Chapter Nine: Long Few Days

To say that Marshal Matthew Dillion was determine and Doctor Galen Adams was stubborn would be an understatement. Matt wanted to leave the office and Doc wanted him to stay. Matt was determined to leave and go to his office, and finally to St. Louis. Doc stubbornly stood in the door that separated the bedroom area from the exam room.

"Doc. I just can't stay here and do nothing. The telegram that Smith sent said that the day before the judge was in three days. Kitty is doing something, not quite legal I think, and I should be there with the children and her."

"Hogwash Matt. You know Kitty can take care of herself. And Newly and Dakota will take care of her." Rubbing his mustache, Doc knew he could not actually stop the 6-foot 7-inch overgrown public servant if he wanted to leave.

"I must go Doc. I promise not to do anything stupid." Matt was almost pleading with Doc.

Hearing the conversation and knowing the two men, Doctor Sammatha needed to interrupt and calm both men down. She walked up behind Doc and gently put her hand on his shoulder. "Galen, I might know of a way to solve this. Matt, please sit down on the bed and Galen, the chair."

Matt sighed, now he had both to fight. He might have to run away in the middle of the night like a foolish teenager mad at his parents. Matt sat down on the bed, looking a bit defeated and Galen, knowing that he was beaten, sat in the chair.

"Alright, so we have a problem here that needs to be solved. Galen, he is right. Matt needs to be there. That is his woman and his children."

"But Sam, he" Galen started.

"Hush Galen," Sammatha placed her fingers on his mouth. "He needs to go, you know this, I know this, and he knows this. Smith and O'Brien will physically make sure she is alright, but that is all. They cannot be there with her emotionally or mentally. So, here is what I believe is the best choice." She looked from one man to the other. "Galen, you are going with Matt to St. Louis. This way he always has a doctor with him. One that knows him as well as you know him."

Both men will ponder on her words, until Doc speaks up. "A train ride will be rough on him. Two days in a train sitting on those hard benches."

"However, I know you, my husband. You will go with him and take care of the Dillions."

"Doc, I will manage it. I really need to be there." Matt spoke with determination in his voice.

"Alright Matt. We will go to St. Louis. There is a train in three hours to St. Louis. I'll go and speak to Festus to pack you some clothes, and then I will get the tickets. This is foolish I want to say, just foolish." Wearly Doc Adams stood up and headed to the outside door. Sammatha followed him quickly and before Doc could put on his coat and hat, she stopped him.

"Galen, go speak to Festus and then come back here and get Matt and yourself ready. I will take care of the tickets.

Doc touched her face, thankful for her coming into his life. "This is so foolish Sam," he stated.

"Maybe, but it is the right thing to do." She replied, taking down her coat and putting it on. "Go talk to Festus and I will get the tickets."

When Matt heard the door open and shut, he laid back on the bed. His mind was racing fast, and his worry increased. Not knowing what was happening at the Spenser place, and it bother him greatly. He never did like Albert Spenser. The man was a lowlife and Matt knew that the possibility of Albert attempting to sexually take Kitty, and perhaps even Jessica could happen. He also thought about the four children. Was he ready to be a full-time father. Would Kitty really just become their mother? Where would they live, and would he be living with them? There was so much to think about.

Doc Adams walked into the marshal's office and was glad that the deputy was actually there. "Festus"

"Whelp, good morning, Doc. What brings you here?" The deputy stopped sweeping the floor and look at the older man.

"Festus, I need you to do something for Matt."

"Of course, Doc. What does Matthew need?"

"He needs a bag with clothes and personal items in it. When you have it packed, bring it up to the office. Matt and I are going to St. Louis, so if you could do a favor for me and watch out for Sammatha." Doc pulled on his ear while speaking to the hill man.

"St. Louie. Can Matthew handle that trip Doc" Festus voice sound worried.

"That is why I am going." Doc shook his head. "He is determined to go and when Matt makes up is mind, there is nothing anyone can do to stop him.

"That's fer sure about ole Matthew. I will take care of his bag Doc and get it up to him.". "Thanks Festus."

Doc turned and walked out of the marshal's office returning to his office. This is so foolish, he thought to him, just foolish.

Sammatha McTavish walked into the Long Branch. Sam Nooman looked up to see who had entered the saloon. Surprised to see her, Sam greeted her "Good morning, Doctor Sam. Can I get you something to drink"?

"No thank you Sam. I need a favor, or more like a request from you." She leaned into the bar and looked at him. "Sam, Doc and Matt are going to St. Louis to be with Kitty and the children." She quietly talked to him, so that she was not overheard.

Sam leaned closer to her, "Can the marshal travel?"

"I have seen that man do whatever he feels he needs to do, and he needs to go there. To make it easier on him, a coach car would be the best. Galen and I cannot afford to pay for it, and I doubt the marshal could either. Do you think Kitty would be upset if we charged it to the Long Branch?"

Sam shook his head no, "I don't think Miss Kitty would have a problem with this. In fact, we would be in serious trouble if we didn't do this. I will tell you what Doctor Sam. I will have Clem watch the bar and I will go and get the tickets. For this afternoon if I am correct."

"Yes Sam, you are such a treasure. Can you bring it up to the office?

"Of course, Doctor Sam." He smiled at her. Sam would do anything for his boss and if a coach train car is needed to bring the love of her life to him, then a ticket for that car will be purchased.

Both doctors returned to the office and checked in on Matt. Seeing the marshal struggle to get dressed, Doc scolded him. "Just hang on marshal, let someone help you" he chided. The first thing Doc did was to ensure that both wounds were secured and then help get Matt dress. Doc was not to happy when Matt wanted to put on his gun belt. "What in tarnation do you think you are going to do with your gun. Get the other shoulder shot also." Doc frowned at Matt, and then realized that the belt was set up for a left hander. "Newly gave you that, didn't he."

"Yes Doc, he did. I don't know how long my arm will be out of commission, however I need to at least attempt to protect myself. I still have those out there that would like to shoot me dead."

"I know Matt." Doc will rub his hand across his mustache. "I just don't want you to borrow trouble."

The sound of the door opening will catch their attention and both men moved to the exam part of the office. Sam Nooman entered with tickets in his hand. Seeing Doctor Sam, he handed the tickets to her. "Here they are, just like you requested. Marshal, be careful. Doc." He nodded to each man and left. Sammatha opened the envelope and examined the tickets before handing them to Doc. "Two tickets to St. Louis for two very stubborn men." She smiled and handed the tickets to her husband. Moving to the cabinet that contained medications, she knew that Galen would raise his voice concerning the tickets.

Galen Adams opened the envelope and read the tickets. He knew she was up to something but was not sure, now, he was sure. "How in blazes can we afford these." His voice raised several octaves. Matt took the tickets from Doc and read them. "I can't afford these" Matt agreed with the doctor.

She turned to look at both men. "The Long Branch bought them. Matt, you need to rest as much as possible and Galen, you will be able to change bandages, look at the wounds and anything else you have to do. Besides, what is done, is done." She smiled sweetly at them.

Festus Haggin walked into a Mexican standoff with the three of them. Not sure what was happening, he will cough, "Matthew, here is your bag. I pack everything that was in your personal drawer. I wasn't sure whatja needed, so I grab everything."

"Okay Festus, thank you. Just wait right here and I will pack quickly. Then you can help me get this big lug to the train station." Doc left them, entering his private quarters and grabbed a carpet bag to pack. Sammatha entered the room and watch him fuss to himself.

"I packed your medical bag, Galen." She will move to their closet and retrieve some clothing and bring them over to Doc. "Galen, please be careful. Bring them all home to us."

"I will honey, I will." He took her into his arms and gently kissed her mouth.

Kitty Russel stood by the window of her bedroom and looked out. Tomorrow was the court date, and she had no word from Matt, or Doc for that matter. She wrapped her arms around her waist and stared out the window at the countryside. The house was beautiful, having others take care of everyday chores was wonderful. How could she take the four of them away from this. Could she give up everything and live here. Of course, there was Albert." Kitty looked down for a few minutes and when she looked back up, she saw Johnny and the two younger ones walk out onto the grass area.

She will tilt her head a bit and watch as Johnny was tossing a ball to them. She lifted the window to listen to them. They were laughing as though they did not have a care in the world. And they shouldn't, Kitty thought. Coming into sight of the three was Jessica and Newly. Kitty leaned a bit forward to catch the conversation that developed between the twins.

"Where are you going?" Johnny held the ball and stood in a somewhat defensive stance. Matty and Lilly stood by, they have seen the fights the twins had with each other before, and it can become interesting. Matty whispered "Johnny" and Lilly stated "Okays, I have Jessy".

Jessica stood there for a minute before she answered. "Horseback riding."

"And where is he going." Johnny's voice was demanding.

Answering for himself, Newly stated "Horseback riding."

"Together?" Johnny questioned.

"Of course, Johnny. Can't you see we are heading for the stables. Be silly to go separate directions." Jessica quipped to him.

"He is a man" again with a demanding voice, Johnny announced.

"I certainly hope so" stated Newly.

"I am sure the horse won't mind," Jessy teased her brother.

"The horse, you mean you are taking one horse between the two of you" a very fluster Johnny will stumble across his words.

"We haven't finished talking about that." Jessica moved to kiss her brothers cheek and wink at Matty and Lilly". "Shall we move on Mr. O'Brien?"

"My pleasure" extending his elbow for her. Jessica would take it and the two of them headed to the stables.

"I forbid you from going Jessica Dillion" Johnny shouted and stomped his foot to no response from either Jessica or Newly.

Matty looked down at his sister. "I lost, what is my extra chore?" he asked.

"Milk the goat" she smiled at him. Matty will lower his eyes and sigh.

Kitty watched this interaction with all of them and chuckled a bit to herself. Later she will have a separate conversation with both Jessica and Newly. Lowering the window, she turned and decided to lay down. Last week had been hard on her emotionally, and she was worn out. A nap would do her wonders. Johnny was taking care of the little ones, and Newly will make sure that Jessica is safe.

"Oh Matt, are we really ready to have four children?"

Newly O'Brien walked along side of Jessica, her hand in the crook of his arm. "Do you always challenge your brother like that?"

"Only when he starts it. He is just trying to protect me from the dangers out in the world."

"Ah, and that means men who might take any kind of interest in you."

"Yes Mr. O'Brien. Even men like you." Jessica looked up at him, her crystal blue eyes reminded him of the marshal's eyes.

Newly stopped them right before they entered the stables. He will face her and look down into those eyes. "I won't hurt you, Miss Jessica. I am not type of man."

"I know. I can tell. And thank you for riding with me. I don't think Uncle Albert is on site, but with him, you never know."

"Let's saddle our horses and make sure your brother sees us with two horses." Newly chuckled.

After both horses were saddled, canteens filled, Newly and Jessica headed out the stable door. Jessica seemed to know where she wanted to go. Looking over at Newly, "I thought I would show you some of the grounds, and then the apple orchid. My horse loves apples and thought yours would like them. A treat for them after a good ride."

"That sound fine. Lead the way. I would love to see the grounds."

For the next two hours, Newly and Jessica rode around the grounds. Jessica showed him where the horses were kept, 12 in total with three of them young colts. Next would be the 'farm' part of the grounds where they kept the pigs, goats, and chickens. They would talk about everything under the sun, finding that in some areas they had something in common. Mostly about owing a business, Newly owning one and Jessica wanting to own one.

Once the orchid came into sight, they would guide their horses in that direction. Stopping and taking a couple of apples off, both took out a knife and cut those apples into pieces feeding the horses. Both horses chowed down on the apples.

"You would think that they never get to eat, the way they are chopping down on these." Jessica said quietly.

"They seem hungry don't they." Agreed Newly handing his horse another piece.

"Do you think I will like Dodge?" Jessica suddenly blurted out the question.

"It isn't St. Louis, but the people are friendly. They love your father and would do anything for him. And Miss Kitty, she is very popular in the town, always doing for the town and the people."

"She said that her and father married. Did they?"

"If they did, they didn't tell anyone." Newly will scratch his head.

"Well, they didn't mention us either, did they." She mounted her horse. "We need to head back. Dinner will be soon, and I don't know who would be worst about us being late, Maria or Clara."

"That would be your brother Johnny I think." Both will laugh at that when a shot whizzes by them, and then a second shot would land at Jessica's horse causing the horse to bolt. A third shot will ring out causing Newly's horse to rear up throwing him to the ground. Recovering quickly, Newly jumped up, snaring the rings of his horse, drew his pistol and looked around. Two things he noticed, one there was no one around shooting, and two, Jessica and her horse was gone. Mounting his horse, he took one more look around and then headed off in the direction that he barely saw the horse take off.

No matter how good of a rider Jessica Dillion was, being caught off guard and not really holding the reins, she was in trouble. Her horse spooked and bolted away from the sounds of the rifle. In the horse's haste, her hoof caught a gopher hole and tripped throwing Jessica onto the ground. Jessica landed hard on the ground, her right arm hitting a rock. She lay on her back, hurting everywhere, her right arm hurting. Jessica worried that Newly might have been hurt, or even killed.

Newly saw the horse laying on the ground. He slowed his horse down looking anxiously for Jessica. When he saw her laying on the ground, he dismounted his horse, ran to her praying that she was alive. "Jessica! Are you hurt?" he raised his voice.

"Newly, are you alright! My right arm is broken I think." She attempted to sit up. Newly came to her side, getting onto his knees.

"Easy Jessica. Let me help you" Newly helped her to sit up and then he looked at her arm. "It looks broken. I need to splint it and get you home. Your horse needs to be put down; I am afraid."

Jessica looked over to her mare, and then lowered her head. "I can't do it Newly; I can't shoot her."

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't think about it. I will take care of everything. Sit here and I will be back." Newly stood and went to her horse. Looking down at the horse, Newly apologized for what he had to do. Aiming his pistol at the horse, he put her down. This was always hard to do. Going over this his horse, he took off the blanket and then headed back to her. It bothered him seeing her crying about her horse.

Sitting down facing her, he tore the blanket into strips. Wrapping several strips over her arm and then made a sling for her. After he was done, Newly helped her to her feet. "We need to get back to the house. I didn't see anyone around, so they might still be here. I don't know if they just wanted to spook the horses or was a bad shot. But I don't want to find out."

Newly brought his horse over and helped her up onto it. Once she is secured, he will mount his horse behind her. Grabbing the reins, he kicked his horse in a gallop. When they came into view of the house, they saw Johnny and Matty outside building a playhouse. Johnny looked up from hammering and frowned when he realized Jessica was on the horse with him. He knew that something was wrong. "Matty, go get mother, fast" he commanded the young boy. Matty took off as fast as he could shouting "Ma, Ma."

Newly guided his horse up to Johnny. "Help her down, take care of her arm."

As Johnny helped his sister down, he glared up at Newly. "What the hell happened?"

"We were in the apple orchard mounting our horses, and someone shot at us. Jessica's horse bolted and caught a gopher hole and threw her." Newly replied to his question. "I did not see who it was. We should get her inside."

Johnny, Newly, and Jessica met Kitty who was coming out of the main house. When Kitty spots them and Jessica's arm she will go a bit paler than normal. "You three get inside." She moved so that they could enter the house.

"I am going back out to see if I can find who shot at us." Newly said. "I will have Dakota come with me. Rolf should stay here."

"Johnny, go fetch the doctor please. Let him know about her arm." Kitty guided Jessica to a comfortable chair. Johnny took off to the stable, told Rolf to head for the house with a rifle. He saddled his horse, mounted and head as fast as he could get Lighting to gallop. Newly, ensuring that Jessica was fine, went to find Dakota and fill him in on events.

Shaking his head, Dakota huff, "Albert most likely. Court case being tomorrow, if one of the twins 'dies' by an unknown assailant, would look bad for Miss Kitty."

Agreeing, the men went outside; Dakota fetch his horse and they proceeded to ride to the orchard. Looking around, spotting tracks, they followed them to the roadside. The tracks blended with others and frustrated, the men knew they could not continue. Deciding that they were needed more at home than out here, they returned. The doctor had arrived and set Jessica arm.

"Did you find anything?" question Kitty when the men entered the room.

"No ma'am. Tracks we found lead into others. We decided to come back in case the shooter tries again." Newly responded.

"Well, let us have dinner and then the children can go to bed. You two decided what security we need her." Kitty stood up and went towards the dining room. When dinner was served, Kitty just pushed her food around. Tomorrow was scaring her a bit; the judge might award custody to Albert. Excusing herself and taking the younger ones, she tucked them in and went to bed herself.

Johnny pleaded with Newly and Dakota to stay up and help guard the house. After a resounding no, he grumbled and marched upstairs to his room. Newly took the floor where they slept while Dakota stayed downstairs and walked around listening to the night sounds and hoping that there would be no disturbance. Both men knew it would be a long night, their minds drifting to the things that occupied it. Dakota thought about Doctor Adams and Doctor McTavish and if they were happy about the building. Newly found his mind wandering to Jessica, and his overwhelming emotions to protect her.

A quiet night became a hectic day…