Chapter 4

Kitty wanted to protest, but couldn't. She was the one who wished the badge away. Charlie made the comment that this was just beginning. Kitty wondered what else was to come. She really didn't want to know, but knew she would find out.

Just as Matt had said earlier, he was back at the Long Branch at the end of her shift. Sam and Kitty walked the last patron out of the saloon and locked up. Kitty noticed that Sam didn't say anything about Matt still being there. It was as if he was used to Matt being there after everything was locked up.

"Miss Kitty, I can finish up here. Why don't you and Matt head upstairs and get a good night's rest," said Sam.

Kitty had to act as if all of this was normal. "Thanks, Sam. I owe you one. Come on, Matt." Matt took Kitty's hand and the two of them climbed the stairs to Kitty's room.

After they reached Kitty's room, they walked inside and locked the door. Kitty watched Matt's actions. He removed his clothing and climbed into bed. It was then that Kitty noticed that she was used to seeing Matt remove his gun belt and hang it on the headboard of the bed. Kitty didn't realize how much that one small action of Matt removing his gun belt affected her, until now.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare, or are you going to join me?" Matt asked, breaking Kitty out of her thoughts.

"I was just admiring the view," Kitty said. She removed her own clothing and joined Matt in bed.

Kitty looked around and saw that Charlie standing there. The look on Kitty's face told Charlie he should leave and he did. She was thankful for that. Kitty was certain that she would be very uncomfortable doing anything with Matt, if Charlie was there. Matt and Kitty were kissing and snuggling, when the sounds of gunfire rang out. The gunfire didn't even phase Matt.

"It sure is loud out there," Kitty commented.

"No different from any other night," Matt replied.

"You would think the sheriff would do something."

"You would think that, but don't hold your breath. I doubt Dodge will ever be a safe place to be, especially at night. Let's forget about what's going on outside and focus on what was going on inside this room."

Kitty smiled and she and Matt went back to what they had been doing, eventually making love. Throughout the night Kitty could hear the gunshots. The next morning came and Matt got out of bed to get ready to leave for work. To Kitty's surprise, Matt went to the wardrobe and pulled out a clean pair of pants and a shirt. When the badge existed, Matt would leave and change at the jail. Matt left, telling Kitty he would see her later.

With Matt gone, Kitty was left alone with her thoughts. As much as she hated how the badge got in the way, she didn't realize the positive impact it had. "Why did I wish that badge away?" Kitty asked herself. "That was a mistake."