PT.6

Masks We wear?

Maryellen rose early and quickly headed just a few blocks to a small Café. Waiting there for her in a corner table, sat a Man, tall and slender but with a muscular build. Thick wavy black hair with dark black piercing eyes, with a hat that was tilted as to hide from any prying eyes.

As she entered she scanned the room then spotted him. Walking closer, "Good, you came."

"Sit my dear. Tea? It's rather good.

"Yes, please," she answered. "Look I can't be gone long, I'll be missed."

"Fine, then tell me why did you summon me here today?" He slowly looked about the room.

"We've run into a snag."

"What does that mean?" He asked.

"There's a U.S. Marshal at the hotel. This could throw everything off. We need to re-think this plan." Maryellen said now looking nervous.

Rubbing his thumb and forefinger along his chin, "Hummmmmmmm! What do you know about this Man? This U.S. Marshal."

She looked at him, biting on her bottom lip. "Well, his name is Matt Dillon, he's out of Dodge City, Kansas. Not sure why they were here but…"

"Et Et, you said they? He's not alone?"

With a blank look, she answered, " No, he's traveling with a woman. Kitty, Kitty Russell?"

"Wait you said Dodge City?" then he smiled.

"Jean', what? Why are you smiling?"

"Maryellen, my dear, is this Russell woman, a redhead? A rather beautiful redhead?"

Looking at him puzzled, "Yes, she's a redhead, and I guess you could say she's pretty, but then again why would I take notice? And like I said, I'm not sure what brought them here. But, they know John Chapman."

"Ummmm, are they staying at the Planter House?" He asked.

"Yes, I believe so. Jean', what are you thinking? Do you know her?

Now smiling from ear to ear. "Yes, as a matter of fact I do and I think it is high time, two old friends get reacquainted. Go, go on before you are missed. I will contact you soon."

Matt was lying with Kitty wrapped in his arms, her long copper-amber tresses flowing across his chest and shoulder. Slowly she began to stir, snuggling tighter into him, she said in a deep sultry voice, "Good morning, Cowboy."

Oh how he loved to hear those words. Squeezing just a bit tighter, "Good morning sleepy."

"Well, I seem to remember a certain handsome, sexy cowboy who kept me awake half the night." She added with a smirk.

"If I remember correctly, there was a certain vivacious redhead enjoying every minute."

Now giggling," Ok, you win. Ahhh, Matt? I'm sorry."

"HUH?"

"About last night."

"Now wait a minute." He turned to look her face to face. "I'm not complaining."

"Now slapping him on the chest, "No. I mean about the way I acted. It was silly of me. There was no way you could have known Maryellen would be here. I guess it was just jealousy. But…."

Placing a few fingers over her lips, "No, no more about, ol' what's her name. Kit, as much as I'd love to spend the day right here, I'm Starving."

Now in a full fledged laugh. "Of course you are. Ok, let's go get breakfast."

"Kit?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we go and get a real breakfast? This fancy food is Ok, but…."

Still laughing, Come on, Cowboy, let's feed you!"

As they made their way down to the main dining room, they were approached by John Chapman. "Kitty, Matt? Good morning."

"Oh, good morning, John." Kitty answered first.

Matt just nodded. "Chapman." He had hoped they wouldn't run into him so early.

"Well, you two seem much better this morning."

Before Kitty could answer, Matt sharply said, putting up a hand. "We're just fine."

As they were eating, the waiter came over. "Excuse me Doctor, Ma'am. Sir? Are you Matt Dillon? Marshal Matt Dillon?"

Kitty took a deep breath. "Matt?"

"There was a message left for you early this morning at the desk. Here you go, would you like me to wait for an answer?"

Matt Looked at Kitty, then to the waiter. "No, that won't be necessary."

"Very well, Sir." And he turned to leave.

Raising his brows, he opened the message.

Marshal Dillon, your presence is needed at the office of the constable, on Main Street. Urgent matter.

Matt looked at Kitty, handing the message over to her then she said, "I don't understand. Who knows you're here? What could they want you for? This isn't even your territory."

"No, Kitty, it's not, but I am a United States Mars…"

Rolling her eyes," Oh yes, I'm well aware of that."

"Look, Kit, I'll go see what it's about and be back as soon as possible."

"OH, MATT!"

"Kitty, this could be important."

"Oh, I know. Go on. Just once ,once It would be nice to have an un-interrupted vacation!"

"Honey, I'm sorry."

"Matt, just go. Go do whatever it is and hurry back."

Smiling at her. "I promise." Then he quickly left not really liking leaving her with John.

After about half an hour, John turned to Kitty. "Honey, I'm going to have to go too. I need to stop and see one of the medical board members. We'll talk later?" He kissed her on the cheek and left.

As Kitty sat alone drinking her coffee, she had an uncomfortable feeling, a feeling that something just wasn't right.

TBC