August 25, 1899

Bisbee.

I rode back into town this evening after a long couple of days up north. I had been able to connect with my brother and mother about the events enfolding Sunset, and was relieved to know that they were safe and sound. They did tell me that they were thinking of selling the ranch and that news hit me hard, as it was where I had grown up. 

While I sat in front of my office I saw Mysti riding over. I knew I needed to show her the things I had discovered in Colorado Springs and I knew it would be a difficult conversation. I asked her to wait for me. I walked into my office and went to retrieve the bag I had taken from my trip and brought it outside. She was sitting on the steps and I sat down beside her, taking a deep breath.

“You might want to brace yourself,” I warned her. “I just got back from a trip up north to tell my family some news about things happening here... but I decided to make a detour into Colorado Springs.”

I opened the bag and handed Mysti the clothing wrapped in plastic that had been retrieved. I then handed her a small bag with the Bounty Hunter badge tucked inside it. She took the bag and shirt and the recognition on her face was obvious. She held the shirt up to her nose and smelled it, breathing in the sent. She then looked in her pocket and took out a stone. 

“It is his alright. I’d know his sent anywhere and this stone was our special symbol. Were you able to find out what happened to him, who killed him and how?” 

I nodded and reached into the bag, knowing there was more to show her. I took out the bag with a few teeth that had been found and then pulled out a death certificate. “Mysti... They found these teeth on the ground near the clothing and the badge. With everything put together, they were able to identify him by the teeth... There’s no doubt that it was Charles’.” I pulled out some bones in a bag as well and said, “They found these too...” I hesitated. 

“Can I have them to bury and have a proper funeral?” Mysti fought back the tears. 

I reached over and put a hand on her arm comfortingly. “Mysti... the man that killed your husband... he came forward and confessed. That bounty he had been tracking, well, they got wind of it and decided to take matters into their own hands. It’s all there in the death report. This is all that remains of his body... The detective in Colorado said that I could have these to give to you and have a proper burial for him.”

She let out a breath and said, “”Well now I can grieve proper and put him to rest.” 

“I’m sorry it’s not better news but... you’re right... it is closure. And by your expression, it’s what you had expected.”

“Yes by this amount of time it is what I had expected, but I still carried a shred of hope that maybe he was alive somewhere,” she sighed heavily. “But at least I can bury him now. I will look for Angi and I would love if you would be able to come to the services.” 

I smiled and rubbed her arm. “I hope you can arrange something special then.”

“Thank you my friend. You have helped me more than you know,” she smiled through the tears. 

“Best be getting home with these things. I will let you know when the funeral will be.” 

I handed her the bag so that she could take it with her and then gave her a hug before watching her ride off towards Allen Street.