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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3024357" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Sixty-nine, “Chatting with Mitch”, Friday, June 2nd , 1882, 2:00 P.M. Eight steps after walking away from the dedication ceremony a smile sneaks onto Jake Cook’s  face, “And that gives me an idea....” He turns towards Reston’s Pawn Shop and there is a distinct spring in his step. There he buys a well worn oversized coat and beat up ten gallon hat before heading back to his house. Later he is upstairs at his desk, the safe is open and the letter from Kitty Trent is sitting on the table. Actually, there are two letters on the table. One is from Kitty Trent and one is not. Jake is smiling smugly that most folks would not notice the difference. Jake hears a knocking on the door downstairs. Jake goes down and opens the door. Mitchell Berg is outside. He asks, “Mind if I come in?” “Please,” Jake steps aside and indicates with his hand the man should enter. “Who has come to visit, my friend and Lawyer Mitch Berg or the Town Marshall?”  Berg smiles and replies, “Neither Marshall or Lawyer. I'm off duty for the rest of the day and was looking for a friend to have a drink with.” “Welcome then, what is your preference? I happen to have a some pretty good whiskey, bourbon, scotch and tequila in the house.” Jake retrieves a couple of clean glasses and invites Mitch to be comfortable. Berg asks for a Scotch-and-water. Jake pours himself the same the his guest requests and sits as well.  Berg says, “You have a nice house here Jake, I'm sorry I haven't been by sooner. Really no excuse with my the Marshall's Office just a block south and my other office and home just around a block west.”  “It has been some tough times going on, I can understand you have been preoccupied. It would not look exactly right if I stopped by the Marshall's office with a bottle under my arm at lunch time if I came to visit their.” Jake gives him a grin and taps glasses. “To luck and perseverance.” They talk about nothing much for a while. Jake also mentions that the mine is looking more promising again. At a lull in the conversation Jake asks him, “Is there something in particular that is stuck in your craw Mitch?”  Berg says, “Yeah, two things. That dedication service today reminded me once again that a good man is in the ground because of the decision I made last Saturday night. I've run through it time and time again in my mind. That mob wasn't going to back down and I saw a preemptive strike as the best course of action. I had magic shells in my shotgun and thought that I could put most of the crowd too sleep before things got out of hand, but Thayer had a wizard with him who negated the second shell. That was when we lost Niles. Guess I was overconfident about the magic, damn it Jake, they never taught me about wizardry in law school.” “Yes, I understand that sentiment. I thought it was fairy tale stuff before I got out here. I am not usually that naive.” Jake frowns for a second and then continues, “Nothing I am going to say is ever going to make you feel like you were not responsible for Niles death. I do not think you were. Nobody is going to accuse you of being a coward either. What else could you have done, just wait until one of that crowd fired the first shot? Then you would be mourning someone else, likely more than one. Give them the prisoners? Once you give into the mob then they run the town. That would only lead to more deaths.” Jake sips and says, “Sometimes you can only choose from bad choices.” Berg finishes his glass and pours himself another one. “You know, I'll be relieved to hang up this badge. I never wanted to be a lawman, even less so since last weekend. I trust that Chester told you about what happened yesterday. How am I supposed to be a lawman if I can't even investigate a murder without almost getting myself and my deputy killed. And what did I get for my investigation, two more unexplained deaths. Some lawman I am.” ”Mitch, you play by the rules. You are a straight forward and honest man. The men you are up against are neither. We just need to get through all this and put the right person the Marshall's office. What you are doing is important. Again if you had not done it, we know who might have.” Jake pauses and then says, “You need more help that is all. And you may have to accept some help in ways you may find a little bit undesirable. If not, I worry that we will be putting you in the ground next to Niles. He says, “I worry about that too Jake, and I'm afraid that matters just got worse. That's the second reason I felt like I needed a drink. Evan Adair won his appeal, he just made his triumphant return to town.”  Jake replies, "I was expecting that. I did not believe for one minute that he was going to spend any real time in that prison. I just hoped it would take a little longer in Tombstone before he got loose again." Berg answers, "I knew we hadn't seen the last of him but I didn't think he'd get the appeal. Paying the fine instead would have meant a small fortune for the Territorial coffers. But Fisk apparently did a great job writing up Adair's appeal. That man is not only a snake, but a very smart snake." Jake stares at Berg for moment before continuing. "I do not see how this town is going to defeat the outlaw gangs and men like Hamilton Fisk if we strictly play by the rules. No matter how honorable Isby, you and your deputies behave you all are grossly out numbered. Sure you have some who will stand by you during the worst, and some who will offer other kinds of support but you are still outnumbered. On top of that Fisk and his kind have no compulsions against using any weakness no matter how unprincipled. You need to be prepared to choose among more bad choices." Jake sips the scotch and looks over the top of the glass with a grin. "I have a stake in this, so I will help where I can. You are no fool Mitch, you know that my kind of help is not always in the way you desire."Berg answers, “I know, which is why I don't plan on asking you for help here. Wyatt Earp allowed vigilante justice but that's not my style. I guess I'm saying that if you cross that line I many have to arrest you despite your good intentions. Just watch out for Adair, I hear rumors that he still wants to do harm to your saloon. The only thing that held him back was Niles Hoover. I don't think he'll show the same restraint for Mr. Rote.”Jake replies, "A form of vigilante justice saved you and Martin out at the Crazy-8 ranch. The shooter happened to think that outlaws killing the town Marshall and his deputy despite them being outside their jurisdiction was choice he had to make. That would have certainly lead to Hunter or Leslie being law during the election. You know, one of those moments where all you can do is choose from some bad choices."Berg replies, "I know what you mean about nothing but bad choices, that sure describes last Saturday night. And the worst of it was at that point I already knew about those Indians trying to kill the Governor, that they'd be facing a rope no matter what. Maybe I should have just given them to the crowd."Jake replies, "I cannot tell you if it was the right choice among bad ones. Just do not give up and give in. I would rather have you making a bad choice now and again when you consider the alternative. That and have a little compassion for those miserable ne'er do wells who may help you whether you ask them or not." Jake gives him a grin before he finishes his glass of whiskey.Berg says, "Yeah, I guess you're right. I guess what I'm really annoyed at is what Fisk did. When that mob was out there they didn't have a clue about what the Indians had done ten days earlier, they just thought they were chicken thieves. But in the appeal Fisk played up their conspiracy to kill the Governor, said that rumors of that had spread through the Palace that night and that was why the crowd was riled up. I guess I can't blame Governor Tritle for granting the appeal, you really can't throw people in jail for looking out for you. Too bad it was all a lie."Jake says, "Sure you can blame the Governor. You think Isby would have been fooled by that one sided argument? Old Caleb White once said to me," Jake changes to the raspy old voice he uses to imitate the derelict fount of wisdom, "men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened." He then laughs and coughs once. The jovial expression fades and he continues. "Look Mitch, there are more than one of these Cowboy gangs again. Have a care that you do not get caught between their little internal war. Fisk and Thayer seem to be in on this together while the Circle-8 seems to be from a different faction. Better to concentrate your time worrying about the real innocents in all this and give the town a chance to elect officials that are not forced upon them by the gangs."Berg answers, "Good advice, I'll probably take it. I think I'll have my hands full around town these next three weeks without needing to go elsewhere to find trouble. Well Jake, thanks for the drinks. I appreciate it. One thing I've discovered recently is that while I have a lot of acquaintances in this town there aren't too many friends. I consider all four of my deputies friends but not drinking companions, at least while I'm still wearing this badge and also their boss.""When you run a saloon you do not have the same problem," Jake replies with a friendly elbow in the ribs. "I am really glad you stopped by, Mitch. Feel free to stop by any time whether you have the burdens of the world to unload or not. I will do what I can to avoid ruining your reputation," he chuckles, "just being seen with me can do that to a body." He stands and shakes Berg's hand. "Good luck Marshall. All joking aside, let me know when you are in trouble."He replies, "Thank you Jake," as he heads out the front door. He then adds with a smile, "And don't worry about ruining my reputation, as both Marshall and lawyer I have legitimate reasons for going to see the trouble-makers of the town."  Jake smiles and holds back his response. More important that Berg goes away with a smile. Jake just waves as he leave and closes the door and exclaims “Mierde!” After Berg leaves Jake climbs the stairs and destroys the note he wrote in Kitty's handwriting. I'll need a new one since Adair is back, he thinks. He passes the balance of the afternoon and into the early evening cleaning his guns. It was something that helped him focus his thoughts. He really needed to think about a good many things. Although the sun was still up, it was getting late and his game awaited. Colt freshly oiled, crisp white shirt, and pressed black pants he walked casually to the Lucky Lady for the evening.At the Priestess’s home, Nakomo and Minerva eat in silence. The young elf pushes the food around in his plate while Minerva is lost in her own thoughts: planning the Marriage ceremony that she is to perform on Sunday…, trying to make sense of the twisted political landscape of Promise City... thinking about her absent lover… Nakomo clears his throat and timidly peaks up “ Miss Minerva, I would like you to set me free.” “Hmmm? What?” she looks up startled out of her thoughts. “Nakomo, I am hardly holding you hostage, but I do not think it is wise for you to be on your own just yet.” “I am a MAN, Miss Minerva.” He says sitting up a bit straighter. “I can take care of myself. I have taken care of myself for a very long time now and I am tired of being cooped up.” He says more forcefully, meeting her eyes for the first time. Minerva eyes him speculatively. She is secretly pleased that he is finally willing to challenge her but keeps her expression neutral. She puts down her fork and wipes her mouth delicately with her napkin before she speaks “I suppose that you have. You have not had an easy life nor are you a child to be dictated to. You are a fine, intelligent man and you have proven your worth. I apologize if you feel that I have been overprotective but I gave Nanuet my word that I would keep you safe and there are many in Promise City who would do you harm. I just needed to be certain that you knew the layout of the town and who you could trust before I set you free, as you put it. She thinks for a moment tapping her finger to her pursed lips and comes to a decision. “ But of course you are right. A spirit such as yours should not be kept caged…. But you must promise me that you will not go out unarmed or wander about alone. Even in the best of times that could lead to disaster.” “Thank you Miss Minerva. He grins. I promise to be careful. I think that I should find a job too. I am almost done with the painting and a man such as myself should not be living off of a woman.” “Excuse meee?!” Minerva says, rather insulted by the comment. Nakomo blushes. “I did not mean that you cannot take care of yourself, Miss Minerva. But I have been raised to respect and care for women. It is the natural order of things.”   She answers, “Oh, really? and do not female animals in the wild hunt and defend their brood as well? Be careful in your beliefs Nakomo. The natural order of things is not always what you believe them to be. It is also the natural order of things that many female species will devour their males when they no longer have a use for them. It would be prudent to remember that order as well.” She teases. “Now, I am going to stroll over to the Lucky Lady and wash this days labor away with a good glass of tequila. You may escort me if you like. Perhaps there is someone there who will know of a job for you.”  The two, having come to an understanding and a short while later make their way to the Lucky Lady,The Lucky Lady Dance Hall and Saloon is already crowded by the time Kate arrives, which is not surprising given that Friday's are usually quite busy. Tony Lucky's game is already under way and Job Kane is already starting to gather players for his table. Thom is minding the door while Sandra Wainwright is sitting at the keyboards playing away. Harry Rote and Alison Caine are both standing behind the bar and helping to serve drinks while Maria is passing both Ginnie and Melvin Caudell trays of food to deliver to the various tables. Kate sees Nate and Mollie Caudell sitting at a table with Meghan O'Hara and her daughter Shannon. Kate went behind the bar and got her apron, saying hello to Harry in the process. She tied it on over her dress and stepped back out onto the floor and approached the table where the Caudells and the O'Haras were sitting. "Are you all taken care of, or is there something I can get you?" she asked.  Meghan says, "Ginnie already took our order." Mollie adds, "We came here to celebrate Nate's good fortune."   "You got the job," Kate said, pleased. "Congratulations! Things seem to be coming together for you very well."Nate replies, "Actually I got two jobs. First Joe Reiser hired me as the Assistant Deputy County Assayer. Then Judge Isby hired me as an election official. There was a vacancy as it appears that Bill Watkins decided to play a hand of 'election fraud' and it backfired."   Kate replies, "Luck does seem to be on your side.   That man... I used to think he was just short-sighted but good-intentioned. Now I think he's just an idiot. What did he try this time? I don't see how he could be claiming fraud."Nate says, "What he did was try to bribe an election official and instead found an honest man. He approached the Deputy County Recorder Dennis Winston about being a 'secret candidate' on the Law and Order ticket. Watkins told Winston that the Vigilance Committee was impressed with him. He then proposed keeping Avery's name on the ballot until the last moment for Party substitutions and then change it from Avery to Winston. In the meanwhile he expected Winston to keep that secret and funnel him inside information about how the election was going and who had registered for what. Winston told Watkins that he would be honored to serve on the Law and Order ticket but that no inside information would be forthcoming. Winston then went directly to Judge Isby and resigned his position as an election official due to the potential conflict-of-interest. Since I was just hired as a County employee I became the third official by default."Kate replies,  "That Watkins is a snake. Apparently with him the ends justify the means. And he wants to be Mayor? I'd almost prefer Fisk. But it adds more reasons to keep Watkins out of government, and gives you another opportunity. Congratulations, Mr. Caudell."  He answers, "Why thank you Mrs. Kale, coming here seems to have been a good idea. I'll have to thank Henry when I see him again."  Melvin Caudell arrives at the table with plates full of food. Mollie looks to Kate and says, "He offered to help Ginnie.""Thank you Melvin, that was very kind of you," Kate said keeping a straight-face before sharing an amused glance with his mother. "Which reminds me, I hope Phil wasn't too much of a pest last night, Miss O'Hara. He tends to be... enthusiastic. He certainly did seem to enjoy the evening."She smiles and says, "Think nothing of it Mrs. Kale. He was a nice enough boy and it was probably good that so many people saw us dancing together." Meghan interjects, "Yes, Shannon has been turning quite a few heads over at that boarding house she's staying with. I'm glad that her overprotective older brother and uncle are in the adjacent rooms, otherwise I'd worry. As far as I'm concerned she and Phillip Seagram can continue their relationship. A two-thousand mile distance suits me just fine."Kate replies, "Thank goodness he has college in the fall or he might have picked up and moved. He'll grow up soon enough. I've noticed most of the men in town who live in the boarding houses and fairly decent fellows. Still it must be comforting to have relations there."  Kate looked around the room and sighed softly. "I should get to my work; Fridays are always busy. Enjoy yourselves and let me know if there's anything I can do for you."  Don Wainwright soon arrives accompanied by his friends Carl and Edith Berman. Carl has a seat at Jake Cook's poker table alongside Al Brower as they patiently wait for their dealer to arrive. Don has his violin and he and Edith join Don's wife Sandra over by the piano. Edith has brought along a satchel from which she removes a tambourine, a metal triangle, a cowbell and set of wood blocks and mallets. The trio then spark up a series of lively dance hall tunes.Kate helps out waiting on the tables while Melvin continues to help Ginnie wait and bus tables. Harry Rote asks Kate, "Should we offer that boy work on Friday and Saturday nights?"  Kate replies, "I'd check with his parents first, but there's no reason not to if you think he'll be of help. If he's anything like Ginnie he'll be pleased to have a little money that he earned himself. Looking around tonight it seems you don't really need me anymore. Musicians, gamblers, Ginnie and Melvin to bus and serve... I'm feeling superfluous."  Harry replies, "Oh, we'll still need you Kate. The musicians are only here for the first half of the night, and I also imagine that the youngsters won't be here until closing time. After that it'll be us on piano to play for Clarisse."  Ginnie busses the tables keeping up the pattern that she is used to but keeps tripping over Melvin. It seems as soon as she starts to clear a table he's on the other side of it. She smiles at him and makes sure that she gets the tips off first before he start grabbing at dishes.</blockquote>

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