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: 2986871" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 150, “The Palace and the Gay Lady”, Thursday, March 23rd , 1882, 10:30 P.M.:Chester follows the man east and then north, stopping in front of the Palace Saloon. They enter the building and Deacon McCoy begins to ask Chester for his gun until he notices the badge. "Ah, the lawman who knows how to shoot he comments." The tall man gestures to a door and says "The Boss is waiting for you in there."  Chester nods to McCoy. He opens the door and enters. "Evening, Mr. Adair. What's this about?"Adair replies, "It's about you Mr. Martin. Today our Association voted to keep you on for the next three months. I want to know a little about the man who I just hired to protect me and my business. You can begin by telling me who you work for - the Merchant's Association, Mr. Berg or Mr. Cook. Next I would like to know what your opinion is about having to work alongside a woman and a stinking elf. Lastly, I would like to hear more about your military background."He replies firmly, "I work for the Merchant's Association. Mr. Berg is now my direct superior, though. Any orders would have to go through him. If you're going to call Deputy Rodriguez a 'stinking elf,' I have nothing further to say to you." Chester pivots on his heel.   Adair says nothing as Chester moves to walk away. Neither McCoy or Flannigan make any attempt to stop him. One of the working girls at the Palace does make eye contact with Chester on his way out, and he reads a combination of both fear and pity in her gaze.He gives her a look that says, I know what I'm doing. Once he leaves the Palace, though, he shudders. I hope I did the right thing. maybe Adair and Ringo will try to kill me and get each other instead. Looking around, he walks back to the Lucky Lady. He sees Ruby and Kate on the front porch.    "Good evening ladies. Where are you two going?"  Kate breathed out a sigh of relief as they walked out and she saw Chester coming back out of the Palace.    Ruby replies, "Good to see you return, Katherine here was worried about you! We're going to the Gay Lady to see my friend Madge."Kate says, "I was worried. Adair doesn't seem to have many qualms when it comes to getting what he wants. We're all meeting tomorrow again, you'll let us all know if it was anything serious?"   Kate went with Ruby with a lighter heart than a few moments before.  "I'm ready, dear. Let's go."   As they walk over to the Gay Lady Ruby pushes the thoughts of Jake out of her mind. She was determined to have fun tonight, without Mr. Cook. On the subject of Mr. Cook, he has just asked the reason for Helen Barker’s interest in the Deputy position.    Niles Hoover replies, "Well, according to Harry she wanted the Deputy Marshall's job for three reasons, absolutely none of which have anything to do with law enforcement in this town. Her main reason was what she said to us at the meeting, she wants to play poker at your table again Job. But she's superstitious, won't play without her loaded colt strapped to her boot. So with a badge she won't have to check it. Her second reason was to promote woman's rights, wanting them to be included in the vote if the town decides to incorporate. Her final reason is that she wants to be able to shoot Johnny Ringo dead. She took his comment last weekend that forced her to disarm very personally and wants revenge. With the badge there won't be repercussions for that. Can you imagine that, her wanting to actually get into a gunfight with a killer like him just because he embarrassed her!"Jake just shakes his head. "You are right, she is muy loco." Jake downs a second shot of tequila. "She and Ruby are also having quite an argument at the moment too. All of this can only lead to trouble." As he is pouring a third shot Jake adds, "Of course we can't have too many people trying to kill Ringo."   Or too many people wanting to play at my table either," Job laughs. Hoover says, "Yeah, come to think of it, is it really a bad thing to have somebody whose main goals in life are to give us their money and kill our known enemies?"  Jake raises his glass to Niles and Job. "That is why I like partnering with you gentlemen, your unique ability to find good in what to others appears like insanity." Jake gives them a wink and downs the tequila with a shudder.   Niles and Job both decide that they prefer whiskey instead and grab a bottle. Chester sits back down next to Clarisse. "Can I have a double whiskey? Thanks."  She asks, "Chester. What's wrong?"    He replies, "Nothing. Just wondering if I did the smart thing."   She says, "I'm sure you did the right thing. That's one of the things I admire about you."  He answers, "Oh? What else is there?" They talk for another hour until it gets late and for him to walk her home.Ruby takes Kate’s hand as they enter the bustling saloon known as the Gay Lady Dance Hall and Saloon.  Madge Duprey was up on stage and Ruby caught her gaze and she nodded in return. She leads them to the crowded bar where no space is available. A couple of men move out of the way so they can get closer and Ruby gives them a dazzling smile, “Thanks, boys.” She turns back to Kate, “Now, what can I get you?” she yells over the music. "Wine if they have it," she yelled back. "Is it always like this in here?"   “Yes!” Ruby responds with a laugh. She orders Kate’s wine and herself some whiskey. The drinks arrive quickly, the bartender recognizing Ruby. Ruby hands Kate her wine and hold up her whiskey, “To always being friends,” Ruby toasts, clinks her glass on Kate’s and drinks it down quickly. Kate took a healthy swallow of the wine and toasted, finishing it off with a hug. "So what do we do? The only other time I did anything like this was our visit to the Palace, and that didn't go so well," she laughed. Kate’s thoughts are interrupted by a voice from the stage. Madge states, “Now normally I’m done for the night, but I’m going to sing one last song and I’d like to invite my friend Miss Ruby West up to the stage to sing it with me.” Ruby tries to shake her head no, but a couple of hands are already pushing her up to the stage. She feigns being embarrassed but heads up. The men in the crowd start cheering, and leering, and there are some crude comments called out. Ruby grins at the attention and smiles, “Now, now, you have many fine and beautiful woman here who are more than willing to dance for you, you’ll have to make do with my vocal talents tonight.” There are some groans from the crowd but Ruby just laughs. Then Madge and Ruby launch into the song, taking turns singing different parts as if they had practiced it a million times. Oh hard is my fortune and hard is my fate, Controlled by my mother so early and late, And when I get married just to end all the strife, Controlled by a man for the rest of my life. O, young men go a-courting' they dress up so fine, They cheat the girls up, that is all their design; They'll titter, they'll tatter, They'll laugh and they'll lie, They'll cheat the girls up till they're ready to die. When young men go a-courtin' they stay up all night, Get out in the mornin' and look like a fright; They saddle their horses, they rock and they reel, Dag-gone them old girls, how sleepy I do feel! O, bachelor's hall it is bound to be best, Get drunk or stay sober, lay down take your rest, No woman to scold you, no children to bawl, So happy is the man that keeps bachelor's hall. *The Bachelor’s Hall by Lesley Nelson-Burns Ruby and Madge curtsey to the thundering applause, and once it dies down a bit Ruby makes her way back to Kate. “Oh that was fun!” She motions for another whiskey. “So, what do you want to do tonight? I see a few men giving you glances Katherine Kale. Or would you rather keep this a true girl’s night out? We can drink and dance or just talk.” Kate blushed and said, "Are you sure they aren't just looking at you, Ruby? I think.... I think I might like to dance, and then talk. But not so much with the drinking, at least for me." “I’m sure Kate they are looking at you. Why do you never think men look at you? You’re a pretty girl. And look at all the dirty mining town women around here,” Ruby laughs. “Alright, let’s dance then.” She takes Kate’s hand and they head out to the dance floor. It isn't long after they go out to dance that some men ask to cut in and they go off with different respective partners. Kate was surprised to find that some of them indeed seemed to watch her rather than Ruby or Madge. An hour later Kate sat back down exhausted, followed shortly by Ruby. "How was your time in Tombstone? I know you were looking forward to getting away." Ruby smiles at Kate, although she now looks a bit distracted. “It’s was wonderful actually.” Ruby starts telling Kate about Tombstone but her mind was on Jake and how she wished he was the one dancing with her instead of some drooling strange men. She tells her about the show and all the romance that they shared. She left out the picnic, feeling that moment was too special and magical to share just yet. Out of the corner of her eye she sees another man about to approach her. “Kate, why don’t we go back to your room? It’s getting late and we will be more comfortable there.” "If you like," Kate said, pushing away her only half drunken glass of wine. She and Ruby made the short walk back the El Parador and up to her room. Ginnie wasn't there yet. Kate would have to go get her after they finished their talk.Back at the Lucky Lady, Niles and Job continue to sit and drink with Jake until the last patrons decide to leave. The Lucky Lady is then locked up for the night. Harry and Niles head off back to their rooms at the Double Eagle Boarding House. Chester walks Maria back to her room at the El Parador. Jeff heads upstairs to his room. Job bids Jake goodnight before leaving to head back to his house.Kate could tell Ruby was becoming quickly distracted as they enter her room. “Anything you want to talk about?” she asks. Ruby smiles at her friend. Kate could always tell when something was up. Ruby begins by telling Kate about her dream she had in Tombstone about the goddess Aphrodite. How Minerva told her it wasn’t a dream but a trip to the Veil of Dreams where Aphrodite herself came to Ruby to implore her to become a believer. And if she did she would have the love that she desperately longed for. “And I wouldn’t have believed it if not for this,” she holds out her hand, palm up, the wound still looking fresh, “And the rose. The one I brought to that ceremony. It’s the one from my dream; I woke up with it in my hand.” "I can hardly believe myself that you believe it. Just a few days ago you were quite firmly stating your disbelief in the gods," Kate said.  Ruby sighs. “I know. But honestly, it’s not that I didn’t believe in them, I just…You know I’ve had some… troubles and I just couldn’t understand why the gods would abandon me like that. I was only a child! What could I have done?” Ruby has a sad look in her eyes but before long it vanishes. “But I guess now they want me to know something different. There is something else on my mind too.” “One of the things about Eastman, something you don’t know but something I told Jake recently… A very long time ago, when I was younger, I was always surrounded by people being fake, especially boys who thought if they kissed up to me they might one day share in the…” Ruby stops speaking, realizing that Kate didn’t know about her background and where she came from. “Well, let’s just say they thought they would get something from me. So one day, there were some boys over, so to tease them I took off one of my rings and threw it in the lake. I declared that whoever found it, I would marry. Well, they all dived in and tried to find it, including George.” Ruby laughs, "No one ever found it." “Now I know you think I’m crazy for telling you this but there is a reason. I had a dream last night, this time it was a real dream, not one I woke up with any injuries. Actually when I woke I felt happy and content and maybe even excited. Which is strange, given the dream.” She proceeds to tell Kate the same dream she told Jake that very morning, about her and Jake being all dressed up and being so happy surrounded by friends, the people they considered their family and the contentment and love Ruby felt with Jake. “Well, I sort of lied to Jake a tiny bit. Not exactly lied just left some parts out.” She looks up at Kate, “Ok, I lied. The mansion wasn’t a mansion, it was here in Promise City, the new church that has yet to be finished I’m guessing. And the tree with the pink flowers was in the grove, the one where Nanuet stays sometimes. And... the biggest part I left out… that ring I told you about? The one that no one ever found? It was on my finger. And I realized that the C didn’t stand for Constance like it did when I was young, but for Cooke.” She looks away from Kate with a far off look in her eyes. “And Jake was wearing one too. We were married! It was our wedding.” She looks back to Kate. “Yes, that idea scares the hell out of me. How could I wake up feeling so happy? I don’t want to get married! At least I don’t think I do… argghhh!” Ruby lets out a huge frustrated breath before collapsing on the bed. “Is that what the goddess is asking of me? Or is she saying that's my punishment if I don’t do what she wants?” Ruby realizes the stupidity of that comment and she finally laughs. “I’m scared Kate. I’d do anything for Jake, including that. I don’t like this whole goddess running my life bit. But I believe it and have to give it a chance for things to be different. I mean, they are different but I want them to stay this way or perhaps even be…better.” She looks up at the ceiling, “Now you can tell me how crazy I am.” "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think you're crazy. You have always had love, Ruby. At least since you come to Promise City, but you pushed it away from you even as you tried to accept it. Venus left you evidence of her presence. And her very existence is evidence of the truth of love. By accepting her, you accept that love is a real thing. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?” Ruby nods, “Yes, she told me the same thing. I only pushed it away because I didn’t, I mean, I don’t want to get hurt, get my heartbroken.”  ”I wouldn't focus too much on the marriage part of your dream. I would say it represents the closeness you want. You want Jake to be the one the can overcome the challenges that come with courting Ruby West, and you want the surety that married people feel, even if you don't want to actually be married. If you want to please Venus, give love and accept it. I am no priestess, but I think that will be enough. I'm confused too. I told you a few days ago about Storm and Tom, and that Diana had a hand in it. I know you thought I was crazy then, maybe you don't think so now. I hope not, anyway. I always thought the gods were uncaring, capricious, self-obsessed, jealous; beings I would not want to place my fate in the hands of. That opinion is not entirely changed, but I have seen some evidence the last few days that.... So far it seems Venus and Diana want to bring us happiness. Giving up some control seems to be the price. It can be a difficult price to pay." Ruby is quiet, carefully thinking over what Kate said. “You are right; I can’t imagine Jake ever loving me SO much that he would give up all others. Not only that but be so willing to want everyone to know it too. I mean, it’s a hard thing for me to imagine, but like I said, I would do it for him.” Ruby blushes, “I guess I wouldn’t mind everyone knowing that we are together. It used to be such a nauseating thought to me, to be controlled by a man.” Ruby shakes her head back and forth. “But now I can see with the right man, it doesn’t have to be that way…” her voice trails off. She sighs and rubs her eyes. “I wanted to come out tonight to see if I could be my old self, the one who takes care of herself and, while I care for Jake, realize that my every minute can’t be about him. Obviously I’m not doing that well,” she laughs. “And you know what? I’m starting to think I don’t care. I don’t know exactly what the goddess wants from me, but if I can figure it out I’ll do it. She wants me to honor her and love her. Maybe it IS as simple as giving love.” Ruby laughs again, “I spent the morning counseling Minerva and Nanuet about love. Jake says it’s my new calling.” Ruby is quiet for a few moments before pushing her hair off her face, “I am confident now that Aphrodite will do what she said she would. That I will honor her and in return I will have love. And especially after tonight I am very confident my feelings are true Jake and I are really and truly meant to be together. He just needs to figure it out too. And he will. I’ll give him all the time he needs.” She looks at Kate again and yawns, “But you’re right; I did think you were crazy. I’m still having problems with this whole thing. It’s not as if you can become a believer overnight. At least I’m closer to believing that Tom actually was here. But that’s a very large gift.” Ruby is quiet, obviously starting to get lost in her dreams and the things they’ve been talking about. Kate leaned back with Ruby's head against her shoulder and stroked her hair. "Yes, it's a very large gift. But I chose a stone for Tom with her image on it, and you know those goddess are vain creatures," she laughed. "She may want more from me in the future, I don't know.  With the right man," Kate said, going back to Ruby's concerns, "There is no control. He is a partner.   Nanuet and Miss Florencia? Well, I can't say I didn't see it coming," she laughed. “With the right man…” Ruby repeats back softly, then yawns. “Yes, I can see it.” She snaps out of her daydream. “Yes, the two of them were pretty obvious. I don’t think Sonoma is very happy. But that is a story for another day. Can I borrow a nightgown? I’m getting pretty tired.”   "I'm tired too. Hopefully one of my nightgowns will fit you," she laughed. The largest of them strained a bit across Ruby's chest, but it would do. "I have to go get Ginnie, then I'll be back." “Alright.” Ruby stretches her long limbs across Kate’s bed and watches her leave to retrieve Ginnie. It felt so strange to not be in her own bed back at the Lucky Lady. Is this what it feels like to not be home? She wonders with another yawn.  A few minutes later Kate returned with Ginnie. They both changed clothes and climbed into bed. She should make sure Ginnie got out tomorrow. Too much time with those books wasn't good for her. Kate made sure Ginnie was settled comfortably, then climbed into the crowded bed with Ruby and fell quickly to sleep.Jake sits at the same table for some time, regretting the loss of company and the distraction. He has a few more tequilas and decides he better go upstairs before he cannot walk any more. He stands and learns that perhaps he cannot walk. It takes a while but he stumbles up the stairs only tripping seven or eight times. Finally in their room he looks at the empty bed for a while. Deciding that it is getting hard to stand, he moves across the room to sit and pull off his boots. Instead Ruby's vanity finds it's way into his path and he sticks his hand into one of her cosmetics. He holds up his hand and wrinkles his nose at the mess. Impulsively he smears it on the mirror writing the letters 'Ruby I L' before stopping and wiping off the L and continuing "Miss You'. He then looks around for the stuffed chair and launches himself to it. He turns to sit, misses and lands on the floor. Jake contemplates getting back up and sitting in the chair but instead slumps over and falls asleep.Ruby’s borrowed nightgown felt scratchy against her skin and tight, particularly across her bosom. It didn’t take long for Kate to fall asleep; Ruby heard her breathing slow and become more regular. Ruby tossed and turned, thinking over all they had discussed. What in Hades am I doing here? Why aren’t I where I really want to be? With that thought Ruby rose quietly from the bed and exited the room. Kate will know where I went, she smiles to herself, Back where I belong. Silently Ruby exits the El Parador and walks back to the Lucky Lady. Barefoot and in the borrowed white gown the moon lights her way back home, glittering off her pale skin and deep red hair as she walks. The Lucky Lady is also quiet. The puppies greet her enthusiastically at the door, but do not bark for their master. Ruby climbs the stairs with a smile on her face. Without a sound she opens the door and enters her room. Before her she finds Jake sleeping, although on the floor instead of the bed. Immediately her nostrils are assaulted with the strong smell of liquor. She shakes her head and kneels next to him on the floor and watches him sleep. She looks over his face, really looks at it. His chin beard is neatly kept, his cheeks slightly flushed. She watches his naked chest rise and fall with his breathing, his light snoring now a soothing sound to her. She only briefly looks at his scar, the reminder of how close she was to loosing him. His thick brown wavy hair covers part of his face and Ruby moves to push the stray stands off his face. Her heart feels like it skips a beat as she imagines her future with him, so handsome and so right for her. She leans down and presses her lips against his. They were warm and inviting, even if she could still taste the tequila on them.Jake doesn't wake with Ruby's kiss. Nor does he wakes when she tries to shake his shoulder. So instead she yanks the blanket off the bed and arranges it on the floor next to Jake. Ruby gently pulls off Jake's boots and pants. She slips out of the tight borrowed gown and lies on the blanket next to him. She reaches over and with a smile guides Jake over next to her onto the blanket. She covers them with the blanket, making it snug. His head finds its way onto her shoulder and she wraps her arms around him. It only takes a few blissful moments before Ruby is asleep.</blockquote>

Verification