Tombstone.
This afternoon I talked to James through wire about how he needed to write a witness statement about the shooting yesterday between Ben and Lisa. Even though both parties had agreed to the gunfight, the incident still happened in Tombstone and an arrest still needed to be made for unholstered weapons and shooting without killing. He agreed that he should and promised to write the statement.
I found him this afternoon sitting in front of Kate’s with a notebook in his lap. “Hey there,” I smiled at him.
“Hey Trin... Just writing up that report....”
“Great, I’m proud of you, James,” I smiled, knowing it wasn’t easy to have to write a statement against his girlfriend.
Nearby, I heard Dancing Cloud and Swift Fox talking in Apache and I sighed, knowing gthat it was all around me. Aly came over and we talked about how she would be having work soon as James was writing up the witness statement as we spoke. She told me about interviewing Rock Janic for the position of deputy and how it went really well.
We talked about how Aly had dyed her hair red and how Natalie was thinking of changing her color, maybe because I had changed mine to blonde.
“I’ve missed you, Aly.”
“I know. I missed you too. Seems like there ain’t enough hours in a day! But, it’s good to be home.”
“It’s been a long weekend...”
“Long as in bad or long as in good or long as in bored outta your mind?”
“Long as in... conflicting. A lot of ghosts from my past are rising up and I’m going to have to make a decision and decide how I’m going to react to it. I can’t keep escaping it like I have been.”
“So what do you do with it then?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Jy walked over then and I greeted him. “We’ve gotta figure out who set the sheriff’s office on fire the other night but there were hardly any witnesses,” I told him.
“That would be hard,” Jy nodded.
“If there are no witnesses there isn’t exactly anything we can do. But you already know that,” Aly chuckled.
“Nope, precisely the problem. Can just keep asking until it’s been at least a week and then it goes cold. I’d hazzard a guess based on who was there, but it’d be a guess.”
“We can’t guess,” Aly said.
“I know,” I said and pushed off the pole. “I need to go find Rye and talk to her about some things.”
“That sound like a kind of bread,” Aly said and I went to hug her. “Take care of yourself.”
“If I can help it... Might be out of my control.”
“That’s always in your control. We’ve talked about this before.”
“Not this time,” I shook my head. “But... I’m focusing on the facts. And the facts are right now I need to be okay with something before this hypothetical becomes a fact.”
“Do me a favor and at least try. I don’t understand what all that means, but if you’re having issues, just try your best to remain calm and positive through them.”
“You’re right. I can’t live in fear and I can’t live in the thoughts that something bad is coming. All I can do is learn how to deal with my past and put it behind me now. Which is easier said than done..”
“See right there. That’s what I’m talking about. You have GOT to change that attitude...that outlook.”
“Aly... I’m trying hon, trust me,” I nodded.
“Try HARDER,” she frowned.
“I’ve gotta go...”
“Come on woman, pull out that inner strength I know that’s in there.”
“I’m tryin’, Aly, I am. Is why I’m going to go talk to someone that will be able to work through it, because she was there.”
“Good. That’s a step.”
“I’ll talk to you later when we can be more alone. I promise,” I said and walked off before I got too upset. Aly hadn’t been around in several weeks and barely had time to know what was going on with me, and I was really frustrated that she tried to help the situation when she had no idea.
Black Diamond.
I looked around for Rye and saw her come out of the building beside the clinic. She invited me in and I looked around, complimenting her new office. “This place looks great, Rye! Remind me again what this office is for?”
“Thank you so much. I needed a office to just get away and study.”
“Oh that’s perfect!”
“Or a place to help people who need to speak.”
“Like now...” I took a deep breath.
Rye went to make some tea for me and offered me the cup. I took a sip and tried to relax as Rye asked, “Okay so Trin, what is bothering you sweetie?”
“Lately... it feels like there had been a lot of things pointing me back to my Native past.. It started when I was the prosecutor for Zannza’s case. I was reminded of when I’d defended the Apache Chief against the murder case... The only other time I have helped the defense side in Tombstone. So I was telling the story of the chief’s trial to a few people then because they were curious... Then I saw White Hawk in town and was talking to him about my past with the Natives... here in town that is... About my father and how he was killed.. And then how the people who wanted the medal I had from him came after me, but the man couldn’t kill me because of our shared heritage, and someone else came and shot him dead in front of me. Then Natalie has been reading my journals... because she wanted to know more about my life and times before Tombstone... And of course she’s getting to the part where I moved to Nebraska to be closer to the Native villages. Shortly before the incident with Bear River... Then... Aeryne tells us about Sabi’s aunt Sonsee and how Sabi wants Sonsee to come visit here... And then the three of us talk about Standing Bear and how maybe if Sonsee comes out this way so might the chief... Rye...” I looked over and saw the emotion on her face. “Lately the Natives have been more present in Tombstone.. I hear Apache everywhere now... I understand it perfectly... And it makes my heart break.”
“I know, Trin, and when I see them I begin to shake, not trying to.”
“How am I supposed to be okay with an identity that has caused me nothing but pain and grief? Betrayal and heartache? How am I supposed to tell my kid that Mommy’s not proud of being Native anymore. How am I supposed to tell my kid that Mommy’s not proud of being Native anymore. How am I supposed to tell her not to wander to the Native villages when lately it feels like something is pulling me back there? How am I supposed to listen to my niece talking about visiting her aunt at these villages?”
“Well how do you tell anyone that you are a native child whose mom was raped by a white man and your mother’s village casts her away? And your mother blames you and leaves you abandoned and alone?”
“See? This is why I knew you were the person I had to talk to. Aly tried to tell me to be strong and not be afraid of possibilities and to grow from my inner strength and assurance.. But she hasn’t been there for me for the past few months either, Rye. I have hardly talked to her because she’s always busy with work or with Alex.”
“Trin, it was not my fault that the white man raped my mother... but her tribe casted her out like it was her fault and I paid that price.”
“But she hasn’t been there for me for the past few months either, Rye. I have hardly talked to her because she’s always busy with work or with Alex. And I was betrayed by every tribe I ever tried to help. In spite of the fact that I was one of them and tried to keep them safe. How can I be proud of that? How can I be okay with that past?”
“I am very proud of the woman I am but how do I tell Sabi that they are bad people there when I myself am part of that tribe.”
“When all it seems lately is that those ghosts are haunting me and might even rise from the dead if Standing Bear...” I shook my head and stopped myself.
“The same way I have to be,” she growled a bit.
“I guess it’s like how I had to tell Natalie that here were some bad Pinkertons in the past and I try to be better. But how can I try to be a better Apache, if even in part, when every mention of the culture or people makes me shudder?”
“I just don’t understand how to talk to Sabi of all this.”
“So you’re dealing with the same problem I am... I am hoping that as she reads these journals, she’ll understand.. See the thing is Rye... All of this stuff with the Natives, except the Apache afterwards, happened before I knew I was part Apache. I didn’t know that until the spring when Josh came to Colorado Springs and told me. I had no selfish reasons for being in those tribes other than for peace. For myself and for them.” I sipped more tea and said, “Thomas said that he would come to the village with me if I was interested in going back...”
Rye lowered her head a bit and said softly, “And I would join you as well if you are in need of my assistance.”
“I’m just... I’m not sure if I’m ready,” I looked over at her. “And I don’t know how to be.”
Rye’s hand was shaking as she sipped her tea. “I don’t know if I am ready to face those demons either.”
“Talking about it with you helps... because you were there and lived it with me. And you dealt with the same hurt to some extent.”
“Oh yes Trin, I remember. I remember well trying to return to the village as a young child and Standing Bull threatening to kill me because I was of impure birth.”
“Rye... is it something we should leave in the past, or is it something that we need to face, considering all the ghosts rising up now?”
Rye took another sip of tea and took in a breath. “Trin, do you want my honest opinion?”
“Yes, and I understand that the answer might be different for you than it is for me.”
“With honesty, I have grown in time to let the past and the ghosts stay as far as they are away. There are demons that not even Cole knows about that I live with every day... and that pain is something I need to tell someone but don’t know how to.”
Sabi came in then and handed Rye a picture she had made her. Rye thanked her for the gift and I smiled as I watched the two interact. Sabi left the house to go and find Payton then and I looked over at Rye when we were alone again and smiled at her.
Rye set her tea down and I did the same and she said, “I need to share something with you and it’s pretty big.” I nodded for her to continue and she said, “You are aware back east, Cole and I had two children, Patricia and Jacob?”
“I didn’t know...”
“Yes,” she nodded. “We had two beautiful children. So vibrant, smart, full of life...”
“Oh wait yes I did know... The fire... The outlaws...”
“Yes.”
“Sorry, I haven’t been sleeping. Carry on.”
“Cole is still in pain of the loss of our babies. Swears if he finds the men that did it they would have death to pay.”
“As any father would,” I nodded.
“But Cole does not know of the men what I know... it’s why the idea of the area terrifies me.”
“They were Natives, weren’t they?” I looked at her.
“No, much worse.”
“One of the men... the man that set the blaze to our home... Was the man who had raped my mother.”
I blinked and sighed, leaning back in silence as she continued.
“I had learned my mother had been shot down a few weeks before and he was in looks for me and my family. The man who killed our kids and I believed was in hopes to kill Cole and I was my father. This is another reason I convinced Cole for us to travel west to escape my fathers vengeance.”
“Rye... who was your father?” I gripped my chair, hoping that it wasn’t the chief, like I was thinking.
“A scruffy older outlaw they called Gruff,” she said and I exhaled with relief. “Not sure if that was his true name but it is what I heard him referred to.”
“I had feared it might have been someone I knew from back then.”
“Again though I am not sure that to have been his name. Dark haired scruffy unshaved man.”
“Knew lots of them,” I nodded.
“His left eye a bit foggy in color with a deep scar just under his eye. The last I seen him he wore a feather what looked as if it would have been from Standing Bear’s head dress.”
“That’s what I was afraid of...” I swallowed hard and looked at her.
“This is why I have chosen to leave the past where it is. In the ashes of our home in the east.”
There was a knock on the door and I jumped as I had been so shocked by the news. Rye went to answer the door and I was relieved to see Thomas walk in. Rye offered him some tea but he had already had a drink on the way and sat down to join us in the living room.
“How are you Trin? You don’t look so well,” Thomas looked over at me.
“We’ve just been talking about what you and I discussed the other night... Our past with the Natives,” I told him. “We’ve just been talking about what you and I discussed the other night... Our past with the Natives.”
“Trin and I were just speaking of past ghosts,” Rye nodded.
“I was telling her about your offer to take me to the Native village... But I’m not sure I’m ready yet. Talking with Rye has helped though.”
“She has been telling me a little about hers recently,” Thomas nodded.
“Rye was there for it all, dear... she was in that tribe when the chief turned on me. Her and Cole... They were the only ones that were on my side,” I said.
“I am just happy that you both made it out. Those are things I would not wish on anybody.”
“As am I but I paid a price no woman should have to pay,” Rye told him.
“Oh my, if I may ask, what happened to you Miss Rye?” he asked.
“Cole and I lost two amazing children while there. When I tried to go back to the tribe seeking help. I was casted aside by chief standing bear again as being not of a pure breed.”
Thomas’ jaw opened wide and he looked at her with surprise. “I am very sorry for you and Cole. I didn’t mean to bring up bad times.”
“The same chief who was going to burn the town down in spite of me being in it. Of course none of us knew then that I was part Apache.”
“It was for Standing Bear that my mother is not of this life anymore,” Rye growled a bit. “So to hear Trin speak of Bear River, I am in fear and of anger. Trin, I must ask you an opinion if I may...” she looked at me.
“Sure, Rye. I am here to ask of yours, you can do the same of me.”
“Should I tell Cole of the man who murdered my mother? That same man being the one who took our children... the man who’s blood also runs in my veins... I fear if I tell him he will be in anger of me.”
“You are sure that Standing Bear did all of this? Or someone that harmed Standing Bear and took his clothing to frame him in some way?”
“I think the man that did this..” she sighed loudly, “My father... Was either sent by Standing Bear or had a scuffle with Standing Bear. I am in wonders if Standing Bear did not make a offer to this man... Not knowing that he was my father.”
“Then hon you can’t expect Cole to be upset with you about this... only upset with Standing Bear.”
She nodded and lowered her head. “And how do I tell Sabi all of this? That her aunt walk amongst an enemy?”
“Rye... I’ve tried to tell Sabi not to trust these people... To not invite them here. She saw my hurt but I could never explain it in a way she would understand.”
“But she does not understand.”
“And how could she? She is a child that hopes that all adults are good. I know I will have to sit and tell Cole, and I wonder if Sabi should hear the truth as well.” Rye looked at me and said, “Sister, listen to me... Leave the ghosts in the past. Until they come to haunt us we need to move on and let those evils stay where they man... and only to deal with them if they move our way. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Rye... and the only reason I’m struggling with this now is because Sabi is intent on bringing her aunt here and Cole brought up Standing Bear.”
“I feel you should tell Cole, it is only right for him to know. As for Sabi, you and Cole should tell her together. So it will be easier to tell her, no one person should do it alone,” Thomas said to Rye. “May I say something?”
“Sure, dear,” I nodded.
“If it ever comes to the point you need someone to help with this past you mentioned, I believe I can take of of it for you, though I promised someone a long time ago I would never do such things ever again.” Rye and I both looked at him with confusion so he continued. “I used to work for the government in Washington, to eradicate certain problems that arose across our country.”
“Like a bounty hunter of sorts?” I tilted my head to the side.
“Well, more like a shootist hired by the President to take out the Native American horde as he called it.”
“Okay... here’s what we do...” I sighed. “Our pasts? They’re dead. Gone. We can’t let these ghosts control us any longer...”
Rye looked at Thomas and said, “I choose not to be that kind of woman but I must protect my soon-to-be children. But Sabi chooses to visit in the area I fear the most.”
“Our present?” I continued, “We have to interact with Apaches every day. We need to decide how to interact with them peacefully so that the past does not repeat. For me, I think that answer is different than for Rye... As a Pinkerton and a Lawyer I have a responsibility to protect the citizens that come to me for assistance.. I can’t pick and choose based on nationality. I’ve defended them in the past here. Does it mean I need to embrace their culture fully and visit their tribe all the time so that I become one of them like before? No, I’m not sure that it does..”
“I choose to be a good woman if then seek goods from the bakery like every other... but I will not keep of good spirit with the thought of Sabi brining them to our new being.”
“You need to be firm with Sabi. You need to explain to her, once you’ve talked with Cole and when Cole is there with you, that these people can NOT come to Tombstone. If they do... your whole family and mine could be at risk of danger.”
“Cause I cannot promise what I will keep myself from doing.”
“And that is just my point. We do not need to stoop to their level. We can’t pay back evil for evil.” I looked at Thomas and said, “As much as I appreciate where your offer is coming from, dear, I won’t condone revenge in the form of violence. Even though my heart wants revenge more than anything...”
“May I be honest with you two ladies?”
“Yes dear, always.”
“Yes please,” Rye nodded to him.
“I understand where you are both coming from, but you cannot make others suffer for what happened in your past. Believe me, I know, thats why I no longer do what I mentioned. The Apache and other indians here locally have not harmed the townfolk that I know of.”
“And that’s just my point,” I nodded to him.
“And Thomas, you are right. And I do not judge ‘till I am given reason to do so,” Rye said.
“As much as I wanted revenge when I came in here... And to forget everything about it and to not
involve myself with the Apache... These Apache have been nothing but kind to me.”
“I do not know Sabi, is that the little lady I saw leaving as I came into town earlier?” Thomas asked.
“I haven’t introduced you to Sabi yet?” I shook my head at myself. “She’s my niece... well, she adopted me as her aunt anyway.”
“No, but I have heard about her from Jimmy and others,” Thomas said.
“Yes that is Sabi,” Rye nodded. “Cole and I are in petition with the orphanage to adopt her.”
“Her and Payton,” I smiled. “I signed the paper as a witness for Payton’s adoption. I’d do it for Sabi too if you need, Rye.”
“You signed for Sabi, Trin. I asked for Judge Angeles to sign for Payton.”
“I think that having good relationships with the Apache here... I think it will help us overcome our pasts. We can do it right this time,” I said.
“You are adopting Payton too? I do know her, she is a lovely young girl. I wish I could adopt them all and show them love and family,” Thomas smiled.
“Yes, when I can place another petition we want to adopt Payton as well,” Rye nodded.
“We will show both Jimmy and Natalie love and care, darling. I know we’re not all a family yet but... in some ways we are,” I smiled at Thomas.
He smiled and nodded to me. “We will show both Jimmy and Natalie love and care, darling. I know we’re not all a family yet but... in some ways we are.”
“Geronimo?” I looked at him.
“Yes, Geronimo use to be near this area of Arizona, he was of the Mescoler Apache tribe.”
“The things you know, dear...” I shook my head in awe.
“He has been long gone for many years, to a prison in Florida for his crimes against the people and US Calvary. I think the biggest threat to family and kids right now, is the spread of outlaws throughout the area.”
“Mmhmm,” Rye nodded.
“I agree, and that’s what we need to be more aware of. I just hope that you can talk with Cole and Sabi soon, Rye. And I think Payton should know as well, since she’s going to be apart of this family too,” I nodded.
“Something I didn’t tell you dear Trin, about my trip to Texas with Jimmy...”
“I knew there was more.”
“I talked to a US Marshall there, who has a direct contact with the president, and I was given the go to initiate with other law enforcement officers in this area, a new law around town. Of course and the territorial judge also. It would be a law banning the carrying of any firearms within the city limits by anyone not wearing a badge.”
“Good luck with them enforcing that..” I said.
“It’s worth a try, and the Calvary are authorized to enforce the new law too, but it will be left up to the judge to put it into place. I have no precedence in this town yet, so I can’t do it myself.”
I nodded to him and asked, “What precedence exactly do you have, dear?”
“I have no precedence in the territory of Arizona, but before I left, I was a United States Marshall who pretty much had jurisdiction for the central area of the US.”
I blinked at him with surprise, but this time good surprise, and said, “You two have both officially made me speechless.”
“How have we done that, Trin?” Rye asked.
“Well... you with the revelation of your mother and Thomas with this hidden profession... Why not join the office here, dear?” I looked at Thomas.
“I want to become a lawyer my dear, not another lawman. I gave up the gun a long time ago. You saw the results the last time I tried using a gun. That was from a gunfight I was in some years ago.”
I nodded to him, remembering the scar. “I know, dear... And you can use your education and experience to be a phenomenal lawyer.” I looked over at Rye and said, “Shall we let you get back to your children?”
“I think the children are off visiting, so it’s okay. I think Sabi is resting now.”
“Cole is working tonight?”
“Cole had to travel for medicine so yes. I am just decorating here.”
“I am starting to fade though and we have a long walk back to Pearce... Perhaps we should call it a night, dear?”
“Miss Rye, if ever there is anything I can help with just let me know. Especially once I become a lawyer, I will be open for anyone who needs legal help. Yes my dear, I think we should get started back before it gets too late,” Thomas said.
“Thank you Thomas, I appreciate that offer,” Rye smiled.
“That goes for me too, though you already knew that. As a lawyer and a detective. And a friend...” I went to give her a hug.
“Trin, thank you so much for the talk. It has eased my soul a bit.”
“Mine as well. I think we can put the past behind us and focus on the present. So long as you talk with Sabi and Cole.”
“I will talk to them both, I promise.”
“Thank you for the tea and allowing me to visit your place Miss Rye,” Thomas said to her and she gave him a hug as well.
Thomas and I walked out of the house and went to check my mailbox at the office before leaving town. Tye walked over and I introduced him to Thomas. We talked about the bank robbery in Diamond and he said that they didn’t need our help anymore as they already had the problem sorted out. I thanked him for letting me know and Thomas and I headed home.
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