November 3, 1900

Bisbee. 

This afternoon I played and sang at the Stock Exchange to a good group of people who really liked the music. I thanked everyone for their compliments and for being there. 

“Feel like taking a walk, Irish?” I asked him after a few minutes of general conversation. 

“Was just going to offer my service as an escort,” Irish grinned. 

“Could use the protection since I’m unarmed for now.” 

Tombstone. 

Irish escorted me back to Allen Street and we greeted Angel in front of the sheriff’s office. “Hey there sheriff. Any progress on that tp case? Was going to start asking around.” 

“Vell Thomas said miz Angeles found out vho it vas and punished the boys,” Angel said. 

“Oh?” I leaned against the pole. “Good for them…” 

“Says Jeffery admitted it during school.” 

“Ah, I see.” 

“So she made the boys go clean thingz up and do some chorez for miz Ivy.” 

“I wondered if it was him. Told him at the dance I wanted to talk to him. That’s great.” 

“I think he knew ve ver catching on.” 

“So my prodding him may have led to his confession then,” I said and looked over at Irish. “At least I can still do some things around here.” 

“Danky for your help miz Trin,” Angel chuckled. “Know it vasn’t much, but vas something!” 

“I always thought you could…” Irish smiled. 

“Anything else going on?” I asked. 

“Not vreally juzt got to town. Oh… Ansar and I got a new home together. Should come over sometime and visit,” Angel announced. 

“Oh did you? Congratulations!” I smiled. 

“Antelope Canyon,” Angel nodded. 

“Thomas has been spending a lot of time with me at mine,” I blushed. 

“Also miz Trin am going to be opening mine bakery in Pearce soon. Turning mine old home into a bakery.” 

“Oh great! Fantastic idea.” 

“But am going to need to hire some help. Somevone to vork and vatch things vhile am here on duty and all. Maybe a kid or somevone can truzt.” 

“I have heard the children are good at that sort of thing… and Miss Trin I can’t even cook water without burning it..” Irish grinned. 

“Burning water... that’s impressive,” I chuckled. 

We continued to talk and I debated bartending again as Prudy and Reb came over to chat. I talked to Angel about maybe working in the bakery when I wasn’t busy with cases and Angel, Irish and I headed out to see the place. 

Pearce. 

The bakery was a cute little building with two floors. The downstairs had a counter at the back with cakes on display. There were tables in the room spread out and a big fireplace to the right. The kitchen was in the front of the building. The smell of freshly baked foods filled the place, and there were pictures on the walls of cakes Angel had made. Angel told us that the bakery had moved around and we talked about what I could do if I worked there. We talked for a while and then I headed home to check on Natalie. 

*** 

This afternoon I went over to Dutch Annie’s where a crowd had gathered, and drank some Whiskey. It still felt strange being around Irish and I talked to Pet and Angel about possibly bartending somewhere. As Paisley danced for the men that came in, Irish sat down beside me and finally asked, “Miss Trin have I done something to make you uncomfortable around me…?” 

“I just... I feel like I remember you from somewhere and I can’t quite... place it. Which is bugging me because usually my memory is like a steel trap.” 

“I just don’t want you to be worrying about me…” 

“Worry isn’t the right word. More like... perplexeed.” 

“Wish I could help…” 

“Where were you before you came to Tombstone…?” 

“I thought you two mentioned knowing each other from some ponies or something.. Irish moved them,” Paisley commented as she danced. “Minnesota or something. Thought you had that figured.” 

“Up around the Wyoming..the north east section,” Irish said. 

“Yeah…” I cringed, remembering. “But I can’t figure out why.” 

“You okay Trin? Not like you to forget things,” Paisley commented. 

“That’s where I came from before there. Yes, Minnesota,” Irish said. 

“Right... I remember now... There was an article about some horse theft from a child... He was with the Blackfoot natives at the time…” I said and he blushed. “You know you kind of... look like the guy in the picture... like what the kid would look like.. as an adult…” I said and he nodded, turning more red, and cleared his throat. 

“The kid was never brought to court. Cause he was like, ten. It was you….” I turned and put an elbow on the counter, looking at him harder. 

“They never proved it was me,” Irish stuttered, looking down. 

“Do you want me to trust you?” I looked at him. 

“I haven’t relocated any ponies since, Miss Trin.” 

“That’s close enough to a confession for me. At least I can put that old case to bed. There’s more though... the Blackfoot Natives... Something about that name…” 

“It was my manhood test… and I did let you take them back…” 

“he horses... yeah.” 

“My mother said my father was Irish with red hair and was a rogue so thats what she named me..and I took his last name when I was grown.” 

“Who was the chief... at that time? Of your tribe?” 

“Running Horse..ma’am.” 

I blinked at that name, tears coming to my eyes. I gripped the tighter and started. “He was… He was a friend of my father’s..” 

“He was my uncle,” Irish nodded. 

“I need... I need to go look something up,” I said, looking at Irish. My mind was spinning and I needed to think. I waved to everyone and headed home. 

*** 

Black Diamond. 

A couple of hours later, I was reading through my journals from Minnesota and remembered Running Horse and my father being close friends. I shook my head, not remembering much about Irish other than as a passing name in conversation until that whole horse theft case. I shook my head more, surprised. 

Thomas walked into town then, whistling and looking into windows. He walked up to the Pinkerton Office and pressed his face to the window, smiling big. “Hey you in there! Need some company!” he laughed. I chuckled and waved him in, standing to meet him and he said, “Hey there dear. You workin hard or hardly working?” 

I went to give him a hug and held him closely, leaning my head on his shoulder. “I missed you.” 

“I missed you too sweetie,” he kissed me deeply, hugging me tight. 

“So you want to talk here or head to the saloon and cuddle while we talk?” I asked, kissing him back. 

“It’s up to you love. I got some new to tell you about the toilet paper crime and a possible bank robbery coming up maybe.” 

“All I know is I want to be in your arms right now,” I held him tightly. 

“Well let’s go somewhere comfy so I can hold my sweetheart and we can discuss business.” 

“Sounds perfect.” 

Pearce. 

“Tea dear?” I asked. When he said yes, I took the cup over to him and sat on the couch beside him. “So, do you want to go first, hon?” 

“I can,” he smiled. “I did learn who toilet papered the Russ and Sheriffs offices and Lots house.” 

“Right, Angel told me that Angeles got Jeffrey to confess during school. I guess my prodding him at the dance had made him think we were onto him. See... even when I get a case, they solve it without me.” 

“Probably so, but someone else painted the front of City Hall and the Bank in Tombstone,” he smiled. 

“Oh? Someone vandalized the city hall and the bank now too?" I sat up with interest. 

“Yes, someone painted Happy Boo Day on the city hall, and I didn’t see what they painted on the bank.” 

“Happy boo day?” I frowned. “When was this? Do they know?”

“Yep, that’s what is said, in big letters. I saw this yesterday morning.” 

“Wow…” 

“Angel and Ansar know yes.” 

“Wonder why Angel didn’t mention it this afternoon,” I said as I sipped my tea pensively. 

“Maybe she wasn’t thinking about it. Did she mention the other?” 

“She mentioned Jeffry confessing. That was it.” 

“Oh, well I had a very interesting conversation with a Mr. Dutch and Mr. Grant yesterday also.” 

I shot up and almost spilled my tea. “Dutch?!?! Dutch Solo is here???” 

“Dutch Solo? No I don’t think it was him. He went by Bubba, or so he said, but Grant Cole called him Dutch.” 

I exhaled with great relief and said, “Thank God... Bubba, yeah he used to be a Deputy. Came to my gig today.” 

“Oh so he was a deputy in Tombstone at one time? Well as far as Angel goes, he ain’t no more. He made the comment, ‘At least I’m not wanted in this state.’ Also he talked about robbing banks.” 

“Bubba, robbing banks... Now that would be interesting. Guess we’ll have to keep an extra eye out on the banks then, huh?” I smirked a bit. 

“Yeah I think so. I told Chase about it at the bank yesterday too. It was just too weird, he mentioned he was waiting on certain contacts before he and Grant made their next move. He said he found quicker easier ways to make a living other than being a lawman.” 

“Going to have to keep an eye on both of them. I just didn’t want to go to town tonight... I have too much on my mind right now. Have you ever met Irish Rogue..?” 

“Irish Rogue? Hmmm, I did meet a Irish yesterday. Said he knew you, and that Cole had told him about me.” 

“Yeah... I figured out why today. I’d been racking my brain but when I was in Minnesota in ’71... I’d looked into this horse theft that had happened. We never figured out who did it but then I found this article in the paper about a ten year old kid named Irish who’d been accused of it. He let us return the horses and everything but never had to go to court or get punished for it. I didn’t even think about him after that until I saw the man Irish in town the other day. I recognized him but couldn’t figure out how.” 

“Oh really? So thats what he meant yesterday about relocating horses.” 

“Same guy. Just... a few years later,” I nodded. “Thing is… He was part of this Blackfoot Native tribe. And the chief... he said his name and I remembered it. He was a friend of my father’s. The chief.” I set my empty cup on the table. 

“Do you remember anything else about him?” 

“He said that the horse stealing was some way of proving he was a man or something. But he confessed to it. After all these years…” 

“That’s odd. Guess there’s nothing that can be done about it now though is there?” 

“It’s just... brought up a lot of memories. I feel like there’s more that I’m missing but I want to talk to him again and figure it out. Nope of course not... Way out of jurisdiction.” 

“Well, let’s just hope he don’t try the same thing here. I mentioned something about him not doing that here, and he said of course not, I am passed that now.” 

“Yeah... just keep an eye out baby. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to my favorite deputy,” I said and reached up to caress his clean-shaven cheek. “Oh and also... I might be helping out Angel at her bakery here in Pearce. Not so convinced it’ll go well though. Not really a lot of traffic around here in Pearce.” 

“You are so beautiful, did I tell you that today?” he smiled, brushing the hair out of my face. 

“Did I tell you I love you today?” I smiled and shifted closer to him as we relaxed after a long day. 

November 1, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I walked over to the sheriff’s office where Angel and Paisley were talking about Paisley’s wedding. They greeted me and I said, “Sheriff, good, glad I caught you.” 

“Oh?” Angel looked over to me. “Vat is going on miz Trin?” 

“Seems no one cares about the toilet paper being put on two establishments in town. I tried to investigate it last night but they all laughed like I was crazy.” 

“Actually three.” 

“Three?!? What other one?” 

“I saw Mister Lot’z house got covered too.” 

“Oh? Well that’s interesting, isn’t it?” 

“Trin, it was a Halloween prank. I am sure a child did it. Do you prosecute children for pranks?” Paisley insisted. 

“Mizter Lot’s house," Angel said again. 

I held out my hand to Paisley and looked at Angel. “See? Just because we might not arrest the children, they think children can run free and do whatever they want.” 

“Mayor vise usually assigns children to do chores about town if there caught in shanagins,” Angel said. 

“Exactly. They might not get arrested but they will get punished somehow,” I said. 

“Iz hard to tell vitch child did it though,” Angel said and Paisley pointed to her. 

“Either way it’s vandalism. Especially if it’s now three buildings and they’re not picky about the homeowner or building owner,” I said. 

“No, It would be nice if the child cleans it up,” Paisley admitted. “Did anyone see it happen?” 

“Angel did it?” Amara laughed. 

“No, iz vhy I assigned miz Trin to look into it,” Angel told her.

“Well then, Paisley, let me do my job and stop telling me it’s no big deal,” I told her angrily. “I attempted to and they all thought I was a fool for it. Even Pet.” I looked over and saw Thomas walking over and relaxed a little. 

“Afternoon ladies,” Thomas smiled as he walked up. 

“Iz best to not let them become hooligans,” Angel said. “I don’t tolerate vandalism even from children so even if they clean the corals for a veek.” 

“Dear... is that a badge you’re wearin’?” I blinked at Thomas and said, “Glad someone agrees with me, Angel.” 

“That he iz miz Trin. He’s mine new deputy,” Angel smiled. 

“Oh yes, did I not tell you?” Thomas smiled and looked at me. 

“Iz up to Miss Trin if she finds out or not,” Angel said to Paisley. 

“I am just not sure how you are going to figure who did it is all,” Paisley said. “Not that it should not be looked into.” 

“Well dear, that’s just fantastic!” I went to hug him tightly. “I’m so proud of you!” I looked over at Paisley then and said, “That’s why I’m the detective, Paisley.” 

“If ve find out ve assign punishment if there a child if there not vell ve vill think of something,” Angel said. “Children have been getting bad about vandalism lately. Vrigthing all over town. Iz an issue.” 

“Angel I did match the tp to the roll you gave me and the ones on the hotel. It was a match. I bet you the ones on Lot’s house will match too,” I told her. 

“Ah vell you might vant to check mizter lots house for he finds the kid first and switches them,” Angel said. 

“Where is Lot’s house, exactly?” 

“Behind the library and next to the school house. Can’t miz it. It’s the vone covered in tp.” 

“First house after the bridge going towards Pearce. On the left,” Amara said. 

“Well dear, time to do your first rounds and walk around with me to the library?” I looked at Thomas as Amara headed on. 

“Yes I do believe you are right dear. Have a good afternoon Miss Amara,” Thomas nodded. 

“And have fun looking at tissue paper. I am going to wander,” Paisley told me. 

“Oh don’t fret on her. Children need structure,” Angel said to Paisley. 

“Yep, let’s make a turn round town and have a looksie,” Thomas said as Paisley walked away without a word. 

“Tired of people laughing at me,” I shook my head. 

“Don’t fret her, Miz Trin,” Angel chuckled. 

“They sure do. You’re right, Lot would take this and make the child his,” I said and Thomas held me close. 

“Juzt cause iz halloveen iz no excuse to ignore the law,” Angel said. 

“Exactly. But tell that to the judge, the preacher, the doctors, the undertaker…” 

“She can have her opinion and no matter how right she thinks she iz she’z vrong,” Angel insisted. 

“I listen to you, Sheriff, and I have my orders,” I leaned against Thomas, trying to stay calm. 

“Yup, so don’t let them get to you, miz Trin,” Angel said. 

“Pet doesn’t want to help in the investigation then that’s her problem. Right?” 

“Correct. I vant to find the vandals.” 

“You and me both,” I said and took Thomas’ hand. “I’m ready when you are, dear.” 

“Well if anyone can, Trin can, she is good at finding the culprits,” Thomas promised. 

“Vhy I azked her to look into it,” Angel nodded. 

“We’re gonna be a trio to be reckoned with, Angel,” I smiled at them both. 

“Well Miss Angel, if ya need me, I will be making a round about town, seeing if anything is amiss.” 

We walked towards Lot’s house and stopped on the bridge, seeing the mess at the house in front of us. “Oh my!” Thomas exclaimed first. “Lot will not be happy about this for sure.” 

“Wow…” I shook my head as I walked closer, taking out a roll from the other locations, and looking at the toilet paper on Lot’s house. “Yep, same brand.” 

“Makes me wonder if this was a kids joke, or an adult who is really up to something.” 

“We should use this to our advantage, dear. Go talk with some kids and put the fear of God and Lot about them so they confess. That’s what I’m wondering too, but I think we should start with the kids. Adults would probably just torch the place.” 

“Yes, that’s a good idea. Tell them this sort of thing could land them in hot water.” 

“Mmhmm especially with Lot.” 

“Yeah, that’s for sure.” 

“hall we keep walking honey?” 

“Yep, let’s take a walk down near the school and church.” 

We walked towards the church and saw a building there that I’d discovered recently. “You know what this building is babe? I looked in it one day,” I said and grinned to him. “The ladies society, next to the church.” 

“The what?” 

“See? I had no idea they met here but I figured it was a good thing to know. There’s a group of ladies that meet... I’m not really sure how often. They were all in court once though. Was a huge trial.” 

“Hmmm, thats a good thing to know.” 

“Indeed,” I winked to him. “Now where hon?” 

“I want to check something while near here.” 

“Sure,” I smiled as we walked to the bank. 

Thomas walked up and checked the back door of the bank and tried to rattle it. “Well the bank’s back door is secure.” 

“Glad to hear it. Now where?” 

“Let’s go into the coral, Jimmy said it looked like the register had been tampered with a while back. I want to have a look for myself.” 

“Sure,” I said and followed him to the OK Coral. “Hmm... this would be a good hideout…..” 

Thomas looked at the register and checked the drawer of the desk and said, “Hmm… Looks okay… Yes, it would. I don’t understand why Pet leaves money in here though. Jimmy doesn’t need access to money.” 

“A very good question,” I shook my head. 

“Jimmy loves his job, I just wished he wouldn’t work so hard for a kid.” 

I walked towards the saloon with Thomas close behind and noticed Irish standing over by Angel. Thomas had to head to the office then and I waved to Irish as he said, “Good Day Miss Trin.” 

“Sheriff, it’s a match. Same make of tp on Lot’s home,” I told Angel first.

“Vell seemz ve ave a little vandal on zeh loose.” 

“Mmhmm. Unless it’s a big vandal. I intend do find out either way though.” 

“Good.” 

“Heading to the dance, Irish?” I asked him. 

“Yes ma’am,” Irish shifted uncomfortably. 

“Think I might go home and change, then come back to the dance,” I said. 

“Alvright miz trin ve can talk more on it latter time to ave some fun!” Angel smiled. 

“Mmhmm not much more to talk about,” I chuckled and headed back home to change. When I walked back to Venice Saloon, I saw Irish still waiting for me. 

“Save me a dance Miss Trin?” Irish asked me. 

“Not sure my man would like that so much,” I smiled at him. “I promise to be the perfect gentleman, Miss Trin.” 

I looked him up and down and then said, “Think I’m going to get a drink for a bit first before I start dancin’.” 

“After you ma’am,” Irish smiled softly and flushed as we walked into the saloon. 

Everyone greeted me as I waved to them and headed to the bar to get some whiskey. We talked about dancing and people came in to join the fun. I pulled out my notebook and sipped my whiskey, hoping to overhear something useful. 

“You okay Trin?” Bree asked after a while. 

“Trin forget the work then come for dance too,” Angeles said to me. 

“S’pose I should…” I said and walked over to dance beside Jeff. I whispered to him and said, “Gonna want to talk to you when we can, kiddo.” 

“Okay miss Trin,” Jeff nodded to me. 

We continued to dance and talked about halloween and all the candy the children had received. Adrian even came to join the fun, and I greeted my boss, happy to see him. 

“AND I see that the Russ house.. and Mr Lot’s is Decorated as well... not the work of the Lollys?” Adrian asked at one point. 

“Yes…” Paisley nodded. 

“And mine office,” Angel said. 

“Oh really?” Adrian looked over at her. 

“But I cleaned it up,” she said. 

“No sir, the lollys aren’t in Tombstone anymore,” Ruby insisted. 

“I defend a the Lollipop Gang Mayor….” Angeles assured. 

“Adrian, I’m looking into that,” I informed him. 

“Oh they’re not?” Adrian tilted his head. 

“They say taking some break,” Angeles explained. 

“I didn’t know this,” Adrian said. “Imagine.. I wonder where my Lollys went to?” 

“Angel’s assigned that case to me. About the toilet paper,” I told Adrian. “I’ve determined it’s all the same brand of tp so it’s the same person or people.” 

“I ave Miss Trin looking into it,” Angel added. 

“Now I’ve just gotta scare the truth... I mean get the truth out of em,” I winked at Angel as the others talked about the disbanning of the lollipop gang. 

Reb joked that I should use her mask to scare the truth out them. We continued to dance and have fun and then I went out for a ride. 

October 31, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I greeted Angel in front of the office and asked how she was doing. “Alvright somevone tped mine office,” she answered. 

“Toilet Paper? On your office?” 

“Yez.” 

“Any idea who did it?” 

“No idea but you can look into it ifin you vant. Seemz they got ahold of zeh russ hotel too.” 

“I definitely will! I need something to do. That’s destruction of property, ain’t it?” 

“Vell not vreally but iz distrubing mine peace if that countz,” she chuckled. 

“I’d count,” I winked. “Surely we could arrest someone for that…” I said with a bit of desperation in my voice. “So just the sheriff’s office and the Russ? Or any other buildings?” 

“Not sure there the only vones I’ve seen so far.” 

When she offered me all the toilet paper she had taken off I said, “Wish prints would show up on those.” 

“Vell I’m sure you can match zis up to the vone or something. Skid mark similaritys, I dunno. You ave fun vith zis vone.” 

“Right, sure. Can match the brand probabaly. Let’s wander across the road.” 

I went to study the toilet paper in front of the hotel and saw Pet and waved to her. Steve greeted me then, making me jump. “Howdy beautiful.” 

“Hello, Steve,” I said simply as Bree greeted me too. 

“Looking good today.” 

“I see someone decided to decorate the hotel for halloween,” I observed. “Heard they did the same to the sheriff’s office too.” 

“Hi Bree, and thanks for the assisted robbery yesterday,” Steve said and I blinked, hearing that. 

I walked over to Pet and asked, “Pet? When did you notice the tp on the hotel?”

“Someone had fun, didn’t they?” Bree asked, looking around. 

“Well strange things been happing today maybe she just got whisked away,” Joe commented. 

“Was it just the hotel and sheriff’s office that was tp’d?” I asked, looking around the group for information. 

“I see the Russ has been appropriately papered for the holiday,” Paisley commented. 

“I think so, Trin,” Bree nodded. 

“That’s good at least. No idea who did it?” 

“Well Lot maybe,” Bree grinned. 

“Well ya wanted a case Trin, there ya go,” Joe smirked a little. 

“Mmhmm,” I said and looked down the street, seeing someone that looked familiar. “There’s something familiar about that man.” I studied the toilet paper and then nodded. “I matched the tp from both places. It’s the same.”

“Is that what they call deduction Miss Trin?” Joe asked, smirking. “Maybe ya should investigate all the out houses.”

“I’m sure it’ll match,” I looked at Joe. 

“Well ya just have to catch the culprits now Trin,” Joe grinned. 

I looked over, trying to figure out who the man was, and Paisley said, “Hopefully you get a taker.” 

“Well Joe... guess I have some toilet paper to investigate,” I said. 

“I get the feeling today is going to be a very strange day,” Joe said and looked at me. “Yep, ya better check all the stocks and storage places.” 

“Yeah... bet you there’s a full moon tonight,” I nodded and studied the man walking over. Finally I asked him, “Sir, have we met?” 

“Ah dinner,” Joe said as a cat came over and I leaned down to pet the cat. 

“Don’t you dare,” I glared at Joe. 

“No Ma’am I don’t think so..” the man shook his head. 

“New hat?” Joe said hopefully. 

“You will do no such thing,” I shook my head. 

“A very good day to you Miss Trin,” Jimmi greeted me. 

“I am Irish ma’am,” the man said to me then. 

“Trin is that your cat?” Bianca asked. 

“Well, he seems to kind of adopted me,” I said but then stopped, looking over at the man. “Irish…” 

“Yes ma’am.” 

“You were... a child when I... Minnesota… In ’71... Right?” 

“Yes ma’am,” Irish looked down and nodded. 

I pet the cat behind his ear and tried to concentrate. “Not proud of that time, Irish?” 

“It was a test ma’am and you did return them.” 

“What was?” I looked at him. “The.... horses...? Yeah, they were returned but we never figured out who took them.” 

“The few small ponies I relocated..” he smiled. 

“Relocated? You?” I looked at him. 

“Yes ma’am.” 

“You were the one who.... stole them in the first place weren’t you?” I asked, understanding the truth now. “So now what? You came all this way to apologize for it?” When Irish didn’t reply, I looked over at Pet and asked her, “Pet... when did you notice the tp there?” 

“This morning. Isn’t it cute?” Pet grinned. 

“Did you put it there Pet?” 

“The kids were being mischievous I suppose,” Pet laughed. 

“Well not really.. Mr. Cole said if I was ever down his way I should call on him and his misses but found them burned out and gone… his neighbours said he came south so I came here looking for them,” Irish admitted. 

I nodded, remembering what had happened, and then Pet asked me, “Me? No. Why would I 

do this to my establishment?” 

“Well Pet if you’re not concerned about it I won’t consider it a case,” I told her. “You just seem to be very passive about it like it’s just decorations.” 

“I didn’t expect to see anyone else I may have known though…” Irish said and looked down. 

“Aye maybe she did it herself,” Joe rubbed his chin. 

“Isn’t that what it is, Trin?” Bree asked. 

“A case?!” Pet gave me a look. “You mean arrests can be made?” 

“What a marvellous idea, tissue for dusty eyes and runny noses. Very generous,” Jimmi said then, making Pet giggle. 

“Just doing as advised. She didn’t seem thrilled about it being on her office,” I shrugged. 

“Aye or mayve the food is so bad, ya need the toilet paper as ya leave,” Joe said. 

“I trust you still have some next to the hotel commode Miss Pet?” Jimmi asked. 

“Not everything I do involves arrest, Pet,” I pointed out. 

“No way Joe, this is delicious food,” Bree argued. 

“There could be some problems if there is not,” Jimmi said. 

“I have one roll left. So use it sparingly or takes some of this with you,” Pet advised. 

“Is a rather costly way to decorate,” Irish grinned. 

“It might be when ya eat it but does it stay in ya. I am only saying it does look suspicious,” Joe said. 

“I have a little for just in case moments Miss Pet,” Jimmi patted his pocket. 

“Pet, seems it was the same type as what was put on the sheriff’s office,” I looked at her. 

“But seriously, they might arrest the person who did it?” Pet asked. “Perhaps.” 

“Pet as I said.. Not everything I do results in arrests. But either way someone shouldn’t be putting things like this on other peoples’ buildings.” 

“Not put? Not put? But it is tradition is it not?” Jimmi sputtered. 

“It looks like a child’s Halloween prank,” Starling suggested. 

“Yes, a henious crime like the cooking maybe,” Joe said. 

“Alright then. I won’t care about it. Will just let it be,” I shrugged. 

“I wasn’t here when it happened. I have no idea who might have done it. I only assume it was children. They kind like the night before halloween for pranks,” Pet said. “Would adults do this?” 

“Some adults would,” Joe muttered and I muttered something about halloween. 

“Any drunken person could have done it Miss Pet,” Bianca nodded. 

“I wonder what you may do with the large Saint Nick depositing treats in stockings later this year?” Jimmi asked. 

“Fine, don’t care about vandalism. It’s decorations. I’ll just be on my way then,” I said angrily. 

“Perhaps the children could draw on these tissues in bright colours and you will be ready for December festivities weeks in advance,” Jimmi suggested. 

“And you Sir, one more word about my cooking and I’ll give you a knuckle sandwich,” Pet gave Joe a look. 

“Joe, I can tell you that the Soiled Doves have better things to do with their free time,” Paisley insisted and I just continued to pet the cat. “I have no need to paper the sheriff office nor the Russ. I have better uses for the paper.”

“Or perhaps Miss Paisley could find good use for the tissue to dry the eyes of broken hearts she creates?” Jimmi suggested. 

“You are a smooth one Jimmi,” Joe chuckled. 

“Well, as much as standing around being laughed at is fun, I’m going to go to my office,” I sighed and walked away to my office, since no one seemed to care.

October 30, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked out of my office this morning and smiled wide, seeing the wolf, Shadow, that I’d known back in Wyoming. It was so good to see her again and she licked my face happily, clearly missing me. I talked with Paisley and then went to the hotel and found some food for her. 

Danny walked over and greeted me and I smiled, watching the dog run around in circle. “I wish I had the same kind of energy as that dog.” 

“How are you Trin?” 

“Doing great now that I’ve got myself a dog again! Would be nice to have some work but... I guess I’ll just have to keep being patient. Things quiet at the fort?”

“Very much yes. Nothin to do right now.” 

“S’pose we shouldn’t complain that there ain’t no outlaws around.” 

“I guess so.” 

I fed Shadow some water from the hotel and Shadow kept licking my hand in thanks. We decided to take a walk and Grant greeted me. I told him that I was headed over to Bisbee and walked there with Shadow right behind me. 

October 28, 1900

Tombstone. 

This afternoon I walked down the street and saw someone I recognized by the bank. “How you been, Maxx?” 

“I’ve been well, than you?” he smiled at me. 

“Keepin’ out of trouble, I hope?” 

“For the moment, yes.” 

“But wait a moment or two and that might change, huh?” 

“Town seems a bit empty.” 

“Indeed.” 

“Just look around. Maybe someone needs to cause a little excitement to bring people back out.” 

“Would make things interesting, I’m sure. You have some suggestions, Maxx?” 

“A few well placed sticks of dynamite and some gold nuggets, well, could start a gold rush right here.” 

“As long as those dynamite sticks ain’t right here in town…” I chuckled. 

“Oh yes… I was thinkinh in the middle of allen street. What better place to find gold. Would cause a rush of folks.” 

“Right... we’ve just been walkin’ over it all day and never knew it huh?” I smirked. 

“Exactly,” he grinned. 

“So Maxx... How long you been in Tombstone?” 

“This time? A couple days.” 

“What about in general?” I smiled. 

“Hmm… Not sure I can count that high.” 

“What brought ya back this time?” 

“Had to come in from the range, get some supplies.” 

“Ah I see.” 

“Been out there,” he motioned around in general. “Trying to find my fame and fortune.” 

“Any luck?” 

“But I seem to keep ending up right here in Tombstone. Naw, no luck yet.” 

“It always keeps pullin’ people back somehow.” 

“It does at that. Every since I first arrived here, oh about two years ago.” 

“Even the dead... who ya think are gone for good... still find a way to come back.” 

“I imagine many thought I’d kicked the bucket,” he chuckled. 

“Few brushes with the wrong crowd there, Maxx?” I smiled. 

“A few.” 

“Hasn’t been much work for me lately. Thought I’d wander through town and see who might be around.” 

“I remember a fella named Clint. He almost bury’d me in boot hill, but almost doesn’t always count,” Max grinned. 

“Clint Houston huh...? My first case,” I shuddered. 

“The same.” 

“Thought he’d been killed too. But nope... he showed up again months later too.” 

“Now I would almost recon him for being a resident of boot hill, but if I did, he would return to haunt me for sure,” Max chuckled. 

“Seems he likes haunting me. I worked with Tye Durden on that one... Ansar assigned me to locate him and find out where he’d gone to,” I chuckled. “So we went over every case Tye had ever worked with him to try and get a profile of the man. Was quite a lot of work.” 

“Tye, now thats a name I haven’t heard in a while.” 

“Then he came into town and got in some dual with Jimmi Rubble. Think he was arrested but then escaped, but then declared dead. Still think it was all a rumor though. I don’t believe someone’s dead till I see their body with my own eyes and I feel no pulse.” 

“You ever search out his wife to find out?” 

“Too many people in my life have come back from the ’grave’. Even before Tombstone. His wife... Harmini?” 

“Yep, cute little thing.” 

“Cute little thing shot the man who was protecting me then ordered me to hang him but I wouldn’t do it.” 

“Deadly with a gun.” 

“She was gonna kill me too I’m sure but I got away.” 

“SILENT HENK! HOW THE HECK ARE YA??!” Adrian shouted then and I jumped in surprise. 

“Good gosh that man’s got a voice on him, huh?” 

“HEY!! WE’RE TRYING TO TALK DOWN HERE!” Maxx shouted back. 

“Who’s Silent Henk?” I asked, looking at Maxx. 

“Pardon,” Adrian closed the window then from where he was shouting. 

“Another one returning from the grave,” Maxx smiled and waved to Adrian. 

“Oh? I told ya. It’s like day of the dead around here. Might as well be Halloween all year around.” 

“Howdy Major, fine thank you and yourself?” A voice shouted back to Adrian and I assumed it must have been Henk’s. 

“Careful what you wish for,” Maxx looked at me. 

“What’s Henk known for doin’? I haven’t heard that name and I’ve lived here over a year. Almost two,” I looked at Maxx. 

“Known mostly for hangin’ out. Seems he might have been in the calvary once,” he said. 

“Ah, so a good man then?” 

“Good friends with the mayor.” 

“Sounds like it. Wonder where he’s been hidin’ for the last year.” 

“Good? If ya wanna call someone that runs with Lot’s gang good, then ok.” 

“If he’s been with the cavalry he can’t be all that bad, can he? Well ya didn’t say that part. Good to know.” 

“He’s fair with a six gun,” Maxx chuckled. 

“Also good to know.” 

“CAN’T COMPLAIN.. SAME SAME .. THANK YOU KINDLY!” Adrian shouted back to Henk then. 

“Though I’m guessing Lot wouldn’t let anyone in his gang who wouldn’t good with a six gun,” I said. 

“Now that I couldn’t say,” Maxx laughed. “Seems he has some that aren’t the best with guns.” 

“Luckily I haven’t had much of an opportunity to find out one way or another.” 

“Well if ya don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. Unless you’re a lawman.” 

“What about a partial lawman?” I winked. 

“Good to hear so Mayor!” Henk shouted back. “So long and cya around!” 

“They won't bother with partial law,” Maxx said. 

“Not until I get in their way. Or help law arrest ’em I suppose.” 

“Then ya just become trouble for them, and yeah, they’ll shoot ya.” 

“Managed to go a year and a bit by not getting shot up by many of ’em, so I must be doin’ somethin’ right.” 

“If you’re staying out of their way, then I’d say yes.” 

“But then most of what they’re involved in don’t need a detective… Doesn’t take a detective to say who shot whom when there’s witnesses. And there usually is in a Wild Bunch shooting.” 

“Yep.” 

“They like an audience.” 

“And usually more than one of them against the one that was shot.” 

“Mmhmm. They all tend to swarm at the same time, don’t they?” 

“That they do.” 

“Like locusts. Swarm and devour.” 

“And if one of them is alone, well they tend to no be so brave.” 

“Indeed then they stay quieter.” 

“Kinda gives you the idea of what they are really like, doesn’t it,” Maxx smiled. 

“It sure does,” I chuckled. “

Profiling gangs is very important in my business.” 

“I think they believe in the old saying about safety in numbers.” 

“They’re just the main gang that I see around here lately. I think there’s a couple of Young Guns around but not many. And not many active if they are. I guess there’s a couple Mavericks out and about still.” 

“Nope. But I have noticed, if you get one alone and start in on him, or her, a bunch of them show up out of nowhere.” 

“Very true. It’s like they have a sixth sense and can tell when one of their group is in trouble. It’s truly uncanny.” 

“Haven’t seen any mavericks in pert near a year.” 

“That’s probably a good thing. Glad we got rid of those pesky Blackbirds and Dead Rabits.” 

“Not sure there are any gangs left around except for the wild bunch..” 

“The dead Rabbits would kill or set fire and then leave behind the dead rabbit as their mark. Blackbirds were more... in disguise often. Mavericks and Young Guns... They just kinda did stuff without caring about leaving behind a mark. They were harder to read. And usually more intense.” 

“What ever happened to robbing stage coaches and trains?” 

“Haven’t dealt with that since I left Georgetown. None of that happens here in Tombstone. Hell, we haven’t even had a good bank robbery in months. Or a fire. Or a randomly left threatening letter.” 

“I think the train quit coming around, and all the stage drivers got scared off.” 

“I thought there was still a stage coach driver or two. I know Anthony Nelson drives the stage coach when he’s in on the weekends, at least I think he does.” 

“I haven’t seen any. Only ones I seen drive the stage are the kids.” 

“I’m sure that’s not safe,” I chuckled. “How do they even get up behind the wheel?” 

“Well, you know how kids are. They are natural born daredevils.” 

“Don’t I know it... Got one of my own. Two, I guess, if you consider us all a family though Thomas and I ain’t married. We’re close enough though. Just not into the conventional way I guess.” 

“Ahhh, you live in sin with him.” 

“Nah, that’s out of safety. A woman living alone at a time like this with a little girl? He and Jimmy live in their own home but he does spend the night sometimes. But we feel like a family.” 

“Then just live together.” 

“Jimmy and Natalie are cute little things. Are you kidding? And get scorned by everyone for not getting married?” 

“Seems to be the thing around these days.” 

“And that’s the problem. I see so many marriages happening so fast and then couples divorce or move away... I don’t want that to happen to us. I like how things are... We haven’t even been together five months yet.” 

“Now me, I’ll stay married to my single life. No one to tie me down that way.” 

“I thought I would be that way too but... then I met Thomas... and Natalie adopted me as her mother… I never thought I would have a child.” 

“Free to come and go,” Maxx smiled and looked around. 

“At least I skipped the whole diaper and burping phase.” 

“I’m surprised they let a single woman adopt a child.” 

“Well it was extraneous circumstances..” 

“As long as your happy, thats what matters.” 

“The matron at the time was not the nicest lady towards her. I wasn’t going to put up with that.” 

“Did ya shoot her?” 

“I am, I love Natalie to pieces. She’s like a mini version of me which is so strange but true.” I shook my head then and said, “I didn’t have to. She left town.” 

“Been several matron them brats..errr, I mean them kids ran off.” 

“Can’t really blame them if they’re treated so badly… There’s a nice lady assisting over there now. Seems to really love and care for the children.” 

“I bet she is.” 

“Well I should continue on my rounds. It was nice to talk to you, Maxx. I hope you continue to stay safe.” 

“I need to be running Trin. It was nice talking to you again,” Maxx smiled. 

“If you need any help solving mysteries, you let me know.” 

“I may just make a few mysteries for you to solve too,” he chuckled. “Have a nice day.” 

“Well then I’ll know it’s you, won’t I?” I chuckled at him. “You too, Maxx.” 

“Maybe not,” he smiled and turned for the hotel. 

October 26, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I limped down the street with my cane towards Thomas. “Hey my love, how are you feeling?” he asked, looking me over. 

“Hello, dear! I needed to get out of that house. I was going stir crazy.” 

“I bet. I did too. The fresh air feels good. Wanna go into the Russ and have a bite to eat?” 

“That sounds great, dear,” I said and leaned in to kiss his cheek. 

Thomas smiled and hugged me close, kissing my cheek softly. He took my hand and led the way to the Russ where he pulled a chair out for me and I took a seat. “For you my dear lady,” he smiled. 

“Such a gentleman darling. Did you sleep alright? I didn’t see when you left this morning. How are you doing hon?” I asked as the waitress came over with a pot of coffee. 

“I am doing ok I guess. Jimmy took it hard when I told him about his pa. He told me last night that Natalie told him you were shot, but didn’t say anything else,” Thomas told me. 

“I told her that the man who shot me was dead and wouldn’t come after me anymore. I didn’t tell her who the man was,” I nodded. “She wanted to know why I was injured, I couldn’t lie. But she didn’t need to know it was Jimmy’s father who did it.” 

“I understand. I am glad, I am not sure if Jimmy could have taken that on top of the news. I told him what happened, not all the details, but what cause his pa to die, and that it was saving yours and Zan’s life. But he still doesn’t understand how his pa was here, or why he would hurt others.” He thanked the waitress and started to drink his coffee as we talked. 

“Natalie said that they talked about putting up a tombstone in the graveyard for James. I think that’s a really good idea. It will help you and Jimmy remember the good times. Though those are harder to remember, I’m sure.” 

“Well I am sure its easier for Jimmy than me. I am still trying to get over his last words. I never thought he ever really loved me. He never acted like it.” 

“That was hard for me to hear as well, especially after he’d admitted to wanting to ruin your life. Not to mention that he tried to destroy mine.” 

“Maybe Jess wasa right. Maybe he really did have a problem we didn’t know about. I mean why else would he have gone off doing the things he done.” 

“I have no idea dear... People do things for strange reasons. I’ve been a detective a long time and can tell you why some people do things but... others are a mystery.” 

“You know something baby, I really do love you. No matter what happened, I am so glad we found one another. You are a bright wonderful change in my life I have needed for a long time.” 

I smiled and reached over to hold his hand. “I love you too dear. I couldn’t bare the idea of you doing something in revenge against your brother. It just about killed me. I know we’re not married but... I just don’t want to rush into that too quickly because most marriages I’ve seen around here end a month or two after they start. Plus... I already feel like we’re a family and I have you in my heart.” 

He squeezed my hand and said, “I know baby, and I understand. To be honest though, in my heart, I feel like we are married in a certain way. Even though we don’t have the rings, and we never took our vows in a church, I feel our hearts and souls are already married because we love one another so much. I can say, I don't need a preacher and vows to know I love you no matter what.” 

“I feel the same way, love. I’m glad we agree about that. This necklace around my neck and yours... it’s a symbol of that love. I can’t wait until you adopt Jimmy. I think it’s so great that you are now free to do that without any fear of violent consequences,” I interlaced my fingers with his. 

Thomas smiled and held the heart necklace around his neck. “Yes it does my love. I think you stole my heart that first day I saw you on the street. The dust in your hair, and the sun gleaming in your eyes. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I haven’t told you yet cause I am still waiting on word from Mayor Wise, but I put in my application to be deputy sheriff here in Tombstone.” 

I raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Oh, Thomas... That would be wonderful! You would be such a good deputy! We could work cases together and turn this town around! Oh darling, I’m so proud of you. I hope you hear back from him soon! I would even help train you,” I winked. 

He smiled and lowered his voice in a mocking town. “Yore under arrest, throw up yore hands and drop your guns!” He laughed and nearly fell off his chair as the waitress came over with our food. 

“See? It sounds perfect coming from you!” I giggled. 

“I am so going to try and clean up this town when I become a deputy. My goal is to fix it to where all people entering Tombstone will have to turn in their guns to the sheriff office until the leave town. That way it will fix the violence problem we seem to have in this town.” 

I gave a bit of a smirk and looked at him. “Good luck with that dear. People aren’t going to give up their right to protect themselves very easily. Can I please be there when you tell that to Lot so that I can save your life when he shoots at you?” I winked again. 

He laughed and leaned across the table to give me a kiss. “Well, ummm, I might let you tell him. Maybe he wont shoot at you, and if he does, while he is busy shooting at you, then I can shoot him.” 

“You’re funny….” I laughed. “Seriously though dear, that’s going to be a really hard thing to enforce. People are pretty protective of their weapons and their right to defend themselves.” 

“Yes, but see, if we can enforce it, maybe talk Lot and even Mac into joining in the fight against this violence, then it would help others to follow and see what we are trying to do. I want to see it where only law officials are walking around with guns in town. Then people wouldn’t have to feel they need to carry their guns.” 

“Well I wish you luck with that dear but I’ve been in this town for over a year and well... I have the feeling you’ll be met with opposition.” 

“I am sure, its just a thought I would like to pass before the town council eventually. I know it would have to be accepted and made law by the Mayor and city council first. But could you imagine living in Tombstone where only the lawmen and women were the ones carrying guns? What a glorious day it would be.” 

I sighed, seeing his excitement about the idea, but I knew it was going to be trouble. “Just... tread lightly, baby. Be careful, alright?” I finished my meal and looked at him. “Well that lunch was delicious. Do you want to go for a little walk? Maybe some exercise will help my leg heal faster.” 

“I will my love, and I dont mean to permanently give up their guns. I mean only while they were inside the city limits, they would turn their guns in to the local office until the leave town. I would not be the first to ever do it. Wyatt Earp did it in Dodge City, Kansas years ago.” 

“Sure, dear,” I nodded. “All I’m saying is tread lightly, please? I worry about my love.” 

Thomas wiped his mouth with the napkin and then paid for the meal. “Sure my love, a walk would be nice this time of day. I promise to be careful dear. Its just an idea, and I will tread carefully I promise.” 

I stood and used the cane to balance myself. “It’s been a couple of days. I had wished this leg would heal faster but I guess the bullet had really been lodged in there.” 

“Well it nicked the bone baby. I am just glad you didn’t lose your leg.” 

“You and me both,” I nodded. 

“We would have to call you peg leg Detective,” he smiled. 

I threatened to whack him with the cane but just knicked at his ankle a bit with it as I looked over to see Sabi coming towards us. “Hey there kiddo.” 

“Osiyo,” she greeted. 

“Hey there Sabi wabi, how goes the wonderful world of kidland?” 

“Is okies thanks,” she said. 

“Things at the orphanage going okay now that there’s a new matron lady there?” I asked her and she nodded quietly. 

Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a dime and handed it to Sabi. “Here you go sweetie. Takes that and buy you something sweet. Ok.” 

“There’s a new lady there... Abigail something. Seems nice enough and seems to really care for the children,” I looked over at Thomas. 

“Oh I am so glad to hear that. The kids need a good caretaker for sure. Does she cook ok Sabi?” Thomas asked. 

“Oh yes she does,” Sabi nodded. “She is very nice.” 

“Glad to hear that kiddo,” I smiled. 

“Well if you ever need anything Sabi, let us know ok? Whether it a tickle, or a noogie, or a big bunch of candy to make you all hyper ok,” Thomas smiled and gave her a big hug and I smiled, watching the two of them. 

“Well we were just walking around. Shall we continue dear?” I looked at Thomas. “I want to check the office in Diamond.” 

“Yeah my dear, we should head on, I dont want you walking to long on that leg. But this will help keep it from getting to stiff,” Thomas said. 

“Yes, that was my intention,” I winked at him. “See you soon, Sabi.” 

“Bye Sabi, stay outta trouble, and be a good girl,” Thomas waved to her. 

“Bye bye!” she said and we walked down the street to check the office in Black Diamond. 

October 24, 1900

Tombstone. 

I limped down the street this morning and looked everywhere around me, cautious wherever I walked. Joe looked over at me and greeted me, “Hello hop along.” 

“Y’all find any gold at all?” asked a woman standing nearby. 

“If ya find gold, you keep quiet about it,” Joe paused and looked at the woman.

“Folks’ll swarm to you like bees to honey if they find out you’ve got gold,” I nodded in agreement. 

Joe headed off towards Ghenna then and Zan looked over at me. “Hey Trin how are you feelin?” 

“Hurts like hell, thanks Zan. You?” 

“Good but we need to talk…” Zan glanced towards Kate’s. 

“We do?” I asked. 

“What the hell?” James Wallace walked out of the saloon then and I cringed as he looked at me. “How the hell are you still alive trollup? I shot you down dead in the street last night.” 

“Well we might have to delay that talk Trin,” Zan grinned oddly. 

“You shot me in the leg, James. Can’t die from a gunshot wound there. Gonna take a lot more than that to kill me,” I told him. 

He spit at the horse and swallowed some whiskey, pulling out his gun. “Well how bout we finish it for good right here and now sweetheart…” 

I jumped behind Zan and looked at her. “Zan! I need your help here. I’m not getting in a gunfight with him again. Already injured me once this week.” 

“I Lady, ifn ya don’t want me blowin ya off that horse, I suggest you move outta the way,” James said then. 

Zan nodded and kept her horse between us and I glared at him. “Just keep walking, dang it. Let it go.” 

“Y’all can’t shoot at an injured woman, you meanie!” the woman who’d talked about gold exclaimed. 

I backed up more and glared at James. “I mean it James. Put that damn gun down.” 

“Tell ya what mister .. James.. I am not armed.. but . Why don’t you just put that up and let this go for now hmm?” Zan held her hands up. 

“Aley thank God. Tell me you’re armed,” I looked over then. 

“Just as I figured, another trollup backing up a trollup, useless as the whore in whorehouse over there,” James glared. 

“You are quite lucky I am not armed or I would take you down a notch just for that,” Zan smiled tightly. 

“Some problem, Miss Trin?” Aley asked. 

I wished I could just shoot him but my leg was still in too much pain. “Aley, I need your help here. He’s got a gun pointed at me. Threatened to finish the job he didn’t finish yesterday,” I told Aley.

“Best you keep movin my man, ifn ya don’t wanna join these two,” James threatened. 

“Y’all ain’t got no law here?” A stranger asked. 

“Sir, holster your gun please,” Aley ordered. 

“Not till I plant these two whores in the ground where they belong...so you best be getting along,” James threatened. 

“Yes ma’am we do but lots of them are off helping with Helldorado things,” Zan eyed James again. 

“Shut it, James. Move on,” I glared at him. 

“Oh Lordy, such language…” a stranger said. 

“I am of few words, Sir.....remove the weapon from the hands,” Aley threatened. 

“Aley please... I’m too... My leg still hurts from where he planted a cannon bullet in it yesterday,” I told him. 

James backed up a bit, pointing his gun at the horse. “Don’t even think about it sweetheart. It will be the first to go.” 

“This is the man that was at the saloon in Bisbee. He’s going after Thomas and wants me out of the way! Lucky Jimmy is out of town or he’d go after the kid too!” I told Aley. 

“Shore do Trinny dear, if I cant have ya, my brother can’t have ya either..and since you and this other is together, might as well take care of ya both,” James said. 

“I repeat, I am of few words, remove the weapon from the hands, Sir!!” Aley exclaimed. 

I headed over to the fence and leaned against it, feeling too much pain as James looked at Aley and said, “My boy, ya just made the last mistake of yore life...you had yore chance to walk away, now you can join these two.” 

“I’m tired of repeating, Sir!!” Aley said, getting angry. 

“Oh just shoot him already!” the man sighed. 

“Aley!” I leaned against the post, feeling like I was going to fall over from the pain. 

James raised his gun and pointed it to fire at the group. Zan spun the horse towards me to cover me as I fell to the ground from the shock. I felt frustrated because I couldn’t do anything and Chris came over then. Zan told him to move me inside and he looked at me, shouting, “C’mon Trin. NOW! Inside Kate’s, Trin!” Chris said and I gripped him, trying to walk with him. 

“I ain’t threatening, it’s a promise I am going to kill the three of ya,” James promised. 

Chris gripped his guns and told me, “Stay in here.” 

“Shoot an unarmed woman and you will get lynched for sure mister,” Zan shouted to him. 

“Stay in here Zan, are you ok? What’s going on here??” Chris asked, but then walked out to join Zan outside. I threw my cane angrily across the room, watching from the door. 

“I repeat, I am of few words, remove the weapon from the hands, Sir!!” Aley exclaimed for the last time. 

Chris drew his gun then and I went to pick up the cane again, watching as James was shot down. Aley shook his head and said, “I had warned… You can not threaten defenceless women.” 

“Is he dead?” Zan asked and I walked over, wanting to know that answer too. 

“I don’t know,” Chris shook his head. 

I fainted from the shock and when I came to I called out, “Chris? Thomas? Zan? Chris?” 

“Thinking we might need a doc for her as well.. if he is even alive,” Zan nodded. 

“Someone find a doc!” Chris shouted. 

“Trin are you ok.. “ Zan looked down at me. 

“Chris... is he... Is he…?” I tried to run out, in spite the pain I was feeling, and gripped for Zan. 

“I... I’m not sure…” 

“I can not stand braggarts...and those who threaten defenceless people,” Aley shook his head. 

“He wanted... to kill me…. And Thomas…” I cried out, leaning against Zan. 

“Well it’s a good thing you are safe,” Reb said. 

“Yes he told me.. he said you were dead. that he killed you, I didn’t tell him different,” Zan said. “And said Thomas was next.” 

“You saved our lives... all of you... Thank you…” I said tearfully, looking between Aley and Chris. 

“Now he is enjoying a bit of land on the face,” Aley laughed. 

“Guess we are even huh?” Zan kept a hand on me. 

Chris drew his gun then, pointing it at James, who lay in the ground. Zan lifted her hand towards him and said, “Noo love no.. no call for that…” 

“Don’t shoot now, sir,” Aley warned. 

“If he ain’t dead he will be and that will be cold murder,” Zan said and Chris hanged his head, sighing as he holstered his gun. I cried on Zan’s shoulder as I watched. 

“This is cruelty,” Aley pointed out. 

“What have I done…” Chris nodded. 

“You’ve saved my life, Chris,” I told him tearfully and went over to hug him gently, crying on his shoulder. 

“He has received quite what he deserves,” Aley said. 

“Thank you Sir... for whatever you did before I got here,” Chris told him. “It’s all ok now Trin… If he’s not dead yet, he will be before a damn doctor gets here! Scuse the language, ladies.” 

“Love.. relax.. it’s over.. lets get Trin sat somewhere to rest a bit,” Zan touched Chris’ arm. 

“Thank you Sir, was providential your arrival,” Aley told him. 

“I…” I looked over at Aley, but then looked back down at the man who wanted to kill me. 

“Is he…” Chris asked as Zan went to check for a pulse in James’ wrist. 

“No need for a doc.. unless they wanna say he is sure enough dead.. and he is,” Zan shook her head and I blinked more tears, leaning shakily against Aley. 

“You need to rest, Miss Trin,” Aley looked at me. 

“I... can’t... he…” I shook my head. 

“He…?” Aley asked me. 

James coughed up blood then, blinking his eyes open slowly. “Trin,” he whispered and I gasped, clinging to Aley. 

“Lord, take this man into your place and do as you see fit... I pray he finds peace in his last moment... And forgive me, your humble servant... for what I have done... Amen,” Chris bowed his head. 

“Triiiiiin," James whispered, and Zan got out her gun just in case. “T....tell Thomas….” 

“Zan dear... He’s gone…” Chris told Zan. 

“Gone? He was talking.. how is that gone?” Zan asked. 

“Look close…” Chris said. 

James dropped a picture of himself and Thomas with their family together as kids and said, “Tell Thomas I… l… loved him…” he said and then fell dead, spitting out blood. 

“He can’t hurt you. Or anyone,” Chris promised and Zan holstered her gun. 

“How could you love him! You tried to kill him!!!” I blinked and took the picture, seeing the two brothers. I wanted to kick him, but I was in too much pain. “I need... Thomas... drink... something…” 

“I would like to trample him as I did with criminals, when I was a marshal,” Aley said. 

“Let’s go get you a stiff drink.. Christopher can look for Thomas..” Zan looked at me, turning from the body of James. “Okay love?” she looked at Chris. 

“Of course. Where could I find him?” Chris asked. 

“Pearce… Our house in Pearce…” I started, feeling shaky. 

Chris headed off and we went into Kate’s for a drink as Bree joined us. I tried to calm down and relax, but I was in too much shock, staring down at the floor. It wasn’t long before Chris and Thomas walked in and he looked around asking, “What the…?” 

“Trin, do you feel like talking to Thomas?” Chris asked me. 

“Hi Bree, Zan…what’s going on?” Thomas asked. “Trin!! You ok love?” 

“It was James.. “ Zan looked at him. 

“Thomas? He’s….?” I looked over at Thomas and blinked as I reached for him, shaking my head as a fresh set of tears fell as Chris whispered to Zan. 

“What is it baby, tell me?” Thomas asked. 

“James he... and Zan... and then Chris... and the horse... and Aley…” I tried, but I could barely control my thoughts as my mind was spinning. 

“James? What about James...did he hurt you again? Where is he?” Thomas looked at me, confused. 

“He’s… dead…” I looked down, crying more and held him the picture James gave me before he died. 

“He’s having a talk with Jesus right about now, Thomas,” Chris sighed. 

“Chris what is she talking about?” Thomas turned to him. 

“He came after her again. Zan and the gentleman outside confronted him, as I understand…” Chris said. 

“Trin, where did you get this?” Thomas blinked and stared at the picture. 

“He said.. he... lo…..” I started but broke down, falling in his arms. 

“When I got here, all I saw was James waving a gun around threatening them... He shot at Zan... and I... finished him,” Chris looked down. 

“You did right thing, Chris,” Bree said. “I know is hard to bear but Zan at risk." 

“He had his gun... at me… Zan blocked me… He wanted to kill me!!” I exclaimed and cried against Thomas. 

“I will leave you in peace I hope…” Bree said. 

Thomas grabbed me in his arms and hugged me tight. “Oh my God, thank you Chris! He already shot her last night. Thank you all of you for saving her life.” 

“It’s over Tom... it’s…” 

“It’s okay baby… but this picture… where?” 

“He gave... he gave it to me.. He told me to tell you... that he loved you… Then he... died….” I told him. Thomas looked at me and then broke down himself, holding me close. 

“Thomas, I didn’t know what else to do. Can you forgive me?” Chris asked him. 

“Chris, you did what you had to do. There is nothing to forgive, he would have killed Trin and Zan both, I know it,” Thomas reached for his hand and Chris gripped it tight. “I owe you big time Chris..you saved many lives,and probably kept me from prison.” 

“I have to turn myself in,” Chris nodded. 

I stared down in shock, upset that I couldn’t even defend myself because I’d been wounded. “Turn yourself in...for what?” Thomas asked. 

“I killed a man, Thomas. Self defence or not… I’ll do what’s right and see what happens.” 

“You killed a man who was trying to shoot others...you did nothing wrong.” 

“I hope the good Lord and the law sees it that way.” 

“I will testify on your behalf if I have to Chris… you did Tombstone a great favor.” Thomas held me closer and kissed my cheek softly. “It’s ok dear, I am here...its all over.” 

“He can’t go.... he can’t go to jail. It’s not right. I…” I started. 

“Chris I will do everything possible to keep you from going to jail...I promise,” Thomas looked at him. 

“Thank you, Thomas... Odd that there wasn’t a deputy in sight though,” Chris said. 

Zan walked in then and looked at me and Thomas, touching Christopher’s hand with a smile. “Well now this was not what I had in mind about us getting together. It is going to take a while , you know? For you all to get over this..” 

Thomas smiled wearily at Zan. “Yeah, not quite the get together I had in mind either.” He sighed deeply and drank down his beverage and then said, “Damn that burns going down.” 

“And you,” Zan said as she looked at Chris.

“I can’t believe I am saying this, but I want him to get a decent burial...I mean no matter what, he was my brother,” Thomas aid and I stayed quiet, still in shock. 

“Oh.. did you .. get the picture Thomas? Did you tell him what he said?” Zan looked at us. 

“She did,” Thomas nodded and wiped tears from his eyes. 

Chris shoved his gunbelt off behind the bar and onto the floor. Zan stood and walked around and picked up the guns, sliding them back to Chris. “Put them back on please,” she told him. 

“I’m a preacher. I’m supposed to LEAD people to God, not SEND them to Him!” Chris exclaimed. 

“Chris... you saved my life with those guns. Put them back on,” I finally spoke. 

“You saved more than one life today.. if you had not been there.. to help. Maybe Aley could not have done it,” Zan told him. 

Chris looked from Zan to me and reluctantly put his gun belt back on. Chris looked over and said, “Chris, I am afraid it ain’t God he is visiting right now...I am sure the devil has him and they are throwing a party down there.” 

“What if it was Leo.. would you want to be unarmed then?” Zan bit her lip. 

“You’re right, love…” Zan sighed. 

The door swung open and I reached for my guns, but then saw that it was just a woman named Alex that I’d met before. Suddenly out of nowhere, everyone wished me happy birthday. I had completely forgotten it was my birthday too, but they hugged me as I said, “Thanks everyone! Glad to still be alive for it!” 

“Happy Birthday my love!” Thomas kissed me softly. 

“I’m... I’m fine... I didn’t... Right... birthday…” I blinked as Alex asked me if I was okay. “I’ll... I’ll be okay... it’s a new year.. a fresh start... the past is behind us… Or at least... working on it being…” 

Chris and Zan headed out then to take in the events for Helldorado and we stepped outside too as I told Alex what had happened. Thomas met Aley and thanked him for his help in the events that had transpired. 

After a while, Thomas put his arm around me and asked, “You going to be ok love?” 

“In time, dear,” I said and thanked Aley for his help again. “Dear I think I should go home and lay down.” 

“I think that Miss Trin need to rest a little,” Aley agreed. 

“Yes, I think that’s a great idea dear. You have been though a lot,” Thomas nodded. 

Pearce. 

Thomas and I headed home after we said goodbye to Aley and I fell onto the couch, exhausted in every sense of the word. “We’re home baby,” Thomas exhaled as he locked the door.

“I think I will spend the weekend here... work on my novel... Try to... heal.” 

“I think that’s a great idea love. You need the rest, and I have some things to take care of now.” 

“Like adopting Jimmy officially? Now that you’re free to do so?” I looked at him. 

“Yes, and seeing James gets buried properly. No matter how he was, my parents would want that, and so do I.” 

“I understand it’s just hard... for me to agree since he just tried to kill me,” I nodded. “But I know he’s tried to kill you in the past too.” 

“I know baby. But he’s my brother...I just....gotta put him to rest finally....see it myself.” 

“I know.. You need that closure.” I put a hand on his cheek and said, “I’m here for you, darling. I mean that.” 

“Trin! What do I tell Jimmy? Do I tell Jimmy?” 

“I think you need to, yes. I think you need to tell him that his father was killed. I’m not sure you need to include the part about him trying to kill us though.. But he needs to know his father is dead. And I think he needs to be at that funeral.” I watched him break down again and I held him close as he cried. “Oh sweetheart….” 

“Trin…why? Why did he have to do this? he was my brother, but I hated him so much!” Thomas shook as he held me tightly, crying. 

“I don’t know love... I don’t know…” I said and rubbed his back, letting him cry.