Case Steelgrave Posted on December 14, 2018

Katherine nodded as she listened to the marshal. He made a good point about the possibility of things not working out and it made sense to have another plan just in case. "Thank you Marshal Steelgrave. I will keep your generous offer in mind."

Case touched the brim of his hat and bowed his neck slightly. He knew how to put on a show of decency, even if he wasn’t. And that fact that she was pretty made it all that much easier. He wasn’t walking off just yet, merely being polite.

She looked around to see if Addy was on her way back. Seeing that she wasn't, Kate returned her attention to the marshal. He seemed to be a pleasant man unlike some of the marshals she had read and heard about during her journey here. There had been many travelling companions along the way and all of them had interesting stories about what life was like in the territories. Some of them were very fanciful but others reminded her about the dangers that could be out here. Thankfully, she would not be living on her own when she arrived at Kalispell.

Smiling, she wondered what else she could ask the marshal about. From what he said he knew something about the town she was Kalispell. In her opinion any information was better than none. "If you don't mind marshal, could you please tell what you know about Kalispell and the people who live there?"

Case took a breath, “well, to be quite honest I actually know very little about Kalispell and her fair citizens. I do know that the town has a female deputy, that’s a real oddity, but she can handle the job from what I’ve heard. We actually have very little interaction.” He explained. “What I can say is that on my few visits to Kalispell I’ve found the citizenry to be pleasant, friendly and quite welcoming.” That part being lie as far as any of the Steelgraves might be concerned. “I believe you’ll find it as hospitable as most any town in the territory, and you're being a teacher, well, they’ll be grateful you came west.”

Case Steelgrave Posted December 17, 2018

Case smiled at her words thin\king; 'if she only knew.' "the truth of the matter is, the lawman is only really important to his community when there is trouble to be handled. Most times folks are simply reassured the man with the badge is around."

Marshal Case Steelgrave had managed to hold his town and have the respect of the majority of the citizenry by not plying his less than legal activities on them, but through his men and only on outlying ranches and farms. Though he was quite capable he had actually not killed anyone in the territory since his return from Texas. He had his men for that, when necessary.

"But I thank you for your kind words." He said, still smiling.

Case Steelgrave Posted December 20, 2018

"Sorry 'bout that, Miss." Addy nodded to the young woman as she came out of the station, carrying a small paper-wrapped parcel and a good-sized pouch that she tossed up under seat. "Extra lot of mail," she explained to the Marshal, "got misplaced, so I reckon folks in Kallispell'll be anxious for it."

“Happens sometimes, Wally needs a better system for the mail going on.” Case stated. I’ll have to have a talk with him about that. Seems he’s always misplacing something or other. Our apologies to the good folks in Kalispell."

Then she glanced at Katherine. "Miss, ya ready? If you've a mind, you can ride up top with me, better scenery, though I can't much vouch fer th' conversation!"

Case Steelgrave Posted December 21, 2018

Katherine smiled at Addy, "Yes I am ready. I think I would like to ride up top with you for part of the way but then, if you don't mind, I should go back inside. I somehow don't think riding on top of the stage would be a good first impression to make."

She then turned to the marshal. "Thank you for telling me about the area. If you're ever in Kalispell, you are more than welcome to come to the school house and visit."

“Yes Ma’am, that’s an offer that would be hard to refuse.” Case replied as he touched the brim of his hat. “Not often I get down that way, but when I do you can count on me stopping by. Safe trip.”

Case Steelgrave Posted December 25, 2018

"All right, then." Addy gave Case a nod. "Lookin' forward to th' next jaunt." This was a route that she ran every few days, so she wasn't ever long between visits. "Be good ta get th' mail sorted, that's certain."

“I expect so.” Case tipped his hat to her, even he understood that the country needed strong people like her, so he kept his boys off of the coach, certainly because of his respect for her, but also because she’d fight, and they’d kill her. He wouldn’t stand for that, which seemed to fly in the face of who he was.

Then she glanced at Katherine. "Sure, I can let ya down outside'a town." Folks really were awfully particular about the conduct of teachers, she was glad she didn't have to worry about that.

After climbing up onto the box, she gathered the ribbons, then looked down at the young woman. "Be careful ya don't get hung up on nothin'. Marshal'll help, if ya need."

“Yes, Ma’am.” Case responded, standing ready, in case.