Chapter 1

Newly and Festus were sitting in the Marshal's office when Matt returned from a week-long trip from Hays. They had Les Dean locked up in one of the cells in the back. He had been caught cheating in poker the night before at the Long Branch. Luckily for Les he had not been shot. That was not an uncommon demise for card cheaters. Newly happened to be in the Long Branch at the time and was able to arrest Les.

"How were things while I was gone?" asked Matt as he placed his saddle bags on the table.

"Pretty quiet. We got an occupant in one of the cells. Les Dean was caught cheating at poker at the Long Branch. I wired Hays and the judge said he could have a trial for Les in four days," Newly responded.

The last thing Matt wanted to do was to travel back to Hays. "Oh well, I guess I'll make sure to get a good sleep tonight before heading back to Hays tomorrow."

"Matt, there's no need for you to take Les to Hays. I can handle it. He's not a murder or anything dangerous like that," said Newly.

"Newly that sounds great. I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to having to return to Hays," Matt admitted.

"Newly, didja want me to come too?" Festus asked.

"Thanks for the offer Festus, but I'll be fine. It should be a quick trip and trial," Newly answered.

With plans set for Newly to take Les Dean to Hays, Matt walked over to the Long Branch to see Kitty. He approached the batwing doors and peered over, looking for his girl. He saw her standing at the end of the bar talking to one of the patrons. When Kitty looked up and saw Matt, a smile spread across her face. She excused herself from the customer she was talking with and went to greet Matt.

"Welcome home, Cowboy. How was your trip?" Kitty asked.

"Tiring. It's good to be home," Matt replied.

"How about a drink, on the house of course?" Kitty asked.

"A whiskey sounds great," Matt answered.

"Sam, two whiskeys. Come on, let's go sit down," said Kitty as she led Matt to a back table. Matt happily obliged.

As Matt and Kitty sat down, Sam brought them their whiskeys. "Thank you, Sam," said Kitty. "I assume you're aware of the occupant in your jail."

"Yeah, Newly told me all about Les Dean's cheating at poker here in the Long Branch. His trial is in four days in Hays," said Matt, taking a drink of his whiskey.

Kitty hated the thought of Matt having to return to Hays, especially considering he just came back. "Four days? That probably means you'll be heading out tomorrow."

"Actually, I'm not going. Newly is going to take him. I must say I'm grateful for that," Matt said.

Kitty could not hide her enthusiasm. She had not seen Matt in a week and was not looking forward to having him leave again so soon. "Well, I must say that I'm grateful that Newly is making the trip and not you. What made Newly decide to go?"

"He said that he knew I just came back from Hays and wanted to spare me another trip out there. Besides, Les isn't a dangerous criminal and Newly was the one that made the arrest," Matt responded. "I should get going. I have work at the office that needs to get done. I'll see ya later, Kitty."

"See ya later, Matt."

Matt did return to the Long Branch after his rounds and closing time. He walked up the backstairs Kitty's room. Taking out his key, Matt unlocked the door and stepped inside. Kitty was sitting at her vanity mirror, taking her hair down. She had finished working not too long ago. While she continued taking her hair pins out, Matt took his boots off and placed them next to the door. He then placed his hat on the peg and his gun belt on the table next to the bed.

Kitty finished removing all her hair pins and went to wash her face paint off of her face. Matt loved how Kitty looked without her make-up. He loved how her freckles splashed across her face. In his opinion those freckles were one of her beauty assets, even though Kitty would disagree with him.

Kitty removed her dress and was about to get into a nightgown, when Matt spoke. "Is it really necessary to put that on, when you know it will soon come off?"

Kitty thought about it, and knew Matt was right. "I guess you have a valid point there, Cowboy," said Kitty as she finished removing her clothing.

Matt did the same with his clothing and both of them climbed into bed. Once they were in bed, Matt gathered Kitty in his arms. It had been a week since they had been together, and they didn't waste any time getting reacquainted. After some kissing and foreplay, Matt and Kitty made hot and passionate love. They both hated when Matt had to be gone for extended amounts of time, but they had to admit their lovemaking seemed to be absolutely wonderful when he did return.

Morning dawned and Matt left Kitty's room and returned to the jail. He wanted to see Newly before Newly left for his trip to Hays. When Matt arrived at the jail, Festus and Newly were getting Les mounted on his horse. Les' hands tied in front of him and then tied to the front of the saddle. He wasn't a dangerous criminal, but he was still a criminal and they did not want to risk him trying to escape.

"Are you all set to go?" asked Matt.

Newly put the documents needed for the trip in his pocket. "Yup."

"How long do ya think you'll be gone?" asked Festus.

"I reckon five to six days. It's just a drop off. I don't have to stay for the trial. There are two witnesses that took the stage out to Hays yesterday," answered Newly.

That being said, Newly and Les Dean headed towards Hays.

TBC