Hootie finished with Sam. The sadness in his heart could be read in every line of his face as he watched the firemen pull chard chairs and tables out to the street. He stood and walked over to the doorway. The smoke still hung heavy in the air and gently puffed up through the huge hole in the roof. The fire was out, but men with buckets still poured water on hot spots. Newly moved next to him and place a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go and see if we can find the Marshal and Festus." He swallowed hard. "Hopefully they found Miss Kitty and Doc..."
Sam nodded but spoke not a word as the two searched through the large crowd.
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"I'll be back in a few minutes. I'll find out what's going on. Kitty, you stay here with Doc and Festus." Matt said firmly. Kitty nodded.
Festus fussed over Doc. "I'll get Aunt Hootie. She'll know what to do fer ya Doc." He hurried off to find Hootie.
Doc coughed hard again. He sat with his elbows on his knees and his hands cupped over his stinging eyes. "Thanks, Festus..."
Kitty then sat next to beleaguered doctor. She pat him gently on he back. "I told you smoking wasn't good for you..." she said jokingly.
"Maybe it's the brand..." Doc retorted while half laughing which caused him to cough again. Then an air of seriousness washed over him. "What's happening to the Long Branch?"
Kitty sighed and looked up the street. "I don't know. There's still a large crowd out front. Hope Matt comes back soon."
Within a moment Festus and Hootie came trotting down the street. "Oh, Doc...you look positively terrible!" Hootie exclaimed. "Now let me have a look at you here..." she gently moved his hands from his face. She made a face and summed up the situation. "Festus. You go get lots of warm water, clean cloth and salt...now hurry!" She shooed him away knowing he wanted to remain with his friend. Hootie's attention came back to the doctor. "You're gonna be just fine, honey."
Kitty smiled and almost laughed at the statement. A Haggen calling Doc 'honey'. She could almost see Doc restraining himself from making a comment which caused Kitty to smile more.
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Sam spotted Festus and hailed Newly. "Festus just went up the street toward Doc's office."
Newly watched the other deputy for a moment. "Good. You go down the street. They must be that way. I'll go see what Festus needs." Sam was quick to turn on his heels and head down the street. Newly jogged off after Festus.