"Always",Pt.4

                                                                                   Pt.4
                                                                              “Always”
                                                                           Hayes, Kansas

Bright and early, Matt was at Jake’s office…ready to go to court…all he could think about was doing his part testifying and getting back to Dodge.. to find out what was happening with Beth?  Jake, Knowing Matt like he did.. was up and ready…  Matt ol’ boy.. I knew you be here with the birds…!  Come’on we have time for breakfast…

While having Coffee… Jake ,asked…Matt.. it might be none of my business, but…do you want to talk about it?   I know that wire has you distracted…  Jake That’s just it.. I’m as in the dark as you… until Kitty let’s me know more.. when she gets there..   Let’s just get through this trial and then …. Placing his hand on Matt’s shoulder…If there’s anything I can do…..  Thanks Jake, preciate’ it…   then rubbing his chin…
Kitty ?…Keep your temper in check ..Please!    And Please send me some word soon….?


                                                                           Springfield, Colorado

Kitty woke early…dressing quietly ..figuring she’d make breakfast for Beth and the boys….
While in the kitchen, she heard the sound of horses…then voices…one being Beth!… quickly…she ran to the front. of the house…  Sitting tall in the saddle was Harlen Shaffer.  With several of his hands….
Kitty walked up behind Beth…, placing a hand on her shoulder… Beth? .. Morning Momma!
Then Shaffer, Tipped his Hat…Morning Ma’am…In complete Anger…Don’t you dare speak to my Mother!   I’m just being polite Mrs. Clayton… you know nothing about Polite!.. I want you off my land …Now!    Kitty rested both hands on Beth’s shoulders…Let me.. Sweetheart…. Mr. Shaffer,.. Is it?
Removing his Hat…Yes ma’am … Harlen Shaffer!.. at your service! Now in a stern tone and raised brow,  Well!, if that’s the case…I do believe My daughter has just ask you to vacate her property!   Now , I’ll go you one Better…Leave Now …Or I will have you physically removed!   And/or arrest for trespassing!    But? Shaffer, started to say…. Kitty didn’t let him finish… I’m sorry Mr. Shaffer… My Daughter made a request…  I’m demanding! That you leave… you have no business here.. And are not welcome!
Miss… It’s Mrs…Mrs. Dillon    to you!    Alright Mrs. Dillon.. let me warn you ..warn you both…
You are both making a hugh mistake!       Oh, No!.. The Mistake is Your Mr. Shaffer….Goodbye!

Shaffer, let out a big huff…looked at his men…come’on… let go… as he rode away.. “This isn’t over”!
Now by a long shot!….   Kitty just smiled.  Come in side sweetheart….I think the Boys are awake…

Momma, ?   Smiling at Beth…Yes?   He’ll be back…. I’m sure he will…But, we’ll deal with that then..
Come ..let’s have breakfast… when they came in the house…they could hear Michael and Matthew…
See?… sounds like two little cowboys are hungry?…winking at her… 
Sitting feeding the boys… Momma how can you be so calm about what just happened…?
Beth, Sweetheart.., what happened… he came here ..you wanted him to leave… now he’s gone!
Look…why don’t you calm down… and tell me what is going on with this Harlen Shaffer?

Handing Beth a cup of coffee…oh, I’m drinking Tea now.. Momma.. Oh Ok!  Kitty said.
Take a deep breath…relax.. now tell me…….Momma,.. you and daddy know how hard Jesse and I
Have worked to build this ranch?…of course we do!.. Kitty answered.  This part of Springfield is really blossoming …and doing so well.   Ok and?   Then about eight Months ago.. This …This… Harlen Shaffer
Comes in and starts trying to buy up all the land.. and if that wasn’t enough, he wanted land that ranchers already own… he wants to monopolize this whole part of the country!    Beth, you don’t have to sell!
We Know.. We don’t want to…this is our home!  But others who didn’t sell to him…well…
Well What Beth? Kitty ask.    Let’s me just say .. There have been a run of unfortunate accidents… then when the bank ,call the mortgage on the loan.. and the ranchers.. Are in a spot?   In comes Harlen Shaffer!
Offering only pennies on the dollar…?   Oh Beth that’s awful!   He should be shot!   Hasn’t anyone tried to do anything?    No , it’s like everyone is so afraid of him!?   Then… Last week, Jesse turned him down again.. And then we lost 75 horses!  Jesse was suppose to take to sell ..he and his Uncle Jack Allison were going to make a deal.. But, now?     Their deal was for 100 horses…Momma we needed that money.
Jesse, got angry.. said he was going to see Shaffer….tear filled in her eyes.      No, Now Beth.. don’t you think that!   Jesse is a strong Man… he’s Fine… you’ll see… If you only knew how many time I felt that same way about your father..?    Sweetheart, We’re going to figure this out,… I promise!   Tears, trickled
Down Beth’s cheeks… Kitty pulled her to her in a hug… Now ,Now…come on …it’s going to be just fine!

Beth, I’m going to ride into town…I promised your father to let him know when I got here…
You get some rest I’ll be back soon…ok?   Kissing her on the forehead…don’t you worry about a thing!

                                                                                       TBC