***Chapter 2***
Matt paused at the base of the stairs. "Louie," he cautioned "you don't have to go with me if you don't want to; I can't guarantee your safety."
"Chester's my friend too, Marshal," Louie stated. "I'm going with you."
Matt gave a curt nod. "Alright. We're going to start over there where I saw him crawl off to. I'm sure I hit him at least once." Together they walked towards the center of the street near the jail. Matt struck a match and held it close to the ground. Aside from the usual horse tracks were lines and circles like a wounded animal thrashing around. The dropped hat nearby meant it was probably was made by the man they were after. Matt lit a second match and widened his search.
"That's blood Marshal," Louie pointed out.
"Yeah," Matt agreed. He struck a third match. "Trail goes. . .that way." He shook the match out and stood, drawing his gun. "Better stay behind me Louie."
Stepping softly, Matt worked his way towards an alley between two buildings. Louie mimicked Matt's step, paying close attention to avoid bumping into the marshal. The first alley yielded no results; in the dim light the dust near them had only a few boot tracks. They moved down the street to the next alley, staying out of the light spilling from the saloon. Dillon paused at the corner of one building, peering into the darkness. After several moments, a door opened with a bang and water sloshed on the ground. It shut just as quickly but not before the weak lantern light had illuminated the figure of a man at the corner of the back steps. Motioning Louie behind him, he eased back a little and whispered, "He's at the back, waiting."
"Let's get him Marshal," Louie responded eagerly.
"No, you stay here," Matt commanded.
Louie frowned but acquiesced to the Marshal. "Be careful," he cautioned.
Matt crouched low and stealthily began inching towards the rear of the building, every sense on high alert. Sounds seemed drawn out with every voice, horse stamp, and spur jingle as loud as a cannon. The man hadn't moved which meant he probably hadn't noticed Matt. He was nearly to the man when the unmistakable coppery smell of fresh blood assaulted his nostrils. Warily he reached towards the man's arm with his left hand. Clammy cold skin had Matt holstering his gun. Lack of a pulse had him calling for Louie to bring one of the lamps from the front.
Louie's circle of light soon illuminated the dead man in front of Matt. "Is that the man Marshal?" he asked anxiously.
Matt pushed his hat up a little. "Yeah that's him," he affirmed. "Bring the light down here." He rolled the man on his back.
"Who is he?"
"Nace Porter," Matt answered over his shoulder. "I've seen him before."
"I'm glad you got him Marshal," Louie declared, relieved this man couldn't shoot at Chester again.
Matt shook his head. "I'm more concerned about who hired him."
GNS GNS GNS
Doc Adams was relieved when Chester had passed out for the moment. He was able to hold pressure to the wounds and reach for the ether mask with the other. Though tricky, he was well practiced in administering the medication himself since he didn't have a dedicated nurse to help.
Seeing Chester's breathing even out was the sign. Doc packed an extra cloth under Chester's shoulder, reached for the probe and began digging. Twin holes of red meant two bullets and it took mere moments to locate them. Doc breathed a sigh of relief. With both bullets resting just under the collarbone they were too high to have nicked the lung. Next the tongs and both bullets landed with a loud clang in the tray. Hastily he staunched the fresh bleeding from the removal of the projectiles and began to cleanse the area. Chester moaned quietly startling Doc. He administered an extra dose of ether before turning back to stitch up the wounds.
Pulling the torn skin together, Doc had a moment to consider the situation. Who would want to hurt Chester? His proximity to Matt certainly meant an increased chance of trouble but this was a direct attack on Chester. Matt hadn't even been near the office! Doc clipped the thread and began on the second wound. Chester was a kind soul who got along fairly well with people; unless they were breaking the law that is. The younger man's strong sense of justice made him an excellent partner to the marshal. Tying off the second thread, Adams cleaned the area again and applied a bandage. It took a little effort but he managed to wiggle one long bandage under Chester's back to tie it across his torso. Picking up the soiled cloths, he bundled them for burning later and thoroughly washed his hands.
Doc worried if Matt didn't find the person responsible he might try for Chester again. Spreading a blanket over Chester's still form, Doc vowed to protect the young man no matter what. After removing Chester's boots, Doc rinsed his hands once more and stoked the fire for coffee.
GNS GNS GNS
Louie Pheeters stood on the boardwalk watching the wagon fade into the night with yet another person for Boot Hill. Such a waste, harming other people and ending up like this. He renewed his promise to himself to stay away from guns.
"I still wish I knew who hired him," Matt growled in frustration. He turned to his companion. "Louie, you've been a great help tonight and I thank you."
"I'm glad I could help you Marshal," Louie beamed. "Are you going to see Chester now?"
"Yeah, as soon as I change my shirt," Matt replied.
Louie shivered at the dark stains, remembering how pale Chester had been. "Do you think. . . I mean, Chester. . ." Louie stuttered, not wanting to finish his thought.
The corner of Matt's mouth quirked up. "Don't you worry about Chester, he'll be all right." Matt shrugged out of his coat. "Well, I think I'll go see how he is," Matt clapped Louie on the shoulder as he stepped past.
"Marshal?" Louie asked suddenly.
"Yeah?" Matt turned.
"Maybe I could take care of the office for you tonight. Until you get back I mean," Louie offered.
Matt's mind was already at Doc's office but he pulled his thoughts back. "Thank you Louie." The older man eagerly followed Matt to the office, carefully shutting the door behind him. Though he usually didn't notice much, he did see Dillon's eyes flicker towards the desk where blood was staining the floor. Louie waited until the lawman left then scurried with the water bucket to scrub up everything he could so neither of his friends had to look at it again.
GNS GNS GNS
Matt knew Doc would take care of Chester but his mind wouldn't rest without seeing for himself. Ascending the stairs, he decided knocking was better than letting himself in with the key. Matt knew Doc was devoted to the care of his patients and it wouldn't surprise him if Doc had his old .36 pistol at hand. Since he didn't care to be shot by accident, he knocked loudly and waited for Doc to unlock the door before stepping inside to see Chester.