May 21, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked into the hotel expecting to see Tye, but I smiled when I saw Sirus. We talked about the weekend and he’d heard about my friend and home. I commented that news traveled fast and sat down nin front of the hotel. I raised my eyebrow when I saw DF with his guns out, and looked over at Tye with curiosity. 

“DF, guns away. You done and got four people seen you shoot a wounded man, why the hell would you do that?” Tye asked him. 

“Last night, cause he tried raping Ms. Victoria, didn’t he?” 

“He didn’t. In this town, there’s no such thing as rape,” Peta assured him. 

“Because that man is not worth grain of sand below my shoes,” Vic said. 

“DF, it don’t matter, if you do this tomorrow, I would have to drag you to the gallows myself, do you understand that? If he dies now, its on you. Let’s hope Peta can keep him alive.” 

I rose an eyebrow and DF said, “Well I’ll go to the office of sheriff and say to go to jail.” 

“He didn’t try to rape me DF he just tried to push his way into my house, what he had in mind is not known,” Vic told him. 

“He seems real dim,” Peta said. 

“He is not the brightest Peta.” 

“Yep, I can’t see him survivin’ this.” 

“Thank you DF though I know that I can run to you thank you.” 

I watched as they talk and Tye picked up his guns, pointing them at DF again. I backed up a bit and stood beside Jenna, telling her about the past couple of days. We talked about the newspaper and I told her about the cases I was working on. I continued to talk with people in front of the hotel as the morning went on. I heard little Rose talking about getting shot and walked in. “Which lawman shot you, Miss Rose?” 

“Not sure I got his name, ma’am,” Rose told me. “I were called from the dance on a count er my Pa had taken up my room again, and Mister Tye wanted me ter see ifn anythin were missin, he sent me out the room after, and he and thet lawman had words with me pa, then me pa come out, grabbed me by the arm next I knew I were in the docs office.” 

“Well there ain’t many lawmen in these parts,” I shook my head. “Shouldn’t be too hard to figure out which one it was. Could ya describe him maybe?”

“But this no talk ter be havin here, would any ya’ll like some breakfast? I could whip up some my egg bake real quick like. Well lemme think on that…” 

“Then who was that other man, in the clinic,” Vic said. 

“My pa.” 

“No, you dad came in after I was already in there before you dad came in. There was someone else Peta was helping.” 

“Miss Rose, was there only one lawman there last night?” Ali said then, having overheard us. 

“Would’ve been my pa… Not sure who else, were jes us two thet were fired at… Oh, I not rightly sure. If’n there were another I were so foggy from the shot, then from the drugs not sure who were in there.” 

“It’s okay Rose... I can talk to Tye about it,” I nodded. “He’ll know the names.” 

“Only the one I know of, Ma’am. Sorry I couldn’t be more help, Miss Trin.” 

“I know who it was, I was at the dance when he left. Heard him askin your pa to leave,” Ali said. 

“Who was it Ali?” 

“It be Mister ‘thinks he’s a ninja’ Kris.” 

I sighed, not at all surprised. “And he shot you why?” 

“Don’t think he ment ter shoot me Ma’am. He were after my pa, but pa grabbed me and put me tween em.” 

“Oh I see… Think I need to have a chat with Sheriff Skyla. This ain’t right.” 

Rose blinked and looked at me. “I hope no one’s in trouble on account er me, I know the lawman came later and ‘ppologised, I member him sayin sorry at some point Ma’am.” 

“It sounds Trin that her dad was not right to grab her. I am sure Kris was just as surprised,” Vic said. 

“I suppose,” I nodded. “Guess I should just get the full story from him directly.” 

“Well that’s not right,” Rose frowned, and then excused herself to do something in the kitchen. 

“I think people this days are just to quick to grab for their guns really mistakes are made, but to me it sounds as if her father is a coward to use his flesh and blood as a shield,” Vic said. 

“People think that everything can be solved by a gun but it only makes it worse,” I nodded. 

“I agree Miss Victoria about the guns,” Ali said. 

“Thanks for the information, Ali,” I told her. 

“You’re welcome Miss Trin.” 

“It really does. Maybe Boston is on to something with all the tea parties,” Vic laughed. 

“I’m gonna head to my office and send a telegram for Tye. He’s probably off busy but sounds like I need to talk to him,” I chuckled at Vic. “See ya’ll. Stay safe.” 

I headed down the street towards my office, sending Tye a telegram about meeting with him soon. 

*** 

A few hours later I walked down the street and saw Tye, Ansar and Kris. “Just the men I’m lookin’ for,” I smiled. 

“Who?” Ansar asked. 

“Well all three of ya really,” I chuckled. “Sorry I don’t mean to interrupt. I can wait.” 

“Nope ya good. What ya need?” 

“Wanted to ask about an incident I heard about from a month ago, involving Clint,” I looked from Tye to Kris. 

“Yes? How can I help you?” Kris asked as Tye sighed and rubbed his temples. 

“Do you remember when Clint and Dom were at Kates’ and they shot the place up…?” I asked. 

“What that got to do with anything? Thought we found where Clint was?” 

“Sirus said he’d seen Clint months ago in Mexico.. but new information has arisen that he’s been in town since then. This attack at Kates’ with Dominic in about March or so. Which nobody mentioned.” 

“Well if anyone see him law looking for him. Everyone should know his got a warrant for his arrest,” Ansar said. 

“Why wasn’t he arrested after that incident? Or both of them, for that matter? That shoulda been case closed.” 

“I wasn’t there, and Tye wasn’t law at the time,” Ansar said and Tye eyed me, making an angry face. 

“Kris was there.” 

“Most likely, Kris was shot?” 

“I was shot,” Kris nodded. 

“Knew it,” Ansar said and Tye laughed. 

“Was told that Kris and some other kids who were in the street were shot then. By Clint and Dom.” 

Rose walked over then and I nodded to her but kept my eyes on Kris as Ansar said, “Yeah, told ya this Clint fella was a hard one to catch. Once we do though…” 

“Kris was there. There were several witnesses. It can’t be that hard to shoot a guy down and take him to jail when that many people saw him do it. Especially not if a lawman was RIGHT there,” I said, slightly irritated. 

“But Kris was shot. How ya expect a wounded man to arrest someone?” Ansar blinked. 

“Pinky! You try and shoot a well greased ferret while riding a horse. Go right damn ahead,” Tye muttered. 

“If Kris hadn’t gotten shot first…” 

“Who the hell do you think they’ll aim for first?” 

“I would think he wasn’t the only man there with a gun who could’ve taken them down. Sounds like there was enough people there to..” 

Tye scowled at me and Ansar asked, “Haven’t ya learn anything about Clint? That man’s a devil with a gun.” 

“Just tryin to get the big picture here,” I sighed. 

“Miss, can we help ya?” Ansar looked down at Rose. 

“Rose, how’s your shoulder? Have ya met Marshal Ansar here?” Tye looked at the girl.

“Not really, mister. Jes tired of standin’ alone, I s’pose. If’n I’m interruptin’ I kin go.” 

“No no, lass, come on over here. Ya had a doc look at your bandages today?” Tye asked. 

“Don’t think we have. I seen her around but I don’t think we met,” Ansar shook his head to Tye. 

I listened to them talk and leaned against the pole, sending an occasional glance to Tye as they continued to talk. Others joined us and I talked with Ella as conversation went on around us. Tye went to take care of Rose’s bandage while I talked to Ella about my past few days. 

I saw Kyle walk over then and I asked if he wanted to go for a drink. We went to the Oriental and sat at the counter. I pulled out my flask and he asked, “How are you?” 

“How do I look?” 

“Fine.” 

“I must hide it well then.” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Got some bad news from home, Kyle... It’s all gone. Fire destroyed everything. Even the man I loved.” 

“Oh my, I am so sorry Trin.” 

“My reaction to it is affectin’ my work and it’s making Tye more ticked off with me.. Maybe I should just take some time off and…” 

“Maybe that’s a good idea. Time to gather your thoughts.”

“I just hate that it…” I sighed. “Tye was the first person to really give me a chance around here. I don’t like making him upset. I’ve ben tryin’ so hard to do a good job and all I do is tick people off with my questions.” I saw Cooky walk into the saloon and sighed, standing. “I’m gonna go... take a ride somewhere. Probably be gone a few days.” 

I walked out of the saloon and headed over to the hotel. I walked to Tye in the saloon and tried to get his attention as he was talking to someone who shot a retired marshal. “Tye, I’ll be out of town for a few days,” I said with a sigh. He looked at me and nodded. “I ain’t doin any good ’round here and it would seem I need to clear my head.” 

“Dammit Pinky, go to your office, I’ll be there in a moment,” Tye told me and I nodded, heading to my office. 

A few minutes later, Tye stomped into the office, pulling it open. “Trin, dammit. Twice today? Really? What’s eatin’... no. I already know. Why are you even working?” 

“I’m here, Tye I don’t seem to be doin’ anyone any good by bein’ here right now so I’m gonna take some time and clear my head.” 

“Yeah, you ain’t. Comin’ up accusin’ two Marshals they ain’t doin’ their jobs, and then interrupting me talkin’ to the guy that shot me in the damn back.” 

“Just thought I’d tell you I was takin’ time off. I just…” I looked down, sighing. 

“Good. Shoulda listened to me the first time. You come up to one of the lawmen again - and claim something is simple - I won’t be around to hear it again. Ain’t nothin’ that simple. Before you accuse anyone of anything, put yourself in that situation. You think you could shoot me down if I started shootin’ up the town?” 

“I know, Tye. I just... I haven’t been sleeping and I ain’t thinkin’ clearly,” I sighed. 

“Then give me that. And your notes,” he held out his hands and I looked at him seriously as he motioned to my badge. 

“Is that really necessary? I’ll just keep it in my pocket. I ain’t even gonna be in town.” 

“I ain’t your boss. Ya ain’t gotta give me anything. But don’t let me hear about you interrogatin’ more folks until you come and show me you got a clear head. You won’t do anybody any good until you’ve gotten this mess out. Got it?” 

“Yeah, I got it.” 

“I gotta get back out there. Come by for some coffee or somethin’ before you go. But clear your head. Life ain’t a box a roses.” 

“Yeah... Tye, I’m sorry I just…” I looked at him, feeling the tears come as I told myself to get a grip. 

“I get it, Pinky. I do,” Tye breathed deeply. 

“I don’t know what the hell’s wrong with me and I’m scared. I can’t think. I can’t sleep. I close my eyes and I see the flames. I…” 

“Go on and cry about it if you gotta. It ain’t gonna hurt nothin’. Get it out, clear your head, and come by. You got work to do.” 

“Yeah,” I nodded with a sigh. 

“Now clear out of this office. Ain’t nothin’ but work for you in here. You know where to find me.” 

“Yeah, I’ll come get that coffee.” 

“And I’m too old for this, but somebody’s gotta do it,” he stretched and cracked his back. 

After gathering myself, I followed him to the hotel and got myself a coffee. I drank the caffeine and knew I needed to get some distance before I continued working. I headed back to the hotel and got ready to take a ride to clear my mind.