Festus divided the men up the way Newly and Sam suggested on personality, purposely keeping Baker and Calder out of the same cell. As the hill man locked the cage, "I don't want no funny business from any of you yahoos," he said glaring at each of the men. Calder spat through the bars onto Festus' boot causing the deputy to lurch forward, only to be dragged back by Newly. Calder tossed his head back and laughed, causing the others to join in.

The hill man growled under his breath and pulled the heavy wooden door closed to muffle the laughter, "How'd you manage to wrangle that lot up?" he asked thumbing over his shoulder while hanging the ring of keys on the peg outside of the cell door.

"It wasn't easy," Matt said as he stepped down into the office. The marshal peeled off his hat and dropped it onto his desk as he sat down in his chair – he groaned.

Festus walked over and stood in front of Matt's desk, "How's yer shoulder?" he asked.

Matt looked up under tired eyelids, "It hurts like hell," he said. "I'll have Doc look at it later," he grunted. "Did judge Brooker arrive yet?" he then asked.

Festus nodded, "He's over at the Dodge House," the deputy pointed.

Matt stood up, "Let him know I'll be over after I get cleaned up," he said rubbing his right hand over his stubbly chin.

"Sure thag, Matthew," the hill man said and walked to the door.

"If it's alright with you, marshal, I'll go too," Sam Noonan said.

"Thanks for your help, Sam," Matt acknowledged the barkeep's assistance. Sam nodded and left the jail with Festus.

"You should try and get some rest," Newly said looking over to his boss.

Matt nodded, "I will later," he said as he moved to where he kept a basin and water so that he could shave. "You can go too, if you want," he said looking over to the young deputy.

Newly was hesitant, "Call if you need me," he offered as he moved to the door.

"I will. As soon as the trial is set, I'll let you know," Matt said as he poured water into the basin. Newly gave a quick nod and left the jail.

Newly walked up the street and then crossed over near Jonas' general store. The store owner was busy with some customers, so the young deputy kept walking, and decided to stop in to see Kitty at the Long Branch. He pushed through the swing doors and was happy to see Kitty and Doc, at the back table. He paused as he noted that they seemed to be engrossed in a deep conversation. Kitty paused and saw Newly, waving him over to the table.

"Miss Kitty. Doc," Newly smiled as he sat down.

"Good to have you back in town," Doc stated. Kitty looked tired and distant, but she agreed.

"We're glad to be back," Newly said running his hand across the back of his neck. "It's been a long few days," he added as he sat down.

"How about a beer?" Kitty asked.

Newly's face lit up, "Thanks, Miss Kitty!" he smiled.

Doc's eye narrowed, "I think you're catching what Festus has," he said to the young deputy.

Kitty shook her head at the doctor before she motioned to Sam to bring a beer over for Newly. Sam was grateful to be back behind the bar and not on his horse. The barkeep was quick with the order and placed the frothy mug in front of Newly. "Can I get you anything?" he then asked Kitty and Doc.

"I'm fine," Kitty said. "I'm a little tired so I think I'll lie down for a while," she said as she slowly stood up from the table. Doc was quick to his feet to help Kitty, "I'm fine, Doc," she smiled weakly at the doctor before walking to the stairs. Doc ticked his head and sat down again, watching the saloon owner climb the stairs. Sadness fell over the doctor, deputy and barkeep. "I think I'll have that drink now, Sam," Doc said, folding his forearms on the table in front of him with a sigh. Silently Sam slipped back to the bar and poured a drink for the doctor.

Kitty closed the door to her room and moved over to her dressing table where she kept her handbag. She ran her hand slowly over the emerald silk bag; pausing briefly before she turned to the window, wondering when she was going to see Matt, she then slowly moved to her bed to lie down.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Judge Brooker stood at the window in his room at the Dodge House. His left hand was tucked into his vest pocket, "With the information that you've supplied and from evidence that has surfaced about this Jared Baker and his gang of marauders they will surely hang for what they've done," he said turning to Matt. "Miss Kitty's testimony alone will be enough to hang, not to mention the other acts of indecency they have preformed across the state of Kansas," he said shaking his head out of disbelief from what he was told.

"They are all guilty," Matt growled.

"What about the one lad that said he didn't…" Brooker paused not wanting to say rape.

"Kitty said one of them didn't, so maybe he's telling the truth. Kitty will have to identify him," Matt said with a low coldness to his voice. He didn't want to have to put Kitty in any position to make her uncomfortable and upset again.

"Then there's the missing man," Brooker stated.

"He's the least of my worries right now," Matt huffed. "I'd like to see the trail done and over with and the men I have in my jail out of Dodge sooner than later," he growled.

Brooker nodded, "The trial will start on Monday," he said firmly.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The little wooden church at the far end of Front Street doubled as the courthouse and the pews were crowed with victims, witnesses and persons who wanted to see justice done; word of Jared's gang was wide spread. The room went silent when the appointed bailiff called order to the court and asking everyone to rise as judge Brooker took his place at the table at the front of the room. "Please be seated," he spoke as he organized himself.

Doc sat next to Kitty. The redhead's eyes were locked onto Jared Baker – perhaps she hoped that her hated gaze would cause him to die. Doc could see the intensity in Kitty's concentration and he hoped for her sake that then trial was over swift – and with the evidence against the men, it should be – no lawyer could talk their way out of that.

The trial was into its fourth hour and the jury had been escorted to a room over at the hotel. Now it was a matter of time for them to come back with a verdict. Kitty held tightly onto her handbag as she waited, nervously – her lips taunt with anxiety.

The jury was out for less than half an hour, and returned to the makeshift courtroom. There was a buzz of conversation through out the gallery of spectators. Kitty wet her lips and looked over at Doc and slowly took his hand – Doc gently squeezed it, hoping to easy Kitty's angst.

Within a matter of minutes, the jury foreman announced that all men were guilty of their crimes and would hang - the only one that wasn't charged with Kitty's rape was Bret Ashley – he received a lesser sentence of life in prison.