June 1, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I woke up in the back room of the sheriff’s office and walked into the front area, checking out all the warrants on the wall. I walked outside and closed the door behind me, making sure it was locked. 

“How’s it goin today, gentlemen?” I smiled at Nhil and Pastor Bryan, who were standing in the street. I could see Skyla off in the distance. 

“It is going great deputy,” Bryan laughed. “How are you?” 

“Glad to hear it," I smiled.

“Ma’am...see you left the pinkies?” Nhil tipped his hat to me.

“Joined the deputies is more accurate. Pinky job is there if I want it still. Figured bein’ a deputy will be more fun,” I winked. “Gives me more to do.” 

“You are a detective ma’am? That is a hard job with long hours.” 

“They need deputies...the pinkies are less...worth anything, unless there is some railroad coming through new lands and give them the corrupt power money can buy,” Nhil nodded slowly. 

“I live for this kind of work. Finding the truth of what really happened, making sure justice is done…” I smiled. 

“Usually the truth is that one ape-man shot another ape-man over somethin’ stupid,” Peta put in and I chuckled. 

“Amen Sister, the Truth will set you free. And put the criminal in jail,” Bryan smiled. 

“And even though true justice will be of the Lord’s, it don’t mean we can’t help him out down here, ya know?" I winked at the pastor. 

“General on site!” Skyla shouted out then. 

“You are correct deputy,” Bryan nodded. 

“What’s that suppose to mean Ma’am? We expected to get into parade formation?” Nhil shouted back to Skyla. 

“We can all be forgiven, but we must still pay for our crimes on this earth,” Bryan said and then looked puzzled. “General?” 

“Just means if somethin goes down here on earth, we gotta take care of it. Kinda like God’s agents,” I winked at Bryan again. 

“Nhil,  ya shush or ima make ya work twice as hard today…” Sky shouted back with a laugh. 

“The payroll?” Bryan raised an eyebrow. 

“General of the US Calvary, Preacher,” Nhil thumbed towards the east. 

“Arm still stings a bit from yesterday but thanks for helpin’ me out after the shooting, Nhil,” I told him as I waved to Richie walking over. 

“Don’t think you can handle me working twice as hard Ma’am, no offense!" Nhil smirked and yelled back at Skyla. He looked back at me and nodded. "My pleasure, ma’am.” 

“Think I will move on friends. Go with God and keep Him in your hearts,” Bryan moved closer to the bank. 

“Ok, let’s get to Goldfield!” Suzy shouted then. 

“You’d be surprised, Mister!” Skyla shouted back to Nhil and I looked at him, shaking my head with amusement. 

I headed over to the hotel and talked with Vic, Peta and Tye. Skyla joined us as the cavalry continued their payroll to the next town.

“How about you after yesterday, did you get a chance to see that Tom?” Vic asked me. 

“No I haven’t seen him around yet... Barely got to talk to Chet last night. Kinda worried about him too. Hoping he’ll be around town today. I’m mighty anxious to see him again. 

We continued to talk and then I looked over at Tye and said, “Tye... I forgot to tell you the news.” 

“What news? You’re getting married to someone you just met yesterday too?” Tye asked and I chuckled. 

“Tom’s alive. Chet was talkin’ to him the other night, only thing is he don’t remember anything.” 

“Wow! That’s great news! Who’s Tom?" Peta asked. 

“Sounds like you mocking her, because she with me...but you go on lying, to sound good for the town folk..we know how important being the big dog in town is to you,” Nhil shrugged at Tye. 

“I’d rather that be brought up anymore Tye I moved on and I am very happy Nhil treats me as a lady, and I am not sure what you are trying to do Tye, but please can you be the friend I know you are?” Vic said. “I am very happy and I love him very much.” 

“Tom was that guy that we thought had died in the fire back in Colorado…” I told Peta. “The man I loved…” 

“Oh yeah, that fella. Valentine’s Day, huh?” 

“Mmhmmm. We started courting when he took me to the Valentine’s dance, years ago, and then I never heard from him again.” 

“That’s in February, right?” Peta asked. 

“Victoria, friends are honest with each other. You’re making a mistake. But I hope I’m wrong for your sake,” Tye told her. 

“I just hope he... remembers something... It’s going to be hard when I see him again if he doesn’t…” I sighed. 

“I’ve got paperwork to do anyhow. So good luck. I won’t be offended if I ain’t invited,” Tye said and walked towards his office. 

“Oh he lost his memory?” Peta asked. 

“I am not making a Mistake Tye and please as a friend please be happy that I was able to move on and continue my life,” Vic said. 

“When you done talking to your friends, I’ll be getting a drink at the saloon,” Nhil smiled at Vic and then smirked at Tye. “You won't be… And if you were doing it as a friend, you would not do it publicly to make her look bad.” 

“Yeah he doesn’t remember anything apparently,” I sighed. 

“But he does talk private things publicly, because he just trying to mock people...his usual thing, did it first day because I said Hi to his wife when she welcomed me to town...man is insecure,” Tye smirked. 

“I won’t go in the saloon Nhil, you go have fun,” Vic moved into his arms.

“Let it go, Nhil," I looked at him. 

“Would… usually ignore them rats...but, when they try to mock Victoria publicly… just gets under my skin and I’ll say something… I’ll put a bullet in that fool too, and gladly take the jail time,” Nhil frowned and puffed his cigarette. 

“I’ll remember you said that,” I looked at him seriously. 

"Please do..I wont run after I shoot him down, I stand over him and press his face in the dirt until the law come for me,” Nhil smirked. 

Tazz came over then and complimented Vic on her dress and Vic got upset about getting mocked for her fashion. I insisted that no one was trying to mock her and that they were just observing that she looked nice. I thanked Vic for helping me out yesterday and she said that she was excited about working in the courtroom with me. Nhil continued to talk down about Tye, and I tried to calm him down but there was no point and he told me not to tell him what to do. 

All of a sudden there was a shout from someone saying they would shoot. Nhil told me to check it out instead of defending a grown man like Tye and I walked down the street towards Tye, who was holding a stack of papers. 

“Tye, you hear that shout?” 

“Nobody in this place knows how to file anything,” Tye muttered at the papers. “What shout?" 

“Someone just called out from a distance, ‘Or I’ll shoot.’ Didn’t recognize the voice.” 

“You hear what direction it came from?” 

“No I didn’t. Was far away I think but we should be alert.” 

“Well, you head that way and see if you see someone. Don’t get outta shoutin’ range,” Tye pointed towards the clock tower and I nodded. 

“Tye!” Skyla shouted and came over. When I called back she called my name and came over to me. “Nhil said shots?” 

“I heard some shouting from the west... Think Tye might be goin out there to investigate. The shout was far away though. Gotta be outside our jurisdiction.” 

Sky sighed loudly and grumbled, shouting, “Damn Tye!” 

“Someone shouted, ‘Or I'll shoot’.” 

“Damn, damn, damn!” Sky kept shouting. 

“You wanna go after him I’ll keep an eye on things here?” I asked her. 

“Damn Tye,” Sky sighed. “I guess I better. Hey Nhil!” SKy shouted to him. “I’ll get Nhil ta help ya, just in case. If he answers me.” When Nhil didn’t answer she said, “If you need help, just shout for him. I'll go check Tye.” 

“Right. Stay safe,” I nodded. 

“Yeah?” Nhil called back and walked over.

“Nhil, I need your help around here. Sky is goin after Tye and we gotta keep post around here. She didn’t want to leave me all alone. Let’s get something cleared up,” I looked at him. “I don’t want there to be bad blood between us, but Tye’s my partner now so you gotta understand where I’m comin from.” 

“What’s that?” he raised a brow, puffing his cigarette. 

“Now that we work together, I’ve got his back. When Skyla ain’t running after him,” I sighed softly. 

“You can defend him all you want, I’m not going to put you down for it like he does for others...but he a snake in the grass, and that wont change just because you his partner.” 

“Have your own opinions, just don’t want there to be tension between us over it. You helped me out big time yesterday and I appreciate that.” 

“He puts people down for being my friend, he even insults Sky over it...I’m not like him, I got more class and let people be friends whom they want.” 

“Nhil! Trin! Head to Goldfield!” Sky shouted then and I saw Sky and Ansar walk into the clinic as Ansar was helped up on a table. “Get the wounded here! I'm going to telegram a doc!” Sky shouted. 

“Goldfield. Let’s go!” Nhil shouted. “I don’t know where it is, so lead the way.”

“Okay, Sky!” I called back to her and sighed. “That makes two of us. Reckon it’s out west way though." 

Pearce.

Unsure where Goldfield was, I made my way towards Pearce and lost Nhil somewhere along the way. I heard talking in the clinic and found Tye and Gabe in the clinic. Skyla had made it there too and Angeles was working on healing the wounded. 

“What the hell’d you get yourself into now, Tye?” I asked, walking inside. 

“Tye can ya disarm it?” Sky asked him. 

“Me? Hell. I don’t know. I came up on a bad…” Tye replied. 

“What am I missing?” I looked from Tye to Skyla. 

“The bridge is rigged to blow. Three clicks.” 

“I… might… but…” Tye flinched as he was worked on by Angeles and looked over at Gabe, his face paling. 

“Other injured?" Angeles asked. 

“What can I do?” I asked the sheriff for orders. 

“I got an idea,” Skyla said then. “Trin. Back in town, Sommer is there. Tye, you got these two? And she’s at the doc’s with Nhil. I”ll go handle the charges.” 

“For now, but they’re cavalry prisoners,” Tye shrugged about Gabe and Rikki. 

“Oh... You want me to get her to come here?” I asked as Ali walked into the clinic worriedly. 

“Indeed, Tye,” Sky nodded to him. 

“Sky! You get blowed to hell, I ain’t going to clean up your mess!” Wedge called. 

“You will too Wedge!” Sky shouted back to him. 

“Pinky, just keep an eye on Rikki as she recovers. She’s cuffed to the table,” Tye kept pressure on Gabe’s wound and looked over at me. 

“Too gruesome!” Wedge shouted back. 

“You know you’re gonna have to come up with a new nickname,” I winked at Tye. 

“Rookie,” Tye grunted and I went to stand by Rikki’s bed, chuckling. 

“Miss whatever being your name, are you injured?” Angeles asked me. 

“Nope, I’m good. Just a little wet,” I chuckled. 

“Okay, out with Tye. There is enough lawmen,” she said. 

“I’ve got my orders from Tye to stay by Rikki’s bed,” I told her and held my post. 

“Tye, please. I am lawman too,” Angeles started to work on Gabe’s wound. 

“We’re still getting it figured out, Angeles, Trin is a deputy, she needs to watch Rikki for now,” Tye nodded. “You’re a bit busy, Captain…” 

“She can’t be moved. Have enough morphine for sleep one horse,” Angeles said. 

“How ya doin Rikki?” I looked down at the woman on the bed. 

“Captain...let the young lady do her job, right now...we Need their help...you tend to the wounded,” Wedge instructed to Angeles. 

“Hi, is that you ma?” Rikki grinned. 

“Looks like you’ll be just fine,” I chuckled as Angeles continued to work on Gabe’s wound, removing the bullet. Tye washed his hands and went over to talk with Wedge. 

“Colonel, there were two others I seen, were they involved? The man in black and Alicia,” Tye told Wedge.

“Ok all charges have been taken care of!” Sky announced then. “They are now in the creek! Apparently one died. Not sure yet.” 

“All were Sir...all wounded are involved,” Wedge said. 

“Haven’t gotten official word,” Sky said. 

“Umm...good work Sheriff...jack of all trades…master…of….none?” Wedge grinned. 

“I try,” Sky laughed. 

“Any idea if Gabe’s wife was wounded? She’s no where to be found, she bolted when she saw we had the others down,” Tye said. 

“Gabe?” Wedge smiled. 

“Ali,” Sky looked at Tye. 

“Was she the one at the tree? Across the creek…spring?” Wedge asked. 

“That’s him,” Tye nodded. “His wife was the one amongst the trees. Thought that’s what ya said, anyhow. I couldn’t see her real well from the distance.” 

“Yeah...I saw her...but I never took aim at her…” Wedge said. 

“Yeh, I don’t know that she ever fired on us, I didn’t hear any.” 

“She never took aim at me when wedge shouted at me. I was more worried about the one I stepped on,” Sky laughed. 

“I was busy dodging the bullets Rikki, miss Star and ...Gabe were throwing at me,” Wedge blinked. “You stepped on one?” 

“Ummm yea. Ansar,” Sky smirked and I chuckled softly hearing Skyla. 

“Oh dang,” Wedge shook his head. 

“I was running so fast, I didn’t see him,” Sky sighed. 

“Can I go home now?” Rikki looked at me. 

“Not yet, Rikki,” I shook my head.

“Rikki told Star to shoot at me......then...I see tha man back there take aim at you...it was a mess,” Wedge explained. 

“Remember Rikki have a trial today…” Angeles smiled over at the woman. 

“You wanna tell me what happened?” I asked, not sure if Rikki was cohesive enough to talk about it. 

“Damn… Alright well I gotta get back to town,” Sky said. said then. “Tye, send Trin and you get back when ya can.” 

“I finish with you Mister, don’t moved,” Angeles ordered and cuffed Gabe’s leg fast to the table. 

“All I heard was Steve telling Rikki to drop her weapons...Rikkis telling him to drop his...next thing you know...blam...hell broke loose,” Wedge said. 

“Tye will help ya Wedge, till ya don’t need him. He’s good,” Sky said. 

“Thank you Sky,” Wedge said. 

“No problem at all,” Sky said. 

“Both finish now,” Angeles said and turned to wash her hands. 

“I’ll stay with the cavalry until all is well. Colonel, where’s payroll?” Tye asked. 

“I was by the tracks,” Rikki coughed. “And I think train ran me over.” I listened to her talk and wondered how true the words were. 

“Tye, get Trin to town!” Sky shouted as she headed out of the clinic. 

“Why I gotta babysit?” Tye shouted back. 

“Erm....we need to ask the Captain back there…” Wedge said then. 

“Is my horse okay?” Rikki asked. 

“Oh yes, the horse is fine,” Angeles said. “Stay close to the sheriff office wait for you Rikki.” 

“I’m stayin’ put till I hear orders from Tye or Skyla to do otherwise,” I looked at Angeles and smiled. 

“Colonel, these are your prisoners, so I’ll help escort them if need be. I got a wagon too,” Tye said. 

“Captain? Is payroll secure?” Wedge asked. 

“Yes,” Angeles nodded. 

“Yes Sir...a wagon we will need. Thank you,” Wedge nodded to Tye. 

“This man stay cuff a the table ready for being arrested,” Angeles informed them. 

“Alright then. Hold Gabe and RIkki here with Deputy Trin. I’ll return shortly,” Tye said. 

“Captain?” Wedge asked. 

“Aye aye, Tye,” I nodded. 

“Pinky, stay with Colonel Zeluco here,” Tye ordered. 

“Yes Colonel?” Angeles asked. 

“Will do,” I nodded. 

“Is payroll secure?” Wedge asked. 

“Yes Colonel,” Angeles nodded. 

“Very good, good works, thank you. And now...we have prisoners.” 

“Yes,” Ang nodded. “And both have my sign... the big A.” 

Rikki tried to sit up and I put a hand on her leg. “Easy, Rikki. You’re not goin’ anywhere yet.” 

“Very good,” Wedge said. 

“I told the lieutenant I back to Fort. The private Kane follow me and later we back here,” Ang said. 

“Captain...go to Tombstone, I saw Sky take a prisoner there...see if she ok..” Wedge said. 

“Yes,” Ang nodded. 

“Thank you.” 

“We can stop in Tombstone for the other prisoner, too,” Wedge said. 

“See you all in fort,” Ang said. 

“Great,” Wedge nodded to her. 

“Stay safe,” I said. 

“Let’s get Gabe and Rikki inside. Then Colonel, if you’re not wounded, take the roof and Pinky the back,” Tye instructed and we did as we were told as Gabe and Rikki were led to the wagon outside. We rode back to town and I kept a lookout from the top of the wagon as we rode back to Tombstone. 

Tombstone. 

We headed back to the office when the prisoners were delivered and I sat down in front of the sheriff office, working on journals from the day. Sky yelled at me for leaving the front door open, though I could have sworn I’d closed it. 

“So what was all that about in Goldfield?” I asked Sky. 

“Nhil, fill this the hell out!” Sky ordered as he walked over to the office. “And I don’t want to hear no ands ifs or buts!” 

“I didn’t see anything. I just carried bodies,” Nhil shook his head.

“Think you just heard a ‘but’, Sky,” I chuckled. 

Sky shoved the paper in his hand anyway and said, “Look at it before ya speak. Nope, I didn’t hear that. I refuse to hear it!” 

Nhil looked down at the paper and grunted, throwing it over his shoulder. “Yeah… be the day. If you want to make me sheriff for a day, I will take that job so I can fire Tye..then you can have it back,” he smirked. 

I glared at him and Sky laughed. “Nhil and Tye don’t get along. Hell, he don’t get along with Kris either!” 

“Well aware of that fact,” I looked at Sky. 

“It’s  a medical condition ma’am..my stomach can’t handle low lives...gets me wanting to heave,” Nhil shrugged. 

“Well ya handle me just fine, so I reckon I ain’t a low life,” Sky smirked. 

“I’d take it as a compliment,” I nodded. 

“The way we talk ta each other me and Nhil ya think there was something more…” Sky shook her head and laughed. 

“I don’t onder if you good or bad ma’am...you give me a job, and a good view,” Nhil leaned against the post, puffing his cig as he looked around. 

“Yea, you in views,” Sky shook her head and laughed. 

“When you on a cattle drive..you got cows and the view...cowboys learn whats worth looking at, and enjoy them,” Nhil shrugged. 

“I still don’t get why we were in Goldfield in the first place,” I said then. 

“Did he just say I’m worth looking at?” Sky blinked and looked from Nhil to me. 

“Sky think she the Arizona sheriff,” Nhil nodded to me and laughed. “She didn’t have any jurisdiction there.” 

“We were asked fer help, Trin,” Sky said. 

“By whom? Tye ran out there ’cause we heard the shouting,” I said. 

“We can only help when asked, Nhil, which we were,” Sky said. 

“Was not, Tye ran off to be bravado hero,” Nhil said. 

“The calvary asked.” 

“Once he got there.” 

Dee walked over and looked at me. “Deputy Trin, just who I was lookin’ for.”

“I didn’t do it,” I looked up at her and smiled and she laughed. “What can I help you with, Dee?” 

“The question is… Will ya?” Dee giggled. “I got a trial at one o’clock.. gonna need as much law around even though I think it will be quiet.. ya up to bein bailiff for us?” 

“Actually I ain’t sure if I’m gonna be around, but any other day I’ll be able to give it a try,” I told her. 

Dee asked Sky if she’d be there and she promised she would be. The trial was for Rikki and Keiki and Sky said she would need to testify for it too because it was about the accused having kidnapped marshal Steve. Sky had gone in and got him out and Dee said that she could still testify if she was bailiff too. Nhil continued to mutter about Kris being crooked and Dee said he’d called Ed in from out of town to judge.After a while I went into the sheriff’s office and rested on the lower bunkbed, feeling the pain in my arm still. 

A couple hours later, I walked over to the courthouse and felt the pain in my arm, but I didn’t have time to get food. I talked with Dancing Cloud outside of the courthouse as I guarded the front door while the court continued. Dancing Cloud complained about the children going into the court and I told her they were allowed to go in. I talked with Jamie and asked her to get me something to eat and some water and she went off to get it for me so I could take a painkiller. I thanked her and bit the muffin before swallowing the pill with the water. 

“Justice is blind in Tombstone!” Punk yelled dramatically and I cringed, hearing him. 

When I saw Tye, I looked over at him and asked, “And?” 

“Guilty,” he said with a deadpanned look. 

“And you don’t look thrilled,” I tilted my head to the side. 

“It’s a trial. Ain’t a party,” Tye shrugged. 

“Hey Sherifff. Was out here guardin the door in case they tried to do somethin during the trial,” I told Sky as she walked out.

I talked with people for a bit after the trial as they filed out and Gabe smirked at the badge I wore. I headed to the office then and went to lay down. 

*** 

This evening, I watched a woman checking her guns in the street and walked around casually, making sure everything was okay in town. I talked with the crowd in front of the hotel and met a woman named Doll. We talked for a while and then I continued on my rounds. I talked with Red Hawk, the jailer, and we talked bout my becoming a deputy. 

As I lay in the bed, I heard a knock and went to the door. “Who is it?” 

“It’s Chet! Open up, he’s alive!” 

I opened the door and looked at him, “So it’s true?” 

“Tom’s alive! Alive! I saw him!” Chet told me. 

“Pet said something about you talking to him but I... I haven’t seen him around so I wasn’t sure… And then I saw you at the clinic and…” 

“But he has no memory was robbed n left fer dead clothes stolen n I was been trying to tell ya.” 

“Did he remember you?” I sighed. 

“No. I even slapped him around n has no medical knowledge.” 

“I just... I can’t believe he’s….” I sighed. 

“But Miss Trin… Ya would have his medical papers he said.” 

“He said that? He remembers my name?” 

“Yes. That no reason he would carry them. No he don’t remember nothing. Thinks his name John.” 

“Oh Chet…” I reached out to hold his arm. “What are we gonna do?” 

“Gonna find him n I gonna beat him around the head till he remembers.” 

“Chet... We’ve gotta ease him into this.. Maybe if he sees me he’ll…” 

“If that works or not… I got a idea but risky but will do it.” 

“Tell me.” 

“Well I think a shock would bring him out so ya gonna shoot me n he gonna fix me.” 

“Chet… No. I would never shoot you. Not even for that. Maybe if he sees me get shot... Heck it happens enough apparently,” I reached to rub my shoulder. 

“Well that not gonna happen either. I guess we shoot a stranger,” Chet said. 

“Or there is one other option…” 

“What’s that, Miss Trin?” 

“I take him back here... Make him feel comfortable around me again... Kiss him, touch him... Maybe he’ll remember the sensation.. the feelings…” 

“Well either way if not, this John guy gonna be happy man.” 

“You never know, Chet... It could work… The heart doesn’t forget that kind of thing.” 

“That’s true. Long as find him I put him up in hotel but he not there no more.”

“We have to look harder for him then,” I sighed. 

“Yeah before Apaches find find him or worse....a dove.” 

“Chet, bite your tongue,” I swallowed hard. 

“I was kidding, Miss Trin. He has no money.” 

“This ain’t funny. The man I love was thought to be dead and now he’s... still alive. And he don’t even remember…” I started to get emotional and looked at him. 

“I know, but don’t get all girly now. Gotta be strong. This happy news, Trin. He alive, just not fully sane,” he said and I held him tightly, leaning my head on his shoulder. “Now it be good in time. He will remember n then ya two can get married n ya can birth few babies.” 

“Woah... let’s not get ahead of ourselves…” I leaned back. 

“Now now we all know where it gonna end,” Chet said. 

“If he’ll even remember me,” I chuckled and punched him playfully. 

“So think bout it on bright side ya woman folk always wanna change yer man once married ya can turn him into what ya want n he be to dumb to know,” he laughed. 

“I think I should get some sleep,” I glared at him. 

“Ok n Trin, I happy he alive too. Don’tcha worry, I won’t tell him of anything.” 

“I’ll try to keep optimistic. Just... find me as soon as you find him again.” 

“I’ll do my best.”

“How you feelin from yesterday, Chet?” 

“Oh I feel good as just a shot in head not my vitals.” 

“My shoulder’s been causin lots of pain and these meds she gave only work for so long…” 

“Ah sorry hear about that ya need take it easy maybe quit law n start teaching kids.” 

“Not a chance. I finally feel like I’m doin something productive,” I chuckled. 

“I know n I proud of ya.” 

“Just a flesh wound,” I winked at him. 

“I thinking I might have to reel Punk in before…” 

“I don’t understand that one... There was a trial today for Keiki and Rikki. Both charged guilty... then paid bail. But then Punk calls out ‘justice is blind in tombstone’.” 

“Trin, I gotta tell ya something,” he said and lit a match, setting a small piece of paper on fire and putting it out. “Smell my arm.” 

“Tell me.” 

“I could smell smoke on him yesterday the kind get being close to fire n he wasn’t. But no be arresting him or tell him or anyone all entitled one mistake n ill be talking with him.” 

“Well I can’t do anything without more than one person saying it. Chet, I really should get some rest.” 

“Okay Trin. I should go see where can catch a bullet tonight,ya have a good sleep miss Trin.” 

“Stay safe,” I hugged him tightly. 

“Ya too, Deputy,” he said with a smile and he headed out. 

May 31, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked into town and heard the wagon dropping nearby. I turned and asked Frank if he was okay and he insisted that he was fine thanks to his Cure All bottle. I wandered down to the hotel and talked with the people there, wondering if Frank was even a real doctor. I asked if anything had happened last night and she said Cole and TJ were causing problems and I commented on TJ being around more. 

“I really wish those two would stop harassing Nhi. Now I am stuck in the middle of it. I fear and well we all know they’d shoot and ask questions later,” Vic said. 

“I’m sorry, Victoria. I wish that too,” I put a hand on her shoulder. 

“I think my Nhil is being accused for doing what is rights and if the law around here don’t change and normal citizens have to defend themselves,” she sighed. 

“I know, hon. I’m looking into that too, trust me.” 

“Not much I can do smiles at both women, thank you very much” 

“Of course. I have my own frustrations with how things have been goin’ around here. Not much I can do unless Tye’s in town and he’s been awful busy lately. We need some more productive law.” 

“I think it’s been on just a handful of people as well. I agree Trin,” Vic nodded. “We have one demented marshal and a sheriff well there are kids around, I wont say but I will agree. I believe that they got married if not they are together, he travels a lot opening new hotels.” 

I took a seat in front of the hotel and listened to the group talking. We continued to talk and then I finally asked, “Has there been any more fires lately? Was a string of ’em last weekend…” 

“Tye mentioned somethin’ about someone settin’ the hotel on fire,” Peta said. 

“How recently?” I looked over. 

“I could hear his teeth gnashin’ from miles away.” 

“Any idea who did it?” 

“As if we’d tell,” Glicea laughed. 

“Naw, I don’t know,” Peta said. 

Voo walked into the hotel and Peta yelled at him, but Voo complained that the food was stale anyway. We continued to talk and Glicia looked over at me. “Say, you law?” 

“Why you askin’?” 

"Well, fer starters yer wearin a badge,” she laughed. 

“Naw, she’s Pinkterton. But she ain’t as mind-numbingly stupid as others who’ve held that job,” Peta said. 

“That don’t answer my question,” I smiled. “Aw thanks, Peta. That’s sweet,” I said and Peta saluted, making me chuckle. 

“Ok.. just makin conversation, but if’n ya feel the need to be difficult, I reckon I can find out the old fashioned way instead,” Glicea shrugged. 

“Just wish there were more law ’round to actually do things once I do solve crimes, ya know? Sorry miss, just wonderin’ why you were curious,” I said. 

“I want to propose Nhil," I heard Vic telling Pet as she served her breakfast.

“Didn’t realize curiosity was a crime round here,” Gli shrugged, “But like I said. Don’t worry. I can find out the old fashioned way.” 

“It ain’t,” I shook my head. “Just usually people ask that question for a reason. Hi, Detective Paige. Nice to meet you,” I said, holding out my hand for her. 

“You’ll forgive me if I don't shake.” 

“Your choice,” I shrugged. 

“So yer a detective.. you find people do ya?" 

“Try to," I nodded. 

“Damn yer a jumpy one woman!” 

“Trin, ya mentioned a fella named Tom?” Pet asked then. 

“Yeah…” I said sadly. 

“Tom who?” Gli asked. 

“Maybe we should talk somewhere, Pet?” 

“There was a guy here last night fits his description,” Pet said. 

“Let’s talk inside?” I blinked, my voice shaking in shock. 

“Okay,” she nodded slowly and we walked down the street. 

“What... What are you saying, Pet? Tom’s alive?” 

“From your description and well, from the way speaking to him, trying to make him remember his own name and stuff… Yep that’s him. So he’s alive and IN TOMBSTONE!” 

“Here?!” I stared at her with wide eyes as Pet nodded a lot. “But Chet… What…” I shook my head. 

“I don’t know ‘cause I walked in on the conversation… but yeah.. Chet was trying to make him remember his own name and even showed him a paper with his picture in it.” 

“Pet... do you know what this means?!" 

“Uh… what does it mean?” Pet scratched her head. 

“The man I loved... who I thought was dead... he’s alive! I’ve been given a second chance! Chet’s been a good friend but I didn’t really see it going very serious with him... he was always just there to comfort me because our best friend was gone…" 

“Thank God, good news!! Now ya just gotta find him and help him remember.” 

“I’ve been so against the male species because of what’s been happening lately but Tom... He always got it... He was the one man who…” I started to get emotional. “He doesn’t remember... anything?” 

“Well, he don’t remember his own name. so ya’ll gotta meet all over again,” Pet said. “He might remember you, might not.” 

“We courted for two months... Started at the Valentine’s Day dance…” 

“Now that is sweet…” 

“Surely he’ll remember..... Something.” 

“Hopefully! I’ll get ta praying about that. So your long lost love is in town, just ain’t got not memory of ya or himself... hmmm this is gonna be interesting. a-yap, I’ll get to prayin on that right away,” Pet insisted. 

I watched as Pet had to go out and I went back to the hotel, calling for Victoria. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost are you ok honey?” Vic asked me. 

“He’s alive! Tom! He’s... alive! And he’s here! In Tombstone!” 

“Are you ok Trin what is it, who who is who is Tom?” Vic asked. 

“He’s... He’s the man I loved back in the town I lived before coming here. Chet came to me and told me he’d died in the fire but... I guess they’d confused his body with someone else’s cos last night….” 

“Last night?!” Vic blinked with a hopeful smile. 

“Pet saw Chet and him talking and... he was trying to convince Tom who he was. But... he doesn’t remember anything. I’m hoping maybe…” I couldn’t help but notice Gli across the street as I talked with Vic. 

“So your Tom is here in Tombstone?” Vic looked around. “Where is he, I want to meet him! Oh, how can anyone forget you? I am sure love will help him! Oh this is a happy day!” 

“I don’t know where he is... I haven’t found him and.. I really want to see him and talk to him and... Oh Victoria! It’s just the best news I could’ve gotten!” I hugged Vic tight. 

“You needed this Trin, I think we both did! OH this is exciting!” she hugged me close. “I’ll help you best I can to make him remember.” 

“Thank you so much, Victoria. It’s good to have a friend like you," I smiled. 

“Maybe a double wedding!” she laughed and I saw the door of the sheriff’s office was now barricaded as Gli walked back to sit at the hotel.”Oh I can’t wait to meet him! He’s got to be very handsome. You and I have same taste in men.” 

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves now,” I chuckled. 

“I actually have to get Nhil to ask me proper. Telling me he wants me to be the mother of his babies is not a proposal for a respectable lady,” Vic said. “He is just going to have to get on his knees and ask.” 

“Yeah... That’ll be a bit hard if Tom doesn’t remember who I am,” I nodded to her. “Maybe in time though…” 

“That’s how he proposed?” Gli laughed. “Wait, I’m behind here. You got a man and he don’t know you??” 

“Yes it is,” Vic laughed. “That is Nhil. Oh and Trin, I’d help you anyway I can.” 

“The man I loved back in the town I lived before coming here... I had received word that he’d been killed in a fire but... I just got news that he’s alive and here somewhere in Tombstone! Thing is he don’t remember anything.” 

“So he survived the fire, but suffered anmesia. Damn, that’s a rough blow,” Gli smiled. 

Ansar came over and I asked him if there was anything he needed help with, but he said there wasn’t anything he could think of. “Heard there was another fire at the hotel recently, Ansar. Seems like that’s the thing to do around here these days.” 

“Lots of firebugs in this town,” Gli looked at me. 

“Oh, it's been terrible,” Vic nodded. “Can I propose something Sir?” she looked at Ansar. 

“What is that?” Ansar asked. 

“Marriage,” Gli joked. 

“I’d like to propose that Nhil be a Marshal,” Vic cleared her throat. “He would be fine one and a great addition to the law of this town , one that will actually do something. A man such as yourself Sir.” 

"Nhil be a marshal?” Ansar laughed. 

“He seems to be around everytime there is a mess and he does what he can. Why do you laugh? Please say you haven fallen for Cole's lies too.” 

“Cole’s lies? No I laugh as I think its funny. Takes a lot more then just getting yourself into trouble to be a marshal,” Ansar said. 

“He is trust worthy Sir, I sit back and watch what is going on. He is a good man. He doesn’t get himself in trouble. But trouble finds him. He does what he can int he situations he finds himself in.” 

“Took me over a year to get a Deputy Marshal badge and I was already in law when I got the job,” Ansar told her. “It not just handed out.” 

“He does a lot more then Kris. But has no badge to show for it.” 

“Anyone not in a coma does more than Kris,” Gli put in. 

“He more then welcome to apply for law though,” Ansar said. 

“I know but he does a better job then the Marshal Kris surly exceptions can be made,” Vic told him. 

“If he show some interest in being law then that changes a few things,” Ansar said. 

“I for one after almost being shot due to Kris lack of action feel safer with you and Nhil around,” Vic said. 

“And Kris is a Town Marshal. Not the same as a Us Marshal.” 

“Well I don’t know these things all I know is Kris is a joke to whatever he is. He gives the law a bad name and people laugh. So outlaws like Cole thing they can come here waving their guns at women and children.” 

“As much as I agree with Victoria, after looking back and the things that have been happening round here, it seems Kris is the only law around when stuff happens in town,” Ali commented. 

“Because they know that it will be dealt with after the fact not before,” Vic said. 

“Well if Nhil want to be law he can full out an application. Then start at the bottom like I did. You just cant start at the top. Not how it works.” 

“How can you deal with something before it happens?” Gli asked Vic. 

“That is sad really, why I think we need more someone who is not afraid,” Vic said. “Well when a man is threatening and waving a gun the law can step in before something happens.” 

“I saw the sheriff walk away from a shooting last night that happened right next to her without even questioning what happened. It’s not only kris,” Ali said and I raised an eyebrow at that, looking at Ansar. 

“And like she said how can you deal with something before it happens? Unless you know it’s going to happen. you can’t,” Ansar said. 

“That's just Tombstone law,” Gli shrugged. “I was in an eight man shootout one time, only three people were arrested while four others actually talked to kris, who was involved in the shootout…” 

“Ansar, when someone has their guns drawn and threatening to shoot where kids are present…” Ali said. 

“I know, Alicia. I think the sheriff is more interested in…” Vic coughed. “I should not say.” 

“Standing there not saying a word is just well…unacceptable,” Ali said. 

“Ask Fred White,” Gli chuckled. 

“Who’s Fred White?” I looked at her. 

“Well, the law does what it can. We are only human,” Ansar said. 

“I won’t speak ill, but we need a sheriff that does their job,” Vic said. 

“Fred White as a law man here bout thirty years ago. A cowboy was in the streets drunk and shootin guns. Fred come out to peacefully disarm him, and as shot dead in the street.” 

“Wow…” I shook my head and waved to Richie as he walked over. 

“It makes it easier for Cole and men like him to come here and do what they do,” Vic said. 

“Well law does what they can,” Ansar said again. 

“I’m sure they try, Ansar,” Ali nodded. “I wouldn’t make such a fuss about the situation, but when it comes to children it’s different.” 

“I don’t see them doing what they can Ansar,” Vic said. 

“Some with more effort than others, but try.. yes, yes indeed,” Richie nodded. 

“There is a lot going on then what people just see. Trust me on that,” Ansar insisted. 

“Ya know Victoria, I think yer missing the point,” Gli said. “Ansar ain’t saying he can’t be a marshal, he just can’t start as a marshal. It needs to be earned. He needs to start as local law, which to me seems to be what ya’ll are complainin’ about anyway.” 

“Exactly,” Ansar nodded. 

“There’s a lot of ‘he said, she said’ lies,” Vic complained. 

“All he has to do is apply,” Ansar told her. 

“But its up to the law to get to the bottom of it and see true justice done, not protect just because the law is friends with some for those that would hurt innocent children and women or unarmed men,” Vic said. “I’ll make sure that he does, this town could use a good man such s him” 

“Here is the question. Were any kids shot?” Ansar asked. 

“That’s why we call it the wild west, not the tame west,” Gli looked at Vic. 

“That’s not the point,” Ali shook her head. 

“Jamie was hurt, wasn’t she?” I finally put in. 

“She fell off the roof.” 

“Because she was scared.” 

“Scared and shot two different things,” Gli said. 

“What was she doing on a roof?” Ansar asked. 

“Had he missed those bullets could of ricochetted and hit one of the children,” Ali said. 

“No but they could have been. I could have been and yes she was hurt,” Vic said. “Nhil saved her then took care of Cole cause Kris did not. She was speaking to Mr. Punk showing him new shoes she got. He too had not gun drawn.” 

“Hey Victoria, why don’t you pick up a gun and become law and fix these issues you have?” Gli suggested. 

“The question should be, is why was Cole pointing up to where children were present? Not why were they up there,” Ali said. “Why did the marshal allow him to do this?” 

“Well I have taken care of it already. Don’t you think that I wouldn’t already be on top of something like that?” Ansar asked. 

“And Kris still did nothing, even after fire was shot,” Vic said. 

“I mean if yer gunna complain about it, might as well join up and fix it right?” Gli asked. 

“From what was told Kris asked for Cole to put his weapons away,” Ansar said. 

“He did, and told him he was under arrest,” Ali nodded. 

“After Punk was shot,” Vic said. “AFTER Jamie fell.” 

“But Victoria, lemme ask you this. Suppose Nhil was a marshal and was there when this occurred and drew his gun to disarm the armed bad guy. Isn’t he just likely to ricochet bullet as an outlaw is?” Gli asked. 

Pastor Bryan Sarjeant walked over then and Richie asked him how he was doing after he got shot. As the others continued to argue about the incident on the roof, the pastor assured us that it was an accident. I introduced myself and he introduced his daughters to me. I was grateful for the distraction, as I was tired of listening to them complain about the law. Bryan and I talked about him being the preacher over in Black Diamond and when Vic said that there was issues with Kris, Ansar looked at me and said that Vic wasn’t the first person who has said something, and he assured that he was taking care of it. I continued to focus on Bryan and the girls about playing in church and how things had been difficult lately, but that I was starting to turn a corner. We talked about how the churches needed a piano. 

When Ansar walked off, I walked towards him and stopped him. “Marshal,” I said. 

“Yes?”

“The door there at your office… I saw Gli walk over and do that.” 

“Yes the door.. boarded up as you can see,” Ansar nodded. “Someone from Two Guns, far as I can tell.” 

“It was Gliciea. I watched her do it.” 

“And your telling me this now? Did anyone help them?” he looked around. 

“You seemed preoccupied before. As you notice I was keepin’ quiet so as not to make it worse. Not to mention Glicea was sitting right there.” 

“Anyone beside you see this?” 

“Victoria was there with me. Pet mighta seen it. Maybe Peta.” 

“Hey! Come here!” Ansar yelled over to Glicea and waved her over. 

I put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Look, Marshal. I know we’ve had our disagreements early this week but I trust that you’re doin’ what you can. I’m sorry if I was out of line.” 

“Ya ain’t gotta yell, just ask nicely,” Gli said to Ansar.

“Then come here,” Ansar said.

“Please…” 

“Sure long ya come over here then yeah what you said,”  Ansar said and looked at her as she came over. “Miss Trin here say she seen ya board up the sheriff office.” 

“I’m happy for her,” Gli smiled and leaned against the building as I thought to myself, Great, now I’ve got a target on my back. 

“So you admit you did it?” Ansar asked. 

“Miss Trin is a bit distraught though… So I don’t know how reliable she might be as a witness,” she shrugged. 

“Distraught? My head is perfectly clear, thank you. If anything that news I received made me see everything a lot clearer,” I told her. 

“Ansar, you know I never admit to nothing,” Gli smiled and chuckled. “It was till yer true love came back.” 

“Well being a Pinkerton they are expert witnesses,” Ansar said. 

“Then it seems to me we didn’t really need this talk did we?” Gli asked. 

“My personal life has nothing to do with this. I saw what I saw,” I told her. 

“Really, when I was doin’ this, where was Petaline?” 

“If ya want it that way.. But going have place ya under arrest or you can find a hammer and get to work on fixing the damage,” Ansar said. 

“Tell ya what. I’ll stay here while you bust yer butt fixing the damages then you can arrest me seein as how ya can’t really toss me in a cell till we can enter the jail,” Gli said. 

“Oh,” Ansar laughed. “I am a US Marshal. I don’t just use this office. And there is a nice court cell I can put you in.” 

“Yeah there is that but between the two. I’ll have to think about which cell I like better. I’ll get back to ya,” she laughed. 

“And for the record Peta was standin’ right there,” I said. 

“Funny all these people were around and you were the only one who saw anything.” 

“But your choice. Get the hammer in the court and fix it now or spend ya time locked up in court,” Ansar said. 

“There is a third option we seem to be forgetting,” Gli said. 

“Ansar let me go get Victoria and we’ll collaborate this story right here and now,” I told him. 

“Me throwing you over the head good and hard and tossing you into a cell unwillingly?” Ansar guessed. 

“Oh yeah, let you go get her and get your story straight,” Gli nodded. “Better you stay with me while Ansar talks to her.” 

“Victoria, can you come over here hon?” I called across the street. 

“Okay Ansar, then there’s two options,” Gli laughed. 

“That makes three.. fix or willingly locked up or get beat down then locked up,” Ansar said. 

“There is one more…” Gli looked between us. 

Ansar shrugged and gave her a look as if asking, ‘What more is there?’ I saw the look and backed up slightly.

“Come on now Ansar… We really need to do this this early?” Gli shrugged. 

“You tell me. You’re the one bringing it up.” 

“Well, I said I would stay here with the detective while you interviewed her other witnesses.” 

“I think my offer on fixing it is mighty nice of me.” 

“Oh it was. Ain’t disagreein’ with you. We’re just coverin’ all the basis right now,” Gli laughed. 

“Come on, Vic,” I muttered, as if willing the woman over. 

“Oh no.. Her word is as good as any law. If she says ya did it, then I take her word on that,” Ansar said and I smiled at that. 

“Yeah cause we all know how reliable laws word around here is…” Gli rolled her eyes. 

“Oh good, Victoria... You saw Glicea boardin’ up the law office door, right?” I asked as Vic came over then. 

“I don’t think she did,” Gli shook her head. 

“Let her answer the question,” Ansar ordered. 

“I heard you Trin.. Yes I did, I was standing in the hotel drinking coffee, I seen it,” Vic nodded and I sighed with relief. 

“There ya have it,” Ansar grinned. “Two fine citizens pointing at you.” 

“Ya seen me from inside the hotel?” Gli asked. 

“Thanks hon,” I smiled to Vic. 

“She was sitting near me got up and returned across the street, with a wagon full of boards and such,” Vic nodded. 

“With that big of a door how can they not see you?” Ansar asked. 

“Well last time I was in the Russ, the coffee pot was in the dining room thats how,” Gli said. 

“You can take a cup of coffee anywhere you go.” 

“No if you remember. I made a tray up for Trin and me,” Vic said and I nodded. 

“Right that means ya hadda go to the dining room get the coffee, make the tray and return,” Gli pointed out. 

“It was sitting on the table outside.” 

“You need any more?” I asked Ansar. 

“I was standing there already drinking my coffee,” Vic said, pulling Jamie close as she came over. “ON the sidewalk.” 

“Your guns, please,” Ansar walked over to Gli and held out his hand. 

“Wait, Ansar. I want her to answer,” Gli shook her head. “If the pot was outside on the table, why did she have to go inside to make coffee?” 

“I did that after Ansar came up to give him a fresh cup,” Vic said. “You had already boarded up the door.” 

“FIRE!!!” Voo shouted then from down the street. 

“Ever made a cup of coffee and taken it with you outside? I know I have..” Ansar pointed out. 

“So when I allegedly boarded up the door, was the coffee inside or out?” Gli asked. 

“She already said that,” Ansar put his hand out again. “Your guns.” 

“It was out side, then when Ansar showed up I went in to make a fresh cup, nice try,” Vic said. 

“Cause first you said you were inside, then you said it was outside,” Gli said. 

“You’re caught,” Vic said. 

“She boarded up the hotel?” Jamie asked. 

“Ok, it was outside, but you were in the hotel makin coffee you said, and Ansar wasn’t here at the point. You’re claiming i allegedly boarded up the building,” Gli said. 

“I’m confused,” Jamie said. 

“Don’t play with my words,” Vic insisted. “No Jamie, the sheriff’s office.” 

Ansar gripped his guns and said, “I ain’t playing. Hand them over. There is a kid close by and I wouldn’t want to see them hurt.” 

I’m not playing, I’m going by exactly what you said,” Gli said. 

“We were both outside when it happened,” I said. 

“NO you did that before,” Vic said. 

“Wait Ansar, listen to her story…” Gli stopped him. “She just said she was inside makin coffee, then said the pot was outside..” 

“He did listen to her story. You haven’t even tried to collaborate yours,” I pointed out. 

“I have Trin’s story, and she was outside the whole time from what she says,” Ansar said as Jamie went to stand behind the stone wall, out of the way. 

“So how could she be inside makin coffee with a pot outside?” Gli asked again. 

“Would you stop?” Vic said. “Ansar, I seen her. She boarded up the office as I sat and drank my own cup of coffee.” 

“Yes sir,” I nodded in agreement. “She made the coffee, came outside with the tray. We were talkin’ and both saw what we saw.” 

“Now give up your guns, simple,” Ansar ordered. 

“When you came it was done the office boarded up already,” Vic said. 

“Now Trin is verifying what Victoria saw,” Gli pointed out. “Come on, Ansar. Yer a better lawman than that.” 

“That was when I went inside to make YOU a fresh cup of coffee,” Vic said. 

Ansar, having had enough, took out his guns and aimed them at Gli. “I said hand over your weapons now!” 

Gli narrowed her eyes and gave a hard look at Ansar before reading her hands on her guns. As Josh walked over I put a hand on my gun and told him to get Jamie out of there. Gli shot Ansar quickly and at the same moment, Ansar shot her down as well. Amidst the fray, my arm got grazed by the bullet, but it was the least of my worries. I immediately called for a doctor. I leaned down and took my jacket off, wrapping it around his leg, swearing. Ansar looked up at me and asked if he got Gli and I told him he did. Ali handed me her scarf to help stop the bleeding and we worked on getting Ansar and Gli to the clinic. We waited for the doctor to arrive and then Starling and Jimmi came into the clinic. 

As Starling looked after Ansar, I squeezed my arm to stop the small amount of bleeding and looked over at Vic. “Vic…” 

“You okay? Did you get shot too?” Vic moved over to me. 

I had been so focused on getting the others to the clinic that I hadn’t even concerned about my own wound. “It grazed me... but it was enough to…” 

“I am glad we could find Starling. Where are you hurt Trin?” 

“My arm,” I said. “Just a bit of blood. Not really much but it stings.” 

“I am sure it does, dang woman,” Vic took a cloth as she started cleaning my wound. 

“Guess we saw that comin, huh?” I asked, eyeing Glicea on the other bed. 

“Oh this is only the beginning,” Gli looked at me threateningly. 

“You better then me, but I tend to look for the best in people or try to,” Vic said. 

Starling continued to work on Ansar’s wound and I looked over at Jimmi to make sure he heard the threat as Vic rinsed the cloth and set it on my arm again. Starling went over to take care of Glicea’s wound. 

“Well if this don’t bring back memories for Tom I don’t know what will,” I tried to keep things light. 

“No wonder he forgot you,” Gli muttered. 

“You always seem to go right to danger,” Vic smiled. “Oh, I am sure he didn’t forget her.” 

“It seems to fin me. Hazard of the job I guess,” I smiled at Vic. “You alright, marshal?” 

“Men don’t forget Trin easily,” Vic said. 

“I will be when the pain stops,” Ansar said. 

“We can get her now on more than just vandalism huh?” I asked Ansar. 

“She shoot me what do you think?” he nodded and I winked at him. 

“Well… she did shoot a marshal. What is the punishment, hanging?” Vic asked. 

“You sure you should be standin’ already?” I looked over at Ansar. “My jacket’s over there on his bed. I used it to wrap around his leg,” I looked at Vic as Ansar hopped over towards Glicea and removed her guns. 

“A bit of blood on it I am afraid, but maybe it’s lucky now,” Vic got my jacket and brought it to me. 

“Maybe. It can wash,” I nodded.

“It got the one good Marshals blood on it,” Vic said. 

“Fine pair we’re gonna be, Ansar, hobbling to the jail together,” Gli chuckled. 

“Oh sure are, long as ya get there that all that matters,” Ansar waved me over and I stood, walking over to him. 

“You might want to get Josh too,” I suggested. 

“Ya ready marshal?” Gli looked at Ansar. 

“It’s a small wound but it stings like hell. She just grazed me,” I looked at Starling. 

“Trin could you please sit on the table?” Starling looked at me. 

I nodded and got up on the table as I looked at Ansar. “You’re gonna have to get Josh to help you.” 

Ansar led Glicea to the jail with a nod to me and Starling began to work on my wound, cleaning it and putting a dressing on it to protect it. She got some pain killers and handed me a small bottle. “Please take two three times a day.” 

“Okay.” 

Starling helped me up off the bed and asked Vic if she was in need of treatment. She said she was fine and I headed out of the clinic. I saw Glicea, Jimmi, Pet and Dee outside. 

“You heard the threat?” I looked at Jimmi. 

“Threat?” he asked. 

“Don’t worry detective, if he didn’t, I’ll repeat it,” Gli insisted. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be in jail?” I looked at her. 

“No detective it’s called bail.” 

“What’s this about a threat?” Dee asked. 

“Too damn easy,” I muttered with a sigh. “Sorry Rev,” I looked at Pet. 

“That’s the justice system for ya,” Gli chuckled. 

“No worries Trin,” Pet said. 

“Well miss Gli! When did the wind blow you back into town??” Dee exclaimed. 

“Heya Dee. I just got back into town three days ago,” Gli said. 

“My mind was occupied on sunshine and buttercups, rainbows and kitten tails. What is this about a threat?” Jimmi asked. 

“Go ahead, Gli. Repeat it. Then I won’t be called a liar,” I said. 

“I said this is just the beginning,” Gli looked at me. 

“Everything has a beginning. Genesis Chapter One?” Jimmi asked. 

“Oh dear,” Dee looked between us. 

“This women Glicea here, threatened the detective here,” Vic said. “After shooting the marshal.” 

“It wasn’t a threat,” Gli looked at Vic. “I don’t make threats. I meant every word of it.” 

“Walk with me back to the marshals office?” I looked at Vic. 

“Is there any financial loss from this threat?” Jimmi asked. 

“Yeah Jimmi, it cost me a ton in bail money,” Gli laughed. 

“Well then she made a very dangerous promise,” Vic said. 

“You might want to come with me and check on Ansar,” I told Dee. 

We walked down the street and I got Vic to write a witness statement and knocked on the door with the wrong arm, swearing at the pain. Dee looked around for Ansar and I told her that he was in the office. I asked Ansar if I could come in with Dee and he requested witness statements from me and Vic. We filled them out while Vic asked whether or not Jimmi would be a fair judge. Dee got down on Ansar for getting shot. 

I apologized for getting him shot and he insisted that I didn’t need to worry about it. I looked over at Dee and said, “Dee, fyi I ain’t too happy with Jimmi’s reaction to my threat either but I’m tryin’ to trust he knows what he’s doin too.” 

“Well I got a bit distracted mighta missed his reaction,” Dee said. 

“I was not either Trin, worried for money more so,” Vic agreed. 

“Either way... Gli’s going to come after me again, you can bet on it. But what was I supposed to do? Not tell Ansar about something that I’d seen in plain daylight? With witnesses beside me?” 

“Gotta remember Judge Jimmi gettin up there in years,” Dee said. 

“Pfft get a badge in law. you’ll be safer,” Ansar said. 

I looked down at Ansar’s desk where his leg was and asked, “You sure bout that?” 

“They see that badge and they know you can arrest them.” 

“Here we was just talkin about how it been weeks since ya got shot at,” Dee said. 

“As opposed to the one I’m wearing with which I can’t,” I said. 

“Tend not to mess with ya… as much,” he looked at his leg. 

“I am sure I would be now, even maybe richer if there is money involved,” Vic looked at him. 

“Money? Pfft hahah.. what the mayor pays ya for working. Beside that ya on ya own.” 

“Nah that line of work is not for me. But I will see that Nhil tries to apply he would be very good at it,” Vic said. “Hell even Trin here would be.” 

“Well ‘nother way to help get justice is to go to work for the courts. Ya ever thought about studyin to be an attorney??” Dee asked. 

“I’ve done it before…” I chuckled and said to Dee. 

“We can always uses the help a good citizens in the court room,” Dee said. 

“Oh… no I never thought of it before at all,” Vic shook her head. 

“That’d be a great job for you Vic. You’ve got the heart for it. And Ansar... you got a deputy application for me?” I looked at him. 

“Well, if ya ever want to look into it, I can sure help ya through it,” Dee said. 

“Didn’t think I was smart enough, but sure I’d love to,” Vic said. “Stand up for whats right with out needing a gun. Sounds like me.” 

I stood and gave Ansar my witness statement as Dee told Vic, “I seen ya in the courtroom a few times and be glad to sit and talk with ya about getting some law trainin.” 

“Oh wow!” Vic blinked. 

“Yeah lady who know their law gets men. Look at Dee here. Couldn’t of got a better man with her fancy talkin’,” Ansar pointed at Dee. 

“Thank you Dee. I have a great man and all I had to do was feed him,” Vic said. 

“Well Ansar here is easy in the feedin part.. just gotta make sure he has taters,” Dee grinned. 

“Dee you want this now or in the box?” Ansar asked. 

I sat down and filled out a deputy application and shook my head. “I can’t believe I’m doin this again…” 

“Well save yerself movin and just hand it to me,” Dee said to Ansar and he handed her the papers. 

“Thank ya Trin. Always helps to have witness reports,” Dee took the paper. 

“Ansar... I’ve only been around since May 6. That’s almost a month right?” I asked Ansar as he put his arm around Dee. “My pleasure. Get used to seein my name on reports, hopefully.” 

“Almost. Sometimes we fig it a bit depending the person,” Ansar said. 

“What all do I need to learn and do to be lawyer?” Vic asked. 

“Nothing too fancy. Heck, I am a lawyer,” Ansar said. 

“Well… Let me find a application for ya,” Dee dug in her pocket and gave her the application. 

“I used to be a lawyer,” I smiled. “Undefeated. Course it helped that the defendant lied to his lawyer and the jury all but disappeared. Only one that remained was the defending lawyer’s wife.” 

“If I can do it anyone can,” Ansar said. 

“Oh this is exciting wait till I tell Nhil! He always said I was smart!” Vic exclaimed. 

“Here ya go, this will get ya started, then we can sit and talk one day soon,” Dee walked over, holding Vic a paper. 

“Right now I only got one thing to say. I am hungry…” Ansar declared then. 

“Well getting shot’ll make ya hungry,” Dee stayed by his side. 

“Sure does!” 

“Yer welcome to cook me lunch if it’ll make ya feel better,” Dee giggled. 

“No, your turn to cook, missy!” Ansar said. 

“Now I know yer hurt.. ya wantin me to cook.” 

“Ansar, you want this application?” I asked and set it on the desk. I winced and fell back in the chair at the pain of using the wrong arm. 

We headed over to the hotel where Vic made us some food and then headed back home to rest. 

*** 

A few hours later I walked into town again and Ansar called out to me. “Ahh Miss Trin! I was just looking for you!” 

“Hey there Ansar!” I smiled and walked over to him. 

“Sky.. I like ya to meet ya new deputy,” Ansar said and handed me a badge. 

“Whatcha gonna do with that?” Sky grinned at me as I replaced the Pinkerton badge with a deputy one. “Welcome to the office there, Trin! Ya still gonna do Pinkerton work too?” 

“Well, we’ll see how the deputy stuff works out. It’s pretty much the same job, just with more authority,” I winked at Sky. 

Lil came over then and I blinked with surprise, not having seen her since Amiville. I tried my key on the door and it worked, and I said I couldn’t wait to tell Tye about the new job. Sky handed me a bunch off blank law forms and Ansar headed off to court, promising he’ll go over stuff with me after he was finished there. 

*** 

I walked out of the office a while later and greeted Skyla. She gave me the rundown on how to lock the doors and what to do with arrests. She taught me how to send telegrams. 

“Can I speak to you?” a man asked as he walked over then. 

“Yes Jasper? What is it?” Sky asked. 

“Mitsuki is planning to rob the bank.” 

“I don’t see anyone… where are they?” Sky asked and led the way towards the bank as I followed close. 

“Be careful. He is armed,” Jasper advised and I thanked him for letting us know. 

Sky walked over to the bank and looked around. As she ran to the coral she called for me and said, “Trin we got one in the bank!” 

“Be right over,” I called and ran over to the bank. I stepped to the side of the bank and waited for the man to come out of the front door as Sky was around the back. I held my gun out, just in case. 

“Attention law! I shall give you ONE CHANCE TO LEAVE!” Mitsuki shouted. 

I stayed hidden as I heard Skyla shout, “You shall perish in your fight too good sir...surrender you are trapped!” 

“Open this door and I’ll surrender law. But don’t try nothin funny!” Mitsuki shouted. I wondered what Sky wanted me to do but I held my post, waiting for Sky’s lead.

“You want out, this is your only way!” Sky said from the roof.

“You very smart law! You should of just shot me when I made my escape!” Mitsuki laughed. “You gave away your position and that’s BAD!” 

“You think I’m not bright? Come up here and find out!” Sky laughed. 

“Wait a second! You be the gal that replaced Sarrah as sheriff?” Mitsuki asked. 

“Indeed I am!” Sky laughed. 

“You alright, sheriff?” Richie shouted up to her. 

“I am so far Richie!” Sky shouted down. 

I motioned for Rich to come over to me and whispered to him to stay hidden as Mitsuki shouted, “You aren’t half the fighter Sarrah was! In fact! If she was here, I might have already given myself up! You’re making this too easy!” 

“You’ll learn sir!” Sky shouted. 

“Get the other side,” I whispered to Rich. 

“We shall see won’t we!” Sky shouted. 

“Let’s make a deal!” Mitsuki shouted back. 

“Sorry, fresh out today!” 

“How many you got out there??” 

“My deal button busted! Enough ta keep ya where ya are!” 

“I like those eyes!” Mitsuki shouted and began to shoot at the door. I jumped, hearing the shooting and held my post, in case he came out the front. 

“Get ready crew!” Sky shouted. “He’s on the ground behind back...get him!” 

“Richie, the back door,” I instructed and he ran back to the back. 

“Helloooooo Tombstone!” Kris shouted then. 

“Kris, get over here!” Sky shouted. 

All of a sudden I fell down, shot. I hadn’t even seen the bank robber and swore, getting shot in my already wounded arm. Sky jumped down off the roof and I grabbed my arm in pain. “Nhil….” I said weakly. 

“I GAVE YOU ALL A CHANCE! YOU SHOULD OF LISTENED YOU IDIOTS! YEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAWWWWW!” Mitsuki shouted and I sighed as Nhil stepped over to pick me up, taking me to the clinic. 

“Sheriff down!” Punk shouted. “I did not Shoot the Sheriff, but I might shoot the Marshal!!” 

We went to the clinic as shouts continued around town and I was helped into the clinic. I grabbed my arm in pain, muttering that the bandage was bleeding through. Chet came over then and Punk looked at me and said, “Told ya, Agent Paige. This ain’t the life fer’ a purdy gal.” 

I looked at him and just shook my head as I heard Chet asked, “Ya referring to Trin there, Punk?” 

“Can you watch Trin?” Punk asked. “Chet. Make sure she stays awake.” 

“Trin, I’ve got news…” Chet looked down at me as I lay on the bed, gripping my arm. 

“I know Chet... Not... now…” 

“Who shot ya?” 

“Chet, make sure Trin stays awake. And don’t leave her side,” Punk ordered him and I sighed, wondering what he wanted now. I looked over as Skyla was brought to the clinic and I asked her if she was okay. I sat down on a chair, since there wasn’t a bed available. I called for Chet and then moved to a bed. 

“I had the front... covered... but he went out... the back... I told Richie to…” I told Sky and she nodded. 

“It’s okay. Go sit down,” I said and grabbed her arm as I moved towards the bed. 

“Get Chet... He’s outside…” 

TJ and Kris continued to banter and I told them to give it a rest. “Shut up, Trin, or I’ll kill you too,” TJ threatened me. Pet ordered TJ out of the clinic and I moaned in pain, calling for Chet. The bantering continued between TJ and Kris and I heard that Sky had got herself locked up in the bank and I looked around in confusion. I recognized V as she started to work on my wound. I winced at the contact as she reached for the bullet and got it out of my arm, making the pain worse. Sky walked back into the clinic and I winced as V stitched up my arm and helped me sit up. 

“Trin!” Vic shouted from outside then and I nodded to V as she gave me instructions for how to clean my wound. I stood, still shakily, and walked out of the clinic. 

“Trouble will stop.. once you hand over the Marshal to us!” Punk shouted from down the street. “We want Kristoff Jameson to face his own execution.. or the town will burn before the day ends.” 

“Gotta put out a fire,” Pet said as I looked at her. 

“A fire?!” 

“Or try to. Still burnin. The photo studio.” 

I looked around, feeling lost as I heard the shouting as people ran to put out the fire. I saw Punk and heard him shout again, “You have enough just cause, and the terms have been laid out. Town Marshal Kristoff Jameson, surrender now.. or be responsible for the death of the Town Too Tough to Die!” 

“Pet... I can’t... Get shot again today.. .I’m too weak…” I said weakly.

“You rest yourself Trin... and get a good look at them fellas making trouble. I don’t have my glasses on and cant see worth a lick without em,” Pet said. 

I told Vic and Nhil about the fires and shooting down the street and continued to hear the shouting. Nhil walked off somewhere and Vic looked at me and said, “Oh Trin, we had our first fight.” 

“Oh did you?” I asked tiredly. 

“I took out two of yer buddies Punk...you sure you wanna face me?” Kris shouted down the street. 

“Diego shot the Sheriff!” Punk shouted. “Diego, I’m waitin!” 

“Sounds like they’re taking care of it…” I looked at Kris. 

“The original coyote is the best one...hell I’m the real one!” Kris shouted. 

“Yes it was stupid stupid fight then he goes and gets shot,” Vic muttered. 

“Wanna meet me in Ghenna punk?” asked a voice. “Pick a place and I’ll be there” 

“I gotta help the town rebuild what you destroyed Diego!” Punk shouted. 

“Your two buddies are bleeding!” Kris shouted. 

“I ain’t destroy nothing!!!” the voice shouted. 

I walked outside, looking to seei f it was a clear path to the office. I found Chet and tried to get his attention but he walked back to the clinic, wounded. I sighed and followed him, telling him, “I’m going to the office. Rest up... We’ll talk tomorrow.” 

“Ok Trin, if I still around,” he nodded and I walked into the sheriff’s office, utterly exhausted.