August 13, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street and saw the group in front of the hotel. “Hey Aeryne, folks.” 

“Hey Trin, how are you?” 

“I must go,” the man I didn’t know said and walked on. 

“Take care, Xavior,” Aeryne said to the man and I noted his name. 

“I’m alright, Aeryne, and yourself?” I asked. 

“Not too bad thanks, just looking around for one of the judges,” Aeryne replied. 

“I’m just lookin’ around for somethin’ to do. Hey there Ben, long time no see,” I saw Ben Cravens walk over. 

“Hello there, Ben,” Aeryne nodded to him and then told me, “Well if you will pardon me, I think I will try the judge at his house. Have a good afternoon folks.” 

“Sure thing, Aeryne. Good luck,” I nodded and she walked off. 

Ben looked at me and said, “Been out of town, not that it your concern, Trin.” He looked at the man sitting in front of the news office and said, “I don’t know you. What you smirking at?” 

“Forgive me for bein’ nice,” I shrugged. 

“What do you think I’m smirking at?” David asked. 

“Hi Trin,” Paisley walked over then. 

“How are you doin’, hon?” I asked her. 

“I’m smirking at what you just said..” David replied. 

“Why?” Ben asked. 

“I am ok. How are you doing?” she asked me and I tuned out the conversation of the men behind me, focusing on Paisley.” 

“Lookin’ for somethin’ to do now that I’ve solved my cases,” I winked at her. 

“They set a date do you know?” Paisley asked. 

“A date for what?” 

“A trial for them.” 

“Oh for Garth and Mac?” 

“Yes.” 

“Haven’t heard. Would guess sometime soon.” 

“I hope soon.” 

“The docket doesn’t usually come out until tomorrow or so...” I said. “I’m hoping to get on some trials this weekend.” 

Ben walked over and then asked, “‘Scuse me... Garth and Mac? The brothers?” 

“Yes, Garth and Mac,” Paisley nodded. 

“Damn!” Ben shook his head and walked off. 

I felt something moving around my feet and looked down to see a little orange kitten. I leaned down to pet it and smiled at Paisley. “Not usually a cat person but this one’s cute.”

Suddenly there were gunshots going off and I looked around. I heard Ben shouting, “Wait!” and saw him running after Xavior with his gun drawn. 

“Ben, what the hell?” I turned around, seeing Xavior’s gun out as well. 

“Go on... Investigate pinky..” Dave leered at me. 

I rolled my eyes and ran down the street towards the back of the bank where I heard the guns coming from. “Ben you alright?” I asked him. 

“He’s just shootin’ flies,” Dave shrugged. 

“If I was on fire, I wouldn’t tell you,” Ben glared. 

“Who ya shootin’ at? And why?” 

“Like the man said.....flies... They annoy me.” 

“Funny I saw Xavier runnin’ around with his gun out too. You want to stick to that story?” 

“What do you think?” he sneered. 

I saw Xavior come over then and glared at him. “Someone wanna tell me what’s goin’ on here?” 

“I just rode into town ma’am,” Xav nodded. 

“Nothing to do with you, lawlady,” Ben told me. 

“Has lots to do with me if ya’ll had your guns out at each other.” 

“Oh just boys being boys ma’am,” Xav shrugged. 

“You see either of us bleeding or dead? No? No! So butt out!” Ben stared me down. 

“I must go,” Xav nodded and ran off. 

“Wait up!” Ben called after him. 

I sighed, watching them go and knowing there was nothing I could do but paperwork. I walked over to the sheriff’s office and got out a blank statement, writing what I had seen. Ansar walked over then and I smiled at him. “Good timing, Marshal.”

“Timing?” he blinked. 

“Writing up a witness statement for you.” 

“Oh.. what happen?” 

“Not often I see the actual crime done. Usually it’s a report done after the crime has happened.” 

“Yeah something like that.” 

“Just a simple unholstered weapons report for now...” I finished writing the statement and handed him the papr. 

He read through it and then nodded. “I see, guess I better loo into it.”  

“I’m right behind you,” I said as the cat followed us to the back of the bank. “Nothin’ I could do but paperwork. But two men runnin’ around the bank smells trouble.” 

Ansar looked at the front door and said, “No damage to either one of the doors.” He tugged on the door one at a time and made sure they were locked. 

We walked around the back and then Dave told us, “The back’s open, Mister.” 

“Looks like they used a pick,” Ansar said as I followed him through the back entrance and into the bank. 

“But was it Xavior or Ben? Anything missing in the vault?” 

Ansar checked the door to the safe and said, “Not locked.” 

“So they got in the vault too,” I sighed. 

“All I did was push on the middle of the door.” 

“Guess this is turnin’ into an incident report. Anything gone?” 

“Pretty sure someone was back here. Seems like they took some things.” 

“Bank robbery and unholstered weapons. Problem is we don’t know who exactly robbed the bank.”

“Well I haven’t touch anything but the middle of the door of the vault. Pretty sure you can do some fancy Pinkerton stuff can’t ya?” 

“I’d have to get Xavior and Ben’s prints to compare but yes.” I got out my equipment and found some prints on the vault, collecting them with the coal dust, and put the prints in my pocket. “Got some prints but hard to say if they’re old or new. Amount of times this bank’s been stolen... I’d still like to get Ben and Xavior’s prints, if they’ll even let me. Think I should get you to write a statement about the money being missing, as the banker? I put my witness statement into my report as the description, as well as the paragraph after about the robbery. Disregard the witness statement for now. I’ll get you a full report when I’ve got these prints investigated.” 

“Oh, I don’t work in the bank really. That was like a ‘has he really turned good’ job. They wanted to make sure I had gone straight.” 

“I’ll just work the prints then. Though the chances of getting either Xavior’s or Ben’s prints are slim.” 

“Dust the door too just in case.” 

I nodded and went to get prints from the door, finding similar prints from the inside as on the outside. I put the prints in my pocket and followed Ansar outside. “Thanks, Ansar. Glad you were here.” 

“If the same prints match up, it’s mostly likely the same person went from the back door to the front. But if they don’t match. most likely using gloves and there old prints. I mean to the vault and the box.” 

“Right the prints match from the vault and the inside... but still, could be anyone at this point.” 

“Well only banker that’s been in there is me.” 

I noticed the cat was still outside and reached down to pet it again. “More of a dog person but this cat is growing on me.” 

“So worse off you got my prints,” Ansar said. 

“Do I have your prints?” I tried to remember Ansar’s file. “Nope, going to have to get those.” I got out my paper and ink and handed it to him. 

“Never been in to have my prints taken or done a crime that involved a Pinkerton,” he shrugged. 

“We can fix that right now,” I smiled. “Well it’s still always good to have the banker’s prints so we can rule them out.” 

“I’m about to write a report about them shooting there guns and then being unholstered in town. Don’t want stuff all over the reports.” 

“Of course,” I nodded. 

“You can use my statement for that report, I s’pose.” 

“Yup.” 

“The bank robbery will be a different charge... I’ll include the witness statement in it too though. Proves who was there.” 

“I’ll wait on your report on those print to send it in. See if we can’t add a robbing bank charge.” 

“Alright. Any advice on how to acquire those other than offering them a drink?” I asked as the cat ran in and out between my boots. 

“Could always ask to see there guns, then dust them all fast like.” 

“If they’ll give them to me. Ben seemed rather reluctant to tell me anything.” 

“Or best case. offer them a pit of beer. If they leave the glass your set.” 

“Mmhmm that’s usually my plan. Thanks, Ansar. Will get on this.” 

“Hey it works.” 

“Sure does.” 

“I wouldn’t turn down a free beer.” 

“I’ll keep you posted then,” I smirked. 

“Off to write that report if ya need me ill be in the office.” 

I nodded and looked down at the cat. “Well Kitty, off to work?” I smiled and the cat followed me off to the saloon where I sat in front of Kate’s and got out my notebook to write. 

Less than half an hour later, I saw Xavior walk over. I noticed there were no gloves on his hands and smiled. “Ah Xavior, good.” 

“Can I help you?” 

“Feel like joining me for a drink?” 

“No thank you. I must go.” 

“You sure? Could just have a drink of whiskey.” 

“No, I must go. I need to go now,” he tipped his hat and ran away. 

I frowned and walked across the street to where Ansar was still standing. “Just tried to offer Xavior a drink but he refused twice. Didn’t see any gloves on him.”

“Musta not been thirsty.” 

“Hey there Reb,” I said, greeting the woman walking over. 

“Who in there right mind turns down a free drink?” he asked. 

“I know, right?” 

“Howdy Marshal, Miss Trin,” she smiled at us. 

“Howdy,” Ansar nodded. 

“Anything new been happening in town lately Ms Trin?” 

“Well, just witnessed a crime or two but men don’t seem to wanna drink with me. Maybe you might be able to convince him though, Reb..” I had an idea. 

“That seems strange,” Reb winked. 

“His name’s Xavior. Black hat and jacket and whatnot. I need his prints on a glass somehow... Maybe you could offer him a drink and then keep the glass for me. You’d have to wear gloves though.” 

“Well our costume for dancing at Annie’s has gloves I could use those.” 

“There you go,” I chuckled. “Think you could do that for me? And maybe um... Ben Cravens, too,” I whispered, in case they were within earshot. 

“But do you think y’all could introduce him to me it might seem strange even for a Dutch Annie’s Dove to just walk up to someone and offer them a drink unless he comes into Annie’s of course.” 

“Well... unless you go over to him now. He’s right over there. That’s Xav,” I pointed out to the man. 

“I had that happen to me one one of the first days I was here. Annie got like the best beer,” Ansar shrugged. 

Reb looked startled and asked, “Was that him? Oh which way did he go? My back was turned so I didn’t see!”

“Down that way,” I nodded down the street. 

“Ten coins he says no,” Ansar told me. 

“You’re on,” I chuckled and nudged him. 

“Well I’ll try my best ma’am, marshal sir,” Reb curtseyed and walked away. 

“Good luck, Reb!” I called after her and looked at Ansar. “Worth a shot, right? He ain’t gonna drink with me, maybe he’ll drink with a dove.” 

“In the arse yeah.” 

“Oh come on, it’s a good idea,” I laughed. 

“Ain’t going to work. I mean I would turn down a drink but him. he might be into fellas. Ya never know.” 

“Still think it’s worth a try. We’ll see soon though.” 

“If it don’t work get a good looking fella to do it.” 

I saw a boy wandering over and smiled at Jimmy. “Hey there Jimmy! I’m so glad to see you.”

“Hey Jimmy,” Ansar greeted him. 

“Hey Miss Trin and Mr Banker,” Jimmy smiled. 

“Ain’t no banker no more. I’m law now,” Ansar said. 

I saw Reb walking back and sighed. “That was quick...”

“Oh hey there boy,” Reb smiled at Jimmy. 

“Don’t tell me I just lost a bet,” I looked at her. 

“Well he was in a big hurry I barely got a few words with him.” 

“Pay up,” Ansar held out his hand. 

“If I chase him around he will be suspicious.” 

“Oh come on... There’s still.... But... Fine,” I sighed and reached into my pocket, handing Ansar the coins. 

He took them and put them in his pocket. “Woo free taters tonight!”

“Well Ma’am sorry I could not be of more help but if he comes into Annie’s no problem,” Reb said. 

“Ya tried,” Ansar said to her. 

“That would be great, Reb. Thanks hon,” I smiled at her. 

“Howdy Miss. No more donuts Mr Lawman banker?” Jimmy looked at Ansar. 

“Finding that my badge is makin men not want to tell me things, go figure,” I frowned. “But there’s no point takin it and hiding the badge now. They all know who I am.” 

Ansar patted his pocket proudly and I shook my head. “Pretty sure I’ll open the bank from time to time,” he said to Jimmy. “If I got nothing better to do that is.” 

“Jimmy, you doin okay kiddo?” 

“I hangin in der Miss Trin. I ben prospecin fer more gold. I gunna be rich sum day,” he said proudly. 

“Thata boy kid. Hard work dos ya good,” Ansar nodded. 

I nodded to Seth and saw Xav come over again. I leaned over to whisper to Ansar, “Ten more coins.”

“You been moseying around them caves again boy?” Reb looked at Jimmy and then greeted Seth. 

“You’re on,” Ansar leaned back to me. 

“No ma’am! I done learnt my lesson on dat. I go pannin roun rivers and streams..when I ain fishin that is,” Jimmy said. 

“Come on hon, you could help me get my pride back here,” I looked at Reb and smiled. 

“Make sure you hide anything bigger then ya head,” Ansar advised Jimmy. 

“That’s good Boy!” Reb said to Jimmy. 

“I telling ya, he likes men.. No way he will have a drink with her. I’ll just win that bet,” Ansar told me. He patted his pocket and said, “I’ll be eating good tonight!” 

I shook my head and leaned down to pet the kitten. “I ain’t buyin’ it, Ansar. It’s gonna work.”

“You’ll have better luck if Seth asks,” Ansar said. 

“Well I better be on my way Mam, Sirs,” Reb said then. 

“Ask about what?” Seth wondered. 

“Alright then, Seth, you wanna go ask that man Xavior for a drink and then keep the glass for me?” I asked him. “He didn’t want to have a drink with me. And he don’t want one with Reb.” 

“Lookin to askin him questions drunk?” Seth asked. 

“Nope I need his prints.” 

“Why would he want a drink with Mr Seth instead of you Miss Trin?” Jimmy asked, confused. 

“I’m tella yeah He likes men!! I’ll prove it!” Ansar shouted. 

“Fine Ansar, you ask then.”

“You like men don’t ya, Xavior?!” Ansar called out. 

“Miss Trin I go see Miss Pet if ya need me I be there,” Jimmy said. 

“Rumor has it, you’ve been doing more then grabbing the bull by its horns Tater,” Xav said as he put on gloves and I frowned. 

“Sure thing, kiddo,” I leaned down and hugged him before he ran across to the hotel. 

“So avoiding my question must be true.. alright Trin you own my ten coins yet again,” Ansar looked at me and held out his hand. 

“No, don’t think so yet. I’ll give you ten coins when he goes to have a drink with you.” 

“Oh yeah you do.” 

“You have a big mouth tater, for big reasons, you need to shut it before I do,” Xav threatened.

I raised an eyebrow at that and leaned over to Ansar, “Or you could just get his guns...”

“I seem to get more girls than you, You wear them Chaps with a hole in the back so  the marshal can get his way with you,” Xav went on. “Damn you,” he spit at Ansar and walked away. 

“Never you mind Xavior. You done gave yourself away. Nothing to be ashamed about you like having drinks with fella them gals,” Ansar told him. 

“He a troublemaker?” Seth asked. 

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Ansar shrugged. 

“Need any help?” Seth offered. 

“He ain’t in trouble... yet..” Ansar said. 

“Just saw him run.” 

“Yeah... What ya expect chickens to do.. walk?” 

“I’m still not givin ya the money yet. Not till another drink attempt has been made.” 

“Oh just wait. I’ll get them prints for ya.” 

“Uh huh. We’ll see,” I winked at him. 

“Oh, it’s a paying job?” Seth asked. 

“I’ll let you boys chat. Need to head on. Wish me luck.”

“He will get so mad at me he will draw and I’ll drop like a fly. Then you can take them gloves right 

off and get prints,” Ansar said. I nudged him and smiled as I walked off. 

*** 

I walked into town an hour later and heard an explosion at the bank. I looked around and saw Seth running into the bank with his guns drawn. A man stood nearby and I looked over at him. 

“Damn it. You alright sir?” 

“I’m fine, ma’am,” he smiled at me. 

I heard gunshots from inside the bank and sighed. “They’re gettin’ restless around here.” 

“I notice. This happen round here often?” he asked. 

“You see anything?” I looked at him. “Twice today already. Nothin’ I can do but take down names and information. Seth, you alright?” I called into the bank. 

“Heard the explosion.. came wandering over by the time I got here everyone cleared out,” he answered. 

“Just not sure if I need to call for a doc or not.,” I looked in but everything about me was telling me not to go into the bank. “Seth??” I called again. 

“Any ones tries to come in or leave I’ll shoot you on the spot!” A voice called out and I shook my head, not recognizing it. “I will allow a doctor though!” 

“Two men robbin’ this bank! Got one but the other got me!” Seth called out to me with pain in his voice. 

“I’ll call for a doc, Seth. Hold on!” I shouted and ran to the Wells Fargo office shouting,  “Need a doctor! Anyone!” As I ran around, I noticed two men wearing masks walking down the street to the clinic. I wondered where Seth was and ran back to the bank. Seth was leaning against the bank entrance and I asked him, “Seth! Can you walk?” 

“I can stagger.” 

“Come on, let’s get you to the clinic,” I said. “Sir, can you help me?” I asked the man who was still standing nearby. 

“Of course,” he nodded and we took Seth by each arm and led him to the clinic. 

I looked over at the bed and whispered to the man, “You know him?”

“I think so,” he whispered back. 

“Let’s walk outside,” I said and walked outside with him. “You see ‘em without their masks on?”

“I’m not the kind of man to turn someone over to the law.” 

“I’m pretty sure it’s my neighbour David, and his brother Viper. Just want that corroborated with someone else.” 

“You think they’d be up to robbin a bank?” 

“Wouldn’t put it past them.” 

“The one on the table is David. I’ve never met the other one,” he whispered to me. 

“Thank you,” I nodded. “Where one is, the other is. It’s David and Viper then.” 

“So, I never caught your name miss.” 

“Sorry, I’m Detective Trin Paige,” I said as I watched Doll walk into the clinic and sighed with relief that there was a doctor there now. “And your name, sir?” I asked him. 

“I’m Alex; nice to meet you miss Trin.” 

“Nice to meet you, Alex.” 

“Was that the doctor, just entered the clinic?” 

“Yes sir. I need to head inside. Thank you, sir.” 

I walked into the clinic and helped Doll take care of Seth after she’d looked at David’s wounds. Aly came in then and I explained to her that Seth had called for a doctor from inside the bank and he’d said two had robbed the bank. One had got Seth but he’d got the other one. When Seth was well enough to write Aly a statement, I asked her to get me a bullet from the gun for my files and then headed out of the clinic.