Captive Hearts 12
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Early the next morning, or late that night, depending on how it was viewed, three adults and one tiny baby emerged from Doc's office into the chilly darkness outside. Being one o'clock in the morning, they didn't expect an audience as they descended the stairs and were grateful there was none.
A wagon was waiting below, filled with hay and a tarp. With Doc behind her and Matt, carrying Emma, just in front, Kitty made her way slowly down the stairs. She was still extremely weak and she was still dealing with some pain. But she refused to give in to it and made not a sound as they descended the stairs.
When they reached the bottom, Festus hopped off the seat and run around to the back of the wagon, lifting the tarp to reveal Carolyn Horton already there and waiting.
Helping Kitty up into the bed beside Carolyn, Matt handed her the baby before he and Festus covered them back up with the concealing cover.
No words were spoken by the group of people, none were needed. Silence was their friend at this point. Once the women and the baby were onboard and hidden, Festus and Doc climbed onto the wagon seat as Matt and Newly mounted their horses and they rode quickly out of town.
In the wee hours of the morning, none of the esteemed Dodge City citizens were awake to watch that small drama unfold save a weary, yet curious, freight agent who was working late on a large shipment and wondering why Miss Kitty and another woman were leaving town in such a manner and at such a time.
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Though only ten miles from town, the trip out to the ranch took some time as the road was rough and they didn't want to stir up a great deal of dust in their wake. Newly's ride out was even longer as he trailed along behind making sure to erase any signs he could see in the bright moon light that would lead to them.
When they arrived at the ranch, Matt quickly dismounted and made his way swiftly to the back of the wagon. Pulling the tarp back, he pulled his daughter into one arm while extending the other to Kitty. As Festus helped Carolyn down, Matt handed Emma to Doc and quickly picked Kitty up, carrying her towards the house. "I was out here earlier," he told her. "Got a fire going in the fireplace. Should be warm in there now."
Kitty merely nodded as she held tightly to his neck. Once inside, Matt carried her into the large bedroom to the right of the fireplace and carefully laid her down on the bed. A very familiar bed. Kitty looked up at Matt in astonishment, the question evident without the words being spoken.
"Hannah let me take it." Matt smiled as he sat down on the bed beside her. "She and Doc and Ma Smalley got together a wagon load of stuff you'll need out here and me and Festus brought it out a few hours ago and set it up. We wanted you to be comfortable."
Kitty could only nod as she lay back on her bed. The bed she had shared with Matt for so many years. "Thank you," she finally mumbled.
"I think it's about time you got some sleep, young lady." Doc said from the doorway as he walked in, baby tucked securely in his arms. "Since daddy, here, forgot to bring a crib out, this little one's going to have sleep with her mama. That okay?"
Kitty nodded with a half smile. "Yeah."
Matt drank in the sight of Kitty holding his little girl and his heart beat a fast staccato against his chest. Reluctantly, he rose from the bed and stood. "We've got to get back into town," he told her. "I don't want anyone knowing you're out here or wondering where we are. Festus is going to stay here now. Newly will come out later and relieve him and I'll be out after that. But you, Emma and Miss Horton will be safe here."
Kitty nodded as Matt, hat in hand, turned for the door. Pausing at the threshold he turned and looked back. "See ya later, Kitty."
"Bye, Matt."
Doc placed a quick kiss on her forehead before himself turning to leave. "I'll be back out tomorrow, Kitty. You just rest and take it easy. And I don't want you up and running around here. Understand?"
Kitty nodded as he too left and closed the door behind him. Snuggling her child close to her, Kitty sighed. "Oh, baby." She whispered. "What am I going to do?"
In the living room, Matt stood for a moment staring at the closed bedroom door before glancing at the others. "I'll be back out here tomorrow evening," he told Festus. "But Newly should be here before then. Make sure no one comes around here."
"You ain't got no worries here, Matthew." Festus told him. "I aim to keep my eyes peeled fer anythin' what don't look right. Ain't no body gonna get to Miss Kitty or Miss Carolyn or that little bitty baby in there."
"I appreciate it," Matt gave him a half smile as he turned to Carolyn. "Miss Horton, you'll be safe here. I hope comfortable as well. If you do find that you need anything, just let Festus know before he heads back into town."
Carolyn nodded. "I will, Marshal, and thank you."
"Yes, Ma'am." He replied. Casting one more look at the bedroom he donned his hat, turned and left.
As the door closed behind the departing men, Carolyn glanced over at Festus. "Well, deputy. It's just you and I, it would seem. Do you have any cards on you?"
TBC