Editing Last Voyage of Delilah, Episode 206: Jail/Break (section)

====~Rachel~====
She returns to the town's sole bar and gives it a good sweep with her "graydar". Sure enough, she spies the town's Elders: some older folks sitting together at a table off to the side. It's obvious it's an Old Boys' club (sorta) and this is where the power of the town sits. She moseys on over and inserts herself easily into their company, saying she's looking for a quiet table and they look like the very thing. One of the older men speaks up and says that the night before a punishment is usually rowdy as people get wound up for the event. She's welcome to join them if she's looking for quiet. She thanks them and sits down. <br><br>

Despite the description of "Elder" the men aren't actually all that old. Townsfolk defer to them due to their class and standing in the town. It's not long before she brings up the topic of the public spectacle of the whipping. What's the story behind that?<br><br>

Well, sir, the culprit was caught on Magistrate Patience's property tryin' to steal something. If you're lookin' to steal anything on this planet, the Magistrate's the likeliest to have something worth stealing. There isn't much on Patience to go around. Everyone's hurting and stealing is a serious crime. <br><br>

'''Elder:''' Of course, she needs to be punished, but … <br><br>

The Elders around the table trade looks. <br><br>
 
'''Elder:''' (very quietly) but … perhaps, this is a bit harsh.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, they're just gonna whip her once or twice like a horse thief.<br>
'''Elder:''' You saw the signs. It's 100 lashes.<br>
'''Rachel:''' I thought my eyes were wrong. I thought at worst it was "10".<br>
'''Elder:''' Is it possible she could survive, Doc?<br><br>

Everyone looks at another man at the table and Rachel's found her mark: Doc Pierson. His voice is prim and a touch reedy. He sits stiffly upright as if even off-hours he maintains strict propriety.<br><br>

'''Pierson:''' Well, I've seen cases where people have survived. A woman of her stature? Hmmm … (thinks, shakes head) … I think it unlikely that she would survive. <br>
'''Rachel:''' How old is she?<br>
'''Pierson:''' I'd say in her thirties.<br>
'''Rachel:''' That poor youngun. Seems a bit rough. I agree with ya. (checks the room: coast clear) Didn't she have a lawyer to plead for mercy before they did the punishment?<br>
'''Pierson:''' Yes, um … Unfortunately, we don't have any volunteer barristers in this town, or advocates.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, that's a shame. She din't actually steal nothin' did she?<br>
'''Pierson:''' She was caught on the grounds and confessed to stealing. Or attempted stealing, anyway. She's lucky she wasn't shot on sight … I suppose "lucky" is not the right word for it, but ....<br>
'''Rachel:''' Bein' shot ain't fun, lemme tell ya. So … you said you're a doctor?<br>
'''Pierson:''' Yes I am.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, when you're able, Doc, seein' as it's gettin' late an' such, I have a gunshot that I wouldn't mind somebody lookin' at. I don't heal like I use'ta.<br>
'''Pierson:''' (alarmed) You've been shot?<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, you seem them rapscallions over there? Lookit them. <br><br>

She points to our table, but we've already left and it stands empty.<br><br>

'''Rachel:''' (miffed) See? They done left me. Useless! Nobody respects old people no more, no how, anyway.<br>
'''Pierson:''' (primly) But of course. I can do that right now if you wish.<br><br>

''Gotcha!''' Rachel smiles sweetly at Pierson and allows a little hesitation to color her expression. <br><br>

'''Rachel:''' Is there a place to be private?<br>
'''Pierson:''' (catching her meaning) Of course! I've got an office. I'm not going to examine you in … in a saloon.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Thank God, Doctor. I was beginnin' to get the vapors. (fans herself) It was just too much.<br>
'''Pierson:''' Let me see if I can find my assistant. It's not appropriate for me to examine you alone, what with you being a woman.<br>
'''Rachel:''' (charmed!) Darlin', I ain't got nothin' you ain't seen before. It's okay.<br>
'''Pierson:''' Oh, no. Of course. But it's propriety. Especially with a stranger. Let me see if I can find her … (scans room) … No, I asked her not to visit this establishment. It's one reason I come here. <br><br>

The rest of the men at the table chuckle.<br><br>

'''Pierson:''' I'll go round to her place.  If you wish to wait here, I can return with her and pick you up. It's not far to my offices. Or if you wish, you could wait in front of my office. I should be there shortly. It's the fifth house down the—<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, I hate to have you go. I can bring on'a those roustabouts. I'm sure they're here somewhere.<br>
'''Pierson:''' (rising) I'll go find my assistant. <br>
'''Rachel:''' All right, then. <br><br>

He excuses himself and leaves. The banker (or so Rachel's pegged him) leans closer to Rachel.<br><br>

'''Banker:''' So … where'd you get shot?<br>
'''Rachel:''' You're a naughty thing. (winks) Got it in my leg.<br>
'''Banker:''' Oh yeah?<br>
'''Rachel:''' Uh-huh.<br>
'''Banker:''' I have a couple of wounds I could show you.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Lemme get finished with the doctor an' make sure I'm healthy an' I might come back and talk.<br>
'''Banker:''' I wouldn't mind comparing … scars. This is good. He can be a bit rough. Bartender! (waves) Get this young lady another drink!<br><br>