There's Always Tomorrow Part 5
Double Duty
Author's Note: Peggie Castle guest starred on Gunsmoke as Nita Tucker, a beautiful saloon girl in "Chester's Murder," in 1957. Like so many other young talents, she was discovered and immediately signed to play Lily Merrill on ABC's Gunsmoke knockoff series, "The Lawman," which ran from 1958 through 1962. Lily Merrill was Marshal Dan Troop's sultry, seductive romantic interest, and his favorite confidant. The parallels with Matt and Kitty in Gunsmoke were so obvious that I thought it would be fun to bring her home so you could enjoy her again.
You'll also recognize some familiar characters from "False Front and "The Bureaucrat." Even a snippet from "The Cook."
This is Part 5 of a continuing series. Each sequentially flows in time. And I hope you know me by now: They all contain ADULT CONTENT! Please be aware! Matt and Kitty are happily married. A little wedded bliss shouldn't be all that hard to understand, right? I hope you enjoy my little tale. It's a pleasure to write for you!
"I think a man ought to be where his home is."
Matt Dillon in "Blue Horse."
XOXOXO
DOUBLE DUTY: CHAPTER ONE
The minute he escorted Kitty into the lobby of the Cyrus Hotel, Matt knew she'd be happy. It had the magnificent look of old money. The front desk was solid mahogany. The matching lobby furniture was richly upholstered in velvety-looking fabric and adorned with plush cushions. Tiffany lamps strategically placed at all the end tables gave a warm glow to the room. Guests mingled at the bar which opened directly into the lobby. Most of the patrons were cigar-smoking men in derbies and top hats, although many of them were accompanied by their beautifully dressed wives, jewelry glittering. The centerpiece was an ornate crystal chandelier hanging directly overhead, much of its light cascading into the lobby. Everything about the place was rich, warm, and more than inviting. Matt guided Kitty to one of the chairs.
"Remind you of the Dodge House?" He quipped.
Kitty laughed up into his eyes. "It's amazing, Matt! Just amazing!"
Back in Dodge, Barney had hand-delivered the telegram to Matt. He'd never seen a telegram from the governor of Kansas. Beyond that, it was a personal invitation from the governor for Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dillon to be his guest in Topeka. Barney had just been over the top in his awe that his friends had such a connection, and such an invitation. Matt smiled to himself, remembering that day. There was no doubt he was proud, and proud to share the occasion with Kitty, too.
Matt was equally welcomed at the front desk.
"Marshal Dillon! We're honored to have you and your wife as our guests!" Obviously, the bellman had alerted the clerk and he was ready with a big smile. "We have a suite reserved for you for two nights on the third floor. Philip can show you up now if you like."
"Thank you. Please ask him to take our luggage up. We're going to enjoy the bar for a bit, then we'll be along," was Matt's reply.
"C'mon, darlin'." Matt took Kitty's arm and guided her to the bar, where they took a table. Even at 4 o'clock, it was already crowded. The waiter with the towel-draped arm couldn't get to them quickly enough to get their order, and he was back right away with their whiskeys.
It hadn't escaped Kitty that Matt had seated her facing the bar, while he took his own seat facing the door. Everything about Matt Dillon was lawman. Everything about him was vigilance. He was scanning the room. She knew he wouldn't be completely at ease until they got upstairs. Didn't matter, it was his way. For now, she was taking it all in. Besides, the chandelier was just breathtaking.
"Matt," she leaned in to speak softly. "I want a chandelier for the Long Branch."
He noticed the sly smile on her face.
"Yep. And the first bunch of Texas trailhands in the place this Spring would have fun using it for target practice."
"I knew you'd see it my way." She was giggling now.
The suite was magnificent. It overlooked the capitol building, and Matt spent some time looking out the window, thinking about the next day. Kitty understood. She quietly unpacked their bags, then joined him.
"There's a note addressed to us over by the flower vase, Matt. The envelope is from the governor."
Matt kept his gaze out the window.
"Read it to me."
She opened it carefully, knowing they'd want to keep it. This didn't happen just every day.
"It says 'Marshal and Mrs. Matthew Dillon, Governor and Mrs. Thomas Osborn request the honor of your presence at dinner tomorrow, January 5, 7 p.m., at our home, 16 Topeka Avenue. And it's signed Governor and Mrs. Thomas Osborn'."
Matt turned back to Kitty and took her in his arms.
"Wow, Kit. This is it! Dinner at the governor's mansion. I have to give the speech of my life tomorrow in that meeting." He was quiet for a minute, stroking her back.
"I'm just a common frontier lawman, baby girl. I eat cold beans and hardtack and suck water out of a canteen on the trail. We're going to the governor's mansion for dinner. Takes a minute for that to soak in."
"Matt, you're prepared. You've gone over what you want to say a hundred times. Just be yourself. You got here because of who you are. Just be calm and be yourself. They want to meet the real Matt Dillon."
"There wasn't a woman downstairs as beautiful as you. You know that?"
"I'm glad you approve, Marshal. Why don't we kick back and order room service tonight?"
"I'd like to take you out."
"The best dinners we've ever had have been our private ones. The hotel in Denver. Our rooms in the Long Branch. Our beautiful house. Just you and me. You in your union suit, me in my chemise. We have a big date tomorrow night. We should probably relax and just be together tonight. You might want to think about that."
"Sold!" was Matt's only reply.
XOXOXO
The governor's staff had obviously been briefed on Matt Dillon. The bed in the suite was even larger than their big brass bed at home. When Matt pulled the covers up and drew Kitty in next to him, his toes barely touched the bottom.
"You want a nightcap?"
"Nope," she sighed. "Nope. I think I'd just rather be here next to you, big guy. Have to share you with a lot of important people tomorrow."
"If they kick me out, I'll come runnin' back to you."
"Very funny. There's not a chance of that."
"I've been runnin' back to you for a lotta' years."
Kitty put two fingers on Matt's lips.
"There's got to be something magic about making love in the governor's guest suite at the Cyrus."
"Is that an offer?"
"It's a proposition."
Matt was quiet for several moments. He drew Kitty back just far enough that he could look into her eyes.
"I'm real tense about this thing tomorrow, baby girl. If they'll give us a decent sized jail, then I can hold my head up high when I ask for another deputy. It'd mean everything for Dodge, and it'll change our lives, too. It just keeps playing in my head. Not sure I'd be able to perform all that well tonight."
It was Kitty's turn to be quiet for several moments. She gave him a soft kiss, then laid back again to look in his eyes.
"Perform? Matt Dillon! You have never had to perform for me, and that's sure not going to start tonight! I love you more than I can even explain. Now you just roll over, Mister, while I perform for YOU!"
Kitty tossed the covers back and straddled his backside across his waist. She started very gently, just two fingers. Slowly but surely she worked up to full hands, thumbs and palms rotating and pressing into the tense muscles. He moaned with pleasure at each stroke.
"Feels sooooo good, Kitty!"
"Shhh. Just hush and enjoy it."
She massaged repeatedly from his shoulders to his lower back, then leaned down, sucked briefly on his earlobe, and whispered "I love you." Then she did it all over again. And again. And again. The room was warm and quiet, the bed smooth and soft, the movement of her hands rhythmic. She felt the tense muscles relaxing, his breathing slowing. She'd been at it less than half an hour when he started snoring softly. In response, she lightened her touch and slowed the movement of her hands. That quickly, he was deeply asleep. She pulled the covers up over both of them and lowered herself next to him, her head tucked in under his arm. Matt Dillon would be ready for them in the morning.
XOXOXO
Kitty was awakened abruptly by the knock on the door. But just as quickly, she realized Matt was still in the room. Not only that, he was retrieving coffee service from the bellman. She rolled over and hid under the covers until she heard Matt lock the door again.
"Morning, Mrs. Dillon!" He sat on the edge of the bed and peeked under the covers. "The sun is up, your coffee is here."
"Good morning, Marshal!" She pulled him down for a kiss.
"Oh, stop it with that," he teased back. "I'll get plenty of that 'Marshal' stuff today, don't need it in my bedroom."
"I wonder if Mrs. Osborn calls him 'Governor' when he's standing there in his union suit."
Matt gave her a quick tickle. "You wonder the silliest things."
Kitty poured her cup of coffee and sat cross-legged in the bed, watching Matt. He was hunched down just a bit so he could use the mirror while he shaved. As much as he concentrated on the sharp razor in his hand, he still caught a glimpse of Kitty watching him.
"You just gonna sit there and stare?"
"Nope!" She made her way over to him and put her arms around his waist.
"I love you, Matt. I love you so much!"
He put the shaving razor down next to the bowl and turned to face her. Shaving soap didn't matter, he gave her a deep kiss. It was all the answer she needed. Then he turned both of them toward the mirror so she could see the white globs on her face. She smiled at him in the mirror.
"Yet another thing we've shared, my sweet."
"You know what's going to happen to me today?"
"What?"
"Any time I get anxious about the governor, I'm going to picture him standing there in his union suit."
"Maybe I shouldn't have said that, huh?" She giggled.
"One of the best ideas you've ever given me, sweetie. I'll be beholdin' to you all day."
"We should finish shaving so we can get dressed." He wiped the globs of cream from her face and turned back to finish.
She knew better than to nibble his butt while he had the razor to his face. But just thinking about it sure didn't do any harm! Private talk, private thoughts, they were all good. Got a girl through the day.
Kitty was looking out the window at the capitol building while Matt finished dressing. She pictured him standing in some ornate office over there, tall, impeccably dressed and handsome, sharing his plan for Dodge. It was surreal. Nothing about this was like his real life. It was indeed the start of their next twelve years. She turned back just in time to see him strapping on his gun belt. He'd cleaned and polished his revolver, and his badge glistened on his shirt.
"Why do you have to wear a gun to meet with the governor?"
"Kitty, this is my uniform. My tools go where I go."
"Should be pretty secure in the capitol."
"I agree. And it'll be even more secure today with the head of Kansas law enforcement in the building."
As soon as he had his jacket on, she took both of his hands in hers and looked up at him.
"I'll be right here, looking out the window, watching you. Won't leave you for a minute."
"Wish me luck."
"You don't need luck. All you need is skill, and that's your specialty. Now do I get that good-bye kiss you promised?"
He drew her into his arms and went deeply onto her lips. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled his butt into her, then rubbed him repeatedly there. He finally came up for air.
"As soon as I get back, sweetie. We have to start right there as soon as I get back." He pulled on his Stetson, tapped her on the nose with one finger, then turned and was out the door just that quickly.
XOXOXO
Matt's mind flooded when the aide ushered him into the governor's office. So many men! He started to process but was interrupted when the burly man at the head of the table stood up and came to him, extending his hand.
"Marshal Dillon! I'm Tom Osborn, Governor of the State of Kansas. It's a delight to meet you, sir!"
Matt clasped the governor's hand firmly and looked him in the eye.
"The pleasure is mine, Governor. It's an honor to meet you, Sir."
The governor was practiced in these affairs. He never missed a beat. He led Matt to the first man.
"I believe you know Senator McGovern."
Matt grinned broadly and extended his hand.
"Senator, it's been three years if I'm not mistaken!" The senator returned the grin.
"We only have the opportunity to get together a few times a year, Marshal," the governor explained. "Senator McGovern told me he'd like to be here today."
"It's great to see you again, Senator." Matt continued his grin. "You're looking well!"
"Yes, thanks to you." The senator couldn't resist the last comment, and Matt knew exactly what it meant.
"Marshal, Rex Propter sends his regrets that he couldn't be here today. I assured him I'd give him a full report when I get back to Washington. You're aware he's been promoted now, and he reports directly to Benjamin Lincoln?"
Matt had no idea, but he nodded politely. He remembered Propter well; the man who threatened to finish his career as a marshal until Matt saved him from being tarred and feathered by the good citizens of Dodge. His mind was spinning, processing all this information. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He was supposed to meet with the governor, make his case, and get back to Dodge. This was Kansas government and the United States government at work and he'd never seen it before. He didn't get a minute to do anything but nod at the senator, before the governor directed him to another man at the table. Their eyes fell on each other. The governor remained quiet. His instincts were correct. The two knew each other very well.
"Judge Brooker!" Matt smiled broadly and gently clasped the man's outstretched hand in both of his. "Judge Brooker, you look wonderful! What a surprise to see you here!"
"Saw your name on the schedule, Matt. Wouldn't have missed this for anything, my friend. I'll be back in Dodge next month." He was the only man in the room who dared address Matt by his first name, and it didn't fall on deaf ears.
Matt was astounded to see how frail the judge looked after his bout with heart disease. The last thing he wanted to do was mention that. He kept his gaze on the man longer than he should have. The governor broke the spell.
"And of course you remember John Finch, my right-hand man from the Planning Department. He gave me a glowing report about your work in Ashland."
"Hello John," Matt said warmly as he offered his hand. A few miles and a few weeks it's been."
"Please take a seat, Marshal," the governor continued. "We have a few other items of business to finish and then we'd like to talk with you. I trust your accommodations at the Cyrus are suitable?"
"Outstanding, Governor Osborn, thank you, sir."
Matt was more than glad to take his seat at the table so he could clear his mind. So many important players, none of whom he expected to see here. Time for a deep breath. He made sure to sit tall and share his eye contact with each of the men around the table while they met. Issues in Wichita topped the list, followed by an update from John Finch on Ashland. There were problems with the Kansas Pacific Railway in Abilene, and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe issues in Garden City. The railroad was the big deal. Matt listened intently. The railroad was going to change western Kansas. But all the discussion was centered around the east to west lines. It was apparent there was room to talk about Dodge. He had plenty of time for more deep breaths, and to clear his head before the governor nodded toward Matt.
"Marshal, John tells me you're prepared to talk with us about some inevitable growth in Dodge City."
"Governor, gentlemen, thank you for your time," Matt addressed them. "The growth in Dodge is no mystery to any of you. We've been stretched more than thin for almost five years now. We're at a turning point. Dodge has a lot more years of explosive growth ahead of it, all due to the larger and larger numbers of herds coming up from West Texas, and the lack of north-south rail transportation through Oklahoma. That is going to be a long time coming. We're fortunate in Dodge to be just above the panhandle. We're fortunate in Dodge to have rail transportation to the East. We're the answer to the Texas cattleman's prayer, and the answer for many from Colorado as well."
"This fall I attended the Western Cattlemen's Conference in Denver. All the key players were there, and to a man they wanted to talk about Dodge City. We're their trade hub. They want and need our resources. Problem is, we don't have enough to accommodate their needs. Among four major ranchers in west Texas, herd shipment is expected to double next summer. And one rancher alone in Colorado, Conrad Kohrs, plans to ship ten thousand head through Dodge, up five times from last year. The numbers are pretty astounding. The railroad is ready to meet their needs. The chamber of commerce has voted to triple the number of holding and loading pens. Four new businesses including a large mercantile and a restaurant are under construction right now. The businessmen in Dodge are doing everything they can to accommodate the ranchers."
"But I don't work for the ranchers. I'm a lawman. My employer is the United States government. I'm committed to helping Dodge succeed. But my true interest is in keeping a safe Dodge; a safe Dodge for our citizens and for our trade partners alike. Toward that end, I need your help in improving our jail and our staffing."
"I'll be clear. The ranchers don't visit Dodge, their men do. Senator, both you and Rex Propter saw first-hand who those men are. They're trail hands. Drovers. In some cases they're reformed jayhawkers. They're men who learned their survival skills in the Civil War. They're men who work hard and then play hard and rough when they get to Dodge. And in most cases, they don't have a lot of respect for Kansas law."
"Dodge City has a small jail with one desk, one jailer's cot, and two cells. We need four cells, one of which should be a double. We need an alcove with the jailer's cot and a deputy's cot, and room for two desks up front instead of just one. Governor, I'm asking you to order construction on a new jail right now, so we can be ready to handle the trail herds that start arriving in May. I brought a sketch for you that shows how you can save money by expanding the one we have now, rather than putting up an entire building. Gentlemen, the finest building in the world is useless without manpower. Right now we have two people: myself and one deputy. My work takes me out of town routinely, so when I'm gone the one deputy is left to work all day and all night, sometimes for weeks at a time. My wife fills in on the office work, and the local blacksmith helps the deputy part-time. Governor, Senator, I'm asking you to write Rex Propter and ask him to add another full-time deputy just as soon as the jail is ready. I'll send a letter too, but I need your support. Rex has been to Dodge. He knows. If you tell him you're funding a new jail, it only makes sense that he'll supply the manpower."
TBC