Chapter 5

Matt and Tom arrived shortly ahead of schedule. They made their way down the town's Main Street. Matt glanced from side to side... Taking a mental note of how people were watching these new comers with such intensity, making Matt feel as if he were also on trial. It was gloomy outside and a ghostly haze hovered just above the buildings. Giving this Spring evening an eery feel... Shaking his head to shake the feeling, Matt continued to push the horses through the crowd that was rapidly growing. The horses obediently made their way to the jail. Reaching the building that the town so called 'a jail', a man stepped out to inquire about these outsiders.

"Evening gentleman. I'm Sherif Goodwig. How can I help you?"

"Evening Sherif. I'm Matt Dillon, US Marshal. Here with Tom McLanden."

"Oh yes! Marshal. Brooker's expecting you. You can bring the prisoner inside. I'll have a deputy take your horses to the stables."

"Thanks Sherif." Matt said as climbed off Buck and migrated around to McLanden. Matt still felt an evilness about this place.

"Welcome to Grundy. Home sweet home." Tom dryly joked, then questioned, "You've never been here have ya?"

Matt grunted and mumbled something under is breath. He looked around with a suspicious eye. Tom could sense the Matt was uneasy.

"That feeling... Trust me, it won't changed or go away as long as you're here, Marshal." Tom observed.

"Is that right? Well, knowing this is the town you call home... where it all started for you... this feeling? This instinct? well, it just validates what I already know McLanden ."

"Ha." Tom smirked, "What conclusion could you possibly draw? You no nothing about this town or the people in it. We're a different breed."

"Yeah... A breed trained to use, abuse, and kill." Matt bluntly retorted, "I don't need to know anything or anyone. All I need to know to ease my mind, is that one more of your 'breed' is punished for the crime committed. The way I look at it.. this is where you were born... here was your first kill... and this is where you'll soon take your last breath."

Grabbing Tom by the arm, he shoved him toward the jail door.

Matt handed Tom over to the local authorities and started signing the proper paper work. He was going over the last few pages when he noticed this homely looking boy watching him. Matt didn't see him earlier and didn't recall hearing him come in...

"Can I help you son?" Matt was getting tired of the people staring at him.

"Oh no sir! I'm sorry... I just over heard some locals talking about some a tall cowboy and something about the legendary Matt Dillion from Dodge City. Ar-arrr are you Mr. Dillion?"

Matt looked over at Goodwig sitting at his desk. "Word gets around fast doesn't it?" Matt sighed.

The young boy's eyes lit up at the realization. "I guess, as it does any where else I suppose." The boy continued, "It's getting awful late. Long ride from Dodge, ah?"

Matt was just thing that. He grunted, "You have no clue. Even longer ride back." Flipping the folder of papers shut. Laid it in front of the sherif.

"Finished Marshal?" Goodwig snipped.

"Looks that way Sherif." Matt bit back, "I trust you can handle it from here." Matt turned back to the young boy, smiled and said, "I hope you have a safe evening. Stay out of trouble. You hear me?"

"Oh yessir! I'll do my very best. It was a pleasure meeting you Marshal."

Matt placed his hat back in his head and closed the door behind him.

After being assured everything was in order, Matt headed back to the stables to retrieve Buck. Judge Brooker's walked over, "Evening Marshall."

"Evening sir. How have been?" Matt asked as he saddled up Buck.

"Can't complain." He smiled, receiving a weak one in return. "Matt? Are you not staying for the execution?"

"No sir, not this time. It's getting late. I'm tired and ready to call it a day." Matt added for good humor, "Plus, I have some fences to mend back home. They've been neglected for far too long."

Brooker grinned knowingly, "Oh. Ok. Well enjoy the weekend and don't over do it." They both shared a wicked look and wink, "Oh! And Matt?"

"Yessir?" Matt responded as he took his seat atop Buck.

"Tell Kitty I said hello... and to make sure you behave this weekend."

"Haha... I'm not the one whose misbehaving, you need to worry about... I can assure you she'll keep a close eye on me."

"I have no doubt about that." Brooker agreed. "She's a real treasure."

"That she is sir.. She is golden..." Matt assured him... with a nod and tip of his hat... He and Buck headed back East to Dodge... Back home to Kitty.

TBC