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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2605110" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 60, “Flint's Errand”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Jake arrives back at the Lucky Lady. It is still too early to start up his poker game so he gets a whiskey from Jeff Mills and goes outside on the porch. Some folks go by and each time he forces a smile and gives a friendly greeting, but mostly he just watches the sky. The sun is already down but the sky is still a light blue fading to the dark blue of a typical Arizona night. Slowly some stars become visible but Jake makes no effort to count them, just admires them when they make their entrance onto the stage of a night sky. He drinks his whiskey slowly, savoring the slight bite of the cheaply made brand. Suddenly he chuckles, and then laughs out loud. A man and a woman whom he does not know walk by and give him a strange look. He doesn't seem to care because he is smiling now.</p><p></p><p>Ruby runs the entire way back to the Lucky Lady. Her hair starts to fall out of the neat style it was in, so Ruby reaches up and pulls it down. She runs right up the steps, onto the porch and into the door of the Lucky Lady before she realizes Jake is sitting outside. She walks the few steps back out and leans up against the railing, breathing heavy. </p><p></p><p>She squeezes out the words in between breaths, "What..what... happened.......with Mr....Eastman..." She places her hand on her stomach as if she holds it in her breathing will slow. "What happened?" Her face has extreme concern on it and she starts biting her lip. Jake stands up slowly and calmly. Reaching up to her lip he delicately stops her from biting it. "Well hello to you too princess." He is still smiling. "Eastman wants me to break up with you so you can go back to a life style more suited to your upbringing. He offered me some money, but I told him no." He pushes some hair out of her face. "How was your dinner? Dinners I should say."</p><p></p><p>"Oh Jake!" Ruby jumps into Jake's arms, throwing herself against him and squeezing him tightly. "I KNEW you wouldn't do it! I KNEW it!" She buries her face against Jake's neck, letting out a long, deep sigh of relief. Jake can feel the tension just slip out of Ruby's body as she relaxes. "I knew it," she whispers and she starts kissing his neck.</p><p></p><p>Jake enjoys the affection for a few moments before he says, "I can see how you were frustrated with that guy, he really doesn't take no for an answer. No matter what I said to him, he refused to believe I was turning him down. He thinks I'm going to meet him later at the Barker's to discuss this further, and he'll be disappointed." He looks down at her and says, "It was really eerie, I wonder if he's related to Scarface Jones? It was just like I was talking to him, no matter what I said he only believes what he wants to hear."</p><p></p><p>"What?" Suddenly Ruby looks up at Jake. "Uh, that's bad." She looks back down and is quiet. Even without looking can tell Jake's stare is fixed on her. "Well, it's just that I, uh, told him that if he could get you to take money to break up with me I would marry him." She continues quickly, "But only because I knew you wouldn't." Silence again. "How much did he offer you?"</p><p></p><p>Jake replies, "He first offered me some stock in a company he is starting, then offered me some cash. It doesn't matter what he offered, it was no. Besides I don't want you to be insulted by the petty sum he offered for you, apparently he doesn't think all that highly of you." Jake laughs. "I want to know," Ruby states stubbornly. "Fifty." Says Jake</p><p></p><p>Ruby exclaims, "Fifty... Fifty what? Fifty dollars? That cheap bastard, I'll kill him myself." Jake states, "I've considered that solution too, but I'm sure it wouldn't take the lawmen too long to make me a suspect." Jake looks away and laughs a nervous laugh. "Ya, and that cheap bastard only offered fifty." Jake lowers his voice. "Thousand."</p><p></p><p>Ruby's eyes pop. "Fifty... thousand... dollars? Hermes!" She looks Jake right in the eyes. "You MUST love me Jake to turn that down." Maybe so, maybe so." Jake throws his head back and laughs. "I'd only blow it all anyway." </p><p></p><p>Jake scoops Ruby up in his arms and spins her around once. He nuzzles his face into her ear and whispers. He has a lot to whisper and her face changes to a look of concentration, comprehension, amusement and finally a big smile. When Jake finishes whispering Ruby begins to giggle. She giggles long and hard. She tries to kiss Jake but starts giggling again. She repeats that several times without really getting a kiss in before she finally lets her head fall back. She continues giggling freely and swings her hair back and forth. Jake says with a smirk, "I take it you think I should try it then?"</p><p></p><p>Ruby gives Jake the smile she has only for him. "Then WE'D get to blow it all together, baby. And wouldn't that be fun..." she says deviously, then continues to giggle, finally getting that kiss in. "Oh and let me tell you about my dinner with Judge Isby. You are NEVER gonna believe this..." They sit closely together on the bench, and making sure no one can listen in, Ruby whispers to Jake what happened and how the Judge wants her to keep an eye out. </p><p></p><p>While they are whispering the puppies bound outside and hop on the bench nudging both Jake and Ruby for attention. "Well, what do you think of that, Mr. Cook? Judge Isby wants me to help him! And all because I stole Baxter's newspaper!" "It's far better than getting hung for it." He shakes his head. "I guess I'll never understand how some things come together like that." He takes her arm and escorts her into the Lucky Lady.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet was making his way back to the Lucky Lady when he saw Ruby, skirts in hand, running down the street. He starts to yell out to her but figures she is in a rush for a reason and it would be best not to detain her. He maintains his current pace and walks up to the saloon. He sees Ruby and Jake engrossed in a conversation and decides to give them some peace. He makes his way around back and enters the kitchen area. "Greetings Maria, I hope you are well today. Anything I can help you with?" Nanuet helps Maria around the kitchen occasionally glancing out to the main area of the saloon to see if either Jake or Ruby has entered.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sees Nanuet inside. "Hi!" she says cheerily. "You came back. What was that big party at the El Parador about anyway? And did you eat?" "I think they just wanted to celebrate life. Not sure there was a reason. Yeah, I had something to eat. Can't beat Dorita's cooking." Nanuet says patting his belly. "I don't want to be too nosy, but what is going on with that Eastman guy? He bothering you?"</p><p></p><p>"Don't worry, dear Nanuet, you cannot be too nosy for me." Ruby giggles. "Yes, he is bothering me, for he won't take no for an answer to his question. He keeps asking me to marry him and even tried to bribe Jake. But he just doesn't realize that Jake and I are meant to be together. Now, I'm going to get Jake something to eat." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen. </p><p></p><p>When she returns she finds Jake and Nanuet huddled together, whispering. "What are you two up to?" as she places the plate in front of Jake. "I was just asking Nanuet here if he remembers how to scalp a white man." Jake replies dead pan.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet takes out his knife and a whetstone and begins sharpening. "It's all coming back to me Mr. Jake, it's all coming back." He draws the blade across the stone slowly and deliberately several times. He then feels the edge of the blade with his thumb. "That should do just fine." he says as he replaces the blade in it's sheath.</p><p></p><p>Ruby's eyes widen. "Um, let's try to find another way please," as she looks a bit uncomfortable. "I think I'll have a drink." She gets her usual bottle from behind the bar, pours for Jake and Nanuet, then one for herself. "I'm going to need a lot of these I think." </p><p></p><p>Two men and a woman enter the Lucky Lady. Jake recognizes them from the previous day's stagecoach ride as Markus Jackson, his son Billy Bob Jackson and Billy Bob's wife Lurleen Jackson. Markus and Billy Bob check their guns at the door with Luc and then head directly towards the bar. Jeff Mills acts surprised and startled to see them. Markus whispers something to Jeff. </p><p></p><p>Jeff approaches Ruby and Jake and asks "Can I use one of the second floor rooms? I need to have a private conversation with these people." Jeff says, "Sure Jeff, I'll cover down here. Go ahead." Jake watches them as they head up and tries to take in anything else about them and relationship with Jeff Mills from their postures or expressions. Jake watches as Markus leads even though Jeff is the one who knows where they are going. It appears to Jake that Jeff actually stands at attention and his walk up the stair is more of a march. Billy Bob does likewise. Lurleen follows further back. Jake looks around and no one else seemed to have been watching them</p><p></p><p>Ruby furrows her brow. "I wonder who that was?" She takes a long sip of her drink. "Much better than apple cider," she shivers. "I hope that's not trouble," she says looking up the stairs. Jake says, "They were on the stage from Tombstone that I came in on. I think he's from the south near Alabama. From his build I would have guessed he's in town to fight at Adair's boxing match." Jake takes a drink. "Or a one man mining crew."</p><p></p><p>She says, "That would be bad. We have to figure that problem out, Saturday nights. That's our busiest night. I'm sure you'll come up with something, baby." Ruby goes back to her drink. Jake waits until folks are not looking at him and then leans towards Ruby and whispers, "The big man with Jeff is probably an ex confederate officer. I'll tell you later."</p><p></p><p>Ruby raises an eyebrow. "Should I care about that?" She takes another gulp of her drink and refills her glass. "Do you think its trouble? Let's send Nanuet up to listen in," she smiles. "Miss Ruby?" Nanuet expresses his surprise. "What? If there is trouble better you are up there, right? What do you think Jake?" Jake says, "Jeff has proved his loyalty to us several times, I say let him be. At least for now."</p><p></p><p>She says, "I guess I should sing now, even though we have no piano player. I think you'll be extra lucky tonight at your card game, Mr. Cook. And if you are we can find fun ways to spend the extra winnings." She stands and finishes her drink. She leans forward and gives Jake a peek down her dress and a long kiss. "For good luck." As she walks towards the stage she looks back over her shoulder at him and winks. She gets up on stage and starts with some ballads that work well acapella and showcase her voice.</p><p></p><p>Back at the El Parador, in discussing the language barrier with Naki-Yai Conrad states, "Sorry, I started with Spanish not Apache. Where's your friend Nanuet? He may know some of her tongue." "He went over to the Lucky Lady," she laughed. "What a night this is turning out to be." "Naki-yai", Minerva says, "Hable Espanol?" Kate waited to see if the woman could speak Spanish, and if not, she could always try French.</p><p></p><p>The Indian woman shakes her head. She points to some of the food on the tray and tilts her head to the side as if to ask if she can have some. "Oh, please," Kate said and slid the plate closer to her. "Help yourself. Je ne suppose pas que vous parlez le français?" She again shakes her head no. Minerva suggests, "Perhaps Nanuet will be available to translate."</p><p></p><p>The Priestess suggests "I'll go over and send Nanuet back. I'd like to run my ideas for the festival by Jake and Ruby and ask Jake to set up a meeting with the Merchants Association." Minerva gathers up her shawl and steps outside. "It is a beautiful clear night. Inhaling deeply she comments to no one "Spring is my favorite time of year." Minerva makes a small clicking sound and Luna Swoops down from the rooftop to land on her arm.</p><p></p><p>Kate continued to sit with Naki-yai and Conrad, making sure the woman had enough to eat. "Conrad, I know you need to get to your table, I'll be fine here. Flint should be back soon." She impulsively laid her hand on his arm. "Thank you for everything today, especially the dances." He replies, "Oh no, thank you. I haven't had such a full and happy day in quite some time. But you're right about my table. Since I took last night off so had best be getting over there before Mrs. Higgins fires me."</p><p></p><p>"Aren't your days usually happy?" Kate asked seriously. He replies, "Well, they're not unhappy, but I don't know that I'd call them happy either. Today is the best day I've had in a while." She comments, "Of course, we don't want you losing your job after the large investment you made today. You'll say hello to Mrs. Higgins for me, won't you?" "I will goodbye." </p><p></p><p>He starts to walk off. Then he stops, turns around, walks back and leans over to kiss Kate on the cheek." Kate sat frozen for a moment. She knew she should move away, not allow it, but by the time she processed the thought his lips were already soft against her cheek. "Good night, Conrad," she said quietly. "Good night," he answers and quickly heads out the door. </p><p></p><p>The woman says something in Apache that Kate doesn't understand. Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo walks up to the table and tells Kate "She's asking if he is your husband." Kate says, "Oh, thank goodness someone can understand her. Would you mind sitting down for a minute and helping us talk?" Ricardo nodded and scrambled up into a chair. "Thank you." Kate says, "Please tell her he is not, but is a very good friend. Also ask if she would like anything more to eat." </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Flint Greymountain heads directly into the Lucky Lady, walking right by Luc while wearing a shotgun on his back, revolver on his belt and satchel over his shoulder. "Hey Flint," Jake says loudly, "How are you? What are you doing hombre?" Jake waves Luc off from stopping the dwarf. </p><p></p><p>Flint waves for Jake to follow along and walks directly over to Nanuet. He says, "The guy who murdered Pete is back here in town. I'm going to make a citizen's arrest when I find him. You interested in joining me." Nanuet says, "Absolutely my friend. I am glad you came to find me before you went and did this." Nanuet turned to Jake and asked "Do you think we should get the law involved? You seem to know them fairly well."</p><p></p><p>Flint says, "Actually I came here second. I looked at the El Parador first. No point in getting the law until we at least know where he is in town. My guess is one of the saloons and I don't see him here." Jake says, "I know them better than I like, Indian." Jake says with a little sarcasm in his voice. "Flint pal, who is it you are after?"</p><p></p><p>Flint replies, "The guy's name is Lane Gifford. Live here in town for a while. The Apache spotted him and thirteen of his buddies near the mountains today. According to that Knowles guy he was one of four guys directly responsible for Pete's death. We got two of them at the cave in January but Gifford and his buddy Pinto Joe got away. The Apache followed them today until they got near town. Eleven then rode off to the Dos Cabezas Mountains but Gifford and one of his friends rode into town. I have an Apache friend who visited me with her cousin to tell me about it, figuring that I needed to know 'cause of Pete and all."</p><p></p><p>Jake interjects, "Nanuet, Gifford is the guy who exchanged silver in Tombstone for the $20 bills that paid the outlaws who jumped us that day coming back from the mine." Jake's eyes start to grow dark. "And he is friends with Pinto Joe." </p><p></p><p>Minerva enters the Lucky Lady to see Jake, Nanuet and the back of a third man having what seems to be a serious conversation. She walks over and places her hand on Nanuet's shoulder. "Pardon Por favor, Senor Nanuet,.." She is surprised to see Flint and turns to him." Senor Flint, there you are!" As Senorita Florencia arrives and Jake says, "Buenos Noches Senorita." She continues to address Flint and says, "We were wondering what we should do about your friend. We do not speak her language and I was just coming over to ask Senor Nanuet if he could be our translator. But since you are here, perhaps we should just bring her to the Lucky Lady." </p><p></p><p>He replies, "I don't know about this place. I'd rather her stay there, I trust Pedro and Dorita to run a safe place. And Kate will keep an eye on her. Nanuet and I should get our business taken care of quickly then I'll go back and collect her." Nanuet states, "Pete, I will gladly go with you, but I think she is saying that Kate needs to be here. She works here you know, plays the piano." The dwarf replies, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I see her so often out at the ranch that I think of that as her profession now." </p><p></p><p>"I am not exactly sure why you brought your friend to town?" Nanuet says with a puzzled look. Flint says, "She insisted. When she say me loading up my weapons and filling my bag with dynamite she got scared of what I was going to do, wouldn't let me go off without her. Come on Nanuet, you of all people should know how impossible it is to say 'No' to an Indian woman once her mind is made up."</p><p></p><p>Minerva is taken aback at Flints presumption. "Si, Senor. Senor Nanuet is correct. I believe that Senorita Katherine had business at the Lucky Lady this evening. Perhaps you should return to the El Parador and asks her if it is an imposition to tend to your friend before you run your errand." Flint glances at Minerva then just turns back to Jake and Nanuet without any comment. "Senorita," Jake says to Minerva, "Flint's long time friend was murdered, the errand you refer to is bringing the man to justice. Flint and Katherine are friends and business partners."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Miss Minerva, may I ask a favor of you? Would you be so kind as to keep Flint's companion company for a short while we go take care of our business? That would free up Kate to come here and allow you to return to the party. I will join you there as soon as our business is finished as I have no further commitments this evening. Then we can decide what to do with the rest of the evening."</p><p></p><p>Minerva replies, "I am sorry Senor. I did not realize the situation. But I assure you that your friend will be quite safe at the Lucky Lady. Senor Jake can vouch for that. We could entertain her here and watch over her until you return if that is agreeable. But if you are uncomfortable with that arrangement, than I will gladly stay with her at the El Parador." He glances up on the stage and says "Well, okay if Ruby's around to help watch her. I trust her."</p><p></p><p>Ruby saw Flint walk in from the stage and she tried to wave at him, but he was too busy talking with Nanuet and Jake. Then Minerva walked in and joined the conversation. Kate still wasn't there and Jeff was still upstairs. Ruby wondered what they were talking about but kept singing anyway.</p><p></p><p>Jake tells the dwarf, "Flint, Ruby and I own the Lucky Lady so your friend will be safe here. Better if all our friends are together. Why doesn't Minerva go get Katherine and your friend and bring them here. You and Nanuet go start looking, I'll go find the Marshall and we'll look you up. Stay outside so we can find you. What do you think?"</p><p></p><p>"As you wish Senor." Minerva replies. She turns to Nanuet and asks to speak to him privately for a moment. "Senor Nanuet, I do not speak this woman's language. But the goddess has granted me the gift to understand her. If you could explain to her that I can understand her even though I do not speak her language it would make the evening less lonely for her." "Oh and I shall hold you to your promise. May the goddess guard your back "</p><p></p><p>Sounds like a good plan to me Jake." "Let me grab my pistol first." Nanuet adds quietly. He jogs to his room and grabs the six-shooter. He checks that it is loaded properly and gives the chamber a spin before heading back out. He tucks the gun into the waist of his pants. Jake says, "Let's go Flint." Nanuet says, "Alright hold up. Let's do this right if we are going to do it at all. Let me go with Minerva and bring Flint's friend and Kate here. At least I can translate. Then Flint and I can go out while Jake gets the Marshall."</p><p></p><p>Before anyone else can object, Nanuet takes Minerva politely by the arm and escorts her out the door and back toward the El Parador. "Well, this should be interesting." he says, his voice wavering slightly.</p><p></p><p>Jake heads over to Ruby and whispers to her what is happening. "I'm going to interrupt Jeff and have him come down, then I'll go for the Marshall. Damn, somebody ought to be watching out for Nanuet besides that wild man Flint. Gotta run." With that Jake bounds up the stairs. He finds a closed door and knocks. Jake hears Jeff Mills voice, "What do you want?" through the door. Jake hears the noise of chairs moving and a "click" of a firearm being prepped after the initial knock. </p><p></p><p>Jake steps away from the front of the door and his hand goes to his Colt. "Jeff it is Jake. I need to run out for an emergency and need you to take over until I get back." "All right. Coming right down" Jeff yells back through the door. Around a minute later the door opens and the four head back downstairs and Jake watches Markus lead the group back downstairs, not Jeff. Jake then goes to his room, dons his duster and straps on the long barrel Colt too before heading back down stairs.</p><p></p><p>Back at the El Parador, Kate asks Ricardo to translate the question "How is it she came to be in town with Flint tonight." Ricardo does and he then tells Kate "Flint came to town to get revenge on the man who killed his partner Pete. She came along to try to keep Flint from getting himself killed." Kate replies, 'Tell her she is very wise, for while Flint is a good man, his temper sometimes gets the better of him. How did Flint find out who the men were, and that they are in Promise City?" Ricardo translates again and says, "The Apache saw the men come to town. They are part of the Cowboy Gang. The one Flint is after is named Lane Gifford, somebody named Knowles knew he killed this Pete guy." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva enter the El Parador where Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo is translating for the Apache woman. "Senorita Katherine, I met up with Senor Flint. He and Jake and Nanuet have some business to attend to so I told them we would take his friend to the Lucky Lady. This way you can work." Kate says, "Ricardo, would you please tell her that Flint has met up with some friends, so he will not be going after these men alone. The friends are men I trust. Also that we will be going to a different saloon in a few minutes." </p><p></p><p>Minerva nods towards the boy and suggests, " Perhaps we can ask this chiko's mama if he can escort us to the Lucky lady. We could pay him to translate for us." Kate replies, "That's a good idea, Senorita. I think I'll invite his mother to come as well, though. He is very young, she might not like the idea of him in a saloon without her." Before Kate gets fully across the room Ricardo yells out in Spanish "Pay! Great." He then yells across the room in Spanish to a wood elvan woman sitting in the lap of human man "Hey Ma, I'm going off with Mrs. Kate." "Okay," she yells back. "Let's go," the boy says in English. "Well, that was easier than I expected," Kate said as they gathered their things to walk over to the Lucky Lady.</p><p></p><p>The boy and Minerva converse in Spanish about her owl as they all head back to the Lucky Lady. As the five of them head back to the Lucky Lady Nanuet explains to Naki-yai that Minerva can understand her but not speak her language. He also explains that the boy can translate. Lastly he tells her that he will be going with Flint to find Lane Gifford and bring him to the Marshall. The five arrive at the Lucky Lady and things seem to be getting busy. Nanuet makes sure Naki-yai is situated and asks "OK, anything else before Flint and I get going?"</p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "I think we're settled Nanuet. Please, all of you be careful. I'd like all the details when you get back. Minerva assures Nanuet that they will be fine. "Please take care Senor. We will be here when you return." She turns to Ricardo and asks him what he would like to eat. She also asks him to ask Naki-yai what she would like. they place their order and sit listening to Ruby sing while Ricardo pats Luna.</p><p></p><p>Jake comes down the stairs and heads right to Ruby. "Your instincts are still better than mine. Something is up with Jeff and his friends, keep an eye on them and be careful." "Sure, Jake." Jake notices a chilliness in Ruby's response. Jake then heads over to Minerva and whispers in her ear. He does not wait for a response and heads out the door, buttoning the chest buttons on his duster. The men depart. </p><p></p><p>Kate comments, "Miss Florencia, I hate to leave you to entertain our guest, but I must go play for Ruby. I'll be back as soon as I can." Katherine then hurried over to the piano and mouthed to Ruby, "I'm so sorry," as she sat down to play." Ruby finished her song and walked over to Kate. "That's ok I was just finishing up." Ruby walks off the stage and instead of heading for her friends' stomps upstairs to her room.</p><p></p><p>Kate watched Ruby leave, a little surprised. She knew that Ruby wouldn't really be upset with her being a bit late. Jake was on his way out with Flint, so Kate could only guess she had been asked to stay behind. She wanted to go up and check on her, but with Flint's friend and Ricardo here she needed to keep an eye on them both. She stayed at the piano and played for a while before returning to the table with Miss Florencia sat with their guest.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2605110, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 60, “Flint's Errand”, Thursday, March 16th, 1882:[/B] Jake arrives back at the Lucky Lady. It is still too early to start up his poker game so he gets a whiskey from Jeff Mills and goes outside on the porch. Some folks go by and each time he forces a smile and gives a friendly greeting, but mostly he just watches the sky. The sun is already down but the sky is still a light blue fading to the dark blue of a typical Arizona night. Slowly some stars become visible but Jake makes no effort to count them, just admires them when they make their entrance onto the stage of a night sky. He drinks his whiskey slowly, savoring the slight bite of the cheaply made brand. Suddenly he chuckles, and then laughs out loud. A man and a woman whom he does not know walk by and give him a strange look. He doesn't seem to care because he is smiling now. Ruby runs the entire way back to the Lucky Lady. Her hair starts to fall out of the neat style it was in, so Ruby reaches up and pulls it down. She runs right up the steps, onto the porch and into the door of the Lucky Lady before she realizes Jake is sitting outside. She walks the few steps back out and leans up against the railing, breathing heavy. She squeezes out the words in between breaths, "What..what... happened.......with Mr....Eastman..." She places her hand on her stomach as if she holds it in her breathing will slow. "What happened?" Her face has extreme concern on it and she starts biting her lip. Jake stands up slowly and calmly. Reaching up to her lip he delicately stops her from biting it. "Well hello to you too princess." He is still smiling. "Eastman wants me to break up with you so you can go back to a life style more suited to your upbringing. He offered me some money, but I told him no." He pushes some hair out of her face. "How was your dinner? Dinners I should say." "Oh Jake!" Ruby jumps into Jake's arms, throwing herself against him and squeezing him tightly. "I KNEW you wouldn't do it! I KNEW it!" She buries her face against Jake's neck, letting out a long, deep sigh of relief. Jake can feel the tension just slip out of Ruby's body as she relaxes. "I knew it," she whispers and she starts kissing his neck. Jake enjoys the affection for a few moments before he says, "I can see how you were frustrated with that guy, he really doesn't take no for an answer. No matter what I said to him, he refused to believe I was turning him down. He thinks I'm going to meet him later at the Barker's to discuss this further, and he'll be disappointed." He looks down at her and says, "It was really eerie, I wonder if he's related to Scarface Jones? It was just like I was talking to him, no matter what I said he only believes what he wants to hear." "What?" Suddenly Ruby looks up at Jake. "Uh, that's bad." She looks back down and is quiet. Even without looking can tell Jake's stare is fixed on her. "Well, it's just that I, uh, told him that if he could get you to take money to break up with me I would marry him." She continues quickly, "But only because I knew you wouldn't." Silence again. "How much did he offer you?" Jake replies, "He first offered me some stock in a company he is starting, then offered me some cash. It doesn't matter what he offered, it was no. Besides I don't want you to be insulted by the petty sum he offered for you, apparently he doesn't think all that highly of you." Jake laughs. "I want to know," Ruby states stubbornly. "Fifty." Says Jake Ruby exclaims, "Fifty... Fifty what? Fifty dollars? That cheap bastard, I'll kill him myself." Jake states, "I've considered that solution too, but I'm sure it wouldn't take the lawmen too long to make me a suspect." Jake looks away and laughs a nervous laugh. "Ya, and that cheap bastard only offered fifty." Jake lowers his voice. "Thousand." Ruby's eyes pop. "Fifty... thousand... dollars? Hermes!" She looks Jake right in the eyes. "You MUST love me Jake to turn that down." Maybe so, maybe so." Jake throws his head back and laughs. "I'd only blow it all anyway." Jake scoops Ruby up in his arms and spins her around once. He nuzzles his face into her ear and whispers. He has a lot to whisper and her face changes to a look of concentration, comprehension, amusement and finally a big smile. When Jake finishes whispering Ruby begins to giggle. She giggles long and hard. She tries to kiss Jake but starts giggling again. She repeats that several times without really getting a kiss in before she finally lets her head fall back. She continues giggling freely and swings her hair back and forth. Jake says with a smirk, "I take it you think I should try it then?" Ruby gives Jake the smile she has only for him. "Then WE'D get to blow it all together, baby. And wouldn't that be fun..." she says deviously, then continues to giggle, finally getting that kiss in. "Oh and let me tell you about my dinner with Judge Isby. You are NEVER gonna believe this..." They sit closely together on the bench, and making sure no one can listen in, Ruby whispers to Jake what happened and how the Judge wants her to keep an eye out. While they are whispering the puppies bound outside and hop on the bench nudging both Jake and Ruby for attention. "Well, what do you think of that, Mr. Cook? Judge Isby wants me to help him! And all because I stole Baxter's newspaper!" "It's far better than getting hung for it." He shakes his head. "I guess I'll never understand how some things come together like that." He takes her arm and escorts her into the Lucky Lady. Nanuet was making his way back to the Lucky Lady when he saw Ruby, skirts in hand, running down the street. He starts to yell out to her but figures she is in a rush for a reason and it would be best not to detain her. He maintains his current pace and walks up to the saloon. He sees Ruby and Jake engrossed in a conversation and decides to give them some peace. He makes his way around back and enters the kitchen area. "Greetings Maria, I hope you are well today. Anything I can help you with?" Nanuet helps Maria around the kitchen occasionally glancing out to the main area of the saloon to see if either Jake or Ruby has entered. Ruby sees Nanuet inside. "Hi!" she says cheerily. "You came back. What was that big party at the El Parador about anyway? And did you eat?" "I think they just wanted to celebrate life. Not sure there was a reason. Yeah, I had something to eat. Can't beat Dorita's cooking." Nanuet says patting his belly. "I don't want to be too nosy, but what is going on with that Eastman guy? He bothering you?" "Don't worry, dear Nanuet, you cannot be too nosy for me." Ruby giggles. "Yes, he is bothering me, for he won't take no for an answer to his question. He keeps asking me to marry him and even tried to bribe Jake. But he just doesn't realize that Jake and I are meant to be together. Now, I'm going to get Jake something to eat." Ruby bounces off into the kitchen. When she returns she finds Jake and Nanuet huddled together, whispering. "What are you two up to?" as she places the plate in front of Jake. "I was just asking Nanuet here if he remembers how to scalp a white man." Jake replies dead pan. Nanuet takes out his knife and a whetstone and begins sharpening. "It's all coming back to me Mr. Jake, it's all coming back." He draws the blade across the stone slowly and deliberately several times. He then feels the edge of the blade with his thumb. "That should do just fine." he says as he replaces the blade in it's sheath. Ruby's eyes widen. "Um, let's try to find another way please," as she looks a bit uncomfortable. "I think I'll have a drink." She gets her usual bottle from behind the bar, pours for Jake and Nanuet, then one for herself. "I'm going to need a lot of these I think." Two men and a woman enter the Lucky Lady. Jake recognizes them from the previous day's stagecoach ride as Markus Jackson, his son Billy Bob Jackson and Billy Bob's wife Lurleen Jackson. Markus and Billy Bob check their guns at the door with Luc and then head directly towards the bar. Jeff Mills acts surprised and startled to see them. Markus whispers something to Jeff. Jeff approaches Ruby and Jake and asks "Can I use one of the second floor rooms? I need to have a private conversation with these people." Jeff says, "Sure Jeff, I'll cover down here. Go ahead." Jake watches them as they head up and tries to take in anything else about them and relationship with Jeff Mills from their postures or expressions. Jake watches as Markus leads even though Jeff is the one who knows where they are going. It appears to Jake that Jeff actually stands at attention and his walk up the stair is more of a march. Billy Bob does likewise. Lurleen follows further back. Jake looks around and no one else seemed to have been watching them Ruby furrows her brow. "I wonder who that was?" She takes a long sip of her drink. "Much better than apple cider," she shivers. "I hope that's not trouble," she says looking up the stairs. Jake says, "They were on the stage from Tombstone that I came in on. I think he's from the south near Alabama. From his build I would have guessed he's in town to fight at Adair's boxing match." Jake takes a drink. "Or a one man mining crew." She says, "That would be bad. We have to figure that problem out, Saturday nights. That's our busiest night. I'm sure you'll come up with something, baby." Ruby goes back to her drink. Jake waits until folks are not looking at him and then leans towards Ruby and whispers, "The big man with Jeff is probably an ex confederate officer. I'll tell you later." Ruby raises an eyebrow. "Should I care about that?" She takes another gulp of her drink and refills her glass. "Do you think its trouble? Let's send Nanuet up to listen in," she smiles. "Miss Ruby?" Nanuet expresses his surprise. "What? If there is trouble better you are up there, right? What do you think Jake?" Jake says, "Jeff has proved his loyalty to us several times, I say let him be. At least for now." She says, "I guess I should sing now, even though we have no piano player. I think you'll be extra lucky tonight at your card game, Mr. Cook. And if you are we can find fun ways to spend the extra winnings." She stands and finishes her drink. She leans forward and gives Jake a peek down her dress and a long kiss. "For good luck." As she walks towards the stage she looks back over her shoulder at him and winks. She gets up on stage and starts with some ballads that work well acapella and showcase her voice. Back at the El Parador, in discussing the language barrier with Naki-Yai Conrad states, "Sorry, I started with Spanish not Apache. Where's your friend Nanuet? He may know some of her tongue." "He went over to the Lucky Lady," she laughed. "What a night this is turning out to be." "Naki-yai", Minerva says, "Hable Espanol?" Kate waited to see if the woman could speak Spanish, and if not, she could always try French. The Indian woman shakes her head. She points to some of the food on the tray and tilts her head to the side as if to ask if she can have some. "Oh, please," Kate said and slid the plate closer to her. "Help yourself. Je ne suppose pas que vous parlez le français?" She again shakes her head no. Minerva suggests, "Perhaps Nanuet will be available to translate." The Priestess suggests "I'll go over and send Nanuet back. I'd like to run my ideas for the festival by Jake and Ruby and ask Jake to set up a meeting with the Merchants Association." Minerva gathers up her shawl and steps outside. "It is a beautiful clear night. Inhaling deeply she comments to no one "Spring is my favorite time of year." Minerva makes a small clicking sound and Luna Swoops down from the rooftop to land on her arm. Kate continued to sit with Naki-yai and Conrad, making sure the woman had enough to eat. "Conrad, I know you need to get to your table, I'll be fine here. Flint should be back soon." She impulsively laid her hand on his arm. "Thank you for everything today, especially the dances." He replies, "Oh no, thank you. I haven't had such a full and happy day in quite some time. But you're right about my table. Since I took last night off so had best be getting over there before Mrs. Higgins fires me." "Aren't your days usually happy?" Kate asked seriously. He replies, "Well, they're not unhappy, but I don't know that I'd call them happy either. Today is the best day I've had in a while." She comments, "Of course, we don't want you losing your job after the large investment you made today. You'll say hello to Mrs. Higgins for me, won't you?" "I will goodbye." He starts to walk off. Then he stops, turns around, walks back and leans over to kiss Kate on the cheek." Kate sat frozen for a moment. She knew she should move away, not allow it, but by the time she processed the thought his lips were already soft against her cheek. "Good night, Conrad," she said quietly. "Good night," he answers and quickly heads out the door. The woman says something in Apache that Kate doesn't understand. Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo walks up to the table and tells Kate "She's asking if he is your husband." Kate says, "Oh, thank goodness someone can understand her. Would you mind sitting down for a minute and helping us talk?" Ricardo nodded and scrambled up into a chair. "Thank you." Kate says, "Please tell her he is not, but is a very good friend. Also ask if she would like anything more to eat." Meanwhile, Flint Greymountain heads directly into the Lucky Lady, walking right by Luc while wearing a shotgun on his back, revolver on his belt and satchel over his shoulder. "Hey Flint," Jake says loudly, "How are you? What are you doing hombre?" Jake waves Luc off from stopping the dwarf. Flint waves for Jake to follow along and walks directly over to Nanuet. He says, "The guy who murdered Pete is back here in town. I'm going to make a citizen's arrest when I find him. You interested in joining me." Nanuet says, "Absolutely my friend. I am glad you came to find me before you went and did this." Nanuet turned to Jake and asked "Do you think we should get the law involved? You seem to know them fairly well." Flint says, "Actually I came here second. I looked at the El Parador first. No point in getting the law until we at least know where he is in town. My guess is one of the saloons and I don't see him here." Jake says, "I know them better than I like, Indian." Jake says with a little sarcasm in his voice. "Flint pal, who is it you are after?" Flint replies, "The guy's name is Lane Gifford. Live here in town for a while. The Apache spotted him and thirteen of his buddies near the mountains today. According to that Knowles guy he was one of four guys directly responsible for Pete's death. We got two of them at the cave in January but Gifford and his buddy Pinto Joe got away. The Apache followed them today until they got near town. Eleven then rode off to the Dos Cabezas Mountains but Gifford and one of his friends rode into town. I have an Apache friend who visited me with her cousin to tell me about it, figuring that I needed to know 'cause of Pete and all." Jake interjects, "Nanuet, Gifford is the guy who exchanged silver in Tombstone for the $20 bills that paid the outlaws who jumped us that day coming back from the mine." Jake's eyes start to grow dark. "And he is friends with Pinto Joe." Minerva enters the Lucky Lady to see Jake, Nanuet and the back of a third man having what seems to be a serious conversation. She walks over and places her hand on Nanuet's shoulder. "Pardon Por favor, Senor Nanuet,.." She is surprised to see Flint and turns to him." Senor Flint, there you are!" As Senorita Florencia arrives and Jake says, "Buenos Noches Senorita." She continues to address Flint and says, "We were wondering what we should do about your friend. We do not speak her language and I was just coming over to ask Senor Nanuet if he could be our translator. But since you are here, perhaps we should just bring her to the Lucky Lady." He replies, "I don't know about this place. I'd rather her stay there, I trust Pedro and Dorita to run a safe place. And Kate will keep an eye on her. Nanuet and I should get our business taken care of quickly then I'll go back and collect her." Nanuet states, "Pete, I will gladly go with you, but I think she is saying that Kate needs to be here. She works here you know, plays the piano." The dwarf replies, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I see her so often out at the ranch that I think of that as her profession now." "I am not exactly sure why you brought your friend to town?" Nanuet says with a puzzled look. Flint says, "She insisted. When she say me loading up my weapons and filling my bag with dynamite she got scared of what I was going to do, wouldn't let me go off without her. Come on Nanuet, you of all people should know how impossible it is to say 'No' to an Indian woman once her mind is made up." Minerva is taken aback at Flints presumption. "Si, Senor. Senor Nanuet is correct. I believe that Senorita Katherine had business at the Lucky Lady this evening. Perhaps you should return to the El Parador and asks her if it is an imposition to tend to your friend before you run your errand." Flint glances at Minerva then just turns back to Jake and Nanuet without any comment. "Senorita," Jake says to Minerva, "Flint's long time friend was murdered, the errand you refer to is bringing the man to justice. Flint and Katherine are friends and business partners." Nanuet says, "Miss Minerva, may I ask a favor of you? Would you be so kind as to keep Flint's companion company for a short while we go take care of our business? That would free up Kate to come here and allow you to return to the party. I will join you there as soon as our business is finished as I have no further commitments this evening. Then we can decide what to do with the rest of the evening." Minerva replies, "I am sorry Senor. I did not realize the situation. But I assure you that your friend will be quite safe at the Lucky Lady. Senor Jake can vouch for that. We could entertain her here and watch over her until you return if that is agreeable. But if you are uncomfortable with that arrangement, than I will gladly stay with her at the El Parador." He glances up on the stage and says "Well, okay if Ruby's around to help watch her. I trust her." Ruby saw Flint walk in from the stage and she tried to wave at him, but he was too busy talking with Nanuet and Jake. Then Minerva walked in and joined the conversation. Kate still wasn't there and Jeff was still upstairs. Ruby wondered what they were talking about but kept singing anyway. Jake tells the dwarf, "Flint, Ruby and I own the Lucky Lady so your friend will be safe here. Better if all our friends are together. Why doesn't Minerva go get Katherine and your friend and bring them here. You and Nanuet go start looking, I'll go find the Marshall and we'll look you up. Stay outside so we can find you. What do you think?" "As you wish Senor." Minerva replies. She turns to Nanuet and asks to speak to him privately for a moment. "Senor Nanuet, I do not speak this woman's language. But the goddess has granted me the gift to understand her. If you could explain to her that I can understand her even though I do not speak her language it would make the evening less lonely for her." "Oh and I shall hold you to your promise. May the goddess guard your back " Sounds like a good plan to me Jake." "Let me grab my pistol first." Nanuet adds quietly. He jogs to his room and grabs the six-shooter. He checks that it is loaded properly and gives the chamber a spin before heading back out. He tucks the gun into the waist of his pants. Jake says, "Let's go Flint." Nanuet says, "Alright hold up. Let's do this right if we are going to do it at all. Let me go with Minerva and bring Flint's friend and Kate here. At least I can translate. Then Flint and I can go out while Jake gets the Marshall." Before anyone else can object, Nanuet takes Minerva politely by the arm and escorts her out the door and back toward the El Parador. "Well, this should be interesting." he says, his voice wavering slightly. Jake heads over to Ruby and whispers to her what is happening. "I'm going to interrupt Jeff and have him come down, then I'll go for the Marshall. Damn, somebody ought to be watching out for Nanuet besides that wild man Flint. Gotta run." With that Jake bounds up the stairs. He finds a closed door and knocks. Jake hears Jeff Mills voice, "What do you want?" through the door. Jake hears the noise of chairs moving and a "click" of a firearm being prepped after the initial knock. Jake steps away from the front of the door and his hand goes to his Colt. "Jeff it is Jake. I need to run out for an emergency and need you to take over until I get back." "All right. Coming right down" Jeff yells back through the door. Around a minute later the door opens and the four head back downstairs and Jake watches Markus lead the group back downstairs, not Jeff. Jake then goes to his room, dons his duster and straps on the long barrel Colt too before heading back down stairs. Back at the El Parador, Kate asks Ricardo to translate the question "How is it she came to be in town with Flint tonight." Ricardo does and he then tells Kate "Flint came to town to get revenge on the man who killed his partner Pete. She came along to try to keep Flint from getting himself killed." Kate replies, 'Tell her she is very wise, for while Flint is a good man, his temper sometimes gets the better of him. How did Flint find out who the men were, and that they are in Promise City?" Ricardo translates again and says, "The Apache saw the men come to town. They are part of the Cowboy Gang. The one Flint is after is named Lane Gifford, somebody named Knowles knew he killed this Pete guy." Nanuet and Minerva enter the El Parador where Angelica Huesca's five-year-old son Ricardo is translating for the Apache woman. "Senorita Katherine, I met up with Senor Flint. He and Jake and Nanuet have some business to attend to so I told them we would take his friend to the Lucky Lady. This way you can work." Kate says, "Ricardo, would you please tell her that Flint has met up with some friends, so he will not be going after these men alone. The friends are men I trust. Also that we will be going to a different saloon in a few minutes." Minerva nods towards the boy and suggests, " Perhaps we can ask this chiko's mama if he can escort us to the Lucky lady. We could pay him to translate for us." Kate replies, "That's a good idea, Senorita. I think I'll invite his mother to come as well, though. He is very young, she might not like the idea of him in a saloon without her." Before Kate gets fully across the room Ricardo yells out in Spanish "Pay! Great." He then yells across the room in Spanish to a wood elvan woman sitting in the lap of human man "Hey Ma, I'm going off with Mrs. Kate." "Okay," she yells back. "Let's go," the boy says in English. "Well, that was easier than I expected," Kate said as they gathered their things to walk over to the Lucky Lady. The boy and Minerva converse in Spanish about her owl as they all head back to the Lucky Lady. As the five of them head back to the Lucky Lady Nanuet explains to Naki-yai that Minerva can understand her but not speak her language. He also explains that the boy can translate. Lastly he tells her that he will be going with Flint to find Lane Gifford and bring him to the Marshall. The five arrive at the Lucky Lady and things seem to be getting busy. Nanuet makes sure Naki-yai is situated and asks "OK, anything else before Flint and I get going?" Kate replies, "I think we're settled Nanuet. Please, all of you be careful. I'd like all the details when you get back. Minerva assures Nanuet that they will be fine. "Please take care Senor. We will be here when you return." She turns to Ricardo and asks him what he would like to eat. She also asks him to ask Naki-yai what she would like. they place their order and sit listening to Ruby sing while Ricardo pats Luna. Jake comes down the stairs and heads right to Ruby. "Your instincts are still better than mine. Something is up with Jeff and his friends, keep an eye on them and be careful." "Sure, Jake." Jake notices a chilliness in Ruby's response. Jake then heads over to Minerva and whispers in her ear. He does not wait for a response and heads out the door, buttoning the chest buttons on his duster. The men depart. Kate comments, "Miss Florencia, I hate to leave you to entertain our guest, but I must go play for Ruby. I'll be back as soon as I can." Katherine then hurried over to the piano and mouthed to Ruby, "I'm so sorry," as she sat down to play." Ruby finished her song and walked over to Kate. "That's ok I was just finishing up." Ruby walks off the stage and instead of heading for her friends' stomps upstairs to her room. Kate watched Ruby leave, a little surprised. She knew that Ruby wouldn't really be upset with her being a bit late. Jake was on his way out with Flint, so Kate could only guess she had been asked to stay behind. She wanted to go up and check on her, but with Flint's friend and Ricardo here she needed to keep an eye on them both. She stayed at the piano and played for a while before returning to the table with Miss Florencia sat with their guest. [/QUOTE]
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