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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3716314" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-eighty-seven, “Trial of the Hooded Riders”, Friday, June 16th, 4:00 P.M. Once the prisoners were gone Kate stood up and stretched a bit.  She responds to Conrad‘s comment about not knowing what happened at the Perez ranch. "I don't really blame myself, but we should be more in the habit of checking on our neighbors now and then. What a mess all this is."  She looked around the room and saw Minerva toward the back and waved to her.Kate looked around the room to see who else was there even as she spoke to Conrad. "At least I know I wasn't on the list originally, whatever happened later."   Conrad says, "Don't dwell too much on it, it's finally over now. Earp is caught, the Hooded Riders are caught, the Liberty Party no longer exists, the Eatons actually like you, and we're now both personal friends of a Goddess. It's time to think positively. Tonight you'll sit alongside my father and watch my debut as a leading man, then tomorrow you'll get to see me become the poker champion of Promise City!  Start thinking about how we'll spend the $ 30,000 purse for first place!""We? I don't I'm going to be playing any poker," she laughed. "I think I'll be serving drinks tomorrow night, but you can feel free to tip your waitress well.   I've been looking forward to seeing you act; I want to see you doing something you really love. And I want to have my suspicions that you'll be wonderful confirmed."   He replies, "It has been a long time since I've taken to the stage, but with both you and my father in the audience watching I will be inspired."She smiled and whispered to him, "How is it you always say these things in places where I can't kiss you? It might be a good thing that I won't be un-chaperoned this evening; inspiration goes both ways."  He replies with a smile, "My, what a temptress you are these days."  She replies, "I feel better than I have in a long time. I suppose I'm getting my sense of fun back." She squeezed his hand. "I'm going to mingle a bit. I haven't been keeping up with the Unity party the last few days. I'll be back in a few minutes." Kate looked around the room for Emery Shaw, then made her way through the crowd. "A lot to take in, isn't it?" she asked, nodding toward the judges seat.   Shaw replies, "Yes indeed, it will be interesting to see if the Law and Order Party can rebound from this. Not sure if you heard yet but Fisk and Adair have made up. The Liberty Party is no more and Fisk is now the Freedom Party's Mayoral Candidate, with Adair now running for Town Council. The positive aspect of that is that I'll only have to debate one of them on Sunday night instead of both."Kate answers, "I hadn't heard that. It makes you wonder if they ever really fought. Clever strategy to break, attract people who liked Fisk or Adair but not both, and then come together again after the voter has likely made a decision and won't change it because of the merger. Of course, I see conspiracies around every corner these days.  The vigilance committee was meeting this afternoon. They'll resume after the trial. I imagine we'll know soon enough after that what the Law and Order Party plans to do.   It's starting to look like a very small debate."Shaw replies, "Yes, looks like it will be just myself, Fisk and Frank Condon. As for your conspiracy theory, I'm certain that neither of them planned on Earp killing off all of Fisk's fellow candidates or of Bob Skull getting caught with Adair and thereby tarnishing his reputation. I would say those factors had as much to do with the merger than anything."   She says, "Hard to imagine Adair's reputation could be further tarnished. You're likely right, but that isn't nearly as interesting as my theory," she smiled. "Thank heaven the school week is over and there is plenty of entertainment to be had the next two days. With so much going on I'm getting all turned around.” She then adds, “I think you might be surprised at what comes out of the vigilance committee meeting. Doctor Eaton dropped off his children at my school this afternoon."    Shaw replies, "My, that is a surprise, I would have never expected that. He does appear to be somewhat of a changed man these days."   Kate answers, "Mrs. Caudell thinks the Priestess might have intimidated him into rethinking things with her announcement at the election meeting. He and his wife have both been trying to mend fences with me, but that's neither here nor there, since it isn't to do with elections.” Changing the subject, Kate says, “Emily seems to be settling in, although a little restless."  Shaw replies, "She's anxious to explore the wide outdoors. While this town doesn't feel nearly as confining to her as the city of Chicago did, it is the outside that she really wants to spend her time. I've just been hesitant to let her given all of the dangerous characters around."   Kate says, "I understand. I'm never comfortable with how much running around alone Ginnie does. But I'm not her mother and she was independent for a long time before she came to live with me.   Perhaps you need to find a few people you trust who could go out with her. With the elections still going you're wise not to let her go alone. Maybe even after if someone doesn't like how it comes out."  Shaw replies, "Well, one of the jobs of the newly elected officials will be to stabilize the situation in town, all the more reason to see that the right people are elected.""The right people, which is the Unity party, of course." Kate looked at Shaw with a new eye, wondering how much truth he could handle. Or rather, how much truth he could be given without risking herself.   "It's not going to be an easy task, Emery. I think we have the people to make laws that are right for Promise City, but until the entire region settles down keeping the peace is going to be an uphill battle."He replies, "I know, part of me is glad that Sheriff Behan is making his way to Promise City for Earp's trial. Do you know that in all of his years in Cochise County he has never once set foot east of the Dragoon Mountains? I plan to have a long chat with him about restoring order regardless of whether I am elected Mayor or not, after all, I am also a leader of the Sulfur Springs Valley Cattlemen's Association, which should have some influence in total county matters."  Kate says, "Just take care, I don't trust Sheriff Behan. I lived in Tombstone for a few months and Behan had a lot of dubious connections. You already know I've helped go after Cowboys, and we had some strong hints he had connections to them as well."   Two doors away, the Marshall and Deputies unlock the cell and escort the men back to the Town Hall building. Upon their entrance to the room the other people present quiet down and return to their seats.   As the prisoners returned Kate said a quick goodbye to Mr. Shaw and returned to her seat next to Conrad, giving him a warm smile. "Politics," she said simply and waited for the trial to resume.Judge Isby calls the court back into session and asks, “Attorney Hardin, before I call the next witness is there anything you wish to say?” The man stands and says, “Yes Judge, first of all I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve in the role of an attorney. Most people would not have afforded me the opportunity due to my past reputation.” Judge Isby says, “Attorney Hardin, the Governor of Texas granted you a full pardon, which expunges the record of your past acts. Since that time you have taken it upon yourself to become a practitioner of the law and the State of Texas has seen fit to grant you a license to practice law. You are qualified to defend these men and thus far have been fully sufficient towards that task.” Hardin soft-spoken man replies, “Thank you Sir, I appreciate the chance”.   Kate studied Hardin's face, wondering how he was going to turn that conversation to the advantage of his clients.Hardin walks forward and states “I came here today prepared to mount a case against Arcade’s Gang based upon their own questionable reputation, Hank Hill’s thinly veiled attempt to raise his stature in the eyes of the voters, and what was for the most part circumstantial evidence linking my clients to any actual criminal activity. However I feel that Mr. Porter’s first hand testimony has changed all of that. The main reason that I traveled to Promise City was to participate in a poker tournament. I have been a gambler long enough to recognize when I have been dealt a loosing hand, as is clearly the case with this trial. I have discussed this with my clients and at this point in time we are prepared to dispense with the remainder of this trial. They plead guilty to the charges of rustling as well as breaking and entering at the Perez Ranch. They however plead innocent to the charges of murder, as it was Luther and Ashley King who killed the two victims at the Palace Saloon and not any of the three of them. They...we, ask for the mercy of the court, as none of them having ever been convicted of any felony before and all of them are very repentant of their most recent actions.”Kate spent a moment staring before her mind began to race. Because they buildings they'd blown up hadn't managed to kill anyone they should avoid culpability for the destruction they caused? They had taken it upon themselves to destroy other buildings... She was glad to hear them plead guilty, she wished they would plead to all the crimes they'd committed.Judge Isby says, “I appreciate your being forthright and of the men having the integrity to admit the truth."   He pauses and then states, "However, as far as any mercy is concerned I find that it is not warranted. Mr. Watkins appeared before me just a few months ago, at which time I was lenient and gave him a second chance, which he has clearly squandered. Mr. Snavely appeared before me just days ago at which time he committed high perjury and then afterwards committed an escape from jail, both of which are felonies. And Mr. Shackelton has committed the most repulsive act of all, attempting to corrupt a youth entrusted to his care and putting that youth’s life in mortal danger.  I do not need to find them guilty of murder, the admission of guilt for rustling itself carries the death penalty. I sentence the three of them to hang before sunset tonight.”Kate squeezed Conrad's hand, her other hand clenched in her skirt. Her eyes settled on each of the men in turn ending with Shackelton and wondered where their lives had gone wrong and who had taught them to hate so much.   Attorney Hardin immediately states “I wish to appeal that ruling.” Judge Isby replies, “As is your right. According to the Constitution of the Arizona Territory you have five days to file that appeal with the Governor. Until then these men will be held at the County Jail in Tombstone.    Marshal Berg, I believe that the Wells Fargo Stage has a Friday night run to Tombstone leaving in less than an hour. Please make arrangements with the Deputy Sheriffs to see that these men are on it. Also coordinate with the Sheriffs to ensure that between your lawpersons and them that at least two lawmen remain guard over Mr. Earp at all times from now until his trial on Monday."   "We will," Berg replies. Berg and his deputies round up three prisoners and head out the door with them.   Once they were gone Kate said to Conrad, "I don't want to be here. Can we go? I don't really care where, just out of here."   Before Kate and Conrad can get up Judge Isby says, “Mr. Grant Porter, please rise for sentencing.” The young man stands. Judge Isby says, “I hereby sentence you to six years imprisonment for your willing participation in the actions of the Hooded Riders. However, I am also prepared to offer you an alternative. Two of your teachers led you astray, your other teacher can lead you to salvation. Doctor Eaton, please explain to the court the telegram that you have received.” The Doctor stands and says, “I have received a telegram in response to one that I sent this morning. I contacted the Captain Armand Hennessy, the commander of the United States Navy ship that I served under. He presently has a position open on his ship for a Pharmacist Mate to assist the ship’s doctor. It is a job in which Grant Porter is well qualified for from working with his father. Captain Hennessy is willing to take on Mr. Porter for a six-year enlistment. Mr. Porter would have to report by a week from Monday, June 26th, as that is when they set sail from San Francisco.” Judge Isby says to Porter, “Well son, what would you prefer, six-years in the Arizona Territorial Prison or a chance to spend that same period of time serving your country with honor?” Grant does not hesitate to reply, “I choose to join the Navy Sir.” Judge Isby says, “Very well. Your father and Doctor Eaton will accompany you to San Francisco leaving Promise City on Thursday of next week, they cannot leave sooner than that due to Doctor Eaton being a candidate in the upcoming election. Mr. Porter, you would normally be held in jail until that time however your father has agreed to post bond for you, putting your family’s home and business up as collateral. What that means is that you can spend the next six days with your family instead of behind bars, but if you attempt to flee the bond will be forfeited and your family will loose everything. Do you understand?” Grant replies, “I do sir. I assure you, I won’t be going anywhere until Doctor Eaton and Father are ready to leave with me.” “Very well”, the Judge replies. He pounds the gavel and states, “We are adjourned.”"That was well done," Kate said, some of the desperation fleeing from her face. "I'm not sure Doctor Eaton would have done that a month ago.  Let's go outside, I want the sunshine."  Conrad says, "I have to be with the acting company in another hour but there's time to go eat. How about either the restaurant at the Promise City Hotel or perhaps the Silver Dollar Restaurant? It should be fairly easy to find a table as I imagine most of the townspeople will be heading over to watch the hanging of Koontz and Skull."Kate answers, "If they actually hang. I don't think there's been a planned hanging where the fugitives didn't escape since I've been here. Either way, I don't want to be there to see it. How about the Silver Dollar? The hotel might still be busy with so many people visiting."   "The Silver Dollar it is then," he states. He takes her arm and escorts her to the building. Not surprisingly, half of the other patrons in the establishment are also performers in the evening's play. The handsome man dining in the table beside them however is a stranger. He is attired in a nicely pressed suit, frilly silk shirt, western tie and a dark cowboy hat.  Haywood Smith comes with two glasses of ice water. He gives them menus which show that tonight's specials are a shank-cut steak with potatoes, hot rolls and green beans, breaded lamb chops with squash and green beans, or Walter O'Reiley's World Famous Beef Stew served in a bread bowl.Kate says, "Green beans sound like heaven right now," Kate said, deciding on the steak. "I'm sorry if I was a little anxious to leave. It was all just so ugly I didn't want to be around it anymore. Lucky for me tonight there is beauty to be seen.  Are you nervous about tonight, or are you far too experienced for such a small thing as nerves?"He replies, "Oh, I get nervous before every performance, most actors do. I should be more nervous with my father there, his presence has certainly got other people in the company on edge, but his being there actually calms me."  While they are dining a woman enters the building. Kate recognizes her from the school's dedication ceremony, her husband having painted the sign, but does not recall the woman's name.  She heads over toward the adjacent table with the man dining alone. He appears startled to see her. She exclaims, "Brett Darling, how wonderful to hear that you are in town!" He puts down his stew spoon, wipes his mouth and chin with his napkin, and says, "Why Moria, darling, I am surprised that you would even speak to me after our last encounter. Shouldn't you still be at that fine San Francisco Spa, the Harwell House?" Conrad's head tweaks just a little at that. The woman replies, "That is all behind me, I am willing to let bygones be bygones." She seats herself and says, "Although I do hope that you brought enough money to pay for two to join the poker tournament." He replies, "And why should I pay your entry fee?" She says, "Consider it repayment darling, one-hundred dollars for each month that you arranged for me to be at that...spa."  Conrad whispers to Kate "Harwell House is a woman's prison."She whispered as well. "She did say it was all behind her. And I believe she is the wife of the man who painted the sign for the school, she was at the dedication. Beside, we have no idea what she might have done.   Who is the gentleman?"   Conrad replies, "Brett Maverick, probably my most challenging competitor in the tournament.""So he's the one who'll have to settle for second place," Kate laughed. "He's quite handsome; he rather reminds of Jake. I'd guess they're cut from he same cloth. I hope you're going to let him win at collecting ladies hearts, although even that might be impossible after Romeo.  I wonder if he will pay her fee. If he does I'll keep my eyes open at the tournament, just in case. Not that I'll know what to look for."Conrad and Kate catch the next exchange from the adjacent table as Brett says "So when did you arrive, today's stage Miss Stone?" She replies, "No, actually I live here in Promise City, it's been my home for the last year." Maverick nods and says, "Ah, and which saloon do you deal at?" She replies, "None, I haven't touched a playing card since I arrived in town. And the name is Enion, not Stone" She flashes him her left hand.  He does look surprised and says, "Ah, a ring on your finger, so you're going for a long con.  You've hooked yourself a wealthy husband who doesn't know about your past!" She laughs and says, "Sorry to disappoint you but it's no con, I'm happily married to a man who is poor as dirt, has to work two jobs just to keep a tin roof over our heads. And he knows all about my past, in fact we met in Harwell House, where he was the maintenance man and painter." Maverick smiles and says, "So you've been hiding your past not from him but you have from the town. Don't you think this tournament will blow your cover?" She says, "It may not be a secret any more, Mr. Van Horne knows who I am and who my father is. And with the $ 30,000 purse Patrick and I will be able to enjoy a more pleasant life style. He can quit his second job and just focus upon what he likes to do most." Maverick says, "Yes, but only if I put up the money for you to play. What if I only brought enough for one entrance fee?" She replies, "Then you can watch me play. You owe me and I intend to collect, put up my $ 3,000 and we're square." He replies, "How can I resist such a tempting offer. As it turns out, I do have enough for two, put if you win I expect fifty-percent."  She smiles and says, "Ten percent, to which you'll say forty I'll say twenty and after some more haggling we'll settle on thirty. Let's just cut to the chase and shake on that amount now." He says, "Agreed, but before I front you the money let's have Attorney Hardin draw up the papers to make it nice and legal." She says, "Hardin? Why not one of the town attorneys?" Maverick replies, "I don't know them, or more to the point, you do know them. I've played cards with Hardin before. I outdrew him too, which I'm sure he still remembers."   Kate lifted an eyebrow at Conrad while she sipped her drink. "The things you learn," she whispered.   He smiles and says, "Yes, I can only hope that my performance of Shakespeare will be half as entertaining."   Kate answers, "Nice to know there's someone in town who can outdraw Hardin. Although we seem to be surrounded by people who turned their lives around. It makes me feel better about this afternoon.  As for your performance tonight, I expect to be riveted. And I get to dress for the theatre which I haven't done in ages."   "Very well," he replies.</blockquote>

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