Tom was feeling a sight better after having Emily's fine dinner at the Gem, the young man had some personal business to attend to, he excused himself from the dining room and went to look for one of the managers of the Gem.

Making his way down the hall from the dining area Tom found Pearl at the front of the building.

The black haired man took his hat off as he greeted the pretty woman.

"Evening Pearl, if it's alright with you and your sisters I would like to see about keeping my room for a week or so...I'm gonna stay in town awhile this time and...don't worry I got the money."

Tom had never stayed around for more than a few days at a time, and he knew that the women who ran the Gem figured him for a drifter and he hoped that he had not made them sore with his drunken arrival the day previous.

"I'll pay you now if you can see your way clear to renting me the room..."

Tom cleared his throat as he finished.

"I would like to keep visiting with Jo while I'm here, if she is not otherwise engaged."

Tom watched for Pearl's reaction, these women could be tough and they could cut a man off from the pleasures of the Gem if they saw fit.

Harry had returned to the mercantile, picked up the supplies he had ordered earlier and returned to The Gem. There he carried the supplies up to his room, placed them on the floor next to the dresser, then sat at the desk shuffeling through a stack of wanted posters. He laid one aside, folded the others up and slipped them in his saddle bags. Picking up the Wells Fargo Poster he reread it then laid it on the desk. Leaning back in the wooden chair he decided he would send a telegram to Mr. L. F. Rowell Assistant Superintendent of the Wells Fargo Company, to inquire if a discription of the bandits was available. Sliding the chair away from the desk, Harry stood up, put on his coat and hat and walked out of his room, shutting and locking the door behind him.

Harry walked down the three flights of stairs, turned and walked to the kitchen. "Miss Emily, " Harry said as he tipped his hat, "I was wondering if I could have a cup of that fine coffee of yurs." Emily smiled walked to the stove and poured him a large cup of the coffee. "There you are Mista Longbaugh. Supper 'ill be ready in 'bout an hour. Will ya'all be dining in yur room?" she asked
"No ma'am I think I'll have supper in the dinning room this evening, with Mrs. Mathews. ...... Thank you." Harry said as he took the cup of coffee. "Would you see to a bottle of Mrs. Mathew's favorite wine or champagne for our table?" then he turned and walked out towards the porch of The Gem. There Harry stood with the cup in his hand looking out on street of Medicine Bow. He noticed a sandy haired man on a palomino ride past the Medicine Bow Herald, then turn his horse around, tie it to the rail, remove a poster from the building and enter the shop. Harry, took a drink of the coffee, and looked further up the street towards the telegraph office and the sinking sun.

Pearl was manning the counter at the front of the Gem, as she always did, when she saw Tom approaching. He looked a sight better now than when he came in. No doubt Josephine’s gentle touch, Emily’s good cooking and some much needed sleep had done him a world of good.

”Evenin’ Tom.”

As the black haired cowboy she heard referred to as Black Tom made his request of both the room and Josephine, Pearl had to keep from smiling coyly at the man. When he was done, she put her best business face on and let him know what the rules were.

”You can have the room for as long as you can pay for it, Tom. And as for Josie’s company, I know she’d be delighted. I’ll be sure to remove her name from accepting visitors as long as you will be here. Of course you can stay as long as long as you don’t come waltzin’ back in here in the same state you strolled in here earlier. No matter how much money’ ya paid. Ya hear? Precious won’t put up with that sort of behavior as it only leads down a road that won’t be good for anyone. Especially you if Precious puts a round of lead in your keister.”

Finally she smiled prettily and nodded.

”Now….go on and do what ever it is you need to do but mind yourself around Delaney’s. Josie would be highly disappointed if you weren’t allowed back in here.”

Precious left Harry to indeed go tend to things around the Gem. After a short meeting with Ruby to discuss their finances, she was delighted to find out the Gem had turned yet another profit for the month before. If nothing else, the men in the area could pull enough money together to spend some time with one of the ladies that lived there. Of course, Delaney’s was beginning to draw some of the business away with the girls he had working in his saloon, but it didn’t matter to Precious, Ruby or Pearl. That type of clientele belonged in Delaney’s and not in the Gem.

After leaving Ruby, Precious made her way to the kitchen to check on the dinner Emily was preparing. Moses had long gone and with the distraction out of the way, the Negro woman could put her talents to good use doing what she did best. Precious was sure some of the guests came just for Emily’s cooking and time with the girls was just a bonus. Still, it didn’t bother Precious or her sisters any. As long as the money was taken up front and the women weren’t abused, all was well.

With dinner well in hand and the business of the Gem taken care of, Precious finally saw to making sure her own bath was drawn. Using a scented oil Mr., Chang’s relatives gave her that smelled like a combination of orange and spice, but not too strong, she added a little to the steaming water. Easing the feminine robe off her form, she hung it on a peg then eased her body into the waiting water.

A while later, Precious made her way up to her room using the back stairs. Her hair wrapped in a towel and her robe securely back in place. Making her way to her room, she took her time getting ready for dinner. While Precious and her sisters always dressed for dinner, tonight she took a little extra time to make sure she was dressed just a little better than usual.

By the time the dinner hour rolled around, she was looking every bit the gracious hostess dressed in a red overcoat style dress with a soft cotton under dress with a delicate, floral print that matched the overcoat. The skirt pulled up with drapes of fabric in the back. When she reached the foyer, she saw the familiar fuzzy image of the closed sign on the outside of the door window and saw the empty counter Pearl always occupied. Knowing her sisters were waiting on her, she didn’t want to keep them waiting any longer. Or Mr. Longbaugh.

Stepping into the dining room, she let her eyes ease around the room to see who was dining with them tonight in the dining room and who may be missing.

Tom was relieved that he would be welcomed to stay at the Gem, he could just imagine Precious pulling a pistol, it had happened before and probably would agian, but not with Tom, he was never going to give her a reason.

"Thanks a bunch Pearl." Tom said as he backed out the door, tipping his hat.
Exiting the Gem Tom did not see Captain Longbaugh on the other side of the doors, pushing his way through the young cowboy bumped the Captain, spilling a small amount of his coffee of his fine coat.

Dammit to hell, I didn't see you there!" Tom could see the coffee he'd spilled on the man's coat. he could also see that the Captain was not amused.

"I'm real sorry about that mister, why don't you let the girls send that out to the Chinaman's laundry, he'll clear that up. I'll pay for it, and let me buy you a drink, I was makin' my way to Delaney's. They got a corker of a piano player, card games and good drink. The Gem on one side and Delaney's on the other, this street is a lot like heaven I figure..."

Black Tom was talking a mile a minute and grinning like a boy as he spoke to the Captain.

"Name's Tom, pleased to meet you." He said still grinning.

Harry had returned, picked up the coffee cup and walked back to the kitchen. "Miss Emily, might I trouble ya for 'nuther cup of coffee?" Emily said pleaseantly " Why of course Mister Longbaugh, now trouble 'tall." and poured him another cup.

"Thank ya kindly." Harry said and pressed a five dollar gold piece in Emily's hand, turned and walked back out onto the porch. He was standing there watching the gathering storm when a dark haired young man in a grey hat backed into him, causing Harry to spill his coffee. "Damnit ta hell there son! Watch where yur goin' 'stead a where ya been." Harry said. As the young man apologized and offered to pay to have his coat cleaned, Harry said after thee young man stopped rattling on like a chattering squirrel "That's alright, no harm done. Tell ya what I'll take a rain check on that drink. I have a previous engagement." Harry extended his hand and said "Harry Lonbaugh, right pleasure ta make your aquaintance." Henrt studied the young man's face a momment. There was something familiar about him, but Harry could not quite put his finger on what it was. It was like he had seen the young man before somewhere.

Tom shook Henry's hand, "Some other time then Henry," Tom said politely.
Tom thought he would have a quick drink at Delaney's and ride out of town at sundown, a few miles out of town Tom had a small cache of money hidden. It was buried in a small iron box in a secret place. Tom was running a little low on funds and wanted to make sure he had enough cash to enjoy his stay in town.

But that was later, this was now and Tom was interested in hearing some decent music and having a few stiff drinks. Delaney's was a big place, it had a large bar area and a area cleared of tables and chairs in case customers wanted to dance (often the ladies that worked at the Gem could be seen dancing with their gentlemen customers here), there was an entire side of the building that was dedicated to card games. Delaney was a big bald Irishman and often he was behind his fine wooden bar serving drinks himself.

It was early in the evening and Delaney's was not full yet, Tom took a seat near the bar.

"You're back I see." Mr. Delaney said from behind the bar, his deep voice thick with an Irish lilt.
"Hello Mr. Delaney." Tom replied cheerfully.

"You want something to eat Tom?"

"No sir just a drink."

Delaney poured some whisky and gave it to Tom. Tom looked around the room, the piano sat silent against the wall.
"What time does the piano player get to it Mr. Delaney?"

"Oh he comes in around sundown Tom, or whenever he feels like it..." Mr. Delaney said with a grin.

Tom sipped on his drink, killing some time until sunset.

The deep blue clouds that had been gathering in the west had turned black come evening and the flicker of lightning danced in the golden glow of the sun as it began to sink below the mountains. The distant thunder caught Mason's ear while he unpacked his gear and made himself at home in what hopefully be his new home, at least for the time being. He had found a safe place to hide away his ill gotten money but as tainted as it was, the outlaw had earned it. The Picton gang had little honour, really just loose band of thieves and cutthroats as far Mason was concerned and the moment he had thrown in them the gunfighter had been looking for the exit, unfortunately he needed a big pay day to strike out on his own. After two months of enduring the demeaning and arrogant cusses of Two Pennies Picton that day finally came around and he had done as he had promised himself and left, albeit on a bad note, but just about everything ended badly in Mason's world. He chalked it up to plain bad luck.

After he was settled, Mason stripped off his shirt and walked over to the stove where he had set two large pots to boil. A brawny man, his muscular back and shoulders revealed that he was no stranger to hard work despite his life style which was apparent by several scars he had received from grazing bullets and glancing blades. He emptied the pots into the already half filled tub in the corner of his room then finished disrobing and eased slowly into the hot water.

"Oh, lord." Mason expressed aloud, delighting in the sensation of warm water washing away the dirt of the road. He couldn't recall the last time he enjoyed a hot bath and for a good quarter of an hour he just leaned back with his eyes closed and let the steam caress his scruffy face. When he was ready, he positioned a standing mirror that was nearby and procured from a stool he had placed by the tub a brush and soap dish with which he lathered up his face. Mason then reached over and picked up one of his most prized possessions, a brand new safety razor he had recently acquired and had yet to use. The cherry wood box kit had the name, 'Kampfe Brothers' written across it, the men who had patented the first razor with a wire-skin guard along the razor's edge and being an impatient man who was considerate of his appearance risked being caught while he awaited it to arrive by post a month ago.

A much different looking man stared back at Mason as he checked his look in the mirror. Freshly shaved, with his hair combed and best shirt on he was quite handsome, a fine catch for a fiery filly but he wasn't going out on the town in search of a loose skirt. Miss Brooks, had offered to show him around town and in turn he had offered to treat her to supper and she had accepted. Now he'd be lying to himself if he denied having any indecent thoughts about the lovely woman, but if there was one thing Mason respected it was the sanctimony of marriage but since she was only engaged he didn't see the harm in enjoying the company the beautiful woman over dinner.



Mason was just doing up his tie when there was a rap on the inside door that lead to the press room. He quickly ran over to open it, but midway realizing he seemed too eager slowed his pace and cooly opened the door. His jaw must of dropped by the way, Miss Brooks giggled, but seeing her supple frame in a pale yellow dress with wisps of her golden hair framing her sweet face took Mason's breath and he distracted himself by turning and fumbling with his tie.

Heather watched him for a while, until finally she intervened and took hold of the tie. "Here, let me." She said as she expertly began to loop a windsor, "Daniel, my fiancé can't tie up one of these things either."

Mason just stood frozen place, staring down at Miss Brooks as she nimbly fixed his tie, the backed away tilting her head ever so slightly as she inspected her work. "You look down right dashing, Mr. Mason." She commented playfully.

"Dusty." He corrected, "And you look lovely, Miss Brooks."

"Why thank you. You know I haven't heard that in..." She suddenly stopped in mid-sentence as she decided not to reveal just how long Daniel had been away for. She didn't want to give this man, who she had to admit was a stranger any idea that her fiancé had been gone far longer than she had expected.

Mason was a perceptive man but he played dumb and simply ignored the slip of the tongue and politely beckoned her to the door. "Shall we."

As they made their way out the front door of the print shop, Mason couldn't help notice that Miss Brooks kept looking down at his guns. He wore one on his left hip, tucked under his coat but the other he wore across the front his belt which allowed him quicker access with his right hand. It was hard not to notice it and it was obvious to him that her fiancé probably didn't carry them but she never made mention either way if she was bothered by them.

They made their way to Main Street and as a cool wind stirred from the impending storm, Heather pulled her shawl on over her shoulders and lifted her face into the breeze. "Looks like a bad one." She said unafraid, almost anxious for the storms arrival.

"Seems like we might have to cut this tour short." Figured Mason.

"Let's hurry then." Heather said with a smile as she quickened her pace.

They strolled briskly down the board walk and Heather pointed out various shops down other streets and made mention of few names, describing the people that she found to be amiable. She spoke highly of the owner of Burgess mercantile and the innkeeper of the Wortley Hotel but grew quiet as they passed by Delaney's saloon.

"Now this looks like a right interesting place." Commented Mason looking through the window of the pub.

By her silence and curious look into the establishment he realized that Miss Brooks probably never frequented such places, at least not without the company of her man. Out of respect for her, he put his eyes forward and pressed on down the street, but then his eyes caught sight of the grand building across the way.

"What's that?" Asked Mason.

"Oh, that's the Gem." Answered Heather without looking, "It's the... the..."

"I know what it is." Said Mason sparing Miss Brooks having to describe the local whore house.

Heather didn't know why, but she felt ill as Mason studied the Gem. After all, he was a man and was free to do as he pleased but she just somehow got to thinking he might be different. Not that she had anything against Precious Matthews and her sisters. The few times she had met her she seemed a very fine and respectable woman. Her life style was just one that she would never let herself fall into, but even though she did not approve of the profession she could not deny that the Gem diverted the attention of those men who might otherwise turn their lecherous eyes on women like herself.

"Well let's keep on moving." Said Mason, bringing Heather's attention back to the coming storm.

She didn't want to admit it but she was glad that he paid the Gem little mind and anxiously steered him down the street to largest and grandest building in the town, the Virginian Hotel.

"This is largest hotel between Denver and Salt Lake City." Heather explained, "Its not as quaint as the Wortley, but it has its own charm."

Mason looked the building up and down, impressed with it's size and grandeur. "Does this place serve food?" He asked frankly.

Heather laughed at the question. "Of course, it has one of the best dining rooms in Medicine Bow.", she answered realizing too late that Mason was just pretending to be ignorant. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought you were serious."

Mason smiled and extended his arm. "I owe you supper and this place seems to be as good as any. Besides, looks as though the rain is on its way, best we get indoors."

As Harry leaned on the doorway, once again , watching as Tom entered Delaney's Saloon, about to turn and walk back inside and up to his room, to change his jacket, the sound of horses and the clatter of metal caught his attention.
A small detachment of eight "Buffalo Soldiers" passsed by, heading west out of Medicine Bow. The Captain, with a sergeant at his side, saluted Harry as he rode past then turned northeast towards Fort Fettermann Military Reservation. Harry touched the brim of his battered calvary hat and watched the soldiers pass. As the detachment reached the edge of town they turned northeast towards Fort Fettermann Military Reservation.

After they passed, Harry turned and walked inside. He walked up the three flights of stairs to his room. Unlocking the door, Henry stepped inside, removed his soiled jacket, laid in on the chair by the desk. He rolled it up and sat the jacket by the door. Henry retrieved another jacket from his saddle bag, shook it out and put it on. He then checked his gold pocket watch, it was 5:50 pm. Harry picked up the soiled jacket and stepped out of his room, shutting and locking the door behind him. alking down the three flights of stairs, he stepped to the front desk. Laying the jacket on a chair besdie the desk, Harry wrote a note asking Ruby to have the jacket cleaned. He folded the note and placed it and a five dollar gold piece on the jacket. Harry then proceded towards the dinning room.

Precious felt her disappointment settle about her when she entered the dining room to see both of her sisters, some of the girls from the Gem and Emily in the dining room…but no Harry Longbaugh. That mask she wore to hide her true feelings went up quickly and she gave each of the diners a smile.

”Well now….let’s see about having a nice dinner, shall w…”

Before she could finish the sentence completely, she heard heavy foot steps coming towards the dining room. Daring to hope Harry had decided to show up again Precious held her breath unknowingly. As soon as she saw the familiar face of the man who had recently walked into her life, Precious’ smile grew and there was a definite twinkle in her eyes that wasn’t there prior to his appearance.

”Mr. Longbaugh. I’m so glad to have you join us. I was just getting ready to sit down with everyone else.”

Harry never ceased to show his manners, despite the fact of his company, and pulled the chair out for Precious to be seated before he removed his hat and joined her and the others at the table. Noticing he took the seat closest to her with Peal on his other side, she offered him another smile.

After a short blessing of the food, Emily uncovered the serving platters and revealed the meal she’d been working on that had everyone anxious to taste it for them selves. A large roast of beef with all the trimmings of carrots, potatoes and onions, gravy made from the cooked beef juices, and last but not least, fresh baked rolls and honey butter for spreading on them.

Pearl was quite the conversationalist when dinner began but after a few well placed shots from Ruby’s foot to her shin the youngest of the Gem’s owners realized the conversation she wanted to engage Harry in wasn’t for her to have with him. Like a wet, wool blanket laid across her in the heat of summer, Pearl was finally clued in to what Ruby was trying so hard, literally, to get her to understand.

When Harry turned his head to speak with Precious, Pearl glanced from Harry to Precious then back before she looked over at Ruby who gave her youngest sister a pointed look. Pearl made a face that told Ruby she understood but that still didn’t mean she liked it. Maybe Mr. Longbaugh wouldn’t mind making his own decision. There were other times and places Pearl could try to influence him to look her way instead of Precious’. As she grew quiet, Pearl decided to think of a different strategy that wouldn’t gain her oldest sisters attention. Oh yes. She would certainly find ways of making sure she gave Mr. Longbaugh something to think about.

Precious, unaware of her sister’s actions, was speaking quietly with Harry as they both enjoyed Emily’s cooking.

”So did you get a chance to look Medicine Bow over, Mr. Longbaugh? It’s not as big as other places but not as small as others. There’s a lot of business that comes through here when they move the cattle through on their way to market. But when they aren’t moving the cattle, it can be a quiet place. At least as long as none of the cattle hands get out of control.”

As Harry listened to Precious's question, while they ate, he said quietly "Yes, Mrs. Math ..... err I mean Precious, I did have a chance to see a tad of your town. I have been in many cowtowns and know how unruley cowhands can git. You or your sisters don't fret none though, any cowboy gits outa line ya'all just give a hollar. ....... I must say this here is the finest meal I have had in quite a spell. My complimants ta Emilly." he then turned towards Pearl ... "Might I have another of those rolls Miss Pearl, please." As Pearl passed the basket of rolls, a glint of silver flashed momentarily under Harry's coat, at the breast pocket of his vest.

Rain drops pitter pattered against the window as Heather looked out onto the darkened street. Through a kaleidoscope of droplets she watched the water flow and puddles gather on Maple Street. She loved the rain but her fiancé had always disliked it and so she rarely took the time to enjoy it in his company. A light sprinkle had begun during their first course and as the main meal had arrived it had picked up enough to partially obscure the buildings across the street. People were now clearing the street and running for shelter. A lone rider caught Heather's eye and as she watched him through the blurry window she thought for a moment that the man was Daniel and her blue eyes widened, but only for a moment. As he rode by she got a good look at the stranger and didn't recognize him. Still the thought of him returning and finding her out to dinner with another a man burned in her stomach. That and the few judgmental stares she had received from the locals that knew her was beginning to make her feel like an absolute harlot!

"Anything wrong?" Asked Mason with a concerned look that took her a little by surprise. His hardened stare had softened, revealing a different to this man that intrigued her.

Heather turned away from the distracting window and saw that Mason was hesitantly holding a bottle of wind above her glass. "Oh. I'm sorry... Dusty, I was just watching the rain." She said as she cast a defiant stare back at a rather nosy busy-body sitting a few tables away. "Thank you. I'll have a glass."

Mason filled her goblet part of the way, then added some of the deep burgundy wine to his own glass. He glanced across the room out the corner of his eye and took note of the snooping woman. A slight smile hooked the corner of his mouth.

"Y'know, if you'd like we could call it a night," He offered, "but its starting to come down in buckets out there and it would be a shame to let this fine meal go to waste." he mentioned as he took a look out the window.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Said Heather with a shake of her head. She straightened up then and pugnaciously looked over the room then back to Mason. She picked up her glass and raised it and it in an audible voice toasted, "To my new pressman. My saviour in my time of need."

Mason smiled and chimed his glass against hers to complete the show which was already stifling the rumors that were beginning to circulate in the repressed minds of some of the stiffs who were minding them.

"Been some time since I experienced town gossip." Said Mason in a low voice as he leaned in across the table.

Heather laughed. "You best be getting used to it. Mr. Winston and myself write most of the articles to the tribune and there's not much that happens round here without coming through my ear."

"Well is that a fact now."

Heather took a sip of her wine and placed the glass back down on the table. "It is." she replied with a mischievous grin.

As he unfolded his napkin and placed it on his lap, Mason thought he'd take advantage of this knowledge his dinner companion boasted at, "So tell me. What's coming up in the news?"

Heather smiled and pointed her fork in an accusing manner. "You don't think anything ever happens in Medicine Bow, don't you?"

"I didn't say that." Mason playfully defended.

"Well, I'll have you know that the rodeo is coming up. It's gotten really big. Lot's of the local ranchers and cowboys round here used to get together and have riding and roping contests and just over six years ago now the presiding mayor got involved and raised some prize money. After that people from all over started to come to Medicine Bow to compete and watch the rodeo and now its turned into an annual fair. We even get professional riders coming from as far as Kansas City and Denver."

Mason was impressed. He'd never actually been to a rodeo and was looking forward to watching.

"You should enter." Said Heather.

"Not much of a rider or roper." Mentioned Mason.

"Figured that. You can shoot can't ya? There's a shooting contest and we get all kinds of marksmen coming through trying to prove that they're the best." She explained.

For a moment Mason was interested but then he remembered that it was best for him to keep out of sight and to himself. "Not much of a shooter, either." he told her, "I just wear these things to make people think twice about messing with me."

Heather nodded. She wasn't a fool and figured he knew how to use the pistols. He had some reason to hide the truth and she would respect is privacy. They spoke more about the rodeo and the different contests and enjoyed their meals and company while the storm raged on outside. Thunder began to growl and boom as distant sheet lightening flashed across the black clouds.

Emily smiled shyly then nodded her head as she brought more fresh rolls into the dining room about he time she heard Harry’s compliment.

“I’s thank ya kindly, Miza Longbaugh. My mama taught me everythin’ I’s know about cookin’.”

Ruby smiled at Emily and added her own compliment.

“If it weren’t for Emily, even at the young age she set out with us when we left Atlanta, we’d have starved to death. Unfortunately, we were school in needlepoint and socializing. Not cooking and cleaning. She can cook a rabbit ten ways to Sunday and each time it would taste different so you don’t get bored with it.”

Precious smiled at everyone and nodded in agreement.

”Emily is our angel. Hands down. I can’t imagine what we’d be like without her.”

Pearl, being the ever observant creature she was when it came to men, noticed the glint of silver from Harry’s breast, vest pocket. Memories of what happened when the Dalton brogthers were in town flooded her mind and she wanted to make sure there wasn’t going to be similar issues with this man. Without blinking, she added her own two cents to the table’s conversation.

“We wouldn’t be here in this nice house eating this fine meal, that’s for sure. Harry, I couldn’t help but notice you have something shiny in your breast pocket. Mind if I ask what it is? I’m afraid I have an eye for things that shine and, well, that shines rather nicely.”

Ruby tapped her fork on the side of her plate to let Pearl know she wasn’t the least bit happy wit her bluntness while Precious gave her sister a disapproving look before she put a smile on her face and tried to smooth over Pearl’s abrupt manners. Her eyes never left Pearl as she spoke to Harry.

”You’ll have to excuse my sister, Mr. Longbaugh. I’m afraid we weren’t able to spend as much time teaching her manners as our mother spent teaching Ruby and myself. Pearl….if Mr. Longbaugh wanted you to see what ever it was in his pocket, he’d have shown you. And since when did we start calling our guests by their first name? At the dinner table, no doubt?”

Pearl glanced at her sister but was unaffected by the look in Precious’ eyes. Instead, she looked back at Harry expectantly waiting for his answer.

Harry opened the left side of his jacket to reveal not only the butt of a .44 caliber Revoler in a shoulder holster but the silver badge .
"No apologies required there, curiosity can be a good thing at times. However I must ask you ladies to not be spreadin' my occupation around for a spell. Your descretion will rightly be appreciated." Harry said quietly, as he closed his jacket and reached for a hot roll. Might ya pass the butter and some of that thar fine strawberry jam, Miss Pearl." he added with a smile. As Pearl passed hime the butter and jam, Harry turned to Precious, as the thunder clapped loudly. "I had it in mind ta ask ya ifin' ya would honor me with a stroll this evening, Mrs. err I mean Precious. But it seems Mother Nature ain't cooperating this evening."

When the badge was revealed, Ruby, Pearl, Emily and even Precious breathed a sigh of relief. While Pearl’s manners were a bit tarnished, it was clear they were all thinking the same thing the youngest of the sisters was thinking.

As Pearl passed the butter and jam she smiled prettily at Harry but when he turned to ask Precious if she would walk with him before the skies let loose, she felt that pang of jealousy slip through her yet again. Knowing she shouldn’t be this way, she couldn’t help thinking that somehow she should be the one entertaining Harry.

Precious was caught a little off guard by Harry’s words but, as always, she didn’t let on. With a glance around the table she smiled at Harry and nodded her head.

”Well, Mr. Longbaugh, Mother Nature may be crying but that doesn’t mean her tears should hinder our evening. Would you happen to play chess, Mr. Longbaugh? If you do, I have a sitting room with a chess board in it that has been untouched in many months. I would love to engage you in a game of strategy and perhaps finish off this fine bottle of wine you brought to the table for me. Even if you don't play chess, I would still invite you to my sitting room for some conversation to accompany the wine.”