Chapter 2 – It's Good to Be Home
Matt was tired as he rode down Front Street toward Moss Grimack's stable. Even though it was well past midnight, he looked for the light in the window as he rode past the Long Branch. Taking just enough time to stable his horse without waking Moss and drop off his gear at the office without waking Chester, Matt made his way down the back alleys until he reached the back stairs of the saloon where the light shone in the second floor window.
He walked quietly up the stairs and down the hall to the door under which a faint light showed. For a couple of minutes he stood listening for any sound from within that the occupant was still awake. Hearing nothing, he fished the key from his pocket and opened the door, softly closing it behind him and turning the lock. After hanging his hat and gun belt on the peg by the door, he picked up the lamp by the window to light his way to the bed, smiling at the sleeping woman before him, as gently as possible he sat down on his side of the bed.
The tired lawman put the lamp down on the end table and turned the wick down so it gave off a faint glow, just enough to see to remove his boots and clothes. Once he was down to his union suit bottoms he eased his body under the covers and blew out the lamp before snuggling next to the sleeping redhead. She stirred slightly in her sleep, but didn't wake and he soon dropped off too, almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
"Don't tell me when you got in," Kitty Russell said as she noticed Matt's eyes open. "I don't really want to know. Welcome home, Cowboy."
"Since we're both awake, perhaps I can show you how much I missed you before I have to leave this bed. It's not long until dawn and I'd better be heading to my office by then. Thanks for leaving the light on last night."
They made up in the short time they had for all the nights he was away during the past week since he received the telegram from Sheriff Hale. By the time the sun was peeping over the eastern horizon Matt was putting on his boots while Kitty lay back in the big brass bed happily watching her man. He was at the door, about to put on his gun belt, which he'd just grabbed from the peg, when she softly sighed.
"Kit, what's wrong?" he said as he turned back toward the bed.
"Oh nothing, Matt. I just thought you seemed a bit relieved when you first awoke and found me eager for you. What happened to you while you were gone?"
"I'll tell you later when I've more time. For now, let's leave it at It's good to be home."