Two days later Matt Dillon walked into the Long Branch and up to the bar. "Afternoon Sam."

"Howdy Marshall." Sam replied.

"Is Kitty around?"

"Yes sir, she's in her office."

Matt pushed away from the bar, tipped his hat at Sam as he opened the door leading to Kitty's office.

Kitty was sitting at her desk going over an inventory list when Matt walked in. "How is the prettiest gal in Dodge this afternoon?"

Kitty looked up from the inventory list and laughed. "Well, what are you doing here at this time in the afternoon?"

Matt walked up to the desk, pushed his hat back on his head before placing one hand on the edge of the desk and the other on the back of Kitty's chair and leaned down. "I have something for you."

Kitty turned her face up towards Matt, her eyes sparkling. "You do?"

"Mmmhum."

"What is it?"

"This." He stated softly before leaning his face towards hers. Matt's lips captured Kitty's in a slow, gentle kiss.

Kitty gave a soft moan before Matt broke the kiss, she still had her eye's closed and gave a soft sigh before opening them. "That was heaven."

Matt smiled before giving Kitty a quick kiss on her forehead. "Is Maddie up stairs?"

Kitty's eyebrows came together in a scowl, "No, she went fishing with Doc. Why?"

Matt's smile got bigger as he reached out and caressed Kitty's jaw. "Want to take a couple of hours off this afternoon?"

Since Maddie had started staying at the Long Branch, Kitty had been hesitant to spend any private time with Matt at night in her room. Kitty's eyes danced, "I'll meet you upstairs in 10 minutes."

Matt stood up and quickly walked towards the door, "I'll be wait'n for ya Red." He tossed over his shoulder as he walked out the door.

A few hours later, Matt and Kitty lay exhausted curled up in each other's arms with the crumpled bed sheet tangled around their bare bodies. Kitty's fingers were lazily drawing imaginary images across Matt's chest. Her touch was becoming so light that it was starting to tickle, so Matt carefully took a hold of Kitty's hand to still it. "Want to tell me what's bothering you?"

Kitty shifted so she could look into Matt's face. "I'm sorry Matt, I didn't mean to let my mind wander."

"No need to apologize, Honey. Now tell me what's going on in the beautiful mind of yours."

Kitty took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think Maddie is from a big city."

"How so?" Matt asked as his hand stroked up and down Kitty's arm.

"If she grew up out here I don't think she would be as well-spoken, refined even, like the women from big cities. You can't honestly tell me that anyone from around here has manners and sophistication like she does."

Matt let out a huff of air, "As a matter of fact she does remind me of you."

"Me!?"

Matt chuckled, "Yes you," he stated pointedly. "Kitty when I first met you I could tell that you had either grown up in a big city or spent most of you life in one, and I see some of those same traits in Maddie."

"That may be, but I wasn't as tight-lipped as she is about herself. She is definitely hiding something, Matt."

"Well whether she's hiding something or not, Doc sure has taken a shine to her."

Kitty stared at Matt's bare chest, "Mmmhum."

Matt put his index finger under Kitty's chin lifting her face up so he could look at her. "Hey, what's this all about?"

"Nothing," Kitty sulked.

"It doesn't sound like nothing."

"I just don't want to see Doc get hurt is all."

"You sure this isn't about all the attention Doc has been giving her that he usually gives you?"

"No. I don't care that Doc is showing her a lot of attention and you know that Matt. And for your information you are the only one I want giving me undivided attention."

"Is that so?" Matt grinned from ear to ear.

Kitty's voice dropped an octave, "Very much so."

"In that case…" Matt rolled Kitty under him and started kissing her senseless.

**KM**

Maddie sat watching Doc as he silently studied the checkerboard trying to find the best move. They were playing to see who would pay for dinner and she currently had the upper hand but not by much. She watched as Doc swiped at his moustache and silently chuckled.

Seeing the smirk on Maddie's face Doc pointed his finger at her. "You don't have me beat yet, young lady."

Maddie put her hands up in surrender, "I didn't say anything," she smiled.

"You didn't have to." He said looking back at the board to study it. "You're setting there looking all high and mighty. Well this game is far from over." Doc complained. He never looked up to see the look of pain flash in Maddie's eyes before she concealed it. Doc moved his checker and sat back in his chair. "By golly let's see you get out that!" he exclaimed.

Maddie looked the board over and made a move, which caused Doc to smile from ear to ear before he jumped Maddie's remaining checkers to win the game. "Well you sure gave me a run for my money, Doc."

"Yes I did." Doc stood up and extended his elbow towards Maddie, "Shall we head over to Delmonico's?"

Maddie stood up and curtsied as if she were wearing a dress, "With pleasure, Galen." she stated slipping her arm into his.

Doc smiled at Maddie, "By golly I knew under all that rough exterior beat the heart of a fair maiden."

Maddie gave Doc a faint smile before shaking her head, 'if you only knew the truth' she thought to her self.

After dinner Doc walked Maddie back to the Long Branch, as they entered the bar Kitty was walking by with empty beer mugs in her hands and stopped to greet them. "Evening Doc, Maddie."

"Hello Kitty," Doc greeted as he followed her to the corner of the bar.

"What trouble have you two been up to?"

"Trouble!" Doc snapped. Maddie just smiled as she watched Doc take the bait. "Why I'll…oh you." He countered as he realized Kitty was teasing him.

"Can I get you two something?" Kitty said laughingly.

"What'll you have Maddie? I'm buying."

"No thank you, Doc. I'm going to call it a night, maybe another time?" She smiled patting Doc's arm.

Kitty noted that Maddie looked slightly peaked, "Are you feeling okay, Maddie?"

Maddie saw Doc's head snap up towards her, "I'm fine Kitty, just tired is all." She bid Kitty and Doc good night and climbed the stairs to her room. She entered the dark room and sat on the bed. After pulling her boots off she lay across the bed starring at the ceiling. She'd been in Dodge almost two weeks now. She knew she should be leaving, but Doc and Kitty were so kind to her, and it was nice being in one place for a while. Maddie closed her eyes against the dull ache that was threatening to bloom into the throbbing pain that plagued her from time to time. Maddie shifted on the bed to get more comfortable hoping that sleep would claim her and not a stabbing headache.

**KM**

The next morning Kitty descended the stairs and headed towards the bar. Sam had the morning coffee all ready for her. "Good Morning Sam."

"Mornin' Miss Kitty."

"Is this a fresh pot of coffee?"

"Yes ma'am."

Kitty poured herself a cup of coffee and took a sip. "Sam, has Maddie come down yet this morning?"

"No ma'am."

"When she comes down will you let her know I'd like to see her? I'll be in my office."

"I sure will Miss Kitty."

"Thank you, Sam."

Kitty closed the ledger she had been working on and looked at the clock, Ten o'clock. She stood up and walked out of the office, when she reached the bar she surveyed the room before walking behind the bar to where Sam was cleaning glasses. "Sam have you seen Maddie?"

"No Miss Kitty and I've been watching for her." He watched as Kitty looked up at the balcony of the second floor. "Why don't you go up and check on her, Miss Kitty?"

Kitty looked and Sam and smiled. "I think I will."

Kitty knocked on the door to Maddie's room for the third time. "Maddie, its Kitty." Not receiving an answer she knocked again. "Maddie?" When her knock went unanswered she slowly opened the door. The room was dark and quiet, "Maddie?" Kitty called softly. Kitty moved towards the bed, and saw Maddie was lying in the bed with her arm flung over her eyes. Kitty carefully reached out and felt Maddie's cheek with her hand finding it was cool to her touch. "Maddie, are you alright?" Maddie gave a soft groan and moved her arm up off her eyes onto her forehead.

"Kitty?" Maddie's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Maddie what's wrong?"

Maddie open her eyes slightly, "I'll be fine…no," Maddie squeezed her eye's shut. "No need to worry."

Keeping her voice soft Kitty retorted, "You are not fine. You're in a lot of pain. I'm going to get Doc."

Maddie's eye's snapped open, "No!" Instantly regretting her outburst as it made her head throb worse and causing Maddie to place both of her hands on the side of her head applying pressure in an attempt to ease the stabbing pain. She gritted her teeth, "Just a bad headache…happens sometimes. Sleep is…the only…thing that makes…it go away." She stuttered through the discomfort.

Kitty didn't like seeing Maddie in so much pain. "Maddie I really think Doc can help."

"I have...seen doctors…been…no help."

Kitty put her hand on Maddie's shoulder, "You rest and I'll check on you later, ok?"

"Mmmhum."

Kitty quietly left the room and stood in the hallway trying to decided what to do. She couldn't just let Maddie lie there and suffer, so she decided to go talk to Doc.

**KM**

Doc sat listening to Kitty describe what was going on with Maddie, when she was done he leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. "You say she has the room completely dark?"

Kitty nodded her head. "This doesn't seem like a normal headache Doc."

"Well Kitty, it's not. What Maddie has is called a Migraine."

"A Migraine?"

Seeing the puzzled look on Kitty's face Doc explained, "A Migraine headache is intense throbbing, or a pulsing sensation, in one area of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can cause significant pain for hours or days and be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down."

"Is there anything you can do for her Doc?" Kitty pleaded.

Doc swiped at his chin, "There's nothing I can give her short of Laudanum, and there's no guarantee that when she wakes up from the Laudanum that the migraine with be gone."

"Its better then letting her lay there and suffer." Kitty reasoned.

Doc leaned over and patted Kitty on the knee, "Yes, it is honey." He stood up and went over to the cabinet that held his medical supplies. He poured out a small dose of reddish-brown liquid into a small vial and handed it to Kitty. "If you can get her to drink this she'll sleep most of the day."

Kitty took the small bottle and stood up. "Thank you Curly."

**KM**

Kitty quietly walked into Maddie's room, and went to the side of her bed. "Maddie," she whispered as quietly as possible. Maddie stirred and opened her eyes. "I brought you some medicine." Kitty picked up a glass from the side table and poured the Laudanum into it. "Can you sit up to drink it?"

Maddie slowly blinked to focus her eyes better, "What, what is it?"

"Laudanum. It will help with the pain and make you sleep."

Maddie placed her hand on the side of her head, "no."

Kitty's eyes went wide, "Please Maddie this will help."

Maddie squeezed her eyes shut, "No…thank you."

"Oh please Maddie." Kitty implored.

"I just…need some…rest…is all." Maddie faltered through her haze of pain.

Kitty sighed as she placed the glass on the side table. "It's here on the table if you change your mind." She reached over and tucked the quilt around Maddie before quietly leaving the room.

**KM**

The next morning Maddie walked through the swinging doors of the Long Branch a few minutes after Sam had opened up the saloon. "Morning Sam."

"Morning Maddie."

Maddie crossed the bar room floor and met Sam at the bar. "Have you made any coffee this morning?"

Sam smiled, "I was just going to start some."

"I will do it, that is if you don't mind?" She said with a warm smile.

Sam gave Maddie a big smile, "I don't mind at all, you make a fine cup of coffee Maddie."

"Well then I better get busy." She chuckled before heading into the kitchen.

A short time later Sam looked up to see Kitty crossing the upstairs landing. "Morning Miss Kitty," he called to her.

"Morning Sam, is the coffee ready?"

"It should be Miss Kitty. Maddie went back to make it just a bit ago."

When Kitty entered the kitchen Maddie was busy putting the coffee set on a tray. "Good Morning," she greeted. "How are you feeling?"

Maddie looked up from what she was doing, "Better, thank you." Maddie reached into her vest pocket and pulled out a small vial. "I appreciate your help, but would you give this back to Doc for me." Maddie held out her palm with the medicine in it.

Kitty wanted to protest, but thought better of it and took the vial from Maddie putting it in her skirt pocket.

In the mean time Maddie had turned back to the stove to check on the coffee. "Coffee is done, may I pour you a cup?"

"That's why I'm here," Kitty beamed.

Maddie took a cup and saucer from the tray and walked over to the stove filling it with coffee and then handed it to Kitty.

Kitty inhaled the aroma before taking a sip, "Mmm, Maddie you sure make the best coffee I've ever tasted. What's your secret?"

"It is no secret really, just a pinch of ground cinnamon is all."

"Cinnamon," Kitty affirmed with a hint of amazement. "I'll have to remember that." Kitty took a few more sips of her coffee, studying Maddie as she moved around the kitchen as she prepared the coffee tray. "Maddie, do you mind me asking how often you get those headaches?"

Maddie looked at Kitty out of the corner of her eye. "Is there a reason you are asking?"

Kitty had talked to Doc again after Maddie wouldn't take the Laudanum and he couldn't offer Kitty any more explanation then he had before without more information. Information he suspected that Kitty would never get from Maddie. "Maddie I just want to help is all."

Maddie took a sip of her own coffee, "I appreciate the fact that you want to help. So, please understand when I tell you that nothing can be done and leave it at that."

Kitty looked regretful, "I'm sorry Maddie I didn't mean to meddle."

Maddie smiled over the rim of her coffee cup, "it is your nature to help, Kitty. There is nothing wrong with that. I am sure your family commend you for it."

"My friends are my family."

Maddie's brow furrowed, "You do not have any family?"

"My mother passed away when I was very young, and I have a father back in New Orleans's…I think?"

Maddie gave Kitty a puzzled look, "you think?"

"Well the last time I saw my father he was headed back to New Orleans, but that was 9 years ago."

"So you two are not close?"

"No, we're not."

Maddie realized that she and Kitty had more in common then she originally thought. "So, it is just you alone in the world," Maddie whispered.

"No. I have Sam, Festus, Doc and Matt. They have become my family."

Maddie smiled warmly, "I have heard Doc say as much about you."

A heartfelt look came over Kitty's face, "He's been more of a father to me then my own." Kitty saw a look of longing flash in Maddie's eyes for a brief moment. "I'm giving Doc a birthday party tomorrow here at the Long Branch. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me with it?"

"A party huh? Doc does not seem like the type to be fussed over with a party."

Kitty got a big smile on her face, "He's not, and that's why it's a surprise."

"Oh I see." Maddie gave Kitty a half smile. "In that case I would be happy to help out."

"After our coffee we can go to Jonus's to get some things for the party."

"Ok, but I will have to meet you there. I need to take my horse back to the stable."

"Oh! I didn't mean to interrupt your plans, Maddie."

Maddie sat her now empty coffee cup in the sink. "You are not interrupting anything Kitty," Maddie assured her before turning and walking to the kitchen doorway, "I will see you as soon as I am done at the stable," and with that she left the kitchen.

Kitty picked up the tray of coffee and walked out to the bar room, setting the tray on the bar. Sam looked up from the glass he was cleaning. "Miss Kitty, Maddie wanted me to tell you it would take her about 20 minutes to stable her horse and give him a good rub down from her ride."

Kitty's eyes widened with surprise. "Her ride?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Sam replied. "She came riding up right after I opened up this morning."

Kitty chewed on her bottom lip as she pondered what Sam had just told her. It just didn't add up, she thought to her self. When she entered the kitchen Maddie's hair was damp and her skin rosy and she smelled of lavender soap. "Sam?"

"Yes."

"Did you take any hot water up to Maddie's room before you opened?"

"No Ma'am. Is there a problem Miss Kitty?"

"Oh! No Sam," she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. Kitty made a mental note to let Maddie know she could use her bathtub instead of paying for a bath at the barber.

Just then Festus came into the bar. "Morn'n Miz Kitty, Sam."

"Good Morning Festus," Kitty smiled. "How was your trip?"

Festus had gone to Fort Dodge yesterday to deliver some papers for Matt. "Oh fine, jest fine Miz Kitty. Met up with Maddie out yonder past Silver Creek and rode inta town with her. Ya know she sure is the most stubbornest thang."

"How so?" Kitty asked.

"I tried ta tell her how she twaz to get powerful sick tak'n a bath in Sliver Crick with that water as cold as it is. And ya know what she tolt me? She said she could take care of her own self and not to worry after her." Before Kitty could reply Festus interjected, "Say is Maddie gonna help ya out with the partee for ole Doc?"

"Yes she is, Festus." Kitty answered, suddenly wanting to talk to Maddie about her trip to Silver Creek this morning. "In fact I need to get going if I'm going to meet her," she said as she rounded the end of the bar. "Help yourself to some coffee if you'd like Festus."

"Thank ya Miz Kitty," giving Kitty a hound-dog look he added, "sure did work up a powerful thirst this morn'n."

"Then your welcome to as much coffee as you would like," she indicated with a hint of amusement before patting him on the arm. "I'll be back later this afternoon, Sam."

**KM**

Kitty had just given her list of items she needed to Mr. Jonus when Maddie walked into the store. "Sorry it took me so long, Kitty."

"I haven't been here long. Mr. Jonus just went to start gathering the things we need." Kitty looked around to make sure that she and Maddie were alone in the store. "Maddie, Festus came into the Long Branch after you left, he said he ran into out by Silver Creek this morning."

Maddie nodded her head, "He is an interesting gentleman, isn't he?"

Kitty laughed. "Um, hum."

"He sure has the gift of hyperbole." Maddie added.

Kitty tired to smother the amused look from her face, "Well lets just say that it's never a dull moment with Festus around." Kitty remarked. "You know he tired to make me believe that you were bathing in Silver Creek this morning."

"Kitty he was not teasing you."

"Oh Maddie," Kitty stated with disappointment. "Why didn't you ask to use the bathtub?"

"Kitty when I agreed to stay with you I told you I would not be a burden and I am not."

"Taking a warm bath in the privacy of a washroom is not being a burden, ok?"

Maddie shifted on her feet, "Ok."

"Look Maddie I didn't mean to snap at you like that, I'm sorry."

**KM**

Kitty and Maddie were walking down Front Street carrying their packages from the general store when they ran into Thad in front of the dress shop. "Hello Miss Kitty, Miss Maddie," Thad greeted cheerfully. "I see you ladies have been shopping."

Kitty chuckled, "You could say that."

"Looks like you two just about cleaned out the store," Thad smiled.

Kitty smiled shaking her head, "We were just picking up some things for Doc's party."

Thad crossed his arms in front of him and rocked back on his heels, "In that case you better be careful, because Doc is at Bull's playing a game of pool with the Marshal."

Kitty looked down the boardwalk towards Bull's anxiously. "Um, listen Thad. Do you think you could take these packages to the Long Branch for me?"

"Why sure Miss Kitty."

"Thank you Thad, and can you go the back way so you won't seen?"

Thad gave Kitty a boyish grin, "of course."

Kitty and Maddie loaded Thad down with their packages and sent him on his way before entering the dress shop.

As Maddie shut the dress shop door, Sarah Carr entered from the back room. "Hello Kitty."

"Hello Sarah," Kitty greeted, before turning to Maddie. "Sarah this is Maddie Dawson, she's new in Dodge."

"It's nice to meet you Miss Dawson."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carr." Maddie replied not moving away from the door.

Sarah looked at Kitty, "I'm all ready for your fitting. The dress is hanging behind the dressing screen. I think you'll be quiet pleased with how the dress turned out."

Kitty smiled at Sarah, "I am sure it's as lovely as all the other dresses you've made for me Sarah." She walked over to the dressing screen and slipped behind it. A few moments later Kitty came out from behind the screen and walked over to the full-length mirror as Sarah walked up behind her.

As the two women chatted, Maddie turned to the rack of dresses that was by the door and casually looked through them to pass the time. As Maddie came to the end of the rack she noticed a burgundy off the shoulder evening dress on the dressmaker form in the corner and walked over to it. It was the loveliest dress she has seen in some time. Maddie reached out and picked up the skirt feeling the material between her fingers and sighed. It felt like an eternity since she had felt material so exquisite.

"It would look lovely on you." Maddie jumped at the sound of Kitty's voice next to her causing her to dropping the material, and snapping her hand away from the dress as if she had been burned.

Maddie swallowed hard before looking at Kitty who was standing next to her, "Oh no, but it is nice of you to say."

"Why don't you try it on, Maddie," Kitty indicated hopefully.

Maddie took a step away from the dress, "No." Maddie said more firmly then she intended. "No," she said more gently as she looked down at her attire of trail worn pants, plain white shirt and close fitting vest, and then back up at the dress. "Besides it is a bit frivolous for someone like me." With embarrassment coloring her cheeks, Maddie slowly walked towards the door. "If you ladies will excuse me."

As Matte put her hand on the doorknob Kitty spoke up, "Maddie wait."

Maddie opened the door, stopped, but never turned around. "I will see you later Kitty," and left the dress shop.

**KM**

Kitty was busy behind the bar serving drinks when Thad walked into the Long Branch, so he went to the far end by the office door and waited for her. It wasn't long before she had all the customers served and walked over to him with a beer in her hand. "Any luck?" she asked hopefully, but Thad just shook his head before taking a drink of his beer.

Sam walked in from the back room having just returned from his break and saw the troubled look on his bosses face. "Is something wrong, Miss Kitty?"

"I hope not Sam. I've had Thad looking for Maddie and he can't find her."

"Her horse is still in the stable, so she has to be somewhere here in town." Thad added.

Sam gave a slight chuckle, "Well she's right here in the Long Branch cellar."

Kitty was flabbergasted, "The cellar? What's she doing down there?"

"She's working on the banner for Doc's party. I was going to tell you when you got back from shopping for the party but Doc was here, and well I'm sorry Miss Kitty but by the time he left I'd plum forgot."

Kitty patted Sam on the arm, "It's alright Sam. If you two will excuse me I'm going to check on Maddie's progress." However, Kitty never did manage to see Maddie what with one thing or another popping up that required her attention. So when Kitty did finally have a free moment it was time to close up. Leaving Sam to lock up, she headed upstairs hoping to find Maddie still awake. What had happened at the dress shop had been weighing heavily on Kitty's mind all evening. The day had been going so well as she managed to get closer to Maddie. Kitty, herself, knew what it took to lower that self-protective wall and let someone in. She sensed an almost kindred spirit in Maddie, so she didn't want to see the door closed that Maddie had opened. When her knocks on Maddie's door when unanswered, Kitty went to her room figuring that she could speak with Maddie in the morning and put things right between them if she needed too. However, as fate would have it Kitty never managed to have a moment to talk with Maddie, as they were both either busy preparing things for the party or keeping Doc from discovering the surprise party.

It was the latter that found Kitty pacing in her room. Her plan had been simple in that everyone that came into contact with Doc was to treat the day as if it was any other day, except for Matt and Kitty who had invited Doc out to dinner for a quiet celebration. Knowing Doc would put up a fuss at the mention of a birthday dinner, Kitty had Matt pointed out that no one would know it was his birthday as the evening would be no different then any other time the three of them had dinner together which had worked beautifully. However as the saying goes, 'the best laid plains often go awry' and where Kitty's party plans and Matt were concerned they often did as Matt was now late picking her up and she was trying to decide if she should go over to Doc's with out him.

Kitty walked to the door and opened it, only to find Matt with his hand raised about to knock on her door. "Even'n Kitty."

Kitty put her hands on her hips, "You do try my patients at times, Matthew Dillon."

Matt gave her a sheepish grin, "Sorry Kitty."

Kitty grab a hold of his arm and pulled him down the hall, "Come on, we'll discuss your timing later."

**KM**

After dinner Doc, Kitty, and Matt stood out in front of Delmonico's. Doc was working a toothpick through his teeth. "Well that was a fine dinner if I do say so, thank you both."

"It was the least we could ,do Doc since you wouldn't let Kitty give you a party." Matt jibed at Doc.

Doc gave Matt a stern look, "I'm too old of parties."

"Oh now, don't you two start in at each other," Kitty chided. "Let's go to the Long Branch, I'm buying."

"That sounds like a fine idea, Kitty." Doc beamed. As the trio approached the saloon they could hear the loud music and noise of the crowd, "Say it sure was nice of Maddie to help Sam out so you could go to dinner."

"It sure was, Doc." Kitty looked at Matt and winked.

When Doc followed Kitty and Matt through the swinging doors, the bar fell silent causing Doc to stop in the doorway and look around, "What in thu-"

"SURPRISE!" rang out from everyone in the room cutting off Doc's response. Everyone started cheering, clapping, and patting Doc on the back as Kitty approached him.

"Happy Birthday, Doc!" Kitty smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Doc swiped at his chin and then pointed a finger at Kitty, but before he could say anything Festus started everyone one singing 'for he's a jolly good fellow' while Kitty and Matt ushered Doc to a table and sat down. Half way through the song the crowed parted towards the door to the office and out came Maddie carrying a birthday cake. As the song ended and everyone cheered, Maddie placed the cake in the center of the table and then clapped with everyone else.

Galen Adams quickly closed his mouth when he suddenly realized it was quite noticeably gaping open. Suddenly remembering to stand in a lady's presence, Doc blindly whacked Matt on the arm who was beside him, spurring the lawman to rise from his seat as well. Matt's mouth also hung slightly open like Doc's had moments ago when Maddie swept into the barroom, a radiant vision in the off-the-shoulder burgundy gown.

She was completely stunning. Doc was dazzled by Maddie's flowing dark red dress. He would never forget the vision that stood before him. Her hair was swept up in an elegant chignon. She wore a black beaded choker around her slim throat, which emphasized the daring low cut of the dress, causing Doc not to know where to look first, her bare shoulders or softly rounded cleavage, with all that lovely revealing skin of hers.

Flashing Doc her most dazzling smile, Maddie leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Happy Birthday, Galen." She spoke softly to him.

Kitty stood beside Matt watching the scene unfold silently please that Maddie had worn the dress. She had placed it on Maddie's bed earlier, while she was at Ma Smalley's baking Doc's cake, and Maddie looked absolutely stunning in it.

Matt leaned over and whispered in Kitty's ear, "By golly you did a fine job on her Kitty. She looks nothing like the girl who walked in here a few weeks ago."

Kitty shook her head, "All I did was give her the dress, she did all the rest Matt." She whispered back.

**KM**

As the night wore on into the very late evening, the party had finally worn down and everyone had just about left when Doc stood up. "It's been a wonderful night, thank you Kitty."

"Just a minute Doc, what makes you think Kitty threw you this party?" Matt teased.

Doc pointed a finger at him, "Because you over-grown civil servant can barely manage to attend any of Kitty's parties much less throw one yourself." Matt shook his head in defeat as everyone erupted into laughter.

"Actually, Doc I didn't do all this by myself. Maddie helped me with most of it." Kitty specified.

"I just made the banner and the cake. Kitty did all the planning and everything else," Maddie chimed in.

"Well I thank both you lovely ladies then. I'll see you both in the morning for coffee."

As Doc started towards the door Matt spoke up, "hold on Doc I'll walk out with you. Good night everyone."

"Good night Matt," Kitty called out as the two men left. It was just Sam, Maddie and her left in the saloon. "Sam it's late so lets leave all this for the morning, ok?"

"Ok Miss Kitty. I'll lock the back door on my way out." He bid both women good night and left.

"Kitty?"

Kitty turned and looked at Maddie, she watched as Maddie looked at the floor and then shifted on her feet. A sign that Kitty recognized Maddie did when she was uncomfortable. "What is it Maddie?"

"I um…" Maddie took a deep breath and let it out quickly. "Thank you for the dress. It was very kind of you."

"It was the least I could do for all the help you've given me with Doc's party."

Realizing that Kitty was giving her an out for her bad behavior at the dress shop, Maddie smiled giving her head a slight nod, "I was happy to help."

Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Kitty put her hands on her lower back and stretched. "I'll get the lamps if you lock the front door."

"Ok," Maddie agreed. When Maddie reached the front door, she secured the swinging doors to the railing and was about to close the big outer doors when someone stepped in front of her causing Maddie to gasp loudly and take a step back into the bar.

Kitty spun around when she heard Maddie gasp in shock. She saw a finely dressed woman standing at the door and Maddie backing away from her with a stunned look on her face, but before Kitty could say anything a knife was put to her throat as a strong arm grabbed her around the waist. "Don't move or you're dead," Kitty recognized the gruff voice in her ear as Cal Walters.

Kitty felt rage course through her, "What the hell is going on here?"

The finely dress woman looked at Kitty, "Miss Madison and I have some unfinished business, don't we Julianne?"

Kitty was confused, "Who are you, and what do you want with Maddie? She demanded.

The woman ignored Kitty, "Mr. Walters you said you could handle Miss Russell, could you be so kind as to keep her quite." The knife at Kitty's throat pressed tighter against her skin silencing any further objections from her. Seeing that Cal had done as she requested, the woman turned her attention back to Maddie taking a step towards her causing Maddie to take a step backwards. "Now where were?" Another step forward.

Maddie put her hands up as she took a step back shaking her head, "stay where you are Adela."

A look of anger came over Adela as she kept her voice even, "That's Mrs. Bailey to you, Julianne." Spitting the last word out with venom as she took another step forwards making Maddie take another step backwards.

Maddie's blood ran cold, as Adela Bailey looked her up and down. "You must think you are so cleaver, but your not."

Adela took another step forward, but Maddie only managed a half a step backwards as her thighs bumped against the table behind her. Maddie's mind was racing. She had to be very careful with how she handled this situation. Adela Bailey was a half crazed desperate woman, and desperate people were unpredictable. "You are right Mrs. Bailey, I am not cleaver at all."

Adela narrowed her eyes, "Now see there you go again, thinking your smart by agreeing with me. It seems that you didn't learn anything from our last meeting."

The hairs on the back of Maddie's neck stood up. She would never forget their last meeting as long as she lived. "No, no you taught me a valuable lesson, Mrs. Bailey."

"Obviously not seeing as I've found you in a brothel." Adela Bailey looked over at the bar where Cal was holding Kitty. "You must be the Madam of this establishment." Adela quantified finally addressing Kitty for the first time.

Kitty knew she had to tread very carefully with this woman. "I own the Long Branch, but Julianne doesn't work here."

Adela's face contorted in anger. "Don't you lie to me hussy," she shouted at Kitty turning her back on Maddie. That was the opportunity that Maddie had been hoping for and she quickly rushed at Adela slamming herself and Adela into the bar. Only a bit stunned from the blow against the bar Adela managed to grab a hold of Maddie as she fell to the floor taking Maddie with her as she fell.

When the two women disappeared from his sight, Cal let go of Kitty and peered over the edge from behind the bar so he could see what was going on. Free from Cal's hold, Kitty quickly grabbed a bottle of whiskey and smashed it over Cal's head knocking him out cold. Kitty ran around to the front of the bar to find Bailey and Maddie wrestling with each other on the floor. At the moment Adela had the upper hand and was atop of Maddie with a dagger in her hand. Maddie had both of her hands on Adela's wrist in an attempt to keep the dagger from coming near her. Kitty was about to intervene when Maddie managed to knock Adela off of her and roll away.

Maddie was on her hands and knees about to push herself off the floor when she heard Adela utter a deep guttural sound of anger then felt a sharp stabbing pain in her left hand.

Kitty watched in horror as Adela growled and lunged at Maddie with the dagger sinking it into the back of Maddie's left hand between her thumb and index finger pinning it to the floor. "Maddie!" Kitty hollered as she dropped to her knees in an attempt to help. Maddie was already trying to pull the dagger free when Kitty started to reach out to help when Kitty heard the sound of a gun cocking.

"Step away from her, Miss Russell." Adela spoke with an eerie calmness.

Kitty looked up to see Adela Bailey pointing a gun at her. Kitty looked down at Maddie.

"Do as she says Kitty," Maddie whispered. Seeing the hesitation in Kitty's eyes Maddie added, "Please Kitty it is me that she wants."

Kitty held Maddie's gaze before standing up to face Adela.

"Julianne is half right, but she's not the only one I want. Julianne preys on men because of the likes of you."

"Excuse me?" Kitty said incredulous.

"There is no excuse for the likes of you." Adela bit out. "You see by just getting rid of this dirty little tramp will not stop you, and I intend to do just that." Adela raised the gun higher taking aim straight at Kitty's heart.

What happened next would forever be burned in Kitty's memory, as she heard two gun shots almost on top of one another before the wind was knocked out of her as she fell to the floor waiting for a burning pain to take hold of her that never came. Kitty felt something heavy on her chest and looked down to see Maddie's head lying on her chest. She quickly sat up cradling Maddie's head in her lap.

TBC