Festus watched Kitty pace back and forth across the jailhouse floor.
Miss Kitty, why don'tcha come sit here with me fer a spell, and have a little coffee?
She shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. Festus let her continue for awhile longer, but then he stood and stopped her, putting his hands on her arms.
Now I know you're worried, but I cain't letcha wear yerself into a frazzle-dee-whompus.
Kitty just stared at him for a moment; in another circumstance, she would have found it amusing, but not today.
Festus, I know you mean well, but I can't sit down. We haven't seen Doc or Ma Smalley for almost 24 hours.That could be a good sign, ya know. I just as soon keep in mind that it means nobody's died.
Burke piped up then, Or Doc and Ma are so sick they can't get outta bed either...
Festus growled at Nathan. Oh Burke, hush yer mouth.
Kitty looked into the dark hazel eyes that so wanted to comfort, and she smiled slightly at him. You're one of a kind, you know that Festus?Doc'd tell ya it's a good thang there's only one. She laughed slightly at that, and he used the moment to guide her toward a chair. Now come and sit a spell with me.Can't we at least go check on them?Miss Kitty, you knowed whut Doc said.
A voice yelling from across the street interrupted them, and they both ran outside.
Doc yelled from just in front of the Longbranch.
I'm here, Doc.
Doc held out a hand. Don't come any closer.
Festus watched as Doc placed a wrapped body out on the boardwalk in front of the Longbranch, and he felt his stomach drop to his toes.
Kitty asked quietly, Who is it, Doc?
Adams looked at Kitty. Clyde Wiley. He glanced back at the deputy. You know what to do, Festus.Yes sir, I've been burnin' everything at the end of town.And you've been covering your nose and mouth?Yes Doc, I done that too.
Doc nodded, and Kitty could feel how tired he was from several yards away. Doc...you don't look so good.
He glared at her, his eyes aflame. I'm fine, and don't you get any ideas to the contrary!
Kitty held his eyes from a distance for another minute, then she changed tactics. Haven't seen Ma Smalley lately...
The old man knew the jig was up. He let out a long sigh of air and studied the wood in the boardwalk for a moment. Then he finally looked back up at her.
She's been down since day before yesterday.
The anger in the redhead's voice was plain, Doc, why didn't you call for one of us?
His voice was hoarse, but stern. Kitty, there ain't nothin' any of you can do.
The hell there isn't!
Kitty started walking toward the Longbranch, and Doc's voice boomed at her.
No! Now I won't have this! Kitty you stop right there! Seeing that he was having no effect, he yelled to the deputy. Festus, stop her!
But Kitty was faster than either of them anticipated, and Festus gave up near the boardwalk as Doc grabbed her in his arms.
His timbre was a low mix of anger and sadness. It was a tone that she knew he reserved for her when he was deeply disappointed, and it never failed to shame her.
Kathleen Russell. He waited until she raised her eyes to meet his. I'm not letting you go in there.You don't have any say about it.
She started to move out of his arms, but he grabbed her with surprising force.
Ow! Doc, you're hurting me!Just stop it. His voice remained low and controlled, and it was then that she realized exactly how angry he truly was, and she stopped struggling against him. His steely blue eyes bore into hers with such intensity she could barely stand to look into them. Don't you understand? If you go in there, I won't be able to save you. Just standing here now, this close to me, is a terrible risk.It's my life, Doc.
The emotion that she read on his face left little doubt in regard to his feelings for her, nor why he had become so angry in his bid to protect her. But his desolate words and vulnerable voice sent a pang of regret through her as if she had had no warning. Please don't do this to me.
Her eyes softened and she caressed his cheek tenderly with her hand. I'm sorry Doc, I truly am.
She sensed his grip slacken, and she gently brushed past him, entering the Longbranch. Festus felt his heart freeze as he watched Miss Kitty walk into the saloon, and he knew that for as long as he lived, he'd never forget the look of despair on Doc's face when she did. For a long moment, Doc Adams stood on the boardwalk in front of the Longbranch, his eyes watery with tears, none daring to fall. The old man looked down at the deputy, and held his eyes with a gaze so sorrowful, Festus knew that words couldn't be said. In dreadful silence, Doc slowly turned, his shoulders slumping, and walked back into the Longbranch.
Festus stood still in the street, tears falling down his cheeks. His heart felt more empty than he had ever known it could.