July 9, 1899

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I sat in front of the saloon drinking whiskey. I talked with Starling and Twig and noticed the drunken man who I had shot yesterday wandering around. Starling observed the drunken man and I told her what happened yesterday. 

“Yer just lucky I weren’t payin’ you much attention or I woulda shot you as well,” the man sauntered over. 

“You shot two lawmen,” I eyed him. 

“I only shot one and it was in self defence. The deputy shot first.” 

“To warn you.” 

“The other was just some nosey citizen.” 

I looked at him and said, “Well fine, maybe, but she was once a sheriff.”

“I think you shouldn’t be shooting when there is children close by,” Starling pointed out. 

“So it’s okay for a deputy to shoot when kids are around then, huh? Seein’ as you seem to be hung up on sayin’ that.” 

“She is doing her job, keeping peace in the town,” Star said. 

“She weren’t doin’ her job,” he shook his head. “I weren’t botherin’ no one ‘till this one here tried to grab my hand, and that other one was jabbin’ me with a stick.” 

“You were drunk, Sir. And there were plenty of witnesses to the contrary,” I told him. 

“Deputy shot first. Seems she ain’t too bothered ‘bout any kids.” 

“Because you wouldn’t leave quietly.” 

“Now why would I need to leave? You folks were the ones that came to me and started this. I were just sittin’ in my chair harming no one. But what’s done is done, I ain’t worried about it. But mark my words there, Pink...” he looked at me. 

“Sure sounds like you’re still worried about it,” I said. 

“Ya get in my business again, I won’t hesitate.” 

“You shoot at a deputy again I won’t hesitate either.”

“Ain’t worried as much as just sayin’,” he laughed. “Ya sure did hesitate.” 

“That’s your opinion then,” I shook my head. 

“Hell, I done shot and asked if anyone else wanted some. Even took time to holster my guns. Then ya chose to shoot. Real brave, ain’t ya?” 

“Whatever, Mr. You can keep talkin’ all ya want, I don’t have to listen to it,” I shook my head. 

“Nope, ya don’t. But real funny how ya shot me with a kid so close by. I mean real funny,” he laughed. “I need a drink...” 

“Surprised you can even remember all this when you were so drunk ya could barely walk straight.”

“I’m used to it. Maybe you should try it.” 

“Try drinkin’ so I can’t walk straight? No thanks, I like to be lucid when I do my job.”

“So you sayin you wern’t drinkin’ when ya shot me?” 

“No sir,” I glared at him. 

“She don’t drink on duty,” Star said. 

“I barely drink for that matter. I drink coffee. Maybe one or two shots of whiskey but that’s about it.”

“And yet ya shoot a fella without his guns drawn and when there are kids about... Gee wiz...” 

V walked over and then I looked at Star and said, “He’s not worth our logic. I’m glad you’re on the same page as me.” I shook my head and looked at Star, “I’ll be at my office if anyone needs me.”

I walked back towards the office but then saw Lawrence coming over the bridge from Bisbee. “Well hey there, darlin’!” I greeted him. 

“Good to see you,” he smiled. 

“Good to see you too! Where were you off to?” 

“Just having a walk into town. Where you off to?” 

“Was goin’ to my office but then I saw you across the bridge so I figured I’d come say hi,” I said and he smiled. “Feelin like gettin a drink somewhere’s? I could use a coffee.”

“Sure, where were you thinking?” 

“Have you been to the Oriental Saloon at the end of the main road there? I like it... it’s smaller, nice atmosphere.” 

“Let’s go,” he nodded and we headed back to the Oriental Saloon. 

We sat down at the table by the window and I looked at him, “So that guy I shot? He’s out in the 

streets out there and was ribbin’ me for how I reacted yesterday.”

“Hope you shot him again.” 

“Nah. Wasn’t worth the bullet,” I chuckled and he laughed. “But he did say that if I got in his business again he’d shoot me. I’ve got Skyla and Liz and a bunch of witnesses on my side from yesterday.”

“I’ll be sure to come watch you in action.” 

“I’ve got one victory under my belt at least,” I smiled at him. “I lost my first case but the judge was so mad at the defense attorney she held him in contempt for twenty minutes. Made me feel a bit better. Want me to get you a drink, darlin’?” 

“Please.” 

“What would you like?” I stood and went to the bar. 

“Lemonade.” 

“Coming right up,” I smiled and went to the bar to pour a couple of glasses of lemonade. I brought the drinks back and set them on the table. 

“Thank you.” 

“No problem, dear,” I nodded. 

We sat and talked for a while and then headed home for the evening.