Slow Train to Dodge

PT.11

From the outer room, Doc could hear Matt calling out Kitty's name again and again. Rushing in, he called, "Matt. Matt." Grabbing him by the shoulders, trying to stop him from getting up. "Just wait a minute. Where do you think you're going?"

"Where'd she go, Doc?"

Shaking his head, swiping his mustache, "Now, Matt, I want you to listen."

Throwing up his hand, "Now, Doc, I know you're going to tell me Kitty's not here and I can see that. But Doc she was here. She needs me." He was still attempting to stand. "Doc, I have to…"

Now with a burning stare, "The only thing you have to do is get back in that bed!"

Matt sat back down with a defeated look on his face. From the other room, Burke called out for Doc.

Festus and Carver, bringing in the men from the train, drew the attention of the town folk, also Tracy from the window of her room. She quickly rush down to carver's office.

"Sheriff? Do they know where Miss Russell is?"

"Miss Tracy, we don't be knowing if'n these here yahoos have any knowin about Miz Kitty."

"But they're the ones that were on the train and," now pointing at one of them, 'he pointed a gun at her and threatened her."

Quickly, he spoke up. "Oh, I wasn't gonna use it. Red was a tough lady."

While they were all debating, a young boy entered the office.

"Excuse me, Sheriff. I have a note here for the deputy." Carver's deputy stood. "Oh, no, sir, not you. That one." He was now pointing to Festus and handing it to him.

"Festus fiddled with the paper, not knowing how to say he couldn't read it. Tracy gently reached over. "May I, Mister Hagen?"

"Why, thank you, Miss Tracy. I seem to have lost my reading specs."

Tracy began to read and looked surprised. "Oh my!"

"Well, Miss?" Carver began to ask.

"Oh, I'm sorry. it says:

This note is to be followed to the letter.

Marshal Dillon is to have my brother, Ben Cates, released or Kitty Russell dies! Dillon is to make the exchange. Instructions to follow."

This is plum crazy. Matthew is lying in Doc Adams office. If'n I get my hands on whoever has Miz Kitty, I'm gonna git on um like ugly on an ape. I kin garontee ya that!"

Festus headed to the telegraph office and sent off a wire to Doc.

Doctor Galen Adams, Dodge City, Kansas

Miss Kitty kidnapped. They want Matthew to make an exchange, Miss Kitty for Cates. Will do my best to find her.

Festus' Hagen, Sheriff Carver's office, Spearville, Kansas

Sam Cates, carrying a tray, entered the warehouse. "Well, Red, be glad my ma always taught me I should feed a lady as well. Here. Might as well eat something. We're gonna be here a while. Cook at the café makes a great stew, fresh rolls and good coffee. Go on, it's not poison."

Being hungry, Kitty decided to eat a bit. She figured he wanted her alive for a reason. Taking a sip of the coffee, she asked, "So, what's your plan?"

"Well, sent a note to the fuzzy face fella you were talking to earlier. He knows what to do. As long as my instructions are followed, you'll be fine.

Furrowing her brow, "And what instructions are those?"

"Dillon delivers Ben in exchange for you. See? It's easy."

Now her face dropped. "Are you out of your mind? Did you forget you ambushed him? Left him for dead? And your brother is in jail. How…"

"Well, I guess, Red, if he wants to see you alive again, he'll get creative."

As the wire came across for Doc, both Burke and Louie were standing listening as Barney read it off. Louie ran out excited, rushing to get Newly. Barney headed for Doc's office, finding Doc at the foot of his stairs. "Oh, Doc, this just came for you. It's from Festus. It's not good."

"For heaven sakes, Barney, can I read it?" As Doc read it, he just rubbed his face. "Ah, Kitty! Kitty Honey."

"Any reply, Doc?"

Doc just shook his head and then headed up his stairs.

Shortly after, Burke entered. "Doc?"

"What is it, Burke?"

"Well, I was thinking about that wire that Barney received."

"You mean my private wire, Burke?"

"Yeah, yeah. I know Doc. But don't you think the Marshal will want to know Miss Kitty is in real danger again because of a prisoner he put away? You know what happened with Bonner."

"Damn it, Burke. Of course I know! Do you think I'd forget something like that? But right now Matt's in no condition…" Suddenly, the back room door opened.

"Doc? What danger is Kitty in? Where is she? What aren't you telling me?"

"Now, Matt, you need to get back in that bed."

"Doc, tell me!"

Doc now turned to Burke. "Get out! Now! Get out! See what you did? Go!"

Burke just looked speechless and turned for the door. "Sorry, Doc, I just…"

Looking angry, Doc growled. "I know what you just!"

Newly was trying to calm Louie, when the office door swung open. "I'd like to speak with Marshal Dillon. Where can I find him?"

"Well, Ma'am, I'm acting Marshal. What can I do for you? Names Newly O'Brien."

Well, Mr. O'Brien. My name Is Jessie Copperton.

TBC