October 22, 1900

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I walked into the Stock Exchange where Cas was spinning the record player for a dance. Everyone greeted me and I danced beside Jenna in the line as we all danced the same moves to the music. Paisley was serving drinks at the bar and I looked over, seeing a man I didn’t recognize. “Still have not told me your name sir…” Paisley was saying to the stranger, and I listened closer, hoping to learn it as well. 

“Name is Robert. I have a bit of business with Mr. Wallace,” the man said. 

I blinked and walked over to the man, hearing Thomas’ last name. “What business do you have with Mr. Wallace?” I asked him. 

“Can I get you something Trin?” Paisley asked. 

“I’m not sure its any of yore business what my business with Mr. Thomas is sweetie,” Robert looked at me. Best go back to knitting or sweeping floors.” 

“No thanks Paisley,” I shook my head at her and then looked the man over. “It's every bit my business, Sir.” 

“Oh really!! What makes you think so?” 

“The fact that we are in a relationship. Now you want to try telling me the truth?” I looked at him. 

“You folks may want to keep yourselves in CHECK,” Cas said then. “I ain’t no apron wearin’ hostess and I don't intend to have any trouble here.” 

“Well the fact you are his woman means nothing to me darlin. I still don’t have to tell you what my business is with him. But once my business is don’t, I wouldn’t mind doing business with you perty lady,” Robert said to me. 

“In your dreams, Sir,” I rolled my eyes. 

“You talking to me Robert? I do enjoy doing business,” Paisley grinned. 

“Believe he was talking about me, Paisley. And I don’t appreciate his tone,” I said then. 

“I shore am Miss bartender, you make a man’s heart skip a beat. Far better looking than some the others I done seen in this town,” Robert looked at Paisley. 

“Mack, you can relax.. I will take care of any problems, and quite handily on all counts, I can promise ya,” Cas promised the deputy that was there. I was officially confused and looked from Robert to Paisley. 

“Just making sure I’m out of the line of fire,” Mack said. 

I had a sudden thought then, that maybe this was the man here looking for Thomas because of Jimmy, and shook my head. It couldn’t be… Could it? 

“May I ask yore name dear?” Robert pointed to me and looked at me. 

“Then maybe don’t stand there in front of me, Mack..” Mack smiled. 

“Only if you’ll tell me yours,” I looked at him. 

“Like I said, the name’s Robert. That’s all you need to no sweetheart,” Robert said. 

“See the fact that there’s more I don’t need to know, tells me I need to know it.” 

“Well you just tell me where yore man is, and then you will know all you need to know,” he said. 

“Tell me why,” I shook my head. “How do you know him?” 

“Oh well, we know each other from way back....in ummm Louisiana it was.” 

“Really… Somehow I doubt that,” I said, ignoring the conversation around me.

“Well to be honest dearie, I don’t care what ya believe. I also doubt you are sleepin with Mr Wallace either. So I will be going now.” 

I folded my arms across my chest and realized he was right, but it didn’t mean that we weren’t in love. Jackson looked over then and said to Robert, “You best watch how you talk to women in this town son.” 

“Well howdy there boys! Is there something wrong here?” Robert turns to the others who were looking at him. I rolled my eyes and leaned against the counter, studying Robert’s every feature. “I just came in fer a drink and to see this perty bartender is all. Can’t a man do that in this town?” 

“Not when he won’t tell a woman what business he has with her man,” I said. “Makes him suspicious.” 

“Not if’n you gonna talk to’em like they’re yer cattle,” Jackson stated. “I don’t know where you come from, but we got respect fer most the women in this town…” 

“Miss Trin, you don’t need to egg it on, neither.. trouble is trouble,” Cas told me. 

“Well see, this little blonde da’rlin over here behind me, is buttin in where she don’t belong. I just had to set her straight in her tracks is all,” Robert stated. 

“Maybe yer the one buttin in in this town,” Jackson looked at him. 

“You are goin’ about this all wrong, Mister.. just say.. ‘my mistake’ and leave,” Cas told Robert. 

I rolled my eyes and went over to whisper to Cas. “Thomas is in trouble. Jimmy’s father is after him and I can’t be too careful.” 

“Now I suggest you take a fairer tone with the fairer among us, or find some very serious realities son,” Jackson threatened him. 

“Oh I plan to leave, its up to you boys how I do it. I didn’t come in here fer trouble,” Robert stood. 

“Sometimes the hornet’s nest is not worth thwacking,” Paisley said. 

“We’s all dancin son, ain’t no one but you come here fer trouble,” Jackson said. 

“I really don’t care about no dime books or stories... I am just sayin’ there ain’t gonna be no trouble in here,” Cas said and I nodded, stepping back and watching Robert carefully. 

“I suggest you teach yore women their place in this world. Where I come from, a woman never spoke before she was spoken to, and she shurely didn’t but into a mans business,” Robert said. 

“I think that he should go away,” Aley stated. 

“Don’t let the sun set on ya,” Cas said and Jackson put his hand on his gun. 

“Blondie, I am sure we will meet again. As to you other boys, don’t let the door hit ya where the old man split ya,” Robert looked at me, then the others, and walked out with a smile on his face. I looked away, mad at myself for reacting so suddenly. The incident on Monday 

“I think today is lucky, that gentleman,” Aley giggled. 

I ordered a whiskey and conversation continued around me as I told myself to get a grip. “Tired of men treatin’ me like trash in this town. That’s twice this week,” I muttered. 

“That ain’t no man honey, that there was a boy,” Jackson said. 

“And he wants something with my man.” 

“You best let him know, that man ain’t here fer nothin good I can tell ya. Ain’t need to be a sheriff fer years to know that one.” 

“Believe me, I will.” 

“No manners, I do agree,” Paisley nodded. 

“We’re on high alert since we found out that Jimmy’s father, who was doing life in prison, was in fact Thomas’ brother. We have a feeling that his father will be after Thomas soon enough.” 

“Hopefully not Trin,” Paisley said. 

“So when a man tells me he has business with Thomas... I have to take that seriously. Even if it’s not him,” I said as Cas started to head out. “Add on top of that the fact another man thinks he owns me and will get me in the sack, in spite my telling him I’m unavailable… I’m done takin’ that talk from them.” 

“Try shooting them, could backfire though if their rough types. Could just see it as flirting,” Jackson said. 

“Don’t tempt me," I looked at him and he laughed. I talked with Aley and thanked Jackson for his help. 

Tombstone.

A few minutes later I found Thomas down the street in front of my office and reached out to put a hand on his cheek, making sure he was okay. “Thomas, thank God…” 

“What? Whats wrong?!!” 

“He didn’t find you, did he?” 

Thomas hugged me close and said, “I am here. Who? What are you talking about?” 

“There was a man in Bisbee today. He said he had business to attend to with you and when I asked he said it wasn’t my concern. He said his name was Robert.” 

“Robert? Did he give a last name?” he looked at me, confused. 

“No,” I shook my head. 

“What did he look like?”

“A bit taller than you, cowboy hat, black pants and shirt, had a beard…” 

“Did he say anything else?” 

“He said he had business with Mr. Wallace. Called himself Robert. Said it wasn’t my business what his business with Mr. Thomas was... Said it didn’t matter if I was your woman.. Said something about wanting to do business with me but then seemed like it was with Paisley so I wasn’t sure. Was all crass and flirtatious and a lot rude.” 

“Trin! Do you know where he went? What direction did he go?!!!!” 

“He walked out and I don’t know where he went,” I shook my head and looked in his eyes. “It’s him, isn’t it?” 

“What kind of gun did he have? Or was he unarmed?” 

“It was a... sawed off shotgun. Slung across his back.” 

“I don’t believe it. Why? God why did this have to happen!” Thomas shook his head. 

“Honey, what? Talk to me. It was him wasn’t it? Your brother?” I asked, reaching for his hand with concern. 

“I’m afraid so love. James always favored the shotgun over a rifle or pistol. He is deadly with it too. Also, the way you described him, is almost exactly what the Rangers in Texas told me,” he said and I kicked a stone across the street in anger. “Was anybody else around when you saw him?” 

“Yeah. Cas, Paisley, Rebel, Jackson, Aley…” 

“Trin! Please take Natalie and go back home for a while. I don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“Dear... She’s fine. I’m fine. This is what I do. I told you, I’m not leaving you alone.” 

“But you see how he is. He don’t care. What do you mean he said he would like business with you?” Thomas asked. 

“Sounded like well... you know…” I looked down and shrugged. “But he could have been talking to Paisely. I’m not sure. Felt directed at me though.” 

“Damn him to hell!!!! Where does he get off talking to you like that. Oh I am sure it was, if you told him I was your man.” 

I shifted on my feet, not liking this side of him. “I will be fine, dear. We’re going to figure out how to get rid of him.” 

I looked over and saw Lot giving two dollars to Thomas and said, “Here you two, go git yerselves a room.” 

“Well thanks Lot, that will help pay for his funeral when I get done with him,” Thomas laughed at Lot. 

“Ah heck, yer so funny,” Lot laughed hard. 

I looked down the street then and saw Robert walking over, who I now knew was actually James. I put a hand on Thomas’ shoulder and said, “Thomas…” 

“Well howdy there little brother. I see little blondie found you,” James stated as he walked over to us. 

“What’d I tell you before?” I stared him down. 

“Hello there James,” Thomas greeted him and I looked between the two men. “Long time no see big brother. How does it feel to be outta prison?” 

“It feels mighty good Thomas,” James said. “I see you found you a perty filly there. She shore is a sweet thing. I think I will take her for my own after I kill you. Hows that shoulder feel? I was so shocked to learn you and 3 of those Rangers made it out alive.” 

I glared at James and looked back at Thomas, moving my hand down to my gun. “Say the word honey. He just threatened you.” 

“Tsk tsk tsk, no drawing guns in town now, can’t have a Pinkerton break the law,” Lot mocked. 

“If it’s self defense it ain’t breakin the law,” I looked over at him. 

“It feels fine.Its gonna feel better when I plant you in the ground six feet under James. You ain’t touching my wife James, I will gut you like a fish before I let that happen,” Thomas looked at me and said, “Dear, this is between me and him… would you step over over there with Bree and Jessica?” I swallowed, hearing the word ‘wife’, knowing he added that for affect. 

“Only self defense if he draws first, from what I just saw, you threatened to shoot him,” Lot said. 

“Thomas…” I started and then looked over at Lot. “He just said he’d kill Thomas. He threatened first. I ain’t even got my gun out yet.” 

“Just sayin what I saw and would testify to in a court,” Lot shrugged. 

“Tell me Lot. Someone threatens to shoot the person you love what are you gonna do about it?” 

“I ain’t some hoity toity law person, so it don’t matter what I would do.” 

“There, I’ll walk over here and stand by you without drawin’ my gun. Happy? He’s right, this ain’t my fight,” I sighed and walked over towards Bree and Jess, watching the situation unfold in front of me. 

“You sure think highly of yourself little brother. You have never been about to beat me. What makes you think you can now? I aint gonna bloody the streets with your guts right now. Just so you know, yore time is coming. Also, I want my boy back you sorry son of a…” James started. 

“What? You getting soft in your old age brother. I heard you killed those prison guards and laughed while doing it. Why not end this here and now. Also, Jimmy is away, and you will never get him,” Thomas argued back. 

“James, your are a bastard, and as God as my witness, before this is over, I will dance on your grave,” Thomas growled, making me blink and take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. 

James laughed and slid his shotgun back into his holster. “Thats funny little brother. I will remember that when I marry yore woman and we have children together. I will name the first one Wimpy after you.” 

“I haven’t said a word Bree. I am waiting to carry one of them to surgery,” Jess said then and I rolled my eyes. “I just can understand how he must be feeling right now.” 

I walked over to Thomas, seeing him take his gun out. “Honey let him go. It’s just talk. Please.” 

“Yes, I wanted to kill all the men who put me in that dungeon. Five years in the dark does things to your mind,” Jess went on. 

“James I should kill you right now where you stand. I could do it and get away with it, believe me. After what I heard today, I would probably get an award for blowing your brains out,” Thomas drew his gun and pointed it straight at James’ head. “But there are ladies present, and I don’t feel like spending the night in jail over you right now.” 

James laughed hard and smiled at me. “Trin, I shall see you later for sure, when we can have some alone time together. Little brother, watch yore back, cause yore time is short on the earth I’m afraid.” He turned and walked off, whistling Dixie. 

I cringed at the whistling, my mind going back to almost twenty years ago when the first gang I’d dealt with had used it to taunt me. I went weak in the knees and fell to the ground, fainting with worry and fear. The world was dark until I started to hear Thomas’ voice from the distance. 

“Come on baby, stay with me…” Thomas’ voice was saying and I started to wake as I smelled something awful.

“Alright girl, this is not the time to get weak in the knees,” Jess was saying, fanning me with some salts under my nose. “She’s been out in this heat too long. Probably has not had enough to drink.” 

Thomas held me and brushed my cheek with his hand. “Come on love, stay with me. It’s alright, he’s gone for now.” 

I started to wake up and looked around. “Bill... he’s not... is he?” 

“Trin, love, it’s Thomas, there is no Bill here… it’s ok… I am here baby,” Thomas told me. 

“That song… it…” I started. 

“Come on Trin,” Jess gave me a flask of whiskey. “Here, take a drink.” I nodded to her and drank back the whiskey. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. 

“It’s okay dear…” Thomas said. “Take a drink.” 

“How are you feelin’ Trin?” Jess asked. 

“I…” I reached for Thomas’ hand and started to stand as Thomas held onto me. 

“Easy, don’t rush,” Jess warned. 

“I’m sorry.. it just... That song…” I leaned against him, breathing deeply. 

“Dr. Jessica, do me a favor, the day that man dies here in Tombstone, let him lay dead in the dirt,” Thomas said and gave her some coins. 

“Thomas, I can’t do that,” Jess handed the money back to him. “If there is any breath left in him, I am sworn to try to save him. Besides, I can understand how he is feeling right now. I don’t think his anger is totally towards you.” 

“Thomas please, whatever you do.... let him draw first. I don’t want to have to testify against you in court for murder,” I looked at him firmly. 

“Baby remind me to make sure I don’t leave a breath in him. Doc. that man left me for dead fifteen years ago before he ever went to prison. He is a cold blooded killer, who care about no one but himself. He would soon as soon you and take whatever he could get, than look at you I am sure,” Thomas said. 

“Perhaps you too need to try to talk things out. With a unbias party,” Jess suggested. 

“He may be my brother, but what I said here today, I meant every word. I aim to see him six feet under and I will dance on his grave,” Thomas stated firmly. 

“Sweetheart, are you listening to me? I will not be forced to witness against you for murder. Please don’t let it come to that. I couldn’t bear it,” I looked at him. 

“I won’t dear, but as you noticed, when he walked up, he was already drawn his shotgun, so it would have been self defense. But I didn’t want to kill him in front of you and Miss Jess and Miss Bree unless I had to.” 

“Trin you should sit down for awhile and rest. Get out of the sun,” Jess suggested. 

“Let’s go sit somewhere inside baby, you need to rest a bit and cool down from the heat,” Thomas agreed. 

“That’s what I tried to insist to Lot but he kept chastising me that he would testify I threatened first. Yes alright, let’s go into Kate’s. Jess, thank you for being here,” I sighed. 

“Well knowing Lot, he agrees with James. I wouldn’t trust either one of them as far as I could throw them,” Thomas said. 

“I still don’t want him incriminating me in court.”

“Will you join us Miss Jess?” Thomas asked her as we lead the way to Kate’s. 

“Thanks Thomas. Maybe I can talk to him, Trin,” Jess said. 

“You’re more than welcome. Least I could do for helping the woman I love. Smiles, grabs a bottle and pours everyone a drink. On me ladies so drink up,” Thomas said and we took a shot of whiskey. 

“I know how one feels after bein in prison. You want to kill everyone,” Jess said. 

“Jessica, he escaped from Yuma Territory prison four days ago. They didn’t let him out,” Thomas told her. 

“Still, I can relate to how he must be feeling right now. What did hey put him in there for? If he escaped, he is mighty foolish to come into a populated town with law and put himself up for more imprisonment or death.” 

“The main thing I heard, was he shot a man in the back for supposedly cheatin him at cards. Yet they said James was probably the one cheating. Plus he was wanted in Texas for robbery and the murder of six Texas Rangers.” 

I stayed quiet, still angered at having fainted from that stupid song, and drank more whiskey. 

“Sounds like a very sad man,” Jess shook her head. “Why does he hate you? Forgive me, I overheard the conversation.” 

“Also, Jimmy, is his son, and he wants him, which I ain’t gonna let happen...my nephew isn’t going to grow up that way,” Thomas explained. 

“That’s why Thomas sent Jimmy away for a while. So he won’t get caught up in all this,” I said. 

“Oh I can understand that. The poor child would not understand,” Jess nodded. 

“Well we have never really gotten along, and once he almost killed our mother, and I nearly had to kill him to stop him. Then I was in the posse of Ranger who was tracking his gang fifteen years ago, when they ambushed and killed all but four of us,” Thomas said. 

“Don’t forget he abused his wife…” I added. 

“According to Trin, he abused Jimmy’s mother when he wasn’t looking,” Thomas nodded. I looked at him silently, shaking my head. I’d promised Jimmy that I wouldn’t break his promise of seeing it happen but… 

“Sounds like he lost all traces of decency long ago. Was he abused as a child?” Jess asked. 

“No, for some reason he never like authority. When he was ten, he burned down the schoolhouse cause they whooped him for not attending school,” Thomas said. 

“Sounds like he has some kind of mental problem. Damn I wish Adrian would have let me open that mental hospital,” Jess muttered. 

“Our parents were decent people, they worked hard, and provided the best they could. He has always hated I went off back east to college, and he got nothing. Our parents disowned him shortly before they died, and left me everything. I have tried to make peace with him in the past, I really did. But when he shot me fifteen years ago, and laughed doing it, he crossed the line. I cant forgive him for that.” 

“That seems part of his problem, he hates you for having your parents love and he didn’t. Even if it was his own fault,” Jess said. “But if he has a mental problem, he might not be able to help himself. Why is he so obsessed with you Trin?”

“You are probably right Jess, but he is an adult and can make his own decisions. His problem is he’s been alive too long. But they did say he seemed to be a bit out of it when he escaped. The Rangers I spoke to by telegram, said he didn’t even know who he was at the time,” Thomas said. 

“Well he seems to know exactly who you are baby, and who Jimmy is. He knows exactly what he came here for,” I said. 

“Did he ever take any drugs that you know of?” Jess asked. 

“Yes he does, and thats what scares me most. Did you see how he just walked up with that gun. He didn’t care who was around either,” Thomas said. 

“I did,” I nodded. 

“Maybe not, Trin. Maybe not. He actually didn’t seem like he noticed anyone but the two of you,” Jess said. 

“I don’t know Jess, he supposedly had dealing with other indians, and from what I hear, maybe some bandits from across the border throughout the years. So no telling what he might have gotten into,” Thomas said. 

“I was standing only about twenty feet from him and he didn’t even flinch at my presence,” Jess said. 

“Where was he when you saw him earlier love? You said Cas and some others were around,” Thomas looked at me. 

“At the stock exchange in Bisbee.” 

“Hmmm...I wonder what took him to Bisbee. Did he say anything that may have gave a clue?” 

“Just that he had business with you,” I shook my head. 

“Was he belligerent than as he was a few minutes ago or did he act differently?” Jess asked. 

“He seemed calmer at the saloon.. More... arrogant and crass with me. But now that he knew who I was he was more firm and when he saw Thomas I guess, more serious and determined.” 

“Hmmmm certainly makes me wonder. There goes that mental doctor in me, wanting to help folks like him.” 

“You weren’t the one who fainted. The Detective who’s supposed to be strong and protect,” I told her. 

“Trin, stop knocking yourself down. It was a shock and the sun and not enough water and a lot of stress of the job you have had lately,” Jess said. 

“No. It was that song. That song he whistled as he walked away. It takes me back to a time and place where a gang constantly whistled that tune to taunt me.” 

“Jess, how do we deal with him like he is? What song love?” Thomas asked. 

“Dixie…” 

“Oh!” 

“Maybe that too contributed, but a song is not going to make you faint by it’s self,” Jess said. 

“It reminds me of all the ghosts of my past. And sends me back to a place of fear. Jess, the man who used to whistle that song was the first to shoot me down with a gun. His gang ran me out of the first town I settled in at Colorado. It brings back a world of fear,” I said and Thomas reached over to hold my hand. “I’m sorry dear. I should have just shot him but... it’s not my fight and I know that.” 

“I can understand what you are saying,” Jess said. “I felt cold chills go up my spine when he mentioned prison. I’ve been there, i know what he must have went through.” 

“I am glad you didn’t dear. If you had missed by chance, he would have blown you in half with that shotgun and probably me too before I could get him.” 

“And Lot would call me guilty in court for murder. And you, love.” 

“Lot was not the only one on the street. Bree and I both were there,” Jess told me. 

“I know... But his voice was the loudest in my ear. Aside from Thomas and James.” 

“I just wonder where he got the shotgun and those clothes. They said he was in hi prison stripes when he escaped. Still had his shackles on,” Thomas said. 

“Sheesh, you can’t listen to Lot.” 

“Lot has... a lot of authority in this town, whether we like it or not. The good is outnumbered by the bad and we have to accept that reality and be careful,” I said. 

“Well of course you have to be careful, but don’t go stressing over it. There are always other ways,” Jess said. 

“I just hate being told how to do my job. Or how to protect those I love.” 

“Yeah, I think Lot was just being a smart-ass like he usually is. He goes whichever way the wind blows I think,” Thomas said. 

“You are going to get that all yer life, you may as well learn how to shrug it off and do what you know is the right thing to do,” Jess said. 

“I know and I’ve been trying to overcome that for years Jess. It all goes back to that song. But I wasn’t going to draw my weapon today. Not until James fired a bullet at Thomas,” I told her. 

“Well one good thing my love, Jess was just a few feet away, talk about fast response,” Thomas smiled. 

“I’m grateful for that,” I nodded. 

“Then the first thing is you need to learn how to deal with the song in your mind so that it no longer has a hold on you and doesn’t control you,” Jess said. 

“Sure, I’ll get right on that... Seeing as it still has power over me almost fifteen years later.” 

“I was on the curb watchin. I normally don’t stick my nose in other peoples business but I really felt someone was goin to get shot so I stayed to help the victim,” Jess said. 

“I promise never to whistle that tune around you baby, I had no idea it effected you in that way,” Thomas looked over at me. 

“The man that whistled it not only was the first one to gun me down, but he also killed my best friend right in front of me. Or so I thought. Sayler turned up months later perfectly alive but the point still stands.” 

“I am sorry about that Trin, I know it has left you with some terrible memories,” Jess said. 

“I am working on a book about it all. A way of getting it on paper and putting it closed and keeping it in the past. Hopefully it will help heal.” I looked over at Thomas and asked, “Dear... Are you alright?” 

Thomas downed his shot of whiskey and then put down the glass. “Yeah, I’m ok. I am just worried about Jimmy. James is his father, but how can James take care of him or treat him right? How will he take it if his father dies in Tombstone?” 

“That is one way, And if you ever need a friend to talk to, I am here and I am sworn to secrecy. So you don’t have to worry about me blabbing to anyone,” Jess said. 

“Thank you, Jess. I appreciate that a lot.” 

“You know I wont say anything to anyone baby,” Thomas said. 

“Honey, I am more worried about you right now,” I looked over at him. 

“I am ok. I am just trying to take in the fact I just stared down the barrel of a shotgun at my brother for the first time in fifteen years.” 

“Children are very versatile, they understand a lot more than we give them credit for. I am sure he already knows a lot about his father. Probably more than you think he does,” Jess said. 

I reached over and rubbed Thomas’ back gently. “I’m sorry darling, and I go on about my reaction. This is about you and your family.” 

“You two should go over to Shucks and dance awhile, take your mind off the situation.. And Thomas you need to try to not let your Brother goat you. Maybe a lot of it is mouth!” Jess exclaimed. 

“I just don’t understand Trin. Why didn’t I pull the trigger. I had him in my sights, and could have ended this all right then, but I didn’t. I so wanted to kill him, but I couldn’t do it.” 

“Because you’re a good man, sweetheart. That’s why. And that’s what makes me love you. Jess is right, we should go dance for a while and take our minds off all of this.” 

“Yes, I think you are both right. I need to just get my mind off this before I got nuts.” 

“And here is a surprise. Underneath everything I am sure that you love him despite no matter how bad he has become,” Jess grinned. 

Thomas looked at Jess and shook his head. “I don’t think so Miss Jessica. If so, it must be down in my heel where I walk on it every day.” 

I took his hand and said, “Let’s go find Shucks, shall we dear?” 

We paid for our drinks and headed to the saloon for the dance. We had a good time and tried to let the stresses of the day wash away.