The Heart Will Bring Us Home
Chapter 1
Usual Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, just taking them out to play. I will put them back when I am through. Promise!
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This was an unusually quiet morning in Dodge. The air was still. The normal sound of the day's comings and goings weren't there. Matt was out of town, taking a prisoner up to Hays for a trial.
Newly and Festus were minding the office and town. Doc had been out to the Martin farm all night delivering another baby, that made 10 for them now. Newly was reading the morning paper.
Festus was just cleaning his spurs and remarking to Newly. "Newly, seems quiet like, don't you think?"
Newly looking up briefly. "Yeah, a bit. But it's early."
"Well, I think I'm gonna go git me some coffee over with Miz Kitty. You comin?"
When the two reached the Long Branch, Sam was behind the bar.
"Morning, Sam." Festus said as he started through the batwing doors followed by Newly.
"Sam."
"Good morning, Fella's."
"Sam," Festus started. "Miz Kitty not down yet?"
"Yes, she was down earlier but went back up. I can call her for you." Sam said.
Just then, Kitty was on the top landing. "That's ok, Sam, I'm right here. Festus, Newly, good morning."
"Morning, Miz Kitty."
"Morning, Miss Kitty." The men responded.
"Miss Kitty?" Sam asked. "Can I get you more coffee?"
"No thanks, Sam, I've had enough. But maybe the boys would like some?"
Festus looked at Kitty. "Miz Kitty? Are you feeling peeket?"
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well, I just mean you don't seem like ur own self."
"Festus, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind. Actually, I have a lot to do, boys, so if you don't mind I need to get back to it. So I'll see you later. Ok?"
Newly just stood and said, "Sure thing, Miss Kitty," and watched her ascend the stairs.
Both Newly and Festus looked at Sam with questions in their eyes. Sam just shrugged his shoulders.
Later Kitty came down to the bar and Sam was there alone. "Sam?"
"Yes, Miss Kitty?" He responded, looking up from unwrapping glasses.
"Sam, I shouldn't be gone but about a week and a half but I will wire you if any of my plans change. If anything comes up, this is where I'll be." She told him, handing him a piece of paper.
William J. Lemp
3322 DeMenil Place
St. Louis, Mo. 63118
Sam just gave Kitty a big smile. "Sure thing, Miss Kitty. I can handle things here. Oh, and when the Marshal gets back, what shall I say to…"
Before Sam could finish, she just said, "Sam, I don't think you'll have to worry about that. The Marshal is too busy to be concerned about that."
Sam, stunned by her comment, replied, "Yes, Ma'am."
The following morning, Kitty was ready to board the stage headed for St. Louis. She wanted to meet the new brewer of the company that wanted her to sell their beer in the Long Branch. They had invited her to come and tour the new brewery plant in St. Louis. The owner, William J. Lemp, had invited her to be a guest at his home. So, wanting to get away for a week or so, she happily excepted.
It had been some time now since Kitty had visited St. Louis. So not only was she going to look forward to this possible new business venture, but possibly get in a chance to visit with some old friends and some shopping as well.
Although, if she were really being honest with herself, all these things were just things she hoped would bury her feelings, that once again a certain cowboy didn't make another trip that they planned.
While staring out the window, her finger's playing with the beautiful pin on her collar, her thoughts drifted back to a day when she and Matt were taking a trip to St. Louis. They were so happy. Matt had been teasing her about how quickly she had been packed and ready to go.
And Kitty had smiled her usual smile and said, "Are you kidding, Cowboy? I've been packed for a month." Kitty couldn't help but laugh at the memory. Then quickly, she also remembered that trip didn't end in St. Louis either.
TBC