While Kitty and Sam were getting ready to open the Long Branch, Peter Brooks sat in Delmonico's having breakfast.

He sipped his scalded coffee, ignored the runny egg on his plate, and took a bite of perfectly spiced sausage, as he listened carefully to the chatter at the next table.

"Did you hear about the Long Branch? Crazy Larry and his buddies just about put it out of business."

"Yeah, I hear all the booze in the joint got wasted. What a crying shame. It could make a fellow weep."

"Weep all you want for the booze my friend. I feel bad for Miss Kitty. I was in the bank today and saw her talking to Mr. Botkins. I'm sure she was asking for a loan. Things look bad for her."

"Yep, I hear things are so bad she had to let Peggy go."

"Peggy will do all right. She'll move to another saloon and bring her clientele with her."

The cowboys lowered their voices to discuss Peggy's various talents, but Brooks had heard enough. He ordered more sausages and thought about his next moves. He'd turn on the charm with Kitty and let her know he cared for her so much, that he'd gladly take her troubled business off her hands. Then he'd take her to New York and see how she did in high society. The Long Branch would be his, which was better than his initial plan to open a new store as a front. He'd have that bartender run the saloon. It didn't matter if it made money or not. Every few months he'd return to receive his merchandise. He'd keep them down in the storeroom while he met with customers in the barroom. He'd sell them one by one or in groups, beautiful Mexican girls on the cusp of puberty. They were high value items in the most expensive brothels and among extremely wealthy men. Kidnapped from their parents, scared, unable to speak English, the girls would be easy to handle and would bring him enough wealth to rival any man in the world. That was his goal. Wherever he went, he wanted to be the richest man in the room.

Brooks swallowed the last bit of sausage and made a mental note to get the recipe for his chef. The sausages were delicious and would give Kitty a taste of home when she was in New York. A very thoughtful idea, in his opinion. Pleased with himself he left to go to the Long Branch.

Gus Stringer

Gus was hiding behind the stable waiting for any sign of Felix. He saw the marshal arrive, and crept closer to watch and listen.

Moss took the reins from Matt, "You look like you've had a hard ride, marshal. I'll take him for you. Say, marshal I was looking for Doc. My shoulder's real stiff and I want him to look at it. Do you know when he'll be back?"

"Yep, he'll be back this evening, Moss. Meanwhile, a shot of whiskey might help. I'll buy you a drink in the Long Branch later."

"I guess you ain't heard. A lot of things got smashed up in the Long Branch. It's a beer only place right now. You should see it."

Concern in his eyes, Matt hurried off.

Stringer smiled. The marshal said Doc would be back this evening. That had to mean Felix would be back too. This time no mistakes. The boy dies.

The Long Branch

Brooks pushed through the doors of the saloon. He looked around and suppressed a smile. The few customers inside were eating a whole lot more than they were drinking. Kitty was sitting at a table in the back looking tired. He ordered a beer and walked over.

"Hello Kitty, I was deeply sorry to hear about last night's incident. May I join you?"

"Suit yourself."

Brooks sat down, "Well, as I said before, this is a tough business. A woman like you deserves so much more. I would be delighted and honored take your debt and your failing business off your hands. I want very much to show you how wonderful life can be."

"What do you know about my debt?"

Brooks looked around for a few seconds before peering into Kitty's eyes, "Last night your glass wear and inventory, except for beer, were destroyed and have to be replaced. That is not cheaply done. I suppose you were lucky the furniture wasn't destroyed. That could happen. So could broken windows and other such misfortunes. Debt grows easily in a business like this when bad luck strikes." He paused and smiled, "A better life awaits my dear."

Kitty's temper started to flair, but she kept it under control. "Are you threatening my business?"

"Of course not my dear. I'm just offering you the kind of life you deserve."

He put his hand over hers and looked into her eyes, "It would be wise of you to make the right decision sooner rather than later. I'll take the saloon off your hands and bring you to New York to show you the good life."

She pulled her hand away and saw Peter's eyes flash with anger before he covered it. He started to speak when a shadow fell across the table, "Brooks, you're under arrest."

Peter looked up and saw the tall marshal glaring down at him.

"This is ridiculous. What could the charge possibly be?"

"Attempted murder. You tried to kill Felix Clark. He's identified you. Let's go."

Seeing no way out Brooks stood while cursing Gus Stringer under his breath. Stringer was supposed to have taken care of Felix.

Matt gave Brooks a small shove, "Come on." He looked at Kitty, "I'll be back. It seems a lot's been happening,"

Minutes later Brooks was behind bars demanding that a telegram be sent to his attorney. Matt locked the cell door. "I'll send that wire, first chance I get."

Matt shut the door that separated the jail cells from his office. He wished Chester was there to guard the prisoner. Men like Brooks could be tricky. He decided to make his talk with Kitty quick and hurry back.

Gus Stringer was watchful, while remaining out of sight. He saw the marshal walk by with Peter Brooks in tow, then watched him hurry down the street alone. Stringer moved quickly and quietly. He slipped into the marshal's office, closed the door behind him and grabbed the keys to the jail cells.

The Long Branch

Matt was eager to speak to Kitty. When he'd arrived to arrest Brooks he could tell a lot was wrong. Her poker face was one of the best, but he could read her like no one else.

He walked passed the colorful signs Sam had made, and joined Kitty at the table.

"Kitty what's been happening?"

"You first Matt. You said Felix identified Brooks. Does that mean he's all right?"

"His mind seems fine, but he can't speak. Doc will have him in town in a few hours to see what he can do. Now you. What's Brooks been up to?"

"Last night all of my booze, even what was in the storeroom, was destroyed along with most of my glasses. I guarantee Brooks is behind it."

"Why Kitty?"

"Well, he's been not so subtly been asking me to come back to New York with him to be his high paid mistress and companion. He mentioned going to balls, society events even coronations.

"Coronations – as in kings and queens?" Matt lifted an eyebrow.

"Yes Matt, and he showed me some earrings that have to be worth a fortune. He's unbelievably rich, a lot richer than he seemed at first. The other thing is he wants to buy the Long Branch. Why would a man with so much money want a saloon in Dodge?"

Matt stood, "I don't know but I'm going to try to find out. I'd better ask Mr. Brooks some questions."

He started to walk away but turned back with a small smile.

"What is it Matt?"

"Coronations - Kings and queens huh?"

She crossed her arms in front of her, "Don't you think I'd fit in."

He suddenly looked serious, "You'd outshine them all."

The Jail

Gus Stringer had the key to Brooks' cell dangling from his hand. He was ready to make some demands.

TBC