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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2153562" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 107 “Mr. Austin”, January 11th, 1882A man walks into the Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon. He looks to be between sixty and seventy years of age, with long white beard, bushy sideburns, busy eyebrows and bald head. He has a pleasant smile on his face. He is dressed in a blue cotton shirt, tan wool pants, a wide belt and cowboy boots. He has a straw campaign-style hat on his head. A pair of wire-framed eyeglasses magnify his robins-egg blue eyes. He has a sheathed dagger on his belt but no other weapons. He takes a seat at one of the tables over by the stage and removes a handful of coins from a rabbitskin pouch on his belt. He then stacks the coins on the table before him making a tower, the largest coins on the bottom and smallest on the top. He then takes a small book out of his shirt pocket and begins to read. Sonoma goes over to the table "Can I take your order? Drinks food?"  The elderly human smiles up at Sonoma and says, "I believe this is Katherine's table, my little bird." Sonoma gives her great grandfather a smile and heads for the piano.Kate noticed a new customer sit down close to the stage. "Ruby can you sing acapella for a moment? I'll be right there to play for you."  She approached the bald, bearded man and hoped she wouldn't disturb his reading. "Good evening. Can I get you anything?" As she approaches the table he puts down his book and says, "Oh yes, I have heard so many fine things about this place that I wanted to see for myself. If you could find me a glass of wine that would be appreciated, perhaps something in a red, with a sweet flavor it." She answers, "You heard correctly. Miss West will be singing in a few moments and I'm sure you'll be very pleased. I'll see what wines might suit you." As she starts to depart he says "Oh, and one other thing..." She returns to the table and he adds "The man whose visit you were anticipating has arrived....my little sandpiper." Kate's eyes widened and a smile quirked at the corners of her mouth. "Oh. I wish.... Well, I have work to do still. I'll get your wine."  She went back behind the bar and picked what she thought was the best of Tom's limited selection. Wine wasn't exactly the drink of choice at the Lone Star. From the stage Ruby notices the older man who walked in. She watches both Kate and Sonoma talk to him, which was not unusual. What was unusual was that Ruby noticed the magical aura coming from the man. She hadn't cast any kind of spell, she could just see it. She was more curious than anything about the man so while she sang she kept an eye on him.Kate returned to the table and set it down. "It's the best we have," Kate said quietly. "What was he like? Did you meet them yet?" He replies "No actually, that could have been problematic. The General was not alone, he had three companions. Have you ever heard of Simon Bolivar? Bolivar was the man who freed much of South America from Spanish rule. In fact, the county of Bolivia is named for him. Well, he is here with the General, which should have been no surprise to me and yet I was not prepared for it. Back when I was with President Santa Anna's military I once was given the unfortunate task of delivering an unpleasant message to Bolivar. I feared that if he saw me again he would recognize me, which is what prompted me to change my appearance. One curious thing, neither man signed in, letting a half-elvan companion sign and pay for all four rooms. I have never heard of this Carlos Wyman before and their fourth companion was human rather than elvan." "Surely this Bolivar wouldn't blame the messenger? Even if he did, what would that matter now, in Arizona?  He replies, "Oh no, it isn't that. Bolivar is a brave and fair man, I doubt that something that happened four decades ago would be held against me. It's just that he wouldn't be expecting to see me here and now and I was afraid that in his surprise he might address me as my former military or professional title. Doing that could cause problems for Dorita and Pedro." She comments, “I suppose it is strange, Elves traveling with human companions. I never think of it as such, as I'm sure you realize." Kate smiled at her mentor but kept her voice low. "Do you think we'll get the chance to speak privately with the President?"  He answers, "I would imagine so, they will be staying at the El Parador for at least a week.""I understand. We must make sure when you meet Bolivar again, it is not in the company of others. After all, we can't have you hiding for a week, can we?"   He answers, "Well, if my Great Granddaughter can pass for human why shouldn't I?"  She looked around at the busy saloon. "I must get back to work. Ruby will be on in a moment, so you won't miss me at all. I'll check back on you later."   Kate began to turn away but stopped. "Why the tower of coins?"  He says, "Nervous habit. I like to play with and organize things. It's also something distinctively different from my other guise, as I don't need to use money over at the El Parador.""I have a hard time believing you're ever nervous." Kate smiled and went back to waiting tables as Sonoma played for Ruby. She moved to the piano to take over only after someone requested food. "Louise, I can take over now. The gentlemen over there would like something to eat, and I'm not much of a cook."Chester hasn't noticed any problems, so he goes out by the back door to have a smoke. Once outside, he takes a long look down the alley both ways. He sees an older man near the northeast corner of the Lone Star leaning against the building. The man appears to be unarmed. Chester drops his cigarette to the ground and grinds it out, then he goes back inside. He says to Jeff, "There's a man standing outside near the Lone Star. I'm going to ask him what his business is." Chester checks his Remington in the kitchen. He walks up to the man. "Hi, can I help you with something? It's pretty cold out here. You'd be much more comfortable inside." He looks over towards Chester and says "Sorry son, can't do that. Guess I'll be heading back home." The man walks over to the building next door, with the sign "Lacey's General Store", and goes inside.  Chester thinks, “That old fella seemed harmless enough. Maybe the others know what his story is. I guess he's Lacey.” Chester heads back into the kitchen. He calls Sonoma over, "Louise? Can you describe the man who owns the general store, Mr. Lacey?"  Sonoma describes Judge Lacey, adding, "Why do you want to know?" He says, "Hmm? Oh, I just saw him leaning against the wall out back. I invited him inside, but he didn't want to come in. Instead he went back to the store. Is there some trouble between him and the Whipples?" "Not that I know of", she replies.Ruby sang for about forty-five minutes before she wrapped up her set. As she was coming down from the stage, Kate waved her over and spoke quietly.  "The balding gentleman at the table up front is a friend of ours. One who likes to call you a golden eagle. The visitor we were waiting for has arrived. It was sweet of him to come down to tell me, wasn't it?"  Ruby answers, “Oh yes it was kind of him!" Ruby happily ran over to the man and gave him a hug. She whispers in his ear, "I could see the magic but I didn't know what it was. I didn't even use a spell!" He whispers back "That was how I wanted it. I could have better masked the magic if I wished to. Well done, you're the only one of you three to pass this test. Tell me this my golden eagle, do you know where the magic is centered?" "Well, I did notice your glasses seemed to be glowing more strongly, like Sonoma’s hair clip. Is that what you mean?" He says, "It's call a Polymorph Item. The transformation it contained in the item itself and requires just a simple incantation to activate or cancel. It was the quickest way to get Sonoma switched to work here and I figured why should she have all the fun. I started one for Katherine too with her new hair clip, starting small with just a hairstyle and color change, but she didn't like the result so I turned it off.""Oh that is SO exciting! I didn't know anything like that even existed! If it wasn't for you I still wouldn't know. I am learning so much from you. I was thinking this town was the same as the others but some things have been different for me here in Promise City, some really good things. You and ... well, um...new friends..." Ruby looks away a bit embarrassed, "Anyway I owe you many thanks Mr. ... um, what should we call you when you are, um, dressed like this?"Kate arrives as he answers "I don't know, all of my names are Spanish. Why don't you girls pick one for me." "How about Mr. Austin?" Ruby says with a smile. "What do you think Kate?" "Very appropriate," Kate laughed. "Whom we both met in Tombstone. I must get back to work or people will begin to wonder." He then tells Kate that her piano playing is wonderful and that she really needs to play more back at the El Parador. "Perhaps," she said, blushing. "But the stage there belongs to Sonoma and Esteban, I wouldn't wish to intrude." She went back to waiting tables while keeping an eye on Mr. Gonzales' and Ruby.Ruby stands up straight, "Did you like the show?" He answers, "Very much so, you and Katherine are both quite talented."   "Yes, Kate is very talented on the piano. Wait until you hear her play some classical music. Even I can appreciate it. I don't know why you would have to stay hidden, but I will ask Kate about it later. I don't mind your new form, you got to come see us!" Ruby smiles at him. "I'm glad you'll share a drink with us later too."She waves Kate over to them.  "Kate brought some land today, with Sonoma and Nanuet. I'm sure you already heard about it though. We are going to celebrate at the El Parador tonight. I hope you'll join us for a drink."  He says, "Yes, although I may need to remain in this form if a certain someone is present. Kate can tell you about that later."  Ruby replies, “I don't know why you would have to stay hidden, but I will ask Kate about it later. I don't mind your new form, you got to come see us!" Ruby smiles at him. "I'm glad you'll share a drink with us later too."Kate had already begun a classical piece when Ruby waved to her. She waved back and mouthed, "I have to play."  She turned back to the keyboard and concentrated on her playing. It was comforting to her Mr. Gonzales there, and she wanted him to be pleased by her playing. She felt like a little girl again, playing in her piano recitals and hoping her father would be proud. The piece went on for about five minutes, and she then went over to the table to refresh Mr. Gonzales drink and get back to waiting tables."Well, Mr. Austin, I will sit here with you for a while if you don't mind. It's not often when I can just sit and relax and not have to impress anyone." She smiles at him. "Do you need anything?" At that moment Ruby saw Sonoma hurrying by. As she does she says to her, "We are going to have a little get together at the El Parador tonight, to celebrate your new acquired land. I'm sure you'll be up for it. But you have to actually celebrate with us, not serve us!" She looks around. "We need to tell Nanuet and Chester too. And Jake, of course." Ruby walks back to the stage to do a final set of end the night. She looks a little disappointed that Jake hasn't shown up but puts her smile back on her face before she gets up on stage. She gives a nod to "Mr. Austin" before starting. She sings with her usual passion, even closing her eyes to really get into the songs.Back at the Long Branch Saloon, by the time the first break is called Jake has played eight hands of cards of which he only won one of them. The big winner was Owen Webb with four hands, the dealer Wilkie with two and Fisk with the other. Jake lost a total of only $ 23 due to the low stakes rules that were in place. He heads back to the bar and asks Ray Singer "Any idea when Cole will be down?" Singer replies "Came down and left, you missed him. He'll probably be back around midnight if you want to check back then." "Figures." Jake shakes his head. "All right, thanks Ray." He heads outside keeping his eye open for one of the children, not seeing any.  Jake reaches the El Parador. He manages to locate young Ricardo Huesca, asks him around back to the stables.  "How would you like to earn some money amigo?" Jake asks the boy "Si, senor!" The boy comes alive. "Muy bien, muy bien. But first you need to understand a few things." Jake looks at him seriously and the boy nods. "No one should know you are working for me. Except your mother. I don't want anyone who might be mad at me taking it out on you. And I want you to be sneaky. I mean don't let folks know you are gathering information when I ask you to do that. Think you can be sneaky?" "Si, senor." He giggles "Alright then," Jake hands him four-bits, "I want to know where a man who works for the Harrisburg Safe Company stayed and worked. His name was Zikmund and he was in town a few days ago. One dollar each for the information." Jake then describes the man. "Ok, you understand?" "Si, senor, I am to be sneaky." he giggles again.  "When you have something to tell me, look at me and scratch your ear like this," Jake makes the motion, "and we'll arrange to meet out here. Go on now." Jake then heads over to the Lone Star to see his new dress in action.Nanuet runs into Jake on his way over to the Lone Star.  "Mr. Jake, glad to see you! I guess you are headed to the Lone Star too?" He walks with Jake, but is excited and can hardly keep Jake's measured pace. "I think I am starting to like Promise City Mr. Jake... I am starting to like it a lot." "I'm finding it pleasant as well." Jake replies to Nanuet and tries not to laugh as he just about leaps into the Lone Star.The Lone Star is still pretty lively when they arrive and Nanuet stays out of the way keeping an eye out for "Louise". Some people give an odd look to Nanuet but nobody says anything directly since he is with Jake. Tom approaches the two and says to Nanuet "Ah, you've come to relive Mr. Martin on guard duty. He's out in the kitchen, right through that door," and gestures to the back corner of the room. Nanuet is puzzled for a second but goes along with Mr. Whipple and heads for the back corner. He goes through the door and notices Chester. "I guess I am here to relieve you. Anything exciting going on here?" Nanuet walks past him and looks outside the back door to see if anything is going on then he turns back around and tries to spot "Louise" in the kitchen.Tom then looks to Jake and says "And I'd like a word with you too Mr. Cook if you don't mind." "Sure." Jake forces a pleasant smile on his face. Tom Whipple says "Not here, let's go for a walk," and gestures towards the door. Jake takes a quick look at Ruby up on stage in her new green dress and sighs. "Ok." He follows Tom outside. Whipple leads him across Main Street and south down Allen Street, away from the taverns. When there is nobody within thirty feet of them Tom says, "I'd like to know your intentions."Jake replies, "That's a funny question Tom. I'm not sure what you want to know."  Tom answers, "Well, Maggie spoke to you yesterday about purchasing the Lone Star. She said you indicated that you may be interested but didn't give a firm commitment. I need to know if that is your intention or if I should start looking for somebody else to sell it to?  I figure it's worth around $ 4,000."Jake says, "Ah. I understood that Maggie was still going to be one half owner, is that still the case? I am still interested but need more details and said as much to her. And she didn't offer it to just me, actually, she seemed more interested in the ladies with me as a minor partner to help put enough money together."Tom says, "Just between me and you Mr. Cook, neither me or my father have any intention of leaving Maggie behind when he depart for Denver next week. A town like this would eat her up and spit her out without a strong partner like me.   Look, the price is $ 4,000. If you want to co-own it with your lady friends that's entirely up to you. I just want to know if you're interested or not."Jake says, "I could be interested in a part owner deal, but not the whole thing. So if you need an answer right now, then no. I take it the reason we are standing out here is because you don't want Maggie to know?"  Tom answers, "The reason we're out here is because I don't want the town to know I'll be leaving. Maggie has this fool idea that she can run this place without me. Friday and Saturday nights should convince her otherwise. Then Father and I will be able to make her understand that she has no choice but to go with us."  Jake says, "Fine by me. Shall we go back then?"  Tom states, "Fine. Let me know by tomorrow how much you and your friends are interested in buying into it. I have a few other ideas for potential partners." Kate had relaxed as Jake and Nanuet came in. Though the night she'd had an underlying tension, waiting for Evan Adair's next move. But nothing had happened so far, and it was getting late. Even if he tried something now, there were enough people here she trusted to take care of it. She noticed Tom Whipple take Jake outside and hoped he wasn't going to give him a hard time about his game the other night. Maggie might want him on Friday, and she didn't want Jake to be in a foul mood about the Lone Star. She and Ruby finished up the set, and Kate again played a piece after Ruby left the stage. A gentleman approached and asked her to dance when she finished up, but as Louise was in the kitchen at the moment, there was no one to play. Kate was grateful for the excuse to say no, but it was nice to be asked. After that, she went to check on Mr. Gonzales before returning to waiting tables.Tom and Jake return to the Lone Star. Jake goes to the bar for a drink, and then finds a spot to sit, listen and watch. It is now around 10:30 PM and the Saloon will probably be open another 30 to 60 minutes. Neither poker game show any signs of ending, with the two dealers being the top winners thus far.Ruby sees Jake from the stage and noticeably perks up. She gives him a little wave and smile and continues her songs about another 30 minutes. She finishes, does a quick curtsey and skips off stage. She stops at Mr. Austin’s table and gives him a peck on the cheek, “I hope you enjoyed my singing!” She doesn’t give him a chance to answer as she skips off towards Jake. She gets to him, and pulling some hair off her face says, “How did your business go?”He replies, "Good. I closed with the miners and Morand, the silver mine is off to a good start. I did go looking for that bounty hunter, but I missed him. Spent a little time playing poker over at the Long Branch, getting to know Mr. Fisk." He raised his eyebrow briefly, pauses and then lowers his voice. "And finished off with a conversation with Tom Whipple that I'll tell you about later. In private." He gently touches the material of her dress. "Speaking of private. I like you in this, but now that's a problem." "How so Mr. Cook?" Ruby says flipping her head and hair from one side to the other.  He answers, "Cause I like you better out of it."</blockquote>

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