3

Kitty sat downstairs finishing up inventory. She decided to go through her books in her office since things were starting to pickup and she wanted to let Sadie and Patrick sleep. She heard Sam say 'She's in her office, Marshal.' She smiled to herself. Seconds later she heard that familiar knock, "It's open, Matt."

He walked in, removed his hat, and grinned, "I brought you some food." He walked over to her desk, "I figured you haven't left since your friend arrived." He placed the steak down beside her and leaned in a little closer.

"Awwww, Matt." She turned to see him looking real proud of himself. She chuckled and offered her lips in his direction, "Thank you." He kissed her sweetly. She turned and shut her books, "You wanna join me in a drink?" She stood, moving to the table.

"Sure," Matt grabbed the bottle of brandy and two glasses. He sat them on the table as he pulled her chair out, "You wanna tell me about it?" He sat across from her.

"Tell ya about what?" Kitty tried to brush it off in a teasing manner as she cut her steak.

Matt straighten himself, "Don't think I can't read through that poker face, Kitty Russell." He crossed his arms, "Over the last 17 years, you've trained me all too well."

"Obviously, not well enough." She chewed her steak and took a sip of brandy.

"Something's wrong." Matt firmly told her. "I'm not going to push too hard, I just want to make sure you aren't in any danger." Matt sat up and twirled the glass in his hand, "I don't know this Sadie friend that well... you haven't talked much about her... but I know you," He looked her in the eye. He held her gaze for a moment, "I know you." He took a long sip if brandy.

Kitty smiled at his confession. She furrowed her brows and shook her head, "Matt, honestly, I don't even know what's wrong." She looked up, toward her bedroom, "Sadie's an old friend from back in the beginning days. She got married and kinda faded away. I haven't seen her in over 5 years, this is the first time I've even heard about her son." Kitty sighed, "I don't know the story but something is good, Matt. Sadie's in some kind of trouble... I'm not in any yet, but I'll probably find some before she leaves town." She tried to joke, but knew it was true.

He sighed, "That's what I'm afraid of, Kitty."

TBC