Summary:  A chance meeting on a stage could spell disaster for Little Joe.

Rated: K+ (18,070 words)

Stranger on the Stage

Joe’s jaw was clenched as were his hands. If he had time to waste, his waiting fists would have been given something to do. No one had to ask if he was upset. Upset was written across every tense muscle in his body. No one even had to ask who had made him angry. Everyone nearby had witnessed the explosion between the youngest Cartwright and Henry Brandon. If it hadn’t been for the stage coach driver, Jim, calling to Joe that they were pulling out with or without him, a brawl might have broken out right there on the streets of Virginia City.

 

But Joe had a stage to catch. His small bag, containing all he would need for the next week, was already loaded. His brother Adam had already headed back for the Ponderosa with Cochise and his Pa was counting on him to finish up the work on the contract with Craig Sampson in Left Ridge.  As he readied to jump into the coach, he threw a glare back to where Henry gloated in the middle of the street.

 

“Next time, Henry.” Joe breathed not loud enough for anyone but himself to hear as he swung up. The stage jerked forward at the same time tossing him sideways into the only other passenger aboard the Left Ridge bound stage.

 

“I’m sorry.” Joe quickly detangled himself and slouched into the bench opposite the other traveler, a young man not much older than Joe.

 

“That’s quite alright,” the man gave a pleasant smile and offered Joe his hand. “My name is Bill Wren. And you are?”

 

“Cartwright,” Joe took the offered hand and shook it trying to smile through the anger that still boiled in his gut. “Joe Cartwright.”

 

“A pleasure to meet you Mr. Cartwright.” The man went on pleasurably. “I always thought that those who travel with one another should become acquainted with one another. Don’t you think?” Bill was still smiling amiably.

 

Joe again tried to shake the anger and growing hatred toward Henry Brandon off his mind. “Yes, I suppose so.”

 

Joe watched the man in front of him smile even broader, if that was possible, and nod his head. “That man back there,” He cocked his head to the side. “He’s a friend of yours?”

 

“Hardly,” Joe snorted, folding his arms across his chest.

 

“Enemy then?” The smile was still in place.

 

Joe simply shrugged and looked out the window, hoping his traveling companion would get the hint that he didn’t want to talk at the moment with Virginia City barely behind them.

 

He didn’t. “Have you ever wanted to kill a man?”

 

The question made Joe’s head whip around to where Bill sat, still smiling that strange grin that Joe decided he didn’t really like.

 

“Of course not.” Joe looked fully at the man across from him for the first time. He was about Joe’s height and build only not as well muscled. His hair was nearly the same color as Joe’s but was straight and parted to the side. His eyes were a deep blue. Joe supposed that girls would call him handsome.

 

The smile faded as he raised his eyebrows, “Never?”

 

Joe was suddenly uncomfortable. Sure there had been times, he supposed. Didn’t everyone want to strangle somebody sometime in their life? But he would never do it. Never.

 

Bill smile was softer when it returned, almost teasing. “Come now, Joe, may I call you Joe?” He continued without waiting for an answer, “Surely there was a time when you wished someone dead… Maybe that man back there or…”

 

“Maybe briefly.” Joe smiled and leaned back.

 

“There, you see,” Bill gestured with his hands. “Everyone wishes it at one point or another. But how to go about it, that’s the challenge.” Bill clasped his hands in front of him. “I’ve thought up a good half-dozen ways.”

 

“Ways for what?” Joe was frowning as he spoke.

 

“Why for my father, of course.”

 

“What?”

 

“That’s who I’d like to strangle.” Bill smiled.

 

Joe chuckled. This was surely becoming the most bazaar conversation he had ever had with a fellow stagecoach passenger before. He could almost picture Hoss’ face when he would tell him about it after he got home.

 

“It’s not so hard to do it really,” Bill chuckled. “But not getting caught. Now that’s the tricky part.”

 

Joe frowned again. “You’ve never…” He was almost afraid to ask.

 

“Who me?” Bill laughed. “No never! Although, I admit, I’ve given it a fair bit of thought. I shall have to write a mystery some day. You see I believe that one should try everything before one dies.” He reclined back in his chair. “My father has made life perfectly miserable for me. He holds my inheritance over me like a prison cell.” He grinned, “When he’s gone then I can really start to live.”

 

Joe’s thoughts went to his own Pa, as Bill continued to prattle on. He could never imagine a better father. He loved him more than he could ever begin to describe! He found himself feeling sorry for the young man across from him who obviously was not so lucky to have a father who he could always count on to love him unconditionally.

 

“So I got to thinking,” Bill pulled one booted foot up onto the seat. “The best way would be to find someone and swap murders.”

 

“Swap what?” Joe tried to jump back into the conversation he had been ignoring.

 

“Murders.” Bill stated. “You see if two totally unconnected people- like you in me for instance- were to meet accidentally on a stage or a dinner party or whatever. And both of us wanted someone out of the picture- like say, my father and your friend back there- then we would simply swap murders. Each fellow does the other fellow’s murder.”

 

Joe found himself confusingly intrigued by the conversation. “But why?”

 

“Motive.” Bill sighed, “Weren’t you listening? If I were to kill my father there would be too much motive involved and doubtless I would end up hanging, but if you were to do it no one would suspect you because you had no motive. If you left no evidence, then no one would ever find you. Meanwhile I would be off committing your murder and then we would part ways and never speak to each other again. Each of us having murdered a total stranger. You do my murder. I do yours- it’s simple!” He finished with a nod of his head.

 

Joe shook his head and chuckled. “You sure come up with some wild ideas.” Joe looked out the widow. Knowing that he was too awake to sleep he sighed, “Got any other wild ideas or plans for yourself?”

 

Bill’s eyes brightened. Here, at last he had found a ready ear for all the ideas he had going around in his head!

 

—————————

 

Joe kept looking out the stage window and craning his neck around in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of Left Ridge. It couldn’t be much farther. Could it? The ride had never seemed this long before.

 

Bill had yet to stop on his ideas. One crazy plan after another. Joe began to think that either the man was genius or he was a little more than a wee bit insane! He spoke of flying like the birds, with a special fascination in the hawk. He told him that man would surmount ever obstacle that held them to the earth and would shoot into the stars. And he was going to be the first one to do it to. How ridiculous!

 

“After all,” He said again. “One should try everything before one dies.”

 

Joe smiled and nodded for what seemed like the thousandth time. If Bill brought up one more plan of his then Joe thought he might seriously consider getting out and walking the rest of the way to Left Ridge.

 

“What do you think of my plans?” Bill leaned back with a satisfied look on his face.

 

“Oh, they’re fine.” Joe hoped that meant he had come to an end of his schemes.

 

“I have so many plans for my life.” Bill smiled again. “Isn’t it exciting to be young and have your whole life ahead to do whatever you want in it?”

 

Joe nodded then stuck his head out the window and turned his head to look ahead. Was that a building? Could it possibly be town? “Hey, Jim!” Joe leaned out farther and yelled up to the driver. “Is that Left Ridge?”

 

“Sure ‘nough is.” Jim hollered back.

 

Joe pulled himself back in. “Well, this is my stop.” He almost flinched as he asked, “Are you staying in Left Ridge?”

 

Bill nodded. “The night at least.”

 

Joe was suddenly very glad he was staying at the Sampson’s ranch instead of the town’s only hotel!

 

They were almost there; the stage slowed down as it approached the station on the edge of town.

 

“What did you think of my idea?” Bill reached across and grasped Joe’s forearm.

 

“I said it was fine.” Joe frowned down at the hand on his arm.

 

“But did you like it?”

 

Joe quickly decided this man bordered on insane rather than genius. His eyes were wide and almost frightening. “I liked it.” Joe was glad when the strange man released his arm.

 

“Good,” Bill sighed. “Good.”

 

The stage pulled to stop and Joe was out the door and reaching up for his bag.

 

“Joe!” Miss Amy Sampson stood next to her father smiling happily at the Cartwright that had been sent to finish up the contract with her father.

 

“Amy,” Joe smiled and waved with his free arm. He turned to go to the Sampsons when someone caught his arm.

 

“It’s a good plan isn’t it?” Bill stood next to him.

 

Joe smiled and nodded stepping away from the man. “Great,” he assured.

 

Joe quickly joined the Sampsons who led him to their waiting buggy.

 

“Who was that, Joe?” Amy linked her arm through Joe’s.

 

Joe glanced back and saw Bill still standing there watching them. Smiling. “I don’t really know.” Joe turned back to the pretty girl on his arm and smiled down at her. “I met him on the stage.” He couldn’t help but glance back again. Bill had vanished. Joe shuddered involuntarily, sincerely hoping he would never run into that man ever again.

 

“Oh,” with that word Amy forgot the strange grinning man and focused solely on the one who would be staying at their ranch for the next week: Joe Cartwright. She sighed and nearly laughed at her luck. She would be the envy of every girl in town!

 

————————–

 

The week passed quickly for Joe. There ended up not being much left in the contract to work on and Joe wondered if Craig Sampson hadn’t already known that when he asked Ben for a week of one of his son’s time. It hadn’t really mattered which son. Any Cartwright son would do for his young Amy, and it had become apparent to Joe from day one that he had been brought here with more in mind than a simple contract. But, of course, Joe didn’t mind. Amy was pretty enough to capture Joe’s wandering eyes.

 

On the day he left Left Ridge, Amy was as clingy as a bur stuck in Cochise’s mane. Joe whispered sweet things in her ear and kissed her gently on the nose before throwing his small bag up to the stage driver to be strapped up top.

 

“You’ll be back soon, Joe?” Amy pleaded dabbing her eyes with the hankie Joe had given her minuets before.

 

“Of course I will,” He pulled her into his arms and she laid her head against his chest. “It’s not all that far. I’m sure Pa’ll let me.” He gently pushed her back and smiled.

 

She leaned up for one final kiss before stepping back to join her father who had been watching with a pleased look on his face.

 

“Goodbye, Mr. Sampson,” His eye lingered on Amy’s face, “Amy,” He jumped into the stage and seated himself next to a dour faced elderly woman. “Ma’am,” He nodded in her direction then turned to greet the other occupant of the stage. But the words never exited his mouth but rather caught in his throat.

 

Bill Wren sat across from him. Grinning.

 

———————

 

Joe never would admit to his brothers how much Bill Wren’s presence on that second stage ride unnerved him. He didn’t say anything. Not a more than a few syllables the entire trip. He just sat there. Smiling. His eyes watching Joe’s every move.

 

Needless to say, sleep evaded Joe, although he was very tired. He spent the whole time trying not to look into the deep blue eyes that watched him. It made his skin crawl.

He thought the trip seemed long last time with Bill talking nearly the entire way, but his silence was unsettling.

 

Joe began to wish Bill would start telling his plans to change the world.

 

Virginia City couldn’t come fast enough!

 

Joe had the door of the stage open before it had come to a full stop on the dusty streets of Virginia City, earning him a glare from the lady passenger. Joe tried on a smile and offered her his hand to help her down and with a sniff she accepted.

 

“Joe!” Hoss’ holler brought a smile to Joe’s lips. Turning he spotted his two brothers coming toward him, waving.

 

“Hey, Adam, Hoss,” Joe turned back to get his bag so he could hurry to join his brothers. Maybe they would even buy him a beer!

 

“Joe,” Joe recognized Bill’s voice and had almost decided to pretend he hadn’t heard him when he realized that his bag was no longer atop the stage.

 

Turning slowly he saw the smiling face and eyes that had become very annoying and against Joe’s will, unnerving.

 

Bill handed Joe his bag and slipped a piece of paper into his hand at the same time. “You’re going to need that.” He whispered.

 

“Uh, thanks,” Joe stepped back too hastily and stepped on the dour faced ladies feet.

 

“Watch where you’re stepping!” She yelled shrilly.

 

“I’m sorry,” Joe grabbed the brim of his hat and gave an apologetic smile.

 

“Be brave, Joe,” Joe head snapped back around at Bill’s words. He tried to smile but couldn’t quite accomplish it before he hurried away.

 

“Who’s that?” Adam watched the man who stood there smiling, his eyes never appearing to leave Joe’s retreating back.

 

“Who?” Joe glanced back and had to stop the shudder from visible shaking him. “Oh, him.” He looked forward. “Just a stranger from the stage.”

 

“How ‘bout a beer, little brother?” Hoss slapped Joe on the back as they walked forward side by side.

 

“No, thanks.” Even though his throat felt dry, Joe found his desire for a drink trumped by the longing for the Ponderosa. “Let’s just go home.”

 

Hoss shrugged and led the way to the horses while Adam frowned and looked back over his shoulder. The stranger was still there in the same position. Watching the same object. He followed the man’s gaze to his youngest brother, then turned back to study the stranger, but he had vanished, leaving Adam with a very uneasy feeling in his gut.

 

—————————

 

Joe stretched out on his bed and sighed happily. There was nothing quite like your own bed after a week away and a bumpy stage ride. Dinner would be ready soon and his Pa had sent him up to freshen up, but he had been unable to resist the call of his bed.

 

Turning onto his side he felt the edge of a tightly folded piece of paper in his pocket gently prod at his leg. The peace and relaxation forgotten as the image of Bill’s smiling face flashed through his mind. You’re going to need that. Joe extracted the paper from his pocket and, sitting cross-legged, unfolded it.

 

Frowning deeply, Joe peered at the drawing on the paper. It was a map of some sort. Crudely drawn, it indicated the inside of a large house. An arrow had been drawn entering a side window and winding its way up a staircase and into a long hallway with rooms on either side. The arrow turned into a room near the end of the hall and pointed to a bed drawn in the corner of the room. “What on earth…”

 

“Joseph, dinner’s ready.” Pa’s booming voice raced up the stairs to Joe’s ears.

 

“Coming.” Joe hastily refolded the drawing and went to throw it on his dresser top but hesitated and instead slipped it under his pillow before splashing water from his basin over his hands and face.

 

He took the steps down into the main room of the ranch house quickly and hastily slid into his chair, drying his hands on the edge of the tablecloth carefully so no one would notice.

 

“So you had a successful trip, Joe?” Ben asked warmly as he passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to Hoss’ waiting hands.

 

“Yes, sir,” Joe said proudly. It was only recently that Ben had started entrusting this sort of work into his youngest’s hands, and Joe had been eager to prove that he was as capable as the others when it came to the business part of the Ponderosa.

 

“In more ways than one I’ll wager,” Hoss winked at Adam over the platter of ham he had just reached for.

 

A sly smile spread across Adam’s face as he turned to Joe, “I hear that Sampson has a daughter.” He noticed Joe’s cheeks grow a shade pinker. “Did you see much of her?” He raised his eyebrows and watched his little brother squirm slightly.

 

Joe cleared his throat and glanced at his Pa who had elbows resting on the table and his hands clasped under his chin a small smile starting to pull at the corners of his mouth. “Sure I saw her. I was staying at her father’s house.” He defended.

 

“Uh-huh” Adam and Hoss exchanged nods. “And how much time did you spend with her compared to the time spent on the contract?” Adam turned his head slightly to the side.

 

Joe racked his brain for an un-incriminating thing to say, but he finally shrugged and gave in. “She’s a beautiful girl, Pa.” He smiled embarrassedly at his brothers’ guffaws.

 

Pa’s smile broadened, “I know.” He looked into his son’s hazel green eyes. “That’s why me and her father decided you would need a week.” He winked as he finished his statement and picked up his fork to resume eating.

 

Hoss’ laughter increased in volume at his Pa’s declaration and Joe soon found himself joining in. His own unmistakable giggle making his father chuckle.

 

“I’m glad you’re home, Joe!” Ben’s smile grew softer. “We missed you.”

 

“Thanks, Pa,” Joe looked between his father and brothers. “It’s good to be back.”

 

——————————–

 

The sun struggled momentarily on the horizon then broke free casting her rays across the Ponderosa. Dawn came wrapped tenderly in the promise of a bright, sunny day. Her fingertips reached out and stroked the land caressing it in her warmness. Day won her battle against night as she does every morning.

 

Joe sighed deeply and rolled over, wishing to pull the covers over his head and call back the sleep that was quickly slipping away into awareness. Moaning he sat up and tried to blink the last hold of slumber from his eyes.

 

“Joe?” Hoss’ head peeked in through the door and a grin spread across his freshly scrubbed face. “Mornin’ little brother.”

 

Joe moaned and threw himself back into his pillows.

 

“Come on now, Joe,” Hoss opened the door wider to fit more of his body through it. “The days a wasting, and Pa and Adam are already down eating.” Hoss’ face grew worried, “If I don’t get you up and at ’em they just might finish all the food without me.”

 

Joe swung his legs out of bed and sat up again nodding. “I’m moving.” He stretched and stifled a yawn. “I wouldn’t want you to waste away.”

 

Hoss smiled, “Thanks, Joe.” Then he pulled himself out of the room and closed the door. Joe could hear his steps pounding down the steps towards another one of Hop Sing’s delicious breakfasts and hot coffee.

 

Joe pulled himself to his feet and began to ready himself for the day as quickly as he could. His Pa was normally lax on one of his son’s first day home after a trip but Joe didn’t want to push his luck.

 

Soon he was skipping his way down the stairs and crossing over to the table with a smile on his face and a “Good morning!” on his lips.

 

Hoss was already scraping the remnants of his scrambled eggs onto his fork and depositing it in his mouth.  As Joe slid into his chair, he quickly reached for seconds before Joe could diminish the food supply.

 

“What are the plans for today Pa?” Joe waited patiently for Hoss to grab a biscuit before passing them.

 

“Well,” Ben wiped the red checked napkin over his mouth then tossed it on his plate. “Hoss and Adam are heading out to the lumber camp to check on things there and you and I are going into town to pick up the supplies.” He picked up his coffee cup and smiled. “Then you can fill me in on all the details of the contract and,” he cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows, “everything else.”

 

————————–

 

Joe wiped his forearm over his face and turned from buckboard that was nearly full. He only had a handful of sacks to load before he was done and he could go meet up with his Pa at the bank.

 

The day had grown warm and Joe had felt it as he loaded the wagon. He cast another longing look at the saloon across the way. He knew it wouldn’t be much longer now.

 

Out of the corner of his eye, Joe thought several times that he saw someone watching him, but when he turned around to check there was no one there. Joe frowned as he returned for the last time into the mercantile. “This is the last of it, Wes.” Joe tossed the sack over his shoulder and waved briefly with his right hand before returning it to the steady his heavy burden.

 

Joe tossed the sack on top of the pile and crossed a rope across it and tied it off.

 

“Joe,” Ben’s voice brought Joe’s head up.

 

“Hey, Pa, you…” Joe’s words trailed off as he saw the frown on his Pa’s face. “What’s wrong?”

 

Ben shook his head sadly. “You remember that Brandon kid?”

 

“Henry?” Joe’s face darkened at the thought of the man who had caused him much pain recently.

 

“They just found his body in the alley behind the livery.” Ben sighed. “Poor Betsy was at the bank when they told her and I overheard.”

 

Betsy. Joe’s mind flashed to the pretty dark-haired girl who, up until two months ago, had been his steady date, until she had transferred her affections over to Henry. “Poor girl,” he whispered. His mind struggled to come to terms with what had happened. He didn’t like Henry Brandon but he didn’t deserve to be lying dead in some dark alleyway. And poor Betsy. She didn’t deserve to have love stripped away from her like that.

 

“Joe,” this time it was Roy Coffee’s voice that brought Joe’s head up.

 

“Sheriff Coffee?” Joe waved to Roy.

 

“Joe, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to come with me and answer a few questions.” Roy glanced between Ben and his son apologetically.

 

“What for, Roy?” Ben placed a hand on Joe’s arm.

 

“I’m sorry, Ben, but someone’s indicated Joe in this Henry Brandon mess.” Roy looked to Joe. “You’ll have to come with me.”

 

Joe nodded trying to keep the look of confusion off his face. “I’ve got nothing to hide.” Even as he spoke his eyes caught a familiar face standing just out of the shadows in the alley by the saloon.

 

It was Bill Wren, smiling as usual. Joe felt the hair on the back of his neck stand out. A frightening thought tugged at the corner of his mind and he shook his head attempting to dislodge the notion. But it wouldn’t go away, and it terrified him.

 

———————–

 

“You don’t seriously believe that Little Joe…”

 

“Now, Ben, hold your horses!” Roy raised his hands in a stopping motion. “I’m only doing my job. Now, I don’t think Little Joe had anything to do with young Brandon’s murder, but I have to check on everything.” He turned to Joe. “Can you tell me where you were and what you were doing last night?”

 

Joe glanced at his Pa before answering: “Sleeping.”

 

“You can’t arrest a boy for that.” Ben challenged.

 

“Can anyone confirm that?” Roy looked at Ben expectantly.

 

“Of course we can.” Ben sighed. “We all saw him go up to bed.”

 

“At what time was that?” Roy sat down behind his desk.

 

Ben and Joe looked at each other, “About 9:00,” Joe nodded at his father’s estimate.

 

“And did you or either of the boys see him after that?” Roy asked hopefully.

 

“Well, no…” Ben’s face displayed a small measure of worry. “Not until Hoss went to wake him up this morning.”

 

Roy nodded, “Thanks Ben, Joe. You understand that I have to search out all possible suspects.”

 

“Of course, Roy,” Ben slapped his hat on the side of his leg. “Does that mean we can go?”

 

“Well there’s no evidence to put Joe in the alley last night even though it was possible for him to be there.” Roy picked up his glasses and slid them on.

 

“What do you mean, ‘it was possible for him to be there’? I just told you he was sleeping.” Ben frowned deeply at his long-time friend.

 

Roy sighed and turned to Joe, “Joe, have you ever snuck out of your room without the others knowing?”

 

Joe nodded looking sheepishly at his Pa. “But I didn’t last night!”

 

“And I have nothing to hold you on.” Roy picked up a stack of papers and tapped them on his desk. “Thank you for coming in.”

 

“You’re welcome, Sheriff,” Ben stomped out of the sheriff’s office and back out into the daylight.

 

“Bye, Roy,” Joe smiled at the sheriff and followed his father.

 

“He’s just doing his job, Pa.” Joe placed his hat on the back of his head. “Besides, we have nothing to worry about. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

 

“I know that, son.” Ben gave his youngest son a little smile and squeezed his shoulder. “I know.”

 

“Well, now that that’s done,” Joe stepped of the boardwalk and into the dusty streets. “How about a nice cold beer?”

 

Ben smiled and followed his son, “You buying?”

 

Joe’s smile wavered, “I guess so.”

 

Ben chuckled and wrapped a loving arm around Joe’s shoulders. “Just one, then it’s back to the Ponderosa. A ranch doesn’t run itself you know!”

 

Joe snorted, “Don’t I know it!”

 

—————————-

 

“Joe,” a voice from the shadows called after Joe as he and Ben headed for the buck board and home.

 

Joe turned and saw Bill standing there and turned back around planning on completely ignoring the man.

 

Ben stopped, “Joe, that man seems to want to talk to you.” He looked down at his son. “Who is he?”

 

Joe sighed and turned around, “I’ll just be a minute, Pa.” He hurried toward where Bill was retreating further into the shadows.

 

“What do you want?” Joe wouldn’t admit it but the guy was starting to spook him with all his grinning and appearing here and there.

 

“Do you still have the map?”

 

“The wh-“ Joe remembered the drawing that still rested under his pillow. “What’s it for?”

 

“To my house, of course.” Bill grabbed Joe’s arm and pulled him deeper into the alley. “You know it?”

 

“Your house?”

 

Bill nodded.

 

“No,” Joe pulled his arm away and stepped back. “What’s this all about?”

 

“The plan!” Bill whispered, his eyes growing wider. “Don’t you see?” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a long pocket-knife. He handed it to Joe.

 

Joe turned the knife over. It was just a plain single blade pocket-knife with initials burned into the side. Joe had one like it only his was silver rimmed with J.C. and the Ponderosa brand done in silver instead of being burned into the side. He handed it back, “It’s a nice tool to have.”

 

“You still don’t see?” Bill began to become frustrated. “Look at the initials H. B.” He pointed the initialling out. “It’s not my knife.”

 

Joe frowned and was about to leave when it all slid into place. His frown slid away and his eyes grew wide. “Henry Brandon?”

 

Bill smiled triumphantly, “But, of course!”

 

Joe started to back away slowly. “You killed him?” He looked over his shoulder and judged in his mind the distance between himself and the Sheriff’s Office.

 

“You wanted it that way. It was all part of the plan.” Bill frowned. “Where are you going?”

 

“To get the sheriff.” Joe began to turn.

 

“You can’t do that!” Bill said softly, the smile returning.

 

Joe stopped and looked back. “Why not?”

 

“We’ll both hang for murder.”

“We’ll both hang?”

 

“Your in it as deep as I am.” Bill returned Henry’s knife to his pocket. “We planned it together.”

 

“But we didn’t.” Joe ran a hand over his mouth nervously.

 

“But we did.” Bill stepped toward Joe. “On the stage, remember.” He spoke as if coaxing a child. “We decided to swap murders. Now I’ve done yours.” Bill’s grin held a hint of triumph. “It’s your turn to do mine.”

 

Joe shook his head. “You’re insane.” He started to back away again.

 

“Don’t say that, Joe.” Bill spoke softly. “Don’t say it. Don’t even think it. A plan’s a plan and a deal’s a deal. But you must go now before we are spotted. And don’t go to the sheriff. Remember, you are the one with the motive. I didn’t even know this Henry Brandon fellow. You have to go through with it, or I promise your family will suffer.”

 

Joe just kept shaking his head as words seemed to evade him.

 

“Don’t worry, he felt very little pain and then it was all over. Very quick, very easy, and very quiet. That’s the most important part, you know, being quiet. We’re safe. Nobody was near enough to see anything- except Henry. No one will ever find us out, Joe. Never!”

 

Joe nearly ran from the alleyway then slowed himself trying to bring composure back into his face before he reached his father. Ben was busy talking to Doc Martin who had been passing by and didn’t notice Joe’s pale face until after they were on their way home.

 

“You tired, Joe?” Ben glanced away from the road to survey his son who was quieter than normal.

 

“A little bit.” Joe answered weakly. His mind was running at a pace that not even Cochise would be able to keep up with. What was he going to do? Bill was right- he did have the motive, and with Bill saying he was in on the planning that made him at least an accessory to murder- didn’t it?

 

“Who was that man who called you from the alley?” Ben was watching the road so he didn’t catch his son’s nervous look.

 

“I don’t know. He must have gotten my name from someone.” Joe wished with all his heart that his words were true.

 

———————————–

 

Joe felt sick. He couldn’t have pinpointed a certain spot from where the pain started nor where it ended. He sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. Henry Brandon was dead- was it his fault?

 

What was he going to do? Could he let this murderer go free? His mind and heart rebelled against the thought. But would he too be convicted? What was to guarantee that he wouldn’t hang as well? What would that do to his family- to his Pa? To the Cartwright name?

 

There had to be a way out of this. He just had to think of it. Joe rubbed his aching head. If only he could talk to Adam or Pa, but, no, he knew what they would say. Maybe he could talk Bill into turning himself in and admitting his guilt. Yes, that was it. That had to be it. But what if he wouldn’t do it? Or what if he really truly believed that Joe had been agreeing to his plan back there on the stage.

 

Joe began to pace the length of his room, cursing the day he had jumped into the Left Ridge bound stage. If it had been Adam or Hoss then surely they wouldn’t have gotten into this mess. But, no, it had been him. He was in trouble and didn’t know which way to turn.

 

 

Joe sat down on his bed again and bunched up his fists at his chin. Bill had threatened his family. The man was crazy enough to actually do something. Joe fell back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. If only the answer was written there.

 

—————————

 

“Who’d you invite to the dance?” Adam walked up behind Joe and again peeked at his appearance in the mirror. He ran a hand over his hair smoothing it perfectly into place.

 

“Nobody,” Joe finished tying his black string tie around the collar of his white shirt.

 

Adam’s eyebrows raised slightly, “Nobody?”

 

“That’s what I said.” Joe muttered stepping back for a final survey of himself before turning away. “How about you?”

 

Adam shrugged, “Megan.”

 

“Douglas or Frasier?” Joe smiled already knowing the answer.

 

“Douglas, of course.”

 

Joe thought he saw Adam shudder out of the corner of his eye and chuckled to himself at the thought of Adam taking out a woman like Megan Frasier.

 

Hoss’ heavy stride down the hallway warned of his arrival. “You two about ready? The barn dance’ll be over before we get there.”

 

“Don’t worry, Hoss.” Adam gave Joe a sly wink as he wrapped an arm around Hoss’ broad shoulders. “Bessie Sue won’t find another partner before you get there.”

 

Hoss blushed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I ain’t worried.” He tugged a little on his tie and it came loose.

 

Joe watched him attempt to tie it again but his thick fingers kept getting in the way of each other. “Allow me,” Joe slapped Hoss’ hands away and deftly tied his brother’s tie.

 

“Thanks,” Hoss pulled his hat onto his head. “You two ready now?”

 

Adam opened his mouth when a billowing yell resounded from downstairs. “Boys quit looking in the mirror and get down here! You’d think I had three daughters for all the time you take!”

 

Joe and Adam exchanged looks and rolled there eyes toward the ceiling. “Coming, Pa!” the two answered as one.

 

Ben hurried his family out the door. “You’d think he was afraid the Widow Hawkins was getting lonely or something,” Joe said just loud enough to be heard. He smiled at Ben’s scowl and mounted his horse for the ride into Virginia City.

 

——————————-

Joe smiled cordially at the Widow Hawkins as he past her position at the door waiting- he had no doubt- for his father to make his appearance. Ben had spotted the woman as they were walking toward the brightly lit barn and had made some lame excuse about forgetting something in his saddle bag.

 

Entering the large barn Joe fixed a smile on his face before heading for the refreshment table where Hoss and Bessie Sue had already passed by.

 

For the first time he could remember he just didn’t feel like dancing.

He sighed as he filled his punch glass to the rim before turning slowly around to survey all the ladies present and all the young men there to dance with them.

 

The first thing he spotted was his Pa sneaking in through the back way and standing slightly behind a rather broad woman who nearly blocked him from being seen. The second thing he saw was Adam whisking Megan Douglas into the lively dance. The third thing he saw sent shivers down his spine and clear into his boots.

 

Bill Wren stood not six feet away from him.

 

Joe looked to the door were the Widow Hawkins was beginning to tap her foot and frown in frustration and considered making a break for it. But Bill was already moving toward him.

 

“Joe, how are you!” He slapped Joe on the back as if they were lifelong friends.

 

“What are you doing here?” Joe hissed between his teeth.

 

“I live here, of course!” Bill chuckled. “Have you never seen me around?”

 

Joe shook his head. He had rather hoped that Bill was from another town- another country- one very, very far away.

 

“You see, I live in that big old house half a mile from town. You know, the yellow one with the white porch that wraps around it? The Wren House.”

 

Joe berated himself for not making the connection before. William Wren Sr. was one of the wealthiest men around, although not very many people ever saw him when he visited the old house every summer. Joe had heard that the Wren’s wintered in New England and spent the fall and spring months in San Francisco. Their large Virginia City house being their smallest.

 

“What do you want?” Joe whispered, glancing nervously around him.

 

“I think you know.” Bill’s smile began to slip from his face. “You aren’t thinking of going back on me now- are you?” His smile was completely gone. “I would think twice before you break our agreement, Joe. You’ll ruin the plan.” He lowered his voice until it was a whispering growl. “I did my part. Now it’s time you do yours.”

 

“I didn’t agree to anything with you.” Joe grabbed Bill’s arm and pulled him aside to where he prayed they wouldn’t be noticed. “I didn’t.”

 

“You did.” Bill stated in a way and with a look that would frighten just about anyone- Joe included.

 

Joe looked around nervously. “Look, I haven’t done anything. I…”

 

“Then why do you look so guilty?” Bill took the glace of punch from Joe’s hand and took a sip. “This is good.”

 

Joe raked a hand through his hair. “Just go away and leave me alone!”

 

“I can’t do that, Joe. You know I can’t. You owe me.” He grabbed the front of Joe’s shirt. “You owe me a murder.”

 

As Joe pulled back he heard the clapping and knew that the dance was done. They were bound to be spotted now. “I don’t owe you anything.” He turned his back on the man and walked back to the table and, as steadily as he could, poured himself another glass.

 

“Joe?” Joe sloshed some of his punch over at the word and nearly ruined his shirt. Looking down he saw that the front of his shirt was wrinkled from where Bill had grabbed it and he quickly smoothed it out.

 

Adam raised an eyebrow, “You a bit jumpy this evening, little brother?”

 

Joe smiled as best he could and shook his head, lifting the glass to his lips. “Nope.” He said after he lowered the glass. His voice sounded far steadier than he felt.Just lost and confused. He thought sadly to himself.

 

“Adam I…” He wanted to tell him everything. To have his older brother take over. Adam always knew what was right. He could solve the whole mess. But even as he opened his mouth to tell him he saw Bill standing across from them with a small derringer in his hand pointing at Adam’s back.

 

I wouldn’t he mouthed across the room, then slipped the gun back into his pocket.

 

“Well, Joe?” Adam was frowning as he watched his brother stiffen.

 

“Nothing Adam. Nothing. I’m just a little tired, that’s all.” Joe smiled nervously and took a step away from his brother, trying to show Bill that he had no intention of saying anything. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

 

Adam was looking at him oddly and Joe was sure he was about to press him. “Megan’s waiting for that punch.” He pointed to the glass in Adam’s hand.

 

“I guess she is.” Adam looked down at the glass then back at his brother. Something wasn’t right. He could see it in his brother’s hazel-green eyes. “Joe, are you sure there’s nothing you want to say?”

 

“Positive, Adam.”

 

Adam shrugged, more to try to get rid of that uneasy feeling that had stolen over him than anything else, and turned to bring his partner her punch.

 

“Positive, Adam,” Joe whispered to his brother’s back. “It’s not worth it.” He would have to figure out what to do himself. There was no way he was going to endanger his family. Not for anything in the world. Even if it meant hanging for helping to murder Henry Brandon.

 

Joe glanced back to where Bill had been standing but he wasn’t there. He searched with his eyes but couldn’t find him.

 

The Widow Hawkins, on the other hand, had had better luck. She had found her man and was holding him closely as they danced with the other couples.

 

Ben looked positively miserable, but not half so much as his youngest son.

 

——————-

 

 

Adam studied Joe as they rode home. His brother looked lost. His eyes stared vacantly ahead and his face was nearly expressionless save a hint of something that caused Adam’s frown to deepen- fear.

 

Hoss chatted on about the food that had been present, smacking his lips as he relived eating all that he and Bessie Sue had piled onto the little plates. Ben nodded or grunted in reply to Hoss’ speech, although he was just glad that they were headed home and he wouldn’t have to dance with the Widow anymore!

 

Adam pulled his mount up closer to Joe’s. “Joe,” He spoke softly so the other two riding ahead wouldn’t hear him.

 

Joe turned his head and brought his focus to Adam.

 

“Are you sure there’s nothing wrong- nothing you want to tell me?” That uneasy feeling had returned with a full force. “There’s something wrong. I can feel it.”

 

“Nothing’s wrong.” Joe looked away. “Please, Adam, I’m just tired is all. There’s nothing wrong.” Joe hoped his brother wouldn’t press him for more.

 

With a sigh Adam shook his head. “When you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

 

Joe kicked Cochise into a faster walk and left Adam behind. “Thanks, Adam.” He whispered to himself. The look on Bill’s face as he pulled out that derringer flashed through his mind. Was there only one way to keep those he loved safe?

 

A rifle shot reported across the stillness of the night. “Get down,” Ben yell tersely .All three Cartwrights hit the ground at almost the same moment. They lay there looking between each other as three more shots were fired.

 

Joe held his breath and waited for more shots but they never came. He exhaled the air in a quick burst and decided to be the first to stand.

 

“Whoever it was shot over us.” Hoss began to rise slowly following his brother’s example.

 

“Do you think they were shooting at us, Pa?” Adam dusted the dirt from his pants as he stood.

 

“I hope not,” Ben walked toward his horse, who had skittered several yards away. “It was probably just some young fellas who dipped into that special punch one too many times.” Inwardly Ben sent up a prayer of thanks that none of his son’s had been injured.

 

“Or maybe it was a warning.” Joe hadn’t known that the words had made it past his lips.

“A warning?” Hoss scrunched his nose. “A warning for what?”

 

Joe felt the eyes of his family on him and searched his brain for something to say. “I don’t know, Hoss. Perhaps older brother here has been sparkin’ Megan a little too hard.”

 

Ben chuckled, “If it were you, Joe, doing the sparkin’,” He wrapped an arm around his youngest’s shoulders. “Then I might have to be worried, but I think we can trust Adam to know the boundaries.”

 

Joe smiled at his brothers’ guffaws and relished in the feel of his Pa’s arm around his shoulders. It was always a gesture that had made him feel safe. But even now as his eyes scanned the darkness, half expecting Bill to appear before them, he couldn’t feel safe and secure. He couldn’t stop the lines of worry from creeping back into his face and settling around his eyes.

 

Was there only on way to keep those he loved safe? If there was more Joe just couldn’t think of them. His mind tried to plan out what he would do. What he believed he must do.

 

Ben’s arm slipped from around his shoulders and they began to remount their horses. Joe watched his family ride on ahead of him.

 

Joe set his jaw into a firm, grim line. He must not fail.

 

———————————-

 

“Pa can I ride into town and collect the mail?” Joe tried to ask nonchalantly. His insides were all in a jumble. He had to get to town and soon.

 

“You expectin’ a letter, Little Joe?” Hoss nudged Adam and fluttered his eyelashes.

 

“Perhaps from a Miss Amy Sampson?” Adam grinned and crossed his arms across his chest.

 

Joe decided to go with it and pulled an embarrassed look onto his face. “I don’t see how that is any of your concern.” He looked to his Pa, “Can I?”

 

Ben was smiling as he nodded. “If you go straight there and back- and I mean straight, young man- then I suppose you can catch up with your brothers and that fence mending at noon.”

 

Thanks, Pa.” Joe tried to keep the extreme relief off his face, but if his family did see it they would just suppose he was really looking forward to his latest girlfriend’s letter.

 

Let them believe what they would. Joe had to find Bill. He didn’t even dwell on the fact that Bill might not even be in town. He had to be. He had to settle everything once and for all.

 

—————————-

 

Joe rode slowly into town hoping to be spotted and approached by the man he had come to dread more than any other. He dismounted Cochise in front of the mercantile and looped the reins around the post.

 

Slowly he stepped up on the boardwalk and walked toward the post office. He strolled along tipping his hat to those he passed and keeping an ear out for any call from an alleyway. But Bill was no where to be seen.

 

He picked up the mail and was glad to see a letter from Amy. At least his excuse would hold. He tucked it, unopened, into his coat pocket along with the other letters for his father and one for Adam from one of his college friends.

 

Joe’s eyes searched for Bill among every group and in every alley he walked by. But when his name was called it wasn’t Bill who called it.

 

Joe turned around and tried to smile. “Sheriff Coffee.”

 

“What are you doin’ in town?” The sheriff pushed his hat off his forehead.

 

“Just picking up the mail.” Joe patted his pocket.

 

“How’s everyone at the Ponderosa?”

 

“Oh, fine.” Joe leaned up against one of the posts outside the mercantile. “If there were trouble you’d be the first to know.”

 

“You entering the Virginia City race?”

 

“Is it the town anniversary again?” Joe smiled.

 

“It does come every year.” Roy tipped his hat to a lady passing by. “I’ve heard that more people have signed up for the race this year. You might have more competition than you can handle.”

 

“I can handle it.” Joe grinned. “I’ve got just the horse in mind too.” Joe pictured the beautiful long legged horse they had picked up in a lot of horses a few months back. “He sure can run.”

 

“I’ll be there to watch you. You won last year didn’t you?”

 

“Yep.” Joe grinned. “I rode Cochise and we flew like the wind.”

 

“Why won’t you ride her again this year?”

 

Joe frowned briefly. “I don’t want to risk her getting hurt. Last race we were in some idiot nearly killed the both of us.”

 

Roy nodded and rubbed at his moustache, “There are still no leads on the Brandon murder.” The sheriff’s shoulders sagged visibly. “The killer made a clean escape whoever he is.”

 

Joe dropped his gaze and nodded, unable to look Roy in the eyes. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He brought his head up and let his eyes wander over the street. He was just about to speak again when he saw a lone figure standing quite a ways down the road apparently watching him and the sheriff. Could it be Bill?

 

“I’m sorry, Roy, but I’ve got to go.” He managed a brief smile before hurrying toward who he hoped was Bill.

 

“Good bye, Joe,” Roy Coffee waved an arm then turned frowning. Something was not right with young Joe. He prayed it wasn’t what he feared. Surely Joe would never… would he? Roy glanced back and watched Joe step back into the shadows with another man. Frowning, the old lawman headed toward their direction. He had enough experience to smell trouble a mile away.

 

“Sheriff!” Roy turned to see Sam running toward him. “They’re tearing up the saloon!”

 

Roy sighed and moved to follow Sam. Joe would have to wait. Perhaps he would pay the Ponderosa a visit later.

 

——————————

 

“Bill,” Joe pulled the man back into the shadows of the alley and hoped that they hadn’t been spotted.

 

Bill looked angry. The smiles were gone replaced with an icy coldness that made Joe shudder as if he could feel a chill radiating from Bill’s blue eyes. “What were you talking to the sheriff about?”

 

Joe’s eyes grew wide. “No, Bill, I didn’t tell him anything, I swear. He was just walking by.” Joe licked his lips then continued. “I wanted you to know that I was ready.”

 

Bill’s face softened a hint. “Ready?”

 

“To finish what we started.” Joe lowered his voice.

 

Bill nodded, “Might I suggest you strangle him?” He held up his hands and positioned them as if he was grasping at someone’s throat. His eyes grew even colder than Joe had ever seen them.

 

“Strangle him?” his voice nearly shook. “Why can’t I just shoot him?”

 

His words seemed to pull Bill from a trance. “Shoot him?” He shrugged. “That will work splendidly. How about tonight?”

 

“The sooner the better.” Joe nodded.

 

“Good…good,” Bill was back to smiling sinisterly. “I will prepare my alibi.” He clapped his hands together. “Tonight will end the tyranny. Tonight will mark the beginning of freedom and perhaps…” He grasped Joe’s hand. “A friendship between us?”

 

Joe tried to smile but it died on his lips. “Tonight.”

 

“You still have the map?”

 

“Yes,”

 

“It leads to my father’s room.” Bill traced an imaginary line with his finger. “Follow it and you can’t go wrong.”

 

“I will,” Joe began to back up toward the daylight of the street.

 

Bill nodded, tipped his hat and disappeared around the back of the ally.

 

“Tonight,” Joe whispered again. “Tonight will determine the future.”

 

———————

 

“There he is, the prodigal.” Adam leaned on the fence post he and Hoss had just finished with. “I was wondering when you would show up.”

 

Joe rolled his eyes, “Can’t seem to manage for a morning without me, older brother?” He dismounted Cooch and took off his jacket, throwing it aside. “Ready to get back to work?”

 

“Did you get any mail for me?” Hoss asked hopefully.

“Nope,” Joe went back over to his coat and fished out the stack inside. “Just for Adam.”

 

Adam quickly crossed the space between himself and Joe. Hovering over his brother’s shoulder, Adam read the envelopes as Joe flipped through them. “What’s this?” Adam snatched Amy’s letter playfully.

 

“You give that back!” Joe lunged at Adam who jumped back and dodged his brother’s swipes to regain his letter.

 

Adam’s face clouded over, “You haven’t even opened it.” He let Joe grab the letter. “But wasn’t that why you went to town?”

 

Joe didn’t answer but tucked his letter into his pocket and gave Adam his.

 

“What was your real reason for going to town?” Adam frowned.

 

Hoss looked between his brothers finally settling on Joe. “Why did you go to town?”

 

“I…” Joe shoved the rest of the letters back into his coat and started to pick up the next post that needed placed. “I had some business there.”

“What business?” Adam pressed.

 

“My business,” Joe turned to glare at his brother. “Is none of your business.”

 

Adam grabbed Joe’s arm, “Now wait,” Joe gave him a mean look. “Something’s wrong and I’m not going to stop until I know what it is.”

 

“I told you there was nothing…”

 

“I know what you told me but I don’t believe it.”

 

Hoss stepped in between his brothers. “Now hold it both of you. Joe, you know Adam is only worried about you and, Adam, you know you won’t ever be able to get anything outta Joe unless he’s gonna give it. So why don’t we finish up our work so we won’t be late for Hop Sing’s dinner!”

 

Adam gave a sigh that bordered on a growl and Joe turned back to the work at hand without another word.

 

“I’m not giving up.” Adam muttered lowly so that no one besides himself could hear.

 

————————–

 

“Joe,” Ben found his son in the barn. “You hardly touched your dinner.”

 

Joe looked up in the dimming light from where he stood next to his horse, Cochise. “I wasn’t hungry.”

 

“What’s wrong?” Ben stepped forward.

 

“Does there have to be something wrong before I can not eat as much as normal?” He spoke softly doing better than he had expected to hide the tremblings inside.

 

“No, I guess not, but I haven’t been your father for eighteen years to not recognize that when you don’t eat you usually have something important weighing on you.” Ben leaned on one of the stalls and watched his son turn his face toward his horse. “Why don’t you tell me about it?” He coaxed.

 

Joe picked up a brush and ran it over Cochise’s back. “There’s nothing, Pa.” He thought he had done a good job of controlling his voice.

 

Ben wasn’t convinced. “Did you do something you regret?”

 

Joe stopped mid-stroke, “I haven’t done anything, Pa” In his mind he added yet to the end of his statement.

 

“If you change your mind and want to talk about it, you know where I’ll be.” Ben knew better than to press Joe too much. He would talk when he was ready. “I love you, son.”

 

Joe couldn’t help but smile as he turned to face his Pa, “I know, Pa.” He turned back to brushing Cooch as Ben stood to leave. “Pa…” Joe paused again, wanting so badly to tell his father everything but… he just couldn’t.

 

“Yes, Little Joe?” Ben turned back hopefully, ready to listen and help his youngest.

 

“I love you too.” Joe began to move his arm again.

 

Ben grinned and sighed, “I’ll see you inside, Little Joe.”

 

———————–

 

Darkness had fallen like a thick blanket covering the land. The moon was only half full in the sky. But her soft light filtered down illuminating a figure that crept across the roof of the Ponderosa house.

 

It wasn’t the first time Joe had snuck out of the house this way and he hoped it wouldn’t be his last. It was a short climb and an easy drop down to the ground below. So far so good.

 

He grabbed the edge of the roof and swung down dropping the rest of the way to the ground and landing nearly soundlessly. Pausing briefly to listen for any sounds indicating that he had been discovered, he then continued to the barn where he had left everything ready.

 

Cochise nickered and Joe reached out to stroke her muzzle, whispering soft words to her as he slipped her bridle on. Once he was done he led her from the barn and walked her a ways down the road before mounting.

 

“So far so good, Cooch.” He gave her a nudge and looked back. There was still a chance to turn back and retreat to the safety that his family offered. But no, he had to do this.

 

Joe didn’t enter Virginia City but skirted around it until he found himself in the grove of trees bordering the grounds of the Wren House. The big house stood ominous against the night sky sending chills down Joe’s neck.

 

He looped Cochise’s reins around a tree and left her to run swiftly toward the house on foot. Once he reached it and had climbed the steps up onto the wide wrap around porch, he leaned up against the building between two windows and breathed deeply, his eyes pressed tightly closed. Opening his eyes he licked his lips and prepared himself for making his way through a window and up the stairs, down the hall, and into the room the map Bill had drawn for him. He had studied it for hours and prayed he would make it up to Bill’s father’s room without incident.

 

The window wasn’t locked. It wasn’t even closed. Joe found himself standing in a big room sparsely dotted with furniture. He let his eyes wander briefly around the room as his eyes adjusted with the darkness.

 

There was the staircase, grand and wide, sweeping up to the darkened second floor. Joe walked slowly and quietly as he had been taught by Hoss years before. He let his fingers brush over the rich fabric of the chaise lounge as he passed it. He wished he had been able to visit the house in the daylight and gaze at the rich furnishings. Adam would appreciate it even more, he thought.

 

He now stood at the bottom of the stair case. His eyes were riveted to the top as he made his ascent. He struggled to control his heavy breathing and remain as silent as he could. A stair creaked and he paused to listen. The house was silent. Joe wondered if he wasn’t alone in the big house, it was so quiet.

 

He was at the top now. His hands were sweating and he wiped them on his pants. Looking back he couldn’t believe it was only a short staircase he had just climbed. It felt like a mountain. If he should fail in this… He wouldn’t let himself think of failure. He would not fail. He could not. It was not an option.

 

The hallway was dark, lit only by the light the moon cast through the lone window at the end of it. Joe moved swiftly, silently down the hall until he reached the door he knew was the one he was looking for. He straightened his holster and fingered the but of his gun.

 

Placing his hand on the knob Joe tried to steady and steel himself to the task ahead. He hoped that Mr. Wren wasn’t a light sleeper and that he didn’t keep a gun under his pillow to shoot night time prowlers with. The thought sent an unwelcome shudder down Joe’s back. What would his family think if he was shot and killed? They would be bewildered as to Joe’s reason for being at the Wren House. But if Bill supplied the reason… Joe dropped his head.

 

What had he gotten himself into?

 

—————————–

 

The door opened easily and without a creak. Joe slid through the opening and left the door slightly ajar just in case he had to make a hasty retreat.

 

The bed was just where it had been drawn in Bill’s map. It was large with its four posts reaching upward like sentinels standing watch over the sleeping man. Joe neared the bed and looked at the sleeping figure. It was too dark to make out his features, but that wasn’t what Joe was there to do anyway.

 

“Mr. Wren,” Joe whispered. “Mr. Wren?” He got a little louder.

 

The lump on the bed stirred and reached toward the lamp on the bedside table.

 

Joe sighed with relief. This was going to be easier than he could have imagined. “Mr. Wren, your son is…”

 

The lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows along the walls. The man on the bed was fully dressed, “Joe, Joe, Joe,” Bill Wren shook his head sadly and extracted a gun from beneath the covers. “I had a feeling you would turn on me.”

 

Joe swallowed hard and stepped back. “I…”

 

“My father isn’t here. I sent the servants home. You and I are the only ones here.” Bill slowly stood keeping the gun levelled at Joe’s chest. “Why Joe? Why couldn’t you just go along with the plan?”

 

—————————–

 

Joe licked his lips and searched his brain for something to say, but nothing came to him. “Bill, please.” Was all his mind could think to say.

 

“I don’t like being double-crossed, Joe. We have an unsettled debt.” Joe watch Bill’s thumb cock back the hammer with a decisive click. “We had a deal. A murder for a murder. A life for a life.” His eyes narrowed. “I have blood on my hands- a murder on my hands. But it’s not my murder- it’s yours. And so long as it is your murder, you should be the one to pay for it.”

 

Joe backed up until his back hit the door that still stood partially open. He prepared to make a break for it.

 

“I’m not going to shoot you, Joe.” Bill smiled. “Although it would be easy. You have, after all, broken into my house. All I would have to do is pull the trigger…”

 

Joe kept his eyes on Bill’s face for any indication that he was about to shoot.

 

“But I’ve got better plans for you, Joe.” He chuckled. “You will curse the day you turned traitor.” He un-cocked the gun but kept it trained on Joe. “So will your family if you try to stop justice.”

 

Joe turned his back to Bill and slowly walked down the hall knowing that Bill followed him. Walking down the staircase, it was all Joe could do to keep himself from running away from his nightmare.

 

Bill paused at the top of the stair, “I will not pay for your murder, Joe. Do you hear? Your murder, your life!”

 

————————————–

 

Joe climbed back onto the roof of the Ponderosa house and made his way quietly to his bedroom widow. When he had climbed out of it hours before he thought that he would be returning victorious, having beaten Bill’s crazy plan. But now…

 

Joe climbed back into his room and saw the lump that he had made in his bed to represent himself should anyone peek in on him. He smiled at the lump. At least he was getting better at making it look more human!

 

Then the lump moved- in fact, it rolled over. “Where were you?” Adam’s deep voice made Joe close his eyes and shake his head as if he was trying to will away this new disaster in his plans.

 

“Where were you?” Adam’s voice grew more forceful.

 

“You trying to wake up the house?” Joe whispered harshly.

 

Adam got out of Joe’s bed and crossed his arms on his chest. “I’m going to get Pa if you don’t start talking.”

 

“Adam,” Joe dropped his head and tried to quell the surge of tears that threatened him. “I’m in trouble, Adam.”

 

“Oh, you got that right, little brother.”

 

“No, Adam. Big trouble. Trouble so big it’s gonna…” Joe stopped and shook his head. “I don’t know what to do.”

 

“For starters, how about you tell me about it?” Adam sat down on the edge of the bed.

 

“Joe shook his head. “I can’t, Adam.” His mind replayed Bill’s words “So will your family…”

 

“I can’t.”

 

“Joe, you can always tell me.” Adam moved to place his hands on Joe’s shoulders. “What have you done?”

 

Joe lifted tear filled eyes, “Adam, believe me when I tell you that I’ve done nothing.”

 

Adam searched Joe’s eyes before answering, “Is it something you’re going to do?”

 

“No matter what they say, Adam, I didn’t do it.”

 

“Joe?” Adam’s brow creased in a frown.

 

“I would never do it. Never.” Joe pulled away from Adam and stared out his window.

 

“Never do what?”

 

“I love this place, Adam.” Joe scanned the darkened yard below them. “I love the way the sun lights up the land and chases all the darkness away.”

 

“Joe?”

 

“I would leave it all behind before I let something happen to any of you.” Joe slid his window closed.

 

“So would we all for you, Joe.” Adam watched his brother turn back around. “You know that.”

 

“I know, Adam, and I’m so very thankful for it.”

 

“Let’s talk this thing out.” Adam reasoned. “Two heads are better than one. With both of us thinking about it, I’m sure we can come up with a solution.”

 

“Thanks, Adam.” Joe replied quickly. “Not tonight, maybe in the morning.”

 

Adam wanted to press the subject, to bring Pa into it, anything, but Adam felt sorry for him. Something was definitely wrong and Joe was caring it on his shoulders like the weight of the world. Joe wasn’t going to talk. Adam could tell be the set of his jaw as he turned away and started to unbutton his shirt. If he pressed him Joe would likely clam up and never speak. No, he’d have to wait until Joe was ready to tell him. “When you’re ready, Joe.” Adam slipped into the hallway and back to his room.

 

If Adam had been wearing a gun he would have drawn it.

 

“Where in tarnation have you been?” Hoss was sitting on Adam’s bed.

 

Adam rolled his eyes toward the roof. “It wasn’t me who was missing it was Joe.”

 

“Now don’t you go and give me that.” Hoss stood up and poked a finger at Adam’s chest. “I checked on Joe first and he was in bed- and don’t go and tell me he stuffed his sheets to make it look like he was there ‘cause he’s never been good at that. Besides, he was snoring!”

 

Adam rubbed the sides of his head with one hand. “Go to bed, Hoss.” His growl sent Hoss skitterin’ toward the door.

 

“I was just wonderin’ where you went.” Hoss found himself outside Adam’s closed door and headed for his own room.

 

“And just where have you been, young man?” Hoss stopped at his door at the sound of his Pa’s booming voice.

 

Hoss tried to smile at his Pa who stood inside Hoss’ room with his arms crossed. “Pa it wasn’t me who was gone it was Adam!”

 

“Don’t play games with me, Hoss” Ben growled roughly. “I checked on Adam right after I checked on Joe.”

 

Hoss scrunched his face up and swallowed. “Oh, Lordy!”

 

——————————–

 

Adam eyed Joe as he came down the stairs early for breakfast for once. His eyes bore the traces of the near sleepless night. In fact, all the Cartwrights looked a little tired and ate a little slower this morning.

 

“Good morning,” Joe plopped down into his chair and reached to pour himself some coffee.

 

“Good morning, Joe,” Ben tossed his napkin onto his plate and pushed his chair back. “How did you sleep?” He shot Hoss a little glare and Hoss in turn gave Adam one.

 

Joe looked up and met Adam’s eyes as he answered, “Fine, Pa.”

 

“Good,” Ben stood and walked toward his desk to start on the books.

 

“I’ll join you in a minuet, Pa.” Adam finished his coffee and looked at Joe. “Where are you going to be around noon?”

 

Joe frowned, “Probably here,” he pointed at his place.

 

“I’ll talk to you then.” Adam gave him a firm look that said. “We will talk.”

 

In that case I’ll be eating in town… or not at all.

 

———————————-

 

Bill Wren smiled at his reflection in the mirror and ran the bush through his hair one last time. He smoothed his hands down the front of his shirt and grinned at his brilliance. Joseph Cartwright would pay. And dearly.

 

Tomorrow would be Virginia City’s anniversary celebration. Crowds would be abundant. No one would notice a meeting between two men-the passing of an object between them. No one would know. His plan was brilliant! In his mind his plans always were!

 

Bill picked up a pocket knife off his dresser and turned it over in his hands. It was a fine knife, expensive and sharp. The silver letters J.C. shimmered in the early morning light. Bill tilted the knife so it would catch the light and bounce it onto his wall.

 

With a final smile, he slid the knife down into a drawer and buried it under some clothing. He hadn’t been able to believe his luck when the sunlight had made the knife shine, catching his attention. The knife must have fallen from Joe’s pocket while he climbed through the window.

 

Joe wouldn’t know it was gone until Sheriff Coffee appeared at the Ponderosa with a pair of handcuffs.  Then it would be too late.

 

Bill returned his gaze to the mirror. “Bill, you old devil, you’ve come out on top!” He turned his head side to side and tried to strike a conquering pose.

 

“Bill?” A deep voice from below made Bill’s face fall into a frown. “Bill, are you here?”

 

“Yes, father,” Bill turned from the mirror. Joe would hang for his murder but that wasn’t the plan! The plan had them both going free! Free from suspicion and free from his father! Yet Joe had crossed him. He had called him insane.

 

“He’ll pay.” Bill ground out the words.

 

“Bill, come on down here!”

 

“Coming, father.” Bill shouted down, then straightened his shoulders and composed his face before exiting the room.

 

—————————-

 

“Where were you at lunch?” Adam raised one eyebrow and watched Joe take his seat at the dinner table.

 

“I jumped over to town to get my name in the horse race tomorrow.” Joe reached for the platter of meat only to have Hoss beat him to it.

 

“You riding Cochise?” Ben asked from the head of the table.

 

“Nope,” Joe took the platter from Hoss. “I’m going to give that new horse, Doc, a try.”

 

“Have you ever actually gone for a run with him?” Hoss didn’t look up from his food.

 

“Right before I went and entered him.” Joe smiled.

 

“What kind of name is Doc for a horse anyway?” Hoss finally looked up from his meal.

 

Joe and Adam met each others eyes and grinned. “Well,” Adam cleared his throat. “Apparently, he sent so many men to the Doctor’s office when there were trying to break him that the name kinda stuck to him.”

 

Joe nodded in agreement. “He sure is a feisty fellow.”

 

“He still give much trouble?” Ben watched Joe’s face to gauge the response.

 

“He’s still a spirited animal, but I can handle him.” Joe smiled knowing that his Pa might strongly “suggest” that he not ride the horse if he knew that Doc had tossed him off, but only once.

 

“I’m surprised you aren’t entering in the race, Adam.” Joe smirked at his brother. “Or are you still sore on loosing last year?”

 

Adam rolled his eyes and reached for another dinner roll. “I was going to ride Doc until I heard from one of the hands that you were riding him.”

 

“Surly ol’ Doc ain’t the only horse worth entering on the Ponderosa.” Hoss paused his plate-to-mouth motion.

 

“No,” Adam put his fork down and looked between his brothers. “But I don’t want to get beaten again.” He tossed his napkin on his place and smiled at his brothers’ chuckles as he stood. “I’ll be back later, Pa.”

 

Ben nodded, “You going to town?”

 

“No, I promised Frank I’d stop by the corral this evening to look at something.”

 

“A horse?” Joe turned in his chair to watch his brother strap on his gun.

 

“Maybe,” Adam had a twinkle in his eyes as he strode out the door.

 

“You don’t reckon he’s got some horse hidden away to beat you with?” Hoss reached for seconds- or was it thirds?

 

“Older brother’s to sneaky to give us a hint like that.” Joe slumped back in his chair.

 

“Joe I need you and Hoss to stay here and fix up that old wagon we’ve got sitting out back.” Ben pushed his plate away and leaned his arms on the table.

 

“I was hoping to go to town.” Joe looked down at his plate, afraid to meet his father’s gaze.

 

“Town again?” Ben frowned. “What is it in town that has you wanting to go there every day?”

 

“You got a girl?” Hoss fluttered his eyelashes for a moment then frowned. “I thought you were sweet on that Sampson gal?”

 

Joe stood. “I’ll get started on that wagon. When you finish eating all the food in the house you can come join me.” Joe gave a wink to Hoss then made a hasty exit.

 

————————

 

Joe wasn’t sure how early it was when he quietly descended the stairs with boots in hand, pausing just long enough to put them on before slipping out the door.

 

Day hadn’t yet began and the greyness that comes just before dawn shrouded the Ponderosa like veil ready to be lifted at any moment.

 

Joe had known when he had awakened nearly an hour ago that sleep would evade him, but still he had tried to fall back asleep only to have Bill’s voice ring in his ears. “I’ve got better plans for you, Joe.” Even now Joe wished he could cover his ears and make it stop.

 

Joe opened the barn door, slipped through, and closed it behind himself. The warm familiar smells of hay and horse made him sigh. Would he have the pleasure of smelling it again?

 

Every hour that passed he felt more and more that it was only a matter of time before Sheriff Coffee arrived with handcuffs and a warrant for his arrest. What could he do? Would the sheriff believe him if he came forward with the truth? Maybe so. But would Bill harm his family the moment he caught wind of Joe’s further betrayal to his plan? Joe had no doubt that he would.

 

So what then? What options did that leave? He didn’t know how much more of this waiting around he could do. If he was arrested perhaps he could turn the tables on Bill at the trial and he could tell his family to stay away. Joe felt his heart beat harder in his chest. Would that work? Could that work? Would they believe him? Or would they just consider it the poor attempt at saving his own hide? What evidence, what proof could he give?

 

Joe was back to guessing, to hoping. He nearly prayed once that Bill would somehow die. “I could always kill him.” Joe snorted. Cochise nickered disapprovingly.

 

Joe smiled and stroked his girl. “You know that I couldn’t do that, and I know I couldn’t do that. But will anyone else believe me?”

 

Cochise didn’t answer.

 

“If they don’t…” Joe felt a shiver of fear creep down his back. Was he afraid of what they might do? Afraid to die?

 

 

—————————–

 

Joe rode Cochise into town before noon, leading Doc behind him. Hoss rode silently behind his younger brother sensing Joe’s tense mood.

 

“You worried about the race?” Hoss asked lightly.

 

“Hmmm?” Joe seemed to be pulling himself back from miles away.

 

“I said, are you worried about the race?”

 

“The race?” Joe nearly laughed. How could he worry about something so superficial when his life was practically forfeit? When his family was in danger from a mad man? But Hoss didn’t know that. Hoss didn’t know all the questions that weighed on Joe’s mind. Questions that seemed to have no answer. “No, I’m not worried.” Joe sounded more convinced than he felt.

 

“You think you’ll win?” Hoss asked hopefully, knowing that he would have some money riding along with his little brother that afternoon.

 

“I don’t know, Hoss.” Joe almost added: a month from now, maybe less, it won’t really matter… if I’m dead. “I hope for your sake I do. No doubt you’ve put up some bets.”

 

“I sure have.” Hoss nodded emphatically.

 

“Then I’ll try not to disappoint.” Hoss couldn’t see Joe’s face but he could tell that the usual smile in Joe’s words was gone and replaced with something Hoss couldn’t quite understand: resignation.

 

—————————-

 

Swirls of colors were everywhere. Banner’s proclaiming the Virginia City Anniversary Race where strung out across the street which was beginning to clear in preparation for the race. Horses were led toward the starting line where Roy Coffee stood with the listed names of all who had entered.

 

Roy looked up into the sky again noting with satisfaction that the sun was out in all her glory warming the crowd that had shown up to celebrate. It looked as if all of Virginia City were here in there Sunday best.

 

Women, wearing gaily colored bonnets, strolled along on the arms of men and nodded at other couples as they passed. Miners had crawled out of their holes and had scrubbed their faces and hands and were in little groups discussing their latest strikes and false veins. Ranchers and ranch hands from miles around arrived in pairs or small groups, some already had tipped back the bottle a few times. Roy would have to deal with them later tonight no doubt.

 

The shops had opened early that morning but were already beginning to close down as the festivities began to pick up. There was a shooting matches and a pie eating contest getting ready to start over near the bank. But the main event of the day would be the horse race. Young men from all over the territory participated. Normally there was some pretty stiff competition and, looking down the list, Roy knew that the folks gathered were in for one heck of a race.

 

Roy had stopped by and quietly placed a bet on Joe Cartwright’s horse with ol’ Zeke like he had for several years running. Roy smiled, that boy could sure fly! Watching Joe race always brought a smile to the sheriff’s face. He had known the boy since he had been knee high to a pony and now he was riding like the wind, but Roy had predicted that to Ben the first time he had seen Joe sit a horse.

 

“He has a gift, Ben,” he had smiled as he watched the small boy confidently manoeuvre his gentle mare around the corral. “He won’t be satisfied with that mare for long.”

 

“I know,” Ben sighed. “He’s already begging for a bigger faster horse.”

 

Roy looked up from his lists and smiled at the familiar figure riding confidently toward him, “Speak of the devil…” He muttered under his breath the smile not fading. “How’s that new horse of yours, Little Joe?”

 

“Ready and rearin’ to go,” Joe gave a brief, distracted smile and dismounted Cochise. “Hey, Hoss,” He turned to his brother and held out Cochise’s reins. “Will you get her a stall at the livery if there are any left?” He quickly stripped the saddle from Cochise’s back and patted her affectionately.

 

“Will do,” Hoss rode slowly toward the stables leading Cooch behind him.

 

Roy walked over and gave Doc a once over. “Pretty animal.” He watch Joe transfer his saddle to the horse’s back. “Can he run?”

 

Joe paused and gave Roy a twinkling wink. “Like the wind.”

 

“A slow, puffing desert wind,” Mitch Devlin grinned mischievously as he approached his best friend and the sheriff.

 

“Hey, Mitch!” Joe’s grin nearly died on his lips when he saw the horse trailing behind Mitch. “You’re riding Knight?”

 

Mitch looked down at the reins in his hand and picked at some imaginary speck on them. “Jack rode Knight in the race every year and his Pa asked me to keep up the tradition.” He glanced up, his eyes meeting Joe’s.

 

The look that passed between the friends was tainted with sorrow. The horse’s owner had been killed in a senseless Indian attack in the early spring of that year while he had been out hunting with Joe, Mitch and two other of their friends, Seth and Charlie. Charlie had also been killed in the fighting.

 

The remaining three would forever carry the invisible emotional scars from the two days of horror that had taken their friends from them forever. Joe had received a leg wound that would remain the only visible mark of the trial they had suffered through.

 

“He’s a good horse.” Joe reached out and touched his fallen friend’s horse.

 

“He always was.” Mitch sighed softly. “Take a good look now,” He managed a small smile. “All you’ll see is his backside once the race begins!”

 

Joe chuckled and shook his head. “You haven’t met Doc yet.” He stepped aside and swept his hand toward his horse bowing his head slightly. Somehow, as he bowed his head he caught a glimpse of someone he knew out of the corner of his eye: Bill Wren.

 

Mitch gave a low whistle, “Where did you get him? Joe?” Mitch frowned as he watched Joe’s face pale. He tried to follow Joe’s gaze through the crowds of people. “Joe?” He said a little louder.

 

“I’ve got to go.” He didn’t take his eyes off Bill’s back.

 

“You can’t go,” Roy was still standing nearby. “The race is about to start and your horse needs a rider or he’ll be disqualified.”

 

“Does it have to be me?” Joe turned back to Roy.

 

“What?” Both Roy and Mitch said as one.

 

“Do I have to be the rider?” Joe glanced back trying not to loose sight of Bill.

 

“Well, I…” Roy flipped to the single page of rules. “I guess we forgot to put that rule in there!”

 

“Good,” Joe ran his eyes over the crowd. “Hey, Adam!” He hollered as soon as he spotted his brother.

 

Sensing urgency in his brother’s voice, Adam jogged over, “What’s wrong?”

 

“You need to ride Doc.”

 

“What?”

 

“Please, Adam,” Joe grabbed his brother’s forearm. “Ride Doc.”

 

Adam searched his brother’s eyes for a clue to what this was all about but found none. “Okay.” He answered slowly.

 

“Thank you,” Joe was already running through the crowd that was gathering along the sides of the road to watch the race.

 

“Time to mount up!” Roy yelled through cupped hands.

 

The crowd gathered closer to the edge of the street and began to bunch together, making it nearly impossible for Joe to get through.

 

He didn’t even know what he was planning on doing if he did catch up with Bill. But something inside him, deep down, told him to follow him.

 

So he did.

 

—————————————

 

Bill pushed his way through the growing crowds keeping an eye out for the man he was supposed to be meeting in front of the mercantile. There he would slip the pocket knife into the man’s hand, disappear amongst the crowd, and head back to his house where he could begin to plan out some other way to rid himself of his pesky father. Everything was going smoothly from finding himself a man willing to be a false witness to the packed streets of Virginia City. He couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Everyone was too busy doing their own thing to notice him.

 

In his haste, he stepped on the toes of an elderly woman who cried out angrily.

 

“Oh, I am terribly sorry.” He took the woman’s hand and held it gently. “Are you alright?”

 

The woman raised her eyebrow, “Yes, I suppose so.”

 

Bill smiled and released her hand before pressing on.

 

“What a nice young man.” The woman turned to her husband.

 

“I’m sure he was.” The husband answered his eyes never leaving the start line that would soon let loose the horses.

 

“Excuse me,” Joe pushed past the couple his eyes still riveted on his quarry’s back.

 

“Hmph,” The woman snorted. “What a rude young man.”

 

“I’m sure he was.” The husband watched Sheriff Coffee walk out to read the rules and give the directions. The race would start soon!

 

It seemed as if the crowd was working together collectively to stop Joe from reaching his goal. Every time he thought he had made headway another surge of people would bunch together so tightly trying to press closer to the street that it made getting through next to impossible, and yet it seemed like Bill was floating through the crowd with ease.

 

Joe groaned in frustration as Bill got further and further ahead. A break in the crowd let Joe advance at last and he took advantage of it sprinting ahead.

 

Joe watched in dismay as Bill rounded the corner just as the shot to begin the race was fired. The horses thundered past and Joe didn’t even bother to look and see if Adam and Doc were getting along alright. He couldn’t loose Bill!

 

Finally reaching the corner himself Joe found the crowd much smaller and was able to gain ground quickly. As he drew nearer he decided to not alert Bill that he was there and instead followed at a safe distance behind him.

 

Bill seemed to be very singly focused. Walking straight and easily dodging the sparse crowd. He walked slowly on for several blocks then turned another corner.

 

Joe groaned knowing that Bill had just turned on to what would be the busiest street in Virginia City- the one holding the race’s finish line. People from the start lines were already flooding into the boardwalks that flanked the street.

 

He was sure to lose him now.

 

———————————-

 

Joe ran the last little bit he could before once again finding himself in shoulder to shoulder crowds. His only consolation was the fact that Bill was going through the same thing and at the same speed.

 

The crowd was getting louder and louder. Joe thought he could hear the thundering of the horses hooves as they neared the finish line… or was it simply the pounding of his heart?

 

With a stroke of luck, Joe was closer to Bill than he had ever been. He again wondered just what he planned to do.

 

“Here they come!” Someone shouted and the crowd surged with excitement. Men shouted the names of the horse they had bet on trying to urge them on faster.

 

In all the confusion, Bill glanced back over his shoulder and for a brief second his eyes met with Joe’s. His face twisted into a smile then dropped into a frown. Then he was pushing, shoving his way through the crowd, trying to get away from Joe. He headed for the street.

 

Joe charged on knowing that the horses were near and the street would soon be impassable.

 

Bill left a trail in his wake as people stumbled into each other to avoid being knocked over in his dash. When he reached the edge of the street, Joe was only seconds behind. He pushed through the last barrier that stood between him and the street: three young boys.

 

Joe tried to stop as he realized what was about to happen. Bill had thrust out into the street just as the race reached them with Adam in the lead!

 

Bill had knocked one of the young boys out into the path of the horses.

 

The lead horses were just lengths away when Bill, the boy, and Joe suddenly appeared in their path. The horses and their riders didn’t have time to pull back the reins before they collided.

 

——————————

 

Adam had a smile on his face as they came to the final stretch. Joe had obviously trained this horse more than he had let on. Doc really could fly! Adam didn’t need to glance back to know that Mitch was only just behind him. He could hear him coming up on his right and he urged Doc on harder toward the finish line. Doc gave it his all and Adam leaned farther toward the horse’s neck, yelling an encouragement.

 

It was all happened so fast and yet for half a hoof beat the world seemed to slow. A man burst through the crowd knocking a boy out into the street. The man ran out right in front of him. Adam yelled and pulled back nearly unseating himself in the process.

 

Out of the corner of his eye Adam saw a flash of green and somehow knew it was Joe.

 

Women, children, and horses began to scream as the closely packed leaders of the race began to pull back to stop from crushing the three bodies in the road. One rider was thrown clear knocking over several people on the boardwalk. Men started jumping out of the crowd and grabbing harnesses trying to control the animals. Hands pulled the victims clear of the stomping hooves.

 

————————————

 

Hoss had seen Adam take off from the starting line on Joe’s horse and was standing down at the finish line with Roy Coffee when the racers came in view. Shouts from the crowd swelled up and Hoss waved his hat in the air while cheering on Adam.

 

His heart went from swelling in his chest to jumping in his throat. He started running forward the second that man and the boy hit the street. But he was too late to do anything. He watched in horror as another figure seemed to launch himself into the street right under the hooves of Mitch’s mount Knight.

 

Hoss ran harder. He heard both Adam and Mitch yell Joe’s name and he knew he wasn’t mistaken. It was his little brother under all them hooves.

 

————————————–

 

An odd frown crossed Ben’s face as the riders appeared. He was standing up in a balcony off a hotel room that a friend and neighbouring rancher had rented just so he would have the best view of the race.

 

He was sure Joe would be out front but the green jacket was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he had taken it off? Ben tried to recall what color shirt Joe had worn, but couldn’t remember.

 

Ben looked away to the rear of the group of racers. Maybe Joe had put to much stock in Doc’s ability to “fly”.

 

The first screams from below brought Bens’ head whipping back to the front of the line on time to see the green jacket he had been searching for.

 

A single word escaped his lips. A whispered scream, “Joseph.”

 

———————————–

 

Adam was off Doc’s back as soon as another man had grasped his harness on either side of the horse’s head and had him under control. He reached his brother about the same time Hoss reached them.

 

The little boy who had been knocked into the street was already sobbing in the arms of his nearly frantic mother. Joe had leapt out throwing his body over the boy’s just before Knight’s hooves had struck.

 

Mitch was off his horse and skidding on his knees to end up beside Hoss. “Is he alright?” His breathes came in little gasps. Surely God wouldn’t let Joe die now. Not after all they had been through that spring. “It’s my fault.” Mitch didn’t think he had said the words out loud.

 

“What a stupid thing to say.” Joe whispered hoarsely although his eyes stayed closed.

 

“You alright Joe?” Adam grabbed his brother’s hand. “Can you open your eyes for me?”

 

Joe opened his eyes barely getting past a tight squint. “Is the boy okay?”

 

Hoss looked over at the boy. “He’s fine.”

 

Joe’s eyes suddenly flew open and he tried to sit up only to have three pairs of hands restrain him. “Where’s Bill?”

 

“Bill?” Both Adam and Hoss said together.

 

“The one who ran out ahead of me.” Joe tried to sit up again and grabbed his head, nearly crying out at the further pain the movement of his right arm caused him.

 

“Don’t try that again, Joe. You’ve got a beautiful gash on the side of your head and probably a broken bone… maybe ten.”

 

“But, Adam, you don’t understand…” Joe struggled up onto his left elbow.

 

“Doc Martin’s almost here.” One man leaned down and told the group huddled close to Joe. “But I don’t think that other fellow’s gonna make it.”

 

At those words Joe forced himself over onto his knees, gritting his teeth against the pain.

 

“Stay put, Joe.” Adam growled placing a heavy hand on Joe’s shoulder.

 

“Adam,” Joe met his brother’s gaze.

 

Adam saw an urgency in his brother’s eyes and felt himself relinquish his hold on his little brother’s shoulder.

 

Joe saw Bill lying face up just yards away and, knowing he would never be able to get himself to his feet, he decided to crawl the distance. Pulling himself forward with one arm, he kept the other tucked closely against his chest. He could feel the blood trickling down his head and neck until it was absorbed by the collar of his shirt. He was afraid that his stomach would rebel, but he kept crawling.

 

“Joe!” Ben Cartwright’s booming voice parted the way for the father to reach his son. Adam and Hoss stood and crossed to where the stranger lay. Something in the back of Adam’s mind told him that he had seen this man before but he couldn’t quite place it.

 

“He’s going to be alright, Pa.” Hoss assured his father as he burst through the crowd his eyes wide with fear.

 

“Roy,” Joe looked up into the faces that watched and spotted the sheriff. “Come closer.” Men and women stepped aside to allow the sheriff to get closer.

 

Bill’s eyes were open and watching Joe. A strange smile graced his face. “I’m sorry, Joe.” He managed to say it loud enough to be heard although he felt as if he were floating away from himself.

 

“Tell the sheriff, Bill.” Joe urged as somebody from the crowd handed him a handkerchief which he pressed against his throbbing head..

 

“I’m sorry, Joe,” He said again and Roy leaned down closer. “But I didn’t find the knife you lost the night you killed Henry Brandon.”

 

A collective gasp emanated from the crowd. Joe shook hiss head, “No, Bill…”

 

“I searched all over the alleyway. I couldn’t find it.” His eyes began to close.

 

“No, Bill,” Joe grabbed a lapel of his jacket with his good hand. “The truth, Bill. It’s too late for lies.”

 

“I told you from the beginning that it wouldn’t work… that you would… get caught.” The smile began to creep back into his face. “I told you… you would regret it.”

 

“No,” Joe looked up around and saw the shocked accusing faces looking down at him.

 

“You chased him into the road to get rid off the evidence didn’t you?” One man shouted angrily.

 

“Murderer!” Another cried.

 

Joe meet Roy’s eyes, “It’s not true, Roy, I swear.”

 

Bill’s body went slack. Joe looked back down at the man who had brought him so much trouble. The smile was frozen on his face. Forever.

 

————————————

 

“You expect me to believe that you met a total stranger on the stage. And that this perfect stranger got the idea that you wanted to swap murders with him? That he threatened your family if you came forward with the truth? That he actually wanted you to kill his father?” Roy rubbed his eyes wearily. “Joe, I’ve known you since you were a kid, but how on God’s green earth am I supposed to believe that?”

 

Joe looked around the sheriff’s office. Even his family had strange looks on their faces. Did they not believe him either? “I swear it’s true, Roy.” Joe dropped his bandaged head into his free hand.

 

Doc Martin had seen to him hours ago and declared him the luckiest boy to ever throw himself under a running horse! Other than his head which felt like someone was inside trying to chisel his way out, he had escaped with only a broken arm, which was now in a sling, and handful of scrapes and bruises. He was indeed very lucky.

 

Knight, it seemed, had better reflexes than his rider as the horse had tried his best to avoid crushing the obstacles that had jumped out in front of him.

 

“I’ve got my deputies out with probably half the town searching for your knife down in that alleyway.” Roy sighed, “If it shows up, Joe, I fear you’ll hang.” Roy looked sickened at his own words.

 

“I could have shown you the knife the day after the murder.” Joe ran a hand through his hair knocking loose small bits of dirt from the street.

 

“And you happened to have lost it between now and then?” Roy raised his voice.

 

Joe closed his eyes. His headache was only getting worse. “I must have lost it up at the Wren house.”

 

“And what were you doing up there?” Roy leaned forward in his seat behind the desk. “Or do I want to know?”

 

“I was there to warn Mr. Wren about Bill’s plans to kill him.”

 

“And then how is it that Mr. Wren has never seen you before?”

 

“Bill knew somehow that I would double cross him.” Joe answered wearily.

 

“Double cross him?”

 

“I was supposed to be there to… to kill Mr. Wren, but Bill guessed that I wouldn’t go through with it and it was him there instead of…”

 

Roy held up his hands. “Boy, you’ve been knocked over the head pretty bad. How about you go into the cell and lay down.”

 

Joe looked to his family, again trying to read their expressions. “Do you believe me?”

 

Ben opened his mouth when the door opened and the deputy walked in. “Sheriff Coffee,” He glanced at Little Joe. “We found the knife.” He tossed the knife onto Roy’s desk.

 

Everyone in the room stared at it, wishing it to disappear.

 

But it didn’t.

 

————————————-

 

Roy picked up the knife and encircled his fist around it, bowing his head slightly. He couldn’t meet the gazes of the Cartwright men. He knew what he would have to do… and where it would lead.

 

It was all Joe could do to keep from yelling, cursing aloud the day he had set foot on the Left Ridge bound stage. “I didn’t do it.” He muttered instead.

 

“Where did you find it?” Roy looked up at his deputy.

 

”In his pocket,” the deputy was unprepared for the reaction his words would arouse.

 

Roy jumped to his feet and dropped the knife with a clunk onto his desk. He looked at Joe who had the most relieved look on his face. “He had the knife the whole time.”

 

“I told you that I didn’t do it!” Joe was nearly laughing. “He was trying to set me up.”

 

Roy puckered his face into a frown, “Why don’t you tell me the story again. The whole thing. Don’t leave out a single detail- not what you ate for breakfast, nothing.”

 

Joe looked at his family and saw relieved smiles on their faces. “Well,” Joe began relaxing for the first time in what seemed like years. “I met him on the stage…”

 

—————————————-

 

“This court finds Joseph Cartwright not guilty.” The judge banged down his gavel and gave Joe a smile and a nod.

 

The man who had stepped forward and had admitted that Bill had approached him and asked him to give false testimony against Joe quietly slipped out of the building where his horse was tied and ready to carry him out of town.

 

Ben sighed and sent up a prayer of thanksgiving to his maker. He watched his son glance toward the ceiling and knew he was doing the same thing.

 

Joe turned to where his family stood in the packed courtroom and gave them a smile before slowly making his way toward them.

 

“I’m glad that’s over.” Adam placed his hat on his head and slapped Joe on the back.

 

Ben wrapped a hand around the back of Joe’s neck and pulled him in for a brief hug, being careful to not hurt his son’s broken arm. “Next time your in a scrap like that young man,” He shook a finger at his youngest. “Please talk to us about it.”

 

Joe looked down at his boots, “I’m sorry, Pa. By the time I knew what was happening it was all such a mess and…” Joe shook his head. “I’m never going to talk to anyone on a stage ever again.”

 

Hoss chuckled, “Even if she’s the prettiest little thing you ever did see?”

 

Joe looked up and smiled, “Let’s change that to any man!” Joe grinned as his family laughed.

 

Church bells rang out slow and solemn and the smile slowly slid from Joe’s face. His family stopped laughing and sombre looks replaced it.

 

“You still want to go?” Hoss found himself frowning.

 

Joe nodded and turned toward the rear doors. “I won’t be long.”

 

“We’ll go with you.” Ben reached out and touched Joe’s arm.

 

“No, thanks, Pa.” He gave half a smile. “I’d like to go alone.” Joe turned and left his family. He didn’t know why it was important to him to go to funeral of Bill Wren. He wondered at himself for it. Did he just want to make sure the man was truly gone and would plague him no more? Or was it that he felt sorry for him? He didn’t know the answer and he wondered if he ever would.

 

The path up the hill to the cemetery was one Joe had walked before. The words the preacher would speak would also be familiar. Death itself was something Joe had dealt with over and over. It had almost claimed him several times.

 

As Joe reached the crest of the hill and took in the sight of the yawning hole in the earth a million memories flashed across his minds eye. Memories of those buried on this hill. Memories of a man about to be placed in the earth.

 

Bills grave was only yards from where two relatively recent mounds held two of Joe’s best friends. The grave, like God, was no respecter of persons. It sheltered good and bad alike.

 

The preacher opened his Bible and began the speech he had made many times. This time was different though. Normally he preformed the service in front of a large group of people gathered around and holding on to each other to help one another through. This time the crowd was small- very small. This time a single man was the only soul to stand before him other than the four men hired by Mr. Wren to carry his son’s coffin to the top of the hill.

 

Joe looked around him. Was there not one friend who would come? Did he not have anyone? Anyone to grieve? Anyone to care that he was gone? Mr. Wren himself was not even there to put his son, his only child, to rest.

 

The old preacher raised his eyes to Joe as he finished the words he had memorized after repeating them so many times. “We now lay the body of William Wren to rest. May God have mercy on his soul.”

 

Joe bowed his head as the hired men lowered the expensive casket into the ground. The first clods of dirt thumped against the coffin and the preacher came to stand by Joe.

 

“Did he have no friends, Joe?” He asked still watching the grave being filled in.

 

“I guess not.” Joe said softly almost feeling it wrong to speak.

 

“His father should have come.” The preacher shook his grey head. “He paid for everything and arranged it all but he wouldn’t come. Not for his own son.”

 

Joe nodded and looked up again.

 

“It makes you more grateful perhaps?”

 

“Sir?” Joe frowned slightly.

 

“To have a family who would stand by you no matter the circumstance and love you no matter what.”

 

Joe nodded. “Do you think…” He struggled with what he wanted to say. “Do you think Bill might have been different if he had been born to a Pa who loved him… if he were a Cartwright and I was…”

 

“A Wren?” The preacher finished for him.

 

Joe looked at the man for an answer.

He glanced heavenward. “That’s a difficult question. Circumstances don’t make a man, Joe. A man always has a choice, a free will. What he does is his choice. What those choices are make the man. Circumstances may seem to guide him, but in the end the choice is his.”

 

Joe looked up to where he men continued to methodically throw shovelful after shovelful of dirt onto the grave. There had been times in the past week when Joe had wished Bill were dead. But now standing there he felt no triumph at coming out victorious. Instead he felt sorrow that he couldn’t even understand.

 

Joe thanked the preacher before winding his way back down the hill. The whole of Virginia City lay before him. People hustled around too busy with their own seemingly so important lives to noticed the single attendee of Bill Wren’s funeral as he walked toward the stable where he had left his horse.

 

The stage from Left Ridge rumbled in and Joe paused to watch several people jump out and turn to catch their bags as they were tossed down. They tipped hats to each other and parted ways, maybe to never see each other again.

 

Joe sighed and ran his hand through his hair before replacing his hat. He reached the stable and entered to find his family standing with all the horses saddled.

 

A genuine smile escaped Joe’s lips. “You didn’t have to wait.”

 

“We know.” Ben reached out to hand Joe his reins. “We wanted to.” His hand wrapped around Joe’s and he held it for a moment looking deep into his son’s eyes with a look that told a story of the deepest love man can hold.

 

Joe returned the look and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

 

The family mounted up and rode toward the edge of town. Joe reined in for a moment and looked behind him.  Life all around him was normal. Virginia City was already well on it’s way to forgetting Bill Wren.

 

“You coming, son?” Ben looked back over his shoulder.

 

“Yes, Pa.” Joe kicked his horse forward but kept his neck craned back toward the hill on the edge of town. Virginia City may well forget Bill Wren before the day was out, but Joe knew he would never be able to completely forget the stranger from the stage.

 

THE END

 

End Notes:

I’d like to thank all those who read this when it was a WIP- they really encouraged me!

Thank you all for reading this!

Also, some of you may know that this story’s idea of the “murder swap” was taken from an old Hitchcock movie. I hesitated putting this out here for fear that nobody would like it because it wasn’t completely my own idea. But I thought it was an interesting enough story so… I put it up- the Bonanza version of “Stranger on a Train”

I hope you enjoyed it.

 

 

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.