"Get doctor Hutchins over here," Ward barked at the nurse. "And get some orderlies to prep Mr. Haggen for surgery."
The nurse hurried off as doctor Ward put a hand on Doc's shoulder. "If Jacob won't do it," he said gently. "I will."
"I know you'll do your best Albert," Doc said resting his hands on the table where the hillman lay unconscious. "But what Festus needs now is a top notch surgeon and that's what Jacob is."
Ward nodded as Doc moved back out into the office where Matt and Kitty nervously waited.
"Doc," Kitty said looking at Matt. "What's going to happen?"
"Festus needs surgery," he said looking at Kitty and Matt. "And the only one I can trust to do it and save his life blames me for the death of his wife."
"I don't understand," Kitty said softly. "Why didn't you ever say anything."
"I guess because I didn't want anyone to know that I was running away," Doc replied slowly. "Until it finally caught up to me last year that is."
"And that's why you left Dodge," Matt said evenly. "You should have told me, Doc."
"I know Matt," the physician said. "I just didn't think anyone would find my skeletons."
"Galen," Ward said quietly stepping into the room. "Doctor Hutchins is waiting in an empty office across the hall."
"Time to face those skeletons," Doc said with a nod as he started for the door.
Doc crossed the hallway and silently opened the door, Hutchins back was toward him as the roughly fifty year old man gazed out the window.
Hutchins whirled around when Doc cleared his throat. "Galen," he said stiff lipped and surprised. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you'd stay in that shanty town for the rest of your miserable life!"
"I would have," Doc said with a nod while putting his hands into his pockets. "If I didn't need your help."
"My help?" Hutchins replied snidely and with disbelief. "You came here to ask for my help?"
"Yes," Doc said evenly. "I know that your one of the best surgeons I've worked with and I have a friend who needs the best."
Doctor Hutchins took a moment to study Doc's face before responding. "What's the diagnoses?" he asked.
"Brain embolism," Doc replied. "He was kicked in the back of the head by a mule and lost his site shortly after, right now he's comatose so I don't have time to beat around the bush. Either your going to help me or not?"
"Come with me," Doctor Ward said motioning Kitty and Matt to follow him.
"Where are we going," Kitty asked following the doctor deep into the hospital.
"In here," Ward said as they rounded a corner and came to an unmarked door.
Ward wrapped gently before opening the door and standing aside to let Matt and Kitty in.
Doc, dressed in all white surgical garments turned around when the man and woman entered.
"Doc," Kitty said slightly amazed at how the old country doctor was dressed.
"Doctor Hutchins agreed to do the surgery," Doc said slipping on a white surgical cap. "I'm just going in to observe. Doctor Ward is going to take you to a waiting area."
"Alright," Matt said crossing his arms. "I'm glad you two were able to set aside your differences."
"Not sure about that yet," Doc said with a sigh.
"But this is a start," Kitty said as Doc squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I'll come get you as soon as were done," Doc said heading quickly down the hall.
"How long do you think it will take?" Kitty as Doctor Ward.
"Not sure with operations as delicate as this one," Ward replied.
"And there it is," Doctor Hutchins said moving aside to let Doc see the large aneurysm.
Working quickly, the skilled surgeon tied off each end feeding the bleed before cutting it out and rejoining the cut ends.
"How's his vital signs," Doc asked observing the nurse checking the the hillman's pulse.
"Stable Doctor Adams," she said professionally.
"So, Galen," Hutchins said lowly. "Tell me about Kansas, are you happy there?"
"Very," Doc replied softly.
"Good," Hutchins said with a nod. "I suppose, I'll have no reason in the future to bring you back here."
