Chapter 14

It was late now... almost midnight... Matt had decided to catch Doc and Festus up on the situation. And by this time they had all made their way to The Long Branch...

"Well, you know Matthew, I'll do anything I can to help you." Festus shook his head, "It just worries me you goin' off when you ain't all healed up yet."

"I agree." Doc swiped his mustache.

"But, Doc..." Kitty looked around at the table full of tired men. She watched as Parker and Cooper weighed their options. She continued, "Mr. Cooper's family is in danger. He came to Dodge knowing there was a lawman here." She know what that meant. She sighed and continued, "Given that Matt has been through hell the last four weeks..." She looked to Matt before she turned back to Doc, "I know he's healing. He knows he's healing... but we also know we have to do something."

Doc grunted at the stubbornness of the two people he held closest to his heart. He shook his head, "So, I'm suppose to believe that you four are going to get on a train in less than six hours from now... ride three days to Gredala, Mississippi..."

"Grenada, Doc..." Festus corrected.

"What!" Doc already frustrated...

"You called it Gredala. It's Grenada, Mississippi, Doc..." Festus looked around the table to make sure no one else was upset with his correction.

"Fine!" Doc sat up in his chair, "Grenada! Some cowtown in Mississippi that you people are going to wonder into... probably into some dangerous situation." Doc sat back and waved off his temper. Matt lowered his head for a moment. Everyone sat in silence.

Matt looked at Kitty with worrisome eyes. She smiled sweetly. He looked at Doc, "I know how you feel. I know how these things usually end..."

"Yeah, with me digging a bullet out of you!" Doc jumped at the jab, "It's been less than..." Doc paused. He turned and looked at Kitty's loving expression. He stopped. He sat back and sighed, "Matt, you don't know how close..."

"I know, Doc." Matt knew where this was going. "I... I..."

Cooper stood from the table, "Marshal..." He couldn't take it any longer. He sighed, "I'm sorry, I involved you in this." He placed his hat on his head, "Come on, Parker."

Matt stood and grabbed Cooper's arm, "Lane, listen to me." He walked around the table to stand eye to eye with him, "I'm going to help you. That's not a question."

"I don't want your blood on my hands, Marshal." Cooper lowered his head.

"I don't scare that easy, Cooper." Matt stood tall. "I believe in what I believe. Good should always win no matter what the past."

Cooper grunted, "I appreciate that, Marshal."

Matt looked around at the empty room that was only filled with people he cared for and he looked at each. He let out a sigh, "We all need to get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us. It's been a long night and even longer day. You and Parker need to get your things together. Festus will look after things and Doc..." Matt turned to look at his grumpy father-figure. "Well, Doc will be here when I get back..." Doc scoffed and Kitty smiled. Matt turned back to Cooper, "Get your things. Get some rest. Kitty and I will meet you at the train station at 6am. The train leaves at 6:15am. Don't be late!"

Cooper nodded and Parker gathered his things. Parker turned to the group of friends, "You people are simply incredible. It's been an honor to know you."

Kitty stood to walk them to the door. She unlocked it and hugged Parker tightly, "You yourself are quite incredible, John." She smiled, "You two go get some rest. We'll see you in the morning." They tipped their hats and walked out the door.

Doc and Festus stood and walked to the door. Festus turned to Matt, "I'm going to bed, Matthew. I'll see you in the morning."

Matt tipped his hat, "I'm right behind you, Festus."

Kitty turned in confusion at his comment. Doc kissed Kitty on the cheek which startled her from her thoughts, "Oh! Goodnight, Doc." She returned the gesture and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Doc grinned, "You two don't stay up too late." Doc turned to Matt, "I'll see you two in the morning."

"Oh, Doc." Kitty chimed in, "There's no need for you to come see us off."

"Well, there's no need for me to sleep that late anyway." He winked at Kitty.

She smiled, "Goodnight, Curly!" She shut the door behind him and turned to face Matt who had decided to sit back down, "You leaving, Cowboy?" Kitty took her seat next to him.

He took a sip of his beer, "I don't want to keep you up, Kitty."

"What makes you think I'd mind." She teased... Matt smiled. Kitty fixed her dresses, "What's on your mind, Cowboy?" She propped her chin in her hand.

"I'm just a little worried, Kitty." Matt finished the last of his beer. He began to push himself up from the table.

Kitty caught his hand, "Don't think you're leaving me alone after a day like today, mister!"

He chuckled and tugged at her hand. He brought her closer to him and teased, "You'll survive."

"You might not!" She retorted.

Matt laughed, "That sounds like a threat, Miss Russell."

"I don't make threats, Marshal," She slithered up a little closer, "You want to call my bluff?"

"Not on my life!" Matt leaned in to kiss her softly, "Come on, woman. Let's go to bed."

Kitty smiled warmly. Content... they both climbed the stairs. A few hours from now could change everything... so they were completely happy falling asleep in each other's arms... even if it was short lived.

TBC