Doc finished what he could eat and pushed the plate away from him toward the centre of the table with a sigh. His usual good appetite was lost with Kitty missing and Matt and Festus injured. He placed money on the table before standing up, picking his black felt hat off the chair beside him. Even for Del Monicos' the atmosphere was eerily quiet. Doc placed his hat on his head, and a few people watched the old physician slowly make his way to the door. Doc himself would have watched as he seemed to have aged ten years in one day.

With a brush of his right hand across his moustache, Doc stepped out onto the boardwalk and paused, taking in the cool night air. He ticked his head and smiled as he still saw patrons coming and going from the Long Branch Saloon, across the street. Louie Pheeters had filled in for Sam from time to time, and the old rummy knew this was a special time with Sam out looking for Kitty; it was the least he could do.

Doc was just about to walk over to the saloon when the sounds of horses and a wagon filled the night air, getting louder as they approached Front Street. Adams quickly realized that it was Newly and Sam, and was somewhat surprised to see Wilbur Jonas driving the wagon – he hadn't realized that the store owner left with the others earlier in the day.

Newly O'Brien spotted the doctor and called out for him, "Doc! Come quick!" the young deputy shouted as he jumped down from his horse and raced to the back of the wagon, once Jonas stopped it and set the brake. The store owner clambered over the seat to get to the back of the wagon, kneeling next to Newly.

When the doctor wanted to, he was swift on his feet and ran across the street, not knowing what to expect – he certainly didn't like the looks on the faces of the men who brought the wagon in. Was Kitty in there at all – was she dead? He didn't know.

Newly looked at Doc as he approached, "It's really bad, Doc," he said warning the doctor for what he was about to see.

Doc slowed his pace and walked to the wagon trying to keep his emotions in check. The physician peered over the side of the buckboard and thought he was going to vomit. Doc looked up at the men, "Get her up to her room, and be careful," he said as if he was invisibly helping to move her with his hands. "I'll get my bag," he said in a low hate-filled voice - his whole body trembled with rage as he moved to the boardwalk.

"You go with Miss Kitty, Doc. I'll get your medical bag," Jonas offered as he helped Newly lift Kitty from the back of the wagon. Doc nodded in acknowledgement as he followed Newly and Sam to the Long Branch. Before the men went in to the saloon, Doc covered Kitty a little more with the blanket she was wrapped in – he didn't need people gawking at her in the condition that she was in.

Without a word, Sam held open the swing doors and let Newly through. The young deputy carried Kitty up the stairs, effortlessly and Doc followed closely behind.

Sam remained on the main floor and watched the patrons as they stared up at the saloon owner's room, "Go on about your business," the snapped causing a surge of whispered conversations as people resumed their card games and drinking.

Next through the door was Wilbur Jonas with the doctor's medical bag. He paused and looked at Sam who without a word motioned toward Kitty's room at the end of the landing on the second floor. Jonas scurried up the stairs and briskly walked along the landing, stopping outside of Kitty's room, where he knocked on the door.

Newly opened the door and thanked the store owner for Doc, took the medical bag and quickly closed the door again.

Jonas stood staring at the door; feeling numb. He couldn't believe that any human could have done what they did to Kitty. Suddenly he felt nauseous and in need of a stiff drink, he bit at his lower lip trying to maintain composure. His hand trembled as he grabbed the railing and walked along the landing and down the stairs. His light blue eyes scanned the room, and now and then he spotted someone looking at him, making him feel tenser. He desperately tried to shake the images of Kitty from his memory, but it wasn't working. Slowly he walked to the bar where Sam had already poured him a drink, "Here," was all Sam could say as he himself held a glass of whiskey. Nothing more was said between the men that night.

"Newly, it's best if you leave," Doc said as he placed a small pot of water on the little parlour stove.

Newly nodded, "If you need me," his voice trailed off knowing Doc didn't hear him as he was deeply engrossed in preparing his instruments. O'Brien watched the doctor for a few seconds then left Kitty's room, closing the door behind. His shoulders sagged and a feeling of disbelief washed over him, and then he thought of Matt and wondered who was going to tell him the news – he decided that it was best if it came from Doc. Newly then joined the other men at the bar for a quick drink.

Doc sat on the side of the bed and looked down at Kitty's bruised face – his hand trembled as he wiped dirt way with the damp cloth. Kitty moaned and slowly opened her eyes. At first she was startled to see a man, but relaxed slightly realizing that it was Doc who sat next to her, "You're home now and safe," the physician said in a deeply caring voice.

Kitty rolled her head not wanting Doc to touch her, "Leave me be," she whispered.

Doc paused and looked down at his friend, "Honey, I'm here to help you," he said in a soothing tone. "They," his voice cracked, "hurt you and I want you to feel better," he said with tears welling in his eyes.

Kitty slowly looked over to the doctor and studied his face knowing that despite what she wanted, Doc was going to everything in his power to help her, "Doc, I want to see Matt," she said flat out.

Doc shook his head no, "Not right now," he said blinking his eyes, "Matt's pretty weak right now," he stated. "As soon as he's able, I'll let him know what happened," he said looking down at the cloth he held in his hand.

Kitty shook her head no, "No, Doc. I have to," she sighed, blinking way tears.

Doc pursed his lips, "Fair enough, but I want to examine you," he said.

Kitty drew a deep breath and finally agreed. Doc nodded and finished cleaning Kitty's face before he examined her to find out the extent to her injuries. She fought back tears as she imagined what Matt's reaction was going to be. She also thought about the men that raped her, seeing their faces in her mind's eye and how she wanted them dead.