Nebraska.
This morning I was sitting in front of my house and met a Cherokee woman named Ahawi. She said she lived in Bear Creek and that she was gathering medical supplies so I led the way towards the store and showed her where she could buy some food.
“Thank you,” she said as she looked at the bandages. “May need after battle.”
“Battle? What battle?”
“If we are attacked again.”
“Again?” I looked at her.
“We were attacked two moons ago.”
“By whom?”
“Many wounded. Drunks from the local saloon.”
“Bear Creek you said?”
“Yes. Many injured on both sides.”
“No identity on the attackers?”
“I do not know their names. Paleface woman wandered in drunk.”
“Think anyone in your tribe would know names?”
“Yes, the chief would know.”
“Did she have red hair?” I asked, wondering if it was Red. “Who’s your chief?”
“Chief Standing Bear.”
“I don’t believe I’ve met him yet. I would love to talk to him, if he’s around this morning? I know people that might be able to help...”
“Yes, he is.”
Wyoming.
We walked over towards the Cherokee village in Bear Creek, Wyoming, and I stood with Ahawi as she called across, “Chief, paleface would like to speak with you!”
“It is a nice place you have here by the river, Ahawi,” I complimented, looking around at all the mountains and the river along the way.
“Wado Trin, I mean, thank you.”
“Do you think he’ll be willing to talk to me?”
“The mountains and the water protect us.”
“I can imagine,” I smiled and then looked around the village, seeing all the huts in a circle with the campfire in the middle. A bridge over the river separated us from the village entrance. “Wow...”
“I will go see if he has heard my shout.”
“Okay,” I nodded and then the chief came over to the other side of the river. I waved in a friendly manner and called, “I’m unarmed! Would just like to talk!”
“Come across river, we talk!” the chief called back.
I walked across the bridge with Ahawi and I greeted the chief. “Haáee, Sir.”
“Osiyo. I am Chief Standing Bear. What bring you to land of the Cherokee?”
“My name is Detective Trin Paige,” I smiled and reached out my hand but he didn’t shake it so I returned it to my side.
“You work with white mans law?”
“Well... in a sense. I help them solve cases, decipher who is behind the crimes... I don’t carry a weapon or wear a badge. I only seek the truth and protection of those I meet.”
“What does white man’s law have to do with Cherokee? We have our own laws.”
“Sir... My journey has taken me amongst many people of your standing... Cheif Hawk, for one. The Native villages hold a special place in my heart. I would not be alive today if it were not for Hawk and his village.”
“I know Chief Hawk. He is honorable man and friend.”
“When I hear of them being attacked... It touches me deeply. There have been a lot of attacks on Hawk’s village... and now I hear of them here.”
Ahawi looked at Standing Bear and said, “I told her of the attack.”
“I want to do what I can to stop them... Which really isn’t much except listen, talk to the marshals that I know, and maybe help protect the people close to you,” I told him.
“We have been attacked by Paleface,” he nodded. “And we sent them back to their lands... bleeding, wounded, running like scared dogs.”
“But Sir, this is becoming a prevailing problem. It worries me.”
“Problem is that Paleface are greedy.”
“Let me assure you, Chief... I am not in this for any benefit of my own.”
“They try to take indians lands away... and when they do that they take indians way of life and ability to feed family.”
“I care about people... It breaks my heart to hear of...” I felt myself getting genuinely emotional and looked down. “Sir... I have my own scars.. My own battles with the outlaws...”
“How do you propose to help Cherokee? There has been much blood shed.”
I looked at him, wiping the tear away at the memory of being held at gun point, kidnapped in a cave, cut by a knife.. “I understand.”
“Cherokee are a peaceful people, but we do not accept the white mans ways, nor his desire to take what is ours.” He looked at Ahawi and asked, “Do you know this woman?”
“Sir... I really don’t know what I can do other than listen... share concerns with people who have more power than I... I trust these people,” I told him and saw his hesitation. “Sir... I just want to... help...” I said, getting emotional again.
“I have just met her chief, but she has been helpful to me,” Ahawi told him. “Kinder than most paleface.”
“Woman have you traveled far?” Standing Bear asked.
“I live in Nebraska. Close to Hawk’s village in Kansas. It is the reason I moved out there; to e closer to Hawk’s community.”
“Are you hungry?”
“I could eat...” I nodded.
“I will prepare food,” Ahawi looked at the chief and led the way over to the fire.
“We go sit at fire. Come,” the chief invited me and we went to sit around the fire. “Sit, you will be safe here.”
“Thank you, Sir,” I said, getting comfortable against one of the logs and looked over at him. “I have nothing to hide, Chief. I only come as a concerned friend looking for solutions to this growing problem against your people. You may ask me anything... I”ll tell you all about my own runins with the outlaws... There have been several. I’m done being a sitting target. It’s time to do something about this.”
“Who were outlaws that harmed you?”
“Which ones didn’t,” I looked at him. “Buckshot Bill, Harley Buu, Raven, Cathy, Strider... The Black brothers.... Pablo...”
“I have heard of this one... he is no good,” Standing Bear frowned.
“Which one?” I asked as Ahawi filled a bowl with stew and walked over to me, giving me the soup.
“As you see, Sir, there have been many. And most recently... John. Oh... and Red Viper and
Santos...”
“This one called Pablo,” he said. “If he is same Pablo, he come from land called Mexico.”
I took the stew from Ahawi and said, “Thank you, my friend.” I was surprised that the Black brothers hadn’t made him raise an eyebrow. Yes, Pablo is Mexican. Spanish...”
He pointed across the mountain to the west and said, “It was in there, across mountain that Pablo attempt to capture Cherokee maiden to make her his woman. When cherokee women finished with him as he was tied to the pole in the village... he no longer had anything to offer a woman.”
“Oh I would have loved to have seen that,” I chuckled. “He’s tried to come onto me once or twice. Was mouthing off about me in Spanish while we had him in our cells in Amiville... Tried to tell his brother that he wanted me between his bedsheets, not realizing that I understand Spanish perfectly.”
“Cherokee women are proficient with their knives.”
“You like cherokee food?” he asked as he watched me eating the stew.
“Yes, it is very good. Thank you for your warm hospitality,” I looked at them both.
“Ahawi, you are a woman with the instinct of a woman... you would have known how to use knife on Pablo,” the chief looked at her.
“I would try chief, or die trying,” Ahawi said.
“I’m sorry sir, but I”m a bit surprised that none of the other names I mentioned caught your attention,” I said.
“Pablo did not know that Standing Bear understand his native tongue... so when he spoke in his tongue called spanish. Chief knew every word...” he told me.
“He doesn’t realize how many people understand his native tongue,” I laughed. “It’s rather comical, to be honest. Of all the outlaws I’ve dealt with... I’ll admit that Pablo was the most humorous.”
“I learn from missionaries when I was boy,” he nodded.
“I come from a small town in Texas, Presedeo. A very Spanish area.”
“I have not heard of this place.”
“I moved there from Canada a while back... but then moved to Amiville, Colorado Springs, and now Nebraska.”
“Tell me again names of other outlaws?”
I nodded, thinking of the list again. “Buckshot Bill, Cathy, Raven, Harley Buu, the Black Brothers, Red Viper, Santos, John... something... Rat Boy...” I said and then shuddered at the name, but Ahawi looked over and smiled at me.
“I know of Harley, this one has attacked us many times.. Rat Boy has ridden with one called Red... from Idaho lands. Buckshot bill, I know this one.”
“I assumed you would.”
“None are any good.”
“You see, Chief... It’s because of all of these situations that I needed a sanctuary... somewhere that I would be safe.”
“We have small place... maybe two small place where you could hide if you need,” he offered.
“Hawk is a very protective chief. He wouldn’t let anything happen to his tribe. I am not a member officially, but he has taken me under his wing and protected me many times. As I said.. I would not be alive today if it were not for Hawk and his village.”
“You wish to see these hiding places? Hawk is good man.”
Ahawi looked at him with surprise at his offer and I grew curious and said,
“I could take a look, Sir, but honestly I am okay now that I’m close to his village. I come to help you... to find out if you know the names of those who have attacked you.. To see if I can bring that information to the marshals or the law. I know that your people do not interact much with the law and you protect your own but...”
“I only know the ones I spoke of... the others I do not, but if they run with these that I know,,then they are not good men.”
I finished the stew and set the bowl down on the rug, looking at Ahawi. “That was very good stew, thank you for that.”
“You may eat or our food whenever you pass this way,” the chief offered.
“Thank you very much, Chief,” I said as Ahawi took the bowl to the river to wash. He extended his hand and I stood to shake it with a smile. “Sir, I am sorry if it seemed earlier like I was just coming in to solve your problems for you. I understand the position you’re in and how much it must be breaking your heart to have all of these attacks on your people.”
“Woman... I believe you have good in your heart... I will give you gift in token of peace between you and my people.” He took out a bracelet from his pocket and handed it to me.
“My name is Trin Paige, sir. Sorry if I didn’t introduce myself before,” I said, taking the bracelet. “It’s lovely, Chief.”
“This is made by my own hand... you look at it you remember cherokee are peaceful people.”
“I will always remember...” I put the bracelet around my wrist. “I shall carry on with my journey and see what I can do... Thank you for your warm hospitality and friendship, both of you. Would you like me to send a message to Hawk? I see him quite often.”
“It has been nice getting to know you Trin,” Ahawi told me. “Thank you for showing me around your village. And for giving me bandages.”
“Take these words to Brother Hawk... take him greetings of friendship from Standing Bear. He will recognize my name.”
“My pleasure,” I said to Ahawi and then turned to the chief. “I surely will tell him you said greetings and friendship. Would you be able to direct me in the path towards Colorado Springs?” I asked, knowing I needed to talk to Adder soon.
“I hope you can help keep the drunken palefaces out of our village,” Ahawi looked at me.
“I’ll see what I can do, Ahawi,” I winked at her.
“I hate to see them harmed,” she smiled back and I chuckled, thinking about Pablo being tied to a pole.
“We will accompany you to the entrance to Colorado,” Standing Bear offered.
“Oh thank you! That’s very kind of you.”
We walked towards Colorado and I had flashbacks to my rides with Icca and Frank and chuckled. We stopped in Bear River and Standing Bear stopped near the trading post. “Before you cross into Colorado, come and see this. This trading post where indian trade with Paleface... sometimes paleface cheat indian in trade.”
“Safe paths Trin. I hope that we meet again,” Ahawi told me.
“Thank you, Ahawi. I’m sure that we will,” I smiled at her.
Standing Bear pointed to a small building behind me and said, “That is US marshall outpost. They have cage in there to put bad man in when they catch them.”
“Good to know... Who are the US Marshals there?”
“One called Jakob. We do not know him well.”
“Despres, I know him well.”
“Do not completely trust this one,” the chief admitted.
“He’s not the one I plan to talk to,” I nodded, understanding. The chief led the way to Colorado and showed me the path towards home. “Thank you so much for your direction and kindness,” I smiled at him.
“Safe path, woman. Cherokee will welcome you when you return to our lands. May Great Spirit go before you.”
“And with you,” I nodded and looked at them. “How do you say ‘goodbye my friends’ in your language?”
He nodded and rose his hand in sign of peace and farewell. “We can say ‘ciao’.”
“Ciao, then,” I smiled. “I will come back when I have more information to give you.”
“You travel alone, you no have man?”
“I am alone,” I shook my head.
“Then be careful,” he nodded. “Many bad men who will steal a woman that roam these lands... also dangerous snake and wild animal.”
“I am well aware... Thank you for the warning.”
“We wish to see you again. Be much careful,” he smiled.
“See you soon,” I waved and walked through Amiville on the way to Nebraska.
Amiville.
I stopped in the saloon and wondered if Gramps would be there. I talked with him, Timmie, and Cannalilly for a bit and it felt good to see them. We talked about people in Amiville and about the big case I was following and I asked Gramps if he’d seen any Natives there recently. He was too focused on serving customers though and I went around to hug him, telling him I’ve missed him. “I’ve missed coming to the saloon and chatting... The routine of it in the morning...”
“Yea... I guess the only thing that is constant in life is the change,” Gramps nodded.
“I’m fighting back, Gramps. They’re going after the Native villages and it’s not right. Pablo, Buu, the Black Brothers... This has to stop.”
“You are right that is not the way it should be Ms. Tri , and it is good to have a noble cause like that.”
“I know marshals, Gramps. Everywhere. They are the only ones that can stop this.”
“Yes and the bad thing is... they can not be everywhere, when there is trouble.”
“But at least... Gramps, these people have kept me safe over the past few months and now they’re suffering from the same people who attacked me.”
“So you are going from town to town and talking to the marshals to get support?”
“I’m going to talk to the marshals I know first. Then we’ll see where I go from there.”
“Sure that is an smart thing to do.”
“I should carry on. Thank you for being here, Gramps. I’ll try to visit more. It still doesn’t feel right coming into this town but... Talking to you makes it all worth it.”
“Thanks,” he laughed. “I do not get out much. Or maybe they do not let me out much... that always puzzles me.”
“I’ll see you soon, Gramps,” I kissed his cheek and then stepped back.
“Bye, and please do hurry back if ya can!” Gramps waved at me as I headed out of the saloon.
Colorado Springs.
I headed out to Colorado and found Ida, Adder, Angelo Jake and Chelsea talking at the saloon. I looked at Adder and asked, “Taurus, was wondering if we could talk somewhere?”
“Sure,” he nodded and got up from where he was seated.
“Sorry folks, need to discuss a private mater with Adder. I won’t keep him long.,” I said and we headed to Adder’s place. I followed him into the house and he led me to the couch.
“Have a seat Trin. Whats up?”
“I need you to put your marshal hat on for this one. You know that I’ve been hearing about the attacks against Hawk’s tribe from Buu and Turner.”
“Aye,” he nodded.
“It’s getting worse.”
“Whats been happening?”
“I met a Native woman in Nebraska who told me about her village getting attacked the other night... Back in Wyoming. She was in Nebraska looking for medical supplies. Said they’d been wiped clean.”
“Hell. And still just those two guys doing it?”
“I asked her if she could take me to the chief to talk to him about it. She took me to Wyoming and I talked to Chief Standing Bear...” I looked at him and said, “Well, Taurus, that’s the best part. Does the name Pablito mean anything to you?” I winked at him and he rolled his eyes. “Apparently he was there trying to capture their women. But they fought him hard and he ended up being tied to a pole for a time.” I chuckled at the mental image and wished I could have been there.
“He was what?!” Adder blinked.
“They let him go but... Bear thinks he got the message. My point is... This problem is getting bigger. They’re attacking tribes... I think I heard one woman say the Black Brothers were over in Iowa...”
“Was Pablo working with Buu and Turner? Or alone?”
“Seemed it was just Pablo and some woman with him. I’d put my money on knowing exactly who that was.”
I’d put my money on knowing exactly who that was,” Adder nodded.
“Those were my guesses. I told the chief that I’d be talking to some of my marshal friends about this... You guys are the only ones who can do anything. But the problem is... Bear doesn’t trust Jake. I don’t know why but he had a negative reaction when he said his name as the marshal out there. He showed me the spot where they have a cell, across from the trading post by the entrance to Georgetown.”
“He doesn’t have a choice. I’m not doing this one alone,” Adder shrugged.
“I figured that would be your reaction,” I nodded. “Taurus... The people who have kept me safe for months are getting attacked. This needs to stop. If it doesn’t...” I looked into the fireplace.
“Are there any patterns to the timing of the attacks?”
“Seems to be constant attacks... I’m hearing about a new one every day.”
“But what times of day are they?”
“Evening, overnight...”
“I could do with something more specific. If we’re going to patrol out there I need more info.”
“I’ll see what more I can find out... I just wanted to see if it was even possible to do anything about
this.. Before I started poking around more...”
“Thanks. We can maybe organize patrols near the camps if we have an idea of when they’re likely to attack.”
“That’s what I was thinking,” I nodded. “Okay well I’ll keep looking around and see what I can find out, but it’s good to have you on bored with this.”
“Aye, keep me updated.”
“And Taurus...” I stood and looked at him.
“Yes?”
“He seemed very clear on not wanting Despres involved. I want to know why, but I’m going to adhere to his wishes.”
“Tough,” he shrugged.
“Tough?” I looked at him.
“I’m not going out there and risking my arse on my own.”
“I understand. I’ll try to talk to him.”
“If its a problem for him, then the chief might want to organize his own patrols.”
“I understand. I’ll talk to him,” I swallowed and nodded. “Okay, I should go but thank you for being here and listening. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Thanks Trin. Any info will help.”
I nodded and walked out of the house with a wave.
Wyoming.
I walked over to Bear River and stopped at the edge of the bridge. “Chief Standing Bear? It’s Trin Paige!” When Ahawi walked over I smiled and waved. “Can I cross?”
Ahawi smiled and nodded. “Come my friend, enter our village. Chief is in deep thought but I know he will be happy to speak with you”
“Hello Ahawi. How are you doing? I have some important matters to discuss with him alone if I could.”
“I am well, and you Trin?” she asked.
I looked at her, not sure how to answer. “Conflicted. I really need to speak with the chief.”
“Please come sit by the fire”
“Lead the way,” I nodded and followed her to the fire.
The chief was sitting by the fire and Ahawi informed him, “Chief, our friend Trin has returned.”
“Sister why paleface return? She make fast journey.”
“She is fast walker,” Ahawi said to him.
“Chief, I need to speak with you if we can? Preferably alone?”
“Alone?” he asked, raising a hand in greeting and I nodded. “What paleface have to say that she does not wish others to hear?”
“It’s about Despres,” I looked at him.
“This not trick?” he asked.
“No sir. I just want to talk to you alone if we could... Not that I don’t trust these women... but... How would I put this in your speech... The trees have ears?”
“I will go mix some herbs,” Ahawi said and left.
“We will speak,” Chief nodded. “Come.”
“Thank you,” I said and we walked across the bridge towards a cave. I stopped and looked around.
“I will hear your words here... no one else will hear,” he looked at me.
“Can we sit somewhere...?” I felt my nerves wash over me and tried to calm my spirit. I walked with him into the cave and thought that was better and sat down by the fire.
“We talk here,” he said, pointing to the furs and we sat down.
“Yes. I’m sorry Chief I just...”
He looked at me and said, Woman, say your words. No one hear you here.”
“I spoke with a friend of mine... Marshal Adder Taurus. I trust him, very much. I’ve worked with him in the past when he was just a deputy sheriff and I was a detective. He’s kept me alive on a number of occasions. The problem is... He won’t help without Despres and Seetan. And I had seen your unsureness about Despres when you mentioned him back at the trading post. To be honest with you, I’m not the most comfortable around them right now either, though we are cordial. But if we’re going to do this we need their help.”
“I will agree if you are sure they will not make trick against my people.”
I looked at him, concern and curiosity mixed in my expression... “Chief... If I may ask... What is it about Despres that you don’t trust?”
“My distrust comes only from feeling inside... he has done nothing wrong... yet... but something about this man that troubles chief. Maybe he is good man and I am imagining things.”
“To be honest, Chief... I’ve known Despres a long time. My first encounter with him was... not pleasant. But I have to admit that he has kept me safe in the past as well. And moreso recently when I lived in Colorado Springs. A part of me trusts him... but I understand your hesitation as well.”
“You speak of this man as perhaps he is more than friend...” he looked at me.
I shook my head and said, “No Sir. There is none of that between us. He is with another woman and I’ve not once been jealous of her for getting to share his company... It’s just that when she’s around and I’m trying to talk to them about a case.. It’s as if he’s listening but she seems against most of my points of view. Even when I went to find Taurus... He was with both of them but I pulled Taurus aside to speak with him alone.”
“Then you need Chiefs help in getting his ear?”
“I didn’t want them to be involved if they didn’t have to be, as I understand your distrust on them. That’s why I’m here, Chief... I know we need their help. But I seem to never get anywhere when talking to them if she’s there.”
“As I say, he has done nothing wrong. Perhaps is my basic distrust of Paleface. Maybe I go with you to speak to this Jakob.”
“I hope that you trust me... In all my life I’ve done nothing but promote the truth and try to protect the ones I lo... care about,” I said, changing the word from ‘love’ and looked at him. “That may be best. Perhaps if we went to talk with them together...”
“When do you propose to make journey to speak with them?”
“I was wondering if you could help me with a couple of details first.”
“What is that woman?”
“The attack the other night from Pablo... Has it happened before?”
“Many moons since Pablo attack here. I thought perhaps he got in fight he could not win and went to walk the spirit path. He attack woman many moons ago over mountain.”
“Ahawi mentioned the attack a couple of nights ago... Is why she was getting medicine in Nebraska.”
“Try to make her his. Maybe so, but no Pablo was in that attack.”
“Do you know anything about that one? It sounds like there have been several attacks on your village. It would be helpful to know if there was a pattern.”
“Not a lot... one attacker was name Brandy. Paleface who run trading post.”
“Brandy?” I gave him a quick look.
He nodded and said, “Another is called Jules, paleface woman. Work with Brandy. Willie, he is Brandy’s man. They bring two or three more with them to attack but do not know how they are called. You know this Brandy?”
“This was two nights ago, right?
“Maybe three suns past.”
“The name is ringing a bell... I can’t remember why I know her just yet, but I feel like I’ve heard that name before.”
“She is known as outlaw in many lands.”
“Is probably why. I’m sure I’ve run into her in the past. They all kind of mesh together after a while.” There was a break in the conversation and I looked in the fire. “Well, I won’t keep you. We can wait on speaking with Despres... but I would like to have that conversation with you there. I should head home and write some notes to get my thoughts together.”
Standing Bear seemed to snap back to focus after his mind wandered. “And you have no man? How is this?”
I looked at him with a surprised expression, but suppressed it and said, “Well.. I am very dedicated to my work. Not to mention the few that have understood that work either did not give me the freedom to do it on my own, or they were never around when I wasn’t working.” I thought of Dutch, Bravo and James and sighed.
“Maybe you find man who allow you to be all you can be... Cherokee woman have equal status to man. Except in furs... then she is better than man,” he chuckled.
I smiled at him, wondering what he was getting at. “Well, I’ve been learning how to cook from Hawk’s wife Sasha...”
“She is good cook.”
“Taurus brings me game from hunting sometimes, but he is just a friend,” I insisted.
“You have had little ones?”
“No, Sir. No kids,” I shook my head.
He thought a moment and then said, “Then you have not been with a man?”
“Depends on what you mean by ‘with’. If you mean the act needed in which to produce children... then no, I haven’t.”
“You sleep with man, warm furs in his lodge? Then you maiden,” his eyebrow was raised.
“If you mean sleep with a man in the same bed but only for the reason that I did not feel safe sleeping alone... then yes.” I wondered why he was asking but didn’t press the issue and turn the tables on him. “And yourself? You’re married?”
“Cherokee think important to know these things. Not to make maiden turn red but because cherokee consider one who has not known a man to be a maiden. If she has, we consider her a woman.
“Cherokee very aware of protecting the women and their honor.”
I looked around the small, secluded cave then back at the chief and had a momentary thought of nerves, but I stayed quiet. “You didn’t answer my question, Chief,” I noticed. “You’re married?”
“No, chief was married but his woman betray him. He send her away with her lover.”
I put a hand over my chest and shook my head. “That’s terrible. How could anyone...”
“And women in village throw sticks at them as they leave for dishonoring chief and our people.”
I wanted to reach over and touch his arm but didn’t know if that was allowed. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Chief...”
“Cherokee woman say to them, ‘May your furs smell like rotten fish’.”
I chuckled at that and he motioned for me to stand. I looked at him and did so, confused. “Chief..?”
He walked around me slowly and I watched him close, not sure what he was up to. “You make good wife for man you choose to walk path with you.”
“Thank you, Chief...” I blushed, feeling my heart race and I wasn’t sure why.
“For paleface woman you look strong, strong hips to carry little Cherokid well...” His eyes moved upward and he said, “And make plenty milk for little one to drink.”
I swallowed hard and said, “There are a few steps that need to happen before that happens, Chief.”
“Is it in your heart to walk with a partner when great spirit send you one?”
I looked at him, considering how to answer. “I want to have a man by my side, one that will protect and love me, that I can love back... I’m not sure if children are in my future but... That’s not for me to decide.”
“I believe you have good heart... and in time, your path will cross with good man. One who will protect and provide for you... love you and honor you.”
I smiled, thinking that it had been a long time since a man had complimented me this much.
“I trust you, I believe your heart is sincere and that you do not speak with two tongues.”
“I would not lie to you, Chief,” I nodded.
“I will consider you friend of Cherokee and will go to speak to this Jakob with you when time is right. We go back to fire now.”
I wished that we could stay alone longer but didn’t voice my desire and followed him out. We talked with a woman by the fire, talking with a child who was there cuddling a puppy. The chief explained that I was there to help them be protected against outlaws and to find those that would attack. He insisted that I had earned his trust and I told them about my allegiance with Hawk and how he had been there for me. We talked about the puppy and the chief insisted I was to be a friend of the Cherokee.
“I sees a body near their fort,” a kid told me. “And a blue-coated long knife there too.”
“When did you see this body near the front?”
“Does Chief welcome paleface lawman to village also? And what about bluecoat.... we welcome them all?” Two Moons asked the chief skeptically.
“No, only this one. And her only because I believe she can be trusted,” the chief insisted.
“I saw blue coat in village by swing this sun,” another lady said.
“I seen a gray coat once,” the child said.
“Did the man at the front with the blood-soaked blanket say anything to you...?”
“No, him dead.” I raised an eyebrow and looked over at the chief, confused.
“We will do what you ask Chief. The paleface woman is safe until she harm one of us.. then we kill her,” Two Moons watched me closely.
“If she betray us we scalp her,” Standing Bear nodded.
“I promise you, Ma’am. I will always be unarmed and will never try to harm you,” I promised.
“I gots a wittle knife,” the kid said.
I saw the chief walk away and looked around the group.
“Even little knife do much damage,” Two Moons said to the child.
I looked at her and traced the scar on my forearm and said, “Believe me, I know. I should be heading home. It was nice meeting you all. I’ll be back with more information as it’s gathered.”
“Come rest by fire.. Two Moons make some tea.. give you food,” Two Moons whispered to me.
“Perhaps another time, ma’am? I really should be getting back.”
“You have tea and food when you return Lady,” she nodded.
“Okay that sounds good. Thank you for your kindness. And tell Chief that I will come back soon to talk with him.”
“Safe paths lady. I will pass on your words.”
I waved to them and headed towards home.
Kansas.
An hour later I went to Kansas and joined Sasha at the fire. She told me that she saw Red earlier and that he was doing well. I told her about meeting the Cherokee tribe and how good things had gone there. We talked about my conversation with Adder about the attacks on the villages.
“I was wondering Sasha... You mentioned the attacks here have happened at night...” I wondered then. “Any pattern to them at all?”
“Not really no.”
“They happen in the evenings though right? When it’s dark?”
“Yes, mostly.”
“And generally by the same people?”
“Or very early in the morning. Harley Buu seems to be a constant, yes.”
“Hmm... Do you think you could recount the most rent ones for me? When, who, that sort of thing? Just to put it into some sort of timeline?”
“I’ve only been here fro two of the attacks. One I came home just as it had ended.”
“And they happened when exactly? I remember they were within the past week...”
“Last week, Monday I think...looks at Two...do you recall?” she looked at the other woman who had joined us.
“No, Sasha... I do not count the days,” Two smiled.
“Neither do I lately, it seems...” Sasha chuckled.
“Okay, I’ll have to consult my journals then,” I said and looked through my notebook. “Ah here it is. It was on October 31 that you told me about Buu and Turnor’s attack, Sasha. That had happened the night before.”
“Could be, yes,” Sasha nodded.
“And on Oct. 31, the black brothers attacked Betty’s village.. Where is Betty’s village again?”
“Just over that mountain in front of you.”
“Iowa?”
“Yes. The first village you come to in Iowa. The Lakota are farther back.”
“Now... The attacks from Buu and Trevor happened two nights in a row, correct?” I asked as we said goodbye to Two and she left the fire.
“Same day,” Sasha answered.
“Oh.... so you just told me about it 31’s, then gave more detail about it on the first.”
“That sounds right.”
“From my journal it says that Hawk was there the first time when they defeated the night before... then they let you take the children to the tent... But that is different than the attack on the 31’st, seems that there were three attacks total if I’m reading this properly.”
“The first attack was in the morning, a few of us were here for it, but not Hawk.”
“Ohh... Then two at night. And Hawk was there for those.”
“Second attack was in the evening, Hawk was there for that one.”
“I understand now.”
“Third attack was about two hours after that, Hawk and I were both away by that time.”
“I’m with you now. This is why I wanted to make a timeline... Just to make sure I’m following correctly.”
“it does get crazy here sometimes... It feels as if it might be another quiet day today.”
“Is a good thing. Hawk’s still out hunting or some such?”
“For another hour or so, yes. It’s the longest part of the day for me,” she chuckled.
“Sasha, according to my records there’s been four attacks on Native villages in the area in the last week. That seems high... Oh actually, five.”
“That is a lot...and the bluecoats haven’t started yet.”
“Bluecoats?” I looked over.
“Some have moved into the fort in Iowa.”
“I see...”
“Just a few for now, but more will come soon, we fear.”
I told her that I needed to head to Colorado but asked her to tell Hawk that I would be back to talk to him about everything.
Colorado.
I found my way to Colorado and found Mack and Amee’s house. I knocked on the door and they welcomed me in and showed me around the house that he had built. It was stunning with the log cabin design and high ceilings. We sat down on the couch and I knew I had to get down to business.
“Mack... I’ll be honest. I’m here partially on business. But it is good to have you here Amee, as It will hit home for you.”
“What is on your mind, Trin?” Mack asked.
“Okay...” I took a deep breath. “I’ve been talking to several Natives in the area around Nebraska.. Mack... There’s been five attacks on three tribes in the last week. The people that kept me safe are now being attacked by the people they were keeping me safe from. Hawk’s village in Kansas, Betty’s village in Iowa, and now Chief Bear’s village in Wyoming.”
“I see...” Mack leaned in. “Tell me more.”
“October 31st. Buu and Turner attacked Hawk’s village in the morning, then again twice more in the evening. That same day, the Black brothers - Liam and Lebron - attacked Betty’s tribe in Iowa. That makes four so far... all just on one day. More recently... the other day Chief Bear’s village in Wyoming was attacked by Brandy and Jules... they were wiped clean of their medical supplies.”
They both looked at me with surprise, and amazement. “Well... What do you have in mind?” Mack finally asked.
“I’ve spoken with Adder... He suggested we set up posts and wait for them to come. The problem is... There is very little local law in that area. Marshals are the only ones who have any jurisdiction over these areas. You’re the only ones who...” I said, starting to get emotional. “There’s a problem. Other than all of this... When I hypothesized this idea to Chief Bear... He seemed very uneasy about including Despres.”
Mack looked slightly startled then and asked, “And why would that be, Miss Trin?”
“When I spoke to him about it... he said there was something that he didn’t trust about Despres. When I went to speak with Taurus... he was sitting with Chels and Jake. I asked if I could speak alone with Taurus because I didn’t want to lose the chief’s trust.”
Mack leaned back in his seat, frowning. “Well, Miss Trin, that could be a problem. For one thing, Marshal Despres is my boss. I answer to him. Secondly, the Indians are under the jurisdiction of the military, not the Marshal’s office.”
I listened and sighed, understanding the predicament all too well. “I’ve known Despres a very long time.. Mack, I talked to Chief Bear about talking to Despres together. He’s willing to go talk to him if he and I go together.”
“I assume that you have not spoken to Marshall Despres about this...”
“No... I have not,” I looked at them in conflicted emotion.
“I see.”
I don’t know what to make of all this, Mack. I’m trying to talk to the marshals that I... know,” I said, almost saying ‘trust’ but changed the word.
“I suppose that we might be able to notify the Army about this. But that would have to go through Marshall Despres too. Jake... Marshal Despres might be able to organize an appropriate solution to the problem.” I felt something burning inside me and didn’t know how to tell them the thoughts that were threatening. Mack continued, “I am sorry, Trin. But I am just a deputy. And a new one at that.”
“I know, Mack. You’re not in an easy position.”
“However, it IS our job to track down criminals who commit crimes in different jurisdictions. If they are committing crimes across territorial or state borders, that would be our jurisdiction. That would make them federal crimes. As a lawyer, I am sure you know that.”
“Exactly my point. I need to get Chief Bear and talk with Despres... He won’t do it unless we talk to him together.”
“You mean you and I?”
“No... he wants to talk to Despres with me.”
“Oh, okay. That sounds like a good idea. Especially since the chief trusts you. Get Marshal Despres on your side, and you will have the entire US Marshal’s office on your side too.”
“And I will use my influence to sway him as well,” Mack smiled slightly and looked at me. “What is troubling you, Trin?”
“I...” I hesitated.
“Go ahead. Spill it. You know you can trust me.”
I swallowed hard, nervousness showing on my face. “It’s... Chels...”
“What about Chels?” Mack looked at me curiously.
“Ever since I met her there’s been some hesitancy on her side to talk to me.”
“Hmm. Well, I don’t know if that means anything. Chels is a bit quiet until she gets to know someone. Even then, she don’t talk much.”
“She’s never trusted me... since I was a writer, a reporter, a lawyer... Whenever she talks to me it’s as if she is against whatever suggestion I make, whereas Jakob will hear me out and not combat my suggestions.”
“Ah!” he exclaimed, understanding.
“Since they started being together, I’ve had to go around her to actually get through to Jakob and discuss anything worthwhile him.”
“Well then, I suppose you have your work cut out for you to gain her trust.”
“I’ve been trying for... four months, Mack. Clearly it hasn’t worked. I thought we were finally making headway but then the whole thing with the Black brothers case happened... I wanted to go after them but she insisted that it was outlaws vs. outlaws and it didn’t matter. Because she chased Santos around town.”
“Well, Trin. I guess I don’t really know how to help you with that. I ain’t much good with women stuff.”
“It’s not about women stuff, Mack. I can’t talk to Despres when she’s there. It’s impossible.”
“Well, I suppose you will have to talk to him as you can then,” he said and I felt like I wanted to kick something but shifted in my seat and sighed. “If you are as concerned about the Indians as you obviously are, you will do what you must.”
I nodded, knowing he was right. “I know, Mack... I’ll put my own issues aside, though she’ll probably say it’s not as big a deal as I think it is.”
“I have offered to toss my hat in the ring. But that is the best I can do under the circumstances,” Mack sighed.
“I know Mack, and I appreciate that. I don’t even know what we can really do, unless we actually know when specifically they’re going to attack. We can’t all just sit out in the village and wait for them.”
“After all, I cannot ride hell-bent for the Indian territories all by myself. That would be a fools errand.”
“I know, that’s why Adder said I have to convince Bear to talk to Despres.”
“Well, Trin. If they are committing federal crimes, we can issue warrants for them and go hunt them down and arrest them. But we have to do it right,” he said and I looked at him, emotion all over my face as I was full of confusion and fear. “You of all people know that,” Mack looked at me suspiciously then. “What are you hiding, girl? You best come clean with me!”
“Nothing, Mack, I swear. I just... I hate that they’re being bullied as I was. “I just told you everything I know... and even that is more than I’ve told anyone else. I’m standing out on a limb here, Mack. I don’t know if any of this is even going to amount to anything. I just need advice.
“I see. What do you mean, you were bullied?” he asked gnetly.
I leaned forward and tried to regroup my emotions. I looked over at Mack and Amee and said, “A lot happened in Amiville... A lot that I wish hadn’t. But whenever things happened there with all these outlaws whose names are coming up in conversation.. I ran to Hawk’s tribe. It was my sanctuary, my protection. It was the only place I felt safe. I moved to Nebraska to be closer to them.... to start over from the hell that I went through in Amiville.”
“Yes, I remember seeing you there that day,” he nodded.
“And now these people, my friends, are being attacked by the same damn outlaws that put me through that hell.” I didn’t hold back as the justified anger at my past showed in my expression. “I was almost robbed in Colorado East the other day by Red Viper and Santos... then she showed up in Nebraska the other day with Angelo. I feel as if...”
“Do you think they are following you Miss Trin?” Amee finally asked when I stopped and looked at the floor.
“Whether they are or aren’t, Amee... I feel as if I can’t escape. And I feel as if this will keep happening until I show that I’m not afraid anymore, that I’m going to the people I can trust who can do something about what they’re doing to my friends,” I looked desperately at Mack.
“I will do what I can, Miss Trin. I give you my word on that.” Mack promised. “But I need you to talk with Marshal Despres. This is official business, not personal, and he is the one to talk to. If it was personal, well, that would be another story.”
I looked over at him, knowing it was the second time someone had been suspicious about my feelings. “Let me be very clear. There is not now nor has there ever been anything between Despres and myself past a business relationship.”
“Well, Trin. That thought never crossed my mind. Not a’tall,” he looked at me, surprised, and shook his head. “But I can see that you feel very strongly about all this.”
“These wounds are very fresh, Mack. Very fresh,” I nodded. “Their names come up in conversation and it’s as if I’m transported back in time.. right when they were happening...”
“I understand, Miss Trin. I really do. I have a few scores to settle myself. But I am wearing a badge now, and that means I am sworn to uphold the law, not circumvent it.”
“I’m not looking to circumvent anything,” I nodded. “You should know me well enough to know that I want the truth, and protection of the people I care about above all.”
“Of course. I will help, but it has to be done the right way. That is all I am saying.”
“There are no hidden agendas here, Mack.”
“That is good enough for me, Trin.”
“I told you my frustrations about Chels in confidence, telling you that no one else knows about these feelings towards her. That should be enough to tell you that you can trust that I’m being one hundred percent honest with you here. And it was hard enough telling you that.”
“You told me that in confidence, and I will keep your confidence. So long as you don’t ask me to keep secrets from a fellow Marshal,” he aded. “In that regard, personal differences are no concern of mine.”
“I know. This isn’t personal, it’s business. My point is only that if they’re constantly together it makes it hard to talk business with Despres. Since she seems to have an issue with me.”
“Definitely,” he nodded.
“Is there anything else I can help you with, Trin?”
I swallowed as the emotion and tears were still raw and Amee went to get me a beverage. “Just knowing that I can trust you is enough right now, Mack... I know our first interaction wasn’t exactly on the same side but... I’m glad that I feel confident enough to come to you for help now.”
“Well, I hope you know that you can, Trin. As I said that day, I am a man of honor. Always was, always will be. The badge has nothing to do with that.”
“I know, Mack. That’s why I admire what you did that day,” I said as Amee brought over a cup of coffee for me and herself and I drank the coffee, finally smiling at Amee. “Thank you for this.”
Mack chuckled and said, “I suppose that I shocked one or two people at the time. But not anything like I would have if I had done what I was thinking!”
“You’re more than welcome Miss Trin...it’s the least I can do,” Amee said as she went to step near the fireplace to flick the ashes from her cigar and took a sip of her coffee.
“The man had no leg to stand on. I admired that you took on the case at all. Didn’t help his whole jury disappeared,” I chuckled, feeling relieved to have something positive to discuss.
“Actually, I was surprised that I was asked to do it at all. Not my thing really” Mack laughed about the trial.
“I enjoyed the lawyer part for a day myself... but it’s this work that I prefer... most days.”
After we talked for a while longer, I said goodnight and promised to Mack that I would be in touch before heading home.
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