Kitty stepped off the train in New Orleans and looked around with some amazement. The New Orleans World's Fair of 1884 was long over, but many of the plazas and buildings constructed for that event remained. Reminding herself that she'd have plenty of time to explore, she walked towards the baggage area while scanning the crowd. She'd sent her old friend, Rosemarie, a telegram saying when she was coming. Perhaps she'd come to meet the train. Kitty shook head; she was being silly. She couldn't even be sure she and Rosie would recognize each other after all these years. Besides, Rosie was a teacher now, and would no doubt be in school at this very moment. She reached the area marked BAGGAGE CLAIMS, and looked around for a porter to help her with her luggage.
"Can I help you?"
"Let me be of assistance."
"I can get those bags for you."
Three porters came from different directions, each with the same idea. A lovely redhead looked like she needed help, and a hefty tip was waiting.
One of the men lengthened his stride and reached her first. Tall, thin and dark skinned with salt-and-pepper hair he gave a slight but courtly bow. "Please, allow me to carry your bags and escort you to a cab, if you need one."
"Thank you, that's exactly what I need." She graced him with a warm smile and pointed to her luggage. "Can you manage all of it by yourself?"
"I can, and it will be a pleasure." He tucked a duffle bag under his arm and lifted a suitcase with each hand. She picked up the small bag that contained her toiletries, and he led her towards the hansom cabs that were lined up at the curb. Carriage after carriage, with top hatted drivers and horses festooned with ribbons, stood ready. Kitty's eyes glowed with excitement and the porter couldn't help but smile. "Ma'am, I'd like to welcome you to New Orleans, you'll find it's a real friendly place. My name is Joe Jones, and I'm very pleased to be of service to you."
"I appreciate the welcome, Mr. Jones. I grew up here, but have been gone for many years. My name's Kitty Russell."
"I hope your train ride was pleasant Miss Russell, especially if it was a long one."
"It was both pleasant and long. I traveled all the way from Dodge City, Kansas. That's where I settled when I left here."
"That is quite a trip. You must be tired. I hope you have a nice place to rest up after your journey."
"I think so. I made a reservation at the Column Hotel on Charles Street. Do you know it?"
"Yes, indeed. An excellent choice for a fine lady like yourself." He led her to the first carriage in line, loaded her bags and helped her climb in. She reached into her purse for a few coins to offer as a tip. He put up his hand. "No need Miss Russell. Like I said, welcome to New Orleans." He turned to the driver. "The Column Hotel on Charles Street." The driver nodded and flicked the reins.
Joe Jones watched Kitty's cab drive off. He carried bags for people 6 days a week, and most of them barely looked at him. It was nice to help a woman who was so warm and friendly. He hurried back to the station. A voice called from a dark corner, "Over here Joe." The porter quickly joined a short but broad shouldered 40ish man.
"You were right, Mr. Benet, her name's Kitty Russell."
"I thought so, but I haven't seen her in years, so I couldn't be absolutely sure. Did you find out where she's staying?"
Jones nodded and held out his hand.
"I promised a big tip and you'll get it." The man opened his wallet and placed $5 in the outstretched palm.
"She's at the Column, you know, the small hotel over on Charles."
"Yes, yes, small but elegant. She has good taste. Did you find out anything else?"
Jones wiggled the fingers of his still outstretched hand.
"Don't get above yourself, Joe." Benet glared. Jones quickly put his hand down. "Sorry Mr. Benet. She said she came from Dodge City, Kansas. That's where she's been living."
"Joe, I admit you follow instructions well." He tossed a $1 coin to the porter. "I might have other work for you." Benet walked off without looking back.
Matt
Mile after mile, as he rode towards Dodge, Matt thought about the sick, old man who'd died in his arms in Hays City. Unanswered questions swirled in his head. Why was Max Le Croix so desperate to find Kitty? Was it just to give her that key? Why did he bring up protecting Kitty? Matt reached the edge of town and pushed his horse harder. The old man had spooked him. He needed to get to Kitty and be sure she was safe. He rode directly to the Long Branch, tied his horse to the rail and peered over the bat wing doors. Sam, Doc and a bunch of regulars were there, but there was no sign of Kitty. He pushed through the doors. "Hello Sam, is Kitty around?"
"Welcome home Marshal. Miss Kitty's not here." Doc hurried over. Kitty had left it to him to explain. "Welcome back Matt. Come sit down, I'll tell you about Kitty."
"Is something wrong, did something happen to her?"
"No, no come have a beer."
Knowing he'd get no answers until he did as Doc instructed Matt waited for Sam to provide a beer and followed Doc to a small table. "Doc, where's Kitty?"
"Well, she decided to take a trip, Matt. She was feeling kind of low - weary of running a saloon, and frankly, as you know, the realities of your job can be hard on her. She wanted to get away from everything for a little while."
"Doc, I never …"
Doc put up a hand to interrupt. "Matt, this is not about blame. You know that I understand about your job. My job is similar in some ways; we've talked about that many times. I get called away at all hours of the day and night, and have to travel hither and yon. Of course, nobody's shooting at me. That adds another element. But my point is, Kitty accepts the bad with the good, it's just that she needed a break from it all - her worries, her responsibilities, her day-to-day routine. I suggested a change of scenery, and I'm glad she decided to do it. It will refresh her. She'll be back. She wanted me to make sure you knew that. She's not abandoning her life here, and she's certainly not leaving you."
Matt nodded, "I think I understand, Doc. Where'd she go?"
"New Orleans."
"WHAT?"
"It makes sense Matt, she's from there, and there may be people she can re-connect with. Besides it's a nice city and ..." He saw the expression on Matt's face and frowned. "What's wrong with New Orleans?"
"Maybe nothing, but – well – let me tell you the whole thing." He produced the small silver key and told Doc about Max Le Croix.
Doc ran a hand across his mustache, "That's all he said at the end – New Orleans?"
"Doc, he was trying to say much more. He knew he was dying and tried to talk but that's all that came out. I don't know what this key goes too, but I figure it's got to be something, somewhere in New Orleans."
"That business about protecting Kitty is awful worrisome Matt. We don't know what you're supposed to protect her from. What do you plan on doing?"
"I plan to be on the next train to New Orleans. Problem is, the next one isn't until the day after tomorrow. I don't see what else to do. Leaving by stage tomorrow, or horse right now, won't get me there faster."
New Orleans
A bellhop set Kitty's bags down in a bright airy room. He accepted a tip with a courteous nod, and left. She stood motionless for a moment, to savor her surroundings. The room was exquisitely decorated, from the embroidered cushion on the armchair, to the carved handles on the closet door. In the best of spirits, she opened her window and looked out onto a beautiful, formal garden. Everything was so lovely. She unpacked her belongings into the spacious closet and the elegant maple-wood dresser. With everything put away and her shoes lined up, she sat on the armchair and flipped through a magazine about the sights to see in New Orleans. Her stomach rumbled. She smiled. It was time for dinner. She'd ask the hotel concierge about a restaurant, and tomorrow, she'd look up her friend, Rosemarie Le Croix.
TBC