July 24, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I was walking down the street when I almost ran into Dee on her way to the courthouse. We talked about how busy the upcoming week would be and I told her I liked the sound of that as it meant more work for me. I went to the hotel and poured myself a cup of coffee before heading back to the office to work on files. 

After working for a few hours I decided to get some fresh air and saw a couple of horses standing in front of the hotel with Sirus. He said that there was a note tied to the one horse and I pulled it off, reading the note. “The note says that her owner died in the war and whoever finds her should try to get her an owner,” I read. 

Sirus said that he didn’t want them and I said I don’t really need two horses, and he said that if he ever got in trouble, I could be his defense attorney and he would give me the horses for free. I laughed, knowing that I wasn’t that kind of lawyer, but promised him that I would sit on the jury and put in a good word for him. Tina and Kato came over then and I greeted them as I saw Ali join us from down the street. 

We continued to talk as the horses started to grow comfortable around me, and it felt so good to have horses around after having grown up on the ranch. I walked over to Ali and asked her, “Hey Ali, have you heard from Gabe about my application yet?”

“Morning Miss Trin. Well umm, I sort of forgot to talk to him.” 

“No worries, I can wait. Sounds like we’ll have a busy weekend in court here.”

“I knew I was forgetting to speak to him about something,” she said. 

“Well I’m gonna go in and get a drink,” I said. I went into the hotel to refill my coffee and then came back outside. 

I talked with Ali and Serenity about Ali’s baby coming and a woman named Chantal came over to talk with Dancing Cloud. I decided to take a ride on Dutchess, the female horse, and we rode around the area. I felt so free and relaxed while riding on the horse, it was as if no time had passed and I was back home on that ranch again... 

***

This evening I walked into the courthouse and greeted Dee again. “Just gonna wander in and get some work done for the trial Friday,” I smiled at her. 

“Ahh good time. Nice and peaceful.” 

“Mmhmm that was the goal. Ansar around?”

“I believe he is teaching a citizen class.” 

“Ah okay no problem. Need to talk to him about bein’ a witness for me.”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem. I will mention it to him.” 

“Alright, I’m gonna head inside.”

I walked inside and walked into my office, pulling out the case file for Tessa’s case. I discovered that it was Libby who had done the treatment on Ansar after Tessa had shot him, and knew that I needed to talk to her. I put my notes in my pocket and went out to find my witness. On my way out, I had Dee look over the questions for the witnesses for me and she gave me some advice on how to keep them short and snappy and effective. 

Outside, I found my male horse and took him for a ride out to Shuck’s saloon where there was a dance being held tonight and I knew Ali and Gabe would be there. 

They were dancing inside and I walked in and smiled to them. “Evening all. Gabe. Could I pull ya away for a sec to talk about some business?”

“Sure Miss Trin,” Ali nodded. 

“Shall we?” Gabe nodded and look to Ali. 

“It’ll be quick, I promise.”

“Lead the way ma’am,” Gabe motioned for the door and I walked outside. 

“Didn’t want to ask in front of everyone, but have ya had a chance to look over my application?”

“Yes ma’am, I have,” he nodded. He tapped his jacket pocket and said, “Have it right here as a matter of fact.” 

“Oh?” I smiled. 

“What do you think?” I asked anxiously but tried to keep myself calm.

“I believe Alicia and I are in a agreement,” he looked to her for confirmation. “That we accept your application, and would like for you to join the Black Diamond court.” 

“We are in agreement,” Ali nodded. 

“Thank you so much! I look forward to prosecuting and bringing justice in Black Diamond.”

Daymon must have heard my excitement because he whinnied happily for me. I smiled and said, 

“This is my new horse, Daymon. He’s got a mate named Dutchess. They’ll be transporting me from here to well, everywhere.” 

“I believe theres still details to be worked out before we are able to hold court, which we will get sorted and let you know,” Gabe smiled. 

“Keep me posted for sure. I’ll serve on the jury when I can as well.”

“Thank you for the application,” Ali smiled at me. 

“My pleasure. I’m looking forward to it.”

Gabe looked over at Daymon then and the horse looked back, shaking out his mane a bit. Out of nowhere Gabe said, “Ah ha!” 

“Somethin’ wrong, Gabe?” I asked, watching them. 

“Nah, just the horse looked familiar and I remember now. V took a liking to it, but I think couldn’t decide whether it was a stew horse or rug horse.” 

“Well he ain’t gonna become either of those with me ownin’ him!”

“Did you take both them horses Miss Trin?” Ali asked and I watched as Tony walked into the saloon, knowing I needed to talk to him as well. 

“I wasn’t gonna easily separate them, Ali. Didn’t feel right. I figure they know their way to my house now... I’ll just pick whichever’s closest to ride,” I chuckled. 

“I reckon its better then having to walk all round the territory,” Ali nodded. 

“Well I’ll let ya’ll get back to dancin’. Thanks again so much for the opportunity!”

“Our pleasure, Miss Trin,” Ali smiled. 

Gabe nodded and said, “Thank you for wanting to be a part of Black Diamond.” 

“Of course. Ya’ll are good friends, I’ll help ya develop the place where I can.”

I heard one of the women inside introduce herself to Tony as Nim, and then said goodnight to Ali and Gabe before heading home. I didn’t want to interrupt Tony’s night and figured the items would still be stolen tomorrow. I rode home and hugged the horse before heading into my house for the night.