Amiville.
This morning I walked over to the saloon and printed the second edition of the newspaper. I set the pile of newspapers down on the porch and wandered inside to get a coffee. I greeted those who were in the saloon and announced that the next edition had been released. People gathered their copies of the newspaper and commented on how good it looked.
“I just hope I don't get killed over it... I didn't put anything in about this weekend. But I'm sure they'll be mad I didn't say anything. But this seemed to be the safest way, without putting other people's lives at risk.” I sighed and then said, “I should tell you folks... The office has been relocated for the paper. It was no longer safe for me to stay in Amiville twenty-four seven, so I’ve moved.”
“Why Miss Trin, my warmest congratulations!” Fritha exclaimed.
“But will still be around plenty, during the day probably.”
“Where is your new office, Trin?” Lil asked.
“I can’t disclose that information, Lil,” I said, looking at Fritha with confusion at the congratulations. “I’m safe, that’s all that matters right now.”
“On your newspaper I mean,” Fritha explained when she saw my confusion.
“Sorry Fritha, thank you,” I chuckled. “I’ve been a bit distracted all day...”
“Howdy Trin,” Will tipped his hat to me.
“Hey Will... Thanks for keeping us safe last night. I owe you. Who knows what they would’ve done if we’d stayed there a few minutes longer...”
“Glad to be of service Trin. It’s what I do,” he smiled.
“Guess I can go in and get a drink now, huh?” I smiled back and headed into the saloon.
Everyone commended me on such a fine newspaper and Gramps handed me a mug of coffee. I talked with Gramps about not feeling safe living in town and he agreed it was probably smart. We talked about everything that had happened in the past while since we hadn’t talked much lately.
“William, could we talk outside for a moment?” I asked eventually, setting the mug on the counter.
“Sure thing, Trin.”
We walked outside and sat on the bench beside each other. “What’s on your mind, Trin?” he asked.
“Will... I know you’re a deputy over in Colorado...”
“For now Trin. I’m getting some paperwork put in, switching departments.”
“Are you?”
“Been made a temporary marshal until then.”
“For here?”
“Yep. Those outlaws better watch out I reckon.”
“Oh good... I was going to suggest it...”
“I bet you were, miss,” he chuckled.
“Bravo is thinkin’ about resigning. If he hasn’t already... and I just... I was hoping you would be here still to keep things safe when he’s not around, you know?”
“Resign? Why resign? There’s not enough law over here as is.”
“I know, that’s what I tried to tell him, but he’s tired, Will.”
“Tired? From what?”
“All the shooting... every day it seems there’s somethin’ else. I just.. I’m worried. I heard Crows stepped down too. Who knows who else will be after this weekend...”
“Tell him there won’t be any more shootings once we get this under control.”
“Surprised Chels and Kitty are sticking it out to be honest...”
“Amiville needs to remember that we are law, him and I, the marshals... Some reformin’ is what we need.”
“Will I... I’m scared. I know they’re not going to be happy with me for not putting anything in the paper. They’re already gunning for me.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “But what matters is that you’re safe. You’ve moved. They wont hurt you there. I can put a word in, investigate the matter...we can put those thugs behind bars and have em hang.”
“Oh Will, it was just awful... Being in that cave... Knowing I couldn’t do anything to save Chels and Kitty. And then that posse goes out and most of them get shot and taken in...”
Will put a reassuring arm around me and said, “You’re safe now, Trin. They can’t hurt you now.”
I cried on his shoulder and then eventually said, “Guess I should start heading home... I’ll see you tomorrow at the saloon for my gig?”
Will nodded and tipped his hat, “Sure, if I’m around.”
I said goodbye and headed on to begin the long walk to my new home.
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