PT.5
Old Flame Revisited
As Matt left the hotel, Howie couldn't look him in the eye. But Matt didn't notice. He was too angry. He headed first for the office, looking for Festus, but the office was empty. He figured he was probably at the Long Branch. He'd see him later and he began his rounds. This would give him the time to blow off steam.
It was close to midnight and rounds went quick and quiet. It was windy and bitter cold as he approached the Long Branch, stopping and looking inside. Even though he knew who he was looking for wasn't there.
Sam was cleaning up and closing. "Marshal? Can I get you a night cap before I leave?"
Shaking his head, "No, Sam, that's alright. I'm gonna call it a night."
"Marshal, it will sure be good to have Miss Kitty back tomorrow."
Nodding, he answered, "Yeah." And turned and headed across Front Street, stopping momentarily to turn and look up at the window where she always had a light burning for him when he was away.
Entering the office, he collapsed onto the cot and thought to himself. "Ahhh, Kitty, Honey. I hope you will understand. Then he thought, "Who am I kidding? Doc was right. Oh, the fireworks."
A small stream of light peered thru the window, stirring Matt. He heard a jingling noise, then realized it was Festus shuffling about. "Morning, Festus." Matt said as he shifted himself up and began to pour a cup of coffee.
Festus just replied with a muffled, "Morning, Matthew." Never making eye contact.
"Look, Festus, about last night..."
Festus quickly and slyly said, "Ah sheesshh, Matthew. You don't be needing ta splain ta me. It's Miz Kitty ya need to splain that shemale ta." Still not making eye contact.
"Look, Festus, there's nothing to explain. What you think, you saw was…"
Now waving a hand in the air, "Ah, fiddle, Matthew. Ya don'st need ta tell me."
"Festus, nothing happened."
Now Festus looked up at Matt. "I sure de be plum tickled that Miz Kitty is a comin' in on the train."
"Well, that makes two of us." Matt said. "What'd ya say, we go get breakfast?" And he grabbed his coat and hat and the two headed out the door.
There weren't many people out on the street due to the blistering cold. As they walked towards Delmonico's some of the store owners were just opening their shops. They approached Delmonico's just as Joe was opening up.
"Morning, Joe." Matt said.
"Morning, Joe." Festus repeated.
"We're open. Come on in. Git ya some coffee?" Joe asked.
"Yeah, sounds good, Joe."
The two sat having breakfast, talking about things they needed to do, avoiding the subject of Dolly.
Dolly had rose early, hoping to catch Matt. She walked past Mr. Jonas' store and decided to stop.
Mister Jonas noticed her looking around. "Morning, Ma'am. Is there anything I can help you with? You're new in Dodge, aren't you?"
"Why, yes, sort of. I was here many years ago. Why, I'm a very, very close friend of the Marshal." She said in a very flirtatious way. "Why I'll probably be making my home here."
"Well, that's nice." he answered.
Dolly noticed packages stacked up by the side counter.
As he excused himself, he said, "I really need to get these together."
"Quite a big order, wouldn't ya say?" Dooly remarked.
"Oh, these are for Miss Kitty. She shipped them ahead."
"Wow. Quite the shopper, this Miss Kitty."
"Miss Kitty is one of my best customers here in Dodge. Sure be glad to have her back in Dodge. We all will." He continued.
"Back in Dodge?" Dolly questioned.
"Yes, Ma'am. Why, Miss Kitty lives here in Dodge. She's been away on a business trip. She owns the Long Branch across the street."
"Oh. She's the woman I heard about. She's the owner, you said?"
"Yes, Ma'am, and a fine woman at that. Why, everyone loves her here. She and Marshal Dillon have been so good to everyone in Dodge."
"She and the Marshal, have?" Dolly repeated.
Now looking like he just said too much, "Well, yes, Ma'am."
"Ummmm."
He then said, "Call me when you're ready. I need something from the back." He quickly shuffled thru the doorway to his back room.
Matt and Festus were just finishing up when Dolly made her way to Delmonico's. "Well, good morning, Matt and Mister Hagen, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Oh please, call me Dolly. I'm sure we'll get to know one another since you're working with Matt."
Matt looked at how uncomfortable Festus was and asked that he go pick up the mail, even though it was early yet.
"Dolly, we need to talk. Here, sit."
"Of course, Darlin'."
Joe brought out hot coffee when he saw them sit back down.
"Now, Dolly, about this notion you have, we were a long time ago. But it's just that, its history and I need you to accept that…" He started.
"Oh, Matt, if you'd just give us some time, I'm sure you'd feel those old feelings again. I can be pretty persuasive, you know, especially when I want something, or should I say someone."
Matt could feel his jaws tightening. "Dolly, for the last time there is no 'US'!" Then he abruptly left .
As he was leaving, Festus and Burke were outside. "Matthew, I'd a heared the train whistle. That'd be Miss Kitty's train. You a comin' ta meet er at the train?"
"Of course, Festus. I'll be right there." Matt took a deep breath. This was going to be interesting.
Dolly standing just inside the door, glaring at Matt as she watched him walk towards the train depot. And under her breath, "Well now, this sure will be interesting, Matt Darlin'!"
TBC