Slow Train to Dodge

PT.4

Festus, being anxious, packed up some supplies and mounted up on Ruth. His plan was to backtrack and try to figure out what happened out on the trail. He wanted to see if he could find any signs or clues as to who ambushed Matt. Staying in Dodge was just making him feel useless.

Doc's concern was beginning to grow. Matt was still not coming to. He was just remaining restless and fevered. Amongst his ramblings, Doc could hear him call out for Kitty and at this moment, Doc too was wishing she were here.

As much as he was confident in his medical skill, there was just something about… Well, he knew deep in his soul, down to the core, her presence would make the world of difference. He needed to believe that. It'd never failed them before and he had to hold on to that now.

Now burying his face in his hand, holding back the frustration, he moaned. "Ahhhh, Matt, you big lug. I love you like my own son. You've just got to fight through this and hold on. If not for me, do it for Kitty. I know she's doing her best to get here and you know that too."

His eyes were now glossing up, tears pooling as he just reached over, patting his hand. "Fight, Son. Fight!"

The commotion was horrific, screaming and shouting. Kitty quickly shuffled to protect the sleeping young girl then pulled herself up, looking out the window. She noticed several men on horseback, all with shotguns and several were now charging the train. But as this was happening, she noticed smoke.

This now made her realize that they had blocked the tracks with burning logs. Tossing back her head and huffing out a breath, she huffed. "Great!"

Just as she started to peak out the door to the car, it was forced open, throwing her back. Being forced through the door was the conductor.

"Oh, excuse me, Ma'am." He gasped.

"What is going on here?" She asked.

But before he could answer, the rough crude man behind him spoke up. "Well, Red. We're commandeering this train from this point on. So you just do as you're told and just maybe you'll leave here as you are." He was now running his fingers along her jawline.

Tightening her jaw, she quickly slapped his hand away. "Keep your hands off me!"

"Ahhh now, Red. You shouldn't have done that." He said, quickly pulling his gun and clicking back the hammer.

Kitty inhaled deeply, staring him straight in the eye. "What is it you want here?"

"Don't you worry, Red. When we get what we came for, we'll be gone."

Now furrowing her brow and looking at the conductor. "This train's not transporting any valuables, is it? Gold? Anything?"

The conductor just shook his head side to side.

Now the intruder just scanned the car, seeing the girl curled up. "What's with her?"

Kitty quickly stood between them. "She's with me. She's sick. I'm taking her to Dodge to see a doctor, a friend."

The man cringed. "What's wrong with her?"

Watching the man's expression, Kitty went with it, smirking. "Not sure but she might be contagious."

With that, he jumped back and out of the doorway. The conductor stared at Kitty. He'd caught on to what she was doing and nodded.

Back in the other cars, the other men were searching cars. Finally, one stood back. "Well? Anything?"

"No. We've checked all the cars. No sign of 'er."

"Damn! We've gotta find her. The boss lady said not to come back without her. She was last seen buying a ticket on this train. How can one little lady get away from us? Boss Lady's gonna have all our heads."

While they were talking, just outside the doorway, their conversation was being overheard.

Festus rode Ruth hard, following the route the old man had told him about finding Matt on. He did his best, tracking the area, looking for some sign of anything or anyone that might have been in the area. He could see where there had been a few camp fires but couldn't be sure they were associated to anyone connected to Matt's ambush, until he noticed a particularly burnt poster of the man Matt had just been to the trial for. Although Festus couldn't read, he began thinking maybe, just maybe someone sat in wait for Matt, along the trail, in revenge for his testimony.

Collecting whatever he could in the area, to take back with him, Festus rushed back to Dodge. He figured he would talk to Newly and see if there were any known associates, brothers, etc. He was prepared to head out to find the scoundrels that gunned down his friend, his brother, if it was the last thing he did.

TBC