Doc's Office
Mabel Johnson's eyes were fixed on Felix's unconscious body as she watched his shallow breaths go in and out. She'd been elated to find he was alive. Now her heart was heavy knowing that he might not live, and if he did, might not be the boy they knew.
Matt watched Doc check the boy's pulse yet again, then his eyes moved to Rita. She was sitting at her son's bedside motionless and terrified.
No one spoke, no fears were given words. The air was thick with worry, the minutes crept along.
Suddenly, the door opened. The sound cracked through the silence and eyes turned. It was Kitty. She walked in bent over, looking down to the side, a slight smile on her lips. It took Matt a second to register that Kitty had little 1-year-old Molly Clark by the hand. He was dumbfounded. Given Rita's past behavior, he never expected her to trust Kitty with her child. Kitty gave him a look that clearly said, "I'll tell you all about it later. " He smiled slightly in response.
Mrs. Johnson saw Kitty and Matt exchange glances, and whispered, "Hank, that's the marshal's special lady. I can tell. She's a pretty one and I'm sure she has some sass to her too."
Kitty set Molly on Rita's lap. The little girl smiled and threw her arms around her mother's neck in a joyful hug. The pure sweetness of the moment brought much-needed smiles to everyone's lips. The spell of gloom was broken.
Mabel Johnson stood, "Well, I don't think I can be of any more help here. I'll be heading home." Matt protested, 'Mrs. Johnson it's getting late. You shouldn't drive alone at this hour. Please let me walk you to Ma Smalley's and get you a room for the night."
"I appreciate your concern marshal, but I'll be fine." Before Matt could answer, Mabel was out the door. "
Matt shook his head and muttered, "She sure is stubborn."
Doc chuckled, "Matt, I love hearing you calling anyone stubborn. It just tickles me."
Matt ignored the remark and put on his hat. "Doc, Rita, Kitty I'm going to the Dodge House to speak to Howie again. I'll be back."
The hotel lobby was empty when Matt entered. Glad Howie was alone, he leaned over the front desk, "Howie, you say Felix ran out without being paid that second penny."
"That's right marshal."
"How did Felix look when he ran by? Did he seem happy, worried, scared, anything in particular?"
Howie considered how to answer the question, and after a few seconds whispered, "Marshal, I didn't exactly see him run out."
"WHAT?"
"Mr. Brooks told me Felix ran out, when he left gave me that penny to give the boy. I must have been looking at my books or something when Felix went by."
Berating himself for not finding this out earlier, Matt bolted upstairs and knocked on Brooks' door. Every instinct shouting that Brooks had lied to Howie.
Peter smiled when he saw Matt outside his door, "Marshal, what a surprise. I planned on returning to your office tomorrow to ask my questions about Dodge."
"I have questions about Felix."
"Who?"
"The boy I asked you about earlier. He carried your bag from the stage."
"Oh yes, the street urchin. What more could you have to ask?"
The two men studied each other carefully. Matt finally spoke, "Someone tried to kill Felix."
Brooks blinked but his expression didn't change, "Why would anyone do such a thing?"
"That's I'd like to find out. Mr. Brooks just when did you last see the boy?"
"As I told you before, yesterday afternoon he carried a bag from the stage to this room. He left before getting the second penny I'd promised. Being a man of honor, I left the penny with Howie to give to the boy."
"Mr. Brooks, Howie saw Felix carry your bag upstairs, but didn't see him leave."
"Really? That's not what he indicated to me. I'm sure he told me that he saw the boy run out. Well, whatever the case I'm sure a fine lawman such as yourself will get to the bottom of things. Which brings me to another topic. Marshal, I must meet with you to speak about opening a store in Dodge. I met the Walker brothers on the stage and they sang your praises, that's why I'd like for us to sit down and have a discussion."
"Mr. Brooks, if you want to learn about opening a store, I suggest you speak to Mr. Botkins at the bank or Jonas at the General Store. He's the head of the business association."
Brooks gave Matt an ingratiating smile. "Marshal, I'm sure they'd be helpful, but I really want to speak to the man who is doing the work of keeping those men and their businesses safe."
Matt's eyes held onto Brooks', "I'm sure those men can tell you everything you need to know. Good night Mr. Brooks. I'm glad to know you plan on sticking around. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you."
Brooks closed the door and the smile vanished from his face. The marshal said someone tried to kill the kid. Damn, that meant he hadn't finished the boy off. The kid had been found alive, and could identify him. Obviously the boy hadn't done so yet, so he had to be in bad shape. Gus Stringer was arriving soon. He'd pay the gunslinger a little extra to kill the boy. That would take care of that problem.
He had another problem, however. His hope to have a cordial relationship with the marshal was gone. He'd planned to develop a rapport so that Dillon would trust him and not question his actions or watch him too closely. Instead the marshal was suspicious and would watch him like a hawk. Oh well, if he couldn't make friends with the man, distracting him was the next best thing. Making a move on Kitty Russell might do the trick. Brooks smiled to himself. Trying her out as a potential mistress would certainly be amusing, and he did need to replace Lorraine. He had no use for a woman who was approaching 30 and growing plump. Kitty Russell might be the ideal replacement.
Matt
After questioning Brooks, Matt returned to Doc's office and was told there was no change in Felix's condition. Rita and Kitty had decided that Rita would remain at Doc's overnight and Kitty would spend the night in Rita's apartment with Molly. The little girl was already asleep on Rita's lap.
Matt gently lifted Molly in his arms, "I'll carry her for you, Kitty."
Kitty nodded. Rita stood up and lovingly kissed her sleeping daughter's cheek, then smiled her thanks at Kitty.
Matt and Kitty climbed the stairs to the Rita's apartment and after fumbling with the key, Kitty opened the door and lit a lantern. Matt set the little girl on the narrow bed she shared with her mother. He lingered looking at the child. She was so innocent and small, brown ringlets clinging her beautiful, sweet face. Matt was overcome with a need to protect and make things right. He felt Kitty's hand on his back. She whispered, "What are you thinking so hard about Cowboy."
"This little girl deserves safety and a happy future. So does her brother and his mother. I have to set things right."
"Cowboy, whatever happens we'll be here for Rita and her children. You'll do your best like always." She knew he felt a sense of guilt when he couldn't set things right. "Some things are just not possible."
Matt gave her a crooked smile, "I know that well enough." He leaned over and kissed her, "You should get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
"Get some rest yourself, Cowboy"
He opened the door to leave, "Be sure you lock this.
She nodded knowing he'd wait outside until he heard her turn the lock. She locked the door, and got ready to climb into bed with the sleeping child.
Matt was down the stairs when he realized he hadn't told Kitty about his suspicions about Peter Brooks. He wondered if she'd met the man and if so what she thought about him. They'd talk in the morning.
TBC
