PT.2

The hustling crowds were pacing in and out of Dodge, many all excited over the new election results. The saloons were full. All the conversation was a buzz about what changes that would come with the new Governor.

Sam was rushing along the bar filling drink after drink, listening to the comments, occasionally glancing at his boss, knowing full well she was listening too. Several of the men made remarks about weather or not Kansas would become a dry state.

And out of the crowd, Nathan Burke spouted, "Well, it would sure make a few old bitties in Dodge happy. They'd love nothing more than to see Miss Kitty shut down for good, maybe even run out of town, and…"

But before he could say another word, Sam looked at the group, then at Burke, then to Kitty. Snapping his head back to Burke. "BURKE! Haven't you said enough?"

Suddenly Burke saw Kitty standing at the end of the bar, but saying not a word. She turned and walked into her office, letting the door slam. "Sam, I was just saying…"

With a burning look, Sam answered. "Yeah, Burke. You're always saying something. Just drink your drink."

Then as he looked up, standing at the batwing doors, scanning the room for the woman he hadn't seen in over a week, Matt pushed his way through, heading for the bar.

Sam smiled up at him. "Welcome home, Marshal. I sure am glad to see you."

"Sam. Good to be home. Is Kit…"

But as the words rolled off his tongue, Sam motioned towards the door. "She'll be glad to see you too."

"Thanks, Sam."

Kitty sat quietly at her desk, staring at the same number on the same page, finally slipping off her lorgnettes, rubbing both hands over her face, and grabbing for the bottle on top of the desk. Pouring the dark colored liquid into the glass, she quickly gulped down a swallow, inhaling and leaning back.

"Ahhhh, Kitty ol' Gal, this just might be the beginning of the end." Then Just as she began shaking her head, a light tap on the door. She started to say, "Sam, I'll be…" but she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Kit, it's me. Matt."

Exhaling, "It's open."

As he opened the door, he knew right away, looking at her face, something was wrong.

"Hello, Cowboy! Can I buy you a drink?" Then tilting her head to the side and giving him a slight smile, "At least, while I still can?"

She stood and walked to get him a glass, but he quickly grabbed her arm. "Kit, wait." Now turning her to face him, holding her close. "Kitty, do you want to talk about whatever is bothering you?"

Relax, Cowboy, this time, oddly enough, this isn't about you." She continued to pour his drink, handing him the glass, then said, "Seems from the news of the election, which I'm sure you're fully aware of, all of the good and God fearing citizens of Dodge and this great state will be rid of me and my kind. Or so I've been told."

"Now, Kitty, wait." Matt interrupted her. Grabbing her by both shoulders, "Kitty, look at me. You don't know anything of the kind. You listening to those ol' bitties again?"

"Well, yeah…" She hesitated. "Doc even got an earful for the company he keeps, from none other than Mrs. Bart, Susan's mother." Then her face softened. "Oh, Matt, it's not like I didn't know that this was coming someday."

"Kitty, a lot has changed over the years with the folks here in Dodge. They have come to trust and respect you a great deal. Ok, so those ol' bitties…" Now shrugging his shoulders. "Don't pay them any mind."

"Matt, that's not what I mean. Times, they're just changing, Cowboy. Maybe this is just some sort of sign." She slipped her arms around his large frame and rested her head on his chest. "I guess, we'll have to wait and see."

He enveloped her tightly and kissed the top of her head.

TBC