Chapter Seventeen: Dodge City, Gravesites and Train Stations
After dinner, Matt walked over to where Kitty was sitting in the dining room. Looking up at him, she tilted her head, her eyes questioning his. "They wish to go now?" Matt nodded, "You don't have to go Kitty. It would be fine if you decided to stay here."
"It's fine Matt. The twins have a right to say goodbye to her." Kitty stood up and placed a hand on his chest. He was the one uncomfortable, she knew. "The children should feel like they can love their deceased parent without us feeling jealous."
"I know honey." He laid his forehead on hers. "I will feel better once we leave for Dodge, and we are home. This reliving the past, dealing with the past…" he sighed and took her into his arms. "Kitty, I love you. I don't want you to ever doubt that."
"I know Matt." She whispered into his chest.
Taking her face in his hands, "Kitty. I need you to understand. I did love her." Seeing the hurt developing in her eyes. "I wasn't in love with her. At the time, she needed to leave this place, and I thought that I needed to settle down. It worked." He sat down in the end chair of the dining room table, pulling her into his lap. "Then life happened. And one rainy morning this beautiful redhead entered my life and turned me on my head. I fell head over heels for her and have been in love with her since." He brought her face to his and kissed her long and hard until a slight cough interrupted them. Looking up, Johnny stood at the doorway blushing.
"The young ones wish to go with us pa."
Matt and Kitty stood up. "Why would they want to do that?" Matt inquired. Taking Kitty's hand, they left the room, following Johnny to the den.
"They just do pa. They are waiting in the den with Jessy," replied Johnny entering the den. There stood Matty, Lilly and Jessy, dressed for a trip outdoors. Kitty moved over to the younger two, bending down to look at them eye to eye. "Why do you want to go to the gravesite?"
Matty looked his mother in the eye, "We are family and family stays together through everything," he stated flatly. Kitty nodded, hugged him and Lilly and then stood up. "Matt, I don't see any reason they cannot go. Unless you feel it would be dangerous for them."
"I don't think it would be dangerous Kitty." He picked up Kitty's coat and helped her with it, and then put on his own coat. "You two mind your ma and me, stay right with us." Both children answered together with a 'yes papa.'
The six of them headed out the back and towards the small cemetery located 500 yards from the house. At the gate, Matt stopped and took a deep breath before opening the gate to it. Jessica took Lilly's hand and Johnny placed his hand on Matty's shoulder, they slowly walked in. There were several gravesites, the one with their mother was next to their Aunt Penelope. Kitty patted Matt's arm as she entered and gave him a reinsuring smile.
Standing next to their mother's grave Johnny and Jessy spoke to their mother quietly, telling her that they were going to live with their father and his wife. Jessy attempted to convey that her new mother was a wonderful woman and that her birth mother did not need to worry. Johnny promised to take care of his sister, and his younger two siblings. He also told her that Rolf and Clara now own the estate, that this was the best for all.
Matt stood back from the children with Kitty beside him, holding his elbow and squeezing it once in a while. He looked down to the ground not really wanting to revisit his past. Matt was a man who lived in the here and now, but also knew that the past had a way to catch up with a man. Kitty released his arm and walked quietly up to the twins. Standing behind them, she quietly asked if she could say a few words. Johnny, startled by the request, looked at Jessy who nodded. The children walked over to Matt as they watched Kitty slowly walk toward the grave. Kitty felt the need to speak to the twins mother, although she was uncertain why. Standing by the grave, she first cleared her throat and then spoke low and softly.
"Charlotte. My name is Kathleen Russell. I am the one who will be stepping into the role of mother for your children. I promise not to let them forget you, and I will do my best to take care of them. They have grown up so much, Jessica has become a beautiful woman and Johnaton is doing all he can to be a man. Matthew, umm Matt is doing well himself and I wanted you to know that he hasn't forgotten you. I do love him with all my heart and soul, and I promise you to take care of him also." Pausing for a split second she continue, "I needed you to know that." Kitty turned, walked over to Matt and the children. Both Johnny and Jessy hugged her and whispered, 'thank you.'
"We need to head back to the house Kitty, children." Matt took Kitty's arm and headed towards the house. "Matty, you sleep in Johnny's room and Lilly, you sleep in Jessica's. Sleep in your clothes but not your shoes. Make sure they have their coat and hat. We will be waking you up around 11:00 p.m." Walking up the stairs to the door. "Johnny, Jessica, I want you to lay down also. No staying up." Letting the children in first, and then Kitty, Matt brought up the rear.
Inside the den sat Doc, Newly and Dakota. Watching the family walk through the room the three men looked to Matt. The four children went upstairs to their bedrooms, Matt poured a drink for him and Kitty.
"Do they know what is happening?" Doc questioned Matt, his hand rubbing across his mustache.
"They know that we are getting them up in a few hours." Matt took a seat in a chair across from Doc. Kitty sat down on the armrest of the chair; Matt placed his hand on her back. "Details they don't know. Washburn and I have talked, and we have a plan to get us to the train tonight." Matt downed his drink and then stood up. "Kitty and I are going to go lay down for a while, I suggest you guys do the same thing."
Watching them leave the room, the three men agreed that they too should go and lay down. Blowing out lanterns and ensuring the outside door was locked, they headed up the stairs to their rooms. Doc and Newly went straight to bed. Dakota laid down for a while and then got up, picked up his rifle and headed back down. Grabbing a cup of lukewarm coffee, he went back into the den taking a seat on the couch. Removing a cloth from his back pocket Dakota began wiping down his rifle. It brought back memories of the open range, cattle to be moved in a drive and a kindly older trail boss that taught him many things. When the old man died, he left very little to anyone, but he did leave Dakota one thing. His rifle, the old man's rifle and Dakota promised him on his death bed to take care of it.
At 10:30 p.m. that night Dakota heard footsteps in the hallway. Looking up, he watched as Doc. Adams shuffled into the room. Doc being a bit surprised in Dakota sitting there grumbled, "Have you been up all night?"
"Yeah Doc, I have. Sleep did not happen tonight, too worried I guess."
"It will be a long night without any sleep son." Doc sat and tugged on his ear. "Will your senses be keen for the next couple of days?"
"I be fine Doc. Been up for several days hunting down wanted men." Dakota leaned back placing his left arm across his forehead.
"Tell me something. What made you a bounty hunter?" Doc stared at him, locking eyes, and waited for the young man to answer.
"It was an accident that I got into the business. Was out like the marshal was, only I got lucky. Took the body into Garden City and was paid for his bounty. First real money I ever made. Picked up a horse, mule, clothes, supplies, things I needed and wanted. Decided that this might not be such a bad life." Dakota picked up his old coffee and took a sip, making a disgusting face as he put it down. "At first it seemed to be an okay idea, but it got ugly. I decided to just capture the men, instead of killing them. And then I wasn't sure what to do with the money."
"That is why you use your money for noble causes like a clinic for Dodge?" Doc looked solemnly at him. He rose and went to the liquor station, pouring a whiskey for both of them, walked over to Dakota and handed a glass to him.
"It seemed to make it better." Dakota shrugged and down the drink feeling the burn move down his throat.
"What if this is not profitable anymore. Or you decided not to do it any longer? Then what?"
Thinking for a few minutes before he answered, Dakota debated about what he would do. At times, he gambled and did a decent job, but could he make a living being a gambler. Maybe odd jobs, go back on the range. He just realized that he might be lost. Looking at Doc, he quickly turned his eyes downward to the floor. "Haven't thought about it. I have done some gambling, don't want to be trail hand. Just don't know Doc."
Before Doc could question him any further, noise up on the second floor drew their attention. "Sounds like the family is up." Doc quipped quietly as he headed to his room to retrieve his medical bag and his carpet bag. Dakota left the room and headed up to the room he was staying in. Newly had gotten up and grabbed both bags, stepped out into the hallway and handed him his bag.
Looking around seeing the others coming out of bedrooms, the younger two looking very sleepy and dragging their feet. Johnny and Jessy attempted to help the two, but Lilly was more asleep than awake and Matty was just being a bit stubborn. Matt walked over to Lilly, picked her up and let her lay her head on his shoulder. Johnny bent down and let Matty climb onto his back. Newly and Dakota picked up the extra bags and they all headed down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs stood Doc and Maria, along with Rolf.
"Everyone ready?" Rolf inquired. "Everything is set to go." Matt nodded and led them out of the house and towards the stables. The others followed him quietly, not sure what was or was happening. At the stables three other men were waiting. As soon as the group entered the stables, two of the men approached taking the carpetbags from everyone. There were horses saddled including Dakota's. Newly's wounded horse was ready to go, though not saddled, was fitted with tied up carpetbags. Everyone looked to Matt and Rolf for explanations.
Johnny set Matty down and headed over to his horse when his father stopped him, waving him to come over to him. "Here, take Lilly for a moment." Johnny nodded and took the sleeping girl into his arms. Kitty walked over to Matt wanting to know what the plan was. He took her hand and led her to a horse. "I want you to ride this one. Any problem with Lilly riding in front of you?"
"Why the horses Matt? I can hold her." Matt helped her up onto the horse. Motioning Johnny over with Lilly, he took the child from him and put her in front of Kitty. "This is the best way honey. We need to get our family home."
Johnny looked around and then mounted his horse. "Is Matty with me pa?"
"Yes. Doc can ride Matty's horse. Newly, you ride Jessica's with her. Dakota, do you think you can take Maria with you?"
Newly replied with a 'yes sir' and mounted Jessica's horse, helping her up behind him. Dakota tossed Matty up behind Johnny and then made sure Doc was on his horse. Walking up to Maria, he quipped "You and me good looking."
Doc grumbled out loud to Matt how long it has been since he last was on a horse. Dakota mounted his horse, helped Maria to sit behind him and guided his horse over to Doc. "Don't fuss Doc, I will be right by you."
Matt shook Rolf's hand thanking him for everything, while Rolf wished Matt 'good luck'. Leading the group of travelers and the two of the hired hands out the stables, one of the men moved to the front to lead the way. Looking over to Kitty to make sure she and Lilly were doing alright; he moved his horse beside her.
"I hope this works Matt." Kitty tightened her grip on the small child. "I cant believe she is still sleeping."
Matt chuckled a bit. "She trust you Kitty. She feels safe. I want them all to feel safe with us." She looked at him for a few seconds. She had her family now, Matt survived his injuries, the children were theirs and the twins were with their father. What more could she want than this? She wanted to be home in Dodge, to start the life she always dreamed of. "We will always make them feel safe Matt. Always."
Taking the back roads from the estate to the train station was slow going. Not wanting to draw attention to them, they kept the pace even and slow. Not wanting to stir up dust which might attract someone they would stop for a few minutes. Seeing the station ahead, Kitty let out a sigh of relief. Hopefully they would get out of town before Albert found out.
Riding up to the side of the station, Matt dismounted and found the train conductor. The two ranch hands fanned out, keeping look on the scenery to make sure Albert was not there. Once Matt talked to the conductor, he walked over to the group. "Dakota, Newly. Get the horses into the stable car. Johnny let's get your mother and sister down. Everyone is to head towards the sleeper car."
Following Matt's instructions, Newly helped Jessica down and then dismounted himself. He looked at her and squeezed her hand. "I will be in soon."
Dakota helped Maria off his horse and dismounted himself. Making sure she was fine, he headed over to Doc. He made sure that Doc dismounted without any problems. After Doc dismounted, Dakota nodded at him and then took his horse. "You take care of the horses and get into the train car." Doc told him. "You know I will, what's your worry?" Dakota called over his shoulder joking with Doc.
Johnny helped Matty down and dismounted himself, handing the reins over to Newly. After Newly took the reins, Johnny and Matty walked over to where Kitty and Matt was. Handing down Lilly to Johnny, Matt helped Kitty down. Looking down at her, he smiled and touched her face. "Lets get everyone inside."
Matt took Lilly from Johnny, who in turn took Matty's hand. Lilly settled down onto Matt's shoulder and yawned. "Papa are we in Dodge yet?" Matt patted her back, "No baby girl, we are getting into the train. Go back to sleep."
The group entered the sleeper car, Matt placed Lilly down into a bottom bunk. Kitty took off Lilly's coat and shoes, tucking in the little girl with her doll. She bent down and kissed the little girls forehead. Lilly turned onto her side and snuggled down. After Lilly settled down, Matt helped Matty up into the bunk above her. Matty removed his boots, hat, and coat, dived under the covers and wished his parents a good night. Doc, Maria, and Jessica found bottom bunks for themselves. With the young ones settled Matt guided Kitty to a lower bunk across from the younger children. "You should get some sleep Kitty," Matt quietly spoke to her. "We have a few long days ahead of us."
"I know Matt. It will be good to get home again." She sat down on the lower bunk. "Are you sleep in the top bunk?"
"No. The bunks are too small, and I don't want to disturb you if I need to get down. There is a long bench along the side in the front. I will be there if you need me." Matt reached out and caress her face. "Wont be the same as laying beside you," his voice was a soft whisper to her. The sound of the back door opening drew their attention. Newly, Dakota and Johnny entered the car, closing and locking the door behind them.
"Horses are all settled marshal. We paid the attendant to take good care of them." Newly informed them.
"Good. Johnny, I want you to take the upper bunk above your sister. There are a couple of top bunks for you two." Matt informed them. Dakota grabbed the one above Doc and Newly took the one above Maria. Before Newly climbed into the bunk, he quietly walk over to Jessica.
"Good night, Jessica. We will be back in Dodge before you know it."
"Good night, Newly. I am looking forward to you showing me around." Newly tipped his hat her and went to his bunk.
Meanwhile, in Dodge City along about midnight, a tall well-dressed man, with handlebar mustache and very short hair rode in along main street. His hair and mustache was a dark black, his eyes were also dark black. Stopping in front of the Marshals office and then move on, looking for a saloon, he found the Long Branch. Known for it's reputation the man dismounted and went it.
He stopped at the bar and ordered a whiskey. As Sam was pouring it, the man looked at him and inquired. "When does the marshal go to bed?
"Is there a problem mister?" Sam inquired.
"I have business with the law" the man stated.
"Well, the marshal is not in town right at the moment. Deputy Festus is down at the other end of the bar, if you need to speak to him."
Nodding, the man stated, "Can you tell him that I wish to speak to him. And please leave the bottle." Tossing a couple of coins on the countertop, the man poured himself another drink. "And can I have another glass please." Sam placed another glass in front of the man, left the bottle, picked up the coins and went to talk to Festus.
Festus looked down at the man that Sam pointed out and finishing his beer, went to the man.
"Ole Sam here, tolds that you needing the law. Well, here I be. What can I helps you for?"
Pouring another drink for himself, and then one for Festus. "I am a lawyer Deputy and I have been informed you have my client in jail. One, Jake Colbert."
"He a guest there" Festus took the drink and swallowed it whole.
"I wish to see him in the morning Deputy." The man's voice was even.
"Alrighty, after breakfast, you can jaw with him. Never caught you name."
"Forgive my manners. I am William Colbert, esquire."
"Es…what? And Colbert. Any relations to the yahoo?"
"Esquire Deputy. A lawyers title. And yes, that yahoo as you call him is my baby brother."