Chapter 1 – A Chance to Get Away
Kitty Russell was used to disappointment when it came to being alone with Matt Dillon for more than just a few hours. And that was mostly at night after the Long Branch closed. Therefore, she jumped at the opportunity Governor George Washington Glick's summons for the US Marshal in Dodge City to meet with him and other top state government and business officials unexpectedly gave them. It was February so the town would remain mostly free of strangers for at least a couple of months. Thus, she hoped Matt wouldn't require much persuading to remain in Topeka for a few extra days. She decided to broach the subject tonight when they'd be alone in her rooms after his late rounds.
"Cowboy," she purred, handing him a snifter of Napoleon brandy before snuggling against him on the settee while holding her own snifter. "Since we'll both be going to Topeka in a week, why don't we go together? It's far too early for the hangers on who precede the arrival of the cowboys and herds from Texas so there's no reason we can't spend a few days enjoying ourselves in the capitol after we've completed whatever business brought about the trip."
"Aw Kit, I don't know how long those meetings will take. Even you can grow tired of shopping. I don't want you to be bored. Besides, if the meetings run past a few days I'll need to get back quick as I can."
"Matt, I'm sure I can find something to entertain me in a city. It's just more enjoyable if what I find is with you. And don't tell me either of us has to rush back. At this time of year Sam can take care of the Long Branch for a week or so and Festus and Newly can handle any trouble that might arise in your absence. I'm looking forward to being on a train where you're not strapped to a table in the baggage car," she added, leaning over to brush his lips that still tasted of brandy. "If you've already made travel arrangements we'll change them. I'll book the hotel and you take care of the train."
"Okay Kitty, you win," he agreed with a smile he hoped didn't reveal that he knew the trip coincided with her birthday. I'll cancel the rooming house and buy train tickets for both of us."
Her triumph was too easy. In searching for a reason Kitty's mind kept returning to their last train ride as the two lovers prepared for bed. It came about because Matt was shot in the back as he climbed the stairs to Doc's office to welcome the physician home from Baltimore. They were only on the Denver bound train because Doc feared he might paralyze the man he looked on as a son. The doctor had contacted a colleague he considered the best spinal surgeon in the country, G. L. Harrington head of the Harrington Clinic there. As it turned out Doctor Harrington ended up congratulating the Dodge doctor for a job well done under emergency conditions. The train being commandeered by an outlaw gang led by Sinclair, a man whose hand Matt had crippled, and Matt's deteriorating condition triggered the emergency. The gang was bent on stealing an army gold shipment.
Matt didn't lose the use of his legs, but he still hadn't fully recovered nearly four months later. His movements when he had to bend or stretch his back muscles remained stiff. An increasingly noticeable limp would probably never go away, nor would he ever be completely free of back pain. If need be she would have pressed the point that a relaxing trip would do wonders for his continued recovery. Kitty smiled, which drew just the sort of attention she wanted from her lover.
Thus, a Wednesday morning in late February, which happened to be her birthday, found the couple at the station waiting to board the train for the 11-hour trip. As usual, Kitty had packed far more for the weeklong excursion than Matt. She'd brought a trunk, several hatboxes and a large suitcase in addition to a carpetbag full of what she considered necessary beauty aids to be stored in the baggage car and the rack above their seat. By way of contrast, his carpetbag held only a couple of white shirts, his best string tie, a second pair of dark pants and his best boots along with his shaving gear, a comb, a couple boxes of bullets for his Colt and several changes of underwear and socks. Kitty smiled at what her man saw as preparing for all contingencies.
Matt wore his courting coat over a blue shirt and dark pants for travel, his gun belt hidden beneath the coat. He also dispensed with spurs on his boots. It was his concession to how men were expected to dress in the city. Kitty, being a woman conscious of fashion along with practicality, wore a travel dress in a dark shade of green with matching hat as part of an ensemble chosen to best hide any dust or ash that might find its way to her person despite the window by their seat being closed. They carried rather than wore warm outer garments because the day was exceptionally warm and the car well heated, but both kept their outerwear handy for their arrival in Topeka well after sunset. It might be quite cold getting from the station to the hotel. The Copeland, where Kitty booked connecting rooms, was perfect in her estimation. The hotel was convenient to both her and Matt's business and pleasure needs. All the best shops, restaurants, the other top rated hotel, the Taft House, and the State House were within walking distance. Also, being only a year old, their chosen hotel had all the latest accouterments.
Until the train began to pick up speed Kitty feared something would stop Matt from actually leaving Dodge City despite the fact Matt's presence at the meeting wasn't a polite request, but just short of an order. There were important matters that bore directly on Dodge and the peace and prosperity of all of Kansas, particularly the cattle trade. She visibly relaxed and turned in her seat to see Matt gazing at her with love in them accompanied by that little boy grin she so loved.