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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3894848" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-twenty-nine, “Shenanigans “, Sunday, June 18th, 3:30 A.M.Van Horne excuses himself from his own table and approaches Isaac Stevens. He states loudly "I am sorry Mr. Stevens, but I am afraid that we will have to end your game now." Darla Peacock comes up beside Moria Enion and states, "Your ‘shenanigans’ have been duly noted Mrs. Enion. I am most disappointed in you. I also fear that Judge Isby may be less than forgiving about your use of wizard magics to cheat." "Mrs. Enion? Appalling," is all Jake has to say.Darla Peacock says, "Mrs. Enion, the town jails are already full but the Deputy Sheriffs have offered their jail for the time being. You will probably only have to spend one night there, as I am sure that Judge Isby will be able to hear your case tomorrow." Moria Enion offers no resistance as the two lawmen escort her to and out the door. Brett Maverick lets out an audible sigh and says, "I guess it's true what they say about leopards not changing their spots." Jake does not say anything about what Katherine had told him. He simply looks at Brett Maverick and waits for him to elaborate.Brett says, "Her father is one of Britain's most infamous con artists. She spent a good part of the last decade behind bars for keeping up with the family business. She told me that she had reformed. Oh well, it looks like my sponsoring her for this tournament wasn't my wisest of investments. I was to get thirty-percent of her winnings but I think I'll pass on receiving thirty-percent of her prison sentence." "That," Jake snorts a laugh, "is what differentiates people from common animals Mr. Maverick. We are the only ones the gods see fit to allow to fool ourselves."Jake looks to the Host and says, "Well then, Mr. Van Horne, is it time for a short break then? The number of participants seems to have diminished." Cornelius Van Horne replies, "Indeed, we can now consolidate to a single table. The clock now reads 3:45 AM. If we resume now we will still have to break in another three hours, as Judge Isby will be needing several employees of this establishment to testify as the numerous trials he is holding in the morning. So we have two options, which I will leave to you five remaining players. We can take a short break and then play for another two-and-a-half hours and then stop until the trials are over or we could just stop now until after the trials are over. What are your preferences?"Brady Hawkes immediately states, "Let's stop now." Evan Adair chimes in "I say we keep playing." Brett Maverick says, "I could go a few more hours myself without a problem." Commodore Duvall states, "What is the point in starting only to stop again? I say we break."Jake has remained silent and Van Horne says, "The vote stands two-to-two Mr. Cook, what would you like to do?""What is the point Commadore? I thought the point was the Lauren Belle," Jake replies to him. "The rules had said we would play until we finished Sunday night. I say we uphold the spirit of the rules and play until we are forced to stop. My experience tells me much can happen in a few hours." Jake nods to Van Horne, "You have my vote, though the rules also said the dealer is the final arbiter." Van Horne says, "Well, both Mr. Stevens and myself can use a break but we have another dealer on standby. Would somebody go and tell Mr. Kane that his presence will be needed here by 4:15 AM?"Tony Lucky says, "I'll got get him" and heads out the door. Van Horne says, "Gentlemen, we will resume in a half hour." Jake has someone get him some food suitable for a light breakfast while he makes a visit to the outhouse. The food, some water, a half cup of coffee followed by several leisurely strolls around the room and Jake is anxious to get started again. Jake hears muffled voices of Van Horne and Adair coming from landing between the first and second floors. He cannot make out what they are saying.Jake smiles and wanders over to Tony Lucky. "Enjoying the show? I cannot wait until the time comes when I drive a very large pot on Mr. Adair, and take the money from him with a big fat bluff. He thinks I do not have the nerve to do it in this game, but I will show him. Just watch and learn from a master Tony." Jake judges that is just the proper language to infuriate him. Tony says, "Yeah, good luck to you there Jake." Adair comes back downstairs and heads out the door. Jake sees from the clock that there is still around ten minutes until the game is scheduled to resume.Jake moves to a section of the room to be by himself and positions himself so that Tony Lucky could go see Adair if he so chose without Jake noticing. This also allows Red to stop by if he chooses. Van Horne returns to the room and goes over to the bar, helping himself to a glass of Kentucky Bourbon. Jake goes to the bar and motions his glass to Van Horne, "A little here before you finish it all."He pours some for Jake. Van Horne then says softly "Mr. Adair was less than pleased with my dealing. In truth, I did nothing but deal honestly tonight to all the players. His expectation that I would help him is what did him in for the first part of the night, he only recovered because Hawkes became tired. As that was also when Masterson left the Saloon I explained how I had been unable to help him when Masterson was present as the lawman had the means to detect any assistance on my part. I think Adair bought it.""I will attempt to keep him distracted." Jake chuckles. "By taking his money. Deacon McCoy is no longer beholding to him, and if they have half a brain the Lloyds of London folks will be here some day soon to ask Adair some embarrassing questions about a bank robbery and murder in England some few years ago." Jake turns, leans his back on the bar and sips the bourbon. "Have any knowledge of Adiar's relationship with Zachariah Chandler?" Van Horne replies, "None, but as to relationships, I do find it curious how much Mr. Adair and Commodore Duvall have been avoiding looking or speaking to one another." Jake replies, “I had not noticed, thanks.”Jake immediately leaves Van Horne's side and meanders over to Brett Maverick. He indicates with a nod that Maverick should move away from the others. "Fine game so far," Jake sips at his glass and eye's the man over the top of it, "excepting the cheaters. Speaking of which, know anything about what Adair and Duvall are up to?" Maverick replies "Pretending they don't know each other you mean? I don't buy it either. Back at that half-million dollar tournament I played with him in the good Commodore was in cahoots with one of the other gamblers who made it to the final table too. Any thoughts Cook?"Jake says, "There is no time to find out what is really going on with them. Odd that they disagreed over whether to continue playing or get some rest.” Maverick replies, “Not really, the Commodore like Hawkes is considerably older than the other three of us. Most likely he's just tired, while Adair saw continuing as an opportunity to eliminate Hawkes.” Jake says, “No matter though, as you say a leopard rarely changes his spots. Adair is a well known blackmailer and worse. From the sounds of it, the Commodore is not much better. I would assume the worst between them."Jake rubs his chin. "Human nature among those types does not vary much. I suspect if we sow some seeds of distrust and greed between them it may derail their plans." "How about this," Jake glances around and begins speaking quickly, "act like you know some secret about the two of them, or better yet what they have in mind. From what I have seen Mr. Maverick, you can be both subtle and clever in that regard. I will see if I can spook the Commadore and lay the foundation that will make whatever you do expected or believable. During the game we just watch for signals between them that they are driving up the pot for each other. If we just fold every time that happens, it leaves them competing against each other."Maverick states, “That sounds like a plan. Of course the downside is that us both folding allows Hawkes to do the same and still save face. If he was smart he'd just leave now and have us put a coin from his pile into the ante each hand, but his pride won't allow that.” Jake does one last glance around and gets that nasty smile on his face. "This might be a dangerous ploy, but if you are a risk taker ask Adair if he has any relatives in England. Pretend Adair reminds you of someone you saw in London about eight years ago. The summer of 1874. Best if I do not tell you any more than that for now, but that may throw him off his game."Jake taps his lips and says more to himself, "I wonder how long the Commodore has known Evan Adair...." Maverick says, "I have no idea but thanks for the suggestion. Jake nods and leaves Maverick. Judging that he as a few minutes left he seeks out Commodore Duvall. Using his best deception skills he asks the older gambler, "So, Commodore, for just how long have you know Evan Adaire?" Duvall pauses for a minute and says, "Too long, I hate that man's guts. If I had known he would be here I wouldn't have come." Jake replies, "Well, my respect for you has just climbed enormously."Duvall says, "When my riverboat the Lauren Belle ran aground and caught fire four years back he was on it. Two of my employees drowned when he could have saved them, but doing so would have required him to let go of his suitcase. He decided that his personal possessions were more important than two lives." Jake states, "That would be Evan Adair all right." Jake attempts to judge if the man is telling him the truth. Jake senses that the Commodore is being truthful, but also reminds himself that the man has one of the best 'poker faces' that Jake has ever seen.Jake says, "Does he have anything on you? That is his preferred style." Duvall says, "He probably does but I won't let that worry me. I've gotten to old to be overly concerned about such things. Some day Mr. Cook you will find yourself like myself, or worse, like Hawkes. I'm not quite ready to hang up my cards yet but that 'Gambler' has left his best days behind him.” "Four years ago...." Jake rubs a hand down the side of his face. "You know anything about Adair and one Zachariah Chandler?"Duvall says, "I knew Chandler, he headed the Republican Party for eight years, used to bring his party donors onto my riverboat for a night of relaxation. I have no idea if he and Adair ever crossed paths but I wouldn't be surprised, they were both opportunists." Jake says, "Adair loaned him a boat load of money, pardon the expression. I was just wondering if that was something I could turn back on the inestimable Mr. Adair. You see I have the means of releasing whoever still is beholding to that loan."Jake shrugs. "Well Commodore, assuming that you do not have anything planned that requires you to leave town in a hurry after the tournament," he gives the man a raised eyebrow, "stay on for a few days. I have a feeling that Evan Adair's past misdeeds may come back to visit him. You might wish to be witness to it. Any enemy of Evan Adair who might want to enjoy the show is welcome to stay at the Lucky Lady on me after the tournament." Duvall replies, "Ah, very well Mr. Cook, you have intrigued me. I will enjoy your hospitality for a few days beyond tomorrow. We should be getting back to the table, our dealer has arrived."Jake sees that Job Kane is over by the gun-check table, Thom handing him the gun belt with Jake's peacemaker. The chips have been arranged on the table for the five players with Jake set up on Job's right. But Jake notes Job putting the gun on the opposite side instead. Jake makes his way to the table the long way by walking past Maverick. He says in a low voice as he passes, "Duvall admits to knowing and despising Adair." Jake shrugs and makes his way to the table. Always suspicious, he recollects being told there was a Job Kane device like there was a Jake Cook item. He watches for tell tale signs of his partners habits.Berwyn, Illinois is a place that Jake Cook will never forget. He only spent part of a day in the blue-collar factory town a few miles west of Chicago, but the day was quite memorable. It was a blistering cold day in early December of 1879. Four days of mixed precipitation had fallen on the city and its environs, which were coated with several inches of ice and crusted snow. It was into this environment that Jake’s friend Big Abby dispatched him on an errand to the west suburbs.The errand sounded simple enough, take the trolley west to the stop in Berwyn and then walk southwest a little more than a miles to the town of Cicero. Find the Cicero Cooper Shop on Market Street and go to the back door. Hiding there will be Karl Otwinski, an occasional patron of Big Abby’s establishment that Jake had met before, who has a parcel for her. Abby explained that Otwinski had angered the wrong people and was fleeing Illinois but first needed to return a precious heirloom to her before leaving for parts unknown.The trolley ride was uneventful and quiet, with few people riding on this frigid day. This was unfortunate as additional bodies would have warmed the car and helped keep the conveyance from feeling like the interior of an icebox. Once he got off it became worse, with wind gusts up to forty miles an hour. Jake set off to the southwest, stopping twice along the way for some warm coffee and to regain the feeling in his fingers and toes. Abby’s ‘little more than a mile’ turned out to be closer to three miles by the time Jake reached the Cooper Shop, which produced wooden barrels for several local breweries. Otwinski passed onto Jake a small leather satchel, ten inches long and six inches high, with a metal locking mechanism to which he said Abby had the key.Jake considered hailing a cab for the return journey but none were about on this blistery cold day as snow squalls then began to mix with the harsh winds. Jake began walking, again stopping occasionally on the way for more coffee. He had just crossed over the Cicero/Berwyn line and was still a half-mile from the trolley when he made another stop to warm up. He entered the ‘Old Prague’ restaurant. The building was more of a saloon than an eating establishment, with old well-worn furnishings and illuminated by a dozen oil-filled lanterns suspended from various parts of the room. Not seeing a coffee pot or smelling the aroma of the hot liquid, he decides on a whiskey for this time.He was there a short while with his drink when a poker game started up across the room. Poker was a rare occurrence in these west suburb towns where the population of eastern Europe immigrants played mostly games of chance from their home countries. The dealer was a mountain of a man, nearly seven-feet tall and 280 pounds of solid muscle with a long black beard and gold-capped teeth. Jake was drawn to the game like a moth to fire as he wandered over and asked if they needed another player.Things were simple enough for the first half hour. He discovered that the dealer was a Russian immigrant by the name of Boris Trodovich, who spoke English well with barely a hint of an accent. The other five players were originally from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and their grasp of English was all rather poor. Jake had won a few hands and was around $ 10 ahead when he decided to get going. Trodovich angrily made it known that Jake ducking out while with their money would not be a good idea to which the other players agreed.Jake played a few more hands, being careful to lose, and down around $ 5 commented again about it being time for him to leave. Another large man then moved in behind Jake’s chair and said something in a language Jake didn’t know to which the dealer nodded and replied in the same language. With a malicious grin on his face Trodovich turned to Jake and said, “Before you leave please place on the table the $ 20,000 the Pole gave you in Cicero.”A number of thoughts raced through Jake’s mind, most being evaluations of the various mistakes and false assumptions he had made on this day and how to correct for them in the future, provided that there was a future. Jake found it unlikely that these men would allow him live even if he did hand over the satchel, so escape seemed the only option. Jake was a fast draw but reaching for his gun would have been too obvious with all of the eyes upon him. Instead Jake replies, “Sure, it’s not mine, I’ll put it on the table right now.”He removes the satchel and in the process of setting it down knocks over a bottle of whiskey the adjacent player was drinking, spilling the contents onto the table, the cards and pile of bills in the table’s center. “Sorry, clumsy of me,” Jake states and he quickly stands and reaches over to grab the bottle, sliding the satchel back across the table towards him in the same motion. His rapid rise pushes his chair back into the man behind him, forcing him to move back. Jake grabs the bottle by the neck and then breaks it across the table, showering the players in broken glass and the remaining whiskey.Jake scoops up the satchel with his left hand and steps back holding the broken bottle in his right, wielding it as a weapon which he jabs towards the large standing man who backs up further. By this time Trodovich and two of the other players have drawn revolvers and are pointing them at Jake. Jake raises up his hands high up in the air and yells out “Don’t shoot, I give up.” Still holding the makeshift weapon Trodovich commands, “Drop the bottle.” Jake replies, “Sure.”As he drops the bottle towards the floor the eyes of his opponents momentarily shift to watch the falling object, which is all the time Jake needs for his raised hands to grab the nearest lantern and fling it onto the table. A fire erupts on the tabletop, cards, money pile and the players clothes with the spilled alcohol as well as the lamp oil acting as a propellant for the flames. Gunshots fire at Jake, but he has now dropped and rolled and is not struck. Staying low to the ground, Jake shoves the satchel into his jacket with his left hand and draws his gun with his right as he continues towards the door.Jake fires several shots back, hitting at least one of the players and causing the others to seek cover. A few more shots are fired at him as he hurries out the door. It is still incredibly cold outside but Jake’s blood is pumping so fast that he doesn’t notice. Visibility is reduced by the snow squall which works to shield his escape. He runs the half-mile to the trolley station in record time and manages to jump onto an inbound trolley just as one is leaving. He finally sits down and relaxes on the ride back into the city, debating exactly how large a percentage of the money to negotiate for from Abby as reward for his efforts.Moving back ahead to the early morning hours of Monday, June 19th, 1882, Jake’s recollections of that prior day were prompted by the dealer who comes over and sits at the table beside him. While the clothing and physical appearance are that of his business partner Job Kane, Jake recognizes that the man’s eyes belong to Boris Trodovich.</blockquote>

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