Chances

Pt.2

Kitty poured Doc coffee while they sat at the table. "Now, Curly, why don't you sit, have some coffee, and as much as I don't think I want to hear what you're going to ask, go on and spit it out."

"Now, Kitty, honey, as I said your past is just that, but by God, this young lady, she could be you, twenty years ago when you stepped off that stage. She took my breath away."

Now with a raised brow, slightly taken a back. "Oh, I see. You mean there still is a woman out there that can catch your eye, Doctor?"

Now frowning at her. "Now you cut that out. I'm serious here, Kitty. It is remarkable! Honey, is there… well, what I'm trying to say… or ask… is... is there…"

Clearing her throat, leaning back in the chair, tilting her head, just waiting for him to finish.

"Dag nab it, young lady. Are you going to make me ask?" Doc was flustered.

Trying ever so hard not to laugh. "Well, yeah I was. You were doing so good at fumbling for the right words." Then she shook her head. "Oh hell, Doc! NO! No I don't have a mystery child out there. So whoever this apparently beautiful young lady is, she's not mine."

"So what's going on in here? You're busy so early in the day?" Doc said looking around.

"Not sure, supposed to be from what I heard. Some gamblers coming through this way. But fine by me. Be good for business."

"Since when did you have to worry about business? You're the only one that has money. You're the richest one of us. That's why one of these days, Young Lady, if you ever stop pining over that over grown civil servant, I might get you to say yes to marrying me!" And then he winked at her.

"Oh, Curly." Leaning over and kissing his cheek, "You just keep asking. Never know, I just might surprise you," Then she winked back as he stood to leave.

As he was leaving, Burke rushed through the door, nearly knocking him over. "Watch where you're going, would you?" Doc yelled at him.

"Ahh, sorry, Doc, Miss Kitty, did ya hear? Did ya hear?"

Rolling her eyes, "Hear what, Burke?"

"Amarillo Slim and Luke Short, they're coming to Dodge! They're coming here to Dodge!"

Resting her fingers across her mouth, covering an urge to laugh. "Ok, Burke. They're coming to Dodge. They're gamblers, not gunslingers."

"But, Miss Kitty, have you ever seen the likes of these guys play?" Then he looked at Sam and a few others, then back to Kitty. "Oh, Yeah, guess you have, huh?"

"Yeah, Burke, when I was in New Orleans, I saw all kinds of players. Have a drink, Burke. It will help you relax. Sam, give him a drink. I'll be in my office." She just laughed as she walked through the door.

The afternoon stage was right on time and both Amarillo Slim Pickings and Luke Short were on board. Both were very well known gamblers all across the country. On their ride, they had already made arrangements to set up a game, or two, after they got settled.

Ian and Collin Cassidy made a quick friend in Festus. And Festus didn't mind amusing them while Maggie got settled in and looked around. They were excited to tell their mother how Festus told them all about being a deputy.

"Mister Hagen, thank you so much for minding my boys. They can be quite a handful."

"Aweee heck, Ma'am, they jest be boys. If'n ya have a mind ta' do a little shoppin', ya kin let the boys keep here wit me. Ya kin. They be no trouble at all'."

"Well, not shopping really. I just need to talk with someone. Maybe you can point me in the right direction."

"If'n I kin, Ma'am. Who is it ya be'a lookin to see?"

Well, I don't really know a name. I just know she lives here in Dodge. She used to live in New Orleans. From what I know, she was quite a beautiful woman. A red head!"

Festus just smiled and hung his head. "Well, Ma'am, the pertiest redhead, I'd ever knowd, that lived here in Dodge, is Miz Kitty!"

"Miss Kitty?" Maggie repeated.

"Yes, Ma'am, Miz Kitty Russell. She owns the Long Branch Saloon. It be jest right there cross the street."

"Well, do you think this Miss kitty would be there now?" She asked.

"Aweee sure. You jest take yur ownself over there and ask Sam to tell Miz Kitty you want ta talk with her."

"Thank you, Mister Hagen." She started across the street, stopped, looked up at the sign, took a deep breath. "Ok, Kitty Russell." Inhaled deeply, exhaled and walked towards the doors!

TBC