Deja Vu

PT.4

Everyone gathered at the train depot in Dodge to see Matt and Kitty off with all the well-wishers assuring them not to worry about anything on the home front. Festus took care of getting the bags loaded.

Matt shook his head. "Kitty, we're only going to be gone for a week. Did you really need so many bags?"

Swatting his arm, "Just you never mind about my bags there, Cowboy."

The air was still a bit cool, but the sun was bright accenting her brilliant teal colored traveling suit with a matching two tone hat. Loose tendrils of copper curls were peaking out from the hat. And she had a cream ruffled shirt waist accented with a beautiful cameo at the throat; a gift from Matt.

"All aboard!" They heard the conductor announce.

"Ok, we will see you all in a week. Bye. We love you all."

As they boarded and took a seat in the car, Kitty sat at the window waving to them all.

While the train pulled out, the conductor slowly made his way thru the cars. Tipping his hat, "Marshal. Ma'am."

Matt smiled. "It's just Mr. Dillon now, Chaz."

Smiling, "Yes, Sir. Old habits, ya know."

"Matt, ya know this is one trip I can be sure we won't be interrupted by a trial or..."

Matt just rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Kitty, I know. And as uncomfortable as all this makes me, let's just enjoy this time uninterrupted as you say."

Chuckling, she laid her head on his shoulder. "Ok."

After a two day ride, they were almost there. The train stopped, taking on new passengers. Matt had noticed several men enter through the cars. Two looked a bit familiar. Not making much of it, he continued to read his newspaper.

Suddenly, he heard a voice yell out, "DILLON! MATT DILLON!"

Kitty quickly looked up at Matt, slightly sleepy. "Matt?"

"Ssshhh. It's alright, Kit."

Turning slowly, dropping the paper, he saw the figure progressing towards him.

"DILLON? You ol' dog."

"Well, I'll be damned." Matt now exhaled. "Charlie, Charlie Dawson. How are you? How long has it been?"

Now they were both standing, shaking hands and grabbing one another in a huge hug, slapping one another's backs.

Kitty just looked on in surprise.

Suddenly, Charlie Dawson stopped. "Well now." His attention turned to Kitty. "Hello there, Beautiful." He said, reaching for her hand.

Matt quickly cleared his throat. Ah, Dawson… Hands off! Charlie, this is Kitty Dillon my wife."

"Damn Dillon."

Kitty held back a laugh.

"Now I know what's been keeping you."

"Hey, Dawson…"

"Oh, sorry, Ma'am. No disrespect."

Tilting her head, smirking. "None taken."

"Kitty, Dawson here… well, we knew one another back during the war."

"Yeah, they were some wild times, Dillon. Boy did we have some wild times."

Kitty smiled, nodding.

"Ah, Kitty don't you believe half of what he says."

"Uh huh. Sure, Cowboy."

The three had supper in the dining car. Dawson went on with story after story. Matt cringed, hoping Kitty wasn't believing a word. "Say, Charlie, where you headed?"

"Washington, D.C. Some award ceremony. War Department sent me an invite."

"Oh?" Matt said. "Charlie, that's where Kitty and I are headed. The War Department is giving me an award for my years as U.S. Marshal.

"Yeah, I followed a lot of the newspaper write-ups over the years. It's well deserved Matt. Congratulations, ol' pal." He smiled, slapping Matt's shoulder.

Once the train, arrived in Washington, D.C. there was a man standing, holding a sign reading M. Dillon.

"Matt, I guess he's waiting for us." Kitty nodded toward him.

The man was well dressed, in a suit and hat when they approached him. "I'm Matt Dillon."

"Good afternoon, Sir. I'm hired to escort you to your hotel, the Winsor Inn. It's just a few minutes away."

Kitty leaned in Matt. "That's where we stayed before."

The Winsor Inn was a lovely haven of European charm in the heart of Washington D.C.

The doorman approached. "Hello and welcome."

Suddenly, Kitty looked up at the small built elderly gentlemen. "Arthur?"

"Yes, Ma'am. You have me at a disadvantage, Ma'am."

"I'm sorry. My husband and I stayed here at the Winsor Inn some years ago and you were here then. I remember you. We were here for a gala of President Hayes."

After a moment, "Oh, yes, Ma'am. Well, I hope you enjoyed your stay and thank you for deciding to stay with us again."

Suddenly, Matt began to see familiar faces. Senators Frost, Freeman, Wilson. Well, they were no longer current senators but they still had their hands in politics and were here for the ceremony.

Charlie Dawson reappeared but now had a few others with him. "There he is. DILLON!"

Kitty heard the loud voices. Rolling her eyes, "Sounds like old home week. The boys club, huh?"

"Uh, ah, Kitty. I didn't know they'd all be here. I'm..."

Throwing up her hands, "Matt, it's alright."

Charlie Dawson rushed over. "Matt. Look who's here. Jake and Tom. Oh, and you'll never guess. Sam and Joey are coming too."

Suddenly, Matt's face dropped. That didn't go unnoticed by Kitty.

"Dillon, this is gonna be great! All of us together again."

Kitty just watched.

TBC