Doc shook his head sadly as Mike went back into the room with Matt.
Grabbing his coat, he headed out the door with the intention of comforting Kitty and himself with a beer at the Long Branch.
"Doctor," Marshal Sanders said stopping him at the bottom of the stairs. "Can I have a minute of your time?"
"What can I do for you, Marshal?"
"You have Matt Dillon upstairs?" Sanders asked suspiciously.
"I do," Doc replied quietly.
"And he's been shot?"
"Yes," Doc said slowly. "It's not life threatening if that's what your concerned about."
"Hardly," Sanders said harshly. "I want to know how it happened, who's responsible. I don't like wounded men coming into my town with no explanation of how they got that way. When can I question him?"
"Marshal," Doc said meeting his eyes. "It's my medical opinion that you can not now or ever question him. He's suffering from amnesia and having you breathing down his neck is the last thing he needs right now!"
"I appreciate your opinion Doctor but when I want it, I'll ask for it," Sanders said sternly. "I want to question Dillon tomorrow."
Doc sighed. "Why don't you talk to Miss Yardner first. She's the one who brought him in. I think she can tell you what you want to know better than Matt can."
"Alright," Sanders said with a nod. "Send her to my office."
Doc shook his head as the new Marshal headed down the boardwalk in the opposite direction of the Long Branch.
Stepping though the double doors, he seen Kitty sitting at a table in the back with Festus.
"Doc," Festus said as the physician sat down. "Miss Kitty tole me ol Matthew didn't remember her neither."
"Or me," Doc said slowly.
"Maybe I can get him ta remember somethin," Festus said hopefully.
"I doubt it, Festus," Doc said as Sam brought over a tray of beer. "I wish, I could say that it might work but I can't!"
"What else can we do?" Festus asked helplessly.
"Just talk to him," Doc said taking a gulp of his beer. "I have to go back to my office and tell Mike that Marshal Sanders wants to talk to her over at the jail."
"Do you need me to come sit with Matthew," Festus asked as Kitty sat up.
"I'll go," she said meeting Doc's eyes. "If you think that would be alright?"
"I don't see why not," Doc said with a wan smile.
"He should sleep soundly," Doc said looking at Kitty once they were in Doc's office. "I gave him something for pain but if he should have any problems, come get me."
Kitty nodded as Doc opened the door and took Mike over to the jail leaving the saloon owner alone.
Pacing nervously, although she really didn't know why, she finally forced herself to take a tentative step into the spare room where Matt still slept.
Looking down at the man that she still loved, she couldn't help but reach out and tenderly brush the back of his hand.
When he didn't stir from the contact, Kitty gently sat down beside him and smiled.
"How many times have we found ourselves in this exact room under these same circumstances," Kitty whispered sadly. "Only now, it's with a different woman."
Kitty sighed as she closed her eyes, wrapping her fingers around Matt's hand, she squeezed it gently.
"Oh, Matt," she said quietly. "I would do anything to have you back. Please remember who you are!"
Squeezing Matt's hand again, she let the tears flow freely. "I miss you, cowboy," she whispered in despair. Leaning toward him, she brushed his lips with hers. "I need you."
Matt opened his eyes as Kitty quickly sat up straight and pulled her hand out of his.
Reaching up, he rubbed the side of his head and groaned. "What's happened?" he asked looking around.
Kitty blushed with embarrassment as Matt locked eyes with hers. "Kitty," he said squeezing his eyes shut. "How'd I get here?"
"Matt?" Kitty said taking his hand in hers again not quite believing that he just called her. "Is...is it really you?"
Matt opened his eyes and meet hers with that same recognition she had always known. "Yeah," he said with a slight nod. "It's really me."
"Oh, Matt," she said kissing him on the lips. "I knew you'd remember!"
"I do," he replied putting a hand on her shoulder. "And I need you to."
"I better get Doc," Kitty said smiling broadly as she stood up.
"Wait," Matt said struggling to sit up. "I have to tell you about Mike!"
"It doesn't matter," Kitty said relieved. "All that matters now, is that your back. Everything else can wait."
Matt nodded as he leaned back once again into the pillows. "Kitty, do me a favor before you tell Doc anything, please."
"Of course," Kitty said. "What is it?"
"Tell Mike, I want to see her," Matt said gently. "I should be the one to tell her."
Kitty nodded slowly. "You're right, Matt," she said softly. "I'll get her right now."