Black Diamond.
“Aly! I’m in desperate need of coffee!!” I called as I walked over to Aly’s. She walked out in her pyjamas as she grumbled and I hugged her. “Well, I will let you get changed.”
“Anyone out there? If not I’m going like this, I don’t care.”
“No, place is ghost town,” I chuckled and followed her to the cafe where we sat down at a table and I poured us some coffee.
“I’m really not sure when I stopped being a morning person... it just kinda happened.”
“I had every intention of sleeping on your couch last night...”
“I fell asleep on the couch anyhow, not sure that woulda worked,” she giggled.
“Well when Dutch showed up like that...” I sighed, leaning back against the wall.
“I did see that. and I woulda said something, but I don’t like interfering when you’re with a man like that.”
“We hadn’t danced together for fifteen years...”
“Besides, I got distracted easily and found myself watching the stage,” Aly’s eyes widened. “That’s a very long time.”
“Hell, I’d barely been in his arms... Even in Colorado he hugged me maybe once... Aly, he told me he loved me.”
“Trin you know, and I don’t know him well, but from what I’ve seen and heard, and dang 15 years, that man is only gonna play with your heart. I don’t want you on that up and down roller coaster.”
“He told me I was crazy for thinking that he didn’t care.”
“He loves you, but not enough to give up his ways and want to settle. Am I right?”
“He also told me he was a rambler and that he wasn’t good for me that way.”
“Yeah see, at least he’s honest about it.”
“But Aly those arms around me... his eyes looking in mine...” I shivered at the memory. “There’s so much history...”
“Exactly. History. Keep it there! Trin...you need to move on!”
“I’m not the one who traipsed all these miles to see him. Well, okay... I went to Colorado but that was because his brother told me there was a serial killer with my picture. And yeah I went back...”
“You really like him, huh?” she folded her arms and chuckled a bit.
“But that was because there had been no news and I was going crazy and needed to talk with Gaide. And what about James? I haven’t seen him in almost a week and I.. Aly, Dutch got an application to be a ranger here. You know what that means?”
“Ok slow down Trin and answer my question. Do you really... like him?”
“He said he wanted to keep me safe. After all these years, after all our history, after all the times that we got together and then he disappeared and then we got back together... after all the times I thought he’d been killed...” I tried to avoid the question but she looked at me impatiently. “Damn it, Aly... It’s Dutch Solo.”
“Trin.... And what is it you want with Dutch? What are you looking for? Think.. And don’t answer until you’re ready to.”
“I don’t know,” I shook my head. “I really don’t know.”
“Ok....listen, and I can help ya here...”
“Do I want the Dutch I knew? The one who seemed to flitter around...”
“You said he’s going to be around more....maybe...as a ranger?” she asked and I nodded, not sure if I should be excited about that. “Then you have GOT to slow it down! You need....a friendship...hear me out.”
“You’re right I just..”
“If you don’t want a broken heart, especially after knowing how he is... You need to do things friends do.... kinda like how me and Alex were...and still are! Coffee... Nice chit chat...nothing depressing or work related.”
“Like traipse around for miles to make sure each other is safe? Yeah, that sounds like friendship.”
“Casual, Trin... If he’s here... There won’t be any of that.”
“It’s the fact that he’s here.”
“If he’s here, then yeah, you’ve gotta work on a friendship. And you can’t go into the whole....stressful conversations. That will chase a man away!”
“Yeah, I guess we can’t focus on the fact that there’s a killer after us. That’s making the killer win. How did it end up with arresting that guy last night? I’m glad Ger pulled me away to collect statements about Friday.”
“If you focus on the killer that’s all you’re ever gonna talk about with him, and he’s going to lose romantic interest with you. Do other things...go for a ride... Enjoy coffee...whatever. Climb a rope. Go kiss that frog...” she paused. “Ok ...you don’t like frogs..never mind that last part.”
“I did change the subject...” I looked at her.
“That arrest never happened...”
“No?”
“That was the most awkward thing ever. I wrote a report and practically threw it at Kris. I want to be done with that. Ugh.”
“What happened?”
“Well Jimmy thought he could make a deputy out of me... and the whole situation was awkward Trin because I think, and a few others thing, the man was trying to defend himself.”
“Right I was there for that part. Still was pretty sure only law and marshals could...”
“I ended up shooting him because it looked like he was trying to resist arrest.”
“Didn’t think judges had that right,” I nodded.
“They don’t, apparently.”
“Yeah the statements are a bit weird. I hope this one doesn’t go to court.”
“And dang it when I’m in Tombstone I just wanna unwind a little and not deal with crap there.”
“I know what you mean. Sadly I don’t get to; but at least all I had to do was get a better statement out of the guy.”
“Well it’s out of my hands, I didn’t arrest the man....I don’t really see what I could have locked him up for. If it was defense, I’ve got no right. I’m letting the marshal deal with it.”
“Oh, I wanted to give you a copy of Eye’s card... in case he starts to get into a mess again. You should know his background.” I handed her the card for Eye and she took it. “Anyone else’s card you want, you just let me know and I’ll make you a copy. Easier than dictating the whole thing to you.”
“Yeah sure is. And what kind of name is Eye?”
“Think I’m gonna take a ride,” I said and stood then. “Get some clothes on,” I winked and squeezed her shoulder.
Bisbee.
I rode through Bisbee and saw Alex on his horse. “Hey Trin! How are you?” he asked.
“Hey there... I uh... We need to talk.”
“Okay. Is everything alright?”
“Not exactly. Can we have coffee here in Bisbee?”
“Sure,” he said and rode over to the cafe where we dismounted the horses and took a seat at the table.
“I know you wanna get over to Aly but I...” I looked at him, needing his perspective.
“What’s up?” he looked at me with concern.
“Dutch came to town last night.”
“Oh yeah?” Alex raised an eyebrow.
“So damn confusing, Alex... He said he came to make sure I was safe... He even went as far as getting a ranger application from Suzy. The law life is all he’s ever known.”
“What’s confusing you?”
“Alex, he told me he loved me.”
“How do you feel about that? Other than confused?”
“In the same breath that he told me I’m not good for him like that and that he’s a rambler. Or rather he’s not good for me like that. See , I can’t even think straight.”
“It sounds like he’s not good for you like that if he’s a rambler. How are things with James?”
“I haven’t seen him since we started dating,” I sighed and leans forward.
“Ah, the good old disappearing act, huh?”
“I hope not,” I frowned at him. “He built an office in town... It really seemed like he was gonna stay.”
“Well, I hope not too. I want to see you happily with someone who is good for you.”
“Maybe I’m just not meant to be dating just one person. Maybe all I get is moments. Or histories.”
“Is that what you want?”
“I have no idea what the hell I want. Doesn’t seem to matter what I want.”
“Of course what you want matters!”
“I’m so tired of it, Alex. I’m tired of missing people. I’m tired of people thinking they can just flutter in and out of my life. I want James to be here. I want Dutch to stay in the past. I want...” I started to get upset.
He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I know. It isn’t easy. And you deserve someone who is there for you.”
“It’s not fair.”
“I need to ask your opinion on something with this case... now that it’s a case...”
“A case?”
“This serial killer thing... For Dutch to come here that makes it a Pinkerton case that I’m now officially working. Gaide even gave me a law report including an autopsy.”
“Oh wow.”
“I need your help, Alex. I can’t do this alone. And I can’t do it with Aly. She’d worry too much and not let me just work out the details like you do.”
“Sure, I’ll help you in any way I can.”
I showed him the marshal’s report I’d received from Dutch the night before and he read it over. “Wow, that sounds like one crazy person out there.”
“See, even an autopsy report. Here’s the thing Alex...”
“Why would someone do that?” he shook his head and listened.
“Dutch said that the killer seems to be going after bad people... but in every note he writes there’s something about a broken heart, or revenge...” I handed him a copy of the notes that I’d gathered in a pile and he read them over. “Take a look at these... You’re a literary guy...”
“Poetry about murder? Reminds me a little of Poe. But that’s besides the point. This guy is truly nuts.”
“Yeah... Alex... this guy has my name, my picture. See the note where my name is mentioned?”
“He’s coming here, isn’t he?”
“That’s what Gaide thinks... He wanted to put the fear of God in me so I wouldn’t be just thinking everything was fine. Then Dutch told me that the killer is going after people with bad pasts... But Alex... He’s going after the Solo’s.... that part’s obvious. I wrote that big long book about the Solo’s...”
“Right.”
“My picture was on the back of that book so that’s probably how he has my picture, that’s what Dutch thinks.”
“I never thought being a writer would be dangerous.”
“Exactly my problem... I had so many suspects for who might want Dutch dead that first time.”
“So you don’t think this is someone who knows you personally, just knows you from your book?”
“Only one twisted enough to do this is Hav Taraug but I ain’t convinced on that yet. I need to talk to Dutch about that name more. It was a name Bravo mentioned... no one else really talked about him. I hope that’s all it is. Unless it’s one of the characters in the book...”
“But the thing is it feels like it’s a woman getting revenge for Dutch trampling on her heart, and getting a man to do the killing.”
“Actually, that does kinda make sense with some of that poetry,” he raised his eyebrows at that and nodded.
“That list of women’s names... mine included... all people Dutch has been with in the past... I was mentioned first, Alex.”
“Because he still loves you...”
“How does the killer know that?” I sighed.
“Maybe it’s someone close to him that he’d never suspect?”
“Sniper suggested it was Gaide...” I sighed again.
He took a long look at me and asked, “What do you think of that?”
“It couldn’t be. I saw the way that Gaide and Dutch were both sickened over seeing those bodies... Gaide’s out to catch this maniac. I really don’t believe he’d be that ruthless.”
“Does Dutch have any other close friends?”
“Just people in Colorado probably that I don’t really know. Mostly women.”
“He sounds like... maybe he’s been around a bit... so maybe he crossed the wrong woman.”
“Exactly what I was thinking with the revenge angle... But here’s the thing.. The only female victim was the first one.”
“Hmmmm, okay. Did he know the other victims?”
“See... It makes no sense. That’s the thing, I don’t even know exactly who the other victims were. I know one guy was a baker... I think...”
“That’s where I’d start, Trin. Find out who they are and if there are any connections between them.”
“You’re right,” I nodded.
“They may all be random choices, but you have to find that out first.”
“That makes sense. That gives me some direction.”
“Hey, I’m good for something!” he smiled.
“I just... I couldn’t think about all this objectively enough. And seeing Dutch here...”
“I’m always here for you to talk things through. Yeah, seeing an ex can really screw up your thought process.”
“We should head back to town, yeah?”
“I’m glad you came to talk to me. I’m always here for you,” he patted my hand.
I stood and pulled him in for a tight hug. “Like I said... I tried to talk to Aly but she focused more on the romantic part of it... Not the actual case. Let’s go...” I said then.
“Well, I thought that’s where you were going with it too. I just needed to shut up and listen for a minute,” he chuckled.
I nudged him playfully and said, “Both parts of the story are important but... I needed your help with the logical side.” He chuckled and winked at me and I said, “The side I could make sense of somehow.”
Black Diamond.
We walked into town and Aly was standing in front of the sheriff’s office, wearing a nice dress. I decided to find Ger as Alex complimented Aly on her outfit and she told me that she had changed for Lil’s wedding which was this afternoon. Aly asked if I was mad at her about something and I told her that I just needed to get statements together from a few people still.
I went over to the cafe and sat down across from Ger, seeing him hard at work on the report. “Hey you,” I greeted him.
“Hey, I’m writing that report for you.”
“Great. Don’t let me interrupt.”
“Too late,” he stuck his tongue out and I nudged him under the table. He finished it and handed it to me. I thanked him for it and we talked about the case. Mysti walked in then and asked how I was doing.
“I’ll be okay I think. Just have to keep focusing on the details and not get caught up in the fact that Dutch’s arms were around me last night and I’ll be fine.”
“Were they arms you wanted around you?”
“Doesn’t really matter what I want lately,” I shrugged.
“Trin, that’s not a good answer. Of course it matters. You matter and if you don’t think so then no one else can either. Did he place his arms where he should not have?” she asked and looked at Ger.
“No, it wasn’t like that. We had fun dancing it was just a blast from the past is all... And with James hardly being around my heart is just confused,” I said.
We continued to talk as a woman named Sophie came in and joined us. She said that she was from Paris and was a singer. Alex and Aly came in and we introduced ourselves to the newcomer as we drank coffee. We talked about the election and how the results would be revealed Wednesday though we knew it would be Ger.
Alex asked where I was all weekend and I told them that I had gone up north to tell my brother about what was going on. I told them he might come to Tombstone and we talked about the case against Lot. We talked about how much fun it would be for me to prosecute Lot in the case.
Aly asked if I’d seen the warrant against Lot that was hanging in the sheriff’s office and I told her I hadn’t. I decided to head to the office to look it over but as I went there, I leaned back against the wall, feeling exhaustion and the sensation of fainting that I’d felt at the dance the night before. I hadn’t told anyone about it at the cafe because I didn’t want them to worry. I walked into the office and sat down on the chair, looking over the warrant for Lot and taking deep breaths.
When I’d read through it, I walked over to the saloon, hearing piano music playing. I saw Ger playing and sat down beside him, letting the hymns calm my spirit. “Hey Ger... You’re still kinda a doctor right...?” I looked at him eventually.
“Yeah...and more importantly, a friend.”
“I think I need...” I took a deep breath, “To talk to you about something. No one else knows... Aly hardly noticed it last night...”
“Okay... Once Gigi shows up,” he said and I knew he wanted to introduce Sophie to Gigi.
“But then there were a lot of people around so it probably was no big deal to anyone... Dutch had to take me home though,” I said and nodded to him.
He continued to play and then Gigi came into the saloon. They talked about Sophie being a friend of Leigh’s and wanting to work at the saloon. Gigi noted that Krell was her brother and we were curious about that.
Sophia followed Gigi to her office and Mysti wheeled herself in. I led the way to the clinic, knowing that Ger wouldn’t be able to come alone now but didn’t really care anymore. I sat on the bed of the clinic and pulled my knees up under me.
“Hon, what’s going on?” Mysti asked with concern.
“I don’t know,” I cried.
“Well what is bothering you? What doesn’t feel right?” she asked.
“I fainted last night... While dancing with Dutch.. It was like the fear consumed and I... I couldn’t breathe.”
“You did say you were tired....but....how does your head feel?” Ger asked.
“Ger, could you listen to her heart please?”
“I can’t focus, I can’t sleep, I can’t think about anything other than the fact that you all are being paired up and I have to pull you away from your alone times. I haven’t seen James in almost a week and now Dutch is in town and I just...” I tried to calm down but couldn’t. “I’m scared. “What if I’m alone when the killer comes to find me? What if you guys are all doing your coupled/married thing and I’m sitting in my office alone like I always am and he comes and...”
“Let me listen...” Ger said, placing his stethoscope's metal disk against my chest.
“I know it is not easy to be alone. I was alone for a long time Trin and I did not intrude on other couple’s alone time as lonely as it was. It is not easy hon I know,” Mysti told me.
“Breathe deep for me Trin,” Ger instructed and I did so. “Let it out...”
“After Charles died and you were with Alex it was not easy to be alone,” Mysti looked at me. I feel for you but the right man will come along you just have to keep busy and know that you deserve the best. It sounds like your stress is really getting to your body.”
“Do that again for a couple of times,” Ger placed the stethoscope on my back.
“I thought James was different... He has an office here. He has to come back sometime.. I...” my heart started to race as the tears fell.
“Easy there Trin...calm down a bit...” Ger steadied me.
“I know it’s disappointing... I was dumped by David and I swore I’d never go with another guy or trust one. It was not easy for Ger to get me to trust him. It took a long time and a lot of his understanding.”
“Do you have any pains in your head? Sharp, like someone is stabbing you?” Ger asked me.
“See Myst... You went from one man to the next to the next. You haven’t been ... alone as long as...” I shook my head and then nodded to Ger.
“Where?” he asked and I pointed to the side of my head.
“Ooh no that is not true.. after Charles I was alone for a long time and after Matty too,” Mysti said. “It was just David to Ger and that was unexpected totally.. I didn’t even want to be with Ger at first.”
I felt the tears falling more and he moved my hair to check the area and smiled. “Maybe that was a warning hun...”
“A warning for what...?” I looked at him.
“For her to run as fast as she could...away from me...” Ger chuckled but I couldn’t laugh at that. I thought about how Ger and I had been when we started working together and cried more.
“Good girl, just let it out,” Mysti stroked my thigh gently.
“What the hell’s wrong with me?” I looked at Ger.
“It hurts to be alone when so many others are coupled. I stopped going to the dances for that reason.. I hated it. I understand. I even got out of town for a while.”
“Well....I found a couple of things wrong...all might have contributed to what happened. Your heart rate is high, your pulse is high...your breathing is shallow.... When this happens, there is a lack of oxygen to the brain...first pain, then dizziness, then you pass out. What needs to be done is figure out why this is happening....I think it is mostly do to stress and your emotions.”
“That makes sense.. It feels like the fear just encompasses me... The fear of being alone when this guy comes.”
“For now, here is what you need to do....when you feel that pain in your head, take some deep breaths and relax.”
“And probably sit down, right?”
“Yes.”
“Knees up or not?”
“Head between your knees. If the pain doesn’t go away and you start feeling dizzy, stay down and ask for help.”
“Is there anything I can... take?”
“I think the main thing is to stay calm...learn how to let things go... As far as medicine, I wouldn’t until we find out if there is something wrong with your heart or not.”
“You don’t think...” I looked at him with worry.
“No, I don’t think there is anything wrong, thats why I don’t want to give you anything right now... Try those things, and if they worsen, then talk with Myst.”
“Okay... You guys have a wedding to go to. I’m gonna go rest. Thank you for... thank you.”
“No problem. Now, if you will excuse us, we have a wedding to attend,” Ger said and they headed out of the clinic.
This evening I talked with a man called Ben Cat who said he might be interested in some sort of law position so I directed him to whom he should talk to about that. Later in the evening, I went to Tombstone and found Jack and Sommer relaxing outside before the dance. I asked if they could provide statements about Kris running over Mysti and they were more than willing to testify against the marshal.
I went to the dance at Kate’s and danced in the front row while Aly tended bar. I met a woman named Jessica Pond who said she worked as a Dove. Alex came into the saloon and sat at the bar where Aly was serving drinks. I danced for a while but then felt the exhaustion wave over me and went to the piano to sit down. Alex asked what was wrong and I went over to the bar and told them about going to the clinic and how Ger thought that it was just anxiety. Aly convinced me to stay and relax so I sat at the bar and listened to everyone else dancing and having a good time, but it felt wrong to enjoy myself. Eventually let myself have a good time talking with Alex and Aly at the bar while people danced and then headed home with a smile.
No comments:
Post a Comment