Black Diamond.
This morning I rode into Diamond and hopped off my horse, seeing Aeryne sitting by the pond with the ducks in the middle of town. I walked over to her and said, “Hey there, Aeryne.”
“Hey Trin. How are you?”
“I’m alright. Any leads on our mystery?”
“Yeah all a fraud. Everything I found out wasn’t what I thought it was.”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe I am from around here or maybe not, there is no way to tell that I know of. The papers I found turned out to be as a result of an attempt to bribe my father years ago.”
“So there’s no case?”
“There is a case but no leads. I have no idea who my parents might or might not be. Could be anyone.”
“What about the badge?”
“The badge is still a mystery, looks like it matches up to what a tombstone sheriffs badge might have looked like back in the day. Problem is its a pretty standard design, it could also look like a badge from any number of towns or cities all over the country. Just a star in a circle, and the writing on it is long since rusted away.”
“What would you like me to do?” I sighed.
“On the bright side we have two new deputies in town, so if you need any help with anything feel free to call on them too. Conversely if you have any problems with them please let me know...” she went on and then looked at me. “Oh Trin... honestly I don’t know what can be done, the trail is cold as far as I can tell.”
“So you’re saying you don’t want my help anymore then?”
“Well if you have any ideas I am open to hearing them.”
“Let me think on it.”
“Birth records and adoptions records are out, seems Stormy’s family might have been responsible for records keeping... if you take my meaning...” she said and I rolled my eyes, making her nod.
“Exactly...”
“I’m glad you got some new deputies. Now if you could get them to fire her I’d be happy.”
“Well between you and I, I think she is doing that job herself... Hey, while you are in town... do you know anything about what happened with Nat in school last week?”
“Yes, I do....” I sighed. “How’d you hear bout that?”
“Jimmy told myself, Autumn and Angeles about it the other day.”
“Oh I see... I really don’t know what to do about it, Aeryne. I’ve never looked after a child. Now suddenly I’ve got one who’s scared to go to school because the teacher pulled her hair. A teacher who had let her sit with Jimmy before but then walked over to her and went to move her to the other side without a word and Natalie ran out of there.”
“I can’t say I blame her at that Trin. I was horrified when Jimmy told us.”
“She’s mortified to go back now. Not just because of the teacher but also because the girls kept giving her looks, and now all this with Payton has got her really confused.”
“I think a good talking to at the very least is in store for said teacher. I will not have my students treated like that even by another teacher. Payton? How so?”
“Well Payton was caught stealing ten coins from the strong box of the bank the other day... Aly and I discussed it and we don’t want the child to go to jail and court... So we’re giving her some other community work as punishment. Seeing as Payton confessed and returned the money. But it’s gotten Nat all shook up.”
“What is our town coming to Trin, that the children are so troubled?”
“My money’s on the new matron at the orphanage. I’ve heard bad things about her.”
“Good mornin’ ladies,” Ty walked over then.
“Come on over and join us, Ty,” I looked over and waved.
“Ahh good morning Deputy Ty, nice to see you,” Aeryne looked over at him.
“Deputy?” I smiled.
“Yep, he is one of our new recruits!”
“Well that’s great!”
“Thank you,” Ty smiled. “Guess I should call you boss, huh Miss Aeryne?”
“Proud of you, Ty. When you first got to town you were even leery of bein’ around me,” I chuckled at the memory and he laughed.
“I prefer Aeryne if you don’t mind...” Aeryne laughed. “Sheriff at worst.”
“When she’s really in trouble, Ms. Massiel,” I winked at Aeryne and she chuckled.
“So what can we do to help Nat feel more comfortable returning to school Trin?” Aeryne asked.
“I have no idea... With Payton giving her weird looks, Sabi and Ruby and Poppy not wanting to trade with her and wanting to make her do all the work on their island... And all of them giving her funny looks for wanting to sit with her best friend who’s a boy...”
“Ahhh well there is another problem right there,” Aeryne nodded.
“She doesn’t really have much motivation to go. Problem is... The girls in Mississippi where she’s from, they were awful to her. Wouldn’t give her a break. It’s why she read so much. They were even worse on the train ride here. So she already has a distrust of other girls her age. That’s why she doesn’t want to sit on that side.”
“I am sure Sabi, Poppy and Ruby did not mean to be mean to her Trin. They are not that sort of girls... though that point seems largely moot now.”
“Not to mention...” I looked between them. “She was almost adopted back in Mississippi by a woman who was wonderful to her... She got real attached and excited about it. Then she saw these outlaws shoot her down cause she was a woman and had no guns on. She’s afraid to get attached to any woman without a gun now.”
“That’s awful,” Ty shook his head.
“That is a problem for sure. Though thankfully she has you.”
“I honestly could use some help... I never thought I would have a child to care for... When I first brought Nat over to Diamond and told Alex about it, he laughed at the idea cause it was so ridiculous.”
“Anything I can do to help any of my students I will gladly do. Including finding that teacher and having a word or two with her,” Aeryne said. “I probably won’t even wear my badge...”
“You mean when talking to the teacher? I’m debating that I should just do that myself. In stead of having a bunch of folks gang up on her, you know?”
“Well regardless the point must be made to her. There are ways to discipline a child and ways not to... and pulling a child’s hair is DEFINITELY on the not list.”
“Natalie said she didn’t even tell her to move,” I nodded.
“How is a child supposed to learn anything if she is afraid to even be at school?”
“Just walked over, stood behind her and pulled.”
“Completely unacceptable...” Aeryne shook her head.
“I wouldn’t mind some help with a couple of other cases actually... Since I have both of you. The suspects may wander around here so I could use some help.”
“Well before we go off topic Trin... Have you seen Poppy lately?”
“I have not.”
“Ty? Have you?”
“No ma’am,” he shook his head.
“Please keep an eye out for her. She hasn’t done anything wrong but I am concerned for her.”
“When did you see her last?” Ty asked.
“It’s been a good while. And... Sabi is no longer living with Stormy and Mike. I helped her get to relatives out east to stay for a while.”
“Oh? Well that’s a good thing I s’pose.”
“Poor Sabi has had a lot of changes lately,” Ty observed.
“Yes, I suspect Poppy has done similarly but I don’t know. I just want to make sure she is alright. At best she could probably use a couple more friends. And she has at that Ty, but she is with good folks who will give her stability back east. She is in good hands.”
“Well I don’t have much experience with kids... but can try to talk to her if I see her,” Ty said.
“That’s all I am asking. Or let me know if you see her.”
“Sure will.”
“Can I ask ya’lls opinion on someone...?” I asked hesitantly. “What do ya’ll know about this Joan lady who’s in the cavalry?”
“I haven’t met her, I don’t reckon,” Ty shook his head.
“Very little. She was going to adopt that odd girl that was here a month or two ago.. can’t recall her name. She is married or with Amos isn’t she?”
“I believe Nat said they are related somehow.”
“I think I have seen her on the payroll run a few times but never see her actually around town.”
“She found her very... controlling last night but she has a nice house over in Benson. And I had a rather intimidating conversation with her.”
“Oh?” Aeryne looked at me.
“All I wanted to know was some information... It’s not even a case.. yet... But if it turns into one it will be very serious. She wouldn’t give me the information for a long time then finally gave me an estimated number... Which hardly helps... Then prodded me for wanting to know why I wanted to know. All I said was I was trying to help one of her relatives and to back off because we’re both on the same side. She finally said she trusted me.”
“Well... a lot of folks around here do not trust one another, that much is plainly obvious...” Aeryne shook her head.
“She’s a ranger. I’m a Pinkerton Detective.”
“Maybe you stumbled into a family scuffle?”
“I know that I did. That’s why I was pressing her, but I didn’t want it to sound like I was accusing her family, because I’m not sure that I am yet... Just... if you see Miss Ashton and Rikki talking about horses, would you let me know what they say please?”
“Yes ma’am,” Ty nodded.
“Ahh... Ashton huh?” Aeryne said then. “I haven’t met her myself but I have heard about her. She is the one adopting Peyton right?”
“I believe so,” I nodded.
“Wow, I have a lot to learn and a lot of people to meet,” Ty chuckled.
“The other thing.... If you see Xavior or Ben Cravens... I need their fingerprints somehow. I haven’t seen them around Tombstone and am enlisting reinforcements, I s’pose,” I chuckled.
“I haven’t seen either in town,” Aeryne shook her head.
“Figures. Idiots probably up and disappeared cause they knew I was onto ‘em so they’ll let the case go cold.”
“My suggestion about Ashton though, talk to Angeles. I think she knows her on some level. And I trust Angeles.”
“Not sure I do but... I’ll look into that angle,” I admitted.
“Well if it gets the job done...” Aeryne nodded. “Ty... here is the one thing you must learn about being in law... if you learn nothing else...” she looked at him. “Personal feelings never ever come before your responsibility. If you see your own mother breaking the law you are still expected to arrest her just like you would anyone else. Just try not to shoot her,” she winked and Ty laughed.
“Mmhmm. Don’t become like some deputies who have more friends that are outlaw than law....” I winked at Aeryne, knowing she knew I was talking about Stormy and she nodded.
“Well I have one outlaw friend but I’m sure we would both be happy to shoot at each other,” he admitted.
“It’s okay to know who they are but don’t go about hangin’ out with them... Unless of course you’re having a drink with ‘em for information,” I winked at Aeryne.
“Right, plenty of outlaws, especially the pretty ones will try to use you to get away with things.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Never let yourself be put in that situation.”
“I’ll remember that,” he blushed.
“And if you need me for anything Ty.. I’m good at gathering witness statements... Or dusting for prints if that will help further a case along in court,” I said to him. “I’ve got an office there at the end of the street by the gate. You can just drop me a note and I’ll come help.”
“Wearing this badge is an honor I never thought I’d have so I take it very serious,” Ty said.
“I like him already, Aeryne,” I smiled.
“Thank you, Miss Trin. I’m sure I’ll be knockin’ on your door.”
“I appreciate that a lot Ty,” Aeryne nodded to him and looked at me, “As do I Trin. He is going to do great.”
“Well you have more confidence than I do,” he grinned.
“You’re fortunate in that Diamond is pretty quiet. Now, at least...” I smiled.
“Yea, good place to learn, I reckon.”
“Yes that will change before long,” Aeryne said.
“Once they start to see there are deputies around.. Outlaws will come just to get a rise out of ya. Trust me.”
“Yup. Lot himself most likely,” Aeryne said.
“Morning folks!” Alex’s voice made me turn and smile, seeing my best friend and we all greeted him in return.
“How are ya?” I asked him.
“Have you met Deputy Ty?” Aeryne asked.
“We’re just giving the new deputy some beginning advice,” I said.
“I think we met awhile back,” Alex nodded.
“Ahh good!” Aeryne smiled.
“And deputy now, very nice!” Alex said.
“I am still trying to convince Alex to come work in our clinic,” Aeryne winked.
“I’ll come over and work here anytime.”
“If there’s a call I’m sure he’ll work anywhere,” I winked at Alex.
“True. I don’t mind traveling around,” he nodded.
“How are things going Alex?” Aeryne asked.
“Feel better now that this thing’s back?” I touched his left hand where the ring sat again.
“Great! I feel a lot better,” Alex smiled.
“Well look at that!” Aeryne looked over.
I gave him a hug because I could and said, “Told you they’d work it out, Aeryne.”
“Yup! I am happy for you both Alex!” Aeryne smiled.
“Thanks!”
“I miss this place sometimes...” I looked around.
“Hmmmmm I know a cure for that....” Aeryne grinned.
“Why do you think I’m here now, woman?” I laughed. “It ain’t for the ducks.”
“What do you have against ducks?” Ty asked.
“Shhh you will hurt their feelings!” Aeryne teased.
“David turned me off of damn ducks,” I muttered.
“Last time I looked that duck was still there,” Alex said and I rolled my eyes.
“What?” Aeryne looked between us.
“David left a present for Trin in her old apartment and it’s still there,” Alex explained.
“David Norwood? Is he even in town anymore?” Aeryne asked.
“I haven’t seen him in ages,” Alex shook his head.
“Seen his bratty little kid nephew but not him,” I muttered.
“I don’t think I have met the nephew,” Aeryne said.
“Lucky you,” I winked.
“That kid looked like he was going to be trouble,” Alex agreed.
“Alex, do you remember that little girl back in Benson who kept ending up in your house?” Aeryne asked.
“Kate or Katie or something?”
“Yeah that was her. That was the kid Joan was adopting I think. Another trouble maker.”
“She was um... kinda clingy.”
“Oh Trin,” Aeryne looked at me. “I am sure you have seen the signs around town but Angeles has a children’s party this weekend. Maybe that would help Nat break the ice with some of the kids in town?”
“Oh that’s a good idea,” Alex smiled.
“Oh that might be fun. She might also help Alex out in the clinic.”
“Wonderful!” Aeryne exclaimed.
“Libby seemed to think she’d do a good job. When is the party?”
“I think there is a sign on the saloon here in town. If not they are all over the place on Allen Street.”
“Ah alright.”
“I am not sure I am afraid. I would imagine Saturday afternoon.” Aeryne said and then looked at Ty. “So Ty, were you able to read over all those manuals I gave you last night?”
“Yes, was seein’ double for a while, but got through them,” Ty nodded.
“Good! Do you have any questions?” Aeryne laughed.
“One of them said there were blank forms in the office for witness reports and such... But I didn’t see any.”
“Ahhh yes, behind my desk there is a little box with them in there.”
“Oh okay.”
“Stormy may tell you that’s her desk but don’t believe her.”
“She doesn’t need a desk,” I laughed and winked at Aeryne.
“She is normally very friendly to me but last night I saw her at the event and she really didn’t say much to me. Did my joining cause any problems?” Ty asked.
“Nah not at all Ty. That’s just Stormy,” Aeryne assured.
“Ain’t like ya took work from her....” I chuckled. “Sorry, I should really be nice but... It’s just so hard,” I winked at Alex.
“I’m just going to smile and nod,” Alex said.
“She may have been a bit upset too, though she sure did nothing about it,” Aeryne said.
“That lesson we talked about earlier Ty? Stormy.... is struggling with... So please do not let her lead you astray. If there is any question ask. If you don’t know who to ask look for Castion Eyre, he will always tell it like it is. Or Suzy of course. Or me,” she laughed.
“The only other thing in the handbooks that kinda confused me was the report writin’ but I’m sure after a couple I’ll have that figured out.”
“It gets easier with practice,” I assured him. “I can do em in my sleep now. Course I just do incident reports and witness statements,” I smiled.
“And you will have plenty of practice, I guarantee that. Just remember details count.”
“Well I can be almost obsessive about detail which is usually a fault,” Ty laughed. “But reckon in this case will be good.”
“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day,” I smiled. “A deputy who knows how to write reports.”
“Yup, you are in the right job,” Aeryne joked.
“Well never claimed I knew how to write ‘em yet,” Ty said.
“It’s pretty straight forward,” Aeryne said. “The only tough part we have right now is that we have no mayor in town. So getting warrants signed can be.... frustrating.”
“Who does it then?”
“Suzy is your best bet there. Or Angeles. Any judge or our mayor basically.”
“From what I seen last night, would need a fast horse to catch miss Suzy. She was always on the move,” Ty observed.
“True enough, Ty. She’s like the wind. Whips in, whips out,” I laughed.
“But don’t let her gruff attitude fool you. She is one of the best resources we have for any kind of help we need. Back up, or town problems, or questions.”
“That’s the way it was when she gave me the badge,” Ty smiled.
“Then at the saloon last night she greeted a few people then was out of town before I even realized she left.”
“Yep that’s Suzy,” Aeryne laughed.
“I met John last night too. He is a deputy too right?” Ty asked.
“The kids tend to be scared of her too... not sure why.. Yes he is. He also just started. And before you say anything Trin, yes I know....”
“It’s good to see some new deputies around here,” Alex commented.
“John have a last name?” I asked, thinking of John Davis who had been my partner for like, a week.
“Grey...” Aeryne said.
“Ah yes. You know what, Aeryne?”
“Well... he is directly related to Stormy.”
“Ah. That means nothing.. Mark Grey was a good lawman before he turned Native...”
“Well good. I am glad you will give him an honest shake then,” she smiled. “Not everyone has been so... understanding...”
“Can’t pick your family, right?” I nodded.
“True enough! What ever became of Mark Grey anyway? I met him just once as I recall.”
“Disappeared like most,” I shrugged.
“He and his wife were to adopt Ruby,” Aeryne remembered.
“I think I met him twice,” Alex said.
“Any outlaws been around these parts lately?” I asked.
“We had an incident Sunday before last..” Aeryne said.
“Is that the one where you said Stormy ddid nothing?” I looked at her.
“I guess Garth and Lisa got into it at the saloon and started a shoot out. Yup, thats the one.”
“Lisa?” Ty chuckled under his breath.
“Lisa Jones,” I looked at him.
“Right in front of all the kids, lucky none of them were shot. Including Stormy’s kid.”
“Nat said that they shuffled the kids off the street last night just ‘cause there was a bunch of outlaws around,” I said about last night.
“Wow...” Alex shook his head.
“They weren’t even causing a problem. Were all just talkin’.”
“If that had been my kid I would’ve flipped,” Alex said.
“Yea they did,” Ty nodded.
“Had I been there things would have turned out quite differently,” Aeryne promised.
“Garth was drinkin out in the street and gettin loud with several kids around him last night,” Ty explained and then looked at Aeryne. “So why would Stormy not do anything?”
“Here in Diamond Ty?” Aeryne asked.
“No, Tombstone, sorry.”
“Oh okay.”
“Sorry that was last night in Tombstone. Why didn’t Stormy do a thing about her kid being near all that gunshot?” I got us back on topic.
“Why didn’t she do anything about them causing problems here?” Ty wanted to know.
“Same reason she didn’t lift a finger when I put her on a train back east. What that reason is I cannot begin to fathom.”
“Especially around the kids,” Ty sighed.
“Her kid, that is,” Aeryne said. “Who also happens to be my niece.”
“And that is one of the main reasons I moved,” I sighed.
“Well it won’t be a problem anymore. I refuse to stand for it,” Aeryne promised.
“Good. If you see it happen talk to Suzy,” I advised.
“Sounds like things can get more complicated than I thought in this business,” Ty observed.
“If I see any law person helping any outlaw get away with breaking a law I will arrest their butts right along with the outlaws as accessories.”
“It does get complicated. That’s why I like being a doctor,” Alex looked at Ty.
“Well just to be open with ya, I’m friends with Lisa but that wont never stop me from doing my duty if she breaks the law here,” he promised.
“This is why I like Aeryne,” I grinned.
“Thats all I ask Ty, I would never ask you not to be friends with someone. But don’t let that friendship interfere with your job,” Aeryne said.
“Or we were friends laughs ....she wasn’t to happy about seein’ this badge on me last night...”
“So we can expect a visit from Lisa probably huh?” Aeryne looked at me.
“I would think so,” I nodded.
“Ty I am not going to put you on duty quite yet. I want you to be comfortable with what your role here is and in writing reports and making arrests. In fact we might role play a few crimes to help you along,” Aeryne suggested.
“Oh okay. Whatever you think is best,” he nodded.
“If you need a victim for that, you can use me,” Alex offered.
“But that said, you cannot ignore crimes happening in front of you,” Aeryne chuckled hearing Alex.
“This could be fun...” I laughed.
“I’ve only been in a cell twice. Once because Trin put me in there, and that’s all I’ll say about that, and once for public drunkenness and puking on the sheriff’s shoes,” Alex admitted.
“Shh...” I chuckled and nudged him, remembering the cell in Bisbee. “Then we found the trap door and uh... Yep. Hey look at the ducks!”
“...And that is how babies are made...” Aeryne said and Alex laughed at that.
“I won’t tell you the other man I was in a cell with. You’d all shun me, I’m sure,” I said, thinking of the time with TJ in Mexico.
“Lot?” Aeryne asked.
“Nope.”
“I danced with Lot once,” Alex shuddered at the memory and we all laughed.
“All the nice pretty ducks..... Natalie gave them names but I forget them,” I tried to change the subject.
“He um... doesn’t smell nice. Oh yeah, I think they were all D names,” Alex nodded. “Trin, do you think Nat gets grossed out easily?”
“I don’t think so... She reads Sherlock all the time...” I winked at him.
“That’s good. If she wants to work in the clinic she’ll have to have a strong stomach.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how she does,” I nodded.
“I bet she’ll be good.”
“With you and Libby teaching her, she’ll be fantastic,” I smiled.
Aeryne headed off to do the rounds then and I told her to tell me if she needed more help with her family. Ty wandered off as well and then Alex and I headed for the bakery to have something to eat.
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