Slow Train to Dodge

PT.13

"Well now, no one and I mean, no one talks to Jessie Copperton like that and just walks away. I just won't stand for that!" She began to follow right behind Matt, but suddenly she felt a hand grab her arm. "Now wait just one minute."

As she turned, Doc was standing, holding her with a tight grip. "I think you need to hold on there."

Now with a high toned air, "And just who might you be?" She demanded, pulling loose from his grip.

"Ma'am, that is a very sick man and I'm his doctor and the woman you just asked him about is in grave danger. I just can't explain it to you right now but it's my job to keep that man alive."

Jessie just stood staring at him, thinking of what he said then thinking, "I liked you, Kitty, I really liked you. And you've betrayed me, going against me, helping Tracy, hiding her from me. No one crosses Jessie Copperton. No one!'

Doc rushed to catch up with Matt in his office. Entering the jail, he said, "Matt…"

"Look, Doc, don't waste your breath. I have to go."

"Now, Matt, I want you, no, I need you to listen to me, really listen to me. Do you have any idea how sick you are right now? What do you think Kitty would say if she knew what you were about to do?"

"Ah, Doc, I have to do this for Kitty. She needs me. She…"

Scrubbing his face, "I know. I know. She told you, so you've said. Only you two I'll never fully understand. But I guess, I do…" Shaking his head, "Well, if you're going, I'm going with you."

"What?" Matt shouted in surprise.

"Well, you'd like to get there alive and in one piece wouldn't you?" Doc answered tugging his ear.

Jay and Tracy spent all night talking. She tried explaining everything that happened and then they tried to figure out what they would do next. They figured by now not only did Jessie know the men didn't find her but Webb would know Jay was gone too. And he would possibly put it all together.

They had kept the relationship secret. Jay had suggested they find a preacher and marry right away. But Tracy didn't feel right about doing that while Kitty was still missing and in danger.

Suddenly a knock at the door caught their attention. "Jay? That's probably Deputy Hagen. He can't find you here. Here, hide in the closet." She said, pushing him inside. "I'm coming" She called, opening the door. "I'm sorry, I was sleeping."

"Miss Tracy, I thought you might be a wanting to have some supper?"

"Oh, I… I… well, okay, let's go." Rushing him out the door, figuring Jay could then sneak out once they left.

Kitty was sitting alone in the damp warehouse, tired and hungry. Cates had left to scope out the town and see if there was any word on his brother. Kitty was getting frustrated. She began picking things up and throwing them. She couldn't hear anything. "Damn! Where am I? Ah, oh, Cowboy. I promise I'll get there somehow. I'll get to you."

After supper, Festus walked Tracy back to the hotel. He noticed that he and Tracy were being watched. It caught his attention that the man was carrying a covered tray down the board walk towards the edge of town. That end of the street was dark and more than deserted.

Not letting on to Tracy and saying good night at the door, he doubled back and tried to follow the man to get a closer look. But when he reached the end of the street, it was dark and there was no sign of him. All he saw was old abandoned buildings but no sign of anyone. He just shook his head, confused but he had a gnawing feeling.

Early the next morning, Matt and Doc boarded the train against Doc's better judgment.

TBC