Chicago

Peter scurried up the stairs from the wine cellar feeling angry, resentful and frustrated. He didn't say a word to anyone, and went upstairs to his room in a foul mood. The sounds of laughter, chatter and song drifting up darkened his mood even more, and hearing Kitty's laughter worsened it further. He wanted Kitty and he would have her. She just didn't understand how rich and important he was going to be. Peter got a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet that was in his room, and poured himself another drink.

Dodge

Matt was about to make late night rounds, when he decided to stop in his room to change his shirt. The one he was wearing was soaked with beer. A farm boy, who for the first time in his life had money for alcohol, got drunk and thought it would be funny to toss a mug of beer at a marshal. Festus wanted to arrest him, but Matt knew that sending the boy home to face his mother in his drunken condition would be the best punishment.

Matt entered his room and froze. He knew immediately that someone had been there. Things were slightly off. The box that was on top of his dresser had been moved, and a chair was not exactly in place. Matt opened a dresser draw and saw that his clothes had been touched. He quickly changed his shirt and left, sure that the men who had assaulted him in Hays and broken into his office had been there.

With every fiber of his being on alert, Matt started making rounds – he stopped in saloons, made sure doors were locked and checked alleyways. He was in a deserted alley when he heard a box move. He turned and drew his gun, "Hold it." A man stood from behind the box with his hands above his head, as two man came from out of nowhere and jumped Matt knocking him down, and causing him to drop his gun. Matt kicked one off and punched the other with his right fist. The men flew off to the sides. Matt got to his feet and grabbed his gun, "Don't move." The two men froze. Matt quickly looked around, the third man was gone.

"All right you two. Get your hands up you're going to jail."

Matt slammed the cell door shut and locked it, "It might be smart of you to tell me who that other man is. It would be smarter still to tell me who you're working for."

The men were silent, and Matt knew that they were far from ready to talk. Leaving the cell area, Matt walked into his office just as Festus entered.

"Festus, how's your head."

"Feelin fine Matthew. Doc said it looks good. I expect he'll yank them stitches out in a day or so."

"Glad to hear it Festus. Are you well enough to keep an eye on the two I have locked up? They're two of the ones that attached me in Hays, and broke into the safe. The third one got away. He's likely gone, but I want to look around for him just in case."

"Sure thing Matthew. Say don't ya gotta go to Topeka soon for that trial?"

Matt nodded, "Yep, I'm heading off tomorrow at dawn, and I'll sure be glad when that trial is over."

Chicago

Eudora's party started winding down at about midnight. Dorothy, Jimmy and Kitty smiled with amazement at Eudora's stamina, as she continued to drink wine, socialize and pound out tunes on the piano when anyone wanted to sing. Finally only the family's closest friends remained. Peter wasn't present, but Jimmy and Dorothy didn't give it any thought, and in the presence of those closest to them, Dorothy and Jimmy revealed that they were expectant parents. Everyone shared in the joy, knowing that the couple had desperately wanted to have a child, and after 10 years of marriage it was happening.

It was 2AM before all the guests left. The servants went home and the members of the household retired for the night.

Kitty was filled with contentment as she went to bed. Her negative feelings about Peter's behavior were overshadowed by Eudora's response. She laughed a little thinking that she'd enjoy telling Matt about it. Perhaps Eudora could be the female deputy he once joked about. Kitty fell asleep with a smile on her face.

A short time later Peter downed another glass of whiskey, and decided to make a move. He crept silently into Kitty's room. Looking down at her as she slept with the moonlight drifting in through the window, desired surged through his body. He gently removed one of her blankets. She smiled and murmured softly. Peter knew she was dreaming. He sat on the side of the bed, leaned over and kissed her. She bolted upright, but before she could yell he stuffed a piece of cloth in her mouth and tied it tight around the back of her head. She tried to shove him away, but he laughed and pulled out a gun. "Now behave. You're going to get dressed, and I'm going to watch. Just don't let me see your hands move anywhere close to that gag."

Feeling like she had no other choice Kitty got some clothes and dressed as modestly as she could, showing as little flesh as possible. She pulled a dress over her nightgown, and then pulled her nightgown down to her feet. The she put stockings on, showing as little leg as possible. When she was fully clothed, she thought she saw Peter lose focus and moved suddenly. She opened the door, pulled off the gag and started screaming.

Peter yanked her inside and hit her on the side of the head with the gun. She fell to the floor unconscious.

Peter looked down at her, "I didn't want to do that. Oh well, maybe it will make our trip a little easer." He lifted her in his arms and carried her outside. A carriage was waiting. He got in with Kitty in his arms and banged on the ceiling of the carriage. They took off for Topeka.

Dodge the next morning

It was just after dawn when Matt went to Kitty's bedroom to retrieve the precious pieces of evidence that he had hidden in her jewelry box. As expected his search for the third man the previous night and been fruitless. He retrieved the will and testament and left for Topeka.

Chicago

Jimmy, Eudora and Dorothy were having a leisurely Sunday breakfast, the morning after the party.

Dorothy looked up from her coffee, "I'm not surprised that Peter isn't up yet, but I thought Kitty would be up by now."

Jimmy nodded, "Well it was a very late night for all of us. Peter does have to get up soon though. He planned on starting out for Topeka today for a trial. I think I'll go knock on his door."

Jimmy knocked on Peter's door and hearing no answer walked in. He returned to the breakfast table, "It's strange but he is gone. It's unlike him to leave without saying anything."

Eudora felt a stab of panic. She quickly explained what had happened in the wine cellar the night before, and Dorothy rushed to Kitty's room.

Dorothy was back within minutes, her face ashen, "She's gone."

Jimmy stood up, "I'm leaving for Topeka immediately."

Dorothy and Eudora spoke simultaneously, "Me too."

Jimmy looked at his wife, "Dorothy, in your condition you should stay here."

Dorothy shook her head, "Jimmy, women in my condition have been doing lots of things since time began."

Jimmy argued, "Dorothy, we've tried for 10 years. Let's not take chances."

After a slight hesitation, Dorothy nodded. Deep inside she knew the reason she had gotten married was because she wanted children. Jimmy loved her, and she was grateful for that and for all he provided, but she knew she didn't love him the way he loved her.

Eudora stood, "I agree with both of you. Dorothy should stay, but I'm going."

Jimmy thought of protesting, but knew arguing would be a waste of time. "There is no railroad service on Sundays. I'll get a carriage. Eudora be ready to leave in a half hour."

Eudora walked off as she called back, "Make that 15 minutes."

TBC