Choices

MM/ATC for "The Wreckers"

"Doc, that hurts!" She braced both hands behind her on the bed as he made round after round of bandages about her midsection.

"I know it does, honey, but you've got two cracked ribs, and several others that are either cracked or badly bruised. And honestly, I really don't like the way it looks."

"I know, but does it have to be that tight?"

"If you're set on riding back out there by yourself, then yes, I'm gonna have to wrap them pretty tightly. Don't want them moving around and possibly puncturing something." She knew he was right, but that wasn't much of a consolation at the moment. Considering the pain she'd endured on horseback riding into town, she had no doubt the return trip in the buggy would be twice as bumpy. With one final tug, he secured the bandages and checked his handiwork. "Can you breathe?"

"Sure," her voice dripped with sarcasm as he assisted her to stand, "and I promise to take it easy when I . . . when we get back." She looked at him for a long moment, and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Curly. That was some speech downstairs."

"It needed saying."

Doc helped her dress and then walked her downstairs to a quiet saloon. The money sat on the bar in a large brown bag. The saloon was full of men, some sitting and others standing, who'd withdrawn almost every dime they could spare. She stopped on the bottom stair and looked around the room, trying to imagine their thoughts. Were they angry at her? Did they think they'd ever see their money, or Matt or her, again? She'd put up over half of the money herself. Festus made his way over to where she stood with the bag in hand.

"Miss Kitty, you sure you're up to this?"

"I'm sure, Festus. Now, will you help me to the buggy?"

"Yes 'em."

Making her way to the batwing doors, she stopped and turned to face the saloon once again.

"Sam, drinks are on house until we get back."

"Yes ma'am."

Doc and Festus followed her out and helped her into the buggy and then watched as she slowly drove away.

"Doc, you reckon I ought to ride out behind her? Stay out of sight in case she needs something?"

"No. No, I don't. If what she said is true, Tate Crocker's got men watching from every hill. We just have to wait."