December 31, 1869

Cripple Creek. 

I walked into the saloon in Cripple Creek and smiled when I saw Christy behind the counter. She greeted me and got me an Irish Coffee as we talked about the town. 

“Just the Sheriff and his friend in so far this morning playing a bit of cards,” she said about Dutch. 

“Hope to run into him again. We go back a long ways...”

“I am sure he will be in time.” 

“Lots of folks live in these parts?”

“A few... The Solos, the Lukas and a few with different last names.” 

“The Solos lived here long?”

“They were here when I got here a month or so ago, so I guess so. So.... you say you go back a long time with the Sheriff... is there romance there?” 

“It’s a long story....” I blushed. “Well, not that long I guess.” 

“The way you were touching on him last night and hinting around for him to take you home.. figured there was.” 

“See when I first got to Colorado, I’d heard of this man being murdered... I was curious for a story so I started investigating. Well, it turned out that man who was murdered was named Dutch, or so people thought.” 

“Howdy, Trin. Been a while!” Ascot Solo walked into the saloon and I smiled, looking over at the woman. 

“Ascot! I was just tellin her how I’d met Dutch,” I chuckled. “I’ve been great... Played poker here last night with Dutch and Josh and Corri.”

“You don’t have to continue... None of my business,” Christy looked at me.

“Ah, speaking of...” I looked at the door and saw Dutch walk in. 

We talked for a while and how I had been telling Christy how I knew him. I pulled out my notebook and started to write while the conversation swirled around me. Dutch continued to flirt with Christy. 

He looked over at me and asked, “So Pinkerton... Catch any train robbers lately?” 

“Nope. None have decided to grace us with their presence.”

“Well that may be a good thing.” 

“Were a few things that might have turned into something but we haven’t seen them since the first sightings... So I’m not holding my breath for them to return. Been pretty quiet lately actually. Would love to help ya with some cases if you’re in need of another perspective.”

We turned the conversation to the party that would be held tonight for New Year’s Eve. They decorated the saloon with balloons and made the place look festive while we talked. I started to realize there was something between Christy and Dutch and I decided to head home. I said hi to Lil as she walked in and decided to stay a bit longer. I met a man named Pax and then met Mr. Monte. I told them that I had been living in Georgetown and came to see Dutch.

“I reckon I’ll go about my rounds,” Dutch said at one point. 

“Want some company, Dutch?” I asked, wanting to get some alone time with him finally. 

“Eh, sure.” 

We walked outside but then Dutch disappeared. I saw a man on the bridge and walked over to him. “Sir, I’m looking for Dutch... He was just here and he disappeared.”

“He got after someone. Rckon he will wander back half froze in a bit.” 

“Trin Paige. Just wanderin’ around the town with him... I’ve known him a long time,” I smiled at the man. 

“I remember Dutch mentioning ya. From south of here.” 

“You know Dutch well?”

“He’s my twin, I reckon better than most.” 

“Gaide!” I looked closer. 

“That’s the name.” 

“Wow... I’ve heard of you since I started investigating your brother’s... coughs... It’s good to finally meet you! I wasn’t so sure you actually existed. Had only heard of you and hadn’t ever met you.”

“Well I do exist,” he held out his hand and I shook it with a smile. 

“So I see. Pleasure to finally meet you.” 

“You’ve met my lovely, yet rambunctious wife?” 

“Ascot?” I asked. 

“Pleasure is entirely mine missy. That would be her.” 

“I have indeed,” I nodded. “Last I heard about you... You were holed up in a jail somewhere.”

“Well that charge wasn’t gonna stick no way.” 

“That was back in July when I found out your brother was alive. Of course, I knew it all along,” I winked at him. “Something just didn’t click with the story the townsmen were tellin’ me.”

“I have to head to the saloon your welcome to join me till the hound dog gets back,” Gaide said. 

“Alright, lead on,” I chuckled but then hesitated. “You mind if I take a rain check on that drink? I should head back to the office in Georgetown and make sure the town hasn’t burned down since I’ve gone.”

“Sure that’s fine. Anytime. You’re always welcome.” 

Ascot walked over then and I said, “Ascot, I was just meetin your husband, finally. Been hearin bout him since that ghost of Rosa’s warned that he was next.”

“Ascot, look! It’s Dutch’s lil girlfriend from down south,” Gaide told her. 

“Sorry he has so many that I can’t keep up anymore.” 

“Seems like that warning was futile, he’s still here,” I chuckled. 

“Can’t kill that mongrel,” Gaide laughed hard. “He’s too damn stubborn to die.” 

You got that right. Too damn stubborn.”

“I’ve known him a long time.” 

“Gaide, he told me that Reigan is back,” Ascot gave him a serious look. 

“Oh shit,” Gaide swore and frowned. 

“I’ll let ya’ll talk. I should head home,” I looked between them. Should make sure things are safe in Georgetown. I’m a deputy there as well. It was great to finally meet you, Gaide.”

“Likewise, Miss Trin. Very nice to know you.” 

I said goodbye and said, “I’ll be around, hopefully Dutch still wants me to hang around.”

“I’m sure he does,” Gaide said. 

***

This evening, I went to the dance and Pax invited me to spend the evening with him. We danced in the saloon at the party and got to know one another while we danced. It was obvious there was chemistry between us and Pax eventually led me upstairs to a private room where we spent the rest of the night ringing in the new year.