"Festus," Doc said tugging at his ear. "Take Liza back to my office."
"What about my brother?" Liza said looking at Matt. "You're not going to put him in jail, are you?"
"No," Matt said with a slight grin. "My deputy, Newly will put him up tonight."
Newly nodded as Festus picked up Liza and carried her out of Matt's office.
"In the morning, I want you to take the boy around town and see if the men that committed those murders are here," Matt said looking at Eddie. "Since it happened just outside of Dodge, they could be lying low until it's safe to move on."
"I'll sure let you know if they are Marshal," the boy stated enthusiastically.
"Good," Matt said with a nod.
The next morning, Newly walked with Eddie along Dodge's many boardwalks but the boy found no sign of the men.
"I was really hoping we'd find them, Mr. Newly," Eddie said sullen.
"Well," Newly said quietly. "It could be they've already moved on."
"Maybe," Eddie said as a man stepped out if the Bulls Head Saloon to smoke a cigarette.
"Newly," Eddie said slowly with an ashen face. "That man over there, I think he's one of the killers."
Newly's eyes narrowed as they walked. "How do you know?" he asked.
"His hat," Eddie explained. "It has a silver buckle on it! When I saw them leave, I caught the reflection off of it from the sun!"
"Yes," Newly replied taking the boys arm. "Let's get back to the jail and let Matt know."
The boy trembled slightly which made Newly tighten his grip on the child. "Don't worry," Newly said evenly. "They'll never know it was you that lead the Marshal to them."
(A week later)
"I understand your frustration, Matt," Brooker said from his chambers. "But unless someone comes forward to adopt both these kids, I have no choice but to return them back to the orphanage where they came from."
"But, that means that woman back east can come get me?" Liza said looking at her brother who nodded.
"It'll be alright, Liza," Eddie said quietly. "When I'm finally able to leave, I'll get a job and get the money to come back east and find you, I promise!"
"I don't want to go, Eddie," Liza replied her voice cracking with sadness and fear. "I want to stay with you."
"Matthew," Festus whispered. "I think, I know someone who might be wantin to adopt those youngin's right here in Dodge."
"Who," Matt asked as Festus smiled.
"That older couple, the Carter's. They's the ones that come in ta Dodge last year that lives just outside a town," Festus replied evenly. "Why he was just a tellin me the other day how he wished he had a son ta help around the farm!"
Matt took a minute to think about what Festus said before he nodded. "I remember," he said with a smile. "Why don't you run out there and bring them in if they like the idea."
"Sure will, Matthew," Festus said putting his hat on and heading for the door.
"Judge," Matt said stepping forward. "We may just have a solution if you can give me a little time."
"Alright, Matt," Brooker said leaning back in his chair. "We'll hear your solution."
"I tell ya," Doc," Festus said watching the wagon drive away with the Carter's with Liza and Eddie. "It sure does a feller good when he can help out other people."
"Well," Doc said with his hand out. "How about helping me out with a beer over at the Long Branch since your in such a generous mood!"
"That wasn't what I was a talking about, smart aleck," Festus said scrunching up one eye. "Beside, I ain't got no money."
"Figures," Doc said swiping at his mustache. "And here you just got paid, what did you do with it? Buy a round of drinks at the Long Branch or some other stupid purchase!"
"If in ya must know,"Festus exclaimed angrily. "I gave it ta them youngin's so's they could buy some bedding and clothes. "Them Carter's ain't got much more than a roof over there head."
Doc shook his head as he shuffled away before turning back around to the hill man. "Well, don't just stand there you stubborn mule," Doc said with a snort. "If you want me to buy you a beer, you better come on!"
"Much obliged, Doc," Festus said eagerly following the physician.
*Had a busy weekend, my sister got married :) but I wanted to finish this story before it got to late. Lots of things on my mind and been fighting off a cold so will do some more when I'm feeling better! Thanks again to all my reviewers, you guys are awesome!*