Kitty settled into her cozy settee, kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet beneath her. The Long Branch wouldn't grow busy for another two hours, so she had time to savor her letter before changing for work. She pulled the perfumed envelope from her skirt pocket and ran a fingertip across the front. The address was written in a feminine script similar to her own. Of course it was. She and Vivian practiced penmanship together, in St. Ann's Convent School. Carefully unsealing the envelope, Kitty's mind traveled back to those long-ago days with her childhood friend in New Orleans. Side-by-side she and Vivi learned arithmetic, reading and proper decorum for girls. Then dear mama passed away, and the world fell apart. Father reluctantly took on her rearing, and carelessly dragged her from place to place. Soon she was learning about poker, saloons and upstairs rooms while Vivi studied Latin, the art of serving tea and the rules of modest female behavior. Yet, over the miles and years their friendship endured, and though they never found time to visit, they always stayed in touch. Their letters were sometimes frequent, other times sparse, but their affection and concern for each other never wavered. A small smile tugged at Kitty's lips. Filled with eager anticipation she unfolded her new letter.
Dearest Kitty, It has been many months since we exchanged letters. I hope and trust you are well and your business is thriving. I have exciting news to share. My daughter Mathilde, who I've written about often, has turned 18 and is getting married. That may seem young, but I was just her age when I married Jason, and I know a wonderful life awaits her. I am overjoyed. Kitty, we would love for you to come to New Orleans for the wedding, and stay for a good long visit so we can finally spend time together. You are welcome to bring an escort, and from your very discrete letters, I can guess who that might be. The ceremony is on the 10th. I know this is short notice, but Mathilde and her fiance do not want a long engagement. Please come. Send a wire with the details of your arrival, and Jason and I will meet your train with bells on. I cannot wait to see you, and for you to meet my family
Your Faithful Friend,
Vivi
Kitty folded the letter with a small sigh. Could Vivi's daughter be 18 already? It seemed impossible. Then again, she received the birth announcement just before she settled in Dodge, and she'd been here 18 years. Time has a way of slipping away. She slid the letter back into it's envelope, thinking about how different her friend's life had been from her own. Vivian never left New Orleans, and married a man who owned several large hotels. She gave birth to 7 children but sadly 3 died young. Even with that, as was clear from her letters, her life was filled with joy - a happy marriage, a fine house and four lovely daughters. Now the oldest, Mathilda, was getting married, which meant Vivi could be a grandmother in a year or two. Kitty shook her head. Yep, their lives were sure on different paths. She slid the letter into her pocket and quickly slipped on her shoes, eager to share the news with Matt. Maybe, just maybe he'd come as her escort, at least for a time. She was figuring on a three week stay, but Matt could leave right after the wedding if he had to get back. Surely he could manage to take just a few days days off. She raced out the door with hope in her heart and a smile on her face.
The Marshal's Office
Matt Dillon's eyes were fixed on the new wanted poster unrolled on his desk. The scarred, cold-eyed face of Stu Sullivan looked back. After a string of brazen robberies that left 6 dead, Sullivan was captured in Missouri but quickly escaped. Instead of simply running away, he tied up the 2 lawman that caught him and shot them point blank in the head. Now, more blood thirsty than ever, he was on a rampage, and according to the telegram from Washington DC, was headed into Kansas.
"Well you are sure concentrating."
Matt's head jerked up. He offered a sheepish smile. Kitty was right in front of him. "Sorry Kitty, I didn't hear you come in. This telegram and wanted poster have me thinking real hard." He leaned back in his chair. "So, what's going on?" She smiled brightly, and sat on the edge of the desk. "You remember me talking about my friend Vivi?" "Of course, you were kids in New Orleans, went to St. Mary's Convent School together, and have stayed in touch ever since. She has four daughters and is married to a hotel man." Kitty laughed. "All correct, and her oldest, who is already 18, is about to be married. I've been invited to attend and to stay on for a visit. Matt, I'm really excited. I haven't seen Vivi since we were children. And, I can bring an escort. Oh Matt, please come, please, even if you have to leave right after the wedding. Surely you can spare a few days, this once." She looked at him with such shining hope he wished deeply he could say yes. "Kitty – I can't." He turned the wanted poster around to face her. "This man's on the loose in Kansas. A killer who has to be stopped before he kills again." The smile fell from Kitty's face, her shoulders drooped. "Sure, I understand. There's the no denying you're the best man for a job like that." In fact she did understand. Matt was better equipped than anyone to bring Stu Sullivan in, and lives could be at stake. But knowing all that in her head, didn't ease her disappointment. Matt stood and walked around the desk. "I'm sorry Kitty, but I know that you are going to have a wonderful time." She gave a short nod. "Right, well, I'm gonna go buy a train ticket, and wire Vivi about my travel arrangements. I'll be staying in New Orleans for three weeks - at least three weeks." She started towards the door and turned back with small sigh. "Just don't forget, I'm leaving Wednesday morning on the first train out."
Wednesday Morning
Inside her Long Branch office, Kitty closed her ledger and slid it across the desk to Sam. Her craggy faced head-bartender tucked it under his arm. "Miss Kitty, don't you worry about the Long Branch while you're away, I'll see to everything. You just have a nice three weeks, and if you want to stay in New Orleans longer, me and the rest of the staff will keep the business running fine." Kitty smoothed down the skirt of her blue traveling suit. "Thank you Sam. Well, my luggage is already onboard the train, I'd better get over there myself."
She hurried to the depot, looking stunning in a blue feathered hat, and found Doc waiting to see her off. The train wasn't boarding passengers yet, so they stood side-by-side resisting the urge to turn and look down Front Street, for any sign of Matt. As the minutes ticked by, Kitty felt the flicker of hope that he would appear, die away. She was sure he had a good reason, he always did, though at times she did not care to hear or think about it. Shifting nervously on her feet, she tried with little success to keep her mind off Matt. He'd gone after a dangerous man, and could be out there alone and wounded, or worse. She heaved a heavy sigh, and felt Doc's hand on her shoulder, "Kitty, he'd be here if he could, and he'll write to you the minute he gets back." She smiled weakly. "I know Doc." Suddenly filled with an overwhelming weariness she looked into her old friend's eyes. "I'm starting to realize how truly glad I am to be going away, and leaving all this behind."
ALL ABOARD – ALL ABOARD
The whistle blew twice, and the conductor shoved wooden steps in front of the entrance to the train. Doc kissed Kitty's cheek and helped her climb up. Inside the car, she found an empty window seat just as the train lurched forward. It quickly picked up speed and her distance from Dodge quickly grew. A smile spread across her face, she was on her way to New Orleans.
TBC