Tombstone.
This morning I walked into the Oriental on Allen Street and Carl handed me a drink. Sam told me he’d become a Ranger and we talked about how we were both living out in Coronado. Sam and Carl went to play darts and I headed outside and went to the office.
Alex walked into the office and we hugged each other. “Good morning!” I smiled and greeted him.
We talked about the night before and then he looked into my eyes. “You know...”
“Yes dear?” I looked into his eyes.
“I love you very much. And...” he shuffled nervously and swallowed hard. “Um...” he dug around in his pocket and pulled out a box, then got down on one knee.
“What are you...” I blinked, looking at him.
“Will you be my promised one?” he looked into my eyes.
The ring was sparkling and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. My eyes widened and I asked, “Like a... promised ring?” When he nodded I started to cry tears of joy and said, “Yes, baby, I love you so much. I don’t want to be with anyone else!”
***
This afternoon we went down to Willow Lake and took some pictures of us with our rings on. It felt so magical knowing that this man loved me enough to show the world that we were exclusive. We didn’t need weddings or a big ceremony to show the world how we felt about each other. What mattered was that we loved each other and would always be there for one another.
After we were finished, Alex took the pictures back to the house to get developed and I went for a ride. I stopped in front of Cooky and Sam’s house and hugged her excitedly, showing her my left hand.
“Ohhh my goodness! Did we frighten him into it?” Cooky grinned big.
“Alex gave me a promised ring!” I smiled widely.
“Oh, no marriage, Trin?” Sam asked skeptically.
“We thought it would look better than the necklaces we were wearin’,” I winked.
“That is beautiful,” Cooky smiled.
“Not quite yet, Sam... We’re just enjoying the moments and enjoying one another. It’s only been a couple months,” I explained.
“Ahh, well I got all happy then,” he sighed.
“It’s just as good in my opinion. I still have a ring, don’t I?” I winked at Cooky.
“Yes, you do,” she winked back. “I am so happy for you!”
“Well, a promise ring? What he promise not to do smelly farts?” Sam asked.
“Nice place you got here!” I said and then glared at Sam playfully.
“We decided to keep the other house too! Going to put Carl up in there.”
“Oh yeah? I heard they split up,” she frowns.
“Well Trin, don’t expect a hug from me but a congrats. But tell that man to buy a marriage ring not farting ones.”
“Talk to him, would you, Cooky?” I held out my hand to point at Sam.
“And yes they did.... but you know... there is always a reason why and as friends we should just help them to well adjust to a new life.”
“Uhm, what you want me to do with that?” Sam looked at my hand.
“Never mind,” I chuckled.
“They will... In their own time,” Cooky grinned. “We just don’t want to wait that long.”
“Alright, wasn’t too worried. I saw dat ring though looks nice,” Sam said.
“Uh huh. I was on my way to the courthouse. Couple big trials goin’ on there today.”
“What cases are happening?”
“Couple hanging ones. Can’t wait to see how they turn out. Dash and Jack Smith I reckon.”
We talked a bit more and then I rode off towards Tombstone, hoping to find out the verdict of the trial.
Tombstone.
In front of the courthouse, people were filing out. Nim and Kris were talking to Pet about something and then Dash walked out exhaling deeply with relief. I figured I did’t have to ask what the verdict is and Pet told me that he wasn’t guilty. I sighed, but didn’t know if it was out of relief or not.
I saw Skyla and ran over to her excitedly to show her the ring. “He gave me a promised ring this morning. Gorgeous, huh?”
“Just a promise ring? And ya, it is.”
“Someone’s marryin’ that woman?” Jimmy Dac said as he watched.
“It’s only been a couple of months,” I nodded.
“That’s good, Trin. I’m glad!” Sky smiled.
“We’re just takin’ it slow,” I smiled. “Just showin’ the world we’re exclusive!”
“Sounds like me and Carl working on ours again,” she laughed.
“I’m really glad to hear you’re working it out,” I smiled.
“Bet ya ecstatic too.”
“Mmhmm. Can’t stop smiling.”
“Well, if he had his way he’d be back by my side I think.”
“So I wonder, what exactly did he promise her?” Jimmi asked then.
I looked over and said, “He promised that it’s just me and him.”
“He hadda give a ring to do that?” Jimmy asked. I shook my head heard him say, “Glad your not that way darling.”
“Nah,” Kacee grinned at him. “I don’t need none a that. I know who I belong to.”
Skyla glanced over with an amused look and said, “How about it something that symbolizes a meaning to two people, whether you believe it or not?”
Valk’s sister Minny came over and I talked with her about her rabbit, ignoring the continual whispers from Jimmy and Kacee. Minni decided to go for a ride and I said goodbye to Skyla and headed bak to Coronado.
***
Cornado.
While sitting in the living room at home, I heard the door open and smiled when I saw Alex. We hugged and I suggested we head over to Pearce so that I could update him on some investigation details from last night.
Pearce.
We stopped in the saloon and I started to update him. “So Castion was talking through telegram about setting up some desks in the office upstairs of the sheriff’s place. We’d be sharing it with Nim though. But I’m thinking that we need a place here to sit and work so it might be ideal... Wouldn’t have to pay rent either.”
“Oh, okay,” he nodded.
“I’ve got some updates for you though....”
“Oh yeah?”
“First of all... Dash was charged not guilty at his trial today. So I guess that means Loreh and Max are safe.”
“That’s good they’re safe at least.”
“One problem though...”
“Yeah?”
“Loreh suspects Mary of being involved with the outlaws.”
“I’m not entirely surprised to hear that. She seemed a little um... I don’t know what word I’m looking for. Not cooperative for one. But more like she seemed to be asking for trouble.”
“Yeah, I was about as surprised as you. Though I acted surprised in front of Loreh.”
“She said that the other night, Mary told her somewhat forcefully to testify not guilty at the trial. She promised she would out of trying to calm her down but Mary wanted her to come with her to tell Blackfoot directly. She said she wouldn’t... then Mary left. A few minutes later Dash and Black were at Loreh’s door. If Max gets caught up in all that... Max told me that Lot got him to break Dash’s window. He tried to get me not to tell you about it but I didn’t promise him I wouldn’t.”
“Max told me he broke the windows, but I thought it might be influenced somehow,” Alex shook his head.
“Yup. Wonder why he didn’t want me to tell you about it if he’d already told you.”
“Probably didn’t want you to tell me who set him up to do it.”
“I told him about what my boss said when I first became a Pinkerton... The information we gain is more valuable than the battles we fight. I told him when he does stuff like that, he’s taking away the job from the lawmen.”
“Good advice.”
“I think he got it... I hope he got it...” I sighed.
“He’s a smart kid. But he’s still a kid.”
“He is. And darn cute in that Apache outfit.”
“I bet,” he chuckled.
“Let’s see if there’s anything else.. Oh... Sam’s a Ranger now.”
“Sam is? Wow, I guess that’s good.”
“Guess so. Not sure what Carl’s gonna do yet. I think that’s it... Oh. This guy was bein’ kind of a jerk to me earlier.”
“Yeah?” he looked at me. “What guy?”
“Jimmy Dac... and Kacee were standing in front of the courthouse when I was tryin’ to explain to Skyla about how our ring isn’t an engagement ring but a sign to the world that we’re exclusive...”
“So this Jimmy fellow decided to say something?”
“Jimmy and Kacee were goin’ back and forth about how it seemed silly, but Skyla defended me sayin’ we were unconventional and this worked for us and it was nice when you weren’t around in the evenings for me to have a visual that helps me feel like you’re still with me...”
“That was nice of Skyla. But that Jimmy better watch his mouth.”
“He was whisperin’ something to Kacee... Ain’t sure what they said but I’ll bet you it weren’t good. He kept saying he was glad Kacee wasn’t like that and Kacee was like, ‘I don’t need none of that to know who I belong to’..”
“Kacee’s just jealous.”
“Don’t really care what they think. The people that know us understand it and that’s all that matters.”
“I don’t really care what people say either, it’s what works for us. But you can bet if Jimmy runs his mouth off like that in front of me, I’ll punch him hard enough he won’t be able to talk.”
“Kinda wish you were there to do just that. Show him what happens when you’re around,” I winked.
“I kinda do too,” Alex chuckled.
“So I guess now we wander around and see if there’s more cases for us to solve?”
“Sounds like a plan,” he nodded.
“Shall we head to the office in Tombstone, dear?” I asked and he nodded, following me out the door.
Tombstone.
“I do love this office...” I smiled. “I love it even more because it’s where you gave me this ring.”
He smiled and we sat down at the desk, not sure what to do next. Before we had time to ponder it, the door opened and Mysti walked into the office. I jumped up and greeted her. “Mysti!! It’s been forever, woman!”
“Trin I have been looking all over for you.. I am now living back where I used to live where you had your office in Bisbee I like that place.”
“Oh that’s right! How does it feel being back there?” I asked, sitting back down at the desk.
“Good evening, Sir,” she looked at Alex and then looked back at me, “I need your help, Trin. So much has happened.”
“Mysti, you remember my partner, Alex...?”
“I’m Alex. We met back quite some time ago,” Alex said then.
“I know you have spoken of him but I don’t remember every meeting him... sorry about that.”
“Oh it’s alright,” I smiled, having a hard time containing my happiness when I looked over at Alex.
“Well, good to meet you again Alex. Sorry that I don’t remember but I won’t forget again,” Mysti smiled.
“You might want to remember him now... He’ll be around a lot,” I blushed a bit.
“It’s alright. I think it was my first day in the area,” Alex smiled at her.
Mysti suddenly looked down at my hand then and hugged me, “Ohh Trin! Congratulations!!!”
“Alex gave me a promised ring this morning,” I smiled. “We’re showing the world that we’re exclusive!”
“Congratulations to you too!” she looked over at Alex. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Thank you,” Alex smiled.
“We’re over the moon,” I smiled. “We bought a place over in Coronado. We’ll have to have you over there sometime.”
“That would be nice, hon. I’d love it and please don’t forget to invite me to your wedding!”
“Now, now, it’s only been two months,” I chuckled.
“Which is really like two years.”
“Well... we’re unconventional, you know that,” I winked.
“That’s why I love ya!” Mysti exclaimed and we chuckled at that.
“Well you didn’t come over here to talk about me and Alex... What’s goin’ on, Mysti?” I looked at her, turning serious again.
“Well Trin, I do need your help.”
“Have a seat hon, we’re happy to help. And you know I’ve already closed one case for you,” I winked.
She looked to the ground and said softly, “My sister in Boston was killed. Her son is out here and I am taking care of him now. He’s a good boy. I have a feeling her good-for-nothing SOB husband killed her, but I can’t prove it and I was wondering if you knew of a good detective in Boston. I don’t have much more now because I moved and will have to care for my nephew, but I need resolution.”
“Boston, huh?” Alex raised an eyebrow and I looked at him. “That just happens to be where I’m from.”
“Yes, I am from Boston. It’s where my family still lives.”
“Do you still have contacts there, honey?” I looked at him, noticing his frown.
“Yes, I could write some letters,” he nodded to me.
“Oooh, maybe you knew my father. He aws a doctor there. His name was Dr. Matthew Dream. Did you know him?”
“Dr. Dream... don’t think I know him. I have a good friend I can contact for you.”
“You came to the right place, Mysti!”
“I always come to the right place when I come to you.”
“What was your sister’s name?” I asked.
“Faith Dream, well Faith Dream-Graves.”
“Important details to know... I am so sorry for your loss though. First your husband, now your sister...”
“Seems you are always saying that to me.. yes I have had a lot of losses this last year.”
“You sure have,” I nodded.
“But I have a wonderful nephew with me now. He’s a bit lost here but he will find his way.”
“How old is he?” Alex asked.
“Fifteen.”
“What’s his name? Maybe he might remember something... Alex just so happens to be great with kids.”
“Daniel Graves.”
“Graves?” I blinked. “Like Serenity Graves?”
“Yes but no relation that I know of.”
“I hope not. That would be an unfortunate twist. Anything else you can tell us?”
“Well maybe if I get Dani up here he can tell you more bout his father.. I just don’t know what his frame of mind is. It’s all been so hard on him. I will be right back with Dani.”
She headed out of the office and we waited for her and the boy to return. When they did, introductions were made and they took a seat at the desk.
“Dani, I think your father is the one who put your mother in the grave and I want my friends here who are detectives to prove this. Can you help?”
“So, Dani, you aunt tells me you’re from Boston?” Alex asked.
“Um yes ma’am... Sorry...” Dani nodded to Mysti then.
“Did you like Boston?” I asked.
“I’m from there myself,” Alex said and I smiled.
Dani smiled sheepishly and said, “Well... the city was nice... I was used to it I suppose... But, certain memories I think should be left where they fall.”
“This is a good place to find a new start,” Alex nodded.
“First night he was here and his friend got shot,” Mysti scowled.
“I know what that’s like too..” I shook my head.
“Not a good first impression then,” Alex agreed.
Dani looked down faintly and sighed. “I knew I shouldn’t have gone off like that.. but I was so used too when I was alone...”
“How did you come out here? By train?” Alex asked.
“Well some... where there where trains to take, and some by horse and buggy, but it was a long journey that’s for certain.”
“Yeah, it is far. Is your dad still there?” Alex asked and I let him do the questions.
Dani looked out the window and said, “He is....Thank god he is....”
“Are you afraid of him?”
Dani swallowed and said, “W-Well not necessarily that... he just... had his... side.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t mean you’re not brave or anything. But I know how some people can be. Did he ever hurt you or your mom?”
“When he would drink... that side would shine through like the red glare of the harvest moon...”
“Did he drink often?”
“Alcohol sure turns people into monsters sometimes..” I nodded.
“Doesn’t mean they’re bad people, but sometimes they do bad things. Did your dad do something bad?” Alex said.
“When he wasn’t drinking he was either working... well... he.. never mind, it’s irrelevant,..” Dani looked down.
“Working or...?” I looked to Alex with a thought and turned back to Dani. “It might seem irrelevant but it could be important, Dani”
“He would gamble sometimes... and he owed money alot of the time... if it wasn’t him someone had to take the blame...” Dani sighed and I took a deep breath, realizing how serious this would become.
“Dani, do you now who he owed money to?” Alex asked.
“A lot of the time it was rough folk, the kind who had a gun for everything... even opening a can.”
I sighed, knowing that my suspicion had been confirmed, and Alex asked, “I know these questions are hard for you, but you’re doing a good job. Do you think one of these people might have hurt your mother?”
“My father owed a lot of money then... but the truth is, my mother wasn’t shot....”
Alex looked at him and asked, “Do you know what happened to her?”
“I thought...” Mysti said and trailed off, looking at Dani in surprise.
“It’s okay, Dani. Take a deep breath then tell us what you can. This is really important and you’ve done a great job so far,” Alex said as I realized the plot had just thickened.
“She Was braver then I, but thought I was only told, Bravery is what takes souls, and what took hers.”
“What do you mean, Dani?” I asked.
“Did she risk herself for you?”
“Dani, it’s very important that you tell us what you know. We want to help.”
“She did... if it wasn’t for me... she would have never had to suffer the way she had...”
Alex crouched down in front of Dani and lowered his voice. “I know how hard it is to talk about someone you’ve lost. Especially when you feel guilt about it.” I stayed quiet, thinking about how Sunset had been killed because of me, but let Alex talk. “But any parent would die a thousand deaths to save their child. You don’t have to feel guilty about that. Do you know how she died?”
“I was present... and...” Dani started but hesitated as we heard knocking downstairs. “Is that downstairs?” Alex looked at me.
“Keep going,” I insisted, not wanting to lose Dani’s focus. I heard Lot shout something at someone and I swore under my breath.
“Dani, please, go on and tell us,” Alex invited.
“It’s okay Dani, just go slowly hon,” Mysti reached for Dani’s hand.
“I was there at the moment of death... the weapon was a hunting knife I think.. and she... she was stabbed.. as she threw herself to fight him off.”
I raised an eyebrow at that and Alex took a deep breath before asking, “Do you know who this man was?”
“What happened to the knife then?” Mysti suddenly blurted out.
Dani sighed and said, “She was dying when she told me to run, But I was stupid and ran for a hammer instead, when I came back she was already gone. And he was too... The knife I think is still there, Where they buried her.”
“Did you recognize the man?” I asked again.
“I need some air.. I will be right back,” Mysti stood and walked out of the office and I could see she was close to tears.
Dani hesitated and then said angrily, “No... I could have never recognized him.”
I noticed both the hesitant and the anger and looked at Alex. “Maybe we should... let them get some sleep? Continue this later?”
“Yeah, that might be enough for one night,” Alex nodded as Mysti returned to the office.
“We really appreciate you guys coming in and asking for help. We will keep you posted, Mysti,” I looked at her.
“Thank you...” Dani stood and bowed his head.
“Thank you, Dani. You did a good job,” Alex smiled.
“Of course, Mysti. You’ll keep us apprised if anything else transpires?”
“I still think it was his father,” she muttered under her breath.
“He’d recognize him if it was his father,” I looked at her.
“We’ll do all we can,” Alex smiled at Mysti.
“Thank you both so much, and congratulations,” she smiled at us.
“Get some rest, you two,” I smiled back.
“Dani, don’t hesitate to come talk to us if you can remember any details,” Alex reminded the boy.
“I will remember that....” he stood silently and then followed his aunt out of the office.
As I watched them walk out, I wondered how much one woman had to suffer and leaned my head on Alex’s shoulder.
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