Doc opened up the door to his office and moved aside so Matt could bring in Kitty. The Marshal placed her on the exam table and stepped back as Doc moved in. "Kitty," he said before taking out his pocket watch. "We're home honey."
Matt watched silently as Doc tended to Kitty but all the while his mind was racing to figure out a way to keep Cooper from taking the physician and Festus with him.
As the Marshal, his jurisdiction was wide and broad but an order from the Governor could supersede his authority but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out how Cooper was able to obtain such an order when the Governor wouldn't even return his or Judge Brooker's telegrams.
"Doc," Kitty said slowly looking around. "So tired."
"I know you are," Doc said swiping at his mustache before he covered her. "You just lay there and rest."
Matt knew the older man well enough to know by the look on his face, he was worried. And, it wasn't just about his situation. "Doc," Matt said with a nod toward Kitty. "She going to be alright."
Doc took a quick breath before he looked at Matt. "If she's kept quiet and still, I don't think she'll lose the baby, Matt."
"But," Matt said worriedly.
"But," Doc replied shacking his head. "If she gets upset and worried, I don't think she'll have a chance of having this baby. I'm sorry, Matt. There's only so much I can do."
Matt turned to look at the door as Sheriff Cooper came up the stairs to the landing outside.
"Matt," Doc said grabbing his arm when the Marshal started for the door. "I don't want any trouble, it's just going to make things harder."
"I can't believe you're so willing to go with him and throw everything away," Matt said angrily as Doc shook his head no.
"I'm not, Matt," he said slowly. "In fact, I'm hoping, really hoping that you're going to find me a way out of this but until that happens, don't you think it's better for everyone if I just go along with Cooper."
Matt sighed in frustration because he knew, Doc was right. It didn't make it any easier to swallow but the Marshal knew, if he put up a fight the out come wouldn't be good for any of them. "What about, Kitty?" Matt said meeting his eyes. "Don't you think your absence won't take a toll on her?"
"That's where, I'm going to need your help," Doc said patting his back. "If you love me, like you love her, then you'll keep her from getting to upset that I'm gone, understand?"
"Yeah," Matt said quietly. "I'll be there before any trial takes place and I'll have the orders from the Governor rescinded!"
"Now that's what I want to hear," Doc said grabbing his coat. "C'mon now, lets not keep the Sheriff waiting."
Cooper took a step back as Doc opened the door and stepped outside. "Put these on," he ordered holding out a pair of shackles.
"That's not necessary," Matt said with a low growl.
"I believe it is, Marshal!" Cooper replied. "He's already disappeared once!"
"It's fine," Doc said shooting Matt a look while holding out his hands for Cooper. "I'm not planning on giving the Sheriff any trouble!"
"Well, that's gratifying to know," Cooper said snapping the shackles shut. "Let's go, Doctor! My deputies already have Haggen ready to go!"
"Doc," Matt said slowly. "You take care and I'll be there soon."
"Sure, I will," Doc said with a nod. "Besides, that stubborn mule'll be with me."
"Yeah," Matt said suddenly regretting that he had taken them away from the cabin. At least, they had been safe there, he thought as Cooper followed the physician down the stairs.
Matt closed the door before turning around and slowly walking over to where Kitty slept. Gently picking her up, he carried her into Doc's spare room and put her in the bed as Newly walked into Doc's office with Judge Brooker.
"Marshal," Brooker said when Matt emerged from the room. "How's Miss Russell?"
"She'll be alright, Judge," Matt replied purposely failing to mention the pregnancy. "Doc said, she was just exhausted."
"Good," Brooker said as Matt crossed his arms. "I can feel your frustration, Matt and I share it! I've already made arrangements to meet with the Governor regarding Doctor Adams and deputy Haggen's situation. I believe like you do that this could have been handled locally."
"It's not that I don't want to see justice served, Judge but in this matter there's nothing amiss, Doc acted in self defense and the last thing that should happen is a miscarriage of justice," Matt said angrily. "Besides, I have a personal reason for needed to get him back as soon as possible."
"I understand and I'll do everything I can to help," Judge Brooker said with a nod.
As Brooker left, Newly looked at Matt for orders. "Do me a favor will you Newly," Matt said hesitantly. "Go get Ma Smalley, tell her Kitty needs her help!"
"Sure, Marshal," he said as Matt returned to Kitty's side.
"Hold on honey," Matt said taking her hand in his. "I'm going to bring him back, I promise!"