This morning I was sitting in front of the hotel and talked with Jeff and a woman named Abi. She said she was helping out at the orphanage and I told them that it had been a hard week. I looked over and saw James walk over and cringed, looking at Abi. “Abi, you might want to take Jeff inside.”
“Okay,” Abi said. “Let’s go inside.” She led Jeff back to the orphanage and I looked back over at James expectantly.
“What do you want, James?”
“Well howdy sister in law...hi ma’am and little boy. Awww now why did you go and tell them to go inside? I don’t hurt kids or women. Well, not kids anyway.”
“Because I’m not stupid, James. What do you want?”
“Naw, you ain’t stupid, you are the most beautiful thing I ever laid eyes on. Why don’t you dump that loser brother of mine, and see what a real man is?”
“Because I love that brother of yours. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me in a very long time.”
“You know I am going to kill him dont you? And if you get in the way, I will have to kill you too, which I would really hate to, cause then you wont be so perty no more.”
“Not if I can help it. You stay away from him and go back to where you came from. Law’s probably looking for you by now.”
“Now you now I cant go back dear Trin, they would probably hang me back there in that prison. I hate to stay here and see that you and my brother don’t get to live happily ever after.”
“Why are you so intent on ruining your brother’s life?”
“Cause he is a sorry bastard, who got his whole life handed to him, and I got skunk spit.”
“Right, because you didn’t deserve the treatment you got?” I asked sarcastically. A wolf wandered over then and whined and whimper. James spit tobacco juice at it. “You’re not going to get me, or my brother. So just find something else to occupy your time with somewhere else.” I walked past him, shoving him in the shoulder on the way.
“Yeah, well I saw to my lovely ma and pa in the end too. Oh and those two guards I killed escaping, they got what they deserved,” James spun then and drew his gun. “Hold it right there you trollup!!!” I blinked, turning to see the gun, and reached for mine. “Yeah I will follow a bit.”
“Drop the gun, James.”
“I wouldn’t do that, little lady!”
“I mean it. Put the gun away,” I aimed the gun at him.
“If I can’t have you Trin, I will make sure my brother wont get you either… now lay down the gun, and I won’t have to hurt you.”
“You lay yours down first,” I continued to point my gun at him. “Get out of our town. I mean it.”
James smiled big and looked at me. “You cant shoot me dear. I’m going to be your new husband. Yore gonna bear me kids to replace that runt son of mine.”
“IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE??” Chris shouted then.
“I’m not dropping my gun. I’m not dropping my gun.”
It was at that instant that James pulled the trigger and I went down to the ground, the world going black as he shouted, “That will fix my brother you stupid woman!!!”
I continued to lay in darkness and then started to wake up slowly as I saw Zan looking down at me. “Dang... what happened here?”
“Zan.... My leg…” I started to stand but my leg hurt too much.
“Need some help Detective?”
“The… Clinic…” I nodded and grunted with pain.
“Yea doc time I think,” Zan said and helped me towards the clinic. I lay on the bed, feeling the pain surge through me, and then I started to go unconscious again. By the time I woke up, I smelt salts under my nose and winced at the pain in my leg as I cried out, gripping Jess’ arm as tears fell down my face.
“That’s a girl. I need you awake.. the cocaine should be taking effect any minute now,” Jess told me.
“HOLYYYYY HELLOOOO!” Chris shouted then and I looked over at him, wincing as Jess continued to take the bullet out of my leg and wiped the wound.
Thomas walked into the clinic then and came over to me. He had tears in his eyes and a dead look on his face. I was waiting for an “I told you so” and he looked down at me and asked, “Trin......was it him? That’s all you need to tell me right now.”
I winced as Jess stitched up my leg and simply nodded to Thomas, tears falling down. Thomas took off his hat and put it on a nearby stool. “It’s ok. But you know now I gotta kill him. No matter what, I am gonna kill that son of a bit..”
“How are you feelin’ Trin?” Jess asked.
“It’s... tender... hurts like hell…”
“How’s the pain?”
“Doc is she going to be ok?” Thomas squeezed my hand.
“I can give you some laudaumn to help.”
“She is going to hurt for a few days, the bullet pierced the bone so it is going to be sore for awhile. You need help to sit up.”
Angel was arguing with Chris and Zan over how Zan had accidentally shot him and now Angel was going to have to arrest Zan, and Thomas glared over at them asking, “Where was the law when my bastard brother gunned down my love in the street?”
“Well for one, it happened in Benson. Not your jurisdiction. Second, it was on private property. And third. I am NOT filing charges!” Chris exclaimed.
Jess handed me a bottle of laudaumn and I gripped Thomas, shaking my head. “I should have... I tried to... but I…”
“Ansar, I need you at zeh doc!” Angel shouted then.
“Coming!” Ansar shouted back.
“Honey... paper... Need to... write down.. For Angel…”
Thomas helped me sit up and Ansar walked over as Jess looked at me and said, “Sorry I had to cut yer jeans.”
“I have others... Thanks for... being here…” I shrugged at Jess.
“Thank you Doc for being here..and for taking care of Trin,” Thomas said to her.
Angel and Ansar were busy talking with Chris and Zan about their shooting, paying absolutely no attention to the fact that I was injured, and I looked at Thomas. “Thomas… paper…” Thomas looked around and handed me a piece of paper to write on. I wrote out a statement quickly and called out, “Angel! Angel... you want... somethin’ to do…?”
“In juzt a moemnt miz Trin,” she said and I stared blankly.
“I saw your brother earlier this evening Thomas,” Jess said then. “I tried to send him in another direction. Seems I didn’t get it right.”
“Yeah. Go find the guy who shot a Pinkerton!” Chris exclaimed then and I stared blankly.
“That’s ok Doc, where I am sending him, he’s is going to need lots of water that no one will give him,” Thomas told her.
“Are they seriously... ignoring..?” I looked at Thomas then finally.
“So Angel... Go find the vile man who shot Trin,” Chris told her.
“Don’t worry baby, this is where frontier justice will prevail,” Thomas shook his head at me.
“Do I mean nothing?” I looked at Thomas.
“I heard something about Thomas’ brother. I assumed that’s who shot Trin,” Chris said.
“Assume?” Ansar asked.
“You mean everything, but it appears right now they got their heads up their butt,” Thomas helped me stand from the bed.
“I have a damn statement if anyone cares,” I said angrily.
“So you don’t know? You didn’t see them?” Ansar asked.
“I didn’t see. Just from listening to what was going on since I got here,” Chris said.
I didn’t stand up yet and leaned against Thomas as Ansar said, “You keep them here. I’ll just ask Trin. She should have seen the shooter.”
“I can tell you who did it Ansar!! I didn’t have to see the bastard to know who did it,” Thomas said.
“Sorry,” Angel shook her head and walked over to me. I handed her the report angrily and gripped my leg as I reached for more whiskey.
“Trin, did you see who shoot you?” Ansar asked.
“Yes, I saw who shot me. I talked to him before he did it,” I looked at Ansar.
“Chris seams confused, first he says it was a gal, now its a man. What he going to say next a three legged cat..” Ansar asked.
“Hell yes she saw who shot her...what kind of question is that?!!!!” Thomas exclaimed.
“See? It was a ‘hi’m!” Chris chuckled.
“So a he? What did he look like?” Ansar asked.
“Good assumption, Pastor Chris. Thank you Pastor Chris,” Chris shook his head.
“Get a name?” Ansar asked.
“Calm down, Thomas,” Angel told him.
“Ansar, I gave the statement to Angel. It happened here. Unlike whatever that was that happened somewhere else.”
“Ansar, I got zis you please go handle miz Zannza and Christopher,” Angel told him.
“Well, can I have a copy though?” Ansar asked.
“Ansar, his name is James Robert Wallace,” Thomas said.
I took another piece of paper and wrote him a copy, handing it to him. I tried to stand and almost fell over.
“Trin, lean on me dang it,” Thomas held me up in his arms and I gripped him tightly.
“Is she okay, Thomas?” Chris asked.
“I need... cane or something,” I said.
“Take it eazy for a bit Trin. You’re safe here,” Angel said.
“No, right now you need to be home and resting.”
“Well if you think of any more details let us know. BUT if I find out your lying to me, I’ll lock you away for a very long time Chris,” Ansar said to him.
“Umm... Lying about what, exactly?” Chris chuckled.
“I want to kill him. I want him dead. He won’t come here and ruin our lives. I won’t let him,” I leaned against the table.
“All I know Ansar, iz I valked in and he said his vife shot him and finally he said it happend in Benson,” Angel went on.
“Ansar, why not do something constructive, like go play in front of a runaway wagon,” Thomas rolled his eyes.
“If Chris isn’t pressing charges you can’t arrest his wife,” I said and put a hand on Thomas’ shoulder.
“Sure ve can shooting vihtout killing vepon unholsterd and vepon used in crime,” Angel said. “Only part ved tack on is unvantd harassment ifin he vanted to press charges.”
“He aint helping this Angel, and I don’t have time to stand here playing tiddly winks while my brother runs around out there killing people, Thomas said.
“Ansar iz dealing vith Zannza and Christopher not this case,” Angel said. “I’m handling this case. Iz mine juresdiction.”
“She’s right honey,” I told him.
“Well according to Angel you told her a deferent story. I can arrest, breaking the law is breaking the law. I can’t charge her for shooting him if he don’t press charges. but drawing a gun in town and using it in a crime is still valid,” Ansar said.
“Don’t worry about Ansar,” I looked at him desperately, knowing that emotions were high.
“Oh don’t worry, I will be the one to find him...and when I do...well lets just say, bring Joe the undertaker, cause thats all you will need,” Thomas said.
“Thomas…” I tried to stop him.
“If this man vanders out of Tombstone I cannot touch him but Ansar can,” Angel said. “You’re not law, sirz. Let the law handle zis. Revenge shooting iz a hanging offence in this territory.”
“For the last time... I was pranking my wife. I jumped the wall outside our house and startled her as a joke. After what she went through not long ago, her reflexes got her. No crime was committed... Lord help... I think I need to put up some special prayers for the law folk in this town,” Chris said.
Thomas rolled his eyes at Angel and looked at me. “You ready to go home dear?”
“You listen to me... They have his name now... they will take care of him. Please baby…” I looked at Thomas in the eye.
“I vill talk him down Miz Trin. Ve vill find zis man and bring him to justice,” Angel promised me.
“Trin, I’ll be praying for you and Thomas,” Chris told us.
“Thank you Chris…” I sighed.
“Breaking the law ain’t no joke,” Ansar said.
“Of course. Who’s joking?” Chris asked.
“Thomas…” I started as Thomas looked in my eyes. I fell against him, feeling the pain in my leg.
“Let’s go home dear,” he said, holding me close.
“Thank you... Truly…” I looked at Angel. “Thomas is really the man James wants…”
“Looks like I ave a varrant to go vright,” Angel nodded.
“He just... went after me to scare Thomas…” I said.
“Vell Thomas needs to calm down and let uz do our jobs ve vill get him,” Angel said.
“Please appreciate the seriousness from his perspective, Angel…” I told her. “His brother just shot down the woman he loves…”
“Today, if he hasn’t left town,” Ansar said.
“No ma, he ran off again...I will bring him home I promise,” Thomas muttered.
“I get that miz but the law iz the law can’t go about creating your own juztice,” Angel said. “Iz a hanging crime.”
“I know. He knows,” I looked at Thomas firmly.
“Yup, revenge shooting. Can get hung for that,” Ansar echoed.
“So less he vants to lose you for good, he juzt needs to count hiz blessings and let uz take it form here,” Angel said.
“Yup,” Ansar nodded.
“Thomas, think of Trin... She needs you. Now more than ever... Let the law handle it... Please,” Chris insisted.
“You got me and Ansar, so not only vill ve be looking in town ve vill have Ansar’s help to keep track in the vhole territory,” Angel promised.
“I know hon... I know…” I nodded to them.
“Ma, can we go home, let Jimmy have his fun, its supper time ain’t it?” Thomas looked at me with a tired look.
“Go on you two. I’ll take it from here,” Angel said.
“Oh, I thought you left, Chris,” Ansar said to him.
“Zan and I met the man last night. We’ll keep our eyes open and let you know if we see him about,” Chris said.
“Danke Christopher,” Angel nodded.
“Baby... are you alright?” I asked Thomas and reached for a cane to use.
“He was acting kinda peculiar,” Chris nodded.
Suddenly Thomas shook his head and blinked and began to cry. “Trin… Shot… Brother… Oh my gosh!”
I bit my lip and reached for Thomas, gripping him tightly. “It’s okay baby... I’m okay..”
“Alvright am going to mine office to vork on zis varrant. Vant to join me libeling?” Angel asked Ansar.
“We just... need a minute…” I nodded to Angel.
“TRIN!!!!!! You are alive!!!! I am so sorry sorry sorry I wasn’t there!” Thomas grabbed my arms and looked at me as if he was seeing me for the first time.
“Darling I’m okay... shh... it’s alright,” I reached up to put a hand on his cheek as Angel and Ansar left.
“It’s just a flesh wound…” I tried to convince myself.
“W...where are we? How did I get in here? I was just outside when Zan told me…” Thomas looked around.
“Shh... it’s okay... we’re in... the clinic. It’s okay…” I gripped him, leaning on my cane.
“Here is something for the pain,” Jess said and gave me a small bottle of laudaumn. “Try to stay off of it.”
Thomas wiped his eyes and asked, “Doc, did you treat her? Is she going to be ok? How bad is it? Anything I can do?”
“Yes I treated her, she is goin to be better in a few days. Help keep her from walking on it anymore than she has too,” Jess told him.
“I will do that Doc...thank you so much...do I owe you anything?” Thomas asked.
“What ever you want, but you don’t have to.”
“There you go Doc for all you do,” Thomas said and paid her some coins as Chris and Zan continued to talk.
“Home…?” I looked at him and then turned, “I want to see how Chris is..”
“Yes, let’s get you home and off that leg,” Thomas nodded.
“You take care now,” Chris said to me.
“Chris… Are you alright?” I asked him.
“I’m fine,” he nodded.
“What... not enough nannies around?” I winked at Zan.
“Just a little funny story to tell Leo when he gets bigger,” Chris said.
“Hey Chris, what happened to ya bud?” Thomas asked.
“Now don’t you two worry about meals for a day or so.. I will bring some by so Trin does not have to mess with that,” Zan looked at Thomas.
“Oh Zan, thank you…” I smiled at her.
“Zan is a fantastic cook,” Chris smiled.
“Maybe the four of us….” I started.
“Oh you are a sweetheart Zan, I am glad, cause all I know how to cook is beans and burn water,” Thomas smiled.
“Are you ok Thomas?” Chris asked.
“Chris maybe you two… Could come over with us to Pearce?” I suggested. “We’ve been wanting to get together with you for so long…”
“Umm I think so, I got a bit of a headache, but I guess its the weather. I just want to get Trin home and off that leg,” Thomas said.
“Felt like a cannon shot at it,” I leaned against my cane.
“Yes you do need to do that. Trin, when we both heal up some, we’ll all go dancing or something. You need rest tonight,” Chris said.
“Alright,” I nodded.
“We would like that very much,” Zan smiled. “Maybe when we drop some food off for you.. we can stay a bit.”
“Yeah, dancing would be nice...maybe at Kate’s, or that place we were at last night dear,” Thomas suggested.
“Yes, Shucks or whatever it’s called…” I nodded. “I would like that Zan. We have a lot to catch up on.”
“Good idea, love,” Chris smiled.
“Just um.. do be careful please?” Zan said. “Yes, yes we do.”
“We’ll bring Leo to see you,” Chris said.
“Only if you two will stop dualing in your yard,” I looked at her. “There’s designated places for that you know,” I winked, trying to keep the mood light and Chris laughed.
“Oh we will, I am sure Angel will get whoever did this. They are such animals for shooting women,” Thomas said.
“What do you mean, ’whoever did this’? You know who did this,” I looked at him.
“Well I think I might have to start leaving my gun um far from reach,” Zan said.
“Well, get her home, Thomas. We’ll see you both soon,” Chris grinned at Zan and said, “Feel better Trin.”
“Take care, you two,” I nodded to them both.
“You two as well,” Zan said.
“Oh right, you said you saw him right?” Thomas looked at me, confused.
We said goodbye to Chris and and headed home.
Pearce.
“Welcome home love. Are you ok?” Thomas asked as we walked inside.
“Help me up the stairs, love?” I asked and he picked me up, carrying me upstairs and setting me on the bed softly. I set the cane on the floor and pulled him down beside me on the bed. “Need to stop getting shot…”
“Trin, I am so sorry this happened.”
“It’s not your fault…”
“But…”
“Thomas…” I said as he held me in his arms. “I should have just kept walking but I turned. It’s my own fault.”
“How did you know he would shoot you? He is unpredictable.”
“He told me he wanted to kill me Thomas. If I got in the way of killing you. He said ’hold it right there’ and I turned.”
“He really is a mad man. Was anybody else around to see it happen?” Thomas shook his head in disbelief.
“I thought maybe... if I could get him to shoot at me I could shoot him down and report him for it. Then the law would arrest him. And he could hang. Not that I tried to get shot but.. I thought I could outsmart him and shoot him down after he fired the first shot. But I wasn’t good enough.”
“But Trin, you should have known, thats a shotgun he’s carrying, its a wonder there was any of you left.”
“I’m a Detective, Hon. I thought…” I took a pillow and through it across the room. “I forgot Sam’s words. I forgot the whole point of what I do. In that moment all I wanted to do was shoot him down. For wanting to ruin us. And kill you.”
“I am just glad you are alive. And as much as it goes against everything inside me, I gotta let Angel and the others handle it.”
“So do I. I’m no use to them dead, like Sam told me long ago. My first boss. He said the information I gain is more important than the battles I fight. But I just… I wasn’t gonna let him talk to me like that.”
“Baby, you were trying to protect us, our family, you, me, Jimmy and Natalie.”
“I should have let the law handle it. I guess in some ways I was trying to force his hand but… I thought I…”
“I still don’t know what happened to me at the clinic. I swear I don’t remember ever going inside. That scared me when I saw you all of a sudden.”
“It scared me when I heard you talking too dear... Something about letting Jimmy having his fun…”
“Huh?”
“You said.. ‘no ma... he ran off again...I will bring him home I promise.’ Then you said, ‘ma, can we go home, let Jimmy have his fun, its supper time ain’t it.’” I reached over to caress his cheek, still wincing from the pain in my leg as I moved.
Thomas shook his head and said, “Oh my gosh! Trin that was… it can’t be.”
“What dear?” I looked at him.
“I use to call James Jimmy growing up, and well, he used to run off getting in trouble, and I would always tell ma I would go get him and bring him home for supper. But we were like six and ten or something....that was years ago.”
“So you were... remembering that... in the clinic..?”
“I don’t know...I don’t even remember saying it, or even walking into the clinic...the last thing I remember before seeing you, was asking Zan how she was, and that she told me you had been shot. What else did I say? Or do?”
“It was weird... you came in and were fine... talked about wanting to kill Thomas right in front of Ansar and Angel but then I insisted you knew it was a serious crime... Then you randomly started talking about Jimmy.”
“Trin, I don’t know what happened out there, but I don’t remember one bit of that,” Thomas rubbed his forehead. He pulled the blanket over us and blew out the candle light near the bed, pulling me close as we fell asleep.
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