PT.2
Return To Dodge
Entwined Hearts
Matt sat at his desk, trying to fill out his report about the events that took place out on the prairie, unable to concentrate, still thinking about how angry Kitty was when he left. Somehow he had to make her see things from his point of view. This was his job, his duty, his responsibility.
Then rolling his eyes, "Dillon, it hasn't work thus far why should it now? Yeah, she's dealt with my wearing a badge for a lot of years, probably longer than most woman would have, and I love her for that. And I know what she has sacrificed… UMMMM a lot. A home, family, and just being in danger being associated with me."
The sound of jingling spurs, and the banter between Festus and Doc, broke his train of thought. The office door flew open, then, "Matt-hew! Matthew ur 'a back!"
"Course he's back! He's sitting right there."
"I see that you ol' scudder. Matthew ur sure plum de' were missed."
"Festus, it's only been a few days."
"But, we still missed ya. Why, Miz Kit..."
Quickly Doc elbowed him. "What'cha go and do that fur?"
"Matt, why don't you join us for breakfast? Festus is buying."
"He is?"
"I ain't a doin no such a thing!" Now lowing his eyes," You know I would, Matthew, but I…."
"Yeah, Festus, I know."
Doc began to laugh.
"Festus, can you get the mail?" Matt asked.
Sure thang Matthew! Git ur directly." And he left.
Doc, waited and paced the room. "Ok, let's have it, Doc." Matt said.
"HUH?"
"What's eating you?"
"Kitty know your back?"
Puckering his lips and rolling his eyes. "Yeah."
"That good, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Furious?"
"You could say that."
"Can you blame her, Matt?" Doc asked.
"Now, Doc, let's not have this argument?"
"Now, Matt, I'm gonna say some things to you, and I want you to listen to me, really listen to me." Swiping his Mustache, and tugging on his ear. "Matt, I've known you for…"
"Doc, is this gonna be a history lesson?"
"Matt, for almost twenty years I've dug out um-teen bullets and sewn up gosh knows how many knife wounds in your hide. And every time, do you know who was right there by my side? EVERY TIME? Kitty, that's who. Assisting me in saving your life, nursing you back to health, you think she just brought you soup? Do you have any idea how many nights I found her exhausted, sitting by your side refusing to leave you until she knew you'd be alright? Damn it, man, that young lady loves you! And sometimes I'm beginning to question why." He let out a huff of breath and walked out slamming the door behind him.
Making his way across the street to the Long Branch, Doc spotted Kitty at a table alone. She was attempting to finish the books and drinking coffee. "Well, morning young lady!"
In a solomn tone, "Morning, Curly."
"Someone's not in a good mood this morning." He teased.
Looking out the corner of her eye, "You know he's back, don't you?"
Nodding , "Yeah, honey, I know."
"And he put that DAMNED BADGE back on, Curly!"
"Honey, you know how he feels?"
Swallowing hard, "He still can't shoot with that hand, Doc! Someone's gonna kill him, if he walks around here with that badge on!"
"Honey, Matt knows that."
"YES! I know he knows that. And so do I, Doc, and I can't do it anymore. I love him. You know that I do. Nobody knows better than you do, Curly. But I can't watch him play roulette with death. Every time I watched you dig a bullet out of him…"
Tears were filling in her eyes. He reached over, covering her hand with his. "I know, honey. I know."
"What am I gonna do, Curly? I'm scared!"
TBC