Town people jumped and scurried out of the way as the early morning stage clattered into town two hours late, weaving wildly from side to side, the four horses wide-eyed and lathered, dragging the long reins through the dirt.
Matt, who had been impatiently awaiting its arrival, heard the clamor, hurried out of his office, and taking in the scene, ran towards the lead horses, grabbing their halters and swinging astride one.
"WHOA, WHOA!" Matt pulled forcefully back on the halter and the panicky horse rolled its eyes but slowed down to a trot, then a walk, coming to a stop in front of Chester waving his arms as he stood in the street outside the Marshal's office.
"Ya'll right, Mr. Dillon?" Chester hurried over and grabbed the other lead horse's halter as Matt swung down.
"I'm fine. You sure took a chance getting in front of them like that! I'm proud of you, Chester, but you had me worried."
Chester grinned in pleasure, but then looking at the coach, realized that there was no driver or shotgun guard.
"Mr. Dillon?" Chester's eyes widened as he now wondered about the passengers.
"I know, Chester." Matt grimly walked over to the side of the coach, yanked open the door and peered inside.
Chester joined him and both men silently scanned every corner for the passengers who weren't there.
"What happened to Miss Kitty and Doc?! Where could they have gotten off, Mr. Dillon?"
Matt didn't answer as he got inside of the cramped coach and carefully felt around the edges of the facing seats. Deep in the space between the end of the front facing seat and the left side window, Matt's searching fingers felt two objects, one smooth and round, and other small, oval and textured.
Pulling the objects out, Matt and Chester stared down at Doc's old silver pocket watch and the small, delicate brooch Matt had given Kitty for her latest birthday. Objects that neither would want to lose, and knew would let him know that they had been there.
Both men then stared down at the sticky red puddle on the floor of the coach.