January 5, 1870

Cripple Creek. 

I walked into the saloon this morning and greeted Christy as she went in behind the bar and made a fresh pot of coffee. I asked how she slept and then said, “Didn’t mean to overshadow you last night... Seemed like you were goin through somethin’ too so I just headed to the hotel and let them take care of you.” 

“I was trying not to be seen and let them deal with whatever it was you needed to have done. Being your the law and all it’s more important.” 

“That’s why they have more than one lawman here. No one case is more significant than the other,” I shook my head. “That man is dead. His pain is over. Your pain is still going on,” I said sympathetically. 

“I am just a simple saloon gal. What happen to me is nothing compared to what you have to deal with every day.” 

“Chris, don’t do that,” I shook my head, feeling a connection with her since I once had the same job as a saloon girl. “I don’t want to compare tragedies here. You’re important. I know what it’s like to work in a place like this. I started out working in the saloon….” 

“What happened is over and done with,” she shrugged. “Nothing can change it. All I can do is learn, heal and move on.” 

“It is important to learn from the past,” I smiled and nodded. 

“Certain things help you to learn what is important also, so you know where your future goes.” 

I wondered if I was being a coward by hiding out there but I knew I wasn’t confident enough to face a whole gang of natives on my own. “These are troubled times, Christy,” I sighed, reaching for my coffee. 

Christy turned and then just nodded talked about hiring a new dove last night as she had to get away for a bit. I asked her if Dutch slept in the jail and she simply that he didn’t. “Well I am glad to hear that. We go way back, I just want him to be happy and safe,” I said. 

“I do too, but I think after yesterday things have been changed and he might be spending more time in the jail cells sleeping…” she looked out the window. 

“I should hope so,” I said, not sure I wanted to know what changed yesterday. 

“I am sure if you hang around Cripple Creek, whatever there used to be between you will ignite again.” 

“I’m not holding my breath, Christy. I learned a long time ago that it’s about enjoying the moments with him and not expecting commitment,” I sighed. 

A child came in and I let Christy talk to her. The girl was talking about wanting to be taken away from her sad father so she could get adopted soon. I stayed quiet as they talked, knowing it had nothing to do with me and Christy seemed to be handling the child well. I decided to head out and went to the courthouse to get some writing done. 

Georgetown. 

This afternoon, I headed home and got settled back in. It wasn’t long before there was a knock on the door and I heard Snow’s voice on the other side of the door. I invited her inside and she asked how I was doing. 

“Been a hard night but I’m home, ready to face things here,” I told her. 

“Things are a going be changing in Georgetown,” she said. 

“Changing how?” 

“This is my town now and there is going to be law.” 

“I’m listening. Should we sit?” I asked and we moved over to the couch. “So change how?” 

“Are you still my deputy?” she asked. “Sam said he deputized you.” 

“He did,” I nodded.

“Then do you want the job?” 

“Tell me how you’re thinking of changing things.” 

“Anyone shots at one of my people they are bering arrested, warrant or not. They put up a fight, kill them. We are the law. It’s time some of these barn rats realized it. No arrests without two of us unless you think they will come peaceably and not many will do that. We have an arrest warrant for some Jeese piece of dung?” she said and handed me the warrant. “I don’t know any of these thugs yet, so I need your help in finding out what they look like.” 

“How are you gonna get these warrants approved by TJ?” I asked. 

“I will arrest them and he can sign them if he is not around. In jail they can’t hurt anyone.” 

“Do you have any other deputies working for you?” 

“The old sheriff said he would be a deputy.” 

“Nile, good.” 

“I need men and women I can trust,” she nodded. 

“Anybody else?” 

“That is it so far. I have only had the job a couple of hours.” 

“You still need to get that warrant approved by the judge.” 

“If he’s around.” 

“And I haven’t seen Jesse since that day.” 

“Good.” 

“Things have been really quiet other than Icca and the natives.” 

“The natives I think are going to be a problem. I was over there yesterday talking to one of them.” 

“Is it okay with you if I just help you as a Pinkerton? I’ll help you investigate crimes and solve them but not do the actual arresting. I’ll still wear a gun for protection and self defence when needed when I travel around but the only reason I became deputy was to help Nile since he was alone.” 

“You do not need an arrest warrant if you see someone breaking the law.” 

“I like being the brains behind the operation, not the braun. I never was good with a shotgun. We all saw how things in Wyoming went.” She looked at me with a blank expression and I said, “I went out there to help the chief with my gun on me but I got gunned down in the process. Couldn’t even see who was shooting at me let alone get a good shot off.” 

“You just need practice.” 

“And Icca and I still have a restraining order against each other. I’ve been carrying a gun since September and my shooting hasn’t improved.” 

“Have you been practicing with anyone.” 

“Several times. It’s not improving. Is why I need to be the investigative side of things. I love the Pinkerton role, being able to help you solve crimes and doing the paperwork side of the job. I was a detective in Amiville and hated the shootouts and the violence. That’s why I started a private investigator job in Colorado Springs. Then I moved here and became a Pinkerton because it was pretty much the same thing just with a badge and a boss. I want to help you out, Sheriff,” I said after a bit of silence. “I just don’t want to do the arrest/shooting thing. I want to help you out with the brainwork as a Pinkerton. I’ll help you solve all the cases you need help on, no restrictions on that. I just can’t help you go out and actually hunt them down.” 

“That’s a help,” she nodded. “I’ll take all I can.” 

“Okay. Then we’re settled. I’ll remain Pinkerton and not deputy, I’ll help you solve crimes and then you do the arresting part. Do you have a copy of the last issue of the paper? It has information about the latest outlaws.” 

“No.” 

“Let me get it for you. It’s just in the office back here,” I stood. “I haven’t seen these guys since the paper was put out but I would expect they’ll be back. Either way you should know about them.” 

“I don’t know who people are yet.” 

“I’ll help you as much as I can with that, Sheriff,” I led the way to the office and reached in the drawer as I took out a copy of the paper and handed it to her. “Like I said, ain’t seen these boys since that paper was put out.” 

“Will read it after I do my rounds.” 

“We’re okay then?” 

“Any time you want to walk rounds with me let me know.” 

“I’ll let you know. Will definitely do it sometimes. Need to do rounds as a Pinkerton anyway. Mind if I join you now?” 

“We can do them together. Not at all. I have both sides of George Town.” 

“Silver Plume and Georgetown,” I nodded. “Including on the mountain.” 

“George town west and east I guess.” 

“Not City of Mines,” I nodded. 

“No.” 

“Thank God.” 

“Well, let’s go for a walk,” she said and we headed outside. 

Snow drew her gun already and we walked around and covered our jurisdiction while we talked about how quiet things were. Snow was grateful I could help teach her the ins and outs of the town. She said she slept in the office and I showed her where people I knew lived. We suggested that we should put an advertisement about a fire chief and a crew, since we didn’t currently have one. I offered for Snow to stay with me but she said that I would be in too much danger if she lived there. 

“It’s been a few traumatic days for me,” I told her. 

“I could protect you but I am not pressing it,” she said as we continued to walk around. “I’ll be fine it’s just stuff I’ve had to witness. I’ve got a restraining order on Icca so I’m not worried about him.” 

“Well if he breaks it I can arrest him.” 

“He was smart. He shot me over in Wyoming where there’s no jurisdiction for local law here. And there’s no local law there so Pinkerton’s have no jurisdiction either.” 

“Well you are going to have to be smarter and out smart him.” 

We continued to walk around and then when we were done we said goodbye as I headed home. 

***

I walked down the street later this afternoon and saw the sheriff. “You okay Trin?” she asked me. 

“I just need to take a walk... I’ll be fine.” 

“Well come walk with me then,” she nodded. 

“I just need to think... I’m sorry sheriff, another time?” 

“Ok watch yourself, it has been quiet.” 

“Got my gun. I’ll be okay. Thanks, Sheriff,” I said and headed on. 

Wyoming. 

I walked into Wyoming and looked around, not sure why I had gone there. I saw Manipi and leaned down to pet the dog. I talked to him, though he couldn’t reply, and thought back over everything and turned, walking away, frustrated. 

Georgetown. 

I walked back into town and saw the sheriff. “All quiet?” 

“Met Adahy up by the mines. He was watching for any trouble. I told him he causes any trouble this side of the tunnel he deals with me. Other side of the tunnel is not my jurisdiction.” 

“Not really mine as a Pinkerton either since there’s no law over there,” I nodded. “My motives over there are... were... personal, not business. And I don’t mean romantic either,” I said so that the sheriff didn’t get the wrong idea about me. “Guess I’ll head home,” I said, not really wanting to talk about the natives anymore. 

“Stay safe, Trin.” 

I nodded and went to sit in my chair in front of my house, looking over at the waterfall. I thought about how Vito had asked me to meet him there and I stood, going to pace near the waterfall, debating what to do. I looked over and saw Vito walking towards me. “Hello, Miss Paige,” he greeted me. 

“Vito…” I nodded. 

“Have you thought about my offer?” 

“I’ve been thinking about it, yes,” I nodded, shifting nervously. 

“So, do you need assistance with your predicament, or are you leaving it up to the federal judge to bring it to trial?” 

“I’ll admit I don’t have very much faith in the current judge to actually go through with the trial.” 

“Living on faith, I have found Miss Paige, is rarely good for business. I prefer to have guarantees.” 

“Well I guarantee you that tensions will be rising soon. I can feel it in the air. Icca has been laying low since I saw him in the saloon but I doubt that will last.” 

“When was that?” 

I thought back and said,  “Two, maybe three days ago? The day of the shooting,” I clarified. 

“I see.... Any clue to where he may be hiding?” 

“I have no idea. Quite frankly I’m glad he’s been quiet but like I said, I’m sure that will change quickly. Especially since…” I looked down. 

“Come now Miss Paige. Surely a Pinkerton Agent would have some idea where someone trying to 

hide from the law might go.” 

“Icca is a loose cannon. He always has been. I never claim to understand the man. Obviously I have misjudged him all these months.” 

“And what of his brother?” 

“Haven’t seen or heard from him since Colorado Springs. The day after Icca shot me down. I fear there will be war soon, Vito. The chief was in town yesterday looking for Icca’s office,” I revealed, knowing that he’d probably find out anyway. “I told him, to avoid becoming a captive myself to lure the palefaces to their village where they could attack Icca.” 

“You never did tell me exactly what you wanted help with.” 

“I’m still not sure. I just thought I should at least fill you in on the goings on around here so you were prepared for it… Who knows when they’ll attack but I doubt they’ll wait long to do it if Chief was here scouting out the place on his own.” 

“Miss Paige, this is not my war..... yet..... They will surely regret it if they become my enemy,” he said.

I nodded, believing him. “Well I hope that me giving this information to you is seen as an act of kindness on my part.” 

“Knowledge is the most valuable resource, and those who have it are very valuable as well. Thank you, Miss Paige.” 

“You’re welcome. I should get back inside..” 

“Pardon me, but I must be off. I have an appointment to attend to. Good evening, Miss Paige.” 

I nodded and we parted ways as we headed home.