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05:56, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat.

Posted by Judge MessalenFor group 0
Judge Messalen
GM, 3005 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Tue 17 Jul 2012
at 11:35
  • msg #965

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

The professor and Cole Trayne continue to linger at the Beehive. As it happens, Lottie Deno is winding up the faro game. There's a new buzz as word spreads that she will be sitting down to play poker with up to four men willing to put down a $50 stake.
Randy Oldman
player, 904 posts
D:18 G:54 MDT:19 A:14
He'll box your ears!
Tue 17 Jul 2012
at 17:26
  • msg #966

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 957):

"I ain't started performing yet.  Tomorrow's my big debut.  But, the show tonight was good.  There wasn't a lick a trouble on stage or off."

Randy then turns his attention to the approaching lawmen.

"'Preciate that Sheriff," the big'un replies as Cruger moves along.
Travis Sunday
player, 1689 posts
His art is death
D: 23 G:57 MDT:15 A:15
Tue 17 Jul 2012
at 21:48
  • msg #967

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 966):

Travis touches the brim of his hat as the Sheriff passes.

Well with you on the watch I doubt there's be much trouble.

Hear anything at the theater about the poor Chinese woman?

Cole Trayne
player, 1249 posts
D:18/15 G:45 MDT:12 A:15
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 02:30
  • msg #968

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 963):

Cole shrugs and continues to keep his voice low.

Don't know anything about about stolen money. I just find that there man a might suspicious, is all. Told JEB as much.
Randy Oldman
player, 906 posts
D:18 G:54 MDT:19 A:14
He'll box your ears!
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 02:36
  • msg #969

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 967):

"Not a squeak, pal.  I tried to ask about in a coupla different ways of a coupla different people.  I don't figgur there's much to be known from my folk."  Randy shows confidence in his foray into inspector work.

"Say, JEB, maybe we can palaver for a moment or two."
James E. Beauregard
player, 982 posts
D:15 G:79 MDT:15 A:14
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 03:36
  • msg #970

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 969):

Sure Randy. What do you want?
Randy Oldman
player, 908 posts
D:18 G:54 MDT:19 A:14
He'll box your ears!
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 13:59
  • msg #971

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 970):

The large man offers a large apology.  "JEB, I mighta done you wrong.  I didn't give you a chance to tell why you couldn't look in on Ayasha and that was my fault.  I'm aimin' to mend our fence now so I'm hopin' you accept this apology and let bygones be.

"I figgur you been takin' this lady's killing kinda hard since you ain't been able to catch them fellers what took you deputy's life.  I was thinking you need to get this case solved to keep your mind sharp."

Randy doesn't like to talk for a long time.  He generally fears he'll say something he should or shouldn't, whichever the case.

A tremendous smile breaks from below the cascading face shelf on the pugilists face.  He speaks with happy tones when he says, "And, it's good to hear you've got a paying job here, like me.  When did you get sworn a deputy?"
E.N.S. Ringgenberg
player, 221 posts
The young professor
D:19 G:29 MDT:14 A:13
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 15:49
  • msg #972

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 968):

ENS nods then makes his decision.

Alright, I'll be right back.

ENS walks over to Mr. Xu at the bar.

In Mandarin: Hello again Mr. Xu, how are you doing?
Jake Richardson
player, 253 posts
Handy With A Rifle
D:20/19 G:34 MDT:14 A:16
Wed 18 Jul 2012
at 21:41
  • msg #973

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 960):

"Eh, two-bits is fine," Jake replied, fishing around in a pocket for some dimes and a nickel.

"You just put what you think is fair for the food in the till, an' keep what's left for your troubles."
Mr. Xu
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 02:01
  • msg #974

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 972):

Mr. Xu turns his attention away from his beer. He stares at ENS, as if the professor had three heads. The Chinaman responds in Mandarin.

"How would you be doing if your wife had been killed?"

Turning away again, he gets Ruby's attention and orders another beer.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3011 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 02:02
  • msg #975

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 973):

The young man nods. "Much obliged."
James E. Beauregard
player, 983 posts
D:15 G:79 MDT:15 A:14
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 03:24
  • msg #976

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 971):

Apology accepted. I would never hold a grudge against you but I appreciate it nonetheless. Looks like you and I are fixin' to stay for a bit. I was deputized today.
Randy Oldman
player, 910 posts
D:18 G:54 MDT:19 A:14
He'll box your ears!
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 04:22
  • msg #977

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 976):

"See'n as how you got all the other drovers helpin', maybe I can lend a hand as well.  Whatcha need me to do?"  Randy offers up his assistance if JEB should need.
Cole Trayne
player, 1250 posts
D:18/15 G:45 MDT:12 A:15
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 04:26
  • msg #978

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

Cole continues to discretely watch Loco.
E.N.S. Ringgenberg
player, 222 posts
The young professor
D:19 G:29 MDT:14 A:13
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 15:42
  • msg #979

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Mr. Xu (msg # 974):

Continuing in Mandarin: I suppose I cannot imagine what you are going through Mr. Xu, I've never been married. But I did want to ask if you noticed if anything was stolen during the crime, either from Mei Ling or your room... I will certainly understand if you have not even considered this, given the circumstances, but knowing this may aide in the investigation.
Mr. Xu
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 23:37
  • msg #980

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 979):

Mr. Xu again looks at ENS. He takes a long draught and then stares further. His eyes droop; his mouth hangs. The Chinaman is apparently more than a little intoxicated.

"I was not allowed in the room. They gave me another room. How do you say . . . " Mr. Xu then switches to English, abruptly, "I am on sailing the sea."

ENS notices that several bystanders are listening to the conversation. Rojas is among them. He has no idea whether they understand Mandarin, but the professor hears a few chuckles when the Chinaman attempts to employ the English saying.
Rojas
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 23:41
  • msg #981

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Mr. Xu (msg # 980):

The Mexican named Rojas taps the professor on the arm. "You need to convince him to go home, senor. You speak his language, it is now your responsibility, si?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 23:44, Thu 19 July 2012.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3013 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 23:47
  • msg #982

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Rojas (msg # 981):

A hunter by the strength of his odor, a man near ENS chimes in after Rojas. "The fucking Mexican is right. Get him out of here before he ends up getting hurt." The hunter's tone seems far from helpful; in fact, "malicious" seems to the professor much more apropos.
James E. Beauregard
player, 984 posts
D:15 G:79 MDT:15 A:14
Thu 19 Jul 2012
at 23:58
  • msg #983

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 977):

I think you may come in handy. I'll look for you in the morning.
E.N.S. Ringgenberg
player, 223 posts
The young professor
D:19 G:29 MDT:14 A:13
Fri 20 Jul 2012
at 17:26
  • msg #984

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 982):

ENS looks at the two men with disdain.

This man just violently lost his wife tonight, please allow him to grieve in peace!

But, recognizing a potentially bad situation, ENS turns back to Mr. Xu.

In Mandarin: I'm afraid there is little compassion here for you, may I see you back to the Planters? I have a room there too and this night is wearing on me as well.
Rojas
Sat 21 Jul 2012
at 12:28
  • msg #985

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 984):

The Mexican glares at ENS Ringgenberg. "I was thinking only of his safety," he says, looking the professor in the eye. After a long moment, he lets his gaze sweep across the room. "Pero, have it your way, senor," adds Rojas, as he turns and begins to work his way over to Lottie Deno's newly assembled poker table and speaks to Lizzie. He sits at one of the chairs, while the young woman glides to the cash pit and exchanges the coins given to her by Rojas for a few stacks of checks.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3014 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Sat 21 Jul 2012
at 12:38
  • msg #986

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 984):

The ill-mannered hunter shakes his head, as if to indicate you are not worth the trouble before rejoining other revelers.

Mr. Xu mumbles his accord in Mandarin, but refuses to leave before finishing his beer. When he does, he turns stoically to exit; however, he wobbles slightly and nearly bumps into a bystander. ENS provides support just in time, helping the Chinaman to depart from the Beehive Saloon.

Travis, Randy and JEB notice the professor and Mr. Xu as they stumble onto the porch. One, or perhaps both, of them is evidently inebriated. After a moment, it becomes clear that the Chinaman is the one affected by spirits. It is only natural for Randy and JEB to come to his assistance. Travis begs their pardon, as he told his old pard Cole that he would wait for him.

Randy suggests taking Parson, as it is less-crowded at this hour, and so the trio guides the drunken celestial back to the Planters Hotel.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3015 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Sat 21 Jul 2012
at 12:51
  • msg #987

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

Of course, Cole Trayne notices the professor helping Mr. Xu, and observes Rojas sit at Lottie Deno's table, and yet, he had dedicated himself to surveillance of the Chinaman that folks called Loco. As the professor performs his good deed, Loco gets up from the table, collecting a pile of checks that seems similar to the one with which he started. The game seems to end amicably.

Loco cashes in his checks at the iron-barred pit. It looks as if he is preparing to leave, but he stops to speak to Rojas. Cole overhears a single sentence.

"I would stay, but the Widow Chen will have me scrubbing shit stains all morning if I do not return soon." The two men share a brief laugh, and Loco exits the Beehive.  As this is what the wrangler has been waiting for going on two hours now, Cole follows.

Not even a minute after his pards turn the corner at Second and Parson, Travis Sunday sees Loco step onto the saloon porch. The Chinaman heads down Griffin Avenue. Cole exits soon thereafter, continuing to follow. Travis takes up the rear, but in less than 30 seconds the Chinaman stops just past Third Street, stepping onto the immaculate porch of the Chinese laundry. Glancing both directions, he sees Cole Trayne, waves, and then enters the laundry.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3016 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Sat 21 Jul 2012
at 13:01
  • msg #988

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

Allen Baker is manning the front desk at Planters. He provides keys for the rooms. Mr. Xu has taken to mumbling in Mandarin--not all of it making sense even to Professor Ringgenberg. Getting him up the stairs proves a two-man job, and so Randy bids his pards good night and promises to return to Planters in the morning.

The two men with initials for names manage to deposit the Chinaman into his temporary berth. Each man seems tempted to rejoin in conversation about the days events, but both men feel a wave of fatigue and realize it is best to get some rest for themselves. The morning would be soon enough.

Mr. Xu's new room is across from the professor's, so ENS enters his room while JEB crosses the hall. The lawman finds the door at the end of the hall secured as it was earlier, with the rope that Allen Baker handled. As he attempts to put his key into the lock, he finds something obstructing it. Closer inspection reveals a small piece of metal stuck in the lock. With a little effort, the deputy dislodges the fragment, allowing for the use of the key and entry to his suite. He sits in the chair and ponders the meaning of this newfound clue.
Judge Messalen
GM, 3017 posts
The Hangin' Judge
D:20 G:100 MDT:18 A:0
Sat 21 Jul 2012
at 13:07
  • msg #989

Re: Chapter 10: Murder in The Flat

Travis Sunday catches up to his pard after seeing the suspicious Chinaman's wave and entry into the laundry. Perhaps tempted to issue a small verbal jab, he settles for a look. Now, Cole and Travis find themselves close to the jail and approaching the activity at the corner quad of saloons at the corner of Fourth and Griffin.

It has been a long day, and so the men decide to pass by the saloons and return to Planters. Allen Baker hands them their keys. The pair offer good wishes for the night and retire to their rooms.

-----------------

Jake Richardson finishes the bowl of rice and the hard roll. The latter was a bit stale, but certainly edible. He sops up the dregs of the rice and gravy with the crust and gives the bowl back to the young clerk. Entering the tiny room at the Occidentai, it doesn't take long for the man from Wells Fargo to drop off to sleep.
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