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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3042806" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Seventy-three, “Come Saturday morning, I'm goin' away with my friend”, Saturday, June 3rd , 1882, 9:00 A.M. Ginnie continues to observe Gonzales and his companions while Kate and Chester talk.    Chester says, "I agree with you, if we let this be, then more cowboys will end up dead on our doorsteps. Not to mention people feeling that Buckley's death was because he didn't want to join the town. That's how rumors start." The Halfling Sydney Sue come down from upstairs and takes a seat at the bar on one of the higher barstools. Manuel Escobar and his wife Rosita come in with Frank Condon and the three of them sit down at a table near the door.   Kate says, "I should go. I have work to do out at the ranch before our guests arrive. We can talk some more about this when our suffering companion is recovered. You'd think I'd have dealt with this kind of thing often enough now that I would know what to do." Jake only flicks his eyes in her direction with the slightest rise of a single eyebrow. Kate shook her head.  "I'll see you later at the ranch, Ginnie. We'll be having a picnic and I'm sure there will be some cookies. Feel better, Jake.” He half-heartedly waves a hand in her direction.“Good morning, Chester," she said as she rose and left the table.  Chester says, "Have a nice day, Kate. If you see Sonoma, tell her about Thayer's men. And you keep your eyes peeled, too. OK?Kate said a pleasant "Good morning," as she passed the table where Manuel Escobar sat with his wife and Frank Condon.  "Good morning to you Mrs. Kale," Frank Condon replies with a smile. The Escobars also give her a pleasant greeting before going back to their conversation with Frank.  She returned the smile and filed that small occurrence away in her mind for further thought. As a member of the Vigilance Committee she had never been quite sure just what Frank Condon was all about. Instead of going straight home Kate stopped and registered to vote first, not wanting to somehow forget to do it. When she returned to the house she changed into the pants she'd bought from Judge Lacey during the first days she was here. They still had plenty of room in them. After that it was a short walk back to the El Parador to get Meribel and on to the ranch.As Kate is getting her horse from the El Parador stable a strange man rides up. He is tall, with long dark hair flowing down his back, dark eyes and a dark mustache. He has on a tan long coat, high boots and light brown cowboy hat. On his belt are two colt revolvers with the handles facing forward. His horse is rugged looking with four full saddlebags. He hitches his horse up to one of the rails and removes one of the saddlebags, putting it up on his left shoulder and heads towards the front door of the Cantina.As Kate led Meribel out she said loud enough to be heard, "That's a beautiful horse. They'll treat you well inside, there's no better food in town than in the El Parador."  He looks back towards Kate and with a distinctly Texas accent says, "Thank you Ma'am. I trust I can get a room here as well?"   "Of course. It's the weekend and they get quite full, but Dorita should be able to find room for you. I lived here for several months myself and I still miss it sometimes. I'm Mrs. Katherine Kale.""Timothy Courtright", he replies. He then asks "And could you tell me where I would find the Marshall's Office?"   Kate pointed out the Great Western Boarding House across the street from the El Parador, then finished, "That building right across from it is the Marshall's office. One of the Deputy Marshals is inside the El Parador now. Ask for Deputy Chester Martin."  "Thank you Ma'am," he replies.   Kate nodded, got up on Meribel, and started out for the ranch. She kept her eyes carefully open and aware while making the short trip. He makes his way inside the Cantina and looks around until he sees the man wearing the badge. He then heads over to the bar and gets the attention of Dorita. "Can I help you?" she asks. He says, "Yes Ma'am, my horse is in your stable now and I would like a room if you have one." She replies, "I have guests just stay last night, room will be open later." "Very well, I'll be back later then."  Jake glances up at the man and then goes back to rubbing his eyes. "If you do not mind Chet, I will just stay here."  The man makes his way over to the table where Jake and Chester are sitting and looking towards Chester asks, "Are you Deputy Martin?"   Chester looks up at the man. "Yeah, I am. Can I help you?"   He holds out his hand and says, "Hello, I'm Timothy Courtright, former City Marshall of Fort Worth. I'm here in town to see your Marshall Berg. Would you be able to take me to him?"   Chester replies, "Sure. I'm pretty much finished up here. I'll see you later, Jake." Jake grumbles something in reply.  When Gonzalez appears finished at the other table, Jake motions to him to come back while the candle is still burning at the table where Jake is seated.   The two are alone at the table and Jake says, "Earp came to see me. Among the things that I learned was that he still believes that Madge and Mr. Austin were responsible for the attack on Earp's gang and his other brothers death. I told him again that I did not believe that Madge had the courage to turn him in. I have no idea if he is listening to me. I know that Madge is gone, at least temporarily. Her boy friend believes it is forever, if that was her intention that he believe that. Earp thinks that she sent the letter from Tucson so will go there when he is done in Promise City. I know that Austin will be safe, and likely so will Madge but I wanted to make sure you knew." Jake closes his eyes against the throbbing headache and then sips some more of the black coffee. "That is all."Gonzales says, "Madge should be safe. She is now in Europe, but not where somebody would think to look for her. Plus she is now using a new name."  He then says, "I am glad that you dealt with that cheater. I hate to see wizards acting unethically. It gives us all a bad name."  Jake looks up surprised. "I was not all that harsh with him, I suppose I should have been harder. Thought I would give him a chance to explain. He was not in the mood. I have a bad feeling he will be trouble soon." Jake shrugs.Gonzales replies, "You did fine under the circumstances. One other thing about wizards is that it is not a good idea to back them into a corner. Letting him leave was probably the safest course of action for you."   Jake was about to say that Mr. Colt did not really care if he was a wizard or not, but thought better of it. "I trust losing his cufflinks and being discovered was enough of a deterrent for now."Gonzales replies, "I should think so, it usually is. No wizard wants to be exposed to the law. My main job here at the El Parador is to make sure that no magic is being used for cheating, there's no reason why I can't expand those duties to your place as well, although I think I should teach Ginnie and Kate to refine some of those skills as I had done for Ruby and Sonoma.""That is mighty generous of you. Even though I do not back away from a challenge, that is one area way beyond my understanding." Jake finishes his coffee. "The kid did a fine job and did not even put herself in any risk. Smart one, she is."   Manuel says, "Smarter still for your partner Job to recognize her potential. Job's card games have been off ever since Hoover died, as he's been too distracted trying to be manager to play. Last night Ginnie told him not to worry and to enjoy playing again, which he did. Obviously the customers won't respect a twelve-year-old girl as the manager, most of the employees probably won't either, but if you keep Job as the 'figurehead' and let Ginnie make the decisions you should be rolling in money soon enough.""If that is what they desire, that is fine by me. I have no appetite for running a saloon." Jake gently scratches his head. "You probably knew that though," and manages a smile regardless of his state. "I just fix it when it is broken." He then manages to stand, easing himself out of the chair. "I better have myself a few more hours sleep. Thank you again for your help. I will see you around town Senor."  Gonzales says goodbye to Jake and heads back upstairs. Just as Jake is getting up to leave Count von Zeppelin and Mr. Schmidt head across the room to depart as well.  After speaking with Manuel Gonzalez, Jake slowly makes his way back home. He climbs into bed and spends the better part of the daylight hours in and out of sleep. Chester and Courtright walk to the office. "What's your business with the Marshall, if you don't mind my asking?"  He replies, "I'm looking for information about the New Douglas Gang, I figure he's the best place to start."   Chester whistles. "The New Douglas Gang, huh. I haven't heard about them in months. You're from Fort Worth, right? That mean they're in Texas?"Courtright replies, "No. Colorado actually. Robbed a bank up there two nights ago. The bank owner has contacted me to help hunt them down. One thing I've learned is that people on the run usually touch base with people in their former lives. Since most of his gang was from this area I thought this would be the best place to start."  Chester replies, "I haven't seen any of them recently. Not since the day the bank here got robbed. One of them put a whole bunch of shotgun pellets in my side."   Berg arrives and Courtright explains why he is there, stating that the Bank manager had sent his detective agency a telegram hiring them to find where the New Douglas Gang had escaped to. Courtright spends the next half-hour getting whatever detail he can from the two lawmen about Pinto Joe Weams, Mongo Bailey, Pamela Yeats and Sally Fox. At the conclusion of the interview he says "I think that I'll poke around your town some more today and maybe head over to Galeyville tomorrow."   Berg says, "Be careful, Galeyville is a dangerous place for an ex-lawman to head off to alone." "Nothing I can't handle," Courtright replies.  Chester adds, “The Cowboy Gang has been hit hard, but they're still trouble."   Courtright thanks the lawmen and then departs. Once he is gone Berg says, "Chet, the answer to my prayers may have just fallen into our laps."  Chester points to the door. "Him? He's looking for the New Douglas gang."  Berg replies, "Right, and has reason to believe they might show up around here. I doubt that, but with Courtright in the area our mystery killer may decide to move on, which would suit me just fine.   Chet, this town is a powder keg at the moment and we're barely keeping it from exploding. A lawman with Courtright's reputation probably can't hurt to have around."He replies, "Gotcha, Mitch. Maybe we can get him to stay at a hotel here, instead of Galeyville. I heard that the killings are about two splinter groups of the Cowboy Gang fighting each other. And that we shouldn't get involved. I don't like that. Buckley was killed here. If we let that go, then who knows what could happen. Like you said, the town's on edge with the election and all. I want to interview Fisk. The tracks led from there."Berg replies, "I agree. He should be up by now, let's go pay Mr. Fisk a visit."   Chester and Berg stop by Fisk's home. Berg knocks and calls out, "Fisk? It's Marshall Berg and Deputy Martin. Can we ask you a few questions?"   Fisk is still wearing a terrycloth bathrobe when he comes to the door, although the aroma of coffee indicates that he has been awake. He doesn't invite them in, instead saying "What do you want? Come to arrest me now for filing Adair's appeal I suppose."Berg says, "No. Do you know Claude Buckley? He was murdered not far from here."   Fisk says, "Yeah, I knew him, served as his lawyer once around a year ago back when Marshall Hollister bring him in. I read about his murder in the papers, no real surprise given that Wyatt Earp is still on his personal vendetta against all suspected cattle rustlers."Chester adds, "When did you last see him? We found tracks leading from the body back to here."  Fisk replies, "I know that, I saw Dick Lester bring his hearse wagon to the hill back there. Buckley had paid me a visit Wednesday afternoon about a legal matter. While he was here I tried to talk him into having his ranch join the town but he was solidly against it. Now if you want his killer then stop bothering me and go catch Wyatt Earp. And if Earp needs a lawyer I'll offer to defend him for free, I could use the publicity." Berg asks, "Care to enlighten us as to this legal matter?" Fisk replies, "Now Marshall Berg, as an attorney you of all people should understand the value of attorney-client confidentiality." Berg answers, "That doesn't extend beyond death." Fisk says, "It does for this, it also concerns his ranch hands, at least some of whom you and your friends haven't managed to kill yet."Chester asks, "What makes you think that Earp's behind this? If I were him, I'd have high-tailed it out of here. "   Fisk replies, "What makes me think that? The man is insane, that's what. He's been murdering everybody he suspects of cattle rustling. And if you two were any kind of lawmen you would have stopped him by now! Unless you're planning to arrest me I think we're done here. Good day to you."Once Kate arrived at the ranch she sought out Sonoma to update her and find out what needed doing.   Sonoma gestures to the horse corral and a now familiar looking Appaloosa horse and says, "He told me about the men who were watching the ranch when he dropped off his horse this morning. He says they aren't up there now. Flint sent Naki-Yai up into the mountains to find out what the Apache may have seen as well. We should probably think of branding the horses just in case."She then gestures to Earp‘s mount and says, "We need somewhere else to keep that horse. Chester saw it and probably Marshall Berg too. If he sees it we could get in some serious trouble. The cattle should be branded too. Ginnie suggested they might be watching because of our high success rate in breeding, and it's in the gang's nature to rustle cattle. I hope the Apache might have an idea. I have too many theories to make sense of anything. Some guests will be coming out this afternoon. The school for 'Moral Values' challenged us to a baseball game and we need to do a little practicing."The two women talked for a while longer, Kate agreeing they needed to have a brand made and get their animals marked. Then she got down to helping with the ever-growing list of chores and kept herself busy until near noon when people would begin to arrive.Minerva and Nakomo spend a productive morning target shooting in the desert. They decide to reward themselves with lunch at the Lucky Lady. "Maybe Mister Cook will be there and I can talk to him about that job." Nakomo says hopefully. "Si, and then you can seek out Senora Katherine and speak to her about enrolling in school." Minerva reminds him. They ride back to town, Luna following in their wake and order themselves lunch at the Lady.They are almost finished their meal when they are joined by Father Thomas Valdez, Rufus Davis and Anita Ramirez to plan the next day's wedding ceremony.    Minerva smiles brightly. "Buenos Noches, Padre, Senor Davis, Senorita Ramirez. I am pleased that you are here. We do not have much time left before the ceremony tomorrow." Minerva motions to the chairs. "Por favor, sit so that we may discuss the final details." When everyone is seated she continues. "Senorita Ramirez, do you plan to wear the traditional roman wedding garb or were you thinking of something more Elven?"  Anita says, "We want this ceremony to be a mix of both cultures. Roman garb would be fine but I would want to wear my Grandmother's hand-woven Mexican shawl with it if that is acceptable."Minerva replies, "Si, So long as you wear the knot of Hercules about your waist, little else is of real consequence. I am sure that wearing your grandmother's shawl would be pleasing to the gods. After all weddings are about the importance of family and wearing your grandmother's shawl shows that you hold family dear. The most important part of your attire is the knotted belt which is tied about your waist to invoke Hercules blessing. He is the guardian of wedded life and it would not do to neglect him at such an auspicious time. You must remember that only your husband may untie this knot at the appropriate time." she winks. "You should also wear the traditional flame colored veil. The veil is topped with a wreath of flowers, which you must gather yourself as a tribute to the gods. Now, have you given any thought to the ceremony itself?"Father Valdez says, "I spoke to them about the use of need to sing the Song of Joining to the Central American deities. Beyond that Rufus is looking to have this be a traditional ceremony of your church."  She replies, "It is important to honor all the gods. Where would you like to hold the ceremony?"  Valdez says, "Actually, we were thinking of holding it at your church but having the reception afterwards in the floral grove behind my church."  She says, “That is a wonderful idea! The floral grove is so beautiful! It would be a grand place to hold the ceremony as well if you prefer that."Anita is in favor of that idea and Rufus relents and says, "If you find that appropriate Priestess then we can do that." While they are talking Conrad Booth enters the Lucky Lady in the company of Josephine Marcus. They sit at a table over by the stage.The young priestess enthusiastically rubs her hand together. "It is settled then. I will leave the decorating to the bride and groom. Now let us discuss the ceremony." She details the traditional Roman Church ceremony for them adding in the native American bonding ceremony. "Now we shall have a toast." she orders a bottle of wine and pours a glass for each of them. She spills a small amount on the floor to honor the gods and raises her glass in a toast. "To Love, Life and Happiness eternal. May you have them all!"They toast the upcoming marriage. Rufus says that he has to get over to the Billiard Hall as he's usually open by now. Anita grabs both Minerva and Valdez by the hand and gives them each a squeeze. She exclaims, "Thank you both! This will be the wedding I always hoped for. I have to go see my brothers now about the reception. Good day." She hurries off. After they run off Father Valdez smiles at Minerva and says, "So, I hear that my friend Father Silas Oraibi Barnes will be paying you a visit early next week."   She says, "Pardon?" I had not been informed. Did he say why he was coming?"   Valdez replies, "He said that you were hosting the training session with your Bishop this month, just as he hosted you last month at his church up in Flagstaff."Minerva slaps the palm of her hand on her forehead. "By the gods, how could I have forgotten? There has been so much going on lately I completely forgot he was coming! Did he say how many would be attending? Will you be attending Padre?"   Valdez replies, "I was hoping to attend. While I am not a Priest of your church I have always tried to take an ecumenical outlook. In fact, when this town first got started I set up a section of my church with an altar for the Greek and Roman gods so that the first humans in town would have a place to honor their deities. It has been a few years since I last saw Father Barnes, he and I are actually distant relatives."She replies, "Really?! My what a small world! How are you related?"   Valdez replies to Minerva, "My grandfathers were both Spanish soldiers with Coronado who came through this region 341 years ago. Father Barnes also is a descended of Spanish soldiers through his maternal grandparents, and one of those soldiers happened to be the same man."When lunch is finished. Nakomo inquires as to the whereabouts of Mr. Cook but is told that he hasn't been in yet. He and Minerva head over to the school house to enroll Nakomo but find that no one is there either since it is a Saturday. Minerva gives him a stern look. "We will return first thing Monday morning. In the meantime it is a beautiful day and Shadow could use some exercise. Let us go for a ride." They make their way to the stable and mount up, while Minerva, using her ability to speak with animals once each day, chats with the horses. "It is too fine a day, Shadow, too fine to be stuck in this place. Tell what is new in the stable. Any gossip of interest?" she says patting his muzzle.</blockquote>

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