Black Diamond.
I sat at my desk this morning and wrote a telegram for Gaide, hoping he would receive it quickly:
Gaide, I was devastated to hear the news about Dutch. You know he has always had a special place in my heart. I wear the necklace he gave me in memory of him. Do you know anything about who killed Dutch and why? How did the killer get my picture? Has my book about Dutch circulated to Cripple Creek? Is it one of those suspects getting revenge? I have a lot of questions. If we could meet in Black Diamond, Arizona, it would really help to have some clarity. Trin Paige.
I sat back at my desk nervously, hoping I could meet Gaide in person finally after all this time. I couldn’t remember that many interactions with him directly other than maybe once on a bridge in Cripple Creek when we talked for a few minutes.
Going outside for some fresh air, I talked with Paisley about what happened between Lonnie and Aly at the dance. Paisley told me that Lonnie wasn’t around town much so it probably wouldn’t be a problem.
I walked down the street and saw Alex riding over. He swung off his horse and gave me a hug.
“Hi...” I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly.
“Going blonde, huh?”
“I thought it might be safer....” I nodded. “Come on, let’s talk in the office.”
“It looks nice,” he nodded. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve been better, honestly...”
He looked at me with worry as we sat down at the table. “Do you think he’s coming for you?”
“Aly said she told you about the telegram... I really don’t know what to think, Alex. I sent Gaide a message back asking if we could meet here... I had a lot of questions for him.”
“Do you think he’ll come talk?”
“Honestly, Alex... I’ve seen Gaide once or twice only.... He’s always been the brother that was just talked about but never really around. But if he’s warning me like this... something must be wrong. I mean... he must be warning me about something. Obviously something’s wrong... Dutch is dead.”
“I agree. You need to take this seriously,” he nodded.
“I told Tye last night. I even have Sniper looking out for me in Tombstone in case anyone asks about me that’s strange... ‘cause he knew Dutch and Gaide... TJ knew them too but I haven’t gotten to talk to him yet. And Lil...”
Alex reached his hand out to touch mine and said, “You let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
I squeezed his hand and said, “Alex.... I miss him so much. I can’t believe he’s actually gone this time... When we thought he was dead the first time I went to see the body with the undertaker, but it felt wrong. It didn’t feel like it was him. And I was right. But now...” I thought of Dutch’s mutilated body and shuddered.
“I’m sorry. That’s hard to see.”
“It’s why I hate opium so much... the undertaker tried to give me some to calm down but I knew that he was an outlaw too and it just...” I interlaced my fingers with his.
He raised an eyebrow at that and said, “I didn’t know why you hated opium. It does have it’s uses but that sounds like not the best one.”
“I knew he had an opium den upstairs, Alex. Every time I went there to look at a body... He would try to calm me down with it but I refused,” I said and he took a deep breath as I continued. “That place was creepy, Alex. I still have nightmares about it.”
“They get you to try it then hope you keep coming back.”
“He did keep saying, ‘come back any time’. I thought it was an unusual offer from an undertaker.”
“Yeah for an undertaker. Not for an opium dealer.”
“Anyway... There was so much confusion about what happened to Dutch then. It had actually been his triplet brother they’d killed... Justin. But now... I don’t think we’ll get so lucky. For Gaide to send me a telegram... Alex when I saw his name I fell over in shock.”
“Wow, triplets? I can imagine that must have been a shock to hear that information. Do you know who did it?”
I opened my journal from July and showed him the journal where Dutch read the entry about talking with the family about what really happened. Aly walked in as he was reading and we greeted her.
“Howdy. So yeah last night was one of those nights I was too lazy to change. How are ya?”
“Just showing Alex a journal from 1869... About Dutch’s first um.... not murder. Giving him a bit of background on what we’re dealing with.”
“That’s good,” she nodded.
“So far so good. How about you? Other than being lazy?” Alex asked and put the journal down. “That’s quite a story.”
“We were all quite confused over it,” I nodded. “I had at least four suspects of people that would have wanted Dutch dead.”
“I’m alright. Not looking forward to seeing Ger today. Hoping I can...avoid him. after yesterday. Speaking of yesterday. It got real weird with Mayor washing that dog. Did he manage to get Stormy in the tub as well after I left?” Aly asked.
“I bet. I’m confused reading it,” Alex chuckled and looked over at Aly. “Dog washing?”
“What did he do that people want him dead over?” Aly raised an eyebrow.
“Even Dutch was confused,” I chuckled at the memory. “That was the question...”
“Well...wolf. he had fleas,” Aly said.
“I don’t think we ever answered that question.”
“Well maybe Trin he was just in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Sometimes that happens. Ok, that happens often.”
“Mind if I give a copy of that to Aly? She’ll be able to see how confusing this all is.”
“Why would I mind? It’s not my case,” Alex chuckled.
I nodded and handed it to Aly. “Might as well all be on the same page.”
“All the better having more people know and to have their eyes out,” Alex said.
“I sent a telegram to Gaide this morning and asked him if we can meet here in Diamond.”
“Were you at Annie’s last night, Aly? I heard they had kilt night. I’m always looking for an excuse to wear mine but I’m never around when stuff happens,” Alex said.
“I did go to Annie’s... but only to see if that man was there. Though, I did stay for a bit.”
“That man? The one who kissed you at the Stock Exchange?” Alex asked.
“And I didn’t see any men in kilts,” Aly chuckled. “Yeah him. I’m gonna slap him when I see him.”
“Good for you,” I nodded to her.
“To my dismay... he weren’t there.”
“I bet you’d give a good slap. You’re a carpenter, used to all that swinging with the hammer,” Alex said.
“I sure can. Not only that but Bret taught me well with close confrontations,” Aly said.
“Alex... Do you think Gaide might be getting revenge on Dutch for something? Based on that journal entry and how the family was all upset that Dutch thought Gaide would shoot him....?” I looked at Alex.
“A doe... don’t stand a chance,” Aly giggled.
“It’s possible. Do you think Gaide would warn you if he had?” Alex asked.
“Right... Was just something Sniper brought up.... Didn’t make sense to me but I wanted to run it past another not-outlaw mind.”
“I wouldn’t rule it out. Be suspicious of everyone. But it does seem odd he’d warn you if he did,” Alex said.
“So many names here Trin, that are foreign to me,” she said and continued to read.
“That’s what I said,” I nodded to Aly. “I know... It’s all a bit confusing, isn’t it?”
“Me too. I don’t really know these people. Just heard about them from Trin,” Alex nodded.
“Sadly... That was the end of the book. We never did get much further with that investigation.”
“It’s confusing because I’m normally confused about things to begin with....so it just adds to my already existing confusion,” Aly said.
“Until now...” I sighed. “Gosh I hope they’re not connected.” I looked over at Aly and asked, “Aly that man last night... Did you see him again after I went to bed?”
“Sure did, Trin!” she aid excitedly.
“What happened?” I frowned at her excitement.
“What man is this?” Alex asked.
“And would you sit down? You’re makin’ me tired just looking at you stand.”
“Well I was gonna go tell the mayor thanks for washin’ that wolf so I didn’t have to get my white shirt all soaked, which, it seemed to have anyhow. anyway...that man Anthony whatever was in the middle of town with Peta and that girl that use ta be goin’ with Twain. They were bugging him...making fun of his face, height, and breath, and he was annoyed, and started to threaten them. Don’t blame him, really. IT was kinda awkward,” Aly said. “Sure can, Trin.”
“They’re morons for trying to rial up an outlaw,” I shook my head. “Peta should know better.”
“Exactly, which is why I kept my distance. I learned my lesson about that after what Jewel did to me,” Aly said. “So earlier the mayor offered the man that he could stay at the hotel. I politely excused the man from the awkward situation and led him there. to the hotel.”
I looked at Alex and said, “When I first came to Tombstone I was working a case about Clint Houston with Tye... He was associated with the James Gang... Which included three brothers. One of which showed up here in Diamond last night. Anthony.” I looked over at Aly and said, “Aly...”
“Hmm?”
“What happened at the hotel? And why would you go to be alone with a man who I told you was dangerous?”
“Well explained to him that it was my favorite place once I got to Black Diamond and I had stayed there before my house. Well. Because he didn’t seem a threat to me, and I felt bad for him.”
“Tell me you didn’t tell him where you live now...”
“Everyone was picking on him, and I just wanted to help Trin,” she said and I sighed, looking to Alex for help but he just shrugged. “Besides, when he asked me ‘don’t you know who I am?’ I said no....some things are better left unsaid. Besides, other than what you told me, I really don’t. Trin...”
“Dang it, Aly... You saw how I reacted to hearing his name. You saw how nervous he made me. I told you that he could potentially be connected with the telegram I got from Gaide since he showed up the day after I got it. Do my warnings mean nothing?”
“I’ve had drinks with TJ...you think it gets more dangerous than that?”
“You’re my best friend, Aly. You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“Yeah and acting all weird is the first and most dangerous thing to do when you’re around someone like that. I could control myself enough to have a conversation and hopefully get some answer out of the man.”
“I AM on your side.”
“Forgive me for acting weak and reacting like that when I heard his name then.”
“Trin... Aly’s right. She needed to act normal. If she had acted strange, it would’ve tipped him off,” Alex said.
“Guess I’m just not as strong as you. Not when I’ve had no sleep and been filled with grief and shock and...”
“Don’t get sarcastic with me. This is my town too, and if I want to act my normal friendly self I will,” Aly glared at me. “Trin...I’ve had my own problems. You know that. Not downplaying yours. Just saying. He’s here, and that has to be realized and dealt with. Can’t chase the man away.”
“Whatever, Aly. Have drinks with whoever you want,” I shook my head.
“Didn’t have drinks with him Trin,” Aly said and I kept my gaze on Alex. She hid the paper in front of her face to hide her expression.
“Maybe I should go get a drink,” I stood. “Doesn’t matter what I say anyway. Or how much my life is threatened. Or the fact that my first love since my fiancé died fifteen years ago was killed and his killer is now after me,” I started to walk toward the door.
“Trin!” Alex stopped me. “I know you’re upset. We’re both here for you.”
“We are,” Aly said softly.
“Are you? Or are you going to just cozy up to whoever comes into town in spite of my warnings of how bad they are just to make them like you? I’ve done that, Alex. I tried that approach in Colorado. Look where it got me.”
“What! If you’re talking about me, it ain’t like I slept with the man Trin. I was showing him the available rooms.”
“Cozy up? What the hell does that mean? I’ve never even met these people. Trin, you got to calm down and let us help you. It’s confusing and both Aly and I are trying to understand it,” Alex said.
“Tye told me to,” Aly said. “Right after making fun of me and carpets again.”
“I’m sorry... I’m sorry I just...” I choked up, the tears threatening again as emotions were right on the surface.
“And I wanted to get him out of a bad situation with Peta and that woman. I don’t like confrontations.”
“I haven’t slept. I haven’t really eaten much... I... I’m falling apart, guys. I’m sorry...” I started to cry.
“I know a little about being in a bad spot with an outlaw. It’s not easy,” Alex said.
“You need a break, and a rest,” “Aly said.
Alex stood and gave me a hug as I cried on his shoulder. “I’m sorry... I’m just sorry...”
“It’s okay. We ARE on your side. Always,” Alex patted my back.
I looked over at Aly and said, “Aly I’m... I’m...”
Aly stood then, shaking her head. “I don’t wanna hear it Trin.”
I bit my lower lip, hiding against Alex, and he said, “Trin, why don’t you sit back down and have a little sip from my flask?”
“Maybe it’d be better if I...” I looked from one to the other.
“Don’t worry, I won’t offer you opium,” he winked but I just shook my head.
Aly frowned and threw the papers down at the table and said, “Hell figures the dang Apache had to be involved in this somehow. Ugh.”
“I don’t know if it has anything to do with Apache...” I sighed and leaned against Alex. “Right now, I don’t care. I’m going home to change, and then fix the rest of the benches around town. That’s my job. Not this,” Aly nodded to Alex. “Have yourself a good day sir, see ya soon.”
“Good luck with the benches, Aly. See you soon,” Alex said and Aly walked out of the office. He looked back at me and asked, “Trin... what can I do to help?”
“I didn’t mean to upset her... I just... My emotions... They’re just right there and I.... I lost it,” I sighed.
“I know.”
“Anthony James was connected with the biggest cases I solved here in Tombstone. I didn’t like the idea of her hanging out with him. I’m just trying to protect her... I...”
“You have to understand that she isn’t going to have the same reaction you do. She doesn’t know him. What she did was brave, acting normal and showing him to the hotel. I know you’re trying to protect her. I don’t want to see anything happen to either of you. But if she had been all scared and jumpy, he would’ve been suspicious.”
“I know... But I’ve been friendly with outlaws before to make them feel comfortable. It usually ends up with them taking advantage... I don’t want that to happen to her.”
“Yeah, outlaws do that,” Alex nodded.
“She doesn’t seem to get that... I just... I’m trying to...”
“I think she does get it. She just shows it differently.”
“And now she’s pissed at me,” I sighed.
“That will pass.”
“I hope so... Maybe I should just... try to lay down...”
“I doubt I’ll sleep though.... I hate that she’s upset. I hate that I got so worked up. I hate....”
“Breathe, Trin, breathe,” he looked at me and I tried to breathe but got worked up again and he held me tighter.
“Damn it, Dutch. Why did he have to... and now Gaide.... And... It couldn’t have just been over. It had to drag more people down and now I might have just lost...”
“You need to clear your head. This is too close to you and you’re getting too upset to think clearly.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“What relaxes you? Riding? Shooting?”
“Riding but it’s not safe...”
“Why is it not safe?”
“Because I shouldn’t be going out of town alone if someone’s out there looking for me and...”
“I’ll go with you. I can’t go out too long but if you don’t want to be alone...”
“I would like that... I think that’s... what I need.”
“Okay, lets go out for a bit.”
We went outside and hopped on our horses and then rode around the Canyon. We came back to town and headed for the saloon. I told him that Phoenix was a good horse in that when I let him go ride around, he always came home.
“Good to have a horse like that,” he said as we sat down at the bar.
“Good to have a friend like that,” I reached over to squeeze his hand.
“Even at my worst you still stick around.”
“I’ll always stick around for you Trin,” He smiled.
“I guess Aly and I had to have a big fight sometime,” I said and took the flask out of my vest.
“Best friends always have a fight but they always make up too. I remember fighting with Max over something, don’t even remember what, but we beat the crap out of each other. Then, we were okay again, best friends.”
“Dutch just... He had that captivating personality. Even now that he’s gone... If it’s really true this time.... It’s like he’s taking over my mind and making me think of nothing but him.”
“I know what you mean by someone like that,” Alex took a sip of his green beer.
“And now even when he’s dead... My life is in turmoil yet again. Because someone who mutilated him has my picture. You don’t think Dutch kept my picture on him after all these years, do you?”
“Don’t think that way. Yes, someone may be after you, but you have people here to help.”
“Maybe he did. You obvisously have feelings for him and so he probably did for you. Even if things didn’t work, he might have still thought of you.”
“I don’t know anymore... He disappeared, Alex. He just disappeared after everything that happened with us. Then when I find him in Cripple Creek with his family they were so strange around me and it was like too much time had passed. It was like we didn’t even know each other anymore...”
“Did you ever stop to think that maybe he knew he was in trouble and he left you for your own safety?”
“That could be.... He had a lot going on in his past with his family... Maybe he was trying to protect me from all of it...” I looked at him.
“You can’t question it too much though - those answers are gone with him. But you’re still here and we’re going to make sure his killer doesn’t get to you.”
“But are they gone with him? Maybe when I talk to Gaide...”
Alex smiled sympathetically, “It might be better to let them lie, Trin.”
“But... for fifteen years I’ve been living with these questions, Alex.... What if now is the time for some answers?”
He shrugged, “I don’t know. You can try to ask, he might have answers for you.”
I interlaced my fingers with his and said, “Alex... Thank you for understanding all this and letting me work through it with you.”
“You know I’m always here for you. I might not have any great wisdom, but I’m always willing to listen,” he squeezed my hand.
“I have six cases open right now.....” I looked at him.
“Six!? Wow, you’re busy.”
“Yeah and making no progress on any of them. You know that Krell was kidnapped twice?”
“Again? I think I only knew about the first time.”
“Bree mentioned it when I asked her about the other kidnapping. Something about Leigh selling him to the Apaches for a feather... That’s all I know though.”
“That couple seems to get themselves in hot water often.”
“Yeah and they usually bring it on themselves.”
“Trin, I have to get going. Give me a hug before I go?”
“Thank you...” I nodded and hugged him tightly.
“Anytime,” he said and headed out of the saloon. At the door he looked over my shoulder and said, “Be careful!”
“I will,” I nodded and then headed home to try to get some sleep.
***
I walked into the courtroom and noticed the lack of people there for Jewel’s trial. There was no prosecutor and Jewel wasn’t even there. I walked in and looked over at Aly, my emotions still on the surface but now it was feeling of guilt. I sat beside Mysti in the front and drunk some whiskey to calm down.
“Trin...what did you do to your hair?!?” Ger blinked at me.
“I thought it would be best for my protection...” I looked at Ger. “Maybe I’ll be harder to find now...”
“Well, from a distance, it will be...but your face is still the same. Some day they may figure out how to change that too.”
“From a distance is good enough. Will give me time to run,” I looked at him. “Ger... can you do me a favor?” I whispered to him, “Tell Aly I’m sorry....”
“For what?”
“Just... I’ll explain later... I just... Tell her?”
“Okay,” he shrugged and walked over to Aly where I could still hear him. “Hey sis...what’s going on?” he asked her but she folded her arms across her chest and turned her head. “I see, the silent treatment huh? Well...if it is about yesterday...I only did what I did because I care and worry about you...and so does Trin. She asked me to say that she was sorry.”
Msyti looked between us and said, “I love my whiskey but it sure can make any problems you have ten times worse.”
“Don’t think things could get much worse..” I shook my head.
Aly groaned and walked out of the courthouse. Ger walked over to me and I sighed, knowing that things weren’t getting better yet. When it appeared that court wasn’t happening, I asked Ger if we could talk but he said he was busy with something.
I walked over to Aly’s and knocked on her door, “Aly come on... I’m sorry... We’re both going through a lot right now and emotions are raw. I just care about you, okay?” I pet Pawsie and sighed as I called back, “Aly... I know you’re going through crap. I get that I should have gone easier on you but... I’m going through stuff too. We’ve got to be there for each other right now more than ever!”
I shook my head and headed home as the tears started to fall.
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