"Revenge"
This is my version of an the episode "The Lost" Five years later.
Usual Disclaimer: Just taking our Friends out to play, will put them back when I'm Done…
Revenge
Pt.1
"Ahh, Miss Kitty, can you believe it's been five years? Look at her now. She's come a long way."
July proved to be a dry and hot time in Kansas, but everyone was looking forward to the huge celebration in Dodge City. It was also the town anniversary. The festivities were all planned.
With the air so still this way, it was definitely a morning Kitty would be up early. Unable to sleep, she was up and dressed, figuring there was a lot to be done. She could hear Sam down in the bar, getting ready for the days business, sweeping out the large room that would soon be full to the brim.
Descending the staircase, she noticed that Sam had ready, a pot of fresh brewed coffee. "Morning, Sam."
"Oh, good morning, Miss Kitty. You're down early."
Shaking her head and smiling, "Sam, the air is so thick, you can cut it with a knife. I couldn't sleep, besides shortly, we should be busy."
"Yes, Ma'am, and we're all ready for 'em."
"Well, that's good, Sam. Will you be alright here for a little while?"
"Sure, Miss Kitty. There a problem?"
"Oh, no. Not a problem. I just wanted to take some things out to Bess Ronniger's place."
"Oh, sure. Mr. Jonas sent over those things you asked for. If you'd like, I'll put them in the buggy for ya?"
"Thanks, Sam, I appreciate that. I shouldn't be long. Festus offered to ride out with me, so I'll be able to handle everything."
The sound of jingling spurs was like an announcement that Festus was on his way. "Morning, Miz Kitty, Sam."
"Aw, see here he is now. Morning, Festus. Coffee?"
"Sure I will, if'n we got the time?"
"Oh, Festus, sit have a cup. I'm not in a rush. Are you sure Matt don't need you here today?"
"Nah, Newly be a lookin' out for things and Matthew is a heading fur Jake Worth's place."
"He is?" Kitty said arching a brow.
"Yeah, Jake needed him to come out bout a land problem."
"Oh, he didn't say anything. Oh well, I guess I'll see him later."
Ronniger Farm
Will and the boys were working out at the barn, shoeing a horse, and Bess was getting the children fed and ready for the day. "Momma," Mary yelled out. "When can we go shopping for a new dress?"
Bess quietly shook her head. "Land sake, girls. One of these days I'll be able to keep up with the growth spurts in this house."
As she was talking she heard a wagon approaching. Exiting the front door, she noticed a woman and two men. "Well, good morning, Folks. Is there something I can help you with?"
At first they said nothing. Then one of the men said, "We just be needing some water for the horses."
"Sure, can do." She showed them to the well and offered them a chance to sit a spell.
"No, that won't be necessary." The gravel voiced woman said. "We need to be making our way to town. Don't want to miss the celebration."
All the while, one of the men was watching the children, just staring, unsure why but something was making him pay close attention to the girls. As they pulled away, thanking Bess for the water, he looked back over his shoulder, then said, "Ma, don't know why but she looks like we know'd her."
"What you be taking bout, Eugene?"
"That little girl. The one with the yellow hair."
"Oh, Eugene, we don't be knowin' these folks. Just mind yer own self."
"But, Ma…?"
Quickly she back handed him. "Won't be telling you again."
As they drove their wagon down the dirt road, they passed Kitty and Festus and again he said, "Ma, did you see's her?"
"Eugene, you just be in the sun too long. We be in town soon and you can be cooling down some et the saloon."
When the children saw Festus and Kitty, they all came screaming. "Ma, we got company, someone's coming."
Then Robbie said, "It's Miss Kitty and Festus is with her."
"Well land sakes, kids. Give her some room."
"Hi, Bess."
"Miss Kitty? What are you doing out here today?"
"Oh, I just had a few things. I thought maybe you might get use out of the extra fabric and some other things." The little ones stood by her side. Smiling, she said, "Oh, and I think maybe there's some sugar candy in there too."
"Why, Miss Kitty, you didn't have to do this." Bess said grabbing her hand and leading her into the house. "Come on, kids, give us some room."
"Miz Kitty, I'll fetch these here things directly fur ya."
"Thank you, Festus."
"Now, Festus, you bring yourself in here and sit. I have plenty of food left from breakfast. You have some, you hear?"
"Why, Miz Ronniger…"
"Et', I won't hear any arguments."
Then from behind, another voice said, "Ya best listen. She's a tough one, Festus." Turning around, Will was standing behind them. "I learned, a long time ago, not to argue with Mother."
Sitting having coffee, Kitty noticed a few of the girls came running down the stairs.
"Walk please." Bess said softly.
It was Mary, Amy and Katie. Bess and Will decided to call her Katie after Kitty, seeing that she brought her into their lives.
"Oh my, Katie, you are growing like a weed right before my eyes."
Katie came over rather quickly, wrapping her arms around Kitty's neck. "I missed you." She said softly.
"Well, I'm here, like I said I would. I'm sorry I haven't been out sooner. Let me look at you."
Katie was 17 now. She had changed so much. Bess and Will had done a wonderful job with cleaning her up, teaching her to talk, even to read. It was a slow process, but with the love of the family, and the security, she knew she was safe.
"Well, are you girls looking forward to the celebration on the 4th?"
In tandem they all said, "Yes, Ma'am. Ma says there's gonna be a dance."
Smiling up at them, "Yes, that's right and I sure hope you will all be there."
"Ma, you said we can go."
"Ok, for a bit, but…"
"We know, we know."
"Oh, Bess, I'll be there and Matt, Newly, Festus. They'll be fine."
"Well, maybe since Miss Kitty brought me some pretty fabric and some dresses…" looking over her shoulder, "which she shouldn't have, I guess we can put something together for the three of you. Now you all have your chores. Go on or there won't be a dance."
"Ok, we're going. Thanks, Miss Kitty."
"You're welcome, girls. Bess, I don't know how you do it. I swear you're a saint." Laughing.
Bess looked over at Kitty. She was watching Katie. Bess knew Kitty loved the children, but that she had a special place in her heart for Katie.
"Gosh, Bess, she's growing up so nicely. You and Will have done wonders."
Just then, Bess sat down and put her hands on her face.
"Bess, what is it?"
"Oh, just thinking. Ah, Miss Kitty, can you believe it's been five years? Look at her now. She's come a long way!"
"Yes, Bess, she has. Five years? She sure has come a long way from when I first found her, or she found me. Did I ever thank you for all you both have done? I didn't know what I was going to do, but I just knew I couldn't leave her out there in the badlands and she couldn't go back to Juble Creek."
"No, Miss Kitty, you did the right thing."
Back In Town
Driving their wagon down Front Street, they pulled the wagon behind the stable. "I guess we be staying here."
"Ma, ya said we can wet'r throats a bit when we got here."
"Oh, alright, but be quick bout it."
"Okay, Ma. Saw us a saloon just down the street."
They all entered the Long Branch, stinking to high heaven. "Bottle, Barkeep." Then they sat at a table.
Sam went to give them three glasses.
"We not be needing them there glasses. The bottle be fine."
Sam just rolled his eyes. "Ok. Have it your way."
"Ma, this be some fancy place."
Matt stood at the batwing doors, scanning the room as usual. Not seeing Kitty, he asked Sam. "Kitty here, Sam?"
"No, Marshal, she's out at the Ronniger farm."
"Oh, so that's what Festus was up to this morning?"
"Yeah, he went with Miss Kitty. She said she wouldn't be long, she was just taking some things out for the children."
Shaking his head, "I should have known. Sam, I think Bess and Will are on to her by now."
Smiling, "Me too, Marshal, but Miss Kitty has a soft spot for those kids."
"Yeah, but she'll never admit it, between me and you, Sam."
"Is that a fact?"
Turning quickly, "Kitty? I didn't know you were back."
"Of course you didn't, Cowboy. What's this about a soft spot, Sam?"
"Oh, nothing, Miss Kitty. The Marshal was just saying…"
"Wait." Matt said stopping him from finishing his sentence. "You said…"
"Oh, stop, both of you. It was just a few things I had lying around."
Nodding his head, "Sure it was, Kit."
"That's enough out of you, Cowboy. Thought Festus said you had to go to Jake's place."
"Yeah, I am, later."
All the while, the three at the table were watching every move Matt and Kitty made. Looking at the men, her boys, she said, "You be remembering him?"
"He's a big one."
"Sure do, Ma. He be the one that locked us up."
"Don't you worry, Momma will be lookin' out fur us now."
Matt looked over at them, not sure why they were familiar. "Kitty, do you know them?"
"Not that I can be sure of. Why?"
"Oh, they came in just before you, Marshal." Sam added.
Kitty stared at them briefly. "Something doesn't sit right, Matt, but I can't put my finger on it."
Slowly the three got up and walked out, not looking at Matt, Kitty or Sam, just moving swiftly.
"Well, I have a lot to do before this celebration gets underway so, I'll see you after you get back, Cowboy?"
"Sure, Kitty, maybe supper?"
Placing her hand over his, "I'd like that."
Sam just moved away to give them the moment.
Outside, standing together, "Ma, do you be thinking that she looks like the woman…?"
TBC
