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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2372882" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 122, “The Bounty Hunter”, Friday, January 13th, 1882:"Oh Jake, you had us all so worried..." Ruby voice trails off as she wipes her face. Jake attempts to get up but doesn't even begin to lift his body weight. "ouch" He takes a couple of breaths. "Getting shot is a poor cure for a hangover." He closes his eyes. Ruby shakes him gently. "Hey, you aren't dying on me are you? I think we need to get you back to your bed." The woman standing in the middle of the bank bursts into tears as the people file out of the bank. She rushes up to head teller Scott Taylor and the two lock into a deep embrace. She sobs "Oh Scott, it happened again. We can't keep living like this!" He cradles her head on his shoulder and says "It's okay Mona, we don't have to. I've already given Mr. Condon my resignation. We can be out of this town tomorrow if you'd like."   Wyatt Earp walks up to Frank and begins to get the details as to what happened. Doc Eaton is examining the man Pinto and tells the other two men that were in the room. "Get him into a wagon and get him over to my office. I can still save him."Behind the counter Nanuet exclaims, "Who else is here? What happened? Wait, first off" as he gets back to his feet "Is everyone else OK? I am a shaman, I can heal." "Mr. Martin has need of you, Nanuet," Kate said from where she and Chester were exiting the vault. She wasn't really tall enough for him to lean on, but she tried to support him anyway.  "And was that Jake I heard talking?" she said with a bit of a smile.Ruby calls out over the counter, "When you are done we need to bring him back to the El Parador to rest." Chester helps Doc Eaton lift Jake to a seated position. "Mr. Cook, you got real lucky." He looks at Nanuet, who nods. "I don't know what you were thinking. You could have been killed. Nanuet, take a look at Mrs. Kale. She got hit in the hand." Chester leans heavily against the vault door. "I might need some help too."Jake opens his eyes and looks at Ruby but his voice is still weak, "I'm not dying." he coughs. "Nice to see you." He closes his eyes again. "Are the others alright?" "It's nice to see you too," she says smiling at him. "Well, Chester did get shot pretty bad. And Kate got shot too, but not so bad. They'll be ok. Nanuet knows what he is doing, obviously. Jake, you were almost... gone." Ruby looks away for a moment. "What were you thinking? Oh, forget it, you can tell me later." Jake opens his eyes a little wider, shrugs his shoulders faintly and coughs. He gives her a little bit of a smile that he can only hold for a moment and closes his eyes again.Katherine wanted to go over and check on Jake, but she didn't want to get between him and Ruby at the moment. Instead of staying for the healing which he needed far more than she did, Mr. Martin moved over to sit Jake up.  Before going for healing, Kate moved over to the drawer where the robbers had put the others weapons, opened it, and retrieved Tom's revolver.Nanuet nods to Chester and heads over to Kate. "Miss Kate, let me see your hand." He leans closer to her and says quietly "I feel I only have enough strength for one more healing, maybe two but that is risky. I used a few prayers outside and I am beginning to weaken. I feel Chester's wound may be more serious. Tell me the truth, with proper bandages will you be OK for now? The necklace has few precious stones left, but I will not hesitate to use them if there is need."Kate nodded. She hadn't really noticed the pain in her hand before. Now that things were beginning to settle down she could feel the sharp pangs running through her hand. "Help Mr. Martin. I'll be fine. I can bandage it properly back at the El Parador, and see the doctor if need be." She smiled slightly. "You must be exhausted," she nodded toward Jake. "Thank goodness you got here in time.""Jake, just rest," Ruby says with a whisper, leaning over to give him a small kiss. Then she stands up. "Jake needs to get back to the El Parador soon. Is everyone ok?" Nanuet nodded to Kate then makes his way over to Chester.  "Miss Katherine will be fine, let me look at you, Martin." Nanuet looks him over, assessing his wounds, then uses his last healing prayer to help comfort him. Chester says, "OK then. That tingles. Wow. I feel worlds better. Thank Asclepius." Nanuet gives Chester a look. "Or whoever. Ahem. Sorry," Chester states.   After that Nanuet agrees, "Let's bring Jake back to the Cantina." He walks over to Jake and with Chester’s help plans to carry him back to the El Parador.  Chester comments, "That's some powerful healing power you have, Nanuet. Mr. Cook, I would have sworn you were a goner. You took that shot full in the chest. Watch your step there."Scott and Mona Taylor have left and the other two men that were in the room have taken Pinto out. Wyatt Earp is at the desk getting a statement from teller Bruce Maxwell. Doc Eaton helps Chester with a bandage for his wound. He gives Chester an elixir to drink that doesn't do anything to help but does make he wish he had a real drink instead. Morgan Condon tells Ruby "I called for a wagon. We'll get Mr. Cook back home." The wagon soon arrives and the two Condon brothers help Nanuet carry Jake out. Morgan Condon tells Ruby and Kate "I hear that Jake actually started the shooting in there. When he wakes up tell him that he doesn't have to worry about any charges being filed against him for that. He may have resigned his guard job yesterday but that isn't public knowledge.” "He did?" Ruby says to herself looking back down at Jake with a small smile. She pushes her hair off her face and tries to straighten her dress. Condon continues, “So I told the Marshall that he still worked for me as a guard and was just doing his job. Heck, after what he just did I think I'll pay him full wages for this week instead of just partial."  Kate says, "Thank you Mr. Condon. It's a relief to know we won't have trouble with the law over this. And I'm sure Jake would appreciate the 'bonus.'"  Kate turned and hugged Ruby for a long moment without saying anything. There were no words. After a few moments she pulled back and said, "I should see the doctor before I leave." She then went over to Doc Eaton.   "I'm sorry, I know you have to go quickly, but could you look at my hand for a moment? I just want to make sure I can care for it correctly." Doc Eaton looks the hand over then has her wiggle her fingers and turn her wrist. He says, "Looks just superficial. Keep some ice on it for an hour or two and try not to do anything strenuous for the next day or so and it should be fine."  She replies, "Thank you. I knew it wasn't serious, but I've never been shot before so I wasn't sure. I'll be sure to take care of it." Before they leave she quickly approaches Mr. Condon and speaks to him privately.  She walks over to Kate. "How are you feeling? I noticed that Nanuet was exhausted. I might be able to help with your hand when we get back to the El Parador. I'm going to stay with Jake and get him cleaned up and make sure he is ok. But first we'll head up to your room." Ruby grabs Kate's hand. "I’m glad you are ok, Kate."Kate says, "I'm feeling tired, and a bit numb. And I'm glad I'm ok too. The doctor says I shouldn't do anything strenuous, so if you want your accompanist tonight, I'll need your help." Kate squeezed her friend’s hand. "Thank you." She tried to straighten her jacket and what was left of her shirt. "I suppose its time to face that crowd."  Indeed, a crowd has gathered around on the street."Oh, I didn't even think of that. Just ignore them." Ruby tells the men that the wagon has arrived so they can get Jake on it. She gathers Kate, Chester and Nanuet and they get back to the El Parador. She directs them to bring Jake to his room while she goes with Kate to hers. When they get back to her room, Ruby takes a look at her wound. "Not sure if this will do any good, but I'm going to try anyway." Ruby takes Kate's hand and sings her lullaby, trying to concentrate as hard as she can.  After that, she looks up at Kate. "I'm not going to the Lone Star tonight. I'm going to stay with Jake. I know you understand and I hope Maggie will too. I am hoping that Louise can sing there tonight."  Kate replies, “"I understand, and I think Maggie will too. I'm not sure Dorita will be able to spare Sonoma tonight without having someone to replace her, but perhaps she will.” Ruby starts heading to the door but turns and walks back. "I'm going to have some quiet time while Jake sleeps. Why don't you give me those jewels so I can look them over while I have the chance." Kate removed the box from its hiding place and opened it. She pointed out the one piece that Mr. Gonzales had said was magical. Then she closed it and handed it to Ruby. "Try to get some rest yourself, Ruby." Ruby took the box and smiled at her friend. "There IS no rest for the wicked, Kate." With that she turns, walks out the door and heads back to Jake room.When she gets back to Jake’s room, Ruby makes sure they have carefully put him on the bed. She places the box with the jewels in it on the table. She gets some long underwear out and fills a basin with warm water from the kitchen. She takes her time cleaning off the blood carefully so she doesn’t hurt him while trying not to wake him and she gets him in fresh clothes, leaving the bloody ones on the floor. She is still concerned and also exhausted from the emotional hysterics of the day and she moves in what feels like slow motion. She gets him under the covers and props his head up with some pillows. When Jake is settled in Ruby sits in the chair that is out of its spot and next to the bed. She pulls her legs up in the chair and falls asleep.Sonoma had followed Shotgun Sally for two blocks, keeping a distance of about forty feet. Sally went to Drover's Livery. A man rode up to return a rented horse and put it in the corral. He no sooner climbed off when she opened the corral gate. She walked up to the man giving him a wide smile and flirted with him. She then got up close, punched the man in the stomach, grabbed his gun and then stole the horse. Sally quickly rode north of town. Sonoma followed after her on foot until the horse is out of sight, following the trail left by it until the trail became distinct from any other horseshoe trails in the area, to enable the group to later track it if they wish. She then returns to the El Parador, staying invisible. A crowd had followed the wagon with Jake and the others back to the Cantina. Dorita and Pedro are busy dealing with the crowd, serving up food and drinks to them. Handyman Grant Keebler is standing on the staircase holding a shotgun and preventing anyone from going upstairs and bothering any of the others. A annoying halfling reporter named Chumbley is arguing with Keebler, insisting that Jake Cooke is a personal friend of his who would welcome his visitation.After Ruby left, Kate got herself cleaned up and dressed in a fresh shirt. She had no desire to be riding out now, but it still had to be done. Angering the bounty hunter might drive the price even lower, or end the possibility of him taking the body altogether, especially if he heard that Deadeye Douglas was nearby. She sighed and checked herself in the mirror. At least she didn't look like someone who had just been in a bank robbery. On her way back downstairs, Kate opened Jake's door a crack and peeked inside. The sound of snoring came to her from across the room. She closed the door softly and went downstairs to look for Mr. Booth or Nanuet. Booth comes into the front door and sees Kate across the room. He heads over to her and says "Sorry for the delay, I hope you haven't been waiting too long. Did you hear the news? Deadeye Douglas robbed Condon's Bank!"Katherine looked quickly around the room and moved away from the crowd, bringing Mr. Booth with her. She kept her voice low so it wouldn't carry. "Yes, I know, I was there. Jake and I went over to run an errand. There were six of them. I took a shot to the hand, and Mr. Martin was wounded. Douglas shot Jake and nearly killed him, and I...." Kate covered her face with her hand for a moment, rubbing her forehead with her fingers. "I'm sorry. I'm still a little rattled, but at least our names aren't circulating widely. Obviously, Jake won't be able to ride out with us. There is someone else I'd like to ask if you can wait a few minutes."Booth seems more than a bit surprised by her comments. "You were there? Incredible! Jake faced down Deadeye Douglas and lived to tell about it? I dare say that news will be all around town, heck, all around the country would be more like it.  Under the circumstances you don't seem rattled at all. Of course we can wait, Cole won't be ready for a little while longer himself."She answers, "Well, I guess I'm a good actress then. I still feel like my heart is trying to pound it's way out of my chest. And Jake lived because someone with healing magic arrived before he died. It was a close thing." She stopped and took another deep breath. His excitement was getting on her nerves. "I hope the news won't be all over, none of us really wants that kind of attention. I'm sure you'll help us keep it that way. Would you do me a favor and have Dorita bring a couple of whiskeys over? I'm just going to go look for my friend and I'd love a drink or two when I get back." Kate scanned the Cantina again, then went out to the stables to see if Nanuet was there. On her second trip through the cantina, Kate finally saw Nanuet doing a good job of being inconspicuous at a corner table. She sat down across from him.  "You did some fine work on Jake. It must be wonderful to be able to heal someone like that." Kate paused. "I hate to ask it of you, but I wonder if you could do me a favor, if you're not too tired, that is," she added quickly. "I've made an arrangement with the bounty hunter to take Curly Bill's body. I'm to ride out with him soon. Mr. Booth is going to accompany us, but I would feel better if someone I knew better were along too. It's just out to the ranch. Would you be interested in going? We can pick up the deed for our new land when we get back. I'd be glad to have Sonoma along as well, but I haven't seen her."Chester walks slowly up to his room. He pats Keebler on the shoulder as he passes. "Thanks. Glad to see someone not pointing one of those at me." When Chester gets up to his room, he sheds his ruined clothes. He mutters to himself, "Ow. I'll have to watch stretching for a while. That healing prayer worked wonders, but it left the skin a bit tight. I bet Jake's feeling worse." The wiry man wipes the dried blood from his body and pulls on a new shirt and pants. "I better ask Dorita what to do with these. I don't think she'd like the smell of blood filling the air. Let me check on Jake. Then I really need a drink." Chester goes to Jake's room, but hears the snoring. Better let him rest. He's had a hard day. Chester comes back down the stairs. He looks over the large crowd before he sights Kate and Nanuet. Chester winds his way through, hoping no one will recognize him. Easing himself into a chair at their table, he says, "Afternoon, folks. Is anyone else hungry? No? OK, then." He calls Dorita over. "Ma'am, could I get something to eat, please. Thank you." Chester whispers to Nanuet, "Getting healed like that takes a lot out of a guy. Thanks again. By the way, have you checked on Jake since we came back?"Kate replies, "I peeked in just before I came downstairs. He was sleeping, which I imagine he needs very much right now.   If you're feeling up to it, Mr. Martin, I was just asking Nanuet if he and Sonoma would like to go for a little ride this morning. Mr. Booth and I are going out to our ranch with the bounty hunter to get rid of something we acquired on Saturday. I'm sure you remember us speaking about it. I'd feel better with people I know along."Conrad Booth joins Kate, Nanuet and Chester to ride out to the ranch. An invisible Sonoma also sticks with them. They go to the stable and saddle up their horses, letting Booth use of the of the recently acquired rustler horses and tie ropes to the other two to bring them out to Pete's Ranch. Sonoma manages to get herself up onto one of the extra horses. They ride over to Drover's Livery where Irby Cole has purchased a wagon and horses. The back of the wagon now has a casket sitting in it. Livery owner Austin Blake tells all of them "You all be careful out there. A woman in the new Douglas Gang stole one of my horses. No telling where those outlaws may have holed up."  She replies, "Thank you, Mr. Blake. We'll take care." Cole looks up and says "Ready?"  Kate answers, “Yes. I'll be glad to have this all taken care of."  Cole is not what they would have expected a bounty hunter to look like. He is short and thin with long gray hair. He has a three-inch long beard but no mustache. He has on regular jeans and a flannel shirt and no visible weapons. A leather coat is in the front of the wagon. His appearance is more what would be expected from a farmer than a man who hunts outlaws. Chester realizes that the non-threatening appearance must help the man do his job, as he could easily blend into most settings without raising suspicion. Chester also notes various small bulges on the man's shirt, pants, coat and saddlebags and concludes that that man is probably very well armed.Kate and Nanuet led the group out on the short ride out to Flint's cave, and Kate kept an eye on Cole as they rode. She had imagined a large, burly man; toweringly tall and young. As Mr. Booth rode up alongside her she leaned over and said quietly, "This is the man you didn't want me alone with? I'm certain he's competent at his profession, but he doesn't look like one for random violence."Booth whispers back to Kate "Don't judge a book by its cover. He's one of the most ruthless and underhanded killers ever to walk the earth. He's not right in the head, he enjoys killing, and it’s his favorite thing in the world, if you can believe that. He won't even go after bounties unless they state dead or alive because he has no interest in ever bringing back someone alive. Get this, he's a Civil War veteran from BOTH SIDES. After the Union army kicked him out he went and joined the Confederate army just so he keep up his killing streak. Katherine shook slightly. "My Father fought for the Union Army, he lost most of his left arm." She kept her eyes steadily away from Cole. "You're right, this is not the kind of man I deal with."   Conrad says, “Never ask him how many people he's killed unless you have three hours to spare, because he'll recount every one of them for you in detail and will not allow listeners to interrupt or leave. I dare say Mrs. Kale that you'll be treated very well over at the Long Branch for finally getting rid of him."Kate says, "Others at the Long Branch know of this? I really don't want to be a local celebrity Mr. Booth. Is there any chance it won't spread any farther?"   Booth replies, "Err, well, I haven't told anybody yet. I can keep your name out of it and say that those Cartwright folks were the ones instead. I'm just saying that the Long Branch will be very glad to see him gone, so why shouldn't you get the credit since you are the one responsible."   She says, "I see where you're coming from, but I think it's best if we keep this quiet. We have reason to believe some of the survivors from last Saturday may still be looking for revenge. If our names get back to them, it becomes that much easier for them to find us."  Booth replies, "I understand your concern. Fear not young lady, I will keep this between us." Chester rides next to Cole. He makes the mistake of saying, "So, Mr. Cole. How did you get into the bounty hunting business? You must get to travel a lot." "Uh oh, now he's done it" Booth tells Kate in reference to Chester's question. Cole starts to alternate his attention between the front of the wagon and Chester as he says "After the war I needed to keep up my skills. It was either become a lawman or a bounty hunter. Most lawmen lead boring lives, sitting around waiting for something to happen. Not so with bounty hunting, never a dull moment. I've been doing this for the last seventeen years now and a rewarding life it has been. The first person I went after was Ritchie Burritt. He had been a guard at Andersonville Prison and was wanted for his brutality. The Union Army put a bounty of only $ 400 on his head but it was worth it. Before heading out for him I talked to over a dozen prisoners who suffered at Burritt's hands, finding out all of the details. When I caught up with Burritt, in a small town in Louisiana it was payback time. Before he died I made sure he relived every single suffering that he had inflicted. The next bounty was in September of '65, that was for Artemis and Maurice Francois, two brothers from New Orleans. They had murdered the owner of a bordello. I found them....." and the conversation continues like that until they reach Pete's ranch, by which time he is only up to 1873 and by this time Chester thinks that Cole is stark raving mad, a sadist and a psychopath.  Booth and Kate stay further away attempting to not get involved. Once they arrive at the cave Katherine calls out to Flint and asks if he would like to come out with them to get the body.Booth, Nanuet and Flint get the body and load it into the coffin while Cole continues to regale Chester with his bloody history. Booth calls Kate over to join the dwarf and the Indian in a drink, stating "He has another hour to go in his tale before he'll be ready to pay you. Might as well just relax until he is done." Kate accepted one drink but no more. She didn't relax, frequently scanning the countryside. Her nerves were still wound tight from this morning, and this waiting wasn't doing them any good.</blockquote>

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