Tombstone.
This morning I walked down Allen Street and waved to Payton and Angel. I was relieved to see that she was alright, though I knew I would still have to fill out paperwork about the incident. Angel asked me if I could follow her so we walked towards the coral. “So yezterday vas a break into zeh bank and there vas a ladder here,” she said with her thick German accent. “Dunnah vho did it.”
“Mmhmm I’ve seen the ladder before... Jimmy fell off the roof and broke his hand ‘cause of that ladder,” I nodded. “Anything stolen inside the bank? Money missing?”
“You’d have to azk Bree, I belive I vasnt about.”
“Who told you about it?”
“Zeth.”
“How did he know about it?”
“Not sure, he juzt pulled me asside and showed me. Dunnah if he vitnessed anything but he said the back door had been broken in but ven I came to town all vas fixed.”
“Guess I’ll have to talk to Bree and Zeth... And Zeth thinks that they used the ladder to get in?”
Angel nodded and then said, “Though I told him the two for all ve know might not even be linked. Vas set up to zeh roof of zeh coral.”
“It’s been here a long time. The ladder might not even be involved. If we could get the ladder back maybe there would be prints on it or... something.”
“Iz going to be a hard thing to do I belive...”
“And without knowing if there were any witnesses at all... We’re relying on a man who saw the bank open and assumes that the people who entered it used this ladder that’s now gone.”
“Now you see vhy I needed your help?” she chuckled.
“Mmhmm,” I nodded.
“Iz a tricky vone.”
“Well I guess I should go get some paperwork done then.”
“Alvright Trin. Danky for comming. Am ganna go on patrol.”
“Alrighty. See you soon, hon. Will keep you posted.”
I walked down the street again but there was no one around so I sat down in front of Kate’s and got some writing done. About twenty minutes later a man’s voice greeted me and I looked up to see White Hawk.
“Mighty quiet,” he observed.
“Sure is. How are you doing, White Hawk?”
“Was wondering what sort of contraption this is ahead.”
I looked down the street and asked, “Oh the stage down the street? I believe the stage is for a dance that will be happening later today.”
“I am doing well thanks. Food is not as plentiful as before. You are looking well.”
“Thank you, White Hawk. I’m keeping busy enough.”
“Oh no was meaning the metal carriage thing.”
“Oh.”
“Strange,” he said, looking at it. It was the front and back of the train without anything in the middle.
“You sure that’s not a stage?”
“Let me look...” he looked around and said, “Funny stage.”
“Perhaps he’s building it still.. Sometimes they put a platform here between the two carts,” I pointed.
“Oh okay. And is it a dance or something?”
“I suppose, though I haven’t heard details yet.”
“Ah okay. Well if I am around I may come back.”
“Do you have a lot of folks at the village?”
“Eh, no,” he looked sad. “It’s a shame really.”
“I don’t know if you know this but I come from Apache descent...”
“Oh I did not know this.”
“There was a time when the Native village brought me peace and safety. Before I discovered my true past was linked to them as well.”
“Well you can always come back if you need sanctuary.”
“Thank you White Hawk. Hopefully my relationships with the Apache here will be different than with Natives in the past.”
“Are you kept busy with your work here?”
“Yes, I have much to do... I am hoping to hire a partner soon though. Was hoping he’d be around here soon.”
“Well if you have any problems tell them White Hawk said it was ok.”
“Thank you, White Hawk. I may have to do that. We’ve... talked about it but he’s thinking things over.”
“Well please do if need be. Okay, maybe he’s scared. Not an easy job you have.”
“I do miss it... it’s just that my past clouds my current situation... And no, it certainly is not.”
“Well one day you tell me all about it.”
“Well... It happened before I came here to Tombstone. Actually part of why I came to Tombstone was that I needed a new place to call home. A place to belong. In spite my efforts to help several different Native tribes over time and protect them as a detective... Nothing ever seemed to be enough and in the end I almost lost my life over it.”
“Oh.”
“They used me to get information about our town... Where a man lived who had shot their Chief. They were going to burn it to the ground, whether I was inside or not.”
“Oh my.”
“It was then that I decided I could no longer be associated with them or anyone like them.. tribes in the past had made me choose as well. Between white man and my Native heritage.”
“I can see where you come from. It is indeed sad.”
“It was very difficult, White Hawk. When I came to Tombstone I vowed things would be different. But it seems my past haunts me and I long for that sense of family that I felt with the Native tribes, before things went bad.”
“What can I do? If I can help then please let me.”
“The only interactions I’ve had with the Apache here in Tombstone were when I saved the Chief from getting hanged for murder.”
“Have you never chatted with my brothers and sisters who visit the town?”
“Not other than Dancing Cloud,” I shook my head.
“Dancing Cloud, she’s great. Well if I can help you in any way you must come see me.”
“I will, thank you. Maybe it would be nice to go out there and get some writing done in the peace and quiet.”
“And remember White Hawk gives you permission to come.”
“Thank you, White Hawk. That means a lot.”
“Let me know when. Where is your office?” he asked.
I led the way to my office and we took a seat. “What sort of work is it that keeps you so busy?” he asked.
“I help the local law enforcement solve crimes. Collecting witness statements, gathering and deciphering evidence...”
“Ah so you know my friend Angel.”
“I do indeed.”
“She’s a good friend of mine we go way way back many moons. Am so pleased you are busy keeps the bills paid.”
“And I have a good man who loves me but he is very busy studying to become a lawyer.”
“Oh would I know him? I only know Jimmi.”
“Thomas Wallace. A very good man,” I smiled.
“Nice. Hope you get... eh... hooked, is that how you say?”
“Married?”
“Yes.”
“We’ve only been courting for a short time. I don’t like to rush these things.”
“Oh my yes of course I agree. I don’t want to keep you.”
“Yes I should get some writing done and hopefully I will have a partner coming here soon.”
“Well remember let me know if you have any problems.”
“I sure will. And I will take you up on your invitation to come to the village. My father he.. Was a soldier in the civil war with a native army. They all wore special medals to show their loyalty.”
“Okay.”
“He survived the war but then when he wouldn’t return the medal, the others killed him.”
“What?!” White Hawk exclaimed.
“Then one man found out that my father had given me the medal, well my brother had...”
“My goodness... Oh, and?”
“That person came here and tried to kill me but then couldn’t because of our shared heritage and because he had cared for my father so much.”
“Where is he now?” he asked and I looked down. “Are you ok? Sorry this must be hard for you.”
“He was killed.. in front of me... by one of the others who had come to finish the job. She told me I had to hang him but I just... couldn’t... and ran.”
“That is soo hard. So sorry.”
“That’s what makes my Native heritage so hard to remember or accept. It has brought so much violence.”
“I can see why, but it’s not all like this. We are a very good tribe.”
“I’ve taken in a child recently and she is very curious about the Native ways. She is afraid though, since seeing how Dancing Cloud had violent intentions the other day.”
“Well we can meet soon and I will show you all around.”
“I didn’t know how to explain it to her...”
“She had what??” White Hawk blinked.
“Natalie told me that someone had said a bad word to Dancing Cloud and that DC wanted to cut off their tongue. Then she said yesterday that the man said they had buried the hatchet and all was fine but DC still glared at them.”
“And who is Natalie?”
“Natalie is my daughter. She’s twelve and works in the clinic here with Alex.”
“Oh okay. Well I know DC hates bad language.”
“I will tell her that you are a friend though.”
“Yes, do so.”
“Maybe she will come find you and you can show her that not all Apache are violent... She is learning the language quickly.”
“Please do not ask her to visit the village with out me knowing.”
“Of course. She ran away one night and went there to think... Without telling anyone.”
“And all was okay?”
“She knows not to go alone now.”
“Good. Where is she just now? Is she sleeping?”
“She had discovered that her real mother was a dove and her father had been killed by a Pinkerton. It was not easy news for her to find out. She’d been told they’d died in an accident. And yes I think she’s either reading somewhere or at the clinic.”
“Well she certainly has had her share of things. No wonder she is confused.”
“Maybe you can help her,” I nodded.
“Doves... Pinkertons what next. If I can sure.”
“It is hard raising a child on my own when I hardly understand her questions.”
“I wish I had a children.”
“I told her that yes, some Pinkertons have done some bad things in the past but I strive not to be like that.”
“I wish I had a wife first,” he smiled. “One day.”
“Well I will tell her to come find you. I should get some work done.”
“I need to get special potions to make me look good,” White Hawk smiled. “Yes you should. Nice to catch up. Take care.”
“Stay safe, White Hawk. Let me know if you need me for anything.”
“Thanks,” he said and headed out of the office.
A couple of hours later I decided to wander back to the coral and investigate. I saw nothing out of the ordinary though, other than the fact that the ladder was no longer there. Zeth walked in and I smiled,
“Zeth, hi.”
“Good morning, Trin.”
“Angel told me about you coming to talk to her.”
Zeth stretched his arms and looked at me. “Angel wished I talk to you?”
“Can you tell me what you told her?” I asked.
“Can you tell me more what it’s about? Might jog my memories more,” he crossed his arms and tried to think.
“She told me you came to town and saw the bank had been broken into. And you brought her over here to show her the ladder, which has since been moved.”
“Yes.”
“Did you actually witness the bank being robbed?”
“No. On that day there was another ladder but was different then those I’ve seen put up. But the ladders keep coming into the coral. Thought it might give a clue on who it was.”
“I have no idea. First I’m hearing about more than one ladder. What made you think the bank was broken into?”
“Well for some reason when one ladder is down one is put back up. Well when there’s a ladder here since the bank’s next door. It’s easy access to the roof.”
“I get that, but Zeth were the bank doors broken? Were they open?”
“The back door was open as well. I’m just assuming the top might have also been open.”
“What day did you see the back door open?”
“Was early in the morning when I drove Bree and myself all around the towns.”
“I cannot build a case based on assumptions, Zeth. I can however build a case based on the fact the back door was open.”
“When we got here I saw something wrong and showed Bree.”
“Alright. And did she see money missing?”
“Well Bree would have more information about that. She was the one repairing the door.”
“Alright.”
“If you want I’ll talk to her and I’lll give you her statement.”
“I need to talk to her, Zeth. I need to hear it from her directly. When was this, Zeth? Yesterday?”
“Yes, yesterday morning. While I was driving around the territory. When I came back I saw it open.”
“Okay, thank you. I’m going to go and find Bree.”
“Not a problem.”
“Stay safe,” I waved.
“Oh Trin? I got a question,” Zeth called after me.
“Yes Zeth?” I turned.
“Is it against the laws to trade rifles?”
“You’ll have to ask Angel that one.”
“Okay.”
“Hello Bree,” I waved to the woman as she walked over.
“Oh good morning Trin and Zeth,” she greeted us.
“Zeth has been telling me about the bank doors being open yesterday.”
“Told Trin there was a ladder in here,” Zeth said.
“Oh yes the roof and back door and vault,” Bree said.
“Was there money missing?” I asked.
“I did not see ladder,” she said.
“As I figured. Well there was one in the coral,” Zeth pointed out.
“I did not go coral,” Bree said.
“Anyone around to see it happen, Bree?” I asked.
“I have no idea Trin. Zeth was driving me around and he saw it first the back door so I went in and found the rest,” Bree said.
“I guess I need to hunt for witnesses then.”
“Saw no clue they are skilled critters. Afraid so, Trin,” Bree nodded.
“If the ladder was here might have had some clues,” Zeth said.
“I know, Zeth, but it’s not...” I sighed.
“Yes muddy prints non around from other day. Can check boots,” Bree suggested.
“Could be anyone Prints aren’t going to help in this case.”
“True.”
“I need someone who saw it happen,” I said.
“Watch for somebody spendin’ lots of money,” Bree suggested.
I nodded to her and waved as I headed down the street. Rock and Paisley were studying the bank but neither of them had seen anything. Rock asked when he would have to be in court about the case we discussed that he witnessed and I explained the process to him. I then headed to my office to get some paperwork done.
This evening I walked out of my office and saw Wedge writing as he stood in front of the Crystal Palace. “Hey there Wedge. Writing me a story?”
“As only an ex-Lawman would,” he chuckled.
“What would I do without you? Wait, don’t answer that. I’m just hoping you saw who killed Angel. Or shot her.”
“Just writing down the names of these buildings,” he smiled.
“From what it sounds like I’m not sure there’s a murder charge involved here.”
“Oh... I saw Mac shoot her.”
“Oh good.”
“Here... Here was where we both were shot down.”
“I will give you the report in a bit.”
“So Mac shot you down as well?”
“No... Garth took me down.”
“Sure thing,” I smiled. “Just grateful to get some answers.”
“Shot me in the back...it Hurt like hell...damn him.”
“I bet.”
“But I looked back...and there he was.”
“I’m glad for that.”
“I think Ang was worried and came close to me...but...she was under heavy gunfire too... and got took down. That damn Kory is on my shit list.”
“Don’t get me started.”
“He’s he one who shot the first shot.”
“He shot down me and my boyfriend, remember? On consecutive nights.”
“Yes. Damn... wait.. You too?!”
“Yes sir.”
“Son of a...”
“One more day and I woulda gone three months without a bullet in me. Got arrested for both shootings though.”
“We ain’t that lucky Trin. And good.”
“I almost was,” I nodded. “He blamed me for gettin’ arrested from shootin’ Thomas. When I was trying to pull Katie off him and help him. Next time I’ll let her beat him up.”
“Works for me!” Wedge chuckled. “I tried to arrest him...but all hell broke loose.”
“You hear about an incident at the bank yesterday morning, Wedge?”
“No. Might have been him. Kory.”
“Hate these cases where no one actually saw the robbery, just that the doors were open.”
“Of course. They’re snakes.”
“Guess everyone’s over at Annie’s tonight.”
“Yeah... I am going to Ghenna to see the name of their crappy building. It’s where it all started.”
“Oh... Last night.”
“Yes.”
“Right I remember that from Zeth’s statement.”
“I rarely go to that.....town.”
“You and me both. I go there and I either fall off the mountain and hurt myself or I get shot.”
“Damn job you have,” he chuckled.
“Yup, but you know I love it. And luckily trips to Ghenna are scarce.”
“Well..I guess you’re crazy like that. Mmhmm.”
“I am in uniform...so I wont step into Annie’s with it on.”
“And I won’t step into Annie’s ‘cause well... I’ve no need to be there. Just wish that Thomas weren’t so busy studyin’ to be a lawyer.”
“Yeah... I know it’s tough on you.”
“I hate it.... I’ve been so alone for so long, Wedge.”
“I know the feeling Trin.”
“And I finally find someone...” I shook my head. “Sorry.”
“It’s ok...my wife got out of the hospital and is recovering....slowly.”
“Did I know you were married?” I looked at him.
“Um... well... no. I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Oh! Congratulations, Wedge!”
“I wear a wedding ring...I hoped that was enough,” he smiled. “Thank you.”
I chuckled and looked at his hand. “Well, your hand is behind your back so much...”
“True,” Wedge chuckled. “Most of the time...but...yeah. I yelled at poor Bree last night...here she is...pregnant. And walking into a soon to be gunfight.”
“Oh? I didn’t know that. I do live in this town, right?” she shakes her head.”
“I swear... that woman makes me have a heart attack. If anything happens to her baby Trin...I will never forgive myself.”
“I know, Wedge... You’re a good man.”
“Call me sappy....I would get in the way so she wont get hit. But boy! Ok....well...let me finish this long as....err..butt report to give to you.”
“Yes sir,” I laughed.
“Ok...be calling on you soon,” Wedge sighed and walked on.
I walked back to my office and saw that James had written his witness statement and sent it to me through the telegram. I walked back to the sheriff’s office and dropped the incident report into Aly’s mailbox about the incident between Ripley, Lisa and Mac. Wedge came over and handed me his finished statement and handed in the report for that case too. It felt good to have two cases closed so quickly with such detailed reports. I went back to Pearce and spent the rest of the night with Natalie, going over more Apache words and telling her about White Hawk. I hoped that she would find the peace that I had with the Native tribes before things had gone south. One could only hope that history wouldn’t be repeated.
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