PT.6

Return To Dodge

Entwined Hearts

After a very busy night at The Royal Lady, Kitty woke early, surprisingly enough to herself, but she had an uneasy feeling. Not quite sure why, but she decided she'd get up and have her morning coffee and help Julie with the books.

Julie had begun to depend on Kitty's help. She knew Kitty had a knack for handling the business end of things.

"Good morning, Miss Russell." Butch called when she came down.

"Good morning, Butch, and please, it's Kitty."

"Yes, Miss Kitty. Oh, Ma'am, there's a telegram came for you first thing, all the way from Dodge City Kansas!"

"Kitty held her breathe. "Oh! Thank you, Butch. I'll take that." Pressing it to her breast, afraid to open it. Then when she finally opened the envelope, she saw it was from Hannah.

Dearest Kitty,

Doctor Adams is seriously ill. Important that you come, A.S.A.P. Doesn't look good!

Hannah

Kitty froze and inhaled deeply. Julie entered the room unsure what was wrong. "Kitty? Kitty? Honey, are you alright?"

Kitty didn't answer.

Julie moved closer, waving a hand in front of her face. "Kitty?" She now could see tears filling in Kitty's eyes. Sitting beside her friend. "Honey, what is it? What is wrong?"

All Kitty could utter was, "DOC! I… I…."

"What, honey?"

"I have to go!" Then she jumped up and headed for the large circular staircase.

"Kitty, wait! You haven't told me what is wrong?"

Looking stunned, "It's Doc! He needs me."

Julie just looked at Kitty questionably, then to herself said, "Who's Doc?"

Kitty hurried to pack a bag and make arrangements to get a train ticket to Dodge as fast as she could, then send a message to Hannah that she was on her way. She never noticed the eyes that were watching her.

IN DODGE…..

Newly was doing his best to make Doc as comfortable as he could, trying to remember everything Doc had ever taught him. "Now, Doc, you hang in here for me. I'm doing my best."

Doc was weak, he kept mumbling, "Kitty! Matt!"

"Don't you worry, Doc, Miss Hannah sent for Miss Kitty. She'll be here real soon, you can bet on that!"

Hannah stoped in to check on Doc and on Newly. "How's he doing, Newly?"

"As well as can be expected. He's strong, Miss Hannah."

"Has he said much?"

"No, just keeps asking for the Marshal and Miss Kitty."

"Well, Newly, I sent Miss Kitty a telegram telling her to come A.S.A.P. I'm sure she'll come. And The Marshal, well I don't know when he'll be back."

Later

Matt was thinking over and over again what he would say to Kitty. Would she even talk to him?

When he finally found The Royal Lady, he was over whelmed. This was a bit fancy for him. He felt really out of place.

Butch spotted him right off. "Can I help you?"

"Well, yeah, I'm looking for…"

And before the words came out of his mouth, a soft voice said, "You must be Marshal Matt Dillon."

Looking up tilting back his Stetson, standing before him was a tall slender dark haired woman with dark eyes, wearing a black skirt and white blouse with ruby red lips.

"Well, sorry, Ma'am, but you have me at a disadvantage."

"Julie McCaan. Kitty described you perfectly. I'd know you anywhere. And she was right."

"Ma'am?"

"You are handsome."

Now blushing, "Well, is Kitty around?"

"Oh, Marshal, I'm sorry. I'm afraid you just missed her."

"Oh, out shopping huh?" Smirking, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, no, Marshal. Why she went to Dodge City!"

"Dodge City?" He repeated.

"Yes, she received a telegram about someone, a…. Butch, who was it again? Doc? It was pretty urgent. She ran out of here in a hurry."

"Thank you, Miss…."

"Julie," she answered.

Matt now surprised, wondering what was happening back in Dodge and what was wrong with Doc, headed for a telegraph office, sending off a wire to Newly.

Newly, Need information on Doc… A.S.A.P.,.. Still in New Orleans

Matt

After sending the wire, Matt bought a return ticket. "Ahhh, Kitty. Doc! UGH!"

TBC