The Long Branch was filled with the evening regulars. Kitty stood next to Sam and poured the odd drink for a waiting customer. It seemed lonely with out Matt, Doc and Festus and their bandied conversations.
Newly stepped through the doors and walked to the bar. "Sure is quiet tonight." Sometimes Newly was almost the master of the obvious.
"Sure is." Kitty couldn't agree more. "Any sign of Doc yet?"
Newly shook his head no. "I think its going to be a long night for him."
"Hope not. He had such an early morning." Kitty countered.
Sam placed a beer on the bar in front of Newly who thanked the barkeep.
With the busy crowd on Front Street, no one noticed Red standing in the shadows across from Doc's office. He had just arrived and spotted the shingle hanging off the wall which advertised the doctor's practice in town. Now he had to wait for the doctor to come back to his office.
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Bob Whittaker stood next to his wife. They both were beaming at the sight of their infant son. "He's beautiful." Martha kissed the little baby on his forehead. "He's got his pa's good looks."
"Bet he's got his mother's brain though." Bob said in reply and a warm smile curled his lips.
Doc finished packing his instruments and closed his black leather medical bag. He turned to the Whittakers and drew his right hand across his moustache. "Well, looks like I can leave you two alone. Martha, I want Bob to bring you and the baby in to my office in a few days. I'd Like to check you both over." He placed his hat on his head and picked up his bag.
"Certainly Doctor Adams." Martha looked warmly up to Doc. "Thank you for everything you've done tonight."
Doc smiled. "My pleasure, after all you did all the work. This is the best part of my job." Doc walked over and touched the infant's wee hand. The little hand wrapped around his finger and held it tight. "By golly, he's gonna be a strong one." Doc continued to smile. As soon as the baby opened his hand Doc slowly pulled away. "See you in a few days." And he left the room as Bob Whittaker followed him to the door.
"I can't thank ya enough, Doc." Bob opened the door and followed the doctor out to his buggy. "I'll be sure to get money to you soon."
"Now you don't worry about anything right now, except caring for those two in there." Doc pointed at the house then slowly climbed into his buggy. "Good night Bob." he winked.
"Night Doc."
Doc flicked the reigns and the buggy lurched forward. Doc pulled his coat closer around his neck. The night air seemed much cooler compared to the warm home of the Whittaker family. He turned the buggy around and headed back to Dodge. He estimated the time to be around eleven o'clock.
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Just under an hour had past and Doc pulled his buggy into the livery stable. Hank heard him pull in and slowly made his way over to unhitch the horse and feed it. "Late night fer ya Doc."
Doc scratched the back of his neck. "Yes. But a rewarding one." He smiled as he pulled his medical bag out of the buggy. "I'll settle up with you in the morning."
Hank nodded and pulled the horse over to it's stall. Doc pulled his watch out of his vest pocket and adjusted it to the light. It was five minutes to midnight. "Good gracious! No wonder I'm tired." He grumbled to himself and started up the boardwalk to his office.
Red saw the older man approach the stairway and start up. He continued to watch as the man opened the door at the top and enter the building and then the warm glow of a lamp could be seen through the window. Red cautiously made his way across the street and carefully climbed the staircase.
Doc had removed his hat and coat and occupied himself with his medical bag. He knew he had another early start and wanted to have everything ready for the morning. He heard the foot steps coming up the stairs, but somehow they seemed familiar to him. With his back to the door, it opened and Red stepped through.
Doc continued with what he was doing and assumed the man behind him was Matt. "You're back early. Catch up to Garrett, didja?"
The sound of the hammer being cocked on Red's pistol made Doc freeze. Slowly he turned to face the man with the gun. Doc's eyes narrowed and all he could hear was the pounding of his own heart.