Black Diamond.
This afternoon I rode into Black Diamond and exhaled when I saw Irish, hopping off Phoenix. “Hey…” I said to him, out of breath.
“You’re in an awful hurry there, Trin,” he observed.
“I need to talk to you. Can we talk inside?” I looked around.
“Sure…” he said and led me into his office.
“So I had an interesting gig in Bisbee the other day... A man came up to me after I was finished and told me he was looking for someone..”
“What about this meeting has you so upset..” he nodded.
“Irish… Does the name Bear Makaid mean anything to you?” I asked, seeing him step back in shock. I sighed, knowing my worry was warranted. “He said he wanted to settle some old business with you. I didn’t tell him I knew where you lived or anything about us being related.”
“Yes he is the oldest son of the man I relocated the horses from.”
“I told him you were like the wind and I never knew where to...Oh my…”
“He never thought I was punished enough for doing it..swore to make me pay somehow.”
“You need to be careful,” I sighed and stepped over to him.
“I thought this was over with…” Irish sighed.
I reached out and put a hand on his shoulder and said, “I need to know everything I can about him. Information is power here, cousin.”
“His real name is Brian,” Irish nodded. “His dad called him Bear cause he was a big kid..and he is mean as a snake..he threatened to whip me till I was raw or get me hung as a pay back. He always was a bully..even with his brothers… You be careful as well because he will do anything to get what he wants..”
I cringed and said, “I think I ticked him off at the saloon... He’ll probably not like me so much for not being helpful.”
“I will stay out of town for awhile if that helps you..I have work I can do in Benson..”
I shook my head and reached to his hand. “I might need your help with this, Cousin. What else can you tell me?”
“If you think that is best..I look down ans whisper I bought a sawed off shotgun from the gunsmiths last week to run the wolves off at Miss Joan’s.”
“Well... I just don’t want you to have to go into hiding. You’ve got things to do too, Irish,” I nodded.
“I do know he is a sneak thief and will blame anyone else for what he does.. He once before I left up north tried to get me hung for a horse he stole…”
“I don’t like the sound of this,” I shook my head. “I’m going to need to tell Thomas, as a deputy, about him.”
“And he has shot at the law before…” he said and I looked down, swearing under my breath. He nodded and said, “He really is a bad seed Cousin…”
“Don’t you wish sometimes our pasts would stay there?” I sighed.
“I don’t like this at all…” Irish nodded. “Yeah, I sure do…”
“Better practice my shooting. Guess there’s not much else we can do but wait for him to show up. I want to ask around, see if anyone’s seen him. He had a big long trench coat, a hat, and blonde hair.”
“That is him… long duster is his main wear..and that blonde hair makes him stand out…”
“So he hasn’t changed,” I sighed. “Gonna warn people against him and to be safe around him.”
“No by the sounds of it..”
“Maybe if people already know he’s here, he won’t get the higher ground.”
“Maybe..but don’t forget I am a newcomer as well Cousin..and people are still getting to know me.”
“I know but... you’re related to me and they know me. They won’t let anything happen to my family.”
“And Cole is pretty well respected and I live with him…”
“He sure is,” I nodded. “So people need to know about this.”
“Trin I am scared but I won’t back down.. I won’t take being whipped even if I have to shoot him.”
“And if I’ve learned anything from working on my book of journals from before Tombstone... We can’t show fear.”
“You know better than that..grinning nobody will know I’m scared but you and Cole and by the way he has forbidden me to wear a gun because of my temper…”
“I knew there was a reason I liked that man,” I smirked.
“I have to leave the shotgun on the wall when I leave town..”
“That’s a good thing, Irish.”
“I know my temper is hard for me to keep control of but I won’t back up…” Irish shrugged.
“I didn’t really know you growing up, I know that, but... I’m glad we get the chance to know each other now,” I nodded.
“Cole said I was a lot like him when he was younger..not easy to rile but hard to shut down when I get that way… Must be my Irish blood,” he laughed.
“Must be,” I smiled.
“Bet Bear called me a ‘breed’ right? And in front of other people…”
“Yeah... He said he was looking for a breed called Irish.”
“He has always since I was younger called me that as if it was a reason for him to hunt me.”
“Well if he ever finds out that I’m part Native too, he’ll use that against me as well.”
“You and Thomas be very careful around him..he does things like kidnapping children to get their parents out in the open for him to shoot or stab.”
“Damn it... We’ll have to warn Natalie and Jimmy,” I swallowed hard.
“And he likes a shotgun over a hand gun or rifle.”
“Good to know..”
“Not that he doesn’t know how to use them... he just like to bully up close,” he said and I took a deep breath, looking in his eyes. “You make sure the kids are not alone in town.”
“I definitely will. I’m going to get on my horse and ride around, see if anyone else has seen him in town. You stay safe cousin,” I said and hugged him tightly.
He nodded and hugged me back, “I will. I think I will unpack my knife..”
“Probably wise!” I waved and got on Phoenix before riding off.
Tombstone.
I rode into Tombstone and waved to the crowd standing in front of the hotel. Looking around after I greeted everyone I said, “Got a question for you. Ya’ll seen a man with blonde hair, cowboy hat, wearing a long brown duster? Goes by the name Bear Makaid.”
“I have heard off him but not seen him yet,” Starling said.
“You’ve heard of him? From whom?” I asked.
“Why, what’s up?” Starling asked.
“Who’d you hear about him from?” I asked again.
“I just heard his name mentioned while I was in town don’t know who it was.”
I sighed and said, “He’s bad news and I want to warn folks ’bout him. Might be after a family member of mine. Well, alright, I won’t sugarcoat it. He is. But I’d like to keep the fact we’re related under our hats if we could. That information won’t sit well with him. Just keep an eye out for any activity by him? And please let me know?”
“Oh my lips are sealed,” she promised.
“Not even going to tell ya’ll which relative, so ya don’t have to lie."
“Sure, Trin. Will let you know if I hear anything,” Starling nodded.
“Do you remember what context his name was mentioned in, Starling?”
"Not really, I just heard his name.”
“Alright,” I frowned.
“Sorry I couldn’t have been more help.”
“Ya will be now that ya know I’m lookin for information on him,” I winked at her.
“What is he after you for?” Amara asked.
“He’s after a family member, and the less information I give out the better.”
“Well I will keep my ears open,” Starling said.
“I just want eyes and ears on him, and to prepare ya’ll for when he comes into town. Don’t be alone with him or let him get close to ya. I need to keep askin’ around. Stay safe, ladies.”
They waved and I walked over to the bank with a serious expression on my face, leaning against the counter as Chase greeted me. “Evening ma’am, how might I help you today?”
“Hey Chase... Wondering if I could talk to you about somethin’ quickly. Wonderin’ if you’ve seen a man in here with a cowboy hat, blonde hair, and a long duster? Goes by the name of Bear Makaid.”
He reached up to scratch his chin and said, “Only had a handful of people in here today. And that description don’t quite ring any bells.”
“Well if you do see him come in here, just be alert and ready. He’s bad news and he’s here to clean up some unfinished business with a relative of mine.”
“I’ll keep a watchful eye ma’am. I do appreciate you coming down here to warn me,” he nodded.
“I’d love any information sent my way if ya do see him or hear of him,” I nodded back. “I’ll be alerting my man tonight about it, he’s a deputy here now. So law will be made aware. Just told Amara about him as well. I want to know who he talks to, where he sleeps, what he drinks, what he eats for breakfast... You get my meanin,” I winked at him.
“You got it ma’am,” he raised a little finger gun with a tongue-clicking wink. “Anything else I can help yer with today?”
“I think that’s it. Thanks, Chase. Appreciate it.”
“Mah pleasure, you have a fine day ma’am.”
I walked out and heard someone climbing on the roof just as Thomas walked over from his office. “Dear, someone’s up there!” I told him, looking up at the bank.
“Hey love…what?” he asked.
“I see someone on the roof!” I said and pointed to the roof.
“Tom?” Grant looked over at us then. “”Maybe you should check out the bank just in case.”
“Oh really?” Thomas asked and looked towards the bank.
“I can see them up there right there, well one of ’em. Not sure who it is at this angle.”
“I do think you are right. You two should stay back just in case,” he said and peeked over the edge to look. “Yep I see em too.”
“I can see one… two… It’s a bank job I bet, Sheriff,” Grant insisted.
“If you need my help, I’m here honey,” I looked at him.
“Ok dear. Stay here and warn me if the make a move,” he said and I watched him go, taking a deep breath.
“We coming in banker!” TJ shouted down into the bank then.
“Right behind you TJ!” Lisa shouted back.
“Thomas! Careful!” I shouted.
Gunshots rang out then and I swore, wishing Thomas had deputized me so I could help. “Can’t do anything till he asks me for help,” I muttered to Grant.
“Whoever is coming in, this is Deputy Wallace, come out throwing out your guns!!” Thomas shouted as he moved towards the bank.
“COME AND GET ME BANKER MAN!” Lisa shouted loudly then.
“Dang Trin,” Grant said. “He should have asked for your help there is two of them.”
“Thomas there’s two of them! Do you need my help?” I shouted and stepped a bit closer to hear as more gunshots went off. “Thomas!!”
“You want him, you find him! I ain’t sayin’!” Lisa shouted back.
“Thomas...ask for help man!” Grant shouted to him.
“And he ain’t my husband he’s the object of my Sin!” Lisa shouted. “We both ridin to hell on a sin wagon!”
Lilly walked over and greeted Lot then, who’d come to join in the fun. Chase shouted from inside the bank and called, “THE BANK IS BEING ROOOOOBBED!”
“Look out, Thomas!” Grant shouted to him. “I see Lot at the front of the bank!”
I watched the outlaws circle around the bank like vultures and shouted, “Thomas there’s more outside! Do you need me?”
“Trin, get a doc...and YES get them!” Thomas finally shouted.
I muttered then, running for a doc first. “Need a doc at the bank on Allen Street!!”
“Doc needed at the bank now!” Grant shouted in assistance.
I ran to the clinic but found no one and called out again, “Need a doc!!” I ran to send a telegram and asked Grant how many wounded there were. He said it wasn’t safe to go in and tell so I sent a telegram and ran back to Thomas.
“Thomas is down… on the sidewalk at the bank!” Grant shouted then.
I ran over to him and fell down beside Thomas. “Baby! Talk to me, honey, are you okay?” I looked at Grant and asked, “Where’s Chase? Is he okay?”
“I got hit in the side...just get me to the clinic,” Thomas groaned in pain.
“You take care of Thomas. I will find Chase,” Grant said.
“I think he’s still inside,” Thomas moaned.
“Okay,” I said and went to help Thomas up. “Come on, honey.”
“Dang, Chase is down.. but I can’t get to him!” Grant yelled.
I continued to drag Thomas to the clinic and exhaled with relief seeing Chris Lyric come over. “Chris! Thank God! Aren’t you still a doc?”
“What on earth happened?” Chris asked with worry as I rushed Thomas to the clinic.
“Chris is there any docs about??” I asked him frantically.
“What happened? I haven’t seen anyone in a couple of hours,” Chris said.
“Thomas got shot while those idiots were trying to rob the bank,” I told him.
“Can’t get in the back way either!” Grant yelled then.
“Where was he hit?” Chris asked.
“In the side. They shot him over in the bank. Let’s get you to a bed sweetheart,” I said to Thomas and helped him up on a bed.
“I’ll see if I can find a doc,” Chris said and headed outside.
Lisa was laying on a bed in the clinic already and I squeezed Thomas’ hand insisting, “You’ll be okay honey.” When Jess came into the clinic I sighed with relief. “Jess, thank God!”
“Okay, who’s hurt?” Jess asked as Lisa screamed in pain.
“Thomas was shot in his side. Lisa... shot somewhere. Dunno where.” I stepped back and kept an eye on Thomas.
“Bree, Lisa is shot,” TJ told Bree as she came into the clinic lobby.
“Get in here Frank, we have wounded coming in,” Jess said to the man outside and I tried to hold back my anger about the whole incident.
“Oh it hurts like its still in there.,” Thomas groaned as he lay on the bed.
“Hello. Need some help?” Frank asked, walking over.
“Frank, Bree, thank God,” I exhaled.
“Hello, where you want me?” Bree asked.
“Looks like they’ve both been shot in the side,” I informed them. “Couldn’t tell you which side.”
“I got that no good bastard for ya,” TJ walked over to Lisa’s bed.
I blinked at him and shouted, “YOU did this?!?!”
“Did what?” he asked innocently.
“Did you shoot him??”
“Thomas! Did you shoot Thomas??” I yelled at him.
“It was Lisa who shot me,” Thomas said with some pain and I felt a bit better.
“I did no such thing,” Lisa shook her head.
“Of course TJ not do this,” Bree said as she started to tell Frank to do something.
“Who shot Lisa, TJ?” I asked as Jess and Bree started to get to work.
“I couldn’t find... Oh, good!” Chris said as he walked into the clinic.
“What ya a detective or somethin?” TJ looked at me.
“Did you suffer memory loss recently? Fall off your horse?” I looked at him incredulously.
“Nope,” he shook his head.
“Well then ya know who and what I am. ho shot Lisa?”
“Then figure it out on ya own. Go look for clues or somethin,” TJ shrugged.
“You’re helpful,” I glared at him.
“I shot my damn self for having to look at Thomas,” Lisa said and I smirked a bit at that.
A little girl came into the clinic and Chris talked to her while Jess and Bree worked on their patients. I went to reach for Thomas’ hand and held it as Thomas looked over at TJ and said, “Watch how you talk to my wife mister, or you will be the next laying on this table.”
“That so?” TJ asked him. “Ya wanna end up back here when ya done?”
“Watch your tone, Teej,” I looked at him.
“Shut ya damn mouth or you’re next woman,” TJ glared back at me.
The doctors continued to work as Chris and the little girl walked out of the clinic and Thomas called for me, “Hey love?”
“Yes dear?” I asked him, running a hand over his forehead.
“Ummm, tell the doc she can fix me now, I feel nuttin,” Thomas said as the morphine kicked in and I giggled at that.
Jess started to work and I looked away, still feeling queasy at this part. “Jess, could I have the bullet when you’re done with it please?” I asked her as she worked.
“Love, wanna give that lady of there a sucker, she is cranky, maybe she needs a sweet…” Thomas said as Lisa continued to whine about the pain she was in and how the doctors were taking their time.
Jess took the bullet from Thomas’ body and dropped it on a pan and said, “There you are, Trin.” I took the bullet with a gloved hand and put it in a bag, slipping the bag into my vest.
“Hey, was that the bullet? Oh wow thats a biggun...hope I don’t have too big of a scar...my woman don’t like scars,” Thomas said then.
“Honey, I’ve got enough scars for the both of us,” I chuckled as Jess continued to stich up Thomas’ wound. “Wonder who really shot Lisa…” I thought out loud.
“Who started all this?” Frank asked.
“All I know is we saw a person on the roof. I couldn’t make it out who it was. Then Thomas went into the bank. We heard TJ and Lisa shouting about coming in with guns. Somehow in the middle of it, Thomas and Lisa got shot. Not sure who shot Lisa. I guess I did witness some ’cause I heard ’em shoutting.”
“I think the banker shot that woman.. what’s it’s name...Chase Bank…” Thomas smiled.
“Bet they shot each other or themselves. I done that,” Frank shrugged.
“Good for Chase then,” I grinned. “Can I have the bullet he shot her with, Frank?” I asked him.
“Need help with Thomas over there, Jess?” Frank asked.
“No he’s doing good. Just finished,” Jess said and looked down at Thomas. “Okay Tom, time to wake up.”
“Frank?” I asked him, trying to get his attention.
“I’ll be on my way then,” Frank said and started to walk out.
“Frank!”
“But momma, I don’t want to go. Tell the teacher I’m sick!” Thomas smiled as he started to wake up.
“Do you need help getting up Thomas?” Jess asked him.
“Frank M Devil!!!! Get back here!” I shouted.
“Forget it Trin, he never stays. I am surprised he is even here,” Jess told me. “I’ll let you help Thomas get his shirt back on.”
“Can you find the bullet over there, Jess?” I sighed. “That was in Lisa?”
“Damn him always leaves a mess,” Jess muttered as she walked over to Lisa’s table since TJ had walked Lisa out of the clinic. “From Lisa?”
“Yes please. It was from Chase’s gun and I want it on file.” I looked over at Thomas ands aid, “Looks like you get to write your first warrant, dear.”
“Let me look, I am sure it is here somewhere. Devil never cleans up his mess,” Jess mumbled.
“Attempted bank robbery on TJ and Lisa. I’ll be writing a witness statement for ya,” I told Thomas and then nodded to her. “Ain’t that the truth, Jess.”
Jess looked through the catch pan and then found a shiny bullet on the floor and bent down to pick it up. She handed it to me and said, “Not too sanitary but all here.”
I took the bullet and put it in a bag, setting the bag in my vest. “Fantastic.” I looked over at Thomas and asked him, “How are you doing there, dear?”
Jess worked on cleaning up the clinic and said, “He might be a bit goofy for a while yet. Had to give him morphine for the pain. But it will wear off.”
“Goofy ain’t much different than his usual state,” I chuckled and winked down at Thomas as he started to wake up. “Thanks for bein’ here, Jess.”
“I heard the call and came as quick as I could.”
“Glad ya did,” I said and started to work on witness statements as Thomas continued to wake up slowly. I reached down to squeeze his hand and asked, “Love? You with me?”
“Hey there love, yeah I am here...that morphine made me sleepy I guess,” Thomas said drowsily.
“Mmhmm... We need to talk but you’ve got some reports to write... We need a warrant on Lisa and TJ for attempted robbery... and one warrant for Lisa on shooting a lawman.” I handed him my witness statement and said, “There’s mine. Unfortunately the only people who can write one are you, Grant, Chase and me.”
“Oh Lord, can’t that wait ‘till tomorrow?” Thomas held his side as he eased up off the table to stand up.
“Sure love. What do you want to do dear? Home or saloon?”
“I never saw her come out shootin, it just happened.”
I helped him off the bed and looked at him seriously. “I know.. it all happens so fast. But can I give you some advice?”
“Sure love.”
“You were goin’ in there one against two. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can deputize me whenever you wishh. I can’t draw my weapon until you do. Deputize me, that is. Otherwise I’ll be charged like everyone else.”
“You are right dear. I didn’t really know what I was doing...my first bank robbery and all...I just I don’t know,” he nodded.
“I know baby but we knew before you went into the bank there were two of em. We all learn,” I smiled. “Come on love... let’s get a drink, shall we? Think we could both use one.”
“Sounds good to me.”
I started to walk out but then stopped and turned. “Hey dear?”
“Yes baby?”
I reached up to caress his cheek and pulled him close, kissing him deeply. “I’m glad you’re alright, love.”
“Me too, and remind me to ummm have a little talk with Tj when I am better ok,” he smiled and kissed me back.
I giggled and nodded, “Come on you. Let’s go get a drink.”
We walked over towards Kate’s and saw all the outlaws standing there and cringed, looking over at Thomas. “I have a better idea for a drink, dear. Paisley, would you care to join us? Down the street?” I asked her.
“Where?” Paisley asked.
“We not good enough to be around or something?” Sniper asked.
“OOO an offer for a Menag’e Tios!” Lot exclaimed as we walked down the street.
“Run Thomas, before she shouts at you!” Sniper shouted down the street and I rolled my eyes.
As we walked into the Oriental Saloon I looked over at Paisley and said, “Paisley, I just have a quick question for you.”
“Sure.”
“Have you run across a man named Bear Makaid?”
“There is that guy back there named Bear, but if he is not the guy... no,” Paisley said.
“Evening everyone,” Zan waved as she and Chris came into the saloon.
“Chris, Zan! Join us for some drinks, would you?” I smiled.
“Feeling better Thomas?” Chris asked.
“Alright well... if you hear of this Makaid man, I need to know about it,” I told Paisley. “He’s out for one of my relatives and I would really like to beat him to the punch, if you know what I mean.”
“Oh yeah I am better now, another hole in the old body, got more than I can count I guess now,” Thomas smiled.
“Sure do understand,” Paisley nodded as we walked down the street.
“We’re all headed in for drinks if you guys want to join us? Too many outlaws down there.” I stopped then and looked at Zan, blinking. “Are you... wearing a badge?!”
"I can’t drink alcohol in uniform but I can drink water or something," Zan said and I smiled at her ranger’s uniform.
“Well I’ll be darned!” I grinned. “Look dear! We’ve got another soldier amongst us!”
“Not exactly a badge,” Zan chuckled.
“The soldier and the preacher. Ain’t that a kick in the pants?” Chris smiled.
“Well looky at Miss Zan!” Thomas saluted her and we headed into the saloon.
“Bout as much as the Deputy and a detective!” I smiled.
“A preacher, a soldier, and a Dove walk into a bar…” Chris laughed.
“A preacher, a soldier, a dove, a deputy, and a detective, Chris,” I winked at him and he laughed. “We make quite the group.”
“Indeed we do…” Paisley smiled and took our orders as we gave her our drinks.
“Goodness, I’ve been wanting to get us all together for a long time,” I smiled, looking around at the group as Thomas hugged me softly.
“I would like a root beer please Paisely,” he said and kissed my cheek.
“Difference is I get to make up for it on my time off. Preacher here doesn’t often…” Zan chuckled.
“Such a kid at heart. Am I the ONLY one drinking alcohol?” I smiled at everyone.
“You know how I get when I drink dear. I am liable to run down Allen Street buck naked hootin and hollerin if I drink alcohol,” Thomas said.
“You know dear, I wouldn’t complain about that,” I chuckled and looked over at the others. “Chris, Zan, don’t know if ya heard about my question’ Paisley when ya came over. I’m looking for a man named Bear Makaid. I want to know everything I can about him. He’s after my cousin to settle some unfinished business.”
Paisley continued to serve drinks and I looked over at Thomas who was still standing. “Sit, hon. You must be hurtin’. Poor man had his first bank robbery fight tonight.”
Lisa and Sniper walked in then and Thomas rolled his eyes. “Well why don’t you just come on in, Lisa?” he asked and I smirked a bit, then frowned seeing that TJ and Lot weren’t far behind.
“Well the gang’s all here I reckon,” I rolled my eyes and noticed Thomas take off his gun and hand it to me, and I took it with a knowing nod. “Chris, might wanna say a prayer over the mixed group we’ve got here.”
“I always do, Detective,” Chris said and I winked at him as I held Thomas’ hand.
“So Thomas ya still wanna shoot me?” TJ asked him.
“Teej, let it go,” I told him and looked at Zan. “These places really need more tables. Noticed Kate’s don’t have too many either.”
“I wonder what happened.. used to be more in here last time I was in,” Zan nodded to me.
“TJ, I will have words with you another time. Right now is not the right time,” Thomas told him.
“Says who?” TJ asked.
“I say, since how I ain’t wearing a gun,” Thomas said to him.
“You know TJ, you and I used to exist in a kind of truce world... We generally left each other alone,” I told him. “Why don’t we keep it that way and keep things pleasant, hmm?”
“TJ have a drink,” Paisley poured a glass and handed it to him.
“Then ya best keep to yaself with me,” TJ said. “And we stay in truce.”
“No one here’s causing trouble, Trin,” Sniper said.
“Glad to hear it,” I said.
“Then I suggest you mind yore words when speakin to my wife. That’s all I have to say,” Thomas said.
“Ya best let it go, son,” TJ said. “I’ll shoot you, guns or not.”
“Sounds like fun,” Bear smirked then, and I felt my frustration rising, but tried to calm down.
“He’s not the one who brought it up, TJ. You were,” I told TJ.
“Then he best put up or shut up,” TJ said.
“Actually Trin, you brought it up,” Sniper pointed out.
“Folks, why don’t we all just enjoy a drink…” Chris suggested.
“Actually Sniper, the first thing he said when he walked in this saloon was ‘do you still wanna shoot me’,” I pointed out.
“You aren’t worth the trouble of a bullet TJ. I am here with my wife enjoying a drink, and you have to be rude about it. Trin why don’t we go, and let the FINE folk have the drink,” Thomas gripped my hand tightly.
“Now, I did not come in here to deal with a disagreement,” Paisley shook her head.
“Got a whiskey Paisley?” Lisa asked her and then gave me a wink, smiling sweetly.
“I sure do…” she nodded and poured the drink for her.
“A question about violence towards him… started it,” Sniper chuckled.
“Yes take ya pet home son and put her on a leash,” TJ suggested.
“Cowards,” Bear muttered loudly then.
“Let’s go,” I said to Thomas then.
“Just drink and talk of other things is all,” Paisley said.
Lisa took her whiskey and poured it on me then, surprising me as I jumped back. “There, that should calm ya down.”
“Lisa!” I exclaimed as she laughed at me.
“Leashed dog. Run along with your master,” Bear said.
“Getting cold in here,” Chris shook his head and slipped his hand inside his coat.
“Nope! Not going to do it tonight...but soon big boy!” Thomas set his mug on the bar, glaring at TJ as I reached for a rag to dry myself off.
“Not tonight, because Trin ordered you to leave,” Sniper laughed.
“Well quit arguing with my fella,” Lisa told me.
“Quit threatening mine,” I shot back.
“Ain’t threats,” TJ shrugged.
“Grow up perhaps?” Paisley rolled her eyes.
“Thomas, follow your ole lady out like she barked for ya to,” Lisa told him.
“Where’s my popcorn?” Bear asked and TJ threw him some nuts.
“I think there is some here Bear.. Let me look,” Paisley said and leaned down.
“How about another Miss Paisley.. straight as that was it was good,” Zan said then.
“Babe…” Thomas started to walk out but looked at me. I continued to dry myself off, seeing that no one cared about Lisa putting whiskey all over me. I threw the rag at Lisa and followed Thomas out of the saloon, slamming the door.
I stormed off down the street towards the bridge and picked up a rock from the ground, throwing it towards town with anger. “Give me back my gun dear!” Thomas said to me and I handed it to him.” Damnit I am the law in this town!” Thomas shook his head and we walked back home.
Pearce.
As soon as we got home, I started to pace the living room, still furious that no one cared about the whiskey being poured down my shirt. I was still wearing the soaked shirt and Thomas reached for my hand.
“It’s alright baby. No one had a chance with those three in there. I already been shot once tonight. I didn’t want you or anyone else getting shot.”
“I’m going to change out of this shirt,” I said, heading upstairs. I was still frustrated, but it wasn’t with him at least.
“Baby, it’s just a shot of whiskey. No sense in getting killed over their stupidity. Lisa will get hers when the warrant goes out for her,” Thomas said as he followed me upstairs.
“Damn straight she will. For shooting a law officer and attempted bank robbery. It’s the others who couldn’t have cared less. Paisley, Chris, Zan... Just watched it happen.”
“I didn’t understand it either. It was all I could do to keep my calm,” Thomas shook his head.
“I know love, I’m not mad at you.” I stepped closer and ran a hand down his side. “Does it hurt?”
“Just a little bit. The morphine is still working. I probably wont be able to move tomorrow.”
“Will give you lots of time to work on paperwork then.”
“True...though I might need your help since I never did it before.”
“Of course dear, is what I’m here for. You’ve got my witness statement, so that’s a good start.”
“Yes, I guess I should get one to Chase also.”
“And Grant. He heard the shouting like I did,” I nodded.
“Ah yes Grant too...something was weird about that whole robbery though dear.”
“What’s that?”
“Chase didn’t seem all that worried about them busting in on them. Its like he knew they was coming or something.”
“Hmm... He’s probably so used to it by now.”
“I don’t know… he didn’t shoot Lisa until after I got it, I just think something weird could have been going on.”
“Mommy? Daddy?” Natalie shouted then from downstairs.
“Sounds like our baby girl is here. Let’s head down,” I smiled. “Hey there kiddo!” I said, coming downstairs.
“Hey there short stuff…” Thomas smiled.
“Hi! I sorry, I didn’t know you were talkin’,” Natalie said.
“You alright kiddo?” I grinned. .
“I saw an Apache lady steal some stuff today…” she said and I looked at Thomas.
“Oh?! Who was it, do you know?” Thomas asked her.
“It was some lady who said that she was grandma to some guy named.... Sun Moon or Sun sitting moon or... something.... But she was in that store across from the saloon. She said it there to take.”
“Hmmm… I don’t know anyone like that, do you dear?” Thomas asked.
“Oh my.. that man was the Apache who saved my life here in Tombstone, Dear,” I blinked at that name.
“Oh my...hmmmm...what did she take Natalie?”
“Well see that’s the thing. She started to take stff but then this guy Wolvie, he said he was Mommy’s friend. He paid for it all. So he said it weren’t stealin.”
“Yes Wolv... met him sometime before coming to Tombstone,” I smiled.
“Oh well, if he paid for it, then she is ok,” Thomas said.
“Yeah! It was weird though cause she felt like it was hers to take But it wasn’t, was it?” Nat asked.
“Well not really.. but they think they own the land or something,” I told her.
“No it wasn’t, but if it got paid for, not much we can do dear. I will see if I can talk to her if I see her though. Find out just who she is,” Thomas said.
“Daddy I dunno if you gotta if that he man was helpin her.”
“She’s been hanging around you too long,” I looked at Thomas and smiled.
“But I like to meet all the new people here in town sweetie. Plus if she is going to be helping herself to things, I should find out who she is,” Thomas said.
“Mmhmm, I’m sure she’ll do it again but just let this one time slide, I guess. I wouldn’t bring it up or it will anger her,” I said.
“We can trust Apache right? Cause you’re part Apache and they like you right?” Nat asked.
“Yes we can dear. They are our friends,” Thomas nodded.
“Well…” I shifted on my feet. “I don’t really know any of them here. Not well, anyway. The only person I ever interacted with that was Apache since coming to Tombstone was the man that came to find me, but then saved me because of our heritage.”
“You were hurt by all of em before though weren’t ya ma?”
“Yes, kiddo I was... And some wounds don’t heal for a very long time. They leave scars. That man saving me was a step in the right direction but... I still don’t feel safe walking into the village here. Though I have helped them out on occasion in court.”
“I really wanna know more about em. The grandma lady was surprise I could talk Apache.”
“Well just please be careful around them sweetie. Especially any new ones you don’t know. I don’t wont you getting caught up in the middle of something bad,” Thomas told her.
“I agree. And I still wouldn’t go out to the village. You never know what could happen there,” I nodded.
“Yeah but... They never come here. Are they just not around or do they no like us?” Nat asked.
“I don’t know Natalie. There are many in town they don’t like or trust. I don’t even like Jimmy going out that far cause they may not like him being there,” Thomas said.
“Your pa’s right, Nat. You gotta be careful around them. I know it’s part of who I am but there’s parts of how Apache live that I’m not particularly proud of.”
“I love you half pint, and don’t want anything to happen to you or Jimmy. Promise me you will please be careful ok,” Thomas rubbed her head and gave her a big hug.
“Ok I promise. I won’t go there alone,” Nat sighed.
“That’s a girl. Why don’t you head on upstairs kiddo? It’s geting late,” I suggested.
“Yeah, Jimmy is already sleeping on his bed on the floor beside yours sweetie. He insisted being beside yours,” Thomas smiled.
Natalie hugged us both goodnight and we told her we loved her as she headed off to bed. Thomas hugged me tightly when we were alone and looked into my eyes. “I love you Trin so much.”
I hugged him, rubbing his back. “I’m just glad there were doctors there tonight.”
“Me too baby. I will have to be more careful from now on. Now that I have a family,” Thomas smiled and held me close. “You, Jimmy, and Natalie mean the whole world to me.”
“Let’s get to bed. You’ve had a busy day,” I smiled and led him to bed.
