"I do solemnly swear, that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartiality discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me, according to the best of my abilities and understanding, agreeably to the Constitution, and laws of the United States. So help me God," Matt recited proudly with Kitty by his side holding their one month old daughter, Panacea.
The governor shook Matt's hand after the oath recital and said. "Congratulations, Judge Dillon."
Kitty smiled broadly as Matt turned toward her and took the squirming infant from her. "Congratulations cowboy," she said as Matt bent down so that Kitty could give him a kiss.
Looking around the assembled crowd that broke out into applause, Matt had to smile. As many of the towns people along with his and Kitty's friends were present to watch him take the oath as a new judge before several of his friends came over to congratulate them including Festus and Newly.
"Mr. Haggen," the Governor said pulling Festus aside. "A moment of your time please."
"Wal, sure," Festus said following the Governor to a corner of Matt's office. "What can I do fer you?"
"It's not what you can do for me, deputy," the Governor said looking in Matt's direction. "But, it's what you can do for him."
"Matthew," Festus asked looking the Governor in the eyes. "What about, Matthew?"
"I'm afraid, Matt's going to be in danger wherever he goes," the Governor said meeting Festus eyes. "You know his reputation as a law man and who wouldn't want to say they were the one that took out the great Marshal Dillon."
"I've been a thinkin bout that my own self," Festus said with a nod.
"I need a good man to accompany the judge on the circuit and to act as an officer of the law and Matt's protector. Know of anyone who would like that job?" The Governor asked as Festus quickly nodded.
"Yep," he said watching Matt laugh easily. "Me!"
"I was hoping you'd say that!" The Governor replied with a wide grin.
Kitty stepped forward as Festus and the Governor turned around. "All right everyone!" she said excitedly. "There's a reception over at the Long Branch! The drinks are on the house!"
*Meanwhile on the outskirts of town*
"I'm no so sure about this, Tray," a man with a bandana over his mouth and nose said before looking at his partner.
"Shut up will ya, Butch," Tray said looking around. "Let me do the thinkin! Like I tole ya, that Marshals a judge now! He ain't interested in comin after us for robbing no bank!"
"Alright," Butch said easing his way forward. "Let's get it done then."
"I'm right behind you," Tray said looking up. "There's the back of the bank!"
Kitty passed out full glasses of champagne along with pitchers of beer. "There's plenty more where that came from!" she said with a smile before turning to Sam. "Keep em coming, Sam!"
Abelia smiled as she and Festus stood outside the Long Branch and watched their ten year old twins, Galen and Kathryn playing with almost two year old Abby and five year old Matthew Jr.
"Galen," Abelia said putting her hand on Festus arm. "You keep an eye on the girls now!"
"I will, ma," Galen said watching his parents disappear into the saloon.
"They'll be fine," Festus said looking around. He saw Johnny over by the bar. At eighteen, the boy was out of school and working for Hank at the Livery doing the same job Robert had started. "Where's Marianne?" he asked turning to Abelia.
"I'm not sure," she replied thoughtfully. "I remember seeing her in Matt's office but not since." At sixteen, Abelia's daughter was just about to take the exit exam in school and no longer a child.
Tray forced the back door of the bank open before crawling inside with Butch following. "See," Tray said getting to his feet. "I told you, everyone's busy. We can take what we want!"
"Yep," Butch replied peering out the window. "You was right!"
"Get out of that window before someone see's you," Tray whispered.
Butch smiled as they headed for the vault. "Ain't nobody out there!"
"Good," Tray replied. "Let's get the money and get out of here!"
Galen chased Matthew down the street in a game of Cowboys and Indians as Kathryn played with Abby on the boardwalk in front of the bank.
The ten year old looked up sharply when she heard a loud thump from inside the building. Getting to her feet, she tried to look into the window but the curtains were drawn.
"Matt," the Governor said drawing the new judge away from the crowd. "I hope you don't mind but I've appointed deputy Haggen to accompany you in the circuit and to act as an officer of the law."
"There's no one else I'd rather have with me, Governor," Matt replied sipping his glass of champagne. "I also know, he'll be there for my protection, right?"
The Governor smirked before he answered. "Don't take it the wrong way, Matt. But your reputation as a lawman precedes you and will continue to do so for as long as you live."
"I know and I appreciate the concern for my safety," Matt replied watching Kitty from where he stood. "As I said, there's no one else I'd rather have at my side then Festus."
"Good," the Governor said turning around. "And, it shouldn't be to long before you get your first case."
Butch watched Tray loading up a sack before turning his head shapely toward the back door. "Hey, I think I heard something."
"Naw," Tray said continuing to load up the money.
"We got enough, Tray," Butch said grabbing the other man's arm. "Let's get out of here. I got a bad feeling!"
"Alright, already," Tray said heading for the back door.
Stepping out onto the porch, Tray heard footsteps behind him. His skin tingled with fear as he whirled around and instinctively extended his pistol.
Galen heard his twin sister scream for just a moment before a single gunshot reverberated off the buildings around him. Stopping in his tracks, he looked over at the boardwalk in front of the bank but only Abby was sitting there playing with her doll.
"Kathryn!" Galen yelled as the adults from the Long Branch suddenly filed out into the street fearful from the sound of the gun.