December 27, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked over to the sheriff’s office this morning and greeted Paisley, Angel, and a man named Karl Oskar who I hadn’t seen in ages. 

“Ya’ll seen my sign there?” I asked them. 

“Sign?” Karl asked and I nodded towards the sign about the hat. 

“That I did, Miz Trin,” Angel nodded. “Any vord yeat form anyvone?” 

“I need to find out who that belongs to. And who put it in my kitchen along with the death threat. I have a feeling it’s Adrian’s but I’m not sure.” 

“You got a death threat?” Karl asked. 

“Sure did. Posted to my cabinet in my kitchen just before Christmas.” 

“You reported it?” 

“Of course I did. Told my husband, Thomas, who’s a deputy, and Angel and Ansar about it. Got those bases covered. Even told Angeles about it.” 

“Good.” 

“Still no leads though. Was only partial prints.” 

“Okay…” 

“WB was traced in blood underneath. They stole the presents from the tree and ransacked the place.” 

“I see.” 

“Oh and left that hat on my kitchen table.” 

“So what outlaw gang is the meanest now?” Karl asked. 

“Probably the Wild Bunch still.” 

“So far iz only vild bunch about,” Angel said. “Last I heard the Jamez gang packed up and left. So iz only vild bunch gang about aside from random outlawz. Though don’t see much of Lot about himself though. ‘Less Miss Ivy is dragging him about to go shopping.” 

“I noticed he hasn’t been around much.” I nodded to her. “Though, most people haven’t been around.” 

“Vell zer iz the payroll today…” 

“Should be at nine,” Paisley said. 

“That’s true, it is. I’ve lost track of the days.” 

“Vdge vill probaly azk me to go and help cause miz Suzy iz in the dress this veekend.” 

“Yes! I can’t wait to see her!” Paisley giggled. 

“Vill make sure to get a gut pic of her.” Angel chuckled. 

“So do you guys have your new years resolutions figured out?” 

“Nine, not yet. But am leaning tvards baping Vedge less on the head.” 

“I’m gonna get fingerprints of everyone in town. And to do that I’m gonna bartend more. We need to hang out in the saloons more, ya know?” 

“And if they wear gloves while drinking Trin?” Paisley asked. “You may wind up blaming folks for things they did not do with them prints..” 

“Well then I’ll get them inconspicuously.” 

“Folks touch lots of things,” Paisley said. 

“I just want prints on file so that IF there are prints left at a crime scene, I can compare them better. Heck, we can even sell ’em cake, right Ang?” 

“Folks from town are all over the place…” 

“Sure can got Tenni vorking in the bakery now to.” Angel nodded. 

“That’s one of the Wild Bunch ain’t it? Shaun?” I asked. 

“Yha.” 

“Gotta find a way to get his prints. Wild Bunch are first on my list.” 

“It is Shaun, but I have no idea if he is in the Wild Bunch,” Paisley said. 

“I’ve seen him hanging out with them.” 

“He iz according to zem.” 

“So, does not mean he is one of them…” Paisley said and I smiled at Angel for confirming it as Paisley went on. “Well, if they say he is then that is different.” 

“Mac told me. Or vas it Lot… Can’t remember, ve ver drinking…” 

“I’m going to head to the saloon and get started cleaning glasses. See you ladies later,” I said and headed off to the saloon. 

*** 

I walked through town in the afternoon and talked with Bree and Suzy before I headed over to the Oriental to bartend for a while. Suzy commented on how she should make sure the bank didn’t get broken into. I told her that Bree said it was fine, and Suzy asked Aspen if that was right. I asked her if she was going to believe a child’s account over mine and told her that was lovely and just walked back to the saloon. 

December 26, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I found Thomas and Jade talking in front of the sheriff’s office. I walked up behind him and slid my arms around him. “Guess who!” 

“Howdy Trin.” Jade smiled to me. “If you both excuse me we was on our way see Irish and Cole.” 

“Is this you’re horse Miss Jade?” Thomas asked her. 

“Yes sire both are stallion and mare. We are planning on breeding them in the spring,” Jade told him. 

I kissed Thomas’ shoulder and he jumped, laughing. “Well hello there my love.” To Jade he said, “Both are beautiful horses Miss Jade.” 

“Good to meet you, Ma’am.” I smiled and nodded to Jade. 

“Thank you. Can’t wait to see what comes of breeding them. You Trin. Pleasure as always,” she said to me. 

“Miss Jade, this is Trin, my sweetheart, Trin this is Miss Jade. She raises horses round these parts,” Thomas introduced. 

“They are lovely horses.” I smiled to her. 

“Aww that is nice. You’re both sweethearts.” Jade smiled. “Oh, might have to come out to the ranch then, Trin. Look over horses one time.” 

“That would be great.” 

“Miss Jade, how is your other horse, that got loose and almost drowned?” Thomas asked. 

“You mean happy mare? Resting still. Getting better.” 

“I am glad to hear. I came across two wild mares the other day, I bet you would have loved to own.” 

Jade headed off to her ranch and Thomas looked over to me. “How are you dear? Feeling ok?” 

“Actually? Yes, I am. I’ve decided not to stress about the threats at the house... Not until we can get in touch with the mayor. There’s nothing we can do until they do something else so there’s no point worrying.” 

Thomas held me tight and rubbed my shoulder and back gently. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He reached in his vest and pulled out a wrapped package. “Merry Christmas dear.” 

“Oh honey... Thank you! How is your horse doing? Have you named it yet?” I blinked and opened the package, seeing a small brown diary. “Oh darling, it’s perfect!” 

“I got one for Natalie too. It’s at home, I didn’t get them in until today.” 

“That’s great, dear. Can we go back to the house? I want to put that note and dagger into storage now that we’ve sufficiently checked it for prints.” 

“Yes of course.” 

I looked closer to him and asked, “Are you growing a beard, dear?” 

“No but I thought I might let my moustache grow out a bit. What do you think?” 

“It suits you. As long as there’s no beard to cover that adorable chin.” I took his hand and led him back to the house as he kissed me while we walked. 

Bisbee. 

We went into the kitchen and I got out my gloves, going to take the dagger and the note off the cabinet. I had already made enough copies of the message to show other lawmen. I took the evidence upstairs and put it in the safe, locking it tightly and looking over at Thomas. “There, now the kids don’t have to wonder about that.” 

“Thank goodness. I am glad. It was hard to hide it from them for sure.” 

“We’ll leave the hat for now until we can get Adrian to come over here and look at it.” 

I went over to the sheriff’s office in Tombstone and pinned the poster of the found hat to the post,  hoping someone would recognize it and contact me soon, then headed back home. 

December 25, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked over to Annie’s this evening where a group of people were already standing in front of it, awaiting the start of the Christmas dance. Angel looked over at the bank and I followed her gaze asking, “Is there someone inside the bank?” I walked over with her and raised an eyebrow. “Door’s wide open.” I put my hand on my gun just in case and called back to Angel, “Everything clear back there, Ang?” I looked over at Ansar who had followed us and said, “Both outside and indoor doors wide open.” 

“Vierd no vone in here bank vault iz still shut,” Angel said. 

“Strange... Vault hasn’t been touched?” 

“Maybe they didn’t know the combination,” Rikki suggested. 

“Nope,” Angel said. 

“Don’t s’pose we have the lock to close this up either,” I commented. 

“Vasn’t unlocked a moment ago though. Iz odd.” 

Ansar looked in his vest and pulled out some keys. 

“Only one I saw near was a kid,” Rikki noted. 

“Very strange… I’ll look around the building.” I walked around the bank to see if anyone was there and took out my gloves, putting them on as I tested the back door, finding it sealed shut. “Door is sealed back here!” I called out. “Not another soul around.”

“Maybe was a strong wind,” Rikki said. 

“At least there’s no money stolen,” I said. 

“Nope not a cent gone. Vault’s still clozed and locked.” Ang gave her keys to Ansar and he put the keys away in his pocket. 

“Only one that I saw was that kid doing some stretching exercises,” Rikki said.

“Probably people in Annie’s since before it happened too. So they wouldn’t have seen anything,” I commented. 

“Maybe that kid got coal from Santa?” Angel suggested and we laughed. 

“Oh Angel, I investigated those prints on my cabinet... where the threat was left. Partial prints,” I told her.

“Huh, only partial?” She looked at me. 

“Won’t help me much. Same as on the dagger. I’ve got nothing except a very suspiciously-acting Downy. And I’ve not been able to track down the mayor to confirm if it’s hat on my kitchen table.” 

“She haz been acting odd ven your about,” Angel nodded as Chris came over and we greeted him. 

“Indeed. All I can hope, Ang, is that Adrian will know who stole his hat.” 

Kris and Abi came over then and we talked about Christmas and Kris gave me a harmoninca for Christmas. I thanked him and started to play it, and then gave Ansar a copy of the incident report about the threat at my house. 

“Well that got a way with words…” Ansar said. 

“They stole the presents under the tree, left a hat that looks like Adrian’s on my kitchen table, and daggered that to my cabinet. Then traced in blood a ’WB’ underneath. So far no leads yet, though Downy has been acting oddly around me and wouldn’t accept the drink or cake we offered her. It’s been awful... Thomas has been worried sick. We’ve been trying to keep it from the kids so they don’t get upset or scared.” 

“I see. Well, good luck to your investigation.” 

“Been wanting to get you in the loop in case you heard anything or saw anything suspicious. Could use your help. Thomas and I are barely holding it together sanely with this over our heads.” 

“Not really.. few people own hats of the mayors,” Ansar said. “In fact, I got one that looks just like it.” 

“I hope he knows who may have stolen his. I just need to consult with him and we’re not around at the same times.” I said and he shrugged. “Ansar this is serious and there’s nothing I can do about it. Someone broke into my house where my children live. And threatened me.” 

“Exactly, nothing anyone can do. Why stress over it? Deal with the here and now. If more info comes then it will.” 

“At least we can add this to their charges if they do anything more obvious. Harassment, theft, destruction of property..” 

“Exactly.” 

“See, my head’s sorta on straight,” I said with a wink. “I’ll let you go dance, I just really wanted to keep you in the loop.” 

“Until it progresses then nothing we can do. If you had some suspect i could try to help getting prints from them.” 

“Right now prints won’t even help. Not since they were only partials. I’ll let ya go dance. Just needed to…” I sighed. 

“Well it’s Christmas. At least for today, we’re off duty right?” 

“I can just see the worry in Thomas’ face.” I nodded. 

“Better go see where Angel ran off to.” 

“Take care, Ansar. Merry Christmas,” I said and watched him head into Annie’s. Not feeling very festive, I turned and went home. 

December 24, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked over to the sheriff’s office this morning and smiled, seeing my man standing there. I went over to him and hugged him tightly, kissing him hard. “Merry Christmas, baby!” 

“Well look who came to town..you’re not Santa Claus, but even better.” Tom smiled. “Merry Christmas my love.” 

“I was out rebuying the gifts for Natalie and Jimmy.” 

“What are the little rugrats out doing today?” 

“Well Natalie is busy transcribing my memoirs for me because she’s immensely curious and Jimmy is over at the coral taking care of the horses.” 

“They don’t know the meaning of the word ‘stop’ do they?” 

“They will tonight.” I chuckled. 

“Yep, they sure will.. I got Jimmy that BB Gun he has been wanting… I made him think he wasn’t old enough.” Tom smiled. 

“And I got Natalie some new note paper and a nice quill pen with ink that she’s been wanting. Will make her writing at the paper a lot easier.” 

“Yeah, she will love that. I ain’t giving Jimmy the bb’s for his gun though til he can show me he wont shoot Natalie or other people. Last thing we need is him getting mad and shooting someone in the rear with a bb.” Tom chuckled. 

“That’s a good idea. You need to teach him how to use that thing but it will protect them a bit when we’re both working, so it’s a good idea.” 

“Yeah true...well its all set tonight..I am reading The Night Before Christmas to the orphans at 8pm. I hope they will like it.” 

“I’m sure they will be thrilled about it. Natalie was telling me they loved your yellow rose of Texas story.” 

Tom put his arm around me and kissed me again. “You look beautiful today sweetheart. You must have slept like a log last night.” He laughed then and said, “Yeah, I told the story behind the Texas Blue Bonnet, to help cheer everyone up.” 

“I sure did…” I grinned and kissed him hard, leaning him against the pole in front of me. “I kind of wish there were more people about though... I want to get moving on gathering fingerprints and such. I’ve been thinking about bartending over at Kate’s more. Maybe even during dances... to start gathering prints that way.” 

“Would you like to go have a tall cold rootbeer with me my dear?” 

“I would love to, dear. Whiskey would be better.” I winked at him. 

“Root beer with a whiskey chaser.” Tom laughed and took my hand. We walked into Kate’s and poured ourselves some drinks as Tom said, “I guess most folk are at home getting ready for tomorrow. I saw Miss Bree, and a couple other ladies in town a little earlier.” 

“I guess so, yes…”

“So guess what our little son and daughter has done for us my dear.” 

“What have they done, sweetheart?” 

“They done went and had Christmas dinner cooked for us, so neither of us have to cook or clean tomorrow.” 

I blinked, surprised. “They did?! That’s so sweet of them! Oh, that makes me so happy. That always takes so long to prepare!” 

“Yeah, Jimmy let the cat out of the bag last night when I started talking about what he and Natalie wanted for Christmas dinner.” 

“That’s so great of them. We’ve got some special kids you know,” I said as I traced a finger around his ring on his finger. 

“Yes we do. They are so kind hearted, and thoughtful. I cant say I was like that as a kid. I was always in trouble I am sure.” 

“I bet you were the one trying to open the presents before Christmas, right dear?” I chuckled. 

“Who, me?! Nooooooo...I was the perfect little angel.” Tom laughed, looking at me. 

“I find that very hard to believe!” I laughed hard. 

“I was as innocent as you were I am sure. We both know you wernt innocent either.” 

I giggled and leaned into him. “Well, it’s so great to watch the kids get excited about Christmas. It helps me forget about that awful note and the mess the Wild Bunch left us. There’s not much we can do until we get ahold of the mayor.” 

“Yes true baby. I am just glad we were able to keep the kids from finding out. After the killing in front of Natalie that night, the last thing she needs is to know someone broke into the house.” 

“I agree. She has seemed to rally back though. She doesn’t talk about the shooting much and focuses on her writing and the paper. I’m very proud of her.” 

“Me too. Jimmy does his best to keep a close eye on her. He loves having a big sister. I caught him going to see James’s grave yesterday. I didn’t follow, but Jimmy spent the longest time there.This time of year is going to be hardest on all of us I guess.” 

“Yeah... I remember my father at this time... and how my mother and brother are so far away... I wanted to take you all out there to meet them sometime but it seemed like there’s so much going on right now so we’ll have to wait for that trip.” 

“Maybe we could make the trip for New Years..not much going to be happening after Christmas.” 

“That would be a great idea, hon. I know that my mother wants to meet you. She’s met Natalie already. But she wants to meet Jimmy too.” 

“Jimmy would feel like he has a grandma..” Tom smiled. 

“Well she would love for them to call her grandma, I’m sure.” 

“We are sounding more and more like a married couple every day my love.” Tom laughed and leaned over to kiss me. 

“Well I told her about the rings and she considers us married. She wants to meet you all the more now.” I took his hand and stood. “Would you like to dance, love?” 

“Sure.” 

I took him to the dance floor and we started to dance to the music. “It is so good to spend time with you today, darling.” 

“Yes it is my love. We don’t get much alone time to just enjoy ourselves together these days.” 

“We’ll have to just make more time for that, won’t we dear?” I winked at him as I wrapped my arms around his waist. 

“Yes we will. You know, I love you more and more each day we’re together. This is the best Christmas I have ever had.” 

“Me too, love. I never thought I would be with a man this long... or have a family at Christmas time. This is definitely a first for me all around. I love you so much, darling, and am so glad we found each other.” 

“I love you so much too baby. I never imagined I would have a family for Christmas either. I am so happy to have you.” 

“It’s nice to have the whole town to ourselves too... It’s so... quiet…” I smiled, leaning into his embrace. 

“Yep. No Wild Bunch, no screaming for a Doctor. Just you and me in Kate’s Saloon.” 

“It’s almost like heaven…” I winked at him. 

“As long as I have you, it will always be heaven to me dear.” Tom smiled. 

Chris walked in and I smiled, waving over to him. “Hello Chris! Nice of you to join us!” 

“Join you. Were you coming apart?” Chris chuckled and I laughed as Tom greeted him. 

“How are things, Chris?” 

“Meh... I’m ok,” Chris said with a shrug. 

“Merry Christmas Chris,” Tom said to him. 

“You too, Thomas,” Chris smiled at him. 

“Just okay?” I looked over at Chris with concern and he just nodded in response. 

“Have a beer or whatever you like, on me,” Tom offered. 

“Thanks, my friend.” Chris smiled. 

“Any plans for the evening, Chris?” I asked. 

“Yeah. Going to my brother’s house. He, our two sisters, and myself. A little family time. Very little, I hope.” Chris chuckled. 

“That sounds great.” I smiled. 

“What about you two?” He asked. 

“I’m going to read the Night Before Christmas at the orphanage tonight at 8pm… if you wanna come Chris, all are welcome,” Tom invited him. 

“Speaking of which, I think I’m going to head home and finish up some more cleaning before tonight’s festivities.” 

“I might do that.” Chris nodded. “Take care, Trin.” 

“Ok my dear, yeah I think I will follow you shortly,” Tom said to me. 

I kissed Tom on the cheek and then went over to take Chris’ hand, pulling him up into a hug. I said goodbye to them and said Merry Christmas again to Chris and then headed home. 

December 23, 1900

Tombstone. 

I went into Annie’s this morning and saw some people talking in front of the hotel. I met another man named Tom and greeted everyone as Paisley and Reb danced on the stage. 

“How are you doing, Trin?” Paisley asked. 

“Doin’ alright, Paisley. Thought I’d come over and see what was goin’ on since no one else is in town at the moment. New to the area, Tom?” I asked the man. 

“Well he does not seem new to Annie’s,” Reb giggled. 

“Not all ... but wasn’t here a long time,” Tom said. 

“No, Tom and I are friends,” Paisley said with a huge grin. “I met him through Chantal. Chantal is a sister soiled dove. Tom comes in and we chat.” 

“You work around here then?” I smiled at Tom and nodded to Paisley. “That’s great.” 

“Well it’s great to see you are back Sir,” Reb said to him. 

“Anyone come to bowl yesterday after I left, Paisley?” I asked casually. 

“I live in Flagstaff and from time to time I have to travel to El Paso,” Tom said. 

“Not that I know of Trin. I had to take care of a stage coach,” Paisley said and I nodded to her. 

“Tombstone is a good place for a break,” Tom said. 

“A break... a fresh start…” I smiled. 

“Yes… Having some fun,” he giggled. 

“I miss our talks here over coffee Tom.” Paisley looked at the man as she continued to dance. “You need to come back more often.” 

“You know… there is a nice reason to be here,” Tom said. 

“How is Chantal? You two still together?” I asked. 

“Haven’t been together tha last months. Is she still here sometimes?” Tom asked. 

“Aw... that is too bad Sorry to hear that,” Paisley said. “I got a message from her, but she did not say you two separated.”

Paisley and Reb continued to dance and put on a show for Tom as I stayed quiet and wrote in my notebook. After a while, I headed outside and left Tom to enjoy the show. 

December 22, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street and saw Tom talking with Seth and his son Thomas and a woman named Opal. I greeted them and Tom asked how the kids were doing. I told him that they were at home reading together and we continued to talk about how hard it was to keep everyone straight in this town. I commented on the fact that I only loved one Thomas, though I knew four men named Thomas, and he kissed me happily. 

“Seth you wouldn’t know who might own two white mares around here would you?” Thomas asked him after a while. 

“I know that the Hammerthall ranch has a couple horses that keeps getting out their gates every so often,” Seth said. 

“Found some horses did you hon?” I looked at Tom curiously. 

“Reason I ask, is I came across two white mares running loose in town last night. I don’t know who they belonged to. But were both hungry and seemed to have been running wild a while.” 

“If they have the brand of HR on it it’s a Hammerthall ranch horse.” 

“I didn’t notice any brand actually, but then I didn’t look very close.. I brought them to the coral and fed and watered them, I come back this morning, and they were gone.” 

“Sly horses,” Seth commented. 

“Hmm.. interesting. Maybe wild horses?” I asked. 

“Might be,” Tom said with a nod. 

“That must be it,” Seth agreed. 

A man named Banta came over and introductions were made. He said he was here five years ago and there was a gang called the Devil’s Rejects that terrorized the town. Seth knew about them, but I said that I hadn’t seen any of the Devil’s Rejects in ages. Banta said that it was sad about Sheriff Georgia and I agreed that it sounded like she was a legend. We talked about how the Wild Bunch was the main gang these days and Banta asked about a man named TP Spad, but we hadn’t heard of him. Seth said he’d heard stories about the man who was apparently head banker in Tombstone. Banta asked about Marky Bu and that didn’t sound familiar either. The man left and we commented on how strange the interaction had been, since so many of those names were unfamiliar. 

The boy named Thomas talked about wanting to visit his parents’ graves, and said that he was half Lakota and Seth said he’d adopted the boy. Thomas commented on the fact that many seemed to have Indian in them. I told them about how I was working on my memoirs from the time before Tombstone, and how I was at a part that I wished I could skip. 

“Well I hate to leave good company folks, but if you would excuse me, I have some rounds to make,” Thomas said eventually. 

“Care for some company, dear?” I asked him. 

“Sure my dear. I much rather have you by my side than do it alone.” 

“Lead the way, darling.” I grinned and took his hand as we walked away from the others. 

Thomas stopped in front of the cemetery and looked over at me. “Dear, I don’t know if you want to come any further. I just got to ummmm...see my brother for a moment.” 

I nodded, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll wait here for you and give you some space, darling.” 

Thomas nodded and removed his hat, walking towards the cemetery slowly. I said a silent prayer of peace for him and then he came back towards me with tears running down his cheeks. “This time of year was always his favorite.” 

I nodded, reaching for his hand as I pulled him close and held him tightly. “I understand dear... I’m missing my father at this time of year too. And my family... they feel so far away at this time of year…” 

Thomas hugged me tight and said, “I just don’t understand it. I guess the talk about family and Thomas and Seth just brought up feelings. Plus it being so close to Christmas. Do you think I should let Jimmy come visit his father?” 

I nodded and held him close, rubbing his back. “I understand, dear. I really do. I’m here for you anytime, love. And yes… I think it would be a good idea to have Jimmy visit his father. He should have that connection.” 

Thomas kissed me deeply and said, “I just didn’t want him to come to early. I know its still fresh in his little heart. I just want to protect him Trin. Like I want to protect Natalie and you.” 

We turned then and headed from the cemetery. 

*** 

A few hours later, I went to Annie’s where people were bowling in the alley that had been set up. Paisley asked me how I was doing and I said, “I’m doing alright. Been a rough weekend but we’re making it.” 

“Any leads?” Paisley asked. 

“None so far though Downy was acting suspicious yesterday.” 

Paisley suggested that I try to bowl a round and so I did so, enjoying the fun activity for a while. I did pretty well and Paisley said I might even get a trophy later. We drank some whiskey and a Native woman came in, named Mouse.

“How are things at the village?” I asked her in Apache. 

“Slow but we are still kicking.” 

“I understand. It is a small tribe now.” 

“Yes we just lost a war chief he is now chief of another tribe. I must go for now good to see you all.” 

The woman left as quickly as she came and then I decided I should head home as well and said goodbye to the others as I walked out. 

December 21, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked over towards the sheriff’s office and greeted Angel and Wedge. I asked him if they’d seen the mayor and Wedge asked if Adrian was missing. 

“No, not missing… I just... believe I’ve got his hat on my kitchen table. Was hoping to return it to him. And find out who stole it from him. And who would have left it on our kitchen table along with a death threat daggered to the cabinet telling me to watch my back or my neck would be hanged.” 

“Odd,” Angel commented. “A death threat, Miz Trin?”

“I see…” Wedge said. “I guess we’ll be horse whipping the thief. Oh?” 

“And left a bloody initial of ‘WB’ on the bottom of the note.” 

“Such hateful words,” Wedge said. 

“Thomas is furious, I’m livid.We’re trying to keep it together in front of the kids. Oh and did I mention they stole our Christmas presents from under the tree?” 

“Huh? No…” Wedge said. 

“And ransacked the whole damn place... Been cleaning for days.” I leaned against the pole and sighed. “I have a suspicion what it’s all about though.” 

“WB? Only one thing I know about here vith the initials of zat,” Angel said. 

“A while back I did a trial against Steve Itano... hanging trial. He was gonna get hanged either way ’cause of a bounty out on him… I’m guessing the Wild Bunch is out for revenge on me for it. But... Wild Bunch wouldn’t be so... subtle. They’d be more direct, no?” 

“Steve iz law now Trin,” Angel said. 

“All the more reason to get revenge, Angel. I sentence him to hang... then he becomes law instead of one of them.” 

“Maybe but vas hiz own choice.” 

“They still wouldn’t be thrilled about it. Either way that’s who I’m thinkin’ it is... but it doesn’t help me narrow it down. We need help on this one.” 

“Maybe iz Jamez gang trying to make it seem like vild bunch? Usually lot leavez a horse head or someting like that… not ransack.” 

“Was another thought I had, Angel. I’m so confused over this. And then Adrian’s hat is on my kitchen table. At least I’m pretty sure it’s his.” 

“Sounz more like something the Jamez gang vould do then the vild bunch. Like I said, usually lots deah threatz only go az far az a horse head on your porch.” 

“That’s what I thought.” I nodded. 

“Lot’s not exactly zeh sharpest toll in the shed and hez not overly creative.” 

“Either way I’d like to pin destruction of property and harassment on someone… Unless they’re stupid enough to do something else. Then I’ll add more charges.” 

“If you get more leadz let me know,” Angel offered. 

“They came into our house. Where the kids sleep….” I looked at them. “What if…” I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. 

“Don’t ever say ‘what if’…” Wedge shook his head. 

I looked at him with a sigh and said, “I just... why now? Why steal our presents? Now we’ve gotta go out and find new ones for the kids.” 

“Can we just shoot those asses when we see them?” 

“All of the Wild Bunch? I wouldn’t judge. Or the James gang for that matter.” 

“Not till ve know for sure, Vedgie,” Angel said. 

“Awww...do we have to?” Wedge pouted. “We can ask questions… later.” 

“My friends and I back in Colorado used to have a running joke… Whenever we’d see someone we didn’t like we’d look at each other and ask, ‘Can I?’ As in, ‘can I shoot them?’” 

“Good question.” Wedge smiled. 

“Mmhmm. We never did but... we wanted to.” 

“Not the…. ‘what if’ one though. Understood? Just make sure to have all your paperwork in order… just in case.” 

“Look who you’re talking to.” I looked at him and he chuckled. 

“Oh yes, my mistake.” 

“Angel, he made the mistake of asking me a question from the past and didn’t think I’d know the answer. Silly man. Everyone knows I write down everything.” I winked at him. 

“Oh? That Trin, she’s helped a lot in some cases,” Angel said as Wedge leaned against the post and smiled. 

“He asked me when we met.” I grinned. 

“Vell if you need help vith presantz Trin you let me know. Vish I could do more to help in zis.” 

“Thanks, Angel... I might take you up on that.” 

“But till you know vho exactly did it, I can’t get involved.” 

“I should just offer the drinks to all the Wild Bunch and James gang and get their prints.” I sighed and nodded. 

“Might vork.” Angel and Wedge chuckled. 

“Or they could end up shooting each other,” Wedge said. “They hate everybody.” 

“Wonder how I’m gonna get Lot to have a drink with me…” I thought out loud. 

“Easy. Just ask him if you can buy him a bottle of visky,” Angel suggested. 

“He might talk if he knows that the kids could have been harmed…” 

“That or ve could offer him a big cake. I hear Lot likes cake.” 

“We need to be careful with it, which is why it’s taken me so long to get theirs. I’ve been going at it slowly... . Should really start offering drinks to everyone in town... gather prints that way.” 

“Oh Miz Trin, I got a great idea.” 

“Uh oh…” I looked at her with worry. 

“Can give Lot one of my fancy cakes course he can’t turn that down. And we can get his and Ivy’s prints off the platters. Vat you think?” Angel asked me softly. 

“I like it.” I chuckled. “How do we get them out there though?” 

“Then I’ll make the delivery latter to them,” Angel said with a nod. 

Suddenly there was a huge thunk and we looked over to see that Downy had fallen over off her chair. 

“You alvright miz Downy?” Angel asked. 

“What’s happened?” Downy blinked and rubbed her eyes. 

“I’ll get a big ol box to put it in but I’m sure ve can find a vay to get into zer home and just dust the platter,” Angel said to me. 

“Here, have some whiskey,” I offered and handed her my flask.

“Think I fell off my chair while I wus sleepin’?” Downy said and put her hands in her pockets. 

“You don’t want any?” I looked at her and smiled sweetly. “Don’t want you to get dehydrated.” 

"Why I think I may have hit my head,” Downy said then. 

“Speaking of cakes, I’m going to need some help.. got a big vone to bring to town but Ansar iz asleep,” Angel said then and I nodded to her with a smile. 

“Come on Downy... I’ve known ya forever... you know me…” I looked at Downy. 

“Ow that hurts,” Downy complained as she held her head with one hand. 

“Need me to call a doc miz Downy?” Angel asked her. “I got some landinum in the office if you’d like or some burbon if that vould help.” 

“Sure sure some laudinum’d be good,” Downy said. 

“I’ll go get the bottle,” Angel said with a nod and walked into the office as I thanked her. 

Downy, meanwhile, got up staggering and made a hasty escaped at that moment. “Downy wait!” I shouted to her and Wedge smiled as he watched. 

Angel walked back out and said, “Vell I don’t ave cake in town. Juzt cookies.” When she noticed that Downy had gone she said, “Hmm she’z fast.” 

“Gosh darn,” Wedge muttered.

“Well that wasn’t at all suspicious, was it?” I asked sarcastically as Angel put he bottle in her belt. 

“Seemz a bit odd…” Angel said. “Az for the cake… Anyvone got a cart or something?” 

“Well at least I have a plan now. Though it’s always been a plan to get their prints... just hasn’t happened yet. They’ve always been in a group so it’s hard to get any of them on their own.” 

“True,” Wedge said as he greeted Strider who came over. 

“vell that’s my mission now iz to find somevone vith a cart,” Angel said. 

“And my new mission is to get fingerprints of everyone in town,” I announced. 

“That a new science?” Strider asked. 

“Not really. Just challenging to do with a gang of vipers that act like vultures. Anyway... I’m off. I’ve got a lot of work to do.” 

I waved to them and headed off to start planning. 

*** 

A couple hours later, I walked back over to the sheriff’s office and talked to Wedge and Angel about how Kris had been shot again.

“So far ave him for destruction of property and attempted bank robbery and rezisting arrezt,” Angel said then and I looked between them, confused. 

“Someone gonna tell me who’s in jail so I can get their prints and bullets from their gun?” 

“Will iz vat Miz Bree called him. But I do need you to look over a lock for me too.” 

“Will O’Sullivan?” 

“Yha him.” 

“A lock?” I looked at her and walked in with her into the office. She handed me the destroyed lock from the bank and the man’s gun, when I asked for it. 

“Can you tell me vat makes a lock do zis miz Trin?” 

“Lemme get the prints and bullets from the gun first, then we’ll look at the lock,” I said and pulled on my gloves. 

“All hiz stuff iz her eon my desk miz Trin. Go ahead and take a look see if maybe you can figure out vat item he uzed?.” 

I nodded and put my gloves on, taking out my magnifying glass. I looked over the gun for prints and found a set, lifting it with my cloth and coal dust. I took the cloth and put it in the little bag I’d brought along, then got another bag to put the bullets in it, labeling them both with Will O’Sullivan’s name. 

Wedge, Angel, and Bree talked with Dee outside the office who was again bugging about bail times. When Will had paid off his bail and walked out of the jail. 

“Oh hey Angel? Can I have one of his boots?” I asked her eventually. 

“There there vith hiz things. Told him he can have hiz ztuff vonce your done.” 

I smiled and got out a piece of paper, taking a boot and putting it on the paper. The boot print was left behind and I put the piece of paper in another bag with the others. When I was finished, I said, “Alright so you said something about a lock…” I took the lock and investigated it for prints, but found none. “Well he used a tool to open this because there’s no prints on it.” 

“Yha vas demolished ven I got over zer.” 

“Would be nice if we had that tool and I could match the prints.. Otherwise all we’ve got is a broken lock.” 

“Vell iz enough now for your testimony to say the lock vas forced to break,” Angel said. “Couldn’t of happened naturally and all.” 

“Want me to write a statement?”

“Yez pleaze. The lock vas perfict ven I’d done mine patrol. Then he goez over and vas like that. Miz Bree and I both saw him by the bank doorz.” 

“Give me one moment then,” I said with a nod. “OR better yet… Incident report. Actually… Evidence report.” I winked and she nodded with a chuckle as I worked on the report and handed it to her. “How’s that?” 

She nodded approvingly and we walked out of the office where Wedge was talking with Chris Lyric. To me, Angel said, “Danky for you help miz Trin. I’m sure ve vill get zis man in court and he vill be found guilty.” 

“Anytime, Ang. This is gonna become my new home I think,” I said with a grin. 

“Oh yeah?” Wedge smiled. 

“Only place I actually get anything done.” I winked. 

“Hopefully miz Dee dozen’t come testify. She thinks I’m ‘mean and arrest uneessicarly’.” 

I rolled my eyes at that and Angel said, “Next time she interrupts an arrezt with ‘sheriff, you’re mean’, am going to show her vat mean iz.” 

“Chris... have you seen anyone suspicious around Bisbee lately? In the past couple weeks?” I asked him then. 

“I don’t really go to Bisbbe.” 

“Anyone around here asking where me and Thomas live?” 

“Nope.” 

I sighed and explained, “Someone broke into our house. Tore the living room up. Stole the gifts. Left a hat on the table that looks like one of Adrian’s and left a death threat daggered to the cabinet in the kitchen telling me to watch my back or I’ll hang. We’ve been quiet about the other stuff because we don’t want to scare the kids. Said it was just normal Christmas chaos.” 

“Sorry. I went to the Bahamas for a minute…” Chris said as his mind went off somewhere else. 

“Take me with you?” I begged. 

“Umm... I’m back, I think.” 

“Alright, I need to get some rest before this consumes me too much. Thanks for the prints and such, Ang.” 

“And I’m told that I need a vacation,” Wedge said as he stroked his beard. 

“Vas a vacation?” Angel asked. 

“I’ll see you all later.” I waved and headed towards home as they said goodbye. 

December 20, 1900

Venice. 

I walked into the saloon in Venice this afternoon to a room full of people dancing and having a good time. When Pet asked if I was okay I said, “Me? I’m alive.... for now. I received a rather grim note at our house in Bisbee… But I’m trying not to let the fear control me.” 

“Oooh Trin? About?” Pet asked. 

“Someone wants to hang me, Pet.” 

“Why Trin?” 

“WB was traced on the cabinet in blood... in red letters…. Said to watch my back and the hangman’s noose would be tight around my neck.” 

“How do you get that as a death threat? Oooh…” 

“Dear Lord. Not during are Holiday festivities Ms. Trin,” Barbie exclaimed. 

“Yep… Merry Christmas to me, huh? I’m guessing it’s in response to that hanging trial against Steven I won but..” 

“We’ll take care of ya Miss Trin,” Aspen promised. 

“But... I did get some good news this week…” I grinned and held up my hand to show everyone the ring Thomas gave me. 

“Well, it’s about time he got off his butt,” Chris said as congratulations filled the room. 

“He should be on his way soon, I hope,” I said with a wide smile. 

“Congratulations Trin, finally Thomas take the big step,” Angeles said. 

“We been together for five months now. We ain’t into weddings and such, but this shows our commitment to one another.” 

“I’m just happy for ya Trin,” Pet smiled. 

Evey seemed confused and focused on the note I’d received and I told her, “I’ll be okay, hon. I’m a big tough Pinkerton, remember?” 

We talked about how Pet and Bass’ wedding was coming up and had a good time dancing and enjoying each other’s company. We joked about nicknames for each other and it was just nice to let the stress of the world fade for a while, enjoying the Christmas music and festivities. 

Thomas joined us after a while and Angeles congratulated him, as did others. “Congratulations for what? What did I do now?” He asked, looking around in confusion. 

“I showed them our ring, dear.” I grinned and pulled him close to dance with me. “"Hi love. How are you?” 

“Hi my sweet love. I am good. I figured you might be here when I heard all the music,” Thomas told me and held me close. I felt safe and happy in my man’s arms yet again. 

We talked about Holiday plans and I told Thomas that this was the best Christmas ever and we talked about our New Year’s plans. Bass and Pet bantered back and forth about how they had to go to a bake sale but we teased them about going off alone. Chris and Zan went to check on Leo and Angeles started singing, but then said that I was better at it than her and I laughed. 

Near the end of the dance, it was just me and Angeles and our men dancing. Angeles told us she got a Christmas card from Natalie and how it was a beautiful picture. 

“We finally got all four of us together in a room other than at mealtime,” I commented. 

“I missed a Natalie this morning,” Angeles said. 

“She has been sick with some sort of bug... I told her to stay home today. She wasn’t too happy with me.” 

“Yeah I think Jimmy has it too...they both felt poorly,” Thomas said. 

“Danged this time of year… At least they’re not worrying about that note we found..” 

“That really sadly and for this time,” Angeles said. 

“Don’t think they need to know about that.” 

“Oh thank heavens for that,” Thomas nodded. 

“I must be quiet,” Angeles promised. 

“Yeah, I’m worried. I mean... they just came in our house and put it there. What if the kids had been home?” I looked at them. “What if the kids found it? The dagger with that note on that cabinet with the blood… There’s no way to find out who did it. All we can do is wait until they do more.” 

“Better keep that at the office Trin,” Angeles advised. 

“That’s where it is now.” I nodded to her. “Locked away in evidence. Just wish I could have prints to compare it to but... getting those from the wild bunch is impossible.” 

“True fingers prints.” 

“Don’t even think I have any of their fingerprints on file. Gonna have to start drinking with the Wild Bunch,” I said with a sigh. 

“I believed they leave,” Angeles said. 

“The Wild Bunch?” 

“Yes. I was outside town all the week someone told me that last night.” 

“Just watch your back dear… don't get caught alone with them whatever you do,” Thomas advised. 

“I believe Wild Bunch are still hangin’ around. Lot wouldn’t leave that easily. Are you sure they didn’t mean the James brothers?” 

“I just repeat what I hear. Was outside all the week.” 

“They wouldn’t leave a threat and just leave.” I said and looked at Thomas. 

“No, I don’t think so baby. Plus if the Wild Bunch had left town, you can be assured we would know about it,” Thomas said. 

“I don think are the wild bunchs honestly, they advice in your face no by note that for sure,” Angeles said. 

“That’s a good point too... they wouldn’t be subtle enough by leaving a note. Great, now we’re back at square one.” I muttered. 

“They are direct with you.” 

“Maybe that’s why they put it in our kitchen. They put ‘wb’... Steven’s the one I got hanged... I just can’t think of any other explanation other than revenge.” 

Angeles said that she was going to finish up playing music for the day and then said, “I can ask around in mavericks too about someone have desire to revenge... and listen around.” 

“Yeah, that’s my plan. All I can do.” 

I took Thomas’ hand and walked back home with him. 

*** 

Bisbee. 

Tonight I continued to clean up the house and looked over at the Christmas tree, frustrated. The presents had been taken while we’d been out and I couldn’t believe it. They had left a Santa hat on the kitchen table. I kicked at the couch, knowing I hadn’t had time to clean all of it up and told the kids that it was just the busyness of the season, so there were no presents yet. 

I went into the kitchen to look at the top hat again and sighed, not recognizing it. It sort of looked like Adrian’s and I sent him a telegram, hoping he would get it soon. The telegram read: 

“I think we have your hat in our kitchen. It was left behind when some jerks decided to bust into our house in Bisbee and left a death threat on my kitchen cabinet. Looks like the hat you used to wear. Please reply asap and we’ll get it back to you if it is for sure yours. Detective Trin Paige.” 

The door opened and I jumped at the sound. Whirling around, I exhaled when I saw Tom. “You scared me dear... I was just looking over this danged hat again. I think it may have belonged to Adrian so I just sent him a telegram about it. I’ve been cleaning up the living room and trying to figure out when to go get gifts for the kids again.” 

“I don’t know dear. Have you told them what happened?” Tom frowned and shook his head. 

“The kids? I told them that I’ve been doing some cleaning up and that there’s no presents because we just haven’t had time to get them but we will.” 

“Why us Trin? What did we do to deserve this happening to us and the kids? I mean they’re kids! They didn’t do anything.” 

“I don’t know... Why now? So close to Christmas? I just.... I know it happened after that trial... the one I won where Steve got hanged. But he was gonna get hanged either way. I had very little to do with the outcome.” 

“I didn’t find out anything in town. Nobody knows nothing. It’s like talking to that snow out there.” 

“Maybe we should take another trip out there... I want to tell Cole about this... maybe Chris and Zan.. People we trust. They need to have their ears open in case anything comes up.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. I just want this to be the best Christmas for the kids. They deserve it so much, and you do too. I just cant understand why someone would do such a mean thing.” 

“I agree with you... I hate it just as much as you do. I just... I wanna find out who did this. They probably wore gloves ’cause I don’t see any damned fingerprints anywhere.” I glared around angrily. “All I saw was the finger tracing of the WB. And even if I lifted prints from that... I’d have nothing to compare it to.” 

“We could print the whole damn Wild Bunch.” 

“I’d love to... Been trying to do that for almost two years. They’re too smart.” 

“Damn it! I have jurisdiction on this one. I be damned if they are going to get away with it.” 

“I know you do dear... That’s why we’re going to figure it out.” I took his hand and said, “Let’s just... go to bed. I can’t deal with this right now.” 

We walked upstairs and I stopped to look over at our sleeping children, feeling the tears start to fall. Thomas walked over to them and tucked them both in, kissing their cheeks. “I love you both you little angels,” he said to them softly and walked back over to me with tears in his eyes. He was at a loss for words and I pulled him into the bedroom, sitting on the bed as I stared down at the floor. 

“Anyone else’s cases... anyone else’s I can deal with…” I looked down at the floor. 

Thomas unbuckled his gun belt and let it drop to the floor as he sat down beside me. “It’s just not fair to them Trin. They both been through so much. And then you… and now here we are fighting to keep it all together… I could kill someone right now.” 

I felt myself trembling and shaking against him. “I just... I don’t even know what to do anymore. I feel so lost. Like I can’t think. Normally I could just go find witnesses, get statements, and the case would be done. Or I’d match bullets. Or I’d even match fingerprints if I had someone to match to. But now... I’ve got nothin’ except for the fact it was the Wild Bunch. And Ang’s point about it being too subtle for them made me really wonder.” 

“Yeah I know. But we both know the Wild Bunch have new members. Maybe we should ummm, talk to Lot. He likes kids. Maybe if he knew one of his gang was threatening a home where kids lived, he might step in.” 

“I hadn’t even thought about that... maybe he would help but I doubt it. He and I have never gotten along.” 

“All we could do is ask dear. I mean he and I don’t get along too well either. But he knows Jimmy and Natalie. Surely he could see it from their point of view,” Thomas said as he kicked off his boots. 

“You’re right. We’ve got nothing to lose.” 

We climbed into bed and Thomas pulled me close. “We will get this straightened out baby, I promise.” 

“We’d better... I just feel like I’m not even enjoying Christmas. I’m just trying to get through it to survive, and I hate that feeling.” 

“I know baby. But we got to think about the kids. If we let it get us down, then it will ruin it for the kiddos. I couldn’t stand to see them hurt over this.” 

“I know, you’re right. They’ve both been through hell this year... Jimmy’s father getting shot down and killed after coming here to find him.. Natalie finding out the truth about her mother dying while on duty as a dove and her father getting killed by a Pinkerton…” 

Thomas placed a hand on my heart and said, “Trin, I love you  and those kids more than anything in this world. I would do anything to protect you and see that no one hurts either of you.You are my family now, and you always will be.” 

I nodded and kissed his lips softly, longing to just rest in his safety. I set my gun on the nightstand and wrapped my arms around him tightly. 

Thomas lay back with me and pulled the covers over us as the air was turning cold. He snuggled me close and kissed me. “We will make it baby. You and I are strong willed, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done.” 

I nodded and let the tears fall as I lay against his shoulder. “I love you baby... I’m so glad I don’t have to do this alone anymore…” 

“I am here for you dear. I am always here for you, no matter what.” 

We both fell asleep with tears in our eyes, holding each other close. 

December 19, 1900

Tombstone.

I walked down the street and saw Joe sitting in front of the undertaker’s office. “Joe, just who I was hoping to see.” 

“Me? Why?” He asked, looking confused. 

“Have you heard any chatter around Ghenna about me recently?” I asked with a serious expression on my face, stepping closer to him. 

“Nope, I honestly can say I have heard nothing about you.” Joe rubbed his chin and looked at me. “Why?” 

“I got a death threat nailed to the cabinet in my kitchen with a dagger and there was some blood I noticed there with WB traced on the wood. No name left behind. Said the hangman’s noose would be tight ’round my neck. And to watch my back.” 

“And so ya think Ghenna, but up where I am I dint see much folks around.” Joe paused again. “Most folks ignore me unless there bleeding.” 

“I think Wild Bunch, and they hang out in Ghenna,” I said with a sigh. “So I was just wondering if you’d heard talk. But I guess they wouldn’t be stupid to talk about it in public like that. Joe, they were in my house. In Bisbee. We just moved there... Thomas, me, the kids... How did they find out? What if the kids had been home? What if….” I started to panic again and told myself to calm down. 

“Hell, you’re a detective. What the hell you expect? Folks don’t like folks poking in other people’s business. Some might say irresponsible having kids around with a job like yours.” 

I sighed and looked away. “I’m not surprised it’s happening... it’s probably in response to that hanging trial I won against one of their members. I’d just like to know who it is.” 

Joe sighed. “Hell, ya know what this place is like. There are no secrets.” He shook his head and said, “Why I keep myself to myself mostly. Well, guess ya need the law to look into it then, Have ya reported it?” 

“I’ve been lookin’ ’for someone to report it to. Thomas has jurisdiction there, but there’s nothing we can do until we figure out who did it... so that’s my plan now. Not that I have a plan, other than just talkin’ to people right now. At least I know what gang it is.” 

“Well unless it’s another gang trying to get that gang in trouble.” 

“Another good thought. Joe... I’m fine with solving other people’s crimes but... when it’s threats to me and my family I.. my brain turns to mush.” 

“Well you are both basically law, so I guess you had better get used to it.” 

“Yeah, I should. Surprised it doesn’t happen more often than it does, I guess.” 

“Yep.” He took his flask out and drank from it. “Which means ya should watch your kids more.” 

I nodded, knowing that too. “Just wish it wasn’t such a ghost town.” 

“Which one?” Joe laughed with a smile. “Most time I am in Ghenna, it’s very quiet. So why ya leave Pearce?” 

“We thought it would be more central to everything... and with all the gunfights there on payroll day... it didn’t seem safe. Guess we were safer there, huh? We also needed a bigger house for the four of us. and I’ve always loved Bisbee.” 

“Aye my first place was Bisbee.” Joe nodded and chuckled. “Ghenna suits me now. It’s safest town I know.” 

“Mine too. Is where all the major life events happen... Is where I sing… Is between my two offices…” 

“Yep not heard ya sing for a while.” 

“It’s been going well. Lots of people are starting to come out. Been doing Christmas songs the last few weeks.” 

“Hate Christmas,” Joe said and muttered. 

“Of course you do.” 

“Well season of hypocrisy. Folks can enjoy if they wish but I’ll stick with doing things my way.” 

“How are things with you and Bianca?” I sighed, hoping to change the subject. 

“Oh things are fine. She has put up a tree. I have modified it a little,” he said with a grin. 

“I’ll bet you did.” I chuckled. 

“Has a skull instead of a star on top and two of my ravens.” 

“Not surprised. Bet she loves that.” 

“It’s a compromise, but things are going well so far. She even puts up with me drunk, not many would. You’re settled down well now, so that’s good.” 

“Yeah... took me long enough but I think this one’s actually gonna stick around... It’s already hit a record... No man has ever stayed around this long.” 

“Well I hope so, you deserve it.” 

“Thanks Joe, that means a lot. Comin’ from you.” I winked at him. 

“Maybe I am not the best there.” Joe laughed. 

“Well... you were the last man I kissed before I met Thomas…” I blushed a bit. “But it wasn’t meant to be.” 

“Yeah I know, and your happy now, and ya always have a drunken friend.” 

“And you’re happy now too.” I smiled. “Well... as happy as Joe Vyper can be.” 

“Well if I drink, I dint remember whether happy or sad, so it’s a good balance.” 

“I know how you feel. Soon as I got that note... we went to Annie’s and announced to them about it.. then danced and drank ’till we forgot about it.” 

“Hell must be bad, I have never resorted to Annie’s.” 

“Well I was there with Thomas so it wasn’t for the girls... or the men... it was just to escape a while. We hadn’t been dancing together for a while so it was long overdue.” 

“Not sure when I had a dance last.” Joe checked his watch and stood. “I need to head out. Was good to see ya, Trin, and stay safe.” 

He headed home and I walked over to the office to get some paperwork done.