Black Diamond.
I rode into town early this morning after riding all night. I headed straight for the cafe and smiled seeing Alex and Aly there. I sat down at the table, smiling for the first time in weeks.
“Hi Trin,” Alex smiled. “You look like you could use a coffee.”
“You’ll never guess what I did last night!” I said excitedly.
“What did you do last night?”
“A few of them. I was riding all night to get home in time for this. I kind of um... rode to Cripple Creek...”
“Hiya Trin!” Aly hugged me and blinked at me, “What? Why?!”
“He’s alive! I talked to him for hours last night and... he’s alive!”
“Who is alive?” Aly asked.
“Dutch!!” I could barely contain my excitement.
“Wow, that is something,” Alex shook his head. “So who is dead?”
“I rode there and found this guy at the saloon... Chance Solo... Who knew there was another one but... He said Dutch was perfectly fine. Then Josh Solo came in and confirmed it. Before long... Dutch walked in and sat down beside me! We started to go for a walk but then we found another body in the diner... Rather gruesome too... but we helped the marshal bring it over to the clinic. I cleaned up the blood only ‘cause they gave me the note with my name on it finally. The notes... they’re all pointed towards the Solo and Lukas family. Jared Lukas is the lead marshal there. They don’t know the identities yet but they’re working on it and Jared thinks this whole thing’ll be over soon... But then... Dutch and I finally got to talk alone and say all the things we’ve been wanting to say for almost fifteen years!”
“Oh yeah?” Alex looked at me.
“Yeah... he said he was no good for me... specially since he’s um... turned not so much law. But I told him that he’s always had a special place in my heart and he said the same about me.”
“That’s really nice,” Alex smiled.
“He thinks that the killer found my book and got my name and picture from it and is trying to use me as a distraction from finding them.”
“Does that mean he isn’t coming after you?” Alex asked.
“I sure hope so,” Aly leaned forward, resting her chin on the table.
“This note with my name in it... there’s a line that says ‘Trin wanted marriage, how did that work out’. I never wanted marriage... I just wanted him. And Dutch said the same thing.”
“I mean not. You know what I mean,” Aly clarified.
“So because the guy has no idea I think he just pulled out names out of a hat to try to confuse us and show that he’s going after those two families.”
“That must be a big family,” Alex commented.
“I told Dutch I feel safer here. If they want me they can come find me here but... I needed to go see him and make sure he was alive. To touch him... to hold him. It’s definitely real. And I told him how his family never really seemed to care about me and I was always the annoying little writer looking for a story but he said he never saw me that way,” I said and reached for the coffee finally.
“I’m glad you got to talk to him,” Alex smiled as he poured himself and Aly a cup of coffee.
“Trin you aren’t leaving here to go back there are you? I mean...to stay. Because I would be sad,” Aly looked at me.
I shook my head and said, “That’s another thing I told him... I feel safer in Arizona. I don’t belong there. I have friends and law who will protect me here. Now that I’ve seen him... that I know time doesn’t change anything between us... I don’t need to go back.”
“That’s good,” Alex nodded.
I looked between them and said, “I just needed closure... The waiting was tearing me apart. And now... Well... in spite of riding all night... I think I’ll sleep for the first time in weeks tonight.”
“Waiting is horrible. I’m glad you got the closure you needed,” Alex said.
I smiled and asked, “Did I miss anything here last night?”
“Nothing I know of. After I went home yesterday I didn’t leave my house,” Alex shook his head.
“I went to the dance last night Trin,” Aly said. “And Tye and Peta were in town. Arguing. Again.”
“Oh were they? That’s a good sign... Did you see Krell?”
“Yeah he was at the dance last night. Oddly quiet,” Aly said. “I got a greeting and that was about it.”
“But he was there... that’s something.”
“I hope so, I dunno Trin, the courthouse was cleared out,” Aly said. “Maybe he was just visiting. Trin I danced with Jackson last night. You know, I haven’t danced with anyone since Mark.”
“Oh?” I looked at her. “How did that go?”
“It kinda felt good to be held that way again,” she blushed.
“Guess he does like brunettes better,” I winked.
“It went very well. I think we, uh, both lost track of time. I know I did,” Aly laughed.
“It’s okay... Dutch said the blonde really suited me,” I smiled, remembering.
“It does, you’re an airhead,” she teased.
“Heeeey. Alex, smack her. She’s too far away.”
Alex absently stared in his coffee and then looked up, “What? I’m not going to smack anyone.”
“Well kick her or somethin’,” I chuckled. “Gosh it feels good to be in a good mood again... Who needs sleep?” Alex threw a sugar cube at me and I caught it. “Thanks, Phoenix will love you.”
“You okay?” Aly looked at him.
“Yeah, I guess,” Alex chuckled and shrugged.
“Ok now I tell Trin and Ger this all the time, Alex, but when someone says ‘guess’ as a response to that, usually it ain’t. so. What’s up?” Aly asked him.
“Nothing,” Alex looked at her and smiled.
She held his gaze for a moment and then smiled. “Well alright, I’ll take yer word on it then. And Trin... I’m really happy for you. Do you feel good about having gone then?”
“Yes.... So good.”
“I only wish you had told me I would have gone with you. Like the last time.”
“That was the closure I wanted. Not to see a dead body that wasn’t his... but to have that conversation... The one I’ve been wanting for so long...”
“I’m glad you got that,” Alex smiled.
“I had to go alone this time, Aly. I had to talk to Dutch. The snow is gone there finally.”
“Still....with all that’s going on, you know how I like to be there for you...emotionally. And physically, if needed, I would have taken my gun,” Aly nodded.
“I know, Aly... I know,” I nodded. “I need people here though too... I couldn’t risk something happening to you. We found that body in the diner... I was so glad you didn’t have to see that.”
“I hate to say it but I’m getting use to seeing horrific things. House fires, bodies, it’s like...almost...normal...now,” Aly shuddered.
“I don’t mind seeing bodies,” Alex said.
“You would say that,” Aly laughed.
“There are in times, in fact, I prefer them that way.”
“You would have had fun with that one then, Alex. He was sitting at the table... but his head was on
the plate across from him,” I told him. “Blood everywhere... The smell was awful. I think Dutch even threw up a couple times.”
“Yeah, that sounds interesting,” Alex chuckled.
“They made me mop it up... Feminists,” I muttered. “I wouldn’t do it until Jared gave me the note with my name on it and he did. Eventually.”
“Alex that is really weird and creepy,” Aly said.
“I guess I’m weird and creepy then.”
“I’ve seen creepier,” I looked at him, remembering Icca and shuddering. “As long as you don’t become an undertaker with an opium den upstairs and dead heads in your cabinets, we’re alright.”
“Nah, I prefer cookies in my cabinets,” Alex shook his head.
“Well I don’t think you are, that’s just not something I’d do,” Aly laughed, “Which, it’s good that you do because if we’re ever together and come across a dead body, it’s all yours.”
“I ain’t exaggerating either. That’s where I found the first body that wasn’t Dutch.”
“Ok that was an odd thing to say,” Aly blushed and Alex chuckled.
“Why do you think I hate opium so much? The smell was obsessive,” I said and Alex looked like he was thinking about something and suddenly had a funny smirk on his face. “Alex Torii.”
“What?”
“Get that thought out of your head right now. Whatever it is,” I said and he raised an eyebrow. “You heard me. No opium den.”
“I’m not going to run an opium den.”
“Good man,” I winked at him.
“I won’t promise not to go to one, but I won’t open one.”
I got up to get some coffee and Aly’s eyes widened. “Wow. I totally am lost in this conversation.”
“Long night of dancin’, huh girl?” I chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I’m not really going to chase the dragon,” Alex said and we laughed.
Aly coughed and I looked at her, “More than dancing?”
“Yeah I answered the door in my bloomers this morning. Alex woke me. You have no idea... Uh... maybe?” she coughed.
“It’s happened before... I have an idea,” I laughed.
“Uh oh, an idea,” Aly chuckled.
“I have an idea of what it looks like,” I laughed.
“Uh...what exactly are you talking about here?” Aly blushed deeply then.
“So Alex,” I giggled. “You gonna move out this way to be with us in Diamond or gonna stay all the way over in Tombstone? We could yell at each other for morning coffee and hide out on the tree.”
“I hadn’t really thought of moving,” Alex chuckled.
“I am good at yelling,” Aly smirked.
“Just a thought,” I laughed. “Did Tye say anything about that fire at Ger and Myst’s?”
“Not to me, he was too busy throwing pastries out the window.”
“Pastries out the window?”
“Yeah uh... it was kinda awkward for me and David... but funny. Apparently she had...stashes...in his office. some were moldy. He was pissed.”
“Sounds about right,” I chuckled.
“You know I always tease myself about how loud I can holler. but those two, good Lord.”
“Mmhmm. Good to have them back around town.”
“Alex and I were talking about if we ever get married we are not going to be like that. Ok not we as in us, just as people in general! Yeah it was nice to have actual noise for once, in town.”
“I don’t think it’ll ever be an issue for me as I don’t think I’m ever getting married again,” Alex said.
“You and me both...” I said.
“I’m not sure I’m even going to date again,” Alex admitted.
“Well I know I want to some day... but not for a long while.”
“Just going to let it happen naturally I think,” I said.
“And with the right person,” Aly added. “Yeah exactly, Trin. I’m never saying never because then I make a promise to myself that I end up breaking.”
“I think I’m going to go,” Alex said then. “I’m in a foul mood and it’s deteriorating. I don’t want to bring you two down with me.”
“Alex... You take care of yourself, alright?” I reached for his hand.
“I’ll probably be back later,” he nodded and walked out.
I went to sit down across from Aly and she asked, “What is wrong with him? He was all nice and sweet and happy this morning....did I say something?”
“I don’t know... He goes through moods. Sometimes the littlest thing sets him off.”
“Oh wow I have never seen him in one then before... I feel bad, hope it wasn’t me. but, he’ll be fine, yes?”
“I hope so. He just needs time to stew and get over it. Maybe all this marriage and dating talk... I don’t know.”
“Yeah I think we both were a little excited to share things. Now I feel bad, ack.”
“Don’t be, it’ll be okay I’m sure.”
“Well ok, I trust you on that.”
We talked about Aly dancing with Jackson and my night with Dutch and I told her that I was debating looking into what happened to the Apache Chief and his wife. Aly told me that Mark had invited her to his wedding but she wasn’t going to go.
Pet came over to chat with us and we talked about Steph and how we were trying to find her mother. A couple of Apache walked by and I decided to go over and question them.
I looked to the Apache and spoke in his language, asking, “Have the chief and his wife been found yet?”
“No,” he said in Apache.
“I would like to offer my services as a detective. The Apache are very close to my heart. I don’t like to see them hurting like this.”
“Many warriors also gone.”
“Gone?” I blinked.
“Many gone some elders stay.”
“Do you think they have all gone off together or has something happened to them?”
“Not know.”
“Sir, my name is Trin. I have Apache in my family. I want to help.”
“Yes. Me WinterWolf, Shaman of Apaches.”
“How many are missing? Do you have names of them all?”
“No me arrived not long ago. Not know of this.”
“Could you tell your people that I want to help find them?”
“I was on a dream journey and when I come back, tribe gone. Yes please...”
“Thank you, Sir. I don’t mean to harm them, I want to help.”
“Yes many who are left are ready for war.”
“I don’t doubt that. That is perfectly understandable.”
“Me want pies from old paleface,” he pointed at Sam.
“I’ll let you be. I hope to come to the village and talk to some people about this soon,” I nodded.
“Many safe paths you take and I bless them all with the great spirit blessing.”
“Thank you sir. Safe paths to you as well,” I nodded and headed to the office.
I saw Ger and Myst sitting on their balcony and I walked up to them, “Hey you two. Can I come up?”
“More than enough room,” Ger nodded.
I walked up the steps and smiled, “How are you two?”
“Doing okay I guess,” Mysti sighed. “How are you doing, Trin?”
“Not too bad, thanks,” Ger said.
“Doing much better since my trip to Colorado last night. Finally got the closure I’ve been needing for years.”
“Good to hear,” Ger smiled and opened the door for us.
“Ooh Trin that is wonderful!” Mysti exclaimed. “I d like to hear about it sometime if you feel like talking bout it.”
I hesitated before following Ger inside and said, “Mysti, I wanted to apologize about yesterday. My emotions have been all over the place lately and I snapped. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that.”
“It’s okay, Trin. We are all going through a lot right now.”
“I talked with Dutch,” I told her. “We finally said everything I’ve been wanting us to say for fifteen years...”
“Ah,” she smiles. “It is good to get said what needs to be.. Very freeing... like a huge weight inside lifted.”
“He’s alive and well... there’s still a serial killer out there but I think my name was mentioned just to throw the law off. I don’t think I’m a direct threat necessarily. If I am... They can find me here.”
“So how will you protect yourself?” Mysti asked as we walked inside the apartment.
“Where you have friends,” Ger nodded.
“Exactly, Ger. I’ll stay here. I am safer here, and Dutch knows that now. I know nothing changes between us... It’s just that life goes on.”
“Well I’m glad it’s working out better Trin... at least for now,” Mysti said.
“I needed that closure. I know it wasn’t the smartest idea to go there alone last night but... I needed to. I needed to see him and talk to him. That’s not why I came up though...”
“Never said you had smart ideas...” Ger chuckled.
“Have either of you heard more about the fire at Mysti’s place?” I asked.
“No, we went back yesterday...the place is in shambles...”
“I was hoping to get a statement from Mysti about the fire for Tye...”
“Myst took some of her clothes so the can be cleaned....but the living area is destroyed,” Ger said.
“And I’ll write up a report about the whiskey bottle and foot print that I found.”
“Hun, you should tell her about the run in’s you’ve had with Jewel,” Ger looked at Mysti.
“So Mysti... Can you write me a report about the fire? Where you were when it happened and how things happened?”
“Well...” Mysti sat down at the table. “I saw Jewel last night. Apparently she gave herself up and was in jail. I tried to talk with her about why she did that to me and she said because I wanted to see her hanged... that I wanted Ger to win the case... and she wouldn’t believe that I never wanted that...” she sighed.
“Oh she did?” I rolled my eyes. “Why would she give herself up... Ger said that she’s been tormenting you two lately?”
“No she hasn’t... Just won’t talk to me,” Mysti shook her head. “Walks right away from me and I told her last night I was not about to chase her down. If she wanted to talk, I’d be there... but I cannot feel warm with her. She took from me things that can never be replaced...”
“Like what, Mysti? If you tell me about that here I can write up a report and just get you to sign it.”
“Well everything that I loved has been destroyed.”
“Like...?” I looked at her, needing specifics but she looked close to tears and I looked at Ger.
“Pictures...Piano...Guns... Though I think the piano can be saved. Things that can’t be replaced...though the guns and piano can be fixed...they will never be the same,” Ger said.
“The guns can’t be replaced, G,” Mysti said with bitterness. “They belonged to Charles.”
“Repaired, hun. New stocks on them.”
“Things like that can be restored,” I said in agreement.
“But, like I said... they won’t be the same.”
“Mysti, you were there when the fire happened. Can you describe that?” I looked at her.
Ger walked over and placed a hand on Mysti’s shoulder as she explained, “I was sleeping, Trin. I... I could... could have died. I guess I started to choke because my coughing woke me up and I ran downstairs through the flames. I don’t know how I wasn’t burned... just inhaled a lot of smoke.”
“And Ger was at the medical class, right?” I asked as there was a knock at the door.
“Come in...and yes, I was in class with Freja,” Ger opened the door for Aly as she walked in. “Hey Sis.”
“Yes he was, and it should have been a day for celebrating because he passed his class and became a vet... but so much was going on that I couldn’t even give him the congratulations he deserves...”
Aly looked at Myst with concern and asked, “Did you sleep ok last night myst? I got home real late, tried to sneak in and not wake ya.”
“Congratulations! Will be good to have a vet around here!” I smiled at Ger.
“Ohh yay! That is so exciting!” Aly agreed.
I gave them the finished statement and got Mysti to sign it for me. Ger said that he was hoping to be prosecutor if the case went to trial. Aly looked around for somewhere to sit and Ger watched her with concern.
“What’s wrong, sis?”
Aly closed her eyes then opened them, looking exhausted. “Oh..nothing! Ger, I’m good.”
“You look dead on your feet...haven’t you slept?”
“Yeah on and off, had a restless night, got home late. And woke too early.”
“You look tired, Aly. Didn’t you sleep last night?” Mysti asked. “I drank a lot yesterday... I guess I just was dead to the world. Everything caught up to me.”
“Got home late huh??? Working on the house that long?” Ger asked as I finished the report and handed it to Mysti to sign.
“Oh no, I left before the sun started to go down. wouldn’t have been safe for me to stay by myself. David stayed with me for a while,” Aly said... “Then he helped me get home, I got dressed, went out a bit, just got home real late.”
“I should get this report to Tye’s office. I need to get some rest myself. Thank you both for this. It’ll help,” I said.
“Where has he been?” Ger asked me.
“Aly said he was around last night,” I said.
“Sleep well, Trin. Hope now that you have some closure you will sleep better.. and stay safe hon,” Mysti said.
“I hope so too,” I smiled at her.
“Any word on the missing mother?” Ger asked.
“None as of yet. We’re still asking around about both her and the daughter. No sight of either.”
“Did you ever get back up with Steph, Aly?” Mysti asked.
“I have not seen Steph since that first night,” Aly answered.
“Take care all... Will be in touch if anything new happens,” I said and hugged Ger before heading out of the apartment.
In the afternoon I went to the dance in Bisbee, enjoying time relaxing with friends and sitting at the bar while Alex tended bar.
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