June 6, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning in front of the photo studio, I talked with Paige and a woman who was looking for a cousin, who Paige happened to know personally. Chrono asked if there was any news on Sirus since last he’d been seen was when he was walking out of the doctor’s and I talked with Paige about how fortunate it was that she knew exactly who the woman was looking for and where to find her. 

“So things going okay at the bank?” I asked Chrono. 

“Not really. I had an unfortunate incident with Skyla’s boyfriend, Sirus. yesterday…. and three lawmen were shot down by a thug who was seen on the bank roof. Including Skyla herself.” 

“Oh did you... Who was the thug on the roof?” 

“I do not know, long dark hair, black clothing…. Skyla sent two men after him and neither could beat him on the draw…. He got away. I did not see him myself, but heard the description she gave. So clearly, a traveller as she did not know him by name.” 

“And what’s the description? Skyla hasn’t mentioned to me yet.” 

“Well, Skyla was badly hurt, her description was poor…. it could have fitted several people in the town. Long dark hair, dark clothing.” 

“That sounds like every man walking through town, yep,” I nodded. 

“But they must have found him, because he shot two more of them.” 

“Geez…” 

“Kristoff and some other fellow I believe.” 

“Not surprised at that,” I nodded. “This is why I work the day shift.” 

“T to make matters worse, Sirus came into the bank looking for Skyla…. he slipped in through the open roof door and started fiddling with the safe…. I have no idea why he thought she was in there.” 

“I’ll never understand why a sheriff is dating a known past outlaw who obviously hasn’t changed his ways,” I rolled my eyes. 

“Well, whatever his intention, he did not get far. I shot him twice.” 

“Glad to hear he was averted.” 

“I think he just made a mistake, I thought he was the man from the roof, come to plunder the bank now Skyla was out the way.” 

“Yeah kind of bad timing…” 

“Starling saved his life, it was a close thing and he was arrested, by Skyla…. I offered to go to jail in his place, I thought he had suffered enough and it seemed a mistake.” 

“Well I’m sure Skyla had good reason…” I sighed. 

“The real villain is the man who was shooting all the law folk, the one who was on the roof.” 

“Need to figure out who that man was,” I nodded. “Cause I’m sure he’ll be back.” 

“It’s like that when I open the bank he will be back. There have been several attempted robberies since I started handling mining claims. Also, some Chinese cavalry troops have been arriving with their entire life savings.” 

“Hmm that’s intriguing…" 

“Yes, it’s somewhat suspicious as to why they have such large amounts of money and all in gold too….. the outlaws are attracted to it.” 

“Of course they are. I would think the soldiers have somewhere in their fort to keep all the money. The fort is still theirs, isn’t it?” 

“Well, that is subject to some debate….. yesterday the cavalry lost control of it to an outlaw band. Well, the day before yesterday. I imagine they have moved off by now. The good folk of the town are losing ground daily against the forces of disorder and wickedness.” 

“I know what you mean and it’s getting out of hand. I’m just glad to hear there’s law around when these things go down though. At least it’s not the citizens fighting for themselves all the time. ’Cause I’ve seen that too.” 

“Well, it seems that the law are hard pressed to outmatch the gunmen who walk into town. Their skills are frightening and they know no fear and have no respect for law at all.” 

“I know what you mean... We have to do something about it and fast.” 

Chrono drew her shotgun and snapped it open, examining the shells inside. The gun was bright and shiny and I could almost see my reflection in one of the barrels. 

I hoped she was just checking the bullets and suggested, “Just an idea but you might want to check that gun inside somewhere’s so people walkin’ by don’t get the wrong idea.” 

“Hardly anyone is awake, I doubt anyone would notice,” she said and clicked the gun shut, replacing it in her back holster. I watched Lot walk around the bank and looked at the banker as she said, “That gun is the only thing keeping the money and savings of this town from the hands of evil men.” 

“Well I’m gonna do the rounds,” I said, feeling somewhat slighted. I hesitated as I went around the back of the bank, knowing if I were to get in a gunfight with Lot, I would probably lose. I looked around but didn’t see him anywhere and walked back to Chrono. “Is the bank open?” 

“No, far too early for that.” 

“Ya might want to make sure all the doors are locked,” I said and went to the back entrance, checking the bank door. “Chrono you might want to come back here. Seems this door was pretty easy to open.” 

“Sadly its not uncommon. Thieves often break in overnight, but as yet none have managed to open the safe…. I’ll give it a look over.” She came over and tried the door and said, “Hmm, its jammed. I was having trouble closing this the other day…. must be due to Skyla’s horse bashing it in to reach Sirus.” 

“Might need to get it fixed then.” 

She peered around the corner and sighed. “The vault will need a new coat of paint, looks like someone took a hammer to it.” 

“Yeah you’ll need to do that soon before they get any more ideas.” 

“The main structure is good. It’s too solid for anything but a dedicated lock breaker to open…. they would need fine tools, or enough explosives to destroy half the bank. Likely it would remain, intact in the ashes.” 

I nodded and went around to check the front and called, “Okay good, this door is locked. I’ll go around and check the front from the outside.” I did so and shouted to Chrono inside. “All good!” I saw a man walking down the street and recognized him as Skyla’s nephew, Tony. “Well hey there! May need your help soon,” I said as I saw Lot walk back towards the bank. 

“Howdy there ma’am, how ya’s be?” Tony tipped his hat and smiled. 

“I’m alright, Tony. Will be better if all the money stays in the bank today. How are you doin’? It’s been a while,” I said and waved to Peta walking by. 

“Well I do’s the best I’s can,” Tony nodded. “I’s be fine, just been doin’ some travelin’ and uh… workin’ to buy food and supplies.” 

“Standard stuff then huh?” I nodded with a smile. “It’s good to see you again.” Peta waved back and I saw Lot walking out to the main street with the banker following him. 

Tony smiled and nodded to me. “Well t’is stiff. I’s beena doin ain’t be knowin’ as standert.” 

“So ya see I got promoted?” I asked as Pet and Lot talked over at the advice table Peta had set up. 

“Nah ma’am, I sure dunt.” He smiled and saw the badge. “Wells, late congratulations.” 

“Thanks, Tony. It’s great to actually have authority to do things, ya know?” 

“Yes ma’am, I’s  sure knows how it be feelin to have a little power buts dunt let that poer gets ter ya head though might end outs havin to dig ya outta ditch sums where.” 

“I’ll do my best. Tryin’ too get shot less anyway,” I chuckled. “I only got shot twice that first day.. So I guess it ain’t that bad.” 

“Yes ma’am that be a lot better then my first day with a tin star I’s gots shot about five to six times,” he laughed, looking at me. 

“Wow... Well I feel better then. So Tony... um... What else is new?” 

“Wells I gots this summon ta be’s in court for a bunch of little tings and I hads to go outta town fer some business and couldn’t be there.” 

“A bunch of little things?” I looked at him. 

“Yes ma’am, shootin out ta bank winder runnin’ from the law and a couple other urns I can’t remember.” 

“So you planning on sticking around for a while now, Tony?” 

“Yes ma’am, I’s sure is,” he nodded. 

“Well that’s good to hear. We need a few more good men around here.” 

“Well I’s will be here den....except fer whens I’s has ta work dens me go outta town fer a bit,” Tony smiled, looking at me. 

“Mmhmm... Been kinda quiet during the day here but it’s a good thing I guess.” 

“Yeah make ya jobs a little easier,” he chuckled and headed down the street. I smiled, glad that he was back in town. 

I walked past the advice table and went to the hotel to get a coffee. I waved to Pet and talked with her in front of the hotel as we continued to listen to Lot and Peta at the advice table. I talked with Richie and Voo sneaked up on Pet and laughed. We continued to talk and I told them that I’d bought the place in Bisbee. Voo told me that he knew of a place and I fell for his act, seeing that he meant the outhouse. I chuckled, thinking that it must have been something like that. 

“Pay up. Don’t try ’n cheat me!” he said, holding his hand out. 

“Never said I was buyin’ it, just wanted to see it.” 

“Oh sure now yer cheatin me outta money. After all the work I done!” 

“Nope, I’m just bein’ honest. Never said I was in. Nice try though.” 

“That’s down right rude.. yer a cheat….” 

“And you’re a liar.” 

“A liar…?” 

I shook my head and walked back towards the hotel. I told the group there about it and they all laughed with me. I talked with them about what Chrono had said about the bank last night and Peta said that Tye was busy at the fort getting shot, so now he was handcuffed to the bed again. 

We continued to talk and then as the conversation turned to talking about relationships and marriage, I headed back to the office.