Matt scrambled to his feet having taken cover in the bedroom next to the large wooden armoire. Mrs MacKay lay still in her bed. Matt lifted her limp hand and determined that she had passed away. Matt felt badly about that, but his attention quickly drew to the front of the house which he could see through the open door. Most of is was gone, and that is where he last saw the doctor.
Matt burst through the opening, pushing a few pieces of lumber out of his way. "Doc!" He continued to step through the rubble calling for his friend. "Doc? Where are you?" He turned with a jerk when he heard a moan lift from under a huge piece of the roof that leaned awkwardly against the wall. There was another groan.
Matt pushed his hat back on his head and started to wade through the wreckage. "Doc?" his voice grew with anxiety and concern as he peeled away at the lumber and other materials until he found a hand. With his own, that shook out of fear for Doc, Matt reach out and took it. "Doc. I'm here..."
"Careful Matt...I'm pinned down pretty good here. Everything you move jolts right through me..." Doc's voice shook.
"You okay?" Matt tried to get a better handle on his friend's condition and situation.
"Mostly...there's a large timber on me...seems one of the rafters is jabbin' me in the ribs..." Doc sounded tired as he tried to move out from under the pile that lay on top of him. He gave up as he realized the weight was too much. "You wont be able to move it yourself. You're gonna need to get help..."
Matt knelt down as he could finally see the doctor's face. "I can't leave you like this Doc!"
Doc winced and looked at the law man with fear in his crystal blue eyes. "You're gonna have to Matt. This wall isn't gonna hold forever..."
Matt sighed and he didn't like the idea of leaving Doc where he was but he knew the old man was right. Matt pursed his lips and pat Doc on he forearm. "You hold tight. I don't know how long I'll be. My guess is the horses took off during the storm. If I can't find them, I'll be on foot."
Matt started to stand but Doc grabbed his hand. "How's Mrs MacKay?" he asked looking up into Matt's eyes. He could tell by the look on Matt's face, but needed to hear the words anyway.
"She died, Doc. Sorry."
Doc nodded and looked away assessing his own predicament. "Poor soul, didn't hardly have half a chance..."
Matt knelt down again as he moved a bucket of water and a ladle next to Doc. "You might want some water..." Matt stood again while looking at the pile of rubble that covered Doc. "Hold tight Doc..." he said then turned to get help. "I'll get back here with help as soon as I can."
"Thanks, Matt..." Doc said. A lump swelled in Matt's throat - he didn't like leaving Doc the way he was, but he had no choice.
