September 4, 1899

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked into the sheriff’s office on Allen Street to make sure that I knew the current warrants and was updated as I could be. I read from my current list to make sure everything was accurate: Two for Jet Black, One for Jac, Two for Harm, One for BB, Two for Nikki Mullery, One for Clint Houston, One for Alphawolf, One for Dominic James. 

Bisbee. 

I walked back to Bisbee and got to work with my notebook. Two women walked over and I thought that I recognized the one woman. “You’re Ruby right? I’ve heard Spank talking to you at my gigs at the Stock Exchange. Don’t think we’ve been officially introduced though.”

“Well very pleased to meet you.” 

“Same to you,” I smiled. 

“I’ve really enjoyed your singing. You sure have a beautiful voice.” 

“Lovely town ya’ll have here. Proud to be apart of it. Why thank you. That’s so sweet.”

I nodded to the other girl and said, “Don’t think we’ve met before.”

“Ah well.. this is miss Polly. She is kinda new.” 

“Oh, Miss Polly. Good to meet you. I’m Deputy Trin Paige. Just showin’ her around town?” 

“Yep,” Ruby nodded. 

Spank joined us then and we talked for a long while about the weather and the quietness of the town. It was good to see them and be able to chat with local residents again. 

Black Diamond. 

This evening I walked into Black Diamond and saw a crowd in front of the fountain. I overheard Nim say, “We lost Richie. He moved out today.” 

“Richie moved out?” I looked over at Nim as the others greeted me. 

“Yes ma’am,” Nim nodded. “Think he went back East.” 

“Nice of him to say goodbye,” I muttered. 

They continued to talk about V’s cooking and how that could bring him back but I didn’t contribute much, surprised that the man who had been my longest friend in the area had walked out without even saying goodbye. 

Suzy came over and asked to talk to Matt and they went off on their own to discuss something. I grew curious and when he came back he said, “On Saturday morning, I am getting a formal discharge from the US Army...” 

I blinked at that and looked over at him with curiosity. 

“Why ya getting out of the army?” Mickey, one of the new deputies in the area, asked. 

“I didn’t know you were in the Army,” Ali said then. 

“Yes, Ma’am.. was in the 10th Calvary Regiment.. saw my last battle with the apaches in 1890,” Matt nodded. “But was captured by the Apaches.. and left for dead.. when I was released, I never went back to the fort.. but I do not want to get shot for Desertion.” 

“Matt...?” I looked at him, surprised by the news... “Captured?”

“Long time ago... but earned my freedom,” he nodded. I watched him, remembering our conversation about the Apache then and tried to get his attention. 

“Matt, can we talk somewhere?” I sighed. 

“We too good for you?” V asked, looking at me. 

“That’s okay... I am fine, Trin...” he smiled at me. 

“If you say so,” I sighed. 

“He ain’t just yer friend, ya know,” V kept on me. 

I sighed, looking over at Richie’s apartment, and swallowed hard. Seeing that none of them really wanted to include me in the conversation I turned and walked back towards home without saying a word. 

Bisbee. 

I walked back into town and saw Mysti standing on the balcony with a man I hadn’t met. She introduced me to Hip and we talked for a while. I heard someone coming behind me and smiled when I saw my old friend Lawrence. I introduced them all and we talked for a bit before I led Lawrence down the street and showed him my new office and the home upstairs. It was good to reconnect with him again and be in his comforting arms.