Chapter Twenty: Home to Dodge

Festus Haggin and Doctor Sammatha McTavish stood together waiting for the train to enter the station. Both could hardly contain the excitement they felt inside. They heard the sound of the train's whistle blare out, letting folks know they were arriving and to ensure no one was standing around the tracks. There were other folks there, some like Festus and Sammatha awaiting loved ones and others nervously waiting to board the train for their destination.

Inside the train, the Dillion party was busy gathering items, checking how they looked, and anticipated the hugs from loved ones. Dakota, Newly and Johnny reentered the car announced that the horses were saddled and ready to go. Matty and Lilly sat on their knees on the bench looking out the window. Matt and Kitty stood side by side. He looked down at her and smiled.

"Seems we are home mama", Matt looked deep in her eyes.

Surprised by the term of endearment, Kitty looked up at him. "Yes, papa. We are. Now we have to get them to their new home." Kitty placed her arms around his waist and hugged him. He in turned, kissed the top of her head. He never felt this happy in his life.

"We should get the children ready. The train is entering the stationed," he whispered to her. Lilly came running over to them shouting "We're there, we're home." Her excitement was contagious as laughter could be heard. "Yes, little one, we are home."

Across the street from the train station sat a series of buildings. These were warehouses, some had items to be shipped and others empty for now. One of the buildings had a view of the area that people boarded and deboarded trains that came and went. It was here that Daniel found a well-hidden hiding place. Tethering his horse, he scaled the wall to the roof. Settling down in the spot that he found, he waited, rifle ready to do his bidding. Listening to the sound of the train's whistle he knew his assignment would be over soon. He knew what was expected of him, to harm, to scare, to intimidated, to make the Dillion family pay. Then to successfully leave Dodge and wait two days at an abandon farmhouse. This is what William wanted and unlike his brother Jacob, he will get it done.

The train slowed down to a complete stop. Once the train was secured, passengers began to deboard. The conductor knocked on the sleeping car and Matt, being a bit cautious opened it.

"Marshal," the conductor stated. "The train is completely stopped; you and your party can leave. Welcome home to Dodge."

"Thank you." Matt nodded to him. Turning he looked at everyone. "Stay together everyone. Matty, Lilly, you stay by Maria, you hear. Well, pick up the bags and lets depart." He stepped outside and looked around.

Festus waved like a mad man, shouting 'Matthew, over here', while Doc. Sam just headed towards the train. Matt waved at him, laughing at the mountain man, stepping down the stairs. He helped Kitty to step down and then, picked up Lilly, swinging her down onto the ground. Newly departed next and helped down Jessica. Johnny departed the train, stopping to look around. Dakota hopped down and extended a hand to Maria, and then grabbed Matty, plopping him next to her. Waiting he made sure that Doc, who brought up the rear was safety down.

Doctor Sam saw her husband and Dakota and immediately went over to them. Kissing her husband lightly, she welcomed him home. Dakota blush a bit, tilted his head slightly down, he started to move away from the two of them.

"Welcome home Dakota." Doctor Sammatha spoked to him. "Thank you for all that you have done for the marshal's family and for taking care of Galen."

"It was nothing." Dakota shrugged his shoulders. All the happiness and emotions that everyone was displaying began to overcome him.

"Oh pshaw," Doc ran his hand over his mustache. He looked to his wife, "The boy here wishes to stay with us. What do you think?"

"Well, his belongings are already in the spare bedroom. I think it would be just fine for him to live with his stuff." Doctor Sam had a huge grin on her face, causing Doc to also smile. He always loved it when she was happy.

Matt Dillion with family in tow met the whisker Deputy, extending his hand. Festus shook Matts hand, smiled with a huge silly face. Kitty and the children with Maria walked up to him. Kitty gave the hillman a kiss on the cheek, Festus blustered for a moment.

"Festus, I would like you to meet the Dillion clan." Matt began, motioning the four children forward. This is Johnny, Jessica, Matty and Lilly," he pointed out to each one. Johnny and Matty extended their hands for a handshake, which Festus complied. "This is Maria, she will be living with us, helping with the children." Festus touched the tip of his hat to her, "Welcome to Dodge Maria."

"Matthew, these here are some handsomest youngins I ever seen." Festus eyeballed each one. "Lots to tell you about happenings here in Dodge. I brought a wagon so's you have plenty of room for their stuff and them." Festus pointed out the wagon.

Tugging on Kitty's skirt, Lilly looked up at her. "Mama what is he to us?"

"What do you mean Lilly," she looked down at the young girl.

"That's grandpa and grandma over there," pointing to Doc and Doc Sam. "Is he another grandpa?"

"I'se not your grandpa little one," Festus bent his knees to get on her level. "I'se your uncle you see. You like fishing, do you?" Lilly squinted her nose and shook her head. Matty though spoked up, "I love to fish Uncle Festus."

Daniel watched the happy reunion across the street. Not just the Dillion group but other folks who arrived greeting their loved ones. He smiled a crooked smile and aimed his rifle. No one is to be killed, slightly wounded but not killed. William always took the fun out of things. Daniel had to admit to himself that William was always right, but still. He looked around and picked out his first target. Six shots is all he had, and he wanted to shake the Dillions to the core.

Daniel aimed and fired, his bullet was true and struck his first target. Down below in the group of people, the shot rang out and, in a flash, Doctor Sammatha McTavish cried out as she fell to the ground. Chaos ensured, with everyone in the area ducking down, running, and screaming.

Doctor Adams went immediately to his wife, kneeling down checking were she was wounded. Seeing blood soaking her dress around her upper thigh, he began to tear open the dress a bit. Dakota, knelt down on one knee, raising his rifle up, doing the best he could to cover them.

Matt yelled to Kitty "Get down, get the children down." He stood there with his pistol drawn, looking for the signs of a shooter. Festus beside him also drew his pistol, "It sound like a rifle Matthew."

Johnny and Newly immediately drew their pistols and scanned the street. Kitty and Maria gathered the children, instructing them to lay down on the ground. Matty went to Jessica and Lilly went to Kitty. Protective arms went around the two young ones. Johnny knelt beside his mother while Newly knelt beside Jessica and Maria.

A second shot rang out quickly and then a third shot. Citizens of Dodge City scattered everywhere. One of the bullets caused small, jagged rocks to fly, injuring a small child hiding beside his mother. She screamed when she saw the blood, and the child cried harder.

Dakota, spotting where the shooter was, took aim and fired. He did not hit the assailant, but it did slow down the shooting. Festus and Matt took off across the street. Johnny was going to followed but Newly grabbed his arm. "We have to move them to the wagon. It will give them cover." Johnny nodded since the wagon was sideways and the shooter would not be able to hit them.

"Miss Kitty, when Johnny and I open fire, you and the children run to the wagon for safety." Johnny and Newly opened fire on the shooter, knowing that the possibility of hitting him was slim. They both just hope that it would give Kitty and Maria time to move the others to the wagon.

The shooter was not worried about the pistols. The rifle proved to be a problem. Then he saw the marshal and his deputy running towards the building that he was at. He took a sloppy aim at them, firing two rapid shots at them. His second bullet hit Festus in the upper arm and the hillman tumbled to the ground. Matt stopped and glanced at him, Festus shouting to go on. Matt took up running again.

Kitty and Maria huddled down by the wagon, Kitty holding tight to Lilly. She shouted at Johnny over to her, yet Johnny decided to go and help Dakota protect both Doctors. When Newly saw Festus go down, he took off for the deputy. He reached Festus and helped him to the side where Festus would be protected.

"Go after Matthew." Newly nodded and continued after the marshal.

Daniel realized that he had a single bullet left, a very mad marshal after him. Jumping down from the roof, he mounted his horse. Matt came around the corner, pistol drawn. Daniel fired his rifle at the marshal who ducked behind the building. Daniel kicked his horse into motion and started to flee. The marshal took aim and fired, not sure if he hit the man or not. Newly came up to his side and stop. "Did you get him?"

"Yes sir. I'll help Festus on our way."

Dakota looked around; it seemed the shooting had stop. Not wanting to take chances, he maintained a vigilance. With a slight growl in his voice, "Doc, how is she? Do we need to move her?"

"She got hit in the leg. I need to get her to the office. Was anyone else hit?"

"A child was hit with rocks I think, and Festus took one to the arm." Johnny called out.

Matt and Newly returned back, first stopping where Festus was sitting. Newly helped him to his feet while Matt continued to look around as he approached his family. When Dakota and Johnny saw Matt heading towards them, they lowered their weapons. They waited until the big man approached them to move from where they stood.

"Doc, how is she?" Matt asked when he stood in front of them.

"She has a bullet to her leg. Festus hurt bad?" Doc questioned back.

"Bullet in his arm." Matt looked over to Kitty and the three children there. "Dakota, Johnny, we need to move them to Doc's office. I want to make sure no one else is hurt."

"Rocks flew up into a small boy's face." Johnny pointed over to a couple fussing with their small son.

"Alright, have them get the child up to Doc's. Dakota help Doc Sam and Festus into the wagon. I will get the others in there."

The boys nodded and moved to their assignments. Matt walked over to Kitty and the others. Johnny went and talked to the parents who nodded at his instructions. Looking around, he pointed to Doc's carriage. Knowing that Doc would ride in the wagon with his patients, Johnny told them to use it.

Dakota quietly handed his rifle over to Doc, which surprised him. Gently he picked Sammatha up and carried her to the wagon. Lifting her up and over the side, he laid her down so that the wounded leg was not against the wall. Then Newly helped Festus up into the wagon.

Matt walked over to Kitty, taking her into his arms. "It's over Kitty. We need to get to Doc's and then take the children home." He rubbed her back, trying hard to reassure her.

"Did you get the shooter Matt?"

"I am not sure. He did get away. I don't think he was hired by Albert. I am just not sure. Let get everyone into the wagon."

She nodded and motioned for them to climb into the wagon. Matt lifted both Lilly and Matty up onto the buckboard in front, then helped up Kitty. Maria and Jessica went to the back of the wagon and Newly helped them up. Dakota seeing Louie Peeters hanging around, motioned the small man over.

"Mr. Dakota, I saw the whole thing. I was waiting for your arrival with Festus."

"You can tell the marshal later what you saw. I need all the bags moved over to the Long Branch and the horses we brought taken to Moss. Can you do that?"

"Sure, I can Mr. Dakota. Do I need to get you a room at the Dodge house?"

"No Louie. But let Sam know that I will pay for a couple of drinks. Okay?" Dakota looked down into Louie's face. Hearing that he was getting a couple of whiskeys, Louie's face lit up.

Newly helped Doc up into the wagon and then climbed up himself. Sitting next to Jessica, he patted her forearm and smiled. "Everything will be fine," he whispered to her.

"Oh? I thought that it was the 'Welcome to Dodge' committee." She retorted back.

Johnny hopped on the back as Matt climbed up onto the buckboard. Dakota realized they were leaving, trotted over and jumped on the back. He looked over to Doc, and watched the man tend to Festus as the wagon lurched forward.

When the wagon and carriage reached the stairs that led up to Doc's office, Matt brought it to a complete stop. Dakota and Johnny jumped down from the back of the wagon and then helped others off. Matt secured the horse to the post and then proceeded to get Matty, Lilly and Kitty down from the buckboard. Dakota again handed his rifle to Doc. With care he picked up Doc Sammatha and carried her up the stairs to the office. Once inside he laid her down on the examination table. Newly helped Festus up the stairs and got him into a chair. He then went over to Doc, who instructed him to get hot water going and to sterilize the surgical tools. The couple with the small boy followed the crowd into the office and Doc instructed them to sit on one of the side beds.

Downstairs, Matt looked down at Kitty. "Let's get the children home and secured. I don't necessarily feel comfortable with them out in the open like this."

"Should I go up and help them father?" Jessica inquired looking up the stairs.

"I would be more comfortable with the four of you staying together. At least for now." Matt replied.

Matt and Kitty led the group down to the Long Branch. When they reached the front door, Lilly looked around. "You own this mama."

"Yes sweetie, I do."

"And papa owns the whole town?" Lilly asked. This caused Johnny to laugh out loud and Jessica to stab him in the ribs.

Picking her up, Matt patted her back. "No sweetie, I don't own the town. I protect the town."

Kitty had chuckled a bit when Lilly asked the question. "Lets get them inside and up to their rooms." She opened the glass door to the Long Branch and ushered the children inside. Sam saw the door opened and went towards it.

"Miss Kitty, Marshal, welcome home."

"It's good to be home Sam. Introductions are in order." Kitty then proceeded to introduce the children and Maria to Sam. After introductions, Kitty lead the group upstairs to the bedrooms. She showed them where her bedroom was and then showed Maria hers, the boys theirs and the girls theirs. Once everyone was settled in their rooms Matt and Kitty went back to hers.

When they entered the room, Matt stood before her and place his hands on her shoulders. Kitty looked up to him and knew, she always knew. "You have to go to work." Her voiced sounded sad.

He lowered his forehead to hers, "I have to find out things Kitty. For your safety and for theirs. I will stop at Delmonico's and have food sent over for your and the family. I want to check on Festus and Sammatha. Also want to grab Newly and Dakota if I can, to see if we can follow the shooter."

"I know. We have to protect them, all of them. Just wish you could have the first meal here in Dodge with the family."

"I wish that too." He will lift her face up and placed a kiss on her lips. Taking advantage of the moment Kitty intensified the kiss which evoked a response from Matt. Squirming a bit because of the kiss, Matt broke the kiss. "That's not fair Kitty. I really have to go to work, and you make me want to pick you up, throw you down on the bed and spend the rest of the day making love to you."

She sighed. "Go to work Matt. Go find the man who shot at us. The children and I will stay here."

"I love you so very much honey." Matt placed his Stetson on his head and went to the door. He looked at her one more time before exiting the room.

"And I love you so very much cowboy" she stated as he left.

Matt went down the stairs, told Sam that he had things to get done, could he watch out for Kitty and the family. Sam agreed and Matt thanked him. He left the Long Branch, crossing the street for Delmonico's. Placing an order of beef stew, bread and apple pie, he went over to Doc's. On the way he saw Louie Pheeters pulling a wagon with their carpet bags in it. Hopefully between the lunch and the carpet bags needing to be empty would help Kitty not to worry. Taking the stairs to Doc's two at a time, he quietly entered the room. He did not see Doc. Sam in the room, nor the family with the small boy. Newly and Doc was working on Festus arm and Newly looked at the Marshal. Dakota seemed to be missing from the room.

Matt walked over to the table, "Doc, how is everyone? Sammatha? The boy? My deputy here?"

Doc looked up from finishing Festus's arm, "Well, your deputy will be fine, just needs to have a sling for a while. The boy is fine, Newly had to put in a couple of stitches. Sammatha is in our bedroom, resting. Dakota is with her."

"I'm glad everyone will be fine Doc. If you don't need Newly or Dakota, I have use for them."

"I will get Dakota, and Newly is free. I don't need him to watch over patients."

Doc went into his bedroom and both he and Dakota exit. "Doc says you need me marshal."

"I want to hunt down the man that shot at us." Matt informed him.

Nodding, he went into the other bedroom and grabbed his rifle, gun belt and hat. Stepping back out into the main room. "My rifles yours. I want the bastard too."

Matt walked out of the office and headed down the stairs and to his office. Newly and Dakota followed. Unlocking the door, Matt entered and headed to the cells. Not seeing his assailant in the cells, Matt figured the man was taken to Hays. Dakota and Newly entered the room and took up chairs waiting for instructions. Matt unlocked the rifles and took one. Moving around his desk, he opened a drawer and grabbed some shells. All three turned there heads as the door to the office opened.

William Colbert entered the Marshal's office and was just a bit surprised to see three men in here. Recovering, he took off his hat, "Marshal Dillion?" he address the largest of the three.

"What can I do for you?" Matt inquired. He did not have time for a complaint right at the moment, but this was part of his job.

"I am William Colbert, esq." William started. "My brother is Jacob Colbert, the man that shot you. I am glad to see you are doing well."

Dakota tensed and gripped his rifle. The man had guts coming in here he thought. Newly reached out and touched Dakota's arm, giving him a signal to relax.

"I see." Matt came around his desk. "I am afraid your brother is not here. I believe he was sent up to Hays."

A look of confusion crossed Williams face, and then a look of understanding. "Ah, Marshal, your deputy did not tell you that my brother was shot dead in his cell. Someone blew his face off."

Taken aback by this news, Matt's eyebrow went up. Placing his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. "I am sorry to hear that."

Dakota and Newly were surprised by the news also. Dakota sported a grin from the news. Newly elbowed him, and shook his head no. Dakota just shrugged.

"No need to be sorry Marshal. That boy has been nothing but trouble. I had heard you were in town and wanted to meet you. I will be in Dodge for about a week, taking care of business and such things. I hope that wont cause a problem for you."

"No, no problem, Colbert. As long as you don't cause any problems. Was he your only brother?"

"No. There was four of us." Colbert stared at the marshal keeping on a poker face.

"Know where the other two are?" Matt squared his body to the man.

"Why do you ask?" Colbert squared his body a bit.

"There was a shooter down at the train station. Since one brother seemed to like shooting me, I was wondering if another one likes it also."

Pondering for a moment, Colbert smiled. "Well marshal, one brother is somewhere back east, married, I think. He disowned the family, never did like it out here. Changed his name I believe. And the other one, I can honestly say that I don't know."

"Huh un." Matt said

"Well marshal, I need to go and tend to things for my brothers burial. He might have been the evil one of us, but I wont just have him buried in a plain box. Again, my apologies for what he has done." He put his hat back on, nodded to Dakota and Newly and left.

"I don't trust him." Dakota said out loud.

"I agree marshal." Newly chimed in.

"I know boys. But I have nothing him. All we can do is watch and wait." Matt ran his hand through his hair. "Newly, can you stay here and watch Kitty and the children."

"Sure Marshal. Everyone at the Long Branch?"

"Yes. Dakota, lets see if we can track the shooter."

Nodding Dakota followed Matt out the door and towards the train station. Newly went over to the Long Branch. Newly entered the Long Branch and nodded to Sam who asked him if he wanted a beer.

"Sounds good Sam." Newly accepted the beer and took a long drink from it. The sound of footsteps came from upstairs and Kitty along with Maria and the children came down. On one of the tables sat a bowl of steaming beef stew, bread and pies. Kitty motioned the children and Maria to a table and then walked over to Newly. "Maria, will you feed the children and yourself. I will be right there. Sam, if you're hungry help yourself."

"How are they?" Kitty asked

"Both will be fine Miss Kitty." Newly replied.

Maria started dishing up the stew, Jessica went to help her. Taking the bread over to the table, she went back to grab a few bowls. Sam came over with a pitcher of water and glasses. Johnny started to pour the water in the glasses and then stopped as he watched his sister walk over to Newly and Kitty.

"Newly, you must be hungry. Mother do you mine if he eats with the family?"

"No." Kitty smiled. "Newly, grab a chair and eat some stew."

"Thank you, Miss Kitty, Miss Jessica. I am a tad hungry." He followed Jessica to the table and sat down beside her.

Sam moved over to Kitty and whisper "Seems Miss Jessica is a bit sweet on our gunsmith Miss Kitty."

"Yes Sam, and the best part. I think he might be a bit sweet on Matt's and mine oldest." She will chuckle.

Matt and Dakota arrived at the train station and moved to the back of the building that Matt saw the shooter earlier in the day. Both men looked around the ground and followed the hoof tracks of the horse Matt figured was the horse that the man took off on. They followed the tracks to the outskirts of Dodge City. Dakota noticed some blood on the ground, but both men agreed that the blood could be anyone's or any animal. Frustrated Matt kicked the dirt on the ground. With the hoof marks blending in with other hoof marks would make it hard to follow.

"Marshal", Dakota took off his Stetson and wiped his brow. He looked around and then faced the tall lawman. "You need to go back to your family. I can go and get my gear and hunt this man down. Your family needs you this first night."

Matt looked frustrated at the situation, especially knowing the young bounty hunter was right. "There's no bounty on him." Matt pointed out.

"Still wearing the badge," Dakota countered.

"Going alone might not be wise." Matt continued.

"I can get the hillman to come with me. Heard he is the best tracker this side of the river. I could learn something from him."

"He is wounded you know." Matt attempted to stare Dakota down.

I know, was there. Just need his tracking ability. I will take him down." Dakota stayed level eyed with the marshal.

Heading back into the main section of Dodge, Matt conceded. "Alright. Figure Doc will have something to say about this."

Dakota walked beside him. "Not scared of Doc Adams. Scared of Doc Sam." Both men laughed a bit and then both whistled, admitting that her fury would be worse than his.

Albert sat in his seat, grumbling to himself. And he thought, thought hard and pondered. He realized that Matt Dillion would be waiting, or his deputies would be waiting at the train station to see if he was braved enough to come to Dodge. No, no it would not go well if he arrived on the noon train, or any other time train. He would need a better plan, and he had it. He would depart at the next stop, rent or buy a horse and just quietly ride into town. He could stay out of sight but would be able to understand the coming and goings of the family. Wont Red be surprised to see him.

TBC

{Hello everyone. I went on vacation and when I came back Fanfiction had issues. Now that I am home, I will be posting more chapters on a daily basis}