Captive Hearts 16

Author's Note: I did want to thank all of you who have stayed with me on this story and have been so kind as to review and let me know your thoughts. I can't reply personally to some of you but I want you to know that I appreciate it immensely. ;)

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Matt pushed the big buckskin hard as he raced madly across the prairie praying fervently he could get there in time.

Normally in tune with a dynamic gut instinct that told him when something wasn't right or those he cared about were in trouble, he had known nothing was amiss until Sgt. Clark dressed in Major Higgins uniform had tried to ambush him.

He sent a quick missive towards the heavens that Kitty and the rest of the folks out at the ranch didn't pay for it.

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Kitty swallowed her fear and took determined steps out onto the porch. "Let him go." She forced a calm authority into her voice and figure as she stood rigidly on the porch staring at the three men in the yard.

Dawson grinned but he didn't let of his gun or his grip on Newly. "Come here." He demanded.

"Uh huh," she shook her head. "Let him go first." Her stance and her expression remained neutral though inside she was quaking.

"I don't think you understand," he snarled. "I own the cards here. You come here or he dies." He took a step towards the porch.

"I said no, Dawson." She said loudly and coldly. "You let him go and I will come with you and do what ever you want. No problems. You kill him, and I swear, even if you take me, I will find a way to kill either you or myself one. I promise, you won't enjoy what you get."

Dawson studied her for a moment. He didn't believe she was bluffing. Raising one hand, he shrugged. Pulling Newly from Chavez's grip, he pushed the dazed young man forward and to the ground.

Kitty took two steps forward and knelt down beside her friend. "It'll be alright, Newly." Standing back up she stared at Dawson but made no further move towards him. It would perhaps be her last victory, but she would not go to him. He would have to come to her.

Grinning broadly, Dawson started towards her only to be halted by a well-aimed shot and a gruff voice. "Hold it, right there."

Matt stepped around the side of the house into the pale light of the porch lamp. Gun up and ready, he aimed it squarely at Dawson's head. "Drop your guns," he demanded. Glancing at Kitty, his stony expression and tone of voice softened for a moment. "Kitty, come back here by me."

Chavez swallowed hard and glanced about. One man, he thought. Only one man to stop him. Quickly he grabbed for his gun but Matt was quicker. Chavez kicked once at the barn yard dust then lay still. Dawson froze. Staring at first Kitty then Matt, he decided to gamble.

Throwing himself across the small distance, he grabbed for Kitty, catching her arm as she turned for Matt. "You're going with me," he growled.

"Let her go," Matt yelled over the wind and panic that was trying to overtake him.

Dawson pulled Kitty tightly up against him, arm around her throat. "No big man." His grin reappeared. "She's mine and I never give up what's mine."

Kitty gasped as she struggled against the strangling hold, Dawson had on her. Futilely, she jabbed her elbow into his side but he gave no indication that he even felt it. "Please," she pleaded, causing him to laugh.

"You should know by now," he whispered into her ear. "Your begging won't get you nowhere."

Matt, gun still squarely pointed at the cold hard hearted man edged towards them. He couldn't get a clear shot with Kitty in the bandits arms.

Dawson saw his movement. "I will not hesitate to kill her, big man."

Matt lowered his gun a fraction of an inch.

"He's going to kill me anyway." Kitty yelled. "Shoot, Matt."

But Matt couldn't do it. He wouldn't take the risk. Besides right then he saw a way out.

Dragging Kitty backwards, Dawson increased the pressure against her windpipe causing her to be lightheaded. Weak and dizzy she stopped fighting. Darkness overtook her just as Dawson suddenly released his grasp of her and fell backwards to the ground, Kitty falling atop of him.

Matt sprang across the yard and pulled Kitty into his arms, as Newly waveringly stood above Dawson, Chavez's gun still in his hand. "Good shot, Newly." Matt said as he stood with Kitty in his arms.

"I got lucky," Newly stated. "He was watching you, not me."

Matt noticed the blood on Newly's temple. "You okay?"

Placing his hand against the lump on the side of his head Newly nodded. "I'll be alright, Marshal. Get Miss Kitty inside and I'll take care of these two."

"I reckon I'm a little late to the party, Newly." Festus said walking quickly to his side. "But I'm chere now. You go on in with Matthew and Miss Kitty. I'll take keer of these here yahoos."

Noticing the expressions on the two men's faces, Festus ducked his head. "I got that there soldier feller took care of, Matthew, then I grabbed ol' Ruth and come on out. I figured ya might need some hep. Peers I'm a day late and a dollar short though."

Newly grinned as he swayed unsteadily on his feet. "Festus, I'd say you got here right on time."

"Aw fiddle," the hill man blushed as the Newly followed Matt and Kitty into the house.

Doc was hovering right inside the door as they entered and wasted no time in giving directions. "Newly, you go on and sit down over there and Matt, take Kitty into the bedroom. Carolyn, can you…." He paused when he saw she was already by Newly's side, gently pressing a wet cloth to his head. "Guess you can." He grinned as he grabbed his bag and shuffled into the bedroom.

TBC