Chapter 4

Matt ran outside gun drawn. He looked to his left... A cowboy was riding away as dust filled the air. He turned to his right to see Kitty laying face down in the street.

"Kitty!" Matt ran to her. There was a young man on top of her.

"Matt" Kitty moaned. Feeling something cold flowing down her neck.

Matt leaned in and pulled the young cowboy off her back. Then reached down to help Kitty stand. Matt knelt back down to check the boy out.

Kitty placed her hand on her neck and asked, "Is he dead Matt?" She pulled her hand back to see it covered in blood.

Matt stood back up and faced kitty. Placing his hands on her shoulder, he asked, "Are you ok Kitty?"

"I'm fine. How is he?" She look passed Matt at the body on the ground.

"He's dead Kitty," he looked over her shoulder, "Took a bullet to the head."

"Oh Matt." Kitty sighed.

"What happened?" Matt looked around and motioned for two cowboys on the boardwalk. "Guys, take him over to Percy."

"Yessir" the men obediently did what he asked.

"Kitty?" Matt's attention back on what he really cared about.

"I'm fine. Just a little shaken." Still in shock Kitty took a deep breath, "Well I had just walked out Jonas' store and was heading back to The Long Branch to meet the new supplier." Kitty paused to recall what she did next, "I walked outside on the boardwalk. Julie and her husband passed by and said hey. I stepped in the street to cross and someone yelled 'get down!', I'm guessing that young man because next thing I know, he tackled me. Looks like he also took a bullet for me." She frowned. Looking down at the blood puddle where the lifeless body lay just moments before. Feeling responsible for this innocent bystander who died for a complete stranger.

Matt heard the gratitude in her voice but saw the guilt in her eyes. "It's not your fault Kitty. Don't blame yourself."

Kitty looked into Matt's loving eyes and said, "I know. I just can't help it right now." Her eyes tearing up.

"I understand. I promise." Matt trying to reassure her, "Can I tell ya? I know it's selfish, but I'm glad it was him. I rather have you here."

Kitty forced a smiled.

Matt paused to think, "Alright, let's get your stuff out of the street. We can figure this stuff out later." Slightly changing the subject, "Come on. Let's go check out the new guy."

Kitty nodded. Matt picked up Kitty's new possessions and put them in the bag. Placing his hand at the small of her back, he encouraged her to move forward.

TBC