PT.5
“Lifeline Between The Hearts”
Matt had now made his way to the third drover camp, the mood there was stiff and reserved….
Just as he rode into the camp on Buck…. He looked around… knowing full well they all knew why he was there…! As he dismounted, he heard a voice yell out Matt Dillon.. You ol’….when he turned.. He now saw a familiar face…Gus?…Gus you ol,’ Dog! …Matt what are you doin’ here? Matt just looked at him..
I figured you knew? Well…? There are rumors…Gus replied. do you really think your gonna find who you want here? Not sure … but I have to try.. Gus.. This cowboy shot a young woman … and left her to die! It …just.. I hear ya Matt… What can I do to help? I can’t swear to it but the man he was playing poker with said he thought his name was Miller,…. Jim Miller? Matt , I hired a Man name Miller. Not sure where he is right this minute? ,but , your welcome to look around. Thanks Gus.
A few of the men over heard Gus and Matt talking… slipped away… and , off away from the main area…
Hey Miller,… there’s a U.S. Marshal from Dodge.. talking to Gus bout’ you… says you killed that lil’ girl back at the saloon.. in Dodge. Ahh, he’s wrong.. sides’ ..jest some lil’ tramp… nobody’s gonna miss ’ur?
Well you bes’ be scarce … he’s turning this here place over lookin’ fur ya? Your joshin’.. right?
No, He’s a friend of Gus’… quickly, Miller gathered up his things.. And hopped on his horse.. And lit out of there like lightening… As Matt and Gus’ walked through the camp asking about Miller… the camp Cook… Ol’ Pete… mentioned ..seeing some streaking out of the camp in a hurry….headed west!….
Matt ,Ol’ Pete is a hell of a cook.. Why don’t you have supper with us.. it will be dark in half an hour…
Camp with us tonight and get a fresh start first light… if that was Miller? He’s gonna have to stop for the night as well…? He won’t get that much ahead of ya… And if your still the Matt Dillon I remember…well? Ok Gus’ you talked me into it… I could use a good cup of hot coffee.
Matt and Gus sat away from the rest to have a private conversation… Matt it been a long time ?
Yeah , too long.. When’s the last you came to Dodge Gus? Four years ago… till now. I let the Men go in ahead of me .. We’ve been on the trail for nine months Matt. Maybe I should have come in with them?
Gus , this isn’t your fault… Matt their my responsibility, besides …it would give me a chance to see if Kitty is still as Beautiful as she was the last time I saw her?… Matt raised his brow… Hey! Gus snickered.
Does that mean Yes? Just never mind about Kitty…ok? Gus jabbed at matt shoulder… relax, buddy.. I know where the ladies eyes and heart belong. Laughing all the time. More coffee Matt? Sure…
How about something to boost it up a bit… Gus pulled out a bottle of whiskey…. Oh, No thanks…
After this cup.. I’m gonna get some sleep. Got a long ride a sun up…. Sure Matt.
Doc headed to the Long branch…early to check on Kitty….. Morning Sam,! Morning Doc!…Coffee?
Not yet ..I want to go up and check on Kitty… Oh, Doc? Yeah? She’s not up there… Doc stopped on the stairs…. Looked at Sam,… where in heavens name is she? In her office. Taking a deep breath…and swiping his mustache…. For heaven sakes…what in thunder is… Doc , I couldn’t tell her not too. It’s ok Sam. …. I’ll handle this! Doc headed for Kitty’s office… Sam was smiling at the thought.. of what that confrontation was going to be like… he knew how much Doc worried about her. And loved her like a daughter. Lightly he tapped on the door… Sam it’s open .. What do you need? Hearing no answer…
She repeated… Sam?…it’s open then she turned walked over opened the door… and Doc was standing with his arms crossed …. “Young Lady….What in Thunder are you doing out of that bed up stairs”?
With a big huff…And hand on her hips.. Oh Curly .. Just calm down … I had work to do ..and it’s not going to do itself! I’ve been lying in that bed …forever? And I can’t do it anymore! My business isn’t going to run itself. You have Sam he barked back at her. Doc, Sam is my bartender… I overwork that poor man enough as it is? And he never complains… Kitty he cares about you and your health. “I know that!” she said . Curly look I’m fine ..really I am. Your just being over protective. And I love you for it, but, ..et, et’ No But! I have to do these books…. Miss Kitty, Sam came in calling… Yes Sam? Festus’ is looking for you… alright ..thanks Sam ..tell him I’ll be right out… you sure will because your gone back to bed.. you hear me?…UGH! Your as bad as Matt! She walked out to the bar… Hello Festus’…
Miz kitty,…. I have this hear telegram fur ya… it’s a from Matthew. And I’m sure you know what it says too huh? Doc added. No I don’t know such a thing you ol’ scudder. Oh, that’s right cause you can’t read…Doc said laughing… Kitty swatted at Doc’s arm… Stop that! … Thank You Festus’ Miz Kitty,
Barney says, Matthew found him that there yea-hoo that shot and killed Amy. See, You do know what’s in it already.. ? Doc was shaking his head. Doc.. I said Stop it!.. Kitty repeated. Sam was just snickering.
Kitty opened the message:
Kitty Russell,
Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City, Kansas
Found Jim Miller. Stop. will take him to Hayes or Topeka?
Will return in three days .stop.
Matt
Kitty nodded her head…Good…Matt found Jim Miller, he’ll be taking him to either Hayes or Topeka?
Says he’ll be back in three days. I’m glad he caught him. For Amy. Doc Festus’ and Sam Nodded in agreement. Now Kitty,.. You.. back to bed! Oh, Doc! No Arguments, well, I am still a bit tired.. she confessed. And up the stairs she went.
Kitty had followed Doc’s orders.. Not that he gave her much choice.. He had enlisting the help of Sam and
Ma Smalley… but, she knew Matt was due home ..so she made sure she was up and out of bed.. freshened and ready..for his arrival she wanted to make his homecoming Special….Candle light Supper, just the two in her room…maybe a bubble bath.. just a quiet night alone?…he had been gone for a few weeks now…she wanted to show him just how much HE WAS MISSED!
TBC
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