Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3218862" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-seventeen, “The Debate Schedule”, Saturday June 10th, 1882, 3:30 P.M. Kate went home and got herself ready, putting on one of her newer dresses from Boston in a pale blue and fixed her hair half-up, leaving some of it's length to hang down her back. She talked to Ginnie about her driving lesson and asked where she would be during the evening, saying that if she wanted she could come to the party at the El Parador and stay until Kate headed home herself.  She headed over to the Silver Dollar, arriving just past the hour mark.Conrad soon arrives, having changed into a fresh suit, shirt and tie. He joins Kate at the table and orders a bottle of the Apple-Pear wine that is on the menu. This night's menu features a brazed leg of lamb with mixed vegetables, barbeque chicken breast with baked potato, and the beef stew in a bread bowl that is the house specialty. Conrad orders the lamb dish.  Kate ordered the same and waited until they were alone before saying anything. "Jake said he spoke to you today, so I assume you know about Mr. Wilson? I'm very sorry, but I also wonder just how long he was... well, what he was."Conrad replies, "I'd say twenty-two days, based upon when I last recall seeing him during the day after which he was away for a few days. Of course, that's just a guess, but it is consistent with him acting differently these last three weeks or so. That actually explains a lot."  "How was he acting differently? Interacting with new people, or a personality change? I'm sorry to be pushy," she said with a slight smile, "but anything we learn about him could help us find the others. We're certain there are more."He says, "More talkative to certain clients, mostly those from Thayer's ranch. Also keeping different hours, arriving later than before which makes sense given longer hours of sunlight these day. And I never really connected it until now but he also stopped eating and drinking while at the Saloon. I feel really stupid not figuring more of this out earlier, I just assumed he was preoccupied with something in his private life.""My dear, why in the world would you think that Mr. Wilson had become a Vampire? A problem in his private life was a much more likely explanation, instead of letting your imagination run to monsters. There have been so many new people in town it would be hard to pinpoint just who may have made him into the monster..." Kate thought quietly for a minute. "I don't know what else to ask, if you can think of any other details I'd appreciate hearing them, whenever you remember them.  I had another interesting conversation today," she added and told him quietly about her visit from Mrs. Eaton and it's meaning. She also told him about her own visits from Diana. "I think things are going to change, and I'm not sure I like it," she said finally.Conrad says, "Actually, I think that is a good thing. Regardless of the outcome of this election the Eatons will be an influence in this town. It is far better to have them with you than against you."  "I know, but I'm a selfish girl. I liked having my secret and being in control of how I wanted to handle it. But I shouldn't be surprised that Diana has other ideas, I'll just have to deal with those."Conrad says, "Now you're just being silly. Haven't you ever heard of Doctor-Patient relationships? If you tell the Eatons to keep this a secret they should abide by that. So you still have control."  "Yes, and I'm sure the Eaton's aren't going around telling everyone. I just don't quite understand why I don't want them to. Our lives would be much easier with the whole town knowing the truth. I was saying to Jake earlier perhaps I was just a bit enamored of the idea of making this great sacrifice. There's nothing to make you feel noble like a sacrifice," she said and smiled ruefully. "Apparently I have not grown too old for folly.  But enough of that. What have you heard about the elections? Seems we have more candidates than we can shake a stick at now."Conrad replies, "We do indeed, twenty-seven for Town Council, seven for Marshall and six for Mayor. Hopefully Judge Isby's debates will go a long way towards helping people make up their minds."    "I'm hoping it will go a long way toward some candidates putting a foot in their mouth in front of lots of voters. I am worried about the vote being split, but at least it's been split for both Adair and Fisk's camp and ours. It's going to make for a messy election though. If Emery Shaw and Derrick Avery can work something out it would be much better."Conrad shifts the topic to that of the play as the food is delivered to the table. He describes how Sandra Wainwright has assembled eleven musicians for the play with Stanley Barker as the lead on piano. He says, "She's looking for other pianists for before and after the play and the intermission to give Stanley a much needed break for those slots. I was going to ask Doolie Wilson but I guess I won't be doing that now. Would you be available to play for either the Gay Lady or Town Hall performances? Obviously you'll be too busy working for the debut at the Lucky Lady.""I'd be pleased to. You know I wanted to help where and when I could, although after all those fine musicians it's good I'll only be playing as background music," she laughed. "I still have to go to the Gay Lady and the town hall and make sure all the arrangements are settled as well. Should I talk to Sandra about what kind of music she wants?"He says, "Well yes, she is the musical director. Given that it is Shakespeare she will probably opt for classical pieces so as to not be an abrupt contrast." They continue to dine and have mostly light conversation. He asks about how the school has gone this last week and tells her some more about the other actors in the play. Following the meal instead of walking directly back to the Lucky Lady he leads her arm-in-arm east down Sierra Street and then turns right onto Fremont. As they near the intersection of Fremont and Main they see that a crowd has gathered inside of the Town Hall Building. Conrad says, "That would be the Town Council candidates. There are too many of them for a single debate so Judge Isby is spreading it over three nights. He's doing the drawing now to determine who debates when."Kate had been enjoying the relative solitude of their quiet walk and was a bit disappointed to see the crowd. Still, her curiosity bubbled at the back of her mind. "I hope the drawing isn't completely random, you wouldn't want too many people who agree together during one debate.”  Conrad replies, "Not completely random, Isby said that he'd want a representative from each political party in each." Kate says, “I never did get around to reading the paper today that I recall.”  Conrad replies, "It wasn't in the paper, I only know about it because I was at the Long Branch when the Judge came by to tell Kate Higgins." Kate says, “Apparently I have plans for three nights now, and I should work this into the school's lessons as well.  There will be debates for Mayor and Marshall as well, I assume."   Conrad replies, "Yes, the Town Council debates are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. The Marshall debate will be on Wednesday and the Mayoral debate will be on Thursday. So five busy nights ahead. Would you like to go inside and see who is debating when?"  "I am curious," she said. He checked his grip on her arm and escorted her into the busy Town Hall.The chairs are occupied by most of the candidates for town council plus a few candidates for the other offices. Those in political parties are seated as a group. Helen Barker notes Kate and Conrad's arrival and gestures for them to come join the Unity Party group. They come and sit near but not directly with that group. Judge Isby is up on stage drawing slips of paper with names from a ten-gallon cowboy hat. On stage behind him is a large slate board with rows and columns. There are rows numbered one through nine beneath and column headings reading "Sunday", "Monday" and "Tuesday". Nate Caudell is on stage writing the names with chalk. Presently the Sunday column has seven names on it, specifically: Zebadiah Cook, Helen Barker, Calvin Oldfield, Manuel Escobar, Tector Driscoll, Roger Fly, and Elihu Upton. Isby draws the eighth name and announces "Denny Gaurin" which Nate writes down. The Sunday column ends when he draws and announces "Steve Lord." Conrad whispers to Kate "Looks like tomorrow's will be a rather dull debate. With the exception of Mrs. Barker those are the more level-headed and moderate members of each party and I don't see anybody on that list who will get her riled up." Isby starts to draw names for Monday. He begins "Vera Blake" followed by "Bill Watkins". Conrad whispers "Now we're talking, those two alone will guarantee some sparks." Next Isby draws "Kate Higgins" Conrad whispers back, "Forget sparks, we're now talking flames."  Isby then draws "Dennis Winston". He then announces "That's four of the Law and Order candidates chosen which means that James Eaton will be automatically placed on Tuesday's list". Nate marks that down. He then draws the names of two Liberty Party candidates "Porter Norris" and "Jessie Sherman". He then draws the name of Unity Party candidate Cole Rixton. The Judge announces that as the fourth Unity Party candidate drawn that automatically places Patrick Seawell's name on Tuesday. Conrad whispers to Kate, "I think I'll have lunch with my friend Cole tomorrow or Monday to help prep him for this." "That sounds like a good idea. He always seems a quiet, polite sort to me and that won't do in a debate," she whispered back.   Conrad whispers, "Yes, and he could be loud and lively and still come across as quiet and polite compared to some of the folks he'll be on stage with.” The next name drawn is "Estaban Fuente". Conrad whispers, "Did I say flames? Make that fireworks, up against Watkins is just what Estaban wanted. That boarding house owner has no idea what he's in for." Kate says, "I'll have to make sure I'm here for that one, I'd like to see Bill Watkins publicly set down."   Conrad replies, "He'll probably be getting it from all sides given who is up there with him. The trick will be to not make it appear that he is being unfairly picked upon by the others. I think that's what I'll talk to Cole about." The final name drawn for Monday's debate is "Neil Cassidy". The remaining candidates' names are listed on the Tuesday column, it reading "James Eaton, Patrick Seawell, Burton Lumley, Bob Skull, Judge Lacey, Joe Riser, Bronco Madson, Ike Sherman and Jeremiah Peck".  Conrad whispers to Kate "That should be a lively night too. Sherman and Lacey both hate each other, Skull and Madson are both bigots while Peck is married to an Indian, and while Lumley and Riser may decide to stay neutral and play it safe on the issues neither Eaton or Seawell have any reservations about speaking their minds."Continuing to whisper she answered, "Doctor Eaton might say a few things to surprise us. Over the last few days I've had reason to believe he's not as extreme as I first thought. And he was in the church yesterday too. Most of what happened there didn't have anything to do with me, but he saw Diana treating with other races with respect. He may be doing some serious thinking about his views."Conrad says, "I certainly hope so. This town seems to have a transformational effect on some people, hopefully he is one of them.”   She answers, "I've certainly changed a great deal since I first came here." She found his hand and squeezed it discretely. "Are you among the transformed?"  He smiles and replies, "I am indeed, as I have found the woman of my dreams."Kate blushed slightly. She was never sure how to respond to Conrad's compliments. Tom's had been simple and blunt, Conrad's were a bit... grandiose. But then he had grown up in the theater where the grand was commonplace. His way of saying it was fancier, but just as sincere. She looked back up at him and said, "I would rather be a woman of flesh and blood, it's hard to live up to a dream." She laughed suddenly. "I can't imagine you dreamed of a woman like me. Later, when we have the leisure, I'd be very interested in hearing what you thought you wanted."Conrad says, "Actually it would not, as by meeting you I have come to the realization that all of my previous desires were inaccurate and I have no wish to ever revisit them again. I look forward to every minute we are together my dearest Katherine, and that is all that I seek going forward.""So I must live on in desperate curiosity," she teased, still holding onto his hand. Before she could do something completely inappropriate she remembered they were still in public and sat up straight with a sheepish look.  Judge Isby described the format for the debates before ending the meeting. The people got up and began to mingle, finding their way to other members of their parties. Kate took her chance to speak with Helen Barker, saying, "I see you're still on the candidate list. They haven't found anyone to take your slot yet?"She lowers her voice and softly replies, "I think the plan now isn't so much as to find a replacement but to merge the Unity and Integrity parties, in which case we'll need to subtract candidates instead of adding more. That surprise Mayoral Candidate may prompt that merger to happen sooner rather than later, otherwise neither Emery Shaw and Derek Avery stand much of a chance. But Emery doesn't know about that yet, he left town before today's newspaper came out to go pick up his niece in Tombstone. He won't be back in town until tomorrow morning."Kate replies, "I'd heard a merger was possible, I'm glad to hear it's likely to happen. With Fisk and Adair's supporters split, getting ours together will be a big advantage.  I'll be anxious to hear what this new mayoral candidate has to say. I doubt he'll swing my support from Emery Shaw, but considering his support base he could get elected and I'd like to know what to expect. I have an appointment to take Austin Blake out to the ranch immediately after services tomorrow morning, but I'm sure someone will get in touch with Emery almost the moment he's back in town. The subtraction process could be rough. I know we had to convince some people to run but now that they've committed they may not want to step back."Helen says, "It could be. I've already talked to Neil Cassidy about it, he's on the Integrity Party's Council list. We'd both rather be Deputies so our withdrawal is a given. Cole Rixton also wasn't completely sure about running and Neil thinks the same of Roger Fly, but even if all four of us are gone that still leaves six, or seven actually when you figure that whichever Mayoral candidate withdraws will still want to serve as a Council member. Bringing it down to five might be a bit trickier"Kate asks, "Were either of the Seawells that interested in running? Either of them would make a fine candidate, but I don't think we'd want more than one person from any one family on the ticket. We definitely want to keep Mrs. Blake and Mr. Escobar on the ticket, I'd say they are givens to stay."Conrad says, "Well, you know the Seawells better than I do but I hear that Patrick sounded excited about the prospect of helping to set policy decisions for the town and his father took great pride in being the one to stop that disturbance two weeks ago. Then again, Colonel Seawell is so enamored with that young lady of his that he hasn't had the attention span to manage his one job yet alone another, which is why they hired that Henry Pleasants.""Love can turn one's head, can't it?" Kate said. "The candidates will work it out. One thing about them, those of the Unity and Integrity tickets are there because they care about the town, not for personal power. At least for the most part. Hopefully egos will take a back seat."Conrad says, "Well, those debates will help to shape that. We should see from them who is running for the town and who is running for their own egos. I trust that the combination Chumbley and Mrs. Young will help with that. I suspect that with the possible exception of Marshall's debate they will be rather objective in their reporting."Kate says, "I'd prefer to see the ticket settled before the debates were over, but I suppose that's a lot to ask for. And maybe more effective with voters in the end. They will have seen the parties debate each other and then come together." After another minute or so Kate said, "We should let you go. We'll see you over at the Lady for Stanley's concert."  She and Conrad stepped back out into the street. "Well, that was interesting. I had forgotten Mr. Shaw had gone to pick up his niece. He'll have a lot to catch up on when he gets back."  Conrad says, "Speaking of which why don't we drop in at the Comique for a few minutes. That dwarven Mayoral candidate Vidkin is holding his rally there tonight and tomorrow. You met him before didn't you, back the day of the festival?"Kate replies, "To be honest, I have no idea. My mind with occupied with not getting killed by Johnny Ringo. I do remember a very pleasant evening of dancing," she added. I worked with the children during the day Saturday, did a lot of worrying and planning, went to the ball, and early Sunday morning I went outlaw hunting. Anything else is a blur."  Conrad replies, "Katherine, Vidkin owns and manages that mine where Ringo wanted the books brought to before the evening dance. Your friend Chester almost got killed there."Kate shivered. "I remember that just fine. But I don't recall the mine owner being there. In fact, Ringo said he selected that spot because everyone was away from the mine for the festival. That doesn't mean we shouldn't stop in and see what it's about; it just means I can't walk up to him like an old friend.  It's a public event, so they won't give you any trouble about coming in, will they?"Conrad says, "That day must be a blur to you, they weren't working with Ringo, they went there with your group. They were not happy that the Cowboy Gang broke into their mine and less happy when some of it got blown up. Vidkin's a good man, you should meet him."  "It is a blur, and most of it I prefer that way." She closed her eyes for a moment. "We fought about what to do with the books. All day really. Ruby was disguised as me, and I ... I remember now. I was invisible, and the dwarves did go with us. I remember being mortified. Ruby and I fought on the way back and she screamed at me about them all trying to protect me and the baby, which none of the men knew about yet.  Still, I admit to not remembering one dwarf over another. And they would all remember Katherine as played by Ruby.  I assume you've met Vidkin, since you're speaking highly of him."Conrad replies, "Yes, he and his miners come to the El Parador at least one weekend a month. He's a serious man, doesn't speak any English but usually has one of his boys with him to translate. I don't think he'd make a good Mayor for the town right now just due to the language issue, but otherwise I think he's a fine leader."   "The language barrier will make it difficult for him during the debates. We can hope perhaps that whoever is elected mayor would take some advice from him as I understand he has some experience. Why don't we go inside and say hello?"Conrad agrees. They enter the Comique. It is still only early evening but there are already close to fifty people inside. Around twenty are dwarven and the others human. She notices Count Von Zeppelin in attendance and then notes that the primary language being spoken is German. It reminds her of the many times when her father was speaking to his factory workers from the old country. Hans Schmidt comes over to Kate and welcomes her, followed by a similar greeting from Al Brower. He then whispers to her "Kate, Warren Watson isn't here right now but he'll be back soon. It would probably be best if your....friend isn't here then."  "Then we'll both be leaving momentarily. We just stopped by to wish good luck to the candidate. Is today worse than any other day with your partner?" she answered, all in a whisper.Al whispers back, "It's this whole election cycle, it reminds Warren of all the elections back in Illinois where he worked actively for Lincoln. The last think I want him to do is come back here and see Mr. Booth here."  "We'll make it quick then, thank you Al."  Kate took Conrad's arm and said, "Take me to see the candidate." On the way across the room she whispered Mr. Brower's warning. "Mr. Watson had better live to learn with discomfort since your father will be here soon."Conrad says, "Well, I'm sure that this wouldn't be the first time he's run into that sort of prejudice given that he lives in New York."  They make their way across the room and he introduces her to Vidkin, who indeed remembers their meeting in March. Vidkin's friend Svein does most of the translation as the middle-aged dwarf tells of his previous years as Mayor of his home village in Norway, a community with three times the population of Promise City.Kate listened carefully, storing away what Vidkin had to say about his experiences. He certainly was an intelligent man who would likely be an excellent mayor.  "I'm comforted to know that we have someone experienced in government here in town; your village must have been sorry to lose you. I wish you very good luck, sir. Should the election fall your way we'll be in very good hands indeed."The dwarf thanks her and says that his home village has actually prospered from his absence as he has sent one-quarter of the mine's profits home. He also thanks her for coming by and says that any friend of Dorita's is always welcome to visit with him and his workers.  "You're very kind. Perhaps I might someday bring some of my students to see how a mine operates." Kate slipped her arm through Conrad's again. "We should be on our way. Thank you, sir."Kate and Conrad manage to depart before the Comique's junior partner arrives. Conrad says, "I'll make my appearance at the Palace as short as possible and join you when I am able."  Kate hoped she kept the sour look off her face that she felt coming on just behind it. She nodded and said, "I understand. I'll be at the Lady."</blockquote>

Verification