Bisbee.
As I walked through Bisbee on my way back from Diamond I ran into Pet and Doll. We talked about New Years Eve plans and how there would be an event in Tombstone for it. I asked them if they’d seen either Sniper or Lot but neither of them had so I kept walking.
Tombstone.
I felt like I was being followed as I walked around town and turned to see a woman with a blue dress and a white head covering. “Hi there,” I greeted her.
“Oh, hello.”
“You alright, Miss?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “I’m headed to the church.”
“Oh lovely. Right I guess the service is soon, isn’t it?”
“Yes, I’m not sure at what time though.”
“My name’s Trin. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“My name is Monica Ashmoot. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well. You new to the area?”
“Yes, I just moved here a few days ago.”
“Oh nice, how has your time been here so far? Is it much of a change from where you come from?”
“I like the town, but I was told it was dangerous sometimes.”
“It can be if you trust the wrong people. Hope you haven’t come across anything dangerous so far.”
“Well I did get robbed a few days ago.”
“You did?” I looked at her, worried. “Did you report it?”
“I haven’t seen the sheriff yet.”
“When did it happen?”
“The bandit even dare to kiss me.”
“Kiss you?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
“What did he steal from you?”
“Just my whole savings, a whole dollar,” she frowned.
“You should fill out a statement, Miss. I don’t suppose he told you his name... I could help determine who did this though. Justice should be served.”
“I call him the kissing bandit. He was wearing a cloth on his face.”
“Miss, I’m a detective and I’d like to help solve this and get this man for what he did to you. Where did this happen?”
“I was inside the church by myself and I heard a noise by the door...”
“Inside the church? Where? Here in Tombstone?”
“The church in Bisbee.”
“Oh, I see...”
“But I’ve been scared to tell the sheriff.”
“Let’s walk over to the sheriff’s office, hon. Maybe someone is around. You can walk with me... I’ll be here for you.”
“Thank you.”
“Follow me,” I smiled and led the way to the sheriff’s office. I knocked on the door and was relieved to see Dave open it and walk outside.
“Well, hello ladies.”
“Dave, perfect. Mind if we come in and chat?”
“Please do,” Dave smiled.
“Come on in, Monica,” I smiled at her warmly, seeing her worried expression.
“What can I do for you?” Dave asked.
“Monica here has a crime to report... It happened over in Bisbee but I think it will fall under this office. There doesn’t seem to be any other lawmen around,” I explained and she nodded.
“Yes, Bisbee is part of Tombstone and falls under our jurisdiction,” Dave nodded.
“Problem is we don’t know who did it and we need your help to figure it out...”
“Okay, slow down. First of all, who did what? What is the crime?”
“Why don’t you tell Sheriff Dave what happened, Monica?” I looked at the girl and smiled.
“I was inside the Church in Bisbee by myself.. and I heard a noise coming from outside, so I went to check and then all of a sudden this bandit points at me with a pistol...” Monica started.
“Outside of the church?” Dave asked.
“Yes Sir.”
“Was this bandit a man or a woman?”
“A man, sir.”
“Did he rob you, or say anything to you?”
“He told me to give him all my coins, which I had a whole dollar, all my savings...” she frowned. “So I did and after that he came close to me and kissed me.”
I looked at Dave for his reaction to that and he said, “So he robbed you of all your money and kissed you...”
“Yes Sir.”
“You said he had a bandana covering his face, right Monica?” I looked at her.
“Oh yes.”
“Sounds like the kissing bandit to me. Have heard about this type of robbery, then kissing the lady he robbed,” Dave said.
I looked at him and asked, “Do you know who’s doing it, Dave?”
“Not for certain Trin, but have always had a suspicion. And unfortunately, I can’t arrest on a suspicion.”
“I know... But we can work together to figure out who’s doing this,” I nodded. “What other descriptions can you give us of this man, Monica?”
“Well... I was so scared I didn’t pay much attention to the man.”
“Please excuse my boldness, but did you enjoy his kiss, and please, there is a reason I ask this,” Dave asked.
“Of course not,” she blushed.
“You see, some of his victims have really wanted to meet him again,” Dave explained, “and so they would withhold information, so I had to ask.”
“How many times has this happened before, Dave? This is the first I’m hearing about it,” I looked at him.
“I have heard of around six people... Ladies... That he has robbed.”
“Oh God,” Monica shook her head.
“Wow...” I sighed. “Robbed and then kissed... I want to help you solve this case, Sheriff.”
“I know you said he was wearing a bandana, but he had to remove it to kiss you, didn’t he?” Dave asked her.
“I..I don’t remember.. it all happened too fast.”
“It’s okay, Monica,” I smiled at her.
“I see, must have been very traumatic,” Dave said and she nodded. “But do you remember if he was clean shaven, had a beard or mustache, or anything bout his face that will help us to recognize him?”
“Glasses , maybe?” I suggested.
“Well.. no glasses... I think he was shaven...”
“Thank you miss. Oh... I didn’t get your name,” Dave said.
“Oh, My name is Monica Ashmoot, Sir.”
“Thank you Monica,” he smiled. “I’ll put word out to the other towns to also be on the watch for him.”
“I’m going to be keeping an eye out for this as well. I want to put an end to this,” I nodded.
“And if you see him again, please don’t hesitate to come and get me, ok?” Dave looked at her.
“Thank you so much to both... I was unsure to report it...”
“Oh, one last question... “Did this man offer to give you a tour of the towns?”
“No Sir, he just kissed me and left fast,” Monica answered him.
“Okay, thank you...”
“Did he find out your name, Monica?” I wondered.
“My name... I think he did asked me and I told him...” Monica said.
“That’s unfortunate,” I sighed and looked at Dave with concern.
“It’s been a few days so I must have forgotten a few details,” she admitted.
“You remembered plenty.”
Dave smiled and asked, “Did he by chance compliment you on your looks, maybe how pretty you are? The fella I have a suspicion about often does that to his victims.”
“Oh yes! He did told me I was pretty.”
“Umm hmmm, thank you,” Dave nodded.
“We’ll let you go on to church, Monica. Thank you for coming and reporting this,” I smiled at her, anxious to talk to Dave.
“I need to talk to you,” Dave turned to me. “I have a feeling of who it might be and maybe you can find out more.”
“I’ll stay back,” I nodded.
“You have a good day,” Dave looked at Monica. “And I don’t think he will bother you again. All the reports I’ve gotten on this kissing bandit, he has never robbed the same lady twice.”
“Good to hear that,” Monica said and headed out to the church.
When were alone and the door was closed I sat down at the desk and watched Dave with curiosity. “Six women already...” I shook my head.
“Six that I know of. Okay, here is what I know of this person. He singles out ladies that are new to town. Most times he gets them coming off the stage. He will offer them a tour, and usually takes them to some waterfalls. Then that is where he robs them, then leaves them with a kiss.”
“Sounds like quite the man,” I shook my head.
Dave chuckled and said, “Some of the reports I got, he ran into them on the street, like Miss Monica. But in all cases, after robbing them, he would leave them with a kiss.”
“And he always wears a bandana...”
“No... The ones from the stage he didn’t.”
“Oh, so that’s new...?”
“But all the reports say he is very polite. And like I said... Some didn’t want him arrested, but rather they wanted to see him again, and only reported in hopes I would lead them to him.”
“As he asks, ‘please can I have your money’?” I raised an eyebrow.
“No, as in complimenting the ladies on how they look.”
“Ah...”
“Tell me Trin, who do you know that is dashing like that?” Dave smiled.
I chuckled a bit. “Of the outlaws? I can think of a couple... But now that you say ‘dashing’....”
“I think you are starting to see who I suspect,” he grinned.
“There is one that’s been more.... shall we say active than the others?” I guessed.
“Yes.”
“So how do we nail him?”
“My suspicion has been Dash Daggard, but I have no proof to arrest him. I hear he hangs around the Oriental and also in Black Diamond.”
“I just got a job at the Oriental...” I smiled. “How can I help, Dave?”
“Maybe you can pick up on something from there.”
“I’m sure I can... and try to be flirtatious with him, since he seems to like that...” I nodded.
“Maybe help to get the proof we need. Hmm...” he said thoughtfully. “I know this is a lot to ask, but maybe you can gain his confidence enough to get him to show you around. Then if he robs and kisses you, we will have the evidence that we need. I’ve gotten no reports that he has ever harmed any of his victims.”
“I had thought of that as an option... But he is already fairly familiar with me and knows who I am. You said that he goes after women who are new to the town...”
“Yes. That’s why you would have to gain his confidence.”
“Tell him that there are a lot of places you haven’t seen, and maybe he will take you there. In the canyon behind Black Diamond is where the waterfall is, I believe.”
“That’s a good idea,” I nodded. “Then maybe he’ll try to rob me while he is out and about. I can then report him, knowing exactly who he is. Just not sure if he’d actually rob me since I’m not really new to the town... But it might be a worthwhile approach.”
“Maybe we can finally get this man.”
“An experiment I’d like to try... See if he would be confident enough to kiss me out there...”
“Good luck,” he nodded.
“I want to check around the stage and see if I can find him lurking around there as well.”
“And I need to make my rounds.”
“Thank you for being here, Sheriff.”
“Not a problem, Trin,” he smiled.
We walked out of the office and saw the crowd of Natives on horseback in front of the Oriental. “We have visitors on horseback it seems,” I pointed out.
“Hmm.. Must be in preparation for the New Year’s party.”
We waved to the chief as he and the tribe rode past and then went on our way.
***
Tombstone.
As I walked out of my apartment this evening I saw Chris standing across from the Crystal Palace saloon. “Well lookie who I see,” he smiled when he saw me.
“Well hey there!”
“Well how are you, Miss Trin?” he tipped his hat toward me.
“I’m alright, Chris and yourself?”
“Doing well, thank you.”
“You ain’t seen Lot or Sniper around, have ya?” I asked and then noticed Dash and Jack congregating in front of the Oriental so I asked Chris, “Mind if we take a walk?”
“Oh... Sure,” he nodded and followed me down the street.
I noticed Serenity and Ace standing in front of Kate’s and I smiled, thinking that this location would be perfect to have this conversation. I walked inside with Chris and poured myself a glass of whiskey, offering the bottle to him. “Can I get you one?”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
I smiled and sipped the whiskey before looking at him seriously. “Seems we’ve got a problem in Diamond.”
“Oh yeah?”
“The Alvord-Stils and Young Guns took over the saloon last night and Redd got shot. There’s no law so it looks like things are just going to get worse and worse.”
“Where are our law officials?” he nodded.
“Most of them have quit. TJ was fired, still ain’t sure why. And that’s the current problem. There’s no bank, no law, no structure whatsoever.”
“Who the what now did whom?” I heard Ace say from outside and smiled, glad that they were within earshot as we talked.
“Now obviously... These two gangs are the worst out of all of them to deal with in Diamond. Personally I’d rather deal with the Wild Bunch or the Blackbirds. At least their type of violence ain’t reckless and pointless, you know what I mean?” I continued.
“So what does this have to do with me? I’m a bartender and a gambler...”
“You work the saloon in Diamond... We needs eyes and ears all over if this is going to work. It’s going to be dangerous but if dealing with the two other gangs will bring more peace to Diamond... It’s a fight we might have to pursue. And without much law to help... We’re kind of every man for himself right now. And you need to be careful,” I looked at him, taking another sip of whiskey.
“I’m always careful hun...” he winked.
I smiled and reached for his hand. “Keep me apprised if anything happens at the saloon? We need to keep a close watch on this... Knowing each groups’ moves will be crucial if this is going to work.”
Tex walked in to grab a bottle of whiskey and greeted us before heading out to join Brooke. We walked outside and saw the group of outlaws forming, including Sniper who was sitting down in front of Kate’s.
“Speak of the devil...” I smiled at Chris. “Chris, you mind if I chat with Sniper?”
“Of course not,” he smiled. “I’ll see ya ‘round, Trin,” he said and headed off.
“Stay safe, hon,” I smiled at him and walked over to Sniper. “Hey there.”
“Ello,” he greeted me as Dash yelled that a woman had stolen Jack’s horse.
“How ya doin’ tonight?”
“Same as any other night, trying to get drunk. You?” Sniper asked.
“Damn Trin, they got a horse thief,” Tex said. “Go cuff him and leave Snipe be.”
“Wanted to run an idea past you... Ain’t sure how much of the conversation you heard in there...”
“I ain’t a deputy. Not much I can do about a horse thief,” I looked at him.
“Half and half, and I’m not the one to speak to,” Sniper told me ini response.
“You ain’t? Thought you were in charge or somethin’. Might seem a bit unorthodox, I’m sure...”
“Then I’m not the one to speak about what you were talking about. Well go on, let’s hear it then...”
“Then who is?” I asked.
“Well, it depends what you asking.”
“Diamond needs help, Sniper. And obviously there ain’t no law to do it.”
“And I’m not law.”
“You’re missing my point,” I shook my head.
“TJ,” Tex laughed.
“Nope, TJ he ain’t no law,” Brooke put in.
“Tj got fired, ain’t sure why,” I said.
“Oh, I bet I can guess,” Tex said.
“What he done, Tex?” Sniper asked.
“It’s TJ, for God sake,” Tex laughed.
“Yeah, well that’s true,” Sniper nodded.
“He an outlaw through and through. He ain’t no good,” Brooke added.
“So what... you’re just gonna let Diamond be overrun by other gangs?” I looked around at them.
“Give Snipe a badge. He’d love ta go watch over it,” Tex suggested.
“I ain’t wearing no badge,” Sniper shook his head. “I ain’t no sell out.”
I sighed, seeing I was getting nowhere.
“You do it, Brooke,” Tex looked at her.
“You want me to go to Diamond and shoot people?” Brooke asked.
“Miss Trin, what do you expect me to do?” Sniper asked.
“Which ones? All of ‘em?” Brooke asked.
“Just thought maybe you wouldn’t like hearing that those two gangs were workin’ together,” I shrugged.
“Well they ain’t bothering me, so I see no issue with it,” Sniper said.
“Guess you don’t really care so I’ll go about my evening,” I said then.
“It’s not my place to play hero, Trin,” Sniper told me. “They don’t bother me, I don’t bother them. If they bother me, then we have a problem.”
“Fair enough,” I said.
“Best person to speak to is Lot,” he suggested.
“I figured you two were joined at the hip,” I winked at him.
“Far from it,” he said.
“Have a good night then.”
“Likewise,” he nodded and I walked back to my apartment.
No comments:
Post a Comment