Slow Train to Dodge
PT.9
Festus stood confused. He still didn't completely understand about the train or who this young girl was that Kitty felt she had to help and protect. But then again, he knew that if a child was in danger and in need of protection, Kitty would be there. Still, he didn't feel right about leaving her ride off with this stranger.
Sheriff Carver approached Festus. "Look Deputy Hagen, Miss Russell explained to me about this train and it's passengers so I'm putting together a group of men. She says these folks are being held hostage."
Cocking his head, "Well now, if'n Miz Kitty tells ya them there folks is a bein' held against their will, then you can be shore of it."
Nodding, "Alright, Deputy. Oh, about those two posters? I just received some new ones just this morning. You might want to take a look."
Showing Festus the posters, "Deputy? How is Marshal Dillon? I didn't get much from Miss Russell."
"Matthew, he's hurt real bad. Them there yahoos I'm a lookin' fer ambushed him just after the trial he went to up in Hayes. I'm a thinking they set in wait. I found me these here burnt posters at the site. Some old prospector found ol' Matthew. This one here could be a brother." He said, now holding up one to show Carver.
Looking closer, Carver reached for the poster to examine it. "Come to think of it, this here fella looks like a fella that was over in the saloon, just this morning."
Heading back to the Morely farm and riding quietly, Kitty was now feeling better knowing she would get help to the passengers on the train and now that she'd run into Festus, she was sure to get back to Dodge."
When they came pulling up to the house, Tracy came rushing from the house. "Miss Russell. I woke up and Miss Clara said you went to town."
Holding her firm by the shoulders, Kitty nodded. "Yes, Tracy. You needed to rest. I went to see Sheriff Carver and told him about the train."
"You mean he's going to help them?" Tracy asked.
"Yes, sweetheart."
"But what about Grandmother and…"
Shaking her head. "No, now, Tracy, you just let me worry about Jessie. First we need to get back to Dodge." Now turning to Mister Morely. "Will you take us back into town? Then I can make arrangements for us on the stage. I know I'm asking an awful lot of you and your wife but I will see to it you are…"
Just then, Clara spoke up. "You need to do nothing, Ma'am. I was glad for the company and we'd be happy to help and see you folks get home safe."
Back at the train, several of the men had ridden back to the Copperton ranch to report to Jessie Copperton that they were unable to find Tracy. And as expected, she was livid. " How incompetent! I send six grown men to find and stop one seventeen year old girl from getting on a train and you let her get away. Idiots!"
"But Ms. Copperton, Ma'am…"
"I guess I should have done this myself." She grumbled, ignoring their protests.
Jessie paced around the room. "That child! She was always willful. Just like her mother. Blane always had a weak spot for hot house flowers. Ugh. Where was this child going?" Rushing upstairs and rummaging through Tracy's room, tossing everything to find some clue she cried out. "Tracy Lee Copperton! Where? Where would you go?" In anger, she tossed a pillow and knocked over a vase. As it fell, the lace cloth slid, revealing a slip of paper. Picking up the paper, Jessie noticed small jottings.
Dodge City, K. Russell, Train, 10:20
Now smacking the paper against her fingers. "AHHH! Kitty Russell! So you're going to Kitty." Now rushing down the stairs she yelled. "WEBB? WEBB!"
"Yes, Ms. Copperton?"
"You're taking me to town. I'm going to Dodge City."
"Yes, Ma'am." Webb replied.
Mister Morely, Kitty and Tracy all climbed on the wagon after saying their goodbyes to Clara. Kitty was relieved they were safe and finally on their way to town and would make arrangements to go onto Dodge.
Morely drove them up in front of the Spearville hotel.
"Thank you, Mister Morely. I appreciate everything you've done."
"Glad to help, Ma'am." He smiled and then he pulled away as Kitty and Tracy entered the hotel.
Tracy walked into the dining area to look around while Kitty checked them in. Kitty felt someone brush up closely behind her. W=Without thinking, she said, "Oh, excuse me."
"No, Ma'am. Just walk nicely and smile politely or this trigger finger of mine could get real shaky."
"What?" Kitty said, now trying to turn to see who was standing behind her.
"Oh, now, Pretty Lady. Just walk where I tell ya."
"Who are you and what do you want?" She asked.
"All in due time, Red. All in due time." He slowly led her back out the door with one arm around her as if they were a couple. Tracy returned, looked at the clerk then looked around.
"Miss Russell? Miss Russell?"
TBC