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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3285551" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-thirty-two “Rally at Drover’s Hotel“, Sunday June 11th, 1882, 8:15 P.M. Kevin Tomlinson escorts Jake Cook to the Arizona Territorial Office. They enter the building and Jake sees that it has been remodeled further since the last trial he attended there. Kevin says, "The debate should be wrapping up soon. Can I get you something to drink?"   Jake replies, "If you are offering something with a bit of spirit in it, certainly, I would be much obliged. Otherwise, I will pass. Anything news on your hunt?"Tomlinson says, "No, which is actually good news as we've confirmed over a dozen probable locations where they are not."   He spends a few minutes over by a dry sink and icebox. Kevin then brings a silver tray over to Jake and sets it down on a table beside a chair. On the tray are a half-filled bottle of a quality brand of whiskey, a glass with ice in it and a stack of five twenty-dollar bills. "Have a seat and help yourself," Kevin comments.Jake does have a seat. "What about you? I will drink alone, but company is always more pleasant." He pours himself a glass over ice. "I actually prefer it straight but ice is a nice change once in a while.“  Tomlinson says, "That sounds like a good idea but I'll wait until the Judge arrives and make sure he doesn't need me for anything else tonight before I indulge." Jake inquires, “Will you tell me why the money is there?"     Tomlinson replies, “As for that" gesturing to the pile of money, "We can't go having people interrupt the debates each night, I anticipate the other debates to be even more volatile than this one was. But if Mr. Chumbley prints in tomorrow's paper that you were made to pay a $ 100 fine that should keep everybody quiet."Jake replies, "Sure, that would keep others from opening their mouths frivolously. So why are you putting the money out if we could just say I paid? I suppose you have books to balance and the money really needs to be there. Who is funding my inability to keep my mouth shut?"  Tomlinson says, "That funding? Oh, it was found on a couple of guys who Marshall Berg found lying around in streets and locked up today, they're now over at Dick Lester's place. You're right about the books having to balance, all fine money goes into the Territorial coffers. One other thing you should know about the Judge he's brutally honest, but he's not here right this minute and doesn't know the exact amount that was in those men's wallets. I don't consider it stealing if the money winds up exactly where it would anyway. So I would suggest you pocket that money now before he arrives and then you'll have no in difficulty paying your fine."Jake shakes his head and scoops up the money. "Thanks." He has a sip from the whiskey. "Nice. Funny thing is that I do respect the Judge. However, I do not think we have much in common. Or maybe anything in common." Jake chuckles.   Tomlinson replies, "Other than both dating the same girl?"   "Heh." Jake says and nearly spills his whiskey. "Touche, Mr. Tomlinson."At the Town Hall, Judge Isby says, "By my pocket watch it is now 8:30 P.M. which was the scheduled time for this debate to end. I declare us adjourned." He pounds the gavel. The candidates begin to leave the stage.   Kate took a few calming breaths before standing up from her seat. She couldn't imagine many people in this town agreeing with Mr. Guerin. And considering women were voting in this election it was very likely he'd just shot himself in the foot.   She made her way over to Helen Barker. "It wasn't quite what I expected," she said. "We get to see some of the uglier parts of our neighbors. You handled yourself very well."Helen replies, "Thank you Mrs. Kale. Now if you will excuse me I need to go speak to Mr. Kane about placing an advertisement in tomorrow's newspaper to further clarify the Lucky Lady's position and then get to the Unity Party rally over at Drover's. Be sure to stop by, Stanley made cookies."  Kate replies, "Of course. I won't detain you." As Helen hurried away Kate looked around the room. She didn't really feel up to socializing, but it was necessary. Instead of staying at the hall, Kate left and made her way over to the rally at Drover's.  Kate made the short walk to Drover's alone, wishing Jake hadn't been taken out of the debate. She hadn't often been in the Hotel, but it was bright and busy with the rally going on. Kate looked around to see who was there.Well, that was all very interesting" Nakomo comments to Minerva at the end of the Debate. Minerva chuckles, "Si, I hope that Senor Jake can withstand the reprimand that he is about to receive from the Judge. Come, let us see what we can learn from the Unity Party Rally. I think that you will find that you are among friends there." Nakomo nods and they make their way over to Drover's"Kate sees that Emery Shaw is walking around Drover's with a young girl in tow, who she assumes is his niece. Kate notes with some surprise that the girl appears to be a half-elf.   Kate found a smile and walked over to the older man. "Emery, it's good to see you back in town, I'm sorry it has to be with such bad news." She smiled at the girl and waited for Emery to introduce them before speaking."Katherine, I would like to introduce you to my niece Emily! She just arrived from Chicago. She'll be staying here in town with me. We stopped by your school earlier today to sign her up for school, she met your ward Ginnie." He turns to the girl and says, "Emily, this is the headmistress of the school, Mrs. Kale."  Kate replies, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emily. I hope your journey was pleasant, I know how a long train trip can be. Did Ginnie take care of everything for you? Emily nodded, saying, "Yes Ma'am. I guess I have to take some tests tomorrow, though. It didn't sound like regular school with being able to work outside."  Kate says, "No, it's not like most schools. We teach the basics of course, but this is the west. Hands on education is going to serve all of you far better than dry books."Helen and Stanley arrive and begin to mingle with the small crowds at Drover's, most of whom Kate recognizes are employees of either Drover's, Wells Fargo or the Morand complex. Vera Blake is acting the part of hostess, making sure that everybody's drink glasses are filled. Patrick Seawell is making the rounds as well along with his father Michael and Julia Barbeau.As Minerva enters she scans the room to see who has arrived. She spots Katherine speaking to Mr. Shaw and a young girl and makes her way over with Nakomo. "Buenas Nochas Katherine, Senor Shaw. How are you all this evening?  Nakomo and I have come to show our support.  Nakomo shakes hands with Mr. Shaw and shyly nods in acknowledgement to the girl.  Emily smiled brightly at the Priestess and the boy with her. "I'm well enough," Kate answered. "It's been a very long day. A stick of dynamite was tossed into the school this morning while Ginnie was inside. She threw it out the back door into the hillside. We're lucky it's still standing.  We can use the support. I'd like to see a few more people here.""Si, It has been a long day, Ginnie threw the dynamite out of the school?! You are very fortunate indeed! Perhaps when the unity party wins the election they will be able to put an end to such foul antics."  Minerva notices Nakomo staring at the girl and turns to her. "And who is this young Lady?"   Shaw states, "Buenas Nochas Seniorita, have you met my niece Emily yet?" He gestures to the young half-elf."How do you do, Priestess?" Emily said respectfully. "My Uncle says you give very interesting sermons. I'll be glad to see it next week when your church is just yours again. And when things aren't interrupted."   "No, I have not had the pleasure, but I did notice that she attended the services this morning. "This is my ward Nakomo." Minerva says motioning toward the tight lipped elf at her side. "Will you be staying with us long, Emily?""Hello, Nakomo," she said in a friendly way before she answered the Priestess. "I came here to live with Uncle, so I guess I'll be here for a few years at least. Someday I'll have to find a place that belongs to me, although I think Ellen and Humphrey would let me help with the ranch if I wanted to stay and work there."  The Escobar family of Manuel, Rosita and Enrico, arrive at Drover's and begin to mingle in with the crowd.“Hi" Nakomo responds and awkwardly extends his hand for her to shake. "I'm new here too. I like it well enough. Will you be going to the school?"  Emily shook, ignoring the boys obvious discomfort. "I thought I was all done with school, but Uncle wants me to go here for a while. It sounds different, so I guess it will be fine, expect for having to take tests tomorrow."Kate gave herself a bit of a shake, realizing that she had drifted off into her own thoughts. "I assume you've been updated on everything that happened while you were gone?" she asked Emery Shaw quietly as the young ones were being introduced.   Nakomo takes her hand and stops to stare when he notices her ears. His mouth spreads wide in a grin. "Would you like a lemonade, Emily?"   "Thank you, I am a little thirsty. It's much warmer here than in Chicago. I suppose that'll take some getting used to."Meghan O'Hara arrive at the Unity Party rally at Drover's Hotel with three of her children in tow, namely her 17-year-old son Patrick and her twin 13-year-old girls Cathleen and Colleen.   Meghan notices Kate chatting with Minerva and Shaw with the two half-elves and heads over there with her girls while Patrick heads over to the bar to chat with Chuck Nevers.  "How are you Meghan?" Kate asked as she arrived. "I'm afraid we have a broken window at the school, but other than that the damage seems to be superficial. It's good to see you here.  Did you attend the debate? I'm afraid I got there just as it was starting, so it was hard to see who was there. I was disappointed in the mud-slinging."  Meghan says, "No, I missed it. Shannon was working late at the Kelley's. Mr. Booth was able to get nearly a dozen costumes for the play but they all need alterations so Mary and Shannon have their work cut out for them to be finished by Wednesday's dress rehearsals. Shannon finally arrived to watch the younger ones so that we could come here.""You didn't miss much. No one said anything that contradicted my thoughts on the candidates. I think our candidates came out looking more level-headed than the others.   I know Mr. Booth was excited about the costumes," Kate added. "At least they don't have to sew them from scratch."The twins approach the new girl.  "Hi I'm Colleen and this is my twin sister Cathleen." Cathleen shies waves and gives her a small smile. "We're from across town. Are you visiting someone? Maybe we could hang out!" Cathleen nudges Colleen and whispers to her "Calm down! let her talk too!"   Nakomo is about to lead Emily over to the bar to order lemonade when Mrs. O'Hara arrives with her two girls. "Um, I'll get some for everybody." He says and scurries off."I'm Emily Banks." She offered her hand to each of them in turn. "Mr. Shaw is my Uncle. Ma sent me out here to live with him, so I'll be staying and going to school. I'd rather be outside and ride and climb trees, but I guess school isn't so bad."    Kate chatted with Meghan for a few more minutes, then excused herself to greet some of the others. Minerva excuses herself and makes her way across the room to Helen Barker. "Buenas Noches Senora Barker. How is Master Bert faring?"  Helen says, "Our young Herbert Hoover is doing splendidly. One thing I hadn't anticipated when I decided to run for office with this Unity Party was his interest in the endeavor. He's been helping me with strategy and campaign suggestions and has been following with great interest. It's interesting to see one so young take an interest in civic and governmental affairs, it wouldn't surprise me if he one day runs for politics himself."The Priestess replies, "I am not surprised. He seems quite bright and is a very determined young man when he gets an idea into his head. He was a one man campaign when he approached me about wanting to stay in Promise City. " she chuckles. "I am sure that he will go far with your guidance.   Speaking about politics, I want you to know that you can count on my support. We need fair minded people who aren't afraid of these ruffians, running things.Helen replies, "Why thank you Priestess, and if you don't already know it you can count on my support for you as well. I honestly doubt that women would never have gotten the right to vote if not for you being in charge of the church and my wearing this badge. We set a strong example that make the arguments of our opposition seem weak by comparison."“I quite agree, Helen. Now if we could only eliminate the racial prejudice in this town as well, I'd say that we were in Olympus. Tim Gorch and his cousin's really mistreated my ward Nakomo today. Told him that he shouldn't talk to his betters and that they liked to kill elves, or some such nonsense. And then those cowards in the hoods coming in and torching buildings..."she shakes her head in disgust. I just don't understand such narrow minded thinking. None of it makes any more sense then denying a woman the right to vote because she has breasts."Helen replies, "A lot of this doesn't make sense but I wouldn't worry about the hooded riders too much if I were you. Two were killed, another has been arrested and we have leads on two more. Judge Isby will try the one we arrested tomorrow morning and we think he'll name all of the others."Kate made her way over to Vera Blake and asked if there was anything she could do to help.   Mrs. Blake shooed her off, saying she did not need to be working tonight as well. Kate wasn't sure what to do with herself. Before long she found herself near Mr. Escobar. She greeted him, saying, "You did very well tonight. All in all, our candidates looked level-headed and concerned about the town."Minerva replies, “Two innocent people were killed today as a result of these cowardly men who hide behind hoods, Deputy Barker. All the worry in the world will not save them. But opening the hearts of those who are blind to the Gods Will may save others and if we cannot do that than a hanging is always an effective deterrent."   Helen says, "Justice will be served tomorrow, both Mitch and Judge Isby have had it with this violence and candidate intimidation and plan to put a stop to it." Judge Isby soon arrives at the Territorial Office, locking the door behind him. "What are you drinking?" he asks. Tomlinson replies, "He's having whiskey on the rocks, would you like one Sir?" Isby replies, "Yes, I need one after that fiasco. Pour one for yourself too Kevin."    He sits down in a chair opposite Jake while Kevin brings the drinks over, taking a seat himself. The Judge turns to Jake and says, "So Mr. Cook, that was rather rude of you. Has Kevin suggested to you what my usual fine is for wealthy silver mine owners who interrupt me?"Jake answers, "Some of us consider it rather rude of folks to make up lies and call others hypocrites with impunity under the guise of politics. All I did was answer the allegation made against me and my partners. I even withheld my personal opinion on the matter. I am no politician, I was not there to get votes. Hades, I support letting women have prostitution if that is how they want to earn their living." Jake has a sip of whiskey. "Thanks for the libation by the way. Wealthy silver mine owners? Not like I am in the same class as Hubbard." Jake snorts a laugh. "Kevin indicated that you would likely charge me $100. I figure since I only gave him half a mind that you could reduce it to $50. To your health." Jake holds his glass up in toast.Isby says, "My health indeed, which has been quite remarkable as of late if I do say so myself. We can determine the amount of the fine before you leave, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you first. I am told that your house is on Fremont Street and that you arrived at the Palace not long after this morning's altercations. What can you tell me about the events that transpired?""As usual, you are very astute Judge. There is a great divide between what I can tell you and what I will tell you. Do not get me wrong, that was a despicable display this morning. I am more than willing to help this town combat those involved. Unfortunately, as you likely surmised my help is not always strictly in line with accepted practices. So if Judge Isby is asking," Jake takes another sip of whiskey with an audible ah, "Then I saw men with hoods scrambling about, tossing dynamite. I ran into the street and saw Katherine Kale being accosted. I ran down the street to aid her and while running by Fly's Photography, that particular building had the temerity to explode while I was near it. By then the riders were heading out of town. I understand that Katherine managed a look at one face. I saw no faces." Jake calmly takes another drink from the whiskey. "You keep a fine whiskey, sir. Now if a gentleman who was off duty gave me his word indicating whatever I said was off the record...."Ibsy stops Jake "Say no more Mr. Cook, as you said, I can sometimes be astute. I heard that Snavely was arrested based upon an eyewitness account but did not hear who the witness was. If you see Mrs. Kale tell her I expect to see her in my courtroom tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM to testify.   My other question to you, and there is no need for you to be discrete about this, is what you know of any recent Cowboy Gang happenings. I know from my past conversations with Miss. West that you have had multiple confrontations with them and I am not convinced that those rustler and outlaws are finished with this town."Jake replies, "Loads. Lots of speculation and some facts. Pretty clear they are still about. On the speculation front, as long as Hamilton Fisk is walking free in this town the Cowboy Gang will plague it. There are miles of circumstantial evidence that he is involved as either the leader or money man or both. A wizard that may be Johnny Ringo's old second man is rumored to be about. If Nick Goudge, Vaughn Palmer, and Stephen Murdock are really the same man there is reason to believe he is still around and up to his eyeballs in trouble. I am guessing that the only reason they leave me alone is the war that is going on between the two factions, Thayer and Fisk versus the old Crazy-8 ranch. Seems like the Crazy-8 is taking the worst of it. There is something going on that I do not understand yet and hopefully I will figure it out before it is too late." He gives Isby what other details he has about who is working for who between the Thayer and Crazy-8 ranches, and other miscellaneous connections. After that long bit of talking Jake has a equally long drink of whiskey. "Judge, have you ever heard of vampires?"   Jake catches Tomlinson giving Jake a stern look and shaking his head to indicate "No!"  Isby replies, "Yeah, stuff of legends. Read Bram Stoker's novel once about a European Count. Why do you ask?" Jake states, "Well if they were real, a guy like Fisk would be just the kind to suck this town dry."Isby laughs and finishes his drink. He says, "Well, I won't be keeping you. Pay your fine and be on your way Mr. Cook. If you hear from Miss. West please tell her that I am missing our meals together."   Jake drains his glass and nods. "Sure thing." He walks to the door expecting Kevin to follow. There he reluctantly withdraws some twenty dollar bills from his pocket and carefully counts out five before giving them to the Judges assistant. "If you change you mind and reduce the fine, donate the rest to the school. Maybe they can teach the young ones to keep their mouth shut." Jake smiles broadly. "Good night gentlemen."Tomlinson takes the money, unlocks the door, and wishes Jake goodnight. Jake heads north up Front Street and turns right onto Main, nearly colliding with Cole Rixton who is rushing westward. The furniture maker apologizes and says, "Sorry Mr. Cook, I'm late to my political party's rally!"   "Good luck to you Mr. Rixton. I will not keep you." Jake side steps him and tries not to laugh.   Having had enough politics for one night, Jake goes back to the Lucky Lady.Cole Rixton arrives at the rally making all candidates now present except for Chester Martin, who is on guard duty over at the jail.   Kate walked over to the door when Mr. Rixton arrived. "It's good to see you, Mr. Rixton. I hope everything is going well for you."   Rixton says, "Yes, it's fine, I went to check on Roger Fly but he and Janet won't let me in. She's not taking the debate revelations well, that's for sure. Then I had to get back to the shop to put another coat of stain on some furniture due to the buyer tomorrow. Life sure is busy these days."Kate answers, "I imagine life will stay busy for a city councilman, and expert craftsman. I think I'll be needing a few more pieces of furniture myself, but that won't be for some time so just consider this a warning.  It might be a good sign that the Fly's didn't answer, at least if it means they're talking." Kate paused a moment, remembering the way things had been left between herself and Conrad that afternoon. "I certainly don't believe he was doing anything other than playing the piano."Cole replies, "I don't either but I wouldn't have imagined him doing that either, given how his wife feels about places like that. She'll see it as a betrayal either way and will be even more embarrassed given that she is active in Peg Watkins sewing circle. Things have been tense enough between her and them between his participation on the Committee for Racial Equality as well as the sponsoring of your school. Plus they've been having marital problems anyway with his brother and sister-in-law living under the same roof, Janet Fly and Mollie Fly don't get along that well."Kate says, "I imagine it must be crowded with so many in the house. And I know a bit about in-laws. My brothers wife is very sweet, but I wouldn't want to spend more than an evening with her parents.  I should have realized his support of the committee and the school would cause her some difficulty, but I suppose I only hoped their example might cause some of the ladies to reconsider their positions. Well, if she needs a friendly ear I hope she will remember I'm right next door."The rally continues for another ten minutes until Emery Shaw stands up on a chair and calls for everybody's attention. "Thank you all for coming to the Unity Party rally! Please take the time to get to know any of our candidates, socialize and ask them their opinions. I think that you will find that of the five political parties ours has the most moderate perspective. Consider us to be the 'big tent' under which all of the current citizens in town are welcome. I can safely say that you will not find the same result with all of the other political platforms." He then steps down from the chair to applause.Kate applauded with the others, glad Emery had kept his words short and sincere. She just hoped people didn't feel because they were moderate they didn't have any strong positions. Since she wasn't running she didn't have access to whatever meetings and discussions the candidates might be having.   She went back over to Emery and waited patiently as he finished answering a question. Once the asker had left she took her opportunity, quietly asking, "So, what is the platform beside not trying to push the community to one extreme or another?"He replies, "That's it for now. We're going to have a lunch meeting with all of the candidates here tomorrow to decide on the rest of the platform. We had planned to do that today but with the explosions and fire that was no longer feasible."   Kate nodded. "It wasn't a good day for anyone and probably better to wait. Not the welcome you wanted for you niece, I imagine," she finished, nodding toward the pale-haired girl across the room with Nakomo hovering around her.Kate talked a few more minutes with Mr. Shaw, did a little more mingling, then excused herself. Still thinking about the Fly’s, she turned toward the Long Branch instead of the Lucky Lady and stood awkwardly looking in the door for Conrad.   Kate is surprised by the scene at the Long Branch, as no games are going on. Mitchell Berg, Neil Cassidy and Eduardo Rodriguez are all inside talking to the various patrons who appear to have been separated, each sitting at different tables.She stepped inside but didn't move any farther into the room. She tried to catch the eye of one of the lawmen, and finally cleared her throat. "Mr. Cassidy, might I have just a moment when you're available?"   Neil excuses himself from his conversation with Rita Lopez and walks over to Kate. He asks, "Mrs. Kale, do you have any information about the murder?"</blockquote>

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