November 10, 1899

Tombstone. 

As I worked in the office on Allen Street, there was a knock on the door. I asked who it was and Mysti called back asking if I was busy. I invited her in and could instantly tell that something wasn’t right. 

“Take a seat, Mysti... What’s wrong?”

“Something is not right with Dani. More than just depression from losing his mother. I think he is really scared his dad will come looking for him and hurt if not kill him as he did his ma. Also it feels like he is hiding something from me.” 

“I think he is too,” I nodded. “I was wondering if maybe tomorrow Alex and him can sit down and talk, just the guys... He might open up more.”

“Ooh, that would be wonderful! He sure does need a good male role model.” 

“Alex would make a good one. He’s just out of town today hopefully getting contact from his friend in Boston. He sent letters out yesterday...”

“I was wondering...” she paused and then responded, “Oh, that is wonderful.” 

“What were you wondering?” 

“Well My dad used to help out my sister with money but he cut her off in several ways after she married Dani’s father because he hated him as I do.” She took a deep breath and sighed, “Love is so damn blind. Anyway... I think Matthew, thats his dad’s name, was furious when the money stopped coming in and took it out on Dani and my sister. Mysti... Remember when Dani was telling us what he’d witnessed? He was standing right there... He would have known if it was his father or not. I’m afraid he may now still be after Dani and me even if I have money so I’m scared for both of us.” 

“That’s a reasonable fear, but I’m wondering if Matthew might have gotten someone else to actually kill her.”

“It was his father I am sure of it but the kid is scared. He’s holding back, I can tell.” 

I shook my head and looked at her, “Just... be open to the possibility that it might not have been? We don’t have all the facts yet. I don’t want to be so quick to judge. What do you remember about Matthew? Was he in any gang of any sort? These people he owed money to...”

“He gambled and drank and he was a user but not a very smart one. He knew how to be very charming and he was a looker.” 

“He had the gift for gab but his grammar sucked,” she laughed nervously. 

“What about his relationship with your sister... How did that start?” I smiled a bit. 

“You know, I can’t really member. My sister was a rebel she did whatever my dad didn’t want her to do so she’d go out drinking too. She was smart but didn’t want to be a doctor like my dad wanted for both of us. I always wanted to be a doctor but my sister, well let’s say she would have done better at Annie’s than I did. Anyway.. Where was I....” she paused. “Oh yes, how did they meet... Let me think a minute. I think it was at some bar where there was dancing .. did I say how good looking matthew is.. I think my sister was so taken with his looks and his charm that she was blind to all else. I love her but I think she was more in lust with matthew than in love.” 

I nodded, understanding that emotion from my past relationships, and listened as she continued. 

“Well anyway... Yes, it was a dancing bar, not a place I’d like to go... Not that I’m judging her but she didn’t make wise choices smart as she was.” 

“I see...” 

“I’m sorry Trin, I think I’m just so mad at my sister for getting herself killed. I really did love her and she was such a kind sweet soul.”

“Okay so... they met, fell in lust or whatever, got married and had Dani? Or did they even get married?”

“Yes they were married but years after Dani was born. I was witness at their quick wedding. My parents were mortified even though it was now proper, they still feared for her as I did.” 

“You know I do think Matthew loved Faith but hie antisocial character destroyed all else that was good in him.” 

“So what happened when things started to go downhill?”

“Well Faith would talk to me. she was scared too.. she told me that Matthew was angry when the money from my father stopped coming to her. but Matthew took it out on faith and Dani not on my father.. he was scared of my father so he picked on those he saw as weaker than he was. My sister is not a weak woman mind you but love sure does blind someone. Matthew is not a big man. My father was tall and strong. Is tall and strong,” she corrected herself. 

“Well, I think our next step is to let Alex and Dani sit down and talk. Unless there’s more about the background I need to know, I’ve got a good picture on that now.”

“I don’t know what else to tell ya bout the background unless you ask direct questions.” 

“Okay,” I nodded. “Well I can’t think of anything else right now. I should finish some more notes on this... I appreciate you coming in hon. I’m worried about Dani too, but I really think Alex will be good for him.”

“I think he will too,” Mysti stood and hugged me. “I’m so glad you are my friend.” 

“You know where to find me,” I smiled. 

“See you real soon Trin and if you think of anything u need just holler for me.” 

“Will do!” I smiled and watched her walk out of the office.