AN: A special thanks to DodgeCityAngel. Your comment gave this chapter a name.

Thank you everyone who took the time to comment. "Guests" I would thank you each of you personally if I could. Consider getting an account so we writers can say hi!

One more chapter after this!

The Next Day

Matt stopped at the post office and then went to check on his prisoners, Gus Stringer and Peter Brooks. Stringer was sitting on his cell bunk, head in hands, feeling totally defeated. Brooks was standing with his arms cross in front of him, exuding an air of arrogance. He saw Matt holding something in his hand and spoke haughtily, "I assume that's a telegram from my attorney. When he gets to Dodge you'll see what a real attorney can do."

Matt pushed an envelope between the cell bars, "This letter came for you Brooks, but it was mailed some days ago so it can't be a response to the wire I sent your lawyer yesterday."

Brooks snatched the envelope and tore it open.

To Mr. Peter Brook,

I am writing to inform you that I must sever our lawyer/client relationship. I will be blunt Mr. Brooks. The reason for this is your current financial situation. As you know I am owed money from you for past services. Since you no longer have the means to cover that debt much less the cost of future services, I am no longer able to represent your legal interests.

On a personal note, I was shocked to hear that Lorraine Jones moved out of the apartment you provided for her and relocated to Switzerland. Upon hearing of her move, it was not a surprise to learn that she took all the jewelry, furs and other clothing in her possession. It was a huge surprise however, to learn that she had developed the skill and where-with-all to forge your signature and successfully empty all of your bank accounts.

Unfortunately, as you well know, the United States has no extradition treaty with Switzerland so there is no recourse.

I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Michael Watson, Attorney at Law

PS. Lorraine may have been growing plump, but we sure underestimated her.

For once in his life Peter Brooks was speechless. The letter fell from his hands. He sank down onto his cell bunk and stared into space. He goal had been to be the richest man in any room. Now he had nothing.

Matt left his prisoners without saying a word. Peter Brooks was a broken man, and Gus Stringer had no fight left in him.

Chester was sitting on his cot reading a nickel romance, "Chester, I'm going to the Long Branch. I suspect you won't hear a peep out of our prisoners, but bring them some food in a little while."

Matt left his office and saw Kitty standing outside the Long Branch with an amused looked on her face. Her eyes were on a stranger riding into town on a beautiful, dark brown thoroughbred.

Matt joined her. She watched the stranger as she spoke, "Matt, who do you suppose that is riding an expensive horse, wearing that fake beard and eye patch?"

As man rode by, Matt examined his face carefully, "By golly Kitty, I think it's that Beckenworth fellow that escaped from Leavenworth prison last week. You remember, the rich man who was caught smuggling gold. It was in all the papers, with lots of pictures of him. Remove the beard and eye patch and that there is Alistair Beckenworth."

Kitty laughed, "Well if that's him, you'd think he'd have come up with a better disguise. That beard is awful, and it makes me think the eye patch is just for show. Anyway, why would Beckenworth be in Dodge?"

Matt smiled, "Well – my best guess is he came here to meet up with Brooks and Stringer. I think I'll have a word with him."

10 minutes later Alistair Beckenworth, minus a fake beard and eye patch met up with Stringer and Brooks. To his dismay the meeting was not in the Long Branch saloon, but behind the bars of a jail cell. He'd be going back to prison instead a of to life of luxury in Mexico.

That Evening

Matt and Kitty were at a table in the Long Branch. The place was still "beer only" with free food. She'd used her bank loan to place an order to restock her inventory, but the shipment hadn't arrived. It would be a while before she could start to break even, much less see a profit. With a bank loan and more creditors than ever, losing the saloon was a possibility. Matt read her thoughts and put his hand on hers, "It will work out Kitty. Don't worry."

She nodded and gazed up at him with a forced but grateful smile. Doc rushed over and without a word of greeting started talking "I'm taking up a collection to send Felix to a throat specialist in Boston. I'll need money for their transportation, room and board for at least a few of weeks, and payment for Doctor Blaise Bates. He's the best in his field and Felix's only real hope to be able to speak again. Bates cut his fee in half when I asked, but the whole thing will still take quite a bit of money."

Matt looked at Doc a bit guiltily before answering, "Well - - Doc - - as soon as I get my salary you can have all of it." Doc was disappointed. He knew Matt didn't have much, but he had to have some savings.

Kitty spoke up, "Matt, I still have it in the office. I haven't been to the bank yet."

Suddenly Doc understood. Matt had already given everything he had to Kitty to help her situation. Doc knew she could lose the saloon, and was sympathetic, "Matt, Kitty, I'll go around town and see how much I can collect. Then I'll come back here and we'll talk."

As soon as Doc left Kitty turned Matt, "There's no question Matt. That little boy having a chance to speak again is worth more than any business. There's no way Doc's going to be able to collect enough from folks around here. I want to give him the money you gave me, and everything I can possibly give."

"I agree Kitty, but even with that I don't see how it will be enough for a trip like that."

"Matt, there has to be a way."

The Next Morning

At breakfast Doc sat across from Matt, gloomily stirring his coffee, "Matt, Kitty tried to give me the money you gave to her, and everything she could scrape together given her current situation, but I told her to keep it. That money together with the money I collected doesn't come near enough to what the Clark's need, so there's no use in Kitty giving what she needs so badly."

Matt took a sip of coffee, "Doc is there anyone around Dodge you haven't gone to?"

"No Matt, and it's not that folks aren't willing to give, it's just they don't have much. The Walker brothers gave the most, but this time of year is cash poor for ranchers. The minister is going to take up a collection on Sunday, but I don't expect much out of that. Everyone's already given what they can. Part of the problem is this can't wait. Felix needs treatment soon."

Doc suddenly brightened, "Matt what about that Brooks fellow you have locked up. He had money and expensive jewelry with him. It's probably still in the Dodge House. By golly, what about that money Brooks gave Stringer? It's probably in Stringer's room. I know it sound a little like stealing but it isn't really."

Matt looked into Doc's hopeful eyes with regret, "Doc, all of that is evidence for the trial. I can't take evidence no matter how good the cause."

Doc spoke angrily, "And after the trial the government will just confiscate it. Isn't that right? Matt, a boy regaining the ability to speak is in your hands."

"It's evidence Doc, and after the trial the court will decide what to do with it. We don't know what was stolen and who Brooks owes money to. It's up to the court to figure it all out."

They continued eating in awkward silence. Doc unhappy with Matt's answer, and Matt having no other.

Matt stood and put on his hat, "Doc, I'm sure we'll think of something. I'd better get to the office. See you later.

TBC