Pearce.
This morning I was working in the office when I saw Sommer outside. I went out to say hi to her and she told me that she and Ryker were going to get married at the end of the month. She asked to see the office so I led the way upstairs. She told me about how Jamie was supposed to bring home a puppy but she had a huge white horse and her father was not pleased.
“Max was really helpful last night...” I started.
“Oh was he? He sure is smart, for a kid.”
“Yeah, he’s a smart kid. Listen... if you see a guy named Albert Moretti... Come tell me or Alex right away?”
“Oh! Albert, okay. Why? Is he dangerous?”
“Yeah. He uh...” I hesitated.
“He what?” her eyes went wide.
“Oh Sommer... Yesterday was awful,” I finally broke down.
“Why? What happened, Trin?”
“Alex told me about this guy that’s after him from Boston... from the Italian Mob I guess... and he.. somehow found out that Alex is here..”
“Is here here all the way from Boston?” she asked and I nodded. “No!” she exclaimed.
“He was in town last night... I talked to him in the saloon and he said his name and.... Goodness that voice...” I shook my head.
“Oh gosh...” Sommer blinked. “I think I saw him.”
“Max was real brave though. We got out of there and came here and sent Alex a telegram but I guess he was already on his way home from the desert.” I blinked, looking at her. “You did?! When??”
“A man in a black suit got off the stage. Long coat.”
“With a mustache?”
“Yes!”
“Dark hair?”
“Yes. I said hi to him.”
“Yep, that’s him,” I sighed. “So he was over in Tombstone then too...”
“And offered my help if he needed anything,” she said and I shook my head at that.
“Sommer he wants Alex. This is about to get real dangerous and could get dangerous for me too. We told Jamie and Max never to mention anything to him. Ask more questions than they answer, we said.”
“I will tell Ryker.”
“Do that... We told Abby to let Matt know about it. Matt has jurisdiction as a ranger to go anywhere... And we’re gonna stick around Pearce probably where it’ll be safer...”
“Well I am sure Ryker will back him up. They are good friends.”
“Oh Sommer.. It was awful. And what’s worse is that Alex and I kinda got into a fight over it when he told me. I was so focused on how he hadn’t told me all about this... and I’ve told him everything about me...”
“Do you know how to shoot that thing?” she asked, looking at my gun.
“You bet I do. You think I could be a deputy for all those months and not know how to shoot a gun?”
“I know it must be awful to know he has secrets from you.”
“I was so selfish. I feel so guilty about it, Sommer. I shouldn’t have been focusing on what he hadn’t told me. I mean we all have pasts...” I sighed.
“And to find out now...”
“Reality is that we’re both in danger now.”
“Yes, that’s true. And sometimes it catches up with you.”
“Three months, Sommer... It’s been almost three months that we’ve been together.”
“Oh gosh...”
“I always noticed the scars on his hand but I figured they were from something that happened to him in the desert so I didn’t ask. I could never imagined that he got them from... the same kind of thing that I got mine,” I shook my head.
“You two are so much alike,” she shook her head.
“I know... but I didn’t want to have that in common.”
She reminded me that she and Ryker were both here for me and then headed out of the office.
After a while I decided to head to the saloon, needing a refill on my coffee. I knew I couldn’t stay hidden forever and that I couldn’t hide in fear all day either. As I drank my coffee, I heard the doors swing open and looked over to see Moretti. I decided not to bolt this time and let the conversation go where it may.
“Good morning, miss,” he looked me up and down.
“Morning again. Sorry about last night. I guess I wasn’t feeling great.”
“You with child? That’s what the kid said.”
“Goodness no,” I shook my head and he smirked at that. “Can I get you a drink?”
He nodded, “Espresso. Um.. coffee.”
I chuckled and reached for the coffee pot, “Just made a pot. Should be nice and fresh.” I poured some coffee into a mug and handed it to him. He took the coffee and I leaned against the counter, trying to act casual. “So you said you were new in town?”
“You from around here?” he asked.
“Here and there, I reckon,” I said evasively.
“I just arrived yesterday. Long journey, but hopefully worth it.”
“Here for business, Sir?”
He gave a humorless chuckle, “Business of a sort.” I nodded a bit grimly but tried to hide it and he asked, “What’s your name, miss?”
“Most ‘round here just call me Trin,” I drank my coffee casually.
He extended his hand and shook mine limply, holding on a little too long. “Nice to meet you, Trin.”
I shook his hand and felt the hold, thinking about Alex’s hand and the knife and blinked the image away. “It’s nice to meet you too, Alberto,” I lied. “So um... What kind of business?” I changed the subject as I released my hand from his grasp.
He leaned in close and pointed to his scared face. “Revenge.”
“What happened?”
“You know most people around here?” he narrowed his eyes at me and shrugged.
“Guess so,” I stepped back a bit.
“I’m looking for someone and I think you can help me find him. You know a man by the name of Torii?”
I took a deep breath as my heart started to pound against my chest. “Never heard of him.”
Moretti walked around the bar and got really close, pressing me against the wooden shelf. “I think you do,” he ran his finger lightly down the side of my throat. I swallowed hard and stood still, not fighting him yet. “Not going tell are you?” he stared into my face. “It don’t matter much. I have ways.” I looked down, not answering him or giving him the satisfaction of looking in my eyes. “You’re a real pretty one, aren’t you? I bet the boys around here like you.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “I’ll be around. And I’ll see you again.”
My heart continued to pound as I watched him walk out of the saloon, throwing me a warning look over his shoulder as he left. I leaned back against the shelf, exhaling deeply, and then stepped forward, leaning against the counter. I reached for the whiskey and took a drink as my heart rate continued to jump more than it should be. I could only guess my face was as white as a ghost as I drank some more whiskey.
Alex walked into the saloon and exclaimed, “Morning, babe! I just saw Max off on the train.” He walked over to me and my tears started to fall. “Are you okay?”
“He... and I... And..” I could barely speak.
Alex came around the counter and put his arms around me but I grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the saloon. “We need to get out of here.”
“He? You mean...?” he asked as we walked out and then mumbled, “Shit.”
I saw Abby inside her store and sighed with relief, opening the door. Alex followed me inside and I said, “Abby we need... Upstairs... He... and we....”
“Good morning, Abby,” Alex greeted her.
“Oh, good morning, you two,” Abby greeted us.
“Did he hurt you?” Alex looked at me, worried.
“We can go upstairs, what happened? Are you ok?” Abby asked, looking at me with confusion.
All I could think about was getting away from windows and led the way upstairs as they followed. Alex looked at Abby and shrugged and I reached for Alex’s hand, holding it tightly. “Moretti... He just talked to me in the saloon... He said he was here for revenge and showed me his face... He...”
“Oh no...” Alex put his arm s around me, trying to calm me down.
“He asked if I knew someone named Torii...”
Alex took a deep breath, “Did he touch you?”
“Ok did you tell him you know Alex?” Abby asked, exhaling as well.
“I didn’t say anything... He came around the bar real close to me and held me up against the shelf... He said he thought I did know him and slid his finger down my throat and said.... He said he’ll be around and see me again.”
“If I catch him, I’m going to break every bone in his body,” Alex said angrily and I cried against his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Trin. I really didn’t mean for this to happen.”
Abby motioned her hands as she spoke and said, “Ok hold up you two. As long as he don’t know that you two are together then he has no reason to harm Trin.”
“He knows.. the way he looked into my eyes... He knew I knew... I should have said something. I should have...” I looked at her.
She shook her head, “Ahh but unless he has seen you together or someone has told him he doesn’t know for sure.”
“He MIGHT know. But he’s also good a manipulating people,” Alex shook his head.
“This is where we need to pull a little trickery to get rid of him,” Abby suggested.
“We need your husband,” I looked at her.
“He is out of town today Trin, he had business all day. Trin, don’t let him think you are afraid of him... treat him like you would anyone else.”
“I tried... I served him coffee... But when he came around that bar...”
Alex looked at Abby and back to me. “She’s right. But it would be hard against someone like that.”
“I tried, I really did....” I tried to stop shaking.
“Trin, don’t let even him to get to you. He feeds off that and will use it against you. You’re a Pinkerton for crying out loud... use all your skills.”
“I tried...” I sighed against Alex. “It’s different when it affects... family.”
“You have dealt with some nasty people Trin, and done whatever needed to bring them down.... just remember this is no different. You are doing these things to protect your family,” Abby said.
“I think I should come out in the open. Let him know where I am. That way he won’t be threatening any of you for info,” Alex said.
I nodded with a sigh, “I know you’re right... And I tried.. I just...”
“What does this man want from you Alex? How do you know him?” Abby asked.
“He’s a criminal in Boston. Runs illegal gambling houses.”
“And do you owe him something or did you work for him?”
“I had a rough time a while back when I started gambling a lot. One night, he thought I won too much money and took me and my friend out back. Put a knife though my hand. A few nights later, I took a knife to his face. Big mistake.”
I looked at him with surprise, not knowing that part.
“If it had just been him, that’s be one thing. But this guy is the boss of a crime family. Not as big as in New York, but these families have started a mafia. The connections run deep. I had to leave Boston.”
“So you took his money gambling and when he tried to get it back you got him and now he wants revenge for that,” Abby summarized.
Alex nodded and said, “I thought I ran far enough. I guess there isn’t a far enough place.”
Abby looked at him seriously and asked, “Are their connections only in Boston or do they run in other large cities as well?”
“This family is mainly in Boston. They have some connections in other cities, but mostly they view other families as rivals.”
“Did Moretti have anyone with him?” Alex looked to me.
I shook my head and said, “He was alone. Both times.”
“Ok, Alex I have some... friends in Chicago and i will send a telegram to see if they have anything on this family,” Abby nodded with hesitation.
“Thank you Abby,” Alex nodded.
I told myself to get a grip and said, “I need another coffee. I’m sorry I....” I shook my head, disappointed with myself.
“You’re welcome, Alex,” Abby nodded to him.
Alex put his arm around me as if he could read my thoughts. “It’s okay, babe. I don’t know too many people who wouldn’t be scared of him.”
“Trin, the key is to keep a level head when dealing with this guy, you cant get the jump on him if you are not thinking straight,” Abby said again.
“I know... My head knows it. I just...”
“I understand,” she nodded.
I looked at Alex and asked, “Could we maybe... go to the shooting range? I need to destroy some bottles or something.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” he chuckled.
We thanked Abby for her help and then decided instead of going to shoot things, we would take a ride to Willow Lake and just try to relax.
Willow Lake.
We headed to our spot and sat on the bench, looking out at the water. I was quiet for a while, not even wanting to admit how horribly things had gone down in the saloon. Finally Alex looked over at me with concern and asked, “Are you okay?”
“No... I am definitely not okay.”
“I’m sorry,” Alex looked down.
“I was doing fine until he came around the bar. Then he mentioned your name and... Why the hell can’t I just be a good detective? For once? I didn’t give away any information. I didn’t answer his questions. And yet I still come out looking like a scared little girl who doesn’t know how to do her job.”
Alex took my hands and looked into my eyes. “You are a good detective. Moretti is a scary guy and most men would run from him. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t been so stupid and run myself.”
“I looked Clint Houston in the eye and he was a scary guy. I looked Buckshot Bill in the eye and told him to let it go and then I turned my back and he shot me. I let Chief Standing Bear talk to me in that damn cave and tell me how much he appreciated me before he went and threatened me to tell him where the guy who shot him lived or he’d bring war on the town. I looked Sunset in the eye, the man who killed my father. I looked Harmini in the eye, the woman who killed Sunset after I learned the truth, and then she wanted me to hang him and I got out of that situation too.”
“Trin...” he brushed the hair from my face, “You’re one of the bravest people I know. This is different. Moretti isn’t just a criminal. He enjoys. He... he gets off on it. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I swear on everything I have if he even looks at you again I’ll have his head on a platter.”
“So did all those people I just listed. You don’t think Bill got off on having girls locked in his cells and holding me while he tried to shut me up? Why couldn’t I just gain strength that I had back then and tell him off?”
“You didn’t tell him anything. That was pretty strong in my opinion.”
“I let you down,” I looked down. “He could see it in my eyes. He could see that I knew you.”
“No, you didn’t. You’ve never let me down,” he held my hands as I started to cry again. “He already knew I was in the area. He could tell he made you uncomfortable and tried to take advantage of that. You kept quiet. That’s all you could’ve done.”
I nodded and traced my fingers around his scars. “What now?”
“We need to get him before he does hurt someone. I’m afraid for you. Also for Max and now Jamie. I think...” he hesitated. “I think the only way is to use myself as bait and get him out in the open.”
“Are you sure?” I sighed, knowing he was right.
“It’s the only thing we can use against him. We know where I am and he doesn’t.”
“I want to head back to town and get some more work done.”
“Are you going to be okay? I was going to work in the garden at home.”
“I need to face this. I need to prove I’m not scared of him.”
“He better not touch you.”
“If he does, I’ll shoot him.”
“If he’s around, don’t let him near you. Get some place safe, okay?”
I nodded and kissed him, “See you soon, hon.”
“Be careful and keep your eyes open.”
Coronado, In front of the house.
As Alex went to work in the garden behind the house, I started to ride towards Pearce but saw Moretti standing in the front yard. I took a deep breath and dismounted, going over to him.
“Nice house you’ve got here.”
“How’d you know it was mine?” I asked with confidence.
“Lucky guess,” he shrugged.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot before,” I said, finding strength inside me that I didn’t know I had.
He narrowed his eyes and asked, “That mean you’re going to invite me in for tea?”
I shook my head and looked in his eyes. “You stay away from him. Leave the past where it belongs.”
“Him? So you admit to knowing the bastard?” he took a step closer.
“You heard me. Stay away from him. Stay away from both of us.”
He leaned in close, “You think you can make me?”
I looked him in the eyes and said defiantly, “Leave it alone.”
“Where is he? I know you know. Tell me and I won’t hurt you,” he lightly touched my cheek. “Don’t tell me and... you can imagine.”
I slapped his hand away, gaining confidence. “Keep your hands off me,” I said, backing up. He stepped in closer, not backing down, and I asked firmly, “You wanna try that again?”
He glared at me and asked, “What are you going to do about it?”
“Why don’t you try to touch me again and you’ll find out.”
He sneered and reached out his hand, brushing it over my badge. I raised my right leg and nudged him with my knee between his legs, pushing him back. He grunted and moved back a bit, looking at me with a nasty snarl. He moved to grab me but this time I moved closer and kicked him harder between the legs, not letting him get a second wind. He collapsed forward, clutching himself, moaning and rolling on the ground.
I stomped towards the house and called back, “And stay the hell away from us!” I stomped inside and slammed the door loudly.
As I paced the living room I heard the door open and Alex walked in. “What was that? Are you okay?” he asked, worried.
I spun around, ready to pound another one in Moretti and sighed when I saw Alex. “I am. He’s not.”
“What happened?” he flinched.
“I kicked him where it hurts. And I’ll do it again.”
I couldn’t stop pacing as the anger and strength I had found was now radiating off of me. He looked at me with a big grin and said, “Good for you!” As he watched me pace he asked, “Babe?”
I turned and looked at him and said, “He isn’t gonna touch me again. Not if that kick’ll remind him next time.”
“I wouldn’t touch you again, that’s for sure. What happened? I mean, I know the result... but what’d he do?”
“Touched my cheek. Then I slapped his hand away and asked if he wanted to try that again. He rubbed over my badge and I nudged him with my knee to get him back. He tried to get up but I kicked him in the same spot and got him down.”
He chuckled, “See? You’re strong. Don’t doubt yourself. And any man would think twice after that. Did you see where he went?”
“I came inside when he was still down and slammed the door. I can’t wait to tell Matty about that. He won’t think I’m weak ever again. I didn’t even have to use my gun.”
“That was probably smart,” he nodded and took me in his arms, kissing me. “I’m so proud of you.”
I kissed him back hard and said, “I’d do it again too. No more Mrs. Nice Trin.”
He chuckled, “Sometimes you have to play nice. Other times, you don’t. I’m glad you kicked him.”
“Would have been easy to just shoot him but that would have been against the point. Now he sees I have inner strength and don’t have to hide behind a weapon.”
“It’s always better if you can do it without a gun.”
“Less paperwork,” I winked at him and kissed him hard again.
“I’m still worried though. He knows where we live. We’ll have to keep our eyes open. He looked at me and grinned, “I kinda like a woman who can kick some butt. Or some... well, you know.”
I chuckled and held him close. “I feel amazing. Like a whole new person. Last time I shot someone... ‘cause he was shooting at Skyla and Liz in town... I felt so guilty. Cause I tried to debate if there was another way.”
“Nothing to feel guilty about here,” he nodded.
“Now... I know I can handle that other way. I’ve always known it was about the verbal fights more than the gunfights that I wanted to achieve... But that’s the first time I’ve actually done it.”
He kissed me again and said, “I’m so proud of you! You did great.” He looked at the clock and sighed, “I gotta get going. I have an appointment in town.”
“Stay safe, dear. I’ll be okay,” I nodded.
“I know you will,” he kissed me and walked out the door. I watched him walking out and exhaled finally, feeling so strong and exhilarated.
***
Coronado.
After finishing dinner there was a noise from the telegram. went over to read it and started to panic:
Don't think I didn't see it. I know you're his woman. I've got him in the mines in Old Diamond. If you ever want to see him again, you should be there as soon as possible... if it's not already too late.
I ran outside and mounted my horse, riding off to Diamond, hoping it wasn’t too late.
Diamond.
I ran into Diamond, going straight to the mines. I took a deep breath at the entrance, knowing I had to go in and save Alex. I went inside, looking around cautiously with my hand on my gun. From behind a rock, Moretti came and placed the barrel of his pistol to my temple. “I’ll blow your brains out if you make a false move. Now slowly drop your weapon on the floor and raise your hands over you head.”
I swallowed and dropped my gun, raising my hands. I knew to fight would be pointless. “Where is he?”
He gave a nasty laugh and said, “He ain’t here.” He holstered his gun as soon as my gun hit the floor and roughly grabbed my hands, tying them behind my back. He pushed me to the ground and snarled,
“I’ll deal with you once Torii gets here.”
I fell to the ground and looked up at him, “But...”
“Shut up,” he snapped and I swallowed hard, not fighting since there was nothing I could do. The mines were dark and cold and as we waited for Alex to arrive, I couldn’t help but remember all the times I’d been afraid of this exact scenario. I knew I had to be strong because who knew what would happen in the next few minutes.
After what felt like an eternity, I heard movement and looked over to see Alex enter the mine. His feet made crunching sounds on the dirt floor and I braced myself for what I was about to witness.
“You. I’ve been waiting a long time for this...” Moretti flipped a blade from his pocket and looked at Alex with utter malice. “I’m gonna mess with your face just like you did mine. Then, I’m gonna make you watch while I kill your woman.”
Alex took a step closer and asked, “You think I’m going to stand by while you do that?”
Moretti smirked and took a step towards Alex, then with a quick motion he lashed out with the knife in practiced skill. Alex blocked the blow, ignoring the sharp edge of the blade across his palm, and grabbed Moretti’s arm, twisting it backwards as I cried out his name. Moretti dropped the knife to the floor but rammed his head forward to smash into Alex’s nose. Alex staggered back but recovered quickly to step in with a quick left jab and landed with a hard right cross. Moretti fell backward to the ground with a thud and laid still.
Alex wiped the blood from under his nose with the back of his hand and ran to me, kneeling down next to me on the ground and giving me a kiss. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“Just pushed me. I’m fine. Get these ropes off me,” I shook my head, not concerned about my own bruises. He began to untie the ropes and I looked at him, “Are you okay?”
Suddenly, Moretto rushed at Alex and plunged a knife into his side. Alex cried out in pain and fell to his knees, clutching the stab wound. His eyes grew wide as the blood seeped between his fingers.
“Alex!” I called to him and finally got myself free of the ropes. I ran to get my gun from the ground as Moretti bent down to stab Alex again. I drew the gun at him and ran over to bang Moretti on the back of the head with the butt of my gun. He fell forward, out cold. I rushed to Alex, holstering the gun and cried, “Alex... Sweetie... Talk to me...”
He winced in pain and groaned. “I’m...” He groaned again and took his hand from his side to look at the wound, bleeding from a gash just under his ribs as well as one across his palm. “I’m...” he closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Damn it, Moretti... We gotta get you out of here, hon.” I took off my vest and wrapped it around the wound, holding it against the bleeding.
Alex opened his eyes and looked at me, breathing heavily, “Are you okay?”
I smiled at him and reached to caress his cheek, “Saved your life didn’t I? We need to get you to a clinic.”
He nodded and pressed his vest to his side. “Tie up Moretti first. We can’t risk him waking up.”
I nodded and went over to Moretti, feeling better now that he was out cold. I used the ropes to tie him up and couldn’t help but think of the irony of the moment. Moretti stirred and moaned but didn’t wake. I looked over at Alex and asked, “I’m gonna go call for help. Are you okay in here?”
He nodded and I ran out, calling for help. When I got no answer, I ran back to the mines. “Alex... Let’s get out of here. Think you can walk, honey?”
Alex struggled to his feet and said, “Babe, if you can help me up on Leonidas, I can ride.”
I leaned down and grabbed Moretti’s knife, putting it in my pocket. “Now he can’t hurt us with that.” I helped him up and said, “Let’s get out of here. What do we do about him?” I asked and nodded towards the mine.
He looked back and said, “It looks like he’s waking up. Is there enough rope to drag him back with us?”
“Yeah we can,” I checked the amount of rope. “You wanna? Poetic justice?”
He nodded and we tied up Moretti and dragged him behind us as we rode off.
Pearce.
We rode around town and found the clinic, but it was empty. As we dismounted our horses we saw Cooky walking over towards us. “Cooky! Thank God! We need a doctor.. Can you find us one?”
“What’s up, Trin?” Cooky asked, coming around the corner smiling.
“Drag him inside, Alex. Get yourself on a bed,” I looked over at Alex leaning against the post.
“Who’s needing one?” Cooky asked. “Wonder if there’s a telegram machine in this town.”
“At the marshal’s office. You can send one right?”
“Mmhmm, I can.”
“Alex, you okay?” I asked, worried.
“Don’t worry about me, Trin. Make sure Moretti’s locked up,” Alex grunted.
I went over and got Moretti, looking at Cooky. “Help me get him in the cell, Cooky?”
“Sure thing,” Cooky said.
Moretti looked at me groggily, “Did you hit me?”
“Shut it, Moretti,” I looked at him and grabbed his arm.
“You checked him for weapons yet Trin?”
“Oh yeah, he’s checked,” I started dragging him to the cell.
Cooky unclipped her handcuffs and held them up, “You need these?”
“Yeah you can do that part. We have to make do since there’s no other deputies around.”
I opened the door and went in, dragging Moretti along. “He’s tied but cuffs might help, Cooky. Can you cuff him and then I’ll throw him in the cell. I got the door. Just need you to cuff him.”
Cooky took Moretti’s arms and clicked the handcuffs on him, turning to protect herself a little. “Where am I?” Moretti looked around.
“Just throw him in the corner somewhere. He’s cuffed. Not much we can do till Matty gets here. Quite frankly we just want to be rid of him. He kidnapped me and then when Alex came to rescue me, Moretti attacked him and I went at him with the butt of my gun. Knocked him out cold. All we could think of was to get him here. We shoulda just let him rot in those damn mines.”
“Now yer just stay there,” Cooky laughed, moving the man to the corner. “I see a good butt hit there too!” she looked at the imprint on his head.
“I need to check on Alex,” I said, still worried about him. I walked out of the office and Cooky followed me, locking the door closed. We walked over to the clinic and I went over to Alex’s bed.
“Honey? Are you okay?”
“So how badly wounded is he?” Cooky asked.
“Is he locked up?” Alex looked at me and smiled.
“Yeah he is. Passed out cold in the corner of the sheriff’s office. I think he’ll be okay... Just some punches in some places, right dear?” I rubbed his arm.
He looked at me and pulled up his shirt, showing me the huge stab wound.
“Dang he is as bad as my husband,” Cooky chuckled a little. “He is forever full of them.”
“Gonna have to be you and me here Cooky... He’s got a stab wound in the side here and a cut across his palm... His nose looks busted too,” I looked over at her. “My vest is wrapping his wound at the moment.”
Cooky went over to get the tools she’d need and I watched as she went to work. I was so grateful someone knew what they were doing because I had no idea. I held onto Alex’s hand and helped as much as I could.
Cooky asked, “Can give you something to take the edge off if ya need?”
“Sure,” I nodded.
“Ya sure?”
“I kicked a guy where it hurt this afternoon and then butted him with the end of a gun after he kidnapped me tonight. I can do anything,” I winked at her. “Just tell me what to do.”
“I’m proud of you, babe,” Alex smiled at me.
“Would rather you took a wee sip of this stuff its going to hurt a bit whilst I stitch ya up?” Cooky asked and I held up his head a bit so he could drink the medicine.
“Don’t forget his hand... It’s pretty knifed up there.”
She went to work on the hand and I went over to the sink to wash the blood off the vest. I decided to head over to the jail and told them “I’m gonna go check on our prisoner if you two are okay here.”
I walked out to the office and found the room empty. “How the...” I remembered the jail in Bisbee and how there was a trap door that opened to a tunnel underneath the jail. I felt around the floorboards and found one of them loose. I took it up and found the tunnel, just as I’d suspected. “Damn it...” I swore and put the floorboard back in place, then walked outside and locked the door shut.
Going back over to the clinic I saw Cooky standing outside. “He’s gone.”
“What?! Ouch Shi...rrrrr,” Alex cried from inside. I walked in and he asked, “Did I hear you right?”
I put a hand on Alex’s leg to settle him. “He escaped. There was a loose floorboard and it let him get out of the jail.”
“I should’ve shot him.”
“Next time, honey. I’m sure he’ll be back,” I patted his leg, knowing he’ll be after me but I knew I could handle it now. “Let’s get you home, Mister,” I said, reaching for his hand to help him up. He sat up with a groan and leaned against me. “I don’t really want that shirt back on you... But you might wanna take it home so I can wash it,” I winked.
He nodded and picked up his shirt, throwing it over his shoulder. “Shall we?”
I smiled and helped him out of the clinic. We said thank you again to Cooky on the way out and she told us to be safe. I hugged her and then finally felt the bruises from when Moretti had grabbed me. I hadn’t said anything though because Alex’s wounds were more serious.
“You look like you could use some rest too,” Alex looked at me.
“He grabbed me pretty hard,” I nodded. “Just bruises though. I’ll be fine. Goodnight, Cooky. We’ll have a drink soon.”
“Good night, Cooky,” Alex said and we headed home.
Coronado.
We walked into the house with Alex’s arm around mine and I said, “Let’s get you upstairs, Mister.” We walked upstairs and lay down on the bed. I cringed at my own bruises as they made contact with other things. “Hell of a day, huh?”
Alex took my hand and looked into my eyes, “Thank you for saving me.”
I smiled and kissed his lips firmly. “I’d do it again. Feels like it was a very long day...” I lay back on the bed and looked at him.
“Yeah, it certainly does,” he nodded and lightly touched the bruises on my arms. “Are you okay?”
“Just more scars to contend with. Only hurts when I remember how I got ‘em,” I said and looked at him seriously. “You know he’ll be back...”
“I’m sorry I brought him here,” he looked down.
“Are you kidding? I faced some huge fears today. I feel incredible.”
“You were amazing,” he smiled.
“I thought you were in those mines so I had to come get you. That was one.... Then he tied me up and made me watch as you guys fought but you helped me free... And I got him down without shooting him.”
He nodded and asked, “Remember I told little Max you were a brave girl? I wasn’t kidding.”
“Everyone’s always told me not to show fear to the bad guys. I can count at least ten. But every time I showed fear still and wasn’t smart about it. Until today. I told you I couldn’t live with myself if anything ever happened to you...”
He kissed me and then shook his head, “I couldn’t either. If he had...”
“Hey... He didn’t...” I kissed him firmly and he leaned back into the pillows. I curled up beside him and fell asleep in his arms.
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