January 31, 1870

Georgetown. 

I saw Chas walking through town, showing Sarah and Robert around town. We talked about what I did for a living. They continued their tour and Rob told me he was a Pinkerton once about a month or so ago. 

“Yeah, I walked up on a bank robbery there,” Robert said. 

“Oh did you?” I looked at him. 

“And the robbers shot me and accused the Pinkerton of robbing the bank corupt court convicted me so I resigned.” 

“Wow…” 

“Yes, the outlaws were organized and I was alone.” 

“They tend to do that. There’s quite a few of ’em around here now. We could use some deputies around here.” 

“I will keep that in mind. Is the crime bad?” 

“Do that. Seriously consider it,” I nodded. 

“Well for now I’m just getting to know folks. When I put a badge on it gets political.” 

“There are quite a few new outlaws in the area... We may have some trouble coming from Wyoming direction…” I nodded. “I understand. “But just think about it would you? Seems like you’ve got the experience we might need. If you see a Duke Cross running around with the sheriff’s badge on him, talk to him.” 

“I have a gift,” he said and gave me an old badge. “There is my old badge. It’s gold on one side and silver on the other. Custom made. Maybe you can get some good use out of it.” 

“I see,” I took the badge and looked at it, turning it around. 

“Well I will consider it,” he said. “For now I like relaxing.” 

“Well thank you, Sir. Robert was it?” I asked. 

“Robert Enzian. If you need help though I will help, just holler.” 

“Perhaps I’ll be able to talk to my sherif and marshal, and let them know who you are if that’s okay?” 

“Sure. I’m good with a gun.” 

“We could use more men like that.” 

“Well I have a question.” 

“Sure.” 

“What happened to the general store?” 

“I believe they moved it to make room for a bigger hotel/saloon coming soon. I believe it’s right behind you now.” 

We talked about how there would be a poker table at the new saloon and he advised that when I walked up on a robbery I should have more backup. I told him that’s why we needed more people to be law. We continued to talk and then he headed on. 

I walked down the street and saw Chas with the two outlaw dogs. “Kazu, Snow. Behave,” she told the dogs. 

“They don’t like me,” I looked at the dogs. 

Chas chuckled softly and said, “They’re pretty protective. S’why we keep them around.” 

“Protective of you maybe. They don’t like me.” 

Kazu moved closer to me and started to snif around for something as Chas said, “Well I hope protective of me, Ain’t rightly tested it much though. Snow, here…” she ordered and offered Snow a piece of fish. 

I watched her interacting with the dogs and then headed home to get some paperwork done. 

January 30, 1870

Georgetown. 

This morning I walked into town and noticed the chief and another man running into town. I noticed them in front of my office and talked to Twist about it. The chief looked at us and asked, “These good men want to know where bank is,” he grinned. 

I heard his comment and shook my head, walking on without a word. I went to sit up on my balcony and watched the people walking down the street. I went down to the office, still feeling lost after last night’s events. I went to the Pinkerton’s office and worked on paperwork, since it was the only thing I knew for sure. 

A few hours later I was sitting in the saloon with a bottle of whiskey when Adder walked in. “Howdy stranger. I got your wire.” 

I looked at him with sad, exhausted eyes. “I… I sent you a wire?” i asked, not remembering since the emotions from last night had clouded everything. 

“Aye,” he nodded. “Possible Wild Bunch sighting?” 

“Right, that…” I nodded, remembering the least of my worries as I tried to gather myself in front of my oldest friend in the world, knowing he could see my hurt and pain. 

“We can mark that one up as confirmed now though. Just seen the rat bastards down the road.” 

“You got time to join me for a drink before you go off conquering the world? I sure could use a friend..” 

“This picture is the wrong way round.... What’s got you drinking so early?” he scratched his head. 

“You may want to sit,” I looked at him. 

“Sure,” he nodded. “But if those boys saw me come in, you better be ready to move fast.” 

“They’re the least of my worries right now,” I sighed and cried, leaning my head in my arms against the table. “Oh Adder, it’s all messed up!” 

“There’s more of them than there is of me, so I’d pay some mind to them,” Adder warned and looked at me. “So what’s up?” 

“There’s a war going on, Taurus. "My interaction with the Natives is done. And... Kale’s back. And Chet’s never here… And now you’re here when I need you,” I choked. 

Adder chuckled when Kale’s name was mentioned. “Man makes more comebacks than Lazarus.” 

“There was aa huge shootout in town. But the outlaws who we caught were the same ones who’d attacked the village in Wyoming,” I looked at him. 

“You know I have a vendetta against those sons-of-bitches in the street. I couldn’t resist it,” he shrugged. 

“The natives wanted them for their own justice and Sam didn’t really like the chief threatening him. They started another gunfight… Then…” 

“Buu? Or a different psycho?” 

“A man and a woman. Rogue and... something. But then…” 

“That Chief wants war. Doesn’t care what it starts over. Doesn’t care how many of his own die either.” 

I reached for the whiskey and took another sip. “He blew up the damn office with dynamite while I was still inside. And he knew full well I was in there. And this is AFTER he and the war chief PROMISED to leave me out of it” 

“Son of a bitch!” Adder exclaimed. “And what has local law done?” 

“Well they were sniping them from the roof... I say they, but I mean Duke and Kale... Kale’s a gunslinger now apparently. But then when the dynamite went off the outlaws escaped. Haven’t seen them since. Sam was shooting from on the streets.” 

“I meant what have they done about the chief?” 

I shrugged and said, “I saw the chief with a couple from that gang you keep telling me about.. They were asking where the bank was. I recognized Suicide Season from Colorado Springs. Thought it was strange they were in kahootz though.” 

“Shit sticks to shit really well,” he shook his head. 

“I don’t know what to do anymore, Taurus. Chet’s never here... Duke’s only on at night and then he’s all alone cause we’ve got no damn deputies… I’m a sitting duck again. All I can do is work this 5000 L case and hope to keep my nose out of the rest of it. It’s not my fight. Not anymore. Maybe it never was.” 

“Well... I had a note from a Mr David J Cook, looking for work as a lawman. You might wanna contact him.” 

“Oh did you?” 

“Aye, I did. Never seen him in town before, so I don’t know where he lives. You feel like taking a walk?” Adder looked at the doors. 

“You want to go out there and see where they are, don’t you?” I asked, knowing he was distracted. 

“Maybe I should.” 

“No. What I want, is to go out there and put bullets in their brains,” he chuckled. 

Sugar walked into the saloon then and said, “Got some banditos coming in for drinks.. be on yer guard.” 

“Guess they’re gonna come to you,” I looked at him and he chuckled.

“Are they the same ones I just saw down the road?” 

“Most likely,” I nodded. 

Adder checked his pistols and I thought to myself how much I really didn’t want to deal with outlaws after last night. Adder said he was going to be hanging the outlaws next time they came into Colorado. 

“I can’t.. I think I need to go home,” I said then. 

“Aye, you get some rest,” Adder nodded to me. 

I put a hand on his shoulder and looked at him. “We’ll talk later?” 

“Aye,” he nodded. 

I looked over at Sugar and said, “If you see Chet or Duke… Tell ’em I’m looking for ’em?” 

“Okay, I will,” Sugar nodded. 

“Thanks, Sugar,” I said and paid for my whiskey before heading home. I hesitated and walked into the church instead, crying and trying to pray. 

A few hours later I walked into the saloon and saw Chet sitting with Chas. As I walked in I heard her say, “Arrest Chief Standing Bear? Why?” 

They greeted me and I went to hug Chet tightly as he said, “Howdy darling. Glad to see you’re good.” 

“Don’t know how you define ‘good’, but seeing you helps.” I sat down with a heavy sigh. 

“Chief standing bear is wanted for attempted murder of Trin here,” Chet said in response to the question. “And I intend to have him brought in.” 

“Good luck with that,” I nodded to him. “Was one hell of a night.” 

“Only heard about it. But It sounds like quite the ruckus,” Chas nodded. 

“Well don’t you worry none,” Chet said. “He gonna be arrested n stand trial n if found guilty swing by his neck.” 

“Typical argument over who gets to administer justice,” I shook my head. 

“What happened anyway?” Mel asked, looking over at me as she and Vic walked in. 

“We had a couple outlaws they wanted because apparently they’d attacked some people in the cherokee village… So the natives wanted to administrate their own justice but Duke said they would give them to them the next day…” 

“I see. Would that be the one who came in an’ checked his guns or the one that brought a horse into a saloon?” Chas asked. 

“So anyway the chief started threatening Sam and then they started shooting… So the gunfight started... second one in the night… So then I’m inside with Duke and Kale... and all of a sudden this dynamite goes off. I saw Chief Standing Bear outside the window... He knew full well I was in there.” 

Suddenly Buu pulled out his gun and fired into the air, making me jump. I watched Buu and Kale and backed up, not wanting to watch any more gunfights. 

“Miss Trin… A man was looking for you,” Mel said then. 

“Was he?” 

“Oh…” Mel looked at Kale and pointed at him. I looked over at him and wondered if things would be settled down now. 

“Next one to draw a gun in here is spending the night in jail or under ground,” Chet threatened and I swallowed hard. 

“Oh I’ll be seeing you later...But not here in this bar,” Kale said to Harley. 

“Shut up, marshal,” Harley shrugged at Chet. 

“You were looking for me?” I asked Kale. 

Harley pointed at Kale and said, “No one threatens me boy, outside now...or are ya yellow?” 

I swallowed hard, thinking I had seen this scene before. Kale smirked and just gestured towards the door. Chet walked over and glared at Harley. “Perhaps you didn’t understand me the first time, boy. I said we are having a celebration. Now why don’t you leave before you get hurt?” 

Harley and Kale walked out and Harley laughed. “I’ll kill you afterwards, marshal.” 

“Let them go, Chet. They have to duke this out. Kale has a score to settle,” I said. 

“No, that boy being taught a lesson,” Chet said and went outside. 

“Chet!” I called and swore under my breath, watching from the door as Harley and Kale started to shoot each other. I kicked the door in frustration and watched as Harley shot down Kale and Chet in the street. I walked outside to see if they were still okay. “Chet, you okay?” 

“Yer little marshal friend had that coming,” Harley glared at me. 

“You didn’t have to shoot them both down,” I looked at him. 

“He didn’t have to get involved in our fight, yet he did. And look what happened to him.” 

“It’s his job,” I said. 

“He needs a new job,” Harley laughed. 

“Yer under arrest for attempted murder of a us marshal,” Chet glared at him from the ground. 

“Maybe I’ll finish you off and make it murder?” Harley laughed. 

“As I said in the saloon its either jail or ground for next one to draw a gun looks like you chose both,” Chet clutched his side. 

“I choose my freedom.” 

“You gave up your freedom few minutes ago.” 

“That guy picked a fight with me. You’ll notice I’m better at picking them than he is,” Harley pointed to Kale. 

“Eh... you’re just more primed for ’em. Pickin’ the fight is the easy part with you around, Mister,” Chas put in. 

Harley shrugged and started to walk off as he said, “Get that marshal to a clinic.” 

Kale got to his knee, drawing his second revolver, and then Harley shot back at him to put him down on the ground again. I knew I couldn’t do anything to stop more tension. 

“I said yer under arrest. You deaf?” Chet asked. 

I backed up into the saloon again and Mel asked, “What happened outside?” 

“The boys are going at it,” I sighed. 

“Bunch of kids with guns,” Chas rolled her eyes. 

When I saw Harley walk away I went over to Kale since Chet had already made it to the clinic. “Kale… are you okay?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. I leaned down and looked at him. “Let me take off your jacket and use it to hold over the wound.” He looked at me and forced himself to his knees, holstering his guns and not talking. “Kale… Talk to me,” I tried again. 

“I’m fine,” he looked at me. “He missed anything important.” I nodded and reached for his hand but he spit on the ground and jerked my hand away. “I don’t need your help.” 

“Look Kale… I’m sorry… I…” I backed up with a sigh. 

“He just got me in my ribs,” Kale looked at me as he limped a bit. He walked away and I watched Duke walk over. I thought he had great timing and sighed, just watching the two of them talk. Kale asked Duke to help him light his cigarette and I looked between them both. 

“I’ll be in my office,” I said and went to my office, frustrated. It seemed like no one needed me for anything and everyone would just work out their issues with violence anyway. 

I walked over to the train station seeing Duke talking with a woman and saw the woman from the gunfight last night and stopped in my tracks. I looked at Duke and waited. 

“It’s okay Trin,” he insisted. 

“Some funky looking man bent over ..looking like he was sick or soemthing,” the woman said and I eyed the wolf. 

“She was shot by an even more dangerous group,” Duke said. “Buu is back.” 

“Aye well it was that bent over looking guy that got me good... and took me down and freed his pals.” 

“No shit, sherlock. He just shot down Chet and Kale,” I looked at Duke. 

“But honest, Sheriff, we did nothing wrong. We were sitting in our camp relaxing from the night before,” the woman said. 

“Chet too?” Duke asked and I nodded. 

TJ walked over and said, “Well well… If it ain’t the tramp and her mutt.” 

“Oh no, not you again…” she put her hands on her guns. 

“Tj heard ya were involved in a shoot out,” Duke said to him. 

I walked back to the saloon, not feeling like hearing their side of the story. I looked over when the doors opened and exhaled seeing Anna. “Hello Trin, kinda slow in here today isn’t it?” 

“Anything but. Glad to finally have the quiet.” I smiled, knowing this would be one positive thing from the last couple of days. “I have something to give you.” I noticed TJ coming into the saloon and nodded in his direction. 

“Hey Trin ya see any docs around?” TJ asked. 

I shook my head and said, “Don’t even know if this town has any docs these days.” 

“Have you seen my husband this afternoon? I have been busy trying to find my way around town,” Anna said. 

“No, I haven’t seen John at all today, though I did speak with him yesterday.” 

“Well hell, how am I gonna get healed?” TJ asked. 

“Shoulda thought of that before getting yourself shot,” I snapped at him. 

“Don’t talk to me in that tone woman. I’ll shoot your ass. Injured or not.” 

“Sure, ’cause the only way to settle anytihng is with a bulet around here.” 

“Yup,” he said and walked out. 

“Anna... I have some good news for you,” I tried to focus on the case in front of me. 

“I could surely use some good news, been such a long time since I really had any good news. I can hardly wait,” she took a deep breath. 

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the locket, fingering it reverently before asking, “Someone lose a locket?” 

“Surely not, surely you are not going to tell me that you found Granny’s locket. Trin, could it be true? Really true? Is that it?” she gasped, holding her hand to her heart. 

I smiled and opened up the locket, showing her the pictures inside. “You tell me,” I smiled. 

She reached out to take the locket and then when she looked at the pictures she fell to her knees, sobbing. “It is a miracle, I never thought I would see this again. Where on earth did you find it?” 

I smiled and leaned down to put a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. “Come, let’s sit at the table,” I said and we went to sit down. 

“Ok, I think I can walk now,” she followed me. 

“It’s a shock, I know,” I smiled. 

“I haven’t seen this locket since I left for Virginia to go to school. I was almost 16 then. It was hanging around Granny’s neck and she kissed it as she waved goodbye to me.” 

“I’m glad I was able to locate it,” I smiled. 

“Oh Trin, how can I ever repay you? You have given me the most wonderful gift.” 

“You know how you mentioned that the last time your cousin saw the locket was at a pawn shop in Colorado Springs?” 

“Yes, I remember telling you that on our first meeting.” 

“Well... I happen to have friends in Colorado Springs. I wandered down there to see if I could find someone to point me in the right direction.” 

“So my cousin was right. She swore it was Granny’s locket, although I didn’t hold much stock in what she said she saw. She is pretty high strung, that one.” 

“Well, my friend Mikk runs a little shop by the docks. I asked him if he’d seen anything like it and he pulled out the locket and sure enough…” I nodded. “He didn’t want anything for it. Said the man who sold it to him was drunk and had a hat on so he couldn’t see his face... Not a pleasant man apparently. I figured it sounded about right and asked to see the locket. Sure enough... the girl looked like she could’ve been you at that age and I knew I’d found the right one.” 

“I can’t believe it. I am looking at it and I can’t believe it. Even with it in my hands, I find it hard to believe. After all this time, and I wonder how many hands it has been through.” 

“I told Mikk that I would pay for it but he was insistent.” 

“What a wonderful friend you have, he must owe you a favor. I will be most obliged to pay him something for his trouble. That is when I can get a job here.” 

“How are you tonight Miss Anna? Miss Trin?” Sugar asked, coming into the saloon. 

“Am survivin’. This meeting just made it a little better,” I nodded. 

“Well, Trin here has given me the most wonderful news. She found my Granny’s locket that has been missing for the past 6 years,” Anna smiled at Sugar. 

“Oh that is so wonderful!” Sugar put her hands to her face in shock. 

“Isn’t it? I can’t believe we arrived into town just two days ago and this wonderful God fearing lady took my case and has already solved one big piece of the puzzle! You’re town is very lucky to have someone like her around.” 

“Well that’s just be best news I’ve had!” Sugar grinned wide but I swallowed hard, knowing I hadn’t felt very lucky the last couple of days. 

We had some whiskey to celebrate and I told them about the fight between Buu and Kale. I asked Anna if she’d ever considered being a doctor and we talked about how they were settling in. Anna thanked me deeply for the work I’d done and I was so grateful to see her happy. She asked if her cousin had responded to the telegram but I said she hadn’t. 

I walked out of the saloon and saw Duke in the street. I followed him to the clinic where we found Karan and Middy working on Duke and Chet’s wounds. I asked if they were okay and thanked Duke for taking care of Chet. I squeezed Chet’s foot tenderly as all he talked about was having another bullet wound for his collection. The others kept giving him medical advice and I told him he was staying at my place tonight. 

We talked while Chet rested on the bed and then I brought him home. Chet tried to drink whiskey against the doc’s orders and I took it away from him, leading him to the apartment. I lay beside him on the couch and sighed, “It’s nice to finally get some time with you… Just the two of us... no work..” 

“Yes darling… and later I gonna arrest that Buu and that Chief and cut their ears off.” 

“Shh… Don’t think about that now,” I put a finger to his lips and fell asleep against his chest, trying to calm my ever-anxious spirit. 

January 29, 1870

Georgetown. 

This morning I walked out of my office and saw John. “John, just the man I was hoping to see.” 

“Hey, Good Day!! Nice to see you!” 

“Nice to see you too!” I smiled. “I was wondering if you could help me with something.” 

“Of course, my pleasure ma’am.” 

“I was wondering if we could head out to that mine I was looking at the other day... I want to make sure I’m looking around the right area and it might be too painful for your wife to handle…” 

“Yes, you’re right, it is painful for her...I’m glad she has someone in town to confide in....thank you Trin... You’ve made her feel very welcome.” 

“I’m glad to do it. She’s a wonderful lady. Shall we carry on then?” 

“Yes please,” he gestured ahead. 

We walked up towards the mines and looked around. I hesitated, trying not to show my nervousness, and he took my hand in a friendly manner, but I told him I couldn’t because I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. We walked into the mines and made our way through towards Wyoming. I showed John around and we walked into the City of Mines. We headed back home and I saw the sign for the Valentine’s ball and smiled. I talked to John about how it would be a great thing if he could be a lawman, but he was still thinking about it. We headed home and then shook hands before parting ways. 

Colorado Springs. 

I walked into Colorado with Kam close behind me. We looked around and I ran into Mikk at the trading post by the docks. After greeting each other, I got down to business. 

“Was wonderin if you could help me locate something…” 

“Locate?” he raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m working a case over in Georgetown and it’s lead me here… I’ve been told that there is a locket somewhere at a pawn shop or somethin’ here in Colorado Springs. There’s two pictures inside... one of a pair of grandparents and the other of a child, a girl.” 

“Well I would not call this a pawn shop… I run a legit business… but yes, sometimes when guys are out of money… well… they pay another way. A locket, you say?” 

“Have you seen somethin’ like it?” 

“Hmm… I might have.” 

“Really?” I asked hopefully. 

“What’s it worth to ya?” 

“I’ll pay for it. It’ll mean a lot to my client if I return this to her. Can I see it first? To make sure it’s the right one?” 

“Well… I can’t exactly remember. Let me check.” He lifted a board that was loose and checked down in the barrel. “Gold or silver?” 

“Gold.” Mikk took out a gold locket and put it on the counter for me to examine it. I took the locket and opened it carefully, seeing the picture of the grandparents and the picture of what Anna must have looked like as a child. “Yes! That’s it! Oh, Mikk... You just helped a whole bunch!” 

“Well in that case… Take it.” 

“Really? I’ll pay for it if I need to.” 

“I don’t think it was more than a bottle of bad tequila I gave fer that.” 

“It wouldn’t have been, but it was worth more of a sentimental value,” I held the locket reverently. 

“The guy was drunk anyways..so he would not have known what I gave him,” he said and I nodded, thinking that sounded about right. 

“Hey... the guy who sold this to you... Did he have a scar above his eye?” 

“Hard to say really… He had a hat on. Drunk as a skunk and rather dirty. Five day beard. Did not get his name.” 

I put the locket in my pocket, relieved I’d at least solved that part of the mystery. “Wouldn’t think ya would have. Please, let me pay you something for this?” 

“Naw, it’s fine Trin,” he smiled. “As I said… bad tequila.” 

“It sure is good to see you again, Mikk! You’ve got quite the spot here,” I smiled. 

“Only fifty cents a bottle, that is. It’s a business,” he nods. 

“Get much travellers out this way?” 

“Well in the summertime, yes. Don’t get rich from it. Boats docking…” 

I thanked him for the locket and grinned about the 4000 reward I still had yet to collect and hoped I’d be able to receive it still. I went around the counter and hugged him tightly before heading down the street. 

I saw Adder in front of his office and smiled at him. “Howdy Trin!” he greeted me first. 

“Hey there, Adder! How’s it goin?” I walked over to him. 

“Not too bad. Quiet so far.” He looked to the Texas border and said, “No sign of the Wild Bunch, mores the pity.” 

“Well give it time,” I chuckled. “I’m actually out here workin’ a case.” 

“Oh?” 

“Mmhmm. Pretty high profile one actually. At least, high amount in reward money if I catch the guy.” 

“Sounds good. What’s he done?” 

“Stole a deed to a mine... stole a locket, which I just retrieved from Mikk’s shop on the docks. Possibly killed a man,” I winked at him. 

“A thoroughly wholesome fella then,” he chuckled. 

“Indeed,” I nodded. “One that’ll get me five thousand if I catch him. Apparently the deed he stole was worth like ten times that much. I’ve been pokin’ around the mine in question... No sign of activity yet though they say he’s migrated towards Georgetown apparently. So I’m just keepin’ my eyes peeled.. Askin’ around to see if anyone’s seen or met him yet.” 

“Which mine?” 

“The one just west of Georgetown, on the way to Bear River.” 

“He sounds pretty dangerous. Your sheriff got a plan to protect the town?” 

I sighed and asked, “Our non-existent sheriff and our even more non-existent deputies? Oh I’m sorry, the one deputy who does show up lets out notorious prisoners and cuts telegraph wires,” I said and he chuckled. “We do have a U.S. Marshal though finally,” I blushed a little. “He isn’t around as much as I’d... like him to be but he’s around enough as a marshal should be.” 

“Good. Hell I can’t say too much about the deputies, I got four, and two of ’em shot me before I knew their names,” he nodded. 

“Nice insubordination there,” I shook my head. 

“No, no. It was before they got the jobs. When they were just regular... er.... outlaws.” 

“Oh, I see. Hirin’ outlaws as deputies you’re so desperate eh?” I winked at him. 

“A human shield is a human shield. Besides, one of ’em is a very good shot.” 

“Good thing he’s on your side then. Well Taurus I’ll let you get back to your nap there. I should head home and see if I can’t find my clients and return this locket to them…” 

“Ride safely Trin,” he chuckled. 

“Will do. You stay safe too,” I nodded and headed for home. 

Georgetown. 

A couple of hours later I noticed a group in front of the sheriff’s office and eyed them curiously. The white wolf growled at me and I told it I worked here. A woman ripped off a wanted poster off the wall and I looked between them. The man announced that they needed bandages since they were hurt by a wild animal. I told him where the clinic was and the woman walked back over to me. 

“Well, well, well… What we got here, love? A new lil filly for our camp?” 

I backed up and said, “I’ll just let ya’ll get on your way. Bandages are in the clinic if ya need ’em.” 

“Could be,” the man chuckled. “We need them bandages. “

“Sooo woman hold the law in these parts do they??” the woman shook her head with a smile. “Well this is gonna be an easy town.” 

“Ya be a good girl and show us that Clinic might keep us from poking at things,” the man said. 

“Take care folks,” I nodded and waved to them. 

I went to sit on my balcony and watched people going about their business. I saw a man riding through town and thought he was familiar. Suddenly I heard someone coming up through my apartment and turned to see Duke. “Thought I would drop in,” he said, startling me. 

“Hey Sheriff.” 

“Had to check the roof of the Office for damage.” 

“Damage?” I raised an eyebrow. 

“Well the office door was broke. I fixed that. S o I decided to check and see if the roof had been broken though.” 

“I think I saw who did that but there was nothing I could do to stop them. Their danged wolf was after me so much I had to back off.” 

“Wolf?” 

“It was a man and a woman... They said they were injured and needed to get some bandages. I directed them to the clinic and walked here… Went back to see if they’d left a message..” I said, seeing the man walk through the street again and I hesitated. “They’d thrown a couple books on the door.” 

“Ya just see them?” he looked at me. 

“That wasn’t the same man,” I shook my head. “They had a white wolf with them.” 

“Well that ain’t good.” 

“Well howdy down there, ma’am,” Duke said then, looking over the balcony.

I looked over the balcony and we talked with the new person. Twist and TJ walked down the street and we greeted them. We talked for a while as TJ and Duke bantered back and forth. I saw the man I’d seen before again and walked downstairs, watching him walk away. I shook my head, wondering who in the world he was. 

Vito walked over to us then and I asked if we could talk inside while the others talked. When we were alone I asked, “I wanted to see how we were progressing on that last discussion we’d had last time we talked?” 

“I’m getting things worked out, but I can’t tell you the details. You understand.” 

I nodded and said, “We need to move fast on this. Especially now that things are a bit more settled with the Cherokee... I want to show them that I’m serious about getting our man.” 

“I’m guessing that there are others that will take things into their own hands?” 

I nodded and said, “Anyway I just wanted to chat quickly. Let’s go back outside so they’re not suspicious of anything strange.” 

“I’ll let you know as soon as I have information, Miss Paige,” Vito promised. 

“I’d appreciate that,” I nodded. “Have a good evening, Vito.” 

“Of course the information may be laying on your doorstep…” Vito whispered to me and I raised an eyebrow. “Have a nice evening,” he said and walked out of the office. 

I walked out after him and the others were still talking. I looked closer at the man leaning against the wall and then my heart almost stopped when I recognized him. Kale. I tried to say his name but my voice could barely make it out. It can’t be… Not now… I thought to myself. 

Kale continued to smoke while his eyes seemed to be fixed on TJ. I looked between them and wondered what on earth was going on. 

“Hey there. Ya have a problem?” TJ asked. 

“Try to keep the peace partner,” Duke insisted. 

I felt my knees shaking with shock as I watched the two men, in awe that Kale had returned after all those months. “What cat got ya tongue there boy?” TJ asked. 

“Maybe he cant talk with that damn cigaret in his mouth,” Twist suggested. 

“Oh, maybe so.” 

“I don’t like the way you just treated that lady,” Kale said with a deep voice, and my heart started to race quickly as I heard his voice again. 

“Kale…” I finally managed, shocked. 

TJ slapped the cigarette out of Kale’s mouth and said, “That’s my wife and she likes being slapped by me.” 

Kale glanced over at me and I swallowed hard. Months of regret washed over me as I went to lean against the wall for support. 

Twist burst out laughing. “I wasn’t threatened. He’s my darn husband!” 

“Well I don’t..so please keep your hands to yourself,” Kale said and then looked over at me. 

“Maybe ya should move along mister,” TJ suggested and I looked at Kale intently, still unable to speak. 

“Are ya serious?” Twist blinked and TJ laughed. 

“Duke, he’s all yours,” TJ stepped back. 

“Ok gents, let’s keep this peaceful, please,” Duke said. 

“I’ll say ya are not to be butting in what my husband does to me,” Twist said to Kale. 

“As you wish,” Kale nodded to Duke and suddenly I fell to the ground in shock. I stood then, swallowing hard and looking around, noticing no one noticed my fall. 

Kale walked over to me and reached out his hand. I took it and they asked if I was okay as Kale helped me to my feet. I shook my head, embarrassed, and still held his hand. “Kale…” I said again, still amazed. 

“So the man has a name,” TJ commented. 

“Trin, maybe we should get ya back up into the balcony. Ya lookin’ pale,” Duke said as Kale stayed quiet, turning back to the group. 

“I…” I started to speak and my mind flashed back to the teepee in the Native village, wondering if Kale would live or die, and blinked hard to get the memory out of my head. 

Kale looked at me and asked in a cold tone, “I’m looking for the telegraph operator. You must be her.” 

I swallowed hard and thought to myself, So that’s how it’s gonna be. I nodded to him and said, “I… I guess that’s me.” I put a hand on Duke’s shoulder to steady myself. 

“I need to send a Telegraph....Would you please help me?” Kale asked, continuing to look at me. 

“Let’s… go inside,” I nodded. 

“Got ya, Trin,” Duke helped me and followed me into the news office as I tried to convince him I was fine. “Well as I live and breath. Dead Hand Kale,” Duke commented. “One of the best Gunslingers in the west. You’re a legend, partner.” 

I looked from Duke to Kale. “Gunslinger?” 

“Used to hear about him back when I rode with my Brother,” Duke nodded as Kale remained silent, looking at him. “He may even of meet my Brother Mac McLeary. Mac’s a Slinger as well.” 

“Are you ready?” Kale looked at me. 

“I guess so,” I looked at him and sat at my desk. I looked at him, waiting for him to give me the message as Duke started to whistle Dixie. I shot him a look and he looked outside. 

Kale turned to me and said, “This is going to the mayor of Springfield. Update...stop...Bill Carson Found hiding in Colorado town..stop...Bill Carson Killed..Gunshot to the Eye...stop.......Expecting remainder of payment upon return…stop.” I typed up the message and shook my head, seeing how far he’d changed since the last time I’d seen him. 

Duke walked outside and I stared at Kale when we were alone. “Kale…” I started and he looked down at me. I sent the telegraph for him and looked back at him, keeping an eye on the growing crowd outside. Kale walked outside and I recognized the two outlaws who were in the sherif’s office outside and guessed they were the ones who threw the books in the clinic too. “Duke!” I called out and walked outside. 

“Put the guns away,” Duke ordered, pulling his guns. 

I decided then that it was safer to stay inside, since Duke seemed to be handling things. Kale reached for his gun as the outlaws continued to banter with them. I heard Sam shouting and then all of a sudden gunshots went off. I realized it had been two months since I’d last seen Kale and heard the shooting had stopped. I walked out of the office and saw Manipi nuzzling Kazu, another dog, looking up at me with worry. I pet the injured dog and then they went off towards their home. 

Duke and Kale walked back and I called out, “Duke! Those two…” 

“Yes?” Duke asked me. 

Kale walked up with a trail of blood running down his arm. “Did you send my message?” 

“Those were the two that were at the sheriff’s office. Then asked for the bandages.” 

“Well thank ya Trin. I’ll be sure to write that in my report,” Duke nodded. “Off to jail outlaw.” 

I looked over at Kale and nodded. “Yes, your message is sent.” 

“Alright,” he nodded and turned away, revealing his grazed shoulder. I watched him walk away and just shook my head. 

“Trin,” Adahy and Chief Standing Bear walked over to us then. “There has been attack on Cherokee this moon… The outlaws hide in town. We come for them,” Adahy said. 

“The outlaws have been taken care of,” I insisted. 

“Show me.” 

“Our sheriff and my boss just dragged a couple over to the jail.” 

“Show me these men, Trin,” he nodded. 

The emotion of seeing Kale was still all over me but I tried to hide it in front of the others. I led the way to the office and saw Duke and Sam talking inside. Asha greeted me and I knocked on the door. “Duke? Sam? I need one of you out here.” 

“What do you need agent?” Sam called out from the other side of the door.

“I need you out here, Sam.” 

“We were just involved in a shootin and we have two people in here that need a doctor and I am not about to open the door until one gets here,” he said sternly. 

“We speak to Sheriff or Marshall...if they come!” Adahy called out and I watched Kale knock on the office door. 

“Please, seriously. One of you come out here soon?” I looked desperately at Sam as they let Kale inside. Adahy and Chief talked in Cherokee and then Sam walked outside. 

“You law man?” Adahy asked Sam. 

“This is my boss, Sam Stillwater,” I looked at Adahy.

“You have captives...they assault Cherokee woman outside of town,” Adahy looked at Sam. 

“Brother, the two we want are inside,” Chief said. 

“What ya lookin’ for?” Sam asked. 

“You have two captives...they assault Cherokee woman outside of town. We come for them, so they face Cherokee justice for this attack.” 

“Do you speak for your tribe?” Sam looked at Adahy. 

“I am Adahy, War Chief of Bear River Cherokee. I speak for tribe in this. These captives must be given to us to face justice for their assault.” 

I felt torn then between two worlds. I looked from the Natives to my boss and back to the sheriff’s office where I heard Kale talking inside, and my heart started to pound. Chief walked closer to the jail door and Adahy looked around. I had a strong desire to talk with Kale and Duke but I knew I needed to stay outside with Sam and the natives until things were sorted out. I started to open the sheriff’s office door, thinking I’d be safer in there, and walked inside. 

“How bad is it out there, Trin?” Duke asked. 

“Let’s just say I’m safer in here,” I told him. 

“Kale, stay here,” Duke insisted. 

“Ya know if they gonna break the law let us free and we will help you fight them,” the man in the cell said. 

“Ms. Paige,” Kale tipped his hat to me and walked outside. I wanted to have a couple of words with him but wasn’t sure where to start. Someone else came to the jail, wanting the people inside, and the conflict started to grow deeper. 

“Kale, I…” I started, looking at him as we hid inside the sheriff’s office together. 

“You know, I find this ironic,” Kale chuckled. “One minute ago we were in a gunfight, now I’m protecting your sorry asses.” 

I continued to hear them arguing back and forth and I wished I could hear the conversation outside. From what I could make of it, they were talking about how the outlaws would serve paleface justice, and then Cherokee justice. The chief asked when palefaces ever kept their word and I swore under my breath. I knew then that my conversations with them had been completely useless, since I’d been trying to insist that all paleface weren’t evil. It became clear that they hadn’t heard a word I had said. Sam started to order them outside and I looked over at Duke, wishing I could just go to bed. 

“You come into my town insult me and threaten my family? No no it would be wise for you to go away before I turn all your heads into a watermelon,” Sam said sternly then as I moved closer to the window to hear. 

“We are promised these two. We have quarrel only with them. You put away firesticks, and we put away our weapons,” Adahy said. 

“Sam put them away, partner,” Duke said to Sam about the guns he held. “We don’t need a war. Sorry, Trin…” he said to me, knowing how much it meant to me to have peace. 

“Sam, just stop. Let them go and we’ll deal with this calmly,” I looked out the window. 

“Now’s not the time,” Kale looked at me and I shook my head, frustrated. 

“Put firesticks away...and we do the same,” Adahy said. 

“No ya don’t, partner,” Duke said. 

“I will not be insulted nor threatened when I was working with them to start with. I don’t give a damn what either of you says,” Sam said angrily. 

“So be it… Brother… Now,” Adahy ordered. 

All of a sudden dynamite blew off in the office and I ran to the upstairs of the office, huddling in fear and frustration. As I watched the front of the office blow up, I watched my connections with the Cherokee end. They clearly had no care for me or my safety, no matter how many months I’d invested in good relations with them. 

I shook as I looked over at Duke coming in. “Duke…” 

“Sorry Trin. We had no choice,” he said and I nodded, knowing he was right. 

Kale walked back in and looked at me, taking me by the shoulder. “Are you alright?” 

“No… No, I’m…” I shook my head. I looked around, feeling lost as the gunfight kept going. I knew that my whole life had just changed drastically and I knew no one else would ever understand how much. 

“Wonder if they have left…” Duke said. 

“Not sure but they ain’t shooting anymore,” Kale grunted. 

I swallowed hard, needing someone.. needing Chet... needing... help… I moved downstairs again and turned around, looking around the office. I opened the door shakily and heard Kale talking upstairs. “I’m gonna go down and check on Trin,” Kale said. 

I saw a puppy coming over and sat down on the bench in front of the blown up office, crying softly as I curled up on the bench. Duke sat beside me and patted my head. I looked at Duke and asked, “Take me home?” 

“Okay ma’am,” he nodded and we walked next door to my apartment. “It will be okay, Trin,” he said. 

“No it won’t, Duke. No it won’t,” I shook my head. 

He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “It should be fine, I’ll just have to be careful.” 

“I guess I won’t be sleeping much tonight, but I should go upstairs anyway,” I sighed. “Goodnight Duke... and... Thanks…” 

He gave me a hug and I held him tightly, not letting go as he said, “Get some sleep. Been a long day.” 

“Be safe, Duke,” I said and went upstairs, emotional and feeling broken. I knew from that night on, my whole life had changed forever. 

January 28, 1870

Georgetown. 

This morning I headed to the mines to find Rocksman but I couldn’t find him in the area. I heard Ahawi and another woman talking in the mine and I greeted them. 

“I am doing well, just exploring for a case actually. I’m glad to see you!” I smiled. “Mines are not my favorite places to be but this case will bring me right into them." 

“Naiya is Navajo who just make journey here to live on land on other side of mine,” Ahawi introduced. 

“No, it is not the most beautiful place to be, what are you seeking Trin?” Ahawi asked me. 

“We were attacked by bandits yesterday,” Naiya informed. 

“You were?” I raised an eyebrow. 

“Their Shaman was almost hanged,” Ahawi nodded. 

“Oh my…” I looked between them. 

“You should wear a weapon here, mine was stolen yesterday ,” Naiya told me. 

I patted my holster and said, “I’ve got that covered. This job is not the safest one. Especially not with such a big case as this.” 

“I recognized them Trin, it was Josey Wales and Harley Buu,” Ahawi said. 

“Of course it was,” I sighed. “What happened?” 

“Where do you live, Trin?” Naiya looked at me. 

“I live over in Georgetown above the newspaper building. Why would those two care about a Shaman?” 

“Well, it’s a sad history.. two bandits came to our tribe, they were hidden on the forest and attacked us, Tatanka and me. They tried to hang our shaman but Ahawi came with cherokees and some palefaces to help us,” Naiya explained. 

“I do not know, just because he native I guess,” Ahawi said. 

“They came to steal us.. I believe that…” Naiya said. 

“This behavior will not be tolerated,” I looked between them seriously. I wished I had more agents to help me against Buu and Rebel, since I knew I couldn’t take them on myself. 

“Hello,” Leu greeted us. I was still a bit upset with him over our last conversation but I waved at him anyway. 

“Do you work in the newspaper, Trin? I think would be good you telling our bad episode there” Naiya asked me. 

“I will write a telegraph today and send it out about your attack. Is there any more that you can tell me?” I asked.

“Is everything ok here?” Leu asked. 

“How are you this sun? Yes, all is well. Trin is looking for someone,” Ahawi said to him. 

“I am doing good, thank you,” Leu said. 

“Perhaps you could tell me why they would hang your Shaman?” I looked at Naiya. 

“They were two tall men with dark coat .... one of them with a big red handkerchief tied to his belt,” Naiya said. 

“I know the men you speak of, if Ahawi says she recognized them,” I said. 

“Well if everything is good I will be on my way. Good day,” Leu said and he left as I sighed about the tension between us.

“Honestly I don’t understand a reason for that behaviour, they only said don’t want to see injuns here... and they going to set our camp on fire next time,” Naiya said. 

“If they came just to steal from you, why did they go to such lengths as to hang your Shaman?” I asked. “I will need to speak with those two..” 

“I must be on my way back to village, Chief will worry if I stay gone too long,” Ahawi said. 

“Safe paths, my friend. And take care of yourself,” I nodded to her. 

“Safe Paths Naiya and Trin,” she said and headed back to the village. 

“The only reason that they do not want Indians and they want us out of our land as if we were an epidemic…” Naiya said.

“Tell me more about your Shaman…” 

“Want to come to my land? I don’t feel comfortable in this mine,” she offered. 

“I am with you there. Let’s go to your village. Will your tribe mind that I am armed?” I asked and followed her to the village. 

Navajo Village.

“Good morning sister, how are you? This is Trin , she lives in Georgetown,” Naiya introduced me to the woman there. “Trin this is Tul.” 

“Pleasure to meet you, Tul,” I shook her hand. 

“Hello Trin, how are you?” Tul smiled. 

“I am alright I suppose. Concerned about this news from your sister.” We took a seat at the fire and I thanked them for their welcome as they offered me some coffee. 

“This woman is writing in the local Newspaper, she wants information about the yesterday attack…” Naiya said to Tul. 

“Actually... I’m more under Pinkerton business than the newspaper. I am a Pinkerton agent and we help investigate crimes in the area, so long as there’s local law to help us,” I explained as a man walked over. I stood and was introduced to the man and Naiya invited him to join us by the fire. “Tell me the story from the beginning, Naiya,” I said to her. 

“Yesterday 2 bandits almost hanged our shaman and killed me. They came and push me several times. After that they said, ‘We don’t want Injuns here… You out of our land.’” 

“Nothing will be on the record at the paper until you tell me that I should share this threat with people in town to warn them of it,” I told them. 

Naiya continued, “As I told, they were 2 palefaces, one younger than other.. wearing dark coats and bad faces.” 

“Buu and Rebel, Ahawi told me their names in the mine,” I nodded. 

“We said to them to don’t holst the weapon but they started to walk forward. I don’t know people names here… we arrived 2 days ago…” Naiya said. 

“You should know their names, for future reference. I’m sure they will be back,” I told her. 

“I only know they are dangerous and bad spirits.” 

“So they started to walk forward…” I prompted. She started to look nervous and I said, “Take your time.” 

“Then came our shaman and told them to beware their rifles and leave our holy land.” 

“But they didn’t leave,” I prompted as the other man walked out of the village. 

“At that time the palefaces enraged and started yelling for us to leave their land and they would hang the shaman after setting fire to the tribe and make it disappear forever.” 

“How many were injured in the village while they hanged the shaman last night?” I asked with sensitivity, angered at the actions of Harley and Rebel.

“He only injured were our shaman and me..luckily our warriors were out hunting and they were not here .. I say fortunately because none died.” 

“Except the shaman…” I nodded. 

“Oh no… our shaman is alive but we don’t know if he is going to survive.. excuse me for my bad knowledge of your language, is hard for us to learn it.” 

Tul got up and headed to her teepee to rest then and I looked at Naiya. “Oh, your shaman is alive. I am sorry, I thought they’d hanged him when they were here. So they only threatened to…” 

“Our shaman is in Bear River where Ahawi is healing his wounds and praying to the gods at the same time we do.” 

“Oooh… What is the name of your shaman? Would I be able to speak with him sometime?” I asked as I met another man came into the village. “I am also here on my own hunt... You folks haven’t seen a man by the name of Rocksman, would you?” 

“I have no seen that man…yet,” the man named Dancer said. 

“Okay... Let me know if you do? I have an office over in Georgetown and I am looking for him. He is a potentially dangerous man.” 

“Do you wish his scalp?” 

“No, I need him very much alive,” I shook my head. “If you could send me a message when you see him next... You don’t need to approach him, I just need to know if he is seen in this area.” 

“I see and will spread the word,” he smiled at me. 

“He will be in his forties ... but sadly I don’t have any more description than that. I appreciate your help.” 

“If necessary we are willing to give a reward of five silver bars who find them,” Naiya offered. 

“No need, Naiya. I just need to know that he is in the area. Your help to me will be reward enough.” I looked around the circle and said, “Well I should head back home. Please keep me posted if Buu and Rebel make their return as threatened.” 

“You can be sure you’ll be alerted if we find the suspect. From now on we will interrogate all palefaces entering our land,” Naiya said. 

“I will send a telegraph informing our people of this attack.” 

“Sure we will, thank you so much for your help, Trin. Do you need Dancer going with you to your safe zone?” 

“Perhaps if they discover their acts are being made public, they will hesitate the next time. Do I have your permission to do that?” 

“We take care of allies,” she nodded. 

“Excellent.” 

Dancer came with me as we said goodbye to Naiya and headed back towards Georgetown. I asked him to tell me about any more attacks and he promised he would let me know. 

Georgetown. 

I sat down at my desk and started to work on an article about the attack on the Navajo village. Later this afternoon I greeted Wahya, the dog who liked to follow me around sometimes, and played fetch with him. We went for a walk and explored and then Wahya disappeared off into the streets. I found a small puppy and pet the puppy. 

Wyoming. 

The dog ran off towards Wyoming and I went back to the village where I called for someone to come but then another dog came over and played with the puppy. All of a sudden there were gunshots and we started to walk away from the sound of the guns. I took the dogs back home and fed them. 

Georgetown. 

We continued to wander around, me and my new dog Kam, and we saw a man offf in the street with his gun drawn. I locked the door as we went in the office and the man walked off. I vaguely thought I recognized the man and went outside to call for Carlos, but he wasn’t around anymore. Wayha joined us later and then I greeted a Native woman that I had met at the Navajo village named Tul. We went to join Tul in the Navajo village and we talked about how she came from the Sioux tribe in Oregon. We talked about my friendships with the Natives. 

After a while I headed home with the dogs and then settled in at home. 

This afternoon I played piano and sang in the saloon. A few people came to listen to me sing and it felt so good to share my music again. I was surprised how many people came to listen. 

When I was finished I stood from the piano and thanked everyone for coming. 

“That was beautiful, Trin. Thank you for sharing your music with us," Velvet complimented. 

“Well I have to get back to the barnand finish some things up. But I enjoyed your singing Trin! You’re amazing,” Suzy said as she stood. 

“Well a gal needs moral support too, so she won’t be nervous. You had some great music,” Sugar said to mee and thanked Suzy for coming. 

“It was my first time playing in a saloon again.. Was definitely nervous,” I smiled at Sugar. 

“I am sorry I missed your playin’...John was just tellin’ me it was beautiful,” Anna waved at me from her spot beside John. 

Velvet and Sugar talked about her bakery and I asked Anna if she wanted to join me at home with John joining us later. Anna and I headed to the apartment and sat on the couch together. 

“It’s good to have you here,” I smiled at her. 

“Thank you for being so kind. It’s nice to already have a friend in town.” 

“Indeed. I wonder where my two dogs are... Probably out and about.” 

“We had two Heelers that got sick while we were on the road. John had to shoot ’em to put ’em out their misery. ’Bout broke his heart,” Anna blinked back tears. 

“Oh really? When did this happen?” 

“As we were crossing the prairie in Oklahoma. Don’t know what they got into, but they kept howling and rolling and howling. They were real miserable so he put ’em down. Have you always lived in Georgetown?” 

“Only for the past couple months.” 

“Where did you call home?” 

“Well I s’pose I can tell you my story.... the short version,” I winked. “I could wait for John to get here though. He might want to hear it too. Would be easier to tell it once than twice. I had some questions for you though about this case..” 

“Ask away,” she sighed a bit.

“This mine... I’m not sure if I’ve got the exact location right. Was wondering if we could go out and look at it together just to make sure I’m looking in the right place.” 

“Of course, but I am not sure if I will recognize it. I am sure things have changed quite a bit in these parts since I left here at 15.  But I will do my best.” 

“Of course,” I nodded. “Do you have any idea what he would look like by now?” 

“I remember we traveled a long way around this big mountain and then down a steep hill till we got to Georgetown. There was a rock shaped like a Religious Sister pretty close to the entrance of the mine.” 

“Or perhaps even what he looked like he did as a kid so I have an idea what I’m looking for.”

“I never met him but my cousin did. She said said he was a right handsome fella.” 

“Your cousin eh? Where’s your cousin from?” 

“She lived in Colorado Springs and would spend summers helping Granny and Pawpaw on the ranch.” 

“Oh really. I lived in Colorado Springs for a bit.” 

“I heard tell it’s a pretty place.” 

“Still have some friends there.” 

“I believe my cousin actually kissed him once, although she never really admitted it.” 

“I kinda saw that coming,” I chuckled.

John came up and knocked on the door then and I let him inside as Anna said, “Hmmm, let me think. I remember in her letters she said he had a small scar above his right eye.” 

“Like what you’ve done with your place, miss Trin,” John looked around as he walked in. 

“Why thank you, I like it myself.” 

“Hello dear, Trin and I are getting to know each other,” Anna said. “John, do you remember my cousin sayin’ that Rocksman boy had a scar above his right eye, or was it his left?” 

“His right I am believing,” John said. 

“A scar?” I looked between them. 

“Yes, got into a bad barroom brawl outside of Pecos Texas I heard. Someone cracked a beer bottle open on his skull,” Anna said.

“Think it could be related to all of this?” I shook my head. 

“Well, I just feel that the boy was always a little misguided. Pawpaw tried to help him, you know....show him the Lord’s way… But he grew up in a family of thieves the stories say.” 

“We were wondering if you might remember where the mines are that Anna’s grandfather owned?” I looked at John. “I want to make sure I’m hunting out around the right area. I looked through a couple of them today.” 

“My cousin told me that she saw what she thought was Granny’s locket in a pawn shop in a small town outside of Colorado Springs. She couldn’t be sure.” 

“Oh really? I’ll have to go out there and search around.” 

“I remember seeing a map in your office, could I have a look at it again? Maybe it would jog my memory.” 

“We could do that,” I nodded and led them down to the office next door. We walked over to the map and I stayed quiet as Anna studied it. 

She closed her eyes, trying to remember, and then pointed. “Right there, that’s the steep hill. I remember coming down it and the town was on our left.” 

I smiled, knowing I had the right mine that morning. “Can I take you there perhaps and we can confirm that?” 

“Yes ma’am, but please forgive me if I bust out in uncontrollable tears, seeing the place again. So many memories you know,” Anna said. 

“Of course, we’ll take it slow. I’m not the most comfortable in mines either since what happened, but I’m still very invested in this case.” 

“Since what happened?” Anna looked at me curiously. 

“I was held for a couple hours in a cave with a very nasty group of people. Wasn’t allowed out until I promised to do something that was very hard to agree to. My friends’ lives were at stake though, I had no choice. I didn’t actually do it, just told them I would. But to make sure I remembered he meant business…” 

“Oh no, I am sorry to hear that. I am glad you got out alright,” Anna said and I rolled up my sleeve to show them the scar. Anna gasped and said, “What kind of man would do that to a women….monster.” 

“I’ve been running from his gang ever since. But now I’m standing up for myself by being a Pinkerton and fighting against the outlaws that have fought me all my life.” 

“Trin do you operate the telegraph machine?” Anna asked then. 

“I can send telegraphs yes,” I nodded. “It may be too soon to go out to that mine, Anna. I wouldn’t want to push you but I do think it’s important that we go out there sometime, see if it jogs back more memories.” 

“I was thinking we should send a message my cousin to see if she remembers any more details about that Rocksman fella. Maybe next time we see you, you could do that for us?” 

“Oh yes, that would be a good idea. What is your cousin’s name?” 

“Her name is Vivianna. My uncle married a French girl from down in Baton Rouge. Meantime I will go through my letters to see if anything catches my eye.” 

“That’s a good idea. Any information we can gather will help us find this man sooner. At least I’m pretty sure I have the right area for the mine. I’ve been looking out there today but it was quiet, but I asked the Natives in the area to inform me of anyone suspicious.” 

“You are so through Miss Trin,” John nodded. 

“This case is important to you so it’s important to me.” 

“I can see why you are an agent Trin, you have a good investigative mind. I like that. Makes me feel proud to have met you,” Anna said. 

“Well thank you both, that is a very big compliment. It makes my job worth it to see that you both are so flattering to me,” I smiled. “I’ve got a couple of dogs living with me sometimes too... They help protect me while I’m out and about alone.” 

“Well friends, look after friends, right?” Anna smiled. 

“Such creative minds…” John laughed. 

“And the family of God looks after one another too,” I added. 

“Yes, He does,” John nodded. 

“I guess we had better mosey along John so this young lady can get back to the business of catching outlaws,” Anna said. 

“Thank you both for stopping in. It was good to catch up,” I smiled at them. 

“Yes of course. G’night, Miss Trin,” John said. 

“I will telegraph for your cousin tonight and hopefully we’ll see her in the morning.” 

“Yes and having Him on our side will make everything be alright in the end,” Anna nodded. 

“I’ll also check around Colorado Springs for that locket,” I said and went over to the telegraph machine. 

“Do you need her last name Trin?” Anna asked. 

“Yes, please.” 

“It’s Sorea....it’s her real daddy’s name. He was killed by Injuns.” 

I typed in the name Vivian Sorea into the telegraph machine and sent it off. “So much murder in your family,” I sighed.

“Well, hopefully you will reach her. Just let us know,” Anna said. 

“I certainly will,” I nodded. 

“I have lost more family than I can count because of gunslingers, bar fights and travel across Injun infested prairies.” 

“Mine are all up north, though my parents did come down yesterday for my birthday. Well I’ll let you folks get some rest. You found somewhere to stay okay?” 

“We’ll be bedding again in the wagon,” John said. “Com’on mrs...let’s scoot.” 

We said goodnight and they left for their wagon. 

I started to walk towards home but ran into Chas. She apologized for not making it to my singing at the saloon and I assured her I’d be singing weekly. “So you were comin’ to find me, news or Pinkerton business?” I asked her. 

“News I’m thinkin’ unless the Pinkertons want in on that story you ran this mornin’?” 

“Oh, the one about Buu and Reb? Yeah that’ll stay news for now. Let’s head to that office,” I said and led the way. When we sat at the desk in the news office I asked, “So what do you have for me?” 

“Well seems that those two didn’t just run into the Navajos out there. There was others too.” 

“Oh really?” 

“From what I gather there was Cherokees too. An’ some others. Can’t say fer sure quite who... But they was involved in stoppin’ the hangin’.” 

“Right... one of the Cherokee was the one who identified the two. I was wondering how she fit into it all... Hadn’t gotten a chance to go out there and ask her yet.” 

“That sounds about right. There was about four Cherokees total. If she is who I’m thinkin’ yer talkin’ about then she brought the others. They wasn’t no indians. Cept maybe one, but she wasn’t dressed right. T’be an Indian I mean.” 

“Guess I’ll have to go out to Bear River tomorrow and get more information then. Thanks for the information, Chas,” I gave her fifty coins. 

“Might be a good idea. If’n ya want I’ll come along,” she nodded. 

“I may take you up on that. I’ll keep you apprised if I need you. Thanks for the offer.” 

“A’course, Miss Trin. Can’t have even a Pinkerton runnin’ out there all on her lonesome.” 

“Well I’ve got my two dogs when I need ’em, so I ain’t completely alone,” I smiled. But thanks, Chas. I should head to bed, it’s s been a busy day.” 

“Nothin’ Doin’. I’ll letcher get back to yer evening. Miss, thanks ya for the reward.” 

“A good scout deserves to be paid.” 

“An here I thought my scouting fer pay was done after the Sixteenth. Good to know I still got it. Surely. Be seein’ ya, Miss Trin.,” she said and headed out of the office.