Disclaimer:
Just taking our friends out to play, will put them back when I’m done!
The Longest Journey!
PT. 1
Exhausted,
after a long Trip to the Arizona territory, the ride back to Dodge… seemed
Longer the usual… But Matt could always depend on Buck, to push forward ...
even when the trip was long and hard.
All he could think about now was
he would soon be seeing the wooden buildings in the distance HOME!
Dodge City ! Riding closer, and looking for the symbol of light
and warmth…that always got his attention first.. The light glowing from the
second floor of the Long Branch… he knew she’d
be waiting ! Two welcoming arms and
all the comfort he needed. For years now,
this was routine whenever he was away on
a trip…her light would burn in the window like a beacon… one he had been
thinking about for many weeks.. The
Beautiful woman he fell in love with many years ago… Kitty was his Friend, Best
friend …companion, confidant and Lover.
She knew him like no one else ever could.
Coming
closer to the edge of town, a questioning look slipped across his face… the absence… of the beacon of light. This brought a rise of sadness. Continuing into town and down front
street, the town was quiet… streets
empty? Heading straight for Moss
Grimmick’s stable… too tired to
deal with anything , he was greeted by Hank. Hello Marshal, welcome Home! Thanks Hank, good to be back… Hank
? can you… and before he could finish, I got this Marshal you look tired. Thanks Hank, Good Night, Good night Hank Said
.
Walking to
his office, stopping briefly to look up at the second floor window…then
dropping his eyes… saying to himself , I don’t think I did anything wrong? Yeah been gone a long time, but, done this
before? I need sleep…and to clean up,
so maybe it’s better I see Kitty in the morning? Too…tired to worry about washing up, Matt
collapsed onto the cot…in the Office.
Early the
next Morning, Matt rose and headed for the bath
house…needing to get rid of the trail dust, then headed for the Long Branch….
Kitty should be awake? , he thought to himself as he crossed Front street, he
spotted Doc, coming down the stairs from his office…. Morning Doc!, Well
if it isn’t our esteemed Marshal? When
did you get in? … Doc asked. Late last night…Matt
told him. How have things been around here Doc?
He asked, but, at the same time staring at the Long Branch. Reading him as well as usual, Doc, tugging at
his ear, and sniffing
as he rubbed his Mustache, Let’s get breakfast… But Doc I was headed for…… I know exactly where you
were headed, But, She’s not there!.... Not there? Matt said with surprise. Nope, she’s been gone for a week now. What? Where?
Why? Hold your horses, I tell ya, but let’s get
breakfast… I’m starving. The two men
headed for Delmonico’s……
After
ordering their Food, Matt looked at Doc, Ok so tell me will ya? Kitty left a week ago for New Orleans. Doc? She was fine when I left. Just hold on now…. She’s not mad at
you….. She got a
letter… your remember, Paneca Sikes
? sure I do , her Mother, well you know what I
mean? she’s not well! And someone from New Orleans wrote Kitty,
saying she should come as soon as possible.
And you know Kitty? And she
wasn’t gonna wait for you ..Not knowing when you were coming back? Doc did she say when she’d be back? No, but she did say she write me when she
knew more. Write you? Sure you big lug, I’m a constant… she know
where I am all the time… after
finishing their Breakfast, Matt headed for the The Long Branch, figuring Sam
had more information Maybe? Pushing
through the batwing doors, Morning Marshal!, Morning Sam! Miss Kitty’s not here. I know Sam I talk to Doc, just thought you
may know something about when she’s coming back? Sorry Marshal, she didn’t know..? but, I’m sure
we’ll hear from her soon. Thanks Sam!
He turned and headed for his office….. as he approached
the porch, he heard Matthew?.. Matthew?.. Festus’ was calling from the
direction of the post office… I’a Didn’t
know you was back? Just got in last
night Festus’…. We sure did plum de’ miss ya!
Miz Kitty was’a Hoping ya be back
soon?... But That Miz Paneca Sikes, she
was ailing sumthin ‘ awful Matthew…. And
Miz Kitty, she….. I know Festus’ Doc Told me all about it. Is that the mail ?... why sure …I was just’s
gonna de-liver this to Doc…. Barney says
it’s from Miz Kitty. Here Festus’ I’ll
take it to him… sur, Matthew!
Taking the
stairs two at a Time,… and bursting through the Door…. What in Thunder? Sorry Doc, here this is yours!.. And I
suppose you want to know what ‘s in it huh?
DOC! … Ok, hang on
here…have some coffee.. then Doc began to open the letter,… reading quietly….
Dear Curly,
Sorry I
didn’t write sooner… I haven’t left Pan’s bedside since I’ve been here… it looks bad Curly… I know you told her
about her condition, but …? Doctor
here says it won’t be long now… Her heart is so weak And, I
can’t leave her! But I will let you all
know, when I’m heading back… Doc? Have you heard from Matt? I know you’ll explain where I am, I hated
leaving the way I did… But… well ? , I have to go now, Pan’s calling…
Kitty
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