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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4125986" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-eighty-one, “Jake’s Business Plans”, Thursday, June 22nd , 7:30 A.M.Morning comes and Jake Cook rises not long after the sun.  When breakfast is finished he asks Maria to make a large lunch he can bring out to his mine partners and workers.  Next he arranges to have his horse ready for ride mid morning.  He comes back and drags Van Horne, grumbling, out of bed to come with him and conclude the financial transactions regarding the Palace, which will soon become the Silver Palace, and the Lucky Lady.  That concluded, Jake is now the 95% owner of the Silver Palace with his only partner being Cornelius Van Horne with the last 5%.  This also returns Jake to being a quarter owner of the Lucky Lady.  Attorney Berg also handles the paperwork at the same meeting of Harry Rote purchasing the portion of the Lady that Herbert Hoover inherited.  He makes a quick stop at Pierre's to retrieve his ammunition.Free of his grouchy best friend in the guise of the big Georgian, Jake suits up to ride out to the inaptly named Fisk Mountain Mine.  Flat black hat shading his eyes from the climbing sun, black leather duster hanging unbuttoned on his shoulders, he lets his horse take him lazily to the mine.  He is perfectly aware of the image he projects as he rides.  Two rifles in holsters on opposite sites of his horse, two Colt Peacemakers on opposite sites of his belt, and confidence in his eye sharp enough to cut paper, anyone taking him on would have to be serious about it.  He preferred to avoid gun play where ever possible.  There was no need to gain a reputation, he had just enough of one to do the job.  Besides, even though he could outshoot any riffraff he was likely to come across it was foolish to challenge the odds.  He knew and had proven time and time again words from his mouth could be more dangerous than guns.He spent what little remained of the morning and several hours into the afternoon with his partners.  First they had lunch and then toured the operations.  MacNaulty the dwarf and the two humans partners, Elliott and Humphrey, were an industrious trio.  There was always something new of which they were proud, and of which Jake could feign fascination.  Jake did appreciate their ingenuity and tireless labor.  He also admired it, but in a distant and glad it was not me that had to work hard way.  Jake advised them of his travel plans, and assured them that Marshall Chester Martin was quite able to keep things safe while Jake was away.  They could delay a shipment or two while he was gone if it made them feel better, he promised to accompany any valuable shipments upon his return.  He bid them luck and safe keeping, and of that he was quite sincere.Returning to Promise City he treated himself to a shave and trim followed by a long bath at Gilson's where Laurie was still proudly showing off her ring to all customers.  Jake made appropriate congratulations and lamented in a friendly and complimentary way the loss of another attractive unmarried woman.  Clean and with Laurie mildly blushing from his parting compliment, Jake sets out to find Emery Shaw, who Jake has been avoiding until the throng of friends and sycophants had completed their congratulations and quit hovering about the new mayor.  It was probably best for Shaw, and Jake's friend Chester Martin, that the saloon owner had not made a big show of being friends with the newly elected pair.  There were still plenty of folks in town that did not want Silver Jake Cook to have any influence in Promise City, let alone even live there.On his way through the streets, Western Union telegraph operator Dave Melany hails him.  "Mr. Cook, Mr. Cook!  I have a telegram for you."  Jake stops and waits for him to catch up.  "You saved me a few steps to the Lucky Lady," Melany says as he hands him the paper.Jake nods, takes the telegram and reads it immediately.Laughing out loud as if it was the funniest thing that had happened all day, Jake shakes his head.  "I should have expected no less."  He borrows a pencil and paper from the man and quickly writes a reply.He hands both back to Melany.  "Thank you, sir, and have yourself a fine evening."  Jake pays the telegraph operator for the message and gives him a dollar for his trouble.  Still laughing, Jake continues on his way to find Mayor Shaw.   Jake locates Emery Shaw working on accounting records over the Sulfur Springs Valley Cattleman's Association building.    Jake interrupts him, "Mayor Shaw has a nice ring to it. It flows off the tongue like those words were meant to be together."Shaw gives Jake a warm smile and says, "Indeed it does. Congratulations Mr. Cook on your victories, both at the gaming table and against Mr. Adair. I regret that I could not join in your tournament but I was rather occupied over the weekend."   Jake replies, "Thank you. My congratulations to you as well. I can understand that you had other priorities, seems we were both rather occupied. I only had a little time for some meager campaigning on your behalf, though given the results it appears that you did not need it. Though you will certainly have your challenges as Mayor, I am glad I could remove the Adair thorn from your term of office."Shaw answers, "Yes, the only remaining thorn is Mr. Fisk, but his brute squad is now all gone so that will help to keep him in line. Early indications are that his mining interests will grow quite profitable in the coming year, so if he can keep himself wealthy enough through legitimate means that might keep him from looking outside of the law. That, and the fact that Marshal Martin is wise to him means that the law will be keeping a close eye on what that man does."Jake replies, "If only it were so. I think it is more likely Fisk will use his money to hire more ruffians and killers and build another gang. As you say, Marshall Martin will keep him from being blatant about it. Just as important is a town government that is not Fisk friendly." Jake shrugs. "One day he will make a big enough misstep and somebody will take him down."  Jake tells him about his travel plans to San Francisco. "I will be back before anyone really notices I am gone. Perhaps your duties will have settled down by then and we can have some friendly poker when I return."  Shaw says that he likes the sound of that. Early on Thursday afternoon Jake returns to the Lucky Lady. He sees Job Kane and Bernice Turner having lunch together at one of the tables. Both appear to have been 'cured' of the Vampire influence by Tomlinson as they each look a little younger than when Jake had seen them last.    "Hey Partner, good to see you up and about." Jake approaches the table. "Mind if I barge in?"    Job replies with a smile, "Have a seat Mr. Cook, the undisputed Poker Champion of the West."    "Heh," Jake sits and adds, "I took on the light weights. No Kane or Van Horne at the table. Are you well enough to be here?"Job replies, "Never better, I'm finally with the woman I love and no fears of her late husband ever darkening our doorstep again."   "Really?" Jake sounds skeptical but keeps on a good face. "Well, that is good news. I am happy to have the real Job Kane back." Jake leans in towards the table and says in a quiet voice, "Did they figure out how that big Russian became you? I had come to believe there was an enchanted device that could have been involved, a money clip I believe. If true, it would be best to locate it and become certain no one else could do that."   Job reaches into his pocket and takes out a money clip saying, "This one I believe. Boston Harker was able to retrieve it."   Jake replies, "That is a relief. It would have been an uncomfortable feeling walking around knowing that an item like that was in existence with your face in it." They chat for a bit more before Jake brings the conversation back to business. "The Saloon made good money on the tournament. I would like to propose that we take ten percent of that and give it as a bonus to our regular employees that were involved in making it a success. They certainly went all out." Jake then explains to them he will be taking a holiday to visit his sister. "Things have settled out, it is a good time to go. I offered Mr. Rhinehardt the spot vacated by Tony Lucky. Truth be told Job, I know Bradford prior to him coming to Promise City. He is a good man, certainly brighter and more trustworthy than Tony Lucky. A better dealer too. Bradford also reminded me of why I wanted Darla Peacock to come work here. I know she is not interested in working every night of the week, but she might be interested in the saloon managers position if she had an assistant manager. Bradford is interested in that role. If you think that is a good idea we could offer it to them for some small percentage of the profits. You know I am not interested in handling the details and if memory serves, neither are you."Job replies, "You are quite correct Jake and based upon the tournament I would say that both are well suited for those roles. And while you are hiring employees, I think that we should see if Maria is interested in taking a day or two off herself. We should allow her to hire her substitute, but based upon Hannah Milford's help at the tournament I would say she would work well."  Bernice speaks up and says, "And I would be willing to help out here as well if you have need of another waitress, piano player or maid for the hotel rooms."   Jake answers, "Bernice, we can use all the above. We would be pleased to have you join us." Jake tells Job that he does not mind handling the details of everything they discussed prior to his travel. After speaking a little while longer he leaves alone to enjoy their new found freedom.After leaving the Lucky Lady and a short walk around town, Jake stands outside the Marshall's office with his hands on his hips. He had been in many a Marshall's office, and this one in particular any number of times. Truth be told, which he seldom did, every time he crossed the threshold of a lawman's office it gave him an uncomfortable feeling. He sighs and walks to the door. Jake knocks once and barges right in. "Good afternoon Marshall Chester Martin. Who would have thought that clobbering your commanding officer was a good career move towards a top job in law enforcement. It redeems my faith in mankind as a whole." Jake crosses his arms, "Oh, and congratulations." Chester can't help but smile. "Thank you very much, Jake. These things happen. After all, who would have thought a bank guard would own two of the top watering holes in the town? Anyway, I can't wait to see Lt. Gamble's face the next time he comes in. If it didn't take an hour, I'd ask Helen to take a photograph of his face." "That would be a picture I would enjoy." Jake shakes his head, "I expect you will make a better Marshall than we did as bank guards." He looks around the office as if he is searching for anything Chet may have changed, "What happens next Chet? Do you have big plans for cleaning up Promise City? If you cannot get the big fish like Fisk will you be coming after the little fish like Silver Jake Cook?" A faint crooked smile sneaks into place. The office looks pretty much the same as the day before. A stained cup of coffee sits atop the desk. The cells sit empty. Chester says, "I hope to get shot at less, that's for sure. I don't have any grand plans yet. First, I need to figure out what we're going to do about Claude Buckley's death. I feel like we're running in place on that one. Anyway you probably don't have anything to worry about. I haven't seen you do anything wrong." "Let us hope your eyes do not become too sharp when they look in my direction," Jake teases the Marshall. Changing the subject he continues, "I will be headed out of town for a few weeks. I am going to visit my sister in San Francisco. I have not seen her in many years, not since I left home in Philadelphia. See if you can hold the town together while I am gone. It would be quite embarrassing to return and find the town gone to Hades in my absence."Chester sits on his desk and grins. "It'd be embarrassing for me too, Jake. I didn't know you had a sister. That's nice, you going to see her. I bet you'll have a lot of stories to tell her. When are you heading out?"   "Better if she does not know most of them...." Jake replies almost to himself. "Tomorrow, maybe. The day after if not. I do not know. Soon."  Jake offers Chet his hand, "Take care of yourself, Marshall. I will be back before too long. Somebody has to spice this town up." Chester shakes Jake's hand. "It'll be nice for her to see you again in any case. Have a safe trip, Jake. The place wouldn't be the same without you. I'm thinking of finding a house for myself. You and... Ruby have been great, letting me stay in the Lucky Lady, but it's time. I don't want it to look like I was giving you favors since I live in your place. And it gives you an extra room to rent out. I'll see you around."   Jake makes his way back to the Lucky Lady.As he had discussed with Job, Jake gathers Darla Peacock and Bradford Rhinehardt and offers them the managers and assist managers positions with a percentage of the take. He then gathers all the employees, telling them about the new management and then about the bonus they will all receive, splitting one thousand dollars among them. He leaves his new management to speak with Maria to arrange for some additional help and time off for their prized cook.   He moves out to the porch and watch the town go by as his employees excitably speak among themselves.The Priestess Minerva Garcia Florencia, Pastor of the Church of Olympus spent this day answering her door to well-wishers and quelling the panic that ensued when word had spread that she would be leaving them for parts unknown.. They came in droves bringing with them their questions, advice and baskets of baked goods for the road. Nakomo kept mostly to himself, preferring the peace of the garden and Nanuet’s grove to the chaos that had invaded his home. When he and his guardian were finally alone, he masked his uncertainty and sadness behind his stoic Elvin features. He kept busy packing and storing their belongings trying not to think about how long they would be gone or the possibility that they might not return. Minerva had come to understand his manly need to guard his emotions and left him to his musings. He had come to town with little more than the clothes on his back and he intended to leave with little more. He stuffed a few clothes into his pack and readied his weapons to travel. Since they did not know where the gods would will them to go, they chose to travel light, taking with them only the items that they felt were important. And as Minerva had explained to him “There was no need to take much else since Senor Lacy had been instructed to send the rest of their things along if and when they should need them.”</blockquote>

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