Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter 116, “A Song for Jake”, Thursday, January 12th, 1882:
Pedro stands up on the bar to get everyone's attention. "We not bother Marshall with this. It be an El Parador matter." He is still holding the shotgun in his hands so nobody in the room decides to argue.
He then reaches under the bed and takes the keys to the only remaining unoccupied room in the hotel and hands the key to Sonoma. He tells her in Spanish "Give me the man's gun, wallet and any other valuables and hand them to me. Then have some of your friends bring him to this room and watch the man until Jose arrives. Don't untie him from the chair, it will be easier to carry him upstairs in it. We find out then what this all about."
Nanuet sheaths his knife and then unloads the bullets from the gun that he wrested from the man. He helps Sonoma gather the valuables that Pedro asked for and helps to tie the man up. As he is doing so he asks Sonoma and Kate "First of all... are you OK?" Then addressing Sonoma only "Next, what is this all about? You seem to have an idea about what is going on in this situation."
Nanuet remains astounded that Jake and Ruby are acting as if an armed man did not just walk in and threaten to murder someone right in front of them in cold blood. That Kate is standing in the contents of a broken bottle of liquor and that Sonoma and he were in the middle of tying the violent man up. Nanuet says as he begins to drag the chair with the unconscious man tied to it following Sonoma to the room for which she has the key, shaking his head as he goes.
Jake looks up as Nanuet goes by dragging the chair along. Nobody else seems to be helping so he reluctantly goes over and takes an end as the Indian gets to the stairs. "He wasn't shooting at me." Jake says as they climb. "I don't see the value in fretting about it when good drink is waiting." As they top the stairs, "Perhaps I've seen too many saloon shootings. Fortunately this time no one ended up dead." Jake looks down at the man in the chair. "Yet."
"I guess I am just not accustomed to this stuff yet. I have not adjusted to what you folks call civilization I guess." Nanuet laughs as he drags the dead weight down to the room. "Saloons are", Jake replies dryly, "the white man's jungle. I wouldn't call this the height of civilization, I'm just trying to get along in it." Nanuet asks, “Which room are we headed to Sonoma?" Nanuet and Jake carry the unconscious man into the room that Sonoma points to.
Nanuet says, "Thanks Jake, don't worry about staying here, you have things to do, I will keep an eye on Mr. Jealous Rage over here." Nanuet keeps an eye on the man and puts himself between him and the doorway. He tells Sonoma "Please find out what Pedro plans to do with our friend here. I am not sure he will be too happy when he wakes up."
"OK, partner you got him. I'll be downstairs watching' over that bottle of Tennessee bourbon when you can join me if you care to." Jake eyes the way Sonoma and Nanuet look at each other and leaves the room. On his way down stairs he mutters to himself, "Not very romantic sharing the room with an unconscious man who's tied to a chair. I guess I've seen worse." He takes his seat at their table. Leaning back in the chair he has a sip, sighs and smiles.
Ruby had gone back to her room. The smell is gone, as is the broken glass. Ruby thinks to herself "I should try to keep a better hold on my temper that was a good bottle of perfume!" She throws on her new black dress and fixes her hair. Then she heads over to Mr. Gonzales room. When he opens the door she enters, then tells him about the shooting, although it seems he already knows. She is about to leave then turns back laughing. "I almost left again without that darn jacket. It should be done by now right?"
Mr. Gonzales shakes his head, laughing. "Yes it is ready. Let me go get it." He walks through the magic door into the back to get it. Ruby walks around his room, curiously looking at little things he has laid out, but particularly the bright woven blankets he has on the walls. When he returns he says, "Here it is. I made it black and a few other changes so no one should be able to tell it's the same jacket." He smiles and hands it to her. "By the way, thank you for cleaning up my mess earlier. I was going to clean it with the spell you taught me but wasn't sure if I should do that in front of Jake or not. He's says he's ok with it but I didn't want to take a chance and make him nervous. Anyway, thank you." Ruby gives him a little kiss on the cheek. "I hope you'll think about stopping the Lone Star again tonight!" She doesn't wait for an answer before she sweeps out of the room.
Ruby makes her way to Jake's room to drop off the jacket. The door is locked so she looks around quickly and when she sees no one around she picks the simple lock quickly. She gets into Jake's room and sits on the bed. She takes her time to fold the jacket up nicely and when she is done she leaves it on the bed. She closes her eyes for a moment. A nap would be so nice she thinks. So much for lying around lounging all day like I used to. Tomorrow I will sleep as late as I want. She takes a deep breath and opens her eyes, ready as she is going to be for the night.
Right before she gets up to leave Ruby sees two envelopes sticking out of the shelf of Jake's nightstand that weren't there before. It only takes her about two seconds before she picks them up and looks at them.
She reads them over and shrugs then stuffs them back from where they came. Ruby heads back downstairs and over to Jake at the table. There is still a lot of bourbon left so she pours herself another glass and sits. "I put the jacket on your bed in your room. I don't think anyone will know where it came from now," she says with a smile, "So you should be ok with it."
"Thanks. And thank Senor Gonzales." Jake stops and looks like he is thinking. "Speaking of Senor Gonzales and the foreign looking money, I thought there was a book in the box with the money. One that was hand written. Was he able to tell us what that was?" She says, "I did thank him, but it wouldn't hurt if you thanked him too." He replies, "I will. Figured you would see him first." "As for the book," Ruby leans close to Jake and whispers, "he did say there was one magical one. Did I tell you he is teaching me to read magic?" Ruby leans back. "The rest are mostly histories I think. Kate would know better."
He comments, "That's all beyond me. I'll be lucky to survive Sonoma’s family teaching me Spanish." He snorts a little laugh. "I'll let you and Katherine go over without me when she comes down. I'm just going to sit a while here, I'll meet you all over at the Lone Star later. Figured it would be best if I don't have to hang around the Whipples all that much." He makes a face. "My patience is growing thin with them, so I can be polite easier from here."
"Ok Jake, I know you'll be over later. I don't want to spend too much time with them either. They're boring." Ruby pauses for a long moment then sighs. "I guess while we are alone I should take the opportunity to tell you I am sorry I threw that bottle at you. I was just... upset. Anyway, I am sorry. And I hope you're not too mad about the whole thing. I don't want us to fight." She gives Jake a small smile. He replies, "Nah, I just need to buy you some cheap perfume. So you'll have some for throwing' and some for wearing'."
Ruby's smile grows bigger with Jake's answer. "Have I told you that you are just irresistible?" When she finally looks away from him she sees Kate coming down the stairs. "Time to go!" She gives Jake a quick kiss and says goodbye as she gets up, then turns back; "Oh and take care of that bottle please
Back upstairs Sonoma smiles at Nanuet, "Living with my family ensures that you keep a cool head when things go to pieces around you I still have a few secrets from you, you know. Poor Carlos is always taking the heat that his brother gets him into they actually have a perfect alibi almost no one can tell them apart so there is no way to actually know which one did what. Jose is a major tomcat and has gotten into trouble before like this sometimes I think that Carlos would take Jose out himself if he didn't want to keep the ability to be in two places at once. I'm not sure what we will do with him she says looking at the unconscious man when he wakes up we'll have to do something but right now someone needs to talk to his wife and deal with this situation with her and Jose first.”
Nanuet replies, "Well, if this man Jose has been with his wife, I think that they should deal with it themselves. I understand about the mistaken identity, but now that we have that sorted out Jose should have to deal with the consequences of his actions. I can only imagine how I would act in the same circumstances."
When Jake left to help Nanuet move the unconscious man upstairs, and Kate found herself suddenly alone at the table. Pedro got down from the bar, and people had begun to go back to their dinners. She blew out the candle went over to the piano. "Maggie, are you okay?" Maggie nodded. "Of course. It's not the first time I've an angry husband in a Saloon." Kate replies, "Well, it's a first time for me. I've felt very safe here the last two weeks, I don't like the idea that this would happen here." "Next time," Maggie said sternly, "I would suggest you find cover instead of attacking the gunman with a bottle."
Kate smiled and kissed Maggie's cheek. "I'll take that into consideration. I had hoped we could talk before I went to work, but I guess it will have to wait until after. I hope the rest of your night is quieter." With that she went upstairs to change her clothes again. She would definitely have to take the two dresses from today into the laundry, and soon. She put on the green dress that had started all the trouble with Tom Whipple and cast Prestidigitation to freshen it up. Her hair was quickly straightened up and she went back downstairs.
Ruby walks over to Kate. She takes Kate's arm. "Ready?" Kate nods and they head out the door. Kate stopped Ruby for a moment as they passed Jake on the way out. "Can you have Sonoma meet us at the Lone Star as soon as she's free?" she said quietly. "Thank you."
As they are walking to the Lone Star Ruby seems a bit quiet until she finally speaks up. "Kate, I have to say something to you. I, well, I saw you casting a spell in the Cantina when the whole shooting stuff was going on. Do you know how dangerous that can be? They hang people who can use magic. And in a room that full you will never know who saw you. You have to be more careful than that. I know you were trying to help but I don't want anything to happen to you either."
Kate replies, "I didn't mean to frighten you, Ruby, but I don't think anyone who didn't know what to look for noticed. That was the whole idea of the bottle, after all. Do you really think I'm strong enough to knock a man out, no matter what I use? All anybody really say was a woman hitting a man with a bottle while annoyed and muttering."
Ruby answers, "Kate, pulling out spell components in the middle of all that, I think someone might notice. I also noticed one of your new friends casting a spell too, but he had the benefit of that candle burning. Even without hearing him I noticed it. Look, I have seen what can happen, I just know you have to be so careful. You never know who is watching you and like I said, I don't want anything to happen to you." Ruby gives her a smile. "Another night at the Lone Star," as they walk in the door.
Always eager to please Ruby, Jake does indeed take care of the bottle as she had requested at least another couple of small glasses of it. A little time goes by and he goes looking for Sonoma. He delivers Katherine’s message and then brings the remains of the bottle of Tennessee bourbon to wait upon his pleasure next to an unopened bottle of Kentucky bourbon in his room. That seems to make him happy as he smiles at the bottles while donning the black leather duster, and then leisurely makes his way down the stairs to the cantina's common room. He wastes some time there chatting with the local staff in English and in Spanish before deciding to take a leisurely stroll to the Lone Star.
Before Jake heads out he sees Carlos and Jose Ramerez in the kitchen arguing with Dorita. Pedro is near the bar and tells him "Be like me, stay out of it. Jose be sorry man come here." Laughing, Jake says to Pedro, "He's only marginally safer with Dorita than with the man who tried to shoot him. If you don't need me amigo I'm off." Jake gives him a little wave and heads out.
Chester enters the Lone Star with Comstock, Mizner, and Whittemore. "... then the bear says, 'You didn't come here to hunt, did you.'" The four start laughing. "Anyway, have you started scouting out the area? If I know Buffalo Bill, he'll try pull out all the stops to keep his title." Comstock says sternly, "Son, there is only one Buffalo Bill. And you're looking at him. I intend to regain my name from that... actor." Chester says, "Sorry. Didn't realize it was still a sore subject." He replies, "Well, I've waited fifteen years for this. It'll be a grand hunt. Now let's get us a table."
It is past eight o’clock when Ruby and Kate arrive. Both card games are already in full swing. Teddy and Alexsis are nowhere to be found. Tom looks at his watch and says "About time you two showed up. Where's Louise?" Kate replies, "I'm sorry. Louise is dealing with a personal problem. She'll be along as soon as possible. Do you want me to play for Ruby or wait tables?" He replies, "Jeff has the bar and I've been able to keep up with the tables so far. The crowd is used to hearing your music and haven't heard any yet tonight so I'd suggest you play."
Kate notes that Tom is wearing his regular work clothes tonight rather than the nicer outfit he had on the prior two nights. "Alright. Let me know if you need me to switch. What happened to your suit?" she asked before heading over to the piano. He replies, with an edge of annoyance in his voice, "Had to change. My waitresses didn't show up and I didn't want to get food on my good suit while I did their jobs."
Katherine stepped up closer to Tom, hands on her hips and seemingly taller than usual. The edge in her voice more than matched his. "Thomas Whipple. I have not had a particularly good evening. The fact that it was preceded by several terrible months is not improving my mood. I don't particularly enjoy getting whiskey dumped all over me, but of course, I should have considered your inconvenience before I cleaned up and changed my clothes. I have devoted a great deal of energy that I don't have to spare to helping you and Maggie, including getting Louise to help out. Without Ruby here you wouldn't need waitresses, and if you keep this up you won't have one. Now, would you want me to play that piano, or shall I go back to the El Parador?"
Thomas Whipple is a bit taken back by her forceful speech. "Er, sorry, I'm still a bit nervous with Father watching my every move. Please, just go play, I'll handle the tables until Louise arrives." "Very well," Kate said, her voice still cold. There was enough to worry about, she didn't need Tom on her back as well.
Ruby had already been walking away when Tom started with Kate. She rolls her eyes, it was barely past 8:00! As she walks to the stage she sees Chester sitting with the men from the other night. He looks up at her as she passes and she waves at him but doesn't interrupt. Chester returns the wave. He thinks about asking Ruby about Judge Lacey, but reconsiders. It might make her upset, which wouldn't be a good thing right before she goes on stage. She grabs herself a drink from the bar before she walks over to the stage. While she waits to see if Kate will be accompanying her she sits on the step, drinks her whiskey and gets lost in her thoughts. Kate sat down at the piano and looked at Ruby as she began to play energetically. "I'm sorry, Ruby. Are you ready?" "Huh?" Ruby says looking up a bit startled, "Oh, yes, I'm ready." Ruby finishes her drink and gets up on stage to sing.
Some time around nine o'clock Jake wanders into the Lone Star. He stands in the doorway for a minute surveying the crowd, scanning the poker games, taking in the piano playing and finally focusing on Ruby West on stage. This could be mine in a few days, he thinks. He takes another look, shrugs and enters. He locates an available chair and turns it around so he can watch Ruby. Jake had slowed down his busy pace today, and tonight was no different. "No reason to hurry and no place to be but here," he says to no one. It felt good. He slouches in his chair and smiles.
Nanuet starts to get impatient as time goes by and Jose has yet to show up. He wonders how long this man will remain in this passive state. It is around a quarter-past-nine when Dorita and Carlos finally arrive in the room where Nanuet is guarding the still unconscious man. Carlos says "Thank you for watching him. We'll take over from here." Nanuet walked "Louise" over to the Lone Star before heading back to the cave with Maska to spend the night with Kajika.
Ruby and Kate are wrapping up their first set of songs. Mid-way through the set Louise arrived and took over for Tom with waiting the tables. He heads up stairs and returns dressed again in his suit. Chester and his friends all give them a standing ovation and then each of Chester's three friends heads over to each of the tips cups and deposit a dollar. Jake has been enjoying the relaxation but his eyes keep wandering over to the poker tables. He notices that Tony Lucky is using a few tricks to cheat, not obvious tricks, but things that a gambler knows to look out for.
Ruby glances around the room to make sure Jake has shown up and he is paying attention to her. When she sees that he is, she gives him a smile and makes an announcement from the stage. “So tonight I’m going to sing a new song that I’ve never sung here before and I’m sure none of you have ever heard it. It’s for someone who has become very special to me recently. He knows who he is.” Ruby looks to Kate, “I know you don’t know it and it’s alright, I’ll sing unaccompanied.” Ruby starts singing her song with the most passion that anyone has heard her use and all the while she never takes her eyes off Jake.
The sweet seductive arts
That conquer maiden's hearts
I never knew.
The tender piteous sighs,
And looks from longing eyes,
Soft looks that ladies prize
When lovers woo, when lovers woo;
Soft looks that ladies prize,
When lovers woo;
Soft looks when lovers woo.
My winning word and wooing glance
Are shiver'd sword and shatter'd lance,
And honours wrung from battle's chance,
And honours wrung from battle's chance.
But all, but all from love of you
What need to call you fair,
And praise your beauty rare -
As all men do?
'Tis not the silver tongue,
Soft speech and softer song,
That proves the love is strong,
The heart is true, the heart is true;
'Tis not the silver tongue,
That proves the love is true.
Nay turn and give that palm -
To one who yields before your charm -
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A life that lives for you.
Nay turn and give that palm -
To one who yields before your charm -
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A life that lives, that lives for you.
To one who yields before your charm,
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A loving heart - a life -
A life that lives for you!
She then sings the song through a second time, this time changing some of the lyrics from those originally written by Lionel H. Lewin to those of her own. Ruby’s version is more far more bawdy. William Whipple appeared rather upset during her song and the intimate way that Ruby sang them to Jake.
When Ruby begins the song Jake is a bit embarrassed but is soon taken with the melody, words and emotions. A moment later Jake receives an unusual warm feeling of confidence and inspiration. Rather than being lost in the music, he has an intense feeling of focus. The warm feeling fades shortly after Ruby finishes the song. After the song is over, she gives a little bow and excuses herself for a break. She ignores the stares from just about everyone as she walks over to Jake. "Well, what did you think of your song?"
He gets up to greet her "I, uh, um, it", he stammers a bit, "it was wonderful." He takes his hat off and looks her in the eyes. "I really don't know what to say. Imagine me with my own song." He grins a schoolboy smile. "Thanks." He reaches out suddenly and gives her a quick hug and kiss. Then he whispers, "How in Hades did you do that! Never mind, don't tell me now." She replies, "It is your own song, Jake, and I'll sing it for you anytime you want. As for how I did it, a girl has to have some secrets, right?" She gives him a smile and cocks her head to the side. "But I am glad you liked it."
Tom and William Whipple head outside following Ruby's song. Tom returns shortly thereafter without his father. Chester's friend Whittemore approaches Kate, gestures to the piano and asks "May I?" "Of course," Kate said as she emptied the tip cup into her pocket. "I think we could use a little something more, mmm, familiar. And I could use a bit of a break." She couldn't imagine what Ruby had been thinking. The elder Mr. Whipple had left, hopefully not to fetch Teddy and Alexsis to fill in for the rest of the night. She got the feeling Tom was not pleased.
Whittemore sits at the piano for the next half-hour and plays five English folk song standards singing the lyrics. He has a good singing voice but it is clearly untrained, hitting several lyrics slightly off from where he should. He plays the songs John Barleycorn, Sweet Lovely Joan, Blow Away the Morning Dew, It's a Rosebud in June and The Keys of Canterbury.
Pedro stands up on the bar to get everyone's attention. "We not bother Marshall with this. It be an El Parador matter." He is still holding the shotgun in his hands so nobody in the room decides to argue.
He then reaches under the bed and takes the keys to the only remaining unoccupied room in the hotel and hands the key to Sonoma. He tells her in Spanish "Give me the man's gun, wallet and any other valuables and hand them to me. Then have some of your friends bring him to this room and watch the man until Jose arrives. Don't untie him from the chair, it will be easier to carry him upstairs in it. We find out then what this all about."
Nanuet sheaths his knife and then unloads the bullets from the gun that he wrested from the man. He helps Sonoma gather the valuables that Pedro asked for and helps to tie the man up. As he is doing so he asks Sonoma and Kate "First of all... are you OK?" Then addressing Sonoma only "Next, what is this all about? You seem to have an idea about what is going on in this situation."
Nanuet remains astounded that Jake and Ruby are acting as if an armed man did not just walk in and threaten to murder someone right in front of them in cold blood. That Kate is standing in the contents of a broken bottle of liquor and that Sonoma and he were in the middle of tying the violent man up. Nanuet says as he begins to drag the chair with the unconscious man tied to it following Sonoma to the room for which she has the key, shaking his head as he goes.
Jake looks up as Nanuet goes by dragging the chair along. Nobody else seems to be helping so he reluctantly goes over and takes an end as the Indian gets to the stairs. "He wasn't shooting at me." Jake says as they climb. "I don't see the value in fretting about it when good drink is waiting." As they top the stairs, "Perhaps I've seen too many saloon shootings. Fortunately this time no one ended up dead." Jake looks down at the man in the chair. "Yet."
"I guess I am just not accustomed to this stuff yet. I have not adjusted to what you folks call civilization I guess." Nanuet laughs as he drags the dead weight down to the room. "Saloons are", Jake replies dryly, "the white man's jungle. I wouldn't call this the height of civilization, I'm just trying to get along in it." Nanuet asks, “Which room are we headed to Sonoma?" Nanuet and Jake carry the unconscious man into the room that Sonoma points to.
Nanuet says, "Thanks Jake, don't worry about staying here, you have things to do, I will keep an eye on Mr. Jealous Rage over here." Nanuet keeps an eye on the man and puts himself between him and the doorway. He tells Sonoma "Please find out what Pedro plans to do with our friend here. I am not sure he will be too happy when he wakes up."
"OK, partner you got him. I'll be downstairs watching' over that bottle of Tennessee bourbon when you can join me if you care to." Jake eyes the way Sonoma and Nanuet look at each other and leaves the room. On his way down stairs he mutters to himself, "Not very romantic sharing the room with an unconscious man who's tied to a chair. I guess I've seen worse." He takes his seat at their table. Leaning back in the chair he has a sip, sighs and smiles.
Ruby had gone back to her room. The smell is gone, as is the broken glass. Ruby thinks to herself "I should try to keep a better hold on my temper that was a good bottle of perfume!" She throws on her new black dress and fixes her hair. Then she heads over to Mr. Gonzales room. When he opens the door she enters, then tells him about the shooting, although it seems he already knows. She is about to leave then turns back laughing. "I almost left again without that darn jacket. It should be done by now right?"
Mr. Gonzales shakes his head, laughing. "Yes it is ready. Let me go get it." He walks through the magic door into the back to get it. Ruby walks around his room, curiously looking at little things he has laid out, but particularly the bright woven blankets he has on the walls. When he returns he says, "Here it is. I made it black and a few other changes so no one should be able to tell it's the same jacket." He smiles and hands it to her. "By the way, thank you for cleaning up my mess earlier. I was going to clean it with the spell you taught me but wasn't sure if I should do that in front of Jake or not. He's says he's ok with it but I didn't want to take a chance and make him nervous. Anyway, thank you." Ruby gives him a little kiss on the cheek. "I hope you'll think about stopping the Lone Star again tonight!" She doesn't wait for an answer before she sweeps out of the room.
Ruby makes her way to Jake's room to drop off the jacket. The door is locked so she looks around quickly and when she sees no one around she picks the simple lock quickly. She gets into Jake's room and sits on the bed. She takes her time to fold the jacket up nicely and when she is done she leaves it on the bed. She closes her eyes for a moment. A nap would be so nice she thinks. So much for lying around lounging all day like I used to. Tomorrow I will sleep as late as I want. She takes a deep breath and opens her eyes, ready as she is going to be for the night.
Right before she gets up to leave Ruby sees two envelopes sticking out of the shelf of Jake's nightstand that weren't there before. It only takes her about two seconds before she picks them up and looks at them.
She reads them over and shrugs then stuffs them back from where they came. Ruby heads back downstairs and over to Jake at the table. There is still a lot of bourbon left so she pours herself another glass and sits. "I put the jacket on your bed in your room. I don't think anyone will know where it came from now," she says with a smile, "So you should be ok with it."
"Thanks. And thank Senor Gonzales." Jake stops and looks like he is thinking. "Speaking of Senor Gonzales and the foreign looking money, I thought there was a book in the box with the money. One that was hand written. Was he able to tell us what that was?" She says, "I did thank him, but it wouldn't hurt if you thanked him too." He replies, "I will. Figured you would see him first." "As for the book," Ruby leans close to Jake and whispers, "he did say there was one magical one. Did I tell you he is teaching me to read magic?" Ruby leans back. "The rest are mostly histories I think. Kate would know better."
He comments, "That's all beyond me. I'll be lucky to survive Sonoma’s family teaching me Spanish." He snorts a little laugh. "I'll let you and Katherine go over without me when she comes down. I'm just going to sit a while here, I'll meet you all over at the Lone Star later. Figured it would be best if I don't have to hang around the Whipples all that much." He makes a face. "My patience is growing thin with them, so I can be polite easier from here."
"Ok Jake, I know you'll be over later. I don't want to spend too much time with them either. They're boring." Ruby pauses for a long moment then sighs. "I guess while we are alone I should take the opportunity to tell you I am sorry I threw that bottle at you. I was just... upset. Anyway, I am sorry. And I hope you're not too mad about the whole thing. I don't want us to fight." She gives Jake a small smile. He replies, "Nah, I just need to buy you some cheap perfume. So you'll have some for throwing' and some for wearing'."
Ruby's smile grows bigger with Jake's answer. "Have I told you that you are just irresistible?" When she finally looks away from him she sees Kate coming down the stairs. "Time to go!" She gives Jake a quick kiss and says goodbye as she gets up, then turns back; "Oh and take care of that bottle please
Back upstairs Sonoma smiles at Nanuet, "Living with my family ensures that you keep a cool head when things go to pieces around you I still have a few secrets from you, you know. Poor Carlos is always taking the heat that his brother gets him into they actually have a perfect alibi almost no one can tell them apart so there is no way to actually know which one did what. Jose is a major tomcat and has gotten into trouble before like this sometimes I think that Carlos would take Jose out himself if he didn't want to keep the ability to be in two places at once. I'm not sure what we will do with him she says looking at the unconscious man when he wakes up we'll have to do something but right now someone needs to talk to his wife and deal with this situation with her and Jose first.”
Nanuet replies, "Well, if this man Jose has been with his wife, I think that they should deal with it themselves. I understand about the mistaken identity, but now that we have that sorted out Jose should have to deal with the consequences of his actions. I can only imagine how I would act in the same circumstances."
When Jake left to help Nanuet move the unconscious man upstairs, and Kate found herself suddenly alone at the table. Pedro got down from the bar, and people had begun to go back to their dinners. She blew out the candle went over to the piano. "Maggie, are you okay?" Maggie nodded. "Of course. It's not the first time I've an angry husband in a Saloon." Kate replies, "Well, it's a first time for me. I've felt very safe here the last two weeks, I don't like the idea that this would happen here." "Next time," Maggie said sternly, "I would suggest you find cover instead of attacking the gunman with a bottle."
Kate smiled and kissed Maggie's cheek. "I'll take that into consideration. I had hoped we could talk before I went to work, but I guess it will have to wait until after. I hope the rest of your night is quieter." With that she went upstairs to change her clothes again. She would definitely have to take the two dresses from today into the laundry, and soon. She put on the green dress that had started all the trouble with Tom Whipple and cast Prestidigitation to freshen it up. Her hair was quickly straightened up and she went back downstairs.
Ruby walks over to Kate. She takes Kate's arm. "Ready?" Kate nods and they head out the door. Kate stopped Ruby for a moment as they passed Jake on the way out. "Can you have Sonoma meet us at the Lone Star as soon as she's free?" she said quietly. "Thank you."
As they are walking to the Lone Star Ruby seems a bit quiet until she finally speaks up. "Kate, I have to say something to you. I, well, I saw you casting a spell in the Cantina when the whole shooting stuff was going on. Do you know how dangerous that can be? They hang people who can use magic. And in a room that full you will never know who saw you. You have to be more careful than that. I know you were trying to help but I don't want anything to happen to you either."
Kate replies, "I didn't mean to frighten you, Ruby, but I don't think anyone who didn't know what to look for noticed. That was the whole idea of the bottle, after all. Do you really think I'm strong enough to knock a man out, no matter what I use? All anybody really say was a woman hitting a man with a bottle while annoyed and muttering."
Ruby answers, "Kate, pulling out spell components in the middle of all that, I think someone might notice. I also noticed one of your new friends casting a spell too, but he had the benefit of that candle burning. Even without hearing him I noticed it. Look, I have seen what can happen, I just know you have to be so careful. You never know who is watching you and like I said, I don't want anything to happen to you." Ruby gives her a smile. "Another night at the Lone Star," as they walk in the door.
Always eager to please Ruby, Jake does indeed take care of the bottle as she had requested at least another couple of small glasses of it. A little time goes by and he goes looking for Sonoma. He delivers Katherine’s message and then brings the remains of the bottle of Tennessee bourbon to wait upon his pleasure next to an unopened bottle of Kentucky bourbon in his room. That seems to make him happy as he smiles at the bottles while donning the black leather duster, and then leisurely makes his way down the stairs to the cantina's common room. He wastes some time there chatting with the local staff in English and in Spanish before deciding to take a leisurely stroll to the Lone Star.
Before Jake heads out he sees Carlos and Jose Ramerez in the kitchen arguing with Dorita. Pedro is near the bar and tells him "Be like me, stay out of it. Jose be sorry man come here." Laughing, Jake says to Pedro, "He's only marginally safer with Dorita than with the man who tried to shoot him. If you don't need me amigo I'm off." Jake gives him a little wave and heads out.
Chester enters the Lone Star with Comstock, Mizner, and Whittemore. "... then the bear says, 'You didn't come here to hunt, did you.'" The four start laughing. "Anyway, have you started scouting out the area? If I know Buffalo Bill, he'll try pull out all the stops to keep his title." Comstock says sternly, "Son, there is only one Buffalo Bill. And you're looking at him. I intend to regain my name from that... actor." Chester says, "Sorry. Didn't realize it was still a sore subject." He replies, "Well, I've waited fifteen years for this. It'll be a grand hunt. Now let's get us a table."
It is past eight o’clock when Ruby and Kate arrive. Both card games are already in full swing. Teddy and Alexsis are nowhere to be found. Tom looks at his watch and says "About time you two showed up. Where's Louise?" Kate replies, "I'm sorry. Louise is dealing with a personal problem. She'll be along as soon as possible. Do you want me to play for Ruby or wait tables?" He replies, "Jeff has the bar and I've been able to keep up with the tables so far. The crowd is used to hearing your music and haven't heard any yet tonight so I'd suggest you play."
Kate notes that Tom is wearing his regular work clothes tonight rather than the nicer outfit he had on the prior two nights. "Alright. Let me know if you need me to switch. What happened to your suit?" she asked before heading over to the piano. He replies, with an edge of annoyance in his voice, "Had to change. My waitresses didn't show up and I didn't want to get food on my good suit while I did their jobs."
Katherine stepped up closer to Tom, hands on her hips and seemingly taller than usual. The edge in her voice more than matched his. "Thomas Whipple. I have not had a particularly good evening. The fact that it was preceded by several terrible months is not improving my mood. I don't particularly enjoy getting whiskey dumped all over me, but of course, I should have considered your inconvenience before I cleaned up and changed my clothes. I have devoted a great deal of energy that I don't have to spare to helping you and Maggie, including getting Louise to help out. Without Ruby here you wouldn't need waitresses, and if you keep this up you won't have one. Now, would you want me to play that piano, or shall I go back to the El Parador?"
Thomas Whipple is a bit taken back by her forceful speech. "Er, sorry, I'm still a bit nervous with Father watching my every move. Please, just go play, I'll handle the tables until Louise arrives." "Very well," Kate said, her voice still cold. There was enough to worry about, she didn't need Tom on her back as well.
Ruby had already been walking away when Tom started with Kate. She rolls her eyes, it was barely past 8:00! As she walks to the stage she sees Chester sitting with the men from the other night. He looks up at her as she passes and she waves at him but doesn't interrupt. Chester returns the wave. He thinks about asking Ruby about Judge Lacey, but reconsiders. It might make her upset, which wouldn't be a good thing right before she goes on stage. She grabs herself a drink from the bar before she walks over to the stage. While she waits to see if Kate will be accompanying her she sits on the step, drinks her whiskey and gets lost in her thoughts. Kate sat down at the piano and looked at Ruby as she began to play energetically. "I'm sorry, Ruby. Are you ready?" "Huh?" Ruby says looking up a bit startled, "Oh, yes, I'm ready." Ruby finishes her drink and gets up on stage to sing.
Some time around nine o'clock Jake wanders into the Lone Star. He stands in the doorway for a minute surveying the crowd, scanning the poker games, taking in the piano playing and finally focusing on Ruby West on stage. This could be mine in a few days, he thinks. He takes another look, shrugs and enters. He locates an available chair and turns it around so he can watch Ruby. Jake had slowed down his busy pace today, and tonight was no different. "No reason to hurry and no place to be but here," he says to no one. It felt good. He slouches in his chair and smiles.
Nanuet starts to get impatient as time goes by and Jose has yet to show up. He wonders how long this man will remain in this passive state. It is around a quarter-past-nine when Dorita and Carlos finally arrive in the room where Nanuet is guarding the still unconscious man. Carlos says "Thank you for watching him. We'll take over from here." Nanuet walked "Louise" over to the Lone Star before heading back to the cave with Maska to spend the night with Kajika.
Ruby and Kate are wrapping up their first set of songs. Mid-way through the set Louise arrived and took over for Tom with waiting the tables. He heads up stairs and returns dressed again in his suit. Chester and his friends all give them a standing ovation and then each of Chester's three friends heads over to each of the tips cups and deposit a dollar. Jake has been enjoying the relaxation but his eyes keep wandering over to the poker tables. He notices that Tony Lucky is using a few tricks to cheat, not obvious tricks, but things that a gambler knows to look out for.
Ruby glances around the room to make sure Jake has shown up and he is paying attention to her. When she sees that he is, she gives him a smile and makes an announcement from the stage. “So tonight I’m going to sing a new song that I’ve never sung here before and I’m sure none of you have ever heard it. It’s for someone who has become very special to me recently. He knows who he is.” Ruby looks to Kate, “I know you don’t know it and it’s alright, I’ll sing unaccompanied.” Ruby starts singing her song with the most passion that anyone has heard her use and all the while she never takes her eyes off Jake.
The sweet seductive arts
That conquer maiden's hearts
I never knew.
The tender piteous sighs,
And looks from longing eyes,
Soft looks that ladies prize
When lovers woo, when lovers woo;
Soft looks that ladies prize,
When lovers woo;
Soft looks when lovers woo.
My winning word and wooing glance
Are shiver'd sword and shatter'd lance,
And honours wrung from battle's chance,
And honours wrung from battle's chance.
But all, but all from love of you
What need to call you fair,
And praise your beauty rare -
As all men do?
'Tis not the silver tongue,
Soft speech and softer song,
That proves the love is strong,
The heart is true, the heart is true;
'Tis not the silver tongue,
That proves the love is true.
Nay turn and give that palm -
To one who yields before your charm -
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A life that lives for you.
Nay turn and give that palm -
To one who yields before your charm -
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A life that lives, that lives for you.
To one who yields before your charm,
A loving heart, a lusty arm,
A loving heart - a life -
A life that lives for you!
She then sings the song through a second time, this time changing some of the lyrics from those originally written by Lionel H. Lewin to those of her own. Ruby’s version is more far more bawdy. William Whipple appeared rather upset during her song and the intimate way that Ruby sang them to Jake.
When Ruby begins the song Jake is a bit embarrassed but is soon taken with the melody, words and emotions. A moment later Jake receives an unusual warm feeling of confidence and inspiration. Rather than being lost in the music, he has an intense feeling of focus. The warm feeling fades shortly after Ruby finishes the song. After the song is over, she gives a little bow and excuses herself for a break. She ignores the stares from just about everyone as she walks over to Jake. "Well, what did you think of your song?"
He gets up to greet her "I, uh, um, it", he stammers a bit, "it was wonderful." He takes his hat off and looks her in the eyes. "I really don't know what to say. Imagine me with my own song." He grins a schoolboy smile. "Thanks." He reaches out suddenly and gives her a quick hug and kiss. Then he whispers, "How in Hades did you do that! Never mind, don't tell me now." She replies, "It is your own song, Jake, and I'll sing it for you anytime you want. As for how I did it, a girl has to have some secrets, right?" She gives him a smile and cocks her head to the side. "But I am glad you liked it."
Tom and William Whipple head outside following Ruby's song. Tom returns shortly thereafter without his father. Chester's friend Whittemore approaches Kate, gestures to the piano and asks "May I?" "Of course," Kate said as she emptied the tip cup into her pocket. "I think we could use a little something more, mmm, familiar. And I could use a bit of a break." She couldn't imagine what Ruby had been thinking. The elder Mr. Whipple had left, hopefully not to fetch Teddy and Alexsis to fill in for the rest of the night. She got the feeling Tom was not pleased.
Whittemore sits at the piano for the next half-hour and plays five English folk song standards singing the lyrics. He has a good singing voice but it is clearly untrained, hitting several lyrics slightly off from where he should. He plays the songs John Barleycorn, Sweet Lovely Joan, Blow Away the Morning Dew, It's a Rosebud in June and The Keys of Canterbury.