Outside Dodge City

Gideon and Dexter were on the move soon after Beau told them to hurry to Dodge and bring back a woman named Kitty. They spent most of the day in the saddle, riding without pause. Beau had stressed how important the woman was to his plan, and his brothers were determined not to fail.

The sun was setting when Gideon pulled his horse to a stop and signaled his brother to do the same. "I figure we're 2 or 3 miles from Dodge." He took out a bandana and wiped the sweat from his forehead and cheeks. Dexter laughed, "You're a sight Gid, you just spread dust and dirt all over your face. "

Gideon scowled, "You're not so pretty yourself right now." He lifted his canteen to his lips and then turned it upside down in disgust, "I'm dried out. We need water and it's also time we got ourselves a wagon. Remember, Beau told us to steal a one so traveling with the woman would be easier."

They looked around and Dexter pointed to a farmhouse situated down a hill. It was the only building in sight, "It's that place or nothing." They rode towards the house and saw an elderly man unloading supplies from a wagon. They waved and ambled over.

The man smiled as they approached, "Hi there, my name's John Smythe. You're new around here but I'm sure you need what every traveler needs in this heat - water."

Dexter climbed off his horse and approached Smythe with a friendly smile, "You're right about that Mr. Smythe. We don't have much money, but we'll be glad to pay you what we can."

"Nice of you to offer, but no need. I always say when you do a kindness it comes back to you. The water pump is over there. Feel free to wash up. There are some tin cups on the ledge there. Drink up and fill your canteens."

Gideon smiled, "That's real friendly of you."

Dexter agreed, "It sure is, and you know I believe in that too, what you said – if you do a kindness it surely does come back to you."

The brothers pumped water into a bucket and couldn't resist filling a cup and pouring water over their heads. They drank their fill and were filling their canteens while keeping an eye on Smythe. He had unloaded his wagon and was about to unhitch his horse when Gideon yelled, "No need to do that. We'll be taking that horse and wagon and want it all hitched up." Smythe thought they were joking and started to laugh. His face froze when he saw two guns pointed at him as the men came closer. He put his hands up, "Take the horse, the wagon, anything."

"Thank you, we will." Gideon fired, hitting Smythe square between the eyes.

Without giving the farmer another look, the brothers tied their horses to the back of the wagon and climbed in. Dexter took the reins, "The water was sure refreshing. Let's get to Dodge and find that lady."

Doc and Kitty

Doc and Bess finished changing the dressing on Kitty's incision. There was no sign of infection and her pulse was normal. Doc looked pleased. "Kitty, you're doing so much better it's time I sent this good lady home to her family."

Kitty looked up at Bess, "You'll never know how much I appreciate you."

Bess blushed, "Nonsense, it's what friends are for." She looked at Doc, "Are you sure? You know I can stay as long as you need."

Doc took her hand in his. He knew how much Bess cared about Kitty, but also how much she missed her family, "I'm sure, but for a while could you come back each day for an hour or so? I can still use some help and Kitty will need your company."

Kitty piped up, "Only if it isn't too much trouble Bess."

Bess smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll go home now, but I'll see you tomorrow. Is 2:00 all right Doc?"

Doc nodded and gave Bess a hug. She hurried out the door eager to get back to her family, but happy to return the next day to see her friend.

Kitty was resting comfortably and started to doze off, so Doc went into the front room. He sat down and idly picked up a new scalpel that was lying on his desk. He'd ordered it weeks ago, but it had just arrived and he hadn't had time to clean it and put it away. He set the scalpel down. He'd take care of it later, at the moment he had a lot to think about. He mulled over the fact that Kitty hadn't told Matt about the surgery. He understood her reasons but wondered if it was the best decision. There was no way of knowing as far as he could see. Then there was the question Kitty hadn't yet asked, but would. She'd want to know if anything happened in surgery that would prevent her from having children. That was a hard one, because he couldn't know for sure. There was no test that he knew of that could tell one way or the other. She'd have to wait and see. That was a hard thing to tell a woman.

Dexter and Gideon

The brothers arrived in town and asked few locals to direct them to a stable. They found Moss Grimmick's easily and with Moss's help got their wagon pulled over and horses settled in. Dexter started to pay but Moss put his hand up, "Not now. You say you're just here for a short time, so you can pay when you leave." Dexter smiled, "Thank you sir, that's very fair. I have to add that I've seen a lot of stables in my travels and this is one of the best. Your service is worth a lot more than you're charging."

Moss lifted his chin with pride, "Thank you. Some complain about the price but not everyone appreciates what they're getting for their money. It's nice to hear from someone that does. What brings you two to Dodge?"

Dexter paused. He sighed deeply, lowered his eyes and stood quietly. After a few seconds he looked up, "We're trying to find a dear friend of our recently departed sister, Mary." He paused again and swallowed, "Our sweet sister, died just days ago. It was the same fever that killed Ma and Pa last year." Gideon put his hand on Dexter's shoulder and the brothers exchange woeful looks. Dexter continued with a tear in his voice, "Me and my brother were going through Mary's things and found a broach with a note saying that she wanted it to go to her beloved friend Kitty in Dodge City. We don't know who Kitty is, or how Mary came to know her but we loved our sister more than anything and want to fulfill her every last wish. Is there any chance that you would know how we could find a woman named Kitty in this town?"

Moss wiped a tear from his eye, "My condolences to you both. I know Miss Kitty. Everyone in Dodge does. She's been ill and is staying in Doc Adams' office. I don't know what her ailment is, but if you go see Doc he'll be able to help you.

Dexter grasped Moss's hand, "Thank you so much. We'll find the doctor and once we fulfill our sweet sister's wish we'll be heading home."

Moss stepped outside the stable and pointed, "Doc's office is down that way. You can't miss it, you'll see his sign. Since it looks like you'll be leaving soon, I'll see to your horses right away."

The brothers thanked Moss several times over and left. When they got a safe distance away they looked at each other and burst out laughing. Gideon patted his brother on the back, "That dead sister story was inspired. Wait til Beau hears about what you came up with so we could find that Kitty lady quick. He'll be proud."

Dexter was pleased, "You played you're part well too brother, it took both of us to pull it off. Now, lets go get us some dinner. We deserve a good meal. When we're done we'll pay a visit to that doctor's office.

TBC