February 25, 1901

Black Diamond. 

I was working on the court docket when I saw Jimmy and Willy talking outside. I went out and asked them if they wanted to eat something so we went over to the cantina and ate outside while we talked. We talked about Willy living at the orphanage and my office in Black Diamond. 

“Ma, did pa tell ya what he did today?” Jimmy asked. 

“What’d pa do today kiddo?” 

“He went and bought a bunch of food for the orphanage and Miss Abi. He say he got flour, beans, sugar and bread stuff.” 

“Oh did he? That’s great.” I smiled, proud of him. 

“Miss Abi be glad,” Willy said. “An me too cos she gonna do some good stuff with that,” Willy said. 

“Yeah, I remember when me an Natalie was there, we had horse stew once...it was ok, but I not recommend it,” Jimmy said. 

We continued to talk about Jimmy’s experience at the orphanage and we talked about weird foods and I told them about when the Apache village tried to cook me frog legs to get me over my fear of frogs, but it didn’t work. I told Jimmy it was probably safer if we spent more time in Bisbee and Diamond, and Jimmy told Willy that he should come visit more and that they could hang out and fish and explore. 

“Ma did you know Natalie tried kissin Jeffery again? And that you can get babies from kissing?” Jimmy asked. 

“She what? No more Buster?” I blinked. 

“Uh huh...when we was all sick in the orphanage.. she try kissin him and Miss Abi stopped her.” 

“Now you don’t be foolin’ me son.” I stared at him. 

“No, I think it just to prove she like Buster more.. Buster jus wasn’t round. I was there ma, I saw it with my own eyes.” 

I shook my head, thinking about how much my daughter was so much like me. “I’ll have to have a talk with her.” 

“But she kisses his shoulder, but then they both had their eyes closed,” Jimmy said. 

“Does it count if yer eyes is closed?” Willy asked. 

“Does it mean she gonna have a baby now ma?” Jimmy asked. 

“Now listen.. Both of you… Don’t be kissin’ no girls for another..... ten years. Got it?” I looked between them. 

“No way!” Willy exclaimed and Jimmy looked at me intently with a stare. 

“Don’t look at me like that young man.” I looked at him firmly. 

“Oh, don’t worry ma. Girls are yucky and have cooties. I ain’t kissin’ no girl!!” 

“Ma? Jimmy?” Natalie called out then. 

“Natalie Marie Paige!!” I exclaimed. “Get your butt over to the cantina right now!” 

“Yes ma....? I didn’t do it, I swear. Jimmy did.” Natalie cringed as she slowed down as she approached. 

“Young lady, was Jimmy kissing Jeffrey?” I asked her. 

“Uh…” She gulped and backed up. 

“Then I’m pretty sure Jimmy didn’t do it this time. You want to tell me what that was all about?” 

“Uh…. Jimmy!” Natalie knocked Jimmy’s hat off his head. 

“I’m sorry Natalie!!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Hi, I’m Willy,” Willy introduced. 

“It just sorta, um… come out… I didn’t mean to…” Jimmy said. 

“Natalie... I thought you liked Buster?” I looked at her. 

“Well uh... I do but… Jeff was bein’ so… And… Well…” 

“But ma it not her fault… Buster not there, so she was lonely, and she couldn’t kiss me… so who else she gonna kiss?” 

“I DUNNO!!” Natalie shifted on her feet and looked down with a sigh. 

“Jimmy say you gonna have a baby now,” Willy put in. 

“I AM NOT!!” I exclaimed. 

“Now now… You three listen to me. Natalie take a seat honey.” 

“But…” Natalie started. 

“I ain’t mad, I just wanna explain something to all three of you. And you’re gonna wanna sit,” I looked at her. “Now listen... I know that you’re gettin’ to the age where these feelings are confusing. But you need to be sure that you don’t go kissin’ each other until you’re older. Even if you’re twelve, Natalie. It’s somethin’ ya should save for when you’re at least fourteen…” 

“But ma what do we do if a girl kisses us first?” Jimmy asked. “Or boy, in Natalie’s case.” 

“Ya stick a frog in her face, Jimmy,” Willy suggested. 

“But ma…” Natalie started. “What if you wanna kiss more than one boy?” 

“Uh... you what?” I blinked, seeing Jade come over and looked at her for help. 

“Dang sis, how many boys ya wanna kiss?” Jimmy blinked. 

“Sounds like you got your work cut out, Trin,” Jade said. 

Willy reached under his shirt and brought out a frog, but kept it away from me. “I think he died.” 

“You drop that right now.” I scooted back in my chair. 

“Aye not be a good idea to be kissing lot boys at your age Natalie,” Jade agreed with me. 

“Awww, but he’s Willy’s froggy....you might could turn ’im into a prince Natalie,” Jimmy suggested. 

“But he gonna be a dead prince Jimmy,” Willy held out the frog to Natalie. 

Natalie and I jumped back from the table and Jimmy looked over at Nat as Willy hid his frog again. “What did I say?” Jimmy asked. 

“It’s okay sweetie. I know you’re confused right now. We’ll talk at home alone okay?” I put a hand on her shoulder. 

“Willy… why are girls sooo weird?” Jimmy asked him. 

“Hey! We ain’t weird!” Natalie exclaimed. 

“Jade, you’re right. I’ve got my hands full tonight,” I told Jade. 

“Did you get to see Chet at all?” 

“Unfortunately no, I haven’t seen him and we’ve been looking over the store to see if he comes by,” I told her. 

I heard Natalie tackling Jimmy and blinked, spinning around to them. “Natalie! Jimmy! On your feet. Now.” 

“Ma! Make her stop!” Jimmy cried. 

“I’m sorry Willy, it looks like my children need a talking to at home,” I told him. “Jade, sorry but I gotta take these two home and talk some sense into them.” 

“Natalie, you ain’t acting much girl-like. See that’s just weird!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Way to go, Jimmy,” Natalie muttered. 

“You started it!” 

“Say goodbye to Willy, kids. Now,” I said firmly and they said goodbye as we walked towards the house. 

Bisbee. 

We walked into the house and I pointed. “House. March.” 

“Ma can’t I go in there and talk with Pa instead?” Natalie begged. 

“Natalie, stay down here. Jimmy, go upstairs, and I’ll talk to you after I talk to your sister,” I told her and looked at Jimmy. 

“But… what did I do?!” 

“Upstairs young man.” 

“It’s all your fault, sis!” Jimmy pouted and stomped upstairs. 

“YOU STARTED IT!!!” Natalie shouted.

“Corners. NOW!” I ordered. 

“I DID NOT!” Jimmy went up and stood in a corner and mumbled under his breath. 

I looked over at Natalie and sat down beside her as I said, “Now kiddo... I know you’re going through a very confusing time right now. You’re startin’ to think about boys a lot, aren’t you?” 

“I can’t even focus ma. I keep thinkin’ about when I’m gonna see Buster or Jeff again and I... I can’t…” Natalie told me. 

“I know sweetie. I used to have to deal with that confusion too.” 

“You did?” 

“Yeah, I think too much ma! Maybe you should send her to one dem covenent places with the old woman in black robes and white hoods!” Jimmy exclaimed from upstairs. 

“Mmhmm, sure I did,” I nodded to Nat and then called up, “Jimmy! Quiet up there!” Looking back at Nat I said, “Now Nat... I had a lot of confusing feelings when I first came to Tombstone... Lots of different boys used to want to kiss me. But you know what I had to do? I had to focus on work and eventually... I would find the one I was s’posed to be with.” 

“When ya met Pa?” 

“Actually, no. When I met Alex... We lived together for a while over in the canyon. He was a doctor.” 

“But… Ya weren’t meant to be with him.” 

“I know sweeite... but the point is... he showed me what life could be like with the right person. And I had to go through that in order to be ready for what your pa was offerin’.” 

“I’m confused.” 

“Sometimes kiddo... things don’t always make sense. Sometimes... it don’t happen like you think it should. But you can’t rush it.” 

“Cause girls are weird!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“You’ve gotta let boys come to you. The right one will want to spend time with you and will one day want to kiss you,” I told Natalie. 

“But... they’re both just so... Why can’t I make up my mind?” 

“Maybe you’re not meant to yet, kiddo. Maybe you’ve gotta get to know boys as friends first... Lots of boys... without kissing.. To know what kind of man you want. Does that make any sense?” 

“Okay but... so it’s okay to be friends with more than one boy?” 

“Course it is! I’ve got lots of friends who are boys... That don’t mean I’m meant to be with ’em all.” 

“Like who, ma?” 

“Well... There’s your pa... but there’s also Mr. David, Mr. Alex, Mr. Cas, Mr. Adrian…” 

“But ain’t Mr Adrian your boss?” 

“Well sure... But he’s still my friend. And guess what... your pa’s got other girls who are his friends too.” 

“He does??” 

“Mmhmm... Like Miss Bree, Miss Doll, Miss Angel, Miss Pet… See honey, it’s okay to spend lots of time with more than one person of the other gender. But... don’t be kissin’ all of ’em.” 

“But... why?” 

“YEAH SIS!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Cause that’s something that you do because you feel special towards someone. More than any of the other boys you know. You want to spend more time with that one person. And until you figure out which person that is… No kisisn’.” 

“But we can hug?” 

“Oh no!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Well sure... when you say goodbye you can hug... but not too much. But... there’s been times where Mr Alex or Mr David gave me a hug when I was upset. That’s okay.” 

“Yeah like when we was in the library and Jeff gave me a hug!” 

“That’s right. But here’s a little tip... And you might wanna come on the couch for this one,” I told her and she came over to sit beside me. I pulled her close and leaned in to whisper into her ear. “When you do feel those things for one boy... more than any other… Don’t tell your brother about it.” 

“Yeah I guess I shouldn’t have tried to kiss Jeff in front of him huh?” Nat giggled. 

“Probably not.” I chuckled and hugged her tight. “Now let me go talk to your brother. There’s some cookies in the kitchen if you are hungry.” 

“Thanks ma…” Nat said and hugged me tight. “I love you.” 

“I love you too babygirl. Now go on.” 

“Excuse me!!” Jimmy shouted then and I plugged my nose, smelling something from upstairs. 

I walked upstairs and saw Jimmy in the corner. I knew this talk was going to be harder and took a deep breath as I said, “Come on kiddo, let’s go sit on the bed.” Jimmy came over and sat down beside me as I looked at him. “You know your big sister is going through some changes, right?” 

“Um… I guess so.” 

“Well... She’s starting to have... different feelings about boys. And you’ll get those feelings towards girls someday soon... But not yet. You’re still little.” 

“But she’s a girl ma… and only 12… am I gonna have those feelings about girl when I turn 12?” 

“Yeah around there.. But listen…” 

“But why are girls so weird?” 

“It’s not easy for her. It’s real confusing and I hope that my talk with her helped… We’re just different kiddo. You gotta be nicer though. It ain’t her fault that she’s got these feelings... She just doesn’t know how to control them.” 

“You got that right! But….. she picks on me too.” 

“Well I know.. But you’ve gotta remember she’s older. And she’ll figure out ways to turn the blame on you even when she started it… Which isn’t fair but that’s what older siblings have always done for centuries. Think about Cain and Abel in the Bible. Or Joseph and his brothers… But you know what?” 

“Well yeah, but I ain’t gonna kill my sister or sell her to some King either.” 

“If you show her that you love her and ain’t gonna make fun of her in front of your friends.... She’ll pick on you less too. That’s the point of those stories Jimmy. Joseph... he wasn’t too smart at first. He kinda egged his siblings on. You know what that means?” 

“I do love her ma. She my sister, but she gets weird around boys, and it’s like, I dunno.” 

“Mmhmm I know. And there’s times it’s gonna be weird… But you gotta give her space when that happens. But she knows now how to act I hope.” 

“Yeah, it means to pushed them to do things.” 

“Right. So if you don’t do stuff that’s gonna push Natalie into bugging you... she won’t.” 

“But what if I think she is doing something wrong? Like with boys, you know, like say I found out something about one of ’em, and she likes them.” 

“Well then you tell me. And I’ll figure out how to tell her.” 

“Did you have these same feelings for pa when you met him ma?” 

“Mmhmm. I couldn’t think about anything but your pa. I couldn’t focus on work. Every time I went to a dance I wished he was there. Whenever I passed by the... places where we spent time... I missed him. Then I realized one day that I just couldn’t live without him. And that’s when he gave me this ring.” I smiled and showed him my right hand. 

“Awww…. Oh wow!” Jimmy looked at my ring. 

“Your pa’s got one too.” 

“Uh huh… I seen it on him...he never takes it off.” 

“But... there’s a lot that happens in a person’s life before they get to that poitn. And that’s the journey your sister’s starting. And you’re not quite on yet.” 

“Ma?” 

“Yeah kiddo?” 

“Girls can’t have babies from kissing, can they?” 

“Nope they sure can’t.” I chuckled. “Not from hugging either.” 

“Yay! I don’t want Natalie having no baby by Jeffery...he would be too ugly I think.” 

“Jimmy! Have you not been listening?” 

“I been listening ma.. I promise.” 

“Good. Then stop teasin’ your sister. I’m gonna call her upstairs and get you two ready for bed, okay” 

“I wast teasin… I just saying… you ever looked at Jeffery?” 

“Jimmy Wallace.” I looked at him. 

“Okay ma!” Jimmy frowned. 

“Don’t be callin’ people ugly. It ain’t right for us to judge that. Remember... God looks on the inside. Not on the outside. Got it?” 

“Yeah, yore right, but we got to look at ’em on the outside. I’m sorry ma… I promise not to call nobody ugly.” 

“Natalie, Come on upstairs for bed sweetie!” I called for him and nodded to Jimmy. “Good boy.” 

Natalie came upstairs and stood on the other side of the wall, folding her arms across her chest. 

Jimmy looked over and said, “Natalie?” 

“What?” She asked impatiently. 

“I’m sorry for teasin and pickin on you.” 

“That’s okay, Jimmy. You didn’t understand it. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss Jeff.” 

“I’m not sure I do understand it, but it’s something you can’t control I guess… I guess ma couldn’t either.” 

“Alright you two…” I smiled. “Time for bed. Don’t let your father catch you up still.” 

Natalie and Jimmy hugged each other goodnight and said they loved each other, and then came over to me to hug me. They apologized for making me mad and I told them, “You’re both forgiven. Sleep well, my little angels.” 

Watching them crawl into bed, I smiled and headed to my own bed and read a novel until Thomas came home from doing his rounds in Tombstone. 

February 24, 1901

Black Diamond. 

This afternoon I met a boy named Willy who said he lived at the orphanage. He said he hadn’t gotten the measles and he said that he just got to town Saturday and couldn’t even get into the orphanage, but now he was able to. We talked about Black Diamond and I told him that I was a detective like Sherlock Holmes. Something seemed a little bit off about the boy though, so I decided to pursue that line of questioning. 

“I help the law figure out who did the crimes. Or I help other people solve mysteries…” 

“You must be smart.” 

“I guess you could say that. For instance.. I can tell... you’re hidin’ somethin’.” I looked down into his eyes and he glanced away. “See? If you wasn’t... you woulda kept lookin’ at me.” 

“What?” 

“Well… The way you can tell if someone’s guilty bout somethin’… If they look into your eyes then they ain’t afraid, you know?” 

“Oh?” He asked, glancing around. 

“See?” 

“See what?” 

“Well.. you keep glancing around. As if you’re hidin’ somethin’. You know buddy… The nice thing bout detectives? We can’t arrest people. So if you did do somethin’... You could come clean and tell me now and I won’t punish ya too bad.” 

He moved his hand to the bottom of his shirt and then Jade walked past as we waved to her. “But Willy…” I looked at the boy again when we were alone. “If some other person with a badge finds out… Ya might be in worse trouble. So you might wanna tell me instead.” 

“So if I tell you, then I be okay?” 

“Well... depends. I ain’t gonna let you off scot free… But… It might not be as bad as what someone else with a badge might do.” 

“Well…” 

“Yes, Willy?” I knelt down. 

Willy thought about it long and hard and then pulled up his shirt, pulling out a loaf of bread and some apples. “I kinda found these” 

“Ya found em? Where?” I raised an eyebrow. 

“Umm… Well, they was in a build over yonder…” 

“Hmm…. Inside the building? Was no one workin’ there?” 

“Well, there was.” 

“Did you pay for the food, kiddo?” 

“But he had his back to me and was doin stuff behind a counter. Well… Ya see, I ain’t got no money and doc Beauregard always told me to get whatever I could when folks wasn’t lookin.” 

“Listen kiddo… It ain’t right to take things when people aren’t lookin’ But I understand ya don’t have much money... so why don’t we do this. I’m gonna give you some money and you can bring it with me to the store. We’ll give the money to the man for the food, okay?” 

“Okay, that sounds good.” 

We waved to Jade and Angel who joined us and walked down the street towards the grocery store. Willy apologized to the store owner and said that it wasn’t right to take things and not pay for it, and then we went back to join the others. 

I smiled when I saw Thomas standing with the group and we talked and met Angel’s nephew Noah. Thomas said that the kids had been busy cleaning the house and I told Angel that I had a couple of cases lately. She said there were a lot of outlaws that had packed up and left. We talked about the train track and how the train hadn’t been around much.

“Well I would like to help out in Black Diamond and Bisbee as deputy. I do in Bisbee already since I live there now,” Thomas said. 

“Vell ve have control in Bisbee ve can arrest here az for Diamond though not so much,” Angel said. “Am vorried for Goldfield, Pearce, and Diamond. They aven’t had real active deputies though. Ali iz thankfully still active in Benson.”

“We’re just... tired of the nonsense on Allen Street with Lot and Downy. Being out here more will be safer for the children,” I told her. 

“Lot’s been keeping to himself more since the rumor of most of the Vild Bunch leaving…” Angel said. 

“Ah had heard rustlings of that happening.” I nodded.

“Where are they going?” Strider asked. 

“I ain’t seen em so I’m guezzing iz true.” 

“I noticed that I hadn’t seen much of them other than Lot and Downy lately,” Tom said. 

“Good riddance, I say. Even if one of ’em’s someone I’ve known since Georgetown,” I said, thinking of Mac. 

“I know for sure Garth left,” Angel said. “He said Sniper done left too.” 

“There’s a name I hadn’t heard in a while,” I commented. 

“Angel, have you come across a new lady in town lately, dressed all in black?” Thomas asked and I nodded to that, wanting to know as well. 

“Known Sniper as long as I’ve known Mac. Glad to be done of them.” I nodded. 

“No, I don’t believe so, vhy Thomas,” I said. 

“Well I learned from Jimmy that some woman tried to get him and Natalie to take a train ride the day they got out of the orphanage from the measles,” Thomas said. 

“Lot never gave me a good feeling. Not one time,” Strider said. 

“Lot still about, Strider,” Angel said. “He just stayin’ home vith iz Ivy more, it seemz. I vill keep an eye out for this voman.” 

“Jimmy said she wore black, had a gun, and chased him and Natalie all over town. Said she wanted to see them home safe by the train,” Thomas said. 

“Odd. I vill definitely keep an eye open then,” Angel said and then waved as she headed down the street with Willy and Noah. 

I asked Thomas if he wanted to join me in the office and we said goodbye to Strider as we walked in to sit at the table. I told him about the situation with Willy stealing from the grocery store and he was proud of how I had handled things. 

“You wanna know something baby? We should really try to help the orphanage out. I have money and we are more then well off compared to all those kids.” 

“I agree. As a Pinkerton you know that I get paid very well, whether I have a case or not. Whenever we see kids out and about we should make sure they ain’t hungry.” 

“I actually have some deer stored in a smokehouse over in Tombstone I was gonna give the orphanage to keep them from having to eat horse and other animals not meant to be eaten.” 

“What if we had a cookout at the orphanage where you made them deer meet there? Jimmy and Natalie would enjoy that too I think. They told me how much they loved spending time with all the kids there, even though they were sick.” 

“Yeah, but I am worried about all the kids now, after what Jimmy told me. Do you know who this strange woman is?” 

“I’ve never met anyone matching that description. I don’t like that she followed them all around town.” 

“Me neither. Jimmy said she approached him right outside the orphanage. So she has been staking out town it seems.” 

We continued to talk and then headed home to check on the kids as we were both worried about them, but they were happily keeping busy reading and writing so we sat in the living room and relaxed together. 

February 23, 1901

Black Diamond. 

This morning I walked over to the cantina where Bree was standing and talked with her about how the kids had finally come back to home. I told her that we weren’t going to be spending much time in Tombstone, but more time in Bisbee and Diamond. 

“Yesterday they were followed by some lady new to town,” I told her. “She wanted them to go on the train with her so she could bring them home to us. They’d never seen her before. They’d just got out of the orphanage finally and there she was.” 

“Heck wish I knew her name,” Bree said. 

“Believe me, I wish I knew too. They said she followed ’em around town then they made a break for it. There much law in Diamond lately?” 

“Tell them ever see again to come tell me. So if she comes here I will know any bank too.” 

“I sure will. They know they can trust you.” I smiled. 

“Law here… boy! You got be kiddin?” 

“Been tryin’ to convince Thomas to become law out here instead of in Tombstone.” 

“Course we very quiet here but… Bisbee I can holler maybe I am not sure.” 

“Gets us away from the Wild Bunch. At least he can be on duty in Bisbee…” 

We talked about the train and I asked if she knew who was running the Russ since Pet didn’t seem to be around much. She suggested I could wire Bass and he’d get a message to her. We talked about how much we loved Diamond and Bisbee and talked about the memories we had from living there. 

I met Jade and Ascar and told them I was reuniting myself with Black Diamond. Little Dove came over and we talked about Jade’s ranch.

“How is that man of yours Chet doing, Jade?” I asked her. “Me and Chet go back along ways... over ten years.” 

“Packed up and left town on me. Sold his house and all,” she said. 

“He what?” I blinked. 

“Then he comes on back in town other day. Starts up with Doc Jess.” 

“Chet not the fella Trin,” Bree said. 

“I thought you were with Chet…” I looked between them, confused. 

“Well I saw them a few times together now,” Jade said. “Aye, I was but he left, Miss Trin. Got on a train without a word and just left. Then his house got sold and all. So thought, ‘well that is end of that’ so gave back ring left in his shop.” 

“Damn it, Chet.” I muttered and shook my head. 

“We kind had fight in allen street other day… Meet him as he got off train by accident. Was in town for supplies.” 

“Bloody moron,” I said and kicked at a stone. 

“Aye have to agree with you there.” Jade laughed. 

“He lives in Bisbee now,” Bree said with a laugh. 

“I’ll give him a piece of my mind,” I promised. 

“It’s okay Miss Trin.” Jade smiled at me. “I think was meant to be cause let me know Omega better. I… We are well-suited, more-so than I was with Chet…” 

“As long as you’re happy, Jade.” I shrugged. 

“Omega is great,” Bree said. 

“He threatened though, did Chet, that he had carved bullet with Omega’s name on it,” Jade said. “I swear men think with guns first.” 

“He what?!” I exclaimed. 

“Yeah Miss Trin. Come out in our little words down in main street.” 

“I’ll see if I can talk some sense into him.” I sighed. 

“Might be a good idea, Miss Trin.” 

I pulled out my notebook and sighed, writing down the information. “Alright let me get these facts straight… So... Chet left you... on the train.... then you met Omega and fell in love… But then Chet threatened that he’s got a bullet with Omega’s name on it? I miss anything?” 

“Aye that’s about right of it. He was here, then gone. Ran into him only few days ago gettin’ back in town off the train. Jy was there when we had words though. Not sure how much he heard. Might been yelling at the time.” She blushed. 

“What exactly did you say to each other in that argument, if you can remember?” 

“Hmm let’s see… I was asking where he went and how come he just up and went without word. He tried to explain bout having to go off some court thing in some other town, that he reckoned he left a note… Not sure, Trin. Then he said he find his ring at the shop… I asked what he had in his hand, he was sitting out front of Kate’s and he was carrying a bullet… Kind of did some more yelling, then had to go see my son. He was nearly killed by snake bite.” 

“Did you see what he was carving on the bullet?” 

“Aye he told me what he did. Put on it that was Omega’s name.” 

“He say why?” I sighed. 

“I did tell him he could not expect me to wait around on him forever. That when his house sold. Thought he left for good. I mean… What was I to think? All his stuff gone, moved, and sold as though he was not coming back. So I moved on and think that is why he was mad.” 

“So wait he came back and you’d sold all his stuff and his house? So that’s why he’s mad?” 

“No, Miss Trin. He did that. I had no idea till I went out riding and saw the marshal living up there. And don’t mind telling you was surprised to see someone up there living.” 

“So he sold the house and moved everything and didn’t tell you??” 

“Aye, yes.” 

“You know where in Bisbee he lives?” 

“Reckoned he left blasted note…” Jade muttered under her breath. “He did no such thing. Think he lives over his shop now.” 

“Well then he’s got no reason to have a rivalry against Omega. What the heck did Omega do wrong?” 

“Think he blaming for stealing his woman, Miss Trin… But that not how it happened at all.” 

“Stealing his woman?? He up and left and sold the house without telling you!!” 

“Aye, my view exactly, Miss Trin. What was I supposed to think after seeing his house sold and him nowhere to be found?” 

“Well I’ll take care of this, Jade, don’t you worry. And if he lays a hand on Omega, Chet’s going down.” 

“Jjust hope no trouble comes of this for either of them.” 

“That’s why I’m going to look into it for you. Stop it before it happens.” 

“Might be mad at Chet but aye, I wish him not get hurt. And if he is stepping out with the good doc then he better do her right.” 

“Don’t worry Jade... just... can you get Omega to meet me here sometime? I want to speak with him too. Alright, I’m going to go and look for either of them. I’ve got a show in Bisbee in two hours... hope you’ll both come?” 

I told them the time I would be singing and then headed towards Bisbee. 

Bisbee. 

A couple hours later I had changed and was walking into the saloon when I saw Thomas in the living room. “How do I look?” I asked, spinning around. 

He smiled and kissed me deeply, whistling. “Do I have to let you go?” 

“Yes dear, if you hope to keep this house you do.” I winked at him and kissed him harder. “Besides... I need my handsome bartender.” 

“Mmmmm...yeah, I will need the bar to hide my ummm...well....you know….” 

“Be glad the children are out playing.” I chuckled and squeezed his sides as he continued to kiss me. “Shall we go over and get some drinks before I start to warm up? “ 

“Yes might as well sweetheart.” 

We walked over to the saloon and he asked me what I wanted to drink. I ordered a tea with honey and he put the kettle on for the tea. I walked over to the piano and started to warm up, playing some classical music to warm up my fingers. It wasn’t long before others came in to dance and enjoy my music at the saloon. 

The gig went well and I was happy to see Jade and Evey there, as well as some others I didn’t know. Meg and David even arrived, and it was good to see them again as I continued to play and sing. When I was halfway finished, I felt shaky and not well for some reason. I stood from the piano and collapsed as Thomas picked me up from the floor. 

“I am taking her home folks. Please excuse me,” Thomas said as he picked me off. 

“Oh dear, I hope she is okay… Shall we send the medic?” Meg asked. 

“I’m... okay... just... tired…” I said with exhaustion. “The stress of this weekend... worried about the kids…” 

“I think she is just over exhausted...I will see once I get her to the house,” Thomas told them. 

“I am heading home.. feel better Trin,” Paisley said. 

Thomas carried me home and we lay down in our room, trying to relax after a tiring weekend. 

February 21, 1901

Tombstone. 

I was walking down the street around lunch time when I saw Trent standing by the bridge on the way to Goldfield. “Well hey there, Trent. Long time no see!” 

“Hi, just getting ready to head to the event at the Venice. How are you?” He asked with a smile. 

“I was just on my way there as well. I need a distraction... Both our kids are sick.” 

“Well I hope they get well soon.” 

“I hope so too. Well shall we go to the saloon then? I could use a drink.” 

We walked into the saloon and greeted everyone there. I met a woman named Emile and talked with the others as we danced to the music. We talked about how the children were sick and how various people were housing those who hadn’t had the measles yet. We continued to talk and dance, and Angel said that there were two people yelling and hollering at the orphanage while the kids were resting. She said they calmed down when they threatened them to stop. I told them I was desperate for something to do and then I heard a boy outside talking to Meg Norwood. 

“Buster eh?” I asked, looking down at him. “Seems I’ve been needing to meet you, lad. Hey there, Meg. So this is the infamous Buster, eh?” 

“Where are we?” Meg asked, looking around with confusion. 

“We’re in Venice, hun.” Well... Club Venice. So Buster.... you are my daughter’s new friend, eh?” 

“Where?” Meg blinked at me. 

“Your daughter?” Buster asked. 

“Natalie.” I smiled at him. 

“Oh her, yeah she okay.” 

“Seems you two had a good valentine’s day.” 

“Okay…” Buster blinked. “Yeah I guess so… She tell you about the race game?” 

“She did. With the sticks.” 

“Yes Miss.” 

“She said she beat you bad.” 

“She cheated.” Buster folded his arms. 

“And how do you figure?” I chuckled. 

“She threw her stick in first.” 

“I doubt she would do that.” 

When Meg asked what Mardi Gras was I said, “I’ll give you a hint kiddo. It has to do with the church. Bet ya didn’t know that huh?”

“Church?” Buster looked up at me. 

“Do you know about easter?” I asked him. 

“Like God and Jesus and stuff?” 

“Well right before easter there’s this time called ‘lent’. And what people would do to prepare for Easter... is they’d fast something for lent. So the night before lent starts… Is mardi gras. You know why? “ 

“Cuz I gots it in my belly button.” Buster giggled. 

“Well…” I chuckled. “They wanted to eat really fatty foods and stuff… Because they would be fasting for lent.” 

“Oh, I real fast.” 

“Not speed, kiddo. Like... give up food.” 

“Watch,” Buster said and ran around in circles. 

“Not quite sure he understands.” I smiled over at Meg and chuckled as Buster begged to go in and we headed inside to dance. I sighed a bit, wishing that Natalie could be with us, but tried to enjoy the music and the dance, and when Jimmy asked where Natalie was, my heart broke as I told him she was at the orphanage because she had the measles, and Jimmy was there too. When the emotion became too much, I said goodbye and headed to my office. 

I saw Lauren walking by the stagecoach and waved to her. “I was wondering... Did you ever hear anything about that man Brice Andrews from back home?” 

“Oh yes I received a message from my sister.”

“Did you?” 

“Brice was killed almost a month ago.” 

“Killed? As in murdered?” I blinked. 

“He was trampled by a horse by a horse he was trying to break.” 

“Wow... I’m sorry for your loss, hon.” I shook my head. 

“Alright, he was a nice man I just never saw him in the same light he saw me in.” 

“I understand. Well I just wanted to touch base with you on that point. I’m still looking into this mystery but there’s not much I can do yet until something else happens. I’ll just keep askin’ around for witnesses.” 

“You know I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days now.” 

“Yes?” 

“I have this weird feeling that Pastor Lyric knows more than he’s letting on.” 

I sighed and nodded to her. “We think the same. It’s too suspicious that he’s the only one who knows where your hotel room was there. I will press into him on Monday... let’s let him prepare for tomorrow’s service. His mind is on the children right now so I doubt we’d get much out of him.” 

“Maybe he let someone in my room. Oh I know, I wish I could help but I don’t think I’ve ever had the measles before and I don’t want to take that chance.” 

“Well I’m going to go to my office and think about some of this more.. Thanks, Lauren, and hope you have a good afternoon.” 

I headed home and later that evening I received a plate of sweet rolls on my desk along with a note that read: “Trin thank you so much for all your help, here is a place of cinnamon rolls that Bree helped me make for you and your family… Sincerely, Lauren Lyric.” 

February 20, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into town tonight and shook my head, seeing Serenity and Nim back in town. I shook my head. I saw a man by the hotel and walked over to him, smiling. “Hi there.” He made a gesture with his fingers and shook his head. “You can’t speak?” 

He nodded and took out a small pad of paper, writing a note to me. “No ma’am. Name is Joe. I do cant talk. Why so quiet in town?” 

I looked in his eyes and then realized, “You’re the one who helped my daughter…” 

He rose an eyebrow in wonder and then wrote out, “I do not know. I am new to this town. Who is your daughter?” 

“She lost her memory but she said a man who couldn’t speak helped her remember. Thank you... so much…” 

He nodded with a smile and pointed to himself as I shook his head. I saw Lauren come over. “Lauren? How are you doing, hon?” 

“I’m doing really good,” she said with a smile. 

“I’m so glad to hear that. This is Joe... He doesn’t speak. He helped my daughter remember things.” 

Joe looked between us and held out his hand to shake mine, and then smiled at Lauren. 

“So things have been good since switching to Bisbee?” I asked. 

“Oh yes so much better” 

“Any other roses?” 

“It’s really nice a peaceful out there. No more roses.” 

“It sure is. Just wish my children were still there…” I sighed. 

“Which is kind of sad I kind of wish now there would be,” Lauren said. 

Joe looked at me and wrote down, “Where is children? Little girl ok?” 

“They’re both sick... with measles. Staying at the orphanage with the other children.” I sighed. “She has spots on her face... fever... coughing…” 

“Trin I’ve never had the Measles before,” Lauren said with a worried look as Joe nodded in understanding. 

“It’ll be over in a few days though I hope... I’m sure they’ll be alright,” I said. 

“I wanted to help out but I don’t want to catch it.” 

“Apparently it’s awful as an adult... I’m glad that I had it when I was a child.” 

Joe wrote on a piece of paper and showed it to me. “Kids are young and strong. Measles happens most all kids. They should be fine in a few days.” 

“Thank you, Joe... I’m glad you are here.. knowing that helps.” I nodded to him and leaned down to pet the dog that came over. The dog came over and plopped down to sit at my feet. 

Joe wrote out more on his notepad and then reached into his pocket for a pouch, holding it out for me. I read the note that said, “Tell Dr. if they burn this in room with children, it help kill germs, and with cough.” 

I smiled, taking the pouch from him. “Thank you Joe, I will bring that over now. If you’ll both excuse me, I want to go give this pouch to someone over there. Joe here knows his stuff... He helped Natalie remember,” I said to the dog as she looked at him suspiciously. 

I went over to the orphanage and knocked on the door, calling out, “It’s Trin. I’ve had measles and I’ve got something that might help.” 

The door opened up and Doll walked out to me. “Trin, have you had measles?”

“Abi, Doll... Good. Glad you’re here. I sure have.” 

“Need the undertaker!” Kris shouted then. 

“I also have something for you,” I said to her. 

“We have Natalie and Jimmy here,” Doll told me. 

“Dead bodies!?” Serenity shouted down the street. 

“Thank you.... I know they’re safe here,” I said with a nod. “I don’t know if you both remember that Natalie had lost her memory after our trip… She regained it after getting some herbs from a man called Joe. He’s a monk of sorts..” 

“Okay.” 

“Anyway... he gave me some herbs in a pouch that might help with their cough.” 

“Do you know what herbs are in it?” 

“He said if they burned this then maybe it will help.” 

“Is it sage?” Abi asked. “Burning that is supposed to be good.” 

“It’s ginseng root…” I said, opening the pouch. “Sasafrass herb and a pine moss. And a few leaves of mint.” 

“Should help. What about making tea from it?” 

“That might work.” 

Lilly walked over and asked how the kids were and she said, “I made the mint tea to help settle their stomachs.” 

“They all fell asleep finally,” Doll said. 

“I’m glad they’re asleep.” I smiled. 

“That’s wonderful. It helps more than anything,” Lilly said. 

“I trust this man,” I said. 

“Jade took Lizzy home. Shee will quarantine her there,” Doll said. 

“I am so glad I am not alone,” Abi said. 

“I hope no one else gets near her that hasn’t had measles though,” Lilly said. 

"Since she is medical I said okay. Besides, it will keep the grandma from yelling, ‘We all gonna die’ and scaring the kids. That was awful,” Doll said. 

“That makes sense. Thomas hasn’t had it yet so... it’s best he doesn’t come here. And they shouldn’t come home until they’re better,” I said. 

“Millard is staying with Angel and Ansar, and Xu is staying with Bree,” Doll explained. 

“I’m being careful with gloves on and won’t touch anything. Good plans. Anyone know how they got it?” I asked. 

“No, I think each day they will improve. We just have to try to keep them comfortable,” Lilly said. 

“Also Tigs had volunteered to help Abi and will be back tomorrow,” Doll said. “It is in the air.” 

“Oh good. Glad there’s lots of doctors around.” 

“They may have gotten it from someone coughing. Or sneezing near them,” Doll said. 

“Jeffery came down with it first,” Abi said. 

“Right…” I nodded. 

“I id get the soup made so maybe when their stomachs settle we can get them well,” Lilly said. 

“Well I should get out of here but... take this stuff and make tea or burn it. The smoke is what kills the germs in the air,” I said as Chris came over to see if anyone needed any help. “Take care of my children. We miss them deeply.” 

“We will take good care of your little ones,” Doll promised. “If they weren’t sleeping would let you in to see them.” 

“Thanks, Doll. I’ll come visit them tomorrow.” 

“Since Thomas has not, best you not come visit.” 

“As hard as that is I understand.” 

“Be sure to wash all you are wearing now.” 

“I will do. I’ll go to my office and change now,” I nodde and waved, saying goodbye to them after I made sure that Chris had indeed had the measles. I waved to him and headed back to my office. 

February 19, 1901

Bisbee. 

I was working in my office tonight when I heard movement downstairs.Walking downstairs to investigate, Natalie exclaimed, “Ma!! We found Jimmy! He was in the clubhouse all sick an stuff!” 

I was filled relief to hear my boy was okay and said, “Oh, thank God he was found. We didn’t want to tell you sweetie because we didn’t want you to worry.” I looked out the window and saw Payton standing on the front porch. “Payton honey, you can come in too.” 

“Ma... Miss Abi said he gotta stay at the orphanage. Cause then he won’t make us sick too.” 

“The orphanage? What about the other kids?” 

“Payton says the other kids are gettin’ sick too.” Natalie shrugged. 

I sighed and said, “Guess he’s in good hands, sweetie. I don’t want you visiting him there in case you get sick too. Payton, how many kids are getting sick?” 

“Well… it’s Jimmy… Jeffery… and possibly Aspen so far from what I have gathered.” 

“They know what’s causing it yet? When did it start?” 

“Might be Millard too since he hangs around Jeffery.. well.. from what I can figure it’s been just this week.. but its seems ta be spreadin.” 

“And only kids are gettin’ sick? Miss Abi ain’t sick?” I sighed. 

“Not that I seen.” 

“Well that’s good then. And you’re still with miss Joan, right?” 

“Which is rather odd.. well.. umm.. sorta.” 

“Well, you’re not at the orphanage though.” 

“Oh… no ma’am.” 

“That’s good.” 

“Though.. didn’t Aspen give you a hug Nat?” Payton asked her. 

“I think I want to go talk to miss Abi.” 

“And.. I hugged you too,” Payton said. 

“Oh no! Then we all gonna get sick!” Natalie looked down. 

“Maybe.. maybe not.. We don’t know what it is .. or how it gets around.. though I don’t think Jimmy would be kissin Jeffery.” 

“I hope not.” Nat giggled. 

“I should hope not.” I stifled a laugh. 

“And if they both have the same thin.. we need ta find out how Jeffery gave it to him.. maybe.. sneezed on him or coughed on him.” 

“But... do you think I could get sick?” Nat asked. 

“I hope they ain’t kissin too… would be rather odd,” Payton said. 

Tombstone. 

I let the girls continue to talk and went over to the orphanage in Tombstone. “Abi…” I started, looking at her as she talked to a woman about seeing someone. “Abi... what’s going on with the kids? How are they all getting sick?” 

“I must go home and change...I stand out like a sore thumb right now. How foolish of me to think I could celebrate the New Year now of all times….” The woman in the Chinese dress said. 

“If you need clothes, I can give you some,” Abi said to her. 

“Sorry ma’am, didn’t mean to interrupt,” I told her. 

“I have some at home.” She shook her head. “No.....this is important news that you bring. Do the children need help?” 

“They seem to all have come down with something. I’m not sure what.” 

“I will go home to my shop and come back with some Eastern medicines that I have. What are their symptoms?” 

“Sneezing, cold, sniffling..” 

“Jess will protect you too,” Abi said. 

“Protect you? Something wrong, ma’am?” I asked her. 

“I will be fine.” She shook her head quickly. “Give me a moment and I will be back shortly.” 

Abi walked back into the orphanage without a word to me and then Bree came over to me. “Hello Trin, did you find Jimmy?” She asked with concern. 

“Yes, we did. I’m going to head to my office while the kids are getting looked at. At least then I’m close by.”

I walked up to my office and tried to focus on writing, though my worry was on my son being sick and my daughter possibly catching the same bug. 

February 18, 1901

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I walked into town and ran over to Joe, seeing him. “Joe!! Just the man I wanted to find!” 

“What ya want?” He turned and scowled at me. 

I took out a bag I was hiding from behind me and handed it to him. “Your payment for the repairs on my office. Thanks so much for your help with that, Joe.” 

Joe looked at me and the bag. “Dam, about time too. Was considering burning the place back down again.” 

“I just ain’t seen ya in town since it happened…” I chuckled. 

“Maybe so,” he grunted and stuffed the bag in his shirt. “Aye, been busy.” 

“Don’t guess you’ve been around the hotel lately?” 

“Well at least we can eat for a while.” He looked at me quizzically. “Nope, why?” 

“Been investigating a case over there. Curious happenings since Valentine’s Day.” 

Joe shook his head. “Ain’t seen any folks there at all. What’s up?” 

“A woman told me that a rose was left on her bed on Valentine’s Day. Person came in with a key... Then she heard someone in front of her door the next day.” 

“Sounds romantic.” He chuckled. 

“You’d think but she’s a bit startled about it. Whether it’s romantic or not... she wants to know who it is. So she hired me.” 

“Well not seen anybody around the hotel. Not even a cook for breakfast.” 

“Pet ain’t been ’round either.” 

“Nope, hardly seen her since she got hitched. Marriage does that I guess.” 

“Anyway I was gonna get a list of people stayin’ at the Russ. From the room master list at the desk. I suggested the girl switch over to the Bisbee hotel to see if things follow her there. Haven’t seen her today to ask her how it went.” 

“Well, guess one way of drumming up trade for Bisbee.” He chuckled. 

“Let the damn wild bunch have this town. We’re takin’ over Bisbee.” I winked at him. 

“Don’t affect me. Happy in Ghenna.” 

“Still gotta make the occasional trip here for work though. Just pick my times when I come into town now. My little girl finally yelled at Lot last night.” 

“Now there is a surprise. Of course wild bunch will just move on Bisbee at some point, so what ya goner do then?” 

I shrugged and said, “Anyway... gonna head over to the hotel.” 

“Yup, and I had better put this money in a safe place.” 

We said goodbye and I headed down the street. A few hours later, I walked into Kate’s and greeted Chris. “How was Miss Lauren’s night last night?” I asked as I sat down. 

“Good… Any news?” 

“Was hoping you’d have some,” I said, nodding to the other man who walked into the bar. 

“Not a thing.” 

“I walked through the hotel but there was hardly a soul there... Made a list of the residents. Everything seemed secure. Was hoping to find someone who’d seen anything suspicious but no one has been around to talk to. Or they hadn’t seen anything.” 

“Hmm.” 

“I’ve got nothing, Chris. It’s so frustrating. Cause all it does is make me look like I don’t know how to do my job.” 

“Maybe it was just a random act of kindness…” 

“And then they showed up the next day at her door and ran away when they heard her inside?” 

“Shy crush?” 

“Either way I still have a mystery to solve, don’t I?” 

“I suppose…” 

“I was hired to do a job and I’m gonna do it. I won’t accept cold cases. I never have.” 

“That guy that just walked out. Ever seen him?” I asked as the man walked outside. 

“New man to me. S’pose we could go after him hmm? Probably didn’t walk too far with that cane.” 

“I have some things to attend to. Maybe you should.” 

I walked out after the man and saw him sitting in front of the hotel, reading a newspaper. “Howdy sir. Ain’t seen you around these parts. New to the area?” I leaned against the post and looked at him casually, seeing him grunt simply. 

“And if I were, would I win some sort of prize?” He asked, seeming annoyed. 

“Just makin’ conversation, sir. Like to welcome new people to town is all. I’m Trin.” 

“Doctor Gregory House... Not Practicing. Pleased to meet you, I suppose,” he huffed a bit. 

“Pleased to meet you, Sir. Been in town long?” 

“A short time. Tell me, will there be a test on all this later in the evening?” 

“No sir.” I shrugged and went back to the other bench, pulling my notebook out. 

He glanced over at me, then back at his paper and asked with sarcasm, “So do I ask your life story in return?” 

“Oh that was your life story? Pretty boring life if that’s all you’ve got to share.” I looked over at him. 

“All you need to know, young woman…” 

“And what would you like to know about me?” 

“Why are you here and why are you bothering me?” 

“Bothering? I was just welcoming you to town is all, sir.” 

“I suppose I was a tad rude... Apologies, Miss.” 

“You’re forgiven, doctor,” I said respectfully with a smile. 

“Doctor... pfft… Only in title now.” 

I leaned back and looked over my notebook. “Seems a peaceful enough afternoon.” 

“Peaceful is subjective, Miss…” He said, flopping his newspaper loudly as I smirked and continued to write. Eventually he headed down the street and I continued to write. 

Lauren walked over then and said, “” I think moving to Bisbee what a smart idea. I didn’t have any issues at all.” 

“I’m very glad to hear that, Lauren.” I smiled. “I thought I would sit here and wait for anything suspicious to happen.” I greeted Mahko as he rode by but he didn’t stop to chat so I looked over at Lauren. “So Lauren, do you think you’ll look for a job soon now that you’re settling in well? I think you would be a good teacher for the children.” 

“I might. that’s if I decide to stay in town. I’m still not sure about this place yet” 

“I hope you do… Don’t let a little rose scare you away. Maybe it’s just a secret admirer?" she suggests” 

“I doubt it, Detective.” She shook her head. 

“I do too... just ain’t sure what else to suggest at this point. Not till we get a witness or evidence somewhere. Which is what I’m waitin’ here for.” 

“Maybe you should just drop the case.”

“I won’t. Not till the mystery is solved.” 

“Besides if I leave town it wont matter any way,” she said and I sighed. “If you’ll excuse me I think I need take a walk.” 

Lauren walked down the street and I looked over to greet Strider as he walked over. I told him about my frustrating case that I was working on, which had no witnesses or evidence. He told me that he was happy to see me and said that the fact that it meant a lot for me to sit there, waiting for something to happen. He walked on and I continued to write in my notebook.