The Stolen 11

I don't own these characters; I just like to spend time with them. No other profit to be had.

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Thursday Evening

Following Manley from the small shack, they strode across the yard ever mindful of their surroundings. Though fairly certain that Manley had bought their cover story, they had no intentions of relaxing their guard. As they neared the fenced in area in front of the barn, Manley stopped and pointed to the women inside the enclosure.

"Like I said gents," Manley turned to them, "ya can look em' over and maybe even sample a little of the goods, but nothin' else till ya buy em' proper."

Matt started to reply, when his eye caught a flash of red. Looking a little closer, his heart stopped its rhythmic beat and began a heavy staccato. Leaning against the doorless entry of the barn, left hand on her hip and right hand massaging her temples was Kitty Russell, looking absolutely beautiful to him despite her current circumstances.

Kitty didn't notice the men outside the fence as she had her eyes closed, trying to ward off the headache that was trying earnestly to settle in between her eyes. But they noticed her. One man in particular could not pry his eyes off her for a moment.

Tom noticed the expression on his partners face and he followed his gaze to the woman by the barn with red hair. Though he had never met her, Tom had heard of the beautiful red head that had bought into the Long Branch and stolen the heart of his friend. Looking at Matt's face, he wondered if this could be the woman.

Manley fortunately didn't understand the intensity with which Matt stared at the woman. "See something ya like do ya?"

Matt had managed to recover from his shock and pointed at Kitty. "I'd like to check that one out if ya know what I mean." He told Manley, giving the best imitation of a leer that he could muster.

Manley looked over at Kitty then back at Matt and shook his head. "Sorry Mister," he said "but I got that un' saved special. I gotta couple 'special' buyers comin' in that I figure will pay big money for her."

Matt wanted to strike the man down and keep on striking till the smile disappeared permanently from his face. But he maintained a neutral expression as he swallowed the bile he felt rising at the thought of Kitty in this place.

Tom saw his friend's jaw flex and stepped in. "How much you reckon you can get for her?" he asked. "I mean depending on how much it is, maybe we could be 'special' buyers."

Manley looked him over as though trying to decide whether the men could afford the price he had in mind or not. "$1000.00," he said, "mebbe more"

Matt shrugged, not taking his eyes off of Kitty "Wouldn't be too hard to come up with it," he smiled, "that is if she's worth it."

Manley looked up sharply at the imposing man in front of him. "You got that much?" he asked. "I mean, ya said ya was gonna buy several. Ya'd have to have the $1000 on top of what ya'd pay for the others."

Matt stared the man down. "I can get it."

Manley took a step backwards at the look of contempt on the big man's face. Something about him made him just a little nervous, and he didn't like being nervous. He decided it wouldn't hurt to let the man see her.

Turning to the guards by the gate he gestured to Kitty. "Go get the red head by the barn and bring her here."

Quickly the men hastened to do his bidding. Grabbing Kitty by the arms they began to drag her with them towards the entrance.

Having not seen Matt behind the fence and knowing nothing, save the fact that Manley most likely waited outside for her, Kitty fought her captors. But two strong men against one woman was not a match, no matter the strength that fear and fury granted her.

Inexorably she was forced to the wall of the confines, and thru the gate, to the men waiting just beyond. Once thru the opening, Kitty would've continued her fight if she hadn't seen something that took her breath away and stilled her heart. Standing in front of her, and appraising her intently, was Matt Dillon. Nothing in her life had ever brought her such intense joy and fear at the same time.

Looking over at Manley, she saw the same leering expression he seemed to always wear, but nothing about him told her that he knew of Matt's identity. Slowly her heart began to settle back into its normal pattern, with just a few skips when their eyes met.

Matt stared at Kitty but gave no sign of knowing her. "What's your name?" he demanded in a tone she didn't recognize, but Kitty was a quick study. "That's none of your business," she snapped at him, pretending anger.

Matt was pleased when he saw that she understood. Reaching out he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to him.

His mere touch sent shivers down her spine, but she showed no emotion save anger as he stepped closer. Breathing a sigh of relief that she appeared unhurt, he glared down at her. "I asked you your name," he said coldly.

Kitty knew her part and remained silent, returning Matt's sullen stare.

"Her name's Kitty," Manley stated when he saw that she would not provide the information.

Matt gave a short bark of laughter as he held tightly to her. "Name fits," he said. "She fights like a tiger."

Kitty maintained her expression with only the greatest of difficulty, so badly did she want to wrap herself tightly around him and never let him go.

Matt turned to look over at Manley. "You said I could sample?"

Manley looked to Kitty then back to Matt. "You sure ya kin come up with the money fer her?"

Matt nodded. "If she's worth it."

Manley studied him for another moment then nodded. "You kin use the shack," he said jerking his thumb back towards the decrepit little building. "But ya only get 5 minutes. Best make up ya mind quick, whether she's worth it or not."

Matt grinned, held Kitty even tighter and pulled her with him towards the shack. "Come on girl," he said in his best leering voice. "Let's see if you're worth it or not"

TBC