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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3823557" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-ten, “The Tournament Begins“, Saturday, June 17th, 12:00 P.M. As the clock ticks to the hour of Noon the hostess Darla Peacock calls for everybody to take their places at their respective tables. Jake comments to Katherine , "I would be happy to satisfy your curiosity another time, if you are sure you want to know. Sometimes not knowing is some protection, especially if you hang around with the likes of me." He raises his glass to her, "Thanks again." He takes his seat. Most of the gamblers have drinks from the Lucky Lady, but Adair once more has one of his working girls bring him in two glasses of ice water, although not before a very cautious Jonathan Harker requires a sample from each glass to be poured into other glasses to be checked. The audience settle into their places, arranging chairs or standing by the tables that they anticipate to have the most exciting games and/or specific participants who they wish to watch. The young waiters and waitresses are kept very busy bringing food and drink orders to those in attendance while Stanley Barker keeps up an ongoing rhythm of light piano tunes in the background that add ambiance to the games and helps muffle the voices from the other tables without being a noticeable distraction to the players. As the players took their seats Kate brought Conrad's accustomed glass of whiskey at which he would sip for the next several hours, then faded into the background, letting the children do the work and collect the tips unless they became overwhelmed. For her own place Kate sought out Edwin Booth in the crowd. She sees him chatting with the reporter Chumbley and overhears the elder Booth tell the halfling that Conrad is his youngest brother. Kate smiled to herself at hearing Edwin say so easily that Conrad was his brother. Although it wasn't what Conrad had been looking for in many ways being a brother rather than a son was a blessing. It was something that could be more easily brought into both their lives without turning them upside-down. She would deliver Jake's message once the players were absorbed in the game and there would be less attention on Mr. Van Horne. Unfortunately Van Horne, being one the dealers, never leaves the table during the initial two-and-a-quarter hours so she has no opportunity to do so. She chastised herself for not remembering that Mr. Van Horne would be a dealer today. For some reason she'd thought as host he wouldn't be sitting at any of the tables. Perhaps it was "Momma brain," as Ginnie called it. She would just have to pass the message on at her first opportunity. During the first two hours the tables run by Job Kane and Cornelius Van Horne tend to be the most volatile. At Kane’s table gambler Brett Maverick takes an early lead, winning most of the hands with Long Branch Saloon gambler Wendell Spaulding winning whichever hands Maverick does not. At a point mid-way to the first scheduled break John Hardin, Willy Spinner and Bat Masterson are all down several hundred dollars from where they began. Van Horne’s table is comparable, with professional gambler Brady Hawkes dominating the game largely at the expense of Twitchy Brooklyn, Victor Muratz and Jefferson Smith. At Bradford Rhinehardt’s table there is no clear early winner, gamblers Booth and Ivers each with a slight lead, although an early loser has materialized in former Governor Safford who fails to win any of the first dozen hands dealt. Isaac Steven’s table also has rather balanced play, with the notable exceptions of Luke Short who after a few hours is up several hundred most of which had belonged to Joe Cartwright. The table run by Steven’s sister Marybeth Osborne during the first two hours has experienced some of the most boring poker ever seen, with most participants apparently focused upon studying their opponents style of play and playing very cautiously themselves. Nearly every hand is either being played at the minimum ante or being raised by only a copper coin. By 2:15 P.M. each player is no more than $ 100 higher or lower than when they began. However, during that time college-boy Hearst has managed to give away so many ‘tells’ that the experienced gamblers at the table are now in a position to capitalize on that at their leisure. The other young man, Roosevelt, has thus far indicated a desire for aggressive play but managed to keep those temptations in check. Interestingly enough, that table has three Promise City gamblers at it, Jake Cook of the Lucky Lady, Burton Lumley of the Gay Lady and Hamilton Fisk who plays regularly at the Long Branch, but despite the saloons all being across streets from one another these three men have seldom if ever played together. Jake had gotten into one long game with Lumley last January, before either man knew who the other was, and the first two hours of this game are enough to remind Jake of exactly how he defeated Lumley that previous time. The time goes quickly for Jake, who is indeed enjoying every moment. The music, spectators and even the other tables fade away as he immerses himself in the game. He knows the real sounds of danger: the strained voice, an odd foot step, the click of hammer being pulled back, or the snick of a blade leaving its sheath. Short of any of these sounds, he is not to be distracted. Even the pretentious trappings with which Van Horne has adorned the saloon are of no consequence. In it for the long haul, he is busy absorbing the others tells and habits. He consciously create false habits for the others to observe, like arranging his cards in certain hands as if it helped him think about a difficult hand. Jake had many styles of play in his bag of tricks. He could grind, bluff, draw conservative or take bold risks. He was comfortable with them all, happy to use the one that worked in each game or hand for that matter. He was so engrossed in the game that often his bourbon grew lonely at his elbow. The aggressive play continues at Job Kane’s table with Maverick continuing to dominate although Lottie Dano has gotten into the act as well. By evening break time Maverick has increased his starting money by $1,700; Dano has by $900, Spinner and Spaulding are close to even; Masterson is down $800; and Hardin has less than half of what he started with. Van Horn’s table tells a similar story, with Commodore Duvall having won the final three hands before the break leaving him like Maverick at $1,700 ahead. Moria Stone Enion is up a few hundred. The other four participants are each down between $300 and $1,000. Forest Morand emerges as the luckiest player at Isaac Stevens table and by break time has dominated the game at the expense of his occasional Lucky Lady opponent Helen Barker. By the break he is up $ 800 while she now has only half of what she began with. Luke short is still up some and Joe Cartwright down some from the early hours of the game. Rhinehardt’s table had fallen into mediocre play, with all six participants falling into sharing hands and cutting back on larger bets. By break time Safford is still down $500 from his early losses while the remaining players are not far from where they began, with prospector Ned Walters having the largest increase. Marybeth Osborne’s table begins to show some minor activity as they near the first break with Silver Jake Cook finally putting into play his knowledge of Hearst and Lumbley’s weaknesses. By the time the break is called at 4:30 P.M. he is up around $800; Fisk, Franklin and Roosevelt are each up a few hundred, Lumley is down $600 and Hearst is down around $800. As much as he would like to share his thoughts with someone at break, Jake does not. No giving away anything. He finally sips at his neglected bourbon while waiting for some food and water. Lumley is just suffering because I am at the table, he thinks to himself. He is better than that. Hearst on the other hand is just easy pickings, even when he did have the cards he made a flat call. I do not want to give too much away this early, but it is a good idea to start building my stack. He remembers everything Red taught him about long haul gaming. After a small amount of food, and a goodly amount of water, Jake makes the obligatory trip to the outhouse and then back to be ready. He stays on his feet the whole time to prevent them from getting uncomfortable from all the sitting. When the table broke up for dinner, Kate hurried over to Mr. Van Horne and spoke quietly in his ear. "There is some logistics business I'd like to discuss with you somewhere quieter. Do you have a moment?" While he is talking the security men count and gather up the chips while the other four dealers all head upstairs. He replies "Yes, certainly, I have asked Maria to make sure that a meal was waiting for the dealers in a private room upstairs but we could have a chat for a few minutes in another of the upstairs rooms if you would like." "I'd appreciate it, it won't take but a moment." Kate led the way upstairs and into one of the other private rooms, letting Van Horne close the door behind them. She dropped her voice. "Jake just wanted me to pass on a message. The McCoy's are no longer under Evan Adair's thumb. That Adair does not yet know that the blackmail materials are no longer in his possession, and that Lloyd's of London may be by over the weekend to talk to said gentleman about past misdeeds. Damned if I know what any of it means, but there it is." Van Horne replies, "I thank you my dear, and would you please pass on to Mr. Cook that Mr. Adair also mistakenly believes that Frank Lucky, Isaac Steven and Marybeth Osbourne are also willing to do what he wishes. However, I believe that he does not expect us to begin helping him cheat to win until some time tomorrow, so as not to make it too obvious and feels he can get through the first day on his own skill set." She replies, "Yes, I can do that. Jake trusts you so I will, but I hope to someday understand all this," she said. "Enjoy your dinner. I'll speak to Jake and get back to work. My own dinner will have to wait until the games start again, I'm afraid." Mr. Van Horne politely held the door for her and Kate hurried back downstairs. She found Jake finally enjoying his bourbon. "Care to stretch your legs outside for a moment?" she asked. Jake nods and follows. Kate looked around to make sure no one was close enough to listen then delivered Mr. Van Horne's message, finishing by saying, "Adair believes he can get by today without help, so the big surprises for him shouldn't start until tomorrow." Jake answers, "Thank you. I trust he will enjoy his surprises." Jake looks around as well before whispering, "I assisted your teacher in lightening the load of a safe deposit box owned by that snake. We discovered he may have been part of a bank robbery including some killings in Britain that Lloyds paid out on. Someone made an anonymous call to the Lloyds office in San Francisco." Jake shrugs and smiles. "It may be quite a show, if those limey's are as good as their reputation." "My, you have been busy," Kate said, laughing. "This is liable to be your best weekend in a long time. How fortunate for us that some good Samaritan informed the authorities that such a man was in our midst. Can they get here so quickly?" Again, the characteristic Jake shrug. "If they were wise they could have prayed for the speed of Hermes," followed by a the characteristic Jake smirk. "Either that or if they have enough evidence they might telegraph the law here or in the territory asking to have him held. I will be patient and wait for this gift like ambrosia falling from the heavens. I have other pleasure to attend to." Indicating back inside he says, "After you, Katherine." Kate had proceeded Jake back inside, glad to see him in such a good mood, and equally glad that Evan Adair was likely to have a very bad weekend. All the worse because he expected to have a very good one. The games got started again and she was just thinking of slipping out for her own dinner when Job shouted. She found a spot where she could see, but not be easily seen by others in case of trouble. People make their way back inside. The games resume promptly at 5:00 P.M. and where a few gamblers have not made it back a copper coin is added to the ante from their chip stack. Those players are all back in short order. Fewer than ten minutes pass, with the first hand still not completed at the table Jake is at, when at another table Job Kane loudly calls out the word “Shenanigans”. Stanley Barkers stops playing the piano as the dealers at each table instruct all of their players to stop playing and to remain quiet. Jeff Mills, Timothy Finnegan and Boston Harker all make their way over towards Job’s table from opposite directions followed by Darla Peacock. The entire saloon quiets down, with no voices louder than a whisper. Hostess Peacock asks Job “What seems to be the problem?” Job replies, “Mr. Maverick has some concerns about changes in Mr. Hardin’s posture.” She turns towards Maverick waiting for a response. The charming gambler smiles and says “I was just commenting that upon returning from the break Attorney Hardin no longer appears to be able to sit as far back in his chair as he did before, almost as though there was an obstruction of some sort.” Marshall Berg has been standing inside the Lucky Lady near the door. He moves out the door and gestures to Deputy Martin to come in and join him. Jake remains seated and lets the others handle the trouble with Hardin. Both Finnegan and Mills move up to Hardin from each side while Harker remains across the table behind Maverick and moves his hand to his holstered gun. Miss. Peacock states, “Mr. Hardin, please extend both of your hands out to side and slowly stand.” He hesitates for a minute and Finnegan moves in closer. Hardin then does as instructed. Finnegan reaches over to pat the back of Hardin’s suit jacket and when he touches near the small of the back above the belt exclaims “Feels like a gun.” Boston Harker draws his revolver and points it in Hardin’s direction. Deputy Helen Barker also stands, her pearl-handled revolver now extended in that direction as well. Jeff Mills then grabs and pulls up the coat tails while Finnegan reaches over and extracts the concealed revolver. Hostess Peacock looks Hardin in the eye and states “I am very disappointed in you sir, your participation in this tournament has now ended. I also have serious concerns about just letting you walk away given your reputation for having a hot temper.” She turns towards Mitchell Berg and says, “Marshal, is there a charge you can hold him on?” Berg replies, “I believe so, I will take him into custody now and discuss charges with you and Mr. Van Horne during your next break.” Berg turns toward the gunslinger and states “Mr. Hardin, Please place both of your hands atop your head and accompany myself and Deputy Martin.” Once they are out the door Darla states “Everybody, resume what you were doing.” Stanley Barker immediately begins playing the piano, selecting a slightly more lively song than he had been playing before. Deputy Neil Cassidy returns to take the guard role outside with Chester now watching the tournament inside. Once Mr. Hardin had been escorted away, Kate stopped over at the bar and gave them her armbands. "I'm going to get some dinner myself, and I have to play tonight over at the Gay Lady for the play. I'll come back here as soon as it's over." Kate then went to the El Parador and had one of Dorita's good dinners. Afterward she changed into the midnight blue evening dress she'd worn when Mr. Gonzales had taken her to Los Angeles and went to the Gay Lady. Stanley Barker plays for another hour before having to leave to head over to the Gay Lady for the Romeo and Juliet play, at which time he turns the keyboard over to his student Harry Rote. Nate Caudell arrives wearing a pressed suit and is handed green Lucky Lady arm bands. He joins Michael George at the bar as the second bartender. The Saloon fills up around dinner time, due in part to people getting off work and wanting to see the tournament, and also because word has made it around town that excellent cook Hannah Milford is assisting Maria in the kitchen. Another “Shenanigans” call rings out at 7:15 PM, this time it is a spectator who is confronted by the security and Hostess Peacock. The man identifies himself as Alan Hart and says he was just traveling through Promise City. They accuse him of being ‘The Signalman’ to one of the gamblers, but they were unable to ascertain who he was signaling to. Even upon threats of prison he denies assisting anybody. The lawmen cart him off to jail and the games resume. With Hardin gone the play at Job Kane’s table becomes lively as both Ivers and Spinner had been intimidated by the gunman’s presence even with lawman Bat Masterson at the same table. The change however is not in Spinner’s favor as he looses hand-after-hand to the other players with Maverick, Spaulding and Dano winning most for the next two hours followed by two hours of Maverick alone winning nearly every hand. By the 9:30 break Maverick is $ 4,400 ahead of where he began while Spinner has lost 60% of his starting money and Spaulding is down by 40% with Dana and Masterson not much different than when they had begun. At Bradford Rhinehardt’s table Booth and Ivers have a few excellent hours at Ned Walters expense. Booth’s good fortune then changes when Evan Adair gets on a winning streak for the last ninety minutes, taking seven of eight hands, with Berwind winning the other. By the evening break Adair is up $ 2,200 with Berwind and Ivers each up a few hundred, Booth and Safford each down around $ 500 and Walters at half of what he started the game with. A winning streak was also present at Isaac Stevens table, Forest Morand winning the vast majority of the hands during the evening session with McNaulty and Thompson each winning enough to keep things interesting. Ever since Hardin’s arrest Helen Barker’s game was decidedly off, her having shifted from ‘gambler-mode’ to ‘deputy-mode’ and she never managed to shift back. Once her husband departs for the play her game deteriorates even further, making her the first player eliminated from the tournament when she goes broke at 8:30 P.M. Barker is far from alone though, with both Joe Cartwright and Luke Short also losing their last chips at that same table during the next hour. By the break Morand has the largest pile up chips in the room, up $ 5,300 from where he started. Thompson is $ 2,200 ahead and McNaulty is $ 1,500 ahead. Van Horne’s table begins the evening session with Hawks and Duvall dominating the game, Muratz and Enion holding their own and with Brooklyn and Smith on losing streaks. As the evening winds down towards the break Brooklyn washes out. The final hand at that table becomes a high-stake one which Jefferson Smith wins until it is discovered that he has cards up his sleeve. Van Horne calls out “Shenanigans” and Smith is turned over to Deputies Barker and Cassidy. The stack of coins go to the second highest hand, held by Brady Hawkes, who is now almost double what he began with Duvall not far behind and Muratz also well ahead while Moria Enion has lost around one-third of her starting chips. At the Osborne Table, the evening session began with Willie Hearst on a winning streak, prompting the bets to get higher although still well below the high-stakes betting going on elsewhere in the room. This proves disastrous towards the end for Hearst with him loosing several hands with Roosevelt having become less cautious doing the same. Fisk and Lumley are the primary recipients of those winnings, with Lumley and Fisk each up close to $ 1000 each, Franklin up a little, Cook down a little, and Hearst and Roosevelt each down around $ 1000 each.</blockquote>

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