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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3746381" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-ninety-two, “Adair’s Secrets”, Friday, June 16th, 3:30 P.M. Jake and Gonzales remove the box and open it. Contained within are two bound bundles of un-circulated British currency, one being fifty 1000 pound bank notes and the other fifty 500 pound bank notes; some newspaper clippings, a stack of twelve pages of documents that all appear to be legal documents of various types, two passports, a thin wooden box with a dozen bullets, a woman’s diamond engagement ring, two gold necklaces with heart-shaped lockets, a key with a paper tag attached to it with the number “#58 - Southampton” written on the tag, four large gold coins with Germanic writing and portraits of German leaders and the final item is a seven-by-nine inch photographic portrait of four men standing together, two in uniforms, the youngest non-uniformed man being Adair with writing on the back in German. Jake immediately starts looking at the legal documents. The documents begin with four single-page property deeds – One to a house in Oakland, California, one to a house in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, one for the Palace Saloon in Promise City, Arizona Territory and the other to a house and farm in Jefferson City, Missouri. A three page document loaning $ 150,000 from Evan Adair to Republican Nation Chairman Zechariah Chandler dated November 22, 1876 stating that the purpose of the donation is to assist with legal issues regarding the disputed election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden. Next is a four-page $ 70,000 loan document from Evan Adair to an Augustus Prentiss dated July 5, 1878. Slipped in between the pages of the document is a newspaper story dated June 28, 1878 regarding a $ 70,000 discrepancy in the books of the California Diocese of the Roman-Greek Church with quotes from the Diocese Treasurer Bishop Charles McCoy stating that a formal investigation is taking place. Another newspaper clipping dated July 7, 1878 indicates that the missing money was located, with McCoy stating that it was never actually missing but that a large deposit had been erroneously made to the wrong church account. The final document is a one-page $ 20,000 loan document from Evan Adair to a Harvey McCoy of Oakland, California dated November 11, 1878. While looking at the other things Jake says, "I know we did not come here to rob a bank. I am not sure we can, without a doubt, get what we need in nine minutes. Since you are my partner in this I will respect your moral stance on this question. The owner of this box is a liar, thief, black mailer and a murderer. What is worse is, as far as I can tell, he enjoys all those roles. I put it to you that we just take the contents of this box with us as is, and sort it out in safety. We take something for our troubles, and in a delicious turn of irony we help the town in his name. For example, I can imagine a scenario where we start an education foundation with some of this money, guarantee that all children in town have the opportunity of an education paid for from a school trust fund. I would be happy to arrange such a endeavor if this money turns out to still have value." Jake has a huge smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. "What do you say? There is something undeniably satisfying about it, do you not think?" While Jake has been talking Gonzeles has been looking at the newspaper clippings that were with the money. He says, "Jake, I don't know about our taking that money. These are from various British newspapers, dated August 2 through 5, 1874, They describe a London bank robbery where four people were killed, specifically one teller, one bank guard and two policemen. The articles say that the three male robbers successfully stole 425,000 pounds. The bank was insured by Lloyds of London, who have offices here in the United States, and are probably still actively working the case." Jake says, "This is more than I can figure out in a few precious minutes." He scratches his chin a couple of times and faint grin comes to his lips. "Perhaps we should bring the money back to Promise City. Give it back to Adair... sort of. Hide it in his house or saloon and get some word to Lloyds about someone bragging about a bank robbery in Britain and let them settle it out. With some cleverly planned help of course." Gonzales says, "Jake, you over think things. We just need to let Lloyds know it is here, this is Adair's bank box isn't it? The article also mentions who the Scotland Yard detective handling the case is. A few telegrams should get the ball rolling." Jake smiles genuinely. "I may over think things but you cannot deny my style. I bow to your superior wisdom, let us just take what we need and wake poor mister greedy banker." The elf replies, "I'm just concerned about being caught holding money, older bills in mint condition no less, from a bank robbery where people were killed. I would have a hard time with an alibi too as those dates indicate that it occurred at a time when I was actually living in Europe. As for the banker, that's why I waited until you were both turning the keys to cast the spell, it's usually best to put people to sleep when they are actively doing something so if they wake up doing the same thing they will be confused about what just happened but less inclined to think that a gap of time is missing. We will want to keep him busy in here afterwards for a while, otherwise he'll look at a clock and realize that some time is missing." Gonzales glances at the watch and says, "We have three-and-a-half minutes left and will need the last thirty seconds to stand him back up." He briefly glances at the two passports and then hands them to Jake saying, "Take a look at these, we'll probably want to leave one or both behind so they have a clear picture of who the box owner is." One passport is a German passport issued to Evanovich Kowalski Adarcziek of Warsaw. It lists his date of birth as June 18, 1850 in Krakow, Poland. The stamps inside show movement within the Austrio-Hungarian Empire in the 1860’s and the Germanic Empire in the early 1870’s as well as some stamps from Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. The photograph is of Evan Adair and resembles his age in the photograph with the other three men. The second passport is a French passport issued to Evangelou Frenchette Adairre of Paris. It lists his date of birth as June 18, 1852 in Nice, France. The stamps inside show moment between France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and England between the years 1869 and 1874. The final stamp shows arrival in the United States from England on September 13, 1874. The photograph is also of Evan Adair but appears older than that in the German passport but younger than he is today. Jake says, "I'd say leave them both. Not sure what the first one would tell the investigators by itself, but together they do not paint a law abiding picture. The second has important dates relating to the newspaper articles." Jake begins neatly securing the other documents on his person so he will be ready when Gonzalez indicates it is time to position the banker Drysdale. Jake returns his hand to the key in the turned position, watching the banker out of the corner of his eye. The banker regains consciousness, Gonzales waiting a second until he is steady on his feet before releasing the levitation spell. Drysdale shakes his head and acts confused about what just happened. He then notices that Jake's persona has turned his key so finishes turning his own key and helps remove the empty safety deposit box. Drysdale says, "So this metal box will hold safe your property where it will be locked in this vault and only you will have access to get to it." "Huh," Jake says in his Jay Brothers voice. He turns it this way and that, testing its strength and knocking on it with his knuckles. "Show me that there key of yers can't open this dern thing w'out mine." Jake keeps the banker busy with that and several other inane requests for a few more minutes before saying, "Well, I reckon it seems secure." He then takes the meaningless valuables they brought and begin to stow them in the box. "Hey young fella, don't be openin' that thar book. That's only fer me to look in." Drysdale assures Jake that the valuables are safe from anybody other than him from getting at them. They return to the banker's office to complete the paperwork for the box and for the banker to collect the fee. He says, "The cost of the box is one dollar a month." Jake half heartedly attempts to get a discount for the year but gives in easy and agrees to pay him for three months, "I'll be back down from-," Jake stops himself pretending he received a look from Miguel and then finishes, "from the mine around two months from now wi' me pockets full 'er gold. If'n this city slicker place ain't lost my stuff by then, I'll be puttin' some gold in yer bank too." When the banker Drysdale is done with his insipid gratitude, the disguised pair leave the building. Gonzales flags down a carriage and asks to be taken to the Los Angeles Library. He and Jake climb inside. Jake says, "The library? I know what it is, but why?" Gonzales replies, “Some quick research, I would like to know the telephone number for the nearest Lloyds of London Office. One call should get things in motion and if we don't call within the next hour they'll be gone for the weekend." "Telephone, heh. Seems like magic." Jake laughs, "No do not burst my bubble and explain to me how it works, either way it is alien and beyond my attention span." Jake seems content to follow the old wizard. They enter the library and he speaks to an elderly man at the reference desk. He is given a book that discusses in detail businesses in the United States. "Ah, here it is," he says in a strongly thick Mexican accent. He jots down a series of numbers on a sheet of paper. They then head next door to a restaurant where Gonzales hands the man at the desk a $ 5 bill and asks if there is a telephone he can use. They are shown to a wooden booth in the corner. Gonzales takes the receiver off the phone and tells the Operator he wants Lloyds of London San Francisco Office and the exchange. He then tells the next person that he has information regarding an 1874 bank robbery in London that Lloyds paid $ 425,000 in losses on. While he is waiting to be connected he then hands the phone to Jake. Jake rolls his eyes and takes the phone. "Magic," he mutters. When someone comes to the phone, Jake answers but in a voice with a Mississippi drawl, "Howdy, y'all ken here me? Good. Not sure if'n y'all be still chasin' afta them thats robbed the bank across the ocean in Britain." Jake listens and nods, "Y'all still lookin' into that? Good. Well I don't be knowin' much but overheared some liquored up braggart talkin' somethin' about robbery, shootin' some men and takin' loads of pounds. Pounds o' what I don't know." Jake listens again but the smirk is wide on his face. He controls it and continues. "Oh. Why don't they jus call em dollars like we do?" Smiling, Jake listens again. "We'll I be a god fearin' man and figgered I should tell someone what I heard." Pause. "No, I didn't see the man's face but I heard some of his brags. Somethin' about a box with a number on it. One hundred and fourteen. That and somethin' about the Commerce Bank in Los Angeles California. He also joked and laughed about name, Evangelou F. Adairre”. Jake listens and nods again. "No, nothing else. Oh, wait, another joke about a palace in some place called Promise City Arizona. No, I don't understand the joke but they were all liquored up so maybe that's why it was funny to them." The man with the British accent on the other end of the phone then asks, "And what would your name be sir? And where might I be able to find you?" Jake feigns fear in his voice, "What would y'all need to find me fer? I mean, I don't want no murderin' bank robbers comin' lookin' fer me 'cause they find out the law is after 'em." The man replies, "It would help if I could meet you in person to find out more from you about exactly what happened. Could you hold on a minute? I want to check something." Jake replies, "I don't know about no meeting but I'll wait on you a moment sir." Jake says, "I don't know about no meeting but I'll wait on you a moment sir." After a short delay the voice returns and says, "Did you say Promise City, Arizona Territory? According to the San Francisco Chronicle there is a high stakes poker tournament going on there this weekend. Did you hear this man say anything about gambling?" Jake says, "I didn't hear nothin' 'bout no tournament, but now that y'all saw the word he did brag 'bout gamblin' though." The man at the other end says, "Well sir, I appreciate your assistance in this matter. I need to end this conversation to make some telephone calls. I anticipate being in Los Angeles early tomorrow morning. Is there a place where we can meet? And what did you say your name was?" Jake answers, "Like I said, I don't know that I should be meetin' y'all. Might not be safe, I don't know why its worth riskin' my life. We might meet, the gods willin' sir. For time bein, sir, y'all ken call me quicksilver. What is yer name, good sir?" He replies, "My name is Harcourt Rugglesby III. If you wish to meet I anticipate stepping off the train at 7:53 A.M. tomorrow on Track 29." "Godspeed and luck to you sir," Jake says and terminates the call. "Thanks for the warning, senor." Jake shakes his head and laughs. Gonzales says, "You did fine. Let's find us somewhere private and change back, then we can go visit Maggie before heading back." Jake nods. When they are ready to change, he removes the items he brought along to have in disguise plus the papers from the bank. "I never did believe the grass is greener. I am always quite please to be me again." Jake takes the moment to examine his hands and arms as a reassurance, but it is not long before his ever present smile is back in place. "Let us go have your visit, I am ready to go back when you are." Gonzales hails another cab and gives the driver the address. While Jake and Gonzales are away in Los Angeles back at the Lucky Lady Job Kane and Cornelius Van Horne are busy supervising the changes at the saloon to accommodate the play this evening. The tables have all been removed and stored either upstairs or outside covered over with tarps. Jeff Mills and Michael George are busy getting the gun check area and bar ready for a considerably larger number of patrons than usual. The pugilist Finnegan and the ogre Copernicus (rescued from the Cunningham mine) are busy bringing over another 100 chairs from the Town Hall and setting them up in rows behind the Lucky Lady's chairs which have been arranged as the front three rows. Western Union telegram operator Dave Melany arrives with a stack of telegrams for Mr. Van Horne and one for Jake Cook. Van Horne explains Jake isn't around at the moment and signs for it as well. After reviewing the contents of the telegrams he has a brief discussion with Job Kane and then brings the stack upstairs to his own room. Back in Los Angeles, Jake and Gonzales arrive outside of a large wooden restaurant with the sign "Maggie's" above the door. They enter starts with a vast lobby, 20 by 40 feet and lined on all walls with various couches that are either new or newly reupholstered. They then enter the main restaurant, which is a vast room 100 feet wide and 75 feet long, filled with chairs and tables. Around twenty-five tables have patrons dining at them, some human, some elvan, some half-elvan. The single-story building has a high ceiling, twenty feet up, with elaborate lit candle chandeliers. Two doors in the rear lead to a large kitchen where they had originally arrived. The other side of the room has a large stage, fifteen feet out and running most of the 75-foot length of the building. A full-sized grand piano sits atop of it. New curtains are on both sides of the stage, with ropes to draw them. Nearly two-dozen waitresses wearing formal long sleeve dresses with white aprons at the tables as waitresses. The hostess asks if the two would like to be seated. Gonzales says, "Yes, two for a light meal. And could you also tell Maggie Whipple that some old friends are here to see her." They are brought to a table and handed menus, showing a rather expansive selection. Within minutes Jake sees Maggie Whipple appear and head in their direction, him recognizing her by her eyes as her appearance has otherwise changed considerably since their last meeting, with her having lost twenty-pounds, dyed her smattering of grey hairs dark, is attired in a dress far too spectacular for the likes of Promise City and in general looks to be a decade younger. A smile fills her face and she exclaims "Manuel! Jake! What a pleasant surprise!" "Hi Maggie. The place looks grand, but pales in comparison to what being in Los Angeles has done for you." Jake makes small talk and answers her questions about the people in Promise City. Jake and Gonzales complete a relaxing meal and conversation with Maggie and she then gives them a tour. While they are in the pantry Gonzales has Jake distract her enough for him to retrieve where he had stashed his brazier. They then depart, finding a deserted alleyway for him to light up the brazier and cast the spell to return back home. They arrive back in his workshop room.</blockquote>

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