December 6, 1900

Tombstone. 

This morning I rode around and then saw a doggy coming over to me. I got off my horse and pet the doggy, wandering towards the orphanage with it. Jeff was there and we talked about who the dog might belong to, but he didn’t know. He said that it was a girl dog ‘cause it had long lashes. I told about my dog named Shira and how she helped ma and pa with their work. He said the Bee was really good. 

“I’ve been thinkin bout doin more case stories from ma’s cases. But I not sure if I should start with ma’s recent ones or the older ones. Probably gonna do the latest ones cause they more familiar,” I said. “Ma won court yesterday she said. She was pretty upset last night though.” 

“Well any be good. They all good stories,” Jeff said. 

“Cause she investigated it all from when it happened and to court. Those are the stories I wanna show in the Bee. But she was real upset with court yesterday even though she won, she said. I didn’t get it. She wouldn’t tell me what happened.” 

“Well we best get going,” Jeff said then. 

“Okay! Come on doggy!” I said and followed him to the school. 

We saw a tent that Nora had put there and I talked about how I hadn’t seen her in forever, and he hadn’t either. He said the tent had been there for a couple of months and I felt embarrassed that I hadn’t noticed. I said someone should give it back to her and he said he didn’t want her to think it wasn’t there. 

I told him I hoped Miss Traci would be there as we walked into class and we talked about how old we were. We went to feed the bird and I told him about how we moved to a new house in Bisbee. I told him about the big room where Jimmy and I slept with the big bookshelf. 

Miss Traci finally came into school, fifteen minutes late. “I was only going to do a review anyway and I’m not sure you have been in the classes I was gonna review,” she said and Jeff headed out. 

 “Mis Traci if there’s no other kids can I ask you some questions for the Bee?” I asked her. 

“Yeah, let’s do that. And I’ll just cancel formal class. I saw in the last Bee, so I’m ready then.” 

“I’m interviewin’ everyone in town. It’s lots of fun and lets people get to know each other.” 

“I like it. By the way your dress is really cute.” 

“Thanks. And guess what else I got!” I grinned. 

“Oh I saw them. Really cute. A nice look for you. Ok what do you want to ask? I’m ready.” 

“Okay,” I said and gathered my notes. “What your full name?” 

“Traci Lee Parkin,” she smiled. 

“How long have you been in Tombstone?” 

“Hmmm… about two years I think.” 

“Why did you come to Tombstone?” 

“Well cuz it seemed excitin’ and for adventure I guess. And I have got plenty of that,” she grinned. 

“What do you do for work in Tombstone?” 

“Well, I teach,” she giggled. 

“Anything else?” I giggled too. 

“No, just that.” 

“Where do you live?” 

“Well I live in a little cabin over Bisbee way. Next to the big church.” 

“That’s where I live!” I grinned. 

“Nice,” she grinned. 

“What do you do for fun in town?” 

“Well… I have been to a few dances and I ride my horse sometimes. And once in a while I play poker. But I’m not sure you should put that in the paper.” 

“What if I just say you play cards?” I grinned. 

“Yeah, that would be okay. A few months ago I was playin and there was a big fight and I got shot in the leg. So I haven’t played since then.” 

“What’s your horse’s name?” 

“My horse is an appaloosa and her name is Le Appy.” 

“Do you have a favorite place? Either a town or a building?” 

“Well I think the Theatre is the coolest place.”

“How come?” 

“Well cuz it is made real well and the stage is nice and the curtain works. And it is where everyone can come for things.” 

“What’s your favorite food?” I grinned. 

“Oh… I think pork chops,” she smiled. 

“Are you married?” 

“Oh no!” she giggled. 

“Do you have any kids?” 

“Nope. Well, I have all the kids in the classroom.” 

“Any other family nearby?” I grinned. 

“Nope all back in Virginia.” 

“That’s all the questions I’ve got! Thanks Miss Traci!” 

“Well you might wonder why my middle name is Lee,” she smiled sweetly.  

“Why is it?” 

“Well you know about the war. And who commanded the Army of Virginia? Robert E. Lee! Well he is my great uncle.” 

“Wow!” 

“Yeah! Just thought that would be something good to slip in there.” 

“Yeah! I’ll put it at the end.” I giggled. “Thanks Miss Traci!” 

“Well thanks for the interview. I guess we can say class is dismissed.” 

“I’ve got lots done.” 

“Well good,” she grinned. 

“I’m gonna go read the rest of the Bee. I didn’t get to finish it yet.” 

“Have a great day.” 

I said goodbye and went to sit in front of the school, reading the Bee. I rode over to the fort when I was done and knocked on the big door. Miss Suzi asked who was there and I called in my name. When she came out I said, “Hi Miss Suzy! I know you got payroll soon…” 

“Yes we do,” she nodded. 

“I was just gonna see if Miss Angeles was here.” 

“She should be here soon.” 

“Well maybe if we got time I could ask you some questions for the Bee too? I’m tryin’ to get everyone in town.” 

“Sure.” 

“I try to be fast,” I grinned. 

“Alright take your time.” 

“What’s your full name?” I asked her, pulling out my notebook. 

“Suzy Honi.” 

“How long have you been in Tombstone?” 

“About five years.” 

“Wow that’s a long time! Why did you come to Tombstone?” I asked as Miss Joan and Miss Angeles came over thenn. 

“To get away from Pennsylvania.” 

“What so bad in Pennsylvania?” I asked. 

“The Carnegies are there.” 

“Who are the Carnegies?” I asked. 

“The man who owns the Carnegie steel company.” 

“They stole things?” I looked at her, confused. 

“They murdered my father.” 

“That’s awful!” I gasped. 

“Yes they are awful them and the Pinkertons.” 

“Ma’s a Pinkerton,” I gasped again. 

“Well did she murder workers trying to get fair pay?” 

“Nu uh. Not that I know of.” 

“Ask her if she was at Homestead,” she stared at me. 

“I will. What do you do for work in Tombstone?” 

“I command the cavalry and the rangers.” 

“Where do you live?” 

“On a ranch in Sonora.” 

“What do you do for fun in town?” 

“Arrest criminals,” she said and I giggled. 

“Do you have a favorite place in the area here?” 

“I like the Saloon in Diamond.” 

“Do you have any pets?” 

“I have a dog and several cows, pigs, sheep.” 

Suzy said she wasn’t married and had no kids or family nearby, and I thanked her for her interview. I looked around at the soldiers gathering and asked if there was time for more. I asked who wanted to go next and Miss Joan stepped forward and offered. 

Miss Joan said her name was Joan Faulkes-Cross. She said she’s been in Tombstone for five years and came to help her late brother James, who had died since. She told me she was a sergeant in the Cavalry and she is a rancher in Benson, where she lives. She also helps Dr. Cole with the horses. She said that her ranch helps Dr. Cole’s horses recover. For fun, she reads books and gardens. Her favorite places in the area were Benson, Tombstone and Winslow. She has two dogs that protect her heard. She said she was married to a loving husband named Damien and they had kids. Mr. Adrian put in that all children were like her children, because she has such a big heart. She said the Hammerthal’s lived with her on her ranch. 

I thanked Miss Joan for answering and I told the others, “Mr Adrian and Miss Angeles, I ask you later.” 

“Can Natalie stay in the fort until we return to work on her article?” Miss Joan asked. 

“Sure,” Miss Suzy said. 

“Kids always have curiosity for this I suggest several times in school have one class under military supervision of course for they understand how important are the Cavalry for this Town and the history,” Miss Angeles said. 

“Sometimes I write stories about the payroll for the Bee. But I always stay in buildings when we get there.” 

“She can report on the promotions today,” Miss Suzy said. 

“Captain, can Nat ride in my wagon then, please? Miss Joan asked. 

“It is a brilliant idea Captain,” Mr. Adrian nodded. 

“You can ride close to me Natalie just remember always search some refuge inside the doctor office if see any bullet flying ok?” Miss Angeles told me and I nodded. “Trin will kill me if someone hit you Natalie.” 

“Ya she would,” I giggled. “But Miss Suzy not like Miss Trin. Cause she a Pinkerton. Though I not sure why. Ma never did nothin bad to her.” 

“I didn’t say I didn’t like her,” Miss Suzy argued. 

“Seemed like it. You put em beside the carnegie. Who are bad people.” 

“Pinks,” Mr. Adrian groaned. 

“And see? Mr Adrian groans. Thought you were ma’s boss, Mr Adrian.” 

“True, I believed the kids need learn about our history and about the Court. I see may kids in the trials, maybe ca be interesting. They be art to one fiction trial for understand and learn every role,” Miss Angeles said. 

“Ma was real upset after court yesterday but she not tell me why,” I nodded to her. “I dunno what happened.” 

“General ma’am?” Miss Joan asked. “Permission to have Natalie ride with me in my wagon. I take care of her.” 

“No Natalia, Trin and Suzy have different points of view about the Pinkerton work. Same Trin and I have some differences about our work too,” Miss Angeles said. 

“But what happened Mr. Adrian?” I asked and then looked at Miss Joan. “I got my horse, Miss Joan. I ride every week by myself. In case I gotta go home quick. I not be in the way. I follow from behind.” 

“Go in front of me Natalie,” Miss Joan instructed. 

“Go ahead Miss Joan,” I told her. 

We rode through Tombstone and I followed from a distance as we headed into Black Diamond. I waved to Miss Bree and pet the puppy that came over to me as the others did the payroll. I asked Mr. Adrian if he’d read the Bee and he nodded. I told them I saw no bad guys in Bisbee and then they continued on the payroll, but I headed home. 

*** 

Bisbee. 

Tonight I walked around town looking for Jimmy and saw the big tree in the middle of the town. “Woooooah!” 

“NAT!” Jimmy turned and exclaimed. 

“Look at the huge tree!!!” I ran over to hug him. 

“I know...its bootiful....how ya think they get to the top?” he asked and hugged me tight. 

“Isn’t Christmas the BEST time of year ever!??!” I looked way up and got a sore neck and then said, “Jimmy, I gotta tell you bout somethin.” 

“What?” 

I looked around nervously and then back at him. “I interviewed Miss Suzy today and normally I not s’posed to talk bout the interviews till they in the paper but… I not happy bout this one.” 

“Oh?! What she say?” 

“She hates Ma!!!” 

“She hates Ma?! Why?!!!” 

“Well she said somethin about how the carnegies killed her father and said that she hates em Pinkertons too but I don’t get how anyone could hate Pinkertons! And I don’t really know what carnegies are.” 

“Carnegies? What the heck is a Carnegie? Is that one them fancy otto things that are horseless carriages?” 

“I dunno but I wanna look into it and find out. Cause if they hate ma then.... I dunno if she should trust em rangers or nothin cause then she’d be helpin’ mean ol’ Suzy.” 

“I don’t know Suzy, I don’t guess. Not too well.. we have to keep close eye on her… make sure she not hurt momma or pa either.” 

“You wanna come to town with me?” 

“Sure! Let’s go see what happnin in town!” 

“Okay!” I said and we walked over to Allen Street. 

Tombstone. 

“Streets pretty empty,” I looked around. 

“Wow sis, nobody in town…. you think we ought go school?” 

“I guess we could... I interviewed Miss Traci this mornin’. It was interestin’. She said she was gonna review stuff this morning but no one else was there so we just did that. You wanna see if anyone’s over at the school?” 

“Yeah maybe we should… pa really wants me to go to school more,” Jimmy said. 

“Yeah ma too.” 

We walked into class and realized that we were late and I looked over to Jimmy whispering, “How are we... late?” 

“I dunno,” Jimmy shrugged. 

“Sit down kids.. we’re just plannin’ our lessons for the comin’ year,” Mr. Cas said and we went in to find a seat. Aspen, Payton, Molly, and Soria were all there. “We’ll be done here pretty quick.... who hasn’t given me their choices yet?” 

“Choices ’bout what?” I asked. 

“Choices about what kind of lessons you wanna have in the comin’ year,” Mr. Cas said. 

“I gave my choices.. but I have another one. I think it would be fun to take a field trip to the library,” Soria suggested. 

“No more cemeteries,” I muttered. 

“We could do that, too, Soria,” Mr. Cas said. 

“My ma took me once. and there’s a lot of stuff in there,” Soria said. 

“Yes, Natalie... do you have a selection or preference?” Mr. Cas asked. 

“Yeah or a field trip to Winslow they have a bunch of stores there! It would be fun!” Jeff suggested. 

“Can we learn about the carnegies and why the rangers hate the Pinkertons? Miss Suzy complained ’bout em when I interviewed for the paper and I dunno why.” 

“We can go anywhere we can get to, Jeffery.. I just need to clear it with the powers that be,” Mr. Cas nodded and then looked at me. “We ain’t learnin’ about no personal grudges.. you can ask Miss Suzy that.” 

“Sorry Mr Cas,” I looked down. “She jes said I should learn.” 

“A true journalist never gives up Nat,” Aspen told me and I nodded to her. 

“Do the Pinkertons know Romeo and Juliet?” Molly asked. 

“Yeah we never did Romeo and Juliet in our Shakespeare studies!” I said. 

“Jeffery can be your Romeo Nat,” Aspen teased. 

“Can we learn what a Carnegie is at least? I thought it one of those hoseless carriages,” Jimmy asked. 

“You all know I happen to have access to the Bird Cage theatre as well if you ever wanna plan a play or somethin’,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Can we do a play of a Shakespeare story?” I sinked down in my chair. 

“Mr. Cas, I sure wish we could do a play sometimes more cause the theatre is the funnest ever thing,” Jeff asked. “But folks don’t seem to ever wanna do it.” 

“A play would be fun!” Soria nodded. 

“You can do a play on whatever ya want.. I ain’t no drama teacher though.. you’d have to plan it and work it out yourselves,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Or remember Jimmy when we first came to town and they were doin those acting things where they came up with lines on the spot?” I asked. “Mr Cas you was leadin the improvisationy thingy weren’t ya?” 

“This will be the first year in like seven that we won’t be doing the baby Jesus christmas play,” Molly said. 

“I can open and close curtains and introduce people,” Mr. Cas nodded. “Yes I was, Natalie. Millard is apart of that as well.” 

“Yeah! I remember that!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Yeah we should be doing Baby Jesus!!!” I exclaimed. 

“Aww we just talkin it ain’t like anythin gonna be done about it,” Jeff shook his head and sighed. 

“I was the inn keeper in last year’s play,” Molly said. 

“Mr. Cas you wanna be a camel… we gotta have camels for the wise men if we do baby Jesus?” Jimmy asked. 

“What’s wrong, Jeff?” I looked at Jeff and frowned, giggling at Jimmy. 

“Hey, Jeffery.. I am just offerin’ the place to do it,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Nuttin Natalie,” Jeff shrugged. 

“Ma says the wise men weren’t even at the manger,” I said. “They didn’t come till the baby Jesus was in the house, she said.” 

“If you work hard on it Jeffery you still have three weeks for the baby Jesus pay,” Aspen said. 

“I would not want a bunch of wise men watching either,” Molly stated. 

“I wouldn’t want a bunch of Mr. Adrian’s either,” I giggled. 

“Mr. Stinky Fat Bill can be the donkey…” Jimmy chuckled. 

“And Mr Lot can be the mean ol’ king Herod,” I grinned. 

“Okay.... we’ll call it a good list tonight...between the bunch of you you asked for almost every subject there is... and ropin’, too. I am gonna leave a box in here, for you to drop suggestions in, too. In case you think of somethin’ else,” Mr. Cas said. 

“He would be good at that for sure,” Aspen nodded. 

“Uh huh! Miss Pet would be the angel,” I went on. 

“One of the new babies could be baby Jesus,” Aspen said. “Ms. Bree has a new baby.” 

“Me and Jeff could be the Mary and Joseph!” I looked over at him. 

“As much as I say I hate school actually it ain’t that bad and I look forward to every Saturday,” Molly grinned. 

“I be the drummer boy,” Jimmy said. 

“Well I ain’t a’kissin’ no girl,” Jeff said. 

“I can play the piano,” Aspen said. 

“If you wanna have a play.. you need a director... someone who can keep everyone movin’ in the right direction.. and you need people for all your parts... you have a place to do it, with fancy lights and everything.. that’s more than most have,” Mr. Cas said. 

“You don’t have to Jeff. Mary don’t get kissed to have the baby!” I told him. 

“Oh,” Jeff said. “Uhm but Christmas is soon. We ain’t even got no time now for a Christmas play,” Jeff said. 

“Are there narrators for the play? Or people saying each part?” Soria asked. 

“We need the directors from last year,” Molly said. 

“Oh Oh Jimmy can be the shepherd. Cause he looks after horses and stuff and that’s close enough to the sheep.” 

“Someone must still have the script from last year?” Molly asked. 

“I never been in a play in this town. But if there are narrators, I can be one,” Soria said. 

“Yeah, and Payton and Molly can be my sheep, and Millard too,” Jimmy chuckled. 

“Okay....you all think about that on your own.. like I said.. I ain’t a drama teacher.. but I know how the stage works,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Jimmy, I will whip yer butt,” Molly muttered. 

“But Mr Cas you be director!” I told him. 

“All ya’ll we are gonna be getting a time set for a group picture in the very near future so be watching out for a day ok?” Jeff asked. 

“Can’t you be be our director, Mr. Castion?” Aspen pleaded. 

“See Aspen agrees,” I giggled. 

“Molly you gotta catch me first,” Jimmy smiled. 

“You all keep all the teachers posted on the things you want to learn about.. or you’ll end up knowin’ the same stuff everyone else does.. think up some stuff that suits you,” Mr. Cas told us. 

“We really do need to get a picture fer the wall!” Molly nodded. 

“Why can’t we do the picture tonight Jeff? Cos we all here,” I said. 

“Yes Molly and when the date is here who ever misses it just misses it but yeah we are gonna have to get a new photo. We ain’t all here and we gotta set a time,” Jeff shrugged. 

“Miss Myst can do a class picture.. Jeffery spoke to me about that already. I am sure there are a few folks that would be happy to help with your photograph,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Oh…” I looked down. 

“Why can’t us kids take the photos?” Aspen asked. 

“No one said you couldn’t.. I didn’t see anyone wavin’ a camera around,” Mr. Cas stated. 

I looked out the window and saw Uncle Irish riding by the school, so I waved at him and he waved back. 

“I don’t carry the dang thing every where i go…” Aspen muttered. 

“Well, it’s pretty important to carry it with you if you wanna take a picture.... I didn’t know you had a camera,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Mr. Cas I think we should learn how to fox them horseless carriages, my pa say they will soon replace the wagon and stagecoach,” Jimmy said. 

“Jimmy, we should get Pa to get us one for when we ride from Bisbee to town,” I told him. 

“I can show you all how them internal combustion engines work,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Mr Cas? Maybe there could be a story writin’ class or somethin’?” I asked. 

“Internal combut enjines....what the heck is that?” Jimmy narrowed his brows. 

“You are all free to go.. now KEEP THINKING about what you’d like to learn about.. look around.. there is stuff to be learned about everywhere!” Mr. Cas said with a smile. 

“Oh oh that sounds fun a story writing,” Jeff nodded. 

“Oh I’ve asked for stories a few times.. never got none.. but I asked,” Mr. Cas said. 

“Yes sir, ya did,” Jeff nodded. 

“I’m workin on some for the Bee now, Mr Cas,” I told him. “Been interviewin people all over town. I wanna ask all the kids too.” 

“With all them interviews Natalie we wont ever run out of anything for the bee,” Jeff smiled. 

“Oh, Jeffery?.. I got some half written ones... but they wasn’t really so much stories,” Mr. Cas said. “I got one about Molly doing something bad…” 

I leaned over to Jimmy and asked, “Have you met uncle Irish yet?” 

“Uncle who? I thought Cole was your uncle,” Jimmy said. 

“I got two!” I grinned. 

“Yeah, but is your pa your uncle too?” Jimmy chuckled. 

“You kids are dismissed.. stay and chat all ya want, but don’t stay on my account.. I intend to have lessons about all of these subjects for you,” Mr. Cas said. 

I went up to Mr. Cas after class ended and asked him if I could interview him for the Bee and he said I could. I pulled out my notebook and asked, “What’s your whole name?” 

“MY whole name is Castion Eyre.... no one knows my middle name.” 

“You not gonna tell?” I grinned. 

“Nope.. there is a wager in town on who guesses it first... I got a stake in that,” Mr. Cas said. 

“How long have you been in Tombstone?” 

“I have been here.... goin’ on five years now.” 

“Why did you come to Tombstone?” I asked. 

“I had been workin’ on riverboats for some time, and someone I met was headed here... I decided to try my luck... and I never left.” 

“Where do you live?” I smiled. 

“I live in Pearce.. have been there for over four years.” 

“What do you do for work here?” 

“Well, a little bit of everything. but I own the General Store here in town, which young Jeffery manages for me.. and I own a mine here in the territory as well.” 

“How do you have time for anything fun, Mr Cas? And what do you do for fun?” 

“I’m havin’ fun right now, Natalie.. fun is what you make of it.” 

“Oh and you’re a teacher too right Mr. Cas?” 

“Yes I am also a teacher... I am the teacher who makes the other teachers look really smart.” 

“Do you have a favorite place? Either a town or a building?” I giggled. 

“Pearce is and will always be my favorite town. I love Kate’s Saloon, I like Allen Street, I like the orphanage when the pies are fresh, too.” 

“Do you have any pets?” 

“I do.. I have a horse named ’Skunk’, a fine dog named ‘Henry’, and Henry has a pet goat named Chester.. oh, and a really big spider.” 

“A really big spider??” 

“Raised him from just a little fella. Now he eats tadpoles.” 

“But why on earth would you have a spider as a pet?” 

“Well, Miss Myst is quite afraid of spiders, Natalie... he represents peace and quiet to me.” 

“Miss Myst... she your wife? Are you married?” I giggled, looking at him. 

“Oh my goodness no…” Mr. Cas shivered a little. 

“You don’t wanna be married?” I giggled. 

“I figure if I am married I HAVE to be there... this way I am there because I wanna be.. it shows how much I care,” Mr. Cas said. 

“I like that logic,” I grinned. “Do you have any kids?” 

“Oh my goodness no… again.”

“Don’t want your own kids?” I giggled again. 

“There is prolly a law somewhere keeping me from furtherin’ my bloodline,” Mr. Cas grinned. 

“Do you have any other family nearby?” 

“I do not... but I have some friends who are like family to me.” 

“I hearing that lots,” I grinned. “That’s all the questions I got. But can I ask you a question um.... not on the paper?” 

“Well you done a fine job, Natalie.” 

“Thanks Mr. Cas,” I grinned. 

“You are most welcome,” he smiled. 

“I um... really don’t like that interview with Miss Suzy. She was real mean about ma. I dunno why. Ma not hurt no one.” 

“I don’t blame ya.” 

“Do I gotta print it?” 

“Nope.” 

“Cause I don’t get it. She not a bad Pinkerton. Or a Carnegie. Whatever that is.” 

“You got what they call artistic freedom.. you print what ya want.” 

“That good to know. Mr Freebird’s was real funny. He said he robs banks for a livin’ and his favorite place in town was the bank. Oh but.... Mr Ansar mentioned you lots in his!!” 

“Well, despite his ways, I have known Free for several years.. he is a good fella deep down,” Mr. Cas said. 

“And how it was a lot cos of you” 

“Ansar is like a brother to me.” 

“That’s what he said too,” I nodded. 

“If I had a brother, I’d want it to be him.” 

“I got a brother now!” I grinned and pointed to where Jimmy was at the door. “We live in Bisbee! Ma and Mr Thomas and married either but I think it’s cos of your reason.” 

“Bisbee is a good place.. Mayor Spank and I are good friends.” 

“They wanna be together, not haveta.” 

“Wanna is always better than hafta.” 

“But I found a puppy too! She almost scared Pa the other night,” I giggled. 

“Oh nice. I found my dog too.” 

“Thanks so much for interviewin with me Mr Cas.” 

“You are most welcome. Be safe,” he smiled and I went to give him a hug. “Run along now.” 

“Bye Mr Cas!” I exclaimed and headed out to look for Jimmy. 

December 3, 1900

Tombstone. 

I walked down the street and beamed when I saw Frances. We hugged each other excitedly and she asked me if I had been writing anything. 

“Uh huh! Been writing lots!! I finished the first story for ma’s casebook! It’s a little long though so I not sure it’s good for the paper.” 

“Yay! I’ll still read- er... Listen to it!” She smirked. “And your dress is real pretty too so ya know.” Frances clapped. 

“Oh thanks! What you wanna do?” 

Frances looked around and shrugged. “Well I just woke up from a nap. Seems no one’s really ’round… What do kids usually do for fun here?” 

“We wander... Come on!!” 

We walked down the street and saw Mr. Ansar and Sheriff Angel in front of the sheriff’s office. We greeted them and I introduced them to Frances. “Did you tell her candy is ok to take form all the law but Suzy and Kris? Their candy is got pocket lint on it,” Mr. Ansar said to Miss Angel. 

“Candy?” Frances perked. 

“Yeah, bet you’ll get some if you go bug Miss Bree. Tell her to look under the floor board three nails down,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“Vell I know for a fact Miz Bree haz cookies,” Miss Angel chuckled. 

“She has all these tasty things and she ain’t told none a’ us?” Frances crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip. 

“Hey wait a minute…” I looked around then and blinked. “Where’s the tree??? Did someone steal it?!” 

“Oh no, Natalie. I took it to Black Diamond to show off in mine shop,” Miss Angel told me. 

“Well that’s good,” I sighed with relief. 

“I didn’t vant zeh outlawz to get ahold of it since iz so pretty.” 

“Good idea,” I nodded. 

“Oh good... Who’d steal a Christmas tree after all?” Frances gasped and then sighed with relief. 

“Outlaws,” Mr. Ansar shrugged. “And the grinch.” 

“So um... can I interview ya’ll for the paper? I’m doin a series for the Bee about the people who live in Tombstone,” I said. “I not done either of you yet.” 

“Sure Natalie. Ansar’s answer for everyting iz potatoes,” Miss Angel said and we giggled. 

“That or tater,” Ansar nodded. 

“How long have ya lived in Tombstone?” I asked first. 

“About four yearz now? For me that iz,” Miss Angel answered. 

“Since then…. HA! Got ya beat! I been here six years!” Ansar exclaimed. 

“You’re an old fart iz vhy,” Miss Angel chuckled. 

“I ain’t old, I am finely aged,” Mr. Ansar argued. 

“Hah! I been here a week!” Frances giggled. 

“Why did you come to Tombstone?” I asked. 

“Um…. I’d rather not answer that vone, Natalie. Iz a bit personal,” Miss Angel admitted. 

“I came here for money,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“Oh, okay,” I looked down. “Did ya find any mr Ansar?” 

“Well, yes and no,” he said. “When I first came here I was broke as a poor man’s beggar. I didn’t even have shoes on my feet.” 

“Wow. What do you do for work?” 

“Vell I do a few things for vork,” Miss Angel said. “I own a bakery, I’m sheriff in Tombstone and also own a second hand store vith Ansar.”

“Yup, beg, borrow. Even came to the point where I looked at that bank like it was a sandwich. Wasn’t for my first job I wouldn’t be standing here,” Mr. Ansar said. “I am a Us Marshal, a store owner even dabble in cooking when Angel lets me.” 

“But then how did you become a marshal, Mr Ansar?” I asked. 

“Oh, that’s a long story,” he said. 

“Well if you was borrowin and stealin. Ya must have become good somewehre’s,” I said. 

“But it was thanks to Cas.” 

“What he do?” 

“I went to rob him one day, a few times in fact. Always fail. The one time I did get anything I spent in food. Cas showed me there real money in another area. one more to my personality.” 

“Wow!” 

“Started as a deputy sheriff in Pearce. In about four years working up the ladder I became US Marshal. You know from deputy to deputy sheriff to sheriff to deputy marshal to marshal. Someone just gave me a shot and been a US marshal two years now.” 

“Where do you live?” I asked. 

“Pearce and…” Mr. Ansar looked at Miss Angel. “What’s the name of that area?”

“Vell ve both live in the canyon behind Diamond at Antelope Ranch,” Miss Angel said. 

“Yeah that’s it. Antelope Ranch.” 

“What do you do for fun in town?” I asked. 

“Besides arresting outlaws?” 

“Uh huh,” I giggled at him. 

“Eating taters.” 

“Vorking cause being law iz fun for me and now and again i end up peeling taterz for Ansar,” Miss Angel chuckled. 

“That’s fun, ain’t it?” Mr. Ansar asked. 

“That second part iz less fun than vone thinks,” Miss Angel chuckled. 

“Pearce,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“Yez, I love Pearce too. Iz a nice town vith many of mine friendz,” Miss Angel said. 

“How come?” I asked. 

“Pearce been my home. Where I started, where my office is, where I made my first friend,” Mr. Ansar answered. 

“What’s your favorite animal? Do you have any pets?” I asked. 

“Hmm iz hard to chose a favorite animal for me but vould say volf and yez ve do I ave a puppy named Splinter and Ansar and i ave a goat named tot and I also ave three horses: Killher, Shai-tan and Chev.” 

“A goat? They’re the funniest things I ever saw! When they scream they sound like people!” Frances giggled and clapped. 

“Pets? I got a pig, a goat, a horse, a dog… as for my favorite it ain’t easy picking just one animal but my horse is in the top three with my goat,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“He lets the goat sleep vith him in bed,” Miss Angel said. 

“He likes my smell. And my bed. It’s made of taters.” 

“I think I know the answer to this question already but... What’s your favorite food?” I asked. 

“I don’t think I have to answer what my favourite food is,” Mr. Ansar chuckled. 

“Vell I prefer sweets mine favorite iz chocolate covered cherries,” Miss Angel said. 

“I gonna write down that your bed’s made of taters,” I giggles. 

“Mines not only hiz,” Miss Angel said. 

“Yeah, she can’t have any of my taters,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“Are you married?” I asked. 

“No ver not. Mizter Ansar doezn’t believe in it,” Miss Angel said. 

“No I don’t. It’s a crime to make people sit though a wedding,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“That is about the dangdest excuse I ever heard,” Miss Bree claimed from where she was listening nearby. 

“Good! Then you’d have ta share the tater bed!” Frances exclaimed. 

“I like my bed like I like my mash taters lumpy,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“Does a goat count? They’re called kids,” Mr. Ansar said. 

“I ave vone son from a previous marriage,” Miss Angel said. “Yes Ansar, and I ave the kid iz enough for us.” 

“How old is your son Miss Angel?” I asked.

“He’z 18.” 

“Any other family nearby?” I asked. 

“Vell mine adopted father and mother live a few states avay along vith mine sister and her children,” Miss Angel said. “But none in town that are but I ave many friends here I consider family like Mizter Vedge and Miz Bree.” 

“Thanks you two!” I said and Mr. Ansar told Miss Angel to remember that Miss Jess was like family too. I looked over at Miss Bree and asked her if she wanted to answer the questions for the paper, and she said she would. Frances cheered that there would be more questions and I got to work again.

Miss Bree said that she’d been in Tombstone for almost two years now, in January. Mr. Ansar added that when you’re law, you become family because you watch out for each other. Miss Bree said that her mother and father passed away and that she was alone in Indiana and hopped on a train and came here. 

“Oh yeah Trin been a big part of my life in Tombstone as well. She like a crazy cousin you have,” Mr. Ansar said and I grinned at that. 

Miss Bree continued with her interview and said that she was a banker, a baker, and a cantina owner and assistant medic. She said she was a wife and mother and she made her sister fix stuff for her. She lives in Black Diamond and said that Miss Angeles was her adopted niece. She said that for fun she danced and bugged Lot. Her favorite spot was Benson because she started there but she also loved the mountain around the waterfalls. Her favorite animal was dogs and she didn’t have any pets. Her favorite food was Steak and Bacon Baked Taters, but Mr. Ansar told her not to pick his answer. She said she had one little girl who was twenty-four days old. She said Miss Lilly was her sister, kind of like Miss Angel. 

“You know what else I doin? I writin a book bout Ma’s cases here. Like Sherlock’s book,” I told them. 

“They’re gon’ be real great!” Frances grinned and nodded. 

“I finished the one bout the Apaches stealin things when she first came to town... And then they was all sold at this auction they had. I not helping nurses anymore. Not as fun as writin’. I workin for Jeff and the Bee!” 

“Wow now that is quite an undertakin,” Miss Bree nodded. 

“Uh huh! Lots of cases! You remember that one Mr Ansar?” I blinked then, seeing the time on the clock tower. “I gotta go home for dinner!! Bye bye all!! See you soon!!” I waved and headed home. 

December 2, 1900

Tombstone. 

I waved at Miss Bianca and Mr. Bass this morning and when they greeted me I asked her, “Can I finish my interview with you Miss Bianca?” 

“Sure,” she smiled. 

“So I know you said you been here for four months and a bit… Why did you come to Tombstone?” 

“I wanted to prove to my family that I could make it on my own.”

“What do you do for work here?” 

“Well I’ve done a few a things so far. Shortly after I came to town Miss Paisley and Miss Kef took me in and I became a Dove. Then I decided that I wanted something more out of my life here so I stopped working at the saloon and started fixing up the old library.” 

I nodded as I wrote things down and then grinned. “Oh wow! I really like that library!” 

“And now I’m working as a clerk at Miss Prudy’s shop....still fixing up the library but it takes money.”

“Where do you live Miss Bianca?” 

“I was staying at the library at night but I have a special man in town and he asked me to move in with him up in Ghenna.” 

“Who’s that?” I grinned. 

“Mr. Joe,” she blushed. 

“Ma and Mr Thomas moved us to this bigger house in Bisbee last night!” I grinned. “While we were sleeping I guess cause I woke up and was in my new room! What do you do for fun Mis Bianca?” 

“I love to read and learn new things.....I like to go up to the indian village and talk to Mahko....I like to take ride my horse and explore nature.” 

“Do you have a favorite place? Like a favorite town or a favorite building?” 

“The library is my favorite spot.” 

“So Tombstone your favorite town?” 

“I can go in there read a good book and feel like I’m miles away from here.” 

“Me too,” I grinned. “But now we got a whole long bookshelf at home! What’s your favorite animal? Do you have any pets?” 

“I love cats… but I have my horse her name is Delilah.” 

“What’s your favorite food?” 

“Hmm let me think......Miss Pet’s chicken and dumplings.” 

“Last question. So you and mr Joe aren’t married yet right? Do you have any kids?” 

“No kids. And Mr Joe and I won’t be getting married for a long time.” 

“Thanks so much Miss Bianca!! I’m getting lots done!” I nodded then and said, “That’s what ma says too. She not ready for marriage but this morning she said that they wanted to surprise us for Christmas with movin in together. We’re almost like a real family!” 

“That’s wonderful!” 

“Ok well I’m gonna go see who’s at the orphanage for my interviewin’.” 

“Take care sweetie.” 

“Keep an eye on the Bee to see when your interview is there!” I said and went to hug her. She smiled and patted my head before I ran off. 

I saw Frances relaxing on the swing in front of the orphanage and I waved to her. “Hi!!! How are you Frances?” 

Frances rubbed her eyes and sat up, yawning and blinking. “Oh... Hello Nat- Uh... How’re you?” 

“Oops I sorry... did I wake you from your nap.” 

She shrugged and slid off the swing, stretching out her arms. “Naw don’t mind it. I was real bored so I thought I’d rock a bit and I guess I fell sleeping…” 

“Well maybe you can help me with some interviews then! You know if Miss Abi is inside?” 

“That’d be real fun!” Frances grinned and looked over her shoulder, shrugging. “Maybe... She weren’t when I was in there but who knows how long I was sleepin’.” 

“Hmm... Wanna go in and check?” 

“Sure. Alright,” she nodded. 

“You’re real good at comin up with questions.” 

We walked into the orphanage and waved at Miss Abi who was working away on something in the living room. When we’d greeted each other I told her, “Miss Abi, I’m writin’ a new series for the Bee. I’m interviewin’ people all around town so that people can get to know each other. I was wonderin if I could interview you.” 

“Of course you can. Let’s go sit at the table.” 

“Okay!” I grinned and Frances clapped with excitement. “Frances helps me come up with good questions. How long have you been in Tombstone?” 

“Have a seat Frances,” Miss Abi said and Frances took a seat at the table with us. “I came here last summer.” 

“Why did you come to Tombstone?” 

“I came looking for a relative, an aunt. My last living relative.” 

“Didja find her?” Frances leaned in closer against the table. 

“I found out she had lived here but she had died.” 

“Oh, that’s sad…” I frowned. 

“Shoot…” Frances looked down at her lap. 

“But I made some good friends and decided to stay and make my home here,” Miss Abi said. 

“So what do you do for work, in your own words?” 

“I take care of this orphanage and the kids in it. I make sure they have a clean place to live food to eat and try to do my best to bring out the best in them.” 

“So where do you live? Here at the orphanage?” 

“I live here I have a bedroom next to my office.” 

“What do you do for fun in town?” I smiled. 

“I like going to the dances… Go to the Russ for dinner now and then… and I love to explore the area. Would you two like to see my office and room?” 

“Sure, after the interview! I just have a few more questions.” 

“Okay, shoot.” 

“Do you have a favorite place? Either a town or a building?” I asked and Frances snickered, pretending to shoot with a finger gun as I giggled at her. 

“I like sitting on the bridge that crosses the creek when I need to think. Watching the water. I have always lived closes to water.” 

“No pets. No time for pets.”

“But you like animals?” 

“What about a kitty? They don’t need much lookin’ afters,” Frances pointed out. 

“I like cats but they make some of the kids sneeze. So no pets,” Miss Abi said. 

“Do you have a favorite food?” I asked. 

“I know it is a luxury but I do love anything with chocolate,” Miss Abi said, “But it is very hard to come by.” 

“Are you married or have any kids of your own?” 

“Chocolate is real good! I got a piece for my birthday once! I saved it for a week!” Frances nodded. 

“Yeah! I like chocolate too!” I grinned. 

“Was engaged before I came here but he was a soldier and died in battle,” Miss Abi told us. 

“Do you have any other family nearby?” 

“I have no family.” 

“Darn…” Frances stuck out her bottom lip. 

“I guess the orphans are like your kids though huh?” I asked. 

“I am an orphan just like the kids. Helps us bond,” Miss Abi said. 

“How do ya take care of all the orphans by yourself? Where I came from the orphanage was ran by lots of grumpy nuns,” Frances crossed her arms. “A few nice ones too.” 

“That’s a real good question! See Frances I told you you good at this!” I grinned. 

“Well I get a lot of help from the people in town,” Miss Abi said. “When the kids are out and about playing and such it seems the whole town watches over them. These kids here had a really horrible Matron before I came here. I am trying to make up for what she put them through.” 

“Anything else you can think of to ask, Frances?” I asked her.

“Is you gonna stay in Tombstone forever..?” Frances asked. 

“I will be here as long as the kids want me here,” Miss Abi answered. “I love all of the kids like they were mine.” 

“I remember…” I nodded. “She why I adopted Miss Trin…” 

“You what?” Frances tilted her head to the side. 

“I don’t mean Ms. Angi,” Miss Abi said. “I am speaking of Ms. Irelund.” 

“Ohh. I never met her. Heard lots about her though.” 

“I never met Ms Irelund either.” 

“She was awfuller than Miss Angi who said I weren’t allowed to cry or get scared.” 

“Since I have been here even at first she never came out of her office except to discipline the kids. Ms. Irelund actually fed the kids lizard.” 

“Lizard?!” Frances looked horrified. 

“I heard bout that,” I nodded. 

“Like with the scales and feet?!” Frances asked with shock.

“She never tried to have good food for the kids. If I won’t eat it I am not feeding it to these kids.” 

“That’s good to know…” 

“I make sure they have ham , chicken, beef and for the holidays I am hoping someone will shoot us a turkey.” 

“Well I think that’s good enough for a real long article!” 

“Mmmm... I love turkey dinners!” Frances rubbed her belly. 

“Can you show us your room and office Miss Abi?” I asked her. 

“Of course,” she said and I gathered up my notes, walking over to the office. I was a bit nervous, remembering the last time I’d been in the office, but entered anyway as she talked. “This is my office. The bed by the window is for a child who is not feeling well and does not want to sleep with the other children. That way I can keep an eye on them if they are sick.” 

“Oh I should write about that too. That’s real nice,” I smiled. 

“See the pictures on the wall?” Miss Abi said. “I asked for angel pictures because I feel the kids are watched over by angels.”

“They’re so beautiful!” Frances hugged herself tight. 

“Miss Abi you a real good matron,” I grinned at that. 

“The door over there goes to my bedroom. Want to see? You can go in and look around. Go in and look,” Miss Abi led us through the door. 

“I like all the letters on the walls,” I said, looking around. 

“I feel it is homey,” she smiled. “And the littlest ones can learn their letters.” 

“Maybe  I can learn to read better just lookin’ around in here!” Frances nodded and giggled. 

“If you need help reading I can help you. There are a lot of books in the library we could use.” 

“You can read good? You must be a real educated lady!” Frances grinned. 

We walked back to the main living room and I said, “I read lots! I always read Sherlock.” 

“Well what did you think?” Miss Abi asked. 

“Sherlock? Ain’t that the detective feller?” Frances smiled at me with curiosity. 

“I always used to play the piano when I lived here,” I smiled. 

“Those books are a bit advanced,” Miss Abi said. 

“I want to learn to read so I can read books about acting!” Frances exclaimed. 

“I been readin since I was little,” I told her. 

“Who taught ya?” 

“The orphangae where I grew up was real awful and I never wanted to be with the other kids so I read lots. Then Miss Ashley taught me how to read better but then she got shotted and couldn’t adopt me no more so I came here.” 

“I’m ure we can find something on that subject in the library,” Miss Abi said. “If you girls are hungry there is beef stew on the stove and fresh milk on the table.” 

“She got shot?!” Frances cringed. 

I nodded sadly and said, “But now I got ma and Mr Thomas and Jimmy. And we moved into a big house in Bisbee last night!” 

“That’s great!” Miss Abi smiled. 

“They took us over there in our sleep and we woke up there this morning! You should come see Frances! It’s a real nice house. And not as far a walk as when we were in Pearce.” 

“Could I? I’d love to!” Frances grinned from ear to ear. 

“Yeah!!!” I grinned. “Miss Abi can I take Frances to see my new house?” 

“Of course you can,” Miss Abi nodded. “I need to do some paperwork for and adoption that is coming up anyway.” 

“Come on Frances! Thanks for the interview Miss Abi!” I grinned. “I’ve been wanting to put yours in first! Cause you work with us kids and it’s a kid paper!” 

We said goodbye to Miss Abi and went off to my new place. 

Bisbee. 

I showed Frances our new house and especially the view from the balcony upstairs. “You can see the whole town from up here! Ma sings here at that saloon every other week and Pa can be a deputy here like he is on Allen Street!” 

“Wonderful!” Frances clapped and grinned. 

We walked through the house and she loved the Christmas tree in the living room. “Ma said that Pa did this part cause she not allowed in the kitchen since she burned our turkey at Thanksgivin’,” I giggled. “It was so funny! Me and Jimmy was laughin’ so hard!” 

“But what is she gonna do at dinnertime?” Frances laughed. 

“Pa’s gonna cook,” I giggled. 

“A man can’t cook no dinner!”

“Sure he can! He a real good cook! Ma said she never really liked cookin’.”

“But cookin is real fun!” 

I showed her our room and ma and pa’s room, though we weren’t ‘llowed in there. I led the way back inside and took her over to the bookshelf. I took off the copy of Sherlock I had like it was a fragile piece of glass and showed it to her. “I know ya can’t read but it’s got pictures!” 

“What is it?” she asked, looking curiously. 

“This is my Sherlock! There’s stories bout the cases he does. And ma kinda works like him too. Helpin’ the deputies and sheriffs solve crimes.” 

“Shoot. Sure wish I could read somethin’ like that! I love mysteries!” 

“But look at all these cool pictures!” I said and flipped the pages so she could look at the pictures. 

“Who’s that?” she asked curiously. 

“Oh that’s the red-haired guy. This is a fun story,” I said, opening up to one. 

“The red-haired guy?” she giggled. 

“So this guy gets told that there’s a job in town for people with red hair see… When he goes to apply for the job there’s this huge long lineup of red haired guys. And the people hirin test them and pull wigs off and stuff to make sure they not fake.” 

“Uh oh! That’s silly!” Frances giggled. 

“Well see… He gets the job cause his hair was so great… So what he’s gotta do is sit in this room and copy an encyclopedia for a long time.” 

“Why did the guy who got the job need ta have red hair?” 

“Well that’s the thing... you’ll see…” 

“Well alright!” She nodded curiously. 

“So.... See while this guy’s doin’ this job what he don’t know is that these guys that hired him? They usin his place. While he’s not there. They dig a tunnel from his place to the bank. During the same time that the guy is workin on the encyclopedia,” I said and she laughed as I went on. “So then.. Sherlock figures it all out of course cause he’s smart… And he and this cop and the red haired guy go down into this tunnel and wait for the bad guys to come. Cause that’s the night that they’re gonna rob the bank. Cause the tunnel’s done. And the thing is that when this tunnel was done then the people with the job told the red-haired guy he couldn’t work no more. They put a sign on the door saying that the job had finished. And he was real confused about it so that’s why he got sherlock.” 

“Oh dear!” Frances was listening closely and her jaw dropped, just a bit. 

“Anyway… The bad guys come and then the cop and Sherlock arrest em for attempted bank robbery when they come down with money bags into the tunnel from the bank. Cause it was their escape.” 

“Woo!” Frances snickered. 

“Yeah!! Smart huh?? And Sherlock figured out what time and everything from when they was workin and stuff.” 

“Uh huh!” she nodded with enthusiasm. 

“Cool huh?? See look, this picture has em in the tunnel and it’s all dark.” 

“I see!” Frances peeked and smiled. 

“I been thinkin bout writin’ a casebook like this bout ma’s cases here in Tombstone.” 

“"What kindsa cases here in Tombstone, Nat?” Frances asked. 

“Oh she does lots. Lot of robberies, fires… Woah I could feature a different case in the Bee each week!! That’s so smart!” 

“I bet you could write ’em real good!” Frances smiled. “Then I could learn ta read ’em!” 

“Yeah!! And I could read em to you till you can do it yourself.” 

“That’d be so great!” Frances bounced on her heels. 

“I’ll have to get some from ma today and start!” I giggled. 

“Yeah! You just have to! You got to!” Frances nodded. 

“Well I’m gonna try and find ma,” I grinned. 

“Alrighty then!” Frances nodded again. 

“You gotta come over lots and I can read some to ya! Now that you know where we live!” 

“I’m real excited already!” Frances clapped happily. 

*** 

Benson. 

Tonight I walked over to Uncle Cole’s house and met Miss Enola, Cole’s friend. “That’s Velvet,” I said as I hopped off my horse. “She’s been actin a bit weird, Mr. Cole…” 

“Well hello there little Natalie… Pleasure to meet you,” Miss Enola greeted me. 

“Nice to meet you too ma’am. Velvet’s been real spoked easily lately. I don’t get it. She hates bridges and I gotta coax her over em.” 

“Natalie who saddled her?”

“Uh… I dunno Mr. Cole. Ma got her for me.” 

Uncle Cole lifted the pony’s tail and grinned. “I know why…” 

“You do?” I looked at him. 

“Yes… She is coming into season and is going to be a little spooky for awhile..is most likely her first one and she doesn’t know whats going on.” 

“Oh…” I looked down. “Season for wha?” 

“You know the talk you and your mamma had about your growing up,” Uncle Cole looked at me. 

“Uh… Well yeah..” 

“Velvet is growin up too..” Uncle Cole smiled. 

“What do I gotta do Uncle Cole?” I asked as I pet the pony’s name. 

“Just keep telling her she is safe and keep her away from the boys… Okay?” 

“I can do that,” I giggled and nudged my pony to wander for a bit. 

“She should be okay in about two weeks,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Miss Enola?” I looked at her then. 

“Yes, Miss Natalie?” Miss Enola asked. 

“I work for the Bee and I been askin people round town questions bout themselves. It’s for a new series I call ‘The Faces of Tombstone’. I dunno what order I gonna do stuff in but… I tryin to ask questions of everyone.” 

“Okay,” Miss Enola said. “Ask what you like sweetie.” 

“So maybe you two could both answer at the same time?” I asked them. 

“Oh really.. okay,” Uncle Cole nodded. 

“It’s real easy,” I promised. 

“Sounds good,” Miss Enola nodded. 

“Well ask away,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Ok so first question... How long have you been in Tombstone?” 

“I myself have been here about a month,” Miss Enola answered. 

“About five months,” Uncle Cole replied. 

“Why did you come to Tombstone?” I asked and got out my notebook to start writing on two pages. 

“I came to get away from some bad things that happened,” Uncle Cole answered first.

“That seems to be what lots are sayin’,” I nodded. 

"And I knew you momma.” 

“Yea! She said she knew ya from Wyoming,” I grinned. “You didn’t know she was Native sorta though right? Till you came here?” 

“I was part of Cheyenne tribe out west. My village has hassled often by outlaws. So I moved on to start a new life,” Miss Enola said. 

“Oh, I knew,” Uncle Cole grinned. 

“You did?!" I blinked. 

“Yes, she told me long ago.” 

“Oooh. What do you do for work?” 

“I am currently the baker in Benson. which I plan to be for a long time,” Miss Enola said. 

“I am the vet and a medical assistant,” Uncle Cole answered. 

“Oh wow! So you both live here in Benson then? This your house Mr Cole? Or miss Enola’s?” 

“I live above the bakery yes,” Miss Enola answered.

“Yes, now I do,” Uncle Cole said. “I live here with Irish above the stables.” 

“I have a small apartment above the bakery here in Benson,” Miss Enola said. 

“My uncle Irish!” I grinned wide. “We set up the Christmas tree in front of the sheriff’s office.” 

“Yes your Uncle Irish,” Uncle Cole nodded. 

“It’s real perty. He helped. What do you do in town for fun?” I asked, seeing Miss Enola blush a little. 

“Well, I have been so busy setting up the bakery and working, I have not been out much,” Miss Enola answered. “Sir Irish did take me dancing once though,” she said and blushed more. 

“Go to the dances… and once in a while I go bowling at Annie’s,” Uncle Cole said. 

“You gonna be my new auntie?” I giggled and asked Miss Enola. 

“Natalie...what kind of question is that?” Uncle Cole asked disapprovingly. 

“I sorry,” I blushed and looked down. 

“Well, if you are adopting me as your auntie… I would be honoured. I can make you cookies often,” Miss Enola smiled at me as Uncle Cole tickled me, chuckling. 

“Okay next question,” I said and giggled more. “Do you have a favorite place? Either a town or a building?” 

“Hmm… that is a hard one,” Uncle Cole said. “I think I like the bakery best.. it smells so good.”

“I love the memories at the cemetery. The honor of what those lost meant to the town. I sit there often and call the spirits in praise for their memories,” Miss Enola smiled and nodded. 

“The cemetery?” I blinked. “But it’s scary!” 

“Yes it is, Natalie, for those who do not understand its beauty. You and I should go once so we can see the beauty together,” she said and I shuddered.

“Well I try to make great things there everyday,” Miss Enola said to Uncle Cole. “I have fresh holiday cookies there now.” 

“Miss Tracy taught bout Hamlet once. It was scary,” I told them. “Or was it Macbeth…” 

“Most likely McBeth,” Uncle Cole said. 

“It was Macbeth,” Miss Enola nodded. 

“What’s your favorite animal? Do you have any pets?” 

“I have a kitty at Black Diamond and my horse here,” Uncle Cole said. 

“I love my horse Ginger and there is an amazing dog that keeps hiding over here that I have met. She seems to like me,” Miss Enola smiled brightly. 

“What’s your favorite food?” I grinned. 

“Love a good rare steak with mashed tatos,” Uncle Cole said. 

“I agree with Cole on that one, with a nice hot piece of fresh baked apple pie,” Miss Enola smiled at him. “I also like fresh cooked fish.” 

“Like my pecan pie as well,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Are you married?” I asked and they both answered no. “So no kids for either of you?” 

“No, never had children,” Miss Enola shook her head. 

“I have a daughter from an adoption but she is with her auntie back east,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Any other family nearby?” I asked. 

“Not for me. I traveled a long way alone,” Miss Enola answered. 

“No… Other than your momma,” Uncle Cole said. 

“My momma’s family?” I blinked. 

“She kinda treats me like a brother…” Mr. Cole smiled. 

“So you like my uncle then! Like uncle Irish!” 

“Well, I uh, well… yes, he is a very nice man,” Miss Enola’s face got redder. 

“You should see the two of them… they can’t stop blushing…” Uncle Cole said.

“They in loooove!” I giggled. 

“Maybe,” Uncle Cole chuckled. “I will tell him what you said…” 

“Hey now tell him what?” Miss Enola looked over with an eyebrow raised. 

“That you think he is a very nice man…” Uncle Cole grinned. 

“Well he is a very nice man. He is so helpful and generous.” 

“I told you Uncle Cole!!” I giggled more. 

“And he talks about you in his sleep..” Uncle Cole laughed. 

“What does he say about me?” Miss Enola’s eyes grew wide. 

“You sure you want to know?” he grinned. 

“Oh my high spirits, this had better not be in your paper, Natalie,” Miss Enola looked at me and then huffed a bit. “Yes, I want to know.”  

“Nu uh I done writin!” I giggled. 

“He loves your soft silky hair and how nice your face is and how soft your skin is..” Uncle Cole started. 

“O oh my now how would that man know these things? He has never…” Miss Enola said. 

“Should I go for a ride with Velvet?” I grinned wide. 

“No, you’re fine,” Uncle Cole said to me. “Whatever it is,” he looked at Miss Enola. “He sure thinks a lot of you.” 

“Maybe you can go dancing again Miss Enola!” I grinned. 

“e will have to see, Natalie,” Miss Enola said to me. “If Sir Irish asks sometime.” 

“Of course I haven’t mentioned his talking to him yet…” Uncle Cole said. 

“Yeah, that should be a nice talk,” Miss Enola grumbled under her breath. 

“Only in that I will have to keep track of the blushes and duck a lot..” 

“The duck?” I looked at Uncle Cole. 

“Irish throws things when he is embarrassed,” Uncle Cole laughed. “And it is worse when I tease him.” 

“You’re awful, uncle Cole!” I grinned and he grinned too, moving off the step away from Miss Enola. I waved and said goodbye to Miss Enola as I headed home. 

Bisbee. 

An hour later I showed Uncle Cole the house. Jimmy came running in calling for me and momma and I called for him to come inside. “Hi Bro!! Don’t ya love this new house??” I grinned wide. “It’s ours and we live together finally!”

“Hey Mr. Cole! I doin okie dokie… how you like our new house?” Jimmy asked him. 

“I like it.. lived here when I first came to Tombstone,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Come on and sit by the fire and warm up Jimmy!” 

“Yeah we sure do sis, we finally one big family..oh wow lookit!!!! What a big tree!” 

“Miss Enola gave us that!! She’s um... Uncle Irish’s new lady!” I winked at Uncle Cole and he winked back. Jimmy walked up to the tree and stared in amazement as I said, “Oh and did ya see the big tree in front of the sheriff’s office? Me and Angel and Uncle Irish and Mr Freebird decorated it this mornin’!” 

“Naw, I missed it..” he frowned. “But I see it tomorrow...ya know this my first time ever have one of those.

“Really???” 

“Uh huh...ma didn’t know nuttin bout Christmas, and pa did believe in it,” Jimmy said. 

“Well now we get to do Christmas! And Uncle Cole built us that desk upstairs. That’s what ma said! It’s real nice, Uncle Cole!” I said as he went to have a short nap on the couch. 

“Uh huh...where ma and pa? They out doin law stuff?” 

“Uh... guess so they not home yet. But pa said there baked cookies in the kitchen if you wanna bring em out. I was waitin for you.” 

“Oh wow, really? Ma didn’t cook em did she? You remember the Thanksgiving turkey. You think that why we moved?” 

“Yeah I know bout the turkey... but I don’t think that’s why we moved. Ma said it was a Christmas present for all of us!” I giggled. 

“This is the bestest Christmas present I ever got. I got a family and a house, and my big sister.” 

“Now as your big sister... go get the cookies! We got a guest! Even though he seems to have fallen asleep,” I grinned. 

“OKie dokie big sister...I go get cookies...do I need to bring milk too?” 

“Yeah!! Can’t have cookies without milk!!” I giggled. 

“Yeah, well we almost had Thanksgiving without a turkey.” 

“Now listen here... Ma feels bad enough bout that! We don’t gotta give her a hard time!” I chuckled. 

Jimmy went into the kitchen then and called out, “I hope I don’t drop these. Pa would kill me if mess up our new kitchen.” 

“Ya need help in there?” I called after a while. 

“Naw I gots it. I a big strong boy, I can do it.” Jimmy walked back into the living room and set the tray onto the table. 

I grinned and reached for one of the cookies. “I been workin on lots of interviews for the paper! And guess what else! I gonna write stories bout ma’s cases! Kinda like Watson did for Sherlock!” 

Jimmy handed a cookie and mil to me as he munched on his. “There ya go sis.” 

I looked over as Uncle Cole stirred in his seat and I grinned, “He’s awake!” 

“Oh wow really? Do I get to help?” Jimmy asked me. 

“Uh huh!! Ma and Pa said I shouldn’t go places alone. I had Frances go around with me today. She’s a real nice girl.” 

“Awesome...yeah, and pa say we not go into Tombstone alone or without them either.” 

“Mr Cole, is it true that the matron before Ms Abi actually fed the kids lizards??” I asked Uncle Cole. 

“I’m not sure she did kinda doubt it..” Uncle Cole said. 

“That’s what Miss Abi said… Oh wait I not sposed to talk about the interveiws till they in the paper.” 

“I think she fed us horse though. We often had what Jeffery and Payton called horse stew,” Jimmy said. 

“She did??” I blinked. 

“I think the worse thing she ever fed them was horse..” Uncle Cole said. 

“I not know, just what Nora say also,” Jimmy said. 

“Wow… I guess Miss Abi lied then,” I frowned. 

“I not like eatin horse. They not made to eat, they made to ride, and take care of. They perty animals,” Jimmy said. 

“Horse isn’t too bad just sounds that way,” Cole said. 

“Uh huh! Horses are pets not food. How are the horses at the coral Jimmy?” I asked. 

“They are good. We been kinda slow lately. People not comin town much cause all the fires pa say been happenin,” Jimmy replied. “Mr. Cole you like healin horses and other animals?” 

Uncle Cole finished his cookie and milk and said, “That was one good cookie..almost as good as Miss Enola’s. “Yes I do they are much easier than some humans.” 

“Well Pa made em. He a good cook,” I grinned. “Jimmy, maybe Mr Cole could teach you how to heal horses like he does!” 

“Pa said maybe I could learn from you some day how to better tend horses at the corals and stuff,” Jimmy said. 

“Any time you’re ready,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Oh wow really?!” 

“I am already teaching Payton..so yes I will teach you as well.” 

“So I am going to be a vegetarian like you?” 

“Mr. Cole says that my horse Velvet is comin into season and I gotta keep her away from boy horses,” I said then. 

“Means you have to study like at school,” Uncle Cole said. 

“Uh, you mean yore horse be ummm, in matin season sis? Ain’t that what its called Mr. Cole?” Jimmy asked. 

“Yes, Jimmy,” he nodded. 

“Means we can have little ponies running around soon!” I giggled and ate my cookie happily. 

“I will study Mr. Cole. I want to learn all I can about tendin horses and maybe other animals. SO ifn they get sick, or somethin, I can fix ’em,” Jimmy promised. “I get first pony!” he chuckled. 

“Well yeah cause I already gots the mama one. That only fair,” I grinned. 

“Ok first assignment..find out how long Velvet will be in season if this is her first week,” Uncle Cole told him. 

“And I’ll keep tellin her she’s safe and loved,” I grinned. 

“Ok Mr. Cole, I find out soon as I can. Where good place to start, the library?” Jimmy asked. 

“Yes the best place to start,” Uncle Cole nodded. 

“Miss Bianca’s runnin the library now and makin it real nice! :covers her mouth realizing she said something from the interviews again,” I smiled. “Ma might have some books on horses upstairs in our shelf too, Jimmy. She really knows horses well. She hadta learn from somewhere. She said she grew up on a ranch.” 

“Some things you can learn by watching some you have to ask about,” Uncle Cole said. “Like did you know if you give a horse too much oats it will be all crazy like it is on loco weed..” 

“Uh uh!” Jimmy exclaimed. 

“Make sure you not do that Jimmy,” I giggled. “Or we’ll have to call him Otis.” 

“And first good lesson is you can use cold tar to seal a cracked hoof…” Uncle Cole said. 

“Also, if they eat too much grass, don’t they get that where they get stopped up and can’t poop?” Jimmy asked. 

“Think I’ll just read my Sherlock. It makes more sense,” I stared at them blankly. 

“Yes that is called foundering,” Uncle Cole nodded. 

“Oh, don’t you want the scoop on the poop Nat?” Jimmy chuckled. 

“Nu uh,” I giggled. “You scoop the poop all yourself, Jimmy!” 

“If they eat too much green grass. Do you know how to fix that Jimmy when a horse is all stopped up” Uncle Cole asked. 

“Give em less oats?” I giggled. 

“Ummm, I think pa used to use warm water and ummm had to clean them out,” Jimmy said. 

“Yes warm water and a hose,” Uncle Cole said and I grinned, getting an idea. 

“What sis?” Jimmy looked over at me. 

“Nothin!” I giggled. 

“Just remember to be standing off to the side when you do it…” Uncle Cole grinned and I thought to myself I would have to ask ma where the garden hose was. 

“My teacher didn’t warn me..” Uncle Cole laughed. “Not something I want to repeat.” 

“I saw my pa do somethin once that made it easier to work. He took a washtub, hung it up, ran an ole hose through the bottom, and filled the tub with warm water,” Jimmy said. 

“That works but you have to be careful or you can hurt the horse..will rupture his intestines and than you will have to shoot the horse.” 

“Mr. Cole, why when a horse break its leg, they shoot it? When people break their leg, we don’t them.” 

“I have splinted a simple break on a horse and used a sling to keep it off the foot but usually when a horse breaks it leg it is a bad one and it is the only thing you can do to stop the pain. It is sometimes the only thing you can do Nat,” he said, seeing me frown and look down. 

“I don’t know if I could shoot a horse. Especially if it were mine. It just not seem fair.” 

“No it doesn’t but as a vet and a responsible horse owner you may have to one day. Not always fair, I know.” 

“Do you think maybe some day there will come out with someway better to take care of horses so we don’t have to shoot em?” Jimmy frowned. 

“I sure hope so cause I hate it when I have to put an animal down cause I can’t help it.” 

I started to tear up at the thought of Velvet and told myself, “She’s gonna be fine. She just in season and growin’ up.” 

“Me too Mr Cole. I not like see animals suffer, but I don’t like having to put one down either. Sometimes one is way better than the other I guess,” Jimmy said. 

“Yes she is Nat..no danger there unless she get with a boy horse ..she is too young to have a baby right now,” Uncle Cole told me and I started to get to work cleaning up the cups and tray. 

Jimmy came over to hug me and said, “It ok sis, we take care of Velvet. Maybe she have whole bunch of ponies.” 

“This is true Jimmy..” Uncle Cole said. 

“Wonder if that’s why the man shot ma and killed her. Cause she weren’t a good dove no more…” I said then. 

“I don’t think that were it sis...I think it was just a bad man,” Jimmy hugged me tight. 

“I wish I had all the answers for that Nat..It isn’t the same with humans some of them are just plain mean,” Uncle Cole said. 

“I just…” I sighed against him. “Don’t like talkin about dyin’. .It makes me remember my real ma and pa dyin over ma gettin killed while she was workin as a dove. I found all this out not till I got her to Tombstone then and me and Miss Trin started lookin into it. Then my aunti Winter came to visit and we been talkin about it a bit but she don’t know much either.” 

“Mr. Cole, why cant we break bad people like the do bad horses. They ride em and break em til the behave and mind like they should,” Jimmy said and I blinked at that, going back to put the tray in the kitchen and washed the dishes. 

“Because horses sometimes are smarter than bad humans,” Uncle Cole said. “Since I was your age and living with the Cherokee…” 

“Oh wow, You lived with the Cherokee Mr Cole?” Jimmy asked him. 

“From the time I was four or five… till I was grown.” 

I slowly walked out into the living room and said, “I guess it’s almost bedtime.” 

“Wow...I never met a Cherokee Indian before,” Jimmy said and looked at me. “Yeah, we get to sleep in our new big beds.” 

“I think you two should hit the bed..I will lock up behind me…” Uncle Cole said. 

“Thanks for comin over Uncle Cole!” I said and went to hug him tightly, still a bit reserved since we’d been talking about death so much again. 

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Uncle Cole hugged me tightly. 

“Ok Mr. Cole, I hope you have a safe walk home. Thank you for coming to visit. I get right on that assignment you sent me,” Jimmy promised. 

I walked upstairs and started to get ready for bed. Before laying down though, I looked over and said, “Hey Jimmy?” 

“Yeah sis?” 

“I’m not really gonna have to shoot Velvet am I??” 

“Nooo...that just ummmm was for sick horses....Velvet ain’t sick, she just getting ready to be grown up horse.” 

“I hope so,” I nodded and went to hug him. “Our house is perfect.” 

Jimmy hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. “Yes it is. I got my sister, and my pa and ma. Best Christmas ever.” 

“And you don’t gotta leave anymore. That the best part,” I grinned. 

“I love you big sister Natalie. Yes! No more cold orphanage and rickety hard beds,” he chuckled. 

“I love you too Jimmy,” I smiled and hurried under the bed hearing Ma come in. “Quick! Into bed before they catch us still up!” I whispered and we got into bed, falling fast asleep.