Black Diamond.
This morning’s town meeting was definitely a productive one. We talked about plans for the bank and how there would begin to be records of everyone’s deposits there so that when robberies happen we will be prepared. The sheriff shared my report and everyone thought it was very well-written and were impressed by what we’d discovered.
On the way home with Alex I told him I had an idea. “You know the past mayors... before Bill.... I want to check out their house again. I have a feeling that if we dig, they’ll have bank records somewhere. He was a bank manager when he was here.”
“Bank records? Yeah, we should look for those,” he raised his eyebrows.
“We’ll have to be discrete though. I don’t want people to know what we’re looking for.”
“I can be discrete,” he grinned and I kissed him before leading the way outside.
We walked over to the house near the entrance where the past mayors lived Alex looked around, making sure we hadn’t been followed. The door was open so we went inside and I suggested that Alex check upstairs while I checked downstairs. I heard a creaking and I asked him if he’d found something.
As he continued to investigate, he called, “Trin! Get up here!”
I went upstairs and found him holding a bundle of papers taken from beneath the loose floorboard that was in front of him. “Let’s get back to the office.”
“I ain’t read ‘em yet, but they look awfully official. Good idea. Let’s get out of here before anyone sees us.”
We walked outside and were still not followed as we headed to our office. When we got upstairs we spread the sheets out on the table and looked over the papers. I looked back at Alex as I saw the evidence right before my eyes. “It’s all here. They took everything. Other than Meg’s money that bank is completely empty.”
He shook his head and said, “At least now we know.”
“I can’t believe they...” I shook my head. “I guess that’s in the past now. We can move forward and hope these new records the bank’s going to keep will be useful.”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “It does seem crazy, but as you said it’s in the past.”
“We should write a report up for Matt and consider that case closed. I’m sure he’ll want us to keep tabs on the bank records going forward, so we may as well start a new folder for that.”
“Good idea.”
I took a deep breath and reached over for Alex’s hand in support as I wrote the report for the Sheriff:
Sheriff,
Detective Torii and I had a hunch that we should investigate the home of the past mayors', as he was a bank manager and may have had some records or something hidden. Torii investigated upstairs and found some papers hidden under a loose floorboards. The report revealed data for the past four bank robberies that we reported in Diamond. Each of those funds were attributed to the mayors' accounts. Accordingly, we can consider this case closed.
Moving forward, we will continue to work with the records room as the bank teller becomes more adapt to reporting amounts of deposits. We will keep a running file of the amounts so that when robberies should take place, we will make a record of those as well. This should help keep us all on the same page and keep things honest moving forward.
Thank you for your including us in this investigation and we will continue to work hard to make sure that the bank in Diamond is safe for our residents!
Sincerely,
Detectives Trin Paige and Alex Torii.
As I wrote the report Alex said, “You’d think having been an accountant I’d have some knowledge of these things but I really hate numbers. Words are so much more interesting to me.” When I chuckled at him I handed him the report and he read it over. “Very nice. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”
“Shall we head to the office and drop it off?”
“Sure,” he smiled and we went to the sheriff’s office.
When we’d put the report in Matt’s mailbox, Cooky walked over and I waved to her. I hadn’t seen her since we’d met back in May but I had been hoping to talk to her since what happened in the courthouse with Kris on the weekend.
“Cooky, it’s good to see you again. This here’s my partner Alex,” I introduced him.
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you,” he smiled.
She frowned and said, “Sorry... Howdy there Mr. Alex. Nice to meet ya. What’s happening? The towns are so quiet.”
“Cooky... you mind if we talk over in our office? There’s something um... discouraging actually that I wanted to get your help on...”
She raised an eyebrow and looked at us, worried. “Sure thing...”
We led the way to the office and sat down at the table. “Okay... I overheard something in court the other day that has worried me since. I wanted to get your opinion on it because it has been so troubling, but I knew that going straight to Sam, or Carl, or even Sky, might not be the best idea.”
“Carry on,” she nodded.
“Sky is the next person I have to talk to. When TJ was on the stand as a witness against Sera’s attempted bank robbery, he mentioned that Sky was the one who told him about Sera being in the bank. Kris, who was the defense attorney, made the comment that she was an Alvord’s wife.”
“Which is not true, but do carry on...” she said, listening closely.
“Well, normally I wouldn’t hold anything that Kris says past face value. The thing is, I don’t like the thought of it. Sam and Carl insisted to me the other day in Diamond that they’d reformed and that their criminal days are behind them. I don’t want this outlaw reputation to follow them around if that is indeed true. Not to mention... Carl saved my life when Sam lost his temper toward me. I’d hate to think that someone who would do that would be involved with such a group.”
“True Trin...” Cooky sighed. “See, sadly some people here in town have just, well, dreamed up this notion on the family. Which of course is not true at all.” She frowned and said, “Sorry, I keep hearing what sounds like a ringing of sorts.”
“That’s the problem. I want to get rid of that notion. I have known Sky a long time and I don’t believe she would involve herself in a relationship with a man that is as criminal as everyone is making him out to be.”
A barking came from outside the door and Cooky asked if it would be okay for her wolf to come up. Alex got excited about having an animal in the office and Cooky went down to let the dog in.
“So what are we going to do about this rumor, Cooky?” I asked when the animal had been acquainted with all of us. “I know the men want to be rangers or something of that nature.”
“Well for starters, let me put you in the light of things.”
“We’re listening,” I nodded.
“With Skyla and I being sisters, confusing as it might be, we both have the same mother. Just different fathers. Now to explain how the family works,” she sighed, “And I hope not to lose you on this. The Capalini-Alvord name... As you can see an Italian and well, American-Indian name. Don’t ask how that all happened, just that it did. Now many moons ago, there were the Alvords and some of them relations to us did turn bad. We all know that and still are out there... However...”
I wrote down the name ‘Dash’ and showed it to Alex as she continued.
“Our family, the Capalini-Alvords, have studied hard, been pulled down, called inbreds, half-breeds too. Have fought this... And most of us are now in law, in different departments. Anyway, Sky is proud to have been law and hopes to be reinstated, and Carl and Sam are our respected other halves. And don’t like what’s being said about us as a family, but we are getting them to clean up. Taking it day by day. Carl has served to clear his name... and Sammy spends all his time with me riding from town to town.”
“I have seen the change in them.”
“Yes, our father or step-father has a wild side.”
“Who is your father or step-father? Is he still around?”
“However... he has, well, taken to the wind, and Ma says good riddance. Of course if we ever find him, he’ll be taken into custody and sentenced accordingly for his crimes. I would like it known that those that are part of our family and carry the Alvord name... are not tied in with the Black-Alvord-Stiles’ gang... We are not even related, and if some of them remember, I turned in four of those to the law just last week. Miss Sera is not family. I am not sure if she is even in a ‘gang’ and the same thing goes for her daughter, who I do know is dating an Alvord-Stiles member.”
“Her daughter Gina, right?” I clarified and winked at Alex.
“Carl took on the Alvord name, by the way, when he and Sky got married privately that is. They have promised, though, to renew their vows in front of the Lord and well, members of this here community too.” She nodded to my clarification and said, “That’s right.” I winked at Alex and he smiled back at me as she continued, “And Sammy has no last name. He just be Carl’s cousin.”
“So it’s a wild assumption that your family is tied up with this gang. That really does clear a lot up,” I nodded.
“I hope this clears up any wrong,” she sighed. “Well, things you have heard, about our side of the family.”
“It absolutely does.”
“Thank you for speaking with us, it helps a lot,” Alex agreed.
“Oh yes... I would actually put it down to... jealousy,” she sighed. “More on the part of that Sky is with Carl and Sammy asked me to be his wife just a few nights ago!”
We congratulated her and I looked over at Alex as the topic of weddings came up yet again. He nervously looked at his hands and then I looked back over at Cooky.
“Well we don’t want to keep you I just wanted to clear some things up. I’m sure Sky is just upset as anything about all this so I thought it might not be best to go directly to her on this one.”
“Oh, and on TJ and Kris... Well you know how it goes in law. Sometimes you take time to find out the truth and other times... Others fill yer head. And I do know that TJ and Sera have been seen together. Just hope she realizes that Mrs. TJ is... very handy with the frying pan!”
“TJ isn’t with Twist anymore?” I blinked, hearing that.
“Well, it’s Ma too. As she is trying to get back into the law office too... Er, they were a few nights ago? He even danced with me the other night! Under my terms too!”
“Guess some things never change,” I shrugged.
“Just never can keep up with the law with that one too,” Cooky laughed.
We said goodbye to her then and said we’d love to have drinks with her and Sam sometime. She gave us her card and Alex and I headed home to relax before my gig in Bisbee.
Bisbee.
I performed at the Stock Exchange in Bisbee and with all the conversations about weddings and such, Cooky and Skyla were teasing Alex about his knees not working well enough, insinuating that it was time we got engaged. I explained between songs that we wore a necklace which had two sides of a heart and that it was a symbol of our love and commitment to each other. We didn’t need a big fancy ceremony or ring to tell each other how we felt, the necklace was good enough for us. When I finished performing, I hugged him tightly as he was talking with Daryl at the bar.
“Heard about Duke lately?” he asked.
“Not a word,” I shook my head.
“He got shot real bad.”
“He did?”
“Took on five men. Old man took out three before he fell, though.”
“Wow...” Alex shook his head.
“Crazy old Sheriff,” Daryl nodded. “He may not be law anymore but you would swear he still wore a badge.”
“He’s gonna get himself killed,” I shook my head.
“Did ya say that about me too?” Skyla looked over at me and snickered.
“There were days, Sky,” I chuckled.
“Heard his brother is out in Texas now. Not sure why.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Said he would be back in town this week. Somethin’ about not bein’ enough law around to have fun. Go figure,” he laughed. “I’ve been over in Colorado again. My sister was shot. She is okay now.”
“Well Daryl, if you’d stop disappearing there’d be some good law ta play with,” Skyla laughed.
“Oh was she... Glad she’s okay now.”
“I am law. I don’t play with ‘em,” Daryl laughed. “I just work with them when they let me.” He looked at me and said, “Well, Miss Trin ya sang lovely as always, but I must be off.”
“Thanks, Daryl. It was great to see you,” I smiled.
“Alex, always a pleasure.”
“Good to see you again,” Alex shook Daryl’s hand firmly.
“Trin you take care of him,” Daryl looked at me.
“I sure will,” I said and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back and then said goodbye to the others and headed out of the saloon.
When it was just the four of us left, I turned to Sky and said, “Sky, I had a talk with your sister earlier today...”
“Oh?”
“I told her about something that I overheard Kris say in the courthouse the other day. Something that didn’t sit well with me.”
Sky raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Oh, what would that knicklehead be saying now?”
“Never heard that before, but now you say it sis, you’re so right,” Cooky laughed at that.
“Well, TJ had said that you were the one who told him that Sera was in the bank. Kris then proceeded to make the comment that you were an Alvord wife, as if it was a bad thing affiliated with the gang.”
“I told Cooky about it because it was disconcerting to me, especially after Carl saved my life and all...” I went on.
“And yet oddly enough they won’t say this crap around me or to my face,” Skyla sighed.
“Yeah. I just wanted you to know too... I trust that they’re good guys now and they’ve been trying to reform. Yeah they had a past but who doesn’t?”
“I know,” Cooky nodded. “They’re so timid. Only funny balls when we aren’t around! All I can say is we have yellow-bellied law who just listen to whatever they think they should. Too darn lazy to find out the truth.”
“So true,” I nodded. “The law in Tombstone is disturbing to say the least. Sky knows my feelings on it. It’s one of the main reasons Alex and I moved to Diamond.”
“Hell, I have a past,” Skyla said. “And those here long enough remember it. I know some who best get their heads outta their buts and wake the hell up. I wouldn’t be with Carl if he chose outlawing. He had to pick me or outlawing. Ya know how I am, and with all the crap I been hearing they spewing, I’m surprised the street ain’t more full of it. They are testing my patience and sadly that has worn thin.”
“And when they do that,” Cook continued for her, “I want to just go and smack ‘em hard, ‘cause they’re just doing what them itsy bitsy wannabe gang members are! Trashing ‘cause they too afraid and too jealous to come and ask us to our face.”
“I know that very well,” I looked from Sky to Alex, knowing this was going to be their reaction. “That’s why I didn’t want to meet you out there and talk about this, because I’m concerned about you.”
“Oddly though, we have found some that have turned to us in well, the nicer way,” Cooky said. “Might still be outlaw, but they not standing fer the nonsense either. But I tell ya Trin... This garbage... That some have spoken about us... It’s taken a bit hit on my sis. And even our ma.”
“Ya know, ya don’t really need to worry about me and my patience,” Skyla said. “What needs ta be focused on is the fact I don’t go around saying I’m Alvord, and I didn’t mary into it. It’s my mom and dad’s name. I just didn’t know who my parents were until recently, so they can blow it out their windpipes. As far as the law, they know I help ‘em a lot regardless of who I am around. Hell, I even jailed my ex-husband and shot him when he relapsed. So they can ram it.”
“I know, Sky. I just don’t like that kind of talk going around in a public setting like a courthouse. It was wildly inappropriate.”
“And we thank you, Trin, for taking the time to come and find out who we are, and the truth,” Cooky smiled. “None of us have actually said anything about who we are! And as I explained, Sky’s new love took on the family name, not the other way around. So there you go... and he sure as hell not been running around town saying he’s an Alvord or nothin’.”
We talked a bit about the gig and then Alex said that he had to take care of some things. We hugged goodbye and I turned to Skyla and asked her for some help on a list of outlaws and the gangs they are involved in. I figured that Skyla would be a good source for information since she’d been around for years and probably knew every outlaw that existed by now. We went over the list and by the end I had every gang listed with who their bosses were and their members. The Wild Bunch gang was by far the biggest, but what was interesting was that Jhonny was an ex-Regulator, the other one who Lot had hanged along with Despres. I filed that information away to talk with the sheriff about later.
While I had Skyla there, I asked her who the managers for banks were in the different areas and she gave me a list of the ones she knew. I thanked her for all the information she’d given me and then headed back to Diamond to begin editing profile cards for the Pinkerton records.
***
Black Diamond.
This evening I walked out of the office and smiled when I saw Matt and Abby. They were talking about Loreh and Mary and how maybe I could investigate why Dash had gotten Loreh upset again.
“Sheriff, just the man I was looking for. I have a list for you,” I said and handed him the gang members list.
“Oh? What list, Detective?” he took it from me and started reading.
“I had a thought that it would be helpful to know who’s in what gang. So I thought, who knows better about these things than anyone? I went to my friend Skyla who’s been in law for several years around here. As you can imagine she’s met quite a few people, including everyone on that list. Some of the names were quite revealing. The ones on the bottom don’t belong to any particular gang.”
“Did I meet Skyla with you when we first met?” he looked up from the list.
“Uh... possibly? She was sheriff when I became law in Tombstone a long time ago... Back in June or so.”
“She was at the saloon in Tombstone, right after you returned from the trip.”
“Quite possibly,” I nodded.
“Sky has been around love, she is a good lady.. She is married to Carl now,” Abby informed him.
“Right,” I nodded as Alex walked over and I smiled, seeing him, then turned back to Matt. “That’s the other thing... I’ve been talking with Cooky and Skyla about that whole thing... They’ve assured us that Carl and Sam and that family are not involved in the Alvord-Stiles gang.”
“Right,” he nodded.
“Yes, she was sheriff in Tombstone ‘till mid-July I think,” Abby was still talking about Skyla.
“Before my time, Love. I was wandering the plains at that time,” Matt smiled to her.
“I hope that helps you in your cases, Sheriff. I know it will in mine,” I said about the list. “What is this business with Dash and Loreh?” I looked between them.
“I have heard there are two Alvord families in town now, no relation between them,” Abby said and then answered, “We were hoping you could tell us, Trin.”
“That is very true, Abby. As Skyla and Cooky have informed me,” I nodded.
“I know you were love,” Abby turned to Matt. “I was here already and I remember when she got sheriff. She was so excited and gung ho on things then.”
“Well Trin.. seems that Loreh and Mary are witness to one of the many warrants against Dash.. this one is a hanging offense and he has been threatening them,” Matt explained.
“Really...” I looked at Alex and he raised his eyebrow.
“This is quite a list, Trin. mmmm.. Balthazar.. isn’t he boyfriend of Sera?”
“Skyla has informed me that they’re no longer together. Not that I knew they were together in the first place,” I chuckled.
“Oh, they broke up?” Abby was curious.
“Oh and... I have another list for you, Sheriff. This is for our ongoing investigation of bank records...” I handed him the list of bank managers. “Skyla was a wealth of information today.”
“Thank you. Hmm... Cast is the mayor of Pearce? Did not know.”
“I didn’t know that either,” Abby shook her head.
“Well, she said he was a bank manager... she wasn’t sure which so she said assume Pearce. I will confirm that one. Something interesting of note there, Sheriff... with the whole Regulators case... From that other list... You’ll recall that when we last investigated... Despres and Jonny were both hanged by Lot. We didn’t know who this Jonny fellow was... But he apparently was an ex-Regulator.” He nodded and I said, “I’d still love to know what happened to Kaly and to Cym. We haven’t heard anything about the Kaly investigation for exactly a month now. All we know is that it had something to do with the Regulators. And even that is hypothesis at this point.”
“Yes, it has been a while,” Matt nodded. “We will need to stir it a bit before it goes cold.”
“I need your help, Sheriff. I’m not above asking for that.”
“I will see if I can have a talk with Josie.. she may still have letters of her mom.”
“That case’s original intent was to find what happened to Kaly and Cym. All we know wis that Kaly was Lot’s sister and he didn’t seem to care about her being gone. As for Cym... she collapsed in a mine at some point. Other than that there is nothing.”
“Lot is such a caring individual,” Matt grinned.
“Suggestions, Sheriff?”
“I am drawing a blank at this moment.” He looked back at the list and said, “Detective.. I do not see the Alvord gang.”
“It’s just the Alvord-Stiles gang, Skyla informed me.”
“You have the Alvord-Stiles, but not the other one. Oh? Did they merge?” he looked at me.
“She said that the Alvord-Stiles was the only one that was prone to, uh, violence. Right honey?” I looked at Alex for clarification and he nodded. “The others were just a family who were more lawmen types.”
“I think the Alvord is the family, not a gang, that is Sky’s name,” Abby said.
“Right, Abby. No relation to the violent gang.”
“Is that so. Hmm, good to know that Carl and Sam are not prone to violence,” he rolled his eyes.
“Well... They insisted that those men have changed their ways and are reforming. The fact that Carl saved my life the other day... Sam may still have a temper but, I assure you Sheriff... They are different men now. And I also assure you that Skyla would not have married someone who was an outlaw, or still acting as such.”
“I will need to see with my own eyes,” he nodded.
“What is the position of Skyla?” Matt asked.
“She married Si, didn’t she?” Abby laughed.
“Yeah and when they were married he was a perfect gentleman.”
“Si was a well known outlaw and still robbed the bank every time she turned around after they married,” Abby said.
“Well... I can’t speak for her. I just know her well enough by now... And I know what she told me and she wouldn’t lie to me.”
“Try managing the hotel for a couple weeks and you would be amazed at what you see,” Abby laughed and I nodded, remembering. “Well, that’s cause she didn’t know he was doing it.”
“I guess not. But if Carl wanted to kill me the other day, which it appeared he did... He could have. But he chose not to.”
“He would take her home for the night then come back to town. Right, I’m not saying he isn’t trying, but just be careful.”
“Of course... You were there when he saved my life against Sam, Abby. Saw through the window I’m sure.”
“Oh, I didn’t, Trin,” she shook her head. “I was busy with Waterfall hun. She was telling me of the babies when they were in town.”
“Sam was upset that I didn’t tell him I knew exactly who he was when I met him. He wanted to shoot me but Carl stepped between us,” I explained for Matt’s benefit. “Held up his own hands and said, ‘Shoot me.’ Said, ‘I’m not going to let you shoot one of Skyla’s friends.’”
“That was mighty fine of him,” Abby nodded.
“Trin.. that is fine.. my advise, do not let that cloud your judgment.. he may have saved your life, but that is one incident... it is the aggregate of all incidents that are needed to paint a picture,” Matt suggested.
“I know,” I nodded. “Think we should try to find Loreh and Mary...”
“Very well.. bring a bottle of whiskey for Mary and introduce yourself as Irish... she will like that,” Matt said and I laughed.
“Go right ahead Trin, maybe you can get more info from her than we did,” Abby said and we headed to the saloon.
We walked up to the counter and got a bottle of whiskey from Bill behind the counter. They were redecorating the saloon for the ‘meet and greet’ tomorrow night and suddenly we heard a voice shouting for the sheriff, and then for Loreh. We walked outside hesitantly and then heard Loreh shout that Dash was back.
Loreh was standing beside the law office and was obviously afraid. She told us to get inside because Dash had a gun but I looked at Alex, really not wanting to go inside. We walked over to the corner of the bakery, beside the sheriff’s office, and looked into the entrance of the town where a crowd was forming. Alex looked at me and then headed over to get closer to the crowd and pick up some information.
“First time Alex gets to watch something like this... He better not get shot,” I said, watching Alex as I stood with Loreh and Abby.
“If he hangs, he told me straight his gang will make it a living hell for us,” Loreh was telling Abby and then she ran off, leaving Loreh and me standing alone.
“I’ll stand with you, Loreh. Alex will get the information we need.”
“Ya stand too close Trin, you’re gonna be dead too.”
“Did he say anything to you? When he had you earlier?”
“Yes.. as I was telling Abby, he threatened about the living hell I would live and he said to me while I’m down on the floor tied up and blindfolded that I better never prosecute any of his gang.”
“Someone has to do it...” I sighed.
“I’ve been hiding for days Trin, even been in disguise and he finds me here the one moment I am alone.”
“I know hon...” I nodded, hugging her a bit.
“And look at all those people over there.. he’s got two guns drawn and they just stand around like nothing.”
“Alex has a bottle of whiskey... We’ll drink it when this is all over. We were on our way to talk to you about it.”
“Well you’re getting front row seat now.”
“I’ll take the offer,” Thad said from the crowd that was forming.
“The man’s got vulcan hearing when it comes to whiskey,” I chuckled.
“What?! You offered whiskey!” Thad said.
“To Loreh,” I shook my head in amusement.
Matt and Alex walked over then and Matt asked Loreh what Dash told her. They went into the law firm office and I stayed outside with Alex as we looked over and saw Dash standing by Lot. We watched Dash walk in the direction of Bisbee and when the sheriff came out, we told Matt the information and he headed off that way.
Loreh walked out of her office and went to Mary and brought her inside the house with her and closed the door. Matt tried knocking on the door but they wouldn’t let him in. I asked if he needed help and said, “Let me go in and talk to them, Sheriff... We’ve got whiskey,” I winked.
“Go ahead, Trin.”
“Loreh, it’s me, Trin. Can Me and Alex come in? We’ve got whiskey...” I called and knocked on the
door.
“No!” Mary shouted.
“Alex has an Irish accent,” I said hesitantly and he mouthed the words ‘Irish accent’ to me with curiosity.
“Aye so did me ‘usband!” we heard Mary shout back.
Finally Loreh opened the door and Mary slammed it as soon as Alex and I were inside. “Hi Mary... We just want to talk. You can trust us.”
“Ye in me home an I din’ invite ye!” she glared at me.
“We help the Sheriff,” I told her.
“Alright...I trust ‘im,” she nodded slightly. “If ye do anythin I bash ye in tha head with a pan.”
“Hon, we’re here to help you. Not to hurt you. Would you like some whiskey?” I offered.
“No, whiskey make head bashin difficult.”
“Okay... Talk to us. What happened? I know what Dash did to Loreh... but why are you so afraid? Mary...?”
“You okay there Mary?” Loreh looked over at her.
“Do I look alright?” she shot back at Loreh.
“Good Lord, tell me what he did,” Loreh said.
“Mary listen.... I know what it’s like to be afraid of someone. I understand what you’re going through. But you’ve gotta talk to us about it so we can do something.”
She waved her hand and said, “I ain’t talkin’ te no more law.”
“We’re... a different kind of law.”
“All ye want is te make me talk talk talk abou’ tha same damn thing.”
“We do help them, yes... But see... we have a different badge. We’re Pinkertons. We investigate the truth. Then we share that truth with the law who can do something about it and bring justice.”
“Trin, listen please...” Loreh said and I looked to her.
“I don’t know if you know... but we witnessed a murder days ago.”
I raised an eyebrow and said, “Now we’re getting somewhere...”
“And the man murdered was at the table with me and his blood splattered all over me. It was Dash that did it.. and ever since then, he’s been terrorizing us.”
“Mary was there too?”
“Yes she was.”
“I forgot everythin I seen. I don’ know nothin.”
I sighed at Mary as she crossed her arms in defiance and I looked back at Loreh who said, “She’s the one that kept him alive for as long as he did live. I went looking for help.. and since then we’ve been threatened to be hanged if Dash hangs and today threatened that life will be a living hell.”
“When is his trial?” I asked with a slight sigh as I overheard Sam and Cooky talking with Matt outside through the window about Sam becoming law in Diamond.
“I don’t know,” Loreh said. Anyways, I don’t know what else to say.”
“That gives us a clearer picture...”
“Can’t even come out of the house anymore without wondering if one of them Alvords is around. I just want my life back and so does Mary.”
“You sure you don’t want some whiskey? Cause I could use some,” I sighed.
“I don’ know nothin, an I am gettin outta this town soon as I can,” Mary said.
I looked to Alex and asked, “Hon... Check outside and see if Lot or Dash are still around?” He nodded and headed outside.
“He brought Lot with him didn’t he?” Loreh asked.
“Lot was here, yeah.”
“Just like he brought Black foot the other day.”
“It’s been enough time though, they may be gone by now,” I said and then realized, “Means the Alvords and Wild Bunch are working together.”
“I mighta ...asked Lot fer help..dunno if tha’ brought ‘im er no,” Mary coughed.
“How we gonna stay alive with all those inbreds?” Loreh looked at me .
“We’re gonna get someone to help us, Loreh. Just... trust me. I have a plan,” I said. “Don’t go anywhere alone is all you need to worry about.”
“A plan they have!” Mary said sarcastically and threw her hands up in the air. “Praise tha Lord they have a PLAN!”
“And if I were you... I’d wear a gun,” I suggested.
“Ain’t no way I be wearin a gun, give em more o’ a reason te shoot me,” Mary shook her head.
I looked at her and said, “I understand your skepticism, Mary, but trust me. We’re good detectives. This will get better.”
“Trin we have been closed up for what seems forever, can’t go outside, cant see the people ya love.. cant do anything. Mary’s stressed.. I swear if it keeps up we’re gonna snap,” Loreh told me.
“I know, ladies. I have connections that will help us.”
“Everyone has connections Trin.. yet both me and Mary had guns in our faces.”
“I know,” I sighed. “I’m hearing all of this for the first time, remember ladies. Give me time and this will get better. Even a day or two.”
“We might not have that long to live,” Loreh shook her head.
“I tol ‘is woman ....tha if he wanted te speak ....te come unarmed..” Mary said, “Bu’ tha were afore he tied ye up Loreh.”
“His woman? Dash’s woman?” I looked at her and she nodded. “Who is Dash’s woman?”
“Gina,” Mary said.
“He’s been teaching Gina how to do the things he does.. but to be honest, she’d cry if ya looked at her the wrong way,” Loreh explained.
“Oh really...” I looked between them, remembering hearing that Gina was dating an Alvord-Stiles member.
“She’s a good girl I think but trying to impress Dash the rash Daggerd,” Loreh shrugged.
“She were kind enough,” Mary agreed, then looked at Loreh. “Tha boy...”
“Oh my God... Where is he?” Loreh looked suddenly panicked.
“Where is whom?” I looked between them and then wondered what was taking Alex so long.
“I dunno he be Irish he be all over!” Mary exclaimed. “How did I get meself in with tha boy!?” She pointed at Loreh and said, “Ye and Abby... Oh, ye should adopt,” she mocked.
“Oh Mary, he’s out there.. I don’t put it past Dash to do something,” Loreh looked at her. “We gotta find him.”
“If he touch ‘im I cut i’s heart out a ‘im,” Mary said angrily.
“Don’t do anything yourselves, please? You’re not armed... It’d be suicide. If Dash touches who? I missed something...” I looked between them.
“He be a wee Irish boy. he be an orphan,” Mary said.
“Little Max?” I looked at her. “Okay Mary, talk to me. What happened to Little Max?”
“Trin, Max is an orphan boy.. please... you gotta find him,” Loreh insisted.
“They seen me with ‘im,” Mary said. “I’m goin te find ‘im.”
“No... Don’t do anything stupid, Mary. Please.” I tried to block her way and stood in front of the door.
“I will bash ye head in with a pan woman.”
“I mean it... I don’t want you getting hurt too,” I looked at Mary and then over to Loreh.
“Trin, we gotta find him... He’s just a boy.”
“Move!” Mary shouted at me and stared, and I stepped aside, looking over at Loreh.
“Did Dash do something to Max?” I asked her.
They didn’t say a word though, and I watched them storm out of the house and run towards Bisbee. I sighed, watching them go, and sat on the bench to wait for Alex to return. After a while I realized it’d been too long since Alex had been gone and then rode to Tombstone.
Tombstone.
I rode into Tombstone and saw Alex talking with Loreh and a boy who I assumed must have been Little Max. I overheard him tell Loreh, “I’ve been with him the whole time you were talking to Trin.”
I dismounted and walked over to them, wondering how Alex knew the kid. “Was about to send out a search party for you, Dear,” I told him.
“Hey babe. Meet Max. Max, this is Trin,” Alex looked over at me.
“Hey there, Max,” I smiled.
“This is the boy, Trin,” Loreh told me.
“Pleasedtammeetchya, Missus,” Max looked me up and down.
“How did you...” I looked from Loreh to Alex.
“We gotta keep him safe somehow,” Loreh insisted.
“Did he see Dash kill...” I looked to Loreh.
“No Trin.. but those inbreds saw him with Mary,” Loreh explained and then greeted Mary who was glaring at Alex.
“Those...” I looked at Alex to fill in the blanks as Max drew his slingshot.
“Max witnessed an event today,” Alex looked at me.
“Today? What’d he see?”
“I was just going to take him somewhere to get a glass of milk... maybe we should get off the street and he can tell you,” Alex said then.
“Don’t let her lick me neither, Mister,” Max pointed at Mary.
“Don’t worry, Max, nobody’s going to lick you,” Alex said and I chuckled a bit.
I suggested that we go to the saloon but he insisted he didn’t want to go near there. I then led the way to the courthouse and told Max to put the slingshot away as we closed the door.
“Okay, Max, can you tell Trin what you told me?” Alex looked at Max. “She’s my partner, it’s okay to tell her.”
“Today Missus, I was talking to dat Apache and I heared a man say something and den a lady so I looked under the doors of dat saloon,” he pointed across the street.
Mary pushed the door open and said, “Max.....come along. Ye talk to em, it get ye killed.”
“Mary.. You can trust us. Close that door and no one will no he talked to us,” I told her.
“Den she frowed her necklace and said take it and I hope you hang and he said gime the rest Missy and den a Ranger come in. Daryl,” Max continued to tell us.
“Daryl...” I smiled and looked at Alex.
“Yep, Daryl. He walked by us and Max identified him for me,” Alex nodded.
“You ain’t my ma!” Max yelled at Mary and looked back to me.
“Mary please. Close the door,” I insisted.
She stopped her foot and pointed to the floor next to her, yelling something in Irish.
“Excuse me, ma’am, he’s a witness,” Alex told her.
“Shu up,” Mary glared at Alex and I blinked at that.
Alex turned his back on the woman and looked back to Max. “Go on.”
“Den dat coward drawed and dat ranger drawed and Gil drawed and...” he stopped and sighed, shouting something back at Mary in Irish.
“An no I ain’t ye Mother, bu’ yers is dead, an me wee one be dead if ye mother be in heaven takin care of me wee one then I ought te care for ye!” Mary looked at him.
“And den all dat shooting and I runned and den Gill hollered fo a doc and I heard Dash say he had to run and hide n Black Diamond,” Max nodded to Alex and told me.
“You did a great job, Max,” Alex told him.
“Cuz I am a scout like Sheriff Matty said,” the boy said proudly.
“Ye ain’t,” Mary shook her head. “An these fools will get ye killed.”
“Very good information,” I smiled at Max. “You told it well.”
“Yer supposed to be home, woman,” Max pointed at Mary.
“Hey...” I went over and put a hand on Max’s shoulder and he grinned at me.
Alex walked to the door and opened it, gesturing, “You should leave. We’re trying to help all of you.”
“No’ without tha boy.”
We saw Dash out the window and Max instantly pulled his slingshot out.
“Max, NO!” Alex told him.
“No! He’s out there!” Max cried.
“See what ye done!” Mary exclaimed. “All o’ ye jus make things worse fer us!”
“And if you hadn’t had the door wide open, Dash would never have seen in,” I told her.
“He was already after you, ma’am. Now we have info that can help get him,” Alex said.
“It were him openin it!” Mary pointed at Alex.
“Well dis is one christly mess aint it?” Max shook his head.
“Well you made him open it,” I told her.
“Ye ain’t never gettin ‘im!” Mary rolled her eyes and threw the door open. “I be done. I give up.”
Max put his slingshot away and said, “I fink we need a plan. Girls is dumb.”
I looked at Alex worriedly and he said, “Not all girls, Max.”
We helped Max up on my horse and rode off to Diamond where we headed to the saloon. There was a crowd of people dancing and drinking and having a good time, so we figured it was the perfect way to end an intense evening. Sam and Cooky came into the saloon and we toasted to fresh beginnings, as I had promised Sam we would. While Max danced with Victoria, Alex and I danced in the corner and talked about how long it had been since we’d been together dancing in a saloon full of people. After dancing for a while, Alex and I decided to head home for the evening and cuddled up against each other before falling asleep in each others’ arms.
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