April 6, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into Tombstone this morning and headed to Dutch Annie’s. I met a woman named Beth who was working behind the bar while Paisley danced. I told them about my new case and asked, “Ya’ll ain’t seen some strange activity around the sheriff’s offices, have ya?” 

“No ma’am, I haven’t seen any strange activity,” Beth said. 

“Seems someone has been leaving the law presents. Of the foul-smelling variety,” I told them. 

“Nope, I have not,” Paisley said. 

“Fingerprints match for all things left behind so we know it’s the same person doing it... Just ain’t sure who. First was some manure, which Jenna as a vet confirmed was from horses who were raised and fed well on ranches…” I explained. 

“Sounds like something Lot might do, but I have not seen him lately,” Paisley said. 

“Then was some rotting fish. Only at select offices, which is the interesting part.” 

“I did not know Jenna was a doctor,” Paisley said. 

“She’s training to be a vet. She’s great at it too.” 

“So, she is a medical assistant right now?” Paisley asked. 

“Mmhmm I believe so. I’m not sure if it’s with just animals, or with people too though.” 

“I had no idea.” 

“Ya learn somethin’ new every day, Pais.” 

I talked with Beth and got to know her a bit as she said she came to Tombstone for a new adventure. I talked with Paisley about how Natalie loved her class and she said that she was thinking about teaching reading and writing. I told her about Natalie’s history series in the Bee and then I headed home. 

*** 

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I played piano and sang at the Stock Exchange in Bisbee. I had a good crowd who came to listen to me play. We talked with a woman named Faith who was still debating what kind of work she wanted to do. We talked about how there would be bowling at Dutch Annie’s and Thomas said he didn’t have any new presents left at the office. Thomas and I headed home and relaxed, enjoying the quiet as the kids were out playing somewhere.

April 5, 1901

Tombstone. 

I wandered down Allen Street to check in with local law to see if anything was new. I went to the sheriff’s office and blinked, seeing a barrel in the front of the door. The smell drew my attention to it and I plugged my nose. I decided to put a pair of gloves on and got out my magnifying glass, looking for fingerprints on the barrel while I held my breath to not inhale the smell. I found some prints on the barrel and grinned wide. “Bingo!” I exclaimed and started to use my coal dust to retrieve the prints on a cloth, putting the prints in an envelope and putting the envelope in my bag. 

Benson. 

I rode over to Benson, wondering if I’d find similar things left there. As expected, there was a barrel of rotting fish in front of the office there too. I went over to investigate for prints and gathered some. I then compared them to the prints left in Tombstone and found that it was a perfect match. I put the prints in an envelope and put them in my bag with the others for evidence. 

Pearce. 

I waved to Cas as I rode through Pearce and he asked me what I was up to. 

“Is there a sheriff’s office in Goldfield?” I asked him. 

“I dunno.. there used to be.” 

“Hmm… I’m on an interesting hunt. There’s been rotting, stinking fish left in a barrel in front of the sheriff’s offices in Tombstone and in Benson. I’m about to check Pearce, Bisbee and Diamond. I lifted prints from the barrels in Tombstone and Benson... perfect match.” 

“From wood?” 

“Reminiscent of the horse manure left in front of the sheriff’s office in Diamond a while back.” 

“Well, maybe they should be nicer to people.” 

“Either way, it’s intriguing and it’s disruption of property, no?” I shrugged. 

Suzy and Ansar came over then and I asked him, “Ansar have you been over to the sheriff’s office in Pearce yet today?” 

“Not yet, why?” 

“Care to walk over there with me?” 

“Why?” 

“Got something I’m investigating... I’d like to see if there’s evidence there too. Found two barrels so far of rotting fish. One in Tombstone and one in Benson. Lifted prints from both, perfect match.” 

“Why don’t you just ask someone if they saw who did it?” Cas asked. 

“Like… what exactly?” Ansar asked. 

“Fish have prints?” Suzy asked. 

“So now I want to check the other offices too. No but the wood does.” 

“Wood prints?” Suzy asked. 

“Because Cas... finding someone to talk to about it is often difficult,” I looked at him. “And I just did ask Ansar, see?” I winked. “It kinda reminds me of the manure left in Diamond a while back. In front of Thomas’ office.” 

“You asked me to go to the sheriff off not if I saw something,” Ansar said. 

“You think Ansar left the prints?” Suzy asked. 

I sighed and said, “I asked if you’d been there... if you’d been there you would’ve seen the barrel. Or smelled it. Pretty awful smell.” 

“Maybe Ansar is trying to start people eating those things brits eat fish and chips,” Suzy suggested. 

“Who else have ya asked?” Ansar looked at me. 

“No one else around until I saw Cas here. Was no one in Tombstone or Benson. When I saw the barrels. So I rode out this way and found Cas. While on the way to find you in Pearce.” 

“What was it?” 

“A barrel full of rotting fish.” 

“Rotting fish? So like a gift of food that went bad?” Ansar asked. 

“So we’ll see if it’s in front of every sheriff’s office or just a few,” I said. 

“No, like the one I put in your desk drawer,” Cas said to Ansar. 

“That part is the mystery. I just know what is there.” I shrugged. 

“Dust the barrel?” Ansar asked. 

“I did. Lifted prints from both barrels and found a match. Have them in envelopes for evidence. Am going to gather more if I find more barrels. Just thought I’d ask you about Pearce before I go over there and look.” 

“I haven’t seen any around here.” 

“But you said you hadn’t been to the office yet... wanna check with me?” 

“Really don’t want to be late for the event,” Ansar said as he looked at his stop watch. 

Nim came over and I waved to them, heading on to investigate. There was nothing out of the ordinary at the office in Pearce though, so I continued to ride on. There was no barrels in Bisbee either though, so I head back to Black Diamond. 

Black Diamond. 

I rode over to the sheriff’s office and saw two barrels in front of the door. Thomas was kicking the barrels and growling. “What the freaking heck is going on here?!” He asked with anger. 

I wandered over to the barrels, examining for prints. As expected, there were some prints, and I lifted them with my coal dust and compared them to the others. “Yep... same bloody person. Love, we’ve got another case,” I told him, going over to him and hugging him tightly. 

“Hi my dear! I swear I am going to kill somebody this keeps up.” 

“I found one barrel in front of the Tombstone office, and one in front of the Benson office. You got two. Same prints on all barrels. But oddly enough... none in Bisbee or Pearce.” 

“Happy Easter my love.” Thomas turned and kissed me softly, hugging me around my waist. 

“Hi dear, same to you,” I said as I held him close, trying to relax. 

“Oh of course not, and why did I have to get two barrels?” 

“That’s the question of the hour now.” I shook my head in confusion. “Hmm... I wonder…” I said, wandering over to my office with him. I dug around in the office for the envelopes with the prints in them from the sign and shovel left with the horse manure. I set the contents of the envelopes on the counter, side by side. “Alright dear, we’ve got five sets of fingerprints here, see?” 

“Yep,” he said and nodded. 

“One from the sign, one from the shovel, one from the barrel in Tombstone, one from the barrel in Diamond, one from the barrel in Benson. Oh six... There’s the one from the second barrel in Diamond,” I said as I set it out. Holding him the magnifying glass I said, “Take a close look. Can you find any that doesn’t match?” 

Thomas took the magnifying glass and looked closely. “Nope, I see similarities in all 6.” 

“What does that tell you dear?” I smiled. 

“It makes me think that one person did all 6.” 

“Mmhmm. We’ve got one big case. A serial disturber of the peace. Focusing on the sheriff’s offices. I’m sure that there would have been manure at other offices, we just didn’t know to look.” 

“Yeah, I never did find out if there was or not” 

I went to update my files and then looked up. “Now who would do such a thing, dear?” 

“Whoever it is doesn’t mind the stink of whatever they do. Cause everything they have used so far, smells awful.” 

“You’re right... That’s a good observation. And they like you the least. Or Diamond law in general.” 

“It would have to be someone who doesn’t like law I think… and yes you’re right. Where would you find enough fish for such a thing as this though?” 

“That’s another good question. Or that much manure.” 

“Well manure not really an issue, with all the stables and horses around.” 

“Yes as Jenna told us too... well-fed horses from a ranch of some sort.” 

“But that much fish, would take some time to catch, and then they had to rot.” 

“Our only charge is still destruction of property, yes?” 

“As far as I know, yes. And disturbing my peace. I think we should consider looking in Pearce to start… it seems nothing ever happens there, maybe that’s where they are hiding this stuff.” 

“That’s interesting... Nothing seems to happen in Bisbee or Goldfield either though..” 

“Yeah, but we live in Bisbee dear, and I haven’t seen anything that would make me think they are there.” 

“Right… You know there’s one other place we haven’t been… Or mentioned..” 

“Where is that?” 

“Out in Ghenna... Or near the Native village,” I said suddenly. 

“True, but I am not ready to go charging into Ghenna.” 

“You and me both. But... Natives have forever hated white man’s law. So my guess is it’s someone from Ghenna or the Natives. They both hate white man’s law, for that matter.” 

“True, but if we go to speak to them, we must be careful, or we could end up worse than those fish.” 

“Agreed,” I said and handed him my report. “That’s my report thus far.” 

Thomas read the report over and said, “Looks good to me dear.” 

I took it back and filed it, then returned the fingerprints back to their envelopes and put the envelopes in a folder, then put the folder in the cabinet. “So... now what? There’s the golden gun thing going on in Goldfield. We aren’t going to get much questioning done tonight,” I told him. 

“Whatever you do dear, keep it quiet that we have these prints here...or whoever is doing this might break in and try to steal them.” 

“Yes, you’re right. I’d never tell anyone where evidence is.” 

“So everyone is at the shooting competition huh?” 

I reached over for his hand and said, “I have an idea. “Shall we go get a drink? Maybe dance a little and enjoy the fact that the children are over with their friends at the orphanage?" 

Thomas smiled and led me to the saloon where we shared a bottle of whiskey and celebrated Easter together. 

April 4, 1901

Goldfield. 

I walked through Goldfield and talked with Chris about how I was waiting for a telegram to come. We talked about catching up with the payroll and I rode to Pearce. 

Pearce. 

As I rode over, I noticed a huge crowd in the clinic. Nim, Angeles, Suzy and Seth were all patients as far as I could see and a woman named Vicky offered to help and I looked around. “Seth, Suzy, what happened? Who shot whom?” 

“Nim and Rikki here keepin’ us from getting paid,” Seth told me. 

“They fell off their horses,” Rikki said with a shrug. 

“Uh huh, with a little help?” I asked, rolling my eyes. 

“All I know is I got backside wounds and my leg got shot while I was trying to head to the fort,” Seth said. 

“I got hit by some wood splinters from the vegetable crates when someone shot at me,” Rikki announced. 

“Cuff nim to the table to go call for more docs,” Amara ordered. “Where is the telegraph office, Tully?” 

“Suzy grazed me with a shot, near knocked me out,” Nim said and pointed to the side of her head. 

“Dear are you Ok???” A man asked and I realized I didn’t know him. 

“I am fine Love, just trying to help the doc,Vicky told the man. 

“Nim, never buy bullets from that chinaman at China Mary’s, they misfire,” Rikki told her. 

“Okay, I figured you had things under control Rikki, after I took out a few,” Nim said.

“Can you help this soldier down so one of the others can get on the bed?” Vicki asked the man. 

“My guns jammed and wouldn’t fire.” Rikki muttered. 

“Angeles, do you need my help at all?” I asked. 

“Just watch this both ladies... Sir please grab a the General Suzy at the table,” Angeles said. I nodded and walked over to look at Nim and Rikki. Seth was trying to get up and almost collapsed as I walked over to him. “Here, let me help you get him to the table, Vicky. I’m Trin,” I introduced myself to her. 

“Pleased to meet you Miss Trin, I heard about you, you are a singer ain’t you?” Vicky asked as we worked on getting Seth onto the table. Vicky put a pad of bandages on Seth’s rear end and told him to hold on tightly. 

“Who has Rikki and Nim’s guns?” I asked, putting on my gloves. 

“Amara took mine,” Nim announced. 

“I’d like both Nim and Rikki’s guns to gather evidence,” I told Angeles. “Assuming they were both shooting?” 

“You must need wait for Amara Trin,” Angeles told me. 

“I don’t think Rikki’s shot, that was our problem this morning Trin, we would not be here had they done so,” Nim said. 

I walked outside when I saw Amara and asked her, “Amara, could I please see Nim’s gun?” I knew I needed to get the evidence for future evidence. 

“Amara, you going to release Nimbrel? Her and I were just innocent bystanders,” Rikki said from inside. 

“So they all just fell off their horses with bullet wounds in them?” I rolled my eyes at Rikki. 

“Sure looked to me like Nim shot Seth,” Suzy said. 

“Yeah, must be a sniper out there. He got me and Nimbrel too,” Rikki said. 

“I think it was that miss Paisley,” Nim said. 

I laughed at that and asked, “Amara?” 

“Don’t any of you think it strange she was all the way out here in Pearce this morning?” Nim asked. 

“Could say the same about both you. It’s a long way from Ghenna.” I shrugged. 

“I don’t live in Ghenna anymore, Rikki evicted me for being to wholesome.” 

“This gun stays with me and the calvary until she goes to court,” Amara said. 

“Amara, I will give you the gun back but I’d like to collect fingerprints and bullet samples all the same,” I told her. “If that’s alright with you, of course.” 

“Hmm… I wonder if Miss Paisley was in it with the engineer,” Rikki suggested. 

“Sounds like what I was thinking Rikki,” Nim said. 

“Did they get the money box too?” Rikki asked. 

“Trin you are not law you get it when we are done with it,” Amara said, making me blink. 

“Fine then, don’t expect me to help you with any cases in the future, Amara. I’ll get my own damn evidence,” I said and walked out of the clinic angrily. I couldn’t believe how Amara was acting towards me. It was no secret that Pinkertons needed guns to get evidence. I rode back to town frustrated and annoyed. 

March 28, 1901

Bisbee. 

Tonight I heard the kids coming into the house and went downstairs to greet them. “Well hey there, you two. What have you been up to?” 

“Hi ma...Natalie took me to see Mr. Wulf’s bookstore,” Jimmy said. 

“Oh that’s great! Did you see Alex and Aly while you were out that way too?” I asked. 

“Nah, they weren’t home,” Nat shook her head. 

“Did you stop by the orphanage? Miss Abi served up rabbit stew,” Thomas asked, walking down in a bathrobe.

“We sure did, and it was good. Miss Abi is a good cook,” Jimmy said. 

“Well, at least they get fed somewhere even if they don’t eat our food, eh dear?” I asked, looking at Thomas with a grin. 

“Aw ma, it’s just fun to see em all there at the orphn’age. We only had a bit of stew and we even washed our dishes up!” Nat exclaimed. 

“Alright, finish that water and then you two go to bed. Natalie and I have our special prayer walk in the morning, right kiddo?” I looked at her. 

“Yeah! It’s our special Bible time! Then we go to church in Benson and Bisbee!” Nat nodded excitedly. 

“Yeah ma, we only eat a little so not to make Miss Abi feel bad. She was working so hard on some papers she said,” Jimmy said. “Yes ma. Me and Pa gonna go over what he taught in class this morning tomorrow too.” 

“Can we wash it tomorrow ma? It was just water,” Nat said and finished her water. 

“Yep we sure are…” Thomas went over and hugged Nat and Jimmy and kissed them goodnight. 

We said goodnight to the kids and Thomas and I snuggled on the couch. “I’m real proud of you honey. I heard you did great today at school,” I told him. 

“Yeah, I think they all liked it. I was shocked so many showed up. Several adults even came,” Thomas said and snuggled me close. 

“That’s fantastic, honey. They must have loved you. I’m not ready to go to bed yet... can we cuddle down here for a while, dear?” 

“Sure love…” 

We cuddled close and continued to relax until we were ready to head upstairs to bed. 

March 24, 1901

Black Diamond. 

Tonight I went into the saloon and greeted Thomas with a kiss. It was so good to see him and we poured ourselves some whiskey and sat at the bar. “So what’s been happenin my dear? The kids staying out of trouble I hope?” Thomas asked. 

“The kids are great. They seem to be getting along a lot better.” 

“I’m glad...they went to the dance at Kate’s Saloon last night from what I heard..said they had a good time.” 

“Yeah, they did. Natalie said she felt Aly’s tummy and felt the baby kick.” 

“Oh? I didn’t know she was expectin’.” 

“Mmhmm. Due soon, I think. I’m sorry dear, thought I told ya.” 

“You might have dear, but i’ts not hard for me to forget things sometimes. I bet Alex is gonna be a proud pappa!” 

“He’s gonna be a great dad. Just like you are.” I smiled and caressed his cheek. 

He blushed and leaned over to kiss me. “Just as you are a great mom. Our kids are are so lucky to have you as their ma.” 

“I never thought I would be.” 

“You love kids so much, why wouldn’t you be? You care for any kid.” 

“I just... I’m bored.” I leaned into him. “I want fingerprints to match... evidence to follow... witnesses to question…” 

“Me too dear...me too...but I did get started on my class schedule for Saturday. Now I just gotta figure out what I want to be as my first lesson.” 

“Oh that’s good. I’m sure you’ll be great, honey.” 

“You missed seeing Miss Amara and Strider go choo choo chooing by on the rail car earlier, it was so cute…” He laughed. “It is boring tonight dear. I rode through Tombstone and Bisbee earlier and not a soul around.” We continued to dance and talk in each other’s arms.

March 23, 1901

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked down the street and saw Abi standing on the side of the road. “Hey there Abi!” 

“Hey Trin, what’s going on today?” 

“Oh just lookin’ around for information as usual.” 

“Well I was just taking a walk because none of the kids are at the orphanage right now. They are out playing somewhere. I don’t worry about them much in the daytime.”

“That sounds great. Natalie and Jimmi had a lot of fun last night.” 

“I’m glad.” 

“They love coming to play with the kids there. They get tired of each other sometimes, you know,” I said with a wink. 

“They are always welcome. Yes, I know how brothers and sisters are.” 

“Well I should carry on around finding information,” I said and headed down the street. 

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I did my gig in Bisbee and it went pretty well. A girl was there named Esmerelda and a boy named Pookes, who I knew lived with their Uncle Wulf and Aunt Sel. I told them to say hi to their aunt and uncle for me. I told them about my kids and how they should meet them soon, and then headed home. 

March 22, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked through town this morning and waved to Wedge who was standing in front of the sheriff’s office. “How’s it going?” 

“Pretty good, got myself a case finally.” 

“Oh?” 

“Mmhmm. Someone left a pile of manure in front of the sheriff’s office in Diamond. With a sign and a shovel. The sign said ‘this town needs cleaning up’.” 

“And uh… that’s a ‘case’?” Wedge laughed. 

“Sure is. Someone destroyed property by makin’ it smell awful there.” I nodded. “No one just deposits manure on a sheriff’s office doorstep for no reason.” When he looked away and laughed I asked, “You know something about it?” 

“Sorry… Not a thing.” 

“Good ’cause Thomas is livid. He finds whoever did this, he’s gonna make ’em eat it.” 

“Uh… wow. No.” 

Joan walked over then, as Wedge was still laughing, and when we asked her what was wrong she said, “We had a attempted attacking of the fort again yesterday.” 

“Oh did you? Who was it this time?” 

“Wedge, remember the man I arrested last week for doing that? The same guy. Erick.” 

“Erick…” I repeated the name, trying to remember him. 

“Oh… I may just have to order a shoot on site,” Wedge said. “I keep shooting him to hell.” 

“Erick have a last name?” I asked. 

“Yes, you might,” Joan told him. “Seth got him! We arrested him!” Joan exclaimed. 

“Good, but what’s his last name?” I asked. 

“He’s an easy hit… er.. target. Uh…” Wedge shifted on his feet. 

“He’s attacked payroll twice now, I want to keep an eye out for him to make sure the kids don’t go near him,” I told them. 

“Serranno I think,” Joan said. “But he is foolish.” 

“Oh… no, that’s a new name to me,” Wedge said. 

“He attacks it when it is in the fort,” Joan said. 

“And he attacked the fort two weeks in a row? During payroll?” 

“Yes. He says he needs the money for debts. I offered him a job.” 

“Arrested both times?” 

“Yes.” 

“Hmm...someone else did that to me a couple of weeks ago… I took him out,” Wedge said. “Sure wasn’t the guy you just named.” 

“Glad he’s at least getting arrested. Joan I was wondering…” I looked over at her. “Anyone been by to steal manure from you at your ranch lately?” 

“No.” 

“Hmm... no strange activity around your ranch then?” 

“But Socks here was a bad horse and ran off from me,” Joan said. “Why you say? I do rent rooms out, Trin.” 

“A pile of manure was deposited in front of the sheriff’s office in Diamond. Been there a while but we discovered it last night.” 

“Where?” she asked. 

“Our vet consultant informed us that the horses it came from were well-fed and probably lived on a ranch or in a stable.” 

“You think I did it? Arrest me then, Trin.” 

“No. I wanted to know if anyone’d been by your ranch. To steal manure. Or mess with the horses.” 

“Lots of people,” she said. 

“She’s just asking you Joan,” Wedge told her. 

“I’m not accusing you of anything,” I said. 

“It sure sounds like it.” 

“All I know is that this manure came from a ranch or a stable. So I need to ask ranch owners if any OUTLAWS had stolen manure from them. To do this job.” 

A man walked over then and Joan greeted him with the name Erick. I looked over at him curiously and greeted him, wondering if he was the one we were just talking about. 

Looking over at Joan I said, “I’m merely trying to help you, Joan. I’m not saying it came from your ranch. But you have to appreciate my position in needing to ask every ranch owner.” 

“See Trin, I rent rooms to help pay for my taxes. Rooms in my bunk house.” 

“I understand.” I nodded. 

“She’s just wondering if you know if any shit is missing from your pile...erm..at the ranch,” Wedge said. 

“No,” Joan said. 

“Alright then. That’s all I needed to know.” 

“But we do have a new batch of livestock… But Trin, I do not really look. Ask Payton. She is my ranch boss.” 

“If someone had stolen manure from you, I’m sure you’d notice,” I told her. “But I can clarify with Payton when I see her.” 

“See Trin, I would not care. It gets out of my hands,” Joan said. 

“Wedge, I need a drink,” I looked over at him. “I’ll be at the Oriental, Wedge.” I waved to the others and headed to the saloon, needing a drink to calm my mind and my frustrations. 

Pearce. 

I rode through Pearce and saw a couple inside a store and greeted them, walking in. The woman was cradling a baby and I introduced myself to them. They said their names were Wulf and Sel and I asked what the baby’s name was. 

“This one, well I found him yesterday. I think he belonged to the Apache woman who came into town and attacked Miss Suzy,” Sel told me. 

“Oh? Hadn’t heard about that.” 

“It was during the payroll pick-up. The woman was shot and I think arrested.” Sel nodded and rocked the baby. 

“Oh I see... Sounds like they had a couple attackers. Just heard of another one as well. Do you know which Apache woman?” 

“We found him after they left,” Wulf said with a nod. 

“Sorry, I’m a detective, to clarify,” I said, realizing I hadn’t introduced myself fully before starting to ask questions. “You found the baby after the Apaches and soldiers left?” 

“I think it was Wild something or other. Do you recalll dear?” Sel asked. 

“We are glad to help out, Miss,” Wulf said. “What was your name again?” 

“Yes, just laying under the table at the end of the street. I suppose she put him there for safety,” Sel told me. 

“Trin Paige.. Pinkerton detective,” I introduced myself. “So this baby... belonged to an Apache woman?” 

“Yes the Doc and I hunted all over for the tike,” Wulf said. “But never could pinpoint the cries.” 

“I tried to find the sheriff in Tombstone but the place was all shut up. I am really not sure what to do with the baby,” Sel said. 

“Well if the child was a bit older... We’ve got a good orphanage… Might still be able to bring the baby there. Miss Abi might know what to do with her... or him?” 

“I am pretty sure it is hers. I recall hearing one of the soldiers threaten her, saying if she hurt the general they wouldn’t let her have her baby.” 

“We are more glad to keep him. It a joy to care for him,” Wulf said. 

“But if he’s got a mother… That might get complicated,” I told Wulf.

“Being a half breed my self I know how hard it can be, and yes if his ma shows up will not stop her in picking him up,” Wulf replied. 

“I was hoping a sheriff or someone could find out. I really don’t think it would be wise just to walk into Apache territory carrying one of their babies, no matter how good the intentions,” Sel said with a nod. 

I nodded in agreement and said, “Still.. I know the Apache chief rather well. Maybe we could go over there to talk with him together and show him the baby? I’d feel better at least trying to find the baby... though I don’t know what the situation was with the soldier’s perspective.” 

“I suppose if you are friendly with the chief, that would make a difference. And we would be returning the baby after all,” Sel said. 

“Would you come to town with me and talk to a colonel there? I just left him downtown Tombstone… He might know what to do better if he was there yesterday?” 

They agreed and we talked about how the baby was a good baby and I sent a wire to Wedge for him to meet us and he agreed to come to Pearce. We sat down in the store and I found out that Wulf was a preacher as well, and was hoping to preach in Black Diamond. They also had artwork to sell at the store and she gave me a free picture of Allen Street. I told them I’d lived there for almost two years and we talked about how time flew. 

Wedge arrived and I introduced him to the couple as he shook their hands and sat down beside me. “I’ll let ya’ll explain the situation to Wedge,” I told them, letting them give him the information he needed. 

“Please,” Wedge said, looking between them curiously. 

“Well, yesterday during the payroll pick-up, an Apache woman came to Pearce and attacked the General. Miss Suzy I believe,” Sel said and I nodded in confirmation. “Well they were both injured, and I think the Apache woman was arrested. But she had come to town with a baby, and hid it before the attack. It was left behind. I found it and tried to find what had happened to his mother, but... well we have the baby and would like to make sure he gets back home. Sergeant Cross gave me a lift to Tombstone, but the woman wasn’t there, so we came back here.” 

“No name?” Wedge asked. 

“I was hoping you’d know that, Wedge,” I said and looked at him. 

“I know I heard someone call her by her name, the doctor I think. But he was speaking Apache. All I caught was Wild something or other,” Sel said. 

“Who was the doctor working on Suzy?” I asked. 

“Oh let me see…. Jim. That was it,” she replied. 

“Jimmi Rubble?” I asked. 

“Maybe, I only know Jim because the lady with him that. I am afraid we have only been here a week,” Sel said. 

“His wife Star was not around?” Wedge asked. “She’s Apache herself.” 

“That’s true, she is. And great with kids.” I nodded. “I thought if someone like her or me brought the baby to the village... and talked with Chief White Hawk… However I thought I’d check with you if you were at payroll and knew the Apache woman…” 

“Both I and the Doc looked all over for the tike, but to no avail before they took the Indian woman of to the stockade,” Wulf told us. 

“No… I was out of the territory yesterday, so I didn’t hear of what happened, till Joan told me a bit ago,” Wedge said and shook his head. “Do you feel safe going into the apache village Trin?” 

“I haven’t been there in a long while.. The chief and I are on good terms though,” I said. 

“Ah… ok, better then this blue uniform, for sure.” 

“I’d like to see if we could get information from Jimmi on who might be the mother.” 

“Sure, that’s a better route.” 

“His wife will be able to take the child to the village as well. Since she’s completely Apache.” 

“I hope she is alright. Even if she did attack Miss Suzy,” Sel said. 

“I’m sure she’s just fine if they managed to arerst her.” I nodded to her. 

“sh...you cant kill an Apache, it’s like they have nine lives,” Wedge said with a grunt. 

“Don’t I know it…” I sighed and nodded. 

“I… well, we are more than happy to take care of the child until you know more,” Sel said. 

“That might be the best option.” I nodded and looked at Wedge. “I don’t want to cart the child all over the territory with us…” 

“Sure, I now know where the baby is if they come looking,” Wedge said. 

“Splendid idea, Sir,” Wulf agreed. 

“I’ll try and track down Suzy… Maybe she can tell us something too,” I offered.

“And since the fort is no place for a baby without its mother, its safer with you two, for now,” Wedge said. 

“And Jimmi, and talk with the Apache chief if I can find him. It may take a few days,” I said and looked at the couple. 

“She’ll be around tonight Trin,” Wedge told me. 

“I picked up some food and baby stuff at the orphanage from the cook ,” Sel said. 

“Oh, that’s fine. I’m sure you know more than I do,” Wedge said. 

“And we skipped the baby stage and adopted two children. So I’m not really all that good with babies themselves,” I said with a grin. 

“I think we might end up doing the same. We haven’t children of our own,” Sel said with a sad smile. 

“Wedge was Joan still in town when you left?” I asked. “She may know who the Apache woman was if she was there yesterday.” 

“Ok well...I will be out on patrol again, if ya’ll need me, I will check in periodically with Trin,” Wedge promised. 

“Just writing up some information on this case, and who to talk to,” I said with a nod. “Thanks Wedge. Let me walk out with you,” I said and stood with him. 

We walked down the street and I looked over at him. “Well how about that? No case for there months. Now I’ve got two cases in two days.” 

“Well… go figure.” 

“And I’ll count on you for this one, since it’s your jurisdiction?” I grinned. 

“Just use caution going to the village.” 

“As I said... the Chief and I are on good terms…” 

“I’ll be close by.” 

“Don’t know if you remember but... I am part-Apache as well.” 

“Even so… Some apache may not know you.” 

“True,” I said with a nod and we headed back towards town. 

Tombstone.

I thanked Wedge for his help and then walked over to talk with Joe about the case with the manure in Black Diamond. He hadn’t heard anything about it though and B came over so I filled her in on the case as well. 

*** 

Black Diamond. 

I saw Thomas walking over towards me tonight and I kissed him hard, greeting him as he held me close. We talked about my conversation with Joan and how she’d gotten defensive about the questions about her ranch. 

“Wedge was there and he defended me, sayin’ that I was just followin’ the only lead I had,” I told him. “Which was that these horses came from a ranch or stable somewhere.” 

“At least Wedge was there to back you up. Sounds like Joan went off the deep end again as usual.” 

“Yeah… So that’s one ranch owner off our list unless we talk to Payton.” 

“Hmmm. Well that takes Joan off our list. Who else do we have?” 

“Then I talked with Joe and Bianca and they seemed to be all supportive of the action and how the towns really did need cleanin’ up. Makes me suspicious of both of them but I don’t know them to do something like this. They keep their noses clean and do doctorin’ when needbe. But... they do live in Ghenna... so maybe their neighbors are rubin’ off on them.” 

“Hmm...Joe and Bianaca huh? Yeah but you know Joe went from being an understaker to being a doc in Ghenna..he’s been a bit standoffish since that.” 

“Makes me uneasy about it, is all I’m sayin’. Course I got no proof either way unless I can match those prints.” 

“As for Bianaca, I don’t know her well enough to make any judgement. Well let’s keep Joe at least as a possibility.” 

“And Bianca. Heck, and Joan. But I don’t wanna go there quite yet.. Just her nervousness and feeling guilty of something seemed worrisome. But she’s a soldier and has no motive.” 

“Yeah. Have you head if there were any other manure piles left at any of the other jails?” 

“Not yet but that’s a good approach as well. Anyway I have another case… Of more pressing importance…” 

“Good Lord dear, could you imagine what would have happened to Jimmy if Joan had adopted him?” Thomas shook his head. 

“Thank God you found him first.” I smirked. 

“I know that’s right. The poor kid doesn’t need that kind of terror in his life. No kid does.” 

“Speaking of kids… I met with a nice couple over in Pearce today. They run a bookstore over there… Wulf and Selene Falconer. They told me about how Suzy had been attacked by an Apache woman during payroll yesterday. During the attack, a baby had been hidden under the table nearby to protect him. The Falconer’s found the baby after the attack and took him home to care for him since no mother was found. The mother had been arrested after the payroll.” 

“So was the indian woman the mother?” 

“So it seems.” I nodded. 

“Wedge came to consult on the case but he hadn’t been there at the attack. The couple offered to care for the baby while we searched for information about the mother.” 

“Is Suzy ok?” 

“I have no idea. I promised to talk to Chief White Hawk about the incident, as well as Jimmi Rubble who was the doctor at the attack, and Suzy Honi who may know who attacked her.” 

“What jail do they have the woman in, do you know?” 

“That I’m not sure about either. And I’m not sure if she’s still in jail. I don’t even know the name of the mother.” 

“Hmmm...but you know for sure that this couple is tending to the baby for the time being?” 

“Yes they are and they are great with him. He is a preacher.” 

“Well, we need to get in touch with the Apache tribal elders as soon as we can. The last thing we need is a bunch of Apache’s running round looking for a child.” 

“Why don’t we go over there now, dear? Chief White Hawk and I know each other well.” 

“Sounds like a good idea.” 

“He knows I’m part Apache. Do you think I should go in unarmed and wearing my native clothing? Or are we good as is?” 

“I think we should go as is” 

“Alright.” 

We rode over to the village, but no one was there, so we headed back home. 

Bisbee. 

We walked into the house and saw Jimmy and Natalie sitting on the couch talking. They greeted us and Natalie exclaimed, “Look ma, we’re together and ain’t fightin’!” 

“Did you have fun?” I asked with a smile. 

“Yeah, we learned about a lonely ghost who stayed awake for 300 years!” Jimmy told us. 

“And I told about the ghost ya fell in love with when ya moved from Texas, ma!” Natalie said. 

“Wow, 300 years, I would be lonely too after 300 years,” Thomas commented. 

I blushed a bit and looked down at them. “Goodness.. haven’t thought about Dutch in a while. Glad he decided to stop poppin’ up out of nowhere.” 

“Ma, are ghosts real?” Natalie asked. 

Thomas wiggled under me as we sat on the couch together and he said, “Nope, just other things do that, don’t they dear?” 

I blushed and nudged Thomas in the ribs as I said, “No honey... only the Holy Ghost... but that’s a bit different.” 

“There’s a HOLY ghost???” Natalie exclaimed. 

“A Holy Ghost? Wow…” Jimmy shook his head. 

“Yes kids, in the Bible, there is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,” Thomas said and hugged me. 

“But I thought Jesus lived inside us... Not some ghost,” Nat said. 

“Honey it’s far too late for this kind of conversation... Maybe we should talk about this tomorrow?” I suggested. 

“They are talking about God, Jesus, and the spirit within us,” Thomas said with a smile. 

“All THREE of them are inside us?” Nat looked down at her stomach with confusion. “How they all fit in there?” 

“I never been told I was full of God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit pa...I been told I was full of bull...is that what they meant?” Jimmy asked. 

“Kids… go to bed,” I said tiredly, looking between them. 

“Yes, and ask Mr. Chris about that next time you see him,” Thomas suggested. 

The kids hugged us and said goodnight and we tucked them into bed upstairs. 

March 21, 1901

Tombstone. 

I was sitting in front of Kate’s this evening when Aspen came up and we talked about how things had been boring lately, and we decided to explore together. We walked into the Birdcage Theatre and I showed her around. She pretended to dance on stage and we pretended to put on a show. Abi came into the theatre to watch Aspen do her ballet act and it was so much fun to pretend to be a child again. 

A man named Johny came in and joined us as I went up to the stage and started to dance for them. It felt good to dance again and they loved it. 

We decided to take our exploration to Black Diamond and went to the saloon there where we had drinks and talked. 

Outside, we heard Thomas riding over towards the saloon and grumbling, “I swear I catch who did I, I’m gonna hang em by their toenails and beat them with barbed wire.” 

“Uh oh…” I cringed, knowing that wasn’t going to be good. 

“ALL RIGHT I WANT SOMEONES HIDE!” Thomas shouted. 

“Dear? What’s wrong?” I asked, standing as Thomas came into the saloon. 

“Gosh, I ain’t never seen Mr. Thomas angry,” Aspen commented. 

“My goodness Thomas what the heck is going on?” Abi gasped. 

“Dear?” I looked at him. 

“Someone has done gone and piled manure up in front of my office,” Thomas said with fierceness in his expression. 

“A pile of what?!” I blinked and walked over to him. 

“Poop Miss Trin,” Aspen told me with a giggle. 

“A pile of manure...and it smells fresh!” Thomas replied. 

“Well that’s the best kind of manure,” Johnny commented. 

“Yes kiddo, I know what manure is,” I told her and looked at Thomas, hesitating. “Horse manure? Cow manure? Human... manure?”

“With a big sign that says, ‘This town needs cleanin up!’” Thomas said. 

“Eww! Did ya step in it Mr Thomas?” Aspen asked. 

“I don’t care what kinda manure it is, it could be rat manure for all i care, but why they gotta go puttin it in front of my office door?” Thomas asked. 

“Was there a message anywhere, hon?” I looked at him. 

“Maybe they’re trying to grow some pretty flowers outside your office?” Johnny suggested. 

“No, thank goodness, these are new boots, and I woulda been really upset,” Thomas replied. 

“Interesting choice of soil, Johnny. Was there any name on that sign that said the town needs cleanin’ up?” I asked. 

“I find out who did it, I gonna make ’em eat it,” Thomas threatened. 

“That’s a reasonable punishment.” I chuckled. 

“No, I didn’t see a name,” Thomas said. “Dear, how are you at investigatin poo?” 

“Well... I ain’t great at it but I know a vet or two that might help,” I said. 

“Ya gonna check for thumb prints in it?” Aspen asked. 

We had some root beer and talked about finding a vet and we talked with the others as we tried to relax from the current case we would have to investigate. 

Before long, Jenna came over and we told her we had a case for her. Thomas walked with us and we waited while she studied the manure in front of the sheriff’s office. 

“So what you think, Jenna?” I asked her. 

“Well... it’s too much for it to be placed here by a wayward animal,” she observed.  

“Agreed. From what I know ’bout horses growin’ up on the ranch. But it’s definitely horse manure ain’t it?” 

“That’s about what I get from a couple days of cleaning my stables.” 

“I know, not even my horse takes a poop that big,” Thomas said. 

“Yep... good old, ripe road apples,” Jenna replied. “Emphasis on ripe.” 

“Mmhmm….” I said and watched Jenna work as I went over to calm Thomas down. When Jenna gasped I asked, “What, Jenna?” 

“I mean why did it have to be my office. Why couldn’t it have been in Tombstone!” Thomas exclaimed. 

“I don’t know, dear.” I shrugged. 

“Well.. wherever this came from... it was from more than one horse,” Jenna stated. 

“Really?! Who on earth would go to that much effort?” 

“And they are quite healthy... although one sample I looked appeared to be perhaps indication of an animal that was slightly dehydrated. But this has been here for awhile... so it’s hard to tell really.” 

“How on earth can you tell that? Can you tell how long it’s been here?” 

“The consistency of the... ummm… to me it looks like someone saved up a few cleanings of a stable... and brought it here.” 

“Miss Jenna, be sure to take all the poo you need. I won’t argue with you on it,” Thomas said with a smile and I laughed. 

“Well... it appears pretty dried... that tells me it’s all been sitting here awhile,” Jenna said. 

“You don’t even wanna keep some for uh... evidence dear?” I asked him. 

“Well um…” Thomas looked at me with a smile. “I thought you would want to get that.” 

I heard movement behind m e and then got out some gloves, pulling out a bag. “S’pose I could collect some…” 

“And a couple of the samples in the pile I saw quickly seemed more dried and flaky than the rest... which tells me the animal it came from was lacking in water content, compared to the other... ummmm.. samples in the pile,” Jenna said. “I don’t know if there is any way to tell which horse these came from.” 

“Hmm… How about... where it came from?” 

“Dear I think we need a couple samples is all. We can let Jenna have the rest if she wants it…” Thomas laughed. 

“Although if there is someone who might be a suspect that has more than one horse... and one of them is slightly dehydrated... that might be a clue,” Jenna told us. 

“A very good point.” I nodded.

“But there is no way really to tell which horse they came from. There are no tell-tale signs of them being on medication... or any unusual feed.” 

“Well that’s... good?” I nodded. 

“There are so many horse ranches around here, I doubt we can check every one of them. Did you see anything on the sign Trin?” Thomas asked. 

“Where did the shovel come from?” Jenna wondered. 

“Your guess is as good as mine.” I shrugged. 

“I don’t know… I rode up on my horse and it was just like that,” Thomas said. 

“That might be a clue,” Jenna said as I continued to collect some samples, holding my breath as I did so. “Well... if you want... I can keep those samples at the office i have at the OK Corral.” 

“Well, I’d rather have a few samples in my office but you can take all the rest of it you want,” I told her. 

“I don’t know how long they will keep.” 

“Just wish you knew what region they might’ve come from.” I nodded. 

“Between the ranch and the Corral I have more than enough,” Jenna said with a laugh. 

“I’ll bet.” I chuckled. 

“I tell ya what dear...give me a sec...I think we got an old barrel around back,” Thomas said. 

“It’s tough to say... although I’d say that this looks like it’s from horses from a ranch, rather than those that free graze,” Jenna said. 

I checked the sign and the shovel with my magnifying glass and found something. “Huh... I see some prints.” I took out my rag and coal dust and lifted the prints, putting them into another small bag and putting the bag into my pocket. “That helps... Now we just gotta question all the ranch owners… So let’s see… I’ve got fingerprints from the sign…” 

“Well... or perhaps a stable... where they get good feed on a regular basis,” Jenna suggested. 

I checked the shovel and found prints there too, lifting them with the coal dust and cloth. I compared them to the ones on the sign and grinned. “Same prints. So that is helpful. The shovel and sign came from the same person.” 

“Someone certainly wanted to send a message,” Jenna observed. 

Thomas rolled an empty barrel from around the side of the building and said, “We can put the rest in this barrel to keep if need be dear.” 

“Alright so for evidence we’ve got manure samples... from various different horses coming from a ranch… Who were well-fed and not unhealthy…” I looked to Jenna for confirmation and she nodded in agreement. “And we’ve got fingerprints from the sign and the shovel, which match, proving it was from the same person.” 

“Can you tell maybe what kind of horses that it come from Jenna?” Thomas asked. 

“Other than they were most likely full grown... I couldn’t say,” Jenna replied. 

“Alright I’m gonna write up this as a witness statement for your assessment, Jenna. And get you to sign it. Will mean more coming from your signature on the page, as a vet,” I told her. 

“Okay… so healthy, and full grown, so definitely not the Wild Bunch, I would doubt they take that good care of their animals,” Thomas said. 

“Of course. Anything to help,” Jenna said with a smile. 

“Thank you very much Jenna,” Thomas said. 

“Unless you want to write it in your own words?” I looked at her and said, “Thanks. We’re gonna need it.” 

“Good luck with this Detective,” Jenna said. “I’d be glad to... if that would help. I’ll fill it out right away.” 

“Perfect, and dear if you could do one as well. And I’ll write a report and just attach both your statements while we continue to investigate,” I told her. 

“Excellent,” Jenna said and started to write. 

“I sure will do that hon,” Thomas promised. 

“I’m amused that the sign says ’manure’ on it. As if we didn’t know what it was. Then we get to start the fun process of asking around for witnesses, if we can get ’em.” I chuckled. 

“That ought to be fun,” Jenna said with a laugh. 

We worked on our reports and then I said, “I’ve got my report done, listing two plastic bags of manure, one bag of prints from the sign, and one bag of prints from the shovel. Dear, maybe you should keep the shovel and sign in the office at least?” 

“Yes for sure… just wait till I find the culprit who did this. They will wish they never seen manure of any kind,” Thomas insisted. 

“I so hope I’m there for that.” I smirked. 

“I think you are right dear. How about in your office. Might be safer if you hold onto it. In case they decide to try something else.” 

Thomas and Jenna handed me their reports and Jenna asked, “Is that concise enough?” 

“Thank you, both of you. We’ll figure this out I’m sure,” I told them and looked to Thomas. “Sure, we can keep them there.” I smiled and took the bags out and nodded to Jenna. “That is perfect, Jenna, thank you!” 

“Gosh this stinks,” Thomas said as he took the shovel and sign and set them aside. 

“I’m so glad you were here!” I told Jenna. 

“I don’t know what help it will be... but glad to do my part,” she said. 

“It will be a big help. It told us that we need to question ranch and stable owners.” 

“You know where to find me if you need anything else.” 

“I sure do, thank you hon. I’ll be calling on you again right away if we get any more uh... animal-related cases.” 

“Good luck with this Trin and Thomas.” 

“Thank you again Miss Jenna. You are now considered a part of the Black Diamond Poo Patrol,” Thomas said with a laugh. 

“Do I get to wear a Poo Patrol badge too?” Jenna laughed. “You two take care... and good luck.” 

“Yep, just pick any clump out of the barrel there,” Thomas said. 

We said goodbye to Jenna as she headed back to her office and Thomas and I brought the evidence over to my office and locked it up in the cupboard. 

“Well we said we wanted a case dear…” 

“I think we need to go find a lake to jump into.” I chuckled. “We both smell awful.” 

Thomas sniffed himself and nodded, holding his nose. “Whew! Yeah I think we need a bath baaaad!” 

“I’m guessing the nearest lake is in the canyon.” 

“I think you’re right, shall we go jump in a lake?” 

“Sounds good to me!” 

We went over to the Canyon and bathed in the lake, taking advantage of our peaceful time alone and away from the kids. The moment of romance was lost as we heard Natalie shouting that Jimmy hit her again. We changed and headed back to the house, not sure what we would find. 

Bisbee. 

Storming into the house, we found Jimmy and Natalie fighting in the corner. “Both of you. Stand. Now. Jimmy that corner, Natalie that corner,” I ordered. 

“Stop hittin’ me!!!” Natalie exclaimed. 

“But I didn’t do it this time!” Jimmy insisted and punched Natalie hard in the arm. 

“OWWWW!” Nat cried. 

“JIMMY! Corner NOW!” Thomas ordered. 

“Which one do you want?” I looked over at Thomas and asked. 

“Ya see!?!?” Nat kicked Jimmy back. 

“I guess I will take Mr. stubborn pants over there.” Thomas rolled his eyes. 

I nodded to him, pulling my daughter off my son. “Alright little lady. You know the drill. Upstairs.” 

“HEY OWWW! You bratty pain in the rear...See Pa, what she does to me!” Jimmy cried. 

“Jimmy, on the couch, and quiet,” Thomas ordered. 

Nat stormed up to her bed and sat on it, her arms crossed. I walked up after her and looked at her. “Now listen here lady. I don’t care what he did but I’m SURE there’s a way you could have avoided that fight. What happened?” I asked and Natalie looked away. 

I wondered something then and then said, “Thomas, I’ve got an idea. Natalie come back downstairs with me.” 

We went downstairs and I looked between them. “It seems we ain’t gonna solve this with you two being separated, so we’re going to try a different approach tonight.” 

“Now for starters, ain’t nobody getting a new brother or sister, unless they want to go back to the orphanage! Understood?!” Thomas looked between them. 

“Yes pa,” Natalie said and cringed. 

“I guess so Pa...can we adopt Aspen instead of Natalie?” Jimmy asked. 

“HEY!” Nat exclaimed. “Aspen don’t get EVERYTHING!!” 

Thomas looked at me and shook his head and I sighed. “Listen here you two. Seems I recall a day when Thomas and I weren’t living together... And when we got together you two were so excited to be siblings.” 

“Now Jimmy, you don’t mean that, now do you? Do you really want Natalie to leave and not be your sister?” Thomas asked. 

Jimmy looked at Natalie and said, “Well….. can I think about that for a while?” 

Nat simply nodded her head and looked down. “I ain’t got no problem with him... it’s him that seems to like hittin’ me.” 

“But you hit me when all I wanted to do was play with your blocks...you was buildin a fort..and I wanted to help!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“You didn’t wanna help, you wanted to knock it over!” 

“Well I was the injuns attackin the fort..that’s what they do...knock it over!” 

I sighed and looked at them both. “I’m going to ask you both a question. We can both agree that what’s goin’ on between you two ain’t good, right?” 

“Uh huh,” Jimmy said. 

“It ain’t my fault!” Nat exclaimed. 

“But I didn’t bite her!” 

“Honey, I ain’t placin’ blame here. I just want us to agree on something first.” 

“Fine. Right now he’s bein’ a brat and I don’t like it. We can agree on that, right?” Nat asked. 

“Pa! See, she been callin me a brat since I got in trouble the other day..makin fun of me…it's not fair!” Jimmy cried. 

“No more name callings. That’s rule number one. Got it? That goes for both of you,” I said firmly. 

“Yes ma’am,” they both said in unison. 

“Rule number 2. There will be no more hitting, biting, or fighting in this house. That goes for both of you, understood?” Thomas asked. 

“Yes sir,” they both replied. 

“If I find you two fighting again, you will both be on poo duty, cleaning up any pile of manure I find left around town. Just ask your ma, we had a BIG pile of poo out front of the sheriffs office tonight,” Thomas told them. 

“Is that what smells in here?” Jimmy chuckled and looked at Thomas’ boot. “Ewwwww pa, you got poo on your boot!” 

“Hey, we bathed. Next rule. If you two have a disagreement about something... before hitting each other over it... try to talk it out first.” 

“Oh you got to be kidding me! A new pair of boots too! Dad burn it! “ Thomas mumbled and pulled off his boots. 

“Yeah brother, don’t hit me first,” Nat looked at Jimmy. 

“You can make the criminal clean that while he eats it in jail,” I said with a smirk to Thomas. 

“Yes ma, and that goes the same for you too sister,” Jimmy said. 

“Uh huh. I always wanna talk. You just wanna destroy or hurt things,” Nat said. 

“I do not. Cause you always wanna call me a name, or pick on me when I do something wrong. I cant help it I ain’t a smarty pants like you.” 

“I do not. You’re the one who calls me names. See? Ya just called me a smarty pants.” 

“Well it’s better than a brat, ain’t it?!” 

“Rule number 4... or whatever we’re up to…” I said. “Next person who calls someone a name or hits someone... has to clean up that spot where Shira does her business in the back yard for a week.” 

“Oh no! not that! I promise I will be good!” Jimmy insisted as Shira barked loudly then and wagged her tail in agreement. 

“Me too! It’s bad enough she does it on walks!” Nat exclaimed. 

“I love you Natalie. I am so sorry....I want you as my sister!” 

“I love you too Jimmy! I’ll be nicer from now on, I promise!” 

“If that’s not the end of it, you have to eat your ma’s cookin no matter what she makes if you call a name or fight again!” Thomas said and I threw a pillow at him. He stuck his tongue out at me and said, “I love you too dear!” 

“Shira duty and ma’s cookin...maybe we’d be better off back at the orphanage sis...at least they just send us to bed without dinner…” Jimmy chuckled. 

“Alright now... Everyone group hug!” I said and we all piled on the couch for a group hug. 

“You kiddos want a story huh? I got one, about how the big bad sheriff made the outlaw eat a pile of horse poo that he piled in front of his office,” Thomas said. 

“How about we tell you about the time when I had to determine if the bugs at the sheriff’s office in Tombstone were bugs or termites?” I suggested. 

“I’d rather read Sherlock.” Nat looked between us and back at Jimmy. 

“That’s okay, I think it’s time for bed,” Thomas said. 

“We’re on a roll tonight, dear.” I smirked. 

“Looks like we aren’t that interesting no more, dear,” Thomas said and winked at me. 

We tucked the kids in bed and they said that they loved us and were sorry for fighting. I kissed Thomas and smiled at the love in the room and we headed to bed.