July 13, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked into town and saw Cole and Paisley talking with Jan about some family things Paisley was dealing with. They seemed to not realize I was there and I wandered down to the hotel to make myself some coffee, hoping the whiskey would help me calm my nerves. I went into the kitchen and poured myself a mug of coffee, wondering if the rumors would be true and if I would really be able to avenge my father’s death at long last. As the conversation continued around me, I sighed, remembering how the letter from Joshua had said that my name had been included in threats to me and my mother back home. It was the reason for the trip and I was growing more nervous as it drew near. 

A man walked over and introduced himself as Jacovich. I introduced myself to him and listened to the two of them talking. 

Cole came over and I looked over at him and said, “Hey Cole... I’m gonna be heading out of town for a week starting tomorrow...”

“You what?!” Cole looked at me. 

“I’m heading up north to my family’s ranch... Seems there’s some things I need to take care of...”

“I hope it all goes well Trin,” he nodded. 

“Got a letter from my brother who’s there with our ma... Seems the folks who killed our pa ain’t quite done wiping out the family name. They want me to go out there and negotiate, as it were.”

“That a lot of responsibility,” he observed. 

“Sounds like unpleasant business,” Paisley agreed, “but necessary.” 

“I’m worried it may not go as well as I hope... My name was mentioned in a letter from these guys. Guess they know I’m a lawyer now as well as a detective. Not sure how they figured that out.”

“You letting the Mayor or Skyla know you leaving for a while?” Cole asked. 

“I let Adrian know by telegram yesterday,” I nodded. “Haven’t had a chance to tell Skyla but I plan to.”

“Good... Want to know you safe... keep tabs.” 

“Yeah... I’ll hopefully be able to communicate by telegram but it could be dangerous...” I nodded. “I don’t really know what these guys want from me.”

“Maybe rope you up and hang you... better have guns on and be prepared Trin. I never like to walk into a situation blind like that,” Cole said. 

“I’m afraid it’ll be a suicide mission... I still don’t know why they killed my pa all those years ago. I think my brother wants my help because he knows I can handle it, but I don’t like that these guys mentioned my name specifically.”

“Maybe you should bring some help with you and not tell them?” Cole suggested. 

“I’m wondering about that...” I nodded. 

“Sounds like a good idea if you can,” Paisley agreed. 

“Ain’t really sure who... If ya’d noticed I’ve been kind of a lone wolf as of late..”

“If ya brought Lot with ya ....... they’d talk one look and run the other way,” Cole said and I chuckled. 

“I don’t think I could take Lot with me to a saloon here in town, let alone on a suicide mission up north to Canada to face the gang that killed my father.”

I stood and said goodbye to them then, needing to go off to the fort. It was Saturday morning so they would be riding off to payroll soon but I needed to tell them both about what was going on. Angeles, Suzi, and Wedge were sitting on their horses ready to go and I looked around the crowd. 

“You join us today for payroll Detective?” Angeles asked. 

“I’m looking around for some information on someone... thought I should check the fort to see if anyone knows anything around here.” 

“Okay, ask,” Wedge nodded. 

“Does the name Omega Doobie mean anything to either of you?”

None of them seemed to know anything about Omega and when Ansar rode over I asked him but he didn’t recognize the name either. 

“Alright well... I’m heading up north for the week starting tomorrow... If any of you see him or hear of him, can you send me a telegram?”

“Will do miss,” Wedge nodded. “Good luck.” 

“Consider it done,” Seth nodded too. 

“Yes detective, I will let you know if find something,” Angeles promised. 

“Alright well... hopefully I’ll see ya’ll in a week. I’ll be around most of today.” I gave Wedge a look that said we needed to talk about something private but didn’t mention details around the others. He nodded in acknowledgement and opened the gate for me again so I could head out. 

I walked down Allen Street and talked with Ali and Serenity about Omega Doobie but Ali hadn’t heard the name before. 

“I heard the name before, yes,” Serenity said then. 

“Really? Have you met him?” 

“Like a steel trap,” she pointed to her temple and smiled. “Can’t say I know him though. Heard the name in passing.”

“How long ago ya hear of him? And in what context?”

She sighed and said, “Recently actually. Though... I don’t remember this... context it was in.”

“Hmm... You remember who it was that mentioned him?”

“I don’t remember that. Steel trap don’t remember those kinda things. I just know names well.”

“Alright then. Some steel trap,” I muttered. 

“Why ya ask? He causin’ trouble or somethin’ for ya?” Serenity looked at me. 

“Call it curiosity,” I smiled. “Oh Ali... can you give Sheriff Patty a message for me if you see her?”

“Of course,” Ali nodded. 

“I’m heading up north for about a week... need to deal with some um... family business,” I said evasively. “Will be reachable by telegram though.”

“I will let the sheriff know.” 

“If I can help from a distance I will but I may not be one hundred percent available. Depends on how things go...”

“Was there anything that you are currently working on for her?” 

“Not at the moment but I just wanted her to know in case something did come up. Didn’t want her to think I was just disappearing... I’ll want to help her in any way I can when I get back.”

“Perhaps when you return she’ll have some work for you.” 

“Hopefully.” 

Ali looked over at the sheriff’s office and asked, “Law make the kids from the orphanage take the cow down?”

“Which law? I have no idea... Was here when they did it though. Couldn’t help but laugh the whole time.”

“How in the heck did the kids get a cow on the roof?” Serenity asked. 

“Must of taken the whole orphanage to get it up there,” Ali shook her head. “I was wondering the 

same thing myself, Serenity.” 

“There was about four or five of them... Got a huge rope and ladder...” I explained. 

“No adults helping?” Ali asked. 

“Nope, not that I could see.” 

“That’s still a dang heavy cow for that few of kids. Dang,” Serenity raised a brow. 

“Did ya see it? I got a picture developed if ya haven’t,” I handed them the picture of the cow on the roof. 

We talked about what happened and then Richie came over to join us. I told them that I was going up north tomorrow to deal with some family stuff. “Received a disturbing letter from my brother... He’s received threats from the gang that killed our father. Threats with my name mentioned,” I told them. 

“Wait now Miss Trin what did your pa do?” Richie asked. 

“Well Trin good thing ya can use ya gun now,” Skyla said as she came over. 

“No idea... We still haven’t figured out why they wanted to kill him all those years ago...” I shrugged with a sigh. 

“And now your brother?” Richie asked. 

“Why they’re bringing things up fifteen years later I won’t know till I get there I guess. And perhaps me.” I looked to Skyla and asked her if the name Omega Doobie meant anything to her but it didn’t sound familiar. 

The talk continued to surround me as I just stayed quiet and listened to them teasing Ali about holding triplets. Richie kept digging himself into a deeper hole as he continued to tease her. The laughter was a welcome distraction from the impending journey I would be taking the next morning. I joked that I was going to get out of there before the guns started and headed down the street to Annie’s. 

Inside, I saw a man sitting facing the stage. I didn’t recognize him and, seeing he was alone, decided to introduce myself. “Hello there,” I said with a smile as I walked over. 

He looked up and nodded to me, “Afternoon Miss,” he smiled and turned his gaze on me. 

“Care for some company or are you meeting someone?” I asked, not liking the idea of the man sitting alone. 

He waved his hand to the chair next to him and said, “Be my guest, Miss.” He relaxed back in his chair and watched as I sat down. 

I held out my hand and smiled back at him. “I’m Trin Paige.” 

“Pleased to meet you, I am Tyson Muircastle,” he took my hand gently. 

I smiled at the sensation when I held his hand and said, “Nice to meet you indeed. You new in town? Don’t think I’ve seen you around.”

He nodded and released my hand. “Indeed you are right, I arrived last night so I am very new to the area.”

“Well welcome then! This place kind of pulls you in if ya know what I mean. Been here only two months and a bit.. Feels like home already.” 

He rested his arms on the table and said, “It seems nice so far, but I hope to see more as time goes by. Traveled far to be here have you?” 

“Before I came here, yes... I was in Colorado then... Goodness that seems like a lifetime ago now.”

He chuckled and said, “Settled in well then. What do you do in this area then?” he asked, his British accent holding strong when pronouncing his words. 

“Well most of the time I’m a Pinkerton Detective... investigating cases for the law as well as citizens that may need my assistance. I’m also a district attorney. We have court Friday’s and Saturday’s.”

“Today is Saturday, got any court cases on today?”

“Well we were supposed to...” she sighs. “I was assigned a case for Friday originally... the defendant was kicked out of town though and...” 

“TRIN! What YOU doing in a place like this!” Cole shouted then, making me jump. 

“Cole! What, I gotta report everything to ya?” I chuckled. 

“You gun’na become a soiled dove?” Cole laughed. 

“Tyson, this is an old friend of mine... Cole Dassin. Cole, just meeting this man here,” I smiled to the man. 

“Hello sir,” Cole nodded. 

Tyson looked over at the man and back to me. “Is that your man Trin?”

“And if I were a soiled dove, Cole, I’d be up on that there stage.” I chuckled and shook my head at 

Tyson, “No, Tyson, just a friend I’ve known since moving to town.”

“I just headed upstairs to collect from the cash box ... er .. make sure that it secure,” Cole said. 

“Uh huh,” I nodded, not believing him. 

“Pleased to meet you sir,” Tyson said. 

“You too,” Cole tipped his hat and walked upstairs. 

“Never a dull moment with that one,” I chuckled as he walked away. 

Tyson watched Cole walked away and head upstairs. “You will have to forgive my suspiciousness, I have had some bad experience with western men.” 

“Yeah I never really know what to expect with that one,” I laughed. “Been seein’ him hang out with a woman lately though. Anyway... where was I? Oh right, court bein’ canceled...”

“Yes, so your not needed for court today then?” he nodded to me. 

“Right... The trial for yesterday I was assigned to was canceled because the defendant was kicked out of town... Then the same thing happened for the trial I was supposed to do today. So suddenly I found myself a very free woman,” I chuckled. 

He gave me a sly grin and asked, “So what were these men up for trial for?” He rested his chin on his hand and watched me with interest. 

“Well the first man was up for shooting the preacher... Then he went and got shot by a man the morning before the trial. I actually helped him to the clinic and he was out right hitting on me the whole time... Was disappointed I wasn’t going to get to surprise him by showin’ up as the prosecutor..”

He laughed and gave me a cheeky smile. “I am sure you get a lot of men flirting with you in this town.” 

I blushed slightly and continued, “The second case.... was for a woman who’d hit a child. Relieved I hadn’t had to go through with that one though. Apparently the child hit her first and I just know the defense would use that against me.” 

“So what would both of their punishments be if they had gone to trial?”

“Time in jail... or a fine they would have to pay.” I looked at him curiously and asked,  “What sort of business did you do then in... I’m sorry, where’d you say you were from?”

“I am from England, its taken me a couple months to get here,” he glanced back up at me, “But I am glad now I made the trip,” he smiled. 

I looked into his intense, attractive eyes and asked, “What made you make the trip?” I started to lean in slightly on the table, tracing circles around the wood. 

“Business of somewhat you could say. I am afraid that is all I can tell you at this moment in time,” he looked me in the eyes. “I hope you can forgive me for being a bit closed at this moment in time.”

I smiled and nodded, having heard that explanation too many times before not to understand. “It’s alright, Tyson.. We’ve barely just met. I don’t expect you to tell me everything...”

He nodded and said, “Glad you understand, I am sure a lot of people round here keep secrets all the time,” he grinned at me. I saw something in his eyes and wondered what he was thinking about as I continued to trace on the wood. 

“I’m sure it would surprise you the things I know about people that they don’t think I know...”

“I guess being a detective has its advantages, you get to know a lot more about people than they let on. So what can you detect about me?” he leaned on the table, facing me with a half smile on his face. 

I smiled back at him, seeing that his arm is now resting very close to where I was tracing on the table. I had to resist the temptation to reach over and touch him. “Hmm... Seems that you have made this journey but you weren’t really pleased to do it... You appeared lost in your thoughts when I walked into the room earlier.”

He nodded and said, “You’re right so far, I must admit I did not make this journey in good light, and hope to return to England soon. Your company is cheering me up so I might stay for a while.” 

I smiled back at him and said, “Well I’m glad I can make the day a bit brighter...” I traced my fingers a bit closer to him. “I have to make a journey myself tomorrow that you’re helping me forget about for the time being, so I should be thanking you as well.”

He looked at me in thought and almost had a sad look mixed with concern. “May I ask why you are 

leaving, or is it a private matter?”

“I...” I hesitated but then decided it really didn’t matter if he knew or not. “About fifteen years ago my brother came down from Canada to tell me that our father had been killed by a gang...” I started, remembering that day like it was yesterday. He gently lay his hand on me to comfort me. I smiled sadly at him and felt strength to tell the rest of the story from his touch alone. “I received a letter from my brother yesterday... It turns out he’s been receiving threats from this gang. The threats have involved me in them as well. I guess somehow they found out that I was an attorney and a detective and they want to discuss something with both of us.”

He glided his hand over mine, curling his fingers round as he gently squeezed my hand in a reassuring manner. “I am sorry to hear about this about your past, are you taking anyone with you on your travels?”

I squeezed his hand back and shook my head, “I’ll meet my brother out there half way but there’s no one really to make the trip with me. I really don’t want to leave now that I’ve met you though...” I looked in his eyes and sighed slightly, looking down at our hands. “The timing definitely could have been planned better.”

He chuckled a bit and said, “You could say that again.” He took his hand away and looked at me more seriously. “Would you like someone to travel with you till you meet up with your brother? I must admit I am not the best protector, but I can certainly try.” He rested his released hand on the back of my chair, holding the wood frame firmly. 

I swallowed hard, realizing how much I missed his contact and said, “It would be wonderful having the company... I must admit I am nervous about this trip and wish I didn’t have to make it... but our mother runs our ranch all on her own... with my brother there helping when he can... he needs me to be there in case something goes wrong with this meeting... I don’t even know what they would want to discuss...”

He looked at me and with a low voice he responded, “My business here can wait if you would like me to come with you.” He looked out back at his hand gripping my chair and said, “I do not even know if my business is even in this town, but I am always happy to help a lady in need, even if she doesn’t realize it.” He smiled warmly with a gleam in his eye. 

I smiled suddenly and wished that I was still holding his hand. “I just wish that I could forget about this whole mess for just one night... Pretend like it wasn’t happening...” I looked in his eyes longingly, wondering if I should ask him to dance but didn’t want to be too forward. 

He leaned in a bit closer and then spoke gently as he gazed into my eyes, “Is there anything I can do to help to relax and not worry about your journey tomorrow?” 

I swallowed hard at the closeness, looking deep in his eyes. I’d had bad luck with men as of late and wasn’t used to them being this... sweet. “Perhaps we could start with... a dance?” I suggested slowly. 

He smiled and leaned back, holding his hand out to me. “Would you care to dance with me tonight?”

I reached for his hand and smiled. “I would love to.”

He stood as he held my hand gently, walking over to the empty space and then turned to wrap his hand around my waist, pulling me close to him as he started to lead the dance. I rested my hands on his hips as we danced and felt alive again at the movement. 

“Where’d you learn how to dance so well?” I smiled into his eyes. 

He smiled down at me and said, “I was taught how to dance when I was young. I go to a few balls and dance evenings back in England, so you must know how to dance.” He took my hand and gently spun me around and then back into his arms. I smiled, imagining being in a big dress with him in a tuxedo, and wondered what it would be like to live such a royal life. He gazed into my eyes and continued to lead me elegantly around the floor. “I can imagine you would fit very well into a beautiful ballroom filled with music and in a perfect silk dress.” He pressed his hand firmer onto the back of my waist, pulling me closer to him gently. 

I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling relaxed in his arms. “It would be a far cry from my saloon dancing days when I first moved from Canada...”

“You must have been a star on the stage, I am sure you would get the same amount of male attention within a big ballroom as in a saloon. You are a very beautiful lady Trin,” he chuckled. 

I laughed at the memory of dancing for men in the salon in Amiville. “Some days I can’t believe that was the life I lived... It was great for getting information though... I ran the newspaper at that time...” I found myself rambling nervously and slid my hands around his waist. He leaned his head down and rested it on top of my head. He let his hand slide up my back and into my hair and stroke it with his fingers. “What took you from that life to where you are now?”

“Well the short version I suppose... I became a consultant with the law in Colorado, and then got into some trouble with a gang threatening me out of town. I eventually had to move for my own safety. Moved from town to town... had a long, drawn-out saga wit the Natives in various areas... then decided to become a Pinkerton in Georgetown. After more stuff happened I moved to a hideout with some friends, but then they decided to move back to Texas and join a gang, so I had nowhere else to go. I decided to move to Tombstone and start fresh as a Detective again.”

He whistled out as he listened and said, “You are an incredible woman,” he gazed down at me. 

“Would you consider my offer of assisting you in your journey tomorrow? At least till you meet up with your brother.” 

“It hasn’t always been easy that’s for sure... and this whole business with my family certainly threw a wrinkle in things...” I didn’t even mention the part about discovering her native heritage, not sure how that would go over with him. “I would love your company tomorrow to travel. It is a long trek to make on my own...”

“Well lucky for you I have my own coach at your disposal if you so wish. I am not a fan of riding on horseback I must admit,” he gave me a cheeky grin. “Horseback riding back home is a little unnecessary back home in my life.” 

I chuckled and caressed my hand up his back. “Well then it sounds like we were meant to find each other today. Perhaps you can tell me more about your journey from England?”

“I don’t think you would find my day of being on a ship, then riding by coach across the land to the west that interesting,” he smiled.  “It was mainly filled with lots of time playing cards with the men on the ship and working out my business plan for when I got here.” I had a sudden thought and then looked in his eyes and asked, “There’s no wife back home I’m going to have to worry about, is there?”

He looked down at me with a serious expression on his face. “No, I am unmarried.” 

I smiled with obvious relief and said, “I am glad to hear that... I’m single as well... Seems men don’t want to stick around more than a week with me lately.”

“I can not think of a reason why they would only spend a week with you, I would spend much much longer,” he didn’t allow the eye contact to break. 

“I would love that as well... I feel something here that I don’t feel often...”

He leaned in closer to me, moving his hand up to my face and pushing my hair to one side. “Those men are fools to leave you..... but I am glad they did.” 

“And why’s that, darling?” I felt the warmth rush through me. 

“I am now able to show you what it means to be admired and wanted, and treated like the lady you are. I am honored I am able to do that with you,” he pulled me closer. I leaned my head on his shoulder, feeling safe and wanted and wondered if maybe I can finally stop looking for the perfect man. 

“You don’t know how much it means for you to say that, Tyson...” I started to get overwhelmed by emotion. 

He stroked my cheek with his fingertips, “Just remember that its the truth, and I want to help you overcome this problem with your family and this gang.” I nuzzled against him, resting my cheek on his shoulder, finding myself speechless. “Don’t be too quiet, I enjoy hearing your voice, its so soothing and sweet.” 

“I’m just.. overwhelmed... this feels so amazing... so right....” I smiled against him and rubbed his lower back. 

He gently swayed side to side, pulling me into a deep hug. “I know what you mean right now.” 

In the silence I looked up at him and whispered, “What are you thinking about?”

He smiled and said, “I am thinking about what we should take on out trip tomorrow.” 

I could see him holding back something but I didn’t want to pry. “I hadn’t really thought much past weapons... Though this gun is the only one I have... S’pose clothes would be a good thing to remember too,” I chuckled. 

He laughed and said, “I don’t think your brother would be too happy about you showing up with little or no clothes on and I am standing there with you. I don’t think your brother would thank me for that,” he gently kissed the top of my forehead and I danced even closer to him, never wanting to let go. 

“No, I don’t suppose he would. The last time he met a man of mine... Let’s just say he was somewhat protective...”

He nodded and said, “I can see why, I am sure lots of men have been after your hand.” He took my hand in his and pulled it to his chest, resting it just above his heart, squeezing it tightly. 

“Well like I said... they think that they are but then it only lasts a few days it seems. In that whole long story I told you earlier? I can count on one hand the amount of men that stayed for more than a week.”

He pulled me closer and said, “Well I am glad they didn’t stay long, now I can take her hand instead.” 

After we danced a bit longer, Tyson walked me back home and helped me pack for our trip. It was so magical being with him, I never wanted the night to end...