October 21, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked into Annie’s and waved to Reb and Paisley were dancing on the stage. They greeted me and Paisley asked me how I was doing and I said, “Honestly?” I asked and went to pour myself a drink while they danced. 

“Aww Trin things not the best at the moment?” Reb asked. 

“No, not exactly.” 

“Well I’m sure they will get better,” Reb said. “I’m all ears if you want to talk about it, if you don’t I understand just try to relax here.” 

“I’ve been consigned into investigating the murder of Rock.” 

“Any news since yesterday?” Paisley asked. 

“Nope,” I shook my head. 

“Are they really going to investigate that?” Paisley asked. 

“Oh ok guess it’s a dead end?” Reb asked. 

“Apparently I’ve been asked to,” I said. 

“He is dead,” Paisley said. 

“Though I still think it’s a waste of time but I’m desperate for something to do. My money’s on him returning perfectly fine and well in a week or so. Happens all the time.” 

“I am glad you have work, but so many I am sure are glad he is gone,” Paisley said. 

“I wasn’t really fond of him either, you know,” I said. 

“Maybe I should break into the bank Trin, and give you a fun case though I dont know what Bree would say,” Reb laughed. 

“The man practically got me to do his work for him,” I chuckled at Reb. 

“He was so incredibly disrespectful and did not deserve his badge,” Paisley said. 

“If that bank gets robbed I’m coming to you first,” I winked at Reb.” I know he was Paisely, but his family deserves closure.” 

“Paisley is my witness I never leave Annie’s,” Reb said. 

“Left town with no protection to get a bandaid for his pinky Trin!” Paisley said and I rolled my eyes. “In a way they do.. They have him home.” 

“What do you know about Itano?” I asked then. 

“Well don’t think of it as investigating Rock’s murder but more of doing a service to Widow Prudence?” Reb asked. 

“Prudence did not know where he was. Now she knows,” Paisley said. 

“That’s my plan, Paisley,” I nodded. 

“Waste of your time.” 

“She deserved better. The least I can do is give her closure.” 

“She should be glad to be free of him!” 

“Who or what is Itano??” Reb asked. 

“Steve Itano... What do you know about him?” I asked. 

“He has been in here,” Paisley said and pointed to a chair, “Sitting in that chair.” 

“First time I am hearing of him we probably were never introduced even if he was in here,” Reb shook her head. 

“He in here a lot? Ever tell you anything about himself?” I nodded to Paisley. 

“He got me topless,” Paisley grinned. “Nope only there was something with the mayor over an apple.” 

“Oh?" I looked at her. 

“I think that was before you got here Trin.” 

“I’m listening.” 

“The apple was on the mayor’s head. Steve wanted to shoot it off. Adrian got nervous. I would too. I was glad to hear Steve is a good shot and has good aim,” she grinned. 

“He wanted to shoot at the Mayor!!?” Reb chuckled. 

“Wanted to shoot the apple…” Paisley corrected. “I was more interested in having Steve shoot something off upstairs… He did not give too many other details.” 

I shook my head as I listened and said, “Well he made me nervous too and I don’t appreciate men doing that. Rattled me completely right before I sang in Bisbee.” 

“Sounded like a conversation gone wrong, honestly,” Paisley said. 

“Followed me out there,” I told them. 

“Sounded like he wanted a freebie from you Trin.” 

“Insisted that he always got what he wanted. Didn’t care I was involved with someone.” 

“I wish I did not have an errand yesterday.” 

“I want to know all I can about him so I have the upper hand.” 

“It just sounded like a misunderstanding at an event.” 

“Thomas was livid when I told him.” 

“I imagine he was.” 

“Paisley that was not a misunderstanding. That was a proposition.” 

“No, with the mayor.” 

“He propositioned you Trin?” Reb asked. 

“With you, it was. I could not take him upstairs, but he wanted to have something.” 

“He asked if my body was as good as Paisley’s and wanted to see it. I told him only one man gets to see this body.” 

“Yep.” 

“Then he persisted to know Thomas’ name.” 

“I wish I did not have to leave when I did,” Paisley said. 

“And even though I’d made it clear I wasn’t interested he followed me to Bisbee, saying on the way that he wanted me. Then he stayed for most of the gig and even gave me some big tips. Left before I was done. Possibly because my brother showed up. When I told him what happened afterwards, he was livid too.” 

“Who is your brother again?” 

“Josh Paige.” 

“I think I met him once.” 

“Not sure how long he’ll be in town for but... he came at just the right time yesterday. He has a way of doing that. Coming just when I need him.”

“It is a good thing he did.” 

“Between him, Spank, Cole, and some man named Frank there... I calmed down somewhat. They were all livid.” 

“Well Trin I think you have a lot of people who would come to your help if he troubles you again,” Reb said. 

“Oh, I sure do,” I nodded. “I’m not worried about that, I was just caught off guard.” 

“That can happen Trin, we like to expect the best of people,” Reb said. 

“I was so focused on getting to Bisbee on time and setting up. Sat down at the piano and my mind went blank. I had no idea what to play.” 

“Aw…” Paisley said. 

“You know... I almost wanted to see him here this morning. To give him a piece of my mind.” 

“Well you never know trouble has a way of showing up,” Reb said. 

“Oh, I know that all too well,” Paisley laughed. 

“I’m sure he does,” I smirked. 

“I started carrying a gun now never used to before,” Reb said. 

“I refuse to carry a weapon,” Paisley said. 

“And not hesitant to shoot it if I have to, and Paisley I know you don’t like guns but I don’t like being bullied,” Reb said. 

“Garth has bullied me, and I still refuse to,” Paisley commented. 

“He has bullied me too Paisley and I handled him without a gun.” 

“I have to... kind of in my job description,” I told them. “I tried being a detective without a gun and it almost got me killed.” 

“Funny how there is an awkward silence every time Garth’s name is mentioned,” Reb giggled. 

“I have had a woman with long blonde hair,” Paisley said, describing a woman that sounded familiar. “And attractive harass me and tries to bully me into carrying a weapon and I refuse.” 

“I’m not saying you should Paisley,” Reb said. 

“No one should force you into anything, Paisley,” I nodded. 

“No idea who it is, but…” 

“Sounds like Chrissie Bade,” I noted. “I’ve dealt with her a lot.” 

“Swell, a former madame here,” Paisley said. 

“Back in November about a year ago. Found out she was involved with the Alvord Stiles gang and she was found guilty for shooting Cathy over an incident with shoes or something back then. Haven’t heard anything about her since.” 

“What? No wonder she is always going on about my clothing,” Paisley said. 

“Aren’t you glad I remember everything now, Pais?” I nodded to her. 

“I sure am,” Paisley said. 

“You got a good memory Trin,” Reb said. 

“Told me a madame should never wear white.” 

“It helps that I write everything down, Reb. Everything about everyone. I never forget anything that way. Information is power in this job, Reb.” 

“I told her I will wear what I wish,” Paisley said. “I have no idea what I did to this woman.” 

“Was this while you were working Paisley or off duty?” Reb nodded. 

“I consider my self always on duty except when with Tony. Just am I on stage or off? Up stairs or not. Annie’s or not.” 

“Well I meant like was it some thing over uniforms or like about how you dress in the street ?" Reb asked. 

“No, on the street in a white dress. To the ground. Up to my neck.” 

“That’s crazy,” Reb stated. “Why would she think she had to regulate how you dress outside of an event?” 

“I have heard on how she ran things. I guess she sees things are different. Soiled DOves no longer act like outlaws,” Paisley said and I sipped my whiskey, letting them talk. “Were you around when she was madame Trin?” 

“Chrissie?” I looked over. 

“Yeah.” 

“When was that?” 

“No idea.” 

I went back in my mind to picture Chrissie’s file and said, “I don’t remember anything about her working here. But let me think on that. All I remember was that she led that gang with Blackfoot and Dash was a member. I remember her trial for the shooting… But nothing about her at Annie’s.” 

“I remember Dash around town.” 

“Wasn’t the nicest gang, that’s for sure.” 

“I seen that Chrissie and a man not too long ago.. a couple of months ago.” 

“Oh really? She’s back?” I held out my hand to Reb. “You see? The dead rises. People disappear then come back a year or months later.” 

“But it has been a couple of months,” Paisley said. 

“So Rock may indeed come back?” Reb nodded. 

“Happens all the time, Reb. Even before I moved to Tombstone. But I’ll investigate it... cause that’s what I do,” I said. 

“I once witnessed Mac dying, he was shot inside the court house he kept saying he would come back and so he did,” Reb nodded. 

“See? I believe that maybe they go into a coma and it *seems* like they’re dead…” 

“Well I am not a doctor, perhaps Jess knows, but Mac kept asking for the Native American medicine man.” 

“But to find a skull and have him return?” Paisley asked. 

“I want to see that skull. Then maybe... but… I even saw Dutch’s body right there on the bed in front of me. But it wasn’t him. It was his twin brother.” 

“Why do they keep asking for the Native American? Any idea?” Reb asked. 

“Who does?” Paisley asked. 

“The ones who get shot. Mainly the outlaws. Our folk tend to call for the doctor,” Reb said. 

“I’ve never come across that.” 

“Well I have only witnessed two occasions and it happened on both. Maybe they were delirious on being shot?” Reb asked. 

“Well ladies I’m going to wander about,” I stood. “Good to chat with you both. Might have to do this more often.” 

“Bye Trin. And stay cheerful!” Reb waved. 

“See you about Trin,” Paisley waved. 

“I’ll try,” I winked at Reb and headed out the door. 

*** 

An hour later I walked down the street and greeted everyone standing around in front of the hotel. We talked about how it was a quiet today. 

“Is ever gonna be court again? Been long time,” Bree commented. 

“I have two needs, bounty hunters and prosecution lawyers. Finding the right ones to do the job is not easy,” Jimmi said. 

“I see,” Bree nodded. 

“I have an advertisement going in the paper for the next edition, hope that works.” 

I reached behind Jimmi’s shoulder and poked it. “Prosecutor at your service. Just sayin’. Been at your service from the beginning and would be here if outlaws decided to show up for trial.” 

“Indeed Miss Trin and you are very welcome as always.” 

“I don’t know Jimmi. Maybe try that during evening hours when most here,” Bree suggested. 

“Just saying your problem isn’t the lawyers or bounty hunters,” I told him. “Your problem is outlaws willing to go to court.” 

“Not sure about if they read paper. Why Trin, they usually win,” Bree said. 

“All lawyers read Miss Breezes,” Jimmi gave her a funny look. 

“You tell me, Bree,” I told her. 

“It’s the first test,” Jimmi said. 

“Jimmi, you’re focusing on the wrong part,” I looked at him. 

“Jimmi paper is maybe read by some but how many,” Bree said. “A survey taken maybe.” 

“If I have good bounty hunters Miss Trin, the outlaws will come to the doors,” Jimmi said. 

“Then you need deputies or marshals to help too,” I suggested. 

“The people who decide guilt or innocence are the Jury Miss Breezes, most times they do get it right,” Jimmi said. “Deputies and marshals are law, justice is another area.” 

I leaned back against the wall and shut up as I pulled out my notebook and continued to write. A girl named Olive came over and we introduced ourselves to her. She said that she lived in a nice house on the other side of the town with a nice old lady who she called Mrs. Lady. I asked her what the woman’s name was and what the town was where she lived, but the town name was unfamiliar to me and I guessed she was lying. 

Joe, Bianca and I talked about Helldorado week and how silly it seemed, though it was fun to make fun of each other in public. Bianca went to ride the bull and then Steven walked over, making me stand up straighter. I avoided looking at him and kept my focus on my notebook as they talked about the meaning of Helldorado. 

“Great... so hellderado is the celebration of murder, then halloween is the celebration of fear. Is it November yet?” I muttered. 

“Not yet Miss Trin. Will be soon,” Jimmi said.

“Don’t see why we have to celebrate these things. Got enough scary things in this world. Don’t need to create more,” I sighed. 

“Trin, actually halloween has more significance then celebration of fear, its the time when our world is closest to the spirit world and many wiccans will claim to be able to speak to the other side on that night,” Nim told me. 

“It’s the other side. We have no right messing with it,” I looked at her. 

“Indeed, day of the dead is a day to celebrate those that have passed away from us,” Joe said. 

“Could we not then say about the same for church, for Jesus is the other side as well, yet we all try and talk to him?” Nim asked. 

“The dark powers of the evil spirits and the battle between good and evil isn’t for us to attempt to control, Nim,” I told her. 

“Sounds like Mayor wise and his taxes the battle between good and evil,” Joe snickered and I smirked. 

Steve winked at me and I looked over at him. “Can I help you with something, Steve? Wait, forget I asked that.” 

“Trin your feet must be hurting coz you been running through my mind all day,” Steven said to me and I rolled my eyes. 

“Well I hope you’re all around in November because we are having a bonfire party in Goldfield,” Jimmi said. 

“See now doesn’t bonfire sound much more peaceful?” I smiled. 

“Food, fire and fireworks over the lake.” 

“Depends on if Miss Rikki is around it our not,” Nim commented. 

“Sounds like fun, Jimmi,” I smiled. 

“Bonfire night is something from England, we set fire to the guy and have fun watching him burn,” Jimmi said. 

“Sounds fun to me,” Steven nodded. 

“Indeed in the older days used to have a nice wicker man with somebody inside,” Joe said. 

“Oh I have heard of that,” Jimmi said. “Didn’t they put live cats inside too?” 

“I have a person in mind,” Steven looked over at me. 

“So where is your husband Trin??” Steven asked. 

“Most likely studying the books again,” I said. “And he’s not my husband. Just... the man I love.” 

“And the books would be?” Steven smiled as Joe excused himself to head to the office. 

“How to protect me against men who deem themselves my personal shadow?” I guessed. 

“Yup he is gonna need to study that long and hard.” 

“Was that a threat?” I looked at him. As he went quiet and conversation continued around me, then I decided to head home. 

***

This evening I walked down the street and talked to the group of people that was standing in front of Kate’s. “So anyone know what actually happened to Rock?” I asked. 

“Not a clue,” Jan said and the others seemed to have no idea either. 

“I best go check the clinic,” Jess said. “Last time I came in, it had been broken into.” 

“Broken into?” I perked. 

“Yea, and all the drugs had been taken,” Jess nodded. 

“Did you tell law? Write a statement? Something?” I asked, but Jess wandered off without a word. 

Paisley walked over then and I looked at her, “Pais, should I use my powers of invisibility for good or evil?” 

“Good.” 

“Just wish people would tell us when things happen. Maybe we’d be able to solve it or arrest people.” 

“I just wish they would stop doing stuff they should not.” 

“Well sure that too. Paisley, did you send a statement or tell law about the clinic getting broken into?” 

“Clinic was broken into? I had no idea.” 

“Apparently,” I looked to Jess as she walked over. 

“I came in and found the cabinets smashed and the drawers empty,” Jess said. 

“Really… Anyone else around to see it like this?” 

“I don’t know. I am not the only doctor that comes in and out of the clinic. Someone else could have seen it or for that matter done it..” 

“Guess you don’t really need me then.” 

“There wasn’t no sense making a report, since nobody really cares about the clinic. They only care if they get fixed up.” 

“Jess it’s that kind of attitude that lets outlaws think they can run the place,” I sighed. “Without the clinic we’d all be dead. We can’t do anything if we’re not told.” 

“You can’t make that assumption Jessie,” Paisley nodded. 

“Sorry Paisley, I’ve been here long enough to know that. I have sat for hours and hours alone here and not a soul came by or even offered to help. So it gives me the feeling that the only time folks even care is when they are hurt,” Jess said. 

“Jess… Do you even hear me right now?” I looked at her. “You don’t even see the people right in front of you willing to help.” 

“What can you do?” Jess asked. 

“Jessie, Trin is a detective and could have documented what happened,” Paisley said. 

“Look Trin, I am sorry about what I said. I am just so tired of all the flack I have been getting,” Jess said. “This is not the first time the clinic has been broken into. I didn’t think folks actually cared what was goin' on in there.” 

“You’ve been around this town long enough Jess. You know that I always care what happens. To anyone.” 

“You’re the only one.” 

“I’m just tired of the negativity Jess. I’m trying to commit to this town and make it better. You have to let me do my job.” 

“I suspect it will happen again. I promise if it does, I will call you and make a report.” 

“Right,” I said without believing her, and headed back to my office.