It was a hot midday in Dodge and seemingly everyone from both cattle operation were behaving themselves, aside from the odd small scrum. Matt wasn't really sure what to make of the day so far, but then he reminded himself, the night was yet to come.
Matt had Festus patrolling some of the back streets and shops, while he made himself as visible to the cowboys as often as he could. Now and again as he walked by some of Brown's men they sarcastically asked him if he was planning on closing the bars and saloons for the night. Matt's glare often shut them up and sent them on their way to the next shaded place down the boardwalk from the summer sun.
The news of the cattle pricing had already spread through town and the rumours of a mighty clash between Erik Johnson and Templeton Brown were also rampant. Matt did his best to cool the heating heads that were spreading the word. Dodge, he thought, was sometimes a strange place - citizens wanted protection from him, yet welcomed some conflict that he had little or no control over. Sometimes Matt wondered who's side these so called citizens were on.
Matt say Doc walking toward him. "Doc. You look like you're in a hurry."
Doc drew his hand across his moustache. "Oh, I just think I want to be out of town to night...besides the Clarkes are expecting their first anytime." the doctor chuckled as he looked around. "I think you might have your hands full tonight, Matt."
Matt tucked his thumbs into his gun belt and made a face. "I think you're right, Doc. Don't suppose you could use a male nurse..." Matt's eyes were playful.
Doc chuckled. "I'll be back as soon as I can. And if you need me, just let me know."
Matt watched Doc stroll to the livery then shouted. "Thanks Doc. I'll keep that in mind." To which the physician waved his left hand in acknowledgement. Matt sighed. It might be a long night.
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Templeton Brown leaned back in his chair at the Bull's Head. The bar didn't offer particularly great food, but to Brown it was more palatable than his cook's. He chewed on his cigar and watched his men spend their money on drinks and women. He smiled showing his tobacco covered teeth.
Jed and Pip waited for the right moment before they approached their boss, and now the time was right. With a swipe of his backhand over his brow, Jed sat down next to his boss. Pip stood behind his friend. "Say boss. That marshal really slugged you hard last night. When are you gonna pay him back like ya said you was?"
Brown's chair legs hit the ground with a resounding thud as he leaned forward to look at his men. "Right...I almost forgot..."
Pip nudged Jed. "Told ya he mighta forgot..."
Jed swatted Pip's hand away from his shoulder. "Sit down will ya! Don't hover around me like a moth to a candle!" With that Pip plunked himself down in the chair next to his friend as they both awaited the answer about the marshal.
Brown smiled then belched. His eyes narrowed. "It'll happen tonight. Mark my word..."