Chapter 3

Matt studied the drifter in the distance, "Kitty..." Matt paused and then turned to Kitty, "Honey, why don't you go inside."

"Matt..." Kitty sighed. "He doesn't look like trouble from here. I don't think..."

"That's why I want you inside." Matt stood and pulled Kitty to her feet, "I want to be the judge of the first." He walked her to the door and opened it, "Don't opened the door."

"There's no reason to be paranoid, Matt." Kitty shook her head as she walked through the threshold.

"Just being cautious, sweetie." Matt ushered her in and smiled.

She turned around to face him, "Just being you is more like it." Hands on hips, Kitty sassed, "Will you at least come get me once you find out if he's a threat or not... I would like to enjoy the outdoors with a little adult time today, without having two smaller ones bouncing around... This has been a long week, and I've been in this house long enough."

Matt laughed, "I promise. Now go."

"Fine." Kitty grunted and turned as he shut the door. Matt smiled.

Matt slid off the side steps in a stealth-like manner and walked around the house to the other side. He was leery of unexpected morning visitors because they always wanted something or carried bad news. Close friends knew Sunday morning were his and Kitty's... They had a new routine that worked. Everyone in Dodge loved Peyton and Saylor so they never minded babysitting and entertaining them for the Matt and Kitty. Unless a trial, hanging, or death occurred, Newly filled when the need arose. So Matt knew this morning the routine was about to get interrupted... he wanted the upper hand in the deal.

Moments later the young man made it to the front steps. He looked around has he placed his hand on the railing. He started his climb up the stairs. He knocked on the door. After no answer on the second try, he called out, "Hello?" He stepped backwards, "Hello? Anybody ho... Whoa!" He tripped and fell backwards down the stairs. He landed hard on his backside. "Damn!" He stood slowly and started to dust himself off...

"Guess balance isn't your best quality, son..." Matt observed through the railing of the porch. He stayed hidden on the side of the house.

The young man picked up his hat and dusted his pants off as he walked toward the voice, "Excuse me?" He asked with a touch of anger in the question.

Matt walked into view, "I said balance isn't your best quality... seems hearing isn't either."

The young man continued to dust off and still hadn't raised his head. He was just walking in Matt direction, distractedly, "I'll have you know I hear just fine, Mister. I have many redeeming qualities none of which... Whoa!" He finally reached Matt shadow that the morning sun was creating. The young man brought his hat to his forehead, "You're one tall, son of..."

Matt stepped forward and towered even more so, "You were saying about your redeeming qualities. Let's start with a name, son."

The young boy back down, "Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir." He reach his hand out and smiled, "Charles James Edwards..."

Matt returned the gesture,"Matt Dillon. Nice to meet you, Mr. Edwards."

"People called my father, Mr. Edwards. Dad called me James or Little Jimmy, but you can call me Charlie." He sighed, "James is too old for me yet. That's why I'm going by Charlie now. I guess..." He paused, "I'm sorry, sir. I tend to talk a lot when I get nervous... it's a character flaw."

Matt grunted.

Charlie continued, "I guess your wondering why I wonder on your property in the early morning hours."

"Well, yeah." Matt looked down at the young man, "I was wondering if you were going to get around to tellin me."

Charlie dropped his head, "Well, sir... I've never been one to asked for a handout or a free meal, or..." He looked up real quick, "and I'm not here to ask for that either, sir." He dropped his gaze again and sighed, "I guess... I guess... I was just curious if your ranch here needed any extra help or something... I've been traveling a few weeks, and I'm running out of resources."

"How long you plan on staying, Mr. Edwards?" Matt's wheels were turning about the hay fields this year.

"I guess it depends, sir." Charlie admitted, hesitant and taken off guard.

"How about I show you around and get to know ya a little bit better, Charlie. You seem energetic enough..." Matt soften his facial expression. "I'm sure we can figure something out."

"Oh, yessir!" Charlie exclaimed, "That would be fantastic."

The hours passed. Matt showed him around the ranch. He showed him an overview but not in too much detail. They headed toward the barn so Matt could introduce him to Jim, Ralph, and Gabriel.

"So, how old are you Charlie?" Matt questioned.

Charlie straightened up proud, "I'll be 25 in two days!"

"Two days? Wow!" Matt smiled, "What brings you to Dodge?"

"Well, I guess Dodge City is out of the way, but there's a stage and not as populated. I was sent to collect a few things from my dad's will. I'm from a small farming town in Silverside, Mississippi. My dad retired from the the Army awhile back. Found Silverside and built a farm around it, Silverside Acres as we call it." Charlie smiled, "...Anyway, I was sent to receive his last memorial. My father passed away about a month back. Since I'm the oldest and only son, I was sent to bring back his belongings and honors." Charlie got quiet.

Matt regarded him for a moment, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure the loss is hard." Charlie looked at Matt and smiled. They walked in silence until the reached the barn.

"I don't know, Miss Kitty. I haven't seen Mr. Dillion since last night." Jim twisted his hat in his hands, as he, Ralph and Gabriel all stood in Kitty's firing line.

Kitty's back was to the barn's entrance. She didn't see or hear Matt and Charlie walking up, "I suggest you three find him! He's been gone with some stranger for almost four hours! and I can't..." Kitty was starting to panic.

Charlie got nervous again and looked at Matt. Matt smiled at the chaos. Loving the typical Kitty moment. The farm workers saw Matt and let out a sigh of relief. Kitty still went on ranting. Matt put his finger up to his lips and looked at Charlie, "Shhhh" Matt smiled and winked.

Matt snuck up behind Kitty and twirled her around, "You're suppose to be in the house..."

"Let go of me. I'm mad at you." Kitty attempted to push away which only encouraged Matt to pull her in tighter.

"I'm gonna hogtie you, if you don't calm down." Matt teased.

"I'd like to see you try, mister!" Kitty retorted.

"I'd like to see someone try." Ralph said under is breath. Everyone got quiet and suddenly turned in his direction. He looked around. Embarrassed, he asked, "Did I say that out loud?"

"You sure did, Ralph." Jim confirmed. And everyone laughed.

Ralph's face turned beat red, "I'm sure sorry, Miss Kitty. I don't know what..." He dropped his head.

Kitty looked up at Matt and he turned and looked down at her. They smiled. Kitty turned and walked to Ralph and cupped his face with her hands, "Don't be sorry for stating the truth. You're right... no man on earth could ever keep me tired down." She smiled. Ralph nodded.

"Hey!" Matt spoke up. Kitty look back in his direction.

"Well," She looked at Ralph once more and turned, "... maybe there is one cowboy that could rope me in..." Kitty admitted in her sultry voice as she sashayed her way back to Matt.

"There's no harm in stating the truth." Matt reminded. Kitty swatted his arm. He bent down for a peck on the lips.

Kitty walked around Matt, "Who do we have here?" Kitty smiled.

Matt still looking after Kitty, he snapped back to reality. He hurried behind her, "Oh this is Charlie, Kitty." He placed his hand at the small of her back.

"Nice to meet you, Charlie." Kitty extended her hand.

"Like wise, Mrs. Dillion." Charlie returned smile.

"Charlie..." Matt started from left to right, "This is Ralph, he in charge of livestock; horses, cattle, sheep. This is Gabriel, he's in charge of the grounds; fields, rebuilding, fences, water. And this is the main man, Mr. Roper. He's makes all the final decisions and manages everything that comes in and out."

Charlie shook everyone hands, "Its been a pleasure to meet you all." They all nodded.

"Well, boys." Kitty smiled, "It's about lunch time. How about you all go get washed up and I'll get something going on the stove."

"Yes ma'am!" All agreed in unison.

They all talked, teased, and tuckered out. Everyone started going their separate ways after lunch. Matt, Kitty, and Charlie made their way from the table to the front porch. "I guess I best be going. Thank you two for such a wonderful morning and for the privileged company." Charlie expressed his gratitude.

"I'll expected you back by sunrise, Mr. Edwards." Matt reminded.

"Yessir." Charlie confirmed. "Thank you again for the opportunity, Mr. Dillon." He shook Matt's hand.

Charlie turned to Kitty, "And thank you ma'am for everything. For opening your home and slaving over a complete stranger for lunch."

"All in a days work, Charlie." Kitty grinned and offered her hand, "It was nice meeting you again. We'll see you in the morning."

Charlie kissed her hand, "Such ethereal beauty, Mrs. Dillon."

"Save the charm, Mr. Edwards. I'm pretty sure my husband is giving you the job." Kitty smiled warmly.

"Insurance, ma'am." Charlie innocently smiled.

"I wouldn't bank on my beauty for insurance... that changes on a daily basis." Kitty teased.

"On the contrary, Mrs. Dillion, I wasn't speaking of your outward conduction... I was speaking of your inner being." Charlie admitted.

Matt chuckled, "That can change on a daily basis too." Kitty shot Matt a look. Matt ducked his head.

Charlie chuckled, "You two enjoy your afternoon. I'll see you in the morning." He placed his hat on his head.

Matt nodded. Charlie tipped his hat and turned toward Dodge. As he made his way down the long driveway, Matt and Kitty stood in silence on the porch.

Kitty looked up at Matt and finally broke the silence, "He speaks awful well, Matt... He's either had schooling or training... Drifters don't go around talking like that... especially a good ol' cowboy, he called himself."

"That's what I'm afraid of, Kitty." Matt continued to watch him walk away. After he was satisfied that Charlie was out of sight, he turned to Kitty. He looked down at her as they turned to go inside, "So how about that adult time now?" Matt teased. Kitty laughed and pulled him inside.

TBC