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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2136813" data-attributes="member: 8530">DM's note: One of the players noticed that I missed posting a Jake & Ruby segment from earlier in this day.  It has now been posted as the final part of Chapter 99.Chapter 106 “Jave visits the Long Branch Saloon”, January 11th, 1882It was quieter in the Lone Star than it had been the night before when Katherine and Sonoma arrived, but Kate didn't expect it to stay so for long. Kate smoothed her elaborate skirt and patted her hair. She hurried over to the table where Ruby was sitting and hugged her friend.   "I haven't seen you all day, what have you been up to?"   Ruby turns to look at Katherine. "Well, look at you! You look especially beautiful this evening, any particular reason?" she says looking up at Kate. "Me? I had a very full day that was proceeded by a very full night," she says with a knowing grin. "Sit and I will tell you all about it. But first, how did your lessons go?" A shadow passed across Kate's face and disappeared just as quickly. "Quietly. Jake just needs some basic instruction in riding and he'll be fine. And shooting isn't so bad when it's not at people.  As for the clothes... That important visitor is supposed to arrive at the El Parador today. I thought someone of his rank was worth dressing for. He wasn't there yet when I left. The hair Mr. Gonzales did. The clip isn't real of course, but it is lovely.  Now, tell me about your night."Ruby replies, "Yes, the clip is lovely. I did forget that the president was coming today. Maybe Mr. Gonzales um, guess, was wrong? But no matter you look great.  My night was um, special. And busy, yes it was busy. I had a really great time. Maybe Jake is different, like you said," Ruby says with a distant smile. She tells Kate about the night before but leaves out some of the more private moments. She adds, "But I did get my wish to wake up with him and I really liked it so I'm going to have to get him to quit the bank." Ruby then proceeds to tell Kate about her day, about healing the bird, having lessons with Mr. Gonzales and the items he identified and picking up her new dresses. When she gets to the part about the newspaper she starts getting agitated again. When she finally calms down she asks, "So what did you do today? You were missing all day!""I wasn't missing," Kate laughed. "I went out with Jake and when we got back I was going to go out to take care of a few things, but I fell asleep in my chair. When I woke up I went to see Mr. Gonzales and we talked for a little while. Then I got dressed, had dinner with Maggie, and came here.  The best thing though, was the first thing. Nanuet, Sonoma, and I went to the land office this morning. We now own 200 acres right next to Flint. I can hardly believe it." The smile that had disappeared when dealing with the issue of Curly Bill came back. "I never thought it would be so soon." "Wow," said Ruby slowly. "All my new friends really are settling down here, huh?" she says almost to herself, drifting off. Suddenly, "That is great! We have to celebrate! Tonight at the Cantina after we are through here, we'll invite everyone. I'm going to have two nights of celebrating in a row!" Ruby seems excited for Kate, "You really deserve to have some happiness Kate, you do, and now you'll get it." Kate says, "There is one thing left though, we still need to get the bounty for Curly Bill, and I don't know how."   Ruby says, "As for Curly Bill, we'll go talk to that bounty hunter tomorrow and get him to bring the body where it has to go. Believe me, we'll get it done." "Thank you, Ruby. I wasn't sure how I was going to do that. It was starting to be a bit overwhelming.”  “Now, who is this everyone we're going to invite to celebrate with us?" Kate notices the saloon getting busier. "We should get on stage. Tell me on the way over.""Well, we tell Sonoma and Nanuet, I'm sure they'll want to celebrate too, and Jake of course and me and you and how about Chester? He seems like a nice guy. Who else would you like to invite? Mr. Booth maybe?" Ruby says with a giggle. Kate sat down at the piano and blushed slightly. "Mr. Booth was very kind, I'm sure he'd enjoy a party. We must have Dorita and Pedro and Mr. Gonzales as well." Katherine started the introduction to one of Ruby's favorite songs. "Ready?"Ruby smiled at her friend. She had been kidding about Mr. Booth but Ruby didn't think Kate would mind his presence at their little party.  "Yes, I am ready." Before Ruby starts to sing she reminds herself what Jake said about putting Adair out of business. She smiles at Kate then she starts singing with her usual passion, maybe even a bit more than usual."Louise" heads to the kitchen and begins cooking for the evening.  She says out loud, “I'll have to talk to Tom about stocking this kitchen tomorrow.  There really isn't enough fresh produce or steaks to get through more than tonight and tomorrow.  And we could use some other staples too she thinks as she begins to putter around getting her prep work done.”  She then looks up and says, “Hi Chester, are you going to be here all night?”Chester looks at "Louise" quizzically. "Yeah, I am. Do I know you? You seem to know who I am."   Louise laughs and whispers in Chester's ear, "It's me, Sonoma. I'm in disguise, so I can help the Whipples out."   He replies,  "Oh, I see. Sorry I didn't recognize you. I'm helping guard the place, especially after what happened last night."   Chester glances back at Mills and in reference to the trap says, "OK, I'll have to remember not to stand too close." Chester takes position by the door.Jake arrives at the Long Branch Saloon on the south side of Main Street between Allen and Front streets. It is owned by Kate Higgins who greets him as he enters. This 30x30 foot three-story brick building is rather luxurious, with all brass bar fixtures and a crystal chandelier. It has four gambling tables featuring both poker and faro. A piano player is providing entertainment and there are three prostitutes walking around the room. This establishment requires all patrons to check their guns at the bar where Jake goes and leaves his revolver. Conrad Booth currently has a game going at his table. Hamilton Fisk is playing at another table. In response to Jake's inquiry about a bounty hunter bartender Ray Singer says, "Yeah, Irby Cole is still staying here. He hasn't come downstairs yet but probably will soon. Why don't you stick around and wait."Jake answers, "Thanks Ray, how about a whiskey while I wait." I need to get the taste of that beer out of my mouth he thinks to himself, I know a frosted mug is a treat out here in the territory, but that doesn't mean I like beer. Jake sips his whiskey and surreptitiously watches Booth and Fisk play expecting full well he'll be playing against them some day. He also watches the dealers trying to gauge how honest these games are. Fisk notices Jake watching him. Based upon the pile of poker chips he was having a good night until Jake arrived. His concentration now appears to be split between the game and Jake and he starts loosing.  Booth seems to be having a good game. Jake recognizes one of the players at his table as an occasional player of Tony Lucky's but doesn't know the man's name. The only other familiar face in the room is that of Wells Fargo Office Manager Kris Wagner, playing Faro at another table. Jake has been there for around fifteen minutes when the rotund figure of Cornelius Van Horne walks through the Saloon's swinging double-doors. He looks the same as he did the previous Friday, except the three piece suit he has on this night is white rather than ivory, exactly matching the same white silk hat that he wore before. He stands blocking the doorway and quickly surveys the room before turning around and exiting. Based upon the facial expressions the dealer at Fisk's table appears to be both surprised and pleased by that. Jake wanders down closer to the end of the bar nearest that table to catch the conversation that follows. The dealer announces to several players that had not noticed "Look's like Van Horne decided to skip us tonight. He just came and left." "Then we might get to keep our money for a change," one of the other players comments. Fisk says, "He's not that good. I took him for several hands last Wednesday night." Fisk tells the dealer "Norm, we may have someone to take Van Horne's place. That's my new business partner Jake Cook," and gestures to Jake. The dealer turns towards Jake and says, "Care to have a seat Mr. Cook?" "That is mighty kind of you to offer." Jake replies with a nod. "I have some business to attend to tonight, some of which to our mutual benefit Mr. Fisk. But if the table is amenable to me departing at the next break, I would be honored to play with you gentlemen."Jake sits in the only open chair of the eight around the table. The dealer introduces himself to Jake as Norman Wilkie. He introduces the men around the table as Sam Slade, John Mardin, Hamilton Fisk, Charles Gagnon, Owen Webb and Richard Lester. He explains that Wednesday night house rules are that no player can raise more than $ 5 and that nobody can raise once the pot per hand reaches $ 50. Each hand also has a wild card, determined only after the initial five cards are dealt to each player.After caring for the horses Nanuet relaxes at the grove for a while playing with Maska. He also works on turning his piece of buckskin into serviceable moccasins. At some point he will wander into the church and look for anyone who seems to be "in charge." Nanuet finds the priest, Thomas Valdez, who says "Hello. You're the Indian who stayed in the grove. How can I help you?" Nanuet nods "Yes I am, my wolf and I have enjoyed your lovely grove for a while now. I wanted to make a donation to your church for your hospitality." He offers the man a $20 bill. "I thank you kindly for allowing the use of the grove, it is a lovely and peaceful place." Valdez replies "Why thank you. The trees were planted long ago but many of the flowers were planted by a half-elvan druid that used to live in town just a short while ago.Nanuet is sitting in the El Parador when four guests arrive. One appears to be a wood elf, two half-elves of wood elvan descent and the other is human. All appear to be young, the human equivalent of twenties or thirties. They approach Pedro and ask about rooms. He inquires as to how long they will be staying to which one of the half-elves, apparently the leader, replies "At least a week."  The men ask about stables and request to see the stable hand in charge. Pedro says "He is not currently around but I have somebody who might be able to help you." He walks over to Nanuet and says "Could you show these men to the stable? They will be guests here for the next week and wish to secure their horses."Nanuet wraps up his buckskin moccasins that he was working on and sticks them in a pouch on his belt. He smiles kindly and says "Absolutely, I would be glad to help. I assume your mounts are out front, this way please. He leads the foursome outside and helps them secure their mounts in the stables. He brings fresh feed bags and water and makes sure everything is in order. "Can I help with anything else?"The men are polite to Nanuet. They take great care to assist with the mounts and he surmises that the animals mean a great deal to them. They thank Nanuet and one of them gives him a dollar coin. When the men are finished they carry their overstuffed saddlebags with them into the El Parador. Nanuet counts at least a dozen firearms between the four of them.  Nanuet is a little surprised by the number of firearms but his initial sense is that they are more for protection than for starting trouble. He approaches them and quietly asks "I notice you folks are carrying a lot of weapons. I know it is not really my place, but are you in trouble or something?"  The human says "No, the weapons were for our own defense. We traveled here through Mexico, and much of that land is still ruled by warlords and bandits. One such group attempted to stop us but was unsuccessful." Nanuet says, "I thought as much, and forgive me for my prying. I hope you enjoy your stay here."  Nanuet goes back inside and continues to work on his moccasins, guessing at what time Sonoma would be getting off of work. As that time approaches Nanuet gathers his things and heads down to the Lone Star.After Ruby finishes her first set she walks off the stage and nods to Kate.  Kate gave Ruby a smile as she stepped down from the stage for her first break. The saloon had filled up while Kate sat at the piano. Sonoma was moving smoothly through the room, and Kate decided she could stay at the piano and play a classical piece to keep the entertainment going. Thankfully, Teddy and Alexsis were not here. If Teddy had been here she would have played all night just keep him from abusing the poor piano. She kept the piece short and then got up to help Sonoma. Kate carefully covered her dress with an apron and began serving drinks.  Ruby walks over to Mr. Whipple and takes a seat next to him.  "So, Mr. Whipple," Ruby says pushing her hair off her face, "Have I melted your soul yet with my singing? Or should I be trying harder?" She cocks her head with a smile on her face waiting for the answer. He laughs "I always appreciate a good singer when I hear one. You're one of the best. My son was luck to find you for his saloon.   Dreadful shame those lies the paper told about you. Don't worry none about it though. That reporter's main rationale to discounting your testimony was that you didn't reference your marriage. Since he was wrong about that fact it reverses what you said. Tom knows the man from the other newspaper and will talk to him about printing that instead."“Well, thank you Mr. Whipple, it’s nice to hear my singing is appreciated, especially coming from someone like you. I mean you have a big Saloon in Denver! You must see lots of singers and dancers.” “Yes, those lies were dreadful. It’s hard not to worry about it when half the town will think things that aren’t true about me now. But believe me, anyone who knows me at all knows that marriage is the last thing on my mind.   I know the newspaperman also, and I already talked with him. He assured me only the truth would be printed. I am curious to know what his paper will say.   So how do you think Tom and Maggie are doing running the Lone Star?”"My, you are direct aren't you. Tom's doing a great job. He's done an excellent job in this last year with hiring good employees. I was more than satisfied with last night, which is why I told Teddy and Alex that they could spend tonight and tomorrow checking out the other Faro tables in town.  I'm not sure about how well Maggie will do without Tom. He seems to be the driving force around here. I guess I'll find out on Friday night. Don't worry though, if she's in over her head I'll step in and take over. Teddy and Alex are both accustomed to taking direction from me so the three of us will make sure the business doesn't suffer too much that night.""Yes, I think being direct saves a lot of runaround most of the time. Why would you assume that the Lone Star's success is purely due to Tom and not Maggie? Are you saying a woman can't run a Saloon?" Ruby arches her eyebrows. "I hope that is not what you are saying..." He laughs, "No, I've known several women saloonkeepers in my day. I just know Maggie. Without a strong man to make decisions for her she'd be lost." "Maybe Maggie will surprise you, Mr. Whipple. You never know what could happen." Ruby walks past Kate to get back on stage. As she passes she whispers, "I think Mr. Whipple is a bit biased against Maggie. He doesn't think she can run the place alone."  Sonoma moves over to Ruby and Kate "If Mr. Whipple doesn't think that Maggie can and has run this place in the last year then he is totally wrong.  We need to make sure that the cousin Teddy and his girl are no where to be found during Maggie's stint.  That way Mr. Whipple has no lackeys to take his direction and that he has no reason to get his male chauvinist tush out of his chair. When you don't respect your own children just because of who they are that's just wrong. This IS Maggie's place always has been and always will be.”  Kate replies, "I'd be more than happy to not see Teddy and Alexsis in here. Maggie loves this place, and I know she is more than capable of running it without Tom. He'll see."   Ruby says, "You won't hear me complaining about that, I don't like sharing MY stage with anyone uninvited." With that Sonoma swipes the nearest table with gusto and heads for HER kitchen to cool down before she says something she will regret. Ruby takes a few minute break getting a drink and some air. When she finishes she gets back on stage and continues singing.   She does as she always does, keeping an eye on Kate and now "Lousie" too.</blockquote>

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