have been around there today and seen two of the Thayer boys watching her ranch with binoculars from the hill to the southwest. I honestly don't know what they were doing but Fisk owns that particular hill. She should be careful going forward. So I followed those two back to the Thayer Ranch. One of them then rode over to the Circle-8 so I followed him at that point. Cook, there is more than one group of former Cowboy Gang members at play here. Fisk appears to be working directly with the Thayer Ranch. The Circle-8 Ranch seems to be aligned with another faction, I don't know who is calling the shots there. The safest thing for your friends to do is to just let these outlaws kill each other off. Tell your friends to stay out of it. Your friends Berg and Martin would both lying in some unmarked grave out at the Circle-8 if I hadn't intervened earlier today. Those ranches won't part of this town until at least election day. Your lawmen friends should just stay away from those places.” “I understand Martin saw someone riding away on an Appaloosa from the Circle8 after the shooting. That horse is now too easy to track.” Jake helps himself to a whiskey and leaves a glass next to the open bottle. “If you change your mind.” He swirls it and continues, “Phillips and the Circle8 declined to join the town. So the Circle8 stays out of town jurisdiction.” Jake takes the newspaper out of his pocket and gives it to Earp. “You might find some of that useful. At least it will keep you good to your word about not being a thief and having to steal a newspaper.” Jake takes a sip and looks Earp right in the eyes, “Did you kill Buckley?”  Earp thumbs through the paper before replying. He then says, “No, I didn't kill him. A knife to the throat isn't my style. I did hear the rumor that he was dead.  I'm honestly not planning to stick around here much longer. Only three men are left who had a hand in Morgan's death. Two of them, Bronco Madson and Charlie Villers, are both now working for Thayer. The other one is Frank Leslie, who I see is now coming to town. Tempting, but killing a man with a badge no matter how corrupt he is would not be in my best interest. Then there's also the matter of the wizards who betrayed my gang and caused Warren's death. Apparently both Duprey and her teacher left town shortly thereafter. Duprey sent letters to the Gay Lady from Tucson, so I guess I'll be heading off to there once I finish with these few loose ends still here.” Jake shakes his head. “I do not know who betrayed you, intentionally or otherwise. I find it hard to believe Duprey would dare do it. I am not going to attempt to stop you but is seems to me she was terrified of you. Too terrified to take any action on her own. People like Madge Duprey do not do those kinds of things unless they are full of hate or despair. I do not think she knows either emotion very well.” Jake takes another sip of whiskey. “Of course you might know that better than I.” Jake is quiet for a moment before he asks, “I am certainly not one untarnished enough to be judgmental, but I am curious. Do you care if in your revenge spree you directly or indirectly kill anyone innocent of any harm to your family?” Earp replies, “Today I killed both Gordy Bryson and Denny Garvin. As far as I know neither of them were involved with my family's deaths. But if I hadn't shot them when I did both Berg and Martin would now be dead, so I would hardly call them innocent. But it is not my responsibility to kill every Cowboy Gang member. I'm also tempted to stick around to find out why they were watching your friends' ranch, and then there's Josie, she'll be here for a few more weeks. I still have these loose ends to clean up so that my brothers can rest in peace. When Josie leaves this Territory I will as well, probably for good. Until then I will do what I can to help where I can. Just watch your back Cook, Fisk is determined to become this town's Mayor by any means possible.” Jake nods again. “That he does. I am certain he would like nothing better than to have me on the list of those in unmarked graves. I wish I knew more about why he is so bent on owning Promise City. I mean beyond the simple power that it will give him to do as he sees fit. I just have to wonder if there is something bigger. After all he has bought up half the county or at least it seems.” Earp replies, “He's probably trying to do what Curly Bill and the Clantons were unable to, control the county through fear and intimidation.” Earp stands and says, “I should be going now. Good luck Cook.”    “Luck to you as well.” Jake downs the last of the whiskey he poured for himself. “You can take some food with you, but since I do not cook there is only some bread and jerky in the house. It is in the kitchen if you want it. Take your time leaving if you like,” Jake says as he extinguishes the oil lamp. He speaks no more as he carefully climbs the stairs. Jake hears Earp exit from the back door. Jake sits quietly in the dark for several long minutes, listening. Once enough time has passed that Earp is likely long gone and trouble from others looking for Earp is unlikely he gets undressed.  “It is nights like these that got me into the habit of hanging you here,” he says to his Colt as he loops the gunbelt over the bedpost, the pistols handgrip pointing towards him. It is a long while of many varied thoughts wandering in and out of his mind before he finally gives in to sleep.</blockquote>

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