"I agree with you, Matt," the Governor replied thoughtfully. "I'd like to question these Indians as to why they would help Bonner in the first place."
"Alright," Matt said looking at Newly. "Deputy O'Brin here will take you to them."
Newly nodded as Matt continued. "I'll be up at Doc's with Kitty."
"Oh yes," the Governor said with a smile. "I read about your wedding to Miss Russell, congratulations."
"Thank you," Matt said sheepishly. "My wife just delivered our first child yesterday."
"Oh, well congratulations again, Matt," the Governor said with a nod. "Boy or girl?"
"Boy," Matt said with a grin before heading to the door.
"I'll see you later," Matt said looking at Newly.
"Sergeant Calloway," Newly said as the Sergeant turned around.
"Governor," Calloway said reaching out a hand to the head of state. "Thank you for coming. I'd like to get this matter cleared up as quickly as possible."
"I agree, Sergeant," the Governor said looking around. The Pawnee were all shackled at the wrists and seated in the stalls of the livery. "Give me some time alone with them."
"You can't be serious!" Sergeant Calloway said. "They're savages!"
"I hardly believe that these Indians could kill me while shackled," the Governor said looking at Calloway.
"Fine," Calloway said angrily. "It's your life!"
Newly took a deep breath as the Sergeant left them alone with the Pawnee warriors.
Matt looked up as the door to the spare room opened. Doc motioned for Matt to join him.
Standing up with his son in his arms, Matt stepped out into Doc's office.
"Matt," the Governor said with a smile. "I've spoken with the Pawnee and I have information you might like to hear."
"Alright," Matt said with a nod. "What happened?"
"Well," the Governor replied. "The warriors told me that Bonner threatened to have his men invade their camp and kill their woman and children if they didn't do what he wanted them to do."
"And so they agreed to help him get here with out being seen," Matt said slowly.
"But after they realized what they had done," the Governor said. "They left but came back to make things right."
"Well," Matt said slowly. "What's going to happen now?"
"I've already ordered Sergeant Calloway to release them, Matt," the Governor said evenly. "And the platoon is packing up to go back to Ft. Dodge. I'll be leaving on the train tomorrow."
"Alright," Matt said slightly disappointed that he hadn't mentioned him keeping his job.
"But," the Governor said reaching into his pocket. "Before I go, I think you'll be needing this."
Matt smiled as the man opened his hand to reveal the US Marshal's badge.
"Thank you," Matt said taking the badge back. "It may be just a piece of tin but it's quite valuable to me."
*ending this here for now! RL is kicking my behind lately. Short staff at the hotel's I run has caused me to work extra shifts and a lot of back and forth so I'm really wore out and my brain is fried. I will get something new out ASAP! Until then, bare with me :)*