Doc drew his right forearm across his forehead as he tried to mop the perspiration away. The office was warm, and it needed to be for Festus who remained unconscious on the examination table as the doctor continued to search for the elusive projectile. Again Doc ticked his head as he carefully manoeuvred the probe;he bit his bottom lip in concentration as he peered over his silver-rimmed glasses at the bloody wound.
Kitty stepped over to the doctor and wiped his brow with a dampened cloth. She knew that Doc was struggling and she wished that there was something more she could do for the doctor. He acknowledged the gesture and was thankful.
It seemed like forever, when finally Doc stopped and looked over to the saloon owner, "I finally found it," he blinked and tried to smile.
Kitty watched as the doctor picked up the bullet extractors after he removed the probe. He eased the instrument into the hole and carefully pushed it toward the bullet. He blinked the whole time as his mind was trying to follow the path of the probe; wondering if there was any other internal damage. The doctor frowned as he finally latched onto the bullet and slowly pulled it out. He stared at the lead object for a moment before he dropped in and the extractors into the basin next to him.
Kitty removed the pan and replaced it with a clean one with warm water. Doc nodded and began to wipe the wound to wash away the blood. More blood seem to come, "That must have nicked something inside," he sighed as he place his hand on the bullet hole and applied pressure. "I had hoped that I wouldn't have to open him up, but it looks like I don't have much of a choice," he sighed.
"Would you like to to get Newly?" Kitty asked.
Doc wet his lips and then slowly nodded, "I think it would be best," he blinked again realizing just how tired he was.
Kitty nodded and quickly pulled her shawl on and left the office. She hurried down the stairs and stood on the boardwalk. If anyone in town knew where anyone in town was, it would be Wilbur Jonas. Kitty quickly entered the store. There were no customers, likely because of the still horrible winter conditions. "Mister Jonas, have you seen Newly?" she asked.
Jonas was working on his account books at the service counter. The store owner looked up with a slight start, "Miss Kitty? Is there anything wrong?" he straightened his back.
"Doc needs Newly," Kitty stated. "He finally found the bullet, but he needs to operate on Festus," she stated.
"Newly went over to the jailhouse. I haven't seen him or Matt leave since they went inside," Jonas indicated.
Kitty nodded and quickly left. Jonas stepped out from behind the counter and followed the saloon owner to the door. He hoped that Matt and Newly were still there. He watched Kitty enter the jailhouse and close the door. He shook his head, "Blasted buffalo hunters," the grumbled and went back to work.
Kitty stepped down into the room; Matt was at his desk and Newly sat at the table at the centre of the office. Both men looked over to the saloon owner, "Kitty," the marshal asked.
Kitty took several steps toward the young deputy, "Doc needs you, Newly," she said dryly.
Newly was quick to his feet, "What's wrong," he asked noting the look on Kitty's face and the tone of her voice.
"Doc says he's going to have to open Festus up. He's bleeding inside," Kitty stated. "I don't think Doc's got the strength to do it himself. He'd dead tired," she added – almost pleading.
Matt was now on his feet; his face wore an odd mix of expressions – some for the doctor – some for Festus and others for the buffalo hunters. He watched O'Brien leave the office then looked at Kitty.
"Why don't you just throw those no-good men in jail, Matt?" Kitty growled.
Matt stepped out from behind his desk, "Newly and I were just talking about them. Before I do anything, I need to check this out," he said handing the telegram to the saloon owner. Kitty read the message and looked up at the marshal, "You're going to have to warn Mr Bodkin," she stated.
Matt nodded, "One of the first things I plan on doing," he took the paper back. "I also need to verify if this is true," Matt stated.
"It came from the sheriff in Hayes," Kitty noted. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"Because this statement is coming from one of the buffalo hunters' friends who has found himself behind bars. He's likely to say anything to get himself out and out for revenge," Matt said as he rocked slightly on his feet. "At times like this, I wish I had a few more deputies," he sighed.
"I assume this means you need to ride to Hayes," Kitty surmised.
Matt nodded, "I'll talk to Harry at the bank and Sam, to see if he can keep an eye on those buffalo hunters," he stated. "Hopefully Newly won't be long with Doc," he added.
"I don't know why you just can't lock them up," Kitty huffed as she crosser her arms in annoyance.
"I have no concrete proof of anything yet. No evidence that could hold them. I wasn't with Festus when he had is second run in with them to get any decent identification about the wheel and how that all played out," Matt stated. "And witnesses say Festus drew first, but I don't know the reasoning behind that either. Yet," he added, "Not until Festus comes to." Matt said as he walked to the coat rack and lifted his coat off the hook. "All Doc can offer is what Festus told him about what happend, and Jonas wants nothing to do with them," he said pulling the coat on. "Personally I think they are as guilty as they come for a whole bunch of things. Proving it will be the challenge," Matt grunted as he was clearly exasperated over the whole matter.
"Well this is a fine howdy do," Kitty said pursing her lips as she placed her hands on her hips in annoyance. "I guess I don't blame Jonas. He's been through enough lately," she then sighed.
"Don't I know it," the marshal said as he placed his hat on his head and left the office. Kitty shook her head and followed Matt out onto the street. She stood and watched the marshal walking up the street toward the Long Branch. The saloon owner sighed heavily and decided to check in on Doc and Newly to see how Festus was doing. Kitty had a sinking feeling in her belly about the way things were unfolding. Slowly she walked back to her saloon.
Of course Sam agreed to watch over things, "I hope you get back quickly, marshal. I've heard rumblings around town about those buffalo hunters, and none of it's favourable.
Matt nodded, "I have too, Sam. Look, Newly shouldn't be too much longer with Doc. At least I hope. I want you two to keep your ears to the ground for trouble and please watch the bank," Matt stated.
"You know we will," the craggy-face bar keep smiled.
"Thanks Sam," the marshal smiled as he turned and left the saloon, passing Kitty on the way. "I'll be back later," he winked.
Kitty walked to the bar,, "Whiskey, please, Sam."