There's Always Tomorrow Part 6

THE DEPUTY

Author's Note: This is Part 6 of a continuing series starring Matt and Kitty. Each story sequentially flows in time, building on the previous one. Like all the others, this story contains ADULT SITUATIONS and ADULT CONTENT. The characters just seem to enjoy it more that way!

A big ol' bear-sized thank you to RBGirl, the wizard of new character creation, for letting Ollie Dobbs make a guest appearance in this story. By thunder, I just LOVE Ollie!

"A woman can be a real nourishment to a man."

Charlie Hacker (the legendary Gene Evans) in "Extradition"

THE DEPUTY: CHAPTER 1

It was time to meet Lily. Matt picked Kitty up at the Long Branch right on time so he could go along to meet the inbound from Cheyenne. She hadn't intended to sound skeptical, but it just spilled out.

"Remember, you're introducing me, that's it. You two can socialize tonight at dinner."

Truth be told, even though it had been many weeks since she'd asked Matt about Lily, his admission that they'd found each other "attractive" still played with her head. But he'd been honest about it, and his honesty was one of the things she loved most about him. Besides, it had taken this woman a full month to come for her interview, so she wasn't exactly rushing to reunite with Matt. Women had been attracted to him as long as she'd known him. It was part of the package and she knew it was likely to be for a lifetime.

"Lily and I don't need to socialize, Kit. Just want to welcome her and introduce you. This is all your deal, you know that. How about I offer to carry her bags to the Dodge House? Not her, just her bags." His sarcasm was unusual.

She reached up and stroked his face. "I deserved that. I'm sorry. I was out of line."

Private thoughts of a different kind were playing in Matt Dillon's head. Maybe he'd been an idiot to think Lily would work out at the Long Branch. She was perfect for the job all right: bright, beautiful, smart, business-wise, everything Kitty needed. But she was Lily, and he remembered all too well how she made him long for Kitty. And why. It had taken every ounce of his self-control to stay out of her arms. Nothing to be ashamed of, he'd comforted her, and that was that. And he'd never have to do it again. That was then, this was now. He pushed the thoughts away and pulled Kitty into his arms for a hug.

"Love you, Kit. Let's meet another train."

She took Matt's arm and they headed out for the depot.

"I want to invest in the railroad, Matt. You interested?" She'd caught him cold with the question, further proof that he was the only one still thinking about Lily. But he snapped right to attention.

"You're the businessperson in the family. Can we afford it?"

"If we're methodical we can. The Long Branch and the mine are profitable every month. I have an idea to put part of that into savings like we always have but take another part and invest in the railroad, just a percentage each month. You keep reminding me that the railroad is the future of the west. You sure didn't hear anything different in Topeka. We could start real carefully and see how it goes. But only if you agree."

He knew she was right, and he was suddenly engrossed in the conversation. Kitty sensed that when she felt him slow the pace of their short walk.

"I'm a short-term lawman, sweetheart. We're going to need something when I retire. The railroad is a great idea."

She gave him a gentle elbow to the ribs.

"I want you to be a short-termer. Get out from behind that gun, remember?" She looked up into his eyes. "I want you all to myself for a very long time, Mister."

"Which line?"

"Doesn't really matter. Both the Pacific and the Santa Fe have intriguing investment plans, they're just different. The Pacific has all the prestige and the promise of bigger returns because of through service to California. But the Santa Fe lets you direct your money into any of their expansions instead of putting it all into a pool. It adds investor interest because you can keep your money near home where it does you or your community the most good. Might be a little controversial with those who hate progress, though."

"They can hate it all they want. The railroad is here to stay and it's going to do nothing but grow. You've really checked this out, haven't you?"

She couldn't resist a giggle.

"Wanted to make sure I did before you did, Marshal! You've been doing a lot of talking about the railroad lately."

"I vote yes, Darlin'." And he picked up the pace of their walk as he pointed to the big steam engine grinding to a stop at the depot.

XOXOXO

"There she is!" Matt announced, bringing Kitty along on his arm to greet Lily on the platform.

He let go only long enough to give Lily a warm hug, then turned immediately to Kitty.

"Lily Merrill, this is my wife, Kitty Dillon." He said it with genuine pride, a big smile, and all the obvious love Kitty had come to expect from him since they'd married. Lily expected it, too. She still recalled Matt's speech about how much he loved his wife, and what an impression it had made on her.

Blue eyes met green eyes and each shared a warm smile as they shook hands and greeted each other. Most women had an inherent ability to size each other up without letting their eyes betray them, and these two were masters at it. Still, it seemed to both of them that relaxation wouldn't come until well after they'd talked things out at the Long Branch, and probably well after Matt Dillon had gone off to do other things.

Kitty's first impression was solid. The attractive young blonde was the picture of elegance and poise, even after a grueling train trip. She was perfectly coiffed, extremely well dressed, and her light makeup looked like she'd just put it on. Maybe she was too perfect. Her thoughts raced. Maybe it was a wonder Matt had come home at all. He said the woman was attractive. Talk about an understatement! While Lily took Matt to the porter, Kitty redirected her thoughts. Lily wasn't here for Matt, she was here for the Long Branch. He'd been right. She'd sure be a draw. She watched Lily point at bags, watched the porter stack them, and realized there was no way even Matt Dillon was going to carry them all, so she walked over to see what was happening.

"Kitty," Matt looked at her sheepishly. "Lily has too much here. I'm going to get the buggy and take these over to the Dodge House. Why don't you two walk to the Long Branch and I'll see you there when I'm done. Lily can get checked in then."

"Good idea." Kitty opened her parasol, noticing that Lily had none. She felt compelled to explain.

"Summer in Dodge can be hot. These keep a girl from dewing." Her smile was infectious, and Lily noticed. "We'll get one for you tomorrow." She didn't add "if you stay."

They walked almost quietly to the Long Branch, not knowing each other well enough to make small talk. But Kitty was more practiced at it.

"You must be exhausted from that trip."

"I was too excited to be exhausted, Kitty."

"Hold that thought! Dodge is a whole different kind of adventure, and you haven't seen it yet." She smiled over at the young woman.

The player piano was already pounding, but at just after 1:00 on a day when most of the trailhands were still busy sorting cattle, loading the train, then filling the holding pens again, the Long Branch wasn't busy yet.

"Sam, Rob, this is Lily Merrill from Laramie, Wyoming." Kitty announced. "She's here to talk about working with us."

Both barkeeps gave Lily a warm handshake. Lily noticed Kitty's careful choice of words, "working with us." It was delightful. Kitty gave Lily plenty of time to survey the room before she asked Lily into her office to talk.

"What can I get you to drink before we talk?" Kitty offered.

"How about a cold tea?"

Kitty smiled at the choice and asked Rob to bring two cold teas into her office. A beer wouldn't have been wrong on such a hot afternoon, but a cold tea said "I'm here to talk business."

It was almost 4:30 when Matt rapped on the office door.

"Sorry it took so long, ladies. Had to sort out a little scuffle down at the pens." He let out a sigh. "Seems the Red River boys and the Draggin' A boys wanted the same space. Anyway, Lily, all your belongings are in room fourteen at the Dodge House, and here's your key."

"Thank you, Matt. Oh, and I have a letter here for you that Seth asked me to bring. Sorry I forgot to give it to you at the depot." She reached into her reticule and handed the envelope to Matt, who slid it into his vest pocket.

"Seth doing good up there?"

"He really is. He likes the job, he likes Laramie, and he gets along good with Johnny. Hey, and Pete finally fired Joe from the Slipper, Matt!"

He smiled, remembering how close he'd come to settling on Joe as his number one suspect in Troop's murder. The guy was just plain obnoxious. He wanted more than anything to ask Lily where Joe had gone, worried that the guy might try to follow her to Dodge, but he held his tongue. He made sure Lily saw his smile, but he didn't take the conversation any further. This was Kitty's meeting, not his.

"I'll leave you two to talk, then," he offered.

"Matt, I want Lily to see the Long Branch at full tilt tonight. Can we grab supper at the Trail Dust early, maybe around six?"

"That's up to the boys from the Red River and the Draggin' A," he smiled. "But yeah. Assuming Dodge is still in one piece at six, I'll see you there."

XOXOXO

Lily passed Kitty's second test when they got seated at the Trail Dust. This woman had been traveling for who knows how many hours on a train and had just endured a long interview. Still, she looked fresh, alert, and wanting in the game. The Long Branch took stamina, especially when the herds were in town. Matt had been right as usual. This lady looked like she had it.

"This is a new restaurant for us, Lily," Kitty explained over their drinks. "The herds have doubled already this year, and we have another ten thousand head coming in from Colorado real soon. Matt had some inside information about the growth and the citizens jumped on it."

"Which led to this new opportunity for me." Lily volunteered with a smile.

Kitty glanced at Matt before she replied.

"True enough. But I want to get off the floor regardless, Lily. I want to get off the floor and cut out the late hours. It'd be a big change for you to work the floor and share the business side with me. You need to be sure you're willing to do that. That's why I want you to see the Long Branch at peak tonight. You'll get good time off by October, but not during the drives."

"Kitty, in Laramie we had the drives all summer and then the faro all winter. I'm up for it."

"But you didn't work the floor."

"Good point," Lily sighed.

Finally, Matt took a chance.

"Pete said you were great on the floor when you filled in." He was pushing, hoping. He wanted this for Kitty.

"That was nice of him. Floor was all I did in Billings. I got spoiled in Laramie. I was off at five or six every night except for those fill-ins. But Kitty's right, that floor's tough. It's something to think about."

Matt put his head down and worked on his pork chops while Kitty and Lily kept talking between bites. They'd been at it for hours at the Long Branch, and it wasn't slowing down over supper. He was screaming inside to tell Kitty how proud he was of her for bringing this up with Lily. If she balked at working the floor, she wouldn't be the help Kitty needed. And the help he wanted for their future. Kitty was one determined redhead. The Long Branch had been her life for twelve years and she knew it inside and out. But change was in the wind.

Maybe not right at that moment for the Marshal.

"Matt, Festus told me to find you. Wants a little backup at the Lady Gay. Sorry ladies," Quint smiled at Kitty and Lily.

Matt abandoned his meal and stood, pulling his hat down, then touching the brim simultaneously to both women. Quint followed him right out the door, two strides to each of Matt's one.

"And that was . . .? Lily asked.

"Quint Asper. He's been a friend of Matt's for years. Sometimes Matt deputizes him and he helps out with the law. He was amazing help while Matt was up in Laramie. Always has been any time Matt's out of town. But right now he's shoeing horses full time."

"Let's see if I remember from this afternoon, Kitty. Besides the Long Branch, there's the Lady Gay where Matt is headed, then the Texas Trail, the Oasis, the Bull's Head, and the Flamingo."

"You've got it. They all do a booming business when the herds are in town but the Long Branch is busy year round. And the Oasis is only open when the herds are in town."

Kitty paid the tab and they walked slowly back to the Long Branch. Conversation came much more easily on this trip.

"You said you had a private guard at the Long Branch during season. Will he be here tonight?"

"Mmmm Hmmm. Ollie Dobbs. He's a luxury I treated us to this year. The Lady Gay and the Bull's Head have guys too, but our Ollie is special. It all got started when Matt was in Laramie and poor Festus and Quint were doing it all. Dodge is so busy right now with the trailhands, all the saloon owners like it."

Kitty ushered Lily to her back table under the stairs. She pointed to the opposite corner of the room where Ollie was quietly standing along the wall, arms folded in front of him.

"That's Ollie Dobbs, Lily. He'll be over to talk soon, he always says hello."

"That is one BIG man, Kitty!" Lily's eyes were wide.

"We all laugh about it. His nickname is 'Bear.' With all that hair on his face, he could sure pass for one. Matt says Ollie's the only guy in Dodge who could pick him up under one arm and carry him out of here. He's even taller than Matt, and he's got another fifty pounds on him. He farmed when he was younger. His wife and young daughter died of the fever, and when they did, he moved to Dodge. Loads freight some, does odd jobs, and Matt thought he'd just be great here during season, so I hired him."

"He doesn't carry a gun." It was half observation, half question.

"No. These guys are guards, they're not the law. Their job is to stop trouble and send for the law. They're real good at quieting hotheads down, tying them up, whatever it takes. But they're not gunfighters. The trailhands aren't either, you know that. It's the same everywhere. Sometimes the cowboys just get too rowdy and need to cool off. Here or in jail, it doesn't matter to Ollie; if they need to take a walk, he'll escort 'em. Ollie's a real friend to the girls here, too. Nobody gets to rough up one of the girls, nobody! He really only has one flaw: He has to fight to stay away from the liquor. He told me he almost drank himself to death after his wife died. Can't have a drop. He just gets crazy, and when you're his size, that's a big deal. So, I guess it's sort of like having a reformed bandit guard the bank."

Kitty's gaze broke from Lily when Matt walked in. She'd had a sixth sense about that for a dozen years. It was well honed. His reward was always her "Hello Matt" smile and the sparkle of her blue eyes, the same tonight as always. He tossed his hat on the empty chair and sat down.

"What'll it be, Cowboy?"

Lily couldn't help but smile watching the practiced routine. No touch was needed in this most public of places, and none took place. But the two were completely connected.

"I'm a poor man, ma'am. Guess I'd better have a beer. How much is that?"

"First one's on the house, Marshal." She chided. With a quick wave of her hand, Rob was over to take the order.

"You've already got two beautiful women here," the barkeep said. "Thought I might get your order instead of sending one of the girls."

Before Rob could get back with the beer, Ollie was at the table.

"Marshal, I'm doin' good for you tonight. Right here on duty, all ready to go." The big man was grinning with pride. "Hello Miss Kitty."

"Ollie, this is Lily Merrill. She might come to work with us."

"Hello, Miss." Ollie's typical blank expression belied his enthusiasm. "This is a good place to work. You'd like it. Marshal and Miss Kitty are good people. They been real good to ol' Ollie."

"See?" Kitty smiled to Lily. "There's our endorsement."

"What a 'dorsment,' Miss Kitty?"

"It means you like us." She was smiling broadly at the enormous man.

"Oh, Miss Kitty, more than that even." And with that 'dorsment,' Ollie went back to his place against the wall.

As quickly as Ollie got settled at his post, Quint Asper walked in and made a beeline for the table.

"Matt, Kitty." He smiled but remained standing, waiting for the introduction.

"Lily," Kitty jumped in. "This is our good friend Quint Asper."

Quint reached out and shook Lily's hand. "Sorry I was in a hurry a bit ago. Real nice to meet you, Lily. Heard good things about you."

"Sit down, Quint." Kitty gave her typical warm welcome. "I'll go get you a beer." And before anyone could object, she was up and gone.

"This is our regular table, Lily." Matt explained. "Anyone looking for us knows to look here first."

"Kitty said a lot of nice things about you, too, Quint. It's good to know you."

"Well, let's see. You've yet to meet Festus and Doc." Kitty was back, mentally checking people off the list.

"Is Doc a doctor?"

"He is THE doctor, the best doctor west of the Mississippi. Probably even west of the Atlantic ocean, and a very special friend," Matt replied. "You'll get to meet everybody if you're staying. Judging by the belongings I delivered to the hotel, you're moving in."

"Not so fast, Matt." Lily said with a sly smile. "I'll tell you if Kitty offers me a job. I'm sorry about that big load. All those bags are because I have no intention of going back to Laramie. If I don't get hired here, I'll be headed back up to Billings."

"You like what you've seen so far?" Quint jumped in. Never bashful with a beautiful woman, he felt comfortable with her immediately.

Lily beamed. "I sure do!"

"Good then," Matt said. When Quint finishes his beer, I'm going to walk you and Kitty home, and we'll see you tomorrow. I'll see if I can get any hints from the boss tonight."

tbc