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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3856695" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-nineteen, “Tomlinson’s Request“, Sunday, June 18th, 11:45 A.M. Chester takes his position on Main Street. His mind drifts back to last night when he went back to check on Franklin's "friends" back at the Promise City Hotel. They seemed surprised and had no idea how they got to Promise City. Chester explained that Franklin was some sort of hypnotist. Kate asked Mr. Chumbley for a copy of the day's paper, and after helping everyone get settled let the children take over as she looked it over. The top story has the headline “Van Horne Tournament Eliminates 60% of Players during Day One!” The story itself is a recap of the first day’s events, including colorful accounts of each time a cheater was caught. The reporter piles on high praises for the level of security provided. The story mentions Jim Franklin having completed the first day’s play but withdrawing from the tournament prior to day two, with speculation that an affiliation was discovered between him and at least one of the two ‘signal men’ who were arrested. The paper lists the remaining twelve player in descending order by starting funds for Day Two as follows: #1 $ 11,150….’Silver’ Jake Cook #2 $ 10,150….Evan Adair #3 $ 8,850…..Moria Stone Enion #4 $ 8,300…..Brady ‘The Gambler’ Hawkes #5 $ 8,200…..Brett Maverick #6 $ 7,600…..Bat Masterson #7 $ 7,500…..Governor Anson P.K. Safford #8 $ 7,400…..Commodore James Duvall #9 $ 6,850…..Forest Morand #10 $ 4,600…..’Poker’ Alice Ivers #11 $ 3,000…..Victor Muratz #12 $ 1,900…..Lottie ‘The Poker Queen’ Dano The paper speculates that due to the dollar discrepancies the lowest three will have a very difficult time in making a comeback but that with only a $ 2,000 different between #3 and #9, and those being just a few thousand under the top two, that the tournament is clearly up for grabs among those nine players. A second page one story has the headline “Mayoral Debate Tonight”. It mentions that the mayoral debate between Frank Condon, Hamilton Fisk and Emery Shaw will be at 7:00 PM in the town hall. The story also mentions that the deadline to finalize the tickets for all political parties is at 5:00 PM, so the full ballot including all last-minute substitutions will be announced at the beginning of the debate. The final story on the front page reads “Deadeye Douglas Spotted in New York”. The short article reads “Arthur Deadeye Douglas and his paramour and accomplice Mae Clarke were seen on Friday evening getting off a train in Rochester, New York. They were later seen meeting up with another woman believed to be either Sally Fox or Pamela Yeats. In the early morning hours Rochester Police and Pinkerton Detectives surrounded the hotel where the trio were staying but the outlaws somehow managed to escape capture. Until now a nationwide manhunt had failed to locate Douglas and Clarke who are believed to still be in the possession of over a million dollars from the recent Leadville, Colorado bank robbery. Gang members Fox and Yeats had been captured but escaped from prison on Thursday evening. Kate sighed and shook her head. At least they weren't anywhere near here. How they managed to slip away every time they were nearly caught was a mystery, although it wouldn't be surprising if they had magic at their disposal. She folded up the paper and went back to work, keeping an eye on the clock so she wouldn't be late for the play this afternoon. Players find their places at the tables, all of whom are with dealers they haven’t played with yet in the tournament. Cornelius Van Horne has at his table Jake Cook, Lottie Dano, Alice Ivers and Brett Maverick. Isaac Stevens has at his table Commodore Duvall, Brady Hawkes, Bat Masterson and Governor Safford. Job Kane has at his table Evan Adair, Moria Enion, Forest Morand and Victor Muratz. Muratz appears to be somewhat confused and disoriented, looking around the room as though he were seeing it for the very first time. Kate watched Mr. Muratz with sympathy, wondering if he had been in any way willing to help Franklin. Then she looked toward Job. Mr. Tomlinson had said he would clear Job's mind this morning, although she had not suspected anything before so was unsure she'd notice any difference now. Before the first hand is dealt, Jake recalls part of his conversation with Van Horne reflecting briefly on the players remaining in the tournament. Adair is doing better than he expected, but he is not at all surprised that he made it to the second day. Forest Morand is a surprise. Perhaps Jake new him too well from countless games played and underestimated his skill against others. Jake expected Lumley would not make day two, but was surprised when Conrad Booth did not. He did not expect Conrad to be a leader today, but guessed the man would at least make it to the start of day two. Too distracted, was all Jake could figure, he does not want this bad enough. The most of the other leaders are no surprise to Jake. During the first hour of play at the Van Horne table Brett Maverick comes out as the early leader at the table, winning five of the nine hands played, with Ivers winning two and with Cook and Dano each winning only one. Jake Cook decides to then assist Maverick at eliminating the first distraction at their table, Lottie Dano. Though she seemed to have quite a reputation, she had not measured up the top players this weekend. As he looks over his cards, deciding whether to drop this hand or stretch for the inside straight, Silver Jake Cooks mulls over his strategy for the next hour or so. Although I have a fair amount on him, it is too early to go after Maverick. All that will do at this point is let Ivers take advantage and climb back. No, sorry Alice, it is time for you to depart the tournament as another unnecessary distraction. Jake decides to uncharacteristically go for the inside straight, but not to risk too much on the bet. Keep them guessing on the pattern. He also begins the methodological process of taking 'Poker' Alice's remaining stake without leaving any advantage open to or confronting Maverick. Jake somehow knew he would be facing Brett Maverick as one of the players at the last table. With Jake’s more aggressive play Maverick’s luck turns, with Ivers taking five of the ten hands played in the next hour, Cook winning four, Maverick winning only one and Dano being the first player eliminated this day from the tournament. At that point Cook’s pile of chips is around the $ 12,000 mark, with Ivers at around half that and Maverick equidistant in between. Isaac Steven’s table has relatively boring play for the first hour, with the four players betting conservatively as they size up their opponents and dealer. By 1:00 PM only a few hundred dollars have shifted hands from Masterson to the other three players. During the next hour Commodore Duvall begins to dominate, winning seven of the next twelve hands played with Safford winning three and Hawkes winning two. By 2:00 PM Duvall’s stack of chips is up by $ 2,200 from noontime while Safford is down $ 400, Hawkes is down $ 600 and Masterson is down $ 1200. Over at Job Kane’s table Muratz comes out strong followed by Enion. As 2:00 PM draws near Adair has also started to win a few hands while Muratz’s winning streak begins to take a downturn. Enion’s winnings are now up $ 900 since noontime, Adair is up a few hundred while Morand and Muratz both now find themselves down several hundred. As things began to settle down Kate observed the tables, wishing to see Jake do a little better and Adair do a lot worse. Unfortunately, by the time things really got rolling it was time for her leave for the play. She turned in her armbands and thanked Harry again, then walked over to the town hall. Kate arrives at the Town Hall a little early and the public is not admitted in yet, but Conrad sees her and manages to get the door unlocked for her to enter. He says, "Don't kiss me, I already have my stage make-up on." "Don't kiss me... I never thought I'd hear those words from you," she teased. "I'll have to kiss you twice later." Kate also sees Kevin Tomlinson standing over near the stage, and from the way he is glancing at her she suspects he wishes to speak with her too. She looked over at Mr. Tomlinson until she met his eye and was certain he'd noticed. "I hope you got enough sleep last night." Conrad replies, "I believe that I did, and even if I have not getting on stage will give me a rush. Now my goal for this performance is to get through it without any of my friends and relatives getting shot. Do you think you can handle that for me?" She replies, “Not to worry. I made it a whole day yesterday without getting shot. I hope to extend that record to two days in a row. You just concentrate of your role; you don't get this opportunity very often anymore. I wish it could be more. Do you think the performances have been successful enough to warrant another production in a few months?" Conrad says, "Yes, I would think so. Miss. Marcus will be moving on, but in truth, her role in this production has not been nearly as great as I had expected it to be. In fact, I would say that myself, Estaban Fuente and Sandra Wainwright had far more to do with it than Josephine did." Kate says, “"To be fair, she has been distracted these last two weeks. There is so much talent in this town, it would be a shame not to see it put to good use. And perhaps next time I can be more involved. I'd like to see something by Oscar Wilde, or George Bernard Shaw myself. If this town can handle Shakespeare they can certainly handle a comedy of manners." Conrad says, "I agree. But for now let's get through this one production and then after the election I can approach the new Town Council about sponsoring future plays." Josephine Marcus comes out from the far end of the room and calls for Conrad. He says, "That's my cue, I have to go. Enjoy the production dear." She started going up on her toes to kiss him, then thumped back down on her heels. "That's right, no kisses. You enjoy it is well; you'll be wonderful." Conrad hurried away toward Josephine and Kate casually crossed the room toward Kevin Tomlinson. Kevin approaches her and says, "I trust that you are doing well today." "Well enough. The sun is out, all seems peaceful, and I may finally get a chance to see the end of this play. I hope you haven't suffered from your late night." He replies, "No, but I have had a busy morning, treating most of the victims. None of Mr. Franklin's associates had any recent memories, each one recalling last being in Denver between four and nine days ago. The two from the jail have been treated and released. They left on the 9:00 AM stagecoach. The two women at the Promise City Hotel are still there, trying to figure out what to do next. After being told what had transpired Mr. Muratz decided to resume playing in the tournament. I find it amusing that he ended the day at exactly $ 3,000, so today he started anew at the same point they all began at yesterday. I need for him to stay around as I haven't been able to treat him yet due to one of the treatment elixir's side effects." Kate asks, "Side effects? I didn't realize there were any. I was wondering if you'd been to see Job yet today. What are the side effects, if I may ask?" He replies, "It makes you physically a little bit younger. Given how closely people were watching both Muratz and Kane yesterday I didn't think it would be a good idea of them showing up at the tournament today looking different than they did yesterday." "Are you sure I don't need any of that? I wouldn't mind looking a bit younger," she said lightly. "I'm getting old and careworn fulfilling my duties to protect the town." "Sorry, this elixir is only for people who have been bitten and partially drained by a vampire." She says, "Thankfully I have only been bitten and not drained; I'm more than pleased not to qualify for this particular treatment." She sighed and grew more serious. "It's an odd position to be in, isn't it? Knowing things no one else does, and at least for me that obligates you to do something about it. But you've been in this position for a long time, haven't you?" He states, "It's what I have dedicated my life to Mrs. Kale." She was quiet for a moment. "Was there something in particular you wanted to talk about, Mr. Tomlinson. I only ask because you seemed anxious to speak when I came in." He says, “Yes, I need to do something about Shannon. Now that the immediate threat is over I need to get her some training beyond what I myself can accomplish. That would mean traveling to England. You know her family better than I do, would that present a problem to them?" Kate answers, "Her uncle and her brother Patrick are very protective. Her mother is more easy-going than you would imagine, but still, you must think of how this would appear to all of them. I don't imagine you have any intention of telling them the truth about why she has to go. All they would know is that a handsome young man seeks to take her away to Europe, unmarried, to do the gods know what. A chaperone might go a long way toward softening them. What do you intend to tell them about the reasons for the trip?" Tomlinson states, "Shannon says that her mother values education. Several of the members of the Watcher's Council are academics, Professors at Oxford and Cambridge. I was thinking that a special invitation to an advanced seminar would be in order." Kate says, "That seems a likely scenario, especially since Shannon has had education at the University at Belfast. It would be possible for her name to have reached professors elsewhere. I'm not sure who Mrs. O'Hara still knows, so you should consider the possibility that she'll check up on the facts. I think you have hit on a good idea, although I still think you might be facing the issue of a chaperone. How long would you be gone? You were an Oxford scholar yourself, weren't you? That would certainly explain why you would accompany her." He replies, "Would you consider accompanying us as a chaperone Mrs. Kale?" Kate thought for a moment. "I would consider it, but I would need to know when you plan to go and for how long. I have the school here, and the ranch, although I don't pretend to think it can't operate without me. There's Ginnie and Conrad to consider, he and I are supposed to go to San Fransisco in a couple months, and..." She looked at him for a moment. "You'd find out before we got back anyway so you might as well know now, I'm also with child. Please keep that to yourself. If you present yourself as an escort so she won't have to travel alone, rather than a travel partner to begin with Mrs. O'Hara may be amenable to just the two of you going. If you need me and I can arrange it, I would go with you." He nods and says, "Ah, I was not aware of your...condition. Perhaps you could help by clarifying for Mrs. O'Hara that my interest in her daughter is not romantic in nature. In fact, it is totally disallowed. The previous Slayer had become involved with her first watcher and that led to his violent death at the hands of her enemies." Kate says, "Before I could do that I need to know exactly what you plan on telling Mrs. O'Hara about how you and Shannon know each other. We obviously can't tell her that you're not allowed to get involved with her daughter, it wouldn't make any sense. Unless you would say you have been called to assist in the teaching of this seminar, and therefore there would be a teacher/student relationship." He says, "That sounds like a good approach. I can contact a few of the professors on the Council to draw up letters of invitation." Josie Marcus is now glaring at Tomlinson. He says, "Excuse me, I believe that our director is become impatient. It is about time for us to open the doors to the public. She says, “"I always seem to be distracting her actors. I admit a trip to England is tempting, I've never been. If I'm needed I will help. Good luck today. I will get myself out of the way." Kate talked with Sandra Wainwright for a few minutes, then played as the seats in the town hall filled up. Sandra is relieved to see Kate. She comments how her husband's cousin Helga and her boorish husband Gunther arrived in town that morning and are already making their lives miserable. She gestures out the Town Hall door to a plump couple waiting impatiently to enter. Kate tried not to laugh as she commiserated with the other woman. "But they cannot be staying long," she tried to encourage her. "Why are they here in the first place?" Sandra replies, "Apparently so Gunther can brag about how much better Cleveland Ohio is than the Arizona Territory, that's all he's talked about since they got off the stagecoach.” Sandra continues, “Honestly though, they are out here regarding the disposition of the will from Helga and Don's Grandmother. We apparently have some sort of inheritance due to us but there are conditions involved that they haven't shared with us yet. Gunther is the executor of the estate. I am thinking that we might need a lawyer to help us out." "Cleveland?" Kate shrugged. "Would you like me to come over and brag about Boston? Mr. Berg is honest and clever, and being an attorney the thing he really loves. But you know that, you've been here longer than I. Just tell your relations you feel it unseemly for money to be discusses among family and will leave it all to your attorney; that may take some of the wind out of his sails." The play soon begins.</blockquote>

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