Burke paced back and forth in the Marshal's office. He hated being so close to a member of the Strom family but when Thad told him what happened he'd felt obligated to help. The lawmen were his friends, as were Doc and Miss Kitty.

Spinning around when the door slammed, he thought maybe the surgery was finished and was shocked to see a surly-looking Mark.

"Who are you?" The youngest Strom's eyes narrowed.

"Name's Burke." He sucked in a deep breath.

"Where's Dillon?"

"Probably looking for you."

Mark's mouth opened then snapped out. It was an obvious lie and he wanted to call it out but he didn't have time. He could hear the search party some blocks away.

"Never mind." he gestured with his rifle, "Let my brother out."

"Now, just a minute!" Burke's eyes widened, "I can't—"

"Do it!" Mark eyed the door. "Now!"

"Alright, alright…"

Burke yanked the keys off the wall but took his time walking to the cell. He hoped Matt would show up soon and that he wouldn't be too mad. But the Marshal didn't come and Burke's heart was in his throat when he faced both brothers free.

Rick wanted retribution but Mark knew they didn't have time.

"Come on, Rick." he hissed, "Kitty Russell is waiting."

"Hey!"

The mention of her name kicked Burke's conscience. If those two hurt Kitty or Doc, the whole town would put his head on a stake!

Making a quick move, he met the butt of Mark's rifle and all he could do afterwards was feel his newly broken ribs as the door slammed.

Thad felt deep frustration welling up in his chest as he, Sam, and the rest of the posse saddled their horses. They'd covered every square inch of Dodge without finding a trace. The only thing left to do was go out and scour the prairie. The cloudy night made it a longshot but they were a determined group.

Giving Hank a nod as they mounted, he voiced their determination. "We're gonna bring 'em home."

"Of course, you will."

"They couldn't have gone far." the deputy continued as they headed out, "They won't go far with Rick in jail." Gesturing off to the west, he continued, "There's a cabin about ten miles from here. The Strom's like a lot luxury so I think they'd settle somewhere where they'll have a little, even if it's just not sleeping on the ground."

"Sam, you take a group and search between here and there. I'll take the rest east of town." He continued, his eyes flickering with worry. "Just be careful. I know we outgun 'em by a lot...but, the Stroms—they're some of the worst men I've ever known."

"We will." Sam spoke for his group, "If we see any sign of 'em, we'll make sure we've got plenty of backup before we move in." He paused for a moment, "Unless they're in danger." He shook his head, "I know I'd give my life to save Miss Kitty and Doc."

Thad nodded in agreement then turned his horse. Letting his gut guide him, as he'd seen Matt do many times. He hoped his own closeness to the missing man and woman would lead him to them but couldn't help remembering the day the Stroms came to Greenwood and his heart twisted with grief at the memory of his father.

Approaching the train depot, the men began circling in an ever widening arc. Thad's eyes focused on a freshly furrowed path and he instinctively followed it.

Riding alone when he finally heard soft horsey noises, his heartbeat quickened when he saw the wagon full of hay next to an old sod house. Could this be it? Should he yell for help? Fire a shot? No! He needed to make sure first.

Dismounting silently, he crept up to the door. It was ajar but he didn't need to look inside to hear Cal's voice. Adrenaline shot through him as he cocked his gun.

⁓*8*⁓

"I could tell right off she had her eye on Rick." Cal began, "She sashayed right up to him when we came in, all giggles and batting her eyelashes." He shrugged, "Of course, we Stroms are used to that so I didn't think anything—"

"Objection!" Doc snapped, "I don't see how his crowing as any relevance to this case!"

"Sustained." Strom scowled at his son, "Move along, Cal. I'd like to be done by the time your brothers get back."

"I'll bet you would." Doc muttered.

"Well, anyways," Cal rushed on, "She sat down at the table with us and just fawned all over him. It was obvious to everyone what she wanted." He shrugged again, "I admit, I didn't try to come between 'em even after Rick got drunk. He's always been able to handle a woman and we'd been riding a long time. I figured if he wanted Miss Russell as much as she wanted him, they'd have a nice night together."

Doc snorted, jumping up. "Are you done with that ridiculous story? Because I have—"

"Sit down, doctor!" Strom cut him off, "I won't have you pushing Cal out of the way before he's done!"

"Well, you oughta!" Doc shot back, "When Matt—"

"Continue please, son…".

"Well," Cal gave Doc a surly glance, "I headed out after a while. Wanted some fresh air. Rick was having an awful good time by then. He isn't usually such a drinker, but Miss Russell..." He leered at her again.

"I must've been gone longer than I thought." A pained look suddenly threw a shadow over his face, "Then one of the cowboys, I think it was Biggs, came running up and said Rick had been shot and was in jail." He rubbed his hand over his mouth, "I went to bail him out and—"

"And Matt threw ya out of town!" Doc looked triumphant.

"Now, am I to understand that you watched Miss Russell wine and dine your brother, without care?" he continued, using the moment of shock to get down to business, "Am I to understand you did nothing, even though Rick was carrying the money? Oh, I'll bet your riders will be happy to hear about how you cared for their hard earned pay!"

"I'm sure they will too..." Thad's voice was soft in the darkness of the room.

"Thad!" Kitty sprang to her feet.

"Seems like you're a little outgunned, deputy." Cal quickly got behind her, cocking his rifle, "Two on one with your friends between us."

"Make that four on one, brother." Mark said.

He and Rick clamored down the steps, rifles pointed at the deputy's back.

Author's Note: Sarah: hahaha! Thanks for the review.