Chapter Twenty-One: First Night Home
His breath was ragged, torn between excitement and being scared out of his wits. His hunting knife was secured in his right hand, his left planted against the wall of the cabin. He softly cussed at himself for leaving his rifle in the cabin, how could he be so careless. Never mind that, he thought, carving the man up would be better, more fun. He waited, his breath became more rapid, his heart pounded in his chest. He heard the footprints, saw a bit of the shadow on the ground, and then, the breathing of the man. He leaped, jumped out with his knife high, coming down, catching the flesh of an arm. He attempted to slash at him, the man stumbled backwards, blood gushing out of his left arm, sliced from wrist to elbow. Pain exploded in the man's eyes as he attempted to focus on the man who held the knife. Dropping his rifle, he went for his pistol, the assailant was faster than he was. The large knife was coming towards his chest, his stomach. The man could not believe that it might end this way.
Shots rang out, the assailant grabbed his chest, feeling the blood that creeped between his fingers. Growling like a rapid dog, he lunged at the man. Another shot rang out, the assailant fell to the ground as did the man. The man's arm was bleeding, bleeding badly. The owner of the previous shot came running towards the two of them. With a boot that jingle due to spurs, he pushed the assailant over. Satisfied that the assailant was dead, he immediately went to the man.
"Boy, youse look might bad. We need to get you to the horses. If I'se don't get that bleeding down, I be digging you to your afterlife." Festus stated as he help Dakota up.
"Don't want you doing that hillman." Dakota's words showed the pain he was in. Stumbling a bit, Festus helped him to the front of the cabin. Festus dug into one side of Dakota saddle bags and grab a shirt. Ripping it into strips Festus wrapped up Dakota's arm.
"Not likely sure if this would helps you." Festus fussed over the arm. He had some difficulty due to his arm in a sling. "We'se should get into the cabin, night is coming soon." Dakota stood up and held his arm to his stomach. Slowly the two men climbed the steps and entered. Sitting down on one of the chairs, Festus heated up some water, and found a bed sheet that would do better.
"Doc is really going to be mad." Dakota mumbled.
"That ole scudder is a kitten. He may jaw at you a bit, but he be all right." Festus replied.
"Wasn't talking about Doc Adams. I was talking about Doc Sammatha."
"Not inclined to help you there youngin." Festus laughed and shook his head.
William Colbert watched as the two deputies took down his brother. He shook his head. Such failures his brothers were. He took a deep breath, turned his horse around and headed back to Dodge. He would have to take care of the Marshal himself.
SIX HOURS EARLIER:
Dakota parted ways outside the Long Branch Saloon and headed up the stairs that ended at the door of Doc's office. Entering quietly he noticed Festus was stretched out on a small cot and Doc was nowhere in sight. He walked over to Festus and shook his shoulder. Festus opened up one eye and looked back at him. "I'se sleeping boy."
"I know, sorry. Have a question for you. Know your injured, but I have a slight lead on the moron that shot at us. Heard you're the best tracker around, so was wondering if you would be interested in getting the moron?"
Festus sat up suddenly, "Sure would." He swung his legs around and placed his feet on the floor. "Needs to get my stuff and Ruth."
"Ruth?"
"My mule. Not planning on footing it was you? Festus shook his head as he stood up, fetching his gun belt and hat.
"Ah. I will saddle her for you and meet you outside the marshals office. Need to grab a rifle from the office. Want to leave my rifle here, needs to be cleaned." Dakota headed towards the second bedroom that was his.
"Ruth ain't no she-male, he is a male." Retorted Festus
"Oookayyy." Dakota started. He was going to ask more, but Doc interrupted them by stepping out of his bedroom.
"What in tarnation is going on out here. Why are you up and acting like a fool by leaving, and where do you think your going son?" Doc demanded.
"This boy here doesn't know Ruth is a boy Doc." Festus seemed a bit hurt.
"I have a lead Doc, on the man that shot at us. Asked him (pointing at Festus) to help me track him."
"By thunder, do you two know what you are doing?" Questioned Doc.
"Sures, we do Doc. We's hunting down an outlaw, whats we doing." Countered Festus as he headed towards the door.
Doc stood there watching the whiskered deputy walk out the front door and the young boy into his bedroom. Knowing both were stubborn, he decided that for Festus there was no use in talking, so he headed into Dakota's room.
"Dakota," Doc started softly. "You haven't even unpacked your belongings yet or sleep a night in the room. Not mentioning that Sammatha will be upset knowing your chasing down this man."
Stopping from grabbing some items and shoving them into the saddlebag, Dakota looked up to him. "I know Doc, I know. This is something that I have to do."
"Why?" Doc pulled on his ear.
Dakota looked down at the saddlebag, wrestling with emotions of which he was not sure. He tried to formulate his words, stumbling as he talked. "Doc, you…you know my history. I don't know, I just, well. It hurt seeing her go down. As long as I live, no one, no one at all will hurt the two of you, especially her and get away with it. I know it doesn't make sense, nothing right now makes sense other than capturing that man and seeing him pay."
Doc nodded. He had seen many young men in conflict with emotions and ideology. However, this hit closer that Doc felt comfortable with. Not wanting Dakota to leave feeling like the world was against him and that for now he had a home, " Dakota, you wont be leaving without seeing her, will you? And you must reassure her that you will be careful and come home."
He finished packing his saddlebags, and went over to Doc. "I wouldn't think of not." Suddenly, without thinking he grabbed Doc and hugged him. Embarrassed, he stopped the hug and went out into the main room. He placed his saddlebag down on the examination table and knocked on the door. Hearing Doc Sam say to come in, Dakota slowly came into the room. He left the door opened and took off his hat.
"Come in Dakota, sit on the chair." Sammatha sat up and looked at him.
"How are you?" Dakota asked sitting on the chair.
"Oh, I will be fine. Galen will see to that. Something is going on with you, isn't it Kota?
He was surprised by the nickname she suddenly placed on him, but decided it felt right. "Yes ma'am, I am leaving with Festus for a bit. We have a trail that should lead us to the outlaw that shot at us."
"And of course, you have to go." She reached out and took his hand. "Shouldn't the Marshal be taking care of this."
He looked at her hand on top of his. "I told him I would. Just came home with his family and well, needs to be there the first night." Dakota slightly blushed at the contact with her but did not pull away. "I promise to come home. Kinda like to sleep in my bed for a change."
"I know this is something you must do Kota. Just remember that Galen and I will be waiting for you."
Dakota stood up and leaned over, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I will be home before you know. We can have a family dinner and talk about the clinic, and I can finally sleep in my bedroom on my bed. He released her hand and as he left the room, she called out, "I might just tuck you in."
Doc smiled at the interaction between the boy and his wife. Catching Dakota's eyes, Doc could not help himself. "Kota huh? Tuck you into bed like your three huh?
"Geeze Doc." Dakota grabbed his items and headed out the door. Stopping at the entrance way he continued. "Women…" he grunted and left the office. Once at Moss stabled, he saddle up his horse while Moss saddle Ruth. Taking the two animals over to the Marshal's office, he grabbed a rifle and the two of them headed out of town. Seeing the Long Branch and knowing that the Dillions were gathered there, Dakota stated out loud, "See you soon Dillions, you stay safe." Festus looked over to the young man and he then yelled "We gits him Matthew, youse count on that."
Matt watched Dakota jog over to the stairs leading up to Doc's office. He open the door to the Long Branch and entered. Matt smiled as he witnessed his family sitting around one of the tables, laughing, eating, talking. Sam drafted a beer and waited to hand it to the marshal. Matty and Lilly left the table, running towards the big man.
"Papa" both called out as they ran to him. Matt swept both children up into his arms. Lilly wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek.
Kitty came over and picked up the beer on the bar top. Walking over to Matt, she smiled up to him. "Are you hungry Cowboy?"
"That I am ma'am. Happen to have food for a hungry papa?" Matt set the two children down and both grabbed a hand, pulling him towards the table.
"Hello Father", Jessica smiled at him, getting up from the table fetching him a bowl of stew. Kitty set the beer down before him and Matt took both a drink of the beer and a big bit of the stew.
Kitty sat down beside him. "Maria, can you take Matty and Lilly upstairs. Matty needs to get cleaned up so that he can see Doc about his hearing. I arranged hot water for the tubs."
"Yes Miss Kitty. Come on you two. Time to get clean up and set up your rooms." Maria lead the younger two up the stairs to the rooms that was set up for them.
Matt watched and then looked at those who were left. "Dakota and I went down to where the shooting happen and looked around. Found and followed tracks of the horse the man got away on. Lead out of town of course and mixed somewhat with other tracks. Dakota is getting Festus, and they are going to track the man and bring him to justice. Newly, I might need you to help out with the town while Kitty and I get the family settled. Johnny, you need to hang around here and help protect them when I am at work. Jessy, I want you to help out your mother as much as possible."
Newly, Johnny and Jessy nodded. Newly scooted his chair back and stood up. "Marshal, I will be in my shop if you need me. I can sleep at the jail tonight so that you would not have to."
"Thanks Newly." Matt nodded to the gunsmith. Jessy stood up also, which did not go unnoticed by anyone. She walked with him to the doors, and they stood there quietly talking before Newly stepped outside, heading towards his shop.
"Pa, could I help out around here. Work at the bar or the inventory or something. Don't want to just sit around my room or what not." Johnny inquired.
Matt stopped watching Newly and Jessy for a minute, and before he could answer, Kitty spoked up. "I have to do inventory and straighten up the cellar. I would appreciate the help, Johnny."
"Pa, I think I should wear my gun belt if I am to watch out for the family."
"Leave it under the bar if you feel like you need it. I don't want you to wear it around town, and definitely not in here." Matt stated a bit harshly. Johnny stood up abruptly and stormed up the stairs. "I will see if Matty is ready," spitting the words out.
Jessy returned to the table and watched her brother storm up the stairs. Coughing a little, she caught her fathers attention. "Father, I was wondering if tomorrow afternoon, Newly could show me around Dodge a bit."
Matt attempted to say something; however Kitty stopped him. "Let us see how the afternoon goes. I really don't see a problem as long as you two stay on Center Street."
"Thank you, mother. I am going upstairs to check on Johnny. To make sure he doesn't do something a bit stupid. And I need to get Lilly's and my room set up." She kissed Kitty's cheek and then Matt's and headed upstairs.
Standing up and running a hand through his hair, he will look at Kitty. "I don't know if I have what it takes Kitty. I am not sure if I am cut out for this, with the twins. The little ones seem easy."
Kitty chuckled and went to him, placing her arms around his waist. "Matt, Johnny is misplaced." She saw the confused look on his face as his arms went around her. "He is used to being the man of the house, and now is much older, taller, larger father is making the rules, especially for him. It will take time."
"And the girl?"
"She is becoming a woman Matt. And with what you know about women."
"I know, I have a lot to learn." Matt kissed the top of her head. "Don't know what I would have done without you in my life. I don't ever want to know." He raised his hand to her face and caress it. "I have a bunch of paperwork to do at the office. When should I be back here for dinner?"
"I believe 7:00 would be good. Lets take the children over to Delmonico's Matt. I want to show off our children."
"Fine, I will be here a little before 7:00 to get cleaned up and we will go. Are you going to be alright taking Matty to see Doc?"
"I will be fine. We both have changes to make, and this is mine. Go to work and get the paperwork done. If it is bad, I will come to your office to tell you. If not, I will tell you when you get home."
Kissing her quickly on the lips, he headed out the door and too his office. He had thought about going to Newly's shop to talk to him about Jessica and decided not to. Matt decided to focus on paperwork so that he could spend the evening with his family. Maybe he and Kitty would talk about marriage and adoption.
SIX HOURS LATER:
Festus knelt down onto the ground and with his right hand, moved some grass, and examined the hoof prints. "Looks as the scoundrel went that way over the hill. I thinks there's a cabin over there." Festus stood up and mounted Ruth. Both men knew that they would have to be careful and quick. Daylight was starting to fade out and it would put them in a bind. Once they covered the distance to the cabin, they stopped in a grove of trees that was nearby. Dismounting, they slowly moved up to the front of the cabins with their mounts in tow. Dakota had drawn his rifle and Festus his pistol.
When they reached the front of the cabin, the men examined the horse that was tied up on the hitching post. Dakota saw the blood on the saddle and motioned to Festus. Quietly tying their horses up, Dakota tapped Festus on the shoulder and indicated he was going to go around the cabin before they attempted to enter the building.
When things were over, Festus and Dakota in the cabin before the fireplace, both men yawned. "Get some sleep boy. Ride to Dodge will be rough." Festus commented.
"You get some sleep hillman. You were just shot earlier today." Dakota remarked back to him.
"Reckon we both sleep and hope no one mossy on in here."
"I would plan that way, but it sounds good. At least the moron wont try to shoot the Dillions again."
Both men unrolled their bedrolls, tossed a new log on and laid down. Soon they both were snoring away.
Kitty had taken Matty up to Doc's office and while he was looking into Matty's ears, she decided to check in on Doc Sammatha. Opening the door slightly, she peeked in and seeing the good Doctor sitting up asked "Care for some company?"
"Of course Kitty, please come in. How are you doing?"
"I am fine, and you?"
"Bored. Galen wont let me up. Stated someone about stubborn fools that wont stay put. Dakota and Festus took off after the man who shot us. Festus was permitted to be up and about, but not me. Cranky old man he is sometimes."
Kitty laugh and nodded. "The men in our lives can be stubborn and cranky."
Doc poked his head and motioned to Kitty to come here. He then went to his wife. "Matty's ears are holding onto the ear wax. I am going to flush them. This may or may not help his hearing, but it should stop the decline."
"Galen, your going to need me with this." Doc Sammatha stated.
"I know dear, that is why I came in. Let me help you up." Doc helped her out of bed and into the other room. Matty was looking at Doc's instruments and when the three adults entered the room, Matty stopped.
"Matty, you know better." Kitty scolded.
"I know mama. Sorry grandpa and grandma. Was just wondering what they all were."
"Tell you what grandson. Once you are all settled in Dodge, I will have you up here and grandma and I will tell you all about what we work with." Doc will wink at him. "Now, I need you to hop up here so we can start working on you."
Matty jumped up onto the table and laid down. Doc and Doc Sammatha began to flush his ears out. They also used a fine long tool with a small cup on the end. The amount of ear wax that came out amazed both doctors. At times Matty whimpered slightly and once his hand went up to his ear. Kitty stood by him and took his hand. "It will be over soon son."
After a while, Doc declared he was done and that all the wax was removed. "We also removed some dirt and debris from his ear. He will have to do this once-a-month Kitty."
Matty sat up and looked around and smiled. "Grandpa, I can hear you better."
"Good grandson. I want you to go with your mama and rest."
"Yes sir." Matty jumped down and stood by his mother.
"Thank you, Doc, and you too Sammatha. We are having dinner at Delmonico's at 7:00 tonight if you care to join us."
"That sounds fine Kitty. We will be there." Doc smiled at his wife, placing his arm around her waist. "See you then."
Kitty and Matty left Doc's office and went back to the Long Branch. The afternoon wore on and as he said, Matt arrived there early and washed up. Inquiring about Matty, Kitty will gather the children up and they all headed towards Delmonico's. When they left the Long Branch, Newly was on his way in. Jessica piped up that they were going for dinner and had he have his. When he mentioned that he had not, Matt looked at his deputy and invited him.
After dinner, as the night wore on, Matt sat with Matty and Lilly, reading to them. Kitty leaned up against the doorway watching him, her heart swelled with love. Soon she announced that it was bedtime and both she and Matt settled the younger two down. Walking down the hallway to the back entrance. "Do you have to go?" She asked him.
"I have to do the rounds Kitty. I have been gone for a while and I need to make my presence known. I will see you soon." He planted a kiss on her forehead and left.
Two hours became three and three became four. Kitty had paced back and forth waiting for him. Giving up, she prepared for bed when she heard him come down the hallway. It took him a bit to come to their room and at first, she wasn't sure why. Then it dawned on her that he was checking on the children.
Standing before the door in a thin nightgown she waited for him to enter. The lamps where low and her hair was down. She had bathed earlier, and the room smelled of lavender and soap. Matt, tired from the long day, entered the room and saw her. In his eyes she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He immediately went to her and ran his fingers into her hair.
"I need to take a bath Kitty." His voice was low and quiet.
"There is hot water for you in the bathtub." She took his hand and led him to the washroom. Matt took off his dirty clothes and climbed in, feeling the warmth of the water wash over him. As he bathed, he gave her an update on the town and the children.
"Johnny's leg hung down, Matty was buried under his covers. Lilly apparently got scared and crawled into bed with Jessica."
"Sounds right Matt. I am glad we are home." Kitty will take a cup and pour water over Matt's hair, rinsing it.
"I am glad also Kitty. Go on to bed, I will be in there once I dry off."
Kitty went into the sleep portion of the room and climbed into bed. A few minutes later Matt, naked and dry, climbed in with her. He gathered her up into his arms, one hand played with her hair, while his lips began to play with hers. Soon his lips roamed down her neck and collarbone. Kitty nibbed on his neck. Both began to feel their temperatures rise and their passion demanded for release, and both succumb to that demand. Afterwards, Kitty laid in his arms, and Matt rubbed her back content.
"What time do we need to have Matty and Lilly at the schoolhouse?"
"Are you going with us Matt."
"Sure, and once they were there thought we might look at some houses."
"Houses?"
"I took the morning off Kitty. Figured we would take care of the children and then look into a house for us. Would that be alright?" Matt sounded a bit worried. He wondered if she would want a house with him.
"Of course it is Matt. We don't have to rush anything do we?"
"No Kitty, we don't. I should get a union suit on in case Lilly decides to climb into bed with us. He untangled himself from her, grabbed a clean union suit on, only to his waist. He climbed back into bed, noticing she had put her nightgown back on. He snuggled down with her in the bed. They had so much more to talk about, but both were tired and soon fell asleep.
In a small town in Kansas, the train to Dodge stopped late at night for one-half an hour. Albert Spenser left the car he was in and found a room at a bar. After a few drinks, he went and found the stables. Knowing that they were not open this late at night, he did not care. He just wanted to know where they were at. Finding the local telegraph office, he went in.
"I need to send a telegraph to St. Louis please."
The telegraph clerk looked at him. "To who?"
"Bryant Scott."
"From?" the cleric continued.
"Andrew Splinter." Albert replied.
"And the message?"
"Burn it." Albert smiled and tossed a quarter on the desktop.