Summary: Candy encounters an old friend from his army days, who turns out to be a wanted man on the run. Written for the 2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament. 

Rating: T
Word Count:  9,149

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Chapter One

Candy Canaday emerged from the bunkhouse yawning as he buckled his gun belt to his waist. He had crashed in the bunkhouse after a late-night poker game in town with Joe and overslept. 

As he pushed his hat upward slightly, he caught sight of Ben over by the corral near the barn with a few of his hands, including Griff. When he moved closer to them, he overheard his boss giving out the assignments for the day along with a few moans and grumbles from some of the hands. 

When Candy approached his boss, he could tell by the look on his face that he was not in a good mood. He couldn’t blame Ben, considering it was one of his busiest seasons, and he wasn’t doing him any favors with his lack of responsibility. 

After Ben expressed his aggravation with his foreman’s tardiness, he mentioned a few supplies he needed and asked Candy to make a run into town for them. Candy breathed a sigh of relief, figuring his boss was gonna assign him to clear out another watering hole—a task Candy loathed. The thought of having to scrub mud off of every inch of his body made him shudder. 

When Ben finished assigning the hands their duties for the day, he approached Griff. “Griff, why don’t you ride along with Candy into town, hm?” 

Griff perked up from the corral fence. “Yeah, all right.” 

Ben patted Griff’s shoulder and strode into the barn. 

Candy was a little surprised Ben had asked Griff to come along with him since it was usually Joe who made those excursions into town with him. Not that Candy minded, he was glad that Ben was becoming more trusting of Griff. It certainly hadn’t been an easy start for him, but in the last few months since he came to the Ponderosa, his behavior showed promise which put Candy at ease. 

After Candy had hitched up the wagon, he drove the team of horses down the trail with Griff slouched on the bench next to him. The ride into town was a quiet one with only the squeaky sound of the wagon wheels moving along the bumpy dirt road. Griff finally broke the silence when he inquired about Candy’s little late-night rendezvous in town. 

With a groan, Candy told him how most of the money he bet on in the poker game ended up in Joe’s pocket. 

Griff straightened himself up and flicked his hat upwards with his fingertips. “That’s a real shame. I know Mr. Cartwright sure didn’t seem all too happy to see you.” 

“No, he was not,” Candy emphasized. 

“You should have seen the look he gave Joe. Phew. Just before you came out of the bunkhouse, he ordered him to break in that new Mustang—what’s its name…?” Griff lifted his gaze towards the sky. “Tagalong.” 

Candy chortled, “What? That buddy sour of a horse? How does Ben expect Joe to pull him away from the herd? We don’t call him Tagalong for nothing.” 

“I don’t know,” Griff shrugged. “Joe’s the expert apparently, being a Cartwright and all.” 

“Oh, really?” Candy’s voice contained a hint of sarcasm. “I thought you told Ben you were a top hand on a ranch?” 

“Well, I did say once.” 

Candy burst out laughing while Griff slid down the bench and covered his hat over his face, hiding a smile trying to make an appearance. 

---

After Candy and Griff arrived in Virginia City and completed the errands for their boss, they headed over to the Silver Dollar for a beer. 

The saloon was particularly crowded that afternoon when Candy and Griff walked through the folding doors. Candy came up to the bar and ordered two beers from the new bartender, Bert. 

Griff leaned back against the bar and looked around the saloon at men carousing and jeering—drowning out the sound of piano music playing. 

Bert filled two mugs with beer and placed them on the counter. As Candy took a sip of beer, Bert eyed Griff and inquired, “Are you sure this one here is old enough to drink?” 

Candy snorted, nearly spitting beer from his nostrils. Griff shot an irritated glance at Bert and retorted, “Yeah. They’re letting me go to town all by myself now too.” He turned to Candy. “I’m outta here.” 

Griff started to head for the door when Candy grabbed hold of his arm. “Wait, Griff. Come on, just let it go, all right?” 

Griff relaxed his shoulders and lowered his tone. “Thanks for the beer. I’m gonna wait outside.” 

After Griff left, Candy let out a sigh and turned back around to the bar. He lowered his gaze,  wrapping his hand around the beer mug and started to take another drink when he heard the clatter of change hit the counter next to him. 

“Hey, bartender…give me a whiskey, will ya?” 

Candy paused mid-sip before he slowly lowered the beer mug. The deep and smooth voice was hauntingly familiar to him. He shifted his gaze to the right of him and caught a side view of the man’s face. He looked vaguely familiar to him, but he still couldn’t place him. He creased his eyebrows as he studied his features in deep concentration before he saw his boots. They were a little worn, but he recognized them as standard-issue army boots. It suddenly registered to him who the man was. 

Candy stared at him as his eyes grew wider in disbelief. “Berkeley?” 

The man’s hazel-colored eyes met Candy’s blue ones and unlike Candy, the recognition was almost immediate. “Candy?” He let out a low scoff. “What are the odds of seeing you here? How have you been?” 

The shock of seeing his old army buddy wore off and he gave a soft chuckle—one that contained a bit of uneasiness. “Fine.” 

“Well, it looks like you are considering those clean set of clothes you got on,” Berkeley acknowledged. 

Candy flashed a faint smile. “What are you doing in Virginia City?” 

“Oh, just passing through.” Berkeley let out a sigh and moved his fingers along the glass of whiskey in front of him. “I left the fort not long after you did. I guess I just couldn’t take it anymore—I had to leave.” He took a drink of whiskey while Candy studied him questionably. Berkeley met Candy’s gaze and asked, “So what have you been doing?” 

“Oh, wandering—like you,” Candy quipped. “That was until I got a job working on a ranch—the Ponderosa.” 

Berkeley scoffed, “You? A cowhand? I don’t believe it.” 

“Yes, well, I’ve moved up a rank,” Candy informed him. “I’m a foreman now.” 

“Well, that’s good. I’m glad to know you’ve done well for yourself, Candy.” 

Candy paused before he offered, “Well, if you’re gonna be in town a while, maybe I could show you the Ponderosa—introduce you to my boss. It’s a fine spread he owns, I think you’d really like it.” 

“I’m sure I would.” Berkeley lifted his gaze over Candy’s shoulder and his demeanor quickly shifted. “But I uh…As I said before I’m really only just passing through,” he stammered as he moved away from the bar. “It was good seeing you, Candy. Maybe I’ll take you up on that offer someday.” 

Candy watched Berkeley bolt through the folding doors with crinkled eyebrows before he spotted a sheriff taking a seat at a corner table in the far end of the saloon. Candy soon developed an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach that the sheriff’s presence spooked his friend—with good reason. 

After Candy downed the rest of his beer, he left the Silver Dollar and drove the wagon of supplies with Griff, back to the Ponderosa. 

---

Chapter Two

When Candy and Griff made it back to the ranch with the supplies, they spotted Ben talking with Deputy Clem Foster over by the corral. Candy tugged on the reins and pulled the wagon to a stop near them. 

After Ben greeted them and asked if they had any trouble getting the supplies, Clem informed them of his unexpected visit. 

“I was just telling Ben that I received word that a man wanted for robbery and murder is loose and here in Virginia City.” 

Griff joked, “And you think I did it, deputy?” 

Clem shot an irritated glance over at Griff. “I was already given a description of the suspect. He’s dark-haired—tall, a little older than you, Candy.” Clem’s eyes darted over to Ben. “Or maybe even your son, Adam.” 

“Did you see this man?” Ben questioned. 

“No, this is based on the poster that a sheriff’s deputy from Olympus showed me,” Clem clarified. “This man is also ex-Army with a dubious reputation—for trouble.” 

Candy’s stomach churned, realizing his suspicions about his old friend were correct. 

“This deputy has a warrant for his arrest,” Clem continued. “He’s to bring him back to Olympus to stand trial. He wanted me to get the word out.” 

Griff asked in curiosity, “Who exactly did this fella rob and kill anyway?” 

“It was a bank robbery. According to Deputy Holden, he saw the suspect shoot and kill his partner in cold blood and take off with the cash,” Clem explained. “The warrant is legitimate, so if you see or hear anything, I would like you to let me or Deputy Holden know.” 

“We’ll do that, Clem, thank you,” Ben established. 

After Clem left the Ponderosa, Ben had Griff help him unload the supplies off of the wagon while Candy volunteered to “ride fence” over by the north pasture. The truth was he needed to find Berkeley before the law got a hold of him. 

As Candy saddled his horse in the barn, he paused and shut his eyes tight. “Oh, Berkeley…what have you done?” He mounted his horse and began his search. 

Candy rode his horse across the pasture until he came across one of Ben’s line shacks. He spotted a horse tethered to a tree limb and had an inkling that Berkeley was hiding out in that line shack. 

He rode up to the shack and dismounted his horse before he drew his gun from its holster. He snuck up to the door and pressed his other hand against it before he slowly pushed it open. 

The door creaked as Candy stepped into the darkened room when a hand reached out and grabbed Candy’s arm, forcing the gun out of his hand. The figure pushed Candy down and pinned him to the wooden floor. As he held Candy down with one arm, he reached down into his boot and pulled out a knife before he brought the blade up to Candy’s throat and held it there. 

Berkeley gave a low chuckle. “Rookie mistake, kid. Especially since I was the one who taught you that move, remember?” 

Candy stared at him wide-eyed before Berkeley removed the knife and released his arm from Candy’s chest. Candy quickly backed away from him and pushed himself up from the floor. He fixed a stern gaze on Berkeley as his chest heaved. 

Berkeley flashed a grin and lifted his hands while still holding the knife. “I surrender,” he gleefully quipped, which further angered Candy. Berkeley’s grin lowered before he asked, “How did you find me?” 

Candy relaxed his tense muscles. “I was out riding near the north pasture. I came across one of my boss’s line shacks and saw the horse.” Candy moved his boots along the floorboards. “I thought there was something strange about the way you left that saloon in a hurry—now I know why. According to a deputy in Olympus, you’re wanted for robbery…and murder.” 

With a nod of his head, Berkeley’s mouth formed an oval shape. “Ah.” He turned the knife around in his hand. “And what do you think, Candy?” 

“I think you’re a liar and a thief,” Candy snapped. “But a murderer…? No,” he murmured. 

Berkeley’s lips formed another smug grin. “You always were a sharp one, Candy. Just like your father. You were his pride and joy. I remember the look on your face when we found out he was killed on patrol. You were only a boy, but you didn’t cry—didn’t fall apart. You just…put on a brave face.” 

“Well, when you’re born into that kind of life, you don’t have time for it,” Candy acknowledged in a soft tone. 

“Yes, but not many people have that kind of strength, Candy. You had it.” 

Though Berkeley’s observations hit a nerve, Candy demanded, “All right, I want the truth. No games—no tricks. What’s got that deputy so sure you’re a cold-blooded killer?” 

Berkeley sighed as he placed his hands on the chest behind him and leaned back against it, crossing one boot over the other. “Because he’s the one who robbed that bank and killed the one man who could prove it—his partner.” 

Candy scrunched his eyebrows. “What?” 

“I overheard them talking in an alleyway after it happened. There was a lot of shouting and yelling, then I heard a shot. I turned a corner and saw him standing over the body of the man he killed. He spotted me and pointed his gun at me. I thought for sure I was a dead man. But as I lifted my hands, I could see him narrowing his eyes at me as if he were studying me, like the wheels were turning in his head. Next thing I knew, he yelled for the sheriff.” Berkeley let out a deep sigh. “He didn’t have to spell it out for me, I knew what he was trying to do. So, I stole a horse and rode out of that town as fast as I could.” 

Candy shook his head and rubbed his temple, trying to process Berkeley’s explanation. “So you’re saying the deputy who has a warrant for your arrest is the same fella who robbed and killed this other fella—his partner?” 

“Yeah, that’s right.” Berkeley pushed himself away from the chest and took a few steps towards the table in front of him. “I just have to prove it.” He planted his hands down on the table. 

“Are you sure it was the same fella you saw in that alleyway?” Candy questioned. “You could have made a mistake.” 

Berkeley pushed his hands against the table in irritation. “Yes, it was the same man, he was wearing a badge.” He turned around and griped, “I think that sheriff in Olympus ought to know he’s got a corrupt lawman working for him. 

“What about the money?” Candy inquired. “If they can’t find it, then that would prove you didn’t take it, right?” 

Berkeley groaned, “No, I thought of that. He would just say I’ve hidden the money somewhere. I’m sure he’s thought of everything.” 

“Let me talk to my boss,” Candy suggested. “I’m sure he can help you.” 

“No!” Berkeley shouted. “You tell your boss I’m here, I’m as good as dead.” 

“So, what are you gonna do?” Candy shrugged. “Just hide out here until that deputy stops looking for you?” 

“He’s not gonna stop until I’m dead,” Berkeley noted. 

“Maybe. But in the meantime, you’re gonna have to turn yourself in,” Candy indicated. 

Berkeley shot a look of disbelief at Candy. “What? Are you out of your mind? For all we know, that warrant could state I’m to be brought back dead or alive. And even if I live long enough to make it to trial, the evidence would be stacked up sky high against me. I wouldn’t stand a chance.” 

“If you’re truly innocent, we can prove it,” Candy assured him. “My boss will hire the best lawyer in Virginia City to defend you.” 

“No lawyer is gonna help me, Candy, don’t you understand that? He’s got that sheriff in his corner, possibly the whole town of Olympus ready to send me to the gallows. No, we’re gonna prove my innocence my way.” 

“Your way is gonna get yourself killed, Berkeley,” Candy argued. 

“Not if we play it smart. Which is why I’m gonna need your help.” 

Candy gave a frustrated sigh. “I can’t.” 

“Please…you’re like a brother to me, Candy. I helped look after you after your father died. You’re the one person I trust to help me.” 

Candy pressed his lips together firmly. He knew the dangers of his fugitive friend hiding out near the Ponderosa, but he also believed him to be innocent. A part of him also felt he owed Berkeley for his life. Candy took a brief pause and sighed. “All right, we do it your way.” 

A look of relief spread across Berkeley’s face. “I knew I could count on you, kid.” 

Before Candy could say anything, they heard footsteps approaching from outside. Berkeley and Candy hid in the shadows as the figure entered the shack. He took a few steps before Berkeley lunged at him and grabbed him by the shirt collar, hurling him up against the wall into the light. 

When Candy saw it was Griff, he shouted, “Berkeley, wait, wait!” 

Berkeley turned his head towards Candy. “You know this kid?” 

“Yes. His name is Griff, he works for my boss, let him go.” 

Berkeley loosened his grip and a startled Griff shoved him off in a fury. “Get your hands off me!” He backed away, stumbling a bit, and exchanged a few glances between Candy and Berkeley. “What’s going on here? Who is he?” 

“Shh, Griff, keep your voice down,” Candy urged. 

“Not until somebody tells me what the hell is going on here!” Griff shouted. 

“All right.” Candy took a deep breath. “This man is a friend of mine, someone I knew a long time ago when I was in the Army.” 

Griff shot a look of confusion towards Candy. “Army?” 

“Yes. His name is Sergeant James Berkeley. One of the best Gunny Sergeants Fort Delaney ever had.” 

“The best,” Berkeley corrected. 

Candy’s lips formed a smirk. “Yeah.” 

Griff stared at Berkeley with creased eyebrows. “Wait a minute.” He moved past Candy with his eyes locked on Berkeley’s before he shifted his gaze over to Candy and pointed at Berkeley. “Isn’t he the guy that Clem said is wanted for murder?” 

“You’ve got a sharp eye, kid,” Berkeley quipped. “Your manners could use a little work though.” 

Candy let out a breath. “Yeah, but he’s innocent.” 

“Yeah? And just how do you know that?” Griff questioned. 

“Because he told me the whole story and I believe him.” 

“Oh, fine,” Griff remarked, sarcastically. “And what makes you so sure he’s telling you the truth?” 

“Because I know him, Griff. He may be a lot of things, but a murderer isn’t one of them.” 

Griff pursed his lips. “All right. Suppose he is telling the truth. How exactly do you plan on proving it?” 

“I don’t know. That’s what we’re trying to figure out. We need your help.” 

“My help?” Griff snapped. 

Berkeley spoke. “Yes. You don’t think we’re just gonna let you walk out of here and pretend like you didn’t see me, are we?” 

“Yeah, I do,” Griff challenged. He attempted to flee out of the door when Candy grabbed him by the arms. 

“Griff, wait. He’s right.” 

“Look, I don’t want any part of this,” Griff barked. 

“Well, like it or not, you are,” Candy stressed. “And as I recall, you owe me a favor, Griff, remember?” 

Griff raised his voice. “I owe you a favor?” 

Candy shushed him again before he answered, “Yes, you do. I nearly got myself killed when you didn’t tell me you were working with that deputy marshal who you pretended to be married to, remember? So yeah, you owe me.” 

Griff recalled the memory of Theodora Duffy and their staged marriage to catch a couple of war criminals. He let out a heavy sigh. “All right, fine, but what if we get caught, huh? I’m still an ex-con on parole, remember? If they find out I’m involved in this, they’re gonna send my hide right back to that prison.” 

“That’s not gonna happen, Griff,” Candy promised. “I give you my word.” 

Griff lowered his gaze, still not fully convinced. “You’re asking for a helluva lot.” 

“I know. And if anything happens, I’ll say it was all me, you had nothing to do with it. All right?” 

Griff lifted his gaze as he bit down on his lower lip. “Yeah, all right,” he nodded. 

Candy sighed in relief. “Thanks.” He patted his shoulder. 

Griff inquired, “What do I tell Mr. Cartwright? He’s gonna wonder where you are.” 

“Tell him I went out looking for strays and I’ll be back soon.” 

Griff shot a stern glance over at Berkeley and remarked, “Well, I guess that’s not exactly a lie, is it?” 

Berkeley flashed another grin at him and Griff headed for the door. Candy caught up to him and reminded him, “Remember, Griff…not a word.” 

Griff’s eyes met Candy’s for a brief moment before he left the shack. Candy shut the door and looked over at Berkeley. “Don’t make me regret this, Berkeley…I mean it.” 

---

Chapter Three

The next day, Candy snuck away to the shack to meet with Berkeley and discuss a plan to clear his name of murder. Now that Griff was involved though, Berkeley had his doubts. 

“Are you sure we can trust this kid? I mean, your boss hiring an ex-con? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.” 

“I knew Griff. It was a long time ago in Billings, Montana,” Candy explained. “He was only fifteen at the time. I didn’t know much about him except that his stepfather was a drunk—a mean one. He beat him and his mother.” 

With his head tilted slightly, Berkeley’s curiosity got the better of him. “What about his real father?” 

“I don’t know. Griff’s never mentioned anything about him. I’m not even sure he knows him.” 

Berkeley sighed, “Well, I guess we’ve got something in common then, don’t we?” 

“Yeah.” Candy rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m gonna ride into town, see if I can find anything that could help us.” 

“All right. Be careful, Candy.” 

“I will.” 

---

Candy rode into Virginia City and scanned the crowded streets for Deputy Holden. When he was nowhere in sight, Candy tethered his horse to the post and strode into the Silver Dollar. 

He came up to the bar and ordered a beer from Bert the bartender. As Bert poured him the beer, he relayed to Candy how something felt off about that deputy questioning everyone all over town about the man supposedly wanted for murder. 

Candy’s head perked up. “What makes you say that?” 

Bert tilted his head slightly to the left. “I don’t know. He just seems awfully determined to catch that fella.” 

Before Candy could respond, he heard the raspy voice of a man near him. “Because I know a guilty man when I see him.” Candy’s head whipped to the right of him and he saw a middle-aged man with a thick mustache come up next to him. “And I aim to see that justice is done.” 

Candy glanced over at Bert who wasted no time in showing his uneasiness at the deputy’s presence. Deputy Holden ordered a bourbon and shifted his gaze towards Candy, a half-smile painted on his face. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’ve talked to just about every fella in this town and I must’ve missed you.” He held his hand out to Candy. “Deputy Jack Holden.” 

Candy paused with his gaze fixed on Holden’s. His presence also unsettled Candy, but he remained his friendly self with him. “Canaday.” He reached his hand out towards him. “My friends call me Candy.” 

Holden shook Candy’s hand. “Candy…huh. I ain’t ever heard a name like that before.” 

“Well, now you have.” Candy flashed a smile. 

Holden picked up his bourbon glass and took a drink as he held his gaze on Candy which made Candy even more uncomfortable. Holden gave an unnerving smile and asked Candy, “So, you from around here?” 

“Yeah, for a while now. I work for the Cartwrights.” 

“Oh, yes, I heard about them from people in town. They own one of the biggest ranches in Nevada. A place big enough for a fella to hide I suppose.” 

Candy’s muscles tightened as he gripped his hand around his beer mug. “Yeah.” He lifted his gaze towards Holden. “Well, I hope you catch the man you’re looking for.” 

Holden’s eyes met Candy’s and he thanked him with a nod of his head. As Candy paid for his beer, said goodbye to Bert, and left the saloon, Holden watched him with curiosity before he strolled out of the saloon himself. 

---

When Candy rode back over to the line shack near the north pasture, he told Berkeley he had encountered Holden in town at the Silver Dollar. 

Candy paced the floorboards of the shack as he expressed, “Well, he’s so all-fire sure you’re guilty, I can tell you that much.” 

Berkeley, who stood near the window, sneered, “He’s the guilty one and he knows it. He’s been very good at covering his tracks.” 

Candy lifted his gaze at Berkeley and questioned, “Why you? Why pin the murder on you?” 

“Because I was an easy target, I don’t know,” Berkeley grumbled. He moved away from the window and placed his hands over the top rail of the chair in front of the table. 

Candy tilted his head while looking suspiciously at his friend. “What were you even doing there anyway?” 

Berkeley’s head snapped up. “What does that matter?” 

“It matters because it’s your life on the line here, Berkeley. So if you want to avoid hanging, I suggest you tell me everything.” 

Berkeley gave a frustrated sigh. “Look, Candy, I already told you everything that happened, everything I remember.” He straightened himself up from the chair. “That’s the truth.” 

Candy could hear the sincerity in his friend’s voice, but he still sensed that Berkeley was hiding something. However, Candy decided not to badger him with questions because it would only provoke Berkeley’s hot temper even further. 

“All right,” Candy murmured. “I need to get back to the ranch, I’ll see you later.” 

When Candy emerged from the door of the line shack, Holden appeared on his horse a short distance from him. He watched Candy mount onto a horse and ride off down the pasture before he shifted his gaze over to the line shack with a curious expression on his face. 

Meanwhile, while inside, Berkeley paced the shack as guilt consumed him. He hated involving Candy in the mess he created for himself and wished he had ridden on past Virginia City and never stopped. He pinched the bridge of his nose when he heard the sound of a gun cocking. 

“Well, look who we have here.” 

Berkeley’s head snapped up and his eyes widened when he saw Holden standing at the door with his revolver pointed at him. Berkeley froze and muttered, “How…?” 

Holden gave a low chuckle. “It wasn’t all that difficult, not until I knew where to find you. I shouldn’t take all of the credit, it was your friend who helped me.” 

Berkeley’s eyebrows creased. “What are you talking about?” 

Holden flashed a smug grin. “A fella named Candy. I met him in town. Nice, friendly fella. He mentioned to me that he worked for the Cartwrights; the ones that own this spread. It got me thinking how that would be the perfect place for a fella like you to hide. So, I went on a little ride out to this…Ponderosa, and who do I see moseying on out of this cabin…? Candy. It didn’t take me long to figure it out.” 

Berkeley nodded his head with his lips pressed together. “You’re good, Jack, you’re very good. So now that you’ve found me, what are you gonna do? Kill me?” 

Holden shrugged, “Well, as tempting as that may be, it wouldn’t fall into my plans for you. You see, I need you alive for your little escape attempt. When I bring you back to Olympus alive to stand trial…you’re gonna break out of that prison cell and I’m gonna shoot you down in self-defense. Then I’m gonna bury you in that empty coffin where I’ve hidden the money. Same place I buried Tuck…our partner.” 

Berkeley shook his head with a scoff. “You’ve thought of everything haven’t you, Jack?” 

Holden tilted his head to the right with a look of pity towards Berkeley. “You know, you could have had a share of that money too, Berkeley, if you hadn’t grown a conscience. Tuck on the other hand got a little too greedy, so I had to kill him. I should have killed both of you when I had the chance, but someone had to take the fall and it sure as hell wasn’t gonna be me.” 

“Well, do what you want with me, Jack, but leave Candy out of it.” 

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. That ranch hand puts a little snare into my plans. He can’t be trusted.” 

Berkeley eyed the door creaking open and the sound startled Holden who whipped his body around and aimed his revolver right at Griff standing at the door. The distraction was enough for Berkeley to tackle Holden, knocking the revolver out of his hand. Berkeley then hoisted Holden up by the shirt collar and punched him out cold. 

Holden fell limp and Berkeley dropped him to the floor. With his chest heaving, Berkeley lifted his gaze towards Griff and questioned, “How much of that did you hear?” 

“Enough to know you’ve got a lot of explaining to do,” Griff stated with disdain in his voice. 

Berkeley collected himself and rose from the floor. “Look, kid, you don’t know me—you don’t know what I’ve been through, what I’ve suffered. You being an ex-con, what right do you have to judge me?” 

“Maybe I don’t,” Griff acknowledged. “But Candy is my friend—he’s a good and decent guy. Now, you may not be a murderer, but you are a liar…and I think Candy deserves to know the truth.” 

Berkeley sighed, “So, what are you gonna do, kid?” 

“My name is Griff…and I’m not gonna do a thing. That’s up to you. But I do think you owe it to him to tell him what really happened.” 

Berkeley held a stern gaze on Griff when the door opened and Candy walked in. He spotted Griff first, then Berkeley before he lowered his gaze at an unconscious Holden. “What happened?” 

Berkeley answered with irritation in his voice, “He found me, that’s what happened.” 

Candy’s mouth opened before he shut his eyes tight and the realization hit him. “He must have followed me.” He let out a frustrated sigh. “I should have known he would try to look for you here.” 

“Well, now what do we do?” Berkeley inquired. 

“We’ll just have to move you someplace else.” Candy snapped his finger towards Berkeley. “The barn. We can hide you in the hayloft at the Ponderosa.” 

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Griff questioned. 

“No, but I don’t see how we have any other choice right now. We’ll think of something later, let’s just get him out of here now…” Candy glanced over at Holden. “Before he comes to.” 

Candy hurried out of the door while Griff locked eyes with Berkeley, unsettling him. Berkeley challenged his gaze, however. He wasn’t about to be intimidated by some hot-headed, smart-mouthed brat—even if it was starting to work. 

---

Chapter Four 

Griff rode ahead to the ranch to make sure it was clear for Candy to sneak Berkeley into the barn. After Berkeley climbed up into the hayloft, he found the perfect spot in the corner just out of view. Candy reached the top and took a few steps onto the hayloft floor. 

Berkeley scanned the loft. “Well, I’ve slept in worse.” He patted his hand against a bale of hay. 

Candy gave a half-smile, reassuring him, “You should be safe up here for now. I made sure Holden wouldn’t be able to track us, I have Griff keeping watch now.” 

Berkeley turned his back to Candy and murmured, “I’m surprised he agreed to do that.”

Candy scrunched his eyebrows. “What?”

Berkeley redirected his attention to Candy. “Nothing, uh…thanks.” 

Candy gave a nod of his head and his expression shifted to concern. “I really wish you would let my boss help you, it’s not too late to change your mind.” 

“No. I got myself into this mess, I can get myself out of it all on my own. I’m a lone wolf, Candy, always have been.” 

“I know.” Candy lowered his gaze. “But one thing I’ve learned is you can’t make it in this life alone—you need somebody.” 

“Those Cartwrights teach you that?” Berkeley retorted. 

A faint smirk appeared on Candy’s lips. “That and a few other things.” 

“Well, that may be true for them, but not me.” Berkeley took a seat on a bale of hay. 

“It’s not so bad having friends,” Candy mentioned. “You may act like you don’t need them, but you don’t fool me, Berkeley—not one bit.” 

Candy moved towards the ladder when Berkeley spoke. “It’s funny…right before we came here, I was thinking of all the times I covered for you when you and Ann snuck into the fort past curfew as kids, you remember?” 

Candy smiled as he recalled the memory. “Yeah.” 

“Purcell really had it in for me,” Berkeley chuckled. “Though we both gave him a reason to, didn’t we?” 

“Yeah.” Candy crossed his arms. “One thing about you, Berkeley, you always knew how to tell a good story.” 

“You’re right about that, kid.” Berkeley lowered his gaze before he drew a long breath and exhaled. “There is something I haven’t told you.” Candy’s head perked up with intrigue while Berkeley rubbed his sweaty hands together. “I haven’t been completely honest with you about a few things—like what really happened during that robbery in Olympus.” 

Candy looked at Berkeley quizzically when Berkeley ashamedly admitted to being a part of the robbery in Olympus. Candy’s eyes widened slightly and Berkeley began telling him everything from the beginning. 

“Things got bad when I left the fort. I found what work I could, but it was never enough. Now, turning to crime was not part of my resume—not at first, but a man becomes desperate at a certain point. I felt I had no other choice, so that’s why I went along with it.” Berkeley lifted a stern gaze at Candy. “Now, considering we’re not in Sunday school, spare me the sermon, all right? I know it was wrong. Thankfully, I didn’t come to my senses too late—I backed out. Holden was not too understanding as you can imagine. He made it known when he framed me for Tuck’s murder, our other partner. I was the perfect foil so he could make a clean getaway with the money. I should have trusted my instincts about him from the beginning, but you know how bull-headed I can be. I guess some things never change, do they?” 

“You’re right, they don’t.” Berkeley lifted his head and met Candy’s eyes. “You’re still the same stubborn and selfish devil I’ve always known you to be.” 

Berkeley pointed his finger at Candy and barked, “I told you, no lectures!” 

“Well, you’re gonna hear one,” Candy stressed as he moved closer to him, his eyes locked on his. “And you’re gonna listen.” 

Berkeley scoffed. “Say your piece, kid.” 

“You know I looked up to you,” Candy admitted. “You taught me a lot of things, but cowardice in the face of the enemy was not one of them.” 

Berkeley raised an eyebrow, clenching his jaw. “I’m a coward?” 

“Yeah. You’re a coward because you don’t want to face anything, you’d rather run from it. But you can’t run forever, Berkeley—you need help.” 

“You know what the penalty is for attempted robbery, kid? Ten years. Now, being in the Army already felt like a prison. Why would I want to relive that, huh?” 

“And what happens when a jury finds you guilty of murder?” Candy questioned. “You’ll hang for it. Is that what you want?” Berkeley’s silence answered Candy’s question. “Then you’re gonna have to tell that judge the truth.” 

Berkeley sighed as he pushed himself up from the hay bale. “Look, even if I wanted to, it wouldn’t work. Holden is dead set on making sure I don’t make it to trial. He already has an empty coffin with my name on it ready to bury me in.” 

“Then we prove you’re not a murderer,” Candy established. 

Berkeley held his arms out. “How? You have no idea what you’re up against, kid. Holden is not only playing both sides of the law, he’s pretty handy with a gun too.” 

“So are you,” Candy pointed out. 

“Yeah, but I’m no gunslinger.” Berkeley rubbed his temple. “Face it, kid, I don’t have a prayer.” 

“Then let me talk to my boss, he can help us,” Candy suggested. 

Berkeley let out a frustrated sigh. “We can’t trust him.” 

“Ben Cartwright you can. He’s a good man, I trust him with my life. You can’t stay here and you can’t keep running. You have to trust somebody.” 

Berkeley couldn’t help but admire Candy’s confidence and trust—something he was sorely lacking in. “All right, kid. We do it your way.” 

Candy’s lips formed a smile prompting Berkeley to return the smile. Candy then knew there was hope for his friend yet. 

---

When Candy had informed Ben and Joe of Berkeley and how he and Griff had been keeping him hidden from Deputy Holden, they were at first shocked, but when Candy explained to them that Berkeley was an old army friend and that he believed him to be innocent of murder, they took Candy at his word which came as a surprise to Berkeley. 

Ben, however, was not too pleased at the fact that Griff was involved, for fear of him violating his parole. Candy reassured Ben that Griff’s involvement was an accident. 

“You were still risking his parole by getting him involved,” Ben argued as he stood in front of Candy in the living room of the Ponderosa. “I mean, what were you thinking?” 

Griff stepped forward. “Now, hold on, Mr. Cartwright. It wasn’t all Candy’s fault. I did agree to go along with it and besides, I know what it’s like to be accused of something I didn’t do.” 

Ben exhaled a quick breath. “Yes, but this man is still guilty of aiding and abetting a criminal. He knew that robbery was going to take place and he did nothing to stop it.” 

Berkeley leaned away from the wall in the dining area and strolled over to Ben. “You’re right about that. And I’m willing to face the consequences of my actions, but I will not have “murderer” engraved on my tombstone, Mr. Cartwright. I’d like to go out with a little more dignity than that.” 

Ben met Berkeley’s gaze and his expression turned into a sympathetic one. “I understand that, Mr. Berkeley. And I will do everything in my power to prove your innocence. I’ll hire the best lawyer I can for you.” 

Berkeley opened his mouth and gave a low scoff. “With all due respect, sir, no lawyer is gonna help me. Holden’s got everything all figured out right down to my place of burial. He wants me dead and he’s not gonna stop until I’m in that coffin.” 

Candy’s head perked up—his mind drifting to a few years ago when he and Hoss were in the town of Sunville. Hoss had been mistaken for an outlaw named Big Jack and in order for them to escape, Candy came up with the idea to stage Big Jack’s death and hide Hoss away in a coffin until they were in the clear. The plan ended up backfiring, however, but Candy thought it could ultimately work for Berkeley. 

Candy proposed out loud, “Why don’t we just give him what he wants then?” 

All eyes in the room darted over to Candy. He realized that maybe he should have been a little more subtle with his choice of words. Candy’s mouth opened and he explained himself. “He wants Berkeley dead, right? So what if we make him believe it? We deliver Berkeley to him in a coffin—alive of course. Then by the time he realizes it’s all a setup, it’ll be too late. We’ll have to make it look good though or else it won’t work.” 

Berkeley remarked with a scoff, “You’re crazier than I am, kid…but it just might work.” 

Candy flashed a grin while Ben pondered with a tilt of his head, “It might. The question is whether Holden will believe it.” 

“He will,” Candy affirmed. “If he’s desperate, he will.” 

Ben sighed, “All right. I’ll ask Clem to come along with us.” 

“No,” Berkeley objected. “We can’t trust any lawman with this.” 

Ben assured him, “We can trust Clem. We’ll ride out to Olympus in the morning. In the meantime, I’ll have you stay in one of the guest rooms.” 

“Well, I thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Cartwright,” Berkeley retorted. 

Ben shot an irritated look towards Berkeley and asked Candy to show him to the guest room. Candy made the slow ascent up the staircase with Berkeley trailing behind. 

When they entered the guest room, Berkeley scanned the room. “Those Cartwrights certainly know how to make a man feel welcome, don’t they?” 

Candy wasted no time in showing his frustration with Berkeley’s attitude. “You know, you sure have a lousy attitude for someone who’s going out of their way to save your ornery hide.” 

Berkeley turned to face him. “I didn’t ask for their help, remember? And right now I find it a little hard to believe your boss would even want to help me. I mean, all of this?” He spread his arms out wide. “Don’t you think he’s being a little too generous? Surely he must have some motive—some angle here, right?” 

Candy scoffed and shook his head. “If you really believe that, you’re not only stubborn and ornery, you’re a fool.” 

“Oh, really?” Berkeley took a few harsh steps towards him. “Well, you’re an even bigger fool for letting your guard down with them. I don’t know where you found those Cartwrights, but they’ve made you grow soft, kid.” 

“Well, maybe I decided it was time to start letting it down,” Candy addressed. “I thought being on my own was something I wanted—something I needed, but I was wrong. Having friends you can count on…it doesn’t hold a candle to that.” 

“Yeah, well, look at where that’s gotten me,” Berkeley grumbled. 

“Not everyone is after something, Berkeley. There are still good people left if you give them a chance.” 

Even though Berkeley still showed himself cynical, Candy believed he had put a crack in that wall surrounding him. He could only hope it was just enough for Berkeley to finish the job. 

---

The next morning, Candy rode into Olympus with Berkeley, Griff, and the Cartwrights. It was surreal for Candy to be back in Olympus after he had been accused of murdering Jed Wheelock a few years back. Jed had cheated Candy out of $250 that resulted in a fight between them. It turned out Candy’s lawyer, Dayton Fuller had killed Jed for rejecting his pregnant daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Hoss uncovered the truth. 

Now, Candy was there to help his friend, and he hoped their plan to catch Holden would work. Ben informed Clem of the plan in advance and had Berkeley give him his testimony at the Ponderosa. He was reluctant and suspicious of Berkeley, but both Candy and Ben reassured him that he was telling the truth regarding the murder. Clem agreed to help with the plan, but made it clear that Berkeley would still need to be brought in on attempted robbery charges which Berkeley acknowledged. 

Ben, however, had his doubts that Berkeley would turn himself in. He approached Candy in the barn just before they left the Ponderosa that morning and gave his concerns to him. He spoke in a low tone of voice. “Candy…I know you say this man is your friend, but I can’t help but be a little concerned that he won’t follow through on his promise to turn himself in.” 

Candy himself had those same doubts, but kept them buried. “He will,” Candy stated with confidence. “I’ll make sure of it.” 

Ben studied Candy’s face and found his overconfidence to be a little disconcerting. He knew Candy wanted to believe the good in Berkeley and Ben didn’t want to take that confidence away from him. 

Clem devised a plan of his own to lure Holden and the sheriff of Olympus to follow Berkeley’s trail. He mentioned to the sheriff that there was an eyewitness who saw Berkeley ride out of Virginia City on a horse. Holden was within earshot of the conversation and a devious grin appeared on his face. 

After Berkeley knocked him unconscious, Holden came to and tried to track him, but his trail led to a dead end. Now that he had discovered Berkeley’s hiding place, it was entirely plausible that Berkeley would run. 

So Holden followed the sheriff and Clem to Olympus where he began his search. He knew Berkeley wouldn’t have many places to hide being a wanted man, so tracking him down wouldn’t be too difficult, he gathered. 

After talking with the sheriff, Holden crossed the street and strolled past a mercantile when he was stopped by a young man in an alleyway. 

“Hey, mister…”

Holden turned towards the alleyway and recognized the young man as the one who walked in on him and Berkeley in the shack before he blacked out. “You…” Holden whipped out his revolver and shoved Griff towards the wall of the building. 

Griff shot his hands up in the air. “Hold on. Now, before you shoot me, I think you’d be interested in what I have to say.” 

With his revolver pointed at Griff, Holden scowled, “Oh, I highly doubt that, boy.” 

“I’ll make you a deal,” Griff offered. 

“You’re not in the position to make any deals. So, what’s to prevent me from pulling this trigger right now?” Holden challenged.

“Well, for one thing you’d be killing an unarmed man…and another thing, I can give you the one thing you want.” 

Holden cocked one eyebrow at him. “Oh, yeah? And what’s that?” 

Griff lowered his hands. “Come on, I’ll show you.” 

Holden brushed his finger along the trigger before he removed it and lowered the gun. “All right, boy, you just bought yourself a few more minutes.” 

Griff breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed his tense shoulders before he led Holden down the alleyway. 

They came across a mortuary and Griff made his way to a back room with a puzzled Holden trailing behind him. Griff stopped in front of a coffin and nodded his head towards it. “Go ahead, open it.” 

With creased eyebrows, Holden lowered his gaze towards the coffin and opened the lid. There lay Berkeley—his body still as a statue and his face white as a ghost, inside the coffin. Holden lifted his gaze toward Griff and questioned, “How did you…?” 

“That doesn’t matter,” Griff established. “What matters is he won’t be giving you any trouble anymore. So, now about that deal.” 

Holden huffed, “All right, what do you want?” 

“Well, for starters, being that you’re on both sides of the law, I’d like you to make a little arrangement with the Nevada State Prison in Virginia City to release me from my parole.” 

“Are you crazy? I don’t have that kind of authority.”

“Well, I’m sure you can persuade a judge just as easily as you persuaded that sheriff into thinking old Berkeley here was a murdering thief.” 

Holden’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t prove that.” 

Griff shrugged, “Maybe not, but that’s only part of the deal. I also want half of that money you buried.” 

Holden’s muscles tightened. “What money?” 

“The money you told Berkeley you buried in a coffin? Where is it?” 

“Keep your voice down,” Holden urged and leaned in closer to Griff. “If you think I’m gonna tell you where I buried that money, you must take me for a fool.” 

Griff pressed his lips together as his eyes briefly looked around the room. “Well, it’s a small town. It shouldn’t be too hard to find. Maybe you buried it in the same place you buried your other partner.” 

“Shut up,” Holden gritted before he let out a sigh. “All right. I buried it a few miles south of here behind a tree near a lake. Does that satisfy you?”

Griff looked Holden in the eye as a smile appeared. “Yeah. I’d say that’ll do just fine.” 

“I think we’ve heard enough.” 

Holden whipped his head around and saw the sheriff standing at the doorway along with Clem and Ben Cartwright. Holden’s mouth dropped open. “What…?” 

Suddenly, Berkeley sat up in the coffin. “It’s all over, Jack.” 

Holden stared at Berkeley in shock before he realized he had been duped. His brows furrowed as he attempted to lunge at Berkeley. “You son of a…”

Clem and the sheriff grabbed hold of Holden and pried him away from Berkeley. He thrashed around before he relaxed his body.

“I’m taking you over to the jail,” the sheriff barked. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do when that circuit judge gets here. Let’s go.” 

After the sheriff and Clem escorted Holden out of the room, Berkeley complimented Griff on his performance. “You did good, kid—I mean, Griff,” he corrected. 

Griff thanked him when Candy came up to them. Berkeley expressed his gratitude to him. “You saved my hide, kid, thanks.” 

Candy crossed his arms and reminded him, “That’s what friends do for each other, Berkeley.” Berkeley nodded in understanding when Candy mentioned, “Well, we held onto our end of the bargain, now it’s time to hold onto yours.” 

Berkeley let out a deep sigh. “Yeah.”

Candy tilted his head and met Berkeley’s eyes. “You’re doing the right thing.” 

“Yeah, I know. I guess I taught you too well, kid.” Candy gave a faint smile and patted his shoulder before Berkeley climbed out of the coffin. “Let’s get this over with.” 

“I’ll go with you,” Candy suggested. 

Berkeley grumbled, “I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself.” 

“Oh, I know that. I just want to make sure you don’t weasel your way out of it this time.” 

Berkeley rolled his eyes prompting a chuckle out of Candy. 

---

After Holden was taken into custody and awaited trial, Berkeley was acquitted of the murder. He held his end of the bargain and confessed to his involvement in the robbery to the sheriff. When the circuit judge arrived and Berkeley pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, he was given the maximum sentence: ten years in a state prison. However, to avoid prison time, Berkeley was also given the option of probation if he were to find a job. 

Candy’s eyes darted over to Ben who saw the desperation in them, almost pleading with him. The trouble was, Candy didn’t even need to ask him. Ben stepped forward and offered Berkeley a job working on his ranch. Candy closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. Berkeley stared wide-eyed at Ben. Shocked—yet touched by his gesture. 

For the next two months, Berkeley worked off his debt and eventually completed his probation. He proved to be a good ranch hand and Ben offered him a full-time job, but Berkeley declined, stating that he was still a drifter after all and wanted to move on. 

When it was time for Berkeley to leave, Candy rode with Berkeley into Virginia City to see him off. As he waited for the stage, Berkeley reached his hand out towards Candy. “It was good seeing you again, kid.”

Candy shook his hand and commented, “I’d wish you’d change your mind about that job.” 

“Thanks, but you know I can’t stay in one place for too long.” 

“Yeah, I know.” Candy placed his hands over his hips. “I hope you’ll at least stop by for a visit once in a while.” 

“Yeah, maybe I’ll do that.” Berkeley lowered his gaze. “I know you want me to be more trusting of people, Candy, but it’s just not something I can do—not yet anyway.” 

Candy crinkled his eyebrows. “Even after everything that’s happened?” 

“It’s a start.” Berkeley let out a breath. “I don’t know. It’s just a cross I have to bear, I suppose. Maybe one day I’ll see it your way. Right now, I just have me to look out for.” 

Candy nodded, not being able to hide his disappointment. “Well, good luck.” 

Berkeley scanned the street before pulling out a gold pocket watch from inside of his jacket and taking a peek at it. “The stage is late.” 

Candy flashed a half-smile. “One thing you’ll learn in Virginia City, the stage is rarely ever on time.” He shifted his gaze and noticed the watch. “Where did you get that?” 

Berkeley glanced at the watch. “Oh, a family heirloom. It’s been in my family for generations.”

Candy held a suspicious gaze on him as he nodded. “Uh-huh. That’s funny considering this is the first time I’ve seen it.” 

“Well, I just never carried it with me,” Berkeley responded. 

Candy, not buying his explanation, bit back a smirk. “Now, why don’t you try telling me the truth?” 

Berkeley met Candy’s eyes before he flashed a grin. “You’re too smart for me, kid.” He examined the watch briefly before he snapped it shut with his hand. “Let’s just say I won it fair and square.” 

“You know what?” Candy declared. “I don’t want to know.” 

The stage finally arrived and Berkeley hopped on board before Candy made him promise not to get himself into any more trouble. 

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” Berkeley quipped, making Candy chuckle. 

The stagecoach took off and rushed down the dirt road before it disappeared around the corner. 

The End

---

A/N: Written for the 2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament. The words/phrases dealt to me were: 

• Buddy Sour 
• Ex-Army with dubious reputation
• Corrupt lawman 
• Coffin
• Gunslinger
• Pocket watch 
• Joker (no words/phrases assigned)

 

The episodes I referenced were: 

• Judgement at Olympus 
• Dead Wrong
• The Marriage of Theodora Duffy

The bartender, Bert, was the same character that was introduced in the season 14 episode, “The Twenty-Sixth Grave.”