I am Now, I am Now
PT.3
Dodge was fairly busy, drovers were piling in anxious to come into town. Who could blame them? Three months on the cattle trail, sleeping out on the prairie, eating beans and bread and coffee and no female companionship, they were ready to party! And the saloons in Dodge, including the Long Branch, were ready for them.
Hearing the commotion down stairs, Kitty was fighting to pull herself together, knowing she needed to be down in the bar. Sam and the new guy, Curt, really needed the extra help. And she didn't like the idea of being stuck lying up in her room. So she decided to try and fight to get up and get dressed. She sat at her dressing table, trying to fix her hair and make-up. She could see from her reflection how pale she looked and was trying to correct it with powder. Her head was still whirling but she was going to give it her best try.
Matt was out on the street making his rounds, checking on all the stores and shops. Some of the cowboys were getting a bit loud and rowdy but it was mostly in fun.
Then he made his stop to the Lady Gay, where of course he needed to break up a fight or two that stemmed from poker games.
He saved checking on the Long Branch for last, that way he figured he could check on Kitty. He knew he'd have to make another round but he'd be back again but then for the night.
As he made his way to the Long Branch, several men stopped Matt. "Marshal? We heard your town here has got the best women in all of Kansas."
Now laughing, Matt shifted his hat. "Well, I'd have to agree fella's. Might just be Dodge has some fine women."
"We heard the Long Branch here had a real fine redhead any man be proud ta wrap his arms around."
Matt's face and jaws tightened. "Ah, boys…"
"What, Marshal? You already claiming dibbs?" One elbowed the other. "Hey, Cane, I think you touched a nerve."
"Look, Boys, enjoy your time in town." Matt said as he began to walk away.
The two looked at each other as he walked away. "Hmmmm, Red must be his woman. Just like we thought. Reager was right."
"So, what does he want next?"
"Well he said just wait for further instructions."
As Sam and Curt hustled behind the bar and the girls were rushing around the barroom floor to deliver drinks to customers, no one noticed Kitty descending the stairs until she got behind the bar.
"Sam, what'cha need?"
"Oh no, now, Miss Kitty, Doc said…"
Shaking her head, "Never mind what Doc said. You and Curt need me down here so here is where I'll stay." She was now staring him eye to eye.
"Yes, Ma'am."
It was a mad rush for hours. When Matt made it to the Long Branch and stood at the batwing doors, scanning the room, he was surprised to see Kitty. Taking a few long strides, coming face to face. "Kitty? What are you doing?"
Tilting her head. "Working, Cowboy. In case you've forgotten, I have a business to run here."
"Kit, Doc said…"
"I know what Doc sais but look, I feel fine and as soon as it slows down I'll get some rest. Ok?"
Just then Doc stuck his head in the doors. "Young Lady…"
Shaking her head, "Now, Doc…"
"Young Lady, you get yourself back up those stairs. I'm your doctor and I insist you get back in bed. Matt?"
"Kit, please?"
"Oh, alright. I'll go. I'm going." She headed for the stairs.
"Kitty, I'll stop after my rounds."
Kitty flopped on the bed, staring at the ceiling. She started to pull out her change of clothes then she saw the powders that Doc had brought over for her to take. Knowing she still wasn't feeling good she mixed them and drank it. Then she sat down at her dressing table starting to take down her hair. Pulling out the hairpins, she heard the footsteps on the side stairs. Smiling, she almost couldn't hear them due to all the noise downstairs, at least even with all the drovers in town. Even if he couldn't stay all night, they could have a few hours together. Even if it was to just hold her to sleep, which meant so much.
Suddenly, as she looked through the mirror, the shock was so overwhelming it took her voice away.
TBC