December 22, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street and saw Tom talking with Seth and his son Thomas and a woman named Opal. I greeted them and Tom asked how the kids were doing. I told him that they were at home reading together and we continued to talk about how hard it was to keep everyone straight in this town. I commented on the fact that I only loved one Thomas, though I knew four men named Thomas, and he kissed me happily. 

“Seth you wouldn’t know who might own two white mares around here would you?” Thomas asked him after a while. 

“I know that the Hammerthall ranch has a couple horses that keeps getting out their gates every so often,” Seth said. 

“Found some horses did you hon?” I looked at Tom curiously. 

“Reason I ask, is I came across two white mares running loose in town last night. I don’t know who they belonged to. But were both hungry and seemed to have been running wild a while.” 

“If they have the brand of HR on it it’s a Hammerthall ranch horse.” 

“I didn’t notice any brand actually, but then I didn’t look very close.. I brought them to the coral and fed and watered them, I come back this morning, and they were gone.” 

“Sly horses,” Seth commented. 

“Hmm.. interesting. Maybe wild horses?” I asked. 

“Might be,” Tom said with a nod. 

“That must be it,” Seth agreed. 

A man named Banta came over and introductions were made. He said he was here five years ago and there was a gang called the Devil’s Rejects that terrorized the town. Seth knew about them, but I said that I hadn’t seen any of the Devil’s Rejects in ages. Banta said that it was sad about Sheriff Georgia and I agreed that it sounded like she was a legend. We talked about how the Wild Bunch was the main gang these days and Banta asked about a man named TP Spad, but we hadn’t heard of him. Seth said he’d heard stories about the man who was apparently head banker in Tombstone. Banta asked about Marky Bu and that didn’t sound familiar either. The man left and we commented on how strange the interaction had been, since so many of those names were unfamiliar. 

The boy named Thomas talked about wanting to visit his parents’ graves, and said that he was half Lakota and Seth said he’d adopted the boy. Thomas commented on the fact that many seemed to have Indian in them. I told them about how I was working on my memoirs from the time before Tombstone, and how I was at a part that I wished I could skip. 

“Well I hate to leave good company folks, but if you would excuse me, I have some rounds to make,” Thomas said eventually. 

“Care for some company, dear?” I asked him. 

“Sure my dear. I much rather have you by my side than do it alone.” 

“Lead the way, darling.” I grinned and took his hand as we walked away from the others. 

Thomas stopped in front of the cemetery and looked over at me. “Dear, I don’t know if you want to come any further. I just got to ummmm...see my brother for a moment.” 

I nodded, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll wait here for you and give you some space, darling.” 

Thomas nodded and removed his hat, walking towards the cemetery slowly. I said a silent prayer of peace for him and then he came back towards me with tears running down his cheeks. “This time of year was always his favorite.” 

I nodded, reaching for his hand as I pulled him close and held him tightly. “I understand dear... I’m missing my father at this time of year too. And my family... they feel so far away at this time of year…” 

Thomas hugged me tight and said, “I just don’t understand it. I guess the talk about family and Thomas and Seth just brought up feelings. Plus it being so close to Christmas. Do you think I should let Jimmy come visit his father?” 

I nodded and held him close, rubbing his back. “I understand, dear. I really do. I’m here for you anytime, love. And yes… I think it would be a good idea to have Jimmy visit his father. He should have that connection.” 

Thomas kissed me deeply and said, “I just didn’t want him to come to early. I know its still fresh in his little heart. I just want to protect him Trin. Like I want to protect Natalie and you.” 

We turned then and headed from the cemetery. 

*** 

A few hours later, I went to Annie’s where people were bowling in the alley that had been set up. Paisley asked me how I was doing and I said, “I’m doing alright. Been a rough weekend but we’re making it.” 

“Any leads?” Paisley asked. 

“None so far though Downy was acting suspicious yesterday.” 

Paisley suggested that I try to bowl a round and so I did so, enjoying the fun activity for a while. I did pretty well and Paisley said I might even get a trophy later. We drank some whiskey and a Native woman came in, named Mouse.

“How are things at the village?” I asked her in Apache. 

“Slow but we are still kicking.” 

“I understand. It is a small tribe now.” 

“Yes we just lost a war chief he is now chief of another tribe. I must go for now good to see you all.” 

The woman left as quickly as she came and then I decided I should head home as well and said goodbye to the others as I walked out.