Deja Vu

PT 2

Topeka, Kansas

Matt and several ranchers had gathered at the Cattlemen's Meeting Hall in Topeka. They had spent the better part of a week in several meetings with railroad men and bankers and hotel moguls. They were trying to convince the ranchers that giving up their land was all in the best interest of progress. But it was paying no interest to what was in the best interest to the ranchers and the good of their families and their livelihood.

They were now going in for the final decision. Gathering together in a café on main street, several of the men approached Matt. "Dillon? Look, we just wanted to say thank you. You really went to bat for us in there and no matte..."

"Hey!" Now throwing up his hands. "Hey, wait a minute here. Listen to me. I'm in this too. Whatever happens here happens to me too. I didn't do this just for all of you. I have a ranch at stake just as much as you all. I know we've all known each other a long time and I may have been Marshal of Dodge but now I'm just one of you. I'm a rancher, just like you and I like to think I'm your friend."

Suddenly all at once. "Ah, yeah, Matt. We're friends but..."

Now furrowing his brow, "But what?"

"Well, you've always been… done... well..." Now, they all stood silent. Matt now realized they were trying to say what they've never said all these years.

Once back in the meeting, the full room was in commotion. Suddenly, the sound of the gavel quieted everyone. "QUIET! QUIET! Everyone, please take your seats. All rise for the Honorable Judge Edward J. Huntly."

As the judge entered, he scanned the room then nodded. "Please be seated, Gentlemen. Now, let me start by saying; I have heard quite a lot of arguments on both sides and I have read over all the affidavits provided. And believe me, I've weighed the pros and cons. I had quite a difficult time in coming to a decision."

The room was so quiet, you could suddenly here all the moans. "BUT! I believe, I have come up with a solution that might satisfy both sides here." Now you could hear the scrambles. "QUIET!"

The room fell silent. Judge Huntly turned towards the railroad men. "Gentlemen." He now handed the bailiff charts to pass to the men as well as to the ranchers.

"Gentlemen, I have had a surveyor map these out briefly just for me to present here today as an alternative to the plans you now have. I'm in hopes that this may be an answer to the problem." Both sides were huddled going over the judges charts. "Gentlemen, take these. Work with them. Talk with one another. Your attorneys can contact me."

Matt walked over to Mr. Benecorte who was representing the railroad. "Mr. Dillon, we're willing to consider these options. Let's take the week. I'm sure you men have ranches to return to and families."

Matt nodded. "Yes. I'll be in contact." Matt turned to the ranchers. "Well, Guys, looks like they're willing to consider the judges options. Don't know about any of you but I'm ready to head home."

Dillon Ranch

Kitty paced around the kitchen trying to stay busy and wondering when Matt would get back. Even after all these years, she still was nervous and worried whenever he was away. But now this letter was eating at her. Not so much the letter but who it was from.

Suddenly, the silence of the house was no more. School was out. Mary and the kids were all home.

"Grandma! Grandma! We're home."

At first, she was so deep in thought, she didn't hear them. Then she felt little arms tighten around her. "Uh... OH! Hello. School out?"

"Yep. We're home. Can we have cookies?"

Smiling, "Ah, so you think there's cookies? Ummmmmm?

"AWWWWW, Grandma. You always make cookies. Please? We were good. Right, Ma? We were good."

"Yeah, right, Aunt Mary?"

Mary exhaled. "Yep, Momma, they were good today."

"Okay. Two each. Supper is cooking and everyone better finish their plates."

Big huge smiles, "Yes, Ma'am."

As they grabbed cookies and started running, Kitty called after them. "Let's not forget chores."

Mary chimed in. "And homework!"

"YESSSSS Ma. Yes, Aunt Mary."

"Wow. You're not very popular now, are you?" Kitty teased.

"Oh, Momma, you'd think I asked them to tear an arm off."

"Honey, you and Gracie were the same way. You both hated doing homework."

Smiling at her, "We weren't that bad, were we?"

Smirking at her with a raised brow, "Were you?"

"Can I help you here, Momma?" Suddenly Mary noticed Kitty was preoccupied. "Momma? Momma?"

"Oh, no, Honey, everything's pretty much on and cooking. We just need to set the table when we're ready."

"Momma, what's wrong?"

Shaking her head, "Nothing."

"Now, Momma. Is it Poppa?"

"I'll just feel better when he's home."

Still looking at Kitty's expression. "Sure there's nothing else?" Exhaling, "Momma, please?"

"Newly stopped by today, brought a letter for your Poppa."

"Ok. What's it say?"

Shaking her head again, "Didn't read it. It's your Poppa's."

'Oh, Momma."

"It's from the War Department."

"War Department?" Mary repeated.

Kitty just nodded. Mary could see the look sweep across her face. Saying nothing, she just enveloped Kitty in her embrace.

"Oh, something smells terrific. I'm starving!" Grace said as she came through the door only to see Mary holding Kitty.

Mary turned. "Gracie, I don't know who's worse, you or Poppa."

"There's always your Uncle Festus."

They both looked at Kitty and broke into laughter. "Yeah, right."

"Hey, you two. What did I just walk in on?"

"Just hugging Momma."

Later they all sat down to supper. Jamie, Adam, Tessie and Eva made a point of finishing everything on their plates. "See, Grandma, we ate all our food like we promised."

"Good. You may be excused."

After they left, "Ok, Momma. You've been unusually quiet tonight." Grace spoke up.

"Oh, Honey, it's been a long..."

"Uh uh. Momma, I know you. What is it?"

"Gracie, Honey..."

"Grace. Momma, maybe you should tell her?"

"Mary? Momma, we're all concerned."

"Miz Kitty, what'cha fret'in bout?"

Shaking her head. "Festus, a letter came today for Matt. It's from the War Department."

"Aw, foot, Miz Kitty, yer a frettin' bout that? It'll be nuttin'."

"Festus, Matt hasn't been Marshal for quite some time now. What could they possible want with him or from him now? What if they want him to put on that badge again? What if..."

Quickly, Festus reached over, squeezing her hand. "Don'cha worry, Miz Kitty."

Kitty inhaled and nodded.

Just as they were all about to get up, they heard a voice.

"Hey! Where is everyone? Smells good in here. I'm starving!"

"It's Poppa!"

"MATT!"

TBC