Amiville.
I went over to the saloon this morning and talked with Gramps and Gigi while I enjoyed some coffee. Logan joined us and smiled, “Why Miss Paige, how nice to see you.”
“How are ya, Logan? Want some coffee?”
“Hi again Logan, any news?” Gramps asked.
“Not yet,” Logan shook his head.
“I heard about Clif...” I sighed.
Logan stood up on the stool and blew his cold hands, rubbing them together. “Yes, I’m doing everything that I can to find him.”
“I’m worried about him...” I nodded. “I think I have a suspicion about who did it though...”
“I think he will be alright. It’s just an attempt to frighten everyone, but the person holding him is rather harmless overall I believe. Oh I know who did it.”
“You do for sure?” I looked over at him.
“Ninety-nine percent sure,” Logan nodded.
“So am I. She have two names?” I winked.
“She does indeed.”
“How about some coffee or hot tea Logan?” Gramps asked, listening quietly.
“Oh yes, Coffee would be great Gramps. Thank you,” Logan smiled and shook his head as Gramps got some coffee for him.
“So all we have to do is get evidence that she did it and we can arrest her, right?”
“I have enough evidence to arrest her now. This is the wild west... we don’t have to lift fingerprints.”
“You do?” I looked at him.
“My fingers have prints? Oh my,” Gramps chuckled .
“Well my point being... I have reason enough to arrest her. She always seems to hang around when kidnappings occur,” Logan laughed. “And it’s not for her affinity for law. And she is the only person here who would commit a kidnapping to get Frank elected.”
“She has star envy,” Gigi said.
“Hardly,” Logan laughed.
“Good point, Logan,” I nodded. “I always had suspicions about Frank.”
“Is he the fella who smells like bratworst and cheep perfume?” Gigi asked.
“Well if ya prove this will that make Frank drop out of the mayors race?” Gramps asked.
“Likely not,” Logan smirked.
“Frank’s the one who opened the brothel,” I said. “Hmm... Can we arrest Frank too? As an accomplice? Or at least bring him in for questioning?”
“Well I do not know what kind of a hold he might have over those that have been to his establishment,” Gramps said.
“Check his books,” Gigi suggested. “Also check to see if his taxes and licenses are in order.”
“Now there’s an idea...” I looked at Logan.
“He is a smooth talker, he’s not going to admit anything. And I have watched him very carefully. He is always careful to cover his tracks in his ties to the outlaws,” Logan said.
“Do ya think he has books? I mean I figured that was a crash and carry sort of thing,” Gramps said.
“Good point,” I nodded.
“No, you need to keep books. If you’re a pimp or madame,” Gigi said. “To make sure your workers are pulling in the proper amount. See who’s coming and going.”
“Ya do?” Gramps asked.
“I don’t think he has books to check. He just uses that brothel as a hangout for the outlaws and if he kept tabs on them, that would be incriminating evidence. he’s not dumb enough to do that,” Logan said.
“Then it’s not a brothel, because you need to make sure your girls are not giving away freebies and paying their room toll. I see many whores,” Gigi sighed.
“Have you seen any ‘soiled doves’ around town?” Logan shook his head.
“I don’t even know who works there.....” I said.
“Well I mean the ones that get paid for it,” Logan smirked and I chuckled.
“Again, wether they are working for him is another question,” Gigi said.
“Well being that Bill outright said, ‘We work for Frank’... That isn’t exactly a question,” Logan said.
“So Frank pimps out Bill?” Gigi laughed.
“Sounds like a smoking gun to me...” I said.
“He might!” Logan laughed.
“Does it come with a farm?” GIgi sighed.
“But it seems to me that if that were an actual brothel, you would see ladies around it trying to lure the men inside... or we would at least get propositions,” Logan said.
“Exactly,” Gigi nodded.
“The only thing I’ve seen on that porch are outlaws.”
“Working girls are just working girls but brothels have to have girls to draw in the fellas,” Gigi said.
“Seems to me you should be scouting out that brothel, Logan. A bit more firmly...” I said.
“The only member of that gang left in town is Cathy. so that’s why I’m 99% sure it was her. I haven’t even seen Frank lately,” Logan said.
“Who all was in the gang?” Gigi asked.
“Seems logical to me,” Gramps nodded.
“Bill, Sniper, Cathy/Kitty, Marriana was associated...” Logan said.
“Wasn’t Frank in this past month? Oh I saw Sniper two weeks ago,” Gigi said.
“I don’t think he is with the gang any longer though,” Logan said.
“The only ones I see is Cathy and Sniper,” Gramps said.
“Well logically... have they recruited? If they recruited, how would you know?” Gigi asked.
“So I think that it most certainly has to be her being that I’ve not seen a one of that gang anywhere,” Logan said.
“Maybe they are paying some one else to do the job form a distance?” Gigi wondered. “I’m just playing devil’s advocate here... all angels...”
“Because there haven’t been any crimes committed until Cathy showed up... every time she is around, a crime is committed,” Logan said. “She tried to blow me up in the theater.”
“Not surprised,” I nodded to Logan.
“Then she set the saloon on fire, but ran away before I caught her. But being that she had just walked out of the saloon and suddenly there was fire... I checked the streets and the only person I saw was her way down the road.”
“It’s always the arts first to go,” Gigi muttered.
“She was trained well,” I sighed.
“And she’s a coward,” Logan said.
“Most outlaws are,” Gigi nodded.
“Like a child that damages property and then runs away giggling,” Logan said.
“A real outlaw would stay and fight.”
“Good thing the snow was out there so I was able to put out the fire quickly. Otherwise we would have lost this beautiful saloon and poor Gramps would be serving us drink out in the snow” Logan laughed.
“Or resulting to drinking my own whiskey to try and stay warm,” Gramps chuckled.
“Now that I could not imagine Gramps,” Logan grinned.
“No that would not happen.... Logan but the coffee Bill would be mighty high,” Gramps said.
“If it is her,” Gigi nodded.
“Yes, for sure,” Logan grinned.
“Then where would she be hiding Cliffy? You find Cliffy, you find the evidence,” Gigi said.
“Still there is only suspicions right? No definite proof?” Gramps asked.
“The brothel maybe? I know that Gramps was being held somewhere near there,” Logan shrugged.
“The logic is sound and the implications also,” Grams nodded. “But what about evidence?”
“If I were outlaw, I would never be in one spot too long,” Gigi said. “And I would never hide a prisoner in the same spot twice.”
“Rommy picked up a familiar scent in the courthouse.. I think if I can link him to her, then that is going to pretty much seal the case,” Logan said. “Well Cathy isn’t exactly the brightest of outlaws Gigi. It is possible.”
“Of course no one leaves behind solid evidence, Logan... They’re not just gonna solve the case for you,” I sighed, wishing they would.
“I found Gramps ‘near’ it... but he had already been released. I can only assume that he was being held in there,” Logan said and then looked at me. “No, but footprints in the snow... blood tracks... there is never a sign of anything. It’s like they vanish into thin air.”
“Yes, and I did get taken up some steps I remember,” Gramps said.
“Logically, there should be some tracks somewhere leading to clifton as the snow is melting and therefore can’t easily be swept over with fresh snow to cover tracks,” Logan shrugged.
“Do ya need more help in looking, Logan? I can take a day and help,” Gramps offered.
“When I head south I can keep an eye out there as well,” Gigi agreed.
“Oh yes that would be helpful. However, I would like to talk to Tristan before I make any moves. I heard that he was the one that found the courthouse disheveled?” Logan asked.
“Do ya know where Clif was snatched?” Gramps asked.
“The courthouse,” Logan said.
“Then that is the place to begin looking and sweep the area.”
“Check the mines?” Gigi wondered. “There’s always the bottom of the river if they nabbed him and are just playing us for the money.”
“Well no, I’m not going to go out there with only myself just incase there is a whole slew of them holding him. I’m waiting for Tristan so I can ask him to go with me in case there is a firefight,” Logan said.
“How much was it, by the way?” Gigi asked about the ransom.
“I do not like the mines. I was in there for a spell and made my skin crawl. Then there was that body I helped ya with, Logan.”
“That was ghastly,” Logan nodded. “Another unsolved case that I need to ask Tristan about.”
“What is being done on them cases anyway?” Gramps asked.
“Well I have a suspect, but I need to ask Tristan about previous encounters to link this person to the murder,” Logan said.
“At least it seems there is a place to start,” Gramps said.
“Yep.”
“Again, see if Frank keeps books,” Gigi said after some thought. “If the totals are low and you’ll notice it really isn’t a brothel... that will be proof enough in court. There is a front going on.”
“I could get some of my friends in Wyoming to help search around the north area, maybe they brought him up there,” I suggested.
“Not exactly. he can claim having lack of business,” Logan said to Gigi. “Which is something that many here complain about. He’ll tell me there are none and then there is nothing that I can do. He’s too smart to just hand them over.”
“When I was here in town, I was starting to become good friends with Frank,” I looked at Logan. “He even showed me inside the brothel before it officially opened.”
“You could always... nah...” Logan turned to me.
“Maybe I could talk to him and he would actually give me something useful.” I started but then shot him a look. “Don’t go there, Callaghan.”
“No really.... you could ask him to hire you... and then when he either doesn’t or does, either of that info would be crucial,” Logan said.
“Remember when we suggested this idea long ago... back when the outlaws were still there...” I looked at him.
“You don’t have to actually DO anything. They aren’t there now though.”
“I’m not going to put myself in a position where I might have to be under someone I don’t want to see again,” I told him.
“If you would get hired, you could dig around for some documents. Alright.”
“The fact that Cathy is probably involved that already puts me in a dangerous position if I pursue this,” I said. “I moved to Nebraska so that I wouldn’t have to face them ever again, Logan. I’m not going to give the satisfaction of me investigating one of their crimes again.”
“That’s fine Trin. I understand.”
“I want to help, but only indirectly and not in order to put myself in their line of fire again.”
“Was just a suggestion, but let’s forget it.”
“If Lucy were in town, she owes me a favor or two,” Gigi said.
“Lucy?” Logan looked over.
“Yes, one of my girls. I have a few girls. I could ask around.”
“Oh I would be incredibly grateful,” Logan smiled.
“I have to see if I can get them here though. Most have off and gotten married.”
“Just make sure that you find a trustworthy girl who won’t go spoiling it.”
“I would think any help would be good, Ms. Gigi,” Gramps said.
“I would certainly appreciate it. and I would be sure to make certain that she would be protected,” Logan said.
“Maybe I can still convince Frank to go on a ride with me somewhere and we can talk alone?” I wondered.
“No no Trin, he’ll suspect that you are trying to get information. He knows that you once worked with me,” Logan said.
“But if I act it as if we’re just catching up on old times...”
“Ms. Trin, he will not go for that. He will suspect for sure,” Gramps said.
“I don’t want you to get involved in this in case it gets uncomfortable for you,” Logan shook his head.
“But it’s Clif...” I looked at him. “He’s always been there for me... always been at anything I’ve been involved with.. I can’t just leave him...”
“I’ll find him. As soon as I can sink my grip into Cathy.”
“It’s hardly ‘leaving’ him. You already said that you didn’t want to get involved.”
“I know but... indirectly... I can put things in motion... Even by getting the tribes to look..”
“Just please sit tight and let the law deal with it. You could end up tipping him off without realizing it and then we would lose our chance of getting Clifton back,” Logan whispered to me.
I sighed and stood. “Guess I should just head home then.”
“Trin, don’t be offended,” Logan sighed. “I’m only thinking of your welfare.”
“I know Logan... Just seems like there’s nothin I can do here.”
“At least not with this one... I don’t think you are ready to deal with this bunch.”
“I agree. Not even indirectly.... I just... Clif.... He...” I shook my head.
“I won’t let anything happen to him. I’ll find him Miss Paige,” Logan promised.
“You’d better, Callaghan.”
Gigi hugged me and I sighed, letting go of her. “Thanks, Gigi... Keep me posted, Logan? Please?”
“Watch the telegraph. Where shall I send the updates?”
“Don’t even know if we have a machine in Nebraska.”
“Ah I’ll check... if not I’ll send a messenger.”
“Where in Nebraska are you?” Gigi asked.
“Just at the entrance to the town close to the path to Hawk’s village in Kansas East. There might be a telegraph machine at the trading post in Wyoming...”
“I’ll ahve to wander up that way and have Sean ride along with me.”
“Would be good to see you both there,” I nodded. “There should be a telegraph machine in Wyoming, Logan. I’ll keep posted to that.”
“I’ll be sure to send the messages there then.”
“Thanks Logan,” I said, setting my hand on his shoulder, looking at him intently.
“Try not to worry,” he smiled at me.
“I’ll try not to,” I nodded. “See you folks soon I hope,” I said and waved to the others as I headed out of the saloon.
Wyoming.
I went out to the Cherokee village and talked with the tribe there. We talked about the paper and Ahawi told me that they’d had Buu come to the village and attacked it. She promised that the chief knew about it and that some warriors were wounded.
“I had been out checking my traps, when I came into the village I heard shouting. Then I saw my cousin Thunder laying on the ground wounded,” she said. “Buu just opened fire on him, no reason given. We do nothing to him.”
“This happened when? Two days ago you said?”
“Yes, I believe so. So I have been practicing, to prepare for such a fight.”
“That’s a good idea,” I said, petting a dog that wandered over.
“We must always be ready, paleface just show up with anger in their hearts.”
“I should talk to Marshal Taurus about this...” I said.
“Not you, Trin,” she clarified.
“I know, Ahawi. I’m going to go find Adder and talk to him about this.”
“Are you prepared for winter?”
“I am, yes. I have made several traps.”
“I am thankful for your visit friend,” she stood and smiled and I headed out.
Georgetown.
I stopped by the saloon in Georgetown and talked with John and Vaeda for a while, catching up on things. After a while, Adder walked into the saloon and I grinned. “Taurus I was just comin to look for you.”
“Oh?”
“Mind if we talk somewhere? My office or yours?”
“Yours is closer,” he said and we waved to the others as Adder and I rode back home .
Nebraska.
We walked into the house and I smiled at him. “You like the Christmas decorations?”
“Aye. ‘Cept I don’t much like Christmas!”
“Figures,” I chuckled. “Upstairs then? I’ve got scones,” I winked.
“Sure,” he chuckled and followed me upstairs where I handed him some food.
“So...” I started.
“What’s up?”
“I heard something when I visited Wyoming village just now... They’ve been attacked again. Buu apparently attacked them two nights ago... Thunder was injured as were other warriors...”
“Bloody Buu,” Adder shook his head and groaned.
“No reason at all apparently,” I nodded.
“Never is with him.”
“Did they get a positive identification? Do they know for certain it’s Harley Buu?”
“I believe they did. Ahawi seemed pretty sure. There’s no law in the area so I told her I’d talk to you. Though I’m sure there’s not much you can do.”
We continued to talk and Adder wanted me to confirm that Buu was really the one who attacked them.
Wyoming.
I wandered into the Cherokee village and talked with people there about how things had been and about the weather.
Georgetown.
Tonight I went over to the Spread Eagle grand opening and smiled at the big crowd. I greeted Adder and everyone else who had shown up there. It was so good to reconnect with everyone and it filled the loneliness I’d been feeling in Nebraska.
At one point I was introduced to Sam Stillwater who was sitting at the bar. “Well the infamous Sam Stillwater... Good to finally meet you. I’m Trin Paige. Sure you’ve heard of me before.”
“Well howdy there Miss Trin,” Downy smiled.
“Hey Downy!”
“I have heard of you and i saw you around once I believe during a murder investigation,” Sam nodded.
“Which one?” I chuckled. “There’ve been too many to count,” I tossed a wink at Adder.
“Was when that gal was drowned in the river bed several months back,” Sam said.
“Ah right... Poor thing. Goodness that feels like ages ago, don’t it?”
“Suppose so, how can I help ya Miss Paige?”
“Well.. Don’t know if your wife’s told ya about the newspaper I opened up out of Nebraska?” I asked and he nodded. “Well as Georgetown is one of the five places we’re covering I just wanted to touch base with you.. If ya hear of anything goin on, send it my way!”
“So you are a writer of sorts I take it?”
“I’m the publisher, but yes I write columns as well. I’ve got a couple writers in each jurisdiction we cover... Downy’s one of ‘em for Georgetown. Just thought we should meet for once, having heard so much about ya,”
“Hope it wasn’t too much bad,” he grinned.
“Nah, not bad at all. Have heard only good things about ya. I was almost going to come talk to you about the Pinkerton investigations back in the day... Could still be an interesting story.. Have heard various... opinions.”
“The office has been quiet lately but I’m sure that will change been rumors of another big gang coming round lately,” he told me.
“Oh really?” I looked at him with curiosity. “Sorry to talk business at ya tonight, Sam. Just had to touch base and actually meet you in person finally.”
“I’ll try to keep ya up to speed on the developments of this new outlaw gang,” Sam whispered to me.
“Thanks Sam. We’ll meet sometime at your office and talk,” I smiled.
“Have a safe evening’, miss.”
I continued to drink and chat with old friends and enjoyed the rest of the night. Karan was glad I came and I went to explore the building a bit. I tried to get Buu to dance with me in order to get information about the attack on the Cherokee, but he resisted and didn’t go for it. After a while I headed back home.
No comments:
Post a Comment