Disclaimer – I don't own and didn't invent these characters. I'm just making up stories.
It was mid morning on a beautiful spring day in Dodge City. Kitty and Doc sat at a table in the Long Branch drinking coffee. Kitty was going over her ledgers while Doc was reading the newspaper, commenting as he read.
Doc was mainly concerned with the latest newspaper account of a criminal named Ed Bishop. Bishop had been in the news a lot, his latest crimes and misdeeds being recounted almost daily. Sometimes the criminal activity involved Bishop alone and sometimes Bishop and his accomplices. The man didn't have a regular group of followers like many did. Often Bishop worked alone. When he wanted or needed men to help him, he formed temporary groups. After the job or jobs were done he paid the men off and went on his way. There always seemed to be men willing to join up with Bishop for money, after all Bishop seemed to have a knack for getting away.
Doc looked up from the newspaper, "You know Kitty, this fellow Bishop is among the worst of the worst. It seems to me that there are things he does for pure profit such as, rob banks, rob stagecoaches, steal horses and the like. The most disturbing thing about this man is that he seems to do evil for no understandable reason. He burns people's homes to the ground, kills children, attacks women – it's just disgusting."
Kitty looked up, "I know Doc, it is a truly terrible thing."
Doc continued, "I almost, almost wish that he would set foot in Kansas territory and try something. If he did Matt would be on his trail. Seems to me it may take a Matt Dillon to stop him and we all know how many Matt Dillons there are."
Kitty shook her head, "Doc I know what you are saying. Part of me agrees, particularly when I think of the women and children this horrible man has tortured or killed. The other part of me hopes he'll steer clear of Kansas territory. If he enters Matt's territory, we both know that Matt won't rest until he hunts him down, and one man will win and the other will lose. For Matt winning would be arresting Bishop, for a man like this Bishop, winning could only mean killing Matt. We both know that."
Doc rubbed mustache, "I'm sorry Kitty, and I didn't mean to suggest that I wanted to send Matt into harms way, it's just that the thought of this Bishop being out there doing all manner of evil makes my blood boil"
Kitty squeezed Doc's hand, "I know Doc, and I know how your feel about Matt. Let's just hope that the Oklahoma territory law enforcement authorities catch him soon."
Right then she heard the batwing doors swing open. She looked up to see Matt walking towards them.
Matt took off his hat, "Hello Kitty, Doc."
Kitty smiled at him. "Have a seat Matt. Here, I'll pour you some coffee."
Matt took a seat and nodded towards the folded up newspaper on the table, "What's the news today, Doc?"
Doc shook his head in disgust, "I've just been reading about the continued vile crimes of that fellow Ed Bishop."
Matt nodded, "That man is a menace to society. I hear he is in Oklahoma territory right now, but there is no predicting where he'll turn up next."
Kitty wanted to change the subject so she handed Matt a cup of coffee and asked, "Matt you said you were going to see Mary King this morning. Are you back already?"
Matt took a sip of coffee, "Yep, I went out there to talk to her about maybe letting Letty Jones and her baby move in, in exchange for helping with the farm. Both women are widows now, and they each could use some help and some companionship. Mrs. King was left a small chicken farm, but is getting up there in years and can't work it on her own. Poor Letty was left nothing, and has a baby to care for, but she is young and strong and a real hard worker. I know that for a fact. I thought maybe they could join forces."
Doc looked over at Matt, "That's a fine idea Matt, a real fine idea. How did Mary take to it?"
Matt downed the rest of the coffee, "Well Doc, she was a bit skeptical at first, after all she and Letty are only acquaintances, they don't know each other real well. But, I convinced her to give it a try. I'm going to drive Letty and the baby out there in a couple of minutes."
Kitty smiled at Matt as she was reminded of the kindness and thoughtfulness in Matt that co-existed with his unwavering toughness and bravery. All were part of his strength, part of the man she loved.