"Always"

Pt.4

Hayes, Kansas

Bright and early, Matt was at Jake's office, ready to go to court. All he could think about was doing his part in testifying and getting back to Dodge to find out what was happening with Beth.

Jake, knowing Matt like he did was up and ready. "Matt, ol' boy, I knew you be here with the birds. Come on we have time for breakfast."

While having coffee, Jake asked Matt about it. "It might be none of my business, but do you want to talk about it? I know that wire has you distracted."

"Jake, that's just it. I'm as in the dark as you are until Kitty lets me know more when she gets there. Let's just get through this trial and then…."

Placing his hand on Matt's shoulder, "If there's anything I can do…."

"Thanks, Jake, preciate' it." Then rubbing his chin. "Kitty, keep your temper in check. Please. And please send me some word soon."

Springfield, Colorado

Kitty woke early, dressing quietly, figuring she'd make breakfast for Beth and the boys. While in the kitchen, she heard the sound of horses, then voices. One being Beth's! Quickly, she ran to the front of the house.

Sitting tall in the saddle was Harlen Shaffer with several of his hands.

Kitty walked up behind Beth, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Beth?:

"Morning, Momma."

Then Shaffer, tipped his hat. "Morning, Ma'am."

In complete anger, Beth said, "Don't you dare speak to my mother."

"I'm just being polite, Mrs. Clayton."

"You know nothing about being polite. I want you off my land, now!"

Kitty rested both hands on Beth's shoulders. "Let me, sweetheart. Mr. Shaffer, is it?"

Removing his hat, "Yes, Ma'am. Harlen Shaffer at your service."

Now in a stern tone and raised brow, "Well, if that's the case, I do believe my daughter has just asked you to vacate her property. Now, I'll go you one better. Leave now or I will have you physically removed and, or arrested for trespassing."

"But…" Shaffer started to say.

Kitty didn't let him finish. "I'm sorry, Mr. Shaffer, my daughter made a request. I'm demanding that you leave. You have no business here and you are not welcome."

"Miss…"

"It's Mrs. Mrs. Dillon to you."

"Alright, Mrs. Dillon, let me warn you, warn you both. You are both making a huge mistake."

"Oh, no. The mistake is yours, Mr. Shaffer. Goodbye."

Shaffer, let out a big huff and looked at his men. "Come on, let's go." He yelled as he rode away. "This isn't over! Not by a long shot."

Kitty just smiled. "Come inside, sweetheart. I think the boys are awake."

"Momma."

Smiling at Beth, "Yes?"

"He'll be back."

"I'm sure he will but we'll deal with that then. Come, let's have breakfast." When they came in the house, they could hear Michael and Matthew. "See? Sounds like two little cowboys are hungry." Kitty winked at her.

Sitting, feeding the boys, "Momma, how can you be so calm about what just happened?"

"Beth, sweetheart, what happened? He came here, you wanted him to leave, now he's gone. Look, why don't you calm down and tell me what is going on with this Harlen Shaffer."

Handing Beth a cup of coffee. "Oh, I'm drinking tea now, Momma."

"Oh, Ok." Kitty said. "Take a deep breath, relax and now tell me."

"Momma, you and Daddy know how hard Jesse and I have worked to build this ranch."

"Of course we do." Kitty answered.

"This part of Springfield is really blossoming and doing so well."

"Ok and…?"

"Then about eight months ago this… this Harlen Shaffer comes in and starts trying to buy up all the land. And if that wasn't enough, he wanted land that ranchers already own. He wants to monopolize this whole part of the country."

"Beth, you don't have to sell."

"We know. We don't want to. This is our home. But others who didn't sell to him…well…"

"Well what, Beth?" Kitty asked.

"Let me just say, there have been a run of unfortunate accidents. Then when the bank calls the mortgage on the loan and the ranchers are in a spot, in comes Harlen Shaffer, offering only pennies on the dollar."

"Oh, Beth, that's awful. He should be shot. Hasn't anyone tried to do anything?"

"No, it's like everyone is so afraid of him. Then last week, Jesse turned him down again. And then we lost 75 horses Jesse was supposed to take to sell. He and his Uncle Jack Allison were going to make a deal. But now… Their deal was for 100 horses. Momma we needed that money. Jesse got angry, said he was going to see Shaffer." Tears filled her eyes.

"No, now Beth, don't you think that. Jesse is a strong man. He's fine, you'll see. If you only knew how many times I felt that same way about your father. Sweetheart, we're going to figure this out, I promise."

Tears trickled down Beth's cheeks. Kitty pulled her to her in a hug. "Now, now, come on. It's going to be just fine. Beth, I'm going to ride into town. I promised your father to let him know when I got here. You get some rest. I'll be back soon, ok?" Kissing her on the forehead, "Don't you worry about a thing."

TBC