Chapter Six: A check, a train ride, and children plotting.
Deputy Newly O'Brian looked up as the door to the marshal's office opened, allowing Dakota Smith to enter. Both men greeted each other politely, Dakota removed his hat, walked over to the desk that Newly sat at. "Here for the check" he stated.
Retrieving both the check and paperwork, Newly laid the paperwork on the desk and handed Dakota a quill. "Need you to sign for the check" he flatly stated. The tone in the deputy's voice did not go unnoticed by Dakota, he chose however to ignore it. Signing the paperwork in front of him, he handed the quill back to Newly. "I will be at the train station in an hour or so. Will that be acceptable?"
Newly turned the check over to Dakota and nodded. "Festus is getting the tickets now. Hope you don't mind going on a standard coach. Also, bring your horse. Don't wish to rent horses there or a ride."
"Never been on a train, so I won't mind if I get to sit for the trip. I will bring Ranger."
"You will be needing this Smith", Newly handed the man a deputy's badge and watch as Dakota turned it over and over in his hand.
"Never held one of these let alone wear one" mussed Dakota. "Deputy, I am not your enemy. My goal is your goal. Get the woman and the 4 youngens home safe and sound."
"Just not sure if I trust you or not Smith. Nothing personal, don't know you."
Dakota headed to the door, opened it and before he stepped out, turned, and looked to Newly. "Your in-charge deputy, but I am not sure if I would trust me either." Dakota smiled, stepped outside, and closed the door. Newly stared in disbelief at the door closing, felt edgy at Dakota's words.
Dakota headed over to the Dodge House, stopped long enough at the front desk to retrieve his key and inform the clerk he was checking out. Once in his room, Dakota opened his carpet bags, dumping both on the bed and sorting through the clothes he owned, picking out a few shirts, two pairs of pants, several pairs of underclothing replacing them into one of the carpet bags. The rest of his clothes he shoved into the second carpet bag. Dakota finished packing the rest of his items into the carpet bag he was taking on the trip. Picking up everything, he exited the room, dropped the key off at the desk, and headed back over to the doctor's office. At the bottom of the stairs, Dakota noticed that the door was slightly open. Slowly he walked up the stairs and stopped before entering the office. Hearing voices, Dakota was unsure if he should continue or retreat. Curiosity got the better of him, he leaned in a bit to listen. It was Doc Adams and his wife, Doc Sam talking.
"Are you sure Galen, that we cannot do anything? Dakota heard the worry in her voice.
"I am not sure what we could do Sammatha." Galen Adams voice had the same worry in his voice. "I am quite sure we won't lose the office up here, but I really can't guarantee it. It only just went up for sale, so it might give us some time to come up with the money to buy the building. Wouldn't it be great if we opened the clinic downstairs like we dreamed about? And to make up here a proper home?" Galen took Sammatha into his arms.
Dakota chewed on his lower lip for a moment, then quietly went down several steps, stomping back up. He called out "Doctor Sammatha? Are you there?" he opened the door and looked at both doctors "Oh, sorry." he blushed and continue, "Did not mean to interrupt."
"No Dakota, you did not interrupt anything. Come in, there is a closet in the back room to put your bags in. Just be quiet, the marshal's sleeping and needs his rest" she informed him. Dakota nodded as he went into the room, placed his bags and items into the closet, stopped long enough to look at the sleeping marshal and reentered into the main office.
"Don't worry Doc's. O'Brien and I will have her and the youngens home as soon as possible." Leaving the office, Dakota headed over to the bank as fast as possible. He had business to tend to, and a train to catch. Sammatha and Galen watched as Dakota left in a hurry, Doctor Galen Adams followed him out, stood at the top of the stairs, rubbed his mustache with his right hand, and wondered how much Dakota had heard. He had a plan to ask Kitty when she returned for a loan, knowing that the beautiful red head would give it to him. He just wasn't sure how Sammatha would take it.
Walking with a purpose in mind, Dakota stopped Louie Pheeters when he saw him, offered him a dollar to saddle up Ranger and meet him in an hour at the train station. He had business to do and did not feel he had enough time to accomplish all that he needed and saddle his horse. Besides, he made the man promise to get some food from Delmonico's.
Standing outside the Dodge City Bank, Dakota took a deep breath, entered, and approached the bank teller. "I would like to discuss some business with Mr. Bodkin."
The teller looked at him, "Let me see if he is available Mr. Smith". The teller knocked on a door, and when told to enter, would poke his head in and inform the bank president that Mr. Smith was here. Mr. Bodkin, stood and went to the door, smiled when he saw the young man and motioned for him to come in. Seeing the carpet bag and rifle, a fear corset through his body, hoping that the newly deposit money would not leave his bank.
"Good Afternoon, Mr. Smith" Bodkin smiled extending his hand.
"Please, just Dakota." Dakota replied shaking the man's hand. "I have some business that I wish to do before my trip to St. Louis. Business I do not wish for anyone but you and I to know about" taking the seat that Bodkin motion him to.
"Of course. Discretion is the motto of this bank Dakota. What is it you wish to talk about, or conduct?"
"I received a check from the state for a bounty that I did. I want to purchase a building, but I do not wish to own it. I want it to go to a couple and I don't want them to know who paid for it. I want the title to go into their name. And then a trust fund in their name so that any work could be done, equipment and supplies that is needed."
"I see." Bodkin removed his glasses, wiped them, and placed them back on his face. "Which building are you interested in and who is the couple."
Studying the man, Dakota tilted his head, cross his right foot over his left knee and drummed his fingers. "The couple is the Adams, the building is where their office is, the whole building, and the trust fund in their name with their discretion on using it."
Bodkin sat up taller, if possible, in his chair. "Do you really think that Doctor Adams would accept such a gift?
"It is a gamble to take, and I am a gambling man. If he doesn't know who bestowed this gift to them, he really won't have much of a choice. How much is the building being asked for?"
"The owner is asking for 300 dollars." Bodkin pulled the paperwork out of his desk drawer.
"$300? Fair price. I have a check for 1000 dollars. I sign it over to you, with a note from you stating this deal. Pay the man for the building and set up the fund. I am leaving in 30 minutes and want this a done deal. Don't tell the Adams until the train has left. Do we have a deal Mr. Bodkins?"
"Yes sir Mr. Smith, we have a deal. I will see to it personally and I will remain silent as to where this money came from." Taking out a piece of paper, Bodkin will put in writing details of the transaction. Handing to Dakota, he escorted the young man out of his office and the building. Dakota tipped his hat to him and headed towards the train station.
Festus Haggin paced back and forth at the train station waiting for both men to show up. Louis walking Smith's horse alongside Newly walking his towards the train stopped where Festus stood.
"Don't like this Newly. I should be going, not some young yahoo we barely know. You be watching your backside; in case he does something tricky or mean like."
"I will be watching Festus. Louie: can you take both horses and get them onto the train for me" Louie agreed, took the reins of Newley's horse, led them to the stable area of the train.
"I just don't like it, can't you see. Can't trust no bounty hunter or hired hand or whatever he is today. He changed more than I changed socks in just two days."
"You heard the marshal. He has a badge now. He is a deputy. If he doesn't do right, I have him off the train one way or another. Or leave him stranded in St. Louis."
The sound of boots, pounding the ground caused both men to turn that direction. Dakota Smith jogged up to them. "Here I am Deputy O'Brien. Did Louie make it with Ranger."
"Yes, he did, ready to board." Newly accepted the tickets from Festus and headed towards the railcar. Dakota nodded to Festus and followed.
"Don't you forgit to send a telegam when you get there" Festus shouted as both men boarded.
Once aboard the train, Newly and Dakota found seats sitting opposite and facing each other. Both men placed their carpet bags above them, Newly placed his rifle there, noticed that Dakota propped his up beside the wall of the car. A protective hand wrapped around the barrel of the rifle.
"You going to hold your rifle all the way?" Newly took off his hat, placing it on the bench beside him.
"I might" Dakota replied, stretching out. "Two-day trip, right?"
"Long trip" confirmed Newly. "There will be stops along the way."
"Smith, why did you become a bounty hunter, and a gun for hire."
Dakota moved his hat back on his head. "Long story."
"It is not like we don't have anything important to do for two days."
"Alright, I fell into it. I was very broke, was sleeping outside Hayes, only had Mule to my name, the rifle, and the clothes on my back. Hungry as hell too. This guy stumbled upon me, demanded Mule and I refused. We fought and I shot him. Not before he beat me half to death. I slept the rest of the night, too sore to move and in the morning, I tossed him up on Mule and went into the town. Found out the man had a 300-dollar bounty, more money than I ever saw. Was able to get Ranger with saddle, new clothes, equipment, and such. Seemed like a way to go at 18, so I did. Just don't like the killing part, so I try not to. As for the gun for hire, many jobs are like this. Getting the woman and children, get them home to the marshal with no causalities, everyone is happy."
Newly thought long and hard at what he said, looked out onto the terrain as it went by. "You have any family, Dakota?"
"Not sure. I was in an orphanage until I was fourteen, and then I left. Never knew my family, so perhaps I have some, perhaps I don't. You?"
"I have family back east. Haven't seen them in a while, guess I should go back and visit. Have all the family in Dodge that I need." Newly watched as the sun was slowly going down reflecting on his family. "We should turn to get some shut eye."
"Was thinking about that myself." Dakota pulled his hat down over his eyes, leaned the rifle up against him, crossed his arms on his chest. Newly stretched out himself, closed his eyes and thought about the upcoming events.
Jessica removed the fresh pitcher of milk from the icebox and set it down on the kitchen table. Retrieving four glasses and four plates, Jessica started to set the table. Johnny with Matty and Lilly who was on his back entered the room. Johnny plopped Lilly down on a chair and pointed to a second one for Matty.
"Johnny, grab the plate of cookies over there" pointing to a plate by the stove. "They're freshly made" Jessica smiled at her twin.
Johnny immediately picked up the plate and then snagged a cookie, much to the protest of the younger two. Jessica shook her head and then filled the glasses with milk. "Alright Johnny, why the meeting?" Taking her seat and passing the cookies around.
With his mouth full of cookies, Johnny attempted to start talking. "Well. Was thinking" Stopping long enough to gulp down milk, he continued. "It is a week before we go to court and with Uncle Albert here, he might do something to Mother." Jessica nodded with a seriousness on her face. Matty and Lilly's eyes went wide.
"Master Johnny" a voice will make the four of them jump. Maria the cook slowly walked into the room. "What are you four hooligans doing in my kitchen, eating the cookies that I made?"
"Johnny called a meeting, and we are eating cause we're starving," piped up Lilly.
"Johnny and I are worried about Mother and Uncle Albert. No telling what he might do." Jessica handed the plate to Maria, who grabbed a glass, scooted a chair over to the table, and helped herself to some milk.
Sighing, "It is something to worry about. Mrs. Dillion is a beautiful woman, and your papa is not here. So, count me in, what are we to do?"
"We don't let mother be alone. Day or night. Uncle Albert will be more hesitant to do anything if we are around." Johnny looked around "Jessica, what can you do?"
"I need to go over the books. I could ask her to help me. She is a businesswoman after all. And maybe some beauty hints, like my hair."
"Matty, what can you do to help."
"Since they removed me from school because of my hearing, I could ask mama to help with my schoolwork. I could also teach her some of my signing."
"That's great Matty. And what about you squirt? Can you think of anything to help?"
"I had a bad dream and mama let me sleep with her. I could keep going into her room and sleeping in bed with her." Lilly will shove a cookie into her mouth, crumbs falling everywhere.
The sound of two voices stopped everyone from talking. Claria and Rolf Washburn, housekeeper and grounds keeper turned the corner and walked into the room. Comments about making him lunch went back and forth between the two. When they entered the room, both stopped, and a surprised look came across their faces.
"Are we interrupting something?" inquired Claria.
"Just cookie time" replied Maria taking the plate and offering both a cookie. Rolf will reach out and take one, then leaned against the sink.
Johnny lowered his head and started thinking. This whole thing was just to be between the four children, and now it involved the three staff members. Well, in for an inch, in for a mile he thought. "We are worried about Mother and Uncle Albert. I mean, with what happened to Aunt Penelope…" he will trail off.
Rolf crossed his arms across his chest and looked at Johnny. "So, you four thought up a plan?"
"No, Johnny did." Spouted off Matty.
"Master Johnaton. What is this plan?" asked Claria.
"Too never leave her alone." Stated Johnny. "Jessica is going to have mother help her with the books and girl stuff. Matty is going to teach her some sign language and get help with homework. Lilly will make sure she snuggles at night with her. I am going to show her around the grounds and anything else I could think of."
Maria will look up to Claria, "As the cook and housekeeper, we have schedules that we can go over. Menu's to be planned."
"Many items to sort through" interpreted Claria.
"What about your papa? Why is he not here? I can take her horse riding for my part" Rolf will pipe up. The children shrugged concerning their father. As for the horse riding, Johnny agreed that Rolf had a great idea.
Angry voices waffled down the hallway, the sound of feet and the swishing of a skirt headed to the kitchen. Everyone in the kitchen stopped talking to listen to the conversation.
"Albert Spenser, I don't care what you think, or what you want. If you really think that I would leave Matt, and keep his children here away from him, you are shy an ace in your deck of cards." Kitty voice was hard and held a ring of authority in it.
"Kitty," Albert started.
"Mrs. Dillion to you" she snorted.
"Mrs. Dillion", Alberts voice had a dripping of sweetness to it. "The twins have lived here all their lives. They have friends and have learned how to take care of this place. As for the younger two, they have been here practical all their lives. There is so much in St. Louis to offer them. What can a backwards, dusty, violent town like Dodge offer. Surely your marshal husband would not move here."
Sighing and stopping to look at him, "They will be going back to Dodge with me."
"I will fight you in court. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law. I am their uncle, and you. Well, you say you are their new mama, but your kind would not be above the law and not lie about such things."
"My kind? What do you mean by that?" she will challenge.
"Your kind. A Saloon girl, a prostitute. Although you probably only take care of the marshal. Just where do you and he live. Above the saloon, where drunken cowboys and trail herders can see Jessica and figure she is one of your girls.
The sound of a slap startled both the occupants of the kitchen and Albert Spenser. Kitty's aim for his left cheek was dead on and left a red mark on his face. The sounds of a scuffle in the hallway brought Johnny onto his feet, and Rolf to stand up straight. Outside in the hallway, Albert Spenser, angered by the slap in one swift move, grabbed Kitty's right arm with his left hand, and her neck with his right hand. Pinning her to the wall, causing her to stand tiptoe, her eyes glared at him, and she felt the choking.
Johnny moved quickly to the hallway with Rolf right behind him and the others followed. In seeing Kitty struggling for air and the look in his uncle's eyes, Johnny clenched his fist and shouted "What the hell are you doing Uncle Albert. Let her go."
TBC