February 17, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked towards Kate’s this afternoon and smiled seeing Chris sitting in front of the saloon. “Hey there,” I said as I waved to him. 

“Hey Detective.” 

“How are you doing today, Chris?” 

“I’m okay…” He said and then dozed off, more than likely feeling somewhat hungover from the night before. 

Tiffany walked over then and greeted us and I asked how she was doing and she said she was doing well.

“Question for you... have you seen any strange behavior around the Russ Hotel since Valentine’s day?” I asked her. 

“Russ Hotel?” She looked around, unsure. 

“The hotel just down the street here.” I nodded and pointed to the left. 

“No. Why, may I ask?” Tiffany asked with worry. 

“Just looking into a case... wondering if you’d seen any outlaws around there. Or anyone a little too curious about a woman’s wherabouts.” 

Tiffany shook her head and Chris woke up from his dazed state and greeted her. “I try to stay to myself,” Tiffany said. 

I nodded to her and looked at Chris. “"Was wondering if we could talk about Lauren Lyric.” 

“Sure.” Chris shrugged and Tiffany went on with her walk. 

“So... I understand you helped Lauren with her bags, Chris?” I asked him when we were alone. 

“Well, to the door of her room. I told her about the Russ.” 

“So did she tell you anything about where she came from... why she was in town... any of that?” 

“Not a lot. Just she was thinking about settling here.” 

“Any occupation in mind?” I asked. 

He thought about it but then Lauren herself came over, looking disturbed about something. “Miss Paige I’m so glad to see you. I think someone way trying to get into my room this morning.” 

“Oh really?” 

“I was scared to death.” 

“What happened, hun?” I asked her and got out another witness statement and wrote while she talked. 

“I was about to get out of bed when I heard the door nob wiggle. I called out asking who was there but all I heard was heavy breathing.” 

“Go on..” I nodded, writing. 

“I was to scared to open the door so I just waited till they left.” 

“They leave anything behind? Anyone else around in the hotel?” 

“Not this time.” 

“Interesting…” 

“I think they were to shocked that I was still in my room. I did sleep in a little later than normal today.” 

“That’s strange that they didn’t leave anything. Clearly the motive is to scare you.. not to hurt you... yet.” 

Tiffany came back and stood nearby while we talked as Lauren said, “I crept out of my room to look around but I didn’t see anyone.” 

“I can’t recall anything like this around here for as long as I’ve been here,” Chris said. 

“So you think the rose is still some kind of calling card Miss Trin?” 

Well... in my professional opinion… I think that someone is trying to get your attention. Who it is or why is the mystery. But by sneaking around your room, or leaving something without a message… Leaves me to believe they’re trying to scare you.” 

Lauren put her hands on her hips and said, “If they want my attention then they need to stop hiding in the shadows and say something to me in person.” 

“Yes, that would be easier.” I nodded. “But that’s why I think they’re trying to scare you.” 

“Hell it’s not like I’m going to bite,” she muttered, making Chris chuckle. 

I looked over at him and asked, “Something you’d like to share with the group?” 

“Well, that was funny! The way she said that... Little lady acting all tough,” he said with a grin. 

“Don’t underestimate the ability of a lady, Chris.” 

“I mean if they get in my way when I’m cookin or sewing I might hit them with a rolling bin or poke them with a needle,” Lauren said. 

I nodded and held out my hand as if that proved my point and looked at Chris. “See?” 

“Oh, I know. I’ve been shot about six times since I’ve lived here... all women,” he said with a cough. I smirked, since I knew most of those stories. “Buncha devil spawns in powder and paint…” He mumbled and I chuckled. 

Jade and Lizzy walked over then and I asked them if they’d been around the hotel down the street lately, but neither of them had. 

“Well I don’t know how to handle a weapon Mr Chris so you don’t have worry about me shooting you,” Lauren told Chris and he just grinned. 

I updated my statement that I had written and handed it to Lauren. “Make sure that’s right and we won’t have to resign and all that.” 

Dave Norwood walked over then and I looked at him, asking if he’d been to the Russ lately. He hadn’t though, and seemed rather interested in Lauren. When he heard the last name, Dave asked if she was Chris’ sister. I told them I would appreciate any information as Dave kissed Lauren’s hand. Chris asked how Dave’s wife was and he said that Meg was doing well. Bree came over and greeted us then and we in turn greeted her.

“Seems our children have taken a liking to one another.” I looked at Dave with a smile. 

“Yeah well I know Natalie has for Buster, but Buster is well he kinda not there yet Trin,” Dave told me. 

“Well he’s only a child. She’s becoming a woman so she’s trying to figure out those feelings, I guess.” 

“He turned ten actually the other day.” 

“S’pose I’ll have to have that talk with her soon.” I sighed.

“How old is Nat now, Trin?” Bree asked. 

“She’s twelve,” I told her. 

“Twelve? Already?” Chris blinked. “She’ll be marrying off soon.” 

“Oh yep, t’is that time,” Bree said. “Darn I hate they grow so fast. Nat is so smart already.” 

“Not excited about that talk. Maybe I should make Thomas give it,” I said and winked at Bree.

“Well Buster can barely manage his chores, so I don’t need the little runt getting all goo goo for a girl,” Dave said. 

Dave continued to talk to Lauren about how beautiful she was and I asked Bree if she’d seen anything weird around the Russ lately, but she hadn’t. Dave continued to use the line that he’d seen Lauren before somewhere and I gave him a look that said ‘be careful’. 

Thomas walked over then and I jumped up to greet him, kissing him deeply in front of everyone. He held me close and greeted me and I asked him, “How are you doing, sweetheart?” 

Dave kept saying he thought he knew Lauren from a saloon in Kansas and Lauren insisted she’d never worked in a saloon. 

“Guess I shouldn’t tell them about my saloon days, hmm?” I whispered to Thomas with a chuckle. 

“Maybe you’re right dear.” He laughed and said, “I’m doing great my love. I was just looking after Jimmy. He’s feeling poor again today.” 

“Is okay to be a saloon girl till decide which road to take,” Bree said as she smiled at me. 

“Wow, Guess I didn’t say that quiet as I thought.” I chuckled. 

Bree headed home and I told them that I wasn’t ashamed of my past because it made me who I was. Jade headed off and then I looked over to Thomas. “What are you up to today, dear?” 

“Hey Trin…” Chris started. 

“Hey Chris…?” 

“Any ideas on her case?” 

“Other than what I suggested earlier?” 

“Well... yeah.” 

“All I can do is ask around about witnesses... There’s no evidence. Nothing she’s given me from her past that will help me figure out who could be after her… The fact that she received the rose on Valentine’s Day suggests a secret lover. Or a man who’s using the day to make her curious about his presence while she’s not in the room… I ain’t seen anyone with the description of the one man that she mentioned to me that it could be…  And I haven’t seen Pet to talk about the keys with her.” 

“What dear? Someone break into a ladies room here in town?” Thomas asked. 

“Yes, but used a key. And left a single rose.” I nodded to him. “This morning she heard someone outside her door.” 

“Oh really?” 

“My hands are tied until I talk to Pet or some of the other residents at the hotel. I’m sure I can find a list of the residents at the main desk, of who’s in what room, so I know who to talk to.” 

“Sounds like a good idea dear. If there isn’t one, surely Miss Pet will have one. Have you seen her around town lately?” Thomas asked. 

“We’ll figure it out… Don’t worry, Miss Lauren,” Chris said. 

“And that’s the thing. I have not.” I nodded. 

“Then just forget it then Miss Trin. I guess there is no reason to be worried over a silly rose” 

“No, Lauren. I won’t forget it.” I shook my head. “Someone went into your room without permission. And did so, or tried to do so, again this morning.” 

“Neither have I...Miss Lauren, my name is Thomas Wallace by the way… I’m the local deputy here in town,” Thomas introduced himself. 

“What about what you said about this morning? Someone trying to get in while you were in there?” Chris asked. 

“Oh right sorry... Lauren, this is my uh... This is my man Thomas.” I stammered. 

“If you have any more issues, please let me know. If need be, I will see about posting a deputy or someone outside your door a night or two to see what is going on,” Thomas said. 

“Thank you hon. That’s a good idea too.” I nodded to him. 

“Maybe someone could be posted portraying a guest there…” Chris nodded. 

“Thank you both so much,” Lauren said. 

“That is a possibility Chris. I will check with Miss Angel and see what we can do,” Thomas said. 

“Yes, could go under cover. I’d also like to talk to the others who are staying in the hotel and see if they’ve seen or heard anything.” 

“Maybe I’ll send a telegragh to my parents asking about that old friend I told you about,” Lauren said. 

“That’s another good idea. We can’t rule that out as a possibility.” 

“Seeing if maybe she has seen him around back home.” 

“Mmhmm. Better ask about that. He’s our only suspect right now.” 

“I’ll get on that right away.” 

“Alright, that’s a good idea. Chris…” I looked at him. “When you helped Lauren with her bags to the hotel.. Did anything seem unusual at that point?” 

“Not really... Just thought it odd about her last name.” He chuckled and patted his guns. “If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.” 

“Thank you, Chris. Paramount is keeping Lauren safe,” I said. “I wonder if she stayed with you at your house instead of the hotel... she would be left alone. But I don’t want to put you out that way.” 

“So Miss Lauren, what are you going to do now?” Chris asked and Lauren stumbled back a bit in shock. 

“I was just thinking... if you relocate... the person might not know where to find you. You could even stay in the Bisbee hotel instead if that suits better.” 

“You know something Chris, we could plant a decoy in Miss Lauren’s room and see what happens,” Thomas suggested. 

“But… but… with the Pastor?” Lauren stammered and turned beat red. 

“Um… Um….” Chris blushed and Thomas tried to hide his laughter. 

“No, the Bisbee hotel sounds like a better option.” I chuckled ands hook my head. “Do you know where Bisbee is, Lauren?” 

“I think so,” she said. 

“I could show her,” Chris said. “I mean... Umm... if she needs me to.” 

“Would you be willing to make that change? To a different hotel? Just to see if it throws the person off track?” I asked. 

“I’d be willing to give it a try,” Lauren said. 

“I think that’s a wise decision. It’s two times now this person has broken into your room, or tried,” I said. 

“I’ll move to the other hotel. See what happens.” 

“Alright. Keep me posted if this keeps happening there. Then we know he is watching you closely.” 

“I think thats a good idea Miss Lauren. I suggest you keep signed in at the Russ...so whoever it is will think you are still in that room,” Thomas said. 

“That’s a good point, dear.” I nodded. “And I’ll keep asking people around the Russ.” 

“I’ll head over to the other hotel as soon as I gather my things,” Lauren said. 

“Thomas and I live in Bisbee. If you have any issues you can call on us to help,” I told her. 

“I’m sorry to bother you but do you think you could maybe help me?” Lauren turned to Chris. 

“And I’m usually around somewhere,” Chris said. 

“Yes… we are only an arms throw away from the Bisbee Hotel,” Thomas said. 

Chris took Lauren to the hotel to help her and then Thomas and I headed to the office as Lauren said she would pay us back for all of our help. 

February 16, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into town this afternoon and greeted Chris and Paisley in Kate’s. “We were talking about you earlier,” Paisley said. 

“Oh were ya? What’d I do now?” 

“We think you should figure something out.” 

“Oh yeah? I’m desperate for something to do.” 

“Seems Chris and Miss Lauren have same last name.” 

“Miss Lauren?” I asked, looking at Chris. 

“Now, how many have last name Lyric?” 

“Hmm… Well… Leo… Zan…” I thought about it. 

“Um… Trin, Zan took her maiden name back.” 

“I bet there is a story and a connection,” Paisley said. “And you are good at digging those connections up.” 

“She did?” I looked at Chris and put a hand on his shoulder. 

“It’s okay.” He nodded. 

“Sorry to hear that, hon.” 

“It’s okay, really.” 

“So tell me about Lauren,” I said, taking a seat. 

“Seems Miss Paisley and Doc Jess are convinced Miss Lauren and I are related.” 

“Oh really?” 

“Somewhere distant relation or something,” Paisley said, stressing the word ‘somewhere’. 

“How so? You don’t know her though?” I asked. 

“Same last name, but I don’t think we are.” 

“Would need family genealogy records or something. To prove it.” 

“She’s new in town. I met her over the weekend. Very nice young woman.” 

“At least she’s nice.” 

“But honestly… Not many Lyrics around…” Paisley mused. 

“That’s true. She did say it’s a common name where she’s from,” Chris said. 

“That’s true.” I nodded. “Where’s she from?” 

“Said her family came from up Canada originally.” 

“Oh? What area? You know that’s where I’m from as well.” 

“I have no idea.” 

“What brought her to Tombstone?” 

“Like I said, we just met. You’ll have to speak with her.” 

“Just thought you might have asked her in your first conversation.” 

“Didn’t wanna seem too nosey.” 

“Fair enough.” Chris glanced up and turned a bit red, then took off his hat to fan himself. I saw his look and said, “Think I’m gonna go see if there’s anything happening at the office.” 

“Need some water Chris?” Paisley asked. 

“Bye Trin.” Chris said and I walked outside. 

I walked over to the sheriff’s office and waved to the crowd. Jade, Angel, Joan and Omega were all talking, and Omega told me he had stubbed his toe on the hill and I told him that that town had been there as long as he had. We talked about how Natalie and I were working on our journals and how we were glad that a particular group of outlaws finally have left our family alone.

“Trin, have you ever met Mr. Pinkerton?” Joan asked. 

“Mr. Pinkerton?” I looked at her. 

“Yes Mr. Allen Pinkerton who started the agency.” 

“I have not, no. No, he started it long before I joined it. I joined the agency in 1870.” 

“Oh. Just wondering.” 

“The agency was established in 1850 Allan actually died five years ago.” 

“Oh wow, that is news,” Joan said. 

“Good year. I hear the Pinkertons cleaned up Deadwood, that was quite a job,” Omega commented. 

“Sure did.” I nodded. “Proud to be apart of the organization.” 

“Aye heard was lot trouble there before he did that,” Jade commented. 

“It’s a paycheck I guess.” 

“Sure is. Even if there’s nothin’ to do.” I winked at Omega and looked over at Joan. “How are things at the ranch, Joan? Thomas said a horse went missing? Did you find it?” 

“Is it true that the Pinkertons started to protect the president?” Joan asked. 

“I believe they did yes.” 

“Yes. Midnight wondered back to my ranch,” Joan replied. 

“Oh good.. Glad Midnight returned..” 

“Trin, you need to talk to Irish ‘bout that heard of horses,” Jade told me. “He sure got it building up. He ‘bout busting out the corrals at his and Enola’s house!” She laughed. 

“That’s great to hear, Jade.” I chuckled. “I’ll have to visit them soon.” 

“Aye I had them over the other day for a visit. They seem so happy.” Jade smiled at me. “He making fine vet.” 

“I’m sure he is. Very proud of my cousin.” I smiled at her. 

Joan said goodbye and headed to her ranch and then Omega headed off as well with Jade. Looking over at Angel I said, “Tell me you have something for me to do.” 

“Nawthing so far.” Angel sighed. “But I vasn’t about much this veekend.” She looked over at the bank doors and decided to follow a man who was walking down the street. I wandered after her, since I had nothing better to do. Angel waited by the side of the bank and looked to me as she leaned back, and I nodded to her. She peered around the side and we couldn’t find the man anymore. 

“He leave?” I looked at her. 

“Yha.” 

“Ain’t this the wild west?” I sighed. 

“Suppozt to be,” she said as she yawned and stretched. 

“Yeah, think I’m gonna head out. See ya later, Angel.” 

*** 

I went into Kate’s this evening and went to give Aly a hug behind the bar. “Oh my gosh. What’s your name again?” She giggled. 

“Crazy woman.” I said and tickled her, then blinked seeing her stomach. “I’m gonna be an aunty???” 

“What are you going to name the baby Aly?” Muriel asked. 

“Yes you are.” Aly chuckled. “Hope,” she said to Muriel. 

“I s’pose Alex did send that telegram to me. I’m so happy for you guys!” I grinned wide. 

“Baby? Aly?” Paisley asked with surprise. 

“Six months now Paisley. Thank you,” Aly told her. 

“You feelin’ good? All’s well?” I asked her. 

“Oh yes I’m dandy.” She chuckled. 

I smiled and walked over to Chris who was holding a mop and I asked, “So Chris… There a reason you’re holdin’ a mop?” 

I heard some people talking to a woman named Lauren and I looked over, seeing Snow who I hadn’t seen in a while. “Snow, how long ya been in Tombstone?” 

“Trin ya want a drink? How rude of me,” Aly looked over at me as Chris finished sweeping something up and sat down. “Ok you’re forgiven. Now...you want a REAL drink?” 

I walked over to Lauren then and held out my hand. “Hi miss, I’m Trin. Don’t think we’ve met.” 

“Nice to meet you Miss Trin,” Lauren said as the chatter around us continued. 

“I hear you’re new to the area.” I smiled. “Nice to have you here.” 

“Yes Ma’am I been in town almost a week.” 

“That’s great. Settling in okay?” I asked her. 

Wedge walked in then and I grinned and greeted him as Lauren said, “So far it hasn’t been to bad.” 

“Glad to hear that.” I nodded to Lauren. “Couldn’t notice you have the same name as Chris. Any relation?” I asked with a wink to Paisley, who winked back. Chris looked over at me and just chuckled. 

“Ma’am as far as I know my family are on the only Lyric’s in the area I grew up in,” Lauren told me. 

“Not much of a case, that one.” I grinned and looked at Paisley. 

“But since you are here I was wondering if you could help me,” Lauren started. 

“Oh? How so, ma’am?” 

“Well I’m staying at the Russ house and it seems my room was broken into.” 

“Broken into? Anything of yours missing?” 

“Nothing was taken.” 

“Oh… That’s odd…” 

“But they left a single red rose. Almost like some kind of calling card or sorts.” 

“Any message left with the rose? Yes, certainly sounds that way. Was the door broken into or a window or both?” 

“No ma’am.” 

“Has anyone else in the hotel had their room broken into?” I asked, looking at her. 

“Not that I know of Ma’am.” 

“And the door was clearly broken into? Like, broken down or... lock-picked?” 

“Not at all… it was like they had a key to the room.” 

I raised an eyebrow at that and asked, “And you haven’t given a key to anyone since you got here?” 

“I don’t really know any one to give it to.” 

“I wonder who would have a key to the hotel rooms other than the renters themselves…” 

“Besides why would I give a key to my room?” 

“The owner?” Aly looked over at me. 

“’m just thinking out loud. Have you spoken to many gentlemen since you came to town? Any that seemed to fancy you? Shouldn’t be more than one copy of each room key.” 

“Pet has master keys to the rooms, Trin,” Chris said. 

“Right, I figured she would.” I looked over at him. “I just ain’t seen her around much at all lately. So I wasn’t sure if she was still running it.” 

“One given to the renter and one kept behind the counter,” Rikki put in. 

“Lauren, when was the rose taken?” I asked her. 

“So you see Ma’am where I’m just a bit confused with the rose and all,” she said. “I found it on my bed Valentines Day afternoon. It’s still in my room if you want to see it.” 

“Yes, I would like that. I’ll follow you out.” 

We walked out of the saloon and walked over to the Russ Hotel where she led me to her room. When we stopped in front of the door I told her, “Hold on a moment, ma’am. I want to check the door for prints.” 

Lauren reached in her dress pocket for the room key and opened the door anyway, and I walked into the room with her. She pointed to the rose on the bed and said, “It’s a lovely flower but who brakes into a strangers room just to leave a rose.” 

I went to check the door knob and tried to use my magnifying glass to find prints. I found too many though and sighed. “No way we could decipher these prints.” Looking over at her I asked, “Now you said the only man you’ve talked to is Chris… Correct?” 

“Should I be concerned Miss Trin?” 

“Did you ever bring Chris to this room?” 

“Chris is the only man I’ve talked to since I’ve been in town. Well he was the one the helped me with my things.” 

I nodded and pulled out my notebook to start writing up a statement. “Now you said you were only in town for a week... What brought you to Tombstone?” 

“Was on my way to California but didn’t make it that far.” 

“How come?” 

“Well it’s hard being a single woman traveling alone.” 

“It sure is. Traveled here alone myself.” I nodded. 

“Thought it best if I stop here for a while before maybe moving on but this place is growing on me.” 

“It does that.” I smiled and finished the statement, handing it to her. “Would you be able to date and sign this, Lauren?” 

“Of course,” she said and took the paper.

“It’s not much but I just like to have people’s perspective on things in their own writing.” 

“Should I put today’s date or the date it happened?” 

“Both please. Date of incident and date of writing the statement.” I waited until she finished the statement and gave it back to me and I said, “Alright, perfect. Well I think the first person I need to talk to is Chris.. Then going to find out if anyone saw anything suspicious around the hotel. The fact that they came in here on their own accord, without breaking down the door, and left the rose without a message…” 

“I hope you find the person that left it so I can at least thank them.” 

“Of course, Lauren. As a Pinkerton, it’s my job to find answers. Even if it isn’t particularly criminal. I have some more questions for you though… You said you were on your way to California… But stopped here along the way.” 

“Yes Ma’am.” 

“What made you leave your hometown? And where was that?” 

“I was on my to teaching school. I wanted more out of my life then just leaving in a small town so I made plans to go to Teaching College.” 

“Anyone from your past that would have any requited feelings for you? Anyone that would follow you here?” 

She sighed and said, “That’s what some of the ladies in town were asking me… but I don’t think so.” 

“Are you sure?” I looked at her. 

“Pretty sure for the most part.” 

“Alright. Doesn’t give me much to work with.” 

“I thought about one person but the more I think about it I don’t think they would.” 

“What’s their name?” 

“Brice Andrews.” 

“What do I need to know about him, Lauren?” 

“Tall, blonde, blue eyes…” 

“Law? Outlaw? Doctor? Bartender?” 

“Farmer. Smells like horse pucky most of the times.” 

“Was he ever in trouble with the law?” 

“Maybe not for bathing.” 

“But you don’t think he’d follow you out this way?” 

“I doubt it.” She shook her head. 

“Where you from before moving south?”

“Illinois.” 

“Ah so you were from Illinois?” 

“Yes Ma’am.” 

“Alright, well unless there’s anything else?” 

“That’s it. Should I be concerned?” 

“I think you should be curious... I don’t like the idea of anyone goin’ into my room without my permission.. Even if they do have a key. I’ll talk to Chris and then I’ll try and find Pet and see if anyone’s taken the key from her... or if there’s evidence the master key was taken from the counter.” 

“I was thinking about changing rooms just to be safe.” 

“If you can, I would advise that.” I nodded. 

“Thank you for all your help Miss Paige.” 

“Of course, Lauren. I am at your service and hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of this. I’ll see myself out. You sleep well, Lauren.” 

We said goodnight and I headed out of the hotel. I walked past Kate’s but I guessed that Chris was probably too tipsy to talk to tonight, so I decided to wait until tomorrow to talk to him and headed towards home. 

February 10, 1901

Pearce. 

I rode through the towns this morning and a woman waved to me. “Hi there... Tiffany, right?” I greeted her. 

“I have not seen you in years it feels.” She nodded. 

“We met a while back. Believe you were one of my first people I met in Tombstone. How have you been doing?” 

“Wow how time flies. Oh about the same, Still trying for Doc, now that I’m back in town. “ 

“I hope that you will be able to get it soon. We need more doctors.” 

“That makes two of us. Well I know you must be busy so I will let you go, It was nice to see you hon.” 

“You’d think, wouldn’t you?” I sighed. “I haven’t had that much work to do lately.” 

“Is there nothing good going on in town?” 

“Not much... Haven’t had a case in a while. Just been riding around to find people and do more outside of Allen Street.” 

“Well that just means that people are being good.” 

“Yeah... though that’s not good for my paycheck.” I nodded and winked at her. 

“I know that feeling, with my husband passing I’m fighting to get money in to pay for the things I need.” Tiffany nodded. 

“I’m sorry to hear that, hon. I’ve been there as well... also lost my fiance before coming to Tombstone. But now... years later... found Thomas, and we adopted two children as well. Life couldn’t be better. Though it would be nice to have some work.” I winked. 

“Oh lovely.” She smiled and giggled. “Does he have a brother?” 

“Don’t think he does.” I chuckled. 

“Oh poo…” Tiffany stomped her foot. 

“Well I should keep ridin’,” I said and waved, heading on with my rounds. 

February 9, 1901

Benson. 

I rode over to Irish’s place in Benson and saw him inside the barn. I hopped off Phoenix and went over to open the gate and called, “Hello?” 

“Hello there Trin. Nice to see you out here. What we owe the pleasure?” Jade asked. 

“Hi there. I was just riding around and looking for my cousin actually. Heard voices in the barn and thought I would come to see who was out here. I have great news.” 

“Aye, come on through. He in barn helping with sick horse.” 

I smiled and went in to hug my cousin happily as he came close. “How’s Natalie?” he asked. 

“Natalie’s back! She got her memory back!” I told both of them. 

“I was here when monk helped her,” Jade said. “He was very good.” 

“It worked! She remembers everything now!” I smiled. 

“Good to hear.. I saw her the other day..and she remembered some when she was there..” Irish said. 

“Yeah. Now we just have to get her over her fear of horses and we’ll be doing okay.” 

“She was very afraid of horses though,” Jade pointed out. 

“I’m hoping Irish can help her with that..” I said, looking at him. 

“Even got her to pet a baby for a few minutes,” Irish said. 

“She was riding with my brother Joshua when it happened. Wouldn’t surprise me it’s the big ones she’s cared of. She spoke well of you though, Jade. I think she really liked you.” 

“If you need bring her out. Irish get see horses and help her, please do.” 

“I’m going to be singing over in Bisbee if ya’ll want to come here me there. Not sure how big a crowd it will be. It’s a ghost town everywhere it seems.” 

“She will get over it Trin.. just need to go slow and start small.. with a pony maybe,” Irish said. 

“Cause maybe day all sad cause of Miss Victoria maybes?” Little Evey suggested from where she was watching us closely. 

“Well I was sad to hear that news,” I nodded to her, remembering that Victoria had passed away recently. “I knew her for a long time.” 

“Aye I was very said to hear that,” Jade said. 

“I didn’t know her very well ..but she seemed like a nice lady,” Irish said. 

Jade went to look after the horses and then I looked at Irish. “You all are going to come to Bisbee then? I don’t want to take you from your work, of course.” 

“Going to find Enola and we will come dancing I think haven’t been for awhile,” Irish said. 

“Great! I’m going to ride back to Bisbee and get changed. I’ll see you all over there then!” 

Irish hugged me and I headed over to Bisbee. 

Bisbee. 

I did my gig at the Stock Exchange and greeted everyone who had come to listen. 

“Ma… Ma! Did you hear Natalie got her memory back?” Jimmy asked with a smile. 

“I sure did!” I smiled. 

“She say it was some quiet man who did it." 

“Mmhmm, some monk with some healing herbs and such.” 

We said goodbye to the others and then Natalie ran into the saloon. “I remember everything now!” she exclaimed. 

“Natalie have you seen the quiet man any more?” Jimmy asked. 

“Natalie, you remember my friend Jinxy from Canada?” I asked her, smiling at my friend. 

“Jimmy why didn’t you wake me???” Nat asked him. 

“You looked so comfy, I not want to wake you,” Jimmy said. 

“Hi miss Jinxy! Course I remember! I remember everything now!” Nat exclaimed. 

“Natalie have you seen the quiet man any more?” Jimmy asked. 

“Hi Miss Natalie…” Jinxy reached down to scoop Nat up. “Oh so good to see you little one!” 

“Nope, Not seen mister Joe yet. Not since he helped me.” Nat shook her head and hugged Jinxy tight. “Hi Miss Jinxy!” 

“It’s so good to have you here, Jinx,” I told her. “You said Adrian showed you around?” 

“Yeah we can show you if he didn’t! I remember where everything is!” Nat exclaimed. 

“Yes he did… quickly,” Jinxy said. 

“So glad you got your mind back sister.” Jimmy chuckled and ran over to hug her tightly. 

“Well my coach is waiting and I fear the chaperon will leave .. I need to stop by the farm house I am interested in buying,” Jinxy said. 

“I always had my mind, bro, it just took a um... vacation.” Nat giggled. 

“Definitely. Well we’ll catch up and you can meet Thomas soon hopefully, since he wasn’t with us in Canada.” I nodded to her. 

“I so understand that situation,” Jinxy said to me. 

“Yeah pa was snoring loudly upstairs when I come down… I couldn’t take a nap,” Jimmy said. 

“That would be lovely… I can’t wait..and Trin you sound just as beautiful as ever,” Jinxy said. 

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I chuckled. “Thank you hon.. meant a lot you could meet my cousins as well.” 

We continued to talk with Jinxy and then went to see the stables as Ma headed home and Jinxy went to settle in at her hotel. 

*** 

I sat at my desk tonight, reading my notebook. I sighed from boredom and wanting to work. I walked around town and then heard someone up on a hill. I reached for my gun and walked up but relaxed when I saw that it was Thomas. “Thomas... you scared me.” 

Thomas jumped back as he saw me go for my gun and said, “Hey hey hey! Don’t shoot! How did I scare you? Didn’t you hear me say hi sweetheart?” 

I exhaled and reached for his hand, pulling him close. “Sorry, just a little jumpy I guess. So bored and restless that all I can do is listen to the silence. Then the slightest movement makes me jump out of my skin.” 

He hugged me and pressed his lips to mine in a passionate kiss. “What a beautiful skin you have to jump out of too.” 

“You’re awful... Are you out patrolling baby? I’ve never been up here.” I looked around, curious at all the buildings. 

“Me neither. I saw these two buildings as I walked towards Black Diamond and wondered what was up here. This building is abandoned and has blood splatter all over one wall. Plus its full of old books.” 

“Blood splatter??” 

“Yep… and someone wrote something by Shakespeare in the blood. It looks old though.” 

“Show me?” I raised an eyebrow and put on my gloves. 

We walked through the broken door and I saw the blood on the wall in the abandoned room. “I don’t wanna know where all that blood came from,” I said as I looked around at all the blood. I went up to see if I could find dust prints and said, “It’s pretty old blood, dear. I doubt I could ever find out who it is. Probably contaminated too.” 

“I don’t know but I wonder if Adrian or maybe Cas would know anything about this. Whenever this happened, I am sure it had to be a body that did that.” 

“If they even remember anything about it.” I turned and gave him a pair of gloves when he requested it. “Wow…” I said when I saw all the old books on the shelf. 

“Oh my… well I think I know what did this…” Thomas pulled out his pocket knife and started to dig into the wall. “Woah! That had to hurt!” 

“You sure it’s human blood?” I looked over at him. 

He dug several pellets from the wall and dropped them into a little pouch he had in his belt. “Oh I am pretty sure. This wall is peppered with 10 gauge shot pellets,” he said and I cringed. “From what I would figure, this was a point blank blast from about where this chair is.” 

Shira came into the house then and went straight to Thomas, licking his hand first in greeting. I muttered and said, “Figures. While you two reunite, I’m going to check out upstairs.” 

Thomas laughed as Shira tried to pull off his glove and I walked upstairs, stopping in my tracks at what I saw. “Uh… Thomas?” 

“Yes dear?” 

“You might wanna come up here.” 

“Uh oh! Shira stay down here ok,” Thomas said and gave something to Shira to distract her before joining me upstairs. 

I looked over at him, then back at the bed frame. “This makes no sense.” 

“What the?!” Thomas looked down behind me to see the old tea kettle. “Did you look to see if there was anything in that yet?” 

I looked into the kettle with my gloves still on and found a note. I pulled it out and looked at him as I read, “Dated 1873…” 

“Wow!” Thomas said and Shira barked again, clearly wanting to join us upstairs. “Shira come on up girl… be careful on those steps!” He shouted down to her. 

I continued to read the note and said, “‘They kept me here another day. I reckon I ain’t know what they’ll do to me. They wanted information... but I never gave it. And I never will. The information will stay secret in this tea kettle.”’ 

“What do you think of it dear? Does it have any name on it?” 

I looked at it and then to Thomas. I kept reading and said, “‘I know who really killed Joe Borden.’” I looked at Thomas and asked, “Who the heck is Joe Borden?” 

“Joe Borden? Oh my…. he was a miner who was killed for cheating supposedly in a card game… but they never found out who did it for sure… the guy who was accused, disappeared suddenly out of the Tombstone jail one night.” 

“Wow…” I shook my head. 

“I think that the Earp brothers might have been involved somehow in investigating it… but nothing ever come of it… heck that was nearly 30 years ago.” 

“Great... Yeah, a thirty year old case was probably solved but... At least it’s kept us occupied for a couple hours.” I winked at him and watched Shira go back downstairs. I wandered after her as Thomas looked over at the bed frame. 

“I just wonder what really happened in here. I guess we will never know.” 

I sighed, not wanting to think about what they used the bed for. I shook my head at all the blood on the wall, “Let’s... let’s go check out that antique store across the street. Whatever happened here is best left in the past.” 

We walked down the stairs and Thomas picked up on of the books piled on the floor and opened it. Swearing loudly, he threw the book back on the floor. I turned and ran to him, asking, “What, dear? What is it?” 

“Ummm… whatever you do… DO NOT open those books!” 

I looked from him to the books as I put a hand on his shoulder. “Honey, I’m a Pinkerton. Tell me... What is it?” 

Thomas moved his boot over to the book he had picked up and kicked open the cover revealing a finger. “THAT!” 

I swallowed hard, seeing the finger. “What the…” I started and backed up, a bit shaken. Shira growled even more at the finger, and I pet her back. “Shh... Shira... it’s okay…” I tried to tell myself more than the dog. 

“Ummm… yeah… I don’t want to find out if there are any more parts in these books… do you get my drift?” 

Shira continued to growl at the books and I looked at Thomas. “Okay... I think it’s time we... get out of here.” 

Thomas nodded to me in agreement. “That’s the best thing I heard all day sweetheart.” We walked outside and Thomas told me, “Dear, we got to make sure to tell Natalie and Jimmy to keep out of there.” 

“I know. If we don’t tell them it exists, maybe they won’t want to investigate.” 

“Yeah, but we both know how they are both nosey and love to explore.” Thomas fed Shira some more beef jerky and we walked towards Tombstone. I hesitated, not wanting to go further and Thomas looked at me. “Trin?” 

“I just... I don’t know.” I looked over at him. 

“What do you know about this man who helped Natalie?” 

“Uh... I know he’s a monk.. of some sort. And he used herb and stuff that was poking her gently. She said she barely felt it. She said he put a warm cloth on her forehead and something smelled really good.” 

“Did she say where this took place?” 

“She said it happened over in Goldfield. In that army tent by the kid’s game room.” 

“Hmmmm… she must mean the first aide station over there… I just hope this guy isn’t some weirdo after kids. I mean why would he just up and do something like that?” 

“She said he couldn’t talk. And wrote everything down to tell her what he was saying. She felt.... calm around him, she said.” 

Thomas scratched his head and looked confused. “I haven’t heard anything about him around town. he must definitely be new.” 

“I hope to find him and thank him some day soon. He helped her so much, dear. If he hadn’t…” I shook my head. 

Thomas put an arm around me and hugged me tightly. “I don’t want to think about it dear. I am so happy she has her memory back. I was afraid she would never remember who I was ever again.” 

Jade walked over then and said they had lost a buckskin mare but we told her that we hadn’t seen any. She continued on her search I looked over at Thomas and said, “We need to get home to see the kids, Thomas.” 

“Yes we do dear. I don’t like leavin them alone too long. Did Natalie tell you her and Jimmy went to the stables today?” Thomas asked. 

“Yeah she did. Come on, let’s walk home.” 

I led the way back home and we climbed into bed after kissing the kids on their foreheads. I leaned against him with a sig hand he held me close. 

“You okay dear?” He asked. 

“The last time I saw a finger like that... was back in Georgetown. In ’70. When Slick Jesse had... Somehow it was related to Sam Stillwater. I think it was his ex-wife’s finger or something like that. Or someone from an old case of his. I can’t remember.” 

“Oh my. Well I have never seen anything like that except once back in Texas. But even then it was just a skeleton bone of a body long long gone.” 

“Part of me longs to go to Allen Street but the other part... I kind of like the idea of sticking around here to have some quality family time away from the bullying there... I’ll just use my office in Diamond more now.” 

“I think it would be safer for you that way baby. The Wild Bunch has way too much control in Tombstone now. Let them have it if they want. We will be fine right here in Bisbee.” 

“You’re right. Oh... did I tell you that my friend Jinxy came to my gig in Bisbee today? She and I grew up together in Canada. She was the only one I was close to outside of family when I moved south to Texas all those years ago. We saw her when I brought the kids up the other week. I guess I talked about this place so much she wanted to come see what all the fuss was about.” 

“Well I be darned. No you hadn’t told me. How is she liking our little part of the world so far? A big change from Canada I am sure. Has she found a place to stay yet?” 

“I think she really liked it. She never mentioned where she was staying but I think she was going to look at a house.” 

“I’m glad… I hope to meet her soon. You talked a lot about her, she sounds like a really nice lady.” 

“She really is. She’s like the sister I never had,” I smiled and then fell asleep in his arms. 

February 6, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into Annie’s this morning and greeted Paisley, Spin and Reb who were there. Paisley commented that it had been a long time since she’d seen me. 

“Been a rough week. Figure this is where everyone hangs out though so I might as well come see if I missed anything while I was away.” 

“Can I get you two something to drink?” Paisley asked. 

“I went bad, Paisley. I went to Iowa and became a outlaw with Garth, Sniper and Mac sometimes there,” Spin said. 

“I’d love a coffee and whiskey, Paisley. Thanks,” I said and then blinked at Spin. “You didn’t…” 

“Yep.” 

“No more ranger?” 

“Nope,” he said and I sighed. 

“Back and forth to Iowa is a big trip,” Paisley said. 

“I always knew you were a bad boy.” Reb giggled and winked at Spin. 

Paisley poured me a cup of coffee and whiskey and I thanked her for it. Paisley started dancing beside Reb on stage again and Spin asked me, “Well you catch any bad guys lately Trin?” 

“Unfortunately, no. They keep terrorizing my family. Lot shot Thomas last night.” 

“Oh dear…” Paisley said. 

“Oh I hope he is ok?” Reb asked. 

“Shaun and Downy called us names and kept tormenting us,” I said. “Thomas said Lot had called me and the kids names before shooting him when Thomas had had enough.” 

“Downey likes to call me Parsley,” Paisley said. 

“They need to leave the kids out of it. They didn’t do anything. Hell, I didn’t do anything.” 

“Oh yes, that’s just mean,” Reb said. 

“All I did was get Steve hanged. And he was gonna get hanged anyway trial or no trial. I haven’t gotten any of them arrested recently so I don’t know why this is all building al of a sudden.” 

“At least persley spices up food.. I dunno about Down.. all it does is keep a body warm in the cold. It is not cold here…” Paisley winked. 

“Walked into town last night and... showered with insults from every side. Nice welcome home after being in Canada for two weeks. Where my daughter fell off a horse and lost her memory," she sighs and shuts up, rambling.” 

“Oh that’s too bad Trin,” Reb said. 

“Some people have funny memories on events is all Trin.. They twist and turn them to suit their needs,” Paisley said. 

“Though Thomas said that she’s remembering things from books…” I nodded to her. “That’s probably what’s happening.” 

“That’s encouraging,” Reb said. 

“I am sure it is,” Paisley said. 

“I just hope her memory comes back. It’s awful... watching her.” 

“Give it time. I am sure something will trigger it.” 

“Last night she said she talked with Millard ’cause she was all confused… Aspen had said that she’d tried to kiss Mill though she liked Jeff. So Natalie talked to Mill about it and got him real embarassed. Thomas was there... I feel for her. She’s twelve, it’s that age…” 

“Yep.” 

“Gonna have to have the talk with her soon.” I cringed. 

“Should before you ‘need’ to.” 

“If she’s goin’ around talkin’ to boys about kissin’... maybe I do need to soon.” 

“Yep.” 

“I had to find it all out for my self its good to have someone to talk to,” Reb said. 

“Sure enough.” I nodded to Reb and chuckled. “Just never given that talk before.” 

“I’m sure you know how to kiss boys Reb.” Spin laughed and I chuckled. 

“Well, I got the chat early,” Paisley said. “Momma saw to it.” 

“How early, Pais?” I asked. 

“I was 10 when momma passed. I was maybe 8.” 

“Wow. I’m sorry hon,” I said. 

“And more.. but I had to figure everything out myself!” Reb giggled. 

“No.. you see momma disliked some of father’s friends so she wanted me to be aware. They had boys. She figured those boys would get ’ideas’ she called it.” 

“Spin, how’d you learn about the birds and the bees?” I asked him. 

“Oh little girl name sue taught me my pee pee could be used for other things besides peeing,” Spin said and I chuckled. 

“Little girl huh? She show you how?” I asked. 

“I was 12, she was 14.>” 

“I sincerely hope there are no fourteen year old boys in Tombstone wanting to teach Natalie. How old are Millard and Jeff? Don’t think there’s many other boys is there?” 

“Jeffery is 8,” Paisley said. Millard we believe is 13.” 

“Ah. He’s the one I gotta watch out for then.” I winked at her. 

“It’s good you are being alert,” Reb said. 

“I might be too alert... since the accident.” 

“Can never be too careful,” Paisley said. 

I said goodbye to them then and Reb told me to tell Thomas to get better quickly, and I headed home. 

February 5, 1901

Bisbee. 

Tonight I played piano softly, not sure if anyone was home. I needed to relax as I was still upset over Natalie’s memory loss. The music helped calm me, as it usually did, but when Thomas came downstairs, I jumped nervously. Looking over, I saw that his ear was bandaged and I stood, going over to him. 

“Hi love... I was just... What happened to you?” 

“Oh it’s nothing my love,” Thomas said as he groaned a bit, but smiled at me. “I just had a little run-in with yore pals Lot and Downy today.” 

I blinked and reached up to touch the bandage, but then touched just below on his neck. “What.. Talk to me,” I said, looking into his eyes with worry. 

“Well it seems Lot and and Downy want you quiet. They keep threatening harm to you and the kids, and well I had enough today. So Lot thanked me by putting a hole in my chest, and cutting off a piece of my ear.” 

“Baby!” I threw my arms around him gently. 

Thomas hugged me close and kissed my lips softly. “It’s okay. I don’t care if it takes everything I got, I am going to see them two hang before it’s over.” 

I nodded in agreement and asked, “Have you seen Natalie today?” 

“No… she and Jimmy I guess have been out roaming around. I am sorry that happened when I wasn’t there dear. I can’t imagine what you went through.” 

I shook my head and nudged against his neck. “It was so awful honey... she doesn’t remember a thing. I’m trying to talk with her and show her pictures but it.... I don’t know. I don’t know what to do. I think right now, Jimmy’s the best for her. Right now... I just need you... And normal... I want to go check out the office and see the repairs Joe did. Can you walk a bit, love?” 

“Sure love. Joe did a good job. If not for him, I would be five feet under right now. This is his handwork.” Thomas smiled and rubbed his chest. 

“We’ll have to find him and thank him properly. And I need to pay him for the repairs. Shall we?” I nodded and rubbed his back, taking his arm. 

“I am so glad you’re home Trin. It was awfully lonely here without you and the kids around.” 

“I bet it was love... I thought about you every day... I wish there was some way we could communicate to each other without telegrams... something more..... instant…” I sighed. 

“Yeah that would be nice. You know, I heard they have this thing called a telefon or telefone or something similar to the telegraph. It allows a person to talk to someone far away. But I don’t know nuttin about it.” 

“Hmm... maybe in time we’ll find out more about that. Would be really nice,” I said and we started to walk towards town. 

Tombstone. 

We went straight to the Pinkerton office and I went up to check on the repairs. There was a note in the mailbox and I took it out nervously. When I read it, I sighed with relief and looked over at Tom. “Mail from Joe. He finished work on the 28th.” I walked inside and looked around with a smile. “Looks just like before. He did a great job with it.” 

“Yeah he really did love. Joe does good work.” Tom looked around and nodded in agreement. 

I sat down at the desk and wrote a quick ‘thank you’ telegram to Joe and then sent it to him, heading back outside with Tom. 

We greeted Miss Sunset and Miss Soft and heard Downy and Shaun talking back and forth. “Mister Lot asked me ta deliver somethin’. Mister Lot asked me ta give you these,” Downy came over to Tom. “Mister Lot asked me ta deliver these flowers. They’re a get well thing.” 

“Oh he did? Why is that?” Tom asked as I rolled my eyes. 

“And also.. here’s this,” Downy said and handed him a wooden object. “He says he hopes you recover well soon.” 

“Well please tell Lot thank you, and for the roses…” Tom walked over and threw them in the horse trough. That’s what I think of them.” 

“If you two are done terrorizing my family, Thomas and I were just going to go get a drink,” I said to them. 

“Terrorizing?” Downy asked. “Flowers are mean? How?” 

“No gratitude. None at all.” Shaun shook his head.

“Mean in the tone they’re given after what Lot did to him,” I told her. 

“Ungrateful pair of louts.” Downy turned on her heel and walked off haughtily, with her nose high in the air. 

“You foul mouth creatures are the terror of Tombstone!! We came in peace to deliver something and you are so rude!” Shaun exclaimed. 

“Grateful?!” I blinked. “We should be grateful your boss shot him in the chest and tried to cut off his ear?” 

“I wouldn’t accept anything from Lot… he’s as low as they come,” Tom added. 

“Well why do ya think he sent the get well gifts… so he gets well and Mister Lot kin shoot him again,” Downy shouted as Shaun shook his head and muttered something while he continued to drink. 

“So forgive us for not being grateful for them then!” I called to her. 

“No offense to you Shaun, but you should pick better company to hang around,” Tom advised. 

“Then tell your foul mouth’d husband to watch his mouth!!” Shaun shouted back and I put a hand on Tom’s shoulder to steady myself more than him. “Come on over here soft, no need to be around the ignorance of them!!” 

“You can tell the Wild Bunch to kiss my white you know what Shaun...and I mean the whole Bunch!” Tom called. 

“Tell your foul mouth boss to leave my husband alone!” I shouted. 

“IT GOES BOTH WAYS ‘HOSS’!” Shaun shouted. 

“We’re doing everything we can to leave ya’ll alone. So do us the same favor!” I shouted to him. 

“From what i was told that happened, your husband is lucky Lot did not cut out his tongue,” Miss Soft told me. 

“I’m just done putting up with their nonsense.” I nodded to her. 

“Let’s go dear. They ain’t worth the trouble. Sorry sacks of horse poo they are.” 

“Is there away that all can come to some type of agreement right here right now?” Sunset shouted then. 

“Yeah, the Wild Bunch sticks their head between their legs, and kisses their own arse in front of all of Tombstone.” Thomas chuckled. 

Sunset snapped to Thomas and said, “One of these people you just called sorry sacks of horse poo is my daughter. I think you need to rethink what you just called and said Thomas.” 

“I am not calling your daughter anything Miss Sunset. I didn’t know she is in the bunch. As far as I am concerned, she is not a part of them,” Thomas said to her. “But when two or three of them come threatening my family, calling them names for no apparent reason, I get upset.” 

“All I asked that you and your wife try to come to agreement with the wild bunch. Is there a way that you both can if they are willing too?” Sunset asked. 

“ENOUGH!!!!” Shaun shouted then. “If we really wanted this all to end, these two would be swinging by morning!! All this rabble is nonsense! Obviously all they can do is run their mouths, and THAT is why people get shot!” 

“Yeah, it is enough. Hey! Shaun! Your bunch threatened me and my family. What do expect?” Thomas shouted back at him. 

“Yeah the blabbering one next to the pinky woman,” Ben muttered then nearby. 

“And who gives you the right to judge and call Ivy and Downy WHORES!” Shaun shouted. 

“Though several might qualify, the man next to Trin is Thomas,” Zan told Ben. “That’s Trin’s fella.” 

“Honey, let’s go. Let’s just go,” I told Thomas. “We don’t have to hear this.” 

“Ya damn lucky you only lost a damn ear!!” Shaun shouted. 

“Look, I am trying for you all to stop all this,” Sunset went on. “Someone has to step in and try to get an agreement to where either side is not bothering each other.” 

“I didn’t call Ivy a whore thank you very much! I called Downy one. What gives them the right to call my children ignorant and Trin a horse?” Thomas asked and I tried to pull him away. 

“Oh yea leave before everyone hears the truth of the so called Deputy good guy Law talking all the crap!” Shaun said. 

“Oh ya don't say… Ol Trin finally got herself a man?” Ben smirked nearby. 

“You say they are out to get you when your husband dares to call Miss Ivy and Miss Downy them words they are fine woman,” Soft said. 

“Umm, hell yes, if they see a red ball they call it red, they see a blue ball they call it blue,” Shaun said. “You don’t know Ivy or Downy for anything but what you will think. WHORES is not one of them!!” 

“Oriental, dear.” I pulled Thomas’ arm and led him down the street towards the saloon. We walked up to the bar and I took a few deep breaths, looking over at him. “Has it been like that since I left?” 

“Pretty much… the Wild Bunch has had it out for you, and now seems me since you left with the kids.” 

I sighed and leaned against his shoulder. “Don’t know why it’s now all of a sudden. Been doin’ the same work for two years.. why they startin’ this all now?” 

“I don’t know dear… I am just tired of their stupid antics towards you and Jimmy and Natalie.” 

“You and me both.. It’s not fair. We did nothing. Nothing, Thomas.” 

“No it’s not. We have the right to live in Tombstone in peace as much as they do. Though they are always causing the trouble.” 

“I won a court case that got one of their people hanged. That’s it. And he was gonna hang anyway.” 

“I know dear. They think they run this town because they outnumber us. Well they don’t run doodley squat.” 

I sighed and reached for a whiskey bottle from behind the counter and opened it, taking a sip straight from the bottle. Thomas hugged me around the waist and took the bottle, taking a big swig from it himself. “So much for a nice ’welcome home’,” I muttered. 

“I’m sorry baby. I was hoping you wouldn’t have to deal with this crap by the time you came back. But somehow they found out you was back in town.” 

“And was that Ben Stolen’s voice I heard?” I sighed and nuzzled against him. “Figures, he’d be back.” 

“Yeah. I think so. The bastard! I wish I could hang ’em all. Want to head home and get away from all these idiots. I really don’t want to get shot again tonight.” 

“I guess…” I nodded and wiped away the threatening tears. “So much for normal that I wanted.”

Tom kissed me softly and wiped away the tears. “It will be ok love. We cant let them get to us. We are better than they are.” 

“I missed you so much….” I leaned my forehead against his, nodding. 

Tom held me close and touched my cheek with his hand. “I missed you so much too Trin. Things will be ok. I know this may sound stupid, and may end up bad. But I am going down the street to try and make peace with the Wild Bunch.” 

I shook my head and clung to him. “Don’t you dare... Just... leave them be... I don’t want you more hurt.” 

“I am not going to get hurt dear. I ain’t wearing a gun, and I promise not to say one bad thing. But I want you to go home. I am not going to let you get shot tonight.” 

I sighed and nodded. “I’m going to go find Natalie and make sure she’s okay. You be careful.” I kissed him deeply, knowing I couldn’t change his mind. 

“Ok love. I will be home as soon as I am done down the street.”

I nodded and walked outside, heading towards home.