May 26, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I headed to the hotel and got a coffee from the kitchen, waving to people as I went in. “Oi! Pinky! Was wonderin’ if you’d wake up this mornin’,” Tye greeted me. 

He was talking with a child and I smiled, “Hi, you two.” 

“Coffee’s in the usual place,” Tye said and I thanked him, heading into the kitchen. “If’n yer Ma finds out ya had that cake, let her know she can get some more for your brothers too, alright?” 

“I will!” the girl exclaimed. 

“Tye, you hear about what happened yesterday with Patty?” I asked him as I walked out and saw the girl head into the street. 

“Patty? Which one? The old judge or the Diamond Sheriff?” he half-grinned. 

“Long wavy black hair, glasses... shortish. I’m lookin’ for her. Sky wants to talk to her.” 

“The old judge,” he nodded. “Any idea why?” 

“Mmhmm,” I nodded. “Maybe we should talk in the office?” 

“If you insist, ya always wantin’ to dump somethin’ on me,” Tye grunted and we headed to the sheriff’s office. “Alright, what ya got in that head of yours now?” 

“So she’s an ex judge huh? She was the last one seen entering the courthouse yesterday before the judge’s bench was set on fire.” 

“Ya never know with her. Though I may have the wrong person,” Tye shrugged. 

“Sky and Eliza saw her go in, Red helped put out the fire. Sky asked me to locate her and bring her in for questioning. I thought I’d come to you for any tips you might have.” 

“Used to run Goldfield. Sometimes stays out in Ghenna. Ya want to find her, pose as an outlaw lookin’ for a lawyer.” 

“Really... I haven’t been to either of those two places yet.”

“She asked you to bring her in, huh?” 

“Yeah. She wants to question her and gave me the case of findin’ her,” I nodded. 

“Yep, that’s the best I can do, then - she was an outlaw lawyer last I knew. I don’t know if she still is. She behaved around me, for the most part. We didn’t like each other, mind you, but she kept her guns in her pants.” 

“Good to know. Thanks, Tye.”

“Sure thing, Pinky,” he nodded. 

“You goin back to the hotel?” I asked, finishing the coffee. 

“Not right now. Workin’. I was only there to see if any kids wanted anythin’,” Tye shook his head. 

“Alright I’ll return the mug on my own then.” 

“Ya can always bring yer own, too,” he shrugged. 

“I could,” I chuckled. “Thanks for the intel.” 

“Wish I had more. Just, never had anything on her. She always behaved.” 

“Any idea why she’d wanna set the judge’s bench on fire?” 

“Maybe she was fired?” he shrugged. “Ya’d have to ask Dee about that.” 

“A good theory. Will try to find Dee or Jimmi.” 

“Sure.” 

“Stay safe, Tye,” I nodded and walked on down the street. 

“You too,” he grinned and I returned my mug to the hotel kitchen before heading down the street. 

I saw Gabe and Ali walking down the street and we talked with Jamie as she came over. I told them I’d taken time away to clear my head and told them the news I’d been told about my old home. Jamie asked if they’d found the sheriff and I headed down the street. 

As I passed the clinic, I saw Tye laying on the bed inside. I blinked and walked in and said, “Tye, what the heck?” I saw he was unconscious and I took off my vest, wrapping it around his leg to stop the bleeding. I tried to talk to him but he was still unconscious and I told Jamie to find a doctor and she ran off.

When I held the vest against his leg closer, he groaned and tried to sit up but then lay back, hitting the table with his head. “Agh! God! Hell…” 

“Woah, easy, Tye,” I rested my hand on his shoulder. 

“My... my belt... bark... willow bark…” he lay back, trying to reach for his pack. 

I reached for it, taking it off his belt, and took out the willow bark for him to chew on. “Here ya go, Tye.” He took it and bit on it, holding his eyes shut, shouting and swearing. “Good thing ya keep this around,” I said, trying to lighten the mood as I looked out the window, desperate for Jamie’s return. “Looks like it’s just me and you, Durden,” I used his last name, trying to keep myself relaxed. “Wish I knew more medical treatments…” 

“Well I’m fu..... fu….” he grumbled, closing his eyes. 

I saw Adrian and Jamie return as Jamie told us that Ya’ii, a Native healer, would be on her way. I told them what I knew of Tye’s injuries and how I had treated him with the willow bark and the vest. Jamie went over to wrap a tourniquet around Tye’s leg and we put a rag on his forehead. I thanked them both for their help and then Ya’ii arrived in the clinic. I introduced myself to her and told her the situation as she quickly got to work. I assisted where I could as she continued her work. 

After a while I needed to step outside and get some fresh air. I sat down in the chair outside, breathing deeply. Jamie came outside and I leaned forward, memories of Tom in the clinic flooding through me and I told myself to breathe. I saw Jamie and sat up a little as Jamie put a wet rag on my forehead. 

“Here, it will be okay,” she insisted. 

“Thanks sweetie,” I smiled at her as I put the rag on my forehead. I wondered if I would ever get used to being around clinics, since I’d been in them so often and continued to wait outside while Jamie and Ya’ii worked on Tye’s wounds. 

After a while I went back inside and asked, “How is he?” 

“Gah! Agh! Not the salts! Not the…” Tye jolted awake then. 

“Welcome to the other world, Mr. Tye,” Ya’ii grinned. 

“Where’s Peta?! She was.. goin’ for my chair…” Tye glanced around frantically and I sighed with relief, seeing him wake up. 

“Now do not jump up, you have leg wound,” Ya’ii told him. 

“Ah hell,” Tye glanced down at his leg. 

“You know you must keep off leg for while and you get back to clinic if you have problems from wound,” Ya’ii instructed. 

“Your chair is a gonner, Mr. Tye, sorry. So is your house,” Jamie said then and we chuckled. 

“I knew she’d burn it down eventually,” Tye muttered and nodded to Ya’ii’s instructions. Seeing he was in good hands, I headed out of the clinic and walked to my office. 

*** 

I walked down the street a few hours later and heard shouting back and forth between Skyla and some others. “Hey Sheriff, everythin’ okay?” I asked her. 

“Clint… I’m warning you two… Blood… He’s got warrants. Let me handle him,” Sky said to the two men with their guns out and I swallowed hearing the name Clint. 

“He insults Blood Shadow. Blood shadow shut coward man’s mouth,” Blood Shadow stated.

“What kind of sissy name is Blood Shadow anyway?” Clint asked.

“Well Blood, let me take him, then there will be no more,” Sky said. 

“Sounds like a Dove problem,” Clint said. 

“Damn it, I said enough!” Sky said. “Clint! Warrants!” 

Blood Shadow and Sky drew their guns and suddenly bullets flew everywhere. I took my gun out to draw it too and watched as Sky was shot down by Clint. I called out as I looked around, “Where’d Clint go?!” 

“Toward Goldfield…” Sky held her wounded leg as she answered me. 

Jimmi ran over to Sky and said, “Skyla, you alright sheriff?” 

“Clint has warrants, Jimmi. Two of em. Get him!” she exclaimed. 

“Ok Sheriff,” Jimmi said. 

“Jimmi, let’s go!” I said and we ran off to look for Clint. I followed him closely as we searched and I held my gun drawn, in case Clint would pop up out of nowhere. I saw Chet, Punk and Tina and I sighed, frustrated that we’d lost Clint again. 

When Jimmi went back to town, Clint called me over and I went over to him. “What do you want, Chet?” 

“Got word from old friend in Colorado. They found Tom’s body.” 

“What?” I swallowed hard. “So it’s true…” 

“‘Fraid so.” 

“Chet I have to get back to town,” I sighed, knowing we had to focus on Clint who was still on the run. 

“Okay Trin, ’n sorry.” 

“Yeah, me too… We’ll talk soon, okay?” 

“Yes,” he nodded and went back to talking to the others. 

I found Jimmi and apologized to him for getting distracted. I tried to hide the emotion from the news I’d just received and I saw Poe in front of the door, wondering how he’d got to town so fast. 

“Clint, I’m asking you nicely, put your guns on the floor... Please,” Jimim shouted. “I still don’t see those guns layin down Clint!” 

“Meet me in the street if you want me,” Clint shouted back as Punk stayed just between the door of the clinic and the street as Jimmi sighed. “Jimmi!” 

“Keep him busy is all I can say,” Sky said to Jimmi and slipped around the back of the building. 

“Jimmi I challenge you to a duel!” Clint challenged. I watched as Jimmi and Clint stood in a dual position. I thought to myself I hadn’t seen a good dual in a long time. 

“What’s this, Clint? You surrenderin’?” Jimmi asked, his gun drawn. “I am the Law here Clint. Three?” 

I put my hand on my gun, watching the man I’d been investigatng for almost a month. They counted down and then all of a sudden gunfire broke out between the two men. I silently cheered on Jimmi and sighed with relief when Clint lay on the floor, defeated. 

Jimmi kicked Clint’s guns away as Poe wandered over. “Okay Judge. This is my arrest.” 

“Poe, get back,” I ordered as I walked over. 

“This is my arrest Trin,” he argued. 

“You didn’t shoot him, Punk,” Jimmi said, looking at me. “Take him.” 

“Clint Houston. You are a wanted man of Cochise County,” Punk said from his wheelchair. 

“No, Poe, it’s not,” I shook my head. “He’s a wanted man here. For months.” 

“I am a legal representative of Cochise County Criminal Justice System,” Punk said. “Clint Houston. Wanted Dead or Alive.” 

“Cuff him,” Jimmi said. 

“Bring him alive, Punk. I got two warrants on him too,” Sky said, coming over as Punk came over with a piece of rope. 

“You wanna hear how many warrants we’ve got on him, Poe?” I asked him. 

“You gonna hang me!?” Clint exclaimed while writhing on the ground in pain. 

“Sheriff Sky, over to you and Punk,” Jimmi stated. 

“He will not hang,” Punk insisted. “He will see justice.” 

“I’m gettin’ treated,” Jimmi said. “He will see me soon enough,” he said and headed for the clinic.

“Skyla, I will take him from here,” Punk insisted and I looked at Skyla, waiting for instructions. 

“Get him in the jail...we can look at Punk’s bounty there!” Sky said.

“First the man needs treatment,” Punk said. 

“No, Punk. He stays in town.” 

“Agreed. He stays in town,” I nodded, putting my two cents in. 

“He is wanted by Arizona Supreme Judge John Ford Wayne,” Punk informed. “I need to take this man straight to the Duke of Arizona.” 

“Get him to the jail, then we’ll talk.” 

“Get him treated first.” 

“He can wait in my jail, Punk.” 

“Man is going with Punk,” Chet insisted as he walked over, and I shook my head at him. 

“Trin, help Clint please. Get him to the doc’s,” Sky said then. 

“If you will please, Miss Trin,” Punk said and I went over to Clint, getting his shoulder on my shoulders as I helped him to the clinic. He groaned loudly as we walked into the clinic and I said, “Clint Houston, good to meet you.” 

“Finally, eh?” Punk asked, smiling at me as we walked into the clinic. 

“Good to meet you too, Miss,” Clint said to me as I opened the door and led Clint onto the bed. 

“You’re a hard man to find, Houston. Thanks for makin’ my job easier.” 

“She’s been lookin’ all over Arizona fe’r ya,” Punk told Clint.

“Who has him?” Jimmi asked. 

“I got him,” Punk said. 

“Punk he can stay at the jail… may I see the bounty too please?” Sky requested. 

“Skyla and Trin can wait after me,” Punk said. Hold on,” he said and reached out his pack. 

I watched as Starling was still healing Jimmi for his wounds and Sky said, “Jimmi got him ‘cause he shot me. You’re in my town! Don’t ferget that!” 

“He is wanted dead or alive,” Punk read. “Accused: Clint Houston. Crimes: Weapon Unholstered in Town, Weapon Used in Crime, Harassment. Guilty: 45 minutes in jail or 90L.” 

He handed the paper to Sky and she said, “Thank you Punk. We’ll get him to jail and then you are free and clear for your bounty.” 

“Skyla...everything alright in there?” Wedge came into the clinic then. 

“Wedge we got Clint. Make sure no one else is wounded and I may need back up getting him in the cell,” Sky told him. 

“Okay.” 

“Well so long as you clear my bounty and wire the judge,” Punk said. 

“By the way,” I added. “You look good for a corpse, Clint,” I said and Punk laughed at that. 

“Need law to watch the streets!” Sky shouted out the clinic door. “Any law here I need help…. Clint will be escorted to jail soon!” 

I backed up as Starling started to work on Clint and Punk said, “Skyla, if you watch him here I will make sure he gets to jail.” 

“Thanks fer the help Trin… and Jimmi, you okay?” Sky asked us then. 

“My pleasure, Skyla. Mark another case closed.” 

“Clear another name off the list,” Punk said and crumpled the warrant he had for Clint.

“Feels good, don’t it?” I asked him. “Love when they make our job easy and just walk into town.” 

“What happened to you Punk? All busted up like that,” Jimmi looked at Punk then. 

“Good to see the Judge can shoot,” Punk smirked at Jimmi.” I would have had to take care of him if you fell down.” 

“I’m better with a rifle, can still use hand guns though.” 

“Can’t wait to tell Tye about this one,” I leaned over to Sky and whispered. 

“Apache head hunters tried to burn the Fort down. Soldiers left for dead. No medic around,” Punk pointed at his leg. 

“Give the train my regards Punk,” Jimmi said. 

“A war is brewing Judge,” Punk informed. “Some of these Renegades are using guns and dynamite.” 

Jimmi walked outside and I saw him talking with Rikki and Wedge in front of the clinic. I stood quietly, watching as Starling worked on Clint’s wounds, and felt somewhat invisible as the chaos ensued around me. When he was ready to be taken to the jail, I helped Skyla bring Clint to the jail. 

“You do know once I’m out of jail I’m going to kill you all,” Clint insisted as we walked. “And then burn your bodies just to keep me warm at night?” 

“Troops! Escort Mister Houston please!” Punk shouted then. 

“HEY FOLKS, CLINT IS COMING OUT!!!” Lot shouted then. 

“Chet, a little help,” Punk asked Sky as I continued to help drag Clint back to the jail. “Hey Sky. Deal remember.” 

“Inside, Clint,” Sky ordered and pushed him in the jail. 

“Which one of these sweets are mine?” Clint asked. 

“I’ll keep watch out here,” Wedge offered. 

“Thanks Wedge. Maybe someone around back too. Punk and Trin,” Sky instructed. “Ok, let’s get his charges from you Punk.” 

“Ok… one of you two going to watch the front…. while I go to the back,” Wedge ordered. 

I went up to the cell doors and smiled at the sight of Clint in the cell. “Yep, been waiting a long time for this moment.” 

“Enjoy your last few memories,” Clint smiled at me.

“Was that a threat, Houston?” 

“I’m headin to the back Sky… front is not protected,” Wedge said then. 

Punk read the bounty for Clint again and said, “I was advised to take him to the Duke personally. Cochise County High Judge John Ford Wayne.” 

“Ok added to that 2 counts of shooting law one count shooting without killing one count weapon un holstered in town and one count weapon used in a crime,” Sky said. “So total we are looking at…” 

“You got him?” Punk asked. 

“I do, Punk.” 

“Then I can wire the arrest.” 

“Yes Punk.” 

“Let the Duke know you have Houston. I’m sure Harmini will be pleased.” 

“Please do, Punk.” 

Punk glanced over at Clint as Sky told him the amount for bail and time in jail. There was a knock on the door and I called out to ask who was there. When Chet called his name, I went outside and closed the door again. 

“I wanna make sure no one tries break him out seeing lot of my friends involved in his capture,” Chet told me. 

“Sure, Chet,” I nodded.

“Excuse me....but my brother Wedge...did he go to guard the rear of the building alone?” asked a woman nearby then. 

“He’s fine, but I’ll go out back and make sure,” I looked at her. 

All of a sudden we heard shouting from inside the sheriff’s office, as well as gunshots. “I got a hostage situation in here!” Clint shouted. “Put your guns down and I’ll let my hostages live! Three… two….” 

“HEY CLINT, JUST EXACTLY DO YOU EXPECT TO PAY A RANSOM FOR THE LAW DOGS?” Lot shouted. 

“Get back. Clint got loose,” Wedge said and ran into the building. “He will shoot you from there lady.” 

“NO ONE OUT HERE WANTS EM YOU CAN KEEP EM ALL!” Lot shouted. 

I watched as Clint opened the front door and ran out. I sighed and looked over at Wedge. “I knew that was too easy…” 

*** 

An hour later we heard Kris shouting out, “Clint Houston is dead! That is all!” 

“Kris,” Sky shook her head as I walked over. 

“Uh… okay?” Tye blinked. 

“There’s a reason, Tye,” Sky insisted. 

“What the…” I looked between them. 

“Kris. Tye needs a word with you. I can’t be involved.” 

I watched as Jimmi dragged Clint across the street, leaving a smear of blood behind as Kris walked over. “What’s up, Tye?” 

“Inside, please Kris,” Sky requested and I looked between the three lawmen, confused as heck. 

“Well, I would like to hear that reason, too,” Tye said. 

I started to walk into the office but then Sky looked at me. “Trin. Out please.” 

“Sky…” I started. 

“Please.” 

“This is my case as much as it’s…” 

“What’s up?” Kris asked. 

“No, no. Has nothing to do with that. Different issue,” she insisted.

“Oh… But Kris just said…” 

“Please watch the streets,” Sky insisted. “Yell if ya need me.” 

“Pinky,” Tye gave me that look and I nodded with a sigh as I headed out of the office. I leaned against the post in frustration and watched, petting the dog that came over. I saw Chet and Poe talking with Ya’ii and I scratched the dog behind his ears as I heard Punk saying Clint Houston’s look. 

“Trin ya have a habit for being around gunplay,” Chet came over to tell me. 

“I seem to also have a habit of people not tellin’ me the full story,” I looked at him. I watched as the natives walked over and sighed. Poe was telling them about the Apache that had come over to burn the fort and I heard Austin talking to Lot. 

“Clint’s dead, and Cole needs to be.” 

“How the hell is clint dead?” I asked then. 

“War is upon us!” Punk said loudly. 

“His heart stopped beatin’, I reckon,” Austin shrugged and I sighed. “I’m not sure though. Ain’t never happened to me.” 

Chet invited the man nearby to the saloon for a drink and I took out my flask, needing a drink as well. I asked Chet for some whiskey in my flask since it seemed to be empty and Ya’ii filled my flask for me and I thanked her. 

“Well.. now you’ve got your case, Clint Houston is dead,” Punk said to me. 

“Tell me what happened,” I looked at him. 

“Well, as I was preparing my documents to wire the Duke of Arizona, he tried to go for my guns.. and was successful. Apparently, the Sheriff was sleeping.” 

“Ok, let’s go. I bored and wanna talk barbering,” Chet said then, tapping his sword absent-mindedly. 

“Apparently, it’s not just that time of the month,” Punk muttered. 

“Arizona has a duke?” Jan asked then. 

“The Duke of Arizona, Cochise County Supreme Judge John Ford D. Wayne. Yes.” 

“Guess we don’t deserve a king, only a Duke,” Rikki giggled. 

“He is my employer,” Punk said and I thought to myself that I still didn’t believe that Clint was dead. It all seemed too easy. “Well Houston is a crafty one,” Punk said as if he could read my thoughts.

“You talk about him like he’s still alive,” I said. 

“Lady, Clint was wounded, but couldn’t get a doctor here fast enough. He died waiting,” Rikki said and I sighed. “I never heard of this fella you talk about, this Duke.” 

“Maybe he is,” Punk grinned at me and I sighed with frustration as they continued to talk about the Duke. 

“The man is clearly high on morphine, anyone can tell by the way he dresses, all the weapons he carries, all the injuries he has sustained, and he still manages to get around in his wheel chair, and carry on normal, somethin just aint right with him,” Lot said then about Punk. 

“The Duke will not appreciate this. He is a very private man,” Punk insisted. 

“Well, if this private duke has a problem with us, he can come and state his problem in person,” Rikki pointed out. 

“I’m sure you’ll meet him soon enough,” Punk looked at her. 

“Well, I ain’t going in no outhouse to meet your dookie of Arizona.” 

Kris walked out of the office then and I waited for Tye or Skyla to fill me in. I listened to the outlaws talking with Punk and I knocked on the door as things started to get louder. I heard Lot whistling Dixie and almost fell over at the sound of the song. It brought me back to a time and place where outlaws used the song to taunt me. I almost fell over but steadied myself against the wall. I walked over to Tye and Skyla when they came out and asked, “Durden?” I was relieved to see him up and about again. 

“Now, I imagine the good bounty hunter Blake is more than capable to wheel himself around. Frankly, I think he could use the work,” Tye grinned then. 

“He’s injured Tye, Just look at him,” Rikki said. “He needs all the help he can get.” 

I heard Punk bantering with Lot and figured he was just fine on his own. I watched as Austin pushed Punk over in the wheelchair and Rikki taunted him. Ya’ii walked over to help Punk up and I just watched as Punk crawled slightly back in his chair. I got myself a cup of coffee, not wanting to be distracted by people who brought things on themselves. 

It wasn’t long before Lot drew his gun and then Kris drew his and I heard Tye say, “Kris? The hell was all that? Your man just tossed knives from a damn wheelchair in the middle of a calm situation turning it into a bloodbath!” 

“Yer dumb ass bounty hunter started this,” Lot ran his finger across his throat. 

“Your guy opened up on the town,” Kris said. 

“Never a dull moment, huh?” I asked Serenity who’d walked over, and she nodded before taking off to run. I shook my head, thinking to myself, That was weird. I debated going over to the clinic but hesitated by the door. I heard Tye reprimanding Chet for his actions but he insisted he had bigger issues to deal with and would let the soldiers take care of Chet. I watched as they continued to talk about the situation and how no one would be arrested but that the outlaws wanted Kris. Tye complained that bounty hunters got too much freedom and I couldn’t help but nod in agreement as I stayed quiet in the corner of the clinic. 

“Tye…?” I looked over at him eventually, while Ya’ii worked on the wounds. Lot whistled Dixie again and I told myself not to react, but I still leaned my head back against the wall, trying to breathe deep. 

“Pinky?” Tye looked over at me. 

“If you ain’t arrestin’ anyone, can we talk somewhere’s?” 

“Not yet, Pinky. I ain’t arresting anyone, but there’s a feud... Austin... Not in here,” Tye sighed. 

“I’ll wait outside then,” I said and walked outside. Ten minutes later, I saw him walk out of the clinic. “Durden?” 

“Pinky?” Tye sighed, still staring into the clinic. 

“Is my case closed on Clint?” 

“He’s dead, Pinky. What do you think?” Tye turned to me. 

“Guess I don’t really believe he’s dead... Seems too…” 

“He died on the bed in front of me,” he turned to look at me.

“Alright then,” I swallowed and nodded. “You okay since yesterday?” 

“I’ll be alright,” he shrugged. 

“Chet told me they found Tom’s body,” I told him. 

Ya’ii asked Tye if he’d been shot but he insisted he was fine. I followed Tye down the street and Tye stewed in place muttering, “Bounty hunters.” 

“Especially that one,” I muttered in agreement. 

“He’s a damn mess.” 

“Thinks he’s untouchable.” 

“Well he’s done been touched now.” 

“True enough. You know I thought I’d feel satisfied knowing the Houston case was closed but…” 

“He got less than he deserved,” Tye grumbled. 

“That’s probably why,” I sighed. “I’ve been brushing up on my Apache, by the way. Can’t really speak it yet but I can pick out a few major words.” 

“It’s a good skill, but may want to keep that to yourself. Mayor Kaly. What a pleasure,” he greeted a woman who walked over. 

“Hello Tye, ma’am.” 

“Good evening, mayor,” I smiled to her and waved to the boy walking over. “Hey there, Jeffrey.” 

“Evenin’ son. How are ya?” Tye patted Jeff’s shoulder. 

“How is everyone?” Kaly smiled back. 

“What brings you this way, Mayor?” Tye asked. 

“Mr. Tye, can you help me and Teddy and Johnny work on the boys clubhouse sometimes?” Jeff asked. 

“Oh I hear something about Tully trying to frame me for stealing Cas’ soap or something like that, have you heard any nonsense?” Kaly asked. 

“Well... I’m not sure…” Tye flexed his muscles awkwardly at Jeff. “Ya think I’m strong enough?” 

“I do, yeah. You can hold the boards we steal… I mean borrow… I mean find and you can carry them and we can’t.” 

“Jeffery. Where ya gettin’ the boards from, son?” Jeff sighed. 

“Haven’t heard anythin’ about that, ma’am, but then I’ve been out of town a few days,” I said to Kaly about her stealing incident she’d brought up. 

“Oh we find em,” Jeff insisted. “Here and there we do cause Mr. Wise told us to find em.” 

“Haven’t heard that either, Miss Kaly,” Tye glanced at her and then back at Jeff. “Did you find a spot to build?” 

“Name’s Trin, by the way,” I introduced myself and shook the woman’s hand. 

“Hmm perhaps Cas is just running his mouth again,” Kaly smiled and shook my hand. “I’m Mayor Kaly of Black Diamond.” 

“Where at?” Tye asked Jeff. 

“Um… Mr. Wise had an accident with his water tower and then he asked us to clean up and so we decided to build it there. Over by the grave yard.” 

“Detective Trin Paige, actually. Pleasure to meet you,” I smiled at her. 

“Wanna show me? I may have some extra wood…” Tye rubbed his chin. 

“Ok. Can you leave here for a while?” Jeff looked around and I nodded to Tye, signaling I was fine. 

“Seems quiet to me,” Tye glanced up and down the street and then wandered off to follow Jeff. 

“So ma’am, how long ya been the mayor over there?” I asked. “I was just wanderin’ through there earlier today actually.” 

“A long time,” she smiled.

“Nice area out there.” 

“I’m rather partial to it.” 

“Was out lookin’ for information on someone actually, maybe you could help me.” 

“Oh?” 

“Yeah... Girl named Patty Hill…” 

“Haven’t heard that name in a while…” 

“I had guessed ya wouldn’t have,” I smirked. 

“Trin, glad ya still here,” Chet said as he walked over. 

“Hey Chet,” I nodded to him. 

“But Black Diamond wouldn’t be the right place, I think she was holed up in Goldfield,” Kaly said and greeted Chet. 

“Alright, well I thought I’d check since it’s one of the surrounding areas. I’ll poke around there.” 

“Can we talk?” I aksed Chet.

“Ya know we can. Always,” he nodded. 

“If you’ll excuse me? Hopefully will see ya around soon enough,” I looked to the mayor. 

“Nice meeting you,” Kaly said, and I led the way to the hotel in Bisbee. 

When we’d arrived there, Chet looked at me as I stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “What’s up, Trin? I got an injured soldier back in town.” 

“Chet.. I just… I need you right now.” 

“What’s wrong?” 

I sighed and led the way upstairs, opening the hotel room. I looked over at Chet and reached up to put a hand on his cheek, caressing it. I leaned in and kissed him deeply, needing the physical comfort. He kissed me back and I pulled him closer, wanting more. 

“I wanna see you, Trin… All of you… Tonight, if you get my meaning,” he whispered in my ear and I swallowed, resting my forehead against his neck. “I know yer a lady and I ain’t meaning to have you go far but be nice to see you, if you know what I mean.” 

I smiled and nodded, whispering, “I know what ya mean... I just... Dang I missed this.” 

“Have too missed ya a lot.” 

I took his hand and placed it on my belt, looking in his eyes. “Take the gun belt off first, darlin’.” 

He removed the belt slowly and kissed me again. “Can I ask ya personal question?” 

“Of course, honey. Goodness knows we’ve known each other long enough,” I smiled, wrapping my arms around his waist. 

“Ya ever known a man?” he asked after swallowing hard. 

“Known a man, how?” I looked at him. “Ya askin’ if I’ve gone all the way, Chet?” 

“Yes ma’am,” he looked down. 

I shook my head and said, “I may have slept with men, but sex was never involved.” 

“I sorry fer asking I just didn’t want make ya uncomfortable, ’n I won’t go all the way with you, so relax.” 

“Honey I trust you. And you know I’m an open book. You can ask me anything.... but talkin’ is the last thing I wanna do right now,” I said, kissing him deeply. In his arms, it felt like no time had passed between us.