Chapter Two
A/N: Well. I've one review (thanks), so here we go.
Wyatt Earp's moustache did a poor job of hiding his frown as walked along the dusty street toward the Oriental. Mattie's use of laudanum seemed to be becoming more and more frequent. He had felt sure that the bottle he had seen today on her nightstand was a new one, and the broken bottle he had found not far from the cottage had proven his suspicions. Wyatt may have had a sharp wit and quick reflexes when it came to cards and guns and tough situations, but he now felt powerless. Wyatt had tried everything he could think of. He would spend extra time with Mattie, take her for walks, bring her nice things from the town stores, anything to distract her and put her in a better mood, but she seemed to be off in another world. To Wyatt, it seemed as though all Mattie wanted was opium. And whenever Wyatt would so much as hint of her going to a doctor, she would fly off the handle and Heaven forbid you should be in her way.
"Hey! Wyatt!"
Wyatt turned to see Virgil and Morgan making their way towards him.
"Hey boys. Going to the Oriental?"
Virgil and Morgan exchanged looks before Virgil cleared his throat. "Wyatt, we have a problem," His gruff voice was worried.
His tone momentarily drove Mattie out of Wyatt's head. "What is it?"
"This afternoon, someone threw a rock through the window at the jail," Virgil pulled a bit of paper out of his pocket. "This was tied to it."
Wyatt took the paper and read the words it contained. His brow creased.
"We figured you'd be the best one to talk to Doc," Morgan said.
> > > > >
Doc Holliday tugged the front of his vest to smooth out the wrinkles. He would never admit it to anyone, but he was as vain and preened as much as any cat. Doc gave a wry smirk as he picked up his hat. I will have the attitude and manners of a rich Southerner until the day I die. He gave a rattling cough. Which seems to be less and less far off every day. Doc absently took a drink of vodka from his flask.
"Are you ready to go, Doc?"
Doc turned to see his Hungarian sheet-stealer dressed in a low-cut dress, compromised of blue and black silk and lace. Her hair was done up and held with sparkly pins.
Ever the gentleman, Doc bowed, "I would not want to keep a lady waiting." He held out his arm for her.
Kate link her arm through his. "I think you mean you would not want to keep anyone in possession of their money," She responded with a knowing smile.
Doc returned the smile, "Madame, I am highly offended by your insinuation."
A knock at the door interrupted their friendly banter. Doc dropped Kate's arm and walked over with some annoyance at the potentially lengthy delay. The door was opened to reveal a serious-looking Wyatt Earp.
"Doc," Wyatt said without a smile, "I need to talk to you."
A/N: There we are. Reviews are nice things...I don't know how soon I can update again. I have finals coming up, but after the 22nd I'll have time. Peace and Love.