Matt got back to Dodge after 3 days on the trail and rode directly to the post office. Kitty had been away for 5 months and he'd concluded that the US Postal Service was slower than molasses and less reliable than a drunken jackrabbit. Weeks went by without a letter from Kitty then three would come in one day.
He dismounted a bit slower than usual. Camping out and many hours in the saddle had left him with a throbbing back. Holding himself stiffly he went into the post office hoping it would be a three-letter day. Minutes later walked out empty handed and disappointed.
"Marshal, marshal."
Matt turned and saw the clerk from the telegraph office running toward him, "Marshal this just came for you."
Jake Jones escapee from Louisiana State Prison held in Hays. Pick up and return
Matt smiled as he folded the telegram and put it in his pocket. He was rarely sent out of his jurisdiction and usually didn't like to be, but Louisiana suited him fine. A side trip to visit Kitty would be in order.
"Marshal, do you want me to send a response?"
"No, but I'd like you to do something else. Send a wire in my name to War Department requesting a copy of the US Marshal's manual"
The clerk laughed thinking it was a joke; "You don't need a manual after all these years."
A look from Matt ended the clerk's laughter. "I can't find the one I had and I'd like a replacement."
Louisiana
After delivering the prisoner to the State Penitentiary, Matt took a stage to New Orleans and a hansom cab to the address he'd been sending letters to. He was surprised by the size and beauty of he house and checked the address to make sure it was correct. It seemed it was. He rang the doorbell and impatiently rang again twice. The door swung open. There she stood looking beautiful in an ivory blouse and blue skirt. Her eyes widened when she saw him and a smile took over her face. "Matt." She flung her arms around him. He held her close and kissed her hard and deep. Her knees felt weak. All concerns about changed feelings disappeared. She smiled and took his hand, "Come in." He followed her through a long foyer into a sitting room. Three people were inside. He was surprised. Whenever he pictured Kitty in New Orleans, he pictured her alone. He realized that was silly. People were drawn to her like moths to flame.'
Two men were standing and a woman was seated on a divan. Kitty smiled happily, "Everyone, this is Marshal Matt Dillon."
"Matt this is Peter Clark, the executor of my uncle's will." Matt extended his hand towards the distinguished looking gray-haired gentleman, "Mr. Clark." Clark shook the offered hand firmly, "Please call me Peter."
Kitty pointed towards the woman, "This is Peter's wife, Misty Clark."
Matt nodded, "Ma'am."
Misty smiled, "It's my pleasure." She looked Matt up and down. Known for her beauty even at 47, she was a woman who appreciated a manly man.
A portly, nattily dressed man of about 40 stepped forward, "I'm Misty's brother Samuel please call me Sam."
The men shook hands. Sam's eyes drifted over to Kitty. Matt couldn't help but note the admiration on the man's face as he spoke. "I'm visiting my sister and brother-in-law, and Kitty was about to join us for a carriage ride to show me the sights." Sam reluctantly tore his eyes from Kitty and looked at Matt. "Perhaps you'd like to join us." The politeness of his words did not mask his insincerity.
Misty had been watching carefully and saw that Kitty couldn't keep her eyes off of Matt Dillon. In fact it seemed that decorum was the only thing preventing Kitty from jumping into the marshal's arms. It was time for an act of sisterhood. Misty put her hand on her forehead, "Peter, Sam I just got a terrible headache, unbelievably terrible. Please take me home. We'll have to have our carriage ride with Kitty tomorrow." She quickly winked at Kitty, "Or perhaps the next day, it depends." Misty walked out of the room with two puzzled men following behind.
Matt laughed, "Kitty, you've taught me a thing or two about women over the years and it seems to me we owe a Mrs. Clark a thank you."
Kitty smiled, "We sure do. Cowboy, let's go upstairs. We have a lot of catching up to do."
TBC