PT.9

Return To Dodge

Entwined Hearts

Matt headed up into the high country to just the place he knew Jake would go, a small cabin. But he wasn't there and there was no sign he had been there. Matt knew Jake had an Indian wife, Little Doe and a daughter Bright Water. If he were to head anywhere, it would be to see them first.

Matt knew Jake was no killer. He had been imprisoned, over some issue with the government and the Indian issues. He wasn't a violent man. If Jake left the prison, there had to be a good explanation,

Jake made it to the Indian camp. Little Doe was surprised to see him. "Jake!" She jumped on him, smothering him with kisses. "I didn't expect you. Are you here to stay?"

"Fraid' not, Darlin' I'll explain it all to ya, but first I Have missed you!" Carrying her to her teepee. Bright Water looked on smiling!

After they made love. "Tell me, Jake Flagg. Why must you go?"

"Darlin', they'll be comin' lookin for me soon. I need to find my friend Matt."

"You mean Matt Dillon?"

"Yeah, he's in danger and I have to warn him, then, darlin', I'll have to go back. I promised the warden."

"Ok, you go Jake Flagg!"

Back in Dodge…

After getting some well needed rest, Kitty decided to go back to sit with Doc.

When she came down stairs, Hannah was standing at the bar. "Sleep well?"

"Some. Oh, Hannah, I'm sorry about the door."

Smiling at her, "Ah, Kitty, no worry. It's just a door."

"Matt can be sooo….."

"In Love?" Hannah tried finishing Kitty's sentence.

"What?"

"Ah, Kitty, honey. Face it you two are mad crazy about each other. Anyone with a pair of eyes in their head can see that."

"Oh, Hannah , it's not that simple."

"Then make it simple." Hannah replied.

Kitty pulled out a chair and sat down. "Hannah, I've known that man for twenty years, and have Loved him probably for all of them. Would have given him anything, absolutely anything! But I realized, he's married to that BADGE. He has given his whole life to that badge, this town and the state. Better yet this government, for so long and it has chewed him up and spit him out. Don't get me wrong, I'm prouder then anyone of Matt. For the man he is and what he has done for…" Then she put her face in her hands. "Hannah, no woman has ever loved a man, the way I love Matt Dillon. But I just can't watch him. I can't keep watching him try to defy death. Especially now."

"But, Kitty, I thought you two may have aired all that out when he…."

Now Kitty looked at Hannah. "When he what?"

Now Hannah looked embarrassed.

"Wait a minute. Did you know he was going too….?"

"Oh, Ah... I think I have something to take care of in the back." Hannah sputtered.

"Han-nah!"

Turning back to face Kitty. "Oh, alright, yeah. But you two need to stop acting like children and well… I'm not saying anymore."

Kitty wanted to be mad at her but couldn't help but smirk instead. "Well, I guess I'll go and sit with Doc. At least he can't interfere." She said smiling.

As she went to place her hands on the batwing doors, she stopped when she heard, "Hello, Red. Sorry I missed you in New Orleans." Standing tipping his hat. Kitty inhaled and held her breath.

Hannah stood not knowing what to say or who the strange man was and why his presence horrified Kitty so.

"What do you want, Mannon?"

In a laughing smirking tone, "Just wanted to say hello. Be seeing ya around, Red." Then he turned and left.

Kitty stood shaking.

Hannah ran over. "Kitty? Who was that?"

When she could get out a voice,…" That was The Devil Himself!"

TBC