The day started as usual at the safe house. Morning found Sallie in the kitchen cooking a mouth-watering breakfast with Annie assisting. Sallie fixed enough food for the men and Annie delivered it out to the bunkhouse. Due to their all night chat session Kitty and Mae were late coming down to breakfast. Mae was relieved to find Jack had already gone back into town when they came downstairs. Making Sallie and Annie sit down at the table, Mae eagerly announced her engagement. Sallie and Annie were overjoyed. The foursome sat at the breakfast table for the better part of the morning talking and giggling like schoolgirls.
The women were so engrossed in their little party that they didn't even hear Kane come in the back door, returning the dirty dishes. "Excuse me, ladies. Here are the dishes." The concerned agent took a quick look around the room to make sure everything was in order. He was a little concerned that one of the ladies had not come down as usual to retrieve the used plates and silverware. Picking up bits and pieces of the conversation Kane quickly discovered the reason for the jubilant attitude in the house. As he turned to leave he cast one last quick look at the four women. At this moment they all looked so happy, so alive. Kane couldn't help but think to himself. 'Enjoy it while you can ladies. Enjoy it while you can.'
The afternoon was drawing to a close as Jack Bennett walked down Front Street. He was growing extremely uneasy. Something just didn't feel right. The federal agent had kept a close watch out for Victor Lawrence and his partner Tom Stone, but had yet to see them. Even though he had not seen them with his eyes, gut instinct told him they were near. Very near.
"Thank you Marshal." The Spearville sheriff said as Matt put his signature on the warrant for the prisoner's arrest, after positively identifying the man in the jail cell. "The judge will be in town next week and this yahoo is gonna' get a lot of time to think about the wrong he's done."
Seemingly not hearing the old sheriff's comments, Matt refolded the warrant and handed it to him. After a brief discussion about the prisoner, the busy marshal bid his farewell and turned to leave.
The lawman's odd behavior had not gone unnoticed by the old sheriff, and he was a little more than concerned by it. "Matt, is everything alright?" He asked stopping him at the door.
"I just need to get back to Dodge." Was the lawman's brief answer.
"But Matt you just got here. Why don't you stay overnight? Get a good rest and head out at first light. I'll even treat to dinner."
"No, Ben I really need to get started soon. I'm just gonna' …."
"Matt nothing can be that important. Look, you're exhausted. You made it here in record time. I wasn't expecting you until later today. And it would be plain cruel to push that horse of yours any harder than what you already have." Matt started to protest, but Ben held up a hand to silence him. "Listen, send a telegram to Dodge. Let them know you'll be heading out at first light. Whatever the problem is Matt, you're not going to do it any good if you're worn out from riding all night."
The Spearville sheriff couldn't have been more wrong. However, Matt accepted what the wise old sheriff said as truth. He would be no good to Kitty or to anyone if he couldn't keep his eyes open. "I guess you're right Ben. I'll go send a wire to Chester right now and let him know I'll be back late tomorrow."
A broad smile broke out over the old sheriff's face as the big marshal conceded and showed the good common sense he knew he had. "I'll tell Martha to set an extra plate."
Jack Bennett stepped into Barney's telegraph office just as Matt's wire was coming in. "Oh, Mr. Bennett." Barney called seeing the federal agent come through the door. "How are ya' today?"
"Just fine Barney. Any telegrams for me?"
"No sir. Been sort'a quiet today. Did just get one in from the Marshal for Chester. He's staying in Spearville tonight and will be back tomorrow." Barney didn't really know why he felt so inclined to tell that bit of news to the Dodge stranger, but he did.
"Well thanks Barney. If anything should come in for me tonight please send it over to the Dodge House, room twenty-three, that's my partner, Joe."
Jack knocked on the door of room twenty-three. It was nearing supper time at the safe house and Jack didn't intend on missing one of Sallie's home cooked meals. "Joe, you in there? It's me Jack."
Suddenly the door swung open. Instantly the agent's hand went for his gun tucked under his arm.
"Now is that anyway to greet an old friend?" Came an unseen yet familiar voice from behind the door. "Drop the gun or he dies." The voice demanded.
Jack didn't hesitate as he looked inside the room and saw the bloody, beaten face of his partner, and big Tom Stone standing behind him, one arm coiled around Joe's neck and a knife pressed against his throat.
"It's been a long time Jack." Victor Lawrence pointed out as he closed the door and shoved the barrel of his gun into Bennett's back.
"Not long enough Lawrence. If I'd had my way you'd have been locked away for the rest of your life, you animal." Jack spat angrily at his captor while looking at his partner who was barely conscious.
"He's a loyal one Bennett, I have to give you that. Why we couldn't get anything out of him." The madman boasted as Jack made his way across the small room to check on his partner and friend.
"You bastard." Was all Jack could get out as he felt Joe's weak pulse and looked at the ugly cuts and bruises on his face and upper body. Jack's knee's suddenly got weak as he glanced down and noticed the dark stain on Joe's pants near his groin and his fly open. "Dear god, what have you done to him?"
"Let's just say ole' Joe won't be using the family jewels for awhile." Victor and Tom both laughed at the poor man's condition.
Ignoring the vile laughter Jack tried to rouse his partner. "Joe, can you hear me? It's Jack. Joe?" Slowly Joe's eyes fluttered open for a second, then closed again. Jack feared his partner had expired, but Joe's labored breathing told him otherwise.
"Jack …" Joe's voice was barely a whisper. Jack had to bend real close to hear what he was saying. "I'm ….sor..ry. I …" The effort to talk was almost more than Joe could bare.
"Don't you worry. Everything is going to be fine." Jack assured his partner before standing to face his adversary.
"What do you want Lawrence?"
"You know Jack," Victor started ignoring Jack's question. "You really disappointed me. You could have been a valuable asset to our little organization." Jack just glared at Lawrence. "You could have had anything you wanted. Money, power, women. All you had to do was name it and it could have been yours." Again he was met with stone cold silence.
"What do you want Lawrence?" Jack asked again not trying to hide the anger in his voice.
"I want what's mine Jack. What's rightfully mine." Victor stated flatly. "You double crossed me, and you turned my girls against me. You all betrayed me. And I don't like to be betrayed. By anyone." After a long thoughtful pause Victor turned away from the agent his hard countenance had softened. "However, twelve years is a long time to carry a grudge. So I am willing to forgive and forget, to move on with my life, provided…."
"Provided what?" Jack asked incredulously, hardly able to believe what he was hearing and knowing full well that hell would freeze over before Victor Lawrence would ever let a debt go unpaid.
"Provided we can work out a little trade of sorts." Lawrence answered calmly, sure that his demands would be met.
"A trade?" Curiosity was evident as the agent spoke.
"A simple trade. One girl for all the rest. You bring me the one I want and the others go free. I won't touch any of them. They can all walk away and I'll never bother them again."
Jack thought for a moment then asked. "And if I don't?"
"Simple …you all die, starting with your partner over there." Victor gestured toward the still figure lying on the bed. "And I can promise you Jack, you'll curse the day you were ever born." Victor's words flowed out smooth as honey. His dark brown eyes were cold and empty and told Jack in no uncertain terms that he'd have no problem going through with his promise.
"You'd let the other four go free if I bring you just the one?" Jack questioned, making sure he understood the proposal.
Victor nodded his head as he pulled a long, brown cigar out of his vest pocket, bit off the end and lit the tobacco.
"Which one?" Jack asked though he already knew the answer.
"Kitty."
"Why?"
"Don't you think she's worth it?" Victor answered the question with a question. Lawrence couldn't contain the evil grin that was spreading across his chiseled face. He could see the wheels in the federal agent's head turning.
Jack Bennett was stalling, taking his time weighing the options he had before him. Not for one minute did he actually believe that Victor would hold true to his word and let the others walk free if he was given Kitty. How could he consciously trade one life for another, play God? And what if something went wrong and Kitty was hurt or killed? But, then again, if he played along it might buy him some valuable time. Time for the marshal to get back into town.
"Well, what's it's gonna' be Jack?" Victor asked, a feeling of victory rushing through his veins.
"Hello Jack, we were wondering if you were going to make it out for supper." Sallie said as she set another place at the table for the late arrival. Noticing his hesitation she urged. "Come on sit down. Supper's almost on the table."
Fidgeting with his hat he graciously declined and stated the reason for his late arrival. "Sallie, thanks but no. I can't stay. I came out to get Kitty." Jack couldn't make eye contact with the petite blond.
"Kitty?! What do you need Kitty for?" Annie asked suddenly very wary of the agent.
"I just need her, now where is she?" Jack asked impatiently.
"She's right here." Came the familiar voice from behind him. Even though she wore a smile there was a hint of worry in her tone.
The agent's nerves were about to get the best of him as he spoke. "Kitty, it's …it's the marshal …" Jack hated like hell to deceive her.
Kitty's hand flew to her mouth. "What about Matt? What's happened?" She didn't try to hide the panic in her voice.
Jack was about to respond when Mae came into the room and stood beside Kitty. "Kitty, what's wrong?" She asked, not taking her eyes from Jack.
"I don't know Jack just said…"
"The marshal's been shot. It's not too serious, but the doctor asked me to come out and get you." Jack tried to sound convincing. "I'm going to take you into town and then I'll come back out here for the night."
The fact that there was no way Matt could have ridden to Spearville and back this quickly never crossed Kitty's mind. Hearing he'd been hurt took away any reasoning power she had. Mae however, wasn't so quick to believe the FBI agent. So she probed a little deeper trying to get more information. "What happened Jack?"
"The marshal was ambushed." Was his short to the point answer. He prayed she didn't ask for any more details.
"Come on Kitty, let's go." Jack impatiently urged, trying to hurry her out for fear more questions would be asked. Without a moment's hesitation Kitty followed Jack out the front door.
Mae and Annie walked to the door and watched Jack help Kitty mount her horse and the two ride out of sight into the dusky horizon. The two women looked at each other, both knowing something wasn't right. Mae couldn't control the chills that ran up and down her body. Not shivers of cold, but shivers of fear. 'Be careful Kitty. Please be careful.'
By the time they had reached Dodge the sun had completely disappeared, leaving the landscape around them nothing but dark shadowy figures. Even though it was just a little after seven, the town was deserted. No lights burned anywhere. It was Sunday night and Dodge City seemed more like a ghost town than the thriving cattle town it was.
Victor's warnings pounded over and over in Jack's head. 'Double cross me and your partner dies.' Nearing the edge of town Jack saw the drop off point, a dark alley. "Let's go down that back alley there." He reined his horse to a halt and Kitty did the same.
"Why?" Kitty questioned the odd request.
"You forget, you are still under protection. Everyone thinks you're in St. Louis, remember. As soon as you see him and know he's all right, you're going right back to the house, do you understand? You are still in grave danger."
Kitty mulled his words for a second before yielding. She didn't want to argue, she just wanted to see her Cowboy and make sure he was OK. "I guess you're right." Kitty waited for Jack to dismount then come and assist her down from her own mare.
Jack wrapped his hands around her slender waist and pulled her off the saddle. He held her protectively and looked into her worried blue eyes. "It's going to be alright. I promise."
Misunderstanding his meaning Kitty smiled warmly and assured the agent. "Matt's a strong man. He'll pull through. Besides he has the best medical attention in all of Kansas." She placed her hands on top of his, still resting on her hips, and patted them a couple of times. His concern for Matt genuinely moved her. Ready to see Matt she gently tried to pry his hands from her waist.
"Kitty, I'm sorry. I promise you everything is going to be fine. Don't worry." Again his eyes bore into hers. He held her gaze with pleading eyes. Pleading for forgiveness.
Confusion clouded her blue eyes as his grip tightened on her waist and she saw the shadowy figure emerge from the alleyway.
"You did good Jack." Victor Lawrence complimented as he stepped out of the shadows.
Kitty's eyes grew wide. The confusion quickly changed to fear as the sound of his voice resounded in her ears. Tears welled up in her eyes, panic seized her body. "Jack?!"
Slowly Jack released his hold on Kitty's waist. "Forgive me. I had no choice." He whispered as his hands left her sides.
"Jack!?" Hot wet tears poured from her eyes as the transfer took place. Fear froze her in place.
Jack closed his eyes as Victor moved closer and took Kitty by the arm. He couldn't bear to look into her pleading sapphire eyes as the madman pulled her away from his grasp. The guilt was almost unbearable as he watched Victor stroke her cheek, wiping the hot tears away. Jack wanted to tear the bastard apart when Lawrence whispered her name and his hungry eyes caressed her body up and down. His breaking point came when Kitty slowly closed her eyes, her breath shallow and her lithe body went rigid as Lawrence bent down and buried his face in her long hair.
"No!" Like a streak of lightening Jack grabbed Kitty by the waist and yanked her out of Victor's grasp. Placing himself between her and maniac, Jack pushed her and yelled. "Run Kitty! Run!"
Jack's sudden actions jerked Kitty out of her trance like state. Adrenaline produced by fear surged through her clearing her mind and sending her body into action. She had no idea where she was running to, but her legs started to move carrying her away from the danger.
"That wasn't very smart." With little effort Victor Lawrence grabbed the federal agent by the collar, whirled him around and knocked him cold with one hard punch.
Victor saw the general direction his Tiger headed and taking long strides quickly followed behind.
Kitty stopped only for a second to catch her breath as she contemplated which way to go. She was on the opposite end of town from the Long Branch and was not as familiar with her surroundings, and being in the dark didn't help the situation. The alley was littered with old crates and overturned barrels making travel extremely treacherous.
Hearing the heavy footsteps coming closer behind her she started running again, still not sure where to go. Tripping over a large crate, a sharp pain pierced her leg as she fell to the hard ground. "Oww!" She gasped as she tried to pick herself up and start moving again.
Her heart was pounding wildly, her eyes were darting from side to side looking for an escape as the steps came closer. To the right she caught site of an open door. Half running, half stumbling she fell through the door into the dark room. Crawling on hands and knees she made her way farther into the abandoned building frantically searching for a place to hide.
"Tiger, I know you're in here. So why don't you just come on out and we can be on our way?" The madman called from the doorway of the abandoned shack.
Silent sobs shook her body as she sat in the far corner of the room. She cupped her hands over her mouth to stopper the cries trying to come out.
"Come on now, my little flower, you know the Flowerman's not gonna' hurt you." He soothed as if trying to lure a scared animal from hiding. "It's been a long time. I just want to see you. I won't hurt you I promise." Victor started making his way into the dark room. After bumping into a table he struck a match, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow.
Kitty scooted around the edge of the wall a little more to avoid being exposed by the light. She was hidden by what looked like some kind of desk. Panic again set in as she quickly glanced around the room and didn't recognize her surroundings. The room was filled with old furniture, desks, chairs, shelves and such, none of which looked familiar to her at all.
Kitty knew he would have to strike another match soon so she looked around to find another place to hide and possibly a way out of the building, when the light went out again. She heard him cuss under his breath as the flame burnt his fingers. While the light was out she moved once again. With her eyes finally adjusting to the darkness she was able to move quietly around the wall while he lit another match.
The two were almost circling each other. As Victor was moving deeper into the room Kitty was making her way back out. Kitty was once again near the door. All she had to do was wait for the match to go out again and she could dart back outside, hopefully unseen.
The path to the door was clear. Her heart pounded wildly as the light in the room disappeared once again. Like a lioness springing forth to attack her prey she bolted for the open door only to have it slam shut before she could reach it. Paralyzing fear trapped her as his body pressed her to the closed exit. She laid her forehead against the wooden door, her hand rested on the broken knob. Her skin crawled as his hot breath moved her hair. She resigned herself to the inevitable as his hands caressed her upper arms.
"Not here. Not now." He assured her, sensing her thoughts. "But soon." He whispered as he cupped his hand over her mouth and nose and waited as her body went limp in his arms.
"You look beautiful." He exclaimed as she came closer. The bodice of her emerald green gown was tight, showing off her tiny waist. The neckline was low cut allowing a man pleasurable viewing of her milky white skin and ample cleavage. The skirt was long and straight with a deep slit revealing a shapely, black stocking covered leg.
Her auburn hair was piled high, while little ringlets danced around her lovely face as she continued to glide toward him. Her manicured fingers toyed seductively with the emerald and diamond choker hugging her slender, graceful neck. Her smile was warm and inviting. Her blue eyes almost black with passion. He had never seen her look more desirable than she did this night.
His growing desire was becoming evident as she drew nearer. When he reached out to touch her she stopped. From thin air a man appeared and stood behind her. The man was dressed in a black suit. "Who are you?" He asked disturbed by the man's unwelcome presence.
"Do you want her?" The man in the suit asked as he rested his large hands possessively on her milky white shoulders. "She is beautiful, isn't she?" He asked, while massaging fingers edged farther and farther down her exposed chest. "You'll have to pay for her. Can you afford her? I don't think so." The man in the suit answered his own question as laughed the most evil laugh he had ever heard.
"Get your hands off her!" The man shouted. He tried to move but couldn't, he seemed to be tied with invisible ropes. He watched helplessly as the stranger fondled and caressed her, touching intimate places. The captive man fought the invisible ropes frantically as he watched the stranger's mouth wonder freely over her neck and shoulders and his hands disappear into the darkness hidden behind the opening in her dress.
"Run! Get away from him!" He shouted to the woman. She didn't move. Her warm, inviting smile remained frozen in place. Her eyes were still dark, but he realized that the darkness was not from passion, but from death. Not a physical death, but a death of soul and spirit. "Run, damn it….
Run Kitty! Get away from him!" Matt Dillon bolted upright in the bed, still fighting with the ropes as he pleaded and begged her. It was just a dream. No more like a nightmare, he corrected his own thought as the horrifying images began to fade.
Trembling and still barely able to catch his breath the big man threw his legs over the edge of the bed. He buried his face in his large, rugged hands and took several deep breaths to try and regain his composure. Running his hand through his hair he found it to be soaking wet. Further inspection found the bed sheets soaked and his own body bathed in sweat.
'Get back to Dodge. Trouble. Needs me.' He mumbled to himself as he pulled his boots on.
Grabbing his hat off the rack, he didn't even bother to extinguish the oil lamp as he walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.