Amiville.
As we were sitting in the saloon this morning I looked across the table at Fritha. “So Frith I was wondering if I could ask you something actually.”
“Yes of course, Trin.”
“Well we were wanting to know more about this Allison Grey thing... We wanted to talk to people about when Cathy switched... It’s possible they’re connected.”
“Allison Grey?”
“You know anything about her?” I asked but she looked at me with confusion. “Guess you hadn’t heard yet.”
“I fear I’m about to have Miss Grey launched upon me.”
“We just heard last night... Trying to look into it cos we don’t buy the simple answer we’re hearin’. Allison apparently was attacked by some rabid dogs but we wonder if that’s really the full story.”
“Well, if they are rabid, then there is all too little hope for her, I regret.”
“She’s already dead... That’s not the point. We’re just trying to solve if it was really just that easy or if it was more complicated.”
“By jove, that was quick!”
“We heard last night that Allison had died.”
“Gracious me... How long ago was the unfortunate Miss Grey bitten?”
“I have no idea, Frith.”
“Well generally it takes around 8 weeks to show, though can take as many months.”
“I don’t know if we can wait that long, Frith. What if it really is connected with the reason why Cathy’s missing?”
“Or indeed as many days in fact. It is unpredictable in that degree. Cathy being...?”
“Kathy, Kitty... Whatever the heck she’s going by now.”
“Oh her...”
“Apparently she and Allison were friends. But I guess Allison didn’t like that Kitty turned outlaw. As none of us did...”
“Mm, well, the only cure for a rabid bite is excision of the flesh around the wound, and cauterization with lunar caustic, but frankly it’s generally in vain.”
“She’s already dead, Frith. We’re just trying to determine if Cathy had anything to do with it,” I looked at Fritha.
“Unless Cathy is herself rabid, I must question it.”
“We need to find Cathy. Soon.”
“Wait, you are saying that Cathy herself is rabid, and bites other people?”
“Nonono... I’m saying that if Cathy was put up to murdering Allison then we need to make sure they didn’t sick the dogs on her too or something worse.”
“I can only say that it would be of as great a danger to the murderer to go near a rabid dog as it would be for their victim.”
“That’s why we have to find her,” I said and looked over, smiling at the man walking in. “Hey James.”
“As a means of murder, it is akin to exploding a barrel of gunpowder, next to which both murderer and victim stand,” Fritha went on.
“Guess who’s back in town,” James smiled at me.
I looked from Anron who was standing near the bar and introduced, “James, meet my friend Anron. He’s back in town after a while away too. He’s a marshal who’s helped me out a few times on a case.”
“A pleasure then,” James nodded.
“Same ass well,” Anron smiled.
“What’s been new in town lately, Trin?” James asked.
“Hmm let’s see... Solving crimes, being the victim and target of an arson attack, getting a new sheriff in town.. Think that about sums it up?”
“So Miss Trin, who is going to be the new sheriff?”
“Trin, Trin, Trin.... What are we gonna do with ya? You just like to get yourself in trouble,” James shook his head.
“Not sure I’m at liberty to divulge that yet,” I looked at Gramps.
“Hmm, and what does the oracle of rumor suggest about it?” Fritha asked.
“It’ll be made clear this afternoon I’m sure, but it’s a very good thing. Who knows, Frith. We’re just glad things are getting straightened out,” I acted like I didn’t know but inside I was thrilled about the news. “Guess without a constant bodyguard I become more vulnerable huh?” I winked at James.
“Maybe and I do think you already have someone in mind.”
“Well, once the sheriff thing is announced... Reckon it’ll be him.”
“You think so?”
“Mmhmm. I’ll be fine. So how’s the new business?”
“Ain’t good, Trin. With the more and more coming railroads it’s a pain.”
“But the railroads extend only to the depots. From there anything must be carried further,” Fritha said.
“Seems like theres almost no more needs for a courier like me,” James said. “Yes but from there usually the stage is used.”
“Indeed. You can always help out with that.”
“I don’t see it. There is only one railroad depot in a town, as there is only one telegraph office. From there the message or person or item must travel further,” Fritha said.
“Via stage, like I said,” James told her.
“After all, where is our nearest railroad depot? No nearer than Silver Plume,” Fritha said.
“Anyway not good for my business guess I’ll be needing to look for another job in the future,” James frowned.
“At least I need only rely upon the workings of nature for my trade,” Fritha said.
A man walked in and walked over to Lara and I looked over at her with concern. “Took you a while,” Lara said to him.
“Maybe I’ll take the army’s offer to train recruits if all fails,” James shrugged.
“Well whatever keeps you busy I guess, huh James?” I looked at him.
“Whatever can keep me living, Trin.”
“Don’t believe we’ve met officially yet, Matt was it?” I looked over.
The man by Lara swore suddenly and I walked over to them. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, quite alright. He’s got quite a temper,” Lara told me, giggling.
“Sorry to shout,” the man said. “My temper is quite bad.”
“No problem Sir, just concerned for my friend here. Lara, mind if I join you?” I asked and sat down where I could keep an eye on everything. “So... Huck was it?”
“Yes ma’am. Huck Finn.”
“So Lara where’ve you been living these days?
“Nowhere, really.”
“Just out on the streets? Lara, that’s not good... Especially with a baby on the way...”
“I know...” Lara looked down.
“Hmm Trin... Couldn’t you offer her a place for the moment?” James suggested.
“Well yeah, Lara you could stay with me if you need to... really only have room for one person though upstairs...” I looked between Huck and Lara. “I don’t have much but there’s a rug there I can sleep on and you can take the bed. An expectant mother and a baby shouldn’t be on the streets, Sir,”I looked at Huck.
“Erm... But I can’t accept the offer sadly,” Lara blushed.
“Yes Trin is right there,” James nodded.
“Please Lara, take me up on it.” I looked over at Anron. “Or you could stay with the marshals... I’m sure they’d put you up somewhere right Anron?”
“I think she’s fine,” Huck looked between us.
“She’s not fine. She’s living on the streets and she’s having a baby. Besides, I thought you were just her friend. If you were her friend you’d care more about her safety and the safety of her baby.”
“Sure...” Anron nodded to me.
“Now let’s tone it down a bit,” Huck’s voice turned red with anger.
“We are toning it down, Sir. We’re just talking calmly about solutions for her safety and the safety of her child.”
“I’m not good with choice-making, I’m afraid,” Lara said.
“Then let me make the choice for you, Lara. Stay with Anron and the marshals,” I said. “At least until the baby comes.”
“But the baby’s gunna make a lot of noise during the night waking the men up,” Lara protested.
“Anron likes babies, right Anron? The noise ain’t gonna bother them.”
“She can stay at my place,” Huck smiled.
“Sure...” Anron arched a brow, looking at me.
“Well it decided. Lara, you’re staying with me at my cabin,” Huck said definitively.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, with that temper of yours. I heard what you called Lara a few minutes ago. That kind of language shouldn’t be happening around a child.”
“Sorry if I’m not showing over-joy. I’m just quiet today,” Anron looked over at Lara. “Like she said you could stay with me for sure. Sound is not really big deal for me.”
“The child will be fine,” Huck grinned. “It calmer in the woods.”
“Huck’s right. It will be calmer in the woods. I’ll... er.... stay with him...”
“If you say so... I can’t really tell you what to do.”
“I might even help with the expenses for the baby if Trin wants..I don’t even use the money anyway,’’ Anron said.
James shook his head at me as if telling me he has a bad feeling about the case. I nodded to him, understanding how he felt, and leaned over to whisper to Lara. “If he calls you names or ever lays a hand on you, you come to me.”
“Well it’s fine... Who’s the father, by the way?” Anron asked then.
“Everything alright over there, Trin?” Bravo asked me then.
“I don’t think it matters who’s the farther,” Lara cleared her throat.
“We’re fine, Bravo,” I nodded.
“It does, miss. It does,” James said.
An hour later, we were in the the sheriff’s office with Lara when Huck had left. It was then that Huck came and yelled, “Lara when I get in there, your brains are going up the walls!”
“Huck, you want something?!” I called out. “Guess we should head to the courthouse to see Logan get instated,” I said then remembering he was getting sworn in.
“Give me Lara, now!” Huck shouted.
“No, Huck. Not gonna happen,” I called back.
Anron went and opened the door. “Huck...please do come in.”
“Anron, no,” I warned. I saw Huck’s weapon drawn and drew my own gun, just in case.
“Don’t make me shoot!” Huck shouted.
Anron took his gun out and started shooting immediately. I told Lara to back up and grabbed her to the back of the sheriff’s office, trying to keep her safe. Jake Despres, Chels and Logan soon joined in the gunfight and when it was over, I went out to check on them. In the process though, I’d managed to hit both Jake and Anron with my bullets in attempt to shoot Huck.
“You guys okay?” I looked around.
“Glad you show up there bud,” Anron leaned on the table, bleeding a bit.
“You guys okay?” I holstered my guns.
“But of course, but please tell me, what happened?” Jake asked.
“Huck was yelling at us to give him Lara,” I explained. “I told him it wasn’t gonna happen but Anron opened the door and he came in.” I continued to hold Lara back from where Huck was laying on the ground.
“As I opened to door I saw a gun pointed at my face and well I had to do something...’’ Anron explained, holstering his guns.
“Lara, you’re safe now honey. You and the baby... you’re both safe...”
Jake looked from the door back to me. “Hold on..”
“Thank you so much!” Lara hugged me tight and Logan looked from Huck to me and I continued to hold Lara close.
“Yeah, I understand...” Jake nodded to Anron. “You wanna take it from here Sheriff?”
“Come on, Lara. Let’s go out and sit at my desk,” I led her to my desk as Lara cried a bit more.
“Sweetie sit here...” I led her to my chair.
“You both okay in there?” Anron looked at us.
“Yeah... We’re fine,” I nodded.
“We need to get you fixed up, come with me Marshal Nightfire,” Jake looked Anron over. “Right there, Lara. Comfiest chair in the office. Thanks for your help, Marshals. Logan and I will take it from here I guess.”
“No problem Trin,” Chels nodded.
“Sure thing...” Jake nodded with a smile.
I sighed, knowing this would come to a head soon and kicked the chair, frustrated we hadn’t stopped it in time. I cuffed Huck and dragged him to the cell in the back.
“Remind me to teach you aiming will you Trin?’’ Anron grinned a little.
“Sorry, Anron. Thought I had a good read on him,” I chuckled. “Just glad you’re okay.” I locked the jail cell door and looked at the man inside. “Come on, Huck. I was hoping I’d be able to do this to you today. Lara, just stay there.”
“Okay,” Huck said, still shaking.
“Taurus, welcome back. You just missed all the fun,” I saw him walk into the office and sighed with relief. “They’re making Logan the Sheriff but I need help here. Huck came in shooting wanting Lara and we shot back at him. I’m just putting him in the cell but he’ll need a doctor.”
“Ah,” he nodded and helped me search Huck.
Chels walked into the sheriff’s office then and asked, “Ya okay in there Trin?”
I was still shaking after hitting Anron and Jake and said, “I didn’t mean to hit the marshals... I... I was aiming at the door. I’m sorry, Chels... I’m so sorry... Are they okay?”
“Yes, they are fine,” Chels smiled. “Howdy Adder.”
“It was an accident, Chels. I was aiming for Huck... Trying to keep Lara out of the line of fire...”
“Yeah, the door shouldn’t of been opened,” Chels sighed.
“I told him that he wasn’t gonna get to see Lara, I told Anron no. Chels... I’m so sorry...” I felt myself shaking more and wished Logan were still there. I looked over at Lara and saw she was still in shock too.
“Well now that all is well here, I best be getting back...you did your best Trin,” Chels said.
“Are we okay, Chels?”
“Okay about?” she looked at me, confused.
“I’ve got orders to go to the courthouse,” Adder said then.
“Me shooting them accidentally... I just... I was so concerned about hitting Huck and... Okay, Taurus. He’s locked up there.” I looked around, feeling dizzy.
“It happens Trin, we all do that at times, not intentionally.. It’s hard to shoot in small quarters.”
Chels and Adder left the office and I looked at Lara. “Lara, are you okay? I told you he was bad news, didn’t I?”
“I can’t help but feel it was personal.”
“Of course it was personal, Lara. Huck wanted to see you. We wouldn’t let him get to you. Not after how we saw you two interacting.”
“I know but he threatened to kill me if I told you.”
“I believe you, honey, I do. I could tell something was wrong. “I’ve got to go check on him. Stay here for a bit?”
“Okay.”
I walked back to the cell and asked, “Huck, you fine in here or you need a doctor?” He spit towards me and I shrugged, “Fine, that’s the way you’re gonna be.”
“Let me see Lara.”
“You know I don’t see that happening?”
“Bitch... let me see her!”
“No. And I don’t appreciate the language either.”
I made sure the cell door was locked firmly and went back to the main room where Lara was still crying. “Oh lara... You’re safe now.”
“You do know if he gets out he’ll only do this again... I should of killed him the moment he hit me. I put a knife to his neck... I could of killed him then.”
“Sweetie no, then you’d be stooping to his level.”
“I think I made him more angry when I put the knife to his neck. I drawn blood. That pissed him off I guess.”
“He wouldn’t have liked that for sure, but that was out of self defence it sounds like.”
“It was defence he punched me then after this man left I put the knife to his neck, but he pushed me away and punched me then the same man came again.”
Anron knocked on the door and I asked him, “Anron, you okay? Huck wants to see Lara but I told him that wasn’t happening.”
“Yeah..yeah seems I got shot..you know the usuals..’’ Anron nodded, amused.
“Trin...” Logan walked in and said, “Don’t hit me... but I’m needed at the courthouse to swear in a deputy. Adder should be back soon.”
“Can I stay here?”
“No you don’t have to. It’s just a swearing in.”
“I don’t want to leave Huck unattended.”
“Of course.”
“See if you can get a doctor for him,” I said and then turned back to Lara as Logan left again. “Okay, I’m staying here with you, Lara.”
“Okay,” she smiled nervously.
“How long have you known Huck?”
“I’m not sure. Like I told you... I woke up and he was there. He threatened me if I disobeyed him.”
“He threatened you... What did he say exactly? Do you remember?”
“He said, ‘If you run and leave me, I’ll beat you till you don’t know what day it is.’ That’s what he said. I don’t know if I was drugged or knocked out,” she sighed, still shaking.
“Oh honey... Where did this all happen?”
“In some forest somewhere. I know we past Oregon on the way here.”
“Oh...” I sighed, knowing that the abuse charges were out of our jurisdiction but we could hold him for the shooting charges.
“Most of the time he was carrying me. I know he abused me behind the barn near the milking cow. That’s where this kind man saw him hit me.”
“Just this morning you mean?” I shook my head.
“Yeah, I think it was today.”
“When who found you? Anron? Did he have a badge?”
“I think it was a law man.”
“Good. That’s good. He brought you here then, right?”
“Erm no he went then thats wen I put the knife to Huck then he came again when Huck was punching me and...”
“And...?” I nodded. “Take your time honey, but I need you to tell me what happened next.”
“I think we went to the saloon and you know what happened there.”
“I saw you passing back and forth a note.”
“Then he told me to take notes on this building he said he was gonna set it on fire. He has the note not me.”
Huck laughed then and I called back, “Something funny in there, Huck?”
“When you took me out to talk he must of gotten rid of the note then I’m not sure. He might still have it,” Lara said.
“Oh I hope he does...”
“All there was on the note was a plan of what this building looked like so he could look at weak
points to bomb.”
“Why would he want to blow up this building? What’s he got against us?” I sighed.
“For all you bitches know I could have planted to bomb already!” Huck shouted.
“This is the first time I’ve even seen him,” I said.
“I know you were in the saloon the whole time this morning, Huck. I’ve got eyes all over this town,” I shouted back and he just laughed. “Shut it, Huck, or do you want to add arson confession to your list of charges?”
Logan walked into the sheriff’s office then and said, “My apologies...”
“Go talk to Huck and see if he has a note on him with plans for the sheriff’s building,” I told Logan.
“Lara just told me he was planning to blow this place up. I don’t want to be a victim of a second arson attack in three days, Logan.”
“He wanted to blow up this office? What for?” Logan looked at us.
“He didn’t tell me he just told me to write down what this place looked like.”
“I see, so how do you know that he intended to do this?” Logan asked her.
“On the paper it said what he wanted me to do and what he was gonna do.”
“Ok, so in a sense... you read it then?”
“All it said was ‘Write down what you see, leave the bombing to me’.”
“Ahhhh I understand.”
“Logan, he was abusing her. Physically, emotionally... He got her pregnant and told her to keep quiet about it,” I explained. “Then he tells her hee’s gonna bomb the sheriff’s building and tells her not to say a word. I saw him get mad at her in the saloon. This guy has a temper.”
“He got me PREGNANT!?!?!?” Lara looked at me in surprise.
“Let me go talk to this fellow..” Logan nodded and then paused.
“You told me this morning when I saw you that you were pregnant,” I looked at her.
“Yeah but I didn’t know who.”
“I asked you when the baby was due and you said you were new to this whole thing. Well, I can put two and two together, Lara. He’s being possessive, abusive, doesn’t want you to talk, not even to a friend..”
“Do you think it’s his?” she looked at me.
“I’d put money on it.”
Logan took out his keys and headed to the cell in the back. Lara looked like she was going to be sick and I said, “Easy, Lara. Breathe... Logan will talk to him. We’ll get this figured out, I promise.”
“He......just ........what!..........no anyone but him!”
“Lara... Shhhh... Lara you told me when I asked about the baby when we were in the hotel... You said you woke up and he was there. Come on, honey. Put it together.”
“Yeah he was there,” she talked to herself.
“You said you haven’t seen a doctor, right?”
“He could of just found me there?” she hoped.
“He could have but then why is he being so abusive and possessive?” I asked her incredulously.
I heard Logan walk back to the cells and said to the man, “Mr... Huck, is it?”
“You introduced him as your friend to me this morning. He wouldn’t be doing these sorts of things if he was just a friend,” I said.
“Sure is,” Huck said.
“You want to tell me how you ended up in here?” Logan asked him.
“The part I don’t get is why the hell would he want to blow up this building,” I said to Lara.
“I.....w...w..what...” Lara looked to the floor.
“I think you can think of why sir,” Huck said. “I’m in here cause I wasn’t allowed to see Lara.”
“Damn straight he wasn’t,” I muttered.
“Why were you so concerned about Lara?” Logan asked.
“I needed her!” Huck cried.
“What did you need her for?” Logan asked and I heard Adder talking with Maffe and Kate outside about some festivities in town.
“Lara, do you need to see a doctor?” I asked her.
“Haven’t you worked it out yet?” Logan asked.
“I’m wanting to hear your version of things,” Logan said.
“She carrying my baby,” Huck sighed.
“Ah HA!” I exclaimed and looked at Lara, worried.
“I saw her in a saloon and picked her a knocked her out,” Huck explained.
“You knocked out a pregnant woman?” Logan said loudly and I saw Lara’s eyes grow wider.
“She wasn’t pregnant at the time. This happened ages ago,” Huck said. “For some reason she only remembers early this morning. When she woke up with me by her side.”
“You have no clue what could have caused that?” Logan asked.
“I don’t know. I must of knocked her head too much,” Huck said.
“You know... I don’t like woman beaters.... at all,” Logan said then and I folded my arms across my chest, relieved Huck had finally admitted it.
Kate and Adder walked into the office then and Kate looked over Lara. Adder walked back to join Logan in the back of the cell and I explained the situation to Lara while Logan and Huck continued to talk. Huck admitted to wanting to blow the sheriff’s office up and Logan thanked him for his cooperation. I thanked Kate for taking care of Lara and she headed outside. I continued to ask her about her relationship with Huck. Logan continued to sentence Huck and he decided to stay ini the cell instead of pay the fine.
Lara started to cough up blood then and we called for a doctor. I ran to the clinic but Kathy was the only one there. I ran back to the office and saw TJ, telling him Kathy was in the clinic. Kate arrived at the sheriff’s office and I tried to relax.
“Howdy Trin.. whats going on?” Mel asked me then, seeing I was panicked.
“Cathy’s in the... hospital. We just found out last night she was missing and we were gonna look for her... We weren’t sure if it had something to do with the Allison Grey case... And now I went to the hospital and he’s...”
“We supposed to arrest her, TJ?” Adder asked.
“No, she was kidnapped,” TJ said.
“Mel I can’t... I can’t go to the hospital. I have to stay.. Stay with me...” I felt the shock and fell into
Mel’s arms.
“Sure Trin... but she’s alone?”
“She’s alone,” I nodded. I tried to calm down, having visions of Bill and a knife and remembering him and Cathy threatening me at the saloon. “I thought this was over, Mel... I thought we were rid of her. I thought...”
“So did I...” Mel nodded.
Logan carried Lara out of the sheriff’s office to the clinic and Kate followed them. I went inside to the office so that Huck wouldn’t be alone in the office and saw him sleeping in the cell. I banged my fist against the wall, furious.
“Damn it, Huck. What the hell did you do to her?! And now you think you can just sleep through it all...” I sat down in my desk and cried uncontrollably. “TJ! You still out there?” I called outside.
“Trin Im gonna check if sheriff needs my help .. they are taking so long to come back,” Mel said and left the office.
“Okay, Mel. Get TJ to come in?”
No one came in and I continued to cry for a long while until Adder walked into the office. “You okay?” he asked and I shook my head. “I’m sure she’ll be okay, and if not, we get to hang our guest.”
“I’m more afraid for Cathy... I know Lara will be fine. We have great doctors. But I thought... I didn’t think I’d ever see Cathy again. And where Cathy goes, Bill goes. Usually.”
“I think she’s going to be alright. Physically at least.”
“Adder... What if they...”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he nodded.
“Lara’s my friend, Adder. She couldn’t come to me for help because he threatened her not to talk.”
“Ah...”
“He got her pregnant. He admitted that much. And he admitted to planning on blowing up the sheriff’s building.”
“Don’t they all? Bomb us, burn us... It’s getting tired.”
“I know... I don’t want to be the victim of another arson attack. We still have to arrest Pablo. “
“Or...” he stopped.
“What?” I looked at him. “You don’t think...”
“Nothing,” laughed.
“Taurus don’t scare me like that. Not everything’s connected, you know.”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean THAT.”
I walked out of the office for a while and then walked back in an hour later. “Hey Taurus,” I greeted him.
“Howdy Trin.”
“How’s our friend doin back there?”
“What’s happened to Lara?!” Huck shouted out.
“She’s fine, Huck,” I looked at Adder and whispered, “I hope?”
“If she’s not, then he won’t be.”
“What happened? Is she still coughing up blood?” Huck asked.
Gunshots rang through town and I sighed. “Sounds like more fun out there...”
“It’s just the festival,” Adder shrugged.
“Geez they know how to scare us huh?”
“I want to see Lara!” Huck shouted.
“Not happening. No. I really wanna go back there and pound him for what he did to my friend. Can I?” I looked at Adder.
“Nah...”
“Come at me!” Huck dared.
“Cos then I’d have no use round here,” he said.
“You and Logan get all the fun,” I chuckled. “You know Huck when I met you this morning I just knew something was wrong about you,” I said back to him. “I didn’t really think I’d have you in our cell so quickly though.” He growled and I said, “You can growl all you want.”
“Buddy, you’re saying come at you. Have you forgotten your hands are tied behind your back?” Adder called.
“Where’s Lara right now?” I asked Adder.
“No idea.”
“You lost her?!” Huck shouted.
“Nope. I gave her $500 to get as far away from you as possible.”
“Guess I could head to the saloon, then. Get a drink since nothin’s really happenin here,” I said then.
“Hollar if ya need me Taurus.”
“Okay, I will. I’m gonna play with the woman beater some more,” he said.
“Have fun.”
“You know I will,” he laughed.
I walked out of the office and saw Lara outside. “Lara! Are you alright?”
“Yes I’m fine,” she nodded.
“Kate took good care of you then? Everything with the baby’s okay then?”
“I guess so... Feels weird though.”
“I’ll bet. You know Lara... The way you got the baby might not have been the best... But you’re going to love that child so much.”
“And I’m never gonna let Huck anywhere near it.”
“Good plan.”
“If he comes near me and the baby, I’ll shoot his head off.”
“If he comes near you, you call for law and run.”
“Ahh that’s no fun.”
“Might not be as fun but it’s safer for you. You don’t want to stoop to his level and go shooting, not unless you have to.”
“I’m not looking forward to getting fat,” she sighed and I stifled a laugh.
“Oh Lara, you’re not even gonna care about that. You’ll love that baby so much...”
“Well I won’t be able to get my belt on.”
“I’m gonna head back inside. All those shots are makin me jumpy. Be safe, Lara,” I said and walked into the office and talked with Adder and Huck while they continued to banter. Adder and I talked for a while and when Huck started stomping, Adder went back to tie up his feet together. When he’d served his time, Huck was let out of the jail.
I talked with Tiggy for a while and Tiggy said that Nate made her mother go blind the other night. I asked Jake about it and then talked with Jake and Chels about seeing Anron earlier that day. Tiggy continued to tell me about her mother and then from behind me I heard someone speak to me with surprise.
“How spineless.. getting your stories off children now? How do you know the child don’t tell stories of fantasies?” Bridgett asked.
I raised my eyebrows at that and then saw Bill with the woman and looked over at Jake and Chels. I moved behind Chels and Jake asked me if I was okay but I shook my head.
“What’s wrong?” Jake asked.
“You know that situation I told you was gonna come back to haunt me now that Cathy’s...?”
“Now that Cathy’s what?”
“I saw Cathy in the hospital earlier today. Adder went over to talk to her but I haven’t read the statement from him yet.”
“I see,” Jake nodded.
“But Tiggy just told me that Nate was the one who put Kit...Cathy... He’s not gonna like that I know and I have the feeling Tiggy’s telling him right now that she told me.” I looked around, trying to stay calm. “I need to find Logan or Adder. Can one of you come with me?”
“Sure,” Jake nodded.
“I’m sorry to interrupt the dance. I just.. I don’t want to go out there alone with Bill down there.”
“It’s alright, we’ll dance later,” he promised.
We walked down the street and I saw Bill, Bridgett and Tiggy talking in the street. We found Logan and Adder and thanked the marshals for escorting me to them. I looked at Adder and Logan but didn’t want to interrupt.
Logan looks at me with a worried expression and asked, “What is it Trin?”
“We need to talk.”
“No ya dun, were having a moment!” Rosa took Logan’s arm.
“Alright, shall we talk in the office?” Logan asked.
“UM no you shall not!” Rosa shook her head.
“What’s more important, your moment or my safety?” I asked Rosa.
“Can I meet you in the saloon, in just a moment?” Logan turned to Rosa.
“Well, yes I suppose,” she smiled and glared at me with warning eyes.
“I fear this may be business related unfortunately,” Logan said and tipped his hat. “Thank you Miss Rosa... I shall see you soon.”
“I’m sorry my safety came at an inconvenient time for you, Rosa. But work comes first,” I told her.
“Yeah well, it’s always something,” she muttered and stomped off to the saloon.
“You have no idea Rosa... I can’t remember when crime has let up enough for me to even finish a cup of coffee,” Logan nodded and laughed.
“Courthouse?” I looked at Logan desperately.
“Of course... lead the way,” he nodded. We walked down the street and I looked between the courthouse and the church. “Would rather the church?” Logan asked.
I knew Bill would never be caught dead in the church and nodded. “Yeah maybe that’s best.”
“Go on ahead Miss Paige... whatever this is we need to get to it,” Logan nodded and I led the way inside.
“Logan... I’ve heard things I don’t like,” I sat in the front pew and leaned forward.
He sat beside me and turned to me. “What is going on?”
I looked down at the scar from the knife on my forearm from months ago, remembering it was months ago. “It all started months ago, Logan... Back when Kitty was still law... I found out that she and Chels had been taken to Bill’s cave so I wanted to ride out and see if I could find where it was. Was stupid of me. Shouldn’t have gone off alone.”
“That does sound like something you would do,” Logan shook his head.
“See... I know that one of their men had set fire to a gun shop here in town, but I wasn’t supposed to know. So anyway I get to the cave and I see this man standing in front and I tell them I’m looking for my friends. The man asks me to give him money and he’ll help me. I told him who I was and he told me to come with him. Turned out he worked with Bill. And Bill called out for him to bring me into the cave ‘cause I knew too much. So I went into the cave with him and saw Kitty and Chels there... Bill was furious that I knew who set the fire... Told me I had to blame Bravo, who was law at the time. And then he’d let me go. Well I told him I would just to get out of there and he...” I showed him the scar. “He cut me in the forearm with a knife, not real deep but enough to leave that scar. To show me he meant business. So I had to write the article blaming Bravo, and then I asked them what about the others... He said if I went back and got all the warrants against them burned up, they’d be free.”
“Did you?” Logan looked at the scar and back to me.
“Well I went out and sent a telegram to the law in Amiville but I heard nothing... I didn’t even print the article about the fire. Didn’t say a damn thing about it. So then Bill started threatening me in the saloon... just coming up real close and kinda standing beside me all creepy like.. Just to make sure I knew he was there, ya know?”
“Yes, I understand,” he nodded.
“I lived in fear of him for weeks... Cathy even came around saying that Bill wanted to see me still...”
“Your friend Cathy?” he frowned.
“Well... she just kept coming around like Bill did... But she wouldn’t talk to me much after she became outlaw. There was some incident and it was in one of the issues of the paper... about her getting kidnapped, again, and they drugged her or something. Then she didn’t know who she was and started calling herself Cathy, as if the Kitty we all knew didn’t even exist. I completely lost a friend... Found out she was hanging around Bill and completely avoided her since then. But now... Well now Cathy’s awake and Tiggy just told me that Nate’s the one who blinded her or something... I don’t even know what it’s about but after the whole incident with Lara and then I went to find the doctor, remember? And I saw Cathy in the hospital... Just ran right out of there back to the office.”
“Nate? The one that was reinstated?” Logan looked at me quickly.
“That’s what Tiggy said. She said her uncle Nate did it. I don’t even remember this happening, Logan... And then I see Bill and them in the street... And the woman who was with him called out to me... She got all mad sayin I was getting my sources from kids now and how that was crazy ‘cause they make up stories. Then I heard her tell Bill they might have a situation there... And I ran over to where Jakob and Chels were by the blacksmith restaurant thing... Then I asked them to walk me down the street to find you ‘cause I wasn’t goin out there alone.”
“Did you tell them of your concern about Nate?”
“Yes, I told Jakob we needed to talk to Nate. He said he’d tell Nate we were looking to talk to him. Logan I didn’t sleep for weeks after that incident in the cave.. Now that he’s back I...”
“Maybe we should let the marshals in on this information.”
“It’s in the past... It’s been at least a month or two since it happened.. and Chels was there in the cave. She remembers it. She knows mine and Bill’s history. That’s why they were so quick to walk me down the street I think.”
“If Chels is aware of this, she’ll be likely to talk with you about Nate then.”
“I don’t know... When I was just a reporter she wouldn’t talk to me at all.. But maybe now that I’m law... Jakob seemed very concerned about the Bill/kathy incident... He was there when Bill was threatening me too. I just... I’m scared, Logan,” I looked down.
“Logan! Help!” Rosa shouted then from outside and I guessed it was a cry for attention.
Logan turned, looking at the door. “What is that about?”
“Apparently she doesn’t care about my safety,” I sighed.
“Well, we do Trin. You’re in good hands and you know we’re going to do everything in our power to keep you out of his grip.”
“I trust you...” I nodded. “I just thought this was all in the past.”
“Yes, well we will start investigating the issue immediately.”
“Guess we should go find out what Rosa wants... It okay if I.... if you stay close to me for a while?”
Logan turned then and said, “Rosa, come on in!”
“I just don’t wanna go anywhere alone with him out there...” I said.
“Come on Trin, let’s go on over to the saloon and relax a bit. We’ve been through quite a bit the past few days.”
I stood and walked out with him.
“Are you both completely ignoring me?” Rosa asked us. “I asked you a question.”
“We’re coming, Rosa,” I told her.
“Why on earth would we be ignoring you?” Logan asked.
“Well I asked since when do the two of you go investigating anything without me!” she exclaimed and I looked at her, wondering the last time Rosa was on an investigation with us. “I have ya know logan I covered yer ass with Nathan,” she looked at Logan.
“Rosa, we investigate multiple things constantly. We didn’t want to bug you with ever detail,” Logan
laughed.
“I was just catching Logan up on my history with Bill/Kathy, Rosa. I didn’t want to bore you with it all again,” I told her.
“Fine,” she huffed. “Guess you shouldn’t bug me at all with anything then huh?” she turned.
“Not at all... Rosa...” Logan started.
“I can tell you everything again if you want to here it, just figured you were around for it so you
know it all,” I said.
“This isn’t part of the big investigation. This is only relating to a different one that just came up,” Logan said.
“Like, last night,” I looked at him.
“No its ok, I jes go be to myself and run off, since I’m so good at it,” Rosa said.
“What? No...”
“Hello Bill,” Rosa greeted him and I ducked behind Logan.
“Howdy yellow hair,” Bill greeted her.
“It’s Rosa, think you can use it?” Rosa asked.
“Is he Injun?” Logan whispered to me and I shook my head.
“Hello Sniper,” Rosa greeted the other man who came over.
“A human shield, Trin?” Bill asked me.
“Nell,” Rosa greeted the woman.
“Howdy...” Nell looked at her.
“Did you need help with anything?” Logan glared at Bill.
“Sniper, have I told ya how handsome ya look today?” Rosa asked him and he smirked.
“Awww Sniper, The woman gave ya a compliment,” Nell grinned.
“Hmm? Oh nice of her, I guess,” Sniper looked around.
“Something ya want, Bill?” Rosa asked.
“I’ll bring you a blanket,” Logan motioned to the front pew.
“You’ll make sure...” I looked at Logan.
“Perhaps ya want Trin?” Rosa asked and I shot her a look.
“Yes” Logan nodded.
“Ah, her famous escape,” Bill said.
“Some things never change, Bill,” I looked at him and saw Nell chuckling.
“Tell ya what, 1000 coins and I deliver her to ya,” Rosa promised.
“Rosa! You wouldn’t really...” Logan looked at her.
“Oh but wouldn’t I?” Rosa smiled.
“Do it, do it,” Sniper chanted.
“Now Rosa, I know Trin rubs you the wrong way at times, but that’s no reason to toss her to the dogs,” Logan smiled at her.
“Anyone gots two hundred golds?” Bill asked. “No use, Rosa. She hide on holy grounds and other places.”
“Not like you got that kinda money anyhow,” Rosa smiled and shrugged.
“What do you want with her anyway?” Logan asked.
“Hello handsome,” Rosa greeted Adder walking over and laughed, looking at Bill and Sniper. “Ya’ll wanna come in and praise the Lord?”
“I’ll preach to you if you’d like...” Logan took out his pocket Bible.
“Only like ya, on my knees,” Nell said with a chuckle.
“What makes ya thinks wes wants her any hows mister..take away the sheild and well she is ripes fer the pickins,” Bill said.
“Now Bill, dun ya gots beter things to do?” Rosa asked him.
“Well your other comrade over there seems awfully eager to buy her off....” Logan said.
“Yep...” Bill nodded.
“Seems to me like you would likely share his enthusiasm,” Logan said. “Sorry if my logic baffles you at all...”
“Like I gots a good sheep?” Rosa asked.
“Probably use her fer target practice,” Bill said and I stayed quiet, infuriated with the whole situation and how they’d cornered me.
“Couldn’t he just aim at that hard head of yours? I mean, the bullets bounce right off don’t they?” Logan suggested.
“Hey now, I gots an idea. Why dun you boys meet me over yander and we can discuss proper trading,” Rosa suggested.
“Wells misters ur logics goin ta makes ya face downs in the dirt..ur lookin fer a battle of wits and then I thinks ya better backs down cause ya be unarmed,” Bill said.
“Bill there’s also marriage,” Rosa said.
“Wow,” Nell shook her head at that.
“You honestly think so? A man with wit doesn’t threaten another man with dirt friend...” Logan shook his head.
“Like I just done said ..unarmed,” Bill said.
What happened to that Brendan guy?” Nell asked Rosa.
I walked into the clinic and slept on the front pew, upset and frustrated and relieved I was going out of town tomorrow. From outside I could hear Bill say, “Whys do theys always hide in places..i never knows ..thar he is standin insides shootin his mouths off knows we wonts shoot thar ..insults ours ..intellengences and thinks he might be winnins when clearly he will haves ta looks up another witty insults..”
I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep.
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