PT.8

His Heart Beating in Mine

Matt was just outside of Louisiana when he spotted one of the posters for Jude Bonner. He'd had a suspicion that he was presumed dead, but thought it was better to leave people think that. Even hoping Bonner would too, so that it would give him the advantage to try and catch him.

He realized this was going to be hard on Kitty of course, but if it meant getting Bonner and keeping her safe, he would deal with her wrath later.

By now, Matt had stopped shaving which helped disguise his appearance. He wired Doc, using the name Jim Kelly. This was a code name Doc knew he used, before when he didn't want anyone to know they were in touch. It was his father's first name and his mother's maiden name.

Doctor Galen Adams, Dodge City, Kansas

Doc, arrived safe here in Leesville, Louisiana. Waiting for conformation. Will wait to hear from you.
Jim Kelly

Matt quickly sent off the wire, hoping that Doc would remember the code name and get back to him. He knew all the folks and friends had by now presumed him dead. But first and foremost, was to get Bonner and protect them all. He would stay put and wait for an answer.

Just as soon as the wire came in, Barney, as usual, came running. "Doc! Doc! Got a wire coming through for ya! It's from Louisiana."

"Alright. Alright, Barney. Are ya gonna shout it to the whole town, for Pete sakes?" Doc snapped as he grabbed the paper out of his hand. As he started to read, he realized Barney and now Burke were intensely watch over his shoulder. Grumbling and sniffling, rubbing his upper lip. "What in thunder do you think you two are doing?"

"Oh. Uh…" Now scattering. "Nothing, Doc. Nothing."

Doc finished the note, thought about what it said and suddenly it clicked. "Matt!" He shouted. "For Heaven sakes. By golly, Matt!" Quickly, Doc sat down to send a reply.

Jim Kelly, Leesville, Louisiana

Jim, so great to hear from you. Make your next stop New Orleans. It Is Imperative! You must stop in at the Velvet Lady. Hope to hear from you again soon.
Doc Adams

Quickly, he rushed in to the telegraph office. "Barney, here. I need you to get this off right away. It's important."

Barney looked at it, then looked at Doc, furrowing his brow. "What? This is important, Doc?"

"Oh, just send it, will ya? Yes. It's very Important." Doc just puckered his face at Barney as he turned and walked out. Then, as he walked across the street, he headed towards the Long Branch, smiled, and looked up. "Yeah, it's gonna be a good day!"

Kitty decided to walk to the Velvet Lady the next morning. It was a beautiful morning. She had woken early, nursed Grace and took a stroll down past the river front. It was a scenic view. But she couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched.

Kitty had learned over the years to trust her gut feeling, mostly by hanging around Matt. But she didn't want to over react. She didn't want to let herself get spooked by those posters. She didn't want to let Bonner control her life as she had finally stopped having nightmares.

When she arrived at the Velvet Lady, Butch, the barkeep, had just opened. "Well, good morning, Miss Kitty. Fresh coffee if you care for some."

"Thank you, Butch. Good morning to you too." Flashing him a big smile. "Butch, can I ask you something? Have you noticed anyone strange?"

His laughter stopped her. "Miss Kitty, a lot of people around this place are strange."

Rolling her eyes and joining in the laughter, "Yeah, I guess you're right at that. It's just, I get this feeling I'm being watched."

"Well, if you don't mind my saying, Miss Kitty. You're a beautiful woman. Anyone would be crazy not to watch you."

"Oh now, Butch. I mean watched, in a creepy way."

"Well, anyone tries bothering you, you just let me know. I'll personally take care of them."

Smiling. "I appreciate that, Butch. Say, Butch. Marcy. How much do you know about her?"

Shaking his head. "Not too much. Miss Tess found her down by the river, beaten and hungry, poor thing. Cleaned her up, gave her a job."

"She have any people?"

"None to speak of."

"Oh, ok."

After receiving Doc's wire, Matt didn't understand why he was so insistent he go to New Orleans. He thought about it, then figured it had to have something to do with Kitty. Was she in trouble? Did she need his help?

He quickly headed in that direction. He wasn't more than a half a day, if he rode hard. He thought about what it would be like seeing her after all this time. But then, what would her reaction be? She thought he was dead. Would she be angry? "I let her believe… What will she do?"

A few hours later, Kitty was quietly working. Butch knocked on her door. "Miss Kitty? There's someone here to see you. Says it's urgent."

"Alright, Butch. I'll be right out."

TBC