Nebraska.
I was sitting in front of my house this morning and saw Adder coming over. I stood and run over to him, excited. “Adder! It’s so good to see you!”
“Howdy Trin. Good to see you too! Hows life out here?”
“Life’s good! Just getting settled in. You like my place? “
“Aye it looks great!”
“Hawk’s village is just right around the corner.”
“Thats handy,” he nodded.
“Want to take a look around, Adder?”
“Aye can do,” he nodded and I led him inside. I showed him around the house and then we walked around town. We found a horse that was somewhat spooked and I helped to calm her down for the girl next to it. The horse sniffed at Adder’s hat and we fed them, insisting that we couldn’t force horses to go anywhere if they wanted to stay free. We calmed them down and then rode them around the town. Adder headed home and I walked back towards my house.
An hour later I saw a man walk over and went to meet him. “Hello Sir. I’m looking for the sheriff...”
“That’s me. And who are you?”
“Trin Paige, Private Investigator. I used to be a detective in Amiville, with Sheriff Callaghan and Deputy Sheriff Taurus.”
“What exactly is a Private Investigator?”
“I haven’t done much with it to be honest... but when I left Amiville I got restless so I just started to help people that had problems around town. Sometimes people don’t want to go straight to the law, but I’ve had direct experience and know people who could solve issues. But since coming here... I’ve been restless and need to do some kind of work again.”
“Oh. What kind of issues?”
“I love investigating cases, figuring out things from all angles. Kind of a consultant, if you will. I’m a writer... so I tend to look at the big picture.”
“Well it is quite relaxed around here.”
“There have been some attacks on my friend’s village in Kansas East.”
“Yes I heard.”
“It’s been repeating and I’m worried. Buu and Turner... Jolene... Some other people I haven’t had names of yet.”
“Who is this Buu and Turner?”
“I’ve known Buu a long time... from Amiville. I’ve met Turner in passing, but don’t know him well. Also from Amiville.”
“And what do they do?”
“They came to the village the other night and Jolene told Hawk that she wanted Sasha for the evening, to mess with her I’d guess. Sasha seemed terrified when she told me. Buu just told Hawk that if he sold Sasha to them they’d be on their way. Hawk calmly asked them to leave and they did. But then they came back.”
“So they’re outlaws?”
“They told Sasha to take the children into her home and then the shooting started. Several injured, their medical supplies are strapped. This is happening repeatedly, Sir. I asked Sasha if this could be a targeted attack on Hawk... But Sasha seems to think they’re just bored.”
“Did you contact the Kansas East Law?”
“I wasn’t aware there was anyone in Kansas East law. Hawk told me that tribes defend themselves.”
“I would not believe there is not.”
“Do you know of law I’m not aware of?”
“Well generally the indians do yes. You’re speaking of Screaming Hawk?”
“The chief of the cheyenne tribe. I just know him as Hawk.”
“Yes I know him.”
“I’ve known him a long time. He is a dear friend and mentor. I’m just afraid for them...”
“So what do you plan to do?”
“Well my first plan was talk to you about it. I hadn’t thought much past that.”
“A Nebraska West Lawman don’t have jurisdiction in that area.”
“I understand but I thought maybe if you knew who the law was in Kansas...” I nodded.
“Well you can always contact the Marshal.”
“Which marshal would that be? Charles?”
“Correct.”
“I’ve met him but haven’t been able to find him since that first meeting. I just thought maybe you could help me with law in Kansas.. Hawk’s tribe doesn’t seem to want to go to the law but they can’t keep fighting them on their own.”
“Well I do know a few of the government officials over there.”
“I’m sorry if I seem forward, Sir.. I’m just concerned. And I know that there’s only you and Charles as law out here... So I want to help... somehow...”
“No I’m not quite sure what I can do right now as they’re people I would have to consult.”
“Well let me talk with Charles and some town people.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“And if you’re around later today we’ll talk some more.”
“Okay. I should be. Thank you... Sheriff...” I swallowed, nervous. “I’m scared for them...”
“Your welcome ma’am.”
“Trin Paige,” I stepped forward and shook his hand.
“See you later ma’am.”
“It’s good to finally meet you, Sir. Thank you for your help. I’m going to head over to Hawk’s village and see how things are over there.”
“Okay.”
“Will be in touch,” I nodded to him and walked away.
I rode over to the Cheyenne village but no one was there. When I came back, Red was standing in front of my house. “Hey there. Haven’t seen you in a couple of days.”
“Sorry been busy,” he laughed.
“I’ve missed you,” I nodded.
He held me in his arms and said, “As I miss you.”
“It’s been an interesting day,” I hugged him tightly and didn’t let go for a bit, nervous about telling him about what happened at Hawk’s village.
“Shall we go inside?”
“I may need your help with something.”
“Oh?”
“Let’s go inside,” I said, leading him into the house. “How do you like the furniture?”
“I like it.”
“My office is in that room there. Bedroom is set up upstairs.”
“Is somethin’ the matter?” he looked at me and I nodded as we sat down on the couch. “What happened?”
“Hawk’s village was attacked the other night... Twice.. Sasha told me about it yesterday.”
“I seen the damage,” he sighed. “This needs to stop.”
“Buu and Turner just went in... It’s worse, Red,” I looked at him. “Jolene wanted Hawk to give Sasha to her...”
“Why?”
“Buu said that if Hawk sold Sasha to them they’d be on their way. I don’t know but when Sasha told me, she was terrified. She said they let her take the children into her home.. Then the fighting started. I don’t like this... darling...” I tried the nickname out for the first time.
“I know, so am I...” he sighed and sat down beside me.
“I feel safer with you here.. Something needs to be done, Red.”
“I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
“I spoke with Brent... The sheriff here in Nebraska. He said he’d talk to the marshal as he doesn’t really have jurisdiction in Kansas.”
“I know.”
“He said I should find the law in Kansas and talk to them but I wasn’t aware Kansas had law.”
“No, Kansas doesn’t have one.”
“Didn’t think so,” I shook my head. “Brent seemed pretty sure they do.” I reached over to hold his hand and he held me in his arms. “I’m trying, Red.... But there’s only so much I can do... I can talk to the law and get the right people in place, but when there’s only one local law and one marshal...”
“I know.”
“Though Dom did say you were willing to help them..?”
“Yes, but he was never able to give me title as marshal.”
“Why not?”
“No clue.”
“What do we do now? Should we talk to Dom?” I looked at him.
“Gracie. She would know.”
“Where would we find her?”
“Her house, probably.”
I leaned against Red’s shoulder, feeling confused and nervous. Before long there was a knock on the door and I went to answer it. “Who’s there?”
“Sheriff,” he said and I opened the door for Brent. “Hello.”
“Come on in, Sheriff. I was just telling Red about what has been happening.”
“Wow a native in a monkey suit. Hey Brent,” Red laughed.
I put a hand on Red’s arm and whispered, “Be nice. Any developments, Sheriff?” I looked at him.
“I am,” Red laughed. “I know Brent.”
“I was at a meeting with the Mayor,” Brent said.
“Oh were you?”
“If you are interested we can take you both on.”
“Oh, what’s going on, Brent?” Red asked.
“Trin I’d like to try to develop some kind of role for you.”
“Perhaps detective again?”
“Earliest woman where Matrons and stuff of the law they investigated Missing People. They kept the records. Well they would be a matron which would oversee missing people cases they searched for them. So Red if you still interested you can be a deputy. And Trin we’ll continue to work on your role and title. Now mind you it will be your duty too protect the town and its people Without regard for your own safety,” Brent looked between us.
“No worries,” Red nodded.
“See in Amiville... as detective I just followed the law around and helped them with the investigative part, not as much the shooting and arresting part. I was more in the background. But helped them solve who was behind the crimes and I kept all records of case files. So basically was like secretary. Would that work, Brent?”
“In this town there is no shooting of children or animals,” Brent explained and nodded to me. “Sure would.”
“I just called myself a detective or investigator. Seemed more clear. I didn’t carry a gun or a badge. I let them do the talking and I just listened and deciphered.”
“Okay, that will work.”
“Because as a woman, I wouldn’t be as vocal anyway when they were interviewing. So they asked the questions. I was just an extra set of eyes and ears.”
“Alright I will than see you around in town.”
I showed him my office and he was pleased with the set up. I was thrilled to be in business as a detective officially and hoped that I could help solve the problem of the attacks on Native villages.
Later in the morning I saw Angelo walking over and greeted him. “Angelo, how are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“Just out for a walk?” I looked over at him, still curious about what he was up to yesterday. “How’d things go yesterday with your search with Viper?”
“I didn’t see Viper anymore after I left here.”
“Oh I see... Did you see who you were going after?”
“No, I didn’t find them... but I will.”
I nodded, believing he could do it. “Ever think of becoming a bounty hunter?”
“I talked to Jakob today,” Angelo smiled. “He said the same.”
“Have the feeling you’d be good at that job. Haven’t heard from Jake or Chels since I moved. Guess they don’t miss me much.”
“Aww.”
“Life goes on,” I shrugged.
“It does.”
“I’m happier here.”
“Well that’s all that matters then,” he smiled. “Looks like we are neighbors now.”
“Right, you said you live in Kansas.”
“Yep. The house on the other side of the bridge. You can’t miss.”
“I’ll have to stop by sometime.”
“Sure. I’m not sure how long we will live there though. We have another one too that we kind alike better.”
“There are an awful lot of horses riding around here. I fell in love with this place. Was the last house he showed me..”
“Yes, it is nice,” he looked around.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better location either. I just wish there was a better saloon here... A gathering place for people. Is there one in Kansas?”
“I’m not sure. Not much in Kansas.”
“There is a building over there I think he intends to make a saloon. Things are still developing here I s’pose but it has potential.”
“It sure has,” Angelo nodded.
I saw Red walk out of the house then and smiled. “Hello darling. This here’s my friend Angelo.”
He waved and Angelo nodded and I introduced, “Angelo... This is Red. My... well... what exactly are we, dear?”
“Hmm? What ya mean?”
“We courting? Together? We haven’t really been on a date yet...” I chuckled and then waved at the woman passing by. “Helena!”
“Well maybe it’s time to do something about it then,” Angelo grinned at Red.
“Great to see you again!”
“Hmm dunno... I say courting,” Red laughed.
“Oh hello Trin!” Helena walked over to us.
“It’s been forever, Helena. How are you?” I smiled and the others greeted her.
“Oh I’m well thank you how are you?”
“Doing well, I reckon,” I winked at her, holding Red’s hand. “It’s been a long time since we talked...”
“I can see,” she smiled coyly. “Yes, indeed. Please introduce us,” she said as Angelo headed towards home.
“I saw Romey in Amiville a while back. Oh of course, I’m sorry. This is Red... We’ve been... well.. We just started courting.”
“Oh Romey was with me most of yesterday,” she said.
“He said he’d moved out? Into the house of this man that had been hanged... Said it was his playhouse.”
“Moved out of where?”
“Perhaps he was making up stories...” I said and she giggled. “I asked if he was still living with you and Marsh.”
“I have not been with Marsh for months.”
“Oh really?”
“Oh my, girl... where have you been?”
“Apparently not informed. Would you like to come inside with us?” I offered but then Red received a package and went to take care of it.
“I’ve been living alone over in Cripple Creek.”
“Oh have you?”
“Same place as my good friends Domm and Teq.”
“I see,” I nodded.
“Yes been a single girl since August.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. You and Marsh seemed so happy.”
“Thank you. So who is your new man?”
“Well... You first. What happened?”
“With Marsh and I?”
“If you want to tell me. If not, that’s okay.”
“It’s ok ...we just drifted apart then he sold up and left town.”
“I’m sorry...”
“It’s okay,” she looked sad.
“I don’t want to talk about my happiness if you’re so sad, Helena..”
“Oh my it was so long ago I’m not unhappy anymore.”
Red walked back out and was wearing an outfit he’d gotten in the mail. It was a pants and jacket suit that he was probably going to wear while on duty in Nebraska. “Wow, you look different...” I blinked.
“Very dashing, sir,” Helena looked at him.
“Thank ya,” Red smiled.
“Well... the story with me and Red.. It’s short, as it only started a couple of days ago. Actually that’s not true is it dear? I met you back in Colorado Springs...” I looked at him.
“Oh a whirlwind romance!”
“He came looking for the clinic to be a healer I guess but the doctor wasn’t in. I came to Hawk’s village the other night... he and DD both thought that I should hook up with this man named Red... DD is a little five year old who’s so adorable.”
“Sounds it!” she laughed.
“Anyway... I ran into Red again that day and told him that we were being set up. He seemed enamored with the idea and well, here we are.” I looked at him and asked, “Did I miss anything out?”
“Nope,” he laughed.
“We haven’t even been on our first date yet. Just been getting to know one another.”
“Well Red you better take her out,” Helena stood with her hands on her hips. “Well hope you have fun. I’ll leave you two love birds alone. See you later.”
“It was so good to see you Helena.”
“You too,” she said and as she walked out the door, I watched Red walk upstairs.
“Where you goin, darlin?” I asked Red.
“Up here, hun.”
“That a hint?”
“Mmhmm.”
I walked upstairs and he pulled me down on the bed. “This your idea of a first date?” I asked with a chuckle.
“Maybe....” he grinned sheepishly.
“Ball’s in your court, darlin. I’m just following your lead,” I said as he took my hand.
A while later, I sat in front of my house and Quiet signed that she was going to find equipment for the clinic. There was another woman standing with her. “Don’t believe we’ve met yet, Miss. Detective Trin Paige,” I held out my hand to her.
“I am Judge Luyu Woodside, Quiet and Dom’s daughter,” she introduced herself.
“What does this chap of yours do Trin?” Helena asked as she stood nearby.
“He’s a member of Hawk’s Cheyenne tribe... But Brent is talking him into being a Deupty here in town.”
“Oh gosh, he did not look Native,” Helena blushed.
“Oh, he’s a native. Very protective. Just what I need.”
“Brent from Cripple Creek?”
“I don’t know? I just met him this morning.”
“What is wrong with Brent? We are dating,” Luyu blushed a bit.
“Oh are you Luyu?”
“Well hope he makes you happy and takes care of you,” Helena said to me and then looked at Luyu.
“Nothing wrong with him, was just wondering if it was the same one from Cripple Creek.”
“I hope so too,” I smiled. “You said you were a judge, Luyu?”
“Yes I am... and in Cripple Creek as well.”
“I just became a detective this afternoon. Again. I was a detective back in Amiville...”
“I don’t go to Amiville. That town isn’t real,” Luyu said.
“Neither do I now,” I looked down.
“I went there an hour ago and got punched,” Helena giggled. “You are not missing much.”
“Sorry I brought it up. Luyu, do you know of his plans for the saloon around here?”
“Well it is full of snobs and it isn’t even a real town,” Luyu muttered. “There is no such thing as Amiville.”
“Oh have you experienced troubles there?” Helena asked. “Not been in a while. First time today.”
“I used to go there for a couple of years... till I found a better town.”
“I lived there once,” Helena said.
I looked around nervously, wishing I hadn’t brought up the subject. “Helena, how far is Cripple Creek from here?”
“It is a long way,” Luyu replied.
“Okay where’s the nearest saloon? I need a drink.”
Quiet and Dom came over and I told them about becoming a detective. We went to the saloon for a drink and talked about how I needed to talk with Charles soon. We talked about our families and played with the animals that came over.
“So what’s up with you today daughter?” Dom asked after a while.
“I’m taking a rest. Tomorrow I have a hearing.”
“Ahh okay,” Dom nodded.
“And I have to order Tessa for evaluation.”
“What’s the hearing for, Luyu?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t know what else to do, daddy. I have tried threatening her with hanging,” Luyu said. “Yet she keeps doing stupid stuff.”
“Not that I have heard of,” Dom said.
“Well she robbed me. Me, of all people, daddy! At gun point!” she said and I gasped. “She caught Cripple Creek on fire and she tried to blow up Clif that one time... And Zakk... Then she tried to say she had brain surgery the day before court... but how she could have had that and walk the next day?”
“I’ve known Tessa a long time...” I said then. “Since I first moved to Amiville. I never trusted her.”
“I have too... she is my sister.”
I pet the dog beside me and looked at her. “Your... Sister? I thought one of her sisters passed away?”
“You see dad? She needs help! Lil is keeping her daughter.”
“She’s held me at gunpoint before too,” I mentioned.
“I don’t know what else to do. You have any ideas of what to do daddy?”
“How long ago was all of this?” Dom asked.
“Two weeks ago... and three weeks ago... and a year ago... She keeps the same cycle.”
“She held me up at gunpoint in August...” I put in. “She thought she heard me say that the law didn’t care about unholstered guns in town... But I’d corrected myself and said I meant to say that they did care. She held out a gun at me and everyone around us held out theirs on her.”
“She has lost her mind,” Luyu said.
“I don’t know what to tell you. This is the first I have heard of any of this,” Dom said. “And I get all the reports.”
“Daddy... She is running with the five horsemen,” Luyu pointed out.
“I assumed as much, Luyu.”
“And with Alesios’ Wild Bunch.”
“I assumed as much on that point too. I’ve never trusted her. Then I move here, and she randomly showed up on my doorstep.”
“I don’t know what else to do,” Luyu sighed.
“Try talking to her,” Dom suggested.
“She’s constantly tried to get in my way when I was doing my job in Amiville. Stepped in where she didn’t belong.”
“Well I know having her baby last month has changed her,” Dom pointed out.
“She was like that before the baby... Daddy you have not been around.”
“The baby which she took around with her in potentially dangerous situations,” I reminded him.
“She tried to blow the entire town of Amiville up,” Luyu said. “I had her taken away. She is now with Lil. Would you mind to come and testify in court tomorrow?”
I named the dog Misty and then Red came into the saloon and I introduced him to my dog Misty. “Red... I was wondering if we could talk alone...” I started hesitantly.
“Sure,” he nodded.
“See you all later. Dom, keep me posted on what happens with Tessa,” I requested.
“Will try to.”
Red and I walked over to my house and he looked at me when we were alone. “So what is it, hun?”
“Well... as much as I want to be with someone right now... It feels I’ve maybe forced this on you rather quickly...”
“I understand..Maybe we will meet someday,” he nodded.
“I don’t want to force you into anything... and it looks like things are going to get busy around here... Can we be close friends and see what happens? I don’t want to rush anything.”
“Not a problem,” he nodded.
“I’m sorry this was kind of blindsided on you, Red.”
“Take care of yaself and safe paths,” he said and walked out of the house.
I watched him walk out and knelt down to pet my new dog that I had named Misty. “I’m glad you’re here, Misty,” I said to her and she licked my hand as I sadly rubbed her. After a while I went on a walk with Misty and found her some food, then headed back to town.
In the evening, Dom showed me the new saloon and then I asked Luyu if she wanted me to give her a statement for Tessa’s case tomorrow in case I couldn’t be there in person. We went to my office and then Brent walked in. I gave him transcripts from that afternoon so that we were all on the same page.
“It is a long time ago, but it helps in building the case against Tessa,” I said.
“Alright so how do you know the defendant, Tessa Danube?” Brent started.
I chuckled, wondering how to answer that question professionally. “Well we met back in June... A very long time ago obviously but... I was inside Dutch Solo’s house, after just having investigated his ‘murder’ only to find out the town had been mistaken, and it wasn’t him that was killed but his triplet brother... Anyway... Tessa randomly showed up at the house, as far as I know she only knew one of the women that lived there and was there at the time. But the woman let her in and she just came in and asked questions and continued on as Dutch tried to explain the story. Anyway, that’s how we met.”
“Who did she know?”
“I believe at the time it was Corri Beaumont, but I’m not sure if she still goes by that name or not. Doesn’t really matter... The point is that she just constantly asked questions about things that he was just about to explain.”
“She still does.”
“And she did this every time I interacted with her around town.”
“She lives in Cripple Creek now.”
“There was a man who was giving medication to patients... We had no idea who he was, but we were trying to get his identity. Well I was talking to him on the streets, trying to get information, but Tessa kept asking questions. Making the man so frustrated with all the questions that he just left.”
“And where did this take place.”
“I still to this day have no idea who he was. Oh, this was all in Amiville. But that transcript I gave you... happened a month or two before the doctor incident. Where she pulled a gun on me. To prove a point which I hadn’t actually argued, but she’d misheard and didn’t hear me correct myself.”
“Well I can tell you this. She plays that card a lot, where she says she misunderstands or didn’t know... when she knew damn well...” Luyu muttered.
“Well this evidence just acknowledges that she is a trouble maker but It doesn’t make her guilty which appears to be just hearsay,” Brent said.
“It is all hearsay, yes. I have no proof of any of this, just telling you my experiences with her.”
“It would not hold in court,” Brent complained.
“Brent... when you have a witness to a crime, it isn’t hearsay,” Luyu pointed out.
“Then she randomly shows up on my doorstep this afternoon...”
“It would hold some with her mind frame,” Brent said.
“The woman pulled a gun on me,” I said.
“And it is my point exactly. She won’t stop.”
“To prove that law didn’t take unholstered guns in town lightly. Whether I’d made the opposing point or not, that seems a tad unstable.”
“And who was the Sheriff on scene?”
I tried to remember if there was a sheriff at the time and stood and went to my cabinet. looking through my files for the transcript.
“Did she actually ever fire the weapon or did she just draw down?” Brent asked.
“Well she robbed me.”
“No, she just held it out at me. “But unholstered weapons is a crime in Amiville.”
“And didn’t fire it at me, just at you,” Luyu chuckled, looking at Brent.
“Yes I remember that incident,” he nodded. “And to my knowledge she is in hiding.”
“That is how we met,” Luyu chuckled.
“Nobody knows where she is,” Brent said.
“She was at the dance tonight,” Luyu said.
“I’ve got about three guesses,” I chuckled.
“Next door to us,” Luyu chuckled.
“Did you hear some credible person actually call her Tessa?” Brent asked.
“Yes I did. Tequila, Helena... Everyone said ‘Hi Tessa’,” Luyu said.
“Yes, Brent... several in the saloon acknowledged her as Tessa in Amiville all the time,” I said. “You know where my other guess is, Luyu,” I looked at her.
“Well than we could have picked her up if you remember what she was wearing,” Brent said.
“The fort. Or the gang’s hangout,” Luyu nodded.
“Wherever they’re hanging out now,” I looked at Brent.
“Alesio is still in Texas,” Luyu said.
“Perhaps we should just wait until she does something stupid again and then pounce? Then we’ll both be current witnesses?”
“I’m having her committed next week,” Luyu said.
“Well for the crimes she committed at Amiville she has to be taken in front of a court there or be transferred there,” Brent said.
“I have no choice,” Luyu said.
“Next week, Luyu... She could do anything by then.”
“Tomorrow is when I order her to go in for evaluation in the hospital, and she has to stay there.”
I thought to myself that I couldn’t wait to hear the results and said, “She’ll find a way to get out.”
“We can use the evidence of her background as a stepping stone to her affiliation with crime,” Brent said.
“Is my very plan, honey,” Luyu looked at him.
“Sheriff it’s a known fact that she runs with outlaws. Isn’t that affiliation enough?”
“No, I’m afraid it isn’t. I tried to have her hung.”
“You can’t arrest till you have proof of a crime which she committed at the place of Jurisdiction. For example, I don’t have jurisdiction in Amiville, so you have to talk to their sheriff,” Brent explained.
“And we have no proof , just hearsay...” I nodded, thinking this was all too familiar.
“She is good at playing a victim,” Luyu said.
“You can’t arrest someone for being in bad company only if they commit a crime,” Brent said.
“I know that...” I nodded. “I wasn’t wanting to arrest her right this second. Luyu asked me about my experience with her. So that’s what I’m telling you about now.”
“I’m going to use this in court,” Luyu promised. “And pass it onto the DA.”
“The woman frustrates me and scares me. I know who she runs with.” And he scares the hell out of me too,” I swallowed and looks down, shaking my head. “Sorry, the language.”
“Your testimony of who she is can be used but at the end of the day does not make her guilty of a crime what makes her guilty is actual proof of a crime,” Brent said.
“She was found guilty of robbing me,” Luyu said. “That is why we are going to court.”
I held out and said, “There you go. There’s your case.”
“She is in hiding though and until we find her there nothing we can do,” Brent said.
“And she is coming in for me to order her to go see Jared’s wife,” Luyu said. “Which in turn will evaluate her.”
“Who cares about all the circumstantial stuff,” I said. “All her past, our interactions with her... It’s only background information, Sheriff. The crime on the table is that she robbed your wife.”
“We can use bits of pieces but we still have to find her till we can do anything,” Brent grinned.
“Well I think something needs to be done, Brent,” Luyu insisted.
“I agree, Luyu. She’s not safe,” I said.
“She was at the party,” Luyu said.
“Who was she there with, Luyu?”
“Herself,” Luyu said.
“Sorry Brent,” I said, not meaning to overstep his position.
“She came in and lay down and closed her eyes,” Luyu said.
“I have a warrant for her arrest till she apprehended we can’t do anything as she has been already found guilty,” Brent said.
“She escaped from the hanging. She was supposed to be hung,” Luyu said and I looked at her with surprise. “She escaped.”
“You can’t charge someone for the same crime. She gonna hang regardless,” Brent said.
“No she isn’t. She plead down so she could be committed.”
“Did you agree to it?” Brent asked and I looked between them, staying quiet.
“Yes. I had no choice.”
“Well than when we bring her in we than can process her for more crimes. But in the end all she gonna get is many years in prison.”
“Resisting arrest... Unholstering a weapon in town against Luyu...” I tried to remember the list of charges from memory. “Harassment..”
“Assault with a deadly weapon to Brent,” Luyu added.
“But she was already convicted,” Brent reminded.
“But she has not served her time.”
“So then we just need to find her and get it done,” I said.
“She escaped.”
“We have to find her than she comes and does her time,” Brent told her. “Plus the escape charges.”
“We can’t sit on this either,” I warned.
“Jared is going to arrest her soon,” Luyu insisted.
“I’ve not met Jared. What does he do?” I looked at them. “Deputy? Marshal?”
“He is the Marshal,” Luyu answered.
“So how do we go about finding her then? Or is Jared out looking now?”
“We always on the outlook for her,” Brent said.
“She is at the party,” Luyu said.
“But not every time we see her is a convenient time to pick her up,” Brent said. “You have to remember she has friends.”
“Very dangerous friends,” I nodded.
“But she is all alone,” Luyu said. “Right now. So is perfect time.”
“It doesn’t matter, Luyu,” I sighed. “She’d find a way. To tell them,” I sighed.
“Well then we go pick her up,” Brent said.
“Well I know that from my past,” Luyu said. “But if there is no one there, they can’t break her out.”
“She’d have to be heavily guarded then,” I rubbed my scar idly.
“Will be fine,” Brent promised.
Luyu looked at me and asked, “What happened, if I may ask?”
“What happened, if I may ask?” Luyu looked at my wrist.
“Bill is what happened,” I said and she rolled her eyes. “That same month, in fact. In August. But the scar is still there. A constant reminder for me to watch my back. And that he doesn’t take things lightly. When we don’t pay attention to him.”
“I’m not afraid of Bill. I know his weakness.”
“He is scared of kids,” Luyu said. “Seriously.”
“Really?” I looked at her.
“Yes.”
“I had no idea.”
“Well Trin, I thank you for your time and will get this evidence to the D.A. but it than at her disposal,” Brent said.
“Okay Brent. No problem,” I stood with him.
“Keep in mind you may have to come in,” Brent said. “And you may be cross examined.”
“Get a child near him. Have them pick on him,” Luyu advised. “And see what happens. He cowers.”
“I would love to see that, Luyu,” I sighed but nodded. “Brent... If they’re... If Bill’s gang is there, any of them, in support of Tessa...”
“She doesn’t have anyone to defend her,” Luyu said.
“They have lawyers,” I nodded.
“I am well-guarded at the time,” Luyu promised. “So you will be too.”
“If they not there she at the mercy of a lawyer and a court,” Brent said.
“I will not be in the same room as any of them,” I insisted, looking at Luyu for help, the fear obvious on my face.
“She never has one. Never. Is fine,” Luyu said to me. “You can sit in my chambers. No one can get in there but me. There is nothing to fear, Trin.”
“Luyu...” I said as Brent left the office. “I mean it. I won’t be in the same room with them. I’ll give you a written statement, whatever you need. But I can’t..”
“You can be in my chambers. It is always locked and they can’t get to you, okay?” she asked and I felt my heart beating faster.
Brent came back in and looked to Luyu. “Let’s not keep the Marshal waiting.”
“Carry on,” I said and sat back on my couch, frustrated with the situation. I leaned forward, looking at the floor. I didn’t want to face any member of that gang again and wished I didn’t have to live in constant fear of the man who caused lack of sleep for many nights. I felt restless and wanted to see if the saloon was open yet so I stood and walked outside.
I saw the group standing outside and tried to wipe the emotion off my face, smiling weakly. “Charles, good to see you again.”
“Trin you have nothing to worry about. They will not be there,” Luyu promised. “Trust me.”
Charles smiled at me and said, “Hello Miss Paige, looking lovely as usual.”
“I hope you’re right,” I said to her and smiled back at Charles. “Thank you, Charles. You’re looking well yourself.”
“Well Luyu I believe we have someone to pick up,” Brent said then.
“Charles... Shall we go see if that new saloon is open yet?” I asked, looking at him.
“Why not...I need a bit of whiskey,” Charles nodded and we headed into the saloon. The door was locked though and he said, “Well I do have some liquor in my apartment.”
“Oh do you? I’m listening.”
“Its not much, just a little bit of whiskey, a bit of rum. Nothing much,” he pointed to the staircase leading above the clinic, “There is my apartment and little office.”
“Works for me,” I said and we walked upstairs, where he went to get some whiskey for both of us and sat on his chair as I sat on the couch.
After a while of silence he finally looked over at me and asked, “Is there something wrong, or something u want to tell me?”
I looked at him and said, “Just the past has been haunting me quite a bit today... I thought I was done with it but apparently it’s followed me.”
“Why whats wrong?”
“This whole case with Tessa, I’m sure you’ve heard about it.. In some form or another...”
“No not really,” He shook his head.
“That’s who Luyu and Brent were going to pick up I believe. She’d robbed Luyu and held a gun on her. Not sure how long ago.. But Luyu is having her examined at the clinic for mental instability tomorrow. She apparently escaped a hanging... The thing is... I’ve known her a very long time... and I know the gang she runs with all too well,” I traced my scar and he nodded slowly. “I won’t be in the same room with them again, Charles.. I’ve lost too many nights’ sleep from that one night... I couldn’t bear crossing paths with them again... Not after what Bill did in Amiville.... If any of them are in that courtroom...” I looked around in fear, expecting them to come around the corner.
“Bill? I dont know a Bill....its been a while since I have returned to the West.”
“You don’t know Buckshot Bill?” I trembled, just from saying his name.
“Oh...him, yea folks told me to watch out for him when I arrived back in Amiville. Most folks remember me as Deputy Sheriff for Amiville a while back so...”
“Really? I lived in Amiville from June till about... October. I ran the newspaper and was a detective there. Also worked in the saloon for a time,” I said, grateful for the somewhat segue of topic.
Charles scratched his beard and said, “Hmmm lets see....I left for Boston in 1865 and returned to Amiville in 1869 so I have been gone for four years.”
“When in 1869? We’ve probably met before...”
“Just recently, about a week or so.”
“Oh... then I guess not,” I said, thinking to myself that was probably for the best. “So you moved to Nebraska recently then.”
“Yes. I went to go see Dom and his wife and I asked if they wished to adopt me even though I am about 21 years old. They said yes and Dom asked me if I wanted to be Head Marshal which I agreed. And here I am, no wife...no horse,” he chuckled a little.
“Not much difference between us in age then. No husband, though I do have a horse... and just got a dog today...”
“I’d prefer to find a wolf if possible,” he smiled.
“Met one of those this afternoon. Sairay, or something? A brown one that came into the saloon... seemed to know your father.”
“Solid brown?”
I nodded and said, “It may be Luyu’s now, I’m not sure.”
“Good gosh it’s ole Souix, I haven’t seen him since my Deputy days.”
I smiled and thought he was rather attractive and since I was alone again, I could use the company of a protective lawman. Charles smiled and rose from his chair, heading over to the couch. “You mind if I crash on the couch here tonight? I’m far too exhausted to walk across the street to home...” I told him.
Charles smiled and said, “There is a bed you could use in my room.”
“Are you sure?” I asked as he pointed to the doorway leading to his office. “Thank you...” I stood and looked at him. “Where will you sleep?”
“I sleep there when I have company, you and one other person use that red bed. The other person is under my protective care for the time being,” Charles pointed to the fur next to his desk.
“I won’t ask. Thank you for your hospitality... I just... don’t want to be alone tonight. You mind if I change first?”
“That is fine, and of course.”
I took off my clothes, revealing the undergarments I wore when I slept somewhere else, and said, “Coast is clear now.” Charles walked into the office and his eyes widened when he saw me. “Think I’ll lay down. Thank you again...” I said, laying down.
“No problem Ma’am,” he nodded and we said goodnight as he went to lay down.
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