Hostage: Kitty's Fate, The Morning After

Chapter 10

Gunsmoke

Ya'at'eeh is a Navajo greeting. When you knock on the door of a hogan, you will be told to come in. You say, "Ya'at'eeh, then enter, going to your left and shaking hands or actually, not sure if you shake hands, or just touch hands, but you do so with each person present in the hogan. Again, someone could be pulling my leg, but I do remember this greeting between George Washington McLintock and Puma, a Warrior in the movie, McLintock. Great movie! By the way, I looked this up on the internet too. I love the internet, you can learn so much. :) Okay, this concludes this story. I am hoping that you enjoyed it. And if you did, please feed me. I need reviews.

As Matt and the soldiers entered the village, they noticed that the men were standing, ready to fight if need be. Matt watched as one of the young braves lifted his rifle and began to aim it at his chest. He held up his hand in peace. The old man gently stepped up to the young brave and Matt heard him speak in their language "Ya'at'eeh." Matt said, greeting them. He dismounted from his horse and carefully walked over to them.

The old man extended his hand and took Matt's extended hand at the wrist and Matt did the same.

"Why you come here, tall one?" The old man asked.

"I'm looking for a man, Jude Bonner." Matt said to him as he released the old man's hand.

"This man, Bonner, he is friend or foe?" The old man questioned him as he looked into the blue eyes of the white man before him.

"He's no friend, he's kidnapped my wife and unborn child." Matt said as he stood before the old man.

At the familiar sound of his voice, Kitty came out of the hogan, weak and dizzy, she held onto the door frame. "Matt!" She cried out. He turned to see her and was surprised as she stood there wearing buckskins. She looked so pale and she had a bandaged wrapped around her head. She fell to her knees, holding her abdomen, which was just swollen now. Rushing to her side, he gently grabbed her arms and pulled her to her feet as she passed out on him. Tianne pushed the other side open some so that he could take her back into the hogan. By this time, Doc was right behind him with his bag. Matt gently laid her on the soft skins and caressed the side of her face. His heart was beating rapidly against his chest as he leaned over and kissed her brow.

"Let me in there, Matt." Doc said gently from behind him. He knew Matt needed to be with her, but she was sick and he needed to make sure things were okay. Matt looked up at the old man and moved out of his way. Tianne gently took his arm and led him out of the hogan so that Doc could take care of her.

Matt came out of the hogan and walked over to Lt Hanson and his men as they stood speaking with the braves through another young woman, Kiah.

"Where are you're braves going?" Matt asked as he watched the men preparing to go.

"To bring my daughter back." The old man said.

"You're daughter?" Matt asked confused.

"Bonner has taken my daughter and yours. He holds her against her will and threatens to kill her." He said as a young warrior climbed onto his horse.

Matt grabbed the reins of the horse. "This is my battle. I will get your daughter back."

"She is my daughter, not your concern." The old man spoke sternly to him.

"You've obviously cared for my wife, please, this my job, allow me to take these soldiers, we will go after them, I promise you, I will bring both of our daughters back in one piece, which is more than I can say for Bonner." He said as the young warrior watched the two men debate.

In his own language, he spoke to his warriors and they began to dismount, not one of them would argue with the wise old chief, they respected him greatly. "You will bring Najeah back, alive or dead. I will have my daughter back one way or the other." He spoke out of reality, not out of heartlessness. He knew what kind of animal Bonner was.

Looking at the big Lawman, he could see that Jude Bonner had caused him great pain.

"He has hurt you, much, but you must let go of that anger, remember that your daughter is in need of her father." He said to Matt. "I will speak with the spirits and ask them to protect the innocent one." He said, speaking of the baby.

"Matt!" Doc called from the entrance of the hogan.

Matt turned and headed for Doc. Festus stood with the soldiers waiting for news as well. "How's Kitty, Doc?" He asked, worry and fear in his eyes.

"She's gonna be fine, Matt. She wants to see you." Doc said stepping aside, but grabbed Matt's arm as he started in. "Don't stay to long, she's lost a lot of blood and she needs to rest." Doc spoke softly to him, than smiled, reassuring him that all was well with his wife.

Matt gently knelt beside Kitty as Yahni and Ashana got up and left them alone. The two women had moved to the other side of the room, giving them some privacy. Kitty looked up at him as he gently took her hand in his. "Matt, he took Kadie, he took my baby." She said her voice weak with exhaustion.

"I know, and I'm going to bring her home, my love. I swear to you, I will bring her home." He said kissing her forehead. Kitty closed her eyes and was soon back to sleep. Doc gently touched Matt's shoulder and Matt stood up and looked down at his pale wife.

"She's been through so much, this past year, Doc." He said as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

"Yes, she has, but she's a strong woman. Extraordinarily strong, Matt and she has you to thank for that." Matt looked at Doc. "Go on, now, go find your daughter and bring her home." He told him. "When she's strong enough, I'll head on back to Kansas."

"I'm leaving two escorts, Doc. Get you to the nearest town and take the train home." He said heading out the door. The women continued to watch the men from the corner. There was a great deal of love and respect between these people, perhaps there was kindness in their hearts as well. The old woman smiled at Matt, and he felt comforted by her warm smile. He headed out the door, with Doc right behind him. "Jack, I'd like to leave two men here to escort Doc and Kitty to the nearest town when she's well enough to travel." He said to him. Jack nodded then looked back at his men.

"Peterson, Andrews, front and center." The two men rode their horses up along side each other. Stopping in front of Lt Hanson.

"Yes sir!" Peterson asked sharply.

"You and Andrews will stay here with the Doc and Mrs. Dillon. When she is well enough to travel, return to Dodge. We will meet up with you when we return from retrieving our prisoner." Jack spoke to them. Both men nodded and saluted their superior officer. "Let's go!" He told the other men and they followed behind, Matt, Festus and himself.

OOOOOOOOOOO

As the days wore on, Kitty grew stronger. Doc was preparing to return to Dodge with Kitty. Peterson had gone to the nearest town and gotten a buckboard in order to take her to town. Doc felt riding a horse would not be suitable or comfortable for Kitty at this time. Yahni and Ashana helped get her dressed as the men-folk waited outside of the hogan. She would return to Dodge wearing her own clothing, but she was reluctant to hand the buckskin dress back. It had been so comfortable not having to wear the petticoats and corset. 'She always thought the corset was too damn confining, besides, it always squeezed everything in and shoved her breast under her chin.' She thought to herself and had to smile. She looked at Yahni and Ashana. "I would prefer to wear this," she said holding out the buckskin dress. "Our clothing are too confining." She said tugging at the corset. "I'm not sure I can stand this right now."

"Then keep the dress." Yahni said in English, which surprised both Kitty and Ashana.

"It is a gift to a friend." She continued.

"You don't mind?" Kitty asked

"No, it is yours now." Yahni told her.

"Thank you, it's beautiful and so soft. Thank you. I have nothing to give in return." Kitty said looking into the dark brown eyes of her friend.

"You have given much and not know it. You have given faith. And your husband, he will bring both of our children back, this I know, here." She said pointing to her heart. Kitty could not contain her joy, she pulled Yahni into her arms and hugged her. To her surprise, Yahni hugged her back. When the women separated, Kitty began to undress and redressed in the clothing she had been given. Ashana went over to the wooden box in the corner and returned with a pair of soft moccasins for Kitty to wear. When she was dressed, the women smiled at her. She was quite beautiful in the soft buckskin dress. Her thick red hair was pulled over her shoulder and hung in one massively thick braid. A leather tie on the end to keep it together. As the women smiled at her, Kitty kept her hand closed and reached out to Ashana. Ashana smiled, and shyly stepped forward. When she opened her hand, Kitty gently placed a braids lock of hair in the palm. Ashana had no idea that Kitty had cut a long lock of hair and braided it for her. It was a gift that made Ashana understand how very much they meant to Kitty.

"My friend, thank you." She said as she gently pulled the shy young girl into her embrace. Ashana laid her head against Kitty's shoulder, then quickly backed away, lowered her eyes and stepped back. Kitty gently placed her hand under the girls chin and lifted her face upward until Ashana looked into her eyes. "Thank you." Slowly she gathered her bundled clothing and headed out of the hogan.

Doc saw Kitty come out of the hogan, wearing the native clothing and he grinned from ear to ear. It may not have been her native clothing, but she sure looked pretty in them. He had to chuckle to himself at the way she carried herself. She was a proud woman, and the clothing fit a bit tightly. Her swollen abdomen had pretty much gone down and it was tight over her hips. He noticed the tightness around her hips and decided not to say anything to her. She looked anything but uncomfortable. And right now, that was his main concern. Her hair was hung over one shoulder in a thick braid. Even over her shoulder it hung down to her waist. The two soldiers looked up as she came out. Peterson smiled and Andrews seemed somewhat confused.

"Ma'am, you're gonna wear that into town?" He asked afraid of how the townsfolk may act towards her.

"Yes. What is your name?" Kitty asked the young man.

"Corporal Andrew's, Ma'am." He said proudly.

"Well, Corporal, try squeezing into a corset after you've given birth, I don't think you'll find it at all comfortable. So this will do for right now. If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable by the way I look, I would suggest you stay here. But I have to get back to Dodge, I have a business to run and a house to get ready for my daughter." She told the young man whose only answer was to turn bright red.

"Yes, Ma'am, forgive me, Ma'am." He said trying to pull his foot from his mouth.

Doc coughed trying to cover his laugh and Peterson just laughed as he shook his head. "You're still ornery, Kitty."

"I'm only speaking the truth, Doc." She said climbing into the buckboard. Peterson placed his hands on her waist and helped her up as Andrews mounted his horse. If he thought that the woman in their protection was strong before, he knew she was beyond that now. She wasn't just a strong woman, but up front. She didn't seem to hold anything back and Peterson found that intriguing. He understood the Marshal a little more, just by observing his woman. She made him stronger just because she loved him. And he gave her strength in the same way.

"What do you think….?" She asked not knowing his name.

"Peterson, Mrs. Dillon and I think you look beautiful, Ma'am." He said nodding to her. Kitty smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Peterson." She said softly. It was the first time a man had told her so, other than her husband, since Jude Bonner had come into their lives a little over eight months ago.

Doc yanked the reins on the horse and the four of them left the Navajo village. As the buckboard pulled away, Kitty turned slightly in her seat to wave to Ashana and her mother and sister. As she turned back, Doc gently squeezed her hand and they headed out of the village.

MATT

Several days had passed before she was strong enough to sit up. But her color was slowly coming back. She was starting to eat a little bit at a time. Doc comes into the room with a tray. He had stopped at the restaurant to pick up some soup. Kitty sat in the bed. Her long red hair, hanging over her shoulders. She was going over some paperwork for the Long Branch. Doc had startled her, and she tried to hide the book behind her pillow. Setting the tray down, he looks as her suspiciously. "Okay, Kitty, hand it over." She said nothing as she reaches behind her and pulls the book out and hands it to him. Shaking his head, "I thought I said no work of any kind."

"I was bored." She says smiling up at him.

"No you don't. Don't even try batting those lashes at me. I'm immune to your way, young lady." He takes the book and sets it down. Picking up the tray, he goes back over to her. "Now, I want you to eat!" She smiles at him as he pulls up a chair and sits beside her, facing her.

"Yes Sir." She says as she smiles at him. He watches her. "I can't eat if you're going to sit there staring."

"Well, I guess I could find something to do." He goes over to his desk, then stops and turns back to her, holding his hand out for the book. She reluctantly hands him the book and he couldn't do anything but shake his head at her. "I'll be dropping this off at the Long Branch. It can wait until you're out of here."

"Worry wart!" She says as goes over and sits down at his desk.

Matt heard about a young couple, a man fitting Jude's description, heading for Tennessee. They had been on his trail for almost two weeks and they were all anxious to get this over and head home to their families. But first, they would help this man find his daughter. It was nine now, and they had entered Tennessee. As they came to a little town, they dismounted and began to talk to the townsfolk. As Matt stood on the sidewalk in front of the jail, a buckboard, loaded with a man and woman and six kids began to pass by. Sweet Billy pulled up in front of the Marshal.

"Marshal Dillon, it is you." He said as he pulled the break back on the buckboard. "How are you?"

Matt recognized him. "Sweet Billy, how are you?" He said walking up beside the wagon and reaching out to shake his hand.

"Good, Marshal. Oh, this is my wife, and them's my youngens'." He said pointing to the quiet group of kids.

"Mrs. Cathcart." Matt said tipping his hat to her.

"What ya' doin' in these here parts, Marshall?" Sweet Billy asked him.

"I'm tracking a killer. He's kidnapped a young Indian girl and my daughter as well."

Just as he looked up, Orkey came riding up on his horse. "How do, Marshal?" He said.

"Orkey, Marshal Dillon's lookin' fer a stranger, a man with a young Indian girl and a baby." He said to his brother.

"Yep, that be them what passed me about a day ago. But there be three other men with him. Mean looking cuss too. That girl looked terrified and the baby was sound asleep. Ne'er heard a peep out of her as they done rode by. They done head up along the east ridge, kinda dangerous this time of year." Orkey said.

"Why is it dangerous?" He asked Orkey.

"The folk up them parts don't like strangers. They like their privacy." He said to Matt.

"Look, Marshal, we're just headed back to my place, gotta stew cooking, join us and we'll talk. You look like ya'll could use a good meal."

"I suppose we could." Matt said as Lt Hanson stood beside him. They decided to follow the Cathcarts and perhaps get some rest, which is something they haven't had much of.

Once they arrived, Matt filled them in on what had occurred and how they had come to be in Tennessee.

"He ain't no kind of a man, to have done somethin' like that. It ain't no way to treat a woman." Sweet Billy said. "Especially not Miss Kitty. You say that this here baby is you'rin."

"Yes." Matt said.

"The child is his, isn't it?" Orkey asked him.

"Does it matter?" Matt asked him.

"No, I don't reckon that it does. A child needs their mother, especially littlins of the female persuasion." He smokes his pipe. "We bess get some sleep ifin' we're gonna go up to the ridge in the morning."

"I'm going alone." Matt said as Lt Hanson looked at him. He was about to protest when Orkey interrupted.

"Nope, I don't reckon you will. You're gonna need guides and me and Sweet Billy are the best guides around. We know this mountain and every little rock on it, betteren' anyone." Orkey said.

"Septin' Pa, Orkey." Sweet Billy reminded.

"That thar is true enough." The men got up and found themselves a spot on the floor and laid out their bed rolls.

The two men with Bonner had had enough. They decided they wanted to be paid off and then they would go their separate ways. Jude argued, they'd get paid when he was ready. Jose tried to pull his pistol on Jude but LaFete shot him down and then Jude grabbed his brother, Pedro and took his hunting knife, bringing the blade across his throat, slicing it deeply. The man's body convulsed then slumped into the dirt. Najeah held the baby to her breast as she watched in horror, as they killed the two men. LaFete turned to mount his horse, but neither of them saw Jose slowly pick up the pistol and fire one shot into LaFete's back, which went to his heart. Jude through his knife, and struck the man in the chest. Najeah saw this as an opportunity and took off. She held the baby tightly against her breast and ran into the woods, heading back down the path they had come up. Jude would have grabbed his knife, had it not already be embedded in the chest of another victim, so instead, he ran for his horse and quickly mounted, taking off for Najeah.

She moved quickly, through the woods, between bushes and anywhere she could trying to get away from him. She suddenly came to a high ridge. The only way out was to jump. And that would only mean death. She turned to Face Bonner who dismounted his horse and slowly began to move towards her.

"Where ya gonna go?" He said as he walked towards her and thee child she held against her breast. "You gonna jump and kill my daughter. I have a right to her!" He sneered at her.

"This child is not yours. You have no right to her!" She said keeping her eye on him and glancing back at the edge. She was a good 6 feet from the edge, but she was desperate.

"Stop where you are, Bonner!" Came the booming voice of Matt Dillon.

Bonner looked at the young woman, she saw his desperation. He wanted the child even if she wasn't his. He suddenly lunged for her, but Najeah had anticipated this move, she quickly fell to her knees crouching in a ball as he hurled his body at her. He went over the cliff. Matt rushed to Najeah and gently helped her to her feet. He then handed her to the Lt who took his jacket off and placed it around her shoulders. Matt rushed to the edge to see Bonner hanging on, clutching to a branch. "Give me your hand, I'll pull you up!" He said reaching down towards him.

"No thanks, lawman." He said as he let go. Matt watched as his body plummeted down the ridge.

Jack quickly came over to Matt and took his hand, helped him to his feet and looked down the ridge. After a few minutes, Matt walked towards Orkey, and the others. They were fussing over the baby being held by Najeah.

"She's so tiny." Matt said as he gently caressed her dark red hair. Najeah smiled at the big man.

"You are Matt?" She said smiling at him. She then handed him the baby. As he gazed at the tiny child, she looked up at him and gazed into her father's eyes.

Orkey walked over to him and gently touched the soft downy hair on her head. "She has her Mama's fair skin." He said smiling.

"She sure is purty like her Mama." Sweet Billy said.

"You know his wife?" She asked Orkey.

"Sure do. Orkey once called on her for wifin'." Sweet Billy said.

"What happened?" She asked as Matt looked on and smiled.

"Well, I thought she was a might skittish, ya' know, shy, but I think that thar fella had her hand promised long time ago." Orkey said as he points to Matt who was busy watching his baby sleep.

"We bess be gettin' down thee ridge before dark. You can catch the next train in the morning. I know a little girl who would very much like to see her Mama." Sweet Billy said. The group mounted their horses and headed back down the ridge.

Matt took a stage back to Kansas. He wired Kitty that he was bringing Kadie home.

Kitty, Doc, Festus and half of the town are waiting at the stage depot for him to arrive along with Najeah's mother, father and sisters. The stage pulls up, and Doc is holding Kitty's hand. Two passengers get out before Matt then he climbs out and turns in the door to help Najeah out, who was holding a tiny bundle in her arms. Kitty just stared at the bundle, and she gently placed Kitty's daughter in her arms. She was covered up. She looks up at Matt, who smiles as he moves up to her, and Najeah, quickly moved to her family who greeted her with hugs. Matt pulls the covers back. The baby was fair skinned like Kitty and dark red hair. Gently, she rubbed her cheek. Kitty couldn't speak, she just stared at her baby in her arms as tears fell down her cheeks. She had barely gotten to experience her daughter, when Bonner had ripped her from her arms.

Festus looks over her shoulder. "She's a littlin' but sher is purty, like her mama." Kitty smiles at him, and laughs lightly.

"She has my chin." He said looking down at his wife and child as he smiles.

"Hopefully she won't have your nose or your disposition." Doc said. They all laugh.

"She's beautiful, Matt. She's so beautiful." Kitty finally said.

"Come on, you two, bring my God-daughter up to my office so I can get a good look at her." He said looking at the tiny squirming bundle.

"Your God-daughter, you ole coot, jes who do ya' think you are? She's my God-daughter." Festus said.

"You? The god-father of this child, I don't think so…" Doc argued.

"Enough!" Yelled Yahni as she stepped over to Kitty. "This is my God-daughter!" She smiled at Kitty who smiled back at her. "And this is the God-father." She said pulling her husband towards them. "Anymore questions, gentlemen?" Kitty laughed as she and Matt took Kadie up to Doc's office.

"We're gonna have a war on our hands, Kitt." He said as he placed his hand on her waist and led her back up to Doc's. When they come into the room, Kitty watched as Doc came over to them and gently took the baby from her arms. He laid her on the table and began to undress her somewhat to check her over. As he pulled the blanket off of her, the nappy she wore was just below her belly, and right above her navel was a quarter moon shaped birth mark, just like the one Matt had over his navel.

"Matt, have you changed any of her nappies?" He asked him.

"Ah, well, no, Doc, Najeah took care of that part." He said as he and Kitty moved closer.

"Why?" He asked.

"Well, if you had, you would have seen this." He said pointing to the birthmark on the baby's belly. He looked at the mark and then at Doc. Kitty stood at his side, his arm around her shoulder and hers around his waist as she looked at the baby as well.

"I knew she was mine." He leaned down and kissed the top of Kitty's head. She looked up at him and tears shown brightly in her eyes. Tears of relief and joy. She'd never have to wonder about her daughter again.

"Well, I think this calls for a celebration." Doc declared. "How about a barn dance tonight. Not too late, we want the guest of honor to be able to attend." He said referring to Kadie. Kitty hugged Matt tightly, then she carefully picked up her daughter and kissed her tiny head.

At the Barn Dance, Kitty stood beside Matt, holding her tiny baby against her breast. Her small head nestled peacefully against her mama's bosom, and her tiny fist near her mouth. Doc goes over to the band, and asks them to play a soft waltz for the honored guests. He then asks Mr. And Mrs. Dillon to come to the center of the floor. The townsfolk clear the floor as Festus walked over to them.

"I'll just take my goddaughter, fer you two squash her." The room laughs as Kitty gently places her daughter in Festus' arms. He smiles and coos at the infant as he walks away. Kitty watched for a moment, until she felt Matt place his hand on her waist, pulling her against him. He then takes her other hand and they begin to dance to the music.

For the moment, everything was right with the world. Matt held his whole world in his arms tonight. Things would work out fine. He was with his wife and child and life would just be beginning for them.

The End