Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2881146" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 132, “Setting a Trap”, Tuesday, March 21st, 1882, 12:00 P.M.When she returned to the El Parador, Kate sat and had lunch with Ginnie, careful to keep her hands out of sight whenever possible. She would have to deal with Dorita sooner or later, but just at this moment she wanted to avoid it. After lunch she let Ginnie into Mr. Gonzales rooms to resume her studies while Kate went back to their room and pulled out her box of Tom's things. She talked to her husband as she went through the things; the first time since he'd told her he would always hear. It was an hour before she returned to Ginnie to spend the afternoon in study. As Chester opens the door he sees Postmaster Edward Palmer standing on the porch, apparently about to knock. Palmer says, "I have a letter here for the Town Marshall from the Territorial Court, needs to be signed for." Chester replies, "I'll sign." Palmer replies, "Guess that's all right what with the Marshall out of town." Chester writes his name and title on the sheet and Palmer hands him over a tan wire bound package with the Territorial Seal stamped on it. Chester’s heads back inside and Eduardo asks "What have you got there?" The bundle contains a cardboard envelope inside of which is a letter. The letter is dated Sunday, March 19th and reads: Marshall Earp, I heard about the killing of your brother Morgan Earp in Tombstone. My deepest condolences for your family's loss. I should be finishing up in Wilcox on either Monday or Tuesday. I think I'll be returning to Promise City instead of heading up to the towns in Graham County. It sounds like you could be needing me soon. Judge Nathan IsbyChester hands Eduardo the letter. "It's from Judge Isby. He's coming back soon."   Chester notices that Gormley starts to act nervous upon hearing that.  Chester motions with his eyes toward Gormley. Eduardo picks up on that and says, "Yep. It says here that he could be here as early as today."   Chester says, "I'm sure the Judge would be very interested in what you have to say. We could help you tell your side of the story."Gormley blurts out, "If I tell you what I know will you let me go? Before Hanging Nat Isby gets here?"   Chester rubs his chin. "That depends on what you have to say. What do you have?" He closes and locks the door and takes a seat at the desk. Eduardo leans forward.Gormley says, "Johnny Ringo....he told me to stay in the corner room and watch the El Parador. I'm to tell him when he returns to town what Mrs. Kale and her friends are doing. But my main job is to make sure that large quantities of books aren't removed from the El Parador, and if they are I’m to follow and find out where they are moved to. That's all I know, honest." Eduardo says, "Tell you what. I'll go and get the priest Thomas Valdez. He knows a spell that will confirm if you're telling the truth or not." Deputy Rodriguez leaves.Chester states, "Do you know when Ringo is due back? He won't be happy that you failed in this mission. You might give him false information, as if you did see what Mrs. Kale and the others were doing. It'll be dangerous. If he finds out, he'll kill you outright. If we found out that you double-crossed us. That could earn you a trip to the gallows."  Gormley says, "I don't know when he'll be back, he'll contact me. But I'm willing to cooperate with you guys, honest. I just don't want to hang. I didn't do nothing!"  Chester says, "OK. OK. Calm down. Deputy Rodriguez will be back soon with the priest. Then we can talk about what you can do for us."  Rodriguez and Valdez arrive around five minutes later.  Chester states, "Good afternoon, reverend. Mr. Gormley here has some things to say and we'd like to know if he's telling the truth or not. Is that OK with you?" Valdez replies, "I see no problem with that. let me prepare the proper prayer." He casts zone of truth "Now everyone in the building cannot lie." He nods to the two Marshalls.  Eduardo asks, "Are you working for the Cowboy Gang?"  Gormley replies, "Yes."  Chester says, "What did Johnny Ringo tell you to do?"  Gormley states, "He wanted me to spy on Mrs. Kale and her friends. And he wanted me to know if books were being moved out of the El Parador." Chester nods and says, "Will you do some things for us. Give Ringo false information and such?" Gormley answers, "Anything you want. Just don't let Judge Isby find out that I'm with Johnny."  Gormley then looks to Chester and asks, "Are you going to let me out of this cell?"  "Yeah. Yeah. Hold your horses. So what are you going to tell Ringo?" He unlocks the cell door.  He replies, "What do you want me to tell Ringo?"  Chester thinks over it for a moment. "Tell him that the Indian took a wagon load of books left town going toward Dos Cabezos."  Gormley leaves. Eduardo says, "Thanks for coming over, padre."  Chester adds, "Yes. Thank you for helping us out. he's a big link to the Cowboy gang. Hopefully Ringo will go on a wild goose chase looking for those books."  Chester asks, "You want to have lunch at the Lucky Lady?"   Eduardo replies, "Sounds good to me. Let's go." At the Lucky Lady, Minerva, Kate and Nanuet start with the upstairs and make a methodical search of each room. Opening closets and checking under the beds as well as asking anyone they come across if they have seen anybody or anything unusual that morning. When they have finished with the upstairs they do the same thing on the main floor of the building.Kate, Minerva, Nanuet and Jeff reconvene back on the ground floor, having found no "surprises" at the Lucky Lady. Jeff questions if they should maybe board up the windows in the second floor room where the liquor is stored just to be on the safe side.  Chester states, "Sounds like a good idea to me Jeff. Minerva, if you could give me just a few more minutes to take care of that then we can eat lunch?"  Nanuet and Jeff eagerly grab some lumber stored behind the Lucky Lady and get to work boarding up the windows to the room that Jeff mentioned.Once things settle down, Minerva approaches Katherine and asks to speak to her in private.  Minerva says, "Senora, It will be necessary for you to prepare for the ceremony to thank the goddess Diana . Although, It would be helpful if I knew the reason for your change of heart, it is not required for what you must do."   Kate states, "It's not a change of heart. I already told you why I wish to thank Diana, she brought my husband to me, if only for a short time. But I won't suddenly start attending services every Sunday or become pious. I'm very grateful to Diana, I can't say how much, and I wish to thank her. I have no reason to change my opinion of the other gods."Minerva places her hand gently on Katherine's shoulder and looks deep into her eyes. Satisfied with what she sees she nods, "That is an honest enough answer. I will not push you. It is enough that you see the wisdom in giving thanks to one who has shown you favor." Minerva's tone becomes more business like. "Now this is what you must do to prepare."  Minerva details what Katherine must gather for the ceremony and how she is to prepare herself for it. "It should take a day or two to prepare. I will pray on it and tell you when the time is right." She answers Katherine's many questions and gives reassurance. "Now if you will excuse me, I have promised Nanuet that I would join him for the noon meal."Nanuet finishes his work boarding up the room with the liquor on the second floor. He then heads downstairs and checks in with Maria to see that lunch is ready. He then cleans himself up and looks for Minerva. He finds her standing with Kate.   "So ladies, I think the Lucky Lady is safe for now. I thought Chester was coming right over, he must have found out something if he is detained."Kate says, "Both are good news. I'm beginning to think Ringo meant to blow up the Lady with magic. The saloon has been thoroughly checked over twice with no sign of explosives. We know the Cowboys use magic, so I think we need to keep our eyes open.  Now I believe you both had a lunch to eat, and I should get back to Ginnie. I'll get Jeff to walk me back."  Nanuet says, "So Miss Minerva, I asked Maria to make lunch for us as you know. I hope you are hungry. Another eventful moment in our little town here wouldn't you say?" Nanuet continues the conversation as he leads Minerva to a table in the corner.Minerva says, “He is probably interrogating the prisoner. Let us hope that, that Senor Gormley has given him some useful information. I am getting rather hungry. Excuse my while I go and freshen up. Than we shall dine if that is agreeable to you, Senor."  He replies, "Quite agreeable. I'll get everything ready while you freshen up." Nanuet heads into the kitchen and gets everything needed to set the table. He grabs the flower vase from the bar that he raided the other day and sets that in the middle of the table. He asks Maria to bring the food out as soon as it is ready. "Hope it is not too spicy!" Nanuet says lightheartedly to the young wood elf. "No, not too spicy, just spicy enough for you too. Now go, I bring food when ready. five minutes."  Nanuet heads back to the main room and sets the table, then is seated waiting for Minerva's return.Minerva re enters Jake and Ruby’s room and fills a basin with water that she has scented from a bottle on Ruby's dresser. She freshens up and re enters the saloon to find Nanuet waiting for her at the table. She takes up the conversation where he left off "There certainly is never a quiet moment in this town!"He says, "I think we have just the right combination of people who attract trouble. Maybe it was our fate to be drawn together here in this town to do some deed or maybe we are just lucky that way."   She laughs, "Perhaps that is it! The god Hermes is a real prankster. I believe that Senor Jake keeps him entertained most of the time. Perhaps when he comes back from Tombstone the god will no longer need us for his entertainment"   At that moment, Maria brings the food out to the table. "Chiles Renellos" she announces as she places a plate in front of each of them. "Poblano chiles stuffed with beef. I hope you like!" Maria can't help but giggle as she walks away looking back over her shoulder before entering the kitchen.Minerva looks toward the sounds of Maria's giggling and then back at Nanuet. "Is there a secret joke between you two?"  He says, "I don't think so, I don't keep many secrets. I do believe I know why she giggles though, I think she believes we are a couple."  "I asked her not to make it too spicy, I am not a lover of spicy foods. I like my food plain and simple I guess. Not sure what that says about me, if anything." Nanuet says with an uneasy laugh.  Minerva replies, "It says, Senor, that you are a man who knows what he likes to eat and is not afraid to say so. Tell me, do you like everything in your life to be plain and simple? From what I can see the only thing plain and simple in your life is the food that you eat. " He says, "Shall we make a toast? How about a drink to new friendships?"  "Si, Nanuet, that is a fine idea." , she says and raises her glass "To new friendships, and new beginnings. May the gods lead us down the path of happiness!" she spills a small amount of her drink on the floor in an offering to the gods before raising the glass to her own lips.He says, "I am not sure I choose the things in my life or if they are chosen for me. I am a simple man who believes in honesty and a hard days work. I take things as they are laid before me and do what I feel is right."  Nanuet takes a bite of the food, which as it turns out is mildly spicy, but certainly more than he is comfortable with. He tries to keep a straight face as he chews and swallows. He grabs his drink and slowly but steadily gulps half of it down. "See, sometimes you can't avoid the spice even if you try."Minerva chuckles at the pained look on his face as he gulps down water.   She continues to eat with gusto and laughs. "We are so different you and I. I live for spice!"  They continue to laugh and make light conversation as the eat and refill their glasses.  He says, "Well Miss Minerva, thank you for your pleasant company. I don't really have anything planned for the rest of the day except hanging around here. How about you? I am sure your festival work is keeping you busy."She replies, “Si, but it is coming together quite nicely." Minerva tell him about the various aspects of the festival and who is involved. "Would you be willing to share some of your culture at the Festival, Nanuet? I know that you do not care much for such displays but it would help to dispel prejudices. If people were more educated they would be more accepting of the different cultures in the area. Perhaps we could get some support from the local hualapai and Navajo nations also. What do you think?"He states, "I am willing to help, not sure about the others though. There is not much love for the white people around here. I have a feeling though that a display of my culture would meet with much ridicule, but I am willing to try."Deputies Rodriguez and Martin arrive at the Lucky Lady.  The pair see Nanuet and Minerva. Chester asks, "Afternoon. Mind if we join you?"  Nanuet says, “Always room for more at my table Chet. Greetings Mr. Rodriguez. So, did you guys find out anything from the astronomer?"Chester looks around, but sees no one else. He says, "He was working with Ringo after all. Ringo told him to keep watch over Kate and all of us. Gormley was to pay special attention to large numbers of books leaving the El Parador. Those are the books Ringo was holding us hostage for, right?"  The Indian says, "That's what Kate said."  Chester replies, "I convinced him to lie to Ringo. He's going to tell the guy that you took a wagon full of books toward Dos Cabezos. So, you may want to lie low for a day or two."Nanuet replies, "Hmm I may want to, or I have to. Well I was thinking of heading out to see Kajika soon anyways, maybe once Jake and Ruby return I will do just that."  Minerva, looks alarmed, "Senor Chet, you told him to say that Nanuet took the books? Have you released him yet? We will need a plan to trap Senor Ringo and Keep Nanuet safe before you do."Chester says, "Well I said 'the Indian' took the books. Wasn't going to share your name with him. Sorry about volunteering you for that. It was the only thing I could think of. We just let him go. He said he was waiting for Ringo to come back to town. Can you think of anyway to trap Ringo, Minerva?"Nanuet says, "Yeah, I am not sure sending the last leader of the Cowboy gang on my trail without warning me first was the best idea. Maybe Mr. Gonzalez can help me change my appearance again? I had planned on being around here when Jake and Ruby got back into town."Minerva suggests, “We could go up toward Dos Cabezos, place the wagon some place where he would find it ,without the Indian in it, and trap it.. but I'm not familiar with that area or how to trap a wagon." she says shrugging her shoulders and looking worried.”Nanuet states, "We could just do nothing and I could stay here. Let Ringo do what he may. He may not even buy it. How do we even know this guy will tell him what we want him to, let alone that Ringo will believe him? He probably saw that he got arrested anyway, or someone that has eyes here that reports to him saw him. Your idea does have merit though Minerva, although like you I have no skills necessary to accomplish it."  Chester says, "We don't. He's scared of Judge Isby, although that's not strange. If Ringo believes him, he'll go running off. If not, then maybe, he'll start doubting his other spies. never thought it'd be me stirring up a bit of chaos.""Well one thing I am certain of, and that is that we are safer if we stay together. You almost died once and I do not know if I could save you again if you were seriously hurt. Whatever we do , we do together." Minerva says with a stubborn gleam in her eye."Nanuet says, I agree to that. I let my anger get too much control of me that day and almost paid with my life and put others at harm. I do not wish for that again. I agree that we stick together. We should ask Miss Kate too. She is a very smart woman and may have some tricks we have not thought of."Nanuet, Minerva, Chester and Rodriguez finish their meal. Nanuet spends the rest of the day around the Lucky Lady making sure everything is in order. After the meal is done though he approaches Minerva.   "I know our lunch got interrupted, hard to find a moments peace around here sometimes. I promised to tell you my story so would you be willing to meet me later tonight? We can go for a ride or something. I think it should be safe enough."She states, "Si, I think a ride would be a nice end to the day. Perhaps, around sunset when it is a bit cooler? We have had a fair amount of rain and the desert flowers should be showing off their colors about now. I do not know much about the Arizona flora, but Bea has told me that when the conditions are right and the desert flowers grace us with their blooms that it is a sight to rival the beauty of Venus." Nanuet meet's Minerva at the Comstock house on his new mount. "Mine hasn't told me his name yet." Minerva says affectionately patting her new stallion as she straightens his saddle. "I think he is waiting to see if I am worthy of him." She places the bit in his mouth, making sure that it is seated properly and gives him a light kiss on the cheek before springing into the saddle. She has with her a new parasol that she straps behind her and she checks the fold of her skirts to be sure that her pistol is secure in it's secret pocket. "Please Nanuet, you may lead the way." She says cheerfully and not waiting for a reply gently kicks her mount and heads toward the desert.Nanuet spurs his mount forward to catch up with the quick acting woman. "I agree that when caught at the right moment the desert will come alive and reveal it's wonders. Let's see what we can discover."</blockquote>

Verification