Editor's note: The information in here about Quintan is OOC information only. Your character cannot be aware of anything but the fight. However it was a great log, worth leaving every moment in.
[Maddock Sheriff's Office]
Kei clasps his hands and makes a thankful Chinese gesture, "Thank you,
hingtai, for your kind greeting." After ceremoniously flipping the front of
his robe to the back, exposing his loose pants, Kei sits wide-legged on the
chair, putting his doctor's satchel and umbrella on the floor to his left. He
starts cordially, though somewhat reserved. "Did you find Miss
Taylor?"
Barron nods, "Sure did," he replies. "She is staying with a
friend 'a her's, and ran inta a bad spell. Was attacked, but she's fine it
appears," he says.
Kei brightens. "Oh such good news." He pauses, then leans a little
closer to the desk. "Does she need to be looked at?"
Kei is obviously making attempts to sound pleasant, not to seem to be possessed
of much gravity..and something in his eyes grows more deeply concerned. He
shifts in his seat, a tad discomfited, and crosses one leg over the other,
letting his foot swing a little as he rotates his ankle. He clears his throat.
Barron shakes his head, 'No, I don't believe she does." he replies, shaking
his head again. "But thank you for the offer. Is somethin' botherin' you,
doctor?"
Kei mmms...and exhales. "I have a...quandry. I have been asked confidence
on a matter that probaby deserves some of your attention. I thought I would ask,
as a lawman, if keeping complete confidence even if a question of town security
arises is a good idea." He wrinkle his pnose, and shifts again in his
chair, causing it to bump slightly on the floor.
Barron considers this, "Well. The way ah look at it is this. If'n the
secret you are holdin' can get people dead, then there's no reason to keep it
secret. If keepin' it secret can end you up behind bars, ain't no reason to keep
it secret. And if it's town security, ain't no question the law should know.
Kei nods attentively. He is blunt. "Karl Quintan was murdered. The killer
is likely still in Maddock."
Kei's eyes flip up to the ceiling.
Kei adds, a little softly. "Said killer may try a second time."
Barron nods, tilting his head, "This comes out of Quintan's body bein' dug
up ... I take it this is somethin' his son told ya?"
Kei shakes his head. His lips purse. "I've looked at the body."
Kei shifts in his seat again.
Barron nods, "So. Tell me what you found out. Might as well tell me
everything now doctor.
Tucker saunters over from outside.
The Little Chinaman has to consider. It is evident in his eyes that a personal and professional conflict is brewing in his brain. A doctor who cannot keep confidence, even for the greater good, is not to be trusted. Being Chinese on top of this means Kei is taking a remarkable risk. He exhales. Leaning in a little closer, obviously concerned, the Doctor whispers
tentatively, "Can anyone else hear us right now...?"
Then Tucker walks in the door. Kei stands bolt upright.
"Just me Mister Kei. Don't tell me, yet another suspicious person has been seen in town." William Tucker smirks slightly, walking past Kei towards the coffee pot. "Howdy Sheriff, keepin' busy I see." He reaches for his mug and fills it with coffee. He sniffs it and inquires, "Hmm, when was this pot made? It smells a bit burnt."
Barron tilts his head to the Chinaman. "Heya Marshal," he replies. "Pot was made last night night. Listen Marshal, you mind givin' us a spell or two to talk alone? Ah need to speak to him on a matter of some personal privacy."
Kei finds it hard to sit still, much as a child feels when he is faced with a moral decision. Kei has never been one to engage in rampant and unfruitful deviousness. Tucker is normally a man who can be trusted -- the Doctor has many times. He is /very/ halting when he says, "Perhaps...Mister Tucker should stay? He may...have a few ideas. We are, after all, new in town." An eyebrow raises, and tucker is given a decidedly I-put-my-arse-on-the-line-and-need-help-here sort of looks. Yes, it is that telling.
William Tucker gives the two men appraising looks, "This is one of those conversations is it." William is quiet for the moment, then replies, "Whelp, it don't matter to me. Ahrm always glad ta help out if I can Mister Kei, you know that. Iffin its the Sheriff's business, then its his business." He looks towards Barron, "Up to you Sheriff. Doesn't sound like it involves me one way or another."
Jonas pokes his head in, looking around before stepping into the office.
Marshal William Tucker is standing next to the pot bellied stove, a coffee pot in his hands, although it looks like Tucker has forgotten he is even holding it. He is facing Kei and Barron, Barron behind the desk and Kei in front. Kei and Tucker are both looking at the Sheriff as Jonas walks in.
This is getting worse. Doctor Kei must have picked the day for the Sheriff's Office Social, because everyone and their personal valets have seemed to arrive, needing a moment of the
Sheriff's time. He straightens the pants on his longown suit, and looks rather...flabbergasted. Not upset, not irritated, just a little overwhelmed. His glance darts to Jonas when he arrives. His legs re-cross.
Barron glances over at the door and at Jonas, "Evenin' Mr Ridge," he tells the man. "What can I do ya for?" He
motions to Kei to keep him in place. "Stick 'round Marshal." he says.
Jonas eyes the marshal and Kei before answering Barron, "Mrs. McMasters wanted me t'stop by. She's told me t'make myself available if'n you need someone t'track them rustlers. And if'n you need t'get a posse t'gether, she'll let you have all the Double M hands she kin spare."
Barron nods, "Good, good to know." he tells the man. "Ah reckon we might, and ah'll keep you in mind if we need anyone. Y'all been most helpful so far in makin' sure we get what we need."
Kei inquires, "Rustlers?" He must be somewhat unfamiliar with the language. "Thieves?" He exhales, and rubs his temples. "When did Maddock become so chaotic..."
"I think from the moment it was founded Mister Kei. Glad to hear the Double M is on board though." Marshal Tucker nods at Jonas, "Tell Mrs, McMasters that William Tucker says hello." He has gone up to see her a couple times since news of missing cattle first hit Maddock. The Double M has always had a good reputation in Marshal Tucker's book.
Jonas just shrugs. It is their cattle that's being stolen after all. Not like they're being altruistic or anything like that. "I'll do that, Marshal."
Barron nods, "Good, good. If'n you don't mind, ah wanted to run somethin' by the marshal here ... is there anything else ah can do for ya? We should be out agin' tonight, to see if we can catch a few of 'em."
Jonas shakes his head. "No, sir. Guess I'll be on my way. No sense burnin' daylight."
Jonas saunters off towards the road outside.
Kei watches Jonas leave. He has not moved from his chair, still uncomfortable though a touch more disciplined about it. He glances around the office now, mostly concerned with the ever-opening door. "Should I...?" He whirls his hand lightly, gesturing to see if he should continue.
Barron turns the lock on the door to secure it and walks back to the desk to take a seat. "Go ahead and go on.," he encourages Kei.
William Tucker shakes his head ruefully, staring at the locked door. Now why didn't he think of that, could have solved a whole load of problems keeping that door locked. He finally notices that he is stupidly holding the coffee pot still. He sets it down quietly and makes no move to speak.
Kei exhales. "I told you, that I had the opportunity to examine Karl Quintan's body. Obviously, you knew it was exhumed. I was not present for that...but I was asked, because of my position as a physician, to examine the body in a formal autopsy. This I did. I am not and was not involved in any...unpleasantness
regarding the elder Quintan, so I felt no personal reservations to do as I was asked." He stops to clear his throat, and look about the office. "May I have some water? I fear my throat is somewhat parched." He settles his nervous hands in his lap.
"Jesus H. Christ. You didn't?" William Tucker can't help but blurt that out, even though he knows the Sheriff will give him a dirty look. He doesn't say any more though, instead grabbing a mug and ladling a cupful of water in from a bucket near the stove.
Kei nods once. "I did. In Great Falls, at my dispensary." He looks properly chastised
by Tucker's reaction, a tinge of guilt evident in his expression. He defends himself gently as a result. "I knew nothing of this man other that what others have said. His children -- in specific, Christopher and Madeline, seem to be decent people despite any attempts on their father's part for them to be otherwise. I can only judge based upon what I know, and my faith teaches me to be a gentle judge at that." He shrugs, gesturing with his hands in a way that makes him look more a teacher than a doctor. "Laa -- see it this way. If you were a grieving, ambivalent son, would you also wish to have your demons settled as best you can? I was willing to help Christopher...and I still am. Thi sis why I am here, risking my professional integrity."
Barron locks the door that leads to Maddock Square Outdoors.
Barron kicks his feet up on the desk and just stares at Kei. "We'll deal later with you doin' this without tellin' at least me." he replies. "Go on."
William Tucker's ears and the back of his neck are a bright pink, a sure sign that he is more angry than a badger bit by a tick. Its pure will that keeps his mouth shut, though his teeth clenched down on his tongue is a big help. Did he not tell Kei to stay away from the Quintans? What? Was Kei in a meditative state when William Tucker warned and warned again about that family? He hands the cup of water to Kei. The man would have to be the Dali Lama himself not to recognize that burning, yet black, look in Tucker's eye.
Kei blinks. "What? I was supposed to tell you?" The Little Chinaman looks genuinely surprised, and speaks a little desperately. "It was my understanding the body was legally exhumed -- that the younger Quintan could do as he would with it. I swear to you I did not think myself doing anything illegal!" He takes the glass, and drinks deeply from it, relieved to have the burning Tucker's anger is causing cooled by the drink. He looks deep into the glass. "If I have done something wrong...I should be punished. I've only been back to Maddock a few days, and I struggled morally with my decision to come to you. I did not know I was any sort of accessory."
With the coffee in such a sorry state, William Tucker opts for a mug of water himself. After all, it might cool him off some. He just has that sense of foreboding, this is going to be bad news. That's all there is to it, he can't see how anything good could possibly come out of this. He says, his voice tight in its reserve to remain calm. "The Judge
received no request to have Karl Quintan's body dug up. But I can't say it would have been refused, Christopher being the dead man's son and all. Christopher just didn't take the time to ask, is all..."
Barron nods, "Right. He didn't ask. He's off doin' his own thing - like with the rustlers," he points out to Kei. "You've heard, his foreman says they are offerin' rewards for rustlers - dead or alive - and all their ranch hands are armed and running around lookin' for trouble. He's trying to be the law, rather then work WITH the law. You did what you thought was best, but you gotta tell us everything that's happened."
Kei looks up at the ceiling, more frustrated than when he arrived. It seems he engaged in something a little shadier than the younger Quintan had represented, and this must serve as a blow to Kei personally. "Aiyah," he whispers, an exclamation that is partially founded in despair. "I will try to tell you what I know. I am telling you, however, because I believe Christopher and Madeline to be in danger, though I was not entirely clear with Christopher about it, and have not uttered a word to Mrs Randolph. I wish to see no harm to come to either of them."
Kei lowers his head to face Barron and Tucker conversationally, the ceiling being of little use or comfort to him. He exhales. "We took the body to Great Falls for a full autopsy. I was going to Great Falls to get some things from my
dispensary anyway, so it made goodly sense to me to accompany Christopher, to help him in his quest to find out the circumstances of his father's death. During the autopsy, I discovered the younger Quintan's suspicions were correct -- Karl /had/ been murdered,
specifically, poisoned, using mercury, likely ingested over a long time -- at least a few months. His body showed signs of it, and his liver and kidneys were covered in the residue the metal leaves when consumed."
Kei continues, "I confirmed through Christopher that Karl was taking no medications that contained mercury -- some doctors still prescribe blue mass pills for sadness, which would have accounted for the amount of the stuff I found in his body. Many are still not aware of how dangerous mercury is. There was no evidence of mercury in hsi lungs, which means he had to have been fed it in some kind of way."
Barron nods, considers, "Ah see.' he says encouragingly. "And you won't say word of this to anyone. Go on. Anything else?"
Kei must read expressions very well. "Marshall Tucker! I know you to be a man of morals and of much honor. Surely you would not blame me for acting justly...? Or trying to, at least?" The Chinaman's voice grows smaller on the final question. In the hopes of allaying the fear he feels as Tucker's anger, Kei turns to Barron and offers more information. "Itis likely that mercury could be gotten from four places: a doctor's office, a dentist, a
metal smith of any kind, but especially a goldsmith, or a mine. Whoever killed Mister Quintan had to have had access in one of those places, and been close enough to put the poison in his food or drink." He wrings his hands. "This is why I am so concerned about Madeline and Christopher -- goodness knows who associated with
Karl might have access to /them/."
Kei murmurs, "With the will-reading coming soon and all..."
"NOOO!" Kei rises and points at Barron's nose. "If you do that, you may expose him further! Plus there is the matter of my dishonor at having to come to you to tell you something I said I would keep in confidence -- I must face Christopher myself, and accept punishment. I /beg/ you to allow me to do this to satisfy my own concerns."
Barron's voice is level, "What you outta do doctor is beg me not to punch you in your goddamn mouth for gettin' involved in this in the first place. If'n you want, you can talk to him WITH me, but ah gotta set that boy straight he can't go 'round being a vigilante. Ah won't stand fer it. Now if he's in danger, we'll deal with it. Now ain't the time to be worried about spoiled
sensibilities. You did the right thing, now. Know that."
Maybe the Sheriff doesn't realize that the only way he'd get a punch off on Kei is if the Doctor allowed it. This remains unsaid, though the sense of indignance at the suggestion Kei cannot hide from his hooded eyes. He shifts uncomfortably in his chair, turning his face away. And exhales deeply. "I did not /know/ he was being a vigilante...I just found the wanted posters for rustlers when I returned from Great Falls...and now this about
the body's exhumation...oh it is all so damaging to my face." He buries his head in his hands. "So dishonorable."
William Tucker takes off his hat and runs a forearm along his brow. He takes a deep breath, "Whelp... you were right Sheriff... I shoulda stepped out. This ain't nothin' I shoulda heard." William Tucker slowly walks over to the desk and opens a drawer, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. He can't take this much Quintan talk sober. He flips over a shot glass and fills it. He looks at Kei while picking up his glass, "Karl Quintan has been dead and buried over seven months. Sure, there were rumors that he was poisoned before he was even buried. I wasn't around then, but I can tell you one thing. Iffin there were any further evidence regarding this murder, it burnt up with the old doctor's office, the metalsmith, the goldsmith, and practically every other building in this town. This is something that should have been left buried." William picks up the glass, downs it, and refills in one fluid motion. He asks sharply, "Iffin Christopher Quintan knows all this, why don't you think he came to speak to us about it. Why are you sitting here instead of him?"
"I don't /know/," Kei responds sharply. "For all I know he'd intended to come to you -- or he sensed the casual lack of concern you have for not seeing justice done because Karl Quintan was someone you personally did not care for!" Kei begins to pace. "I was not here seven months ago -- I came after the fire to help the residents of Maddock who lacked a doctor. A man came to me ot tell me the matter concerning his father had been buried and put to rest by the law, because they did not care." He points at Tucker's nose. "How
would you feel if your father's soul was left restless, whatever evils he may have committed in life, and the law did not care? Would you go to them? You yourself said the people make the law on the frontier...and that's exactly what you've done! You've picked a convenient justice." He points to his chest. "/I/ do not have that luxury."
Kei adds, "No son should be without answers to his father's end! It is dishonorable!"
"You stupid son of a bitch." William points the hand with the glass at Kei, "Your a meddler Kei... you been that way ever since you walked in this town. Maybe I shoulda let all those folks run you out when you first got here, so don't be getting all holy on me." The flush around William Tucker's collar has crossed his cheeks and darkened his forehead. "Karl Quintan was a god damn fuck who deserved what he got. He shoulda hung seven years ago, but framed another man for it instead." William Tucker takes the shot, managing to stay in one place. "Ahrv been mighty forgiving of you so far Kei. But Ahrv had enough. Every other week your in here with some new story of wrongs needing set right or people who are in trouble. Well this is it. This is -not- a murder until the law damn well says so. And if you stick your nose in this business any more, without being requested by the law of this town, I sure as hell will throw you in that cell till your beard hits your knees. Is that clear?"
Kei is stone-silent. One has to wonder if Tucker would speak this way to a white man, and the Chinaman's burning eyes shows all the indignance...no, the /anger/ of a man whose's been patronized just one too many times. He does not even
respond to Tucker's blustering about the Quintans, because there is one thing that a Chinese man does /not/
respond to well, and that is taking insults abou this mother. "You will take back what you said about me being a son of a bitch, or I will insist upon satisfying my honor across your
judgmental skull." He stands, his hands balled into elegant fists.
William Tucker squints at Kei. He wasn't quite expecting that. He knows nothing of the Chinese unarmed fighting culture. What he does know, is that he has been in more fights than you could count over his lifetime, and walked away winning more than his fair share. "My comment was more about you than your mother, Kei. But that's fine by me. Some people have to learn the hard way." William Tucker unholsters his guns and sets them on the table. "If this is the only way Ahrm gonna knock some sense inta yer head than so be it. But if I knock you cold, I better not be hit with a lawsuit. I ain't Lindley Quintan, nor am I some drunk miner." William Tucker motions to the front door, since he sure isn't about to bust up this new office. He is
surprised Barron isn't going to stop this nasty affair.
Kei exhales, and undoes his fists. "You must promise, if we are to settle this matter man-to-man, that you will not rewrite the law in your favor if I defeat you. If this is agreed...then let us go outside. Then we can /discuss/ the matter of my behavior and sense of honor."
Kei walks slowly to the door, his feet silent on the office floor. He stands at the doorway, eyes burning with an intensity that
would have set fear into any man who knew the skill and cruelty a well-trained Manchu was capable. Too bad Tucker is an ignorant gwailo -- or too good, from Kei's perspective. His constant acceptance of ignorance and insults tooka toll on his patience when Tucker went too far, and it was time that an arrogant white man got his come-uppance. Or who knows, maybe Tucker would surprise him.
Somehow, Kei doubts it.
"Cheng," The Doctor says he motions for Tucker to go first through the doorway.
[Maddock Square]
Rick has been loitering around outside the sheriff's office, and he looks up as the door opens and some people emerge. Two men he's never seen before, but he hasn't been in Maddock all that long.
Zamir comes over from the east.
William Tucker comes storming out of the office, looking mad enough to beat hell. He is getting way to old for this kind of thing, and William finds it an annoyance at the least. He steps off the boardwalk and into the street. He begins rolling up his sleeves. He isn't one to banter or taunt much in these situations. He has been in to many fights at this stage in his life, the need to talk up an event is unnecessary. He does speak though, "Ahrm surprised you want to do this Kei, being a man of healing and all." William Tucker streches his neck, working out a few kinks.
The small throng of people mulling about the Square at any given day would be familiar with the Doctor, walking behind Tucker like a slinking tiger. He is unarmed, and is pushing up the sleeves of his longgown when Tucker speaks to him. "I do not wish to do it," he corrects with eerily polite calm. "I have to. You have felt free to insult me far enough -- I have done no wrong for you to insult me or my family." He stands straight, elegant and terrible, or five-and-half feet of him, and lifts his chin as he flips back the front of his longgown to expose his pants.
Then he poses, exhaling deeply, lifting his arms above his head, digging one toe into the dirt of the Square...then slowly, deliberately moving his hands into an elegant position, fists clenched. "Know what I do to you by no means reflects my /general/ respect for you," he half-sneers.
William Tucker shakes his head. Kei needs to be humbled a bit, that is all. Its for his own good, the constant meddling and getting involved in things he shouldn't will get the man killed. This Quintan thing, Kei is playing with a loaded gun. Beating the shit out of Kei, well, Tucker's talking hasn't worked so far, maybe this will. Tucker coils up his fists, he has not been trained in fighting. Only beaten senseless enough times to learn to beat back. He approaches Kei, ready to throw a fist when given the chance.
Kei steps back once, shuffling so that he does not lose stance, then circles Tucker carefully, studying him. There is something that is very delicate and /very/ trained about how Kei moves -- unless all Chinamen stand around looking like
monkeys or birds or something when they fight, there has to be a reason the Doctor looks as he does. Ballet-like steps in his soft shoes combined with his tight fists make Kei look almost alien compared to the other brawlers and bashers that clamber around Maddock...and who knows if that alone should concern a man willing to fight him.
Marshal Tucker looks grim, he studies Kei's movements, but makes little sense of them. His steps seem careful, but his movements are like someone who doesn't even know the first thing about fighting. William Tucker feels a bit bad about this. He makes a mental note to go easy, just a few small blows to take down the man's pride. Tucker steps in with his right foot and swings with his left fist, aiming for Kei's ribs.
One hand comes down, bent from the elbow, to block Tucker's blow before it even gets there. His forearm is rock-hard -- the Chinaman is obviously a lot stronger than he looks. "Slow," is his only comment as he ducks, grabs Tucker's fist, and puts out his leg to sweep Tucker to the ground in an elegant motion, using the hand he
grabbed to flip him so that the not-so-skilled Federal Marshall falls flat and hard on his back. "Hoi!" he shouts as he sends the much larger man flying as though he were a rag doll. Then he steps back and re-stances.
Barron comes over from inside the sheriff's office.
Tucker is looking up at the sky, a surprised expression etched on his face. He isn't hurt all that bad, cept his wind almost got knocked out of him. He blinks quickly, then rolls over and onto his feet. His expression goes from surprised to serious. What the hell was that? He spits on the ground, getting his breath back. He doesn't waste words, even to satisfy his
curiosity. One thing is for sure, William Tucker takes this fight much more seriously. He circles Kei again, looking into the man's face and catching his movements. When he strikes next, its to the man's face, fast and snappy.
Booth comes over from the east.
Kei circles, examines, and ducks in one smooth motion, having had plenty of time to adjust as Tucker got up off the dirt. The second punch came in faster at least, but Tucker exposed his right side as he swung around for the punch. This is taken advantage of by Kei, who, fast as lighting, uses two knuckles to pressure-point Tucker just under the armpit, a very sensitive spot that can hurt like hell without causing too much injury. "Hiyah!" he yells as he uppercuts with other fisted hand into Tucker's gut, in an attempt to send him back.
William is lifted off his feet long enough to stagger backwards. He attempts to regain his balance but fails, landing a few feet away on his ass. The muscles along his ribs and under his arm twitch like a knife has been plunged in them. Marshal Tucker grunts in pain, staggering to his feet quickly. His other hand clenches his side unconsciously, before returning to fists. His grim expression flickers to anger and pain. Alright Kei, you want to play that way eh? William Tucker approaches Kei, circling him again. This time, he will let Kei attempt to strike first. Tucker isn't a fool, and he is quite skilled himself. He stays agile and watchful, prepared for anything.
Rick scans the gathering crowd, then asks someone nearby "Who makes book here in this town? That's looking like quite a fight."
Kei's lips purse. He has been trying to make his point that he is a skilled fighter quite capable of defeating Tucker easily. Either the Marshall has something up his sleeve, or white men simply do not know when to say uncle. "Admirable that you continue," Kei comments lightly, not having drawn a ragged breath or shown any sign of exertion. He is lighter on his feet now, looking more like a Western-style boxer than the posed Chinese fighter he'd affected before. Still...his movement are alien, too sprightly to be considered to be part of that more familiar tradition in these parts.
As he circles with his fists, Kei suddenly stops, plants, and spins around for a roundhouse kick, heel held out to make an attempt at Tucker's head. "Hoi!" he shouts again as the heel comes around. With the Marshall being so much taller, one migh tbe surprised that the small Chinaman is able to extend his leg /so/ far up as to be able to reach him. It looks elegant and /fast/ when he does.
Damien hurries over from the lot to the northeast.
William doesn't recognize Kei's movements, and that's what keeps him off guard. Taking a more defensive stance at least enabled him to see what's coming. As Kei aims a kick for Tucker, Tucker ducks low enough to grab the shorter man's leg. He lifts the leg high, quickly trying to knock Kei off his feet. He is six inches taller than Kei, and surely outweighs him as well.
Damien steps out from the saloon lot where sawing noises and the banging of hammers testify to the ongoing construction work. He is just putting a cigarillo in his mouth and pauses to strike a lucifer on a hitching post as he eyes the crowd. He hmms to himself at the sight of the marshal and Kei fighting.
Barron leans against the wall to the office and crosses his arms, smoking his cigarette and watching lazily.
Kei would stumble, but the rotation he gets by using a 360-degree kick gives him an advantage that no one in this po-dunk town
would have ever seen. When Tucker gets his leg to try to get him off-balance, the little Chinaman practically leaps to Tucker's height, his /other/ leg spinning with the rest of his body towards the Marshall's neck. Not head -- the kick would kill him at that
speed if he was hit in the head. Kei uses the flat of his foot and shrieks "Mai-ja ngoh!" as he comes down, with Tucker, albeit the
Chinaman being more controlled about it than the Marshall is.
Good /Lord/, do /all/ Chinamen do that?
[Public] Kei says, "Oy, is this going to become the Kill-the-Chinaman log? :)"
[Public] Booth hrms... *cough*POWERPLAYER*cough* ;)
[Public] Tucker Grrs, "This guy isn't fighting fair." ;p
[Public] Kei got permission first, silly!
[Public] Booth grins.
[Public] Tucker grins, "Kei has permission to power play a bit. I trust the player implicitly."
Barron finishes his cigarette and starts rolling another. "Can y'all hurry this up? We got evildoers to catch."
That certainly got Damien's attention as he drifts towards the nearest bystander to ask, "What are they fighting about?" Not that anyone really needs a reason to beat up Kei but it's always good to be prepared if there's going to be a hanging.
William isn't sure what hit him, but his ears are ringing and stars flash in front of his eyes. He rolls away as fast as he can and scrambles to his feet. His left cheek is scratched from the road and a split lip causes him to spit a bit of blood on the ground. He wipes his face, still watching Kei carefully. He is beginning now, to seriously think he is outclassed. He has -never- seen anyone do that before. He circles slowly, until the stars fade from his eyes and he has his balance again. Tucker tries a different tactic, and prepares to grapple the Chinaman. It will be hard to do that fancy footwork with Tucker pinning the man to the ground and beating the tar out of him. He times himself carefully, waiting for the right moment to charge in and grapple Kei. When he does, he is fast and sure.
Rick answers Damien, "They started it in there," he says, with a nod towards the
sheriff's office, "and came out here to fight it out. Do you know who makes book in this town?"
There is a question of honor now, not just fancy acrobatics. Throughout the fight, whether the spectators know or not, Kei has been /trying/ to give Tucker the opportunity to have this done and the matter settled without either man losing face. Literally or figuratively. He has shown he is capable, he has shown Tucker he is outclassed...and yet the man continues to get up.
There is something admirable in that. White men cant' jump, but they don't give up, either.
Knowing that a strength battle is one that Kei has a disadvantage in, he rushes, screaming "Aiyaaaaaaaah!" and prepares to put a fist into tucker's solarplexis, risking the possibility he is going to get grabbed. If that fist comes in....this is over. Let's see just /how/ quick Tucker can grapple.
Damien nods, "That would be me though I don't think I'll be offering odds on this particular fight. I can see I have seriously underestimated the Chinaman." As he draws on his cigarillo and exhales a thin stream of smoke he makes a mental note that should things ever come to it, he'll just shoot Kei instead of fooling around.
Rick gives Damien a closer look. "I'll remember you next time there's a bet to be made, sir."
William is tall and lanky, he uses it to his advantage as Kei charges him. He dodges as he moves forward, grabbing on to Kei's sides and bringing a leg up into the man's thigh as he throws him to the ground. His left fist darts two quick jabs into Kei's ribcage as they hit the earth. He attempts to use the momentum and punches to knock the wind out of the smaller man, slowing the chinaman down.
Zamir watches the fight silently and intently. He ignores the opportunity to make or keep book. It would be too dangerous, and anyway, it's obvious to him that the doctor is the better fighter. From the corners of his yes the engineer watches the crowd, ready to duck away if they become too ugly. From the expressions on their faces it's fairly obvious most want to see the Chinaman die
Kei oofs and struggles against Tucker's assault, having been somewhat surprised at the Marshall's rather unconventional use of 'wrassling'. His inferior bulk is a definitely disadvantage on the ground, and the Chinaman has to get pummeled and have the wind threatened in his chest before he is able to recover. How he recovers looks a little...strange.
Something defintely happened with Kei and Tucker while they struggled on the ground. Kei's hand slipped somewhere /around/ or /under/ Tucker as the two tumbled. His face is red with concentration as he seems to be pressing or digging hard on the larger man's body. "Submit!" he says as in the process of doing whatever it is he is doing with his hand, his knee pummels unceremoniously at Tucker's thighs, making small noise with the force he has to use to do it.
Damien flashes Rick a smile as he gestures with his cigarillo towards the saloon lot behind him. "Feel free to stop in anytime you want to place a bet on something. We'll be open for business soon though we've still got a lot of construction work to be done."
Barron finishes his cigarette and tosses it aside, exhaling. He simply watches the fight, glancing up at
the sun as if gauging the time.
William Tucker is relentless in using his bulk and position to his advantage. One of his arms flash to Kei's chin, catching a sideways glance against it. As he makes this move however, Kei's hand digs into a muscle between the ribs, hitting a pressure point that sends such bright flashes of pain through Tucker's frame his whole body goes ridged. He exhales loudly, rolling off the Chinaman and staggering to his knees. "Alright, alright." William Tucker relents, he bends forward clenching at his wounded side. He breathes deeply, attempting to catch his breath and quell the burning along his ribs. He isn't able to get to his feet yet, but its clear the fight has drawn to a close.
Barron pushes off the wall and opens the door to the sheriff's office, gesturing inside. "Both you get your damn asses in here, now." he says, his face calm but his eyes showing that perhaps the fighting has not ended for the day yet.
Kei rolls off to the other side, just in case Tucker changes his mind. His own breath comes short and shallow, the Marshall's blows affecting his ability to breathe. He checks at his own side and chest, and when he starts to heave, he speaks, "Agreeable strength, better-used with training and experience," the Doctor offers, sounding more like 'Sifu' than 'Yi-sang'. He is able to get to his feet. Pointing to Tucker on the ground he opines, "If you grab my foot again like that, I may not be /able/ to stop myself from killing you!" There is no
threat in his voice, in fact, the Doctor, coming out of his insulted rage, sounds /worried/. The man is obviously his friend.
So is Barron -- a hingtai in fact. "Of course, but not before I make certain Tucker is well." He moves to the Marshall, and offers to help him up.
William Tucker waves the Chinaman off, the sting to his pride beginning to overwhelm the pain in his bones. "Jesus..." William Tucker spits, taking a deep breath before rising to his feet. He rubs his split lip, slowly making his way to where his hat is on the ground. He picks it up mentioning, "First time I ever stopped fighting with only a split lip..." He mentions it quietly, as if he is ashamed to admit such aloud. He still doesn't know exactly what it was that Kei did, his punches were like knives that caused his body to tremble, rather than blunt instruments. Its going to be a while before Tucker understands it, but he looks over to Kei he voices his apology. "I take it back then, Kei. But yer still a stupid, sorry, prideful man." If one knew the situation, one could almost think Tucker was speaking to himself.
Barron doesn't lift his voice, but it no doubts carries with the command he puts behind it. "Ah said, get both yer sorry asses in this office before ah throw you in there. Now. Not later. Now."
Kei exhales, and nods to Tucker with surprising deference. Without a word, head angled only slightly down, the Doctor enters the
Sheriff's office, prepared for the worst.
Kei heads towards sheriff's office.
William Tucker dusts himself off, ending with brushing off his hat. He puts it back on his head, and looks around. "Alright folks, nothing more to see around here. Just to fellahs getting something straight with each other." Hopefully Tucker isn't going to have to live with rumors of a Chinaman beating him out in a fight. Course, those crazy flying kicks were enough to cause all the spectators to gasp in surprise. Marshal Tucker slowly heads into the Sheriff's Office.
Damien watches the combatants retreat back into the sheriff's office with a speculative look on his face. That was interesting.
Tucker hurries off towards sheriff's office.
Barron walks behind the two men and shuts the door. No, shutting the door isn't right. The doorframe creaks as he -slams- the door shut, and passerby can hear the lock click shut. Strangely, shouting isn't heard. Not yet.
Barron heads towards sheriff's office.
Barron throws the lock on the door and leans against it. He moves carefully, hanging up his hat and his duster before turning to face the two men.
Kei has his head down, his hands folded in front of him so everyone can see them. He has some shame in his expression, tinged with the tiniest glint of triumph at winning without killing or even badly injuring. The split lip is easily repaired after all...and the pride comes back in time. The Doctor digs a toe into the crack of a floorboard, looking...well...demure, for lack of a better word.
William Tucker slowly walks over to the desk grabbing his holster from the top of it. He begins to slowly buckle it on. He doesn't speak, that fight didn't turn out as he expected it to. Quite the opposite. His own wounded pride he can deal with, isn't the first time he lost a fight, not by a long shot. First time he lost to a Chinaman who kicked him in the head, while he was holding the man's other foot! Tucker is still trying to piece the fight in his own head. He heard of Chinamen who fought like that, I guess. But those were stories he didn't believe before now. Worst of all, Kei still doesn't understand the trouble he is causing, or getting into.
Barron speaks softly, but it's with a conviction and anger that emanates many times the volume he cares to use. "Are you both stupid? Dropped on yer heads as kids? Far more stupid then I took you for? This town is ridin' to Hell in a
hand basket and what ya choose to do? Have a damn prize fight in the town square at high noon! I outta...." he takes a breath, forcing a smile.
"Marshal. You got your ass handed to you. That's worse then anything Ah can do to you. YOU know better. The doctor heah, he ain't from 'round heah so he can plead ignorance. You ... you're a lawman! This what
marshals do? For God's sake. Ah have half a mind to tell your woman you got your ass whupped by 'em just to teach ya a lesson." Scarily, despite his rage his voice is calm, his demeanor lazy. The kind you have with a dangerous snake.
Kei shifts slightly. He doesn't seem inclined to speak -- the sting of Barron's words against Tucker being more than enough reproach, and a full understanding that the 'ass-handing' will also be his own, once Barron gets to him. He steals a furtive, concerned glance Tucker's way -- the consequences to Tucker's honor being of great concern to the Chinaman. He /tried/ to keep face for both...he exhales. That was Tucker's choice. And now, both men must face the music, so to speak, for what can only be described as unnecessary dick-waving.
William Tucker half expected that lecture. Probably the same one he would have given if the shoe was on the other foot. He takes it, but it doesn't mean he has to like it. He walks over to the water bucket, grabbing a rag that lays near by. He dips the rag in it and washes the grime from his face. He pours small bowl full of water and cleans the rag off in that, rather than the clean water bucket. Usually the man is very talkative, but he is very quiet has he scrubs himself. He lost the fight fair and square, and is more than enough of a man to take it. It could have gone the other way to. Well, maybe not against Kei. Next time he will chose a shooting or riding contest instead.
Barron watches both men, and exhales. "You might have well dropped your pants
and compared that way for all the damn good it did you. Listen, and you listen good. We had a woman missing after bein' attacked, an old evil land
baron that done got poisoned, a son 'a his that don't know no better but to pretend to be the law and cattle rustlers. That's atop 'a angry miners and
unsavory folks, rabid Injuns at the gate and the remnants of the fire. This is the LAST this this town or -Ah- personally need. Yer both good men. AH
want to see you shake hands and set this behind ya, and if ah catch you fightin' again ah WILL throw yer asses both in jail until you rot. Ah could
care less if yer some fancy pants big shot overconfident marshal or some ass-whuppin' don't know no better foreign
doctor. Do ah make myself clear?"
Kei glances at Barron, his gaze looking a little less worried and submissive than it had previously. So Barron /isn't/ going to hang him. Surprising.
"Ho," Kei responds, nodding, so what he said must mean okay, not some bad Chinese word to call a white man or a Texan. He looks appreciative too --
Montanans are much more decent, civil men than Californians by a long shot. He turns and offers Tucker his hand. "You can say what you wish of me -- I
understand that my actions quite by accident trouble for you. This saddens me, for you are my friend, in my eyes." He is very gentle, very sincere --
much more the man that Maddock knows than the fiery choo with a foot that needs to be registered as a weapon. He is
little more direct when he says,
"But never, never my family. My mother in particular. I can accept no insult on her behalf. It would lose such face for me that I would not deserve to
live."
Kei's English falters a little in that speech. Unusual.
"It's not gonna happen again Sheriff. I think Kei made his point
pretty damn clear." William rises from his haunches, taking the bowl of
water and the rag. He sets it down near Kei, in case the man wishes to use
it. He looks down at Kei's hand appraisingly before taking it. He nods, his
tone serious. "Sometimes... whelp... Ahrv always been a bit of a hothead.
Next time, when I need to make a point, Ahrl be sure to keep the insults
strictly personal." William finally does smile slightly at his own joke. He
nods, releasing the man's hand. William takes a step to the side of the desk, pouring himself a shot of whiskey from the half filled bottle left
there earlier.
Barron grunts quietly as he watches the two men. He pads over to the desk and drops into the seat with a creak of the chair, rubbing his face.
Kei crosses to the water bowl Tucker left, and removes a small, clean
handkerchief from a pocket beneath his gown. He is smiling softly, nodding,
acknowledging that Tucker at least learned the lesson /Kei/ wanted him to.
He dabs at his chin, which is a little scuffed from being swept at, then
wipes off his hands, which took the most dirt and dust. He says to Tucker
amiably then, "Please come to me if anything seems sore. As for the matter
regarding the Quintans..." He sighs, looking between Barron and Tucker at
this point. "I went into it unwittingly. I /just/ found out about the
vigilante notices, the business with the body -- and I will be more careful
in regards to my dealings with him. But I implore you, Barron in particular,
to consider looking into assuring he and Madeline's safety...at least until
the will-reading. I do worry very much about them."
Kei obviously refers to Christopher...and maybe that sounds strange. Does the Doctor truly mistrust or dislike /anyone/?
"Karl Quintan has been dead seven months. If something more was gonna
happen, it sure would have by now. Now I might make my share of mistakes,
but you two damn well better listen to me on this issue. Let it drop, bury
this mess back down in the earth where it belongs." William downs the shot,
setting the glass down heavily on the table. He looks at Barron and at Kei,
each in turn. "Have the talk with Christopher Quintan, that's fine. Make it
clear to him that he can't be taking the law into his own hands. If he wants
this thing investigated, whelp, I guess we can deal with that then. But both
of you better mark my words. No good will come of investigating Karl's
death. -No- good at all. There will be nothing but pain, suffering, and
despair out of it."
Barron says firmly, "That's my call marshal, not yer's. Ah appreciate your input, but if he was kilt and murdered he deserves to have his killer brought out just like any man. We decide not to do anything about it, we're just as bad as you shout that he is." He turns to Kei. "Ah'll make you a deal. You talk to this Christopher and Ah together, and ah'll promise you ah'll investigate this as much as we can."
Kei wraps the cloth he used to freshen up neatly into a tiny square,
listening to Tucker's warning. He sighs. "The warning is appreciated. I am one who
wishes to see the law done...and father's restless soul taken off his son's
shoulders. What ill comes of it I will have to faith is meant to be, and the
end shall be better for all." He turns to Barron. "I will speak with you and Christopher, in the hopes of having him understand why I disobeyed him. I
believe that he he reasonable enough to heed me. I will, of course, have to
face his wrath at my going behind his back to do it." He bows. "Should I be
put in a jail a few hours to satisfy the less accepting townsfolk? Or should
I be on my way?"
Kei begins to back out of the door, unconsciously hoping for the latter.
Barron waves, "Be on your way, doctor." he replies, but points a finger. "This is the second time you owe me. Git."
Kei smiles, a little embarrassed. "Hai, hingtai." He bows out, to Tucker too. "And you too. Hingtai." He leaves.
For the first time, William Tucker things it may have been a horrible
mistake to hire Barron as sheriff of this town. He watches the man closely,
but watches his own words more. "Some things have nothing to do with the
law, Jack. This is one of them." William nods his head toward the door where
Kei recently vacated, "And yer letting him off too easy. You know as well as
I do, the Sheriff of Great Falls would be spitting nails if he knew what
that Doctor and Quintan were doing in his town without his notice." William
tries one last time to talk sense into the Sheriff, "We got enough to worry
about then some old rotting corpse whose only friend in the world is a
Chinese doctor."
Barron replies, "The m an's the only doctor this town has. More importantly,
he's a good man with a good heart. More importantly, he wants to do the
right thing. So ah investigate a seven month death fora short while. It's no
big deal. As for Quintan .. ah'll deal with him. I think that doctor was
taken advantage of.
William nods, after a moment, he offers. "Mister Kei is a good man, but he is the type to walk around sticking his hand into rattlesnake dens then acts surprised when he gets bit. I guess that's what you could say this fight was about. If he keeps up like he has been, its only a matter of time before he gets himself killed." William turns and heads towards the door. He stops there. Not turning around he says, "Just be careful, alright? I know you think Ahrm two bullets shy of a six shooter... but..." William shrugs, "Just be real careful in this Quintan situation... that's all." With that, he walks out the door.