Rescue or Recovery?

PT.20

Doctor Madison had arranged for the procedure for Kitty with Doc. Madison had agreed to let Doc assist.

Rejoining Kitty, wanting to reassure her, "Ah, Kit Honey, I wish I could promise you that what this Doc Madison is suggesting is the right answer. But Doc seems to trust him and well, we trust Doc. Kit, Honey, I know you can hear me. Honey, you've fought through so much. I know you can fight through this." Cupping her face in his hands, he placed a tender kiss on her warm lips.

Just then, "Matt, it's time. We need to take her down to the operating room." Doc looked at him. "Matt, I'll be in there with her, you don't have to worry. We'll take good care of Kitty. Trust me."

Nodding, "I trust you, Doc. You know I do." Matt said, running his hands through his hair. As they wheeled her out of the room, he held on to her hand refusing to let go.

Doc met eyes with Matt. "Matt, this is as far as you go."

Slowly he ran his fingers down her hand until the last they touched were the tip of their fingertips.

Kitty's nurse, Mary, suggested that Matt wait in Kitty's room. "Marshal, the procedure shouldn't take long and they will bring her back here."

"Ok. Thank you." As he waited Hilda, William and Claudia showed up.

"Marshal? What? What happened? We heard Louis was arrested. We're so sorry. Constable Morrow didn't say…"

Matt now realized what they were thinking. "No," now looking around, "it's not what you're thinking. He didn't… Kitty's still alive. Doc Madison and Doc Adams took her to the operating room to do a procedure, something called a Thora… ummm, something to clear the fluid from her lungs so she can breathe better and avoid pneumonia."

Hilda exhaled, "Oh, that's good news. Dr. Madison is a wonderful doctor, Marshal, one of the best here in St. Louis."

"Well, Doc Adams is in there with him. I know Kitty would want him in there. She trusts him with her life and so do I. Matt was beginning to get impatient, pacing the floor.

"Marshal, maybe I could get you something to eat?" Hilda asked.

Shaking his head, "No, thanks. I couldn't think of eating." Then he started to smile.

"Did I say something funny?" Hilda asked.

"Nah, I was just thinking, Kitty would find my not being hungry and turning down food as funny."

"Well, then, I'll be sure to tell her about it." Hilda was now smiling. "Well then, at least how about I get us all some coffee?"

"Yes, Dear. Coffee. You do that."

As Hilda went for coffee, William approached Matt. "Marshal, I just want to say how sorry I am. I never meant for Kitty to be involved in any of my problems. She's been such a wonderful business associate and friend to me and my family. And I don't know if I can every find a way to make it up to her."

"Look, Lemp, I know Kitty and I've known Kitty long enough and well enough, she won't hold any of this against you. As for me, I do feel you could have been more honest with her."

"Marshal, yes, you are so right and I regret my actions. I just hope I can rectify all my mistakes."

"Lemp, my first concern now is Kitty."

"Oh, yes, I understand as is mine and ours."

Just then the door opened. Doc held the door open for Hilda carrying cups of coffee.

Matt stared at Doc as he entered. His eyes were tired, shoulders rounded, running his hand through his hair, swiping his mustache. "WELL, DOC?" Matt asked. "How is she?"

Exhaling, "She's resting. It was touch and go."

"But, Doc will she be ok?" He persisted.

"Matt, Kitty is a sick woman. Now it's a wait and see. It's all up to her now."

"Doc, what's that mean?"

"Well, Matt, Kitty's not a young girl anymore. She's been through a lot of trauma over the years. So now it's a matter of her will to fight. We've done all we can."

"Doctor, is there anything we can do?" Hilda asked.

"Yes, young lady." Doc now sat in the chair in Kitty's room, folding his hands, resting his elbows on his knees.

Everyone, in the room, just looked at one another.

TBC