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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3266189" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-twenty-seven, “Short rides out of town“, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 10:30 A.M. Emery Shaw returns after being gone around an hour. He briefly describes what has transpired and explains that he will be busy for the next few hours. He asks Beatrice and Russell Lee to take Emily back with them to the Comstock House.   "I could help, Uncle," Emily said, not wanting to be shut up inside a building all day. "I can heal a little, and I could help round up the horses that got away and take care of them."He replies, "The Priests have tended to the wounded and the ranchers have rounded up the horses Dear. What I have to deal with is just election politics issues. There is a debate tonight and also a rally for my political party. Go and get some lunch with the Lees and I will come by and get you later."Emily couldn't quite keep the disappointed look from her face, although she tried. "Lunch would be good, I suppose." And afterward I can tell them I'm tired and maybe get outside to where those trees were.  Her face brightened a bit. "Church here isn't nearly as boring as Chicago."  Emery Shaw replies, "Well, this wasn't the typical service. We usually don't have the regional High Priest in attendance and services usually don't end with the town being blown up." She goes with the Lees back to the Comstock House, where she is introduced to three of the other boarders, Matt Coogan, Dean Fryberg and Earl Hogan. Hogan is a older man who is said to be the Chief Clerk at the Silverbell Mining Company, the town's largest employer. Coogan and Fryberg are younger and work at the Breakheart Stamping Mill and Smelter which is owned by the Silverbell Mining Company.Emily got settled in the chair Mrs. Lee led her to and smiled cheerily at them. "Hello, I guess we're going to be neighbors for a while. Mrs. Lee said she has just the nicest set of people at her place and it looks like she was telling the truth."  A few blocks away, Manuel Gonzales and Conrad Booth then charge into the Lucky Lady in unison from the front door/, a look of concern on both of their faces. Conrad rushes over to Kate and exclaims "Kate, we just heard what happened! Are you alright?"  "A few cuts and scrapes is all," Kate said, leaning forward and putting her arms around him. "I should have stayed in the El Parador, but if Ginnie and I hadn't gone over the school would be gone. Ginnie told you I was alright, didn't she?" She detached herself from Conrad and kissed her teacher on the cheek. "I guess I wasn't paranoid."Gonzales says, "No, you weren't. I'm sorry that I wasn't around to help, Conrad and I were out-of-town on an errand. It looks like a lot of those buildings are gone, I'm glad your school wasn't one of them."   Kate says, "I'm just glad Ginnie and I weren't... weren't in the house and unaware. You can't always be here, Grandfather, waiting for some horrible thing to happen. I'm glad you're here now. They rode through town during services wearing hoods over their heads. I got a look at one of them, the junior teller from the National Bank." She hugged Mr. Gonzales again and then went and leaned against Conrad. "I've just been trying to hold myself together. I suppose it will all hit me later."  Gonzales says, "The junior teller? Have you told anyone?"   She says, "Chester and Jake. Jake was nearby when I saw him, and he was with Ginnie and I when Fly's photo studio blew. There are a couple of bodies as well, so we'll know how some of his compatriates were soon." Booth says, "Isn't that interesting, one of them was Jason Snavely? And his boss the senior teller just happens to be running for Mayor! Does that strike you as an interesting coincidence?"  Kate answers, "I don't know. I don't see how this can help Derrik Avery, but I don't know him well. How does this help anyone?"Gonzales says, "Candidate intimidation. Some of the dwarven miners stopped by the El Parador late last night. They had a visit from these hooded riders too, who killed their mules and blew up the storage shed. They told Vidkin to withdraw from the mayor's race, that next time it will be people instead of just property. Chumbley's paper will print that today. If you apply that same message to the owners of the buildings damaged today that would be another six candidates threatened, with the most damage to one of the party headquarters."Kate asks, "So you think they went after the school just because I was outside defending it? I'm not a candidate, and although I'm involved in the elections I'm certainly not important in them."  Conrad says, "Ginnie says you were shooting at them. That could be incentive enough to go after you."   Gonzales says, "Well, this is just speculation. It's not getting us anywhere. You told Chet so he'll let the Marshall know and the lawman can then investigate further."Kate nodded. "Yes. I have to learn not to run toward gunfire. Most people run away. I'm sure the Marshall's will do far better than we with our guessing.  What errand were the two of you off running this morning?"   They exchange glances and Conrad says, "I'll tell you later. What have you got planned for today Kate, since you've already filled your daily quota of shooting at outlaws."   "And they say women like to keep secrets," Kate said lightly. "I'm supposed to take Austin Blake out to the ranch today if he still wants to go. I need some way to sell my horses and his livery seemed sensible. I'll probably stop by the Lady afterward and see if there is any news on some other matters of concern. After that I don't believe I have anything else."   Conrad says, "Let's go check with Blake. He is one of the firefighters but Mills seems to be getting things under control now. ""Alright," Kate said, glad to not be going anywhere alone. "In a moment."  She walked over to her teacher and hugged him again. "I'm glad you're here. I think I need some quiet study time with you in the next few days. I always feel better when you're around. Between you and Dorita, please keep an eye on Ginnie." She let go and went back to Conrad. "Alright, let's go to Drover's and see if Mr. Blake is back." The two walked together the short distance to the livery and went inside looking for the owner.  They find Austin Blake and his two stablehands busy securing several of the horses that had previously been stabled at the Papago Cash Store's corral.   "I'm afraid it's been a rather busy moning, Mr. Blake," Kate said as they came in. She patted one of the horses noses and spoke soothingly to the animal. "I thought I should stop by and see if you were still interested in looking over the ranch today."Austin replies, "I'll have to take a raincheck on that Mrs. Kale. This whole fire has thrown off my schedule. We're still hosting the Unity Party rally tonight at Drovers and tomorrow night Vera has her big debate and I should help her prepare for that. Why don't we plan on heading out there on Tuesday after you get out of school?"  She says, "I thought that might be the case; tuesday sounds just fine. I'll see you at the rally tonight. I hope the rest of your day is far less eventful than its beginning." Kate took a quick look around the livery, trying to see if any of the horses looked as if they had recently been out, beside those collected from the cash store.    One riding horse and two draft horses appear to have been ridden today."Mr. Blake?" Kate said curiously as she moved toward the animals. "Did anyone take any of your horses out today? These three look like they've already had some exercise. If they were out during all that chaos they might need some extra attention."   Austin Blake replies, "Duncan Frye took a horse out this morning to ride. Not sure about the draft animals, do you know Trevor?" he asks one of the hands. The young man says, "They were taken early this morning by that man in the dark suit who you knew. The tall thin one. He used the black and tan wagon." Blake tells Kate, "Oh, okay, that would be Mr. Shackelton."She had to focus in order not to stiffen in anger. "I would have thought Mr. Shackelton would have been at the prayer meeting with the Kings this morning, but of course it's not my business." She scratched one of the draft horses behind the ear. "We should get out of your way, I'll see you tonight.  Well, it seems I have no plans until later," Kate said lightly as she took Conrad's arm and led him out of the livery. "I should still go out to the ranch and help out since I have some time." She kept up the light talk until they were out of earshot. Her voice turned angry. "Shackelton, I should have known."   "Known what?" Conrad asks.She kept her voice low. "Chester told us the people who did this tried to hide their tracks in Pine Creek, like we did when the Cowboy's were chasing us. He said they found wagon tracks that led them back to Drover's. It's very likely that hideous tutor and Mr. Frye were part of that attack this morning. I hope Mr. Frye being out was just a coincidence."Conrad says, "It very easily could be. Frye makes leather saddles, harnesses, other barding, even leather riding gloves. He often gets a horse from Drover's to try them out and make sure they work correctly before selling them. Always does that riding on Sundays too, as that's the only day his store isn't open.   And for that matter, the evidence on Shakelton is only superficial too, there's nothing solid to connect him to the hooded riders. He's not even running for office.""But he hates my school and myself with a passion. Luckily for him I'm not in law enforcement. I'll pass the information on and let the lawmen do as they will with it." Kate rubbed her forehead. "It's not even noon and I'm already exhausted."  He replies, "I know the feeling, Manuel got me up way too early this morning."   "More clues to the secret," Kate said. "I don't imagine he got a very warm reception. We were out late last night."Conrad replies, "Well yes, but I had mentioned to Dorita about needing costumes for the play. Gonzales is a good man but despite his great intelligence he has never been a good one for keeping track of what time of day it is, must be an aspect of living such a long life.   Anyway, he took me to Brooklyn, to his friends who made you the baseball uniforms. I tell you Kate, it was so tempting, being that close to Manhattan. I wanted to head right over to the Player's Club and thank my father for agreeing to come out here, of course, I couldn't and he probably wasn't even in the city anyway as he had some errands to run before hand."Kate says, "You'll see him soon, and it will be all the better for him coming here to you. I'm so glad for you, I know how much you want him to be part of your life, and it seems like he might want that too.  Do you have any plans for the rest of the morning? I really should go out to the ranch and help out for a while, but I don't want to be alone today."  Conrad replies, "As if I would leave your side after somebody tried to kill you? Other than a possible nap at some point so I don't fall asleep tonight at the debate you can count on my to be with you today."Kate replies, "I'm trying very hard not to think about the whole idea that someone wanted to hurt us." Kate led him over to the El Parador where her horses were stabled. They stepped inside and got a basket from Dorita while she checked on Ginnie and made sure she was alright. A few minutes later they were on horseback and covering the distance between town and the ranch.Meanwhile, Minerva and Nanuet mount up and ride out of town.   Nanuet leads Minerva to a quiet and secluded spot that he feels will not be watched and will be safe. Few words are exchanged as the newly reunited couple make up for lost time. After some time both lie exhausted upon a blanket that has been stretched upon the ground, neither of them making any effort to cover themselves. "I apologize for being away for longer than originally anticipated. Nakomo told me that the goddess told you I would not return. Is that true? How did she tell you?"  Minerva replies, "She appeared at the church the day after we found the vampires in the cave and told me that I should cherish your memory."   "Vampires in the cave? Cherish my memory? Well I don't know what that is all about, but I am here and we are together again. I will do what I can to make sure things stay that way." Nanuet holds Minerva close stroking her hair gently. "I have heard a saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' but it only pained mine." Minerva turns into his embrace. "Si, I could feel my heart breaking, when when you were away, but I am glad that you were not here when we faced the vampires. I could not bear to lose you to such evil. We must continue to be very careful. They are still skulking about in the dark and I fear that we are going to have a repeat of Thomaswell. The goddess, Minerva told me that evil walks the earth and that Nakomo will help rid us of it. Diana gave him some special arrows to use under my tutelage, when the time comes. It seems that he is to be involved in this mess whether or not I wish it so ." She hugs him tightly. "I am glad that you have returned to me.. to us. Nakomo needs you too."  Nanuet continues to hold Minerva close to him for some time before suggesting that they return to town.   Once back, Realizing that she is still covered with grime and blood from earlier in the day Minerva leaves Nanuet with the promise that she will meet him at the Lady later on and heads for home. Nanuet watches Minerva hasten off to home and decides to take some time and head back to the grove. He walks through his outdoors home and tends to several of the plants and animals. Nakomo meets her at the door. He has bathed and is wearing fresh garments. "Did you see him?" he grins. "He is back!" "Si, Thank the gods, He is back!" she responds with an equally foolish grin.   Nakomo pulls her into the kitchen where he has a warm meal waiting for her. He draws her a hot bath while she eats. She soaks in the tub washing away her fatigue along with the dirt while she contemplates what Nanuet's return means. She silently thanks the Goddess Minerva for guiding him back to her. Deputies Helen Barker and Chester Martin ride out to the Crazy-8 Ranch. As they near she asks how they should approach.   "They'll be expecting us coming from the road or the hill, so let's come from the south west. If you can, keep yourself heeled. It'll tell them we mean business."Chester slings his rifle on his back. He draws one of his Remingtons. The pair of marshalls head for the back door. Helen stands to one side and Chester the other. He knocks loudly. "Wagner, Allman? It's Deputy Martin and Deputy Barker. Come on out with your hands up. We want to ask you some questions about the attack in town."  Chester hears a groaning noise inside. They bust down the door and see Ken Wagner lying in the bed and groaning in pain. His face a bruised and bloody pulp, one pant leg rolled up with a dagger stab in it and several fingers on his right hand bent into unnatural positions.Chester says to Helen, "Search the house to make sure no one else is here." Helen gives him a look. He replies, "No, I'm not going to do anything to Wagner." She says, "If there's anyone here we'll find out about it." She goes to check the place out.  Chester asks Wagner, "Who did this to you? Was it Allman? Was it Block?" He bandages the stab wound with a splint made from a piece of kindling wood.Wagner moans out the name "Earp". Helen returns to say that nobody else is in the building. She adds, "Chet, look at the bruising and the scabbing around the leg wound. These injuries are maybe eight, ten house old. He hasn't been anywhere this morning."  Chester replies, "I agree. Doesn't mean that Allman wasn't involved." He turns to Wagner. "OK, Wagner, why did Earp do this to you? What would have gotten him so mad at you to do this, yet leave you alive?"Wagner groans and it takes him a good ten minutes to state the following: "The others rode off last night....don't know where......Earp....must have been watching the ranch.....knew I was alone......came in afterwards....wanted to know.....to know who killed Hunter and Thayer....said I didn't know....he....he didn't believe me.....tortured me all night....just left a short while ago......when the others hadn't come back yet.....said for me to warn them.....he was coming for them next.”Chester asks, "You sure you don't know where the others rode off to? 'cause we got Block in the jail. If you don't tell us what you know about what they were up to, maybe he will."  Allman replies, "I....already told Earp....I don't know.....they stopped trusting me....when they found out.....I was working with Thayer again.......don't tell me anything any more...." Chester says, "So they didn't know? Hmmm. We're going to get you back to town. Doc Eaton can't come out here because a lot of people were hurt in the bombing."   He asks, “Bombing?....What...are you talking about?" Chester says to Helen, He's not going to be able to ride back to town and we're not leaving him here. I hope this place has a wagon and team."   She says, "There was an old wagon in the barn but the only horse is the one in the corral, which looked like a riding horse. I suppose we could secure him in the saddle. We probably should get him back in town for Doc Eaton to look at that leg wound and splint those fingers."   "Just....get...met to the Doc." Kate and Conrad arrive at the ranch. Flint comes walking towards them from his hillside digging machine and waves. Conrad says that he wasn't joking about the idea of needing a nap and asks if he can take a short catnap over at Kate's house.   "Go ahead my dear, that bed should get some use since you managed to keep Ginnie and I in town," she said before getting up on her tiptoes and kissing him. She slipped him they key. "Have a good rest." She walked over to Flint and said hello before filling him on the mornings events in town and asking if anything had happened out at the ranch lately.   Flint replies, "You could say that.....our visitor is back."  Kate states, "Did he have anything to say for himself? I hope he doesn't look on this ranch as his base of operations, we can't afford that."Flint says, "Can't say for sure what he thinks. He rode in not long after dawn. He's sleeping over in my cave right now."   She replies, "I'll have to go talk to him later, but I'll let him rest first. Is there any ranch business? Everything has been going alright? I'm going to try to get some training time in today with the horses." She took a deep breath. "Sorry, it was a rough morning and I'm a little rattled."Flint asks what is wrong and Kate fills him in on what has transpired in town that morning. Flint says, "That's terrible! Who do those people think they are? Earp's right in trying to rid this land of those outlaws!"  Kate says, "I don't know who they think they are, but hopefully we'll know names soon. There were a couple of bodies that should give some good leads. I'm just glad my building only suffered a broken window.  They might not have anything to do with the ones Earp's after. I can tell you this much, we're not letting them scare us into doing whatever it is they want.  Keep a sharp eye open, Flint. We don't know if the school was a real target or not, and if I'm a target the ranch could be."  Flint replies, "Well, Earp says that those guys who were watching the ranch haven't been around in a while, so it may be safer now."  She says, "From them maybe, but with Frank Leslie thinking we're hiding him we might just have a different kind of danger. I'll let him sleep for a while and then go talk to him."As Conrad napped Kate spent a couple hours focusing on training the horses in her care. She knew she wasn't spending nearly enough time here, but thankfully she was only enhancing the training for most of the animals rather than starting from scratch. Once she put the last horse back in the corral, she walked over to Flint's cave and went inside.</blockquote>

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