"Always"

Pt.3

Kitty was up and ready to go early the next morning. She made arrangements for the train to Springfield, Colorado. Before she left she sent word to Hayes' Sheriff's office for Matt, letting him know that she went to be with Beth. That there was a problem and she would contact him when she got there. Then sent one to Beth, telling her she was on her way.

About mid-afternoon, Matt arrived in Hayes, tired and hungry. This was the last place he wanted to be or going through this trial all over again. Hopefully after he testified he could be out of there and on his way home. As he rode Buck up to the Sheriff's office, the door opened. "Well, Matt, sorry I had to bring you back so soon."

"Ahh, that's the chance we take, Jake." He said as he dismounted from Buck.

"Look, the least I can do is buy you dinner. Think you can handle a steak?" Jake Reilly asked Matt.

"Oh, you bet."

"Well, then drop your things in the office and let's go."

As they sat in the café enjoying dinner and discussing what would take place with the trial, Jake was shaking his head. "Matt, I really thought the was an open and shut case. No room for an appeal. But now, remember that witness? She is recanting her story, saying now she's not sure and she doesn't want to go through anymore. I don't get it, Matt. Who hires a man that would do such things, and then say you know nothing about it?"

"Jake, I've seen all kinds. They're out there."

While they were leaving, a young boy came running from the telegraph office. "Sheriff! Sheriff!"

"What is it son? Slow down."

"Mack says I need to deliver this to you. Says it's important. It's from Dodge City."

Matt pushed back his hat. "Dodge?"

As Jake started to read it, he turned to Matt. "Here, Matt, it's yours."

Matt took it from him and began to read:

Marshal Matthew Dillon
C/o Sheriff J. Reilly
Hayes City, Kansas

Matt, heading for Springfield, Colorado. Stop. Beth and Jesse in trouble. Stop .Will contact you when I get there .Stop .

Kitty

Matt's face scoured with concern. "Matt, is something wrong? Matt?"

"It's from Kitty."

"Matt, is Kitty alright?"

"Oh, yeah I think so."

"Then what?"

"I'm not sure, Jake but we need to get this trial over with fast. My Daughter and Kitty need me."

"Sure, Matt, the judge will be here later today. Trial starts first thing tomorrow."

Springfield, Colorado

As the train pulled into the depot, Kitty was staring out the window in such deep thought, she didn't even hear the conductor announce the stop. As he walked through the car, "Ma'am, we're in Springfield. Ma'am?"

Startled. "Oh, I'm sorry, thank you. I was..."

"I see you were about a thousand miles away." He said smiling.

Returning the smile, "Yes, well, it's been a long ride."

"You boarded in Dodge City, Kansas. Is that right?"

"Yes, that is right."

"Well, let me help you."

As Kitty descended the train stairs, she began looking around, remembering the last time she and Matt had visited Beth and Jesse on their new ranch after the birth of their twin boys. Michael (named for her mother Mike) & Matthew for her father . She tried to think of them. They were close to one years old. Must be trying to walk, cutting teeth.

But no matter how much she tried, her thoughts went back to Beth and the pain she must be in. She knew that feeling so well. Knowing the man you love with all your heart is out there somewhere but you don't know where or if he is even alive. She'd had over twenty years of those feelings. But she didn't want this for their daughter, Beth.

Suddenly, she heard a voice: "Momma! Momma! Over here, this way." Then before she knew it Beth threw her arms around her in a huge hug. "Oh, Momma, I'm so happy you're here." Then she looked around. "Daddy?"

"No, sweetheart, he's not with me. When I got your letter Daddy was on his way to Hayes. He had to re-testify at a trial but I did send him a wire letting him know I was on my way here and that you wrote. And when he gets back, I promise you, he will be here."

"Well, I know he will." Beth smiled. "Let's get you to the ranch. Ok? There are two certain little cowboys who are waiting for their grandma."

"Oh, Beth, I can't wait to see them. They must be so big by now."

Laughing, then arm in arm they walked to Beth's wagon. As they were ready leave the depot, a rather large man walked passed and tipped his hat to Kitty. "Ma'am."

Beth got really angry. "Momma, ignore him."

"Beth?"

"That is Shaffer."

With a raised brow, Kitty looked off in the distance. "Oh? Umm?" Then she smiled. "Let's go see those beautiful little cowboys!"

TBC