Tombstone.
This morning I saw Alex ride over on his horse and he smiled at me, “Hi Trin.”
“Hey there, Alex. How are you?”
“Okay. How are you?”
“Bored, to be honest,” I chuckled.
“I know that feeling all too well.”
“Yeah, there’s nothing really going on. Was a shooting last night but was just over a warrant. Nothing really to detect there. Did you do your medical training?”
“I met with Freja. Now I’m waiting for the next step to happen. I still can’t do anything yet.”
“What’s the next step? I don’t really know much about that process,” I smiled.
“I have to be approved and add to the list, Then given a bag and do a practice healing. Then I’ll be a medical assistant for awhile. For now, I’ve been studying in my house.”
“That’s great, Alex, really. I’m glad you’ve found something that you seem to love to do.”
“I think it will be interesting,” he nodded. “I’ve been riding along the railroad tracks. It’s a good circuit.”
“That’s great. I should find something to do I guess. Really need work of some sort, you know?”
“Yeah. It’s boring without work,” he nodded.
“No kidding... I’m going crazy.”
“You want to take a ride?”
“Sure, that’d be great. I miss spending time with you.”
“I do too,” he nodded and whispered.
“Lead the way,” I said as I got up on Watson and followed him down the street.
Pearce.
We rode in front of a small mining shack in Pearce and dismounted. “This is it. Home sweet home.”
“Look at you knowing where you’re going,” I smiled at him.
“All I ever do anymore is explore - I actually know where everything is finally,” he laughed.
I followed him inside and looked around. “This is really nice, Alex.”
“Thanks. It suits me.”
“It really does,” I nodded and couldn’t help but step closer to him. “Can I have a hug?”
“It’s nice to see you,” he nodded.
“It’s really nice to see you too... I’ve been thinking a lot…” I stepped back and looked at him.
“Would you like some coffee?” he asked.
“I would love some,” I nodded.
“Have a seat. I’ll put it on.”
I took a seat at the table and watched him work and I asked, “You want to know what I’ve been thinking?” When he nodded I said, “I’ve been thinking... I’m not good with exclusive things. Never really have been. But living in the moment... enjoying each other’s company without the pressure of being in an exclusive relationship…” I looked at him, wondering if he thought I was crazy.
“I miss you,” he whispered as he looked down at his cup of coffee.
“Yeah, I knew it was crazy. I just... This is really nice... and easy.... to be with you… When I start to get involved in an exclusive thing... I think too much, you know? It happens every time.”
“I don’t think enough.”
“But maybe that’s better. You enjoy things without analyzing them all the time…” I looked at him and he shrugged. “We have something special here. I want to work on keeping it as such without the pressures of all that other stuff.” He squeezed my hand but stayed quiet, looking down at the table. “You don’t have to say anything right now... I just... Wanted to tell you what I’ve been thinking.”
“I hope it’s drinkable. I’ve never been good a making coffee.”
“It tastes great actually,” I smiled.
“You haven’t seen Moretti since he escaped the Pearce jail, have you?” I asked him.
He looked at me and shifted in his seat and said, “Um… Maybe.”
“Have you?” I raised an eyebrow.
“You know that term, ‘bury the hatchet’?” he asked and I nodded. “Well… we did. Or I did.”
“But… how?” I asked, squeezing his hand.
He looked at me seriously and said, “In an unmarked grave.”
“You didn’t…” I swallowed hard.
“Look, soon, I’m going to be a doctor and I’ll take the hypocratic oath. I wouldn’t be able to... um... finish it. And he needed finishing.”
“I know.... And there was a good chance he’d come after me for knocking him out…”
“He’d be back. For both of us. I couldn’t take that chance so when I caught sign of him, I went after him. I don’t trust just jailing him. Look where that got us.”
“I know,” I nodded, taking a deep breath. “And even if he did manage to get to trial the defense lawyers would probably win the case anyway…” I said and he nodded. “So then it would never end..”
“He won’t bother you again. It was my fault he did in teh first place. It was up to me to end it.”
“Now it’s my turn to be speechless,” I squeezed his hand, looking in his eyes.
“You know, you’re welcome here anytime. We could play cards…” he looked down. “Or maybe I shouldn’t play cards,” he chuckled.
I grinned, remembering. “I do want to see how good you are at Poker after all Max told me about it. My curiosity has been peaked.”
“He exaggerates,” Alex chuckled.
“Uh huh... You sure about that?” I winked. “No one said we had to play for real money.”
“Want some?” he picked up the bottle of whiskey and splashed it in the coffee.
“Sure.. Sounds good,” I smiled and nodded.
“Sometimes it needs something extra.”
“Perfect,” I took a sip of the coffee. “Well you know me and my whiskey. If I drink it with coffee it’s a good day. Straight whiskey though... be worried. Why don’t you get those cards out? We’ll play a few rounds.”
I chuckled and we continued to play poker as I looked at him. “See, Max didn’t lie. You know what you’re doing.”
“I said ‘exaggerated’ not lied,” he smirked as we finished the game. “That was fun.”
“I should head back to the office,” I said, looking at him.
“It was nice to see you.”
“Alex.... would it be crazy if…" I looked at him, considering kissing him.
He smiled at me and said, “Come here and give me a hug before you go.” He pulled me close and I hugged him tightly.
“Let’s do this again... soon…” I whispered.
“Be careful out there,” he nodded.
“You too hon,” I said and headed outside.
***
Tombstone.
I walked into the bank and smiled when I saw Chase. “Well hey there, stranger.”
“Good afternoon ma’am.”
“I’m heading over to court for trial but I wanted to just make sure everything was okay in here,” I smiled.
“Everything here is just fine and dandeh. We are actually just about to close down for lunch hours. Your concern as always is appreciated Ma’am,” he nodded and smiled.
“Fantastic. Well if you ever need anything, you know where to find me. I’m living in Tombstone now but there’s a mailbox at the office door if you need to leave a note. I’ll see you at the trial? Gonna be a big one.”
“Anyone important going to the stand?”
“Serenity’s up for murder I believe.”
“Well it is about damned time. That does sound awfully tempting ma’am, I’ll see to do my best in making it there. Is there anything I can help you with while I have you here?”
“Alright, I should head over. I’m the court clerk now. I just wanted to check in on you. Stay safe, Chase,” I smiled.
“Alrighty ma’am, you have yourself a fine day now. It is a pleasure seeing you again,” Chase said and I walked out.
I walked over to the courthouse and smiled, seeing Matty. “Hey there, Sheriff.”
“Howdy Trin. How’s things?” he tipped his hat.
“Gonna be an interesting trial. Bout time too, I’ve been going through withdrawal for something to do,” I winked at him.
“Wonder why another trial for same charges…” he nodded.
“Lot’s the judge for this one, right? I always love watching him on the stand.”
“I do not know.. you are the lawyer.... so you should have more information than me,” he shrugged.
“Actually today I’m just the court clerk. You know no one tells me anything.”
“Same position as me.. I do not know anything,” he nodded.
“See and you’re the sheriff... Needs to be more communication between departments. But then, I’m preaching to the choir I know.” He nodded and started whistling the tune of Gregorian Chant as if he was in the choir and I chuckled. “Guess I should head upstairs and gather my notebook. See you in there, Sheriff.”
“Be well Trin,” he said and I walked into the courthouse with him.
I greeted Nim who said this trial was gonna be a farce and we waited for Kris to appear, who finally came a half hour later. Tully joined as prosecutor and Kris instructed for the prosecution to give his opening statement.
Ella asked for a moment and then began her statement. “Howdy, our good members of the jury. We are here because the lady behind us points to serenity killed the innocent man called Johnny.”
“Allegedly!” Tully exclaimed and then went quiet.
“I hope you all have common sense and listen to the facts of this court. I rest, your honor,” Ella said and sat down.
“Defence, your statement,” Kris ordered.
“Woah woah woah this is about a murder? Come on that’s ridiculous. This case should be about something important like how she’s way too attractive,” Ace held up a hand then from his seat in the gallery.
Tully stood and straightened his jacket and looked over to Kris, asking for permission to speak again and when Kris gave him the floor, Tully looked over at the jury as I whispered to Jack, “Oh, he’s good…”
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury.. First of all, Thank You for taking you time in being here to serve your civic duty. Second of all, I hope not to take up too much of your valuable time in this matter. Today a young lady’s life hangs in the balance over an occurrence in which all of her ’supposed’ co-conspiritors were found innocent. I hope to show you here, today, that she is no more guilty than anyone, perhaps even less guilty than the deceased scoundrel who’s demise brought us to this point. I only ask that you exhibit an open mind, and an open heart in making your most difficult decision this day... Thank You again for being here,” he said and returned to his seat.
“Prosecution, your first witness,” Kris said.
Ella nodded and looks at her papers and said, “Your honor, may I read two witness statements, your honor?”
“Please do so.”
“These jury, are dated the third of November. She read and said, ‘On Sunday the 5th of November I was relaxing by the lemonade stand, in front of the Crystal Palace on Allen St., when I hear the sound of gunfire coming from the direction of the Bank.I drew my weapons and ran in that direction, as I approached the Bank the sound of gunfire getting close but in the back of the Bank. Minutes earlier, I saw Marshal Nim head towards the back of the Bank so my instinct told me to hurry. As I ran to the back of the Bank, I saw two men running from the back of the Gallery building. At first glance the first man I saw looked wounded to me, but I didnt stop to really give the man a good look, but he walked a bit stiff. The second man was running close behind him. I called out for the Marshal as both men made a left from the back of the Gallery building and ran towards Gehenna. I ran to where the men came from and didnt see the Marshal. I called for her again as I saw her laying near the tracks, in proximity to the back of the church. I ran over to her, as I asked if she was ok, she weakly got up cursing calling out the name of "Jack Smith". I yelled out for any other town folk to come help the Marshal. People started to gather and asked "what happened" I quickly explained as Nim called out some orders to "get the men" who shot her. At that point, Serenity volunteered to help kick those men out of her town. After proclaiming her statement, she and the other two men Carl and Sammy took off running in the direction I saw the other two men run off to. I was about to help the Marshal to the docs when I saw Skyla had her, so seeing that the Marshal was in good hands I ran to Gehenna...hoping to catch up with the 3 that had left a minute earlier. As I approached Gehenna, I saw them run up the clock tower. They all went in different directions, I ran towards the Ranger station to see if I could get a better view from there. I heard someone call out Jacks name as more gunfire went off, I heard gunfire whiz by me as I approached. I saw the man that was firing my way run up the ramp as I opened fire on him. He went down near the top of the ramp, I lost track of the other man as I concentrated on the one who was firing at me. As I approached, the man was indeed wounded. I went to check him as I heard voices coming from the old beat up church up there. I continued to check the man for weapons as the door swung open and out came Jhonny, Serenity and the figure of a man, but I didnt get a good look at his face as I had my own man to cuff and arrest. I over heard Serenity telling the man Jhonny not to run. I was helping the man up and cuffing him when I heard someone say something as gunfire went off again near the tracks, they all ran towards the Ranger station guns firin. I couldnt help them, I had my prisoner to deal with. I delivered the man named Jack to the Docs office in town where the Law took over.’ SIGNATURE: Lt.Colonel Wedge Zeluco.”
“Ok then, next statement,” Kris said then.
“I changed my mind, your honor, and call Marshal Nim to the stand,” Ella said and Nim came forward to be sworn in. When she took her seat I heard Matty whistling the tune of a Gregorian Chant and I chuckled, watching the proceedings as Ella asked, “Can you tell the jury what you saw on that day in question?”
“Well Miss Ella, per the statement you just read, I saw nothing up in Ghenna, as I was in the clinic at that time having bullets removed from my person,” Nim began. “I only know that Miss Serenity was working with Colonel Wedge to apprehend the two suspects.”
As Ace started to whistle Dixie, I cringed at the sound of it, looking back to see the source. The song brought back so many painful memories and I almost paled at the sound of it. Matt winked at me and Bree and continued whistling his Gregorian chant and started a duet with whoever was whistling Dixie.
“Um… did she or the colonel Wedge say this to you?” Ella asked.
“That statement you read, was one I gathered when Judge Rubble issued a bench warrant for three people in this matter of Mr Rotten’s death,” Nim said and I took a deep breath as the whistling stopped, looking over at Jack. I felt safer that he was nearby.
“And if my memory serves me right, one of the accused, an eye-witness Mr. Sammy saw Mr. Johnny go down and the accused run down from the hill and no one else?” Ella asked.
“I could not recall Sammies statement exactly Miss Ella, but I do believe that Miss Serenity did give chase when Mr Rotten tried to flee her establishment in Ghenna,” Nim smiled.
“Is Miss Serenity a member of the law, like a sheriff, marshal or army person?” Ella asked.
“Well, the day in question, Colonel Wedge took authority in giving chase and accepted the help of Carl, Sammy and Serenity, so yes ma’am, under Arizona Law, she was recongized as being able to give pursuit to the suspect,” Nim said and I watched as Jack left the courthouse.
“Um… I believe that under army law, that he would not ask civilian help,” Ella said.
“I have never read such a law Miss Ella, so I could not respond to that,” Nim smiled and I thought to myself it was perfectly legal to deputize citizens, albeit the outlaw in question might raise cause for debate.
“No more questions, your honor,” Ella nodded and sat down.
“May I, your honor?” Tully asked and Kris nodded to him. Tully walked over to Nim and smiled, “Thank You, Marshal. First of all, I am sorry for your injuries upon the day in question.. I am happy to see you have recovered nicely…”
“Thank you sir,” Nim smiled.
“Can you tell the members of the jury the source of the bullets that injured you that day?.. if you can.... tell us who was shooting at you, a duly authorized US Marshal.”
“ I was in a fight with two people sir, I was in pursuit of Mr Smith when I was first wounded, and turning, saw Mr Rotton with his guns out. My fight then became with him and I having already been hit once, lost that encounter. Those were the only two there, so it was Mr Rotton’s bullets that took me down.”
“I guess if you want Justice you have to get it yourself in this town!” Jack shouted then.
“I see, thank you….. It seems to me in referencing these statements that Miss Serenity indeed was asked to, or offered to, assist in the apprehension of these criminals.. am I seeing this correctly?” Tully asked.
“After Judge Rubble issued bench warrants for your client and Carl and Sam, I did gather statements to that fact, yes sir.”
“Thank you, one more thing... may I quote you?”
“Of course, I enjoy being quoted,” Nim smiled and I chuckled at her.
“‘It is the opinion of the US Marshal’s Office, that the truth of this day is detailed well in the statements gathered and it is the US Marshal’s suggestion that this case against Serenity Graves, Carl Anderson and Sam Oldford not be taken to court.’ Are you still of this opinion, Marshal?”
“Oh, after now going on near ten hours in this courtroom and two non guilty verdicts already, more then ever so sir,” Nim nodded.
“Thank you, Marshal... for your time and your diligent carrying out of your duties.. no further questions.”
Nim was dismissed and Kris asked if there were any other witnesses for the prosecution. Ella had no more witnesses and Kris asked the defence if he had any witnesses.
“Your honor, may I make a short comment regarding the other witness reports? If you please, I will be brief. I will do so.”
“Okay,” Kris nodded.
“Ladies and Gentleman, as we are not graced by the presence of some of our witnesses, may I simply supply to you a few quotes from their -official- statements....which to my knowledge, are beyond contestation. No need for any long, drawn out speeches.. I believe it is the specific nature of the remarks regarding my client’s cooperation and assistance that should be duly noted. This from Lt. Colonel Wedge Zeluco.. a decorated member of our outstanding Cavalry here in the territory. ‘People started to gather and asked ‘what happened’ I quickly explained as Nim called out some orders to "get the men" who shot her. At that point, Serenity volunteered to help kick those men out of her town. After proclaiming her statement, she and the other two men Carl and Sammy took off running in the direction I saw the other two men run off to.’ This from a US Marshal. And next, from Miss Skyla Thor. ‘Serenity Graves got asked to help also. I took Nim to the Docs,’ please take note that my client never acted in any rash or unsolicited way. Thank you. Nothing further. May I call Miss Graves, your honor? I am sorry, I will be VERY brief.”
“Oh yes.”
Serenity came forward and was sworn in. When everyone was ready, Tully said, “Miss Serenity, I won’t make you go over the events of the day in question. Just a few brief questions, if I may?”
“Please do.”
“Did you kill Johnny Rotten?”
“I did not.”
“Were you acting on behalf of the US Marshal’s office as well as the US Cavalry on the day in question?” Tully smiled.
“I was indeed. Law asked fer help. I helped,” Serenity nodded her head.
“As any civic-minded, refined lady would. Thank you so much for your patience and time, and I apologize for your having gone through this, Miss Serenity. No further questions, your honor.”
“Closing statements then,” Kris said as Serenity went back to her seat. When he had to leave due to sickness, Nim stood up in the judge’s spot to move proceedings along.
Ella looked at her notes and stood. “Serenity is not a fine lady, but an infamous outlaw, good members of the jury, who used an opportunity to kill a good man of Tombstone. I pray you find the accused guilty of murder.”
“Mr Tully, closing statements please,” Nim said as Ella sat down.
“Your Honor..Marshalship..as it may be... I do not feel any more convincing is necessary.. I place my faith, and Miss Serenity’s future in the hands of our capable jury. I believe we have, without question, proven our side of the story and trust in these fine folks to see it that way. Thank You.”
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the charge before you today is murder of one, Mr Johnny Rotton, by Miss Serenity Graves, the court asks you now use only the fact presented here today to deliberate her guilt or innocence in this matter,” Nim instructed. You may go to the jury room, choose a foreman to come back and deliver the verdict to the judge.”
The jury went to the room to debate the verdict and when they came out, Nim asked who the foreman was. Matty stood and announced that the jury found the defendant not guilty. Nim instructed Serenity that she was free to go and we headed out of the courthouse as Tully jumped up and slammed his knee on the table. A scream of pain could be heard throughout the town.
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