Black Diamond.
I woke up this morning and walked outside, seeing the basket of eggs on my doorstep. I smiled, taking them in to make breakfast. When I was finished eating, I headed to the cafe where I found Alex and Aly. I looked over at Aly wearing a black dress with a head covering and asked if she was in mourning. She said that she was at a dance that was gypsy themed and I smiled at the fact that she didn’t change again. We talked about how she’d spent more time with Jackson and how she’d had a good time.
Aly went to get some work done and I looked at Alex when we were alone. “Alex... I have nine cases open.”
“Nine? Wow...”
“Well... one is the fire at Mysti and Ger’s... think that we’ve got that one pretty well figured out. Gave a statement to Tye. The others though I still have no idea. And I have a new one that I need your help for.”
“Oh yeah?” he raised his eyebrows.
“The Apache chief and his wife are missing. No one has seen them.”
“Oh wow!”
“Quiet Wolf seemed very concerned. I had a talk with another man here in town but didn’t get much information from him. Now granted they could be just out on a long hunt but... I’d like to look into it.”
“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea to make sure.”
“This isn’t going to be an easy one, Alex.. I’d like to have some armed backup this time, if you’re interested.”
“Armed? Um, I don’t carry a gun anymore. I mean, I guess I could get it out, cause it’s not like I’d shoot anyone unless it was self defense.” He nodded then and said, “Yeah, I’ll go with you.”
“I know... But either way I don’t want to do this one alone. I’m going to wear Native clothing... No badge... Not sure if I should wear a gun but it’s probably safer to.” “
“When do you think you’ll go?”
“Soon. I wanted to run the idea by you and then go home and change.... If you need to get a weapon then we can do that on the way.”
“Ok. My house is on the way. I’ll dig my gun out of my trunk.”
We left the cafe and I walked upstairs to change into my Native outfit. I lay my badge on the bed and holstered my gun to the belt around my waist before heading back outside. “What do you think? Oh yeah, I was going to put my hair in a braid.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen you dressed like that.”
“I’ve had this outfit for a long time.... Wait until you see the Cheyenne dresses I have buried somewhere,” I said and did my hair up in a braid. “How’s this?”
He tugged on my braid and said, “I like it.”
“Careful mister... when we were kids that would’ve meant something else,” I chuckled. “Not that I would complain... Shall we?” I squeezed his arm as he blushed.
“Let’s go!”
Tombstone.
We rode over to Alex’s house where he went inside to get his gun belt and gun. When we were ready we rode towards the Apache village. I hesitated near Ghenna and made sure no one was coming before riding over to the village. I called up to see if Quiet wolf or Winter Wolf were there and when no one answered we rode up higher to the top of the hill.
“Wow, what a view!” Alex gave a low whistle.
“Never been up here before?”
“Nope. Only been over in Apache territory once.”
“They’re over there,” I pointed to the group and saw one of them walking towards us.
“I’ll just stand behind you and let you do the talking,” he nodded.
“Dago Te,” WinterWolf greeted us in Apache.
“Dago Te,” Alex greeted him and I could see the recognition in his expression.
“Dago Te, Winter Wolf. Good to see you again,” I smiled at him.
“You visit.”
“We were concerned about the chief and his wife. We wanted to look into it more.”
“Look, they have left. Took things.”
“Left? So they’re okay, just gone on their own choice?” I blinked at him and he nodded. “So you don’t need our help then, I guess... Who is chief now?”
“Wait for Great Spirit to tell and give answer to me. You are very kind to come to our aide and help.”
“The Apache are like family to me... I have a Native heritage, though I am white man. Not many in town know that I speak Apache, or that I have this background.”
“You are both welcomed here.”
“This is my friend Alex. He helps me with my work from time to time,” I said and turned to Alex, speaking in English again. “He said that we are welcome here anytime.”
“Thank you,” Alex smiled and nodded.
“A-l-e-x,” WinterWolf sounded out the name.
“I guess we will let you get back to your tribe. Thank you for talking with us. I hope that you find new leadership soon,” I smiled.
“May you find old paleface you bring here and I love him pies.”
“I will see what I can do,” I chuckled, knowing he means Sam Grey and he nodded. “Safe paths to you, WinterWolf.”
“Thank you Sir,” Alex smiled.
“Let’s head home,” I looked at him.
“I’ll follow you,” he nodded and we rode down the mountain.
“That went very well,” I looked over at him again as we stopped at the bottom of the hill.
“It seemed to. He even made you laugh.”
“It turns out that the chief and his wife have left to find their own paths... They are waiting for guidance for new leadership.”
“Oh, okay. So nothing bad then,” he nodded.
“He wanted me to find Sam Grey and get him to bring his pies to them. Winter Wolf loves them apparently. That’s what made me laugh,” I winked at him.
“I don’t blame him! Pies are always good,” he laughed.
“He wanted me to bring ‘old paleface’ and bring him there,” I chuckled. “Let’s head home and celebrate another case closed.’
Black Diamond.
We rode into Diamond and found Ger and Aly working on repairing Myst’s house. “How goes the reconstruction?” I asked, looking between them as they greeted us.
“Going good thanks Trin. As you can see we got it cleaned up.”
“Great to see, Ger,” I smiled to him.
“We’re gonna sleep real well tonight,” Aly laughed, “Or sore.”
“We were just over in Apache territory. Turns out the chief and Aleaya have moved on.”
“Say what?!” Aly tossed a burnt board over the side o the rail.
“Wow, that leaves them without a leader,” Ger noted.
“Why? Abandoned?” Aly asked.
“They just decided to move on, I guess.”
“It was fun to see Trin speak Apache,” Alex admitted.
“I bet,” Aly grinned.
“Like that, did ya?” I chuckled.
“You know me, I like languages,” he said and I smiled.
“Going to have to teach you some.”
“I thought tribes stuck together like family,” Aly noted.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I shrugged.
“By the way, Trin...” Ger started. “I was given a friendly warning last night night by a reliable source the my place might be next for this...” he pointed to the house.
“Oh?” I looked at him with concern.
“Excuse me???” Aly’s eyes widened. “Who do I need to shoot at Ger?”
“Somethin my friend over heard in a saloon yesterday,” Ger said.
“Better find another place to stay then in case it happens. I gave Mysti’s report to Tye at his office. Hopefully he gets it soon,” I suggested.
“I have, I’m in davids old apartment over the Law Office,” he said.
“Good. I’m glad to hear that,” I nodded.
“That’s between us four and Myst,” Ger said and looked over, “How you doing, Alex?”
“I’m okay,” he nodded.
“He better be after all he got TWO hugs from me this morning ,” Aly said and he laughed.
“How do you rate? I haven’t even got one,” I looked at him. “From anyone.”
“Geez, I only got one,” Ger chuckled.
“Well Alex... I’ll tell you a secret... You know what Ger and I did when we solved a case?” I looked at him. “We had a drink and then danced. Right Ger?”
“Sometimes more than one drink...and dance,” Ger said and I laughed.
“That’s scandalous Trin,” Aly pointed out.
“Just sayin’,” I gave Alex a smile.
Ger told us that his dog was having puppies and I told him that I wanted to have one of the new dogs when they were born. We talked a while and then Ger hugged me before we decided to go to Aly’s place. When we got there, we noted how many toys were around the living room now as Aly was preparing for Steph to stay with her if it would happen. Alex tested out the rocking horse and made sure it was stable enough and we ate pie, talking casually.
There was a knock on the door and Krell came in with a woman who he introduced as Zodiac Lane. We were thrilled to see him again and introduced ourselves to the woman, saying what we all did for a living. Bree came in to join us and we continued to talk about the town and how Zodiac was settling in.
“So, Mayor, how have you been?” Ger looked over at Krell eventually.
“Well, I am better, thanks for asking. I think I was under the influence of some strange drug. I am feeling better now though.”
“I kept telling you be careful Mayor,” Bree said.
“That happens a lot,” Ger said and looked at me and Bree knowingly.
I stayed quiet while they all talked, knowing that there was a lot I needed to talk about with the mayor but guessing he wasn’t focused enough to deal with any of it just yet. I still had the feeling there was another reason he’d been missing in action for the past few weeks and couldn’t wait until we could sit down and talk alone.
“You okay over there?” Alex reached over to me and poked me and I shook my head.
“Trin, you wanna sit in the tree?” Aly asked as Zodiac and Krell said goodbye and walked outside.
“Need that drink?” Alex suggested.
“Yeah, a drink would be good,” I stood. “Who’s with us?”
Bree left and Ger said that Aly and him needed to get back to work on the house so Alex and I walked outside and went to the saloon.
I sat at the bar and asked, “Can you make me that strawberry thingy you made yesterday?”
“Sure can!” he smiled and went around the corner to begin mixing the lemonade and strawberry drink that he’d made in Bisbee the day before. “You want champagne this time?”
“Whatever you put in it to make it zing,” I nodded.
“Champagne it is!” he said and made up two drinks, handing me one of them as he sat down beside me at the counter. “What’s up?”
“Just overwhelmed with so many open cases and Krell finally comes back... I want to talk to Krell.”
“Frustrated, huh? You solved one case this morning, that’s gotta be worth something,” Alex stood with a wink. “Come over here.” I smiled and went to him and he reached his hand out. “May I have this dance?” he asked and I smiled, dancing with him to the music. “Wow, it’s been awhile since I’ve done this.”
“It’s good to be in your arms again.”
“It’s nice to have you there. This looks like the ‘I’m drunk and need help getting home’ dance.”
“I didn’t even drink that much champagne,” I chuckled and danced with him.
“The bubbles go to your head quickly,” he laughed.
“Mmhmm.... Sorry I’m so quiet...”
“That’s usually my line,” he grinned.
“Just been thinking a lot lately I guess since this whole Dutch thing finally got closure.”
“Well, stop thinking. It’s bad for your brain.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“I’ve been thinking too much lately too and I have to stop that.”
“What have you been thinking about?”
“Nothing very nice,” he shrugged.
“You know you can talk to me...” I looked in his eyes.
“I know. I don’t really know what to say. I’m just in a funk is all,” he smiled.
“You and me both... It would be so easy to help each other get out of it, wouldn’t it?” I started and he looked at me. “Sorry,” I shook my head at myself and danced with him quietly, regretting having said anything.
“Trin...” he shook his head and whispered. “I’m scared.”
I leaned my forehead against his and said, “You and me both.” He let out a breath and danced with me as I relaxed in the familiarity. “Shall we have that drink?” I suggested against him.
“A drink would be really good,” he nodded.
We went to sit at the bar again and I looked over, squeezing his hand. “I love what we have, Alex... I wouldn’t change a thing. We don’t have to have a definition for it or a title or anything. We just.... are what we are. We both have feelings for each other, I can feel that from you too... But we know where that leads with most relationships around here. What we have lasts forever. We’re soul mates.”
He nodded and whispered, “Yeah...”
We sat quietly and drank the beverage he’d made and I said, “This is really good...”
“Isn’t it?! Pet’s idea to put strawberries in. It feels kinda good to have emptied out my office.”
“Yeah, I bet...”
“I had been doing experiments in there, stuff that was too dirty for the clinic.”
“Right...”
“But I kinda needed to leave that place behind.”
“I agree.”
“This stuff goes down too easily,” he said as he guzzled his drink.
“Mmhmm, gotta drink it slow.”
“I wrote to my cousin in France and asked her to send more frog juice as well as some other interesting liquors we can try.”
“Oh yeah?” I chuckled.
“I’m hoping she sends something we’ve never heard of.”
We talked a while longer and then he decided to head out. I walked out o the saloon and went over to my office to get some work done.
***
After doing some paperwork I decided to ride around and see if I could find any trace of Steph or her mother but I found none. I rode back to town and saw a crowd in the clinic. “What the...” I muttered.
Aly was walking around nervously and I asked, “Aly? What happened?”
“A second, Trin,” she said as I looked in the window and watched the doctors take care of Jimmi, Dave, and another man I didn’t recognize.
“Let that SAVAGE DIE Gerric!” Dave yelled and I blinked, wondering what was going on.
“Trin I was in my house when it started. So I’m not sure,” Aly admitted and went into the clinic.
I stayed outside and wondered what the heck happened, since I hadn’t seen the clinic this crowded in ages. Aly walked back outside and I asked, “Aly?”
“Ok so want the short version or long one?”
“You know me. Always the long one. But let’s not do it here. Your place is better.”
Aly’s hair was all wet and she was coughing. “What the heck happened to you?” I asked as I followed her to her place.
“That’s part of the longer version,” she said and led the way inside where we sat down.
“Honestly, I’m gone for a few hours... And all hell breaks loose.”
“So as you know I was working with Ger on the repairs. we finished and decided to go for a dip in that lake by Myst’s house. I got down to my bloomers, and well he got naked, but that’s not the problem. I got distracted by a duck and didn’t realize I was actually underwater at the time.....so I kinda sorta drowned but not really,” she gasped for breath.
“Aly!! Are you okay?!” I blinked at her.
“Well...Ger brought me back. I couldn’t move my legs for a while... but Ger got me to the Clinic and then carried me home. We were sitting together when we heard gun shots.”
“Aly...” I shook my head.
“There is a strange Apache in town...one I’ve never seen before.”
“Oh?”
“He seemed content on shooting people. So then I felt my legs again, grabbed my gun, and ran out. Honestly I was just starting to get comfortable with the Apache.”
I saw Dave and Katie outside and looked at Aly. “Can they come in? I want to see if he’s okay.”
“Yeah.”
I went out the door and invited them inside but Dave went to lay down so Katie came in alone.
“Trin please make sure that man gets locked up or something, until someone figures out something else,” Aly said.
“I can’t arrest...” I looked at her.
“How are you doing Aly?”
“I’m cold. And annoyed. And worried. And I want a whiskey. Or three,” Aly said and looked at me, “Well who can?”
“I am sure your brother would get upset if I gave you a whiskey. I could use one myself though”
“So this Apache decided he wanted to shoot people... someone want to continue the story here?” I sighed and looked around.
“I think I overheard something about how palefaces killed his family,” Aly said.
“He said he did not like white people but was going to spare us and the conversation because heated and next thing I know he and David was shooting at each other and David was calling him a savage,” Katie explained. “And then the other men got involved. Then men need to learn how to control themselves is what it boils down to and David needs to remember that not all Natives are savages since I am half native damn it.”
“That’s true and I was telling Trin how I was just getting comfortable with the Apache... With Mark having gone ...and Stormy....I consider many friends. The Apache was acting on emotion, I’m all too familiar with it myself.”
“Who else got shot? Dave did and who else?”
“Yes there are many of them. I do not have a problem with, normally if we leave them alone they leave us alone.”
“I think Jimmy,” Aly said.
“What was Jimmy doing way out here?” I blinked.
“Yes that is true and David talked to him first.”
“He was here with his wife because she was tending to my injury,” Aly said.
“Oh, I see.”
“Yes. And Jimmy did not say anything, Starling translated for us because none of us speak Apache, I only speak Lakota and a little Cherokee,” Katie explained.
“I just worry there might be more of them from his tribe coming,” Aly said.
“I was out looking for anything to do with the girl Steph but still no trace of her.”
“He’s not with the same one as Mark and Stormy,” Aly said.
“I don’t know, I hope not,” Katie said.
“I hope she’s alright. Maybe her mother found her,” Aly sighed.
“Right... I went over there with Alex and Winter Wolf told us that we were welcome there anytime, him and me,” I shook my head.
“No I have never seen him before, he was lost and did not know how to get to the Apache land even,” Katie said.
“He must be new then. Did anyone get his name?” I asked.
“Um Sir something. He is very old,” Katie said.
“Hard to arrest someone if we don’t know his name...” I sighed at that.
“He might still be in the clinic Trin, if you have questions, along with Jimmy and Ger.”
“I should find out.”
“David just kept calling him a savage,” Katie said.
“People will need to write witness reports about this,” I said. “Katie could you write one up for me?”
“Sure. I will have a different outlook on it than David I am afraid since I am half native myself.”
“That’s okay, Katie. The more accounts we can get of this event, the better,” I said and handed her a blank report. “Aly, you think you saw enough of what happened?”
“Not really Trin, I was in here when it started. I only saw people shooting at each other.”
“Okay,” I nodded.
“I saw him standing outside the clinic while I was being treated. Ger brought me in here, and then shots started,” Aly said.
“I should go across the road while people are still here. Katie, take care of Aly for me?”
“Of course,” Katie nodded.
“I’ll come check on you later hon,” I said to Aly and headed across the road into the clinic.
“Ah, Trin,” Jimmi greeted me from where he was sitting beside his wife Starling.
“Jimmi... Are you alright? I heard you were shot,” I looked at him.
“I have been better.”
I cringed as the other man got off the bed and started to walk over. “You sir... What’s your name?”
“Excuse me, but would you mind i I had a seat?” Starling asked.
“Please... sit,” Ger helped her to her seat.
“My tribe called me Miles,” he said.
“Miles, that works. You want to explain what happened here, Miles?” I looked at him. He was short, hunched over, and had a bald head. He wore something like a diaper around his waist and a black cape, and looked anything but like an Apache.
“Well I was telling miss.. Something there about why I don’t like pale faces all to well but I will spare them. He wanted to know what I said so miss told him and he lost it and I tried to protect myself so I shot this man in the leg the other as well..”
I folded my arms, looking from the man to the others, back to Miles. “It was self defense? Really?”
“You could say so yes.”
“Sir, I’d like you to write down what you witnessed and sign it for me,” I said and handed him the blank report. “Either that or I’ll transcribe what you just said and give it to you to sign.”
“You need anything else from him Trin?” Ger asked.
The man took the report with a sigh, taking out a feather and looking around for ink.
“Jimmi, can you fill one out for me too?” I asked, handing Jimmi a report.
“Yes Trin, I will do that for you,” Jimmi took it with a nod.
“Ger, Star, did you witness anything?” I asked them.
“A little, I’ll have a statement for you later,” Ger promised.
“That’d be great. As many as we can will be helpful here,” I nodded.
“Star, Aly is up and walking again,” Ger said and I handed him a blank form for his report.
“Star, did you witness anything?”
“Now can I leave?” Miles looked back at me.”
“When you give me your statement,” I looked at him.
“I think that will be best....” Ger started then looked at me and I gave him a look.
“Silly me,” Miles handed me the report. It was blank except for his name and the date.
“Okay. I’ll just fill in what you told me then since all you did is date/sign it. You can go.”
Miles blinked and nodded, walking out of the clinic. I rolled my eyes, filling out the statement and transcribing what he had described to me. Ger left the clinic and then Jimmi handed me his report and I headed for the tree to get some work done.
Aly joined me eventually and we talked about the work I had to do for the case. We talked about guys and then about how Aly was thinking about applying to be a deputy, especially after what happened today.
***
This evening Aly and I dressed up in gypsy dresses and went to Annie’s for the dance. I saw Ed sitting by the stage and, since I’d talked with him before about court things, I asked if he wanted to dance.
Ed danced close behind me, his hands caressing my curves. I danced with the rhythm and leaned my head back on his shoulder. “I’ll behave as we dance,” he smiled.
I felt my heart pound, thinking it would be okay if he didn’t behave completely. “It’s been a long time since someone has held me like this,” I whispered.
“Oh really? That’s odd, I mean you’re pretty,” he said as his hands explored.
I gasped as his hands touched places that hadn’t been touched in months and nuzzled against his neck. “Just been... a dry spell I guess.”
He kissed my neck softly and said, Well I’m good at ending dry spells.”
“Mmm.... I will have to remember that... I should have come to you long ago...”
We kissed and made each other feel alive like I hadn’t felt in months. After dancing for a couple of hours I leaned my head on his shoulders and whispered, “Darling, would you be able to walk me home? I want to get there safely.”
“I can do my best...if we get attacked I can dive at them,” he said and I chuckled, reaching for his hand.
We said goodnight to everyone and Ed told them he would be back before we headed towards Diamond.
Black Diamond.
“Here we are... would you like to walk me upstairs?” I asked, stopping in front of the office.
“Sure.”
I led the way upstairs and opened the door for him, turning to him once we were inside. “Home sweet home.”
“Looks nice.”
I smiled now that we were finally alone and pulled him close, hugging him as I threw my gun on the couch. He started to kiss me back and I held him closer, whispering, “Nice to be in the quiet with you.”
“It is. Now, I wonder if I should give you that good night kiss,” he smiled.
I leaned closer and whispered, “You could always help me into my pajamas and tuck me in...”
“I would rather help you out of your clothes in general,” he smiled again.
“Not on the first night, mister...” I chuckled and kissed him, then stripped down to my pajamas that I had on underneath my dress. I spun around and asked, “What do you think?”
He smiled and kissed along my cleavage and I said, “Guess that means you like it.” I pulled him onto the bed to cuddle with him. “Want to know a secret?”
“Sure.”
“You’re the first man I’ve kissed in this bed... In any bed... since Alex and I split back in November.”
“Aww, I’m sorry.”
“Just saying.... this is special... I wouldn’t do this with just anyone,” I traced my finger around his neck. “I’ve always liked you... watched you in the courthouse....”
“Well I’m glad you like me enough,” he smiled and I chuckled, kissing him back though I felt the exhaustion settle in. “Aww, you need sleep.”
“If you’d like to go to back to the dance, you can... There will be other nights... I hope?”
“Oh I’m sure of it. Now...can I quickly kiss you goodnight first,” he said and leaned down to kiss me lower. “Mmmm, there we go. Now you’ll sleep well.” I gasped and trembled as he did so and tried to remember to breathe and he said, “That should help you sleep.”
“Ed...” I whispered.
“Don’t worry, I won’t get started,” he kissed me, stroking my hair.
I exhaled and whispered, “Hold me...”
He held me in his arms and kissed me as I fell asleep.
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