Kitty sat stunned by Matt's admission, "You're what?"

"Kitty, it's only a thought I had."

"Oh, no, Matt I've been with you too long to think that this is only a thought."

He reached over and took her hand, "John says he is leaving the day after tomorrow and it seems the service is hoping I will put the badge back on."

"Matt, your arm is not nearly healed besides I know they have other Marshals in the service. Surely they can find someone else!"

"Kitty, you're getting worked up over nothing."

"Nothing? You call changing all our plans nothing?" She quickly stood and made her way to the stairs as Matt reached out to grab her arm. "Kitty, wait."

"I don't care to hear it Matt." She pulled from his grasp and stormed up the stairs.

Matt sat at the table giving Kitty some time to settle down. He wasn't sure why he was even entertaining the thought of pinning the badge on his chest again or could he explain why he felt defending this town was more important than being there for the one person who gave his life meaning. He finished his beer and made his way up the stairs. He slowly opened the door and quietly made his way further into the room. He saw Kitty standing at the window, arms folded, looking out onto Front Street. He walked towards her but she didn't acknowledge his presence. He stood close to her and she could feel his breath on her neck. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Kitty, I would like us to talk about this."

"Seems your mind is already made up," setting her jaw even more.

"I never said that just that I was thinking about it."

"Matt, I know you're going to be the law in this town again even if you can't seem to acknowledge it." He put his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. "Let's sit down and talk about it." Matt guided Kitty towards the bed and sat her down. He knelt before her holding her hands. "Kitty I need you to understand something. I love you with all my heart and I never mean or want to hurt you. I know I fall short sometimes but you'll never know what seeing the hurt in your eyes does to me." Kitty stared straight ahead as if in a trance. "When I left Doc's office I walked around town for a little while and everyone I met said they hoped I would be coming back. Then Festus came into the bar talking about leaving town because he doesn't like the new Marshal and then John said he was leaving and that the service wanted me to give it some thought and Kitty that is what I was doing; giving it some thought." Matt gave a little smile as he shook his head, "I don't know why I feel I'm the only one who can do this job. Maybe it's my male ego that gets the best of me sometimes." He kissed her hands, "Kitty, I wish I could stay here with you forever but there is this need in me that I can't explain or really understand." He waited for a reaction from Kitty but it was as if she had given up the fight. He watched her face intently but she never looked in his direction. He was just about to get up and leave when he noticed a silent tear fall down her right cheek followed by a quivering lip. As hard as she tried she couldn't stop the onslaught of tears and sobbing that racked her body. Matt quickly sat on the bed next to her and held her tight and gently rocked her. "Kitty, it's going to be all right…shhh…it's going to be all right." Matt tried so hard to console her but twenty years of disappointments flowed from her body. "Honey, look at me." Matt took her chin in his hand and stared into her red watery eyes. "This is not going to be forever. I'll just fill in until the new Marshal gets here."

"Matt, I wish you wouldn't," she said between sobs.

"Kitty, it will only be temporary. I can't see it lasting any longer than a year."

"Oh Matt, that's a lifetime."

"No, we're a lifetime." He kissed her lips.

"Matt, a lot can happen in a year especially with the way your arm is. Can you really promise me that I won't be up in Doc's office watching him take a bullet out of you again? Can you say for certain that I won't be burying you when some young idiot decides killing the famed Dodge Marshal will give his useless life meaning?

"No, I can't, but you know whether I'm Marshal or not I will be a target. I think you know that."

"I suppose I do." She took a deep breath. "Matt, I just don't want to share you anymore."

"I promise you once the new Marshal is here I will be all yours."

"Matt, please be careful."

"Kitty, I plan to be I have too much to live for." He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "If it will make you feel any better I'll make sure either Festus or Newly will always be with me and if I have to go out of town I'll send them, how's that?" He wiped away the tears that were still falling from her face then he cupped her face with his two hands. "Always know that I do love you and I can hardly wait until you are Mrs. Matthew Dillon." Kitty's eyes started to water again, "Now, what did I say wrong?"

She smiled, put her arms around his neck, and gently kissed his lips. "Nothing cowboy, absolutely nothing."

"So, you feel like dinner?"

She shook her head, "but let's eat here."

"Tell you what, I'll take care of dinner. You just get yourself comfortable and leave everything up to me. After we eat I'll have someone get us some hot water and we'll take a nice relaxing bath then who knows what we'll feel like doing." He pushed the strands of hair that had fallen off her face. "You know, if you play your cards right, I might even throw in a foot rub." Matt headed to the door as Kitty called out after him. "Matt, I love you."

He smiled, "you can show me how much later, OK?" She smiled as she went to her closet to change.

Kitty lay awake in the early hours of the morning nestled in Matt's arms. They had just fallen asleep after a very relaxing loving evening but she was still restless. She loved him with her whole being but it never seemed to be enough. She was fearful now more then she had ever been before and that fear woke her from her sleep. She wished with all her heart that he would reconsider his decision but if she was honest with herself she knew that as long as Matt was living in Dodge the pull of the badge would be too strong for her to overcome. She smiled as she kissed his forehead. Later today he would send the telegram mapping out his plans and assuming the responsibilities of a U.S. Marshal. She was lost in her thoughts rubbing his arm when she felt Matt stir.

"Kitty, what's wrong?"

"Nothing Matt, I'm just a little restless I guess."

"Still worried?"

"I'll always be worried Matt," she started to feel the tears well in her eyes.

"Honey, everything is going to be OK, I promise."

"I know," she wiped away the tears that were starting to run down her face. "I don't know why I'm so emotional lately."

"I wouldn't love you if you weren't." Matt leaned over and passionately drew her into a kiss. "You know I can help you with that restlessness."

"Oh?

Matt sat up in bed and had Kitty sit in front of him as he gently massaged her shoulders. "How's that feel?" She could only moan her approval. After awhile Kitty leaned back into Matt as his lips replaced his hands and he whispered. "Still restless?"

"Hmm, but for a different reason." Matt smiled and turned her towards him as they welcomed the sunrise as one.

Matt was leaving the telegraph office when he noticed John standing by the stage. Curious he started to make his way over, "Well, I'm glad you decided on going back to being Marshal. You sure that left handed draw is going to be enough?"

"Well, I guess it's gonna' have to do until the other one gets better." Matt pointed towards the stage. "Ah, you're leaving in a big hurry aren't ya?"

"Marshal I can't hardly wait to leave. "

"Why is that?"

"This is the unfriendliness town I've ever seen in my whole life."

Matt watched John board the stage and pull out of the depot. He followed in its path as he made his way over to Doc's office. His arm was bothering him and he wanted Doc to take a look at it. Doc heard footsteps on the stairs and turned as Matt opened the door. "Say Doc I was hoping you could take a look at this arm it's been bothering me some today."

"Well, I guess I have time to take a look at it."

Matt looked around the room. "Yep, you look real busy all right."

"Oh, is that so? Well, it just so happens that I have a very full schedule today, I'm not like you living the life of leisure now," Doc pointed to the examination table, "sit up on the table and let me take a look at that arm." Doc made his way over to Matt and as he grabbed his arm he noticed the badge pinned on his chest. "No, I don't like that, don't like that atall'."

"Something wrong with my arm Doc?"

"No, more like your brain," as Doc pointed to Matt's chest.

Matt looked down to where Doc was pointing, "Oh."

"Does Kitty know?"

"She does."

"How'd she take it?"

"Not well at first but I think she feels better about it now."

"I wouldn't bet on it."

"Doc, I'm only filling in until they can find another Marshal; one hopefully the town will like!"

"Matt that shouldn't be of any concern to you. You owe it to yourself and Kitty to find some happiness while you're still around." Doc proceeded to look at Matt's arm.

"Doc, I promised Kitty not longer than a year."

"Oh, for heaven's sakes Matt!" Doc looked up over his glasses at him. "If I had someone like Kitty Russell in love with me, well, I wouldn't even give it one day."

"You'd stop doctoring would you?"

"I told you before doctoring is very different from your line of work, besides we are not talking about me, we are talking about you and your fool headed stubbornness." Doc raked his hand over his moustache, "you're very lucky Matt that you have a woman like Kitty. Not many women would put up with your foolishness, and I know some who haven't and if you want me to jar your memory I can start naming them, let's see, there was," Matt put up his hand. "All right Doc I get the message."

"No, I don't think you have because I've been saying this for years but you still make the same stupid mistake."

"You gonna' take a look at my arm or talk me to death?" Doc shot Matt a deadly stare. "I'll look at your arm all right and just when it gets to function normally you'll go out and have it shot up again or maybe have some other part of your body shot to pieces but if that's OK with you, well, it's none of my concern." Doc finished his exam and looked up at Matt. "I'll give you some powders for the pain." Doc retrieved the powders from his medicine cabinet and returned to Matt. "Here, this should hold you until next week." Matt watched as Doc walked away. He grabbed his hat and headed for the door, "see ya later Doc?"

Doc hung his head, "Yeah."

As Matt closed the door behind him Doc made his way to the window and watched Matt descend the stairs. Doc thought he might be imaging it but Matt didn't look as happy as he did yesterday.

As soon as Matt hit the boardwalk he heard the jangling of spurs approaching from behind. "Matthew?" Matt turned to see Festus wearing a broad smile. "Matthew, I'z just been down jawin' with Barney and he's been a tellin' me that you is gonna' be the Marshal again."

Matt pointed to his chest, "That's right, Festus."

"Well, if that ain't the best T I inkum dinkum news that I'z ever heard. Matthew I'z just got a hankering for a beer and I'z be might proud to buy you one.

"I was just heading to the Long Branch myself." Matt arrived first and could see Kitty sitting in the back. Matt made his way to Kitty as Festus called to Floyd to bring the beers back to the table. When Floyd arrived Festus paid for the drinks. "Much obliged Floyd."

Kitty looked at Matt and he just shrugged. "What's got you so happy today Festus?"

"Miss Kitty, Matthew here is gonna' be the Marshal again, but, I guess you already knows that."

"Yes Festus I know that but unlike everyone else in this town I don't think it's a cause for celebration."

Matt looked down at his beer. "Festus it is only temporary so eventually someone will come to take my place."

"Well, as long as it ain't that stuffy headed mule brained Marshal that just left town."

Matt just smiled, "you know Festus not everyone is going to be like me so you might have to adjust a little."

"Matthew, I knows that ifn' you'd pick the next Marshal everythin' will be just fine." Festus threw back his beer, "Well, I'z got to go and paint the widow Dooley's house. I'll see ya all directly."

Matt looked over at Kitty as her eyes dropped to continue reading the paper. He went back to playing with his mug of beer as they sat in silence. Matt sipped his beer wishing things could be as they were as he watched Kitty read. Finally Kitty looked up from the paper, "What did Doc say about your arm?"

"Not much."

Kitty looked at him puzzled. "What does that mean?"

"He was more into giving me advice than he was giving me a prognosis on my arm."

"I stand corrected. There are two people in this town that don't think it's a cause for celebration."

"Now Kitty."

"I'm sorry Matt it's just that, oh, I don't know." She waved her hand as she let out with a yawn.

Matt leaned into to her and smiled as he reached over to hold her hand "Sorry I kept you up so late."

"I think I'll go upstairs and take a nap before lunch, care to join me?"

"I would love to but I'm a working man now you know. How about I'll pick you up for lunch, if you would do me the honor?"

Kitty smiled, "come get me."

Matt helped Kitty out of her chair and walked her to the stairs, "see you later."

Matt came back to their room and Kitty was still resting. He quietly sat on the bed and stroked her hair. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, "You still want lunch?"

Kitty stirred and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Few hours." Matt rubbed her arm, "Kitty if you still want to rest we can skip lunch."

Kitty started to get up. "No, I'm fine. You must have really tired me out last night."

"I try my best ma'am." He pulled her close to give her a kiss and then swatted her rear as she went to change. "I'll just be a minute." He smiled as he made his way to the big armchair knowing how long a Kitty minute can be!

The sun was setting over Dodge as Kitty stood outside the Long Branch for a breath of fresh air. It had been close to a month since Matt resumed his Marshal duties and she had to admit the badge was not as intrusive as it had been in the past. Matt was home every night and he stayed well into the morning. Festus and Newly were in charge of the late rounds and only under extreme circumstances would they involve Matt. Matt's arm was improving nicely so well in fact that he was now using a right handed draw. The new Marshal was going to be arriving in about a month and Kitty was looking forward to Matt winding down his involvement and planning their future together.

Matt was sitting in his office going over some paperwork when Barney came through the door. "Evenin' Marshal, got a telegram here for you, says it's urgent."

Matt took the paper from his hands, "Thanks, Barney." He read the missive, folded the telegram, and put it in his pocket. "Any answer Marshal?"

"No need for an answer Barney, thanks."

"Sure thing Marshal," Matt watched Barney leave his office then removed the telegram from his pocket and reread it. He ran his fingers through his hair, took a deep breath, placed the telegram back in his pocket, and made his way to the door. Kitty saw Matt walking towards her, "You're early cowboy but if you wait a minute I'll freshen up and we'll go to dinner."

"Would you mind if we ate in tonight?"

"No, I'll send Floyd to Delmonico's before he starts work. What do you feel like having?"

"Whatever you decide. I think I'm going to go upstairs and relax for awhile."

Kitty watched him climb the stairs as Floyd was entering the saloon. "Floyd would you mind getting the special of the day from Delmonico's?"

"Miss Kitty I'd be glad to."

"Thanks Floyd, oh, for two and could you bring it to my room?"

"Will do."

Kitty opened the door and saw Matt sitting in the armchair with a glass of Napoleon brandy in his hand. She stood next to him and ran her fingers through his hair. "What's troubling you Matt?" He handed her the telegram.

Apprehend Jase Dakota STOP killed a family outside of Marysville STOP very dangerous STOP must stand trial in Hays City STOP last seen near Abilene STOP leave immediately.

Kitty sat down in the chair across from Matt. She stared at the piece of paper then she looked up at him. "I suppose you couldn't send Festus or Newly." Matt shook his head, "No, Kitty I have to go."

"Can't you take one of them with you?"

"No, I have to do this alone."

"Oh, Matt, why?"

"It's what I get paid to do."

"Then Matt leave in the morning. I just want one night with you before,"

"Kitty I have to leave tonight," he stood and walked towards her, took her hands in his and helped her out of the chair. He held her close, "Matt, please, just a few hours?"

"Kitty, I'm sorry but I have to leave." He kissed her and ran his fingers down her face. "I'll be home soon." She tried so very hard not to cry but the tears started to flow, "Shhh, everything is going to be all right." She sobbed, "Matt please send someone else."

"Kitty, I'm sorry but I have to go now." He cupped her face and brushed away the tears as he kissed her lips. As he closed the door he could hear her muffled cries and it broke his heart.

Festus was coming out of the Marshal's office when he saw Matt approaching. "Howdy Matthew, town seems kinda quiet today."

"Not for me."

"Why ya say that Matthew?"

"Festus, can you get my horse?

"Why, wheres ya goin'?"

Festus, can you just get my horse!" Matt bellowed as he made his way to the front door of his office.

"Sure thing Matthew." Festus continued on his way to the stable as all those who were in ear shot of the Marshal stared.

Matt packed a few things and was on his way out when he stopped and walked over to the safe. He removed a small leather billfold that he put in the inside jacket pocket over his heart. As his feet hit the boardwalk Festus was approaching the hitch rail with Buck. Festus had his head down, "here ya go Matthew."

"I appreciate it Festus and, hey look, I'm sorry I yelled before it's just that I have to go out of town for awhile and I'm not very happy about it. When I get back we'll have a beer, on me."

"Ah, shoot Matthew I knows that somethin' must have been abotherin' ya. Ya just don'ts go round yellin' at people for no reason."

"I don't know how long I'll be gone but if you could check on Kitty I'd really appreciate it."

"Don't you worry 'bout a thing Matthew, Miss Kitty will be well taken care of, you got the Haggen promise on that."

"Thanks Festus."

Matt started to leave town when Newly came out from the alley. "Newly I have to be out of town for awhile. Could you watch the town and check in on Kitty too?"

"No problem Marshal, have a safe trip."

As Buck neared the Long Branch Matt looked up on the second floor. Kitty was standing at the window and their eyes met. Uncharacteristically Matt mouthed, "I love you," as Kitty waved goodbye.

Matt made camp under a full moon. After he finished his meal of beans and jerky he sat back on his saddle with a cup of coffee and his thoughts. He pulled his coat collar up around his neck to protect against the cool breeze that had kicked up suddenly. He sipped on his coffee and tried to imagine Kitty's soft touch and warm body lying next to him hoping that would give him a sense of comfort. He put down the cup and reached inside his coat to pull out the billfold from the safe. The billfold contained a picture that he and Kitty had taken the last time they were in St. Louis. He ran his finger over the portrait I really made a mess of things this time haven't I. He knew he had to focus and not show any weakness when he finally found Jase Dakota but it was getting so difficult to be away from her. He closed the billfold, put it back in his pocket, and tried to fall asleep.

Kitty left the closing up for Floyd. She was exhausted as she entered her room. She quickly changed into her nightgown and sat at her table to comb her hair. She threw back the covers and lay her head down on the pillow. She turned towards her nightstand where she noticed the picture Matt and she took in Topeka at the Governor's Ball. Matt had helped Governor Harvey with a personal matter and he thought it was a nice gesture to invite Matt to an event that most people would kill to attend. Unfortunately, Matt was not one of them and it took a great deal of persuading on Kitty's part to convince him to go. He finally relented but on one condition; that Kitty be at his side. Matt had been fussing all night about his formal wear but to Kitty he was by far the most handsome man in the ballroom. They danced the night away and Kitty could not remember a time when Matt was more gallant. She later found out that some of Matt's friends were very taken by Kitty and were rather envious that Matt had such a captivating woman in his life. Kitty was so happy and definitely in her element. She loved all the pomp and pageantry and she knew this would be one night she would never forget. Not only was she there with Matt but she was meeting so many fascinating people including the Governor who was a very beguiling gentlemen. When they returned to their hotel she went in to change and Matt made himself comfortable. He poured a couple of drinks and sipped his until she came back into the room. She sat next to him on the sofa and he told her to lie back and he gently massaged her feet. Still excited from the night's event they sat up for hours talking and it was in that hotel room he told her he loved her for the first time. The next morning, as they lay in each other's arms, she was the happiest woman in the world. She ran her fingers over the picture as their night together played over in her mind. She smiled through her tears as she held the picture to her chest. She closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.

After finishing breakfast Doc ambled down the boardwalk chewing on a toothpick. As he approached his office he looked up on the second floor of the Long Branch. Matt had been gone a little over a week and all three friends tried their best to keep Kitty's spirits up. As his foot touched the bottom stair he decided that he would go have some coffee with the proprietress of the saloon. As he swung open the batwing doors he saw Kitty sitting at a table in the rear reading her paper and sipping a cup of coffee. As he got closer he noticed that her face was scrunched up as she looked at the cup. "Festus make that coffee?"

"What?"

Doc pointed at Kitty, "the way you're looking at the cup I thought maybe Festus made the coffee this morning." Doc pulled a chair back and sat down.

Kitty smiled, "I don't know it tastes a little off today."

"Here let me taste it," Doc poured himself a cup. "Hmm, doesn't taste bad to me."

"Oh, I guess everything is a little off for me lately."

Doc wasn't sure if he should continue with the conversation but he thought she might want to talk. "Heard anything from the overgrown public servant?"

"No, I haven't Doc but I know he is going to be doing a lot of tracking so I don't expect much communication, at least that's what I keep telling myself."

Doc reached over and held her hand. "Honey, he is going to be all right."

Kitty nodded, "Doc, truthfully, is his arm totally healed?"

He didn't really want to answer that question. "Kitty, it's in pretty good shape but no, it's not like it was before the shooting." She dropped her head and Doc rubbed the back of her hand. "It's good enough for Matt to do what he needs to do so don't worry, OK?"

"I know Doc. I try but it's so hard sometimes. If only he could have sent someone else."

"From what I hear this guy is a pretty hard case. Matt is probably one of the few who can take him on. I know that doesn't help you but it's just how it is."

"I know Curly, thanks for stopping by." Kitty rose from her chair.

"Why, where you going?"

"I'm just going to lie down for awhile."

"You've been doing a lot of that lately. Why don't you come next door and let me take a look at you."

"No need Doc. You may think this is funny but I feel closer to Matt when I'm in my room." He watched as she made her way to the second floor. It could be the stress of Matt's absence taking a toll but Doc could see a slight difference in Kitty and he was going to make a point to keep an eye on her.

Matt felt he had been all over the state of Kansas looking for Dakota. He tried to track him from Abilene but the trail grew cold. He followed up leads that led nowhere and after close to two weeks he was no closer to finding Jase than when he left Dodge. He regretted not sending a telegram from the last town knowing how worried she would be but he had to push her from his mind if he was going to successfully capture Dakota and bring him to justice. He had thoughts about going back to Dodge for a few days but he knew it would harder to leave her arms if he did. OK Dillon stop thinking about her! He had gotten a lead that Dakota might be in Oklahoma so he made his way into the territory. The last farm he visited had given him a fairly accurate description of Dakota and he thought if he were lucky this could be the day that he would finally apprehend the outlaw. He sighed when he realized his work would only start once they started their journey back to Hays City. He could see what looked like an abandoned shack in the distance with puffs of smoke belching from the chimney. Thinking that Jase might be hiding out here he dismounted and walked over to a group of bushes where he would wait until dark to make his move. Whenever he had time to think his mind would wander to thoughts of Kitty. The day reminded Matt of the last time they were at Spring Creek and it made him smile. Boy, that water was cold. He was snapped from his reverie by movement at the front door. Jase was leaving the shack and was headed for his horse. Matt quickly bounded to his feet with gun drawn, "Hold it right there." Jase turned slowly with his hands raised as Matt approached. "Well, if it isn't the one handed Marshal."

"Drop the gun, slowly, and throw it over here." Matt motioned with his gun.

"Maybe I won't lawman. I might want to test your right arm a little. See if your finger is strong enough to fire that pistol."

"Don't be a fool Dakota. My arm is healed enough to kill the likes of you."

"Hmm, short tempered today too. From what I hear you had a little time off, maybe you've gotten too soft for this line of work."

"I said drop the gun!"

"Well, we have a long ride. I'm sure I'll have a few other opportunities to test how healed that arm of yours really is." Jase complied with Matt's request and threw his gun on the ground.

He threw the handcuffs at Jase and told him to put them on. He applied the cuffs and lifted his hands to show Matt. After picking up Jase's gun, Matt grabbed his arm and they both walked over to his horse. "So, what you do with yourself Dillon when you couldn't wear that badge? Shack up all day with that woman of yours? You know, I've been to Dodge a time or two and I have to tell you she is one fine piece of," Matt's fist bore through Jase's jaw before he could finish the sentence. "Now, get up."

Jase let out with a laugh. "Yes sir Marshal sir. I got the message loud and clear don't be talkin' about the Marshal's woman, no sir."

"I said get up!" Matt clicked back the hammer of the gun.

"All right now, take it easy, I was just havin' a little fun. Give a dyin' man that much Marshal." Jase got to his feet and found his hat and brushed it off on his leg. They made their way to where Buck was tied and then both mounted their horses and headed towards Hays City. They were just outside of Tulsa and Matt was not looking forward to the long trip to Hays. They stopped for the night and after they tended to the horses Matt started a fire and made a meal. They sat in silence as they drank their coffee. "Tell me somethin' lawman. You gonna' stay up all night?"

"If need be."

"You are really somethin', you know that?" It's gonna' take us near on to a week to get to Hays. You're not gonna' be able to stay up for a week."

"I'll manage."

Jase smiled, "we'll see."

The next morning they ate breakfast, saddled the horses, and went on their way. Jase had to find a way to rattle Matt. He needed an advantage and he would bide his time until the opportunity came. They had been on the trail for a few days when Jase noticed a road sign pointing towards Dodge. Matt ignored the sign and continued up north. "Say lawman don't ya wanted go through Dodge?"

"It's out of our way."

"Maybe some but we both could stand to get this trail dust off of us. I could sure use a nice hot bath right about now."

"They can give you one when we get to Hays."

"Aw come on Dillon. You can't tell me ya wouldn't want to sit in a nice hot tub and soothe those old aching bones of yours. Yes sir, what I wouldn't give to have a woman like that washing my back or anywhere else she'd get a notion to stroke."

Matt drew his gun, "I told you we're going on to Hays and if I hear another word out of your mouth I'll tie that bandana around it."

"Yes sir I am truly a slow learner. I've got to remember to not bring your woman up again in conversation." Matt holstered his gun. Jase could sense Matt was getting tired and it seemed the mere mention of his woman was making him more irritable by the day. It would only be a matter of time before Jase felt he would be able to make a move.

That night, they sat around the fire sipping on their coffee as both men were deep in thought. "Ya know Marshal I knew this here little filly in Abilene, ooh boy was she somethin', yes sir, she was some kind of woman." Matt shot Jase a look. "Ya can't have any objections if I talk about a woman I had, now can ya?" Matt didn't answer. "She was a wildcat no doubt. She just couldn't get enough of me. Boy, she done wore me out and the things she could do to me, ooh wee, I never had lovin' like that before. Probably why ya caught up to me, I just couldn't leave that woman's bed." Jase shook his head, "Ya know, she wanted to come with me and I gotta' tell ya I was indeed tempted. Yes sir, real tempted." He pulled the blanket up around him. "Sure woulda made these nights a lot warmer ifn' she was here. Yes sir, a lot warmer." Jase turned towards Matt. "Oh, don't worry Dillon I would have shared her with ya, ya know." Matt leaned back on his saddle and put his hat over his eyes. "Unless of course you're one of those faithful types and even a woman who could take you to heaven and back couldn't change your mind." Jase waited a minute for a response but none came. "Well, I'm sure your woman knows a few tricks herself being with all those men." Matt jumped to his feet and grabbed Jase by the collar. "I swear you bring her up again and I will kill you." Jase could see the rage in Matt's eyes and he knew he had found the lawman's lone weakness.

When Matt got up in the morning his body was definitely stiffer than it had been all trip. He would never give Jase the satisfaction of knowing but lying in a nice hot tub with Kitty was on his mind since he mentioned it. They saddled the horses and Matt was packing up the few remaining items when he felt a blow to the back of his head. He fell face down in the dirt as Jase's body straddled him and he quickly threw the handcuffs around Matt's neck and pulled with all his might. Matt had just as quickly put his hands between the cuffs and his neck and tried to dislodge them. He was able to pull them up over the front of his face then both men rolled around on the ground trying to get the best vantage point. Matt was able to throw Jase off him but the younger man was quicker to stand and kicked Matt in his ribs. Matt fell back to earth and Jase charged and again straddled Matt punching him in the face. Matt was able to block one of the punches and threw Jase backwards. As Jase got on his feet Matt drew his gun. "I don't know why I just don't kill you right here."

"I've been a wonderin' that too lawman cause you know I ain't gonna' stop and from the looks of things you're gettin' pretty worn out."

"Get on your horse."

"Yes sir mister lawman sir."

Every part of his body hurt as he mounted his horse but he knew in the next few days Jase would be in the hands of the law in Hays and he would be on his way to Kitty's waiting arms.

Kitty woke facing Matt's side of the bed. She ran her hand over his pillow and wished he was lying next to her safe in her arms. She sat up in bed and stretched before she lifted the covers and put her feet on the floor. As she stood she felt some dizziness so she sat back on the bed until it subsided. She tired to stand again but the symptoms persisted. Doc's probably right I'm so worried about Matt it's affecting my health. She waited for awhile until she could stand with no ill effects. She walked around her room but she still wasn't feeling just right. She quickly got dressed and packed a bag.

Doc was coming down the stairs from his office as Kitty hurriedly left the Long Branch. He noticed she was carrying a bag and headed for the stage depot. "Oh Kitty," she kept in perfect stride. "Kitty, now hold on a minute here!" She stopped and looked up as Doc slowly descended the stairs. "Doc, I'm in a little bit of a hurry."

"Well, I see that but what I don't know is why?"

"I just have to get away for awhile."

"Kitty, if it's about Matt he'll be home before you know it."

"Doc I really have to go." Kitty continued her hurried pace until she reached the stage.

"Miss Russell, let me take your bag. We'll be leavin' in a minute. Can I help you on?" Kitty reached out her hand as Roy placed his hand around her waist until she was able to sit on the stagecoach bench.

"Thank you Roy."

He tipped his hat, "no problem Miss Russell." Roy hopped up to the driver's seat and with a yell the stage left Dodge.

Doc was just getting to the depot as the stage was turning the corner of town and out of view. He slowly made his way through the depot door, "Hey Doc what can I do for you today. Don't tell me you're thinkin' about takin' a trip."

"No, not me. Say, Henry," Doc pointed in the direction of Front Street, "where was Miss Russell going?"

"Not sure if I can tell you that Doc, you know, when people buy a ticket that information is a private matter unless, of course, a person has a problem with the law then if the Marshal,"

Doc turned quickly towards Henry, "Oh, for heaven's sake Henry just tell me where she was going!"

Henry was startled by Doc's tone, "Doc she's got a ticket to St. Louis."