Judge Hollis, or Josh as he told everyone to call him, led the relieved and happy group into the Just Café. So named because the owner's name was Justin and it was on a street lined with courtrooms and judges' chambers.
A waiter rushed over and led the party to a large round table in the back. Josh sat between his sister Claire and his wife Sally, who was holding 4 week old Josh Jr. on her lap. Jackson, the barber who'd pretended to be Judge Hollis, Doc, Kitty and Matt rounded out the group.
Josh looked around the table, grinning like a happy kid, "I'm absolutely delighted that things went as Claire predicted. When she told me that her good friend had come to St. Louis to get married and wanted it done quickly, but didn't want it done at all, I was confused to say the least, but one thing I've learned over time is to trust my little sister."
Kitty laughed, "Claire, I should have known you'd see right through the situation. You always do."
The waiter brought over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, collard greens and fresh baked rolls. The group let out a collective "Ah," and everyone dug in.
Baby Josh was passed around from person to person, to allow his mama to eat. Everyone happily accepted the precious bundle and relished his sweet innocence, while hugging him and stroking his chubby cheeks. After holding the baby longer than most, Doc passed him on to Matt. Matt looked into the infant's eyes. A dead boy's eyes looked back. Matt closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath. He opened them and saw Kitty watching with concern. He didn't meet her gaze and handed her the infant.
The table talk was fun and boisterous. Josh explained that he'd asked Jackson to play a judge, because the barber looked more distinguished than he ever would. Jackson passed around the so-called marriage certificate he'd created; with its meaningless insignia and made up Latin words. Kitty gleefully spoke about David's inability to drive straight north, and about the mishaps with the horses. Doc had everyone laughing about Matt's note sending Bess Ronniger to see a sister she didn't have. Through all the fun, Matt's growing silence wasn't lost on Kitty.
After lunch, handshakes, hugs and promises to keep in touch went around. Doc, Matt and Kitty left the restaurant to head back to St. Louis Grand.
When they got outside Matt looked down the street, "Wait here, I'll walk to where the hansom cabs are lined up waiting for passengers. I'll hire one and pick you up."
As soon as Matt was out of hearing, Doc grew serious. "Kitty, you should know. Matt shot and killed the bank robber he went after. It was self defense."
"Doc, that's happened before."
Doc rubbed his mustache, "This was different Kitty. It seems that robber was a young teenager. Matt's all torn up about it. He's thinking of giving up the badge because of it."
Kitty was about to speak when Matt pulled up in a cab and they quickly climbed in.
Matt moved over to make room, "It's too late to catch the train back to Dodge today. We'll have to head back tomorrow." He eyed Doc with a hint of humor. "We should find different hotel though. The Grand is awfully expensive and even Doc's deep pockets have limits."
Doc snorted, and Matt got serious, "Doc, I'm grateful to you for making is possible to stay the night."
Kitty gave Doc a peck on the cheek. Doc blushed beneath his mustache and spoke with a gruffness that fooled no one, "Darn right we'll find a cheaper place. Tell you what; you two close out things at the Grand while I find a hotel we can afford.
A couple of hours later they were checking into the Cozy Stop, a clean but inexpensive inn on a side street. Doc got a single room. Kitty and Matt, as was their custom when traveling, signed in as Mr. and Mrs. so they could share a room.
The second Matt and Kitty got into their room and closed the door behind them, Matt felt himself relax a little. He was alone with Kitty at last. He put his arms around her and held her close. She whispered, "I love you Cowboy," he stroked her back, "I love you too."
She looked up into his tired eyes, "That stomach wound is still troubling you. Try and get comfortable in that nice big armchair while I get undressed. This blouse and skirt were supposed to be my wedding clothes, and I can't wait to take them off." As Matt sunk into the well padded chair, the sacrifice Kitty had been willing to make hit him full force once again. "Kitty, you are brave and amazing. You were willing to spend a lifetime with that David Miller for the sake of people you care about."
Kitty stepped out of her skirt, "Matt, I guarantee it wouldn't have been a lifetime. One way or another, I would have found a way out even if it took months or years. Anyway if we're talking about bravery, that's something you're a pretty good example of yourself."
She saw him stiffen and knew she had to tread lightly. Cowboy, let's remove that shirt of yours. I want to check your wound."
She took a careful look. The stitches looked irritated and raw, but there was no sign of bleeding or infection.
"Well, it doesn't look great but it's healing. The train is not until noon tomorrow so at least you can rest until then. That also allows a good amount of time for you to tell me about that bank robber."
Matt was startled, "Doc said something, didn't he?"
She sat across from Matt and leaned forward. "It's not as if I couldn't see for myself that something was wrong. All Doc told me was that you shot a teenager in self defense, and you're thinking of giving up the badge because of it."
"Doc doesn't understand."
He pulled Charlie's note from his pocket and shoved it into her hands, wanting desperately for her to understand.
She carefully unfolded the well-creased slip of paper.
Dear Ma,
I know ya worry bout me caus I been actin crazy since pa passed. Please dont worry none. I'll be all rite. I jus cant cum home no more. I am sendin this money so you an my baby sisters wont be hungry agin. I love ya Ma. I love ya.
Your son,
Charlie
Matt spoke as Kitty read, "He was a kid, maybe 15 but more likely 14 or 13. He'll never have the chance to learn that there's a better way to do things. Never build a life, never love a woman. Kitty, he was young enough to be my son - our son."
His last two words surprised and moved her. For 18 years they'd told each other anything and everything, but never spoke of having children. It was understood between them, that when he was no longer a marshal they'd have a home and family, but exactly what that family might be had never been discussed.
She looked into his tormented eyes, "Matt, I know you, so I know you had no choice but to shoot that boy. Deep inside you must know that too."
Kitty glanced at the note again. "You need to deliver this don't you?"
Not surprised she understood he nodded, "But I couldn't find an address or even a name."
Kitty eyebrows kneaded in thought, "Maybe we can find her."
He heard "we" and a glimmer of hope pierced his gloom. He wasn't alone, Kitty wouldn't let him be.
"Matt, we know his name was Charlie, Charles probably. We know that his father died and there are younger sisters. That's something. The other thing is his mother may be looking for him." Kitty suddenly grew excited as a concrete idea took shape, "Matt, maybe you should wire local sheriffs and find out if any of them have heard from a woman who's been looking her teenage son. A son named Charles."
Matt gave her a crooked smile, "Kitty, why didn't I think of that?"
"Because Cowboy, sometimes it takes two minds and two hearts."
She stood, walked over to the bed, and pulled back the blankets. "Come on Cowboy, it's time you got something approaching real rest."
He pushed himself slowly up from the chair, "You too Kitty."
They got under the covers and fell asleep in each other's arms, where they belonged.
TBC