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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3158318" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 189, “Catching Flies with Honey”, Monday, March 27th, 1882, 10:30 AM Jake asks Al Brower, "Did I hear correctly? The gun shop got cleaned out? Mierda. I'm sorry for you two. Maybe it was lucky that you weren't there. I don't think the gang is in the habit of leaving witnesses behind. Just how bad was it? What did they get that we should be worried about?" Jake finishes that last sentence away from the dispersing crowd. Al says, "Yeah, they got all the new weapons, eighteen rifles and twenty-three revolvers. They also cleaned out the safe, which had twenty-five boxes of Pierre's special ammunition in it."   "Just how special Al? Is there anything we can do to be safer against it?"  Al says, "You'd have to ask Pierre, he knows the specifics. He said that all but four of the boxes had a full twelve cartridges in them, a total of two-hundred-and-eighty rounds being taken."After Jake chats with Brower for a few minutes he sees Ruby arrive.   He notices that she has something in her hand.  She says, "A perk," as she holds  up the chocolates. "I loovvve chocolate. Anyway, since our first appointments of the day are cancelled, you want have baths now and I can tell you what I learned? Or do you want to wait until later?"  He replies, "Sure. Seems like a good time for that."Ruby and Jake head back over to the Lucky Lady and get clean clothes before stopping at Gilson's. Laurie enthusiastically greets them before having Jules set them up with two baths. Once they are settled and soaking in the hot water Ruby quietly explains to Jake what she learned from the Judge."I wonder if we could have prevented that if we had got the info to Brower in time. Mighty distracted we have all been. I thought that Nanuet and Chester would have taken care of that earlier. I should have checked with Chet sooner." Jake shrugs and makes small waves in his bath. "Ringo doesn't seem to care about being secretive any more. I wonder if Berg and the Judge will just start hauling in suspected members based on Ambrose's testimony. How in Hades will Berg keep that guy alive?" Jake just shakes his head.Ruby turns her wet head and glances at Jake. "Baby, we can't do everything and we can't be in charge of everything. Those guys have to help out too. They're busy, we're busy, everyone is busy. It's not your fault. Now we have to deal with the consequences. I don't how much they got but I'm sure it's enough," she sighs. "I don't know how they will keep those Cowboys alive and I don't care. I only care that you aren't a marshal anymore." She smiles as she raises her leg up to wash it, the scented bubbles sliding off as she does. "Any other business to discuss before we can enjoy our baths?"  Jake grins at Ruby, "No, no more business..." They enjoy the rest of their baths, and no business is spoken about. After their baths Ruby and Jake agree to meet shortly at the Lucky Lady to be lazy. Jake heads over to Johnson's to get a shave. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any kind of interesting information. Ruby meanwhile heads to the Palace Saloon to meet up with Jane again.  Ruby arrives at the Palace. Prosper McCoy is at the door and says more as a statement than a question, "What the hell do you want West!"  She states, "That's Miss West to you, Mr. McCoy. Please tell Jane I'm here to see her."  He turns and yells inside "Somebody go wake up Little Britches, she's got company". He turns back to Ruby and says "Better move away from the door West before the boss sees you and shoots you for trespassing.""MISS West. And you could say please, didn't your mother teach you any manners?" Ruby retorts. She decides not to pursue it any further so she sits out on the porch, waiting for the priestess to join her.  Jane Boag arrives in the doorway a few minutes later. She looks like an entirely different person than the one who Ruby had met the day before. The petite woman is attired in a long heavy calico skirt, long sleeved blouse buttoned all the way up to the neck, grey velvet vest which works to suppresses the woman's ample chest and plain tan shoes. The only visible jewelry is a white cameo broach of a woman's face pinned to the collar of the blouse. She looks far more like a prim schoolmarm than a Priestess of Aphrodite.Ruby smiles at her curiously but says nothing about her strange attire. "Good afternoon, Jane. How are you today? I came by to discuss the plans for the festival."   She smiles and says "Yes, that is my plan for today as well. One thing that I've learned over the years is that the best planning is done when you can get others to volunteer to do most of the heavy lifting. Let's head around town and enlist all of the aid that we will need to make this happen. Hmmm, I wonder if your clothes are conservative enough? We will be visiting some of the Vigilance Committee."Ruby looks surprised, "The Vigilance Committee? What have they got to do with entertainment? And what's wrong with my dress?" Ruby says while looking down at it.  Jane replies, "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar my dear. Have some faith sister, that Committee is not without its influence. Right now we need the support of the entire town to turn this event into the Festival that will solidify Aphrodite's ongoing love for the town and its residents. Our entertainment will be more risqué than that Committee would ever approve of so it is necessary to lay the groundwork with a wee bit of misdirection before they are fully aware of what is transpiring before their very eyes. Part of that misdirection includes this 'costume' that I am wearing. If you plan to accompany me today you should be likewise attired.""I don't own anything like that. I could put a shawl on, that's about it."  Ruby considers her next words carefully, thinking about Jake. "Jane, what kind of entertainment are you thinking of? I want to honor the goddess like I said I would. I don't want to influence anyone into doing something they don't want to do."   Jane replies, "Ruby, every time you sing to a room full of people you are influencing people. You convince people to part with their hard earned money, do you think that is something that they normally want to do? How many people do you see just walking around throwing money into the street?"Ruby states, "Yes, but they have a choice to walk into my saloon or not. I suppose it's the same thing for the festival. But I don't want to do anything too exciting too early in the evening, there will be children around. Now after that..." her smile grows wider.  "Alright, do you have a shawl for me? Then we can get going. I'm curious as to what you have planned. I don't think any of the Vigilance Committee is going to listen to me."Jane says to Ruby, "We can start with Judge Lacey's store. He is an organizer of this festival so we will need his sign off. He avoids saloons so this may be a hard sell, but we can at least pick you up something to cover yourself with there."    "Alright," Ruby says hesitantly. They begin the walk over to the General Store. "I'm not sure I need Mr. Lacey's Approval. Minerva put me in charge of the entertainment, she didn't say anything about having to ask anyone's permission. I already asked Madge and her girls are working on costumes. I only figured on some singing and dancing, we need a band for the costume ball, and I was hoping to use the Mexicans from the El Parador, they are so much fun." She slows her long stride so Jane can keep up. "I should also mention, Mr. Lacey and I have some, uh... history."Jane laughs, "And you've only been in town a few months, you are busy! A gambler, saloon owner, store owner, newspaperman, eastern businessman, and a judge! Are there any others who I haven't heard about?"   Ruby laughs, "I don't know what you're talking about! What are these rumors about? The gambler and saloon owner are one in the same, the others.. well..." Ruby furrows her brows, "Newspaper man? Who's that? Wait, who are all these people you are talking about? I've been true to my boyfriend!"Jane states, "Word is you have something going with the halfling newspaperman, he's told several people how attracted he is to you and how you've showered him with affection. The saloon owner was Tomcat Whipple of course, nobody in town believes he kept his hands off of you. And are you now denying that you're now with Judge Isby? Some sexual arrangement to keep him from sentencing your boyfriend Cook two weeks back?"Ruby realizes that her mouth is hanging open and closes it quickly. "Well for the record... I uh.... it's like this.... OK, nothing is going on with the halfling." She continues quickly, "Or Tom, nothing went on with him, although no one is going to believe that." She realizes she can't say anything about the Judge or she'll make people suspicious. She says slowly, "I won't deny that the Judge is interested in me...And I'm surprised that anyone would think that Judge Isby would go for an arrangement like that. Oh look, here we are at Lacey's." She changes the subject by running in the door. "Mr. Lacey? It's Ruby West. Where are you hiding? I've come to talk about the festival."  "Oh Yes!" Lacey exclaims. "This is so exciting! I'm so glad you are here. We've come up with a vast number of things to include. We will have competitions of sport, baking and craft judging, and of course reverent services to the deities on Sundays! Miss. West, who is your friend? Somebody new in town?""I'm glad you are so enthusiastic, I'm sure Miss Florencia appreciates the help. I'm in charge of the entertainment, since the festival is coming soon I figured I'd better get working on it!"  Ruby turns to Jane, "No, she isn't new to town. This is Jane. Jane, Mr. Lacey."She smiles sweetly at him and says, "Why Mr. Lacey, I have heard so much about you. This town is so fortunate to have a decorated war hero such as you as one of its protectors. I am a singer and dancer at one of the saloons here in town, but I hear that you do not visit them, which would explain why we have not met before. I am also a second generation Priestess of the Greek Gods. I hope to some day aspire to the devotion that my mother showed to the gods. I was hoping that we could work my sermons into the festivities in addition to Miss. Florencia's."   He replies, "Why yes, I am certain that we could do that!""Well, I'm glad that is settled." She turns to Jane, "Mr. Lacey used to listen to me sing from his home until he moved his store here. That is how we met, he wanted to put a face to the voice." She smiles at Lacey. "But I only get to see him now when I need to buy something, as you mentioned, he doesn't visit saloons."  Lacey smiles and says, "I'm sorry to both of you for that, but I made a promise to my late wife that I would never set foot in a saloon again and a promise is a promise."Ruby states, "I know, it's a rare thing for someone to keep a promise these days, it's something to be admired, don't be sorry.  So, we should be going. It's busy visiting all these people! Do either of you have any other business that needs to be taken care of?" She looks at Jane, "Oh yes," Ruby says rolling her eyes, "I need a shawl. Jane, I have one back at the saloon..." Ruby notices Jane's expression on her face. "ALRIGHT!" Ruby practically stomps down the aisle and chooses a pale peach skirt and a plain white shirt. She takes the purchases into the back and changes. She walks out, looking mostly prim and proper, except for the four buttons unbuttoned on the top of the shirt and her curly wild hair hanging mostly loose. "There, is that better?"  She pays Lacey while she waits for Jane to complain. "Have a good day Mr. Lacey. If we need anything else we'll return later in the week. Oh, I'll send Harry over to fetch my dress later, thanks." She smiles sweetly at him before turning on her heel and walking out the door.  When Jane arrives outside Ruby quickly asks, "Where to next?"Jane replies, "The Promise City National Bank. I have $ 200 to open an account with. The Head Teller Dennis Avery is now on the Vigilance Committee. He's also single and is attracted to the Ice House owner's daughter Liza Brown. Let's just play this one by ear, you can take the lead if you want."   As they walk over Ruby asks, "What did you have in mind? I still don't understand what the Vigilance Committee has to do with the entertainment..."  The priestess replies, "They have nothing to do with it, which is what we want to maintain. If they start to issue restrictions and ultimatums it will make matters difficult. Unless of course, this outfit is how you want to dress to perform.”"Most definitely NOT," Ruby responds, tugging at the shirt around her neck. "But everyone knows love is a GOOD thing," she says as she gazes at her new ruby ring with a dreamy look in her eyes.  Jane says, “What I have in mind is just making Mr. Avery receptive to the fact that Love is a good thing and that the Goddess of Love should be welcomed."Ruby says, "I think I'll just watch you for now, so I have a better idea what you're thinking of. If necessary I'll step in and help, that shouldn't be a problem." They see the bank down the street. As they approach Ruby adds, "By the way, I can dance too, besides just sing. I'm a better dancer than I am a singer actually, or so I've been told."Jane and Ruby arrive at the bank. The bank manager Paul Stevens is not around at the moment and Mr. Avery is approached about her opening and account. They sit at the desk, he bringing an extra chair over for Ruby. Jane begins with small talk, telling Mr. Avery about her observations of the town and the wonderful people in it. She flatters the town's devotion to the gods and mentions how she is a devout believer in the Gods. He talks of his own devotion. She then says that she needs to open an account for the Church of Aphrodite. He looks surprised and says that he has heard of no such church. She replies, "It is just being established. My mother was a Priestess of Aphrodite and I wish to found a church in her memory." He looks uncertain of how to reply and consoles her for her loss. She gets out the money, the top bill of which appears to have a light powder atop it. She fakes a sneeze, blowing the powder up into his face. He takes the money and establishes the account. She then tells him how handsome he is and asks if he has a girlfriend. He says that he does not. She suggests "Maybe I could introduce you to a friend of mine, Liza Brown. Her father owns the ice house." He stammers out "I know, we've met, but she is seeing Mr. Rixton." Jane says, "But she is attracted to YOU."    He seems surprised and says, "She told you that?" Jane smiles and says, "Not in so many words, but I know women. Trust me, when the Dance of Aphrodite is performed at the festival it will be you and not Rixton who she will want to be with. That is, if you would like me to talk to her on your behalf....." "Oh Yes!" he exclaims. She replies, "I will tell you how the conversation goes when I return tomorrow." She then stands and says, "Shall we go Ruby?"Ruby answers, "If you've done with your business." She smiles at Mr. Avery, looking into his eyes as she does. "Have a good day, Mr. Avery."  Once outside Ruby corners Jane. "What was that? I mean, what was that powder I saw? If Liza is with someone else, why would she change her mind from one man to another just seeing the dance? If she already loves someone how is it Aphrodite's will to break that?"Jane says, "Oh, she doesn't love Rixton at all, she just sees him socially to pacify her father. The man who she was in love with was the wood elf Juan Gomez, a gambler at the El Parador. They had a secret love affair going but he then ran off with Ilsie Bauer over a weeks ago. She has had a broken heart ever since. Mr. Avery and her will make a fine couple, they will both be happy.  The important thing now is that he will not be opposed to our planning singing and dancing to honor Aphrodite. Come now, let's go visit the other banker on the Committee, he's also single."Ruby decided not to pursue the comments further and instead follows Jane to their next destination. She would have to think about what exactly was going on before acting.   Jane leads Ruby over to Condon's Bank. They enter and see that Frank Condon is the brother on duty today, sitting at his desk. "Just the man we want to see," Jane says and walks towards the desk. "I should mention Jane, I have some history with him too," Ruby whispers as they walk up to him. "Good Afternoon, Mr. Condon."He looks up at them and in a voice that shows a level of irritation says, "Miss West, Miss Boag, I can't imagine what brings the two of you both here together. I thought that your saloons were busy feuding!"   Jane reaches into her pocketbook and makes a flashy show of abruptly tossing down a wad of money, at least fifty bills totaling several hundred dollars which fall all over his desk. She exclaims with an angry tone in her voice, "We came here to open an account for a new Church to the Greek Gods, or is our money and support of the gods not good enough for you!" Her outburst has the desired effect. His jaw drops and he says, "Oh, I, uh, of course we support the gods! Please, have a seat." He yells to the teller Bruce Maxwell "Bruce, bring another chair over here for Miss. West."  Ruby smiles sweetly at Mr. Condon. He blushes and looks away, starting some paperwork. "So, Mr. Condon, are you planning on attending the festival next weekend?"  He says, "My brother probably will. I'm not really one for parties."Ruby states, "Oh, but parties can be so much fun! Besides, there are going to be a couple of important services to honor the gods and goddesses this weekend, you wouldn't want to miss them." She looks to Jane to see if she has something more specific in mind for Condon.  Jane says, "Mr. Condon, I know that you do not frequent saloons, but there are other places to find companionship. You should not be lonely. The festival will attract women who meet your standards." As she says this she helps him gather up the money. She tells him that there is $ 350, but he still insists on counting it all out himself. He says, "And you wish this account to be in your name?" She replies, "No, open the account for the Church of Greek Gods. My mother was a Priestess to the gods, who I worship devoutly. Which Gods do you favor Mr. Condon?"    He replies, "Well, using the Greek names I would say that Zeus, Prometheus and Apollo would be the three." She replies, "Apollo? Did you know that in addition to being the Sun God he is also a God of Music? There will be considerable music performed at the festival. I'm certain that a man with such a deep speaking voice as yours must also have a fine singing voice. Perhaps we could work together on a duet, a ballad to revere your gods." He is taken aback by that and says, "Well, umm, my parents often said that I could sing well. I will have to give it some thought." She says, "Well, please decide soon, we would need to rehearse. I will stop by tomorrow to see what you have decided."    Ruby smiles at him. "Consider it, we could use some varied entertainment at our festival and it never hurts to honor the gods, you just might get something you've been looking for or even something you never knew you wanted." They stand and bid Condon farewell. As they walk Ruby asks, "Are you really going to sing with him?" Jane says, "Absolutely. We need at least three of the five Committee members to support us, and those are the only two single ones. With married couples you have to convince both of them. But I'm tired now, too much work for one morning and these clothes are going to be the death of me. I'll meet up with you again later if you are free.""I agree," says Ruby, still pulling on her shirt, "I don't know how anyone can wear this stuff! We can finish later or tomorrow." They continue to walk back to the Palace Saloon. "Who are the other committee members? Maybe I will come up with an idea to convince them of their support." Jane says, "Bill Watson, Doctor James Eaton and Zebadiah Cook. Watson is currently out of town, seeing to his son up in Wilcox so hopefully won't be back by then. By all accounts the Cooks, Zeb and Helen, are very much in love with each other. We might be able to sway them over to our cause, perhaps talk them into renewing their wedding vows as part of the festival. Eaton is a whole different matter altogether and his young wife Elizabeth is worse. I'm not sure how we'll convince either of them." "Well, isn't it good that the Cooks are in love? I mean, that's what Aphrodite is about and they should be thankful that they found each other and that she sent her blessings to them. If I have a chance I'll speak to them, but perhaps it's better if we go together. Renewing their vows is very romantic and would be good for the festival. Maybe we should ask all the married couples, I mean, offer them a chance to do that at the festival. And maybe even ask Aphrodite to bless all the new loves around this place," she smiles. "Seems to be a lot of her blessings lately." "What is with the Eaton's? I mean, I know they hate people like us, but is there more to it?"   Jane says, "Oh, he hates life in general, we're just a convenient target for his anger. He was a military officer, career Navy. Met Elizabeth a little over a decade ago when his ship became stationed in California. She was just a teenager then while he was in his thirties. After their third child was born five years ago, and Elizabeth was tired of his constantly being away at sea, she made him quit the Navy, convincing him to be a small town doctor instead. He hates it and resents her because of that decision. He does adore his kids though."They arrive at the Palace, "By the way, Mr. McCoy wasn't very nice to me when I showed up, he wouldn't let me in and said I'd better leave or Adair would shoot me. Perhaps you should come by the Lucky Lady from now on."  She says, "Yes, well my influence over them today is far weaker than it was yesterday when we were all energized by the worship services. I will stop by the Lucky Lady from now on."</blockquote>

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