The next morning Matt sent Festus out to old man Willards house to investigate a broken fence and some missing cattle.

Matt figured with the hillman out of town there wouldn't be any chance of him running into one of the Strom's and causing trouble.

Abelia headed to the Long Branch to help Kitty with her inventory and books. She was just about to enter the saloon when Newly stepped out.

"Morning Newly," she said pushing the pram inside as he held open the doors.

"Good morning," Newly replied tipping his hat. "I just told Ms. Kitty that I sent off those wires and I'm waiting for some replies."

"Thank you," Abelia said picking up Katheryn. "Festus isn't here right now, the Marshal sent him out on an errand."

"Yes, ma'am," Newly said with a smile aimed at the baby who was babbling and sucking on her fingers.

"I suppose they'll be talking soon," she said cuddling her daughter."

"I think so," Newly replied heading for the door. "I'm going to check with Barney at the telegraph office and see if any thing has come in yet."

But before he could, Matt was at the doors of the Long Branch with a rifle. "Looks like this firing mechanism is froze up," the Marshal said handing the rifle to the gunsmith. "Can you take a look at it."

"Sure thing Marshal," Newly replied as Abelia put her daughter back in the pram.

"I can go by the telegraph office for you Newly," she said looking back at Kitty. "If you can keep an eye on Galen and Kathryn for me?"

Kitty nodded as Abelia followed Newly and Matt outside. "I'll bring any messages to you."

Newly nodded as Abelia headed over to the telegraph office. Stepping inside, she waited until Barney finished up with a man at the counter.

She was surprised to see when the man turned around that it was Judge Strom's son, Calvin.

"Ma'am," he said smiling at her as he tipped his hat.

Abelia ignored the gesture as she pushed past him and went up to the counter. "Mr. Newly sent me to see if he had any replies to those wires he sent."

"Yes," Barney said passing her two envelopes. "These came so far."

"Thank you," Abelia replied taking the messages and headed out the door.

Leaning against the wall as she walked by, Calvin stepped into place beside her.

"You know," he said looking her up and down. "It would go along way with my Pa if you were to be friendly to me."

"Friendly?" Abelia said shooting the man a dirty look as she walked away. "I don't know what your talking about?"

"Sure you do," Calvin said grabbing her arm as he pulled her toward him. "I've seen you, I know you work for that red haired saloon owner."

Abelia dug her finger nails into the side of the man's face and raked them down as he tried to kiss her.

"You're gonna pay for that!" Calvin screamed while advancing on her as she tried to run away. He back handed Abelia across the mouth before twisting her wrist in an unnatural way.

As she fell to her knees in front of him, Barney stepped out of the telegraph office. "What are you doing! Leave her alone!" he yelled as Calvin let Abelia go.

"Shut up old man," he said pushing Barney back before getting up onto his horse. "I'll be back for you honey!"

Barney watched the man ride away before turning back to Abelia. The attack had only taken a minute but it felt like forever as Barney helped her to her feet.

"I'm going to help you to Doc's office before I get the Marshal," Barney said pulling a clean handkerchief from his pocket for her to use on her split lip.

Matt bounded up the stairs to Doc's office a short time later and met the physician coming out of his spare bedroom.

"Matt," Doc said gathering a basin and some water.

"How is she?" Matt said tipping his hat up.

"I'm going to have to cast her wrist," Doc replied preparing the plaster. "That's the worst of it thankfully."

Matt nodded and clinched his jaw as Doc looked up. "I hope you know that your going to have to keep Festus under control when he gets back."

"Yeah," Matt said evenly. "Then I'm going after Cal."