Amiville.
I knocked on the sheriff’s office this morning and Logan called out, “One moment.”
“No rush, Logan. I’ll wait out here,” I told him and waited. He seemed busy so I said, “Logan, I’m gonna get a coffee at the saloon first. I’ll be back.”
“Sure thing,” he replied.
I walked over to the saloon and saw Rosa talking to Bill and Chane. I greeted Chane and then put a hand on Rosa’s shoulder and spoke softly so the others couldn’t hear. “You busy or can we talk privately?”
“Welllll, lookie here... a lil flower done walked in!” Chane greeted me. “How ya doin’ Trin?”
“Keepin’ busy and outta trouble, I guess. How you doin?” I looked to him.
“Alright I suppose.”
“It’s good to see you, Chane.”
“Good to see ya as well.”
“I’d join ya but I’m kind of on the clock here this morning.”
“Workin’, huh?” Chane asked.
“You could say that, Chane,” I nodded. “Though I ain’t sure how much work’s gettin’ done.”
“Yep, I’m a’workin’ too...” he winked.
“I see that, Chane. Workin’ hard huh? Oh, I’ve missed you...” I chuckled.
“So Trin, that talk?” Rosa turned to me.
“Yes, we definitely need to talk.”
“Well Rosa, ya mights be happy’s ta know I may be pullin’ outta here... Don’t know whens I be back
if ever,” Bill said to Rosa and I raised an eyebrow at that.
“What? Wait, now...” Rosa looked at him.
“Yep I thinks its time to maybe move on out... of town here.”
“Ya can’t Bill, no one can leave town,” Rosa smiled.
I looked over at Bill, wondering if I was happy or disappointed. Logan rushed into the saloon and said, “Judge, we should have that meeting... now.”
“Investigation,” she smiled again.
“You need me, Logan?” I winked at him. A woman walked into the saloon and I asked, “Lookin’ for
somethin’?”
“We need help on our ranch,” she said. “Horse thieves and murderers killed two of our hands and stole our herd!”
I walked over to Logan and asked, “Logan?”
He looked from me to Rosa and asked, “What’s going on here?”
“That woman came in looking for law, said there were thieves and murderers,” I told him.
Bill cleared his throat and Rosa looked over at him. “Damn it Bill, yer not going anywhere ‘till this investigation is over, that’s my final offer!”
“Logan, let me help you. We’ll talk to this lady somewhere else so Rosa can deal with Bill.”
Logan nodded and asked, “Would you like to step outside to discuss this miss?”
“Figures, this is a place for talkers not doers,” the woman muttered.
“Trust me miss, We’ll do somethin’... Or at least... He will,” I nodded to Logan.
“All I know is we have two dead hands and all the herd is gone,” she said again.
“Come to the office, I’ll file a report and get to the bottom of it,” Logan insisted.
“Logan, please take this woman to get a statement from her,” Rosa advised.
“Would you please come with me... now,” Logan said a little louder.
“You men can’t control your women folks,” she said.
Logan groaned, “Well before I go dashing out waving guns around, I would like to have the facts straight. Now either you come with me, or I’m not bothering with it.”
A boy walked into the saloon and made himself look tough, going over to stand by Bill. I decided to make a cup of coffee and poured myself, walking over to sit with Chane.
“Are you coming or not?” Logan asked, cracking his neck.
“Lead the way Mister,” the woman said and I watched as she walked out after Logan.
“Real friendly type, ain’t she?” Chane chuckled.
“No kidding, Chane. Makes me wonder she’s just doin this to get attention. So Chane... How’s what’s-her-face?”
“Who?”
“Didn’t ya go off and get married?”
“Naw...”
“Coulda sworn ya did... Emerald or .. Jade or ...” I drank my coffee, confused.
“Oh her...”
“‘Oh her’ he says,” I chuckled.
“Naw, she got fed up with me.”
“Fed up with you? Not possible.”
“Well, maybe it was tha other way around. I fergit.”
“Sorry to hear, Chane. You deserve happiness. And I know you can treat a lady well,” I winked at him, remembering my first night with him in the hotel.
“I’m happy,” he shrugged. “Be happier if that kid’d stop bouncin’ all over,” he nodded to the boy standing beside Bill.
I chuckled, “He’s makin me dizzy. And not the good dizzy.”
“That kids gonna be a handful, and likely is already,” Rosa said as we watched him scamper out of the saloon.
“Wanna lil flavorin’ in yer coffee, Trin?” Chane asked.
“Whiskey?” I looked at him.
“Yep.”
“Bring it on,” I smiled and he poured two shots in the coffee. “You know I started doing this on my own?”
“Drinkin’?”
“Mixin coffee and whiskey together.”
“Yeah, ain’t bad... if ya take out tha coffee,” Chane winked.
I looked over at Rosa and said, “Join us Rosa. Take a load off. Guess Bill had to step out for somethin’.”
“Oh I dunno if thats a good idea,” she looked over at Chane.
“Rosa... We need to talk anyway, don’t we?” I asked, chuckling at Chane and then looking at Rosa. “I’ve got an idea I want to run by you.”
“Um, yeah but in front of him?” Rosa pointed to Chane.
“I gotta git anyway,” Chane said and I put my hand on his knee to stop him.
“She don’t trust me it seems,” Chane said.
“If ya move that hand of yers a little higher I bet he like it more,” Rosa laughed at me.
“Yeah you oughta know, Rosa,” Chane laughed.
“Yeah, sure. Right,” Rosa coughed.
“Don’t think James would like that so much,” I winked at Rosa.
“James?” Chane raised an eyebrow. “Well now, Rosa done caught her one?”
“Well now, Rosa done caught her one?”
“Nope Chane, Trin did. Or I guess, James did,” I told him.
“Ya did?!? Well hell...”
“Yeah Chane... Guess we’re kinda courtin’ now. He was keepin me safe and helpin me track down stories... After all the time spent together was only natural we fell in...”
“What’s his last name?” Chane asked.
“Well now if no one else needs me in here, I recon I can find logan to chat with,” Rosa said.
“Why you wanna know?” I chuckled. I looked at Rosa and asked, “Rosa... Can I follow you?”
“Ya done fergot his last name already?” Chane asked.
“Blackwell. James Blackwell,” I chuckled. “Retired from the military.”
“Well, I reckon if ya wanna,” Rosa said.
“Sorry... I should follow Rosa outside,” I said to him. “Good to catch up with you though, Chane.”
“Ya’ll take it easy now,” Chane said.
I stood and looked over at Bill. “And Bill... You don’t want to go anywhere do ya? You’d be bored stiff without us.”
“Well ... I reckons there are other places to explore and people ta shoot,” he shrugged.
Brendan walked in we greeted him and then Rosa and I headed for the sheriff’s office together. Logan was still talking to the woman who’d come into the saloon earlier and he said, “Ladies, Miss Sue here was just leaving.” She walked outside and Rosa and I took a seat at Logan’s desk. “So, I’ve got some exciting news...” he started.
“That’s not somethin’ ya hear often in a Sheriff’s office,” I smiled.
“Oh ya don’t say,” Rosa folded her arms and sat back in her chair.
“Remember when I was outside speaking with ‘Jake’? You were there judge,” he nodded to her and slid the report across the desk towards us.
I looked at him and said, “Logan... Before we get into that.... Maybe we should tell Rosa what’s going on here? Why I’m here, that is?”
“Ya know logan, it’s very interesting how things get turned around wouldnt ya say?” Rosa asked him and I looked at her, confused.
“Well, Miss Paige, as it was your idea, I feel that you should be the one to mention it,” he suggested.
“Alright I can do that,” I nodded. “Rosa... We were wondering since you lack the manpower on the staff of the sheriffs... If I could maybe consult with Logan here and you, and give you another perspective on open cases. I know it’s a lot of work just getting the folks arrested and keeping them out of trouble... But there ain’t a lot of time for the actual paperwork/investigation side of things. And you were sayin ‘ the other day you needed my help... So I thought this would be the best venue for both of us. Now, I know what you’re thinking,” I hesitated. “‘She writes the paper.’ But anything said in here... won’t go into the paper unless we say it’s on the record.”
“I have to say, Miss Paige does seem to be a trustworthy individual. and I could use the help honestly,” Logan nodded.
“I mean it. Unless you say on the record, I ain’t writin’ a thing,” I smiled.
Rosa looked at me and said, Well Trin, quite frnakly I question yer integrity at times. but all in all long as ya keep yer eyes open, and yer ears peels, and focus on the matter, instead of ......well let’s say focused?”
“Rosa trust me... I’m happy with James. I don’t plan on tryin to pick up other men. If I flirt it’s just ‘cause it helps them trust me. Besides... Now that Dutch is back... I’ve got enough problems to deal with in that department.”
“MMM hmm, ok well then lets keep it that way shall we, dun be runnin yer little fancy breetches off to galavant off on yer own?” she asked.
“Can I still ride off to Kansas and see Hawk at his village on my own? I like to get out there to escape once in a while, to think over stuff and clear my head. That’s the only place I’ll ride to though.”
“NO, its not safe fer one, and fer another, I have too much at stake here and time invested to get it all screwed up,” Rosa shook her head.
“That’s one thing I would like to mention...” Logan said then. “Miss Paige, I appreciate your vigor for a good story, but please, when you see me talking to people in question, do not interfere.”
“I’ll stand back and let you do the talking,” I promised. “I’ll just listen, observe... Then we’ll come back here and talk about it.”
“Thank you Miss Paige. That’s a terrific idea,” he nodded, smiling.
“Helps me get a clearer perspective on what’s going on, and I might catch some things that you don’t, since you’re focused on the questioning.”
“Very good, I think that it a great idea.”
“Now as for my exciting news...” Logan started.
“Yes Trin, this is really important, we have a lot at stake here. Matter of fact I’m was wondering if we should get a doctor to say Tristan’s dead, move him to a safe spot and try to get the killer to come out in the open,” Rosa suggested.
“That’s not a bad idea... Don’t we already know it’s Levi?”
“I agree completely,” Logan nodded.
Rosa coughed and looked at me, “Where did you hear that name from?” I looked over to Logan and then back to her and she asked, “Well?”
“I’ve been hearin’ it around town,” I said. “Logan here said he’d heard people saying the name but we weren’t sure.”
“Ok, let’s make one thing perfectly clear here,” Rosa said. “Let’s make sure the facts get straight.” We both nodded and he said, “Now I went to Louisiana yesterday.”
“Which is why I have not said anything to anyone else regarding the name, as I assumed it was only rumor,” Logan said.
I smiled at the mention of Louisiana, remembering my trips there with James. “Louisiana, you say? That there’s a quiet town.”
“Which I might add, they have a very nice saloon,” Rosa said.
“Been there with James a couple times ourselves. They’ve got a nice newspaper office too. Kind of inspired me for... Sorry, we’re getting off topic.”
Logan laughed and asked, “Miss Paige, have you had too much coffee this morning?”
“Guess I’m just excited to help, Logan. You’ll get used to it.”
“I’m just picking at you,” he smiled.
“Now Logan, you had some exciting news?” Rosa asked.
“Yes,” he looked to both of us. “Remember when I spoke to Jake yesterday?”
“Yes,” Rosa nodded.
“Which Jake?” I asked.
“I don’t know if you were nearby when I questioned him, but I asked him if he was with that native woman in the desert when she scalped a Mexican and he said yes at first then changed his story quickly...” Logan started. “So, I thought that I ought to question Jackson again to make sure that I have my facts straight, and he confirmed that Jake was indeed with the woman in the desert as she scalped a man. There fore, the marshal is lying to me. So this brings me back to my first idea, that perhaps that Jake and the indian are setting Jakob up. And of he is lying to me, then what else would he be lying about? What marshal would lie to a fellow law man?”
“Logan, was this Indian gal blonde?” Rosa asked.
“I know who the Indian girl is...” I looked over at her. “Her name is Mai.”
“She has short dark hair and wears a victorian suit,” Logan explained. “And she, she is blood thirsty. she has been causing trouble all day yesterday. I just don’t know, I’m hoping one of these bits will fit into the greater puzzle you know?”
“You mean with Tristan?” I asked.
“Yes. The exciting part, is that I have confirmed that the marshal is a liar.”
“I see...” Rosa fidgeted a bit.
“So what was this about Louisiana, Judge?” Logan asked.
Brendan walked into the office then and Rosa said, “Well now that everyone’s here...”
“Ya’ll didn’t get hitched, did ya?” I looked at Rosa.
“Not yet,” Rosa winked and I raised an eyebrow. “We headed to Louisiana yesterday. Met some, um, unusual folks and interesting people.”
“There were actually people there?” I chuckled. “We haven’t seen a soul any time we went up there.”
“Mmhmm, there was. I believe he said he was law and order there... Named Syrus. Ya know him?” she looked at me.
“No, never met. Never even heard of Syrus. Was just thinking ‘law and order’ would be a good idea for a book title.”
“Hmm, okay well, he told us a lot! Not sure how much of it was true, or stretched, but most of it seemed to pan out with the story I got from Chels last night. Yes I talked to Chels,” she added, looking at Brendan.
“Oh you did? Good,” Brendan smiled and she nodded.
“And?” Logan prompted and I wondered how on earth she got any information out of Chels.
“It seemed that indeed Levi is his name, and goes by Bob, and Bob Bob. And I also noticed a poster in the law office with the name Peter on it as well.”
I smiled, remembering the name “Bob” from my conversation with James. “That’s a lot of names, Rosa.”
“So it would seem he goes by all these names,” she nodded.
“Couldn’t have made it simple, eh?”
“Oh, this is just the beginning.”
“Of course it is,” I chuckled.
“It would seem that they all went for a trail ride, from what I got from Chels, this Bob. Levi guy, who has taken her before and I recall the day it happened.”
“Taken Chels?” I raised an eyebrow. “He don’t work with a gang somewhere, does he? Or is he a lone wolf?”
“Well, we were told there was an army that day,” she looked to Brendan. “And a blonde, like the color of my hair.”
“He was definitely not alone,” Brendan nodded.
“Great...” I said sarcastically.
“There seemed to be many folks,” Rosa said.
“Masked?” Logan asked.
“Chels told me Jake and Nate was not there, nor was Stacie. Seems the blonde was, right Brendan?”
“Nate... Haven’t heard that name in forever either...” I said.
“Oh I’ve heard it,” Logan noted.
“Yes, the blonde was masked,” Brendan added.
“But I did hear the name Nathan,” Rosa said.
“Was Mai blonde or brown hair?” I tried to remember.
“That man was here with Jake trying to argue me into the ground, which they did not succeed at I might add,” Logan pointed out.
“You sure it wasn’t a different Nathan, like our Jakob Jake situation?” I asked Rosa.
“It’s possible.”
“The sheriff?” Logan asked.
“I do hope that I’m not the only law man left with morals...” Logan straightened in his seat.
“It would also seem...” Rosa said then, there was a Bob there, but a different Bob. Or so he says.”
“Yeah the Bob we met was a law guy,” Brendan nodded.
“Of course he was,” I sighed. “You sure it wasn’t a disguise?”
“Or was he?” Logan quirked a brow and I smiled at the fact that he and I were thinking along the same track.
“I looked at his eyes, they weren’t blue,” Rosa coughed.
“I’m in a bit of a hurry folks,” Brendan said then. “I need to go back there for further investigation soon, but I like to bring up one point which might be important for you, Logan.”
“Bring it,” Logan nodded.
“Yesterday this girl named Mai, the native, she was hanging ‘round the marshal’s office all day... not sure why... she talked to that Marshal Jake and then she showed her real face as she shot down and kidnapped Trax. I mean, how can she sit there all day being an outlaw apparently?”
“Yes she did. She threatened me also,” Logan nodded.
I shook my head and gasped at the news. “This girl needs to be taken down.”
“Oh I know for a fact that the woman is bad. She was snarling and ranting at me in here like an animal. When I was only questioning her,” Logan said.
“Yes, I’m not sure if there’s a connection here, but it would seem she’s a person of interest,” Rosa nodded.
“After we got her she ran off and when I was after her she took me right into an outlaw camp,” Brendan continued. “I was lucky that there was just one other girl.”
“She burned down a Cherokee village last night,” Logan said.
I looked to her and asked, “Which one?”
“So I suggest to keep an eye on her... also on that Marshal Jake. I dun’ trust him... just a feeling,” Brendan said.
“I’m with you there Brendan. Those two, I’m telling you. Something is going on,” Logan said.
“Not Hawk’s village... I was there last night... Slept in a teepee then came home in the early hours of the morning.”
“Yes, I have a feeling he’s involved,” Rosa sighed. “He told me there wasn’t no one, yet now I hear he’s involved with some gal, that gal...”
“But, I asked that Jackson fellow if he would be willing to testify that he saw the marshal in the desert with her as she was scalping a Mexican,” Logan said.
“So he’s lying,” Rosa nodded.
“They ain’t involved that way, I assure you. Jake’s not one to take a woman that way. It’s pure business, I’m sure of it.”
“To prove that the marshal lies. As he denied being there,” Logan continued.
“Oh, and on top of it there is some Mexican involved as well,” Rosa said.
“Pablo?” I guessed.
“I didn’t get a name,” she shrugged.
“No... He was telling me about something else that happened. He told me about how Chels and Stacie and some other woman were tormenting him and arresting him for no reason, ‘cause he was reporting something.”
“Other woman?” Logan asked.
“He didn’t know who,” I said.
Logan shook his head and said, “I think this is starting to come together.”
“Well this is going to get sticky, so you guys cannot go anywhere alone first of all,” Rosa said. Secondly, there is no mention of anything outside this office, to no one.”
“And then... There’s the question of how this all ties in with Tristan.”
“Now, Jakob, what do we know about him? Was he seen during the incident with Tristan?” Logan asked.
I looked at Rosa and wondered, “What do I print in the paper? I need to write something, and right now I’ve got squat for Friday’s deadline.”
“I asked and it would seem that Jakob wasn’t seen there, however doesn’t mean he wasn’t involved,” Rosa said. “I know Jakob is slimy in other ways, jes not sure how all this ties together yet.”
“So he was among the ‘missing’ marshals?”” Logan nodded.
“Guys... What does this have to do with Tristan? I’m confused on that connection,” I looked between them.
“He was missing and says he was doing laundry at the creek, when I asked him what creek and town, he didn’t have an answer,” Rosa nodded.
“I’m getting confused myself,” Logan admitted.
“All I know about Tristan was that he, Bravo and Clif went in guns blazing ‘cause these guys robbed a bank and kidnapped...” I started. “And Bravo was shot in the knee, and Tristan was shot in the face.”
“No, I was told Bravo wasn’t there by Chels,” Rosa said.
“I haven’t seen...” I stopped when I heard Rosa. “What?! That son of a... He lied to me... again.”
“So stories are not matching,” Rosa summed up.
“Ah see I was confused, I thought that the case with the lady and tristan were interlocked some how,” Logan said.
“Or Chels is lying to you,” I looked at Logan then. “Not that we’re aware of yet, though goodness that would tie things up nicely.”
Rosa and Brendan stood then and Brendan said, “Folks, please no more names,” he laughed. “I suggest concentrating on the marshals here... This Jake, the suspended guy, and if the girl shows up here again keep an eye on her. And Trin,” he looked at me. “I wouldn’t write anything yet except that Tristan got shot badly.”
“Okay Brendan that makes sense. And that they’re still investigating what really happened.”
“Yes,” Rosa nodded. “Focus on his shooting and nothing else. No names.”
“I agree. Also, might I start trying to find us some more deputies? I feel rather outnumbered,” Logan nodded.
“Deal,” I stated. “Hopefully I can help you out a bit, Logan.”
“Good, I will report when I’m back from my trip,” Brendan promised.
“I would have been a goner yesterday had it not been for some decent citizens that helped out,” Logan said.
Brendan left the office and I looked between Rosa and Logan. “Now what?”
“We try to tie these loose ends up. I need to check on Tristan, see how he’s doing,” Rosa said.
“I would really love to know where the sheriff is,” Logan looked to Rosa.
“You and me both,” Rosa sighed.
“Guess we start by goin’ to the saloon?” I looked at Logan.
“I will be at the clinic. I’ll meet ya’ll there,” Rosa said and headed out.
Logan and I walked over to the saloon then and greeted Gramps and Sara who were already there. I suggested that we talk to Pablo and he followed me over to the cantina.
“Pablo... This here’s Sheriff Logan,” I introduced them.
“Hola Senorita,” Pablo waved at me.
“I told him about what you told me yesterday, but maybe you want to give him your account?” I suggested.
“Ah yes, the man with the burritos,” Logan grinned.
“Hola Senor,” Pablo sneered and nodded.
I looked at Pablo and said, “You can trust him. He’s good sheriff.”
Pablo looked at me in shock and then at Logan. “He’s a lawman, Senorita. Is exactly what I have a problem with.”
“Pablo, you have a problem with the marshals.”
“Is putting it lightly, Senorita,” Pablo muttered.
“This is a sheriff... They work much differently. They actually get things done,” I insisted.
Logan took a drink from his whiskey glass that he’d received at the saloon and said, “I assure you, I only have good intent senor.”
Rosa came over then and tried to grab Rosa by the arm. “What? What’s going on now?” Pablo asked and I looked between her and Logan.
“Come with me,” Rosa said.
“What? What for? What I do now? You see Sheriff, this is what I’m talking about,” Pablo looked confused. “Is because I’m Mexican.”
Rosa continued to get a firm clutch on his sleeve and I said, “Pablo just go talk to her. Make it easier.”
I saw Bill and Cathy walking out of the saloon and stepped closer to Logan. Logan laughed and said,
“Come on, it’s alright. No ones accusing you of anything.”
“What you need me for, judge?” Pablo asked Rosa.
“I need to talk to you! Now!”
“That’s how it all begins,” Pablo sighed.
Logan looked at him very seriously and said, “You could really help us out here senor.”
“Well I will talk to you when the judge has had her way with me, Senor.”
“Miss Paige...?” Logan nudged me towards the courthouse and I nodded, following him.
“Now let’s go to my office, shall we?” Rosa asked.
“If I survive,” Pablo muttered.
“You’ll survive,” Logan laughed.
We walked into the courthouse and took a seat at Rosa’s desk. “I no like anything to do with the judge, is always bad news,” Pablo said.
“Please take the big chair Pablo,” Rosa smiled.
“There’s marshals in there, isn’t there?” Pablo asked.
“No, no, of course not,” Rosa opened the door and we took a seat.
“Mr. Pablo, just behave yourself and relax. You and I will go out for churros later and chat it up like old friends,” Logan said.
“Would ya like something, Pablo?” Rosa asked. “Some candy, a cupcake?”
“Tequila,” he said hopefully.
“Sit, please be comfortable,” Rosa said and pulled some whiskey from a drawer. “Will this work?” she asked, handing it over.
“No, I don’t drink that,” Pablo shook his head.
Rosa shrugged and uncapped the bottle, taking a swallow before offering it to me and Logan. I took the whiskey and drank a mouthful, handing it to Logan, who refused the drink.
“So what’s this all about?” Pablo asked.
“Now sweetie...” Rosa smiled and put a hand on Pablo’s shoulder. “You are very handsome, did ya know that?”
Pablo tried to pull away and asked, “Is this the death sentence or something?”
“You have to relax Mr. Pablo,” Logan chuckled.
“Si... what exactly you want from me, judge?”
“Pablo, you can help me in soooo many ways,” Rosa smiled. “I have some questions for you.”
“I no rob anyone in long time, you know I have the business now,” Pablo said.
“I know, and you have been very very good,” Rosa smiled and I thought to myself about how Rosa had been worried about my integrity.
“The rumors about me extorting money aren’t exactly true,” Pablo shook his head.
“Pablo, I want you to tell me about Louisiana,” Rosa smiled and I perked at that.
“You want me to... wha? I no know what you’re talking about.”
“Ya know, tell me sugar, about Louisiana. Yer among friends, ya know. It’s jes us, and I assure you... You will be rewarded highly,” Rosa said, taking out fifty coins.
“I don’t know anything about Louisiana,” he shook his head.
“Now are you sure about that Pablo? I mean you know everything. Yer so smart, and brave...”
“Look, really I think you have the wrong man,” he said, looking at the money. “Really I know nothing. I don’t think I have been to Louisiana.”
Logan cleared his throat and said, “I don’t think you understand, we don’t want to accuse you, we just want information.”
“Give me a clue... Is a state, si?” Pablo asked.
Rosa went to grab Pablo’s jacket firmly and said, “Look, ya little weasel... If ya don’t start talking, I make sure you never see another tequila again! Compedre?”
I pulled Logan over to me by the arm and said, “I really don’t think he knows anything.”
“Okay, okay, Calm down, judge. What you want to know?” Pablo asked and I looked over, hearing myself being corrected.
“You have brothers? Friends? I want to know what ya know about Tristan being hurt.”
“Is a pretty place, si... Tristan the marshal?”
“Yes, God damn it! Tristan the marshal!” Rosa said angrily.
“Oh well, I know I drank an extra bottle of tequila and celebrated, but apart from that, nothing.”
Rosa went to the desk and pulled a gun out and pointed it at his head. “Now how much do you value yer life?”
“I keep away from the marshals on account of them using me for their fun,” Pablo said.
Logan stepped forward and said, “Now, now, judge. That’s not going to get any answers out of our friend here...”
“Pablo?” Rosa asked him again.
He gulped and said, “Look Senorita, I like my life. I love my life. I will tell you anything you want me to say but I know nothing about the marshal, or Louisiana. I tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” I shook my head, suddenly not believing him and looked to Logan, shaking my head. “Is true, I no like the marshals. This is well known. But I know nothing about it.”
“Really, well how’s the charge for murder sound to you?” Rosa asked, cocking the hammer of the gun back and I swallowed nervously.
“Mur... Murder? Me? I no kill anyone.”
“Well then you best tell me what happened, because I think yer lying!”
“Really, you think I kill the marshal? I like to, si, but I no do it. He is dead then?”
“Yes, he’s dead,” Rosa lied and I forced myself to cry and wiped a tear from my cheek for effect.
“I have never been to Louisiana, and I no know what happened to the damn marshal, and I no kill him. Well I have to say I’m not unhappy, he was an asshole.”
“Now, unless you wanna hang, you best tell me. Who is Levi?” Rosa asked then.
“I don’t think he knows, Judge,” Logan said quietly.
“Levi? Oh...” Pablo said and then we all paused as Rosa put the gun away and grabbed some tequila.
“Now you tell me,” Rosa handed him a whiskey again.
“Senorita, you no understand,” Pablo swallowed hard as he took the whiskey.
“I do. I will assure you, nothing will happen.”
Pablo drank the bottle dry and asked, “This man Levi... He have any other names?”
“Yes, he does. So tell me what happened. I know you know!”
“Surname, perhaps?”
“Bob!” Rosa glared at him.
“Is a funny surname. Well that’s fine, then I know nothing.”
“You’re lying!”
“I know nobody by that name.”
“Peter? Levi? Bob Bob? How about Jake?”
Pablo took another swig of Tequila and smiled. “You have any other names to throw in the air, Senorita?”
“Logan, you try,” Rosa got more upset.
“Ok listen,” Pablo stopped her. “I have met somebody recently, but I only know him as Mr. Black. That’s it.”
“Wait...” Logan stopped him and looked at Rosa. “Mr. Black?”
“Si. I do some things for him and he pays me well in gold.”
“Describe him for me,” Rosa said.
“I cannot tell anymore,” Pablo shook his head.
“Yes you can, and you will,” Logan looked at him seriously.
“I cannot, you no understand.”
“Your secret is safe with us,” Rosa coughed.
“You can lock me up. Take me away, I’m guilty.”
“Are you afraid of this man?” Logan asked.
“Afraid? Me? Pablo? Afraid? Si, yes I am terrified!”
Logan leaned closer and said, “I can assure you, that we will do all that we can to protect you, if you will only tell us what we need to know.”
“I no think it is connected with your dead marshal,” Pablo shook his head.
“It’s alright, we still need to know. What does this man look like?” Logan asked.
“Yes Pablo, tell me,” Rosa said.
“Tall, black hat... Black pants... He come out of the shadows lots. He knows some very influential people in the town.”
“Like who?” Logan asked.
“I cannot say.”
“You have seen his eyes? Hair? Color?” Rosa prompted.
“Black... Dark, dark skin. But he’s a Gringo.”
“Pablo, I thought that you were trying to turn your life around... to do good for this town?” Logan asked. “A gringo...”
“He is the sort of man that would murder his own mother for the right price,” Pablo said. “Si, I am good. I cook good food.”
“Pablo, dear. Listen, we want to help you,” Rosa said.
“But a man has to live, and all I do so far is be his errand boy and... know a few handy things is all.”
“Then tell me who these people are that he knows. We need to know that we are not sharing information with the wrong people,” Logan nodded.
“Pablo, if that is true, then I will triple the piece you paid.”
“I cannot tell you,” he shook his head. “He will surely kill me, and there’s much more.”
“I will keep you safe,” Rosa promised.
“I really cannot say,” Pablo shook his head.
“He won’t because we’ll wrap a noose around his lousy neck and finish him off,” Logan promised.
“You can’t keep everyone safe, Sheriff,” Pablo blurted out. “I think I have said enough now. Am I under arrest?”
“No, no, Pablo. You got a girl? A love?” Rosa asked.
“You can have Miss Paige if you tell us what we want to know,” Logan pointed at me.
“No, not here. Not yet,” he shook his head and then spit out tequila all over Rosa as I raised an eyebrow at Logan “What?!”
“A joke... a joke...” Logan laughed.
“I’ll get you back for that, Callaghan,” I glared at him playfully.
“I no think anything I know has anything to do with your marshal,” Pablo shook his head.
Pablo looked at him and said, “Besides the marshal, we have other cases to solve. You do realize this?”
“The people it concerns are far more powerful. I cannot tell you more,” Pablo said.
“Pablo, ya see Tristan... He was loved. He had a woman that loved him very much,” Rosa said. “Now put yourself in her place. Wouldn’t you want to know who killed him?”
I realized that I hadn’t even seen Peep in months, and never once by his side.
“Judge... really...” Pablo smiled at Rosa, “I would dance on his grave if I knew where it was.”
“Yes, darlin’, really. I mean wouldn’t it be nice to have a beautiful woman by your side, many kids, a life of wealth?” Rosa asked.
“Why, you would be the town hero! What would your.. er... madre think of you then?” Logan asked.
“Okay, you can make me wealthy, Si?” Pablo asked.
“Yes, yes, the town hero! Think of it!” Rosa smiled.
“You see my friend he has paid me already. And he have lots of gold. And he say he gonna make me wealthy too.”
Rosa pulled out more coins and said, “You see, and I have more! I am a wealthy and powerful judge.”
“Show me much more than that, Senorita. I know something that could have me killed more than once.”
Rosa pulled out five hundred coins and dumped them in his lap. “Now talk!”
“You will keep me safe?” Pablo looked to Logan.
“I’ll even try to find a personal guard for you,” Logan promised.
“Okay,” his eyes widened at the bag in his lap. “I tell you, there is a man called Mr. Black. I no know any other name, but one day last week he tell me to go to the mayor. He say is very important and he gave me one hundred gold to do it. So I find her and take her to him. She no want to go, she very nervous. But when she is there he is very rough with her. He take her by the throat and threaten her for money. He say if he no get the money, her sister is dead. I keep an eye out for the marshals who are lurking around, and he pay me more money. I talk him into not hurting the mayor, and he let her go, but she have to pay him a lot of money. I think he holds one of her loved ones.”
“Pablo honey,” Rosa said then. “Did you go to Louisiana with Mr. Black?”
“No,” he shook his head. “I no go anywhere with him... I think if I go somewhere with him he kill me for what I know. So I stay in town. I never leave.”
“How about Jake, the marshal? Did you see him with Mr. Black or any other marshal?”
“No, I no go near the marshal. They treat me like dirt.”
“I am sorry you get treated so poorly,” Rosa sighed.
“Tell me about it,” Logan said knowingly and I nodded in agreement, having been treated the same way.
“I ask the paper lady here to put it in her paper,” Pablo nodded to me and I smiled. “If he
“Pablo, you have done a very good thing,” Rosa smiled.
“If he find out, I am dead.”
“Don’t worry, nothing is going in the paper,” Rosa looked at me and I nodded with understanding.
“You have indeed, and once we have this man’s neck in a noose, will be sure to let the whole town know of your good deed,” Logan promised.
“When this man is dead, I will make sure you get a medal,” Rosa winked at Pablo.
“He say he come back and want me to do other things for him, “Pablo said.
“Pablo, if he does that, you come see me, or Logan here. Okay?” Rosa asked.
“Well Pablo, you keep right on doing what you were before, don’t let on that you’ve told us anything,” Logan said.
“I will make sure to pay you double what he pays you,” Rosa promised. “And yes, don’t let him know we know.”
“Okay, si. I do this.”
“I will also make sure to have tequila on hand,” Rosa smiled and unlocked her door then.
“I’ve got to find someone to help me keep an eye on Pablo,” Logan looked at Rosa. Who around here is good with a gun and has a good reputation?”
“Logan, I’d like a word with you alone if we could, while Rosa takes care of some things,” I requested.
“I wonder for a price if I could pay an outlaw,” Rosa thought out loud.
“Of course, Miss Paige,” Logan nodded to me. Then he looked at Rosa and said, “As much as I want to strangle him, that Buu fellow is a pretty good shot. Do you think he would help?”
“That’s who I was thinking as well Logan,” Rosa nodded. “If I pay him, he may.”
“Whoever watches me must not know what we know here,” Pablo warned.
“I think he would probably do anything for money,” Logan said about Buu. “We won’t say a thing to him about it Pablo.”
“Oh we won’t tell him,” Rosa promised. “We will juest say, um, you need to be watched closely.”
“Is best nobody else know. Word gets around and he will come for me, and also the mayor’s relative, she will be dead. Don’t forget that is more than he needs to be sorted out.”
“Tell Mr. Black that Tristan is dead, and you got word that he is dead,” Rosa told him.
“Okay, when I see him I say this,” Pablo nodded. “Now what about these marshals? Can you get them off my back too?”
“I’m sure that we can figure out something,” Logan nodded.
“In meantime just stay lowkey and I find someone to keep close eye on you,” Rosa looked at him. “If I say too much, people will suspect.”
“Damn this town has a mess of trouble for such a small place,” Logan shook his head.
“We’ve only just begun, Logan,” I looked at him.
“And I can carry on with my... businesses? Pablo asked, “And I no go to jail for murder? Or extortion?”
“I am, er, we are all risking our lives here...” Rosa started and then answered, “No, you have a get out of jail free card, okay Pablo?”
“I do? This is good,” he smiled from ear to ear.”
“I would, for your safety,” Logan nodded. “I mean, don’t kill anyone of course, but just be sure to report back to us when you can.”
“Can I see it?” Pablo asked. “I no kill anyone, is not Pablo’s way.”
“See? See what?” Rosa asked.
“The card you talk about that gets me out of jail.”
“I am the judge, I will assure you of my word,” Rosa chuckled.
“If I have to arrest you, just follow along and I’ll send you right out the back door,” Logan winked.
I realized I had another question for Rosa and then Pablo said, “So far I no see a lot of justice in this town.”
“Pablo, I will bring justice to this town, even if it kills me,” Rosa promised.
“I’ve only been law two days Pablo, but I can tell you that I am set on turning things around here,” Logan said.
“I am right in saying though, that the marshals you cannot control. I mean they do terrible things to Pablo.”
“Well, we’re working on that...” Rosa said. “You come tell me or Logan here, and I make sure we do something ok?”
“You know they turn me upside down and throw rotten fruit at me for no reason? And threaten to do it again.”
“When did this happen?” Rosa looked to him.
“I don’t doubt it one bit,” Logan shook his head.
“Last week I think. They take me away and leave me in jail for a whole day no charge then they do these thing. I no break no law.”
“I am sorry Pablo,” Rosa apologized. “Yer free to go.”
She opened the door for him and we watched him walking out. I looked between Rosa and Logan and said, “Rosa, I have one question for you... Where the hell is Peep? I haven’t seen her around town at all in weeks, and she hasn’t even been in the clinic beside Tristan. I tell you, if my husband was laying there in a coma I’d be by his side day and night.”
“I dunno,” Rosa sighed.
“It just don’t feel right, Rosa. She should be around. Something is missing from all of this, guys, and I just can’t put my finger on it. This thing with Ami’s relative.... Why does Pablo care? What does he have to do with any of it other than keeping his mouth shut from that guy paying him? There’s got to be some kind of motive for him...”
“Seems to me that he is just in fear of his life at the moment,” Logan said.
“Well, money is motive,” Rosa pointed out.
“I guess... But he’s got a business now. That’s a source of money. Why does he have to get it from this guy? Unless the guy paying him knows that Pablo knows something and is paying him to shut him up...”
“I don’t think money plays a very big part,” Logan said.
“Maybe he’s greedy or it’s interlocked and perhaps... Starting a business is hard and doesn’t make very much in the beginning,” Rosa thought out loud.
“I think that the guy is trying to win him over to his side in case the threats to his life don’t work,” Logan said.
“I just don’t buy it. There’s something else going on here. Did you see how he reacted when you mentioned the name ‘Levi’?”
“When I went to Louisiana... Syrus told me an army showed up,” Rosa said.
“Trying to make him feel as if he is working for him...” Logan stated.
“Or heck, even when you mentioned Louisiana,” I nodded to Rosa.
“An army? Of what?” Logan asked.
“Yeah, it made no sense,” Rosa sighed.
“Think you could get ahold of this Syrus guy again, Rosa?” I asked.
“Maybe it is cajun code for ‘group’?” Logan wondered.
“And this blonde woman that was masked didn’t make sense either,” Rosa said and looked at me, “Perhaps?”
“Maybe Syrus isn’t telling you the whole story, Rosa,” I said. “Someone surely ain’t.”
“He was certain though, of this woman,” Rosa pointed out with a sigh. “She was with someone.”
“Jake...” Logan nodded.
“And Mai,” I guessed.
“That’s my suspicion,” Rosa looked to Logan.
“So I suppose in the meantime, we have to find this ‘Black’ fellow,” Logan guessed.
“I never imagined Jake would do a sort of thing,” Rosa sighed.
“Well Rosa, people can surprise us I guess,” I sighed. “Lest we forget Kitty.”
“I really liked Jake too,” Rosa nodded.
“Well, after he verbally bullied me outside the sheriff’s office, I don’t have much respect for the man,” Logan admitted.
“Yeah, I don’t think she’s involved, nor Bill this time. What a shocker, eh?” Rosa said.
“I know, that wasn’t what I was sayin’...” I shook my head. “Was just a point about people doin’ things we don’t expect them to.”
“Yes Logan, and I wish I had paid more attention that day,” Rosa sighed. “I am pulled from all directions, this is why you both are here. I cannot do this alone.”
“Well, I’m not intending to flip flop around. I can assure you both of that,” Logan smiled.
“That’s why I came to you guys to suggest my ... intellectual services,” I smiled.
“Well Logan, if ya do? I will personally dismember you!” Rosa smiled.
“Me neither, Rosa. If anything I was thinkin’ of becoming law but this is the next bet thing,” I smiled.
“All the more reason to stay on course!” Logan laughed.
“I’m so happy to be here with ya’ll and help you. Lord knows you need the manpower,” I said.
“Aye that we do.”
“Though Callagahan, maybe sometime we should go out gun practicing and practice my targeting?” I suggested.
“Perhaps. as was demonstrated yesterday, I’m not exactly handy with my aim just yet,” Logan laughed.
“Maybe we should both practice then,” I chuckled.
“You’re going to question Ami? If you don’t mind, I’d like to accompany you when you do.” Logan asked Rosa. “Not only for hearing the details, but also for your own protection. You never know if Mr. Black might be watching.”
“Yes, I have once already, but I’d like to do it again. First time Clif was with me. I’d like her to be alone, now that I know more I can use it to advantage.”
“Good idea, Rosa. I haven’t had many interactions with her, myself.”
“Sure, I can wait outside then. But I’d still feel better about being nearby,” Logan nodded.
“Seems she’s always busy when I want to get ahold of her,” I said.
“Logan, you will be there, assuringly,” Rosa promised. “Also want to question Clif, he didn’t give me much of the details, and something seemed odd about that,. Though I think it was jes stress perhaps he left things out.”
“Wll, Logan. I guess I should head back to the office and try to draw up some timelines to get my head on straight,” I said.
“I will go do some more digging,” Rosa said.
“Actually, I was thinking of going to the hotel to see if a room might be empty. But I’ll catch up with you later Miss Paige,” Logan promised.
“Be safe, Rosa,” I said.
“You too, Trin,” Rosa replied.
I waved and headed out of the office and walked down the street to my newspaper office. On the way there, I greeted James and asked him if he wanted to come to the office with me for some coffee. I told him all about my new job as a consultant and we cuddled as we kissed. As I leaned back into his arms, I pulled out files and started to write a timeline of what had happened before.
James asked if I had told Dutch about us but I said I hadn’t seen him since we talked to him the day before. I told him how confusing everything was that we’d talked about in the office and tried to make sense of it all. James pointed out that Rosa is determined to finish this matter quickly and that saying Tristan is dead might not be the best suggestion. He suggested they needed to get a fake Tristan somewhere and they would crawl out of their holes. I kissed him, proud of him for being so smart.
***
This evening I hung out at the saloon and talked with the group there. I gave Sean some articles to edit for the paper and he promised to work on it. I walked out to the clinic and asked Rosa and Kalli how Tristan was doing. Rosa told me that Bill had been paid to oft the man who had put Tristan in a coma. Gunshots rang and Rosa asked me to stay with Tristan so I sat beside him at his bed.
Bravo got shot and Kalli looked after him while I distracted her daughter Gia in the front room, then I headed out of the clinic.
“Tex!” I greeted the man walking over to me.
“Howdy Miss Trin,” he smiled.
“Tex, how’ve you been?”
“I’m great, Trin.”
“It’s good to see you.”
Tex nodded and walked on, so I looked to Rosa and said, “Rosa you know that idea we were talking about with Logan...”
“Yeah...”
“About what we were gonna tell people about Tristan. What if we took the opposite approach?”
“Yeah? Ya mean tell ‘em he’s alive and awake?”
“Yeah. The killer, er, shooter, would then be afraid he’ll start talkin’. I’m guessing Tristan would know the name. He’d tell the marshals right away the name of the shooter.”
“This is true,” she nodded. “Let’s go consult the docs. I’ll talk to Kalli and see if we can move him.”
“Okay,” I nodded.
We talked to Logan and TJ about our idea and they agreed it was a good idea. Rosa and I started to ride out to see if we could discover anything and then we found Sniper and Bill approach the fort in a town nearby.
“Shit, I know they know something,” Rosa swore.
“They ain’t gonna talk if they know we’re following them,” I whispered back.
We dismounted our horses and ducked behind the rocks, watching Sniper and Bill ride away.
“Beat it, Trin,” Bill told me then and I stopped in my tracks.
“I...”
“Just go,” he said. I looked for Rosa and he said, “Both of you, beat it.”
“What’s going on, Bill?” I asked.
“Leave here, now.”
“I’m just here to observe, Bill,” I said. “Just let me go tell Rosa that we’re leaving.”
Rosa was off in the distance and I ran over to her, wiping the sand from the wind out of my eyes.
“Dun like being followed?” Rosa asked Bill, who came over to us.
“Nope, ya been told ta stays away by me, Rosa.”
“Serves ya right for following me earlier. Well, I dun follow yer orders!”
Logan rode over with a wagon and I said, “Well, it’s about bloody time.”
“Oh, NOW ya show up!” Rosa said.
I walked over to Logan and jumped up onto it and he asked, “What’s going on here?”
“Not a damn thing, Logan,” I muttered.
“Something here is important enough they want us to leave!” Rosa looked over to the wall fort.
“None of yer dang business! Now I said beat it ‘cause out here yer nothin’ but target practice, ya git me?” Bill asked.
“Well I guess that makes you target practice to eh?” Rosa put her hands on her hips.
“Sure does,” Sniper nodded.
“Then why ain’t you leavin, hmm? What’s over there?” Rosa asked.
“Because our practice means you take a dirt nap,” Sniper smiled.
“Dun wanna shoot poor innocent children instead?” Rosa asked.
“Silly woman,” Sniper said.
“Silly man,” Rosa said back. “Ya heard me earlier and ya went off without me anyhow.”
“It ain’t no place fer a lady, Rosa,” Bill told her.
“I got jes as much right as this as you do! If not more! I aint no damn lady!”
Bill and Sniper laughed at that and Logan said, “Well of course you are Judge.”
“Now where is the son of a bitch, he’s here isn’t he!” Rosa asked, looking over at the fort. “That’s why ya want us to leave.”
Logan looked to me with a confused expression and I looked back at him, just as confused.
“That’s what I thought!” Rosa said then, reaching for a rifle from the back of the wagon. “Now I won’t ask again!”
“Rosa, ya goin’ ta git hurts and so will they... Just git outta here woman!” Bill threatened.
“What you two hidin’?” Rosa asked again.
Bill let go of his horse, trying to spook Rosa off, and said, “I done told ya to git. Don’t make me put ya over me knee.”
“And I dun told ya, I dun follow yer orders!” Rosa said back.
Bill reached for his gun and said, “I mean it, Rosa, or I will shoot down Trin and Logan and it will be your doin’.”
“Come on, Rosa. Don’t make this worse,” I said then. “We know where his camp is. We’ll just come back another time.”
Rosa swore then and Logan laughed and pretended to do a little curtsey. “Oh my, no, don’t do that!”
“Let’s get out of here, Logan. They ain’t worth it,” I said then.
Sniper fired a few gun shots in the air to make us leave and we rode back to town, not wanting any more violence than there had to be.
“Miss Paige, you erase all that you saw back there...” Logan looked at me when we got back in front of the office.
“Yes Sir, Mr Callaghan , Sir,” I nodded.
“I don’t want to see any of that in your paper either,” he laughed.
“Only what ya’ll tell me is on the record goes in print,” I promised. “I’m stickin by our agreement.”
“It is definitely off the record,” Logan nodded.
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