Black Diamond.
I knocked on Aly’s door and she invited me in, wearing her nightie. “Myst says I cam move around some... but I’m still confined to Black Diamond. For a week!”
“Could be worse things.”
“Yup. Like losin’ my leg. How are you?”
“I’m alright I guess... Not much goin’ on. Loving the new office and apartment. Can’t wait to show it to you!”
“Oh good, I cain’t wait to see it. So uhm..last night... when I was in the clinic gettin’ my bandages checked by Myst... Krell and a little girl were there...they had been bit by wolves. I heard gun shots an I think Suzi got one or two... but apparently they are still roamin’ the town.”
“Wolves?” I looked at her with confusion.
“Yeah, s’what I heard. So I’ll be keeping Rogue indoors now. I hobbled across the street to tell David about them wolves. He tried to git me to stay there, but it would have been weird.”
“No kidding. Definitely not gonna be going outside a lot I think.”
“Yeah so just be careful with that. Oh wait you mean me. I sure won’t be able to outrun a wolf right now.”
“I meant both of us,” I chuckled.
“Yeah that too. I’d want to start carrying my gun again, but don’t want no outlaw to see me and get the wrong idea of it. Not going to be carrying my gun until this leg is fully healed and I’m ready for that.”
“Good idea. You gonna change out of that nightie soon?” I winked.
“Uhh probably should. especially if uh...one of them men decides to drop in.”
“They tend to do that.”
“Can still rest in other clothes when I need to. Yeah they do,” she grumbled. “I’ll be right back. Ya know Trin... I’ve been so comfortable wit this nightie that I’m not even sure what to put on instead.”
We found an outfit that would work and walked over to the new office. I showed her around and told her that the lab stuff was Ger’s department and said that he would be breaking through a lot with this area. Alex rode over then and I invited him upstairs with us. We sat down on the couches and relaxed.
“I thought I’d ride over and see how the set up was going. How’s the leg, Aly?” Alex looked over at her.
“It’ll take some time sir, but it’s better. Myst says the infection is gone...but I can’t leave Black Diamond for a week. Or do any hard work.”
“That’s good advice. Mysti’s a good doc,” Alex nodded.
“Good to have so many professional ones around,” I smiled.
“She is, I really like her. Between her threatenin’ ta tie me down an’ Ger’s threats to swat my rear I’m not goin’ nowhere for a while,” Aly grinned.
“Must feel good to get out though, right Aly?” I asked.
“I’ve been out riding around this morning. It’s one of those really quiet days,” Alex said.
“That’s good. Come to think of it, it’s been pretty quiet here too. Not a bad thing,” Aly said.
“Other than the wolves...” I chuckled.
“Well them wolves happened last night. They looked like some nasty bites.”
“Wolves?” Alex looked at me with raised eyebrows. “Real wolves? Or is this some gang name?”
I chuckled at the way Alex’s mind worked. “Always a detective,” I winked at Alex.
“Was havin’ my bandages checked last night and mayor and a little girl had bites from them,” Aly said. “No.... wolves. As in... the animals.”
“That must have been bad. They’re lucky it was only bites and not their throats torn out,” Alex chuckled.
“Well they gotta watch for catchin’ rabbis.. Them beasts are diseased.”
“Yes,” Alex nodded. “Animal bites are always in danger of infection too. Actually though people bites are just as bad if not worse.”
“Not to sound harsh...” Aly said. “But I’d much rather an actual wolf die from it than a person.”
“It’s true though,” I nodded.
“Depends on the person,” Alex shrugged and I nodded knowingly at Alex. ‘And that coming from a doctor.”
“Guess I’m too nice...I still think there is hope for all. People just need hugs,” Aly said.
“I have a soft spot for animals. Not so much for people.”
“I tend to feel bad for people....take Jewel, for example.”
“I can grow to care about people a lot as individuals but I don’t have a great opinion of them on the whole,” Alex said and I listened to them talk while I remembered last night’s interaction with Lawrence.
“Nothin’ more I’d rather do to her than give her a nice big squeeze.”
“That’s a nice way to be, Aly.”
“And then some!” she laughed. “Alright that ain’t how it sounds. Thank you sir. But I agree. People as a whole need to improve.”
I sighed a bit and they both asked me if I was alright. I shook my head and said, “Was a rough night last night.”
“Ya want me to go?” Aly asked.
“Are you kidding?” I shook my head. “Having you two both here is making me smile more. A drink might be nice.”
“I can either go grab a bottle and bring it up or we can go to the saloon,” Alex suggested.
“Ok good cause the only excuse I could have come up with to leave was that I needed to go do something with my hair,” Aly giggled.
“That might be a good idea. We could drink here,” I nodded.
“I’ve got a really nice bottle of scotch in my saddle bag - I’ll go get it,” Alex said and stood. “I’ll be right back!”
“Always a good provider,” I smiled as he walked out.
“Can see why ya liked him Trin,” Aly chuckled.
“Mmhmm.”
“Don’t think you’ve ever seen me after a few... I should warn you. Oh wait... Have I already told ya how I get?”
“You unpacked your glasses, Trin? Or do we drink straight from the bottle?” Alex asked.
“Cups in there,” I nodded and pointed to the cupboard.
“You told me a bit yesterday about how you get,” Alex chuckled, looking at Aly.
I heard the telegram machine buzzing downstairs and excused myself to check on it. I walked back upstairs and said, “Sorry about that had to check something downstairs.”
“Welcome back,” Alex poured me a drink.
“That’s good. People that drink too often...it’s a sin..so much wasted time,” Aly giggled.
“Thanks hon,” I took the drink and sipped it.
“You’re welcome.”
“What’d I miss?”
“We were telling each other what happens when we drink too much,” Alex said.
“Telling him about the rugs, were ya?” I chuckled.
“And boots apparently too,” Alex added.
“I tend to get more um...” I looked at Alex.
“I must be feelin’ better now...these things are beginning to embarrass me once again,” Aly laughed.
“Frisky?” Aly asked and we all laughed.
“How’d you know? Shush you,” I winked at Alex.
“I have it bad Trin...chatty, sleepy, AND frisky,” Aly said. “I don’t hear any complainin’.”
“Another splash anyone?” Alex drained his glass and poured another.
“I didn’t even notice you had one already,” Aly said. “You as sneaky as some of them outlaws!”
“You bet I’m sneaky!” Alex laughed.
“Alright you two... I’ve gotta get some work done,” I said then.
“I could never be stealthy. Just ask Trin how loud I holler sometimes,” Aly laughed. “That and my mouth tend to give me away.”
“It’s true. I hear this woman from across town. Can’t get anything done,” I winked at Aly.
“That’s one thing about me - I’m always quiet. Sometimes too quiet.”
“Quiet and pensive...” I patted his knee. “It’s what made him a good detective. He picked up on details ‘cause I was the one asking questions.”
“From the yellin’ or hammering Trin?” Aly snickered.
“Alright you two... I need to head downstairs. Got a few cases I need to get closed,” I said then.
“Quiet is a good thing to be. It balances out the noise,” Aly smiled.
“We should do this more often,” I said.
“Ok, Trin. Good luck with those,” Alex nodded.
I waved and walked downstairs, trying to get some reports done, but found I couldn’t focus. Going back upstairs, I saw Alex holding out his hand to show Aly something.
“Trin saved my butt once. I got this scar to remind me of it. And she returns!” he looked over at me.
“I give up,” I sat down on the couch. “Ain’t no work happening out there.” I looked over and asked, “Talking about scars now, are we?”
“Talking about you,” Alex winked.
“Me?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Of course you. We’re in your house,” Aly laughed.
“I just told Aly you saved my butt once and showed her the scar Moretti gave me,” Alex said. “Well, the scar on my hand anyway. I didn’t show her the other one.”
“Right... Moretti...” I sighed. “Only guy I’ve ever kicked in the nuts.”
“He deserved to be kicked in the nuts.”
“He sure did,” I nodded and laughed, remembering the other scar was under Alex’s shirt. “Glad we’ve seen the last of him.”
“Me too. I don’t really like thinking about what I did to him but I like even less what he could’ve done to you if he came back.”
“Well... I overcome my fears with him, right? Deosn’t mean the memories don’t come back and haunt me but.... I don’t let them control me,” I looked over at Aly knowingly.
“You’re talkin about my dreams, ain’t ya?” Aly blushed and wiggled her toes a bit.
“That feeling okay?” Alex looked over at her.
“I’m just sayin’, hon,” I looked at Aly.
“Well ya have to say again until I get it. Cause you know, I’m probably the most stubborn person you know.”
“My story about Bill taking over my life and my mind like that wasn’t enough for you to get it?”
“Pfsh! but my situation is different!” she said and nodded to Alex. “Yeah just needs a bit of movement I think.”
“Sure it is.... But we can learn from each other’s experiences and apply them to our own,” I said.
“Ger says it’s just a girly crush and it’ll pass the moment he does something stupid. I’m still waiting though,” Aly said.
“Good, a little movement is good,” Alex drained his glass and stood, swaying a little. “What the hell was I thinking of drinking this early!?”
“Now see...” Aly grinned at him. “Sure Trin won’t mind if you passed out on her couch. She already had me do it the other day. It’s your turn .”
“You can pass out in my bed... You’re still one of few who have been in it,” I hesitated. “Though... that’s a new bed...”
“Ok well I was on the bed,” Aly laughed at me.
“I need to be heading out. I’ve got work to do,” Alex took a deep breath.
“Not without a hug you don’t,” I stood then.
“See...Alex...another thing you and I have in common. We both been in Trin’s bed. That is not how it sounded,” Aly said and we laughed out loud at that.
I hugged Alex tightly and said, “Stay safe out there, alright?”
“You too,” he nodded.
“If we can avoid the wolves,” I winked at Aly.
“Wolves, geez,” he muttered. “Stay off that leg, Aly.”
“Yes sir, I’ll do my best,” Aly nodded and I chuckled as he walked out the door.
Aly shook her head a bit when we were alone. “Not sure it would be a good idea...me consuming alcohol around you too. Then again..probably safer than around Lisa and TJ, which I have done.”
“Mmhmm... Alex is such a great guy,” I sighed. “I miss him a lot.”
“I can tell that.”
“Last night.... there was a guy here who I kinda saw now and then before Alex... It was like he would pop up and we’d continue like no time had passed... But now... things are awkward between us. It didn’t feel right being here with him last night.”
“Is that why you wanted me here?”
“I just...” I nodded. “I wanted to be around friends again. People that get me.”
“Does he get you?”
“Lawrence? Not anymore. Alex... Yes... I don’t have to say things twice around him. He looks at me and he knows how I feel.”
“Well I really want to be here for you and I’m glad I could. Friends are important to have. Male AND female.”
“It’s true,” I nodded.
“But, and this is true for both of us, we need to follow our gut. Our insticts. That’s what I did with Mark.”
“Yeah...”
“Just didn’t feel right.”
“Sometimes I just wish...”
“Things had turned out differently?”
“I wish I could turn back time. Maybe we’d still be together. Maybe we’d still live in that gorgeous house and I’d still be wearing his ring and I wouldn’t have to see him with someone else’s ring.”
“But you can’t Trin. You have to work with what you have now.”
“I was so close, Aly. I was so close to that happy ending. Then poof. Now look at me. All I have to talk about is my work.”
“There is nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s all I am, Aly. I’m a detective. Period.”
“I’ve got my work too. I lost a fiance...and a childhood friend, and now Mark. But you’re also a person with feelings. You haven’t lost him completely you know.”
“I know,” I leaned back against the couch.
“Like I said... It’s rare people stay friends after a breakup. Think of it as making your friendship stronger.”
“Yeah it is. And I know that it did.”
“That’s a hard thing to go through, and if you can survive it...”
“It just...”
“Then you really have something.”
“I was so damn close.”
“I hate to sound cliche... but everythin’ happens for a reason ya know. Sometimes we just don’t know what that is. Trin I have a question for you.”
“Sure.”
“What do you think of the men that go to Annie’s frequently? Could you ever be with one? I mean...as in courting. For something serious.”
“That’s a good question... I think a man’s personal life is their own business. I don’t tend to judge that..”
“Yes but if you become a part of their life... it would affect you. Right?”
“Sure it would. They should be happy with being with me, not wanting to stare at other women like that.”
“Ok... cause I was feeling the same way and wanted your opinion of it. I think I get jealous easy too. And for the record... I approve of Alex. Not that you’d need my approval anyhow.”
“Yeah it’s kind of too late for that.”
“Not necessarily....something he said to me when you left briefly... and not sure if he’d be happy of me sayin’ it or not...but uh.. we were discussing breakups, well I was. And he mentioned that he himself just got remarried and he sometimes feels it happened too fast. And that just made me realize that what I did with Mark was indeed the right thing. But I dunno Trin. He sounded unhappy about it. Do you know this wife of his?”
“I really don’t wanna talk about her,” I looked down.
“Oh. Well we don’t have to then.”
“Just not a good topic,” I shook my head.
“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to bring up some painful things. Want me to say something funny instead?” Aly grinned.
“I just need to change my focus,” I looked over at her.
“Did you know most children are taller than Peta? Huh.”
Aly stood and hugged me tightly. “Thanks hon,” I said against her shoulder.
“You’re welcome. I’m here for you. You gotta let it out sometimes Trin!”
“I know,” I sighed.
“Do you need to be alone now?”
“I need to do something. Maybe see if I can find Krell.”
“I should head home and get some rest then.”
“Mmhmm. Love you hon,” I hugged her again and headed down to my office.
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