Slow Train to Dodge

PT.18

"Tracy Lee Copperton! Child, do you have any idea what you have put me through? Running all over!"

Tilting her head, shaking, "Grandmother? is what I just heard true? Did you have that man steal those horses? Daddy would have never allowed anyone to steal horses or let anyone be killed for a horse. I'm… I'm so ashamed. It makes me ashamed of the Copperton name."

She was now burying her face in Jay's chest and Jay just enveloped her in his arms. "It's ok, Tracy honey. I got you."

Looking disgusted. "Get your hands off her, young man!" Jessie barked at him.

The two just ignored her.

Kitty stood, placing an arm around Tracy and Jay. "Look, Jay, why don't you take Tracy over to the café' and get her some tea and maybe something to eat while the Marshal and Sheriff finish up here?" Winking at him.

"Yes, Ma'am." He answered and turned, walking Tracy out the door.

Kitty turned to Matt. "Matt, you really need to get some rest, Cowboy."

"Ah, Kitty, later."

Raising her brow. "Cowboy…"

"Kit, I know, I know."

As she turned, Jessie with a harsh look, said, "Ya know, Kitty I liked you. I really liked you."

"You don't say?"

"Like I said, if only my Blaine would have smartened up and kept you on the ranch…"

Frowning, "Oh, Mrs. Copperton, I wish you wouldn't…" Waving a hand, "Sheriff, if we're done here…"

"Oh, yes, Miss Russell. Matt and I can handle it from here."

Nodding, "Matt, I'm going to check on Tracy. She was really…"

Knowing what she was thinking. "Yeah, Kit. I'll meet you later."

"Oh and, Matt."

"I know. I will."

Matt had sent Festus to wire on to Hayes for further information on the case and to double check details. When Festus received the answer, "Matthew. Matthew, this here came back fer ya!"

Matt read the message then handed it to Carver. Jessie looked at Matt. "Just how long you going to keep me here?"

"Well, Mrs. Copperton, it looks like you're going to be our guest at least till the circuit court judge arrives."

"What?" She shouted. "I'm under arrest?"

"Well, yes, Ma'am, you are."

I… I… You can't do this to me. Why, you do know who I am, don't you?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Jessie Copperton. But you still will be tried just like anyone else who breaks the law. You will be allowed proper representation."

"What?"

A lawyer. You will have a lawyer."

Carver looked at Matt. "Matt, we can't really lock her up here?"

Scratching his head. "No, guess not. Okay, I'll take her over to the hotel and lock her in her room."

Kitty met with Tracy and Jay at the café.

"Oh, Miss Russell…"

"Tracy, you can call me Kitty."

"Yes, Ma'am, I mean Miss Kitty. I am so ashamed. I can't believe Grandmother would do such a thing. And I heard your Marshal friend say Ben Cates killed a child. Is that true?"

Nodding her head. "Yes, Honey, he did."

"That means Grandmother had something to do with killing a child?"

"Oh, Tracy. We don't know what is actually going to happen until the Judge comes."

"Miss Kitty, now I know I have to get away from her. I don't want my ba…" Quickly, she stopped.

Kitty just looked, now lifting Tracy's chin so they were both eye to eye. "Oh, Tracy. When?"

"Oh, Miss Kitty, about 7 Months. I wanted to tell you sooner but with all that happened…"

With a pouted look, cupping he face in her hands. "It's going to be alright. You'll see. Trust me."

Tracy just laid her head on Kitty's shoulder, exhausted.

TBC