Mabel Johnson's

The wagon left Dodge for Mabel's with Matt riding along side. He wanted Chester to drive fast enough to get there before dark. Doc, who insisted on coming, was more concerned with a smooth ride so that Felix and his wounded mother wouldn't get jostled. Chester did his best to please both men, but suffered stares from Matt when he slowed for smoothness and glares from Doc when he hit a bump. Matt rode on full alert, aware of every shadow, sound and movement. He didn't think they'd been followed, but wasn't taking it for granted.

Mabel was sitting on her porch enjoying the twilight hour when she heard them approach. Matt rode over, "Hello Mrs. Johnson. I know you weren't expecting visitors, but I have a favor to ask, a big one."

Mabel looked towards the wagon, "Marshal, if it has to do with helping those folks, the answer is yes."

"Maam, they need a place to stay for a time, but I want you to know the risks. Someone tried to finish Felix off and is likely to try again. I don't think we've been followed, but I can't guarantee it."

"Time's a-wasting Marshal, let's bring them inside and get them comfortable."

They followed Mabel into the house to a room in the very back. Her husband had added the room many years before, when their twin boys were born. The boys were just 4 years old when cholera swept the countryside. Mabel and Hank survived, the twins didn't. The couple wanted more children, but delivering twins had been hard on Mabel, and she was never able to carry another baby to term.

Mabel opened the door and dust rose into the air. The room was almost empty except for 2 beds. Matt gently set the still unconscious Felix down on one. Rita sat on the other. One arm in a sling the other holding Molly.

Mabel pushed back the curtains and opened the window so fresh air could flood in. She whispered softly, "Hank, it's a fine thing for this old room to help these good people."

She turned to her guests, "Now you folks rest. I'll go whip up some dinner. I'm sure you're hungry and I'm pleased to have a chance to show off my cooking. The marshal can assure you that I put a good meal on the table."

"You sure do Mrs. Johnson. Chester and I will go tend to the horses. We'll be right back."

The two men had just finished in the barn when they saw Doc hurrying over, "Matt, Matt - Felix is awake." Relief was evident in his eyes.

"How is he Doc?" You said there could be brain damage. Did he say anything?"

Doc spoke rapidly, "He hasn't spoken. I can't say yet if he'll ever be able to. I don't know about his mind. I told Rita to try and see if he understands and remembers things, and I came to get you."

They rushed to the house and quickly filed into the bedroom. Rita had tears streaming down her face, and they thought the worst. Then they saw her smile and realized hers were tears of joy. She stroked her son's hair, "He hasn't been able to make a sound but I've been talking and asking questions. He understands everything."

Matt looked into Felix's eyes, "Do you know who I am?"

Felix nodded and pointed to Matt's badge. Matt pointed at Doc, "Do you know who he is?" Felix nodded, he looked around the room and pointed to the medical bag that was over on a chair."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Matt continued, "Felix, do you know who tried to kill you?" Felix nodded. Matt didn't want to lead the boy with his questions, "Was it Howie?" Felix smiled and shook his head. "Was it a rancher?" Felix shook his head. "Was it Mr. Brooks?" Felix's eyebrows kneaded in confusion. Matt's heart sank. Maybe the boy couldn't remember. Then he realized that Felix might not know the man's name. "Felix, do you remember the man who hired you to carry a big, black bag to the Dodge House?" The boy's eyes widened with fear and he nodded frantically. "Felix was that the man?" Tears filled the boys eyes as he kept nodding. "Thank you Felix. Now don't you worry."

Matt walked to the door, "Mrs. Johnson, I'm sorry I'll be missing that supper. I have to get to Dodge to make an arrest."

Doc followed him out, "Matt, wait."

"What is it Doc?"

"Matt I need to get Felix back to my office as soon as possible. Now that he's awake I can examine him properly and see how damaged his vocal chords are. I might have to wire some specialists. Time is of the essence, Matt."

"All right Doc, I'll arrest Brooks as soon as I get to Dodge. You all can start back first thing in the morning. I'll have Brooks locked up long before you arrive."

"Matt what about that fellow who tried to kill Felix in my office?"

"It had to have been Gus Stinger, hired by Brooks. Once Brooks is in jail, he'll slink away to avoid arrest. I'll go after him later."

The Next Morning

As the early morning light crept across Dodge, Gus Stringer walked down the empty streets to Doc's office. He'd been paid to do a job, and this time would do it the simple way. No masks, no fire, nothing fancy. He'd kick in the door shoot Chester first, then the boy, then everyone else in the room.

He crept up the stairs, burst in and fired. It was empty, he felt like a fool. He ran down the stairs, ducked into a back street and slowed to a walk.

At the end of the alleyway he met the very person he wanted to avoid, Peter Brooks. "Stringer, I heard shots. Did you get him?"

"They're gone."

What do you mean they? You killed them all? I want you to know I'm not paying extra. I paid you to shoot the kid, and that's all I'm paying for."

"No one's dead. I missed yesterday, and now they aren't here."

Brooks' eyes were dark as he spoke. "Find him and kill him."

Fear gripped Stringer but he looked defiant, "Or what?"

"Or you're a dead man. I'll see to it."

Stringer knew Brooks was serious. Then and there he decided to skip town. He had no idea where the kid was, but had the $1,000 Brooks had paid him. It would be best to quickly put distance between himself and Peter Brooks. He was on his way to the stable when he stopped to reconsider. The big money was in getting that Beckenworth man to Mexico. He couldn't give that up. Surely the kid would be back soon. He'd lay low, keep his eyes open and be ready.

The Long Branch

Sam was working on two signs. One said Beer Only For Sale the other, Free Food. Kitty figured free food might attract customers and if they were eating they'd stay longer and buy more beers. At least that was her hope.

Sam looked at his handiwork. He'd liked to draw as a kid and had been pretty good. Of course as a kid he'd drawn animals, not frothy beers and fat sandwiches, but he thought the signs looked pretty attractive.

Kitty came in, slightly out of breath, carrying a box. She set it down on the counter, "How's it going, Sam?"

He held up the signs and was gratified to see a firm nod of approval, "Miss Kitty, I also have a dozen eggs boiling."

"Thanks Sam. I went to the bank and took out a loan so I can restock. Then I bought every glass in the general store and ordered more. I paid cash for these, but Mr. Jonas let me put the order on credit." She paused, regretting what she had to say next. "Sam, there's one more thing you should know. I let Peggy go. I can't afford to keep all the girls right now."

They both knew that Peggy was pretty, vivacious and played piano, but was also the most recently hired. Kitty hated to fire anyone, but when she had to, her sense of fairness told her who it should be.

"I'm sure she understands, Miss Kitty."

Kitty started unpacking the glasses, "Sam, would you put these on the shelves? I'll make some sandwiches and we'll open up.

TBC