Amiville.
While Logan and I began the day with coffees at the saloons, we heard a girl calling for help. I looked at him and set the coffee on the counter with a sigh. We heard gunshots and ran out to the girl.
“Where is he?” Logan asked her as she lay on the ground. “Did you see where he went?” He reached out to the girl and said, “Hold still miss, we’ll get you some help.”
The girl had passed out, though, and I sighed with relief as Ida came over. “Christ, what did happen?” she knelt down, checking her pulse.
“Did anyone see him?” Logan asked, looking around.
“Someone shoot her?” a girl asked.
“Hell, I just walked into the saloon and didn’t see anyone down this way... damn that was quick,” another bystander shook her head.
“Aye,” Logan nodded. “I only heard the shots and her scream.”
“He chased me here,” the girl finally woke up and said weakly. “I tried to get safe. I... was... too... late...”
“I need to get her into the clinic,” Ida said.
“Miss, did you see him before he shot you?” I asked her.
Logan sighed with relief and asked, “Miss, can you tell me which way he went?”
“Yes, a wild man on a horse. Caught me to the pass between here and New Mexico.”
“Wild man, and in which direction did he go? After he shot you?”
“Back South, I guess. He tried to take me captive. I ran.”
Logan turned to me and asked, “Can you see if you can get anything else out of her while I go look for him?”
I nodded and said, “I’ll do what I can.”
“Thank you,” Logan nodded.
“We need to get her inside though,” I told him.
“Sheriff...” the bystander started.
“Yes?” Logan looked at her.
“It’s alright folks, I work with him as a consultant,” I explained.
The girl looked west down the street and Logan nodded, seeing the man on the horse down the street.
“Oh that’s the guy that was in the saloon. It wasn’t him,” Logan assured.
“Okay,” the bystander nodded. “I just walked to Georgetown. Quiet as a church mouse there.”
“He lit out of here before anyone even knew what was going on,” Logan shook his head. “Can’t even finish a cup of coffee in peace.”
“Miss... What’s your name?” I asked the girl still on the ground.
“Maybe headed to Arizona or New Mexico?” the woman suggested.
“Most likely, though it is out of my range. Im restricted to Amiville,” Logan nodded. “The coward probably expected that.”
“Yup. Hate to see anyone get away with shootin’ though,” she spit. “Damned coward.”
“I’m going to go see what kind of information I can get from the victim and see if I can get the marshal to work on it,” Logan said.
“If’n you need a hand or anything, let me know.”
“I thank you, Miss,” Logan nodded.
“My name is Molly,” the girl on the ground said. “Just get him.”
“Of course we will, Molly. Don’t you worry about that.”
We walked to the clinic as Logan went off to search for the man, and Ida helped Molly onto the table. I thought to myself that there could be an issue with jurisdiction and nodded to Logan as he came into the clinic again.
“No idea where he went?” I asked him.
He shook his head and said, “I didn’t see a trace of him. He lit out like a cat with its tail on fire. Can’t even let a fellow finish his coffee,” he muttered.
“So Molly... Nothing else at all? What about what exactly he told you?” I asked as Ida worked on healing the girl.
Ida did her work as she told me about being a dancer in Tucson and what had happened. I walked over to Logan. “Logan, we may have a problem here.”
“What is it?” he looked at me.
“She’s a dancer in Tuscon. It’s out of our jurisdiction. This is a job the marshals would do and God knows...”
“I know, I was intending to hand the case over to the marshals. Unfortunately, it’s the only choice that I have.”
“She said that the man came up to her and wanted to ravish her and take her captive,” I said.
“A lusty one eh?” Logan smirked.
“I guess he was dressed in black leather, covered in dust... Had a huge horse and two guns. She was shot in her side. Her name’s Molly Earnshaw.”
“Hm... And she had never met him before?” Logan asked.
“No, guess she doesn’t know who he was. But I’ll confirm that part.”
“I can’t think of how we can catch him,” Logan shook his head. “Unless he would show up again.”
I nodded and walked over to Molly as she looked over in fear. “You... can’t?”
“Molly... Had you seen this man before?” I asked her.
“Unless...” Logan thought out loud.
“Yes, in the saloon,” she nodded.
“Did you know his name?” I asked.
“I’m not sure, but I think he rides with a woman.”
“Unless...?” I asked, looking over at Logan.
Logan looked out the window and saw a man standing there, and then headed out of the clinic. “Ah, Adder! Just the fellow I wanted to see.”
I watched curiously and turned back to Molly. “So you’ve seen him at the saloon in Tucson... You don’t know his name though?”
“They may be part of a gang that hides out in Sonora West.”
“Sonora West, hmm...?” I asked.
“I don’t know his name,” she said.”
“I’ll be right back ladies. Try to think of anything else helpful if you can, Molly.”
I walked out of the clinic and looked between Logan and Adder as Logan said, “I can’t make an arrest there, but if you’re in for a little adventure, I think I might have a plan,” Logan was saying. A little morning entertainment if you will.”
“I’m all ears,” Adder laughed.
“Logan... Does Sonora West mean anything to you?” I asked him. “She said he might run with a gang who runs out of there.”
“I hate to send you out alone though... that’s the thing,” Logan said to Adder and then looked at me.
“A gang?” I nodded and he said, “Hm, now I really don’t feel good about.”
“This has to go to the marshals, Logan. We can’t do this on our own,” I told him. “It’s too big for us.”
“It is. We can’t risk it,” Logan nodded.
“Howdy miss,” Adder greeted me.
I reached out my hand and said, “Trin Paige. Pleasure to meet you.”
“I’ll quickly make a report and send it over to them,” Logan said.
“Sorry I couldn’t get a name out of her,” I nodded to him.
Adder shook my hand and said, “And you miss. Adder Taurus.”
“You did the best ye could Miss Paige. I appreciate your work,” Logan smiled to me. “Oh yes, you hadn’t met my new best buddy Adder had you?”
“My pleasure, Logan. This is the kind of stuff I love doing. Glad I can help you.”
“I intend to introduce him to the judge to see if she might swear him in,” Logan said about Adder.
“Would be nice to have some more help...” I winked at Logan.
“For sure, and this one here has a sharp head on his shoulders.”
“Always a plus,” I smiled.
“So.... you two care to fill me in? I got something about a gang, Tuscon, and it sounds like trouble...” Adder looked between us.
“Yes, that would be helpful!” Logan called back to Ida and walked in.
I looked back at Adder and wondered how much we could tell him. I figured that if Logan trusted him, I could too. “Basically this girl Molly was attacked by a man out near Tucson where she’s a dancer. She said she’s seen him before but doesn’t know his name. I guess he told her he wanted to take her captive and ravish her, and she just started running.”
“That’s not good. Not good at all. But why aren’t the law out that way dealing with it?”
“He had a big horse, two guns, southern drawl... She just ran here. Not sure why she ran here and not to her own clinic.. Guess she was more concerned about getting out of there.”
“Fear can make you do all kinds of things,” Adder nodded.
I walked into the clinic with Adder and Logan held up the bullet. “I have it. How is the patient Miss Ida?
“I don’t know what eslse we can do... This is out of our jurisdiction,” I said to Adder and then looked over at Molly. “Miss, you didn’t see the shooter at all did you?
“I’m sure she will make it, deputy,” Ida promised.
“Aye. Sounds like one for the Marshals. For all the damn use they are,” Adder said.
“Is she awake?” Logan asked and I nodded to Adder, knowing what he meant and hating the situation myself.
“I gave her pain killers, so she will be sleeping some time,” Ida answered.
“I hope we can get the man that did this,” Logan said.
We met a girl named Glicea, the bystander from earlier, and told Logan, “Gli just said that she went out and about to Arizona, New Mexico and Georgetown. All’s quiet.”
“She seems to be doing well at the moment. she’s going to need to rest for awhile,” Logan said.
“Good to hear. Can’t imagine the trauma she’s been through. I’m just glad he didn’t catch her.”
“Aye, at least she is safe,” Logan nodded.
“Logan, are there any marshals around?” I asked.
“I’m not sure, I’m going to head over there now and see if I can find anyone,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
“Alright Logan we’ll wait here.”
He went down the street and then came back minutes later alone. “No one there, Logan?” I asked.
“As usual, not there when you need them,” Logan tucked the gauze-wrapped bullet into his pocket.
“Should we head to the office?”
“Probably drinking with bandits,” Adder muttered .
“I suppose we should,” Logan nodded.
We walked to the sheriff’s office and sat down at the desk. Logan sat behind the desk and I sat beside Adder.
“So no sign of any judges either?” Adder asked first.
“No sign of anyone,” Logan shook his head.
Logan pulled out a piece of paper and started scribbling down what he knew of the current incident.
He eventually walked outside and I looked to Adder, confused. “Where’d he go?”
“Took something out the drawer and left. No idea where to,” Adder shrugged.
Logan walked back into the office then and sat down at the desk again. “Ah, now, where were we?”
“Anything you don’t know, Logan? I think I told you everything she told me?” I asked.
“Wild man, wearing black, big horse, and guns. Headed for Tucson and possibly a member of a gang. Does that about sum it up?”
“Southern drawl...” I added.
“She knew him from the saloon in Tucson but doesn’t know his name. They were in Tucson when he threatened her, ran to Amiville. He said he wanted to take her captive and ravish her. Wore black leather, big horse, two guns,” I chuckled a bit at the innuendo. “Oh... And her name is Molly Earnshaw.”
“Molly... yes,” he nodded.
“I think that covers it.”
Logan wrote the report quickly and we walked outside where the mayor was standing and we introduced Adder to Ami. “Mayor, do you have a folder for the deputies? I was given a marshals folder and I think some forms are missing.
“Hmm, let me check my desk,” she said then.
I said goodbye to them then and headed to my office.
***
That afternoon I was sitting in the saloon when Logan and Adder walked in. “Taurus, you goin’ in for a drink?” I asked him.
“Once we’ve got this report done, sure,” he nodded.
“Report for?”
“A robbery here at the saloon,” he answered.
“Again?” I looked at Logan.
“Well I’m sorry to say that she crossed the border and even though we did purse her, she lost us in the hills. Though we could have made an arrest anyway, but we couldn’t have gotten your money back,” Logan told Sara.
“Shit!” she swore.
“Lost the culprit in Wyoming, Adder sighed.
“Don’t these people have anything better to do than rob this saloon?” I asked. “They know we don’t actually keep the money in the saloon right?”
“Are you alright? She didn’t fire off any shots did she?” Logan asked Sara.
“No, I’m fine. Just mad.”
“Did you catch that little thief?” Brendan asked Logan.
“Second time,” Sara sighed.
“It was a woman? Any ID?” I looked from Logan to Adder.
“No idea. I didn’t know that,” Adder shook his head.
“Reasonably so,” Logan nodded to Sara.
“I really appreciate the help Logan,” Sara said.
“Sara, are you alright?” I asked her.
“No telling what would have happened,” she sighed. “Yes, I’m okay and not shot.”
“I can’t believe this happened again,” I shook my head.
“You’re not the only one, Trin,” Sara looked at me.
“They seem to be targeting the town more often now,” Logan said.
“I reckon I hit her,” Adder said. “Wherever she’s going, it’ll be slowly.”
“And escaping in Wyoming,” I sighed.
“From now on I keep a pistol under the bar.”
“Good, Sara. Good idea,” I nodded.
“That is a good idea for sure,” Logan agreed.
“Avery, can you take the bar? I’m still shaking,” Sara said then.
Logan looked at her and asked, “Miss Sara, do you think you can give us a statement? In the Sheriff’s office?”
“Yes, of course. I’d be happy to,” Sara nodded.
“I’ll give you some time to get yourself together. I’ll meet you there,” Logan nodded and looked to me and Adder. “You two care to come also?”
“We’re right behind ya,” I said and followed him to the office. Sara came along with us right away and I hoped she would be able to tell us something useful.
“Please, have a seat Miss Sara,” Logan pulled out a chair for her and we all took a seat around the desk. “We know you’ve been through quite the ordeal.”
“For a second time,” I patted my friend on the knee.
“Now, if you will give us a description account of what happened,” Logan prompted.
“So this lad- er, woman was outside for a little while,” Sara smiled weakly, shaking her head. “I went out for some air, and we were chatting. She asked how my tips were today. I said it was a little slow, but not bad. So I went back in, and eventually she came in. Gigi and Sean were there, and Miss Fritha, and Adder,” she looked at him.
“Yes,” he nodded.
“She started trying to antagonize the deputy and being generally rude.”
“And I think we can say she knows now I’m no yellow belly,” Adder put in then.
“The entire town will soon know that,” Logan grinned at Adder.
“She was bantering back and forth with Miss Fritha,” Sara continued, “And with Deputy Adder. So finally everyone left except her. Deputy Adder and Miss Fritha went to check on Tristan. So she says, ‘Ah, now where were we?’ and she sat at the bar. So I asked if I could get her a drink and she pulled a gun and said to give her all the money. So I said, ‘What?’ She said, ‘You heard me, and don’t yell for the law or I’ll take you with me.’ So I acted like a scared little air head, nervously turning around, going real slow because I knew Gigi and Sean had to be listening. I fumbled with the register as long as I reasonably could. Finally got the money out and ‘accidentally’ dropped it on the bar.”
“That was a brilliant idea. Otherwise, we may not have gotten a glimpse of her at least,” Logan nodded.
“You did well,” Adder agreed.
“So she picked it up, then Gigi and Sean came in with guns drawn. Then Adder came back, and you came in and she bolted. Probably 5 feet tall, slender build, dark hair and eyes. Not white. She made a derogatory comment about white doctors.
“Accent, Sara?” I asked. “Mexican, Spanish, Texan...?”
“Indian?” Logan asked somewhat confidently.
“She did, I heard that,” Adder nodded. “No, not Mexican or Indian. Not real heavy.”
“Just slight,” Sara agreed.
“Her voice was muffled cos she wore a mask,” Adder said.
“It’s got to be her,” Logan nodded to Adder.
‘Of course she did,” I sighed, looking between them.
“But it felt familiar,” Adder said.
“Right, the mask muffled it,” Sara nodded. Then I got the rifle, and followed you all out, but too late. I so wanted to blast her.”
“We will proceed by looking for suspects that match the description. Though, light accent, dark skin... that should narrow it down to a handful at the most,” Logan nodded.
“I would know her any day,” Sara assured us. “And if I don’t get her first, I’ll be happy to identify her.”
Logan smiled warmly and said, “Then you will be crucial in identifying the suspect once we have her.”
“My pleasure,” Sara nodded and I wished all witnesses were this cooperative.
“Do you have anything else to add, Miss Sara?” Logan asked.
“Other than the excellent response of the deputy and yourself,” she smiled to them. “You two were awesome.”
“We’re here to serve you the best that we can,” Logan smiled.
“Thank you Miss Sara. All part of the job,” Adder nodded.
“Gigi and Sean deserve a lot of credit. They delayed her so you could get there,” Sara said.
“Oh yes, it may have been far worse had they not been there,” Logan said.
“Yes, they were heroes,” Sara smiled.
“The more people in this town stand up against outlaws, the less inclined outlaws are gonna be to come here,” Adder said.
“I just couldn’t get that rifle from under the bar. A pistol in the cash drawer would have been nice. There will be one the next time I go to work.”
Logan scribbled something in his notes and Adder said, “Be sure to keep practicing with it, keep your aim as sharp as you can.”
“I’m not an expert, but something that close, can’t miss,” she smiled.
“Just try not to hit any bystanders,” Logan chuckled.
“Yes Sir,” Sara smiled.
“Or us!” Adder added quickly.
“Though at this point, I think most of them would gladly take a bullet to get rid of her,” Logan said and laughed.
“If I put this in the paper, it’ll be duly noted,” I looked from Sara to Logan for approval.
He nodded and said, “Oh of course, perhaps even get a picture of them.”
“Sara, you can even take it for me?” I winked.
“Yeah, loving couple foil robbery or something.”
“There’s a headline,” I smiled. “Sara, I think we’ve got all we need from you, right Taurus?”
“Yes I think so,” Adder nodded.
“Okay, thanks, Trin,” Sara said.
“Hey...” I took Sara in my arms and hugged her comfortingly. “I’m sorry you had to go through this again, hon.”
As Sara left the office and Logan went to check on something in the back, I asked Adder, “Taurus... I
just have one question.”
“Shoot.”
“You notice this place Wyoming keeps coming up.”
“Yep.”
“There’s something there...”
“Theres an Indian village out there. Cherokee I think.”
“Ah.”
“This Shoshone woman has been causing them trouble too.”
“Well I’m gonna stay here and get some writing done. Be safe,” I said and he waved walked out of the office.
***
This afternoon I walked out into the street and saw Clif standing with some others. “Miss Trin, I have a job for you,” he announced.
“A job? I just got a new job,” I chuckled.
“Well, it’s related.”
“I’m listening.”
“It seems that this Levi Black has been a busy man.”
“Oh?”
“Mmhmm, we can add kidnapping to his growing list of charges.”
“Do you want to discuss this in the office, Clif?”
“Probably best.”
“Okay,” I shook my head in amazement and led the way into the sheriff’s office with the key I had acquired from Logan. I sat behind the desk, thinking it was weird to be on this side, and said, “I’m listening, Clif. Who was kidnapped?”
“OK, heres the quick version. Rmember how it was alleged that Miss Jane, Ami’s sister was ‘attacked’?” he asked and I nodded. “Well, it seems it wasn’t Jakob, but the description matches the Levi Black feller. And now Miss Jane’s missing.”
“Oh? Well I have to say I’m relieved it wasn’t the marshal...”
“Well, I found it hard to believe it would have been Jakob.”
“Me too, just relieved that rumor can be put to rest.”
“But we have to find Miss Jane. So here’s what I need, someone to stay around Miss Ami, she’s the one this levi character wants.”
“I don’t have a badge though, Clif. THis is more a job for the actual deputies or sheriffs isn’t it? Even if Levi did come, I couldn’t arrest him.”
“Well, normally yes. It’s probably best to have you here anyway.”
“I’ll be around town most of the time anyway. Either here, the newspaper office, or the saloon. Clif... Can you do me a quick favor here? I’ve been geting so many mixed stories since Sunday it’s been hard to keep it all straight.”
“Aye, I’m figuring that they’ll wait till most of our law is out looking for Levi, and then attack.”
“Can you just give me the basics of what’s been happening since Sunday, and what we really do for sure know about Tristan’s shooting?”
“Yeah, I’ve been out of town defending my Honor. Well, Sunday, we, the town, went on a trail ride. I got a wire right before we left, sayin’ that Nate, Chels and a couple of others were held by this Black fellow. I broke off from the trial ride, and began tracking them. Managed to follow the trail to Louisiana. Found ‘em in the upper level of the Saloon there.”
“A couple others?”
“Well that’s all the wire said. Found out later that TJ was there too, actually captured, which kinda surprised me. Anywho, by the time I got up there, this levi started yellin’ fer Ami. Now I thought that was odd, seein’ as we hadn’t advertised the ride.”
“Right,” I nodded.
“One thing led to another, and Tris and I ended up stormin’ the place,” he said and I noted the lack of the name Bravo mentioned. “All I ‘member is headin in getting the poker beat outta me, and getting of a shot or maybe two to Levi’s ...um .. Manhood. Still ended up with a busted nose an swollen up eye. Dom was there and got Tris back in his balloon. I got the rest of the walkin’ wounded back overland.”
“How’d we confirm the name Levi Black?”
“He said it.”
“He did?”
“Up and outright.”
“In what context?”
“Well, in context of me talkin’ to him. Told him I like to know who I’m’a talkin to. All I really remember after that was Richie hollerin’ about how I was ‘corrupt’.”
“Now Rosa said that he also goes by Billy Bob or Peter or something.”
“Yep. This might help,” he handed me a poster.
“How much is the reward for the capture of Levi now?”
“$3000.”
“Wow,” I took the wanted poster and looked at it.
“I don’t think he realized how much folks care for Tris.”
“I think that clears it up for me... Thanks, Clif. I’ve been so bloody confused. The problem I have is Bravo.”
“Yeah, now It happened fast, but I don’t member seein’ him there.”
“Could he have been one of the others who were captured?”
“Reckon it’s possible. When I went in, all a saw was that fist hittin’ my face. And I’m responsible
Trin, that’s the worst part. I was senior law there.”
“You were trying to help, Clif,” I shook my head. “You did what you could.”
“Aye, hopin’ to help, but look where it put Tris. Man might could still die and I’m the one in charge of the Marshals.”
“That ain’t your fault. Besides... Where the hell is Peep? If I were his wife I’d be there beside him day and night.”
“Hell if’n I know,” Clif shrugged.
“Clif... Can I use any of this in the paper? I don’t know what to print about it, as I ain’t really sure what’s public knowledge yet. But I need to write something.”
“Well most of the stuff from Sunday I reckon it’s printable. Hell, half the town was there.”
“And just say that Tristan’s condition remains in question and an investigation is still ongoing?”
“Yep. Might be the best way to put it.”
“Okay I can do that. I’m going to run my articles past Logan before I print anything to make sure I’m not stepping over any boundaries. There’s a fine line between off the record and on the record. And I don’t wanna do anything to make them question my integrity.”
“As far as the Miss Jane missing, I’d keep that under yer hat, fer the immediate time bein’,” Clif advised.
“Okay. Yes, tell me more about that... He was shouting for Ami....”
“Yep, yer Honor and Integrity is priceless. Well, he was a hollerin’ wantin’ to know if she’d arrived, and I heard some talk bout money, but I was a concentratin’ on the bustin’ in part.”
“Why does Levi want Ami so bad?”
“Ain’t figured that part out yet.”
“Oh. You think Levi’s holding Ami’s sister to get her attention to bring her to him?”
“But it’s personal, that i’d bet my judges pay on,” he said and then nodded. “Mmhmm, that’s my thought. Classic military tactic.”
“Do they have a history?”
“That I dunno, but he’s gonna get some attention, he ain’t gonna want that.”
“Reckon I should go find Ami and talk to her, eh? Does she know about the kidnapping?
“Yep, she told me.”
“Okay. Think she’d talk to me about it?”
“Just be gentle, she’s already emotional. If ya told her I asked ya to, maybe.”
“Of course, I just wanna know what the history is behind Levi and Ami.”
“Right now I think I’m about the only one she trusts, and that’s pretty slim.” His sentence was silenced by gunshots outside and we looked at each other with curiosity. “Not again,” Clif sighed.
“Wonder who it is this time. Where’s it coming from?”
“Dunno,” he shook his head.
We walked outside and looked around, trying to find the source of the shooting. “Well I’m confused,” I said.
“Don’t look like anyone’s out,” he said in agreed confusion.
“It’s a ghost town. Who the hell’s shooting?”
“Ghosts maybe?” he grinned.
“Please Clif, no more ghosts,” I chuckled. “Guess we just wait for law to be called for? Or doctors?”
“Reckon someone was takin’ some target practice. Reckon I’ll go ride the area, just for the sake of
it.”
“Okay, I’ll wait in the saloon.” I smiled then when I saw James walking over towards me. “Oh, there’s my darling man now.”
“Okay. Have a good time with your man.”
“I’ll let ya know if I hear anything more, Clif,” I said and went over to greet James with a kiss. “Hey there handsome!”
“Hey dear,” he kissed me back.
“Yer looking at the newest Detective of Amiville! Now if only the damn guns would stop going off, or if we could figure out where they’re comin from...”
“Who’d that be?” he smiled.
“Yours truly, darlin’,” I chuckled.
“Hmm, odd. You say you haven’t seen anything?”
“I have no idea but don’t you hear all the gunshots?”
“Yes, I do but well maybe its just a trapper hunting in the woods.”
“It could be,” I nodded. “Well darlin shall we go in and celebrate my new role?”
“Of course that sure needs a party.”
We walked into the saloon and I smiled, “Oh look there’s already beer mugs on the counter.” I took one of the mugs and handed the other to James.
“Thanks,” he smiled. We headed to the table and he said, “So a toast on the best detective the town can get.”
“Here here,” I chuckled and clinked his glass with mine.
While we were celebrating and talking with Chane and Rose who joined us in the saloon we saw Jakob Despres come in and say, “People, we need ya... Every man or woman who can fire a rifle shall report at the Marshal’s Office in 10 minutes along with a horse... We’re goin’ huntin’!”
“I need to stay around town. Judge’s orders,” I told James.
“Oh, sounds they’re gonna take someone up.”
“Bad guys, bad guys who has kidnapped the Mayors sister,” Despres said.
“Think I’m gonna go back to the newspaper office and rest a bit before Callgahan and Taurus get back,” I looked at James. “Come with me, James?”
“Yeah, ain’t really eager to ride out at this time,” James agreed.
“Have a good evening, folks. Stay safe,” I said to the group gathering and led the way back home.
“Want me to cook us something?” James offered when we’d gotten upstairs.
“That’d be lovely...” I smiled at him.
“Anything you’d like?”
“Hmm... Anything you make would be wonderful, dear, s’long as I don’t have to make it,” I winked.
“Oh? No special wish? Is that even possible?”
I laughed and watched him make a meal and we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.
***
Tonight I walked through the town and saw Logan talking with a man and a Native woman. I grew curious and walked over, nodding to Logan. The woman looked at me, as if studying me, and scowled. “Did you get my package?” she asked Logan.
“Can he maybe wait in the saloon for a few minutes?” Logan nodded to the man beside her.
“He not say anything, he a old friend of mine. He can be uh trusted.”
“I see, well I don’t mean to seem rude, but I’d rather not discuss any of it in front of strangers. I’m going out on a limb discussing it with you Miss Mai.”
“Logan, I’ll meet you inside,” I said and smiled at Frank who walked over.
“It will only take a moment, I assure you,” Logan promised Mai.
Mai sighed and nodded. “James, go wait in saloon, law man all spooked. Silly pale skin.”
“Tell them I’ll pick up your bill, order whatever you like,” Logan said.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen,” Frank smiled to us.
“You need me here?” I asked Logan.
“Aye, indeed I do Miss Paige,” he nodded.
“Okay I’ll stay put.” I looked at Frank and asked, “How are you doing, Frank?”
“Good thank you miss Paige and you?”
Mai started to laugh and said, “Look Logan, you bring more crowd then me.”
“Doin alright but looks like I need to work. I’ll talk to you later, Frank?” I smiled at him.
Mai looked at him and said, “Uh, I have some work to do at the moment, maybe another day?”
“By all means Miss Mai, we can arrange to meet tomorrow. Go have yourself a drink,” he smiled at her.
I looked at Logan and was confused, and then Mai slapped him on the arm, sighing. Logan leaned in and whispered something and then she whispered back. He then looked at me and said, “Let’s head to the office shall we?”
“Good idea, Logan,” I nodded.
“Safe paths to you,” Mai smirked and nodded.
Logan shook his head at her and then led the way to the office, with me following close behind. I noticed that Mai was following us as well and joined us in the office. She sat down and I stayed at my desk, letting Logan conduct the interview.
“Miss Paige, by all means, feel free to join us over here,” he invited me.
“Why she in here? I don’t know her,” Mai said as I nodded and walked over to sit with them.
“She is the detective Miss Mai. She is helping in all investigations,” Logan explained.
“Fine,” Mai frowned.
“Now, Miss Mai and I had a very long involved discussion earlier, and she has agreed to help us look into this issue with the marshals,” Logan explained.
“Oh really?” I asked and she nodded to me.
“As you know, Miss Paige, they aren’t going to let either of us get anywhere near them... but Miss Mai here, well she goes in and out as she pleases.”
“Perhaps, only cause they need my help sometimes,” Mai smiled.
“I’ve seen you with Jake Stone,” I nodded.
“Aye, you have. I work for him sometimes.”
“I’ll spare you the details on our agreement, but I can assure you that she will hold true to her word... won’t you Miss Mai?” Logan asked.
“Aye,” she nodded and I looked at her skeptically, knowing what she was capable of.
“From what I have heard, the marshals have been given an apology by the mayor. Which leads me to believe that something else came up in the investigation that I haven’t been made aware of yet,” Logan said.
“I saw that telegram. Made me curious as well.”
“Me know who did it, Logan,” Mai said. “It was Levi, the wanted man whose poster is hanging in the Marshals office.”
“Yes, we know,” Logan nodded. “The best thing that you can do for us in the meantime, is to keep your ears open for anything suspicious. Try to see if you can stay on Jake’s good side... if you know what I mean.”
“If you know this, then why carry on this investigation? Me not think the Marshals had anything to do with it.”
“Because I want to know if the marshals are hiding any details from me,” Logan said and I tried to stifle a laugh.
“Me know something about Jake.”
“Do you? Enlighten us, please,” Logan raised an eyebrow.
“He wasn’t here, he was gone visiting family in the east. He couldn’t have done anything to do with it.”
I sighed, thinking how either Mai or Jackson was lying. Logan nodded and asked, “How can you be sure that he was out east?”
“He tell he get letter from his father, saying something out his mother was extremely ill. When He come back, he tell me his mother died. Me not remember what the sickness was, but it was bad enough to kill her.”
“Did you see the letter?” Logan asked.
“Aye, I did. His father have bad handwriting.”
“The apple doesn’t fall from from the tree I suppose. Did you see where he put the letter?” Logan asked.
“He put it in his pocket after he show it to me,” she shrugged.
I looked at Logan, thinking we needed to see that letter and as if reading my thoughts he said, “If you could get your hands on that letter, I would feel much more at ease about the marshals involvement, at least for Jake. You see, it would prove his innocence at least.”
“Aye, I can try. Jake probably want to keep letter in memory of his mother.”
“Oh I’ll give it back to you straight away. He won’t even have to know it was gone,” Logan said. “But the letter will be solid proof that he has no ties to this.”
“What makes you think I good at pick pocketing?” Mai asked.
“Use your charm to get him to give it to you. Even just to look at and then when he looks away, put it in your pocket,” I winked.
“You’re a smart lady Miss Mai, I know that you can get what you want,” Logan shrugged.
“Me Charm? What charm? People no like me remember?” she looked between us.
“Jake must. If he lets ya work with him,” I said a bit bitterly. “I know he don’t let women hang around unless he really likes them.”
“What about that man out there, he was all over you like butter on grits,” Logan said.
“Pfft, I not know that crazy man. Me not know why he like me so,” Mai said.
“Though to be perfectly honest, I’d steer clear of that one if I were you,” Logan winked.
“No kidding, he seem creepy to me,” Mai laughed.
“So, you just come to us once you get your hands on the letter and we’ll get Jake’s name cleared.”
“Okay, what about the other two? Me not know them like I know Jake, they won’t tell me much more.”
“We’ll focus on getting Jake cleared first, then we can investigate their involvement,” Logan promised.
“Me go get letter now?” she asked.
“You can get it that quickly?” Logan looked at her, surprised .
“Aye, like you say, I have a way of getting what i want. I didn’t disagree with you Logan.”
“If you can do it, go for it.”
She nodded, slowly getting out of her chair. “Me be back soon, trust me.”
“I trust you Miss Mai,” Logan smiled and I looked between them as she walked out of the office.
Logan quickly turned to me and said, “We have got to get one of Jake’s reports from the courthouse now! We have to do a handwriting comparison, either he or Mai will be writing up a letter. Go the back way.”
“Okay. Where should I look?”
“Oh hell, I don’t even know.”
“I’ll find something., I promise.”
“Be careful,” Logan nodded and I went outside.
I walked around the back of the buildings and headed for the courthouse. Walking into the building, I quietly went upstairs and started digging through the files in the office. I found a paper that had Jake Stone’s signature and said, “Ah ha!” I ran out of the courthouse and saw Logan standing outside the office. I slipped him the paper discretely and then headed into the office with him.
“It was in Clif’s desk. I hope he don’t mind me taking it,” I said when the door was closed.
“He won’t, at least I hope.”
“I’m glad I didn’t get intercepted. Seems they’re all in the saloon.”
“Now Miss Paige, things could get ugly. If they do, don’t fight them. Run straight through that cell door there and hide in the back corner. Can you unlock that door?”
I nodded and unlocked the door to make sure I could.
“Very good,” he smiled. He looked out the windows, noticing the movement passing by. “Saw your friend out there Miss Paige.”
I looked out the window and said, “It’s just Frank and Tabby. Friend? I hardly know him.”
“I’m rather intrigued by his interest in Mai, have you ever seen a fellow get that excited so quickly?”
I looked at Logan and smiled, “All the time, Logan. All the time. He’s a flirtatious one, that one. Gotta be careful of those ones,” I winked at him.
He laughed and said, “Flirts are the most dangerous ones of all.”
We heard gunshots and suddenly our laughter stopped. “Did you hear that?” I asked. “Hold on... You stay in here.”
“Okay,” I sat at my desk.
“Remember what I told you...”
“Be careful,” I nodded and he opened the door with his hand on his gun.
I waited for Logan to return and started to drum on the desk as I became more impatient. Finally the door opened and Logan walked in with Mai. I stood and said, “Welcome back.”
Mai sat down with a proud grin on her face and I looked between them curiously.
“I believe our little scout has come back with some information for us,” Logan smiled.
“That was fast.”
“Aye, I have the letter.”
“Excellent,” I nodded.
“Let’s see it,” Logan said.
Mai lay the crinkled paper on the desk and slid it to Logan. He pulled it closer and looked down at it, smoothing it with his hands. He carefully pulled the report from the courthouse and set it alongside the note, looking between the two of them. He carefully looked between them and then slid the paper over to me, smirking a bit.
“Miss Trin, can you go get your camera out of your desk? Or wherever the heck you keep it.”
“Sure Logan,” I nodded and went to the desk to find my tintype in the drawer. I took it out and brought it over to them, taking a picture of the two pieces of paper.
“What is camera?” Mai asked.
“Oh it’s just something that adds preservation to paper. want to ensure that Jake’s letter will be kept safe,” Logan explained.
“What is that other piece of paper?” she asked.
“These will need to be developed, Logan,” I said.
Logan took the court report back in the desk and said, “Oh don’t worry Miss Mai. You’ve been most helpful.”
“You tell me what that is, you better not keep nothing from me Pale Skin,” Mai threatened.
“Now why would I ever do that Miss Mai? Good Lord...”
“You would, you pale skin, all pale skin lie.”
“You don’t trust me? I trusted you...”
Mai looked between us and said, “I keep nothing from you, why you keep stuff from me?”
“I’m not keeping anything from you. I’m merely trying to solve a case.”
“Fine, if I find out something, you will be hearing from me. Now what else do you need?” Mai stood, taking the letter and putting it in her pocket.
“Nothing at the moment,” Logan shook his head.
“Fine, may I go now?”
“Of course. and please, be weary of that man Frank, he really is disturbing.”
“Aye, I will.”
When Mai had left the office I looked at Logan. “They were the same weren’t they?”
“The handwritings were indeed a match. I think we have some good evidence to bring to the judge tomorrow.”
“That’s excellent news,” I smiled. “I’ll get those pictures developed and they’ll be ready first thing in the morning. I have to work on the newspaper layout tomorrow and start putting things together. And I still have to write that article about Tristan’s shooting and maybe the saloon robbery piece this morning.”
“Wonderful Miss Paige, just be careful not be alone anywhere. If she tells them that we used a camera, they may come looking for you.”
“I really wish I had more writers to take over these stories,” I sighed and then nodded. “You’re right.”
We said goodnight and then I headed across the street to go home and get some rest before a busy day tomorrow.
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