Chapter Sixteen: Last Days of St. Louis
Morning came early for the Dillion household. Mornings were not Kitty's favorite time of the day, however, the excitement of a trip into town and the mystery of it, not to mention buying tickets home had her up and going. Matt grinned watching her get ready, fussing with her face paint and her hair. He would also swear in a court of law that she changed clothes at least seven times even though he knew she did not bring that much.
They stepped out of the bedroom and headed down for a quick bite to eat. The twins were already downstairs eating. Jessica was having some toast, fruit, and coffee. Johnny had a meal more like his father, a large stack of pancakes, several eggs, potatoes, and coffee. Kitty hugged each one before sitting down at the table. Matt followed suit; except he patted Johnny on the back. A large breakfast was placed before him, and he ate heartly.
"Matt. I meant to tell you something last night, but being a bit preoccupied, I forgot to say anything." She smiled wickedly at him.
"What is it honey" he continued his assault on breakfast trying hard not to blush. The twins watched with amusement on their faces seeing their father squirming a bit.
"Maria came to me and wanted to go to Dodge with us. She did have a valid reason she wanted to come. She's raised the children for years, and if you go out of town for the job, she would be there to help me."
Knowing that she was right, and the look on the twins faces, "Well, I don't see a problem with that. We can add that to the telegram we are sending Sam."
"Father, I do not understand. Why are you telling Grandmother that we are bringing home Maria?" Jessica seemed confused.
"Grandmother?" Matt looked at his daughter. "You mean Doctor Sam? I meant Sam, the bartender at the Long Branch." He looked at Kitty who rolled her eyes and mouthed 'grandmother'.
"Yeah, Grandpa has a wife." Johnny pipped up with a mouthful. "So, the barkeep's name is also Sam?"
Before anyone could answer, Rolf entered the room. "The buggy's ready Marshal."
"Thank you, Rolf. We will be right out. Alright you two, let's start this journey to downtown and get your business over with." The four of them stood and headed out to the front door. Newly O'Brien stood in the doorway waiting for the family to depart. When they came out of the dining room, he walked over to the Marshal.
"Pardon me Marshal. I know I wasn't asked, but I would feel much better if I went along, in case Spenser tries something. One more rifle won't hurt anything and will provide better protection."
"Newly, has Doc released you from his care?" Kitty asked, looking at Jessica sideways.
"Yes ma'am. Other than checking it later tonight for infection, he doesn't feel that I should just lay around and 'grow mold'."
"Do either of you object if Mr. O'Brien tags along with us?" Matt asked in passing as they arrived at the front door. A series of no's echoed from the twins. "Then it is all settled isn't it."
When the group exited the house, there in front of the building was not one but two buggies. One that would carry five of them and a two-seat buggy. Matt looked a bit surprised at this, walked over to the larger of the buggies. Eyeing the other buggy as Rolf and Clara climbed in, he turned to Kitty. "Do you know why they are going to town with us?"
As he helped her into the buggy, she shook her head no. "I have no knowledge of this. Perhaps the twins know something."
Studying the faces of the twins as he helped Kitty up into the buggy, climbed in himself and stated, "I think your right. Let's see what happens." He took the reins and clicked his tongue for the horse to move forward, Rolf did the same with his horse. Being on edge, the party kept an eye out for anything unusual. Fortunately, it was a long and boring ride to the city. As they entered the city, Matt turned and inquire "First stop?"
"Our business is not for an hour Father." Jessica started.
"Don't you have things to do?" questioned Johnny.
"Well, I was going to talk to the sheriff before we leave." Matt guided the buggy towards the sheriff's office. Matt went into the office and spoke to the sheriff about his concerns over Penelope's death. The sheriff agreed to look into it and send word to Matt about his findings. After the sheriff's office, the group stopped by the telegraph office and sent word to both Sam Nooman, and Doctor McTavish.
"Well, you two. What's the first thing that you two need to accomplish?" Matt questioned the twins.
"First the land office and then to the bank father." Jessica stated firmly. Matt and Kitty both raised an eyebrow. Matt slapped the reins, and the horse pulled the buggy forward. Getting information to the location of the land office, he guided the horse to it. When they arrived, the twins hopped down and waited for the others to dismount.
"Newly, can you watch the buggy's please." Jessica took his hand and made her request. He smiled down at her, "Of course I will Miss Jessica."
When she saw the look on Matt's face, Kitty took his arm. The twins, Rolf, and Clara entered the Land Office. Matt glanced over at Newly and lead Kitty into the office. A young man was at the desk and looked up when the bell over the door dinged.
"May I help you?" the young man acknowledged them.
"Yeah, we have an appointment." Johnny stated.
Jessica slapped Johnny on the upper arm. "Where is your manners. We have an appointment with Mr. Tuckin. I am Jessica Spenser, and this is Jonathan Spenser. Can you please let him know that we are here."
"Yes ma'am. He is expecting you. Right this way please." The young man led them to a large room that held a table and multiple chairs. "Please take a seat" he instructed and then left. A short while later a tall thin balding man entered with papers in his hand.
"Master Johnaton, Miss Jessica. I have all the paperwork ready for signatures. It will be sad not to see your faces around the city." Mr. Tuckin sat the paperwork in front of the twins. The young man they first met entered with an inkwell, quill, and ink blot. Jessica looked over the papers and before she could sign them, Kitty extended her hand for them. At first, Jessica was unsure what to do, she decided to hand them over to her. Kitty looked over the papers; her eyes went a bit wide as she read.
"Well?" Matt asked impatiently.
"The twins are signing over the Spenser estates to Rolf and Clara" she said flatly.
"What?" Matt stared at the twins. Looking around and then at Kitty, Matt decided to intervene in this. "Rolf, Clara, Mr. Tuckin. Can we please have the room for a couple of minutes?"
All three people realized that the marshal was very angry, his wife seemed cold towards the twins. Quietly they left the room and when the door shut, Matt looked at the two, "What the hell is this? You are just signing away your inheritance and didn't bother to speak about it to the two of us?" The twins just looked at him, Johnny shrugged, and Jessica decided to reply to her father.
"Father, we decided this a few weeks ago. When mother showed up, we knew it was the right decision. We do not wish to remain here. The estate needs to be worked on a daily basis, decisions need to be made, workers hired, and many other day-to-day happenings. Rolf and Clara know the business, they know the estate and we are completely free to make a life with the two of you in Dodge. It was logical."
"Still..." Matt started and then Jessica interrupted. "Father, please forgive me, but we haven't seen you in close to two years. We are not supposed to write to you for our safety. I thought that we should have said something to mother, but she was coming here. And things have been happening it seems on a daily basis. I feel we have made the best decision for the six of us. They get the estate, the little ones and us two receive money that we can put into the bank at Dodge." She stared at her father with her blue eyes. Johnny nodded in agreement, not wanting to enter a conversation that he knew he would lose.
Matt sighed and looked at Kitty for help. Kitty smiled at bit, knowing that Jessica won the day with level headedness and blue eyes. "Matt, it is theirs to do what they want. A clean start would be good for all of us.
"Alright, I know when I have out maneuvered. Let's get the others in here and get the paperwork signed. Johnny jumped up and went to the door, telling the others they could come back in. Rolf and Clara were not sure if they had the property or not. When they saw Jessica signing the paperwork and then Johnny scribbled his name brought relief to them.
Checking the paperwork over, Mr. Tuckin smiled and stated that all seemed in order. He handed over the paperwork to Rolf and shook his hand. "Congratulations." Rolf and Clara looked a bit shocked and then smiled as they hugged the twins, ensuring them that everything would be fine. Kitty studied the twins reaction and seeing that they were relieved, knew this was indeed a good decision.
Outside in the heat, Albert Spenser was headed to his favorite bar, to see his favorite saloon girl. She was always ready for a good time, and whiskey with a romp in the bed sounded good to him. As he was walking, he first saw a familiar cart, then the horses and then the deputy. 'What the hell were they doing outside the land office?' Albert made the snap decision to duck into the side alley and watch. He was sure he wasn't seen, he stood there waiting. It wasn't too much later when he saw the marshal, his woman, the twins and the Washburns walk out. This was too much for him. 'Just what the hell is going on here. What did those twins do?'
"How did it go?" Newly inquired as the group exit the building.
"Just how we expected to." Jessica answered before anybody else. "It is all done."
"Rolf, marshal." Newly had his back turned to the alleyway. "Spenser is in the alleyway watching."
Kitty put her hand on Matt's arm as did Clara on Rolfs. "Matt?" Kitty looked up to him, her eyes seeking his. Matt bent down and gave her a quick kiss. "We act as nothing is known."
Once everyone was settled in the carriages, Johnny stated they needed to make a quick stop at the bank. As soon as they arrived, Rolf and Johnny stepped out of the carriages. Rolf went over to Matt. "We won't be long marshal. Keep an eye on Clara. I am sure that he followed us."
"Would have been surprised if he hadn't." Matt clapped his son on the shoulder. "Behave yourself boy"
Rolf and Johnny stepped into the bank and fifteen minutes later, they came back out. Climbing into the carriages, Matt led them to the train station. Johnny had handed Kitty a bank check for $1000.00 to hold onto for them. "When we get to Dodge ma."
At the train station, Matt climbed down and helped Kitty down. "Newly, you and Jessy climb into the front seat. We won't be long." Newly nodded and climbed down, helping Jessy. They then climbed into the front seat. Johnny handed up Newly's rifle just in case.
Matt guided Kitty to Washburn's carriage. "Rolf, I worry that Spenser might try something once we are gone."
"Don't worry marshal. I have things in place" Rolf replied confidently.
Matt and Kitty went into the station's office. "Kitty, how much do you have on you?" he asked quietly.
"About $200.00. Why?"
"We might need it." At the window, Matt purchased an entire sleeping car for them to leave that night at midnight. He used the last name Haggin for it. Then he ordered regular seats for the noon train under the name Dillion. Kitty, understood that this was a ruse, handed Matt the money.
"Do you know Albert Spenser?" Matt asked the ticket clerk.
"Yes sir, I do." The man had a look of disgust on his face at the name.
"I am a marshal out of Dodge City. My deputies and myself are escorting the Spenser children out of St. Louis. If he comes in here, let him know about us leaving on the noon train. Don't tell him we are leaving on the earlier train."
"No problem, Marshal. Never did like that man."
"Thank you," Kitty smiled to the man.
"Your welcome Mrs. Dillion," he replied. Matt and Kitty left the building and climbed into the carriage. As soon as they left, Albert went into the office and confronted the clerk. True to his word, he informed Albert that the group was leaving on the noon train tomorrow. Albert purchased a ticket on that train and left. Next stop was the land office, but he knew what the outcome was. 'They will pay for this'
The ride home was quiet and tense. No one expected that the trip would be easy, each one figured that Albert might have followed them. A sigh of relief came when Johnny announced that no one seemed to be following. Newly pointed out to Jessica where he fell, and she scolded him once more. He just chuckled and looked down at her.
Rolf pulled Clara in his arms. "Now my love, we can finally start that family we always wanted." She sighed contentment in his arms. "I will miss Maria and the children Rolf." She whispered. Rolf kissed the top of her head, "When we have everything settled and have that first baby, we should introduce him to the Dillions. I think a trip to Dodge City would be in order." Clara slapped him on the chest. "And if it is a little girl?" Rolf laugh, "I would adore a little girl."
Matt placed his arm around Kitty's shoulders, and she laid her head down on his. "We have some wonderful children Matt." Her voice was silky and quiet.
"Yes, we do Kitty. I want to thank you for sharing your life with me and with the children." He kissed the top of her head. "I promise to be around more Kitty, than I have in the past."
"I know you will try Matt. We will take it one day at a time. I am so ready to go back home."
"Tonight honey, we leave tonight."
Albert left the land office, fuming under his collar and generally mad at the world. He headed to the saloon, bought a bottle of whiskey, grabbed his standby saloon girl, hauling her up to her room. Several drinks in, some fast and hard sex, he laid there planning. He sat up and the girl attempted to get back to a laying position. Shrugging her off, he plotted. Pacing the room, he stood at the window, looking out over the town, not caring who saw his naked body. Turning, he looked at her. "I cant do anything tonight, but wont they be surprised to see me on the train."
"Are you leaving town Albert", her face pouting.
"Yes sweetheart, for a while." He flopped back on the bed and grabbed her. He shoved her onto her back and rubbed himself on her leg. Once aroused, he took her, not caring if she was ready or not. The more he thought about Matt and Kitty Dillion, the harder he pumped her. She cried out that he was hurting her, and he slapped her. "This is what I pay you for." Vengeance will be sweet when he had it.
TBC