Tombstone.
This afternoon I walked into Annie’s and there was a big crowd there dancing. I took some whiskey to calm my nerves before singing in Bisbee in an hour and looked over at Danny, “How’s it going at the cavalry, Dany?”
“Well not much to do these days… guess to many nice guys in here,” she giggled.
“Yeah I haven’t had much to do either,” I nodded and looked over at Jimmi. “Jimmi, what’d Adrian say about Mr. Termy?” The man didn’t respond though and I said, “S’pose he’s mesmorized in his dance with his wife.”
“Nothing yet Miss Trin,” Jimmi said.
“Hmm…”
“I’m sure he will say something when his desk turns to dust.”
“Thought you had Mr. Termy sealed in a tight jar?” I looked at him.
“I did, and sealed the jar with a solid cork lid.”
“Well good. Hopefully he won’t get loose then. Think I’ll wander over towards Bisbee. By the time I get there it’ll be time to sing.”
“Hell ma’am, you should give us a dance,” a man looked over at me.
“Nah, my dancing days are LONG over,” I chuckled at him.
“But you’re sure pretty enough,” he smiled.
“Well thanks, Steven,” I said as he walked over.
“Name’s Steven,” he looked at me.
“One half-naked body ain’t good enough for ya, huh?” I winked.
“Well depends on the body. And Paisley has some body but I bet you do too. Should have a contest to see if I am right,” he winked back.
“Well this body has to be in Bisbee but you could come hear my voice if ya like.”
“Now, only Soiled Doves can be getting naked in here these days unless you are upstairs…” Paisley said to him. “No need to have Adrian walk in here and have a coronary.”
“So you’re saying that you don’t have the body like Paisley does?” Steven asked. “No, I would pay for that…”
I traced a finger around my necklace and said, “My body’s perfectly fine. Just you don’t need to be seein’ it. Only one man gets to see this body naked.”
“Yes, but I wish to maintain my employment,” Paisley said.
“And that is?” Steven asked.
“She is saying she is taken Steve,” Paisly pointed out. “Has a man.”
“I know, I just wanna know who the lucky man is,” Steven said.
“You wouldn’t know him anyway,” I said.
“Try me.”
“His name is Thomas.”
“Thomas. Thomas what?”
“What does his last name matter?”
“I am sure you will be happy looking this body over later on Steve,” Paisley told him.
“Cause there are lots of Thomas’ in this world.”
“Why don’t you focus on the woman that’s willing to get naked for you?” I asked, nodding towards Paisley.
“Just wanna make sure I get his last name right,” Steven said.
“I heard about a Thomas… Maybe his last name is Edison?” Dany suggested.
“If you all will excuse me…. I have something to tend to,” Paisley said and headed upstairs.
“I need to head to Bisbee. Take care, folks,” I said and gave Steven a look before walking out.
I barely got towards the tracks when Steven said, “Hello again.”
“Really? You’re persistent, aren’t you?”
“Ma’am, when I see something I like, I go after it.”
“Better keep walking then.”
“I could watch you walk all day,” he said and I rolled my eyes. “So his last name?”
“And what’s your last name?”
“Itano. Folks used to call me Maddog Itano.”
“Have a good day, Mr. Itano.”
“And yours miss? Gonna need your last name.”
“DETECTIVE Trin Paige,” I said firmly and walked off.
“Yeehaw! Think I am in love,” he shouted after me.
Bisbee.
I walked into the saloon and headed upstairs to change, fully aware that Steven probably had followed me. I saw him in the saloon as I played piano but tried to focus on the music and ignoring his presence. While I was playing, someone else caught my eye and as soon as I was finished my gig, I jumped up and went to give my brother Josh a huge hug. I couldn’t believe he was there. I hadn’t seen him in ages.
“Thank you all for coming!” I exclaimed. “I haven’t seen my big brother in months!” Josh poked me before dragging me into his arms and hugging me tight. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
“So what made ya come today, Josh?” Spank was asking him.
“Well I been meaning to come down and see my sis,” he smiled. “Just so happened that she was preforming as I got into town.”
“Crazy man’s been too busy,” I nudged my brother happily.
“Hey, you know how I am,” he said.
“A nice surprise,” Spank smiled.
“Mmhmm if you’re not busy you’re going crazy,” I said to him.
“Especially with the new authority I have,” Josh claimed.
“Did Steve disappear the second you came, bro?” I asked, looking around.
“He was here for a bit,” Josh nodded and I waved to Cole as he headed out.
“He just left on the second to last song,” Josh said.
“I sent Josh a telegram about it while I was changing,” I told them.
“He has only just left,” Spank said.
“He was harassing me before the show.. Kept following me everywhere.. Insisted that he wanted me and he went after what he wanted. Didn’t seem to care that I was involved with a man named Thomas.”
“Well at least you’re alright sis,” Josh said and talked with Cole about how it was nice to finally meet one another as Cole headed out.
“He musta had a reason too??!” Spank exclaimed.
“Yeah now that you’re here, Josh…” I smiled at him.
“Trin here has mentioned you once or twice in some of her telegrams,” Josh said to Cole.
“Nothing too bad I hope,” Cole grinned.
“Spank we were at Annie’s before this. I was trying to find people to come to Bisbee,” I told him. “He was there watching Paisley strip but then looked over at me and asked how my body looked. Underneath the clothing…”
“Maybe get a notice out early,” Spank suggested.
“And I insisted that I was taken and he pressed to find out Thomas’ name,” I went on.
“Wait… What?” Josh looked at me then.
“Then he followed me all the way here. Then he threw some money in my bucket as if a peace offering, I suppose.”
“He’s a caution... Always has been... even back when i was law, he was trouble,” a man at the bar said.
“Don’t think we’ve met. Thanks for coming today,” I smiled over at the man.
“I’m Frank Lombard,” he tipped his hat.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” I said and leaned against my brother shakily, watching him hover his hands over his guns. “His name’s Steve Itano. I know that much. Never spoke to him before today.”
“Nice to meet you, and a pleasure to hear you sing,” Frank smiled.
“Well, I know you handle yourself well,” Josh smiled down at me.
“Itano has been with the Wild Bunch for years ... I’m really surprised he’s come back to town,” Frank said.
“Yeah, when it’s about other people,” I nodded to Josh. “Not when I’m the target, you know that bro. You couldn’t have come at a better time,” I hugged Josh tightly again.
“He is an ol timer here,” Spank said. “Ya know Steve. Won’t take it lying down.”
“You have gotten better though, sis,” Josh told me.
“Have I? My boyfriend might be in danger... now this.”
“Well I didn’t work with you on how to manage yourself years ago for nothing did I?” Josh asked.
“He took it from me lying down a couple of times ... granted, it was because I shot him,” Frank chuckled. “Spank, remember when Steve and Apple terrorized the town?”
“Yup,” Spank nodded. “Remember a lot of things round these parts.”
“I know but…” I nodded to Josh. “Thomas wants to adopt Jimmy, this little boy that we’ve both fallen in love with... But the thing is... Jimmy’s father is an outlaw and now we think he’s Thomas’ brother. He’s been spending time in jail but we’re guessing once he hears Thomas wants to adopt his son, he’s not going to be thrilled about it. And now Steve comes wanting to claim me…”
Josh gasped and then said, “Well I’ll be in town for awhile. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Really? You promise?” I looked over at Frank and asked, “Is Steve in a gang?”
“I’m assuming he’s back in the Wild Bunch... don’t know for sure,” Frank replied.
“Great,” I frowned.
“He used to run the group... he and a fellow named Apple Pevensey. But that was years ago.”
“Yeah sis, I’m gonna be here for a bit, but I’m not sure how long since I do have to run the law back home.”
“It’s just good to have you here at all, bro. I hope you can meet Thomas,” I smiled at Josh and clung to him.
“What a pair they were too,” Spank said.
“Yep, they sure were,” Frank nodded.
“I should imagine he will be somewhere practicing his handy work with his guns,” Spank commented. “Well he done what he does good… Puts people on edge.”
“That he does,” Frank nodded.
“I’m a detective. I shouldn’t be on edge,” I said and punched the post, mad at myself.
“Hey,” Josh gave me a look.
“Calm yaslef Trin,” Spank warned.
“Hell, ma’am, don’t put yourself down... it’s not your fault... Itano is a master at intimidation,” Frank told me.
“Trin the last time you punched a post I had to set your hand.. so enough,” Cole warned and I looked away.
“Ya know what I always told ya,” Josh said. “No one is perfect. No matter what you do and who you are.”
“Yeah, and my first reaction was fear and I showed it to him,” I muttered. “That’s the kinda stuff that almost got me killed before Tombstone,” I sighed.
“Keep ya calm,” Spank said.
“Sis…” Josh started. “Remember when we went shooting with pa back home. How you were so afraid to shoot. But Pa calmed you down.”
“Well Trin harm law here ya know what happens. The rope,” Spank reminded me.
“All I’ve got are Angel and Ansar,” I looked over at Ansar.
“Just think of Pa when ever you start fearing something, remember back to what he told you.”
“And the rangers when they... decide to do something," she looks around to make sure none of them were around,” I sighed.
“And a lot of friends, Trin,” Cole reminded me.
“True,” I nodded. “So then why is my first reaction fear? I’m a Pinkerton, damn it.”
“Because he caught you off guard Trin,” Cole chuckled.
“Because its a natural feeling,” Josh said.
“I was focused on getting here,” I nodded. “Warming up. I was so relieved when I saw all of you walk in.”
“There are two sorts of people, those who lead and those who follow… ya know your own strength Trin,” Spank told me as Frank and Cole introduced themselves.
“Yeah, you’re right Spank. My power is information,” I nodded.
“Ya a Pinkerton.”
“Get the information and you’ve got the upper hand.”
“Yup.”
“So now I just need everything I can get on Itano.”
Spank and Fred headed out then and Cole smiled, “Now your thinking again Trin…”
“Josh? Do you want to come see our home in Pearce?” I asked him as I said goodbye to the others. I promised Cole I would keep him posted and led the way out of the saloon with Josh close behind.
Pearce.
We stopped in front of the house and I smiled, “Here we are!”
“Wow sis, nice!” he looked around, impressed.
“I’ve done well for myself here... Singing in Bisbee has payed off, quite literally. Come on in.”
“Cozy huh? No more apartment above an office…” I smiled and showed him around the house.
An hour later, Josh went to settle into a hotel and I went outside to get some fresh air. I sat in the tree branches and leaned back, frustrated with myself. I had gotten over my fears, hadn’t I? Why was it my first reaction now?
From down below I heard Thomas walk over and he looked up asking, “Is there a Pinkerton Detective up in there, or is that just some feet I see dangling?” I climbed down the tree and hugged him tightly, not letting go as he kissed me. “Well hello to you too,” he smiled. I leaned against him, letting the emotions start to flow as I held him tighter. “Oh dear… What’s wrong baby?” he asked, squeezing me in his arms.
“We need to talk…” I reached for his hand and said. He followed me to the house and we sat down on the couch. “Okay... first things first... I talked to Jimmy yesterday…” I started, sliding a finger around his neckline. It felt so good to be in his arms again.
“You did?” he asked, taking off his hat.
“He told me his last name, Thomas,” I nodded.
“Really? What is is?”
I took a deep breath and looked at him. “Wheeler. Jimmy Wheeler.”
“You mean?!” his eyes went wide.
“There’s more, dear,” I nodded.
“He gave me this... Said it was in his pa’s box…” I reached for the badge I’d gotten from Jimmy.
He took the badge and looked at it, fighting back tears suddenly as he gripped it tightly. “NO! Damnit, it cant be!”
“Hon…” I reached up to put a hand on his cheek.
“Trin. This badge….” he started and I moved to rub his shoulder, still holding his other hand. “The man who wore this badge, died in my arms Trin. He died because the man who shot him, was my brother.”
I blinked, looking at him with surprise. “I thought maybe it was… Oh Tom…”
“Does Jimmy know that his father and I were brothers?”
“Well... we talked about that possibility... He seemed excited about it. Didn’t really seem scared or upset,” I said and he looked like he was holding something back. “Sweetheart, if your brother finds out that you want to adopt Jimmy.... your life and mine and Natalie’s and Jimmy’s could be in danger. If you’ve got more to tell me…”
“Trin, ummm, I got a telegram today from Texas.”
“You what?” I blinked at him.
“I looked into any known prisoners who might be under James R. Wheeler or Wallace.”
“And?”
“A James Robert Wheeler escaped from Yuma Territory State Prison two days ago.”
I stared at him with wide eyes, my worst fears being squashed with the reality that it was actually something worse. “He… Thomas.... I thought maybe he’d send someone not… Not come himself..”
“I don’t know that he knows about me or you Trin...they said he was supposedly out of his mind, and he don’t even remember who he is.”
“Okay, there’s that at leas,” I nodded. “Darling... something else happened today…”
“Trin, I sent Jimmy to stay with a friend back in Philadelphia for now...they will take good care of him, and he will get to visit our nations capitol.”
“That’s smart. Natalie will miss him but he needs to be protected.”
“What happened today?”
“Okay well... two things. One bad and one good. I went to Annie’s before my gig in Bisbee because I wanted to let people know I was singing, and I wanted to talk with Jimmi Rubble about the termites at the sheriff’s office… There was a man there. And while Paisley was dancing half naked on stage, his attention was on me.”
“Oh, hows termy?” he asked and I shook my head, squeezing his hand. “What do you mean his attention was on you?”
“Hon, this man... he insisted that he wanted to see my body like he had seen Paisley’s. He wanted me to dance for him. Like she was doing.”
“He didn’t! Did he touch you or hurt you?”
“I told him that I was involved with someone and he insisted on knowing your name. I told him your name was Thomas but that’s it. But then… I went to get changed at the Stock Exchange and warm up but he.. followed me all the way. Insisted that he saw something he wanted and he usually got what he wanted.”
“Who was this man?”
“He followed me to the saloon and was there the whole time while I was playing. Gave me a bunch of money too. Probably to try sweetening me up. His name is Steven Itano. I was looking through my paperwork tonight and realized I’d already heard about him a year ago in a conversation about gang members... and Cole, Spank and Frank who were there all recognized him from being in Tombstone for a long time..”
“I don’t care if he is the mayor of timbucktoo. Who the hell does he think he is?!”
“Hon the good thing was... my brother came to my gig today,” I sighed. “I hadn’t seen Josh since Natalie and I went up north for his wedding a couple months ago.”
“Josh? He was here?”
“He sure was,” I nodded. “And he hasn’t been here since he came to hear about that guy that was going after dad’s medal. He’s staying over at a hotel... Not sure how long he’ll be around but it was so good to see him.”
“Bet it was. Is he doing ok?”
“He’s doing great. He’s now in charge of the whole security realm up there in Canada. Including the RCMP. It’s pretty impressive. I’m very proud of him.”
“Wow, sounds like he is very important up yonder. Are you ok though? This Steven guy didn’t hurt you or touch you did he?”
“No, he didn’t... Just rattled me a bit. A lot, actually. And I’m mad at myself. I can handle other people’s problems fine but when it comes to me and those I love…” I looked deeply in his eyes. “I lose it.”
“I’m sorry all this come on you love. I tried to keep it from happening, but if by chance James show up, I don’t want you here. Can you and Natalie go on a trip or vacation for a while?” Thomas hugged me tight, wrapping me in his arms.
“I’m not leaving you,” I looked in his eyes.
“Trin! I aim to kill him one way or another..I don’t want you or Natalie getting involved.”
“Thomas, please... This is my job... Get all the information that I can and then let the law have the upper hand. I will not leave you. I might send Natalie up north to be with my mother for a while though. Or maybe she can go back with Josh.”
Thomas sighed. “Did Jimmy tell you anything else about him or his ma?”
“Not other than that his father tended to be... abusive, but we guessed that already,” I shook my head.
Thomas shook his head and hugged me tightly. “Tell me Trin, how could someone mistreat a boy like Jimmy. I mean, from what he said about his ma, she really loved him, but if my guess is right, his father probably didn’t.”
“I don’t know if Jimmy was the one abused, Thomas... but you know how James... your brother was. You know the answer to that better than I do. It’s your family, sweetheart... I just hope that you don’t get hurt if James comes to town. Please, don’t act too rashly that you get hurt in the process dear?”
“Trin, this is between me and him. I already was left for dead once because of him...points to the badge still in his hand...it wont happen again, as God as my witness.”
“I just…” I sighed and looked down.
“We were ambushed while tracking the group he was in. This badge belonged to a very dear friend of mine, who was the Captain of the Texas Rangers. Only 4 of us survived, but my friend didn’t.”
“I’m sorry hon…” I rubbed his back empathetically.
“I promise to be careful baby, but I cant let him get away this time. Plus I am sure half the territory is looking for him. He killed two guards while escaping.”
“I understand, I do…” I sighed and looked outside, seeing movement.
“Bad thing is, I have no idea what he looks like. I haven’t seen him in fifteen years. Last time I saw him, he was tall, broad shouldered, and bald as an apple with a scar on his forehead.”
“Well then we better be prepared for anything. And I do mean ‘we’..” I looked at him seriously.
“It looks like I am going to be putting on that pesky gun belt again, even though I swore I never would again,” he smiled and kissed my lips softly. I kissed him back, glad he didn’t argue.
“Do you want to wander into town and see what’s going on dear? I saw a bull riding thing there earlier.” I asked him.
“Sure, sounds like a good idea.”
“Might do us both some good to get out for a bit. Maybe even go to the dance later?” I asked with a wink.
“Maybe!” he smiled and reached under the sofa for his gun and belt and put them on.
I watched him, knowing what it meant, and asked, “Ready dear?”
He grabbed his hat and put it on. “I’m ready sweetheart.”
Tombstone.
We walked outside and saw Ansar running past. We commented on how fast he was going and talked about the bull riding contest going on. We walked over to Cole and I told Thomas that he knew what was going on.
“Hey there Cole. Look who decided to come out of hiding,” I teased.
“Only cause she untied me and let me outta the house for a bit,” Thomas hugged me around my neck and I laughed at him.
We talked with a gypsy girl and Cole mentioned that he found it when he got lost, and I was surprised that he’d been able to get lost. When the girl moved on, I looked at Cole and said, “We have an update on that thing I told you about at the saloon... with Jimmy…”
“Yeah, well his father is my brother, and well he escaped from Yuma Territory Prison two days ago,” Thomas explained.
“That isn’t good… Makes him a wanted man.”
“He could be headed here..” I said.
“We don’t know where he is headed, but its a possibility he could come here.”
“Have you notified the law about it yet?” Cole asked.
“For sure, he killed two guards while escaping, and the telegram said he has lost his mind, he doesn’t seem to know who he is, or so they say,” Thomas said. “No, I told Trin so far, I haven’t seen anyone else to tell them.”
“From what I hear about the prison he may very well be crazy…” Cole said.
“Dear, I think Natalie will be okay staying here. She knows not to talk to strangers and James doesn’t even know she exists,” I said. “I don’t want to alarm her and make her afraid for Jimmy.”
“Trin, do you know if Jimmy ever got a letter off to James like he was wanting to do?” Thomas asked.
“I have a feeling it’s you he’ll be coming after,” I said.
“Angel is around here somewhere,” Cole said and opened the letter from Aeryne as she walked over.
“I don’t think so…” I shook my head.
“You will need to send me a telegram in two or three weeks Cole,” Aeryne told Cole.
“You alvight?” Angel asked us.
“So your going to take that trip than…” Cole asked.
“That is the deed to the ranch and the bakery for you and your family,” Aeryne motioned for the envelope and I realized I’d been dazed and not focused on the conversation.
“Sorry, I must have been lost in my thoughts there…” I shook my head and wondered what I’d missed.
Cole and Aeryne kept talking about adoption and then Aeryne said, “I will be back in a few weeks to collect whatever I have left behind. Then I will be making the move permanently.”
“Where are you heading to Miss Aeryne?” Thomas asked.
“You’re leaving, Aeryne?” I asked and she nodded, making me sigh.
“I took the sheriffs job back. Obviously a rather foolish thing on my part,” she said.
“Why do you say that?”
“The law here is... ineffective…”
“Well with you gone it will be more nonexistent.”
“I am going somewhere that maybe I can make a difference rather than sit on my rear end and watch as everything goes to hell,” Aeryne said and looked over at Cole. “Cole, if you wish there is a place for you and the family out there. But that is up to you and Rye.”
I sighed and looked from Thomas to Cole firmly and Thomas just shrugged his shoulder.
“We can’t go anywhere until the adoption is done…” Cole nodded.
“Cole…” I started.
“Yes, Trin?” he asked me.
“Iz a lot going on today,” Angel said. “I got Mac for your varrant and then he turned around and di zat.”
“Don’t say that too loud, they will hold it up til you are a grandfather,” Aeryne laughed.
“Tell her to stay,” I sighed to Cole. “Too many people are leaving and then what? This place’ll be a damn ghost town,” I kicked a stone.
“And I already accepted the new job,” Aeryne shook her head.
“I have already told her to stay..but she is an adult…” Cole smiled sadly.
Angel and Ansar kept talking about Mac I looked back at Aeryne. “Just wish you’d change your mind, Aeryne.”
“Miss Aeryne, I don’t know about the other job, but you are needed more here than there for sure,” Thomas said.
“But I’ve tried to tell you what I think before and you don’t hear it, so you’ve already made up your mind,” I said.
“I wish I could believe that sir. Once I would have even. Now however... no... maybe this place needs me but I am useless here,” Aeryne said.
“I need a drink,” I said and looked at Thomas.
“It’s my birthday today. Drinks are on me,” Aeryne said.
Thomas sighed and took my head and said, “Let’s go get a drink dear.”
I was frustrated that Angel and Ansar didn’t ask me for help and looked at Aeryne. “Take care, Aeryne. You’ll be missed.”
“You also Trin,” Aeryne said.
I walked into the saloon with Thomas and slammed the door as I opened it swinging. “Damn Trin, whats happening to this town?” Thomas muttered.
“I don’t know but it’s ticking me off. Good people leave and the only good people left don’t even ask for my help.”
“It makes no sense, shakes his head and hands Trin her drink and takes his.”
“What is going on?” Paisley asked as she came into the saloon.
“Who the hell knows,” I muttered and drank the alcohol back. “Sorry, it’s been a bad day.” I leaned back against Thomas as Paisley headed back out of the saloon and said, “I’m just glad you’re here with me, love.”
Thomas held me in his arms, rubbing my shoulders softly. “Me too dear..I cant believe how so much has changed in a short time...and most of it not good.”
“I just... wish there was something I could…” I nodded against him and sighed.
“Shhhh...you do more than your fair share Trin, you can only do so much…”
“I guess,” I sighed.
“Just think, if you ever decide to give up being a detective, you could make it as a dancer…” he nudged me a bit.
“Oh hon... my dancing days are long behind me,” I glared at him.
“I know dear, I am just trying to get you to smile, and cheer you up.. it’s going to get better.”
“And if I were to put this badge away it would only be to replace it with a different one.”
“Dear, I don’t want you wearing any other badge. You put yourself in harms way enough with that one, any other and I am not sure I can handle it.”
I smiled and caressed his cheek. “Don’t worry dear, I’ve done the other badge over in Bisbee. It’s not going to happen again. My passion is the hunt, the paperwork, the information. Not the gunfights.”
He smiled and hugged me closer, kissing my lips deeply, caressing my cheek. “Trin, I love you!”
“I love you too dear,” I grinned and kissed him back.
Thomas took another drink of his root beer and kissed me again. “Would you care to dance sweetheart?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” I smiled and followed him onto the dance floor.
People arrived for the dance then and we greeted them as we continued to dance and Cas started to play music on the record player.
At one point I looked over at Lisa and asked, “Hey Lisa got a question.”
“Yes Trin?” Lisa asked.
“Where’s that boyfriend of yours?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” she grinned.
“Oh really? So you don’t know where your man is and I don’t know where my partner is…”
“He’s the elusive man,” Sniper said then. “I’m going to assume we talking about James here?”
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“Ok.”
“Oh hell, I thought we was chatting about Rock,” Nim said.
“Yep the elusive Pink Detective,” Thomas laughed.
“Speaking of, did Rock actually die?” I asked.
“Trin, I want to hire you. Can I hire a Pinkerton?” Nim asked me then.
“There’s a first,” I chuckled.
“I want to find out what really happened with Rock.”
“I might want to hire you too Trin, but not sure your man would approve,” Sniper laughed.
“All I know is that Miss Prudy claims she is a widow, but I smell funny business,” Nim said.
“Well I might just look into that on my own…” I said and chuckled at Sniper.
“I heard he became food for the vultures,” Thomas smiled.
“Yeah I don’t like it either, Nim,” I nodded.
“Well, I will be glad to help with expenses,” she said.
“It seemed kind of random. You know things in this town…” I told her.
“I would look for dust on the horizon before I looked for a hole,” Cas suggested.
“Yep, I think it smells of something fishy and I know how you love stuff like that,” Nim said.
“See the thing is in this town…” I nodded.
“Sniper, you cant hire Trin, but you can hire me… to watch you like a hawk,” Thomas smiled.
“Cas is right. People tend to... reappear. So I don’t often put much stock in rumors of someone’s death around here. Hell, it happened before I came to Tombstone too. Remember, Sniper? Dutch Solo, Sayler Sweetwater, to name a few…”
“Right, but, she claims he died,” Nim said.
“I’d check her cabinet for arsenic, too,” Cas said.
“Am I wrong, Sniper? You were there,” I laughed at him.
“I know, you’re right,” Sniper nodded.
“Lisa, I head you had a chat with my little buddy Jimmy the other night...he said he trie to get you to put your guns up,” Thomas said then.
“So Nim what DO you know about Rock’s death?” I asked Nim.
“I want you to find out her story then find out if its true is all,” Nim said.
“Yes he did,” Lisa smiled then.
“I heard he ain’t dead, he just left town in a hurry,” Sniper said.
“But as I explained, it’s the life I chose,” Lisa said.
“Heard from my daughter you wanted to eat her, Lisa,” I told her.
“Yes, well I do get hungry at times.”
“Then chased her around town and she hid in the clinic,” I looked at her firmly. “My daughter ain’t food.”
“Yes he is, and he was right you know, you can change that… I plan to adopt him, I found out I am his uncle today,” Thomas said.
“Awww well Thomas, congratulations,” Lisa said. “Yes, I explained to him that I would never every hurt a child.”
“Unlucky Thomas, another damn mouth to feed,” Sniper smirked.
“Sometimes I just act up when I been drinkin’,” Lisa said.
“Or are awake,” Cas added.
“They ain’t all bad, Sniper,” I said.
“Lies,” Sniper shook his head.
“She does it sleep walking too, Cas,” Nim added.
“Yeah um… that too,” Lisa nodded.
“Thanks, I love the little rugrat, even if he does run around town trying to take care of everyones horses,” Thomas said and I chuckled.
“Oh dear, did you hear that they joined the lollipop gang?” I asked him.
“Yes, we had a long talk and he gave me a peppermint to make me feel better,” Lisa smiled.
“No! Not Jimmy,” Thomas shook his head.
“Well hear this part,” I chuckled. “Natalie said it was all a plan. They’re getting information from being in the gang to use it for the SS Cootie.”
“Uh oh, sounds like them two are up to something…” Thomas giggled.
“Mmhmm,” I nodded and chuckled, dancing happily with my man. “I was in a bad mood when I came into this saloon.. what happened?”
“I dunno, maybe its the saloon or could just be who you are dancing with,” Thomas said.
“I’m guessing the latter option,” I giggled.
“Hard to stay in a bad mood in good company,” Kefira added.
“It very well could be, smiles, I been told I have that effect on people,” Thomas smiled.
We talked about the halloween dance next week and then Prudy came in and I asked her, “Do you know what happened to him, Prudy?”
“No ma’am not all all brother in law found part of his remains... and we burry him in back of sister’s back yard I go daily to visit him,” she replied.
“Sorry to hear that, hon,” I frowned.
“Thank you ma’am.”
“I am so sorry for your loss Miss Prudy,” Thomas said.
“Who is your brother in law?” I asked.
“Thank you sir, you all are so kind and supportive,” Prudy said. “He is Howling Wolf married to Angel my sister.. starts to weep.. we all got married the same day.”
“I didn’t know him well, just in passing in the street or an occasional hello… but he was always cheerful and kind when he spoke.”
“I see. I am sorry. Maybe I should talk to Howling Wolf then,” I nodded. “Maybe we can figure out what happened to him.”
“Well if Rock’s brain was dynamite, he wouldn’t have enough to blow his head off, so I’m going to assume he is probably stuck in a chicken coop somewhere stuck.”
I glared at Sniper and said, “No more dynamite. We left that back in Colorado, didn’t we?”
“Indeed,” Sniper nodded.
“Thank God for that.”
Prudy started to head out and I looked over at her and said, “Prudy, I’ll keep you updated, alright? I’m’ going to try to solve this mystery.”
“Yes Trin, thank you,” Prudy said and headed out of the saloon.
I looked back at Thomas and said, “He may have not been the best deputy, but it’s still a mystery and his family deserves closure. I’m putting bets on this right now. Ten bucks says Rock shows up alive and healthy again. Who’s in?” I looked around.
“Very true dear… She deserves closure, and its better to know what happened,” Thomas said.
“My money’s on the dust cloud,” Cas said.
“Wait what?” Sniper looked over.
“Ten bucks. Rock alive and well again when I solve this mystery. You in, Sniper?” I asked.
“Well Nim thinks the biggest question right now is what body part did his brother in law find, and I have ten bucks that I bet I know as many women as he pissed off,” Nim said then.
“That’s just wrong, Nim,” I chuckled. “I mean granted the man thought I was his personal secretary but still…”
“Hey now, I hear there is no bone in that!” Thomas chuckled.
“Nim, you shot him in the brains... Yet they found his skull no bullet hole?” Paisley laughed.
“I heard it was just a simple brain fart that did him in,” Lisa said.
“I shot Rock numerous times, but was always in the right, court never convicted me of any crimes,” Nim said.
We continued to talk and dance and then headed home.
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