Doc sat next to the bed, holding Kitty's hand until she closed her eyes. He waited, and when she didn't move or speak again he started to get up and was startled when she gripped his hand fiercely. "Don't go, Doc."

The old man sat down again. "I'm here, Kitty. I'll be right here as long as you need me."

Kitty closed her eyes again. "I hope Matt kills him."

"Bonner?" She nodded and Doc said quietly, "He won't."

Kitty's eyes opened. "You sound very sure of that."

"I am sure," said Doc more quietly still. "Festus went with him. He's not going to let Matt kill anybody if he can help it."

Kitty looked bewildered. "Doc, Festus is the last man in the world to stop Matt over something like this." She rolled her head from side to side on the pillow, tears running down her cheeks. "Remember Mayblossom?"

Doc leaned over and wiped her face. "I'll never forget."