November 4, 1869

Kansas. 

This morning I rode into Kansas and sat down at the fire in the village, remembering the dream I’d had the night before. I had dreamt I had been in the fire and was wanting to just end it all. I was frustrated and lonely and confused with everything going on around me and felt like I had lost control. 

Nebraska. 

I headed back home and found Quiet Water signing with Charles over near the ranch. “Good morning,” I greeted them. “Sorry if I interrupted.” 

“No, come sit and talk,” Quiet signed. 

I sat down in the chair and said, “It is quite peaceful out here.” I wanted to thank Charles for the other night but guessed I shouldn’t bring it up in front of his mother. “How long have you lived here, Quiet?” When Quiet never answered I saw a horse nearby and asked, “Who’s horse is that there?”

“That’s my daughter Wolfsong’s horse,” Quiet signed. 

“I don’t believe I’ve met Wolfsong yet.”

“She Native girl. Shy and not talk a lot.” 

“I understand. You have quite a few children, you and Dom.”

Wolfsong came over and we talked about her horse for a while. Charles started to fall asleep and I stood to walk down the street, trying to make eye contact with Charles again. I walked back to my house and sat at the desk, working on some writing. After a while I saw Zerena and talked with her a bit before heading down the street towards Charles who was now alone in front of his office.

“Howdy Marshal,” I greeted him formally. 

“Howdy Miss Paige,” Charles smiled at me. 

“Anything exciting happening?”

“Not really.”

I looked up to the entrance of his apartment and then back at him, remembering the warmth of being in his arms. “I enjoyed our evening the other night.”

“Then I am glad I could help you out.”

I looked at him, trying to evaluate where I stood with him. “There any chance of having another drink together sometime...?”

“Maybe, but not today.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you alone then,” I nodded and he walked back up to his department. I walked away and debated going to the village but then headed towards Colorado to find Amelia. 

Colorado Springs. 

I found Amelia and another man in the saloon and greeted them. She introduced me to the newcomer,  Mr .Tracey, and I got myself a glass of whiskey. Tracey told me how Amelia was showing him around town and how he had come from out east. Amelia went to deal with something at the store and Tracey and I talked about how he was looking  for a place to work and live and how he was a handyman. He asked about my work and where I lived so I told him about being a detective in Nebraska. 

Amelia and Shane came back in and we greeted them. Shane headed to the village and Amelia told me about going to New Mexico yesterday. A woman walked in and then Amelia told me she had just been traveling around New Mexico and how she might want to get herself a horse. 

Red Viper came into the saloon then and I waved to her. “Hi Red. Ya’ll ever find those two you were out lookin for?”

“Hey Trin, how are you doing? I found..” 

“You did?” I raised an eyebrow. “You found Liam and Lebron?”

“They’re hidden in Louisiana,” Red said. 

“So they are still there...” 

“Seems so,” she nodded. 

“Angelo seemed to think they’d moved on,” I said as Santos walked into the saloon, but I ignored him and asked Red, “What’s your plan now?”

“Well I need some coins for my gang and some horses.” 

“Then you’ll go in and get them?” I nodded to her. 

Santos walked over towards us and asked Red, “Hey Red, how is all here?” I looked from Santos to Amelia, then to Tracey, then back to Red as Santos said, “Hey ...good day all.” 

“Which one do you think ...could be richer here? The man?” Red asked. “We need some money.” 

“Yes we need.... and some drink...I’m dry,” Santos said. 

“I don’t see the waiter,” Red said. 

“I think both of them,” Santos laughed. 

“Let’s have two bottles,” Red said. 

“You could just walk behind the bar,” I suggested and Santos walked over and stared at m as I asked Tracey, “You alright there?”

“Yes Red, it is good,” Santos nodded. 

“Yep, just enjoying my drink,” Tracey nodded. 

“And hopefully the company?”  I winked at him. 

“Definitely,” he nodded. 

I watched as Red looked over at Santos and asked, “You alright there, Red?”

“Hey Red.. what do you think about talk with Miss and Mr about horses?” Santos asked. 

“I’m fine. Just one thing.... I must to rob someone and today is the day of the man with hat,” Red said and Santos laughed. 

“How much do you need?” I asked her. 

“Lucky man,” Santos said and I saw the guns come out and stood. 

“Seriously Red, how much?”

“Ohhhh you are a good boy!” Santos said. 

“Give me all your coins,” Red said to Tracey. “I want it all.” 

Gunshots went off and I called out, “Law needed at the saloon!” 

“This man has ears?” Red asked. 

“You too man, take off your coins and give me all!” Santos said. 

“Trin you can’t do that. Run or die!” Red shouted at me. 

“I’m unarmed, Red!” I ran out and shouted but then got hit by a bullet as it grazed my arm. 

Jake and Chels ran over and Jake looked over at me, drawing his gun. “I’m just out for a walk,” he said. 

Chels aimed her gun at Santos and he said, “All is quiet, marshal. You should come back to your office.” 

“Then why are ya guns out?” Jake asked, pointing to Red and Santos’ guns. 

“Come on, Santos,” Red insisted. 

“They wanted to rob me and Tracey, Jake,” I told him. “They started shooting. Tracey’s just barely new to the town and I have no guns on me.”

“Alright... I guess you’re under arrest Santos,” Jake nodded to me and then looked at Santos as I felt my heart beating. 

“All is in order. You can come back, marshals,” Santos said. 

“Put down those shotguns and we wont take ya down,” Jake frowned. 

“Okay, all is in order. No problem,” Santos insisted. 

“Well I reckon you’re under arrest for drawin’ and firin’ your weapons in town,” Jake nodded and smiled. 

“I don’t think so!” Santos laughed and ran off with Red. 

“I’ll wait here,” I said as Jake and Chels ran after them. 

I went into the saloon and saw Tracey must have left and then Mikk walked over and greeted me. “Howdy Trin, long time no see.” 

“Mikk!” I jumped. “Sorry, just had an adventure here.”

“How ya been?” 

“Well, I just avoided getting robbed so I’m guessing I’m doin okay.”

“Oh boy...

“Mmhmm. Red and Santos.” 

“Huh?” 

“You don’t know ‘em?”

“Nope.” 

“Be thankful.” 

We talked for a while and then Angelo walked over and I told him about the robbery at the saloon. I went back to the sheriff’s office to talk with Chels. She had arrested Santos and I waited for her to get him in the cell. 

“Seems he’s becoming a regular inhabitant there?” I commented. 

“Seems so,” Chels nodded. 

“Was just enjoying a drink with a new friend when those two decided to cause trouble. They asked us for money and I asked how much Red needed. She said all of it and then pulled out her guns. I got in the way of Tracey so they wouldn’t shoot him as he was new in town. Then Red said ‘Run or Die’”

“Well now Santos... up to your old tricks, I see?” Chels asked the man. 

“So I ran, told Tracey to run too. I called for law when I saw the weapon out and she said I couldn’t do that.”

“Oh no... we were drinking a shot in saloon... I said you all was in order,” Santos insisted. 

“So I ran and she started shooting in the air at me but didn’t get me. You lie like a rug, Santos,” I looked at Santos. 

“Can you take care of it? I’ll go see if I can find the other one,” Jake looked at Chels. 

“I can,” Chels nodded. “Good luck in finding her.” 

“Are you saying I am a rug? Ohh,” Santos commented. 

“Be safe,” I looked at Jake and ignored Santos as Jake left the office. 

“You need any more from me Chels?” I asked her. 

“No, all is good Trin,” Chels said. 

“Okay. I’m in Nebraska now so if you need me send a wire,” I smiled. 

“Will do...you be careful going back,” she nodded. 

“Goodbye Miss, see you soon again,” Santos laughed. 

“In your dreams maybe, Santos,” I looked at Santos and looked back at Chels. “There’s a reason I don’t carry a gun anymore.”

“Why is that Trin?” Chels asked. 

“Cause then I don’t have to fight back. I can just run.”

“You can just run if you have a gun or not Trin,” Chels said. 

“Suppose so. See you later, Chels,” I said and headed out of the office. 

Nebraska. 

I walked back home and went into the saloon and approached the man at the bar cautiously. “Hello sir,” I looked him up and down. “Don’t think I’ve seen you before... New around here or just passing through?”

“I’m new ‘round here,” he nodded. 

“Well welcome. I’m Detective Trin Paige. Nice to meet you,” I reached out to shake his hand. 

“Nice ta meet ya, I’m John,” he shook my hand. 

“Mind if I join?” 

“Nah, go ahead,” he shook his head. 

I sat down beside him and another man walked into the saloon. “Anybody know ms Amelia and her father Mr Day?”

“Why do you ask?” I looked at him. 

“Cause I looking. Old friend. You know them, ma’am?” 

I looked at him, not sure I could trust him as John said he didn’t know them. “Depends who’s asking and if you’re really an old friend.”

“Yeah, an old friend from Georgia,” he smirked. 

I tried to remember if they’d ever told me about Georgia but couldn’t place it. “I’m sorry sir. I’ve spoken with them in passing but couldn’t tell you where they’re located now.”

He asked for somewhere to stay and I told him to try some place in Kansas. He told me, “Well if you PASS them again, tell them I’m here looking, and tell Amelia I’m back.” The man left and I shuddered, not liking the sound of his last line. 

John and I talked for a while about how I didn’t trust the man and then we talked about where we had come from since before being in the area. John admitted that he was an outlaw and I got nervous around him and he insisted that I might even get along with him. He told me to watch my back because I never knew when his lead would shoot me from behind and he walked out. I told myself this time, things would be different, and I would not let him win. 

I headed back home and found my dog, Misty, who greeted me at my place. I looked around for Charles with the dog close behind and then finally found him. “Charles! Thank God...”

“Whats wrong? Did something happen?” he asked with concern. 

“We need to talk,” I nodded. 

“Lets head upstairs....” he said and looked down at the dog. “Yours?” 

I nodded and said to the dog, “Misty, this is Charles. He’s friend.” I looked at Charles and asked, “Can she come up?”

“Of course, I love all kinds of dogs. Except those tiny little dogs the people south of the border have.”

I smiled and followed him upstairs and the dog was fed and I put a hand on Charles’ arm. “Thank you...” 

“Now what is going on?”

“Let’s sit,” I said and sat down on the couch. “I was in the saloon just now... talking to this man John. He said he was from Texas, seemed nice enough. This other man came in.. didn’t mention his name but said he was looking for Amelia and Mr. Day... friends of mine from Colorado Springs. There was something about him... I don’t trust him... He said that he knew them from Georgia but I don’t remember ever hearing about Georgia... And I know Amelia pretty well. So then he says ‘Well tell Amelia that I’m back’. And he left. Well then I’m sitting alone with John again... and I ask him what kind of work he’s in... He admitted he’s an outlaw, Charles. Basically told me that I’d make a good ‘pet’ for he and the other boys and that I’d best watch my back or his lead would be in my cute butt.” I shuddered at the memory of his laugh. 

“What you need to do Trin since I have to have a warrant for his capture is talk to the local Sheriff or a sheriff in another territory if possible and speak to them about this,” Charles took a moment to pull out his cigar. “The reason is that the US Marshals only go after fugitives who have an active warrant on them. If you can convince the Sheriff to search for him and/or file for a warrant than the Marshals can jump in, alright?”

“I guess you’re right. He hasn’t really done anything yet.. just threatened... But I wanted you or someone to be made aware of him.”

“I guess you’re right. He hasn’t really done anything yet.. just threatened... But I wanted you or someone to be made aware of him. Okay how about this then... I was almost robbed in Col Springs this afternoon. That fit more under your jurisdiction?”

“Your pup is more than welcome to stay with me in Nebraka while you are gone,” he offered. 

“Thank you,” I nodded. “Though Jake/Chels caught one of them... but the other partner in crime alluded them. Don’t know if she’s been found yet.” 

“Not my jurisdiction. There is a Marshal station in almost every territory. You would need to speak to a Marshal there.”

“They took care of it well and quickly,” I nodded. Could have ended a lot worse than it did. Anyway I just wanted to keep you apprised of all this as I couldn’t find Brent anywhere... I tried to be friendly with John, Charles. I didn’t want to show him any fear on my end. I’ve learned that’s not how to deal with outlaws. Told him I have friends in high places if he tried anything.” I stood and walked over to Charles. “Maybe I should stay here again tonight.”

“That is fine by me.”

“Thank you...” I looked at him and then down at the dog who’d already fallen asleep on the couch. 

“Okay then... Hopefully this doesn’t become routine. Your father may get more suspicious.”

“Nah. It should be fine.”

I pet Misty and asked, “You’ll be okay out here, Girl?” She barked and I said, “Guess that’s a yes. Thanks for making this so comfortable for her too, Charles.” I hugged him quickly and said, “You take the bed this time. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Charles pointed to the bed and said, “Take the bed....”

“Yes sir,” I nodded and said goodnight, not arguing.