A Ghost of Brother Johnathan's by Elizabeth Eagan-Cox Read Free Book Online Page A

that’s what they like to call the six-toed felines here, a Rupp cat .”
“Hey, that makes you famous by association,” I suggested with a lilt and then added, “I bet Ozzy likes that description.”
Marta’s blue eyes twinkled. “Any help Ozzy can get to round up stray cats, get them the medical attention they need and find good homes for him is useful, and for that I do not mind the Rupp name being used. I believe Jonathan Rupp would have like it, too.”
Ah-ha, the perfect opening to ask a question I was anxious about. “Marta, was Jonathan Rupp ever involved in gambling?”

CHAPTER 7
    Marta set down her fork and sipped her coffee. I waited in anticipation of her answer. I felt my pulse quicken, had I asked too personal a question?
    “Shannon, I’ve wondered that myself, given the era he lived in, and of course that tavern of his. What else was there for men to do in that time, especially since the tavern most certainly was never operated as a brothel. I can’t imagine that gambling, in the manner of playing poker, faro and whatever other card games that a player can wager on, was not a primary diversion. I don’t recall ever reading about the tavern being used as a poker palace, so to speak, in other words, gambling was never part of Rupp’s income, the way it was at saloons of the period, when the saloon owner always took a percentage of the winnings.”
    “I see. I was just wondering, you know, for background research, that’s all.”
Marta smiled. “If you have more questions on your mind in regard to Rupp’s background, now is the time to ask.”
“As a matter of fact I do. I’m sure you are aware of the circumstances surrounding his death, that odd incident about a land jumper and such. The perpetrator, Bonnie Parting, was she ever investigated?”
“No. I wish she had been. That whole episode seems fishy to me. I guess because she and her boyfriend were killed in the gunfight, that was the end of investigation about the shoot-out. No person in Eureka followed up on her. I’ve always thought there was more to her than what met the eye, or the story.”
“Marta. Could it be possible that Parting and Jonathan Rupp knew each other, or were at the very least, acquainted, somehow? Maybe even in the most obscure fashion?”
“Yes. Possible, perhaps even probable. I’ve always thought there was more to that tragic incident than what was reported. I wondered if Parting had had a disagreement with Rupp, and came back to settle up and that the land jump claim of homesteading was just a ruse.”
I dropped my fork, and the food on it. “Oh, excuse me. I’m so…,”
“Unsettled by my honesty?” Marta said. “Well, no need for that. I hope you are aware I specifically requested you, and not just for your writing talents. I need more than the brochure, not to undermine the writing, it is crucial to the success of getting the tavern renovated and open for business this coming year. Shannon, I need you to help with the riddle that Jonathan Rupp was, and is. I believe I get messages from him. I’ll pay you, of course.”
I was too dumbfounded to speak.
“Shannon?” Marta waved her hands in front of my face.
I blinked several times. “Uh, yes I heard you.” Did she actually say she get messages from him? Yikes! Shannon, get your wits about you. Right now.
“Marta, I’m not in the business of being a ghost detective, though I have done some work in that… um, in that field of paranormal research. I’ll help you in whatever way I can, but please, no payment, okay?”
Marta was visibly relieved, she sighed deeply. “Thank goodness. For a moment there you looked like a deer in the headlights and I thought for sure my bluntness had addled you.”
“No, I’m okay with it. Actually, I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out a way to ask you a few more questions, without offending you, without being nosy.” I laughed, and it was a nervous laugh followed by a hiccup. I gulped water to masquerade my