Pearce.
This morning I received a note from Natalie on my bed when I woke up. I took it and read the note, sitting on the bed while I processed the information:
We were riding home and saw Mr Garth with Stormy and Mr Mike on the tracks. Miss Aeryne lay on the ground. We heard people yelling in the house next door and then Mr Garth yelled about being hired and putting fire to the house to get them out. Then he made the house go in flames!
Natalie
I set the note in my pocket and ran outside, looking for some sort of lawman who could work in Pearce. I saw Jimmi wandering around town and walked over to him. “Hey Jimmi...”
“Good morning Trin.”
“How are you, Jimmi?”
“I’m good and you?”
“A little concerned actually...”
“Oh?”
“I need to find a lawman who can work in Pearce. S’pose that would be marshals and rangers at this point.”
“Well any Marshal or Ranger could help. A marshal would be better though.”
“Was an incident of arson next door to my house last night. I was away but Natalie witnessed it and left me a note. She and Jimmy watched it from our balcony. She recognized Mr. Garth as the one who set it.”
“Ugh Garth... I just signed a Tombstone warrant for him.”
“She said Miss Aeryne’s body was on the ground too. Stormy and Mike were there.”
“Was she hurt?”
“She didn’t say about that in the note. Just said Aeryne was laying on the ground. She said Mr Garth mentioned something about being hired...”
“This will be Stormy from Black Diamond and Ranger Mike too? Hired!!” he exclaimed.
“That was my reaction too,” I nodded. “I can put money on what happened but it would be an educated guess.”
“Dig deeper Agent.. see what you find out.”
“That’s the plan,” I nodded. “I don’t like what I’m hearing though. I know a couple of outlaws live next door to me... I pray Natalie has not met them yet though.”
“Well when you get to the bottom of it, come see me with your report and I will see what the next steps are.”
“Well I’ll need to find a marshal or ranger first I guess... Then they would come to you to sign the warrant.”
“Yes, be sure to use a US Marshal or Deputy Marshal.. not Kristoff, he is local to Tombstone town only.”
“Just hate the idea of all this happenin’ right next door... In front of Natalie... She could hardly sleep last night. Oh be rest assured, Ansar is the person I’m looking for.”
“I’m sure he will be around later today or tomorrow.”
“I certainly hope so. I’m afraid for Natalie... This has scared her quite a bit.”
“How old is little Natalie?”
“She’s only nine, Jimmi. Terrible to watch the house next to ours go up in flames...”
“Yes and very inquisitive too.”
“She reads quite a bit... And loves to learn languages.”
“I suggested she should chase butterflies or go fishing yesterday. She didn’t seem impressed.”
“She has been through a lot in her short life. The woman who was almost going to be her mother, back in the town she was before Tombstone... Was killed in front of her by some outlaws. Because she didn’t wear a gun. I think she’s afraid to get attached to other women like that.”
“Well a gun isn’t the kind of accessory most ladies wear.”
“I know...” I nodded. “I think she was more worried that Mr. Cole didn’t wear one, she told me.”
“Doves maybe, but they are well.. umm.. not my kind of lady,” Jimmy said and I chuckled at that.
“Joe built the kids a boat and she was sailing around with him and Swift Fox in the pond here.”
“That’s good, if she has seen too much in nine years she needs to see what she has missed.”
“Exactly. All I can do is give her a good life here.”
“Butterflies are nice and I do like the ones in Lilly’s garden there.”
“But watching houses burn down doesn’t help.”
“Pearce, thats darned strange. It’s so quiet in Pearce even the dead complain.”
“I know... I moved here for the peace and quiet. Now my child witnesses arson. And possibly
murder.”
“She was talking about guns and bodies yesterday. I asked Deputy Ty to talk to her. Or was it the day before. He is a Black Diamond deputy, he may help you.”
“I’ve never taken care of a child, Jimmi. I talked with him and Aeryne the other day as well. I think he’ll be a great fit there.”
“Ah kids are easy. just feed them and give them some chores to tire them out. They look after themselves.”
“She’s hoping to help out Alex and Lilly in the clinics.”
“That will work.. making tea and cleaning.”
“She’s quite into reading... She was helping out at the library but said it’s very quiet there.”
“Yes, I have to get those court records sorted out for that library. The Mayor asked me to a long time back but things just interrupt.”
“Maybe you could get her to help you out with that.”
“Better see how my wife is too. You have to excuse me Trin.”
“How is the baby?”
“Eating like a horse. Garry, my biddy giant.”
“Thanks for stopping to talk, Jimmi. Have a great day!”
“Oh! Zannza is up tomorrow afternoon; hope you can help out.”
“Ah I will hope to be a key witness for that but it will depend on situations here of course. What time is the trial for?”
“Starts between four and five.”
“Alright. I may or may not be able to attend. You have my extensive report if nothing else.”
“I do... big reading,” he sighed.
“You’re welcome,” I winked.
“An afternoon at my desk. You keep safe, Trin.”
“You too,” I nodded and walked into town.
Tombstone.
I leaned against the post in front of the sheriff’s office for a while then, trying to process all that Natalie had told me in her note. Alex walked over and greeted me. “Hey Trin!”
“Hey Alex! How are you hon?”
“I’m great,” he smiled. “How are you?”
I leaned back on the post and asked, “Honestly? I’m worried about Natalie.”
“What’s wrong?”
“She witnessed arson last night. Possibly murder,” I said and he raised his eyebrows. “She and Jimmy rode home last night to Pearace.. I was away doing business at the office. They heard Garth yell that he was hired to get someone out of a house next door. Two outlaws live there, that I know. Natalie said that Sabi’s old parents were there, Stormy and Mike. She said she saw Aeryne’s body on the ground but didn’t know if she was alive or not.”
“Oh wow, that must have been scary for her.”
“They ran into the house to stay safe and then went up on the balcony to watch as Garth set fire to the house next door.”
“That poor kid...”
“She hardly slept last night, Alex.”
“I hope she’s ok.”
“I’m not sure she is...”
“Maybe she just needs something to get it off her mind.”
“I really need your help with her. I’m beginning to get overwhelmed... It’s hard looking after a girl by yourself... Having never cared for a child before... Especially one who’s so inquisitive and intelligent and perceptive as Natalie.”
“She can always help me. The clinics need to be cleaned thoroughly every day and I could use help with that.”
“I really hope that she can help you with that. It would take her mind off the rest of all this...”
“And I could teach her stuff too.”
“She told me Jimmy wanted to go out and fight the fire but by the time they got down there it was out.”
“She was terrified of losing him, Alex.”
“Yeah a kid shouldn’t go anywhere near a house fire.”
“And why on earth would someone hire Garth to be involved in something against other outlaws?? The woman needs to be fired. Not to mention what the hell was she doing in Pearce??” I tried to calm down, but I was starting to get too upset.
“Don’t ask me. I don’t understand outlaws,” I shrugged. “Hey, you want a cup of coffee or something?”
“Yeah, maybe that’s what I need. I was just waiting around in case Ansar comes by,” I said, walking over to him. “I’m losing it, Alex.”
“It’ll be okay, Trin,” he hugged me tightly and I didn’t let go. “Come on, let’s get that coffee. And a splash of whiskey if you need it. My treat.”
“Will it? They let sheriff’s hire outlaws to fight against other outlaws. My kid witnessed a fire... Almost lost her best friend in it...” I nodded tearfully, wiping the tears away. “And now Zan’s going to court tomorrow and I probably won’t be able to be there because I have to be out of town. So all that hard work I did... If they even use my report...”
“I know, it doesn’t feel like it right now.”
“Everything’s a mess, Alex. Nat’s scared what Payton will do next...”
“Whiskey!” he tugged me towards the saloon.
“Yeah... whiskey,” I nodded and walked over to the saloon with him, kicking open the swinging doors. Alex poured a couple of shots for us and handed me the glass of whiskey. “Trin, Nat will be okay. Kids bounce back better than adults. She might be a little upset for awhile, but she’ll get through it.”
“It’s hard doing this alone, Alex.”
“You’re not alone, Trin. I can always help you.”
“What do you say to a girl who can’t sleep because she sees flames when she closes her eyes?”
“You distract her with something else, something fun and silly.”
“Like the boat Joe made her... or the bike Rye gave her...”
“Exactly! She was really excited about that boat.”
“And give her work with you... something to do to occupy her mind and challenge her still. She’s getting bored being all alone at that library.”
“Next time it’s bed time, start by telling her an adventure with the boat. You’re good at telling stories.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Yes, she can come work with me any time. I’ll tire her out so that she’ll have no choice but to sleep.”
“Thank you, Alex... I appreciate that...” I smiled at him.
“Any time, Trin. I’m always her for you,” he smiled back.
“Jimmi was talking about how he needed to get the court reports into the library. I told him to ask Natalie for help with that.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“She would find that fascinating.”
“She’s a smart girl and can read and write. That’s not that common here.”
“Now she just has to want to go back to school.”
“That’s a hard one. I took her to school a few weeks ago.”
“She told me about the microscope,” I smiled. “Nora was the teacher then?”
“Yes the teacher didn’t show up so Nora read her report on the planets. It was a good report.”
“That explains why she got to sit with Jimmy that time then.”
He poured me another whiskey and I asked how things were with him. He said he was doing really well and I said that things were better with me and Aly. He looked at me and asked, “How are things with Thomas?”
“Thomas... Well it’s interesting.. I think he might become a defense lawyer. He was keen on defending Payton in court if it ever came to that.”
“Defense lawyers are needed too.”
“I know... It’ll just make it interesting between us if we ever have to work against each other. I ran into a couple of people that I knew back in Bear River the other day...”
“Oh yeah?”
“Well... the woman anyway. I knew her husband better but haven’t reunited with him yet.”
“Oh nice.”
“They used to be natieves in Bear River, where I stayed with the Cherokee for a while. Things didn’t end well there for me, but Cole was one of the ones who was always supportive of me and tried to look out for me. Even if the others didn’t understand why I was there. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
“That’s great.”
“It’s nice when some things from your past can be healed, isn’t it?
“It certainly is. I have to take a ride over to Benson and pick up a statement for Aly. You’re welcome to come with me.”
“Sure, I wouldn’t mind wandering out there. She’s got you doin’ work, huh?” I winked at him.
“Yeah, she got shot last night so I told her she has to stay home and rest today.”
“Oh right, I did see her in the clinic.”
We headed outside and got on our horses and rode out to Benson. I was impressed with him that he knew exactly where to go.
Benson.
In Benson, Alex asked Zeth for a witness statement he needed for Aly. They talked about cake that Zeth had given Aly and I joked with Alex about trying to figure out Zeth’s family tree because it was so complicated. I decided to ride home and let them continue to talk.
Tombstone.
I walked to Allen Street and saw Conway and Thomas in front of Kate’s. “Howdy gentlemen.”
“Well good evening Miss Trin. How are you this fine evenin?” Thomas looked at me with a smile.
“Evenin, Ma’am,” Conway greeted me.
“I... I’m alright I suppose. How are you two doing?”
“Pretty good so far,” Conway nodded.
“Doing alright thanks. What are you up to this fine evening?” Thomas asked.
“Trying to see what I can find out about last night’s events in Pearce... Possibly find Payton.. and if I’m lucky, find Ben Cravens or Xavior and compare prints.”
“What happened in Pearce? How are things going with Payton?”
“Natalie and Jimmy watched the house next door go up in flames last night.. From our living room.”
“They did WHAT?” Thomas exclaimed.
“I heard the Darkwolf brothers killed a sheriff....And I know for a fact they shot Lisa...and they allegedly kidnapped a deputy from Diamond....” Conway said.
“They’re the ones who live next to me,” I blinked, hearing Conway. “Natalie said something about Garth wanting them to come out but they wouldn’t. He said he was hired to get them out. So when they didn’t, he set the house on fire.”
“Oh no!” Thomas shook his head.
“Natalie and Jimmy watched from our balcony.”
“Did the brothers survive?” Conway asked.
“Is your house ok? It didn’t get burned did it?” Thomas wondered.
“She barely slept at all last night. Kept seeing the flames when she closed her eyes... I’m worried about her. No, my house is fine... I’ve no idea about the brothers.”
“I haven’t seen or heard from Jimmy at all today,” Thomas observed.
“I’d like to know what idiot hired an outlaw to set another outlaw’s house on fire,” I muttered. “Though Natalie said that Stormy and Mike were there.”
“Hard tellin’,” Conway nodded.
“So I’d put money on it bein’ them because Stormy and Garth are kin. And she don’t really care if he’s an outlaw or not,” I sighed.
“I don’t know, but it sounds like something fishy is happening there,” Thomas observed.
“It ain’t right,” I nodded. “I moved to Pearce because it was more peaceful. Now my kid’s watchin’ outlaws burn down houses.”
“Don’ know....I didn’t see anything about a fire....this is the first I heard of it....” Conway said.
I started to tremble again at the sight Natalie must have seen and how close it was to my house.
“Have you taken a look at the place yet since it burned? Any signs of what really happened?” Thomas asked.
“Natalie said she watched Garth throw tinder on the house and set a match,” I looked at him and wrapped my arms around myself, feeling my body shaking with nervousness.
Thomas put his arm around comfortably. “I cant believe that did that in front of kids. No wonder Jimmy hasn’t been around. And if there was someone shot or killed, that makes it worse.” I leaned my head against Thomas’ shoulder, hiding against him.
“Good afternoon, Trin,” Rye’s voice made me step back.
“Maybe he didn’t know the kids were around....not that that would stop him....” Conway wondered.
“Rye, hello...” I tried to compose myself and saw her husband standing beside her. “Cole... So nice to see you again.”
“We were not interrupting anything were we?” they asked with concern.
“I was just telling the gentlemen about the house next to mine getting burned down last night.. In front of my daughter.. And her best friend.”
“That’s not good,” Cole frowned.
“They watched it happen from the balcony. Natalie hasn’t slept since. Thomas, darling, these are old friends of mine from Bear River. This is Rye and Cole Portland. And this here on the chair behind us is Conway,” I introduced.
“We just settled in Bisbee,” Rye said then.
“Rye, Cole... This is my um...” I looked at Thomas, not sure what to call him yet.
“Your... intended?” Cole grinned.
“You know me too well, my friend,” I chuckled at that and saw Thomas blushing a bit.
“By the way Trin the home is now furnished and unpacked if you care to come visit for some tea soon.”
“Perhaps we could all go in and get a drink? Conway, you’re welcome to join us. I would love to see your place, Rye! Glad to hear you got settled in okay,” I smiled at her.
“I would like that thank you,” Rye nodded. “A drink would be rather nice.”
“Yes it would..was dry out on the trail,” Cole nodded.
“Hey there kiddo... Want to join us in Kate’s?” I saw Payton walk over then.
“Trin, there is Payton. You did say you were looking for her,” Thomas observed.
“Yes, I did indeed,” I nodded.
“No ma’am.. have ta get cleaned up,” Payton shook her head.
“Payton, hon, can I ask you a question first?” I asked her.
“Good evening Miss Payton, how are you?” Thomas asked.
“I am fine Mr Thomas thank you.. yes Miss Trin..” Payton curtsied and nodded.
“Do you know much about conversations between Rikki and Miss Ashton about um... horse transportin’?” I asked Payton.
She sighed softly and looked down at her feet. “A bit...”
Cole and Payton introduced themselves to each other and I nodded to her. “Maybe we could talk about it sometime when you’re not busy?”
“Sorry fer bein so dirty .. was cleanin up the marshal’s office an jail cells,” Payton said and nodded to me. I have.. a lot ta talk about...”
“Alright. We’ll meet when you have more time, kiddo,” I nodded to her.
We walked into the saloon as Thomas and Payton stayed in the street to talk. We talked about Bisbee and how much they were enjoying it there. The dog Susie came in to join us and we talked about how much Natalie enjoyed the bike they had given her. Rye expressed her interest in the orphanage and then stepped outside to take care of something.
“So I see you got your wish,” Cole smiled at me
“My wish?”
“Pinkertons?”
“Yes, I did. Actually I was a Pinkerton when I was in Georgetown, near Bear River... That’s where it all began. But now... I am a respected Pinkerton. They have asked my assistance on several cases and also providing information for court. Been the only female detective here in Arizona for over a year now.”
“Very good... knew you would be good at it..”
“Thank you, Cole... That means a lot. I was trying to prove myself to folks at the time of Bear River. Here... I think I’ve finally accomplished proving my worth around here.”
Rye came back in and I told her, “We were just talking about how I had started as a Pinkerton when I met ya’ll.. But now they’re actually using me as a key witness in court. Almost to the same calibre of a deputy’s statement.”
“Being a news reporter was good practice,” Cole smiled.
“There is a massively big trial tomorrow scheduled for a case I worked hard on... I’m almost relieved I won’t be able to make it,” I said.
“Oh?” Cole looked at me.
“When we began... It looked like my friend was guilty of theft and murder. But it turned out that someone else was involved who was framing her for the theft... And my friend killed that woman in self defense. So what started as a case for the prosecution turned into me helping the defense. The report is... Long,” I chuckled.
“Happens when it is concise,” Cole nodded.
“Indeed, they appreciated my detail. But if I were there as a witness I would be on the stand for over an hour, I’m sure.”
We talked for a while about what they would be doing now that they were living in Tombstone and Cole mentioned he was interested in working with the horses as a veterinarian possibly and I remembered how good he was with the horses at the village. We talked about their daughter Kit who had always been welcoming to me and Cole said she may join them in Tombstone.
We talked about the incident last night and how overwhelmed I was about it all, not sure how to deal with Natalie’s fears. Cole said that I had to stay strong and that maybe I could let her sleep with me for a few nights until she felt better about things.
Pearce.
I suggested that we take a walk to Pearce where I could show them my house. We arrived in Pearce and I made them a glass of tea as we talked about the children in town and how much Cole and Rye had warmed up to them. We talked about the best ways to relate to children and how they hoped to adopt some day.
Cole headed home to rest early and Rye stayed behind a bit. We talked about the incident with Natalie in school when Traci had pulled her hair and she suggested I talk with her teacher. She said goodnight as well and headed home, thanking me for the visit.
