Synopsis: First in a series involving Joe and his love interest, Anna Ravinsky. Joe has to learn the identity of someone who has been hired to murder a prominent citizen of Nevada before it’s too late.
Rating: PG (12,000 words)
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THE ASSASSIN
Joe Cartwright walked down the main street of Virginia City towards the boarding house. He was aware of the sounds from the Silver Dollar Saloon, which he frequented often, but not tonight. He had different plans…a romantic evening meal at the nicest restaurant in town with a beautiful lady. He continued down the street until he came to the white picket fence in front of the quaint boarding house. He opened the gate and sauntered to the front door. He knocked at the door and a gorgeous lady with dark brown eyes and able colored hair upswept in a stylish bun appeared before him. He admired her petite frame complimented by her beige silk dress. He bowed his head slightly and she accepted his kiss.
“Anna, you look lovely tonight,” replied Joe.
“Joseph, you know how to flatter me,” Anna said gazing at his handsome face and sparkling hazel eyes.
“I have made reservations at the International House for dinner.” Joe offered his arm to her.
Anna took his arm and they walked down the street to The International House. She reflected on the first time Joe asked her for a dance at the annual Founder’s Ball. He overwhelmed her by his personality and his handsome boyish features. Since that eventful night, they were inseparable.
As Joe and Anna walked slowly to the hotel, they were not alone. A solitary figure followed them, stepping back into the shadows of the alleyways. A hired gunman, Vladimir Korsokov, had arrived in Virginia City on a quest for his next victim. He was making his way to the office of Randall Wilson, who hired him. Korsokov entered the office, where the shadow of a man sat at the desk.
“Good evening, Mr. Wilson. You have a job for me.”
“Yes I do,” replied Wilson.
XXX
Early next morning, Ben Cartwright sat the dining table with his two oldest sons, Adam and Hoss. He was slightly perturbed that his youngest son, Joseph, was inevitably late for breakfast. Just as Ben decided to rise from the table, Joe bounded downstairs taking his seat at the table.
“Morning Pa…older brothers,” Joe said cheerfully as he reached for the plate of pancakes.
“Isn’t he chipper this morning?” retorted Adam, sarcastically.
“Must be the piano lessons,” said Hoss, grinning at his younger brother.
“Well, brothers, not only is she a wonderful teacher, she’s a nice lady and that accent…the way she pronounces Joseph…she can call me Joseph anytime,” replied Joe with his devilish grin. “Now, Brother Hoss, what’s this I hear about you and Jenny McIntire?”
“There’s not much between us…but the she can cook,” Hoss replied smiling back at Joe.
“Bother Hoss doesn’t matter what the lady looks like, she just better know how to cook.” Joe laughed.
“Sons, this banter could go on all morning long, but we have some work on the Ponderosa that comes first,” replied Ben, smiling, as he rose from the table, walking towards his desk. “Sons, you need to repair the fences at the south pasture.”
The three brothers finished their breakfast, walked to the credenza, buckled their gun belts, gathered their hats from the gun rack, and walked outside into the warm Nevada sunshine. The brothers mounted their horses and rode to the south pasture.
XXX
Anna Ravinsky entered her small studio in the Opera House, sparsely furnished with a piano, a couple of music stands, and two chairs. Since she had little room at the boarding house, she had moved her precious music and books to her humble studio and placed them in a small bookshelf near the only window. Her most prized possession, a violin, given by her father, sat on a table between the two chairs.
She loved her life in Virginia City, teaching her students piano and voice lessons. As a teacher, she was challenged by their different skills in learning music. She loved her students, as they were her own children, sometimes scolding them for not studying their lessons, and praising them at other times. Now her life had taken on a new challenge, Joseph Cartwright. She had fallen madly in love with him. Never did she imagine that any man could win her heart, but he had succeeded, where others had failed.
Anna stared out the window as she heard the studio door open. A little girl with long brown curls took a seat in one of the chairs.
“Good morning Miss Anna,” said Emily Harrington.
“Good morning, Emily.” responded Anna with a smile, looking down at the ten year old child’s upturned sweet face. Emily was one her finest students and it was a joy to start her teaching day with her. “We will start today’s lesson with a warm-up of those dreaded scales”
“Yes ma’am,” said Emily as she seated herself at the piano.
Though Anna was preoccupied with Emily’s playing of the scales, she stared out of the window for a brief moment. She was startled by the presence of a man at the back of the building. He seemed to be looking at her
“Miss Anna, are you alright?” asked Emily, puzzled at her teacher sudden change in demeanor.
“Emily, I am sorry…I was distracted. Go ahead with your playing,” answered Anna. She glanced out the window once more, but the man had vanished. The incident unnerved her for a few minutes, but she shrugged it off and continued with her lesson.
Anna’s anxiety was beginning to peak as she taught her last student, knowing that Joe would be meeting her soon for dinner. Her last student for the day was Theresa Engler, who tried desperately to please Anna by learning the piano. The child was such a challenge because she was totally tone deaf, but Anna persevered because of the child’s exuberance of learning.
In her peripheral vision, she noticed the handsome, young man standing at her studio door. Joe Cartwright smiled and winked at her. Anna was ecstatic and her heart raced, as she returned the smile. Anna dismissed Theresa and turned her interests to Joe.
“You are early, Joseph Cartwright,” Anna said, as Joe embraced and passionately kissed her.
“You’re not going to hold that against me,” Joe replied with a giggle.
“Never,” said Anna as she lowered the shade for no prying eyes to observe her and Joe.
Anna felt flushed as Joe fingered the buttons on her blouse. “Joseph, I do not think this is the time or the place.”
“I do!” answered Joe kissing her neck.
Both Joe and Anna were startled by the knock at the door. Anna was flustered as she made her way to the door trying to button her blouse. She opened the door and to her amazement there stood Theresa Engle.
“Miss Anna, I forgot one of my music books,” said Theresa puzzled by her piano teacher’s appearance. Anna was not her usual properly attired self, standing with her hair mussed up and her buttons on her blouse misaligned.
“Thank you, Miss Anna,” said Theresa as she hurriedly left the studio.
“Joseph, I warned you this was not the time!”
“I think I better leave and get the supplies,” said Joe as he made his way to the door. “I’ll be back at six and take you to dinner.”
“While you are away getting the supplies, I will take the back way home and hope no one sees me,” Anna retorted. “I will be ready by six o’clock for supper.”
“I’ll see you at six,” Joe assured her as he left the studio and headed across the street to the mercantile store.
XXX
“Hey Pa!” exclaimed Hoss, gleefully, as he placed his hat and holster on the credenza. “Have you seen Joe?”
“Yes, I’ve sent him into town to buy supplies,” answered Ben. “He won’t be home until late because of his supper date with Anna.”
“Joe’s pretty serious about her,” said Adam.
“Yes he is,” Ben replied closing the books on his desk and walking toward the fireplace. “At least he’s staying out of trouble…no poker games and no fights.” The three men looked at each other and laughed, knowing Joe’s interesting past.
“Pa, I’ve noticed that Randall Wilson has stayed quiet about his loss of the timber contract,” Adam said.
“It’s really strange,” Hoss said as he looked toward the table.
“I think we better go eat our supper before Hop Sing gets angry and refuses to serve us any supper.” Ben grinned as he and his sons walked to the dining table.
XXX
As Anna entered her room, she noticed that the window was opened. I must have left it opened this morning when I left for the studio. As she turned toward her vanity, a hand went over her mouth and she felt a hard blow to the side of her face, then everything went dark.
Anna regained consciousness, slowly, becoming aware of her surroundings. She felt something cold over her forehead and eyes. She panicked, slightly, but settled down when she heard the familiar voice of Joseph Cartwright who removed the compress from her forehead.
“You’re going to be alright Anna,” Joe assured her, caressing her hand. “Darling, you have a nasty bruise on the side of your face where you were hit.”
“Joseph, it happened so quick,” said Anna, quite groggy. “I walked into my room…then someone hit me.”
“Do you know of anyone who wants to harm you?” Joe queried her.
“I do not know of anyone…I am so confused,” answered Anna.
“I have to return to the Ponderosa and deliver some supplies and explain everything to Pa. While I’m gone, Mrs. Carter will watch after you. Darling, you get some rest and I’ll be back,” Joe assured her.
Joe kissed her on the forehead and left the boarding house. He decided to stop at the Sheriff’s office to talk with Roy Coffee about the incident. They both were concerned about her safety, but both were also at a loss on who would hurt her. He left the sheriff’s office and headed to the stable. As he walked down the street, he felt someone following him, but when he turned around, there was no one.
Joe brought the team of horses pulling the buckboard to a stop in front of the house at the Ponderosa. He unloaded the supplies, carried them into the kitchen of the house and walked into the living room. Joe walked over to the fireplace and stood gazing at the fire. Ben Cartwright and his two older sons were concerned with Joe’s demeanor.
“Joe, you’re early tonight…I expected you later. Is anything wrong?” questioned Ben who noticed the worried look on his son’s face.
“Someone entered Anna’s room at the boarding house and attacked her,” Joe answered. “She was knocked unconscious. Dr. Martin said that she was hit pretty hard…no concussion, though, but a nasty bruise on the side of her face.”
“Who would want to hurt Anna?” asked Hoss, who could tell his brother was very upset about the incident
“That’s the question that everyone is asking. I have no idea who would hurt her… I’m at a loss,” said Joe.
“Have you talked to Roy about the attack?” questioned Adam.
“Yea, I talked to Roy before I left town, but he has no clue. The only thing we know is that the person entered through a window in her room. Nothing was stolen, so robbery wasn’t the motive. Roy thinks it may just be a random attack because the room’s location on the ground floor located near the back of the boarding house. I’m not buying that theory.”
“Joseph, are you going back into town?” Ben asked.
“Yes Sir…Mrs. Carter is staying with Anna while I’m gone, but I promised her that I would return and stay with Anna. Some of her boarders are out of town, so the building is quite empty at the moment. She has a room next to Anna’s where I can stay tonight. I’m really concerned about Anna’s safety.”
“Son, you be very careful and watch yourself,” warned Ben, as he put his arm around his son as they walked to the front door.
“I will Pa,” Joe assured his father as he walked out door.
“If Joe has to watch himself, who’s going to watch Joe,” said Hoss, looking at his father who had slowly sat down in his chair adjacent to the fireplace.
“Hoss, you know that it is our lot in life to rescue our little brother even though he won’t like it,” reminded Adam. “Don’t worry, Pa, we’ll watch him somehow.”
“I know that you two will watch him, but stay out of his way,” warned Ben. “Joe’s already upset enough, just don’t let him know that you are around.”
XXX
“I could have done worse to her, but I didn’t,” assured Korsokov in his distinctive Russian accent. “She’s not my objective, but she is part of my plan.”
“What about Joe Cartwright?” Wilson questioned. ” You should know that he quite persistent and won’t give up until he finds out who hurt his lady friend.
“If Joe Cartwright gets in my way, I’ll deal with him,” warned Korsokov.
“I hired you for a job and it did not concern Anna Ravinsky or Joe Cartwright!”
“Wilson, I have my methods and I don’t need you to interfere. It’s late and I must be leaving…Good night!” Korsokov yelled as he walked out of Wilson’s office.
Randall Wilson poured himself a glass of whiskey. He started thinking about this man that he had hired. He wondered if he had made a mistake, but as he drank more whiskey, his mind became more clouded and he forgot about Korsokov.
XXX
“Oh, Joseph, I’m so glad that you have returned,” said Mrs. Carter. “Anna has not been able to get any rest…seems so agitated about something.”
“I’ll go in and talk to her,” Joe assured Mrs. Carter.
“While you are talking to Anna, I’ll warm some milk to mix the sedative that Dr. Martin left to help her sleep,” Mrs. Carter replied as she walked into the kitchen.
Joe went to Anna’s room and opened the door, slowly, and looked at her as she lay in the bed. He noticed how pale she looked against the pillows. The bruise on her face was so bad that her right eye was also blackened. Joe kissed her and she opened her eyes.
“You were suppose to get some rest while I was gone to the Ponderosa.” Joe said with a smile on his face.
“I know, Joseph, but I was so dazed that I could not remember anything before you left,” Anna whispered as she looked at his handsome face and those gorgeous hazel eyes. “I needed to tell you about an incident that happened earlier today.”
“What was so important that you wanted to tell me?” Joe asked.
“While I was having a lesson with Emily, I looked out of the window and noticed a man staring at me. He was not close to the window…he was at some distance. Emily asked a question so I glanced at her…just for a few seconds. I looked out of the window again, but he was gone.” Anna replied with a weak voice. ” I did not think too much about it at the time, because he might have been back there for a reason.”
“Have you ever seen this man before?” Joe asked.
“No, I did not recognize him. If I saw him again, I might be able to identify him,” Anna said with an apologetic tone in her voice. “Joe, I am so sorry I cannot remember what he looked like.”
“Sweetie, it’s alright. We’ll find him,” Joe assured her.
“I want you to drink this…doctor’s orders.
Joe watched Anna as she drank the milk. She finally lay back on the pillows, closed her eyes, and went to sleep. Joe felt very tired and fell into a deep slumber
As the aroma of coffee permeated the room, Joe woke from his deep sleep. He felt stiff from falling asleep in the chair next to Anna’s bed. He kissed the sleeping Anna and made his way to the kitchen of the boarding house. He only wanted a cup of coffee, but decided to eat breakfast to quiet Mrs. Carter’s protesting. Joe hated to leave Anna, but he was needed at the Ponderosa. He informed Mrs. Carter that he would return later to see about Anna. He walked outside the boarding house toward the stable.
Ben Cartwright sat on the front porch of the massive house. He was glad to see his youngest son reining his horse to a stop in front of the house. Ben had worried not only about Joe’s safety, but also about Anna. He knew his son’s quick temper and persistent nature would at times cause more harm than good.
“Morning, Pa!” yelled Joe dismounting Cochise.
“Joseph, good to see you son,” Ben answered, embracing him. “How’s Anna this morning?”
“She was still asleep when I left this morning,” replied Joe. ” She’s in good hands…Mrs. Carter watches over her like an old mother hen. By the way where are Hoss and Adam.”
“They’re repairing fences in the south pasture. Joseph, you’re looking much rested this morning.”
“Pa, I have to admit, I was really concerned about Anna last night. I feel much better, except I fell asleep in the chair next to her bed and woke stiff as a board. Guess I better help Hoss and Adam with those fences…maybe I can work out this stiffness. See you tonight, Pa.”
“See you later, so,” Ben called, watching his son ride away from the house. He thought of the numerous times that he had fallen asleep sitting in the chair next to Joe’s bed, when he was hurt or sick. Ben smiled to himself and continued with his work.
Joe rode to the south pasture, reining to a stop, and dismounting Cochise in front of his two brothers.
“Dadburnit, Adam, it’s our little brother, the nurse.” Hoss laughed
“Hoss, I can’t believe it, our little brother, Florence Nightingale, nursing the lovely Anna through the night,” answered Adam, with a sarcastic tone.
“I wish you two would be more serious,” Joe retorted, scowling at his bothers.
“Joe, how is Anna?” asked Hoss, noting the change in Joe’s voice. He knew from his own experience about Joe’s temperamental nature.
“She’s doing fine except for that nasty bruise. It covers the whole side of her face.”
“Anna’s going to look real nice for the charity recital on Saturday,” Adam reminded Joe.
“Damn, Adam, I forgot all about that recital, but I bet Anna hasn’t! Anna will be fit to be tied. I bet Mrs. Carter and Dr. Martin will have their hands full, today, trying to keep her in bed. I’ll handle Anna, when I return to town.”
The three brothers continued with the ending of the fences. They dug new postholes, inserted new posts in the holes, and strung new fence wire. After a while, their conversation changed to another pressing matter.
“Joe, have you noticed anything strange about Randall Wilson, lately?” questioned Hoss.
“He’s too damn quiet! By now, he would have put in a lawsuit against Pa over the timber contract,” Joe answered, pulling the fence wire taut as Adam secured it to the post.
“Wilson would accuse Pa of cheating on the timber bid, demanding some form of satisfaction,” Adam remarked. “Pa seems very suspicious about his behavior.”
“I have noticed on several occasions when Anna and I have dined at the International house, he sits at a corner table, acknowledging only one person, a tall, muscular man who passes by his table,” Joe replied. “The man is new in town and speaks with an accent.”
“Now, Joseph, you don’t need to eavesdrop,” warned Hoss, grinning at his little brother.
“Hoss, it’s strange. Wilson sits at that table saying nothing to no one but that man. After a while, he rises from the table and leaves. Most of the time when Anna and I pass by his table, he only glares at us. Makes you think he up to something.”
“Joe, you’re right…he’s up to something. Don’t know what it could be, but it ain’t no good!” Hoss exclaimed.
“Joe, think about it for a moment. Wilson is quiet as a mouse about the timber contract, a new man is in town, and then Anna is attacked. I know it’s all suppositional, but there may be some meaning to all of this,” Adam reminded his brothers.
“I’ll be discreet about watching Wilson. If he’s behind the attack on Anna, I’ll find out,” Joe replied.
“Joe, you be careful!” warned Hoss. “Little Brother, I don’t want any attacks on you.”
“Don’t worry, Hoss, I’ll watch myself. I know one thing, we need to finish these fences or I won’t return to town until midnight.”
The three brothers worked late into the afternoon. All of them were tired and ready for a hot meal. Joe decided that it was more advantageous to return to Virginia City than return to the house at the Ponderosa. He said his farewells to his brothers and headed back to town. He hoped his father would not be too disappointed by his abrupt decision to return to Virginia City. But, he had to return for Anna’s sake. The theory that Adam had proposed of Wilson’s supposed involvement in Anna’s attack, lingered in Joe’s mind.
Joe rode into Virginia City and stabled Cochise at the livery stable. He noticed that the town was livelier than the night before. He walked to the boarding house. Mrs. Carter met him at the door.
“Joseph Cartwright, I’m so glad to see you. That young lady has been impossible today! Every time that she gets out of bed, she gets dizzy. She’s determined to return to that studio to practice. Dr. Martin has even threatened to tie her to the bed! Joe, I hope you can handle her.”
“Mrs. Carter, it may just come to tying her down,” remarked Joe, giggling. “I’ll see about her.”
“Anna has quieted down, since Dr, Martin gave her a sedative. She has been asleep for a while,” said Mrs. Carter, walking into the kitchen. “Joseph, I have supper on the stove. Would you join me?”
“Yes ma’am,” Joe answered, reminded of Mrs. Carter’s persistent behavior at breakfast. He knew it was safer to eat supper then he would go see Anna.
“Mrs. Carter admired Joe with his handsome boyish features, curly brown hair, and his flashing hazel eyes that showed more green than brown. She enjoyed serving him supper and watched in delight as he consumed his meal. Joe finished his meal, thanked Mrs. Carter, and hurried to Anna’s room. He quietly opened the door, bent over Anna, and kissed her on the forehead. Anna stirred and opened her eyes.
“Joseph, oh Joseph, I have missed you. You were gone before I awoke this morning.”
“I missed you,” Joe said, passionately kissing her on the lips. “I apologize for leaving this morning. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I couldn’t wait until I got back to see you.”
“I am glad you are back. You will not leave me tonight, will you?”
“No, I won’t. I’ll stay by your side, tonight, but I’ll have to move to a hotel room tomorrow night. On the other hand, I’ve heard that you have been a problem patient, today.”
“Joseph, I need to practice for the recital on Saturday. I do not have much time.” Anna pleaded, hoping Joe would be more forgiving than Mrs. Carter or Dr. Martin. She knew better.
“I know you need to practice, but you need to rest! You will have plenty of time.”
“Okay, Joseph, if you insist, I will behave myself, but tomorrow, I will have to practice at the studio,” Anna answered, knowing that she had lost the battle to Joe.
“We’ll see how you’re feeling tomorrow. If you can stand without any dizziness, then maybe you might be able to practice. But, if Dr. Martin thinks you need to stay in bed, you will, even if I have to tie you down. Right now, young lady, you need to rest, no excuse,” Joe warned, grinning at her.
“Joseph, why are you so hard on me?”
“I love you, Anna Ravinsky. You’re more important to me than any recital. Someone has attacked you once, and might repeat the same process, hurting you worse than the last time. I want to make damn sure that you’re safe when you perform on that stage. If the recital has to be cancelled, so be it. I love you more. I would give my life to save you from this assailant,” Joe replied, as tears formed in his eyes.
“No, Joseph, I do not want any harm to come to you. I love you so much. I would be devastated if you were hurt or killed saving me. I will do as you say” Anna assured Joe, holding back tears.
Joe sat on the bed next to her, holding her in his arms. Anna rested her head against his chest, crying uncontrollably for some time. Joe, gently, laid her head backed on the pillow where she fell asleep. Joe knew the crying would come. Anna always appeared braver than she wanted people to believe, but in the end she would break down. He kissed her and sat in the chair next to her bed. Anna, girl, I can’t leave you tonight.
Joe watched Anna as she slept, knowing no sleep would come to him for hours. He tried to read a Dickens novel, but it proved to be too longwinded for his taste.
His mind lingered on Adams theory. What does all this mean? Randall Wilson is too quiet over the timber contract. He’s always angry after a contract bid no matter who is bidding against him. Wilson would not attack Anna… not his nature. He has to keep up his business appearance. Who is this man with the accent and how is he connected to Wilson? How does Anna fit into this scheme? I’ve got to find out. Not now, I have to sleep.
Joe woke early the next morning feeling tired as the night before. He kissed Anna informing her that he would return later in the afternoon. He went to the kitchen where he ate his breakfast that Mrs. Carter had prepared for him. He was not really hungry, but he knew better not to argue with Mrs. Carter. He finished his meal and walked outside towards the hotel.
Dave Barnett, the hotel clerk, preoccupied at his desk, looked up at Joe as he entered the hotel. “Joe, good to see you. I was sorry to hear about Miss Anna. I hope she’s doing all right. Really nice of her to give that recital on Saturday night for the Taylor family.”
“Thanks, Dave. Anna is doing fine. She’ll be ready for the recital,” assured Joe. “I need a room till Sunday. Need to move out of the boarding house…people are starting to talk about Anna and me. I got to be respectable.”
“Would you like your usual room?” Dave asked smiling.
Joe nodded in approval. He was joined at the desk by the acquaintance of Randall Wilson, Vladimir Korsokov. He greeted Dave, then Joe. When Korsokov spoke, Joe instantly knew he was Russian.
“Sir, I have seen you in the International House with such a beautiful lady. I know that she’s Russian because I have overheard you speaking to her…Mr.?”
“Cartwright…Joe Cartwright. I’m glad to meet you.”
“Vladimir Korsokov. I would like to apologize for an incident that occurred a few days ago. I was lost and wandered behind one of the buildings. When I heard the sound of the piano playing, I looked straight at the window just as your lady friend looked out. I know I must have startled her. I truly apologize for doing so.”
“She told me about the incident. She figured you were lost and didn’t think anymore about it,” Joe replied knowing Anna’s concern about the incident.
“I haven’t seen you and her lately at the International House. I hope everything is fine. Good day, Mr. Cartwright. Nice to have met you.”
Joe assured Korsokov that Anna was fine, but did not give out any information than was needed. Joe’s mind raced as he watched Korsokov leave the hotel. Joe thanked Dave and walked outside. As he walked toward the stable, Joe met Dr. Martin.
“Joe, I just wanted you to know that Anna can stand without any dizziness.”
“Doc, I’m glad to hear that…really concerned about Anna’s condition.”
“I wanted her to rest some this morning. I gave her permission to practice about two hours this afternoon, the go back home. If she follows my orders, she’ll be able to perform the recital on Saturday,” warned Dr. Martin.
“Thanks, Doc. I have to make an appearance at home, but I’ll be back this afternoon. I’ll make sure that she follows your orders.”
“Thanks, Joe, see you later. Tell Ben and your brothers hello for me.”
Joe rode to the Ponderosa. He was glad to be home for a short while, anyway. He greeted his father, as he rode to the house, dismounting Cochise.
“Pa, every time I come home, you’re on the porch. Are you really working or waiting for me to come home?” Joe questioned, giggling.
“No, I’m not waiting for you, young man. It’s such a beautiful day that I came outside to work. But, son, I’m glad to see you. I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Pa. Can’t wait to get back to Hop Sing’s cooking.”
“Since you haven’t been home, Hop Sing has given up on you and he doesn’t set a place for you at the table anymore.”
“I’ll be home, Sunday,” Joe laughed, knowing Hop Sing’s temperamental nature. “I have to stay though the recital. You’ll be there, won’t you, Pa.”
“Sure thing, Joseph, already bought the first tickets. We’ll be seated right down in front of the stage.”
Joe laughed and embraced his father. As they walked into the house, Hoss and Adam rode into the yard.
“Brothers, you two must have as sixth sense, whenever, I come home, both of you appear,” Joe said with a sardonic grin.
“Little Bother, you better be glad we have this sixth sense, the trouble that you get into,” retorted Hoss, dismounting Chubb.
“We’ve missed you, Joe, believe me. We’ve really enjoyed doing your chores.” Adam replied, sarcastically. “How long are you staying, today?”
“I bet you have!” scowled Joe at his brothers. I’ll be here for a while need to go back to Virginia City.”
“Let’s go inside and finish this conversation,” Ben interrupted. The four men walked into the den of the house.
“Pa, I was at the registering at the hotel. Whom do you think appeared? No other than the acquaintance of Randall Wilson…Vladimir Korsokov,” said Joe.
“He’s Russian!” Ben exclaimed with a puzzled look on his face.
“He has an air about him, seems very intelligent but somehow dangerous. He even apologized for being in back of the studio when Anna was startled by a man looking at her, a few days ago, then she was attacked in her room several hours later.”
“Joe, you think he was the man who attacked Anna?” questioned Adam.
“I don’t know, Adam…I don’t know how he’s connected to Wilson. I wish I knew. I’m really afraid for her safety, especially Saturday night when she’s on that stage by herself.”
“Joe, you wouldn’t think he would try to hurt her with all those people in the audience?” Hoss queried.
“Hoss, I guess we’ll find out on Saturday, unless I can find out his motives before then.”
“Joseph, somehow Wilson and Korsokov figure into this whole incident, but there’s no way to prove it. I don’t want you or Anna hurt. So be careful.”
“I will, Pa. I’ll be backstage, while Roy and Clem will be out in front. I hope we can stop him in time. I love Anna too much, Pa. I have to protect her. Joe tried to hide the tears forming in his eyes, by gazing into the fireplace. Ben put his arm around his son and reminded him that he and his brothers would be there for him.
XXX
“Saturday night, Wilson, it will be all over,” Korsokov reminded Wilson, coldly.
“What about Joseph Cartwright and his lady friend?”
“I have to keep those two separated. I think the young man would die for that lady. I hope it won’t come to that. I’ll take care of him before the intermission.”
“You’re not going to kill him?” Wilson question. “How does she fit into your plan?”
“No, he’ll wish he was dead when I get through with him. She will be my hostage if everything goes sour. I attacked her for only one reason, her vulnerability. I got her once, I can get her again.”
“Korsokov, once the bullets start flying, there’ll be confusion in the audience, other people might be hurt or killed.”
“You should have thought about that when you hired me. That’s the plan, Wilson, the more confusion, the better. I only need one bullet for my objective, the person you hired me to kill. Then, you won’t have to worry with him anymore.”
Korsokov knew his job would not be over. Wilson was a pathetic man, a mere weakling, whom no one would miss if he died. He would take his money, and then he would kill Wilson to hide any connection to him. The whole affair would be over until he was hired again. He liked his job, no one suspected him. He did not look the part of a hired killer…too distinguished and intelligent. He laughed to himself as he left Wilson.
XXX
“Joseph, you nearly scared me to death!”
“It wasn’t my intention. You need to keep this door locked when you’re in here by yourself. No one would hear you scream unless they were passing outside. Remember, the man who attacked you was good. He had a hand over your mouth and knocked you unconscious before you could even scream.”
Joe sat down in the chair closest to the piano. Anna sat in his lap. “You are right, Joseph, I need to be aware of my surroundings in this place. I will keep the door locked.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Joe pulled her towards him and they kissed for sometime.
“You make havoc with my piano practicing.”
“I’ll just sit here and listen. I promise I won’t fumble with your blouse buttons.”
“Joseph, I cannot practice with you holding me like this. I only have only two hours to practice…doctor’s orders.
“Yes, I know, but he said two hours of piano practice.” Anna laughed and hugged Joe. It would be an interesting afternoon.
XXX
The next few days proved uneventful in Virginia City. Anna decided she had been sequestered enough…time to make an appearance in town, bruise on the face or not. She and Joe made their way to the International House for their evening meal. They were surprised to see his father and brothers sitting at a table.
“Pa, good to see you. Hop Sing finally rebelled,” remarked Joe, laughing
“In a way, yes. He told me that no one ate any meals at home anymore. He was leaving to visit his number three cousin and would see us when he returned…in the near future. Joseph, would you like to join us for supper?” asked a slightly perturbed Ben Cartwright.
“Yes we would, Mr. Cartwright,” Anna declared.
Joe glanced around as he helped Anna with her chair. He noticed Randall Wilson seated in his usual designated area, glaring at all the Cartwrights and Anna. Joe could only muster a slight smile, knowing that Saturday was approaching. He was hampered by his inability to find out about Wilson’s plans. Joe thoughts would not ruin his evening. He would deal with everything tomorrow, whatever the outcome.
Vladimir Korsokov entered the dining room, where he greeted Randall Wilson. He approached the table where the four Cartwright and Anna were seated and greeted Joe. Anna felt a chill through her body and grabbed Joe’s arm, noticing the look on his face as she did so. Anna assured Joe nothing was wrong, but Joe knew different. She regained her composure, continuing with her meal.
After the four Cartwrights and Anna finished their evening meal, they walked out on the porch of the International House. Anna thanked Ben and his sons for the engaging evening.
“Mr. Cartwright, I really enjoyed dining with you and your sons, tonight. It was a most pleasurable evening. Hope we can do this again,” Anna replied, graciously.
“Anna, my sons and I have enjoyed your company, also. I would like to invite you to supper at the Ponderosa, as soon as Hop Sing returns to his regular cooking duties.” Ben laughed.
“Hop Sing can’t stay away from us too long. He’s the Chinese version of Mrs. Carter, a mother hen looking after all of us,” Joe retorted, giggling. “Pa, are you going to stay in town tonight?”
“Joseph, we thought about staying overnight in town, but decided to go back to the Ponderosa. We’ll see you and Anna tomorrow nigh” Ben assured Joe and Anna.
After supper, Joe walked Anna to the boarding house. He kissed her goodnight then they went their separate ways…Anna to her room in the boarding house and Joe to his room in the boarding house.
Anna took a sedative prescribed by Dr. Martin. She lay awake thinking about Joe and the recital tomorrow on Saturday. Finally, she fell asleep. Sleep would not come easily for Joe. He was worried about Anna’s safety. He walked to the window and looked out onto the street below. He thought he saw a shadowy figure walking towards the Opera House, but figured it was nothing more than the moon playing tricks on him. Joe lay on the bed for some time staring at the ceiling. Finally, after a few hours, precious sleep came to him.
The figure moved through the alley to the back of the Opera House, coming to a stop at the window to Anna’s studio. Korsokov worked with the window until he was able to open it. He climbed through the window and surveyed Anna’s small studio. He made a mental note of the location of everything in the room. He lighted a lamp, sitting on the bookcase, unlocked the door, and made his way down the corridor leading to the stage.
Korsokov found the stairs leading to the catwalk above the stage. He ascended the steps where he looked out into the empty audience seats. He could see everywhere in the Opera House from his perch on the catwalk. He descended the stairs and proceeded back the way he had entered. He extinguished the lamp, replaced it on the bookcase, relocked the studio door, and exited through the window to the alley. Korsokov felt confident that no one would suspect that anyone was there.
The morning light shone into Joe’s hotel room. He sat on the edge of the bed clad only in his long underwear, feeling cold. No wonder I’m cold, I’m half-naked. I don’t remember removing my clothes last night. I’m glad it’s Saturday…I’ll be even happier when the recital is over and Anna is safe. I feel even better when it’s Sunday morning.
Joe poured the water from the pitcher in the bowl on the washstand. He washed, dressed and went downstairs to the hotel lobby.
He walked to the boarding house, knocked on the door where Mrs. Carter welcomed him into the parlor. He was, eventually joined by Anna.
“I would like to invite you, my lovely lady, for breakfast, this morning, if you would except,” Joe asked, kissing Anna’s hand.
“Yes, I accept your invitation, kind sir,” Anna took Joe’s arm, as they walked to the International House.
XXX
Joe and Anna entered the Opera House with her key. She opened the studio and sensed that something was amiss. Someone has been in this room since I left it yesterday. Something is out of place, but I don’t know what it is. I can’t alarm Joseph. He’s worrying enough about me as it is.
“Anna, you have this look on your face of pure dread.”
“It is nothing, Joseph…do not be concerned…I am just a little nervous about the recital tonight.” Anna lied.
“Okay, I can live with that answer. By the way, I forgot to give you something this morning.”
“What did you forget to give me, Joseph?” Anna queried.
Joe took her in his arms and kissed her passionately at the opened door of her studio, unaware that they were not alone. A solitary figure viewed the two young lovers from his strategic advantage point on the catwalk. Korsokov had watched Joe and Anna leave the boarding house till they entered the International House. He entered the Opera House ascending the stairs to the catwalk Joe and Anna had interrupted his escape from the catwalk, so he decided to stay until he thought it was safe to leave. At the moment, Korsokov was amused by the lovemaking of the two young adults. He had plenty of time to leave this place. I have great plans for both of you tonight, so enjoy yourselves while you can. Tonight will prove very interesting for the both of you. Joseph Cartwright, the pain that you will have to endure for the love of this woman. If you only knew the real reason I was hired, but you and everyone else in this town will know tonight. He smiled to himself. Eventually, Anna closed the door to her studio. Korsokov descended the stairs without being noticed. He left through the front door of the Opera House.
“Joseph, did you hear anything?” Anna asked.
“No, do you want me to stay with you for a while. Before this recital is over tonight, you’ll have me hearing all sorts of noises.”
“Yes, please stay…I have to practice my music out on the stage piano. Since I keep hearing noises in this place, I think you should stay with me.”
“My pleasure, dear lady.”
Joe and Anna stayed at the studio for about two hours, leaving to collect the recital programs at the printers. He walked with Anna back to the boarding house. Joe sensed Anna’s concern that something was wrong when they entered the studio. He returned to the Opera House, checking the studio window. Joe was sure that someone had tampered with the window, but who. Maybe it was time for him to visit Randall Wilson. He walked to Wilson’s office and stopped short of knocking on the door when he overheard Wilson’s anger at someone.
“I have lost more money by Ben Cartwright outbidding me on those damn lumber contracts. Now my luck could be changing,” shouted Wilson, motioning to Korsokov for silence. He opened the door, but no one was there. “I thought I heard someone at the door.”
“Wilson, you’re beginning to sound like Joe Cartwright’s lady hearing noises,” Korsokov remarked, sarcastically.
Joe left before Wilson had finished the first sentence. He wasn’t surprised at the tone but more by the content of that sentence. Pa, I hope that Wilson was venting his anger about the loss of the contract. I hope you’re not in any danger. That’s all I need, someone else to worry about. He returned to his room at the hotel where he laid on the bed contemplating the extent of Wilson’s comment. After a while, he fell asleep.
XXX
Anna sat in her studio anticipating the moment when she would appear on stage. She was not nervous about the recital since she had done many in her past, but more about the outcome of the evening. She wanted to accomplish her playing without anyone getting hurt. Her main concern was Joe who would be patrolling the back stage area. He would put his life in jeopardy for her or anyone else if the opportunity existed. Anna hoped that tonight would not be the time.
She glanced at the handsome young man dressed in his trademark green corduroy jacket, peeking at her through the open door.
“Are you ready to entertain me and the patrons of this Opera House?” Joe questioned, smiling.
“Joseph, I am ready,” Anna answered, rising from the chair.
Joe offered his arm and they walked to the stage, unaware of the figure gazing at them from his perch on the catwalk. Korsokov enjoyed watching the couple, knowing that time was on his side not theirs. His plan was working under schedule. Now that he had received his payment and finished with that weakling, Wilson, he could proceed with the task that lay before him. Korsokov waited till Joe and Anna was some distance, then he loaded his rifle with bullets. Six will be enough to cause enough damage…I won’t need anymore.
Joe left the stage to greet his father and brothers who were sitting in the first row. “Pa… brothers, it’s good to see you!” exclaimed Joe. “Are you still worrying about me?”
“Joseph, as long as you remain my son, I will worry about you,” declared Ben, putting an arm around him. “Is everything alright with Anna?”
“So far, so good, but the night isn’t over,” Joe remarked. “I’ll be glad when this recital is over and Anna is safe. I have a feeling that something going to happen but to whom I don’t know. I need to return to Anna…I don’t like to leave her backstage alone.”
“Joe, please be careful,” Ben warned, watching his son climb the stairs to stage.
“Joseph, you’re not the only one who will be glad when this recital is over.”
Joe returned backstage where Anna reminded him of some music that she had left in her studio. She would have to glance at it before she played the second half of her recital. It was time for Anna to make her appearance on stage. Joe kissed her for good luck, staring at her for some time as she walked onstage. How could I be so lucky to find such a wonderful and beautiful lady! Joe made his way to the studio with a smile on his face.
Korsokov watched Joe as he entered the studio. He descended the stairs to the studio and quietly opened the door. Joe felt some movement behind him, but he was too late to stop Korsokov. Korsoskov grabbed him, wrenching his neck backward while placing a hand over his mouth. Joe fought to free himself, but Korsokov held him in a vice-like grip. Joe knew his attacker could apply pressure to render him unconscious or break his neck. He moved with all his might to push Korsokov against the wall, but to no avail. Joe tried once again, but he was held tightly. Korsokov tighten the grip of his hand over his mouth, just enough for Joe to quit fighting him. Joe relaxed, knowing that he could not fight this man anymore. Korsokov pulled the knife from his coat, stabbing him in the back of his right shoulder. The unbearable pain was more than Joe could stand and he fell to the floor unconscious. Korsokov left the studio and ascended the stairs to the catwalk.
Anna finished the first piano piece of the evening, receiving a generous applause from the audience. She made a slight adjustment to her piano stool, turning just enough to see the right corridor, noticing that Joe was not there. She felt some concern for his safety, but she knew his nature. He was, probably, watching her from some other place backstage. He would return before the intermission.
Joe lay unconscious on the floor for some time fighting for his life. He felt like he was in a tunnel with a bright light beckoning him onward. I can’t die. Pa and Anna need me. I’m the only one who can save them against…Korsokov…you bastard. Joe stirred from unconsciousness. He had lost a great deal of blood, but for now his shoulder had stopped bleeding. Joe tried standing, but fell to the floor. He had to overcome the dizziness that clouded his mind. He felt a tinge of nausea in his stomach. Joe breathed deeply, crawled to the chair, and hoisted himself by his left hand onto the chair. He sat for a few minutes trying to clear his mind and his stomach. He managed to crawl to the door, opening it. Joe moved against the wall of the long corridor that led to the stage. In his condition, the stage looked miles away. He fell to the floor, tears filling his eyes. The pain in his shoulder was more than he could stand, but he had to keep moving toward the stage. He slowly rose from the floor, bracing himself once more against the wall.
Korsokov was more concerned in his target than looking back into the corridor of the figure that moved slowly to the stage. He positioned his rifle at his target that sat in the first row…Ben Cartwright. He was waiting for the intermission that would come in a few minutes.
Anna played the finale of the piano piece with a whole audience intent on her playing unknowing of the drama occurring backstage. With the sounding of the E-flat minor chord, she was headed toward the end of this piece. The first half would be finished.
Joe half-crawled and half-walked to the stage. He heard a noise and focused his attention to the catwalk. Korsokov stood poised with his rifle aiming at someone in the audience. Joe took a deep breath fighting off the pain in his shoulder and the nausea that once again gripped him. Somehow, the piano playing kept him going. He knew if it stopped, then all hell would break loose. Joe rounded the curve of the corridor where he could see Anna, a beautiful vision in front of the piano.
Anna ended her playing, rising from the piano stool. She stood to accept the applause from the audience. As she turned to acknowledge the audience to the left, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of someone crawling toward her. Joseph!
Kosokov aimed his rifle…he glanced downward as Anna turned to Joe. As Joe fell onto the stage, Korsokov fired his rifle. Anna ran towards Joe, feeling the bullet tear into her shoulder. The room was spinning as she fell to the floor, hitting the piano stool with her head.
Joe screamed Anna’s name as he lunged onto the stage floor, drawing his gun. Korsokov timing was still perfect. He aimed the rifle once more at Ben, just as Joe fell on the stage. They both fired at the same time. Joe moved to take the bullet for his father as it entered his left shoulder and he fell to the floor. Joe’s bullet also found its mark, tearing into Korsokov’s chest. Korsokov tumbled off the catwalk, falling on top of the piano then hitting the stage floor. Then it was over.
The pandemonium in the audience silenced except for a few screams. Ben, Hoss, and Adam rushed to the stairs leading to the stage. Ben cradled Joe in his arms, holding him against his chest.
“Pa…Pa…I stopped him. You were the target all the time…I didn’t know till the last minute…I couldn’t warn…you. I’m…so …sorry…Pa,” Joe whispered in a weak voice. “Anna…Anna!”
“Joseph, don’t talk. You will be alright, son,” Ben assured Joe, placing a hand on his head. “Adam, get Anna over to Dr. Martin’s office. Hoss help me with Joe.”
“Pa, Joe’s been stabbed in his back shoulder. He’s lost a lot of blood,” said Hoss, helping his father lift Joe. “Pa, do you want me to carry him?”
“No, Hoss, I can manage, just help me get him into my arms,” Ben answered, lifting his unconscious son. He carried Joe through the crowd of people in the audience and outside the Opera House to the doctor’s office.
Dr. Martin motioned Ben to lay Joe on the examining table. Ben glanced over to the other table where Anna lay unconscious. “I’m still working on Anna, I’m more concerned about her head injury. She didn’t need to be hit again, since she was knocked unconscious a week ago. This time she has a gash on her forehead. The bullet’s still lodged in her shoulder, but she has stopped bleeding. I’ll remove the bullet, after I see the seriousness of Joe’s injuries.”
“Paul, he has a bullet wound to his left shoulder and a stab wound to his back right shoulder,” remarked Ben, removing Joe’s jacket.
“Ben, stab wounds can be nasty. Joe’s lost a lot of blood. Ben with my skills and the grace of God, we’ll get him through this. It’s going to be a long night.”
“I know,” Ben whispered, as he finished removing Joe’s clothes. Ben joined Hoss and Adam in the sitting area of the doctor’s office. They noticed the tears in their father’s eyes as he gazed toward the room where Joe and Anna lay fighting for their lives. Ben felt numb, knowing that Wilson hired this man to kill him instead he has hurt his son and Anna. I can’t wait till I get my hands on Wilson. He will regret this day.
Sheriff Roy Coffee entered the doctor’s office. “Ben, I think you need to know that Randall Wilson is dead…killed with a stab wound to the heart. Probably, this assassin killed Wilson after he collected his money. I’m sorry Ben that Joe and Anna had to get hurt.”
“I know why Joe got hurt…but Anna…she got in the way of the first firing when she saw Joe. She received the first bullet that was meant for me then Joe got the other one. Before all this happen, some how Joe was stabbed in his back shoulder. I never thought that Wilson would stoop this low…to hire this man to kill me because of a damn timber contract. If he hadn’t died by the hand of this assassin, I would have made him regret the day he was ever born.”
“Ben, I’m still investigating this one. Let me know about Joe and Ann,” Roy said, knowing the hurt and anger that Ben was feeling at this moment. He patted Ben on the shoulder and left the doctor’s office.
Paul Martin removed the bullet from Anna’s shoulder, first, knowing that more time was needed to operate on Joe. Joe remained unconscious while Dr. Martin cleaned the wounds. The stab wound was deep but no vital organs were affected. The bullet wound was another matter. Luckily, the bullet was lodged against Joe’s clavicle. Dr. Martin began probing for the bullet, when Joe stirred from his unconsciousness. He could not afford any more pain to Joe than he already endured. He administered the anesthetic placing the mask over Joe’s nose and mouth. He waited until the ether took effect, continuing with the surgery.
Anna woke from her ether induced sleep feeling light-headed and nauseated. She was unaware of her surroundings.
“Jo…seph, Jo…seph,” Anna mumbled trying to discern the figure standing by the examining table.
“Anna, it’s alright, dear,” whispered Mrs. Carter comforting Anna.
“Mrs. Carter, where is Joseph? Is he alright?”
“Dr. Martin is still in surgery with him. We’ll know soon. You’ve been shot in your shoulder and you have a nasty cut on your forehead. You need to be still.”
Anna shivered under the sheet covering her body. Even with Mrs. Carter beside her, Anna felt alone. The one person she loved and trusted was injured and she was unable to help him. Her memory of the evening had returned…Joe crawling to the stage, the gunshots, and the screams of panic from the audience, and then the pain. She would never forget the look of horror on Joe’s face when she was shot. She began to cry.
“Now, dear, don’t cry,” whispered Mrs. Carter. You need to rest, young lady. I’ll let you know about Joseph when I hear something “
Anna shivered from cold due to her nakedness under the sheet. She felt the bandage wrapped around her shoulder covering her left breast and secured around her waist, but nothing else. Mrs. Carter noticed Anna’s shivering and found a blanket to cover her. The warmth of the blanket calmed her shaking and she fell asleep.
The three Cartwright men sat motionless in the sitting room waiting for some word about Joe’s surgery. Adam and Hoss had witnessed the anguish in their father’s face many times. Joe’s notorious escapades sometimes were a delight, but at other times tragic. Their younger brother’s sensitivity and compassion for his family and friends outweighed his judgment. Tonight the incident at the Opera House was one of those times. Joe jeopardized his life to save his father and Anna, but the outcome was not in his favor. Joe had succeeded in stopping Korsokov, but at what cost…his or Anna’s life.
Paul Martin walked into the room with his perennial look of gloom on his face.
“Ben, boys, I have cleaned Joe’s wounds and removed the bullet. He was lucky young man. If those bullets had entered any lower, he wouldn’t be with us. The two puncture wounds will take time to heal and the risk of infection is great. Also, he has some bruising around his mouth and lower cheeks. It doesn’t appear to be caused from somebody punching him, more like hand marks. I really think someone applied pressure to his mouth to silence him. On the other hand, the bullet in Anna’s shoulder wasn’t lodged as deep as Joe’s. The same applies to her wound about the risk of infection. She should have some dizziness from the cut to her forehead. Both of them were lucky. Ben, you can see Joe, but he’s still asleep due to the anesthetic. He should awake soon. Just a reminder, he may have some nausea from the ether.”
“Thanks Paul. Joe will tell us more when he awakens,” remarked Ben.
Ben looked at his youngest son lying on the table covered with a sheet. He was swathed in bandages from his shoulders to his waist. The bruising on his face was prominent to the paleness of his skin. Ben placed his hand on Joe’s head pushing back the brown curls wet with perspiration.
Joe roused from his sleep feeling quite nauseated. He recognized the three men standing by the table. He managed a faint smile. Joe tried to speak even though his voice was hoarse and his jaws ached immensely.
“Pa…Pa…I feel so sick,” Joe muttered.
“Joseph, don’t talk. The nausea may pass in a while. Your brothers and I are with you.” Ben said trying to comfort his youngest son.
“Pa… I didn’t want Anna to get hurt. I tried…Pa… to stop Korsokov before he hurt anyone. I wasn’t fast enough. I should have stopped him in the studio but I couldn’t. He grabbed me and placed his hand over my mouth. He was stronger than he looked. He held me so tight that I though I would pass out. When I relaxed, he stabbed me. I don’t know how long I was out. I knew Anna wasn’t through with her first half of the recital. I crawled to the stage with her playing guiding me. When she quit playing, Korsokov started shooting. I thought I could stop him when he fired the first bullet, but Anna got in the way. Anna…oh Anna.” Joe winced from the pain in his shoulders and the nausea rising in his stomach.
“Joseph, you did everything possible to stop Korsokov before he hurt anyone. You didn’t know that Anna would run to you, right in the path of Korsokov’s aim. The bullet meant for me struck Anna. I don’t know how you managed with that stab wound to stop him, but you did. Joseph, young man, you amaze me sometimes.” Ben placed his comforting hand on Joe’s face calming him. Joe closed his eyes and fell asleep.
“Pa, our little brother went through some hell to stop Korsokov from killing you,” Adam remarked.
“I know, Adam. But the main person I blame for all of this was that bastard, Wilson. If he hadn’t hired Korsokov, none of this would have taken place. Joe figured at the last minute that Wilson wanted me dead. Wilson got what he deserved. It’s a shame that my son and Anna had to pay for his greed. Adam…Hoss, I guess you need to return to the Ponderosa, instead of staying here tonight. It’s going to be a long night.”
“Pa, are you kidding, we’re not leaving our little brother as hurt and sick as he is. We’re staying right here. Right, Adam.”
“Right, Hoss,” Adam declared. “Pa, we’re staying, both you and Joe need us.”
Ben smiled at his two sons, knowing their feelings toward him and Joe. The three Cartwrights returned to the sitting room to wait out the night. They would be there for Joe no matter the outcome.
In the early hours of the morning, Dr. Martin rushed into the sitting room informing Ben and his two sons that they were needed to help with Joe. “Ben, boys, Joe’s fever is dangerously high. I think the infection in the stab wound is the culprit. I’m concerned that once he starts thrashing around, he may open those wounds to more bleeding, especially that stab wound. I’ll need your help applying cold compresses and holding him. I have to attend Anna, whose fever is also high, but not as high as Joe’s. Ben, I just don’t have enough hands. Mrs. Carter will help me with Anna while you and your sons attend Joe. The only thing in our favor at this time the water is cold at this time of year. First, I wanted to put Joe in a cold bath, but changed my mind. Remove the sheet covering Joe then wash him down with cold water. Keep a cold compress to his forehead at all times. I don’t know how long it will take to reduce the fever. Ben, we’ve been down this road before…you know what to do.”
Ben, Adam, and Hoss rushed to Joe who was screaming and thrashing on the examining table. “Pa…Pa…get him away from me! Get him away! Pa…Pa…please…I can’t breathe…I can’t breathe.”
“Joseph, I’m here. No one will hurt you anymore. You’re safe,” Ben replied lifting Joe enough to be held in his arms against his chest.
“Pa…Pa…he won’t let me go…he won’t let me go…Pa…I can’t breathe…please help me…Pa…he’s hurting me.”
The sheet was removed from Joe exposing his nude body except for the bandages. Ben washed Joe’s face tenderly with the cold cloth then he applied the cold compress to Joe’s forehead. Adam and Hoss stood on opposite sides of their younger brother washing him with the cold cloths and placing the cold cloths on his stomach and legs to cool him. All three knew this procedure was slower than submerging Joe in cold water, but Dr. Martin must have had his reasons.
Pa…Pa…he’s hurting me…my back…my back… it’s hurting…Pa…I can’t see…everything is black…Pa …please help me…please help me…Pa…he’s going to hurt you…I have to get to you…I got to stop him…Anna…Anna…he’s shot you…I’m so sorry…oh Anna,” Joseph screamed, thrashing wildly.
“Joe, it’s alright son.” Ben held him applying a fresh cold compress to Joe’s forehead.
Finally after some hours, Joe ceased his thrashing then went limp in his father’s arms. Ben laid his son down on the table. He felt Joe’s forehead noticing the fever was not as high as before. The three Cartwrights continued with the procedure for some time until Joe fell sleep.
“I guess Little Brother wore himself out,” Hoss remarked.
“Yea, he did. Maybe now he can get some rest,” Ben answered stroking Joe’s head, pushing back the brown curls.
Dr. Martin returned to check on Joe and glad to see him asleep. “I heard Joe’s screaming, but I had my hand full, Anna was doing a good job of screaming herself.”
“We know, we heard her screaming for Joe,” Adam replied. “Is she alright?”
“Anna is much better. She’s asleep now. But when the fever breaks, she’ll be bound and determined to see Joe.
“Probably, it’ll take Mrs. Carter and all four of us to hold her down,” Hoss replied smiling. Mrs. Carter joined the men in the sitting room.
“Mrs. Carter, would you like to join us for breakfast? I hate to leave Joe, but I think we need some nourishment after that ordeal to get us through the next one. Paul, we’ll be glad to bring you some breakfast.”
“Thanks Ben, but I’ll get something later on my rounds. Since Joe and Anna have quieted down considerably, I can handle them while everyone eats breakfast.”
“Paul, you know where to find us if you need us.”
The foursome walked to the International House, greeted by the owner and the waiters asking about the condition of Joe and Anna. Ben guided everyone to his usual table and ordered their breakfast. After a while, Roy Coffee joined them at the table.
“Ben, Adam, Hoss and Mrs. Carter, good morning. How’s Joe and Anna this morning.”
“Roy, they’re resting now after developing high fevers. The fevers have decreased some, but both of them are still in bad shape,” Ben declared.”
“I hate to give details while you are eating breakfast, but I figure what all of you have been through since last night, you won’t mind. Clem and I sorted through the paper work on Wilson’s desk and found some interesting information. We found a letter written to Korsokov hiring him for some job to dispose of someone who kept outbidding him on timber contracts. I guess that was you, Ben. I don’t have a clue of how he found Korsokov’s name.”
Adam remarked. “How did Anna fit into Wilson and Korsokov’s game?”
“Korskov arrived in town, Wilson informed him about Ben and his family, especially Joe who happened to be courting the only Russian piano teacher in town. Those two were inseparable. Joe was with her most of the time except when he was at the Ponderosa and she was teaching at her studio in the Opera House or at the boarding house. I really think Anna was the back-up plan if everything else failed. I really think she was attacked by Korsokov just to see if he could attack her. If he had not succeeded in killing you Ben, he was going to use her as his hostage. He needed some way of getting out of this town. I have no idea what he would have done to her I don’t want to dwell on that. But, once the shooting started and all the confusion in the Opera house, he would grab her. He had one problem…Joe.”
“Our little brother can be a force to reckon with sometimes,” Hoss remarked smiling.
“Joe was smarter than Korsokov thought,” Adam replied.
“Yes, Joe was smarter. Korsokov had to get Joe the main obstacle out of his way. Joe was Anna’s protector who would not give up till he found her attacker. Korsokov was hoping once Joe was stabbed he would remain in the studio unconscious. But he underestimated Joe.”
“Joe said he found out at the last minute I was the one Korsokov was hired to kill. He didn’t have time to warn me. I’m amazed that my son in such pain managed to crawl to the stage. Joe said Anna’s piano playing guided him to the stage, knowing when it stopped the shooting would start. If he had stopped one moment in his quest to that stage, I might not be here. Joe’s love for me and Anna stopped Korsokov.”
“Ben, Wilson was a fool to hire Korsokov…to what purpose…they’re both dead. I’m glad it’s over.”
“Roy, I am too. I will feel even better when I can see my son and Anna as they were…a happy couple.”
A few days later Anna sat by Joe’s bedside at the hotel with her right arm held by a sling and a bandage wrapped around her head. She leaned over him and kissed him on his lips. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.
“Well my handsome prince, you are finally awake.”
I needed was a beautiful princess to wake me from my deep slumber with a kiss. I missed you so much.”
“Joseph, they would not let me see you until today. Several days ago, Dr. Martin agreed to let both of us be moved. They wrapped me in a blanket and your brother Adam carried me to my room at the boarding house, while Hoss carried you to you to the hotel. I have worried about you ever since. I love you so much”
” I know Anna Ravinsky… I love you. Last Saturday night when you were shot, I didn’t know if you were alive or dead. Pa said I called for you at every waking moment. He let me know that you were doing fine and I could see you soon. I love you very much and I don’t want you to leave me.”
“You want have to worry about me leaving you, Joseph Cartwright, I am here to stay. Now it is my turn to be your nurse.”
“How are you going to manage with that sling on your arm?”
“Joseph, darling, I may have only one sling on my arm, but you are going to have two slings, one for each arm. I think you will enjoy me nursing you.”
“I sure will.” Joe laughed and they kissed.
THE END
