AN: I was 14 chapters into a story when I had a computer crash and lost it (yes, I was really that stupid and had no back up). I decided to try and reconstruct but couldn't remember some things and other things veered off in new directions. I'll never know how the versions compare but it was an interesting experience!

For those who like to know in advance this is 16 chapters long. I'll post a chapter a day (unless there is a disaster). The story is written but I can't post faster because I do a final, final edit as I go. Now - On with the show.

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Kitty pressed her lips together, opened them and stared into the mirror. Her annoyed reflection stared back. She'd spent 10 minutes applying, removing and reapplying lipstick – ruby red, luscious pink, wild cherry – nothing looked right. Giving up she grabbed a brush to start shaping her hair into curls. She fumbled, dropped hairpins and stray hairs refused to go into place. With rising frustration she fiercely stabbed a hairpin into a slightly askew curl. She heard familiar footsteps approach her door, ignored the first knock and waited a full 10 seconds before answering the second. Her voice was less than welcoming. "Come in Matt."

Matt Dillon walked in hat in hand, eyes red from lack of sleep.

She eyed him coolly. "I see you're home. Did you come here to say something?"

Taken aback by her reception he wanted to say something nice. Noting her off kilter curls and the stray hairs hanging down around her ears, he tried for a compliment. "Isn't that a new hairdo?"

"NO."

"Oh." He had no idea why she was angry and offered a slight smile, "Kitty, I have to head back out on the trail soon. I was hoping we could get a quick supper before I left."

"That's it? Let's get a quick supper?"

Her look unnerved him in a way no outlaw ever could. "Now Kitty." He paused, she jumped right in, "Don't you 'now Kitty' me. Matt I understand that when you go out on a job you often can't say how long you'll be gone. I understand that a lot of times you can't send word to let me know you're safe. I get all that and I accept it. But this time you were able to send word. I learned that this morning when I ran into Mrs. Biggs in the dress shop. Nathan Biggs, out at the Bigg Star ranch, got a message from you days ago saying you found the men who raided his ranch, and his horses would be returned. Oh, Mabel Biggs was singing the praises of the great Marshal Dillon."

Kitty crossed her arms in front of her and glared with ice in her eyes, "A note to a rancher about his horses but nothing to me. Good old Kitty can just wait and worry and then welcome her man with open arms. Well think again Marshal Dillon."

He knew he should try to explain, but her frosty stare demanded a fast explanation and this was complicated. He didn't know where to begin and he had so little time. Retreat seemed the best idea. He shoved his hat on his head. "We'll talk when I get back." He left the room and quietly closed the door behind him. Her voice rang out loud and clear. "Don't count on it."

She sank down into her chair and picked up her brush to finish her hair. Instead she hurled it against the wall. It broke in two and clattered to the floor. She rubbed her temples. Damn it, if Matt sent a message to Biggs he could have sent one to her. And why did he have to look so worn out. She was as mad as hell, and had no patience for the part inside of her that wanted to hold and comfort him.

Matt hurried down the back stairs. His mind was reeling. He didn't like leaving Kitty that way. He understood how she felt but wished she'd trusted that he had reasons for his actions before she got so mad. He had a reason for sending a message to Biggs but not to her. Not the best in the world maybe, but it made sense at the time.

Right now he couldn't stop to explain. He barely had time to get a quick meal while Chester readied his horse.

"Matt, Matt"

He turned and saw Doc hurrying towards him. "Matt I didn't know you were back."

"I won't be for long."

"Well, I hope you went to see Kitty. She'd never talk about it, but she's been tied up in knots with worry. Especially since word got out that those 2 vicious killers you put away 6 months ago escaped from prison."

Matt's tone was flat, "I saw Kitty. Now I just have time to grab a quick meal before heading out."

"Hold on there Matt. Where ever you think you have to go in such a hurry can wait a day. You look like hell and Kitty's been worried sick. Spend a day with her, rest and relax. It will do you both a world of good."

"I've got to go." Matt strode off leaving Doc in the middle of the street. When he got to Delmonico's he quickly found a table and waved the owner over, "Joe, I want whatever you can bring out fast." Joe Delmonico knew the marshal was serious and hurried into the kitchen. He soon returned with sliced ham, potato salad, cold slaw and two thick slices of buttered bread. As Matt wolfed down his food Joe got an idea and hurried back to the kitchen. He emerged just as the marshal was leaving and handed him a bag. "Marshal Dillon here are two extra large ham sandwiches. I don't know where you're hurrying off to but I figure some good food can only help."

Matt gratefully accepted. "I appreciate it Joe. Thanks." He left the restaurant and walked purposefully down Front Street with his eyes fixed straight ahead. He wanted to send a signal that he had no time for trivial problems. As he neared the stable he was pleased to see Chester waiting outside holding a big bay saddled and ready to go. Buck, his usual mount was too worn out to ride so he'd asked Chester to ready his spare."

Chester handed over the reins, "Mister Dillon, are you sure you don't want me to come with you? You know I'm handy with a rifle and I'd be an extra set of eyes."

"Thanks Chester, but it's best if you stay in town and look after things."

Matt put the bag of sandwiches in his saddlebag and mounted. As he rode down Front Street he resisted looking up at Kitty's window. After her last words to him, he knew she wouldn't be watching. He urged his horse to a trot and turned his mind to the task at hand.

Kitty hovered by her window and was unable to resist taking a peek when she heard the sound of hooves. She knew Matt wouldn't look up, not with the way they'd left things. As he disappeared down Front Street her chest tightened. She was overwhelmed with a need for the small ritual they performed whenever he left town. He'd pause and look up at her window. She'd press her hand against the pane and for a brief moment time would stop. That moment was theirs and theirs alone. Then he'd ride off. She'd come to believe that that last connection brought him luck, upped the odds he'd come home to her. Slowly and gently she pressed her hand against the pane, even though Matt was long out of sight. She had no idea where he was rushing off to, but was sure danger was involved. Anger and worry warred within her and twisted into a knot in her stomach.

Loving Matt Dillon did not simplify a woman's life.

TBC