August 29, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I rested in front of the sheriff’s office, as the town was quiet. Kris came over and greeted me and we talked a bit before he wandered down the street. I heard shouting from the saloon and then there were shouts for a doctor. I waited a few more minutes and then wandered down the street to find out what had happened. 

“Hey Kinney, what’s going on?” I asked the man standing in front of the saloon. 

“Hey Trin, I’m not quite sure what is going on, actually. I heard shouts about a doctor needed in the clinic. There was a team of lawmen around Garth, then next thing I know, he pulled his knife and cut his own throat.” 

“His own throat?” I blinked at that. 

“Yeah.” 

“Geez...” 

“Didn’t make no sense, but why break with tradition now.” 

“Guess I should go to the clinic and find out more. Thanks, Kinney.” 

“Anytime.” 

I wandered into the clinic and saw that it was filled with people. Garth had thrown his guns on the floor and told Kate to take his guns to his house. I asked if they needed me for anything and heard Kris ask Nora about Annie, who had apparently seen it happen and ran off sick. 

Seeing they didn’t need me I headed outside and asked James if he was alright and he said he was fine. I walked across the road and saw Paisley standing with Kris in front of the Oriental Saloon. A man walked over to her and started talking and flirting with her. He leaned over to her and whispered something to her, looking at Kris. 

“Paisley this man will get you in trouble,” Ramsey said about Kris. 

“This man’s a marshal. I don’t see how that’s bein’ a coward.”

“I am not following you,” Paisley said as he whispered. 

“Not nice to whisper, Ramsey. Makes other people left out.” 

“No, you misunderstand me Ramsey. Just because I stand near Kris, does not mean I am with him,” Paisley said to Ramsey. 

“Paisley, what did he whisper to you?” I asked. 

“Sorry about that how rude was I. But well your with me now,” Ramsey said. 

“EXCUSE ME?!?!” Paisley exclaimed. 

“Why you so rude?” 

“You make quite an assumption.”

“Where Viper?” 

“This ain’t gonna end well,” Kris muttered. 

“How do you know Viper?” I asked. 

“You want to be with me, well, it costs money sir,” Paisley said. “My services are not free.” 

“No, I’m thinking not, too, Marshal,” Spin agreed. 

“Where is he?” Ramsey asked again. “He a Maverick.” 

“And what’s that to you? Who are you?” I asked, though I remembered his name from my list of gang members and knew he was a Maverick too, I just wanted him to admit it. 

“This man is Jy’s brother,” Paisley said. “Not as much a gentleman as his brother.” 

Thomas walked over then and tipped his hat. “Evening ladies and gentlemen.”

I heard his voice and relaxed instantly. “Darling, so good to see you,” I turned to him. 

“I am, Paisley. Why you being like that?” Ramsey asked. 

“Making assumptions,” Paisley went on. “That I am with you... And whispering about Kris in my ear.” 

“Howdy Miss Trin, everything ok?” Thomas asked me. 

“Well Paisley, I didn’t mean for us to get on the bad foot,” Ramsey said. 

I slipped my hand into Thomas’ and relaxed a bit, looking over at Ramsey. “Something about Kris I should know too, Ramsey?” 

“Yes Trin,” Paisley nodded. 

“Kris robbed me,” he laughed. 

“Oh really? How many decades ago?” I looked at him. 

“Well he tried robbing me in his dreams.” 

“And you thought that would endear me to you?” Paisley asked. 

“He robbed you in his dream and that means he’s a bad person?” I blinked at him. “Can you control another man’s subconscious?” 

“Has anyone got any rope I can have?” Ramsey asked. “Well he always rude to me.” 

“Is rudeness a crime? Because if it is, Kris should arrest you right now.” 

“I never do get on with any lawman but I have helped Kris in the passed.” 

“Well, right now, you have made quite an impression...” Paisley said. “And I know a gentleman.... I married one.” 

I watched Kris walk away and smiled. “Smart man, walking from an idiot who’s rude.” 

“Oh my, saying I’m not a gentleman, wow,” Ramsey pouted. 

“Ramsey you didn’t answer my question,” I said. “I’d like an answer.” 

“Haven’t shown me that in oh... say the last ten minutes for certain,” Paisley commented. 

“What’s going on my dear?” Thomas held my hand and leaned over to kiss my cheek. 

“Oh, it’s been a fun night. Garth apparently tried to slit his own throat and then this man came over and complained about Kristoff doing something in his sleep and wanting some rope to hang him,” I rolled my eyes as Ramsey walked into the Crystal Palace and I leaned into Thomas. 

“Oh, sounds like a real winner if ya ask me. It must be a full moon tonight. Either than, or someone let the loonies out.” Put his arm around Trin and smiled as he was next to her again after a long day,” Thomas shook his head. 

“Was my thoughts as well dear. Care to join me for a drink?” I nodded to him. 

“Sure, I could sure use a drink after the day I had.” 

Come on with me then, dear,” I said and led him to the Oriental where there would be less people. I reached for a bottle of whiskey and poured us a couple of shot glasses. “Would you like some whiskey, dear?”

“Bartender, give me and the lady a double,” he joked and sat at the bar. 

“Here you go, darlin’,” I chuckled and took a drink, handing him the other glass. 

He took the glass and downed it quickly. “Mmmm, just what the easterner needed.” He set the glass down upside down. “So what you been up to besides dealing with idiots.”

“Pretty much dealing with idiots,” I chuckled and took another shot. “I really only have one case open right now. And only a couple of witnesses to hunt down for it. Not much I can do but wait for folks to show up for that.”

“Well you know if there is ever anything I can do, just let me know..I haven’t found work yet, but I will help you if I can.” 

“Thank you dear.... I just need lawmen to give files to but I s’pose that’s the continual problem. At least I know I’m not....” I jumped as a thud interrupted me and I watched as Frank kicked the door open hard. “Well hey there Frank.”

“Everybody!” Frank yelled and then paused. “Hello Trin! Nice to see ya again.” 

“Somethin’ wrong, Frank?” I jumped at the yell. 

“Howdy there mister,” Thomas turned and looked at Frank. 

“I was going to say freeze but no point now you know I ain’t no bad guy,” he chuckled. 

“Ruins the fun, don’t it?” I smirked. 

“Dr Frank M devil, Dr of many things, as a medical aid back in the day here. Nice to meet ya mister,” Frank introduced himself. 

“How about a drink? On me,” Thomas smiled and relaxed. 

“Frank, this is my darling man Thomas Wallace,” I introduced. 

“Your man..? You, you, Married?!” Frank looked at me. 

“Nice to meet you Frank. Come join us if you like,” Thomas offered. 

“Well, no... We’re courtin’,” I laughed. 

“Dang! She mine you can have her! I challenge you to a dual good Sir a fight for her hand I say!” Frank exclaimed. 

“I keep trying to knock ‘er in the head and drag her off for myself, but she a tough woman,” Thomas laughed and winked at me. 

“Oh darlin’, you’ve got me,” I chuckled at him. 

“Can’t!” Frank frowned and hung his head low. “This is an outrage I tell you. Like I said accept my challenge if ya dare!”

“Frank I ain’t even seen you since...” I started. 

“Now Frank, I ain’t not gunfighter, and I sure ain’t no dualler. Hows bout you have a drink and think on it a bit,” Thomas said. 

“I ain’t seen you since June of last year when you were tryin’ to sell that ridiculous cure all,” I remembered and looked at Thomas. “Dear, he’s the one I was tellin’ you about when you came to town sellin’ that other stuff.” 

“Who said anything about guns? No highest Number wins her hand! Think of a number 1-10 and say it out loud and the highest number win.accept my challenge!” Frank said. 

Thomas looked over at me with a smile. “Oh so the truth is out. I aint the only lizard oil salesman in Tombstone then.... Ten!” 

“Nine! Dang you win this round!” Frank chuckled. “I like him, he’s crazy as you are.” 

“Ha.... Who said I was crazy?” I asked. 

“Oh he knows you for sure Trin,” Thomas laughed and I gave him a look to shush. 

“You one the few who dared to drink my care all. Had to be crazy for that...” Frank remembered. 

“Wow, nothing is sacred in this town anymore,” I teased. 

“Might start selling it again just for giggles... Seeing as I cant be a doc.” 

“Frank, what was your cure all? I use to sell the Handy Dandy Smandy Mr Boremans Wonder Tonic,” Thomas said and I couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Snake oil, the finest in spain.” 

“Hmmmm... probably what I had, they just rebottled it and put a different label on it.” 

“The great Yaquis,” Frank handed him the bottle. “Only get that from me. Should see my cart. Finest wood in spain too.. an old barn,” he chuckled. 

“Somehow I knew you two would get along...” I smirked. 

Thomas took the bottle and opened it, smelling the beverage. “Woooo! I bet that will heal or kill a cure,” he smiled and put the stopper back in, handing it back. 

“Keep it, I got spares. I make it after all. Anyways I gotta head down to the theater. They got something going on there soon.” 

“Thanks Frank. I got rid of all mine after the last town he visited, the owner or it got tarred and feathered, then they hung him,” Thomas smiled, looking at me and then waved to Frank. “See ya Frank!” He handed me the bottle. “Do you mind disposing of that for me?”

“Gladly, dear,” I laughed and took the bottle, pouring it down the sink. 

“That stuff smelled worse than the stuff I had. No way I gonna drink that stuff.” 

“Mmhmm. And I don’t even remember drinking it. I’m amused you got to meet him though,” I laughed and slid a hand over to his. 

“Whats happening at the theatre tonight?” 

“There’s going to be some drama at the theatre. My friend Aly is one of the actors, if you’d like to go.” 

He took my hand and kissed it and then leaned over to kiss me on the lips. I kissed him back and slid my fingers around his neck. “Would you like to go? I haven’t been to a theatre since before I left back home.” 

“I would love to. It might be the break I need from all this thinking stuff.” 

“What time is the show?” 

“I believe it’s in about fifteen minutes.” 

“Well would you like to attend it with me? I would hate to go alone.” 

I walked around the counter and took his hand. “It would be an honor to go with you, dear.”

He smiled and took my hand, kissing me again. “You have made my night dear.. Shall we go?”

“Let’s go,” I smiled and led the way. 

Along the way to the theater, I nodded to Mac standing outside the theater and he greeted me. “Howdy Trin.” 

“Hey Mac. Someone I want you to meet,” I smiled, my hand still in Thomas’. 

“Howdy Mister. I am Mac McLeary.” 

“Evening Mr Mac. I’m Thomas Wallace.”

“Nice to meet ya Thomas.” 

“I’ve known Mac a long time... As well as Duke... Your... brother, right Mac? Or somethin’ like that?” I smiled, remembering meeting Mac in Georgetown so long ago. 

“Me and Miss Trin go way back,” Mac held out his hand and the men shook hands. 

“Nice to meet you too. You going to the show tonight?” Thomas smiled. 

“I have some pressing business to attend to I am afraid.” 

I smirked a bit but just nodded. “I’ve been showin’ Thomas around town, introducin’ him to some people. You’ve been here what, a couple of weeks dear?” I asked Thomas. 

“Well I do hope its nothing too rough. Hope your evening will be safe, sounds like its going to be a good show. Yeah, I think a couple weeks. I arrived on a dusty stage late in the evening,” Thomas nodded. 

“Always is a good show for sure,” Mac smiled. “I ain’t much for safety,” he laughed. 

“Yeah.. Mac’s one of the only outlaws I reckon I still talk to on friendly terms because of our history,” I winked at Mac. 

“Trin’s bragged me out of a few holes ya could say,” Mac smiled. 

“Well just try not to get shot I guess I should say. It seems someone gets shot around here at least once a day,” Thomas smiled. 

“Well Mac I’ve been working on my memoirs. Just finished writin’ about Amiville... Good to have those journals done.” 

“I’d love to read on that,” Mac smiled. 

“Once it’s put together I’ll send ya a copy.”

“Wonder if I am in there from my Marshal days.” 

“Ends with the black brother’s hangin’. Not the greatest ending of a book but, ya know. That’s when we high-tailed it to Kingsley.” 

“Oh, what better way to end a book, than with a hanging,” Thomas chuckled. 

“Mmhmm,” I laughed. “Well we better head inside.” 

“Yep, we want to get a good seat,” Thomas nodded. 

“Well ya’ll take care now,” Mac said. 

“You too Mac, and nice meetin ya again,” Thomas said. 

“See ya’ll later. Be safe,” I winked at Mac and led the way inside. 

August 28, 1900

Tombstone. 

Natalie came to find me this morning and told me that Payton was in the clinic and wanted to talk to me. I wandered over to see that she, Joan and Alex were there, saying goodbye to a woman named Zala. Alex and Joan headed out of the clinic and I sat down beside Payton. 

“Well.. I wanted ta give ya this..” Payton handed me a piece of paper. It had a combination on it to the safe in Ashton’s house. “The black book on the shelf is ... it’s my records of all .. two hundred horses .. that I logged .. an the ones that I got rid of the brands that were on them.. you’ll also find that I made drawings of each brand before I got rid of them.” 

“Two hundred!?” I blinked and shook my head in awe. 

“Yeah.. thats why I am thinkin she needed Rikki... so the amounts ta move could be larger.” 

“Geez... Thank you, Payton. This will help a lot.” 

“I jus wish I knew what happened to her. She said that she needed ta go over the boarder again.. an that the next time I would go too.. an she hasn’t come back.” 

“The next time she might have a bounty on her for horse grading,” I shook my head. “If I can find a marshal by then.”

“Guess it wasn’t such a good secret ta keep huh,” she sighed. 

“Not really, but the point is that you told me now and that’s what’s important.” 

“Lying was making me sick all the time .. which is why I said I wouldn’t make a good outlaw,” Payton nodded. 

“That’s a good thing to be bad at, hon. Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?”

“She got in shipments of guns too .. she had to get a larger gun closet,” Payton said after some thought. “I had access to them .. but obviously I won’t touch a gun ..” 

“That ain’t so much a crime till they’re used.” 

“An she was askin people round town.. bout workin for us.. an .. she had me spyin on the law.. not sure if I told ya that ..” 

“I’m glad you’re not doin’ any of that anymore,” I sighed. 

“Me too. I was tracking who was on what shift.. even you..” she looked down. 

“Sorry.. I guess I wanted a mom again so bad that I was willing to protect a criminal.. and didn’t see that I was just bein used.” 

“I know hon. Sounds like you’re figuring out what’s right and wrong though... Those are important lessons to learn.” 

“Yeah.. need ta know that so I don’t screw up an not be able to have a family .. or worse.. grow up an go ta jail.” 

“Mmhmm.” 

“All the logs I kept are there too.. what law was on when.. and what town.. all the times that you were around.. and .. when Nat was with you.” 

We felt a wind storm rolling through and decided to head out of town. I went to Pearce and relaxed in my tree while I worked on reports. Sabi joined me and we talked for a while about how Rye and Cole were going to adopt her. Jimmy came over after some time too and we spent the afternoon talking and enjoying the peace and quiet. 

August 27, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I was waiting in front of the sheriff’s office in case someone could come and help me work through some cases. Joe walked over and told me he was going on a trip for a few days. 

A few minutes later, Jimmy walked over and greeted me. “I heard you had a rough night.” 

“I’m okay I guess,” he nodded with a frown. “Yes ma’am, it not so good, but I better now.” 

“I’m glad to hear you’re better now. Natalie told me she learned how to make tea and gave you some.” 

“Oh yah, it was camel tea...it tase pretty good..I never hav tea fore last night.” 

“Camel? You mean chamomile?” I chuckled. 

“Ummmm, YAH! That stuff....it was good.” 

A man walked over then and introduced himself as Rock Janic. He asked where he could buy guns and Jimmy led the way to Winslow where we showed Rock the guns that were available. When Jimmy left, I asked Rock what he needed guns for. He announced that he needed to make money quick because if he didn’t pay a gambling debt, he’d be dead. I told him I didn’t intend to be an enabler and give him the money to do illegal shooting and then headed back to town. 

This evening I met Thomas near the stagecoach and we headed for Pearce in the midst of all the shouting around Allen Street. 

Pearce. 

We sat near the water and I leaned back into his arms, feeling comfortable and relaxed. “This is so nice,” he smiled and snuggled against me. 

“Yes, so comfortable here by the water... Can almost hear yourself think out here.”

Thomas pulled his coat around me so that I could be warm in spite of the cool night air. “This is far better than getting show in the middle of Allen Street.”

“Natalie has really come to love working in the clinic. Last night she learned how to make tea and today she learned all the different bones in the skeleton. Well not all, but way more than I know!”

“Natalie is becoming a regular little busy body it seems. Which will help keep her busy so you aren’t worried so much. Did you or her ever see Jimmy? I have yet to see him, and he normally comes to see me at least once a day.”

“Yes, Jimmy and I have spoken a few times... He’s back at the orphanage and no longer wants to stay with Joan at her ranch. He got a letter from his mother that told him he was part-Apache. I want to help him understand the culture a bit and maybe he can find some peace in it like I did... Before things went downhill, anyway, for me.”

“Oh my. So that’s why that Calvary lady was riding all over the place today. Someone mentioned that was Joan. I am so sorry for Jimmy. I knew he was looking forward to be adopted. Did you say he is part Apache? I thought his ma had passed away when he was little.” 

“Yeah, that’s what the letter from his ma said... He seems to be okay now that he’s accepted living at the orphanage but I assured him he wasn’t alone. He’s got me and you and Natalie... Lots of friends at the orphanage.. I only wish we could make things easier for him like I could for Natalie.”

Thomas snuggled me close, kissing my lips softly as we relaxed by the water. “I wish there were something I could do to help too. I like the little fella, and he is smarter than people think. What he does with horses, and how he takes care of them is so amazing for a ten year old. I think him and Natalie have bright futures ahead of them in the new century. What do you think?”

“I think they do too... I just wish that I wasn’t working completely alone. If I had a deputy to work with or maybe if Aly were less busy and could go over things with me... or if Ansar were around too... I just feel like I’m tryin’ to do this job all by myself and I can’t do everything. All I can do is paperwork.”

“A deputy? What does a deputy Pinkerton Detective do?”

“Well it would just be a deputy... who does the arrests and help the sheriffs. All a Pinkerton Detective can do is paperwork... gathering statements and evidence to help solve crimes and tell the deputies and sheriffs who to arrest.”

“Hmmm, well I don’t think I would make a good deputy. I am not good with a gun. I would end up laying in the street shot full of holes, and you would have to find another courter.” 

“We wouldn’t want that, now would we?” I kissed his lips softly again. “I still think you would make a good lawyer, dear... Or a teacher...”

“Well lawyer I could see. Though I am not sure how well these backwoods courts and judges would like me after a trial. A teacher could be interesting, but they seem to have plenty of teachers. I wonder if they could use help at the orphanage? Have you ever met their matron they supposedly have?”

“I have not met her personally, no....” I leaned back in his arms, feeling the warmth there. “I’m not convinced she exists, but that’s just me. You do seem to be good with the children... Or perhaps there is a need at the newspaper office still.” I leaned my head on his chest and exhaled deeply. “I don’t know what I would do without you...”

“I know..you would probably end up with that Garth guy, barefoot and pregnant, smoking and drinking whiskey when he wasn’t around,” he chuckled. 

I laughed at that and nudged him in the shoulder. “I would not go near anyone like Garth... anymore....” I cringed, knowing I couldn’t lie to him as I remembered how I used to be back in Amiville. “That time of my life is over, believe me. I like the smooth-skinned, charming, sweet, handsome kind now,” I kissed his shoulder. 

He laughed at that. “Oh so you had a much wilder side before I met you huh? I cant imagine you having a wild side, but seeing the type of sleepwear you prefer, I could be wrong.”

“Look at all the pretty waves,” I looked out at the water, trying to dig myself out of the hole I found myself in. 

He growled playfully in my ear and nibbled my neck a little, then squeezed his arms around me. 

“Mexican jail cell is all I’m sayin’, dear,” I whispered and traced my fingers around his arms, remembering fondly. 

Thomas and I continued to joke and enjoy each other’s company while the water continued it’s peaceful melody beside us. 

August 26, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I wandered down the street, needing a break from paperwork, and noticed Jimmy standing in front of the clinic. “Hey there, Jimmy!” 

“Hey, Miss Trin,” he frowned. 

“Something wrong, kiddo?”

“I...ummm...run away.” 

“Wanna come to my office and talk? Then no one will hear us.”

“Yes ma’am,” he nodded and we headed to my office where we sat in the chairs beside each other. “Miss Trin, why no one want me?” 

“Oh Jimmy, that ain’t true.... What happened?” 

“Mrs Joan say she want dopt me right?” 

“Uh huh...” 

“Then now she say orphanage say I no live with her till she dopt me..then last night Mr Zeth tell me I have to stay at orphanage too...and I watch him get shot by Mr Mac night before.” 

I sighed, knowing he had witnessed that. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Jimmy... That ain’t easy to watch.” 

“Now I find out Payton no get dopted either cause her momma a thief.” 

“Well you wanna know a secret?” 

“What?” 

“Natalie was tellin’ me she met Mr. Thomas yesterday... You know him?” 

“Yes, I know Mr Thomas, he my frien too.” 

“Well... he told Natalie that he really likes you. He thinks you both are special kids. Maybe you could stay with Mr. Thomas..?” 

“But how, he live in hotel in Bisbee...” 

“Well.... Where are you livin’ now that ya ran from the orphanage and Mrs. Joan’s?” 

“Ummm..I find empty shack up hills of Bisbee.” 

“Well ain’t a hotel a whole lot nicer? And you wouldn’t be alone... Mr. Thomas could keep you safe... And maybe sometimes you and Mr. Thomas could sleep over with me and Natalie.” 

“Really?!” 

“Well I don’t know... even if Mr. Thomas stays in the hotel... you could sleep over with us sometimes...” 

“How is my best frien Natalie? I not see her in while.” 

“Natalie’s worried ‘bout you... She’s helpin’ Mr. Alex in the clinic now.” 

“I not sleep or eat good in days Miss Trin...I don know why.” 

“I think it’s cause you ran away, kiddo... You should let Mr. Thomas take care of you.” 

“What if Miss Joan come lookin fer me?” 

“Can you tell me how come you left Miss Joan?” 

“She tell me I have stay at orphanage. Afer she tell me she my ma, and gonna dopt me...it no feel like she wan me.” 

“But kiddo sometimes that takes a long time... Sometimes you gotta wait for things to happen. You wanna know somethin’? For a long time I thought no one wanted me either. Then I met Mr. Thomas... But until then... people kept leavin’ me. No one wanted to keep dancin’ with me. No one wanted to work with me.” 

“But you girl Miss Trin, everybody wants girls, nobody wants us boys.” 

“I thought I was just gonna live alone and work all the time.” 

“Awww, I wish I old nuf, I work wit you Miss Trin.” 

“Then I met Natalie and she needed me. Then I met Mr. Thomas and he wants to be with me. And then I met Mr. James and he wants to work with me. So see... sometimes you just gotta wait but there are people who’ll be there for you. And you know I’m always there for you, Jimmy. And Natalie likes you too. So does Mr. Thomas.” 

“Can I show you sumtin I found Miss Trin?” 

“Sure.” 

He took out a piece of paper and I read: 

To my dearest little boy Jimmy!

From your momma,

When you read this letter, I will probably be past on. I am writing this letter to you as I lay here sick in bed. You are but a little thing and wont understand this.  You pa loves you very much and promises to take care of you no matter what.

I would like to tell you a little bit about your momma, and where you come from. I am part Apache, and so are you. You dont know it now, but when your pa was trading horses and food to Indians on the reservation, those were you family.  They were my brothers, sisters, and other members of the Apache.  

I met your pa during a trip to our reservation and he saved me from uncertain death.  I love your pa, and I love you too Jimmy. I am so sorry I wont be there to see you grow up into the wonderful man I know you will be.

I hope you will not fear or mistreat the Indians, as they are your family, and I have tried to teach you a few words though I am not sure you will remember them by the time you read this letter. 

I love you very much Jimmy, and I will always be looking over you from above with my arms around you.

Loving you Forever,

Your Ma, Mandy Wheeler

I felt my own eyes start to water as I remembered my brother telling me about being part-Apache too. “Oh Jimmy...” I looked over at him. 

“I found that in an old shoe..Miss Paisley read it to me..I miss my momma so much Miss Trin.” 

I nodded and said, “My pa was part Apache too. He was killed... I miss him a lot too.”

“I jus wanna be loved like my ma loved me. I tired of bein alone. I thought Payton gonna be my sister, but now we back to be orphans all over agin.” 

I sighed with understanding and nodded. “I know kiddo, it ain’t easy. But you ain’t really alone..” 

“How you mean?” 

“Well it’s like I said... you’ve got Natalie and Mr. Thomas and me... and lots of friends at the orphanage..” 

“You member Mr. Cole and Miss Rye?”

“Mmhmm. They were friends from long time ago... They used to be with the Cherokee village where I stayed for a bit.” 

“They helpin at orphanage now. Mr Cole give us all these funny three wheel things to ride.” 

“That’s great! Natalie told me Mrs. Rye gave her a bike.” 

“It’s fun to ride, I beat Natalie on mine...” Jimmy chuckled. 

“If you ride those train tracks you can go all over the different towns. Mr. Alex and I do that sometimes on our horses.” 

“Yeah, but the tracks kinna rough ridin...to bumpy bump.” 

“Well then you gotta ride beside ‘em.” 

“Have seen Payton today?” 

“Nope not today.” 

“I think she broke her hand last night...she get so mad, she hit door at orphanage, and we hear a crack.” 

“Oh yeah? She see a doctor?” 

“I dunno, Mr Cole was there, I know he wrap it up. Maybe she see doc today.” 

“I hope so. That ain’t good. Was she mad ‘cause of Miss Ashton?” 

“Yeah, she say she...ummmm...well she just mention Miss Ashton and Miss Rikki. Miss Trin?” 

“Yeah kiddo?” 

“If Miss Ashton stealin horses, do that mean Mrs Joan stealin too?” 

“No, kiddo,” I shook my head. “Miss Joan gave Miss Ashton horses the right way.”

“So Mrs Joan give ‘em to Miss Ashton, but Miss Ashton steal ‘em to give Miss Rikki?”

“Miss Ashton and Miss Rikki are doin’ bad things with the horses. It’s... hard to understand.” 

Jimmy got up and came over to hug me then and headed back to the orphanage. I went behind my desk and continued to work on reports. 

August 25, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked into the clinic this morning and found Alex sitting at the desk. I exhaled with relief and asked, “Got anything for a hangover?”

“Hey Trin! How about a hug?” 

“That’ll work.” 

He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug as he said, “Nat worked with me this morning. She did a great job.” I leaned my head against his shoulder and he said, “She also said you might be in need of a drink.” 

“She was practically giddy when she came to find me just now.” 

“She’s a smart kid,” Alex chuckled. “She’ll learn a lot.” 

“Another drink... Perhaps just coffee...” I leaned back and looked at him. 

“Coffee would be good for me.”

“Well if she refuses to go to school at least she’s learnin’ somewhere... Shall we?” 

“Come on, let’s get that coffee.” 

“Lead the way,” I said and we headed outside. 

On our way to Kate’s, Bree was heading to the bank and said there had been trouble there. I tried to ignore it and followed Alex into the saloon, rubbing the temples from my headache that was forming from the shouting outside. 

“Got a headache, Trin?” Alex asked, handing me a piece of willow bark. 

I took the bark and chewed on it, feeling the relief. “Yeah... a few headaches all combined in one.”

“Well, I don’t know about everything that’s giving you headaches, but I can say one thing for sure - you’re doing a really good job raising that kid.” 

“I am?” I looked at him. 

“You are,” he nodded. “She’s a smart one. And curious. She listens well. When she wants to anyway. You should be proud of that.”

“She did well in the clinic then?”  I asked. Talking about Natalie seemed to be the only topic I could handle positively right now.

“She did great! I explained about being clean today and she did just what I asked of her. I enjoyed having her there.” 

“That’s great to hear. Want to know a secret?” I asked and she nodded. “I think she was more excited about just spending special time with you more than being in the clinic.” 

“She’s a great kid. I like having her around,” he smiled. 

“If our history wasn’t so complicated... She’d probably be calling you Uncle.” 

Alex chuckled and said, “I made her call me Mr. Stone in the clinic to be more professional.” 

“Yeah, sounded weird even as I said it. Bet that was hard for her.”

“She slipped a few times. But that’s okay,” he grinned. “I just wanted her to get used to a more professional level when she’s working. She’s a hard worker. That clinic has never been cleaner.” 

“Mmhmm. And her grammar is improving too, I’ve noticed. I think it’s all the reading she’s been doing.” 

“I told her she needed proper grammar there too. No one wants an ignorant sounding doctor.” 

“Mmhmm, that’s for sure. Even if they’re nine.” 

“I know how much she reads so she’s smart enough for that.” 

“That’s for sure. There’s not a moment when that girl isn’t in a book or my journals. But she wants to know all about me and where I came from... She’ll learn a lot more from reading my journals than me trying to retell it all.” 

“That’s a good point. She seems very curious about your past.” 

“Well... Since she started calling me her mother I guess I’ve accepted the role... It’s only right for a child to know where her parent came from, isn’t it?” 

A woman walked in and I recognized her as the one who asked me and Ansar if we knew how to pick locks the other day. I asked her if she’d figured it out yet and she said that she hadn’t. I found out her name was Madison and she left the saloon. I noticed she’d had a couple drinks and reached over with my gloved hands to take her cup, lifting prints for my files. 

“I’ve got to be heading out. It was nice to see you. And I’m proud of your kid,” Alex stood then. 

“Thanks, Alex. I appreciate that,” I set my mug down and hugged him tightly. 

“I’ll see you a little later.” 

“Nice to hear after someone pretty much said I was untrustworthy in court on Saturday.”

“Don’t listen to them!” 

“It’s Suzy. When do I ever?” I nodded. “She wants a fight, she’s got it.”

“I’ll catch up with you in Bisbee later, Trin,” he assured. 

An hour later I was standing in front of the sheriff’s office, leaning against the post, when Sabi walked over. We talked about how it had been a hard weekend and Sabi took a deeb breath and said, “I been tryin ta ferget.” 

“Yeah... Harder for you, I guess.”

“I still see’s peeples heads comin off, but don’t tells nobody. They will get all uppity again.” 

“I still see flames and I wasn’t even there. I just imagine what the kids must have seen.” 

“I sawed it all.” 

“Oh hon... If you feel like you need to talk about it... If that’ll help you feel better... You know you can talk to me right?” 

“Tha ‘dults don’t care though.” 

“You always know I care.” 

“Thankies Auntie Trin. You aint an ‘dult though, you is just kinda like a big kid,” she said and I chuckled at that. “‘dults get all mad at everything kids say and does.” 

“Well I guess it’s different for me ‘cause I’ve got one now, right?” 

“I suppose so but that don’t make a different for most folks. Stormy and Mike and Adriana and all them yelled plenty.” 

“Yelling don’t help make things better though.” 

“Den der is tha kids that acts like ‘dults. I am just glad Mr Garth kilt them men.” 

“I hadn’t heard they were both dead..” 

“They must be after tha fire and all tha shooting. Serves em right though. I think if ya just kilt all the outlaws then things would be peaceful like again..” 

“If only it were that simple,” I sighed. 

“Why ain’t it Aunt Trin?” 

“Because there’s always new outlaws comin’ and goin’, kiddo.” 

“Yeahhh I suppose dats true.” 

Mikk rode over then and I said, “See Sabi, Mikk’ll tell you. He’s been here longer than I have. There’s always new outlaws comin’ in and out, no matter how hard ya try to fight ‘em.” 

“Maybe if ya lock em up as dey comes in, then new outlaws will think twice afore coming into town?” Sabi suggested. 

“From the mouth of children, eh Mikk?” I chuckled. 

“Don’t get me started on outlaws !...Outlaws runs this town..Both the mayor AND the Sheriff are both old gang members of the Cowboys...Ringo’s old gang...so don’t get me started!” Mikk exclaimed. 

“They is? Sherrif Aly was an outlaw?” 

“Nah... Not Aly,” I shook my head. 

“I could kinda see tha mayor as an outlaw. He is kinda skeery lookin sometimes.” 

“Mayor Wise and Kristof. Those are old outlaws,” Mikk said and I wasn’t surprised by that based on our investigation a while back about the Regulator gang and the discovery of Ringo. 

“Ohhh.” 

“Well that don’t mean they still do bad things though,” I said. “Kris is very trustworthy.” 

“So who was tha old law den sir?” Sabi asked. 

“Oce an outlaw always an outlaw...and Ringo’s gang were like brothers..family...look...how much proof do you need ?..they both still wear the red sashes....so don’t give me no smoke,” Mikk muttered. “They may run the town...but running a town does not make them respectable.” 

“Yeah but I ain’t seen ‘em kill anyone or rob a bank lately. So I trust ‘em,” I looked at him. 

“Why would they rob a bank?” Mikk laughed out loud. “They OWN the dam town...but no worries..ya all just blind. Two wrongs never make one right.” 

“What you want me to do about it, Mikk? Go around and arrest everyone for the things they’ve done in the past?” I sighed. “For one thing... I don’t even do the arresting part. For another.. That would be a hell of a lot of paperwork.”

“Yeaaah thats a great idea!” Sabi nodded. “Arrest everyone who ever did wrong and kill em!” 

“I’m not saying you should arrest them..but it does not change the fact that THIS town is runned by outlaws.” 

“Still don’t mean we gotta give up tryin’ to do the right thing and gettin’ bad guys convicted in court,” I told him. 

“Listen this is the year 1900...but is there any modern things here ?..nooo...and why ?..cause they don’t want us to know...don’t want us to progress they want us to stay uneducated to keep us under their boots.” 

Zeth walked over then and asked, “Trin? Can I talk to you about something that happened last night?” 

“Sure, Zeth. You need to talk in private?”

He nodded and we excused ourselves and headed for my office. When we were inside, Zeth told me about how he had gotten shot last night. Zeth said he came into Tombstone and heard an explosion. He saw Bill outside and another man was holding a large bag that looked like it was from the bank. Zeth followed the man and he shut the door and came out but didn't have the bag, so he went in to get his money back from him. A shoot out followed where Zeth's arm was shot. The man who shot him helped him to the clinic. With Jimmy's help, Angeles came to heal his arm. Zeth said he thinks the one who shot him was Mac. After he was healed, someone tried to frame him for ruining a door at the clinic. He wasn't sure who really ruined the door. 

Zeth wrote down his statement after several times of trying to get the facts right in conversation. When we’d gotten all the facts straight he said he hoped that he wouldn’t be going to jail for getting his money back from outlaws because he’s part of a family of lawmen. 

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I played piano for an hour at the Stock Exchange and then felt my left arm become sore. Thankfully, Alex was there to massage my back and he helped loosen the knots that were there.  I introduced Rye to Alex and thanked her and everyone else for coming to hear me sing. 

When we heard a loud crash outside, Alex and I walked out to find that Zeth had fallen over from having too much to drink. We helped him to the hotel to rest for a while and gave him some water to drink, then headed for Allen Street. 

Tombstone. 

We saw the bank doors open and wandered over to see what was going on. Alex said that he needed to head home so we said goodbye and I continued to investigate the bank. Jy stood in front of the doors and then Thomas and Bree walked outside. 

“Well looky there, the prettiest lady in Tombstone walks up to welcome me back to town,” Thomas smiled at me. 

“Well hey there!” I walked over to him. “Thomas, feel like coming with me and catching up? A lot has happened lately.” 

“Sure,” he nodded. 

We said goodbye to the others and headed for Kate’s. “We could always catch up whilst dancing if that sounds better?”

“You look a little tired dear, do you feel up to dancing?” 

“You’ve grown to read me well... Perhaps you’re right,” I smiled. 

“So tell me, what has been going on lately? I wont be leaving Tombstone again anytime soon. I got my last bit of money from back in Texas, so I am no longer needed there anymore.” 

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week... Well, I don’t even know where to start. I feel like everything’s kind of collapsing on me and I can’t handle it alone anymore. Raising a daughter is harder than I thought it was going to be.” 

“Howdy,” a man walked in and I recognized him as the other man named Alex who had been working towards being a doctor. 

“Hi there, other Alex,” I nodded to him. 

Thomas took out a pouch and rolled a cigarette, lighting it with a match. “Oh, things not going to well with Natalie?”

“Other Alex?” he frowned as Thomas greeted him. 

“Things are going well now... She started helping Alex out in the clinic. She needed to do something to distract her from... that fire...” I looked at Thomas. 

“How is Natalie doing since that fire? How is Jimmy? I haven’t seen him in I don’t know when,” Thomas looked at me. 

“There was a fire?” Alex asked. 

“Next door to my house last week,” I nodded to him. “My daughter and her best friend witnessed it. Natalie is... Starting to bounce back but it scared her for a while.”

“Was anyone injured?” 

“I heard someone got shot, and two people were inside,” Thomas said. 

“Yeah, a sheriff was killed and a deputy hurt and I’m pretty sure the two guys inside the house were killed in the fire.” 

“Which sheriff?” Alex asked. 

“The one in Diamond.” 

“I met her... She wasn’t the most pleasant of folks.” 

“Then we had a massive court trial on the weekend... For Zan... If she had been charged guilty she would have hanged for murdering a woman who had tried to kill her and threatened her family. But she was charged not guilty, thank God. But Suzy had it in her bright mind to attack the Pinkertons because I was a key witness for the defense... And aired out all of our past crimes, claiming that I wasn’t a reliable witness.” 

“Oh was that the lady you told me about Trin, who had ummm lost her memory?” Thomas looked at me. 

“That’s the one,” I nodded. 

“Oh my I certainly missed a lot,” Alex shook his head. 

“Me too, I been back in Texas since Thursday. The things we miss when we are away,” Thomas said. 

“If Suzy wants to start animosity between the Pinkertons and the Rangers, she’s got it now. I don’t care if it was a good tactic in court. I felt as if me and the entire agency were on trial,” I looked at Thomas as Alex said goodbye and headed out of the saloon. 

“Well it sounds like you have had a busy weekend for sure. Here I was in Texas drinking whiskey, and consorting with lude women, and you was dealing with kids, and trials and such,” he smiled. 

“Consorting with lude women, huh? Didn’t miss me then?” I winked at him. 

“Oh I missed you very much. That big woman would have made you look like a midget she was wide as this bar,” he smiled. 

I chuckled and nudged him lightly. “I really missed you... I think Jimmy witnessed a shooting last night. Heard he was a witness to somethin’ today when the man shot came to give me his statement.”

“Oh no! You haven’t seen Jimmy? I wonder how this adoption with him and that Mrs Joan he said who wants to be his ma, is going?”

“I don’t know... Nat hasn’t seen him all day either. Or last night.” I looked in his eyes and reached for his hand. “When did you start smoking, dear?”

He took my hand and held it softly as he looked into my eyes. “Its a habit I have had for years. I dont smoke all the time, just when I deal with idiots, and get frustrated like I was in Texas. I thought I was going to have to show them the ugly side of me.”

I felt relief just at holding his hand. “I don’t think I could express how much I missed you... The sheriff who was killed was a good friend of mine. And then this trial really took it out of me. Last night was not one of my... finer moments and I think I may have worried Natalie because she told on me to Alex.”

Thomas finished his cigarette and said, “Oh my, what happened with you last night? I thought about you the whole time I was gone Trin. It seems you have caught me in a way no other woman ever has. Not that I am complaining, but I worried about being away from you the whole time.” 

“I may have... had a few too many. I felt myself longing for you like I’ve not longed for a man in quite some time. It’s so hard raising a child on your own, Thomas... And then on top of that all these ghosts from my past keep coming up while I’m trying to finish my memoirs and it just... It becomes overwhelming when you have to face it alone.” 

“I am sorry I wasn’t here. I had to leave for Texas on such a short notice, if I had had time, I would have loved to take you and even Natalie with me. That train ride was so long and boring, I thought I was going to go crazy. I wont be making that trip anymore. I just deposited a large amount of money here.”

I pulled him close and leaned against his chest, exhaling with relief. “So you’re going to stay? For good? Here with me?” I looked at him hopefully. 

Thomas smiled and kissed me softly on my lips, giving me a hug. “If you will have me. It gets awfully lonely in the Bisbee hotel all alone at night. I like it much better at a certain small house in Pearce. I can keep a better eye on you, Natalie and Jimmy staying here then going off somewhere.”

I pulled him closer and let him kiss me longer. “I most definitely will have you. S’pose that means we can start tellin’ people we’re courtin’ then?” I slid my hand down his back. “I just wish Jimmy wasn’t already wanting to go to Joan’s family. I’m sure that you would be much better suited for him... Natalie has told me stories about that family.”

“Yeah, I wish I could do something for the boy. He deserves much more than to live with someone who is in the Calvary. But I have never taken care of kids either, and have no place for him to live. I wouldn’t stand a chance against Joan.” 

I sighed and leaned against “Unless of course.... but we’ve only merely started courting. They wouldn’t count that as a real family I’m sure. I just... I hate Natalie going over there ‘cause Joan seems to be so controlling... And now with this case against Miss Ashton and Rikki I just...” I sighed, realizing I hadn’t told him about that yet. 

Thomas looked at me with curiosity. “Who is Ashton and Rikki?”

“Ashton is the woman who wants to adopt Payton... I’ve come across osme disturbing criminal possibilities between her and Rikki and they’ve put poor Payton in the middle.”

“Ok, Payton, I have met her and she is a sweet girl. Jimmy talked about her and him becoming brother and sister so to speak because they are part of the same family. But if they are endangering her, and putting her in the middle, that is not right at all.” 

“That’s why I am concerned... I’m looking into it and Joan don’t seem to like that I’m poking my nose around their family business. But when it affects my kid’s best friend and the family she goes to visit...” I sighed against him. 

“I understand. You cant have Natalie going to visit where something criminal may be going on. Does Joan seem to be in on it too? I heard Jimmy say he works for her, tending to her horses. Maybe its all a ruse to hide what they are really up to?” 

“I have no idea... She didn’t like me asking her how many horses she’d sold legally to them. I shouldn’t even be talking about a case like this with someone but I just... it’s got me worried, Thomas. She was very confronting when all I wanted to do was ask a simple question. I know for a fact though from Payton that something more is going on.” 

“Maybe I could visit her at the ranch she owns, and act as if I am interested in buying some horses. See if I can come up with anything.” 

“That would help. You could help gain information for me. Just... be careful. If Rikki suspects anything she will become nasty. And I wouldn’t go in unarmed,” I nodded. 

“Oh I would make sure to carry my gun. I learned never leave home without it since I came to Tombstone. You people live wild lives around here,” he winked. 

I smiled and stood, kissing his lips firmly. “I think I am going to rest for a bit. Come visit me in Pearce later this evening though? Perhaps we could have that drink and you could spend some time there with me?”

“I sure will Trin. Please give my hello to Miss Natalie,” he took out a small bag of candy and gave it to me. “Also would you give this to her, that came all the way from Texas.”

“I will tell her and give this to her. Thank you dear,” I kissed him hard again. 

“Please be careful, and I will call on you later this evening I promise,” he returned the kiss and I headed out of the saloon. 

This evening I was sitting in my office on Allen Street working on reports when Natalie came bounding in and told me that Thomas was outside. She told me she was going to sit in my office and read and I gave her a hug before heading downstairs. 

“Well hey there, dear. A little birdie told me you were out here. She’s buried herself in my office to read.” 

“Well hello beautiful lady. Are you here alone tonight?” Thomas whistled at me. 

“I’m all yours, darlin’.” 

“Oh my, well the last time a lady told me that, well ummm..never mind...” he chuckled. 

“Did you go shopping dear? I love the new look,” I looked him up and down, noticing the new duster and hat he was wearing. 

“Yes I did, I figured I should try to fit in better if I am going to stay out west. So I look ok huh?” he put his arms around me. 

I looked around and kissed his lips firmly. “You look perfect, darling. Shall we head over to Kate’s?”

“Sounds good to me dear pretty lady,” Thomas took my hand and led me to Kate’s where we danced with everyone in the saloon. There was a big crowd there and when the night was over, Thomas walked me home.