Slow Train to Dodge

PT.12

Tracy sat quietly but worriedly in her room at the hotel where Festus had told her to stay until he came for her. Curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow, she began to cry. "Oh, Miss Russell, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to involve you in my mess with grandmother. Now you have these other problems, if only I could let your Marshal friend know."

Just then a light knock on the door. Quickly jumping up and rushing to answer. "Oh, Mr. Hagen, I was hoping you'd be back with word soon." But as she opened the door, a look of surprise crossed her face as the young man at the door grabbed her, moving back into the room. She was in his arms as he was swinging her around and hugging her. "Ah, Tracy Honey, I was waiting for a chance to see you alone."

"Jay! Jay, you scared me half to death. When did you get here?" Tracy asked.

"I was here the day you got here with that redheaded woman. I've been watching you and her. I saw her here in town with that farmer then later with him and you but finally saw you come here with that whiskered face man."

"Oh, that's Deputy Hagen. He's a friend of Miss Russell. Jay, Miss Russell, she's a good woman. She saved Daddy's life and mine a few years back. That's why I thought of her when we needed help. She lives in Dodge City and her friend is the Marshal there." Now smiling, "I think he's a bit more than just a friend but she's never really said. But it just happened that she was on the train headed back from a business trip when Grandmother's men trapped the train on the tracks. Anyway, she managed to hide me. She then snuck us off the train. We walked till we found the farm house to get help. Does anyone know you're here, Jay?"

"No, I just left after you did as we planned. But I'm sure by now they know I'm gone."

Doc now being extremely angry, decided to walk over to the telegraph office.

As he entered, Barney greeted him. "Hello, Doc. What can I…"

Before he could finish, "Barney, what in thunder has come over you? Do you realize that a wire is just as private as the United States mail?"

"Well, Doc, of course I do but…"

Swiping his mustache, "BUT NOTHING! That wire that came for me was just that private and not for Burke."

"But, Doc I didn't mean for anyone else to read it or even hear it but when I saw that Miss Kitty was in danger, I just…"

Ah, hogwash. Barney, Matt is in no condition to hear news like that and you know better than anyone how Nathan Burke is." Now turning and storming out.

Doc was heading out, just as he saw Newly directing Jessie Copperton to the hotel.

"Doc, hold up there!" Hurrying towards Doc. "How's the Marshal?"

"Aw, Newly…"

"What is it, Doc?"

"Damn Burke came charging in my office with the news from Barney about Kitty being kidnapped loud enough for Matt to hear. Newly, Matt's in no shape…"

Scratching his head, "Don't look now, Doc but I don't think that matters much now."

As Doc turned, Matt was struggling to make his way down the stairs. Huffing out a breath and tugging on his ear. "Now, Matt, wait one minute. Where in blazes do you think you're going?"

Waving his hand in the air. "She needs me, Doc. I can't leave her out there. I just won't. I heard her. She needs me. Newly, I can't ride but I'll be needing a ticket to Spearville." Newly now looked to Doc. "Don't look at him! I'm going, with or without your help." Matt struggled to walk to his office.

Jessie Copperton watched the conversation between Matt, Doc and Newly but couldn't hear everything. Approaching them, she called out. "Marshal Dillon?"

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"You may not remember me but I'm Jessie Copperton. We met several years ago."

After thinking about it a minute, he said, "Oh yes. How are you?"

"Well, Marshal, this isn't a social call. I'm searching for my granddaughter, Tracy. You remember her? She's a bit older now. I believe she's in search of Kitty Russell so if you can just tell me where I can find Kitty…"

Now frustrated, Matt said, "Miss Copperton, I can't at the moment so if you'll excuse me."

But, Marshal…"

Matt just turned and walked away in extreme pain.

Jessie was appalled. "Well, I never."

TBC