My interpretation of a Missing Moment from The Favor (Season 12, Episode 25) … and a little ATC for what could have happened later that night. We all know Kitty's conscience is torn between her sense of obligation to the man who saved her life and her obligation to the man she loves… and what he stands for… There are direct quotes/dialogue from the show… I just added a little here and there. Do as you please. Unfortunately, all characters and scripts belong to CBS.

Kitty Russell watched John Crowley walk out her bedroom door. She sat in silence contemplating what just happened. What she done. She thought back to the stage ride, the moment John saved her life, and the moment he walked in the back door of The Long Branch. She owned him this favor. This favor of giving him what time she could… now, that time was causing her to go against something she stood for; honesty.

Kitty made her way down the stairs into a nearly empty barroom. She walked behind the bar and took the Indian's necklace from the hook where she had left it. She coiled it in her hand and ran her fingers over it. She thought back to the moment she realized Thad had seen Crowley in her room… She recalled her feelings of regret and her conversation with Doc… She then remembered how she felt when she lied to the one person she could never lie to… Matt.

She sighed. Without taking her eyes off the necklace, she called out, "Sam?"

"Yes, ma'am?" Sam turned as he wiped down a glass.

"I'll be back." She looked up and squared her shoulders, "You have everything here…"

Sam nodded knowing it was more statement than question, "Take as long as you need, Miss Kitty." He knew something was bothering her. He always knew… he just didn't always push.

Kitty made her way down the boardwalk and across the street. When she reached the jail window, she paused a moment and watched Matt sitting at his desk. He was busy with paperwork. She could tell he was recalling the shooting and other event that had taken place last night. He would write something, stop, run his fingers through his hair, and begin again. Her heart hurt, but she smiled at how much she loved him… and knew his every move… Her smiled left her when she thought about how she may have broken the trust he had in her… in them. She shook her head when she saw Thad come through the door of the back room… she heard him say, "Bed linens are fresh, Marshal."

Matt looked up, "Thanks, Thad." Matt began to stand, "You want some coffee?"

"Sure," Thad made his way behind the desk, "I'll get it. You want a cup?"

"I need one." Matt chuckled as Thad handed him a cup. He sat back in his desk chair.

Kitty walked in, "Matt?" She stood at the door, unsure if she should walk in all the way.

Matt sat up in his chair, "Kitty? You alright?" He asked out of concern. She looked different. He could sense something was off.

"I'm fine." Kitty made her way in and shut the door behind her. She looked at Thad, he dropped his head. Kitty knew he was just as torn as she was… She walked over to the desk, "I'm checking this in…" Kitty plopped the necklace down on Matt's desk.

"What are you talking about?" Matt turned and looked at the necklace.

Kitty stood beside the desk. She answered with a slight pang of regret, "I'm talking about what counts and what doesn't count." Thad started to walk away. Kitty turned and caught Thad, "You just stay right where you are…" She said matter of fact.

He was still hurt by the fact that Miss Kitty had lied to them, to all of them. He knew deep down she had to have a good reason, but he was torn after finding she, technically, withheld evidence. Trying to escape, Thad softly said, "Well, Matt wanted me…"

"I don't care what Matt wants." Kitty interrupted him. She smiled with her eyes. Warmly adding, "You've been a good friend, Thad, and I thank you for it."

"Will somebody please tell me what this is all about…" Matt asked, a bit confused.

Kitty hesitated for a moment and turned back to Matt, "It's about the killing last night, Matt…"

Matt looked at Kitty and paused before he questioned, "Bates?" Kitty nodded silently. Matt shuffled a bit in his chair and picked up the Indian necklace in is hand, "What does this necklace have to do with the shooting?" Matt furrowed his brows at Kitty and then looked at Thad. Thad stuck his hands in his pockets and dropped his head. Kitty stood in silence. Matt put the necklace back down on his desk with a bit more force than he had intended. Kitty and Thad both jumped slightly. Matt stood and pushed his chair back. His voice firm, he demanded, "What are you two not telling me?" Matt put his hand on his desk, "Kitty? If you know something, I need you to tell me."

Thad stepped beside her, "Marshal, it's my fault…"

Kitty placed her Thad's arm to stop him, her eyes still warm and thankful. When she turned to Matt… small, unshed tears formed, "I lied to you, Matt." She said finally… holding his full attention… nothing in the room mattered but his hurt eyes looking into her pleading ones… "I… uh…" … Matt waited patiently for her to find her words, "You remember the man I told you about on the stage? John Crowley?" Matt nodded as she continued, "I've been letting him stay in one of my rooms upstairs. He was shot, as you know from the blood trail, and I had to help him. I owed him that." She finished a bit stronger.

Matt stood silent. He held her eyes for a moment and turned to Thad, "You knew about this?" Thad nodded but didn't say anything, "And you didn't tell me?" Matt looked at Kitty, "Neither of you did? Kitty do you understand the danger in what you did! You should have…" He stopped as the mixture of emotions washed over him… Kitty placed her hand on his arm and he softened. He looked down into her blue eyes, he was lost again. He knew she would never lie to him without good reason. He understood what she was saying. Hell, he was just as grateful… she was here, in front of him… not kidnapped, beaten, or worse… but here with him, safe.

Kitty broke the silence, "Matt…" She dropped her head again, "I'm sorry. I truly am…" Her voice trailed off.

Matt released a sigh he didn't realize he had been holding. He wanted nothing more than to take her is his arms and hug her and never let her go… but he settled. Still mindful of Thad, he placed his hands on her shoulders, "Kitty, I understand why you did what you did. I don't like it, but I understand."

Kitty held back a sob but smiled slightly as he moved her to his side. He walked by her… "Now what?" Kitty asked as he walked around the desk.

"Do you know where he went?" Matt asked as he reached for his belt.

"No, he didn't say." Kitty answered as she moved to stand next to Thad. Matt buckled his gun belt. She added regretfully, "He won't be at The Long Branch."

Matt rocked back on his heels, "Thad, get Festus, and you two check the other end of town."

"Right." Thad hurried out the door.

Matt grabbed his hat.

"Matt?" Kitty called after him. He turned to face her. She hesitated before finding her words, "I… uh… I owed him my life…" She admitted.

Matt stopped and looked her over. He grinned with a slight tease in his voice, "Kitty, that's something we're both grateful for." He placed his hat on his head and headed into the street.

ATC is next