Chapter 1

Matt looked across the street at the Dodge City Jail. Crate in hand, Matt crossed the street and took a key out of his pocket. He placed the key in the doorknob's keyhole and unlocked the door. Walking inside, he placed the crate on the table that stood in the middle of the room. The crate didn't have much, but it contained his life possessions. Matt looked around the office. This would be his new place of employment and his new residence.

Matt had been a deputy and even a sheriff down in Texas, but now he was a US Marshal. The government had given him the assignment and he had accepted. He had heard that Dodge City, Kansas was a ruthless, lawless cowtown, and he wanted to change that. He wanted to bring law and order to Dodge City. Matt knew it wasn't going to be an easy task, but he would give it his all. The law Dodge City had before Matt arrived did not last.

Matt looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall. He had to be at the Dodge House at five o'clock. He learned that the Dodge House was the city's only hotel. The merchants of Dodge City wanted to introduce Matt as the new US Marshal of the Kansas territory. They were very pleased to hear that law was returning to Dodge City. Better yet, it was a US Marshal that would be bringing the law, not some deputy or sheriff. For some reason they felt more secure with a US Marshal.

Matt was about to walk out of the jail, when there was a knock on the door. He went to go and answer the door. Opening the door, Matt saw a middle-aged man on the other side. Matt figured the man had to be at least ten years older than him.

"Hello," said Matt. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Not at the moment," the man answered. "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Doc Adams. I'm the town doctor. Being that you're the new lawman here, I thought it would be best if we got to know each other."

Matt knew exactly what the doctor was getting at. "It's nice to meet you, doctor. I'm Matt Dillon, US Marshal."

"Please, call me Doc. Most everyone does," said Doc.

"Alright, Doc. You can call me Matt. I hate to cut this introduction short, but I have to get down to the Dodge House. The head merchants want to introduce me," said Matt. Before Matt left the office, he pinned on his badge.

"I'll walk with you and show you where my office is on the way," said Doc as he and Matt left the jail.

As Matt and Doc headed towards the Dodge House, Doc showed Matt where his office was. Doc also pointed out the Long Branch. "That's the best saloon in town. Maybe I could buy you a drink sometime as a way to welcome you to Dodge."

"I'd appreciate that," responded Matt. "You know, Doc. I have a feeling this is the start of a great friendship."

"I agree," replied Doc.

Matt walked into the lobby of the Dodge House and saw men in business suits and other folks he assumed to be residents of Dodge City. When he walked in he noticed the wave of turning heads and heard the murmurs. He was sure they were discussing his size. Standing at over six and a half feet tall, he usually stood above most people. Matt walked towards the front of the group.

"You must be Marshal Dillon. I'm Mr. Bodkin, bank owner. On behalf of all of us here, welcome to Dodge," said Mr. Bodkin as he extended his hand to Matt. "This here is Wilbur Jonas, owner of the general store and Mr. Dobie, owner of the Dodge House."

"It's nice to meet you," said Matt. He then addressed the rest of the crowd. "My name is Matt Dillon. I'm a US Marshal. The government felt that the territory out in this area needed a Marshal, so they assigned me. I've heard about Dodge City. I've heard about how it's a ruthless and lawless cowtown. I aim to change that. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to do what I can to make Dodge City a better place to live."

The introductory meeting over, Matt walked back to his office. Right now Dodge seemed like a peaceful town. It was hard to believe that Dodge had the reputation that it did. But Matt knew things would change. It was still daylight, and Matt had a feeling that once the sun went down the rowdiness would begin.

Matt was right. Once the darkness enveloped the town, it came alive. With his gun belt on, Matt patrolled the streets. Since most of the businesses and saloons were on Front Street, that's where he mainly stayed. On his first night, Matt broke up two saloon brawls and a gun fight out in the street. He didn't have to use his gun tonight, but he knew that would change.

Lucinda Glidden was the only child of rancher Andrew Glidden. Andrew Glidden was not any rancher. He was the richest and most successful rancher in Kansas. Lucinda stood to inherit her father's riches and ranch, but first she had to find a man to marry, a man that would be able to run the ranch and keep its success going.

"Lucinda, you're twenty-four years old. When are you going to find a man to marry and settle down with? I won't be able to leave this ranch and start another one in Texas until I know you have a fine man to look after you and this ranch," said Mr. Glidden.

"Father, you know how I feel about the so-called men of Dodge. They aren't worthy of me," said Lucinda as she twirled her hair around her finger.

"There's a new lawman in town, a Marshal. Maybe you could get to know him," said Mr. Glidden.

"Why would a lawman want to marry me and run a ranch? He already has a job," said Lucinda.

"Those government appointed lawmen don't make didley squat. I'm sure after being a lawman in Dodge City for a little while and not making enough to barely make a living, he'd welcome the life of a rancher," answered Mr. Glidden.

"Maybe he's already married with a family," said Lucinda.

"Nope. He came here alone," replied Mr. Glidden. "It wouldn't hurt just to introduce yourself."

"Fine, father. If it makes you happy, I will ride into town and introduce myself to him tomorrow," said Lucinda.

"Thank you. With your mother gone, I just want to make sure someone is around to take care of you after I pass on," said Mr. Glidden as he kissed Lucinda's forehead.

As she promised her father, Lucinda rode into town to introduce herself to Matt. She parked her buggy on a side street and walked towards the jail. Lucinda approached the jail and raised her hand. Making a fist, she knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.

Matt heard the knock on the door and went to answer the door. He opened the door and on the other side stood a girl he figured to be around his age. She had blonde hair and brown eyes. Matt had to admit she was a very pretty young woman. He didn't know why she was there, so he decided to ask her. "Hello, ma'am. Is there something I can help you with?"

"I'm not a ma'am. I'm Miss Lucinda Glidden. My father is Andrew Glidden, the most successful rancher in Kansas. I just wanted to introduce myself." Lucinda said as she offered Matt her hand.

Matt took her hand and gently shook it. "Well Miss Glidden, it's nice to meet you. I'm Matt Dillon, Marshal of Dodge City."

Lucinda took one look at Matt and liked what she saw. His dark curly hair, piercing blue eyes and stature were something to admire. It was then and there that Lucinda decided that Matt Dillon would be hers.

TBC