Black Diamond.
This morning I walked over to Aly’s and saw Alex and Aly sitting in the tree. I greeted them and we climbed up the tree. We sat for a while about the wedding and the cake and how I needed to try the frosting. We talked about how there was one cake with a bird on the top, a raven, and I made a joke about it being an Egar Allen Poe thing.
“Bank need help!” Bree shouted then and we looked at each other with concern.
We climbed down the tree and walked over to the bank where Bree was standing with an Apache man. “Bree?” Alex asked, looking from the man to her as we walked into the bank.
“Oh, I did nothing,” the Apache said.
“What’s going on?” Alex asked.
“Alex this apache was inside my bank all night. He says,” Bree told him.
“I did nothing,” the Apache insisted again.
“Why were you in the bank?” Alex asked.
“I was locked in sir.”
“White Hawk, is that right?” Aly looked at him, annoyed.
“Oh, Yes ma’am,” he nodded to Aly with recognition. “I merely came to withdraw money.”
“Safe is fine but he opened my door and sleep here all night he said. A teller lock him in, not so not no one but me,” Bree explained.
“But the door locked last night,” White Hawk said.
“I see you found Black Diamond, welcome. What’s going on?” Aly asked.
“Uh oh,” he gave Aly an awkward grin as Bree glared at him.
“Ok so I will just get on my way ok. Excuse me while I pass.”
“Let’s get out of the bank so Bree can lock up,” I suggested.
“Did you sleep here all night?” Aly asked him.
“Good idea, Trin,” Alex nodded and led the way outside.
“You do know we have a hotel,” Aly looked at the man.
“He asks how I know he apache, heck look at him,” Bree coughed.
“Yes I did very sore too.”
“More sore than sleeping in a teepee or whatever they are called?” Aly eyed the man.
“Who locked you in the bank all night, Sir?” I finally asked.
“Grr... Well if all okay I will go now,” White Hawk said.
“Maybe he thinks paleface is a ninny,” Bree said.
“White Hawk,” I warned.
“Did you just growl at me?” Aly blinked at him.
“No one insults an Apache,” White Hawk said.
“I wasn’t insulting, I was asking a question,” Aly said.
“Who locked you in the bank?” I finally asked him in Apache.
“Not insult, plane darn fact,” Bree said.
“This woman in the brown dress,” White Hawk said. “She left me for dead. Apache not happy. Strong doors.”
“Which woman? What happened?”
“Brown... No way Apache, I was not here last night,” Bree insisted.
“This woman,” he said and looked at Bree.
“Maybe you need council with apaches,” Bree suggested.
“What were you doing in the bank in the first place?” I asked.
“Bree? She wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Aly blinked.
“Wait before you go,” Aly said and he turned to her.
“Apache have gold in this bank,” White Hawk said, nearing me and standing right in front of me, making me back up. “Ma’am, who are you please?” he asked me.
“He says withdrawing money. He got no receipt. He lies,” Bree said.
“I want both of you to write down what happened...sir...who locked you in the bank, a description as
best you can?” Aly asked.
“Ain’t no gold in this safe,” Bree said and White Hawk laughed.
“Bree....what happened you write that down too, ok?” Aly looked at her.
“Write. How do you do that?” White Hawk asked.
“Trin please give them forms, I wasn’t prepared for this today,” Aly looked at me.
I nodded and handed them the statements but White Hawk said, “Can’t read either.”
“Who is who? I’m the Deputy here, just ain’t wearing my badge cause I was relaxing with my friends in a tree,” Aly said.
“Then you’ll have to tell me what happened, Sir, and I’ll write it down,” I looked at him.
“Then tell her what happened and she’ll write it down. She loves doing that kind of stuff,” Aly said.
“This woman to my left she seems level headed,” White Hawk said. “This woman here. She needs to be hanged.”
“Much as I’m sure of it Bree I can’t legally since I didn’t see it happen and have no solid proof. All we can do now is take statements,” Aly said.
“Sir please tell me what happened from when you came to Diamond until now,” I looked at him.
“If the Apache hears about this then the whole town will be burned to the ground,” White Hawk threatened.
“Sir I understand you’re apache. heck my ex is part apache. I get that, I do. But please don’t take it as a race thing. Bree isn’t like that,” Aly said. “Oh I doubt that.”
“I was at the bank last night,” White Hawk started and I wrote as he spoke. “I was trying to withdraw cash. All of a sudden this woman said I have to go and left the bank shutting the door. I tried to get out. I shouted many times but I was locked in. She needs put in jail. I suffered a whole night on the floor. “It’s up to you I do not try to run but rest assured if you wanna take on the Apache nation then be my guest.”
“Sir do you think you could write your name on the bottom of this?”
“No.”
“Then I’ll sign it for you.”
“Have him make an X,” Alex suggested.
“And you who speaks who are you?” White Hawk looked at me.
“I am Detective Trin Paige. I help the local law gather information.”
“Okay ma’am. So will we hang this bank woman now then?”
“Can you write a W and an H? Like this?” I asked and showed him.
“You can trust Trin,” Alex said as Aly had walked inside to check on Bree. I smiled at Alex, thankful he was here.
“Yeah, probably,” he said and wrote on the pad. “Okay so let’s get the hangin’ done. Where do we go?”
“It’s not like that sir,” I told him.
“We don’t just go around hanging people. Things go to court,” Aly came out and told him.
“She accused me,” White Hawk said and I wondered what this charge would be if it were taken to court.
“Apache people will not like your responses,” he warned. “Much hurt will happen here.”
“Bree....are you harmed in any way?” Aly asked her.
I looked at Alex, knowing that this was about to get ugly.
“No, not harm actually. Very nice Apache,” Bree insisted.
“Just say the word that you do not believe me. In days your town will be a mess,” White Hawk threatened.
“I’m not sure why this is being reported. No crime was committed. Sounds like you could have left on your own will.”
“He said he was locked in,” Bree said.
“Bree when you’re done with that statement I’ll take it and give a copy to Trin,” Aly said to her.
“Thanks Aly. I’ve got White Hawk’s here too,” I said.
“Ok well I best get on my way,” White Hawk said and I walked into the bank to see Bree, ignoring the Apache.
“Wait,” Aly said to him. “Sorry for your being stuck in the bank. I’d be happy to show you the hotel. For future, so you have somewhere uhm, more comfortable to stay.”
I walked outside again and noticed White Hawk putting something in his pouch. I looked at Alex knowingly as White Hawk followed Aly down towards the hotel.
“I don’t trust him,” I said when it was just Alex, Bree and myself. “Something else is going on here.”
“Betcha we see more of this apache,” Bree said.
“Did you see what he just put in this pocket?” Alex asked me.
“I didn’t see it I just saw him put his hand there.”
“The safe was fine, “Bree promised.
“I didn’t see what it was, but he looked a little fishy when he put it away, like he didn’t want us to see,” Alex said.
“Tell you something. Last night I closed bank a bit after 6 pm,” Bree told us.
“Exactly what I thought, Alex,” I said and handed Aly White Hawk’s statement. “I’m not seeing a crime here but I will be keeping a close eye on him.”
“About 6:40 I had return to my home and I reported to Suzy the bank doors were missing,” Bree said.
Aly leaned over to me and whispered, “Trin is he saying the person who locked him in is Bree? Did he outright say this?”
“Yeah he did. His statement doesn’t say Bree’s name but it’s pretty clear he’s accusing her,” I whispered back.
“Bree,” Aly looked at her. “Was there anything missing? Money, supplies, whatever?”
White Hawk walked back again and laughed, “Nice bank.”
“No, all was just fine,” Bree told her.
“Wait till night fall,” White Hawk threatened and I sighed, thinking to myself, ‘here we go again’.
“Maybe I Need a softer rug though,” Bree thought out loud.
“That sounds threatening,” Alex looked at the Apache.
“Sounded like a threat to me,” I agreed.
“And you’re not harmed,” Aly was focused on Bree.
“No not harmed but I know he will return I can tell.”
“Excuse me...” White Hawk started.
“Yes White Hawk?” Bree looked at him.
“Is the room above the bank available to rent at all?” he asked. “Sometimes we need places to stop and rest.”
“We?” I looked at him.
“Yeah, who is we?” Bree asked.
“We as in Apache tribe.”
“You have somewhere to rest, Sir,” I looked at him.
“Is too small.”
“Too bad. You’ve got a village. You’ve got a family,” I looked at him.
“Since when do entire apache tribes just randomly enter white people’s towns?” Aly asked him.
“And that village is not small. And those teepees are spacious,” I added.
“No just sometimes after a hunt we need to stop and rest.”
“That’s what the hotel is for,” Alex said.
“Yeah that doesn’t usually happen,” Aly agreed.
“Ma’am, I am Apache. I do not live in a teepee,” White Hawk said.
“Where you live then?” Bree asked.
“Teepee, hut, whatever,” I said though I knew the term but didn’t want to show him my true identity as part-Apache.
“Hogan?” Bree asked.
“I don’t know much of Apache things, it’s just how I see things, not meant as an offense,” Aly said.
“Ah someone with a little knowledge. Yes a hogan,” White Hawk nodded.
“Hogan, that’s the word,” Aly nodded.
“I think I best remove all from this bank and move elsewhere,” White Hawk said. “I will return with my sisters.”
“I agree with you moving elsewhere,” I looked at him.
“Does he have an account here?” Alex looked at Bree.
“Please don’t come to our town and threaten us. We don’t come to your village and threaten you,” I looked at him still.
“You see that’s the point I do have an account here,” he said.
“Your sisters are also my sisters in case you don’t know this,” Bree told him.
“Bree...” I said cautiously.
“I am lost here,” the Apache said.
“Sounds like you just threatened to kidnap us all, Sir,” I looked at him.
“Sir you might want to stop the threats, or at least be careful who you make them around. While I’m law, not everyone follows the law, and there are some who outright disregard it and will shoot you on sight for making such comments,” Aly told him.
“I get locked in your bank but yet I am the bad one,” White Hawk complained.
“You have no receipt,” Bree said.
“And to burn down the town,” Alex added.
“And it sounds like you’ve been threatening this town from the moment you stepped foot in it,” I said. “Bree, I’m sure, did not intend to lock you in the bank.”
“I did not lock him in Trin. He was not around when I here,” Bree told me.
“Well of course I will report this all back to camp. I am sorry you now threaten me I will also let council know,” he said.
“We have not threatened you,” I rolled my eyes.
“You know I treat my clients quite well,” Bree said.
“Have a good day,” White Hawk said.
“Kinda wishing Mark and Stormy were still a part of the tribe right about now,” Aly sighed.
“I do know, Bree. I agree, Aly,” I looked at them both.
“So what you are saying you prefer some Apache to the likes of me,” White Hawk said.
“I shall contact Moon,” Bree announced.
“That is indeed not nice,” White Hawk said. “I will see Moon very shortly.”
“No sir, I have friends that are Apache, and who know me, and this town, and would be quick to handle the situation,” Aly said. “It’s not a threat.”
I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the pole then as White Hawk said, “This is so unfortunate that you think of me as bad. I am not. But I was the one that was locked in the bank. I will leave you all.”
“No one said you were bad,” Alex told him.
“Nobody accused you of anything, but when you make threats -those- are bad No bad people, just bad things they say or do,” Aly said.
“That’s the impression you gave me,” he said. “I like my brothers and sisters will stick up for the Apache nation. Whatever.”
“I have work to do now,” Aly sighed then. “Like...figuring out how to get my sister’s comment off my desk. Literally. Excuse me.”
“I will speak with Moon my sister later,” White Hawk said and it looked like he dropped a lock pick on the floor and I noticed it this time, blinking at it. He picked it up and said, “Okay good day all.” He walked away and I looked over at Bree.
“Bree... you might want to close the bank for a bit.”
“Did you see what he had there?” Alex asked me.
“A lock pick. I knew there was something else going on.”
“He had a lock pick on him but couldn’t get out of the locked bank?” Alex asked.
“Like I said. There’s more to this than what we’re hearing.”
Bree locked the bank and announced, “T’is locked.”
“Good, Bree. I want you to stay safe.. You’ve had enough to deal with lately with Jack and Sommer.”
“Me too. I had enough,” she smiled.
“You’re brave to be a teller here, Bree,” Alex told her.
“Yea for sure. Makes my pulses go astray sometimes.”
“I bet. I could never do what you do,” I nodded.
Bree smiled and hugged me. “Trin, hey you go through way more than me.”
“Hardly... I just gather information. And get knocked around in court.”
“You get shot,” she said.
“You get the threat of being held up at gunpoint every day. Or kidnapped.”
“Keeps me on my toes.”
“I suppose it does.”
“Oh goodness, I need to change this old dress,” Bree said the. “Mercy I wore yesterday. Need a good soak.”
“I need to do the rounds. Alex, want to ride?” I asked him.
“Sure Trin.”
“We’ll see you soon, Bree,” I said and hopped on Phoenix.
“Just shout if you need help,” Alex looked at her.
“Thanks for coming to help so fast,” she looked at us both.
“Of course,” I said and we rode off for Tombstone.
Tombstone.
We rode into Tombstone and I looked over at Alex. “I told you about needing Lot’s statement, right?”
“Yeah, you did,” he nodded.
“I’m on the fence about whether I want to bother. Maybe I’ll just take a break from court this weekend.”
“If you think you need a break, then yes, you should do that. Would Lot’s statement be valid anyway?”
“Between that, a hanging case, and Lot up for robbery.. That’s a good question. But he was a named witness. And you know that’s usually precious little.”
“Yeah, true.”
“I mean it’s Freja going up for destruction of property.”
“I can’t imagine her doing that.”
“Which by the way I still think is wrong based on what I heard... Ivy was the one who wanted Lot to help her sabotage things. Something feels very wrong about this, Alex.”
“It does to me too. I know Freja. She isn’t like that.”
“Let’s keep riding. Maybe I’ll figure out what to do...”
“Lead the way!” he nodded.
We rode down the street and when it was obvious no one was around we headed over to his home nearby to relax and talk.
Tombstone.
A few hours later, I saw a telegram for a doctor needed in Tombstone. I rode over to the sheriff’s office and saw Alex walking over. “Saw the telegram too?”
“Hey Trin. Yep.”
“Figured I’d see if they need any statement help.”
“Good idea. Can you open the door? or should I knock?”
“Probably should knock.”
Libby walked over then as did Lil and Alex knocked on the door. Kris opened it and told one of them to go over to the clinic. I saw Jess in the cells and hoped she was treating a patient in there and that she wasn’t caught up in this whole thing. Ben walked out and stood in front of the office where I was waiting and I asked him what was going on. He told me that they’d been arresting Jack and Sommer and it had ended in a gunfight. He said that they got them both after he had to shoot them. When it was obvious that they had everything under control and didn’t need any help, I headed back to Diamond.
Black Diamond.
I climbed up the tree beside Aly’s place and worked on journals until Aly came out and joined me. “So I got a new camera yesterday,” I told her. “It was expensive but it’ll be worth it.”
“Cameras are as foreign to me as a scalpel is.”
“Now I just have to set up a dark room for developing pictures for evidence.”
“Oh nice!”
“Well it was the writing on your desk that inspired it. That kind of thing... prints and evidence isn’t gonna help but a picture could be submitted as evidence in court.”
“And wow did you really give up your middle branch? Are you feeling alright?”
“Felt like a change,” I chuckled. “I even talked with Mayor Wise about it through wire and he said it was a great idea.”
“True, and I ain’t paying men to lug it across the street.”
“Exactly. Or like if the door has been damaged or a fire or something. Hey... I’m sorry about last night. I was really frustrated with the court docket and Marc not bein’ around. I think I’m just gonna see it as a friendship thing and if he comes around we’ll dance but nothing serious yet.”
“I know and you are the kinda person who... You can tell you’re upset. You’re like a book, or something.”
“Gonna just live in the moments and not expect more than that. Can’t let it derail me.”
“As far as dancing, do you want my opinion on that?”
“It was more the court docket than anything. You know I can’t even use you as a witness?”
“Well i didn’t witness that, it happened before I came out of the hose. The only thing I saw was the dead body and Wedge being injured.”
“Yeah exactly. Not really helpful for court. Not that I’m upset you didn’t witness it but... Just don’t think I can use it.”
“Yeah there isn’t much I could tell.”
“And as much as this statement from Lot might be a good setup for you to arrest him I’m worried.”
“I get worried every time I hear ‘Lot’ and ‘Black diamond’ in the same sentence.”
“I’m worried that either a) he won’t even bother to show up... or b) he’ll bring his friends with him just for protection and it’ll just be me and you against the Wild Bunch.”
“Ok let’s take those things one at a time. For A... He might not show up. There is nothing you can do about that. Which makes things better for Freja, yes? So this isn’t necessarily a bad thing?”
“True.”
“Ok? So B. You probably will be seeing a lot more of the Wild Bunch anyhow. I’ve seen Mac and his Brother around. There is nothing you can do about it. If that happens, then I won’t try to arrest him then. I’m no good to this town dead.”
“Good observation,” I nodded.
“And you know that’s a maybe. He might show up with just him, he’s no coward.”
“Yeah you’re right.”
“Was there a C?”
“Nope, no C.”
“I asked Sniper and Mac if he was around last night.... they laughed at the irony of me needing a statement from an outlaw.”
“Wild Bunch... Flock like dang penguins.”
“Yep.”
“Is it still all men?”
“No idea anymore. Seems to be right now.”
We saw Jack and Sommer ride through town and Aly called out to them, “Sorry y’all! Dusty Diamond is under new management and under current renovations. If ya want a drink you’re gonna have to head to Tombstone or see about the cantina!” She looked over at me and said, “And I’m really tired of waiting on suzy with this warrant, I’m gonna leave it as a report.”
“I don’t blame you there...”
“Too many days have gone by on it and I hate waiting, I’m impatient like that.”
Jack and Sommer came over then and talked with us. Alex came over and climbed up on the tree and we talked about how Lil had taken over the Dusty Diamond saloon. We talked about working as dancers and I joked that I should go back to doing it for a living as it was a good way to get to know people and hear what was going on. We talked about how Gerric was in town again and how that meant that Alex and Aly could get married.
Aly told us that Dakota was missing and went out to search for her while Alex and I stayed in the tree. She came back and told us that the dog had found its way into Mark’s place in Bisbee.
“So Trin...” she said then as she climbed back up into the tree. “‘DESCRIPTION OF CRIME: Jack Smith forced Bree, using handcuffs and at gunpoint, along with bank funds, into the town of Ghenna. Once there, he made Bree dance on stage and on a table. Bree escaped, and at this time Mr.Smith took out his guns and began shooting at her.’ Yes?”
“Yep. Sounds good.”
“Good I’m gonna drop it. This ain’t gonna be a warrant. Hope this works for Jimmi, he’s a pain in the ass with how he wants reports done.”
“Mmhmm. At least you’re doin’ ‘em.”
“Yup, gonna head over there now to slip it in. This was just Jack, right? Or do I need to write one on her too?”
“Uh...”
“Ugh she was there too.”
“Then yep.”
“I’m gonna have to write a statement on her.”
“If she did something.”
“Dandy. She did, she had her guns on Bree. Threatening.”
“There you go. Unholstered weapons.”
“‘They’ cuffed me... harassment. ‘They’ made me dance. Then ‘They’ shot at me.”
“But only Jack’s prints were on the cuffs.”
“Well her statement still says ‘they’. So she can be charged at least.”
“Of course it does,” I sighed.
“Alright I’m gonna go do this.”
Aly walked over to the office and we continued to relax in the tree. Trent came over then when Aly returned with him I climbed down the tree to greet him. I introduced him to Alex and Aly and then we headed over to the saloon for a drink.
“Guess Lil must be redecorating,” I said as I looked around the empty saloon.
“Oh so this is the place.”
“Mmhmm. This is the Dusty Diamond.”
“Nice. Don’t look like drinks in here.”
I dug around the back of the counter and found a bottle of whiskey. “We’re in luck! No glasses though, so we’ll have to share from the bottle.”
“I can do that.”
I took the cap off the bottle and held it out to him. “You want the first sip?”
“Ladies first.”
I smiled and took a sip from the bottle and then handed it to him. “So how are things?”
“Things are good. Came to see are you okay.”
“Yeah... been a frustrating week work-wise. I think I might be taking a break from court this weekend.”
“Why is that?”
“The court docket doesn’t have much on it so I’d have to hunt around for witnesses... One of said witnesses is Lot, who was an ass to me in court last weekend.”
“Hmm... What was the reason behind his behavior?”
“And I really don’t relish the thought of talking to him in Diamond even if it’ll lead to another arrest from a warrant Aly has. Well... he was a witness to some sabotaging of the gardens for the contest.... But I looked into that case and I have the feeling Freja was framed but I’m not sure how to prove it.”
“Hmm... Well darlin’ I’m sorry you are frustrated one.”
“Yeah I’m just not sure what to do. Might be safest just to stay out of it.”
“Second... a break is probably what you need. Yes, I stay out of all town business.”
“More sanity than I have, I’m sure,” I winked at him.
“Just enjoy the serenity of it all,” he chuckled.
“Serenity of what all?” I laughed.
“The country living.”
“You know I’ve been here over a year now?”
“Nice.”
“Anniversary was three days ago. Aly, Alex and I celebrated at the cantina.”
“Nice.”
“Yeah it was fun.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I should have.”
“Could have done something for ya.”
I smiled and looked at him watching me. “What’s going through that head of yours?”
He looked at the floor and said, “You really don’t wanna know.”
“Oh come on...” I said, reaching over to put a hand on his thigh.
He looked down at me and removed my hand slowly. “ I wouldn’t do that if I was you.”
I put my hand on the counter and said, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he grinned.
“Days like these I wish I could read minds,” I looked at him and took the bottle, sipping more whiskey from it.
“Careful. You don’t want to get tipsy.”
“You’d be surprised how much I can handle,” I said and he continued to watch me so I handed him the bottle. “Maybe you should finish this then.”
He handed it back to me and said, “Naw, show me what you can handle.”
I chuckled at the challenge and sipped more whiskey, knowing the bottle was almost done. “Alright, you asked for it.” I felt a bit shaky and set the bottle down. “Okay maybe I shouldn’t drink the whole thing. I guess you should help me home, huh...”
I stood, wobbling a bit, and he held my arm. “Easy now.”
“I kinda drank a bit too much last night too... Guess I just want to forget the past week.”
“Just got word,” he rolled his eyes then. “L Lil wants Jeremiah and I to do the construction in here. Well... if you like... I can rub your feet,” he looked at me.
“Do they? That means you’ll be around more.”
“Yea, something like that.”
“I’m here daily, just not in town.”
“I guess I should start my resting period for the weekend. Walk me home, hon?”
“Sure. After you.”
We walked over to my apartment and I slowly made my way upstairs, feeling myself waver as I fell back into him.
“Gimme the key,” he caught me, holding me tightly. “I gotcha.”
I fumbled to find the key and handed it to him. He opened the door and flipped me over his shoulder, carrying me inside and setting me on th bed.
“Can you... can you get Alex?” I looked at him.
“Sure. Stay there,” he said and I nodded, not having any desire to move anywhere.
He left and came back shortly to announce, “Alex doesn’t seem to be in town.”
I frowned and reached for him. “What’s wrong with me?”
He leaned down and whispered, “You’re drunk, hun.”
“But... I don’t get drunk...”
“You did this time.”
I blinked and looked at him, reaching for his hand. “I need a break.”
He looked back at me and then grabbed a cold towel for my head. I started to relax as he placed it over my forehead.
“At least I can still think clearly when I’m drunk...”
“You don’t say,” he rubbed my head. “Feeling any better.”
“Needed to lay down I guess...” I nodded.
“Yea,” he grinned.
“I work too much. Stress...”
“You need a vacation,” he said and I nodded, squeezing his hand. “You should come stay at the ranch with me for a day. Let me take you places.”
“I just wanted to forget... why can’t I still.... forget?”
“Close your eyes,” he said and pulled my hair out of my face. “And just sleep.”
I fell asleep slowly as I heard him slip outside of the apartment and close the door.
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