Lute Gage turned the small wooden chair around and swung his left leg over it as if it were a horse, "So what do you think of the plan?" He asked settling himself draping one arm over the back of the chair while drawing smoke from the stumpy cigar he held in his tar soiled fingers with the other. His teeth were the same colour as tar as he smiled like a Cheshire Cat at his own plan.

His younger brother Bo sat back and waited to hear what Chuck and Bert had to say about it - after all they were friends of Lute all through their prison stay. Bo thought Lute was crazy to try another robbery so soon, however, his voice of reason ran as dry as the creek on the family farm and Lute would have no discussions about it.

Chuck stood leaning next to the door frame near the only bedroom and Bert sat on an over turned bucket next to the empty hearth. It was Chuck that moved first as he pushed himself off the door frame with his shoulder, "Seems sound to me." His eyes scanned the room as he slowly walked to the centre of the room. "Just need to know if any of you plan to cut and run at the last minute. Didn't like being left behind in my last job."

Lute stood and faced Chuck, "Don't you think I otta be the one worried here? Remember I was the one that just about go my neck stretched over that old lady."

Chuck shrugged and returned to the door frame. Lute's eyes narrowed at the man he took under his arm while they were in prison. He then turned back to his brother and his friend Bert, "You ain't gonna run are ya?"

Despite his gut feelings Bo shook his head no. Lute's eyes then landed on Bert who also shook his head no. Lute smiled, "Good. Mighty glad of it too." His eyes cut back to Chuck, "We'll head out at first light." Chuck again just smiled and shrugged.

Lute suggested to his little band of thieves to turn in for the night. As each one found a corner and settled in under their horse blankets, Lute stood and scanned the room before blowing out the oil lamp. The room fell eerily silent and dark.

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Kitty Russell had just finished packing for the last leg of her trip from Wichita. Her annual trek allowed her to pick up a few new dresses and hats as well as do business with suppliers of whiskey, bourbon and beer. She was satisfied with everything and looking forward to seeing Matt and her friends and her own bed. There was always something about hotel beds that left her feeling just a little bit uncomfortable. She adjusted her new bonnet which matched her new green and black stain dress. She then adjusted the white lace trim before she left the room.

Kitty carried her favourite carpet bag down to the counter and placed it on the floor, "Hello Jerry," she said while removing her white gloves.

"Oh, hiya, Miss Kitty. Didja have a good night sleep?" Jerry smiled not only with his mouth but also with his eyes.

Kitty nodded as she didn't want to upset the old hotel clerk, "Yes, just like always," she told a white lie.

"Good. Good," Jerry smiled again and spun the large leather bound guest book around in the wooden counter and held out a white feather pen, "I just need your signature for sign-out."

Kitty gratefully took the quill pen and dabbed it into the inkwell before signing her name. "There you go! And here's the two dollars for the week." She handed the money over and placed the pen in it's holder.

"Oh, thank you! I wish half of my customers were as honest as you!" he said while he took the money and tucked it into his vest pocket. "I'll bring down your other bags down and drop them off at the stage office in a moment."

"Thank you Jerry. I'll see you next year." Kitty smiled and left the hotel. Slowly she walked along the boardwalk and entered the depot office to check on the stage coach. Noting the blackboard the time was as always, right on. Kitty chose a chair near the window so she could watch for the stage. It was this time of waiting that made her wish she never left Dodge. Thankfully she reminded herself that the trip was only a few hours and she should be home around noon - just in time for a good cold drink with her friends.

Withing a few minutes Jerry arrived with Kitty's other bags and with no time to spare as the stage coach was turning the corner and pulling to a stop in front of the office. The billow if dust clouded the boardwalk. Kitty was thankful that she stayed in the office as she watch several passerbys choking on the dust. She made a slightly funny face before venturing outside to board the coach.

The dust was still settling in the warm summer sun as the driver helped Kitty up and into the stage. She noticed an armed man standing off to the side and looking up and down the street. She wasn't aware of any shipment of valuable that might be on board - in fact she was almost certain that Matt said nothing was due in Dodge for at least two weeks. She pursed her lips and decided that perhaps that there was some trouble from locals or land barons...well the list was endless with the trouble makers, she decided. With a sigh, Kitty sat back and waited for the trip home. She could feel luggage being placed in the back and heard the driver give orders to finish up quickly.

After a few more minutes, the driver kicked off the break and snapped the reigns. Kitty was on her way back to her beloved Dodge City.