PT.15

My Family, My Choice!

In town, Broken Arrow

Dan Ward received a wire in answer to his inquiry about Judge Brookings' schedule. It turned out that Tom Murray would have to be moved to Tulsa for a trial, at least for his part in all of this. At this point it looked like most of the ranchers would be making the trip, as well, to testify.

Matt tried to talk Kitty into not going but, well, as Doc put it… "How'd that go for you? Matt, you might have known she's gonna want to be there. And I can't say I blame her."

"But, Doc, you know what all she's been through and…"

Shaking his head. "Do you hear yourself?"

"Doc, do you think she can handle any more of this?"

Looking surprised and trying hard not to laugh, "And tell me, Marshal, how long have you known Kitty Russell?"

Dropping his head tossing his hat in his hands. "Doc, you know what I mean."

"Matt, we'll be there with her. That is one strong lady. She has to be. She puts up with you, don't she?" Now laughing aloud. "Come on. Let's go check on her."

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Early that morning, everyone was filing into the county court house. There were many more people than any of them expected. Then Matt and Doc walked in on either side of Kitty and found her a seat.

As they passed the crowd of ranchers, briefly, she stopped, tilting her head and smiling slightly. She nodded lightly at Joe McAndels.

Matt looked at her for a moment, sliding one hand down to the small of her back. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm ok, Matt. Let's sit."

As they took a seat, Tom Murray was brought in by Dan Ward. Just as he approached where Matt, Doc and Kitty were sitting, he stopped. "Ma'am, I mean, Miss Russell? This may not mean much right now, but for what it is worth, I'm sorry. I never thought you'd be hurt in any way."

Joe started to stand and walk towards him. He didn't want Murray anywhere near her now. He still felt protective.

Kitty caught him out of the corner of her eye. Quickly, she turned. "Joe, please. It's alright. I'm fine. Please?"

Matt just watched, but said nothing.

Once court was in session, different ranchers began telling their versions of what happened and how Tom Murray had approached them about the investments.

Then it was Joe's turn. Then it also got into how he was sidetracked by the sudden return of his wife Maggie who had disappeared 14 years earlier.

Kitty could see the pain in his face and in his eyes as she watched him. Doc and Matt both took notice to her own pain in watching him. Her blue eyes were now tear-filled as well. She was now feeling guilty herself.

Then Murray's lawyer surprised everyone, when he called Kitty up to the stand.

Matt stood. "Judge Brookings, I highly object to this."

"Marshal, on what grounds."

"Marshal, you're not representing anyone here."

Matt looked at Brookings then at Murray's lawyer. "Miss Russell doesn't need to be put through anymore than what she has already."

"Matt, it's alright. I can do this." Kitty said.

Brookings then said, "Matt, I appreciate this situation, but Miss Russell is here in the court room. Miss Russell?"

"Yes, Judge."

"Will you take the stand?"

"Yes, of course."

Then Doc interrupted. "Wait! I'm her doctor and I don't think she is up to this. It is my professional opinion…"

"Doc, Matt, sit down. Judge Brookings, I'm fine."

"Well, then let's more forward."

Kitty shot Doc and Matt a look and walk to the stand.

"Mr. Davis you may proceed."

"Hello, Miss Russell, or shall I refer to you as Mrs. McAndels?"

With a quick smirk, "My name is Kitty Russell."

"Just want to be clear here."

"Well, be clear then."

"Ok, Miss Russell. What exactly is your part in all of this?"

"What?" She snapped.

"Your part."

"Part of what?"

"My client is being accused of an investment scam and part of that scam was to divert Joe McAndels attention, being he is the largest rancher in these here parts. And what better way than with a woman in your profession?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Come now, Miss Russell. You do own and run the Long Branch saloon in Dodge City, Kansas, don't you?"

"Look here, sonny. Yes, I am the owner and operator of the Long Branch. So what's your point?"

"Do you really want this court to believe, you weren't a part of this from the beginning?"

"I'll tell you what I want you to know. I was taken against my will and drugged and dumped. My memory was wiped away so that my aunt and these ranchers could be bilked out of their life savings. And this man here," she pointed at Tom, "along with my own cousin were behind it. And another thing, aren't you supposed to be defending him?"

Now the whole room was in laughter.

"And if you think for one minute that you," now looking at Tom, "or this so called lawyer are going to point your finger at me, guess again!"

Now Matt had heard enough. "Judge!"

"Ok, ok, Davis. That's enough." Brookings leaned over towards Kitty. "You may step down and I'm sorry." He whispered.

By the end of the trial, Murray was sentenced to eight years for his part in the scam.

Leaving the court, Joe approached Matt and Kitty. "Marshal, may I have a minute with Mag… Kitty? Just a minute?"

Kitty nodded to Matt and he walked away.

"I just wanted to say…" as he reached out to hold her out of pure reaction, "I'm sorry for what you had to go through in there. And I want you to know I don't think…"

She placed her hand over his mouth. "No. I know, Joe. Again, I'm so sor…"

"No! Mag... Kitty don't. You gave me more in these past few weeks then well…" He pulled her close. She let him. Matt didn't like it but he just turned away.

"You know, it's going to be hard knowing you're out there."

"I know, Joe." She kissed his cheek.

Then he told her, "They're waiting for you."

Her fingers slowly slid across his chin as she walked away.

TBC