September 12, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I stood in front of the hotel and looked over at the bank, trying to think of who was usually around in the morning that may have seen something happening around the bank. I wandered into the hotel to get a coffee and made another cup for Max, hoping he was awake. I walked upstairs and found him sitting on the couch, grunting as he shifted and stretched out. 

I set the cup of coffee on the table and looked at him, “Morning, Max. Looks like you could use this.”

“Trin!” he looked up, startled. “Um... Yeah. Thanks. I could.” 

“You alright?” I asked, sitting down and studying him as I drank my own coffee. 

“Yeah, fine,” he shifted and gave me a fake smile. “How are you?” 

“You know better than to lie to another detective.”

“Yeah, maybe.” 

“You don’t think I can tell that smile’s fake?” 

“Trin...” he shrugged and shook his head, leaning back on the couch. I sat back and watched him with worry, but stayed silent. “Have you ever just wanted to disappear?” 

“Often,” I nodded. 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, really.” 

“I think I do too,” he frowned. 

I took a deep breath and said, “I’m listening, Max.”

Max looked around the room and said, “I just... it’s so nice out here. I’m not sure I want to go back. My head’s all muddled.” He moved on the couch and grunted in pain, swearing under his breath. I decided not to ask about it and just focused on one thing at a time. 

“You talked with your wife about all this?” 

“No. I have not. I don’t think she would understand.” 

“I can’t imagine how much work eight children must be.” 

“It’s... It’s so loud. It’s never quiet at home. Always someone screaming, running around... I can’t take it. That’s why I work so much. It’s so much more relaxing to deal with criminals.” 

“Believe me, I know.” 

“Am I a horrible father for saying that?” 

“No, you’re not. You’re an honest one.” 

“Trin, I’m going nuts,” he looked down. 

“Max... Look at me..” I said and he looked back up. “I left everything I knew. I left my mother and father and brother to move down to Texas. To be with a man I loved. But before I got there, he was killed in a stagecoach accident.” 

“That’s awful!” 

“But I wasn’t going back. I needed to move forward and live on my own. I knew my family wouldn’t understand the pain I was in. I stayed with his sister and then found my way to Colorado... Then found out my father had died...” 

“I’m very sorry to hear that.” 

“I felt so guilty, like I had to go back and take care of my mother and brother. But I just... I couldn’t. I went back for a few visits but then there became more months between those visits.. I buried myself in my work because I didn’t want to grow attached to another man like that to just lose them. And I did lose a lot of close men since then. Now I’ve met Thomas and he’s so busy taking courses to become a lawyer that I hardly see him. I finally found someone I love, who loves me, but I’m still alone. So I bury myself in my work.” 

“You’re not really alone, Trin. You’ve got friends. Alex is very fond of you.” 

“I closed two cases last night. The day after the crimes happened, because we were able to get detailed statements. I know... But he has Aly. And it’s been months since I’ve seen her. Literally.” 

“I haven’t met her yet.” 

“So there’s another person who I grew attached to and then disappeared on me. It hurts, Max.” 

“And now I’m thinking of disappearing on my wife.” 

“But I stay here for the job. For Thomas, Alex, Natalie... Other friends I’ve made along the way, including you.” 

“This is why my head is so jumbled.” 

“I know, Max...” I nodded. “I can’t even begin to give you advice on that because I don’t know your wife... I don’t know what you’ve been through.. But Alex knows... Have you talked to Alex about this?” 

“I love her. I love my kids too, even though they drive me nuts,” he said and shook his head. “No. I haven’t said a word to anyone. He probably knows something’s up after this morning...”

“This morning?” I looked at him curiously. 

“I um...” he turned red and sighed. “I was cleaning my gun and thinking about all of this. My head wasn’t here at all. It went off and I shot myself in the leg. I’ve never done anything so stupid in my life What if I had shot someone else? Trin, I’m so embarrassed about that. I can’t believe I’m even telling you.” 

“You’ve had a lot on your mind, Max.” 

He pulled his gun from his belt and handed it to me. “I shouldn’t have this right now.:”

I took the gun from him and sighed with a nod. “You’re probably right.” He looked down and twisted his hands together in his lap. “Max.... take it easy on yourself... Get some rest, take a few days to clear your head.” 

“You’re right,” he nodded. 

“I have my moments,” I winked at him. 

“I’m probably only talking right now because of the laudanum.” 

“Either way... this will stay between us. But I really think you need to talk to Alex.” 

“Thank you, Trin. I will talk to him.” 

“Good. Get some rest. If you need a distraction from all this, I’ve got a mystery of a case I’m working on.”

“Thanks Trin. For the coffee and the talk. I do need some rest.” 

“Anytime, Max. I’m here. You’ve become very important to me too and I’m worried about you.”

“That means a lot Trin,” he smiled. 

“Find me later. Have a good rest, Max,” I nodded and went to squeeze his shoulder before heading downstairs.