Bette is Kit’s half sister. Only the ‘family’ at the saloon knows this. Their story is an interesting one, which I plan to write one day. I will say this. Bette is the town’s beauty. Tall, elegant, graceful, but boy, you don’t want to get on her bad side. Don’t get me wrong, Bette’s sharp tongue hides her soft heart and yes, she can be a might selfish, but Bette looks out for us all in her own way. I had a crush on her growing up and Bette used to smile knowingly at me and give me treats. That is … until the new preacher and his wife came to town. I think Bette ‘likes’ Tina, but here I go … gossiping again.

I can tell you this. This town is starting to boom as those prospectors all need food, supplies and entertainment after being out in the digs for some time. Los Angeles is well known for its beef and agricultural products, and it’s ‘local’ hospitality. Their gold is most welcome but it is a way of living they can keep.

In fact, we were incorporated just a month ago, becoming an official city of California. I’m just glad our reputation as one of the toughest towns in the West did not hinder its inclusion into this fine State. Hear tell by some folks around these parts, the railroad will be coming next.

As to this town’s reputation? It’s well deserved and I have to be honest, we have a crime problem. I will admit that quite freely. Nearly a murder a day in fact, not that I’m inferring, mind you, that Dana is a murderer or anything. Dana as the facts might have it, is one of my best friends and it is partially Shane’s fault, my other good friend, that Frank is now dead. Shane’s story is a sad one I’m not ready to think deeply about just yet.

The sheriff came over to see what all the fuss had been about. After he had been given the facts, he just shrugged and said Frank deserved what he got and left. I must admit, Dana’s shot was fast, clean and everything was over with a minimum of fuss.

Any ways, moving on. The sheriff of these parts, Tim takes his job seriously. He gets mighty upset when suspected criminals are hanged without his permission. This happens from time to time if the town folk think that the criminal would get away with what they had done without their two bits worth.