June 13, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I greeted the women standing in front of the hotel and said, “Morning ladies.” 

“Howdy Trin. Nice day,” Cora smiled. 

“That it is. Didn’t sleep all that great though...” 

“Oh? Why’s that?” 

“A lot on my mind I guess,” I sighed and leaned against the fence. 

“Hope it’s nothing too bad,” Cora looked at me. 

“I’ll get over it I guess. Some things never change,” I shrugged. 

“Sounds like man trouble to me.” 

“You’re very perceptive,” I looked to her. 

“Well I think we’ve all been there,” Cora sighed. 

“We’ve all fallen for a man on the wrong side of the tracks and then had it smashed because it would get too complicated?” 

“Very true Trin,” Cora nodded. “Nothing can be done about who you fall for... but it hurts when things go wrong.” 

“It didn’t even... go anywhere. He’s just too tied up with his group... It’ll never work. Guess I knew it was too good to be real.”

“They don’t put in so much to relationships as women do .. that’s for sure .. they have to have their time and interests which seem to take up most of their time,” Cora said. “Sorry it’s not working out.” 

“Exactly,” I nodded. 

“Maybe I am lucky I found a good brave,” Waterfall put in. 

“Don’t know why I try. I should just focus on work and forget about men. I thought I had then I met him and he surprised me. Maybe I just need to meet a good Brave. I have done that in the past... always very loyal men.”

“It’s the age old one .. they try till they get you hooked .. like a fish on a line and then just give up and go back to normal,” she sighed again. “Yes very lucky Waterfall .. maybe we should all find a brave.” 

“I married mine, Trin,” Waterfall told me. 

“Anyone single in the village? Not that they’d let me near there...”

“There is one brave I know of,” Waterfall nodded. 

“Let’s fight for him Trin,” Cora laughed and I chuckled in response. 

“Not sure how much fight I have in me left.”

“Aww .. it’ll get better .. you’ll soon be back to your self. Are you still with this guy or has it finished?”

“Who the heck knows,” I shrugged. 

“Aww one of those,” Cora sighed. “Men!” 

Waterfall told us she was going to go lay down and we said goodbye to her. Cora realized she had to go and do some things too and said, “Trin, free ice cream over at Bisbee general store. Look in when you have time,” she smiled and rushed off. 

I walked over to the sheriff’s office and nodded to Skyla and Muriel. When Sky just nodded without response I sighed, figuring she was still upset about yesterday. She continued to talk to Muriel as if I wasn’t there and I shook my head with frustration. “Sky, can we talk?” She just grunted like Tye used to do and I started, whether she wanted to listen or not. “I heard Al shouting at you yesterday and I wanted to tell you I was upset with how ya’ll were laughing at me with that package. I asked him if rabbits meant anything to him and he told me they were a sign that his father’s gang was close. I can’t be involved with a man like that, and he pretty much gave me the cold shoulder last night. I didn’t know he’d take matters into his own hands yesterday and I was upset, but I just asked him for information was all.”

Sky looked at me and sighed slightly. “There was more to it then what ya knew about the laughing. We weren’t laughing at you, we were laughing cause Ansar and I had gone rounds over who was going to deal with the package... and then dee looked in pocket for a shovel and found her fork from breakfast... so before you assume things you need to ask.” 

“Well there wasn’t really much time to ask since ya’ll were laughing at me and Ansar was hiding behind Dee. How’d you think I would see it?” I asked, looking over at Ansar as he was walking over. 

“And as far as Alvin goes you need to do a witness report.” 

I held out my hand and said, “Give me the sheet. I’ll fill one out right now.”

“We weren’t laughing at you again woman for the second time! We were laughing cause of everything and we were being goofy having fun, and trying to get you to have fun too and lighten up a little and you took it to heart... plain and simple.” 

“But I’ll be writing down on it everything I just told you.”

“That’s fine,” she handed me the form. 

“Because it was like you didn’t respect my job. Tell me about a package, fine, but ya don’t have to make me look like an idiot,” I said and sat down, beginning to fill out the form. 

“And next time don’t be so quick to judge given your job you do that you could be dead. Wasn’t making you look like an idiot.” 

“Quick to judge?” I looked at her. 

“Hell, Ansar chased me with a dead green rabbit.” 

“Alright then I read the situation wrong. I’ll be looking into this gang though,” I went to fill out the form. 

“Indeed quick to judge peoples actions for it maybe more to it then ya know.” 

I started to walk away and she said, “And Trin?” 

“What?” I turned. 

“I said... we are fine... just remember there’s always something more.” 

“Yeah... Just felt like ya’ll did it to get me away from him, which I guess I dodged a bullet with from him, so maybe I should be thanking you.”

She smiled and nodded as I went to fill out the witness report. When I was finished, I handed it to her and said, “Hopefully that clears some air. Consider this case against that gang opened.” 

“I am certain it will, thank ya. And yes I can give you names in that gang.” 

“I’m listening.” 

“Punk, Serenity, Jade, and Alvin.” 

“Why am I not surprised?” I nodded. 

“Shouldn’t be at all. They will grow. TJ runs with ‘em from time to time. TJ is a wild card.” 

“Ain’t that the truth. And the gang’s called?” 

“I have no clue of the name, but Abby who works at the hotel is dating TJ. Or married to him. One of the two.” 

“Oh?” 

“I’d go that angle.” 

“Will do. Thanks, Sky.” 

“Also as far as needed insight, never goto Sirus. Send me to. He won’t give up folks easy but he’s always listening.” 

“Will do.” 

“And Richie. He listens a lot too.” 

“Haven’t talked to Si about anything recently in a while.”

“Sirus is very tight lipped and will and can send you on goose chase just to make you leave him alone.” 

“Then I’ll talk to you instead of him. He’ll talk to you.”

“Indeed, and you know me. I’ll pass whatever I get.” 

“Thanks, Sky. And... I’m sorry. I was being stupid yesterday and listening to my heart not my head.”

“Well pfft, that’s said and done with now,” she shook her head. “Also... Dominic James has been in town lately.” 

“Dominic James? Still an open case?” 

“I just have been swamped, and his brother Anthony as well.” 

“Hmm... There any warrants on Anthony?” 

“No there are not. I don’t think bounties either.” 

“I’ll keep looking into that one then. Thanks Sky,” I reached out my hand. She spit in her and and then offered it and I shook it with relief. I took my hand back and rubbed it on my jeans and said, “Guess I’ve got some intel to gather. See ya’ll soon. I’ll keep you posted, Sheriff.”

I went to sit in front of the saloon, knowing that Richie would be along sooner or later. Sure enough he came over within five minutes and I asked him if we could take a walk. He nodded and followed me out to Bisbee where we sat on the couch in the Stock Exchange. I didn’t really want to talk amidst the main crowd of Allen Street and wanted to talk with Richie without rumors starting as well. 

Bisbee. 

When we were seated Richie said, “So Miss Trin, you got me here. Now what?” 

“Was wonderin if you knew anything about a gang that sends dead rabbits as messages.”

“Well now they are good. They don’t do much chatting.” 

“So you know of them...” I nodded. 

“They seem to have codes and nods and winks and such.” 

“You pick up on any of ‘em?” I asked, curious. 

“Don’t know just seen a new bunch of folk hanging around together.” 

“Pick up a name yet?” 

“I’m thinking Punk is in the middle so I figure you have three days to figure it out. They won’t do nothing without him. I hear he’s out of town for about three days, give or take.” 

“Oh really? Why’s that?” I asked, placing a hand down beside him on the couch, not quite touching his leg. 

“Well seems they were a few new faces hanging around him yesterday. Sorry to tell ya, Miss Trin, that feller you’re sweet on, well he’s one of ‘em.” 

“Mmhmm,” I brushed my nuckles along his leg. “I ain’t sweet on him anymore. Was just drinking and a couple dances. He gave me the cold shoulder last night.”

“Well him and Punk were chummy yesterday as I drank my coffee.” 

I nodded knowingly, brushing my fingers down to his knee as I listened. “I want him behind bars, Rich.” 

“Can’t be Cole. He ain’t smart enough to do no planning and he’s cowardly.” He looked to me then and asked, “You want him behind bars ‘cause he’s done wrong... or done wrong by you?” 

“Because he shot the sheriff, Rich.” 

“You know the saying. Hell hath no fury...” 

“Has nothing to do with me. Never did,” I said somewhat bitterly. 

“Yeah well something tells me that it has part to do with sheriff and the other with you. So when did he take a poke at Sky?” 

“Either way, it’s done and dealt with. I have to move on,” I shook my head and leaned back, sighing. “You’ve been there from the beginning Rich... You know me probably better than most do in this town.”

“Me? I know nothing,” he said as I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulder with a sigh. “Well Miss Trin...” 

“Yeah?” I asked, looking in his eyes. 

Richie took his hat off and leaned over to kiss me. I swallowed hard but kissed him back, surprised as I slid my hand down his side. “I just try to keep to myself, keep myself alive,” he said as I reached up to put a hand on his lips, kissing him again as I enjoyed the moment. “You just stay alive,” he whispered to me and kissed me deeply. 

I cuddled on the couch and kissed him. “With your help hopefully I will...” 

“Just enjoying the company and not worrying about too much else going on.” 

I smiled and held him close. “This is so... relaxing... comfortable...” 

“Anybody tell you that you talk too much?” he placed his hand around my neck and pulled me in close for another kiss. 

I chuckled and kissed him back firmly. “Often,” I winked at him. 

“Ever wonder why?” 

“Maybe you should tell me,” I smirked. 

“Because you do,” he rolled me on the couch and kissed me feverishly then. I loved his playful nature and shut up as I continued to kiss him. 

***

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I walked into the Stock Exchange to warm up for my gig. I was wearing a dress and had my hair back in a half pony tail. Richie came into the saloon behind me and whistled at how gorgeous I looked. I blushed and sat down at the piano to warm up. Several people came into the saloon as I played and sang, and interacted with the crowd while I sang songs that they knew and loved. The mayor even came by to listen to me sing. 

When I was finished, I noticed that Richie had gone but Alvin was sitting in the corner. He told me that he enjoyed the music and I talked with the others that had stayed behind before heading off with Pet to look at houses. 

We found one that was up in the mountains across from the saloon, somewhat hidden from the main road. There were a couple of other houses next door but for the most part the place was private enough. I decided right then and there that I would begin renting the home in Bisbee. 

That evening I had Richie over to show him the place. He gave me a globe on a stand for my office as a housewarming gift and then we decided to wander into town. 

Tombstone.

We went to say hello to Ali who was standing in front of Kate’s, talking with a man I hadn’t met yet. 

“I was standing in front the door until it was closed. I’m with child. If I thought there was any threat I wouldn’t have been there,” Ali told the man. 

“Yeah, I got ya,” the man replied. 

“Did I hear right?” Richie asked. “With child, Miss Ali?” 

“Yes Richie, sure am. I thought you knew.” 

“Well congrats!” 

“Miss Trin, I sure am glad I went to see ya sing today,” Ali smiled at me. 

“You mean I knew something before you did, Richie?” I chuckled and looked at Richie. Then to Ali I said, “Why thank you, Ali. Was a great turnout.”

“I’m sorry Gabe wasn’t in town to hear ya.” 

“Hopefully next week.” After some silence I asked, “So Ali have you heard of Dominic James?”

“Hmm, name don’t sound familiar,” Ali thought it over. 

“One of the James gang, if I recall correct,” the man commented. 

“Oh I heard bout them fellas. I believe has been in town as of late,” Ali nodded. 

“Known to be associated with Clint Houston,” I told her. 

“I don’t know Clint Houston,” Ali shook her head. 

“Seems they became more active after rejects left,” the man said. “I’ve been hearin’ that too... Was wondering what he’d been up to.”

We were silent for a while as the man began to whistle and I leaned back in my chair, looking over at Richie with a knowing smile. 

“I did nothing,” he said somewhat defensively. 

“Wasn’t sayin ya did, darlin’.”

“Watcha smirking at me fer?” 

“Can’t a girl just be happy?” I smiled. 

“Not round here ya can’t,” Ali winked at me and I sighed with a chuckle. “I can only imagine would would be said about me and Gabe ifn we haven’t been married so long,” Ali laughed. 

“I be saying he your pimp,” the man laughed. 

“At least he’s honest,” I chuckled. “Where is that hubby of yours?” 

“He’s outta town. I expect him back home anytime,” she looks around anxiously. “Sorry, I’m still a bit shaken after what happened. Can’t even speak right now.” 

“What happened?” I asked with concern. 

“Kris gone wild again Trin,” the man said and I sighed. 

“Oh, lots happen miss Trin, but if’n ya let me relax a bit I can tell ya later.” 

“Sure hon. Whenever you feel like talkin’, you know where to find me,” I told her and she nodded. 

“Yeah at Annie’s,” the man smirked. “Waiting to be shot.” 

“Richie, do I ever go to Annie’s?” I chuckled. 

“I told ya I know nothing,” Richie shrugged. 

“Only playin’, Miss Trin,” the man said. 

“Uh huh.” After a while I said, “Gonna go check something at the office.” 

“Have fun,” Richie smiled at me. 

“See ya’ll later,” I winked at Richie and headed off to my office.