April 23, 1870

Nevada. 

I rode through Nevada, enjoying my morning ride, when I heard Teru howling. “What did that puppy get herself into this time?” I muttered as I looked around. As the howling got closer, I saw the puppy in the sheriff’s office barking out of the barred windows. “Teru?!” I called into the cell and she barked back. I tried to pound the door open but I couldn’t get in. “I’m gonna get help, Teru. You little terror,” I chuckled as the puppy chewed on the bar and whined. 

I ran around to find help but no one was around so I ran back to the puppy and made sure she was still okay. Saiya came over towards us and growled at me. “Hey there Saiya… Looks like your girl got into some trouble and I can’t get her out.” The dog barked more and growled at me. “I know girl... it’s frustrating. Hey don’t look at me, I didn’t get her in there.” 

Saiya started digging under the door and Teru kept barking. “No one’s around to help us get her out either,” I told Saiya, as if she would understand. Saiya kept growling at me and I glared at her. “I tried to find help but no one’s around. The only thing we can do is wait for Adder.” She kept growling and I sighed, “Okay fine, I’m goin to find more help again then. Maybe something’s changed in the last ten minutes.” 

I saw Teru jumping and then took out my rifle. I told the dogs to stand back and took my rifle, smashing the glass in the window so that the glass shattered everywhere. I reached down as Teru hopped up and held the puppy close. “You crazy little thing... What got you in there in the first place I wonder?” The puppy licked me in thanks and I pet her behind the ear. “Let’s get you two home, hmm?” 

Oregon. 

We headed back home and Saiya kept looking at me. “What you giving me that look for? I got her out, didn’t I? We might as well head to Adder and Kilyko’s.” 

Saiya kept growling at me and I looked down at her. “Don’t be mad at me. I saved her.” 

Kilyko came out of the house after a while and I nodded to her in greeting as the dogs interacted with each other. “Morning, Kilyko. Had some fun today.” 

“And I had visitor’s last night...they damn near burnt the pup’s…” she growled and looked at me. “And what your fun?” 

“Well I just broke Teru out of the cell in Nevada.” 

“A cell?!?!” she exclaimed. 

“Don’t ask me how she got herself locked in there... But I broke the glass and she jumped out of the window and we just got home.” When Saiya bit my hand and barked at me, I jumped and glared at her. “Hey!” 

“Easy Saiya,” Kilyko blinked and tossed her some jerky. 

“Geez... I save her puppy and she’s done nothing but growl and snap at me the whole way home,” I rolled my eyes. Snowy came over and I said, “Oh look, a dog that likes me.” 

“Saiya what is wrong girl? Trin helped your baby,” Kilyko told her. She looked over at my hand where Saiya had bit me and asked, “You okay?” When I nodded she said, “Maybe she feel’s protective now…?” 

“What happened last night?” I asked, changing the subject. 

“The black hill bandit’s payed me a visit…” Kilyko showed me her burned up hands. 

“Oh did they? Are you okay? Was Adder here?” 

“No....just me and the pup’s…” 

“Tell me what happened last night…” 

“I was napping I heard a noise......and woke went to go out the door and burnt my hand’s as it was ablaze…” 

I gasped and asked, “Did you see any of them?” 

“No.. I managed to run inside and get some water and put out the flames..they set my chair on fire but I got a new one...and left their flag on the tree….” she said I sighed and shook my head. “I better treat these…” she looked at her hands. 

“Yes, you better,” I nodded. 

She invited me in and I helped her bandage her hands as after she put some herbs on them. I looked over at her then and said, “I heard from Josh last night..” 

“Oh, your brother?” 

“He went back to be with mom at the ranch in Canada. Guess she’s been lonely since dad died and he can protect her there.”

“Sorry to hear, Trin… Thank you, by the way.” 

“No problem. Glad I could help. So was I... Was enjoying having him around. Maybe he’ll be back to visit again sometime but…” 

“I wonder where Sun Stone is….” 

“Was just wondering the same thing. You should relax, Kilyko,” I nodded towards the chair. 

“No I have some payback to get done….” 

“Not in that condition you don’t,” I shook my head. “Wait for Adder.” 

She nodded and lit a cigar as she sat and I took out my flask for a drink of whiskey. I pulled out my notebook and started to write about the fire last night. Kilyko went to lay down and I told her I was going to head to Kingsley to see what I could find out. 

Kingsley. 

I rode through Kingsley and dismounted, seeing that Teru had followed me. “I should have known you wouldn’t be far behind,” I chuckled at the puppy and she looked around curiously. We walked into the saloon but it was empty. We walked down the street and I saw a woman and asked, “I was wondering if you could help me with something…” 

“Where can I help you?” she asked. 

“Hey there, stranger. Long time no see,” I waved to Cole Thornton, recognizing him. 

“Been a while, Trin.” 

“You living out here now?” 

“Howdy Miss,” he said to the other woman and smiled at me. “Been livin’ out here a long time Trin. I’m a Texas Ranger here.” 

“I’m running a Pinkerton agency out of Oregon,” I told him proudly. 

“That’s my ranch behind me,” he pointed. 

“Was wondering if you could help me with some information?” I asked him. 

“Well maybe… What you need?” 

“Excuse me, I must be indicated in the store,” the woman said and wandered off. 

“Maybe we should talk inside somewhere," I smiled and waved to the lady. 

“Come on down to the jail,” he indicated and I saw Sayia had joined us. 

“So long as you don’t arrest me,” I winked at him and followed him to the office. 

We took a seat at the desk and I asked if the dogs could come and he asked,”Who owns them?” 

“Nice place you have here, Cole. I almost moved here you know,” I said, ignoring his question and told Teru to behave as she sniffed around. 

“Moved here. Well we keep busy. You avoiding my question but let’s get down to business,” he said. 

“The puppy’s mine,” I shrugged, though it wasn’t completely true. “Thing is... I’m looking for information about the Black Bandits.” 

“Well what ya wanna know?” 

“They robbed me the other day and I’d like to know who they are so I can avoid it happening again.” 

“Let’s see here… Billy and Sky Talon, TJ and Twist Toocool, Worm, Texas Gyspe, Johnny Hakuna. Worm old lady Brooke. I arrested Tj the other day in Colorado East.” 

Saiya growled at me and I glared at her in a ‘don’t mess with me’ look as I turned back to Cole. “Oh did you?” 

“Yep was a reward out for him and I collected.” 

“Well done,” I smiled. “You mentioned six names there. Are there more?” 

“They have a place in Colorado East and also a big ranch in north Platte, Nebraska. Adder Had been seen ridin with them a few times. It will be fun to shoot him again.” 

I stayed straight-faced at the mention of Adder. “Where’s the place in Nebraska?” 

“Just outside of town.” 

“I saw this fort though just outside of Nebraska... On the way to Kansas area. Wasn’t sure whose it was.” 

“That’s a trading post. Can’t think of the fellow’s name.” 

“Okay,” I nodded. “They robbed me for one hundred coins yesterday over in Idaho West. I just gave ’em the money cos it was easier. Was a guy and a girl.” 

“And yes, I believe there are a few more but I’m not sure their names. Prolly was Billy and Sky Talon. Billy and his brother-in-law Johnny Hakuna is in Nebraska now. I just came from there.” 

“They were masked and I asked who they were and they handed me their flag. If it happens again I ain’t gonna be as nice.” 

“I ain’t never nice. They all wear that black leather outfit hard to miss them.” 

“Any advice for how to deal with ’em?”

“Yeah, shoot em.” 

“Should be so simple," I chuckled. “I hear they’re good shots.” 

“Eh, they are okay. Some better than others.” 

“Heard Harley was in a gang too now... not the same one though?” 

“Harley Buu? Is a part of the Red Jacket gang up in Wyoming.” 

“Ah okay,” I nodded, knowing that coincided with information I had already. “Along with Sniper carter and a few others. They in cahoots with the Cherokee there. Standing Bear.” 

“I avoid the area,” I shrugged and then saw the dogs pawing at the door. I let them out and went to sit back down after Saiya growled at me again. “They’re curious, those two,” I said about the dogs. “The mom seems to hate me for some reason, though the pup was in a cell in Nebraska this morning and I got her out. Don’t ask me how she got in there.” 

“Who knows,” he said. 

“Would love to know what that’s all about too. I left Colorado.” 

“I assumed so.” 

“After that damned mistrial my reputation was ruined.” 

“You were in with that crook of a sheriff, Adder.” 

“He’s not a crook. He told the truth, like I do.” 

“He a worthless coward that thinks he’s better than he is.” 

“I’d really rather not talk about that part of everything.” 

“Works for me.” 

“I’d just really like to get these bandits off my back.” 

“You remember my wife Rani,” he said then as a woman walked into the office. “She is judge in Kingsley.” 

“Howdy,” she greeted me. 

“Good to see you again Rani, and congratulations,” I smiled. 

“Rani, you remember Trin. Was newspaper lady in Colorado East,” Cole told his wife. 

“Pinkerton agent now,” I pointed to my badge. 

“Of course love.. how are you Trin?” Rani smiled at me. 

“Got a bit of a problem I’m trying to solve. Got robbed yesterday.” 

“Pinkerton, yeah… We ain’t got no railroad down here.” 

Teru found her way back into the office and I chuckled, scooping the puppy up onto my lap and petting her. “I’d rather like to be able to wander free from place to place without having to pay a toll every time, ya know?” I told them. 

“That’s about all I know about the outlaw crews,” Cole said. 

“It’s much appreciated, Cole, really. Thank you for giving me the time.” 

“Well next time shoot them,” he said as Teru put her paw against my chest and nipped at my shirt. I chuckled and pet the puppy behind her ears as Cole said, “And maybe recruit a few more Pinkertons.” 

“Probably not a bad idea. Get some backup.” 

“And next time, don’t lie to me about whose dogs they are. Every time I mentioned Adder’s name they perked up.” 

“I didn’t lie, just didn’t feel like talking about him. And he said I could have Teru,” I looked at him. Teru looked at the man and tried to lunge at him from my arms, growling. I held Teru back and said, “Easy girl. I guess we should head home.” 

‘Well I ain’t gonna talk about him, just as long as he knows he has a shoot on sight order on him in Texas,” Cole nodded. 

“I’ll let him know,” I nodded. 

“Come back anytime, Trin,” he smiled. 

“Thanks again,” I shook his hand. 

“What fun would that be if he knows?” Rani chuckled. 

I said goodbye to them and Cole reminded me that I could find the Bandits in Nebraska and I should take a few with me. I put the puppy down and Cole told me that TJ and Twist had the saloon in Colorado, but I told him that Bo took the saloon over before we headed home. 

Oregon. 

I called out for Adder and Kilyko and Adder came over to let me in. I noticed him moving slowly and asked, “You okay bro?” 

“Aye, just worn out. I went out to Nebraska to burn down the Black Hill Bandits’ barn. They interrupted me, so I pulled out my back up plan.” 

“What do you mean ‘they interrupted me’?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“A stick of dynamite,” he chuckled. “Didn’t scare em enough, so I lit it and ran. They opened fire, I put one down and made the other run off.” 

“Which ones?” I asked curiously, knowing more names now than before. 

“Interrupted me, cos I didn’t burn the barn. Don’t know,” he shrugged. “They were masked.” 

Teru whimpered up at Adder and he poured some whiskey into his hand and the dog lapped it up. “This what you want?” Adder asked and Teru lapped up the whiskey. 

“What, I save you from jail and you don’t even greet me?" I looked at Teru and then back at Adder. “I know more names. I went down to Kingsley with Teru this morning.” 

“Oh?” Adder raised an eyebrow. 

“Oh and don’t forget to tell him about the dog in the cell..” Kilyko shrugged. 

“Talked to your old friend... Got some information out of him though. Oh right too. Rescued your dog from jail,” I told him. 

“My old friend?” Adder asked. “Aye, I heard she was jailed, who by and where?” 

“Remember Cole Thornton? Don’t know who by... Over in Nevada though. I broke the window open with my gun.” 

“Aye I remember that prick. Heard he’s law down in that shithole,” he laughed. 

“Anyway, he gave me some names.... TJ and Twist, who we already knew, Bily and Sky Talon... Johnny Hakuna.... Remember him?” 

“Oh aye, I remember,” he grinned. 

“Cole figures it was Bily and Sky who robbed me yesterday.” 

“Aren’t those town folks?” Kilyko raised an eyebrow, confused. 

“Aye. But TJ has always been trouble, Johnny has always been dumb and easily led,” Adder nodded. 

“Even when TJ was judge I didn’t think he’s stay on that side of the law long,” I nodded as Teru sniffed over at me, pawing at my boot. I smiled and reached down to pet Teru behind her ear. “What do you want, girl? Oh he said he arrested TJ the other day over in Colorado… Was a reward out for him I guess. He also confirmed that the Bandits have a place in Colorado as well as the big ranch in Nebraska that you torched. I’d love to know where they are in Colorado.” 

“Aye, that would be Twist’s house. I saw a few shady characters go in when I lived opposite,” he nodded. 

“Yeah then he said he’d seen you hanging around them…” 

“I’d love to know where that rumour came from,” he shrugged. 

“He said that Johnny is Billy Talon’s brother in law.Oh before I forget... I asked him about Harley Buu too and apparently he does have that gang over in Wyoming. AND… They’re in cahoots with the Cherokee... Go figure ’cause when I lived there they’d have nothing to do with outlaws of any kind.” 

“We had a strange visitor…..” Kilyko told me. 

“Did you?” I looked at her. “Since this morning?” 

“A native woman on a horse...that is from the Cheyenne….” 

“Oh?” 

“I did not understand a word that was said...she was not from a tribe I recognize the woman but the horse was from Cheyenne…” 

“Very interesting…” 

“That is what I thought. So the Cherokee deal with the bandits now… Now we know why the Apache lie,” she laughed. 

“So do the Cherokee. I couldn’t believe when he said they were in cahoots with them.” I laughed when Teru woofed and jumped up onto my lap, looking at me hopefully. “Oh, hi. Can I help you with something?” 

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Adder shrugged. 

I giggled and kissed the top of Teru’s head and asked, “You don’t wanna get drunk on this stuff do you?” I poured some whiskey in my hand and held it out for the puppy. “That better, Teru?” The puppy barked and then smelled something, hopping off and running for the door, growling. I stood and sighed, going over to look out the window. “There’s nothing out there, girl.” 

Adder sighed as we watched the dog wander off outside, and we got set to follow her out. 

Nevada. 

We followed Teru to Nevada and found a man and Teru tried to attack him but Adder told her to calm down. Another man commented about how they could use a guard dog and Adder told them they should find a dog then. We talked about how we’d been in the area a lot before. The marshal, Tulkas, said that they’d had a few problems with the bandits and they were somewhat suspicious about us. I told them they didn’t need to worry and pointed to my badge. 

“Were it stolen miss?” he asked me. 

“No Sir. I’ve been a Pinkerton for a few months now,” I said. 

“There’s a difference between keeping an eye on strangers, and interrogating a man in the street. One is wise, the other can lead to a whole heap of hell,” Adder warned the man. 

“You ever need anyone to help you solve a crime, let me know,” I told him. 

“The last time I see a Pinkerton is dead in a river,” he laughed. “No sure returns again.” 

“Don’t mean the job can’t travel, Sir. We can work anywhere,” I told him. 

“Well is good to know.” 

“Just can’t make arrests but we can lend our intelligence.” 

“Sure. When all is dead, come help? With intelligence? Is bad choice, miss. Pinkertons all cowards. All people know this.” 

“Excuse me?” I blinked at him. “You think I just wear this gun for decoration?” 

“Well, good. Do not know. I’m talking a few times. The office is in Colorado? Agents are so cowards at war.” 

“Sunshine, you’ve got a mighty big mouth. Might want to learn how to close it,” Adder grinned slightly. 

“I don’t like people who make generalizations. I’ll see you back at home,” I looked at Adder. 

Adder nodded to me, still watching the marshal. 

“Lack of care, miss,” Tulkas said. I rolled my eyes, thinking he has no idea how much I cared, and walked away.