Unshown Moments for A Man A Day, S 7

Thank you all again for such generous and wonderful reviews. I truly do appreciate them. This one is for EvitaScarlet just because.

"Sam, I'm going over to Mr. Jonas's store and pick up my order." Kitty told her barman as she came out of her office. "I'll be back in a little bit."

"No, Ma'am." Sam immediately moved forward and blocked her way.

"What you mean?" She frowned at him. "Sam, what's got into you? I need to go…"

"I can't let you go, Miss Kitty." Sam stated making sure she couldn't get around him. "I promised I'd keep guard on you and I can't do that and tend the bar both if you leave here."

"Keep…" Kitty took a deep breath and pursed her lips as she glared up at her tall protector. "Did Matt put you up to this?"

"He asked me to and I promised I would." Sam pulled his chin up. "I don't plan on going back on that, Miss Kitty."

"Well, I don't care what you plan on doing, Sam Noonan." Kitty arched a brow in consternation. "I plan on going to Mr. Jonas's store and you're not going to stop me. You work for me, remember?"

"I remember." Sam answered with no sign of moving or being bothered by her irritation. "I also remember I wouldn't have a job if it wasn't for you and I made a promise to keep you safe. I don't plan on having anything happen to you on my watch."

Kitty closed her eyes in irritation and took a deep breath. As an employee, Sam had the highest of ethics and took his job seriously. She also knew Sam was a man of his word and employee or not, he'd not let a thing happen to her under any circumstances. But she wasn't about to be coddled or babysat by anyone no matter what.

Finally getting her temper under control, Kitty slowly raised her eyes back to her friend and employee. "Fine." She said through slightly gritted teeth. "Then come with me."

"I can't." Sam answered. "I can't leave the bar unattended."

Kitty glanced around and saw Sue, one of her girls, just coming in to work. "Sue!" She called over to her. "Watch the bar. My babysitter and I have someplace to go."

With a confused look from Sue and a slight grin from Sam, Kitty shook her head and stomped out of the saloon, Sam on her heels after grabbing the shotgun under the bar.

"Miss Kitty, we just passed the store." Sam mentioned as Kitty marched past and kept going.

"I know." She answered stonily.

With a sinking heart, Sam realized where she was headed and moved a little faster to stop her. "Now, Miss Kitty, Marshal Dillon just wants to protect you." He planted himself in front of her on the boardwalk. "He doesn't want you hurt."

"Really?" She offered an almost evil grin. "Well, I'm not sure I can say the same about him."

Sam swallowed hard as she stepped around him and continued her march to the jail. Shaking his head he silently followed after her, knowing he wasn't going to be able to talk his stubborn employer out of it.

Once she reached the jail, Kitty grasped the knob and turned it, only to find the door locked and no one there. For several minutes, Kitty silently stood at the door with a little of the wind gone from her sails, at being unable to confront Matt. But knowing he'd most likely be by the saloon sometime later and she'd have it out with him then she relaxed and decided to let it go for a while.

"Come on, Sam." She looked up at her protector with a calm smile. "Let's go shopping."

However, as hour after hour passed and there was no sign of the Marshal, Kitty's calm disappeared and her anger began to reappear as every move she made was followed by her seriously protective employee. She was about to blow her top completely when Matt finally appeared very close to closing time.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Kitty glowered at him. "What are you doing here? I have a babysitter, remember?"

Matt sighed and dropped his hat. "Look, Kitty, I knew you wouldn't be too happy with this but since you wouldn't leave town, it was the only thing I could think to do to protect you."

"But, Matt, I don't need to be protected." Kitty protested. "Just cause some outlaws said they would…"

"They did more than just say it." Matt stopped her. "They're already carrying through on it. They killed Enoch Miller."

"They what?" She asked in shock. "Oh no."

"Me and Dan found him today when we rode out there." He confirmed. "Now if they're willing to kill a harmless old man who'd done them no harm and had even helped them, than what do you think they'd do to you?"

Kitty dropped her head, her anger gone, replaced by remorse. "I'm sorry, Matt. I didn't think they'd actually kill anyone."

"Yeah, well, they did. And that's why I still think it'd be a good idea for you to go on out to Jake Worth's place. It'd be safer for you."

If they hadn't of been in the middle of the saloon, Kitty would've reached up and kissed Matt on the spot. But instead she offered him a grateful smile with a shake of her head. "I'm still staying here, Matt. But I won't kick up a fuss about Sam. Okay?"

"No, it's not okay." He sighed. "But I guess it'll have to do as long as you promise to be careful. Don't leave the saloon unless you have to and make sure you don't go anywhere alone. You understand?"

"I do." She nodded. "And I promise I will."

After a few words with Sam, Matt left the saloon and went on back out to try and find the people behind the murder of Enoch Miller and the threats of all that he cared about. He still felt it'd be safer for Kitty to leave town, though he knew she wouldn't. She was as stubborn as he was. But at least now, she understood his concern. He didn't want to see anyone die and he'd do everything in his power to prevent more murders but more than anything, he wanted Kitty safe from any chance of harm. If something happened to her, all the gold in Kansas would be worthless as far as he was concerned.

END