AUTHOR'S NOTE:
My sincere thanks and a tip of the ol' Stetson to the legendary lostcowgirl for lending her expertise to me on the history of 19th century railroad expansion in Kansas for this chapter.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Matt's last stop before leaving town was the Long Branch. He rode Buck over and tied him out front. Rob greeted him.
"Hey, Marshal! Good to see you. Miss Kitty's in her office with one of the drummers. She should be out in a few minutes. You want a beer?"
"No thanks, Rob. I'll just wait for her."
Matt sat at their favorite table and let his mind wander. His life was probably going to change again. Would he be able to handle it? Like Kitty said, there wouldn't be any going back. And as soon as he was completely lost in that thought, she stepped out of the office, saying goodbye to the drummer.
Matt stood and took his Stetson off. Some things, by gosh, were never going to change. Rob, Sam, Festus, well, all of their friends were never going to see anything but gentlemanly courtesy from Matt, even if Kitty was his wife. He just treasured her.
"You're all ready to go."
"Yep. Festus is officially in charge."
"Well, come on in the office and we'll say good-bye."
Neither of them liked public displays. They allowed a hand hold, a hug, an occasional kiss on the cheek in front of their friends, and none of those things in front of strangers. Kitty had grown accustomed to it over the years, and now actually liked it since they were married. Their passion was fulfilled. But it was for private times behind closed doors. Let people wonder.
Matt closed the door behind him.
"That was the drummer from Northern Lights in Denver. He's got a real good lead for me on a lady that might be perfect for the Long Branch. I'll send her a letter and invite her to come and interview.
"Glad you're looking for someone. You signed on for new responsibilities now, you know."
"Oh, do tell!" She leaned back and smiled up at him. And how exactly is that going to happen with you always riding out of town?"
Matt gave her a deep kiss.
"Patience, my sweet. All good things come to those who have a little patience! I'll be back by Saturday." He paused a moment and then went in for another kiss.
"I'll stop at one of the ranches between here and Ashland tonight. Too cold to sleep on the prairie. Ashland has a telegraph office. I'll wire you tomorrow when I get there."
She stroked his cheek tenderly.
"All right. Guess I'll just have to wait here. Be careful, Matt."
XOXOXO
By the time Matt hit Bluff Creek, he and Buck were ready to find a bunk. He pulled his collar up against the cold breeze, heading on South, knowing with the ample water this year-round creek provided he'd soon be in ranching country. He decided he'd stop at Dave Henry's place just before dark. Dave was a friend, and he knew if for any reason Dave wasn't around, he could just hole up in the barn. Sure would be nice to have a fire and some coffee, though. As luck would have it, the house was lit up and smoke was coming from the chimney.
"Matt Dillon, doggone it, it's sure good to see you!" Dave greeted him at the door. "Come in, come in!"
"Thanks Dave. Say, I'm on my way to Ashland. Thought I'd see if I could put my horse up for the night, maybe even get some coffee."
"Of course! I hadn't noticed how late it was getting. Let's get your horse put up. Then you're going to join Susan and me for supper. You can bunk here in the house tonight. Doggone it, it's sure good to see you!"
As he and Dave made small talk while they looked after Buck, Matt's mind wandered. One of the sheer delights of this job was the friends he'd made out here. These hard working, down to earth people who would welcome him at any time of the day or night were so special. Each year in this job he'd met more of them. It was a good feeling.
Susan had beef stew on the stove, and the whole house smelled of well-seasoned meat and home-made bread.
"Well, Matt Dillon!" Susan grinned and gave Matt a big hug. "What a treat to have you! Let me get you a drink before you help us polish off this stew. I have rye or I can get you a beer."
"Just some coffee would be great."
"Here comes Dave. Let's sit and you can tell us what brings you down this way. Pray tell we don't have some bank robber holed up in the bluffs again!"
Matt chuckled. She was right. The last time he'd seen Dave and Susan he was after the Ewing boys and the money from the bank at Elkader they had in their saddlebags. The bluffs above the creek were a favorite resting place for bandits heading south to Texas. With the help of Dave and three of his cowboys, Matt was able to capture them.
"Actually this trip is a lot different. I'm guessing you've heard about the new Santa Fe spur that's going to run through Ashland to Englewood."
"We trade in Ashland. That's all they're talking about down there." Dave volunteered.
"Which means?" Matt was adept at questioning. The last thing he wanted here was a one or two word answer.
"Which means there's a lot of people can't wait for the new spur, and there's a lot of people ready to go to war over where that track is gonna run. I mean it when I say that's all they're talking about."
"I guess that's what Governor Osborn and my boss at the War Department are figuring. I'm the official federal emissary. The governor wants to show the Santa Fe he's so fully behind the project that it has federal law enforcement backing, too. But I'm supposed to help snuff the concerns about eminent domain for those folks. I'll find out a lot more about it at the big meeting Thursday. Somebody from the state will be there."
"Sounds like we might just be seeing more of you soon." Susan volunteered while she dished up their food.
"Really enjoy seeing you folks. But I sure hope not! I hope this goes like clockwork."
"Matt, the railroad is going to go where the railroad needs to go." Dave said. "It's just a matter of time. Someday there's going to be a line from Dodge all the way to Amarillo."
"You might just be right. And that'll help the Texas ranchers a lot. They'll be able to eliminate the drives. But even more likely it'll open from Amarillo right on into Kansas City. When that happens, I'll be out of work."
"You really think so?" Dave went on.
"Direct access to the buyers and the stockyards, Dave. Dodge will lose its major trade partner. Town's growing like crazy right now. But it's all because of the cattle business growing so fast. Big city people want their Texas beef."
"The railroad's gotta go through a lot of Oklahoma and that means a lot of Indian territory," Dave said.
"Sure. That's why the drives are still coming to Dodge. Fortunately Indian affairs isn't my responsibility. The big guys are going to have to work that one out."
Susan interrupted, eager to move the conversation off business.
"Matt, guess what we heard! We heard you'd got married!" She smiled and put her hand gently on his arm.
"Clear down here, you already heard that?" Matt was beaming.
"Congratulations! One of Jake Wirth's boys came through and told us," Dave said. "You married the lady who owns the Long Branch?"
"Indeed I did. Kitty Russell." Then he chuckled and corrected himself. "Actually, her name's Kitty Dillon."
Dave kept up it up. "So, Matt, how's it feel to be half owner of such a big saloon?"
"She introduces me as her silent partner." They all laughed at Matt's well used line. Dave tipped his glass to Matt.
"Well, congratulations to both of you! Nice thing to have a great wife!" He beamed over at Susan. "Darned good to have your best friend with you all the time. Matt, if you want to stay on your way back, just drop in. Lights are on till about nine. If it's later just help yourself to the barn. Lantern hangs right in the doorway."
XOXOXO
Festus stood on the boardwalk across Front Street and watched the passengers file off the stage from Hays City. There were two women among the group. One of them sure looked like she could be Matt's girlfriend. He watched as the stage driver directed both women to the Dodge House, and then headed over to the Long Branch. He found Kitty doing inventory behind the bar.
"Miss Kitty, I need ta' talk to ya' just a little bit."
"Sure, Festus, go ahead!" She smiled up at him.
Festus looked around to make sure the few cowboys in the place couldn't possibly listen in. And he lowered his voice to nearly a whisper, just for good measure. It was sure uncharacteristic of the hill man, and it got Kitty's attention.
"A lady just got off the Hays stage that might be the one Matthew's a-watchin' for. He told me ta' tell ya' if I might see her. She went ta' the Dodge House."
"Thank you, Festus."
"Waaal now, I might just hang around here till we see if she's up ta' somethin'. I promised Matthew . . ."
"It's fine, Festus. I appreciate that, but it's fine. Rob's here today, Sam will be in at five. There won't be a problem."
"Waaal now, see here, I should . . ."
Kitty smiled and patted his arm.
"Tell you what, Festus. You come back for a beer before supper. You can walk me home, and I'll cook supper. We have some fried pork chops with potatoes and gravy. Sound good?"
The quickest way to get Festus to shift gears was to get him thinking about a beer and a good meal. It worked.
"You got 'cherself a deal, Miss Kitty. Why, I'll jes be thinkin' about that all afternoon!" And he headed out the batwings.
XOXOXO
Matt rode into Ashland at two. His first stop was the telegraph office to send a quick wire to Kitty. A promise was a promise. He'd been making a lot of them lately. Then he got Buck settled at the livery and headed over to the sheriff's office.
The rugged looking man stood up when Matt walked in.
"You must be Marshal Dillon," he said as he extended his hand. "Been expecting you! I'm Pat Suhr, please call me Pat. Sure is nice to meet you."
"Pat, same here. I'm Matt Dillon, based in Dodge. You must have taken over from Sheriff Hale then."
"Yessir, that's right. But Ashland was without a sheriff for two years after Hale died. You knew him?"
"He was a good friend. Almost made it to retirement."
Matt paused a moment, not really knowing whether to go on about Hale. It brought back awful memories; a lot that he didn't want to dredge up.
"I was in Ashland right after he was killed, Pat. I was trailing the guy who killed him. Guess I just didn't get here soon enough. It's a long story."
Sheriff Pat saw the need, and immediately changed the subject.
"Well, Matt, you know where the hotel is. There's a room held for you. The café has a good special every night till seven. Meeting starts at eight in the morning in the private room at the café. We don't have much else in town for meeting rooms, so that's it. I think a couple other state guys are already at the hotel. Maybe you'll run into them."
Matt thanked the sheriff, headed out onto the boardwalk, and decided a whiskey sounded good. He walked into the saloon with his saddlebags and overnight gear, looking every bit like a stranger from out of town. He took a table where he could set his gear out of the way. An attractive blonde greeted him with the standard, "What'll it be, mister?"
That's as far as it went while their eyes met and each studied the other briefly, doing a double take. She spoke first.
"Well, I don't believe it! You're Matt Dillon from Dodge! I'd know you anywhere!" A big smile crossed her face.
"You got it right. And I'm embarrassed cause I remember you real well and I can't say your name."
"Rose Ellen Suhr. I was Rose Ellen Thomas back then. It's been five years, wouldn't expect you to even remember me, much less my name. How you been, Matt?" Her smile was genuine.
"Good. Good, Rose Ellen." Matt was struggling to make conversation. He clearly remembered Rose Ellen and the difficult circumstances last time he saw her. She picked up on his hesitation.
"Well, I'll get that drink for you. Whiskey maybe?"
"Perfect, Rose Ellen, thanks."
Matt only had a minute to gather himself by the time she returned with his drink.
"You were living out at your Dad's ranch last time I saw you."
"Yep." Uninvited, she sat at a chair across from Matt. "You can go ahead and remember the rest of it. Go ahead! I was Loy Bishop's girl. Or at least Loy thought I was. I tried to get you to take me back to Dodge with you, remember?"
"Yeah, sure. I remember." He twirled his whiskey glass. "You saved my life, Rose Ellen. Loy Bishop was gonna hang me."
"Ah, yes. But at a price, remember? I wanted to be your girl. To go to Dodge with you and be your girl. You remember that part?"
Matt stopped. His mind was racing. Not again! Not another Belle! Hadn't seen either of these women in years! This just couldn't be happening again right now. What does she want? What is she going to do about this? Rose Ellen easily picked up on his tension. The genuine smile was right back on her face. She patted the back of his hand gently.
"I didn't mean to worry you. I see that on your face. I'm sorry. That was a long time ago. I sold the ranch and moved into town here. Worked here at the saloon for two years and then I bought into it. I'm part owner. And I married Mike Suhr last year. He's Sheriff Pat's brother. I'm about as happy as I can be, Matt. Don't worry, I'm not going to try to hustle you. Not ever again. You're safe in Ashland!" Now she had a big grin on her face.
Matt sighed in relief and downed his whiskey. Apparently the color had returned to his face, because Rose Ellen had already made her way to the bar to get the bottle for a refill.
XOXOXO
Matt spent most of the morning trying to stay awake. He was trying to decide which was worse, business meetings or paperwork. Probably business meetings. Paperwork let a guy nod off once in a while without being noticed. He listened politely while John Finch and his partner Gabe Barlowe each took a turn at presenting the state's commitment to the railroad expansion. The citizens' committee and the sheriff asked enough questions of them and the engineer from the Santa Fe, that the morning was completely filled up. It was apparent that the power of eminent domain was a hot topic. Finch and Barlowe made constant assurances that no one would be forced off his land. The engineer repeatedly proposed alternate rights-of-way. It was obvious that without Kansas state presence, the engineer would have been thrown to the wolves. The sun was moving rapidly to the west when John Finch finally turned the tide.
"Gentlemen, I'd like to ask U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon to speak to us. The marshal is based in Dodge City. The entire state is his jurisdiction, so we're real honored to have him."
Matt raised his hand and nodded to the group but kept his seat to talk. He was mindful of his commanding presence and decided it best to stay on an even keel without intimidating any of the players.
"Thank you, John," Matt began. "I'd like to point out some things that really haven't been discussed yet. "There are eight of you here on the citizen's committee, and I'm guessing that each of you has a business or a business interest in Ashland." He paused for a moment, looking around the room. All eight men were nodding in agreement.
"The Santa Fe spur will be a boon to Ashland's farmers and ranchers. You'll have the perfect way to ship your grain and cattle east. But even more important, if that's possible, it'll be a boon to Ashland's businesses. West Texas cattle will be driven from Amarillo to Ashland. Some of them can be loaded here and shipped directly to Wichita and beyond. Every man from a Texas ranch who comes here will spend money here. The trade is growing fast. Take it from me, Dodge City grew with the railroad, and it is busting at the seams. Dodge can't handle it all. It's going to be a few years before treaties in Oklahoma will allow railroad expansion directly from Amarillo to Kansas City. Until then, Ashland is the winner. You're going to grow. And whatever you decide to do about the business after that is completely in your hands."
The men in the room were looking at each other and nodding in agreement.
"There's more that hasn't been pointed out yet. Supply wagons coming into Ashland are prime targets for the Kiowa. The railroad will solve that problem. And with the new Santa Fe service, your families will have the benefit of rail travel into big cities in Eastern Kansas and in Missouri, too. Construction is underway for a new laying-in hospital in Wichita. A doctor could even get here to Ashland on the train. City Hospital in Kansas City has been open for a year now. But the railroad needs to be right here at town where it's easy for ranchers, farmers, and citizens alike to use."
Matt listened while the men in the room enthusiastically talked about better delivery of much needed supplies, and of better access to medical care. He'd done his best to move the discussion in the room from confrontational to positive. He made sure everyone in the room had a stake in the railroad's success. When the chatter on the floor finally died down, he delivered the punch.
"I'm here today to assure all of you that my employer, the U.S. government, is fully behind this project. We're ready to defend it, and make sure it happens. You've seen here that the state of Kansas and the Santa Fe are willing to accommodate any citizen with a concern about eminent domain. The railroad is not going to take your property. The railroad is going to work with you to lay out the location that works best for everyone. There may be a few concessions, but there's not going to be a mass land seizure. You have the assurance of Governor Osborn, as Mr. Finch and Mr. Barlowe have clearly pointed out. And you have my assurance that the federal government is behind you and this project one hundred percent. We stand ready to arbitrate any disputes. The railroad, gentlemen, is coming to Ashland."
XOXOXO
"It's nice to meet you ladies. I know Miss Kitty is hiring. She's in her office, I'll tell her you're here." Rob walked to the office door and knocked.
"Miss Kitty, there's a Miss Taylor and a Miss Johnson here to talk to you about work."
Kitty looked up from her work and paused. It wasn't often two girls came to see her at once. Sure sounded like good fortune. She walked out to assess the situation.
"Hello ladies," she smiled. "Welcome! I'm Kitty Dillon. I own the Long Branch." She shook hands first with the lady who introduced herself as May Johnson, and then Denise Taylor. Both of the women were fairly plain, but each was well groomed and had a pleasant face.
"May, I'll talk with you first. Why don't you come in my office?" May looked confident and outgoing. Kitty chose her as the more promising possibility.
"Kitty is . . . Kitty Dillon?" Denise said to Rob, trying to get him to open up.
"Yes ma'am. That's right. She'll talk with you in just a bit."
Denise didn't take the hint. "So she's related to the marshal . . ."
"She's Mrs. Matt Dillon. Do you know the marshal?"
"Oh, no, no, nothing like that. I'm from Abilene. Everybody over our way has heard of him. He's pretty famous."
Rob just smiled and nodded and went back to his work.
When May walked out of Kitty's office she winked quickly at Denise. "Got the job! Good luck!"
"Come on in, Denise," Kitty beckoned.
"May told me you're from Abilene, too."
"Yes ma'am."
"Where did you work?"
"Well, I didn't work in a saloon. But I know a lot about customer service. I worked in a restaurant."
"That's fine," Kitty smiled. "Which one?"
"The Abilene Grill."
Kitty would have swatted herself if she'd been alone. Her suspicions made complete sense to her.
"I know Abilene pretty well. Don't remember an Abilene Grill."
"It's uh, new. Very new. In the last year."
"How long have you known May?"
"Uh, almost two years. She's a good friend."
Kitty was finished. It wasn't her first day. May had told her she met Denise on the stage. This had to be Matt's Belle woman, using a fake name. She was pretty easy to spot. Kitty gave her credit for using the fake name and figuring out how to get in for an interview with someone else. But she wondered what the hell this woman wanted.
"Denise, thank you for coming in. I don't have a job for you right now."
"But, I, we, we haven't talked or anything."
Briefly, Kitty considered keeping the woman in her office to do some questioning. It immediately dawned on her that questioning was going to have to be Matt's job.
"I'm sorry, Denise."
Kitty stood up and opened the door. She was more than grateful to see the woman walk out and leave the Long Branch without any incident. May would start tomorrow. And for tonight, Festus was going to walk her home.
tbc