November 8, 1900

Tombstone. 

I leaned back against the post, almost asleep, when some walked up behind me and kissed my neck, “Well hello there!” Thomas’ voice made me smile. 

“Mmm, hey dear. You just came out of nowhere, didn’t ya? How’s my favorite deputy?” 

“I’m just fine," Eye came over and giggled and I blinked, laughing at him. 

“Well Eye, this is the man I was tellin’ you about,” I said to him. 

“I just popped up like fog,” Thomas smiled. “I do that sometimes. Howdy there,” Thomas said to Eye. 

“Dear, that’s Eye Aabye. Tombstone’s newest reformed deputy,” I introduced. 

“Nice ta meet ya,” Eye offered his hand. 

Thomas shook his hand and said, “Hi Eye, im Thomas. Nice to meet ya.” 

“Been mighty quiet out taday so far.” 

“Well that’s a good thing I guess. But give it time, the nutso’s will come out later.” 

I coughed and looked down at the ground with a smirk. “Who wants to do the rounds with me?” 

“Hey Eye, Trin and I are going to make a round through town. You gonna hang out here a while?” Thomas asked him. “You ready dear?” 

“Guess he’s in contemplative thought. I’m ready when you are,” I looked over at Thomas. 

We walked down the street and saw Grant inside the news office. “Tombstone got another reporter?” I wondered. 

“Howdy Grant!” Thomas waved to him through the open door. 

“Howdy you two,” Grant smiled. 

“Got a job at the Epitath did you, Grant?” I asked him. 

“Is there a way to leave an article for the editor of the paper here?” he asked. 

“I believe if you leave it in Jenna’s mailbox it should get in,” I said. 

“And where is that mail box?” he nodded. 

“Or you could put it on her desk.” 

“Right, will do… Is all well in town?” 

“So far so good, just making out daily rounds,” Thomas told him. 

“I have written a ballad of Rock Janic,” Grant grinned. 

“Oh really? Hope its a good one,” Thomas said. 

“Thought maybe she might put in in the paper,” Grant nodded. 

“Anyone ever find out what happened to him?” I asked. 

“That’s possible Grant. Who knows, you might get famous,” Thomas said. 

“Maybe set it to music, hmm?” Grant nodded. 

“I was asked to look into it but, since the person who asked was the mayor of an outlaw town I didn’t rightly think it was a good idea to get involved as a Pinkerton,” I said. 

“I see well what if a citizen and good friend of his widow...Miss Prudy ask you?” Grant asked. 

“Maybe you can perform it sometime for the Town at the theatre Grant,” Thomas suggested. 

“Now there is an idea,” Grant grinned. 

“Then I would be able to take up the case. But we ain’t supposed to take cases from outlaws. Kind of a conflict of interest, you know,” I said and cringed a bit, looking at Thomas with annoyance at his suggested. 

“Well Trin...as a citizen and on behalf of his widow… I would like to have the case opened,” Grant nodded. “He made a lot of enemies here you know amongst the outlaws.” 

“And how are you related to the whole thing?” I asked. 

“What do ya think dear? Might be interesting to find out the truth,” Thomas shrugged and looked at me. 

“Well, I work for the widow Janic in her new store there,” Grant explained. “And she told me the details.” 

“So you were a close friend of Rock’s? Did she…” 

“No, never met him.” 

“I haven’t even gotten any details. So you work for Purdy then,” I summarized. 

“What exactly did she tell you Grant?” Thomas raised his eyebrows. 

“Well maybe I give you a copy of my ballad… It has some details,” Grant offered. “Yes, I am her delivery man. I will give each of you a copy, may I?” he looked between us. 

“Yes please,” Thomas nodded. 

“Does it have details about what happened to him?” I asked. 

“All that is know yes,” Grant said. 

“Yes please,” I smiled and we took the ballad. 

“You have to ‘forgive’ my poetic license,” Grant grinned. 

“I will have a closer look a little later. Thank you for the copy Grant,” Thomas said. 

“You’re welcome, Thomas.” 

“So the skull is buried in Boot Hill?” I asked after reading it briefly. 

“Well, not really. It is buried behind Miss Purdy’s house, actually,” Grant explained. “Boot Hill sounds better for a ballad.” 

“I would like to see it,” I said. 

“Aye, it is in Benson… Actually behind Angelic Wolf’s house. Her sister.” 

“I will go out to Benson and visit them both.” 

“Good idea. What is the name of the paper editor again please?” 

“They both live out there? Jenna Odsark. We need to continue our rounds but I’ll keep you posted if I discover anything.” 

“No… Miss Prudy moved to another place.” 

“Where is it now?” I sighed. 

“Trin dear, I think I am going to make my way down the street. I will catch back up with you after my round ok,” Thomas said then. 

“Okay, thank you very much,” Grant said. 

“Okay, love. I will catch up with you. Grant, where is the skull now?” I looked back at him. 

“Miss Prudy’s  new house.. sorry I am not sure never been there,” Grant said. 

“In Benson?” I sighed. 

“But the last time i saw the grave it was still behind Wolf’s and Angelic’s house in Benson,.” 

“Bye Grant. Hope you make it big time with that song. Maybe you can get Trin here to be your back up singer. She has a great voice,” Thomas suggested and I nudged him with a glare. 

“Watch it, dear. I know where you live.” 

“That would be great miss Trin,” Grant smiled. “Make any suggestion to the ballad as well please.” 

“Stay safe, Grant. Shall we, dear?” I looked at him. 

“Let’s go dear,” Thomas said and we held hands as we walked. 

“My money is still on Rock showing up alive and well. I’m going to try and talk with my boss Adrian about how I should proceed.” 

“I wouldn’t have left you there alone with him baby,” Thomas smiled. “I believe you.” 

“Something doesn’t feel right.” 

“You’re right, he seems to know an awful lot for someone who never knew the man.” 

“Mmhmm.” 

Thomas checked the door at the bank, making sure it was clear, and I smiled at Eye as he walked over to us. “Would appear the streets are quiet.” 

“Yup. You all goin’ to Pearce?” 

“I thought we might make a trip to Bisbee first,” Thomas said. 

“Ah okay,” Eye said. 

Bisbee. 

I stepped into the office getting a wire from Adrian about Rock’s case and smiled wide. “As I suspected... Rock’s case is being handled by higher authorities and I have been advised to just let them handle it. Thank the Good Lord.” 

“Praise the Lord! We don’t have to mess with it.” 

“Mmhmm. Better tell Grant it’s being handled though. The whole thing felt fishy.” 

Tombstone. 

We walked back into town and couldn’t see him anywhere. “Well, guess he’s not here. Now what, dear?” 

“Nope. Looks almost like a ghost town don’t it?” 

“Want to go to Pearce?” 

“Sure, sounds good to me.” 

“Think there’s a dance over there.” 

Pearce. 

We walked over to Pearce and went towards the saloon, but there seemed to be a large group of people in the clinic. I looked over at Thomas and then back at Jimmi Rubble. “What happened?” I asked him, seeing the baby in his arms. 

“Someone shot a man and then shot the deputy,” Jimmi explained. 

“Someone? They don’t know who did it?” I blinked as I reached out to play with the baby’s fingers. 

“Yes, a bit of work to get a thirst hey little Heidi?” Jimmi asked the baby. 

“One varmit new in town,” Angeles muttered. 

“You think the guy John out there is out of this?” A male voice shouted. “Maybe he planned the guns for me !” 

I looked at Thomas, confused, and Grant moaned in pain on the bed. “Dear, maybe we should see if there’s anyone over at the sheriff’s office?” I suggested. 

“Hi Trin, hon,” Thomas Stine greeted me. 

“I think you’re right,” Thomas nodded. 

“Hello, Mr. Stine. Good to see you again. Want to fill us in on what happened here?” I asked him as Starling and Angeles continued to work on their patients. 

“I will redacted one report later too Trin, since happened in front to the Saloon of my husband,” Ang said. 

“Well, we were about to start our Meet and Greet and there was a shooting here,” Thomas Stine said. 

“Was the shooter or shooters arrested?” I asked. 

“Can’t see what happened, I was inside the saloon. Jimmi took care of them.” 

“Yes Angel bring him to jail after I cuffed his damn hands,” Ang told me. 

“Oh good, then you don’t need my help to figure out who it was,” I grinned. 

“But it’s good you are about,” Mr. Stine told me. 

“Do you have the bullets that you took out of these men, ladies?” I asked, looking around.

“Makin’ a necklace Trin?” Eye asked from the bed.

“Nope. Making files,” I winked at Eye. “If I get samples of bullets I can match them with other ones, fi they don’t know who shot people at scenes.” 

“Trin… I can bare witness to who shot us  and will testify in court,” Grant said. 

Ang turned towards me and gave me the bullet inside some cotton. “All yours girl.” 

“Part of my job as a Pinkerton,” I said and took the bullet that shot Eye. “And who does this bullet belong to?” 

“Oh we know who shot us,” Eye said. 

“Who shot you Eye?” I asked. 

“One new client for Court…” Ang commented. 

“Don’t know his name. Never met him. But they’ve got him over ta the jail,” Eye said. 

“Too bad, just in front of two lawmen and judge, tried to rob and shoot people,” Ang shook her head. 

“Starling do you have the bullet that shot Grant?” I asked her. 

“Yea… tall stranger  dressed in black with a gray hat on,” Grant said. 

“Is there on the floor Trin,” Starling said. 

“If they’ve got them in jail already I’ll just get their names and match the names with these bullets for my files,” I said and took the bullet from the ground, putting the bullets in bags. “Thanks ladies. I’ll go match these with names.” 

“Yes,” Ang nodded. 

I walked into the sheriff’s office where Thomas and Angel were talking to the prisoners. “Angel, do you know who shot whom?” I asked her. 

“Vho shot vho? You mean Eye and Grant?” Angel looked at me. 

“I’ve got two bullets here. I’d like to know whose names to put them with. One of em shot Eye, the other shot Grant.” 

“Yez I know vas here iz the man in the cellz,” Angel said. 

“He shot both of them?” 

“Yez.” 

I raised an eyebrow and looked at the bullets closer, seeing they matched. “And what’s his name?” 

“Cristiano,” the man in the cell grinned. 

“And your last name, Sir?” I asked. 

“Look Mister, if you work for me… I’ll pay for your bail,” said another man who was standing in the office. “Or else I’ll put a bullet by myself.” 

“I agree with you man,” Christiano nodded. 

“So why’d you shoot em, Chris?” I asked. 

“I’ll let you out if you pay me fifty bucks,” the other man said. “Right now.” 

“I wanted shoes ther han somethin special in that guys shoes but the deputy suddenly came to arrest mah and I reacted and shot him which wounded him,” Chris nodded to me. 

“Alrivght sirz. Iz 90 bucks,” Angel told Chris his bail. 

“And shot the other one too while you were at it?” I asked. 

“I have forty,” the other man said. “Wait, did he shoot Eye?” 

“Because you wanted Grant’s shoes?” I asked. 

“Vell guez yur spending time in jail,” Angel said. 

“He apparently shot both of ’em,” I nodded. 

“Well deal’s off mister,” the man said then. 

Eye walked into the sheriff’s office then and Thomas asked him, “Eye, how are you feeling?” 

“Eye, this guy shot both you and Grant because he wanted Grant’s shoes?” I looked over at him. “Am I hearing that right?” 

“Sore, pissed, mad as hell at this damn picket. Ready for some whiskey,” Eye muttered. 

“Vell you can get a drink on me then Eye,” Angel said. 

“Thank ya Miss Angel,” he walked out and I blinked at him not answering. 

“Well Chris, I don’t have 90 bucks, if you want me to shoot and break you out… well that’s gonna cost,” the man negotiating said. 

“Trying to shoot law vith alot of law avround iz a death vish sirz,” Angel said. “Specally vith me here.” 

I shrugged at Thomas and said, “Well they don’t need me anymore and I think I’ve got enough information. Shall we go get a drink?” 

“ I suggest you leave it alone mister,” Thomas suggested. 

“So much for breaking him out. Well some other day then,” the negotiator said. 

“Suggezt yu mozey on out of Pearce sirz,” Angel said. “And not cause trouble in Tombstone.” 

“I’ll be in the saloon dear, when you’re ready,” I sighed. 

“Yep, we don’t appreciate shootin up the folks round here.. Ok love, I will be there shortly,” Thomas nodded to me. 

I headed out to the saloon and got myself a whiskey as Eye, Grant, Thomas, and Angeles continued to talk. Grant talked about wanting a single lady and Starling said that I was single but I told her Thomas and I had been together for a few months now. 

When Thomas walked in he asked Grant how he was feeling and Grant said, “I am okay Thomas.. Thanks for arresting that varmint.” 

“Well it appears he wanted your shoes for some reason,” Thomas said. 

“He shot me in the back the shot Eye,” Grant said. 

“Glad can give a Angel my cuffs after arrest that varmit,” Angeles said. 

“Yea as cheap as they are too,” Grant said. 

“Shoes? This was about shoes?” Jimmi blinked. 

“Well they are both back out on the street. Sorry varmint posted bail,” Thomas said. 

“I hope you’re taking notes, Miss Trin,” Jimmi looked over at me. 

As Thomas and I danced, I looked over at Jimmi. “Jimmi, what do you take me for? I already got the bullets from both victims, wrote up a card about Chritiano…” 

“I take you for a Prosecutor Miss Trin, one of the finest,” Jimmi smiled. 

“Angel, I will give you later the report,” Angeles said to the sheriff. 

“I got that witness report filled out when ever ya ready fer it,” Eye said. 

“Yesterday other, so I repeat experience, bad luck, they find one medic who is lawmen and Judge too,... that really very bad luck... and last night one even confess the crime in front me when stay healed,” Angeles said. 

“Thanks Jimmi, been a while since I’ve done a trial,” I told him. 

“Yes me too, Trin,” Jimmi nodded. 

“Ya wanted a trial and here ya go. See how nice I am. Take a bullet fer ya,” Eye smiled. 

“Mmhmm. And gave me the bullet to match for future cases too, Eye,” I grinned at him. 

“I am reckoning I will be a witness as I was up to my knees in this,” Jimmi said. 

“Shoulda pulled my guns earlier, didn’t expect the picket ta jes shoot me like that,” Eye said. 

“Would love a witness statement from you too then, Jimmi,” I said and Eye gave him a blank statement. 

“Heck we’ve got the whole team of us here. Let’s just do the trial today,” I chuckled. “So that’ll be two counts of shooting, including one of shooting law, right Jimmi?” 

“My husband have some rules about guns in the Saloon... they no welcome, the graveyard is very full and haven't more space for other body,” Angeles said. 

“I guess Angeles must have arrested him then, or something, ’cause Eye and Angel don’t have jurisdiction here?” I guessed. 

“May not have jurisdiction but I had a right ta try ta disarm the man,” Eye said. 

“Well sure. Would help to have the statement of the one who did the arrest themselves too.” 

“True, I arrest him but haven’t key for the sheriff office here so I ask like favor a Angel to bring him in jail,” Angeles explained. 

“Alright. Good to know,” I smiled. “Angeles could write a statement too?” 

“I will redacted one report directly for what happends Trin,” Ang said and I thanked her. 

“Well darling, I have work again finally,” I smiled and danced with Thomas. 

“And it was such a pretty day, why did someone have to shoot it up?” Thomas smiled and kissed me softly. 

We continued to dance and talk, letting ourselves forget about work for a while. We then talked about statements and how we were going to hopefully have a trial soon. 

They started to talk about children and I grinned over at him, “See dear, we were smart. We avoided the baby stage and adopted kids who were over nine.” 

“Yes true, but if you ever want a baby love, well I am here for you,” Thomas laughed. 

“You what?” I coughed. You sure two ain’t enough? I mean we’re still livin’ in separate houses but I mean... two’ s a lot of work, ain’t it? Especially them two. Or are you living with me in Pearce now, dear? “ I chuckled. 

“Well I thought we were living together dear. I mean Natalie is calling me pa now and all.” 

“True,” I laughed. “See we don’t need marriage. It’s just a big expensive ceremony.” 

“We are some specialists in ceremonies Trin if need some help just ask and we will set all in a couple hours,” Angeles said then. 

“Angeles we’ve only been goin’ out for a few months…” I chuckled. “I ain’t one to marry quickly.” 

“Well I got you that’s all that matters baby. I don’t need a ceremony to tell me I love you,” Thomas smiled and kissed me again. 

“See?” I giggled. 

“Trin, I married Tristan in three days, so no excuses,” Bree said. 

“That may work for you Bree but... Well…” I stumbled a bit and then caught myself against Thomas as he caught me and spun me around. “Natalie had a traumatic experience at school this morning…” I said then. 

“Oh no, what happened dear?” Thomas asked. 

“They were learnin’ about poetry and Shakespeare and she said it was fine till the graveyard appeared on stage.” 

“Oh my. What are they teaching our kids?” 

“Miss Traci was teachin’ em about Macbeth, I guess. I didn’t read that ’till I was in high school. And they’re teachin’ that to ten year olds?” 

“Ya know they usually put fences around graveyards on account a people are just dyin to get in them,” Eye said. 

“Shakespeare for kids?” Angeles asked. 

“Yep Angeles. That’s what she said.” 

“It’s strange.” 

“Not exactly children’s literature, if you ask me,” I shook my head. 

“Well lets hope they don’t teach them Romeo and Juliet, then they will wont to commit suicide for love,” Thomas laughed. 

“I let Natalie read Sherlock Holmes but... There ain’t much death in those ones. She said the payroll was quiet today .” 

“True, was a quiet payroll,” Angeles nodded. 

Thomas had to head out then and Ansar came into the saloon as Eye said, “So now Ansar shows up AFTER the shootin is done.” 

“So Jimmi…” I said as Thomas headed out then. 

“There was a shooting? And I missed it? Dang you guys get all the fun,” Ansar muttered. 

“Iz ok he gets to sit in the pie throwing booth for that,” Angel grinned. 

“Guess someone has ta take care of his town for him,” Eye teased. 

“Did anyone even know that man? I’d never seen him before,” Eye said. 

“Nope, never seen him before either but I did get his name,” I said. 

“I can’t help it that they pick when I ain’t here to do something,” Ansar looked at Angel. “If I could control people, this place would have a lot more taters.” 

“Lemme guess his name was Cowardly PoleCat,” Eye suggested. 

“Don’t vorry liebing you make it up at the pie booth after the dance,” Angel chuckled. 

We continued to talk and then I headed home, telling Jimmi to let me know when the trial would be happening.