September 29, 1899

Bisbee/Black Diamond. 

I walked into Bisbee and exhaled deeply, relieved to be back. It had been an emotional weekend saying goodbye to the family ranch and helping my mother and Joshua move into the small cabin, but I was glad that I had gone. We had needed to be together as a family so we could put the past behind us and move on. 

I decided to go to Black Diamond to see what was new there. As I walked into town, Ryker was walking out so I waved to him. 

“Hello Trin,” he tipped his hat. 

“Afternoon, Deputy,” I nodded to his new badge and smiled. 

“On my way to Brother D’s service,” he told me and I was relieved to hear the rumors of the priest’s hanging had been unfounded. 

“Oh that’s right, that’s today.” 

“Yes Ma’am.” 

“I was just heading into Diamond... See who’s around. Just got back from up north.” 

“Sheriff is there,” he nodded. 

“A long and somewhat emotional weekend but I’m... home now,” I said hesitantly. 

“Sorry to hear that, Miss Trin.” 

“We’ll catch up after the service then,” I smiled at him. 

“Yes Ma’am,” Ryker tipped his hat and headed down the street. 

I walked over to the sheriff’s office and the door was closed. Jamie walked over and greeted me and then there was a voice that came through the window. Matt was asking Jamie to come inside and I nodded to him as he walked out of the office with Bill. 

“Young lady... Come to my office,” Matt said to Jamie as Abby walked over to us. 

“Hello Trin,” Abby smiled at me. 

“Detective Trin... So glad to see you’ve returned,” Bill smiled. “How was your trip?” 

I knew that the tiredness would be showing on my face and nodded to him. “It was... exhausting. We said goodbye to the ranch,” I added with a slight sigh. 

“You’re not arresting me, are ya?” Jamie asked as she and Abby walked into the sheriff’s office and I wondered what was going on as the door closed behind them. 

“Sorry... I have a meeting and I’m late,” Bill looked at his pocket watch. “Shouldn’t take long.” 

“Oh, okay. I was just going to see who’s around. Let people know I’m back and ready for duty. I’ll catch up with you soon, Bill,” I waved to him and headed back to Bisbee as he went on to his meeting.