Rescue or Recovery

PT.3

Kitty made arrangements for travel to St. Louis. Still angry with Matt, she avoided him as much as possible. Doc made his way into Matt's office.

"Well there. Good morning."

"Oh, morning, Doc. Coffee's hot."

Shaking his head, "Thought maybe we'd get breakfast." Doc searched Matt's face. "Oh, you big Lug. How long?"

"What?" Matt asked.

"How long you gonna sit and sulk?"

"Doc, what do you want me to do? She practically threw me out."

"And? Like that never happened before." Doc pointed out. "Matt, just…"

Matt stood, waving the posters in his hands. "Doc, I can't just pick up and go to St. Louis for a wedding. Kitty knows that."

"Of course she knows that but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow." Doc answered.

"Ugh! Doc, you're as bad as she is."

"Matt, why do I get the feeling, that's not all that's bothering you?"

"Ah," now stratching his head. "It's where she's going. You remember when she went to St. Louis a few years ago when the government had me guide the freed slaves across the prairie? She went on that business trip and stayed with that rich fella."

Scrubbing his upper lip, "Ah, I see. Jealousy."

"Hell, no!" Matt answered.

"Then what else do you call it?" Doc asked. "I remember Kitty telling me the fool you made of yourself barging into their home and the way you acted."

"Well, Doc, I thought she went there to be with him cause she was mad at me and…"

Doc nodded, "Uh Huh. Jealousy!"

"Doc, look, Kitty's her own woman. She can do whatever she wants, go with whoever she wants. We know I can't give her…"

"WAIT ONE COTTON PICKIN' MINUTE!" Doc yelled. "Matt, I'm not going to sit here and listen to this. Matt, you're like a son to me, and that young lady, I love like my own daughter. But if I have to tell you how much Kitty loves you…"

Now, slamming his hand on the desk. "Ah, Doc, of course not. But sometimes she just makes me soooo…"

"Mad? Crazy? I think they are the same words she used to describe you. Matt, my boy, go talk to her before she gets on that stage." Doc shook his head and left.

Matt sat looking around the room then kicked the chair. "Ah, Kitty!"

Opening the door and making his way across Front Street, Matt headed for the Long Branch. Standing, he scanned the room. Sam smiled, nodding towards the office. Without a word, he walked through the outer door, tapping on the office door.

"What is it, Sam?" When there was no answer, "Sam?" She spun around to see him standing in the doorway, filling the frame. "OHHHH. Marshal."

Standing, tossing his hat in hand. "Kitty, we need to talk."

"Well, I said all I have to say." She went back to her books.

"Good. Then you can just listen, as hard as that will be."

"Now, Matt…"

"Thought you had nothing to say."

Shaking her head with her jaw clinched.

"Kitty, look, I'd really like to go with you. I would. But right now…"

Throwing up both hands, "I know, I know. You can't. The job!" She said in a defeated, sarcastic tone. "Matt, like I said, just forget it. Alright?"

"Kitty, about this William…"

Now raising her brow, "Yes. William Lemp. Matt, he's a business associate." Now moving closer to him. "Cowboy, I thought we cleared that up before. When will you learn?"

"Learn what?" Matt dropped his eyes.

"Damn it, Matt. After all these years…" Placing her hands on his chest. "There's only room in this woman's heart for one cowboy. That would be one 6'6", blue-eyed, handsome cowboy, that happens to be married, married to his badge." She was now tapping on the silver tin star on his vest. "But I'm just fool enough to still love him madly." She softened her face to a sultry pout.

"Ah, Honey." He was now enveloping her in his arms. "I know I can't give you, or offer you all the things…"

"Sssshhhh," placing several fingers to his lips. "Cowboy, sssshhhhh. Kiss me. Kiss me before I start crying."

Pulling her close, "Yes, Ma'am." Covering her lips with his, gently at first, turning more passionate. But they were interrupted by a knock.

"Miss Kitty? Barney dropped off a wire for you. Says it's important."

Breaking apart, straightening up. "Ok, Sam. I'll be right there."

As they entered the bar, Sam handed Kitty the wire.

Matt and Sam watched as Kitty's eyes widened and her hand went to her mouth. "Oh NO!"

TBC