Summary:  The brothers help Roy to track down the gang stealing payrolls but pay a very heavy price.
Rating:  R/Mature (30,930 words)

---

The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.  Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.  We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library

---

 

The Cartwright Saga Series:

The Lawyer
The Homecoming
Home to Stay
Honeymoon and Arguments
Joe and Marie
Adam and Carole
A European Trip
The Aftermath
A Busy Summer
A Tree Falls
San Fracisco Trip
A Stranger from the Past
A Sense of Blame
The Medicine Man
Courtship and Cattle Drives
Angels with Red Hair?
Thieves and Murderers
Pipeline Problems
Guests for Christmas
A Turbulent Preacher
Joe and Nita
Ben and Beth
Banks, Pipelines, and Railroads
Lost
A New Operation
A Slow Recovery
Celebrations
Forest Fire
A Premature Birth
The Bank of California
Trail Drive
Robbery and Assault
Virginia City on Fire
Rebuilding Virginia City
Catching Up
Christenings, Commissions, and Christmas
Winter Ills
The Lawyer #2 – Advance Warning
The Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1
The Lawyer #4 – Family Row #2
The Lawyer #5 – Family Row #3
The Lawyer #6 – The Spanish Land Grant #1
The Lawyer #7 – The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing
The Lawyer #8 – The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant
The Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home
The Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand

Thieves and Murderers

 

When Joe got back from Virginia City. It was already dark and instead of heading straight home went over to his brother’s house first. Adam and Carole were sitting in the study reading and Carole had been about to head up to bed, when the door went, Adam went out and reappeared with his brother, who looked cold tired and hungry. Joe obviously had trouble to report and Carole quickly elicited the fact that he hadn’t eaten all day. Despite Joe’s protests she headed out to get him a meal while Adam poured his brother a coffee, lacing it well with brandy. As he passed it to Joe he asked, “What’s happened?”

 

“I got to town to find uproar. Another attempted robbery, the California payroll. They didn’t get it, Roy has his deputies guarding all the main payrolls, but Chet Morris was killed and one of the California guards, another injured. Roy was furious, one of his best men, and a good friend, killed. I joined the posse but we lost the track right here on the Ponderosa, just like before. We split up and checked all the likely spots but found precisely nothing. I still hadn’t posted that derned letter so I went back to town with everyone. By the time I’d posted it word was out that Roy had found a dead body up near where they tried the ambush. Guess Chet made a fight of it, I went along to find out if it helped at all and recognised him. He worked on the Ponderosa for a while a few years back, Pa fired him and another man for setting traps.”

 

“Are you sure Joe we have had a lot of hands passing through over the years?”

 

“I’m sure. He congratulated me for breaking Pa’s leg before I joined you back east. I’m not likely to forget him or muddle him up.”

 

Adam sighed “May not mean anything, we’ve had a lot of hands.”

 

“They keep losing themselves on the Ponderosa.”

 

“I know, maybe you and I could do a quiet check on our own, see if someone has been around where we wouldn’t expect. Not a large party, messing up any trail, just quietly see if there is any sign where they might hole up. Even if they have long gone we might be able to set a trap for next time.”

 

“Pa won’t like it.”

 

“I’ll come by tomorrow. Pick you up and see Pa. Tell him what happened, no need to mention what we are proposing.”

 

Joe nodded and slowly relaxed, making a good meal before heading home, not wanting his father to get worried. He outlined what had happened and their failure to find anything, briefly mentioning that the dead man was an ex-hand but Ben didn’t seem to see much significance in that and Joe, worn out, headed for bed.

 

Ben wasn’t particularly surprised when Adam arrived before breakfast and outlined what he wanted to do. Ben didn’t answer for several minutes, just sipping his coffee. He knew that his sons were grown men and that he couldn’t stop them and he was sadly hampered by his belief that it was a job that needed doing. He was just worried that his sons might meet more than they bargained for. Eventually he asked, “Just you and Joe?”

“We’ll be careful Pa.” Adam promised, answering the concern behind the question, written clearly on his father’s face.

 

“I’d be happier if you’d take Jess and a couple of hands.”

 

“Not this time Pa, just us. We know the area, who should have been where. Less likely to cause trouble anyway with just the two of us.”

 

Hoss spoke up “Make that three. I’m coming.”

 

Adam bit his lip, unsure that his big brother was fit enough but to his surprise his father nodded, “Alright if all three of you go. Be very careful.”

 

As Hoss went upstairs to collect his coat, Adam looked quizzically at his father and Ben smiled ruefully. “He’s gaining strength every day and he’ll only fret if he doesn’t come. He might be able to help.”

 

“He’s the best tracker we have and I’m sure he can help.”

 

“You won’t be going far afield, if you think he’s tired bring him on home.”

 

Adam grinned, “I’ll look after the big moose. Don’t worry Pa, I shall be very surprised if we find anyone. I hope we might find sign where they hole up. Then next time we can be waiting for them. It’s a long shot but we have to try Roy is at his wits end.”

 

“Too many times they have ended up on the Ponderosa and that ex-hand just makes it more likely. Could be he found some hidey-hole while he was working here and if anyone else knows it, it will be one of you three. It’s partly our responsibility.”

 

Adam saw how seriously his father was taking it, “We’ll do all we can Pa.”

 

“I know but be very careful.” Ben watched his three sons ride out together, knowing whatever they found they would be better able to cope between them than any other trio, Adam had already decided to start where the posse had lost the tracks the previous day and he told Joe to lead the way there. Adam was trying to remember where Roy had lost the tracks before, Roy hadn’t been too precise but as far as he could tell, it was always in about the same area. Joe led the way to an area of shale and hard rock.” No tracks on this of course, we looked around but couldn’t find where they left it.”

 

“By now the posse will have trampled over any traces.” commented Hoss.

 

Adam nodded “That’s why we have come alone, Always a problem, nine out of ten of any posse don’t know what they are looking at but they always think that they do,”

 

“Considering how they quartered the area, how we gonna tell what signs were left by them?” Hoss asked.”

 

“I know. I hope Joe can give us some idea, which were the posse. We’re looking for five men together. The posse will either have been a lot more or pairs once they’d split up. I hope we can find sing of a hideout used over a period of time.”

 

“Long shot, we’ve already looked.” Joe protested

 

Adam shrugged “I know Joe but we didn’t look everywhere personally, some places the hands or Will checked and none of them know the Ponderosa the way we know it.”

 

Joe acknowledged that “Okay, what do we do, split up? There’s a lot of ground to cover.”

 

Adam shook his head “No, we stick together. Don’t take any chances. I expect them to be long gone but it’s just possible they’re still around and these men are killers, cold-blooded murderers many times over.”

 

Hoss agreed with his older brother and added “Anyways Joe there may be things I remember and you don’t or t’other way round. We don’t get out to this part of the ranch too much these days.”

The area towards town was chiefly used for winter grazing and of recent years the brothers had been too involved with timber contracts and breaking horses to get involved with the spring roundup. All had on occasion hunted through the canyons for strays but not for some time. Adam probably knew them best as it was almost the oldest part of the ranch and at one time he had helped his father run the ranch with not more than ten hands. As a teenage boy he had organised hunts through the canyons for strays and gone out alone to shoot coyote and wolves even on occasion cougar.

 

Adam dismounted and began sketching a map of the area in the dust. His brothers squatted down next to him and helped Adam mark in where the men had disappeared. The most likely area to search was soon very evident.

 

Mounting up the brothers began their search. They couldn’t rush it looking for sign, which would have been hidden, and already more than twenty-four hours old. After three hours fruitless searching, Adam called a halt and set some coffee to brew. Hoss was leaning back against a tree, his eyes half closed, and his brothers met each other’s eyes. Joe shrugged he could see that Hoss was tired but not seriously so and he doubted their ability to persuade him to go home. Adam went over and hunkered down by his brother, “There’s really no need to push yourself Hoss. Long odds against us finding anything. Why don’t you go on home? Joe and I can finish up,”

Hoss sat up straighter, “Nothing wrong with me, jest need some coffee. The reasons fer coming along ain’t changed since this morning, You’re the one who said they were killers.”

 

“We could leave it until tomorrow.”

 

“When the sign’ll be forty eight hours old. You go on home if’n you’re tired, I’ll keep looking.”

 

Adam sighed, “Obstinate fool, there’s no need.”

 

Joe giggled “That’s rich coming from you Adam!”

 

Adam had the grace to look sheepish and them over coffee and food they mapped out the rest of the area to be searched.

It was about three when Joe, riding slightly ahead of his brothers, pulled Cochise up and dismounted. Adam and Hoss waited but Joe said, “Have a look, see what you think?”

 

The brothers examined the sign which seemed to show two horses joining together another two or three and as far as they could tell going on together. The sign was old and it was impossible to be sure of the timing. Adam sat back on his heels “Did the posse come down here?”

 

“A couple checked the canyon, didn’t know them.”

 

Adam considered that, “How about before? I didn’t come down this way, how about you two?”

 

His brothers both shook their heads although Joe added, “I think Will came over this way.”

 

Adam grinned “He doesn’t know the area well enough. Can’t be sure from the sign but it could well be what we are looking for, especially as it’s here.”

 

Hoss nodded in agreement but Joe looked puzzled “What’s so special about here?”

 

Hoss said, “You may not know it Little Joe. There’s a small side box canyon, about two thirds of the way along. Real easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Entrance sorta slants back behind a rock jutting out, pretty overgrown, I haven’t been there in years.” 

 

Adam nodded, it was what he was thinking of “Me neither. There used to be a pool and I vaguely remember a way out at the far end, I chased a wolf in there once. Steep I had to lead my horse but possible.”

 

Joe whistled “Let’s go have a look, I’ve never seen it. I didn’t know there was anywhere left on this ranch that I haven’t seen.”

 

Adam grinned, “But you have! Still as you were only about six at the time, maybe you can be forgiven for forgetting it.”

 

They both swung up but Hoss was thoughtful. “Just hold on a minute. If they’re in there, chances are they keep a lookout. Easy to defend that entrance we might just ride into trouble.”

 

Adam had been so convinced the men would only use a hideout temporarily, until the posse gave up. that he hadn’t thought of trouble. He still believed that was the most likely scenario but Hoss was right, even one man could cause disaster and it was possible. He hesitated. “Okay we don’t barge in, but there’s nothing to stop us going along the main canyon, should be able to see if anyone has been using the side canyon recently. We know what we are looking for.”

 

Hoss conceded that the men, if there, would rely on the secrecy of the box canyon, at least until they were sure that it had been breached. The brothers rode slowly along the canyon and even though he’d been told exactly where the entrance was; Joe found it difficult to believe. “No wonder noone checked.”

 

Hoss could only agree “It’s a mite more overgrown than when we first found it.”

 

Adam as examining the ground with care and as they pulled up at the end of the canyon he asked his brothers “What do you think?”

 

Hoss said positively, “Someone’s been in there. Few broken branches, some quite old some real recent.”

 

His brothers had to agree and Adam had seen signs of horses but he pointed out that it didn’t prove anything. They might have been doing the posse or Will an injustice and it had just been search parties going into the canyon. Joe shook his head “I really doubt that. I’m sure I wouldn’t have seen it if you hadn’t told me. Anyway let’s go and have a look.”

 

Adam hesitated, “Maybe we ought to go and get some help first.”

 

“Come on Adam, there’s three of us, anyway if that entrance is as narrow as you and Hoss say only a couple are gonna get through at a time.”

 

“Joe’s right Adam.”

 

“Alright.” Adam made up his mind. “Okay let’s make a fire get some coffee. Then we’ll leave the horses here, move in on foot. I think I can remember the back trail, I’ll cut up that way. Give me three quarters of an hour, unless you hear shooting, and then come in real careful through the main entrance. Try not to leave any sign, if noone is there we don’t want to leave any trace that the place has been found.”

 

Neither of his brothers relished the idea of Adam going in alone first but as he was the only one who knew the back way, he had to go and Joe wouldn’t leave Hoss alone. Despite his protestations both brothers knew that Hoss wasn’t anywhere near fully fit. Joe would have liked to go in the back instead of Adam, he didn’t have so many responsibilities but not knowing the way it wasn’t possible and they had to accept Adam’s plan. Adam could see the concern and grinned, “Cheer up you two we should all reach the valley at about the same time, least that’s the aim. I saw sign of someone leaving it, good chance it’s empty.”

 

“Jest you be real careful.” Hoss commented “Don’t feel like carrying you out and Joe ain’t strong enough.”

 

Adam smiled, “Relax, have some coffee. I’ll see you in an hour.” Then he cut up into the hills, trying to remember back over fifteen years to think where the back trail had brought him out. It was rough going and he was reduced to scrambling on all fours at times but his sense of direction was working well and he came out on the rim of the canyon just about where he wanted to be. He couldn’t see much in the thickly wooded overgrown canyon, but there was no sign of movement. Keeping low he made his way along to the fractionally less steep corner where he’d got out before. He couldn’t help wonder if they were building up too much on very little foundation, whether the canyon was as deserted as it appeared. Almost at once he got confirmation that someone had been using the canyon, the trail down from the rim had been made up in places, dug into the side of the canyon and there was plenty of sign of horses, some recent, some older. Sure now that he had found what he was looking for Adam slipped down into the canyon very carefully his gun at the ready.

 

As he did so his brothers were coming in from the front, also taking great care. Even as they walked up to the rock, Joe found it difficult to believe that there was a way through, it looked no different from the rest of the canyon wall, with trees and scrub growing thickly wherever they could get a hold. Hoss led the way and Joe followed him and as they rounded the buttress of rock a narrow passage faced them and then passing though that the side canyon opened up in front of them. Close up there was plenty of sign that this trail had been used and without speaking both brothers had drawn their guns, keeping close into the canyon wall to cover their backs. Hoss murmured softly “We’ll head over to the pool, real careful now.”

 

Very quietly keeping under cover they did so but nothing disturbed the peace of the canyon apart from the birdsong. Once there was a rustle and they froze but it was only a deer, having caught their scent he was off. There was no sign of any other human beings, not even Adam, and slowly the brothers relaxed. Hoss remembered a small cave near the pool and led the way over to investigate it but it too was empty. As they emerged Adam came out of the undergrowth and rejoined them “Looks as though we have it to ourselves.”

 

Joe had squatted down by the remains of a fire “Maybe now but someone has been here recently. Probably this morning, these are still just warm.”

 

Round the pool there was plenty of sign of consistent use over a period and Adam and Joe picked out at least five distinct sets of hoof prints. As they rejoined Hoss he sat down on a rock 

“Beds been made up in that cave at some stage. Six.”

 

“Seems pretty certain we’ve found what we were looking for, Whoever they are, they hide up here for a day or so until the heat is off and then drift back, probably separately, into town or wherever.”

 

“What’s the back trail like?” Joe asked.

 

“Used, it’s even been dug out in places.”

 

“So what next?”

 

“One of us goes into town to tell Roy. Arrange it so that next time something’s pulled we can be here waiting for them. Both trails are very easily defended, it could prove very costly to get them out otherwise.”

 

“I’ll go if you like “ Joe offered “You get Hoss home, the big moose looks whacked.” He added softly.

 

Even so Hoss heard and looked up, “I’m okay, jest you stop fussing little brother.” Then he turned his attention to Adam “Will there be time for us to get here first?”

 

Adam had been thinking about that “It’ll be tight.” He admitted “But if Roy can get word to us quickly we should make it, They will have to slow down and hide sign.”

 

“Couldn’t the posse come straight here?”

 

“Joe can draw Roy a map, show him where but if the posse did that there’d be plenty of sign and the thieves wouldn’t walk into the trap, We’d be coming in a different way and we’d know what we were doing. We have to trap them, there’s still not a clue as to who they are, At the worst we pin them down here.”

 

Noone had any better idea so the brothers headed back to their horses, taking care not to leave any sign, Then they rode back towards the road where they separated, Adam had ensured that Joe knew exactly what arrangements to suggest to Roy. Joe headed on into town while Adam got their big brother home. Hoss was very tired but pleased with the success of their efforts and Adam wasn’t really worried about his brother. Adam stayed for half an hour, filling his father in on what they had found and what he was proposing to do, before heading home to his own family. Over the evening meal he told Carole and had barely finished when Joe rode in. Joe had decided to stop off at his brother’s before going home but he refused a meal, he’d get something when he got home. He told Adam about Roy’s reaction, the sheriff was very grateful for their help and he had promised to have someone on his way to the ranch the minute the alarm was raised, As he talked Joe was unconsciously rubbing his sore leg. He had done more riding and walking that day than he had since the injury. Adam noticed and immediately felt guilty. He had been concerned about Hoss and totally forgotten that Joe wasn’t fully fit either, he should have gone to town himself, not left it to Joe, who’d had a long day the previous day too. “Is your leg alright Joe? I should have gone to town.”

 

Joe smiled at the concern he could see in his brother’s eyes “Its okay Adam just slightly sore. No need to worry about me any longer I promise. But I am hungry so I’ll get on home, see you tomorrow.” Adam nodded and watched his brother go out to Cochise, at least Joe wasn’t limping.

 

For the next three days they were able to forget about the robberies and concentrate on ranch-work, clearing up the odds and ends of the season’s work, checking which hands intended to stay through the winter and then arranging work rotas for the next few months. José was up and around although his leg was still in plaster and he was restless wanting to get out on the range.

 

Ben had to go down to Carson City to complete some business and was proposing to stay over night and then check the final yield of alfalfa on the experimental fields down there. Adam was tempted to go with his father but with the possibility of Roy sending word decided that it would be safer to stay at the ranch. Ben knew the mine payrolls would start to be collected that day so there might be more trouble and he told his sons to be very careful. This time Adam was proposing to take half a dozen of the best shots amongst the hands along, so Ben wasn’t too worried.

 

It was early afternoon when word came from Roy; there had been another attempted snatch. Two guards had been killed but the gang had only got away with a small part of the payroll. The deputy that Roy had sent had almost ridden his horse into the ground in order to reach them quickly. Adam was with his brothers at the main house and he had already briefed the men who would be going with them and made clear exactly what he wanted done. It only took a couple of minutes for the ten men to get mounted and ride out. Adam was taking Jess and three other men down the back trail while Hoss and Joe with three more came in the front. All of them were going to leave their horses and slip into the canyon on foot but for now they concentrated on making the best possible time over to it, hoping to arrive first.

The one flaw in Adam’s plan was a third trail down into the canyon. It cut down alongside a landslide partway along the south side of the canyon. By chance Adam had followed the north wall to join his brothers and knew nothing about it.

 

The contingent from the Ponderosa reached the canyon first but not by very much. The five gang members had split up as they normally did, the two leaders riding onto the canyon with the money from the robbery, such as it was, while the other three hid sign before joining them, with nothing incriminating if they were caught. It had always worked before and despite the extra guards which made it more difficult to grab the money, they had got away with some and were almost blasé about slipping the posse, sure that hunt as it liked their hidey-hole was perfectly safe.

 

The back trail into the canyon was quite exposed the trees didn’t grow that far back and the scrub was fairly low. They were hidden from the main entrance and Adam took care that they weren’t ambushed from behind but he didn’t even consider trouble from further round the rim.

The two men Hawkes and Valdez were about to go down the side trail when a movement caught Valdez’ eye and he pulled Hawkes down into the bushes and pointed. Once they knew where to look it was easy to see five men moving down into the canyon and both men recognised the leader as Adam Cartwright. Hawkes had worked with the dead man on the Ponderosa and had been fired with him; he still held a grudge against Ben Cartwright and the whole family, although in the months he had worked on the Ponderosa he had found the perfect hideout. Now the same bloody Cartwrights had discovered that. There was no way they could warn the other three and tying their horses up back from the rim, the two men moved forward with their rifles to watch events. They had no intention of leaving anyone alive to talk about them, even if it was their own partners. 

 

Adam moved his men down into cover near the pool and then all they could do was wait. Hoss and Joe had their men inside the canyon too and Joe moved out once to signal his eldest brother and then he slipped back into cover, three each side of the canyon leaving the way in clear for the quarry to enter the trap.

 

The three men arrived about twenty minutes later. As they turned into the canyon they relaxed so sure it was a safe refuge as it had been so often before. For a moment none of them made a move they had been expecting five men and so far only three had entered the trap, Joe and Hoss waited for their brother to signal a move in and for five minutes Adam waited. The three had untacked their horses letting them graze and were making coffee. With no sign of anyone else and assuming that they could take the men very easily Adam decided to move in. It was possible the gang was smaller than usual and anyway almost certainly one of them could be persuaded to talk. He moved forward stealthily, whistling the signal to Joe to move in too. Before the three could react they were surrounded and Adam was hopeful that they would be taken without a shot being fired. He moved forward and then to his horror a rifle shot rang out and the man in front of him fell, the side of his head disintegrated. The blood sprayed over Adam and almost simultaneously a bullet took him in the upper arm. He yelled, “Take cover” and threw himself down into some bushes. The remaining two outlaws took advantage of the disruption to go for their guns but Hoss and Joe were ready for them along with several of the hands. All the shots were fired so close together it was impossible to know how many shots had been fired. Adam saw Hoss go down but whether his brother was hit or just taking cover he didn’t know. For now there was no time to worry, he had finally spotted where the firing was coming from, up on the rim, and he was returning fire. Jess managed to edge through the brush and join him, “How bad is it Adam?”

 

“Just a scratch.” Adam insisted ignoring it but Jess took off his neckerchief and tied it round 

Adam’s arm trying to at least slow the flow of blood. As he did so he saw two more bullets hit one of the three bodies lying out in the open. Jess whistled softly, “They sure don’t intend anyone being left to talk about them.”

 

“We need to get back on the rim.”

 

“You’re hurt Adam” Jess protested

 

“I’m alright.” Adam realised that no more shots were coming from the rim and began edging over towards it, not surprised to find Joe and Jess with him. It didn’t take long to find the third trail and Adam cursed his own stupidity in not checking the canyon more thoroughly. Joe gripped his uninjured arm, “Hoss and I didn’t think of it either. Come on back. Let me have a look at that arm. Jess will you go and fetch the horses.

Jess nodded and Adam returned to the pool where Hoss was over by the three robbers. He looked up at his brothers “All dead now. I got two names out of this one, Hawkes and Valdez, but it ain’t no proof. I couldn’t swear I heard right and noone else heard.”

 

Adam and Joe were more concerned about Hoss himself, his leg was covered in blood. Joe knelt down by him “How bad is it Hoss?”

 

“Just a nick.”

 

Unconvinced Joe cut his brother’s pants away but to his relief Hoss was right. There was a long furrow across his thigh but it was only shallow and Joe hastily got a bandage on it to stop Hoss losing anymore blood, knowing his brother wasn’t fit enough to take the loss. Then he turned to Adam, “Lets have a look at that arm.”

 

“We ought to get after them.”

 

“Not going anywhere until Jess and Red bring the horses.” Adam had to acknowledge the sense of that and sitting down let Joe help him out of his coat. Joe cut his shirtsleeve and examined the wound. The bullet was still in but as Joe wiped away the blood he could just see it. Joe heated his knife in the fire the dead men had set. Then while Hoss held Adam’s arm Joe was able to get the tip of the knife under the bullet and edge it out. The bone appeared untouched and Adam’s hand still worked but it was an ugly painful gash. By the time he’d finished the horses were back and Jess brought a first aid kit over. Joe used some alcohol to clean the wound and then put on a thick dressing and bandaged it up tightly. He insisted Adam had a brandy and Adam gratefully took a swig but then he got to his feet, “Thanks Joe that feels better, now stop fussing.”

 

Roy had just arrived and Hoss had filled him in as Joe doctored their elder brother. Roy was disappointed that two had escaped but he pushed off Adam’s apologies. The Cartwrights had already achieved far more than he had managed over many months; it was just unfortunate that two had escaped. He suggested that they headed on home, two of them were hurt, albeit not seriously; but Adam insisted that they were fine and still knew the countryside far better than anyone else. Roy wasn’t sure as both Adam and Hoss looked quite drawn but Joe just helped Hoss into the saddle and said, “Lead on Adam.” Then he went over to Roy “Don’t worry. They aren’t badly hurt and too damned obstinate to give up.”

 

Roy accepted the help, the Cartwrights not only knew the land, they were better trackers than anyone else in his posse. Even so after half an hour they had lost the trail and casting around couldn’t pick it up. Hoss had passed on the names he had heard but neither of them meant anything to Roy or the others. They spilt up and searched for signs but without success and eventually Adam rejoined his brothers and Roy. He shook his head “It’ll be dark soon, I think we have to give up for tonight.”

 

Roy had already come to the same conclusion. Adam was still blaming himself, if only he’d checked and known about the third trail he would have handled things differently and he should have checked. Roy told him not to be stupid, they had four of the six-man gang dead and the hideout was now known. That was one heck of a way further forward than they had been a few days earlier.

 

Adam nodded and relaxed slightly, tucking his aching left arm into his coat for support. “Might as well get on home. We’ll take another sweep around tomorrow.”

 

Roy accepted that gratefully but asked if he should ask Doc to head on out to the Ponderosa

Adam shook his head, “No need Roy. Nothing serious and Joe does a pretty good job of first aid.” Most of the Ponderosa hands, who had ridden with the posse, were eager to go on into town for a drink and Adam willingly agreed. Only Jess rode home with the three brothers, chatting easily with his friend as Hoss and Joe followed on behind. Carole had told Adam to bring his brothers back for dinner as Ben was away, give Hop Sing an evening off and Adam invited Jess to join them, sure that Kam Su would have plenty of food. Tired and sore, annoyed with himself for letting two killers slip through his fingers, Adam rode home fairly quiet, ill at ease, but not really expecting trouble.

 

Roy wasn’t the only one to decide that with the canyon no longer secret, the gang was broken. The two men who had escaped Hawkes and Valdez knew that it was over too. It had been getting increasingly difficult to carry out the robberies and now with their hideout known there was nothing to hold them in this part of the country. They had little money left, only that taken earlier that day and not much of that. They both had a new grudge against the Cartwrights and Valdez came up with an idea to both pay back the Cartwrights and get them some money. Hawkes went along eagerly. The set up at the ranch was well known to them, the fact that Adam had a house some way away from the main house and the hands. With any luck his wife and kids should be alone and if they could lay their hands on Carole, then the sky was the limit for the ransom they could demand. Killing her and whichever Cartwright delivered the money would go a long way to paying them back for ruining a perfect plan and they would have their stake.

 

As soon as they had hidden their trail the two headed straight for Adam’s house, while the three brothers were still involved with the posse. If old man Cartwright was there they’d have great delight in gunning him down and they didn’t expect trouble.

 

Carole was busy with the children when she heard a knock on the door, Kam Su was in the kitchen preparing food. Carole wasn’t expecting anyone but she knew that Adam and his brothers had gone out after the killers and scared that this meant trouble she put Marie down and hurried over to the door. As soon as she opened it two men, that she had never seen before, pushed their way in. Scared, as much for the children as for herself, Carole demanded “Who are you? What do you want?”

 

“Shut up Mrs Cartwright.” Valdez grabbed her arm.

 

“Let me go.” Carole screamed and Kam Su ran in from the kitchen, “Mrs Cartwright, Miss Carole, what….”

 

Hs only answer was a vicious blow to the side of the head from Hawke’s gun. The Chinaman had told them what they wanted to know; this was Adam’s wife. Hawkes hit him once more and then kicked him to make sure that he was out and wouldn’t raise the alarm prematurely. Carole could only watch horrified, unable to move with Valdez’ cruel grip on her arm. He grabbed her cloak and ordered, “Here put this on, you’re coming with us.”

 

He looked over at Hawk’s “Go get her a horse.”

 

Carole tried to pull free only succeeding in nearly dislocating her shoulder and she couldn’t help the cry of pain. The twins had been watching bemused, not understanding but now Mark ran forward to pound at the man with his tiny fists, “Let my Mummy go, you’re hurting her.”

With his free hand Valdez landed one sweeping blow and threw the small boy away from him. Mark fell against the stair, catching his left arm on the post with an ominous crack. Carole sobbed and tried to go to her son but Valdez pulled her outside and she was no match for his physical strength. Valdez had no intention of putting up with a snivelling woman and he landed her a tremendous buffet, open handed, across the face, which sent her to the ground. She could taste the saltiness of blood and knowing any protest would earn more ill treatment, she mounted up as she was told. She could hear all her children crying and prayed that Adam would be home soon to look after them She rode out between the two men snatching a last look at the house, where she’d been so happy, knowing that she might never see it again.

 

Inside David had gone over to his brother, who was crying but the little boy didn’t know what to do. He pulled at Kam Su but couldn’t make him wake up and so he went back to sit by his brother, trying to comfort him and stop Mark crying, telling him that everything would be alright. David was upset himself and Marie was lying wailing on the rug near the fire upset by the whole atmosphere. David went out once to get a drink for Mark and gave his sister a toy but he couldn’t get Mark to sit up and just stayed by his brother, patting his back gently and telling him that Mummy or Daddy would be back soon and make everything alright. It was more than two hours later when Adam, Hoss, Joe and Jess finally rode in, but Kam Su was still out cold and noone knew about the trouble.

 

Jess offered to take care of the horses and Joe helped his big brother down not sure how Hoss’ leg would take his weight, now that it had had a chance to stiffen up. Adam opened the door and went in, for a moment he stopped dead, unable to take in what he was seeing. His brain refused to admit to what his eyes were telling him. Kam Su lay on the floor in front of Adam, congealed blood on his head, his sons were at the bottom of the stairs, Mark crying quietly. Marie was wailing on the floor and Carole nowhere to be seen, broken glass lying around. Joe and Hoss took in the scene too and Joe turned to yell to Jess, “Don’t unsaddle, get in here.”

 

Then Joe hurried into the kitchen and then the study, looking for his sister-in-law. Adam had moved and gone over to the stairs where David threw himself into his daddy’s arms crying, “They hurt Mark, hurt Kam Su and made Mummy go away.” Adam could hardly find his voice as he tried brokenly to reassure David that everything would be alright now, he was home. Hoss moved to take the little boy and Adam knelt down by Mark, who was wide-eyed but drying, in obvious pain. It didn’t take long to see why and the little boy cried out as Adam gently felt the broken bone in his arm. Joe had taken the stairs three at a time and searched upstairs but Carole was gone. Hoss held David close to him talking quietly to the little boy while he checked Kam Su. Kam Su was breathing evenly and his pulse was strong, so seeing Jess standing in the doorway Hoss asked him to fetch some water. Joe hurried back down and he picked Marie up.  She was sopping wet and hungry but with familiar hands on her she quietened. Joe was only vaguely aware of his niece as he went over to his eldest brother. He had never seen Adam so shocked and drawn, Adam looked almost old and on the verge of collapse. Joe gripped his right arm but Adam was seemingly unaware of him as he tried to make his son more comfortable.

Joe went back into the study and got the brandy, he poured out a large one, “Here Adam drink this.”

 

Adam nearly gagged on the neat liquor but he seemed to realise for the first time that he wasn’t on his own. “Joe, Jess, look around outside.” He couldn’t bring himself to say what they were looking for but neither needed telling. Then as Kam Su stirred Adam went to him and asked urgently, “What happened? What?”

 

Hoss pulled his brother back, “Give him a minute Adam, he’s had a hell of a bang on the head.”

Adam was quivering with the sheer tension but Hoss made sense and he held David close as the little boy clambered onto his lap, knowing just how hard it had been for his sons. Hoss went over to change Marie’s diaper and then he found her a bottle, feeling so very useless and scared for his brother and Carole, not knowing how to help.

 

Kam Su did his best to pull himself together but he couldn’t tell Adam much, just that two men had grabbed Carole and when she cried out and he came in, they’d knocked him down. Adam knew that it had to be the two killers who had escaped, anything else would be too big a coincidence, but the mere thought of Carole in the hands of two cold-blooded killers made him feel sick and ill and he couldn’t seem to think.

 

Joe had found Carole’s mare missing and signs of three horses leaving the ranch, Jess had searched rapidly but there was no sign of a body or any disturbance in the undergrowth. As they headed back for the house Jess asked, “What now?”

 

Joe opened the door and looked over at his eldest brother, so used to Adam taking the lead, but his brother was obviously in shock and Joe doubted his ability to think clearly. Joe found it took a real effort himself, but someone had to. “We need Doc here, Mark is hurt and Kam Su. Get to town, tell Roy get Doc. Send a telegram to Pa. He’s in Carson City, he’ll be at the Central hotel. Tell him to get back fast that there is trouble, but don’t say what. Warn Roy to keep it quiet, if they want a ransom, we don’t want the law interfering,”

 

Jess asked, “Shall I get the rest of the men over?”

 

Adam looked up at that, “No. Noone else is to know. I’ll pay anything. Oh God Carole.”

Hoss put the baby down and went into the study and wrote a quick note, “Take this Jess. Find Nurse Riley, either at the hospital or they’ll tell you where. Give it to her. Otherwise don’t tell noone apart from Doc and Roy, they’ll keep their mouths shut.”

Adam had gone over to his gun cabinet and was reloading his ammunition belt. Joe went over to his brother and forced Adam to face him as Jess rode out on his errands, “You’re going after them.”

 

“I have to David said it, they’ve taken Carole. You two will have to look after the children. Any ransom demand I don’t care, pay it, the main account has plenty and pray for her.” His voice broke and Joe felt the shudder go right through Adam. Joe looked over at Hoss and read the agreement in his brother’s eyes, words weren’t needed. “You’re not going alone Adam.”

 

“I have to. They see anyone following and they’ll kill her.”

 

“Two of us can keep hidden as well as one. Hoss will look after the children.” Joe began collecting food, filling a brandy flask and getting a first aid kit, Adam watched him, uncertain, he couldn’t seem to think, fear was a very real pain in his chest and it was difficult to breathe. He was so cold and he couldn’t even help Mark, Hoss could see the state he was in and for a moment he ignored the needs of the children and going to Adam, he pulled his brother close. He could feel the icy cold emanating from his brother’s body and the almost unbearable tension which left Adam quivering. Hoss rubbed his brother’s back in circles, as Adam had done so often for him when he was a kid, and said, “Easy Adam. God’s never deserted us yet. I’ll deal with any ransom and look after your kids you and Joe will find her.”

 

Adam couldn’t relax but he was grateful for the warmth of his brother’s body and for a moment lent against Hoss. Then as Joe came back in he straightened up “Alright you come too but don’t try and stop me. They are killers and they’ve got Carole, I’ll do anything to get her back.”

His brothers barely recognised him for a moment an implacable fury showed which neither of them had ever seen before as he looked down at his youngest son, whimpering with pain. Adam shut his eyes for a moment but he couldn’t block out the sight of David trying to help his injured brother and telling him so earnestly that they had taken Mummy. Adam shivered but grabbing his rifle he went out to Blackie.

 

Joe followed, just murmuring, “Tell Pa, I’ll do all I can to help him.”

 

Hoss couldn’t find words knowing there would be precious little that Joe could do to help. He watched his brothers ride out, praying for their success, seeing the despair in the very way Adam sat in the saddle. Already hurt, albeit not seriously, the shock had hit Adam very hard and he couldn’t think, closer to despair than he’d ever been, scared not only for Carole’s life but for what the sadistic murderers might do to her first. He wasn’t even aware that he was shivering continuously, only conscious of the tracks they were following, the one thing that tied him to Carole. He blamed himself bitterly, it was all his fault, he’d botched the job and let them escape

and he should have made sure that Carole had someone on guard. He’d done so before but now with half the crew sitting around doing nothing, he hadn’t bothered.

 

Twice Joe tried to speak to him but it was clear that his voice wasn’t penetrating to Adam. His brother wasn’t aware of his presence and Joe was seriously worried that Adam was going to collapse. There was nothing he could do about it except stay close and be ready to grab hold if Adam should lose control. The light was virtually gone and the brothers could only move slowly by lantern light, not daring to risk losing the trail however slow their progress. Eventually Adam dismounted and walked, leaning over to follow the trail was making him feel dizzy. Walking didn’t seem to help much and he was leaning heavily on Blackie for support, as the world tended to sway around him; just the tracks of Carole’s horse leading straight ahead, the only real thing in his world, the one connection to his beloved wife. He tried to convince himself they wouldn’t have bothered to take her if she was dead, knowing that it wasn’t necessarily true. Adam didn’t know that he was swaying as he walked and when Joe moved in front of him, Adam raised his hand angrily, just wanting to push Joe out of the way.

 

Joe took hold of his brother’s hand “Rest up Adam just for a few minutes.”

 

“No, we keep going.”

 

“I might but you won’t make another hundred yards.”

 

Adam felt his knees seem to go weak and as though to prove Joe’s point he had to lean on Blackie to stay on his feet. Joe pulled out the brandy flask and he offered it to his brother but Adam already felt light-headed and pushed it away. “Alright five minutes heat up some coffee.”

Joe was glad to get that much and he busied himself getting coffee to brew while Adam sank down to the ground and buried his face in his hands. He couldn’t force away the images of his sons and the too clearly imagined image of Carole and what might be happening. Joe left the coffee to brew and came over to his brother, seeing the tension in him and wanting to help but not knowing how. He put his arm round Adam feeling the cold of shock, knowing that it was dangerous in itself. “Try and take it easy Adam, for Carole’s sake, It won’t help anything if you make yourself ill.”

 

Adam heard Joe’s voice as though from a long way off but the words were blurred; indistinct and made no sense. The only real things were Carole and the tracks leading to her and those two terrified little boys, one hurt, the other trying to help. It was a scene that Adam knew would live with him for the rest of his life and he didn’t know what damage it would have done to his sons. He hadn’t realised he was trembling violently and wasn’t even aware of Joe forcing his head down between his knees. Joe poured out coffee and brought it over and holding his brother against him, fed Adam some, but after a minute Adam pulled away and was violently sick. He wiped his face, slightly more in control of himself. “Sorry Joe.”

 

“You’re in shock Adam, you must have something warm, you really belong in bed.”

 

“I’ll be alright little brother,”

 

“Look I know what you’re going through Adam but for Carole’s sake try and relax. You couldn’t hit a barn door at the moment the way you’re shaking.”

 

Adam knew the truth of that and forced himself to drink the coffee and brandy Joe gave him but he wouldn’t rest and within five minutes he was back on his feet, following the trail again. Joe knew his brother too well to waste time arguing and just followed closely. He loved Carole and the children too and had been hit hard by what they had found, so scared for Carole and indirectly for his brother. Joe felt helpless, unable to do anything for Adam, and knowing that they were falling further and further behind Carole, inevitably moving slowly.

 

At the house Hoss had done what he could for Kam Su and Mark, fed the baby and David and calmed his nephew down. Only half his attention was on the children, the rest of his thoughts were with his brothers, praying for their success. He’d lived through Joe’s anguish when Marie died and he dreaded the thought of Adam going through it; knowing his brother would blame himself, he feared for his brother’s sanity. Adam’s life was so inextricably bound up with Carole now. It seemed a very long time before Jess rode in with three companions, although he’d been less than three hours. Sue had been helping Doc and Jess had been able to give her Hoss’ letter and she’d immediately arranged to leave everything. She hadn’t even spared time to pack anything and had joined Doc in his buggy. Roy had come out too, badly shaken by Jess’ story and knowing just how hard it would hit his old friends.

 

Doc went straight to Mark and Sue went to help him set the little boy’s arm. Marie was asleep and Hoss was holding David, who cried when he was put down, thoroughly terrified. Roy could see the shock etched on the big man’s face and poured out three drinks, “Here Hoss you look as though you need it. Any news?”

 

“Nope. Joe went with Adam after them. I’m waiting here, maybe a ransom demand. We’ll pay anything only Carole matters.”

 

“How is Adam taking it?”

 

“Just about on the verge of collapse, shock. Only sheer fury keeping him on his feet, I’ve never seen him so scared Roy.” The impotent fury and fear was mirrored in his own eyes, although Hoss didn’t realise. “There’s nothing you can do Roy, not while they’ve got Carole.”

 

Roy bit his lip, “They’re killers Hoss.”

 

“Don’t you think we know that? Clear demonstration this afternoon, they ain’t about to leave anyone alive who can identify them That’s why Adam and Joe followed, Just pray they’ll keep her alive in case we want proof before we pay. Must be a ransom demand, not just revenge or they’d have killed her here.”

 

Roy went to speak but then thought better of it but Hoss knew the sheriff very well. He had known Roy most of his life and he could read his face. A bitter smile showed for a moment. “I know Roy, they may have taken her off to rape at their leisure. Don’t you think that’s eating at all of us? Even if they want ransom, Carole’s a beautiful woman, or she was until now.” Hoss turned away, not even able to face such good friends close to breaking down himself, only the need to try and keep calm for David’s sake prevented it.

 

Roy knew his way around Adam’s house and went out to make Hoss a meal before he too collapsed. Jess went over and assured Hoss that Ben was on his way home and then asked if there was anything else he could do. Hoss asked him to go and fetch Hop Sing and leave word for Ben to come to Adam’s house. Then it was really a case of hanging around, in case a messenger was needed later.

 

Hoss was aching with the need to go and join his brothers, try to help Adam, dispel the agony he’d seen in his brother’s eyes, but a least until his father returned he had to stay. He was the only one who could sign cheques and get the ransom money if a demand came. Roy brought a tray of food and forced Hoss to sit down. Hoss protested “I ain’t hungry Roy.”

 

“You’ve been ill Hoss, still not strong. You start missing food and you won’t be in any state to help Adam when he needs it.”

Hoss had to accept the sense of that and picked up his fork “Alright Roy, in return will you do something for me?”

 

“You know I will, anything.”

 

“Go see Mr Harris at the bank, explain what’s going on, he’ll keep his mouth shut. Warn him that there’s likely to be a large cheque to be cashed and that Jess might well bring it in.”

 

“Of course Hoss. Do you want me to come back?”

 

“Nothing you can do Roy. Soon as we know anything I’ll let you know.” Just then Doc came down. “Mark is almost asleep, a simple break, he’ll be fine. Heal fast at that age so don’t worry.”

 

Hoss frowned and almost to himself said, “Heal physically but what about their minds?”

 

Doc came over, “They’ll soon forget about it.”

 

“If their mother comes back.” Hoss shut his eyes and bit his lip “Sorry Doc. Nothing you can do unless you can give David something to make him sleep, that at least would help.”

 

Doc nodded and rummaged through his bag. “This should help, poor little mite. You need some rest yourself.”

 

“No, I couldn’t.”

 

“Well at least let me have a look at that leg.”

 

Hoss looked at the bandage almost in surprise “I’d forgotten all about it. I think Joe did a pretty good job.” Still he made no fuss and let Doc rebandage it. By the time Doc had finished David was almost asleep on his Uncle’s shoulder and Hoss limped upstairs to put him to bed next to his brother. Marie was already asleep and Sue promised to stay with the children.

 

Hoss nodded, pulling her close for a moment and kissing her. “Thank you for coming, I had no right to ask but I’m sure glad you’re here.” Then he went back down to see how Kam Su was. Sue watched him limp out and despite the disaster, which had brought her there, she felt a warmth inside that Hoss had thought to turn to her for help. Sue felt so sorry for Adam and his wife and the scared children. She had been able to see just how close the pair were and she prayed for them, knowing that the kidnappers were killers. All she could do was to look after the children, as Hoss had asked in his quick note.

 

Half an hour later Doc had finished, Kam Su would be alright but he needed to stay in bed for a couple of days. Hop Sing was there to look after him and Doc had to get back to town. He promised to be ready to come out at a moment’s notice and said that he’d pray he wouldn’t be needed. Hoss thanked him for coming so fast and then with Roy and Doc gone, he could only wait. He left Jess downstairs to call him if anything happened and went up to see the children. 

 

Sue smiled “All sleeping peacefully, even young Mark.”

 

“Thank God for that much.”

“Maybe your brothers will find her, may even have done so by now.”

 

“Long odds. Its dark, they won’t be able to make any sorta progress following a trail. I ain’t never seen Adam so badly hit. Not even when Joe had to tell him about her miscarriage. I don’t reckon I will ever forget the expression on his face when David said they made Mummy go away. He’d been trying to look after his brother, poor little kids.”

 

Sue went to him and put her arms round him, forgetting everything but the need to comfort him, seeing the agony in his eyes.  Hoss rested his aching head on her shoulder for a moment and then looked up. “ Thanks for coming Sue, I had no right to ask but the children need a woman, maybe their gonna need one for a long time. Even if Adam pulls off a miracle and brings her back alive.” He fell quiet, so scared at what might be done to Carole.

 

Sue understood his fear but couldn’t put it into words, “I’ll stay as long as I can help. I’m glad that you asked.”

 

Hoss frowned but realised she meant it and relaxed slightly. Sue said, “If you’re paying the ransom, they’ll let her go, won’t they?”

 

Hoss shook his head, “Might buy a little time that’s all. Sometimes yeah, kidnap victims are released. We’ve faced it before, obvious target round here, Adam, Pa and Joe have all been snatched before, guess I’m jest too derned big to hide. We found Joe, but Pa and Adam were released. For a long time we doubted it with Adam, they’d promised to let him go, after 48 hours. They did in a way, but up in the mountains, bound and on foot. Fore he could get free he was bitten by a snake, out of his mind fer a while and weak. He’d have died if a Mormon wagon train hadn’t found him. Greenhorns lost in the mountains. They saved his life and he had to help them. For weeks we had no news and everyone gave him up for dead except us. Logic said he was, even the money had been returned, the two kidnappers fell out and killed each other. Roy had insisted on marking the money and it was sent back to him. We had to face the idea of never knowing. Couldn’t accept it. Joe was in town and came back with an expensive book that Adam had ordered. Not at all Joe’s taste and one Doc wanted and had offered to take. Joe couldn’t let him; it would have meant admitting Adam was gone. Pa admitted he couldn’t believe it either and nor did I. The next day we all went to church, don’t go too often, It’s not that I’m not religious, jest easier to talk to God outside. I reckon he hears just as well as in church. It was hell that day everyone was so sympathetic. Then we came home, Joe came in first and I think I knew the truth as soon as he called us. There was almost a reverence in his voice. Adam was asleep on the sofa, a mite thin, dirty and unshaved, but suffering nothing worse than a sprained ankle. One of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.” Hoss fell quiet and Sue took his hand, “God was with him then, why shouldn’t he be with Carole.”

 

Hoss sighed “Even God’s gonna have his work cut out. Those men are pure evil, right through. They won’t leave anyone alive to testify, we had a clear demonstration this afternoon. The other three were ours, we’d taken them without a shot fired until those two let loose from the rim. Their first targets were their own mates, each of them took at least four or five bullets. They won’t hesitate to shoot Carole once they’ve finished with her, I just pray she won’t welcome it by then.” he shut his eyes but he couldn’t block out the pictures in his imagination. For a while they sat in silence until Hoss heard the door go and his father’s voice calling for Adam and Carole. Sue forced a smile “I’ll stay with the children.”

Hoss walked slowly downstairs, dreading the idea of telling his father and yet glad that Ben was back. Ben had headed home just as soon as he had the news scared that one of his sons was hurt and yet puzzled that the telegram hadn’t been more explicit if that was the case. Worried it had seemed to take forever to get home and his imagination had bothered him with various disastrous scenarios. As he saw the agony in his big son’s eyes as Hoss came down the stairs almost moving like an old man, Ben realised that the truth was worse than anything he had imagined.

Hoss went over to his father and gently forced him into a chair. There was no easy way to tell it. “We went after that gang Pa. Two escaped, must have come straight here. They’ve taken Carole. Knocked Kam Su about, even broke Mark’s arm. Adam and Joe are trying to follow then I’m waiting for the ransom demand when they figure out how to send it.”

 

Ben stared at him, almost in disbelief, trying to take in what he’d said and Hoss went and poured two large brandies, passing one to his father.

 

“The children?” Ben asked

 

“Sleeping peaceful, Sue-Ellen is upstairs with them, she’ll call if they need us.”

 

Ben accepted that without even a flicker of surprise, one problem he didn’t have to worry about. “Adam?”

 

“I ain’t never seen him so hard hit Pa. Those two killed their own partners under our noses. They’ll kill Carole too. Joe said to tell you he’d do all he could to help, but I don’t reckon it’ll be much.”

 

Ben rested his head on his hand “Dear God why?”

 

Hoss could see how hard it had hit his father, it was no more than he expected, it would have been a miracle if it hadn’t and there was no way he could help. He’d had hours to adjust to the situation, get over the initial shock but he still felt a very real pain in his chest as he thought about his brother and Carole.

 

For fully ten minutes Ben sat staring into the fire in silence, scared for the daughter he loved and almost equally for his eldest son. Then he roused himself and got coffee and asked for full details of the day’s events. Hoss told him everything, although he couldn’t look at his father as he described the scene they had found on arriving home. It didn’t help Ben to learn that Adam was already wounded, albeit not seriously. Anything that sapped his strength was a problem, now when Adam needed it perhaps more than he ever had before. Hoss couldn’t put his fears into words but he could see them mirrored in his father’s eyes. There was so pitiably little that either of them could do, be ready to pay the ransom, try to force proof that Carole was alive, wait and pray.

 

Ben went up to see his grandchildren and stood for a long time, looking at Mark who was whimpering slightly in his sleep. He seemed to take Sue-Ellen’s presence for granted but, as he turned away from Mark, he went over to her and gripped both her hands. “Bless you for coming out to help.” He kissed her forehead and then turned and left the room, close to breaking down himself, all too aware how Adam was feeling.

 

Adam and Joe followed the trail until close to midnight, more than ten miles from the house. Then on hard rock all trace vanished. Despite all the traces petering out Adam couldn’t give up, that trail was the one thing that connected him to Carole, the only reality in his world and for more than an hour he hunted on foot. Joe stayed with him but with just the light from the lanterns it was a hopeless task. Eventually Joe moved over in front of Adam and forced his brother to look at him, “It’s no good. We have to wait until daylight.”

 

Adam pulled away, barely realising that Joe had spoken, moving almost like an automaton. Joe hesitated but his brother couldn’t carry on, he had to be forced to rest. They weren’t doing any good anyway so he gripped Adam’s arm. “Hold up Adam. We may just be moving away from the trail. We must go back to where we lost it and wait for daylight.”

 

Adam just pulled away again and Joe was unconvinced that one word had penetrated. He put his lantern down and to Adam’s surprise took his lantern away from him. For the first time in hours Adam seemed to acknowledge Joe’s presence. He had taken it for granted that Joe was there and trusted his little brother not to miss anything but otherwise his whole mind had been concentrated on Carole and his children. Part hunting for them and too large a part scared for them, seeing too clearly what had happened and what could. Now he had someone to vent his fury on and he raised his hands to Joe quite prepared to hit him “Give me that.”

 

Joe made no attempt to parry a blow, if it would help his brother to land out he would be happy to take it. “It’s no good Adam we have to wait for daylight.”

 

“No!” Adam almost sobbed, “I have to find her, what they might be ….”

 

Joe moved closer to his brother and put his arm round him. “We can’t Adam. You have to rest or you won’t be able to help her.”

 

“I can’t.”

 

“You can! You must. I know how much you love her and tomorrow you have got to have your wits about you if we’re to help. We’ll go back and pick up the trail at daybreak.”

Adam tried to accept what Joe said, knowing that his brother made sense, but it was so hard to just wait. He couldn’t answer but he did swing up on Blackie and follow Joe back just over half a mile to a small stream. Joe got down and began to collect wood for a fire but Adam stopped him. 

“No fire. We don’t know how far away they are, they might see it or smell it.”

 

Joe hesitated but he did drop the sticks. “You need a fire Adam, you’re still in shock, need something warm.”

 

“I’m not cold.”

 

Joe moved over and felt Adam’s forehead and realised in sudden alarm that his brother was running a fever, although his hands were cold, his forehead was burning. Adam pulled away and went to sit down, leaning back against a rock, glad of a drink and a chance to shut his aching eyes but unable to shut out the images which tormented him. Joe took over a lantern and for the first time realised that Adam’s coat sleeve was soaked in blood. He had almost forgotten that his brother had been injured. “You’d better let me have a look at that arm.”

Adam had tucked the throbbing arm into his jacket foe support but it didn’t really seem to belong to him. He didn’t care about himself; the only thing that mattered to him was his beloved wife and those scared children. He vaguely remembered stumbling and banging his injured arm, the sudden sharp pain, but it had quickly faded and he had forgotten, Now he looked at it almost in surprise to find that it had been bleeding. He nodded, “Okay Joe.”

 

Joe eased his brother’s coat off and untied the bandage, sodden in fresh blood. The dressing had been knocked off the wound but Joe didn’t waste time commenting, just redressing the wound and tying it up before his brother lost any more blood. It was hardly surprising that his brother was feverish but it certainly didn’t help. Adam was hardly aware of what Joe was doing, just once at a sudden stab of pain he flinched away. The rest of the time he sat impassively not seeing his brother, just his terrified sons or his beloved wife. Joe could feel the tension in his brother as he worked and he knew it had nothing to do with the pain of his wound. He would have been happier if Adam had broken down, even if only for a moment but he knew his brother well enough to know that was unlikely, at least until things were settled one way or another. When he had finished Joe helped Adam back into his coat and then sat close to him, trying to warm Adam with his own body heat. There weren’t any words to say how he felt and he kept close expressing his sympathy and understanding in the only way he knew how.

 

Adam sat staring into space, seeing his own private hell, unable to even find the words to pray, blaming himself bitterly. His fear for Carole gave him a very real pain in his chest far more than the pain of his wound. Adam lent his head back against the rock but not once did he shut his eyes, seeing scenes of hell he could never put into words, the only slight comfort coming from the warmth of his brother’s arm round his shoulders. Joe knew what he was going through, his own vivid imagination left him feeling cold, scared for the sister he loved, but there was no way to help and the time went past so very slowly.

 

Hawkes and Valdez had acted on impulse in grabbing Carole and it wasn’t until they were well away from the house that they slowed down and tried to think. They needed somewhere to hide their hostage and a way to get their demands across to the Cartwrights. Well aware that their demands would probably meet a counter demand for proof of her well being, they couldn’t take her too far away. Valdez told Hawkes to start thinking; he knew the area, worked on the ranch, where could they hide. For a few minutes Hawkes mind was blank and then he remembered Frenchman’s cave, some twelve miles form the house, quite easily defendable and a fire inside wouldn’t show. There was a marshy area nearby, identical to many such on the ranch and they could show Carole there, bring whoever was checking there blindfolded and there would be nothing to identify the place. He outlined its advantages and Valdez grunted, “It’ll do.”

 

They headed there at speed and Carole tied to her mount had no chance to do anything, leave any sign. She could only pray that her husband would find her. At least on horseback she didn’t have to worry about what the men would do to her but she dreaded reaching the cave, she’d seen the lust in their eyes, particularly the Mexican. Worried about her children and scared for her life, knowing that these men were killers many times over, Carole kept panic at bay by trusting in her husband. Adam had pulled Hoss out of an even worse trap already that year and she knew from stories that he’d told over the years that this wasn’t the first time they had faced kidnapping. Before everything had turned out all right, maybe this time too.

 

The kidnappers had decided that one of them would have to go into Virginia City and find someone to take a message out to the ranch. When they reached the cave they made Carole write the message; just able to read enough to make sure she only wrote what they said. They argued for a bit about how much to ask for and then settled on $250 000, as the most cash they thought the Cartwrights could come up with fast. They’d decided to forestall requests to see her alive by dictating the arrangements. The quicker it was over and they were safely away the better they would like it. The Cartwrights had a reputation of being bad people to tangle with and they wanted to get away while the family was still off balance. Carole didn’t dare take any chances and wrote what she was told, not that she could have helped much even if she had wanted to. She had no idea where she was, the cave was totally unknown to her, although it had obviously been used over the years. To her relief Valdez opted to go into town and warned Hawkes not to mark her any more, at least until she’d been shown. Both of them frightened her but it was the Mexican who drove her close to hysterics. She was tied tightly to a rock in the corner and left alone in the dark as Hawkes snored by the fire. Carole tried not to think about the children, sure that the brothers would be home and taking care of them. She concentrated on Adam as though by sheer will power she could let him know where she was.

 

Adam was less than three miles away but for all the good he could do, he might as well have been on the other side of the world. After one of the longest nights he had ever known, he and Joe began quartering the area looking for tracks. Joe didn’t argue when his brother insisted that they split up, Adam might look on the verge of collapse but Joe knew his brother too well to believe he would, not until they found Carole. It wasn’t the first time in his life that Joe had had to search for traces of a loved one, knowing that the chances of survival were slim, but with Carole being a woman and remembering the three young children there was an added poignancy. Joe sighed heavily, knowing how he felt he could imagine all too clearly his brother’s agony of mind, he knew that Carole was more precious to Adam than anyone else in the world.

 

The brothers searched for hours but the rocky hard dry ground wasn’t conducive to tracks and even the trees grew so sparsely that they bore no trace of the men’s passage. Joe was sure that it was a hopeless task but with nothing better to suggest he carried on. Eventually it was Adam who called a halt. The rest had helped him physically, if not emotionally, and he was more in control as the initial shock faded. He was able to think a little more clearly and he knew his younger brother was right, they were Carole’s only hope. Now more than ever he needed to use his brain and at the moment he was wasting his strength on an aimless search. For the first time Adam admitted to himself that with the shock and the weakening wound in his arm, his strength was a long way from inexhaustible. He joined his brother and said, “Joe, lets take a break. Did you bring any brandy?”

 

Joe handed it over wordlessly as Adam sank onto a rock. Joe considered his brother, who was pale but his eyes were burning and there was an expression of utter despair on his face. Joe had seen it fleetingly before, but this time it had been on his brother’s face since before dawn. Joe sat next to him, “What do you want to do?”

 

“I don’t know Joe. I just don’t know. We could hunt here for days, cross their trail a dozen times and still not know it. It’s all my fault and now I can’t even track her.” His voice had fallen to almost nothing but Joe heard and he put his arm round his brother’s shoulders “It’s not your fault Adam.”

 

“I should have made sure she was protected. I did before. Or if I’d checked the canyon more carefully, planned properly…..”

“Don’t Adam that doesn’t help anything. We none of us thought to check the canyon. A mistake, okay one we all made. We’re human, noone is perfect. Before there were Indians all over, noone could have foreseen this.”

 

“Why not, we’ve been kidnap victims before, Maybe it was inevitable, I should have built closer to the main house, now it’s too late.”             

 

Joe was scared for a moment that Adam was giving up and he had a stab of fear for his brother’s sanity, if not his life, but Adam pulled away and strood up. He was pacing up and down, thinking aloud, wondering how the men would act, knowing that they would have to hide Carole somewhere and then get word to the ranch. . His brain seemed to need forcing to work but slowly he began to think more logically. Adam made a real effort, that cost him more than even Joe would ever know, and he won control, got back on balance. He moved over to his brother after five minutes and gripped Joe’s hand, “Thank you for being here all night Joe, you don’t know just how much it’s meant.”           

 

Joe relaxed slightly his brother was much more in control and Adam even forced down a few mouthfuls of food; as he went over and over what little he knew, trying to think himself into the minds of the two killers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

The messenger from Virginia City reached Adam’s house well before dawn. Ben and Hoss were waiting for him, but the man disclaimed all knowledge. A bartender had offered him five dollars to bring out a letter, which, if any, of the men in the saloon had used the bartender as a go between he couldn’t say. He didn’t have to collect an answer and, although Hoss persisted with questions for a few minutes, it was obvious the man knew no more than he was saying. Hoss checked he had the name of the saloon right and then let him go. Hoss quickly wrote out the little that they had learnt for Roy to investigate further and asked Jess to get someone to take the note in to Virginia City. Then Hoss joined Ben in Adam’s study where his father was studying the note the man had brought. Ben passed the note to Hoss “Carole’s writing at least she was alive when she wrote this.”

 

Hoss nodded and read it again slowly. The note told them to get $250 000 in unmarked small bills. At eleven a.m. one man alone was to ride on the back trail towards town, he would be contacted and taken to see Carole to prove that she was alright. On his return, the money was to be ready and an unarmed man was to take the same ride, carrying the money. Once it was handed over Carole would be released unhurt.                                                    

 

Hoss read it twice and then having poured himself a brandy, went over to stare out of the window. “You can see a good long stretch of that trail from up on Eagle’s Nest.”

 

“What are you suggesting?”

 

“If’n I went up there, I might be able to see at least which direction they took you. I guess you’ll go?”

 

Ben nodded “Long shot Hoss and anyway you’ll have to get the money.”

 

Hoss shook his head, “No I don’t. I asked Roy to warn Mr Harris, said Jess would probably pick it up.”

Ben frowned, “They might ambush whoever collect it.”

 

“Jess is might fond of Adam, I don’t reckon he’d care. Anyway he can take a couple of the hands and Roy can have him slip in the back way, noone will know how much he’s carrying.”

 

Ben hesitated it seemed a lot to ask of a hand but then he thought just how friendly Jess and his eldest son had become and he gave way. “I suppose you’re right.”

 

“If I leave now I can find Adam and Joe, let Adam see the note and the three of us can try to follow you.”

 

“They’ll be watching for just that. If I try anything it may rebound on Carole.”

 

“Or you Pa.”

 

Ben glared at his son, “Do you think I care about myself? It’s only Carole and Adam who matter.”

 

Hoss reached out and gripped his father’s shoulder “Pa you matter to us and that sure includes Adam. What do you think it’ll do to him if he gets his wife back at the expense of his Pa’s life?”

Ben hadn’t thought of it that way but Hoss made sense “Alright I’ll be very careful for all our sakes.”

 

“If they ain’t found anything at least it will be something else to try.”

 

“Yes. Sue-Ellen will look after the children?”

 

“Just as long as we need her.” Hoss said, a tinge of pride in his voice.

 

Ben managed a half smile “She’s a fine woman. You go to Adam, tell him I’ll do anything I can and that I’ll tell Carole what he would if he was there.”

 

“How you gonna explain you going?”

 

“The children I think.”

 

“Mite hard on Carole.”

 

“She knows what she means to him, she may well guess what he’s trying to do and anyway it’s all I can do. Tell him I’m praying for her.”

 

Hoss finished the two copies he’d made, one for Ben and one for Roy, and then turned to his father frowning, “Should I take the original to Adam or one of the copies? It will be mighty hard on him to see her writing.”

 

Ben gripped his big son’s shoulder “Take it, it at least proves that she was alive when she left here.”

 

Hoss nodded slowly and then went out and gave one of the copies and a detailed report that his father had prepared to Hank. Jess had arranged with Hank to go and see Roy, while he went along himself to collect the money. Then Hoss spared a minute to go and tell Sue where he was going. She was cuddling Mark, trying to comfort the hurt little boy and just wished him luck. Hoss kissed her gently and then rode out to find his brothers.

 

He had a pretty good idea which way to go and made much better time in the early morning light. He picked up Cochise’s prints, which he knew so well and soon got close to his brothers. Then like his brothers he found the prints fade away on the hard ground. For twenty minutes he rode hopefully, checking the likely streams where they might have rested.

 

Adam and Joe heard the horse approaching and drawing their guns took their horses out of sight but as soon as they recognised their brother they moved out. Adam couldn’t find his voice so scared, wondering what news Hoss might be bringing and it was left to Joe to ask.

 

The hellish night had taken its toll on Adam, and he looked drawn and ill to Hoss, even compared with the state of shock he’d been in when he’d left the house. It was a real effort for Hoss to pull himself together and he handed Adam the note. “This came from town. We thought you ought to see it, We sent a copy to Roy and he’ll ask a few questions very quietly to see what he can find out. Jess will collect the money and Pa will go as they demand, both times.”

For a moment Adam’s eyesight blurred as he recognized his wife’s handwriting and feeling suddenly weak at the knees, he lent back against a rock for support as he read it. Having read it twice he passed it over to Joe and Hoss, sure he had his brother’s attention, outlined his idea of using Eagle’s Nest. From the high butte they should be able to see which way Ben was taken and if the luck was with them, exactly where.

 

Adam weighed the risks, he didn’t dare trail too directly, that could just get both his father and his wife killed, but it might give them another chance to pick up the trail. At the moment he knew that they were at a dead end, despite his and Joe’s best efforts. Eventually he made up his mind and managed a half smile to try and reassure his brothers who were both studying him anxiously. There was another butte not far from Eagle’s nest which would give a good but different view and he suggested that Joe watch from there, while Hoss did as he’d suggested, gambling that they wouldn’t have taken Carole that far away. Any tracking on the ground he would do himself, if anyone was to make a mistake he knew it had to be him, he didn’t think he would be able to forgive his brothers. The chances of reaching his beloved wife quickly after their father saw her were remote, maybe given time the chances were slightly better but in that time she could be… Adam’s mind shied away from the thought of what might happen to her and somehow he stayed in control. All the brothers knew the risk but none of them could put it into words and in the back of their minds was the additional factor they’d never had to face before, Carole was a very beautiful woman and there were other reasons for keeping her alive.

 

As the brothers laid their plans as best they could, Carole was having her first real taste of hell. Even though they had to show her alive, the two men could no longer keep their hands off her. She was beautiful and there was the added incentive of possessing something belonging to the hated Cartwrights. Neither man was gentle and Carole’s initial reaction to struggle had just get her savage blows, although they both avoided her face, hitting her where it wouldn’t show. Carole tried to black out what they were doing to her and when they turned her over and Valdez penetrated her rear she did pass out much to his disgust. He needed the woman to fight to be hurt and to see the terror, without that it was no fun, but he promised himself enjoyment to come. He hoped that her old man would bring the money himself, then they would bring him here too and let him watch their sport before killing first her and then him. Eventually the men left Carole alone and she pulled herself back into a corner curling up in a foetal ball, feeling dirty and defiled, sore and bruised, desperately scared at what more the animals would do to her. She desperately wanted to see Adam and yet she didn’t want him to see her like this, she would have liked to cry but she would not give them men that much satisfaction. For the moment at least they were ignoring her and sitting eating. When they had finished Valdez came towards her again and Carole couldn’t stop herself cringing away but for now he’d had enough and just threw a cloth at her, telling her to wash up and put her clothes back on. The merchandise must look unharmed. Hawkes rode out to fetch whoever was on the back trail and Valdez warned Carole that they would kill whoever came if she uttered one word of complaint about her treatment.

 

Adam was slightly more in control of himself with a plan of action, however vague, and leaving Joe to climb the high butte nearby he went with Hoss to Eagle’s nest. Adam positioned himself at the bottom ready to cut over towards the trail if Ben should be taken off in some other direction. Ben had arranged with Hoss to ride a very noticeable grey, to try and make it easier for his sons to see him amongst the trees. Adam watched Hoss climb slowly up Eagle’s nest and his big brother was near the top and slowing down before Adam even remembered his injuries. With a stab of guilt Adam watched Hoss, he hadn’t given a thought to either the crease Hoss had received the previous day or the older wound. Adam wasn’t sure that Hoss was up to such a climb, but it was too late to do anything about it now and Adam pushed the thought away. There would be time to apologise later and somehow Hoss would cope, he loved Carole too.

 

Hoss could see the trail and he didn’t have long to wait before the grey came into view. He called down to tell Adam and then watched carefully waiting for something to happen. Hawkes had been watching Ben’s back-trail to ensure he wasn’t being followed. Once he was satisfied Hawkes shot once, missing Ben but not by much. Ben pulled up and waited. He was ordered to take his neckerchief off and blindfold himself, warned that the consequences would not be nice if he tried to cheat, Ben did exactly as he was ordered and then Hawkes emerged. He checked the blindfold and then tied Ben’s hands behind him. As ordered Ben was unarmed and so Hawkes led the grey off into the trees towards the marsh where Valdez would bring Carole. He was sure that they weren’t being followed and didn’t even consider the chances of being overlooked from the high buttes to the west.

 

Hoss saw his father leave the trail and even in the relatively thickly wooden area he could catch glimpses of the grey, enough to confirm the direction they were taking. It should take them close to Little Joe and he called down to tell his brother. Adam said, “Are you okay Hoss? Can you get down on your own?”

 

“I’m fine Adam, no need to worry about me.”

 

“Watch then until you lose sight of them, then come and join us at the other butte. I’m going to see what Joe’s got.” Hoss accepted that and Adam rode off. To his surprise Joe hadn’t seen anything and despite climbing up to join his brother and watching very closely Adam had to admit defeat too, there was no sign of movement. Joe did spot a sort of haze at one point but dismissed it as irrelevant, in the wrong direction and no real help, so he didn’t bother Adam with it. He could only watch his brother sink even deeper into despair as this also seemed to be leading nowhere. Hoss called up to them and the brothers slowly climbed down to join him. Adam, with his left arm useless, was glad of Joe’s help but he wasn’t even thinking about the climb or the pain in his arm, all his mind set on trying to work out where his father could have been taken so that they didn’t see him. He was building a three-dimensional map of the area in his mind as he worked out where the blind spots from the buttes had to be.

 

With this not working out as they had hoped and knowing that they were fast running out of time, both Hoss and Joe were beginning to lose any last hope of saving Carole. They both loved her and were scared for her, but they were also very scared for their brother expecting him to lose the last shreds of control as they faced yet another blank wall. Joe reached the ground first and met Hoss’ eye, seeing the same fear there, would this drive Adam into collapse. There was no need of words between them and nothing that could help so Joe swallowed hard and turned back to help Adam down the last part determined to help all he could.

 

Adam straightened up and turned to face his brothers, his mind made up on what their next move had to be.  Hoss and Joe were both surprised, Adam was drawn and looked very tired, almost ill, desperately worried, but the utter despair they had expected was missing replaced by a determination they couldn’t understand. Adam looked from one to the other, whatever else happened, he was so very lucky in his brothers and for the first time since he’d arrived home, his expression softened slightly. Hoss moved closer gripping Adam’s arm “What do you want to do now? Try and pick up their trail? I saw them come this way I reckon I could take you to it.”

 

Adam shook his head, “I don’t think we have time. Anyway we might meet them coming back and that could just get Pa killed.”

 

His brothers knew he was right but they didn’t know what else to suggest and they couldn’t just give up. Adam could read their faces more easily than any book and he smiled, very faintly, but it was there. He squatted down and with a stick he began tracing out a map. His brothers looked at each other puzzled but glad to see him in control. Adam looked up at them, “We know one of the men used to work here, probably two, I’m guessing Hawkes did too. Joe you said Pa fired two men for setting traps?”

 

“Yeah but I don’t remember their names,”

 

“Assume for a minute that Hawkes was the other one. He has to hide Carole somewhere, not too far afield. This wasn’t planned, I think we can be sure of that. Hoss you saw them leave the trail, head in this direction but we didn’t see them. The only way that makes sense is if they took this sort of route.” Adam traced it in on his map “Last night Joe and I lost them here.” He marked the other spot. “Both these routes end up into the hills around about Frenchman’s cave. There are several other caves up there too and any hand who worked here for more than a few weeks would probably know them. Needing a hideout in a hurry Hawkes might well think of them.”

It made sense to his brothers but it was shot in the dark and too much for them, a massive gamble. Adam read their doubts but he couldn’t let himself believe them. Then Joe looked up 

“Adam I saw a haze over the hills, from up on the butte. Not a fire but maybe the heat from one inside a cave. About over Frenchman’s cave.”

 

Adam frowned, Joe hadn’t mentioned it before but he knew that Joe wouldn’t make anything up, not now. “There’s not much time. I think it’s our only chance, a gamble I know, but my decision. Joe will you come with me scout around the caves and if we pick up sign, then whatever….”

 

“Anything you want Adam, you know that.”

“What do you want me to do?” Hoss asked.

 

Adam stood up and went over to his big brother and gripped his shoulders. “Go home and when Pa makes the delivery, cover him. They broke my things, even hurt Mark, they hate us. I’m sure its not just money. I’d lay odds they recognized us at the canyon. Pa’s taking my job, I pray I can do more here but it should be me. I’m scared that they’ll kill him and take the money, just for the sake of it. We know they are born killers. Look after Pa for us Hoss, no matter what you have to do, don’t let us lose him too, Carole wouldn’t want that.”

 

“And if that means killing the courier?”

 

“You do it and pray my gamble pays off, Joe go and get the horses.” As Joe went to do as he was asked Adam turned back to Hoss wanting to tell him just a little of what he felt but for once lost for words. “Hoss somehow there’s never the right time. I’ll do anything to try and get Carole back but I’ll try and make sure Little Joe…. If Carole and I don’t come back, you’ll look after my children? When they’re old enough try to explain how much we loved them.”

 

Hoss swallowed hard, “You know they won’t go short of nothing, not as long as I live.”

 

Adam bit his lip, “I know that Hoss and I hope you know how much it means to me, I can’t say thank you, not for that and everything else you’ve given me. Noone in the world ever had better brothers.” Adam pulled his brother close for a moment until Hoss pulled back and with tears in his eyes he looked straight at Adam “Just you remember those three kids. An Uncle’s love ain’t no substitute for a father, much as I love them. Don’t you go throwing your life away, we all love you and need you too Adam, whatever happens.”

 

“You have my word Hoss but whatever the risks I have to try.”

 

“I know that brother. I’ll be praying for you both and I’ll take care of Pa and the children.” Hoss studied his brother’s face and then hugged him very close for a moment, before turning away almost blindly to swing up on his horse and ride home, not trusting himself to look back. Joe looked from one to the other, seeing the open emotions but he made no comment just swinging up onto Cochise and waiting for Adam to lead out. Meanwhile Ben had been led to a marshy clearing hemmed in on all sides by thick trees so that he couldn’t see anything beyond them. In fact he didn’t need to, he knew exactly where he was, the Ponderosa was a part of him in a way the two men facing him would never understand. He was tied to a tree and from behind his blindfold was removed. Carole was standing on the far side of the clearing and Ben could see that her clothes were torn and the bruises on her arms but from somewhere, fear for him, her own pride, she found the strength to smile. “I’m alright Pa, the children?”

 

“Mark has a broken arm but he’ll be fine. Adam is looking after them. He said to tell that he loves you more than anything else in the world and he’ll do anything to get you back.” Carole stared at her father, reading between the lines, sure that Adam was out there somewhere, looking for her, knowing that he would entrust the children to someone else as long as there was the faintest chance to help her. Ben raised his voice “We’ll pay your ransom. The money is being collected now. Let her go, don’t hurt her anymore and you have my word that we’ll make no attempt to find you. Harm her and I promise we won’t rest, my sons and I, until you are dead.”

Ben meant every word but Hawkes and Valdez didn’t care, he wouldn’t be alive to carry out his threat and noone knew them except Carole, she had to die. Whatever the Cartwrights did or didn’t do the law was still after them for numerous killings and she could put the rope round their necks. Carole saw them put the blindfold back on Ben and desperate to get a message to her beloved husband she ignored the two men, “Pa tell Adam I love him so very much and you Joe and Hoss. Thank you for everything these last years, all of you, and love my children.”

 

Carole watched Ben pushed back up on the grey gelding and led out knowing the chances of seeing any of her family again were very remote. She was scared that Valdez would kill her now and almost as scared about what he might do if he didn’t kill her. Valdez leered at her “We’ve got some time to kill little lady, time to teach you a few tricks your big fancy rich man ain’t never heard of.”

 

Carole bit back the sob knowing that it would only bring a blow and she was dragged back to the cave. Once there Valdez began tearing the clothes from her body, no longer caring what marks he left, enjoying the prospect and imagining in equal delight the pain it would cost the Cartwrights when they finally found her body. He had every intention of telling them where to look once he was well clear with the money.

 

Hawkes took Ben back to the trail and left him bound and blindfolded. Then he hurried back to the cave wanting his share of the fun. Time had no meaning for Carole; she could only try to separate herself from her body as she was savagely raped again and again. She tried to pray but instead of God’s name it was her husband’s name which came to her lips and somehow she couldn’t even win peace by passing out, as the will to survive remained so strong.

 

Hoss rode home as fast as he could, not even aware of the tears coursing down his cheeks, only aware of his brother’s words, the way Adam had said goodbye, not expecting to be alive to see his brother again. Not fully fit and shocked by what had happened, Hoss had had a rare moment of open emotion and he was glad of it, glad that he’d tried to tell Adam for once just how much he loved him. He arrived back home almost the same time as his father and saw at a glance just how shaken Ben was. Ben had been able to see that Carole had been beaten and from the disarray of her clothes and the look in her eyes, he was almost equally sure that she’d been raped. If the two men would handle her so badly before showing her, what they might be doing now didn’t bear thinking of and he was scared that she might end up welcoming death. Ben couldn’t hide his fears and his big son’s arrival home, tear-stained and alone, seemed plain evidence that they were no closer to finding her. Hoss came over as his father dismounted, the question clear in his eyes. Ben tried to be positive, “She was alive, a few bruises but no obvious injuries.”

 

Hoss hesitated, swallowing hard, “Had they… you know what I mean.” He was unable to put it into words but Ben didn’t need him too, unable to meet his big son’s gaze he said very sombrely 

“I can’t be sure Hoss but I’m afraid so. Her clothes were torn, the expression in her eyes.”

 

Hoss rubbed his aching eyes; “We lost you soon after you left the trail where did they take you?”

 

Ben explained where the clearing was and for the first time Hoss looked up, a faint flicker of hope on his face. “It fits Pa. Adam’s gambling that they’re holed up in Frenchman’s cave or one of the others along there. He and Joe were gonna check the sign around the caves.”

 

Ben nodded slowly, “He could well be right.”

 

“He has to be Pa, there’s no time for anything else.”

 

Ben frowned and gently touched his son’s cheek, “Why the tears Hoss?”

 

Hoss turned away and lent his aching head against the big grey’s neck and then he quietly told his father verbatim what Adam had said, why he had returned. He was barely audible as he finished “It was as though he was trying to say goodbye not just to me, to all of us. He didn’t expect to see evening. He promised not to thrown his life away but….”

 

Ben gripped his shoulder “Easy Hoss. He’s overwrought, but Joe’s with him too, don’t underestimate your little brother. Adam won’t look for death whatever happens, not with the children here.”

 

“Yeah I know Pa.” Hoss straightened up with a real effort “Guess we’re all a mite over emotional at the minute.”

 

“It does no harm once in awhile to show how much we love each other Son, even if we all know it. Come on let’s get washed up and then go and see how the children are before we have to move out again.”

 

Hoss nodded but he was glad of five minutes alone to wash his face and regain his composure before going into see Sue and the children. They had accepted her with a gratifying lack of fuss, even Mark, who was not surprisingly very fretful, but they all reacted with pleasure at seeing their grandfather and Uncle. Hop Sing brought them coffee and as they cuddled the children Ben and Hoss laid their plans, for their next move once Jess returned with the money. Ben had been ordered to leave the house again at two so there was over an hour before he could make a move but despite Hop Sing’s attempts to persuade them neither man could face food.

 

Half an hour earlier Adam and Joe had ridden close to the caves and for the first time in hours Adam felt a surge of hope as he recognised the tracks of Carole’s horse. Joe saw them too and he forced a grin “Looks like you were right big brother.”

 

Adam nodded, very tense, “We’ll leave the horses here, don’t want to raise the alarm, it could still be one of several caves.” The brothers dismounted and moving forward silently on foot making sure they stayed under cover wherever possible. Seeing the fresh tracks of one horse heading the same way, Joe commented, “Could be the one who collected Pa. If he left Pa back on the trail he’d just about have had time to get back here.

 

Adam bit his lip, “Likely, so there are probably two of them with her. We’re gonna have to be real careful or we’ll just buy her a bullet.”

 

“I’ll try anything Adam, you know that.”

 

Adam nodded but until he knew which cave there was no way to even try to make a plan. Five minutes later it seemed clear that the killers were indeed using Frenchman’s cave and the brothers stopped by some rocks, from which they could see the entrance.

 

Before they could make any plans at all Carole screamed as Valdez misused her body particularly brutally. The scream was abruptly cut off by a blow to the mouth and for a moment Adam lost all semblance of control, knowing what they must be doing to his beloved wife. He drew his gun and was about to run straight in, when Joe grabbed his right arm. Joe had never seen such insane fury on his brother’s face and Adam tried to pull away from him, hitting out viciously. Only the weakened state of his left arm stopped him doing real damage, as his blows carried no weight. “Let me go damn you.” Adam just had sufficient control to keep his voice down but his whole will was on breaking free, getting to Carole and for the moment he just saw Joe as the enemy.

 

Joe realised that reason wasn’t going to get him anywhere and letting go, he measured one punch and Adam not expecting it, took it right on the chin and crumpled where he stood. Joe caught his brother and pulled him back into cover. Joe was white and shaking as he heard the moans Carole could no longer prevent, but someone had to think, busting straight in would just get Carole killed and probably them as well. Joe had brought the canteen from Cochise’s saddle and he gently held his brother and fed some to Adam needing to bring him round even though he knew the hell he was bringing Adam back to. He knelt by his brother and held Adam still with a firm grasp on his shoulders as he saw Adam stir. Adam heaved convulsively once trying to break away but weakened by his wound and the night of torment he was no match for his youngest brother. Hating Joe for a moment because he was keeping him from Carole. Adam begged, “Let me go to her, you can hear what they’re doing.” His voice broke on a sob but Joe kept hold and shook his head. “You’ll only get her killed and probably yourself too.”

 

“They’re killing her now.” Adam sobbed in anguish “You can’t expect me to sit here and listen.”

 

“I expect you to do what you have to, to try and save her life.” Joe said, very gently wiping the first tears he’d seen from his brother’s cheeks. “Think Adam, don’t just walk in blind. The entrance is narrow; they’ll be round the corner, bound to hear you. She’ll be dead before you even get in sight and you’ll be a sitting target.”

 

Adam stared at his brother, knowing that Joe was right but he had to do something. The moans from the cave and his own imagination left him with just the almost uncontrollable urge to get to her, to stop it, and he couldn’t think, not even aware that he was trembling uncontrollably. Joe realised that his brother was in no state to think or plan and tried to do it for him but each half –formed plan seemed more likely than the last to end in disaster. Almost sure that they would kill Carole once they had finished with her. It was obvious that somehow the brothers had to get inside the cave. Joe tried to remember everything he knew about the cave, but apart from the previous autumn when he had been so ill, he hadn’t been in it in years and his memories were distinctly blurred. Suddenly he remembered years earlier when Adam had pulled him out of an old mine after the main entrance had collapsed because he knew a back way in. He wondered if here, like that old mine, the Frenchman had dug a back way out, an escape passage in the event of trouble. He forced Adam to look at him but he had to repeat the question three times before it penetrated. For almost the first time since they’d heard Carole scream, Joe saw a little sanity come back into his brother’s eyes and when Adam sat up, he made no attempt to stop him. Adam tried to remember back over close on twenty years to the days when the Frenchman jabbering away had taught him the names of plants and animals in French and showed him his secret escape if anyone attacked. He frowned as he studied the hillside, much had changed bushes and trees grown up but the basic lie of the land was the same. “You’re right Joe, There was, see that big pine, to the left there’s a hanging rock. It came out just below that, but that was twenty years ago.”

 

“It has to be still open.”

 

“You try but they’ll hear you. I’ll give you time to get well in and then go in the front way. You pull Carole out.”

 

“Suppose it doesn’t go through or I’m not in position?”

 

“Then I’ll try to kill them both before they hurt her anymore. There’s no time to check. Any minute they may leave to collect the money and kill her first. I’ll give you ten minutes, it’s as long as I dare.”

 

Joe nodded, there was no time for words and with a swift hug he had to leave his brother, whispering “God be with you.”

 

Before Joe had even reached the rock they heard a horse coming out of the cave and both brothers froze, scared to be seen and scared that they were already too late.  A moan was almost welcome as proof that she was still alive. Just one man left the cave, riding openly, seemingly unconcerned that he would be seen. As soon as he was out of sight Joe scrambled on up the hillside, with only one man inside maybe they had a chance. The entrance was just where Adam had told him and Joe slipped inside, glad that he was no bigger as it was a tight fit, the entrance overgrown and with rocks and soil fallen down over the years.  As he edged further in the going was slightly easier and Joe made the best time that he could.

 

Adam had stopped breathing on hearing the horse and his chest felt as though someone had tied a tight rope round it. He heard Carole and knew that she was still alive and he checked his gun to make sure that there was a bullet in the chamber, the urge to kill stronger than he’d ever known. Whatever else happened he was going to kill the men, who had injured his son and misused his beloved wife. He was calm now, no longer trembling, trusting his little brother to be there to pull Carole out and not really caring what happened to him. The time he had promised Joe seemed to pass so very slowly and each of the ten minutes seemed to last an hour but eventually it was time to make a move. Adam drew his gun and walked slowly but very quietly towards the main entrance of the cave.

 

Valdez was still tormenting Carole, the more he could degrade her, in some way the more he could get his own back on the Cartwrights, who had everything he’d always wanted. The first enjoyment had faded as she was barely conscious and no longer seemed to care and he knew that in a short while he would have to finish it and go meet Hawkes. Hawkes was to bring the money, once he had killed whoever delivered it and even with $250 000 at stake Valdez had no fears that Hawkes wouldn’t meet him. Hawkes was much too scared of the retribution that would follow to attempt a double cross. Valdez hadn’t spent years on the run without developing an excellent sense of danger and despite his present occupation, he heard the faint noises that Joe couldn’t avoid as he edged through the tunnel. Not bothering even to cover himself up Valdez stood up from Carole and drew his gun. When the noise was repeated he put his gun away and pulling her to her feet held her close to him with a knife at her throat, but the next sound came from the main entrance and he moved slightly closer to it, holding Carole as a shield.  To his delight Valdez saw Adam Cartwright standing there, his gun in his hand. It was a sight, which delighted him, of all the Cartwrights this was the one that he hated the most, the one with a coveted reputation as a fast gun, which he disdained. Valdez nicked Carole’s skin just on her collarbone and grinned at the bright red trickle of blood, “Put the gun away Cartwright or….” his grin broadened.

Adam had no choice and put his gun back in his holster. Valdez, forgetting the noises, which had first alerted him, gloated glad now that his trousers were undone and Adam could see just what he’d been doing. “Been teaching your wife some new tricks, pity she won’t be able to show you.” Seeing Adam tense Valdez shot him, with great care, just grazing his side along a rib. “Don’t try anything or she gets it.”

 

Adam was aware of his wife’s bruised and bloody naked body but for now he pushed it to one side, the important thing for now was to save her life and that depended on his little brother. He had to keep Valdez’s attention until Joe could get through, even at the cost of his own life. Ice cold now there was something that he could do, Adam forced a slight smile, “I presume force is the only way that you can get a woman?”  He had no difficulty in infusing an utter contempt into his voice and Valdez reacted with another bullet, this time hitting Adam’s thigh, wanting somehow to cut this man down to size. With all that he had done to him Adam still barely seemed to recognise his existence. Adam staggered as the bullet hit him but otherwise showed no sign of pain, wanting to cover the noise that Joe was making, he raised his voice slightly. “You’ve lost you know, we won’t pay any ransom and a posse is on its way here right now. This whole area is surrounded, every hand we have. You can’t take the boss’ wife with impunity.”

He made it sound convincing and scared Valdez shot again catching Adam just over the wound he’d taken at the canyon. Carole stood stock-still, not having much choice with a knife at her neck, scared for Adam and so weak and ill she was barely holding onto her sense, just praying that her husband knew what he was doing.

 

Joe had heard the first shot while he was wrestling to dig his way round some fallen rocks in the tunnel. Fear for his brother and Carole gave him extra strength and he forced himself through the small gap. Then to his relief he heard Adam’s voice, moving on as fast as he could he edged his way on listening carefully. He heard two further shots before he came to the entrance to the tunnel, half hidden behind a buttress of rock, which had once carried the old man’s stores. Joe slipped out his gun at the ready and considered the situation. Valdez was to his right, holding Carole close to him and with his back to the wall and Joe hadn’t got a clear shot. Adam was facing them, his gun in his holster and although he didn’t show by as much as a flicker of an eye that he knew Joe was there, but Joe was sure that his brother knew. Valdez and Carole certainly didn’t but although Valdez was playing with Adam, hurting him as much as he could, it obviously couldn’t carry on. Joe could only see one thing to do and prayed that his brother was fast enough to take advantage of his move. In three strides he was on top of Valdez, pulling back the knife hand, hearing the wrist crack and pulling Carole down under him in almost the same movement, Adam had seen Joe and he spoke to cover his brother, praying that Joe would do exactly what he had. Adam wasn’t even aware of what he was saying and as Joe reached out Adam went for his gun, throwing himself sideways as he did so. He knew he was fast but it was still close to suicide to try and draw against a gun already levelled at him. Praying that Joe’s attack would distract Valdez for long enough Adam made his move, whatever happened to him, he had to get Valdez or both his wife and brother would die. Joe had had to put his gun away in order to make his move.

 

Adam had never been faster and as Carole’s body was pulled away, no longer shielding Valdez, he fired twice, catching the Mexican in the chest close to the heart both times. He wasn’t even sure if Valdez had fired, if he had the bullet had missed him. Adam was on his feet almost before Valdez hit the ground and he grabbed the Mexican’s gun and then knelt down by Carole.

The suddenness of the action and the fall had completed the job of hours of pain and terror and she had finally passed out, but her pulse was strong as Joe quickly checked. The brothers knelt down by her, seeing the bruises, the teethmarks, and the blood all too clear evidence of the way the animals had misused her. Her clothes were in shreds and Adam very gently wiped away some of the foul evidence of rape from his wife’s unconscious body and then wrapped her in a blanket, not daring to catch his brother’s eye. Joe went over to Valdez and to his surprise found he was still alive. Hesitantly he told Adam, who sat back on his haunches. “Do what you can Joe, we can’t let him bleed to death but for God’s sake cover him up.”

 

Joe hastily did up Valdez trousers and put a bandage on; there was little else he could do. Adam had never wanted to kill anyone more than Valdez but now the immediate need to fight was over he couldn’t reduce himself to the same level and leave the Mexican untended. Even though the temptation was strong, knowing that if he recovered he would gloat over what he had done to Carole. Joe finished doing what he could for the killer and turned to the much more important problem of dealing with his brother’s injuries. Adam seemed to have forgotten his own wounds as he tried to feed a little water to his beloved wife, cradling her close, but after a few minutes Joe managed to persuade his brother to at least allow him to bandage them before he lost any more blood. Luckily none of them were serious but each had cost him some blood and already weakened by the ordeal, Joe couldn’t help worrying about his eldest brother. Adam was far more concerned about Carole, physically she should recover but he could only dread the mental scars, which were bound to remain. He knew that he had a great deal to be thankful for that they had all survived, but he was too exhausted, completely drained, to do more than accept it. He was leaning very heavily on his youngest brother’s strength, leaving it to Joe to plan how to get them home.

 

Ben had ridden out with the money, aware that Hoss and Jess were making their own ways separately paralleling the trail on either side. It was a risk he hadn’t wanted to take; scared that it would backfire on Carole, but Hoss insisted it had been Adam’s plan and they had to abide by his decision. Ben had to agree knowing that Hoss was right. If Adam lost his wife and survived himself to come back and find that he had lost his father too, on a job that he considered was really his own, it might well prove the last straw and cost him his sanity, at least temporarily. Hoss pushed hard to get his father’s agreement, emphasising that they were sure that the killers had a personal grudge against them. He took the side of the trail, from which they expected contact to be made himself, leaving Jess the other. They kept well back but ensured that Ben remained in sight Hawkes had no intention of taking any risks. He knew that if the carrier was Adam Cartwright himself then Valdez wanted him brought back to the cave to humiliate him before they killed him, but otherwise he just wanted the courier dead. Hawkes was watching from the side of the trail and as soon as he identified Ben, still on the rangy grey, he levelled his rifle. He had a healthy respect for the Cartwright but it wasn’t enough, Hoss caught sight of the rifle as the sun glinted on it and, moving forward quickly, he saw Hawkes waiting for a clear shot. He had given his brother his word and yelling a warning to his father he called to Hawkes to drop his gun.

 

Hawkes turned and tried to line up on the big man who had appeared out of nowhere. The shots sounded as one and Hoss aimed for a shoulder, wanting to take him alive and able to talk but Hawkes fell from his horse. By the time Hoss reached him he was dead, he’d caught a rock when he fell and broken his neck, Hoss stood up from the body as Ben and Jess rode up. “He was gonna ambush you Pa, take the money from your dead body. I tried to just wound him but he broke his neck”

 

Ben gripped his son’s arm “You gave Adam your word and you’ve kept it, Just pray that they have found her.”

 

“What now? Backtrack him?”

 

Ben thought for a minute, “There might be another ransom demand. One of us ought to be at the house. The other backtrack in case Adam and Joe need help.”

 

“I’ll go Pa, I’m the best tracker.”

 

“Are you well enough?”

 

“I’ll manage until this is settled.” Hoss said resolutely.

 

Ben nodded knowing that his own brain might be needed more at the house if there was a further demand and maybe Hoss was best placed to support his brothers. Jess said, “I’ll go with Hoss if that’s alright?”

 

“You’ve already done more than we could ask.” Ben said considering the stern looking cowboy, knowing that Jess had become very close to his eldest son.

 

“I couldn’t settle anyway, I’d much rather.”

 

Ben nodded and taking Hawke’s horse with the body strapped over it, he hurried home to wait yet again. There was only one killer still at large but that was more than enough to take his sons and his daughter from him, if that hadn’t already happened. His unspoken fear as Hoss and Jess rode out, was that they’d find three dead bodies and all that would be left would be his big son and the three grandchildren.

 

Hoss had the same fear and he pushed on hard, glad of the extra gun on his side but not talking to Jess. He was unwilling to even face such a good friend so he kept slightly ahead, scared that his face would reveal more than he wanted known. Jess could understand and respect the big man’s reticence and made no attempt to come up level. The Cartwrights had all come to mean a great deal to him in the last couple of years and he was scared too.

 

By the time Joe had done what he could for his brother it was obvious that despite anything they might do Valdez was dying and five minutes later, without ever regaining consciousness he was dead. Joe covered him and Adam stared bleakly at the body. “I don’t care if its wrong Joe, I’m glad I killed him.” He was shivering again, partly from the shock of his wound and partly reaction from the last hours.  Joe handed him the brandy flask “Have a drink Adam. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t glad. He was an animal.”

 

Joe busied himself tying the body over the saddle and then looked down at his brother and Carole, who was still lying unconscious. “What do you want to do Adam?”

 

“Blackie carried us, he’ll take Carole and I.”

 

“You’re hurt, you can’t carry her.” Joe protested but his brother didn’t even seem to hear and just told him to get the horses.

Joe knew when he was wasting his time in arguing and he went to get Blackie and Cochise. He tied the laden horse and Carole’s mare on a long rope and then helped Adam into the saddle before passing Carole’s inert body to him, warmly wrapped in all the blankets they had. Wordlessly the brothers set out on the twelve miles or so to home, at least able to travel rather faster than the previous autumn. Joe could see the pain, both physical and emotional, etched on his brother’s face but he knew Adam would keep going at least until Carole was sleeping in her own bed and at least his wife was alive. Adam was almost beyond thought, just knowing that he had to get her home and somehow with love and care repair the damage, however long it took. He was in shock only he didn’t realise it, just forcing himself to do what had to be done. He talked softly to Carole the whole time even if she couldn’t hear, just telling her that she was safe that he loved her and trying to say sorry for not keeping her safe, so very guilty. Every instruction to his body seemed to be a real effort and only took effect after a long delay. Adam just trusted his black stallion to take him home and Joe picked the quickest and easiest route.

Joe saw Hoss and Jess before he was seen, they were about a half a mile above them and with a quick word to Adam, which he was unsure had penetrated, he cut through to them. He’d been hoping someone would appear to send for Doc and remove the body from Adam’s sight. As he appeared out of the trees and on his own, Hoss’ heart seemed to stand still and he grabbed onto his saddle for support but Joe seeing his fear was quick to say “They are both alive.” As he pulled up by them “Pa?”

 

“Unhurt. The other one is dead.”

 

Joe jerked a thumb at the horse behind him “And this one. They deserved it. Adam is bringing Carole, she’s been pretty badly beaten.” He looked over at Jess, “Will you take this into town and get Doc out at once to Adam’s”

 

Jess nodded “Of course.” He took the horse “Doc will be there by the time you are. Then he headed straight for town, leaving Hoss looking at his brother “What else Joe?”

 

“Carole has been savagely raped, not just once. She’s unconscious, in a hell of a state. Physically I guess she’ll recover in a few weeks but what it’s done to her I can’t begin to imagine.”

 

Hoss shut his eyes it was what he’d feared and he could read in Joe’s eyes just how bad it was. Eventually he asked “ Adam?”

 

“I think he’s in shock. He took three bullets before I could make a chance for him to get that… Only creases that monster was playing with Adam, tormenting him, hiding behind Carole’s body. They sure as hell don’t help but he won’t hear of letting me carry her. We’d better get back to him.” Joe led the way back to Adam as he spoke and the brothers moved in one either side of him. For a while Adam didn’t seem aware of then and even when he took it in, he showed no surprise at Hoss’ arrival. Hoss didn’t try to take Carole from his brother just assuring him that Doc would be waiting for them. Carole was unconscious and not aware of the discomfort of the journey so the brothers didn’t stop and made reasonable time. With just over a mile to go Joe left Hoss to look after Adam and Carole and spurred on ahead. He wanted to warn Doc and Ben before Adam got back.

 

Ben was outside waiting, Doc had arrived some ten minutes earlier so he knew that all three were alive but as Joe dismounted he could see that the news wasn’t good. SueEllen was upstairs with the children, they were unsettled by their parents’ absence and fretful wouldn’t settle for the night. Joe found it difficult to tell his father and Doc even though he knew that it was necessary and he went through to his brother’s study and poured himself and his father very large brandies. He went to stare out of the window unable to face them but his voice was under control as he said “Doc I’m glad you’re here but I don’t know how much you can do. Carole is unconscious, reaction I guess.”  Joe stared out unseeingly as he described the bruises and bites on her body, the blood on her thighs, all signs of the savagery of the rape, Then he went onto explain how they’d got her out and the injuries that Adam had received. Eventually he straightened his shoulders and turned to face them “Doc for the moment I’m more scared for my brother. I’m sure that Carole will live though God knows what its done to her mind and I know Adam won’t let you do anything for him until she’s settled, but he’s been in hell all night. He had to sit and listen to her screaming as they raped her and he’s been hurt. He’s in shock and I’m not sure how he’s kept going.”

 

Ben went over to his youngest son and gently forced him down into a chair “We’ll look after your brother Joseph, you don’t look too far from shock yourself.”

 

“Pa I didn’t know that men could do…” Joe broke off and buried his face in his hands, but he slowly got a grip on himself. The important people just now were Adam and Carole.

 

A few minutes later Hoss led the way into the yard and dismounted stiffly and painfully, more tired than he would admit, even to himself. Ben moved over to them and took Carole’s blanket wrapped body from his eldest son “I’ll take her up to your room.”

 

Adam nodded, needing his brother’s help to get down and leaning heavily on Hoss, as his thigh didn’t want to support him, stiffened up during the ride. As he went in the house he pulled away from Hoss and slowly made his way upstairs to Carole, Doc and Ben had unwrapped her and despite Joe’s warning they were shocked at what they saw. Ben helped his son into a chair by her bed, seeing the mixed love, compassion and anguish on his son’s face as he looked at her. Just once Adam looked up as Doc bathed her body and put soothing ointment on. “I killed one Pa. The other?”

 

“Hoss shot him in the shoulder and he fell breaking his neck. They are both dead as they richly deserve.”

 

Adam nodded and then lent forward to help Doc ease Carole into a clean nightie and wrap the bedclothes round her. Doc stood back as Adam held his wife’s hand, “What can I say Adam? The physical injuries will heal in a few weeks nothing that serious. For the rest only time can help.”

 

Adam frowned, “Doc what if she should… I mean if she’s conceived?”

 

Doc moved closer to him. He had known Adam most of his life and had never seen him so badly shaken. “I can promise you that she won’t carry any baby to term from this. At the first sign before any of us can even be sure I’ll act.”

 

“Is it legal?”

 

“Adam I wouldn’t sentence any woman to carry for nine months a continual reminder of this or any child to be born so hated.”

Adam looked up at his father unsure if he was right to condemn an innocent unborn child. Ben gripped his shoulder “It probably won’t happen, but if it should its the only way, for Carole’s sake. If she has conceived it can only be a mistake of God’s and we correct it, anything else would be inhuman.” Adam relaxed fractionally but as Doc said “Come through and let me have a look at you, he shook his head. “No I can’t leave her.”

 

Ben took his hands and moved to block his view of Carole, “Adam you’re hurt. Almost out on your feet. I promise I’ll stay with her, call you the minute she stirs. Let Doc help you and then get some rest. Then you’ll be fit to help her when she wakes up and needs you more than ever before.”

 

Adam couldn’t seem to think and let himself be persuaded, little though he wanted it and at least agreed to let Doc see to his wounds. Doc helped him undress, cleaned and stitched his injuries and got them bandaged. None of them were serious as long as they didn’t get infected but Adam had lost too much blood. For a while Adam just lay back, his eyes closed. The Doc’s ministrations were painful but that was all happening far away, as though it was happening to someone else. After a while he asked, “Is there anything I can do for her?”

 

“Get some rest.”

 

Adam shook his head “I shan’t sleep, not yet, I have some thinking to do.”

 

Paul studied him and sat down on the bed, gently holding Adam’s arm and checking his pulse. “I 

don’t think you are capable of it Adam. You’re in shock, all the clinical signs, fast breathing, cold and clammy, fast pulse.”

 

Adam ignored that “I want to sit with her.”

 

“She’ll sleep until morning, I’ve given her a sedative. Then you, probably only you, can help. Don’t let her bottle it up. Get her to talk, even if it tears you apart, you’re the only one she will talk to.”

 

Adam nodded, “I know that, but don’t you see I have to come to terms with myself, before I can help her.”

 

Doc gripped his hand and turned his face, forcing Adam to look at him, “Adam I’ve known you since you were a child. I know what you’ve been through these last hours, still are in many ways, but you have to know the truth. I’ve never lied to you and I won’t start now. Carole is a strong woman, she’s proved that often enough, but she’s going to need every ounce of that strength and all the love and care you, and your family, can give her. I’ve never seen anything so savage and it may be days, even weeks before she can speak, maybe about anything. It could well be months or even years before she can be a true wife to you again, maybe never.”

 

Adam sat up angrily, pulling away from the older man “Do you think I care about that? I just want her to get better. If I have to stay celibate for the rest of my life it doesn’t matter. Only Carole matters.”

 

Doc patted his arm, “I know Adam but it had to be said.” He got out a sedative “You need this as much, maybe more than Carole did. Will you take it?”

Adam shook his head “She might need me.” That settled things as far as he was concerned and he pulled his shirt and jacket back on before going back to join his wife. Ben was sitting by her bed, staring down at his daughter-in-law, tracing the signs of fear and exhaustion, the tension still so clear on her face even as she slept. For a moment he wasn’t even aware of Adam until his son pulled up a chair opposite and sat down, gently taking his wife’s hand in his. Even that slight touch upset her and she pulled away moaning softly. Ben saw the pain on his son’s face and looked over questioningly at Doc.

 

Doc jerked his head towards the corridor and the two men went out leaving Adam alone with Carole. Doc said “I can’t persuade him to rest, he says he has to think but he couldn’t even if he tried, he’s in shock and really needs to break down but there’s noway I can force that and I can’t even force him to take a sedative.”

 

“How badly is he hurt?”

 

“Could be a lot worse. He’s taken four bullets, one yesterday, three today. Two are in the upper left arm, one along the thigh and one along the right ribs. The earliest was the worse but even that’s only a flesh wound. The rest are just creases and young Joe dealt with them fairly smartly. He’s lost blood and with his general state of shock that doesn’t help. Try and force him to rest Ben, he can’t help Carole anyway, not yet.”

 

Ben nodded and went back in but Adam wasn’t even aware of his father and Ben realised it and left him for a few minutes wanting a drink and a few minutes to decide how best to reach his son. Adam didn’t even notice his father going out.

 

Downstairs Hoss and Joe were sitting on the hearthrug in the study, close together as though for comfort, but they hadn’t been speaking for a long time. Both were too tired and shaken to want food, although neither had eaten all day. They were glad of the warmth of coffee and brandy, Joe slowly told his brother how he’d had to knock Adam down to stop him going headlong into the cave when they heard Carole scream. He stared into the fire “I held him down forced him to sit there and listen while they…. Do you think he’ll ever be able to forgive me?”

 

“Hell Joe from what you said, if’n he’d barged in he’d just have got himself and Carole killed. You had to stop him. Near enough got himself killed anyway.”

 

“I know Hoss but I’ve never seen an expression like it. Cost him more pain than the worst injury he’s ever had. To listen and wait, knowing and now seeing what ….”

 

“He’ll not blame you Joe.” Hoss said with certainty “By my reckoning you did all anyone could. All we can do now is try and help, ‘cause this ain’t over yet, reckon the effects are gonna last a real long time.”

 

On that thought the two brothers fell silent, staring into the fire, both seeing the future and for once dreading it. Eventually Ben came in and went over to pour himself a drink. His sons looked up and Joe asked, “How are they?”

 

“Doc is going home. He’s done all he can. They’ll both live but just how bad Carole is, I guess we have to wait until she can talk.”

 

“Is Adam resting?”

 

“He’s sitting with her.”

 

Joe came to his feet at that, “Pa he’s ill, exhausted.”

 

“You don’t need to tell me that Joseph, but so far I haven’t been able to persuade him to rest, or even talk. I just wish he’d break down but….”

 

Hoss looked up, worry very clear on his face “Pa he’s out on his feet, can’t you force him.”

 

Ben looked at his sons, “I’m trying to think how Hoss, but he’s not the only one, you two both look terrible.”

 

“Have you looked in a mirror lately Pa?” Joe asked quietly.

 

“I know Joe and we have to plan. Adam and Carole are going to need help with the children, maybe for a long time. Some of us must be rested by morning.”

 

“Easy said Pa, we love her too.” Hoss murmured despairingly

 

Ben gripped his big son’s shoulder, “Hoss, it won’t help for you to be ill again. You’re exhausted.”

 

“Adam’s the important one.” Hoss insisted.

 

Joe added, “I don’t think he’ll rest until he breaks down.”

 

Ben could only agree but as he said “I can’t force him to do that Joe but maybe I can force him to rest. Doc’s left a strong sedative. Hoss I know how you feel, but get to bed. Maybe a dose of laudanum wouldn’t do you any harm.”

 

Hoss accepted Joe’s help to get back to his feet “Guess maybe I will Pa. I keep seeing Adam’s face and I’m scared we’re all gonna have all too much time to try and help.”

 

Ben sighed heavily knowing that his big son was right but for now he concentrated on practicalities. “Come on Hoss I’ll give you a hand upstairs. Joseph will you get some warm milk please.”

 

Ben helped Hoss undress and get into a spare bed and then poured him a dose of laudanum; at least one of his sons would get some rest. Then he went into the children’s room to find SueEllen had made herself up a bed with Hop Sing’s help. All three children were sleeping peacefully but she was still awake. She sat up, pulling a blanket round her “How is she?”

 

Ben sat down heavily “Thank you for staying SueEllen. For public consumption Carole has been badly beaten but she’s also been savagely raped. Physically she’ll recover but what effect it’ll have on her, only time will tell. At least she’s alive.”

 

“Anything I can do Mr Cartwright, please ask.”

“We will Sue and thank you. Hoss is sleeping, he’s not well enough yet to miss sleep, especially with the tension and worry of the last two days.”

 

“I’m glad. How about Adam?”

 

“I’m just going to try and force him to rest now. You get some sleep too. Have you everything that you need?”

 

“Yes thank you.”

 

Ben nodded he knew he ought to try and say just how grateful they were for her help, but for now he couldn’t find the words, badly shaken himself. Joe was waiting for him with a glass of milk and Ben poured the sedative into it. “Come on Joe, you can stay with her while I get him to bed.”

 

The two men went in to join Adam and Carole to find Adam sitting, staring down at her. He was not thinking at all clearly and he was swaying slightly as he sat and trembling uncontrollably. Joe looked horrified and moved swiftly behind his brother, gripping his shoulders. Adam lent back against his brother, so cold, he was glad of Joe’s warmth. Ben knelt down by his son and took Adam’s hand. “You’re frozen at least drink this warm milk.”

 

“I don’t want.”  Adam protested, scared that it would make him sick but Ben wouldn’t accept it. 

 

“Adam you are making yourself ill, that doesn’t help Carole. You must rest. You’re not thinking straight so let us think for you.” Ben held the milk to his son’s mouth and Joe gently wiped his forehead, “Drink it Adam.” It was easier to give in and do as they asked and Adam slowly sipped the warm milk. The sedative didn’t take long to effect him and he made no protest as his father and brother helped him into the next room. As settled down on the bed, Ben promised “One of us will stay with her, you just try and rest.”

 

Adam focused on him with an effort “You drugged me Pa.”

 

“I had to Adam for both your sakes.” Ben pulled the blankets tightly round his son. “Someone will be here if you want anything, try and sleep.”

 

Ben went back in to find Joe tucking the blankets more tightly round Carole and he gripped Joe’s shoulder “Joseph I know how tired you are. Go and get some rest. If you take the other bed in with Adam, you’ll be there if he needs anything.”

 

“How about you Pa?”

 

“I promised that one of us would stay with Carole. I’ll call you about two, change over.”

 

Joe nodded, he was worn out, watching his brother’s anguish unable to help and so scared for his sister. It had been one of the longest night he’d ever known. For nearly two hours Ben sat quietly by Carole. He had checked once and all three of his sons were resting. He cursed the two men who had done this and prayed for Carole’s recovery, thanking God for her survival but still asking for more, her full recovery, keeping calm by trusting in God’s infinite charity. She was sleeping very deeply and Ben dozed off by her bedside. He was awake instantly as his youngest son came in looking very worried. Ben joined him over at the door “What’s wrong?”

 

“It’s Adam, having a nightmare I guess, I can’t wake him up but he’s moaning and crying. In his sleep, great sobs.”

 

Ben went in with Joe to find Adam’s pillow wet with tears, sobs wracking his son’s body, but even so Adam was apparently fast asleep. Ben sat down to hold Adam trying to calm him with the familiar touch. “I wanted him to breakdown, even like this maybe it helps. Get a clean pillow Joe.” Ben talked softly to his son rubbing his back in circles as he had with the young child so many years earlier, telling him that everything was under control, everyone safe.” Joe wiped his brother’s face and settled him onto a clean pillow, “He’s running a temperature Pa.”

 

“Not surprising Joseph. Try not to worry Adam is strong, he’ll put all this behind him in time, even if he never forgets.”

 

“I don’t think I could get back to sleep Pa. I’ll stay with Carole.”

 

Ben nodded “Alright son, but don’t underestimate her, she’s a remarkable woman as we’ve said before.”

 

Joe was still sitting by Carole when his brother came in just before dawn. The enforced rest didn’t seem to have helped much, but at least Adam was no longer trembling over the shock of his wounds and events. Joe looked up “She hasn’t stirred all night.”

 

“I’ll stay now. Go and get some rest Joe.” “I had some earlier. Do you want coffee, something to eat?”

 

“Just coffee, if you’re getting.”

 

“You haven’t eaten for two days.” Joe pushed gently but he was totally ignored as all Adam’s attention was on his wife. Adam sat down by her, not touching his wife, remembering how she’d flinched away from him. He could think now and knew that he might have to face months of that before she could even bear his touch and that he would have to fight down the urge to take her in his arms and comfort her. He had to make it clear that he wanted to but only when she was ready. He thought of the men, who’d done it, glad that they were dead and yet ashamed of his urge to kill. Never before had he felt it so strongly, except maybe for that instant when Addison had told him that Carole was dead. He thought of the possible unborn child whom he had already planned and arranged to kill for Carole’s sake and maybe for his own. He hated himself, blaming himself for letting it happen and tormented by his memories, the screams he’d had to listen to, the sight of his beloved wife’s abused body; confused and in pain slightly feverish Adam tried to sort out his own thoughts and feelings. He needed to be in the best position to help Carole when she finally awoke.

 

Joe brought coffee and Adam sipped it grateful for the warmth. Then hearing a child cry he left Joe with Carole for a minute and went to his sons. Mark was crying and Sue was about to lift him from his bed when Adam appeared. Hardly even taking in who was there, Adam said, “I’ll take him.” He picked up the little boy and held him close, ignoring the pain in his left arm as Mark’s weight came on it. Mark stopped crying as his father held him and snuggling close asked for Mummy. Adam’s voice was gentle but there was pain in his eyes as he explained that Mummy was still asleep, because she wasn’t feeling very well.

 

“Like Uncle Hoss?”

 

“Just like that, she’ll be better soon, but for a day or two you’ll have to put up with one of us, let Mummy rest.”

 

“Can I see her, show her my arm?”

 

Adam bit his lip trying to ensure his voice was under control. “Maybe later if she feels better. I haven’t seen your smart new plaster. Did Doc do it for you?” Slowly Adam distracted the little boy and Mark began prattling away. Only then did Adam look over to Sue as she fed Marie, suddenly puzzled by her presence. Sue smiled “Hoss asked me to come out and help with the children, the day before yesterday. I am a nurse. They were very good all day, seem to accept me. Doc has notified the hospital and I can stay as long as you need help.” Adam nodded, he’d take all the help he could get and almost to himself he said “Just like Hoss, a heart as big as you are Sue Riley.”

 

She blushed but as David began climbing on his father she remembered that Adam had been hurt. “Gently David, your father is….”

 

Adam shook his head, “Let him come, it’s been hard on them too.” Adam buried his face against his sons’ soft hair, at least some parts of his world were intact, and they were reassuringly normal. He stayed for ten minutes until Marie was fed and changed and then put the twins down. 

“I’ll see you later but you do as Sue tells you.”

 

“I’ll get them dressed and fed, don’t worry.”

 

“I won’t, bless you.” Adam kissed her cheek and went back to his wife where he didn’t even dare do that. Joe had been about to call him, Carole was restless. “Do you want me to stay Adam?”

 

“No I’d rather be on my own.”

 

“We’ll be downstairs, just call if you need anything.” Joe hesitated but there was noway he could help Adam and he left his brother alone as he’d asked. Five minutes later Carole opened her eyes, sore and tired, at first she couldn’t remember anything. Adam made no attempt to touch her just speaking quietly, “You’re home safely my darling, in your own bed, everything is going to be alright,”

 

She stared at him, puzzled by the pain and strain on his face and then slowly memory filtered in, 

 

“Mark?”

 

“He’s fine darling, eager to come and show you his smart plaster arm. It’s already getting dirty.”

 

She flinched away from him, remembering the men, what had happened and terror flared in her eyes. Adam said “Easy my love. They are both dead and you’re safe. I love you Carole, I’d give the world to have stopped what happened but its over, you’re home safe and I love you.”

She didn’t seem to hear him and as memory came back, she began to scream. Screams she’d tried to control not to give them satisfaction but which would no longer be gainsaid. As she threw herself about the bed Adam moved instinctively to hold her still but as he touched her, she flinched away as though a red-hot poker had touched her and her screams redoubled. Adam knew that nothing he was saying was getting through and he didn’t know what to do. Slowly he was aware of Ben, Hoss and Joe by him but it was Sue who took control. “Did Doc leave any sedative, Mr Cartwright?”

 

Ben nodded and hurried over to the table for it and a glass. He poured it out and Sue held Carole still and forced it expertly down her throat. Slowly Carol’s screams became more muted and Sue looked up, “She’ll sleep for a while. Try not to worry too much, she’ll probably be a lot better for getting it out of her system, next time she wakes up, she’ll probably be more rational.”

 

Ben nodded but he was sure her words hadn’t penetrated to Adam. At each scream Adam had flinched as though at intense physical pain and his son was white to his lips. He signalled Hoss over and told him to take his brother downstairs. Hoss picked Adam up and ignoring his protests carried his eldest brother down to his study. Sue tried to reassure them again and promised to stay with Carole, Marie was asleep and Hop Sing was looking after the twins. As Ben got to his feet looking twenty years older than normal, Sue gently gripped his arm, “This was inevitable Mr Cartwright, try not to worry and try to convince Adam that it doesn’t mean anything, just a release of tension.”

 

“Thank you Sue. Come on Joseph.”

 

 Hoss had put Adam down in his chair and then poured him a large brandy and forced his brother to drink a little. Then Adam had buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down his cheeks as his worst fears seemed to be realised. He was so scared that the ordeal had cost Carole her sanity and he knew that there were no facilities or help for the mentally ill and he was unable to help, his very touch making her worse.

 

His family gathered by him and Ben pulled a chair close and took his son’s hands, but Adam wouldn’t look at him, not even wanting his family to see his utter despair. Ben gently rubbed his son’s hands feeling the cold emanating from him. “Adam listen to me, I have never lied to you and I am not now. It is too early to say how badly Carole is affected. That ordeal was bound to take its toll, her nerves have been stretched past breaking point and there had to be a reaction. Just like your’s. We’ll help her and she’ll recover. I don’t know how long but you can do it and we’ll help.”

 

“I…I can’t even hold her hand.” Adam fought for control but his youngest brother sat on the arm of the chair and put his arm round Adam’s shoulders, “Don’t fight it brother. Let it go. Carole needed to break down and so do you.”

 

Adam pulled away from his father burying his face in his hands again and Ben put a hand gently on his hair “Joe’s right Son.”

 

Adam shook his father off and went over to the window, staring out unseeingly trying to wipe the tears from his eyes, leaving Ben and Joe looking at each other, both wanting to help but not knowing how. Hoss couldn’t take the tension he could see in his brother any longer and he went over to Adam and pulled him close, “For God’s sake stop being so damned stubborn. You’ve been living in hell and you’re gonna stay there a while yet. Let go for once in your life.” Adam tried to pull away but Hoss wasn’t having it and feeling his brother’s warm strength envelop him, Adam finally gave in and turning to Hoss he sobbed out some of his pain and fear on his brother’s shoulder. Feeling his brother’s weakness Hoss gently led him to a chair, but even then he stayed close his arm round Adam. Ben and Joe were relieved to see it; Hoss had finally managed what they had been trying to do and broken through Adam’s shell. It was fully five minutes before Adam’s sobs eased and Joe moved forward to hand his brother a clean handkerchief. Even then it was another ten minutes before Adam lifted his head and seeing the compassion on his family’s faces he smiled faintly, “I guess you were all right. I needed that and maybe Carole needed to scream. I could do with some coffee Joe.”

 

Joe nodded and hurried out. Adam watched him go “I owe Joe a great deal. He was thinking out there when I couldn’t.” He fingered the bruise on his jaw where Joe had hit him. “I’d have got all of us killed.” Slowly as though a dam had burst Adam began to talk, disjointed, jumping about in time, just a little of his fears how he had tried to find her, how much he had lent on his brothers. Slowly he relaxed a little and found some measure of control as he talked and an hour later Ben was even able to persuade him to eat a light meal before he returned to Carole. Joe joined his brother but managed even less than Adam and Ben insisted that Joe go and get some sleep, he’d had very little.

 

Hoss had joined Sue while his brothers ate and told her that Adam was a bit better for talking. He asked her what she really though but Sue shook her head. “I don’t know her, can’t tell how she’ll react. She’s got one thing going for her, a husband who worships her.”

 

“He does that.”

 

“Its very obvious Hoss, if anything can help that will.”

 

Hoss put his arm round her and she relaxed against him. Hoss was more grateful than he could say, for the way she’d tried to help his brother, and the efficient way she’d taken control of Carole when her screaming threatened to drive Adam into collapse. 

 

Adam came back up and tried to thank Sue but she pushed off the thanks, she was a nurse, it was what she was trained for. Adam accepted that but said “Even nurses aren’t on duty all the time. Pa has the children and I can manage now. Hoss why don’t you take her out for a ride or something, you’ve both earnt a break.”

 

“You’ll be okay on your own?” Hoss queried and Adam gripped his hand momentarily, “I will now big brother, thanks to you. Feel much better.”

 

Hoss could see that ad he nodded and led Sue out, leaving Adam alone with his wife. Adam picked up his bible, which his father had been reading the previous night and forced himself to read it as he sat by Carole, praying for her and slowly thinking more clearly. It was an hour before she stirred again and he put the bible down and smiled at her. “Easy my sweet, just try and relax. I love you.”

 

Carole bit her lip; memories all too vivid, Adam poured her out some coffee which Ben had brought in some ten minutes earlier. He only half filled the cup and very carefully lifted her head, his hand under her pillow so that he didn’t actually touch her as he fed her the coffee.  Carole didn’t want to talk but listened as Adam tried to reassure her that everything would be alright, that he loved her so very much. Still very dopey from the sedative she was on the verge of dozing off again but she forced her eyes open for the one question she had to ask. “Adam you were hit, are you alright?” For the first time she touched his arm, very tentatively but of her own accord, Adam covered her hand and to his infinite relief she didn’t flinch away. “Nothing serious my love. The important thing is you’re safe and I love you so very much.”

 

Carole felt unclean, as though she’d shamed him. Somehow she should have fought harder and she couldn’t talk, even to Adam and drew away from him again. Seeing the pity and compassion in his eyes, even the pain but somehow not aware of the love, despite his words. Feeling that he couldn’t want those men’s leavings, she misinterpreted Adam’s hesitation in touching her and turned away not wanting to look at him, tried to lose herself in sleep again.

 

Adam was very relieved to see sanity back in her eyes and scared to push her, fought against the urge to take her in his arms, not realising how she was misunderstanding his failure to do so. He sat by her until she slept and then called his father to take over while he spent a little time with his children. Ben was pleased to see him, much calmer and Adam told him briefly how much more like herself she had been. He was confident now that he would find a way to help her put this behind them, even if it did take time

 

At least in front of his family Adam maintained the confident front; but by evening as Carole accepted the minimum ministrations from him, barely ate and wouldn’t talk, not even wanting to see her children, he was scared it would take a very long time. Doc had said to get her to talk about it but Adam couldn’t, not yet. He had enough trouble getting a simple yes or no out of her and the only time he had tried to take her hand he’d been rebuffed. She had allowed him to feed her a little but then turned away. Adam found a little peace with his children who seemed singularly unmarked by their ordeal and it wasn’t until they were in bed that he sank back into his own dark thoughts. Ben was sitting with Carole and Hoss was with Sue, so Joe was left with his brother. Joe asked quietly “Do you want to talk?”

 

Adam sighed heavily. “I’m alright Joe. Thanks to you I have a lot to be grateful for. She’s alive and physically she’ll recover and at least she’s still sane.”

 

“Its bound to take time.”

 

“I know but its so hard not to be able to put my arms round her. I want to comfort her and all I have is words and what can I say?” Adam near exhaustion again shivered.

 

Joe didn’t know how to help and suggested “Why don’t you get some rest?”

 

“Might as well. She prefers Sue to any of us. Rests much easier with Pa than when I’m there.” 

 

Joe heard the note of bitterness in Adam’s voice, understanding his utter helplessness, as his beloved wife preferred a stranger to nurse her. “Maybe it’s natural Adam, another woman.”

 

“I know Joe. I can understand. I don’t blame her, but it doesn’t make it any easier.” 

 

Adam wanted to be alone and went up to a bed in one of the spare rooms but slept very little. 

From just after 2 a.m. he sat with Carole as she slept. At least while she did so his presence didn’t disturb her.

 

The next day was no better. Its only bright spot for Adam was Carole’s desire to see the children but she still drew away from him, preferring other people to tend her, especially Sue. Adam made no comment but unable to sleep or eat, he grew increasingly drawn, the skin on his face taut, black smudges under his eyes. He did whatever Carole would permit; forced himself to play with the children and spent hours staring unseeingly, either into the fire or out the window. He wouldn’t talk and Ben couldn’t force him. Ben, Hoss and Joe all stayed at Adam’s house along with Hop Sing and Sue, helping where they could but there was little anyone could do apart from look after the children. Sue had about given up the children and spent her time nursing Carole but even she couldn’t get Carole to talk. She could only report that physically Carole was recovering well. Ben knew the same didn’t apply to his son, under continuing strain Adam was weakening, his wounds showing little sign of healing. He was feverish every evening and Ben knew that he was barely sleeping and only forcing a little food down under protest. 

 

Four days later Doc came back to check and pleased with Carole’s physical recovery he told her that she could get up. Then he insisted on checking Adam over, shocked by how ill he looked. Adam allowed him to redress his wounds but then got dressed again, totally ignoring Doc’s advice to rest in bed for a couple of days. Doc tried lecturing him about eating and sleeping properly but was well aware that Adam hadn’t heard a word so he went in search of Ben. Despite Adam’s marriage Doc was well aware that Ben could still occasionally get his own way with his son.

 

Ben was in the study with Joe, making a half-hearted effort to plan the work for the next part of the year, when Doc came in frowning. “That boy of yours is going to collapse unless you talk some sense into him.”

 

Ben and Joe looked at each other and Joe said, “Easier said than done. What he needs is for Carole to accept his help, She’ll turn to any of us before him and its eating him alive.”

 

Ben said, “I’ll try and talk to him. How is Carole?”

 

“Much better physically. Mentally I don’t know. She still needs to talk, I tried without success and SueEllen has tried. Still it’s early days and if its any consolation she could be a lot worse. Its bound to take time.”

 

Ben did try to talk to Adam but couldn’t flatter himself that Adam had even heard what he said, but he did manage to persuade Adam to join his family for dinner. Sue was with Carole in her room and hoped to bring her down after the meal. Adam was just pushing the food around on his plate and despite Ben’s protests left it. “I’m not hungry Pa. Please don’t fuss, I’m not a child.”

Adam went over to the window to stare blankly out and Ben looked at his other sons unsure how to help. Hoss and Joe both shrugged, wanting to help but not knowing how.

 

Ten minutes later Carole came down with Sue. Adam moved over to help her down but she turned to Sue and lent on the tall redhead, ignoring her husband. Adam watched her go over to the fire, his eyes blurred with unshed tears, but as Joe touched his arm in mute sympathy, he blinked hard and went over to sit near her. He took care not to touch her, forcing himself to talk normally to her, but she wouldn’t answer him, concentrating on the children. After a while Adam got up and went through almost blindly into the study. Ben followed his son in but Adam wouldn’t face him, pouring out a large brandy. He downed it in one and refilled his glass unable to face the present anymore. He just wanted to forget and maybe the brandy would help. Ben went over, “That won’t help Adam.”

 

“I’ve tried everything else I know, maybe nothing can help.” Adam rubbed his eyes “I’m sorry Pa, I don’t feel too special.”

 

“Understatement of the year! Doc warned it would take time.”

 

“I know. I guess I didn’t realise how much it would hurt. She won’t even let me near her, not even to talk. I don’t know how much more I can take Pa.” Adam looked at his father, the anguish clear in his eyes and Ben moved to him and held his son close. “You’ll take it because you love her. God will give you the strength but he needs some help. You’ve hardly eaten and I know you aren’t sleeping. At least take some laudanum, get some rest.”

 

“If only I could hold her ….”

 

“The only thing that can help is time.” Ben felt his son shiver but slowly Adam got a grip on himself. Determined not to upset Carole or the children, he forced himself to go back and try to be natural. 

 

Carole was tormented by memories, unable to talk to anyone, sure that Adam no longer wanted her and she couldn’t bear that and tried to avoid him and the continual reminders. Not sleeping much she had too many hours to think, scared she had lost him and she had begun to wish those men had just killed her.

 

Sue watched Adam grow weaker and knew from the little Hoss had said that he was desperately worried about his brother. Day by day Carole clung more to her, the only other woman, but she wouldn’t talk about what had happened or her husband, not even seeming to see how ill he looked. Although Sue had to admit he did a remarkable job of covering up when his wife was around. All four men were infinitely gentle with Carole, letting her take the lead in what she was prepared to say and do but Sue was slowly beginning to doubt if that was the best way. A virgin herself she had little to guide her but she had learnt what love was about, admitting to herself that she was very much in love with Hoss, although unsure of his feelings. The care and affection he gave her was more than she’d ever known and if that was all he wanted then she’d settle for it, convinced that she was no prize. Loving one brother and watching Adam with his children and his family, seeing the way he looked at Carole, she wanted desperately to help. She had hinted to Hoss that maybe Carole should be helped to face facts but he’d been horrified at the mere idea, Carole had had enough. Sue was rapidly coming to the conclusion that Carole was strong enough to take a bit of pushing and that it was Adam who’d had more than enough.

 

Adam knew that he couldn’t carry on the way he was going, he had found himself snapping at David as the little boy ran through the room playing and despite David quickly forgetting after a cuddle with his father, Adam didn’t. It was hard enough anyway on the children with their mother so unlike her normal self, without their father losing his temper over nothing. In desperation he accepted a sleeping draught and went slowly up to bed soon after Carole went up. Adam went in to check that she was alright and stood staring down at her at least Carole was sleeping peacefully. He stood watching her for over an hour praying that she would come back to him eventually and then went through to the spare room and took the sleeping draught, welcoming oblivion for at least a few hours. Even with the drug he was very restless his arm painful and he didn’t gain much from his sleep.

 

Downstairs the other three Cartwrights agreed with Sue that Adam had taken more than enough. They knew that he was about at the end of his tether and yet there was no way to help him. They talked round in circles for more than an hour but apart from confirming their individual fears it didn’t help. Noone could see a way forwards and they began to dread the days ahead.

 

The following morning, a week after the kidnapping, Sue went in to join Carole to see if she was coming down to breakfast or wanted a tray. Carole hesitated and then asked if Adam was up. Hearing that he was downstairs she opted for a tray, despite being already dressed. As though that crystallised her thoughts Sue sat down on the bed, “Why are you avoiding him, he’s your husband.”

 

There was no answer and Carole turned away but Sue wouldn’t let her and forced the smaller woman to look at her. “Can’t you see what you’re doing to him? I know you had a terrible ordeal but he only wants to help, he won’t ever touch you until you want him to. Surely you can see that, he’s your husband. You must know him well enough to trust him.”

 

Carole said in sudden anguish “He doesn’t want to touch me, I’m dirty defiled.”

 

Sue shocked said, “You can’t believe that. He just doesn’t want to upset you; every instinct in him is to take hold of you. I hardly know him but I can see it, you can’t be that blind. He doesn’t care what those men did; he’s just scared of hurting you. He’s making himself ill because he loves you and you turn away from him.”

 

Carole frowned, but for the first time a spark of hope lit her eyes. “Do you really think so?”

 

Sue shook her head at the pair of them but, her mind made up, she ordered Carole to stay put. She hurried downstairs where Adam was at breakfast with his father and brothers, although he was just sipping coffee unable to face food. Sue pulled out a chair next to him, “Adam I know I’m an outsider here but do you realise that your wife is eating her heart out because you won’t take her in your arms, scared that you don’t want her.”

 

Adam looked at her blankly and Sue smiled “She just said so, about in tears. Go to her.”

 

Adam didn’t need anymore and he took the stairs three at a time, leaving Sue at the table looking guilty but self-satisfied. Adam went in and seeing Carole sitting on the bed, he held out his arms “Darling?”

 

Carole almost threw herself into them, “I’ve been such a fool.” She sobbed on his shoulder and felt his hot tears on her arm. They clung together, incoherent for while, both admitting the mistakes they’d made. Adam wished he’d followed his instincts and ignored Doc’s advice but it had seemed to make sense at the time, given her initial reactions. Slowly over the next two hours Carole told Adam what had happened and he told her a little of how he had found her. She cuddled close to him, relaxing as she realised what she should have known all along that Adam was just so very sorry she’d had the pain but he loved her as much as ever. She couldn’t imagine how she could have been so foolish. She asked him the thing that had been worrying her, suppose she’d conceived? Adam was able to reassure her that if there was even a suspicion it would be dealt with. 

 

Eventually Adam brought water and washed Carole’s face and then his own and more relaxed than he’d been since the events at the canyon, he put his arm round her and led her downstairs.

He looked so much better despite the pain of his wounds and lack of food and sleep that his family all grinned broadly as the pair appeared. Adam went over to Sue, “How do I thank you Sue? God knows how long the pair of us would have gone on being blind without your help.”

 

“No thanks needed. You might both try eating though and then you won’t need a nurse.”

 

“Fed up with us already? “ Hoss asked lightly

 

“You know I’m not.” Sue said instantly and then blushed as she realised how it sounded, “Just want them to recover.”

 

“Oh we will.” Adam said with certainty “Those two evil men have already caused far more trouble than they were worth. We won’t let it last, will we Carole?”

 

She snuggled closer to him but even so she knew it would be a while before she could join him in bed with real joy. Adam didn’t care about that, not for now, it was enough to be able to hold her close and know that she was there willingly and that he could help to dispel the black memories.

 

By lunchtime lack of sleep and food,, and the pain and worry he’d lived with for the last week were catching up with Adam. He couldn’t manage much food even though so much happier with Carole more herself and sitting down to check some documents he fell asleep in the chair. Carole stood staring down at him for a long time, only now really seeing how ill her husband looked. Hoss had taken Sue out for a ride, Joe was playing with the twins and Marie was asleep so she turned to Ben “Pa can I talk to you?”

 

Ben nodded “Of course. Let’s go through into the study. Joe?”

 

“I won’t let them wake him.”

 

Ben opened the door and let Carole go through. She sat down and stared into the fire “I haven’t been fair to him these last few days, I hadn’t realised how hard it was on him. How badly is he hurt?”

 

“Noone expected you to be particularly rational after such an experience.”

 

“I should have trusted him more, I can’t imagine how I was so stupid.”

 

Ben went over to her and gripped her hands, “Don’t compound it Carole by falling into self-blame. It’s over; you have to put it behind you. Maybe Adam should have followed his instincts.”

 

“That’s what I couldn’t understand Pa. Whenever anything had gone wrong, he’s always been there to comfort me, to hold me close but he didn’t even touch me and I thought he didn’t want me any more.” She looked up her eyes full of tears.

 

Ben patted her hand, “I can understand that, so does Adam but look at it from his point of view for a minute. That first night when you were sleeping he took your hand and I guess you didn’t recognise his touch, pulled away as though you’d been scalded. Then the next morning you were hysterical and his touch seemed to make it far worse.”

 

“I didn’t mean it,”

 

“Adam knew that but he was scared of upsetting you. Its past, you were bound to have some reaction.”

 

“And Adam?”

 

“Hoss finally broke through his control and he broke down too, looked much better for it,”

 

“He looks so ill Pa. I hadn’t even noticed until Sue said.”

 

“You should know my son by now, he’s a good actor and did a pretty good job of disguising it while you were around. You ought to be used to him. Now he’s relaxed and it’s catching up on him. He hasn’t been eating or sleeping much.”

 

“But how badly was he hurt?”

 

“Nothing serious. He took four bullets, a scratch on his thigh slightly deeper one on his right ribs and two in his left arm. One as they initially moved in on the gang and the second across it at Frenchman’s cave.  None really deep, bones untouched, I shall have to redress them later, why not help me, see for yourself, I’m sure it would please Adam.”

 

Carole nodded slowly, “If they are really so slight why…”

 

“Because he’s been so worried about you. They aren’t showing much sign of healing and with lack of food and sleep he hasn’t made up the blood he lost. He’ll be fine in a couple of days now, just needed to relax..”

 

“My fault I should have seen.”

 

“Hush child, you went through hell, we all know that. It was bound to take time to come back to normal. Now don’t worry him again by blaming yourself, that won’t help either of you.”

 

Carole relaxed slightly, glad of her father-in-law’s understanding, She joined him later as he saw to Adam’s wounds and found he was right, nothing too serious. Tired she opted for an early night and Adam went up with her. “Darling don’t lets have anymore misunderstandings. I’ll join you back in our bed just as soon as you want but I won’t mind if it takes a while. When you’re ready and similarly when I do come back I promise I won’t make love to you until you want me. It’s enough to be able to hold you in my arms, heaven after these last few days. If that’s it forever more, then I’m more than content as long as I have you, because you mean more than anything else in the world to me.” Adam held her hands and now she couldn’t miss the love so intense in his beautiful hazel eyes and she wondered how she could have been so blind. Carole’s first instinct was to tell him to join her in bed that night and make her want him. But she hesitated knowing however much she loved the feel of his arms round her while awake, that three-quarters asleep his touch might still drive her into hysterics, tormented as she was by nightmares. Adam smiled “Don’t rush it darling, I’m pretty restless with this arm, it’s rather sore. We have our whole lives ahead of us, give yourself time.”

 

“You don’t mind?”

 

“I want whatever is best for you darling. You are so wonderful to be as well as you are after what happened. I should have made sure you were safe.” Carole put her finger on his lips “No Adam don’t blame yourself, there’s noway you could have known. Then I won’t blame myself for the way I’ve avoided you. Deal?”

 

Adam pulled her close and so very gently kissed her lips; every fibre of his being proclaiming his love for her. He tucked her up in bed and went back to his bed next door to fall into bed himself for the first decent night’s sleep he’d had since she was taken.

 

The next morning to all his family’s relief Adam looked much better, far more relaxed, and Carole came down to join him, sitting close to her husband and looking like herself. For the first time all of the Cartwrights relaxed and finally believed that this, like so many other things, could be put behind them and life could go on. Hoss wasn’t the only one who sought Sue out to thank her as they finally came to believe that they could start planning to celebrate Christmas with so much to be grateful for. Maybe a lot to mourn and try to forget, but they had survived, and the future looked good again.