Tombstone.
This morning I walked into town and saw Skyla’s puppy laying down in front of the hotel. I leaned down and played with it a while before going into the hotel and getting some coffee. I sat outside on the bench and watched as Bria and Twig talked with an Apache woman named Waterfall. Another woman named Victoria came over and we talked with her.
Bria came over to talk to me and said, “Hi Miss.”
“Hi there,” I smiled at her.
“Yesterday, Mr. Tye gave me and Angel and Twig doughnuts but Daddy said we can’t beg anymore.”
“I think Mr. Tye is busy right now but maybe if he comes back out we can see what we can do,” I winked at her.
“Said he would give us money to buy what we wanted,” she told me.
“Best to do what your daddy says, but sounds like Mr. Tye gave you the treats first. Don’t sound like ya begged,” I smiled.
“Angel had a nickel but he wouldn’t take it.”
I smiled and waved to Muriel walking over. Muriel commented on the fact that one of the women nearby was the nurse when Sirus was in prison for murder. Sirus just glared at her and I looked over, curious. Sirus walked into the hotel and I stood to go after him.
“Before he reformed Trin, Sirius was quite a killer,” Muriel told me.
“And he told me once he hated it,” Victoria said. “But when you live with the gun on yoru hip its kill or be killed.” She looked to the gun on her hip and said, “I think you and most of Tombstone would understand that.”
I looked back at Muriel before walking inside. “I reckon he don’t want the reminder if he’s tryin’ to reform.” I walked into the kitchen and set my empty cup in the sink. “You okay, Sirus?”
“Oh, hey Miss Trin. Yeah, I’m fine, thanks.”
“Oh! Last thing. See if that fella down the street - owns that Herschel’s Signs place - see if he’s finished the sign I ordered for out front,” Tye told Sirus. “So lumber, brushes, and that sign for me.”
“Sure thing, Boss.”
“I already helped myself to some coffee. Just returning the cup,” I nodded to Tye.
“That’s alright, Pinky. You’re welcome to it.”
“Thanks,” I smiled at him.
Tye started talking with Victoria about things that she needed to do and they went out to the lobby to talk. I looked back at Sirus and said, “Si, I told Muriel it might be nice to leave your past where it belongs.”
“Thank you, Trin. But to some folks my past will never leave me.”
“That’s a shame though. How are ya supposed to start over if you’re always reminded of what ya did before?”
“I hear the town folks are taking bets on how long I can keep my nose clean even.”
“Don’t let ‘em get to you,” I reached over and patted his shoulder.
“And then last night...” he hesitated. “I won’t. I’m gonna do Mister Tye proud.”
“What happened last night? Maybe we should head out to the lobby and let them do their thing,” I said as Tye and Victoria returned to the kitchen.
“I’d appreciate it,” Tye nodded.
We walked out to the lobby and I looked at Si, waiting for him to explain. “Well, a few fellas from my past came by, kinda gave me a rough time.”
As Abby, Muriel, Victoria and Tye continued to talk around us, Si became distracted and obviously didn’t want to keep talking about whatever happened last night. I asked him if we could go for a walk and he said that would be a good idea.
“Lead the way,” I smiled and followed him down the street.
“No funny business, Si,” Muriel called after him and he lowered his head a bit as we continued to walk.
“Well the men... One was an employee of mine,” Sirus told me. “The other was an old boss of mine.”
A man walked past and Sirus hesitated again, obviously recognizing him. “Who was that man we just saw?” I asked him when we were alone.
“Nobody... He was nobody.”
“Si I can try to help you but you’re gonna have to trust me.”
“Oh no... I’m fine,” Sirus insisted.
“You don’t sound fine. If these guys are bugging ya I can get the law on ‘em if they do it again, or just have ‘em watch out for ya.”
“I think Sirus is doing just fine, its others who seem to not be able to move on , I am so very proud of you Sirus and have all the faith that you will do just fine, I wonder what their skeletons are since they seem to like to let yours out of the closet,” Victoria said when we’d gotten back to the hotel.
“Nah, really it’s alright. Nothing I can’t handle on my own.”
“Well then I won’t keep you. If you need or want my help, you know where to find me. Just don’t like the idea of you gettin’ hurt,” I looked at him.
“Besides... I’ve done a lot of wrongs in my past. I’m sure it will never really end.”
“Tell me who hasn’t done something, at least you are trying despite the reticule that in itself gains lots of respect on my side,” Victoria said.
“Thanks, Trin. You’re a good friend. But I’m a big boy and can handle myself if need be.”
“And something to be proud of and Sirus. You are not alone just don’t ever think that,” Victoria assured.
“I can be more than just a good friend, Si. It’s my job to protect people. and make sure justice is served,” I smiled. “And if I can’t protect them then to put people in their paths who can.”
“I know... Both you girls are great, and ya know, I’d do anything for either of you as well.”
“You already did Sirus, letting me tag along on your travels, you do a lot for me,” Victoria smiled.
“Well you know... Your past may come back to bite you too. But like me, you gotta just stay the path of makin’ a new life.”
“And I will do one thing for you if anything and that is letting your past go. you want to start over I wont bring it up at all “ looks down, “ I know but I wont worry till it does , everything we do makes us who we are and well thanks to you I like who I am and that is what I am doing and if not for you I’d be dead I am sure,” Victoria said. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“Well I’ll let ya’ll be then. I need to carry on with some stuff,” I looked between them and looked to Sirus. “You know where to find me if you need anything.”
“Okay, thanks Trin,” Sirus nodded.
I went back to the office and worked on case files, finishing the report on Tiffany from our first conversation. I knew there was more that needed to be done but I took a break and put the files in the cabinet again.
***
I walked out of the office and waved to Sirus who was sitting at the sheriff’s office. “Hey Sheriff,” I nodded to Skyla.
“Howdy Trin.”
“Been doin paperwork all day, figured I’d get some fresh air.”
“Yup, I know how that goes,” Sky laughed.
“Star!” I heard Tye shout and looked across the street to see Tye drawing his gun at the woman.
“What’s goin’ on over there?” I asked.
“What the hell!” Sky shouted.
“Damn, that ain’t sounding good,” Sirus noted.
“Never a dull moment, huh?” I looked over at him as Sky ran over to the hotel.
“Fire at the hotel! Sheriff get her, she’s down!” Tye shouted and I gasped.
“Tyler, damn it!” Sky shouted.
Sirus and I ran to get a bucket of water and ran over to the hotel, tossig water o the flames. I ran out to see if Tye was okay and asked, “Tye! You okay?”
“I’m fine. But I know a young lass that ain’t about to be,” Tye said and ran off to find the person who set the fire.
“Who’s this star person I heard him call out about?” I looked at Sirus.
“Ohh boy, he’s mad,” Si said then lowered his head. “Star is his ex-wife.” When I looked at him and raised an eyebrow he said, “What? It’s a long story.”
I sighed as he walked away, and wondered how long it would be for people to trust me with information in this town.
This afternoon I sat in front of the hotel with a group of people and then worked in the office on more files. I walked back to the hotel to get some coffee and greeted Richie who was sitting on a bench in front of the Epitath.
“How are you this evening?”
“Doin alright, just taking a break. How are you?”
“Learned myself a valuable lesson today.”
“Oh did ya? Which lesson is that?”
“Well, a tough one. I was just mindin’ my own business and this fella tells me about a silver mine. Well, he led me out of town and tried to rob me. Weren’t no mines.”
“What?! Who was this guy? Did he tell you his name?”
“Oh, I know who it was. I get him when the time is right.”
“Richie.... Who was it?”
“They had to take me down to the clinic, get me fixed up. I’ll keep that part to myself, Miss Trin. When I see this fella, I’ll get him.”
“Richie... You don’t have to do this alone.”
“Well thank ya. Been some nice people let me know so.”
“That’s why we’ve got lawmen. Deputies, marshals...”
“Well, I’m not real sure of his name but I’d know him if I saw him.”
“You seemed pretty sure who it was.”
“Looks, for sure. Name, not so much. He whacked me pretty good.”
“Glad you were able to get healed up then.”
“Yeah, Tye I think it was helped me and somebody else. Nice fella.”
“Good.”
***
This afternoon I was sitting in front of the hotel when I heard some outlaws talk about burning down the courthouse in Black Diamond and Tombstone. They said that if there were no courthouses, there would be no trial. I listened to the group of outlaws talking and told Richie that they were burying their own grave. Vena walked away and then came back dressed in a fancy dress with a nice hat. She asked if she looked innocent enough and I just shook my head hearing them. I walked into the hotel and found Judge Jimmi in the kitchen.
“Judge,” I greeted him.
“Hello Trin. What can I do for you?”
“Just heard a bunch of chatter outside I thought you might be interested in.”
“Really? What’s it all about?”
“V’s trial at 6 tonight. One of the girls said that they could go burn black diamond courthouse down... Don’t know her name. Then they were talkin about how they should burn the saloon and the courthouse just to be safe...”
“I see. Well as arsonists can be shot on sight by anyone legally then you have a choice to make Trin. You can watch the court house ourself which is risky or...”
“Oh there was a Rikki, a Keiki...” I remembered then.
“You can inform Judge Deesue who is taking that trial and she will instruct Marshals,” he advised.
“Oh is Judge Deesue doing it?”
“Judge Deesue, yes.”
“I thought you were doing it so I came over to you first.”
“But you can go straight to a Marshal yourself. They are here to protect Justice and the y work for the Justice department within the courts.”
“V ran off to change outfits, and she said it was ‘to make herself look innocent’.”
“Have you seen a Marshal on the street outside today?”
“Just Kris and he barely stopped to talk to me,” I shook my head.
“Well you have to chase him up, if he wont listen to you, tell him to see me here at the Cosmopolitan, I will instruct him myself. If you can excuse me a moment... I’m about to serve my lovely wife a meal,” he smiled.
“I ain’t sure I feel safe lookin for him alone with all those thugs out there. Wish Tye were around,” I sighed.
“They won’t be interested in an unarmed woman Trin. You can dash and dart about anyway. you need to hide in places.”
“One of ‘em already said that one could get hurt if they overhear things. Doubt they’d stop just ‘cause I ain’t armed.”
“Miss Trin, are you sure you want to be a Pinkerton?
“Yeah you’re right. I’ll be fine,” I chuckled.
“You will be fine,” he nodded.
“Just a new town and all, you know...”
“Most folk hate Pinkertons anyway, you best get yourself one of those tiny hand guns. Practice shooting too.”
I sighed, knowing he was right. “But... then I’ll never get anywhere if people see me wearin’ a gun.”
“I have lost count of the bullet holes in me. I just learn to run faster.”
“Need to learn the town and area better too. Ya know it’s only been a few days...”
“Hiding in the undertakers is very clever. Happen to know the Mayor hides in caskets,” he winked.
“I’ll let ya get to your dinner and try to find Dee,” I chuckled.
“Ok, find Marshal Kris, talk to him. If he wont listen tell him Judge Jimmi is in the Cosmopolitan and would like to see him. Best hurry a bit, the trial will be starting in a little while. Now if you can excuse me please Miss Trin... Keep safe.”
“Will try.”
I walked out of the hotel and saw Tye in front. He was smiling while he looked around the streets and then his smile disappeared when he saw me. “Tye!” I went over to him.
“Pinky.”
“Tye, I need your help. This is serious and we’ve got little time.”
“You Pinkertons,” he sighed heavily. “Always so dramatic. What is it now?”
“I know something that could change the course of the trial in Black Diamond tonight and we gotta warn Dee.”
“Dee might be in trouble?”
“They were talkin they should just burn the saloon down like they did the courthouse, and then V was changin’ her outfit to , and I quote, ‘make herself look innocent’. They were tryin to recruit Jenna to be on the trial. Didn’t think it was up to them.”
“Oi. Pinky. Keep your voice down then. Come with me.”
I followed him to his place and he stopped at the second doorway. “Wait in here. Don’t need Peta thinkin’ she should saw your fingers off.”
I nodded and he went inside, looking for something. He came out with a gun and asked, “Diamond, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well what are you standin’ there for. Let’s go. You got yerself a horse yet?”
“Not exactly... Though if I call loud enough Cleetus might find me from Kingsley... There he is now!” I smiled, seeing my horse running over.
We rode off to Diamond and went to Dee’s office in the courtroom, but she wasn’t around. He lead the way to her house and I saw Rikki and the group riding past us on the way into Diamond.
“This here’s her house. Head on up,” Tye nodded to the door and we got off the horses.
Dee opened the door and asked, “Yes?”
“Miss Dee, I’m real sorry to bother you at home. I know yer gettin’ ready for the trial. But...” Tye started.
“What can I help ya with?”
“Pinky here has somethin’ she needs to tell you,” he said and then stepped out of the way.
“Yes, ma’am?” she asked.
“I was sittin in front of the hotel downtown and heard a bunch of outlaws talkin’. Keikki, Reikki, V...”
“Know ‘em well,” Dee smiled.
“They were talkin about how they should just burn the saloon down like they did the courthouse ‘cause then there could be no trial. Then... V said she should go put on some fancy dress to make herself look innocent and she came back in a big fluffy dress with an umbrella. We saw them ridin’ through town as we went to the courthouse to find you.”
“Wouldn’t think nothin’ of it, ma’am, but as we were - yep,” Tye nodded as I finished.
“Voo was with ‘em,” I put in.
“They arrived in Diamond after we stopped to check there for you first,” Tye explained.
“They were also tryin’ to recruit miss Jenna to be part of the jury,” I told her.
“Hmm... Well I will get hold of the marshal and have him take a look over there. I appreciate knowin’.”
“Now I don’t know how things work in your state yet but... Where I’m from the defendant don’t get to pick the jury,” I said.
“That was gonna be my suggestion. Diamond ain’t got a lot of law right now. And I’m willin’ to assist the marshal for your protection, Dee. You know that,” Tye nodded to Dee.
“Well, best step into Pearce and alert Marshal Ansar.””
“Yes ma’am, course,” Tye nodded.
“He is also gonna be bailiff tonight.”
“I couldn’t find him in Tombstone or else I’d talk to him there. Found Tye first. Figured he was the next best thing,” I winked to lighten the mood a bit.
“I figure this is a big trial, murder of a sheriff. Best to be prepared,” Tye said.
“Well, I can show ya where his office is here,” Dee told us.
“Murder of a sheriff? Thought it was a trial for the courthouse fire...” I looked at Tye. “V kept claimin’ that the sun was so bright in the courthouse cos there were no windows anymore...”
“Yes, looks like we gonna need as many law there as we can,” Dee nodded. “Was just there. One door in and out. No fire escaped.”
I asked if I should follow them and Tye nodded, then added, “And I’m thinkin’ we need to get you properly trained with a firearm before too long, Pinky.”
I nodded with a sigh to him and followed Dee and Tye to Ansar’s office. We told him what was going on and I relayed the story again to him. Ansar pointed out that Rikki had knives and Tye promised to be available for help at the trial. Dee admitted that she was scared to show up for trial early and Ansar promised we could head over together to the courthouse. Dee thanked me for the information and I said it was no problem. Tye asked if he was authorized to help Ansar if something happened and Ansar gave him permission to.
Black Diamond.
We walked into the courthouse and I took a seat, waving to Ali and Gabe. I was nervous and excited for my first trial in Arizona and was looking forward to seeing how the proceedings would go. Tye walked over to sit in the jury bench and I went to have a seat too, thinking that this would be a good start as any.
When everyone was in place, Jimmi asked if there were any objections to the jury members and there were none.
“Now since we are not in our regular courtroom, we gonna do things a bit different and the attorneys on both side can stand and do their questionin’ from their tables. Chair to my right will be for any witnesses bein’ questioned,” Dee began.
“I must object, with the emotional condition of my client, I fear she may just faint. I do not wish the court to be liable for any expenses that may incur,” Lot stood and V pretended to wipe her eyes.
“Give the woman some water. We are movin’ on,” Dee said firmly and then began.
“Members of the jury, thank you for taking the time out of yer busy days to be here. Court is now in Session. Will the defendant please rise?” When V had stood, Dee said, “Miss Venaria Brunsen, you have been brought before this court, charged with Murder of Law, Shootin another without Killin, Obstruction of Justice, Weapon Un-Holstered in Town, and Weapon used in a Crime... How do you plea?”
“Not guilty!” she shouted.
“What she said,” V agreed.
“We will now hear openin’ statements. Prosecutor, please face the jury.”
Jimmi got up and went over to the jury booth and I watched with curiosity, feeling excited at being in a courtroom again. “Ladies and Gentlemen, do not be fooled by this blue eyed woman in her pretty blue dress and parasol, she is not the innocent charmer you see before you today. I have witnesses to testify to that. That she is none other than a cold hearted killer who will shoot you in your back given a chance. when you hear the testimony I’m sure you will find her Guilty and remove this threat from our peaceful community Thank you.”
“Defense.. Your openin’ statement please,” Dee said as Jimmi went to sit down.
Lot stood and walked over to the bench, facing us. “Ladies and gentleman, allow me to please repeat the charges Murder of Law, Shootin another without Killin, Obstruction of Justice, Weapon Un-Holstered in Town, and Weapon used in a Crime.” He pointed to Jimmi and said, “Mr Rubble has just called her guilty, well excuse me, that is why we have the jury here. Mr Rubble has read these very statements as I have, and you will learn today, that in none, and I repeat.. in none... Any witnesses that saw my client murder anyone. We will prove that today and you will also learn of a far more sinister plot.”
“Prosecutor, please call yer first witness,” Dee invited.
Jimmi called the arresting officer, Marshal Kristoff, to the stand, and Kris was sworn in by Ansar. “Marshal, please can you give your account to this case for the court?” Jimmi began when he was allowed to proceed.
“Yes. I was on patrol when I heard the defendant and her lawyer yelling at the judge about something that happened. When I asked the ranger, Torn Pexington, what happened, he said Skyla had been killed out in Ghenna over a stolen desk.”
“The crime report does not list Mr. Jameson as a witness, I therefore wonder what relevance this has on the case,” Lot objected.
“I understand from your report the accused had already been arrested and charged, you were to collect and present witness statements? Who did you see?” Jimmi continued.
“He was the author of the arrest report,” Dee told Lot.
“It states he heard she had been arrested, not saw or even carried out the arrest,” Lot said.
“Silence Lot,, you will have yer turn,” Dee told him.
“In due respect your honor, you never overruled or sustained my objection.”
“Your objection was overruled. He is the author of the arrest report,” Dee said again.
“Thank you.”
“Now, let’s move forward.”
“As I said,” Kris continued. “They were arguing over her being arrested in Ghenna by a ranger acting on a court order, which is of course a legal arrest under the act that created the Arizona Ranger.”
“Marshal, I am trying to ask about these witness statements, gathering them was your task, there is a lot of them, your investigation was lengthy and exhaustive?” Jimmi asked.
“The only witness I could find was Torn Pexington,” Kris answered.
“Thank you, Marshal. Good job done,” Jimmi smiled. “No more questions, your honor.”
“Defense any questions for this witness?” Dee asked Lot.
Lot walked over to Kris and greeted him. “Ya say that you could only find ONE witness Torn, is that correct?”
“Yes. Besides the accused and the deceased.”
He held up the arrest report and asked, “Then how the heck did these other four witness reports find their way onto YOUR arrest report?”
“Those were people who came forward later,” Kris answered.
“Objection, your honor,” Jimmi stood.
“To?” Dee asked.
“Oh, and one more question, how do you get a witness statement from a dead person?” Lot asked again.
“I was making an ironic point, Lot,” Kris said.
“Your objection, Jimmi?” Dee asked.
“The witnesses have volunteered their testimony to the crime. The Marshal was to gather them and process for the Trial as is his duty to the court.”
“Sustained,” Dee nodded.
“The mere fact Mr Lot is holding his copy say marshal Kristof has completed his task.”
“I’m still waiting to hear how he gets a witness statement from a dead person, i am sure all in the court are curious,” Lot said.
“Lot, I am being ironic,” Kris said again.
“Oh, thank you, Kris,” Lot nodded.
“Mr. Lot, there is no statement from a dead person. Move on,” Dee instructed.
“You heard the marshal, his testimony is ironic,” Lot looked to the jury then sat back down.
Dee instructed Kris to return to his seat and asked if there were any more witnesses. Jimmi asked BrotherD to come up and the preacher was sworn in.
“BrotherD I have your witness statement in my hand dated April 28th of this year, Please can you tell the Jury what you saw?”
“I was walking from the Church into Tombstone from Bisbee when I saw a man in a blue coat driving a wagon from Two Guns. He went up past the Orphanage and I was right along side him when suddenly I saw Miss V coming running up with her guns drawn and shot the man in the back.”
“This woman here?” Jimmi asked and pointed to V.
“He fell from the wagon bleeding badly,” he said and I hoped to myself that the priest wouldn’t lie.
“Myself and another man tried to stop his bleeding. Then I ran and found a healer to help the man.”
“This witness saw that woman shoot a man in his back, that man is still recovering from his wounds and is none other than our Tombstone Jailer Red,” Jimmi looked at the jury. “Thank you, no more questions.”
Lot came over to cross-examine and asked, “Howdy Brother D, do you know the name of the man you saw shot?”
“I believe he is the jailer in tombstone I often see him in the sheriff’s office in the mornings before Mass.”
Lot slid a statement in front of the priest and said, “His name was Red Hawke, he survived. Do you know the name of the alleged murder victim?”
“Well Praise God I have prayed much for him since this horrible attack occurred! I know nothing of a murder I only saw her gun down that poor man on the wagon. She was as cold blooded as the Cheyenes who scalped me at the Little Big horn,” he said and I raised an eyebrow at that.
“Would you please repeat for the jury what you did NOT see?”
“Oh there are many things I have not seen. For instance pigs flying I have not seen that yet.”
“Objection, your honor,” Jimmi stood. “How can the witness testify what he did not see?”
“You honor, my client is also on trial for murder, I am merely trying to prove that there are no witnesses to that alleged crime,” Lot explained.
“Sustained. Proceed. I believe he has answered yer question, Lot.”
“Ok, did you see my client shoot and murder Skyla Thor?”
“Not recently. Has she been done that also?”
“Your honor, can you direct Brother Core to give a yes of no answer?” Lot asked.
“She really needs to come to confession,” the priest said.
“Was that a no, BrotherD?”
“No, I never saw pigs flying,” the priest said and there was laughter in the room.
“BrotherD, Please answer the question stated.”
“Which question?”
“The life of a woman is at stake here tonight, please,” Dee said.
“Did I see her murder the deputy?” the priest clarified. “No I haven’t but hopefully she will clear her soul and confess that.”
“Hopefully you will lay off the wine and able to make sense one day, but I doubt that will happen as well,” Lot said and went to sit down.
“Any more witnesses for ya?” Dee asked and I thought something about badgering the witness.
“Yes your honor, I would like to read the warrant with the court’s permission so the Jury are aware of why Red was on a wagon.”
“Proceed.”
Jimmi coughed and read aloud, “On 28 Apr 1899, Miss V is alleged to have shot down Deputy Sheriff Skyla Thor who later died of her wounds and also shot in the back the Tombstone Jailer, Red (Cowboy Bearsfoot) who was treated in the town of Tombstone and survived his wounds. Deputy Sheriff Thor, Red Bearsfoot and Xpiatio Xue had traveled to Ghenna to recover Judge Dees stolen desk. The Judge had issued a lawful order to recover the property from the town of Ghenna. While securing the desk, Miss V made casual efforts to interfere with their mission. Subsequently, after the desk was loaded into a wagon, Miss V was seen following the wagon out of Ghenna. Once back in the town of Tombstone, on the street in front of the Children’s Orphanage, Miss V back shot Red. Deputy Sheriff Thor persued Miss V out of town and into the wilderness wast of Ghenna and, while attempting to arrest Vena for the shooting of the jailer, Miss V shot her down. Deputy Sheriff Thor died alone in the desert wilderness. Jimmi Rubble: Signature: Signed and approved: [ X ] Judge Deesue Parx.”
“Now with the courts permission I would like to read a statement gathered from the Jailer while he was recovering from his wounds,” Jimmi continued.
“Yes Sir,” Dee nodded.
“This is dated April 29th,” he said and read, “I was asked boy Deputy Sky to a wagon and team of horses. I drove wagon to Two Guns so Deputy Sky could load judge‚Äôs desk in wagon that was stolen. Some dumb ranger and V stop to talk to me while I was on wagon at Two Gus. Sky loaded desk in back of wagon and I drive off. I shot in back and fell to ground. I lay on train track long time till some people get me help. I later hear Sky died from wounds. I want double pay for getting shot and double pay for deputy work. Red.”
“I have two further witness statements to read for the court if i have permission,” Jimmi said.
“Please,” Dee nodded.
“This one is dated April 28th and it reads as follows,” Jimmi read, “I rounded the corner in Tombstone Arizona, ended up seein and hearin “V” shoot Red as he fell onto the train tracks. BrotherD/the priest ended up running past me yellin for a doctor but we found none. I then saw Skyla go chasin after V down the road. A dog came up near, and I spoke to it askin it for to stay with Red as I ran off to help find a doctor. As soon as I turned the Brother came runnin back without much luck. He and I decided to help Red over to the Doctors building, but Red gone cold suddenly. SIGNATURE: Cyrano de Bergerac “Xue”.
“And finally with your permission your honor I would like to read a statement from a child Shenson Diesel,” Jimmi said.
“Yes Sir. I am aware of this as I wrote the words he gave me.”
“May I read the statement?” Jimmi asked. “This one is key to the murder of the Deputy Sheriff.”
“Objection!” Lot exclaimed. “Alleged Murder, Mr Rubble is NOT the jury.”
“Sustained, Jimmi. Please just read the statement and let the jury decide whether it is key or not,” Dee told him.
“Mr Lot, the Deputy is dead. That is a fact,” Jimmi said and continued to read: As count Judge for the Court of Tombstone and in the absence of law in town today.. I hereby sit and take this statement down word for word from young Shenson Diesel:well i was over by annies, not looking through the windows and i heard some shouting from behind the orphanage. on my way to see what was happening, i seen miss skyla chasing after miss v, miss skyla yelled stop and had her guns out, she chased her towards ghenna. then alittle bit later i was by the hogan and i seen miss V come back but no miss skyla. I then asked if she said anything his reply was: no maam. SIGNATURE: deesue Parx for Shenson Diesel. April 28, 1899.”
“Your honor, this concludes the Prosecution’s case. The prosecution now rests,” Jimmi said and sat down.”
“Thank you,” Dee nodded and looked to the defense desk. “Please call yer first witness.”
“Thank you for telling the jury that it was ALLEDGED Miss V murdered Miss Skyla, and reading witness statement, none of which have stated they saw my client shoot or murder Miss V... whom I would like to call to the stand.”
V smoothed out her skirt and walked up to be sworn in. When Lot was ready, he asked, “Miss v, please keep this as brief as possible......tell us the events of the day in question. And as brief as you can.”
“Yes of course. I was in ghenna getting supplies from my office. I saw red and Skyla with a desk.”
“I thought it to be suspicious, so I ran to get torn, since he an ass, I mean a ranger. He came with me to investigate and asked them what they were doing. They said they were getting a stolen court desk.”
“Miss V if that is brief I would hate to see long winded,” Lot interjected.
“T’is, is important,” V assured. They refused to give him the warrant for the desk and took off with the desk. I ran after red seeing where he was going, when I saw him ride past the court with the desk I gasps seeing he was stealing the desk. So I shot at the wheel to stop him. It must have bounced off. I saw the wagon stop so I ran back to get torn and seen no sign of him or Skyla.”
“And thats it? You never murdered or saw who murdered Miss Thor?”
“No. I went to Ghenna and it was empty.”
“No further questions.”
“Prosecution yer turn to ask some questions,” Dee invited.
Jimmi stood and walked over and looked at V. “Now Miss V, you were seen by a child running away from the wagon where my witness Brother D saw you shoot the Jailer in the back. You were seen chased by the deputy, only you returned?”
“No, I shot the wheel and I ran back to get Torn so he could arrest him. I didn’t see Skyla chasing me. I ran back to get Torn, didn’t see him so I left to go to Birdcage.”
“You were seen! I say again, only you returned! the deputy was found dead. I have no further questions for this... Lady.”
“Thank you. You may return to yer seat,” Dee said and Jimmi sat down.
“Any more witnesses for ya?”
“No ma’am.”
V sat down again and Dee said, “Guess ya heard all the testimony from both sides. Puts us down to closin’ statements. Prosecution, yer first..”
Jimmi stood and walked over to the jury bench. “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, I ask you to concentrate on the witness testimony you have heard today. Our Deputy was carrying out instructions from the court to recover property and our jailer was shot in the back as testified by Brother D, the assailant has been identified as the woman, Miss V, you see sitting next to Mr Lot. She was then witnessed by a child to be running away from the crime with Deputy Sheriff Skyla chasing her. Only Miss V returned. The Deputy’s body was found dead in the wilderness. Witnesses were there to testify. I say Guilty!!! Thank you.”
Jimmi sat down and Lot came over to give his closing statement. “Members of the jury, I am not about to baffle you with bullshit like Mr Rubble just did for the last hour. Did my clients bullet hit Red Hawke, yup seems so, did anyone see her shoot or even kill Miss Thor, well... none of the statements Mr rubble read out stated that. I would expect you find her guilty of shooting Red, as that was proven quite clearly, but murder of Miss Thor... Highly unlikely,” he said and sat down.
“I thank you both for presentin’ yer cases here today,” Dee looked between them then looked at the jury. “You have a serious decision to make and a woman’s life rests in yer hands tonight. If ya return to this courtroom with a guilty verdict for shootin’ law, Miss V here will be hanged until she is dead.”
We met in the back room and discussed who the foreman would be. Voo and Tye did rocks, paper, scissorsto decide who would get the job and then we began to discuss.
“My opinion is she not guilty on all counts,” Voo said. “And that’s my vote.”
“Even Lot said the shooting of red was pretty well done for. And even if it is a ricochet, she still shot
him,” Tye pointed out.
“Seems warranted,” Voo nodded. “Justified even.”
We began to vote and the majority voted not guilty. I shook my head, knowing that everything I’d seen from the woman that day said she was perfectly guilty. Court adjourned and I listened to the chatter around me, taking in names and conversation. Kyle and I walked out of the courtroom and I thanked Tye for keeping me safe before the trial.
We went to the hotel in Bisbee and I hesitated, “I really don’t feel like goin all the way to Tombstone... and this is where I’m stayin’. Maybe we just get a drink here?”
“Sure, hun.”
“What you in the mood for, drink wise?” I asked him, reaching for a bottle of whiskey.
“Whiskey is fine. Thank you.”
We headed to my room and sat on the couch, enjoying the drink as we unwound after a busy day.
“Been staying here long?”
“Bout a week,” I nodded.
“Poor Trin, you look pooped.”
“You have no idea...”
“Did you volunteer fro the jury?”
“She was guilty, damn it,” I sighed.
“Yes, she admitted it to me.”
“She did?!”
“We have been friends a long time.”
“Before the trial... I heard them sayin’ they should blow up the courtroom and the saloon just so there couldn’t be a trial.”
“Wow, really?”
“Voo said they should kidnap or shoot the judge so she couldn’t be there. I watched V run off to find the dress she was wearin’, to, and I quote, ‘make herself look innocent’.” I took a pillow and threw it across the room angrily.
Kyle moved closer and said, “It’s okay. You did your best.”
“I told the judge, damn it. I told her right before the trial. They shoulda given her some kind of punishment... Just for the damn threats.” I drank more whiskey and said, “I was one of two that said she was guilty. Out of that whole damn jury.”
“She is very loved here.”
“Why?!”
“She’s been around a long time. She’s a good friend, most of the time.”
“The truth has been around a hell of a lot longer. Why the hell’d I even bother, Kyle? We busted our butts to get out there and warn her...”
“I know. You can only ‘do’, not ‘solve’ sometimes. Sometimes, it never pays to do the right thing.”
“But...” I took more whiskey.
“Easy there, Trin,” he looked at me and I handed him the bottle, leaning my head against his shoulder.
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