Chapter Eight: Introductions and Conversations
Johnny Dillion stood there, his mouth slightly gapped, and he could not actually believe what these two strangers had just said. He looked from one to the other and back again. "My father has been shot, badly. And I am to believe this when I don't know either of you?"
Newly realized the boy did not need to believe him, and if the roles had been reversed, he wouldn't believe him. He wished that Dakota had not broken the news this way, but since it was, there was nothing left to do but try to fix it. "Could you please let Miss Kitty know that Newly O'Brian is here and wishes to speak with her. Please let me explain the marshal's wounds to her. I know what they are, and how he is doing."
"I suppose I could do that. What about him, do I tell her that he is here too?"
"Nah, she doesn't know me. It might put her on edge or something." Dakota stated, looked around to see if the strange man might have followed them up.
"Alright, you two stay here. You can water your horses over there at the pump and I will let her know. I will send Rolf out to tend to your horses once mother agrees to see you." Johnny stepped back inside and closed the door, locked it and headed to the great room where Kitty and Jessica were going over the books. Small chattering between them about assets, or something of that nature, Johnny heard. Keeping books was not his fondness and he never bothered to learn them. Matty and Lilly sat in the middle of the room playing with toy horses. Johnny smiled at the younger ones as he passed them and came to a stop before the desk.
"Who was at the door?" Kitty put down her pencil waiting on an answer.
"Two men who claim to be fathers deputies from Dodge."
"Newly and Festus?" Kitty was somewhat surprised and fearful. Either Matt had not returned from Hays, or he was too hurt to travel.
"Umm; no. One calls himself Newly, the other is named Dakota. The one called Newly would like to talk to you. Should I let him in or send him back to Dodge."
Kitty stood up and poured herself brandy. She did not know this Dakota person, however, if Matt sent him with Newly, there must have been a reason. Carefully sitting down in a chair that had a table between it and three others, her voice measured and quiet. "Johnny, let them in. Jessica, close the books and put them away, then come and sit by me."
"Yes ma'am" came from both as they did her bidding. Johnny stopped by the kitchen area and motioned for Rolf to follow. "We have two deputies sent by my father. Take care of their horses. Miss Clara, can you prepare a room for them." Johnny called out over his shoulder as he went back to the door.
Marshal Matt Dillion was up and walking slowly around the room under the guidance of Doctor Sammatha McTavish. As usual, Matt attempted to push himself. He did not like being in bed at the doctor's office. What he really wanted to do was first go to the jail and look at the man who shot him, and second, board a train to St. Louis.
"You are doing just fine Marshal." Doctor Sammatha stated as she watched him move around the room. It amazed her how quickly the man could recover.
"I am just fine Doc Sam. Now if I could convince the horse doctor you married to let me leave this fine establishment." Matt said with a little laugh in his voice.
"He said that you would mention something like about leaving. I really don't think it would be wise to let you go. Your still have stitches in you and that shoulder was really messed up from the bullet." Doc Sammatha quietly said. Matt, tired from the walking, sat back down on his bed, sighing, and looking defeated. Sitting in the chair by the bed, she continued "I know your very worried about Kitty and the children. It wouldn't do them any good if you pushed yourself and wind up in trouble, and possible open up the stitches and bleed to death."
"I know. Just feel so helpless here. Albert is a very slimy and horrible person. When Penelope was alive, she could handle him. He seemed scared of her, and now that she is gone, I am not sure what he would do, or won't do."
"Your two deputies arrived, and I am sure that they will watch out for them. Newly will keep a good watch on Kitty. I know how you two feels about each other Matt. Stay positive and soon you will have your hands full with a family."
Matt looked at her. It was the first time she called him by his name. "I take it you two women have been discussing the male species."
"We talk about everything. Kitty and I have become close, and she talks about the two of you. I know your scared to get married and have a family. Your scared to leave her a widow, and any children you have without a father."
"I have a lot of enemies, and even those that I don't know that want me dead. With a wife and family, they would have advantages over me."
Doc. Sammatha reached out and placed her hand on his forearm. "Don't let that fear stop you from marrying her and embracing the family that you have. She fears for you every day, even when things are quiet here in Dodge and you are just doing paperwork. It doesn't stop her from loving you and wanting you. I know her well enough that no matter how you two feels with each other, she will step into the position of mother with those children. You should let her step in to the position of your wife."
Before he could reply, Doc Adams stepped into the room "Samantha, I need you to look at this" he will hand her a note that was delivered to him from the bank. "Matt, you lay back down and rest."
Matt did as he was requested and saw the confused look on Doc. Sammatha's face. She looked to Doc. Adams "What does this mean Galen. What business do we have with the bank?"
"Well, guess we should go and find out." He pulled on his ear. "Matt, now you just stay put while we are gone. No heroic or foolish ideas of going over to jail and doing some work. Your deputies are with Kitty and Festus is taking care of Dodge."
Doctor Sammatha stood up and patted Matt's shoulder. "Think about what I said." Turning around to Doc. Adams. "Well Galen, let's go and see what Mr. Bodkin needs us for." She took her cape off the coat hanger, placed it on her shoulders and exited the office. Doc Adams followed her retrieving his coat and hat. Deep down he worried about what news the bank president had for them. Earlier he noticed the for-sale sign was gone, did someone buy the place, and now he and Sammatha would have to find someplace else to practice their profession and also to live.
When both doctors reached the bank, Galen opened the door, letting Sammatha enter first and followed, closing the door behind him. The bank was quiet with only one teller and one customer. Mr. Bodkin, the bank president stood by the teller retrieving money from the till. Upon seeing the doctors, he walked over to them with a smile on his face.
"I am glad you came", he stated motioning for them to his office, opened the door for them. "Please take a seat, I need to secure this money" he headed for the safe as both doctors took a seat in front of the president's desk.
Galen Adams ran his hand over his mustache, looked at Bodkin with anticipation in his mannerism and eyes. "So, what is the nature of us being summoned here Bodkin" he stated flatly.
"Summoned, oh good gracious no. It was a request since there is some business, I need to conduct with you and your wife." Bodkin looked a bit flustered and proceeded to pick up a folder to retrieve papers from them.
"And those papers? Eviction notice?" Galan Adams demand
Blinking, Bodkin looked a bit bewildered at the doctor. "There no eviction notices here, just a bill of sale and a new account that needs your signature."
Sammatha saw that her husband was on the verge of being short tempered and inpatient. "Galen, we should just wait and let Mr. Bodkin tell us what those papers involved before we protest." She had a small smile on her lips and in patting his arm, Galen motioned for Bodkin to continue.
"Well Dr. Adams, Dr. McTavish, seems you have a benefactor that has an interest in you." Bodkin will raise his hands when it looked like Adams was going to question him. "The benefactor does not wish for his or her identity to be known. Two items of business that we have to conduct today. First is the building you currently reside in has been purchased, and the deed placed into your names. Second, there is an amount in a special account designated to fix up the place, buy necessary furniture, equipment, and supplies. Shall we do the paperwork for the building first?"
Galen Adams' mouth opened and closed; words unable to escape as he sat there trying to process what was said to him. Sammath McTavish hand covered her mouth as she was processing it also. "Galen" she whispered to her husband. "Did I hear correctly?"
He nodded and stumbled through his words. "This by god, better not be a joke of some kind." His voice was a bit harsh, biting and stern.
"I assure you that this is no joke. Here, please read the deed. I did put both names on it, and you will see that it is legal and in order." Bodkin handed over the paperwork for the building and both doctors read over the paperwork and deed. Seeing where their signatures were needed, they quietly signed their name. The paperwork was handed back and Bodkin signed it, stamped it, and informed them that the paperwork will be sent for court records. He then handed them the second piece of paper with figures on it.
Galen and Sammatha looked at the paper that show a deposit in their names for the amount of 700.00 dollars. "Is this correct?" she asked. "This can't be true," he stated at the same time.
"I assure you that the number is correct." Bodkin stated.
"And you cannot tell us who set this all up for us?" questioned Sammatha.
"No Doctor. They do not wish to be identified." Bodkin stated.
Both doctors signed their name on the account, and a few minutes later, thanked Mr. Bodkin and walked out of the bank and headed over to their office.
"What do you think?" she asked him as she put her hand in the crook of his arm.
"I don't know what to think. I don't know who would have that type of money and what would be the answer to our dilemma. While they walked up the stairs to the office. "Wonder what Matt would think about this."
"I think he would congratulate us and want to know when the Adams Family Clinic would have its grand opening, verses our talk of it." She replied as she went into the office.
Johnny opened the door and walked towards the two deputies. Behind him a few steps Rolf was behind Johnny and proceeded to size up the two men standing before them.
"This here is Rolf, our grounds keeper. He also takes care of the horses and will see to yours. They will be put into the barn, brushed down, given water and oats. Anything else you need done for them?"
"No, that's seems more than enough. Thank you, Rolf" replied Newly.
Dakota removed his rifle from the case and nodded to Rolf. Johnny looked at this and wasn't really sure what to make of it or should do. Should he let the rifle in the house, or not. Deciding that since this was his father's deputy, he would not make a scene about it. Newly will also remove his rifle, which in a way made Johnny feel a little bit better about his decision. "Follow me. Mother is in the den with the others." He moved through the door first, letting the men enter and then he shut the door. "I took your advice and did not tell her about father. She didn't seem to know who you were Mr. Smith."
Following down the corridor after Johnny, Dakota noticed a blood stain on the floor, by the hall rug. He won't say anything, just made mental note of it. He would look for other signs of a struggle but found none. As Johnny led them into the den, Newly whispered to Dakota that he also noticed the blood. Both men entered the room, Newly smiling as he sees Kitty. The men took notice to the boy and girl sitting on the floor, who now went and stood by their mother, and the young lady that sat beside Kitty. Newly especially took notice, seeing the marshal's blue eyes in the young lady, long blonde hair that was neatly pulled back and a smile that yanked at him. "Come on man, pull yourself together" he thought as he attempted to focus on Kitty.
Kitty Russel was a woman of many talents, and one was reading men. Her years in deal with every sort of man taught her many things. Noticing that Newly O'Brien eyes focus on Jessica a little bit longer than he should, and saw that Jessica was doing the same thing. Kitty stood and gave a slight cough. "Good afternoon gentlemen."
"Afternoon ma'am" stated Dakota, nudging at Newly to also respond.
"Miss Kitty", Newly blushed a bit and tipped his hat. Both men removed their hat and moved to the chairs. Once Kitty sat back down, both men, themselves sat with rifles laid on the floor.
"I know you have met Johnny. This young lady is his twin, Jessica. This is the other son Matthew or Matty as we call him, and this is the other daughter Lillian or Lilly."
Newly and Dakota will nod at each one, returned their attention back to Kitty. "I am Dakota Smith, a new deputy for the marshal," Dakota's hand spread across his chest.
"Mama, why is that man have tape on his face and is all black." Lilly suddenly piped up.
"I am sure that is not your business young lady," Kitty patted Lilly's back.
"It is alright ma'am." Dakota then addressed the young girl. "A very bad man broke my nose and Dr. Adams fix it."
"Oh…" Lilly hands went to her mouth. Maria entered the room with a tray of coffee and cookies. Kitty, relieved that Lilly did not ask any more questions, motioned for Maria to take the younger two with her. Maria gesture to the young two children and stated, "Cookies and milk in the kitchen." Both Matty and Lilly cheered about cookies and took off with Maria.
Looking back at the two deputies "I take that Matt was unable to come," she stated quietly, folding her hands onto her lap and then lowered her eyes.
"No ma'am. The marshal was wounded, and Doc felt that a train ride was impossible for him." Newly answered her.
"How bad?" Kitty felt herself tremble a bit. Jessica reached out and placed her hand on Kitty's arm. Johnny stood behind the chair and his hand went to Kitty's shoulder.
"He is alive Miss Kitty. He was shot in the left lower side and in his right shoulder by a colt 45. Doc and Doc Sam did surgery on him, and he is resting at Doc's office. At least that is where we left him. A man named Jake Colbert was the one who shot him," Newly leaning forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "I know that Doc is worried about the right shoulder, being the marshal's shooting arm," he continued.
Kitty Russell sat back and pondered the words that Newly delivered. Folding her hands, she looked at Newly, "So tell me how it happened, who is the Colbert person and has he been captured."
Newly turned to Dakota, "You know the story better than I do."
Dakota nodded, looked at Kitty, "I had been trailing Colbert for about a week. There is a grove of trees by the Arkansas River, and I saw him enter there. I pursuit him and heard a gunshot. Colbert was hiding in that grove, came across the marshal, shot him in the right shoulder. When I actually found them, he was crazy and was going to kill the marshal. I tackled him, which prevented Colbert from committing murder, but he still got the marshal, in the side. We fought, that is how I got this," pointing to his face, "and I was able to knock him out. Once he was secured, I took care of the marshal. I don't have medical knowledge, just basic survival skills. By morning I was able to make a litter, get the marshal onto it, secure my prisoner and after many hours, arrived at Dodge and Doc's office." He would shrug and lace his fingers together, looked into her eyes to see if there were any other questions. A tear streamed down Jessica's face, Johnny frowned, and Kitty took in a breath.
"Johnny, take both men up to the guest room so they can freshen up. Dinner is in one-hour gentlemen, please join us." Kitty immediately stood up, causing Dakota and Newly to scramble to their feet. Nodding and holding her head up high, she departed the den and headed up to her room. Johnny and Jessica stared after her, unsure what had just happened or what to do.
"Miss Jessica, go after her please" Newly encouraged. Jessica took off after her mother, hoping that she would know what to do.
"Is she alright?" Dakota inquired to Newly. Johnny also wanted to know.
"She has been here before," Newly quietly stated.
TBC