The Longest Journey

PT.8

Riding back along the dirt road trail, enjoying the quiet cool breeze of the morning. "Cowboy," Kitty said as she tilted her head slightly looking over at him, smiling a intriguing smile. "I didn't have a chance to thank you for everything, with all that's been going on."

"Kit, we've both earned a well deserved rest. I'll just be glad to see Dodge."

Giggling slightly, "Yeah me too."

Before long, they could see signs of town. Things seemed quiet.

"Kit? When we get in, I want Doc to take a look at you."

"Oh, Matt, I'm fine. I don't…"

"NO! Kit, Benson damn near strangled the life out of you. You still have bruises on your neck."

"But, Matt, I..."

"Kitty, it's not up for discussion."

But I…I…"

"Closed subject."

As they pulled up to the front of Matt's office, Festus, Doc and Sam all crowded around.

"Matthew, Miz Kitty, it is a sure de plum good ta sees ya both."

"Festus, it's good to see you all too." Kitty said smiling at them all.

Sam helped Kitty down. "Miss Kitty, been taking care of everything here so you have nothing to worry about."

"I wasn't worried, Sam. Thank you." Placing a hand on his cheek. She started to walk towards the Long Branch, then she felt a hand grab her arm.

Turning to look, Matt was staring directly eye to eye. "Kitty?"

"Matt, I told you…"

"Et' this way. Doc, I have a patient for you to look at. Not a co-operative one but a patient still." Matt said not letting go of her arm leading her towards Doc's office.

"Matt, what's this all about?"

"It's nothing, Curly. He's just making something out of nothing."

"No, I'm not! Doc she was nearly strangled."

"Oh, I'm…"

Before she could finish her sentence, Doc cut in. "You're coming with me, Young Lady. NO ARGUMENT."

Giving Matt a look that let him know she wasn't happy, she followed Doc.

As they started to ascend the stairs, they heard a loud gravelly voice. "DILLON! I've been waiting for you."

And before Matt could turn, he felt a sharp pain and a burning in his back, just under his ribs. He cringed and dropped to his knees.

Festus and Sam ran towards him and Festus shot at the man, hitting him. He was now lying in the street moaning.

Kitty and Doc were kneeling over Matt. Kitty rested Matt's head in her lap. "Cowboy, I'm here. Doc's here. You're gonna be alright, you hear me?"

All he could do is mumble, "Ahhhh, Kit-ty…"

Quickly, Doc looked around. "Sam? Can you…"

Not waiting for Doc to ask, "I got 'um, Doc. I'll get him up to your office." Another man also helped Sam.

Doc just looked at Kitty. For a moment she froze, then all she could manage to get out was, "Doc, will he… Is he gonna be…."

TBC