"Always",Pt.14

                                                                                   Pt.14

                                                                                “Always”

Early the following morning, Kitty purchased a ticket to Lees Summit, Missouri.   Then walked over to see Doc at his place.  He was now living at a small place just in town ,to be close to everyone.  Seeing him setting on the porch.., Morning Curly!… Kitty!    Join me for coffee?… a quick cup ..then I have to pack.
Going somewhere?.. he asked.  That’s what I need to talk to you about Curly…   rubbing his upper lip…
Maybe you’d better sit…?    Sitting down next to him…rubbing her hand together… Ok Tell me what this is all about….    It’s simple …she said … I’m going to bring Mary Home!    Now wait one minute here!
Isn’t that what Matt.. and Frank…and that bumbling ..Festus’ just left out of here to do?  Well…..Yeah, But..   Shaking his head…But What?    They don’t know where she is?   Now looking confused…Doc now asked.   And are you telling me you know where Mary is?    Kind’of?     Then she showed him the Note…
Reading very intently….. Oh Honey …No… I don’t like this!.. I don’t like this Not one Bit!   Curly?…
I don’t have a choice…?   This Is Mary!   She My baby!   I’m scared for her!    Wrapping his arms around her…. No one knows that better than me… But Honey you should have ….shaking her head quickly…
No!…No!   I couldn’t tell Matt… the note says Tell no one!.. No One Curly!    Besides…you know Matt
He would never let me go!     Doc began laughing…with a furrowed brow.. what’s so funny?
When could that over-grown civil servant ever stop you from doing anything you set you mind too?  
Slapping at his shoulder…Oh Doc!     I just have to go.. For Mary!  But I need you to watch over Beth,
Till I get back?…will you do that for me?    Kitty honey you didn’t have to ask.  But I wish I could change your mind?… placing her hand on his cheek…  looking at him with tears in her eyes…You can’t.. but I Love you for wanting to try…!


Kitty did her best to explain to Beth , why she was going …and why she didn’t tell Matt?   She only told her what she needed to… not wanting to upset her more then necessary ..  Then she was off!



                                                                          “Lees Summit, Missouri”

When the train arrived ,..Kitty checked into the Hotel…not sure who it was she was looking to meet?
She had, had a tin photo, of Beth and Mary that was taken, a few years earlier when a man came through dodge wanting to do Photo’s of folks in the west?   She began showing it around asking if anyone remembered seeing her get off, the stage?…. At first she had no luck…just when she was beginning to get tired and stop for the day…she headed for the café when a young boy.. stopped her…hey lady!  Can I see you photo?      Have you seen one of these?    Yes Ma’am  in one of those traveling shows.    It came through town ..a few years ago.   Their pretty!   Thank You.  They your Girls? Yes they are ,Kitty told him.
And this one here, she pointed to Mary.. is missing.  She run away did she? Oh no …Kitty smiled at the boy. She was on the Stage coming home from school,. .but she never made it.  Something about the way the boy hung on Kitty’s every word,?.. had Kitty’s attention.  Well, I think she was here.. oh.. a few days ago?
Are you sure Sonny?  This is really important.   Yeah , I’m sure.. she got off the stage.. and was talking to two young guys.. that were waiting here…then a Lady rode by …and when My Pa.. called me.. I looked away…but then when me and My pa…were riding away she was gone.. and so was the lady?
And your sure?   Yes Ma’am… were this big boys…?  Kitty asked.  Oh.. no ..well a little older then me..
She was asking them where the café was?     Do you know this Lady?   I’ve seen ur’ before.. but don’t know her name.  placing her hand on his shoulder…. Thank You Sonny.   You’ve been a big help! 


Kitty was drinking a cup of coffee,…and thinking: Mary Sweetheart…I promise I’ll find you!  I’m Sorry…
I hope you are alright.. you just have to be!   Just as she was ready to leave….and exiting the café
A woman in a dark cloak.., walked up …close to her, Kitty Russell ..Dillon?  Just act natural…who are you? Kitty ask.   You’ll find out soon enough.   Walk with me.. Just act natural.. like we’re friends… get into the carriage….   As she was climbing in ..the little boy saw her.. and started shouting:  That’s Her!
That’s the Lady I told you about!…but Kitty could barely hear him.. as they drove off!

                                                                                    TBC