Doc sat quietly at his desk, writing in his ledger when there was a light rap at the door, "It's open," he said as he looked up. Obviously it wasn't someone he knew. Otherwise, they would have just walked in as usual.

The physician shifted in his chair as Doctor Hare and his assistant walked into the room, "You would be Doctor Adams," Hare said as his eyes scanned the room.

Doc stood from his desk, "Yes I am," he looked at the two men. Hare cut a distinguished figure from his top hat, cloak and cane. His assistant was well dressed but nowhere near Hare's appearance.

"My name is Doctor William Hare. This is my assistant, Charles Beck," Hare extended his hand.

Doc smiled, "You must be the tone Jonas saw over at the train station," Doc smiled.

"So I have gathered," hare smiled.

"Well, welcome to Dodge," Doc smiled again. Doc moved away from his desk, "What brings you here?" he asked out right.

Hare smiled, "Oh, just a little business. We travel mostly," Hare answered. "And how is your practice here, doctor?" Hare inquired.

Doc drew his hand across his moustache, "It keeps me busy most of the time. There are a lot of old-timers, and a few gunfights, too," he added.

"I can imagine. Dodge City seems like a growing town stuck in the middle of the plains," Hare said. "I can imagine it can get a little rough around here during the cattle drives," Hare added.

"Well, that's one way to put it," Doc chuckled. "I'd like to chat more, but I have to go out to see a family this afternoon. It seems like ol' Samuel Parker doesn't have much time left. It was good of his son and daughter-in-law to care for him these last few weeks. It helps me out tremendously," Doc ticked his head.

"Well, then we won't keep you, Doctor Adams," Hare tipped his top hat, "Its been a pleasure. I try and meet my colleagues when time permits."

"Its been nice chatting," Doc said as he waked to the door and opened it for Hare and Beck, "How long are you in Dodge for?""

Hare smiled, "I have a few more things to attend too, so likely only for a few more days," he smiled.

Doc nodded as he watched the men leave his office. Even he got a strange feeling from the men. Doc pushed his hands deep into this trouser pockets and watched the men turn the corner. In a way he hoped Jonas had customers and that the men would just keep on with their business.

Jonas was behind his counter looking over his ledger when he noticed the men in front of him, "Oh..." he stuttered as he looked up into the dark eyes of the doctor, "can I help you?" he tried to smile as he placed his pencil down on the counter.

"Perhaps," Hare spoke in a low tone.

Nervously Jonas looked over to the other man, "What can I do for you today," he gulped and looked at the doctor.

"Why have you shown an interest in us?" Hare leaned forward.

Jonas swallowed, "I don't know. We don't usually get gentlemen such as yourselves in Dodge and you where carrying a medical bag..." Jonas pointe out.

"I see. Do you know who we are?" Hare asked.

"Oh. Should I?" Jonas continued to fidget.

Hare shook his head no, "Not just yet," he smiled and turned to the door. Beck followed.

Jonas watched the men leave and he quickly stepped around from behind the counter and walked to the door to see where the men were heading too next. Cautiously Jonas stepped out of his store and watched the men walk toward the livery stable.

Doc now stood behind him with his medical bag in hand, "I guess they came to see you, huh?" Doc mused.

Jonas jumped a foot, "Oh for Heavens sake, Doc!! What are you trying to do to me?! Scare me half to death?"

Doc was taken back by Jonas' comment, "Well, I on my way out to the Parker place and thought I'd stop in to see if you were okay!" Doc barked at the store owner as he screwed his finger into his right ear and shook his head. "What's gotten into you, anyway!?" Doc asked Jonas.

Jonas looked at Doc like he'd seen a ghost, "I don't like the way he talked to me. I mean what he said...oh, I mean the way he said it!" Jonas sputtered as he pointed down the street.

"Well, what did he say to get you all jumpy and worked up like you are?" Doc asked.

Jonas took Doc by the elbow and pulled him into the store, "He asked me if I knew who they were, and of course I don't. And when I asked if I should know, the tall one in black with the top hat said "Not just yet." That's why I'm jumpy," Jonas stated.

"Well, what in thunder is that kind of meant to mean?" Doc looked up to the store owner who was visibly shaken.

"I don't know, Doc. And I sure don't like it," Jonas fussed with the strings of his white cotton apron.

Doc ticked his head, "Well, you said time and time again you didn't trust them, maybe you should tell Matt," Doc suggested.

"I have a mind to, that is certain," Jonas stated.

"Well, don't just stand there. Go see Matt!" Doc gave Jonas a little push to the door. The store owner carefully stepped out onto the boardwalk and peeked down the street. He prayed he didn't see the two men again. Doc watched Jonas and shook his head, "What is Matt going to think of this?" Doc said and then decided to follow the store owner down the street to the jail house.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Beck smiled at his friend, "You're thinking what I'm thinking, aren't you?"

Hare looked at his assistant, "And just would that be, Charles?"

"You are thinking that once we deal with Samuel Parker, that the store owner would be a good one too," Beck said with a smile.

Hare patted Beck on the shoulder, "It's like you have read my mind," he smiled, but let's deal with Mr. Parker first, before we deal with Mr. Jonas."

Beck laughed and Hare was soon to follow, "Doctor Covert will be oh, so pleased with us this time," Beck smiled.

"Indeed he will be..." Hare said in a low cold tone.