PT.15
My Family, “My “ Choice!
In Town , Broken Arrow
Dan Ward received a wire in answer to his inquiry ..about Judge Brookings Schedule….It turn out that
Tom Murray would have to be moved to Tulsa, for a Trial. At least for his part in all of this?
At this point.. It looked like most of the Rancher’s would be making the trip as well.. to testify.
Matt tried to talk Kitty into not going…But, well… as Doc put it …How that go for you?
Matt you might have known she’s gonna want to be there, and I can’t say I blame her.
But, Doc you know what all she’s been through.. and…. Shaking his Head.. Do you hear yourself ?
Doc … Do you think she can handle any more of this? Looking surprised and trying hard not to laugh,
And tell me Marshal … “How Long Have you Know Kitty Russell”? dropping his head tossing his hat in his hands… Doc you know what I mean…! Matt we’ll be there with her… That is one strong lady!
She has to be she put’s up with you don’t she .. Now laughing aloud… com’on.. Let’s go check on her?
Tulsa , Oklahoma
Early that morning.. Everyone was filing into the county court house… there were much more people then any of them expected…? Then , Matt and Doc walked in on either side of Kitty.. And found her a seat..
As they past the crowd of rancher’s… briefly… she stopped, tilting her head and smiling slightly….
She nodded lightly at Joe McAndels… Matt looked at her for a moment… sliding one hand down to the small of her back .. Are you ok? Yeah, I’m ok Matt… Let’s sit. As they took a seat… Tom Murray, was brought in by Dan Ward.. Just as he approached where Matt Doc and Kitty were sitting… he stopped..
Ma’am… I mean .. Miss Russell? This may not mean much right now, but …for what it is worth…
I’m Sorry! I never thought you’d be hurt in any way? Joe started to stand and walk towards him …
He didn’t want Murray anywhere near her Now… He still felt protective …! Kitty caught him out of the corner of her eye… quickly… she turned… Joe Please! It’s alright… I’m Fine… Please..? Matt just watched, but, said nothing.
Once Court was in session, Different Rancher’s began telling the versions of what happened and how Tom Murray had approached them about the investments… Then it was Joe ‘s turn… Then , it also got into .. How he was sidetracked by the sudden return of his wife Maggie who had disappeared 14 years earlier…
Kitty could see the Pain in his Face and in his eyes… as she watched him. … Doc and Matt both took notice to her own pain in watching him! Her Blue eyes were now tear -filled as well…. She was now feeling Guilty herself… Then, Murray’s lawyer’s surprised everyone when he called Kitty up to the stand..?
Matt stood …Judge Brookings… I highly object to this!… Marshal… On what grounds Marshal ..your not representing anyone here…? Matt, looked at Brookings.. Then Murray’s lawyer… Miss Russell don’t need to be put through anymore then what she has already? Matt, It’s alright I can do this.. Kitty said.
Brookings then said, Matt I appreciate this situation.. But Miss Russell is here in the court room.
Miss Russell, Yes Judge.., Will you take the stand… Yes of course. Then Doc, interrupted , wait ! I’m her Doctor.. And I don’t think she is up to this. It is my professional opinion. Doc, Matt sit down ! Judge
Brookings, I’m Fine… Well, then …let more forward …. Kitty shot Doc and Matt a look….and walk to the stand…
Mr. Davis you may proceed… Hello Miss Russell, or shall I refer to you as Mrs. McAndels? With a quick smirk…, My Name is Kitty Russell. Just want to be clear here…? Well be clear then! Ok, Miss Russell
What exactly , is your part in all of this?.. What? She snapped. Your part? Part of what ? My client is be accused of an investment scam, and part of that scam was to divert Joe McAndels attention ..being he is the largest rancher in these here parts… And what better way then with a woman in your profession? I beg your pardon? Come now , Miss Russell, You do own and Run The Long Branch Saloon, in Dodge City, Kansas…Don’t you? Look her sonny!.. Yes I am the Owner and operator of the Long Branch…
So, what’s your point? Do you really want this court to believe you weren’t a part of this …from the beginning? I tell you what I want you to know… I was taken against My will and drugged… and dumped
My memory wiped away… so that My Aunt and these Rancher’s could be bilked out of their Life savings…! And this man here …she pointed at Tom, along with My own Cousin… were behind it!
And another thing… aren’t you suppose to be defending him? Now the whole room was in laughter….
And if you think for one minute… that your , now looking at Tom… or this so call lawyer are going to point your finger at Me …. Guess again?! Now Matt had heard enough… Judge! Ok, Ok, Davis… that’s enough!… Brookings leaned over towards Kitty… you may step down… and .. I’m sorry.. he whispered.
By the end of the trial Murray was sentenced to 8 yrs. For his part in the scam.
Leaving the court,… Joe approached Matt and Kitty… Marshal, may I have a Minute with Mag.. Kitty
Just a Minute..? Kitty nodded to Matt…and he walked away…
I just wanted to say… as he reached out to hold her. .pure reaction, I’m sorry for what you had to go through in there… and I want you to know.. I don’t think… she placed her hand over his mouth..
No!.. I know… Joe, Again.. I’m so… sor… No! Mag ..Kitty don’t…. You gave me more in these past few weeks then …well…he pulled her close…she let him.. Matt didn’t like it ,but just turned away.
You know, it’s going to be hard knowing your out there … ..I know Joe…She Kissed his cheek…
Then he told her … their waiting for you… Her fingers slowly slide across his chin as she walked away….
TBC
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