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: 3200831" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter 198, “Together for Dinner“,  Monday, March 27th, 1882, 8:00 PM The zeppelin arrives at the outskirts of San Carlos just after sundown. Waiting for Chester and the others are a few men wearing badges. On Schmidt's orders sandbags are tied to the aircraft, holding it down on the ground. Berg, Schmidt, Chester, and the prisoners exit. An older man with a mustache walks over to the group. "Which one of you is Marshall Berg? I'm Captain Burt Mossman of the Arizona Rangers." Berg comes forward and shakes hands with the man. "I'm Mitchell Berg. This is my deputy, Chester Martin and our pilot, Hans Schmidt. And these are the prisoners, Riff 'Alabama' McNally and Ambrose Gamlin. Here's the paperwork from Judge Isby." Mossman looks over the pages, "Everything looks to be in order. Let's get these guys to the jail for the night. Follow me, gentlemen." Chester and Berg take the arms of Riff and Ambrose. The Rangers surround them, weapons drawn, and escort them to the town jail. Once they drop off the prisoners, the Rangers show the men from Promise City the hotel they'll be staying at for the night. Schmidt explains, "I cannot fly when it is dark. Landmarks would be too hard to see. We'll get aloft early tomorrow morning." The group retires to a nearby saloon to swap stories and to give advice to Berg and Chester. The next morning, Berg, Chester, and Schmidt say their goodbyes to Mossman and the other rangers. Chester says, "Glad that the prisoner transfer went without a hitch. But I'll be glad to get back to town, just the same." Berg says, "Yep. I hope the cowboys haven't caused too much trouble for Helen while we were gone. Mr. Schmidt, are you ready to cast off?"   "Ja, Herr Marshall." He calls out to the rangers, "Please release the lines now. Danke." Back in Promise City, Kate has just told Ruby about her condition and Ruby has given her condolences stating, “That's horrible news, Kate. I'm so sorry."   "I'm not," Kate said stoutly. "For five years all I wanted was a child. I've been so afraid that I wasn't... that I couldn't. I want this baby, Ruby, despite all the hardships that will come with him."Ruby exclaims, "Kate, think about this for a minute. You're not living the pampered life of an easterner anymore. This is the West and maybe you haven't considered all the hardships that can come with this. How are you going to make money taking care of a child? How are you going to protect this child? Especially with all the dangers we have been facing." Ruby stands and moves over to the window again. "Unless you are planning to move back east, which may be your only option."Kate answers, "I've been thinking about it for a week now. I have partners at the ranch who can help take up the slack. The school will be a difficulty, but there's no reason I can't teach for the next few months at least. Once it becomes obvious, well.... Let's say my reputation will likely suffer.   Mr. Gonzales has given me some help with the protection. A ring that protects the baby from harm, and keeps me from getting very tired or having morning sickness. In fact, I think the ring might have saved me yesterday. The Cowboys shot my horse out from under me, but I think they might have been aiming for me. And there is ah... another option.""Katherine Kale," Ruby spins to face Kate again, "If you really want this child like you say you do, you won't rely on a ring for protection. What if it fails to work? No one can guarantee that it will forever or even that it will when you really need it! And if something happened you'd never forgive yourself." Ruby stops her little rant.   "What do you mean, there is another option? If you are pregnant like you say you are the only option for you is to have it."Kate answers, "You're right, I can't depend on only the ring. But I also can't depend on being able to walk up to Johnny Ringo and say 'Please can you wait to carry out your insane grudge until I've given birth?' The best way to protect him is to make the threat stop. And I'm not abandoning all of you, that's not an option. The other option.... Last week I told Conrad. I thought he should have the chance to start staying away from me, to avoid the suspicion of having fathered my baby. Yesterday we went out to talk things over, and he asked me to marry him."Ruby again sits in the chair, slowly. "This news just gets worse and worse. You're not going to tell me you're dying too, are you?" Ruby graps the sides of the chair with a tight grip. "You're not going to marry him, are you? I mean, that's a horrible reason to get married. You'll regret it, Kate. Unless..." Ruby pauses, "No, forget it." "Listen, marrying Conrad might make things easier for you in some ways but why would you want to do that to yourself? You were free and now you are tying yourself down, to a baby... a husband... this town.  Conrad seems like a nice guy and all... but.. but.. I can't even believe that you believe any of this for a minute. It's not like the sensible Katherine Kale."Kate walked over and knelt on the floor next to the chair. "Ruby, I'm not like you, fond of going from place to place, moving along when you get tired. I came here to live and be a part of this place. I welcome those ties. I haven't made any decisions about Conrad yet, except to go with him to the costume ball at the festival. It has been strange, believing it so easily. Perhaps because Storm told me I was pregnant, and I trust her. Perhaps because Dorita believes it and she seems to have a talent for knowing. I'm just barely beginning to feel a little different, but I'll know for certain in a few days. I admit, I haven't felt very sensible lately.""It was only a week ago, wasn't it? It would be way too early to feel different." Ruby looks down at Kate and sighs. "However this whole thing came to be doesn't matter. If it really is true, well, I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with it. You might be better off staying here and letting Dorita take care of you." Ruby places her hand on Kate's. "Jake and I will do what we can, which I doubt is really much." She laughs, "At least we won't be the center of the Vigilance Committee's anger anymore. Well, if you don't marry Conrad that is. I suppose that was very gentlemanly of him to ask.  Of course, you'll have to stop working at the Lucky Lady but I'm sure you planned on that anyway."Kate says, "The only thing you and Jake need to do is keep on being my friends. I won't ask you to baby sit, I promise. I'm not sure how gentlemanly of Conrad it was to ask. I know him well enough to know he has his own motives. His mother wasn't married when she had him, and he knows how hard it can be to grow up with the stigma. But he also told me he loves me yesterday, I'm sure he's not blind to the advantages of making me off limits to any other man while he tries to win me. I'm sure I don't know what he sees in me, but he sees something. And why would I have to stop working? Well, after he comes, yes, but I'll be fine for many months yet.""I think having a big fat baby belly is enough to keep most men off limits Kate." Ruby said without a hint of humor in her voice. "Well, I don't know what Conrad is up to either, I don't know him well at all except that he is a gambler and most gamblers are absolute scoundrels." Ruby smiles and shrugs. "You're going to have to figure that one out on your own. Maybe he really does love you. More importantly the question you have to figure out is if you love him." "You haven't been around too many pregnant people, have you? The time will soon come where you won't want to be standing on your feet at 1 AM serving drinks. Trust me, I know. Mommies don't work in saloons for a reason."  "Oh, and you could ask all you want. I don't baby sit and I don't kid sit either. That's just bad news for me and the kid.""Ruby dear, I love you but there was a reason I wasn't going to ask you," she said suddenly laughing. "I'll deal with this one day at a time. For now just don't say anything to the boys. We need them focused on the Cowboy Gang. A lot of the people in the El Parador know because they knew what this ring meant. Otherwise just Conrad and Miss Florencia know. I wouldn't have told her, but she guessed on her own."Ruby says, "Yes, Miss Florencia seems to be very observant.  Don't forget Kate, if Jake asks me I can't and won't lie to him. Seems that they are going to find out soon enough anyway. You only have about 4 months of freedom left before everyone figures it out." Ruby starts to stand and offers Kate a hand to help her off the floor. "Now, think Dorita will let us out of here? I'm starving. Unless you have more news for me...""No, no more news. Thank goodness. Like I said, if Jake thinks to ask I'll be surprised, and I won't blame you for answering honestly. I'll bet if we try it Dorita has already opened it. I wouldn't be surprised if she was outside the door listening," she laughed.  "I'm hungry too. Always lately, but I think that's more from starving myself for months than anything else.""You did get pretty skinny there for a while. Eating is good. And fun. But not as fun as drinking. Let's go get some dinner." Ruby grabs Kate by the arm and starts dragging her out. The door is, as suspected, now open.  They make their way over to the Lucky Lady .Earlier, while Ruby was getting yelled at by Dorita, Jake made another stop at Pierre's gun shop. He makes some friendly conversation before he says, "Listen, I was thinking about what you said yesterday and it comes to my mind that this thing with Ringo is coming to a head, probably here in Promise City. I know I said it yesterday but I want to say it again.  Is there any way to get through Ringo‘s magical protection?”  Pierre replies, “Well yes, those stolen Henry rifle shells would have done exactly that." Jake says, “If there is any way you can get more of that special ammunition of yours, well, some of folks would be mighty appreciative. Folks lives might actually depend on it. So the faster you could acquire more, and the more you can acquire, the better.  Could you make any?"    Pierre says, "You'd have to ask a more powerful wizard that I. I'm afraid that I am very specialized in my abilities, basically magical ammunition, and only the simple ones at that. I've heard that some wizards can enchant clothing, essentially create magical armor not unlike those used by the knights of old. That might be your best option." “Any chance you could get some?” Jake asks,   Pierre nods in understanding. "Not any time soon.  I am working on it Mr. Cook, but these things take time. Magical items are illegal in the United States and I cannot just send a letter or telegram to connections in Mexico or France without risk of being discovered.    There's a guy down in Mexico who specializes in those, in fact, he's the man who made that Hand Cannon for Curly Bill. Your employee Jeff Mills knows him. But that's over 300 miles away and most of it across open desert. It would take you the better part of a week to travel there each way."  "Good, keep doing what you can," Jake replies, sticking his hands in his pockets. "I'll stop by later in the week to see how that is coming along then."Tuesday started early with Nanuet. He did some work in the grove as the sun rose to greet him. He noticed Ruby at the stables with the newcomer who had been with the judge. Tomlinson I think I heard someone say his name was he thought. He didn't think much about it but made a mental note. He spent the rest of the day helping Minerva with festival chores. Once his hunger pangs got the best of him he and Minerva headed to the Lucky Lady for dinner and to see their friends.The zeppelin makes it back to its home before darkness falls. Chester and Berg ride back to the office. Helen Barker is sitting behind the desk. "Evening Mitch, Chester. How was the trip?"   Berg says, "It went smoothly. Arcade's zeppelin was a great help. We had no problems with the cowboys. Riff and Ambrose should be on the way to Prescott now. I guess things were quiet around here?" Helen replies, "You guess right. Not a peep. Eduardo is still at Mother Jimenez's. Not much change there."   Berg says, "I'll go see him later. Go home and get some rest, you too, Chester. I'll hold down the fort tonight. Chester, go to the Promise City hotel and get some dinner for me, please." "Sure thing, Mitch. Goodnight Helen." "Goodnight, gents." Chester gets the food for Berg, then heads to his room and changes. Then goes down to the main room for dinner.Kate and Ruby arrive at the Lucky Lady where they find Jake, Nanuet, Minerva and Chester all waiting for them.  Chester says, "Evening, you two. How've you been? Me and Berg got the prisoners over to the Arizona Rangers, so they should be at the prison by now."  Nanuet says, "That is pretty quick Chet. Guess there was no trouble?"   He replies, "Nope. None at all." Kate interjects, "Well, it's good to hear something went smoothly for you Marshals. You've been having a rough time of it."  He replies, "Yeah, we have. Does anyone know how Eduardo is?"  Kate says, "I haven't heard specifically, but he is under the care of two priests. I think if he weren't going to pull though, we would have heard already. Likely he just needs some time to rest."  "I'm going to visit him tomorrow. He is at Mother Jiminez's House. Someone said she was a witch!" Ruby fakes acting shocked.  Chester says, ""A witch? Here in Promise City. Unbelievable." "She's a druid actually," Kate said, smiling at Ruby's silliness. "Just another kind of priestess really. And Sonoma's mentor. She is very wise, but of course she has her own way of looking at things."  He shakes his head.  Nanuet states, "Yes, we had druids among my people. Please let me know when you are going tomorrow, I would like to go with you and see if there is anything I can do to be of assistance."  "I will. I have a busy day, meetings with a few people, but I'll try to find you before I leave." Ruby rolls her eyes, "Hey, it's hard having such a full social calendar!"  Chester adds, “I'll go see Eduardo tomorrow, then. Let him get rest. And all that for a distraction. I'd love to get Ringo in my sights." Nanuet is happy to see his friends arrive at the Lucky Lady as he was concerned when he and Minerva arrived and they weren't around.  "Come, sit with us and have dinner" Nanuet says with a wide grin. "Maria is making chicken tonight and biscuits. I love her biscuits" he says as he stuffs one in his mouth, crumbs falling to the floor around him. Ruby laughs at Nanuet and shakes her head. "We can't take you anywhere!"   Nanuet continues to eat heartily as he talks. He however abstains from alcohol and is instead drinking iced tea.Ruby asks, "Has anyone gotten their costumes yet for the ball?"  Nanuet's face turns red as he answers Ruby's question. "Hmm... knew I forgot something. I think I might be going as an Indian, I have that costume already."    Kate says, "I'll have mine in a few days. Conrad telegraphed the theater where is mother works. They are sending a few things to choose from."    Ruby says, "There you go, Nanuet, maybe Conrad has a costume for you." "Nanuet could go as a member of the Vigilance Committee," Kate teased. "I'm sure we could find you a dull suit. You could look down your nose at everyone and decry their debauchery."  “Hmmm... well it would certainly be out of character for me. I am still itching from borrowing Mr. Jake's suit!"  Ruby laughs hysterically. "But I'm quite sure Minerva appreciated the effort." Nanuet then says, "Yes, I guess I will have to see what Conrad has. Do you have any idea what costume you are wearing Minerva?"  Minerva who has been listening intently smiles and winks. "It's a secret!" she says.  "Secret, secret! We'll see if our men can reconize us in our costumes!" Jake replies, "Darling, if I can see your eyes or your...," he lets his eyes wander, "Ahem, other assets, I'll know it's you."  Ruby giggles. "We'll see."Ruby then  exclaims, "Chet! It's good to see you! Glad the transfer went well. Oh before I forget!" Ruby jumps up from the table and runs upstairs.  Once she returns she offers Chester a fine cigar. "We forgot, Jake and I bought this for you in Tombstone, as a congrats for making Marshal."  Chester says, "Thanks, Ruby. You too, Jake. It smells nice. I'll save this for after dinner."  Maria brings their dinners out to the table and everyone starts eating heartily.Kate says, "Oh, Chester, you weren't hear yesterday to get caught up on everyone's news. Conrad and I, Nanuet and Minerva had some trouble with the Cowboy Gang yesterday." Kate went on to describe to Chester what had happened as briefly as she could without leaving out anything of importance.  Chester says, "I hope Conrad's OK. You got really lucky out there. I don't know how they found you, though."After a few moments Kate began to notice Jeff Mills standing a bit behind the table, listening intently. When she finished explaining she turned and said, "Jeff, is something wrong?"  "Mrs. K... Kate," he began, looking uncomfortable. "I saw you getting in the carriage yesterday, and after it pulled away, I saw Deputy Sheriff Hunter follow you out of town. So I followed him. He took off after he realized you were just having a picnic, and I headed back for town another way. I should have warned you, or at least stayed around and kept a watch. I'm sorry."   "Jeff, there's nothing to be sorry for," Kate said quietly. "You thought the danger was past, and if you had been seen I'm sure there would have been questions. Everything came out all right in the end."Chester says, "I need to stop by the lumberyard soon. Neil is fixing up my blueprints for the stage and giving me an idea on how much wood we'll need."  Minerva exclaims, "You haven't started yet? The stage is an important part of the festival."  "I know, Minerva. It'll get done. Hey Jeff, are you free to help me build this thing? Nanuet, can you help me too?"  Chester says, "I wouldn't have it any other way Chet. Just let me know where to be and I'll be there.""Yes, Jeff, don't feel too badly, everyone is ok." Ruby quickly changes the subject. "Oh! I need to see Neil too! You know, to negotiate the lumber... Ah, so much to do..." Ruby shakes her head. She avoids the glance Jake gives her when she mentions seeing Neil.  "Alright, enough chit chat. Some of us have jobs to do," she rolls her eyes. "Come on, honey," she pulls Jake up. "The rest of you feel free to stay and hear me sing. Or you can leave your money with Jake if you'd prefer," she winks.  Nanuet states, "Never did get the hang of poker, I think I just take my usual spot and keep an eye on things."  Chester says, "Well, deal me in there, Jake."  "Of course, Chet. Come on and have a seat." Jake amicably greets all his players for the evening. Again, Jake takes it pretty easy on Job's players, not wanting to scare anyone away in his absence.  Nanuet finds himself drawn to the table and Jake has to warn him about standing over players while there are cards in play. He sits with Minerva where he can see the room and watch Ruby perform.Ruby sings her little heart out, and in a romantic gesture, she sings the song she taught Nanuet while Kate plays the piano, so Nanuet and Minerva can dance. Surprisingly a few other couples join them on the dance floor so Ruby continues with more love songs for a bit. It seemed people heard the melodies and even came in off the street to hear the tales of love and passion.Nanuet looks around him seeing the unusual amount of couples joining he and Minerva on the dance floor. His dancing has improved a bit since the drunken spin he took on this same floor with a different partner not that long ago. Nanuet winks at Ruby as they pass her by and Minerva has a blissful look in her eyes. Nanuet chuckles a bit then says to Minerva, "Well that song is ruined now that you have heard it sung by the best voice in Promise City. I can't hold up to that, but at least we know that we can hear it whenever we come here."  Minerva smiles back at Nanuet and replies "It never sounded better to me than the first time I heard it from you, because I know it came from the heart." The two finish their dance and head to the bar for drinks.  Ruby continues to sing while Jake plays. Clarisse also sings a set and while she does Ruby heads out to the porch to gaze at the stars. Kate joins her and they sit in comfortable silence. Chester wins a couple hands, but soon realizes he is outclassed by the others at the table. After losing $10, he folds for the night. "Thanks for the game, Jake. But I'm going to have practice more. Goodnight, gentlemen." Chester walks over to the bar to get a beer. He lights his cigar and breathes deeply. "Mmm. That's nice." Nanuet and Minerva pull up stools besides him. "Having fun?""Absolutely. I have fun when I am among friends, companions and the people that I love" he says glancing at Minerva. "I just hope we get to have many more nights like this one. I worry about the events that may unfold soon." Nanuet says, his voice becoming solemn.   "Yeah. But the gods will protect us with this festival coming up. If not we have guns." Chester chuckles. The night at the Lucky Lady passes uneventfully. Nanuet and Minerva escort Kate home at the end of the evening. Chester walks Clarisse home, also taking his time.  He says, "I've missed you these past couple days, Clarisse."  She says, "Where have you been? You just vanished. I was dreadfully worried that the cowboys had gotten you."  "Well, you can see that I'm safe and sound. I had to do some Marshall business. Couple of prisoners needed escorting to prison. It was very hush-hush, so I couldn't tell you." He kisses her passionately. After a while, they part.  "Please be careful, Chet. Mr. Tomlinson was telling me stories about what happened to some of the lawmen he knew. Their poor families."  "He did, did he? I'm sure he was telling tall tales."Ruby heads upstairs while Jake helps Jeff lock up.  By the time Jake arrives upstairs Ruby is already attired in his shirt, standing at the window letting the cool air wash over her. She turns to face Jake and after he pulls off his shirt she asks, “Will you dance with me?” Jake smiles, “How could anyone turn down a beautiful woman such as yourself?” Ruby giggles and falls into his arms. They dance around the room acting goofy and laughing, with Jake sweeping Ruby around, dipping and twirling her, until she wraps her arms around his neck tightly and won’t let go.  “I’m so happy baby,” Ruby says to him before kissing him passionately. Jake scoops her up by the thighs and she wraps her long legs around him. He stands holding them up, swaying back and forth gently while she continues kissing him. “Take me to bed, Mr. Cook,” Ruby demands quietly and Jake happily complies.</blockquote>

Verification