DOUBLE DUTY: CHAPTER TEN

Matt decided his room at the boarding house would be the quiet place away from distraction where he needed to explain his plan to Lily. And it was yet one more place he'd be seen with the beautiful young woman. Still, he was surprised that she took him up on his offer. She didn't hesitate at all. He tipped his hat at his landlady in the parlor, then walked slowly up the stairs with Lily on his arm.

"I'll walk you home afterwards. I'm on rounds tonight, anyway."

"Sure. It's nice to get away from the saloon. Gets pretty noisy downstairs." She wasn't smiling yet, but she was close.

Matt pointed to the one chair in the room, while he took a seat on the end of the bed.

"Sit down, Lily."

"Oh, this is more business, right?"

"Yeah. It sure is. I want you to know what I'm doing. I'm being real public about our relationship because I want the good citizens of Laramie to see me with you. I want them to think I'm stepping right into your life to take up after Dan. If my hunch is right, our culprit won't take that lightly and I'll be the next target."

"But you could get killed too!"

"Yeah, I could. But I have an edge. Dan got surprised. I'm already aware. That's a big advantage. And it's all part of the job, you know that."

"But this guy is a coward! He's a back shooter!"

"Okay, Lily, enough of the warnings. You sound like my wife. I want you to know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. That's it."

"Tell me about your wife."

"Sorry, she's not here. I want you to tell me about the night Dan Troop died."

She took a deep breath, blew it out, and fussed at imaginary wrinkles in her skirt. Matt decided to keep her on track.

"He was behind the Bird Cage. Was he doing rounds?"

"No. We lock our back doors. Only someone with a key can get in. You do rounds, you already know that. Rounds are all up front. They were finished for the night. You're leading me on."

"Then he was coming to see you."

"Of course he was! He always came up the back stairs. That's why I found him. I thought I heard him on the stairs and then I heard a loud shot. That's when I went out and found him. All I could think was to run and get Johnny! My God it was awful!"

"Was Joe working at the Slipper that night?"

"No. Joe works days. So does Pete. But both of them have always known about Dan and me. Joe didn't much like it, but there's never been a problem. We were single people, Matt. It wasn't like anybody was cheating."

"Do you think Dan was cheating?"

Matt knew it was a risky question. He was sure right. Lily stood up and snarled at him.

"You can take me home right now, Mister Marshal! That's the most insulting thing I've ever heard!"

"Lily, take it easy. I asked that because I think our guy was a guy, too. The only way it would be a woman is if it was a jealous or angry woman. I wanted to hear you say it. I'm on your side, remember?"

She softened but remained on her feet.

"Yeah, I suppose," she sighed. I'm still ready to go home."

"All right, I'll take you now. But you're going to see me around a lot. If you get suspicious of anyone, you let me know right away. You'd be doing me a big favor."

XOXOXO

Five more days passed before the tide finally started to turn for U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. The mail stack Johnny brought in contained a big envelope from Kitty and a telegram from Washington. Which one to open first was a very easy choice. Her letter was on top.

"Hello My Love!

I am beyond missing you. It's cold here in Dodge. I haven't found anybody new to cuddle up with yet. Hope you haven't either. Watch out for those women in red dresses!

All your mail is enclosed. You have two more paychecks in here. The first one was late. You must be close to running out of money by now! The jail isn't finished yet, but it's sure getting close. It has two stoves, the double cell you wanted, and the office area is large. You will be so pleased but no more so than poor Festus, who's had to haul another prisoner out to Fort Dodge. You simply must come back to work here. Dodge is getting a bit unruly without you in charge. But our house is warm and safe. Festus and Quint are here, and one of them walks me home every night. It's our house, and I want you here.

I'm going on a short business trip to Kansas City tomorrow. Doc says he needs a break, so he's going along. Maybe I can get him to take me for a prairie chicken dinner? I'll send more mail as soon as I get back, unless you decide to run away and come home before then, which I do hope you'll consider.

Remember that beautiful room we had in Morrison? The other night I dreamed we were there. And, well, my feet were sure moving.

I love you Matt!

Kitty"

Matt was glad Johnny had dropped off the mail and left. It gave him a chance to read the letter three times and then get his mind refocused on work before he thumbed through the rest of the stack. It was a big shift from the letter to the telegram.

"Seth Bullock arrives Laramie March 15 STOP

You are then reassigned to Dodge City STOP

Deputy approved Dodge City STOP

Details follow in letter STOP

Benjamin Lincoln

Secretary

US Department of War"

Matt left a quick note for Johnny that he wouldn't be back until morning. He dropped the envelope off in his room for safekeeping. Before he left, he read Kitty's letter one more time. Business trip. Probably had to have something to do with the Long Branch. Seemed unusual though. She only went on one of those every couple of years. Still, it was nice that Doc was going along so they could enjoy themselves. He wouldn't have wanted her to travel alone anyway. She'd said Dodge was getting unruly. Poor Doc probably needed a break as much as she did. He read the telegram again. Damn! SUCH good news! He wished more than anything he could show it to Kitty. She'd suggest their favorite kind of celebration! But Kitty was five hundred miles away. He started planning his return in his head. Should he surprise her? No, he should write and tell her. But what day? He wouldn't know until after Bullock got in. A telegram would do it! The celebration would be waiting!

Back to reality. He headed to the Bird Cage with a renewed sense of purpose. Ten days until Seth Bullock arrived. He had ten days to solve Troop's murder. Couldn't bring Bullock into a mess like that. Propter had sent him up here for a reason.

The place was busy as usual. Lily was busy with a drummer at one of the tables. Seemed like it took her forever to get done with the guy, but he finally left, and Matt got his chance.

"Got time for me?" He smiled.

"Always, Matt." He got a return smile. "How about a drink?"

"You know, I believe I'll have one. Got paid today. Will you join me?"

"Any man with money is a man after my own heart."

Lily waved down one of the floor girls so they could order. The only other woman in Matt's life who did that was Kitty. He knew it was a sign of success. Lily was impressive. Kitty would like her. She'd like her a lot. More than anything Matt wanted to tell Lily about the telegram. He held his tongue. This was Lily, not Kitty.

"Dinner tonight at the Grill?" Matt was asking for another "date," but his eyes were on the room. He needed to be aware of everyone coming and going.

"Wow, you are rolling in money! Well, I'm so sorry but I already have a dinner date tonight."

"A business dinner date?"

"Always, Matt. I don't know any other kind these days."

"Who with?"

"That's none of your business."

"Hey! We're partners, remember?"

"Just one of the drummers. He takes me out every time he's in town."

"How about a nightcap after you get home?"

"Sure! Come up about nine. I'll have a bottle upstairs. You coming up the back stairs?"

"Not a chance. I'll knock on your front door."

She winked at him. First wink he'd had since he left Dodge. She was feisty. It was getting harder and harder to ignore Lily Merrill.

Matt decided he'd treat himself to a long, hot bath at the boarding house. After all, he had a date later. As he headed for the batwings, Pete stopped him.

"Marshal, I just need a minute. Joe Spalding is giving me some noise about you and Lily."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Look, I told you he's a little protective. Don't take offense. He thinks you're spending a lot of time with Lily. Might not be right what with Troop so soon gone, and all."

"She's a single woman and all grown up. Maybe she has needs. She can see who she wants." Matt was beyond pleased that his overt display of attention to Lily was getting a reaction.

"So you've been seeing her?"

"Oh come on, Pete. Sure I am. You've watched me in here every day. She told me you and Joe were just fine with her seeing Dan Troop."

"I always have been, Marshal." And just like that, Pete turned and walked away.

Matt strolled out the batwings and took a moment, leaning on one of the posts outside, to think about what Pete had said. He'd left out Joe. While he replayed it in his head, he glanced down absentmindedly and noticed something unusual. The fresh tracks in the packed snow were distinctive. He'd never seen boots with a heel print like that. They had cloverleafs in them: Three leaf clovers like clubs in a card deck. What faro player would want that losing signature?

XOXOXO

Lily poured their whiskeys. "Guessing we're staying here tonight?"

"Yep." Matt took a long sip.

"I like it when we stay here. It's so damned cold to walk home from your room. I'm tired of the cold."

"Then why do you want to go back to Billings?"

"Who told you that?"

"Pete did. He said you gave your notice and you were going back to Billings next month."

"I'm through with Laramie, Matt. The memories here are too deep. I have girlfriends in Billings. There's no other reason. Dan and I had plans. He was going to put in for somewhere down South. He was going to take me. We wanted to start a family, but that's over now. I suppose I'll just end up working a saloon in Billings."

"Who was that dude you had dinner with tonight?"

"Bill Ewing. He's the drummer from Northern Lights down in Denver. He's not a dude, he's a whiskey drummer."

"Those guys are all dudes, Lily. City guys."

"Are you jealous, Matt?" She had the hint of a smile on her face.

"Nope. We're partners, remember?"

"Look, he's been around before. We do a business dinner every time he's in town."

"Yeah, but he was in town yesterday too. I saw you with him at the Slipper, and he was with you a long time today here."

"He has four saloons to help inventory and write up orders. He's usually in town for at least two or three days."

"Northern Lights, huh?" Matt took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "Seems like I've seen him or heard of him somewhere along the line. Does he go to Kansas?"

"Sure he does. He has all of Wyoming and Kansas."

"Bingo! He calls on . . ." Matt caught himself and stopped immediately. It was the same guy he'd seen with Kitty at the Long Branch more than once. It wasn't time to talk with Lily about the Long Branch. Maybe it never would be. Lily completely missed his cut off sentence. She had other things on her mind.

"We gonna sit here and play checkers again tonight?" Lily had a smirk on her face.

"Probably. Or gin rummy if you prefer."

"You're about as exciting as they come, Matt," she sighed. "How long is this going to go on, anyway? Are you any closer to getting this solved? I'm turning into an old woman here playing games with you."

Matt ignored her. They played one long game of checkers, largely in silence, as Matt wanted it.

"Turn down the lantern, Lily." He finally announced. "I'm on rounds again tonight. I'll be back at closing. Give me a key to your room."

"The back door?" Lily's eyes were wide. She looked incredulous.

"No ma'am. Too risky. I'll come right in the front if you'll have me."

"Then why do you need a key?"

"So you can go to bed. You don't have to wait up. I'll sleep on the floor."

"The floor! You have a nice room, why don't you just go home?"

"Because I'm getting closer to solving this thing, Lily. Isn't that what you wanted to hear?"

Matt took the key from Lily, wrapped a heavy scarf around his neck, pulled his big coat on, pulled his hat down tight and headed out the front. Every time he suited up for night rounds he quietly wondered how Troop had ever gotten used to it. A guy couldn't even get to his gun fast if he had to. At least the snow that had fallen earlier had stopped. But that wind, that doggoned wind. It just never quit. Felt like a knife on his face. It was easy for a lawman to get distracted on late rounds this time of year. Matt caught himself doing the same thing as he walked from building to building. Maybe it was the same thing Dan Troop was doing on that fateful night. All he could think about was getting back to Lily's warm room.

XOXOXO

Matt expected the Bird Cage to be locked up when he got there. But when he hit the front door he met with the unexpected. Lily was downstairs, behind the bar. She was supposed to be locked in upstairs. Steve the closing barkeep was supposed to be there, cleaning up, like every other night, but he wasn't. There wasn't another soul in the building. Wide eyed, Lily ran to meet him at the front door.

"Matt! Out back! Steve is out there! You gotta help! A man tried to break in my back door! Hurry, Matt! Steve's gonna freeze out there! He's got a shotgun! Be careful!"

Matt raced out the front door and hurried around back, all the while hoping Steve would recognize him and not fill him full of lead. Once he saw the barkeep facing away from him at the bottom of the back stairs, he knew luck was still with him.

"Steve, it's Marshal Dillon," he said calmly and just loud enough for the man to hear him. "I'm behind you. What do you see?"

Scared to turn around, Steve talked just as quietly back to Matt.

"Damn, Marshal, it's too dark. Can't see a thing back here! Somebody was trying to get into Lily's rooms. I went clear up the back stairs and down again. Nothing. I haven't seen nothing!"

"Okay, get back inside, Steve. Lily's pretty scared. I'll look around out here."

It wasn't Steve's fault, Matt knew that. He did what any good man would have done. It's just that extra footprints on the back stairs were the last thing he needed. Matt hustled back into the building with his idea.

"Steve! Give me a lantern please!"

"No! Matt! No! If you carry a lantern out there you'll be a sitting duck!" It was Lily calling out to him, still wide-eyed even though Steve stood next to her.

Matt lowered his booming voice and calmly repeated his request.

"Steve, a lantern please."

The barkeep grabbed one, lit it, and handed it to the Marshal. In a flash, Matt was out the door, heading around back. If this was his night to get blown to oblivion, so be it. He had a hunch, and he wasn't going to be denied. He held the lantern low on the stairs as he slowly climbed them. Steve's tracks were fresh, but there was a second set in the new snow. The tide had definitely turned for Matt Dillon today! He'd seen what he came to see. Blowing out the lantern, he hustled back into the building. Uncharacteristically, Lily ran to him and gave him a hug. She was genuinely scared.

"Lily, get hold of yourself." He pushed her back and handed the lantern to Steve. "I'm going to the jail. You lock the front doors and stay here with Steve till I get back. Do you both hear me? Lock the doors behind me. Let me in when I come back. Don't let ANYBODY else in!"

Satisfied when they both nodded, Matt headed back out, his revolver in hand. When he got to the jail he pounded on the door.

"Johnny!" No response, he pounded harder. "Johnny! Johnny!" It was like trying to wake Festus. He fumbled in his pocket and finally found the right key, letting himself in. He shook Johnny on the cot. The deputy came up like a cat, grabbing for his sidearm.

"Johnny! It's me, Matt Dillon!"

For a minute they both just stared at each other. When Matt was sure the young man was awake and coherent, he spoke.

"We've got this solved, Johnny. I know who we're looking for. When's the next train to Cheyenne?"

"Uhhh, sure Marshal. It's tomorrow at two. Comes up at ten, goes back down at two."

"You're absolutely sure."

"Look, you told me to watch the trains. I haven't been doing much else. I'm absolutely sure. It's tomorrow at two."

"All right. Now get up and cover me while I go back to the Bird Cage. Our guy tried to break into Lily's rooms. He thought I was in there. I'm this guy's mark. He doesn't want you he wants me."

"Yes Sir!" Johnny was fully awake now, and eager to do something besides watch the trains and study posters.

When they got to the Bird Cage, Steve let them both in.

"Where's Lily, Steve?"

"She's in the office. There's no windows in the office, Marshal. She's safe in there."

"Johnny, Steve, here's the deal," Matt said to both men once he got his deputy back in the building. "I know who this guy is. It's Bill that whiskey drummer from Northern Lights. I know we can get him in the daylight. But he's still out there, and we've got a good four hours of dark to go. He thought I was in her rooms. He wanted her to open the door so he could take a shot at me. He doesn't want to hurt Lily. He wants her lovers out of her life. Dan Troop used the back stairs. Our culprit wasn't smart enough to consider that I went right in and out the front, so he thought I was still in there when I left for rounds. We're dealing with a night rider coward. He can't risk anyone seeing him. I'm going to stay here with Lily until daylight. You two are welcome to join us. It's your choice."

"I've got a cot in the basement, Marshal," Steve volunteered. "If it's all the same to you, I think I'll hole up down there."

"I gotta go back to the jail, Marshal." The Deputy announced. "Didn't take time to lock up. Too much firepower available on the wall to risk."

Matt nodded at the men. Each of them had made a good decision.

"I'll be at the jail at first light, Johnny. Be up and ready to help me track this guy. I'll explain everything in the morning. Just be up and ready, okay?"

"Yes Sir. Up and ready."

"Okay. Lights out here then." Matt said. "Steve, lock the front door behind Johnny."

"Yes Sir! You just go ahead. And tell Lily I'm sorry about what happened and I'll see her in the morning."

Matt let himself in the office. Lily grabbed onto him like a puppy reunited with its owner. He struggled to get his heavy coat off, dumping it on the floor. Didn't deter Lily, she took a new hold around his waist. She was trembling. Matt put his arms around her and pulled her close. He stroked her back with one hand, trying to calm and reassure her. Finally, he pushed her back enough that he could look in her eyes. No chance. The room was so dark that touch was the only available sense. So he took one hand and softly traced her face.

"Lily, it's okay. You're safe. I'm here with you. Nobody can get in here."

Matt allowed her to reach up and stroke his face in return. There was no other way to communicate. He pulled her back into his embrace, hoping the trembling would stop, wishing he hadn't had to leave her alone so long while he'd sorted things out. When she finally spoke, she was still pressed into his chest.

"Matt! He killed Dan and now he wants to kill ME!"

"Lily," he said softly. "He wants to kill me. He thought I was in your rooms. He didn't know I went out through the front."

"This is just all too much." Her voice quivered. "The love of my life died on his way to make love to me. You've spent three weeks at least pretending to care about me, and I was just starting to believe that I could care too, and now you're marked to die! I don't know where to go or what to do! I'm not safe with you, I'm not safe alone! God how I wish Dan was here!"

She was gulping for breaths.

"I don't know anything about you, Matt! I don't know where you came from. I don't know what you left behind. I don't know why you're here. I don't know if you're staying or leaving! You wear that big gold ring but when I ask about your wife all you say is "she's not here." You're a big, attractive man and you're just cold as ice!"

Finally, she was quiet in his arms. He was afraid to push her away. He needed to answer all her questions, but he couldn't yet. There was a killer to capture in the morning. Until he was caught, Matt Dillon couldn't rest. He decided to just hold her quietly. But what his mind wanted to do, his body interpreted differently. He felt himself harden against her. Too many weeks away from his beautiful wife. Too many weeks in the company of this tempting woman. Silently, Lily Merrill felt his body speaking to hers. She rubbed into him and drew even closer, still gulping for breath. A day that had gone so well for Matt Dillon was coming off the hinges.

"Lily," he said softly. "Let's go upstairs where it's warm. You're not scared to go upstairs with me now, are you?"

"You have to stay!" She stroked his face again. "You said you'd stay before all this started."

"I'll stay, Lily. I promise."

He took her very slowly up the stairs, struggling to give his body a change of command. It wasn't supposed to be this way. He was a professional working on an important case. A lawman could never take a personal interest in a victim. His relationship with Lily had been completely platonic through all the weeks of the stakeout and the baiting. He was sure the excitement of this night had driven him to wanting her. He was sure she was responding for the same reason. He was one step away from arresting Dan Troop's killer. And then he was going home. Home where he could relax in Kitty's arms and forget every part of this.

TBC