Captive Hearts 8

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The next morning Matt rode back out to the fort after stopping at Ma Smalley's and checking on his daughter.

"She sure is a pretty little thing," Ma gushed as she gazed at the infant while he held her close. "Of course she's small, but I'll get her fattened up in no time."

Matt ducked his head. "I'd appreciate that Ma. And I'd also appreciate it if you'd keep her identity secret for a while until I can get some things straightened out. I think she's been exposed to enough danger for a while."

Ma nodded. "I will Marshal, if you'll answer me a question."

Matt shrugged. "What do you want to know?"

"When are you going to put that badge away and marry Miss Kitty?"

Matt looked down, a blush slowly creeping across his face. "Ma..."

"It's not just her now, Marshal, and you know it. I think it's wonderful that you don't deny this little one is yours but that's not good enough. She deserves a mother and a full time father. And Miss Kitty certainly deserves better. They need you to take care of them. You can't do that as long as you walk around being a target for every…."

"MA." Matt raised his voice and his hands, gaining her attention. "Right now, I have to stop the man that hurt Kitty. But when I do, I assure you, Kitty and I will be making some decisions about that. My daughter will not lack a father."

That conversation ran through Matt's head while he rode out to the fort. Could he give up the badge? He'd thought about it a few times but had never really done it, or at least not for long. But then again he never had a reason like this one.

Arriving at the fort he was shown into John Higgins office and given coffee while the two discussed Wade Dawson.

"Matt, I'm glad to hear Miss Russell is doing better. I wasn't too sure about things when you carried her out of here."

"Me neither," Matt said. "But Doc seems to think, physically, she'll be alright. But I need to find this Dawson and stop him to make sure she stays that way."

Higgins sighed. "I wish I knew where Dawson was, Matt. My men would have him roasting on a spit if I did. But truth is, he and Emelio Chavez slipped away somehow during the fighting and got completely away. If it hadn't been for Miss Horton he would've taken Miss Russell with him."

Matt looked up startled. "What?"

"She didn't tell you?" Higgins asked watching his friend closely.

"We didn't have much chance to talk, John. She did tell me Dawson got away but…" he sighed and looked down. "She didn't go into too many details and I didn't press her. She's a little sick for me to put her through that right now."

John nodded. "From what I understand, as soon as the fighting started, Dawson and Chavez ducked for cover and started running. Dawson, though, grabbed Miss Russell, and her child, and was trying to pull them away with him. Miss Horton managed to hit him hard enough to make him let go then grabbed Miss Russell by the hand and pulled her and the baby towards safety while Dawson took off in the opposite direction."

Matt looked at the Major. "John, have you talked to Miss Horton and the other captives. They may have an idea where Dawson is or where he might head to at least."

John shook his head. "I've talked to them, but they couldn't tell me anything. Miss Horton said he headed north out of the camp but Matt, he knows that area down there. He could've doubled back or gone anywhere. The other captives, as well as the prisoners we took, either don't know or won't tell and I doubt there's anything we could do to convince them to talk to us. There's nothing in this world they're more afraid of then Wade Dawson."

Matt nodded in agreement, but he wasn't quite yet ready to give up. "Can I talk to them?" he asked. "Or at least Miss Horton since she was the last to see him?"

Higgins shrugged and stood. Stepping over to his door, he opened it and spoke to the soldier sitting at the desk outside. "They'll go get her and bring her here."

"Thanks, John."

"Not sure what she can tell you that she hasn't already told us though," Higgins said.

"Me neither, but I've got to try." A thought came to him just then, a mutinous thought but an urgent one he couldn't take the chance of ignoring. "John, when she gets here, can I talk to her alone?"

John looked at Matt oddly. "Matt, if she has any information as to where we can locate Dawson, I need to know the same as you."

"I know that, John," Matt told him. "And I also know an army major is a lot more intimidating than a small cow town Marshal. She just might relax a little more with me alone and remember something. You know I'll tell you anything she tells me."

Higgins contemplated the idea for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but anything, anything at all that she tells you, I want to know."

"Alright," Matt agreed just as knock came at the door.

"In," Higgins called.

The door opened and Carolyn Horton was standing outside.

"Come in, Miss Horton." Higgins gently took her by the arm and ushered over to his couch. "Please have a seat."

Carolyn looked questionably at both of the men before slowly sinking down on the seat. "What is it you wanted with me?" she asked in a wary tone.

"Miss Horton, the Marshal here has some questions for you. I would appreciate it if you gave him as much information as you can."

Carolyn Horton looked up at both men, appraising them silently before speaking. "I'm afraid I've told you all I can." She sighed as she started to rise.

"Well, maybe you've told the major here," Matt quickly stepped forward. "But you haven't told me. Please? This is important." Looking back at John, Matt tipped his head towards the door. "John, you want to give us a few minutes?"

John hesitated for just a second before reluctantly nodding. "Very well." Turning, he left the office, closing the door firmly behind him.

Matt took a seat next to Carolyn. "Miss Horton, I understand there may be some reticence on your part to tell us anything simply because of the danger Wade Dawson still poses. But I assure you; I will not let him come near you. Now, if you know anything…."

"Marshal," Carolyn said quietly as she cast a wary eye at the door. "If I do know anything, I will not tell it to you while I'm here."

Matt understood. "Miss Horton, would you like to go into town and visit Kitty?"

TBC