Disclaimer: As usual; just taking our friends out to play. Will put them back when I'm done!

Note: Thank you so very much to all the readers, for all your kind reviews and support and patience during my last story. Real life caused a crucial snag and well… Real life takes priority.

PT.1

Surviving The Badlands

Tiny beams of light peeped through the sheer curtains on the windows. That along with the cool spring breeze crossed the room, just enough to stir the sleepy redhead as she slightly rolled, smiling as she felt the hard muscular body of her handsome Cowboy lying sound asleep beside her. Snuggling up close against his back, she was wishing for just a few more minutes, make that a few more hours, maybe days.

"UMMMMM." He now began to stir as well.

In her deep sultry voice, she said. "Morning, Cowboy!"

"Ummmmm. Morning, Honey. Do I smell food?"

Now giggling, "Ohhh, Cowboy. Of course, you do. And to think, you barely have your eyes open."

Now turning to face her and enveloping her in his large frame. "What are you trying to say, Ma'am?"

"Oh, me? Not a thing." Still trying not to laugh aloud. "Matt, this week has gone by so quickly. I wish we had more time."

Nodding, "I know, Honey. But, no."

"I know. I appreciate that we at least had this week with no interruptions. That in itself was a miracle. And St. Louis was beautiful. I thank you for making this trip with me and making it so special."

"Well, it's early yet. Maybe we can still have some fun." He said now smiling at her with a sheepish grin.

"Why, Matt Dillon."

Playfully rolling her beneath him. "You're still mine for a few hours, Miss Russell."

A few hours later, they had packed up and had breakfast in the hotel dining room. They sat at a table by the window in a quiet corner, continuing their private conversation.

Kitty was gently picking pieces of bacon from Matt's plate just as she always did. And she fed him pieces of her sweet rolls. It was as if no one else was in the room. It wasn't often, they could be so free with one another.

Then…

Suddenly, before them, stood a man, a tall man with dark hair and dark eyes. Clearing his throat, he said, "Excuse me? You, Marshal Dillon?"

Matt looked up, seeing this man wore a badge, nodded. "Yes, I'm Dillon. And you are?"

"Tanner. Sheriff Tanner. I understand you'll be on this mornings stage."

"Yes, that's right. Why?"

"Well, I got a wire that there may be some trouble ahead. There'll be a strong box and another trunk carrying gold pieces going into Fort Dodge. I have one man riding shot gun with the driver but I'd be obliged if I knew you were aware of the situation and..."

Matt quickly raised his hand. "I understand. I'll back him up. Just tell me this." Matt asked. "The passenger list?"

Tanner scratched his chin. "Well, best I can tell right now, leaving St. Louis is yourself and a Kitty Russell."

Matt looked to Kitty.

"Matt, It's alright." Kitty said.

Tanner looked at Kitty, acknowledging that he now knew she was Kitty Russell. "And I believe one other passenger is a gentleman."

"Ok." Matt answered.

Tipping his hat, Tanner left.

Furrowing her brow, "Matt, do you think there will be any real trouble?"

Shaking his head, "I'm sure Tanner is just being careful."

"Why am I not convinced?" Kitty said in a worried tone.

"Kit, don't let what he said bother you."

After breakfast, they headed for the stage depot. The depot master and stage driver were loading up the bags. "Hello, Folks. We'll be ready to shove off in a few minutes. Just have to add these last few bags."

Matt rolled his eyes. "Kit, I'll never understand why women need to travel with so many bags?"

Slapping at his arm. "Just never you mind about my bags!"

The driver, overhearing Matt's comment, walked away laughing. "You folks can come on board, if you like, and get comfortable."

Matt opened the door, helping Kitty up inside. Then he stopped. "Kit, I'll be right back." Walking over to the driver.

"Can I do something for you, Sir?" The driver asked.

"No, no. I'm Matt Dillon, United States Marshal out of Dodge. Sheriff Tanner informed me about your delivery that's going on to Fort Dodge and your strong box. I just wanted you to be aware of my presence, if we should run into any problem."

"Oh yes. Thank you, Marshal."

"Thank you." Matt replied before joining Kitty, along with another gentleman. Their stage left St. Louis along with a man, Stan Morgan, riding shot gun with Bud, the driver.

Kitty sat back, took a deep breath and slightly leaned into Matt. "Well, Cowboy," she said in a soft tone, so as just for him to hear. "Soon we'll be back in Dodge and back to our day to day routine." Then she let out a *SIGH*.

"Well, now, Kit, that doesn't have to be so bad, now does it?" Giving her that sheepish grin.

Quickly, she flashed him a devilish smirk. "Well, I guess we'll have to see what we can come up with, Marshal." Letting out a small giggle, trying not to disturb their traveling companion.

TBC