Black Diamond.
This morning I was lazing on a branch and Ger walked over to join me. He told me he was working on his witness statement for the bank robbery he’d witnessed last night by a man named Valeri Enyo. Ger told me he’d also robbed the bank in Diamond the night before as well as the one in Benson. The man also apparently confessed to the robbery when asked about it.
Aly and Alex walked out then and I noticed Aly was wearing handcuffs. They were both blushing and beat red. I shook my head, climbing down as Ger and Paisley teased them about looking anxious. I decided I needed a drink and walked over to the saloon.
Paisley followed me into the saloon and went behind the bar. “What do you want?” she asked.
“Whiskey,” I looked at her.
“Sounds good,” she said and looked around for a glass then filled it and handed it to me.
I took the glass and she set the bottle on the bar for me. “Thanks, Paisley..”
“Anytime.”
“I’m glad you’re here...”
“Always around for a friend.”
“I just want this wedding to be done,” I leaned on the bar.
“Aly and Alex’s?”
“Terrible thing to say since they’re my best friends and I’m the best man, I know.”
“Wait... You are best man? Unusual... Is there a problem? I wold hate to see them start off with a problem.. They are wonderful together.”
“Alex wanted me to stand up beside him. We’re best friends. I just... I feel like they’re hardly ever around. If they are, then Aly’s always just talking about the wedding and we never really talk about work or anything. Alex comes to town on his own sometimes and we still talk like normal it just... I miss my best friends. I want things to go back to the way they were. Or to just settle so we can move on with our lives and continue to be best friends.”
“Weddings are hard on friendships... But true friends remain the best of friends.”
“I know. And we’ll go back to normal after the wedding.”
“But I do understand the strain it takes on a friendship.”
“I feel awful,” I sighed. “I’m happy with Matt.. things are going well. It’s not about jealousy. I just... seeing her so distracted when I’m around her... and now they’re using cuffs with...”
“There have been some people I thought I was very close to never even consider me for their wedding party.”
“Whatever, to each their own. Paisley... I have a real problem with using cuffs like that. I even made Matt promise me that we’d never use cuffs.”
“I’ve been held captive too many times.”
“I find them to be very restrictive. They are harsh.”
“I can’t see them as a use for pleasure.”
“They cut in.”
“They could have looked out the window and seen that I was up there in the tree before parading those cuffs around like that.”
“They should only be used in a situation where you fully trust a person. I prefer silk ties.” They are so much kinder.”
“Silk is nice...”
“Feels nice against the skin.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Can be removed in an emergency. By cutting with a knife. Much safer.”
“Yup. There’s a reason I always have to see the door, know where the exit is.”
“I understand. I personally will never use cuffs.”
“It brings back too many memories. The cave... the native village... the mine...”
“I have never allowed a client to bind me.”
“Places I felt trapped. Or literally was trapped.”
“A horrible experience,” she rubbed my back and I pulled up my knee under me and shook my head.
Aly walked in then and asked, “Are we sad?”
“Hi Aly, just talking,” Paisley insisted.
I looked away, not wanting to talk about it with her and she blinked at me. “Well okay then, I’ll be outside.”
Aly walked out and I swallowed hard as Alex walked in. I wiped away the tears and sighed, “I just... I’m fine.” I reached for the bottle of whiskey and poured myself another glass.
“Just recalling a bad memory is all,” Paisley explained to him.
“What are you doing thinking about bad stuff, Trin?” Alex asked.
“When something triggers memories, can’t really help it...”
“Sometimes things trigger it is all,” Paisley said and I was glad she understood it.
“I’m sorry...” I looked back at Alex. “Guess I should talk to Aly.”
“Trin, are you okay?” Alex asked.
“Doesn’t really matter... what you guys do on your own time is up to you. It’s not about me.”
“You okay, Trin?” Sommer asked as she walked into the saloon.
“Fine Sommer, thanks.”
“Sommer! Stop right there! You’re under arrest for attempted robbery of Mayor Adrian wise and Doll. I have a warrant, come out, hands up!” Aly shouted from outside.
“Another day,” I said and took a deep breath. I looked at Alex and asked, “Can we take a walk?”
“Can we wait to make sure no one gets shot?” he sighed.
“If you need to talk later Trin, please come find me,” Paisley offered.
“Yeah, sure. Thanks, Paisley,” I nodded to her and then looked at Alex when we were alone in the saloon again. “I’m sorry. The cuffs triggered some painful memories. It is what it is.”
“I thought you were happy.”
“I was till I saw the cuffs on my best friend. But like I said... whatever works for you, it doesn’t matter if I’d do it or not.”
“What? What is that supposed to mean?”
“The cuffs, Alex... Seeing them on her... I feel stupid,” I shook my head. “Just not something I was expecting to see this morning.”
“It wasn’t something I was expecting to parade in front of the whole town either.”
“I know,” I nodded. “I”m sorry.”
He grabbed the bottle from the counter and asked, “Want a drink? I do.”
“I probably shouldn’t have another but you go ahead. I just figured I’d come get a drink and let you guys do your thing. I probably shouldn’t have another but you go ahead.” I leaned against the counter and asked, “Are we okay...?”
“I’m okay. Are you?”
“I need someone who can run fast in my office. Now!” Aly shouted.
“I’ll go help her,” I said and ran to the sheriff’s office, thankful for the distraction. “What’s up, Aly?” I asked Aly when I’d walked inside.
“See if you can find Suzi, Angeles, or law in Tombstone? I have her apprehended and am going to turn her over to Tombstone law to finish out this sentence.”
“You got it,” I nodded. “I’ll head out to Tombstone and look.”
“Appreciate it.”
I rode out to Tombstone and looked around but there was no one there. I rode back to Diamond and walked into the office. “No one around... not a soul.”
“Then gimme a moment to decide what to do with her.......” Aly said and I headed to sit at my desk. A few minutes later she said, “Well alright, I’ve decided. It’s your lucky day, Sommer, you’re gonna stay here with us, and get to see all the bright smiling, shiny faces of the Black Diamond residents! Lemme look at this warrant and I’ll see for how long.”
“I’m going to let you ladies deal with business. I need to go do a few things,” Alex stood then and Aly said goodbye to him as she continued looking over the report.
“Hey Sommer... did you have guns?”
“No ma’am,” Sommer answered her from the cell.
“Sniper had guns... Jack had guns.. Did you pretend to have a gun?”
“I want my lawyer.”
“Well hold on now...I’m not charging you for having guns... Because I really don’t think you did. I think Mayor Wise confused... Everyone else was waving guns around. So... The only thing I’m going to hold you on is Disturbing the peace, which you did. Ten minutes. There is no ‘attempted robbery’ crime... like what Angeles put here. You either rob, or you don’t. Attempted bank robbery, however, is different.”
“Angeles? She was not there.”
“That’s the only name I see on this warrant. It’s not done very well. She signed and approved it, but no other law name is on it,” Aly shrugged. “Oh well. The 10 minutes, then I write a report, and I’m done with it.”
“I’m gonna go ride,” I said then and stood. “I’m sorry about earlier, Aly. Just couldn’t talk about it. I’ll be fine though.”
“Okay. If you see law in Tombstone, just let them know I’m holding Sommer and her sentence is being served, please.”
“I’m just happy you guys are happy and that’s all that matters.”
“Um, okay.”
“I’ll let them know,” I nodded.
“I appreciate that,” she smiled and I smiled back before heading out.
***
A couple hours later, I walked into town and noticed a crowd in the clinic. I walked into the clinic and saw Jack and Aly laying down getting healed. I asked what happened and Aly told me that Jack had shot her.
“Trin, I deputize you. Arrest Sommer and take her to a cell. She shot me,” Aly told me.
“Oh I can do that.”
“Thanks. I’ll be by with the other one shortly.”
“Sommer, you’re under arrest for shooting law,” I went to her.
“I did not,” she objected as I started to search her, looking for guns or lock picks or anything and removed them, attaching them to my belt.
“You did,” Aly objected.
“Jack shot ya Aly,” Sommer told her and I hesitated with the cuffs in my hands, looking over at Aly. “I never even shot.”
“Am I arresting Sommer or Jack?” I asked.
“On second thought, Trin, arrest her, for weapons unholstered, and I’ll sort out who did it later,” she told me.
“Alright, you’re arrested for weapons unholstered, Sommer,” I said and put the cuffs on her wrists.
“Hey I already been arrested once today,” she complained.
“Not by me,” I smiled.
“Well then you and the wall are well-acquainted,” Aly said to her.
“Come with me, Sommer,” I said and guided her outside towards the sheriff’s office. I unlocked the cell and guided her in before locking it shut. I went out to the office area and set her gun on the desk. The charge was only for five minutes in jail so I watched the clock and we waited until the time was up.
There was a shout from outside as I heard Jack call, “Let her go!”
“I will in about... one minute!” I called back.
“Jack! Cell. NOW!” Aly shouted.
After her five minutes were up I walked into the cells and looked at Sommer. “Alright Sommer, you ready to play nice now?”
“Of course.”
“You promise?”
“Promise.”
I took the gun from the desk and emptied the bullets, then unlocked Sommer’s cell and handed her the empty weapon. “You’re free to go. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a good court case of this one.”
“Thanks Trin,” Sommer took the gun and strapped it back on her belt.
I nodded to her and unlocked the main door. Outside, Aly was standing with a group of people, including Jack. “Sommer’s done her five minutes. I’ll write up a report for you.”
“Hey Sommer....up to your old tricks again?” Ger asked her.
“Not at all, Ger,” she shook her head.
I walked back into the office to work on my report for Aly as she brought Jack into the cell. Alex followed inside shortly afterwards and sat down at Aly’s desk while she dealt with Jack.
“Well Alex, been a while since I’ve written one of these,” I smiled at him and he smiled back. When I was finished and Aly was sitting at her desk I handed her my report. “I’ll let you fill in the description and witness stuff. That good enough?”
“Oh this is so helpful, it’ll save me time. You know I just finished the last reports I had to do on them,” Aly smiled.
“Glad I could help. Glad you were around, Alex.”
“Yeah me too,” he nodded.
“Hun I’ll need a witness statement from you,” Aly looked over at Alex.
“Sure, Aly.”
“Or you can give it to Trin, wither way.”
“There’s a new one huh Alex? You get to write a witness statement.”
“Yeah that is a first. I never witness anything.”
Aly laughed and then winced and whimpered at the pain. “Oww.”
“Careful, Aly. Don’t laugh too hard,” I chuckled.
Aly figured out how long Jack would have to be in jail and he announced that he was going to pay bail. Aly decided to add on his report that she recommended community service and then let Jack out while he paid her. Alex stood between Aly and Jack while she gave him his guns back and I smiled over at Alex’s protectiveness.
When the three of us were alone again Aly sat down at her desk and sighed. “I feel like I’m gonna cry.”
“Aww hon... why?” I looked at her.
“I JUST had finished paperwork!”
“She’s not cryin’ cause of the wound, but the paperwork. A true deputy,” I chuckled.
“I’ve never done one of these so let me know if I need to be more specific,” Alex handed her the paper as he held her, comforting her. “Let me know if the pain gets bad. I can give you something for that.”
“That’s real good hun, can you put it in the legal form for me and just sign at the bottom?” she asked, reading over my report. “This is perfect.”
“That was fun,” I winked at her.
“You’re sick,” Aly gave me a look and I chuckled.
“You have a strange sense of fun,” Alex agreed.
“Hey that’s more work than I’ve gotten to do for most of this week so I’m excited when I can help out.”
“Hey! Says the man who likes to toy and play in intestines and stuff,” Aly said.
“Yeah mister hallogenic frog,” I looked at him and he laughed. “Or whatever the word was.”
“Ok, I admit that was a little fun.”
“I just don’t like seeing you get hurt, Aly.”
“I know, but you know, I’m REALLY glad you were around right then,” he smiled at her.
“I am too. I want to be the one to fix you up. Sorry I didn’t stay for you to finish. Uhm..I hope you were done! wait...were you done?”
“Yes, I was done.”
“Well thank you, sorry I didn’t say it then, I had a certain sense of urgency.”
“That’s okay. I understand. And you’re welcome,” he kissed her.
“Hey guys...?” I started hesitantly, not sure if I should bring this morning up or not. “You know how we can talk about everything...?” I swallowed hard and they nodded. “I’m sorry for how I reacted this morning. When I saw Aly in cuffs it triggered something and I just... I’m sorry. I was joking around with Matt about doing stuff like that... actually made him promise not to use them.”
“You know I was really hoping that nobody was around to see that. I was trying to stay hidden and make my way to the office to get them removed.”
“I understand. I’m just sorry for how I reacted.”
“How about we have a drink to forget about it, okay?” Alex looked at me and nodded.
“That works for me,” I smiled.
“I’m not bold or outgoing with those kinds of things. So it was embarrassing,” Aly said.
“I just didn’t want it to be this cloud over us. I’m glad you guys have fun... Heck, I plan to have fun at some point too with Matt...” I chuckled.
“Thank you for talking about this with us, it really means a lot. You know ..neither of us would do anything intentionally to bother you,” Aly insisted.
“I know, hon.”
“That’s not something we ever do either. I just got playing with them, and you know how I am. I get curious about how things work without thinking sometimes,” Alex admitted.
“Mmhmm. I recall a certain trap door,” I winked at him, remembering how we’d discovered the door in Bisbee’s jail cell so long ago.
“Yeah, exactly,” he nodded.
“I’m just glad we’re able to talk about things and move on. It means a lot to me.”
“Thanks Trin,” he replied.
“I love you both, you know that.”
“I love you too Trin, and you know the other other person that’s ever handcuffed me, actually there were two...wait I’m not helping this am I?” Aly asked.
We joked about how I still wanted to taste the frostings for their wedding cake and find a tux. It felt good to joke around together and Alex and I decided to go get a drink while Aly finished up with paperwork.
As we walked outside we saw two men standing near the entrance of Diamond. “Those your um... new friends over there by the gate?” Alex asked, looking at them.
“Not sure... let’s go find out.”
Bisbee.
We walked into Bisbee and I smiled, “Well hey there gentlemen! Still avoiding Diamond?”
“Well isn’t it nice to see you again ma’am,” Will smiled at me and then said to Alex, “Howdy.”
“How are you both doin’ today?” I smiled at them.
“I think i can speak for both of us and say we are doin just fine. How about you two...err..three..Howdy ma’am,” Will greeted Aly as she came over.
“Howdy. Doin’ just fine, thanks for askin’,” Aly smiledd at him.
“I’m doing very well, thank you,” Alex replied.
“Been a fairly eventful day. I actually feel energized after all that work,” I winked at Aly.
“Glad you were here to help with that,” Aly smirked a bit and giggled. “Did we really make three arrests today? I think that’s a record.”
“It must be,” I chuckled but then saw her sway a bit, looking lightheaded. We decided that Aly should get some rest and Alex led her back to her place.
“Things have been...” Dominic finally answered and paused to kick a stone away from his boots, “Good. How about yourself ma’am?”
“Feel like getting another drink at Kate’s?” I looked at him, noticing his hesitation.
“I’m not really up for a drink but I think you owe Will that dance,” he chuckled softly.
“We could always head to the Stock Exchange in Bisbee... since it’s closer,” I suggested.
“That’s always an option, yes. Quick thinking there detective,” Dominic laughed.
Stormy walked over then and asked if everything was alright. I nodded to her and she continued into town.
“Detective eh? You two must’ve had a nice conversation after I left you dancin’,” Will chuckled then.
I swallowed, suddenly realizing what Dom had just done by revealing my true identity to Will. Dom grinned and said to Will, “Oh yes a whole lot Will. It appears Trin knows quite a lot.”
I exhaled, knowing they still didn’t know how much I knew. “Shall we?”
Will smiled at me and said, “Only if you give us a taste on what you know..Or maybe we’ll have to give you some drinks again to get you to spill.”
“Let’s go get that drink,” I chuckled.
We walked towards the Stock Exchange and when we were inside Dominic exhaled as he took a seat at the bar. “So why don’t you sing us a couple of songs, eh?”
“You didn’t get enough singing the other day huh?” I chuckled.
“Well one can never get enough of an angelic voice,” he laughed.
I blushed and looked at Will. “You’re call... am I singing some songs or are we gonna dance?”
“I say dance,” Dominic laughed.
“We could always do a lil of both, eh?” Will asked.
“I suppose we could,” I nodded.
“First move’s yours, ‘detective’,” Will said and I took his hand, dancing with him around the floor. I told myself to relax in his arms, wondering how much to share with them or if it even mattered anymore, since it was in the past. “So not just a pretty face huh? Detective...strong job for a woman. What got you into that field of work?” he asked at length.
“Well it’s a long story really... back when I lived in Colorado I was investigating a man’s death... or at least I thought I was. Turned out he wasn’t really dead. But anyway I realized the local law didn’t really do too much to solve it and discover the story. Well then there were some twisted marshals and I became a consultant at that point... tried to help uncover the truth. Turned into me getting a job as a Pinkerton in Georgetown under Sam Stillwater. I guess I just always loved the hunt for the truth, the story behind why things happen the way they do...”
“Well its funny the way things turn out, aint it? So I assume you know a few things about the two of us then?”
“What gave you that idea?” I looked deep in his eyes.
“Well I’m sure you’re good at what you do. Contrary to popular belief, we’re pretty smart ourselves. We know how everyone looks at us. How they think of us. It would be silly to assume you don’t know something.”
I looked from Will to Dom, dancing a bit slower as I realized I didn’t really have to hide the name so much as the cold case I had on Dominic. Clint was dead, after all. “Does the name Clint Houston mean anything to either of you?”
“Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a while and haven’t seen a man who goes by that name in an even longer time,” Dominic’s interested seemed to have perked.
Will swallowed hard, standing back from me with an impressed but shocked look, then continued to dance with me after looking at Dominic.
“He was one of my first cases when I moved to Tombstone a year ago,” I explained.
“Case?” Dominic raised a brow. “What were you on a case about that involved Clint?” He asked curiously.
“I was in charge of finding him. Guess it was some sort of hazing... give me the toughest man to find and see if I can do it. Well... I watched him dual with Jimmi and then get arrested. He escaped jail and then I heard it announced that night that he was killed. Never got to hear the details other than to be told my case was closed.”
Alex walked in then with a smile and asked, “Anyone want a drink?”
“Killed?” Dominic chuckled, leaning back. “Yeah that day was tragic the day Clint passed.” He nodded to Alex and answered, “I’ll take a whiskey.”
I smiled seeing Alex walk in and suddenly felt safer with him there. I looked over at Dominic and sighed, “He wasn’t killed, was he?”
“None for me,” Will answered Alex as he slid the glass to Dom. “Any for you ma’am?” he looked into my eyes.
“I’m good as long as you’re okay still dancing.”
“Until you’re ready to sing... I’m fine right here,” he winked.
Dominic looked down and crossed his arms, accepting the whiskey. “Nah case closed, he’s dead. What’d it say in your report?”
“Report? I never got to see a report back then. I was still new. They hardly even told me what happened other than to say ‘Yep, case closed.’ It actually all happened about a year ago now that I think about it...”
Dominic nodded and ordered another whiskey. “That’s a shame... It was quite the report.”
“You saw a report?” I looked at him.
“Something like that. There’s little I don’t see one way or another.” He grinned and downed the drink again, “That was some case though, huh?”
I looked over, a little jealous that he’d seen a report and I hadn’t. “Did they ever... give you a copy of that report?” I asked, since I knew that the two had been affiliated with each other.
“Maybe. But who knows where it could be now,” he shrugged and chuckled.
“You alright?” I asked Will as Cas came in to start the turntable with some of his music and the group started to talk about other things as I continued to watch my dance partner closely.
“Somethin’ botherin’ you, ma’am?” Will asked me finally.
“Just wonderin’ if you’re okay. You went quiet the minute I mentioned Clint.”
“I just like listenin sometimes...learnin.”
I nodded and continued to dance with him. I eventually looked over at Dominic, wanting to know the truth. “How’d you know Clint?”
“You were on ‘his’ case, shouldn’t you be the one telling me,” he replied smugly.
“All I knew was that you two knew each other somehow. To be honest I didn’t really do well with that case... Kind of hard to find information about a man when he ain’t around and neither are those he used to hang with.”
“Well then Mrs. Detective, I’ll leave that up to you to figuring out,” Dom smiled.
“Ms. Detective,” I winked at him.
“I’ll remember that,” he nodded and chuckled.
“See Cas... no case is ever closed,” I sighed. “Even when the man’s dead.”
“If ya can’t even cover your tracks when you’re dead then you shoulda been a encyclopedia salesman instead,” Cas replied and we laughed.
I decided to sit down at the bar then and had a drink while people started to file into the saloon. I tried to figure out what I should do with Dominic and William now, but I guessed time would tell. I met a woman named Dakota and Aly told me that Sommer’s arrest that morning had been because she’d tried to rob Adrian in Bisbee, though Aly was holding her in Diamond since there was no other law around. After a while I decided to head out and said goodbye to everyone.
Black Diamond.
This afternoon Alex came over to see the tuxedo that I had bought for the wedding. He gave his approval and then said, “So um... I just saw your friends at the saloon. You know Dom has a brother?”
“There’s a lot of James’ brothers. Which one did you meet?”
“Well, this one is down right rude. I don’t know. Just heard Dom say ‘brother’.”
“To someone that was there?”
“Helped himself to a bottle and drank right from it,” he shrugged.
“Really.”
“Just keep your eyes out.”
“Well remember that guy Anthony James was around a couple months back? There’s that one... Or um....”
“Stop right there!” we heard Aly shout and sighed.
“I think I’m about to get busy again,” Alex shook his head.
“Alright so I have this list here... Gangs and outlaws. Wanna hear the James gang? Dominic, Clint, who’s dead, Colt McCoy, William McCoy, and Anthony James. It would appear the boys are back in town, huh?”
“Yep, it certainly seems that way.”
“And I danced with two of ‘em.”
“At least those two were polite. I can handle polite ones.”
“And they know I’m a detective. And a lawyer.”
“I’m worried about Aly. I heard her shout.”
“I guess I’ve got backup so I’m not worried. You should check on Aly though. We’ve got that meeting in half an hour.”
“Yeah I know,” he nodded and headed out so I could change.
After I had changed into normal clothes again, I walked outside and saw Dominic and William standing in front of the bank. I swore under my breath, seeing that the James gang was alive and well.
“Hey Bree come check your bank for me please!” Aly shouted.
I heard someone coming up behind me and smiled when I saw Matt. “Hey there, hon.”
“Hey sweetie. What’s going on?”
“Well we were just trying to make a withdrawal ma’am. We have awfully quite a bit of money held here,” Dominic grinned at Aly and then nodded towards me. “Howdy Ms. Detective. How are you?”
“These two men hangin’ outside the bank just makes me nervous,” Aly told Matt. “And I want to make sure Bree gets in safely when she arrives.”
“Pleasure to see you again,” Will smiled at me.
“Well my momma always told me to sweep the varmit off the porch,” Matt said.
“Well now, they ain’t done nothin’ wrong.. I’d just feel safer knowing Bree could get in without worrying.”
Dominic frowned as he rested his hands on his revolvers. “That was rude sir, I suggest you apologize.”
“Not sure if I like the way you speak Mister,” Will added.
“I apologize if I offend,” Matt said as I put my hand on his shoulder. “I’m not exactly the socially acceptable person.”
“Matt...why don’t you take them to the saloon..I’ll pay for drinks?” Aly suggested.
“You did offend. But I’ll pocket that apology. Much appreciated,” Will smirked.
“What you say gentlemen?” Aly smiled at the men.
“Shall we gentleman? Let me make it up?”
“Yes. And you have the audacity to come in here and speak offense towards us,” Dominic nodded. “No manners.” He looked at Aly and said, “I’m sorry ma’am, I’m not for drinking with a man who is not socially acceptable, who’s to say he doesn’t insult me further?”
“Howdy sir! How are you this fine evening?” Dominic turned his head towards Ben who had walked out into the street.
“Not interested,” Will looked down then.
“He apologized, Dominic. He’s just tryin’ to make it up to you,” I said.
“Ohh, I’m havin’ a good day so far. And yourself?” Ben asked Dominic.
“Well I tried, at least,” Matt nodded.
“Well see, it’s only gonna be more awkward if you don’t accept. After a few y’all won’t be bothered by any of this silliness,” Aly suggested.
“Free drinks? I’m always for free... count me in!” Ben exclaimed.
“I guess I can’t complain,” Dominic shrugged. “Oh I see, but I aint the kinda person to just accept drinks after a man comes up and insults me for doin nothin’,” he looked at me and Matt. “And there you have it, take Ben. He seems parched.”
“Either way he’s tryin’ to make amends,” I said to Dominic.
“He didn’t offer, I did. I’m paying the drinks. He’s just showing you to the saloon,” Aly said.
“Exactly,” Matt nodded.
“Ohh no..couldn’t drink with a man that insulted me...nope nope. That just wouldn’t seem right on my level,” Ben said.
“You know, hard to believe I use to complain that there weren’t enough men in this town,” Aly grumbled.
“But ain’t nobody here that’s insulted me,” Ben looked around.
“I think I’m fine where I am, thank you though. Hows about he goes and fetches the drinks for us like the lap dog he is?” Dominic shook his head and chuckled. “And thank you, see Ben agrees with me. Now hows about you show yourself to that saloon, get me some drinks, and get a shine box and get over here and shine my boots. Sound fair?”
“Of course I’d shot the fella where he stood if he insulted me, then just keep drinkin’,” Ben agreed.
“Well I ain’t a lap dog sir so perhaps before we just keep name calling we just introduce ourselves to each other all right and proper you know?” Matt asked.
“Ok I offered to pay for them drinks, now nobody is your fetch dog,” Aly said.
“I’ll get the drinks,” Alex smirked.
“Alex.... No...” Aly shook her head.
“What?” he looked at her.
“I want the bank free of people for Bree.”
“I just offered to get everyone a drink. I’m a bartender,” he reminded her.
“All y’all go to the saloon before I lose my temper,” Aly said then.
“Well hurry up... I’m mighty thirsty standin’ here...” Ben prompted.
“No Alex. I want this ‘fine’ gentleman with that tacked on two bit star on his chest to get the drinks for us. You may be buying, but he’s fetching,” Dominic laughed. “Considering he thinks he can stroll in here high and mighty cause he’s got that start tacked on.”
“Cleaning my new rom is mighty hard work,” Ben complained.
“And be quick about it, you’re making Ben wait. He don’t like to wait,” Dominic said.
“This is ridiculous,” Aly sighed.
“I take that as a compliment,” Matt said.
“Think I’m free to stand where I please,” Will said. “And this feels like a pretty good spot. I reckon I’ll stay.”
“Whiskey mister lawman. Bring the bottle please,” Ben put in.
“So being the lapdog does suit you! Congrats. Now go get those drinks and that shinebox and be quick about it. And bring the bottle for Ben here, he may also need a hand cleaning his room too. I’m sure you can gloriously wax his floors to a higher standard,” Dominic said.
“This is a real nice town... the mayor says there’s lots of rooms and all that,” Ben said.
“Well, the way I see it... Since I don’t even know your name... How can I go get a drink for somebody I don’t even know?”
“Ohh I’m Ben...I think I met ya the other day....being a lawman I’d expected you to have remembered that though.”
“All I remember was something about an apple..”
“I’m sorry hun, I didn’t mean to snap,” Aly said to Alex.
“Oh so now I am accustomed to giving you my name?” Dominic shook his head. “I wonder who taught you your manners boy. My name is Dom, and you’re a talker. And talkers make me thirsty. I think I’ll take two bottles now.”
“It’s okay,” Alex told Aly.
“Hey we might be law, but we still are human and make mistakes and forget names; I do it all the time,” Aly said.
“Come on guys... let’s just... head to the saloon and get a drink. You can make your deposits later when the bank’s actually open,” I looked between them.
“I’m getting too irritable to be around people right now. Hope none of you need a doctor any time soon,” Alex said then.
“If you only knew the hell I’ve been through and arrived to this point,” Matt laughed and I squeezed his shoulder.
“And none of that stuff off the bottom shelf ya was servin up last night...bring the good stuff,” Ben put in.
“Ben! WHen I ask you want to drink, you specify. Top shelf. Otherwise you get... whatever. Not my problem,” Aly shook her head.
“I’ve been through hell and back and maybe i’m a tad rough around the edges.. but it was the way I came up in life,” Matt said.
“Frankly I don’t care for what you’ve been through mister because I promise you it ain’t gonna be nothing compared to what your going to go through if you don’t fetch those two bottles whiskey sometime soon, ‘Matthew’,” Dominic smirked at him.
“I try staying out of hell...much to hot for me, but I always end up back here sooner or later,” Ben said.
“We gonna keep on telling life stories? Or you gonna get those drinks my friend here politely asked for?” Will asked arrogantly then.
“Well last time I checked sir your legs ain’t broken ..” Matt started.
“No they’re not, but yours may be in danger of being broken if you don’t get stepping. Now c’mon lapdog, get me my bottles,” Dominic said.
“I have to go to that meeting now. Not like I’m any help here. Any one gets shot, call me,” Alex sighed.
“I’m right behind you, Alex. Try not to get shot,” I whispered to Matt and followed him to the courthouse.
While we were in the meeting we received a telegram that Matt and Aly had been shot. Alex and I rushed out to the clinic and practically pushed the door down to get in. “What happened?” I asked when I walked over to Matt as the two doctors continued to work on their patients.
“Someone shot them both is all I know and left,” Kate told me.
“Matt..?” I looked at him with worry. “Damn meetings,” I muttered.
“I hate meetings. I don’t know why I agreed to do that,” Alex shook his head and walked over to Aly.
“What were we thinking?” I sighed.
Aly seemed to be more responsive than Matt, who appeared to be unconscious. Aly announced that the brothers threatened the mayor and one said they’d be back to claim the town. I asked who but she said she wasn’t sure the names.
“Sometimes I hate being right,” I sighed.
I watched as Matt started to come to and he promised that he would get revenge. After Kate took over for Jess who seemed to be having difficulties, and Alex took Aly home, I helped Matt up to my apartment where he could rest. He told me that he was going to put his badge in a special spot since it blocked the bullet and saved his life. After feeding him some medicine he told me that I was one of the ones who was there to keep him in check. I helped him get comfortable and then went to lay on the couch where I fell asleep, uncertain of the future.
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