In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 36):

Cole nods as JEB speaks to him.

I'm looking forward to testifying at the trial. That man shot Jack, he'll have to answer for that. Oh yeah, and he did run off with Jake's horse.

Cole pauses for a moment and then continues.

If you want me to look after the Chinese man, I'll do it. But, are you sure he's going to go for that? Some folks can be a might proud.

When the others go inside, Cole will follow.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 34):

Thank you Arnie if you ear anything else let me know.

Travis turns to JEB.

Mei ling's murder?.....I don't know.  I haven't a clue as to the undisputed facts of the matter, nor the rumors.  I have seen none of  the evidence collected. 

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 41):

"Indeed, I'll get his consent first. Gracias."

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 42):

"You already have Mr. Xu's testimony since you translated for me. Ringgenberg and I will apprise you of the rest of what we know at this point. I am interested in your perspective as a gunslinger."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 44):

After everyone is in, ENS looks through the window to make sure Arnie is leaving. Then turns to the others.

That ought to shake the tree...

ENS makes sure that the others are fairly close in and talks low so as not to be overheard.

Gentlemen, we did gather a bit of evidence... He extracts the button to show the others. The woman had this in her hand, which she apparently pulled from the murderer's shirt. I encountered Mr. Xu, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Swartz, all seemed to have all their buttons; though the last two probably had time to change shirts if they noticed.

ENS rubs his chin in thought for a moment.

An attempt to break into the sheriff's room was also made... Sheriff, not to pry in your other business, but is there any reason besides this murder that someone might want to get into your room?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 45):

"JEB, well he does rent one of the biggest rooms and he's running a investigation.  I bet that'll bring any ole rat outta the woodwork to steal for a scrap or a feast."  Randy assesses.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 44):

Gunslingers kill in public when they can.  They kill for pay and notoriety.  Mei Ling was killed privately and the killer wants to remain unknown.  That's personal or she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  If it was personal look to the Chinese.  They stay to themselves.  Jealousy, loneliness, husband, cultural I don't know.   If it was wrong place wrong time, figure out what the killer was doing.  Was he stealing, did she see or possess something she shouldn't have.  The only other thing I can think of is that they killed the girl to rattle the husband.  That's definitely a gunslinger's move.  Husband doesn't seem to match that, but he's an acrobat.  Maybe they're thieves.  Second story workers.

Travis takes a breath.

That muddy things up enough for you?

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 39):

The Outfitter's representative listens to Jake's counter-offer. He now comes completely from behind the L-shaped display counter.

"Ah, I see you are a man of some experience, Mister Richardson. And still, this is a most unique request. I do not think that Mister Chapin would allow me to agree to fewer than eight dollars."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 45):

"None at all. I carry valuables with me. I can't put my finger on it right now but I don't believe the attempted break-in was random thievery. There's a connection to the murder. Perhaps the killer was trying to retrieve any evidence. Be careful with that button, Ringgenberg, and watch your back. And excellent move with Arnie. It's a sound strategy at this point to beat the grass and startle the snake." 
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sun 29 July 2012.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 47):

"Clear as chuck wagon coffee. I'm inclined to suspect the killing was personal. It was not about hate for the Chinese since, as you indicated, that would have been a public killing and I don't think Mei Ling was a victim of circumstance since there was no signs of struggle and her throat was cut fairly clean. It may have been a contract killing, so I was wondering if you could determine if there's a gun, or knife, for hire in town."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 49):

ENS nods at JEB's acknowledgement and listens carefully to Travis' statement.

We'll have to ask Mr. Swartz if he heard anything upstairs after I left last night... you should ask him sheriff since he doesn't "recognise my authority" in this matter. We should also find out who besides us is staying in the hotel and where they were yesterday when the murder occurred. Travis is right about how the chinese conduct themselves... do we know if Mr. Xu had any business with any of the local chinese residents?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 51):

"In my interview, Mr. Xu didn't mention any business in town other than the performance but I'll clarify with him. I'll also check the hotel register and instruct Mr. Schwartz you have my full authority in this investigation."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 48):

Jake pursed his lips thoughtfully upon hearing the Mexican's counter-proposal. "I suggest seven dollars," he replied after a moment, "in which case I'll be proud to tell anyone who asks 'bout my 'unique' behind-the-back long-arm scabbard to come an' talk to y'all 'ere at York & Meyers."

"Or, I'll pay yer askin' price o' eight dollars, in which case I'll 'ave me a bad case of 'I don't rightly remember' if anybody asks me whaere I got my new scabbard."

Jake shrugged, then smiled. "Always a good thing for a man to 'ave choices to consider, don't ye think? Yer call, senor."

"I got one real big question for you pard," Randy addresses JEB. "We're all fresh in this town--and this town ain't got a reputation for keepin' anything fresh for long--but why would anybody want to help us looking to work out a Chinawoman's killing?  And a badge ain't enough to make this town sit up and notice much."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 50):

I may be able to do that.

Cole casually glances about and the settles his gaze upon JEB.

Maybe the poor girl was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. A slit throat is an effective way to silence someone, right quick. Maybe, she surprised her attacker? Accidently caught him up to no good and he didn't want her telling the tale?

Just saying.

The five men huddle near the stairs in the hotel lobby continuing their conversation about the investigation. It's clear that they are not alone, as the hotel staff continues its morning routine including the cleaning up after breakfast. Mrs. Swartz has take her position at the front desk. She smiles at the men, leaving them to their business while she makes notes in her ledger.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 56):

ENS turns to Cole.

She would have had to have known the attacker. The murder was done in her room, apparently while she was sitting. There was no sign of a previous struggle.

ENS has a chilling thought.

Are we really concerned about Mr. Xu's safety? We left him passed out alone in his room last night... I haven't seen him yet this morning but I wasn't concerned considering his state last night.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 58):

Cole shrugs.

It is just hard for me to wrap my mind around understanding how someone does that to a woman, without it bring a spur of the moment thing.

He then discretely glances about.

It is not my call, but I'm thinking we should find someplace more private to continue this discussion. Too many ears are about.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 53):

The burly mexican inspects Jake Richardson while listening to the rifleman's words. He gathers himself and bows.

"I am Epitacio Naranjo. I do not wish to have the advantage over you, Mister Richardson, so I introduce myself."

Straightening up, he says. "Now that we are properly acquainted, I must say again on behalf of my employer, eight dollars. And my guarantee that you will appreciate the quality so enormously that you will tell people of York and Meyers Outfitters, even so."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Tue 31 July 2012.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 59):

Travis nods in agreement but allows JEB or ENS to lead the group.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 54):

JEB looks at Randy first, "Yes, I find the townsfolk have not been forthcoming or cooperative. A badge and a big fella like you might loosen some lips. I intend to sweep this town Missouri style."

JEB then considers Cole's comment, "Alright, we can resume in my quarters." JEB leads the group to his room and on the way stops at the front desk, "Good morning Mrs. Swartz. I need to take a look at the hotel register. I also want to make you aware that Mr. Ringgenberg is assisting me with investigating the murder of the Chinese woman. Please extend him the same courtesy you would to me with any inquiries or requests."

Once inside the room JEB continues, "Gentlemen, I first want to thank all of you for your assistance. Ringgenberg has explained what we know succinctly. I believe the killer knew the victim or is a professional. To summarize what we've discussed so far in terms of next steps, Ringgenberg will take the button to the tailor, Cole will look after Mr. Xu if he's amenable to it, Travis will se if there's a killer for hire in town and Randy will accompany me when he's not on the job while I continue interviewing suspects named by Mr. Xu. Let's meet back here at Planters by noon. I'll stop by the sheriff's office from time to time if you need to reach me before then. Are there any other final thoughts or questions?"

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 62):

What button?

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 62):

Mrs Swartz remains as pleasant as ever. JEB gets a whiff of some sort of perfume. Understated, unlike Lizzie's at the Beehive, but noticeable. "Why, of course, deputy Beauregard. I would not think otherwise."

In reply to Epitacio Naranjo (msg # 60):

"Pleased to make yer acquaintance, Senor Naranjo," Jake replied, nodding to the other man.

"All right then, eight dollars it is," he agreed, when the Mexican confirmed his bottom-line price.



"An' no, I won't. I already done told ye what the deal was." There was no heat nor rancor in Jake's tone, just the Texan's way of stating what he took to be a settled fact.