Chapter 5

Doc and Charlie continued on their way down the streets of Tombstone. They found a little restaurant around the corner and decided to have their early breakfast there. They walked in leaving the shadow behind. It was easier to see each other's face in the light. Their arms were still linked.

Doc turned his head slightly taking a look at Charlie. She looked distant and a bit jumpy. Her eyes were wide which matched her distant look. Again, she looked pale. She started to cough. Doc put his hand on her back trying to help her to stop. It quickly subsided. She looked into his eyes.

"Let's go." She started to lead but he quickly took over. They sat at a table. Shortly afterwards chicken and alcohol was brought forward. They ate and talked.

"Well," Doc said lengthening this word and pretending that he was considering what he was about to say, "Tell me about you."

"Hmm. What is there to say?"

"For starters, you could tell me what you were doing when we found you. How's that?" Doc started picking at his chicken.

"Where did you find me? I'm sort of lost myself."

"You were on the outskirts…"

Charlie interrupted him realizing that information did not matter whatsoever. "I was on a journey."

"To where?"

"Anywhere."

Doc looked puzzled and soon acquired what she meant. She's on the run.

"Why, Mr. Holliday. You look surprised," She said this playfully.

"Nothing is surprising about you," He said this grinning and only half lying. He was a bit put back, but this girl was different. It wasn't something that would be hard to believe. He thought that maybe she knew what he was thinking. Though, he concluded that she was very good at reading facial expressions. "So, what did you do that was so terrible that you had to evacuate?" He finally said this after a long moment that seemed like ages.

Charlie tilted her head a bit to the left. "Now which event are you talking about, sir?" She grinned slyly. Just as she said this, the door swung open revealing three tall men standing there.

Doc and Charlie both turned their heads toward them. The shadows were still covering them. They slowly walked in as the light inched its way over the figures until they were fully inside.

"Well, now here are some fellows who know how to ruin one's night," Doc said this loud enough for the men to hear. His tone was playful yet serious. Charlie wondered how one could do this so effectively.

The men turned their heads to the last table they didn't yet see.

There he is. Wyatt thought. He and his brothers went to the table. Wyatt pulled Doc up while his brothers stood a few feet behind him.

"Pardon me for a few moments," He quickly said to Charlie before he didn't get the chance. Wyatt pulled him harshly away from the table. "I will not be pawed at, thank you very much, Wyatt." He said politely and tugged his arm away.

"Doc! Are you mad?" Wyatt whispered this, his voice raspy, harsh, and rough.

"Why Wyatt! I'm afraid you hit all down but nine," Doc's voice was calm and full of his regular tone. Wyatt looked at him like he was insane. His eyes were thinning.

"I'm at sea, Wyatt," Doc noticed his confusion.

"Doc. I don't have time for your games," again, he spoke roughly. "What did you do? And don't you dare lie to me." Doc looked slightly hurt.

"Would I lie to you?"

"You know what you did."

Morgan spoke up calmly, "Doc. The cowboys are planning something…"

"And the rumor was you provoked it somehow. Milt mentioned something," Virgil finished for him. His patience was growing thinner with Doc.

"Now tell us. What did you do?" Wyatt moved closer to his friend.

"They're gunnin' for us?" Doc asked trying to avoid the subject. Wyatt was his friend and even though he was deadlier than Wyatt, he didn't want to mess with him. He could get pretty savage. Soon after he said this Wyatt was about to say something. He didn't get the chance. Doc started coughing violently and couldn't stop. His handkerchief was out covering his mouth. His other hand went to his thigh to help hold him up. This didn't help much. His body slumped over and leaned against Wyatt. Wyatt was holding Doc up as best as he could.

Charlie was on the outline watching. Virgil and Morgan were right by Wyatt trying to get Doc up. They were planning on carrying him all the way to his hotel room that was about four blocks down.

Doc had blood running down the sides of his mouth. It looked so much like he was drowning in it. He looked horrible. His cloth was drenched in his blood and couldn't absorb much more. Doc noticed it and just released it from his trembling hands. He was shaking.

The brothers were finally able to lift him off the ground because he wasn't moving around wildly anymore. They hauled him out the door while he was still coughing.

Charlie didn't know what to do. So she followed them knowing they were going to his hotel. She could rent her own room there.

The sun was probably half an hour away from rising though. She would sleep.

XXXX

Again, Kate was lurking. She was truly worried about Doc. She would still do whatever possible in order to get Doc back. She wanted him. She needed him.

XXXX

The group finally reached the hotel. The Earps brought Doc to his room awaiting a doctor to come and check him out. Charlie did her business and fell fast asleep despite Doc's condition.

That night she dreamt.