Black Diamond.
I rode into town after a long, emotional weekend up north. I headed over to Aly’s house, hoping that she was there. I met a woman on the way named Annie Clarrington and we were talking while Aly came out of her place. She said that she was passing through town after being away for a while and that a lot had changed.
When Annie headed for Allen Street I looked at Aly and asked, “Shall we get something to drink at the cantina?”
“We can, but I have some stuff in my office I need to go over with you first. If that’s okay.”
“Alright, the office first then,” I said and we walked there, noticing the “Vote for Gerric” signs around town. Aly commented on the fact that the ducks were gone and we chuckled about it as we sat down at a desk.
“So I got Pet’s statement the other day...so now I have yours, mine, Stormy’s, and Pet’s. Some good, strong evidence I think.”
“I’ll work on getting Gaide’s if I can get ahold of him.”
“Yeah, that would make me feel like we’ve got everything that we can. I’ve put the ones I have together, made the report, and had suzy sign the warrant. Adding the final statement to it shouldn’t pose an issue. you think?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem if we do it before the trial.”
“Mhm. If he gets arrested before that it won’ t though, right? And don’t worry, I sure as hell ain’t going after Lot on my own.”
“You better not.”
“I know my limits, believe me, I didn’t even want him in town that day. Hell I’m just glad Gaide was able to be there the whole time. Reallllly not sure things would turn out for the best if he weren’t.”
“I just need to get a statement from him. I hate how he comes for like a day, warns me that I’m still a threat, then disappears again. Makes me want to do another trip but I’m staying put this time. No more trips to Colorado. Just ends badly.”
“Yeah don’t do that. He’s confusing cause I was under the impression that he was gonna stay a while as well. But whatever. I put the signed warrant up on the board...”
“Good,” I nodded.
“Maybe Tye’ll come by at some point and see it there,” she said and I sighed a bit. “What’s wrong?”
“You might get to meet my brother.”
“That a good or bad thing?” Aly blinked.
“He’s worried. I wanted to go talk with him this weekend since Gaide came all the way here.”
“Mmhmm. Worried means he’s a good brother.”
“He knows the history... he does’t like what’s going on. I’m not sure if he’ll come but... I’ll be keeping him updated as often as I can.”
“Yeah that’s a good thing. Well I’ll be here for you, of course.”
“And I love you for it.”
“Awww I’m touched.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you? Anything happen over the weekend?”
“Well nothing that involved guns, shooting, or dangerous, if that’s what you mean....but uh last night I spent the evening at the Dusty Diamond... LiL was celebrating her wedding with a bachelorette party that involved Lonnie stripping,” she coughed.
“Wow that must have been awkward.”
“At first, yeah, and I kept myself on teh other side of the room near Ger...then Ger and Myst left....so I just took over tending bar. Ok I admit there were a few times....when I couldn’t peel my eyes off him... BUT... then Sniper and David came in, along with some guy, Feiro...or something.....and they sat at the bar...a good distraction. Eventually Lonnie left and somehow David and Sniper... Well they managed to convince me and LiL to dance on the bar. Then one of them, don’t remember which, tried to get me and LiL to kiss and we both glared...”
“Glad you had fun,” I chuckled.
“It was embarrassing, but yeah, fun. How was your weekend?”
“Other than giving my brother a near heart attack when I showed up... I mean I’d just been there, right? So they knew something was wrong.”
“Yeah,” she laughed.
“Once I told them about it I kinda told them about James.... You know what my brother did when I told him?”
“What?”
“He laughed,” I smiled. “Couldn’t believe I was dating an undertaker.”
“It is actually funny Trin.”
“Mmhmm it is. Just wish he’d.... be here...” I sighed. “They were glad that I’d moved on though... I mean the last man they’d heard me talk about seriously was Alex...” I looked down.
“Does it still bother you?” Aly smiled.
“Doesn’t matter,” I shrugged.
“Of course it does, your feelings are important. Don’t hold them in.”
“I miss him. Not romantically but...” I shrugged, looking out the window. “Not important. He has to spend time with you now.”
“Of course you miss him, if you didn’t that would mean you didn’t care.”
“You’re the one he tells things to now, the one he goes to when something major happens.”
“Trin... Do you realize that I met you and Alex at the same time?” she laughed. “You both were in there. Even with this, you and me have spent more time together than me and Alex. We’ve got an amazing friendship, and I trust you like nobody else, heck, even my own sister. Which, she’s a little monster...so I guess that’s not a big deal,” she laughed. “But still...”
“That’s great, Aly. But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s going to go to you first now. Whereas I’d probably still go to him before talking to James about this stuff just because Alex knows the whole story and gets it. I mean I told Alex about everything with Gaide and Dutch the day after I talked with Gaide... I haven’t even talked to James or seen him for that matter...”
“You know, Trin, the thing with James....that kinda friendship and romantic stuff takes him...and trust. I’m sure you trust Alex a whole lot more than James. It’s been built up like that. And you know I really don’t want to feel like I’m taking him away from you, cause that isn’t my intention AT all.”
“I know and I guess you had that friendship first with Alex but I just...” I shook my head. “I don’t even know what my point was.”
“Yeah the friendship part..is huge, Trin. It’s why things with mark didn’t work. Your point is your feelings.”
“Things change I guess. Bout time I accepted it.”
“But you know... There are things you and Alex have that me and him don’t. and I don’t WANT that to change.”
“And some things never change. Like Dutch coming in and sending my heart into turmoil. But it will. It already has. It is what it is. You guys are happy and I’m glad for that. I just...” I pulled my knees up under my chin. “I just need to see James.”
“Do you want to go for a ride?”
“I guess we could.” I stood but then stopped her before going out, “I didn’t mean to bring this all up again but... well my mother brought up Alex’s name this weekend of course and I just... That didn’t help.”
“It’s okay,” she smiled. “I know it’s going to come up. I really don’t mind.”
Tombstone.
We rode down Allen Street and saw a group standing in front of the clinic. Walking over, we were introduced to a man named Walker, who was the banker over in Pearce. It wasn’t long before Jimmi walked over to us and looked between me and Aly. “Trin, Deputy. One big mess here..”
“Mess? What mess?” Aly asked.
“Sure is. Mr Eye over in the Crystal there was shot over a game of cards.”
“Eye is back?!” I blinked at him.
“He is writing a statement,” Jimmi nodded and I sighed, kicking the barrel.
“Whose eye got shot?” Aly asked.
“Who shot him?” I asked.
“Mr. Eye,” Jimmi clarified.
“Eye Aabye, he is back,” Paisley said.
“That’s his Christian name,” Jimmi said.
“What kind of name is ‘Eye’?” Aly asked.
“Everyone asks that same question, nobody knows,” Jimmi said.
“No one knows who shot him? Not even him?” I asked.
“So where is the eye now?” Aly asked.
“Miss Paisley here saw the whole things from hands on guns to man on floor,” Jimmi told us.
“Yes, unfortunately,” Paisley nodded.
“I hope you’re writing a statement,” I said. “You recognize the person who shot Eye?”
“And the shooter, Mr. Walker, a banker from Pearce. He has walked off... again.”
“We just...” I blinked at that. “He was just here.”
“I’ve asked for statements from Paisley and walker,” Jimmi said.
“Guess you’ve got it all figured out then,” I nodded, seeing they didn’t really need my help.
“Sheriff still around? I seen him earlier,” Aly glanced down the street.
“Deputy, I don’t think we have any local law in town, I know we need a ranger or marshal but do you think you can help?” Jimmi looked at Aly.
“Pardon me judge,” Eye walked over and handed Jimmi a paper. “All done with the writin’. Now I’m gonna git me some rest.”
“Ah Mr Eye. Thank you kindly.”
“I can help if need be, of course,” Aly said.
Jimmi read the statement and handed me and Aly a copy of it. I looked at Eye and said, “Long time no see.”
“Howdy Miss Trin.”
“Been a while.”
“Yep sure has.”
“I don’t know if that will be self defense or not. this will be up to a Jury in court,” Jimmi said.
“Course I defended myself agin bein called a card cheat,” Eye mentioned.
“Of course you did,” I smirked a bit.
“Deputy, the man told Eye to draw. He obliged and was shot,” Jimmi explained.
“Did the man have his guns on you, Eye? A little more detail and context here might help...” I said, looking at Jimmi.
“Ok, but who actually drew first? According to the statement it was you, Eye, that right?” Aly asked.
“Like one mind,” I winked at Aly.
Aly chuckled and said, “Thing is, people get bossy all the time. And I think he was tryin’ ta trick ya sir..into drawing...”
“That’s what it sounds like. He made it look like you drew first unless he held a gun on you first. Which isn’t clear from the statement. A defense lawyer will tear that fact right up in court. Just saying,” I said and looked at Jimmi.
“He didn’t have em out no,” Eye said.
“It always gets down to the finer detail: who drew first, who fired first, who’s bullet hit first,” Jimmi agreed. “People miss the point. a fight starts when someone calls.”
“So let me get this story straight...”
“The two of you were playing cards?”
“Three of us.”
“Who else was there?” I looked at him.
“Frankie Bumblefoot. But he wandered off after the game.”
“So Frankie wandered off and Walker told you that you cheated?”
“Well not right away....it was in the street a few minutes after. Say isn’t this is what court is for?”
“Okay so you went for a walk, then he followed you out...”
“Court is for jury,” Jimmi put in then.
“Nope he ain’t followed me,” Eye said.
“Sir, We need these statements as clear as we can. Otherwise lawyers will tear this information up and you won’t get a guilty sentence,” I looked at him. “I’m trying to help you.”
“I came out of the saloon and he came out of Kate’s an called me a cheat.”
“So he called you a cheat and then what?”
“Then he called he yeller and I asked if he was gonna make a play. He said no he wouldn’t unholster first. So I drew mine and holstered em back an he did the same. No one fired then... Tried a scare him an all. Then I offered ta buy him a drink an talk on it and he said no, draw my guns first. So I did but they jammed. Then the fool drew an shot me.”
I wrote the information down as he finished and then nodded to Jimmi, “That sounds like a better statement, don’t it Jimmi?”
“Was Paisley the only witness to all this?” Aly asked.
“It sounds an honest, plausible story to me,” Jimmi nodded.
“Could you please sign this, Sir?”
“I think so, yes,” Eye nodded to Aly and then took the statement from me to sign.
“See Sir... the chances of winning a case in court all depend on the statements. If we don’t have detailed statements like this... we don’t stand a chance in hell of winning. Especially since many witnesses aren’t able to attend the actual trial.”
“Thank ya,” Eye nodded and I took the statement from him, handing it to Jimmi.
“Now, can I git me some rest?” Eye looked at me.
“You sure can,” I smiled. “Stay safe, Eye.”
“Thank you Miss Trin,” Jimmi nodded to me.
“Here to help, Sir,” I smiled.
“If you need a warrant signed deputy, I can help with that,” Jimmi told Aly.
“Jimmi, Aly would need to be deputized by a marshal or a local law to be able to actually arrest Walker. Would she not?” I looked at him.
“I’m a Judge in Tombstone, I can Deputize,” he replied.
Paisley finished her statement as Ger and Mysti rode over. Jimmi continued to talk with Aly about the procedure of arrest as I talked with Tony and Paisley and the others.
“Trin, I have a job for you to do,” Ger looked at me.
“Yes Ger?” I looked at him as Walker came over to give Jimmi his statement.
“I need you to get a hold of Jack and Sommer Smith, get their statements from the incident Friday Night after the trial....also Miss Lil’s as well for what medical assistance she gave to Myst here. While you are at it, might as well get her statement too.”
I looked at him and asked, “What, you’re not going to say please?”
“Pretty please?” he smiled.
“You want to tell me what happened before you start barking orders?”
“You haven’t heard yet?”
“I’ve been up north all weekend...” I said hesitantly, knowing he knows that means something serious, since I had just been there last week.
“Mr Walker, I would stay right here if I were you,” Jimmi told Walker and I sighed, not wanting to deal with the arrest.
I saw Ger’s look of concern and suggested we go to an office where we could talk alone.
“Friday night there was an incident where Myst was knocked over and injured....witnesses were Jack and Sommer, and Miss Lil treated her here,” Ger finally explained.
“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” I looked at him. “It happened in Tombstone?”
“Sorry, thought you knew...been kind of busy from last night’s debate,” he said.
“Knocked over and injured by what exactly?”
“Yep...”
“By what?”
“The marshal.”
“Marshal Kris? Knocked her out with his gun? Or by his fist?” I blinked.
“Body, ran her over.”
“He was riding a horse? Or what?”
“That’s all I’m going to say here Trin...they can tell you more....” he looked at Myst.
“I need to know the incident when I’m asking someone for information, Ger. The more I know now the easier I can tell them which incident I need their help on. Has Myst written a statement?”
We finally headed to the courthouse as Jimmi deputized Aly, though I still wasn’t sure that was the right procedure. We sat down at the table and I said, “Alright... let’s write these statements now that we’re alone.”
“Okay...Trin... There already is a warrant out for Kriss’s arrest for this, signed by Angeles and given to Mayor Adrian,” Ger told me.
“We still need these statements for court, yes?”
“Yes, for a trial if there is one. And if there is, I want the pro’s chair.”
“Then let’s start with you, Myst, since you’re the victim. Why don’t you tell me what happened and I’ll write it up as you talk.”
“Well if you have a piece of paper you said you wanted me to write it down?” she asked and then said, “Ooh, okay, I can tell you Trin.”
“If you’re up to writing it I can let you write it yourself.”
“Women,” Ger shook his head.
“Either way, it’s up to you. Whichever’s easiest for you,” I smiled, though my exhaustion was evident.
“Well if you write it when I dictate it that would be good so I don’t have to lean over the desk if you don’t mind.”
“I can do that, that’s why I suggested it,” I said, giving Ger an ‘I told you so’ look and he chuckled. “So let’s start from the beginning.”
“Okay. It was Friday evening, right Ger?” Mysti looked at him.
“The eleventh,” I said and she nodded.
“I am taking laudanum for pain, Trin, so I may be a bit foggy.”
“Alright hon. I’m listening,” I wrote the date down.
“OK it was Friday evening April 11, 1899 I was standing outside the court room but in the lobby talking with Sommer, Jack and Gerric.”
“Here in Tombstone?”
“You could be writing your statement whilst she tells me her version,” I said and handed Ger a piece of paper.
“Yes, here in Tombstone court. Anyway, Gerric had just won a case for Jack. The jury voted him not guilty but then the judge, Angeles, overturned the jury’s decision and everyone was furious like what is the jury for.”
“I’m sure I’d be asking that too,” I gave Ger a look, imagining he must have been furious and he nodded.
“Well part of the trial proved Kris to contradict himself,” she smiled proudly at Ger and continued. “Well Ger proved that..... and then while we were talking Kris comes running back into the court to the judge and when he comes running out he knocks into me so hard he knocked me off my feet and took the wind out of me and my back was wrenched. He did not even stop to see what he did and Ger, well he just ran after Kris. I don’t know what happened then but I expect Ger gave Kris a piece of his mind in his very special diplomatic way.” Ger chuckled at that point and Mysti continued, “I tried to get up but my back hurt so bad .. sharp shooting pain and Bree helped me to the clinic. Both Bree and Lil worked on me. That Kris pulls guns when it is not necessary and was so insensitive when he knocked me down and now I cant walk or dance and I hate being in this chair so I want to press charges. I think Kris cant handle all the power he has.”
I wrote down everything she’d said, without including the last part, though it was true, and handed it to her to sign. “Can you look that over for me hon?”
She read over the report and looked at me. “That is just what I said, Trin. Should I sign it?”
“Mmhmm. I wanted to get it down word for word. Go ahead and sign it, since it’s your words,” I winked. She did so and handed it back to me. “Thanks, Mysti. How’s yours coming, Ger?”
“What, I can’t dictate mine too??? gee....” Ger chuckled.
“Thank you Trin appreciate this,” Mysti said to me.
“Well you can I just figured you were healthy enough and a big boy that you could write your own while Mysti was talking,” I winked at Ger.
“I was paying attention to her...just in case she needed my help.”
“Would you like to dictate yours too?” I nodded.
“I hurt my back Ger not my brain!!!” Mysti exclaimed and I chuckled.
“No, I guess not... You are on meds, hun. We both know how they can affect you.”
“Okay, okay, just write your report.”
“You will have it first thing in the morning....”
“Fantastic.”
“Then, once all are in, give them to Angeles so she can attach them to the warrant she wrote.”
“I have done this before,” I looked at him.
“And no, I am not bypassing Jimmi, he knows too...we told him yesterday afternoon. That night, Trin... As soon as she heard Myst was hurt, she wrote it,” Ger told me.
“So Angeles is taking the case and it’ll be done here in Tombstone.”
“Trin in confidence.. I know Kris has problems but he can’t be allowed to hurt people and get away with it,” Mysti said.
“How about this... Why don’t I just give you all the reports when I get them together? You can give them to the powers that be?” I looked at him. “Since you’re going to be prosecuting and I’m working on this to help you directly. And let’s face it, I see you more.”
“We gave him a change to make amends...asked him twice to come apologize, he threatened to throw me in jail and ignored Myst.”
“Don’t get me started on him, seriously,” I rolled my eyes.
“And this time Trin, I don’t think Jack and Sommer will give you ANY trouble with theirs.”
“Trust me on this... I’ve been vocal enough with the authorities about my problems with Kris,” I looked at Mysti and then nodded to Ger. “I’m sure they won’t. I’ll head over there in the morning.”
Aly called out from outside for Mike to come over to her and Ger asked what was going on. I told him that I didn’t know what happened with Mike. I stood then and sighed at the fact that Aly seemed to be getting all the attention.
“You look exhausted....” Ger pointed out.
“In more ways than one,” I looked at him.
“Rest well hon and thank you,” Mysti said.
“Sorry, but I wanted to catch you now to give you a head start.”
“I know, it’s okay. Work comes first as always.”
“Tell me about it.”
“So I have a serial killer after me... No big deal,” I sighed and started to walk out.
“Fill me in over coffee tomorrow, ok?” Ger looked at me.
“STILL? I thought that was handled, Trin,” Mysti gasped. “What can we do to help Trin? Are you staying alone do you need protection?”
“I’m... I’ll be...” I hesitated, not sure anymore. “I think I should stay with Aly...”
“Or us Trin.. I have room. Not good to be alone,” Mysti suggested.
“Thanks hon... I don’t even know where you’re living now...”
“Well Aly fixed back up the house that Jewel burned and I did move a lot of furniture out of there when Krell left but I can get it back in. I have been staying with Ger but it’s hard on him carrying me up all those stairs,” Mysti said.
“You’re staying in Diamond?”
“Maybe we should all go back to my house,” Mysti said. “I live in Diamond just outside of town.. the house that burned by Jewel remember?”
“I appreciate it but I think I’m going to head to Aly’s for now. I’ll touch base with you both in the morning, alright?”
“I remember but you were making rumors of leaving.”
“Well I was upset about Krell but I have paid rent there, so I am there,” she replied.
“I’m glad to hear that. Didn’t really want to lose you. Either of you,” I said and looked at Ger. “You take care of yourself and get better, alright Mysti?” I leaned down and hugged her.
“Well now if Ger is mayor, I guess you are stuck with us,” she smiled.
“I’ll think about it, thank you both. Love you guys,” I said and headed back to Diamond.
***
Tombstone.
I walked into town this evening and saw the crowd dancing in the street with Cas’ band playing on stage. I stopped short when I saw Dutch and took a deep breath, approaching him hesitantly as the crowd talked around us.
“Dutch?” I looked from him to Aly, and back to him.
He gasped when he saw me and gave me a quick hug. “How you been, lady?”
I hugged him tightly, not letting him go. “Dance with me?” I whispered.
“I is cuttin’ a good rug about now,” he chuckled and took my hand.
I smiled as we danced but my mind was in turmoil, realizing it had been at least ten years since we had danced together. “I can’t believe you’re here.” I tried to enjoy the dance though I had a thousand questions.
“You know you can ask me anything don’t ya?”
“Let’s just... dance...” I smiled at him, knowing that times in his arms were but moments and I should enjoy it while it lasted. “How long you been in town, Dutch?”
“Just got here. Heard some stories about this place.”
“So you ain’t just here to see me huh?” I winked at him, trying to be playful though I was scared and we continued to banter with everyone.
“This here is a lively lot Gaide said it was quiet when he was here,” Dutch commented.
“Yeah it was... He wasn’t here at dance time though. Thought he was gonna stay around town.”
“He can’t. You know he marshals in New Mexico.”
“I know...”
“And with all the goings on out there he just can’t.”
“I’m surprised you actually came...” I looked in his eyes as we danced. “There’s not more... developments are there?”
“They found a body just the other night with one of those creepy notes.”
“Yeah?”
“That fella is a monster.”
“No kidding... Gaide said I was still a target...”
“We all have to assume we’re targets,” he said and I leaned my head on his shoulder. “I’m scared, Dutch. Don’t wanna admit it but... Seeing Gaide last week I knew something was still wrong.”
“Let ya guard down and that creep will git ya. Don’t you go gettin’ sloppy, Trin.”
“I won’t, I promise. Do you have a copy of the latest note?”
“Gaide said that man is a mess of the worst proportions.”
I caught Pet looking over at me with concern and I gave her a nod, knowing I would need her counsel and wisdom soon. Dutch dug through his pockets and pulled out a note and handed it to me. I looked over the note and read it while we danced.
“Hanging from the porch?!?!” I blinked and looked at him. “Heart had been removed...”
“Was ugly, no doubt. I seen first hand.”
“I’m telling you Dutch. This is about lover’s remorse. ‘With my broken heart’? The heart was found on a wooden peg next to the body? Geez,” I shook my head. “This is my copy, yeah?”
“Yup. Gaide sent it with me said you wanted copies,” he said and I held him close, realizing I was shuddering as I read. “Don’t worry, you’re miles from that maniac.”
“That’s not what Gaide said. He came all this way to put the fear of God in me.”
“Well... We both rode down here. He could as well. Just eep sharp, girl.”
“Exactly the point. So don’t tell me I’m miles away from him...”
We danced for a while and enjoyed the music and the banter of the crowd. Dutch commented that I hadn’t aged a bit and I joked that I tried not to. I remembered James then, and swallowed hard at the confusion of my feelings for the two men. I found myself speechless in Dutch’s arms for a second time.
“You staying at a hotel somewhere’s?” I looked at Dutch eventually.
“I just got here. Just stepped off the coach honey.”
I leaned my forehead against his shoudler, sighing a bit. We continued to have a good time with the group that was there and joked around about the music and the dancing. I started to ask Lil, Jack and Sommer about their statements but then decided to let it be and bug them when we weren’t dancing. Dutch offered me his flask at one point and I asked if it was his special drink and he said it was Ascot’s brew. I bit my tongue, remembering what Gaide had told me, and tried to enjoy the rest of the dance.
“Beautiful music. So glad I came,” Dutch said near the end.
“Just for the music, huh?” I winked at him.
“Well I’m glad I ran into you as well, tiny. But the music is definitely a nice touch.”
“She ain’t that tiny,” Aly put in.
“Compared to me, she’s right little.”
“Good point,” Aly giggled.
“So you didn’t come all this way to make sure I was safe when there was a killer after me...” I looked down at the ground.
“They ok with a man being half apache down here in Arizona darlin or I’m gonna get shot?” Dutch looked at me.
I whispered to him, “I’m half too,” and realized I had never told him that secret.
“Well I just wont advertise it but not like ya cant tell.”
I held him close then and felt the fear wash over me. “Dutch... can you... can you walk me home?” I stood back and felt myself going faint from exhaustion. I leaned against Dutch before I felt myself fall.
“Trin, you need to get some rest,” Dutch looked at me with concern.
I reached for his hand and whispered, “Take me home...?”
We said goodbye to everyone and headed back to Diamond.
Black Diamond.
I walked into Diamond with Dutch and the fell into his arms, unable to let go. He hugged me tight and looked into my eyes. “Now what’s the matter with you? You’re not the weak kind. Ain’t who ya are, darlin’.”
“I’m... I don’t know. This whole thing has me pretty shaken up. I haven’t been sleeping... Then Gaide comes here to scare me... then he disappears.. Now you’re here...”
“It’s a good thing you’re scared. Fear will keep you on your toes.”
“I don’t like it Dutch. You’re right, it ain’t me.”
“Won’t have some shadow sneaking up your ass.”
I nuzzled against him and sighed, “I was so mad at you and now.. I can’t let go.”
“Honey, I ain’t good for you that way. You know me... I am a rambler. I’ll wander God’s green earth till it takes me back.”
“I know you are I just.... We... and you....”
“I love you. I always will,” he said and I looked at him, surprised to hear him say those words. “But I am not fool enough to try and get close again and end up hurting you.”
“I haven’t heard you say those words in so long... Not even when I came to see you...”
“You hold a piece of my heart. That’s the best I can give you. I refuse to see ya hurt by my wandering ways again.”
“I know, Dutch... I know,” I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Besides I...” I hesitated, wondering if I should tell him about James.
“You what?”
“I just thought that you... didn’t care anymore. When I came to see you it was like I said so many things but you never...”
“Of course I care,” he caressed my hair. “Don’t be silly. You’re too smart to think I don’t care.”
“And then Gaide came out here and not you and I .. But now you’re here and...”
“Might just stick around... Just to make sure you stay safe.”
“That’s what Gaide said he’d do...”
“He can’t, and you know why. He’s one of two marshals hot in this asshole’s tail.”
“Guess we’re not getting his witness statement about the dynamite incident then..”
“He’s bad, Trin. He skins folks, guts em out. He’s a damn monster.”
“I know...” I sighed and reached up to hold my hand on his cheek. “I thought he’d done that to you.”
“That poor lady they found on a crucifix in the marshals office.
“One breast cut flat off her guts a hanging outside of her.”
“The what?” I blinked and stepped back.
“Was an ugly thing, the first body,” he shook his head. “Was an awful thing.”
“Dutch... Did I know it was a woman victim?”
“Only been one woman victim. That was the first. Turns out she was a killer herself.”
“Right, now I remember... She was?”
“This fella fancies himself a vigilante of sorts. He’s a twisted warped soul that takes pleasure in murder.”
“But the others didn’t have offenses did they?”
“So far the ones that have been identifiable have all been bad folks.”
“And if they did then I ain’t a target cause I haven’t killed anyone.”
“I know it, Angel,” he nodded.
“So then why should I be afraid?”
“Because we have no idea how twisted this guy is. No telling how maggot infested his brain is.”
“But he has a pattern Dutch... A purpose.”
“He’s obviously not well.”
“He or she...”
“It’s not a she. Too much work involved.
“I still think a woman’s involved and it’s about broken hearts. Don’t mean a woman ain’t behind it.”
“No single lady could do what he does.”
“All this mention of a broken heart.... Hearts bein’ taken out... It’s revenge, Dutch. I feel it.”
“Not taken out, ripped out... and placed on a stake.”
“Still proves my point.”
“Man has a sickness. I’m hoing Gaide removes it. With a 44 round.”
Suzy walked over then and asked what was new. Dutch saw her badge and asked if she was a ranger and if they were hiring. I commented on how weird it was to see Dutch without a badge and he said it’s all he’s ever known. Suzy gave him an application and he followed me upstairs to fill it out while I rested beside him on the couch. “I’m glad you’re here..” I said as I relaxed in his arms.
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