Tombstone.
As I sat at my desk working on case notes I heard a knock at the door. I stood to answer it, wincing at the pain still in my ankle as I limped. “Can I help you?” I asked the man with a smile.
“Good morning, ma’am. I’m looking for Alex Torii,” the man smiled and tipped his hat.
“Detective Torii’s not in at the moment, but I’m his partner, Trin Paige. Can I help you with something?”
He extended his hand and shook mine, It’s nice to met you Detective Paige. I’m Max Artemesia. Alex wrote to me about a case. I just got in this morning from Boston.”
“Oh fantastic! Yes, please, come in and have a seat.”
“Thank you,” he said and we sat down across from one another. “I have some disturbing news. Alex asked me to inquire about a Matthew Graves,” he shook his head. “I found him.”
I looked at him, knowing that Matthew was in town but asked anyway, “You have?”
“Even more disturbing, I think he’s found Tombstone. I followed him here.”
I nodded and said, “Dani had mentioned that he was in the area but hadn’t mentioned specifics... Sorry to hear that that suspicion is true.”
“He owes a lot of money to some really bad people. Has gambling debts up to his eye balls and got in with the mafia.”
“The mafia?!” I blinked hard.
“I won’t go into details about what those guys do to people who don’t pay up, but that makes Graves an awfully dangerous man.”
“Indeed... Trying to get money wherever he can to settle his debt, I’ll bet.”
“Exactly,” he nodded. “I was hoping to see Alex this morning. He’s a good friend and I haven’t seen him in a long time.”
“He often wanders around the desert for spurts of the time and I don’t see him until around this time. I actually thought you might be him coming into the office,” I traced around my ring idly as I spoke of him.
“Sounds like him,” Max chuckled. “He’s always been one to wander off alone.”
“Well... he’s been less alone as of late,” I smiled, not sure how much to tell Alex’s friend. “What would you advise we do about Graves? We’re worried about the boy’s safety.”
“That would be Graves’ son I would imagine?”
“You remember him then...” I nodded.
“Yes, Alex wrote to me about the boy.”
“He’s been staying with his aunt... I’m nervous though because we received his mother’s will. It said that his aunt receives full custody of him. I’m guessing his father ain’t gonna like that so much.”
“Any one in contact with Graves is in danger.”
I nodded, thinking they were in grave danger indeed, but resisted commenting as it wasn’t time for those kind of jokes. “Dani also mentioned a girl who could be in danger as well... Dahlia something or other... You know that name at all?”
“No, Alex didn’t mention her. Just the boy and the parents as well as the aunt and grandfather. The grandfather is a well known physician in Boston.”
“Right, Mysti was mentioning that.”
“He’s the one with money, but his daughter had some as well. That’s what Graves is after.”
“The money stopped coming and that’s what we believe led him to kill Dani’s mother. He had no use for her anymore,” I finished and he nodded.
Alex walked into the office then and did a double take when he saw who was sitting in the chair. “Good morning, dear! Guess who’s arrived?” I stood and greeted him with a hug.
“Max! You son of bitch! What the hell are you doing here?”
“I followed Graves out here. It’s good to see you bro.”
I smiled between the men and stepped back from Alex’s arms, a bit embarrassed. Alex gave me a kiss good morning and said, “I see you’ve met my partner.”
Max raised an eyebrow and grinned, “Looks like more than a partner.”
“I didn’t want to spoil Alex’s news, since you’re his friend,” I chuckled and leaned against Alex.
“Well, Max, Trin and I are um... yeah, together,” Alex chuckled.
“Congratulations. It’s about time you found someone,” Max smiled and looked at me. “A real pretty one too.”
I blushed a bit, “Oh come now...” I reached for Alex’s arm as I felt my ankle start to twinge with pain.
“Oh babe, let me help you to the chair. Ankle any better today?”
“Standing isn’t helping it. Just felt a shooting pain through it,” I shook my head and let him guide me to the chair where I sat down. “So... the boys back together again,” I smiled, looking between them. “How long have ya’ll known each other did you say?”
“Forever,” Max chuckled. “We grew up next door to each other.”
“Yeah, I’d trust Max with my life,” Alex nodded.
“And Alex has saved mine a few times.”
I smiled then hesitated, “It may come down to that, by the sounds of how things are probably gonna go down with this Graves fellow.”
“So Alex, I was telling Trin what I found about Graves. You two better be careful. He’s a dangerous man,” Max said.
“I’m more worried about his boy.”
“Same here. And Mysti and Dahlia...” I nodded.
“He owes money to the mafia. I don’t have to tell you what that means,” Max looked at Alex.
“Irish or Italian?”
“Italian,” Max replied and I looked between them as they talked back and forth.
“Not that it matters, they’re both dangerous,” Alex nodded.
“We should make sure that local law is aware of the gravity of this situation,” I looked between them.
“That’s a good idea. They should know to look out for Graves.”
“I have no idea who’s even law right now around here... It changes almost daily. Let me step outside a minute and see if anyone’s around?”
“You have a place to stay? We have an unfurnished attic room you can stay in while you’re here,” Alex offered to Max and I stepped out onto the balcony.
I saw Ryker down in the streets and called out, “Hey Ryker! You busy?”
“Just making rounds, whats up?”
“Rounds? You law around here now?”
“Yep, got deputized last night,” Ryker grinned.
“Congrats! We might have something we need to keep you informed on. Care to come up to the office here and join us? Stairs are over here,” I indicated.
“Okay, be right up.”
I walked back into the office and sat as Ryker came inside. Alex smiled at him. “Good to see you and congrats. This is my friend Max. He’s a detective too.”
Max stood and shook Ryker’s hand. “Just got in from Boston. Alex wrote and asked me to look in on some things.”
“Alex, why don’t you fill Ryker in?” I smiled and rubbed my ankle, knowing I shouldn’t have been standing for that long on the balcony.
“What you guys working on?” Ryker asked.
“Mysti came to see us the other night with her nephew. Her sister was murdered and the boy came here from Boston to live with her,” Alex started. “She suspected the boy’s father did it. He told me the whole story yesterday, said his father killed her with his bare hands.”
“I had a run in with the boy’s dad the other night,” Ryker said.
“Did you?” I looked at him and he nodded. “What happened?”
“He was looking for Mysti.”
“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath.
“I wrote to Max in Boston to look in on it. Graves owes a lot of money. He’s looking for it from the boy.”
“I haven’t seen the boy, but this guy was mighty upset,” Ryker said.
“His wife that he murdered.. her father was giving money to him. When that suddenly stopped, he saw no reason to keep the wife around. He’s up to his neck in debt though,” I explained.
“I can imagine,” Alex nodded. “He’s a dangerous man. We thought you should know that Mysti and the boy as well as one of the boy’s friends, Dahlia, are in danger from this man.”
“Seems like he has a burr in his saddle too. Real ornery fella,” Ryker nodded.
“Not surprised,” I nodded.
“He owes money to the mafia. He’ll do anything to get it,” Max told him. “When I say anything, I mean he’ll go as far as killing his own child.”
“He’s blaming Mysti for the boy being here.”
“Her sister gave Mysti full custody,” Alex told him and Ryker nodded.
“We have the will here locked int eh safe. Dani gave it to me yesterday,” Alex said.
“Graves ain’t gonna be happy about that if he finds out. If he doesn’t already know,” I said.
“Says the boy wanted to come with Mysti,” Ryker told us.
“Dani told me yesterday he ran away to come here. He did want to live with Mysti. Old man beats him and is a drinker,” Alex explained.
“Dani’s scared for his life and I can’t say I blame him. He wanted a new life with his aunt...” I sighed.
“I can’t remember his name, but I remember the face,” Ryker admitted.
“Matthew Graves,” Alex informed him.
“Yep, that’s him,” Ryker perked a brow.
“When I found out he left Boston to come here, I followed him. Wanted to let you all know as soon as possible,” Max said.
“We appreciate that Max,” Ryker smiled to him.
“We wanted local law to be informed. This is bigger than we as detectives can handle, Though we’ll do our best to keep them safe as well,” I told Ryker.
“Thanks, Trin,” he nodded.
“So thrilled to find out that the local law just so happens to be you,” I smiled at him.
“Not that the others will do anything, but I’ll keep watch,” he promised.
“Mmhmm, and that’s why I’m grateful it’s you,” I smiled.
“Well thank you,” he grinned. “Though I must admit, some of the local outlaws looked disappointed to see this badge.”
“Cause they know you’re good,” I giggled.
“That and they wanted me in their ranks too...”
“Hey Ryker, while we’ve got you... We’ve been trying to track down a list of those involved in the attack on cavalry payroll on Saturday...”
There was a knock on the door and I asked Alex to get the door but Ryker went to open it. A woman in a calvary uniform walked in and I asked, “Can we help you, ma’am?”
“My sister said I should come give you some names on the incident in Pearce, Saturday?”
“Well Trin, I cant help you there. I wasn’t around when he payroll got robbed,” Ryker told me.
I smiled, looking between the men and then back to the woman, “You know names? That would be supremely helpful. I’m sorry, have we met?”
“Payroll did not get robbed actually. Seth got it back to the fort.”
“Right... But in Pearce there was an attack wasn’t there?”
“Oh, sorry, Private Demonia, Xaveria Demonia, Nimbrel’s sisters.”
“I’ll let you all get to work. I’ll be staying over at the hotel if you need anything,” Max stretched and yawned then. “Been a long trip out here.”
“Yes ma’am there was,” Xav nodded as we said thanks and goodbye to Max. “I can give you three names ma’am.”
“We’re listening,” I nodded to her.
“The two I shot, Miss Harmini, my former boss, leader of the Mavricks. And Miss Rikki.”
“Rikki and Ansar we know about.. The others are all unknown still. Somehow I’m not surprised that Harm was involved.”
“I was chasing down Ansar when some masked woman wounded me, so thats about as much as I can give you.”
“That’s great help, Ma’am. Thank you,” I nodded.
“Who is this Ansar fella I hear so much about?” Ryker asked.
“Ansar was law for a while... Turned rogue.”
“Yes ma’am, if you need me for anything else, I can be found at the fort most often. Or my sisters Nimbrel or Tambra will know where I am,” she said.
“His name keeps coming up,” Ryker said.
“He was one of the lead marshals when I moved to Tombstone,” I explained.
“Ansar is perhaps the best gun in Arizona, sir. He works for Miss Rikki now.”
“Really...” I looked at her, gathering the information.
“Anything else I can add ma’am?” Xav asked.
“That’s a huge help. Thank you, Xav.”
“Yes ma’am, you folks have a good day.”
She walked out of the office and I looked between Ryker and Alex with a smile. “Well that was helpful.”
“So, this Matthew Graves fella... Anyone know where he is residing?”
“Can’t say I do know. That’s something we should find out,” Alex replied.
“Indeed it is,” I nodded in agreement. “We’ll keep you informed though, Ryker.”
“Thank you, Trin,” Ryker nodded. “Well if you will excuse me, I have some rounds to finish up before lunch. I promised Sommer we would have lunch together today to celebrate.”
“Sure thing, Ryker. We’re headed back to our place for some time alone as well, right dear?”
Alex nodded with a smile and we said goodbye to Ryker and he headed out of the office. “Well that was an informative morning,” I smiled at him.
“It was. I didn’t expect to see Max out here. I thought he’d write or send a telegram.”
“He missed you... You guys seem pretty close,” I smiled.
“He’s like a brother to me.”
“I heard you offer him to stay at our place but didn’t hear his response ‘cause I was talking to Ryker,” I smiled.
“Probably a good thing,” he laughed. “He’ll find his own sleeping arrangements.”
“Alright then... We should still have him over for dinner sometime though while he’s in town.”
“I’m sure he’d accept. Then you can grill him about me.”
“Shall we head home for some coffee? I had breakfast a couple of hours ago but I’m still hungry.”
“I’m starving. That sounds wonderful.”
We walked out of the office and got on our horses, heading for home.
Coronado.
We had some coffee at home and then headed down to Willow Lake where I curled up in his arms and relaxed, enjoying his company. It felt so good to be with someone that loved me so much and wanted to just spend time with me and help me relax.
***
Tombstone.
“Captain,” I waved to Suzy in front of the courthouse.
“Find out who all was involved in trying to steal the army payroll?” she asked.
“We’ve been looking into the case... We know a few names that were involved but I’d rather not talk about it in the middle of the street?”
“Ok great.”
“Can we talk in the courthouse?”
“Sure.”
We walked into the courtroom and I closed the door behind us. “Okay... We know about the attack in Goldfield. Both Jack Smith and Ben were already arrested for that particular incident. However... The incident in Pearce has become something of a mystery. Very few people know anything about it, for one...”
“Alright.”
“I do know, however, that the names Ansar, Rikki, and Harmini are of interest. But I’m not sure if that is all of the people involved, and I’m not sure if they were arrested for the incident.”
“Well Rikki got shot.”
“Have you seen Ranger Matty? I was hoping to confer with him this evening.”
“Not yet today.”
“Alright. I’ll head out to Pearce then. Perhaps he’s out that way.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll keep you posted if I find more. “Stay safe, Captain,” I said and headed back out to get on my horse and ride for Pearce.
Pearce.
I rode into Pearce and saw Matty in front of the saloon. I limped over to him and said, “Sheriff, it’s good to see you.”
“Howdy, Detective... What with the limping?”
“Oh still sore from that incident over in Ghenna. It’s getting better though.”
“Dang.. must have quite a fall.. I had a couple of wounds and...” he moved his shoulder, “Well... almost like.. mmm not so new.”
“I’ve got some updates if you’d like to have a seat somewhere?”
“Sure, come to the office.”
We headed into the sheriff’s office and went upstairs where we sat at his desk. “I just left the captain in Tombstone actually...”
“Very well.. tell me about.. was she receptive?”
“She doesn’t say much,” she smiles. “I did inform her of some names that we have received in our investigation,” I said and he nodded. “I’m not sure if these three have been arrested, or if this is even a conclusive list, but I can tell you what I know so far... The attack that happened in Goldfield where you were wounded... Involved both Jack Smith and some man named Ben. Both, I’ve been told, were arrested.”
“Yes, we arrested them in Benson. It was actually in the border between Benson and Goldfield.”
“Oh, were you able to talk with Private Xaveria?”
“Yes. Xav informed me that Seth was able to get payroll back to the fort. She then told me that there were three names she knew... The two that she shot were Miss Harmini, her former boss and the leader of the Mavericks... and Miss Rikki.”
“Rikki again?” he shook his head.
“She was chasing down Ansar when some masked woman wounded her, so that’s all she could give us.”
“Were Harmini and Rikki arrested or did they escape?”
“You now know officially as much as I do, Sherif. No one else seems to know about the incident. Local law has been uninformative or just plane unaround... And most citizens, even some Rangers I’ve talked to, had no idea the attack even happened.”
“Well.. local for Pearce was me.. unfortunately I was detained in Benson..” he sighed. “I did not know on the attack until later that evening.”
“Well sure... But sometimes local law from other areas could be deputized so it was possible other law could have been involved... Can Rangers deputize?”
“Yes, they can...”
“So it’s possible there was law that were involved and we just don’t even know about it. What I need to do is get ahold of Wedge.”
“The way that I understand it, Detective... US Marshal deal with Federal, Rangers is state, and Sheriff as local.. Each one can deputize at their level.”
“Right, that’s what I figured.”
“However, Rangers will work with law first..”
“You have no deputies here in Pearce yet, correct?”
“Not yet.. the town is getting new folks. That is why I am working as Sheriff for the time being.”
“Just making sure I’ve got all my information. Did you hear that Ryker was made Deputy Sheriff over in Tombstone?”
“Yes, I did.. I think that will be good for him.. provide support to TJ and Kris.”
“I was very pleased to hear that.”
“Let me show you a note, Detective.. this will explain my position as Ranger and Sheriff.. very unusual in these parts of the county.”
“Sure,” I nodded and he showed me the note. I read over it, understanding that being a Ranger would give him more jurisdiction to protect the mines and also know what’s going on in different areas in order to protect the town of Pearce better.
“Makes sense.”
“I discussed it with Captain Suzy and she agreed for the short term.. it is a temporary situation until we get more folks.”
“Indeed. We’ve been needing to build up local law. And I’ve learned that I am much better suited in my current role,” I winked.
“The mine has been producing water according to Cas, the local hermit.. but it should be productive very soon.”
“Good for economy, potentially bad for crime levels,” I smiled.
“Detective.. you are welcome to set your office here.. as you see, there is a lot of space.”
“We were hoping to have a large table to meet around. We had five people in our office in Tombstone this morning and well, it was a tad cramped.”
“I think that here will definitely fit,” he smiled.
“Granted the location of that office is good, it’s more central to everything. However it would be good to have a place here to retreat to and complete paperwork. Is there anything else going on other than the payroll attack that you need my assistance on, Sheriff?”
“Not only to complete paperwork, but to receive confidential informants, Detective,” he added.
“Indeed,” I nodded. “With less interruptions.”
He pointed out the window and said, “There is a vast territory to cover, Detective.. we have Goldfield and Benson before reaching Tombstone.”
“Hey Sheriff, how is Max doing?”
“Max is doing good.. he is a very good kid...”
“Oh good... I haven’t heard from him in a couple of days. Am glad to see that danger has blown over.”
“He was with Abby and I last night...”
“He’s rather taken a liking to Alex as well. It’s good for him to have such good role models.”
“Ah... yes.. that place. mm.... what was the final outcome? I understand that Dash was found not guilty.”
“Right, Dash was found not guilty. He still insists that there is something shady about Miss Loreh but I believe it is more revenge than anything else.”
“Well,” he nodded, “Dash will have a hard time because I understand that Kronos has a very special interest in Miss Loreh.”
“But I haven’t heard a word from either party about anything since... and I in no terms told Dash I would be his informant.”
“Also, Kronos left the Rangers yesterday.. he was offered the Sheriff position in that unnamed town.”
“Well good for Miss Loreh then,” I smiled and nodded to the sentiment towards where we used to live, still not able to go there myself. I idly played with my ring then as Matt replied.
“Indeed.. each have their own set of choices,” he said, watching me. “Mmm.. Detective.. what is that glowing thing in your hand?”
I smiled and said, “Alex gave me a promise ring the other day... We’re a bit unconventional when it comes to relationships... We don’t feel quite ready for the ceremony and pomp and such of a wedding... So we’ve given each other promise rings as a symbol of our exclusiveness.”
He smiled happily and said, “Congratulations, Trin... I am very happy for you... that is great news!”
“Thank you, Sheriff. We’ve been together about two months and don’t wish to rush anything, but we’re very happy. He’s been a fantastic addition to the office as well. You should see how well he interacts with children or even teenagers.”
“Take your time, let things develop at their own pace.. this is very good, Trin..”
“Precisely,” I nodded.
“Which reminds me.. I have been meaning to have a man to man talk with Alex..”
“Oh?”
“Well.. the last time that we had a talk was not in the best terms.. it was the day that you and I were resolving the issues on the decision made by the Mayor of the unnamed town.”
“I remember,” I nodded.
“I want for him to understand, and I hope that you know too, that my talk with you and even the tone did not have anything to do because you are a woman.. that I was treating you as a professional even that I sounded harsh..”
“I understand, Sheriff, really,” I nodded. “I needed to hear it that way so that the point would be made clear. I wasn’t cut out to be a deputy. Maybe I never was and I was fooling myself all that time...”
“Since the first day what we met, I have respected you, and never lost that respect.. you are a professional and one of the best, if not the best detective that I have met.”
“Sheriff, that’s incredibly kind of you to say...” I blushed a bit.
“Detective.. nothing incredible about it.. it is the truth... you have produce very good information.. I wish that many of the other law would see the value of it... but we will change that little by little,” he winked.
“Granted, when Skyla was still sheriff she showed me the same amount of respect and interest, but that’s the only other one I could put on this level.”
“I think that we never stopped working together.. just things were a bit challenging for me at times.. that was my fault.. I take responsibility for not be more attentive.”
“I was kidding myself for thinking I should have been a deputy. Ever since I lived in Georgetown in ‘69 I have been a Detective. That never changed no matter where I went since then. Even when I came to Tombstone, I was still a detective looking for a new place to start over. It’s always been apart of me, Sheriff... Being deputy was... lying to myself almost. And I needed a friend like you to make me see it. As hard as it was in the moment.”
“Now, Detective.. moving forward.. I see two general categories of investigation.. the tactical for short term cases to find motives and possible witness in a case.. and the operational where we gather information of trends and patterns of groups of people or gangs.. who is who, chain of command, modus operandi..”
“The list of gangs...” I nodded.
“Yes, the list of gangs,” he smiled. “But going deeper.. who specializes in what.. like Dash, he likes to prey on single women. That is something that can be gathered by observing and getting informants.”
“Speaking of which... I was going to show you our master list... It’s extensive... and I update it daily and telegram a copy to Mayor Wise.”
“Oh?”
“Would you like a copy, Sheriff?” I smiled.
“Of course,” he said and I handed him the sheet.
“Brace yourself,” I winked as he started reading it.
“Dang.. this is very good...”
“See... We’ve been gathering this kind of intel since I began back in May,” I smiled. “There are still a few blanks, to be sure, but that is everything that we know or hear from others.”
“This is very good,” he nodded. “And you have method of operations.. .dang.. were we talking with each other?” he laughed.
“See... we don’t just sit around and drink coffee all day,” I winked.
“Excellent... Very good.”
“I can send you a copy every day once I’ve finished and sent to Mayor Wise, if you like... Keep you in the loop as both a ranger and a sheriff? I believe I have authority to do that,” I chuckled.
“Yes, please... I like this.”
“I mean we don’t just hand that list out to just anyone... Of course... But seeing as you’re the sheriff and ranger I work with most directly.. I trust I can keep this list between you and me and Alex and Mayor Wise.”
“Then we can match it with the list of gangs.. as a whole, certain gangs will specialize in specific crimes,” he smiled.
“Indeed. Hence the ‘method of operation’ section,” I winked.
“Right. Need to put his in a very safe place.”
“Mmhmm. That’s my baby, as it were. I have three copies written out with updates constantly. Stored securely.”
“Indeed it is.. you can interview me as well as Abby..”
“What I need help with actually, Sheriff... Height, eye color, finger markings, boot size, weapons carried, sample of shells... I need law help for those. The mayor wants to gather that information at the scene of a crime but... How often are Detectives witnesses to these events? We merely help and investigate them after.”
“Very well,” he nodded. “We can provide a blank copy for the sheriff to fill out when they have a prisoner in the holding cell.”
“I don’t know if you can gain any of those from past records at all...?” I handed him a blank copy.
“I like this,” he smiled again.
“I figured you might.”
“This is very good.”
“This is how I remember details. If it isn’t on these cards, I have no idea,” I chuckled. “Plus it really helps when we come across an incident and I can just pull one of these files and recall everything I know about them. For instance... It was said in passing as a joke but he may have been serious. I was talking with Gina and Dash, just casually, figured I’d see if they’d heard about the attack in Pearce. He jokingly said that he would just be telling me lies because it was his people. However, knowing that he is a leader of a rather prominent gang... I wonder how truthful it may have been.”
“He jokingly said that he would just be telling me lies because it was his people. However, knowing that he is a leader of a rather prominent gang... I wonder how truthful it may have been.”
“Hmm.. Dash is still a follower, Trin.. Blackfoot and Chrissie are the leaders.. but in their absence.. Dash fills the void.”
“Sure... But you have to admit for him to passively joke about such a thing...” I nodded.
“I know... this is good.. hard to hide the truth when the person is lying all the time.. you get them in the contradictions... then get confirmation.”
“Mmhmm, indeed. I hope this helps, Sheriff...?”
“Yes it does... Hmm... Harmini and Ansar.... Rikki is still a loose cannon.. but the other two?”
“Oh, Ansar is also working for Miss Rikki now. Xav did mention that fact.”
“Very well, Detective... this is very good...”
“The fog is lifting then,” he grinned.
“Mmhmm. I should get to work on the files for today. Thank you for meeting with me.”
“Thank you, Detective,” he tipped his hat.
“And I’ll be sure to pass along the message to Alex that you wish to speak with him.”
“I will be getting some dinner.. and please, do so.. time to start anew and put the bad feelings away.. I know he was defending you, but he needed to also know that it was just you and I having a serious discussion..”
“Agreed. We will have dinner, the four of us.”
He reached over and hugged me, “Congratulations again.. Abby will be very happy to hear the news.”
“Thank you Matt,” I hugged him tightly.
“Be safe, Detective,” he smiled and turned to head downstairs.
“You too, Sheriff,” I smiled and got to work.
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