Déjà Vu

PT.9

Pacing the room, Kitty was tired and angry as she looked around, taking in her surroundings. She was watching the two men who had been hiding in her suite at the Windsor Inn. They had forcibly led her down the back service elevator to a disclosed location, saying nothing as to why or where they were going.

After studying the two, "Look, I think somebody owes me an explanation. What the hell is going on here? What do you want with me?" She tilted her head, furrowing her brow. "Who are you?"

"Just relax, Ma'am. It's not you we want, or even care about."

Huffing out a breath in disgust. "Is that a fact? Well now you could have fooled me."

Turning with a hot cup of coffee in his hand, he approached her. "Mrs. Dillon, you're just an insurance policy."

"Hmmm, oh now I see. So, you want something from Matt?" Now letting out a sarcastic laugh. "Well, now."

Now standing both hands on her hips, smirking at him. "You have NO idea what a big mistake you've made."

Now looking at her puzzled, "But, Ma'am, you don't even know what it is we want?"

Waving her hands, "No matter. That's neither here nor there. I know my husband like a book."

"You think so?" He looked back at her. "Well, Mrs. Dillon, let me give you a quick lesson about us men." As he started to speak, she burst into a loud barrel laugh.

"Mister, I've already forgotten more about men then you'll ever know or learn."

The two men turned, surprised.

"So, as I asked, just what is it you want from Matt?" Then thinking about it, "Or should I say, what does your boss want?" Her tone now changed and deepened.

Turning to face her again. "Boss? You assume we're working for someone?"

Again laughing. "Please. You think I can't tell you're waiting on further instruction? Come on now."

Finally, the second man, being impatient, turned to her. "Mrs. Dillon, please just sit down and be quiet. Anyone ever tell you about your mouth?"

Tossing her head, "A time or two." She was huffing and smirking at him, not giving up. "Well, if you're going to keep me here, I think you can at least tell me. It's not like I can tell anyone!"

Snapping around to face her. "Your husband is standing in our way and leading others to do the same."

"How?" Raising her brow.

"We work for Southern Pacific Railroad."

Now Kitty realized who they were. "OHHHH, I see. You're working for Harriman. I'd say I've had the pleasure but I'm not in the habit of lying. The man is despicable."

"Ah, you need to get to know him, Ma'am."

Waving her hand, shaking her head. "NO THANKS. Mister, do you have any idea, any at all, the lives your boss will destroy and the upheaval he will cause with his plan? All in the wanting to..."

Interrupting her, "Mrs. Dillon, it's called progress."

"FOR WHO? Mister Harriman? Making him a rich man? What about all those families that have put their lives into their farms and ranches, their blood and sweat. This is their livelihood, their legacy to their families. Do you understand this? And yes, my husband stood up for not only us, our family ranch, but all of us. For Kansas. Our friends and neighbors. And yes, before you say it, yes, they respect Matt. They trust him. They know he has their best interest at heart." Studying the two faces before her. "Can you say the same?"

Just then the phone rang. Kitty couldn't hear what was said. As the one man hung up, looking from the second man to Kitty, he suddenly said, "We need to GO! Fast!"

It was dark, maybe between three and four A.M. The two men were rushing to move Kitty to a second location. The call was a warning that Matt was on to them. They needed to find a new place to hide her and wait for Harriman to make contact.

Dodge City, Kansas

Meanwhile, Grace had been closing up the office for the night, picking up a copy of the Dodge City Press. She was so proud of the article of her Poppa. She couldn't wait for her parents to get home to hear all the details. Seeing Pete still in his office, she headed across the street.

"Evening, Pete."

"Doc Grace." Nodding.

"Pete? Do you think I might get off a wire before you close up for the night?"

"Ah, sure thing, Doc Grace. You just write it out. So Grace began writing.

Matt Dillon, Winsor Inn, Washington, D.C.

Congratulations Poppa! We are all so proud of .Can't wait to see .Love .

Gracie

Grace Owens, Dodge City ,Kansas

TBC