PT.9

Old Flame Revisited!

Matt and Festus made their way through the heavy snow, following what there was of Jake's wagon tracks. Soon not far out of Dodge, Festus saw what was looked like a body, partially covered in snow. "Matthew, I a see sumthin'. Looks like it mebbe Jake."

They both rushed to examine the partially snow clad body, quickly jumping off Buck and Ruth. Kneeling down, brushing him clear, and rolling him to see if he was breathing. Matt placed his fingers at his throat. "Festus, he's still alive. We've got to get him back to town." Then Matt noticed the blood on his coat. What bothered Matt more, was the blood was coming from his back.

Festus quickly took some branches from a nearby tree and a blanket from Ruth and made a travois. "Mebbe not to comfortable, Matthew, but it will hold 'um to Dodge."

Matt was wondering what had happened out there. All Jake's things were in his wagon, so it couldn't have been a robbery. And being back shot…?

Long Branch business was slow. Most folks didn't travel into town after dark with the storm hitting. Sam was behind the bar, just wiping down and cleaning glasses, when suddenly he looked up and two men stood before him.

"Hey, barkeep, got somethin' back there to warm a ol' cowboy's bones?"

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" Sam responded.

"Yeah, give us a bottle." Sam handed them the bottle and returned to what he was doing. The two men sat and looked around, looking at one another. "Hey, Ned, this is like a ghost town tonight. Isn't this where you said she was? I expected somethin' a bit more lively."

"Don't worry, Marv, will find her. Ya know, Marv, this here is nicer than most towns."

Now laughing, "Yeah, could be ripe for the pickins'?"

"Ah, forget that for now. Let's just find her. No woman is gonna steal from me and get away with it."

Sam could hear what they were saying but pretended not to.

Backing up slowly, not sure what to expect, Dolly threw on the robe Kitty had tossed at her.

Then Kitty, still steaming, said, "So, you're Dolly Winters?"

Nodding her head, "Yes, uh huh."

"Well, I'm Kitty Russell and I'm gonna tell you a few things and like I said you're gonna listen."

"Oh, I know who you are." Dolly said with slight attitude in her voice.

"Good!" Kitty answered. "What gives you the notion that Matt is marrying you? Don't think you're…"

"Oh, Matt was my first love and you know what they say about first loves." She was now baiting Kitty. "You should have seen him when I first came to town. He attended my every whim." Now grinning.

"Matt Dillon is a gentleman and oh, I know all about you Dolly Winters. And I have certainly dealt with several pieces of trash, such as you are."

That's not how Matt feels. Why, when he had drinks here in this very room, just last night, he could hardly keep himself from…" Dolly could see Kitty was getting more angry. "What's the matter, Kitty? Realizing someone can come take him right from under your nose?"

"Matt would never…"

Dolly then cut her off. "Oh, but he did. If you don't believe me, just ask that nice little whiskered fella, Festus, was it?"

"This won't work." Kitty said. "I know Matt and he wouldn't have done what you say."

"Are you so sure, Kitty?" Continuing to bait her.

Stepping towards her, "I've known Matt for nearly twenty years and I've seen your kind try their best to…"

"Oh, so I see. You think Matt loves you." She began to laugh. "You think he's your man?"

As Kitty moved towards her again, Dolly didn't notice Kitty's movement. Grabbing Dolly by the arm. "Let me tell you something. You're messing with the wrong person. I've known Matt Dillon a long time and yes, he does love me and what we have. He is my man and don't you think for one minute that I'm gonna stand by and let you come between us. Not that you could."

Dolly was now trying to stand up from being knocked back on the bed. "YOU HIT ME!" O

"Oh, Darlin', that the least of what I'll do if you insist on interfering in our lives. Now I want you out of Dodge or I can't promise you what I'll do. We may not be man and wife but we're as married as married can be. Now, like I said, I want you out!"

Again, Dolly repeated, "You hit me, you wild bitch."

Kitty quickly turned and slapped her again. "Ignore me and I just might kill you. So I suggest you cancel the order for the wedding dress."

Now Dolly looked surprised. "How'd you know about that?" She asked. "You weren't even in town."

"You didn't think we have friends here? Like I said, it's been a lot of years and our friends are loyal. YOU LOSE, Miss Winters!"

As Kitty made her way down the stairs, Howie stood looking at her with a question in his eyes.

"Oh, Howie, wipe that look off your face. She's alive."

"Oh, Miss Kitty, I… I didn't..."

Now raising her brow and smirking at him, "Howie, I know damned well you heard every word." And she turned and walked out.

Howie quickly ran up the stairs, to check on his guest. "Miss Winters?"

"What? Who is it?" She answered.

"Are you alright, Ma'am? It's Howie, the desk clerk."

She opened the door and looked at him with a small trace of blood trickling down her lip.

"Can I get you anything, Ma'am?"

"Yes, whiskey."

"Right away." And he hurried down to the desk.

Dolly standing, looking out the window, watching as Kitty made her way across the street. "I'll get you for this. I swear I will.

Kitty pushed her way thru the batwing doors and slammed the doors closed. "SAM? Pour me a whiskey, please."

"Miss Kitty, are you alright?" He asked.

"Yes, I'm just fine, peachy." She began rubbing her hands then realized Sam was staring at her. Softening her face, "Oh, Sam, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bite your head off."

"Miss Kitty, it's none of my business but…"

"Oh, Sam, it's that woman."

"Oh, you mean Miss Winters? I thought so." Sam said now dropping his eyes.

"What do you mean, Sam?" She asked, now furrowing her brow.

"Oh, Miss Kitty, it's not my place…"

Tightening her lips. "Sam, just tell me, please?"

"Well, Miss Kitty, it's just that before you returned..." Sam swallowed hard. "She seemed to be quite familiar with the Marshal. But I must say, he didn't…"

Throwing up a hand, "Don't, Sam. I don't want to hear it." And she stomped up the stairs while the two men sat quietly watching then looked at Sam. "Wow! Now there's a wild cat!"

Festus and Matt pulled Jake slowly down Front Street through the snow.

"Festus, get Doc." Matt told him. "And I'll try and carry him."

Festus ran up Doc's stairs two at a time. "DOC? DOC?"

Sitting at his desk, going through his journals, he heard Festus yelling, and as he busted through the door, "Doc?"

"Hold on there. What in tarnation are you yelling about?" He asked, rubbing his upper lip.

"Doc, its Jake. He's been back shot."

"Well, why didn't you say so."

"I jest did, you ninny."

As Doc headed for the door, Matt was carrying Jake in. "Matt, put him here on the table."

"Doc, he's breathing but…"

"Ok. Just let me in here and have a look. Where'd ya find him, Matt?"

Taking a breath, Matt then said, "On the road out to his place. His wagon came in empty earlier and there was blood on the seat. Doc, is he gonna be ok?" Matt asked.

"We'll just have to see, and hope."

TBC