Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Old Flame Revisited,PT.9


                                                                PT.9
                                                                                Old Flame Revisited!
Matt and Festus’ made their way through the heavy Snow,... following what there was of Jake’s Wagon Tracks…. Soon not far out of Dodge,.. Festus’ saw what was looked like a Body,partically cover in Snow…. Matthew,  I’a see sum thin’  looks like it mebe Jake… they both rush to examine the partically Snow Clad Body… quickly jumping off Buck and Ruth…knelling down brushing him clear,… and rolling him to see if he was breathing….  Matt placing his fingers at his throat… Festus’ he’s still alive,… we got to get him back to town,… then Matt noticed  the blood on his Coat… what bother Matt more was the blood was coming from his back…. Festus’ quickly took some branches from a nearby tree, and a Blanket from Ruth, and made a dragging gerney…Mebe not to comfortable Matthew ,but it will hold’um to Dodge.   Matt was wondering what had happened out there ,.. all Jake’s things were in his wagon...so it couldn’t have been a robbery?  And being Back Shot….
Long Branch business was slow,.. most folks didn’t travel into town, after dark.. with the storm hitting. Sam was behind the bar , just wiping down and cleaning glasses… when suddenly he look up and Two men stood before him, Hey barkeep … got somethin’ back there to warm a ol’ Cowboys bones?  Whiskey? Gentlemen…Sam responded… Yeah give us a Bottle…Sam handed them the Bottle, and returned to what he was doing,… the two men sat and looked around … looking at one another,.. Hey Ned, this is like a Ghost town tonight… isn’t this where you said she was?    I expected ,  somethin’ a bit more lively…. Don’t worry Marv, will find’ur   ….   Ya know Marv, this here is nicer than most towns … ,now laughing,.. yeah … could be ripe for the pickins?    Ahhh forget that for now ,.. let’s just find ‘ur… No Woman is gonna steal from me and get away with it!  Sam could hear what they were saying… but pretended not too.
Backing up slowly ,… not sure what to expect… Dolly, threw  on the robe Kitty had tossed at her … then, Kitty still steaming,… SO, Your Dolly Winters?    Nodding her head, Yes. uh huh  ….Well, I’m Kitty Russell!, and I’m gonna tell you a few things and like I said your gonna listen,… Oh, I know who you are …Dolly said with slight attitude  in her voice.  Good! , Kitty answered.  What gives you the notion that Matt is marrying you?   Don’t think your,    Ohhh, Matt was my first Love and you know what they say about First Loves… she was now baiting Kitty,  you should have seen him when I first came to town he attended My every whim….now grinning.   Matt Dillon is a Gentleman… And Oh, I know all about you Dolly Winters,.. And I have certainly dealt with several pieces of trash,.. such as you are…           That’s not how Matt feels ,… why when he had drinks here in this very room .. just Last night ….. he could hardly keep himself from …..Dolly could see Kitty was getting more  angry… What’s the Matter Kitty?.....realizing someone can come take him right from under your nose……?   Matt would never…. Dolly then cut her off,.. Oh but he did ..if you don’t believe me … just ask that nice little whiskered fella  Festus’ was it?   This won’t work! .Kitty said.. I know Matt and he wouldn’t have done what you say…                          are you so sure Kitty?  Continuing  to bait her.   Stepping towards  her … I’ve known Matt for nearly twenty years,… and I’ve seen your kind try their best to…        OH so I see you think Matt loves you …    she began to laugh. You think he’s your man?  As Kitty move towards her again,  Dolly didn’t notice Kitty’s movement.. grabbing Dolly by the arm..…. Let me tell you something,… your messing with the wrong person,… I’ve know Matt Dillon a long time and Yes ..  He does Love me !   and what we have! He is My Man!…and don’t you think for one minute that I’m gonna stand by and let you come between us .. not that you could! … Dolly now trying to stand up from being knocked back on the bed….YOU HIT ME?    Oh Darlin’ … that the least of what I’ll do if you insist on interfering in our lives…..Now I want you out of Dodge!   Or I can’t promise you what I’ll do .  We may not be man and Wife , but were as married as married can be … Now … like I said I want you out!.                Again Dolly repeated, You hit me You wild Bitch!.... Kitty quickly turned and slapped her again…. Ignore me and I just might Kill you!..  So I suggest you cancel the order for the Wedding Dress….now Dolly looked surprised… How’d you know about that?     she asked .you weren’t even in town… You didn’t think we have friends here ?... like I said , it’s been a lot of years .. and our friends are Loyal…..YOU LOSE, Miss Winters!
As Kitty made her way down the stairs,… Howie , stood looking at her with question in his eyes..  Oh Howie wipe that look off your face … She’s alive!... Oh Miss Kitty I , I didn’t ,.. now raising her brow… and smirking at him,… Howie I know damned well you heard every word….. and she turned and walked out .
Howie quickly ran up the stairs,… to check on his guest…. Miss Winters ?  What who is it ? she answered. Are you alright Ma’am? It’s Howie , the desk clerk.  She opened the door ,… looked at him,… with a small trace of blood trickling down her lip … Can I get you anything Ma’am?   Yes! Whiskey….. right away … and he hurried down to the desk. Dolly standing looking out the window , watching as Kitty made her way across the street….I’ll get you for this … I swear I will… 
Kitty pushed her way thru the batwing doors,… and slammed the doors closed …. SAM?.. Pour me a whiskey … Please?   Miss Kitty are you alright ? he asked.    Yes I’m Just fine ,.. peachy… she began rubbing her hand ,.. then realized Sam was staring at her…. Softening her face … OH Sam I’m sorry ..I didn’t mean to bite your head off… Miss Kitty it’s none of My business but, …. Oh, Sam it that Woman….Oh, you mean Miss Winters?  I thought so ,Sam said now dropping his eyes.  What do you mean Sam? She asked, now furrowing her brow….Oh Miss kitty it’s not my place…. Tightening her lips…. Sam, Just tell me… Please? Well Miss Kitty,.. it’s just that before you returned,.. Sam Swallowed hard,.. she seemed to be quite familiar , with The Marshal.  But I must say ..He didn’t …throwing up a hand, don’t Sam… I don’t want to hear it…. And she stomped up the stairs….. while the Two men sat quietly watching….then looked at Sam,…. WoW! … Now there’s a wild Cat! 
Festus’ and Matt pulled Jake slowly down Front street through the Snow…. Festus’ get Doc, Matt told him.… and I’ll try and carry him …  Festus’ ran up Doc’s stairs two at a time…. DOC? .. DOC?     Sitting at his desk,... going through his Journals,.. he heard Festus’ yelling,.. and as he busted through the door … Doc?  Hold on there ,.. What in tarnation are you yelling about?… he asked Rubbing his upper lip.  Doc, it’s jake!  He been back shot!... well why didn’t you say so.. I jest did you ninny!   As Doc headed for the door ,.. Matt was carrying Jake in….Matt , put him here on the table…. Doc, He’s breathing , but …. Ok.. Just let me in here and have a look… where’d ya find him Matt?   Taking a breath,Matt then said, On the road out to his place, His wagon came in empty earlier… and there was blood on the seat…. Doc, Is he gonna be ok? Matt asked.   Will just have to see,.. and hope.
                                                                                                TBC

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