PT.13

"Lifeline Between The Hearts"

Allison camp

Festus and Jack sat with Jesse, filing him in on everything they knew thus far about what could have possibly happened to Matt. But still unsure about who this other man was. Still not sure if it was Jim Miller or another one of his friends? Matt was still running a fever but was resting more comfortably.

Jesse wondered if it was a good idea to try to reach Beth in Dodge to let her know he was with Matt and what was going on. But then again, he figured they'd be there in a few days themselves.

As Kitty stared at the approaching rider, she looked at Walker. "Looks like we've got company."

"That it does, Miss Russell."

The rider came closer. "Afternoon."

Kitty furrowing her brow even more so. "Who are you?"

"Why, Ma'am, I'm United States Marshal Dil…"

Before he could finish, "No you're not. You're not Marshal Dillon."

"Why, Ma'am, but I am. Here are my credentials and my badge."

"Nah uh. No! You're not Matt Dillon. You've done something to him." As she looked at him closer, she realized she recognized his face. "You're the drover that shot Amy in the Long Branch. I remember your face."

"Well, lady, I was kinda hopin' you wouldn't remember me cause that's not good for you."

"WHY?" She asked. Suddenly she realized, Walker wasn't saying anything and that the two were just looking back and forth at one another.

Then Walker spoke. "Look, Miller, she made it easy. She paid me to bring her out here. All people need to think is, well, we were ambushed."

"What?" Kitty yelled out. "Are you crazy?"

"Miss Russell, you women will never learn to sit and be seen and not heard."

"Why you… UGH! You're not gonna get away with this."

"What is this, Miss Russell?"

"What ever you think you're doing, that's what." Now her redheaded temper was flaring.

Walker, get her down from there. Ditch the buggy. Set the horse loose. Make it look good."

"Hey, what are you gonna do with me?"

"Don't worry, honey, we'll find use for you." Then Miller just laughed.

After ditching the buggy and burning it, he grabbed Kitty by the arm. "Come on, honey, you'll ride with me. That way I can keep an eye on you." Pulling her up onto his horse.

"Ouch! My arm. Take it easy. You trying to break it?"

"Will if I have to."

"Real gentlemen aren't you?"

After riding a bit, Miller kept pulling tighter around her waist. Shivering, she tried to pull loose.
You're hurting me. Can we stop for a little while? Besides where are we going?" She asked.

"Oh, honey, you'll see. It will be nice and cozy for you. Then we can get to know each other. You'll see."

"Don't count on it." She snapped back. Kitty was getting exhausted and hungry.

Finally, the three came upon a cabin. The door opened and an older woman came from inside. Kitty looked shocked. "Where are we?"

"This will be home for now." Miller said. "Make the best of it." Miller got down then pulled Kitty down as well. Walker took their horses to the barn. "Granny! We're back."

"Ahhh, boys. You brought company."

"Yep! This here is Kitty. She's, ah… she's my new bride."

Looking shocked. "Your what!?"

"Oh, hush now, honey, no need to be embarrassed. Granny here, she'll make you right at home."

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Come now, child. You look tired. Bet you're hungry too."

"I… I…" As she walked away with the old woman, He slapped her backside. Looking over her shoulder, "You do that again and I'll kill you." He just laughed.

Inside, the old woman looked at Kitty. "You need to freshen up, honey? Must have been a long hard ride."

"Yes, it was. But look, I need you to listen to me. I'm not…"

"Oh, now child, I understand. We can talk some later. You need food and rest then we can talk and get to know each other more. We are family now."

"That's just it. No we're not."

"Married sudden like, huh?"

"No!" Kitty insisted. "We're not married. I barely know them at all. They kidnapped me. Don't you understand?"

The old woman handed Kitty a plate of hot food and coffee. "Here you go, child. Kitty is it?"

"You're not listening to me at all, are you? Ummmm, this smells great. I am hungry and tired. Thank you. What's your name?" Kitty asked.

Smiling a sweet gentle smile, "Oh, you can just call me Granny. That's what everyone calls me. My real name is Abigail but you can call me Granny."

Exhausted and hungry, Kitty just smiled back at her, nodding her head. "Ok, Granny." After finishing the plate of food, Kitty sat in a chair by the window. Her eyes heavy, in a light mumble she said, "Oh, Cowboy, I'm so sorry. Please hold on. I'm coming. I don't know how but I promise, I'll find you." Then she drifted off to sleep.

TBC