February 17, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street tonight and saw Mr. Lot guarding the street corner, so I kept walking. I saw a lady that I didn’t recognize down the street and said, “Oh hi, ma’am. That’s a real perty dress.” 

“Thank you sweetie,” she said with a smile. 

“What’s your name?”

“Miss Lauren Lyric.” 

“Ooh. I’m Natalie. Natalie Paige.” 

“Paige? are you the detective little girl?” 

“Yup, Miss Trin’s my ma!” I grinned. 

“Ya mean DEFECTIVE, not detective!” Mr. Lot shouted then and I glared over at him. 

“Hey, no talkin’ bout ma like that.” I glared over at Mr. Lot. “And Mr Thomas is my pa. And Jimmy is my brother,” I told her. 

“Oh ok I heard her talking about you earlier. She is helping me with a few things,” Lauryn said. 

“She was? What was she sayin’ bout me?” I looked back at her. 

“Oh just how smart and grown up you are becoming,” she said to me. 

“Hear that, Mr. Lot?” I grinned over at him. “I’m grown up!” 

“Your ma has been very helpful,” Miss Lauren said. 

“Yeah she’s real good at what she does.” I grinned. “She always finds who she’s lookin’ for, one way or another.” 

“Yeah, she is 8 and thinks she is going on 80. That don’t make her grown up, that makes her a smart ass!” Mr. Lot called. 

“Mr Lot, I’m twelve. Don’t you remember?” I looked over at him. “And you not s’posed to use words like that.” 

“Twelve, eight…. still a dumb ass brat.” 

“What’d I ever do to you?” I folded my arms across my chest. 

“Spoke. Now go find a train to play in front of,” Mr. Lot said. 

“Nah.... I don’t like playin’ on train tracks. Too dangerous.” I shook my head. 

“Oh I just love how a train makes a nice mess…” Miss Downy smiled. 

I heard her and backed up behind her. She suggested we go to the hotel and Mr. Lot shouted, “GO ON GIT, AND TAKE YER NEW PLAYTHING WITH YOU!” 

We went into the hotel and I jumped a little seeing two Native people. “Wow... Real Apache people?” I looked up in awe. 

“Dago Te, Chief Mahko my friend,” Mr. Chris was saying to them. 

“Dago te? What’s that mean?” I asked. 

“Dago te hastiin Chris,” the Native chief said and nodded to me. “I say hello mister Chris.” 

“Ooh.... Dago Te means ‘hello’?” I asked. 

“How are you this night?” Mr. Chris asked. 

“I am well. Ashoog.” 

Mr. Lot and Miss Downy continued to tease me and I kept trying to learn words in Apache. Mr. Lot kept saying mean things about ma and I told Mr. Mahko that my ma was part Apache. I told him that her pa died who was in a native part of the war. I told Mr. Lot to stop talking bad about my family and he told me to shut my mouth. I hid behind Mr. Mahko and reached for his hand, but Mr. Mahko moved. I frowned and turned to Mr. Chris for help, and Mr. Lot went on about how Ma had accused people of things they didn’t do. I told him it had nothing to do with me and Miss Downy went on about how I should know my place. Mr. Chris told me not to let it bother me and I got really upset and they kept going on about discipline and nonsense I stormed my way back home. 

Bisbee. 

I sat at my desk writing and Pa came upstairs. I looked up as he said, “Hey munchkin. How’s it going?” 

“I think I’m gonna avoid Allen Street for a while, Pa… If I go to Tombstone it’ll be to go to church or school or the library. Nowhere else.” 

“Why is that munchkin? Something happen you want to talk about?” He asked, sitting down beside me and putting his arms around me. 

“Mr Lot and Miss Downy were talkin’ bad about you and ma and me and I couldn’t take it anymore.” 

Pa nodded and kissed the top of my head. “Awww sweetie. I understand. Your man and I have decided to avoid Tombstone pretty much too. We can live peacefully with the Wild Bunch running the streets of Tombstone anymore. As for Lot and Downy, we just gotta let ’em be, and go on with our own lives. They will get theirs some day.” 

“I yelled at ’em, pa.” I hid against him. “I let ’em bully me. Like those mean kids at the orphanage. From where I lived before Tombstone.” I started to cry and leaned against him. “I’m just... weak, pa.” 

“I am sorry munchkin. No, you’re not weak dear. You’re a kid who is 12 and is growing up into a young beautiful lady. You are so much like your ma. They do it, because they know it gets to us. Lot and Downy and their bunch do the same things to your ma and me. We just have to learn to turn the other cheek.” 

“But... how? How do you do that when all ya wanna do is run away but they keep followin’ and makin fun of ya and callin ya and yer parents bad things?” 

“He called ma a skunk, pa.” 

“Well munchkin, I know its hard. Why do you think I have so many bullet holes in me.” Pa leaned over and whispered, “You know something munchkin. When your ma goes a couple days without bathing, she does kinda smell a bit loud.” 

I sighed, not feeling much better. “I’m just tired of it, pa. And you know what else? I miss bein’ on a horse. Then I can just... ride away.” 

“Then you know what you got to do sweetie. You gotta get back on that horse and break the fear or you will never get over it. Get Jimmy to take you to the stables, or take one of our horses out somewhere in the open, and start to work over you fear. Thats the best thing you can do munchkin.” 

“I think I gotta. That way I can just call for Velvet and ride away from ’em. But I ain’t goin’ in there when I see ’em standin’ there. I’m just... Not strong enough to fac ’em and not react. I gotta pertect my family, don’t I? I’m the big sister.” 

“That’s right sweetie. Big sister has to protect herself and Jimmy. Cause ya know Jimmy has that bb gun, and I am still afraid what he is up to with it.” 

“Pa if I tell him ’bout all this he’s gonna want to go over to Lot’s saloon and shoot the glass.. But that’ll jes make it worse.” 

“Oh no! Don’t you dare let him do that. Gosh no, then we will really have a problem. Maybe I should take his bb gun away from him. I dont want him shooting anything or anybody.” 

“I think you should, pa. I jes don’t know why he’s got it anyway. Guns jes make things worse and people get hurt. I ain’t gonna let my little brother become that way.” 

“I got it fer him sweetie, cause I had one at his age. It was how I learned to shoot and hunt. Jimmy is just too wild strung, and doesn’t think before he acts sometimes.” 

“Or maybe you should teach him how to use it right, pa... Teach him to know when to use it.” 

He nodded and kissed my cheek. “You are so smart munchkin. Jimmy is very lucky to have you as his big sister. And your ma and I are so lucky to have you as our daughter. You mean the world to us. Both of you. Never forget that.We love you both very much.” 

“Just don’t love how I acted tonight, pa.” I sighed and nodded against him. He’s got every right to call me names.” 

“It’s ok dear. Thats the inner woman coming out in you. You’re getting older, and your ummm inner self is reacting to things differently than when you was younger. Just like with you and boys. Nobody has a right to call you a name munchkin. You cant help being the way you are, no more than your ma or I can help the way we are. We are all different. It’s what makes us who we are. I don’t care who it is, or what they do, no one has the right to call a child anything. Except for me, I get to call you my little munchkin, cause you are so adorable.” 

I hugged him tightly and looked over at the bed. “Pa.. can you read me a bedtime story after I put on my pyjamas? I wanna ferget ’bout today.” 

“Sure sweetie. What story ya wanna hear?” 

“Surprise me,” I said and went to change into my pyjamas. 

“How bout that crazy woman in da cabin story who stalks everybody and pulls out their toenails with sheep sheers?” Pa rolled his eyes and shook his head. 

“You want me to have nightmares, pa?” I blinked. 

“No, I guess that wouldn’t be a good one huh?” 

I chuckled and got comfy under the covers. “How bout… When ya first kissed ma?” 

“Aren’t you a little too young to hear about stories like that?” 

“Not if my innerself is startin’ to come out ’bout boys and protectin’ and stuff.” I smiled proudly. 

“Well let’s see. I was a frog prince, sitting by the water in Pearce. Your ma come walking by to go home, and I froggy hopped up to her door and ribbited until she answered. She thought I was such a cute froggy, she kissed me, and turned me into what you see now.” 

“Now see I know that ain’t true ’cause ma’s terrified o’ frogs... She wouldn’t kiss one.” I looked up at him. 

“But, I wasn’t just any ole frog. I was the handsomest frog in all of Pearce.” Pa chuckled. 

“Paaaa…” 

“Hey… now if you saw me as a frog, wouldn’t you want to kiss me to make me into a man?” 

“Use a better example.” I folded my arms across my chest. 

“Ok, well darnit!” Pa sighed. “Do you remember the tree that your ma used to sit in over in Pearce when she would write?” 

“Uh huh.” I nodded. 

“Well, I come a callin on her one evnin, and she was up in dat yonder tree riten some tale a sorts. I didn see her and she dang nere made me jump out my skin when she hollered Thomas out dat der tree at me.” 

“Keep goin’... this is soundin’ more real.” I giggled. 

“Well I went over an’ said howdy to her. Said I came a callin on her to see her. So she jumped down outta dat tree and we sat fer a spell by da water watchin the sunset. The gleam in her eyes were like sparkling moonlight on tha water. It got cool, so I put my coat round her and I felt the moment right, so I kissed her for the first time right under dat tree.” 

“That’s real sweet pa.” I grinned. 

“Well your ma is the most beautiful lady in the world. But you know what?” 

“What?” 

“You’re the second most beautiful young lady in the whole world.” He hugged me tight and kissed my forehead. 

I giggled and hugged him tight. “Do I gotta go to sleep pa?” 

“Why ya ask munchkin? Ain’t you sleepy? Its way past yer bedtime.” 

“I don’t know... Just can’t top.. thinkin’.” I shrugged and cuddled my teddy. 

“About what sweetie?” Pa asked and I looked down. “What is it munchkin? You can tell me anything, you know that.” 

“I feel like I let you down tonight, pa.” 

Pa looked at me with a soft look and slipped into bed beside me. “Why do yo think that?” 

“Because.... I made it worse when I shoulda just walked home, and not down the street where they could still follow.” 

“Sweetie, I am so proud of you. You stood up for yourself, and for your family. Don’t ever let Lot, Downy or anybody else tell you different. You have as much right to walk down the streets of Tombstone with your head high as they do. You showed you care, and you showed you don’t run from bullies. That would just make it worse sweetie.” 

“I guess pa…” I nodded, hugging him tighter. 

“I am right munchkin. Bullies just want to make you run, cry, and hide. They live for that. I should know, I have been bullied near my whole life. But we learn from it, and we move on. We learn to not let it bother us. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but ugly words will never hurt us. Always remember thats munchkin.” As he talked, I nodded and felt my eyes closing. “Hey! before you drift off...did you get a present I left for you here on your bed for Valentines Day?” 

“Um…” I blinked and grinned, seeing the stuffed animal. “Yeah! The doggy with the Rose!” 

“Yep! That was it.” He smiled. 

“Gonna call her Rose.” I grinned. 

“I thought you would like that...now your bear has a little stuffed friend to keep him company.” 

“Hope Shira don’t think Rose is a real dog.” 

“Oh I hope not either. But then maybe she will think it brought her a flower.” Pa laughed. 

I giggled and hugged him tightly. “Night pa. Thanks for makin’ me feel better.” 

“Night munchkin. You sleep tight, and have sweet dreams ok.” 

“Will try…” I nodded against him. 

“You want me to sleep with you tonight? I will if you want me to.” 

“If ya fit.” I nodded. 

Pa took off his gun belt and kicked off his boots, scooting in beside me on the bed and snuggling me close. “Goodnight sweetie,” he said and I fell asleep instantly. 

February 14, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into school this morning to get some writing done before class and Mr. Finesmith came into the room, arranging his notes. “Sorry, I’m a bit early... I was gonna do some writin’ before class. Ma and I... we’re writin’ a book,” I told him. 

“Fantastic. Never be sorry for academics.” 

“You wanna hear about it Mister Finesmith?” 

“I will in just a moment... I need to review this post I have on the desk. Then- I will be all attention,” he said and got to work. I smiled and worked on ma’s journals from the huge stack of papers and then he said after a while, “Now.. you were saying?” 

“Well ya see sir… Ma’s a Pinkerton, right?” 

“I will take you at your word.” 

“And she always takes lotsa notes on what conversations she has during the day….  So she don’t forget nothin’. Well... we’re gonna write a book. Gatherin’ all the stuff ’bout the cases she’s worked in Tombstone. So I gotta read through her journals... and write notes bout where case stuff comes up. See?” 

“With her expressed permission naturally?” He nodded. 

“Of course. Ma knows I’m a good writer for the Bee. She says it’s good practice for me.” 

“And the goal of this collection will be?”

“To put it all together in a book. Like Sherlock Holmes.” 

“I understand it will be in a book form.. but what will your demographic be?” 

“Demographic?” I looked at him, sounding out the word. 

“Oh yes.. pardon. You’re readers.. whom will you be hopeful of your audience? Lawmen? Criminals?” 

“Oooh. Readers.” 

“Children?” 

“Um... maybe law people that wanna learn... or people that wanna know what ma does.. Maybe children who wanna know what happens in Tombstone… I dunno.” 

“es.. so you hadn’t thought that through- this is fine with your first works. Marvellous.” 

“It’s lotsa fun readin’, mister Finesmith. Helps me get to know my ma better.” 

“Will you be using your name.. or that of a ‘pen name’ a name created so no one knows particularly who authored such personal knowledge? Thus a name that will live on in your young writing career, where you can continue to seek out truths for your book- unfettered?” 

“Hmm… Guess I should, huh? Do ya think I should use real names in the book?” 

“Things change... when people realize who the writer is.. for the better .. or sometimes . the worst.” 

“And if they know a kid wrote it? They might not read it?”

“Doesn’t matter the age of the author.” 

“Oh.” 

“Some of the authors of the Holy Bible were teenagers.” 

“Like um…” I tried to think. 

“And it doesn’t get bigger then that huh?” 

“That’s the best book ever, mister! Oh, can I ask ya a question, Sir?” 

“You just did.” 

“Well... may I?” 

“You did again.” 

“I was lookin’ in the library last night for stuff ’bout Friday the 13th… I wanted to know how come it was so..... not liked. But no one really had an answer in the book. There’s lots of ideas why.” 

“Well.. One theory- and the most popular- Has to do with the very book we were just discussing.” 

“Right... the Lord’s Supper… And Judas was the thirteenth guest. And he betrayed Jesus. But…” 

“I know the story.” 

“That can’t be why it’s so superstitious, can it? Just ’cause of Good Friday?” 

“Oddly.. the number 13 is a good luck number in Italy. for the same reason.” 

“Cause um… Judas was Italian?” I looked at him. 

“I believe he was not. I believe he was from Ascariot which was in ... ohh…” 

“Oh… But... Mister Finesmith… That can’t be all. There’s gotta be other reasons why there’s never a room thirteen.... how come people don’t start journeys on it... how come people get so scared of gettin’ hurt or killed… Judas did what he did ’cause God let him, didn’t he? So Jesus could be our sacrifice?" she looks at him, confused.” 

“Judea.. somewhere there.. I will find out. Oh.. now you are asking questions that I am not able to speak on ethically, I have no training in religious matters.” 

“Oh… But… Friday the thirteenth c’ain’t be just ’cause of Jesus… There’s gotta be another reason. Ain’t there?” 

“Perhaps there is.” 

“But how come no one knows?” 

“But it wouldn’t be the first time a date was changed.” 

I gave him my research for the article and he said he’d review it after class. “You gonna teach me only if no one else comes?” I asked. 

“It very well could be that today, the 14th day of February, is that of St Valentines day.” 

“Right..” I said and blushed, thinking of Buster. “Oh! I could write ’bout the history of Valentine’s Day!” 

“Which brings us to our lesson today. Kindly stow your research clear from your desk.. perhaps the desk behind you.  Also.. if you have any creatures .. rocks.. candy.. gum.. kindly hand that to me now.” He held out his hand. 

I got out a clean notebook page and wrote my article for Valentin’s Day as he talked. “No sir.” I shook my head. 

“Very well." He said, looking me up and down. 

“We gonna learn ’bout Valentine’s Day today?” I asked. 

“There is nothing i can teach you about the Day specifically. It means one thing to some.. somethings to others But I can make a few points.” 

A new girl walked into school then and Mr. Finesmith looked at her as she said, “Sorry I’m late, Sir.” 

“We got a new girl!!” I exclaimed excitedly. 

“Young Ma’m... you are late.” 

“You can sit beside me. That’s the boy’s side.” I told her. “Hi, I’m Natalie.” 

“Well.. a wise man once said.. better later then not at all,” Mr. Finesmith said. 

“Oh, okay… Thank you Natalie. I’m Zandra,” the girl said and sat beside me after she handed an apple to the teacher. 

“Creatures, rocks, gum, candy... other items of distraction- I will have those now.” Mr. Finesmith took the apple. “What a lovely piece of fruit.” 

Zandra gave us all an apple too and we thanked her. 

“Has everyone seen the new McGuffey Readers we were sent?” Mr. Finesmith asked. 

“Those the books Miss Paisley used last week?” I nodded. 

“Yes those.” He said and Zandra and Soria hadn’t seen them yet. “Ok Miss Zandra.. Miss Soria.. you will be introduced to them next week. I have something else planned for today. Today.. as you know.. is St Valentines day. And because of this day, we will make- by hand - our very own valentine- and address it to someone intended. You will write your name in your best handwriting. And you will write the name of your intended in your best handwriting. Now.. I will be handing out 2 items This jar of Glue.. it is for the valentines only. Not for sampling… not for slathering on the boys chairs.” He handed out the glue and said, “ Next.. I will hand you a decorated board. This will be the base of you Valentine.” He handed out the boards and said, “You’re Valentine may be your parent.. brother sister.. pet .. or anyone at all.” 

Soria raised her hand and asked, “Is it true that they make horses into glue?” 

“Yes. Some glue is made from the hooves of beasts that have hooves. Nextly, you will go up to this box on the stage And inside you will find some amazing artworks in the form of valentines. You may choose one.” 

We went up to the front and picked what we wanted to use for our Valentine and he went on. “Decorate your cardboard by daubing the glue on the face, then applying the artwork to it. Take your time with the pieces, Pick one that you especially like.” 

“Mr Finesmith? How come there’s lots with angels with no clothes on em?” I asked. 

“If you feel you cannot decide between several, or have more then one valentine. I can provide a second cardboard.. but only AFTER you have successfully shown me you have wrote in good penmanship, your name on the first.” 

“Sorry I late!” Buster’s voice came as he raced into the school. I jumped hearing him walk in and blushed beat red, going to sit at my desk. 

“LATE!” Mr. Finesmith exclaimed with wide eyes. 

I shifted in my seat, looking over at Buster and waving softly. I made sure Buster didn’t see what I was working on as I worked. 

“Ladies.. are their any questions? While you work?” 

“Well um… There’s lots with angels… But they don’t got clothes.” 

“And?” 

“How come?” 

“Moment lad… I will get to you shortly,” Mr. Finesmith said to Buster who raised his hand too. Looking at me he said, “This is called Art for a reason Young Natalie.” 

“Was that an answer?” I leaned over to Zandra and whispered. 

Mr. Finesmith handed Buster some glue and said, “This is glue. It is not food. It is not a toy. It is not a weapon. The glue is used to put on the card board I will be giving you shortly. We will not hurl the jar across the room or roll it on the floor. We will not take the glue home with us after the lesson. Understood?” 

“My uncle David had a horse name GLUE!” Buster giggled. 

“That’s a weird name for a horse,” I said. 

“I don’t think it is,” Zandra said to me. 

“Sir?” Buster raised his hand. “Why would we throw glue?” 

“Why can’t we take the glue home afterwards?” Zandra asked. 

“The glue will need to be used by another student.. then another.. until it is exhausted.” Mr. Finesmith said. 

“Glue gets tired?” I asked. 

“Today is Valentines day young man,” Mr. Finesmith said as he handed Buster a board. “And your lesson today will be construction of a valentine. You will use this piece of cardboard and that jar of glue to construct said Valentine. Now.. shortly- you will attend the box on the stage.. and inside the box- you will find bits of artwork. Retrieve one that you like.” 

“What’s a Valentine?” Buster asked.

“And carefully, with the glue - daub a bit onto the cardboard to afix the artwork,” Mr. Finesmith said. But the Lesson is not the very construction of the piece but your penmanship in addressing it. Carefully write your name on it and the name of your intended to receive the Valentine.” 

“Intended? Intended what?” Buster asked. 

“Your valentine man be your Parent, brother, sister.. pet .. anyone at all. Now.. go to the stage and choose artwork from the box,” Mr. Finesmith said to him and then looked at us. “How are we doing ladies?” 

I pulled my knees up under my chin as I finished writing Buster’s name, not looking at anyone and trying to hide the name as Mr. Finesmith went around looking at peoples’ work. He told us to take our time and be careful with the glue. I tried to be careful with the finishing touches. I was more nervous now that Buster was there as he went up to the front. 

“Mr Finesmith?” Buster asked then. “Um is you only suppose to make ONE Balentine?” 

“I can fetch your another cardboard. Anyone else need another?” Mr. Finesmith asked. 

I wondered who else he’d make a valentine for and started to get nervous. I tried to think and then nodded, raising my hand for another piece of board and he gave it to me. I started to work on it as he handed out boards for other kids. I finished my valentines and then looked up at Mr. Finesmith. “Okay Mister Finesmith, what we do when we done?” 

“Now. The delivery of our very special valentines. We have several methods. You can give them personally, you can give them to someone that you trust to hand them to your Valentine. If they need be mailed- I can mail them for you at the Wells Fargo. To be delivered today by Pony Express. Or.. I would be honored to deliver your card. If you cannot decide.” 

I looked from him to Buster, and then at the other girls, wondering if they would make fun of me. 

“And now students. That being said.... Enjoy your Valentines day!!!!!!! Believe me when I say that your work- while both stunning and thoughtful- will be treasured for years to come,” Mr. Finesmith said. “I hope you enjoyed the deviation from our regular lesson” 

“I’m gonna still research where today came from, Mister Finesmith. I curious now,” I told him. 

“Yes Miss Natalie,” Mr. Finesmith said. 

“It’ll be in the Bee hopefully, Zandra! If I can get it done in time,” I told her.

Buster looked at me nervously and I looked back at him, blinking a bit as he told Mr. Finesmith, “I made one for my momma who is back east, and a someone else.” 

“I am from the east as well- if you need it sent to her,” Mr. Finesmith said. 

“No sir my Uncle David is going to go visit my mom, his sister, in a few weeks I can then,” Buster told him.

“Excellent. That being said.. Class is dismissed! McGuffey readers next week!” 

I walked over to Buster and said, “Hey Buster?” I held his card and the pile of ma’s notes in my hands, not giving it to him yet. 

“Hi Natalie,” Buster greeted me. 

“You wanna um... go play that game on the bridge again? I jes gotta go home and drop off these notes from ma.” 

“Um I gotta do some chores for Uncle but… maybe a little bit of time,” Buster said. 

“Well um…” I fiddled with my dress. 

“Buster… why the rush?” 

“I have chores to do sir,” he said. 

“Well uh... in case I don’t see you later…” I started. 

“Why don’t you take a moment to speak to Miss Natalie.. to make up for your being late to class?” Mr. Finesmith asked. “I just may forget about that tardiness.” 

I grinned and gave him a smile and then Buster said, “Um, okay sir.” 

“Buster... I made um... I made somethin’ for you…” I looked at him nervously as Mr. Finesmith headed out of the schoolhouse, leaving us alone. 

“Oh you make me sumthin to eat?” Buster asked. 

I shook my head and reached for the valentine for him and handed it to him. “It’s got a cat, see?” I asked, shifting nervously. 

“It’s nice.” He nodded. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome Buster. I um... I had lots of fun last week.” 

“Me too, sorry I been busy a lot at the house to play.” 

“It’s okay.” I nodded. “I’m just glad ya were... here today.” 

“You wanna go to the bridge again?” 

“Sure!” I nodded, though I was disappointed he hadn’t given me anything. “But um… Can we go to my place and drop off this big pile of notes?” 

“Ok… I have sumthin for you too," Buster said. “But your hands full.” 

“Well maybe um... you could give it to me at my house?” I giggled. 

“Ok, um, we need to stop by mine too an ask Uncle David if I can do my chores a little later. I don’t wants a whippin.” 

“Oh okay sure. Um.... well… You could give it to me and I’ll put it on this pile or somethin’.. you could help me carry em.” 

“Ok. Uncle David says I’m a good helper.” 

I grinned and handed him some of my notes. “Just don’t drop ’em or ma will be mad. But... they all numbered so we can put ’em back in order again. And ma’s got lots of copies at home.” 

Buster put the valentine for me on the table and I felt my heart race as I looked at it. “Aww buster, that’s real nice! Thanks Buster!” I smiled and put it on the pile. “Well I wanna hug ya but I... um... got too much in my hands now.” 

“Oh it’s okay, you ain’t gotta hug me.” He looked horrified at the thought. 

“Come on, let’s take this stuff to my house. Then we’ll go find your uncle and see if you can play first before workin’.” 

We walked outside where Zandra was waiting for her uncle to pick her up and I introduced her to Buster. She said she was 12 and when she blushed, I tried not to drop the papers and looked between them. Buster said that she could join us but then she said she had to go as her uncle and aunt arrived. 

I got uncomfortable around the horses and I said, “Buster maybe we should get goin’.” 

“Yeah Nat, in a minute.” 

“I’m keepin’ my eye on you, boy! I can tell, yer’ a trouble maker!” Zan’s uncle pointed at Buster. 

“He ain’t no trouble maker!” I exclaimed. 

“No sir, I’m good! My Uncle David a lawyer he SUE me if I bad he said.” 

“And my pa would have his hide if he weren’t good.” I giggled. 

Zan introduced us to Mr. Harding and Miss Betina and Mr. Harding said, “Well then! You should make a good lawman someday!” 

“I was just asking Zanny if’n she wants to join me and Nat to play a game at the bridge by the clock tower,” Buster said. 

“Pleasure to meet you both... too bad Zanny has chores to do at the ranch,” Mr. Harding nodded. “Maybe some other time.” 

Buster looked really disappointed and I sighed a bit and said, “Uh… Buster?” 

“Maybe next time....Wahtta think Uncle….Pleeaaaaaaseeee??” Zanny pleaded. 

“Mayyyybe.. but you have to tend to yer’ horses, and you have homework I am sure.” 

“No sir Mr Finesmith gave us no homework,” Buster said. 

“Buster... I gotta put these papers somewhere’s,” I said, feeling my arms getting tired and getting jealous as he was talking to her more than me. Finally, Buster started leading the way down the street and I waved to the others, walking back to Bisbee. 

Bisbee. 

I felt mad and didn’t know why and then heard Buster call my name. I stopped, trying not to be mad as I asked, “What?” 

“What’s the matter?” 

“Nothin’,” I said and kept walking to the house. I wandered into the house and plopped the files on the table. 

“Nat, you looks like my aunt Meg when Uncle done something wrong.” 

“I’m fine.” I shrugged. “Thanks for helpin’ me take the papers home.” 

“Um where you like these?” 

“Over there with the others works, I guess.” I nodded towards the papers on the table. “I jes…” I sighed. “How come boys always wanna hang out with other girls and not me? And the second some other girls walk over, I become invisible?” 

Buster dropped the paper and they all got mixed up and he scooped them up, mixing them more. “Whatcha mean?” 

I sighed, seeing the papers get mixed up, and was relieved they were numbered. “Happened with Jeff and Aspen. Now you and..” 

“What you mean? You’re still my best friend.” 

“I am?” I looked at him. 

“My only friend… Well I think Zanny my friend too… But your my first really friend,” Buster smiled wide. 

“Guess I can’t be mad if boys have other friends. I jes don’t like bein’ forgotten’ about when I’m holdin’ a bunch of papers. It’s a good thing these are numbered.” I said as I looked down at the papers. 

“Oh good.” 

“Sorry I got mad. I really liked your card.” I looked over at him nervously as I started to sort the papers. 

“I’m glad.” 

“Ma and I are writin’ a book. Did I tell ya?” 

“I need to go see uncle David. Oh my gosh he gonna whip me awful!” 

“Yeah. Ya should I guess. Maybe we can play later?” 

“You don’t wanna go?” 

“Oh, yeah I guess I can come with you. Come on!” I said and closed the door as we walked outside. “Pa says I gotta be careful who I bring to the house. But he says you okay.” 

“Uncle David says your a little pest… but your harmless he says…” Buster covered his mouth. “Dang it Nat I sorry I says something Uncle David says I shouldn’t of.” 

“I’m a pest?” I blinked. 

“Not to me.” 

“Well that’s good.” 

“He says you asks a LOT of questions.” 

“Only cause you gotta ask questions to get answers. Come on Let’s go tell your uncle I ain’t a pest.” 

“PLEASE don’t say nuttin’.” Buster shook his head. 

“Okay. I won’t.” I giggled. 

“Thank you.” He sighed. 

Tombstone. 

We walked over to Uncle David’s house and I started to get nervous as we got closer. “Uncle David!” Buster shouted as we came up the hill. 

“BUSTER SMITH NORWOOD, you get in THIS house RIGHT NOW mister!” Mr. David shouted out of the house. 

“Uh oh... You in trouble.” I cringed for him and followed him inside nervously. 

“Buster, what took you so long from school?” Mr. David asked. 

“Um sir I was helping Natalie home,” Buster told him. 

“I had a bunch of files from ma’s journals, sir. Ma and I are writin’ a book. And uh well, they was heavy,” I told him and he frowned at me. 

“Sir I am really sorry, but I thought you would be ok with me helping.” 

“Hmpfh… Well I guess,” Mr. David said. “How’s your folks Miss Paige?” 

“They’re good…” I said. 

“Good tell ’em I said hello.” 

“Spendin’ more time in Bisbee. I’ll do that sir.” I looked over at Buster and said, “Don’t get Buster in trouble... It was my fault.” 

“No, it’s fine Natalie. I’d rather Buster do right by you, always a gentlemen RIGHT Buster?” He asked, looking at Buster. 

“Yes sir. The girls are a sucker for a strong, polite man , they’s melt in your hands…” 

“Um… yes.” Mr. David coughed. 

“And Buster’s real strong!” I put in. 

“He is? Well then you wont have ANY problems chopping the wood for fire?” Mr. David asked him. 

“Yes sir, I mean no sir.” Buster gulped. 

“Now what is it we owe this visit Miss Paige, did you get lost from home?” Mr. David asked. 

“I was gonna ask if we coulds play ’fore chores?” Buster asked. 

“Play before chores?” Mr. David scowled and I gave him a pleading look. 

“Um yes sir.” 

“Go count the logs and let me know what we have.” 

“Yes sir.” Buster ran out and I watched him go, not sure what to do. 

“You’re writing like your Ma’ eh Natalie?” Mr. David asked. 

“Yep we’re workin’ on a book... Kinda like Sherlock... of all her cases.” 

“Nice… read some of your Ma’ stuff she will be famous someday.” 

“Maybe famous like Sherlock!” 

“Sir…” Buster said as he came back into the house. 

“Well?” Mr. David looked at him. 

“Sir there are 25 logs.” 

“Ok you may play but, don’t go far. I call you for chores that’s it. Play over. OK young man?” 

“Yes sir, thank you.” 

“Thanks Mister David.” I grinned. 

“Now get before I change my mind!” 

We ran outside and Buster exclaimed, “Yay!” 

“Wow, didn’t think we were gonna get that lucky!” I said excitedly. 

“I am lucky Uncle David makes me work hard, but he fair,” Buster said. 

“Uh huh! What you wanna do?” 

We played the game with the sticks under the bridge again and I kept winning. We had lots of fun and then I headed back home when Mr. David called for Buster to do his chores. 

February 13, 1901

Tombstone.

I walked over to the orphanage tonight and knocked on the door, then tentatively pushed open the door. Miss Abi was talkin’ to Jeff, Millard, and Aspen at the table and I shifted on my feet. “I sorry if I interruptin’. Am I?” 

“Come on in Natalie,” Miss Abi greeted me. 

“I just thought I’d see what all my friends was doin’.” 

“There are dumplings on the stove if you are hungry.” 

“That sounds real good.” I went over to the table and sat down, taking two dumplings on a plate. “What ya’ll doin’?” 

“Now Nat I know you want more than that,” Miss Abi smiled at me. “Get you a bowl full. All of us have already eaten.” 

“We was talking about ghost,” Jeff said. “And today.” 

“Nah, I just had some dinner but I wanted to try what they tasted like,” I said. 

“A ghost?” I looked around. 

“Friday the 13th!” Jeff said. 

"We have been discussing the haunting of the orphanage,” Miss Abi said. 

“It’s haunted?” I looked around. 

“Some say so yes,” Jeff said.

“That’s what Jeff told us,” Miss Abi said. 

“Oh wow. Jeff that sounds like a story for the Bee.” 

“Yes it has the spirit of Frontier Missy,” Jeff said and I pulled out my notebook. “No Natalie, I won’t add her story to the Bee.” 

“Oh.” I closed the notebook. “How come?” 

“Just won’t.” 

“Well that ain’t no reason.” 

“It’s a very sad story,” Miss Abi said. 

“‘Sides, it is Friday the 13th. Surely we can come up with something good. No?” 

“Write about how people feel about Friday the 13th. Superstitions,” Miss Abi suggested. 

“Well your oatmeal cookies with raisins sounded real good Jeffy,” Aspen said. 

“Yeah superstitions. Why not talk about that?” Jeff said. “Oh oh and ask folks what they believe in.” 

“I don’t know much ’bout that.” I looked around, still wanting to hear the story about Frontier Missy. 

“Well some folks believe if you walk under a ladder you will die soon. Or something like that,” Jeff said. 

“Yeah?” I asked, taking out my notebook again. 

“Or black cats bring bad luck,” Miss Abi said. 

“If a dog howls three times at your door for three days someone is gonna die,” Jeff said. 

“Break a mirror and seven years of bad luck,” Aspen said. “I didn’t know the dog one, Jeff.” 

“Okay but here’s what I wanna know. What makes Friday the thirteenth so special?” I asked. 

“Step on a crack break your mother’s back,” Miss Abi said another one. 

“My momma told me, Aspen,” Jeff said. 

“I heard… if a bird flies in your house, some one will die,” Aspen said. “Oh I believe it Jeff. I had never heard it.” 

I ate my dumplings and smiled, “These are real good Miss Abi.” 

“Why is today so special anyways?” Jeff asked. 

“That’s what I wanna know. I wanna write an article about it.” 

“It could be someones birthday,” Aspen said. “That would make it special.” 

“Maybe there’s a book bout it in the library. Miss Abi do you know?” I asked. 

“I was born on Friday the 13th,” Miss Abi said. 

“Oh! Happy birthday miss Abi!” 

“Not this month. It was in September.” 

“Oh… Well Miss Abi do you know why today’s so scary?” I asked. 

“All I know is 13 is supposed to be unlucky.” 

“How come though? Somethin’ musta happened.” 

“If you have ever been in a realy tall building there is no 13th floor,” Miss Abi said. “No 13th block of the street.” 

“I’m gonna go to the library!” I said as I finished my dumplings. “Anyone wanna come? I’ll find out why!” 

“People get real superstitious with 666 too,” Aspen said. 

“Maybe thirteen cats bitted thirteen mices,” Jeff said. 

“666 is in the bible Aspen,” I told her. “It’s the mark of the beast. It’s in Revelation.” 

“Yes Nat I know that but…” Aspen started. 

“Well then that’s a real good reason to be scared of that. I’m goin’ to the library,” I said. “I’ll let ya know what I find out when I give the article back to Jeff!” 

I went to the library and opened a book that I found and researched Friday the 13th. I wrote some notes for the article and walked back outside seeing Aspen on a horse. I walked over and stood behind Mill, scared of the horse. They talked about how the horse had Indian feathers on it and Aspen said it was her second time she’d ridden it. Millard had been working with the chickens all day and I told them I didn’t learn much from my reading. Miss Joan came over then and I decided to head home for bed.

February 11, 1901

Bisbee.

I walked into Bisbee tonight and went to the sheriff’s office, seeing Pa at his desk. “Pa! You sleepin’?” 

Pa was typing up something on his type writer and looked up. “Nope! Hey munchkin! I am trying to figure out this torture machine they call a typewriter.” 

“It ain’t workin’, pa?” I giggled. 

“Well, I dunno… I push this here button, and it sposed to put the letter on the paper right? Well when I do, the letter is almost invisible, and this thingy keeps gettin stuck.” 

“Looks like ya need more ink, pa.” I giggled. 

“More ink? I think it would be faster for me to just write it on paper than use this wonderful machine.” Pa slapped the typewriter on its side and exclaimed, “Work you hunka meta!”

“Then use a pencil, pa.” I giggled. “It’s faster. And easier. And won’t break on ya... ’less ya push too hard.” 

“Well now why didn’t I ever think of that. A pencil and paper. You are so smart munchkin.” Pa rolled his eyes. 

“I try to be smart pa but... it’s so hard sometimes.” I grinned. 

Miss Joan came in and said she didn’t know that Pa worked there. 

I went over to examine the jail cell and said, “Those ain’t comfortable beds. I can tell just by lookin’ at ’em.” 

“They ain’t sposed to be munchkin. That’s why they are in a jail cell,” Pa told me. 

“I looking for one of my team of horses,” Miss Joan said, and I froze at the mention of horses. 

“What does the horse look like?” Pa asked and I walked upstairs, looking around. Miss Joan and Pa kept talking about us moving to Bisbee and I wandered downstairs. 

“Natalie… Would you like to help out at my ranch? Feeding the horses and all.” 

“Pa tell her.” I went over to Pa and hid behind the desk. 

“Tom, did I say something wrong?” Miss Joan asked. 

“Miss Joan, since her accident, she has been completely afraid of horses.” Pa told her. 

“Oh I am so sorry. Sorry Natalie. Please forgive me. Please.” 

“She won’t even ride one now,” Pa told her. 

“And Tom say hello to Jimmy for me okay?” Miss Joan said. “I am so sorry Natalie. And Tom I am so sorry.” 

“You didn’t remember, ma’am.” I shrugged. 

“It’s okay Miss Joan. You didn’t know. And I sure will.” 

“I am so sorry,” Miss Joan said and started to cry. 

I sat in Pa’s lap and cuddled against him as I said, “It ain’t your fault. You didn’t throw me off ya, miss Joan. Just the big horse did.” 

“I did see Jimmy and Natalie before. They might have mentioned it, but I forgot. So sorry,” Miss Joan went on. 

“At least I can remember. Cause a monk man came and healed me. He’s real good at helpin’ memory. He had herbs and smelling stuff.” 

“Miss Joan, would you come have dinner with us sometime?” Pa offered. 

“Tom you and your family is welcome anytime to my ranch in Benson,” Miss Joan said. “I am extending a invite. Ok, again I am so sorry to upset you, Natalie. Please forgive me.” 

“Thank you Miss Joan,” Pa said. “I appreciate that. You are welcome to our home too. We will have to get together and have Sunday dinner together soon.” 

“I forgive you but I don’t forgive that horse yet,” I said. 

“Oh yes and Payton says to say hi to you and your Natalie,” Miss Joan said.

“Oh yeah? I ain’t seen Payton in forever. She should come visit.” 

“Oh? How is she doing? We haven’t seen her in quite some time,” Pa said. 

“She is okay. She is looking for Midnight too.” 

I looked down at my stopwatch and then back up. “Well Miss Joan… In about four hours… It’ll be midnight.” 

“Munchkin I think she meant her horse.” Pa laughed hard. 

“Well it is!” 

“How long ago did your horse get out Miss Joan?” 

“I put my wagon and team at the ok corral and when I came back only one was missing. “ 

“Hmmm....how long ago was this?” 

“Maybe a hour and a half to two. I hope she ran back home. I got a ranch hand to get the other and wagon and bring them both home while I look for her. So I came here thinking u might have seen her.” 

“Hmmm...well I can’t say I have seen a stray horse here in town Miss Joan. But if I come across one, I will let you know for sure. That’s a good idea. Did you see anybody around the corals before your horse disappeared?” 

“I saw hoof tracks. The mark is a circle with a Hin the middle. I mean brand. I so upset. Is Trin home? I like to say hello.” 

“Aw she’ll come home miss Joan. You think someone coulda taken her?” I asked. 

“I do not know, Natalie.” 

“Ok...I will keep my eyes open. We have had a slew of missing horses here lately. I don’t know what is going on,” Pa said. 

“Ma’s workin’ on gettin her journals together. I’m writin’ em up like short stories. For each case she does. Like Sherlock.” 

“I think Trin is already asleep ma’am. She hasn’t felt well today. The weather changes has had her feeling ill,” Pa said. 

“Aw ma not feeling good pa?” I looked up. 

“No munchkin, she has stayed in bed most of the day today.” 

“Anything I can do Tom? I am training to be a medic,” Miss Joan said. 

“She will be ok. She has been under a lot of stress lately, and it has gotten to her,” Pa insisted. 

“Maybe we should go home and check on Ma,” I said. 

“Is Jimmy home? I like to say hi to him,” Miss Joan said. 

“He is asleep too Miss Joan. Which is where Natalie should be. Way past her bedtime,” Pa said. 

“I guess I should.” I frowned and looked down. “I was out writin’ though and it was gettin’ real interesting.” 

“May I walk with you two if that is possible?” Miss Joan asked. 

“Ma’am we gotta go home to ma. We gotta have family time before bed.”

“I like to see you place if that is ok with you Tom and Natalie?” 

“Not with ma sick.” I shook my head. 

Miss Joan finally left and Pa banged his head on the desk. “Pa don’t do that or you’ll have a headache like ma,” I told him. 

We walked up to the house and I looked over at him. “Pa... can you tell me a story?” 

“Oh of course sweetie… want a horror story?” Pa chuckled. 

“Paaaa…” I giggled and went up to get my PJ’s on. 

“I was gonna tell you the one about the Big bad Nutso Woman who clang to everything around her…” Pa laughed out loud. 

“Pa!!” I giggled again and jumped into bed. “Pa…” 

“Yes munchkin?” 

“I have a question.” 

“Ok…” 

“Okay.. well… When did ya know ya loved ma?” 

Pa blushed bright red and asked, “Ummmm… why do you ask sweetie?” 

“Well uh.. There’s that day comin’ up right... on Saturday? Well I kinda wanna make somethin’ for a boy..... but I dunno if I should.” 

“Oh you mean Valentines Day? A boy? Who, Jeffery or Millard?” 

“They don’t care ’bout me that way.” I blushed beat red and shook my head. 

“Who you kissing on now?” 

“Jeff’s got Aspen and... Mill’s got... well.. Mill’s Mill.” 

“I think someone is jealous.” 

“Nu uh.” I shook my head. “There’s a boy who actually um… Well… He hugged me. But I ain’t s’posed to say so shhhh.” 

“He hugged you?!! OH MY GOSH! I am going to have to have a little talk with somebody I already see.” Pa’s eyes went wide and he stomped around the room. 

“But Pa.... it was real... It was real nice and... He was real friendly and we’d spent the whole day together at school and after school and..” 

“Have you told your ma about this boy yet?” 

“I thought you’d yell less. I guess I was wrong.” 

“What’s this boys name?” He laughed and sat on the bed, hugging me. “I ain’t really upset sweetie. I think its cute you got a crush on a boy. Is he smart? Or about shy a half load of brick from having a full load?” 

“Well he didn’t really want me to hug him cause he said it led to other stuff that his aunt and uncle did and he didn’t wanna make those kinda noises. But then before he left he…” I trailed off. 

“Well he is right sweetie...that shouldn’t happen until you’re mine and your ma’s age. When I am too old to shoot him in the butt with my shotgun.” 

“So do you think I should make him a card? We just met and all… And I ain’t seen him since.”

“If you feel like you should, I think you should… you still ain’t told me his name… I promise I wont say a word.” 

“You promise?” I looked at him seriously. 

“I promise!” He smiled. 

“Cause the last time ya said that….” 

“Wha?!” Pa exclaimed. 

“Ya told Jeff right there in the orphanage about my dreams.” I glared at him. 

“Who me? I wouldn’t do a thing like that!” 

“Uh huh!! Ya did!” 

“Well Jeff wasn’t right for you anyways… He’s too young.” 

“He didn’t care bout me neither.” 

“So when do I get to meet this mysterious boyfriend of yours? I hope before you get married.” Pa smiled and I reached for my teddy bear, hiding my blushing and looking away from him. “Awww come on now…. tell your pa the boys name… so I know who keep an eye on from now on.” 

“But you’ll shoot him.” 

“No I won’t… I promise! That will be your ma’s job.” He laughed. 

“Or you’ll tell him. Or ma. Cause you guys got a secret club over there. I hear ya whisperin sometimes. Through the closed door.” 

“Well that’s cause we’re adults… but I promise I won’t do nutttin… if ya don’t tell me, I will start asking all the boys around town.” 

“Okay okay. It’s Buster! He lives with his Uncle David and Aunt Meg.” I cringed and finally gave in. I buried myself under the covers and squeezed teddy tight. 

Pa hugged me tight and kissed me through the covers. “Aww… well I think he’s a good boy. So you met him at school?” 

I nodded and snuck my head out of the covers. “Yeah... then we played games on the bridge... then he showed me his house and I showed him our house and Shira liked him and everything!” 

“Dear, please do me a little favor, okay?” 

“I won’t kiss him. I promise. Well not yet anyways.” 

“No… it’s not that…. well that too… but I was going to say, please be careful who you bring around to the house ok?” 

“Well sure but pa he’s eight. What’s he gonna do?” 

“I am just saying, don’t bring everybody you meet to our house… cause you never know who else might be watching, or what they are up to… Buster is fine… but just be more careful who you bring home ok?” 

“Pa?” I looked down, squeezing my teddy. 

“Yes munchkin?” 

“How old were you when you had your first crush? Cause I dunno if Jeff was really… I mean I liked him but..” 

“Oh gosh sweetie, I have no idea… I was young like you are probably.” 

“He never wanted to do stuff with just me. Always had to be with other people ’round. But Buster he… He said I was his friend. And Jeff’s said that too but.. That was after gettin’ to know each other.” 

“Sounds like you really like Buster… I think you really should send him a card for Saturday munchkin… who knows, he might send you one back.” 

“What if he don’t?” 

“Well that’s ok.. boys are different from girls...they don’t always know how to express themselves or do it differently.” 

“Oh… Guess I’ll just have to see what happens then.” 

“Oh you asked about how did I know when I first loved your ma right?” He asked and I nodded. “The first time I saw her on the streets of Tombstone. They way the sun shined through her hair, and the way she walked, I fell in love with her that moment on.” 

“Really? Right away?” 

“Yep! She didn’t know it, but I was smitten with her right off. I was like a little lost puppy dog who found the perfect owner.” Pa smiled. 

“Like Shira!” I giggled. 

“Yep, just like Shira.” Pa laughed and nodded. 

“So ma owns you?” I looked at him with confusion. 

“Well she owns my heart. She stole it away and has it forever.” Pa laughed, holding his stomach. He tucked me into bed and kissed my forehead and said, “Good night sweetheart,” as I drifted off to sleep.