Many of the partons of the Long Branch moved out into the street to watch the firework display. Green, red, yellow, blue and white lights filled the clear night sky - each one with a mighty pop. The crowd clapped as every time one exploded.
Doc and Kitty remained at their table. Doc sipped on his drink as Kitty lamented about Festus' plight with his cousin Henry. "Makes you wonder what he did way back to have that much bad luck..."
Doc chuckled. "The only time I wonder about it, is when I see him! I don't want you to ever tell Festus this, " he waged his finger at Kitty, "...but I actually do feel sorry for him and that Aunt Hootie. Why she's the nicest person I have met in a long time!" He took another sip of his drink.
Kitty was slightly taken back by the comment and smiled. "Yeah, Hootie is pretty special. I think Festus is happy to see her too." Then Kitty caught a look on Doc's face. "What?"
Doc frowned and looked around. "Thought I just smelled smoke."
Kitty's left eyebrow lifted. "Must be from the fireworks. I know that wood stove over in the corner isn't lit."
Doc shrugged.
Sam overheard Doc as he stood behind the bar. "I thought I smelled smoke too, Doc. Doesn't smell like fireworks though."
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Little did the three know that a large part of the roof of the Long Branch was burning. No one on the street noticed as their attention was drawn to the fireworks.
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Sam walked to the door of the Long Branch to have a peek at the light display in the night sky. As he stepped out onto the board walk a loud crash happen from within the saloon. He turned and his jaw dropped open. A huge beam had crashed through the roof and was full engulfed in flames. Smoke and ambers billowed up through the massive hole in the roof. To the top of his lungs he yelled, "FIRE! FIRE in the Long Branch!"