Tombstone.
This morning I walked over to the sheriff’s office and saw Tye standing in front of the hotel. “Well, well, well, he does exist.”
“For now,” he grumbled.
A man turned to me and smiled with a wink. “Good morning Miss.”
“Howdy,” I nodded to him but kept my focus on Tye.
“Been better. Ain’t too sure why I thought it’d be a good idea to be law on the weekends. Damn tired after the week.”
“Yeah well at least it’s been peaceful for now. You hear about this mess with the Apache?” I smiled.
He shook his head and said, “Ain’t been here to hear about it, and just got in this morning.”
“Turns out Little Chief was taken this week.... Lot saw a man take the kid into town; he was wearing a top hat and spit a lot. The kid was returned home, we found out, but the Apache are mad it happened. They’re declaring war today or tomorrow if we don’t bring in the man responsible.”
“Oh good.”
“Good? We’ve got nothin’ to go on. I’m tempted to just let ‘em come to see if this man even exists. I think it’s all a ruse. They were blamin’ it on Shane even though we brought him to the chief and his wife and she didn’t recognize him.”
“Excuse me miss, are you saying we are gonna have a war with the indians?” the man asked.
“It’s a strong possibility. Unless of course they’re lyin’ about that too,” I looked over to him.
“You take me too literal sometimes,” he grunted at me.
“Just keepin’ ya informed,” I smirked at Tye. “Punk keeps talkin’ about quid pro quo and how it’s the key to figuring this thing out. Ain’t sure what it means yet hough.”
“Must be Indian words,” the man mumbled.
“Ya ain’t learned to just ignore Blake yet?” Tye asked.
“Morning, Miss Dee,” the man looked over and greeted her.
I looked at Tye and said, “I’m just askin around to see if there’s any solid backing to my theory that it’s made up. No one else seems to have heard about it so I figure it’s just a ruse to start a war ‘cause they can.”
“You got some court cases today? I do get up early sometimes,” he chuckled. “Wish I was a lawyer, I’d love to work in the court.”
“Yep. Sounds like they’re just stirrin’ the pot.”
“A man with a top hat and spits a lot don’t narrow it down much. If they really wanted revenge they would’ve helped us out more.”
“No ma’am, I ain’t an outlaw. How do I apply?” the man was asking and I moved to the other side of Tye so I could hear the other side of the conversation between him and Dee.
“Well best thing to do is spend a bit of time in the courtroom, sittin’ on the juries to get to know how we do things,” Dee explained. “Then I can get ya an application.”
“Peta showed us ‘round your place the other day after I had her and the girls over at ours. Nice place ya got there,” I said to Tye.
“Oh, I spent time in court. Seems being a dove will do that,” he chuckled.
“Hmm, guess I been missin’ when yer there,” Dee said to the man.
“Still needs some work done. But it’ll do for now,” Tye nodded.
“Looks like a great family home. Gorgeous view too. Love that location up there. Couldn’t have asked for a better spot myself.”
“It’s not too shabby. I did get it for the location, though I wish there was a yard.”
“You missed a fun court yesterday. The defense attorney called Sheriff Skyla to the stand as a witness and the sheriff bascally proved that the defendant was guilty. Surprised the prosecutor didn’t call her up first.”
“Who was the defendant?”
“Charity Hope. Ansar was prosecuting. Not to mention his witnesses were lying on the stand to protect their aunt, or nanny, or whoever she was. They never really cleared that up but it didn’t matter. Case was clear cut and dry.”
“Never heard of her.”
“I hadn’t either. I was on the jury. I’m prosecuting tonight. Hope it goes better than it did last week...”
“But Ansar not calling a key witness as a prosecutor?” Tye shook his head.
“Yeah, he didn’t call Skyla up. I about fell off my chair. Not every day the DA calls the sheriff as their witness.”
“What’d she do? And who was the DA? Angeles was the DA. Charity had shot someone in town I guess. They were tryin ‘ to pin it on this other guy who was there but the guy had already been wounded and there was no way he coulda done the shooting from layin’ on the ground in pain.”
“Angeles. What a mess.”
“Was quite the interesting day. Been missing you around here during the week though,” I nodded to him.
“From what Peta tells me its too bad I can’t be here more during the week.”
Peta came over then and we continued to talk about our houses and how we’re neighbors. “Your chair was comfortable though, Tye,” I winked at him and he gaved me a death glare. “She didn’t tell me it was yours till after I sat in it,” I smiled sweetly at him.
“Of course she didn’t,” Tye glared at Peta.
“Dang I’ve missed ya, Durden,” I chuckled.
“He’s mine!” Peta glared at me, then turned to Tye. “And I sit in your chair sometimes too! It smells like you and it’s got an indentation in the butt area.”
“It’s okay, Peta. I’m happy with Richie.”
“My chair. And Richie? Richie that shot me Richie?” Tye grunted.
“He shot you? Richie doesn’t wear guns.”
“He doesn’t, now that I had it out with him over the whole ordeal.”
“Well this is news to me.”
“It’s alright. He weren’t aimin’ for me. He paid his dues and decided guns weren’t for him.”
“What’s it been since we had that first date, Peta? A week? Two weeks?”
“Huh? You and me ain’t never been on a date. I’ve been with Tye for like 8 months.”
“I can’t remember the days are colliding together. It’s goin’ real well though.”
“Oh. I don’t know. My memory’s terrible.”
“Mmhmm mine too. I just know I’m happy.”
“Well bein’ happy is nice I reckon.”
“Bout dang time is what I reckon.”
Oh to be a woman. Just need a man then ya suddenly happy,” Tye grunted.
“Hey! I ain’t happy!” Peta frowned at Tye.
“Good! You shouldn’t be!”
“I’m a prosecutor now too. That makes me happy as well. I actually get to do something productive without usin’ guns,” I looked at him.
Tye and Peta continued to banter back and forth and we talked with others who came over to us. Cora came over and Tye introduced himself to her, saying that she looked familiar.
“You look slightly different than the other night,” Cora observed.
“I look different than the other night? How so? I’m pretty generally grumpy,” Tye said and I chuckled, knowing it was true.
“Yes... I was not sure it was you... there seemed to be confusion but a man with a beard very similar to you said he was Tye and the owner of the hotel.”
“Wait, when was this?” Tye stopped and looked at her.
“Ohh... I’m not sure... a few nights ago; the day that I was taken on.”
“You saw Tye in town but it weren’t Tye? Someone’s pretendin’ to be Tye??” Peta asked.
“I’m gonna stab Blake,” Tye grumbled and I blinked, realizing something I hadn’t realized before. “That weren’t me, ma’am.”
“Well I can’t totally remember who was about but someone said your wife would know if it was you?” Cora suggested.
“Wait... someone’s pretendin’ to be his WIFE?!” Peta was getting angry now.
“The lady said she was going to be seeing your wife that day and I said well bring her here and we can see.”
“Yes, weren’t me ma’am. You don’t know the lady’s name then?” Tye asked.
Cora tried to remember and said, “It might have been Marilyn but I’m not sure. But the man was poking about in the tills, looking at money and telling me what jobs to do.”
“I must have been out of town that day... I don’t remember this,” I put in.
“Someone was goin’ to see me? Did they see me?” Peta asked.
“Are you Tye’s wife?”
“I’m his wife! Technically.”
“Ohh... has he got a separated one?”
“No. It’s just Peta here. That’s all.”
“Wait... Abby was there...” Cora remembered.
“Abby would’ve known if it was me or not.”
“Yeah she woulda,” I nodded.
“Well now seeing you .. I am pretty certain it was someone pretending to be you,” Cora said.
“And I got a good feelin’ I know who it was,” Tye nodded.
“I’d put money on it too. Only one man would be stupid enough to do that.”
“A name like Punk was mentioned... I do remember that as it’s an unusual name,” Cora suddenly remembered and I glanced over at Tye.
“Wish there were a punishment for impersonatin’ a lawman,” I sighed.
“Definitely. Blake is a damn menace,” Tye nodded.
I went across the street to get myself some coffee and then sat in front of the Epitath, pulling out my notebook as I listened to the chatter around me.
***
This afternoon I walked into the courthouse to prepare for trial. Outside, Skyla was shouting to Punk saying that a warrant was needing to be served. I went upstairs to clock in and then came back downstairs to sit at the Prosecutor table.
“Your going down missy,” Ansar glared at me.
“Bring it on, Ansar.”
“I hope you got your A game today. You’ll need it.”
“Always do,” I smiled.
“Free candy for people who sit on the jury!” Ansar shouted and I chuckled. “Who can say no to free candy? They’ll be eating out of my hands.”
“Uh huh. Bribing the jury... I’d object but we haven’t started yet,” I chuckled.
People filed into the courtroom and Ansar continued to try and insist to the jury that they would get free candy, making me just shake my head in amusement. When everyone had arrived, Suzy (the judge) asked if we had any problems with who was on the jury and Ansar and I both shook our heads.
“Alright, let’s get started,” Suzy proceeded and said, “Miss Prosecutor will you read the charges, please?”
“Yes ma’am,” I stood. “The charges are as follows: Disturbing The Peace, Harassment (unwanted), Resisting Arrest, Robbing Bank.”
“Okay, how does the defendant plead?” Suzy asked.
“Not guilty, your honor!” Ansar slammed both hands on the desk as he stood.
“Give your opening statement, Prosecutor,” Suzy invited and I stood, walking over to the jury.
“Ladies and... Ladies,” I chuckled, seeing that it was all women on the jury today. “On Tuesday of this week the defendant was seen by several people in town as she robbed the bank and created a disturbance in town. She threatened citizens witnessing the crime and then the defendant resisted the arrest for robbery. The very next day the defendant admitted in town with several witnesses that she may have disturbed the peace but was adamant in not robbing the bank. She continued to call the Sheriff crazy and claimed that she would win her case handily. Ladies and gentlemen, several witnesses have not only seen the defendant commit these crimes, but have also heard her admitting to and lying about her involvement in them.”
“Um Judge,” TJ stood then. “The sheriff gonna be late. She’s in Ghenna with my bullet in her ass. Just thought ye should know.”
I nodded to TJ and he smirked as he walked out. I hoped that Sky would be there in time to be my witness.
“Okay defense attorney, you got any opening statements?”
Ansar stood and said, “Hello people of the court. Thank you for joining us on the jury today. My client did not comment this crimes. She is being blamed for the real robbers. And in fact was threatened and shot at by the sheriff herself! I ask you today too see it from the eyes of my client and see the truth of this case. Thank You.”
Ansar moved back to his seat and Suzy invited me to call my first witness.
“I call Deesue to the stand,” I stood. Dee came forward and was sworn in, and when she was in position I walked over and began my questioning.
“The defendant claimed that two men had robbed the bank. What was her response when you confronted her about this claim?”
“Well, after I was questionin’ her on why she dint shoot em if she was claimin’ to be some sharp shooter who was trailin’ em, then she started changin’ her answer sayin’ they was too far away so she couldn’t... Then she said she went inta the bank and to the vault to make sure it was all safe. and i was like what??? No one goes inta a broke in bank checkin less they are law... So then I said well maybe ya dint see em at all, maybe yer just makin’ this all up and you was the real robber cause ya sure seem to know a lot a details.”
“I object, your honor!” Ansar called out.
“To my answer?” Dee raised an eyebrow.
“Anyone can claim they are a sharp shooter. Don’t make them one.”
“She the one who said it!” Dee argued.
“Object to what? She’s saying what she heard,” I looked to Ansar. Looking back at Suzy I asked, “Can I proceed?”
“Go ahead,” Suzy nodded.
“Did you see the defendant go inside the bank and approach the vault?” I asked Dee.
“No ma’am, I was just talkin’ to the snake oil man when she walked up and started talkin’ to us. She was the one told me she did.”
“And for the record, the snake oil man is a Mr Frank, yes?”
“So she admitted to this?” Suzy asked.
Dee looked to her and said, “She said she went into the bank, yes.” Looking at me she answered, “And yes, Mr. Devil.”
“Did you feel threatened by the defendant at any time in your interaction with her?” I asked.
“Well she tried to demand an apology sayin’ I was insultin’ her by askin’ if she robbed the bank herself.. but she dint pull a gun on me or nothin’.”
“No further questions,” I nodded.
“Okay defense, you got any questions?” Suzy asked Ansar as he was already standing.
“Hello, Dee. My first question is this. Do you as a female own a lot of clothes?”
“Umm... yes, I do,” Dee looked curious.
“Objection, your honor. Relevance?”
“That will be relevant later in due time, your honor,” Ansar promised.
“Uh huh,” I muttered.
“Yes, what does this have to do with anything? Do you need clothes, Mr. Defense Attorney?” Suzy asked and I chuckled softly.
“This will be needed as proof, your honor.”
“Change your clothes every day or at least once a morning?” Ansar asked Dee.
“Umm, yes,” Dee answered.
“I see. Did you witness the crime itself?”
“The bank robbery? No.”
“Judge,” Waterfall said then, walking up to the judge’s bench and I sighed.
“And did you in fact hear my client say, ‘I robbed the bank’?” Ansar asked.
“I heard her say she went into the bank and into the vault.”
“But not that she robbed it. Maybe the money was missing before she got there. I see, oh and did she happen to say who did?”
“She claimed two mystery men did, that she followed.”
“That is all my questions,” Ansar stated and went back to his seat.
“I know you white eyes believe in justice,” Waterfall started saying and I looked around for Skyla, wondering why she hadn’t arrived yet. “I know I was not called to witness.”
“Your honor, if I could approach?” I stood and looked to the judge.
“Okay, both attorneys approach the bench please,” Suzy invited and we stepped forward as Waterfall handed a scroll with her statement to the judge.
“Due to the fact that the sheriff is absent and I was going to have to read her statement, I’d like to read Waterfall’s as she doesn’t speak the same primary language as us.”
“Alright, thank you. We will read those documents into the record,” Suzy nodded and I pulled out Waterfall’s statement.
“I saw the door being opened and her ((amo aka Kelly )) running out towards the back area towards the church i saw her go in and come out with bags. she came back telling a tail of two robbers and how they was mexico but not see there face.”
“So are you calling Waters to the stand?” Ansar asked in confusion.
“I just explained to the judge that I would read the statement for her, and that’s what I did after she gave me permission,” I looked at him.
“Then I object to the statement as it does not clearly state what she looked like.”
“Alright, anything else?” Suzy asked, ignoring Ansar.
I pulled out Richie’s statement and began to read, “I was here at the bakery drinking coffee and just trying to relax. I heard a awful lot racket coming from bank. I eased to back of hotel and watched the bank and all of a sudden a woman... I was shocked seeing a woman at first so I looked all around fer anybody else not a soul to be seen. So I watched her close and she came out with two big ole bags. So I eased back into the hotel not to be seen. She went down the back street down behind saloon. I walked back out front of bakery drinking my coffee and the same very same woman came screaming the bank been robbed by two men she had given chase to. Weren’t no men. She robbed that bank herself.”
“Okay,” Suzy nodded. “Any other witnesses?”
“One more statement, since the sheriff still seems to be detained.”
“Alright.”
“That statement proves nothing and it’s not signed,” Ansar continued to argue. “In fact, I question she even wrote it at all, with her knowledge of English being an Apache!”
“This statement was Richie’s,” I said to Ansar. “May I read the sheriff’s statement now, Judge?”
“Still not signed!” Ansar argued.
“Yes, read the sheriff’s statement,” Suzy nodded.
I began to pull out the sheriff’s statement when I saw Skyla walk into the courthouse. I sighed with relieve and said, “Ah good, Sheriff Skyla, I’d like to call her to the bench, your honor.”
“Ok, bring her up,” Suzy nodded.
Skyla was sworn into the witness stand and I smiled to her, more grateful than I could say. Ansar continued to argue that Richie’s statement wasn’t signed either but Suzy ignored him.
“Sheriff, thank you for being here,” I began.
“Yes ma’am.”
“I want to speak my best white man,” Waterfall continued to protest. “You can all die!” she threatened and ran out of the courtroom. I sighed, wishing we had a bailiff but tried to focus on Skyla.
“How did you first hear about the incident involving the defendant?”
“Well I walked into town and was going to check the back door for Miss Bree, as she had the bank open. And Mr. Frank and Miss Waterfall were standing around.”
“Was the defendant positive in her response to you searching her? Did you find lock picks on the defendant?”
“I object, your honor! Owning lock picks don’t make you an outlaw!”
“Yes, she let me search her after mouthing off, and yes she had lock picks,” Skyla replied.
Waterfall returned then and said, “This is a mistrial.” I sighed and continued to question my witness.
“Your honor, I’m merely trying to prove the point that the woman was wearing lock picks at the time of the crime. May I continue?”
“Go ahead,” Suzy nodded.
“Did the defendant threaten you or any other citizens after you had searched her?”
“She threatened Frank to shoot him.”
“How many witnesses told you that they had seen the defendant robbing the bank?”
“Waterfall told me about seeing her with money bags and leaving the bank, so I took action from there. Waterfall was the only one who said she saw her, the rest heard her bragging in a way.”
“Did the defendant finally accept your arrest or continue to resist?”
“She continued to resist after I fired a warning shot at her feet.”
“No further questions.”
“Ok defense, you got any questions for the sheriff?” Suzy asked.
Ansar stood and walked over to her. “Did you in FACT shoot at my client before you had a witness claiming to have seen her?”
“Nope.”
“Your Honor, I like to read a part of the sheriffs report.”
“She said I could search her and I did so finding nothing but ten bucks and guns and lock picks. Then she continued to pop off and go to threaten Frank for saying she did such a thing, by way of shooting him. I drew and fired at the ground after several warnings, and she finally walked off,” Ansar read. “Then Waterfall tells me she saw it all and that Amo did in fact rob the bank.”
“You asked if I shot her,” Skyla said, “My statement confirms I did not.”
“Then... wait, so you did fire at her?! So here you stand, lying in court under oath?”
“Okay, that’s perfectly legal for the sheriff to do,” Suzy said.
“I didn’t lie,” Sky shook her head. “Judge...” she looks to her.
“I know you didn’t,” Suzy nodded.
“I didn’t SHOOT her till after I had a witness!” Sky told Ansar.
“Says she shot at her,” Suzy shrugged.
“You shot at her as stated in your statement, then lied about it,” Ansar slapped his report.
“Nothing wrong with law shooting at people to warn ‘em,” Suzy said.
“Nope, I didn’t lie. You are trying to confuse folks,” Skyla shook her head.
“Please take note ladies and gentlemen of the court that she fired at my client BEFORE Waters ’clams’ to have seen her. That the sheriff threatened my clients life and tried to in FACT leave the area so as to no one would get hurt from the sheriff display of violence!” Ansar said to the jury.
“Ok well you can press charges on the sheriff if you want, Ansar, but first let’s get your client convicted,” Suzy leaned back, looking bored.
“And did you Hear any one or my client in anyway admit to the crime the first time you fired on her?”
“Objection your honor. The sheriff was reacting to information from a previous witness, namely Waterfall,” I stood.
“That was after.”
“Yup, sounds that way to me,” Suzy agreed to me.
“I heard her talking about being there when this first started... then I got the report, then I went to
arrest her,” Skyla explained.
“She fired at my client twice!”
“At yes, once for a threat in town and once for resisting arrest,” Skyla argued.
“Guess your client is lucky she didn’t get hit,” Suzy shrugged.
“Now sheriff, did you or did you not. Even listen to the story of my client?”
“I heard it,” Sky blinked, “But when a witness places her at the scene and taking the money... I am not court. I listen to the witness.”
“Then where is her statement? Thats All my questions your honor,” Ansar nodded and walked back to his seat as Skyla rolled her eyes.
“One more statement, your honor,” I stood then.
“Ok, let’s hear it.”
“This is from Dr. Frank.” I pulled out the statement and read, “She said the bank doors where shoot open. and she admitted being in the bank. When Miss Dee questioned her about it. She treated her life. She also knew how the vualt was opened in detail. after she threated Miss Dee when I called the sheriff to take care of her. I also heard Waterfall claim to have seen her walking out of the bank with bags of money. When The sheriff asked for her to give up her weapons she done right said No. Sheriff Skyla shot her and Ru took out the bullet.”
“I object! Frank didn’t see the crime itself and his statement is useless. Nor was he at the time a trained medical assistant. I fact! I could fake, a statement from as its not signed!” Ansar argued.
“Doesn’t need a medical license to help a doctor, Ansar.”
“Ok well everybody but your client’s story matches up so I’ll allow it,” Suzy said.
“But again, not signed.”
I chuckled that Suzy had read my point perfectly.
“Then If we are taking into count that this is a real document I like to point out to the court that it says, he did not feel threatened by my client as the report claims and that charged be dropped!”
“Your client must have been threatening someone for the Sheriff to shoot at her,” Suzy told Ansar and looked at me. “Ok any more prosecution evidence?”
“No ma’am,” I shook my head.
“Ok defense, your turn. Come on up and spin your tail.”
“I like to call my client to the stands,” Ansar said. Kelly walked up to the witness stand and was sworn in. “Thank you for coming, I know you are sadden by the thought that you might be locked up today. As we know you claim to have not robbed the bank. Can you please tell for the court in fact who did?”
“As I said I did not see the men’s faces. They had masks, but one was dark hair and looked Mexican and the other had a dark suit and dark hair.”
I wondered why no other witnesses saw these men and Ansar continued, “I see, and please tell everyone in the court what you where wearing that day at that time Waters claimed to have seen you at the bank with bag of money. The full tail of you and that day?”
“I had my dress.”
“Please tell us everything that happened.”
“Then I changed my dress to my dust coat, my ranch cloth, and that’s what I was wearing when I chased the robbers.”
“So you inspected the bank in a dress, ran off to change clothes and find law and the real bad men. You did all this wand was still time to rob a bank? I think not. Last question. And I know this will be hard. Did you in fact try to flee for your life from the mad house sheriff that did not even take your statement on what really happened?”
“Objection your honor. Calling the sheriff crazy? Leading?” I asked.
“I never used the word ‘crazy’,” Ansar shook her house.
“Well, that’s not a statement of fact so I’ll allow it,” Suzy nodded.
Mad House sheriff leaves nothing to question, I thought to myself.
“Yes, she was really polite. I tried to leave my statement to the sheriff but all she did was warning me to leave or be arrested. When I said we have something called freedom of speech she went mad. I saw in her eyes. So she shot me in my arm.”
“The sheriff shoot at my client. and she tried to get away. Even the sheriff statement is clear to that fact,” Ansar stated.
“He may be right but it has nothing to do with his client robbing the bank,” Suzy pointed out. “Okay, move along.”
“No more questions,” Ansar said and I shook my head at Ansar.
Since I had no opposing questions and Ansar had no more witnesses, we were called to give our closing statements. I stood up and approached the jury box first, looking at each member. “Members of the jury, this is yet another display where a lawman was caught in the crossfire while trying to protect the citizens of this fine town. Sheriff Skyla not only had several witnesses saying that they’d seen the defendant commit the crime, but she was also met with hostility when trying to arrest her for the crime. From the several statements that were read and the two witnesses questioned, not one of them mentioned other men that the defendant claims to have seen rob the bank. Our streets are not so hidden that these men would have been hard to miss. I ask that you find the defendant guilty of all the charges placed against her today.”
I sat back down and Ansar went to approach the jury. “As you see ladies and gentlemen of the court. My client was not threatening anyone. But in fact getting threatened herself by the sheriff. The sheriff pulled her gun and shoot at my client trying to get away for her life! The apache not understanding of are ways or or English let alone the deferences between one outfit and the next! Or no statement here today signed by anyone. no name or description beside it was a female, that could of been anyone! Nor do they claim she even the bag where full of money. Could been socks for all you know! I say to you find her not guilty. I know I would.”
I looked over at Ansar and just smiled confidently before turning back to the judge. Suzy invited the members of the jury to proceed to the jury room and deliberate a verdict. When they came back out, rather quickly, from the jury room, Suzy invited the foreman to speak.
“Have you reached a verdict?”
“We have, your honor,” Serenity stood and removed her hat.
“What is your verdict?”
“We find the defendant guilty of all charges.”
I smiled, proud of myself, as Ansar continued to complain that his client was in fact not guilty. “Having been found guilty of all counts, I sentence you to 30 minutes in jail or a fine of 70 L. Thank you.”
When court was adjourned I ran over and hugged Cora, thanking her for her part on the jury. I went up to clock out and then headed home, proud of my efforts today in court.
***
I walked over to the sheriff’s office that evening and smiled, “Hey Sheriff good news. I won the case today! Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I was just about to read your statement.”
“Good job, Trin! And I have news for you!”
“Ooo news? Do tell!”
“I got a name on that case ya been working! And I got another case fer ya too!”
“You changed your... ohhh the case,” she winks at her and she smiled. “Can’t help it. I’m in a good mood dang it.”
“Sheriff, I hear you was wounded earlier,” a soldier came over.
“Indeed I was, Lao. Angeles patched me right up the second time and Star the first time,” Skyla nodded.
“I see,” Lao nodded. “But not hurt anymore?”
“Shaane Thomsen,” Skyla smiled at me.
“Shaane Thomsen, eh? Wears a top hat and spits a lot?” I winked at her and she nodded to me.
“No Lao, we got the warrant. We went after the first time and second he high tailed it, damn coward,” Sky shook her head.
“Anyone seen him ‘round town since um... Thursday was it?”
“No Trin, they ain’t that I know of.”
“Hmm...”
“Also the second thing!” she pointed to the clock tower.
“Anyone else know this guy other than Shane from the army?” I asked.
“Well, Twig is the one who informed me she got the name from Punk,” Sky answered. “So I bet Punk was pulling ya leg.”
“I told ya,” I nodded.
“Well now ya have it,” Sky nodded too.
“Mmhmm. Now we have it. The real Shaane name, not the one Punk was tryin’ to throw on me.”
“Indeed, Trin. And now the clock is missing on the tower, so that’s fer ya too!”
“At least we know the whole thing weren’t made up... The clock is... missing?” I blinked, turning to look. “Well geez.”
“I told ya, when something comes my way I’ll involve ya. Need to get the word out, Trin.”
“Who want to steal a clock?” Lao wondered.
“Not sure,” Sky shrugged.
“Reckon I should start askin’ around then. Guessing you’ve talked to these folks hm?"
“About the clock? Nope. Not my job,” Sky laughed. “That’s a Pinky’s job. I have enough on my
plate at the moment between warrant round ups, the war, and other things...”
“Yes ma’am,” I chuckled and wandered across the street to the group in front of the hotel.
“Howdy ya’ll. You hear about the clock bein’ stolen?” I asked the group.
“Nope, not me,” Wedge shook his head. “You take it?”
“Well now if I took it why would I be askin’?” I chuckled.
“Yes, there was in part the history to the warrant have in Punk,” Angeles pointed out.
“Punk did it?” I looked over to her. “Why am I not surprised?” I muttered.
“I no see anyone take... that must have been hard getting,” Bree observed.
“I don’t know...reverse...mind games...?” Wedge suggested.
“Him confessed a the man who stole the baby to the chief and stole the clock tower with one to my soldiers. No, Shane Toomsen in both cases,” she said.
“Ohhh so Shane T did the clock too? Do we know Shaane T?”
“Yes, but have a time to no see him,” Angeles said.
“When was the last time ya saw him, Angeles?”
“He day, I think a week ago, not sure,” Angeles answered.
“Where ‘bouts?”
“Him tries to come with TJ at fort,” Angeles answered.
“Ohh he’s a friend of TJ’s,” I smiled.
“Yes.”
“Anything else ya can tell me?”
“Yes. Him need to take a bath, he smell terrible.”
“Think I’ll walk around and see what else I can find out. Thanks Angeles.”
“I tried to arrest Shane but TJ started shot and needed to cover myself,” she told me. “TJ have a house in Ghenna.”
“Alright well I’m sure TJ will be around no doubt. He usually is.”
“I not sure to remember more, Trin. There was a time Shane living in Bisbee.”
“I appreciate everything though, Angeles. Really,” I smiled. “I should keep wanderin’ around too.”
“In fact, when Punk come said him was victim to Shane too,” Angeles said and I nodded to her as I walked over to Skyla.
“Skyla, guess what,” I smiled to her. “Shane Thomas? Stole the clock tower too. Angeles’ got a warrant on him for both crimes.”
“Oh he did, huh? Did ya go look at it close?”
“I was just about to I wanted to pass on that information first. Not surprised these two are connected.”
“Now hey, I need to know about those ‘cause it happened in town! Well, the clock did.”
“Apparently Thomas hangs around TJ,” I said and Skyla smirked at that. “Yeah that was my reaction too.”
“Ya mean like Punk and Alvin do.”
“Well on I go. Keep ya posted.”
As I headed over to the clock tower, I saw a mother and her son in the Oriental and wandered over to talk to them.
“Hey there you two,” I smiled at them.
“Hi,” the boy greeted.
“Howdy,” said the mom.
“Don’t know if we’ve met... I’m Detective Trin Paige...”
“I’m Doc Jen and this is my son Casper and his bear Pokie,” Jen smiled.
“Pleasure to meet ya both. And Pokie too of course,” I smiled at the bear. “Wonderin’ if ya’ll had seen any strange activity around the clock tower perhaps?”
“Very nice to meet you too,” Jen smiled. “When?”
“Strange like wat?” Casper asked.
“In the past day or so.... Seems there’s been some vandalism.”
“Can’t say I have. We’ve been outta town for a few days,” Jen answered.
“And the clock is missing.”
“It is?” Casper looked over, “I didn’t notice.”
“I heard the Chief’s son went missing, but since been returned,” Jen noted, “but that’s it.”
“Yes, he was...”
“Well if ya see anything, let me know?”
“Of course we will, right Casper?” Jen smiled.
“Uh huh,” Casper nodded.
“Thanks to you both. And pokie of course,” I winked at Casper. “Have a good evening you too,” I smiled and headed outside.
I wandered up the stairs to get to the bridge and crossed over it into the clock tower. Written in the spot where the clocks used to be were the words, “It’s time to... Let my people go.” I felt the door and saw that it had been messed with. There were bullet holes on the clock tower and I noticed that the bottom door had been tampered with too. I shook my head, trying to remember where I had heard that phrase before.
When I walked back into the street I saw a Native man poking around. I greeted him and he said his name was Mahko. “I’m looking into this mess at the clock tower. Have you seen any strange behavior around it today or yesterday?” I explained.
“Today in town? No.”
“The clock seems to be missing from the tower and there’s a phrase written on all four sides.”
“You look for Shaane?”
“I am looking for him too, yes,” I nodded. “What do you know of him?”
“Which more do you look?”
“I’m sorry I don’t understand?”
Ali walked over then and I told her, “I’m looking into the clock tower vandalism. Someone wrote the phrase, ‘It’s time to let my people go’ on all four sides.”
“Which is more important to find?” Mahko asked.
“Well sir we believe that Shaane is responsible for both. So if we find him for one crime we will question him for the other.”
“Yes, I noticed the clocks were not there this morning,” Ali nodded.
“Is he?” Mahko asked.
“The clock tower is the only one we have something to go on. The kidnapping... we have been given very little facts. We know his name at least now.”
“So clock goes missing, suddenly pale face want to find Shaane.”
“We’ve been looking since the boy was taken, Sir. We went straight to the chief and his wife and were assured that the boy was returned to his grandmother. We brought to him one we wondered if was responsible and the chief’s wife didn’t recognize him. So now we are searching this other lead we have. Now that we finally have the actual name and not a made up one.”
“What will be done when he is found?” Mahko asked.
“He will be arrested and tried for kidnapping and destruction of property no doubt.”
“Ya’ll see anything around the tower?” I looked over, seeing that Serenity had joined Ali.
“The tower? When abouts?” Serenity asked.
“Sometime in the last day or two I suppose. Was just told of it now so must have happened today.”
“Where here in town he will face justice?” Mahko asked and he nodded.
“I’d say you ask that little rug rat, Timmie I believe his name is. He loves that clock,” Serenity suggested. “If anyone knew what happened to it, he’d know.”
“Timmie? That helps, thanks Serenity.”
“All law seems to be doing is standing around the sheriff’s office lately. How you reckon he will be arrested?” Ali asked. “I ain’t seen nothing.”
“Do I look like I’m standin’ around at the sheriff’s office?” I looked at her.
“You are Pinky, not law,” Ali shrugged.
“Sure,” I nodded. “But they gave me the case, knowing I would do something with it.”
“Mahko hear white law chief know nothing,” Mahko said.
“Chief warned two days ago of war and just today the sheriff is warning folks to prepare for war?” Ali asked.
“Where does Timmie live, Serenity?”
“Oh I ain’t sure, you might be good to ask the Matron or any of those little kids runnin’ about,” Serenity answered. “They all chat with one another, you might even be able to ask a little one. Jaime’s a chatty little one.”
“Ali you just said it. I’m pinky, not law. I can’t control what the sheriff does,” I sighed and looked to Serenity. “Sure. Thanks for your help.”
“Buts speaks for what justice Apache can expect....none,” Mahko argued.
I shook my head and looked at him. “As you can see, Sir, we’re working with what we’re given.”
“We, who is we?” Mahko asked.
Jimmi and Starling walked over then and I heard Jimmi say, “I saw him captured in Pearce this morning.”
I told him that I had won my first case and he congratulated me for it and then I asked, “Who’d ya see captured in Pearce, Jimmi? Sorry I interrupted.”
“That was Mr Punk. “He was trying to take the payroll.”
“Did they slap that slime ball in irons?” Jess asked.
“Yup, hand cuffs and leg irons too,” Jimmi nodded.
“Wow...” I exhaled. “I’m gonna go take a closer look at that clock tower. Feel like I’ve missed somethin’.”
I walked around the clock tower again and found various pieces of the clocks laying on the ground. I picked up the pieces and examined them, then decided to wander over to Ghenna. In the streets I saw TJ walking down the street and smiled.
“TJ, just the man I’m lookin for.”
“Evening, Trin. Oh, ye got a warrant too?”
“Now darlin do I have a gun on me? Just wanna talk.”
“Good, I don’t have to kill ya then.”
“Mmhmm. Just wonderin if you know anything about this clock tower business.”
“Oh, the one that’s in Ghenna?”
“The one here in Tombstone. That’s been stolen. Replaced with some words.... ‘it’s time to let my people go’.”
“That’s been stolen long ago,” TJ laughed.
“Long ago?”
“Few weeks.”
“Why am I just hearin about it now?””
“Not sure. I saw it in Ghenna.”
“Really...” I said and he nodded. “Hey TJ... feel like takin’ a ride with me? For old time’s sake?” I winked.
“Where to?”
“To Ghenna... I don’t really feel safe goin by myself, and don’t really know my way much anyway.”
He laughed and fired his guns, calling, “Yeehaw,” as he lead the way to Ghenna.
“Was that really necessary?” I sighed and started to follow him.
Mahko caught up with me as I followed TJ and decided that we could look for the same man together. We found TJ standing in front of a store and one of the clocks in question was on the wall outside the store.
“See, this here’s our clock now,” TJ smiled to me.
“Get clock from Shaane?” Mahko asked.
“Who runs this place?” I asked TJ.
“The outlaws and Apache.”
“The outlaws and Apache. Which outlaw rents the place, TJ?” I asked and he shrugged. “Weren’t plannin on bein’ helpful were ya?” I glared at him.
“Well ya wanted to see. There it is there. It stays.”
“Yeah, I see.” I walked inside and saw some herbs inside. “Who sells the herbs inside?”
“Hell if I know.”
“TJ know where can Shaane be found?” Mahko asked.
“No Sir. But if I see him I’ll shoot him and drag his ass to ya.”
“You promise?” I winked at him. “Oh come on, Teej... You can be a hero here.”
“I ain’t no hero,” TJ shook his head.
“Mahko hear one who stole clock and kidnapped Shaane is one and same,” Mahko said.
“What the hell is a pinky doin snoopin around out here fer?” I heard Lot’s voice and turned.
“Lot, who runs this place? Some nice herbs inside.”
“This is Ghenna, miss, our town, and I’m tellin’ you nuthin’.”
“Yea, what he said,” TJ agreed.
I sighed and looked at him. “Look I get loyalty and all that jazz... Just askin’ for a little help here. We’re trying to avoid a war.”
“Well Apache my friend. So I will help them,” TJ said.
“Good. Help Mahko help me. We’re all after the same goal here... We all want Thomas.”
“If yer tryin to be funny I suggest you stop. I also suggest you leave here miss. As for Mahko, he more than welcome to stay,” Lot quirked his brow at me.
Serenity walked over then and greeted us, “Afternoon ya’ll.....”
“Miss Serenity don’t know nothing,” TJ said.
“Ma’am who owns this store? Was wonderin’ if I could buy some of the nice herbs inside,” I tried
again.
“Wait, TJ said yer lookin fer clocks, now yer playin games,” Lot stated.
“I’m tryin’ to figure out who owns the store where the stolen clock is sitting in wide open,” I said.
“Clocks? Oh that ain’t stolen, that was a gift,” Serenity told me.
“If it ain’t Shaane Thomas then we got bigger problems,” I said.
“Who says it’s stolen?” Lot asked.
“Looks a lot like it came from the same clock, don’t it?” I asked, showing him a piece broken off from the clock tower.
“Nope I ain’t a clock maker, are you?” Lot asked.
“I say we tie Trin up,” TJ suggested.
I sighed ad said, “Fine, ya’ll have your fun. I’m goin’ home. No need to make this worse.”
“I ain’t gonna object to that,” Serenity shook her head.
“Maybe she’s the thief,” TJ suggested.
“You made it worse yerself, Miss, by showin’ up here!” Lot shouted as I walked back to town.
“Oh no come on back Pinky! I never did answer yer question! This be my place!” Serenity called.
“I SEE YOU AGAIN ILL GIVE YOU A VIEW OF THE HILLS FROM THE GALLOWS!” Lot shouted again.
“Would be nice to have some bloody backup,” I muttered and walked back into town. I shuddered, realizing how close that was to being much worse. I joined Ali in front of Kate’s and had a drink of whiskey, telling her and the other woman there about almost getting kidnapped. After a while I decided to call it a day and headed home.
No comments:
Post a Comment