Summary: Adam finally has to make Dinah happy while the rest of his family get increasingly worried about his behaviour and Hearst makes his first overt move.
Rating:  R/Mature (31,185 words)

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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

Family Rows

Hearst’s deadline loomed over Adam and he knew he couldn’t put things off any longer but he managed to push that to the back of his mind and retreat into the sanity of the law. He spent several hours working in Dick’s room, and then collected a buggy and went to pick Dinah up. He drove her out into the hills, taking care to keep well away from anywhere they might meet up with his family. He had collected a picnic and they found a spot by a small pond where Adam showed her how to fish before they ate. Dinah had never tried it before and was delighted as she caught three trout. Adam expertly gutted them and lighting a fire he cooked them on a stick. Dinah had never known anything quite like it and pronounced the fish delicious, far more so than the fancy French pastries and champagne provided by the hotel. Adam relaxed a little, enjoying showing her some of the wild world that was his home and forgetting what he had planned for later. Dinah found him very different, relaxed in his own environment. She liked him even more but it reminded her that this man was not at all like those she was used to and that she had to take great care if she was to control him.

Both were slightly loathe to leave the pool but eventually Adam began packing up, it would be dark before they reached town as it was. Dinah laughed, “I’m sure you’re not afraid of the dark!”

 

“No, but neither do I take unnecessary risks. It’s still a wild land Di. Indians, men who live by the gun. Often they prefer the cover of darkness to cover their nefarious plans. I’ve been a target too often to ignore the risk.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Adam shrugged, “I’ve been robbed, kidnapped for ransom. It happens.”

 

“No to anyone I’ve ever known.”

 

“England is civilized, at least the parts you frequent. Nevada isn’t not yet. It’s getting better but we still wear guns as a matter of course.”

 

Dinah had found that hard to accept at first but with most of the men in town wearing guns it had quickly become almost normal. Now she looked at Adam’s gun on his hip as though she hadn’t seen it before. She had been warned about the clever lawyer and engineer, but noone had said anything about his fighting abilities. She asked “Are you any good with that?”

 

Adam smiled, a trifle ruefully, “Passable.”

 

“Show me.”

 

He laughed “What? Fast draw or marksmanship?”

 

“You can shoot?” she asked worriedly, expecting that as the owner of a large ranch he would pay other men to do his fighting for him.  Adam smiled “You aren’t in any danger. I’ve won the trophy for marksmanship in town a couple of times.” He looked around and then pointed to a cluster of bright berries on a branch some fifty yards away. “See those berries?” She nodded and to her amazement Adam drew and fired, seemingly without taking aim and so fast that the berries were falling and Adam’s gun was back in his holster before she’d really seen it move.

 

Dinah turned to him, her eyes glowing, “That was fantastic, can you do it every time?”

 

“Yeah. We have a large ranch and at times we have had to fight for it. I used to have a reputation as a fast gun, still have I guess, but noone has tried to force a fight on me because of it recently.”

 

She stared at him in near disbelief “You mean they have before?”

 

Adam smiled, “It’s happened. I did warn you that Nevada wasn’t civilized. Come on let’s go back and don’t worry nothing will happen.” He firmly changed the subject and drove her back to town. He paid a small urchin to take the buggy back and led the way up to her room. Still in his normal working clothes, she was very conscious of his gun and he somehow seemed to loom larger, take up more of the room than he had done in his evening clothes. Adam tentatively suggested going to change but she wouldn’t have it. They weren’t going out and she liked him as he was a real man, unlike the playboys she was used to.

 

Adam did take his gunbelt off as he invariably did at home and Dinah asked to try the gun. Adam unloaded it first, not risking any accidents and then passed it over to her. She was very surprised at the weight of the gun but liked the feel of cold metal. “Will you teach me to shoot this?”

 

Adam was surprised but agreed willingly enough, “Sure but not with my gun, we’ll find a lighter one, better suited for a lady, at the gunsmiths.”

 

Dinah was thrilled with the idea and hugged him with the abandonment of a child. As she put her face up to be kissed there was nothing childish about the kiss. Adam held her close and decided that there was no time like the present and before he could give into any doubts he picked her up bodily and carried her through to her bed. Dinah made no protests as he began to undress her, she was no hypocrite and she’d made it very obvious on previous nights that this was what she wanted.

 

Adam moved slowly caressing her body with his hands and his lips, cutting himself off from his actions, determined not to think. It was almost like a replay of years long ago when he had been the lover of several different women, a gentle kind lover who tried his best to satisfy them, not just himself. By the time he had stripped her naked, Dinah was thoroughly aroused and as she kissed him she pressed her body against his. Adam swiftly took his own clothes off and by cutting himself off from all he loved his body responded to her. Adam took her on the bed, gently at first and then as she became more demanding his body responded and he moved faster and harder against her. As she climaxed he let himself go and she almost purred as she settled next to him but for Dinah that was just the start. Adam’s fears of impotence became irrelevant over the next few hours as Dinah demonstrated her many tricks and wiles, Adam had never known anyone quite like her as she used her mouth, her hands, her whole body to arouse him again and again. He cut himself off totally from all that made him, forgetting wife,  children and family, he let himself become no more than an animal with desires to be satisfied. Eventually an unknown time later she lay back satiated, “You are a wonderful lover. I knew you would be.”

 

Adam held her close trying not to think, just to allow his bodily satisfaction to permeate his being, to reach and reassure her. He had intended spending the night but he knew he had to get away. For a while he just held her close, murmuring all the things lovers were supposed to say, his undying love, his inability to live without her, but his real self seemed to hover over the naked bodies in the bed and was warning him to get away. It was nearly 2 a.m. When Adam eventually pulled away, “I wish I could stay but I must go.”

 

 “Why?” she demanded, “Do you care that much about town gossips? I don’t care.”

 

“No, neither do I. They have been thinking the worst all week and I don’t give a damm. You’re the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I do care about my family. They’ll accept us in time. You make me happy and that’s all they’ve ever wanted but I have an appointment at the Mint in Carson City at 8 a.m. They’ll expect me to be there and I won’t let them down. I’ll be back this evening, if you want me?”

 

She reached for him again caressing his genitals, “You know I want you Adam.” She lent over and kissed him and then slithered down his body to lick and suck his penis and testicles, “You can stay a little longer.”

 

Adam found his body rising to her again and he pulled her up on top of him. His body luxuriating in the sexual intercourse even as his mind tried to disown it. He didn’t know how long it was before he climaxed again but as he rolled away, he got up and went to wash and dress, not daring to remain in close proximity to her.

 

Dinah laid back, warm and satisfied, close to purring like a cat as she watched him dress. It was a long time since she had found a lover who satisfied her so completely. Adam had his back to her as he dressed and he’d gained some measure of control. He came back over and kissed her gently, “You’re quite a woman Dinah!”

 

“Come back soon.”

 

“This evening I promise. We have all the time in the world.” He kissed her again and then went out as though he hadn’t a care in the world. He kept up the act until he’d collected Blackie and was well out of town. Then he had to pull off the road and disappearing into the bushes he was violently sick. It was nearly half an hour later before totally drained he returned to his horse. He had intended to head straight for Carson but he had to talk to someone and he turned Blackie north. The only person he could conceivably talk to was Jess and without help he wasn’t at all sure that he could go on.

 

Adam pushed Blackie quite hard and was at Jess’ soon after 4 a.m. he tied the black stallion back up in the trees and slipped into the house using the key Jess had given him. His need was too great to wait for Jess to get up and sure that neither of Jess nor Liza would mind he went into their bedroom. Both were fast asleep and Adam put his hand firmly over Jess’ mouth before shaking his shoulder.

Jess came awake with a start but at Adam’s murmur “It’s me Adam. I have to talk, Jess nodded. Adam let him go and Jess slipped out of bed grabbing his clothes and going out of the room without waking Liza. Adam was over by the window but even from the back the tension he felt was all too obvious. Jess dressed rapidly and went over to him, “Do you want coffee?”

 

Adam shook his head, “Just to talk. I need some fresh air; will you come out, just a few minutes?”

 

“Sure.” Jess agreed and then worriedly asked “Have you been sick Adam?” The smell was still lingering around his friend.

 

Adam nodded slowly, “Very, but I’m okay now.”

 

Jess didn’t really believe that but didn’t push his friend. Adam would talk when he was ready. Jess knew reasonably accurately the time scale Adam was working to and he could make a shrewd guess as to the trouble. He joined Adam walking slowly back into the woods where Adam had left his stallion. At first neither man spoke, then Adam tried to apologize, “I have no right to invade your bedroom Jess I’m sorry but I was desperate.”

 

“You know I don’t mind, neither would Liza. I told you when this started that if you needed me I’d be around.”

 

“I can’t talk to Carole, not about this but I had to talk to someone.”

 

“Lady Dinah.” Jess said, “I assume you took her to bed?”

 

He got no answer and forcing Adam to face him he asked, “Whatever’s wrong Adam, couldn’t you make it with her?”

 

Adam pulled away, not daring to face Jess, “No quite the opposite. That woman knows tricks I’ve never heard of. I defy any man to remain impotent with her.” Then he had to pull right away and was very sick again.

 

Jess left him until the paroxysm had passed and then gave him the canteen from Blackie’s saddle. “Have a drink, wash your face old son, you’ll feel better.”

 

Adam took his advice and then he moved over to a bank and sat down physically and emotionally drained. Jess joined him, not asking questions, but there if Adam needed to talk. Adam buried his face in his hands, “I’ve made love to quite a number of women before my marriage. Since it I’ve never needed or wanted anyone else but Carole. Dinah is something else. She’s insatiable but she knows just how to rouse a man. I didn’t know I could perform so often in one night.”

 

Jess asked very quietly, “What’s the matter Adam, did you like it?”

Adam looked up at that, “I don’t know Jess. My head said I should be revolted, my heart just wasn’t involved, but my body enjoyed it, reacted almost despite me. Oh God I’m so confused.”

 

Jess put his arm round his friend, “Easy old son. That’s why they brought her, a sensual nymphomaniac.”

 

“I thought I could go through the motions and not be touched but ….” Adam got to his feet. “I feel dirty Jess as though I ought to wash. How can I ever touch Carole again after …?”

 

“You didn’t feel that way after she was raped.”

 

Adam glared at his friend. “That was different. She couldn’t help herself. Those men never touched the real person, only her body.”

 

“Isn’t that what you just said, neither your head nor your heart were involved, just your body.”

 

“I’m there by choice.”

 

“Are you Adam? I thought you were there to prevent any of those you loved being hurt? Just as strong a pressure as Carole had. You’re there because there’s no other way.” 

 

Adam closed his eyes. “I just don’t know Jess.”

 

Jess pushed him, “Aren’t you really scared that you’ll come to like her love making, find your own wife lacking.”

 

Adam’s fists clenched and if he’d been closer he would have hit Jess but as it was he let them fall to his side, “No!” Then with almost a sob, “I just don’t know Jess. What can I do?”

 

Jess moved closer to him again, “For your own sake, you’d tell your family the truth and fortify the Ponderosa, but with such powerful men as Hearst and Huntingdon involved you won’t do that. You’ll carry on, bedding her as needed, at least able to forget the fear of impotency and once this is all over, you’ll go back to Carole and  find in her arms more pleasure, true ecstasy than Dinah can give with all her tricks. Because with Carole your heart is involved and Dinah will never touch that. If your body enjoys, then let it, no harms done and you need the relaxation. Carole said it wasn’t important, I know you told me so. You said the same when she was raped, just believe it now.”

 

Adam stared at his friend, seeing the compassion so clear  and for a few minutes he allowed nature to have its way and buried his face in his hands allowing nature to have its way as the tears fell, letting out a little of the strain and tension he had been under over the last weeks. Jess gripped his shoulder in mute sympathy, glad to see Adam giving way. Over the last years on the Ponderosa he’d learnt a lot about what made a real man and knew the value of emotional release.

 

Slowly Adam regained control and straightened up. “I’m alright now. Thanks Jess.” He offered his hand formally and Jess clasped it, “I told you anytime you needed to blow off steam. I do understand.”

 

“I know and I thank God for it Jess. Without you I’m not sure I could cope, but between us I’ll manage,”

 

“How about that coffee now?”

 

“Sounds good.”

 

Liza was awake and insisted on getting Adam some food and he relaxed over an early breakfast and then had to leave to head down to Carson City before the men awoke. He made no attempt to say anymore to Jess just giving his friend’s shoulder a squeeze as he went out, a gesture of friendship and of thanks that Jess had no trouble interpreting.

Adam felt a great deal better for Jess’ commonsense and the chance to talk and he made good time down to Carson City. It didn’t really matter when he arrived at the Mint but he was expecting there at some stage for the three month coinage run from their own mine. Adam headed straight for the Mint and after the compulsory chat with his friends he got down to business. There had been plenty of gossip down in Carson City too but his old friends has mainly discounted it and  finding him the same as ever they soon forgot the gossip. Adam made no attempt to put on an act knowing that it was most unlikely any of these men, whom he’d known for years, would come into contact with Hearst or any of his cronies. The only person likely to have any business at the mint was Troy and he wouldn’t demean himself by visiting the mint personally.

 

Adam enjoyed the calm and routine of his visit to the mint where for once he could just be himself but he had too much to do to prolong his visit. Once he had collected the coinage he headed home needing an hour of sanity with his wife before going back to town. Carole was glad to see him home but she could see on his face just what had happened. She left the children playing out back and led him into the study. Adam took her in his arms and buried his face in her hair. Carole could feel the tension “Are you alright my love?”

 

“Yes. I wasn’t earlier but I went round to Jess’ and had a long talk.”

 

“You could have come home.”

 

“I couldn’t darling. I felt dirty and cheap. I needed to talk and that was the one thing I couldn’t talk to you about.”

 

“You know that I’m behind you every step of the way.” 

 

“I know and I thought it would be easy, relatively so, but it wasn’t. I love you too much. I know now that I can go through with it and cope, that it won’t affect us.”

 

Carole held him very close, hoping that he wasn’t fooling himself and feeling slightly guilty that she couldn’t help being pleased that he had found it hard. She was relieved at that and also that now it had happened she could be sure that Adam’s involvement in a purely physical act didn’t worry her. Her husband was still hers in every important way. 

 

Adam couldn’t stay long, now he had the papers from Oliver he needed every spare moment he could get to make himself an expert on land law.

Adam worked solidly for five hours in Dick’s room and then went for a large brandy in the Bucket O’Blood before going back to the International and Dinah.

 

Dinah had reported to Hearst and he had called Troy, Grandison and two of his local hard cases who had been watching Adam, in for a meeting. The watchdogs Levy and Wiley had been keeping an eye on Adam. They had lost sight of him on numerous occasions but weren’t about to admit that to Hearst, who had an unfortunate attitude to men who had failed him. They were able to confirm the amount of time that Adam was spending with Lady Dinah. Once that was done Hearst issued their further orders and dismissed them. None of the men had any doubts that Adam had taken his obvious opportunity even without Dinah’s confirmation. Neither did they have any doubts that Dinah would continue to hold him at least for the crucial few weeks ahead. She came with the highest recommendations, They had picked up enough pointers from other sources to be sure that the distraction was working, the carefully designed legal answer missing the best way of achieving his goal had been very effective. However Hearst was determined to check that Dinah had a real hold over Adam and he decided to make a check. He asked both Troy and Grandison to think about it and come up with a suitable plan.

 

Marcy was working in the adjacent room very deliberately and listening into the conversation. She made brief notes but without any details there wasn’t a lot she could do to help. All she could do was warn Margaret and Michelle so they could try and find out more details. Her husband Jeff saw her coming out of the room next to Hearst’s and frowned, “What are you doing in there? You look real guilty.” Marcy pushed him quickly into an empty room across the corridor, putting her finger on his lips, “Shush!”

 

“What are you up to?” Jeff demanded.

 

“Repaying a debt. Don’t look so worried, I can’t explain but there’s nothing wrong.” Jeff wasn’t at all sure but as she wouldn’t tell him anymore he had to accept it. Marcy had always been the stronger partner in their marriage.

 

Marcy passed word to Margaret and Michelle and as Liza was in with Jess to collect stores and came for coffee she passed word to them too. There was nothing definite and Jess made the decision not to bother Adam yet, he was already on edge and watchful. Jess didn’t add that he felt Adam had all he could handle just at the minute but he was very sure that it was true.

 

Adam had a better idea what to expect when he went to take Dinah to dinner. She was eager for his loving again but she accepted that he wanted to show her off in public and willingly went down to dine in the main dining room. Adam spun out the meal knowing what would inevitably happen when they went back up to her room, but eventually he had to take her back upstairs.

 

This time he did stay the night, heading out about five a.m. but only as far as the livery stable where he let himself in and worked solidly until nine before heading back to the ranch.

 

Joe had helped José take the cattle up to the high pasture and completed the tour of the ranch that he usually treated himself to on the way home. This year with so much on his mind, particularly his brother’s strange behaviour, the tour didn’t bring the peace it normally did. He was glad to be going home, at least he’d be able to talk things over with his father and noone knew Adam better than Pa. It was late Tuesday afternoon before Joe got home and his father was still out having gone to check the planting on the bottom land.

 

Joe had coffee and asked Hop Sing to prepare him a bath as he was stiff and filthy. Hop Sing was pleased to see him and willingly did so before preparing a meal for Joe and his father. Joe needed to talk things over with his father before going home. He couldn’t help worrying about Adam but didn’t want to inflict too much of it on Nita, hating the idea of her thinking badly about his brother again. 

 

By the time Joe was dressed Ben was back and pleased to see his youngest son. Neither man wanted to start on the subject closest to their hearts and they ate dinner discussing work. After the meal Ben poured more coffee and went over to the fire, “Right Little Joe time we talked.”

 

Joe went and poured himself a brandy, “We have tried to keep our word Pa, not make matters worse but I haven’t been entirely successful.”

 

“I take it your brother’s temper is still as erratic?”

 

“Yeah, worse if anything and he’s taken to seeing this woman, Lady Dinah Marchbrook.”

 

“I know I forced Roy to tell me what was going on. I even tried to get Adam to talk but I didn’t get anywhere.”

 

Joe fingered his jaw “So did I.” He sighed heavily and then told Ben how his brother had knocked him out and left him. Ben was shocked but Joe had worse for him as he told Ben how Adam had banned Hoss from his house and confided Hoss’ fears that he had a rational explanation. Ben listened in silence as Joe talked; his youngest son unable to face him sat staring into the fire, the play of emotions so clear on his face. When Joe fell silent Ben got to his feet and went and got himself a strong brandy, going over to the window to stare out. Joe left his father alone, knowing how shaken he had been when Hoss first suggested that his brother was mentally ill. Eventually straightening his shoulders Ben emptied his glass and turned back to face Joe. “I can’t believe it Joseph. What about you?”

Joe repeated what he’d told Hoss and his own vague ideas of possible reasons, reiterating Sue’s opinion that it wasn’t true.

 

Ben listened in silence and then asked “How is Hoss?”

 

“He was better for talking it over, but on his own over on the west shore…. I don’t know Pa.”

 

“You once said Adam doesn’t act irrationally and that if it seemed he had then we were missing some vital fact that would make sense of his behaviour. Do you remember?”

 

“Yeah when he lost his memory.”

 

“Maybe we just don’t want to accept that one fact. Maybe his marriage has totally broken down. It meant an awful lot to him, could explain him hitting out every other way, even taking up with this woman. Roy says that she is very beautiful.”

 

“But why Pa? You saw Carole when he was missing, I’ll swear she, they, were as much in love as ever. Then just a few days and he cut himself off. I couldn’t reach him, I still can’t. What could possibly have happened?”

 

“I don’t know son. Relations between a man and wife can do strange things. We can never really know what someone else feels, not even a son or a brother.”

 

“Okay but what do we do now? How can we help?”

 

“Maybe by doing the hardest thing of all, what they have both asked, do nothing.”

 

Joe rubbed his tired sore eyes, “It’s only a few weeks, we were as close as ever. Now I can’t even talk to him.” he sighed heavily, “I’m just glad you’re home Pa.”

 

“Go home to your own wife and child Joseph. Your brother will find his own salvation in his own way.”

 

Joe had to accept the sense of that and headed home, thankful that some things in his world were sane and sensible, even thriving, with his young son beginning to crawl and knowing his father. Young Adam brought some peace back to his father; peace his namesake seemed bent on destroying.

Jamie had gone to Mexico very willingly, anything that he could do to help those he still thought of as his family and to protect the ranch he’d grown to love. He was delighted at the faith that Adam showed in him but more than a little scared that he wouldn’t be able to live up to that faith. His first job was easy, Ramon hadn’t left his father’s farm since returning home with the money Ben paid him for the gold mine he’d found. Jamie knew exactly where the Perez farm was situated and he had no problem finding it. Ramon had matured in the years since the Cartwrights released him from the prospectors who used him as a slave. He was now in his early twenties and worked as an equal with his father. The generous payment that Ben had made had allowed them to extend their farm and to irrigate it properly so that they were amongst the most prosperous in the area. 

 

When Jamie introduced himself and passed over Adam’s letter the whole Perez family were almost embarrassingly welcoming. None of them had forgotten what they owed the Cartwrights and any chance to repay that debt pleased them greatly. Ramon’s brothers were older and capable of helping their father so Ramon was very happy to go along as an interpreter. His only worry was his inability to really help, he knew nothing of Mexico City, he’d never been there and didn’t know how to find the papers that Adam needed. Jamie assured him that Adam had other friends who would do that, but he really needed someone who spoke Spanish.

 

Jamie didn’t have time to waste and that same afternoon the two young men headed for Mexico City. The two soon became firm friends, both owing the Cartwrights a great deal and quickly found that despite very different circumstances they had a lot else in common. Companionship made the miles pass quickly and almost before it seemed possible they reached Mexico City.

Jamie booked them in at a central hotel. It was expensive but he was wealthy these days and anyway Adam had made it clear that he would pay all expenses, money wasn’t important, time was. Jamie’s first job was to establish an account in a local bank; Adam had made it clear that a certain amount of bribery would be inevitable. Then he had to try and find out what the current position was in the convoluted politics rife in Mexico City. Ramon took over that job getting into conversation with the bartender in the hotel. Right in the centre of things the man prided himself on being thoroughly knowledgeable and a Ramon bought drinks and hung on his every word he would have continued talking all night. Ramon soon found out that one of the names Jamie had would be unlikely to be able to help. Porfiro Diaz was persona non grata with the President Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Diaz was suspected, quite correctly, of attempting to organize a rising against the President. At the present time he was lying very low on his estates, several hundred miles from the capital.

 

The second name Adam had provided seemed much more likely. When Ramon mentioned him, Matias Romero, the bartender had been very impressed. He was right hand man to the President, trying the almost impossible job of sorting out Mexico’s economic chaos. Ramon had managed to find out where he lived, a large hacienda on the outskirts of the city and a town house only half a mile from their hotel.

 

Jamie was too restless to wait and once he had all the details he suggested they at least find the house and see if Romero was there. He wrote a note mentioning Adam’s introduction but not enclosing the precious document, ready to hand it in if Romero was there. It didn’t take long to find the house and it was obvious a large party was being held. Ramon wanted to leave it until the morning, the peasant farmer knowing that he was way out of his depth. Jamie had got used to high society with his grandfather and he had no intention of waiting. Romero was in there now, by morning he might have gone.

 

There were soldiers on duty at the gate and they looked rather askance at the two young men but Jamie’s American accent and his request for a message to be taken to Romero seemed to pacify them. One of the soldiers passed Jamie’s note into the Majordomo and the two young men waited to see if there was any reaction. Neither of them expected much although Jamie had given the name of his hotel so that they could be contacted. In fact it only took a couple of minutes. Romero had his staff well trained, none of them would dare keep anything from him. He had glanced over the note, barely interested, but that changed as he saw Adam’s name. Adam hadn’t overestimated the willingness of either of the men whose names he’d given Jamie. Both knew and liked Adam and even more important knew the extent of the power and influence he held amongst a wide circle of friends in important places, As soon as he saw the name, Romero sent his Majordomo to find out if the person who had brought the note was still there and if so to invite them into his study.

 

Thus a few moments after they arrived Jamie and Ramon found themselves in an ornate study, lined with books, most of them not even cut. Then Romero himself bustled in. He spoke reasonably good English and once Jamie showed him Adam’s letter, he pronounced himself very willing to do anything he could to help. Jamie outlined what he needed, access to the main archives of Mexico, copies of all the land grants made in the territory ceded to the United States by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and advice from a lawyer on the Mexican law that had been valid prior to the treaty.

 

Romero apologized for his inability to help personally as he was very busy but he provided them with written documentation requesting that they be given all required access, signed by him on behalf of the Mexican Government, which he assured them would open any door to them. More importantly he called in one of his aides, Manuel Cabero, known to everyone as Mano and asked him to help Jamie. Mano was one of many men around Mexico City whose job was to cut through all the red tape and make things actually work. He was an expert in obtaining the unobtainable, getting permits for the forbidden and all the other important ways of making life liveable. He prided himself on knowing everyone and everything around Mexico City and guaranteed that he’d find what Jamie needed. In retrospect Jamie was sure that he would never have found what Adam needed in time without Mano. Initially he wasn’t too sure, Mano was very self-assured and gave the impression that he was a playboy, not exactly wrong but he was a lot more than that. Over the next few days Jamie came to discover just how much more there was to Mano and how impossible life would have been without him.

 

Mano was a little older than Ramon or Jamie, in his late twenties, but the three men got on very well. Jamie found everything that Adam wanted without finding any evidence of any grants anywhere even close to the Sierra Nevada, let alone to the east of them, that might have helped the case he was fighting. Mano had also found a local lawyer who specialized in land law and spoke good English. The man wrote detailed notes on Mexican law for Adam. His fee seemed exorbitant but Jamie wasn’t arguing, his expertise was needed.

 

Towards the end of April Jamie was sure that he had access to everything even vaguely relevant, it was now just a case of the hard work of taking detailed notes and physical descriptions to deliver to Adam. He hoped to have it all complete in another three weeks, well before the end of May that Adam had set as a deadline. Knowing that Adam would be worried he sent Jess another telegram. “Doing well, as hoped, Romero invaluable, everything available, no problems, Diane.”

 

Jess read the telegram in town and this time he didn’t need Adam to translate. It seemed that Jamie had lived up to Adam’s faith in him and obtained all that was required. He left the telegram with Dick at the livery to pass onto Adam when he next saw him.

 

Adam got the message the next morning and was well pleased but for now he had to make an appearance at home, at least do a little of the routine work, The second night had been as physically demanding but after talking to Jess he felt better able to cope and the legal work filled his mind to the exclusion of everything else. He had warned Dinah that he wouldn’t be able to get back to town until Thursday at the earliest and he was taking some of his papers home to work on.

 

Adam took the back way home but seeing Nita and Sue in the yard with Carole; he found himself a comfortable spot to settle and worked until they had gone. Carole was very withdrawn and neither of her sisters could get her to talk. They wouldn’t give up and one or other, usually both, dropped by every day, not asking questions but trying to offer support by their presence. Carole would have found it infinitely easier if they had stayed away, but she knew that they meant well and with Adam forced to alienate the family it wouldn’t help if she did the same. So she hid in her shell and put up with their visits, waiting for the odd hour when she could forget the charade in Adam’s arms.

 

Adam slipped in almost as soon as they had gone and went up to one of the spare rooms, locking himself in so that neither Kam Su nor the children knew that he was home. Carole fetched him coffee and after a hug left him in peace to work, more relaxed just by his presence in the house. Adam felt he was making reasonable headway on the basic laws and once he was sure of them he could look into the nuances of individual judgments to find the best precedents for his case and those likely to be used against him.

 

Adam worked all day before slipping out and arriving home more obviously. The children were delighted to see him, he hadn’t been home much recently and Adam settled down to play with them for the next hour before joining his family for dinner, a rare treat at the moment and one he knew he wouldn’t be able to afford often in the next few weeks. He made no attempt to be anything but himself and for an hour luxuriated in his family but them Carole, hearing a horse coming, glanced out and warned him “It’s Pa.”

 

Adam extricated himself from the twins and, with the excuse of work to be done, hurriedly shut himself in the study and poured a large brandy. Joe had had to ride out again up to the east lumber camp and Ben had decided to try once more to get Carole to confide in him.

 

On current form he hadn’t expected Adam to be home but as he left his horse in the barn, he noticed his son’s black stallion. He was half tempted to go on home and leave them in peace, maybe to sort things out, but he wanted to see them together. Maybe then he would know just how serious matters were. He didn’t intend staying long but went on in. He could feel the tension in the room as soon as he walked in, not realising that he was the sole cause of it. Carole was on edge knowing she’d have to act cold to her husband in front of the one person in the world who knew them better than anyone else and was all too intuitive regarding other people. She picked up Anne and occupied herself with the baby as Ben came in. At first Ben could only placate the children delighted to see Grandpa but as Kam Su bore the twins and Marie off to wash up Carole went over to her father-in-law.

Ben asked “Is Adam home?”

 

“Yes he’s working in the study,” Carole managed to edge her voice with anger as she spoke and Ben recognized it, “I’m sure he can afford a break, why don’t you bring us in some coffee Carole, I need a word with him.”

 

Carole nodded and Ben went on through. Adam was making no attempt to work, his desk clear, he sat with his feet up on it sipping brandy. He made no attempt to greet his father just looking up enquiringly.

 

Ben felt the anger surge in him, what the hell was his son trying to do, ruin his life? Somehow he bit back the angry words, “I won’t keep you long Adam, a couple of details I wanted to check with you.”

 

Adam didn’t reply and Ben pulled out the legal document that Adam had so carefully prepared for him. Joe had spotted the easier way to deal with it just as Adam had expected. “These answers to the writ at the mine. Why have you taken such a long route to the answer? Joseph felt that there was an easier way and I have to agree with him.”

 

“Then use it. I don’t care. That will win the decision, what more do you want?”

 

“I’m not criticizing, just wondering why. It isn’t like you to miss the neatest way.”

 

“No one’s perfect, I have other things on my mind.” At that moment Carole brought in a tray with coffee but Adam got up and went over to pour more brandy, “No coffee for me.”

 

Carole sighed but didn’t comment, pouring coffee for herself and Ben. The next half an hour was more trying for all three of them than they would have believed possible even a few weeks earlier. Adam and Carole did the only thing they could and virtually ignored each other, not even acknowledging the other’s presence in commonplaces. Ben caught between them, unable to talk to either of them, wanted nothing better than to knock their heads together, force them to look at each other and see they were still the same people who had been so much in love. If it had been two of his sons he would have done it but he was sure that interfering between man and wife would only make things worse, if that was still possible. Unable to do anything he just wanted to get away with the knowledge things were even worse than he’d feared and try to come to terms with it.

 

Ben made his escape as soon as he’d drunk his coffee and as he rode out Carole gave way to tears. Adam took her in his arms, “Easy my sweet. Anytime it’s too much, you say. Somehow we’ll keep everyone safe.”

 

“You know there’s no way to guarantee that.” She dried her eyes, “It was just Pa, he looked so worried and so hurt. I’d have given anything to reassure him.”

 

“I know but it’s not for very much longer.”

 

“It’ll get worse, you are going to have to make the break and move to town eventually.”

 

“We always knew that but all the time I stay in Virginia City, Pa won’t give up hope. He’s seen it before but we’ve always come home.”

 

After seeing Adam with his wife Ben found no real difficulty in believing Dan the next day when his old friend came out to warn him about the latest rumours. Hearst had had them spread very cleverly based on an overheard comment Dinah made to another suitor for her hand, a lawyer who worked for him. She turned the man down saying that she didn’t need anyone else with such a marvellous lover as Adam Cartwright. With Adam staying in her room all night, noone doubted the truth of her claim. Dan felt Ben ought to be warned in advance of coming to town where it was the main source of gossip. Dam didn’t enjoy the task of telling his old friend but Ben evinced no real surprise and thanked him for his unpleasant trip.

 

Dan had been instrumental in brining Adam and Carole together and he found it hard to believe things could have gone so wrong. Ben shrugged “Five or six weeks back I’d have agreed with you but something is, maybe it’ll vanish a quickly as it’s blown up.”

 

Dan shrugged “I sure hope so but this Lady Dinah is a real beauty, Carole has competition. Just find it hard to believe that Adam is unfaithful. I know a lot of men are but it just isn’t Adam.”

 

Ben shook his head, “I’m sure he feels he has reason. I’m glad you warned me Dan but can we drop the subject.” Dan was very willing to do so but he didn’t stay long, it was too difficult to find other topics when both men had Adam on their mind.

 

Meanwhile the subject of their concern had gone back to town early Thursday evening. Adam spent several hours working at Dick’s and asked him to go out and check if Jess had anything more, before going to join Dinah. He took her to a late dinner and then spent the night, but while she slept very contented in his arms, Adam lay awake worrying. He was concerned that he hadn’t heard anything more from Johnny in London. He knew that he had asked a lot of his friend but he was sure that Johnny would move heaven and earth to help him. The trouble was that it took so long even now to travel from London to Virginia City that if Johnny didn’t have the information soon and send a messenger, it would be too late for the court hearing. Adam knew that he could fight on in the higher courts but he had planned all his strategy on catching them napping and having the case thrown out in the first court, so convincingly that noone would ever try that trick again. Adam had a fairly clear idea of how long each step should take and the message from Jamie had come just about on cue, but he had hoped to hear from Johnnie sometime this week and so far there was nothing.

 

Adam found it very hard to settle down next to this strange voluptuous woman, who was out to ruin him, and yet to keep up the pretence that he didn’t know. Eventually near dawn he did doze off and it was gone eight when he awoke but Dinah was still fast asleep. She didn’t stir until he was up, washed and dressed. Adam went over and kissed her “I must go, I have to do some work but if you can be ready by six we’ll have an early meal and I’ll take you to the theatre again. They are doing Boucicault adaptation of Dickens’s ‘The Cricket on the Hearth’. I used to know Charles Dickens well and I’m intrigued to see how it’s been transferred to the stage.”

 

Dinah was delighted at that and intrigued by this new facet of the men she had taken as a lover, promising herself to investigate it later. For now she pulled him close for a moment but Adam made his escape and went out to a small restaurant on ’D’ street where he wasn’t known and could have breakfast in peace. The food wasn’t very good but with a lot on his mind Adam barely noticed what he was eating. He was on his way down to the stable when Marcy hurried over, nearly knocking into him; scared he would leave before she could speak to him. She retained sufficient presence of mind to slip a note in his pocket and then hurried onto the store as though that was her only destination.

Adam was worried that someone would notice and determined to warn Marcy against taking any more risks, but the note she passed him had an all too obvious cry for help in it. Marcy hadn’t bothered to hide it in code, she hadn’t had time. It was short and to the point. “Urgent must talk today, hotel.”

 

Adam wasn’t at all sure, he knew that he was being watched at least some of the time and the last place he dared risk any connection with was the hotel. For a minute everything seemed too much, he was well overtired and the strain was telling more than he dared to admit even to himself. Whatever new was wrong he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He slowly walked along the street, trying to get his thoughts straight but all he could think were the two opposing needs, to see Marcy and to stay away from the hotel. He slipped into Dick’s room to try and think, Dick saw him go in and as there was noone else around and Adam looked so tense, he followed him in. “You alright Adam?”

 

“Yes I’m fine. Did you see Jess?”

 

“Last night but he hadn’t anything new, just sent word to take it easy.”

Adam nodded slowly but his attention was on the note, reading it yet again, worrying what was wrong, scared one of the wonderful women had been compromised. Dick bit his lip “Can I help in anyway?”

 

Adam looked up at that, “Maybe you could. I need to see Marcy Beattie. She and her husband own the Beattie Hotel down ’C’ street but I don’t want to be seen there. Would you take a message for me? It has to be her personally and I can’t write it down.”

 

“Of course I’ll take her any message you like.”

 

“Alright.” Adam took a deep breath as he made a decision, relying on yet another old female friend. “I must talk to her but I daren’t go to the hotel. Will you ask her to go to the dress maker’s Mrs Bowen’s. She’ll know where it is. Elizabeth Bowen is an old friend and she’ll let me wait in the back without telling anyone.”

 

Dick was very willing to take the message and he found Marcy waiting in the hotel lobby, finding work to do, so that Adam could find her or get a message to her. She didn’t recognize the kid who walked in but he came over, “Mrs Beattie?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“May I have a word with you Ma’am.” he dropped his voice “Adam sent me.” She immediately paid him more attention and Dick passed over the message Adam had given him, before leaving as unobtrusively as possible. Marcy was thankful that Adam had found a way to get in touch but she had to wait a while before she could leave as one of Hearst’s men was hanging around.

 

Marcy had been on edge every since she overheard Hearst asking for a check on Dinah’s hold on Adam. None of them had managed to find out exactly what was planned but Michelle had got her husband talking and he had bragged that the Cartwrights would soon be fretting over another son, apart from the fall from grace of almighty Adam. She had tried to find out more while he was still too drunk to remember what he’d said but if he knew any details he wasn’t talking. Marcy knew that Jess had said not to worry Adam, until they had something definite but she was alarmed at this confirmation. She knew just how much Adam’s brothers meant to him and he was already under a tremendous strain. If one of them was hurt he would inevitably blame himself and that could be the straw which would break him. So she decided that he had to at least know as much as they did and make his own decisions. She was relieved he had found a meeting place that was reasonably safe.

 

Marcy told Jeff where she was going, although not why, and slipped out. Adam had been waiting in the back room for half an hour. He hadn’t had to make long explanations, Elizabeth trusted him, despite all the gossip she’d heard and was perfectly willing to help in anyway that she could and keep it strictly to herself, even from his family.

 

Marcy came straight through to the fitting room and Adam said, “We’re safe here. Elizabeth won’t let anyone in. What’s the matter?”

 

“I’m sorry if I worried you Adam but I felt it was important we talk, even at the risk of being seen.”

“That’s alright Marcy, no harm done, but what is so important?”

 

Marcy sat down and as accurately as she could told Adam exactly what she had overheard and what Marcy had learnt. She finished up “We’re all trying to find out more details, exactly what is planned but I thought you ought to know. Decide for yourself whether you need to warn Hoss and Joe.”

 

Adam felt stunned and for a moment he just buried his face in his hands. He had been in hell for the last weeks for one reason, one only, to keep his family safe, now it seemed despite all he’d tried they were still at risk. Marcy put her arm round him. “It’s just Hearst wanting a check. I’m sure they aren’t planning anything very serious and we will find out exactly what it is.”

 

Adam kissed her cheek, “Thank you Marcy. I need to know everything, make my own decisions. I know Jess is only trying to protect me but this is my battle. Anytime you have a message you can give it to that kid who came to see you. He’s Dick Langton and he’s working at the livery stable so Jeff could drop it in anytime. Dick will see that I get it. No risks, you promise?”

 

“Of course I do. Don’t worry about us. Try and take it easy Adam you look exhausted now.”

 

“I’m fine, anything new you can get on this, tell Dick.” Adam knew there was nothing he could do to warn his brothers, not yet. It could just endanger everyone and he prayed that Marcy was right and only something minor was planned. He could only trust in his brothers’ ability to look after themselves. At least they weren’t defenceless women or children. Adam found it hard to settle to work during the rest of the morning but Jess came to town that afternoon and collected a telegram and slipped it to Dick to pass to Adam.

 

The telegram was short and to the point. It came from London “Job done, messenger in transit. Good luck Johnny.” Adam read it twice and sat back with a sigh of relief. He had been very sure that Johnny would come through but with time short and Europe so far away it was a considerable relief to learn that the job was completed and without any obvious catastrophe or Johnny would have warned him. With one problem solved Adam went back to work with renewed spirit and considerably more concentration.

 

Adam packed up just before four and attended a routine meeting at the bank before going to change and collect Dinah. After an early meal where Dinah had been intrigued with just how Adam had come to know Charles Dickens, they took their seats in a box at the theatre. It was a gala performance and everyone with pretensions to culture in Virginia City was present. The ladies of the Virginia City Ladies Club were disgusted that Adam should flaunt his mistress at such an event. They cut him dead, not that that bothered Adam but he showed his annoyance when a couple started making audible, less than flattering comments about Dinah. Dinah took his arm “Easy darling. Those old bitches are just jealous. They’ve never had a wonderful lover like you.” The two women went scarlet and Dinah laughed. Adam smiled appreciatively at the superb put down; certainly Dinah knew how to look after herself.

 

The show was quite good and Adam was intrigued to see how the story had been translated to the stage. Dinah was intelligent enough to discuss it and even to argue her opinions and Adam found himself more in sympathy with her than he had before. Paradoxically that made it harder to take her to bed but she was adept and he found no real difficulty in satisfying her. Tired out, even worry for his brothers couldn’t keep him awake and he slept well.

 

Adam slipped home for a few hours and after spending a short time with Carole and the kids he went over to the main house. He had several reports and papers plus money to give his father. Ben was working on the accounts and he seemed pleased to see his son. Ben kept the discussion strictly to work; at least Adam had done the planned jobs and delivered his usual efficient reports. Ben had decided after the miserable night at Adam’s that he would do exactly as his son had asked and leave him to work it out alone. He clung to the thought that Adam had said that it would work out. He had so often trusted in his son’s judgement, maybe he had to do it again and pray that Adam was right. He made no attempt to stop Adam when with everything handed over Adam announced he had an appointment in town.

 

In fact Adam’s timing was lousy. Joe had gone into town to deliver the last shipment of ice and collect payment. Royden, the mine owner who was due to pay him, was also the husband of one of the two women Dinah had dealt with so effectively the previous night. She knew that her husband was seeing Joe and wanted revenge, so she made a point of being present in the office. Joe had accepted a coffee to be polite while her husband counted out his money but he got more than he bargained for. Butter wouldn’t have melted in her mouth as she asked him to pass a message to his father. In effect she was making Joe pay for her humiliation, because she didn’t dare take on his brother. “I’m speaking for the ladies of Virginia City, we feel so sorry for poor Carole. It’s bad enough that she has an unfaithful husband but really it’s too much that he should flaunt his mistress in civilized society. Will you ask your Father to suggest that Adam is more discreet. If he must have an affair, he should handle it like a gentleman, discreetly.”

 

Joe was fuming but there was little that he could say that she wouldn’t enjoy so he contained himself with a short nod “I’ll pass on your message.” He had never been more pleased to get out of anywhere than out of the room. The old bitch had been like a cat that licked the cream, enjoying every moment of his discomfort. He couldn’t argue, from what he’d heard it was all too true and he was furious with his brother for putting him in such an invidious position, as well as the harm he was doing to Carole. If he hadn’t met Adam as he went to collect his horse from the livery, Joe would have calmed down but unfortunately he didn’t have the time. He walked into the stables just as Adam was dismounting. There wasn’t anyone else around as the brothers came face to face so Joe had no need to hide his anger, “What’s the matter brother, can’t stay away from your whore?”

 

“Shut up Joe or I might forget that you’re my brother.”

 

“I wish I could forget, instead of being humiliated by people like Mrs Royden just because you can’t even be discreet! What happened Adam? I remember when you swore you’d remain celibate all your life if only Carole recovered. That’s not even necessary yet you do this. Just what does she do that’s so wonderful?”

 

Adam backhanded his brother across the mouth, “I told you to shut up, mind your own business.”

 

Joe wiped the blood from his mouth, “It is my business. I love Carole even if you don’t.”

 

Suddenly Adam saw a way of ensuring his brothers weren’t seriously hurt, remembering Marcy’s warning all too clearly. Hoss should be safe on the west shore and if he fought Joe that would eliminate the need for Hearst’s check, so Adam said the one thing that would be impossible for Joe to ignore. “Why so self righteous little brother? So I’ve caused some scandal but nothing to the one you caused marrying a pregnant saloon girl.” Somehow Adam forced contempt into his voice, at the same time saying a prayer for forgiveness to Marie. She must know that he only said these things to protect Joe from serious harm. Joe just heard the contempt and reacted, his dead wife still infinitely precious to him and without stopping to think how unlikely Adam was to say anything against the sister he’d loved and he went for his brother.

 

Adam was ready for him and both brothers fought hard. Adam was the heavier and had a longer reach but he’d taught Joe well and with sheer fury on his side, Joe made his brother give ground. As though the fight was a magnet a crowd began gathering and as word spread of just who was involved, everyone seemed to congregate at the stable. Roy and Dan both heard and although finding it hard to believe went to investigate, only to find it almost impossible to push through the crowd to see what was happening.

 

Adam and Joe were both handing out considerable punishment and the fighting men swayed back and forward across the stable. The sole concession either gave was the failure to use the boot when the other was down. Roy couldn’t get through to separate them and his yells to stop had no effect.

Adam felt as though he was split in two, one part fighting hard, a real struggle as Joe was too angry to give in and good enough to push Adam hard, while the second part looked on coolly weighing the odds, hurt his brother a little but only superficially to ensure he wasn’t killed later. The second half considered Joe’s bloody face, almost dispassionately, and decided that a sufficient show had been made, it was time to finish it. Adam found that rather easier said than done but with his advantage of weight and reach after another couple of minutes he saw his chance and moved in almost clinically for the kill, a heavy upper cut followed by a straight right and Joe was out before he hit the floor.

 

Adam was breathing hard, a fair amount of blood from a cut eyebrow and a split lip. He momentarily went down on one knee and took the chance to check his brother’s pulse, but that was strong. Apart from a bad nosebleed and similar cuts to his own Joe was just bruised.

 

 Roy had finally pushed his way through “What the hell was that about Adam?”

“Nothing to do with you, a family argument. If you want details ask Joe.” Adam wiped the blood from his lip and dropping his voice so only Roy could hear, he asked, “Get him to Doc and see him safe home please.”

 

Before Roy could answer Adam had turned away and was forcing his way out through the crowd without even a backward glance at his brother lying unconscious on the straw of the stable. Adam went over to the Washoe club and cleaned up before getting a badly needed brandy. His whole attitude prevented anyone speaking to him although the whole town was buzzing as those who had seen the fight embellished their stories. Adam down the brandy and little though he wanted to headed for the hotel and Dinah, he had to act the part he’d chosen and an infatuated man in trouble would go to his mistress if he could.

 

In fact Dinah, although shocked by his damaged face, was strictly practical and got soothing ointment on his many bruises. She could see that he was upset at fighting his own brother, Adam wasn’t a good enough actor to hide that but she was very flattered. It proved what she had been telling Hearst, she had him well and truly hooked. Dinah had sufficient knowledge of men not to say anything to Adam, and although he sensed her feelings, he was grateful for her quiet efficient attitude as she dealt with his cuts and bruises.

 

Word was taken swiftly to Hearst and he called a meeting for that afternoon. He was delighted to have provoked open trouble between the brothers and as Adam had hoped took it as proof that his plan was working and Dinah had that most dangerous member of the accursed family under control. Margaret had to pass word of the meeting and warned Marcy about it. The two women laid their own plans to try and ensure that they could hear what was said. They both planned to be around and hopefully what one didn’t hear the other would catch.

 

Slowly as Adam pushed his way out the crowd began to disperse and Roy, with Dan’s help managed to get some water and bring Joe round. He was badly shaken and for a minute Roy made him rest where he was, but then with their help Joe made it to his feet and going over to the water trough washed the worst of the blood off his face.  He had already made it clear that he had no intention of talking; this was a private fight between him and his brother. Roy didn’t push on that but did insist that Joe go to see the Doc and get a check up before attempting to ride home.

 

Roy heard again Adam’s whispered request and he passed what Adam had asked on to both Joe and Dan. Joe nearly fell again as he heard, whatever was wrong and however hard they’d fought Adam still cared about him and all the time he did it wasn’t too late to get back to normality. Roy was quick to support Joe and with Dan’s help he led Joe down to Doc’s.

 

Doc insisted that Joe rest for a while, once he had done what he could for all the cuts and bruises. Joe was thankful that Doc wouldn’t allow Roy to ask any questions. There wasn’t any serious damage and Doc closed the door to allow Joe to rest. Roy looked questioningly at Paul who smiled faintly. “Joe’s not badly hurt but just because it was Adam who did it, he’s well shaken.”

 

“Can’t imagine what got into Adam.”

 

Doc shrugged, “It’s not the first time the boys have come to blow. Hoss hurt Adam far worse on at least two occasions.”

 

“Yeah I know but they were younger. It hasn’t happened in years and that fight was vicious.”

 

“Yet you said yourself Adam was concerned that you took care of his brother.”

 

“True.” Roy sighed, “I don’t understand but I guess all we can do is to try and help. I’ll bring Joe’s horse over in an hour and ride home with him, just in case.”

 

Joe felt better for a rest but very confused. He found it hard to believe that Adam had criticized Marie, remembering how close his brother had been to his petite first wife. He could only think that Adam had hit out verbally to hurt because what he was hearing hurt him. Joe could remember more than one occasion when he’d said things that he didn’t mean in anger and hated himself for it. He still found it very hard to accept that Adam was not only being unfaithful to Carole, but flaunting the fact in all their faces. Joe remembered so vividly the long weeks after Carole was raped, when his brother’s enforced celibacy only worried Adam because it meant his beloved wife was still ill. He could see Adam as he swore that if necessary he would be celibate for the rest of his life, just so thankful that his wife was alive and could in time heal. His current attitude was so totally at odds with that and Joe still found it hard to accept that it was really his brother doing these things. Joe tried to persuade Roy that he was fine now and didn’t need company on the ride home but was still too pale, vivid bruises showing too clearly, for Roy to accept that.

 

Roy realised that Joe didn’t want to talk and rode alongside in virtual silence. As the trail split he asked, “Which house Joe?”

 

“I think I’d better go and see Pa first. Best he hears about it from me. I suppose we’re the top subject for the town gossip again.”

 

“Not your fault Joe. Adam’s practically taken over that spot all on his own recently. More than one of us like to try and pound some sense into his head, just at the moment.”

 

Joe fingered his jaw ruefully, “Trouble is he’s too good a fighter.”

 

Roy wanted to ask what Joe thought was wrong but seeing the renewed tension as Joe faced telling his father, he was too fond of the younger man to push him.  As they rode into the yard Ben came out of the barn, surprise at seeing Roy turned to shock as he took in Joe’s battered face. He hurried over to help his son dismount but Joe managed a rather twisted grin, “I’m okay Pa.” and he got down unaided.

 

Roy made no attempt to dismount. “Just making sure he got home safe, promised Adam I would. I’ll leave Joe to tell you what happened.”

 

“Is Adam alright?” Ben asked anxiously, wondering what on earth had happened, assuming someone had attacked his sons. Roy sighed, “Yeah I guess so. I must get back.”

 

Ben was puzzled at Roy’s attitude but Joe soon explained that. “Pa, Adam’s bruised too. He did this, we fought, he won.” With that Joe turned and went inside leaving his father alone for a minute to accept what he’d said.

 

It was nearly ten minutes before Ben went in to find Joe sitting staring into the fire, sipping brandy. Ben had been worried about his eldest son but he hadn’t realised that it had got to these extremes. He poured himself a drink and went round to sit opposite his son, “I think you’d better tell me exactly what happened Joseph.”

 

Joe did, starting with the comments Mrs Royden had seen fit to make, telling of Adam’s attack on Marie and then the fight, not that he could remember much of the fight itself. Eventually he looked up to see his father’s face white and drawn, “Pa he cared enough to ask Roy to make sure I was okay. We’ve fought before, it don’t mean that much.”

 

“Sure when you were boys, you’re grown men Joseph, it matters.” Ben got to his feet, “I think we’d better get Hoss back for the weekend, and have a family conference. There has to be something we can do. Someway to help. Adam’s destroying himself and all he cares about, we can’t just stand by and let it happen.”

 

Joe was unconvinced that there was anything they could do to stop it but he was very willing to try. For now he had to go home and try to explain to his wife. Ben offered to go with him or go and warn Nita first but Joe shook his head, “No it’s my job. She won’t go to pieces, she’s seen me far worse before. I just hope she doesn’t end up hating Adam for it.”

 

“How about you son?”

“He’s still my brother and I love him. If only I knew what was driving him I’d try and help.” Joe smiled, “Don’t worry Pa it really isn’t that important. We’ve all been too close for too long, I can’t believe that we won’t find our way back to it. Do you remember at Christmas up by the Lake? We’ll get back there. This will pass, be as insignificant and long forgotten as that row you and I had over Marie.”

 

Ben couldn’t find words to answer his son and for a moment he just hugged Joe close. Then he pulled away slightly, “I’m very proud of you Joseph.”

 

Joe was relieved to see a little colour come back to his father’s face and he gripped Ben’s shoulder. “It will be alright Pa.” Then he headed home to face his own wife. Nita heard him ride in and was pleased that he was back earlier than she had expected, Adam was sleeping so she went through to see her husband.

 

As Joe turned and she saw his bruised, cut face, her hand went to her mouth, “Oh God.” Joe was by her in two swift steps and held her close, “Easy my love, only superficial, I’m fine.” She looked her disbelief but Joe said, “Honest, Roy even made me see Doc. He cleaned me up, no real damage.” and he managed a smile to reassure her. “Come on love come through to the study and I’ll tell you what happened.” Joe had thought hard on the way home but there was no easy way to tell Nita that the older brother he loved and in some ways still almost idolised had done this to him. All he could do was sit down, pull her onto his lap and ignoring his aching ribs hold her tight as he explained what had happened.

 

Nita had come a very long way from the days when she hated Adam, believing he undermined the man she loved. She had, over the years, come to love Joe’s family in a way she had never loved her own and next to Joe she loved Adam more than anyone else in the world, but that just exacerbated her feelings. She couldn’t believe that Adam could do such a thing, but Joe was living proof of it and she felt more anger against her brother-in-law than she had ever known. She pulled away from Joe, her face flaming, fury so very clear. “How could he, how dare he?”

 

Joe got up and forced her to look at him “Darling we have had fights before, all three of us. Hoss hurt Adam far more than I’m hurt. It isn’t that important.”

 

Nita fingered his cut eyebrow, very gently, “It is to me, I’ll never forgive him.”

 

Joe put his hand under her chin, forcing her to look up “Yes you will for my sake if for no other reason. I don’t know what’s wrong but I do know that my brother is very unhappy and under a great deal of strain.”

 

“That’s his fault.”

 

“As we don’t know what caused it, we can’t be sure of that and anyway it doesn’t matter. For now he’s fighting alone but in time he’ll come back to us and need help to pick up the pieces. I’ll be there because I love him and you can’t just turn love off. I think you’ll be there for the same reason.”

Nita, tears running down her cheeks, protested, “But he hurt you.”

 

“It takes two to fight, I did my share in starting it and he didn’t come out unscathed either. It’s just not that important. What is important is that when he’d won he cared enough to ask Roy to get me to Doc’s and see me home safe.” Nita looked totally unconvinced still but as Joe was obviously worn out and sore she suggested that he go and have a soak in a hot bath. Joe accepted the sense of that, he still had to tell Carole and Sue but that could wait it had taken all his time to face his father and his wife.

 

Nita knew that they had to be told too and that was one job she could do for her husband. She waited until Joe was in the bath and leaving word with Pak Tsien to keep an eye on Joe, just in case he wasn’t as fit as he claimed she slipped out. She went to see Sue first, where at least it was a fairly easy job. Although Sue was shocked that the brothers had come to blows she wasn’t as closely involved and had been in the west long enough as a nurse to become used to fist fights.

Sue offered to go with Nita to break it to Carole, an offer Nita was delighted to accept. They were both all too aware how little time Adam was spending at home; even though his work schedule left him free to do so, unlike Hoss or Joe. A quick check in the barn showed that his black stallion was missing and so the two women moved over to the house.

 

Carole was busy repairing a torn dress for Marie while the little girl stood patiently, still in front of her mother. Anne was asleep and the twins outside on some ploy of their own. As Nita and Sue came in, Carole finished her job and sensing trouble she despatched Marie out to find her brothers. Taking a deep breath Carole stood up to face her sisters-in-law. “What’s wrong?”

 

Sue was about to speak but Nita stopped her, this had to be her task, grateful though she was for the moral support. “There’s been a fight Carole, in town. Adam and Joe, my husband lost.”

 

“Are you saying Adam fought his brother?” Carole said in horror, holding onto the back of a chair for support.

 

Sue hastily added “Only with their fists.”

 

Carole almost blindly turned away, “That can do enough harm. Dear God has it come to this.” She knew just how much Adam would hate hurting his younger brother and prayed that he wasn’t blaming himself too harshly. She knew that the reasons the others believed in didn’t exist and could only imagine that Joe had forced Adam into a fight. She was less worried about his physical condition than how he must feel.

 

Nita went on “Joe is badly cut and bruised, how could Adam do it? I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive him.” Sue stopped her saying anymore, well aware the girl was overwrought but then so was Carole.

Carole turned “I told you once before I don’t discuss my husband with anyone. I don’t know why it happened but it takes two to fight.”

 

Nita flared up, “I suppose you blame Joe?”

 

Sue tried to act as peacemaker. “Carole didn’t say that and from what you told me. Joe admits some of it was his fault.”

 

Carole straightened up, mask firmly in place, “I’m sorry Joe was hurt, but I think you’d better leave now before we both say things that we’ll regret.”

 

Nita could only see that despite everything and the way Adam was treating her, Carole was taking his side and she couldn’t help herself. “Don’t be a fool Carole. Can’t you see what Adam’s doing, running after that whore and even attacking his own brother.”

 

Carole icily cold went over and opened the door, “Thank you for letting me know, now go.” Sue hustled Nita out before matters got any worse. Carole watched them leave and then ran upstairs to throw herself on their bed and have a good cry, so worried about Adam knowing how he must feel.

Nita was upset, knowing that she hadn’t handled it well. She had only been trying to help Joe but now she had to confess to him that she had made matters worse. Joe came down to find her close to tears and she couldn’t prevent herself pouring out exactly what she had done. Joe managed to stop himself sighing and concentrated on cheering her up. “No real harm done pet. I’ll go and see Carole in a little while. I doubt it made any difference what you said, it was bound to upset her to hear Adam and I had been fighting. At least you’ve done the hard part for me.”

 

Nita wanted very much to believe him but she found it hard to accept, unsure he believed it himself but slowly she relaxed and Joe was able to cajole her back to calmness. Then as Adam awoke Nita busied herself changing the baby and Joe decided to go and see Carole.

 

Carole had calmed down and washed her face and she had just come back down when she heard the door go. She wasn’t particularly surprised to see Joe, but on edge she didn’t go to him, just considering his bruises. Joe moved swiftly over to her, “Nita told me what she said. She’s very sorry Carole but she was a mite upset with me coming home like this.”

 

“That’s alright Joe, I do understand. Are you alright?”

 

“Just bruised.” Joe gripped her shoulders and forced Carole to look at him, “Adam was about the same, a little better. He won, he could always outfight me.”

 

Carole looked up at Joe seeing the compassion and love in his eyes, which even a fight with his brother couldn’t diminish and at the same time the confusion and worry. She could have made that vanish with just a few words but one of the children might pay the price. Adam had already paid heavily to keep them safe and sound and would continue to do so, a decision she had shared and would continue to back. She pulled away from Joe and he almost saw the shutters come down, for a moment he knew he had penetrated her shell and she’d been close to confiding in him, but now the shell was back in place. Even though he knew in his heart that he had lost the fight for now Joe had to keep trying, “Carole I wanted to explain. The fight was my fault as much as Adam’s. I know he’s unhappy and I only want to help. He’s my brother and whenever he wants me I’ll still be there, he cared enough to ensure I was okay, asked Roy to get me home and I know in time this will pass.”

Carole impulsively took his hands “You’re a good man Joe.” She kissed his cheek and then turned away to the baby who had just woken. Joe knew that she just wanted him to go but he had one more thing to say. “Carole just remember that I’m here, or Pa. We both love you as well as Adam. If there’s anything we can do, if you want to talk, anyway we can help, please ask.”

 

“I know that Joe. I always have. I can’t, not yet, but knowing you’re there does help.”

 

Joe kissed her forehead, “I’d better go my sister, try not to worry. It will all work out.” With that he left and Carole sank down in a chair, warmed by his whole attitude but emotionally drained. It would have been so easy to give in and tell Joe, she found not doing so even harder than keeping it from Ben.

 

If Joe was less concerned about the fight than might have been expected, then the rest of the family more than made up for it. Hoss didn’t know yet, Ben wasn’t prepared to say too much over the telegraph  but even he was worried, sure that something was wrong and called home for an unexpected meeting on Sunday.

 

In town Adam finally got away from Dinah late in the afternoon, claiming he had a business meeting. He did in fact spend twenty minutes up at the California, handling some routine queries with Jim Fair but then he headed back to his refuge at the livery stable. He had promised to go back to Dinah later in the evening but ha made it clear that he had to get home that night. He knew that Carole would hear about the fight and needed to reassure her than he was alright and equally to check that his brother wasn’t badly hurt.

 

Adam found the detailed legal work soothing and Dick was delighted as Adam asked him to make some notes from the large tomes. Dick had to go back out as two late comers brought their horses in ready for the Saturday night revels. While he was currying the horses a man he didn’t know slipped into the stable, his movements almost furtive. Dick watched him puzzled but the man came over and whispered “You Dick Langton?”

 

“Yeah.” 

 

The man seemed relieved “I’m Jeff Beattie, you met my wife. She sent this letter for Adam. Can you deliver it?”

 

“Sure I can.”

 

“Its urgent kid. Will you tell Adam as well that I’m backing him all the way.”

 

Dick nodded but he continued his work until the man had gone. Jeff was well meaning but a little ineffectual, carried by his much stronger wife. Still he knew he owed Adam a debt, even it he wouldn’t have asked for help. His whole way of life was dependent on the loan Adam had given so freely and Jeff always tried to repay his debts.

 

Once he was on his own Dick slipped back into his room and gave Adam the letter. It was quite a thick package with reports from both Marcy and Margaret. Both women had written down as accurately as they could what they had contrived to overhear. Adam put his law books away and read the letters. The first part of the meeting considered the fight between Adam and Joe. Adam didn’t enjoy reading the gloating that had gone on but both women considered that he had the right to know everything they did. Adam skimmed over that part but at least he had the satisfaction of seeing that Hearst had taken the fight exactly as he had wanted. Hearst took it as definite evidence that Adam was committed to Dinah and becoming estranged from his family, especially with his retreat to her to be patched up. All the other men at the meeting agreed with his reading of events and for a moment Adam relaxed, maybe the fight was the final piece of evidence needed and he could relax a little. As he continued reading he found he was wrong. Hearst was still insistent on a check and one of his men Neale had come up with a plan that he liked.

 

The plan was simple, Adam was not only the family lawyer, he was also the family engineer, Neale suggested setting up a situation where Adam would be needed as an engineer and then letting Dinah try her hand at preventing him answering the call. His suggestion involved blowing up the main flume at one of the high sections and if one or other of the Cartwrights could be injured in the process that would not only add to the efficacy of the test but also add another straw to the all ready laden camel. Hearst had been delighted at the plan and told them to go ahead and arrange it for Monday. He would ensure Dinah had some temporary monetary embarrassment, sufficient to cause her to call her lover to her side. Then they would see which way Adam moved. 

 

Adam knew all too well how expensive and damaging it would be to have the flume out of action but he couldn’t make any move to stop it without endangering the whole ranch. He thought Hoss was safe on the West Shore and Joe would be too stiff to venture far, so he could and would keep Ben away from the flume, at least prevent the second half of the plan but the flume would have to be sacrificed.

 

Adam finished reading and stood up too restless to settle. He’d have given a lot to go home to Carole but he knew Dinah was expecting him and he had to live up to this infernal reputation. He couldn’t face too long a time with Dinah and in near desperation Adam fulfilled his reputation. He went down to the Bucket O’Blood and after two large brandies he joined a poker game. It served to temporarily take his mind off his troubles but for once his luck wasn’t in and by eight when he quit he was a substantial loser. Adam made use of that “Unlucky in cards, lucky in love. My thanks gentlemen.” with that he left the saloon and heading back to the hotel. Dinah was gentle with him seeing the external bruises, if not aware of those more searing ones on his spirit.

 

Adam was grateful for the tact she showed in being relatively quiet and not demanding the gymnastics she had previously in bed, content with very quiet lovemaking, not that he was capable of anything else. Joe might have lost but he had used his fists to good effect and Adam was sore and bruised. Adam was near exhaustion after weeks of insufficient sleep, compounded by the physical and mental strain of fighting his brother. Dinah could see that and knowing that Adam was planning to go home; she made no attempt to delay him when at ten thirty he began to dress. Adam made it clear that for the next couple of days he was going to be very busy and probably wouldn’t be able to get to town. He said, “However I feel I must still carry my share of the work and it’s always busy at this time of year. I’ll try to get in on Tuesday.”

 

“I’ll be waiting my darling.”

 

Adam kissed her as passionately as he could and then left: knowing that he would be summoned earlier and that to satisfy Hearst he would obey the summons. He collected Blackie and a few papers to work on at home and then let his big stallion take him home.

Carole was sure that he would be back that night, although probably late and she made no attempt to go to bed, positive that she wouldn’t sleep until she’d seen him.

 

It was well after midnight by the time Adam had seen to Blackie and he was very stiff and sore, thankful that the light was still on, needing his wife more than he could ever remember. Carole was in the study reading but she had heard the horse come in and prepared some hot coffee before moving to greet Adam as soon as the door opened. Adam took her in his arms, burying his face in her hair before she could really see how much damage Joe had done.

 

Carole felt the tension in him and snuggled close “Joe is alright my love.”

 

“You heard.”

 

“Yes Nita told me and then Joe came over himself.”

 

“I had no choice. I hope they don’t hate me too much.” Adam sighed heavily but Carole pulled away slightly. “It’s alright Adam. I don’t think Nita is very fond of you at the minute but Joe made it very clear. It was at least half his fault and you are his big brother and he loves you. He just wishes he knew what was wrong so that he could help.”

 

Adam let her go at that, cupping her face in his hands, relief clear on his face. “Joe said that?”

Carole told him exactly what his youngest brother had said and how tempted she’d been to dispel his pain and confusion by telling him the truth. Adam was close to tears with relief and he pulled her back into his arms. “Thank God. Joe’s grown up into one hell of a man.”

 

Carole kissed him gently, “Do you want a bath my sweet or just to go to bed.”

 

“Bed really but I think I’ll suffer tomorrow if I don’t have a bath.”

 

“There’s plenty of hot water. Go on and I’ll bring hot coffee.” Adam relaxed in the bath and then passed Carole the letter Marcy had sent him “She’d already warned me they were planning something, an attack on either Hoss or Joe. That’s why when Joe pushed I went further forced him into a fight. Better I hurt him superficially than someone else maybe kill him.”

 

“Of course it was my sweet.”

 

“I hope he’ll understand in time I pray Marie does now.” Adam had told her just how he forced Joe into the fight. Carole could hear how much he had hated it but she reassured him, “Marie knew very well just how much you loved her. She’ll understand, she knows, just as I do, that you would never do anything to harm Joe seriously, that you’re fighting for him, even if noone else knows yet.”

 

With the support of his wife and his brother Adam calmed down sufficiently to be able to sleep well and although stiff in the morning he felt better. He and Carole were left in peace all day and Adam was able to get on with his main problem, not realising the rest of his family were discussing the problems he was causing them at the main house.

 

Ben had called Joe and Nita, Hoss and Sue over to the house for dinner and then afterwards he wanted to talk. Hoss had gone straight to the main house from the West Shore, unsure why his father had called him home and wanting to know before seeing Sue, unwilling to worry his wife. Joe had gone over early in the morning to clear some work on the accounts and was planning to return home shortly before lunch to collect Nita.

 

As Hoss came in, Joe looked up and Hoss knew exactly why he’d been brought back. “Who the hell have you been fighting little brother.”

 

Joe came to his feet as did Ben, they had both assumed that Hoss would go home first and at least know in outline what had happened. Ben looked anxiously at his youngest son; Joe had already had to tell both his father and his wife. “I’ll fill Hoss in son, go get some fresh coffee.”

“No Pa, it’s my job, my fight.” Joe forced a grin, “Come on Hoss sit down.”

 

“Joe you just tell me what the hell is going on.”

 

“Simple Hoss I had a fight with Adam. He won.”

 

Hoss stared at Joe in near disbelief and then he went and poured a large brandy, “Come on Joe you can’t just say that. What started it, you two ain’t fought in years.”

 

Joe told his brother exactly what had happened, although he took a lot of the blame, allowing himself to be riled by a silly woman like Mrs Royden. He said “Under different circumstances we’d all laugh to hear her taken down a peg nicely like that.”

 

Hoss wouldn’t accept that, he blamed Adam for what he had done and he made that clear. Now Adam had gone too far, they had to make him talk and sort out what was wrong. Ben intervened “That’s why I asked you to come back Hoss. Between us maybe we can find some way to help. I agree this can’t go on.”

 

Joe went with Hoss to collect their wives and the babies. On the way he tried to persuade Hoss not to blame Adam entirely, that there had to be some reason for his behaviour. Hoss wasn’t convinced, looking at his youngest brother’s battered features, he didn’t feel at all forgiving towards his eldest brother, who had done it. Sue was glad to see Hoss whatever the reason and young Johnny improved his temper immeasurably so for the meal at least the five adults were reasonably cheerful.

 

Once Hop Sing had cleared away Ben brought up the subject on all their minds and gloom descended on the meeting. It was easy for Ben to say things couldn’t go on as they were and everyone agreed with him, but unfortunately it wasn’t nearly as easy to see what could be done about it. If Adam and Carole refused to talk there was noway to force them. The only one to sound any optimistic note at all was Joe who still insisted that this would pass and Adam would get over whatever was troubling him. He said that they couldn’t have expected anything else; if Adam was going to take a mistress he wouldn’t hide it but brazen things out in full view of everyone. Ben wasn’t at all sure about that, certainly he could see his youngest son doing it that way but not his eldest son. More to the point the whole idea of Adam being unfaithful, unless physically or geographically abandoned seemed totally out of character, but he couldn’t deny it was happening.

 

Sue kept her own council; sure that his immediate family knew Adam far better than she did, but still not quite able to believe in what seemed to be happening. She still felt that Adam and maybe Carole too were putting on some sort of act, controlling everything that was happening for reasons they deemed sufficient. Hoss hadn’t been able to accept what she thought so she didn’t even mention it to the others.

 

Nita was still so furious about what had happened to Joe, that she was close to disliking Adam as much as she had initially; or maybe even more just because she had grown to love and rely on him in the interim. She couldn’t hide her feelings and although Ben couldn’t really blame her, he prayed that his family could return to the closeness they had had at Christmas.

 

Apart from Sue, who was very quiet, everyone had their say. All of them hated what was happening and wanted to help but none of them really knew how to do it. Eventually Ben called a halt; they were talking round in circles. All they could really do was to be around if either Adam or Carole wanted to talk and to do their very best not to make matters any worse. Pray that eventually whatever was wrong Adam would work his way through it and return to them his normal self.

 

Joe took Nita home first and Hoss was about to follow when his father asked for a word. Ben wasn’t sure whether he ought to say anything but he was worried about his big son. Ben poured them both a brandy, Sue taking coffee. Ben sipped his brandy, “Hoss your brother said you had an explanation of Adam’s behaviour, one you hated to even consider.”

Hoss knew what he meant “I didn’t mean to tell Joe, worry him. I was up at the Lake and Ross’ grave reminded me. He was ill, hurt everyone he loved, especially Delphine, changed totally. It suddenly struck me that it would explain everything. I told myself it was stupid, but I just couldn’t forget.”

Ben looked enquiringly at Sue, “What do you think? You’ve been very quiet.”

 

“I don’t know either of them as well as you do.” She parried, “One thing I’m sure of is that there is nothing wrong with Adam’s mind. I’ve seen the mentally ill, all too many, but none of them are like Adam. They all showed certain signs, I can’t really describe it but I can recognize it, an oddness in the eyes. Whatever’s going on Adam isn’t ill.”

 

Ben was relieved by her statement, even more positive than she had been before. He backed her up. “I said much the same to Joe.”

 

Hoss said “Sue has her own idea of what’s going on Pa, Go on Sue tell Pa.”

 

Sue hesitated but as Ben looked enquiringly she said “I know you all know Adam better than I do.”

Ben smiled “ Sue I know very well that you love Adam and Carole, your opinion matters.”

 

“Thank you Pa. I don’t know anymore than you do, it’s just a feeling I get. I think Adam knows exactly what he’s doing and I’m almost sure that Carole knows too. I can’t imagine why but I get the impression that Adam is very deliberately moving away from us, working to some sort of plan, for reasons he thinks are sufficient.”

 

Ben was surprised and for a moment he shook his head but then he said, “I hope you’re right but if anything is wrong why shouldn’t he tell us all? We’ve always won our battles by acting together.”

 

“I don’t know Pa, as I said it’s just an impression, maybe as Hoss thinks, it’s just that I don’t want to believe.” Ben moved over and kissed her, “Let’s pray you’re right Sue. For now we just have to wait and pray everything will work out. I can’t believe Adam could ever stop loving us or this land. He’s learnt his lesson too well in the past. He will come back.”

 

Hoss decided to take Sue on home; he’d missed his wife and young son. Ben watched them go, he was very fond of his red-headed daughter-in-law, she was so gently and kind hearted, but it might be just those characteristics that stopped her believing anything bad about the man she liked so much.

Adam and Carole had had a peaceful day with no need to act in front of the children. Adam had to do some work but he could do more later, miss out on sleep, for now he was enjoying his children. He knew that sooner or later he was going to have to make the break and move into town. Then he wouldn’t be able to see his children or his beloved wife so he made the most of them while he could. 

During the evening they locked the doors and Carole helped Adam with his legal work. They weren’t disturbed all day and Adam took Carole to bed, forgetting everything with the one woman he really loved.

 

Adam was up very early and working in the study. He had been busy for over two hours when Carole came down with Anne. Adam was more than a little tense, knowing that if Hearst’s men stuck to their plan they would be moving against the flume. As far as he knew Hoss was safe on the west shore, Joe working quietly at home, or at the main house with his father. He was going to get Carole to go over and have a word with Nita just to confirm that for their peace of mind. Adam was prepared to go to town and answer the plea from Dinah rather than go to the flume but his whole fight was to protect his family and if necessary he would act to prevent Joe being hurt, even at the risk of Hearst hearing about it.

 

Carole was very willing, even though she had hardly visited either of her sisters over the last few weeks. She found their visits to her quite hard enough to take without asking for more. It was easy to come up with an excuse, Nita had far more sewing materials than she did and she had been intending to ask if her sister had any thread to match some material she’d bought to make a dress for Marie. She waited until nine before going over, knowing that if Nita saw through her excuse she would simply assume Carole was checking up on Joe’s health after the fight.

In fact Carole didn’t even have to ask, Joe opened the door to her personally. He still showed plenty of bruises but otherwise appeared fine and was obviously delighted to see her. Carole enquired about the baby and made a fuss over Adam for a few minutes before broaching the matter of thread. At that Joe said he’d better get on, he was due at the main house to give his father a hand with the accounts and promising to be home for dinner he kissed Nita and left. Nita still feeling very cross with Adam felt sorry for Carole, but had the sense not to let it show. She busied herself finding suitable thread and both women were relieved when Carole headed home.

 

Carole was able to reassure Adam that his father and brother were safe at the main house and he tried to settle to work but he found it hard, continually waiting for the blow to fall.

 

In fact he didn’t have very long to wait. Hearst’s men had better information than Adam. They knew that Hoss was returning to the West Shore and wanted to intercept him first. One man Jim Donald caught one of the Ponderosa hands, Red, and asked him to pass on a message to Hoss that Joe wanted to see him up by the high section of the flume. He thought there was something wrong and wanted Hoss’ opinion. Red thought nothing of it, used to messages and promised to find Hoss and pass it on as Donald said that Joe wanted him to go back.

 

Red caught up with Hoss less than a mile from the house and although Hoss was surprised to hear that Joe was at the flume, he didn’t query it. He just assumed that a message had gone to the house and his brother, making light of his bruises, had ridden up to investigate. If anything was wrong it seemed perfectly logical for Joe to call him in rather than bother Adam in his current mood. Hoss asked Red to come along in case he needed any more messages taken and they rode up to the high section.

 

Hearst’s men were watching they had the dynamite already set, enough to blow up the eleven high sections that had always been the most complicated and vulnerable part of the main flume. They were just waiting for Hoss’ arrival to light the fuse. Men were ready, non-descript cowhands, no different from many on the Ponderosa payroll, they would pass word to the Cartwrights at the main house and at the same time pass word to the messenger from town, who was waiting with a letter from Dinah. He was to get the message to Adam just before word came about the flume.

 

Everything was ready as Hoss approached the flume. Hoss didn’t realise that he was being watched but he was surprised not to see Joe. He turned to Red “Did Joe tell you himself?”

 

“No I didn’t see Joe, some guy brought his message. I didn’t know him but then there’s a lotta guys around here I don’t know.”

 

“Guess it don’t matter. Maybe Joe’s checking higher up. Let’s have look see what’s wrong. I built it, guess I should know if’n it’s damaged.” The two men approached closer and Jim Donald, in charge of the operation for Hearst, ordered the fuse to be lit. He was a fraction too early and the dynamite exploded before the men were quite as close as he would have liked but they were close enough to be thrown from their horses by the blast. Hoss slightly ahead was hit by some of the falling debris from the flume and caught a glancing blow from one of the heavy planks that made up the flume and he was knocked out. Red was badly shaken and stunned by the blast, but after a few minutes he managed to pull himself together enough to crawl over to Hoss. To his relief the big man was alive, his pulse strong although he was still out cold. Neither horse had gone far, both lamed by the blast and Chub came to investigate his master, so that Red was able to reach the canteen on Hoss’ saddle. Using it he began trying to clean Hoss up a little. 

 

The explosion had been heard up at the lumber camp and Johnny with Peter Curtis and a dozen men came to investigate. They were shaken to see the flume, on which their bonuses were based, in ruins but for now at least they were more worried about the two injured men, Hoss in particular. Johnny and Peter were both used to handling injuries and hastily checked Hoss but found no broken bones. He was badly bruised a few cuts and a bad cut and lump on his head. Even so neither man was prepared to take the risk of moving Hoss on horseback and Johnny asked Peter, a better horseman, to go to the ranch. Hoss’ family must be told and a wagon brought to transport Hoss home.

Peter was perfectly willing and set out making fast progress. Every step he took was watched by Jim Donald. His men had already notified him that Joe was at the main house with his father and that suited him fine. They knew Adam was at his own house and the messenger from town was waiting for word to move.

 

Joe and Ben were busy with the interminable paperwork and were just thinking of stopping for coffee when Peter rode in. Joe got to his feet, still stiff; he wanted to move around and idly looked to see who had arrived. When he did he was instantly on edge, “Pa, you expecting Peter Curtis?”

 

Ben shook his head and Joe moved over to the door to greet him wondering what the hell was wrong now. One look at Curtis’ face confirmed something was and Ben moved over to join his son.

It didn’t take Curtis long to describe what had happened. Ben and Joe were only concerned about Hoss for now and although Curtis did his best to reassure them that Hoss wasn’t badly hurt. They needed to see for themselves. Curtis offered to ride into town and fetch Doc and Ben told Joe to get the wagon ready to transport Hoss and then to drive it up to the flume. Ben was going over to break the news to Sue and then go and tell Adam before catching up. Both men took it for granted that Adam would join Ben and go to his brother, whatever his current mood.

 

Ben was on the move quickly and went in to find Sue playing with the baby. As she took in his expression, she put the baby down to play and got to her feet. Ben moved over and put his arm round her “Easy Sue, there’s been an accident. I’m assured that Hoss is only knocked out and bruised. An explosion at the flume, he was thrown from Chub.” Sue trembled slightly and for a moment buried her head against him. Ben said “We’ve sent for Doc but I’m sure Hoss will be fine.”

 

Sue straightened up “I’m alright Pa, go and bring him home to me, I’ll look after him, he’ll be alright.”

 

Ben kissed her “Joe’s already on his way with a wagon. I’ll go and tell Adam and Carole, tell her to come over.” He hurried over to his eldest son’s house, with only one thought fear for his big son, all the problems with Adam totally forgotten. Hearst’s plan had been for Dinah’s letter to reach Adam first but although the messenger had been warned, Ben moved faster than they expected and he reached Adam first. He had just finished telling Adam and Carole what he knew when the messenger arrived. They didn’t have to act shocked, although they had known about the flume; they had believed Hoss was safe on the West Shore. Adam had checked on Joe and Ben but he had taken it for granted that Hoss was safe and he cursed himself for his carelessness. Ben reassured him that according to Peter, Hoss was only knocked out, not seriously hurt. Then the letter arrived. Adam knew what it had to contain and he took it begrudgingly, every fibre of his being aching to go to his big gentle, kind-hearted brother but even as he read over the letter, not even really taking in what it said, he knew he had to answer the summons.

 

Adam crumpled up the letter when he’d read it, but deliberately allowed his father to see the signature ‘all my love dearest, Dinah’. Then he slid it into his pocket. Dinah had written very cleverly, claiming financial harassment, a cheque hadn’t cleared at the bank and now the hotel was pressing her for payment. She really needed his help.

 

Ben did his best to ignore the letter, it wasn’t important now, only Hoss mattered. “Carole will you go and help Sue. We’ll bring Hoss back as quickly as we can.” As Carole nodded, Adam dropped his bombshell. “I have to go to town, I’ll send Doc out.”

 

Ben couldn’t help himself, he gripped his son’s arms, “Peter Curtis rode for Doc before I came over. For God’s sake Adam aren’t you coming to your brother?”

 

“I can’t Pa. I wish I could but you say he’s not badly hurt and I must go to town. Give him my best, I’ll see him soon.”

 

Ben was absolutely furious but he couldn’t tell his son what he really thought, not with his daughter-in-law standing there. Anyway he didn’t have time for a quarrel he had to go to Hoss, so he simply said “Suit yourself.” and turning on his heel he left hurriedly. Everything he hadn’t put into words was all too clear on his face and even though Adam knew it was aimed at a mirage he had created, it still hurt.

 

For a moment as Ben left they didn’t move and then Carole came to take Adam in her arms, “You couldn’t know. Hoss should have been on the West Shore. He’s strong, if he’s not badly hurt I know he’ll be fine.”

 

Adm shook his head, his expression bleaker than she had ever seen, “I’d give anything to go to him, anything but the life of one of the kids or you girls. I hope, in time, they will forgive me.”

 

“Of course they will as soon as they know everything. I’ll help look after Hoss, he’ll be fine. You’d better go.”

 

Adam buried his face in her hair, “I don’t want to go to her darling.”

 

“I know my love, but you’ll cope, I know you will.”

 

Adam straightened up, “Sure. I had a very precious day of peace yesterday. I don’t know if I’ll be back tonight, it partly depends what Doc has to say. I’ll check with him in town.” He took a deep breath and collected his things, heading out for town, before he could change his mind, praying for his brother.

 

Hearst had insisted on the check and he had personally only given Dinah about 1 chance in 10 of pulling it off. He knew from bitter experience just how tight knit the Cartwrights were. The only one who agreed with him was Troy, who also knew them very well. The others were far more confident in the ability of a real high class whore to mesmerize a man. When word was brought to them that Adam had ridden in and gone to the hotel, at first Hearst suspected the timing had gone wrong and Adam hadn’t heard about the flume prior to his departure. Their own messenger dispelled that suspicion. Ben Cartwright had actually been there when he arrived and Adam had still chosen to come to town. Delighted to find Dinah was so successful Hearst ordered champagne, they could move ahead confident that their main adversary was neutralized.

 

Joe had made good time and was well on the way to his brother when Ben caught him up. Joe was surprised not to see Adam, and asked if his father had missed him. Ben, fury still obvious on his face, shook his head and said grimly, “No he was there. I’d just told him about Hoss and the flume when a messenger cane from town. Brought a letter from that whore. He went to town.”

 

Joe was shocked, “Pa are you sure it was from her? It must have been something really important, not just her. Hell the number of times Adam has moved heaven and earth to get to me or Hoss when we’ve been hurt.”

 

“It was from her. I could read the signature ‘all my love dearest Dinah’. All Adam would say was that he had to go to town and to give Hoss his best he’d see him soon.”

 

“Pa it don’t make sense. Remember when Hoss had blood poisoning, Adam rode over a hundred miles to join me after not being in the saddle for months and nowhere near fit. He had to go to Hoss. It’s always been that way.”

 

“I know Joseph but now he’d rather go to this English whore. She must have him totally mesmerized. He wasn’t even trying to hide from Carole where he was going. She called and he went.”

 

Joe was furious, far more sickened by this callous disregard of their big brother than the actual physical attack on himself. “When we’ve got Hoss home and made sure he’s okay I’m going to town, shake some sense into Adam.”

 

Ben shook his head. “You still have the bruises from last time Joseph. It’s no good, we agreed yesterday not to make matters worse.”

Joe wanted to argue, it was Adam who was making thing worse not him, but in his heart he knew Ben was right. Anyway the flume was just ahead, so forgetting Adam; he tied up the rig and ran over to Hoss. Hoss had slowly fought his way back to consciousness a few minutes earlier. He had his eyes shut against the light as it made his thumping headache even worse but hearing his Father’s voice Hoss forced himself to open his eyes. He managed to focus on first Ben and then Joe, “Easy you two, just bruised and sore.”

 

Joe went down on his knees by his brother, examining Hoss closely; all too aware of all the bruised and torn clothing from the blast and even more aware of the pain Hoss was trying to hide. He took the wet cloth from Johnny and expertly wiped the blood away from a deep cut on Hoss’ arm. Ben bent over next to Joe, “We’ll get you home in just a minute Hoss. Doc will be on his way. You sure no bones are broken?”

 

“Yeah Pa. Just bad timing. As we rode in the whole world blew up. I take it Joe you didn’t send me a message to meet you up here?”

 

Joe shook his head puzzled, and Hoss went on “Thought as much. I was set up Pa. Some guy Red didn’t know asked him to pass on a message to me. Supposed to be from Joe, said there was damage here on the high section and he wanted to talk. When we rode in I only had time to wonder why Joe wasn’t here when it blew.” Hoss closed his eyes his head thumping, while Ben and Joe considered each other in consternation. It was bad enough that the flume had been deliberately attacked but to know Hoss had been brought into the danger zone was terrifying. Mainly because this had come out of the blue, the ranch had been running very smoothly and no obvious enemies sprung to mind. Ben was the first to recover, “We can sort that out later, for now let’s get Hoss home.”

 

Hoss insisted that he could walk to the wagon, all he needed was a little help. His father and brother eased him up and although the world was going round on him, Hoss made it to the wagon, leaning heavily on them. Then he thankfully settled on the blankets in a nest of straw that Joe had prepared and Joe tucked another blanket round him. Johnny helped Red over to join Hoss in the wagon. Joe suggested that his father take the wagon in, he would ride Buck back but he wanted to check the extent of the damage.

 

Ben looked up at the blackened twisted mess. It wasn’t the first time that this high section had been destroyed, it was inevitably vulnerable. Joe was right they needed to know just how bad it was as soon as possible but then looking back at his son’s bruised face he couldn’t help asking, “You sure you’re up to scrambling around up there Joseph?”

 

“I’m fine Pa. I’ll catch you up before you get home.” Joe bent over the wagon “Take it easy you big galoot. I’ll be there to help you get tucked up in bed.” He watched the wagon leave and then clambered up to see the damage. They’d been hit worse before but it was quite extensive enough and Joe found eight sections and two pillars would need totally replaced, with the strengthening poles on two more sections also needing to be changed. Furious at the damage and more especially at the trap which had been laid for Hoss and with no idea on whom to vent that anger, Joe pushed hard on the way home. Buck was fresh and Joe gave his father’s horse free rein catching up the wagon well short of the house. 

 

The rough ride, despite all Ben could do, had taken its toll on both men and as Joe rode up he was very conscious of just how pale Hoss was and the lines of pain etched on his brother’s face. There was nothing anyone could do to help and Joe just moved alongside the wagon for the last mile or so to the house. All four men were relieved as the main house came into view and Joe helped Red into the bunkhouse, where Kirk and Hop Sing were waiting. They would do what they could until Doc came over to check him out. Ben went onto Hoss’ house and Joe had caught them up in time to help his father get Hoss up to his own bed.

 

Nita and Carole were both over with Sue, all quarrels forgotten temporarily as they waited anxiously to find out just how badly Hoss was hurt. Doc had arrived a few minutes earlier and he followed the three Cartwrights upstairs with Sue. Carole and Nita knew they would only be in the way and stayed down. For the first time Nita queried where Adam was. She had assumed that he was with the others. Even though she knew the reasons Carole found herself blushing as she said shortly “He had to go to town.”

 

Nita assumed that Adam didn’t know about the accident, “Maybe we ought to send some one to town to tell him.”

 

Carole turned away to the window. “He knows. He was only called to town after Ben came over. As Hoss wasn’t badly hurt he had to go and sort things out in town.”

 

Nita was shocked and furious but she could see the tension in Carole and wasn’t about to make matters worse. Carole was the innocent victim of her husband’s behaviour. Nita went to fetch fresh coffee and busied herself with Johnny to stop herself saying anything more.

 

Upstairs Doc with Ben’s help had stripped the big man and examined him carefully. Hoss had been right, he was very lucky, a few cuts, some abrasions and very heavy bruising but no bones broken. The worst was the gash on his head and Doc diagnosed concussion. He ordered Hoss to stay in bed for four or five days to let it clear and then to take it very easy for at least another week. He smiled at Sue, “Get him to behave and he’ll be fine.” 

 

Hoss just wanted to settle down and go to sleep, so leaving him with his wife and orders to wake him every couple of hours, the others left him alone with Sue. Doc was able to be most reassuring Hoss wasn’t seriously hurt and as soon as she heard that Carole headed home. Nita was staying to look after Johnny and Sue could do all that was needed for Hoss, so Ben and Joe went with Doc to check on Red and once Doc had seen to him they could find out what the cowboy had to tell them

Ben and Joe both had a lot on their minds, Adam’s bizarre behaviour, this threat to the ranch from nowhere and Hoss, so it was a very quiet trio that made the short journey to the main house. Doc checked Red over carefully but although bruised he had got off even more lightly than Hoss. Doc saw no reason for him to stay in bed if he didn’t want to but suggested he should take it very easy for a week. Ben promised they would ensure he did and after coffee Doc left for town.

 

Ben and Joe went back to the bunkhouse and questioned Red carefully about the message he’d taken. Red tried very hard but couldn’t really help. It had seemed routine, messages were often passed verbally and although he didn’t know the hand he hadn’t queried it. Since the ranch expanded so much there were always new faces around, a certain number that he didn’t know. The man had been average, nondescript and Red apologized but he didn’t think he’d know the man for sure if he walked through the door right now. Otherwise he could only confirm what Hoss had already told them. Once sure Red couldn’t tell them anything else Ben and Joe left him to rest and went inside.

 

Joe was restless, very worried and angry and almost defiantly he went and poured himself a large brandy. Since Adam had started drinking so much Joe had hardly touched it, hating what was happening to his brother, but right now he felt the need of a drink. He went over to the fire and slipped down onto the hearth, staring unseeingly into the fire sipping his drink. Ben contented himself with coffee but he went to join his son. “We should be grateful Joseph; Hoss could have been badly hurt.”

 

Joe looked up, “Who Pa? That’s what I don’t get, who has suddenly moved against us?”

 

“I only wish I knew. There hasn’t been even a hint of trouble. Maybe even more worrying is where will they hit next?” Ben sighed heavily.

 

Joe got to his feet, too restless to settle, “We’ll cope we’ve done it before. That doesn’t worry me half as much as Adam going to that whore, instead of coming to Hoss. I refused to believe Hoss’ suggestion that he was mentally ill, but after today’s fiasco I’m beginning to wonder.” Joe drained his brandy and went to refill his glass. Unable to face his father he went over to the window and very quietly admitted, “It scares me Pa.”

 

Ben went over and gripped Joe’s shoulders, “Easy Joseph. I am positive that Adam is as sane as you or I. More importantly so is Sue and she knows far more about it than we do. Infatuated and acting foolishly that I can accept. I don’t like it but I can accept it. Insane that I can’t believe.”

 

“Can’t or won’t Pa? If it is true and we don’t accept it, we risk doing him grave harm.”

 

Ben looked very bleak, “If it was true Joe what the hell could we do to help? You know as well as I do that there s no treatment and only primitive facilities for the mentally ill. If it comes to locking him up we might as well pull the trigger and shoot him, it would come to the same thing.”

 

Joe turned round at that, badly shaken by the fear on his father’s face, realising for the first time just how scared his Pa was for his eldest son. Joe couldn’t think how to help and Ben straightened his shoulders, “There’s nothing we can do Joe so let’s finish these accounts and arrange some guards for the ranch. With Hoss out of action and the flume damaged we must re-plan the next few weeks.” The two men settled to work but it was difficult to avoid their main worries, for the first time in their lives they had to worry about Adam’s willingness to take on extra work. He was the obvious person to tackle the repair of the flume while Joe took over from Hoss on the West Shore, but in his current mood Ben wasn’t sure his son would do it. Between them they made tentative plans and slowly as they worked together they calmed down, at least Hoss would be fine.

 

Adam made good time on the way to town, cutting down via Washoe Lake, making sure he didn’t see Doc. He knew he had no choice but to do what he was doing but he felt very guilty and would have given a lot to turn round and go to his brother. As he rode Adam very deliberately put thought of Hoss to the back of his mind, he could only trust that the message was right and his brother wasn’t seriously hurt. He knew he also had to face the problem of the flume, which his family, not unreasonably, would expect him to handle. For now he put it to one side to think about later and concentrated on showing concern to Dinah. Concern wasn’t difficult the problem was to convince her that it was directed towards her problems and Adam knew she was a very astute lady.

 

Luckily Dick was working in the livery stable and as he took Blackie, Adam was able to ask him to lock away his saddlebags safely. Unsure when he’d be able to find time to work at home again Adam had brought all the relevant papers to town. That done he couldn’t put off visiting Dinah any longer and went over to the hotel.

 

Dinah was anxiously looking out for him, her final payment and her reputation hinging on success in this check of Hearst’s. It seemed a very long time since the messenger had left and she didn’t have to act, she was very much on edge. She had been looking out of the window and breathed a size of relief as she saw Adam striding across the street to the hotel. Dinah had never really believed that she would fail, confident of her sway over men, but it was nice to have proof. Adam wasn’t like her usual conquests, he was much more intelligent and independent.    

 

Adam allowed a trace of anger to show alongside the concern and made it clear that she had better have a good reason for calling him in as he had to leave the ranch when there was trouble, his brother hurt although as far as he knew not seriously.

 

Hearst had been busy and he had produced threatening, demanding letters from the hotel  and two store managers, pointing out that if she didn’t pay she would be in trouble. The hotel was even threatening to turn her out for non-payment and she acted as though se was very worried. Adam unbent towards her and promised that he would deal with it, pay her bills and put money into her account to cover her expenses until the draft from New Orleans did clear.

Dinah expressed her gratitude in the way she knew best and Adam went along. His decisions long made he had no real choice and it was as good a way of easing the tension he was under as any.

It was nearly three hours later when Adam got dressed. He made no secret of where he was going, Doc should be back in town by now and he wanted to find out how his brother was. Then he claimed two business meetings but promised to come back for dinner, unless Hoss was seriously hurt, when he would go home. Dinah had got her way, proved herself to Hearst and she willingly accepted what time he was offering. For now she would soak in a hot tub well satisfied by her lover.

Adam’s expression was sufficient to prevent anyone approaching him as he went down to Doc’s office. He was glad to see Doc working on his own, updating records. Doc offered coffee, which Adam gratefully accepted. Then Paul considered Adam with frank curiosity “What can I do for you?”

 

“I think you know Doc. How is Hoss?”

 

“I got the impression from your family that you didn’t care, came to town.”

 

“They know better than that.” 

 

“Do they Adam? I’m not sure I do, not the way you have been acting recently.”

 

Adam knew that he had deliberately provoked that attitude but it still hurt coming from such an old friend as Paul. Hiding the pain he showed his anger, “I didn’t come to discuss my personal affairs, just to ask about my brother.”

 

Doc recognized the anger and decided not to push his old friend any further. “Hoss wasn’t badly hurt, bruised, a gash on his head and a slight concussion. He’ll need a couple of days in bed and a couple of weeks taking it easy.” 

 

“Thank God for that.” Adam said relief obvious on his face.

 

Doc couldn’t help himself. “Adam what are you up to? You’re acting out of character, pretending not to care about your family and yet it’s obvious you do.”

 

“Only to you I hope Doc and I would be grateful if you kept it in confidence, from everyone.” Adam emphasized the last two words.

 

“Your family?”

 

“Especially them Doc. I know it sounds odd but I do have my reasons.”

 

“I wish I knew what they were.”

 

Adam smiled more freely than he had all day “Doc you aren’t the only one! Trust me please, my reasons are sufficient and I have to work this alone. I’m trusting you, but noone else must know.”

 

Doc gripped his arm “You know that I can be trusted Adam. I always knew that there had to be some explanation. I won’t say anything but please tell your family as soon as you can, they are getting very worried.”

 

“I know Doc and I don’t like it one bit better than they do, but I have no choice.” Adam relaxed seeing that Doc understood and sympathized with his predicament. He hadn’t intended to tell Paul but he knew he could trust the older man and if there was any further trouble, he could rely on Doc bringing him news of his family without anyone querying it.

 

Doc gave him a few more details and then Adam left, knowing there was no need to rush home. He was surprised just how much of a relief it was that an old friend like Paul would take just a few words as an explanation of his odd behaviour over the last weeks. Paul hadn’t even asked for any details, just accepting that Adam was putting on an act for reasons he found necessary. Adam believed for the first time that he would be understood without detailed explanations when this was over, at least by those people who mattered to him. His own family would deserve and get more detail but the others would have to be left to come to their own conclusions. Adam knew Hearst and the others would inevitably guess they had been tricked. Th information and evidence he aimed to have prior to the court case would exceed anything he could have hoped to get in the fortnight or so that they planned to give him. That was inevitable but whatever they might guess wouldn’t provoke the angry reaction that public knowledge of how he’d made fools of them would. Adam wasn’t going through all this to protect his family just to risk someone being hurt in retaliation. Apart from is immediate family everyone else would, like Doc, have to be left to draw their own conclusions. Adam had never liked that but now Doc’s reaction showed, hopefully, that they would reach the correct conclusion.

 

Buoyed up by the knowledge that Hoss wasn’t seriously hurt, his careless miscalculation in assuming his brother was safe on the west shore had only resulted in minor trouble, and by Doc’s reaction, Adam began to think more clearly than he had since receiving Marcy’s warning. He went down to the Washoe Club and ordered a large brandy, still keeping to himself as he tried to decide how to handle the next few days. He knew that things were coming to a head. He hoped that Hearst was convinced of his infatuation with Dinah, but if he was to maintain that belief over the next vital few weeks he knew that he would have to move to town eventually. Adam had always realised that but he was putting it off for as long as possible. He doubted if he dared leave it more than a few days now and decided to make it very clear to everyone that, whatever the position in his private life, he was still a Cartwright and acting for the Ponderosa, albeit taking a little more time for himself. He decided to look around for an office to rent. He needed a base in town and intended making it clear to his family that whatever was happening he would still handle the financial and legal affairs for the ranch. For many things a base in town would simplify matters and they had often talked about it in the past, but they had always preferred to work at home. 

 

He found a place to rent downstairs from John Marye’s stockbrokerage and negotiated for it then and there. He had no trouble agreeing a rent, many things were still moving slowly after the bank collapse the previous year. Adam collected the keys and inspected his new office. There was a large desk and some shelf and cupboard space, more than adequate for his needs. Adam had no intention of moving anything from the livery stable, his important work he would do there. He didn’t put it past Hearst to have the office searched.  The main advantages were a tiny front room, the only part visible from the street with a larger back room and a back way out into the alley so that he could sneak out unseen.

 

Once he had finished checking around, Adam sat down on the desk and knew that he had just been putting off consideration of the main immediate problem. His father would expect, not unreasonably, that he would take charge of the repairs on the flume. Adam didn’t dare risk being that far out of touch but the flume had to be repaired. Hoss was out of action, at least for a week or so and Joe would have to take over on the West Shore. That suited Adam, in many ways the less he saw of his brothers in the next weeks the easier it would be; acting for them was becoming progressively more difficult. Adam sat staring into space wondering what to do and then he thought of the excellent job John Chance had done for him, visiting Oliver. He remembered John saying that Bill Davidson was itching for a chance to help and that he should call if there was anything more they could do. A flume was Bill’s business and Adam knew he could handle the job more efficiently than anyone. He didn’t really want to disturb his old friend but John had made it very clear just how pleased he was to be able to help. Adam knew they both felt they owed him even if he didn’t agree. His mind made up Adam headed down to the telegraph office to send word asking Bill for his help. He was in luck Bill had just finished a job and was in Sacramento. Adam got his answer within the hour Bill was on his way, the only thing he wanted to know was whether to bring his crew. Adam sent word to bring them, the faster the flume was repaired the better for the ranch and that would at least remove one problem. Bill’s men knew exactly what to do and any spare hands could best be used keeping watch round the ranch. His decision made Adam sent a second telegram and then went back to the hotel. He was already in disgrace with his family and so Adam decided to stay in town with Dinah.

 

Dinah was delighted to see him back and insisted on flaunting his presence in the main dining room. Adam went along with her, noticing the disapproving looks but ignoring them. He was quiet although Dinah did her best to cheer him up, but she recognized that she wasn’t getting through to him. Eventually Adam forced himself to pay her more attention, he knew she was a very astute lady and he couldn’t take any risks. Adam managed to forget his problems and his family with the aid of a large brandy and slowly relaxed. He took Dinah back to her room after the meal and spent the night with her.

 

Carole hadn’t really expected him home as his brother wasn’t badly hurt. She firmly shut herself in with the children, knowing that her husband was unpopular. She didn’t want to see any of the family and know that they were biting back criticism.

 

The others were all surprised, not to say shocked, by Adam’s non-return. It had been bad enough that he went to town instead of going to his brother, but not to bother coming home to check Hoss was alright hit even harder. Joe was the most outspoken, he had been able to forgive Adam’s physical attack on him but he found it far harder to forgive the neglect of their big kind-hearted brother. Hoss himself was basically asleep, stirring occasionally for food or drink, Sue could do all that was needed for him and after tentatively re-planning the work Ben and Joe couldn’t settle to the accounts.  Ben went back with his youngest son for dinner, hoping his eldest would return.

 

Nita did her best to provide a good meal but it was wasted effort, neither man was really aware of what they were eating. Ben tried to make conversation but it was difficult to steer clear of the two things on their minds, Adam’s behaviour and just who had attacked the flume. Eventually Joe got to his feet restlessly, “It’s no good avoiding it. Even if that business in town was important and I can’t believe she had any reason that vital, he should have been home by now. At least gone to see Hoss, make sure he ain’t badly hurt.”

 

Nita went over to him and put her arms round him, but she agreed with every word. Ben stood up, “Well it’s too late for Adam to disturb them tonight anyway. I’m going home. Need to get some sleep. You’ll have to go over to the West Shore day after tomorrow Joe try and get some rest too.”

Nita kissed her father-in-law, “I’ll make sure he does Pa.”

 

None of them slept very well but Adam did the least well. He would have given a lot to go home but he couldn’t take the risk. The next few weeks he had to stay away and in many ways the less he saw of his family the easier it would be. He was up early and was dressed before Dinah stirred. She didn’t make any protest as he explained that he had to go home. There were arrangements to be made and he needed to check the damage. Adam wouldn’t offer any guarantees that he would be back in town for a day or so but he kissed her, promising to be back as soon as he could.

 

Dinah had no doubt of that, she had passed all the tests with flying colours and she was sure she had Adam just where she wanted him, like virtually every other man she had met. As she didn’t actually like men much it was no great hardship if Adam wasn’t around for a day or so.

 

Adam rode slowly; he wasn’t looking forward to seeing his family and knew that the news he was going to give them wouldn’t make him any more popular. The one consolation was the prospect of actually seeing his brother, confirming for himself that Hoss wasn’t badly hurt. He headed straight for Hoss’ house, not daring to go home first in case he was seen.

 

Sue came to the door and when she saw Adam she was obviously pleased and showed it, knowing her husband had missed his brother. She didn’t know why Adam hadn’t been there the previous day but she could see the genuine concern on his face now and that was all that mattered. Adam moved into the house, relieved by her greeting. “How is he Sue? Doc said that it wasn’t too bad.”

 

“I’m making him stay in bed for a day or so but it’s not serious. Slight concussion and bruises. Go on up, he’ll be pleased to see you.” 

 

“I couldn’t make it yesterday. I wished I could.”

 

Sue gripped his arm, “Adam why can’t you tell us what’s wrong. It’s eating you alive this act.”

 

Adam tensed up, wondering just how much she suspected but he had to keep it up. “There’s nothing wrong, just something between Carole and I. We’ll sort it out, noone else can help. Not important now I just want to see Hoss.”

 

Sue recognized the tension but she didn’t push, he had enough problems. She moved aside and let him go up to Hoss. Adam slipped quietly into his brother’s room but Hoss was awake. He had his eyes shut against the light even though the curtains were drawn. He didn’t hear anyone come in but as Adam pulled a chair over to the bed, Hoss opened his eyes. As he focused enough to make out his brother, he half hitched himself up on his pillows. Adam moved swiftly to help, “Easy old son. How are you feeling?”

 

“Sore and bruised, headachy but nothing serious. How much damage was done this time?”

 

“I don’t know yet but it’s all under control. Bill Davidson is bringing his crew to repair it. You just rest and get better.”

 

Hoss was very pleased to see his brother; he had missed him the previous day, although he didn’t know that Adam, knowing about the attack, had opted to go to town. For a few minutes as Adam remade his bed and got him coffee, his eldest brother seemed his normal self, concern obvious on his face, the withdrawn shuttered look Hoss had learnt to hate absent for a while at least. Adam didn’t stay long, Hoss was going to be fine that was the main thing but for now all his brother really wanted was to rest.

 

When Adam went back down Sue offered coffee but Adam refused. “I must go and change and then see Pa, find out what changes he’s made to the work plan.”

 

“I think Joe is over working with him at the main house.”

 

Adam kissed her forehead. “Look after Hoss, not that I need to ask and don’t let him worry, about anything.” With that he extricated himself fast before he said more than he ought to, finding it ever more difficult to hold himself apart from his family. 

 

Carole was pleased to see him even if he was only home to change. She went upstairs with him and Adam warned her that he’d found an office in town and would probably have to make the move into town sometime this week. Carole wasn’t surprised she had worked closely with Adam panning their strategy and thought herself lucky that he had delayed the move so long. For now Adam had to go and see Ben and Joe, a visit he was dreading. Carole held him very close for a minute, “It won’t be for very much longer darling.”

 

Adam straightened his shoulders and forced a grin, “Best get it over with. I’ll be back before I go back to town.” He rode over slowly, getting firm control of himself and going into the yard told Kirk rather curtly to take care of Blackie.

 

His arrival had been seen and both Ben and Joe had left the mass of papers on the table and moved over to greet him. Anger was clear on his youngest brother’s face but Adam ignored it, what he had to tell them as going to cause enough ill feeling without starting with a row. Joe didn’t intent to make it easy to ignore him and he said bitterly, “So you’ve finally found time to come home!”

 

Ben shushed him but couldn’t help asking, “Have you seen Hoss?”

 

“Yeah and he gave me a damn sight friendlier reception than you two.”

 

“Watch your language.” Ben demanded. “Let’s try and keep this in the realm of discussion.”

 

Adam accepted that and moved over to sit down, collecting himself coffee. “Alright. I’m sorry I had to go to town yesterday but it was important. I did check with Doc and Hoss is okay.”

 

“That was yesterday, forget it.” Ben advised both his sons. “We have to rearrange things to cover for Hoss and to get the flume repaired. Have you any suggestions who might be behind blowing it?”

 

Adam knew exactly who it was but he just shrugged, “Not a clue, doesn’t make sense coming out of the blue like this. Guess we’d better all watch our backs.”

 

Ben relaxed slightly, his eldest son seemed to be acting more normally and he broached his suggestion for handling things. The first part pleased Adam, according to Ben’s plan Joe would go to the West Shore. At least over there Joe should be safe and wouldn’t be around to argue with him. Adam nodded “Makes sense.”

 

Ben said rather gingerly, “That would leave you to take charge of repairing the flume.”

 

Adam postponed the moment when he had to tell them what he was planning and enquired, “How much damage was done? I assume you’ve checked.”

 

Joe bit back the angry reply that sprung to his lips and contented himself with a nod. “I did. Eight sections, two towers and a few strengthening poles.”

 

Adam went and poured himself a brandy, “Do you have the plans?”

 

Joe got them out and showed Adam exactly which sections were damaged, he had already made a list of exactly what wood was needed and once Adam had checked it Jack could start cutting. Adam bent over the plan trying to concentrate but he found it hard, he was too tense. In the end he basically trusted his brother’s calculations, “That looks fine Joe. Get Jack started on these.”

 

Ben enquired “How many men will you need Adam?”

 

Adam downed his brandy and stood up restlessly, leaning on the mantelpiece. “I won’t need any Pa; I’m not handling the repair myself.”

 

“What!” Joe exploded. “Who the hell is going to do it? You expect Pa to do it?”

 

Ben put his hand on his youngest son’s shoulder, “Calm down Joseph, let your brother explain.”

 

Adam turned to face them, the shutters well down again, “Seems you’re determined to think the worst of me whatever I do at the minute.”

 

“That’s not true.” Ben insisted but Joe pulled away. “Just recently you seem to have done everything you can to force us to feel that way. If I’m wrong on this occasion explain why.”

 

Adam addressed himself to his father. “If trouble is hitting the ranch then any spare men we can find should be on patrol, acting as guards. On the off chance I telegraphed Bill Davidson. He was just finishing up a job ahead of schedule and says its no problem to delay the next one for a few days. He’s bringing his whole crew, should be here late tomorrow or early Thursday. I will set up the camp for them but after that Bill will cope better than anyone.”

 

Ben looked over at Joe but his son didn’t need prompting. “I’m sorry Adam. You’re right, if we are lucky enough to find Bill free it’s by far the most efficient way to repair the flume.”

 

Adam pressed on, “I’ve been thinking. Recently I’m having to spend more and more time in town.” He was all too conscious of the glance between his father and brother. “Sometimes you forget just how much financial and legal detail is involved with the mines and the bank to say nothing of the land we own or are leasing.”

 

Ben tried to keep things low key. “I know there is a lot of paperwork and I’m well aware over the last few years you have taken more than your share of it.”

 

“It’s not that so much Pa. Just that I’m getting fed up with going to and fro from town and always having to scrounge somewhere to work in town. I’ve leased an office, on the ground floor of John Marye’s stockbrokerage, to give myself a base in town.”

 

Ben avoided meeting Joe’s gaze, “Seems sensible Adam.”

“I have a great deal to do in town over the next few weeks, that was the main reason I sent for Bill.” Adam met his father’s gaze defiantly.

 

Ben knew that there wasn’t that much needing doing, but he wasn’t prepared to face the possibility of an open rift with his son that could be caused by saying so. “You do as you think best Adam. I’ve trusted your judgement often enough in the past and I’ll continue to do so.”  

 

Joe could only go along with his father; he had given his word not to make matters worse but every fibre of his body warned against this move which would take Adam even further from them. Adam knew his brother well enough to know how Joe felt but he wasn’t going to provoke trouble. He got away shortly afterwards and went to make arrangements for Bill and his crew. It had been a difficult meeting but not as bad as he’d feared and he was very grateful to his father for that.

 

Joe watched him leave and then turned to his father. “We don’t need an office in town now, anymore than we ever have. He’s moving away from us again, cutting himself off from us again. I don’t understand. Why? Is it just an excuse to stay close to that English whore?”

 

“I don’t know Joseph. I don’t like it one bit better than you do but I’m not prepared to force a discussion which can only drive him further away.”

 

“I did realise that Pa. He did say that he’d been to see Doc to check on Hoss, he does still care. Whatever this witch has done to him, he will come back as long as he still cares.”

 

Ben put his arm round his youngest son, confident that all the time they still cared as much as Joe obviously did, they couldn’t fail to recover the family closeness which meant so much to him.

 

Adam was glad to have told his father and brother about his plans without a major eruption and busied himself in the routine chore of setting up a camp for Bill and his men. By late afternoon he had done all that he could and headed home to see Carole and his children for an hour before going back to town.

 

The kids were delighted to see him and Adam romped with them for a while and then wen upstairs with his wife. She had packed a few books and papers for him, the general ranch paperwork that he would leave in his new office and had put out a few clothes and washing gear, ready to pack if he was staying in town.  

 

Adam lazed out on the bed watching Carole as she packed for him. He smiled enjoying her gracefulness. “You are beautiful my love.”

 

“Will you be home tonight?”

 

“No I don’t think so but I will try to be back tomorrow night. I’m going to miss you enough when I move into town.”

 

“It’s only a few weeks darling; we’ve been apart often enough when you’ve been working. I know it’s a strain but it’ll pass.”

 

Adam rolled over and pulled her down next to him, holding her close. “I can manage all the time I have you. I love you.”

 

Carole relaxed in his arms and for the next half an hour Adam forgot all his problems, but then he had to go to town. He wasn’t actually staying with Dinah but he did spend the evening with her. He left just after midnight and slipped into the stable. He felt time was beginning to run short and he needed all the time he could find to get the facts and the law at his fingertips. He had told Dinah that he had to go home but promised to take her for a picnic the following day. With everyone all thinking that he should be somewhere else, he worked solidly for five hours and then slipped out of town and up by Washoe Lake where he camped and slept solidly for two hours. He headed back to town for breakfast, riding in as though from the ranch. At least this way noone was nagging him and although he knew he was short of sleep it wasn’t the first time. Adam went to a small restaurant where he wasn’t known and had several cups of coffee, barely noticing what he was eating. He spent half an hour running through some routine queries at the Bank and then went over to pick up Dinah. He had hired a buggy and arranged for a picnic lunch from the hotel.

 

Adam intended to cover two jobs at once, he would take Dinah up by the flume, flaunting her on his own land knowing word would reach home but at the same time he could check that everything was ready for Bill. Adam wasn’t expecting any trouble, Hoss was still in bed and Joe should be well on the way to the West Shore. He expected his father to be busy at the main house and whatever the hands thought or gossiped about later, they wouldn’t dare say anything to his face.

 

Dinah was ready and waiting for him. She thought he looked tired but Adam laughed it off and exerted himself to be a good companion. He drove the buggy out on the main road, turning off before the houses up towards the flume. He had already explained to Dinah why they were going up that way and she was intrigued by a different side of him as he swiftly checked the stores and wood already in place and issued succinct orders to the four men working on the site. Nearly everything was ready, Jack Catfish had been working overtime to get the timber ready, from their store of seasoned wood.

 

Dinah was fascinated by the flume especially when she realised Adam had designed it, She was beginning to see that there was a lot more to this man than she had at first realised. She was slowly beginning to understand why Hearst was so worried about him and yet paradoxically beginning to dislike the job she had taken on. Adam was a good lover but she had known plenty of other men who were and that was usually all she found men any good for. But this time Adam was also a good companion, with a brain she had already learnt to respect and she was beginning to like him. A feeling she wasn’t used to where men were concerned.

 

Once Adam had satisfied himself that everything was ready he drove back a little way to a clearing by a river and made a fire to heat up coffee, Adam put down a rug and left Dinah to get the food out. He was very tired and glad of the coffee but he managed to hide it from Dinah. As far as she was concerned he light-hearted and enjoying himself.

 

After lunch Adam said, “We’ll have to get back to town I have a meeting at 4 p.m.” Dinah accepted that when he promised to take her to the theatre that evening. Adam’s timing was lousy, just as he drove onto the main road again he saw his father on the way home from town. Ben had called by the office Adam had leased and was surprised not to find his son there. Too much gossip in town had left him with a marginal hold on his temper and eventually he had headed home leaving several jobs undone.

 

Ben saw the buggy coming and almost without conscious thought pulled Buck up, watching his eldest son and the lovely brunette, laughing and chatting, seemingly so wrapped up in each other that they hadn’t even noticed him. Adam was far more animated with her than Ben had seen him in weeks and for the first time he really began to accept his son’s infatuation. Then as the buggy came level Adam pulled up and for a long moment father and son stared at each other, Adam could see clear anger on his father’s face, but he did his best to ignore it. “Pa this is Lady Dinah Marchbrooke. Di my father Ben Cartwright.”

 

Ben barely acknowledged the introduction, just inclining his head to Dinah, although he didn’t miss much. She was certainly very beautiful. Dinah tried to ease the situation “You have a very lovely ranch Mr Cartwright.”

 

“Thank you.” Ben moved to one side. “Don’t let me hold you up.”

 

Adam read the anger and contempt on his father’s face but he showed no sign that it affected him and as the buggy moved off Ben heard his son’s laughter as he lent closer to the woman. Ben knew his son very well but he was too furious to see or hear the forced note in Adam’s laughter, Dinah didn’t know him well enough or even recognize the fury on Ben’s face so obvious to his son.

Adam found it increasingly difficult to act as though nothing had happened and amuse Dinah on the way to town. He kept seeing the contempt and fury on his father’s face. He was thankful that he had already made it clear he had a meeting and he was able to leave Dinah at the hotel, promising to be back to pick her up for the theatre at eight. He had intended to so some work but found it impossible to settle and he began to worry about Bill, scared he would say too much to the rest of the family. He was fairly sure that Bill would be arriving that evening but he had tied himself to town and there wasn’t time to reach the flume and get back. It seemed logical to go to Jess’ instead and persuade Jess to go and remind Bill of the need for secrecy.

 

His mind made up Adam collected his own black stallion and made good time to Jess’ ranch. For once he mad no attempt to hide his visit. He had always spent time with Jess and if he never went there it could cause as much comment as if all his visits were seen. He was in luck Jess had just ridden in and was in the kitchen with Liza. 

 

Liza had got to know Adam very well over the last weeks and she didn’t need her husband’s warning glance to make an excuse to leave and busy herself outside. Both of them could see that something had happened to upset Adam, penetrating the mask that he had worn for weeks.

 

Jess poured two coffees, “Got a couple of telegrams and a letter from Johnny Rey.”

 

Adam took them and slipped them in his pocket, “I’ll read them later.”

 

Jess moved over to his friend and gripped Adam’s shoulder, “Whatever’s wrong Adam?”

 

“You heard about the flume, Hoss?”

 

“Sure but you knew about the flume anyway and from what I heard Hoss wasn’t badly hurt.”

 

“No thank God. Concussion and badly shaken, bruised but I should have made sure he was safe. I did check on Pa and Joe but just assumed Hoss was safe on the West Shore.”

 

“You can’t blame yourself.”

 

“I do but that’s not important. I just have to be more careful in the future, not take anything for granted. It’s the flume.”

 

“You know I’ll do anything to help Adam but I ain’t no engineer.”

 

“No that’s under control. Bill Davidson is bringing his crew out he should be here this evening, probably the main crew tomorrow. They’ll soon have it repaired.”

 

Jess frowned “Then what’s the problem?”

 

“I don’t have time to go and see Bill tonight but Pa might. I’m worried that Bill will say too much. Pa mustn’t know, not yet.”

 

Jess instantly said “I’ll go remind Bill.” He knew Adam’s friend well from many visits to the ranch but although he had done as Adam apparently wanted it didn’t seem to help. Jess considered his friend and thought about Bill. Then he went and got more coffee, putting a stiff tot of whiskey into each and passed one to Adam. Then he sat down facing Adam “Sure I’ll go and see Bill I like him anyway but I know him well enough to be sure it’s not necessary. I think you do too. John will have explained exactly what you’re up to and the price you’ve paid already. Bill will know as well as I do that it’s important to give no hints even to your Pa.”

 

Adam sipped his coffee staring into it and Jess went on gently. “I’m right aren’t I Adam and I think you know it. What’s really wrong?”

For a long minute Adam didn’t answer and Jess wondered if he had gone too far and then Adam lent back in his chair and smiled rather ruefully at his friend. “You’re right Jess but I’d convinced myself I was worried about Bill.”

 

“Want another drink?”

 

“No thanks.” Adam got restlessly to his feet and went over to stare out of the window, Jess just waited and eventually Adam said “I guess Bill knows it’s important not to say anything. I was up by the flume today, checking the camp.” He held onto the widow frame, resting his aching head on his arm. Jess was very worried but decided Adam needed to talk and was more likely to do so if he just waited. Eventually Adam went on, “I took Dinah with me. I shouldn’t ….” He stretched his neck and looking up at the hills he sighed heavily. “My timing was lousy. We met Pa just as we got back to the main road.”

 

Jess relaxed, he could imagine what the trouble was. Adam slowly turned and came back over to sit down. “Sorry Jess I did warn you that I might be coming round when I needed to blow off steam.”

 

“You know that you’re very welcome.” Jess considered his friend who looked a little better. “Did you have an argument?”

 

“No. In many ways it might have been better if we had. Pa was furious.” Adam lent his head back and closed his eyes his head throbbing. “That’s hardly unusual at the moment and I can live with that. It was the contempt I found hard to take. I can’t ever remember Pa looking at me like that before.” he bit his lip. “I’ve seen it before, once at Troy when he had Joe beaten, nearly blinded, other times when someone used their strength to attack the weak or prejudice rears its ugly head. I just never expected him to look at me like that.”

 

Jess protested “It’s not really you Adam. He feels that way about the mirage you’ve created, not you.”

 

“I’ve been telling myself that Jess but somehow it doesn’t help. I just keep seeing his face, the contempt in his eyes. It’s far worse than when I fought Joe, even then I could see concern along with the anger but now ….” Adam swallowed convulsively, he was saying far more than he had ever intended even to such a good friend as Jess. “I’d better be going.”

 

Jess gripped his arm. “Adam you can’t till we’ve talked this out, it’s why you came ain’t it?”

“I don’t know.”

 

“Well I do. I do understand Adam. I was never that close to my family but I’ve been here long enough to know just how close your family is. In many ways I’ve benefited from that. Come to realise it’s what I want for my own family.” Jess smiled at his friend “I told you once before you’d taught me a lot, that I need other people, need love.”

 

Adam relaxed a little seeing the compassion on his friend’s face. Jess pressed again, “Adam you’ve bought some time, why don’t you tell the others now, turn the Ponderosa into a fortress. We know the date it’s only five weeks, you can protect them for that long.”

 

“I can’t Jess.” Adam pulled away restlessly pacing. “God don’t you think I want to? Within days I have to create a reason to cut myself off totally in town. I thought I knew what would be involved, I didn’t. I admit it’s far harder than I expected. My head knows these reactions aren’t really to me but to an invention but ….” 

 

“It still hurts.” Jess said “Give it up Adam, fight together.”

 

“I can’t, the reasons are still as strong. I will not risk the family and although we think the hearing is in five weeks, it doesn’t have to be it could still be delayed if I give them a reason. Anyway I have a precious advantage, I know what they are up to and they don’t realise that I know. I daren’t risk that Jess. I have to win, the Ponderosa means too much to all of us.”

“You’re under a hell of a strain and it’s beginning to show. You know it’ll get worse when you can’t get home to Carole.”

 

“Then you’ll just have to let me come and let off steam to you again.”

 

“I told you before that you’re very welcome, I just hope it’s enough.”

 

Adam smiled freely for the first time and went over to Jess, gripping both his shoulders, “I’ll cope and Jess thanks for being here. You’re the only person apart from my family that I could imagine talking to.”

 

Jess was pleased and it showed and Adam went on, “When we win this, probably only you and I will know just how much we owe to you.”

 

Adam had to get back to town and he just made it in time to take Dinah to the theatre. He hadn’t been lying to Jess, just to talk it over had made him feel much better, even though he’d not intended doing so. Dinah recognized the improvement in his mood and they enjoyed the show, seemingly oblivious of the attention from the audience. 

 

Adam took her back to her room and exerted himself to entertain her in the way she liked best. He teased her using his lips and fingers until she was nearly begging him to take her and when he finally came she lay back satisfied and barely able to move as he got up and dressed. For once Adam made no attempt to work, pushing his black stallion hard, needing a few hours with his wife.

 

Despite the late hour Carole was still up and she was able to tell him that Hoss was much brighter and that Bill had arrived. His old friend had popped in to see her before heading up to arrange for his men at the flume. The crew should arrive early in the morning. Bill had left a message promising not to know anything when he met the rest of the family. Adam wasn’t really surprised but it was nice to have confirmation.

 

Adam needed his wife and for once he went to his own bed, falling asleep in her arms. She left him to sleep the next morning, well aware he was near exhaustion whatever he might say. Adam was going up to the flume, needing to thank his old friend personally before going back to town, but he spared time for a bath. Carole sat next to him chatting and he relaxed listening to the latest antics of his children, but then Adam became very serious. He had to warn Carole just what he was gong to do. “If we are to keep Hearst believing I have to move into town.”

 

“We’ve always known that, but there’s something else.”

 

Adam smiled ruefully, “Good job I’m not really trying to fool you; you know me too well.”

 

Carole lent over and kissed him “True but doesn’t answer the question.”

 

“There has to be some obvious reason, both for the family and for Hearst and company.”

 

Carole frowned suspiciously “Just what are you plotting?”

 

“A public argument, fight, whatever I can create.”

 

“You’ve already had a very public fight with Joe without finding it necessary to move to town.” She said slowly, a growing suspicion that she didn’t like.

 

Adam recognized the look and sighed, “Sorry darling but it has to be Pa. Joe’s on the west Shore, Hoss still stuck at home, not that it’s at all easy to rile him anyway. You know as well as I do there’s no choice.”

 

“It’ll break his heart.” Carole protested, knowing it would hurt her husband just as much.

Adam shook his head “Pa’s tough and in five weeks at most I can explain. He’ll survive and what’s more my love, so will I.”

 

“I don’t like it.”

 

Adam got out of the bath and ignoring how wet he was pulled her close. “Neither do I darling, but it’s the only way that anyone will believe it.”

 

Carole snuggled close, she knew he was right but she also knew that demonstrating it was going to cost her husband dearly.

 

Adam sent an enjoyable couple of hours with Bill. After talking to Jess and spending time with his wife he was able to persuade his old friend that he was coping just fine. Bill was glad to be able to help and he made that very clear. The job was straightforward, used as he was to working from Adam’s design.

 

Adam had to go back to town but he spent most of his time locked away in the livery stable checking over the information that he had so far, in particular the record of the hearing in San Diego and all the old land records extant in California. Johnny Rey had checked out all the records in San José, a temporary capital in the early 1850’s, and sent a report on them. Adam was confident that he had copies of all relevant documentation on public record in California apart from those at San Luis Obispo and that should arrive soon. Thus far nothing had given him any cause for concern. There were very few records for any grants away from the coast. Those that there were all centred on the Sacramento valley, no hint of any grants on the Nevada side of the Sierras. That was in line with what he’d always believed and Adam remembered researching the early history of Nevada when he was teaching school temporarily. That suggested another line of research and he decided to check with Chief Winnemucca of the Paiutes for their earliest memories of the coming of the white men. It wouldn’t be admissible in law and probably not even strictly relevant. as many land grants weren’t developed immediately. but it might give him a hint if there was any truth at all in the claim. 

 

Adam spent a little time with Dinah, enough to keep her happy and the gossips content but he was waiting. He felt as though he was sitting on a barrel of gunpowder, waiting for the fuse to be lit and little though he wanted it lit, by now the waiting was getting trying and he wanted it over.

 

Finally on Friday morning Dick came in to tell him that his father was in town and Adam made his move to set the scene. He knew Ben had been by the office he’d rented before and he was banking on his father doing the same this time. He slipped out and watched Ben go into the bank. As far as Adam knew that was the standard monthly wages cheque and shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes. If Ben stuck to his usual routine he would next visit his stockbroker’s with Adam’s office conveniently downstairs. Adam guessed Ben would finish his business with john first but with no major movements in the market that shouldn’t take more than a quarter of an hour. Then he expected a call from his father in his new office.

 

Adam headed over to the hotel and descended on Dinah. He told her he was taking her out for lunch and then for a ride. Acting as though he was in a very zany mood, he laughingly refused to let her have time to change or anything. She was lovely as she was and he was bearing away his prize. Dina was rather surprised by this masterful laughing man but enjoying it, she did as he demanded.

 

Adam took her down the street and insisted on buying her a riding outfit, exotic in green velvet, cut like a hussar’s uniform with a matching hat complete with three long feathers. Dinah knew full well that it would shock every lady in town but it would turn every man’s head. Adam had a good eye for size and he had ordered it specially to fit, although Dinah didn’t realise. Adam held it against her “It will fit we’ll take it.” Then he hustled her out and demanding that she wear it for lunch he took her into his new office.

 

Dinah protested, “I will wear it bit I have to go back to the hotel and change.”

“Oh no I know you, once you start dressing, it can take hours. Not today it’s far too lovely a day to waste. I’ll pull the blinds and you can change here while I sign these forms. It’s not as though I haven’t seen your body before.”

 

She laughed “Come on Adam let me go to the hotel.” But as though in fun he grabbed her wrist, “No change here. I want it; I don’t want you out of my sight.”

 

“Suppose someone comes in? There isn’t even a bolt.”

 

“Like who? Noone has visited me here yet I told you I want to watch you change here.”

 

Dinah accepted that, she’d met men with far odder tastes than that and if Adam hadn’t exhibited any kinks so far, maybe she just didn’t know him well enough. Assuming he wanted a striptease, she got up on the desk in font of him and gave him one, slowly and deliberately emphasizing every gesture.

 

Adam had timed things perfectly and Dinah, who assumed Adam wanted more than seeing her dressed in her new habit was just stripping off her silk panties when Ben put his head round the door looking for his son. Dinah froze, virtually naked, standing on the desk, while Adam looked furious and guilty. His father, angry and embarrassed, ordered his son to join him in the private room at the Washoe Club in five minutes, suggesting icily that Adam lock the door behind him.

 

Adam slowly calmed Dinah down, pointing out that his father was no saint and after three wives and a variety of lady friends the female body wasn’t exactly novel to him. Adam admitted it was unfortunate but to Dinah he pretended to find it rather amusing. She wasn’t pleased and pointed out that he wasn’t the one found near nude. Adam laughed, “Wouldn’t have mattered Pa’s seen my body lots of times.” He neatly fielded the shoe she threw at him and went over to the door. “I’d better go and calm him down; I’ll lock you in to change in private.” He grinned as he said that and just shut the door as the second shoe thumped against it.

 

Alone in the narrow corridor, the grin quickly faded and Adam gave himself a minute or two to get control before facing his father. It had worked just as he’d planned it but he felt thoroughly sick. He deliberately took his time as he headed over to join Ben, knowing the longer he was the more fragile would become Ben’s hold on his temper.

 

It was nearly fifteen minutes before he joined his father in one of the small private dining rooms at the Washoe Club. Even then Ben had to wait while the waiter brought Adam a large brandy and enquired if they wanted food. The delay hadn’t helped Ben’s temper and he was more furious than Adam could remember him being for a very long time. Adam had every intention of fanning that fury, stopping his father thinking too clearly and perhaps noticing the act his son was putting on.

To that end Adam sat on the table sipping his brandy and smiled, “Don’t act so shocked Pa, you’ve seen naked women before.”

 

“Not in the middle of the day, cavorting around on a desk.”

 

“No sense of fun. I was enjoying it.”

 

“Only whores act like that.”

 

Adam stood up and allowed anger to sound in his voice. “Be careful Pa. She’s a lady born and bred.”

 

“That has never stopped a whore and never will, ladies can be born in the gutter and whores in a palace.”

 

“Watch your tongue Pa, the Lady is my friend.”

 

“And I suppose you aren’t sleeping with her!”

 

“What the hell business is it of your’s?”

“It’s my business when my son makes a laughing stock of himself for the whole territory.”

 

“So now we care what people say! To be honest Pa I don’t give a damn”

 

“Do you give a damn about anything anymore Adam? Maybe you don’t owe me or your brothers anything but you have a wife and four children. You owe Carole and she’s worth a hundred of that titled slut.”

 

“If it wasn’t for Carole do you think I’d be here now?” Even as he spoke Adam recognized the irony of that last statement. It was truer than Ben realised although not quite in the way he wanted his father to take it.

 

Ben took it as Adam wanted, “Whatever is wrong between you, you’ll never solve it this way.”

 

“I’m not trying to solve anything Pa. I’m just enjoying myself. I’m 36 yeas old and that’s more than half a lifetime. I’ve worked hard and we’ve got rich but I never had any time to do what I want, to have any fun, I’m not wasting the second half of my life the same way. I’m taking a little time for myself, for what I want.”

 

“So you have an office for all that work in town and either you’re not there or you’re having a striptease show.”

 

“I’ll still do more work than you’d expect from three hired hands, but I’ll take some free time and the rest of you can try to cover all the things you expected good old Adam to handle.”

 

“We should find it easy; we’ve been carrying you for weeks.”

 

“Seems fair I’ve carried you for years.”

 

“I can’t stop you, even though you’re making a fool of yourself, but I won’t have that slut on my land again.”

 

Adam forced a laugh, “Don’t worry she won’t be and with you in your current mood neither will I. I’m fed up with all nagging and fussing from you, Joe and most of all Carole. I’m gong to stay in town. I’ll still handle the work from here. You know how to find my office.” Adam emphasized ‘know’ and in an ice-cold fury Ben flung the door open “Right stay. You’re no use to any of us anyway. When you come to your senses come home. Until then I hope you’re English titled whore is worth it.” Ben slammed the door so hard the floor shook and he stormed off to get Buck and ride up by the Lake.

 

Adam would have given a lot to follow him but he had, by his own choice, cut himself off from his family and his home. He felt sick and drained but he had to pull himself together, collect Dinah and act as though he wanted nothing more than to stay in town with her, good riddance to ranch and family.

 

Adam went out to the bar and ordered another large brandy, for once glad of his reputation as a heavy drinker and glared at anyone who thought of speaking to him. Ten minutes later he was sufficiently in control to collect Dinah, striking in her new riding habit. He told her with every semblance of delight that for the time being he was going to be staying in town.

 

Dinah was delighted at this further proof of her success and insisted that he come and share her large suite at the hotel, he was paying for it anyway. Adam demurred, claiming concern for her reputation but when Dinah pushed he gave way. He had expected to do so, what better way to reassure Hearst.

Then Adam bore her off for a celebration dinner forcing himself to laugh at the scandalised looks the old biddies gave her costume. After the meal he took her out to a small ranch south of town run by a young man Eddie McCabe, whom Adam had befriended after unwillingly killing his father while acting as a deputy. Eddie bred and trained horses and Adam insisted Dinah choose a mare to celebrate his freedom. He bought the pretty chestnut mare she chose as a present for her and Dinah was delighted. She loved horses and promptly named the mare Amor.

 

Dinah had a great afternoon putting her new horse through her paces and she didn’t realise just how hard Adam was finding it to act as though he was having a good time too. From somewhere Adam found the strength to put all thoughts of his father away, to ignore the nausea that threatened whenever he thought of the morning’s events or just how cut off he was. He laughed and joked seemingly the same zany mood he had been in all day, The act was good enough for Dinah and after settling her new acquisition in the stable and a good meal, she took Adam to bed to celebrate in the only way she really believed in.