August 19, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I walked into town and saw a group of kids standing around in front of the sheriff’s office. Payton was talking about how she would find out if she was going to be arrested or not. I walked over to the office, knowing I had to talk with Aly before I talked with Payton. I knocked on the door and Aly let me inside. 

Aly was talking with a woman I hadn’t met yet and as the woman left the office, Aly’s expression was one of bewilderment and confusion. 

“You alright?” I looked at her as I sat down.

“Ok, I’m shift gears here...from...adoption paper request to...Pinkerton thing? “ Aly giggled. “Yeah. Just, kinda woke up, feels like.” 

“Adoption paper requests??”

“Yes that person that was in here said she wants to adopt Payton and wanted me to sign something. I’ve never done that, sounds like an orphanage and court thing, and I don’t really know either of them. So I’m not exactly comfortable putting my signature on things.” 

“You might want to read this report before you sign anything about Payton...” I handed her my incident report and said, “That’s just so happens to be who I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Payton. I keep hearing this name. Who is he...she? Sorry.” 

“She is a fourteen year old girl in a lot of trouble. Just read.”

“Ok it sounds like this needs to be brought to the attention of the orphan matron. She is an orphan there, yes?” 

“For now, I believe so yes. I wanted to bring it to you and ask what we should do because I really have no idea. She’s a kid... I don’t even know who the orphan matron is right now. Never met the new one yet.”

“All I know is the kids aren’t very fond of her. Maybe that’s the reason some of em have been acting up. Ireland, or something, is her name.” 

“I’ve heard that as well. Sounds like she’s worse than Angi ever was. Glad I got Natalie out of there when I did. What if we come up with some other kind of punishment? Don’t you have something that needs cleaning around here? Instead of locking her up and court? That way she still learns a lesson in not doing bad things, but she also doesn’t have to face the full punishment of an adult...”

“There are always things that need cleaning. Perhaps some kind of public service. Like a job, just without pay?” 

“I think that would be a better way to handle this... for people under the age of eighteen. They shouldn’t have to face court but they shouldn’t go unpunished either.” 

“I agree with that completely.” 

“And that’s why we’re best friends. We’re on the same page about these things,” I smiled. 

“Thing is....now who in town could use assistance?” 

“That’s a good question... You don’t need any here? I barely have enough work to keep myself busy let alone a kid...” 

“I can use help here, only thing is, I’m not sure I want the kid around half the people that end up in this place.” 

“Then maybe get her to do it when you have no prisoners? Like now?” I winked. 

“It’s hard enough for me to delegate to the adults what to do sometimes when things get crazy, would be even harder with a kid. How about someone like Bree. Maybe she could...clean the bakery messes or something. That would work. She could do that now....” 

“That’s a good idea... Help out in the hotel even with Miss Pet in the kitchen... Or do stuff here when there’s no prisoners.”

“Let’s try it...see how it goes...and we’ll figure somethin’...” 

“I like it. I think it’s a good way to handle it. I’ll consider the case closed on my end.” 

“Yeah consider it done for you. I just need to figure out what to do with her now.” 

“There was a bank robbery a while back... I’ve been trying to get Xav or Ben’s fingerprints to prove who it is but one of them did it for sure. Other than that I have nothing else going on.” 

“Good. Slow times are good times. Safe times.” 

“Thanks, Aly,” I nodded. 

We walked outside and I smiled seeing Thomas standing in the street and I walked over to him. “Hello there, dear.” 

“Where’d she go?” Aly looked around and we noticed Payton had disappeared. 

“Howdy Miss Trin,” he greeted me. 

“Oh it’s the fancy man,” said the one boy. 

“Fancy white man?” Aly blinked. 

“I’m sorry Sheriff, I forgot to introduce myself before I got to ask,” the woman who had been in the office with Aly earlier said. 

The other boy breathed out deeply and relit his pipe. “Howdy Mister.” I looked at him, wondering how a boy that age had a pipe. 

“Don’t believe we’ve met yet either,” I said to the woman. 

“My name’s Andra Hammerthall. I’m a coach driver and co-ranch owner.” 

“Ah, related to Seth?” I asked. 

“Oh good, nice to meet you! Always wondered who did that job,” Aly giggled. 

“Yes to both of them,” she nodded. “I own a ranch in Benson.” 

“Are you alright, hon? You’re quieter than usual,” I looked at Thomas. 

“Hello Miss Hammerthall,” Thomas greeted her. 

“Please, call me Andra.” 

“Ahhh Benson. A pretty town. I lived there briefly myself. short time. but a good place to live. Lots of flowers. I miss that in Pearce. So I planted my own tulips,” Aly said. 

“You alright, kiddo?” I looked down to see the one boy put his hand on the other’s shoulder. 

He puffed a cloud of smoke and sighed. “Yeah just shook real good, Miss.”

“My last name changes soo much pending on who I’m married to,” she said and I bit back a laugh. 

“Oh that sounds like it can get complicated,” Aly said.

“Ok, Andra, my name is Thomas E. Wallace, and I believe I spoke to your daughter or soon to be daughter last evening,” Thomas said. 

“I’ve lived there for at least four years, going on five,” Andra said. 

“He’s shook up because of Payton fainted,” the one boy looked at me. 

“Payton fainted??” I looked at him. 

“I am worried about her and she found that out the hard way,” Andra said. 

“Is she ok? This sun will get ya. This one time, I --- never mind,” Aly blushed. 

“More like Jimmy found out,” Andra said. “She hasn’t been sleeping well. I tried last night to least help her but I think this bank problem is causing it.” 

“Where is Payton now may I ask?” Thomas asked. 

“She was just standing there, then she threw up then just fell down, but that lady caught her,” the boy without the pipe nodded. 

“When she’s around, I’ll need to have a word with her. Or two,” Aly smiled. 

“Since she passed out I hurried her to the clinic,” Andra said. 

“Well I have decided to take her case with this business about the bank,” Thomas announced. 

“Kris talked to her and Payton gave back the money,” Andra said. 

“Don’t worry darling, there won’t be a court case,” I looked at Thomas. 

“There is a case already? I really don’t want a child going to court. At all,” Aly said. 

“And just did work in the court house to clean up,” Andra said. 

“She will have a punishment but it will not be court. Or jail,” I told them. “She’s only fourteen. She needs a lesson, not a nightmare.” 

“That’s a relief. Please tell me,” Andra said. 

“See? Knew she weren’t gonna go ta jail.. We don’t gotta hide her in a cave after all!” the boy with the pipe sighed. 

“Oh, well I can settle on that, provided she is not mistreated, or done wrong. I don’t wont her doing any time either,” Thomas said. 

“I could have told you that,” the Native looking boy said to the boy with the pipe. 

“Now...nobody said she wouldn’t be goin’ to jail,” Aly smiled. “Just said....no court.” 

“Yeah yeah, yer real smart,” the boy took out his pipe and stuck out his tongue, laughing. 

“If I need to I can take her place for her punishment,” Andra said. 

“How is she going to learn that way?” Aly asked. 

“Speaking of children learning things... Since when did little boys start smoking pipes?” I  looked at the boy. 

“Least she’ll know how much I love her,” Andra said. 

“She’ll know how much you love her when she’s disciplined properly and doesn’t make the same mistake in the future because of it,” Aly said. 

“By federal law, you cannot place a child under the age of 18 in jail, but then again people here in Tombstone seem to make their own law it seems,” Thomas said. 

“I own a ranch and could think of a hard assignment for punishment,” Andra said. 

“Never said she’d be IN jail....you misunderstand,” Aly glanced at Thomas. 

I put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Dear, she’s not going to be in jail. She’ll help out in a bakery, or the hotel, or somewhere.” I rubbed my hand down Thomas’ back to relax him. 

“I just want what is best for my client. She is 14, scared, and been living under a railroad bridge from what I was told.” 

“I know, darling. Trust me... That’s why we’re not sending her to court. Or to jail. Just a little light work to teach her the lesson of not doing bad things,” I told him. 

“Ok that’s odd she’s been sleeping well I though at home,” Andra said. “Even sung to her.” 

“As I said, there is plenty service jobs she could do around town to make up for this little mishap. My cells need cleaning, I’m sure Bree can use assistance at her bakery, hell even horse poop in the street needs shovelin’,” Aly said. “I won’t arrest a child, nor send a report to court. I don’t have that kind of authority and don’t agree with it anyhow.” 

“Cleaning the cells might be interesting to her,” Andra nodded. 

“Besides, it sounds like the Marshal is already handlin’ things,” Aly said. “Since he’s involved, he’s capable enough to follow through.” 

Thomas looked at me and smiled. “So I take it the matter of 10 dollars has been taken care of?”

“She has already returned the money, according to what she told Natalie this morning,” I said and watched the two boys rough-housing by the railing in front of the building next to the sheriff’s office. 

“I really have no idea. I just walked into town and heard about it now,” Aly said. 

“That’s what I witness myself, Sheriff,” Andra said. 

“As far as I am concerned, the matter is dropped when Aly or the marshal will get her to do some light work around town,” I said. 

“And I talked to her this morning, and the marshal asked her to do some cleaning in the court house, she did such a job. I listen to my daughter,” Andra said. 

“Long as we’re all on the same page with it. It sounds like Marshal Kris is already taking care of the incident,” Aly said. 

I nodded, not having heard what Andra said and then noticed the two boys fighting with the pipe. “Now you two boys... Unless you intend to start a fire and get community work like Payton, cut it out.”

“I have no problem with that. I think Payton doing a little community work will do her good,” Thomas nodded. 

“From what she has done, I can still let her talk to you or mention what she will need to do,” Andra said. 

“Exactly. A good way to learn to appreciate what it is people do every day. Maybe she could even help out at the bank with one of the tellers. Keeping it clean, supplies stocked...Ansar would be a good person to see about that. It would fit the situation,” Aly said. 

“As a future mother of hers, I love her.” 

“Community work?” the Native-looking boy looked up at me. 

“Sure I’ll talk to her,” Aly promised. 

“Yes sir. So please don’t set this walkway on fire,” I looked at the boy. 

“Thank th’ good Lord it ain’t broke,” the other boy snatched his pipe back and hugged it to his chest. 

“Pipes aren’t toys,” I told them. 

“Miss there ain’t a single spark a flame left in this thing,” the boy holding the pipe said. 

“Still need a witness signature on my petition to adopt her,” Andra said. 

“And I not work anyway,” the Native boy said. 

“Ask me again after she’s helped out a little,” Aly said. 

“Well you should still not play with stuff like that in case there is spark in it another time,” I told the boys. 

“Weren’t my choice!” the boy with the pipe laughed. 

“I will sheriff,” Andra nodded. “Never caught your name.” 

“Don’t think I know your boys’ names,” I said to the boys then. 

“Hey! You know Mr. Lot, kids? He’s burned places up before with smoking and not paying attention and then ended in jail. And made other people VERY sad when they couldn’t get into the bank!” Aly said then. 

“I reckon ya don’t neither,” the boy with the pipe said. 

“I do apologize for being so abrupt today. But when Miss Payton come to me last evening, she was scared, and Jimmy had told me all about this issue. Miss Andra, I only wished to help Payton, and see that no harm came to her. She is a wonderful child, and she loves you dearly,” Thomas looked at Andra. 

“Guess not,” the Native boy blinked and nodded. 

“Alyssa Stone. And these things take time. Consider this time some well spent with Payton...help her get through it. She’ll need ya,” Aly told her. 

“Either of you two have names?” I looked between the two boys. 

“Reckon we might...” the one with the pipe shrugged. 

“I also used to be a Pinkerton,” Andra said then. 

“Yes, I know Seth used to run the office,” I smiled. 

“Something like a name,” the one boy said. 

“Yeah somethin’ like one,” the other agreed. 

“Gotta love my brother least he gave me a job when doing Benson law failed,” Andra said. 

“Got letters and such...” the boy with the pipe went on. 

“Fine, be difficult,” I sighed, not having patience. Besides, I would just get Natalie to tell me their names and walked back to stand beside Thomas. 

“Trin...” Aly looked at me. “You know what I like to do when people don’t wanna tell me their names?” 

“Like some of these new outlaw faces I see? I make one up. Get REAL creative -like,” Aly grinned. 

“Give them other names?” I chuckled. 

“Does it have anything to do with damn, shit or hell?” the Native boy giggled. 

“Yup,” Aly nodded. 

“Now to lighten up this splediferous afternoon, who is up for a nice big cold rootbeer, and something a little stronger for the adults?” Thomas asked. 

“I could use a drink...” 

“I’m on duty, so I’ll have to pass on the booze, but maybe a root beer would be nice. I prefer those anyhow,” Aly said. 

“Ain’t got nothin’ ta do with shit, damn er hell... Now put yer hand up like mine,” the boy with the pipe said. 

“Potty mouth only gonna make people not wanna be around ya, little man,” Aly looked at the boys. 

“Makes me wonder how many saw my twin brother,” Andra mused. 

“My mother used to wash my mouth out with lye soap if I talked that way,” Thomas said. 

“He learned it all from me and I still got folks ‘round me,” the boy with the pipe said as he high-fived the Native boy’s hand, though he looked confused. 

“About that drink?” I looked at Thomas. 

“I guess they don’t want root beer,” Aly shrugged. 

“I better head into the Wells Fargo and find that package for Aly,” Andra said. 

“Miss Andra, would you be joining us for a cool drink on the hot dusty afternoon? It is my treat of course,” Thomas said. 

“That sounds delightful,” Andra nodded. 

We walked into Kate’s and Aly got behind the bar to serve us drinks. It felt so nice to go to a saloon with a man again, which seemed like it had been so long since I had. We talked with folks who came in and out of the saloon and Zan talked about how she wanted to have a sale in which she sold her art. She said she wanted to do it soon as she wasn’t sure when the trial was and I thought about what it might be like if Thomas were to defend the woman who’d hired me as a detective. 

When just Zan, Kinney and I remained in the saloon, Zan said, “So Natalie was quite excited about the trip I think.. She talked a lot when she got back.” 

“Yes she enjoyed it a lot. It was quite different than anywhere else she had been before,” I smiled. “I just need to convince her now that school is a good place to be. She’s quite stubborn.” 

“Hmm she was telling us a story about... Oooh someone named Sunset I think? Well can’t say I blame her,” she grinned about the school issue. “But I wish you luck in that.” 

“Right... She wanted to know what happened to my father and why she wouldn’t be meeting him,” I nodded. 

“Ain’t met too many kids who look forward to schoolin’,” Kinney said. 

“They won’t let her and Jimmy sit beside each other... Though some teachers allow it. Even one teacher allowed it once but not the next time.” 

“Nor have I mister Randt.. ahhh yes.. they make boys sit on one side girls on the other normally,” Zan nodded. 

“This past weekend she was sittin beside him and Traci walked up behind her. She got scared that she’d get told to move to the girl’s side and ran out. As she was leavin, the teacher pulled her hair,” I told them. 

“Oh my...” Zan shook her head. 

“Thing is... Natalie’s had a hard time with other girls her age... Where she came from they were awful... And then Payton was actin weird with her cause she lives with me...” 

“Well that certainly is not away to get one comfortable being there,” Zan said. 

“She don’t want to sit with the girls for a reason. It ain’t to just be stubborn. Traci didn’t even say anything to her about movin’ though. Just pulled her hair.” 

“Well maybe she hadn’t got to know all the girls yet,” Zan said. 

“She’s scared to get to know ‘em cause of how they were back home.” 

“Well good grief.. why would they hire a teacher that pulls hair .. ahhh I see.. Mister Randt.. you ever have trouble in school when you were small?” Zan looked at Kin. 

“I met her the other day, Trin. From Missisippi, right?” Kinney asked me. 

“Yes, from Mississippi,” I nodded. 

“And yeah Zan, I was a handful. And from the last letter I got, my son back in Boston is gettin that way too,” Kin said. 

“I honestly don’t know what to do here.. I’ve never looked after a child. Never thought I would, honestly. But she’s mortified to go back,” I sighed. “Insists that she’s just going to learn languages on her own and teach those.” 

“She thinks the world of you, Trin, so don’t worry,” Kin said. 

“I had lotsa trouble in school.. but .. I was not exactly the perfect student..” Zan nodded. 

“Why don’t that surprise me?” I chuckled and winked at her. “I was the perfect student.” 

“I changed a lot.. took some doing but.. well hmm.. maybe we could introduce her to a girl or two.. outside of class..?” Zan chuckled. “Mmhmm... Sure you were.” 

“Well she met Sabi and Ruby and Poppy and they weren’t too nice to her... Spent most of my time lookin over at the boy’s side,” I chuckled. 

“Kids can be cruel at times. Sometimes worse then the outlaws on the street,” Kinney put in. 

“That’s for sure,” I nodded and Zan agreed. “So what do I do?”

“That’s a tough one.. Maybe if she had someone she trusts in the school with her.. a few times.. Who does she trust ? Except you of course,” Zan said. 

“You guide her and let her learn by your example, so she don’t become one of the bullies later on,” Kin advised. 

“She’s gone with Paisley but that didn’t seem to help.” 

“Can I ask a question?” Andra asked. 

“Sure Andra,” I nodded. 

“Who’s the teacher your talking about?” 

“Miss Traci I believe.” 

“Miss Traci.. she seems nice enough but pulling hair.. that isn;t really what I call appropriate,” Zan said then as she introduced herself to Andra. 

“I would never go and pull a girls hair without mentioning a reason,” Andra said. 

“So you’ll tell her why before kickin her ass?” Kinney laughed. 

“I guess that would be the thing to do,” Zan chuckled. 

“Seems reasonable to me too,” Kinney shrugged and offered Andra a drink and poured it. 

“Sis, there you are,” a woman walked in then and greeted Andra. 

“Think I’m going to wander outside. See you folks later,” I said and went to head out of the saloon. 

“Miss Trin? I’m wondering, will Payton be okay?” Andra asked. 

“Oh yes, she’ll be just fine.” 

“She said you were after her for questions,” Andra said. 

“Didn’t you hear when we were talking in the street?” 

“Just wanted to hear from you.” 

“We promised no jail time and no court. She’s only fourteen.” I looked at her sister and said, “Don’t believe we’ve met.”

“I’ll agree to what she will need to do, but how long?” Andra asked. 

“That will be up to Aly or the marshal, Andra,” I said. “It’s out of my hands. I have given them all the information they need to proceed.” 

“Sis what happened to Payton?” the woman asked and I realized she was the woman Natalie had mentioned who Jimmy was staying with and who had sold Miss Ashton the horses that Rikki and Ashton were now talking about branding. “Miss... Joan was it?” 

“Yes ma’am.” 

“I believe Natalie’s mentioned your name a time or two. Heard you gave some horses to Miss Ashton as well.” 

“She’s going to be doing community service as a punishment instead of normal means,” Andra said to Joan. 

“Yes. Is that a problem?” Joan asked me. 

“How many horses, ma’am, if I can ask?” 

“A few.” 

“How many is a few?” 

“To start her heard. What is wrong? They are my horses.” 

“Just gathering facts at this time.” 

“What is going on?” 

“All legal and everything’s fine, just curious.” 

“Why am I being questioned? Yes, they are my horses.” 

“I’m just asking how many horses ya sold to Miss Ashton, ma’am,” I sighed. “Not taking you in for questioning or charging you with anything. As I said it was all done legally, I’m just collaborating information.” 

Joan got up and walked closer to me and said, “Yes.” 

“So how many?” 

“I think five or ten, ma’am.” 

“Five or ten? Alright,” I nodded. 

“Miss Trin is it?” 

“Yes ma’am. Thanks for your help.” 

“May I ask you why all the questions? You think I rustled the horses?” 

“Like I said, Joan... Merely asking. No ma’am.” 

“No, no, a Pinkerton Detective does not just ask” she looked at my badge. “You must have a reason. Please tell me. Why? Plus, Miss Ashton is a second cousin on my mother’s side.” 

“Ma’am, I’m simply asking information. Not accusing anyone of anything. All I wanted to know was a number. So everything is good now.” 

“It sounded like that.” 

I backed up and said, “I’ll see you folks later,” as I walked out of the saloon. 

Joan followed me outside and said, “Ma’am please do not run away from me. Please tell me why all the question on my dealings with Mrs Ashton.” 

“Ma’am, as a detective I’m at liberty to ask whatever questions I want to. I do not have to explain myself to you. There is no case... yet. And it’s not against you or your relative. So please give me some credit and let me do my job.” 

“But you need to tell the accused why. And if she is getting charged, I have that right.” 

“As I told you... She will not be the one getting charged,” I sighed, getting frustrated. 

“See Miss Trin... I do not care you asking me the question. I want to know why.” 

“I’m trying to help her, alright?” I finally said. “I heard some information and I am trying to gain information I can so that I can take care of the person who might be doing harm to her.” 

“That is all I wanted to know. Okay.” 

“And that’s all the information you’re getting from me.” 

“Was that me?” 

“Excuse me?” I looked at her. 

“See, I am a private with the US Army.” 

“And I am a Pinkerton Detective. We are on the same side. Please trust me.” 

“I would never harm Ashton.” 

“I never said you did, ma’am.” 

“Okay, I do. I have to go home,” the woman said and I sighed, walking back to my office. 

August 18, 1900

Tombstone. 

As I walked through town this morning and saw the bank doors wide open. I saw Payton run down the street and, growing curious, I wandered over. I slid my gloves on and walked inside to see the door was open. I took out my equipment and found child-sized fingerprints on the doors of the bank and sighed. Going back to the vault I found money missing from the box near the safe and swore. I found crumbs of donuts on the floor and frowned, leaning back. “Damn it... What kind of kid would...” I muttered. 

I walked out of the bank with a sigh and realized something as I headed for the orphanage, knowing that Natalie had just told me she’d been talking with Payton before going to read in the tree. I remembered Joe telling Natalie also that Payton had been more curious about Ghenna lately. I went over to the orphanage and pounded on the door angrily. 

When there was no answer, I walked back to Allen Street and found Jamie in front of the hotel. “Jamie, have you seen Payton anywhere?” 

“Oh hi Miss Trin. No, I haven’t seen her this morning.” 

“Dang it.” 

“I saw her um... Saturday night. Maybe she went fishing.” 

“Fishing. Right,” I sighed. 

“What you need her for?” 

“Just... let me know if you hear her talking about doing anything bad okay? Or if you see her hanging out with Rikki. Or by Ghenna.” 

“Okie dokie.” 

“I need to check something,” I said and went back to the bank, seeing there were donuts missing on the counter and walked back out of the bank, punching the door with my gloved fist. 

“Trin, everything okay?” Alex asked, walking over. 

“No. Really not.” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“A kid stole from the bank,” I said, knowing the frustration was all over my face. 

“A kid?” he looked at me with shock. 

“And I’m pretty sure I know which one. Walk with me.” I pointed to the counter and said, “See here? Donuts missing.. And back here...” I led the way to the back. “See the box?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Ten dollars stollen. See the donut crumbs on the floor? The little fingerprints and little footprints?” 

“The donut bandit, eh?” he looked like he was trying not to smirk. 

“Alex. A kid stole money. From the bank. A KID!!” 

“You think you know who?” Alex shook his head. 

“I saw Payton run from the bank as I walked over to see why the doors were open. She never wears shoes. She has been asking Joe about Ghenna and I know she hangs out with Rikki more lately. Doesn’t take Sherlock to put these pieces together. Now I just need to find her and compare these prints.” I kicked the wall and said, “Let’s get out of here.” 

“Think she’s doing this because she needs it or do you think she’s trying to prove something? Or just stupid kid stuff?” Alex asked. 

“She’s been hanging out with Rikki and asking about Ghenna, Alex..” I looked at him. “I don’t like the sound of that. And now she’s robbing banks,” I sighed as we walked outside. 

“Well, at least you’ve got finger prints.” 

“Yeah but I need hers to compare them to. And footprints. I need a drink.” 

“Are you legally allowed to just ask for them? Or do you have to be sneaky about it?” 

“I can go up and ask her but I doubt she’ll give it to me. I need to write up this report before I forget the facts. I’ll catch up with you?” 

“Maybe you can help me later,” he nodded. 

“I won’t be long, I hope,” I said and headed to my office. 

About an hour later I walked back to the sheriff’s office and saw Ansar sitting in front of the office. I sat down beside him and said, “Hi.” 

“How’s it going?” 

“Well I’m writing another incident report...” 

“For who this time?” 

“Ready for this one?” 

“I guess..” 

“Payton.” 

“Payton? You sure?” 

“Pretty damn sure,” I nodded. 

“What they do..?” 

I wrote in my report and looked over at him, reading while I wrote. “I walked into town and saw the bank doors open and walked over, seeing Payton running from the bank. I walked in to find the doors wide open and donuts missing from the front counter.” 

“Yeah I saw them bested as I walked into town. Spent a hell of a time fixing them all.” 

“I dusted for prints and then walked in to find the box open and ten coins gone from inside. Around the room were little fingerprints and footprints so I gathered them for evidence.” 

“Yeah. I haven’t seen those two other fellas around at all.” 

“Me neither. Here’s the thing, Ansar. Payton’s been hanging around with Rikki a lot... asking about Ghenna... Telling Nat she don’t like me and the law ‘cause they made her apart of that whole thing when we arrested Zan..” 

“But was she involved...?” 

“Rikki? No, I don’t think so. I believe this was all Payton. And I need her prints from her to prove it for sure. She’s fourteen, Ansar.” 

“Yeah, I know,” he nodded. 

A woman we didn’t recognize walked over to us then and asked, “Guys do you know how to picklock?” 

I looked at her, then looked at Ansar. 

“I do, why?” Ansar asked. 

“Can someone teach me?” 

“Sure, step one, kiss your hand. Then slap it on your rear,” Ansar told her.

“I’m sorry let me get this straight...” I stared at her. “You’re asking a US Marshal and a Pinkerton Detective to help you pick a lock?” 

“Whoops. Um...” 

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” I smirked. 

“I didn’t know you are detective. Sorry.” 

“It’s a one-way trip to a cell,” Ansar told her. 

“I was joking.” 

“Sure you were,” I chuckled and Ansar laughed too as the woman walked away. “Thought they made our badges shiny enough for people. Guess not.” 

“Coulda let me mess with her a little?” he pouted. “Ain’t like she was going round to rob it after saying that.” 

“Uh huh, just gotta knock the stupid out of some people.” 

“Well... It’s not stupid if they don’t know any better. But then I wouldn’t even ask an outlaw how to pick a lock. Just asking for trouble. Hi again.. Bye again...” Ansar said to the woman as she passed us again. 

I chuckled and called out to her, “Want help learning how to shoot someone too?”

“More like learn how to get shoot,” Ansar chuckled. 

“I was joking guys!” she called and continued to walk past.

“Mmhmm. You have your fun, I have mine,” I told Ansar and saw Alex walking over. “Hey Alex.” 

“I can shoot you if you want!” the woman called. 

“Hey,” Alex walked closer. 

“Great, then you can stay in Ansar’s hotel of horrors,” I looked at the woman firmly. 

“I think that’s a threat,” Ansar looked at me. “Can’t I arrest her for that?” 

“Hmm... Threatening a detective?” I thought about it. 

“That’s a joke,” she laughed nervously. “No please!” 

“At least Alex would be here to heal me up,” I looked over and the woman said goodbye. I saw Alex walk over to the well nearby and wandered over to him. “Lose something?” 

“I’ll give ya one hundred coins to stitch a tater into her skin of she gets shoot,” Ansar said. 

“My wedding ring,” Alex nodded. 

“And you’re wanting it back?” I smiled at him. 

“Make a wish really hard,” Ansar said. 

“Yeah, I want it back,” he said and I couldn’t help but hug him. 

“The well ate it,” Ansar noted.

I asked him for a long stick and Ansar went into the office to retrieve a fishing pole. After maneuvering the pole down into the well, the ring was retrieved and Alex took it off the hook carefully, placing it in his pocket. 

“That worked out well,” I smiled. 

“One hundred coins or a payment of a sac of taters is all the thanks I need,” Ansar said and I laughed. 

“Nice pun, Trin,” Alex raised his eyebrows at me. 

“Didn’t even realize that pun,” I laughed then. 

“Well is about time someone used some puns around here. I got like a thousand horse puns I been waiting to try,” Ansar muttered. 

“Just glad you got your ring back, Alex,” I smiled. 

We bantered back and forth for a little while and then Alex headed home. Ansar and I talked about Alex and Aly and how happy we were that they were back together. I told him about being Alex’s best man and then headed pushed myself off the post I was leaning against to headd home. 

“See ya Ansar. Will keep you posted... Get it? I just leaned off the post.” 

“I’ll give ya a standing novation for that joke but I like sitting,” he smiled. 

“See ya, crazy man,” I smirked and headed down the street. 

August 17, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked into town this afternoon and saw Thomas by the clock tower. I went over and snuck up behind him, hugging him from behind. “Guess who,” I whispered into his ear. 

“Hey!” Thomas jumped and laughed, turning to give me a hug and a kiss. “How are you dear pretty lady?”

“Better now that you’re here, dear. I’ve missed you! How are you doing?” I kissed him back firmly, sliding my hands around his waist. “Better now that you’re here, dear. I’ve missed you! How are you doing?”

“I am doing good. I just got back from a train trip back east for a bit. I went to Texas to handle some business to do with that tonic sales company.” 

“Oh good... All squared away and no more tonic?” I looked at him hopefully. “I was really hoping there would be court this weekend but there hasn’t been any call for jury through the telegrams. Perhaps there will still be something tonight.” 

Thomas looked at me and took off his hat. “Well from what I hear, courts around here aren’t too caught up with the times. I sure hope they are doing right here.”

“Would you like to go get a drink somewhere, dear? I really have missed you.” 

“Yes I sure would. I haven’t had a drink since leaving Tombstone. I don’t trust what those Texans call whiskey.” I giggled and took his arm, leading him to the Oriental saloon, knowing it would be more quiet there. We took a seat at the table near the window and he asked, “So is everything going ok for you lately?”

I rested my hand on the table and leaned forward. “Things have been deathly quiet... The idiots who robbed the bank yesterday haven’t been back around so I can’t get their prints... Not that they’d give me them anyway... and the other case I’m workin’ is just a mystery of some woman’s family and I’m not sure there’s much I can do to help her.” 

“What’s this I heard from Jimmy a little earlier, about some indian village being wiped out? He said some young indian boy showed up, and told him and Natalie his whole village was murdered.” 

“Yes... from some tribe I’ve never heard of. Natalie told me about it as well. Seems she’s also been readin’ my journals that I’ve been working on from my time before Tombstone. No matter really, she reads Sherlock and my stuff’s much tamer. Besides, she knows I make it out okay ‘cause I’m still here,” I reached for my flask and took a sip before handing it to Thomas. “Want some?” 

He took the flask and had a swallow of it before handing it back. “Thanks. Mmmm, that is good. Not every day you see a pretty detective with a whiskey flask. I hear indians all over have been in uproar ever since the US Calvary killed all those Indians back in 1890.” 

“You know your Native history well then. And I never leave home without flasky... Don’t think I could get through a day without it.” I took the flask from him and sipped it again. “Have you decided what profession you might take up, dear?”

“Mind if I smoke a cigar? I have a little Cherokee in my family from way back I think. I never understood why the indians have to be treated the way they do. No, I am not sure yet. I haven’t seen the owner of the Epitaph to see about working there. Maybe I could be a bartender to start out. What do you think?” he smiled and reached into his vest, pulling out a cigar. 

“That’s how I started when I moved to Colorado first... Though that job came with a dancing requirement too,” I winked at him. “You would have loved the outfit I wore. Perhaps I can show it to you sometime.” I ran my foot up his leg and said, “I think you would be a good bartender. People will love you. Just hopefully the women not too much.” 

“Well I only got eyes for this one woman. She is sweet, head strong, and looks great in a pair of tight fitting jeans. If I could talk her into wearing a dress more often, I would feel like I died and gone to heaven. Poor thing though, she often works too hard, and is better with a gun than I am.,” he blushed a bit and winked, rubbing his leg against mine. 

“Well darling, you could always give me a reason to wear a dress more often and we could go dancin’ tonight, if that’s what you’d prefer. In fact, there might be a dress around this saloon I’ve left that I could change into and we could dance right here and now. Let it never be said that Trin Paige won’t wear a dress for a man,” I winked back. 

“Well...I.....ummmmmm....” he fidgeted a bit and blushed beat red. 

I laughed and took his hand, raising it to kiss his fingers. “Darling, I’ve been thinking about you constantly... Waiting for the next time I got to see you again... I think we deserve a romantic night of dancing, don’t you?” 

“I think you are right my dear. Nothing better in this world than dancing with a beautiful young woman in the evening like yourself,” he leaned across to kiss me and led me to the dance floor. 

I stood and followed him and said, “Now I could dance with you in these pants, or I could go into the back room and find something pretty to put on... Which would you rather, darling?”

He smiled and pulled me close. “I don’t mind seeing you in pants, dresses, or just in a towel Miss Trin, as long as I get to dance with you.”

I smiled and leaned into him, dancing to the music on the turn table in the corner of the room. “It is so nice to be in your arms, dear. I’ve been waiting so long to dance with you again!”

“Yes I missed dancing with you since our first dance at Kate’s saloon. I remember you being quite the two stepper. How is little Miss Natalie doing? She staying out of trouble?” 

“Mmhmm so far. Though I’m worried about her in school... She came home pretty upset last night and I’m not quite sure what to do about it,” I sighed. “She wants to sit with the boys because of how the girls treated her back in Mississippi, and how they’re starting to treat her here. And she wants to sit beside her best friend Jimmy... But the teachers won’t let her and the one last night even tried to pull her hair to move her to the other side, but she ran out of school. She told me that she and Jimmy and Paisley talked about it by the water.”

He danced slowly with me, holding me close. “Pulled her hair? Poor thing. I remember my teachers whacking me with a ruler or sticking me in the corner. Yeah Jimmy mentioned he and Natalie left school last night. He didn’t even want to go, but some man named Amos told him he had to go. I don’t see the issue with letting them sit together. I mean this is about to be the 20th Century, not the dark ages.”

I nodded, leaning my head on his shoulder. “Yeah but Natalie doesn’t even want to go back. She’s afraid the teachers are gonna be just as mean as the girls and she said she already knows how to read and write. I don’t know what to do, Thomas... What do you think?” I looked in his eyes, honestly lost. “I’ve never cared for a child like this before...”

“I don’t know what to say. Maybe I could talk to her. Or maybe I should go talk to the teachers at the school. Who is in charge of the school anyways? I am not sure I like a school where they feel it right to pull a kids hair and tell them who they can sit beside.” 

I sighed, feeling better with his arms around me, knowing he could make anything better. “I’m not sure who’s actually in charge... That’s a really good question. We’ll have to figure that one out and talk to them. Maybe you could be a teacher, Thomas...?”

“Yes Trin?” he looked at me. 

“I meant, maybe you could be a teacher...” I started to dance closely to him as we swayed and I moaned against him, “This is quite the dance, dear where’d you learn this one?”

“To be honest, it was something a friend showed me back in Philadelphia. Said it was all the new rage. I guess its one of those new fandangled dances you learn in college,” he laughed and kissed my lips, licking them playfully. 

“Perhaps you’d like to join me at home? Where we could maybe be alone?” I whispered, wanting to be closer to him. 

“I would be more than happy to walk you home Miss Trin if you wish,” he held me close. 

“There’s rooms upstairs. We won’t have to walk too far then,” I whispered. 

“Lead the way Miss Trin,” he smiled and I led the way upstairs. 

August 16, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked towards Kate’s and met a man named Spinny. He said he’d been in town for a few days and that he’d been shot by a stray bullet by a ranger. I walked into the saloon and refilled my whiskey flask and then worked on catching up with my memoirs since nothing seemed to be happening in town currently. 

A while later I walked down the street and found a woman in front of the clinic. “I miss something?” I asked her. 

“I think I missed something,” the woman looked at me. 

I walked into the clinic and greeted Alex from the other day and saw Aly on the bed. “Sheriff, you alright?”

“Hi Blondie. Yes, I have noticed,” Aly smiled at my new hair color. “Define... alrigt.” 

“If he’d shot me in the foot, I wouldn’t let him peacefully die like he did,” the woman standing nearby said.

“Thought it was time for a change,” I said. 

“I must say though, you got some good aim,” Aly said to the woman. 

“Well you’re breathing... That’s a good start. How many bullets in ya?” I asked Aly. “When I want change, I switch shoes,” Aly laughed at me. 

“Changing hair color is more fun,” I smirked. 

“Well.. I did try to capture him first but you wouldn’t let me,” she said. 

“Not for me, if I tried that, it would end up purple or something,” Aly said to me. 

“What happened?” 

“Ok you were trying to collect a bounty when there wasn’t none, and I was afraid you’d get shot,” Aly said to her and turned to me. “That mean nasty man that locked me up in my cell that one time? He showed up today.” 

“Bounty?” I perked then. 

“No bounty, that’s the thing,” Aly said. 

“Everyone’s afraid I’ll get shot...” the woman rolled her eyes. 

“Don’t think we’ve met,” I looked at her. 

“I think she’s a bounty hunter or somethin’,” Aly said. 

“Good we need more of ‘em,” I smiled widely. 

“Well it ain’t a bad thing to be underestimated,” Aly grinned. 

“Oh hi, I’m Sara. Nice to meet you,” the woman introduced herself. 

“Hi Sara, I’m Detective Trin Paige. Nice to meet you as well. Who shot ya?” I looked at Aly as she tried to stand but then sat back down. “Easy there,” I helped her on the bed. 

“That Johnny guy. Or whatever his name is,” Aly said. 

“Not him again,” I rolled my eyes and looked over at the man there. “Alex... you spend so much time in the clinic one would think ya were a doctor.”

“Yeah, you’ll be saying that more times now, cause it won’t be him again,” Sara insisted. 

“Not no more, Trin. Sara done him in,” Spinny laughed. 

“Funny you’d mention that,” Alex laughed. “I recently applied to become an MA.” 

“Did you... Congratulations!” I looked over at Aly and said, “Been missin’ ya, Aly.”

“Not sure if I’ve been spendin’ more time in the clinic or at home restin’ from the clinic,” Aly chuckled. 

“Gotta stop gettin’ yourself shot, woman.”

“I’m workin’ on that,” she chuckled. 

“You’ve always got a bit of lead in ya,” Alex agreed. 

“Don’t remind me,” Aly rolled her eyes. 

“Well, I’ll be back. I’m going to go grab a smoke in the saloon,” Alex said then. 

“Aly, you needin’ my help with anything lately?” I asked her. 

“Uhm. I don’t know yet. Not right now. I’m gonna go home and rest these to injuries.” 

“Good idea. I’m just lookin’ out for Xav and Ben Cravens... Till then not much I can do.”

“Who and who?” Sara asked. 

“Just some names I’m lookin’ into,” I smiled. 

“Is there a reward or those two?” Sara asked. 

“I think I’ll manage back to Pearce. Might be around later if I’m feelin’ better,” Aly stood then. 

I went over to hug Aly and said, “Get better lady. We need to have a few drinks sometime.” 

“Dang you know how long it’s been since I had a drink?” 

“I don’t just mean alcohol. There are other kinds of drinks. Coffee, even.” 

“One of these days it’ll be nice to socialize with y’all somewhere besides the clinic for a change,” Aly giggled. 

“Go on, get some rest,” I told Aly and she started to protest but then stopped. “You’ll thank me later.”

Lisa walked in then and I looked between Aly and Lisa, seeing the look the outlaw gave her. I wondered if there was something going on between them but since no one said anything, I headed out of the clinic and wandered back home.