May 3, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I rode through town and saw a man talking with Lucas Grey in front of the schoolhouse. “Morning, Sir. Takin’ a kid to the schoolhouse?” I asked as Lucas wandered in with the other children.

He shook his head and I said, “Don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Trin.”

“Hello, I’m Marc.” 

“Welcome to Tombstone. Been here long?”

“Thank you, ma’am, and no I have not.” 

“Well it’s a nice area for settlin’ down. Some good folks here.”

“Been here for about a week now. Yes, the ones that I have meet have been very friendly.” 

“Lookin’ for work? Feel like joining me on my rounds maybe? I could use the company.”

“Are you asking or holding me hostage?” he grinned. 

“Just asking,” I chuckled. “I was just going to wander over by Kate’s... See if I can’t get a cup of coffee.”

“I have a little time so sure, I would love to join you.” 

“Great. It’s just over this way,” I smiled and led the way to Kate’s. I walked behind the counter and asked him, “Here we are. Can I get you a coffee too?”

“Sure, that sounds great.” 

I went behind the bar and poured a couple of cups of coffee, adding a splash of whiskey to my own. “Want some added flavor with yours too?”

“Sure, why not.” 

I smiled and added the whiskey to his, sliding him the cup and coming around to sit beside him. “This is my favorite way to drink coffee. When I order straight whiskey ya know somethin’s wrong.”

He picked up the cup and took a sip. “Mmm... this burns twice.” 

“So what brought you to the area, Marc?” I smiled at him. 

“Looking for a new area; needed a change from Texas.” 

“Yeah... Texas is a good place to get away from...” I nodded. 

“Yes ma’am, it is.” 

I leaned back against the counter comfortably and asked, “Come here on your own?”

“Yes ma’am, that I did.” 

“So did I... Guess my work is my life these days. Been plenty of it around here.”

“Yes that happens but you will need to take some time off for yourself, I guess, depending on what your goals in life are.” 

“You’re right. That’s why I try to get out to the dances as much as I can around here... Give myself a break and interact with people.”

“I have to keep reminding myself of that also.” 

“It’s a hard thing to do... I get very caught up in my work when there’s a bunch of cases going.”

“Yes, I know that feeling well.” 

“Yeah?” I looked over at him. 

“What area are you from?” 

“Well... Originally from up north in Canada actually. But moved down to Texas for a while... Then kinda made my way through the states and wound up here.”

“That’s nice, but I have to stay away from Canada. It gets too cold for me there.” 

“Yeah I don’t miss the cold.”

“I love Texas just need to get away every so often.” 

“Yeah... that’s a bridge in my life I’d love to keep burned,” I nodded, remembering my own reasons for leaving Texas. 

“But would you ever build another one to a different part of Texas,” he grinned. 

I sipped my coffee and shook my head. “Probably not... Too much hurt and memories.”

“Sorry to hear that.” 

“I’m happier here and the past makes us who we are, right?”

“Yes it does.” 

“So Marc.... what did you do while you were in Texas?”

“Several things.” 

“Going to elaborate?” I chuckled. 

“Worked some cattle, raised some pigs.” 

“A rancher huh?” I smiled. 

“Go hunting and fishing.” 

“Never really was good at fishing...” I remembered. 

“I have not caught many but it is a nice way to relax.” 

“Yes I’ll give you that... being out by the lake...”

“Yes, there is nothing like it.” 

“That’s for sure. Been forever since I’ve been out on a lake..”

“Come back to Texas and we will go,” he grinned. 

“We have lakes around here, you know,” I chuckled. “You gonna teach me how to fish?”

“Yes, I can do that.” 

“Hope you have a lot of patience,” I laughed. 

“I have the patience of Job,” he laughed. 

“A biblical man, are you?”

“Well, for some things,” he grinned. “Yes, I know about it.” 

“I grew up in the church... played piano and sang for the choir...”

“Very nice. Maybe you can sing for me one day.” 

“Well I sing over in Bisbee every other Monday. I either sing or I play classical music... depends on the mood I’m in,” I said and saw him looking at me pensively. “What?” I asked and he laughed. “Oh come on... what were you just thinking?”

“Your moods.” 

“Let’s just say you don’t want to see me when I’m upset about something,” I chuckled. 

“Now that’s gonna depend,” he grinned. 

“On?” 

“I just might want to put my arms around you and hold you and try to calm you down.” 

I felt warmth rush through me and smiled at that. “I might have to let you. You’re really gonna teach me how to fish?”

“I guess it would depend on your work.” 

“I’m not working right now..... No cases at the moment.”

“Thinking how much time do we have.” 

“Well I could at least show you the lake..”

“Yes, that would be very nice.” 

We walked through Bisbee and headed to Diamond where I showed him the lake by the waterfall. We talked about singing and then I decided to head out and see if there was any work that needed to be done. 

This afternoon I found Marc walking around Winslow and asked if he wanted to go to the dance in Venice for Cinco de Mayo. We headed over there and I introduced him to Alex and Aly while we danced with the group. 

After we danced a while, we headed back to Diamond to get ready for court. 

Black Diamond. 

I went upstairs to change for court, though we still had some time before trial started. I walked back out and smiled at Marc waiting for me and we headed over to the saloon to dance for a while as I relaxed before court. When it was time, we headed to the courthouse and held each other tightly until Aly came in for the trial. Rikki came in and people started to file into the courtroom as the jury box filled up. A man I didn’t recognize sat on the jury as well as two women I didn’t know and Marc. I had the feeling this wasn’t going to end well as Lot came in and took the seat as judge. Angi took the seat as defense attorney and Lot called the beginning of the trial. 

“Black Diamond versus Rikki Racoon, charges are shooting law, and stealing something a rather,” Lot began. “The trial is now in session. Miss Trin, your opening remarks please, and no mumbling, I’m half deaf.” 

I stood and went to approach the jury, looking at each of them with a smile. “Ladies and Gentlemen, what we have in this case is a series of events leading into each other. It began with target practice on Easter morning in Black Diamond. When Rikki refused to be arrested for disturbing the peace, Deputy Alyssa chased after her. Gunshots ensued, naturally. The deputy was shot while in the line of duty and then if that wasn’t enough, was stripped of her guns by the defendant while on the medical table, waiting to be treated. I ask that you find Rikki guilty of shooting law without killing. Thank you,” I said and took a seat. 

“Thats it? You aint gonna lie or nothing?” Lot blinked. 

“No need to lie, Sir. We know the truth,” I smiled.

“That’s sweet, Trin,” Angi smiled. 

“Of course we do, but we didnt come here to hear the truth, Miss Angi, what you got?” Lot asked. 

Angi stood up and smoothed her skirt, approaching the jury. “It so lovely to see y’all here today. Helping justice is a large duty in this community and I’m so glad to see you helpin. Now, Miss Rikki there, she’s a good woman, a bit misunderstood, but helpful! She was helping Mr. Jack clean up some cans... and they decided to do some target practice with said cans. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Not shootin’ no one or harming no one.” 

“Bravo, thats more like it ma’am,” Lot applauded. 

“Well, Miss Aly, came up and ruined the fun! She came down on ‘em like they were spoiled children, and began shootin’ at ‘em unprovoked! Miss Aly chased Rikki down and attempted to shoot her in cold blood! Well, Miss Rikki did what any armed person would do in her position and protected herself. Ain’t nothing wrong with a protecting yourself after a power hungry crazy deputy,” she said and leaned to Aly. “No offense dear.” 

Angi took a seat and Lot invited me to call my first witness. I called Aly to the stand and Lot looked at Aly, “Why sure, but before she takes the stand, Miss Aly..stand the hell up, I never said sit yet.” 

“Oh sorry, yes your honor.” 

“Ma’am, next time you work in my court, i ask you dress a little more appropriate, not like some common ranch hand,” Lot instructed and I raised an eyebrow at that, guessing how embarrassed Aly must be and watched as Lot swore her in. “Hand on the bible , do you agree to tell the truth and the whole truth so help you Lot?”

“I do,” Aly said and I tried really hard to resist rolling my eyes at Lot. 

“Good, its my court room today, and in case you wondered, that makes me god, now sit.” 

“May I begin, Sir?” I asked, not wanting to start before he had given me permission. 

“Miss Trin, what the heck you waiting for, she is sworn in?” 

“Did you see Rikki and Jack shooting cans in the middle of the street?” I asked Aly with a smile. 

“Yes,” she smiled at me. 

“Did you have to chase Rikki to arrest her for unholstered weapons in town, or did she come willingly?”

“She ran after I told her she was under arrest for the crime of having weapons un-holstered in town. So I had to chase her.” 

“Were you shot by Rikki?” 

“Yes.” 

“One more question. Can you tell us what transpired when Rikki stole your guns?”

“Objection! Calls for speculation on the part of the witness she was being treated by the doctor!” Angi called and I blinked at that. 

“Wait, not so fast, whats yer objection?” Lot asked. 

“The doctor was not there yet,” Aly said. 

“She was being treated for a leg wound, not a head wound,” I protested. 

“Speculation, your honor. The witness there was being treated... Any treatment under such pain and stress could cause a false memory,” Angi said. 

“Well I suggest she get the latter. Objection sustained..continue.” 

“Thank you, Sir. Now Aly, can you tell us what happened?” I asked. 

“I said sustained, that means I agree with miss Angi. Keep up miss!” Lot exclaimed. 

“Oh. Alright then. Was there people around at the clinic when you were taken to be healed?”

“No, not when I got there.” 

I nodded and said, “Nothing further then.”

“Miss Angi, you may cross examine,” Lot instructed and Angi came forward. 

“Deputy, you do a fine job here in Diamond. You work hard, you do so very much for the people... and sometimes, you get blessed enough to have your victims help you. Didn’t Miss Rikki there get you help? Make sure she helped find you a doctor and get you to the clinic?” 

“Objection your honor. Relevance? It doesn’t change the fact that she shot her.”

“The relevance is showing Miss rikki’s nature. Someone out to hurt someone doesn’t typically get them help,” Angi explained. 

“I will say, miss Angi, that she did get me to the clinic, but she did also, steal my guns,” Aly said. 

“Miss Trin, you raised this issue of Miss Aly being taken to the doctors, I think its only fair Miss Angi be allowed to explore it.............overruled,” Lot said. 

“Now Miss Aly, last I checked, you were a Deputy not a mind reader,” Angi went on. 

“Mind reader?” Aly asked. 

“Yes I raised it and it was taken off the table of questioning,” I sat back, frustrated. 

“Are you arguing with my ruling?” Lot asked. 

“No sir.” 

“Good... continue, Miss Angi.” 

“Seems. You are assuming what Miss rikki’s intentions were. That you read her mind. Now I spoke to the woman. She told me she helped take the guns away to get you the help you needed, then she handed them to Jack. She cannot be responsible for Jack’s actions. No more than you could for anyone else. Your honor, I’m quite through with this witness. Thank you, Deputy for your fine service to this community.” 

“Miss Aly, you may resume your standing position,” Lot instructed and I folded my arms, annoyed at the unfairness but not saying another word. 

“Your honor I specifically remember her telling Jack that it was a gift or his services,” Aly added then quieted. 

“Your honor, Sir, I don’t recall anyone asking her a question. I ask that her statement be stricken,” Angi requested. 

“Me either, but you know these law dogs, always drunk and uppity,” Lot said. “Miss Aly, badge or no badge, the charge for contempt is for everyone. Now please step off from the stand.” 

“Yes your honor,” Aly said and resumed her position as bailiff. 

“Miss Trin, do you have anymore witnesses?” 

“No, Sir,” I shook my head, refusing to look Lot in the eye. 

“Ma’am, would you like to call anyone to the stand?” Lot looked at Angi. 

Angi called Rikki to the stand and she was sworn in. When ready, Angi began her questioning. “Miss Rikki, could you please tell the court room what happened the day in question?” 

“Yes. I went to town because I knew jack was there in jail. I got there as he was being released, and the deputy told me to help Jack clean up the cans on the ground. Well, Jack and I figured we could have fun doing the job buy shooting the cans out of town, which we did, or tried to do but then the deputy, Aly, wanted to arrest me for doing what she had told me to do. She drew her guns and I thought she was going to kill me on the spot.” 

“You must have been terrified!” 

“She spooked my horse, I was sitting on my horse shooting the can, well he ran, and the deputy chased us, still shooting at me. I turned into the town of Bisbee, hoping the law would be there to help me, but there wasn’t. I feared for my life then, and I turned and did the only thing I could. I shot back at her and hit her. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I had to defend myself.” 

“Right, I hear you!” Angi exclaimed. “What did you do after you defended yourself?” 

“I did help her into the doctor office and sent the other deputy to send a wire for a doctor. I tried to stop her bleeding while waiting for the doctor.” 

“That musta been scary, tryin’ to help her.”

“Then I saw her guns were ready to fall from the holsters, so I removed her gun belt. For safety reasons.” 

“Of course, I do that often even with dead bodies,” Angi nodded. “No further questions, your honor. Thank you, Miss Rikki.” 

“I didn’t know what to do with the guns, so when Jack arrived, I handed them to him to hold,” Rikki went on. 

I walked over to cross-examine Rikki and asked, “Just to clarify, you admit that you were shooting cans in town, meaning your weapons were unholstered?” 

“Well yes, you can’t shoot cans with your guns in the holsters.” 

“Another clarification. You said you were on a horse and yet somehow Aly was able to keep up with you and shoot you?”

“She can run very fast.” 

“Outrun a horse... I know my best friend. She’s not that fast. One final question. You do admit to shooting the deputy?”

“She didn’t outrun my horse, only kept up. Yes I did.” 

“Best friend?” Angi said from her seat and I shrugged, knowing that it was no secret who my friends were. 

“Alright then. Nothing further,” I said and sat down. 

“Miss Angi, you have had your time with the witness, it is now Miss Paiges turn, so hush please,” Lot instructed. 

“Quite sorry, Sir,” Angi apologized. 

“Miss Raccoon,” Lot paused and then said, “Never mind, I’ll wait till I hear the jury verdict. You may return to your seat. Now then Miss Paige, you may close.” 

I stood and walked over to the jury and smiled at them. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve heard from the deputy herself that she was shot while attempting to make an arrest. The facts are clear... Alyssa was shot by Rikki while doing her job, arresting the defendant for unholstered weapons which she admitted to. The prosecution was also not allowed to pursue questions about Rikki stealing Aly’s guns in the clinic, though the defense was able to ask about what happened in Bisbee. Had we been permitted, we would have showed that there were ample witnesses to Rikki stealing Aly’s guns. I ask that you find her guilty of the charges presented against her today. Thank you.”

I took a seat and Lot smiled, “Miss Paige, it’s often good to allow the defense to get the confession from the defendant rather than prosecution, it seems Miss Angi did that quite well. Miss Angi, your closing.” 

I blinked at that and looked back at Adrian for support and he simply nodded. 

Angi walked over to the jury and began her closing statement, “Thank you for being here. I appreciate your time doing this civic duty. I just hope you remember the honest story, Miss Rikki told you. She shot in self defense. The prosector here has openly admitted it was her best friend. Obviously she has great biases in this case and is willing to fabricate what is needed to convince you away from the truth. I hope that you will rule with good conscience and find her not guilty. Thank you.” 

I rolled my eyes, knowing it was no secret that me and Aly were best friends, and simply watched as the jury was instructed to go deliberate in the back room. I sat straight, looking forward as I wasn’t sure if I had done a good enough job or if Rikki’s story had been good enough of a fabrication to convince the jury otherwise. 

Before long, the jury came out and announced that Rikki was not guilty. I sighed but then leaned forward when Lot began his final address to the defendant. “Miss Raccoon, please stand. Ma’am, it vexes me that the jury was not intelligent enough to see through lies, but I am happy to uphold their ruling, but with a condition. The court could plainly tell that you are an excellent story teller. I therefore rule that yes, you are not guilty, but you are also required to go to the orphanage for at least two story times, and tell them orphans a story, cause you sure as heck are good at story tellin’.” 

There was laughter around the courtroom and I smiled, “Oh, I’ll agree to that.” 

“Uhhh your honor, is that a good idea?” Angi looked at Lot. 

“You bet it is Miss Angi, yer stories are boring.” 

“Oh. I’m quite sorry to have bored you,” Angi said. 

“No offense ma’am, but Ricki is a kick ass story teller we all seen that,” Lot said and Rikki nodded slowly. “Awesome Miss Rikki, yer lawyer will tell you when you can come in. Case closed,” he said and punched the desk. 

We filed out of the courtroom and Marc stayed behind to talk with Adrian about something while I went out to talk to Aly and Alex about a potential case. Aly told me about a robbery case that had been reported to her. I went over to Tombstone and couldn’t find any lawmen so I came back to Diamond where Marc was talking with Alex and Aly. As Alex said goodnight to her, I leaned against Marc and tried not to think of how frustrated I was over the loss in court today. When Aly went home to take care of some things, I went with Marc to the lake in the canyon where we cuddled and relaxed, unwinding from the long day.