Tombstone.
This morning I got the skull out of the safe of the Pinkerton office and headed over to Joe’s office. He looked up with a start as he heard me walk closer and I smiled at him. “Got a present for you hon. Busy?”
“No, was just snoozing,” he shook his head and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Your friend does not look well,” he nodded to the skull.
“All we know is it’s a male head, there’s a couple teeth missing, and it’s been dead for two years. Think you can get more out of it for me?”
He scratched his head, “Maybe. Depends on the condition. You want to step inside or examine it here?”
“Sure we can look at it inside I guess. Lead the way,” I walked over to him and kissed his cheek. “And hi,” I winked.
He smirked and lead me upstairs. I gave him the skull and he put it on the table, studying it. I tried to focus on Joe instead of looking around the office.
“Where was it found?” he asked as he ran his fingers over it.
“On the back steps of Jimmi’s house. With an Apache arrow in it and a parchment inside. The parchment said the Apache had his wife and she was pregnant. They wanted a crate of rifles in return for her.”
“How is Jimmi doing?” Joe looked a little alarmed.
“He’s a mess as you can imagine. Couldn’t care less what I do to help though. Mind you he did give me this so that’s something I guess. I just want to be able to tell him Idid something productive so he gets off my back.”
“Trouble is what I say may make him more alarmed,” he sighed. “You say male...” he studied the skull more. “I would say of European descent.”
“I’m listening.”
Joe paused as he looked at the skull and said, “Looks more European than Native. You have already told me male...” he ran his finger over the skull. “No scratches, so not scalped,” he said quietly.
“There’s teeth missing, Jimmi said... The ones that would fall out if knocked in the face?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “Or if you fell. The back of the skull is cracked. You want my best guess?” he looked at me.
“Sure hit me with it.”
“My guess is he was a prospector... maybe got caught in a fall looking for Apache gold and they have taken this as a trophy” He looked at me again. “He has mercury filling poorly. Or he was struck in back of head fell and broke his teeth. What would you prefer to tell Jimmi? Sometimes truth not always best.”
“We can tell Jimmi that we know the skull was a male from two years ago... he got roughed up by some Apache... I think personally, it was just a means of getting the note to him, and the arrow to show that it was Apache.”
“Agreed but no proof apache killed him and no scalp marks.”
“That’s good then... so it’s just a random head.”
“Yes. If it was important for a ritual, don’t believe they would have used it. And certainly not Apache.”
“That’s right... Alex said that Apache wouldn’t have disrespected a body like this.”
“Agreed the dead are very important. So what next for Jimmi?”
“Not sure... I saw a telegram of a couple of warrants going out for a couple of Natives for the kidnapping but I’ve not heard the whole story yet. Shall we go find him? He’s probably at the courthouse. We can give this back to him,” I picked up the skull.
“I’ll try and follow you,” he nodded.
“Alrighty,” I nodded and headed out of the office and across the street. Jimmi was sitting on the balcony of the courthouse and I called up to him, “Jimmi, you want to wander down here a sec?”
“Of course, Agent,” Jimmi nodded and came to join us in the street near Joe’s office.
“We’ve got some things to tell you, Jimmi,” I looked at him.
“I’m all ears.”
“First of all... you can have this guy back,” I handed him the skull. “How are things going with the Natives? Is Starling back?”
“It’s not looking good, Agent,” Jimmi said. “Howdy there, Joe. Didn’t see you under that hat.”
“Howdy back and sorry about news.”
“I asked Joe to examine the skull for us. Between him and Alex we have some facts.”
“What did you learn from this?” Jimmi looked into the eyes of the skull.
“Alright well... it is indeed male, and has been dead for two years, as we had already said... But there’s no proof the Apache killed him. He is of European descent...”
“This arrow was after death?” Jimmi asked.
“Probably knocked in the back of the head or fallen back which resulted in the teeth being broken.”
“Arrow was for effect on you,” Joe looked at Jimmi after mumbling something.
“It sure had an effect for certain,” Jimmi nodded.
“I think the skull was just a method to get the message to you, to scare you, and to show you with the arrow and parchment that the Apache has your wife,” I told Jimmi.
“That’s understandable, but what now?” Joe asked, looking between us.
“Is there anything you can tell from the dirt over it Agent? Was it buried at all? Where it could have been?” Jimmi asked me but I looked to Joe for the answer.
“Well my guess was maybe an old prospector caught in a shaft fall. Seen familiar injuries in Diamond when mines collapsed,” he explained.
“That does sound plausible,” Jimmi nodded.
“When Cym was killed?” I looked at Joe knowingly.
“No,” he shook his head. “We had a big mine disaster when I was doc there.”
“Jimmi... I would like to try talking to the Apache. You saw that I was able to read the parchment... I’m also able to speak it. They also trust me. Do you think that if we gave them the guns that we would be able to get her back?”
“I can talk Apache too, Trin,” Jimmi said. “At this exact moment I am not certain if they are welcoming negotiations. A Town Marshal was killed there last night.”
“I’m not suggesting negotiations. I’m suggesting we give them what they want.”
“What he was doing in the village, I have no idea,” Jimmi sighed.
Joe sighed, “What has caused this?”
“Tombstone does not extend being Two Guns, Ghenna and up the white mountains into a native hogan,” Jimmi went on. “They were invaded and violated again.”
“But you said that you had given the marshals rights on Saturday to help the rangers didn’t you?
“Not town marshals, and not a town deputy either.”
“Certainly not,” I sighed.
“US Marshal and US deputy marshals yes.”
“Let me go, Jimmi... Let me talk to them. See what I can find out. If they’re holding her for a bigger reason...”
“We keep pushing them and are then surprised when they bite.,” Joe looked at Jimmi. “But you’re Goldfield. Why your wife?”
“Trin, if we find you looking like this in two years time,” Jimmi held up the skull, “I will say I told you so. They are very angry. It’s on your own head, Trin.”
“Do you want my help or not, Jimmi? We need answers and that’s kinda what I do.”
“You can’t go there Trin,” Joe looked at me. “How do you know you won’t be next?”
“I know their Spirit Woman Ya’ii a little and she can be very nasty if she wants,” Jimmi said then. “But she is also a healer, you may have a chance. But we know they want rifles. It’s just when and where.”
“Because my father was an Apache warrior in the Civil War,” I looked between them.
“You are half Apache?” Jimmi looked at me.
“I was almost killed because of it,” I looked back at him, knowing I couldn’t keep the secret forever.
“Guns... Is that the only solution?” Joe shrugged a little.
“I don’t want it to end like that Joe, but it might.”
“I will not condone what they did to Starling or you, but I can use my position with them for our benefit. They know who I am and trust me because of it.”
“Trin, my children are half apache, I always have them close by me or our nanny,” Jimmi said. “Natives easily turn on half-breeds.”
“You’re as stubborn as my ex wife, Trin,” Joe shook his head, “And yes they don’t do whites.”
“If they had wanted me dead or scalped, Jimmi, I assure you they would have by now. I’ve been around these parts long enough,” I looked at him confidently.
“I hope you don’t want to be a hero, Trin.”
“I want to help, Jimmi,” I insisted. “I want to show you that you can trust me. For you to appreciate what I do for this town and..”
“From what Angel reported, Starling is alive, thats a plus. My first wife was murdered by those Apache.”
Jimmi told us about how the town marshal and deputy had decided to rescue Starling but the marshal got killed. “Do we have any need for this skull?” he looked at me.
“You think it would help in court?” I asked.
“The town marshal is part Navajo,” Joe pointed out. “Trin, still feel safe?”
“Fine, you’ve made your point,” I said bitterly.
“If this was an accidental death we have no crime,” Jimmi said.
“I mean as evidence of the Apache sending the ransom not to you.”
“We have the parchment, thats the message, this unfortunate is the envelope,” Jimmi said.
“The parchment is still in the safe where it will stay. You can get rid of the skull then.”
“I think we need to talk to Mayor Wise urgently and find out how to get this ransom and what to do with it,” Jimmi said.
“I agree,” I finally nodded.
“Then we can see about tracking guilty parties as soon as my wife and unborn are out of harm’s way.”
“Well the two that the warrants were sent out for... I know Dancing Cloud but not the other. Maybe I could talk to DC... She trusts me...”
“Joe, can you send this sad unfortunate on to his maker?” Jimmi handed Joe the skull.
Joe took the skull, “He can be used for training. Docs always need aides.”
“Thank you Joe, only need a little hole,” Jimmi said.
“He said he can use it for training, Jimmi, not bury it,” I clarified.
“I haven’t seen Dancing cloud in town for the past few days. If you do see her here then sure try talking to her,” Jimmi said. “She can be grumpy though.”
“I will do that,” I nodded.
“If you prefer it buried I will,” Joe paused and then looked at me, “She was here earlier... but I knew nothing of this business.”
“Will this cover expenses Joe?” Jimmi handed a dollar bill to Joe.
He shook his head and waved. “On the house.”
“I’ll give him a drink later for payment,” I winked at Joe.
“Thank you kindly, Joe. This can go towards a crate of Winchesters for the ransom,” Joe said.
“Aye, I may just need it,” Joe nodded to me.
“If you can excuse me please folks, I have to check on the children, they are very upset,” Jimmi said then.
“Understood Jimmi. Travel safe,” Joe looked at him.
“Of course. I’ll keep you informed.”
“Thank you Trin.”
“You’re welcome, Jimmi.”
Jimmi rod off in the wagon and I went to sit beside Joe as we waved to Pet. I reached in my vest for my flask and asked, “Want some?”
“Sure,” he nodded and took the flask, sipping back the drink.
“Thank you for your help with that... It was a bit out of my league of skill,” I winked.
“I have cut up more bodies than I care to remember but I am glad to have helped. Strange they took her though.”
“I’m still confused about motive of that... She is the judge’s wife but still... They must want something other than guns. I wish I could go in and talk to one of them... I still think I can.”
“And if your captured what next then look what happened to the marshall.”
I sighed and nodded. “I know... I just... I can’t let it scare me from doing my job, can I? I mean it would be the same if we were dealing with outlaws. I can’t be afraid of getting the truth all the time or I’d never find anything out.”
A man walked into the hotel and out with a donut. He nodded towards us and we nodded back but I didn’t recognize him.
“My wife was the same, believe me,” Joe gave a long sigh.
“And look what happened to her,” I leaned back.
“Yes,” Joe shook his head.
“Oh dear, where is the teller?” Pet asked as she looked around in front of the bank. The door was wide open and I looked over at her.
“Pet, is everything alright at the bank?
“No Trin. I need to make a deposit and I don’t see the teller. Have you seen anyone here today?”
Joe and I both shook our heads, as did a man leaning against the bank wall that I didn’t recognize.
“Well dang. I’ll have to come back later then, I reckon,” Pet said then.
“Reckon so. Would like to know why the door is open though.”
“You had better check it out Trin,” Joe said then.
I sighed and got up, walking over to the man leaning up against the bank. “Don’t think we’ve met yet, Sir.”
“I have been traveling over the last few years and finally have returned after a long journey,” the man told me.
“Name’s Trin Paige,” I held out my hand.
He glanced at my badge and shook his head with a sigh.
“Something against badges?”
“Yes, badges are just walking targets to me....”
“You didn’t see how this bank got opened?” I shook my head.
“No, I have just returned to town and was like this when I got here.”
“Mmhmm,” I nodded, not believing him. I went to look inside the bank, looking back at Joe before I entered. I walked inside and saw the back door open. “Well that’s odd,” I frowned. I walked further inside and found that the vault had been broken into. I swore and walked back out to see a man standing in the lobby. “I’m sorry sir, the bank is not available at the moment.” I noticed the man walk into the bank then, walking back towards the banker’s desk, and sitting down.
Another man walked in and said, “It was me,” and ran away.
I looked back and forth and said, “Sir, the bank isn’t open right now. Well I mean it’s open but...”
The man sat down without listening to me and began to open the drawers. “I’m not leaving yet so don’t bother telling me.”
“Sir, I have to ask you to stand and join me outside,” I looked at him.
“Told you it was me,” the other man said at the door and threw a handful of mud at me.
I blinked at the mud and wiped it away. “Come on, seriously?” I looked back.
The man pushed the banker’s chair back and I walked outside, looking at Joe. “Joe... I need law. Now. You seen any?”
“Ohh Joe... She needs a whole group of lawman,” the man from the banker’s desk called out.
“I have not seen any,” Joe looked around.
“These guys are just bein’ idiots and messin’ with me.”
“I....D...I....O....T?” the man from inside came out. “We’re idiot’s and she can’t even solve a bank robbery. You hear that? Mister, isn’t it awfully hot wearing all that dark heavy clothing?” he looked at Joe.
“It’s pathetic when the innocent are blamed for some one else’s crime....” the man leaning against the bank laughed.
“I’m not blamin’ no one... simply askin ya’ll to leave the bank alone. Though since the vault’s already empty there’s nothing more for ya’ll to take anyway,” I looked around.
“Good thinkin’...” the other one laughed.
“You boys have names?”
“That’s true,” Joe looked at the man. “The layers of clothes help keep the blood away.”
“Boys? Where? I don’t see any!” the man leaning against the bank said.
“Fine.. You men have names?” I sighed.
“Yea not for you too know,” the other one said.
“My name is not your concern,” the man pushed off the bank and walked away.
“How about you? You just gonna walk off too?” I looked at the other one.
“You’re good with people..” he said and walked off.
I walked over to Joe and sat down beside him, utterly frustrated.
“It’s one of those days, Trin,” he looked at me.
“Mmhmm... One of those days. I can’t do anything about guys hangin around a bank. But I don’t want them to know that.”
“I need to head inside, Trin. Will you be okay?”
“If some law show up I will. Maybe I’ll just head back to Diamond and try to work through these cases. Thanks for your help this morning, Joe... I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” he tipped his hat and I headed towards home.
On my way there I saw Sabi standing by my office and went over to her. “Hey there Sabi,” I smiled at the child.
“Hi Miss Trin! How are you?”
“I’m alright I guess, how are you kiddo?”
“I am okies thank you!”
“Have you seen Mr. Ben around?”
“Uh huh. He is with my mommy havin a picnic,” Sabi reached down to pet the cat that had come over to us.
“Oh is he? He’s nice to your mommy then?”
“Oh yes and to me. He is tha best man in Tombstone!”
I frowned at that. “If you say so hon... just be careful okay?”
“What do you mean Miss Trin?” she tilted her head.
“Just let me know if there’s ever a time that you don’t feel safe around him, okay? Or anyone, for that matter.”
“Safe around Mr Ben? He is always the kindest person ever!”
“Alright hon, well I need to head back home. Hope you have a good day!”
“You too Miss Trin! See you soon!”
I waved at her and walked on, frustrated at the child’s delusion of the man who obviously was anything but safe.
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