Black Diamond.
I walked into town this morning after a weekend away and saw Aly come out of her house. “Good morning,” she greeted me with a smile.
“Hey there deputy,” I smiled at her badge.
“I’m really gonna have to get used to that,” she laughed. I’ve got a LOT of work cut out for me.”
“Uh huh,” I chuckled. “We’re gonna be an awesome team though. Want to talk about over coffee?”
“Would love some coffee!”
We walked over to the cafe and sat down at the table, pouring ourselves some coffee. “I kind of went out of town this weekend...” I admitted.
“Hm, that explains when neither Alex or me have seen ya. Started to get worried that undertaker had something to do with it,” she teased.
“I needed to get away and think.”
“Sometimes that’s what you gotta do,” she nodded.
“With the announcement that Krell wasn’t going to be mayor anymore... and with my past following me... Just needed to regroup.”
“Yeah a lot of us were really upset with Krell’s leaving... But you know, things are changing. And even though they are, maybe for the better. Suzy has been around and she’s been doing a real good job with training me and making sure the town stays in once piece.”
“That’s great. I’m really glad to hear that she’s been around more. I guess there’s gonna be an election for mayor. You think Dave will run?”
“It always amazes me though...people are so resistant to change....yet they move around a lot where change is inevitable. I hope he does...not sure I trust anyone.”
“Yeah I hear you,” I nodded. Suzy’s one of the only general that actually writes reports... It ain’t about the change that I had to regroup but the fact that things were stayin’ the same, you know?”
“I do,” she nodded. “We just have to work with what we’ve got.”
“Yeah... I was just gettin’ bored. I’ve decided to embrace change.”
“Hell Trin, me being deputy is change in itself,” she smiled.
“Exactly. Maybe cases will actually get solved now when they see you’re around. They’ll wanna do stuff and then you and I can nail ‘em.”
“Oh speaking of which...I found a carpenter....he’s been looking for work. I may have some things for him to do since I’m going to be super busy with this new job.”
“Oh yeah? Who’s that?”
“Mike. you met him? He’s a little crude, sarcastic and blunt, but I think he’d do well. Ger was wanting signs made for his vet's office, and I could use a few nice picture frames for my house.”
“Don’t think I’ve met him yet,” I shook my head.
“Oh I’m sure you will at some point. He spends a lot of time at Annie’s I think,” she chuckled.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, he’s real blunt... Saying things like he won’t take lip from a woman. I could never be with a man like that,” she laughed.
“That’ll be a good thing for a carpenter,” I chuckled.
“Yeah, he can work alone. Though I’m probably going to be the one giving HIM work. He’s gonna have to take orders from a woman,” she laughed.
“That’ll be fun.”
“I’m actually NOT looking forward to it.”
Ger walked into the cafe and we told him he could join us at our table because Alex had a patient out of town that he took care of. “How you doin’, Ger?” I reached for the coffee and poured a cup for him.
“Wondering is all...”
“Wondering about?”
“Should I bother to run for mayor at all...”
“I think you and Dave should both run. We’d have a better chance of someone smart getting in,” I winked. “If one of ya gets in the other can help.”
“Not if Sam runs... If he runs, the ballots will be stuffed by his... ‘family’.”
“Who don’t live here or work here,” I muttered. “Like he barely does.”
“Yeah I really don’t want Sam in. Not that I don’t like him but... I don’t know him other than his pies and he snores.”
“Mmhmm. And Bree just stands around making no sense. I about fell off my seat when I saw the telegram of nominations. I really think you or Dave could do the job justice, Ger.”
“So do we....but who knows what Suzy will do with the elections,” Ger pointed out.
“She better keep it fair,” I said.
“I think having both of you work together would be great...it’s a big job, but not as stressful when split between two people. And we need to give her a chance, Ger. She did an amazing job training me last night,” Aly said. “She might be able to do a lot more than most of us give her credit for, myself included, at first.”
“That’s why I’ve decided to embrace this. Maybe change will be a good thing,” I nodded to her.
“You have to...we don’t have a choice sometimes when change happens. If you fight it, you only end up more stressed,” Aly nodded.
I looked at Ger and said, “I had to get away for the weekend to clear my head and think about everything going on. I came to the office last night but I just wasn’t in the right mindset to be social yet.”
“Trin I think you’ve done a complete turnaround...you look so much more relaxed today. You needed that,” Aly observed.
“Yeah,” Ger agreed.
“I feel more relaxed. I just needed to... get away and think. Now I can refocus and be ready for whatever comes at me.”
“I didn’t realize how much losing Krell would hit me. Not like it was anything romantic but... I’ve invested a LOT of time in figuring out that couple.”
“And the rest of us can relax too,” Aly teased.
“To accept that I would never close those cases... That was a hard pill to swallow. I think that’s what hit me the most. Happens every time when I do cases that involve a mayor it seems... I should just avoid that.” I looked over at Ger and said, “So Ger if you do get elected... Try not to get any enemies, okay?”
“Being mayor already implies enemies alone, Trin,” Aly said. “It’s part of the job description no matter who is in power.”
“Mmhmm. I know...”
“So Trin I feel like I got a ton of questions...” Aly started. “But don’t even know where to begin.”
“Hit me with ‘em.”
“Suzy gave me lots of information last night and she was good with it....but if I had an idea in my head of the actual steps of making an arrest....I know it sounds silly... but that might help my brain process and organize the new information.”
“Okay well... I figure out who did it and get witness statements and give them to you...”
“You've been a deputy before, right?”
“You write up the report and attach the statements to the report and then bring it to Jimmi or some other judge...” I went on. “You ask them for a warrant of arrest... When you’ve got the arrest warrant you can find them, but only if they’re in Diamond, and be like ‘I have a warrant for your arrest. Please come with me,’ or something like that... Sometimes they come willingly, sometimes they don’t... You can call for a posse to help you get them if you need it.”
“Who would that be?”
“If other law come into Diamond or if a citizen who’s not an outlaw comes into town you can deputize them and get their help, like Tye does with me sometimes.”
“Okay...”
“If you need to you can send a telegram to get a doctor. You can always deputize me if you need the help. That’s pretty much it. Then when they’re in the cell you write up the charges from the poster that’s in the office... tell them their bail amount...”
“Do I just say... ‘Trin, you’re deputy for this arrest’ or something?”
“Right just be like ‘I deputize you to hep me with this’ kind of thing.”
“Ok and then they pay or someone else gotta pay for them, or either?”
“I think it’s either but there's a thing in the office where the money goes. Then the report goes to the court clerk, I think.”
“Who is the clerk? I probably already know this.”
“Well... Right now I think you give it to Jimmi. When and if we get court running again here, I’m hoping to become the court clerk here.”
“Okay that would be super easy then.”
“Mmhmm.”
“It sounds like we really will have a good team here...with you as the clerk and Pinkerton, then Alex and Myst as medics... and David and Ger. We can make this town up and running nicely.”
“Don’t forget! I’m a lawyer too.”
“I did forget! Even better!” she chuckled.
“Mayors can also sign arrest warrants,” Ger put in then.
I looked at him and said, “That’s true they can.”
“And you have to allow a defense attorney into the jail to talk to the prisoner and try to reduce the charge or fine.”
“Right. And the DA can pay the bail too right Ger?” I asked.
“Right. And the DA and defense can talk about reducing the charges as well..make a deal. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen.”
“Why would we want that to happen? They should pay for what they done. Otherwise I’m wasting my time,” Aly said.
“Turn the defendant against a bigger fish.”
“I’m not understanding,” Aly shook her head.
“It is an extension of the criminals involvement they started by doing the crime. If they want to make a deal for a lessor sentence, they can. So it is up to the lawyer to negotiate it with either the arresting officer, sheriff or DA, who ever is present,” Ger explained.
“How come even after three cups of coffee I’m still not awake yet?” Aly grumbled. “Oh right...late night. Oh Trin!”
“What were you doin’ late last night, Aly? Or just training stuff?” I looked at her.
“Guess what! I was doing a whole lot of stuff that involved work, dancing, and after Suzy trained me I came home and found Jamie in my tree,” Aly chuckled.
“Ah I see,” I laughed.
“She’s real cute.”
“Yeah she is. Known her a while. Probably one of the first kids I met around here,” I said.
“Said she’s gonna be the flower girl in Lil’s wedding this weekend. She was excited to show my the church. Trin I felt so tiny in it,” Aly said. “I was actually really surprised to see her in the tree. I think she likes me,” Aly laughed.
“Kids seem to,” I chuckled.
“Cause you look like one of their own,” Ger teased and Aly playfully swatted him.
“You’re not so funny!” Aly complained. “But you have a point, I can giggle right along with a child, and relate. It’s just a part of my personality....and at the same time I’m careful, and want to keep them safe, as an adult would.”
“Then maybe try and adopt her....don’t know,” Ger went on. If her adopted folks don’t show up.”
“Who were her parents?” Aly asked.
“Matt and Abby Seferis...” I shook my head. “They were living in Diamond for a while. Then moved to Pearce with the exodus after things with Bill as mayor here went south. Never heard from them since I moved back to Diamond when Krell became mayor.”
“I don’t know them. Then again I think I started living here shortly after Krell became mayor...” Aly remembered. “So wouldn’t know anyone before that.”
“And me a couple of weeks later...Myst knows them,” Ger added.
I saw James outside and stood up then, going outside to greet him. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly. “Hey you.”
“Morning,” he smiled. “How you been?”
“Better now. How are you James?”
“I’m good,” he laughed. “Dry mouth, could do with some whiskey but got some work to do later.”
“Not sure I’ve met your friends yet,” James nodded inside.
“Come on in for a drink. Meet another friend of mine.”
We walked into the cafe and I introduced him to Ger and he greeted Aly again, since they’d met the other day.
“James is an old friend from Colorado... .We um... reconnected before the weekend. Hadn’t seen each other in years.”
“Doctor eh?” James looked as Ger as I’d introduced him.
“Actually vet...”
“Ah, that’s good,” James grinned.
“But I can do emergency stuff. What do you do?” he asked James.
“I’ve just setup an undertakers here in Diamond.”
“You set up the office already? Where is it?” I looked at him.
“Well been shifting stuff in over the past two days, think I’m finally there now! Got the shop next to the bank.”
“Aahhh..I saw we had one now...” Ger nodded.
“That’s great hon,” I smiled. “Not that I’m too fond about the business but I guess someone has to do it.”
“Yes sir. So with you being in the medical profession perhaps we could talk some business, maybe a little commission for the ones you maybe overdose?” James asked and I rolled my eyes, looking knowingly at Aly. “Only messing with you,” he laughed then.
“You do animals too??? Interesting...though I and careful with how I treat them...maybe a commission on who I get convicted to hang in court instead,” Ger said.
“Hmm never done animals before, but I suppose it can’t be difficult,” James scratched his head.
“Ugh...” Aly crinkled her nose. “I’ll be outside in the tree!”
“Well sir, if you designate me as the appointed undertaker I’m sure we could work something out,” James grinned.
“I’ll remember that...” Ger said thoughtfully.
“You wanted some whiskey...?” I tried to change the subject.
“So Aly...” James looked at her and she paused at the doorway. “How’s things?”
“Busy sir, I got some training with the captain last night....very thorough. I’ve got a lot of work cut out for me.”
“You’ll be great, Aly,” I smiled.
“Thanks Trin!”
“By the way, I am running for Mayor of Black Diamond...hope I can count on your vote,” Ger said.
“Gonna have to start using our last names like those detective books always do,” I teased Aly.
“Trin I’m not using your last name.”
“Well sir, your the first person I’ve met whose running for mayor. And Trin has also mentioned you before. So sure, you have my vote,” James promised.
“Uh oh...hope she had at least some good things to say to me,” Ger looked at me.
“Oh come on, Criss...” I teased and Aly rolled her eyes a bit. “I’ve got your back. I’m pushing votes for you and David.”
“Thanks ‘boss’.”
“Ain’t your boss anymore,” I rolled my eyes at him. “You’re the one who gave me his badge.”
“Well folks, sorry for disturbing your conversation. I’m gonna go grab a whiskey. Nice meeting you Ger,” James said.
“Can I join you, James?” I asked.
“No disruption, Sir,” Aly insisted.
“Course you can,” he smiled and we said goodbye to the others as Ger called me by my last name and I laughed.
We walked into the saloon and saw Gigi and another girl dancing on the stage, rehearsing. I got us some glasses of whiskey and then sat down beside him at the bar. “It’s really good to see you again, James.”
Gigi let us have some time alone and went to change out of her dress as James said, “It’s good to see you to Trin!”
“I missed you this weekend. I needed to get away and regroup with all this mayor/ownership change...” I sipped my whiskey.
“Yeah sorry about that, I had some things come up all of a sudden that needed dealing with. So what’s happening with this mayor change?”
“Well there’s gonna be an election I guess. Not sure when things’ll happen.”
“Right. So whose up for election?”
“Not sure the official names but rumors are going around with Dave Norwood, Ger Firehawk, Bree and Sam.”
“Ah. Ger seems like a nice guy.”
“He’d take the job seriously and do well at it. So would Dave.”
“I think he’d make a good mayor.”
I slid my toe up towards his leg, missing being in his arms. “I had a lot of fun with you last week in the canyon...”
“Yeah it was nice; good to see you again after all these years!”
“I’m going to be singing this afternoon in Bisbee... around 1 o’clock, if you can make it.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t forget, i’ll be there,” he laughed.
“I’m really glad you’re settling in the area too,” I reached over to hold his hand and he took mine in his.
“Yeah, it’s changed a lot since I was here last.”
“Has it?”
“Well not so much the town, more the people.”
“Probably a complete overhaul,” I nodded.
“Yep! So, you seen the shop?”
“Not yet. Was waiting for you to give me the grand tour,” I winked.
“Have to take you to see it soon. Need your advice on it.”
“We can do that,” I finished my whiskey.
“An undertakers office? Grand?” he laughed.
I traced my thumb around his and said, “Just teasing, hon.”
“Come on then I’ll take you over there.”
“Sure,” I stood and took his hand, following him out. We ran into Ger outside the undertaker’s and he greeted to us and gave me a look when he saw I was holding James’ hand, and then walked down the street.
“Gonna warn you, it’s not got the best of smells in there at the moment...”
“Yeah... I know how these places smell,” I sighed.
He laughed and opened the door and I took a deep breath, walking in after him as I squeezed his hand. “You really don’t like these places huh?” he laughed again.
“Just bad memories from the one in Georgetown is all.” I looked around and said, “Good set up in here though.”
“Yeah not bad considering the small space I got.”
I wondered what was behind the curtain and forced myself to look behind it. I swallowed hard seeing the body and reached for James to steady myself. “Who the hell is that?”
James put his arms around me and laughed. “Well, it’s not really anyone no more...used to be a woman called Georgia.” I looked at him, wondering how he could laugh about that and shook my head, remembering the dead bodies I’d seen recently in Colorado. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
I nodded, leaning against his chest as we walked outside. “Well hun, I got a few things to sort out with old Georgia in there.”
I held him close, kissing his shoulder, “I’ll see you in Bisbee? I should get some writing done.”
He kissed my neck and said, “Sure, see you in Bisbee! If you need anything i’ll be inside, ok?”
“Okay hon. Though I might need a dance with you later.”
“Sounds good. Look forward to it.”
***
I walked into town this morning and saw Alex and Aly standing on her balcony together. Nearing them, I could tell that something was up and braced myself for what they were about to tell me. I had seen the way they’d been spending a lot more time alone together so I had the feeling that they were either going to tell me that they were getting married or at the very least starting to date. It turned out that I was right and that they were starting to become more than just friends, though neither of them had seen it coming. They insisted that nothing would change between the three of us and that Aly wouldn’t be like Cora in that she understood what Alex and I had and wouldn’t pull us apart like Cora had. I received a telegram that Pet wanted to interview me for the Epitath so I excused myself and headed to Tombstone, grateful for something else to focus on.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy for them both, but I knew that things changed when people started dating. It had changed between me and Dave, and with me and Ger. I didn’t want to lose my friendship with Alex, though my head knew that I could trust both of them to not make things awkward. I rode out of town and tried to focus on the upcoming interview.
Tombstone.
I rode over to the Epitath office and met Pet in the street. We walked into the office and I sat down in the chair beside her desk. “Different being on this side of the interview,” I noted.
“I bet,” she laughed and reached for her paper and pencil, ready to write.
“Bring it on!”
“So I’ll do my best to make this painless,” she chuckled. “Let’s start with... Please state your name, age, family... spouse - children and one statement of your background?”
“Trin Paige. 33 years old... My mother and brother live in Canada, on an old farmhouse... No spouse or children... yet...” I winked. “Background... Let’s see... I’ve overcome a lot of fears and weaknesses to ensure that justice is served and the guilty do not go away unpunished.”
“Uh huh. All the way from Canada, ya say? What brought you to Tombstone?”
“Well... Back when I was about 16 I met a guy who lived in Texas... He’d been up in Canada doin’ somethin’ with some horses. Anyway we weree supposed to get married but he was killed in a stagecoach accident. So I moved to Texas to live with his sister... Found my way to Colorado, etcetera... but I started to move from town to town never really feeling settled... I decided to come to Arizona for a fresh start and to try and promote justice as a Pinkerton here in Tombstone.”
“Uh huh... How did you become interested in Criminal Law?”
“I was actually a lawyer back in Colorado... Being a consultant with the law as well I wanted to help put the final nail in the coffin, as it were. Getting that ‘guilty’ verdict feels like I’ve done my job completely.”
“I see! So are you only a prosecutor then?”
“Yes ma’am,” I nodded. “Being a detective who helps the law put away criminals... It felt wrong to then go and defend those same people in court. After I was one of the ones that helped put them there.”
“I see your point,” she nodded. “What intrigues you most, preparing or presenting a case?”
“Hmm... I think it’s the preparation. Gathering statements, getting the full story. It’s hard because you could present the best case ever of your career but if you don’t have an honest and unbiased jury, it’ll get you nowhere.”
“I reckon that is where being a Pinkerton Agent comes in, huh?”
“Absolutely. As a Pinkerton people don’t realize that we have a file for everyone. That file includes notes about their prior arrests, or even just incidents where they’ve used a gun or been suspicious. It helps me as a lawyer build better cases and know who to talk to for information.”
“Mmhmm. What was your most interesting case? What was the worse?”
“That’s a great question... Let’s see...” I laughed.
“That is what Gerric said also,” she laughed and I figured she’d interviewed him for his lawyer position as well.
“The most interesting one... Probably the case with Clint Houston...” I said and her eyes widened at that name, as I expected it would. “I had just come to town and was trying to prove myself to Tye and the others here. Tye was the sheriff in Tombstone and well, Ansar was the marshal... When I first became a detective here Ansar gave me a few names to track down and get information on their whereabouts. Clint was one of those names. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Tye had worked the case before... with Clint... so I went over several case files with him to gain a better understanding of the man we were dealing with. Finally Jimmi and Clint ended up having this dual out in the street. Clint lost and was arrested and healed for the wound. The case didn’t end there though. Clint escaped jail and we were all livid.. Feeling like it had been a waste of time, you know?”
“Ya don’t say.. I can see that.”
“Then out of nowhere Kris shouts out that Clint was dead. Skyla and Tye wouldn’t include me at first but then Tye told me that it was true... Clint was dead. Right on the table in front of Tye in the clinic,” I shook my head. “Not the ending we were all hoping for.”
“My my my... Was it a hangin’ trial?”
“Never made it to trial. He was dead. Case closed,” I frowned.
“Or I should ask, was he gonna be on trial that coulda resulted in a hangin’?”
“Well yeah I think so after all Clint had done. He had so many warrants out on him.”
“So he was gonna die no matter what... either by a bullet or noose, right?”
“Right... Just felt like the bullet was ... anticlimactic.”
“I know the town would have enjoyed his hangin’. The varmint.”
“From what I recall he was quite notorious,” I nodded. “You wanted to know the worst case...”
“What? Don’t say burning the Christmas tree... ‘cause he threw my coat on fire,” Pet pouted. “The man was a born irritant. Like a dog with gnawing lice and fleas.”
“I’m trying to pick one... There were a few frustrating ones. There was a mysterious cake left in Tye’s office back in February... That’s probably the worst case ‘cause we still don’t know the truth behind it. It went cold, annoyingly.”
“A cake?????? A CAKE!!!!!!!??????” Pet exclaimed.
“The problem was that since we were starting to use more fingerprints as evidence with our recent cases... this case had absolutely no evidence whatsoever. So many people had touched the cake that had been drugged and left in Tye’s office. It had almost killed Peta and Krell was poisoned by it too. We at least figured out there was arsenic in the cake, which we got from comparing the contents with some medical things from Mysti... But that’s as far as we got. We still don’t know who put the cake there or who made it or why. Or who the target was initially.”
“Ya’ll using modern science to solve cases now? I read about that. something like forest medicine or some such.”
“Yes indeed. I’m starting to study fingerprints that are left behind, either on the floor or on safes or such. Then comparing them with fingerprints I’m getting on record. When I can’t sleep I’ve been studying prints to familiarize myself with each different one. Footprints too.”
“How does that relate to Criminal Law or the deceased Clint Houston?”
“Well... with criminal law... It’ll help us substantiate our evidence for a case. I’ve been submitting incidents reports and they’ve been reading them like witness statements in court. Pinkertons are really starting to make a name for themselves in court and people are starting to realize our information is invaluable,” I smiled proudly and saw the lok of confusion on Pet’s face. “I’m sorry, I lost you somewhere? I get excited talking about this stuff.”
“Hmm only that swift right turn about a mile back,” she chuckled.
“So... Let’s talk about this new science.”
“Sure.”
“What’s it called please?”
“Um... Not sure it has a name. You mean the fingerprinting and footprints?
“Mmhmm.”
“Uh... Print Identification?” I chuckled, making something up. “Ger was actually quite instrumental in the beginning of all that... I was more focused on personalities and information as evidence.”
“I seem to remember reading in the Boston Herald that they have a new branch of medicine being used to solve court cases... but forest science cant be the right name, can it?”
I shook my head and said, ““I’m not as familiar with that part... Ger was the one who spear-headed this but then he became more focused on being a lawyer.”
“Hmm.. Anyway, never the matter.”
“Will have to look into that.”
“So about Pinkertons...”
“Yes...”
“Go on, please.”
“What else do you want to know about it?”
“How many are in the County? do you work with Bounty Hunters? that kinda stuff,” she looked at me intrigued.
“Well... I’m the only Pinkerton detective right now.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Basically our job is to provide information; whether that be timelines of events, evidence like foot prints or fingerprints that lead to a suspect, or gathering witness statements. We work with lawyers, lawmen, bounty hunters, whoever needs our help really... We don’t do the actual arrest unless we are deputized by the local law. We have a code, can I read it for you? It’s short,” I smiled.
“I’d like to hear that.”
I took out the code I carried with me and read, “‘Accept no bribes. Never compromise with criminals. Partner with local law enforcement agencies. Refuse divorce cases or cases that initiate scandals. Turn down reward money (Agents were well paid). Never raise fees without the client, pre-knowledge. Keep clients apprised on an on-going basis.’”
“May I quote you on the code?”
“Absolutely. I was told something once... when I first became a detective. It has become my mantra while I continue here in Tombstone.”
“Thank you kindly. So is that why Gerric is no focused on court cases,since he mostly defends?”
“My first boss, Sam Stillwater, told me that information is power,” I said.
“I can see that.”
“I think so,” I nodded to her question. “We talked about how if he wanted to be a lawyer for both cases, it would be a conflict of interest and people wouldn’t trust him as a detective. Not only lawmen, but citizens asking for our help as well. I respect his decision to become a better lawyer and we still work together from time to time on cases for the prosecution.”
“Uh huh. So... For my final question,” she sat back with her arms folded, “If you could leave us with a statement that sums up your style and character as a citizen in our County, what would it be?”
“I think that I’d sum up my style as this... My goal is to provide the sources of justice with information so that our citizens can walk the streets in peace and freedom from violence.”
“Well said! Well Trin, I want to thank you for taking time out for this interview. I’m sure our readers will be fascinated in hearing how all the pieces fit together. I’ll also need a face photo of you for the article.”
“I also want to add something...”
“Oh sure.”
“The Pinkerton Detective office is in Tombstone, across from the Crystal Palace and upstairs. But I also have an office in Black Diamond near the entrance of town. There are mailboxes at both offices and people can feel free to drop a note there at either office and I’ll be sure to be in touch with them.”
“Aah that IS helpful. Thank you.”
“I will need to work on that updated photo. I recently changed my hair back to brown so...”
“Can we also report criminal activity to you if local law is not available?”
“Absolutely. If something happens in town people can hand me a witness statement detailing the event, wherever they might find me, and I will give it to the right authorities. I have jurisdiction in all towns, so I can help whichever law enforcement needs it. For example, someone recently gave me a statement in Diamond for a crime that happened in Tombstone. I took the statement from her and gave it to Kris to deal with,” I smiled.
“Is there anything else?” she stood.
“I think that’s it. I’ll get that picture to you soon. When do you think the article will be published?”
“Oohhh it should be in the next edition. I’d say around May. Furthermore, before I turn over everything to my editor I will let you read a draft ifn I need to change anything.”
“Sounds great!” I smiled and reached out to shake Pet’s hand before heading out.
Bisbee.
I went to the saloon early this afternoon and James joined me. Pet came in and I introduced them to each other, though I wasn’t sure how to introduce James yet. We decided we should talk about what we would tell people as it was obvious there was something starting between us. I knew that if I didn’t have this relationship starting, I would be a lot less okay with what was happening between Alex and Aly.
After my gig, Ella went into labour and they carried her out to have the baby at home. Alex went with them and I talked with Aly and a native man who introduced himself as Cheveyo.
Alex walked back in as well as Ger. We stood and talked for a while but seeing Alex slip his arm around Aly’s waist made something jump inside of me and I told them I was heading home. I knew that normally I would hug Alex goodbye but it felt awkward now. Alex stopped me, though, and gave me a hug, then so did Aly and Ger. I left feeling unsure about everything, knowing that they said nothing would change but feeling like it already had.
