The smell of gunpowder lingers in the air within the Thornton-Curry Saloon when Bryan Lee and Jacinta Castillo step inside. Glancing left of the batwing doors, both the ranger and the scout notice a pair of bullet holes marking the wall, just shy of the window looking out onto the Main Street.

The barroom itself is empty, save for the proprietress, Desiree Thornton, who is busying herself with righting updended furniture and returning order to her establishment. Both vistitors note that Thornton has a noticeable mark on her left cheekbone, the leavings of an injury that will likely become a bruise soon.

Thornton glances up as the two enter. ”Ranger Lee. You and your friend need something to make the day a little more tolerable? It’s still a little early, but believe me, I’m the last one to judge.”

Jacinta waved off the invitation of drink by the barkeep, though she smiled.  "I ain't one to normally decline, but as you said -- it is a mite early.  We came to see what all the fuss was about in here and to see if we could help."  Moving to an overturned chair, she began helping Thornton set the furniture to rights.   "You okay?  Looks like someone a piece of you."

Bryan also waved off the drink politely.

"I suspect by the end of the day I'll need one, but for the moment I need to keep a clear head, though I won't judge you if you need one. Could you tell us what exactly transpired in here with respect to your injury, and also the shooting of Tom O'Folliard?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

Thornton smiles at Castillo. ”I’ve had a lot worse back in Louisiana. I’ll be fine. Before the day’s out, I’ll get a cut of meat from the Tunstall Store. Put it on there. That’ll take it down some.”

“But, since you asked, Ranger, my injury originated with a woman named Kansas Kate. Someone I believe you’re already familiar with. And who, apparently, is not very well thought of by many lawmen like yourself.”

The furniture righted, the saloon keeper gestures for her guests to sit at one of the tables in the center of the room. Joining them, she looks pointedly at Bryan Lee. ”But, I’m curious. What did you think of poor Tom’s wounds, Mr. Lee?”

"To be honest, I didn't see any clear evidence of injury or blood anywhere on the fallen man’s body, at least based on what I've been able to view so far," he said.

"But you said that he was shot. You spoke up for the Doc out there, and I let things be for a bit until I got a chance to talk to you privately, on account of you bein' so helpful yesterday when I was bendin' your ear about the town. There's somethin' more goin' on here than meets the eye. Saloon keeper's tend to know and see more'n most folks, and I figure you can tell me a much more interesting story."

”You didn’t see any injuries because there weren’t any,” Thornton answers, ”O’Folliard’s alive. A fact that I’m sure Doc Scurlock will let Ike Ellis in on as soon as Sheriff Brady’s people have cleared out of his store.”

“I lied to protect another deception. Kansas Kate elected to use her reputation to try to get in with Jesse Evans and his gang. Evans was an outlaw of some note even before the hostilities involving Mr. Murphy and Mr. Tunstall broke out, but he and his crew have become Murphy’s primary enforcers. If you ask anyone from The House, they’ll tell you they’re all cattle hands. But everyone in town knows better. Their only job is to enforce Lawrence Murphy’s will.”

“The way Kate told it, Evans offered her a fair sum to kill Tom. Tom’s the eyes and ears of the Regulators in Lincoln...the men that once worked for John Tunstall, that Judge Wilson deputized to capture John’s killers. For that reason alone, I’m sure Evans wanted him out of the way. But his instructions to her were very specific. He wanted the body deposited next to the Sheriff’s office. I have my suspicions about his reasons for that.”

“Kate wanted it to look like she’d roughed me up for information.” She points to the spot beneath her eye. ”That’s how this came to be. Doc Scurlock was coming by about that time and took exception to what he saw, but Kate was able to talk to him and Tom about what she was trying to pull with Evans. Doc has this...trick. Not really sure how he pulls it, but he can touch people sometimes and put ‘em dead to sleep. That’s what he did with Tom. As long as you didn’t look to close, he seemed dead.”

“Kate was promised payment and the possibility of more work when she met with a man named Jim McDaniels at Wilson’s Saloon later on. McDaniels is one of Evans’ people.”

"Well, I'll be damned," Jacinta swore.  "Clever girl.  Looks like it worked for the most part, so long as she can get away.  Anybody else in on the deception?"

"Well, I reckon it'll be good to have some eyes inside that outfit, though I don't know how long she can keep crossing Evans and get away with it. What are your suspicions about why Evans wanted the body placed close to the Sheriff? And what exactly did you tell Sheriff Brady had happened?"

”Only myself, Doc Scurlock, Kate, and Tom know. Along with Ike Ellis and now the two of you,” she says, ”I told Brady that Tom had been shot. That I hadn’t seen or heard anything that gave me any idea about the motive behind it. Unlike some in town, I don’t have a wholly negative view of the Sheriff. I’m afraid if I’d linked what happened to Evans in any way, he might have felt compelled to act immediately, which might not be...helpful.”

“I admire what Kate’s trying to accomplish. I don’t fully understand why she’s doing it, but she clearly wants to get at Lawrence Murphy and the House. Learn all she can about them. But you’re right, Ranger. Evans hasn’t succeeded as long as he has by being a fool. The moment one of his plans goes awry because someone’s a step ahead of him, the instant he thinks someone’s turned traitor, you and I both know the first person he’s going to think of. And that’s going to be a dangerous place to be in.”

She glances out the window toward the Main Street. ”As for putting Tom by the Sheriff’s door...I’m afraid that Jesse Evans is trying to stoke a fire. Richard Brewer, the man who first headed the Regulators, thought that Sheriff Brady was simply ineffective. Deep in Murphy’s pocket. Their new leader...Bonney...Billy the Kid, he doesn’t see it the same way. He believes that Brady had a hand in John Tunstall’s murder, either by direct involvement, or by omission. I’ve heard that he and a couple of the others, especially Jose Chavez y Chavez, would like to add Brady’s scalp to the others they’re collecting to avenge John.”

“I expect that Evans wanted the body tossed there to imply that the deed was done with Brady’s knowledge, or approval. Doc will be able to explain Evans’ instructions to Billy, once they meet up. But I don’t know that that, in itself, it going to alleviate Billy’s suspicions about the Sheriff.”

"Do you think this Billy the Kid fella would be amenable to a conversation with someone such as myself? What I mean is...I've heard that many of the members of the Regulators aren't the most law abiding citizens, so I don't know how kindly they'd take to a lawman, even an out of town one."

Lee sighed, considering the difficult predicament they were in.

"My belief is that if Brady was for any reason to no longer be the Sheriff, we'd have someone much worse. I think he'd like to do better, but that he's been rather constrained by his role by the House."

“Billy definitely strikes me as hell bent on revenge. I gather that John Tunstall gave him a home, a chance, when there wasn’t any other for him to find. That’s why his death hit Billy so hard.”

“While he’s angered at the corruption he perceives here, I’m not sure that his distrust is attached to all lawmen. I think he just believes those in Lincoln and Santa Fe are a lost cause. But...he is an outlaw. He was in some kind of trouble before he came to New Mexico, so he’s going to be cautious around anyone with a star. But it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t talk with you. I just wouldn’t get your hopes set too high about how reasonable he’s going to be.”

She falls silent momentarily at Lee’s commentary on the Sheriff. ”There’s a fair number of people here in Lincoln that would like Brady replaced. But, I share your fear. If he was, I think we’d either end up with someone hand picked by Lawrence Murphy or a gunman. A person who would be completely ruthless in their handling of the law.”

She threw Bryan a glance and shook her head.  "I'd not count on any of his crew being open minded.  We came upon Chavez y Chavez and Bowdre hidin' out in the woods and neither wanted to listen to reason.  Tried to tell 'em how more innocent people were just gonna end up dead from this feud and neither wanted to hear it.  They're out for blood.  I don't think they're gonna stop until they get it."

"Well, I don't expect folks to listen to reason. There isn't any order in this place. There's the House, and they have the law in their pocket as far as has any meaning, and then there's the Regulators. They have at least an interpretation of justice on their side - and some quasi legal backing from that judge. As far as I can tell, they're going to keep gunning each other down until one side is dead, no matter who gets hurt."

"I know there's the saying, but some riots may just be too big for one ranger. I'd be comfortable taking either one of them on my own, but settling this situation puts me against both of them, and I don't want no two front war. In any case, there'd be too much collateral damage even if I just scored up against one side."

To be fair, Bryan was a long way from figuring out a coherent strategy for dealin' with this mess. This was one of the thorniest situations he had been in.

"What exactly were Chavez y Chavez and Bowdre getting up to in the woods, anyway? That's two people, right?" For all he know, there could've been two Chavez's around these parts.

"They were lying in wait for a couple of the men they have warrants for.  Thought they'd be headed out that way somewhere, though didn't say who.  He got all heated when I mentioned the innocents getting hurt because of the feud.  Mentioned a couple of his friend by name that met bad ends after asking about the missin' kids -- Richard Brewer and Tom Peterson."  She looked to Desiree.  "You hear about what happened to either of those men?"

Thornton presses her lips into a thin line. ”Richard Brewer was murdered, not long after he started asking questions about the missing kids. Rifle shot. Several people around here think that Frank Baker, one of Jesse Evans’ men, is the one that did it. Baker’s a hell of a marksman, to hear it told. But..as you can probably guess, no one’s been able to turn up anything to prove it was him.”

She shakes her head. ”Tom Peterson vanished. Billy told me Tom thought he’d found someplace outside of Lincoln where he suspected someone might be holed up with the children. Went to get a look at it, never returned.”

“I don’t know if Tom ever told...”

The batwing doors swing open and two men enter the saloon. The first is a clean shaven, dark haired man in his thirties. He is dressed in a navy blue suit of the sort one would expect to be worn by a banker or lawyer back east. He removes the bowler style hat he is wearing as he steps inside, holding it in his gloved hands.

The man with him is dressed for the range, wearing a wide brimmed hat and a tan duster that has already collected some dirt from the trail. His hair is the color of sand and reaches his collar, several days’ worth of beard lining his jaw.

Thornton stiffens, then stands. Her expression is calm, but her eyes glint with fear.

The well dressed man speaks. ”Miss Thornton. I had heard about the trouble that took place earlier today. I wanted to stop in, make certain that you were well.”

She nods. ”I’m doing just fine. Not even a scratch on me.”

He smiles. ”I’m glad to hear it.” His attention shifts to Castillo and Lee. ”I apologize for interrupting your conversation.” He approaches the table. ”I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting either of you. Are you new to town?”

Bryan had been standing with his side to the bar so he could be aware of comings and goings, never one to leave his back to a door. Leaning away from the bar, he extended his hand to the other man. "No apologies necessary - I think we're all here to see that Miss Thornton is doing alright. My name is Bryan Lee, with the Texas Rangers." It would've been obvious to the observant, because Bryan wore the symbol of his office openly. He found that he'd rather have the added authority that came with it. That said, it seemed more polite to announce it.

He returns Lee’s handshake firmly. ”James Dolan.” He nods, indicating the duster clad man to his left. ”My associate, Jim McDaniels.”

“I had heard that one of the Rangers had come to pay our little town a visit,” he continues. Glancing at Castillo, he asks, ”One of your deputies, I presume?”

“I imagine that Sheriff Brady is pleased to have you here. As I’m sure you’ve already heard, we’ve had our share of difficulties here in Lincoln recently. I anticipate that your presence will serve to reassure people that all will be well.”

"Mr. Dolan, Mr. McDaniels," he said in greeting, returning the firm handshake. He'd leave Jacinta to introduce herself, though by not commenting, he left open the option to her to claim that she was one of his deputies. She had very recently been one after all, even if temporarily. That status was a shield of sorts, even if a paper shield.

"I can certainly hope that I'm able to reassure the local population while I'm here - I've heard a little of your troubles prior to arriving, but I've been here less than a day and apparently a man's been shot right here, and the local newspaperman has been beaten badly. And that isn't even counting the crazy wolves that attacked the stagecoach I was in on the way into town. I can only think that in a town with so much trouble, the local law has been overwhelmed. I'll be glad to help Sheriff Brady apprehend those responsible as needed. And also the wolves, I'll deal with them too."

McDaniels nods, giving a half smile.

”The wolves. Yes,” Dolan shakes his head regretfully. ”I’m told that Mr. Murdock has had to contend with them more than once. Lost a guard to them, as well. I fear that they’ve also attacked several packers that used the eastern trail. My employer, Mr. Murphy, has written a letter to see if some soldiers from the garrison in Roswell might assist us in being rid of them. We’re still waiting for a response, I’m afraid. Of course, it’s understandable. The Army has much to contend with.”

He glances at Thornton. ”I wonder, Miss Thornton, if I could trouble you for some coffee?” The saloon keeper nods, then moves to the bar, stepping through the door to its left.

”Ranger, a man as well traveled as you is probably well aware of the lawlessness that dominates some parts of the New Mexico territory. It is still a land that many are struggling to bring order to. Mind you, I am merely a businessman, but if I may offer my opinion, I think that our problems here in Lincoln arise from too many people having their own ideas about what the law should be. Rather than trusting people that are educated in such matters, they have tried to take things into their own hands, and created difficulties for all of us in so doing.”

Jacinta tipped her hat in greeting, but didn't confirm or deny her profession or involvement with Bryan.  She rolled one of her thin cigars in her fingers and listened intently to the conversation, deciphering hidden meanings and subtle hints.  As she sat back in her chair with her smoke, she eyed the newcomers with open curiosity, studying their manner, the way the held themselves, and any weapons they carried.

At the mention of coffee, she rose from her table.  "Think I'll take a cup of that, too," she called after Desiree, following her into the kitchen.

"I couldn't agree more, Mr. Dolan. Most of the time when I've seen this thing happens, it's because the institutions that the people have come to rely upon, not only government but civil society, haven't provided the pillars of security that are needed to hold a community together. I can imagine that it's hard for folks to feel safe when the newspaperman gets beat up in his own place of business, when farm equipment that people use to make a livelihood is sabotaged, and when children are kidnapped from the schoolhouse," he said.

"I hope, between a cooperation with local authority figures and even businessmen such as yourself, I can find a way to bridge this conflict and restore Lincoln to a peaceable state."

”I share that hope, Ranger,” Dolan says, taking a seat at the table. ”I don’t know how much of a chance you’ve had to take in the land around Lincoln, but I think when you do, you’ll agree that the Rio Bonito Valley is...well, it’s full of potential. It has good soil for crops, the grana grass that thrives here makes for excellent grazing for cattle, and there are still strikes of silver turning up in the mountains to the north. I daresay that Lincoln could become a center for commerce here in the Territory.”

“But as you say, a frightened populace isn’t one that’s going to be productive. Mr. Kibbee being assaulted and our farm families being stolen from...it’s simply unacceptable.”

“I wonder, Ranger, would I be able to offer you some perspective on our town’s problems...from a citizen’s point of view?”

14:05, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Jacinta Castillo, rolled 7,5 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Notice.

14:05, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Bryan Lee, rolled 7,3 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,3.  Notice.

OOC: Lee and Castillo see Jim McDaniels remove his gloves as he listens to the conversation between the Ranger and Dolan. Both notice that the man’s left hand has been bandaged, the wrapping covering both the palm and the back of his hand.

Thornton glances over her shoulder at Castillo as the scout follows her into the kitchen. Pouring water into a tin coffee pot, she asks, ”Have you heard about my coffee? That why you followed me in? It is usually a little on the strong side. That’s the way I learned to make it back home in Louisiana.’

"I'm sure the coffee is fine, but no," Jacinta said quietly.  She jerked her thumb at the door.  "I wanted to get your opinion of those two.  They bully you?"

"That sounds very promising. I haven't had much time to take in the quality of the land yet, though I do hope to get a chance to do that when things settle down a bit here in town. That said, I have heard as much about the area before I got here to the same effect as what you've just told me, and I think everyone would be best served if we could all work together to bring a stop to the violence, and help restore a climate of security."

He nodded when Dolan asked if he could offer some perspective.

"Of course, Mr. Dolan. I always find it to be tremendously helpful to get as much of the local perspective as possible on the matters at hand," he said.

Thornton speaks softly as she spoons coffee into the pot and sets it on the stove. ”James Dolan bullies everyone, after a fashion. He’s Lawrence Murphy’s lieutenant. His right hand man. Dolan is seen in town much more frequently than Murphy. Most believe that he makes many of the business decisions for The House, including...how to handle those who are hostile to Murphy’s interests.”

“McDaniels works for Murphy. Has some connection to Jesse Evans. But he’s independent. And supposedly quick on the draw. No one around here knows much about him. Rumor is he hails from Missouri. Rode with Bill Quantrill during the War.”

Dolan smiles politely. ”Our sheriff, William Brady, is a fine man. But like any lawman in the territory, he has much to occupy his time. The growing prosperity in Lincoln is going to attract the wrong element, those that wish to prey upon persons who have made their living honestly.”

“Not long ago, our community suffered a tragic loss. A young rancher, new to the area, was murdered. His name was John Tunstall. An ambitious man with a great deal of promise. John...was kind hearted. He possessed a desire to help anyone he encountered in need. A trait that was admirable, but not always tempered by wisdom. Some of those he hired as hands...they came from bad backgrounds. Young men who had already demonstrated a disrespect for law and order.”

“When John was killed Judge Wilson, our Justice of the Peace, deputized several of John’s former hands to track down his killers. Unfortunately, I believe that was a terrible mistake. Those men, who now call themselves the Regulators, are out for blood. Willing to harm anyone that they believe might have been complicit in the crime. They act on rumor and emotion, not evidence. And their activities have done much to cause upheaval here in Lincoln.”

“But I fear the greatest problem is this. These men...they are hunting wrong doers that frankly, do not exist. Given that many of these Regulators were on the wrong side of the law prior to reaching Lincoln, it isn’t difficult to guess that one of them was involved in John’s demise. Susan McSween, the woman who now runs the ranch with a group of John’s most honest hands, told me that just prior to his murder, a large part of John’s savings, which he kept in a strong box at his home, had vanished. My suspicion is that some of his own employees took it, but were found out, and killed him to cover up the crime.”

“If you want to help this community, Ranger, I would suggest bringing a halt to the Regulators. If they aren’t out wandering the county, causing mayhem, things will calm considerably. And I believe, in due time, Sheriff Brady will be able to locate the real culprit behind John Tunstall’s death.”

Jacinta frowned at that news.  "Yea, that's what I thought.  More trouble.  They ever threaten you?  Threaten to burn your place?  Anything like that?"

"McDaniels...he came in here about a month ago. Told me I needed to give some thought to who I was serving. Said some of my customers were the sort who could bring disaster on a saloon like mine." She shrugs. "Not a direct threat. But the meaning was plain enough."

She points to the front of the building. "Jesse Evans. He and his people make a point of watching from across the street. Loitering near the place when I come in or leave. Let me know they're watching."

"They can do what they want. They're not going to tell me who to support or who to serve. Given who drinks here, I imagine that they'd get a lot more trouble than they wanted if they tried to burn the place down."

"I appreciate your perspective, Mr. Dolan. From even before my arrival in Lincoln, I've heard of Mr. Tunstall's demise and the role it seems to be playing in the area's difficulties. The questionable nature and unfavorable character of these Regulators and their actions seems without dispute, and certainly no solution to the problem can be undertaken without considering them and their role and how to end their depredations. I will make sure to visit with Susan McSween, Judge Wilson, and hope at some point to talk the Regulators into standing down. I don't know what I'd give my chances in that last department, from what I've heard, but I'll have to at least try before I otherwise engage them with an end to bringing a halt to their activities."

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to deal with them just yet. Before I do that, I'm going to have to bring to justice the people responsible for kidnapping and holding those children, as well as whoever engaged in Mr. Kibbee's beating, and especially the woman who shot someone in this saloon. The Governor is concerned that a range war is brewing here, and restoring a sense of justice will undoubtedly help ease tensions for a bit and give me long enough to prepare to go deal with the Regulators, which will be no easy task. I've often found that in these small communities, businessmen and pillars of the community like yourself are most knowledgeable about these sorts of things - are you familiar with any other local troublemakers that might have had a hand in such heinous acts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

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."

”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.”

”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.”

"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?"

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."

"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.

OOC:

Smarts: 5

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

PM

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 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?"

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."

"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."

"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 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."

”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.”

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.

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.

"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.

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?"

"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.

"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 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?"

”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.”

"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?"

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."