"Always",Pt.3

                                                                                     Pt.3
                                                                                “Always”

Kitty was up and ready to go early the next morning,.. She made arrangement for the train to Springfield, Colorado.  Before she left she sent word to Hayes’ sheriff office for Matt letting him know that she went to be with Beth .. That there was a problem. And she would contact him when she got there.  Then sent one to Beth telling her ,she was on her way.




About Mid-afternoon, Matt arrived in Hayes… Tired, Hungry  .. This was the last place he wanted to be..
Or going through this trial all over again?  Hopefully?.. After he testified.. he could be out of there and on his way home.  As he rode Buck up to the sheriff’s office…, the door opened.. Well Matt, sorry I had to bring you back so soon.  Ahh, that’s the chance we take Jake. He said as he dismounted from Buck.
Look the least I can do is buy you Lunch….Think you can handle a steak?  Jake Reilly ask Matt.
Oh, you bet !   Well then drop your thing in the office and let’s go. 


As they sat in the café enjoying lunch and discussing what would take place with the trial…
Jake shaking his head.. Matt?.. I really thought the was an open and shut case? No room for an appeal.
But Now ..remember that witness.. She is recanting her story… saying now she’s not sure ..?
And she doesn’t want to go through anymore.   I don’t get it Matt who hires a Man.. that would do such things.. And you say you know nothing about it?   Jake, I’ve seen all kinds… their out there…


While they were leaving, a young boy came running from the telegraph office… Sheriff! Sheriff!
What is it son?.. slow down… Mack.. says I need to deliver this to you.  Says it’s important.. it’s from
Dodge City!   Matt pushed back his Hat…Dodge?   As Jake started to read it.. He turned to Matt…
Here Matt.. it’s yours.  Matt took it from him and began to read:


Marshal Matthew Dillon
C/o Sheriff J. Reilly
Hayes City, Kansas


Matt, heading for Springfield, Colorado. stop. Beth and Jesse in trouble. Stop .
Will contact you when I get there .Stop .  


Kitty


Matt’s face scoured … with concern…   Matt Is something wrong?  Matt?
It’s from Kitty.  Matt is Kitty alright?   Oh, yeah I think so…then what?  I’m not sure Jake..
But We need to get this trial over with fast… My Daughter and Kitty need me.
Sure Matt , the Judge will be here later today.. Trial starts first thing tomorrow.






                                                                      Springfield, Colorado


As the train pulled into the depot…Kitty was staring out the window….in such deep thought, she didn’t even hear the conductor announce the stop.   As he walked through the car… Ma’am  we’re in Springfield!
Ma’am?… startled.. Oh!.. I’m sorry thank You.. I was..  I see you were about a thousand Miles away ..he said smiling.   Returning the smile…Yes Well.. It’s been a long Ride.. You boarded in Dodge City ,Kansas.. is that right? Yes, that is right.   Well, let me help you….
As Kitty , descended the train stairs… she began looking around.. remembering the last time She and Matt had Visited Beth and Jesse.. On their new ranch… after the birth of their Twin Boys.  Michael(named for Her Mother Mike)& Matthew for her Father .   She tried to think of them… they were close to one years old… must be trying to walk? Cutting teeth?   But no matter how much she tried.. her thoughts went back to Beth… and the pain she must be in…?   She knew that feeling so well …knowing the Man you Love with all your Heart is out there somewhere?… but you don’t know where or if he is even alive?  She’s had over twenty years of those feelings.  But she didn’t want this for their daughter, Beth.          Suddenly, she heard a voice: Momma! Momma!
Over here…. This way…then before she knew it… Beth threw her arms around her in a hugh hug!
Oh, Momma I’m so happy you’re here…then she looked around….Daddy?   No, sweetheart…
He’s not with me.   When I got your letter.. Daddy was on his way to Hayes…he had to re-testify.. at a trial
But, I did send him a wire letting him know I was on my way here.. that you wrote and when he gets back I promise you ..He will be here!      Well, I know he will.. Beth Smiled. Let’s get you to the ranch Ok?
There are two certain lil’ Cowboys who is waiting for their granma!    Oh, Beth.. I can’t wait to see them.. they must be  so big  by now?.. laughing.. Then arm in arm.. they walked to Beth wagon…
As they were ready leave the depot…. A rather large man walked passed Tipped his hat to Kitty..Ma’am!
Beth got real angry..Momma… ignore him!…Beth ?… That is Shaffer!   With a Raised Brow..Kitty looked off in a distance…Oh? umm?  Then she smiled.    Let’s go see that beautiful Lil’ Cowboy! 




                                                                                     TBC