Author Topic: At Wit's End  (Read 70294 times)

Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #60 on: March 25, 2010, 12:08:11 AM »
"I doubt we'll need a court of law. But I will write everything down, and have Dr. Alan check the spelling and such, so no one will be able to complain about that and ignore the rest. I guess the best thing to do is keep watching each others' backs like we have done so far," replied Jimmy. "Time to let you hit your bedroll so we can all get moving at dawn for the ride back to town."
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1stSgt Fritz King

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #61 on: March 30, 2010, 06:29:58 AM »
Fritz returned to the camp.  Daylight would come soon enough.  He added some wood to the fire, and blew the coals to life.  He filled a coffeepot with water from his canteen and hung it from a hook over the fire.  As he listened to the wood crackling, he looked around.  Some of his comrades stirred, but most took advantage of the remaining darkness.  He pulled a sack of coffee from his saddlebags, and squatted by the fire.  Once the water boiled, he dumped a handfull of grounds into the pot, and watched them settle to the bottom.  Fritz removed the pot from the fire.  With a gauntleted hand, he poured two tin cups and carried them over to his sleeping wife. 

He enjoyed watching Scarlet sleep.  She always wore a sweet smile while she dreamed.  She looked like a little girl, keeping a  happy secret.  He set the cup on the ground a few inches from her face, and watched as the aroma woke her.

"Good morning darlin!" Fritz whispered as she opened her eyes.

Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #62 on: March 30, 2010, 10:32:10 PM »
Scarlet smiled thinking if nothing else went right with the rest of the day at least her morning had started right, with that thought she sat up and watched him for a moment. She really could get lost in his eyes; they danced when he was happy.

Placing her hand on his cheek she kissed him softly “Good morning handsome.” She whispered.

Scarlet picked up the cup Fritz had put next to her. “Thank you.” She said looking around as she sipped the hot liquid.

The group had worked well together she thought. Scarlet had wondered how Jimmy and Lily would handle themselves when they were faced by outlaws.

Lily was inexperienced but eager to learn and listened to what she was being told. Scarlet could tell by Lily’s look when she was asked to hold the horses Lily wondered if she was being asked because Scarlet didn’t think as much of her skills as the men. She did wonder how Lily would handle having to shoot someone if she had to. One would never have the answer to that until it happened but she had not said anything about the dead bodies when she’d seen them.

Deputy Jimmy, she would have to come up with something else to call him when Jimmy Bradbury rode with them Scarlet thought to herself, had certainly had to learn how to handle himself having ridden with Firehorse Charlie. He seemed to prefer the right side of the law and have a good mind for it.

The smell of the coffee soon had the others up and around, they were packed up and ready to head back to El Paso shortly after that.
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #63 on: Today at 04:30:41 AM »

Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #63 on: March 31, 2010, 12:11:06 AM »
Ella and Alan were eating breakfast, while Eddie sat with Archie, when Bella brought in a telegram. "Mr. Tinker said this came for you late last night," she said, handing it to Ella.

She deciphered it and read out loud to Alan, "Deputy Hayes says CONCEAL AND PROTECT HIM FROM WOMAN HATER."

"Does he mean Marshal Phillips as the woman hater?" Alan asked and Ella nodded. "It's hard to conceal Archie when Phillips was there when he was turned over to my care. Taking him out to the Starr like you wanted is a good protection, though."

"We don't want to bring trouble onto Johnny and Rose, though."

"If Marshal Phillips thought Archie was dead, he wouldn't pursue him."

"We don't like to lie."

"Maybe we make people assume Archie is dead, and not need to ask any questions. If we have the undertaker bring a coffin and hearse over here, we can carry Archie out to the Starr in the coffin."

"Putting him in a coffin could tip him off the border between life and death where he's perched right now."

"Then carry him in the carriage and put sandbags in the coffin."

"That can work. I've got some potted plants to take to Rose. They can ride in the coffin."

"I'll go take over from Eddie, and send him to the undertaker's. You pack what you're going to need at the Starr. I'm guessing you'll want to stay with Archie? If anyone asks after you, I can say that you are staying there, where your mare is close to foaling."

Within the hour, the undertaker drove his hearse into the stable yard. Bella invited him into the house for coffee while the others took care of the arrangements.

By mid-morning, the hearse bearing a coffin, followed by Ella driving the carriage and Alan and Eddie riding alongside made up a little parade through town and out towards the west. The men who saw them took off their hats in respect as the hearse passed by. When they turned onto Southern Starr land, some of the hands followed them.  In front of the house, Alan and Eddie, with help from the hands, pulled the coffin off the hearse and set it down gently, then Alan thanked the undertaker and paid him. Johnny and Rose were on the porch waiting for an explanation. Rose had caught Ella's signals, and held Johnny back.

Once the undertaker was out of sight, Ella opened the coffin and pulled out the plants for Rose, and started explaining, while Alan drove around to the infirmary where Eddie helped him take Archie into the two-bed patient room.
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Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #64 on: March 31, 2010, 10:13:55 PM »
“Deputy King, Deputy Washington roll those men in bedrolls and place them on their horses.” Philips insisted indicating the dead outlaws.

“Why don’t you help with that?” Scarlet said flatly glaring at Philips.

“I’m dealing with the living, I wasn’t the one who killed them, and I wasn’t talking to you anyway.” Philips retorted.

Bo pushed back his hat knowing this was going to turn into a contest of stubbornness and Scarlet could be very good at it.

Scarlet snorted. “WE can just put the bodies over the saddles if you don’t want to help.”

“We won’t be riding into town with uncovered bodies.”

Jimmy Washington was not really whose orders to follow so he waited for Fritz to make the first move, which didn’t seem to be following Philips directions.

“You don’t ask people to do stuff you’re not willing to do yourself.” Scarlet hissed.

“I’m the marshal, they are the deputies.” Philips said arrogantly.

Scarlet tilted her head and looked at him. “Piss poor one at that.” She said under her breath then drew her knife. “Give me a hand.” She said to Jimmy Bradbury. “All we need for identification is the heads; we can put them in a bag and leave the bodies for the varmints, which I’m willing to do.”

“You’re going to what?!” Philips said shocked.

Bo just shook his head; he thought she’d play him out a little longer than that.

“I think the word yer lookin’ for is decapitate.” Jimmy said grabbing one by the hair.

“Look if you’re not willing to do the dirty work then you keep your mouth shut.”

Philips eyes got wide “Alright I’ll help, I’ll help.”

“Ya sure now?” Scarlet said.

Philips glared at her. She gave him an innocent look like she’d done nothing wrong.

He retrieved one of the bedrolls and spread it out.


 
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


1stSgt Fritz King

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #65 on: April 01, 2010, 10:21:23 AM »
He witnessed the exchange, but said nothing.  When the time was right, he'd have words with Phillips...and perhaps more.  The surviving members of the gang sat pale-faced as Scarlet suggested beheading the corpses.  If they'd been considering fight or flight, they weren't considering it now.        

Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #66 on: April 02, 2010, 06:35:32 PM »
Phillips didn't seem to have any trouble keeping up with the rest of the posse on the way back to town. He was even trying to be in front, except Lucky wasn't willing to be behind his horse.

Phillips told Scarlet, "If you can't get your horse to stay in back, I should trade horses with you."

The glint in Scarlet's eye told Bo and Fritz that she was tempted to let him try, but Bo spoke up, "You do not want to try to ride Lucky. He is a one-rider horse."

Phillips looked around and saw that everyone else seemed to agree with that statement.

Jimmy Bradbury told Bo quietly, "Would have been fun to watch him."

Bo responded, "We don't need to break the man yet. Besides, he wouldn't have lasted long enough to be much entertainment."

Phillips wanted his deputies to be the ones on either side of the live outlaws, but Jimmy Washington traded places with Lily, preferring to ride drag rather than face his brother's scorn over ungentlemanly behavior.

A little while later, another parade marched through town. This one got applause and cheering from the onlookers. Marshal Phillips and Scarlet rode side-by-side ahead of a string of live outlaws tied into their saddles and dead outlaws draped over their saddles, with Fritz and Lily to either side. Then Bo and Jimmy Bradbury herded the extra horses, with Jimmy Washington bringing up the rear.

Once all the prisoners were locked into the cells, Marshal Phillips issued more orders. "The office will not be left unattended as long as the prisoners are here. Deputy King, go to the newspaper and tell them I will return the money to the bank at 2:00pm, and will grant an interview afterwards. Then get cleaned up and come back as soon as you can. Deputy Washington, take the corpses to the undertaker and have him prepare them for photographs, then have the photographer come here so I can tell him what I want in the photographs of the dead outlaws. Then come back here and take charge of the office." As an afterthought, Phillips added, "Miss Jefferson, go ask Dr. Coatsworth to come here to treat the outlaws' injuries."

Lily ran off and returned soon, reporting, "Dr. Coatsworth is gone to a funeral. His housekeeper expects him back at noon, and she will tell him he is needed here."

Phillips looked up from the report he was writing to ask, "Who died?"

"The stranger."

Phillips returned to the report, dismissing Lily from his attention.
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Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #67 on: April 02, 2010, 08:36:39 PM »
Johnny waited patiently for Ella to explain while she and Rose unloaded plants.

"Deputy Ambrose Hayes came out here last year because Patches asked questions about men up at Fort Fetterman. One of the men concerned was picked up by Jimmy and sent back to town with Alan and Eddie yesterday. That's who was in the back of the carriage. Alan and Eddie are getting him settled into the infirmary. I sent Deputy Hayes a wire to let him know that this man was here and asked him to come visit me soon. I got a couple replies from him. The first was that he was coming and would see me at the Starr Thursday evening. I didn't know why he isn't coming into town. The second message from him said to hide and protect this man from Marshal Phillips. Here is the best-protected place I can tend him. Marshal Phillips saw the man before Alan brought him to town, so we're trying to have people think he died, rather than bring trouble following him out here. Deputy Hayes is going to have to explain why he's avoiding Phillips when he gets here. I would like Hayes to stay in the infirmary with Archie, if you don't mind having him on the Starr."

"As long as Hayes minds his manners and doesn't wander into places I don't think he has business. He's been here before, knows my rules." Johnny said then headed for the infirmary to see who they had brought in.

Johnny stopped far enough away not to disturb the three men in the infirmary. Ella was behind him.

"Ella, that's Marshal Lester Witts. What's going on?" Johnny asked.

"I wish I knew. We met him at the fort going by the name of Archie Johnson, pretending to be a drunkard and a friend to some unsavory characters. Deputy Hayes came up to the Fort to tell us that he has been undercover for the past two years in a big secret investigation. I don't know why Hayes says we need to keep Phillips away from him, but I already had reasons to distrust Phillips. I hope Hayes can let us know what's going on."

Eddie's help no longer needed with Archie, he went out and brought in the gear off Archie's horse and stashed it where Ella pointed. Then he went back out to turn the horse out with others in the paddock.

By then Alan was done, and ready to take the carriage back to town, with Eddie riding alongside.
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Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #68 on: April 05, 2010, 09:53:13 PM »
Scarlet had no expression one way or the other when Lily said the stranger had died. She motioned Lily outside; no doubt Philips was happy to see her go and wouldn’t need Lily unless he had some menial errand.

“Was Ella home?” Scarlet asked.

“No. She went to the funeral too.” Lily replied.

“I’ll be at the Ace.” Scarlet said thinking she had her own reports to write. “Take care of your horse Lil, then take care of yourself.”

Scarlet made her way to the Ace and made sure Lucky and Buddy were taken care of before going upstairs and cleaning herself up. Once she had done that she took a cup of coffee out on the balcony of her room, sat down and began to write her own reports while she watched who was coming and going to the Marshal’s office.
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #69 on: April 06, 2010, 10:14:38 AM »
Jimmy escorted the photographer to the Marshals office. After showing him into the back room where Phillips was waiting, he joined Lily at the file cabinet.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Pulling the paper on our prisoners and the dead ones. After I get the list together, we can wire the other places that care about them so that they can close their files, or send their own deputies to take them to trial elsewhere. A couple of the dead ones were wanted in several states!"

"Is Marshal Phillips going to have an easy time or a hard time finding that stack of paper once you are done?"

"That all depends on how he behaves between now and whenever he decides he needs it."

When the photographer left, so did Marshal Phillips. "I'm going home to get cleaned up. Do not leave the office for any reason until Deputy King returns!"

Dr. Alan arrived with Eddie, so Lily went with them into the cell block, and stood guard while Dr. Alan and Eddie entered the cells to treat the wounded. Dr. Alan spent a lot of time on Owen Brown's shoulder. When Dr. Alan was done, and the cell doors were all locked again, Ben Pole called out, "When can I see a lawyer?"

Lily answered, "I'll fetch one for you."

Dr. Alan said, "I can run that errand for you, on my way home."

Eddie took Lily and Jimmy's horses home.

Within an hour, the lawyer Raymond Morgan came in. He was the defense attorney usually hired by those who could pay, but he also did a lot of pro bono work. His relationship with Marshal Ross and the Kings had been one of mutual respect. He knew that prisoners in the cells were always treated fairly, and also knew that the evidence against them was almost always solid. Lily escorted him into the cell block, and introduced him to Ben Pole, then moved as far away as she could to leave them some privacy.
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1stSgt Fritz King

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #70 on: April 06, 2010, 11:43:26 AM »
Fritz had run his errand, and was on his way back to the Ace to get cleaned up.  He supposed Phillips didn't want anyone with blood on them for the photographs.  Fritz distrusted newspapermen, even though those in El Paso seemed more honest than most.  He'd have thrown every damned newspaperman out of their encampments during the war if he could.  Unfortunately, many of the officers he'd served under had wanted glory more than victory.  The stink of the field paled in comparision to the odor of the press.

Hank smiled as Fritz walked through the batwings.  "Well, you look no worse for wear," he said, as Fritz headed for the stairs. 

"You know the old saw," Fritz repiled.  "Too many chiefs..."

"Not enough indians," Hank laughed.

Fritz put his key in the lock.  He knew Scarlet was there; he could feel her inside.  Just as he was sure that she'd heard the sound of his cavalry issue boots in the hallway.

She had her back to him, working on her reports.  He slipped in behind her, wrapping his arms around her neck.  "Tough day at the office Hun?"         

Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #71 on: April 06, 2010, 10:39:07 PM »
Scarlet smiled and leaned back against him. “Let me think, lost my temper once, wouldn’t be surprised if Deputy Jimmy and Lily are wondering what the hell kinda marshal I am to threaten to behead dead men, Philips only acknowledges me when he really wants something, then I make him mad when he does ask, no fluff in my report….. sounds like an average day at the office to me.” She chuckled.

Scarlet laced her fingers between his. “How you doin’ Darlin’?” she asked knowing he was putting up with Phillips a lot better than she was.
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #72 on: April 06, 2010, 11:57:54 PM »
Jimmy worked on his report while Lily drafted telegrams. When she was done, she told him, "I'm going to the telegraph office. I'll be back by the time Bella and Eddie bring us lunch."

Tink let her use the key, knowing she needed the practice. 10 telegrams later, L. Jefferson had informed Tulsa, Prescott, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, San Francisco, San Antonio, Houston, St. Louis, Wichita and Omaha that Fred Rico, David Jackson, Bernie Thomas and Ezra Barnes had died resisting arrest and that Ben Pole, Maxwell Collins, Gus Rodriguez, Juan Sanchez, Edmund Cox, Ulysses Evans, Eduardo Perez and Owen Brown were in custody for conspiracy to commit bank robbery.

"I'll check back for replies."

"That will save me a lot of message deliveries. How much bounty do you all expect to get out of that bunch?"

"David Jackson is worth a bunch. The other bounties are a couple hundred each, but collecting from several cities adds up."
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Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #73 on: April 09, 2010, 12:18:16 AM »
Fritz kissed the back of her hand. “Let me think, haven’t lost my temper yet, my wife continues to show she knows how to make a point when she really wants to, I wish Phillips wouldn’t talk to me and for once I don’t have to write the report.” He said with a smile.

Scarlet turned in his arms and kissed him deeply. “I do know one thing for sure.” She said softly.

“What’s that?” He asked.

“As long as you are the first one I see in the morning, you’re there to wrap myself around at night looking at me with those eyes that make me forget all the unpleasant things of the day the rest of it will work out.”

Fritz’s smile made her smile.

“The other thing I am certain of is if I keep standing here looking at your smile and into your eyes I’m going to forget I need to go speak with Ella, toss this report over the side of the balcony and tell ‘em all to go to hell because I have better ways to spend my time.” She said.

Fritz suppressed his grin. “You had best go talk to Ella before I agree with you.”

Scarlet picked up her papers and put them on the table inside before heading down the stairs.

Hank watched her go out the batwings with a smile and wondered how far she would get before somebody set her temper off again.   

Scarlet could hear Bella calling for Dr. Alan before she knocked on the door.
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #74 on: April 09, 2010, 10:35:28 AM »
Bella answered the door, "Please come in, Mrs. King." She turned to lead Scarlet toward the parlor.

"I'd like to speak to Ella, if she's available."

"Mrs. Coatsworth is not here. She wants to see you in her infirmary at the Southern Starr as soon as convenient for you."

Suspicion bloomed in Scarlet's mind.

"I thought the stranger died."

Dr. Alan had come in and answered, "A stranger died, but Ella is taking care of Archie in her infirmary."

"What's going on?"

"That's what your father asked when he recognized Marshal Witts," chuckled Alan. "Ella knows more than she's told me, and that's why she wants to see you."

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Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #75 on: April 09, 2010, 10:08:13 PM »
“Told on a need to know basis, comes with the badge I think. Sometimes it’s a difficult call to make who should know what and just how much.

I’m glad to know Archie didn’t die.” Scarlet said.

“We are waiting for him to get stronger before removing the bullet.” Dr. Alan said optimistically.

“In this line a work I have definitely met people cut from a special kind of cloth Dr. Alan. Marshal Witts.” Scarlet smiled remembering the past “Marshal Witts has never given me any reason to believe he would give up. If he was going to give up on himself he wouldn’t have made it this far.

Thank you for the message and lookin’ after him.” Scarlet said.
"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


Offline Scarlet Angel

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #76 on: April 11, 2010, 09:25:50 PM »
Scarlet stopped by the Marshal’s office on her way back to the Ace.

Jimmy looked up from what he was doing when she walked in. “Mr. King is not here.”

Scarlet half grinned. “I know, Philips is not here either, but Mr. Morgan is.”

Jimmy wondered how she knew.

“I came in to let you and Lily know I was headed back to the Starr, if anyone is looking for me.”

“Lily sent out telegrams regarding the prisoners.” He said.

“Tell her thank you for doing that.” Scarlet replied.

“Mrs. King” Jimmy said getting her attention before she went out the door.

Scarlet stopped short, she knew that tone. Something was weighing on Jimmy’s mind.

Scarlet turned to face him again. “What is it Jimmy?”

“When you and Phillips are together I’m not really sure whose orders to follow.” He paused worried maybe he shouldn’t have said it.

“First of all if you got something weighing on your mind, say it. It’s better for both of us. If I had not thought you a good deputy I would have told you so. If I had not thought the team we have was worth working with I would have said so.

I have saddled you and Fritz both with a difficult task. Phillips is not an easy man to work with; you may think I am not easy to work with. You have to deal with Phillips more than with me on a daily basis. I keep that in the back of my mind when Phillips and I are together. I’m trying to not put you in a position where you have to choose whose orders to follow. I know this is not the answer you were looking for but you have to follow your own instincts. You are the one you have to face in the mirror every morning.

You did well out there Jimmy. I was not worried about where you were or what you were doing.” She smiled.

Jimmy smiled back “Thank you.”

Scarlet went back to the Ace Fritz was finished cleaning up and ready to head back to the office when she came into the room.

“I am headed to the Starr to talk with Ella. With any luck you’ll be able to join me at home later, but if not send word so I don’t worry bout ya.” Scarlet said kissing him sweetly.

   



"The Scarlet Angel, heaven and hell all rolled into one.... I’d hate to be the one on the hell side.” ~Patches McDuff

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway." John Wayne

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."  Mark Twain


Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #77 on: April 12, 2010, 10:40:17 AM »
When Bella and Eddie arrived, Lily called out, "Mr. Morgan, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but lunch for the prisoners is here." After a few more words, Raymond Morgan shook hands with Ben Pole through the bars and came out of the cell block.

While Lily guarded Bella and Eddie serving tortillas and beans with chilies, Jimmy invited, "Mr. Morgan, you are welcome to eat with us. Bella always sends plenty."

"Thank you. It smells wonderful." He helped Jimmy pull the chairs around the desk.

Bella set the kettle and basket on the desk for Eddie to bring back later, and the four served themselves.

After a few minutes of appreciative eating, Morgan asked, "What do you think of this new Marshal?"

He was answered with silence. "Well?" he asked again.

Eddie responded, "Ma always told us, 'If you can't say something nice about a person, say nothing at all." Then he and Lily went into the cell block to offer seconds to the prisoners.

"I see. How did the posse get going after the bank robbers so fast?"

Jimmy answered, "An eyewitness saw the riders approach the bank and recognized some of them as wanted bank robbers. She immediately sent a messenger to the Marshals office. She watched them enter the bank and leave some minutes later, then went into the bank herself to untie everyone. I think that's all the answer I'm supposed to give to that question."

"Of course. Who is the eyewitness?"

"Mrs. Coatsworth."

"I need to speak to the King Deputies. Do you know where I can find them?"

"Mrs. King went out to the Southern Starr. Mr. King should be back in here pretty soon."
Elegant Ella

1stSgt Fritz King

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #78 on: April 18, 2010, 03:49:02 PM »
Fritz headed back downstairs, passing by Hank at the bar.  Hank had poured a shot of the good stuff, and pushed it towards him.

“Looks like you need one,” he said.

“I do,” Fritz replied, “but I think I’ll wait until I want one.  Besides, I don’t want the Marshal accusing me of being drunk on duty.”

“Did Scarlet press the collars on your shirt before she left?” Hank replied with a wink.

“Why Hank,” Fritz grinned, “what EXACTLY are you asking?”

They shared a laugh.  “Unfortunately, there was no time for love.  Marshal Phillips has a date with the press, thus the clean white shirt.”

“Well, smile pretty for the camera,” Hank nodded, tossing back the shot.

Fritz returned to the office, where Eddie, Lily and Jimmy had just finished eating lunch with Lawyer Raymond Morgan.  Fritz liked lawyers even less than he liked reporters, but this one was as honest as the breed came.

“Mr. King,” Morgan said, standing and extending his hand.  Fritz shook the offered hand.

“Mr. Morgan,” Fritz replied.  “We keep doing this and we’ll never get to business.  Please, call me Fritz.”

Morgan was taken aback by the familiarity.  “Okay…Fritz.  Ben Pole is afraid he will be killed by agents of the Kingdom to prevent him from telling what he knows about its activities. If the new marshal was in Pleasanton two months ago, he may be one of those agents. Can Pole be moved someplace safer?"

“Okay,” Fritz replied.  “I must have missed the staff meeting.  Tell me about the Kingdom.”

Morgan didn’t understand the reference, but continued.  "The Kingdom is a criminal organization involved in bank robberies and gun running. There may be other activities that Pole doesn't know about."

“Well, the only place that Phillips doesn’t have access to is the Southern Starr,” Fritz said.  “There are cells attached to the office at the Starr.  We could stash Pole there I suppose…as long as Johnny doesn’t mind having a wanted criminal on his property."

Morgan thought about Johnny Longknife allowing a Yankee on his property, which was tantamount to the same thing.  He didn’t mention it.

“Jimmy,” Fritz said, “go home and clean up, then get some rest.  You’ll be on duty from midnight to morning.   Take a message to the telegraph office.  Call Scarlet back to town, and tell her to bring her brothers.”

“Got it, Jefe.”

Fritz smiled as Jimmy left the office.

“Excuse me Mr. Fritz,” Lily said.  “I assume you don’t want us to say anything about this conversation to the Marshal?”

Fritz nodded.  “You assume right.”  He liked this young lady.

Lily smiled. 

Offline Elegant Ella

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Re: At Wit's End
« Reply #79 on: April 18, 2010, 04:41:34 PM »
"Seeing as how Marshal Phillips doesn't like to get his hands dirty, it should be real easy to keep him from noticing he is missing a prisoner," commented Lily.
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