Dark Reflection
Chapter 30
"In Extremity"
by Lilyjack
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"It's a cryin' shame, Mr. Dillon. That's all you kin say about it." Chester's long-faced expression mirrored what everyone in the room was feeling.
"Hell-fire! Beggin' yer pardon, Miss Kitty…" Deke Bowman blurted out in consternation. "But why would anybody wanna throw Hank Miller in the calaboose?"
Lafe Whitcomb cleared his throat and quietly explained, "Well, ol' Hank was awful fired up after he got in that scrape with Judas Grundy and Johnny Dante over what they owed yesterday at the stable. You know Hank don't take no guff off nobody."
"Don't I know it," Ocie snorted. "One time Hank 'bout tanned my hide when I…"
"Now, Ocie, let Lafe tell his story, son," interrupted Doc. "Go ahead, Lafe, what else didja hear?"
Lafe, unaccustomed to talking so much, shifted his big booted feet and gave a quick glance at all the men standing around the cramped cellar room, Kitty sitting propped up in her cot against pillows. She appeared wan but was at least awake. Self-consciously clearing his throat again, he elaborated, "Well, seems they caught Hank at the telegraph office tryin' to git Barney Danches t' send a wire fer him. Sheriff musta' not liked what it said or maybe who it was a'goin' to, cause they up and throwed Hank in jail and Barney along with 'im."
Matt frowned, thoughtfully scratching his cheek which was in dire need of a shave. "Do you know what it said, son?"
"Nossir. I just know that Hank and Barney are sittin' in jail right this very minute."
Doc complained, "Well, I never… What's this town coming to when a man can't send a telegram or speak his mind?!"
Kitty added bitterly, "Or a woman…"
She'd said it under her breath, but the remark was heard, and all eyes focused on her, remembering what she had endured and why. They fell silent for a moment, every last one of them contemplating what they would do to Silas Blackthorne and all the rest of his bunch given half a chance. Finally, Ocie quietly murmured, "Miss, I shore am thankful yer feelin' a mite better now."
Kitty softly smiled and replied, "I owe every last one of you a debt of gratitude for what you did for me."
Then everyone began talking at once, exclaiming that it'd been their pleasure to help out what little they could, how happy they were she was doing better, and how she'd be up and around again in no time a'tall.
Doc waved his hands, blustering, "Alright! Alright! I didn't mean for ever' last one of you to crowd in here and bother Miss Russell all at once. I told you she was feelin' a little stronger so you could peek in and say hello, not stay for supper! Now get on outta here and let her get some rest."
"Okay, Doc…"
"Bye now, Miss…"
"We'll see you again real soon, Miss Kitty, won't we, Doc?"
They all filtered out the door, tipping their hats in farewell before they headed down the hall.
"Oh, Doc," Kitty began to protest. "I'm fine. I just…"
"Don't argue with me, young lady. I can see you holdin' your belly. Are you cramping? Why didn't you say so? I know you don't like takin' medicine, but it'll help soothe your symptoms and you'll end up feelin' better in the long run." Doc quickly fetched her a single pill and a splash of water in a small glass.
She frowned but took it. "It makes me sleepy."
"That's alright. Sleep is the great healer," Doc pronounced firmly, replacing the empty glass on the little table.
Chester offered, "Here, let me fix yer pillows for ya…" He began fussily plumping and rearranging.
Doc instructed, "Chester, she needs to lie back again and get some rest now. I don't want anyone disturbing her."
Chester replied, "Okay, Doc. Just lemme straighten up yer covers, then. Lay back and git you some shuteye like Doc says. I'll go on up and see Charlie 'bout that bath yer a'wantin'."
"Thank you, Chester," Kitty smiled wearily.
Doc groused, "Now, Chester, I don't want her catchin' cold, you hear me? She's in a weakened condition right now, and…"
"Oh, Doc, don't be such a worrywart," Chester retorted. "She just wants a little spit bath is all. A lady needs to feel…"
"Oh, all right!" Doc huffed. "But it hasta' be fast."
"Okay, Doc, okay," Chester acquiesced. "And I'll make sure the water is nice and warm."
Matt's chest was feeling tight. He was trying really hard to remain objective and calm, but Chester's solicitousness with Kitty was unnerving. He couldn't get used to this. He felt his gut churning as he stepped out into the hallway. Doc told Kitty to sleep well before joining Matt, and they both observed in wonder as Chester nimbly step-hopped up the stairs in search of Charlie Fitz.
Matt shook his head and gazed down at the shorter man, changing the subject roiling presently through his mind. "Doc, something has to be done about this so-called sheriff and his men. This…has to stop."
Doc nodded wearily. "I know, but who's gonna stop it? You've seen how brutal they can be. And there's so dadblasted many of 'em!"
"What about me? What about all of us?"
"Matt, there are only a few of us. And I don't wanna rain on your parade, but you're not exactly fit for duty yet."
"I'm gettin' stronger every day, Doc. Trouble is, it's almost impossible…for me to aim a gun properly wearing this patch."
Doc nodded and elucidated, "You've got no depth perception with only one good eye." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Actually, you could theoretically adjust your form to compensate, but it would take a lotta practice. But where in heaven's name would you practice?"
"I could go way out on the prairie."
"That's true, but you'd have to be mighty careful. Silas Blackthorne thinks you're dead and buried. And for good reason! He was ready to kill you."
"I know, Doc, and I'm mighty grateful for what you did for me. I know how…dangerous it was, helping me out."
Doc waved a hand dismissively. "You'd've done the same thing for me, young feller. If I were you though, I'd stay completely outta sight. You'd have to move around very carefully."
"I will, Doc. If I were seen, that'd put you and Ocie and even Lafe…in jeopardy, too, because you were the ones who told everyone I was dead."
"Well…" Doc rubbed his now clean-shaven chin thoughtfully. "Just don't overdo it, son. You've found out firsthand what can happen if you do too much."
"Yeah, Doc, I understand. But earlier, I pushed myself because there was…somethin' I had to do." Matt's expression turned dark. "We accomplished that together, but now we need to do more."
Doc nodded gravely. "I agree with you. Something has to be done. But what?"
"We'll figure that out as we go, Doc. But first, I need…to get ready. Are you with me?"
"I'm with you, son." Doc cocked his head pointedly toward the little room where Kitty lay, eyes closed, breathing evenly. "I don't want anything like what happened to Miss Russell to ever happen again. Matt, you're right. Someone has to do something before matters get any worse."
tbc
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