PT.2

It was late and Doc was still going over his journals, looking for something that would help him, something that would help his friend. She was more than a friend. Kitty was the daughter he'd never had and he hated to see her suffer. He had run out of options but he would continue to try, no matter what.

Matt was finishing his rounds, hoping to see Kitty on his last stop. This was something that had changed after the incident with Bonner. Kitty wasn't ready to deal with their intimate relationship. She was still having nightmares of the brutal attacks. Many nights, Matt just held her while she slept or at least tried to.

Checking the last few doors, he headed towards the Long Branch. It had closed early but with a quick glance to the window on the second floor, a slight smile formed on his face as he stared up at the light shining. And with a second glance, he also noticed Doc's light on.

Stopping, he thought he'd better check. He reached the landing, tapping lightly on the door.

Doc, set down his book and removed his spectacles. He could see the tall shadow through the curtain of the door. As he opened it, he swiped his mustache. "Well, Marshal. What can I do for you at this late hour?"

Exhaling, "Doc. You got a minute?"

"Sure, Matt. What's on your mind? How bout some coffee?"

"Nah," he answered rubbing the back of his neck. "Doc. I need to ask you about…" Hesitating and sighing.

Doc finished with, "Kitty huh? Well, Matt, I told you it was gonna take time."

Shaking his head. "Yeah, Doc. I get that but I feel like there's something else. She's distracted."

"Well, Matt. Have you asked her about it?"

"No! I don't want to push her."

Now tugging his ear. "Matt, let me just say this. I think it's high time you and Kitty sit down and talk. I can't answer the questions you need answered. She needs you to be there for her, Matt, and be strong for her."

"Gosh, Doc. I am."

"Matt, you need to make time away from your job and talk to her. And most importantly, listen."

"Doc, you know something you're not telling me?"

Shaking his head, "Matt, go talk to Kitty. Go on, get out of here. I need my sleep."

Matt made his way up the back stairs, letting himself in. He saw Kitty with her body curled up on the settee, her eyes closed. He didn't want to disturb her but with a few steps, she stirred.

"Cowboy?"

"Ah, Kit, I didn't mean to wake you."

Shaking her head. "No, you didn't. I was waiting for you. I wanted to talk to you about something, but, Matt, I'm just so exhausted right now."

"Sure, honey, here, let's get you into bed."

As she stood, he gently pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "Kit, you know I'm here for you, whatever you need. Was this something important?"

Not wanting him to see her eyes saddening, "Yeah, it is. But it can wait another day."

After removing his gunbelt and hat, then his boots, he glanced over at her. "Look, Kit, you're looking tired. I'm gonna wash up then we can get some sleep."

Smirking, she nodded. Then under her breath, "Maybe one of us will."

After a little less restless night, Matt rose early to do morning rounds, trying not to wake her.

But as he bent over to kiss the top of her head, "Is it morning already?"

"Yeah, but go back to sleep. We'll have breakfast when I've done rounds."

Nodding, "Uh huh."

About two hours later, Kitty was up dressing, staring at herself in the mirror. "Kitty, ol' gal, what are you going to do?"

Just then, Sam knocked. "Miss Kitty? It's Sam. Sorry to disturb you but Festus and Doc are down stairs, asking for you."

"Ok, Sam. I'll be right down."

Slipping into a black skirt and yellow shirtwaist and simply tying her hair back with a ribbon, she made her way slowly down the stairs.

"Well, good morning, Young lady!"

"Morning, Miz Kitty."

Inhaling and as she let out her breath, she looked at them. "Is It?"

"Someone not feeling too good this morning?" Doc asked.

"You could say that."

"Kitty, honey, you are looking a bit peaked."

"You, Ol' Scudder. Miz Kitty is a prettier than any shemale."

"You blamed fool, I never said Kitty wasn't pretty."

Throwing up her hands, "Not today, Fellas. I'm not up to refereeing!"

"Weren't you going for the mail?" Doc sniped at Festus.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I am. Miz Kitty, I'll a git yourn too."

"Thank you, Festus."

As he turned to leave, she looked over at Doc. "Why must you do that to him all the time?"

"It's just makes my day!" Doc said chuckling.

"Oh, Curly!"

Sam brought out a fresh pot of coffee with sweet rolls. "Hot and fresh, Miss kitty."

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Sam, but not today. Coffee is just fine. Matt's stopping back after rounds. We're having breakfast."

"Good! I'm glad to see you getting out more. Don't see much of you in the saloon."

"Doc, you know I just can't…"

"Kitty, I'm gonna say it again. You need to…"

Waving her hand. "I know, I know. And I will, really I will."

"You will what?"

Quickly, she turned, seeing Matt standing behind her. "What?"

"You will what? Did I miss something?"

Shaking her head. "Oh no. Curly here was just trying to convince me I need to start getting out more. That's all."

Doc now throwing her a stern look.

"Well, don't know about you, but I could eat a horse." Matt grinned.

Smirking back at him. "Of course you could."

"Doc, wanna join us?" Matt asked.

"Thanks, Matt, but I have to run out to the Warner place and check on Celia. Baby's due any day now."

"Doc? This is her ninth or tenth isn't it?"

"Yeah. And?"

"Don't ya think she'd be used to this by now?"

Kitty, now slapping at his arm. "Oh, Matt. Let's go feed you."

"See you later, Doc." And placing his hand at the small of her back, Matt led her out the door.

Folks in town watched her closely. Kitty hadn't been out much since Bonner returned her and she wasn't crazy about facing anyone. Just not yet.

As they entered Delmonico's, the room was crowded. As she looked around the room, she could see that all eyes were on her and she knew in her mind what they were thinking. Stopping, she looked back at Matt. "Cowboy, maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

Mister Lathrop stood from the corner table, approaching her with his hat in hand. "Miss Kitty, Ma'am. I just wanted to say I owe you my life with what you did. Doing what you did, facing those…" Hesitating for his words. "You saved my life and I just want you to know I'll never forget it."

Reaching out and cupping his face with her hands. "You owe me nothing. But I appreciate you saying what you did."

He just nodded as he left.

After ordering, Matt reached over, taking Kitty's hand in his. "Kit, I think we need to talk. You did say you needed to talk last night and if you want, we can take a ride. Maybe to the lake."

"Oh, Matt. I don't think I'm ready for…" Quickly, changing her thoughts. "How about we have supper tonight? But not here. I'll fix supper. Ok?"

"Sounds good, Ma'am. You'll have my undivided attention."

They finished breakfast and as they were leaving, several of the older ladies passed, whispering under their breath but staring at Kitty.

Guiding her across Front Street, Matt looked down at her in concern. "Look, Kit, don't pay them any mind. Besides, when has Kitty Russell ever cared what people think or talk about?"

"Cowboy, I don't but you don't need…"

"Hey! None of that. Come on. Just ignore them." He smiled down at her, sliding his hand along her shoulders. "There's Festus with my mail."

"Matt, you go on. I can manage from here. Supper at 7:00, ok?"

"I'll be there." He nodded.

Kitty watched as Matt went through the mail. She paid particular attention to the telegram he began to read. Just watching his expression, she knew it wasn't good. She could always read Matt like a book.

He momentarily looked up at her, then folded it, putting it in his pocket.

The hair on the back of her neck stood up. "Oh, what now, Cowboy?" Then shaking her head and pushing through the batwing doors.

TBC