Rescue Or Recovery?

PT.23

Dr. Madison agreed to release Kitty with the understanding she would get a lot of bed rest for the next week. Before she could say a word, Matt, Doc and the Lemp family all promised him she would abide by his rules.

"Well, Doctor, I guess my baby sitters will see I follow your orders." She said, now smiling.

Once back at the Lemp home, William and Claudia saw to it that Kitty was catered to with her every need.

Dan Morrow saw to it that Shaw's trial was scheduled fast, knowing Matt wanted to take Kitty home to Dodge as quick as possible.

The morning of the trial, Matt was hoping Kitty wouldn't have to appear. He didn't want her to have to relive any of what she went through. Standing in Morrow's office, "Dan, is there any way we can…"

"Matt, look, I understand how you feel and I agree. Kitty's been through quite an ordeal. But…"

"Ah, I know, Dan and I know she's gonna insist on being there."

"Matt, from what I've learned about Kitty Russell, she's a strong woman. You don't have to worry about her."

Shaking his head. "No, that's for sure. See ya in court."

Matt, Doc and Kitty made their way into the courthouse, each on her arm.

"Now, Kitty," Doc started, "if at any time you feel like…"

Exhaling, "Now, Curly, stop worrying. I'm fine. You two are like mother hens, I swear."

The three took three seats down in front with the lawyer Dan had introduced them to. "Ah, Marshal, Miss Russell."

Nodding, "Mr. Elliott."

Joseph Elliott was the local district attorney and a good friend of Dan Morrow's.

"Dan has filled me in on what you've been through, Miss Russell, and I'm sorry."

"Thank you. I'm doing fine, now."

Just then, the Judge entered. "All rise! Judge Wilbur Jackson presiding!"

For a quick moment, Kitty glanced over, catching Louis Shaw glaring at her. Closing her eyes tightly and gripping Matt's hand, she squeezed it tightly.

Leaning in close, "Kit? You ok?"

Nodding, "Yeah, Matt, I'll be fine." Exhaling, "I'll be fine."

He could feel her trembling then he noticed Shaw glaring her way.

"Mr. Elliott," Jackson began, "shall we begin?"

"Yes, Your Honor. Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the court. We're here today to show that this man here, Louis Shaw, is guilty of kidnapping and attempted murder."

Shaw quickly stood, screaming, "That's a lie!"

"Order in this court! Counselor, control your client!"

"Yes, Your Honor." Shaw's lawyer turned. "No more outbursts like that!"

"They can't prove any of that. I never touched that woman."

"Quiet, Shaw." He said. "We'll have our chance."

Jackson then asked, "Mr. Elliott, call your first witness."

Elliott looked around the room. Then, "Your Honor, I call William Lemp to the stand." William took the stand and was sworn in. "Now, Mr. Lemp, can you tell the court your connection with Mr. Shaw?"

"We were business associates."

"Were you?"

"Yes, sir. I was having some business difficulty and he offered to help me out. But it turned out he had his own agenda."

"Oh? And will you tell us what that was?"

"Objection, Your Honor, that's hear say." Shaw's lawyer added.

"Your honor, this goes to their association. I promise I will show cause."

"Over ruled. Go on. Proceed, Mr. Lemp."

"Well, he, Lemp was now pointing at Shaw, "put stipulations on his help."

"Like?" Elliott asked.

"I was to allow him to marry my daughter so he'd have access to all the family and business holdings."

"And you agreed?"

"Yes, at the time. But then I realized it was a mistake."

"And how did Miss Russell figure into this?"

"Well, she didn't at first."

"Explain, please."

"Well, see, a few years ago Kitt… Miss Russell, became a shareholder in the family business and I didn't want her to find out we were in trouble. But when she came here to St. Louis she did find out and…"

"And what?" Elliott asked.

"That's when Shaw became enraged. But I never figured he would be so out of control." He now looked in Kitty's direction and mouthed the words, "I'm so sorry."

"Your witness." Elliot nodded at Shaw's lawyer.

Shaw's lawyer, Mister Truitt stood. "Ok now, Mr. Lemp, are you expecting this court to believe that it wasn't you who put into action the kidnapping of Miss Russell and her disappearance? After all, Mr. Shaw is just a mere banker and he does work for you. Does he NOT?"

"NO! I did no such a thing!"

"Is that, no, he doesn't work for you? Or, no, he's not a banker?"

William was flustered. "NO! I didn't plan this."

"That wasn't my question. Please answer the question."

"NO! He doesn't work for me. I'm sorry, he doesn't."

"I do believe if we check the bank records, we'll see they do hold the Lemp family accounts."

"Well, yes the bank does, but…"

"Well then, he does work for you. Your Honor? This man can't even answer a simple question honestly. How is this court to believe any testimony he gives?"

"Mr. Lemp, you may take your seat. Next witness?"

"I call Miss Kitty Russell."

Standing, taking a deep breath, Kitty took the stand.

"Good morning, Miss Russell."

"Good morning."

"Now, Miss Russell, can you try, the best you can, to recall for this court the events of the day you were abducted?"

Inhaling, "Ok. Well, that morning, William, his daughter Hilda and I went to the brewery plant. We had some business there. Hilda had gone into the office. She had gone to check on the books. A few minutes later, she called William away and I stayed on the main floor. I thought I heard William coming back but when I turned, I realized it wasn't him. But that quick, I was hit with something."

"Ok. And then what?"

"Well, I don't know how much time later but I woke in a dark room. I think I was still in the brewery. I could still smell the beer and hear the vats. Then some time later, he showed up." She was now pointing at Shaw. He was telling me how he was going to make sure I was not going to be in the way."

"And what did you figure that to mean, Miss Russell?"

"Objection, Your Honor! Leading."

"Mr. Elliott, rephrase."

"Ok, did he say anything else? Or what happened next?"

"He left right after that, laughing. Then shortly after, two men came dragging me out of there and took me to a boat of some sort. I was blindfolded and tied up. I figured I was in the bottom of the boat. I heard several voices."

"Could you tell who they were?"

"Not all of them but one of them was Louis Shaw. I was sure of that."

"You lie! Who would believe a saloon tramp?"

"Mr. Truitt, control your client!"

Kitty swallowed hard.

"Do you need a minute, Ma'am?" The judge asked.

Shaking her head. "No, thank you."

"Ok, then what happened?"

Squeezing her eyes shut at the memory, "One of the men came to where I was, drug me up to the deck, tied my feet. My arms were already tied and I was still blindfolded. He picked me up and I felt him throwing me into the water." Kitty's breathing became heavier and her chin began to quiver. Matt and Doc could see she was visibly shaken.

"Your witness."

"Miss Russell, you don't live here in St. Louis. Correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"And you say you're a business woman but in fact you're merely a saloon woman. And you want this court to see you as a respectable woman?"

"Mr. Truitt, is there a question in there somewhere? Or are you just here to try and insult me because if so, that's been tried by better then you."

Matt and Doc covered their snickers.

"Your Honor?"

"Ask your question, Mr. Truitt."

"What is your line of business?"

"I own and run the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas."

"And what is your business with William Lemp?"

Exhaling, "At the risk of being repetitive, we're business associates. I own stock in his family business."

"And?"

"And nothing!" She answered with a smirk.

"So, why don't you walk me through these so called events one more time?"

Again, Kitty swallowed hard. Elliott pounded on the desk. "Objection! Your Honor, there is no need. We have all clearly heard the events and Miss Russell doesn't need to relive the devastating nightmare again and again. It's all in her deposition if Mr. Truitt needs to go over it."

"Agreed." Jackson said. Kitty exhaled a sigh of relief.

"You may step down, Miss Russell." Nodding at her.

As she walked down, Doc quickly grabbed her arm. "Ok, young lady, you are going back to bed and NO arguments."

"But, Doc, I… I…"

"You'll find out later what happens here. Look at you. You're trembling. Come on." Taking her and leading her out of the courthouse.

Later, Dan Morrow stopped at the Lemp house to let them know Judge Jackson had made his decision. Shaw was found guilty. One count on kidnapping, one count attempted murder and then several counts of fraud. It turned out, after Dan did some investigating, William wasn't the only person Shaw had conned. He was looking at not seeing the light of day for a long time.

Dan also took advantage of this being a good way to see Hilda.

TBC