Doc stood at the door to his office and drew a deep breath. He knew that Matt was only a spark away from discharge and that Thomas Brown was mere inches away from the end of his life if Matt got a hold of him in his current state. The whole situation was a mess - including what to do with Jennie before, during and after she had the baby. She couldn't return home; that was a given.
Doc grabbed the door knob and turned it, pushing the door open to the empty room. The doctor walked slowly in and rested both hands on the examination bed and held his head low in thought. After a few minutes he called for Kitty. "Kitty? Can I see you for a moment?" His voice was velvet and low.
Kitty heard him through the door and her ears picked up on his subtle tone. She knew something wasn't right and that Doc was quite concerned about something. "Jennie, I'll be right back. Doc wants to see me. You just finish dressing and We'll get you over to Ma Smalley's and help you settle in..." Kitty's eyes held hope for the young woman that looked up from the edge of the bed. "Thank you Miss Russell. I don't know how I can repay you and Doc. Pa is gonna be awfully angry with me...and Doc 'cause he took me from the farm."
Kitty continued to smile. "You let us worry about those things. Right now you need to take care of yourself!" She blinked her thick eyelashes. "Now you just get ready for Ma's" as kitty prepared to leave the room Jennie started to redress and get ready for her move. Kitty opened the door to the office and stepped through, closing it behind her once again. He was somewhat startled at Doc's demeanor. He leaned forward n the examination table and looked terrible. "Doc? You okay?" She approached.
Doc nodded yes before his eyes lifted to her's. "Yes. But I'm also afraid, too."
Kitty moved closer and placed her arm around the doctor's shoulders. "Why Doc?"
"Oh, Kitty, I had to tell Matt about this." he ticked his head in a familiar way before continuing, "He was livid..."
Kitty tightened her arm over the doctor's weary shoulders. "If you want, I'll talk to Matt." she smiled.
Doc pat and hand on her's that rested on his shoulder. "I know you would, but I can't ask that of you." he sighed, "He want's me to come to the office after I get Jennie settled at Ma's. He sure was angry about this..."
"Yes, I'm sure he is. Things like this don't rest lightly with Matt. You know that." Kitty looked to the door that lead to the back room.
"Yes. I know full well that he doesn't take this lightly. I've see similar cases and I know what Matt is capable of doing..." Doc's crystal blue eyes lifted to Kitty's. "That's what I'm afraid of..." Doc pushed Kitty gently away. "Go and get Jennie and we'll take her to Ma's."
Kitty merely nodded and headed to the door and knocked gently before opening it. "Ready?" she asked Jennie.
"I am Miss Russell. But I can't help wondering what Pa is gonna do...'specially to Doc. My Pa can hold such a powerful grudge..."
Kitty smiled to hide her own fears. "Don't fret. Marshal Dillon will be here and he knows how to handle your Pa." She stepped forward and looped her arm around the young woman. "Now let's get you settled in at Ma Smalley's." The two women left the room and headed to the door from the office. Doc was there to open it and follow them down the stairs and across the street. In the back of his mind, Doc replayed the words he over heard from Jennie - "'specially to Doc." His eyes watched up and down the street for Thomas Brown.
