Five

The man leaned forward; with a patient voice, he said, "Perhaps I should start at the beginning, at least for our purposes, the beginning. As you know, my name is Wilcox, Homer Wilcox. Matt Dillon served under my command in the Third Texas Infantry. One, I might add of only a handful of units to serve the Union war effort from the grand and glorious State of Texas. I became well acquainted with Matt's gallantry and honor during those years. In the time since, I can say without doubt, I've not met a better man." He settled back in his seat and took a puff on his cigar before continuing. "At the direction of President Lincoln, a branch of the U.S. Federal Marshal's Service was formed to deal with the counterfeiting of currency."

None of this was making any sense to Kitty, "What does that have to do with Matt Dillon?" She wanted to know.

"Shortly after the war, and in response to President Lincoln's assassination, a new highly confidential division was created to safe guard the president, as well as the top security interests, of the United States Government. I am a top ranking officer of that secret service. Approximately a year ago our operatives became aware of a covert organization, headquartered near the Richmond area. The "Band of Brothers' as they call themselves, primary goal is to overthrow the government by means of removing President Grant from office … permanently."

She leaned forward, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying they want to kill the President."

"But if you know of them, who they are, where they are, you should be able to stop them."

"Stop them, yes, for a time, but this is like a noxious weed, it won't do any good in the long run to pluck off the head, we need to destroy the root."

"And that's where Matt came in …"

"Exactly, he's been working undercover for us. He infiltrated Barger's gang, we've long know Captain Barger was working for the Band of Brothers. He even named his gang after the operation, the Barger Brothers. Their spoils go to supporting the 'cause'. Although, a fair share of it ends up in the hands of General Johnston and his cohorts. With the cooperation of our agency and a handful of lawmen we felt we could trust, Matt became an integral part of Barger's outfit. Various locations were planned, staged as it were, and plotted so that it would look like Dillon was as ruthless as any of the 'Brothers' it was an elaborate scheme on our part, one that may have been successful, had not one unknowing deputy shot at Matt with a live round of ammunition. We knew he'd been wounded, but were powerless to help him. We presumed him dead. That is until he turned up at St. Vincent's . It seems he'd been found half dead in a field about forty miles South East of here."

"Why did they bring him to an insane asylum?"

"A county facility is all that would take him, he had no money and no one to claim him. Miss Russell … I must prepare you. He suffered severe trauma to his head, he has lost his memory … his mind. Our sources say he is little better than an animal, the man you knew as Matt Dillon no longer exists."

"Why … why didn't you or one of your men get him out of there?"

"Because my dear, it would put our operation at risk. We don't believe Barger is aware of Dillon's whereabouts. If he were, he'd have gotten him out of there or made damn sure Matt would never talk again, should his mind and memory return. If they were to identify any of our people trying to help Matt it could ruin the whole operation. That is a chance I'm not willing to risk, there's too much at stake here."

Sitting stiffly, she folded her arms across her chest, "And I'm to take Matt home to Dodge, his reputation ruined, his mind gone?"

"No Miss Russell, our medical sources have informed us there is a chance, in the right setting, Matt will recover his faculties. We're counting on you to bring him back to health, full health."

"And if I do bring him back to, as you say, full health, you'll go on using Matt?"

"He has always been aware of the risks involved."

"This is crazy. You're willing to sacrifice, what was it you said of him? A man of gallantry and honor."

"We're fighting to preserve the Union as much now, as we were six years ago. If you care about Matt Dillon as much as I think you do, certainly, you will understand how important that is to him."

"Mr. Wilcox, I was born in Louisiana. I am a proud Southern woman."

"I'm aware of that, I'm also aware of your upbringing and the nature of your profession."

She sucked in air at the implication of his words and he amended his tone, "What I mean, Ma'am, you're not some hot house flower, and can certainly understand this country can not be divided again and have either half survive."

She nodded and even in the darkened carriage, he could see the righting of her shoulders and the lift of her chin. "What is it you want me to do?"

He pulled a silver flask from the inside lining of his suit coat, unscrewing the lid, he handed it across the aisle to her. She took a long drink, and returned it to him. He followed suite before replacing the cap and tucking the flask back in his inside pocket.

"We will arrive at Davis Port near sunup, we'll drop you at the depot, leaving the impression you have been a passenger on the train, you will take a cab to St. Vincent's, proceed to the Administrator's office and claim to be Kathleen Kent, widowed sister-in-law to Matthew Kent, of Wethersfield, Georgia. Producing that photograph we know you carry with you, you will tell him that Matt has been missing for some time, you have been searching institutions along the coast line in hopes of finding some evidence of his whereabouts. At which time, we presume, you will be taken to Matt, he will be released to your care. There is a small cottage on the edge of town, which we have secured for you. We've supplied it with provisions; I believe you will find the accommodations adequate and conducive to nursing Matt back to health. The physicians we've consulted urge you to let his mind come back on its own accord. Do not try to force his memory with your own recollections."

Opening a small leather case sitting by his side, he removed an envelope and handed it to her. "Inside you will find five hundred dollars, a key to the residence as well as the address and directions, most importantly you will find information regarding your identities. Familiarize yourself with the dossier, and then destroy the material. We will be in contact with you, our people will be keeping a watch over the place but there is still grave danger involved, for if Barger's men do find Matt's whereabouts, and if they suspect he has been working with us …" His voice trailed off leaving the desperate nature of the mission to her own speculation. "Trust no one; keep your eyes and ears open."

"I understand."

"Good, I suggest you rest now Ma'am, morning will come all too soon and you will need your wits about you."

She leaned forward again, "One more question Mr. Wilcox, and then I'll take your advice. Why, if General Johnston is the enemy did you have me spend the night in his home?"

Wilcox chuckled, "When I was a boy, we had an old hound dog, which we kept tied in the back yard. I remember clearly, a rabbit would make her home just beyond the reach of the dog's rope. It struck me how wise that creature was. For, the dog couldn't reach her, but his bark would certainly scare off any predators."

She waited a beat for him to continue and when he didn't she said, "That is not an answer."

"My dear, that is all the answer I am prepared to give."