December 10, 1869

Georgetown. 

This afternoon I walked into the newspaper office and smiled when I saw Suzy. “Suzy, hey.” 

“Howdy Ms. Trin.” 

“How ya doin?”

“I’m doing alright, my arms finally getting better.” 

“Very glad to hear that. I think Nile would have had that bear arrested if he attacked you again,” I winked at her and she giggled. “So... You think we can make a Friday deadline for the first issue?”

“I think so.”

“I think I can rope Nile into doing his sheriff column by then... I’ve got the piece about December eight for the Pinkerton Files column..” 

“Awesome. That be nice to have.” 

“I’ve got a story from Frank Ingalls, over in Kansas... He wanted to submit them for the kids. I’ve got the piece about your bear attack...” 

“Awesome. looks like we have plenty of stories.”

“Anything else you’ve been up to? I’m gonna try to get the Native tribes to do some stuff for the Native column... I’ll talk to Chief Standing Bear over in Wyoming about that tonight.”

“Oh, good luck with that. Them indians been a bit high strung lately..”

“I have a good in with them though. I’ve been getting close with the Cherokee,” I nodded. “They are good friends of mine.”

“I can’t even stand foot on their land without three of them coming after me.” 

“They don’t like trespassers... Is why I think it’s best if I’m the one who goes over there. They have welcomed me as a friend and have protected me several times.”

“I went to gather herbs is all.”

“I told them yesterday that as a Pinkerton I can actually protect them more efficiently now that it is under an official title.”

“Oh very nice.”

“So what else have you been working on?” I asked. 

“Not much else really. I’m a bit new to this kind of thing..” she giggled. 

“Well so far so good!” I smiled. “So I think I’l wander over and see if the sheriff’s in. If not I’ll go track down my Native tribes. Thanks so much for all your work , Suzy. I think this is going to come together!”

“You’re welcome!”

“Oh... We should put in advertisements for different businesses around town. Do you think you can converse with some of the business owners about putting an ad in?”

“I was working with mom on that. She’s getting some banners worked out for the businesses.” 

“Well I’ll let ya get to it. I’m gonna trek around a bit. Stay safe, Suzy!”

“You too!” 

We walked outside and found a dog that was bleeding on his back. “There a vet in town?” I asked Suzy. 

“Not that I know of..” 

“Hey boy... What’s wrong?” I leaned down to pet the dog as he barked. I felt around to see where the injury might be and saw the bleeding on his back. “Suzy... We have a wrap or something we can heal the dog with?”

“Hmm... We might have some bandages in the stables..”

“That’d be a good idea,” I nodded and pet the dog, talking softly. “Stay here, boy... We’ll help you.” I looked around for a collar and got the dog to lay down. Suzy returned with the first aid kit and I told her, “He doesn’t have a collar...”

Suzy knelt down to open up the first aid kit and took out a bandage to wrap it around the dog’s wound. The dog barked and Suzy let the dog smell the bandage so he wasn’t afraid of it. 

“He’s a cute dog... I think I’ve seen him around the Wyoming village before. I can bring him back there with me now if you think he can make it..” I said and the dog started to chase its tail. “Easy boy... Calm down.”

“I think he’ll be okay if you take it way on the way back. He should be home with his family. And the indians will probably have some herbs to help him heal.”

“Thank you for your help, Suzy,” I nodded. 

Suzy wrapped the bandage around the dog’s middle so it was secure. 

“I’ll let you know what happens,” I smiled as I stood and gave the dog some food. 

“Okay. I’d love to learn about some of their healing herbs. I think it would help me with the horses.” Suzy packed up the kit and stood. 

“I’m going to talk to Eagle tonight about helping you out with healing animals and people... He’s very skilled in that area. Let’s go you,” I said to the dog and we headed on to Wyoming. 

Wyoming. 

“Osiyo it is Trin! I have an injured dog of yours with me!” I called into the village and pet the dog beside me. 

“OH COME INS!” Dances with Fire called. 

“Osiyo everyone,” I said as I walked into the village. “I found this little guy wandering around Georgetown, injured. We wrapped a bandage around him to stop the bleeding. I recognized him from when I was here once so I wanted to bring him back home. He had some bleeding on his back.”

“Osiyo Trin,” Chief Standing Bear nodded to me. 

“Osiyo, Chief. It has been a long time,” I nodded to him. “You be good now,” I told the dog beside me. 

“I trust you are well, my friend?” Chief nodded again. 

“I gave him a fish and he made it here okay,” I pet the dog behind his ears as Ahawi came over to clean the dog’s scraped. “Well enough. Still breathing so that’s half the battle right?” I grinned and he chuckled at that as Ahawi put some herbal ointment on the scrape. 

“Thunder, I make good fire for Ahawi but did not enter her asi,” Chief told Sounds of Thunder, 

“While she was inside.” 

Ahawi gave the dog some jerky and said, “There you are boy, you will be good as new soon.” 

“I was wondering if Dark Rain was around...?” I asked. 

“I have not seen her this sun,” Chief said. 

“No, not right now,” Thunder shook his head. 

“Hm.... She said she would help me in writing a column for the newspaper in Georgetown, focusing on Native events or stories happening around camp. I was going to inform her that we’re going to have our first issue’s due date on Friday, in five moons.. I was wondering if she’d be able to put something together by then. If she needs to she can tell me the column and I can write it down for her.”

“We will tell her of your message.” 

“Wado, Chief,” I looked at him. 

“You marshal now, Trin?” Chief looked at me.

“Trin you wear gun!” Ahawi exclaimed. 

“Pinkerton Agent, actually. I help the local law solve crimes... It is basically what I have always done but now with an official title and a boss to report to. It gives me more official capabilities to solve problems whereas before I could only ask the marshals for help.”

Chief frowned and Ahawi said, “But Trin, you said you would never wear gun.” 

“I assure you... I only wear this for very dangerous situations and if I need to protect myself or my partners. It was required of me.. Sam has assured me that the information I gain is more valuable than the battles I fight.”

“You shoot Cherokee, you make big trouble,” Chief insisted. 

“I aim to help Cherokee. That has always been my goal. I could not do that with only my words.”

Chief Standing Bear looked at me and said, “Trin, Chief has news. Tree suns past Chief took deer meat to Ahawi... and she has agreed to cook it for me.” 

“Chief, Trin does not know our custom,” Ahawi told him. 

“War Chief and her cousin Thunder give me permission to court her for two moons,” Chief told me. 

“Congratulations to you both!” I smiled, understanding that they were now dating. “When Cherokee maiden agree to cook deer meat for warrior, it mean that she wishes to be courted by him. And if she love him she will marry him.” 

“I am very happy to hear this news. You are both very good people and it is good to see that you make each other so happy.”

“Wado Trin,” Ahawi said. 

“How have things been around here? All is safe?” I asked. 

“I did not know that cousin was going to write for paper,” Ahawi suddenly asked then. 

“Wado Trin,” Chief smiled. 

“Neither did I... Thunder must go now,” Thunder said. 

I looked at the Chief and asked, “This is okay, yes, Chief? We spoke of this many moons ago...” I watched Thunder go and swallowed nervously. 

“You may write of us if words are good,” Chief said. 

“Dark Rain said that she would be able to share stories with me.. I will not be writing. She will do the writing. I will just be the messenger. You can write the column together if that makes you feel more comfortable.” 

“Ahawi know how to write paleface words?” Chief asked. 

“Even if you wanted to set up a time for us to meet... I could write down the things you tell me,” I said. 

“Yes Chief, my mother was English,” Ahawi nodded. 

“There will also be some stories about animals in the paper for the children,” I winked at Dances with Fire.” 

“Yay!” the girl perked excitedly then. 

“I will have to teach you to read Fire, is a good thing to know. If your parents will allow you to learn,” Ahawi told her. 

“Me already learned when was in paleface worlds wif mys AUNTIEEEE an uncle,” Fire said. 

“Oh good Fire. I did not know that,” Ahawi looked at me as I looked over at the chief, still unsure if he was okay with me wearing a badge and a gun.  “Trin, is something wrong?”

“I jus not know big words,” Fire giggled. 

“Well when we ready the paper I will help you with the big words.” 

“I just... I know that I told you originally that I would never wear a gun... and now I am...” I said. “I will probably never use it but it gives me confidence knowing that it is there in case I need it. This could be a dangerous job if I’m not careful enough.” I thought about the case about JJ and shuddered, looking around in the awkward silence. “I haven’t gotten my hug yet, you,” I looked at the girl and she gave me a big hug. “Much better,” I smiled. “You’ve been keeping out of trouble, little one?”

“Never!!” she giggled. 

“Nice to know some things never change, eh Ahawi?” I chuckled. 

“Trin, I know that you must wear gun because of new job. But paleface in village with a gun will make everyone nervous,” Ahawi said. 

“I understand... Perhaps I will just avoid wearing it when I come here... Or will wear a coat to cover it...” I nodded. “Wouldn’t the badge show them that I am safe? And the Native clothing? That is why I chose an outfit that would look similar to how you all look... Not to mention the outfit is just comfortable,” I winked at Ahawi. 

“Yes Trin, but that if for chief to decide,” Ahawi said. 

I looked at the chief and said, “If you want me to leave the weapon at home, I will. It’s just that the City of Mines, between here and Georgetown, is a very dangerous place.”

“Better if weapon not worn into village. Put on when you cross into other lands.” 

“I can respect that, Chief. I am sorry,” I nodded. 

“I will return soon,” Chief said and turned to walk towards the waterfall, looking deep in thought. 

“I guess I should go home,” I sighed, having a lot to think about. 

“No!!!” Fire cried. 

“Ahawi... If I wore a bow and arrow would that make people feel safer?” I asked. 

“I am not sure Trin, some do not want paleface in village at all so is hard to say how they will feel about paleface with any weapon.” 

“I understand, I just...” I sighed. 

“But they will honor what chief decides.” 

“Maybe I’ll get someone to escort me to the village borders, someone who is armed, then I will come into the village unarmed. And they will stand guard until I am ready to leave..”

“That may be better Trin, just so the people do not fear you.” 

“Or if I have a wolf or dog or something...” I sighed, wishing that wearing the Native outfit and badge would have been enough. 

“Wolf are very good protectors, right Fire?” Ahawi asked the girl. 

“Yes!” she grinned wide. 

“Manipi is a great warrior.” 

“That is true, he is. I have traveled with him before. He may be a bit busy with that female friend I saw him with yesterday though,” I winked at Fire. 

“Oh dear,” Fire said. 

“He chases all the females, I think he has two litters waiting to show themselves,” Ahawi said. 

“I should head home,” I said to Ahawi... “Please tell Chief that I won’t wear a weapon when I come and that I will have protection of the canine variety.”

“I will tell him Trin.” 

“Wado. Have a good evening, you two. Safe paths,” I said to them both and then headed home. 

Georgetown. 

I saw Nile through the window at the sheriff’s office and knocked on the door. “Sheriff? It’s Trin.”

“No visitors. The King is not in,” he winked. 

“Pleeeease?” I rolled my eyes and he let me in. “Can I sit?” 

“Sure. What can I do for ya?”

“How are ya?” I began casually. 

“I’m good, and you?” 

“No more fires, so I’m fine I guess. Just getting things together for the Herald to be released this weekend. Was wondering if you’re still interested in doing the sheriff column article?”

“Of course. If I could figure out how to not be left-handed anymore.” 

I chuckled and asked, “Any more updates on the case?”

“Not yet.” 

“Hmm... You think Sam could be worrying over nothing?”

“Who knows could be a prank could be the real deal, but knowing him we need to keep an eye out he is usually spot on.” 

“I trust Sam’s judgment... Just don’t want to be worrying over nothing.”

“Well I haven’t seen anything myself.” 

“No sight of Vlad either?”

“Once again no one’s reported anything.” 

“Guess that’s a good thing...” I nodded. “I went out to Wyoming today... Talked to them about the Native column for the paper and becoming an agent. They seemed a little put out that I was wearing a gun. I told them originally I never would but I’m not going through the City of Mines without an escort or protection, not with JJ and Vlad around.”

“Ah yeah they would be worried; they are scared of the white man taking their land.” 

“They have trusted me for a long time already though... I thought that would be enough. Plus I wore this outfit so that I would seem more trustworthy. Apparently that wasn’t even enough,” I sighed. 

“It happens.” 

“Just not sure what to do about it...”

“Don’t know if thee is anything you can do.” 

“Guess I’ll just go through unarmed... Or wait until Eagle can accompany me and he’ll be armed...”

“That may be best, or attempt to climb the mountain in Georgetown west. Well I’ll let ya get back to work, Sheriff,” I stood and headed over to the Pinkerton office. 

***

Half an hour later, I heard Downy shouting, “SOMEONE FETCH A DOC!!!!!!!!!!!!”

I heard the shouting and ran to the saloon. “I heard shouting! What’s goin on?”

“Come on fella... wake up now...” Downy took an old rag and mopped the man’s face. “Shoot now... Where’s that doctor?” 

“Downy?” I looked over with concern. 

“Looks like someone smashed up the barman real bad,” Downy pointed at the broken glass around him. “With a bottle, no less. Viscous.” 

“Oh my, is he going to be ok mom?” Suzy asked with worry. 

Downy snapped up then and I cautiously moved a hand to my gun just in case. “I have no idea,” she shrugged to her daughter and pulled out a large blade. 

“Downy, where’s Sam?” I asked as Suzy moved to the back of the saloon nervously. 

“I think we best arm ourselves... clearly there is someone out there with a VERY mean streak,” Downy warned. “Sam’s sleepin’ right now Miss Trin.” 

“Of course he is,” I sighed and muttered. “I’ll stay here with Suzy.”

“Be careful mom!” she called out as Downy looked outside. 

“It’ll be okay... I hope...” I put an arm around Suzy’s shoulders.

“I hope so too..”

“Did you see the guy who hurt the bartender here?” 

“No, I was at home, I met up with mom outside, she wanted to come in for a drink. We walked in and found him on the floor.”

“I don’t see nobody...” Downy walked back into the saloon with a shrug. “But there must be someone around.”

“Best to be prepared anyway,” I nodded. 

Downy looked back to the street and scanned the area, gripping her blade as she breathed a little faster. She dashed into the saloon again and breathed heavy. 

“What’s goin on out there, Downy?” I asked her. 

“Eep, whats the matter mom?”

Downy looked between us and said, “Take cover somewhere outta sight... not sure who this person up the road is I think he might even have a gun on him.” 

I nodded and pulled Suzy behind the curtain. “Suzy, behind here.”

We waited behind the curtain as I drew my gun just in case and Downy told us to stay where we were as she went back outside. The saloon doors opened and I looked past the curtain, putting a hand on Suzy’s shoulder as we heard a man calling out, “Who’s out there? What did you say, lawdog?” 

I breathed easier, knowing Nile was out there, and Suzy asked if her mother would be alright. Downy ran back in and we asked what was going on but then there were gunshots and Suzy and I backed up more, but I kept my gaze on the door. In the silence, we waited until Downy told us, “He’s out there... Sheriff’s down.” 

“You tell Stillwater I am commin for him, and everyone that works with him you got that lawdog,” the voice from the man said to Downy and I cringed, knowing that threat referred to me too. “You deliver that message or the next time I see you it will be with one of your townsfolks women’s head in my hands.” 

I swallowed hard and sneaked out to see if the coast was clear. Downy called for our help and we walked out slowly, looking around cautiously. 

“Nile!” I ran to the sheriff who was on the ground, wounded. Woody walked over then too and I was relieved. “Woody, thank God...”

“Just gotta help the sheriff to the Doc’s office,” Downy told us. 

“What happened here, miss Downy?” Woody asked. 

“Big man. Big guns.” 

“Where did he go to?” 

“Lookin’ ta kill Miss Trin and Sam. He ran off up the road.”

“Out... still.. help...” Nile mumbled. 

“Come on fella,” Downy helped Nile up on his feet. 

“Which way?” Woody asked. 

“Sheriff, you okay?” I asked,  feels the adrenaline kicking in, but I was more worried about nile than my own safety. 

“Mouth is blood,” Nile said. 

“I ain’t sure... we wus hidin’ in the Saloon... I think he mighta gone north,” Downy said. 

“Suzy didn’t feel safe enough to come out yet,” I told them. 

“Th... wa....” Nile tried to point. 

“I’m going with them, Woody,” I said and helped bring Nile over to the clinic. 

“Thank... Miss... Down... The pain...” Nile moaned. “He message for Still... Talking hurt...” 

“Shh...” I put a hand on his shoulder. “Shh.. Nile... You’re okay now..”

Nile rolled over and looked at us. “Gl...ad...... you..... sa........fe.” 

“Shh...” I smiled and patted his shoulder. Woody walked back in and I said, “Glad you came when you did, Woody.”

“I couldn’t find him anywhere,” Woody said. 

“He had message...” Nile took a deep breath. 

“What was it Nile?” Downy asked. 

Nile took my hand and said, “You tell Stillwater I am commin for him, and everyone that works with him you got that lawdog.” 

“Sam was right...” I looked at Downy. “The finger... the one with the ring...” I looked back at Woody and repeated, “Sam was right.”

“Well we’ll see, no use getting worried about it until he shows his face again,” Woody shrugged. 

“That’s all he said, they he stomped near my head and ran off,” Nile said. “Need to write up a warrant.” 

I looked at Woody, wondering how he could be so calm. “He shot down Nile! He threatened me and you and Sam! How can you be so...?”

“Cause Trin,” he chuckled. “I don’t see the use in getting all panicky.” 

I pointed to Nile in the bed and said, “There’s your reason.”

Woody shook his head and said, “As agents we need to be calm and collected and judge the situation dispassionately.” 

I held Nile’s hand with my other hand and squeezed it, giving him an annoyed glare. 

“I forgot.. the bartender came round too wonderif the Doc got to him yet,” Downy said. 

“I’m focusing on you now,” I looked over at Nile. 

“More pads... bleedin through...” Nile said. 

“You have more pads?” I asked. 

“Think I should risk a few stitches... erm I can do it but I might not be as tidy and nimble as Doc 

Middy at this,” Downy said and I nodded, interlacing my fingers with Nile’s. 

“Whatever you think best,” Woody nodded to Downy and went to help hold Nile’s shoulders down. 

“Try it, just give me sometin for the pain,” Nile pleaded. 

“Erm alright... Miss Trin can you hold Nile’s hand... this is gonna hurt and he needs somethin’ ta squeeze fer the pain,” Downy instructed and got some morphine into a syringe to give him. 

“I’m right here, Sheriff,” I squeezed his hand as we continued to take care of Nile. Sam walked into the clinic and asked what happened and Suzy came over to check on Nile as we tried to convince Nile that Santa wasn’t there. We told Sam what happened and Sam grew concerned, holding his wife and daughter close. 

Suddenly I felt the panic of all that happened and wobbled a bit and fell to the ground, in shock of what had just happened. Sam and Woody continued to talk about the shooting but Nile wasn’t in the right mindset to talk. 

“Woody, I need you to stay on this. When the Sheriff and Trin are back in working condition, I’ll need ya to get statements from both.” 

“I will,” Woody nodded. I sat on the bed, angry with myself at my reaction, and told myself to get a grip. 

“I need to get my poor wife to the bed. Keep an eye out you never know when Jesse will be back around,” Sam said. 

I got up off the bed and sauntered outside, frustrated with myself as Woody said, “I’ll keep the town safe for the sheriff while he’s out of it. Don’t you worry about that,” he smiled at Sam reassuringly. Woody looked over at me and asked, “You okay?” 

I looked over at him and shrugged. “No, but not much I can do about that right now. Let’s go talk... I’ll tell you what I know. Which by the way, ain’t’ much.”

“Let’s go to the saloon and sit,” Woody nodded. “I reckon you could do with a drink.” 

“Drink would be good,” I nodded and followed him down the street to the saloon as Nile drifted off to sleep. 

Woody reached for the bottle of whiskey and two glasses and poured us some drinks. “Something strong will get rid of ya shock.” 

“I didn’t take this job to get caught up in gunfights...” I looked over at him. “I wanted to solve cases... Figure out the brainwork behind the arrests. Let the local law take care of the gun fightin’ part of it.” 

“Then you joined the wrong organization. I can’t tell you how many gunfights I’ve been caught up in working for the Pinkertons.” 

“Sam told me that the information I gain is more valuable than the battles I fight,” I looked at him. 

“So I stay in the background. I watch. I gain information.”

“True enough, but in order to get that information you will have to come face to face with some of this world’s evilest men.” 

“The man had a grey coat, a long gun, a black hat. He wore a mask.”

“Was it a revolver or rifle?”

“He came into the saloon whistling that he’d have some fun. Looked like a revolver.”

“Did it resemble mine?” Woody unholstered his gun to lay it on the counter. I nodded and he returned the gun to the holster. 

“Suzy and I were already behind the curtain when he came in.”

“So it was just the Sheriff and Downy here?” 

I nodded and proceeded to tell him what had happened and how the man had threatened Sam and everyone who worked for him. Woody promised to keep an eye out and I headed home. 

***

I walked into my office at home and worked on my own case reports for the day. I noticed movement outside the window and stood, putting my hand on my gun, just in case. I looked out the window and breathed easier, seeing Eagle. 

“I found a new friend. Come see!” he stood outside. 

“Eagle, come inside,” I opened the door a crack and Eagle brought the dog into the house. I went to him and hugged him, emotional and relieved to be in his arms. 

“What happened?” he asked and I shook my head, holding him tighter. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine... The sheriff is not.. And I won’t be for long if I don’t watch my back.”

“Why? Wait...What?!” Eagle blinked. 

I pulled him into the house and led him over to the couch. I stopped myself and breathed deeply when I saw the dog. “Who’s this?” 

“I found her in town. She is really nice,” Eagle said. 

I leaned down and let the animal sniff me. “Hey there, girl..”

“I thought she might be good to have around,” Eagle said. 

“Now more than ever,” I muttered and pet the dog. 

“It seems that something has gotten you afraid for your life,” Eagle observed. I nodded, looking outside the window and seeing someone. 

“Someone outside the window,” Eagle whispered to me and I swallowed nervously. The dog growled at the stranger and Eagle called, “Who is there!”

I looked at Eagle and shook my head, recognizing the man. His description matched that of the hunchback I’d been warned about, named Vlad. I swore under my breath and watched the man jumping up and down excitedly, waving to me.

“Do you know him?” Eagle asked me. 

“Let’s go upstairs,” I looked between him and the dog. “Are you coming?” I asked as I started to move upstairs. 

“I am just making sure the door is secure,” Eagle said. 

“Vlad vould like to purchase voman!” Vlad shouted then and I pet the dog, letting the animal calm me. “Vlad have lots of gold!”

“I would walk away now. You have no business here. Now leave like the rat you are!” Eagle warned. 

I got emotional, knowing this was just one more thing today I had to deal with, and nuzzled my face against the dog’s fur. 

“Vlad vill kill this one,” he laughed maniacally. “He vill suffer Vlad!”

We walked upstairs and curled close together on the couch in the bedroom as Eagle said, “It will be all ok. I think we have a new friend,” he nodded to the dog. “It seems as if she is intent on protecting us.” 

“What is her name?” I smiled as the dog nudged closer. 

“I though we could call her ‘Alle’. It was a name my grandmother used to call my mother,” Eagle suggested. 

“Alle...” I tried it out, looking at the dog who looked over towards us. “Sounds like she likes it.”

“I think she does too. We need a proper place for her to rest and dishes for her food and water.” 

“We’ll make this her home as much as it is ours,” I nodded in agreement. 

“I’m looking forward to that.” 

“What a day...” I sighed and leaned into him. 

“What happened?”

I told him all about what happened today as he held me close, listening. I told him about our cases with the ring and with Vlad and about JJ going after Sam. After a long while, we decided to go to sleep.