Chapter 1

Christmas was less than a week away and right now it looked as though Matt would be around to spend the holiday with Kitty. Of course that could change. When it came to plans with the Marshall, nothing was set in stone. Kitty knew that Matt had to ride out to Hays City for a trial on December 29th, but that was after Christmas. He would not leave until the 27th.

Kitty walked into the jail office to see Matt sitting at his desk. He was going through the new wanted posters that came in the mail. When he heard the door open, he looked up to see Kitty standing there. He greeted her with a warm smile.

"What brings you here?" Matt asked her as he put the posters down.

"I wanted to go over the plans for Christmas. I was thinking we would spend Christmas Eve in my room, part of Christmas Day with Doc and Chester, and the rest of Christmas Day back in my room," Kitty told Matt

"I have no objections to those plans," Matt said.

Kitty was about to say something else, when Chester walked in the jail. He had been out doing some errands for Matt. "Mr. Dillon, a telegram came for you from Judge Brookings," Chester said, handing the piece of paper to Matt.

Matt took the paper and read it. After he finished reading it, his face fell. Kitty saw the change in Matt's expression. She knew it probably wasn't good news.

"Is something wrong?" asked Kitty.

"Judge Brooking has decided he wants to move Pete Kossar's trial up a week earlier. He wants the new trial date to be on the 22nd. He wants the trial done before Christmas," Matt answered.

"Oh Matt, that means you won't be home for Christmas," Kitty sighed.

"The trial is the 22nd. It's pretty much an open and shut case. I won't be home for Christmas Eve, but I should be home sometime on Christmas Day," Matt said. He knew how upset Kitty was. He was upset too. He had been looking forward to spending Christmas Eve and Christmas with Kitty.

"That's if the trial is only one day. I better get back to the Long Branch," Kitty said as she left the jail. Matt could hear the disappointment in her voice.

Kitty slowly strolled back to the Long Branch, letting the news of Matt going to Hays before Christmas and possibly not being back for Christmas sink in. "That dang badge has to get in the way again. I really wish that badge did not exist," Kitty said to herself.