PT.13

Old Flame Revisited

Tapping lightly so as not to disturb her, Doc slowly opened the door to Kitty's room, swiped his mustache and shook his head at the sight before him. Kitty was enveloped in Matt arms, sleeping soundly. Quietly, he shook Matt's shoulder.

Matt was groggy and surprised that it was now morning. "Ah, Doc. What time is it? Didn't realize I fell asleep."

"Well, Matt, as much as I disagree with you being in that bed right now, I have to admit, it probably did her some good. She looks peaceful."

Slowly sliding from under her, Matt said, "Need to go do rounds and get off a wire to Judge Brookings. The sooner this is resolved the better."

Doc stood looking out the window. "Snowed all night, Matt."

Matt quickly took the opportunity to lean over kiss the top of her head and brush away the amber-copper curls from her face then look to Doc. "Let her know I be back as soon as I can. Will ya, Doc?"

Doc just nodded and waved him out. As he opened the door, a soft but husky voice said, "Later, Cowboy?"

"Be back soon, Kitty."

The pain in her side reminded her that this wasn't just a bad dream. "Morning, Curly."

"Well, yes it is, Young Lady. So should I ask how you slept last night?"

Waving a hand out at him, "Oh, Curly. Matt just laid her with me till I fell asleep. Nothing else." She said with a smirk crossing her face.

"Well, stay still there and let me have a look see at this wound."

Rolling her eyes and laughing at him, she said, "Yes, Doctor."

Tugging on his ear, "Well, Young Lady. I think I did a pretty darn good job here. Wounds still closed and no sign of infection. But I want you to say in this bed."

"Oh, Curly. I can't lie in this bed forever, ya know? I have a business to run just in case you've forgotten."

"Yes, and I also know you have a loyal friend in Sam who would do the world for you. So Let him."

"But…"

"No 'BUT' Doctor's orders. I want you up and healthy for Christmas. Now lie back there and rest. I'll be back with some breakfast."

As he headed for the door, "Curly?"

"Yeah?" He answered.

"Thank you." And then she *WINKED*

Matt traipsed thru the snow, making his morning rounds, and sent off his wire. Then headed for the Dodge House. As he entered, Howie was sitting down behind the desk.

Then Howie quickly stood up straightening his coat. "Well, good morning, Marshal. Bitter out there, huh?"

"Morning, Howie, sure is."

"Oh, Marshal, Newly brought over a tray for Miss Winters about half an hour ago. I let him in." Now looking for approval

"That's fine." Matt said and headed for the stairs.

Making his way down the hall, he inhaled deeply. Taking the key, Howie handed him, and knocking on the door, in return the response heard was. "I'd let you in, but seems I don't have the key."

"Are you descent? I'm…"

She yelled back quickly, "You always thought so, Matt." As he entered the room, she was sitting up in bed, eating from the tray that Newly brought to her. "Good morning, Darling. I'd offer you some coffee but..."

"No need. Just wanted to tell you that I sent a wire to Judge Brookings. He'll be in Dodge in a few days. He is making his run in the area."

Now with a scowl, "Matt? You're not really going to put me in jail are you?"

"Dolly, that's up to the judge and also, if Kitty chooses to press charges."

"But, Matt, she can't. I mean, she wouldn't, would she?"

"Dolly, you could have killed her."

Dropping her head, and no longer looking at him. "What is it, Matt?"

Looking at her with questions in his eyes. "What is what?"

"Matt, you loved me once. Why her? What is it that makes you choose her over me?"

Exhaling, "Dolly, you haven't got the time. Kitty and I… We've been…"

Waving him off with her hand, "Oh, I know. She told me you two have been together a long time. History, huh?"

Then Matt realized what she had said. "Dolly, when did you talk to Kitty?"

"Oh, last night. She came in here like a storm trooper, warning me."

Now Matt just stood rubbing his chin. He could just imagine… "Well, I'll come back and let you know when the judge gets in town."

"Matt, what happened to Marv and Ned?"

"They're in jail. Judge Brookings will hear everything the three of you have been up to." Then he left locking the door behind him.

Making his way across the street headed for the bank, Mr. Botkin met him at the door as well as Doc.

"Matt, have you had breakfast yet?"

"No, Doc. Just finished rounds and sent off the wire to Judge Brookings. He'll be here in a few days. Then I went to check on Dolly."

They entered the bank. "What can I do for you this cold morning, Marshal?" Mister Botkin asked with a smile.

"Mr. Botkin, I need to keep something in your safe, if that'd be ok."

"Sure, Marshal. No problem."

Matt was holding a small envelope.

"So are you gonna tell me what that is?" Doc said teasing.

Mister Botkin excused himself and let them talk. "Well, Doc, I'll show you but you can't say anything to anyone, especially…"

Doc just smiled. "You've got my word." Then he handed Doc the envelope and his smile grew bigger. "That's right fine, Matt." Patting him on the shoulder.

After securing the envelope in the bank safe, Matt and Doc left the bank. "Ok, Marshal, you were buying me breakfast, right?"

Matt just laughed. "Come on. Oh, Doc, you hid that package I gave you?"

"Don't worry, Matt, it is safe and sound till Christmas."

TBC