PT.14

"Well now, you decided to grace us with your presence, did you?"

"Look, I'm here. Things turned out different then we planned."

Benecourt turned. "Someone want to please fill me in on what you all have gotten yourselves into? Or shall I say what you expect me to get you out of? And just how many players are we dealing with, Harriman?" Benecourt was now demanding.

"Look, Benecourt, I admit this did get a bit out of hand."

Now rolling his eyes, "Is that so? Mind telling me just what this is? Harriman, let me just say, are you always in the habit of poking wild bears?"

"Huh?" He now looked from his drink to Benecourt, furrowing his brow. "I'm afraid, I'm not following?"

Smiling at Harriman, "I'm assuming you've met Dillon?"

Swallowing, rubbing his neck, remembering his first meeting and clearing his throat. Nodding, "Yes, yes, I've met the M... I've met Dillon."

"Point made then. So now, someone want to explain?"

The four sat around the desk.

"After we left Topeka and you told me what that Judge Huntly proposed, I had an idea that we could swing Dillon to change his mind and help us."

"Oh, you mean by kidnapping his wife?"

"Well, we didn't intend to hurt her till Mason and Lane got carried away."

"And how'd you handle that?"

Lane looked at Benecourt. "Buried the problem."

Shaking his head, "Handed the stick to him did you? And how do you fit in?"

"I set up the taking of Mrs. Dillon and the holding places till these two screwed it up. It was easy. She trusted me."

Raising his brow, "Why?"

"Ah, where are my backward manners? I'm Josephine McKay. You can call me Joey. See, I've known Matt for years. It was easy to get close when they came to D.C. Sam and I took a job with the railroad years ago, surveying."

"So, what happened?"

"I didn't have a problem getting her out of the way. But when these guys botched the job... Well, seeing how Matt... I didn't sign up for anyone getting killed." Now looking at Harriman. "You said she wouldn't be hurt, that you were just gonna hold her. Now…" Seeing him at that grave, her face just dropped.

"WHAT?" Lane looked to her. "Grave? What are you talking about?"

"We found the grave where Kitty is buried. He was crushed."

"NO!" Shaking his head. "That's not Mrs. Dillon. That's Mason."

Now the four sat looking from person to person.

The two old men returned with a car, followed by an officer. They drew Matt's attention. In the distance he could see the figure of a man carrying something. As it neared them and was coming into focus, he could hear, "Matthew? Matthew, is that you?"

Hurrying towards the sound of his voice. "Festus? Festus! Good God? What on earth?"

"Matthew, Miz Kitty needs help. I done fished er out that there creek. Matthew, she's colder than an icicle."

Quickly, Matt removed his furlined coat, wrapping it over her. "Here, let me have her."

Approaching them, were the two old men and the officer. "What happened here? These gentlemen told me they saw this woman in the creek."

"Yes, that be right." Festus answered.

Now looking to Matt. "You know this woman?"

"Yeah, she's my wife. She'd been kidnapped. We've been searching for her. Look I need to get her some help."

"Ok, follow me. The hospital is just two blocks away." Matt cuddling Kitty, climbed in, holding her tight. "Hold on, Honey. I got you."

Pulling up to the hospital, Matt quickly rushed into the doors. "I need help someone quick." Seeing this large man standing with a woman in his arms, in a panic, they scrambled.

"Sir, bring her this way. You can lay her here. I'm Doctor Boyd."

I'm Matt Dillon. This is my wife, Kitty. She was in the creek. Not sure how long? Two men and my friend found her. Doc, is she…?"

"Mr. Dillon, give me a chance to examine her. Your wife has been exposed to the frigid waters and just by the feel of her skin, she is fevered but cold at the same time. So we need to warm her up. Nurse, get Mrs. Dillon some blankets. Let us get her cleaned up some and out of these wet things as well. Maybe you should wait in the..."

Shaking his head, "NO! I'm not leaving her."

"Sir, we need to..."

"I'm not leaving her."

"Your wife is a very sick woman. Please let us help her."

"Matthew. Matthew. They'll take good care of Miz Kitty. Mebbe you should give em some room. Ya see?"

Matt leaned in and kissed her. "Kit, I won't be far, Honey, I promise. I love you."

Festus brought them both coffee, then left Matt standing, watching by the door as the doctor and nurses tended Kitty. Festus made his way to a desk there was a tiny built woman sitting alone. "Howdy, Ma'am, my name is Festus Haggen. I'm a here with my friend Miz Kitty."

"Yes, Mr. Haggen, I saw her when she came in. I'm awfully sorry for what happened to her, but Doctor Boyd is very good. Is there something I can do?"

"This here telephony thing, ya folk have. We jes put one in Dodge."

"Dodge?"

"Yes, ma'am, Dodge City, Kansas, where we live. Mebbe ya can show me. Ya see, Miz Kitty and Matthew's youngin'…" now smiling.

"Oh, I see. You want to contact the family?" Yes'm, sure." He was smiling at the pretty blonde before him. "Much obliged."

The young woman rung the line that rung in Pete's office. "Hello, I have a call for Dr. Grace Owens from Washington, D.C." Pete quickly sent a boy to run across the street to get Grace.

"Hello?"

"Gracie girl, it's me, Uncle Festus."

"Oh, Uncle Festus, what's going on?"

"Well, Honey, we found your Momma like we promised. But, Honey..."

"BUT WHAT? Uncle Festus, is she alright?"

"Gracie, your Momma is with the doctor. Your Poppa is with her."

Tears trickled down Grace's cheeks. "I'm on my way, Uncle Festus. Tell Poppa I'll be there soon."

"Oh no, Gracie, you don't have to." But before he could finish, she hung up.

"Thanks, Pete." She turned and headed out, heading for Newly and Chet's office.

Entering, "Chet?"

"Honey, what is it?"

"They found Momma but something's wrong. Chet, I'm going to D.C. right away. Newly, can you cover my office if there is an emergency? My nurse is there but..."

"Sure, Gracie."

"Honey, are you sure you can take this trip?"

"Chet, it's my momma. I have to. I'll stop and explain everything to Mary and Frank. I'm sure she won't mind helping with the kids. I also want to get word to Beth and Jesse."

He could now see her shaking trying not to cry. Hugging her tight, he kissed her forehead.

"Chet, why don't you ride out to the ranch with Grace." Newly said.

"Ok, come on, Grace." Chet looked at grace, thinking she was her parents daughter.

TBC

Note, I understand not everyone may agree with my point of view or time but that's a matter of opinion. And after all, let's remember this, this is Fan-Fiction and if it is in anyway offensive you can choose not to read. I apologize to all of my loyal readers. This is not meant for you.