Slow Train to Dodge
PT.7
Festus headed out on Ruth. He was determined to find the men who ambushed Matt. He figured he'd backtrack Matt's steps as best he could. Festus always could rely on his tracking skills He went along, stopping in small towns along the way, briefing sheriff's on what had happened and letting them know he was looking for the two associates of Ben Cates, the man Matt testified against in Hayes.
Walking, trying to stay close to the stream but also trying to stay aware of their surroundings, Kitty was trying to keep Tracy calm. "Look, Tracy, about your grandmother and this man. Just who is he?"
Cringing, as Kitty asked, she answered. "Oh, some big old rancher. Breeds horses. She and Daddy have done business with him since I was little. He's just creepy, always stares at me and pinches my face. I can't believe Grandmother wants me to marry someone so old. He's like 40 or something."
Now Kitty just bit her bottom and lip shook her head. "Oh, that old, huh?" Now Kitty was rolling her eyes, shrugging her shoulders, thinking, well I guess when your age, 17, 40 was old.
Suddenly, Tracy stopped. "Miss Russell? Listen, I hear someone. I hear someone singing."
When they both listened closer they could hear a woman singing. Just through the trees was a small house and an old woman standing by a horse corral. With her was a small child they were watching a colt with its mother. The old woman was teaching the child a song about the small colt. Just then the child spotted Kitty and Tracy.
"Granny. Granny. Company! We have company."
Kitty was walking closer with her arm around Tracy.
Quickly the woman rushed the child towards the house then grabbed for a shotgun but quickly Kitty yelled out. "Wait! Wait! We need your help. Please? We just need your help."
Once the woman saw the expression on Kitty's face, she lowered the gun. "Who are you? What do you want from us?"
Catching her breath, Kitty answered. "I'm Kitty Russell from Dodge City. This Is Tracy. Tracy Copperton. We were on a train to Dodge City. The train was held up. We need to get them help."
Shaking her head, Kitty continued. "We snuck off the train. Look, you've got to help us, help those people. I need to get into Spearville to the sheriff. Do you have a horse or a wagon? I can pay you." She now had a desperation in her voice. "Look I'll see it gets returned to you. Please, Ma'am?"
Just then a wagon rode up as they were talking. "Clara? Is everything alright?"
"Raymond, this here woman and the girl, they say they need help."
"Look, mister. I told your wife, I'm Kitty Russell from Dodge City. We were on a train to Dodge. Several men held up the train and we snuck off to find help. Now all I need is to get into town to the sheriff. Please. I need your help. Those people back there need help!" Kitty was getting more and more frustrated.
Clara looked at Kitty and Tracy. "Let's get you both inside and get you both something to eat then Raymond can get you into town."
"Oh, look, I appreciate the offer but…"
Clara shook her head, "No, now look. You two sit and have something to eat. That child looks exhausted."
Exhaling, Kitty nodded. "Yeah, she is. She hasn't been feeling very well."
When they both turned, Tracy was sound asleep in a chair.
After having a good meal and Tracy getting some much needed rest,while Kitty continued to explain to Clara and Raymond what took place on the train, Raymond suggested they let Tracy remain with Clara and he'd ride Kitty into Sheriff Carver's office. Reluctantly, Kitty agreed, figuring Tracy would be safe there.
As they rode into town, Raymond turned to Kitty. "Kitty?"
"Ummmm?"
"Kitty Russell from Dodge City you say?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"I've spent some time in Dodge. You wouldn't be the same Kitty Russell from the Long Branch?"
"As a matter of fact, I would."
"Mighty nice place you have there, the Long Branch."
"Why, thank ya. I like to think I've worked hard at making it a nice place."
"I guess you being out here must mean the stories were just rumors."
"I'm sorry what are you talking about?"
"Well, I figure if the Marshal was really ambushed and dying the way they say and all…" Now he turned away his gaze.
Kitty furrowed her brow. "And what?"
"Well, Ma'am, it's just you being his wom… Well…"
Now with a bit of a temper flaring, "Do people really have nothing better to talk about? Can we please just get to town?" Kitty remained silent for the rest of the ride.
Pulling into Spearville, Raymond was now feeling foolish. "Ma'am, Sheriff Carver's office is right over there. If you'd like, I'll wait? I'll be over at the saloon." She just nodded.
As she entered, Carver was sitting, looking over his mail. "Excuse me? Sheriff?"
Not looking up right off, he sighed. "I hope this is important I'm really busy."
"Well, is a train full of hostages important enough?" Kitty asked.
Snapping his head up, "What? What was that you said? Oh, excuse me, Ma'am. Please." He said, now offering her a seat.
Shaking her head, "No, no thank you. There's a train full of hostages just outside of Spearville."
"And can I ask how…"
Before he finished, Kitty answered. "I was on it. Look, I'm Kitty Russell from Dodge City."
"Same Kitty Russell that owns the Long Branch Saloon?" He asked.
"The same." She answered.
"Well, now..." He brightened.
"Look, Sheriff, can we dispense with the small talk? I'm really tired."
"Well now, why don't you just start from the beginning and tell me everything?"
Inhaling, Kitty complied.
After relaying the whole incident to Carver, he stood up. "Miss Russell, would you like me to walk you over to the hotel? We can wire your friends in Dodge."
"No, I'll take care of that. Besides, Mister Morely and his wife have the young girl, that's with me, at their place so I'd like to go back and get her then head on to Dodge."
"Oh. How is Matt? I heard…"
Kitty just dropped her head. "He's a strong man." Then she turned and left.
As she crossed the street, heading for the saloon, she not only didn't notice one rider but also didn't notice the eyes watching her every move.
TBC
