PT.18

Sitting at the café, "Poppa, I really want you to know we are all so proud of you. With everything that has happened, I… I wanted to let you know..."

Quickly, shaking his head. "Gracie Honey, I appreciate what you're saying but all that is not important now. Clearing up all this railroad business and getting your momma, well, that is my priority."

Nodding, "I understand." Grace continued. "Dr. Boyd says we need to watch Momma over the next week or so."

"Uh, Grace, about that..."

Looking up from her cup of coffee, "Huh?"

"Gracie, about the timing?"

"What about the timing?" She asked.

"Well, Honey, your momma asked, actually, she insisted I take her home."

"Oh, of course, Poppa, we will."

"No, Gracie. She wants to go now. And I don't need to tell you how persistent she can be."

"Umm, Poppa, I don't know if that's a good idea."

Huffing out a breath, "I agree, but you know your momma."

As Kitty opened her eyes, focusing on the face standing before her, now trying to push herself up onto the pillow higher. "Who are you? What do you want? And how do you know my name?"

"Now, now, Mrs. Dillon. I just thought we could talk on behalf of my client."

"And who might that be, Mister…" now hesitating, "Mister…?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. J. Garrison Benecourt, Esquire, Ma'am."

"And let me guess, your client would be E.H. Harriman?"

Nodding, "Yes, Ma'am."

Kitty's anger was building. "Mr. Benecourt, is it? I don't believe we have anything to discuss."

"But, Mrs. Dillon, you haven't heard what I've come to say."

"True, nor do I care to, Mr. Benecourt." Her jaw was now tightening. "I stand behind my husband one hundred percent on how he feels about what your client was trying to do to all of us. That meanse ranchers and farmers, not only in Kansas but across the western states. We've worked hard and long hours for what we have and we're not going to just roll over."

"I've heard you were as hard as your husband and that neither of you will bend at any cost."

"That's right, Mr. Benecourt, so you've wasted your time if you thought coming here was going to gain you ground. Now, I'd appreciate it if you left."

"But, Ma'am…"

Now angrier, "LEAVE NOW!"

"Well, I'm hoping you and Mr. Dillon will reconsider not pressing charges. After all, no one actually intended for you to be hurt and you don't seem to be."

Now she lost her temper. "GET OUT! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"

Hearing her yelling from the hall, Matt and Grace rushed to find out who and what had her so upset. Entering the room, Matt quickly grabbed Benecourt. "What the...?" Tossing him into the outer hall and then against the wall, "What are you doing in there? What did you do to her?" He now had him by the throat.

Barely being able to breathe, "Nothing, man. Let go of me. I didn't touch her. I was just talking to her. I swear.

Releasing him, "Stay away from my wife."

Straightening his clothes and rubbing his neck, "You're crazy, Dillon."

Dr. Boyd approached. "Mr. Dillon, I've called Constable Jennings. He'll be here soon."

Grace was sitting with Kitty. "Momma? Are you alright?"

Nodding, "Yes. Yes, I'm fine. How dare he come here and think that I would go against your father. And how dare he have the nerve to think that I should not press charges? UGH!"

"Momma, who is Joey? And how is she connected to Poppa?"

Closing her eyes and shaking her head. "Oh, Grace, it's a long story. But I can't go into it right now. I need to see Marc Jennings and then I need to talk to Dr. Boyd."

"What do you need, Momma? Can I help?"

"Well, first I need to know what Marc Jennings is going to do about Harriman and his people. And it's time to go home. I need Dr. Boyd to let me out of here so we can pack our things at the hotel and get our tickets home."

"Now, Momma, wait."

"Grace Maria Dillon Owens. Don't you dare finish that sentence."

Pursing her lips at Kitty, "Momma. Dr. Boyd says you need to build your strength. You need rest."

Now slipping off the side of the bed wincing in pain, "And I will at home, our home. End of discussion."

"Oh, Momma."

Marc Jennings arrived at the hospital, approaching Matt and Dr. Boyd. "Sorry, Matt, I came as soon as I could. Is Kitty alright?"

"A bit shaken up but yes I think she'll be alright. Marc, I want to take Kitty home as soon as possible. I'd like to clear this up quickly."

"Mr. Dillon, your wife isn't ready to travel." Boyd added.

"Doctor, Kitty is insisting on going home. I'm not going to be able to stall her much longer. She'll be much calmer and relaxed at home on our ranch, surrounded by family and she'll have Grace to see to her medical needs."

"Mr. Dillon, it's against my better judgement but if this is your decision, I will discuss a plan of action with Dr. Owens." Boyd walked away shaking his head.

Marc looked at Matt. "Matt, Boyd's right, you know. A trip like that could be hard on Kitty."

"Marc, I know but when Kitty makes up her mind there's no changing it."

Matt and Marc entered Kitty's room surprised. "KIT? What is going on here? What are you doing up?"

"I'm looking for my clothes." He could see the steam coming off her. "Now, Kit..."

"Ohhhhh, don't you now Kit me. I'm getting dressed, if I find my clothes wherever they are. We have packing to do and tickets to buy. Constable, we need to talk about what happens next."

"Ah, yes, of course, Ma'am." He didn't argue seeing the mood she was in. "Sorry, Matt, I'm not arguing with her." He mumbled.

"Kit, we have time. We can do this in the morning. Marc needs to take a deposition from both of us. Please get back in bed. Grace can bring you something to wear in the morning."

"Yes, Momma, I'll go to your room and bring you fresh clothes. What you were wearing... Well, they were, let's just say, they're gone."

"Oh, alright." She sighed, feeling defeated. "But first thing tomorrow." Now pouting at him.

"I'll take your deposition." Marc said. "Matt, we may bring this to Topeka because that's where Judge Huntly is and this all started with his decision. But you'll be able to take Kitty home."

Matt helped her back into the bed, tucking her in. "Now promise me you'll stay put."

Pouting at him, "Oh alright as long as you keep your promise and take me home, Cowboy."

TBC