Black Diamond.
This morning I woke up and went across the road. “Aly!! I need coffee!!”
“Uh, hold on, I’m dressing!” Aly called down.
“And I need coffee!” I called back.
“Ya might need coffee but you’ll get some iron if ya don’t keep that racket down,” Tye’s voice came from behind me and I turned.
“Oh Tye, it’s morning.”
“I noticed.”
“I stayed up all night last night working on journals and the master list. Finally up to date.”
“Fancy.”
“Mmhmm. Now I’m tryin’ to wake this here woman up so I can get a statement from her for you.”
“I didn’t do much. Just killed Mac. Got a confession from Jewel. Found myself a deputy. It was pretty tame.”
“You found a deputy?” she blinked.
“Yup.”
“Got a confession from Jewel?”
“Yup.”
“But... Who? How?”
“And yup, killed Mac.”
“That one’s not a surprise anymore. Who’d ya hire?”
“We need to talk. That’s not as important right now. Just trust me, he’s good. Working on another deputy too.”
“Aly, rain check on that coffee!” I called out to Aly and turned to him. “Let’s walk.”
“But we need to get our paperwork in order and make a move on Leigh before she skips town. She finds out Jewel talked... we’ll never find her again.”
“Get me some coffee and I’ll be your favorite detective,” I winked.
“Aly can join us. We’ll need refills.”
“Aly! Meet us at the saloon!” I called and followed him to the saloon. I poured us some coffee and handed him a glass as I sat down. “Alright, I’m all ears.”
Tye pulled out some paperwork from his pack and lay it out. “Busted Jewel last night, on her warrant. Chased her all over the damn place. I had Peta go in and ‘talk’ to her. Jewel cracked. At first confessed that it was Krell’s doing, that Leigh was going to take the money and run because Krell is crazy. Said she had a note that was locked away, paying Jewel to kidnap Leigh.”
“Did you see the note?” I blinked at that.
“Did she have a note,” Tye laughed. “Pinky. If there’s one thing I can say, is we’re rarely wrong about these things. I called her bluff. Dragged her ass all the way to Ghenna, broke into the Wild Bunch hideout and forced her to open the safe where she said it was. No note. That’s when I played my hand. I showed her the multiple witness statements, the warrant, the signed confession from Leigh. I gave Jewel one chance - confess everything or she hangs as an accomplice to Leigh. She confessed. Only problem is, I want to include all of this for the trial.” I could get Leigh right now, we could write this up while she’s locked up.”
“Well if we do it right... Jewel won’t be the one who goes to rial,” I nodded.
“Jewel’s goin’ to trial. She still did the kidnapping of Mayor Krell, just her charges will change.”
“Right,” I nodded.
“And, extortion.”
Aly walked in and sat down between us and I nodded again, “What about the arson fire on my office?”
“She’s bein’ tried for that soon, they’re unrelated currently. Two separte trials.”
“Excellent. Still would love to know her motivation behind that. We had nothing on them.”
“So what I’ll do is write up a new report the whole ordeal. Make it for Jewel and Leigh, and include our timelines, their confessions, everything.”
“Can you give me a final copy of that for my records? When it’s done?”
“Of course. They probably assumed they’d be able to destroy whatever we had on them, but they ain’t that bright. DA doesn’t hold reports and warrants.”
“But there wasn’t anything on them yet.”
“They didn’t know that either.”
“I guess not. Now that we’ve got Aly here...” I started.
“You two can chat. I’m going to start writing,” Tye said and got to work.
“Aly... Remember we talked about the night of the dance with Ger and Dave the other day?”
“Vaguely. When David was oogeling me?”
“I need you to write up what you witnessed that night if you can... About Mac being at the dance after you saw TJ and Lisa leave,” I handed her a blank form.
“It’s not very much detail Trin and I don’t even remember the time. These things don’t linger in my head for long.”
“I know,” I nodded. “But how was Mac when he came back?”
“No idea, I was distracted with Mark. It wasn’t a priority at the time,” she said. I looked over at Tye, knowing it wasn’t enough. “My statement would be completely vague... ‘Aly remembers seeing Mac at the dance.’ That’s it.”
“Alright,” I nodded. “Maybe Ger and Dave will remember more.”
“Oh and good mornin’ sheriff,” she looked over at Tye. She looked back at me and said, “Ger is pretty observant, might get something from him. David however... Only thing I think he’d remember is if you mentioned getting a brothel in the town.”
“Tye? You gonna keep me in suspense all day?” I looked over at him.
“Mornin’,” Tye grunted to Aly. “Over what?” he asked me.
“Who’s the new deputy?”
“Ain’t sure you’ve met him. Ray. Used to be law down in Mexico,” he said.
“Mexican lawman can be tough. He’ll be a good addition.”
“Oh! I remember Ray!” Aly said then. “He was at the dance last night. I kept calling him Roy, or Rob or somethin’.”
“Oh was he?” I smiled. “Glad to know he makes a presence.”
“Who ended up winnin’ last night? I had to leave, Bree soaked my nice suit with whatever fruity drink she was tipsy on, and Jewel near got away. I might arrest Bree for that, too.”
“Winin’?” I looked over.
“The blue contest thing.”
“Oh...”
“I had to leave too, was getting tired, so I didn’t stay to the end. Besides, Sheriff, got borin’ after you left,” Aly said.
“If you spin it enough you could charge Bree with obstruction of justice,” I winked at Tye. “Bree in jail... Hmm....” I chuckled at the thought.
“I don’t think Bree could handle Jail. She’d be like me, wondering if TJ urinated on the side of the wall out of spite,” Aly said.
“I rarely go to those things. I was tryin’ to spot a good time to arrest Jewel, just didn’t want others shot up, so I waited,” Tye grunted. “Ain’t gotta wonder, he ain’t just urinated.”
“Lest we forget the gift left in the sheriff’s office,” I looked at Tye.
“Well you looked good there dancin’ sheriff, I gotta admit,” Aly snickered. “No matter what nobody says.”
“Well, I try and avoid Peta durin’ those at the very least,” Tye rubbed his neck.
“Good plan,” I nodded, knowing that I tried to avoid Peta at most times.
“You know I think she just needs a bit of encouragement,” Aly said.
“I’ve had broken ribs, cracked nose, and ruined boots just from her,” Tye said.
“Oh. Maybe she jes needs some instruction then.”
“Who, Peta?”
“Yup,” Aly said and I went quiet and focused on my coffee while they continued to talk back and forth.
Tye laughed, “Good luck teachin’ her to put a square block in a square hole.”
“Hey you never gonna learn sometimes unless you got someone to teach it. Well not me it would be the blind leadin’ the blind there.”
“Thing about Peta is, she’s just fine at learnin’ things, she’s real bright, even. She just don’t think she’s bad at it. Until she’s convinced she NEEDS to learn it, she ain’t gonna.”
“I have noticed that,” Aly said and I tried to think of another topic but I couldn’t so I stayed quiet.
“Hell, only reason she learned to be a doctor so she could help hide her mischief that went badly. Banned from her own hometown, she’d set the mayor’s pants on fire. Tried to chloroform him and treat him before anyone noticed.”
“Think it would be beneficial ...a little one on one. Mark could teach her, if she wanted. He got real thick boots,” Aly laughed. “Whoa, she did what?”
“If you want to be a widow at your age, be my guest,” Tye said and I bit back emotion at that word, knowing that I already was pretty much one with losing both Jason, my fiance from Texas, and Tom who I had been close to marrying at some point.
“What is it with people thinkin’ I’m already married? I ain’t and it gonna be a while sheesh,” Aly said.
“Just ain’t seen many folks get engaged so quick, Aly, ‘less their marriage was arranged.”
“People tend to forget that I was recently engaged for 5 years to Calvin.... Still getting over that.”
“Ya ain’t got a real controllin’ Pa, do ya?”
“No, my Pa died in the fire.”
“5 years? Lass ya don’t look 2 days over 17. You from Utah or somethin’?”
“He asked me in a room full of people, Tye, couldn’t just say no. I’m 25, and it was a childhood friend.”
“Hell, I could have,” Tye shrugged. “You must be usin’ Doll’s dove poop cream then to look that young.”
“Sure you could. Not from Utah, very funny. I still have a lot of loose ends.”
“But hold on, ya sayin’ ya only said yes because ya didn’t want to embarrass him? That’ll lead to some even bigger embarrassment later. But, ain’t my business.”
“No, I do have feelings for him, and he knows I’m not ready to get married.”
“Well alright,” Tye shrugged.
“I know it sounds confusing. Guess I’m confused myself. Ugh... Still need coffee.”
“Just take care of yourself, seen too many young girls get wrapped up in a mess because a fella knows how to use puppy eyes.”
“Let me get it,” I said and stood to go around the counter, grateful for something to do. I poured a couple of glasses for me and Aly. I poured some whiskey in my coffee and came back around to sit beside Aly, giving her the mug.
“Bah when I first got to Black Diamond, believe me, men were the last thing on my mind. Only recently started noticing a...” she coughed, “Certain few individuals.”
“After you found out the rugs don’t reciprocate?” Tye asked.
“Hey that rug got a good lickin’,” she blushed and laughed. “Kidding.”
“Good fun, I been there, two decades or so ago...” Tye chuckled.
“Seriously though, I’ve been focused on getting myself settled, getting my house, furniture pieces built, doing odd jobs. I see mark occasionally, but I’m quite content to be on my own too. Gotta find Aly first before I can go giving her away, marriage or not.”
“Oh so you’re a rug licker too?” Aly laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. And I got some family members to set a burial for. I’m getting brave enough to return to the Criss farm and take care of it. Lots of cleaning debris, and such.”
“I been known to munch a few carpets,” Tye quickly picked up his coffee and grinned.
“Wow Tye,” Aly blinked.
“What?” he drank his coffee.
“And just to clarify...” Aly said as I stared into my coffee, drinking it slower now that there was whiskey in it as Aly said, “That is NOT the same manner of my own rug interest.”
“That’s too bad,” Tye said and then looked over at me. “Trin, you got any book or whatnot that clarifies what specific laws in Diamond say?”
I looked over at him, hearing my name. “Uh... it’s pretty much the same as in Tombstone, ain’t it? It’s just Bisbee that’s different.”
“Sure, I’m just tryin’ to remember which to charge Jewel with. Extortion?” he asked.
“Sounds like extortion to me,” I nodded.
“She conspired with Leigh to get ransom from him. Okay.”
“I told you Leigh was up to her neck in all this.”
“I had that figured already,” he nodded and started writing.
All of a sudden we heard Jewel shout from outside: “Sheriff, you’re a dead man, you hear me, you son of a bitch? We are coming for you!!”
Tye jumped up and drew his gun, running outside. Aly winced at that and I looked between them, explaining, “He kinda killed Mac last night....”
“Then come, Jewel!”
“Still don’t know the story on that. But Jewel is pissed it sounds,” I said.
“Ohh....” Aly blinked.
“I don’t want to hurt you, but you put the town in danger, and you’ll be put down!” Tye shouted.
“That’s becoming normal,” Aly nodded.
“That’s what I said,” I nodded.
“Oh Trin. I practiced with my gun.”
“Great to hear that,” I smiled. “Sorry we haven’t gone out yet.”
“You killed my friend, you bastard! We’re gonna kill everyone you ever cared ‘bout starting with Peta!” Jewel shouted.
“It was actually really comfortable for me and easy,” Aly said.
“You come and try to shoot me now - you’ll hang! Do you understand that?! Make your choice now!” Tye shouted.
“Best if we stay in here. I don’t want you caught in the middle of this,” Tye called.
“Uh that’s okay... You’ve had your hands full,” Aly said.
“It worth dyin’ for?” Tye shouted.
“Yeah... Distracting myself with work ‘cause I’ve got nothin’ else to talk about,” I nodded.
“I could give you plenty,” Aly laughed.
“Oh could you?” I looked at her and nudged her foot. “Hey look at us... We’re having morning coffee finally.”
“Come get me, you son of a bitch!” Jewel shouted back at Tye.
“So be it!” Tye shouted. “Drop it Jewel!”
“How come I get so worried about him?” Aly asked.
“I should go out there but I’m out of practice too,” I said. “He doesn’t need my help or he’d ask for it. Tye accepted a long time ago... I’m the brains when it comes to these cases. I ain’t the muscle or the iron. That’s his department. I mean I’m not the only brain... he’s smart too.. Just sayin’ I’m not...” I shook my head.
“Light it and you go down Jewel! Don’t make me do this!” Tye shouted.
“I was up late last night. Worked on reports ‘till one in the morning.”
“Are you okay?” Aly winced. “Well from what I’ve seen... He’s insightful too.”
“He sure is,” I nodded. “Why do you think we get along so well? We think the same way.”
“So lucky me with the both of you to protect the town.”
“Why did you kill my friend?” Jewel shouted.
“Oh and I had no intention of going out there right now. It’s one thing to be comfortable on the practice area, but another to be having it pointed at someone,” Aly said.
“Stay here,” I squeezed her shoulder and stood, knowing I should go out and help Tye. I drew my gun just in case and walked around the corner, seeing Tye and Jewel in front of the sheriff’s office.
“Damn Jewel! Calm down! Cut it out! You’re drunk! Don’t want to hurt you!” Tye was trying to pin Jewel down while kicking her guns away. I gave him a look of acknowledgement as I inched closer to them.
Jewel fought with him and tried to push him off her but he was too strong. “Hurt me? You killed my best friend! How could you hurt me any more than that?” she cried and spit in his face. “I hate you!”
“Trin! Get these guns away!” Tye shouted and got kicked in the chin again.
I nodded and went over, holstering my own gun. I reached down and picked up the guns, backing up slightly.
Tye leaned hard on Jewel as she spit on him. “Dammit! Not the face again!” Then, struggling with Jewel. “I’m sorry! I don’t like killin’ folks! It’s just about my least favorite thing to do, alright?!”
Jewel glared at him, “You think that makes it alright? Well I don’t. I’m gonna kill you all if it’s the last thing I do!” she glared at me and said, “That means you too!”
I stood my ground and didn’t let the woman faze me, making eye contact with Tye as he tried to straddle Jewel and get her to turn over onto her chest. “Grab my cuffs, Trin! I can’t let her go, girl’s done lost it and ain’t givin’ up!” Tye told me.
I nodded and went over to him, unsnapping the cuffs from his belt. I wait for Tye to have Jewel stabilized before offering to snap the cuffs on Jewel.
Jewel growled at him and bit his arm hard. “Every last one of you, starting with Peta, you’re gonna feel the same pain, I promise you!”
Tye let her go with the arm that she bit. “Hell! That’s gonna leave a mark! Peta’s gonna think... I don’t wanna know what she’ll think... Just get down Jewel!” He tried to lean his elbow into her back, looking at the blood starting to pool from his forearm.
I saw the opportunity to cuff Jewel as she was focused on Tye and managed to get the cuffs around Jewel’s wrists, snapping them hard. Bree came over and asked what we were doing but then disappeared to deal with the calvary payroll.
“Let me go, you asshole!” Jewel screamed and tried with all her might but couldn’t fight off Tye and finally gave up, exhausted.
“Shall we get her inside? You okay, Sheriff?” I sighed with relief as Jewel gave up and I held her wrists tightly, looking at Tye.
Tye finally helped me get Jewel cuffed and then rolled onto his back. “Jesus. Remind me not to tussle with her again.”
“Gonna need your help lifting her up and into the office. I ain’t that strong,” I looked at him.
“She might be drugged... after she bit me... I swore I saw Bree appear then disappear from thin air!” Tye rubbed his head.
“I know..” I nodded. “Bree comes and goes like the wind. Could have stayed and realized we might have needed medical help,” I sighed.
“Help me tie this of quickly,” he motioned to his arm as Jewel glared at us both with so much hatred in her eyes.
I took off my vest and tied it around his forearm, holding it tightly against the wound. “That’ll do for now. Too bad Peta doesn’t magically appear when we need her like Bree does.”
“We’ll get her disarmed and in the jail. No need to book her. She’s already on the hook for enough, we’ll just let her stew in the cell for a while. Get her some coffee, somethin’ like that,” Tye sighed. “Stopped her before she actually did anything illegal, technically.”
“I’ve got the guns... Let’s bring her inside and let her calmed down,” I said, unlocking the door and opening it.
“Let’s go, Jewel,” Tye lifted her up and we went into the office.
I unlocked the cell and held the door open as Tye got her into the cell. I went over to make a pot of coffee and poured it in a mug for Jewel. I took the mug over and handed it to Jewel. “Fresh coffee for our guest.”
Jewel took the coffee from me and fired at me with all her might. Tye got the brunt of the coffee on his shirt but I got some on my arms. I felt it start to sting and swore at the pain. I told myself to calm down and sat down at a desk while Tye took off his shirt to rub some water on his burns with a cloth. He put on a wrinkled black shirt and I asked Tye if he wanted me to get his reports from the saloon that he’d left.
“That’d be appreciated, Trin,” he nodded.
“Alright. I’m going to change on the way too. Be back in a bit,” I said and walked outside. I saw Aly and chuckled, “Aly... Be grateful you weren’t in that office just now.”
“Someone die?” Aly blinked.
“Nope. We gave Jewel some coffee to calm down but she threw it at us and Tye and I both got a bit burned. He took his shirt off right there and I had my vest already around his forearm where she bit him.”
“Yeah Trin...no...that’s not helping, especially after the conversation this morning. You know them dreams have been finally stopping, and..yeah. thanks a lot for the visual.”
“I should get back to him.”
“Wait... You brought me all the way out here to tell me this? What is wrong with you!” she grumbled.
“Payback never hurt,” I winked at her. “Just needed to calm down a bit.”
“I’m gonna go home and uh... do something.”
“Sorry Aly... I just wanted to rest for a bit with you before goin’ back there.”
“That’s ok, no need to apologize. I’m actually just glad everyone is alright”
“For the most part,” I nodded and then muttered, “For now.”
“If you need me, I’ll be home.”
I hugged her and headed back to the office. Bree and a new woman named Lady Chip were there and they healed both of our burn wounds, wiping ointment on them and handing us gauze. Bree found a stray bullet in Tye’s arm from a battle a long time ago and when we were all healed I headed home to lay down.
***
This evening I worked on an incident report for Tye including everything that I’d learned from conversations with Krell regarding Leigh and Jewel. I sent the report to him through a telegram and decided to call it a night.
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