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16:55, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

IIK - Talk of Murder.

Posted by Desiree ThorntonFor group 0
Jacinta Castillo
player, 151 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Thu 25 Oct 2018
at 07:19
  • msg #31

IIK - Talk of Murder

Jactina snorted.  "I dislike bullies that think they can push whoever they want around.  They want what you have, or the influence you have.  Hurting people to get what you want is never the way."  Her expression hardened for a moment as she stared back at the door, lost in a memory.  Eventually, she shook free and threw Desiree another glance.  "I've got a feeling that several pendejos around here aren't going to survive this feud."
James Dolan
NPC, 5 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 22:34
  • msg #32

IIK - Talk of Murder

”Like much of New Mexico, I fear we have more than our fair share of troublemakers,” Dolan says, ”But with regard to your concerns, a few names come to mind.”

“Resolving the matter of who took the children is understandably a priority. They are innocents and their families should never have to worry over their safety. What transpired was intolerable. In his defense, I must say that I had the impression that Sheriff Brady had been seeking to locate the missing youngsters diligently. I might go so far to say, based on my conversations with him, that he was positively haunted by their absence.”


The businessman folds his hands on the table in front of him. ”My employer, Lawrence Murphy, due the variety of his interests, retains the services of a number of people. Recently, I was required to fire one of the men he retained as a ranch hand. One Manuel Segovia. I did so after learning that Señor Segovia had been keeping company with a pair of miscreants, the Schraeder brothers, Karl and Horst. They’re known cattle rustlers and have also been implicated in stagecoach robberies and the killing of a prospector. I had assumed that Manuel might be working with the Schraeders to relieve Mr. Murphy of some of his cattle. But, I have heard rumors that the two of them were involved in holding the wife of a saloon keeper in Las Cruces hostage over a gambling dispute. For such men, taking children might be a simple next step.”

“As to Michael Kibbee, he was part of the reason I ventured out this afternoon. I wanted to check in on his welfare. He has done a singular job with the Independent, but, as is the lot of many newspapermen, he has managed to anger a few in the community. He...is outspoken with some of his views. However, such disagreements fuel a healthy debate and are certainly no cause for violence.”

“There is a man that has...hired himself out for some unsavory tasks. An individual of large stature. Andrew Roberts. Most in these parts call him ‘Buckshot’ Roberts. By all accounts, he is capable with his fists and with a firearm. It’s entirely possible that someone paid him to harm Mr. Kibbee.”

Desiree Thornton
NPC, 35 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 22:35
  • msg #33

IIK - Talk of Murder

You sound as though you’ve survived your share of trouble,” Thornton says, setting the coffee pot on the stove, ”Sometime, maybe after all this ends, you and I should share a bottle. Trade stories about everything we’ve seen.”

“But I think you’re right. The population in this valley is going to sink before all this is done. I’m just trying to do my part to keep the decent folks alive. There are quite a few around here.”


She glances back toward the barroom. ”You know, I spoke to Señora Montaño this morning. She told me that she’d heard that McDaniels had been riding out to some of the families that got their children back, asking if they knew who had rescued them. Claimed he wanted to make sure they were recognized for their good deed.”
Bryan Lee
player, 180 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 15:19
  • msg #34

IIK - Talk of Murder

"I will make a note to speak to this Manuel Segovia, these Schraeder brothers, and this Andrew Roberts during the course of my investigations. Thank you for the names," he said.

"The name I've heard of associated with the attack on Kibbee is 'Provencio.' Of course, this information is rather fresh so I haven't had the chance to investigate quite yet. Is this Provencio another one of the local ne'er-do-wells?"
James Dolan
NPC, 6 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 18:18
  • msg #35

IIK - Talk of Murder

Dolan frowns, his mouth pressing briefly into a thin line of irritation. He glances over his shoulder at McDaniels, who shrugs, before returning his attention to the Ranger.

"Nicholas Provencio is one of Mr. Murphy's ranch hands. I can understand, from a certain point of view, how suspicion might fall on him. He is a large man, quite physically strong. In a way, he resembles Andrew Roberts somewhat. They're of similar stature and complexion."

He leans back in his seat. "However, my understanding was that Mr. Kibbee was attacked sometime early today. Mr. Provencio has been out on Mr. Murphy's range since yesterday evening, tending to some sick cattle. I'm certain that the hands that were with him can vouch for his whereabouts."
Jim McDaniels
NPC, 3 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 18:18
  • msg #36

IIK - Talk of Murder

"Nettie rode in just a little bit ago," McDaniels volunteers. "I think she was givin' Mr. Murphy an update on those steer."

He looks to Lee. "I can take you across the street. Have you talk with her, if that'd be helpful."

OOC: Bryan, go ahead and give me a Smarts roll. Go ahead and modify it by +1, based on your suspicions.
Bryan Lee
player, 181 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Sat 3 Nov 2018
at 02:22
  • msg #37

IIK - Talk of Murder

OOC:

Smarts: 5

13:24, Wed 31 Oct: Bryan Lee rolled 4,5 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max.  Smarts.

Marshal
GM, 350 posts
W6 R3 B0
Sun 4 Nov 2018
at 23:45
  • msg #38

IIK - Talk of Murder

PM
Bryan Lee
player, 182 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Mon 5 Nov 2018
at 00:06
  • msg #39

IIK - Talk of Murder

Bryan nodded with a smile, his tone continuing to be amiable.

"I appreciate the offer, Mr. McDaniels, but I'll have to pass for the moment. I'll get around to confirming Mr. Provencio's alibi when the time comes if necessary, though I think it more likely that when I investigate this Mr. Roberts that something will turn up," he said.

"Mr. Dolan, one additional question with regard to the kidnappings. I know this sounds ridiculous, so I ask your forgiveness for the line of questioning in advance, but you surely understand that I must do my due diligence in the course of this investigation: my inquiries have turned up an association that is likely pure coincidence - that all of the kidnapped children belong to familes who have been critical of your employer. Again, I know it seems ludicrous that a man of the stellar reputation that Mr. Murphy enjoys in several circles would be involved in this, but I must ask - are there any connections that you're aware of between Mr. Murphy and either this Mr. Segovia or these Schraeder brothers you mentioned as possible culprits in the kidnapping?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Mon 05 Nov 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 152 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Mon 5 Nov 2018
at 06:34
  • msg #40

IIK - Talk of Murder

Jacinta snorted.  "Yea, I bet that's why he's been asking," she said, the sarcasm thick in her tone.  "Doubt anyone would tell 'em much, given who he works for.  If they know what's good for them, they'd take their kids and scoot."

"A drink would be nice, if things go quiet for a bit.  How long you been here, exactly?"
James Dolan
NPC, 7 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 20:10
  • msg #41

IIK - Talk of Murder

Dolan smiles, an expression absent of warmth or friendliness. "Aside from Mr. Murphy having previously been Señor Segovia's employer, I am not aware of any other connection between the two. Mr. Murphy has had no association of any kind with the Schraeders. In fact, he had learned of their reputation previously while doing business elsewhere in the territory and was quick to inform Sheriff Brady of their presence here in Lincoln once he learned of it."

He stands, extending his hand. "You'll have to forgive me, Ranger Lee. I have an appointment to attend to. Should you need to speak with any of Mr. Murphy's employees at a later date, my office is across the street from the Tunstall Store. I or Mr. McDaniels will be happy to assist in any way that we can."
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 36 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 20:10
  • msg #42

IIK - Talk of Murder

"A couple of years," Thornton replies. The coffeepot gurgles as the water within it begins to boil. "I thought it would be calmer here than in New Orleans. I was wrong."

"Of course, a lot of that rests with me. I've always been a meddler. Something strikes me as wrong or unfair, I just can't leave it be."
She grins. "It's going to get me in real trouble someday."
Bryan Lee
player, 183 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 22:30
  • msg #43

IIK - Talk of Murder

"I understand, you're a busy man. Thank you for your time, Mr. Dolan," he said, shaking the extended hand.

"My superiors are gravely concerned about the news coming out of here, but I hope that I can soon reassure them that there are no more acts of unjust violence and that the people here live freely. I greatly appreciate the time you and Mr. McDaniels have taken to inform me of the local proceedings and helped to broaden my list of suspects."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 153 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Thu 8 Nov 2018
at 06:30
  • msg #44

IIK - Talk of Murder

Jacinta snorted and returned the smile.  "You and me both, chica."

"If you've been here a couple of years, have you ever seen this midnight ghostly procession I heard talk of earlier?  Don't quite know what to think about that."
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 37 posts
Sat 10 Nov 2018
at 22:36
  • msg #45

IIK - Talk of Murder

”It’s real enough. I’m not one to take anyone’s word on something like that. I’ve seen it. Lived to tell the tale, despite what the rumors say,” she answers.

”Funny thing? It always stops in the same place. Right in front of Lawrence Murphy’s headquarters across the street. ”The House”. Like it’s waiting for Murphy to step out and make his peace with those in the wagons.”

Using a thick square of leather, she removes the pot from the stove. ”You know, for years the talk was that Murphy was the only one that survived that crossing. But Renata Montaño claims that’s not the case. She believes someone else came down from the mountain from that trip. I’d sure be curious to talk to them.”
Jim McDaniels
NPC, 4 posts
Sat 10 Nov 2018
at 22:36
  • msg #46

IIK - Talk of Murder

Dolan gives the Ranger a tight smile and a nod. ”Like Mr. Dolan said, Ranger,” McDaniels says, ”If you need any help with your inquiries, come see us. Be glad to lend a hand.”

With that, the two men depart. Lee can hear Castillo and Thornton speaking softly in the next room, the smell of freshly made coffee wafting through the door. Outside, the Ranger hears the approach of several riders. Glancing through the window, he sees four horsemen come to a halt at the hitching post in front of the restaurant next door to the courthouse.
Bryan Lee
player, 184 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 04:29
  • msg #47

IIK - Talk of Murder

Returning the smile and the nod, he casually looks out the window until he can see that McDaniels and Dolan have moved away from the premises.

"Miss Thornton, I'm still waiting on that coffee, when you have a moment," he called.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 154 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W4 R1 B2 L0
Tue 13 Nov 2018
at 05:36
  • msg #48

IIK - Talk of Murder

"Me, too.  I've been though the pass a time or two, tell the truth, and never had anything happen to me, though seen some strange things that couldn't be explained.  Several tribes have warnings about the higher peaks and forests, tales of bad spirits that reside there.  Don't know if I believe half of 'em, but I ain't really inclined to go pokin' about on a whim.  Makes me wonder what happened to that lost caravan, though, and how Murphy was the only one to survive -- or one of the only ones to survive, if Señora Montaño is correct."

While Desiree dealt with the coffee, she got the mugs, sugar, and cream ready.
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 38 posts
Thu 15 Nov 2018
at 16:22
  • msg #49

IIK - Talk of Murder

Thornton nods to Castillo. "I think that's a question a lot of folk around here would like answered."

Stepping out into the barroom with the coffee pot, Castillo following, Thornton's face registers relief as she sees that Dolan and McDaniels have departed. "Well, you're a calm one, Ranger," she tells Lee, setting the pot down on the table, "How was your visit? Learn anything worthwhile?"
Bryan Lee
player, 185 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Thu 15 Nov 2018
at 17:40
  • msg #50

IIK - Talk of Murder

"Miss Thornton, I find that becoming agitated doesn't do me much good," he said with a smile, pouring some coffee into a mug and taking a sip of the rich, dark liquid.

"I learned a lot - mostly that Mr. Dolan was keen to set me on the Regulators, and to point suspicion for a variety of crimes away from Murphy and his associates. I got somethin' of a read on him. Him and McDaniels couldn't have been too eager to offer their assistance to me, though I doubt it would be worth much."

"When I told him that I would get to dealing with the Regulators once I had figured out who kidnapped those kids and beat up Kibbee, he started suggesting suspects. For the kidnappings, he pointed the finger at a man he claimed was a recently fired employee of Murphy's named Manuel Segovia, as well as Karl and Horst Schraeder. For the beating, he identified one Andrew 'Buckshot' Roberts."

"His demeanor grew less favorable once I asked him if he knew a man named Provencio, who Kibbee had identified as his attacker. He was quick to offer alibis for Provencio, and suggest that Kibbee might have mistaken Roberts for Provencio, as they have similar builds."

"My parting comments suggested that continued violence here would only serve to draw more attention from my superiors, which I hope will lead to at least some peace for the residents of Lincoln from their depradations while I continue to pursue the perpetrators of these acts."


"Could you describe Manuel Segovia and Provencio for me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Thu 15 Nov 2018.
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 39 posts
Mon 19 Nov 2018
at 14:49
  • msg #51

IIK - Talk of Murder

"Provencio's a big man. Broad shouldered. Powerful looking. Little over six feet tall. Thick black hair and a long mustache. Prefers a bowler hat and tends to wear gloves all the time, even indoors. There's a long standing rumor that he was a champion pugilist over in Texas. He looks the part. His nose sits crooked, like it's been broken several times."

As Thornton describes Segovia, Lee recognizes that he is the man that was taken into custody at the abandoned farmhouse, the one that Kansas Kate would only refer to as "pendejo".

Thornton glances over at Castillo before returning her attention to Lee. "Interesting that he brought up Roberts. He's a bounty hunter by trade. Lived in this area of the territory a long time. Señorita Castillo and I were just discussing a story that persisted around here for years. One that Retana Montaño staunchly believes. That someone else besides Lawrence Murphy survived that doomed wagon train through the Capitan Mountains. Some people are convinced that Buckshot Roberts was that other survivor."
Bryan Lee
player, 186 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Mon 19 Nov 2018
at 18:25
  • msg #52

IIK - Talk of Murder

Bryan took in the descriptions with a nod, as it confirmed a strange suspicion he had, an instinct that Segovia and el pendejo were indeed one and the same man.

"Sounds like Provencio has a pretty distinct appearance, making it unlikely that Kibbee would have mistaken him from someone else. I find the note about the gloves interesting. Does Provencio have an odd smell about him? Or maybe, does he reek of booze?" he asked.

"I've been incredibly curious about that wagon train. I was actually about to ask Señora Montaño about it when the gunshots were fired - so this connection is interesting as well. That there's a rumored survivor of the wagon train, and that is a man that Dolan and Murphy are attempting to frame for an assault. If it isn't trouble you tell me anything you know about the wagon train story, and how I might locate Andrew Roberts?"
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 40 posts
Mon 26 Nov 2018
at 04:46
  • msg #53

IIK - Talk of Murder

”I’ve made it a point to steer clear of Jesse Evans and his crew, to tell the truth. But I have heard that Provencio can put away his fair share of whiskey. Word is he’s won a fair number of drinking contests over at Wilson’s. So, I’d say it’s possible he might smell of liquor.”

Thornton gazes into her coffee cup for a few moments, then takes a sip. ”I’ll be honest, Ranger. If you want to know the full story about that wagon train, you should speak with Renata Montaño. She was here. She knows much more than I do about what occurred. But I can tell you what I’ve heard since coming to Lincoln.”

“That wagon train was going to California. It was not too long after the Great Maze showed itself. Everybody thought they could get rich on ghost rock. People around here had already made a habit of steering clear of the Capitans. Lot of stories of tragedy tied to those mountains. The old timers insisted that the Comanche, Apache, and other tribes knew that the range was haunted. That the only ones that ventured up there were medicine men who wanted to keep whatever lived in the high forests from coming down below, into the valley.”

“Lawrence Murphy thought the whole thing was bunk. He and a partner, a former Union cavalryman named Carson Goddard, were convinced that traveling through the mountain passes could be accomplished, and that it would cut the time to reach California from the New Mexico territory considerably. Both of them believed that most of the stories about evil befalling people crossing the Capitans could simply be attributed to people who fell victim to the elements. That hadn’t prepared for the difficult conditions properly. Even Señora Montaño insists that Murphy’s convictions were sincere. That he was convinced that the only things he was facing were superstition and a difficult climb.”

“The story goes that a couple of weeks after they left, Lawrence Murphy came stumbling into Lincoln in the dead of night, half frozen to death and unable to talk sensibly. After he was nursed back to health, he wouldn’t say much about what happened. Only made a few vague statements about the train losing its way. A circuit judge from Texas came to Lincoln about a month later, sat down with Murphy in private. Came to the conclusion that no crime had been committed. That the whole thing was just a poorly conceived adventure. A senseless tragedy. But, the judge never really made public whatever it was that Murphy told him.”


She drums her fingers on the sides of her cup. ”A lot of people...they say Lawrence Murphy was different when he returned from those peaks. Before, he had worked on trying to build up Lincoln as a farming community. An answer to some of the food problems that the dry areas of the territory face. After that wagon train, he started a ranch. Began squeezing people off their land. Hired James Dolan and some of the bad men you know about to protect his interests. Help him expand.”

“Buckshot Roberts...if he was up there with the wagon train, the story is that he was a reluctant guide. That he believed the whole thing was a mistake, but that he couldn’t leave those people to their fate. He’s lived in this country most of his life. Supposedly has close ties with the Mescalero Apaches. He’s one of the few that’ll go hunting up in Capitan foothills. He knows the land by heart.”

“Finding him...that’s going to be a challenge. Roberts lives off the land. Can stay out of civilization as long as he needs to. He’s always been friendly with Ike Ellis and Quinn Murdock. If anyone might know where he’s at, those two might. But...convincing them to tell you could take some doing.”

Bryan Lee
player, 188 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W3 R0 B1 L0
Tue 27 Nov 2018
at 04:45
  • msg #54

IIK - Talk of Murder

"Well, I think I did Mr. Murdock a solid on our stage ride over to Lincoln. If he's still about, perhaps he'd be amenable to arranging a meeting between myself and Mr. Roberts," Lee said.

"As for the mountains and the wagon train, I'll be sure to speak to Señora Montaño, but thank you for laying the groundwork for me as well as helping me to identify some of the folks around here - and providing me a hospitable place to step out of the sun on this side of town. I think I'll be here a long while yet before this matter is put to bed, and I certainly hope that can be done with as little bloodshed as possible."

A thought occurred to him. "Say, how do folks get mail outta here? Is that mainly Murdock and his stage takin' it to Roswell or Albuquerque?"
Desiree Thornton
NPC, 41 posts
Wed 28 Nov 2018
at 15:18
  • msg #55

IIK - Talk of Murder

Thornton nods. "It mostly falls to Mr. Murdock. He ferries the mail to and from Roswell. Every once in a while, if there's a patrol coming through from the garrison, they'll bring some mail with them."

Peering out the window, she frowns. "Hmm. Quite a few Regulators over at Ramsey's."

Returning her attention to Lee, she says, "This bein' the night of the wagon train, I generally remain here at the saloon til morning. If you two want somewhere to spend the evening, you're welcome. The only people that darken the door are ones I genuinely trust. So it's a safe spot to stay."
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