~Chapter 3~
The sun was just breaking over the horizon when Matt finished breaking camp and saddling his horse. If he timed it just right he would arrive in Dodge just in time to have early morning coffee with Kitty.
As Matt approached Dodge City the town was busy with morning activity. He rode down Chestnut street taking a left onto Bridge Street then a right on Front Street until he reached the front of the jail. During the ride through town Matt noticed that the town seemed a bit somber, but chalked it up to the day being early. Upon reaching his office he brought his horse to a stop, dismounted, and secured the reins to the hitching post. Matt stopped on the boardwalk and looked up the street at the Long Branch. He noticed the big doors were still closed, and figured Kitty must have had a very busy night since Sam hadn't opened for business yet for the day.
Matt entered his office and found Festus asleep with his feet propped up on the desk. Matt walked over and knocked Festus's feet off the desk.
Festus woke with a start, jumping out of the chair as his feet hit the floor. "Matthew!" Festus exclaimed in surprise.
"What are you doing sleeping in the chair when there's a perfectly good bed?" Matt asked.
"I was a await'n up fer ya."
Matt took off his gun belt hanging it on the peg by the door to the cells. "What happened that you waited up all night for me?"
Festus looked down at his feet for a moment before looking up at Matt. "I got bad news fer ya. Last night at the Long Branch-"
Matt's thoughts quickly jumped to Kitty and the fact that the Long Branch was still closed. "Is Kitty alright?" he interrupted, trying to keep his voice even.
"She waz when Percy and I left ta take his body ta Percy's."
"Body!"
"Matthew, Sam passed away at the Long Branch last night." He stated solemnly. "Miz Kitty, well she had a bit of a hard time dealin' with it."
Matt grabbed his gun belt off the peg and put it back on, "Festus, would you mind holding things down here for a bit longer for me?"
"Naw. You'll be sure ta give Miz Kitty my sympathies, won't ya Matthew."
"I will, Festus." He told him as he quickly left the jail.
Matt was halfway to the Long Branch when he came upon Doc. "I was just coming to see you, Matt. I suppose Festus told you about Sam?"
"He did. What happened last night, Doc?"
Doc filled Matt in on all the details right up to where he found the Long Branch all closed up. "It was a heart attack, Matt. He was gone before I got to him." Doc explained, as his voice wavered. "I'm a bit concerned about Kitty. I was just over there and the place is still locked. I knocked for a long time but she didn't answer."
Matt pushed his hat up on his forehead. "I'm sure she's ok, Doc. Sam was like a big brother to her, so I'm not surprised she's taking it hard."
Doc put his hands in his pants pockets and bowed his head. "This one hits close to home for all of us."
Matt looked towards the Long Branch, "Yeah Doc it does." He said mournfully.
Doc swiped his chin, "Let me know if Kitty needs anything."
"I will, Doc."
Doc watched as Matt walked towards the Long Branch and down the alley towards the back entrance.