December 19, 1900

Tombstone.

I walked down the street and saw Joe sitting in front of the undertaker’s office. “Joe, just who I was hoping to see.” 

“Me? Why?” He asked, looking confused. 

“Have you heard any chatter around Ghenna about me recently?” I asked with a serious expression on my face, stepping closer to him. 

“Nope, I honestly can say I have heard nothing about you.” Joe rubbed his chin and looked at me. “Why?” 

“I got a death threat nailed to the cabinet in my kitchen with a dagger and there was some blood I noticed there with WB traced on the wood. No name left behind. Said the hangman’s noose would be tight ’round my neck. And to watch my back.” 

“And so ya think Ghenna, but up where I am I dint see much folks around.” Joe paused again. “Most folks ignore me unless there bleeding.” 

“I think Wild Bunch, and they hang out in Ghenna,” I said with a sigh. “So I was just wondering if you’d heard talk. But I guess they wouldn’t be stupid to talk about it in public like that. Joe, they were in my house. In Bisbee. We just moved there... Thomas, me, the kids... How did they find out? What if the kids had been home? What if….” I started to panic again and told myself to calm down. 

“Hell, you’re a detective. What the hell you expect? Folks don’t like folks poking in other people’s business. Some might say irresponsible having kids around with a job like yours.” 

I sighed and looked away. “I’m not surprised it’s happening... it’s probably in response to that hanging trial I won against one of their members. I’d just like to know who it is.” 

Joe sighed. “Hell, ya know what this place is like. There are no secrets.” He shook his head and said, “Why I keep myself to myself mostly. Well, guess ya need the law to look into it then, Have ya reported it?” 

“I’ve been lookin’ ’for someone to report it to. Thomas has jurisdiction there, but there’s nothing we can do until we figure out who did it... so that’s my plan now. Not that I have a plan, other than just talkin’ to people right now. At least I know what gang it is.” 

“Well unless it’s another gang trying to get that gang in trouble.” 

“Another good thought. Joe... I’m fine with solving other people’s crimes but... when it’s threats to me and my family I.. my brain turns to mush.” 

“Well you are both basically law, so I guess you had better get used to it.” 

“Yeah, I should. Surprised it doesn’t happen more often than it does, I guess.” 

“Yep.” He took his flask out and drank from it. “Which means ya should watch your kids more.” 

I nodded, knowing that too. “Just wish it wasn’t such a ghost town.” 

“Which one?” Joe laughed with a smile. “Most time I am in Ghenna, it’s very quiet. So why ya leave Pearce?” 

“We thought it would be more central to everything... and with all the gunfights there on payroll day... it didn’t seem safe. Guess we were safer there, huh? We also needed a bigger house for the four of us. and I’ve always loved Bisbee.” 

“Aye my first place was Bisbee.” Joe nodded and chuckled. “Ghenna suits me now. It’s safest town I know.” 

“Mine too. Is where all the major life events happen... Is where I sing… Is between my two offices…” 

“Yep not heard ya sing for a while.” 

“It’s been going well. Lots of people are starting to come out. Been doing Christmas songs the last few weeks.” 

“Hate Christmas,” Joe said and muttered. 

“Of course you do.” 

“Well season of hypocrisy. Folks can enjoy if they wish but I’ll stick with doing things my way.” 

“How are things with you and Bianca?” I sighed, hoping to change the subject. 

“Oh things are fine. She has put up a tree. I have modified it a little,” he said with a grin. 

“I’ll bet you did.” I chuckled. 

“Has a skull instead of a star on top and two of my ravens.” 

“Not surprised. Bet she loves that.” 

“It’s a compromise, but things are going well so far. She even puts up with me drunk, not many would. You’re settled down well now, so that’s good.” 

“Yeah... took me long enough but I think this one’s actually gonna stick around... It’s already hit a record... No man has ever stayed around this long.” 

“Well I hope so, you deserve it.” 

“Thanks Joe, that means a lot. Comin’ from you.” I winked at him. 

“Maybe I am not the best there.” Joe laughed. 

“Well... you were the last man I kissed before I met Thomas…” I blushed a bit. “But it wasn’t meant to be.” 

“Yeah I know, and your happy now, and ya always have a drunken friend.” 

“And you’re happy now too.” I smiled. “Well... as happy as Joe Vyper can be.” 

“Well if I drink, I dint remember whether happy or sad, so it’s a good balance.” 

“I know how you feel. Soon as I got that note... we went to Annie’s and announced to them about it.. then danced and drank ’till we forgot about it.” 

“Hell must be bad, I have never resorted to Annie’s.” 

“Well I was there with Thomas so it wasn’t for the girls... or the men... it was just to escape a while. We hadn’t been dancing together for a while so it was long overdue.” 

“Not sure when I had a dance last.” Joe checked his watch and stood. “I need to head out. Was good to see ya, Trin, and stay safe.” 

He headed home and I walked over to the office to get some paperwork done.