Doc's Office the Same Morning

"You're right Matt and I'm sorry." Doc Adams gently pushed down on the palm of the marshal's hand and tested each finger's mobility. "I shouldn't have discussed your medical situation with Festus. It's not something I usually do, and frankly it's unprofessional. It won't happen again.

"I know Doc, and for the record, I know you did it out of concern and likely plain old frustration."

Doc ran a hand across his mustache. "Everything is – well, just off with Kitty gone. The Long Branch sure doesn't feel the same. That Hannah woman is nice, I have nothing against her, but she's no Kitty. Anyway, have you heard from her? I mean, aside from that one telegram saying she got to San Francisco."

Matt shook his head. "Doc, she's only been gone a few days – I admit it does feel longer, but she'll keep me informed. How about this hand? I can start working it today, right?"

"Yes, well some – but…." Doc looked up at Matt. "I don't know quite how to say this to you, but I've got a strong feeling that you want things to just snap back into being a certain way – your arm, your draw, even Kitty. Matt, sometimes life doesn't give us what we want, when we want it and we have to make adjustments."

Matt stared straight ahead without speaking. Folks had looked to him for help and answers, since he was in his early 20's. He was never fool enough to think he was perfect or didn't make mistakes, but he always had a sense of his own competence – his gifts, what he was good at, really good at. The movement and strength of his right arm, and his draw, were part of that. Should he really be counting on building that back to where it was? And Kitty – she looked in his eyes and said she'd be back. They loved each other. Doubting her words would be wrong. Yet, there was a big world out there and Kitty was a wonderful woman. Without even looking or trying, she could discover an easier life with a man who was – less complicated.

"Matt, Matt, MATT." Doc's voice broke into Matt's reverie. "Are you going to tell me what you were just thinking."

"Nope." Matt pushed off the exam table. "I can start working this hand now, right?"

"Yes, you can do the exercises I gave you and practice your draw, but you have to start slow." Doc peered into Matt's clear blue eyes and frowned. "You're in a bigger rush than ever. Why?" Matt let out a sigh, no point in hiding the truth. "Ash Drake's brother, Billy, came to see me. Seems Ash is gonna call me out for a gunfight sometime soon. He wins I die. I win, Billy loses a brother. Billy doesn't want either outcome. Neither do I."

"That's quite a situation, Matt. Truth is, I don't see your hand healing fast enough for you to take on a gunman like Drake, any time soon. You have find a way out of it."

"I've been thinking on that 6 ways to Sunday, and come up empty." Matt shoved on his hat. "If you think of something let me know. See ya later."

Dodge House

Ash Drake flopped down on his bed, and put his hands behind his head. "Little brother, that was one good breakfast."

"Yep." Billy sank into an armchair across the room, and watched his brother stretch his wiry body across the bed. He smiled at the memory of the awe he felt as a 5 year-old, watching 13 year old Ash ride a horse or handle a rifle. Even his big brother's name was special, Ash. His own name was a boring, William, and to make things worse his parents called him silly Billy. Yet, as much as he worshipped Ash, they were never close. He was just 8 when Ash left home at the age of 16. Still, when their parents died of typhoid two years later, Ash came back to see he got cared for. The conversation wasn't easy.

"Billy, I know this is hard for you, real hard, but you're gonna be OK. I found a real good boarding school in a grand city called Boston. Boarding means you live there. You'll make friends and learn a lot. You'll like it."

"Ash, why can't I come live with you? Why do I have to be with strangers?"

"My life ain't fitting for a boy like you. I travel a lot, and make money with my gun. I don't break no laws, so you don't gotta worry about me going to jail, it's just it ain't no life for a smart kid like you." Ash squeezed Billy's thin shoulders and looked into his eyes. "The school in Boston is the right place for you, do me proud. When you're grown and ready, we'll figure out about being together like family should."

Now, 8 years later, Billy had to admit Ash was right, he loved school, worked hard and flourished. He also avoided thinking about how his tuition got paid. It was blood money. He had to face it, and he wanted it to stop. He cleared his throat. "Ash, it seems Dillon's arm's as good as new. He handily caught that shot glass you tossed his way last night."

Ash turned on his side and looked at his younger brother. "Sure, he passed that little test of mine, but that ain't the same as drawing a gun. I've been asking around, and every time I broach the topic of Dillan's arm, the fine citizens of Dodge get tight-lipped as clams. Billy, I can't outdraw Dillon if he's back to normal, but anything short of that, well - I got a chance. If his arm's real bad, I got a good chance. The sooner I call him out the better. I don't want to give him too much time to heal."

Billy sighed. "This plan of yours, maybe …"

"Little brother." Ash put up a hand. "You got a lot of book learning, but this type a thing is what I know."

San Francisco

The dock workers gently set Edward down in the back of a big empty wagon, one that usually hauled large boxes of trout, clams and lobsters. The wooden slats beneath Ed's unconscious body carried the smell of the sea. Joanne scrambled into the wagon and knelt beside him. Ursula stood frozen in place on the sidewalk, not moving or making a sound. With her eyes on Edward, Joanne called out. "Mrs. Fairweather, we have to get your husband to my office. Please get in quickly." Ursula's jaw clenched. The thought that Edward needed Joanne Miller more than anyone, sickened her, and she couldn't bring herself to watch that woman touch him. She lifted her chin. "I have children to think of. I must go and pick them up." She turned to Joanne with a hard-eyed stare. "Remember what I said, if he dies, you'll be ruined."Joanne signaled the driver to go, and wiped away a trickle of sweat that was running down Edward's face.

Standing off to the side on crutches, Kitty watched the scene play out. She'd been stunned and shocked by Ursula's earlier words to Dr. Miller. You'd better save him. If he dies I'll ruin your reputation and your life. Yet the woman wasn't even traveling with her wounded husband to the doctor's office. Surely she could arrange for her children to be picked up and care for by a friend, or even her hired help. Ursula's behavior seemed odd, but then again shock and trauma can make people do strange things. Maybe the woman just needed a kind word and helping hand.

Kitty took a deep breath and moved closer. Her voice was filled with kind compassion. "Excuse me. I'm Kitty Russell, a friend of Dr. Miller's. I'm so sorry about what happened. Maybe I could be of some help. I told Joanne her I'd drive her buggy back to her office for her. Before I do that, I'd be happy to drop you off, where ever you need to be. You said you had to pick up your children. Perhaps I can take you there."

Ursula looked Kitty up and down with icy eyes. "I am Mrs. Edward Fairweather. I do not need favors from strangers, and I certainly do not need favors from a friend of Joanne Miller. She turned sharply and walked away. Kitty watched her go. Life sure was filled with twists and turns. Joanne, her wonderful new friend, was trying to save the man she loved, so he could continue his life with another woman. Ursula seemed to have everything she wanted, but appeared to be bitter and angry. Poor Edward was at death's door. Deep in thought, Kitty made her way to Joanne's buggy, and got herself into the driver's seat. She set her crutches down, and took hold of the reins. Oh Matt, life and love can be so complicated, you and I are living proof of that. But no matter what, we always find a way back to each other. It seems we are the lucky ones.

TBC