November 7, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street this morning and blinked when I saw Eye Aabye. “Well hey there.” 

“How are you?” he asked, tipping his hat. 

“I’m doing alright I guess. How have you been?” 

“Been ok fer the most part.” 

“Haven’t seen you around for a while.” 

“Yea, been back East fer a spell.” 

“All was well I hope?” 

“Sure. Inherited some land and went back....finally unloaded, turned out ta not be worth much.” 

“Been awfully quiet around here,” I nodded. “I haven’t had a good case in months and there ain’t been court in that long either.” 

“Hmmm, wonder why sa quiet?” 

“No idea…” 

“I have a surprise fer ya,” he chuckled. 

“Do ya?” 

“Been asked to take up a Deputy job here.” 

“Oh? So your past record don’t matter so much to ’em?” 

“Reckon not. It’s all be approved. Jes waiting on Angel ta swear me in.” 

I shook my head and said, “Well if you’ve made a reform I guess congratulations are in order.” 

“Reckon they don’t have much law round here.” 

“Nope, not really. There’s a deputy and a sheriff and a marshal though. And well, me.” 

“Tough job but I guess someone’s gotta do it. Hear the Rangers aren’t too effective.” 

“That too. Not that there’s even been any outlaws to take care of lately.” 

“Hmmmmm mebbe it’ll pick up again.” 

“Once they see you and Thomas are fresh deputies maybe they’ll take interest.” 

“Maybe. Thomas? Who? Wonderin if I know him.” 

“My man Thomas Wallace,” I said, reaching up to fiddle with my necklace. 

“Oh I see. Well not sure I’ve met him yet.” 

“Will have to introduce ya’ll. Angel’s been doin’ great too.” 

“There are a few outlaws I’ve seen. But haven’t seen em up ta anything. Lot a chatter.” 

“Yeah.. lots of chatter, no action.” 

“How’s things in Black Diamond?” 

“Quiet as here. I’ve still got an office out there too but not much happens there either.” 

“Heard there is not even any law in Benson,” he nodded. 

“Most exciting times are when payroll happens or at dances. My daughter follows the payroll around and there’s always gunfights involved. She helps out at the clinic.” 

“Oh I see. So folks tries robbin the payroll do they?” 

“That’s the only time I hear of anything happening really. They usually catch ’em right away.” 

“Pity it’s got so slow.”

“And then never make it to court for some reason or another. It’s frustrating, I’ll be honest. I worked so hard to become a Pinkerton... Worked so hard to be a respected one in this town. And now I’ve got nothin’ to do.” 

“Maybe I can rob the bank and arrest me,” he laughed. 

“Going to delay your hiring as a deputy,” I winked at him. 

“Hmmm wonder what we can do to get things exciting here again.”

“Not sure. I can only solve problems, not create ’em,” I said and he chuckled. “I’ve been writing a novel based on my journals from before Tombstone.” 

“Oh yes? That’s interesting.” 

“I’m going through and making a timeline of everything that happened... then highlighting the major events that shaped who I am. I’m hoping once I get it all down on paper.. I’ll be able to heal and leave it in the past. There was a lot of hurt I went through.” 

“That’s pretty cool actually.” 

“Some that I still find hard to forgive.” 

“Sorry ta hear that.” 

“It’s about a year of journals specifically from the years 1869-1870. Figure I’ll end there ’cause not much happened from ’71 to ’99 when I came here. Surprised how many events that I blocked out of my memory though... Traumatic things I chose not to remember.” 

“Think I’ll mosey an come on back later. You have a good day.” 

“Alright. Good to catch up, Eye. Good luck with the badge.” 

“I’m sure I’ll be seein ya round,” he said and I waved to him. 

Heading into Annie’s, I waved to Reb and Paisley on stage and greeted them. “Thought I’d come see how ya’ll were doin’,” I smiled at them. When they asked me how I was I said, “Just out doin’ the rounds and lookin’ for somethin’ to do or somewhere to write. Not many folks around” 

“Yes,” Reb nodded. 

“What can I get you? It is quiet this morning,” Paisley agreed. 

“Would love an Irish coffee if I could, Pais,” I smiled at her. 

Ginger came in then and Paisley poured me an Irish coffee and handed it to me. Ginger told me that he was hoping to be a healer but no one had agreed to it yet. 

We continued to chat and Ginger asked me if I saw a lot of shooting in the street lately, but I told him that I hadn’t seen any action in days, or heard of it. 

“I got shot in the ass Trin,” Reb giggled. 

“The person get arrested, Reb?” I looked at her. 

“What? Really?” Ginger asked. 

“No Trin not sure who did it there were a lot of guns going off,” Reb said. 

“Oh… No law about?” 

“Came back to Annie’s and didn’t feel to good and then saw the graze it was only a scratch,” she said. 

“No, Trin. Angel was gunned down.” 

“Oh, was she? When was this?” 

“Paisley this was day before right?” Reb looked over. 

“Don’t recall,” Paisley shook her head. 

“Hmm.. maybe I’ll try to find Angel tonight then,” I said. 

“Yes the day before There is a warrant out for Mac I believe.” 

“TJ took the sheriff badge if I remember right.” 

“He what?!” I blinked. 

“Yeah…” 

“Geez… Think I’m going to keep wandering. See you ladies later!” I stood then and set the cup on the counter along with some change. 

“Enjoy Trin,” Paisley said and I headed outside.