Kitty Russell sat her table at the back of her saloon, with her business books around her – accounting wasn't her favourite past time, but it had to be done, and so far, despite everything that had happened and the possible loss of revenue, the books were looking pretty good, which made her happy. She looked up at the bar, where Nathan Burke was filling in for a tired Louie Pheeters – she cold tell by the look on Burke's face that he was annoyed.
Kitty closed her ledger, and pushed away from the table to stand. Her body still ached from the beating and other physical punishment that Jared and his gang administered. She pursed her lips and drew a breath through her nose before she felt strong enough to walk over to talk Burke.
The shipping clerk begrudgingly busied himself by wiping some washed glasses and he only stopped once Kitty stood at the bar across from him, "You look troubled, what's the matter," she asked.
Burke shrugged, "Nothing. Why?" he answered.
"Sure there is. The way you are wiping the glasses and muttering to yourself, says to me that something is wrong," Kitty responded.
Burke huffed, "Well you know I have a job too," he grumbled placing the clean glass down.
Kitty nodded, "Yes, I know, but Louie needed a day off," he stated. "How many times can you count the boxes in the warehouse, anyway?" she asked. Burke was about to answer but Kitty went on, "It's not like you do a steady business like Jonas and its only one day," she added.
Burke's mouth dropped open, "I sure hope Sam comes back soon," he snapped and picked up another glass to dry.
Kitty sighed, "So do I," she said as she walked back to her table and sat down, pulling another ledger toward herself - now it was time to look at the inventory. Kitty opened the book just as there was a familiar shuffle coming across the floor, she looked up to see Doc making his way to her table, "Hi, Doc," she smiled.
Doc ticked his head, "Kitty," he smiled back as he lowered himself onto a chair at the table. "It's another scorcher out there," he said as he removed his hat, placing on the chair next to him. He then pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and mopped his brow.
"Why don't you take your coat off and have a nice cold beer with me?" Kitty said as she closed her book and pushed aside with the other one.
"By golly, that sounds like something a doctor would prescribe!" he smiled as he firmly patted the green felt-covered table before pulling his coat off, draping over the back of the same chair his hat was on. Kitty laughed and called over to Burke, "Two beers, Burke," she ordered.
Burke made a face and poured two mugs of beer then delivered them to the table. "Have one yourself," Kitty said looking up at the shipping clerk. There was no argument there, and Burke hustled back to the bar and quickly poured himself a frothy mug of ale. Doc watched on with interest, until he looked over to Kitty, "How did you manage to get him to help?" he asked taking a sip.
Kitty chuckled, "I told him he could keep the tips."
Doc almost spewed his beer across the table knowing that there weren't that many tips left at the end of the day, but thinking the way Burke does, he figured he'd clean up. "I'd like to be around at closing," he said sarcastically, causing Kitty to chuckle.
Their jovial mood swung, when the swing doors opened and Festus Haggen strutted into the saloon, waving a piece of paper, "Doc! Miss Kitty! It's a message from Matthew!" he exclaimed as he handed the telegram to the doctor. Doc held the message so he could read it without his glasses, "Jared and gang captured. Missing one. Arriving in Dodge on Friday train. Judge Brooker has been notified. Stop," the physician read. He looked up into Kitty's eyes and saw both happiness and dread. There was silence at the table as Kitty, Doc and Festus each thought of their own scenario about what was to come.
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It was nearly eleven thirty am and the freight office had the cattle car loaded with the posse's horses. Matt and the others organized themselves on the platform – Jared and his men were shackled and the wrists and ankles, together. The marshal knew that given the slightest chance, Jared would attack and run, but there was no chance of that.
Sheriff Wells walked up the wooden platform and stopped near Matt, "How's your arm?" Matt asked.
"Oh, it'll be fine. How's your shoulder?" Wells asked back.
"It will be all right too," Matt answered. He then sighed, "Truth be known, I'll be happy to get back to Dodge and get this over with," Matt said as he adjusted his arm in the sling. Wells nodded in understanding, "It will be over soon," he said looking over his shoulder to the men in chains, "I really don't understand where they come from," he said looking back at Matt – he had no answers.
The steam engine's whistle sounded, "Thanks for your help," Matt said extending his hand. Wells gladly took it and shook it, "Good luck," he smiled. Matt gave a quick nod and stepped away from the sheriff to watch the prisoners get onboard.
Within five minutes, the engine huffed and pulled away from the Cimarron station, heading east toward Dodge, which would be less than a half an hour – Matt, Newly and Sam were grateful to be heading home, however, neither of them would rest until Jared and his men were behind bars. The look of disdain was etched deeply into Jared Baker's furrowed brow – John Calder looked like a cage animal and the other two seemed to no longer care.
The trip back to Dodge was much quicker and direct than the winding trials the posse followed to catch up with Jared's gang. The train chugged slower and again the whistle sounded signalling the next stop Dodge. Several other passengers stood up and moved to the doors passing Matt, Newly and Sam, while trying not to look at the group of prisoners that sat in the front corner. Calder blew one of the women a kiss, causing her to yelp. Matt stood and glared at the outlaw – he was in no mood to play games – his whole body ached and his face hurt from the cuts and bruises he received in the fight with Baker.
The train slowed and finally stopped and with the conductor announcing Dodge as the next stop, Newly and Sam were also now standing.
Matt motioned for the shackled men to their feet and they slowly moved to the doorway where Matt nudged them along, "Get moving," he ordered, nudging them toward the door.
Festus and a few other armed men waited on the platform for Matt's arrival with the prisoners, "Matthew," the hill man greeted his boss and friends.
"Good to see you, Festus," Matt smiled slightly. His eyes drifted over to where Kitty waited with Doc. "Take them to the jail and lock them up tight," he said looking back at Festus who nodded. The deputy pushed the men along, Sam and Newly followed them to make sure no one escaped.
Matt watched for a second and then walked over to see Kitty and Doc. "Oh, Matt!" Kitty exclaimed looking the marshal from head to foot.
"It looks worse than it feels," Matt grunted.
Doc chuckled, "Famous last words," he said as he drew his right hand across his moustache, before e ticked his head. Matt made a face, "I'll talk to you both later," he said as he turned and walked toward the jail house. "I'm glad you're home, cowboy," Kitty smiled. Matt stopped and smiled back, then continued on his way.