PT.8
“Grandpa Was A Hero”
Just as Matt and Colonel Forbes were riding down Front Street…. Several people were racing to tell him about Beth.. And what had taken place, in The Long Branch. But, not everyone knew for sure the identity
Of the Men who had escaped. Matt and The Colonel had seen some of the destruction… on their way into town.. But, were glad to see they ‘d made it there before it hit town? Burke, forcing his way to the front of the crowd… Marshal, Marshal, Those men.. They shot her!.. … it happened again.. They shot her!…
Burke, for crying out loud…, What are you carrying on about? Miss Kitty! They shot her!… those animals from before… Bonner’s Men… they’re here in Dodge… Matt darted for the Long branch.. Burke get out of the way…., She not there.. She’s at Doc’s … Jake Worth carried her up… Matt just pushed him aside and took two steps at a time…. Bursting in the door…. Doc?… Kitty? Just one Cotton picking Minute…
Doc said . This happens to be a Doctor’s office .where I treat sick patients… and right now I happened to have three.. Who need my undivided attention… Now I know this for all other purpose’s is your town Marshal , but this is still my office. Burke said kit… Oh Burke huh? Well Doc? Yeah, Kitty’s here…
But, first, so, is Amy .. Newly’s Amy?.. Yeah.. And Mary Bains…. Matt we’ve had a lot of trouble..
While you’ve been gone. What happen Doc? Well just sit down here and I tell you…
No Wait where’s Kitty? She’s in the back… with Mary. Now Matt, a few of those Prisoner’s were out at Newly and Amy’s place.. They roughed her up a bit… Festus and newly too. But their fine. And Amy?
I think with some rest and TLC they’ll be fine too. Matt , she’s expecting… Newly doesn’t know yet.
What happened to Kitty and Mary? Mary we’re not sure about? Doc, I think I may know. You think?
The Colonel and I passed the Bains place or what was their Place on the way into town… it’s gone Doc.
Matt I think Maylee is also. A farmer and his family brought Mary in, they found her walking on the road.
Matt she’s in shock. She hasn’t said a word. Kitty’s in the back with her. Good then, Burke.. was wrong?
What? Burke,.. He came up to us when we came in to town carrying on about … Bonner’s Dog Soldier’s
Being in the Long Branch… and…. Matt saw Doc turn and walk away from him… Doc ?..was he right?
Matt , I need you to sit down … Doc, Where is Kitty?… Then in the doorway …, I’m here Cowboy…
She was holding onto the framework… Kit… I’m ok….but, Matt.. we need to talk..Doc, can you give us a minute…? Matt helped her to the chair… Kit honey what happened? It’s nothing…much. It’s a scratch.
I heard that Dr. Russell!.. Doc said from the other room. Kit,… Matt Listen to me Please? It important.
I know it is Honey… No Cowboy, it’s not about me … it’s Beth…. Beth! Yeah… Cowboy I’m sorry..
I know I promised I’d protect her… I didn’t know they’d leave with her ..with the storm coming? I..I….
Kitty, It’s ok… it’s not your fault… Oh, Matt … Two of them are in the jail…Festus’ went after them…
I wanted to go ,but he wouldn’t let me… and well.. Shaking his head.. Good!…I’m Glad.
Matt We have to find her …her eyes were filling with tears as she looked at him. Ahhh, Kit, don’t ..Don’t cry…I’ll find Beth…Bring her home Cowboy ..Bring her Home Please? She tried to stand up …Matt ..wiped the tears sliding down her cheek…, I promise.. Matt…Tell her.. Tell I’m…she knows.. oh, and tell her…She knows that too… we both do! He Kissed her.. And was back out the door…
Doc,?…. Yes Kitty? Maybe I should come back and sit with Mary ..? Yeah, Maybe we wouldn’t want that scratch to break open. Now would we? Oh be quiet You! I don’t need Matt worrying about me..
When he needs to find Beth. Oh Ok. Doc just smiled .
Doc and Newly had moved Amy over to Ma Smalley’s now that she was feeling stronger.. And Ma , agreed to keep an eye on her. Kitty was sitting beside Mary.. Holding her hand. Looking at the beautiful young girl she had grown into …she could hardly believe it was 15 yrs. Since Matt first knocked on her door in the middle of the night with a squirming Blanket.. she remembered it like it was yesterday… when she opened the Door… Hi Kitty, Matt.. What’s That? He handed her the bundle.. And said: Trouble! I’ll see you in the morning.. Good Night , I need some sleep! Well, Sweetheart.. You we’re Trouble at all. But, take it from me… If you were in the wild with Matt, Enough Said. Mary Sweetheart.. I never stopped loving you
And I’ve always wanted the best for you? And I think My decision taking you to your Momma .. Was the right one at the time. I don’t know what happened to you out there , But , I want you to know .. I will always be here for you…In whatever way you need me to be….You were almost mine once…
And I’ve always been grateful to your Momma for letting me stay a part of your life….
Kitty moved off the chair… and over to the bed, lifted Mary so that she could hold her
Laying her head on her chest… and enfolding her in her arms. Kitty was humming to her
Then suddenly she felt two arms slide around her… and tighten … and begin to hum with her.
Then she heard Mary say…. Momma Gone, Men… Scared…. No Home. Kitty just held her tight.
She knew she understood Momma gone, and No Home… but she wasn’t sure what she meant by Men and scared? But , she didn’t want to question her …not just yet?
Ok, Boys…what going on here?…. Grandma ‘s telling us Stories… about grandpa and her long , long ago.
Momma, don’t let these boys tire you out …. Oh, Sweetheart, their not.., they enjoy the stories of your Father and I enjoy making them happy. Momma it’s snowing… Yes, I saw that !…Oh, I see you lit
Daddy Lamp? Always !
Where were we now….? You were holding Mary…That’s right. Well, then … Pap-Pap Doc And I could hear a loud sound.. coming from outside… it sounded just like a big train coming right down the middle of Front Street…and well… it might as well have been… it was a hugh twister…things were flying everywhere… buildings were coming apart…wagons were being tossed. Everyone was so scared!
Mary began to cry heavily in my arms,… it was making her remember what had happened out at her farm..
She even started to scream…so loud… it was all I could do to hold her still…. Glass was shattering…
It had even started to rain. I tried to get her down onto the floor and into a corner.. So we wouldn’t be hit by flying objects.
Mary Sweetheart, it’s alright we’re gonna be alright … I have you … just hold on honey … I’m right here.
She was now on my lap… The wound on my leg was bleeding … but she was trembling… and still screaming… It was likely no one had made it very far out of town… , Festus’ had been searching … for the day and night… and realized they were still with in Dodge limits. Matt and The colonel doubled back…
As the twister, began to subside… there were very few building in viable condition …Everything was crumbling… Just as Matt and The Colonel were coming back into town…, Matt spotted Festus’….
Matthew, I think I followed them other two that took Beth.., they be in that ol’ shack betwixt the ol’
Freight yard.. .. Mean while Jennings and Loomis managed to pick the lock on their cell. .during the commotion and being so determined.. Not to be arrested again… needed a distraction….
Loomis smiling at Jennings… We didn’t ride with Jude and not learn nuttin’… I got us an Idea..
That would make ol’ Jude Proud!
TBC
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