Ok, I've also taken writer's liberty here as well, with change in events. All for the story…

PT.8

Return To Dodge

Entwined Hearts

Walking across the boardwalk towards the Long Branch, "Kitty, there's some things we need to talk about. Look, I understand your probably still mad at me but..."

Stopping in her tracks, turning to look him in the eye, brows arched. "Probably? Probably?" Then raised both hands, "Look, Cowboy, I've said all I'm going to on this subject, and right now there's a bath and a bed calling my name."

He stopped and thought for a moment. Then, "We use to have some great times….."

"ET'ET'. Oh, no. Don't even think about it, Marshal. That don't work anymore." And she pushed her way thru the batwing doors.

Following close behind, "But, Kit. We… I really need to talk to you. Will you just listen?"

Squeezing her eyes closed, "Matt, can't this wait? Please?"

Blowing out a puff of breath in resignation then throwing his hands up.

Kitty headed up the stairs and across the landing towards her old room which Hannah had left untouched. Matt walked over to the bar. "Al, beer please."

"Sure thing, Marshal."

Hannah had followed them back to the Long Branch to relieve Al. "Well, Matt? If I'm not being too intrusive, how'd it go?"

Shaking his head, "Not so good, Hannah. She wouldn't even talk to me. I couldn't even get her to stay still long enough to listen to what I had to say, or tell her."

They both stood silent for a moment, then Matt noticed a slight grin on Hannah's face. "What? What's so funny?"

"Where's Kitty now, Matt?"

"Oh, up there. She said something about a hot bath and bed. I guess she is pretty tired."

"Uh huh." Hannah said.

"What?" Matt was still not understanding.

"Can't walk away when you're soaking in a hot tub, now can you?" Now wearing an even bigger grin. "Same room, Matt. I left it the same as she left it. I believe you remember the way, don't you?"

With his usual boyish grin, "Miss Hannah." He tipped his hat. "Thanks. I sure do." He took the stairs two at a time and swooped across the landing, tapped on the door.

"Who is it?" Kitty asked.

At first he didn't answer. Then, "Kitty, it's me, Matt. Let me in."

"Oh, Matt ,not now. I'm tired and…" Before she could finish her words, he leaned back and gave the door a kick! Kitty let out a scream. "Matt Dillon! I, I never…."

"Yeah, I know. You never listen. But you're gonna this time."

Downstairs, Hannah laughed. She now understood what the dynamics were between the two, mostly from Doc, but some just from watching the two together. Hannah was a very perceptive woman!

Newly and Festus heard the commotion as they entered. "What in tarnation is the ruckus goin' on Miz Hannah? Does you 'a need me and Newly to take care of it fur' ya?" Festus asked.

Now laughing, "Oh no thanks, Festus. I think things up there will be just fine."

"But…?"

"Festus, believe me. They'll be just fine."

Newly caught on as to generally what she was saying but Festus was still in the dark.

"Newly, how's Doc?"

"Oh, still resting. Bess Ronniger has agreed to come in and sit with him and help us out a bit." He answered.

"Why, that's such a nice thing for her to do."

"Hannah, Bess has been so grateful to Doc. He has delivered all her babies."

"All?"

"Newly and everyone in the room just laughed. "Oh, Hannah, you don't know do you? The Ronniger's have nineteen children."

"Good, gracious!"

They were all in heavy conversation, when a young soldier burst through the batwing doors. "Excuse me. Can I have everyone's attention please? Can anyone tell me where I can find the Marshal here in this town?"

Newly turned. "I'm acting Marshal."

"Well then, sir, then I'll give this to you." He said handing Newly an envelope.

"What is this?"

"Well, sir, there's been a prison break at Fort Leavenworth and the Marshal's help is being requested. The warden has been shot and killed and we have reason to believe the escapee may be headed this way."

"Well, do you know who this person is specifically?" Newly asked.

"Yes, Sir. His name is Jake Flagg."

Hearing the conversation downstairs, Matt went to the door. The room went silent. Then from the landing, "Wait one minute." All in the room looked up. "You're telling me that Jake Flagg shot and killed the warden, and is on the run?"

"And who might you be, Sir?" The soldier looked up.

"Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal. And I know Jake Flagg is no killer." Kitty was standing beside him. Matt could feel Kitty's stare. Her stare was burning a hole in him. "Kitty, I… I…."

"Oh, Matt…." She threw up her hands turned and went into the room and slammed what was left of her door.

Matt made arrangements with Newly and Festus so he could go out and find his friend Jake. He knew there had to be more to the story. Jake wasn't a killer. Then he went back up to Kitty's room.

As he entered, she was sitting at the vanity. Slowly walking up behind her. "Kit , I came here to talk to you about something very important."

"Oh yeah, but once again your mistress calls. Or is that what I was all these years?"

"Kitty, please."

"Well, by all means Marshal, don't let me stop you."

"Kit, honey." He now crouched down behind her, squeezed onto the bench seat with her, so he could look at her through the mirror. "What I want to tell you, it's Important! But, Kitty, I've got to do this for Jake."

Lowering her eyes, not wanting to look at him eye to eye. "Just go, Matt, just go."

"Kitty, I promise when I get back…"

"Oh, Cowboy, please," shaking her head, "no promise's."

"Kit, just one."

"What's that?"

"Will you still be here when I get back?"

She nodded in agreement.

"Good." He said smiling. "Then we'll talk. Be here please."

As he walked out of her room, she looked at him leaving through the reflection in the mirrow. "Old habits die hard, Cowboy! Aren't I always?"

Matt and Festus rode out, as did the Army Corporal ….

TBC