The Contract
An ATC to Mannon
By
AZgirl66
Chapter 21-Questions and Answers
Matt squinted as the mid-day sun streamed into the room. The slight creaking sound of the rocking chair along with the satisfied sounds of Addie at her mother's breast caused Matt to smile. He rolled onto his side, focusing on Kitty feeding her baby, gently rocking her near the window.
Matt propped himself up on one elbow and quietly asked, "How'd you two sleep?"
He was surprised when Kitty looked up at him with a tear-stained face.
"Honey," Matt sat up, the quilt bunching at his waist, "What's wrong? Is the baby okay?" He quickly rose and approached the two most important women in his life.
Matt knelt next to the rocker while Kitty wiped her tears off her flushed cheeks, "Oh, Matt, she's just fine. She let me sleep longer than I thought she would."
"Then why are you crying?" Matt searched her eyes.
"I have so much to tell you…so much you need to understand," Kitty turned her face once again to the nursing baby.
"I'm not goin' anywhere," Matt firmly stated, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear.
"Is anyone else here?" Kitty nervously asked, "I don't hear anyone in the house."
Matt stood and grabbed his pants and shirt off the floor, "Let me go see. I'll grab us some coffee and food while you finish with Addie. Then we can have our talk. Okay?"
Kitty nodded, giving her cowboy a slight smile.
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Addie lay sleeping once again in the middle of the bed when Kitty exited the bedroom. She'd washed up in the basin that was on her dresser and had changed into her black skirt and her oversized white blouse. She felt refreshed, with her hair pulled up into a pony tail, secured by a blue ribbon, and her face freshly washed and devoid of paint.
Matt approached the kitchen table, carrying a plate with some left-over fried chicken and green beans on it. "Here, Kitty. C'mon over and eat somethin'. You've got to keep your strength up," Matt gently commanded, pulling out her chair for her.
"No sign of anyone around?" Kitty asked as she took her seat at the table, glancing through the small kitchen window.
"Nope," Matt answered, "Ezra left a note saying that he and Festus went back into town. They'll be back later tonight or tomorrow to check on us."
The big man served Kitty some coffee and a glass of water, then fetched himself a plate. Kitty watched his every move out of the corner of her eye. She was both eager and nervous to tell her story to Matt. She swallowed a bite of her chicken leg and began, "Matt, I know you have a lot of questions, and I have a lot to tell you," Kitty took a big swig from her water glass, glancing over the rim at the patient man sitting across from her.
"Kitty, can I ask you a question or two before you start?" Matt sweetly looked at the lovely, fresh-faced, new mother before him.
Kitty wiped her mouth with her napkin, "Of course," she couldn't yet meet his eyes, so she concentrated on her plate of food.
"Are you married?" Matt's forearms were perched on the edge of the table, as he waited for her to answer. His thumb nervously rubbed against the handle of his fork.
Kitty nearly choked on her coffee. She looked up and gave a slight smile, "No, Matt, I'm not married," she reached over and patted one of his hands.
"Well, that's a relief. That Moose fella-"
"I know, I know," Kitty interrupted, "Will told the whole town we were married and I wasn't allowed to ever contradict him. And then with the pregnancy, I just learned to live with the 'Mrs. Mannons'," Kitty sipped her coffee and peered at Matt through her downcast lashes.
It didn't go unnoticed by the experienced marshal that Kitty had used Mannon's first name. He grimaced a bit and asked, "So what's with the doctor, sayin' he's your husband?"
Kitty explained, "After the last beating, Ezra was gonna help me escape to somewhere safe. The 'somewhere safe' was the Osage reservation-with his mother's people. We were gonna have t' marry to do that," after straightening her napkin, she folded both of her hands in her lap, "in the Osage tradition, anyway."
"Why wouldn't you come t' me to be safe, Honey? I don't understand," Matt placed one hand on his hip and clasped Kitty's hand across the table with the other.
Kitty shrugged her shoulders, "Long story, Cowboy," she sighed.
After eating in silence for a bit, Matt stood and helped Kitty do the same. He walked her over to the over-stuffed chair by the glowing fireplace and gently pulled his woman onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes before she spoke.
"Matt?"
"Hmm?" the big man gently rubbed her back in a circular motion.
Kitty took a deep breath, leaving her head on the big man's shoulder, "He didn't take me…I left willingly."
Matt froze. His body stiffened and his hand quit moving. He had to remind himself that he needed to breathe. He calmly asked, "Why would you do that? Especially after he…he…"
Kitty kept her eyes tightly closed, letting her head remain on Matt's shoulder. "He raped me, yes. And I had Doc bring him to me afterwards, you know that, right?"
"Uh-huh," his soothing back rubbing resumed.
"I was gonna try to get under his skin, make him think you could kill 'im. I don't know what came over me. Festus' words about Mannon's quick draw kept replaying in my head. I was so scared. I could just envision you, dead on Front Street, like with Mace Gore..." her shaky voice trailed off.
"And?"
"And before I knew it, I told him he could have me if he'd leave you be," Kitty traced small circles on the front of Matt's shirt. "We made a contract. My freedom for your life."
"Aww, Kitty," Matt whispered, as he placed his crooked pointer-finger under her chin, lifting it so she would look into his eyes, "Why didn't ya trust me, Honey? You know I can take care a' myself."
Tears trickled down Kitty's cheeks as she mumbled, "I don't know…I was so…so scared he…he would kill you, Matt. I couldn't bear the thought of you…you lying dead in the street," she sniffled, her back heaving up and down with each quiet sob.
"Aww, Baby," Matt pulled Kitty into his chest, embracing her tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Cowboy. I'm so sorry…for so many things. I don't know how you can ever forgive me," Kitty cried, nearly choking on her tears. She gripped the front of Matt's shirt with one hand and sniffled, "I did horrible things…I lied to you, I willingly…did things…" Kitty's mouth was opened, but words could no longer come out.
Matt placed his arm around Kitty's shoulders, keeping her close. He gently placed a kiss upon her forehead, soothing, "Sweetheart, I'm not worried about any of that. Not one bit. I promise you. And I promise you we're going to be okay. We're gonna make all this right and proper. We're gonna get married as soon as we can, and then-"
"What?" Kitty asked, barely above a whisper, "What did you say?" She sat up straight, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand and looking into her cowboy's own tear-filled baby blues.
"You and me, Honey. Before we go to home to Dodge, we'll get married. No one will have to know-"
"To know what?" Kitty asked with a hiccup.
"Well, you know-about any of this…or Addie being-"
"Matt," Kitty stood up slowly, realizing it was time to make something perfectly clear to the big marshal, "come 'ere," she grabbed his hand and lead him into the bedroom.
Addie slept peacefully in the middle of the bed, swaddled in her fluffy, white blanket. Kitty gingerly leaned over, carefully lifting the sleeping infant into her arms.
"Here, Matt," Kitty held the baby out for Matt to cradle in his big, strong arms.
Matt confidently took the child, studying the baby's face. He whispered, "She is so beautiful, Kitty."
"That she is, Cowboy." Kitty caressed Addie's cheek with the back of her fingers, "Once I knew I was pregnant, I had to focus on getting her here safely."
Matt brightly smiled at the tiny creature enveloped safely in his arms, "You are an amazing woman, Kathleen Russell. Your daughter is perfect in every way," Matt couldn't tear his eyes away from the newborn.
"Our daughter is perfect in every way, Matt," Kitty corrected, matter-of-factly. Her eyes searched Matt's face, waiting for the realization that Addie was truly a Dillon.
Matt's eyes met Kitty's as he whispered, "But Mannon said-"
"Mannon said what he believed to be true. What I had to say t' him to keep both Addie and me alive. Matt, I was pregnant before I left Dodge. When Ezra told me how far along I was, I was so relieved! I promise you, Matthew Dillon…she is your daughter," Kitty beamed.
Matt leaned over with tears in his eyes, gently placing his free hand behind Kitty's head. He pulled her close and ever so gently kissed his beloved lady, long and slow. Tears ran down both of their cheeks as Kitty opened her mouth to fully taste her cowboy. The long-time lovers broke the kiss and rested, forehead pressed against forehead.
"You know I'd love her no matter what, don't you, Honey?" Matt sighed, stroking the back of Kitty's neck with his giant thumb.
"Yes, I do…but I needed you to know the truth. Addie was made from love, not violence. I love you so much, Cowboy." Kitty whispered.
"I love you, too, Sweetheart," Matt closed his eyes and relished the moment.
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In the twilight, Kitty rocked the baby on the front porch, while Matt tended to Buck in the small barn. She was relieved to have shared more of her story with Matt, little by little, over the last couple of hours. Matt hadn't pushed, nor judged, but Kitty knew deep down that Matt had been heartbroken by her decisions. They were both eager to return home to Dodge, but sadly, they also knew it may be a while until Kitty and Addie were fit for travel.
Kitty smiled when she heard the familiar "hee-haw" of her favorite mule. She looked up and grinned from ear to ear to see Festus and Moose riding up toward the house. As they neared, she noticed that Festus appeared to be hauling something behind Ruth in a little cart.
"Well, hello there, you two," Kitty greeted, remaining seated.
"Miz Kitty," Festus tipped his hat.
"Ma'am," Moose spoke softly, also tipping his hat.
"Please, come on up here and meet this sweet thing," Kitty tilted her head towards her bundle.
Moose and Festus dismounted and slowly ascended the steps, removing their hats. Both men leaned slightly toward the infant, now swathed in a pink blanket. Her bright blue eyes searched her mama's face.
"Oh, Miz Kitty, she's so purty. Downright looksome, jus' like her mama," Festus whispered, winking at Kitty.
"Ma'am, she shore is tiny," Moose grinned at Kitty, as he worked his hat in his hands.
"She was a little early, but she's healthy. Festus," Kitty said, "can you please go help Matt in the barn? I'd like to have a few moments alone with this gentleman, if I may?"
"Shore thang. Jus' give a holler iffin' ya need us," Festus nodded at Kitty.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine," Kitty reassured her friend. She motioned to the other rocking chair, "Please, sit, Moose."
Moose looked as nervous as could be. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied.
Kitty turned slightly, so she was nearly facing the big, burly man sitting near her. She smiled and said, "I didn't have a chance to thank you last night-"
"No thanks, necessary, Ma'am," Moose interrupted, "I was jus' doin' m' job."
Kitty curiously studied Moose's face as she asked, "Your job? I thought your job was t' follow me. To make sure I didn't leave town or say too much?"
"At first, it was kinda like that, til Mr. Mannon found out you was pregnant," Moose explained, "then he wanted me t' follow ya, t' make sure you was safe. That nobody messed with ya." Moose fussed with his hat in his lap, staring at the baby in Kitty's arms.
Kitty blinked rapidly, not able to believe what she was hearing, "Moose, I had no idea. I always saw you as the enemy."
He looked Kitty in the eye, "I know, Mrs.-er, I mean, Ma'am," Moose fidgeted, "Mr. Mannon was a hard fella t' understand. In his own strange way…he, uh, cared 'bout ya. He couldn't wait fer that li'l one. He jus' weren't right in the head, that's fer shore. I'm jus' sorry it took me so long t' really protect ya, Ma'am."
Kitty stared at Addie, not knowing what to say. Changing the subject, she spoke softly, "My name is Kitty. What's your given name, if I may ask?"
"Morris," Moose shrugged, seemingly embarrassed, "isn't that awful? I don't know what my mama was thinkin'."
Kitty smiled brightly, "Well I think Morris is a fine name. What was your mother's name?"
"She was Jane," Moose then turned his attention to the big marshal and his deputy approaching the house.
"Moose," Matt held out his hand toward the man who saved Kitty and their baby.
Moose stood, smiling as he accepted Matt's hand, "Marshal."
"I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for what you did for Kitty," Matt genuinely thanked the stranger.
"It was my job t' protect her, Marshal. T' me, that meant even from Mr. Mannon. My mama and papa taught me that no one should ever hurt a lady. Never," Moose cleared his throat.
Festus turned his attention to the little one, now sleeping in Kitty's arms, "Miz Kitty, I never done asked-whatcha gonna call that li'l tatterbug?"
Kitty stood, "Morris, Uncle Festus, I'd like you t' meet Adelaide Jane Dillon," she tilted Addie up for the men to see.
"Miss Kitty," Moose gasped, "you don't got t' do that."
"I'd be honored if you'd let me, Morris. Your mother raised you to be a fine man," Kitty spoke sincerely.
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Kitty, Matt, Festus and Ezra sat around the kitchen table, eating the fish that Festus had caught earlier in the day, along with some beans and corn bread.
"So, Ezra, I didn't have a chance to ask about Mrs. Kapp. How is she?" Kitty inquired.
Ezra smiled and replied, "She and her son are just fine, Kitty. Just fine. Mr. Kapp on the other hand…"
Kitty and Ezra both laughed while Matt and Festus just glanced at each other with raised eyebrows, not being "in" on the humor.
Matt took another large piece of cornbread, asking, "So what happens to you now, Ezra? Since you won't be taking Kitty and the baby to the reservation?"
Kitty seemed worried, "You're not in some kind of trouble, are you?" she reached for her friend's sleeve, looking at him with great concern.
"No, Kitty, I'm not. But you don't look so honorable, I'm afraid," Ezra narrowed his eyes and grimaced.
"What?! Me?!" Kitty gasped, her eyebrows nearly reaching her hairline.
"Seems my mother tried to fix my reputation among the tribal elders by, well…destroying yours."
Kitty's face fell, "Dare I ask?"
Matt chuckled, as Festus mindlessly grabbed another piece of fish.
"Mother told Chief Little White Hair that you…how did she put it? 'Deceived me'," Ezra shrugged his shoulders and gulped another spoonful of beans.
"Oh, God," Kitty closed her eyes and rested her forehead against her palm, with her elbow perched upon the table.
"Yup," Ezra continued, "seems you told me the baby was mine, but the rightful father showed up just in time. So, all I'm guilty of is bad judgement."
"Matt! Did you hear that?!" Kitty practically shouted, looking to Matt for help.
"Well," Matt took a long sip of water, "it's half true," he smiled, winking at Kitty.
"Matthew Dillon!" Kitty said in disbelief. The marshal was mercifully saved by the cry of his newborn daughter.
Matt sprang up, "I'll get 'er."
"Miz Kitty," Festus began, "I nearly plum fergot. I'se got somethin' from the mercantile outside. The man said it was ordered a while ago," Festus rose to retrieve the item.
"Oh?" Kitty couldn't remember waiting on any orders.
Matt carried Addie into the kitchen. "I told you your mama was in here," he whispered to his unhappy, hungry daughter.
"Give her here, Daddy," Kitty smiled brightly and reached out her arms, "Mama knows what you need, Sweetie."
All eyes turned to Festus as he noisily entered the house. "Here ya are, Miz Kitty. This here is a fine lookin' cradle," he placed it on the sitting room floor.
Kitty was speechless as she rose and slowly walked to the cradle, her eyes wide with disbelief. She tightly squeezed Addie to her chest; so tight the baby squirmed and whimpered. When Kitty found her voice, she croaked, "I didn't order this. Take it away, please," she turned swiftly, walking quickly into the bedroom with Addie. The snick of the door latch broke the awkward silence among the men.
"Matthew?" Festus looked confused.
"Take it to the barn, Festus," Matt instructed in his deep baritone voice.
"But it's brand spankin' new…I don't-"
"Mannon must've ordered it," is all Matt said, as he threw his napkin on the table and quickly went after Kitty.
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Matt entered the room, closing the door behind him. His heart broke at the sight before him. Kitty sat on the edge of the bed, rocking her now howling infant back and forth, softly begging, "Shhhh, sweet girl, please…shhhh." She patted Addie's back and closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Kitty, Honey," Matt soothed as he sat next to her on the bed, rubbing her back, "it's alright."
Much to Matt's surprise, Kitty glowered at him and bit out, "It's NOT alright. What in the hell would you know about a man who raped me day after day sending a gift for my baby from beyond the grave?!" Kitty abruptly stood and began to pace around the room. Addie began to scream while Matt's confusion and concern grew.
"Kitty, let me have Addie," Matt spoke softly, trying to interpose some calm into the situation. He held out his arms, "Please, Honey?"
Kitty pulled the baby even closer to her chest and backed herself into a corner of the room. She and Addie were now both crying hysterically, "No! She's mine! You can't have her! Go away!"
"Kitty, you've got too tight a hold on her…here…let me-" Matt began to panic as he approached Kitty, trying to release the sobbing baby from her mother's grasp.
Kitty screamed, "I mean it, Will! Get the hell away from us! I won't let you hurt her!" With her back against the wall, Kitty slid to the floor landing in a crumpled heap. She finally loosened her grip on the infant somewhat, letting Addie breathe more freely.
Will? Matt was speechless. He decided to take another tack, "Kathleen Russell," he stated firmly, in his most authoritative voice.
Kitty's crying slowed and she began to hiccup and sniffle. As the situation began to de-escalate, the baby's cries lessened in volume. Kitty blinked several times, attempting to clear her vision. She once again attempted to soothe the child with soft shushing.
Ezra stood in the doorway, at the ready to assist Matt, but the marshal held up his hand, letting the doctor know he was going to try to calm his lady on his own.
"Kitty…it's me, Matt. Can you hear me?" Matt spoke softly, but resolutely.
"Yes, Matt…I hear you," Kitty whispered, patting Addie's back.
"Can I hold our daughter, Honey?" Matt asked, holding out his arms.
Kitty wiped her tear-stained face with her sleeve, "O…o..kay," she hiccupped, offering Addie to her father.
Matt stood, softly cooing into Addie's ear, while simultaneously pulling Kitty to her feet. Kitty looked at Matt, realizing that something strange had just come over her. "Matt?" she gasped, "What did I do?" she covered her face with her hands and sat on the bed, silently weeping.
"Kitty," Ezra interjected, speaking calmly, "this is common after a woman has suffered the type of trauma you've suffered. It may not be the last time this happens."
Addie continued to cry, continuing her request for the nourishment that only Kitty could provide. Matt looked at Ezra, silently asking if it was okay to let Kitty feed the baby.
"Kitty," Ezra spoke calmly, "Addie needs to eat. Think you can feed her?"
She replied, "Of course I can feed my own child. I would never harm her. Never," she looked pleadingly at Matt, "you believe me, don't you, Cowboy?"
"Of course I do, Sweetheart. Here," he handed Addie to her mama.
TBC