Zach paused in front of Jonas' General Store. He studied some of the merchandise through the window, but decided to have a closer look. "You know Clem, I think I'd like a new pair of boots," he said looking down to hie well worn leather boots.
"But I like those boots," Clement stated.
"Well out feet are the same size, you can have these," Zachariah smiled.
Clement nodded in agreement, "Sure!" he then laughed.
Both men entered the store and looked around, and as they did, they got Wilbur Jonas' attention, "Can I help you?" he asked from behind the service counter.
Zach nodded, "I sure hope so." he said as he continued to look around.
Jonas hadn't seen the two men before and immediately put up his guard, "What is it you're looking for?" he blinked as he stuck near the service counter and shotgun.
"I'd like some new boots," Zach smiled. "I have cash," he pulled money from his pocket.
Jonas easy a little and looked at the worn boots the man was wearing, "They look like military issue," he pointed out.
"They were my father's when he was in the war. Soon they will be Clem," he look to his eager brother.
Jonas nodded and went to the store room for several pairs of boots for the young man to try on.
Matt was sitting with Kitty in the Long Branch when Doc arrived. He slowly made his way back to the table. Kitty's eyes were locked onto the doctor and she didn't like the look on his face. "Doc?" she questioned.
Doc drew a deep breath and sat down at the table, placing his medical bag on the vacant chair beside him. His eyes didn't leave Kitty's; the then blinked, "I went to the boardinghouse and the girls there said that Jane Rose never arrived last night," he sighed.
Kitty immediately to Matt, "What's this about?" he asked as he leaned forward on the table. Kitty hadn't mentioned it to him hoping that Jane Rose was just unwell, or running late.
"It occurred to me earlier that I hadn't seen Jane Rose this morning," Kitty started. "She was scheduled to work this afternoon, so I just wondered if she was running late or not feeling well. Doc went to check on her," she stated.
Matt adjusted his hat back on his head, "And they said she never showed up," he looked at the doctor; Doc nodded, "So they said," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Matt looked back to Kitty, "When did you last wee her?" he asked.
"Just before closing last night. She left right after Newly did," Kitty. "I hope she's all right," she added, but deep down she knew something was wrong.
"Was she with someone?" Matt asked.
Kitty shook her head no, "Not really. She brushed off a fellow that seemed quite smitten with her," she shrugged. "There was nothing more made of it, and she was confident that he understood where she stood," she said.
Matt frowned, "Who was this fellow?"
"I didn't meet him. I think he was here with his younger brother," Kitty stated.
Matt remembered it was one of the three men with the General, "I know the one you mean, that's a start. I'll get Newly and Festus to start looking for Jane Rose," he said as he stood up. "I'll talk to this fellow and we'll let you know what we find out," he nodded sharply before he left the saloon.
Doc drew his hand across his moustache, "I don't like it," he blinked at the saloon owner.
"Neither do I," Kitty sighed. "Now we have to wait, which is worse."
Matt entered the jail house to find Festus at the wood stove pouring himself a coffee, "Hiya Matthew," he smiled. "The coffee's good and hot," he offered the cup to the marshal.
"Thanks Festus, but not right now," Matt stated. "I need you and Newly to begin looking for Jane Rose from the Long Branch. She never made it home last night," the marshal said as he picked up the wanted posters on his desk to see if anyone of the men wanted were prone to abduction. They were all wanted for robberies of one nature or another.
Festus quickly put the coffee cup down, "Right on it, Matthew," the hill man said as he scurried to the door. "I'll get Newly straight away," he said before he disappeared through the door, closing behind him
Matt walked to the window and looked out. His eyes spied Zachariah and Clement leaving the general store. Matt jerked the door open and briskly walked across Front Street to talk to the men.
Zach spotted the marshal and froze for a second, "Clement, why don't you go to the saloon and have a beer," he said handing his brother some money. "I need to go back into the store for a moment," he smiled. Clement was happy with the idea taking the money before he rushed across the alley to the Long Branch.
Zachariah turned back to the store just as Matt got to the boardwalk, "I'd like to talk to you," the marshal stated. The comment caught Jonas' attention and he quickly walked to the door to see what was happening.
"About what marshal? We're just touring the town," Zach said as he thumbed over his shoulder indicating that he was with his brother.
"Something happened last night. Now, we can either talk about it here or at the jail house," the marshal stated.
"Is there any thing wrong, Matt?" Jonas had to ask.
"Nothing concerning you Jonas," Matt replied as his eyes came back to Zach. Jonas twisted his mouth. With a slight huff, he turned back and went back into his store, although he kept an eye on the two men out front.
Zachariah shrugged, "Sure, it you want to talk to me," he said as he stepped off the boardwalk and walked back to the jail house with Matt. "I can't leave Clem too long," he said as he entered the little red brick building.
Matt pointed to the chair at the little table in the centre of the room, "Have a seat," he offered. Again Zach shrugged and then sat down. "What's your name?" Matt asked bluntly.
"Zachariah Clanton," Zach replied quickly. "What's this about?" ht hen asked.
"One of Miss Kitty's girls has gone missing," Matt stated as he sat on the corner of his desk. "You were with her last night," he added.
Zach looked up at the marshal with surprise, "Who? Jane Rose?" he said shifting himself on the chair.
Matt nodded, "When did you leave the Long Branch?"
"Now let's see," Zach had to think, "I sent Clement to the hotel and I followed him shortly after," he stated. "Jane Rose made it clear she didn't want any more to do with me," he sighed.
"Why did she say that?" Matt pushed.
"I guess I just came on too strong for her liking," Zach said. "I did like her. I sure hope nothing bad happened," he shook his head in sorrow.
"How'd you get those marks on your face?" Matt further asked.
Zach lifted his hand to his cheek, "I must confess," he started which got Matt's attention, "I did drink a little too much, last night. I stumbled on the way back to the hotel. I think it was a wall," he looked sheepish.
Matt pursed his lips and stood up, "You're free to go, but I might want to talk to you later," he stated firmly.
"Yes, sir," Zachariah said as he too stood up and left the jailhouse. Matt hooked his thumbs over his belt and watched the young man cross the street, but he didn't go to the store, instead he headed straight to the Long Branch. Matt's eyes narrowed; there was something about Zachariah he didn't trust.