Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2528824" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 134 ,“Crossroads”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>“You stay here," Jake says to Ruby "and let me walk over to the door and have them open it. Then follow if you think it's safe. The last ploy I can think of is them storming the door when it opens. Seems like nothing is going to happen right now." He gets up from his crouch position. "Ok. I hope nothing happens I'm cold now and want to get back and get warm," Ruby says with a shiver. She was cold and wet and starting to sober up from their face off with Adair. She watches as Jake makes his way slowly over to the front door.</p><p></p><p>Jake speaks softly at the door and Warren Earp opens it. He and Ruby quickly make their way inside. Wyatt says "Everything's been quiet here. How about outside? And what caused the explosion?" Jake replies, "The only trouble we ran into out there was Adair. I'll talk to you later about that. I didn't get all the way to the fire, turns out Ruby here needs to rest and warm up a bit. Bad judgement of mine taking her out." Jake looks for a blanket to wrap her in. "Probably better that I stay with the ladies if you still want to check out the explosion. The fire seems to be out."</p><p></p><p>Earp replies "Okay, Warren and I will check it out. Pamela Yeats seems to be on edge. Weems hasn't stirred, but that's no real surprise. The move over here was painful for him and the Doc gave him something for the pain before he left. Keep the door locked and don't let anyone in except for one of us." The Earp brothers check their weapons once more and then depart. Ruby huddles over near the woodstove to warm up.</p><p></p><p>Jake sees that Katherine is a bit tense still. "Hopefully this won't take too long. Thanks for coming along, it'll be OK." Kate replies, "I'm alright Jake. It's just something the Marshall said, about what you and Ruby were up to last Sunday, but this isn't the place to discuss it." He then makes sure the curtains are closed tightly so no one can peer in before scanning the room and committing to memory where everything is in case of trouble. He then lowers the flame on the lamp so the room is dimmer. "Stay away from the windows." He takes a look at Pamela Yeats and then watches her from the corner of his eye.</p><p></p><p>After Ruby warms up a bit she walks over to Pamela who eyes her suspiciously. She still has the blanket on her shoulder and the rifle in her hand. "So, Mrs. Yeats, your little robbery didn't exactly go as planned, huh? I think right now you are wishing you left your poor husband here in jail, then at least he would still be alive." Pamela Yeats bursts into tears, heads back to her bunk, then lies down and cries herself to sleep. Ruby turns back to Jake and Kate. "Well I guess we're not getting any information from her..." She is still shivering so she walks back over to the woodstove.</p><p></p><p>Kate went over and put her arm around Ruby. "I know you're still angry about what happened to Jake, but however it happened, she just lost a husband. Believe me, she's as miserable as you could possibly wish." Ruby exclaims, "She should have thought about that before robbing the bank, shouldn't she." Kate can tell Ruby is more upset than angry but trying not to show it.</p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "Yes, she should have. Tom and I lost everything, but we didn't go out and rob banks. We did what we had to in order to start over." Katherine breathed deep and could smell the whiskey on Ruby's breath. She went over to the stove and looked at the coffeepot. The drink certainly wasn't fresh, but it was hot. She found a cup and filled it, then brought it over to Ruby. "So what is bothering you Ruby?" Ruby takes the coffee and stares at the cup. "What?" she shrugs. "I'm fine. I just thought we could get some information out of her is all. I spent way too much time today in the rain and would like to get dry."</p><p></p><p>"So" Jake interrupts the women, "this night hasn't gone exactly as planned. Seems like it started out having fun. When I heard the explosion I was sure that somebody was going to be breaking out Weems. I was less concerned about Deadeye and more concerned about who put Weems' up to attacking us coming back from the mines, plus his possible connection to the Cowboy Gang. They are probably still looking for revenge over the rustler cave incident." Jake takes a moment to put his hat near the stove to dry. "Seems like Deadeye is connected to the Cowboy gang now though." </p><p></p><p>Jake looks away from them and runs a hand through his hair. "Look, um, I'm sorry for getting you both into this tonight. I suppose I could have thought a bit and talked to you before running off. Heh, I guess I do that quite about don't I?" Jake casually walks over near the door and seems to be listening. Satisfied that he doesn't hear anything he say, "Let's hope that the Earps don't find anything and I can take you both back to the El Parador soon."</p><p></p><p>Ruby furrows her brow. "Why do you think Deadeye is connected with the Cowboy Gang?" Jake says, "Back in the caves, Claibourne was expecting Deadeye, thought I was him. And someone saw Claibourne that day Weems and the others attacked us coming back from the mine, didn't they? Or is that just me being paranoid?" "Oh yeah, I think Kate saw him that day." She glances at Kate who nods to her. "I think I'll leave the thinking to you guys," Ruby laughs. "Too much worrying gives you wrinkles."</p><p></p><p>Back at the Lucky Lady, Niles Hoover tells Chester “I think that they've managed to get most of the fire out now at my place, although I don't know if it can be salvaged or not. It's still a good location though even if I have to rebuild from scratch." Chester says, "That's too bad about your place. What's so good about the location?"</p><p></p><p>Hoover replies, "It's in town and not far from the mines. Plus it was next door to the Trail Dust Saloon. With that place now closed and becoming Arizona Territorial property I'd have had less competition. Of course, a Main Street location would be even better, but there aren't any available buildings. Not that it matters that much, I'm the only liquor distributor in town but I did make some money on the bar as well."</p><p></p><p>After about a half-hour the Earps return. Wyatt says "Looks like we were all being overly paranoid tonight. The explosion wasn't caused by the Cowboy Gang, seems the culprit was Jupiter, Mars, Discordia or one of the other gods. I spoke to Rufus Davis, he's now over at Doc Eaton's office. He runs the Arizona Billiard hall had just opened up his back door to head for the outhouse when he saw the bolt of lightning come down and hit the dynamite shed. The explosion blew him all the way back into the building and onto one his billiard tables." </p><p></p><p>"Thanks for helping out tonight." He goes to his desk and unlocks it, then removes some money and counts out $ 1.75 in coins which he hands to Jake. "Your pay Mr. Cook for tonight's services. If you'd like I can talk to the Merchant's Association tomorrow about hiring you on as a Deputy Marshall, since Warren's going back to Tombstone tomorrow so I'll be short a deputy."</p><p></p><p>The hair on the back of Jake's neck stands up again and he unconsciously rubs it back down. "It isn't really a career that I'm after. I'm really interested in safe guarding my businesses more than in being Deputy Marshall. It does seem that I keep getting involved, I guess I'd consider it for a time. I just need to make sure there is not a conflict with my other business interests and I can take care of them. If we can work it that you use me as needed I'd sign up." He picks up his hat from near the stove. "If I'm going to be an assistant to the head lawman I'll need a little training in jurisdiction, what I should and shouldn't do, and what else is expected of me."</p><p></p><p>Wyatt replies "We can go over that later, some time where they", and he gestures to the two prisoners "Are not within earshot. Glad to have you on board Deputy Cooke." "Goodnight gents." Jake borrows a blanket to wrap up Ruby and when the women are ready goes back to the El Parador with them. He 'forgets' to see if Wyatt wants the badge back tonight. He tucks Ruby under his duster to protect her from the rain, although she really isn't dry anyway. </p><p></p><p>Kate followed behind Jake and Ruby, her still damp clothes again getting soaked. It had probably been a foolish thing to chase after Jake in the first place, but staying behind and worrying was worse than getting wet. They got back to the El Parador, dripping all over Dorita's floors. Upon arriving back at the El Parador all Jake can muster is, "I really need a drink."</p><p></p><p>"Me too," chatters Ruby. "But I'm too miserable right now. I'm going to get changed instead." Ruby stops by Kate on the way to the stairs. Ruby takes her hand for a moment. "You should get changed too, you're still wet and I don't want you to get sick either. And besides tomorrow will be another long day, with Maggie leaving and all..." She pauses and looks like she is going to say something else but doesn't. Instead she wishes her a good night and turns to head upstairs.</p><p></p><p>Kate says, "Well, once Maggie is on her way, it should be quiet until the evening. Good night, Ruby." Kate headed over to the kitchen and opened the door and saw Maggie. "I have to go get changed, I'll be back down in a little bit. Did everything go alright here?"</p><p></p><p>Maggie replies, "Oh, it went fine. Most of the dwarves left after the explosion. Pedro asked Dorita about that, since they hadn't paid their bar tabs. He figured they would probably come back since half of them are staying here but Dorita had another idea. Since 'honor' is valued highly among the dwarves she suggested that Pedro take the men from here and go 'shame' them into returning. They've now paid up from before and with rather large tips to show their honorable intentions. I tell you Kate, that woman is a genius."</p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "Indeed she is. I should have brought you here sooner, the two of you are getting along so well. I really need to get out of these wet clothes. You can come up with me, if you like." The two women went upstairs where Katherine dug through her trunk and pulled out a very plain, brown dress and dry undergarments. She used the closet door for privacy as she changed. "Are you really looking forward to tomorrow, Maggie? It was so sudden, and I felt like I was pushing you a bit. I didn't want to do that, but time was of the essence."</p><p></p><p>Kate stepped out from behind the door, still cold but at least dry. She picked up her brush and began to pull it through her wet hair. She took a seat next to Maggie on the bed. "I'm sorry about tonight, I wish it could have gone differently. Will you need any help tomorrow morning?" Maggie replies "Oh Kate, after the way things went tonight at the Lone Star I'm glad to be leaving. I couldn't bear to have to spend forever with my father, brother and cousin. I can't believe that Father decided to put up that 'humans only' sign behind my back, and when three wood elves were helping out in the kitchen! And he spoke about it in front of them, as if they weren't even there! </p><p></p><p>Kate, from what you told me of Los Angeles I will have a chance to help women regardless of race. My three nights here earlier this week were a real eye opener. I think I learned more here about people in a half week than I did in half of my lifetime. I'm sorry that it took so long for me to get over here but after you left things went from bad to worse. Father's plan to have cater to the displaced humans from the other saloons backfired. One person displaced was Cornelius Van Horne. After he found both the Comique and Gay Lady both full of dwarves he came to the Lone Star. He arrived right after you all left. Job decided to call it a night at quarter past nine and Tony decided to do the same. </p><p></p><p>So Teddy and Alexsis tried to hold the crowd with their music and failed miserably. Do you know what Alexsis is? She's an opener, her talents are great for warming up an audience before the opening act. But as the main attraction she's lost. Then word came in that Buffalo Bill Cody was in town and over at the Long Branch Saloon. That emptied the place out since everybody wanted to see him. And here's the kicker. Father and Tom both said that this disaster was all my fault for not being able to hire reliable help! </p><p></p><p>Anyway, Jake never gave Tom an answer about buying the place, so I volunteered to come over here and talk to him. Job Kane has $ 1,000 to invest and Tom wants to know if Jake has the other $ 3,000. And I get the impression that both men don't plan to let me have even a dollar from the sale! As for tomorrow, church services begin at 8:00 AM. If you come by shortly after that you can help me pack. Make sure that you don't come over by way of the corner of Main and Fremont, or else they might see you through the windows at the church service. Avoid the front door too, as that could be seen too. Come to the back door of the kitchen, I'll be waiting for you."</p><p></p><p>Kate exclaims, "You couldn't hire reliable help? We all stuck it out as long as we could for you, not them. Dorita came to help because you asked her. But I suppose they would blame everything on you, after all, I truly believe they set out intending for you to fail. And since you weren't going to fail on your own, they made sure things went badly so they could say you did. The failures I saw were their own. It can't have been easy for you this last week, but I think it will be worth it. I wish you could have come to the El Parador sooner, and seen some of what I've seen. I've been getting quite an education living here, that there is so much more in the world than I ever saw. And now you get to go to Los Angeles and see so much more than me. I think you and Consuela Hernandez are going to get on very well with one another. </p><p></p><p>I'm not sure if Jake has another thousand. I might be able to come up with most of it, so perhaps between he, Ruby, and I we can get it. I think Job is the only partner they want, so I can help them out, and they can pay me back as they can. You keep saying they didn't intend to give you any of the money from the sale. But the Lone Star is, or was at least, legally half yours, yes? It wasn't all in Tom's name or anything like that?"</p><p></p><p>Maggie replies, "Oh, it was half mine all right. Mr. Berg confirmed that and this afternoon's transaction was totally legal. I'm not going to feel at all guilty about taking what I put two years of my life into. I'm not sure what to do about mine and Tom's combined savings though. Not counting the sale of the building we have around $ 1,900 saved up and locked away in a cash box. </p><p></p><p>Technically half of that is mine, well, maybe less as it was at $ 1,600 before Tom and I started our solo nights. He increased it by $ 400 whereas these last two nights Van Horne has left us no profits and actually cost us $ 100 in savings. But Tom is planning to use it as his stake in the Denver Saloon and without my share of the Lone Star he'll need it. He and Flossie finally have an opportunity for happiness, I'd hate to take that away from them."</p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "You have no reason to feel guilty at all. But I can understand not wanting to take anything out of the cash box. Maybe just $100 for your own expenses? Buying into the restaurant will use up the $2000, and even though you won't have to pay for your rooms for the first month, you'll still have some expenses. Even if it's just the stage and train fare. You said church starts at 8:00? I'll come by the Lone Star by way of the alley a little bit after to help you. We'll have you tucked away on the stagecoach and on your way with no fuss."</p><p></p><p>It was close to midnight by the time that Kate and Maggie finally stopped talking. Chester then escorted Maggie back to the Lone Star and Maggie headed off to bed. </p><p></p><p>Ruby runs up to Jake’s room and strips off the dripping dress, leaving a wet puddle of clothes on the floor. She grabs one of Jake’s shirts, throws it on and jumps under the covers trying to get warm. She spies the bottle of bourbon on the table so she quickly gets out of bed, grabs it and gets back in bed, taking a few drinks while waiting for Jake. </p><p></p><p>Jake finishes the rest of his whiskey in one gulp. He seems to be lost in thought and comes out of it shaking his head. He scans the room one last time before climbing the stairs. He opens the door to his room without knocking, closes and locks it. He smiles when he sees the damp red hair, the arms of his shirt, and a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon just visible from under the covers. </p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles as Jake enters the room. “What took you so long?” She pauses to sit up and take another drink of the bourbon before continuing. “I have a few things on my mind. I can’t believe that stupid Adair shot at you tonight. He has no good reason to threaten either of us and we can’t just wait around until he decides to shoot one of us in the back. We need to start on a plan to deal with him. Maybe not tonight, but soon. I know it’s more my problem than yours but I would appreciate your uh, expertise in problem solving to help.” Ruby takes another gulp of bourbon and offers the bottle to Jake. “What, it’s to keep me warm...” she says with a smile and a flip of her hair. </p><p></p><p>Jake takes the offered bottle, has a rather large swig and hands it back. "I already told you I'd help you take care of Adair. Before tonight, I had half a mind to talk to him and see if we could call a truce. Talking is done now. He's a dead man, he just doesn't know it yet." Jake's eyes are half closed and have that steely edge to them. "Sure we can make him suffer on the way too if that pleases you. It's time to find out everything about this man. Be discrete, but we want to know all about that snake. Especially who his enemies are and why." He drapes his duster over a chair and drops his hat on the floor next to it. </p><p></p><p>“I know you said you would help but I wanted to make sure we both agree about his fate. And if he happens to suffer in the process of getting to that fate well.. so be it.” Ruby narrows her eyes as she thinks but then snaps out of it. “Now, about this marriage stuff, you never answered me earlier. Doesn’t it bother you to have everyone in this city think we’re married when we’re not?” </p><p></p><p>"That'll be a problem with running the Lone Star. We'll need to fix that somehow. So the thought of being married to Jake Cooke is that bad?" Jake quickly holds out his hands palms up, "No wait, don't answer that. I'm not ready for the answer either way." He laughs and takes off both gun belts. "In the last five years I've had so much attributed to me good or bad that just isn't true I didn't really think about it. Honestly." </p><p></p><p>“Why would it be a problem running the Lone Star?” Ruby has a confused look on her face, Jake isn’t sure if she really doesn’t understand or it’s just the liquor. "Just a trust thing with the customers." Jake replies matter of factly. "It is a gambling establishment.” She says, “I guess that is a good point if you want honest tables there. Look, about being married, I will say this, you’re not the one being thought of as someone’s property, ok? Besides I like getting marriage proposals, they usually come with jewelry, and it’s hard to get them if people think you are already married.” Jake just raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything. </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs. “I was kidding! I don’t want any marriage proposals. That is when the trouble really starts believe me. But I just don’t get it,” she shakes her head. “Does anyone really believe I am the kind of girl to be married?” She laughs again at the thought before settling down. </p><p></p><p>Finally Ruby sighs. “And something else. I think Kate mentioned something about what we were doing last Sunday? I’m not sure but I don’t think she is referring to us having that drink of this,” she holds up the bottle of bourbon. “Since I saw Colby Tucker on Thursday… well, I’ve been thinking about it… and it’s time for Kate to know what we know. I decided I am going to tell her tomorrow. Not looking forward to that at all.” </p><p></p><p>"It shouldn't wait. We've done all we can do, she needs to decide what's next. It was her husband. Everything points to Morgan, but it is just too neat." “I agree. Tomorrow it is.” Ruby is quiet for a moment then has a sudden outburst, “Oh, what the heck was going on in that alley tonight? Talking about your friend Red? I am confused…” </p><p></p><p>"Well, so am I. But during one of the flashes of lightning I got a good close look at Van Horne in the face. I can't explain it but for some reason I am sure that Red is hiding behind that face. It sounds crazy, I know. I'm going to have to check into it." Jake becomes animated. "I couldn't say anything out there, I couldn't be sure who might hear. If he's hiding his identity it must be for a good reason, one that probably is keeping him either out of jail or away from some enemy. I couldn't risk his life by blurting it out." Jake starts to pace. "I'm not sure, but I am! Ok, that sounds stupid. He did knock the gun away..." Jake stops pacing. "Look he means a lot to me, help me keep up the charade until I know what is going on." </p><p></p><p>“Van Horne…,” she says slowly again furrowing her brow “I will go along with it Jake. Maybe I can even help. We’ll see, you just let me know. One more thing I’ve been thinking about. I learned two things today. One, you don’t trust me, or at least, you don’t trust some of the things I tell you. I really don’t care about that too much; we haven’t known each other that long. Besides I know ALL about not trusting someone. But more importantly the other thing that I learned is that you really would come to find me if I left. And Jake,” Ruby pauses then looks straight at him and whispers, “Jacob Cook, that really means a lot to me. I guess I have to start trusting you too.” Ruby pauses then laughs lightly, "Especially now since you are a deputy and all..." </p><p></p><p>"Trust? I've trusted you with my life, what in Hades else do I have to do?" He has a playful smile on his face but his tone has a very slight edge to it. "Sometimes WE all make a bad decision, it's especially nice when there is someone around who can save us from it. So what if I trust you too much, believe everytime you say not to worry, and believe that you'll never have a moment of doubt about what you are sure of now? What if I trust you too much and I'm sitting on my ass drinking a whiskey and I'm not there when you need me? Whether you think you need me or not." Jake grabs the bottle from her and has another swig. He hands it back, "Deputy Jake Cook, Hermes, it makes my skin crawl!" He is looking down at his shirt and the badge still pinned there like it was a scorpion. "It'll help us deal with the problems we have right now." </p><p></p><p>"Well, you didn’t trust me when I told you I would stay or you wouldn’t have come out this morning to throw me in the mud,” she says teasingly. “But you came for me so I don’t care and I’m telling you again I’m not leaving and maybe now you’ll never be able to get rid of me! You are right it is nice when someone is there to save us, particularly from ourselves. ” Ruby tries to figure out what she just said and can’t so instead takes another drink. She continues seriously, “I can only hope you will be here when I need you,” a smile grows on her face, “Like right now, I’M COLD so get over here and keep me warm! You have an official duty to do, you even have the badge to prove it.” </p><p></p><p>Jake looks at the badge again dubiously before he laughs one last time. Without further words he gets out of his damp clothes, takes the bottle from Ruby, and has one last quick drink before placing it on the nightstand. As soon as he gets in bed Ruby rolls on top of him, kisses him and then snuggles close as she can. “I’m feeling warmer already,” she smiles. She lays her head on his chest. “Today was a good day. Today we bought a future, something I never thought I would have.” She lifts her head and looks at Jake. She lightly runs her fingers over Jake’s face and beard then leans in and kisses him again. “And it’s all because of you.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby warmed up quickly laying on Jake with his arms wrapped around her. She put her head back down on his chest and closed her eyes. It wasn’t long before he was lightly snoring. Ruby tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. She had too much on her mind and not enough liquor in her to combat her mental stirrings. She had mixed feelings about owning the Lone Star. On the outside she was genuinely happy and excited about the possibilities it gave her. But when she really stopped to think about it there were still those old familiar feelings inside her that this was going to lead to true trouble for her. </p><p></p><p>She battled the thoughts, reminding herself about the promises already made, to herself and to Jake. Not that she had never broken a promise before but she was trying so hard to be different, to break free of the miserable lonely existence she had been putting herself though to spare herself pain. The Lone Star would mean a real responsibility and one that Ruby was not sure she was ready for. But it also meant a genuine chance at being happy in a way she never thought she could have. She did love to sing and be on stage and this would give her a chance to continue to do that in a way that pleased her. And was she in it with Jake, he would make sure that it worked. </p><p></p><p>Then again, Jake was a dilemma of his own. She had only known him 2 weeks. She let herself care about him and she had been overwhelmed by those feelings when he almost died. It scared her that things were happening so fast for them and while she felt she should step back a bit to protect herself she knew she wasn’t going to. She was too comfortable laying there in his arms. And whatever he felt, she didn’t know exactly, but she just knew he felt something too. She could feel it when he smiled at her and gently wrapped the blanket tightly around her shoulders to keep her warm earlier that day. Ruby looked up and watched him sleep, running her fingers though his still slightly damp hair. He was already accustomed to having her there and he didn’t wake with her touch, only changed his snore slightly. Ruby smiled. Yes, Jake was an unsolvable problem. </p><p></p><p>Then there was Kate. She was the best friend that Ruby ever had, someone to talk to and not get judged, someone else she cared about and wanted to protect. And now Ruby had to tell her that her husband, her world, had not died in the way she was told. No, a much more malevolent force had been at work and took her husband, her future and her life away from her. Ruby tried to think of the right words to use but none would come. She started to toss and turn thinking about it. There was just no right way to say it. Ruby also knew that she had no real proof of this, only a feeling that Tom did not die the way Kate was told. Ruby knew there was more of this story to be told but now was the time for Kate to decide what happened next. </p><p></p><p>Ruby changed her thoughts to tomorrow. She wondered what the day would bring. More curious rain? No matter what the weather brought one thing she knew, there would be some kind of storm with the Whipples particularly the older one when he found out his daughter had taken off. And they would be the ones to deal with it. Ruby wished they would just go in peace, leave them the Lone Star and be done with it. She knew that was a dream not to come true. </p><p></p><p>As she thought about the possibilities of what the day would bring she continued to be restless. Finally Jake rolled them over so he was now half lying on her, his head nestled by her neck, his leg thrown over her so she couldn’t keep moving around. Ruby smiled to herself and decided to banish the confusing thoughts and start enjoying being warm again. She was usually good at not being too serious and that gift didn't fail her now that Jake had made her more comfortable. She wrapped her arms around him and drifted to sleep, finally cozy and content.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2528824, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 134 ,“Crossroads”, Saturday, January 14th, 1882:[/B] “You stay here," Jake says to Ruby "and let me walk over to the door and have them open it. Then follow if you think it's safe. The last ploy I can think of is them storming the door when it opens. Seems like nothing is going to happen right now." He gets up from his crouch position. "Ok. I hope nothing happens I'm cold now and want to get back and get warm," Ruby says with a shiver. She was cold and wet and starting to sober up from their face off with Adair. She watches as Jake makes his way slowly over to the front door. Jake speaks softly at the door and Warren Earp opens it. He and Ruby quickly make their way inside. Wyatt says "Everything's been quiet here. How about outside? And what caused the explosion?" Jake replies, "The only trouble we ran into out there was Adair. I'll talk to you later about that. I didn't get all the way to the fire, turns out Ruby here needs to rest and warm up a bit. Bad judgement of mine taking her out." Jake looks for a blanket to wrap her in. "Probably better that I stay with the ladies if you still want to check out the explosion. The fire seems to be out." Earp replies "Okay, Warren and I will check it out. Pamela Yeats seems to be on edge. Weems hasn't stirred, but that's no real surprise. The move over here was painful for him and the Doc gave him something for the pain before he left. Keep the door locked and don't let anyone in except for one of us." The Earp brothers check their weapons once more and then depart. Ruby huddles over near the woodstove to warm up. Jake sees that Katherine is a bit tense still. "Hopefully this won't take too long. Thanks for coming along, it'll be OK." Kate replies, "I'm alright Jake. It's just something the Marshall said, about what you and Ruby were up to last Sunday, but this isn't the place to discuss it." He then makes sure the curtains are closed tightly so no one can peer in before scanning the room and committing to memory where everything is in case of trouble. He then lowers the flame on the lamp so the room is dimmer. "Stay away from the windows." He takes a look at Pamela Yeats and then watches her from the corner of his eye. After Ruby warms up a bit she walks over to Pamela who eyes her suspiciously. She still has the blanket on her shoulder and the rifle in her hand. "So, Mrs. Yeats, your little robbery didn't exactly go as planned, huh? I think right now you are wishing you left your poor husband here in jail, then at least he would still be alive." Pamela Yeats bursts into tears, heads back to her bunk, then lies down and cries herself to sleep. Ruby turns back to Jake and Kate. "Well I guess we're not getting any information from her..." She is still shivering so she walks back over to the woodstove. Kate went over and put her arm around Ruby. "I know you're still angry about what happened to Jake, but however it happened, she just lost a husband. Believe me, she's as miserable as you could possibly wish." Ruby exclaims, "She should have thought about that before robbing the bank, shouldn't she." Kate can tell Ruby is more upset than angry but trying not to show it. Kate answers, "Yes, she should have. Tom and I lost everything, but we didn't go out and rob banks. We did what we had to in order to start over." Katherine breathed deep and could smell the whiskey on Ruby's breath. She went over to the stove and looked at the coffeepot. The drink certainly wasn't fresh, but it was hot. She found a cup and filled it, then brought it over to Ruby. "So what is bothering you Ruby?" Ruby takes the coffee and stares at the cup. "What?" she shrugs. "I'm fine. I just thought we could get some information out of her is all. I spent way too much time today in the rain and would like to get dry." "So" Jake interrupts the women, "this night hasn't gone exactly as planned. Seems like it started out having fun. When I heard the explosion I was sure that somebody was going to be breaking out Weems. I was less concerned about Deadeye and more concerned about who put Weems' up to attacking us coming back from the mines, plus his possible connection to the Cowboy Gang. They are probably still looking for revenge over the rustler cave incident." Jake takes a moment to put his hat near the stove to dry. "Seems like Deadeye is connected to the Cowboy gang now though." Jake looks away from them and runs a hand through his hair. "Look, um, I'm sorry for getting you both into this tonight. I suppose I could have thought a bit and talked to you before running off. Heh, I guess I do that quite about don't I?" Jake casually walks over near the door and seems to be listening. Satisfied that he doesn't hear anything he say, "Let's hope that the Earps don't find anything and I can take you both back to the El Parador soon." Ruby furrows her brow. "Why do you think Deadeye is connected with the Cowboy Gang?" Jake says, "Back in the caves, Claibourne was expecting Deadeye, thought I was him. And someone saw Claibourne that day Weems and the others attacked us coming back from the mine, didn't they? Or is that just me being paranoid?" "Oh yeah, I think Kate saw him that day." She glances at Kate who nods to her. "I think I'll leave the thinking to you guys," Ruby laughs. "Too much worrying gives you wrinkles." Back at the Lucky Lady, Niles Hoover tells Chester “I think that they've managed to get most of the fire out now at my place, although I don't know if it can be salvaged or not. It's still a good location though even if I have to rebuild from scratch." Chester says, "That's too bad about your place. What's so good about the location?" Hoover replies, "It's in town and not far from the mines. Plus it was next door to the Trail Dust Saloon. With that place now closed and becoming Arizona Territorial property I'd have had less competition. Of course, a Main Street location would be even better, but there aren't any available buildings. Not that it matters that much, I'm the only liquor distributor in town but I did make some money on the bar as well." After about a half-hour the Earps return. Wyatt says "Looks like we were all being overly paranoid tonight. The explosion wasn't caused by the Cowboy Gang, seems the culprit was Jupiter, Mars, Discordia or one of the other gods. I spoke to Rufus Davis, he's now over at Doc Eaton's office. He runs the Arizona Billiard hall had just opened up his back door to head for the outhouse when he saw the bolt of lightning come down and hit the dynamite shed. The explosion blew him all the way back into the building and onto one his billiard tables." "Thanks for helping out tonight." He goes to his desk and unlocks it, then removes some money and counts out $ 1.75 in coins which he hands to Jake. "Your pay Mr. Cook for tonight's services. If you'd like I can talk to the Merchant's Association tomorrow about hiring you on as a Deputy Marshall, since Warren's going back to Tombstone tomorrow so I'll be short a deputy." The hair on the back of Jake's neck stands up again and he unconsciously rubs it back down. "It isn't really a career that I'm after. I'm really interested in safe guarding my businesses more than in being Deputy Marshall. It does seem that I keep getting involved, I guess I'd consider it for a time. I just need to make sure there is not a conflict with my other business interests and I can take care of them. If we can work it that you use me as needed I'd sign up." He picks up his hat from near the stove. "If I'm going to be an assistant to the head lawman I'll need a little training in jurisdiction, what I should and shouldn't do, and what else is expected of me." Wyatt replies "We can go over that later, some time where they", and he gestures to the two prisoners "Are not within earshot. Glad to have you on board Deputy Cooke." "Goodnight gents." Jake borrows a blanket to wrap up Ruby and when the women are ready goes back to the El Parador with them. He 'forgets' to see if Wyatt wants the badge back tonight. He tucks Ruby under his duster to protect her from the rain, although she really isn't dry anyway. Kate followed behind Jake and Ruby, her still damp clothes again getting soaked. It had probably been a foolish thing to chase after Jake in the first place, but staying behind and worrying was worse than getting wet. They got back to the El Parador, dripping all over Dorita's floors. Upon arriving back at the El Parador all Jake can muster is, "I really need a drink." "Me too," chatters Ruby. "But I'm too miserable right now. I'm going to get changed instead." Ruby stops by Kate on the way to the stairs. Ruby takes her hand for a moment. "You should get changed too, you're still wet and I don't want you to get sick either. And besides tomorrow will be another long day, with Maggie leaving and all..." She pauses and looks like she is going to say something else but doesn't. Instead she wishes her a good night and turns to head upstairs. Kate says, "Well, once Maggie is on her way, it should be quiet until the evening. Good night, Ruby." Kate headed over to the kitchen and opened the door and saw Maggie. "I have to go get changed, I'll be back down in a little bit. Did everything go alright here?" Maggie replies, "Oh, it went fine. Most of the dwarves left after the explosion. Pedro asked Dorita about that, since they hadn't paid their bar tabs. He figured they would probably come back since half of them are staying here but Dorita had another idea. Since 'honor' is valued highly among the dwarves she suggested that Pedro take the men from here and go 'shame' them into returning. They've now paid up from before and with rather large tips to show their honorable intentions. I tell you Kate, that woman is a genius." Kate answers, "Indeed she is. I should have brought you here sooner, the two of you are getting along so well. I really need to get out of these wet clothes. You can come up with me, if you like." The two women went upstairs where Katherine dug through her trunk and pulled out a very plain, brown dress and dry undergarments. She used the closet door for privacy as she changed. "Are you really looking forward to tomorrow, Maggie? It was so sudden, and I felt like I was pushing you a bit. I didn't want to do that, but time was of the essence." Kate stepped out from behind the door, still cold but at least dry. She picked up her brush and began to pull it through her wet hair. She took a seat next to Maggie on the bed. "I'm sorry about tonight, I wish it could have gone differently. Will you need any help tomorrow morning?" Maggie replies "Oh Kate, after the way things went tonight at the Lone Star I'm glad to be leaving. I couldn't bear to have to spend forever with my father, brother and cousin. I can't believe that Father decided to put up that 'humans only' sign behind my back, and when three wood elves were helping out in the kitchen! And he spoke about it in front of them, as if they weren't even there! Kate, from what you told me of Los Angeles I will have a chance to help women regardless of race. My three nights here earlier this week were a real eye opener. I think I learned more here about people in a half week than I did in half of my lifetime. I'm sorry that it took so long for me to get over here but after you left things went from bad to worse. Father's plan to have cater to the displaced humans from the other saloons backfired. One person displaced was Cornelius Van Horne. After he found both the Comique and Gay Lady both full of dwarves he came to the Lone Star. He arrived right after you all left. Job decided to call it a night at quarter past nine and Tony decided to do the same. So Teddy and Alexsis tried to hold the crowd with their music and failed miserably. Do you know what Alexsis is? She's an opener, her talents are great for warming up an audience before the opening act. But as the main attraction she's lost. Then word came in that Buffalo Bill Cody was in town and over at the Long Branch Saloon. That emptied the place out since everybody wanted to see him. And here's the kicker. Father and Tom both said that this disaster was all my fault for not being able to hire reliable help! Anyway, Jake never gave Tom an answer about buying the place, so I volunteered to come over here and talk to him. Job Kane has $ 1,000 to invest and Tom wants to know if Jake has the other $ 3,000. And I get the impression that both men don't plan to let me have even a dollar from the sale! As for tomorrow, church services begin at 8:00 AM. If you come by shortly after that you can help me pack. Make sure that you don't come over by way of the corner of Main and Fremont, or else they might see you through the windows at the church service. Avoid the front door too, as that could be seen too. Come to the back door of the kitchen, I'll be waiting for you." Kate exclaims, "You couldn't hire reliable help? We all stuck it out as long as we could for you, not them. Dorita came to help because you asked her. But I suppose they would blame everything on you, after all, I truly believe they set out intending for you to fail. And since you weren't going to fail on your own, they made sure things went badly so they could say you did. The failures I saw were their own. It can't have been easy for you this last week, but I think it will be worth it. I wish you could have come to the El Parador sooner, and seen some of what I've seen. I've been getting quite an education living here, that there is so much more in the world than I ever saw. And now you get to go to Los Angeles and see so much more than me. I think you and Consuela Hernandez are going to get on very well with one another. I'm not sure if Jake has another thousand. I might be able to come up with most of it, so perhaps between he, Ruby, and I we can get it. I think Job is the only partner they want, so I can help them out, and they can pay me back as they can. You keep saying they didn't intend to give you any of the money from the sale. But the Lone Star is, or was at least, legally half yours, yes? It wasn't all in Tom's name or anything like that?" Maggie replies, "Oh, it was half mine all right. Mr. Berg confirmed that and this afternoon's transaction was totally legal. I'm not going to feel at all guilty about taking what I put two years of my life into. I'm not sure what to do about mine and Tom's combined savings though. Not counting the sale of the building we have around $ 1,900 saved up and locked away in a cash box. Technically half of that is mine, well, maybe less as it was at $ 1,600 before Tom and I started our solo nights. He increased it by $ 400 whereas these last two nights Van Horne has left us no profits and actually cost us $ 100 in savings. But Tom is planning to use it as his stake in the Denver Saloon and without my share of the Lone Star he'll need it. He and Flossie finally have an opportunity for happiness, I'd hate to take that away from them." Kate replies, "You have no reason to feel guilty at all. But I can understand not wanting to take anything out of the cash box. Maybe just $100 for your own expenses? Buying into the restaurant will use up the $2000, and even though you won't have to pay for your rooms for the first month, you'll still have some expenses. Even if it's just the stage and train fare. You said church starts at 8:00? I'll come by the Lone Star by way of the alley a little bit after to help you. We'll have you tucked away on the stagecoach and on your way with no fuss." It was close to midnight by the time that Kate and Maggie finally stopped talking. Chester then escorted Maggie back to the Lone Star and Maggie headed off to bed. Ruby runs up to Jake’s room and strips off the dripping dress, leaving a wet puddle of clothes on the floor. She grabs one of Jake’s shirts, throws it on and jumps under the covers trying to get warm. She spies the bottle of bourbon on the table so she quickly gets out of bed, grabs it and gets back in bed, taking a few drinks while waiting for Jake. Jake finishes the rest of his whiskey in one gulp. He seems to be lost in thought and comes out of it shaking his head. He scans the room one last time before climbing the stairs. He opens the door to his room without knocking, closes and locks it. He smiles when he sees the damp red hair, the arms of his shirt, and a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon just visible from under the covers. Ruby smiles as Jake enters the room. “What took you so long?” She pauses to sit up and take another drink of the bourbon before continuing. “I have a few things on my mind. I can’t believe that stupid Adair shot at you tonight. He has no good reason to threaten either of us and we can’t just wait around until he decides to shoot one of us in the back. We need to start on a plan to deal with him. Maybe not tonight, but soon. I know it’s more my problem than yours but I would appreciate your uh, expertise in problem solving to help.” Ruby takes another gulp of bourbon and offers the bottle to Jake. “What, it’s to keep me warm...” she says with a smile and a flip of her hair. Jake takes the offered bottle, has a rather large swig and hands it back. "I already told you I'd help you take care of Adair. Before tonight, I had half a mind to talk to him and see if we could call a truce. Talking is done now. He's a dead man, he just doesn't know it yet." Jake's eyes are half closed and have that steely edge to them. "Sure we can make him suffer on the way too if that pleases you. It's time to find out everything about this man. Be discrete, but we want to know all about that snake. Especially who his enemies are and why." He drapes his duster over a chair and drops his hat on the floor next to it. “I know you said you would help but I wanted to make sure we both agree about his fate. And if he happens to suffer in the process of getting to that fate well.. so be it.” Ruby narrows her eyes as she thinks but then snaps out of it. “Now, about this marriage stuff, you never answered me earlier. Doesn’t it bother you to have everyone in this city think we’re married when we’re not?” "That'll be a problem with running the Lone Star. We'll need to fix that somehow. So the thought of being married to Jake Cooke is that bad?" Jake quickly holds out his hands palms up, "No wait, don't answer that. I'm not ready for the answer either way." He laughs and takes off both gun belts. "In the last five years I've had so much attributed to me good or bad that just isn't true I didn't really think about it. Honestly." “Why would it be a problem running the Lone Star?” Ruby has a confused look on her face, Jake isn’t sure if she really doesn’t understand or it’s just the liquor. "Just a trust thing with the customers." Jake replies matter of factly. "It is a gambling establishment.” She says, “I guess that is a good point if you want honest tables there. Look, about being married, I will say this, you’re not the one being thought of as someone’s property, ok? Besides I like getting marriage proposals, they usually come with jewelry, and it’s hard to get them if people think you are already married.” Jake just raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything. Ruby laughs. “I was kidding! I don’t want any marriage proposals. That is when the trouble really starts believe me. But I just don’t get it,” she shakes her head. “Does anyone really believe I am the kind of girl to be married?” She laughs again at the thought before settling down. Finally Ruby sighs. “And something else. I think Kate mentioned something about what we were doing last Sunday? I’m not sure but I don’t think she is referring to us having that drink of this,” she holds up the bottle of bourbon. “Since I saw Colby Tucker on Thursday… well, I’ve been thinking about it… and it’s time for Kate to know what we know. I decided I am going to tell her tomorrow. Not looking forward to that at all.” "It shouldn't wait. We've done all we can do, she needs to decide what's next. It was her husband. Everything points to Morgan, but it is just too neat." “I agree. Tomorrow it is.” Ruby is quiet for a moment then has a sudden outburst, “Oh, what the heck was going on in that alley tonight? Talking about your friend Red? I am confused…” "Well, so am I. But during one of the flashes of lightning I got a good close look at Van Horne in the face. I can't explain it but for some reason I am sure that Red is hiding behind that face. It sounds crazy, I know. I'm going to have to check into it." Jake becomes animated. "I couldn't say anything out there, I couldn't be sure who might hear. If he's hiding his identity it must be for a good reason, one that probably is keeping him either out of jail or away from some enemy. I couldn't risk his life by blurting it out." Jake starts to pace. "I'm not sure, but I am! Ok, that sounds stupid. He did knock the gun away..." Jake stops pacing. "Look he means a lot to me, help me keep up the charade until I know what is going on." “Van Horne…,” she says slowly again furrowing her brow “I will go along with it Jake. Maybe I can even help. We’ll see, you just let me know. One more thing I’ve been thinking about. I learned two things today. One, you don’t trust me, or at least, you don’t trust some of the things I tell you. I really don’t care about that too much; we haven’t known each other that long. Besides I know ALL about not trusting someone. But more importantly the other thing that I learned is that you really would come to find me if I left. And Jake,” Ruby pauses then looks straight at him and whispers, “Jacob Cook, that really means a lot to me. I guess I have to start trusting you too.” Ruby pauses then laughs lightly, "Especially now since you are a deputy and all..." "Trust? I've trusted you with my life, what in Hades else do I have to do?" He has a playful smile on his face but his tone has a very slight edge to it. "Sometimes WE all make a bad decision, it's especially nice when there is someone around who can save us from it. So what if I trust you too much, believe everytime you say not to worry, and believe that you'll never have a moment of doubt about what you are sure of now? What if I trust you too much and I'm sitting on my ass drinking a whiskey and I'm not there when you need me? Whether you think you need me or not." Jake grabs the bottle from her and has another swig. He hands it back, "Deputy Jake Cook, Hermes, it makes my skin crawl!" He is looking down at his shirt and the badge still pinned there like it was a scorpion. "It'll help us deal with the problems we have right now." "Well, you didn’t trust me when I told you I would stay or you wouldn’t have come out this morning to throw me in the mud,” she says teasingly. “But you came for me so I don’t care and I’m telling you again I’m not leaving and maybe now you’ll never be able to get rid of me! You are right it is nice when someone is there to save us, particularly from ourselves. ” Ruby tries to figure out what she just said and can’t so instead takes another drink. She continues seriously, “I can only hope you will be here when I need you,” a smile grows on her face, “Like right now, I’M COLD so get over here and keep me warm! You have an official duty to do, you even have the badge to prove it.” Jake looks at the badge again dubiously before he laughs one last time. Without further words he gets out of his damp clothes, takes the bottle from Ruby, and has one last quick drink before placing it on the nightstand. As soon as he gets in bed Ruby rolls on top of him, kisses him and then snuggles close as she can. “I’m feeling warmer already,” she smiles. She lays her head on his chest. “Today was a good day. Today we bought a future, something I never thought I would have.” She lifts her head and looks at Jake. She lightly runs her fingers over Jake’s face and beard then leans in and kisses him again. “And it’s all because of you.” Ruby warmed up quickly laying on Jake with his arms wrapped around her. She put her head back down on his chest and closed her eyes. It wasn’t long before he was lightly snoring. Ruby tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. She had too much on her mind and not enough liquor in her to combat her mental stirrings. She had mixed feelings about owning the Lone Star. On the outside she was genuinely happy and excited about the possibilities it gave her. But when she really stopped to think about it there were still those old familiar feelings inside her that this was going to lead to true trouble for her. She battled the thoughts, reminding herself about the promises already made, to herself and to Jake. Not that she had never broken a promise before but she was trying so hard to be different, to break free of the miserable lonely existence she had been putting herself though to spare herself pain. The Lone Star would mean a real responsibility and one that Ruby was not sure she was ready for. But it also meant a genuine chance at being happy in a way she never thought she could have. She did love to sing and be on stage and this would give her a chance to continue to do that in a way that pleased her. And was she in it with Jake, he would make sure that it worked. Then again, Jake was a dilemma of his own. She had only known him 2 weeks. She let herself care about him and she had been overwhelmed by those feelings when he almost died. It scared her that things were happening so fast for them and while she felt she should step back a bit to protect herself she knew she wasn’t going to. She was too comfortable laying there in his arms. And whatever he felt, she didn’t know exactly, but she just knew he felt something too. She could feel it when he smiled at her and gently wrapped the blanket tightly around her shoulders to keep her warm earlier that day. Ruby looked up and watched him sleep, running her fingers though his still slightly damp hair. He was already accustomed to having her there and he didn’t wake with her touch, only changed his snore slightly. Ruby smiled. Yes, Jake was an unsolvable problem. Then there was Kate. She was the best friend that Ruby ever had, someone to talk to and not get judged, someone else she cared about and wanted to protect. And now Ruby had to tell her that her husband, her world, had not died in the way she was told. No, a much more malevolent force had been at work and took her husband, her future and her life away from her. Ruby tried to think of the right words to use but none would come. She started to toss and turn thinking about it. There was just no right way to say it. Ruby also knew that she had no real proof of this, only a feeling that Tom did not die the way Kate was told. Ruby knew there was more of this story to be told but now was the time for Kate to decide what happened next. Ruby changed her thoughts to tomorrow. She wondered what the day would bring. More curious rain? No matter what the weather brought one thing she knew, there would be some kind of storm with the Whipples particularly the older one when he found out his daughter had taken off. And they would be the ones to deal with it. Ruby wished they would just go in peace, leave them the Lone Star and be done with it. She knew that was a dream not to come true. As she thought about the possibilities of what the day would bring she continued to be restless. Finally Jake rolled them over so he was now half lying on her, his head nestled by her neck, his leg thrown over her so she couldn’t keep moving around. Ruby smiled to herself and decided to banish the confusing thoughts and start enjoying being warm again. She was usually good at not being too serious and that gift didn't fail her now that Jake had made her more comfortable. She wrapped her arms around him and drifted to sleep, finally cozy and content. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Revenge, Renewal and the Promise of a New Year" (Boot Hill/D&D)
Top