Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play, Will put them back when I'm done!
A/N : Just a note to understand and gain knowledge of these characters, you may want to read one of my previous stories "My Family My Choice."
The Skeleton Key
The forceful but warm breeze that blew open the door to Matt's office took him by surprise, breaking his concentration as he sat studying the faces on the posters.
That were now blowing all over the floor along with other paperwork across his desk as he tried not to spill his coffee. Now shaking his head, and thinking, "Ummm, this is a sign spring is here or at least winter is over, maybe."
Scooping up the papers and posters, he suddenly heard the sound of jingling spurs along the boardwalk. There was no mistaking his friend and deputy, Festus, was up and ready for a new day.
Singing as usual, throwing open the door, "Aw, morning, Matthew!"
Nodding, "Morning, Festus."
"What'cha doing?"
"Well, Festus, looks like the spring breeze has entered Dodge." Seeing the puzzled look on the hill man's face, Matt just continued. "Festus, is that my mail?"
"Aw, it shore is. I done stopped past Barney's and picked it up fer ya."
Now smiling. "Festus, can I have it? Festus?"
"What?" Festus asked, tilting his head looking sheepish. "Well, Matthew, ya know'd I don't be git'in my nose in yer biz'ness but…"
Now with a pouted look, "FESTUS?"
"Matthew, Miz Kitty, she didn't be leavin' town?"
"No, Festus, Kitty's here in town. Why?"
"Well, it jest that one them there letters is, well, fancy. You know, she-male fancy, smelly like."
Furrowing his brow, Matt grabbed the mail pile, saying nothing.
After Festus left, Matt sat and began going through the mail all the while being curious as to the smell coming from one in particular. It was a delicate linen paper in a pale yellow with a fine monogram embossed on it, CLR in gold. The scent was a soft vanilla and lavender mix. It reminded him of Kitty and the many nights they fell asleep entwined in one another. Smiling at the thought, then remembering the letter, he opened it and began reading.
My Dearest Matthew,
I know this letter may come as a surprise to you but I did so enjoy meeting you when my dear sweet Kathleen brought you to New Orleans and to LaRouge Manor. I do of course wish that it had been under more suitable circumstances. But during your visit I came to know just how very important you are in my Kathleen's life and if I'm not being too improper, her heart. That being said, I have a request.
And I hope you can see clear to fill a bequest of an old woman. Please,you and my Kathleen come. Come to LaRouge Manor. My time is short now. It's important that I see you both. There are things that need to be said, to be known. Kathleen will need you by her side.
P.S. I'm enclosing a small envelope. At the proper time you will understand its purpose. Please keep it with you at all times.
Lovingly,
Constance LaRouge
Matt stared at the letter, holding it, wondering why she wrote to him? And what it was she wanted to tell them? And that last part stuck with him the most.
"There are things that need to be said, to be known. Kathleen will need you by her side!"
This kept going over and over in his head. He remembered what Kitty had been through with her family before in the past. Did he really want her to relive this? But he liked Aunt Constance. He knew she'd never do anything to hurt Kitty. So what was it? Folding the letter and stuffing it into his pocket, he headed out the door and across Front Street.
As he crossed Front Street he heard his name shouted out. "Matt? Matt?" He turned just as Doc walked up behind him. "I was just headed to see if Kitty wanted to join me for breakfast."
"Good, I'll join ya." Matt smiled.
"Oh, you will, will ya? How is it every time I have the opportunity to get that beautiful red head alone, you butt in?"
"Now wait a minute, Doc."
"What?"
"What do you mean I butt in?"
"Yeah, you butt in."
Neither man was paying attention or seeing that Kitty was now standing at the saloon door smirking.
"What on earth is wrong with the two of you this morning?"
Sam was standing behind her laughing. "Looks to me like the gentlemen are fighting over you, Miss Kitty." He said, shaking his head.
"Well now, aren't you two a sight?"
Both men now turned, seeing her watching and then turned red faced.
"Nah, nah, we're not fighting over you." Matt denied.
Watching the two men she loved, one as a father figure, the other who held her heart, she smirked at them with Sam standing with her. "What on earth are the two of you fighting about so early?"
"Oh, Kitty, we're not fighting. I'm just stating a fact about this over grown civil servant always showing up whenever I want to have breakfast alone with you, that's all." Doc told her.
Trying to hold back a laugh, "What am I gonna do with the two of you?" She asked shaking her head.
Just then, Mrs. Pry walked past waving her hands up in the air. "Shameful. Just shameful."
Matt just tilted his Stetson down over his eyes. "Look, are we going to breakfast or what?"
Kitty walked between the two men, saying nothing at first and slipping her hands in the arms and led them across the street towards Delmonico's. Now chuckling under her breath, she said, "Let's go feed you shameless men."
TBC
