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Message: <blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2588165" data-attributes="member: 12815">DepartureKeeping her head down, her hands trembling, Ruby offers the newly arrived Jake the now half empty bottle. "What's been decided?"Jake takes the bottle and has a small sip before giving it back to her.  "Nothings changed.  We will convince them to go to our favorite spot.  Katherine is gathering her gear.  We just want to see Jiminez and the Marshall on the way out."  Jake watches the puppies out of the corner of his eye while speaking to Ruby.The puppies seem tired, but not out of the ordinary.  An owl hoots loudly somewhere in the distance and a few drunks wander by, oogling Ruby for a moment, but quickly realize that Jake is nearby for a reason.Ruby takes the bottle back, takes another huge swig then lets herself fall into Jake's arms. Her voice muffled, her face smushed into Jake's chest, "This has been a really crappy day."Once they are all together, Chester leads them to the Marshall's office.  Jake helps Ruby walk.  Once there he takes Chester aside.  "Just see what they know about Turner, and ask them to check him out."  Jake turns to make sure that Clarisse is out of ear shot.  "I would bet more than even money that your girl friend is under the influence of Turner as well.  I'm not sure, and don't say anything to her.  Just be cautious."  Jake steps away from him saying, "Meet us at Jiminez as soon as you are done.""OK. Turner's sorcery is spreading like the pox. I'll be back shortly." Chester enters the office. Eduardo is there, sitting behind the desk. "Evening Chet. You're not on duty tonight. What's up?" "Evening Eduardo. I was wondering if you knew anything about a fellow named Colin Turner. There's something strange about him. People are acting weird around him.""Can't say that I know him, name doesn't sound familiar.  He a resident of town or was just around for the festival?  When you say acting weird what do you mean?""I believe he a traveling salesman, so he doesn't live here. When Turner wanted to take Ruby away, she didn't resist. That's not like her. And Kate agreed that Ruby should go with Turner. Jake and Jeff Mills had trouble stopping them." Chester goes to the door and locks it. "There were a couple bodies found in town the past couple days. Their blood was completely drained with tooth marks found on their necks. It might be related to Turner. Just a feeling I have. Can you do some looking into where he's staying in town, who he is exactly. I'll be checking myself. Thanks."Outside of the house that Jiminez resides in Jake asks, "Does any of you have a relationship with this woman?"Ruby hiccups and shakes her head no. "She did take care of Chester when he got shot." She takes another gulp of whiskey and gazes around the street watching the drunks pass by."Yes, I met her during the recent trouble with Aphrodite,” Kate said."Please, Katherine, could you guide us through this with her then?""I'll take care of it."  Kate knocked firmly on Mother Jimenez door and waited for an answer.Jake continues to make sure he has a firm grip on Ruby with his left arm, but makes no effort to curtail her drinking.  He glances at his companions and then all around them.  This is going to be a long night."Why do they call her Mother Jimijamez anyway? I mean, she's not our mother," Ruby hiccups.There is no reply from the small hut, there is no light on inside to indicate anyone's presence."I don't think she's here, Jake," Kate said.  "From what I understand, she has a habit of coming and going.  We could try again tomorrow."Jake just nods.  "Let's get Chester and then to the horses."As they walk back to the Jail Ruby says, "So I guess no one knew the answer to my question, huh? Oh well." As they keep walking she starts singing outloud, trying to drown out her thoughts. Suddenly she says, "Too tight! You're holding my arm too tight Jake." Jake stops and looks at her arm, "What is wrong?  I was not squeezing." "Yes you were, look." Ruby holds up her arm for Jake to see the slight but visible red handprint on her arm. "Oh," Jake replies, "Sorry, I guess I was distracted."  He snakes his arm back around his now wobbly lover's waist. "That's ok," she smiles and tries to also wrap her arm around Jake, "I like this way better anyway."When they find Chester, Jake says to him, "Clarisse can't come.  It is too dangerous for her and for Ruby and Katherine.  Take care of it." They pack up the horses, Jake loads the extra gear on Ruby's horse but keeps his weapons on his.  "You are riding with me," He tells Ruby, "your horse can be tied behind someone elses." "Alright baby," Ruby says, letting Jake push her up onto the horse. She waits until he is safely behind her before she turns back to him, "You just want me to keep you warm! I know it!" She giggles. "Don't forget the bag with the food and other bottles in it. We're going to need that!"Chester comes back to Clairesse. "I don't know how to say this, Clarisse. You can't come with us. Turner is much more dangerous than we expected. If you got hurt or worse, I don't know what I'd do. If you came with us, I'd be so worried for your safety that I'd be distracted. In a battle, that can be deadly. I'll make this up to you. I promise.""Chester Martin!" Clarisse huffs, "You always say that. But you always run off." She gets a hold of herself and says softly, "Alright, I understand. Will you please walk me home?""I know. I know. I'm really sorry about this. I figured we'd have a chance to rest. But trouble seems to find us." Chester walks her home in an uncomfortable silence.When they get back to the Boarding House Clarisse takes a step up onto the porch then turns back to Chester. "You know I care about you very much. And I know that you are important and have important things to do. I just wish I was higher on your list of importance." She kisses Chester on the cheek. "Be careful Chet. I'll see you soon.""I wish the same thing. But this dang sense of duty always hangs over my head. If only trouble wouldn't find us so attractive. I'll be back soon. Don't worry." Chester kisses her passionately. "I'll keep that at the forefront of my thoughts."When Chester is through with Clarisse they leave, taking their time in the dark.  He leads them away from town to the spot far upstream of the mill.  The same familiar fertile area of the stream surrounded by the broad leaf trees and thick bushes, the clearing filled with soft grasses.  The stream gurgles softly and the wind rustles the leaves on the trees.</blockquote>

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