Black Diamond.
I walked downstairs after hiding out in my apartment all morning and saw a note in my mailbox. I read it while looking over my shoulder: “Hi Trin, I came by last night and waited for ya. Sorry I missed you! I know what you wanted to say was important, and I promise we'll talk soon. I hope you're alright. Sorry for the short letter, I'm really tired. See you tomorrow. Love, Aly.” I put the note in my pocket and turned to look around town.
“Hey Trin,” Ger’s voice came from the right and I turned to see him standing on his balcony.
“Ger... Can I come up?”
“Sure, doors open,” Ger said. I heard someone come up behind me and Ger said, “Hi Aly.”
Aly smiled, “Howdy.”
“Come on in, ladies,” Ger said and we followed him inside. “Have a seat.”
“Ger... I need to show you something I received yesterday,” I started.
“Care for any coffee?” he offered.
I handed him the note and Aly took a sat while I waited for Ger to read it. He read the note twice and then looked at me. I swallowed hard and looked down.
“Do you know this fellow?”
“Let me explain the background.. This is deadly serious,” I nodded. I explained to him the background of my past with Dutch as I had told it to Sponkey and Aly and reached for the necklace I was wearing from time to time. I looked at him when I was finished and asked, “But why now? It’s been so long... Why have my picture now? And why would Gaide warn me about it? I’ve spoken to Gaide maybe twice if that...”
“These names are foreign to me, Trin. I don’t know these people,” Aly said.
“Trin, have a seat... please...” Ger looked at me with concern.
“I made copies of that note... That’s your copy if you want it. I know how good you are with writing identification. I’m going to be telling this to Tye tonight...” I said and sat down at the table. “You said something about coffee...?”
“ Okay...it may be nothing, but it is enough to talk to Tye about.”
“Yeah, it is,” I nodded. “I mean... he didn’t say the killer was coming after me, just that he was in Colorado and had my picture. But Gaide wouldn’t say something like that without having reason to... From what I’ve heard about him...”
“Alex and I talked about this this morning Trin. Both of us...are going to be watching you a little more closely,” Aly told me.
“I didn’t leave my apartment this morning. I needed time... to process.” I looked at Aly and nodded. “I hope all of you do. I talked with Sniper about this last night... He knew Dutch and Gaide... We both lived in Colorado at that time. I know he’s an outlaw but the killer might go to them first and see if they know where I am.”
“Well...do you think you should go back and check things out?” Ger suggested.
I looked at Ger and shook my head firmly. “I’m NOT going back to Colorado.”
“Uh Trin I think with this you kinda NEED outlaws on your side,” Aly agreed.
“That’s what I thought too, Aly. I know Pinkertons aren’t supposed to consolidate with them...” I half looked at Ger and said, “But Sniper and TJ... they both knew Dutch. They might be able to keep me safe this time.”
“Or keep you informed at least,” Ger added.
“Right,” I nodded, grateful that he understood. “But I really need to talk to Tye. If this guy’s gonna come after me here...”
“Dang, and I had TJ with me last night...I shoulda told him, sorry Trin, I forgot,” Aly said.
“I have no idea how Gaide even found out that I live here now. I guess I’m the only female Pinkerton in Arizona but still...”
“True...only Pinkerton now,” Ger nodded.
“Maybe that’s how my location got out, I don’t know... either way... This is serious. For Gaide to mention that... Something isn’t right. He’s warning me.”
“You definitely need to have a talk with Tye,” Aly agreed.
“At least giving you a heads up.”
“Yeah,” Aly agreed with him and I nodded to them both.
“I don’t even know why. Things were so weird with them when I saw them in Cripple Creek...” I looked over and finally noticed the new puppy in the corner of the room. “What happened? Did Taz shrink?”
“No, this is a new born from another I had,” Ger smiled.
“Boy or girl?” Aly asked.
“Girl. I’m calling her Rose.”
“Oh, how sweet,” Aly looked at Ger and then said, “Ger uh....something I gotta tell ya...” She looked to me as if making sure I was finished.
I nodded to Aly and said, “Go on.... I can’t keep obsessing about this before anything more happens.”
“Well uh...you know in Bisbee yesterday at the dance...you, me, Alex...all those doves?” Aly asked and I drank my coffee quietly, letting them talk.
“Yeah...and the new residents...I had fun dancing with you.”
“Oh that was a blast, probably one of the most fun ones I’ve been to....but you know that one Lonnie guy? After you left and at the end of the dance he decided to.... Well he...” she blushed.
“Yeah, the one making moves at the dj,” Ger said.
“Yeah. Well he decided to publicly kiss me. And I’m not talking just some quick peck on the cheek, or lips even... he did that in front of ALL those people...then grinned at me, and left. I wanted to slap him so bad. Firstly because it was public. You know I don’t like that public stuff, especially with people I JUST met.”
Ger was obviously becoming upset as she talked and I looked at Aly and asked, “What is it with you and men wanting public displays of affection with you?”
“Yes...” Ger nodded.
“Secondly....I couldn’t move after it. For a good while. Good question Trin! I felt...confused. Like....why...those kinda things should be done with people courting. not...someone I just met at a dance. That’s...”
“Well, a peck is ok Trin, but a kiss like that and running,” Ger said and I nodded.
“Oh...and he did this right in FRONT of Pet! And I didn’t mind the public displays with Mark...we were in love and that was different. But that --- wasn’t sure if I should run after him for another or chase him down and beat his ass!”
“Probably the latter,” I muttered.
“Yeah. Going to be real awkward if I see him again.”
“Better avoid Annie’s then,” I suggested.
“Maybe I should have a little chat with him,” Ger said.
“That might help too,” I nodded to him.
“I usually do,” Aly nodded and then looked to Ger, “And what are you gonna say?”
“‘Keep your hands off my sister’ usually works...” I winked at Aly.
“Just a ‘friendly’ reminder of what is appropriate to do in public with a lady, especially one I consider my sister.”
“Well that’s nice of you Ger... but don’t be too harsh...I think I like him,” she said and Ger chuckled.
I shook my head at Aly but stayed quiet and she asked, “Oh come on, what?”
“Nope, staying out of this one.”
“I will ...umm...let him keep his lips then,” Ger said.
“So drastic,” she laughed. “Oh and Trin I’d love to hear your feedback.”
I shook my head, finishing my coffee. “Not sure that you do.”
“Well, and eye for an eye, a lip for a lip...unless a tongue was involved,” Ger said.
“No really. Come on as my best friend you have to. No comment on the tongue part Ger.”
I took a deep breath and said, “Okay, it’s just that in this conversation alone you went from hating the man for kissing you that deeply in public to debating whether or not you wanted to run after him for a repeat or for slapping his ass for it, and now you want Ger to go easy on him because you might like him when for the past month all you’ve done is talk about loving a man who you were engaged to and is now getting married to someone else.”
“Wow Trin. That about sums it all up. I’m just overall confused.”
“You asked,” I shrugged.
“I just don’t like people getting hurt...simple...and I don’t care if that’s physical, emotional, or other. Besides, he was entertaining.. if you’d been there... and this has nothing to do with love. Or Mark.”
“You asked for my thoughts,” I shrugged.
“Yeah I did and I’m glad you did. Oh come on... Shouldn’t I be moving on anyhow?”
“Yeah, you should.”
“So then it was a good change from my brooding?”
“But be honest with yourself, Aly. Do you still love Mark?”
“Of course. But we aren’t together. And I can’t hold my breath the rest of my life, though sometimes I feel like I want to.”
I looked at Ger for help but he stayed quiet so I said, “I know, Aly. I’m not saying you should. The point is that seconds ago you wanted to slap this guy. Now you like him and don’t want Ger to hurt him.”
“Ok, then what SHOULD I do? No Trin... I don’t HATE the guy. he was fun. I don’t LOVE the guy neither.”
“It’s up to you,” I shrugged, continuing to look at Ger.
“And if he’s a dove he’s doing dove things, but I should still slap him.”
“He is a dove, Aly.”
“Yeah well I’m not.”
“I’m just sayin’,” I sighed. “Sorry I’m just... it’s been... I’m not myself right now.”
“It’s okay. I’m not going to chase after this man Trin.”
“It’s up to you, Aly. Doesn’t matter what either of us think.”
“Yes it does. You’re both close to me and I respect your opinions. I dunno...maybe there is a part of me that thrives on these kinda things.... Shameful. My pa would be so disappointed,” she giggled.
“I know I am,” Ger said and I gave him a smile for hopping on board with my point but then he continued, “In HIM..not you sweetie.”
“I should go. I have work to do at home...” Aly said then.
“No, I should,” I shook my head.
“Don’t you dare... neither of you. My turn to speak.”
“I don’t like confrontations,” Aly seemed nervous and said, “Yes, Sir.”
“Ali, Trin is right on one part....you need to get your feelings straightened out... Mark isn’t coming back... And now Lonny...”
“It’s not like that,” Aly shook her head. “I promise, hell I just met the guy.”
“Fine...but right now your emotions are in a scramble... And Trin, we need to cut her some slack because of that very reason... She doesn’t know which way to turn and we need to be supportive for her as her friends.”
“I get it, Ger,” I looked at him. “She needs to hear things honestly too though, Ger. She can’t move on, even with someone like Lonnie, without accepting the truth about Mark and letting herself actually be over it. Otherwise Lonnie will be just a rebound and I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
“I agree...that’s being supportive...”
“Oh come on you all I’m not with Lonnie,” Aly protested. “I JUST met the guy! And it ain’t even like I WANTED to be kissed, which I never asked for.”
“Happens when you least expect it,” I said and thought of Dutch.
“We never know what it will happen and hopefully we will recognize it when it does...” Ger agreed.
“Okay... he’s a dove,” Aly folded her arms and pouted.
I smiled then and said, “I mean, I was ready to give up on men just a few weeks ago and then in comes Sponkey surprising me.”
“That’s what they do. Probably wanted me to follow him to Annie’s,” Aly said.
“And he paid attention to you. Made you feel a little special?” Ger asked.
“Yeah, exactly. he was doing his job. As for how I felt...yeah I did. I felt special, but I’m not a dummy.”
“I can’t say I’ve been there ‘cause I really haven’t... but guys like that.... they’ll do whatever they can to make any girl feel special,” I nodded to her. “I haven’t been with a dove, I mean,” I clarified.
“So do the ladies there,” Ger nodded.
“I know what you meant,” Aly laughed.
“Exactly. So yeah he might have made you feel special for that moment but... Who’s to say that’ll happen again? Or that he’s not having those moments with every other girl in Tombstone?”
“Exactly. Which... Is why I’m NOT chasing that man. Heck I don’t chase men to begin with.”
“Wait... I understand now,” Ger said. “You don’t want me to hurt him because he was just doing his job.”
“No I don’t want you to hurt him because I don’t like when people get hurt in general. Job or not.”
“So I will only remind him on how a lady should be treated in public...ask before kissing...or touching.”
“Yeah. And like I said... He’s a dove. I’m not. I’m not use to those kinda things.”
“Or looking for them,” Ger said and I nodded in agreement.
“Well not in public, for sure. I don’t like being embarrassed. Well I mean...”
“No one does,” Ger said.
“I can handle embarrassing things, to a point. Hell... I usually embarrass myself.”
“I should get some work done,” I looked between them.
“Yeah I really should too.”
“Thanks for the coffee Ger,” I stood and squeezed his shoulder.
“My pleasure, and if you need help...let me know.”
“I will, Ger,” I nodded and Aly headed out of the house first. I reached for Ger and pulled him close, hugging him gently.
“Things will be okay Trin.”
“I hope so,” I leaned my head on his shoulder. “It was such a shock, Ger. Still is.”
“You have people here looking out for you.”
“I know I do... I’m so grateful for that.”
“Just go about your business as if nothing is wrong, and then you won’t worry about it.”
“I’ll try. Thanks Ger,” I said and headed outside.
***
I walked down the street and saw Sponkey so I stopped to greet him. “Hey... Headed for the saloon. Feel like joining me?”
“Hey there! Sure I will join you...” he smiled.
“Can I have a hug first? It was a rough night last night,” I reached for his hand.
“Of course you can get a hug first,” he smiled and hugged me, then reached for my hand and started to head to the saloon.
We talked with the group in the saloon and I showed the note to Dave and Katie, wanting as many people to know about the incident as possible. Aly and Ger seemed to be having an argument and Aly left, looking unstable in her walk. Ger turned to me and suggested I lie and say that I lived with the Apaches. I wondered if the person coming after me was one of the potential suspects from the book coming after me for blaming him the first time. I wondered what was wrong with Aly and Ger said that she had a problem with her drinking and he called her out on it in public. David suggested that maybe the guy wanted an autograph and Dutch was killed for something else.
“Dave... You’re running for mayor?”
“Nah decided to run for city council first... Since that mayor has more lives then a cat,” Dave said under his breath.
“We’re still trying to figure out why he was kidnapped... He needs to give me the rest of his statement,” I said.
I decided to check on Aly and went over to knock on her door but there was no answer. I walked down the street and saw Bree standing in front of the bank. “Hi Bree, can we talk a bit?”
“Hey Trin, hi.”
“I heard you were taken by some Natives. Can you tell me about that?”
“Mmmm... Not sure. Just a sec...” she thought about it and then said, “I can’t, Trin.”
“You can’t tell me anything? Didn’t they take you?”
“I made solemn promise.”
“Well then you’re not going to be able to get justice if you don’t want my help,” I sighed.
“What about Krell’s kidnapping? Can you tell me about that?”
“Little bit I can. Well Leigh told me... She sold Krell to apache for a dang feather and I was so angry at her Trin. He could have died. And he just thinks she loves him to death.”
“I’m talking about the incident when the outlaws took him from the bakery.”
“Ohhh Lordy. Okay. Aly and I were in restaurant sitting when masked outlaws came. Trin how did you know I was taken?”
“Bree, I heard about it and then was assigned the case. What happened when the outlaws came in, Bree?”
“They came in with guns drawn. demand Krell come with them. I jumped up tried push one guy away they hit him over head. Knocked him out. Are you defend or prosecute Jewel today?”
“Bree. The kidnapping. What else can you tell me?”
“Well Aly screamed at me to stop as she afraid she get shot. I defend my Mayor always. I didn’t think of anything else.”
“Of course.”
“There were women outlaws too hollering many words. Well next thing I knew they picked up Krell put him tied up on a horse. Jewel was not involved with the five at least I don’t think so.”
“I know she wasn’t,” I nodded. “Anything else, Bree?”
“Good. One thing they said they would not hurt him and they lied.”
“Okay I’m going to hand this to you, can you sign it for me?”
“And Trin Krell has asked me to ask you about Jewel’s trial defend or prosecute? Yes,” she said and I handed the statement to her to sign.
“I might need to be on the jury for this one. I can’t promise anything tonight for sure.”
Bree looked over the statement and then handed me a piece of paper with an extended version of the statement we’d just gone over. “I wrote this that night.”
“Oh that works too. Thank you Bree. Alright, I’m going to head on then. Thank you for this,” I nodded.
I said hi to Jamie and then walked down the street towards the office.
***
This afternoon I noticed a group in front of Aly’s house where the mayor was washing Aly’s shirts in a bucket. Stormy and Ella were watching the procedure and we all talked while the mayor continued to help Aly.
When he finished I said, “Krell, I’m sorry I can’t prosecute tonight. Not enough notice and there’s kind of a lot going on...” He looked at me with concern and then I asked if he and Katie could help me dye my hair blonde. Stormy said that she knew how to do it so we went into Katie and Dave’s house. It was awkward at first but I knew that I needed her help so I made myself get over that fact and focused on the task at hand.
Stormy instructed Katie to take some yellow daisies with some water and it made a yellow color of water. Katie rinsed my hair in it and before long my hair had turned blonde. They said that it looked really good and that it was different enough and then I decided to go find Tye to get some work done.
I found Peta standing in the garden. I told her about what was going on and she said that Tye should be around soon and agreed that it was a good idea to tell him what was happening. She told me that Tye was out chasing TJ again so I headed into the sheriff’s office to wait for him.
It wasn’t long before I heard Tye calling for a doctor as he led TJ into the office and into the cell. I saw Lilly outside and went to ask her to come in so she came in to check on Tye’s gunshot wound on his arm. Krell and Angeles came in to deal with TJ in the cell and before long Mysti, Bree and Peta came in to offer their medical assistance. I sat at the desk, waiting until things had slowed down and the office was clear again. Tye told TJ his bail and TJ paid it before leaving the cell.
When the doctors and TJ and Angeles had left, Tye looked over at me and said, “Okay Trin. What on earth is it now? I’m tired after draggin’ TJ’s big ass back to Diamond.” I handed him the telegram from Gaide and waited as he read. “Who the hell is Dutch Solo and why are you giving me this?”
“Let me explain,” I said and told him the background of the letter as I had explained to the others.
“Hell, woman. I don’t need the book in verbal form,” he looked at me.
“Tye...”
“You got somebody after you. Alright. That’s what I needed to know.”
“I might. I don’t know. He has my picture. Why else would Gaide warn me?”
“Give me details on what you know about the guy, not how many candles this Dutch fella put out for your first romantic dinner together.”
“Dutch.... was a ladies man, I’ll admit that. He used to be a marshal... but he handed in his badge around the time when we started dating. I know that when he was supposedly murdered the first time, they’d in fact killed his triplet brother instead. We never really figured out what happened there though. There were too many possibilities at the time. We had several suspects for who would want Dutch dead.” I reached for the copy of the book I’d brought and handed it to him. “If you have time to read it. Otherwise don’t worry about it but it might help for background on this. I think it might be how the guy heard about me.”
“You seem to take me for someone who reads,” Tye looked at the book.
“Just giving you all the information I can,” I shrugged. “I don’t know what this means, Tye. All I know is I need to be very careful and I needed to inform you of it.”
“There anything about the guy comin’ after you in here?”
“I don’t know who the guy coming after me is, or even if he is coming after me.”
“What can we do to help you?” Krell asked and I jumped hearing him, realizing he was still in the room.
“Well alright then,” Tye said.
“All I know is... that Dutch was mutilated and his killer has my picture. That’s enough for me to ask you for help.”
“Simple enough. You stay out of sight mostly, or stay up in Benson with us. In the Chicken Coup. Or the stables. We make too much noise at night, you’d be unable to sleep.”
“I’ve changed my hair color to look different than I did back then. I’ll have eyes and ears everywhere. I need to try to get in contact with Gaide,” I nodded to Tye.
“Oh. You... you did something for your hair?” Tye looked at me.
“Well... Stormy and Katie dyed my hair blonde.”
“Huh.”
“Men. Hardly notice anything,” I rolled my eyes.
“Right. Anything else?”
“Tye... I want to stay where there are people. I feel safe in Diamond. You are here and in the daytime... there are other people here so I’m not alone.”
“Alright. He comes for you when I’m here, he won’t leave Diamond in one piece.”
“Yes actually. A couple of other cases,” I said and Tye groaned. “Krell, maybe you can fill us in on your kidnappings? Since we were interrupted the last time that i tried to get a statement from you? And today you mentioned ‘which time’.”
“I think Krell is feeling a nap after that sandwich,” Tye said when Krell didn’t respond.
“Alright well the other issue... Bree was taken by some natives. I have a statement here from Aly who witnessed it. Bree refuses to give us a statement. But was more than willing to give us one about Krell’s kidnapping that we are already investigating.”
“Well Trin, I will get you a statement as soon as I can.”
“Of course,” I nodded to Krell and he left the office.
“Anything else?” Tye asked.
“I think that’s it. Anything on your end?”
“Not today. Maybe tomorrow.”
“Alright. Take care of that arm.”
“She rubbed cocaine in it,” he shrugged.
“And Tye... Thank you,” I said with a tired voice.
“Sure thing, Trin.”
We walked outside into the crowd and Aly took a step back when she saw me. “Aly, it’s me.”
“Holy hell Trin,” she chuckled.
“Howdy,” a man said as he walked over. I didn’t recognize him and hesitated a bit.
“Howdy sir. You new here? Ain’t seen ya but once in passing,” Aly smiled and nodded to him.
“No I just had to...” he hesitated, “Get away for a little.”
“Oh I know the feeling of that, well welcome to Black Diamond sir. we’re generally a nice folk, but your yer share of bad apples too,” Aly grinned.
“And where is David, Anthony?” Bree asked and I raised an eyebrow at that, starting to feel a sense of familiarity.
“Thanks,” Anthony nodded. “Me? Changing? Now thats something to laugh about,” he said as he leaned back against the sheriff’s office and looked around at us.
“Don’t think we’ve met yet,” I looked at him.
“Well I told ya my name, now it’s only fair ya do tha same sir!” Aly said.
“Anthony James,” he smirked and said to Bree, “And David is somewhere.. haven’t seen him in a few months now.”
I blinked hearing that name and backed up against the rocks as I remembered it from a file relating to the Clint Houston case. I swallowed hard, thinking that the timing was all too crazy. No, they couldn’t be connected, I thought to myself as Krell and Aly looked at me with worry.
“So Anthony James, what brings you to these parts?” Krell watched him.
Anthony looked around and said, “Just heard this town was doing good, so I came to check it out.” He looked at me and asked, “Do you know me?”
“Your name sounds familiar, I guess,” I tried to act casual. I felt my brain racking through the past and could picture his file clear as day.
Anthony nodded to me and looked back to Krell and said, “Just passing through.”
“Well you are welcome,” Krell nodded.
“Well it’s nice to have you sir. Always good to have new faces,” Aly said politely.
“Good,” Anthony nodded and said, “Thank you.
“Trin, are you okay?” Krell whispered to me. I took a deep breath but wasn’t sure how to answer the question so I just shrugged in response.
“I think I might need a drink,” I said as Anthony began to tap his guns for entertainment.
“Well Anthony, we have some room at the hotel if you are looking for a place to stay for a few days,” Krell said.
“Thanks that sounds nice.. Free of charge I presume,” he grinned.
“Want some company?” Aly looked at me.
“Aly maybe we should... go to your house...”
“Sure we can, hun, if you’d like to talk.”
Anthony stepped closer and looked at me, “Are you alright? You look a little pale.”
“Aly... maybe we should um... go for a walk?” I looked at her.
“Of course. Lead on.”
I turned and headed for Aly’s house without even looking at the others again. I sat at the table and looked at Aly as she closed the door. “Good gosh Aly if... The timing it’s just too... No. It can’t be.”
“That man’s name, Trin... Anthony... You know it’s a common name.”
“It was more his last name.”
“Oh. Tell me again about the name.”
“The first case I investigated here in Tombstone... With Tye... We looked into this guy named Clint Houston... This was back in May... Anthony James was apart of the James Gang... It was three brothers. They were affiliated with Clint.”
“Oh. You think this has anything to do with that note?”
“That’s my biggest fear. The last time something personal happened to me it had to do with Clint Houston. It would just be too cruel of fate if this.... The timing is just too weird.”
“Ugh Trin... This town don’t need no more outlaws, especially ones that caused you troubles in the past. And now with this news....”
I pulled out my notebook of journals I kept on me all the time and shuffled through, finding the conversation from May that I’d had with Skyla about the James brothers. “See? This is where I heard his name for the first time. I knew there was a reason I keep these things around,” I sighed.
“Mmhmm. But you can’t confirm it’s him?”
“What do you mean?”
“You never actually met the man before now?”
“Nope. But I know that name. And Bree asked where David is... His brother.”
“Well what should we do?”
“I think I need to sleep here tonight.”
“Ok. If it’ll help you feel safer. And Rogue is good at barking if anyone comes closer. You should get some rest.”
“Goodnight, Aly. Thank you,” I stood and hugged her gently.
“Anytime, you’ve done it for me,” she smiled and then headed upstairs as I lay down on the couch.
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