November 3, 1869

Nebraska. 

This morning I woke up and threw some clothes back on, looking around to see if Charles was still here. He was gone so I walked out of the office and went to find breakfast. I was barely out of the house when Dom came up behind me. “So yer datin’ my son, huh?” 

“We had a drink last night...” I looked over at him. “Is that... okay with you? If something were to...” I shifted nervously. 

“What about Red?” 

“We were blindsided with that set up... Thought it would be best to go back to being friends as we hardly knew each other.”

“Okay,” he laughed. 

“But something about Charles......”

“Well I got no problems if you and Charles become romantically involved. He is an adult after all.” 

“He protected me last night. I admire that. I think he’s just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. He’s very ... intriguing.... I want to get to know him better.”

“Well I taught him everything he knows,” Dom laughed. 

“I want you to know Dom... I don’t just sleep around. The Red thing caught us both of guard and we weren’t really sure what was going on. Your son and I have more in common it seems... we both have a history in law, we both have a history with Amiville...” I blushed and admitted, “I think I like him a lot. Just out of curiosity.. How did you hear about us dating...? Did he tell you? I’m not upset that you know, just curious how.”

“I heard you up in his apartment a bit ago,” he said and I blushed. “Peeked out the clinic window when you came down.” 

“I want you to know... I slept in his single bed, he slept on the cot. Nothing happened, Dom. I just didn’t feel safe going home last night... being alone...” As we walked into the saloon, I watched Dom move the piano around in the saloon. “Dom, ever thought of having a live performer here to draw people to town?”

“Yeah but just too busy to give it much thought.” 

“If you were interested... I would be available. I used to perform at the saloon in Amiville every Tuesday. I studied music back in Canada my whole life... have been playing piano since I was four.”

“Okay.” 

“Just something we could talk about later... No rush obviously just wanted to let you know I’m willing.”

“Once I get things finalized with the setup we’ll discuss it.” 

“When is the trial for Tessa today?” I asked nervously. 

“No idea.” 

“Okay... Well... can I buy you a drink or are you busy?”

“Back to setting up the clinic, for me,” he said. “Gotta get the clinic set up and hopefully the courthouse before I have to leave today,” Dom said and headed out of the saloon as he waved goodbye. 

I drank my coffee and got some breakfast from behind the counter and worked on some writing. Dom came back and told me to come look at the new clinic so we headed over to see the new building. We talked about songs for me to sing at the saloon and I asked if he’d seen Charles yet but he hadn’t. 

While I sat in front of my house, Amelia came over and I showed her around, introducing her to Dom. I told her how things had been going and about the trial that was supposed to happen at some point that day. I played with Amelia’s puppy as I showed her around the house. We found the horse that I had met yesterday and tried to calm her down. I told her how the horses around Nebraska had taken a liking to me. We continued to talk about the town and I showed her around more. We talked about how I’d been learning to cook and then talked about how I’d stayed at Charles’ place the night before. 

Amelia and I went to the river nearby and fished for a while. It was relaxing by the water and the catch was good today. Amelia sighed and I asked her what was wrong. She said she missed Shane and that she was bored. 

“Some man came through last night and had some food... but he kinda creeped me out,” Amelia said at one point when we were talking about her store. 

“Oh really? Tell me about him.”

“Yes... Little darker than me, big head, cool walk. Had his gun on his back, said, ‘Is this yo place?’ I ask was he just passing through, he say he was hungry from travel all day. So knowing me I want to feed everybody. So I invite him for food. He come in sits down, I go behind the counter. He comes to the counter, and I ask if he be needing anything else. He gave me a evil look and says, ‘Well, what ever you offer?’ I say, ‘Well, I ain’t made no more to cook, so there is nothing else.’ He walked out, I walked on the porch. He went to the saloon, I ran in the house. Ain’t seen him no more. I told Shane how the man creeped me out. He said ‘Good you’re in the house.’ But when I saw coast was clear, I decided to travel, and got attack by the bison. I care not to feed that man again; he can starve.” 

“I’m sorry, Amelia. He sounds frightful,” I said and put my fishing rod away. 

“I do meet them, do I?” she giggled nervously. 

“Yes you seem to have knack for meeting the not good ones...”

“Maybe if I carry a gun so they can see it, then they will pass me by.” 

“But that would give them more reason to shoot you.”

“Well, you’re right.” 

“The sheriff here doesn’t want me to be armed, and I agree. I’m a detective. I solve cases, I don’t arrest criminals.” 

“You know I don’t like guns, but the folks come by there.” 

“Well after this last one shall we head back?”

“Okay sounds good.” 

We headed home and said goodbye as she walked back to Colorado. An hour later I met a girl named Zerena and talked with her and Quiet Water who walked over. Zerna was an orphanage who lived over by the ranch. We talked about the town and then I went to the saloon for a drink. 

Kansas.

I rode into Kansas feeling nervous and guilty after what had happened with Red. “Hawk, Sasha... Hello.”

“Haaahe Trin, how are you this sun?” Hawk asked. 

“I... I’m not sure to be perfectly honest,” I looked down. 

“Oh? What is wrong?” Hawk looked at me. 

“Perhaps we should sit...” I sighed, not even able to look them in the eye. 

“Yes, let’s sit,” Sasha smiled at me and I sat down, reclining against the cusion, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. 

“How are you today, though I already know about you and Red,” Sasha said. 

“What do you know exactly?”

“Only what he told us, that it could not work out. So please then, feel free to share with us.” 

“We were talking with a friend of mine... and mentioned that he hadn’t even taken me on a first date, so Red decided that should be fixed.. You know his idea of a first date? He led me upstairs in my house... To cuddle on the bed.” Hawk chuckled and I continued, “No drink, no dinner, nothing. Just straight to cuddling on the bed. The thing is.... I’ve met a marshal in Nebraska who has been very sweet... he offered me whiskey last night because I’d had a very long day...”

“Some men are clueless,” Sasha shook her head. 

“See, they’re having a trial against Tessa... And I had to tell Brent and Luyu about my experiences with her, which of course brought up memories of Bill and his gang. So I was afraid that if I had to testify, I would have to see them again at the trial. Charles saw that I was afraid and offered me a drink at his place up above the clinic. He just comforted me... and I asked if I could sleep on his couch as I didn’t feel safe going out on my own last night.”

Jade walked in then and Hawk and Sasha greeted her to join us at the fire as I continued. 

“Well then of course Dom sees me leave his son’s house this morning... And I assured him that nothing had happened, we slept in separate quarters, it was only for protection.”

“Just sleep, huh?” Hawk chuckled. 

“Hawk!” Sasha nudged him. 

“The Marshal is a kind man it seems,” Jade grinned. 

“It’s all messed up... all of this... I just..” I shook my head. 

“What?” Hawk jumped and looked at Sasha. 

“You know Charles?” I looked over at the girl. 

“Trin, this is our friend Jade,” Sasha introduced. 

“Hi Jade, nice to meet you,” I smiled at her, feeling relieved that they weren’t holding this against me. 

“He escorted me out of Amiville to safety in the same place you just mentioned,” Jade nodded and laughed. 

“He mentioned someone was staying there for protection but I didn’t ask who,” I nodded. 

“Nice seeing you again Trin, it’s been along time.,” Jade said, and I looked at her and tilted my head to the side. “That would have been me. One of the places I have taken refuge.” 

“Jade.. Jade.... Bravo’s daughter?”

“No no... That’s the other Jade,” Jade laughed. “I am the gypsy. I met you long ago. I believe it was in Amiville. I came there with Mr. Diesel long long ago.” 

I raised an eyebrow then, finally remembering. “Chane! You’re THAT Jade!”

“Aye.” 

“Wow, it has been a long time then...”

“The one that would love to slice his throat,” Jade laughed. “But I am a good lass. It’s good to see you, though!” she laughed. “Marshal Tristan thinks gypsies should hang, so I am wary and on the run.” 

“You as well. I’m sorry that our mutual ... friend... is the thing we had in common though.”

“Which is how I met these wonderful people.” 

“They are wonderful,” I smiled over at Hawk and Sasha. 

“It went further than it should have, sadly, so I am not so apt to forgive. Perhaps I shall curse him as well,” Jade nodded and I remembered the night Chane came to me in Colorado Springs, as well as that first night in Amiville, so long ago. 

“You are both very kind for these words,” Hawk chuckled. 

“Believe me, Hawk. We could use much stronger language about some of the men we’ve met,” I laughed. 

“Well in truth, the kind ones go to you, the evil thoughts go to others ,” Jade laughed. 

“Hawk’s definitely one of the good ones. You’re a lucky woman, Sasha,” I said. 

“I like to think I am,” Sasha smiled. 

“No, I am the lucky one,” Hawk smiled at her. 

“See?” I smiled at the two of them. 

“Soooo when will you both marry then?” Jade asked after a while. 

“Haven’t talked about that yet, just enjoying the moment,” Sasha smiled. 

“I’m so thrilled for you both!” Jade grinned. 

“Can I ask you a question?” I looked over at Jade. 

“Of course.” 

“Are you and Charles..?” 

“Noooo...” she insisted and I smiled with relief. “After Chane’s betrayal about two months ago, I have been off limits, until my heart heals.. No, I am not after any gents, nor am I bedding any.” 

I sighed and wondered if I should just swear off all men, but I had felt something with Charles I couldn’t explain. I looked into the fire, feeling conflicted. 

“Charles was a gentleman, and has done nothing inappropriate, nor would I allow any man to,” Jade insisted. “As for the other, the past is the past, dead and buried.” 

“Sorry for your pain Jade,” Sasha said. 

“It was a bit of a sudden shock really. I was never going to return here, but I thought, in all honesty and excuse my language, but... screw him. I have friends here too.” 

“I am as well Jade, seems the good women and good men that are here have a very hard time finding each other,” Hawk said wisely. 

They started talking about Hawk and Sasha’s wedding and we joked about men. After a while Sasha said, “We got word we might be attacked again tonight.” 

“Really?” I looked at Sasha as she changed the mood. 

“It may have just been talk, you know how arrogant outlaws are,” Jade said and I nodded, knowing all too well. 

“Yea but can never take these words with out concern,” Hawk sighed and grumbled. 

“Marshal Tristan put a price out for me, I believe, has me a little edgy,” Jade admitted. 

“Who did you hear the warning from?” I looked over at Sasha. 

“Random smoke signals,” Sasha replied. 

“I can’t understand how you can read those so well! What if it’s a windy day?” Jade asked. 

“Be thankful I don’t work for Amviille Law anymore,” I sighed. 

“I haven’t done anything wrong, but Marshal Tristan says gypsies should be hung,” Jade said. 

“Is odd how different the paleface law can be some are good people. Some are bad as the outlaws,” Hawk shook his head. 

“He even lied to them and said I was carrying his baby and was his wife,” Jade’s eyes widened. “That I’d been in an accident and the doc said I’d forget. They wouldn’t hand me over, tho, and I refused to go. Now, I think he’s put a price on me, but I’m not sure.” 

“Well you are safe here as well,” Sasha promised. 

“I’m very grateful.” 

“As am I,” I agreed. “I’m sure I would not be alive today if it were not for the two of you,” I looked at Hawk and Sasha gratefully. 

“Big wind can be trouble for smoke signal. One time I see in the clouds smoke that says enemy attack your village! So I prepare and shoot as first comes over the hill, hit him in butt with arrow. Seems though the wind changed message, it was supposed to say we are coming to visit. So I ended up shooting chief of other village in butt by mistake,” Hawk chuckled. 

“Well done,” I chuckled. 

We continued to talk around the fire and greeted people who came into the village, then I headed home. 

Nebraska. 

As I was walking back into town I found Luyu and Gracie talking about something. I asked how things had gone with Tessa and Luyu told me that she was in the hospital in Cripple Creek and she had been committed. 

“So there’s no need for a trial then?” I asked. 

“She can’t stand up in a trial. She is in no shape to. She called the doc a goddess and a rabbit.” 

I nodded to her and felt better, not having to go to a trial, and then headed home.