The Golden Perch Rathskellar
0-0-0-0-0-0
Riding along in the Union Pacific passenger car as it made its way through the Sierra mountain of northern Nevada shortly before crossing into central California, toward it's final destination of San Francisco, Heyes watched his partner gazing out the window, lost in thought.
"You look like something is on your mind, Kid."
The sound of his partner's voice jolted Kid's thoughts back to the crowded car. Even with most of the windows down, the hot arid breeze did nothing to evaporate the sweat that formed beads on Kid's brow. He tossed his hat on the seat beside him and untied his bandanna to wipe away the moisture.
"I suppose it's where we're headed, Joshua, but something made be think of Alice Banion. You remember her?
Heyes smiled. "How could I forget? We almost got killed over that hundred thousand dollars in gold bars.
Kid sighed. "Good old Harry Briscoe. I wonder what ever happened to him."
Heyes shook his head.
"And that Kurt fella. What was his last name, you remember?"
"Ah, let's see, a German fella, wasn't he? Schmitt was his name as I recall. Had a good business mind."
Kid laughed. "Made twelve hundred dollars off of us for a half a days rental of them two work horses, without saddles I might add."
"Threw in the rifles for free, though," Heyes added.
"Never bounced so much on a horse in my life. You think they ever got married?" Kid asked.
"I don't know. Maybe, at least business partners, I suspect."
Kid smiled. "The Golden Perch Rathskellar."
Heyes laughed. "You remembered the name of the tavern they wanted to open?"
Kid nodded. "I liked the sound of it. What is a Rathskellar, Heyes?"
Heyes again shook his head. "I think it's a German word. So likely some special kind of restaurant, I suppose."
Kid smiled. "We should stop by there. Maybe we could take Soapy with us some night while we're in town."
Heyes nodded. "Might be fun. I think Soapy would like Alice."
"You know, Heyes, I know she had an ulterior motive, but what she done for Charlie was real nice, sitting with him in his final hours, singing to him and all."
"Yeah, she has a good heart," Heyes replied with a melancholy smile on his face.
By late afternoon, as they neared their destination of San Francisco, a cool breeze blew in from the bay, and the temperature was at least ten degrees cooler than it had been farther inland. Stepping off the train, their saddlebags in tow, Heyes and Kid found their way to the carriage taxis and headed to the upscale Nob Hill home of their friend Soapy Saunders.
"Boys, how good it is to see you again," Soapy greeted them as they were ushered into the foyer by the butler. "Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable while I fix us all a drink,"
Soapy led them into the study and moved behind the bar while Heyes and Kid sat down on a long, plush sofa. "I was so pleased to receive your telegram telling me you were coming. Is this visit business or pleasure?"
"Just pleasure, Soapy. Kid and me just decided a change of scenery would do us both some good."
"Sometimes Wyoming feel a little claustrophobic," Kid explained.
"I see," Soapy replied as he handed them each a glass of his finest bourbon. "Is the amnesty progressing as expected?"
"It's more like stagnated but, stagnated as expected," Kid replied with a bit of sarcasm in his voice.
"Kid and I were talking on the train Soapy, and we have a fiend who moved out here about three years ago. She and a...business associate had plans to open a tavern. Kid and me thought we might like to check that out, maybe take you out to dinner."
"Our treat," Kid added.
Soapy settled into a chair with his brandy and smiled at the invitation just offered. "Splendid. What's the name of this restaurant? Perhaps I've heard of it, or even visited it."
"It's called the Golden Perch Rathskeller," Kid told him.
"Hmm, the name sounds familiar...a German tavern of sorts I believe."
"That's right," Heyes told him.
"With musical entertainment."
"That would be our friend, Alice. She comes down from the ceiling in a gilded cage," Kid said with a smile.
"I believe it's located down on the Wharf, in a rather seedy part of town. At my age, I don't generally venture down to that area, but of course, with the two of you as escorts, I think I'd quite enjoy such and evening."
"Then it's settled," Heyes replied. "How does tomorrow evening sound?"
"Fine," Soapy replied. "I should warn you both to always travel together along the wharf. Boat captains are always looking to replenish crews and cowboys are a prime target because they likely have no family close by and they are often too intoxicated to offer any real protest. Kidnapping is quite common and the poor victims are often miles, sometimes days out to sea before they are sober enough to realize what has happened. Some of those ships are gone as much as a year before they return."
"We'll be careful, Soapy," Heyes promised.
0-0-0-0-0-0
The next evening, the carriage taxi stopped in front of the Golden Perch Rathskeller and Heyes, Curry, and Soapy stepped out. Heyes paid the driver, but Soapy stepped up to the front of the wagon and reached up to shake the driver's hand, and in so doing, slipped him an additional tip.
"We'll be needing a return taxi at precisely eleven," Soapy told the driver. "Be on time and there will be a bonus in it for you."
The driver nodded. "Yes sir, Mr. Saunders. Exactly eleven. I'll be here."
After climbing the steps and entering the building, they found themselves in a small foyer with a large oak staircase before them. They walked down the stairs and into the busy and noisy basement level tavern.
"Rathskellen is a German word for basement or lower level " Soapy explained.
Kid nodded. "Makes sense."
"Where do you think Alice comes down in her cage?" Heyes asked as their eyes swept the room for that probable location.
"I'd guess in that clearing over there where there ain't no tables," Kid told him.
"Well, let's head that way and see if we can find a table close to the stage."
Making their way through the crowd, they did find a small table near the open space and all three quickly settled into a seat.
"Do you fellas need menus or would you just like to hear the specials for the day?" a woman's voice asked.
Kid looked up and Alice's face broke into a huge smile. "Thaddeus!" she exclaimed as he stood and she wrapped her arms around him and planted a kiss on his lips.
"Save some for me," Heyes said as he to stood.
Alice moved around the table and greeted Heyes just as she had the Kid.
"Alice, I'd like you to meet an old and dear friend of ours, Mr. Soapy Saunders. Soapy, this is Miss Alice Banion.
Alice smiled as Soapy stood, then reached out for her hand and, like a true gentleman, he softly kissed the back of her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, my dear," Soapy told her.
"Obviously a shared experience," she told him sweetly as she slowly withdrew her hand. "Please gentlemen, sit," Alice told them as she turned her attention back to the table.. "So what do you think of the place?" she asked, gesturing the tavern with a slow, sweeping wave of her hand.
"Like what we've seen so far," Kid told her.
"That is so sweet Thaddeus. Thank you."
"Is that Kurt behind the bar?" Heyes asked.
"Yes, and I'll certainly send him over here to see you both."
"You two married now?"
Alice turned her head toward the bar and smiled. "Neither one of us see any point to marrying. We are still business partners, of course. Very...close partners, if you catch my drift."
"Oh, we do, Alice. You've never been one for subtleties."
"You know, I recall once telling you that I was quite certain I could fall in love with you both," she said with smile.
"Unfortunately, Kid and me have given up the coin toss."
Alice laughed lightly. "Oh you are quite the tease, Joshua. You're making fun of me again."
"So you not being married means we can take a shot at you this week?" Kid asked.
Alice smiled. "I'm not one for subtleties?" she laughed. "Now is your opportunity, or challenge, whichever way you may see it."
"I suspect we all need a little food before we decide which it is," Heyes joked.
"The sausage and sauerkraut is melt in your mouth delicious, as is the wiener schnitzel,"
"I'll have the wiener schnizel," Soapy said.
"Me too."
"Make it three."
"And what kind of beer do you have?" Heyes asked.
"The usual American beers, but all the German beers are of a much better grade."
"I'll have a glass of whatever you say is the best," Heyes said.
"Me too,' Kid added.
"A snifter of brandy for me," Soapy replied.
"I'll put in your orders and be back with your beers and brandy in a minute," she told them, then hurried back to the bar.
"What a charming woman," Soapy remarked.
"Wait till you see, or rather hear her sing," Kid added.
"Are you still singing, Alice?" Kid asked when she returned with the drinks.
"Promptly at nine, and you gentlemen, have a front row seat."
They enjoyed their meal, after which each ordered a second drink. Promptly at nine, the gilded cage began to descend and the patrons all broke into whoops, whistles, and applause. After the show, Alice changed back into her more sedate clothing and returned to the table where her friends were sitting.
"So what did you think?" she asked.
"Nice," Heyes told her
"Wonderful as always," Kid said.
"My dear, you have the voice of an artist, the lilt of a delicate bird. You were absolutely wonderful."
Alice smiled proudly. "Why thank you Mr. Saunders."
"I think you'd be a perfect addition at my Gentleman's Club," Soapy exclaimed.
"Gentleman's Club?" Alice asked.
"The Hartford Gentleman's Club of the Nob," Soapy explained. "A far more sedate setting than this, but the club offers live musical entertainment every weekend. Obviously we are always in search of new and fresh voices. I'd be happy to arrange an audition."
"But I sing here," Alice replied.
Soapy smiled. "Why not both? The club is a bit selective about membership and we have several members who are involved in the Fine Arts. One might be able to help you launch a lucrative career, my dear."
Very flattered by the offer, Alice smiled. "Well I suppose I could audition. What's the harm in that?"
"I'll make all the arrangement for you and notify you of the date and time."
"Speaking of time, what time is it getting to be?" Kid asked.
Heyes looked at his pocket watch. "Three minutes to eleven. I suppose we should be going."
"It was wonderful to see you both again," Alice told them as they all stood from their chairs.
"Oh, I'm sure you'll be seeing us again," Kid told her. "We'll be in town for about a week."
Walking outside they spied the carriage waiting right on time and the three men climbed in. Soapy then poked his head out the window to speak to the driver.
"Eighteen thirty-five Sycamore,"
"I remember the address, sir," the driver replied.
Soapy withdrew his head back into the wagon. "Tip him very well," he told Heyes.
0-0-0-0-0-0
"My Miss Banion is a lovely young lady," Soapy remarked as they headed to the study for a nightcap. "And what a beautiful voice."
Kid and Heyes glanced at each other, amused by the fact that Soapy actually sounded a bit smitten.
"Yes, she does have a lovely voice, doesn't she Kid?" Heyes replied, then nudged Kid with his elbow when Kid did not answer.
"Yes, lovely. Lovely indeed."
Soapy moved away from the bar and handed Kid and Heyes each a brandy before sitting down. "And you say this Mr. Schmitt and she are partners?"
"Partners in the tavern and restaurant business," Heyes explained as he sat in a chair opposite Soapy. "Although the last time we saw them, I got the impression there was a romance in the making."
"I see," he said with a bit of disappointment. "Well, I'm quite certain she will make a wonderful impression with that beautiful musical voice. The audition should go quite smoothly."
"Soapy, you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Heyes asked.
"Of course not, Heyes. What is it?"
"You aren't...You aren't interested in Miss Banion, are you?"
"Well, I think I could help her launch a very successful career."
"I don't think that's what Heyes is talking about, Soapy," Kid remarked. "You ain't hearing violins, are you?"
"Violins? Well, she is very beautiful..."
"And about a half a century younger than you, Soapy," Kid reminded him.
"You'd be surprised how many men in my social circle have wives much, much younger than themselves. It keeps the vibrant, active, and... and..."
"Satisfied," Kid replied.
Soapy laughed. "That too, Kid."
Kid and Heyes again exchanged subtle but bemused glances.
"But if you say there may be more to her relationship with Mr. Schmitt than meets the eye, well a gentlemen never intrudes on another man's claim."
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"I'm sorry you weren't able to get away to speak to Thaddeus and Joshua," Alice told Kurt as they washed and dried the dishes from the evening.
"They appeared content with your company," he replied.
Kurt's observation either went over Alice's head, or she simply chose to ignore it. "Well, I think it was so thoughtful of them to stop by. They said they would be in San Francisco for a week and would make a point of coming by again to see you. The elderly gentleman that was with them was so sweet and so kind. After he heard me sing, he offered to set up an audition for me."
"An audition for what?"
"For my singing, of course. Have you ever heard of the Hartford's Gentleman's Club?"
"A rich man's club in Nob Hill. Not one I'll ever be able to afford."
"Nob Hill, yes, I believe he said that's where it was. If I pass the audition, I might be singing there."
"But Alice, you sing here."
"Yes, and I would continue to do that. This would just be once a week, on Saturday evenings. Lolya could fill in here, like she does for me on occasion. It would mean a little additional money in our pockets and if the members are as wealthy as you say, I'm certain the tips would be well worth one evening a week."
"Our pockets?"
"Why yes, of course. We are business partners after all."
Kurt smiled when he realized her motive was simply to help them both financially.
"That just might be a good idea after all, Alice dear."
0-0-0-0-0
Two days later Alice arrived at the Hartford Gentleman's Club at exactly three in the afternoon, just as Soapy had specified in the note he had sent her. Soapy was waiting patiently for her outside the club..
"My dear, you look lovely," Soapy told her as he signed in with a guest, and identifying his visit as one of business. "I'm afraid my dear, the club does not allow women, except on special occasions, or in positions of employment," he explained as he extended his crooked arm to escort her down the hall to the room where the audition was to take place.
Inside the room three men, all dressed in expensive suits, sat at a table near a small stage, while a middle aged woman dressed far less fashionably, sat at the piano near the right edge of the stage.
Alice held her sheet music close to her chest as Soapy led her to the table for introductions. "Gentlemen, this is Miss Alice Banion, the woman with a voice like an angel. Miss Banion, this is Mr. Winston, Mr. Ghirardelli, and Mr. Franklin."
"A pleasure to meet you," Alice said sweetly.
"Would you like me to stay, or wait outside for you?" Soapy asked her.
"Oh, please stay. A familiar face would be quite reassuring."
Soapy smiled and slipped his arm free, then motioned Alice toward the piano to surrender her sheet music to the pianist, while he moved to a front row table to the left of center stage and sat down.
Alice handed her music to the pianist with a nod, a smile,and a few brief instructions, then took her place in the center of the stage. She then sang two currently popular popular songs and one ballad before bowing her head to the committee gentlemen, then turning her attention to Soapy.
Soapy walked up to the steps leading to the stage and extended his hand to offer her assistance, then escorted her to the committee table where the three men were in huddle conversation.
"Mr. Saunders certainly is correct about that lovely voice," Mr. Franklin told her. "We're looking for someone to fill our Friday evening hours. Two sets, one hour each at seven and again at nine. We pay fifty cents an hour and any tips you receive are yours to keep."
Alice smiled eagerly. "Fridays? I don't know why I had the impression it would be Saturdays, but Fridays would be far more convenient. When would you like me to start?" she asked.
"A week from this coming Friday," Mr. Ghirardelli told her.
"I'll be here. Thank you, gentlemen."
Outside the club, Soapy waited with Alice for the taxi to arrive. "This calls for a celebration," Soapy told her. "When would you and your business partner, of course, be free for such an occasion?"
"The Golden Perch is closed on Sundays," Alice told him.
"Splendid. Dinner at my home on Sunday, say six in the evening?"
"We'd love to," Alice replied.
Soapy reached into his breast pocket and pulled out his business card. "This is the address. I'm looking forward to a lovely evening."
"Will Joshua and Thaddeus be there?"
"Oh, I'm quite certain they will, dear."
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"Soapy, Kid and me thought we might go down to the Rathskeller again this evening," Heyes told Soapy the following night. "Would you like to join us? Gives you another opportunity to see Alice perform."
"It's an enticing invitation, Heyes, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass on tonight. I have a menu to plan for Sunday. Be sure to let Miss Banion and Mr. Schmitt know the attire will be casual, no need to dress up for the occasion."
Kid smiled, pleased he would not have to wear a suit. "We'll tell them Soapy."
"Don't wait up for us," Heyes said as he and Kid headed out the door.
The carriage ride to the Wharf was a good half hour ride, during which time Kid and Heyes took in the sites of the city and talked about various observations.
"I wonder why Alice and Kurt never married," Kid said as he viewed the bay from the top of the hill on Bay Street. "When we saw them off in Browntown, I was sure there were wedding bells in their future."
Heyes nodded as he had always had the same impression. "Maybe business just got in the way, especially being as Alice had her own profession, maybe her own aspirations."
"I might believe that if they weren't still in business together."
"I think it's still believable, Kid. Maybe if they was married, Kurt wouldn't want his wife working."
"That's true," Kid agreed. "Heyes, you think Soapy really is smitten with Alice?"
"I think he likes her. But he invited Kurt to dinner, too. I doubt if he'd do that if he had any serious intentions about her."
"Yeah, probably so," Kid replied, then smiled.
"What?" Heyes asked.
"Well, if Kurt and Alice are just business partners, and Soapy don't have no romantic intentions, maybe you and me outta flip a coin."
Smiling broadly, Heyes reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver dollar. "Call it," he said as he flipped it into the air.
"Heads."
Heyes caught the coin and slapped it against the back of his hand. With Kid peering over the covered coin, Heyes slowly uncovered the coin.
Kid laughed heartily and clapped his hands together. "Ain't that a switch," he exclaimed.
Heyes just rolled his eyes and stuffed the coin back into his pocket.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Both were impressed with how crowded and busy the Golden Perch was for a Thursday evening. As they descended the stairs, two sets of eyes swept the room in search of Alice. Not seeing her anywhere, both walked up to the bar to order drinks.
"Well, Joshua and Thaddeus," Kurt said as he stood behind the bar ready to take their orders. "I'm sorry I couldn't get away to welcome you here the other night."
"Your business seems to be thriving," Heyes said, then ordered two beers on tap.
"Yes. I never dreamed this would be so successful," Kurt replied as he set their beers on the counter in front of them.
"You and Alice still an item?' Kid asked.
Such a direct question surprised Kurt, but he fully understood Kid's intent. Mixing business and pleasure complicated Kurt's and Alice's relationship. "An item?" he asked.
"Well, I just thought the two of you were pretty serious about each other when you left Browntown," Kid explained. "I thought for sure I'd be seeing a wedding ring on her finger by now."
"Oh," Kurt replied with a nervous laugh. "No wedding ring. Too much work."
"You mean coutin' her is too much work?" Kid asked.
Kurt shrugged his shoulders. "We're open six days a week, six in the morning till midnight. That doesn't leave much time for anything else."
"But you'd be courting her if you had the time?" Heyes asked.
"Hey, barkeep, another round here," a man called from further down the bar.
Kurt nodded to the man, then turned to Heyes and Kid and shrugged his excuse."
"Good seeing you again," Heyes told him, and he and Kid turned their backs to the bar and searched for an empty table.
"So, don't sound like the two of them is in a serious relationship," Kid concluded as he and Heyes sat down.
That was not quite the impression Heyes had gained from the brief conversation but, knowing he and Kid would only be in town for a few more days, he saw no harm in Kid being a bit flirtatious with Alice. In fact, the idea of stirring up a little friction between Kid and Kurt rather amused him, and might just give Kurt the nudge he needed. "Guess not," he replied casually. "You hungry?"
"Always," Kid said with a smile.
Heyes smiled and set his sights on gaining the attention of a waitress.
At promptly nine o'clock, the piano music began and the gilded cage slowly descended from the ceiling. Heyes and Kid sat back and clapped with the rest of the audience, then settled in for the evening's entertainment. An hour later, with the show now concluded, Alice spied Kid and Heyes and goes walked to their table to join them.
"Well, what did you think?" she asked.
"Wonderful," they both agreed.
"Alice, can I buy you supper?" Kid asked.
Alice smiled and touched Kid's arm with here hand. "Silly you. I get all I want to eat here for free."
"The how about lunch, tomorrow?" Kid asked.
Alice looked at Heyes and then back to Kid, assuming the invitation included both of the men. Heyes was almost certain that was the conclusion she had arrived at, and he made no effort to clarify.
"I'd love to," she replied.
"Noon alright with you?" Kid asked.
Alice nodded. "Noon would be fine. Oh, did Soapy tell you about the audition?"
"He said they hired you on the spot," Heyes said proudly.
Alice nodded her head. "I start a week from tomorrow."
"Well, I'm sorry we won't be here to see that," Heyes replied.
"You're leaving before my premier?"
"Afraid so," Kid said.
"Oh, I am sorry to hear that," she said with sincere disappointment.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"Are we meeting Joshua somewhere?" Alice asked when Kid arrived alone the next day to escort her to lunch.
"Ma'am?"
"Oh, I just assumed lunch entailed the three of us."
Kid saw Alice take a rather nervous glance in Kurt's direction. "Ah, no Ma'am, just me," he said with a smile.
"Oh, well, I do recall saying it might be nice to have the opportunity to get to know the two of you individually," she said with a sigh. "I don't see any bruises on that angelic face of yours, so I suppose you flipped a coin?"
"A coin, Ma'am?' Kid asked, growing a bit uncomfortable, even a bit slighted."
Alice laughed. "Oh, I suppose it doesn't matter. The important thing is to enjoy each other's company."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Kid slipped an arm about her waist and gently urged her up the stairs. Glancing back, he saw a definite scowl on Kurt's face as he led Alice out of the tavern.
"You know the area better than me, Alice. Why don't you choose where we dine," Kid suggested.
"There's a lovely steak and seafood restaurant down near the shore. You do like seafood don't you, Thaddeus?"
"I do, and it's not something I get a chance to have very often."
Alice smiled and slipped her arm around Kid's. "I'll lead the way."
"Alice, you mind if I ask you something personal?' Kid asked as they sat at an outdoor table at the restaurant and contended with the blowing tablecloth and napkins due to the strong bay breeze.
"Of course not, what ever is on your mind," she replied.
"Well, I know you said you and Kurt were just business partners and friends but, he didn't look to happy about us going out for lunch."
Alice kept a straight face, trying to mask the triumphant feeling. "I noticed that myself. But, until a man, and I mean any man, puts a ring on my finger, he has no claim on me."
"Ah, I see," Kid replied, nodding his head.
"See what?"
"You and Kurt might not be of the same opinion on the matter."
"Thaddeus, I am an independent business woman who happens to have a male business partner. It's as simple as that."
"Well Alice, I don't claim to understand the female mind, but I know a man's way of thinking, and I think Kurt might just be thinking otherwise."
"I am not responsible for the way another person thinks, Thaddeus. I am also not about to just sit around and wait for Mr. Schmitt to make up his mind. So let's you and I just enjoy our lunch."
Kid nodded. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied, reverting back to a more formal way of addressing her."
If Alice noticed this change in Kid's behavior, she did not let it show.
When they returned to the tavern, Kid started to excuse himself at the door, not wanting to get in the middle of a somewhat complicated relationship. But Alice took him by surprise when she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
"I hope we can do this again before you and Joshua leave town," she said, then turned and hurried inside to get ready for her next performance.
Kid stood on the stoop feeling a bit confused about Alice's signals. But, after a few moments, he dismissed any notion of romance. With the plan to head back to Wyoming in just a few days, there really wasn't any chance for a lasting relationship, anyway.
0-0-0-0-0-0
"So, how was lunch?" Heyes asked when Kid returned to the house and started up the stairs to his room.
"Where's Soapy?" Kid asked as he turned on the stairs to face Heyes.
"Out in the garden. Why?"
Kid gave his head a jerk, telling Heyes to follow him up the stairs.
"Why are you being so secretive?" Heyes asked as he followed Kid into his room,
Kid unbuttoned his dress shirt and tossed it on the bed. Reaching for his everyday blue shirt, he slipped his arms into it and began buttoning the shirt. "Ain't being secretive, just didn't want Soapy over hearing me."
"Oh, I see," Heyes replied, first nodding his head, then shaking his head.
"I think Kurt wants to marry Alice," Kid said. "He just don't got the courage to ask her."
"And you think that is our problem...Why?" Heyes asked.
Kid frowned. "It ain't our problem. I just think...well him being a foreigner and all, maybe he don't know how's it's done over here."
"How what's done?"
"Asking a girl to marry you," Kid said with a bit of exasperation in his voice.
"Kid, I think the words 'will you marry me,' are pretty universal," Heyes replied.
Kid frowned at the fact Heyes was not taking his concern seriously. "I just think maybe there's something we could do to, you know, push it along."
"You playing matchmaker?"
"Fine Heyes, forget I ever said anything!"
"Don't get proddy Kid," Heyes replied, suddenly feeling a little guilty. "Did you have something in mind?"
"Well, that's where I was hoping you'd come in. I figured you'd think of something."
"Do you know for a fact that Alice even wants to get married?"
"If you're gonna talk about this, at least be serious. How many women do you know that got their sights set on being an old maid?"
"A few, actually."
"Name one."
Being put on the spot like that, Heyes drew a complete blank. "Alright, give me some time to think about it."
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Kurt and Alice arrived at Soapy's promptly at six on Sunday evening and after a few minutes of pleasant conversation, dinner was served. All the men remained standing while Kurt pulled a chair out for Alice. The dinner was served in three courses, a shrimp cocktail appetizer, the main course of steak and lobster with scalloped potatoes and grilled corn on the cob, and a dessert of old fashion cream pie. Following dinner, everyone retired to the study for a brandy.
"You play billiards, Kurt?" Heyes asked as he chose a cue stick from the rack mounted on the wall.
"I have, although not well I'm afraid."
Heyes smiled. "Then we are likely equal opponents."
Kurt laughed and walked to the rack to chose a cue stick.
"Heyes, what are the rest of us suppose to do while you play billiards?" Kid grumbled right on cue.
"Why don't you take Alice out and show her Soapy's gardens?" Heyes suggested.
Kid looked at Alice who nodded agreeably.
"Soapy, would you like to come?" Kid asked.
"If you don't mind, I think I'd rather enjoy watching the game."
With that, Kid led Alice out the the French doors to the garden. They spent exactly half an hour strolling the gardens, just as Heyes had instructed. When the time had passed, Kid led Alice back toward the house, but stopped near the koi pond where they could easily be seen from inside the study.
"Oh, how sweet," Alice exclaimed. "I hadn't noticed that when we came out."
Kid was carefully finding his mark on the path. It was vital that those inside had a good view of both he and Alice. He glanced nervously toward the study and could see through the window that the billiards game was still being played.
"You're shot," Heyes said, moving to the end of the billiard table that was nearest the window and standing with his back to the window.
The shot was easy and if Kurt made it, he would win the game. He took his time, carefully figuring the trajectory angle of the ball to the pocket. He leaned down and carefully moved the cue back and forth between his second and middle fingers, then drew the cue back and lunged it toward the spot ball, sending the ball against the side of the table where it changed course and headed directly toward the last remaining ball, striking it and sending it easily into the side pocket.
Kurt stood triumphantly and began to proclaim victory when Heyes moved slightly to his right, giving Kurt a full view of Kid kissing Alice n the garden.
Kurt dropped his cue on the billiard table. "Excuse me," he said and stormed out through the French doors to the garden.
"Whatever is the matter with him?" Soapy asked, oblivious to what Kurt had just seen.
"I think he may have just been struck by Cupid' arrow," Heyes replied. "I think we'd be safer watching the action from here, Soapy."
"What action?" Soapy asked.
Heyes motioned Soapy toward the window. "Come here. You'll see."
Soapy and Heyes approached the window and watched the altercation from the safety of the Study.
Kid felt his shoulder being yanked around and he feigned a look of surprise. But the look quickly turned to one of pure astonishment as Kurt's right fist hit Kid squarely in the left jaw, sending him staggering back several steps.
"Kurt, stop it!" Alice shouted as Kid regained his balance and approached Kurt with his own fist now clenched.
But Kurt was ready for him and blocked the oncoming blow, then delivered a second left jaw uppercut which again sent Kid stumbling, but now also sprawling on the ground.
"Stop it, I said!" Alice shouted.
Kid scrambled to his feet. "Don't know what the meaning of this is," Kid said, wiping blood from his lip with his shirt sleeve.
This time, with both fists clenched, Kid and Kurt began slowly circling, each taking an unsuccessful jab before Kurt again landed a blow to Kid's left jaw that again sent him to the ground.
Inside the study, Heyes watched with amusement, but Soapy was quite upset that the evening had turned into a brawl. "Heyes, do something," Soapy demanded.
Heyes nodded and made his way outside. He bravely placed himself between Kid and Kurt. Alice took this opportunity to rush to Kurt's side and grab his arm.
"What's the meaning of all this?" Heyes asked, trying to conceal his amusement.
"Ask, him!" Kid shouted.
"Get up, Kid, it ain't dignified sitting in a pile of fertilizer...and brush the dirt off your shirt," Heyes told him.
"Kurt!" Alice demanded.
"I saw you kissing her!" Kurt shouted while still panting from the exertion.
"He was giving me a kiss goodbye," Alice explained. "He and Joshua will be leaving the day after tomorrow."
"I don't want him or anyone else kissing my future wife," Kurt stammered.
"What?" Alice asked.
"Ask her, you fool," Kid said as he pulled himself to his feet and began brushing the pungent soil from his pants and shirt.
"Alice, will you marry me?" Kurt asked.
Alice placed her hands on her hips and stared at Kurt with an open mouth. Then she looked, first at Heyes, then Kid, before turning her attention back to Kurt.
"Well it's about time," she said.
Kurt's anger suddenly vanished and he took Alice by the shoulders and kissed her.
"Why don't we all go in and tell Soapy the good news. I'm sure he has a bottle of champagne in there for a toast," Heyes said. "And Kid, maybe you should at least change your clothes."
Alice slipped her arms around Kurt's arm and they headed back into the house.
Heyes stood watching and Kid staggered his way next to Heyes.
"You two should of just flipped a coin, Kid. There's no way you would have won two in a row," Heyes said, then started for the house, leaving Kid standing open mouthed and shaking his head. "And I'm serious about changing them clothes," he called back to his partner.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Kirk and Alice spent the following day at the courthouse completing all the necessary paperwork for their wedding. The next day, before Heyes and Kid had to leave to catch their train. Alice and Kurt arrived with a minister in tow, and a lovely garden wedding was performed. While Heyes and Kid signed the marriage certificate as witnesses, Alice omitted the formality of having a Maid of Honor. Soapy, however, did serve as Kurt's Best Man.
After seeing Alice and Kurt off and watching their carriage drive away, Soapy shut the door and turned and smiled proudly at Heyes and Kid.
"Kid and me did quite a good job at playing matchmaker, don't you think, Soapy?"
"You?" Soapy asked with surprise. "Why I have been carefully manipulating this since the moment I met that sweet angel."
Kid and Heyes exchanged glances, knowing it was always best to humor Soapy.
"Come on, Kid. We don't want to miss our train."
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Kurt proposes and Alice accepts
At the wedding, Heyes and Kid brag about being matchmakers
Soapy knowingly says that was his intention from the moment he met Alice