The Trade!
Usual Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play, will put them back when I'm done!
PT.1
"Matt, I had to, well, I just had to help Franny. He… He would have killed her. And as her friend what was I to do?"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Cowboy, how long will you be gone?" Kitty was asking her usual question while fiddling with the silver handled hair brush in her hand as she sat looking through the mirror at Matt sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Ah, Kit, just a day or two. I need to go out to Fort Dodge and talk with Colonel Tucker about a gold shipment coming through Dodge. It has to be transported to Fort Dodge for safe keeping."
"Oh, Cowboy, look, I know as Marshal you have to do certain jobs but…"
Shaking his head, "Now, Kitty. Let's not have the argument again."
"Matt Dillon, don't you 'now Kitty', me." She said slamming the brush on the vanity.
"Look, Kit, honey. I'm okay. I can take this trip, do what I have to and be back before you even miss me."
"Oh yeah, I've heard that before. What does Doc say?" She asked with her jaw tightened.
"It doesn't matter, Kit, I have to go."
"But, Matt. You are in no condition to ride for any length of time. You're barely healed." Kitty said still looking over her shoulder and through the mirror at the man whom she loves and worries so much about when he's gone. Then, before he could say anything, "Oh all right. Just promise me you'll be careful." She said with a concerned look.
Now standing and walking towards her, "Yes, Ma'am, I promise." He answered slowly sliding behind her on the stool, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against his large hard frame.
Relaxing and leaning into him, in a softer voice, "Cowboy?"
Leaning his face into her neck, he mumbled, "Hummmmm?"
"You know I'd be lost without you, don't you? I almost lost you again."
'Uh huh." Still nibbling at her neck and chin line.
"Matt Dillon, are you even paying attention to me or…"
Without warning, he reached around her and covered her soft lips with his and the thought of resisting never came to mind.
"Beautiful lady, come to bed." No words were spoken. Gently with arms wrapped around one another, they snuggled up in their large brass bed, wrapping themselves in one another.
Just before dawn, Matt quietly woke and dressed, trying not to wake the sleeping redhead beside him. And then he leaned down to lightly kiss her on the forehead, brushing the long amber-copper curls from her face. Then he headed for the door, headed for the office to get his paper work he needed, for the trip to Fort Dodge.
Just as he placed his hand on the door knob, a soft voice, "Cowboy? The suns not even up yet."
"I know, Kitty, I just wanted to make sure my things are together. Go back to sleep. I'll be back before I have to leave. We'll have breakfast."
"Ok," she mumbled. Curling up tighter to the pillow his head had laid on, it still had his scent on it, she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Matt left, just smiling at the sight of this woman he loved so much.
Later, sitting at Delmonico's, "Matt, I do wish you would reconsider."
"Kit, please don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Well, then maybe you should take Festus along." As she picked at the bacon on his plate.
"Kit, I need him here to take care of things while I'm gone. Newly is doing runs with Doc."
Scrunching her face, "Oh, I know. I know. Alright."
Slowly watching her, "Is there something wrong with your breakfast?" He was trying to hide his smile.
Continuing to pick off his plate, "No. Why?"
He just rolled his eyes and smiled. "No reason." He was used to Kitty sharing his food as if his tasted any different. "Well, Kit, I'd better get going. Walk you back to the Long Branch?"
"Yeah, sure."
As they were leaving, Burke's voice yelled out. "Miss Kitty! Miss Kitty!" Running towards them.
"What is it, Burke?" Kitty looked surprised.
"Well, well, I was just headed over to the Long Branch and I saw ya here…"
Furrowing her brow, "Yeah, and?"
"Oh,oh Barney wanted me to get this to you." He was holding an envelope. As Kitty went to take it, he was holding so tight.
"Burke."
"Yeah?"
"Can I have it?"
"Oh, yeah sure, Miss Kitty." Handing it to her. "Came all the way from New Orleans, it did. Barney says there was a delay in it coming through."
"And I suppose you are gonna tell me what's in it?" She said with a raised brow.
Face turning red, "Why no, Miss Kitty. It's your letter."
Matt and Kitty looked at each other and just rolled their eyes. "Well, thank you and thank Barney too."
"Oh, I will." And he turned away to go back to is business.
"Matt, that man, sometimes I…"
Sliding his arm around her waist, "Yeah, Kit, I know. Kit, I'll see ya in a day or two."
"Cowboy," she said looking at him with a worried look in her eye. "Ple…"
Smiling at her, "I know, Kit. I will, I promise."
Festus was crossing Front Street with Buck all ready for Matt's trip. "Matthew, ya take care of your own self and don't be fretting none bout Dodge."
"Thanks, Festus. Well, I'll see ya, Kitty. Festus." And he climbed onto Buck and headed down Front Street.
Kitty just stood and watched till he was out of sight.
"Ahh, Miz Kitty. Matthew will be ok."
Touching his cheek and nodding her head, "Thanks, Festus." Then she winked and went into the Long Branch.
"Sam, is there still coffee?"
"Sure, Miss Kitty, coming right up."
Smiling at Sam, "I'll be in the office."
"I'll bring it in for you." He said. Sam knew Kitty worried every time Matt left, so he always did his best to keep a special eye on her.
As she entered her office, she inhaled and began pulling out her ledger to go to work on the weeks figures to pay bills.
After sitting there for a moment, she remembered the letter Burke had handed her. "Hummmm, who in the world could this be from?" She didn't recognize the handwriting. Opening the envelope, she leaned back in the chair, and began to read.
Kathleen Russell, Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City , Kansas
Then the Note:
Dearest Kathleen,
It's been sometime since I saw you, so I have decided to come for a visit. I will be arriving in Dodge City on the Friday stage. Should be in at noon. Cannot wait to see you, and to catch up.
Your Friend,
Francine Bousselot
Kitty sat for a moment, surprised. She hadn't seen or heard from Francine (Frannie) in years. And now she was coming to Dodge!
TBC