Black Diamond.
This morning I rode over to the fort, thinking I should get Wedge’s help in keeping an eye open around Tombstone for me. I saw him up on a hill in Diamond and greeted him, “Morning Wedge...”
“You’re up early,” he noted.
“Couldn’t sleep... Haven’t been sleeping well lately.”
“Too much work?” he asked and I shook my head. “Trouble?”
“Received some bad news the other day.... Still trying to process it I guess.”
“Hm... Not sure what that means,” he said as he scanned the area and listened.
“My first love back in Colorado...... He was killed the other day. I received a telegram from his brother who said that the killer has my picture. So I changed my look in case he is going to come after me.”
“So you think the killer is comin’ after you?”
“I don’t know but I have to act like it is... Gaide wouldn’t warn me like that otherwise.”
He nodded and then looked at me, “Oh... Hair... I see!” he shook his head.
“I’m not sure why though... See... everyone thought Dutch was dead when I came to town there and so I wrote a book about the investigation since the law didn’t care...”
“Ok... yes... Corrupt law?”
“They were a mess,” I shrugged at the memory. “I had a bunch of suspects too... I wonder if the book started to circulate and the killer found it and maybe is getting the job done for real now and blaming me. So I don’t know... All I know is that someone who mutilated Dutch has my picture and his brother felt it necessary to track me down here and tell me.”
“So there is no suspect?”
“No idea. We didn’t even really understand what happened the first time. They killed his triplet brother instead of him.”
“A triplet... oh hell...” he blinked.
“Yeah.... So Who the heck knows. I sent Gaide a telegram and I’m hoping he’ll come here and answer some questions.”
“Might be more dangerous him coming here...surely you know that.”
“But I need to talk to him, Wedge. I need answers. Would you rather I go there?”
“You do what you have to do...but either way...you need to watch your back once he’s in town.”
“That’s why I’m telling as many people as I can... To have eyes and ears everywhere. I need closure, Wedge. This is fifteen years in the making... It’s time for some answers.”
“Okay,” Wedge nodded. “I’ll be damn Trin...you have one Hell ofa past.”
“I know... And it seems to always find a way to catch up with me.”
“So it seems,” Wedge shook his head.
“You know the last time I saw Dutch or his family? 1870.”
“That’s a long time.”
“Yeah... I’m surprised Gaide found me but I guess I am the only Pinkerton Detective in Arizona, and female at that.”
“True,” he nodded.
“I just wanted to be able to move on, you know? But just like Dutch... Even in his death the story can’t just be over,” I shook my head and pet Phoenix’s mane. “You like my new horse?”
“He’s nice looking.”
“Mmhmm. This is Phoenix. Watson had to be put down after he reared me... He had gone blind.”
We talked about aging and my horse and then I rode on to see what else I could find. I found Gaide and Mysti in the Canyon and talked with them on the bridge. Ger looked over Phoenix and Mysti commented on how the name was full of hope. Ger seemed distracted and I headed back to town, letting them be there for each other.
I sat near the garden working in my notebook when Lil walked over and told me Aly was looking for me. I stood, hoping this meant that our fight would finally be over, and walked over to Aly’s house.
Aly was walking towards me in the street so I stopped. “Trin... I’m sorry,” she sighed.
“I’m sorry too... My emotions have been right on the surface. I didn’t mean to take it out on you. You know I just worry about you when you get friendly with guys that I know are outlaws...”
“It’s ok Trin. I just don’t like fighting with you. I’ve been embarrassed about alot of things lately, and it’s taking it’s toll. I’ve contemplated leaving, actually. Packing up and moving back home...staying there and focusing on rebuilding my homes. I try to be friendly with everyone, it’s just how I am.”
“Moving back home? But Aly...” I blinked. “I never get along with girls, Aly.... You’re the first girlfriend I’ve had in a very long time. I don’t want to lose our friendship because I let my emotions get the better of me. I haven’t really been sleeping and whenever I go through town I’m looking over my shoulder... We need each other now more than ever...”
“You have a scary history, and I imagine it’s hard for you.”
“I know you’ve been through a lot too...”
“My life seems so simple compared to some of the things you’ve been through.”
“It’s not about comparison. It’s about understanding each other and not letting our emotions get in the way of what is one of the best friendships I’ve had in a long time.”
“Never really had a best friend before.......truth be told. It’s like having a man...ok not quite....but...” she said and I chuckled at that. “Having to deal with emotions...things I’ve never had to deal with before. You know. Ok, I’m not making much sense!”
“It’s better than a man, Aly. It usually lasts longer and we don’t have that added stress of how to make each other happy with all that... other stuff. Fight over?” I stepped closer as she laughed.
“Definitely over. I don’t like feeling crappy like this,” she nodded.
“I’m sorry hon...” I hugged her tightly.
“Let’s... NOT...let it get to that point again. I went home, got drunk, and ended up consorting in Stormy and Mark’s father. It was terrible Trin.”
“Ugh.. I’m sorry hon..”
“They though I was drunk because of him, when actually, it’s the first time I was drunk and it WASN’T because of him.”
I shook my head and said, “I know hon. You’re starting to move on from him. I can tell that.”
“But I don’t blame you for that. I take responsibility for my own actions.” She saw someone come up behind us and I turned to see Anthony walking over to us.
“Howdy,” he greeted us.
I turned to him and told myself not to show my nerves this time. “Hi... Anthony was it?”
“Howdy sir, good ta see you again,” Aly smiled.
Anthony nodded to me and said, “Yeah, I don’t think i caught your name last time we met.”
“Name’s Trin.”
“Settled well then sir in the hotel?” Aly asked.
Anthony nodded to Aly and looked back over to me. “Are you feeling better from the other day? You looked ill.” Anthony looked back at Aly and said, “Yeah, I like what you did with the place.”
“Thanks, it needed a fresh coat of paint,” Aly said.
“I guess I’m alright. I had just received some grim news about a friend so I haven’t really been myself lately. Wasn’t exactly the best impression I guess, huh?” I looked at him, though I knew it wasn’t really the reason I was feeling off.
“Nah you’ve just been through a lot hun, and you weren’t sleepin’ well. Had your hands full is all. I’m sure the gentleman here can understand that,” Aly said.
“It’s alright. Hopefully you’re friend is alright,” Anthony shrugged with a smile.
“Unfortunately he met a very brutal end... But time will heal grief I suppose...” I sighed, knowing it wasn’t that simple.
“Guess it was his time to go,” he nodded.
“So Anthony... You’re back in town for good now or are you just passing through?” I sighed a bit.
“I really don’t know. Depends how things are here.”
“Well how are they? You mentioned not a ghost town anymore. Anythin’ exciting you’ve gotten yerself into?” Aly asked him.
“Nothing yet. Nothings really going on here or in Tombstone the last few days.”
“Black Diamond has been more active than any other one in the area... It’s a good place to call home,” I said.
“Hrm, what kinda things are you looking for? Been a few St.Patrick’s day dances and some court hearings...heck even here a wolf bath,” Aly chuckled.
“True enough.... Never a dull moment around here,” I nodded.
“Besides....always ways to amuse one’s self when nothing else is happening,” Aly added.
“Yeah thats what it seems like,” Anthony nodded. “Eh, dances and court hearings aren’t really what I see as fun.”
“Mmhmm... like going to the saloon for a drink. Anyone with me?” I asked, deciding to take Aly’s approach with Anthony.
“What’s yer idea of fun then sir? Since we’re on the topic,” Aly looked over at me.
Anthony grinned and looked at me, “A little drinking, gambling, and shooting.”
I smirked a bit, knowing the answer and gave Aly an ‘I told you so’ look but stayed quiet. Aly rolled her eyes at me and Anthony looked between us and said, “After you.”
We walked over to the saloon and I went behind the bar to pour them drinks. Sponkey walked in and joined us and I smiled at him, greeting him and pouring him a whiskey. I introduced the two men to each other and Anthony looked over at me, asking, “So, what do you do in this town?”
I hesitated, not sure if I should tell him my real job but then decided to be honest. “I’m a detective and a lawyer. I keep busy enough,” I smiled and drank my coffee.
“Sounds like a wonderful job,” he laughed a bit as he poured himself another drink.
I nodded but didn’t want to play my card yet that I knew exactly who he was and who he hung around with. “Yeah it keeps things interesting, that’s for sure.” Aly looked at the whiskey bottle and started to reach for it but then reconsidered. “Aly, you’ve got coffee in front of you. No whiskey for you today.”
“Bah, having a best friend has it’s downsides too, apparently. sheesh, Trin, Detective indeed,” Aly frowned.
“Just lookin’ out for ya hon.”
“Yeah, I bet,” Anthony finished his drink and handed the bottle to her. “You can have some if you want.”
Aly folded her arms and pouted, “Sir I do terrible things: like lick rugs, boots, and other...” she coughed, “Unladylike things. Probably best, for now at least, for me to avoid.”
“Yeah, that’s not too good. A lot of bad people out here.,” Anthony laughed and took another shot, leaning forward to look at Sponkey. “Hey, if you aren’t drinking you should probably get up so I can see who I’m talking to.”
Aly chuckled, “... and that’s what I have my best friend here for, to look out for me in my moments of weakness.”
I looked over at Sponkey, anticipating his response, and he looked over, “Well if you are going to start trouble maybe you should leave then your problem would be solved.” He picked up his glass and downed the whiskey, still laughing.
A woman walked in and it appeared that Aly knew her well from a long time ago. She said that her name was Snow and we talked with Ella as she came in.
Bree walked in and I looked at her, “Bree, hi. I need to ask you about something.”
“Okay Trin, here I am.”
“You mentioned something about Leigh selling Krell to the Apache for a feather... Can you tell me more about that?”
“Yes?”
“What did she do?!” Snow yelled.
“He told me in front of Leigh,” Bree said.”
“So you didn’t witness it, Bree? What did he tell you?”
“And I was asking her loudly how could she do that. and she said she wanted the feather.”
“That sounds like something she would do Bree,” Snow said.
“So she sold him for a feather.... Why? What’s so special about a feather that she’d sell the man she loves?”
“Aly quietly grumble and has to say. Aly ya always act like that,” Bree giggled.
“Has anyone actually seen this feather?” Aly asked.
“What else did Leigh tell you?” I asked, wondering what charge we could write Leigh up for.
“That is all I know. If Krell not want Leigh arrested, you can’’t.”
“Alright. Guess I’ll talk to the others,” I nodded.
“Ok Bree, thanks,” I nodded.
Anthony, Bree, Ella and Snow all headed on their way and I looked at Aly, “So that Snow woman... You know her?”
“Met her once before...she lives in caves or something. A cavern.”
“Oh I see...”
“Some kind of wild woman...not really a native.”
“Huh.”
“Are you alright?” Aly glanced at us.
“I’m fine hon. Just don’t want to show my hand to Anthony and tell him how much I know about him,” I shrugged. “I’m playing this one carefully.”
“As you should....and that is my reason for not telling him what you told me when he asked me if I knew who he was...” Aly said. “Which I really don’t, but he doesn’t need to know I know what you told me.”
“Good, I’m glad you didn’t,” I smiled.
“Better to just go with things, I think. Bad people can sense when good people aren’t right,” Aly said.
“We’ve got to be discreet when we think about how much to talk about with these people,” I said.
“Yeah I’m going to work really hard on that. I tend to have a big mouth and let things slip.... especially when people get close to me.”
“Just be careful is all I ask,” I smiled. “Huh... nice to be the one saying it instead of getting told it.”
“I don’t mind. I need it,” she laughed.
I nudged Sponkey and asked, “You awake, hon?”
“Yeah sorry,” he nodded.
“You okay?” I placed a hand on his arm.
“I’m feeling a bit lethargic myself,” Aly said and headed out of the saloon.
“Yeah, I am okay,” he nodded.
I looked at Sponkey and smiled, “Feel like a dance now that we’re all alone?” I asked. He took my hand and we danced to the music.
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