Two Days Later
Doc Adams pulled his timepiece from his pocket, as he walked down Front Street. He shook his head in amazement that it was just 10 minutes later than the last time he'd checked. He spotted Festus sitting front of the marshal's office and sunk down into the empty chair beside him. Resisting the urge to check the time yet again, he stared straight ahead. "Festus. I sure wish Matt would get back. That man he went after is a dangerous criminal – a killer – and - well I just wish he'd get back."
"I was jus thinkin that my own self, Doc."
"And we haven't heard a word from him, not a word."
"Doc, iffin Matthew's out yonder trakin a man, he ain't got no way ta send a wire or nuthin."
"I know that Festus. I'm just worried. We all are. I'm glad that that Parker fellow is around to get Kitty laughing now and again. You know how tied up in knots she can get."
"That Parker fella – I don't like him or his full-a-hisself ways, one teeny, tiny bit. He acts all smart an such, but he can't even remember my name. A name like Festus ain't so very hard to keep in ya mind. Ain't that right Doc?"
"Festus, I admit that Parker is not lacking in self admiration, but he does tell a good story."
"Mr. Fancy Pants don't tell such …" He paused and pointed. "Doc, lookey thar."
Doc looked down the street and his face lit up. There were two riders approaching and the one in front was Matt. Festus jumped to his feet. "Matthew ya surely are a sight fur sore eyes." Doc nodded in agreement and smiled, "Welcome back, Matt."
"It's good to be back." Matt wearily got off his horse and tied the reins of both horses around the rail. "This here's Jeb Mason. Festus, help me get him locked up. He's been fighting and cussing for two long days and nights, and I'll tell you, I'm tired of it."
The Dodge House
George Parker stared at himself in the mirror and ran a comb through his hair. Time to get to the Long Branch, I hope Kitty's sitting by herself. The doctor isn't too bad, but that deputy – Festo – Fetto – Fussus – whatever – is nothing more than a useless fool. I don't know why Kitty puts up with him. Anyway, without those two hanging around, things would be moving a lot faster with Kitty.
He set down the comb, and put on his jacket, carefully smoothing down the collar. The time had come to push things with Kitty. He had to be in San Francisco very soon, and besides, being near her was driving him crazy. He desperately wanted to get her luscious body into bed, but he needed more, much more. The plan was to bring her to San Francisco, where he'd set her up in style. Then he'd marry one of those silly, wealthy, debutant types. Having sex with whatever frigid, boring bitch he married would be palatable, if he had Kitty nearby to give him real satisfaction. He'd have a wealthy, socialite wife, children with lineage and a real woman at his disposal for sex and conversation. Life would be perfect. Tonight he'd take Kitty on an outing, away from the Long Branch, and her friends. From there things would quickly fall into place.
Parker hurried out the door. Nothing could stop him from conquering the luscious and captivating Kitty Russell. She was a puzzled piece that was needed to assemble his perfect life.
Matt's Office
With Jeb safely locked up, Matt shut the door between the jail cells and his office, relieved to mute his prisoner's angry cursing. Doc appraised him with a physician's eye, "You may be weary, but you're in one piece. Glad I don't have to spend my evening patching you up."
"Ah can see why ya wore out Matthew. Afta catchin' that thar yahoo, ya had ta listen ta him jawin' about killin' ya and such. That's puttin' tired on tired."
"True Festus. Will you stay here and keep an eye on him? I'd like to get cleaned up and get some sleep."
"Sure thang Matthew, see ya tomorrow."
Matt saw Doc watching him and knew they were thinking the same thing. "I'll stop off at the Long Branch first, before I do anything else."
Long Branch
George Parker finished telling Kitty about a case he'd won by cleverly pulling a wig off a witness to reveal that she was a he. Kitty laughed with delight, "George, that's one of the funniest things I've ever heard, and they way you tell it is priceless."
Parker smiled, "We have a good time, don't we Kitty? Listen, it's a lovely evening let's get a buggy and ride out under the moonlight. I'm sure you know of a pretty little lake where we can look at the stars and drink Champaign. Let's go, what do you say?"
"George, I …. "
The batwing doors opened and the air in the saloon changed. Kitty looked across the saloon. Her eyes widened and a smile took over her face, a smile that radiated from her heart. She stood and managed to mutter. "Excuse me George," before walking towards Matt Dillon as if pulled by a string. She sized him up. He looked tired and trail worn, but not wounded or hurt. Something inside her relaxed.
"Welcome home Cowboy." "It's good to be home." Their eyes locked. "Hard trip?" "In some ways. I brought Jeb Mason in. Festus is guarding him tonight." Kitty nodded, "You look like you need sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He gently squeezed her hand. Her skin tingled. "Matt, sleep well." Their eyes locked again for a moment, before he went out the door.
Parker remained at his table surrounded by murmurs – marshal's back – he got that murderer - I knew he'd get him – good to have Marshal Dillon back. Resentment rose in Parker's throat, and his mood darkened.
Kitty's eyes followed Matt out the door and then, still beaming, she looked at Sam. The bartender nodded with a wide grin, "Always good to have him back in town."
"You said it, Sam". She suddenly remembered Parker and walked over. "George, I'm sorry for the interruption."
"That's all right. The return of a lawman seems to be a noteworthy event around here."
"It is. I'd like for you to meet him, that is if you'll be around a little longer. I don't think you ever told me when you had to arrive in San Francisco."
He bristled at her easy acceptance of his departure. "I'll be here as long as I please. Like I mentioned, the Great Western Gold Mining Company treats me like royalty." He got to his feet with a plastered on smile. "I think I'll make an early night of it. See you tomorrow. I'll tell you more about my new job. It means prestige, money – a life that many can only dream of. Picture that."
A look of puzzlement touched Kitty's face. There was a strange harshness to George's tone, and a darkness in his eyes. She dismissed it as her imagination and smiled, "Good night George."
He left quickly, angry and shocked. The way Kitty glowed in the presence of that marshal, made it clear that there was an obstacle to his plan. The fact that the obstacle was a man living on a marshal's salary, was almost laughable. He probably couldn't even afford a decent suit. No matter, the obstacle would be removed and Kitty would be his, on his terms. That was what he wanted, and that was what he would get.
TBC
