Amiville.
I walked through Amiville and smiled when I saw Angelo. We hadn’t seen each other since Colorado Springs and we talked about how there hadn’t been many cases. Angelo wore a deputy badge and he put aside his guitar when I invited him for a drink. We walked into the saloon and sat down by the fireplace.
“Feels like so long ago when I worked here...” I looked around the saloon. So...”
“Something wrong?” he looked at me.
“Things are kind of a mess right now, yeah. I’ve got my wolf following me around, just in case I need protection...”
“That means you are worried about something....” Angelo observed.
“A few things,” I nodded.
“And those things are...?”
“Well let’s see... The comraderie I thought I had with the Cherokee seems to have changed somewhat... I had a somewhat frustrating discussion with them last week.”
Spirit barked as she wandered over and I greeted her and introduced her to Angelo as she barked happily and sniffed the stranger. “So anyway the Cherokee...” I went on. “It was good for a while... I was kind of a go-between with them and the law... They were getting attacked quite frequently.”
“But what went wrong?”
“But then the chief gets attacked and he barely sees it as a problem, didn’t even ask for my help just made it sound like ‘butt out, we’ve got this.’ So I was kind of taken aback by that and went there last week to talk to him.”
“Hmm... I see.”
“I went there looking for an apology... And then he goes and he’s like, ‘Did you always come to me when you needed help?’”
A girl walked into the saloon then and asked, “Excuse me ma’am.”
“Yes?” I looked at her.
“Erm... do you know my momma?”
I looked from her to Angelo and back to the girl. “Who’s your mother?”
“Lara Hitch, ma’am.”
“I do know that name, yes,” I nodded.
“Do you know where she was last?”
“I haven’t seen her in months,” I sipped my drink and looked at Angelo.
“About the same here,” the girl said.
“I don’t really recognize that name...” Angelo said.
“Okay thanks ma’am, sir.”
“I met her before I left Amiville... Haven’t really seen her since.”
“Don’t you have a father?” Angelo asked.
“Yes, but he’s evil. Mommy says he’s the devil himself,” the girl said.
“Who is he?”
“Huck Finn.”
“Don’t know him either.”
“Nor do I. I only know the name.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I thought about it, trying to remember the name, and then suddenly I remembered when the man had yelled at Lara in the saloon and we’d brought her to the sheriff’s office where she was shocked that she’d gotten pregnant. I suddenly realized this must be the child Lara had had. I shook my head, thinking how much time passed so quickly.
“I met him once,” I admitted. “When I met your mother actually. She was pregnant with you back then.”
“Really? Is he really evil?” the girl asked me and I knew I shouldn’t say anything in front of her.
“Can I offer you a drink girl? They have the best chocolate milk here...”
“No thank you sir.”
“When was the last time you saw your mother, sweetie?” I finally asked.
“I saw in our camp about five weeks back. The camp’s not there. Just a few bullet casings.”
“You think something happened to her?” Angelo whispered to me and I swallowed at Angelo’s suggestion.
Tina walked in and Angelo talked to her while I asked the girl, “Child, what’s your name?”
“Kaylyn.”
“Where are you living, Kaylyn?”
“Mama is not in trouble again is she?”
I heard Tina talking about someone shooting at her in Arizona named Pat. Angelo laughed and I sighed heavily at that name.
“I’m living in a forest cave.”
“That’s no place for a little girl...”
“Mama said before she went missing that a girl of a hitch should learn to hunt in caves and stuff.”
Tina went on to say how she wanted to attack Pat. Kylyn disappeared back into the street and Angelo looked at Tina, “Well whatever goes on outside of this town isn’t my business...”
I reached across to her and said, “Trin Paige, Pinkerton agent.”
“Well I will capture him,” Tina insisted. “And kick him in river.”
“We don’t have to worry about jurisdiction as much, but we can’t work a case until the local law allows us to help,” I said. “Who’s the local law over there?”
“Well you can try to capture him, but if you capture him here in town I will have to arrest you,” Angelo told her.
“Yea, I will out of town.”
“And if you try to capture him outside of this town, I’ll have to get local law to arrest you.”
“Ehh... Why? He attack, not me. I walk and he shoot at me.”
“Because capturing people against their will is against the law. Even if it’s revenge,” I said.
“You mean local law in Arizona, Trin?” Angelo asked.
“Take it to the local law then. Get them to deal with it, not you,” I said with a nod to Angelo.
“Well then I will kill him and kick in river or to bisons.”
“Well depends. If it happened in Tucson they need Sven, the sheriff,” Angelo said. “If it happened at the fort they need the soldiers.”
“I’ll remember you said that, then when you do try to kill him I’ll have witnesses here saying you threatened them,” I told Tina.
“Yeah well, I go,” she giggled.
I looked at Angelo, annoyed with the woman, and remembered the name of Sven. “Well good luck with your ‘walking’ then...” Angelo said.
“Yea but you told me you got witnesses I tell you I will kill him... Right?”
“I think Miss Trin will have to send a telegram soon,” Angelo laughed.
“Well I got witnesses he shoot at me.”
“Nope I said we have witnesses already saying you threatened to kill him,” I shook my head.
“Yeah, that I say. But I got witness he shoot at me,” Tina said. “So you must arrest him.”
“Uh huh. Take it to Sven or local soldiers then. Don’t take justice up for yourself. Or they’ll see you as on the wrong side.”
“Yea, okay. Well. Look at me.” She felt her stomach and said. “This is because of him. I will go now. Walk. See ya sheriff. See ya Trin.”
“Yep see ya.”
“Amazing you can still walk so well after those chest pains,” I muttered.
“I don’t know how. Must be I’m strong,” Tina said and ran out into the streets.
“Well that was... interesting. You handled her well,” I said to Angelo when we were alone.
“Well how does she think I can help her?”
I shrugged and said, “Most don’t understand that ya’ll can only control your own town. It’s us and the Marshals who have jurisdiction everywhere.”
“She wants me to arrest a marshal?” Angelo laughed.
“Well knowing that particular marshal I can’t say I blame her...” I chuckled.
“Well to be honest... I’d be glad to arrest him.”
“If only you could right?” I chuckled.
“Yeah,” he sighed.
I reached over to massage his neck and said, “Well to be honest, I know I should go talk to Sven or whoever out there but part of me wants to let him bury his own grave.”
Roy walked in then and we talked about Angelo and Roy playing poker. We talked about how frustrating my job had been lately and I asked if they’d heard of Slick Jesse or Vlad but neither of them had. We talked about the problems at Callaghan’s place and then Angelo headed back to the office.
Roy asked if I found the right man for me yet and I told him I’d been living with someone but I hadn’t seen Eagle in a while. I told him that men didn’t stay long if they came around, and they couldn’t deal with the fact that I’m a busy woman.
“So miss Trin... Who’s kids are you taking off this time?” a man walked into the saloon then and I blinked.
“Kids?”
“Oh my, it appears Miss Trin has forgotten...” he held out his hand and said, “Huck Finn. Nice to meet you ma’am.”
I swallowed hard and folded my arms across my chest. “Where is she, Tyler?”
“Pardon miss?” Huck stared at her with bloodshot eyes.
“Lara, where is she?”
“Oh yes... As I recall, didn’t you have her?”
“I haven’t seen her in months,” I shook my head. “Not since I met her with you.”
“Oh, what a shame. I suppose my kid is missing too?” Huck said sarcastically and Spirit growled up at him.
I looked at him, not mentioning I’d seen his kid just minutes ago. “Clearly this is a family matter. I won’t get in your way,” I started to walk out. I noticed of the saloon. “You got a problem, Huck?”
“Bloody dog is my problem.”
“The dog’s with me.”
“What’s it doing here, the stupid thing?”
I glared at him and said, “Let’s go Spirit.”
He watched us go and I heard him mutter, “I’ll kill her.”
“What was that?” I asked and looked at him as Spirit turned around with me.
“Weren’t you leaving?” he asked with a smirk, walking forward.
“Did I just hear you threaten me, Sir?”
“All I ask was ‘weren’t you leaving’,” he gave a deathly glare.
“You muttered something under your breath. Sounded like a threat.”
“Go ruin someones family your good at that,” Huck looked at me
I raised an eyebrow and shook my head, patting my leg for Spirit to follow as we walked outside.
Arizona.
I walked around and finally found Adder in Arizona. I told him I was looking for Sven and we went to the sheriff’s office. No one was there so I left him a note under the door and then followed Adder out of town.
Colorado Springs.
We were stopped by an elderly woman asking for healers and we directed her to a healer. “You see some boy pushed me off a bridge,” the woman said.
“Who did that? Where?” Adder looked shocked, as did I.
“The bridge behind me with the lights on, not sure of a name but he was in a rush.”
“Can you give me a description please?”
“Sure, he was very tall, grey hat smoking teeshirt. He was mumbling about a woman. He had brown hair spiky.”
“I’ll go have a look around. Trin could you help this lady to Amiville please?” Adder asked me and I nodded to him.
“And he said..”
“Let’s go Miss... Ma’am,” I said.
“Oh yes of course.”
“He said what, Ma’am?”
“Oh and he said ‘Damn woman. I’d get her’, then something about a family.”
“That sounds big,” Adder said.
“I’m too old for this. Geez,” she said. “If ya catch him give him a whack in the nut sack from me boy.”
“I’ll take her to Amiville then come back to find you, Taurus?” I looked at him.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Well Ma’am, Trin here will help you find a healer. I’ll see if I can dish out some manners.”
“Ma’am, wahat’s your name?” I asked the woman.
“Grandma Elle.”
“Let’s go on then,” I said, looking to Adder before he rode off.
Amiville.
“You’re okay to walk, Elle?” I asked as we went into Amiville.
“Yes I just can barely see.”
“Just follow me,” I nodded and led the way to the clinic. I knocked on the door and called out for someone as I showed her to a seat in the lobby. I called out for Sean and then he came downstairs to greet us.
“Howdy ladies,” he looked between us.
“Howdy there, young man,” Elle said.
“Elle here was in Colorado Springs and got pushed into the river off a bridge by a boy, and apparently a young woman,” I explained to him.
“My! That’s plum rude!” Sean exclaimed.
“Adder asked if I’d take her to the hospital here as Ida wasn’t around in Colorado Springs. She seemed to be okay walking here but she’s misplaced her glassees.”
“Well, had I known, I would have happily come over there,” Sean said.
“We were right on the border, was easy enough to just come over. I appreciate it though,” I smiled at my old friend.
“Let me put down my cup of coffee and I’ll take a quick look,” Sean said as Elle fiddled with her necklace.
“I thought you should look her over, make sure she didn’t break anything in the fall,” I said and then introduced, “Elle. This is Sean. He’s an old friend of mine. It okay if he looks you over to make sure you haven’t broken anything?”
“Huh... Oh yes, my child. Of course. What is this place again?”
“Where in a hospital in Amiville,” I told her.
“Alrighty. I’m Sean Stuart, doctor in these parts,” sean said.
The door opened then and I saw Adder walk into the clinic. “Taurus, hey. Let’s step outside,” I said and looked knowingly at Sean. “Sean’s just about to look Elle over to make sure she hasn’t broken anything. She may need some new glasses too, Sean. We’ll be right outside.”
I walked outside with Adder and closed the door. “Well?” I asked, letting him talk first.
“No sign of anyone matching the description. Or of anyone else ether,” he shrugged.
“She also seems to be having problems with memory. Roads were all quiet. Whoever it was is long gone or laying low.”
“Who would push an old woman off a bridge?”
“I can think of a few.”
“Yeah? Care to share?”
“All we can do now is keep an eye open. And tell the sheriff of this town, thats if he can tear himself away from his own reflection long enough to be told.”
“But it happened in Colorado Springs.. Didn’t it?”
“Who’s the law out in Kansas? Nope. The lady said the bridge with the lights. That’s Kansas.”
“Kansas?” I chuckled. “Ain’t no law there as far as I know. The Natives fend for themselves and I ain’t seen much of a soul out there in weeks.”
“Probably where they’re most likely to be based then.”
“Should we tell Sean we’re gonna ride out to Kansas? I don’t really want to leave the woman here but... It’s better than taking her somewhere else.”
“No need. I’ve just been there.”
‘Oh. Well we’ve done what we can then I guess eh? Most we can do now is wait for her to tell us more of what happened.”
“Aye for now.”
“Maybe get some names.. I can stay here and try to get more out of her. If I hear of any names I can come find you?”
“Good idea. I guess you can pass it on to local law,” he chuckled.
“The local law in Kansas doesn’t exist,” I reminded him. “Or you mean here?”
“I meant here.”
“Just so they know who the woman is, yeah. I’ll see who I can find.”
“I’ll be heading back to Springs now. Good luck Trin.”
“Thanks, Taurus,” I nodded and walked into the clinic.
“Are those two love birds still kissing outside?” Elle was asking when I walked in. “Oh, they’ve
finished.”
“How we doing in here?” I asked, looking between them.
“Did you fall into the water, Ma’am?” Sean asked Elle and turned to me. “Well, she mentioned a lad named Finn, if that helps.”
“Finn... That could help....” I nodded.
“Oh Finn, you know him, doc?” Elle asked.
“Yes’m, My apologies, Ma’am,” Sean said.
“She told me she was pushed in the water off the bridge,” I explained. “By a boy and a girl apparently.”
“But the girl did not push me the boy did.”
“Finn?” I raised an eyebrow.
“The woman was my height brown hair and guns with a brown vest,” Elle said. “Yes Finn.”
“Hmm That sounds like Miss Suzi,” Sean said. “Was she wearing a hat?”
“Let me g, no no no what about Lyn.. no not that. Couldn’t catch the last bit, all I got was Lyn,” Elle started mumbling.
“Sean, there’s no law out in Kansas right?” I asked.
“Sure there is. Pat Williams is a Ranger out there,” Sean said. “I just saw him in the saloon here before heading over.”
“No others?” I sighed.
“When he was dragging her, her top came up a bit at the waist. She had stretch marks, poor girl,” Elle kept muttering. “Oh my dear Herby, I miss you...”
“How is she doing physically?” I asked.
“Can’t say the names Lynn and Finn ring a bell for me,” Sean said. “ Well, I think she got some water in her, but not all that much...” he looked at Elle. “You feel you have to cough, you go right ahead and get any water out of your lungs, Ma’am.”
“Logan or Angelo ain’t around are they?” I asked.
“I can prescribe a bit of Laudanum syrup for you, if you’d like, but since it surpasses a cough, I’d like for you not to take it until you get any water out of your lungs. After that, you can take it for aches and pains,” Sean told Elle.
“How much would it cost?” I asked. “I’ll cover it.”
“I haven’t seen hide nor hair of them, but a few folk did take a trail ride down to Mexico,” Sean said.
“Cover what honey? Am I hurt?” Elle asked.
“Probably a whole dollar, Miss WhiteRose stocks it or any General store,” Sean said.
“Oh no my glasses are missing. How could that of happened?” Elle asked.
“Probably don’t really need it prescribed, either,” Sean said.
“You don’t have any here?” I asked and then looked at Elle. “Elle... Do you live in Kansas or somewhere else?”
“Do I live... where do I live... erm... with Herby. Herby is my husband,” she said. “Didn’t we just do that boy... oh I see boy.. I’m too old for you... but this young lady looks your age...” she went on randomly and I chuckled.
“I’m married, ma’am, but thank you,” Sean chuckled.
“How is the missus?” I asked.
“She good. There’s a Burlesque show later at 2:30 at the saloon. She’s performing in it,” Sean said.
“Oh nice. I can take you back home, Elle?” I asked the woman.
“Well I must be getting to Herby... If you wish,” Elle said.
“Do you have any of that medicine with you here?” I asked.
“Do you know where I live?” Elle asked.
“You said you lived in Kansas,” I told her.
“Really?” she asked, slowly standing. “That’s news to me. Well I guess to Kenya it is. But Kenya is a bit far?” Sean started to wrap up a scrape on Elle’s leg and Elle asked, “Erm, excuse me boy.” She looked at me and asked, “What is he doing?”
“Just taking care of your arm, Elle,” I told her. “You hurt it in the fall when you were pushed off the bridge.”
“Sorry Ma’am, just doing my job,” Sean said.
“Your job is to touch old women up.....?” she looked surprised. “Funny bit of healing back in my day the limb would come straight off. That’s what it needs, a good hacking.”
“Trust me Elle, he’s good at what he does. Can’t tell you how many times he’s healed me,” I winked at Sean.
“I try not to do that just for a scrape, Ma’am,” Sean insisted.
“It’s okay, I can do it,” Elle took out a small knife. “Now where is the damage?”
“You’re welcome to warm up and dry off by the stove as long as you wish, ma’am. Hate to think of
you out in the cold while damp,” Sean said and his eyes widened.
“Put the knife away, Elle,” I ordered. “I don’t want you hurting yourself more.”
“More? Honey, the old ways are the best...” she insisted.
“Give me the knife,” I shook my head.
Elle looked around and then dropped the knife on the floor. I reached down to pick it up and handed it to Sean.
“Wait, that’s mine, that is,” she said.
“It’s okay. Perhaps she should stay here with you for a bit?” I suggested.
“Give it here or face the wrath of an old lady fight,” Elle held out her hand.
“Yes’m. I’d be very pleased if you just put it away?” Sean gave Elle the knife, handle pointing to her hand. She took the knife and put it in her pocket.
“Not sure why you have it anyway.”
“Prestidigitation, Ma’am. We’re a full-service hospital. Cures and entertainment,” Sean chuckled.
I relaxed and said, “Think I’m gonna leave her here with you, Sean. I should be getting back. There’s not much more I can do here.”
“He was as tall as you,” Elle said then.
“I’ll be happy to sit with her until she feels up to going back to Kansas,” Sean said.
“Thanks Sean. I appreciate it,” I said and handed him some coins.
“He who?” Sean asked Elle.
“Sure thing, Miss Trin. Happy to help,” Sean said.
“You take care, Elle,” I said and walked out of the hospital.
Georgetown.
I went home and had some lunch and then went towards the saloon. I talked with sugar and Justyn and Sugar mentioned some fresh scones at the saloon. Sugar said she heard one of the horses kicking at the stable and I said that I hoped the security would be better for them now.
“I sure hope so. Horse thieves are varmints.”
“Yup, good hangin’ materials,” JT agreed.
“No theories on who did it yet, eh? Suzy said Buu was actin weird around the stables before Mio disappeared,” I said.
“Well Buu is always actin funny but I wouldn’t put him past it,” Sugar said.
“True enough,” I chuckled.
“Living up there in the Mines too.. pretty convenient. Keep a sharp eye out now, Miss Trin.”
“Will do,” I nodded and walked onward.
I went over to the stables and checked on things and then went for a walk with Spirit. I got a wire from Adder about Sven being in Arizona.
Arizona.
I went to look for Sven and eventually decided to trek on my own. I walked into the saloon and saw a man leaning against the bench. “Howdy there, Sir.”
“Howdy lady,” he said.
“Was wondering if you could help me out... I’m lookin for the sheriff...”
“He’s in the café.”
“Would you be able to lead me in that direction?”
“Straight across the road, but I will lead you.”
“Thanks so much, Sir,” I nodded and followed him into the cafe. He called for the sheriff and then a man walked over to us. The man talked in German and I didn’t understand any of it.
Joe introduced to him, “Here’s a lady that want to talk to you.”
“Sheriff? Agent Trin Paige. I was wondering if we could chat?” I asked, hoping he understood English.
“Yes please, what is it?” Sven asked.
I looked at the man who led me, wondering if I could trust him with the information I had. “I met someone this morning who made an interesting threat... I wanted to make you aware of it.”
“They know who is the person?”
“Since it falls under your jurisdiction I had to come tell you as soon as I was aware of the problem. A Miss Tina something or other came to me in the saloon... She’d been shot by a marshal... A Pat Williams... Said he’d shot her down without reason, and that she would kill him if he tried again. “She said it happened in the Arizona/New Mexico area, so I wanted to come and inform you.”
“I am only responsible for the city,” Sven said.
“Well if something is to happen in the city between these two... I wanted you to be aware of that possibility. I didn’t want to hold this information to myself so I had to come as soon as I could.”
“Will open the eyes to keep for the person,” Sven said in broken English.
“As a Pinkerton, I don’t have jurisdiction to arrest, I can only help investigate crimes,” I explained.
“And then only if the local law prohibits it.”
“I know.”
“So I wanted to leave it in your hands.”
“I thank them for the information. I will also inform the marshals.”
“Good plan,” I nodded. “This Pat Williams... I know him... He can be very hot-tempered at times.”
“Then you could access the also take place outside the city.”
“Never heard of him,” Joe said.
“Be thankful,” I said to him.
“There are many evil people here,” Sven said.
“Thank you for coming out and giving me your time, Sheriff.”
“Several bands of outlaws.”
“Never a dull moment I’m sure.”
“But we’ll catch the guy already and put into jail.”
“You cover just Arizona, right? Not New Mexico as well?”
“The marshals are responsible for both.”
“Alright. Well I won’t take up any more of your time.”
“They take good care of yourself,” he nodded.
“Please, let me buy you a drink for your kindness?” I asked Joe.
“Thanks Joe, you’ve brought them here,” Sven grinned.
“Thank you miss,” Joe nodded.
“Let’s head back to the saloon then. Thank you, Sheriff,” I said and followed Joe to the saloon. He poured me an Irish Coffee and I sat at the bar. “Thank you so much... Sir... This is great,” I smiled and took the cup from him when the drink was made.
“I prefer beer.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name?”
“Monco, Miss, Joe Monco.”
“A pleasure, Joe. You lived in Arizona long?”
“I came from New Mexico once. It was a small village... San Miguel.”
“Never heard of that one...”
“It’s only a small village.”
“What brought you to Arizona?”
“I was traveling around and met Mr. Breen, the previous Mayor of Tucson. He gave me a job as undertaker. Then I took over a special order for Miss Tina. I travelled to Transylvania in Romania. Well.... when I came back I was not able to do the job as undertaker any more.”
“Someone took it over?”
“I used silver bullets, had a peg under my shirt and slept in my coffins. The doctor told me leave the town, go to a quiet place. Somewhere in the countryside.”
“Mmhmm...”
“I followed and met Mrs. Cannon on the High Chaparral Ranch. She employed me as one of her cowboys.”
“So now ya work on a ranch?”
“Yes.”
“An all-American cowboy, eh?” I smiled.
“Bt then I met Mr. Dash in Louisiana and he offered me the job as sheriff there.”
“Been to Louisiana a few times...” I nodded.
“I made it for two weeks but I think I’m not the correct person to keep the law,” he said and I shifted in my seat.
“Well, I cancelled the job and moved back to the High Chaparral. It’s better here. Good German beer.”
“I’m glad you found somewhere you’re comfortable.”
He offered another drink but I said I was good for now and found myself staring at the attractive, mysterious character in front of me. “And you work for Pinkerton?” he asked finally.
“For almost a month now, yes.”
“How did that happen?”
“I live over in Georgetown... Since just before starting to work for Sam. Well it’s a long story... Short version is that I’ve moved from town to town trying to overcome my past... Becoming a Pinkerton was a big step in that process.”
“I like good stories.”
I chuckled and said, “Long version is I was bullied out of the town I’d established myself in for about four months... To the point of almost being sold to the outlaws by a judge...”
“You was sold to outlaws? Ma’am, we lost the war...”
“I was the newspaper publisher and a detective there.”
“No, I was almost sold. It wasn’t like that,” I shook my head.
“Oh okay.”
“Anyway..” I sighed. “That happened, then I got shot down by the leader of that gang... So I moved out of town. The law there were all leaving too... I would have been left with the judge who tried to sell me and her brother who didn’t give a rat’s, you know. So then I moved to Colorado Springs but they found me there too.”
“That’s bad.”
“I then moved to Nebraska and settled there for a bit... Got to know the Native tribes out there...”
“I hope you learned to handle a gun.”
I nodded and patted my Colt Kingsley. “Anyway... Eventually I realized that I needed to just face my fears and my past so I moved to Georgetown. Became a deputy and a Pinkerton... Now I’m trying to take control of my life and just investigate crimes to help the local law...”
“That’s a good job.”
“If the sherif in Georgetown needs me I’m there for him but mostly I just investigate. I’m running the newspaper in Georgetown as well. I keep busy but sometimes I wish I could just slow down life a touch, ya know?”
“Yes, I understand. That’s why I live in the countryside.”
“Hard to have a life outside of work when you’re so involved in it and love it as much as I do... I need to figure out how to balance...”
“Yes. Do you like to dance, ma’am? My Ex-Wife is living in Amiville.”
“Ex-wife, hmm?” I stood and smiled, amazed that he could read my thoughts. “I would love to.”
He reached for my hand and I swayed with him to the music. “You’re dancing well,” he observed.
“I used to be a dancer in the saloon in Amiville,” I winked at him. “Plus it helps I have a good partner.”
“Maybe I should move to Amiville then,” he laughed.
“I’m in Georgetown now,” I chuckled. “And what would you do in Georgetown? We’ve got an undertaker already.. and two sheriffs...”
“I could start to work for Pinkerton.”
“Where’d you learn to dance like this, Cowboy?” I chuckled as I slid my hands down his back.
He ran a hand along my hip and said, “Let’s see... I got it into my blood.”
I leaned against him, letting him lead the dance and feeling alive for the first time in a while. My heart was pounding against my chest and I sighed after a while. “I should head home before it gets too late...”
“Safe paths, ma’am,” he nodded.
“I had a wonderful time with you, Joe. I hope we can do it again soon.”
“I enjoyed our time too. I’m looking forward to meet you again Miss.”
“Please, call me Trin.”
He stole a kiss and I blushed, holding him close as he smiled. “Thank you.”
“Thank you Joe. I will see you soon...” I sighed, not wanting to leave him. “Can I ask you a huge favor...”
“Yes.”
“Could you... take me back to Georgetown? It’s dangerous out there and I would really rather not leave your company...”
“Yes of course, Miss,” he nodded and walked me home.
***
Georgetown.
This evening I went to the saloon and talk with people there. We talked about how the outlaws seemed to have disappeared into the mountains. We continued to talk and I told her about dancing with Joe in Arizona. She asked if I had heard from Eagle lately and I said I hadn’t. “Well what in tarnation... he just ain’t around like he should be fer ya,” Sugar muttered.
“He did warn that he’s goin out on his spirit exploration journeys or somethin but... I guess we were really just roommates all along.”
“Spirit exploration, sounds like he is gettin in touch with the Gods.”
“Well he’s a Native so...” I shrugged.
“Well that’s what they do.. but even I go into the church sometimes and just sit. Talk to the Lord.”
“Yes, in the soul of the music.”
“I wanted to start playing hymns in the church actually...”
“That’s a good idea. I love the old hymns. Well, I’m real glad to hear about the man in Arizona... A real nice cowboy.”
“Indeed. We’ll see if he sticks, if ya know what I mean.”
“Oh yeah I know what ya mean.”
“Most of ‘em stay around for a day or a week and then when they see how committed I am to my work, they disappear.”
Twist and TJ came in and we continued to talk about Twist’s cravings with her pregnancy. JC joined the group and I headed home, not wanting to be the fifth wheel amongst the two couples.
No comments:
Post a Comment