Days Later
Unshaved and red-eyed, Matt dismounted and got on one knee for a closer look at the trail he'd been following for days. Stu Sullivan had been careful about covering his tracks, but not careful enough. Matt slipped his gun from its holster and proceeded on foot, following sounds he heard through tall bushes. Moving cautiously, he peered through the overgrown foliage into a clearing. There he was, just like the wanted poster - sharp nose, bushy eyebrows and a deep, jagged scar from his left eye to his lips. In person, however, his size was dramatically striking. An inch or so shorter than Matt, he was broader, thicker, heavier.
Believing he was alone and unseen, Sullivan pulled out a knife and began to strip bark from the branch of a tree. Matt stepped out from the bushes, gun drawn. "Drop the knife, Sullivan. Hands up." In one swift motion Sullivan turned, threw the knife and hurled his massive body at the lawman. The knife flew into Matt's shoulder, and his gun-grip loosened as Sullivan landed on him full force, knocking him down. With Matt pinned to the ground, the huge man laughed and wrapped his thick fingers around his victim's neck. Gasping for air, Matt managed to re-gripped his gun and pull the trigger. Sullivan went limp. Grunting loudly, Matt rolled the big man off to the side, and shakily knelt to feel for a pulse, there was none The lawman shook his head. He wanted this killer to stand before a judge and jury, and hear witnesses speak of his horrible deeds. That wasn't to be. Gritting his teeth he slowly pulled the knife from his left shoulder. Blood flowed down his chest. He yanked a bandana from his back pocket. and pressed hard on the wound. Unsteadily climbing onto his feet he took a long, deep breath. Somehow he had to get Sullivan's body up on a horse, and get him back to Dodge.
New Orleans
Kitty stepped off the train into the bustling New Orleans depot, and soaked in her surroundings. People walked by chatting in different languages and accents. Vendors were scattered about selling fragrant coffees and sweets. The scent of Magnolia's was everywhere. She felt as if she'd stepped into a new world, leaving the old one far behind.
"KITTY, KITTY OVER HERE."
The red-head peered through the moving throng and saw a plump yet stylish woman waving both hands in the air. Kitty eagerly waved back, she'd know that glowing smile anywhere, even after all these years. She picked her way through the crowd. "Oh Vivi I am so, so happy to see you." "Kitty, you look wonderful." They held each other in a warm embrace until a baritone voice broke through. "My dear, don't you think an introduction is in order?" Vivi laughed. "Yes, yes. Where are my manners. Kitty, this is my husband Jason." Kitty smiled at the well dressed man, sporting a trimmed, greying beard. "I feel as if I know you Jason, from Vivi's letters. It's a pleasure." She extended a gloved hand. Jason gallantly kissed it. "The pleasure is mine. I'll have your luggage put in my carriage and we'll be off. The girls are impatiently waiting to meet their mother's childhood friend."
Dodge
Swaying in the saddle from blood loss and fatigue, Matt felt a surge of relief when he crossed the town line into Dodge. Turning onto Front Street, he tightened his grip on the horse he was leading. Getting Sullivan's body onto the beast had been an ordeal, but at least the murderer was tidy enough to have a spare shirt with his stuff. It was large enough to use as both makeshift bandage and sling.
He dismounted in front of Percy's undertaking establishment, and was treated to the sound of jangling spurs, rapidly approaching. "Matthew, Matthew. If ya ain't a sight fur sore eyes, I don't know what is." Festus nodded towards the dead body draped across the horse. "That thar's gotta be that Sullivan fella. I knowed ya wanted ta arrest him. Look's like he didn't take ta that idea." "Right about that, Festus. Listen, could you get Burke or somebody to help you haul his body into Percy's. I'll pick up his possessions later. I have to mail them to Washington with my report." "Sure thang, Matthew. An' I'll see ta both horses. You git your own self up to Doc's, that thar shoulder don't look too good.
New Orleans
In the glow of flickering candlelight, Kitty sat at the elegant dinner table with Vivi, Jason and their four lovely daughters, Maria, Marsha, Margaret and Mathilda. In between bites of a tender steak, braised broccoli and a buttered baked potato, she answered questions the girls peppered her with about life in the wild west, and what their mother was like as a child. Finally Jason lifted his hand. "Girls, girls let our guest eat in peace. Kitty will be here for at least three weeks, there will be time for your questions. "But papa." 8 year old Maria scowled as only a youngest child would dare. "I have so much to ask. I heard you and mama say that Kitty has a saloon. I don't even know what that is. Does she carry it with her?" Everyone laughed. Jason gave his youngest's pigtail an affectionate pull. "Maria, instead of asking questions, why don't you tell Kitty about the outfit you'll be wearing as Mathilda's flower girl." Maria nodded with a grin, and went on about her new pink shoes and frilly dress. Kitty smiled, and half listened while taking in the scene. The four girls were lively and engaging, though Matilda, the bride-to-be, was the quietest, seeming to be the type who took things in and mulled them over. Kitty's eyes rested on her childhood friend, who was happily watching her daughters laugh and talk. Dinners like this must be commonplace to Vivi. She was indeed a fortunate woman.
A dessert of warm apple pie was devoured, and as the maid cleared the dishes away, Jason got to his feet. "Girls, it's time for you to go upstairs with Mathilda, to see what last minute things you can do for her wedding." The girls quickly obeyed and Jason cast and indulgent glance at Vivi and Kitty. "Ladies, I have work to attend to in the den, I trust you'll enjoy a chance for some womanly chatter."
Dodge.
Sitting on the side of the examination table, Matt tried not to flinch as Doc removed the makeshift bandage from his wounded shoulder. "I'm guessing that Sullivan fellow did this. You get him?" "Yep. Unfortunately I had to kill him." Doc crossed the room, filled a basin with water and grabbed a roll of bandages. "Lots of folks will feel safer knowing that monster's not around." Doc dipped a cloth in water, thoroughly cleaned the wound, and bandaged it tightly. "You know you missed seeing Kitty off to New Orleans, don't you?" Matt frowned. "What day is it? I lost track of time when I was on Sullivan's trail." "Friday evening. Kitty left early Wednesday." Doc fashioned a sling around Matt's neck. "Wear this for a couple of days to keep the pressure off the shoulder." Matt gave a short nod, still thinking about Kitty. "Was she real angry, because I wasn't here to see her off?" Doc met Matt's eyes and held them. "To tell the truth Matt, she seemed more tired than anything else. Weary - real weary, and eager to be gone from here." He ran a hand across his mustache. "If I were you, I'd write to her real soon."
New Orleans
Vivi led Kitty into parlor for longed-for time alone. The room was inviting and elegant with velvet, cushioned chairs, polished tables and lovely paintings of the countryside hangin on the walls. The ladies sunk into easy chairs across from each other, with a small mahogany table between them. Vivi opened a candy-box and held it out. Kitty chose a chocolate and took a bite, "mmm". Vivi quickly shut the box without taking any candy, and looked Kitty up and down. "I admire the way you've kept such a lovely figure." She self consciously put an arm across her somewhat ample belly. "I, on the other hand - well - 7 pregnancies changes a woman's body." Kitty reached out and took her friend's hand. "You are beautiful Vivi, and you have 4 lovely daughters and a husband who adores them." "Thank you Kitty. I wanted to give Jason a son, to carry on the family name, but some things are not meant to be. Measles or typhoid took each of my boys as babies, and after problems birthing Maria, I can't have any more. BUT, I am blessed. I have my girls, a husband who is generous and kind, and a lovely home with all the hired help a woman could want." Vivi opened the candy-box and popped a chocolate in her mouth. "Enough about me. Kitty, you own and run your own business. Jason says it's remarkable how you went from being a saloon girl to where you are today. He tells me every man he meets, who's been through Kansas, says the Long Branch is the finest saloon in 3 states. You must be proud." Kitty nodded firmly. "I am proud, and I enjoy running the place, finding ways to improve it, and hearing stories from the customers who come through." Kitty laughed, "You would not believe some of the tales I've been told." Vivi took another piece of candy. "It sounds wonderfully engaging. I have to admit, with the girls in school and Jason at work all day, my days grow long and tedious. That's one reason it's been a treat to have Mathilda's wedding to plan. Speaking of which, I was hoping you'd come with escort. Your letters are always discrete, but I read between the lines, and thought perhaps I'd get to meet a certain Marshal Dillon." "I-I wanted him to come, but-but it's hard for him to get away from work." "I can imagine. Even down here, his name shows up in the newspapers now and again, when he busts up a criminal gang, or captures a murderer. My Jason is a good man and a fine provider, but he runs fancy hotels, your Matt Dillon saves lives." Kitty smiled weakly. She didn't want to talk about Matt or even think about him. It felt too wearying and complicated - the worry for his safety, mixed with pride in him, mixed with the disappointment, anger and frustration she couldn't help but sometimes feel.
The childhood friends fell silent. Two women, well into their 30's, thinking about their very different lives. They rose simultaneously and Vivi wrapped her arm around her friend. I'll walk you to your room. Get a good night's sleep. I'll need your help tomorrow, for last minute wedding preparations. The next day, Sunday, is the big event."
Lurking in the shadows Mathilda watched the women walked by. The 18 year old bride-to-be had been listening intently, indulging in a life-long habit of eavesdropping on adults. How else did a girl learn about the things she had to know, but no one told her about. She hurried to her room, mind spinning.
TBC