"Evening Kitty," Abelia said greeting the Saloon owner with a nod as she entered the doors of the Long Branch.

"Good evening," Kitty said putting a hand on the small of her back. "I almost didn't want to come in today."

Abelia smiled at the almost eight months pregnant woman once she took a seat at a table.

"I know what you mean," Abelia said joining her. "I remember how it was when I had the twins. Not so much with Festus, Jr. since he was early."

"I know that losing the baby to the influenza was really hard on you," Kitty said hesitantly. "But you could always try again."

Abelia shook her head gently. "Doc doesn't recommend it," she said as Kitty took her hand. "After having six children, I guess my body just can't take it anymore."

"I'm so sorry," Kitty said softly. "How's Festus feel about that?"

"You know my husband," Abelia replied smiling. "He's so...understanding."

Kitty nodded. "He and Matt are to much alike, they'd never tell us if something bothered them unless we beat it out of them."

"Why do you think I keep a large wooden stick at home," Abelia said with a mischievous grin.

Kitty laughed as Doc stepped into the Long Branch. "What's got you two in such good moods?"

Abelia winked at Kitty before she replied. "Are you complaining?"

"No," Doc said taking a seat at the table and then opening that day's newspaper. "I'm happy to see you both in good moods because I'm in a good mood."

"That good mood you're in wouldn't happen to be because Festus isn't here would it," Kitty asked with a smile aimed at Abelia.

"Funny you should ask," Doc replied looking over the paper. "But you are right. Festus taking Robert and Jonathan out hunting for the last couple of days has been pure peace and quiet."

"Doc," Abelia said sternly. "You're a mean ol cuss."

Doc smiled as he read over the front page of the paper but the smile quickly faded as he folded it and got up from his seat. "I just remembered something I was supposed to discuss with Matt," he said squeezing Kitty's shoulder. "I'll see you two later."

"Alright," Kitty said watching him hurriedly leave. "Wonder what that was about?"

"I don't know," Abelia replied with a shrug.

Festus stopped Ruth about a day's ride from Dodge and looked around the densely forested area.

"This looks like a good place ta set up camp, boys," he said as Robert stopped the wagon beside him.

"Sure does, Pa," Johnny said pointing at the river behind him. "I bet we could catch us a mess of fish for supper."

"Now yer thinking," Festus said swinging his leg off of the mule. "We'll set up camp first then see what we can get from the river."

"I'm really glad we did this," Robert said unloading the wagon.

"So am I, son," Festus said patting the eighteen year old on the back. "With you stayin so late with Doc every night, I hardly get a chance to jaw with you anymore."

"I know," Robert said sheepishly. "But if I'm going to go to that university in Baltimore that Doc went to, I got to learn everything I can from him."

"Fall is comin quick," Festus said evenly. "You sure ya don't want ta wait a year."

"Don't want to but I will if you think it's best," Robert said as Festus shook his head.

"I won't be holdin ya back," he said as Robert smiled broadly.

(Dodge)

"Matt," Doc said entering the jail as the lawman looked up from the wire he was reading. "Have you seen what's in the paper?"

"Yeah," Matt said handing Doc the telegram. "It's been confirmed. Jude Bonner and two members of his gang killed four guards and busted out of prison two days ago."

Doc read the telegram before meeting Matt's eyes. "Are you going to tell Kitty?"

"I don't see where I have much choice," Matt replied standing up. "I sure wish I had killed him when I had the chance."

"No you don't," Doc said quietly. "Because it wouldn't have been within the law with out that badge on and you would have ended up in prison instead of Bonner."

"That's a charge that I just might have been able to live with, Doc," Matt said grabbing his hat.

"Does it say, where they're headed," Doc asked following Matt out the door.

"That hasn't been confirmed yet," Matt said heading toward the Long Branch. "But I'd put money on them heading to Mexico."

"You worried they might come here?" Doc asked stopping in front of the Saloon.

"I hope not but Ft. Dodge has already been put on alert," Matt said evenly. "They'll be here tomorrow so now you know why I have to tell Kitty."

"I do," Doc said swiping his mustache. "Just be careful when you do. We don't need that baby coming early."