Summary:  Joe is missing when the family are in a San Francisco hotel

Rated: K (7,465 words)

 

Little Boy Lost

Ben Cartwright shifted on the seat and let out a weary yawn. “Nearly there now boys,” he said, peering into the darkness beyond the cab. “There’s our hotel up ahead.”

Adam turned to look out of the window. “Sure feels good to finally get here,” he said tiredly. “It’s been a long day.”

“It’s been a long few days,” agreed his father. He glanced at Hoss whose head was nodding on the back of the seat opposite as he struggled to keep his eyes open. “Hoss,” he said, gently shaking the young boy’s knee. “Wake up son. It’s time to get out now.”

Hoss struggled to open his eyes and gave a large yawn as he rubbed them. “OK Pa,” he said. “What time is it?”

Ben took out his pocket watch and glanced at it. “It’s nearly eight o’clock,” he said. “We’ve been nearly half an hour from the wharf where we left the boat.”

Hoss nodded. “I’m hungry,” he said.

Adam gave a snort. “When are you not hungry?” he asked.

 

 

 

Ben blinked his tired eyes a couple of times as the cab drew to a halt outside a large imposing building. “We’ll get something to eat once we’re inside,” he said. “I could do with something myself. Come on boys, let’s get out.”

 

 

 

He waited for Hoss and Adam to climb down before him, then picked up Little Joe who was curled up fast asleep on the seat beside him and slung him over his shoulder before getting down himself. “Thank you driver,” he said as the man handed their bags down to the two boys. He paid him their fare and then picked up one of the bags himself, hitching the limp body of his youngest son up against his shoulder even higher with his free arm. “Can you manage the rest of them boys?” he asked.

 

 

 

“Sure Pa,” said Adam. He picked up two bags and Hoss did the same. They followed their father up the few steps to the hotel slowly, everyone feeling exhausted from their long trip. Joe curled in towards his father’s shoulder and Ben could feel the small boy’s steady breath on his neck as he walked. Thank goodness the child had finally succumbed to his exhaustion, for he didn’t think that he could have taken any more of his excited chatter. Between the three of them, they must have answered a thousand questions from the youngster since they’d left Virginia City days ago. Not that Ben could blame him. After all, this was his first real trip away from The Ponderosa and the little boy was bound to be very excited.

 

 

 

Hoss was very excited too about this vacation, but his middle son was more reserved about it. He’d been on short trips before, but never with all his brothers and he had never been as far as San Francisco … especially on a boat. As far as Hoss was concerned, this trip was just about the most exciting thing that he’d done in all his eleven years and Ben could see through the youngster’s tiredness one very thrilled young man.

 

 

 

He glanced at Adam who was attempting to open the door while still holding onto his two bags, and his heart lurched momentarily. Adam had been to San Francisco before so in one way this trip wasn’t so special for him, but in another way it was for Adam that Ben had planned this vacation. All too soon his eldest son would be leaving them to travel to Boston to attend college, and in these final weeks that they all had together Ben was determined to make it a time that they would all remember. In a way, it was a farewell trip for Adam and his father wanted it to be special for him.

 

 

 

Besides, he thought, they all needed a break. This last year had been so full of heartache since Marie, Little Joe’s mother, had died. They all needed to wipe the unhappy memories away and what better way to do it than with a trip to the big city? Ben smiled to himself, knowing that San Francisco wasn’t exactly a big city, but to his boys it would be big enough and would provide them all with plenty of excitement. He thanked God that he had been able to leave Hop Sing behind to look after things in the house and Charlie, their foreman, to look after things on the ranch for the two weeks they would be away. The fact that he’d been able to had allowed him to take this precious time to be with his boys and enjoy themselves.

 

 

 

He held the door open for Adam and Hoss to enter with the arm on which he was balancing the sleeping Little Joe, and then followed them into the foyer. “You sit here boys,” he said, putting his bag down next to a seat. “I’ll go and see about our room.”  The two boys sat down gratefully on the seat and arranged the bags around their feet.

 

 

 

“You want me to take Joe for you Pa?” asked Adam.

 

 

 

“No, he’s fine,” said his father. “Best not disturb him.”  He walked over to the counter with the sleeping child still on his arm and smiled at the clerk.

 

 

 

“I have a booking,” he said. “Cartwright.”

 

 

 

“Yes sir,” said the clerk. “You ordered a suite I believe?”

 

 

 

“That’s right,” said Ben. “For one week.”

 

 

 

The clerk turned the large book on the counter around so that it faced Ben. “Sign here,” he said, pointing. He snapped his fingers and two bellboys appeared as if from nowhere. “Take Mr Cartwright’s bags and show him his room,” the clerk ordered.

 

 

 

“Thank you,” said Ben. “I wonder … is there any chance of getting some room service? My boys and I were hoping for something to eat.”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry sir,” replied the clerk. “But room service has finished for the day. Dinner will still be served for another hour in the dining room though.”

 

 

 

“Thank you,” said Ben. “We’ll be down as soon as we’re settled then. Come on boys,” he said.

 

 

 

They followed the bellboys up two flights of stairs and along a hallway to a door that was labelled number fifteen. “Your suite sir,” said one of the bellboys, opening the door and handing Ben the key.

 

 

 

“Thank you,” replied Ben, reaching into his pocket and taking out some coins, which he gave to the two young men. They both smiled, placed the bags inside the room and then left.

 

 

 

Adam went inside and lit a lamp that was on a table next to the door. “Wow!” said Hoss, following his brother inside. “This is great!”

 

 

 

Ben closed the door behind them and looked around at the furnished sitting room. “Very nice,” he said. “Adam … you and Hoss can take that bedroom over there. There should be two beds in it. I’ll take Little Joe in with me in the double bed.”

 

 

 

Adam picked up two of the bags and took them into the second bedroom. Are we gonna eat now Pa?” asked Hoss.

 

 

 

“Yes son,” replied his father. “In a few minutes. Take those two bags into my room please and I’ll get your little brother settled first.”  Hoss did as he was bid and then ran into the second bedroom, leaving Ben to sit down on the bed and let out a weary sigh. He prised Little Joe off his shoulder and lay the child down on the bed beside him. The little boy snuggled up straight away into a ball and put his thumb into his mouth. Ben rubbed his eyes a couple of times and then stretched.

 

 

 

“Pa?”

 

 

 

Ben opened his eyes to see Adam standing in the doorway. “Yes son?” he replied.

 

 

 

“Do we have to get changed to go to the dining room?”

 

 

 

“No, what we have on should be fine. Just have a wash and make sure that Hoss does the same. I’ll get Little Joe into bed and then we’ll go down.”

 

 

 

“OK.” Adam disappeared again and Ben leant down and opened up one of the bags. He took out one of Little Joe’s nightshirts and began to undress the sleeping boy. Little Joe’s limp body was soon encased in his white nightshirt and Ben tucked him in under the bedcovers before washing his own face and hands.

 

 

 

“Ready?” he asked as he came out into the sitting room again and saw Hoss leaning out of the window. “Hoss, get back inside here this instant!”

 

 

 

Hoss climbed back from the window. “Sorry Pa,” he said, but it’s real exciting ain’t it? We’re real high up here. Look at all them lights down there!” Ben looked. “San Francisco must be just about the biggest city there is,” continued Hoss in wonder.

 

 

 

“Not quite the biggest city,” said Adam with a chuckle as he entered the room, straightened his clothing. “What are we doing about Joe while we’re downstairs Pa?”

 

 

 

“He’ll be alright,” said Ben. “He’s fast asleep and we won’t be long. Come on boys, let’s get something to eat.” He led his sons out of the room and closed the door softly behind them.

 

 

 

^^^^^^^^^^

 

 

 

 

 

“Wow!” said Hoss in amazement as he studied the menu in front of him. “Look at all them choices of food!” He ran his eyes up and down the two pages in delight. “Can I have lots of em Pa?”

 

 

 

“You can order one thing,” said his father. “You’ve got all week to sample what’s on that menu young man. Besides, we want to make this meal quick so we can get to bed early.”

 

 

 

“I’ll have …” Hoss hesitated, not sure what to order. “Gee, I dunno Pa. I don’t know where ta start.”

 

 

 

“How about the chicken?” suggested his father, knowing that the youngster loved it. Chicken on The Ponderosa was a dish reserved for special events and they all looked forward to it.

 

 

 

“Sounds good,” said Hoss in satisfaction.

 

 

 

“I’ll have it too,” said Adam.

 

 

 

“Three roast chickens,” said Ben to the waiter who had come up beside their table. “Two coffees and a glass of milk as well please. Will it be long?”

 

 

 

“We’ll make it as quick as possible sir,” said the waiter, smiling at Hoss’ hungry look.

 

 

 

“Thank you,” said Ben, his mind on his sleeping little boy upstairs. He didn’t want to leave the child any longer than was necessary, for even though he was sure that Joe wouldn’t wake up, he’d feel better when he was back up there with him again.  “Well boys,” he said, smiling at his two sons. “Here’s to a wonderful vacation.”  He picked up a glass of water and held it out, clinking it with first Adam’s glass and then Hoss’. “I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful time for us all.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

The little boy rolled over and grunted as his small feet touched a cold spot on the other side of the bed. He opened his eyes and rubbed them, wondering what had happened to his bedroom ceiling and then remembered that they were on a boat. At least that was the last thing he remembered about their vacation. His last memory had been of staring at the wooden ceiling of the boat as it gently rocked from side to side. His head had been cuddled into his father’s chest and he’d felt so sleepy … so very sleepy … He opened his eyes wider and frowned as he realised that the ceiling wasn’t rocking back and forth the way it had been before. It was still. In fact … it was a different colour now that he thought about it.

 

 

 

Little Joe sat up and rubbed his eyes again, looking around at the room. This wasn’t the boat, he thought. This was another room. “Pa!” he called out into the darkness. “Pa! I’m awake now!” There was no reply and he frowned as he pushed the covers back and wriggled out from under them. He swung his small feet over the edge of the bed and padded out to the next room. “Pa!” he called. “Where are ya Pa? Hey Adam? Hoss? Where is everyone?”  He padded on his small bare feet over to another door and opened it, looking out curiously into a narrow dimly lit hallway. “Pa!” he called out. “Are ya there Pa? I’m awake now!”

 

 

 

There was still no reply, so the little boy walked out into the hallway, leaving the door ajar behind him. He walked to the end of the hallway, passing several doors that were shut along the way. At the end he saw a narrow door and opened it, peering down into the darkness beyond. His Pa and brothers must have gone down there he reasoned, so without hesitating he began to climb down the stairs in search of them. Behind him, the door softly clicked shut.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

“That was sure good chicken,” said Hoss, leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach. “I reckon I’m gonna enjoy this vacation.”

 

 

 

Ben downed the last of his cup of coffee. “Let’s get on upstairs boys,” he said. “I don’t want to leave Little Joe any longer than is necessary.”

 

 

 

“Don’t you have to pay the bill?” asked Adam as they left the table.

 

 

 

“They add all the food to the cost of the room,” his father explained.

 

 

 

“Poor Joe, missing out on all that fried chicken,” said Hoss sadly. “He’ll be right hungry in the morning.”

 

 

 

“He’ll survive,” said his father, knowing full well that the little boy wouldn’t have eaten much if he had been awake. “Sleep is more important for your brother than food right about now.” He yawned. “For all of us,” he said.

 

 

 

“I’m sure looking forward to a good night’s rest,” said Adam as they reached the top of the stairs. “Hey Pa … isn’t that our room where the door is open?”

 

 

 

“It is,” replied his father, his heart lurching as he saw the open door. “I’m sure that I closed it.” He pushed the door open further and lit the lamp inside. “I’ll just check on your little brother,” he said in a soft voice. He picked up the lamp and went into the master bedroom, followed by Adam and Hoss.

 

 

 

“Where’s Joe?” asked Hoss in a worried voice as Ben held the lamp up and they all looked at the empty bed. “He ain’t here!”

 

 

 

“He’s probably wandered into your room,” said Ben, trying not to sound worried. “Go and check Hoss.” He gave Adam a worried look as Hoss left the room. “I shouldn’t have left him,” he said. “I had no right to leave him here!”

 

 

 

Adam put his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “Pa he was asleep,” he said. “You know that he never wakes up once he’s gone to sleep. You weren’t to know that he would this time.”

 

 

 

“I should have known,” said Ben, half to himself. “A strange bed in a strange room …. He could have woken up and been frightened.”

 

 

 

“Well he can’t have got far,” said Adam reasonably. “He …”

 

 

 

“He ain’t in our room,” said Hoss, coming back into the room. He looked at his father anxiously. “Do ya think someone came in and took him Pa?”

 

 

 

Ben’s heart constricted and he swallowed. “Of course not,” he said, trying to sound confident. “He’s probably just wandered off looking for us, that’s all. No one would have taken him Hoss.”  His brain worked quickly, thinking of all the scenarios that could have led to his little boy’s disappearance, but he brushed them aside quickly. This was no time for his imagination to run wild! He smiled at both the boys. “I’m sure we’ll find that he has just wandered down the hallway.

 

 

 

“We woulda seen him iffen he had,” insisted Hoss, his face crumpling. “He’s lost Pa! Where’s he gone?”

 

 

 

Ben put his arm around the youngster’s shoulders. “Stop worrying Hoss,” he said, wishing that someone could say that to him. “You go and get ready for bed while Adam and I walk around and look for him, OK?”

 

 

 

“I wanna come too,” insisted Hoss.

 

 

 

“Son, I need you here in case he wanders back again,” said his father. “Please do as I say.”

 

 

 

Hoss nodded miserably. “OK Pa,” he said. “I’ll look out for him here.”

 

 

 

Ben patted his shoulder. “Good boy,” he said. “Adam, come with me.”

 

 

 

Outside in the hallway, Ben led the way down to the lobby and approached the clerk. “Excuse me,” he said. “But I wonder if you’ve seen a little boy in a white nightshirt wandering through here?”

 

 

 

The clerk raised one of his eyebrows. “Um … no sir,” he said in surprise. Our patrons don’t usually walk around the hotel in their nightshirts.”

 

 

 

Ben cleared his throat. “Yes I realise that,” he said. “But my youngest son … the little boy I was holding when I arrive before … seems to have wandered out of our room. I thought perhaps he might have come down here?”

 

 

 

The clerk shook his head. “No sir,” he said. “If he’d come down here then I would have seen him. I don’t miss much,” he added, looking Ben up and down.

 

 

 

“Is this the only entrance to the hotel?” asked Ben.

 

 

 

“Yes,” replied the clerk. “Rest assured sir, the only way he could have left the building is by this door. He’ll still be inside.”

 

 

 

Ben raked his hands through his hair. “Yes …” he said. “Of course.”

 

 

 

“I’ll have my men search down here for you,” said the clerk. “They’ll cover the dining room in case the little boy has wandered in there …. Although as I said before …”

 

 

 

“Yes I know,” interrupted Ben. “You would have seen him if he’d come downstairs.”

 

 

 

“Precisely,” said the clerk, lifting both his eyebrows this time.”

 

 

 

“Thank you,” said Ben, turning to Adam. “Son … you search the floor we’re staying on and Ill take the one below it. He has to be on one of them. Knock on every door if you have to in case he’s wandered into one of the rooms.”

 

 

 

“Its getting late sir,” interrupted the clerk. “Most of our patrons may be asleep and I don’t think they’ll appreciate being woken.”

 

 

 

“I don’t really care if they appreciate it or not!” snapped Ben. “This is my son we’re talking about! He’s only five and he’s lost! I intend to find him if I have to wake up everyone in this whole hotel!”

 

 

 

“Yes sir,” said the clerk, pursing his mouth. “Whatever you say sir.” He summoned the two bellboys over to him and directed them to search in the dining room, before nodding at Ben and Adam. “I’ll let you know if we find him down here,” he said and then went back to his paperwork.

 

 

 

Adam gave the man a frustrated look and motioned to Adam to follow him up the stairs. Adam nodded to his father as they reached the first landing. “I’ll go up to the next level,” he said. “Don’t worry Pa … we’ll find him.”

 

 

 

“I know we will son,” said Ben, trying to smile. “Of course.”

 

 

 

Adam ran up the stairs two at a time and looked along the dimly lit hallway. When he had satisfied himself that Little Joe was nowhere to be seen, he knocked on the first door and then waited patiently until it was opened. His eyes widened as he saw a woman clad only in a skimpy nightdress standing in the open doorway looking at him. Her hair had been let down and was tumbling over shoulders and her mouth was still made up with some sort of lipstick. “Well!” she said, leaning against the doorframe and observing the young man in front of her. Her eyes travelled up and down his body slowly, making Adam feel decidedly uncomfortable as she did so. “Who do we have here? What can I do for you, handsome?”

 

 

 

Adam swallowed and forced himself not to take a step backwards. In spite of himself, he found his eyes travelling down to catch a glimpse of her ample bosom as she slowly pulled her nightgown away from her body to reveal it. “Um … excuse me ma’am,” he said.

 

 

 

“You’re excused,” she said, leaning forward and putting her head on one side as she observed him even closer. “Why? What did you do, you cheeky boy?”

 

 

 

Adam swallowed again. “I … um … I didn’t do anything,” he said.

 

 

 

The woman gave a loud, long sigh and then ran her tongue around her lips slowly. Adam found himself watching the darting, red tongue in fascination. “What a shame,” she said softly. “Would you like to come in for a while honey? We could think of something for you to do.”

 

 

 

Adam took a step backwards this time, not caring if the woman noticed or not. He felt his face begin to flush a deep red and this fact only made the woman smile even more. “Come on now,” she urged, holding out her hand. “You look as if you could do with a drink. What do you say, handsome?”

 

 

 

“No thank … thank you … ma’am,” said Adam, swallowing again. “I’m just looking … I’m just looking for my brother. Have you seen him?”

 

 

 

She put her head further to the side and crossed her arms under her ample bosom, accentuating its voluptuous curves. “Well now that depends,” she said softly. “Does he look anything like you? I’m sure I would have remembered him if he did.”

 

 

 

“He’s … he’s only five,” said Adam. “He’s wearing a white nightshirt.”

 

 

 

“Five?” said the woman, straightened up again. “No honey. There ain’t been no brats around here. None that I’ve seen anyway.” She smiled at him again. “Now how about you come inside and visit for a while and we can talk about where your brother might be?” She reached out and patted Adam on the arm.

 

 

 

Adam took another step backward. “No thank you ma’am,” he said. “I’ve got to look for my brother now.”  He walked down the hallway towards the next door, wishing that his face would cool down.

 

 

 

“Now you make sure you come back when you’ve found him!” shouted the woman after him. “I’ll have that drink ready for you honey!”

 

 

 

Adam ignored her and breathed a sigh of relief when she finally closed the door and went inside. He hoped that all these rooms he had to check wouldn’t be the same as that one!

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Ben knocked on the first door near the landing and fiddled with his fingers in frustration while he waited for it to open. He’d searched right up and down the dim hallway and satisfied himself that Little Joe was nowhere to be seen and now there was no hope for it but to check each of the rooms on this floor.

 

 

 

Suddenly the door was opened by an old man in a nightshirt who looked at Ben crossly. “Do you know what time it is?” he said angrily.

 

 

 

Ben nodded. “I do,” he replied. “And I’m most sorry to disturb you sir.”

 

 

 

“Then don’t!” shouted the man and banged the door shut in Ben’s face.

 

 

 

Ben hesitated for a moment and then knocked again. This time, the man opened the door quickly. “Go away!” he shouted. “I’m trying to sleep!”

 

 

 

“I know that,” began Ben. “But I …” The door banged shut in his face for a second time.

 

 

 

Ben felt his anger mounting as he knocked a third time, but this time the door didn’t open. “Go away!” shouted the man from inside. “Stop waking people up in the middle of the night!”

 

 

 

“I need to ask you something!” Ben shouted back. “I’m not going away until you open this door and answer my question!”

 

 

 

There was a shuffling noise from inside and the door opened slowly. The man put his face around the edge of it, but this time Ben was ready for him and wedged his foot in between the door and the wall so that he couldn’t slam it shut. “I’m looking for a little boy in a white nightshirt,” he said quickly. “He’s got curly hair and ….”

 

 

 

“Haven’t seen him,” interrupted the man as he tried to get the door shut again. “Go away!”

 

 

 

“He’s only five years old and …”

 

 

 

“I don’t care how old he is!” said the man. “I told you I haven’t seen him!” He pulled the door against Ben’s foot and Ben let out a howl of pain. “Get your foot out of there!” the man said. “Go away or I’ll call the management up here!”

 

 

 

Ben took his foot out of the door and watched as the door slammed shut again. He made a face at the wooden door in front of him and then limped slowly long the hallway to the next door.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Adam knocked tentatively on the second door and waiting anxiously as it was opened slightly. A man’s head appeared from around the other side. “Yes?” he said, looking at Adam suspiciously.

 

 

 

“I was wondering sir …” began Adam.

 

 

 

“Just a moment,” said the man and disappeared again, closing the door. After a moment he opened the door again and looked around it a second time. “Had to get my glasses,” he said. “Can’t see a thing without them.” He looked Adam up and down. “Who are you?” he asked.

 

 

 

“My name is Adam Cartwright,” said Adam. “I was wondering if you’d seen …”

 

 

 

“What are you doing in this hotel?” the man asked.

 

 

 

“I’m staying here with my family,” replied Adam.

 

 

 

“Which room?”

 

 

 

“Number fifteen,” replied Adam.

 

 

 

“Well what are you doing wandering around at this time of night?” asked the man.

 

 

 

Adam gave him a frustrated look. “I was about to tell you …” he said.

 

 

 

“Well hurry then boy!” snapped the man. “I don’t have all night.”

 

 

 

“I was wondering if you’ve seen my brother,” said Adam.

 

 

 

The man peered at him intently. “Why?” he asked.

 

 

 

“What do you mean … why?” asked Adam.

 

 

 

“Why are you looking for him?” asked the man impatiently. “What’s he done?”

 

 

 

“He hasn’t done anything,” said Adam crossly. “He’s lost.”

 

 

 

“Where is he lost?”

 

 

 

“Somewhere in the hotel,” said Adam.

 

 

 

“I haven’t seen him.”

 

 

 

“You don’t even know what he looks like!” said Adam in an exasperated tone. “He’s …”

 

 

 

“Don’t need to know what he looks like,” said the man smugly. “I haven’t seen him.”

 

 

 

“He’s only a little boy,” said Adam, ignoring the remark. “He’s in a nightshirt.”

 

 

 

“What colour?”

 

 

 

“White.”

 

 

 

“His hair boy … what colour is his hair?”

 

 

 

“Um … brown. It’s curly.”

 

 

 

“The man looked thoughtful for a moment. “I see,” he said. “A little boy in a white nightshirt, with curly brown hair …” He gave Adam another intense look. “What colour are his eyes?” he asked.

 

 

 

“Green,” said Adam hopefully. “Have you seen him?”

 

 

 

“Did he have anything on his feet?”

 

 

 

“I don’t think so,” said Adam.

 

 

 

“How tall is he?”

 

 

 

Adam put his hand near his hip. “About this tall,” he said. “Did you see him then?”

 

 

 

“No, I told you before that I hadn’t,” said the man and slammed the door shut.

 

 

 

Adam hit his hand on the wall in frustration and stomped down the hallway to the next door.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

“Excuse me,” said Ben as the door was opened by a young man. “I’m so sorry to interrupt you.”

 

 

 

The man gave him a puzzled look. “How did you know what …” he stopped. “I’m sorry,” he said, going red. “Can I help you?”

 

 

 

“Who is it Matthew?” said a woman inside the room.

 

 

 

“No one,” replied the man over his shoulder. “Just get back into bed and I’ll be there in a minute.”  He gave Ben an enquiring look. “Yes?” he said.

 

 

 

“I’m looking for my …”

 

 

 

“What did you say?” asked the woman, obviously standing behind the man now. Ben craned his neck and caught a glimpse of her in a robe standing behind the man.

 

 

 

“I said to go back to …” the man stopped and glanced at Ben, going even redder than before. “We’re on our wedding trip,” he said, smiling at him.

 

 

 

“Congratulations,” said Ben, observing the brand new wedding ring on the woman’s hand as she put it on her husband’s shoulder.

 

 

 

“We were just married this afternoon,” she said, coming to stand next to her husband and looking at him adoringly.

 

 

 

Ben cleared his throat. “I see,” he said. “Yes … well, I was looking for my son actually.”

 

 

 

“Your son?” said the man. “Have you lost him?”

 

 

 

“It would appear so,” replied Ben. “He’s only five and …”

 

 

 

“Oh the poor little boy!” exclaimed the woman, pulling her robe even tighter and stepping forward. “Where did you lose him?”

 

 

 

“I’m not really …”

 

 

 

“Really Edith!” said the man. “If he knew where he’d lost him, then he wouldn’t need to look for him, would he?”

 

 

 

She gave her husband another adoring look. “I suppose not,” she giggled as she ran her hand up his side. Ben watched it, mesmerised for a moment. “You’re so clever Matthew,” Edith breathed, resting her head on his shoulder.

 

 

 

The man puffed out his chest and looked at Ben again. “You were saying?” he said.

 

 

 

“Yes …” said Ben. “Well my son is missing. He’s five years old, he has curly hair and he’s wearing a white nightshirt.”

 

 

 

“He sounds like a lovely little boy,” breathed Edith, not taking her eyes off Matthew. “I hope our children are lovely like your little boy, mister.”

 

 

 

“Yes…” said Ben, clearing his throat again and watching as she slipped her hand this time inside the man’s robe and continued to rub it up and down. “Well …. have you … um …”  He tried to concentrate on what he had been asking. “Have you seen him?” he asked hopefully, looking at Matthew again.

 

 

 

“No, sorry,” said Matthew, smiling down at Edith. He touched her face lovingly and she nuzzled her cheek against his.

 

 

 

“Well … thank you anyway,” said Ben. The two of them took no notice of him, but began to kiss each other instead. After a moment, Ben walked away from the door, not daring to look back.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

Adam rolled his eyes as he knocked on the door thankful that this was the last one, yet worried because he still hadn’t been able to find Joe. He waited as a lamp was lit inside and footsteps came towards the door. “Yes?” said a voice from inside.

 

 

 

“Excuse me,” said Adam loudly. “I was wondering if I could ask you something?”

 

 

 

“What?” said the voice.

 

 

 

Adam raised his voice even louder. “I was wondering if I could ask you something!” he shouted.

 

 

 

“There’s no need to shout …. I asked you what you wanted to ask me!” said the voice.

 

 

 

“Could you please open the door?” shouted Adam. “It’d be easier that way.”

 

 

 

“I’m not accustomed to opening my door to strange men in the middle of the night!” said the voice indignantly.

 

 

 

Adam sighed. “I was wondering if you’ve seen a lost child?” he shouted.

 

 

 

“What?”

 

 

 

“A lost child!” he shouted even louder.

 

 

 

“There’s no need to shout! I heard you the first time,” said the voice. “I was asking what kind of child.”

 

 

 

Adam rolled his eyes. “A little boy,” he shouted. “Five years old. He is wearing a white nightshirt.”

 

 

 

Suddenly the door opened and a tall grey-haired woman leaning on a cane stood there glaring at him. “What is a young man like you running around this hotel looking for a small boy in the middle of the night for?” she snapped. “The very idea of it!”

 

 

 

“I’m searching for him,” explained Adam. “He’s my brother and he’s lost.”

 

 

 

“Waking up people at all hours,’ she continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “The very idea of it!”

 

 

 

“Have you seen him?” asked Adam.

 

 

 

“No I haven’t and if I did, then I’d turn him over to the management!” she snapped. “The very idea of it … a child running around a hotel by himself at this hour!” She leant out and hit Adam over the head with her cane. “You should be ashamed of yourself!” she said angrily.

 

 

 

Adam ducked as her cane swung around a second time. He stepped backwards and then took off down the hall quickly towards the steps. “The very idea of it!” he heard her say again as she slammed the door. He rubbed his head ruefully as he walked down the stairs.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

The man leant on the doorframe unsteadily and gave Ben a crooked smile as he opened the door. “Evening,” he said, swaying a little. “What .. can I do fer you mishter?”

 

 

 

Ben grimaced at the strong smell of whiskey that was lingering around the man. “Have you seen a little boy?” he asked.

 

 

 

The man narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Nope!” he said finally.

 

 

 

Ben sighed. “Are you sure? I’ve checked with everyone else on this floor. He has to be somewhere.” He raked his hands through his hair again.

 

 

 

“Come in and have a drink,” suggested the man, leaning close to Ben and giving him a blurry look. “Take ya mind off ya troubles so ta speak.”

 

 

 

“No thank you,” said Ben, stepping away.

 

 

 

“Are ya sure?” asked the man, waving a half-full bottle around. “I’ve got plenty.”

 

 

 

“No thank you,” repeated Ben. “I’ve got to keep looking for my little boy.”

 

 

 

The man’s eyes filled up with tears. “That’s nice,” he said, swaying again. “I wish someone cared bout me like that.” He wiped his eyes on his sleeve and gave Ben a watery smile. “That’s a lucky little boy ta have a Pa that cares bout him mishter.”

 

 

 

“Yes,” said Ben, walking away quickly.

 

 

 

“I ain’t got no one ta care bout me!” snivelled the man, leaning on the doorframe again. “No siree!” he shouted, slinging the bottle around. “There ain’t no one in this world care bout me enough ta go looking fer me! Come and have a drink!” he shouted down the hallway at Ben.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head and made for the stairs, nearly knocking into Adam as he reached them. “Any luck?” he asked anxiously.

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. “No,” he said. “I’ve searched every room on that floor Pa. There sure are some strange people staying here though.”  He rubbed his head thoughtfully.

 

 

 

“What’s the matter with your head?” asked his father.

 

 

 

“Nothing,” replied Adam ruefully. He noticed that his father was limping. “What’s the matter with your foot?” he asked.

 

 

 

“It’s a long story,” said Ben. “Adam, I’m really getting worried now. “You go on up to our room, check on Hoss and see if perhaps Joe has gone back there. I’m going down to check with that clerk at the front desk. He headed down the stairs again, hoping against hope that Little Joe had been found in the dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

“Pa told you to get ready for bed,” said Adam as he entered the suite.

 

 

 

“Did ya find Joe?” asked Hoss hopefully, ignoring his brother’s statement.

 

 

 

“Not yet,” admitted Adam. “You should get ready for bed Hoss. Try to get some sleep.”

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. “I can’t,” he said. “I’m too worried bout Joe being lost. You know that I can never sleep when I’m worried. Sure could eat though,” he added, rubbing his stomach.

 

 

 

“How can you think about food at a time like this?” asked Adam, amazed.

 

 

 

“I can’t help it,” Hoss said defensively. “I always get hungry when I’m worried … you know that. Sides … that chicken has done left my stomach by now.” He sighed. “I sure wish I knew where the kitchen was in this place. Then I could go down and …”

 

 

 

Adam clicked his fingers. “The kitchen!” he said.

 

 

 

“What about it?” asked Hoss.

 

 

 

“Well there must be a kitchen here somewhere,” replied his brother. “I wonder if those bellboys thought to check it when they were checking the dining room? I’m going down to see Pa.”

 

 

 

“If you’re going to the kitchen, then I’m coming too,” said Hoss, following him.

 

 

 

“Alright,” said Adam over his shoulder as he walked out of the room. “But hurry up if you’re coming!”

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

“No I’m sorry sir,” said the desk clerk. “But they didn’t find the little boy in the dining room.”

 

 

 

Ben put his hand over his face for a moment in despair. “Well then I think it’s about time to call in the police,” he said.

 

 

 

The clerk jerked. “Surely that’s not necessary,” he said. “After all, the child can’t have gone far.”

 

 

 

“Well then you tell me where he is!” shouted Ben, beginning to lost his temper. “My son and I have looked in every room in this hotel and he’s nowhere to be found!”

 

 

 

“Sir please calm down,” said the desk clerk. “I’m just trying to reason with you. I’d prefer not to bring the police into this sir. After all, we have the reputation of the hotel to consider.”

 

 

 

“I don’t give a damn about the reputation of your hotel!” shouted Ben, banging his fist on the counter. “All I care about at this point is the safety of my son!”

 

 

 

The clerk took out his handkerchief and wiped an imaginary speck of dust from the counter where Ben had touched it. “Please remain calm sir,” he said. “I’m sure that …”  He stopped as Adam and Hoss came barrelling down the stairs two at a time.

 

 

 

“Pa!” shouted Adam.

 

 

 

Ben turned sharply. “What is it?” he asked quickly. “Did you find him? Was he back in the room?” He looked at both the boys eagerly.

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. “No,” he admitted. “But we thought about the kitchen!”

 

 

 

“The kitchen?” asked Ben, dazed.

 

 

 

“Yes,” said Adam. “He turned to the desk clerk. “Did the bellboys check the kitchen when they checked the dining room?” he asked.

 

 

 

“I don’t believe so,” said the clerk. He rang a bell and the two bellboys appeared. “Did you check the kitchen for the child?” he asked.

 

 

 

“No sir,” said one of them. “You didn’t tell us to.”

 

 

 

“Could my son have got to the kitchen without you seeing him?” asked Ben.

 

 

 

“Well yes,” said the clerk thoughtfully. “He could have gone down the back stairs I suppose.”

 

 

 

Ben reached over the counter and grabbed the man by the collar. “You mean to tell me that there are back stairs? Why didn’t you tell me that before?”

 

 

 

The clerk drew back from Ben to release himself and straightened his clothing before replying. “You didn’t ask,” he said simply.

 

 

 

Ben gave him a withering look. “Where are these stairs?” he snapped. “Where do they lead to?”

 

 

 

“They lead to the kitchen,” said the clerk. “I’ll show you.” He snapped his fingers as he came around the other side of the counter. “You two come as well,” he said to the two bellboys before leading them all around to the back of the dining room to a door. “Here they are,” he said. “They lead straight down to the kitchen from here and also back up to both floors. I’ll go down and …”

 

 

 

Ben didn’t wait for the man to finish, but simply pushed him out of the way and began to climb down the stairs, followed by Adam and then Hoss. The clerk flicked a few imaginary specks of dust off his coat and then snapped his fingers again. “Follow me,” he said to the two bellboys and went down the stairs after Hoss.

 

 

 

As Ben entered the kitchen one flight of stairs below, the first thing that he noticed was his youngest son sitting on a high counter happily licking a wooden spoon. His white nightshirt was no longer white, but was stained with a variety of foodstuffs that had obviously dribbled down the front of it and his face was liberally smeared with the gooey brown substance that he was licking from the spoon. His small bare legs were swinging as he happily smiled at his father. “Hi Pa,” he said. “Hi Adam. Hi Hoss.”

 

 

 

Ben blinked a couple of times before taking a couple of deep breaths. “Thank God,” he said under his breath. “Joseph … what are you doing here?”

 

 

 

“Having supper,” said the little boy, taking another lick of his spoon. “Lu Chow gived me some.”

 

 

 

“Who?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

“Lu Chow,” said the small boy, pointing to the very large Chinese cook who was beaming at them all as he stirred something in a pot on the stove. “He’s my new friend,” Little Joe informed his father happily.

 

 

 

“Wow,” said Hoss looking around the kitchen in wonder. “Something sure smells good.”  He picked up a piece of meat from a plate on the counter and sampled it.

 

 

 

“Hoss!” said his father, slapping his hand away. “Leave that alone.”

 

 

 

The cook said something in Chinese and smiled at Hoss who returned the look. “He says you can have it Hoss,” said Little Joe, swinging his legs even more.

 

 

 

“Gee thanks!” said Hoss, stuffing the meat into his mouth.

 

 

 

“How do you know what he said?” Adam asked his little brother curiously.

 

 

 

Joe swallowed his mouthful before replying. “Cause he talks them words like what Hop Sing does,” he said as if that explained everything.

 

 

 

Ben blinked a couple more times. “Why did you come down here Joseph?” he asked.

 

 

 

Little Joe frowned at his father. “Cause I waked up and you were gone,” he said accusingly. “You and Adam and Hoss got losted, so I had ta come and find ya.”  He pointed his finger at his father accusingly. “You left me in that room!”

 

 

 

Ben’s heart constricted. “I’m sorry son,” he said contritely. “I didn’t think that you’d wake up and get scared.”

 

 

 

“Oh, I didn’t get scared,” replied Little Joe airily, licking his spoon again. “I just wanted to know where ya was, that’s all. Lu Chow gived me some supper while I was finding ya.”

 

 

 

“I see,” said Ben, not knowing what else to say. He walked over and took the spoon from his youngest son, placing it on the counter before picking up the small boy and putting him on his hip.  “Thank you,” he said to the cook who answered him in Chinese.

 

 

 

“He says I can come back anytime,” Little Joe informed his father.

 

 

 

“Tell him that I’m your brother and ask if I can come back too,” suggested Hoss, his eyes lighting up at the thought of sampling all the food in the kitchen.

 

 

 

“That will do,” said Ben sternly. “You’re all coming upstairs right this minute. It’s time we all got some sleep.”

 

 

 

“I ain’t sleepy no more,” Little Joe informed his father. “I done had a sleep before so I’m ready to be awake now.”

 

 

 

“Oh goody,” said Adam sarcastically, thinking of his bed longingly.

 

 

 

Little Joe turned and grinned at his older brother happily. “Yeah,” he agreed. “Hey Pa, can we go and see Sam Ferisco now?”

 

 

 

“No,” said his father firmly. “For one thing it’s dark outside and for another …” he searched his tired brain for another reason. “For another thing I said no,” he said finally. “San Francisco will be there for us to see tomorrow.”

 

 

 

“But I wanna see Sam Ferisco now,” insisted Little Joe.

 

 

 

“Be quiet Joseph,” said his father. He turned to the clerk. “I’m sorry I was so short with you earlier,” he said. “But I was just so worried.”

 

 

 

The desk clerk inclined his head and gave a small nod. “Think nothing of it,” he said stiffly.

 

 

 

“Come on boys,” said Ben ushering Hoss and Adam in front of him. “Back to our room now.”

 

 

 

“Bye Mr Lu Chow!” shouted Little Joe over his father’s shoulder. He wiped his dirty, sticky face on Ben’s shoulder, leaving marks all over his father’s coat. “Hey Pa?” they all heard him say as Ben carried him up the stairs. “I gotta go pee now. Uh uh! It’s too late. I done went! Sorry Pa.”

 

 

 

The bellboys looked at the clerk and the clerk looked at the bellboys as Lu Chow continued to stir whatever was in his pot. “How long are they staying for?” asked one of the bellboys finally.

 

 

 

“A whole week,” moaned the desk clerk. A whole, long, long week.” He groaned as he left the room, followed by the two young men.

 

 

The End