Doc Holliday Must Die

Doc rode into Abilene in the early afternoon. He rode through the bustling streets. It was amazing that a small Kansas town could be so busy but ever since the rail road came and the cow herds followed it was as if it was New York or Chicago. Just with an overwhelming smell of cow shit. And despair.

He rode up to the hotel and tied his weary mare to the post out in front. There was a dandy sitting in a chair on the porch. He had long hair down to his shoulders and matching Colts in a red sash with the handles backwards. A badge. Dirty linen with lace at the cuffs.  A disheveled dandy. He was famous. Everybody knew Wild Bill.

“Good afternoon Marshal.”

“Howdy pilgrim. New in town I reckon?’

“Yes I am. Thought I might set up a practice here. Do you have a dentist in town?”

“Can’t say if we do. Not that I would know right off hand. But I am sure that Ike down at the desk would know. So you are a dentist? I heard tell of a dentist who was a fair hand with a pistol.”

“Name’s Holliday. John Holliday. But my friends call me Doc. I ain’t looking for trouble Marshal.”

“Wouldn’t think you would partner. But you seem like the type that trouble finds none the less. Just know that I give a man a fair shake. The first time.”

“Not a problem Marshal. I am a peaceable man.”

Doc shouldered his saddlebags and walked into the hotel.

“Like a room please. At the end of the hall if possible.”

“Not a problem sir. Just sign here. That would be one dollar a day.”

“Here’s two weeks in advance. Say is there a dentist in town?”

“Not hardly. Anyone with a toothache just goes to see the farrier. He’s the closest we have to a dentist and can pull a tooth as fast as he can cure the colic.”

“Fair enough.”

“That would be room 2 B on the second floor at the end of the hall.”

“What’s the best place to get a meal in town?’

“Well most of the cattlemen are partial to the Drover’s Cottage. But I reckon Hop Sing’s is pretty fine vittles. Good price. Just make sure he washes his hands is all.”

“Thanks for the tip.”