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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3153545" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred, “A Party of Unity“, Thursday June 8th , 1882, 4:15 P.M. Conrad returns very shortly and says, "She wasn't there. She was called over to an emergency meeting of the Liberty Party at the Palace Saloon. She's not even a supporter of that group but after this paper came out Fisk and Adair managed to talk her into joining them for the meeting." Pedro comes into the room with Grant Keebler, a copy of the paper in hand. Grant says, "Ah you've both heard the news. Shall we start boarding up the building now?""Absolutely not," Kate said fiercely. "In fact, I think they just shot themselves in the foot. There aren't enough people in this town who would support that platform to get them elected. The bigger worry is where will all those votes go? I'm probably going to anger the Cattleman's Association by not supporting our slate, but they'll get over it."  Conrad says, "Speak of the devil." Kate turns to see Emery Shaw walking into the El Pardor, his face beet red, and he dispenses with any pleasantries and says, "Katherine, we need to meet tonight about this."  She replies, "So the Association didn't have any input about this ad. I'm relieved to hear it. When do you want to meet? I'll be there.”  He says, “No input from myself or Escobar what-so-ever. I've sent riders out to all of the outlying ranches to get the folks for the meeting, but it may take a few hours. Figure around 7:00 P.M. if that works for you." Kate says, “Don't they realize this platform will lose the election? And probably help Adair's party win?"   Shaw answers, "I have no idea. They are so full of themselves and their high-and-mighty moral standards that they seem to forget they are really in the minority."  She states, "They did follow though with not trying to close all the saloons at least, but still... They've always been full of themselves. And blinded by their own self-righteousness. I'll be there at seven thirty. Who'll have the chair tonight? Is there anything I can do for you until then?"Shaw replies, "The Perez Ranch gets to chair tonight's meeting. That should be interesting, they have no love for this Vigilance Committee. Try to talk some of your partners into attending, that might help. I will see you then Katherine."  After he leaves Conrad says, "So I see that you and Shaw are now on a first name basis. And I heard that he treated you to a semi-private dinner following the last meeting. Should I start to get jealous?"This time her smile was genuine. Just knowing action was being taken had cheered her up considerably. "It gets cumbersome using last names, and we've known each other long enough to dispose with the formality. No reason for jealousy, my dear. I don't think Emery is looking for a lady other than to share dinner with now and then. Usually those inclined head over to the Lady for a drink after a meeting, but with the rustling most of the ranchers headed home. As we both live in town now..."Conrad says, "Well, he has been a widower for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if he is looking for somebody to share his life with, preferably somebody closer to his age. I imagine that if he wins a position he'll probably buy or build a house instead of just renting a room in a boarding house. With his money he can certainly afford it."   She says, "There's nothing to show you are here to stay like building a home. And I wouldn't be surprised to see him find a wife to share it with either." Kate turned to Grant and Pedro. "I don't know what will happen at the meeting tonight, but it seems likely to me at least that we'll decide to break from the ticket and form our own slate. It was already a risk once before and by taking out this ad without consulting all the candidates they've shown again that they don't really care anything about our opinions. There are enough moderate independent candidates that we could approach to form a good, moderate ticket."Kate talked with the men for a while longer then said, "I want to make sure Jake has seen this. I doubt Adair approached him like he did Kate Higgins, and he's very interested in keeping Adair and his buddies out of office. Can you wait for me for a few minutes?"  He agreed and Kate hurried down Sierra Street then turned down Allen. Jake arrives at the Gay Lady and sees Lumley behind the bar talking to his bartender Jim Hagen and one of his gamblers Cisco Halston. A copy of the newspaper is on the bar in front of them, folded to the page with the Law and Order platform.  Jake strides right up to them, "Good afternoon gentlemen." He drops his own paper on the bar. "I see you have noticed it too. Those damn fools will drive some folks right into the Adair and Fisk’s Liberty Party, or Freedom Party or whatever they are calling it."Lumley says, "I know, they both came by together to see if I would fill the Thayer vacancy for their ticket for the Councilman position. I turned them down, saying I'll keep running as an independent. I seriously considered it but I just don't trust Fisk, there's no way I would support him for Mayor.""Folks need a moderate alternative to these two extreme ends." Jake drums his fingers on the table. "I worry that a bunch of separate independent candidates will not be able to move the vote away in large enough numbers to defeat one side or the other. All it would take is one last minute event to drive people one way or another. I would not put it past either of those groups to create one." Jake withdraws his hands from the bar and stuffs them in his pockets. "Would you consider joining a moderate party? Upton was looking into the Republicans. There is Vera Blake and Chester Martin out there too that need a home. Maybe we can get Elton Hubbard to throw his support in. That and we might steal some of the moderate candidates from the Law and Order ticket who do not whole heartedly agree with this line of horse dung." Jake taps the paper for emphasis. "Vote for Burton Lumley and his party, do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live." Jake gives him a grin.Lumley replies, "That's worth considering Mr. Cook, seriously worth considering." He turns to bartender Hagen and says, "John, run over to Drovers and see if Vera can break away to come chat." I wouldn't mind being Mayor myself but given that my establishment promotes all of the vices that the Law and Order Party wishes to abolish that would just make this moderate party a lightening rod for them, and possibly drive more potential votes away from us. Do you have anybody in mind for the Mayor spot?"  "That really is the tough call, is it not? I was hoping that Emery Shaw might consider it, but not if he agrees with that," Jake points again to the newspaper like it was an unpleasant insect. "You?"  Lumley says, "I would support Shaw. I'd also be in favor of Mitchell Berg, but I doubt we would be able to convince him. Neil Cassidy would be another possibility. Beyond that I can't really think of anybody who I would get behind."  Jake says, "I already asked Berg about it once, he was rather emphatic about not being interested. I think he is still overwhelmed about this whole Marshall business. I agree about Cassidy, if we do not line up behind Berg or Shaw." Kate reached the corner with Main and just as she was going to head for the Lady's door she saw Jake through the windows of the Gay Lady. Kate went there instead and saw the newspaper laid out between Jake and Burton Lumley.  "You've seen the ad, then. There's an emergency meeting of the Cattleman's Association tonight. I thought Emery Shaw was going to have a apoplexy when I saw him."   Lumley looks up and says, "Funny you should mention him, we were just talking about the good Mr. Shaw."  Jake asks, "He is not in agreement with the published platform?"Kate answers, "Well, he just came by to tell me there is an emergency meeting tonight. They didn't ask him or Mr. Escobar about that ad whatsoever, and I seriously doubt Mr. Shaw agrees with that platform. I suspect, and keep in mind I'm not always right, that we may break from the Vigilance Committee. I for one won't shed any tears about that. I take it you gentlemen are trying to find something to do about this as well?""Yes, we were just discussing it as well. I was attempting to convince Burton here," Jake points over his shoulder with his thumb, "to start or join a moderate party. We were privately wondering if Emery Shaw could be enticed away from the so called Law and Order Party." Jake turns back to Lumley, "Tell you what, I will go work on Shaw and you speak with Vera Blake. That would be an excellent start. Do you think we could locate him Katherine?"Lumley's bartender Hagan returns and says, "Vera Blake is busy right now, Mr. Evan Adair is over at Drover's talking to her right now about joining his Party. Didn't catch any details, he clammed up as so as he saw me."   "Hermes, that bastard is fast. Let me handle this," Jakes says with a dark smile. "Katherine, find Shaw and meet us back here." Jake walks purposefully to see Vera Blake.Jake enters to see Adair and Vera Black at the far corner of the building with Austin Blake having joined them. Austin sees Jake approaching and says, "Cook! Have you seen the Law and Order platform! Those bastards want to put all of us our of business." Adair adds, "Yes, we were just discussing what to do about this.""Yes Mr. Blake, I have seen it. Quite amazing and disturbing all at once. Even if I was not a saloon owner they would not have my vote on principle alone. Actually I came here to discuss just that," Jake gives Adair a smile, "as a registered voter that is. I was interested in Vera's views and what she intended to do in office. If I may be so bold, I have always respected the both of you and I am keen to hear your thoughts. My only surprise is that she is not in discussions with any of the other independents who are looking to form a third party. Quite an impressive group actually, curious that these folks that the town already looks up to had not gathered together before. I suppose this ridiculous platform from the so called Law and Order Party sparked them. Healthy competition is a good thing, an exercise in our liberties and freedoms. I am sure you agree Mr. Adair." Jake nods to the man. "But listen to me ramble on. I came here to listen to you."Adair says, "Actually we're both on the same train of thought Mr. Cooke. I have just presented Mrs. Blake with the notion of a third party as Mr. Fisk and I have come to a difference of opinion over his party's platform and I am no longer affiliated with his so-called Liberty Party. The tanner Tector Driscoll agreed with me and we both resigned from that party together and told them to find somewhere other than my saloon to meet at. I believe that I have already convinced Kate Higgins to join my new party as a candidate for Council and am hoping that Mrs. Blake will as well.""Democracy at work! Is it not a marvel? Good for you Vera Blake, that certainly makes you quite in demand among the political parties. You will be in a good negotiating position when Burton Lum-" Jake stops in mid sentence. "Er, there I go blathering on again."   Adair says, "Actually I plan to go see Mr. Lumley next. I intend to lead an aggressive counter to the Law and Order party's platform and I believe he will agree with me on this. Please consider joining me Mrs. Blake, our party will be stronger with you on it and we can't be letting the Vigilance Committee shut this town down." Vera Blake interjects, "Well gentlemen, it is nice to be in such high demand. But I have promised Helen Barker to let her manage my campaign and will not be making any decision on a party affiliation until I discuss it first with her." Adair looks perturbed by that and Jake notices him unconsciously touch the spot where Deputy Barker shot him two weeks earlier. He says, "Mrs. Blake, am I to understand that you are not capable of making your own decisions?" Austin Blake interjects "No sir, you are hearing her say that she will be giving her friend the courtesy of a conversation." Adair says "Very well then, I'm off to see Mr. Lumley."Jake waits until Adair has left the building before he remarks, "My, my, Mr. Adair certainly becomes unpleasant when he does not get his way. Did he happen to mention exactly what he and Hamilton Fisk had a falling out over?"  Austin Blake replies, "Primarily the platform. As Adair just said, he wants to aggressively go after the Law and Order Party. Fisk doesn't, he feels time and resources can be better spent running a positive campaign instead of a negative one. Adair feels that will just play into the Law and Order Party's hands. Those two also split over who to replace Sheriff Hunter with as Marshall although Adair didn't tell us either name."Kate says, "I'm not sure where Shaw will be, I'll try over at the Comstock House, but he might be spreading the word about the meeting." Kate hurried out and over to the Comstock house, asking Bea when she arrived if Mr. Shaw had returned.  She departs.Jake says, "Since I trust neither Fisk nor Adair, I am not sorry to see trouble in their party. I will be quite honest, I suggested to Lumley that you and he would be good together on a ticket and that this town needs a moderate party in this election. The last thing we need is either extreme ends antics driving folks to the other. Please come over and talk to Burton and consider seriously what good you two could do together." Jake pushes his hat back on his head, "I am told that Emery Shaw was surprised by his parties platform. Perhaps he would listen to other offers?" Jake gives them his trademark grin. "I am off to find Shaw and invite him over to the Gay Lady after Adair finishes annoying Lumley." Jake chuckles at that. "Will you come over and talk with them too?" "I was thinking that a good slogan might be, do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live. You can have both." What do you think?      Austin Blake says, "I think you are a natural at these political situations Mr. Cooke." Vera says, "I believe Helen is on duty right now at the Marshall's Office. I will go and see if she can break away to join us and if not I will at least discuss this with her. I truly do value her opinion, I doubt that women would have been given the right to vote yet alone run for office without her influence."   "Excellent." Jake tips his hat, "We look forward to seeing you at the Gay Lady then."  Outside of Lumley's place, Jake checks to see if Adair is inside and if so waits until he leaves. At the Comstock House Beatrice Lee tells Kate that Shaw returned a few minutes ago and is upstairs in his room. She smiles and offers to head upstairs and tell him he has a visitor. Kate gets the impression from the tone of voice and slight smile that Bea believes this to be a 'social' visit rather than a business matter.  Kate smiled pleasantly. It doesn't take much to start a rumor in this town. And yet openly dancing with and kissing Conrad people can't believe. "I would appreciate that, thank you. I'll just wait here."Emery Shaw comes downstairs a few minutes later. He has changed his shirt and combed his hair since he saw her last. A smile appears over his face and he exclaims, "My, this is a pleasant surprise. I did not expect to see you until later." Kate notes that Bea has remained upstairs but is peering around the corner and eavesdropping on their conversation.Kate dropped her voice, attempting to deprive Bea of her bit of gossip for the day. "There is some talk among the independent candidates of banding together and forming a moderate slate. Jake and Mr. Lumley would like to talk to you about it over at the Gay Lady."  Shaw replies, "Well then let's go." The two make their way back to the Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon. They enter to see Evan Adair chatting with Burton Lumley and bartender John Hagen." They break off the conversation as the others enter. Adair says, "Well, I have a few more people to see. Please let me know soon." Lumley replies, "I'll stop by your saloon later tonight with my decision." Adair gives Kate a nasty look as he makes his way out the door."Dissension in the ranks... It sounds even more promising for a moderate third party. And leaving Adair out in the cold warms my heart," Kate smiled.  Lumley interjects, "Yes, but what exactly would be the platform of this Moderate party? I'm seriously considering throwing in with Adair and his new "Freedom" party. I'm one of the people who has the most to lose if that Law and Order group makes it into office and the best way I see it is that they need to aggressively fought point-by-point."Kate interjects, "I'd imagine the possible candidates would have to work that out. If I were setting a platform I'd go with the strong law-enforcement angle, perhaps suggest pushing to get the railroad here. How you deal with the other party would be up to you. Emery, what do you think?"  Shaw says, "Well, I think that I can understand Mr. Lumley's opinion but while there is a possibility that he may be part of a rival political party I would rather continue this discussion elsewhere. Burton, you are welcome to join our ticket as a Council member, we would be honored to have you." Lumley thanks Shaw. Emery Shaw leads the group across the street to the Lucky Lady. He stays by the door until he sees Vera Blake and Helen Barker coming and ushers them inside. He tells Vera "Change in plans. Lumley is actually considering joining Adair's new Freedom Party so I thought it best to discuss this further at another location."  Helen puts her hand on Vera's arm and says, "Don't even think about it yourself. You know what Adair is like." "I do indeed," Vera replies. Emery leads the ladies over to a table with Kate and Jake."Damn," Jake mutters, "I am not ready to give up on Lumley. It will not do to have him give legitimacy to Adair’s' party. I AM pleased that you folks are here to discuss some good old fashioned common sense though. Thanks to you all for listening to my ideas, but I will leave it up to you what you want to do from here. I will help as I can, but my personal involvement might be more of a hindrance than a help going forward."Shaw says, "Jake, you stood by my side against the Cowboy Gang, that act of character says more about you than any rumors that might be floating around this town." Vera says "You two did what?" Shaw says, "Oh, you'll read about it in the paper some time in the next week or so, although Mr. Cook has asked me to keep his name out of it." Vera says, "Well, I wasn't going to join either the Liberty Party or Law and Order Party, not that I thought either would ask me to. The same goes for this new Freedom Party." Helen says, "We only need two candidates to officially make a party and we already have the signed petitions filed for Town Council."  Shaw says, "Yes, and you indicated that Mr. Martin would probably be willing to join a moderate party." Helen says, "Even if Chet says no I' should be able to convince him." Shaw says, "Okay that's three. We should be able to convince Manny Escobar too. And we'll leave a Council position open for Lumley at least for now. Who else?"  Kate shrugged. "A week or so ago Cole Rixton had been considering running, but I haven't heard him move any farther with it. Neil Cassidy would be a good candidate."Maria brings the group out an early supper. Shaw says, "Ah, Miss. Fuente, could I ask you to do us a favor. Please go down to the Escobar house and ask Manuel to come and join us." She looks towards Jake who nods yes. She is off. Shaw says, "Either Cassidy or Rixton would be good but not both, their Committee for Racial Equality has divided support of the town so I wouldn't want to make a moderate ticket too top heavy, and they would have to be for a Council position and not Mayor. Speaking of which, who should we propose as Mayor?""I've heard your name mentioned once or twice today, Emery," Kate said.   "Excuse me, just a moment." Kate walked over to Harry Rote behind the bar. "Can you do me a favor? Conrad Booth is waiting for me at my home. It looks like I'm going to be here for a little while. Could you let him know, please? Thank you." Kate returned to the table and took her seat."Shaw says, "Well, I first considered running for Marshall, but Mayor has a certain appeal. The only potential problem is that many of the townsfolk don't know me. But I have established a good relationship with Count Von Zeppelin, and his men now constitute a fifth of the electorate. Okay, it makes sense. I'll need to get a new signature petition but that shouldn't be too much of a problem." It isn't long until Manuel Escobar and Conrad Booth both join the group. They are updated as to the discussion. Manuel shows interest in this group. Booth mentions that he has spoken again to Kate Higgins who had agreed to be on the Liberty Party ticket for town council before the party split. He states, "She says that she agrees with Adair's anti-Vigilance Committee platform but also feels loyalty to Fisk, who gambles at her saloon every night, so hasn't made up her mind which of those two Parties to now go with." Blake thanks him for that information. Shaw says "Okay, here's the proposed ticket. Myself for Mayor, Chester Martin for Marshall, and for the Council we propose Vera Blake, Manuel Escobar, either Neil Cassidy or Cole Rixton, we try to convince Burton Lumley into taking another, and that still leaves the final slot. Our ticket now has sufficient representation from ranches, current law enforcement, and the Merchant's Association including a saloon. Seems like the only major voting block missing would from be the town's mining intersects.""I do not know Elton Hubbard very well." Jake says. "He seems to keep to his business. What do you all think of him? Would he, or someone he trusts be a good candidate?"  Vera Blake speaks first saying "The problem with Hubbard is that he thinks first and foremost for Elton Hubbard and nobody else. On the other hand, he is the richest man in town which would give the ticket financial backing, from what I hear he's a reasonably good boss, and he certainly has the town's interests at heart since the town's fortune is directly tied to his." Shaw says, "You're right about him treating his employees fairly. All of the other tenants at the boarding house where I'm rooming work for him and speak well of him. I would suggest that we at least make him the offer, although he might turn us down, as he's never cared about town matters or politics before. Once we finish up here I'll go see his right hand man Earl Hogan and try to get to see him before the Cattleman's Association Meeting. If he says no then I'd probably consider asking either Michael or Patrick Seawell."Kate adds, "The only things I know about Elton Hubbard are that he supports the Moral Values School, and I suspect he supplied their uniforms." She shrugged. "Which doesn't tell me much about him. It's always a good sign when employees speak well of their boss. The Seawells I know a good deal better. They're both good men and I would support them."Shaw says, "Hold on, if Hubbard is in league with the Moral Values School then maybe we should reconsider asking him altogether. I've gotten to know Colonel Michael Seawell and he seems like a good man, albeit quite a bit preoccupied with the young lady he is courting, or maybe I'm just jealous. I don't know Patrick as well but he seems to be the driving force behind the mining expansions in this region."Kate says, "I haven't been privy to all Mr. Seawell's business dealings, but from what I do know he's quite shrewd, but doesn't run over people to accomplish his goals. Sonoma helped him buy some land owned by an elvan family and they came to an agreement good for everyone. I believe he only bought about half the land they owned, and has been a good neighbor by helping them find more water sources. Jake probably knows more than I do with his share in one mine."  Jake says, "I like Seawell, good fellow. Seems to have principles. He would also enjoy sticking it to Fisk, which is part why I like him."Jake repeats his proposed slogan "Do not let the others tell you to choose between liberty and a safe place to live." Shaw says, "That's great, we'll offer them both." He looks back at Katherine and says, "This should be an interesting Cattleman's Association meeting tonight. We'll have to grab tonight’s chairman Ricardo Perez before hand to clue him in to the potential fireworks." "I can do that," Manuel Escobar volunteers.Shaw says, "Okay, it sounds like Patrick Seawell is our fifth Council member. So which of that other pair should we ask first, Cassidy or Rixton?"  Jake says, "I would lean towards Cassidy, but will he draw more votes to the ticket than Rixton?"  Vera Blake says, "Cassidy is more controversial due to his participation in that shootout two weeks ago. Martin was part of that too, but he was already a Deputy so had to follow the orders of his boss, Cassidy volunteered to go into that fight." Escobar says, "Rixton has greater support of the wood elvan population. They like Cassidy, he was the first in-town merchant to hire non-humans and threat them well, but Rixton's is a member of Dorita's 'Extended Family' over at the El Parador and has been for quite some time. It's one thing to be a good boss to other races but when you decide to live with and regularly socialize with them it has greater resonance."Kate says, "Mr. Cassidy seems more visible, and his lumber business is very important right now. Mr. Rixton is more of an unknown, at least to my mind. His lower profile might be an advantage. I'm not sure which would be better. It could be a moot point though, it's possible neither of them would be interested."Jake says, "Try thinking this way, look at the ticket and see if the addition of either of those gentlemen brings in voters that would not already vote for this ticket. And then who does each drive away. They are both upstanding businessmen in the community, we want both their support but the ticket is not just about who would be a good councilman. We need numbers of voters."Shaw says, "Rixton may be friends with the wood elves of town, but with Manny here on the ticket already I'm not sure that will bring in any more votes. Both belong to the Committee for Racial Equality so they are balanced in that respect. Personally I favor Cassidy but that's just because I know him and I don't really know Rixton. As was pointed out, there's more controversy to picking Cassidy which our opponents will use against us." Vera Blake says, "Yes, but on the other hand Rixton may be the safer candidate due to his shy personality, but that won't necessarily help to get people energized for an election campaign." Helen says, "There's one other consideration. If Cassidy is on the Council then he will have to resign his position as Deputy Marshall to avoid a conflict of interest. I'm thinking that for continuity sake that Chet will want him, me and Eddie to all stay on as his deputies."Jake shrugs. "This ticket needs backers too. Bring Cassidy in, tell him what we are thinking and let him lend a voice in this. He does have money and influence in town. I find it hard to believe he would not support this ticket anyway, but he will be more enthusiastic if we involve him. Besides there is a an old cowboy saying, if you're riding’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there. We could use some other opinions."  He pauses and says, "Now, what block of voters are we not capturing. Excluding Cowboy gang members and Mrs. Ashley's cronies."Vera Blake says, "What about Church-goers? You can't just assume they are all going to vote for the Law and Order ticket, especially with all of the sermons that Miss. Florencia has been given that are counter to that group's opinions."   Emery Shaw says, "You know, that Priestess would make for a pretty good Council member herself."  Kate says, "She's certainly passionate enough about the town that no one would doubt her dedication. Half the reason for the festival was to get the town to work as a community and it was very successful.  She might consider it in conflict with her position as the town's priestess, but I think she would consider it a chance to do a great deal of good.""I think she will at least support this ticket. Offer her a spot if you think that is best and if she declines keep her on as an advisor or sorts. Get people to join the party, that makes them involved. Each of you needs convince folks to vote for the whole ticket not just individuals." Jake frowns a moment, "Speaking of which, the party needs a name."  Shaw says "That it does. The term 'Moderate' is way too neutral, makes it sound like we don't stand for anything.""We're trying to create a party that will make a government we can all live with. Unity sounds like a good name to me, if a little grand."  Conrad says, "That's not bad, unfortunately it starts with the letter "U" so alphabetically it will appear last on the ballot for parties, after the Freedom, Law and Order and Liberty Parties. How about a name starting with something with spelling that falls before 'FR'."  Shaw says, "You're underestimating the voters. They'll find our party's name even if it appears fourth instead of first."Kate says, "Perhaps, but it never hurts to take whatever edge you can find. Once the ballots are set I planned to hold a couple of informational sessions at the school so those who might have a little trouble with reading or understanding would be sure to be able to find the candidates they wanted to vote for. But if anyone has another suggestions higher up in the alphabet I'm ready to hear them."Thus far a fabulous name is not leaping to my mind," Jake remarks. "I am certain one will become apparent soon, or perhaps it is the Unity Party. Unless there is something else I can do here right now, I should be off drumming up some additional support." Jake grins. "Discretely of course until you are ready to announce."Shaw says, "Well, I don't think we're ready to announce yet since we're only firm on the three of us sitting here. I'm assuming that Chester Martin and Patrick Seawell will be receptive. And we're still not sure of the remaining two slots, we have to see what Lumley decides, choose between Cassidy and Rixton or perhaps ask the Priestess if she is interested. At the Cattlemen's Association meeting I'll just mention myself, Manny and Deputy Martin as those were the three that the Association had recommended."Kate adds, "And you never know what other suggestions might come up there. It's good to keep things open for now. I feel a whole lot better about things. I know we wanted to try and moderate the Law and Order party but I was just not comfortable with it. The ticket we've talked about here has a real chance to attract all the people who just don't feel the extremes represent them. I'll keep trying to think of a better name."Kate asks, "Who will you send to approach Mr. Seawell? And when? The sooner we have an alternative to the other parties the better."   Shaw says, "I know Michael Seawell, not Patrick. I suppose I can go talk to the father and have him make introductions to his son."  Kate says, "I know him, we sold him the building that he set up for his offices. I don't know if he'll still be there now. Of course, you might want to wait until after the association meeting. I don't know."Shaw says, "Yeah, might be best to wait. Some of the other Association members might have other ideas. He boards at the Double Eagle now so we should be able to find him there later."  Kate nodded. "Do you need me for anything else? I was on my way out to the ranch when all this got started. It's too late to give the girls their driving lessons, but I can still go out and give Sonoma a hand before it's time for the meeting."  Shaw says, "That's a good idea. The meeting isn't for another two hours. Try to convince Flint to come back with you too, we may need him at the meeting.""I'll talk to him. I'll see you in a couple of hours. Conrad, I don't suppose you still want to go out there with me?"   Conrad says, "No, I think I'll go catch up with the O'Hara twins and Ginnie and walk them over to Drover's to the buggy. We won't have time to ride it today but I can still point out the safety features to them and explain a little about the unique aspects that the Concord Coach Company put into it. Maybe let them get used to sitting in it at least. We'll do the lesson riding right after school.""Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then." Kate turned to the others again. "I think this is going to go very well. I'll be back in a little while." Jake listens to the discussion, nodding as he does. "Fine then. I will see you after the association meeting. Good luck."</blockquote>

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