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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3030868" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 159, “Helen’s Apology”, Saturday, March 25th, 1882, 12:30 PM As they eat their lunch Ruby tells Jake about the book she needs help reading, "Romeo and Juliet." She asks Jake if they can return to the El Parador for dinner, as the new Italian guy is cooking. Jake agrees, suggesting that they tell everyone to meet them late afternoon at the Lucky Lady before dinner for planning. They finish lunch and start to head home. “I’ll meet you back at the Lucky Lady, I have to go do something.” Ruby runs to Fly’s and picks up her special photograph that she took yesterday before retuning to the Saloon. She changes into something light and spends the afternoon again practicing her singing and dancing. This thrills some of the late lunch and early dinner patrons who are happy to watch the show as she glides and sings her way around the stage and the whole saloon. She takes a few breaks outside with lemonade to enjoy the sun, her skin starting to tan, becoming a light brown hue. Ruby is ecstatic to find out that her lilac gown from Tombstone arrived on yesterday’s stage coach with Mr. Nevers and she declares she will wear it this night.Chester had lunch at the El Parador. After that, he practices shooting with both hands outside of town. When late afternoon comes, he takes a bath at Gilson's, washing the dirt and grit away. He  eats an early dinner at the Lucky Lady with Nanuet. Then he shows up at the Marshalls' office for his shift with Berg.   "Evening, Mitch. You ever seen these boxing matches at the Palace before?"  Berg answers, "Yep. They're quite good. The last one went twelve rounds. How about you, Chester?"  "Can't say I have. If there's trouble at the Palace, maybe I'll catch a peek. Mitch? Is it OK for me to work as a bouncer at the Lucky Lady when I'm not on duty?" Berg replies, "Sorry, but no. I know Cook's your friend, but we've got to avoid appearance of improprieties in our relationships with business owners."  Chester asks, "Improprieties?"   “Improper acts, Chester. If you were to work there, then the other saloon owners might think that you'd be less willing to enforce the law at the Lucky Lady. Or that you'd pay more attention to wrong doing at their establishments. Do you understand?"   Chester says, "I do. Just thought I'd ask. Is my security business with the Morands and Jake okay then?"  Berg says, "That should be fine. It's less visible, so I don't see a problem. Anything else on your mind?"   Berg says, "Nope. Just needed to figure out this lawman business."Kate went obediently for lunch when Mr. Gonzales sent her and headed over to the Lucky Lady by way of Gilson's bathhouse later in the afternoon.Jake spends the afternoon leisurely. He sits on the porch drinking cool drinks. He chats with Jeff Mills about the saloon construction, Hoovers separate shed for liquor storage and what will be needed for the silver mine. Bored, he spends some time throwing his hunting knife into a crate out back. He watches Ruby practice. Again he finds himself out front relaxing on the porch. He keeps his eye open for Helen Barker or Conrad Booth to have a conversation with each of them.   He notices Mrs. Barker down the street on Fremont crossing Main, heading from the Marshall's Office.Jake leaves the saloon and hustles down the street. He calls out to her "Mrs. Barker, may I have a word with you?"  She continues up Fremont for a few more steps, then stops in front of Boyd's Cigar Store and turns. She stands and waits for Jake to come to her.  Jake approaches and keeps his face neutral. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Barker. Deputy Barker if you prefer. If you'll pardon me saying so, I was a bit confused that you wished to come back to the Lucky Lady. After everything you said previously I was more that a little bit surprised at what you said at the Merchants Association meeting. Nice shooting by the way."Helen Barker replies to Jake, "Miss. West talked me into it. First she went to my house and spoke to my husband about our coming back, telling him how unfair it would be to the listeners of his music for us to leave. She then went to my hotel room in Tombstone and made the exact same request of me. I spoke to Stanley about it after I returned to Promise City and he is in complete agreement. I had lunch yesterday with Job, and apologized. He was very pleased and said that he would be very glad to have me continue to play at his and your saloon. We would have come last night except that Marshall Berg assigned me to work. We will be by this evening at the usual time."Jake comments, "You apologized to Job Kane?"  Helen replies, "Yes I did. That scene I made at the saloon the other night was uncalled for. I was angry and said a few things that I shouldn't have. And I caused Job unnecessary distress, making him think that he lost one of his long-time players."   Jake says, "Mrs Barker, prior to the last week or so I thought we had a cordial relationship. I respected you for having the courage to make your own way regardless of conventions in a man's world here out west. I thought perhaps we could become friends. I even looked the other way about your concealed pistol; I knew it was there the first night you played at my table." Jake sighs. "Beyond all the trouble that was caused in the last week it culminated with you accusing me of being a grifter. I can imagine the words that passed between you and Ruby made that seem like a compliment. Now it is admirable that you apologized to your long time friend Job Kane, however it seems like there are a couple more fences to be mended."   Mrs. Barker says, "Very well, I apologize to you too then for anything that might have been inadvertently said during the heat of anger. I'll remind you at the time of my last conversation with Miss. West she had just broken the heart of my dear cousin, almost getting him killed in the process. I believe that I had every right to be upset. Nor did I go out of my way to start that fight in Tombstone, my cousin and I even left town to avoid it. She was the one who chased after us, going directly to our hotel room. I did not seek that argument, she brought it to me, and I am not one to back down from any fight."Jake answers, "I respect that, and Ruby West is of the same mold. So if one of you doesn't reach the hand out to the other soon, then a fight there will be." Jake takes off his hat and runs a hand through his hair. "Thank you for the apology. If it means anything, Ruby and I had plans to travel to Tombstone prior to your cousin arriving. We did not go there seeking him. Now I will remind you that your cousin caused us no little distress either. So let me apologize for anything I might have said or came close to doing during his visit." Jake places the hat back on his head at an angle and his face gets serious. "Think of how you were feeling about your Stanley in the Marshall's office when I mentioned the Cowboy Gang's predilection for harming relatives. Now imagine how it would feel unsuccessfully searching Promise City all night long because you thought somebody had harmed your Stanley. I was in those shoes thinking your cousin had harmed Ruby, and I wish you never have to experience that. Perhaps you don't know me very well yet, Mrs Barker, but I don't back down from a fight either. Not against the Cowboy Gang, not for my girl." Jake softens his look. "I can also come to recognize the difference between a misunderstanding and malice. I accepted your apology because I don't believe what you did was in malice." Jake looks around the street and kicks the dirt a couple of times. "This is a small town. Seems to me your experience in the Lucky Lady would be significantly more pleasurable if you and Miss West could make peace. What do you think Mrs. Barker?  Thank you for hearing me out."She replies, "I believe that there is sufficient blame in this situation to be shared all around and that Miss. West and I probably both owe apologies to one another for things that were said. However, I honestly do not expect her to offer me one, and please do not expect me to apologize to her without getting one in return. So my recommendation is that we all just put this whole unfortunate incident behind us and move forward as though it did not happen.""I have a bad feeling about that, letting anger and bad blood fester. I hope you reconsider" Jake tips his hat, "Good day Deputy Barker." Jake makes his way back to the Lucky Lady. When Job arrives he tells him about his conversation with Helen Barker. "Job, why didn't you talk to Ruby about your conversation with Mrs Barker?"  "Oh, I'm sure she'll be fine." Job winks at Jake, "Besides, handling Ruby is your specialty." Jake says, "Ya, after hours though. Listen, Barker insulted Ruby that night and treated her like scullery staff. Ruby is not going to let that go that easy. You need to talk to Ruby BEFORE the Barkers arrive or things could get really ugly. I'll try and talk to Ruby about it before you talk to her, but you are a fool if you think everything will just blow over." Jake shakes his head. "Don't forget."Chester has relived Mrs. Barker from duty watching the Marshall’s Office and stayed another couple of hours until Eduardo manages to get a meal and relieve him for a dinner break. Chester again sees Clarisse leaving the Great Western Boarding House in the company of two other women, both of whom he has seen around town but does not know the names of. All three are carrying large bags that appear to be filled with quilting materials."Good evening ladies. I don't think I've met your friends before. I'm Chester Martin." He tips his hat.  Clarisse introduces her friends as Beth Eaton and Janet Fly.   Clarisse says to her friends, "Chet's a Deputy Marshall. Didn't I tell you he was handsome?"  Chester turns to Beth. "Is your father, Dr. Eaton?"   She says, "No, but my husband is, Marshall. I believe you've been to the office before, am I right?"  He answers, "Yep. I got hurt in a bank robbery and he gave me some medicine that eased the pain. Sorry about mistaking you for his daughter. You look very youthful."  She replies, "And no one so young could be married to a man as old as my James?" He replies, "It's not what I meant, but I'll stop before I embarrass myself further." Chester asks the group in general, "Where are you ladies headed with all that wool? Is there a quilting bee I don't know about?"  Clarisse says, "Actually we're done for the day. Peg Watkins runs a quilting circle that we belong to."    He asks, "Are you going to show any of your work at the festival? I bet it would be popular."Beth and Janet both exchange looks. Clarisse says, "Yes we will. The sewing circle was unsure about supporting this festival but I convinced them to reconsider. I explained to them what I had told you earlier, how this is the Priestesses way to bring the heathens to worship the gods." Beth says, "Yes, I suppose even the undesirables in the town have a right to learn how to properly worship the true deities."Chester pauses for a moment. "Yes, I believe the priestess is making an effort to reach out to everyone. She really wants to bring the gods' message to the people. Are you on your way home? I'd be happy to escort you home." Beth says, "That's mighty kind of you, Marshall. Could you hold our bags, too?"They walk to the Eaton household on the western end of town, a well-made two-story brick building on the opposite side of Federal Street than Cassidy's lumber. Along the way they talk about the Eaton's new neighbors who have moved into the house that previously belonged to Parker Baxter. Janet Fly, wife of Roger Fly, has nothing good to say about 'Arcade's Gang'. Beth says "I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. Baxter was no bargain to have for a neighbor either with his excessive drinking and odd work hours. So far they have been well behaved. I believe that they are trying to become more respectable, and we should support them in those efforts. Did you hear, Arcade is actually Josiah Arcadiam, the son of an English Lord! That's where they've been the last several months."   They reach the house and Beth invites Janet inside. Clarisse says she will continue to walk with Chester.   Chester says, "That's interesting. I wonder what he's doing here, then. Isn't he the new owner of the newspaper?"  Beth says, "Yes. That's why Baxter left. He was fired. New owners usually want their own people in charge. Although, I don't know why Arcade picked that Australian fellow." "I see. Good night Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Fly." As they walk to the Promise City Hotel, Chester says, "I didn't know you quilted, Clarisse. How long have you been doing it?"  "Since I was very young. My mother taught me. Are you handy?" He says,  “I learned a little carpentry working on additions to the Lucky Lady. I grew up on a horse farm, so I'm pretty good at taking care of horses. That's one of the reasons I joined the cavalry."  She comments, "You were in the cavalry? You must have been dashing. Riding out to protect innocent people from robbers and marauding Indians."  He says, "It wasn't that exciting. Most of the time, we were doing work in the fort. But I still love riding. We should do that one day. What do you think?"  She replies, "I'd love to. You'll have to teach me."  He answers, "Excellent. There's something I need to do tonight, so I'll see you later. Goodnight, Clarisse." "Goodnight, Chet," she states. After Lunch Minerva goes over to Lacey's store to ask if he would take charge of organizing the crafters tables. "Perhaps we could set up a market place area and sell spots for people to show their wares on. We could use the proceeds to help support Our congregation. "I am worried that the Vigilance Committee will continue their prejudiced behaviors toward the non humans and if they do not agree to include ALL of the townspeople in their community than we will have to find a place of our own where all of the gods people are welcome." Lacey smiles and says "Not to worry, the Vigilance Committee has decided to actually support the festival. They were originally leaning the other way, I'm not sure exactly what changed their minds. Anyway, Laurie and I are in conversations with the Committee Members and their supporters about having a number of booths and events at the festival. I should give you forewarning that they are definitely looking for family-oriented events during daylight hours and hope to restrict any more adult-oriented activities and any excessive drinking until after it gets dark." "I was also wondering if you would be willing to ask someone to display my tapestry bags that I have completed." She then pushes a large bag up onto the counter and from it pulls out a dozen bags of various sizes, ranging from small clutches to bags large enough to carry wool. Each colorful bag has a different scene woven into it.. One is of two puppies, that look just like Mischief and Lucky, frolicking, another of families on a picnic and children playing, four have colorful flower designs, one with desert flowers, and her three most recent designs are of familiar scenes from around town. One is of a young girl about nine who looks quite like Ginnie. She is sitting quietly in a chair with her legs crossed and her tongue sticking out a little in concentration as she works her lace. Another is of a happy couple, performing a Spanish dance in what is obviously the El Parador and the third is of the Main street of town. In it you can make out, the Harness shop and Bootmaker, the Wells Fargo office, with a stage coach in front of it and the Hardware store and Music shop. She says, "I have managed to weave these five since my arrival" she says indicating the desert flowers, the puppies and the town scenes. "The other's are bags that I brought with me. Has anyone shown an interest in the wall hangings that I have given you previously?"  He replies, "A lot of lookers but no buyers yet."Nanuet's plans to depart that day to see Kajika were put off because of the rescheduling of the get together with his companions. He spends the morning working on his clothing, mending and making new leggings and a vest. He spends the afternoon at the Lucky Lady playfully chasing away the men who get too flirtatious with Ruby as she practices and doing chores. Prior to when the meeting is to take place he will head to the Comstock House to walk with Minerva.As Nanuet passes the Lucky Lady the puppies run out to greet him and they follow him to the Comstock House to pick up Minerva for their talk and dinner. He gives the message to Bea that he is there, then patiently waits outside for her, petting the playful pups.Minerva, Luna and Nanuet arrive early for the meeting at the Lucky Lady. Nanuet excuses himself for some last minute preparations. Minerva orders bourbon and finds herself a seat where she can watch the door while she waits for the others to arrive. Jake approaches the table where Minerva is sitting alone. "Le importa si me siento aqui?" (*do you mind if I sit here?) Como esta usted? (*how are you?)  "Excelente, Senor!, y tu?" "Bien, Gracias. Senorita, por favor. (May I ask you a question?")   "Si, Senor Jake, It is not often that I have the pleasure of your company." She says with a welcoming smile as she gestures to the empty chair. "How may I assist you?" Jake accepts the offered chair and does a surreptitious look around to make sure no one is paying them undue attention or listening. "Do the gods speak to you Senorita, or at least your goddess?"   Minerva quickly conceals her look of surprise at the unexpected question and puts down her glass. "Si, Senor Jake. They have done so since I was a child."  "Really talk to you? Forgive me if this sounds rude, but I am not asking about some vague feeling you may have Senorita. I was wondering about whether there was some substantial communication of some sort." "Si, Senor, They really talk to me. When I was a child I would hear their voices. She looks at him and chuckles. "And, Si, there were many times that I wished that I were deaf also. They still communicate with me but they often make their will known to me in other ways such as omens or dreams. I had such a dream recently. It was a warning of the coming cowboy gang war. I was going to share it with all of you at the meeting but I will share it with you now. Also on occasion, rarely, when they are unable to make their will known through ordinary means they will summon a mortal spirit to them, as they did to Senorita Ruby and me most recently." She searches his face. "The gods speak to everyone Senor. You have but to listen." Jake's eyes go large only for a second when Minerva mentions dreams. When it is his turn to speak it all comes out in a rush. "How do you know it is the gods and not just a bit of food that your stomach didn't favor? Or perhaps just the days worries come back to haunt your sleeping moments? Once you decide to honor the gods and your thoughts are constantly about them Senorita, wouldn't that make you dream of them? How do you really know it is the gods? You had your spirit summoned? You dreamed of a Cowboy Gang war?" Minerva recognizes Jake's fleeting look of panic before he deftly conceals it. She leans in and places her hand over his and continues patiently explaining. "When the god's speak to you, it is unlikely that you would confuse their vision with an ordinary dream. It is much more vivid. Much more... substantial than a dream and unlike a dream it does not fade away like wisps of smoke on the air.” Often times after a, shall we call it 'a dream visit’, you will feel a strong compulsion to take some sort of action. And if per chance you are able to convince yourself that it was only a dream and attempt to ignore the compulsion, well..., the gods can be very persistent and will most likely make their will known by other means." She then describes in great detail the dream that she had about Mar's siding with Johnny Ringo, including the sounds and sights, the physical feeling of the dry parched land against her skin, and the rancid smell of rotting carcasses. She ends her story by describing the overwhelming sense of dread that followed her into wakefulness. "I know that it was no ordinary dream and that there will be dire consequences if I choose to ignore such a warning.” She then describes her spirit journey through the Veil of Dreams, and how Nanuet's ancestor, summoned her there. "To be summoned through the veil is a rare occurrence, even rarer that someone not of Olympus would summon a mortal through the veil, but apparently it can be done." she says shrugging her shoulders in simple acceptance. "That is how it was with me. Now Senor, it is your turn to tell me of your experience.” she says with compassion in her eyes as she patiently waits for him to decide whether or not he can trust her. "Mierda." He says very quietly. "I always knew they were from a god, I was just hoping that I was wrong."  A crooked smile comes unbidden to her lips. "Si, I often feel that way also. Now tell me, do you know which god has visited you?" For several long moments Jake looks at Minerva with a blank expression. "Hermes." Again he is quiet. Finally he says, "I was young and there were many dreams. The dreams requested that I solve certain problems. I did as the dreams bid. Once I denied them." Jake's expression finally changes to wry smile. "It was an uncomfortable experience. After that I did as the dreams bid. Before my sixteenth birthday I asked him for some assistance and he chose not to provide it. I expressed my dissatisfaction and have had no more dreams since." The blank expression returns to Jake's face. "I am sorry to have troubled you Senorita and thank you for sharing your private experiences with me." "Senor Jake, you are no trouble to me. Por favor, do not think of me as 'the preacher'. We are much more than that. We are friends who can count on one another in our time of need. It is obvious to me that something is troubling you. You did not just come here to share a tale with, me did you? Tell me how may I help you." "No I didn't come to share a tale with you. I have wondered for a long time whether I was just a foolish child or an unlucky one. You have answered the question for me. I am grateful. I have not had a dream like that in five years Senorita; I do not have a need. Expect perhaps to continue to escape notice." Jake smiles a gentle smile. "Ruby often asks me for advice. I needed to understand my own experience better before I offer any advice. I have tried not to have my unpleasant encounter with the gods taint hers. Perhaps her goddess will be more kind." "I believe that she will, Senor. The Priestess steeples her hands, rests her chin against them and closes her eyes as she opens herself to the goddess Minerva in the hopes that she will impart some wisdom to help Jake see the truth. Knowing that he is not the kind of man to accept sympathy, she decides on the path of logic. “You say that you have come to me seeking knowledge. So let us look upon this as a logic problem then. It is a fact that you are quite a lucky hombre. You cannot deny it. You have extraordinary luck in cards, in love and in life. In fact I would say that you have beaten the odds quite soundly in all three areas.” She says with humor. “You are spontaneous in your action and rely on this luck, to draw your winning hand at the poker table. You depend on this luck to save you when you are in trouble, which is quite frequent I might add, and you believe that you are the luckiest man in Promise City to have the love of Ruby West. You also profess to believe that Hermes, the god of Luck does indeed exist and in fact has made his will known to you on several occasions. If this is so than it also follows that you must believe that it is he who has watched over you these many years and spared you much misfortune and grief. To say that you have gone unnoticed is illogical. How else do you explain odd defying luck such as yours? I do not know why you are angry with him, but it is obvious that he has not forsaken you! “I must apologize,” she says with a sheepish grin, “but I am a preacher and so cannot resist leaving you with a tiny bit of advice to mull over.” She sips her bourbon and putting her glass back down takes his hand in both of hers and meets his unreadable eyes. In a gentle, but firm voice she says, “Perhaps it would be prudent release the bitterness from your heart and thank him before he tires of the game and withdraws his favor. You have much to lose by doing otherwise.” As she says this the others begin filing in for their meeting. She releases his hand and rises to greet them. If the last five years were spent sparing me misfortune and grief, Jake thinks I'd hate to see what happens when you are ignored. He sighs and joins the others.</blockquote>

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