Colorado.
This morning I greeted Chels and we went into the courtroom. “Okay... I should start by saying... I got Adder to throw out the Native column in the paper. I’m not going to them for information anymore and I’m only including their quotes if they come up to me specifically, which is unlikely to happen anyway.”
“May I ask why?” she raised an eyebrow.
“Sure can. I’m an open book. Let’s just say that when I tried to talk to Chief Standing Bear his man pulled a knife out to scare me, and when I tried to talk to Sasha in the Cheyenne village... She said that Hawk didn’t want me in the village and I could tell she didn’t really want to talk to me either.”
“Hmmm wonder what happened…”
“When the one person I thought I trusted most tells me I’m not welcome in his village ,even though I’d thought there would be reconciliation, and when that same person tries to kill one of my best friends around here… I began to wonder what the point was, Chels. Why have I been trying so hard when obviously they don’t want me around and they probably never did. Not to mention the fact that if I kept that article in the paper, Adder would have arrested me for treason. And I’m not gonna give up my life for people that couldn’t care less about me.”
“What about the ones on the hill?”
“Things might be good with the Apache and me now, Chels, but they’re just like the others I’m sure. Things were good at one point with both the other tribes too. The same thing will likely happen with the Apache and I’m going to try and avoid it this time.”
“I do understand...after the going ons here Sunday…” she nodded.
“That too. I tried to talk to Sasha Monday, that’s when it seemed like there was no point in proceeding with any of them,” I sighed. “It is what it is, I just wanted you to know because I know it was a point of dissension and distrust between us. Chels I was wondering… I’ve got a bunch of stories going on that I have very little information on. Was wondering if you could fill in some gaps for the paper?”
“It’s a bit stuffy in here..how about if we go for a walk ..can talk then?”
“Sure that sounds like a good idea.”
We walked outside and headed for Devil’s Ditch where we walked into the saloon and sat on the bar. “This is much better,” I smiled.
“Yes, way better,” Chels took a seat.
“So I had a couple questions... I think you’re the best person to answer them.”
“Sure, ask away.”
I pulled out my notebook and asked, “For the record... This is um, on the record?” I chuckled and she laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes?” I winked and she nodded. “Okay... So... I don’t know if you want to give a statement about the mess on Sunday?”
“Well what do you wish to know....it was crazy around here that day?”
“I think I know enough details about the actual event…” I looked through my notes. “I know how the two chiefs were in the courthouse and all that jazz. Can you tell me how the fight started?”
“The Indians came and attacked the town...about wanting there land back. They started shooting, so we returned fire..a lot got hurt that day.”
“Feel like making a statement about why you took the action you did in the courthouse?”
“Our Marshal Office is at the Courthouse...you know yourself how when having jailed someone...we don’t let everyone just waltz into the Office. Well the lock to the door was broke..people kept coming in..Not listening...It was so bad. I couldn’t even let the Apache Healer in the cell to check the ones we were holding. Then of course they kept saying I was denying them the right to see a Doc. Which wasn’t the case. Marshal Jake and Sheriff Adder were both hurt..so was at the Docs..I was there alone. So when people won’t listen after you tell them many times to leave and give them lots of warning that if they don’t you will start shooting. Hence what I did.”
“I understand,” I nodded, knowing I now had more than enough finally for that story. “Okay, let’s move on from that story. Sheriff Taurus told me about the robberies at the grocery store this week. He said there were two of them... What can you tell me about that?”
“I have no idea who did it...but I do have my suspicions. Well let me rephrase that. My bet is the Apaches.”
“He said you caught one of the thieves red-handed?”
“Oh the one yesterday. Yes I did...It was the one called Igmu. The one that took me from the mine and held me for a day and a night.”
“He what?!” I exclaimed, shocked.
“Yes, you know how I always mine. Hoping to find that one piece of ore that will make me rich. Well I was there mining. I looked up and there was Igmu. He took me by surprise. I couldn’t over power him. Took me to there camp. Said he would make me look like one of them so nobody would guess. Had a girl change my clothes to what they wear. Put stuff in my hair to make it dark. Then made my face and arms darker. After that took me to Breckenridge. Kept me there for hours.”
“Geez Chels… All to keep you from arresting them for a grocery store robbery?” I thought about how the old me would go to the village to get a statement from Igmu, but I knew I couldn’t do that anymore.
“After some time Chief Nah, Tala and other apaches came. From there they took me to Kansas East. Held me in a cave, hoping nobody would find me. But late the next day, Jake came from a map Adder had drawn him. I guess Adder was out that way earlier in the day. Well Jake brought along Twist and TJ for backup. They managed to get me out. We brought one of the girls back tied. the one called Tiponi. But after a bit we let her go.”
“Wow… So no more charges have been laid then? On the robberies or the kidnapping?”
“The cave was at the Cheyenne Camp,” she shook her head. “No...We will get them all. You can count on it.”
“I believe you on that. You’re determined. So the Cheyenne and the Apache were working together to rob the store and kidnap you…” I sighed.
“I don’t think so. It was just how things turned out. When they brought me to the Cheyenne Camp, that’s when they all wanted revenge for what happened Sunday.”
“So it’s a completely different story than the robberies then,” I understood. “So let’s backtrack... Igmu did the robbery of the store on Thursday... You have no idea who did the one on Tuesday?”
“Yes he did the robbery on Thursday. But for the one on tueday I don’t know who did it. But Mark my words it was them Indians.”
“Okay… Back to the kidnapping… What did they do to you while you were in Kansas at the Cheyene village? Until Jake and Adder found you?”
“They kept me tied and gagged for the most part. Untied me and removed the gag once, as they tried to make me eat. Threatened me when I was untied. If I yelled or try to get away they would slit my throat.”
“Wow.. Hon that’s awful,” I shook my head.
“The only reason I am here now is due to Sheriff Adder out scouting earlier in the day being suspicious. Then for Marshal Jake coming to check what he found out. along with Twist and TJ.”
“Right,” I nodded. “Anything you wanna add to that column or should we move on?”
“Let’s move on.”
“Okay,” I nodded. “Did you hear about the fire at the saloon?”
“I heard about it..but wasn’t there when it happened.”
“Okay. I was there and we were putting the fire out, but we never heard any names of who did it.”
“Well ya know my guess.”
“Okay how about.... This report Adder got about a soldier trying to sell a horse that was quickly identified as having been stolen?”
“Yes Miss Twist and TJ bought a horse..a colt..They had no idea it was stolen.”
“I hadn’t been told names yet, that’s helpful.”
“Okay let’s see... Oh, only one more I have to ask you about. The fire at the Blacksmith office…”
“That I don’t know anything about.”
“That’s okay. You’ve been super helpful, Chels. Thank you so much for this.”
“You’re most welcome Trin.”
“We should get back to town I guess…”
“We had best,” she nodded.
“Chels... my days of being a doormat are over. I’m not gonna let the Natives walk all over me again.”
“I don’t blame you Trin. You tried to help them but all you got was a slap in the face.”
“Almost literally,” I nodded and led the way out of the saloon. We said goodbye and I headed down the street towards town.
I greeted a woman named Gentle and she said she lived in Brenckridge but was coming over to Colorado to explore. She said she was looking for a doctor to see if she could help out with them at the clinic and I told her about my boyfriend Tom.
I went to the saloon and talked with Johnny about the stories I was working on. “Alright... So the other day there was a fire at the blacksmith’s place. Did you hear about that?” I asked him.
“I indeed heard. I heard something about a native.”
“Can you tell me anything about it? On the record?” I asked, pulling out my notebook.
“Suspected from Mexico. Sure, I don’t know much of it but people told me. It couldn’t have been a native from around here.”
“Why not?”
“Well those are usually peaceful, and wouldn’t necessarily put the blacksmith’s place on fire, I believe.”
“Peaceful?!” I coughed.
“Okay, not as hatred as the Mexican ones,” Johnny laughed.
“After their attack on Sunday you’re calling them peaceful? Sorry... you said something about Mexico? Do you know that for a fact?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Who’d you hear this from, Johnny? Maybe I should talk to them too.”
“It’s what was suspected. I got killed by a Mexican Apache animal last week. I believe the one who told me was Roxanne.”
“Don’t know her yet but I’ll look out for her. Anything else you can tell me? Was Sam okay?”
“The wolf, who attacked me, attacked Sam last week too. Luckily a Native from here healed me.”
“Was Sam hurt?” I asked again.
“At the fire, I don’t know, but Sam was attacked by the wolf. I ran away the wolf followed me then attacked me.”
“Can you tell me anything else about the fire?”
“Sorry miss, that was all I knew about it.”
“Okay... how about the fire on the saloon a couple days before that one?”
“Hmm.. I heard about it, ran here. But by the time I got here it was already put out.”
“Didn’t hear anything about who did it or why? t’s okay... How about the grocery store getting robbed twice this week?”
“I saw it only one time, it was a native from the Cheyenne group I believe.”
“Which time did you see it? Tuesday or yesterday?”
“Tuesday.”
“How do you know it was a native from the Cheyenne? Did you know them?”
“No, but Miss Viper did. She told me it was a Cheyenne. She saw it too.”
“Don’t know her either... all these new people," I chuckled.
“Sheriff didn’t necessarily do anything against it. She was afraid.”
“Did you hear anything else about it? Afraid why?”
“She was afraid it would happen again. Apparently Roxanne saw it too. They probably can tell you more about it then me.”
“Well having names is a big help, Johnny! Know anything about the horse that had been stolen that a couple in town bought without knowing it was stolen?”
“Hmm… no, that story is now new to me.”
“Still new to me too. Alright well, I think that about covers it,” I smiled and finished my coffee. “Thank you so much for this, Johnny.”
“More than welcome, miss. If I see anything else happening, I’ll tell you.”
“Thank you so much for that,” I set the cup on the table and stood. “See you soon!” I waved and headed off down the street.
I noticed a sign posted in front of my office and read, “Important: We have sick dogs that are infected with rabies in CoE. We have to get them killed before they infect people in, and around our town. Therefore we will convene all rangers, fur trappers, and local hunters to appear before the courthouse Friday March, 3 PM. Head Doctor, Ida Koenkamp.” I was curious and wondered if the Friday referred to was today or not.
I sat down and got some writing done in front of my office. Gentle and Johnny walked by and Gentle told me about how her medical training was going. Adder walked over and I told him I was almost done my newspaper to give to him to edit.
“You know anything about this sign posted on my building?” I asked him.
“I know I ripped one off my office yesterday,” he nodded.
“She didn’t even ask me for permission to hang it there. You mind takin’ it down for me?” I asked and he ripped it down. “Thanks, Sheriff. I need your help with this one, Adder…” I sighed, not liking the article from Chet. I knew he wasn’t going to like it either.
“Okay, let’s see.”
“Almost done... Just... there’s this part from Chet here... I need to know if I should include it ’cause I think it’ll just start some more fires.” I finished the article and handed it to him, cringing in anticipation for his reaction to Chet’s accusations.
“Seems your friend Chet drinks most of his stock himself,” Adder raised his eyebrows.
“Should I just not include that paragraph?” I asked him, honestly looking for advice. I knew Chet wouldn’t like his voice not being heard, but I didn’t want to start more fights than were necessary.
“Fact of the matter is, in the eyes of the law, that lawyer was trespassing in a federal law enforcement office. He was asked to leave by a US marshal, but refused. He was warned of the consequences, and still refused to leave. He was also armed. Everything Marshal Seetan did was legal and above board. Put THAT in your article,” he said and handed the article back to me.
“Not to the mention that he was from three states over and somehow found out about the chief being in our jail.”
“He probably had advance knowledge of the Natives’ attack. Which makes him a traitor,” Adder nodded.
“How’s that?” I asked after editing the article a bit.
“Aye, that’s better.”
“Perfect. I still have your statement as well, untouched and ready to be included. I got a bit more information about the other stories. I’ll fill you in with that throughout the afternoon as I write the articles.”
“And if your buddy has any complaints about the integrity of the law in this town, tell him to come see me, instead of ranting to the paper.”
“I will,” I nodded, knowing Chet’s plans as the lone ranger. I worried what would happen when he returned. “I should go inside and get some more work done. I’ll keep you posted, Sheriff. Thanks for this.”
“Speak to you later Trin.”
I headed back to my office and got some work done on the paper. After an hour I went to the blacksmith office to talk to Sam and greeted him as he walked into the office.
“Was wonderin’ if we could talk, Sam?” I asked him as the other man told us that he was just making bars and wouldn’t be long. I told him he could stay and that nothing we were talking about was going to be confidential.
“So Sam I heard about a fire here the other day... Glad to see you’re okay,” I told him.
“Yes… I went for hours and many towns folks were here to help. I only had gotten burned some.”
“Glad to hear that you’re alright. Do you have any idea who’d want to burn down your business?”
“Nothing I can prove,” Sam shrugged.
“I’ll leave you two to your business, and please forgive the intrusion,” the man waved then as he finished his work.
“Sir you’re not intruding at all!” I waved to him as he headed out. I looked back at Sam and asked, “Nothing you can prove, Sam, but any ideas?”
“I have no enemies,” Sam scratched his head.
“That’s what I don’t get. After that article we did you’d think people would be flocking here to greet you and be friendly, not to attack the building.”
“I’m getting used to strange things happening to me.”
“Not something you should be used to, Sam. When I heard about this happening I was shocked.”
“It just doesn’t pay to be nice.”
“Don’t make that stop you from being who you are,” I leaned over and patted his knee. “I know it’s hard, trust me.”
“I can tell you this.”
“Hmm?”
“I was at home and Allegra came running, telling me that my shop was on fire. So I jumped on my horse Topper and got here as fast as I could and it was engulfed it Flames.”
“Who was all at the fire when you got there?” I asked, knowing the arsonists sometimes came back to watch their handiwork.
“Miss Allegra...Miss Katherine...and then another man showed up.”
“Another man?” I asked with curiosity.
“Someone you didn’t know I’m guessing... Can you describe him? Did he seem suspicious?”
“He was white and fought along with us to put it out.”
“That’s good he helped fight it.”
“Then even some Indians showed up to help us too. I have many Indian friends too. I walk with all races.”
I sighed, wishing the same were still true with me. “Well I guess we should find Allegra and see if she could shed some more light on this, eh?”
“I only fight when I have to… then I will strike like a snake. I know she could help with names better than I can.”
“Maybe she saw something that could tell us who did this too.”
“This fire wagon would not work either.”
“No?” I asked.
“Miss Allegra pulled it over on her own. Anybody could do anything with it.”
“Well that’s odd,” I shook my head. I looked over at Allegra walking by and said, “Well there’s the woman we want to see right there!”
“Hello you two,” she smiled.
“Just talkin’ to Sam about the fire here the other day,” I told her. “So Allegra, Sam said you were there helpin’ to put out the fire, that you saw it first.”
“Yes Trin. It was horrible…”
“I was just sick when I heard about it... What can you tell me about what you saw before Sam got there?” I asked.
“All I saw were huge flames. Even when I first saw it, the fire was huge.”
“No one suspicious standing around the fire when you first got there?”
“Not that I saw..... I looked around quickly and then ran to get Sam,” Allegra said.
“I just don’t get it... I don’t understand why someone would target this place,” I nodded.
“Did you tell her of the incident earlier at Chels and Jake’s?” Allegra looked at Sam.
“No, I didn’t, but was going to,” Sam said.
“What happened?” I looked between them.
“Not sure if they are related, but it is sure a coincidence,” Allegra said.
“Earlier that evening I saw Jacob and Chels’ house on fire,” Sam said.
“What?!” I gasped. “I spent the whole morning with Chels. She didn’t mention a word about it.”
“I broke down there door and was able to put that fire out,” Sam said.
“They weren’t home obviously…”
“No ma’am. They showed up later.”
“This is getting out of hand. First the saloon, then the marshals’ home, then the blacksmith’s office... What’s next?”
“Did they ever find out who set the one at the saloon?” Allegra nodded.
I suddenly realized something, knowing I’d probably be a target as soon as the Natives found out I pulled the column from the paper. I looked from Sam to Allegra and asked, “Allegra, you never heard more about the saloon fire did you?”
“No, I didn’t even know about it until Kate, I think it was, told me later that day. Then I’ve heard nothing since then.”
“I was there putting it out, but haven’t heard anything about who did it either.”
“I wonder if it’s the same people setting all the fires.”
“You’re thinking the same thing as I am, Allegra. I’m gonna have to combine all these stories into one.” I looked between them again and sighed, knowing I could trust them both. “Folks, I need to tell you something and I need you to keep it between us for now.”
“Sure Trin,” Allegra’s eyes widened.
“Absolutely,” Sam nodded.
“I am afraid that I will more than likely be the next target.”
“But why Trin?” she gasped.
“I may need a place to hide out for the next few days…”
“We should have a town meeting involving the use of this fire wagon,” Sam suggested.
“I’ve decided to sever ties with the Natives. I won’t be printing the ‘No Boundaries’ column anymore, and I won’t be actively seeking out information from their villages. I have a feeling that they are behind these attacks, according to eyewitnesses at the saloon and other suspicions. I have the feeling they won’t like that their voice is not going to be heard anymore.”
“It is not all of them,” Sam looked at the floor with sad eyes.
“Trin is there a reason you have chose to discontinue the column and sever ties with the natives?” Allegra asked.
“I have reasons... Valid ones, not the least of which includes the threat from the sheriff that if I print it then he’ll arrest me for treason.”
“Oh! Well that’s a great reason!” Allegra nodded.
“Like all races it is the bad ones that cause all these wars,” Sam said.
“In fact a few natives came and helped us put out the fire here that night,” Allegra nodded.
“My experience with the Natives, trying to give them a voice and show both sides of the story, has gotten me threatened, stuck in a sherif’s office with dynamite being tossed on it, being ambushed in a fort, being threatened to be kidnapped, and most recently having a knife turned on me,” I told them. “The final blow was when the one tribe which I trusted the most has a chief who decided he no longer wants me in his village. That and the fact that he tried to kill my best friend here.”
“We could and should clean up our own back yard too,” Sam said.
“I understand that all Natives are not responsible, and that some Natives are good. But I’m not going to continue to risk my life to find out which is which.”
“Yes of course,” Allegra nodded. “You have come close a few times to death because of your work.”
“And it looks as if I may be again when they find out I’ve pulled this article. I need somewhere safe to stay, in case this goes down the way I think it will.”
“Trin, I have a cave at my home that might be a good place to stay,” Allegra whispered.
“I have been chewed up by a wolf and a cougar not 20 feet from here too,” Sam said. “Johnny Biscuit was all bitten up too.”
“I think if I stay in someone else’s house for a while that should be enough,” I shook my head and looked at Sam. “I’ve heard a lot about animal attacks as well.”
“That wolf and cougar attack was crazy Sam,” Allegra nodded.
“I need Lou to be here to write about that story... I just can’t do all of this by myself,” I said. “Allegra, there are rooms in the saloon, right?”
“Yes there are two.. upstairs.”
“Are they always locked?”
“Ya needin’ a place to stay, Trin?” Suzi walked over then and I looked at her, not wanting to include too many more people in this discussion. “Sorry, I just overheard. Ya welcome at my place.”
“I appreciate the offer. I think I’m covered though.”
“Alright then,” she said and wandered off.
I waited until she was gone before looking back at the others. “I should get to work here... Got a lot to write and need to find Despres about the fire at his place. Still find it weird Chels didn’t mention it at all this morning.”
“All I know is you will be close to all of us next door and my Colts are always loaded..” Sam said.
“Thanks, Sam. I appreciate that,” I smiled at him.
“And Trin, the rooms upstairs in the saloon are never locked,” Allegra told me.
“Could they be if I needed them to be?” I asked.
“I love and will die for every citizen in this town.,” Sam said.
“Oh I don’t know if they can be locked. Maybe ask Twist about that? As she owns the saloon,” Allegra said.
“I’ll ask her, thanks, Allegra. Thank you both... I feel better knowing you two know the story. I’ve tried so hard for those people…” I said, getting emotional. “It always ends up with me having a target on my back.”
“My home is never locked either and needs a woman’s touch,” Sam said.
“The one in Devil’s Ditch, right Sam?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Might be a more appropriate hideout, farther from the town.”
“It is there for you anytime you need it. It also has a sweet little saloon next door too.”
“The one that me and Chet run?” I winked. “Need to get more people aware of that place.” I stood, taking a deep breath. “I should get to work. Thank you both, so much. I don’t know where I would be without wonderful people like yourselves.”
“You just take care of yourself Trin,” Allegra smiled and stood with me. I gave her a tight hug and she hugged me back.
“It is not an effort at all to be kind to the neighbours you love,” Sam said and I gave him a tight hug as well before heading back to the office.
No comments:
Post a Comment