October 18, 1900

Tombstone.

This evening I walked over towards the saloon and leaned against the crates, listening to the group talking. Dancing Cloud was going on about something or other and I looked over at May and asked her, “Hi there May. Did you get ahold of Jimmi?” 

“Yes Trin, I did,” she nodded. 

“Oh good. Now we just need people to show up for their trials and we’ll be alright.” 

“He let me fill out an application. Is that not great?” 

“That’s fantastic! I knew he would.” 

“Who didn’t show up for court, Trin?” Spin asked. 

“In the meantime, I am getting info on Rock Janic’s life here,” May smiled at me. 

“Anyone. We haven’t had a trial in weeks, Spin,” I shrugged. “Why?” 

“Thought supposed to be one today. Adrian sent out in the mail,” Spin said. 

“Dancing Cloud get Shaman to put curse on gypsy woman,” Dancing Cloud muttered.

“Seems his life here might make a good ten cent novel...well if i clean it up a bit,” May grinned. 

“Never got summoned for it by telegram,” I shrugged. 

A woman there hissed at Dancing Cloud and I raised an eyebrow as Dancing Cloud hissed back. 

“Oooh Trin, can you tell me any thing about Rock Janic?” May asked me. 

“Other than that he’s an idiot?” I asked and Spin laughed. “And expects me to be his personal secretary?” 

“But how could he have been and be a law man? anyway he is dead.. Trin,” May sighed. 

“Like.... dead dead? Or dead like people say around here and then they show up again not so much?” 

A man came up behind me and poked me in the back and then said, “Reach for the sky!” and kissed my neck. 

“No, no, his skull was found to day… with the eye patch still on it,” May told me. 

I blinked, hearing the man’s voice and feeling his kiss. I turned around and smiled, wrapping my arms around Thomas. “I knew you had to come out of that office sooner or later, dear!” 

“Sure it was his skull?” Spin asked. 

“Yes Spin…” May said. “They were even has his funeral today… I attended and took notes.” 

Thomas hugged me tightly with a big smile and said, “Yeah, my eyes were beginning to hurt, everything was running together.” 

I shook my head at that and said, “I bet, dear. You’ve been at those books for ages.” 

“I’ve seen a few people here in Tombstone with an eyepatch,” Spin said. 

“Whose funeral?” Thomas asked. 

“Apparently Rock’s skull showed up,” I told him. 

“Rock?” Thomas raised an eyebrow. 

“Yes, sire Rock the Deputy here,” May nodded. 

“The one who thought you were his secretary?” Thomas asked. 

I nodded to him with a chuckle and said, “I’ve had a few too many people in my life raise from the dead though, before coming here, so I’m not going to start grieving yet.” 

“Rock Janic,” May said. “Trin would grieve if she knew he was really dead,” she said as she wrote a note to herself.

“I hate to hear anyone died, but I think whoever did it, did Tombstone a favor. He was a danger to others and himself,” Thomas said. 

I smirked a bit and leaned into my man’s arms. “I’ve missed you, darling.” 

Sabi and Free came over then and Miss Luna as well. Thomas held me close and kissed my lips softly. “I missed you too. I need to speak to you about something very important though. When you get a few minutes.” 

“Did you know Rock Janic… Sabi?” May asked the girl. Sabi told her about the time when Rock tried to convince her to do his work for him and I looked over at Thomas, no longer interested in the conversation around me. 

“Sure dear. Is this a sit down in the office kind of talk or a get a drink kind of talk?” I asked him. 

“Ummmm, well do you have a bottle in your office?” 

“Want to take a walk, darling?” I smirked a bit and waved to everyone and we headed to my office. 

While we were walking, I blinked and stopped when I saw Mysti, who I hadn’t seen in a long time. “Well I be… Ya see, Thomas? This is why I don’t believe anyone sayin’ someone’s dead. Not that they’ve said that about Mysti but... people disappear and then return when you least expect it.” 

“Is that what they’ve been sayin?” Mysti laughed. 

“Nah. How you been Mysti? This is my love, Thomas Wallace. Dear, this is an old friend of mine... Mystii.” 

“It’s good to be back. I had to go back East,” Mysti smiled at Thomas. 

“Everything alright, Mysti?” I asked her.

“Nice to meet you Mysti. Any friend of Trin’s, is a friend of mine. Welcome back,” Thomas smiled. 

“Yes but I had a few family emergencies several illnesses and a death,” Mysti said. 

“Oh I am sorry to hear about that. Are you living in Bisbee again? Or Diamond?” 

“And nice to meet you too, Thomas,” Mysti smiled at him and then looked at me. “It’s all better now, and I never left my home in Diamond.” 

“Glad to hear that. We’ll have to have tea and catch up sometime,” I smiled. “Seems Thomas and I need to chat about something. We were going away from the crowds on Allen Street,” I winked at her knowingly. 

“I am surprised it is not broken in to or burned to the ground again but my wolf I believe has been keeping an eye on it,” Mysti said and smiled. “Well don’t let me keep you two, and so good to see you again, my friend.” 

“Same to you hon. We’ll catch up soon.” 

Thomas and I said goodbye to her and then headed onward to Bisbee. 

Bisbee. 

We walked to the cafe and took a seat at a table outside as I said, “I always like coming to this cafe with Alex when we have something serious to talk about. Never get interrupted out here,” I looked down, missing my best friend. 

Thomas pulled a chair out for me and then sat down across from me. “I have never been here. Seems nice though.” 

“Lots of memories in this town…” I said and ordered a couple coffees and got my flask of whiskey out, giving him a wink. 

He held his cup out for me to add a little whiskey to his coffee and said, “Trin I need to ask you something very serious.” He removed his hat and set it on a nearby chair. 

“I’m listening,” I took a deep breath. 

“What do you know about Jimmy’s family?” 

“Not much. I know that his father was a gambler or somethin’ and is doing life in prison. I know that he found a note from his mother saying that they were part Apache… His mother died when he was young, I believe.” 

Thomas looked around and then asked, “Do you know what his fathers name is?” 

“I thought Jimmy was named after him?” 

“Jimmy? Like in James, or Jim?” 

“Something like that but I have no idea for sure.” I took a sip of coffee and asked, “Why do you ask, dear?” 

He shook his head and asked, “Ummm, well.....do you know Jimmy’s last name by any chance?” 

“You know... I have no idea,” I said, thinking about it. 

“I think he told me once it was Wheeler. If so, then something isn’t right about this.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Trin, there are things about me you don’t know. First, I am not originally from Philidelphia. I was born and raised in Texas until I went away to college back east,” he said. I blinked and leaned back, listening. “My parents died several years ago, leaving me everything they had. But I have a brother, and I had a sister, but she died of smallpox some years ago.” 

“Where is your brother? He is still alive?” 

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen or spoken to him in nearly fifteen years. He took to a life of crime. I almost had to kill him when I was 19, when he tried to kill our mother for slapping him when he stole money from a mercantile store.” 

I looked in my coffee and then back at him. “What does all this have to do with Jimmy?” 

“His name was James Robert Wallace, and our mothers name was Lousise Allison Wheeler Wallace. If Jimmy is a Jr. and his last name is Wheeler, then I am wondering who his father is or was.” 

“Because you want to adopt him,” I nodded. 

“Yes, I loved the little guy, and want him as my son. But Trin, if his father is by chance my brother, that would mean Jimmy is my nephew. I didnt even know my brother ever got married, if he did.” 

“Your brother…?” I blinked and looked at him. 

“James Robert Wallace, if he was by chance Jimmy’s father, is my brother,” Thomas said. 

“But... Jimmy’s last name is Wheeler you said..” 

“Why I am bringing this to you Trin, is I need your help to find out what I can about Jimmy and his family. True, and my mothers last name was Wheeler. Her maiden name I mean.” 

I blinked, putting it together as I reached over to take his hand. “We will figure it out, dear. I’m not sure how but... we will. Maybe if you looked at that note that Jimmy got... from his mother… Maybe you might recognize the hand writing… If it was your sister-in-law…?” 

“How have you and Natalie been? I am sorry I been spending so much time studying,” he said then. 

“Well, last time I saw my brother, he wasn’t married, nor did he have a son. Like I said, its been 15 years since I heard from James.” 

“Oh…” I shook my head. “Our best option is to talk to Jimmy and find out how much he remembers I guess… We at least know that his mother was Apache.” 

“You are right.” 

“So we are both from Texas, but needed to go long journeys to find each other here in Tombstone…” I smiled, thinking about it. 

“I didn’t mean to alarm you dear, but I just didn’t want everyone hearing about this on Allen Street. Yes, very true, except you didn’t have a murderous thieving brother whose whole family disowned when he was 21.” 

“Of course... I am glad you told me everything, Thomas... Our pasts are what make us who we are today. I am not upset that you didn’t tell me. I am glad you felt you could trust me with it.” 

“When he was 13, he burned down the schoolhouse because the whooped him for not going to school.” 

“Wow…” 

“I thought and hoped he was dead, I know thats an awful thing to say about ones brother, but he didn’t have a good bone in his body.” 

“I understand, love. Family ties don’t mean we condone what our relatives have done,” I nodded. “I wish that you could meet my brother someday…” 

“But to hear Jimmy talk about his pa, it really don’t sound like my brother, I cant picture him ever having a wife or son.. he just, I don’t know.” 

“We’ll find out the truth, dear.” 

“I would love to meet your brother Trin, if he is anything like you, he’s a good person.” 

“He certainly is. I just have to convince him to make the trip out here. He is very busy with his work with the government up north,” I smiled. 

“What does he do if I might ask?” 

“Some sort of security government work... I don’t really understand it but he’s intensely protective of me.” 

“Oh I bet. Especially you being in the line of work you are in. The prettiest Pinkerton Detective I have ever seen,” he smiled. 

I grinned and intertwined my fingers with his on the table. “Sadly the most unemployed Pinkerton Detective you’ve seen. I haven’t had a good case in months.” 

He held my hand in his and kissed my fingers, leaning across the table to kiss my lips firmly. “Well, that just means nobody is dying around here. Though it makes me wonder what happened to Rock if they buried him today. You might get some work there it looks like.” 

“If they even bother to ask me for help.. Guess I could look into who killed him but I bet you they’ve already arrested whoever did it.” 

“If they even know who did it. This was the first I have heard of it. Last I heard about him, was when you said he asked you do make contact with whats her name the other night. Maybe he made the wrong person mad.” 

“That would be my guess,” I nodded. “Natalie has had quite the busy day today.” 

“Oh?! What has little Natalie been up to?” 

“She came home and told me all about school and then following the cavalry around during payroll.”

“Oh wow.” 

“Yeah. She said that some outlaws in Tombstone were talking about intercepting the cavalry on their way back into town so she rode off to warn them.” 

“Jimmy told me about a new little girl here in town, named Shira...said she is Apache.” 

“Oh? Maybe she can help Jimmy understand his culture a bit more…” 

“He didn’t say much, just that she lived with Chief Mahko up in their village and that she loved horses.” 

“I have been working on putting together a book…” I smiled. 

“Many times I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my memoirs. I decided to gather them all in one book. It will cover the main events but I’m going through and making a timeline of when things happened from my journals. The current section is difficult to go through though. It’s the time when I was working with the Natives and trying to protect them against outlaws.” 

“Oh wow, how far back do your journals go?” 

“1869... When I moved to Amiville and began to work on the paper.” 

“How many years have you been here in Tombstone dear? I know you said came here from Texas right?” 

“I grew up in Canada with my family on a ranch there. I met a man from Texas and was going to move down with him but the summer I was going there, he was killed in a stagecoach accident,” I nodded. “I stayed with his sister for some time... then in 1869 I moved to Colorado. Then... in 1899, last year, I moved to Tombstone. With several places between Colorado and Tombstone. Tombstone is the first place where I have stayed over a year since leaving Texas.” 

“Oh my, I am sorry. I have been a few places myself, some of which I am not proud of. A few times searching for my brother. I served on a posse with the Texas Rangers once, trying to track my brother down before he left Texas.” 

“Oh, you were a ranger?" she asks, trying to think if she knew that fact already.” 

“No, I never wore the badge, I just went out on a posse with a Ranger company because I was the brother, and usually knew where he was hiding. How are things going with your partner? Has he gotten any better since he started working with you?” 

I rolled my eyes and said, “I haven’t seen the man since I hired him. Not that I’m terribly surprised. Most are all excited about being a Detective and then never commit to it.” 

“Him and that Lisa woman haven’t bothered Natalie and Jimmy again have they? Jimmy hasn't told me much, since he seems to leave me alone to study. I think I am about done with my studying though. I been trying to teach Jimmy to read and write.” 

“I don’t think they’ve bothered them since... I’m glad you’ve been teaching Jimmy. I think Natalie was trying to do that as well.” 

“Yeah he said she was teaching him to pick out words he would see, then they would spell them out in the school together.” 

“Natalie really missed him at school this morning,” I nodded with a smile. “She’s been missing him a lot lately.” 

“Yeah, he has missed her a lot too, I didn’t let him out a whole lot here lately, cause I wanted him to concentrate on his learning, he is a very smart young boy.” 

“Well hopefully they can spend some time together again soon,” I smiled. 

“I hope so too, he has worked very hard, I am giving him a break..smiles...why don’t we head home love, its getting late.” 

“Sure dear, that sounds like a good idea,” I reached for his hand and pulled him into an embrace. “We will discover the truth about your family soon, dear, and Jimmy’s.” 

He hugged me tightly and kissed me hard. “I hope so Trin, I love him, and you and Natalie, no matter what. I just want to know if he has other family, or if I am all he’s got.” 

“I understand that darling, I do. Come on, let’s head home,” I nodded and we headed home. 

October 17, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I was sitting in front of the hotel when I saw David Norwood walking over. I hadn’t seen him in ages and blinked, to make sure it was him. “Well hey there, stranger.” 

“Hello Miss Paige.” 

“How are things? Haven’t seen you in a while.” 

“I’ve been… well… busy then um not so busy I guess.” 

“Same here,” I nodded. “Not a case in months. Most exciting thing I’ve gotten to do was determine that there were termites on the sheriff’s office building, not ants.” 

“How exciting.” 

“I know, right? Been staying out of trouble, Dave?” 

“Heh heh. Hell no.” 

“Well at least some things don’t change, even if most everything else does,” I smirked. 

“You got time? I have a long tale to tell.” 

“Sure, let’s go in and get a drink,” I nodded towards Kate’s. We walked inside and sat at the bar with a couple glasses of whiskey. 

“Well ya heard about me and Katie I’m sure.” 

“That you split? Yeah, sorry to hear about that.” 

“It happens , actually ran into an old flame during one of my trips to California and things got a bit romantic, so Katie and I split and I pursued my old flame.” 

“Still with her then?” I nodded to him. 

“Well here’s where it gets interesting. In California a friend of mine was looking for a manager for her whore house, similar to Annie’s.” 

“Can’t just say ’brothel’ can ya?” I winked at him. 

“Ok brothel…” he smiled. “Anyways we called it Heavens Gate. Different name kinda name… any ways I of all people was in charge of hiring the dancers.” 

“Why is it that seems fitting?” I chuckled. 

“Oh it was great fun, well my second wife Vet got word that I had been well enjoying the company of one, and actually she was led to believe I was making  part of my audition to um… sleep with me,” he said and I didn’t say that that seemed fitting for him either, and just listened. “Well as it turned out I did enjoy the company of two ladies, but it was at the same time and only once. So that only counts as one time right?” 

I shook my head a bit and poured more whiskey as he went on. “Anyway, sure Vet should of been angry, I accept that, but I was fired too and that wasn’t right cuz neither of the girls got any special favors.” 

I leaned back and sipped more whiskey, keeping my thoughts to myself as I just nodded. Another woman walked into the bar who we didn’t recognize and Dave insisted, “I’m not a terrible person Trin.” 

“Just a bit misguided, Dave…” I patted his shoulder and looked over at the woman sitting at the bar. “Hi Ma’am. Don’t think we’ve met.” 

“Hi, no we haven’t. I am Lady May, a new citizen,” the woman smiled as she ordered a whiskey. 

“May, nice to meet you. I’m Trin Paige and this here’s an old friend of mine, Dave,” I introduced. 

“Well I wouldn’t say misguided, but affectionate, yes.” 

“Perhaps overly so,” I gave him a knowing look. 

“Hello,” Dave waved to the woman. 

“Hi Davie, good to meet you both,” May smiled. 

“Been in Tombstone long, May?” I asked her.

“Well on about two weeks still looking for work.” 

“Ah I see. Find a place to settle down yet then?” 

“I hear the Courts looking for folks,” Dave commented. 

“Got a room in the hotel for now.. real nice,” May said. 

“Would be nice if outlaws showed up for their trials. We’d have something to do,” I looked over at Dave. 

“They courts, Dave?” May asked. 

“Tombstone court system, needs lawyers,” Dave said. 

“Here on your own or are ya married, May?” I asked her. 

“Ooh, well I can do that. See, I was educated back in Verginie,” May smiled and then looked at me. “I am married but left the no good drunken woman nizer back in St. Louie.” 

“Jimmi Rubble… will do Dave, and thanks,” May said. “We were forming up a wagon train in St. Louie see… To get to organ but he fell off the wagon and got drunk out of his mine…” she sighed and sipped her whiskey. I nodded sympathetically and listened while she went on. “So I  left his sorry ass, pardon my French, and came this far on my own.” 

“S’okay, I heard worse in church on Sunday,” Dave smiled and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“David, did you know Thomas is studyin’ to be a prosecutor? Hopefully we’ll be able to get a case or so soon,” I looked at him. 

“I should go while here… I have load of confession to get off my chest,” May said then. 

“Sounds like you two would get along, Dave,” I winked at him teasingly. 

“I would enjoy an escort to church some Sunday, Dave, or are you taken?” May asked and looked over at me curiously. 

“Don’t look at me. I’m as good as bethrothed. Thomas and I wear these necklaces to show our love for one another,” I chuckled. 

“Do you mind if I smoke?” May asked. “I mean is it to unlady like here? Oooh Thomas is the man,” she smiled. 

“Yes indeed. Been together for a couple months or so... I lose track. Dave and I are good friends though... we go back a ways, right Dave?” 

Dave nodded, putting a hand on my thigh. “Oh yes we are very good friends.” 

“You must invite me to the wedding Trin,” May smiled. 

“Goodness no... Not really the marrying type. I’m perfectly happy wearing his necklace. I have his love, that’s all I need,” I smirked a bit. 

“What you gots a guy?” Dave shook his head then. 

“Mmhmm. Spends most of his time in the books but maybe I can get him to pop out of his office sometime this weekend.” 

Dave took his hand off my thigh and said, “Geesh go away a little while and all sorts of shit changes.” 

“Oooh I see… Well seeing as how I am all ready married though separated… guess I will not be going that for either not till we are divorced,” May said. 

“I’ve got a kid too. Not by birth of course... But I adopted a daughter who was having a rough time at the orphanage here... Well, more accurately I guess she adopted me,” I said. 

“Is Mr. Rubble out and about now or in his office?” May grinned. “That is nice. We had not children or I would not have left him alone with a child.” 

“Might be able to send him a wire and see if he could wander out this way,” I said to her about Jimmi. 

“Oooh yes, I will. I have seen the Western Union office or Wells Fargo office. I will do that now,” May said. 

“Geez, a kid too?” Dave looked at me. 

“Yeah, that’s pretty much how everyone reacted. No one saw that coming,” I laughed.

“Yeah with all my traveling I sent Buster back to his mom,” Dave said. 

“Probably a good idea,” I nodded. 

May finished her whiskey and stood. “Be well, you two. Wish me luck.” 

“He travelled with me awhile but that brothel was no place for a young man, though he did enjoy seeing the ladies,” Dave said. 

“Sure wasn’t. He was bound to follow in your footsteps,” I nudged Dave and looked over at May. “Good luck, May. Hope to see you tackling a case in court soon.” She nodded and headed out. 

“Yeah Buster reminds me of myself at his age,” Dave said. 

“So does Natalie... Which is strange because she isn’t even mine. But she really does seem like me. She works over at the clinic as an orderly. That part isn’t so much like me.” 

“Well it’s too bad you gots a fella, Trin,” Dave said. “When I see ya, I was gonna ask you to dinner.” 

“Yeah, I should keep doing the rounds and see if there’s anything to do. It has been really great catching up with you though,” I chuckled and stood, hugging him tightly. “You gonna stay around town for a while again?” 

“I might,” Dave nodded. 

“You should. Could take over Annie’s,” I winked at him. 

“Yeah, I don’t think Mayor Wise would appreciate the way I would run things,” Dave laughed. 

I laughed a bit and hugged him tightly. “It really was great to see you again. Have a good night, Dave. Hopefully I’ll be able to introduce you to Thomas this weekend.”

“I have missed seeing you,” Dave touched my hand. 

“Then stop leaving,” I smiled softly at him. 

“I’m like a wild horse, not easy to tame.” 

“Don’t I know it. See you again soon, Dave,” I laughed and waved as I headed out. 

“Take care Trin,” he smiled. 

October 16, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked over to the hotel and Pet was coughing as she was dealing with seasonal allergies. She asked if Amara and I wanted some tea and went to make some in the kitchen. We sat outside of the hotel and talked about how things had been quiet. 

“Where ya been Trin.. I hear you have been out and about performing,” Amara looked over at me. “Pet is doing another one of her plays.” 

“Yes, been busy with writing my memoirs and touring around singing.” 

“Oh that’s wonderful! I bet you were nervous a little?” 

“Well actually, we got ourselves a director and we are filming one. its amazing what they can do with cameras these days,” Pet said as she came out with the tea. 

“Yes very, but it’s rewarding too,” I nodded to Amara and then looked at her. “Oh really Pet?” 

“Mmhmm.” 

“Well I’ll be..that’s something…” Amara said. 

“This on is the story of Esther: ‘For such a time as this’.” 

“Sounds great!” I smiled. 

“Perfect for these times I say. One day women will save the world,” Amara said and Pet grinned, waving to a man that walked past. 

“A preacher, a detective and a ranger are all standin here... Seems like the start of a bad joke,” I chuckled and winked at Amara. “Women already rule the world.” 

“You tell ‘em, Trin,” Pet agreed and I winked at her. 

“We just let them think they are..we are the ones who really change things,” Amara smiled. 

A woman walked over then and introduced herself as Alexandra. “Lots of Alex’s around. You’re gonna have to start wearing nametags,” I commented. 

“Well are any of those Alex in law?” she asked. 

“Not that I know of..but then you never can tell,” Amara shook her head. 

“That is true. So is there anything I can do for you ladies like get you some food?” Alexandra asked. 

“No no… Miss Pet is getting tea for us. But thank you,” Amara said. 

“Are you law, ma’am?” I asked. 

“Ah well here tea is good and your welcome not yet i put in applications to be a lawman,” Alexandra said. 

“Ah, for here in Tombstone?” I asked. 

“Yes for here in Tombstone. Also was trying to find the rangers station but couldn’t find it,” she said. 

“All, well Amara here can show ya that,” I smiled. 

Pet returned with a trey of sandwiches and tea and we took some and greeted Bianca as she came over. 

“I’ve had a very long day,” she sighed. 

“Something wrong?” I asked her. 

“Did some fall cleaning and every muscle in my body hurts.” 

We continued to eat and drink our tea and eventually I asked, “Any particularly nasty outlaws been around lately?” 

Amara almost choked on her sandwich and I asked if she was okay and she nodded. We continued to talk about food and no one answered my question about the outlaws and I sighed slightly. 

Samual and Zeth came over and Bianca told us about Mahko giving her a tour of the Apache village. Alexandra talked about her general store and then Amara said, “Trin, you might ask Seth about them outlaws. I have kind of been out of it for the last week.” 

“Stuff been going on?” I looked over at Zeth. 

“Of course,” Zeth nodded. 

“What kind of things to do you sell Ma’am?” Bianca asked Alexandra about her store. 

“Well since its a mining town we have dynamite, pick axes, general goods like beans, carrots, eggs, meats… all the goodies you can think of.” 

“Ain’t that just givin’ outlaws the tools for arson?” I frowned at the mention of dynamite. 

“Might have to keep the word dynamite quiet from those that like to use them opposite of mining and all,” Zeth suggested and I gave him a knowing look, glad to see we were on the same page. 

“The only thing I hate having in my store is the guns but I have to just in case some one wants to get reckless in the store,” Alexandra said. 

“I have no clue how to use a gun,” Bianca stated. 

“I do when you are raised by seven brothers you have to know how to use a gun,” Alexandra said. 

“Well it’s not too hard to use,” Zeth shrugged. 

“I might end up blowin off my own foot if I ever tried,” Bianca said. 

“Be very careful who you talk about dynamite and guns around,” I looked at Alexandra. 

“I can see one of those outlaws trying to get a hold of it and do somethin stupid,” Bianca stated. 

“Precisely,” I nodded. 

“Oh I know, Trin. I have paper work you have to go through just to get the supplies,” Alexandra promised. “And the crates and guns aren’t even filled with anything they are just displayed the real stuff is on a train that only comes through the town once a month.” 

I met a woman named Dany who was in a cavalry uniform and Zeth called her sergeant. Zeth introduced himself and his son Sammy who was wandering nearby. WE continued to talk about how kids and law ate free at the hotel. 

Joe came over and grunted a hello and I looked over at him with concern. “How was your trip, Joe?” 

“Trip was long but prosperous, and things are on the way up let’s say,” he nodded. 

“Glad to hear that. Glad to have ya back too.” 

“Yep gone back to my doctoring ways sort of.” 

We continued to talk and I blinked, trying to keep my eyes open. Bianca looked over at me and asked, “Are you okay?” 

“So now that you are famous are you still going to sing here Miss Trin?” Amara asked. 

“Not sure if it’s tiredness from lack of sleep or lack of work,” I nodded to Bianca. “Of course, Amara. Every other Monday. Over in Bisbee.” 

Alex headed back to her store and Amara and Pet joined her to take a look around. I looked over at Joe then and said, “Joe, I had a case right up your alley the other day.” 

“Like what?” he looked at me. 

“Only case I’d had in weeks but it was something to do and I was desperate. There were some bugs on the sheriff’s office. I had to determine if they were ants or termites. Unfortunately, they were termites. Jimmi is lucky I had to deal with things like that at my old home or I woulda been no help for him. Everyone seems to think I do jobs that I ain’t trained in. Undertaker, eptimologist, secretary…” I winked at Joe. Seeing that he was distracted and not really listening, I headed back to my office. 

October 11, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I wandered around town, doing the rounds, and waved to Jimmy and Starling Rubble and Zeth talking in front of the sheriff’s office. 

“Oh my goodness! Talk of the Devil... err.. angel!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Nice to see you too, Jimmi!” I chuckled. “Everything alright?” 

“I rather hate having to find something,” Zeth said. 

“We think you have a nice little job here. Ranger had to be dusted down,” Jimmy said. 

“Yup,” Zeth nodded. 

“I’m listening. Could use something to do,” I said. 

“Stay up wind, he will make you sneeze,” Jimmy warned. 

“Yes sir,” I chuckled. 

“Hey, I dusted myself off already. It’s just the spot that needed to be dusted isn’t,” Zeth said. 

“He was standing here he says, leaning on the wall,” Jimmi explained. “And he was all itchy.” 

“Go have a look miss Trin,” Starling told me. 

“My back was itching,” Zeth said. 

“Then he was covered in these critters here. Ants,” Zeth said. 

“My wife dusted him down with powder,” Jimmy said. “Well we hope they are ants. Could be termites. The ranger and my wife heard strange noises from the office.” 

I looked at the ants and back at Jimmi. “Really…” 

“Was a mix of a falling tree and a very loud hog squeel,” Zeth said and I raised an eyebrow. 

“Now if this building is infested with termites, it needs fixing before the whole town turns to dust and rubble,” Jimmi said. 

“I figure that those ants were planted there but no idea on who would do it,” Zeth said. 

"The outlaws would have a field day,” Starling put in. 

“So you want me to determine if they’re ants or termites?” I asked. 

“Since they love burning the sheriff’s office down, would give a good idea on why,” Zeth said. 

“Yup Miss Trin. If they are termites then the Mayor needs to know so another jail can be set up,” Jimmi explained. 

“Jimmi… I don’t know the first thing about deciphering bugs. I’m not an exterminator.” 

“But you know a few vets?” he looked at me. 

“I can decipher between outlaws... people… Sure I do. Cole would be the man you’d need to talk to for this.” 

“Could you not find out if they were planted there,” Starling said. 

“Planted on the rangers bac?” Jimmi said. “Or did the ranger put them there?” 

“I know nothing about insects,” I told him. 

“Too many questions. I only cope with answers.” 

“And I only cope with outlaws and people, Jimmi,” I looked at him. 

“Now Jimmi…” Zeth folded his arms. “I’ll never do such a thing. Had to save that sheriff office enough times with fires.” 

“Of course you wouldn’t, Ranger. Not knowingly,” Jimmi nodded. 

“Weren’t you shot by Miss Nimbrel earlier?” Starling asked. 

“I don’t think it was nim that got me last time,” Zeth said. “A man in black that was bugging Bree.” 

“I don’t think Miss Nimbrel is that smart to infest the Ranger with termites,” Jimmi said. 

“Think she has the hots for me,” Zeth chuckled. 

“Alright let me think here…” I took out my magnifying glass and went to examine, since I had nothing better to do. 

“Don’t get to close miss Trin or they still might be alive,” Starling warned. 

“Miss Nimbrel? Fancy you Ranger? You poor thing,” Jimmi shook his head. 

“Though I got them well… I’d think Nim would have problems knowing my wife could scalp her,” Zeth said. 

I studied the bugs on the wall while they continued to talk about Miss Mouse and how she ate bugs, so she wouldn’t be the one to put the bugs on the sheriff’s office. Amara walked over then and they greeted her as I continued to work. 

“Jimmi, you might have a problem here,” I said finally.” 

“My problem?” Jimmi looked at me. “I got many of those.” 

“Well it’s not really my problem... My problem are people but you seem insistent on my helping you so I’m looking this over,” I told him. 

“Don’t get to close Amara there has been some bugs put down there,” Starling said. 

“What do you think Trin?” Jimmi asked.  

“Look see... on the floor, there’s ants... but on the wall... termites. See how the ones on the floor have wings in the front are larger than the back ones? ON termites there... they’re the same size,” I pointed out. 

“Uuuuurgh. Have you got a jar or something Trin?” Jimmi groaned. 

“I’m not done... There’s more…” I looked at him as Starling got a small empty jar out of her bag. “The waist... on the ants there it’s more constricted. On the termites... see how they’re more broad?” 

“Good gravy, I’ll have to head on home and take a bath,” Zeth moaned. 

“Yes. That or the Russ house,” Jimmi nodded. 

“Heard they got a nice one,” Zeth said. 

“Closer also, Zeth,” Starling put in. 

“ Also the antenae…” I went on, remembering some information from a book I had read in the library one day when I’d been bored. “See through the magnifying glass... The ones on the ants are elbowed. The ones on the termite are more beaded. Also the termites on the wall are more of a light brown to brown color... where the ants are more black and red.” 

“I have to put my glasses on,” Jimmi said. 

“Made me itch,” Zeth complained. 

“Also.... the termites are bigger than the ants. Also see on the wall? The termites there have more wings. Ants only the queen has wings.” 

“They have royalty?” Jimmi asked. 

“Remember Jimmi? The queen ant, the one in charge... kinda like bees,” I explained. 

“Ok, sounds like an organized gang of insects to me, Miss Trin.” 

“Starling could you bring over that jar please?” I asked and she walked over with the jar at arms length. 

“Either way... this building is gonna be infested with a bunch of termites before it’s too long,” I looked at Jimmi. 

“The Mayor will not be happy, he is kind of short on budgets this year,” Jimmi shook his head. 

“Well he might not have a choice. Here... let’s try a test. Starling, do you have a sweet food of some sort? Maybe at the hotel?” I asked, taking the jar and putting the termite in it with gloved hands. 

“It has to be sorted or the whole street will be infested,” Jimmi said. 

“Starling why don’t you get me something sweet from the hotel? A donut or something maybe?” I asked her again. 

“You hungry, Trin?” Jimmi looked at me. 

“Ok,” Starling said and walked over to the hotel. 

“Termites aren’t as attracted to human sweet foods as ants are,” I told him. “That’ll be my final test. You better give these results and this jar back to Adrian. He’ll need to take care of this soon.” 

“Why me?” Jimmi asked. 

Starling came back over and held out a syrup cake and donuts to me as I said, “As the main judge... you’re the one who would benefit most from having the jail replaced, no?” 

“I’m always giving him bad news,” he complained. 

I took the cake and donut and smiled at Starling with a “thanks” as I put it on the floor. I watched as the ants swarmed on it and not the termites. “See? The termites couldn’t care less.” 

“Oh dear. We have a termite here….” Jimmi concluded. 

“They just want the wood,” I nodded. 

“They likes the wood and most of the street is made of wood. We have a problem,” Jimmi observed. 

“We sure do,” I nodded. 

“Well jar up the little critter and I suppose one more ill wind from me won’t harm,” Jimmi sighed. 

I handed him the jar and winked, “There’s little Termy for ya.” 

“Got to take out the bad wood, close that nest down and put in good wood,” Jimmi took the jar carefully. “That’s going to take some pretty pennies. “Can I just leave this in his office and run away?” 

“I would strongly advise against it.” 

“Some mornings I wish I stayed in Goldfield,” Jimmi muttered. “Better find the man, I suppose.” 

“I hear that. Glad I was able to help. Wish I had better news for you.” 

“I glad you were passing,” Starling smiled at me. 

“It’s always the same, want a Pinkerton and poof, one appears,” Jimmi smiled. 

“Jimmi wait… There’s more. Look down on the ground,” I told him.

“More termites?” Jimmi asked. 

“There’s some round hard bits of wood-like material scattered around. Like an anthill. The termites build it up kinda like an anthill and then eat the wood. That means... this problem is in its advanced state.”

“How the heck are we going to deal with this?” Jimmi groaned. 

“Um.. Well… We can’t just arrest termites can we?” I winked at Starling. 

“No, but we can go to war on them. I better find the Mayor and show him his problem.” 

“The powder it no good on the termites only ants affected by powder,” Starling said. 

“Yeah, probably a good idea. And don’t let Termy out of that jar,” I told Jimmi. 

“It’s shut fast Trin. If only the jar was bigger.” 

“Get some eucalyptus... It’s a good bug repellent,” I told him. 

“They might like the taste of that wood.” 

“Leaves from the California Bay Laurel plant or Eucalyptus. That would be your best solution I think. But do it fast.” 

“Or Miss Rikki and a stick of dynamite.” 

“Are you condoning an act of arson, Mr. Judge?” I chuckled and winked at him. 

“It’s not arson if it’s intended,” he grinned. 

“Either way you’ll need a construction crew to build a new office,” I said. 

“Gather all the carpenters, get that wood replaced after that nest is closed down,” Jimmi said. 

“And make it with bricks so no termites can get in,” Starling added. 

“Right,” I nodded. 

“Might be an idea to line the inside with brick,” Jimmi suggested. 

“Get some Eucalyptus to drive them off though. Its aromatic properties and vapors will drive the termites off,” I explained. 

“Do that for the buildings next door on both sides. That way the termites keep eating this jail,” Jimmi said. 

“Well I’ll leave you to it,” I nodded. “Good luck with Adrian. You’re gonna need it, I fear.” 

“Thank you miss Trin,” Starling smiled. 

“We have to get this sad news to Adrian. I don’t know where he will get the money for this,” Jimmi shook his head. 

“Guess we’ll have to have a fundraiser,” I nodded. 

“Honey, have you seen his clothes recently? They are almost threads,” Jimmi shook his head. 

“I’ll see you both later,” I chuckled. “Wish we could get a good trial in…” I sighed and looked over at the courthouse. 

“That way! Mayor’s office!” Jimmi pointed. 

“I might as well join you,” I said and followed them off towards the mayor’s office. “So this is where he hides,” I said when we got to the city hall. 

Jimmi knocked on the door and sighed, “Blasted termites must have cleaned out all of Adrian’s furniture in here.” 

“Maybe they ate Adrian too,” I cringed and joked. 

“They don’t like oil paintings,” Jimmi said and Starling tried not to laugh. 

“Well if Adrian ain’t gonna be here I should get back to my office,” I said then.

“We will let him know Miss Trin,” Starling promised. 

“Stay safe, you two.” 

“And you also,” Starling said as I waved and headed back to my office. 

October 9, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked into town this afternoon and saw a group of people in front of the clinic. “Ansar? Something going on?” 

“Um… I killed Mac.. so we throwing a party,” Ansar informed me. 

“Oh really?” I raised an eyebrow as Angel nodded to me. 

“Sure, Cas can play his mandalin.. right?” Ansar suggested. 

“Sure he can,” I smirked. 

“I was fine til Doc Freja started talkin’ about gorss stuff!” Cas complained. 

“Sorry!” Freja smiled. 

“That’s how they pull ya in Cas… tell ya gross stuff then sell ya on things to sooth ya stomach,” Ansar told him. 

“You can play your violin,” I suggested to him and then smiled at Angel. “Angel, good to see you back.” 

“Oooh! Nice idea, Ansar…” Freja nodded. 

“Danke miz Trin,” she smiled. 

“Hey that is called a sound business strategy,” Cas said. 

“Don’t scare me like that again, woman,” I looked at her, since she’d disappeared for a while. 

“Hey Cas? Want some bicarbonate of soda? It will make you feel better!” Freja suggested. 

“Wait what.. dang it I think I started a trend…” Ansar said. 

“Hiya Trin,” Cole greeted me as he and Rye walked over. 

“Hey there Cole, Rye. Cole congratulations are in order I hear!” I smiled at them. 

“Good to see you,” Rye nodded over to me. 

“Yeah they seem to think I can be a doctor..again,” Cole blushed. 

“I’m proud of you, Cole. You’ll be great,” I grinned at him. 

“Thanks.” 

“Hey Cas you hear anything suspicious around the bank yesterday ? In Pearce?” I looked at him. 

“Ansar, thanks for all them potatoes.. Miss Angel told me you gave ’em to me... I appreciate that,” Cas said to him. 

“Okay, I best head out. got some outta state things to take care off.. Make sure Angel hasn’t found my farm land of taters yet,” Ansar said and Angel looked up and away with a devilish grin. 

Ansar headed off and Cas said, “He’s gonna go count them.” 

“Yep you know he is,” I nodded. 

“I did find it,” Angel chuckled. 

“Zeth came to get me yesterday Cas... Brought me to the banks in Pearce where the doors were busted open,” I said to Cas. “Thought since you live out there you mighta seen something.” 

“Unless they come and try and get into my house I don’t see much,” he shrugged. 

I was introduced to a woman there named Lilliana and then said to Cas, “I figured but had to take the shot,” I winked at him. 

“Hopefully they took Tully’s chest next to the safe, Miss Trin. They’ll be in for a little surprise,” Cas said and I looked at him, cringing. “Not all that glitters is gold, as they say.” 

“Not so much, no,” I chuckled. 

We continued to talk for a while and then Rye and Cole headed back to Black Diamond and I talked with Rock about how he’d gotten shot and then I headed back to the office. 

October 8, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I saw Zeth in front of my office and walked over to him. “Hey there.” 

“Howdy Trin. I do have a case for you and will pay if I have to.” 

“I’m listening,” I smiled. 

“If you wish to listen to my story when we head to the office I will mention it.” 

“Sure, let’s head up,” I said and led the way up the stairs and into my office. We sat down across from each other at the desk and I leaned forward to listen, pulling out a notebook and a pencil. 

“This morning as I was helping Pet on a trip to Pearce to handle the laundry.” 

“Okay…” 

“When I looked across the street the doors were open and there was a horse outside. While she was in the laundry I went in myself and saw most the doors were open and went up seeing a small box open. I figure there is still there. Could go and head over to recheck if it’s still busted open and all.” 

“Okay…” 

“Most the doors seemed really busted open and all like either dynamite or gunfire.” 

“Interesting. Anyone else around?” 

“I went in and saw no sign’s of a teller or the robber like it was done when no law was around.” 

“Okay so.. You and Pet were the only ones around that might have seen anything?” 

“Well only thing I saw was that the bank with both doors were open. Pet was busy with Woo when I looked.” 

“With Woo? Who is Woo?” 

“The laundry man that does the linens for the Russ house.” 

“Oh okay. I haven’t met him yet.” 

“If needed, Pet could help a little but I don’t think she saw the bank open.” 

“I might talk to her anyway just in case,” I nodded. “I don’t have much to go on here. Alright I guess I’ll go try to find Pet then unless you can think of anything else?” 

“Well that horse’s bridle might be a clue of a suspect.” 

“Indeed, I’d like to go see if it’s still there.” 

“Can you ride with me to check it out again?” 

“Just let me finish writing this up.” 

“Let’s go and check. I’ll head to the coral and bring a couple horses.” 

“I’ve got Phoenix I can hop onto. I’ll meet you out front of my office.” 

Pearce. 

We rode out to Pearce and headed straight for the bank. Zeth hadn’t caught up to me yet, so I put my gloves on and started to investigate the already-open bank doors and found no horse bridle. I walked upstairs and checked the strong box and the safe and found both empty. I heard Zeth ride over and walked downstairs to greet him. 

“I see nothing other than the doors open and the box upstairs empty. No horse bridle,” I told him. 

He jumped off his horse and looked around and said, “Well there was one here.” 

“Wish it was still here... could have dusted for prints.” 

“Guess the only clue I had officially gone.” 

“Guess so. I can’t do anything with no evidence or witnesses.” 

“Well I figured it must have happened in night time somewhere.” 

“Well I can’t do much, Zeth, I’m sorry.” 

“Well least I had to get some attention to it. Maybe I’ll learn more later on.” 

“I know but as I’ve told you before... With no witnesses and no evidence.... Not much I can do.” 

“Some outlaws like to boast about there accomplishments. Maybe they’ll slip up.” 

“Well then wait around and see what you can hear. I’m going to head home for a bit. Stay safe out there,” I said and rode back to the office in Tombstone. 

October 3, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked over to the hotel and smiled seeing Reb, Pet and Jimmy. “How’s things, Trin?” Reb asked as she waved. 

“Doin alright, thanks. Could be busier but that’s how things get sometimes.” 

“Hey Trin, Hi Jimmy. How are you two?” Pet asked. 

“I good, been lookin for Natalie, have you seen her?” Jimmy asked. 

“She was just working at the clinic for a while but came home to read and get ready for bed,” I smiled at him. 

“Aww, Hey Miss Trin...I not see you there,” Jimmy smiled. 

“Pet I haven’t seen you in a while,” I told her. “You been alright, Pet?” 

“Yeah, I been travelling to Tucson. In fact, I need to make my way over to the train depot for the six twenty-five,” she said, hopping off the post where she had been sitting. 

“Alright, Pet,” I  nodded. 

I’m… meeting a friend for supper,” she blushed a bit. 

“Have a great time Pet,” Reb giggled. “Well I better head to Annie’s.” 

“Alright, Reb. Good to see you,” I told her. 

“I should be back later on tho. He might ride back with me since it will be so late,” Pet said. “Good seein’ ya.” 

“Bye all!” Reb said and the two ladies were off down the street in different directions. 

When Jimmy and I were alone, he looked up at me and asked, “Miss Trin, can I talk to ya a moment?” 

“Sure kiddo. Where do you want to talk?” 

“I dunno..maybe the Russ.” 

“Sure. Lead the way…” I said and followed him to the hotel where we sat at a table. 

“Did Natalie talk to you?” 

“Bout what, Jimmy?” I looked at him. 

“Bout Miss Lisa?” 

“She sure did,” I nodded. “And about Lisa and James chasing you two through town.” 

“Her and that Mr. James chased me and her all over town.” 

“Gonna have to have a word with that partner of mine,” I said. 

“We weren’t doin nuttin Miss Trin, and they start chasin us wantin to eat us.” 

“I know hon. Ain’t good for them to be scarin’ you like that. If you ignore them maybe they’ll leave you alone.” 

“But what if they chase us again?” 

“Then you hide and lock the door. Call for an adult you trust that’s near you.” 

“I gots me a ball bat in the stables if they come after me again.” 

“Only if they hurt you physically, Jimmy. Don’t make it worse than it needs to be, okay? You’ll be stooping to their level.” 

“I remember when this town had folks to solve issues like that.. these days no one lifts a finger...law ain’t worth a damn,” I heard Ben talking to someone outside the hotel lobby. 

“Jimmy, I’m going to talk to Angel about this, okay? Maybe she could do something to stop their taunting you,” I told her. 

“Ok Miss Trin, I just want to protect Natalie is all, she is my best friend,” Jimmy insisted. 

“You’re a great friend, Jimmy. I’m glad she has someone looking out for her like you.” 

“Well I look up to Natalie like a sister.” 

“Think she sees you like a brother too.” 

“Alright buddy I’m gonna go talk to someone about this. You go have fun, alright?” I smiled and gave him a big hug, ignoring Ben and Lacey’s conversation outside. 

I walked out with a bit of a sigh and walked across the street. “Hey Kris,” I greeted him and he greeted me back. 

“Not too thrilled a couple outlaws are chasin my kid and her best friend around town,” I told him. “Nothin I can do about it probably though.” 

“Who’s yer kid?” he asked. 

“Natalie Stark is living with me... kind of adopted me as her mama,” I smiled. “And her best friend Jimmy.” 

“Well first thing is first ya gotta go through the orphanage,” he said. 

“That ain’t the problem, Kris,” I shook my head. 

“I can keep an eye out for em ok? I know who Jimmy is,” Kris said. 

“Nothin in the law about people taunting kids though,” I sighed. “James and Lisa are the ones who are doin’ it. Frustrated ’cause James is a Pinkerton with me.” 

“Maybe them bratty kids just making up story… Bet that never considered that eh?” Ben suggested. 

“Prolly was bugging them,” Lacey agreed.

“Well I’ll keep an eye out alright,” Kris promised as Zeth came out of the office. 

“Thanks Kris,” I nodded to him. “Gonna head to the office. See you both!” I said and headed down the street.