Black Diamond.
I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and relaxed after a weekend away with the family up north. Seeing as it was memorial day weekend, I had gone up to Canada to watch parades and see the ceremonies in memory of the soldiers. It was a very emotional time as we remembered dad’s service in the civil war and I wore his medal around my neck proudly again. Here I didn’t have to worry about it getting stolen from me. Here, everyone was at the service for the same reason - to remember someone whom had been lost.
I walked down the streets of Diamond and found Paisley walking into town. We talked about our weekend and she was thrilled to hear about my time with my family. She told me that her cousin Madeline lived in Colorado but she sometimes came to visit Tombstone once in a while. She told me that Lil left town and Angeles was running the saloon now. We talked about how Aly had become Chief Deputy and then I decided to wander over to Tombstone, looking for Ben to get his statement.
Tombstone.
I noticed a group of people by the bank but when I saw Sheriff Dave and Deputy Ben were there, I stayed back and watched as they argued with Sommer. One of the other girls nearby took her lockpick and handed it to Dave. I was surprised but didn’t comment on it as the girl walked over to me and Pet who had walked over.
“Autumn meet Trin. Trin meet Autumn,” Pet introduced us.
“Hello Autumn,” I smiled.
“Hello Trin, nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. New to the area?”
“Yes. Arrived yesterday.”
“Well welcome!”
I kept an eye on Ben who was now talking with a man named Trent who I’d met a few weeks ago. “I need to speak with someone, if you’ll excuse me,” I said to the ladies and walked over to Ben and Trent.
“Howdy gentlemen,” I greeted them and they greeted me back. When Trent asked how I was doing I said, “Oh you know, just out doin’ my thing. Ben would we be able to speak somewhere privately perhaps?”
“Sure, I’m not busy,” he looked at Trent. “If I’m not back in an hour, come get me,” he joked.
“Oh darlin’ I won’t hold ya hostage,” I chuckled.
“Have fun,” Trent said.
“My office in Diamond? Or a saloon with drinks?”
“Wherever you feel most comfortable.”
I led the way up to my office in Tombstone and he noticeably looked at the safe before taking a seat across from me. “I need your help with a couple of things..”
“I’ll help it I can, being new here in town. I’m not sure what you could want from me,” he smiled a bit.
“You were there whenDominic and William decided to get gun happy at the bank in Diamond...”
“I was there when they was politely asking for a friendly drink.”
“Would you be able to write me a witness statement of what you say and heard? If you got any names that’d be helpful too...”
“Like I politely told the deputies out in Black Diamond ...I didn’t see anything...don’t want to get involved in that kind of thing, them James boys. Don’t need me as a target.”
“James boys? I know Dominic was there.... but William’s last name is McCoy.”
“I’ll say this only cause they wanted it known...as they left town, one of them yelled..this town is now owned by the James gang.”
I sighed and shook my head. “I heard you say James boys though... Was there another man there?”
“I dint know any of their names but assumed they was all related....”
“So you don’t want to write a witness statement?”
“Would I be breaking some kinda law if I didn’t?”
“Well no... I can’t force you to write one. It just helps solidify a case if we can get the perspective of everyone who’s around. But the choice is yours.”
“I don’t think you gotta worry about them fellas,” he smiled a bit.
“Why do you say that?” I looked at him.
“The man you need to worry bout is returning.”
“Returning?” I leaned forward.
“He be looking for you.”
I sighed, having had enough men looking for me. “What’s his name?”
“I won’t say his name..maybe he’s a old case of yours....but he’s coming for number thirty four. If were done here miss, I need to get a few chores done.”
“Number thirty-four... number...... damn it,” I swore, remembering the kissing bandit. “One more thing...” I looked at him. “I heard you had a bunch of items stolen.”
“Yes ma’am. Turned my list and report over to the sheriff.”
“Any idea who might have taken this stuff?”
“If ya know who done it, I’ll handle the matter myself.”
“Which sheriff did you hand it to?”
“Miss Aly as well as Deputy Storm.”
“Well... I wouldn’t mind helping out who might have done this.”
“I wasn’t in town and when I returned home the place was deserted.”
“Any enemies that you’ve made?”
“Nope..everyone in town loves me...well except that lawman out in benson... Mike.”
“I highly doubt he’d be responsible for something like this but it’s worth looking into. Anything else you can tell me, Ben?”
“I get the feeling he’s a tab bit jealous of his wife speaking to me.”
“Well I guess that’s it then... thanks for coming up to talk with me.”
“No problem at all miss.”
“Just one question. You mentioned someone coming after me, looking for number 34... I was right, wasn’t I? The kissing bandit?”
He stood and took his leave, humming as he walked out of the office. I sighed, guessing his silence meant yes. I officially didn’t trust him and kicked my foot against the desk. Irritated, I walked outside and looked for the men I’d seen Ben talking with before we went to my office. Thankfully, Trent hadn’t gone far.
“Trent!” I called after him.
He turned and walked over to me. “Yes miss?”
“Could I get your help with something...?” I asked, trying to not look as upset as I felt.
“Yes miss I reckon,” he nodded.
“Do you know Ben Stolen well?”
“I have known him a week or two. He has been kind to me miss. Why?”
“So you trust him?”
“So far he has given me no reason not to miss. What’s wrong, Miss?”
“Has he told you about his things getting robbed at all?”
“No Miss, I have not heard of this.”
“I just...” I shook my head. “I don’t know. Something about him feels...” I looked around, confused, which was not something I wanted to admit s a detective.
“Are you investigating him for something miss?”
“No, I just... I’m trying to figure him out. He won’t help me and usually that means... Sorry, I don’t
mean to bother you with this I just saw you two talking so thought you might be friends and you could give me some insight.”
“Like I said he has been kind. Did not seemed interested in getting involved in trouble.”
“I get that sense too and yet...” I sighed.
“When some hooligans were looking for trouble some times it is best to take a man at his word until he gives you reason not too. But around here that may be deadly advice I fear.”
“That’s the thing. I think he just gave me reason not to but I can’t substantiate it yet,” I said and he scratched his head. “Exactly my reaction. I’m not sure what to do with this other than keep my eye on him and try to get to know as much as possible as I can on him.”
“Good luck to you, Miss.”
“Thanks... I’m gonna need it. Guess I should get a drink and clear my head. I’ll talk to you soon I guess, Trent. Thanks.”
“Well take care Miss,” he said and we parted ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment