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Story Hour
"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 1819637" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Twenty-seven, “The Precarious Plans of Gomez and Jones,” January 6th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Jake hears Katherine’s voice and stops. Ruby hears Katherine voice and she turns to her. She grabs Jake and practically skips over to her. "Hello Kate! Did you have a good time today out in the country?" She replies, </p><p>"Interesting would be more the word," she said wryly. "I'll give you the details after work. For now I'd like to introduce you to Nanuet. We, ah, met him today during our inquiries. </p><p></p><p>We met those men from the Marshall's office again too. It seems the men who stole their cattle may have been the ones who killed Flint's partner. We know where they are, but we're going to wait until sunrise to go after them. I think the two of you may have some skills that would help." She paused. "But that's enough of that, I'll fill you in on the walk home tonight." </p><p></p><p>Katherine looked at the two them for a moment. Ruby was bubbling, holding onto Jake like a schoolgirl with a crush. "I trust you had a good day?" she said, lifting an eyebrow and looking at Jake. Jake shrugs his shoulders, cocks his head and says with a grin, "We had to visit Senor Valdez today. Nice man. She's been perky ever since." Jake motions over his shoulder towards the cantina, "Perhaps you all want to get cleaned up after riding all day." </p><p></p><p>He sees a bird fly over head, taps Ruby’s arm and points to it. He takes the opportunity of enjoyment of the bird to disengage from her arm and get close enough to Katherine to whisper, "I haven't dared let her far from me in this condition. Get her to help you and keep her in sight. I have an errand to run and I'll meet you all back at the cantina. I'll fill you in later. And for gods sakes keep her away from Juan Gomez for a while." In response to Katherine’s funny look Jake just shakes his head and says, "Just trust me on this one."</p><p></p><p>Jake heads off on his errand as Al, Katherine, Nanuet and Ruby head back to the El Parador. "Lets get the horses squared away in the stable" Katherine says. The three mounted riders head that way with Ruby, but when Katherine turns around Ruby is gone. She tells the other two "Take care of my horse," and hurries around and into the Cantina. </p><p></p><p>It is currently dinnertime and the Cantina is filled with people. Dorita and her daughter Sanoma are busy bringing food to people at the various tables while Pedro is serving drinks at the bar. Katherine looks around the room for Ruby, finding her sitting on the lap of the young and handsome Juan Gomez, his arm wrapped around her waist.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, damn," Katherine muttered under her breath. She wove her way through the crowd and up to the table where Ruby had found a seat. "Pardon me, Senor," she said, carefully keeping the edge out of her voice. "Ruby dear, I'm afraid I need your help upstairs right away. I had a little accident today and I need you to help me bandage it." She took hold up Ruby's hand to pull her up. "Senor," she nodded.</p><p></p><p>Juan smiles at Ruby and says "I have some experience with medicine, perhaps I can be of assistance." A grin then crosses his face as he adds "And it is getting crowded here. Maybe the three of us could go somewhere more private? I would love to get to know both of you ladies better."</p><p></p><p>Kate had to wonder, was she doing something wrong that kept making people think she was a strumpet? Did they not understand what mourning was? "Yes, I'm sure you have plenty of experience," she said, letting the edge creep in. "Let me assure you, you won't be gaining anymore with me. I don't want to be anywhere private with you, and if you suggest it to me again, I'll give you something to remind you." She laid her hand on the sheath of her dagger for emphasis. </p><p></p><p>"I'm sorry to upset your friend Ruby, but I do need you please." "Of course Katherine, I'll help you any way I can. I hope you're ok," Ruby says with a look of concern on her face. "I'm sure Mr. Gomez understands. He was very nice to me today, keeping me company while I was waiting for Jake, who was late if I recall. He even knows Shakespeare, not that I know what that all means, but it sure sounds pretty." </p><p></p><p>"Juan, you have been a gentleman and I certainly appreciate it. And I'm sure they'll be plenty of time to get to know us since we are staying in this very Cantina and we always see you around." It's obvious that Ruby didn't get Mr. Gomez's less than honorable intentions. "And besides you can always come and see us at the Lone Star!" With that Ruby gets up and takes Kate's hand. "Let's go get you all cleaned up, Kate.” </p><p></p><p>Jake, free of the pleasant burden of keeping Ruby out of trouble and relieved that Katherine is watching her closely, heads over to the livery stable in search of Danby 'Scarface' Jones. Finding him mostly pretending to work, Jake is careful not to sneak up on him. Instead he walks in making a little more noise that he is accustomed to. Give nothing away he thinks. </p><p></p><p>When Jones looks up Jake's face is unreadable and he says, "I wasn't expecting to find you here in Promise City. What brought you here?" While he listens to his response, Jake surreptitiously looks him over for weapons and information that may be useful. Jones replies "What else, the promise of riches. Paid off too Silver Dollar. Look, this isn't the place to talk. I'll be done work soon. Meet me at the saloon at the corner of Sierra and Allen Streets." Jake doesn't see any weapons on the man, only dirty clothing.</p><p></p><p>Jake goes to the saloon that Jones specifies, a twenty-by-thirty-foot single-story brick building and concludes that Jones has an interesting sense of humor, as the sign above the door reads "Silver Dollar Saloon". </p><p></p><p>On the way he removes much of what little money he has left from his wallet and relocates in his boot and belt pouch. I don't trust that man for second he thinks to himself. Finding a table where he can put his back to a wall, Jake makes himself at home. When Jones finally arrives Jake welcomes him with, "So what did you want to talk about, surely not old times?" Jones replies "No, we have a great opportunity here that I thought I'd let you in on. Should move up my timetable too." </p><p></p><p>He then points out the window to a well-built two-story clapboard structure on the opposite corner. "That's the Condon House. They've had me do work there before, gave me the keys. I did wax impressions of 'em and got the Tombstone locksmith to make me a set. Works just fine." "Go on." Jake says quietly, his eyes narrowing. "Up 'til now you working alone?" Jones replies "Yes, but you're better at the slight of hand than I am. All we need are the two of us. </p><p></p><p>You see, both Frank and Morgan Condon alternate managing the bank. Frank usually takes Mondays and Thursdays and Morgan takes Tuesdays and Fridays. They both have identical sets of keys for the bank's main door and vault, plus their house and a few more places on the same keyrings. At least once a week whichever brother isn't in charge stops by the bank for a brief visit. I figure all we have to do is swap the keyring of whoever isn't locking up. As long as the replacement set has a housekey that works that brother won't realize that the switch has been made. </p><p></p><p>So once we swap the keys we just wait until it is dark, use the keys to let ourselves in, and clean the place out. The vault uses both a key and combination lock, but I've watched often enough that I'm pretty sure I now know what the first number is and have a good idea about the second. With both of us watching we should be able to confirm the second number and get the third and final one. Then we'll be rich!"</p><p></p><p>"Clever, that, the timing and the switch." Says Jake looking sharply at Jones. "And afterwards you get out of town quickly and quietly. Do it on a Friday night and you have all weekend as a head start." Jake pauses for a few moments. </p><p></p><p>"Of course they'll know who did it. They just won't know how at first. But it won't take too long to figure out. And of course the locksmith in Tombstone may or may not squeal. So you will have to go far away to enjoy the money, after all they know your real name and you are easy to recognize in a crowd.</p><p></p><p>Did you ever notice anything in common with bank robberies? They are usually done by large gangs, killers with bad reps. You know why that is? Not only is every law man and bounty hunter in hundreds of miles after you, but every renegade and two bit outlaw would come after you too unless they were too afraid of getting killed. In their view the money is a lot easier to get by killing you than having to take it out of the bank the hard way. </p><p></p><p>And like I said, in a matter of days they will all knows who you are and what you look like. I wouldn't give you three months." Jake shakes his head. "Now maybe you have a plan on how to get somewhere fast and far, and maybe it will work. But you'll always be looking over your shoulder, always wonder if the person you're talkin' to or who is lookin' at you recognizes old 'scarface' Jones. This is in a different league than stealing silverware."</p><p></p><p>Scarface Jones sits there and listens intently to everything Jake says. When Jake finally finishes the other man pauses for three, maybe five seconds, and then asks "So, are you in on this with me?"</p><p></p><p>Jake stares blankly at Jones for few moments. "Jones you're a damn fool. You're either gonna be a rich damn fool or a dead damn fool. I've been a bettin' man for many years, and my guess is if you do this you're a dead damn fool. I'm a poker player, not a bank robber. Not my style." </p><p></p><p>Jake pauses a moment, and leans forward. "I never heard nothin'. I do my job ten to three, four days a week. Don't do anything stupid when I am around. Don't do anything to implicate me. I'm a peaceable man" He says in a slow monotone voice with an edge, "but cross me. Understand?" </p><p></p><p>Jake gets up, takes a few steps and pauses. He says to Jones without looking down. "Good luck to you sir, I hope I don't see ya swingin' at the end of a rope." And leaves the Silver Dollar Saloon. Scarface Jones just stares at Jake with a bewildered look on his face.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 1819637, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Twenty-seven, “The Precarious Plans of Gomez and Jones,” January 6th, 1882:[/B] Jake hears Katherine’s voice and stops. Ruby hears Katherine voice and she turns to her. She grabs Jake and practically skips over to her. "Hello Kate! Did you have a good time today out in the country?" She replies, "Interesting would be more the word," she said wryly. "I'll give you the details after work. For now I'd like to introduce you to Nanuet. We, ah, met him today during our inquiries. We met those men from the Marshall's office again too. It seems the men who stole their cattle may have been the ones who killed Flint's partner. We know where they are, but we're going to wait until sunrise to go after them. I think the two of you may have some skills that would help." She paused. "But that's enough of that, I'll fill you in on the walk home tonight." Katherine looked at the two them for a moment. Ruby was bubbling, holding onto Jake like a schoolgirl with a crush. "I trust you had a good day?" she said, lifting an eyebrow and looking at Jake. Jake shrugs his shoulders, cocks his head and says with a grin, "We had to visit Senor Valdez today. Nice man. She's been perky ever since." Jake motions over his shoulder towards the cantina, "Perhaps you all want to get cleaned up after riding all day." He sees a bird fly over head, taps Ruby’s arm and points to it. He takes the opportunity of enjoyment of the bird to disengage from her arm and get close enough to Katherine to whisper, "I haven't dared let her far from me in this condition. Get her to help you and keep her in sight. I have an errand to run and I'll meet you all back at the cantina. I'll fill you in later. And for gods sakes keep her away from Juan Gomez for a while." In response to Katherine’s funny look Jake just shakes his head and says, "Just trust me on this one." Jake heads off on his errand as Al, Katherine, Nanuet and Ruby head back to the El Parador. "Lets get the horses squared away in the stable" Katherine says. The three mounted riders head that way with Ruby, but when Katherine turns around Ruby is gone. She tells the other two "Take care of my horse," and hurries around and into the Cantina. It is currently dinnertime and the Cantina is filled with people. Dorita and her daughter Sanoma are busy bringing food to people at the various tables while Pedro is serving drinks at the bar. Katherine looks around the room for Ruby, finding her sitting on the lap of the young and handsome Juan Gomez, his arm wrapped around her waist. "Oh, damn," Katherine muttered under her breath. She wove her way through the crowd and up to the table where Ruby had found a seat. "Pardon me, Senor," she said, carefully keeping the edge out of her voice. "Ruby dear, I'm afraid I need your help upstairs right away. I had a little accident today and I need you to help me bandage it." She took hold up Ruby's hand to pull her up. "Senor," she nodded. Juan smiles at Ruby and says "I have some experience with medicine, perhaps I can be of assistance." A grin then crosses his face as he adds "And it is getting crowded here. Maybe the three of us could go somewhere more private? I would love to get to know both of you ladies better." Kate had to wonder, was she doing something wrong that kept making people think she was a strumpet? Did they not understand what mourning was? "Yes, I'm sure you have plenty of experience," she said, letting the edge creep in. "Let me assure you, you won't be gaining anymore with me. I don't want to be anywhere private with you, and if you suggest it to me again, I'll give you something to remind you." She laid her hand on the sheath of her dagger for emphasis. "I'm sorry to upset your friend Ruby, but I do need you please." "Of course Katherine, I'll help you any way I can. I hope you're ok," Ruby says with a look of concern on her face. "I'm sure Mr. Gomez understands. He was very nice to me today, keeping me company while I was waiting for Jake, who was late if I recall. He even knows Shakespeare, not that I know what that all means, but it sure sounds pretty." "Juan, you have been a gentleman and I certainly appreciate it. And I'm sure they'll be plenty of time to get to know us since we are staying in this very Cantina and we always see you around." It's obvious that Ruby didn't get Mr. Gomez's less than honorable intentions. "And besides you can always come and see us at the Lone Star!" With that Ruby gets up and takes Kate's hand. "Let's go get you all cleaned up, Kate.” Jake, free of the pleasant burden of keeping Ruby out of trouble and relieved that Katherine is watching her closely, heads over to the livery stable in search of Danby 'Scarface' Jones. Finding him mostly pretending to work, Jake is careful not to sneak up on him. Instead he walks in making a little more noise that he is accustomed to. Give nothing away he thinks. When Jones looks up Jake's face is unreadable and he says, "I wasn't expecting to find you here in Promise City. What brought you here?" While he listens to his response, Jake surreptitiously looks him over for weapons and information that may be useful. Jones replies "What else, the promise of riches. Paid off too Silver Dollar. Look, this isn't the place to talk. I'll be done work soon. Meet me at the saloon at the corner of Sierra and Allen Streets." Jake doesn't see any weapons on the man, only dirty clothing. Jake goes to the saloon that Jones specifies, a twenty-by-thirty-foot single-story brick building and concludes that Jones has an interesting sense of humor, as the sign above the door reads "Silver Dollar Saloon". On the way he removes much of what little money he has left from his wallet and relocates in his boot and belt pouch. I don't trust that man for second he thinks to himself. Finding a table where he can put his back to a wall, Jake makes himself at home. When Jones finally arrives Jake welcomes him with, "So what did you want to talk about, surely not old times?" Jones replies "No, we have a great opportunity here that I thought I'd let you in on. Should move up my timetable too." He then points out the window to a well-built two-story clapboard structure on the opposite corner. "That's the Condon House. They've had me do work there before, gave me the keys. I did wax impressions of 'em and got the Tombstone locksmith to make me a set. Works just fine." "Go on." Jake says quietly, his eyes narrowing. "Up 'til now you working alone?" Jones replies "Yes, but you're better at the slight of hand than I am. All we need are the two of us. You see, both Frank and Morgan Condon alternate managing the bank. Frank usually takes Mondays and Thursdays and Morgan takes Tuesdays and Fridays. They both have identical sets of keys for the bank's main door and vault, plus their house and a few more places on the same keyrings. At least once a week whichever brother isn't in charge stops by the bank for a brief visit. I figure all we have to do is swap the keyring of whoever isn't locking up. As long as the replacement set has a housekey that works that brother won't realize that the switch has been made. So once we swap the keys we just wait until it is dark, use the keys to let ourselves in, and clean the place out. The vault uses both a key and combination lock, but I've watched often enough that I'm pretty sure I now know what the first number is and have a good idea about the second. With both of us watching we should be able to confirm the second number and get the third and final one. Then we'll be rich!" "Clever, that, the timing and the switch." Says Jake looking sharply at Jones. "And afterwards you get out of town quickly and quietly. Do it on a Friday night and you have all weekend as a head start." Jake pauses for a few moments. "Of course they'll know who did it. They just won't know how at first. But it won't take too long to figure out. And of course the locksmith in Tombstone may or may not squeal. So you will have to go far away to enjoy the money, after all they know your real name and you are easy to recognize in a crowd. Did you ever notice anything in common with bank robberies? They are usually done by large gangs, killers with bad reps. You know why that is? Not only is every law man and bounty hunter in hundreds of miles after you, but every renegade and two bit outlaw would come after you too unless they were too afraid of getting killed. In their view the money is a lot easier to get by killing you than having to take it out of the bank the hard way. And like I said, in a matter of days they will all knows who you are and what you look like. I wouldn't give you three months." Jake shakes his head. "Now maybe you have a plan on how to get somewhere fast and far, and maybe it will work. But you'll always be looking over your shoulder, always wonder if the person you're talkin' to or who is lookin' at you recognizes old 'scarface' Jones. This is in a different league than stealing silverware." Scarface Jones sits there and listens intently to everything Jake says. When Jake finally finishes the other man pauses for three, maybe five seconds, and then asks "So, are you in on this with me?" Jake stares blankly at Jones for few moments. "Jones you're a damn fool. You're either gonna be a rich damn fool or a dead damn fool. I've been a bettin' man for many years, and my guess is if you do this you're a dead damn fool. I'm a poker player, not a bank robber. Not my style." Jake pauses a moment, and leans forward. "I never heard nothin'. I do my job ten to three, four days a week. Don't do anything stupid when I am around. Don't do anything to implicate me. I'm a peaceable man" He says in a slow monotone voice with an edge, "but cross me. Understand?" Jake gets up, takes a few steps and pauses. He says to Jones without looking down. "Good luck to you sir, I hope I don't see ya swingin' at the end of a rope." And leaves the Silver Dollar Saloon. Scarface Jones just stares at Jake with a bewildered look on his face. [/QUOTE]
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