February 21, 1870

Colorado. 

This morning I walked out of the office and talked with Millard. We talked about how much fun last night at the saloon was and I headed into the saloon before wandering around. I finally went over to the courthouse but saw a corpse on the doorstep. “Adder!” I called and saw him walking over. “Adder! What the hell is going on?!” I pointed at the dead body. 

“Howdy Trin. Aye, Comanche did that, allegedly.” 

“Comanche?” 

“According to the Apache chief, the red and yellow feathers are the mark of the Comanche.” 

“I don’t have much experience with the Apache. Hoping I don’t any time soon. Who is the body from?” 

“Don’t know his name. White fella, possibly a farmer by the looks of it,” he shrugged. And very dead.” 

“Well yeah I’d say so. Did it as a message I guess?” 

“Aye, it’s definitely a message.” 

“So now what?” 

“Need to get someone to take him and bury him.” 

“Any undertaker around here?” I asked, hoping that Icca wasn’t the undertaker here too. 

“No, not at the moment,” Adder shook his head. “Last time we needed something buried, Jake hired Millard to do it.” 

“I know he’s around town,” I nodded. “Just talked with him as I stepped out of the office. This farmer... he from around here? Can we arrest the chief for murder?” 

“The Comanche chief? Aye, I guess, unless he tells us who did it. I don’t know the dead farmer. Could be local.” 

“I don’t recognize him either. I guess that’s the key, determining this guy’s identity. Or who did it, ’cause as you say the chief left it but that doesn’t mean he did it.” 

“What chief?” 

“You said something about the Comanche chief guy… Sorry guess this just isn’t making sense yet.” 

“Nothing makes sense here,” he chuckled. 

I noticed the Native lady walking over and she greeted us before walking off. I sighed, knowing that there wasn’t much for me to do until they actually asked me for help. I said goodbye and headed back for the courthouse office to get some paperwork done. 

*** 

An hour later I talked with Ida for a while about how we felt like something was about to happen. I looked at her and realized a story had been brought to my doorstep and I remembered I was a reporter as well as a lawyer. “Ida, I do have something to do! Could you tell me where the Apache live?” 

“Up the hill in east.” 

“I need to go over there... See if I can get in good with them. "What do you know about Comanche?” 

“Okay, be careful Trin. Don’t say much…” 

“Is it a person? A tribe? I’ve never heard of them before.” 

“I can’t find out all those tribes.” 

“Well I’ve got something that will help me. I gotta go inside and change. I’ll see you around, Ida!” 

I headed back to my apartment and changed into my Native outfit, leaving my gun in the drawer beside my bed. I headed up the hill and headed towards Texas. 

Texas.

I saw some Natives and told them that I was unarmed. I greeted them and told them that I was a friend of Chief Hawk’s. They told me that the pony express came through recently. I told them that I held a special place in my heart for people like them. The one woman told me that they were going to have a big battle soon and they told me to stay out of the way and be safe. 

“With whom?” I asked her. 

“Them dumb white folks down there.” 

“Which white folk?” 

“I am about to pull my hair. In that dumb town. They’s dumb.” 

“Maybe I could talk to them…” 

“Keep getting Indians. Too late. Gonna be big lots of blood spilt.” 

“Nothing I can do to change your mind?” I sighed. “As you see, I come unarmed.” 

“Hey, I ain’t the only one. Red folks coming from all over.” 

“I’m not interested in gunfight or violence... I only wish to understand people.” 

“I need Raven to help test the canoe. Gonna be a big one,” the woman said. 

“I guess I should head home and get out of the way then,” I sighed and walked back to town. 

Colorado. 

I headed into town and saw Conner in Devil’s Ditch. “Conner… Natives are coming.We should get inside unless you want to fight.” 

“Oh how nice.” 

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your meditation.” 

“You go on in and make yourself to home,” he said and invited me into his cabin. 

“I went over there to try and introduce myself and they… They said they were coming here.” 

“That’s fine.” 

“But Conner...They want blood. Be careful.”  

“Don’t worry, go on in,” he put an arm on my shoulder reassuringly and I walked inside with him. Conner went outside to look around and then came back in. I remembered the old days, or even in Georgetown, when I would have joined in the fight. 

“Anything yet?” I asked him as he closed the door. 

“I did not see anybody.” 

“They will come. I couldn’t tell which tribe it was…” 

“I met the chief Nah yesterday and a native lady Mis Tala.” 

“Have you met a Sitting Horse yet?” 

“No, not yet.” 

“Tell me when you do?” 

“Of course. Why are they fighting?” he asked and went to put on a shirt.

“Who the heck knows.” 

“They know I don’t use guns.” 

“I think I’m going to start not wearing one. I’m just a lawyer, what do I need a gun for?” 

“If I cannot talk my way of a situation then it is fate if I die.” 

“That’s why I was going over there. I wanted them to know I speak with words and understanding, not with guns and violence,” I nodded. 

“We had some trouble yesterday with a young fellow looking for a fight with the Apache.” 

“Did you?” 

“Chief Nah handled it.” 

“I just worry for the day the Cherokee come,” I nodded. 

“I do to. I don’t want to fight my own mother.” 

“I understand,” I nodded. “They were my friends, Conner. I went there for protection, to understand them, to look out for them and warn them if I knew of any attacks from outlaws.” 

“She says she never shoots her friends. It is a good thing she has so many.” 

“But they wanted to deal with outlaws with violence... cutting off their hair and tying them to a tree.” 

“Yes the Cherokee are fond of that kind of treatment.” 

“They just didn’t understand, Conner. Two months I spent talking with them, telling them of how I’d been treated by the outlaw…” I sighed. “And then they wanted me to just go along with it and be violent like they were. I couldn’t do it, Conner. I didn’t belong there anymore so I left the village. Then their chief got shot down... I went out to save him because he sent a wire to me for help.” 

Conner busied himself with making tea and handed me a cup when it was ready. “Here, drink this and relax a bit. No need to fret till trouble comes.” 

“Thank you, Conner,” I said and took the tea from him. Then... the war started, between Cherokee and Georgetown. They blew up the sheriff’s office knowing full well I was inside… They ambushed a fort when I was inside, then blew dynamite to open the door of the room where I was hiding and called me a coward and a traitor. They said I was dead to them.” 

“Sometimes we are put in situations that have no way out.” 

“I tried so hard, Conner…” I sighed. 

“My own mother burned down my cabin and fought against the town-people I loved. I still love her anyways.” 

“I was honest. I told them everything. And it seemed like every time I tried to talk to them after that awful day when the chief was shot down...  It was like we were talking in circles and they weren’t hearing me. Like they no longer wanted to listen. Even though I risked my life for their chief. I am sorry that you had to experience what you did with your mother. I helped her that day.. because Icca had shot her down... and I’ve been bullied by Icca too.” 

“She has her passionate ideals and I have mine.” 

“We never caught him but I wasn’t going to sit back and let her be attacked again.” 

“Iccabod has beat me up too,” he laughed. 

“I still have an office over in Georgetown, where the Cherokees moved from, but I don’t go there as often. I needed a fresh start... Where Tom and I can get to know each other in peace.” 

“Miss Trin, Don’t be lonely anymore. Don’t cry for friends that no longer care for you. Make new friends and be happy again.” 

“You’re a wise man, Conner. And this tea is very good,” I nodded and sipped the tea. 

“I might live only a short life but I want it to be a happy one,” he reached over to hold my boot in his hand. 

“We seem to be of the same mindset,” I smiled. 

“I think as long as you are true to yourself then it will all work out.” 

“That’s what I thought with the Cherokee. Look where it got me.” 

“I am ashamed for some things I have done but I had to let it go of it would eat me up inside.” 

“I feel like the past haunts me wherever I go and people will never let me have a fresh start.” 

“You can have a fresh start by dropping this burden of discontent and finding joy somewhere else.” 

“I want a fresh start, Conner. I want to leave everything behind me and start over. Or I want to turn back time and do it all over again differently.” 

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Life is an adventure,” he laughed. 

“Just wish I could have written a better ending if you know what I mean.” 

“Who says you aren’t still writing your story?” 

“I might take baby Wyatt and his mother to the Apaches before the fighting starts…" 

“I’ll stay here,” I nodded. “Stay safe.” 

“Yes you are welcome anytime in my home Mis Trin.” 

I watched him walk out and then waited until the war was over before heading to my place in Georgetown where I moved my things over to Colorado Springs for good. 

*** 

Georgetown. 

I walked into the saloon tonight and talked with Bravo and Sugar. Bravo muttered that he’d yet again been cheated on by his now ex-wife and he insisted he wouldn’t live in the past anymore. I listened to them talk and I told Sugar that I’d moved out of Georgetown to make the stay in Colorado permanent. 

Colorado. 

When I got back home I talked with Sam about how I had moved for good and how it was a relief. I talked with everyone there and I looked over at Despres at once point and asked, “So Despres, I was wondering…” 

“Yes?” he turned to me as the chatter continued around us. 

“Would you be interested in giving m some information about the attack today? For the paper?” I asked him. 

“Sure,” he nodded. 

“Oh you work on the Paper?” London asked me. 

“I’ll give ya info,” Twist said. “They attacked, I shot. The end.” 

“I’ll be publishing it, yep,” I nodded to London and chuckled at Twist’s account. “That’d be a pretty short article.” 

“We sure did good today until Jake betrayed us,” Twist said. 

“Which tribes was it?” I asked, pulling out my notebook. 

“Ute, CoE Apache’s, Cherokee’s, Oglala, Comanchees and a couple more I can’t remember.” 

“That’s a lot,” I choked on my coffee. 

“Yeah, but there we’re more than that... Also some renegade outlaws helpin’ them,” he chuckled. 

“And what... they just all banned together ’cause they’re redskin, we’re paleface? Can’t be that simple if the outlaws were involved.” 

“Yeah, we’ve had some dealin’s with ’em lately... Cherokee Chief comin’ to town to steal bread, Apache Chief comin’ to town to deliver body parts and such…” Jake nodded. 

“Who or what are outlaws?” London asked. 

“I believe it was Pat Kraai and Stella from New Mexico.” 

“Seems like things are getting heated then. I saw a dead body out in front of the sheriff’s office this mornin’ too,” I nodded. 

“Hmm... Don’t know anythin’ about that,” Jake looked at me. 

“What do they do? Fight with the Natives?” London asked.

I looked at Jake and asked incredulously, “You don’t know anythin about a dead body showing up on the sheriff’s doorstep?” 

“Was it TJ?” Twist asked. 

“Ms. Twist…” London laughed and I choked on my coffee, laughing. 

“Miss Trin have ya met my fine looking friend here mr Orias?” Twist asked me. 

“Not officially, nope. Nice to meet you, Orias!” I smiled at the man. 

“So do you have any ideas on what’s really behind all this tension?” I asked Jake. 

“Well miss trin it started this one summer night at band camp,” Twist said and we chuckled at her. 

“The pleasure is all mine Trin,” Orias said to me. 

I looked at Jake seriously, still wanting more information. “I know there’s more to this than color. I’ve experienced it myself. But I also know all native tribes are different.” 

“Well yes... The Apache Chief who calls himself Nah... I think he’s the one behind all this!” 

“Ohh I shot him today, I was pretty proud!” Twist said. 

“He’s called Nah? Don’t believe I’ve met him yet. Or any of the Apache’s for that matter,” I said. 

“Yeah, ya really ripped them Apache’s apart!” Jake chuckled at Twist and nodded to me. “Nah!” 

“What’s Nah got against us so bad that he’s banned so many others against us?” I asked. 

“I know why they don’t like us!” Twist exclaimed. 

“I really can’t say... He’s livin’ of our land and should be grateful... We might wanna relocate him and his strange lookin’ people but that would be no issue... We really need a rail road here!” Jake shrugged. “Them Injuns would be placed somewhere out of harm and in a place where we can keep an eye on ’em.” 

“Somewhere far away enough…” I nodded. 

“May I ask why out of harm?” Twist asked. .

“Railroad would put us out of business Jake,” Millard said. 

“No? The rail road would help us connectin’ the states Mill,” Jake looked at him. 

“Rat Farts if it would,” Mill muttered. 

“I’m sure it’ll do the opposite my friend,” he said to mill with a wave of a hand. 

“What I wonder is how he got all those native tribes to work together for somethin’ like this,” I said. 

“Oh and besides, since we’ve got no more room to build houses we kinda need that spot up there... They’ve got tons of land but I don’t see any income for our town, state and government" he says nodding his head a bit pig headed,” Jake added. 

“It’s all the fighting Trin..men get............err.....sorry WRONG tension. Never mind,” Mill said and I shook my head at him. 

“With tension running so high its a scary place to be. I’m scared to venture off anywhere,” London put in. 

“Don’t know Miss Trin, but any Injun raisin’ a weapon at us will be punished…” Jake shrugged and nodded to London. “Ya damn right should be... Those savages ain’t to be trusted Miss.” 

“Anything else ya wanna add to share with the general public about the attack today, Marshal?” I asked Jake. 

“He would like to add that miss Twist is spectacular," Twist said. 

“Well yes, I’ve wired Washinton for fundings in our war with them Injuns... They’ve declined but agreed to send us Calvary... I reckon once they are settled in at the old Outpost they can help us fight the Injuns back,” Jake explained. 

“There has to be a better way then war though,” London sighed.

“That would be a helpful addition to the cause,” I Nodded to Jake. 

“Right, Miss Twist was the towns saviour tonight!” Jake grinned and nodded. 

“Believe me, London. I’ve tried. They want blood and violence, they won’t settle for just talking,” I looked at London. 

“But why? Is there a reason?” 

“Cause they think their way is the only way to do things. They won’t accept any other way.” 

“I agree, but THEY are the ones bringin’ it to town... We just defend ourselves,” Jake looked at London. 

“Ya guys are just funny now,” Twist laughed. 

“That’s what I was just thinkin’ Jake. It’s not like they can’t just enjoy their own culture and whatever on their on land without worryin’ about what we’re doin,” I nodded. 

“I’ll go negotiate,” Twist said and I just shook my head. 

“You sure Ms Twist?” London asked. “Maybe let a man do it.” 

“It ain’t worth it, Twist. Trust me,” I sighed. 

“Ya’ll get yaself killed Miss Twist,” Jake looked at her. 

“I’ve been at it for two months with the Cherokee and now I’m their number one enemy. At least I’m friends with the Cheyenne over in Kansas still…” I sighed. 

“But I need a list of there name so I can write them on the bullets. Me get killed are you serious?” Twist laughed, “I’ll throw Trin in front of me.” 

“Anything we’re missin’?” I looked at Jake, ignoring Twist. 

“Nope, that’s pretty much it,” he shook his head. 

“Well Jake, I appreciate it. Should be a good article,” I closed my notebook and smiled. 

“I hope so, and please send a couple of copies to Washington, just to let them know what we do down here,” Jake nodded. 

“Might go over and see if I can get their perspective on things too… Think that would be okay? If I can get it?” I looked at him. 

“Get what?” 

“Their side of the story. Maybe if they see that we’re just tryin’ to understand them they’ll ease off and not see it as a threat.” 

“Sure it would... But ya might wanna take Miss Gunslinger TWIST with ya up there for protection…" Jake nodded. 

“Ya must be on opium or something!” Twist exclaimed. 

“I’ve got my own method of protection, Jake... It’s called my man Tom,” I insisted. 

“Okay, let’s get real here. I might get shot for a man, but for Trin I don’t know here…” Twist said. 

“Well if he shoots half as good as Miss Twist ya’ll have no problem,” Jake chuckled. 

“He’s better, trust me,” I chuckled. “No offense, Twist.” 

“Better?” Twist laughed. “Now I want to shoot him.” 

“Don’t you dare,” I looked at her seriously. “Or I’ll remember that as a threat.” 

“Too bad. Sounded like a challenge to me. It’s not a threat Trin, it’s a promise.” 

“Would be fun…” Jake nodded as Orion headed out of the saloon. I met a woman named Selana as she came into the saloon. 

“Let’s get back to business. Where is Tom?” Twist asked. 

“He’s outta town somewhere,” I rolled my eyes. 

“Convenient, I see.” 

“I’d call it self preservation,” I muttered. 

“Gotta love Trin and her dreams,” Twist said. 

“Gotta love Twist and her idle threats,” I winked at her. 

“We shall see how idle they are when we are sitting at a funeral!” 

My mind went back to another funeral, and the joke suddenly lost all humor as I stayed quiet. Twist came over to me and grabbed my gun. I looked at her and said, “Twist, let it go.” 

We talked about the idea of doing an article on Sam Sapid and I had an idea of doing a column in the paper about different business owners in town. We talked about Twist getting a horse for Tommy and how I’d grown up on a ranch back in Canada. 

After a while I heard the saloon doors open and I smiled seeing Tom wasn’t wearing any guns. “Darling! Hello!” I smiled over at him. 

“Hey! How’s you’re day going sweetie?” he smiled widely at me. 

“It just got a whole lot better now that you’re here. Care to join me in a dance, sweetie?” I asked, eyeing Twist cautiously. 

“Absolutely. I could use a drink here soon too.” 

“Sure. Wanna be in your arms first though,” I winked at him. 

“Well, come here away from that stool, and we can start.” 

“Yes sir,” I chuckled and went over to dance with him to the music. “So Twist.. This here’s Tom,” I introduced them as we danced. “We met back in Georgetown but he’s movin’ here with me, right darllin’ Should tell ya about that... I sold that office. Don’t feel like livin’ in two places anymore. I’m fully committed to this place now.” 

“Yeah, soon enough.. Gotta figure out where my things are. paid a driver to ship stuff here. Not yet in the freight office. “ 

“I’m sure they’ll turn up, Sweetie.” 

“They better, or I’ll go after the driver’s hide.” 

Twist headed out of the saloon and I introduced Allegra to Tom. I told Tom about how I knew Allegra since my first case about Dutch and how that case had turned out. After talking with another woman for a while, we headed back home to my apartment across the street and turned in for the night.