Brown sat with several of his men. They were all discussing the events in Dodge and Doc Adams. Rumours were spreading as to who and why Doc was shot, and none of them were anywhere close to the truth. One rumour Pip started was that the town doctor walked right into the gun skill even, drunk and was shot on spot by accident. Some even said they thought Doc was stabled in an attempted mugging. Brown shook his head knowing that the stories he had been hearing were utter garbage yet he also didn't know the truth.
Matt strolled into the camp. His eyes were watchful for any of Brown's men that acted strangely. "Evening Marshal." Brown offered Matt a coffee and he gladly accepted and sat down next to Brown. "How's Doctor Adams?" Brown's eyes held some concern for the doctor.
"Not good, I'm afraid. That's why I'm here." Matt sipped on his coffee.
"I figured as much." Brown looked around to his men who were packing their gear readying themselves for their return trip. "You think one of them did it, don't ya?"
Matt nodded. "You know it too."
Brown stood up. He wasn't liking the direction that the conversation was heading, yet he also knew there was no way to avoid it. "What do you want me to do?" The cattle baron slid his hands down into his back pant pockets.
Matt set the tin coffee cup down on a rock next to the fire and then stood up and joined Brown as he looked out over his outfit. "I want you to tell me if anyone from your outfit shot Doc. It's as simple as that."
Brown shot a glaring look at the marshal. "You've had it out for my men from the get go..."
Matt shook his head slowly. "No, Mr Brown. You have allowed that floodgate to open. Not me. I'll be around looking for answers. Now either you co-operate, or I'll make this even more difficult for you and your boys. You did say earlier that you'd co-operate. It's your call." And with that, Matt turned to leave the Brown camp when Templeton Brown called him back. "Okay, Matt. But I'm not gonna bust a gut over Johnson's man."
Matt drew a deep breath. He wanted to hit Brown for his comment about Randy Brant. The marshal stepped closer to Brown. "Believe me. If anything happens to Doc Adams, I'll make this a very personal visit next time..." Brown's men noticed and stood watching.
Brown felt the heat in the marshal's breath. He swallowed deeply and then regain his composure for his men. And as his men resumed their business, he blew out a huge sigh as he watched the marshal walk away.