The first sip of strong, hot, coffee was always the best of the day, and Lola savoured the slightly bitter brew while she listened to Evie talk. Covering the younger woman's hand with her own, she smiled at her statement of solidarity.<br/><br/>"I know, honey.  I appreciate that.  And you're right...I can't just bury my head in the sand and hope the whole thing will go away while I'm not lookin'."  Lines of worry creased Lola's brow further at the mention of Jackson.  She was sure that King trying to take the saloon, and Jackson being accused of killing the sheriff were all part of something bigger.  Something that had implications for the whole of Silver City.  If King had half a brain - and he'd already shown that he had - he would know that Jackson was one of the few men...possibly the<em>only</em>man...who would have the courage to stand in his way.  Getting rid of the ex-Texas Ranger would certainly make life a whole hell of a lot easier for Desmond King. Lola was certain of that.<br/><br/>Before she could share any of her suspicions with Eve, though, Abby came barrelling out of the kitchen, her eyes wild, looking something akin to a stampeding horse.  It certainly wasn't out of character for the red head to turn on the dramatics, but even she wasn't this good of an actor.  It was obvious that she was genuinely concerned about Jackson, and Lola wondered briefly if she was doing the right thing keeping them apart.  Putting that thought aside for later consideration, she waited for a break in Abby's rapid fire questions for a chance to get a word in.<br/><br/>"He's fine, Abs," Lola began soothingly, trying to smooth over the rough edges of Eve's almost unkind words.  It was not lost on her that the two younger women got under each others skin.  But now was not the time for infighting, and she shot her second in command an admonishing look.  Evie did not suffer fools well, and although Abby was no fool, Lola knew that melodramatics fell into the same category in her protege's mind.  Pouring the distraught woman a cup of coffee, Lola smiled reassuringly, indicating that she should join them.  Several of the girls had drifted downstairs in Abby's wake, and were now taking up positions around the table, almost too eager to hear what had transpired during the course of the evening.<br/><br/>"As for what's goin' on, well...we're not really sure."  Lola gave the assembled group a quick recap of the stormy events of the previous night, minus the business with King.  There was no need to worry them all with that just yet.  "I'm sure Jackson is safe," she directed the statement mostly at Abby, although the handsome bounty hunter was a favourite with all of the girls. "He's quite good at takin' care of himself.  And if I know him, and I do, he'll get in contact as soon as he can."<br/><br/>"Now..." she continued, giving Abby's hand a reassuring pat.  "How about we try to just try to enjoy our breakfast, and then get on with things as usual.  The customers will still be wantin' to see y'all smilin' and dancin' like normal, once the sun goes down."<br/><br/>Lola waited for the girls to fall into conversation before leaning surreptitiously towards Abby, whispering soft enough that only she could hear.  "Come to my office after breakfast, Abigail.  We can talk more there."