{"id":10826,"date":"2004-11-24T18:31:35","date_gmt":"2004-11-24T23:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10826"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:19","slug":"whenever-youre-in-trouble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10826","title":{"rendered":"Whenever You’re in Trouble (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Sometimes you don’t have to ask for help — it’s always there.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (6,235 words)<\/p>\n

Whenever You’re in Trouble<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re in trouble
\nWhenever you may need me
\nI will fight for you
\nI will help you through
\nWhenever life\u2019s deceiving,
\nI\u2019ll give you new meaning
\nNo matter where you are
\nYou\u2019re always in my heart
\nWhenever you\u2019re in trouble
\nI will be right here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now\u2019s the time
\nTo share what you\u2019re feeling inside
\nNo matter how long it takes
\nNo matter how many mistakes
\nOh, now\u2019s the time
\nTo reach and you will find
\nThat whenever you need me to care
\nI\u2019ll always be there.*<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d The word thundered across the room and everyone present froze, their eyes instinctively seeking the speaker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From his position huddled on the floor, battered and bleeding, Joe Cartwright looked up in disbelief and breathed a word that only he heard. \u201cPa.\u201d The relief was overwhelming, but Joe resisted the desire to slide into unconsciousness. His father might well be wielding a gun, but he was still out numbered and Joe was terrified that something would happen to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Calling on the last reserves of his strength, Joe tried to bring his legs underneath him, but the pain was too great. He began to spiral down into the darkness, regret that he was unable to do anything to help Ben flooding his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And just before his eyes closed, Joe saw Adam and Hoss, his brothers, appear in the doorway beside their father and knew that he didn\u2019t have to worry any more. That was the last thing he knew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re in trouble<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sitting by Joe\u2019s bedside, Ben unconsciously rubbed his thumb in a soothing rhythm against Joe\u2019s arm. It was almost the only uninjured part of his son. Almost every inch of skin was covered in bandages, plaster casts, splints, scrapes, bumps and bruises. It broke Ben\u2019s heart to see his lively, energetic, son so still and pale in the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me what was going on?\u201d Ben whispered. He knew that it was unlikely that any sound he made would rouse Joe. The young man had been unconscious since they had found him and Ben knew that the probable skull fracture Joe had sustained was causing the doctor quite a bit of concern. Ben was deeply worried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever you may need me<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew something was up with you, Joe,\u201d Ben went on. He searched the pale face, looking for some signs of stirring, but seeing none. Joe\u2019s perfect features were marred by a couple of black eyes and a split lip. A graze ran down one cheek and his head was encircled by a thick bandage. \u201cI can always tell, son. Why didn\u2019t you confide in me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no response. Joe\u2019s breathing was harsh, the results of the broken ribs. He was immobilised by a cast that ran from shoulder to fingertips on his left arm. Both Joe\u2019s legs were in splints and bandages were wrapped smoothly over his chest. The gash on his upper right arm was stitched closed and bandaged from elbow to shoulder. Ben shuddered and drew back for a moment, closing his eyes against the tears that threatened to spill over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I will fight for you<\/em><\/p>\n

I will help you through<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy will want to speak to you when you wake up, son,\u201d Ben warmed Joe, once he had regained control of his emotions. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, though, I\u2019ll be there with you. And Hiram Wood, too, if you think you\u2019ll need a lawyer. But right now, Roy\u2019s busy with all those people in the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d The voice spoke from behind Ben and he turned to see Adam and Hoss standing in the bedroom door. \u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d Adam spoke softly, but nothing could disguise the worry in his tones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo change,\u201d Ben replied, wearily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coming into the room, both brothers looked down on Joe. It hurt them both to see him like this. \u201cSure is a trouble magnet, ain\u2019t he, Pa?\u201d Hoss mused. \u201cI never knowed anybody like him fer findin\u2019 trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to know what he was doing with the McAndrew clan in the first place,\u201d Adam responded, his voice tight with controlling his anger. Quite who he was angry with \u2013 Joe or the McAndrews \u2013 Ben wasn\u2019t too sure. Both, he suspected. And it was a question that was tearing at his heart, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo would I,\u201d Ben agreed, sighing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever life\u2019s deceiving,<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll give you new meaning<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll tell ya,\u201d responded a new voice. All three of them turned to see Sheriff Roy Coffee standing there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe McAndrews have talked?\u201d It wasn\u2019t quite a question, nor yet was it a statement. Ben felt his heart rate increase slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t admitted what they done,\u201d Roy replied, walking into the room. \u201cBut I know why Joe were with them in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The atmosphere in the room changed from expectation to disapproval in a matter of seconds. Roy was braced for it, but it took him by surprise nevertheless. \u201cDon\u2019t git mad, Ben,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cIt ain\u2019t what ya think.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know what I think?\u201d Ben asked, coldly. \u201cI think you\u2019d better tell me what\u2019s going on, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quailing under Ben\u2019s stern gaze, Roy took a deep breath. He knew his old friend wasn\u2018t going to like what he said. \u201cWe all know what the McAndrews are like, but Clem an\u2019 I couldn\u2019t never catch them up ta mischief. Well, I got told that they was plannin\u2019 ta raid the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben thundered. \u201cWhy wasn\u2019t I told?\u201d He flinched at the volume of his voice in the enclosed space and glanced guiltily at Joe, fearful that he had disturbed the injured man. But Joe hadn\u2019t moved and Ben was more sorrowful that his shouting hadn\u2019t roused Joe. Taking a conscious grasp of his temper, Ben turned back to Roy. \u201cYou\u2019d better explain quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI only heard this mornin\u2019,\u201d Roy snapped, nettled. \u201cI was jist about ta come out an\u2019 see ya when I seen Little Joe there up at the store. I went over ta tell him, thinkin\u2019 he\u2019d tell ya, but instead he offered ta help me. See, Joe an\u2019 Nell McAndrew was at school together. She\u2019s always had a yen fer Joe, an\u2019 he thought it might be worth talkin\u2019 ta her ta see if\u2019n she would let slip anythin\u2019 about what they was plannin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Ben murmured, sorting out those statements in his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell.\u201d Roy looked uncomfortable. \u201cSee Joe an\u2019 Nell got inta bother when they was kids \u2013 oh not bad bother,\u201d he added hastily, as he saw Ben\u2019s brows draw down. \u201cJist kids\u2019 stuff, Ben. But we thought that Nell might be more willin\u2019 ta believe Joe weren\u2019t too happy, considerin\u2019 the mischief they used ta git up ta.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMakes sense, I guess,\u201d Hoss interjected, feeling that someone ought to try and take the heat out of the situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shooting the middle son a grateful look, Roy resumed his tale. \u201cSo, Joe went ta meet Nell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t hard to contrive a meeting with Nell McAndrew. Joe found her, as he had expected, gazing in the window of the ladies\u2019 dress shop. The McAndrews never had enough money, for none of their schemes ever came off the way they expected them to. Nell wasn\u2019t allowed to work \u2013 or so she claimed. Joe thought privately that she couldn\u2019t get work, since she wasn\u2019t at all bright \u2013 quite the opposite in fact. Nell\u2019s mother and older sister made the family\u2019s clothes and they were very good, since Mrs McAndrew was a seamstress by trade. She somehow managed to keep the family fed on the small wages she earned. Nell, however, fancied herself above the homemade clothes and longed to have a store-bought dress. Consequently, she could be found most afternoons \u2013 once she\u2019d completed her chores \u2013 gazing in the dress shop window, imagining the outfit she would buy herself when she had some money.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Nell,\u201d Joe mumbled. He put on his best hang-dog look, the one he wore when Ben was annoyed with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Little Joe.\u201d Nell beamed brightly at him, then realised that her former schoolmate looked utterly dejected. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d She linked her arm through his and Joe fought down the desire to pull away. \u201cOh, was it that poker game last night? Barney said ya lost a lot o\u2019 money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, a lot of money an\u2019 Pa\u2019s gonna kill me when he finds out!\u201d Joe whined. In actual fact, he had only dropped about $5 in total, although there had been a lot of money on the table at times. Joe, however, not being the greatest poker player in the world, had kept his money in his wallet and bet only in small amounts. However, since he hadn\u2019t actually won a game, he was aware that everyone thought he\u2019d dropped a huge amount at the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much?\u201d Nell asked, breathlessly. Joe cynically wondered if it was curiosity or concern that motivated her query.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA few thousand,\u201d Joe replied, trying to sound off hand, but not succeeding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d Nell\u2019s eyes were as round as a saucer. \u201cWhat ya gonna do, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI ain\u2019t got enough to use as a stake in another poker game. I\u2019ll have to think of something before I get home.\u201d He gave her a tremulous smile. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you have any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A crafty look crept over Nell\u2019s face. Joe pretended not to notice, just as he had pretended not to notice when they were kids. Nell knew that her brothers were going to raid the Ponderosa that night and rustle about 200 head of cattle. They had a buyer lined up. The only problem had been that none of the six McAndrew brothers knew anything about pushing cattle and they had been stalling, hoping to find someone to help out. To Nell, Joe\u2019s experience was just what they needed. None of them knew that you needed more than seven men to push 200 head of cattle!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me, Joe,\u201d Nell ordered. \u201cI know jist the thing.\u201d She tugged on Joe\u2019s arm and he followed, smothering the grin that wanted to break free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never rated that girl with many brains, but she seems incredibly stupid to believe that Joe would steal from his own family,\u201d Ben raged. He was pacing, listening to Roy\u2019s story and putting together what he was hearing with Joe\u2019s behaviour earlier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop thinking like Ben Cartwright and start thinking like a McAndrew,\u201d Adam advised, keeping his tone calm. \u201cYou have honour, Pa. they have none.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon Adam\u2019s right,\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cAn\u2019 we all know how convincin\u2019 Little Joe c\u2019n be when he sets his mind ta it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou should\u2019ve talked Joe out of it,\u201d Ben insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t his pa,\u201d Roy reminded Ben. \u201cAn\u2019 he\u2019s a grown man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning his eyes back to the still, pale figure on the bed, Ben resumed his seat. \u201cYes, he is,\u201d he agreed, his hand stealing out to clasp Joe\u2019s once more. \u201cBut a father still worries, no matter how old his children get.\u201d He looked at Roy. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they neared the McAndrews\u2019 run down home, Joe felt his heart beat accelerate. He had never liked the McAndrew brothers and six to one weren\u2019t odds that he fancied at all. But Nell pulled him onwards and Joe took a deep breath as he followed her into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he doin\u2019 here?\u201d demanded Andrew McAndrew, the oldest son, as he jumped to his feet, throwing the paper he\u2019d been reading onto the floor. He was dressed in dirty pants that might once have been tan and his braces hung around his scrawny buttocks. A filthy undershirt of indeterminate colour was all he wore on the top half of his body and cracked boots decorated his feet. He spat a plug of tobacco onto the hearth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 git angry, Drew,\u201d Nell pleaded. \u201cJoe\u2019s gonna help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ve ya told him, girl?\u201d Andrew bellowed and clenched his fist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stepping in front of Nell, Joe raised his chin. Andrew might be thin, but Joe knew that he was terrifically strong. \u201cShe hasn\u2019t told me anything!\u201d he retorted. \u201cLeave her alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d ya bring him here fer?\u201d Andrew demanded, leaving his fist doubled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Nell babbled out the story Joe had told her. Joe was interested to note that she embellished it slightly without realising, but he didn\u2019t object. Gradually, Andrew\u2019s fist relaxed until his arm was hanging by his side. He gave Joe an assessing look, which Joe pretended not to notice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo ya dropped a bundle last night,\u201d Andrew sneered. Joe flushed, but Andrew took it for embarrassment, not anger. \u201cWhy\u2019nt ya ask yer daddy ta give ya more?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Joe muttered, looking down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d When Joe didn\u2019t answer immediately, Andrew grabbed the front of his jacket and dragged Joe closer. His foul breath washed over Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI asked ya a question, boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the payroll money!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cAll right? I collected it early and thought I\u2019d win some extra money. And instead I lost it all!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe thought that Andrew didn\u2019t believe him. Then the older man let go and brushed some imaginary dirt from the front of Joe\u2019s jacket. He laughed. He laughed so hard that he choked himself. \u201cOh, boy, Cartwright! Ya sure got yoreself in a pickle, didn\u2019t ya? I suppose ya\u2019d like some fast money ta replace it, wouldn\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I would!\u201d Joe drew in a deep breath as though he was trying to control his temper. In fact, he was trying to control his glee. \u201cGot any suggestions?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMight do.\u201d Andrew appeared to be enjoying himself immensely. \u201cSit down there, boy. I\u2019ll git ma brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like it.\u201d The six McAndrew brothers, Andrew, Barney, Clyde, Dave, Ezekiel, and Floyd, stood in a semi-circle facing Joe, who still sat on a hard chair. He was beginning to feel rather intimidated and knew that was exactly what Andrew McAndrew had had in mind. \u201cHow do we know we can trust him?\u201d It was Ezekiel, commonly known as Zeke, who spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t,\u201d Andrew drawled, sounding amused. \u201cBut he can either do as we say an\u2019 git some money out a this, or we kill him.\u201d He patted Joe insultingly on the head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m desperate,\u201d Joe declared. He sounded suitably subdued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYore pa got lots o\u2019 money,\u201d Floyd insisted. \u201cWhy ya worryin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa might have money but we don\u2019t,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI lost the payroll in a poker game. I don\u2019t earn enough money to pay him back and I\u2019m broke. Pa doesn\u2019t even pay us as much as the hands,\u201d he added bitterly. \u201cWe get up earlier and go to bed later for less money.\u201d Joe hated what he was saying, but knew the lie would make his participation in whatever they were planning more convincing. He lifted his head and met every pair of eyes. \u201cI can hardly rob the bank here, can I?\u201d he asked sarcastically. \u201cI\u2019m quite well known.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI say he\u2019s in,\u201d Andrew voted. One by one, his brothers agreed with him. \u201cAll right, Cartwright. You go on home like a good little boy an\u2019 be waitin\u2019 fer us at ten o\u2019clock at the South Forty. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got it,\u201d Joe replied, rising. He froze as Andrew grabbed his jacket with one hand and reeled him in close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust in case yer thinkin\u2019 o\u2019 double-crossin\u2019 us, here\u2019s a little somthin\u2019 on account.\u201d He drew back his fist and slammed it into Joe\u2019s belly. Joe doubled over, gasping for breath, his arms crossing over his body as if that would somehow lessen the pain. Andrew allowed him to crumple to the floor. \u201cThrow him out,\u201d he ordered and the brothers did just that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe had regained his breath, he picked himself off the ground and made his way slowly back to his horse. He wondered briefly if he had got himself into a trickier situation than he had first anticipated, but he felt it was too late to back out now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he put his foot into the stirrup to mount, Roy Coffee strolled past. \u201cAll right, boy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTen o\u2019clock at the South Forty tonight,\u201d Joe replied, equally quietly as he mounted. He didn\u2019t look back at Roy as he rode off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where have you been, young man?\u201d Ben asked, but there was a hint of amusement in his tones. \u201cI expected you back quite some time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flustered, Joe hadn\u2019t a clue what to say for about the first time in his life, but as he opened his mouth, Ben started talking again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI expect you had a beer in the saloon, huh?\u201d Ben smiled and shook his head. \u201cGo and get washed up, Joe. Supper will be ready in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe replied and nipped quickly upstairs. He had a hasty wash and arrived at the table just seconds before Hop Sing started serving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glancing at Joe, Ben could see that there was something on his mind. He wondered what it was and if Joe would volunteer anything about it, or if Ben would have to ask tactfully around the subject. With Joe, you never knew where he would stand. Sometimes, he wanted to be asked outright; sometimes he would only tell you when things had reached disastrous proportions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But as Joe began to exchange banter with his brothers, Ben decided that this didn\u2019t appear to be a disaster-type mood that Joe was in. And yet Ben was uneasy and he didn\u2019t know why. He kept an eye on Joe over the meal, surreptitiously looking for something that would give him a clue as to what his youngest son had become involved in this time. But when the meal ended, Ben was none the wiser.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, seeing his son wince suddenly as he rose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think so,\u201d Joe replied, fighting to keep his hand away from his sore abdomen. \u201cJust a muscle twinge or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Ben persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured him, grabbing a tight hold of his temper. He hated being fussed over and he was especially on edge that evening. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u201d Joe smiled and made sure that he didn\u2019t wince again that evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few times as he was playing checkers with Hoss, Joe contrived to yawn widely and soon had the others yawning along with him. \u201cI think I\u2019m gonna have an early night,\u201d he announced. \u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight, son,\u201d Ben responded, giving Joe a long searching look. He was still sure that something was up, but he couldn\u2019t decide what. He thought that he might just pop upstairs for a chat before Joe went off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Upstairs, Joe slid into his jacket, hat and gun belt, which he had managed to bring upstairs by dint of \u2018forgetting\u2019 to take them off when he arrived home, and opened his bedroom window. He glanced back at the room and saw that the note he had left for Ben was obvious for all to see in the middle of the bed before slipping quietly out of the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hoped he knew what he was doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No matter where you are<\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019re always in my heart<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou havin\u2019 an early night, too, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, as Ben headed with purposeful casualness towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I just thought I\u2019d look in on Joe,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSomething I wanted to discuss with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what he\u2019s got into now?\u201d Adam asked, thereby proving to Ben that he wasn\u2019t imagining things.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I knew,\u201d Ben responded, wryly, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be going to talk to him now.\u201d He continued on upstairs and knocked on Joe\u2019s door. There was no response. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben knocked again. Surely he hadn\u2019t fallen asleep already? Why it was only ten minutes since he had gone upstairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Opening the door, Ben looked blankly at the empty room. It took him a moment to realise what he was seeing. The curtains fluttered in the breeze from the open window and a piece of paper lay in the middle of the bed. Moving on numb legs, Ben walked stiffly across the room and picked up the note.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t quite sure what he was expecting the note to say, but Ben\u2019s heart started to sink at the very first words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Pa,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Please don\u2019t be angry with me for sneaking off like this. I\u2019m not in trouble \u2013 at least I don\u2019t think I am \u2013 but I couldn\u2019t tell you when I came home. There is going to be a raid on the Ponderosa tonight at the South Forty. Come with Adam and Hoss as soon as you can. Roy Coffee and Clem will meet you there. Don\u2019t worry about me, Pa. I\u2019ll be fine and I promise, I\u2019m not in trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Your loving son, Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crushing the note in his hand, Ben stood paralysed for a moment. \u201cOh, Joe, why didn\u2019t you just tell me,\u201d Ben agonised. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what you think you\u2019ve done, I\u2019m on your side. Don\u2019t you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whirling, he hurried out of the room and back downstairs. \u201cCome on, boys. I think your brother might be in some sort of trouble. We need to hurry.\u201d Ben snatched up his gun belt and started to buckle it around his hips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Putting his book down, Adam stared at Ben. \u201cPa, Joe just went to bed a few minutes ago. How could he\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off and he exchanged a glance with Hoss. \u201cHe climbed out of the window, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Ben picked up his hat and saw that his other sons were still sitting by the fire. \u201cJoe left me a note. There\u2019s going to be a raid on the South Forty tonight. Joe says Roy and Clem will meet us there, but he must have gone already. He says he\u2019s not in trouble, but he\u2019s involved somehow. Now come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At his words, both Adam and Hoss got to their feet. Adam was still annoyed at Joe for running off without telling them and worrying their father. But he couldn\u2019t just leave Joe to face whatever it was alone. Protecting the ranch from raids involved them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**************************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time seemed to pass very slowly as Joe waited. After a while, he began to wonder if the McAndrews had been inept enough to run into the posse on the way to the ranch, but at last, they turned up. Joe looked at the six brothers and then looked around. \u201cWhere are the rest of them?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRest o\u2019 who?\u201d Andrew returned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest of the men to help us,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cWhat, do you think the seven of us can push all the cattle in this section?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ezzacly what I\u2019m tellin\u2019 ya,\u201d Andrew snarled. \u201cYa got a problem wi\u2019 that, boy?\u201d His hand caressed his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d Joe shrugged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s go.\u201d Andrew jerked his head towards the dark mass that was the herd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beginning to feel increasingly nervous, Joe led the way. The hair on the back of his neck was standing up and an uncomfortable feeling prickled along his skin. He hoped that Roy and Clem were nearby and he hoped that his family were on the way. There was nothing he could do alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cattle were settled for the night, many of them lying down. They had been on this pasture for several weeks and were accustomed to it. Joe knew that getting them moving would be tricky. He glanced at Andrew to see what he was going to do and realised at once that none of the McAndrews were going to be much help. None of them had any experience pushing cows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took some time, a lot of orders from Joe and some swearing, but at last, a portion of the herd was on its feet and milling about aimlessly. Joe felt exhausted, but this wasn\u2019t over yet. He pulled Cochise to a stop and stroked down the silky neck. Zeke appeared beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t all up yet,\u201d he whined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and they won\u2019t all get up,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cHow did you think we were going to manage to push this many head with so few men? Let\u2019s take what we\u2019ve got and get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving Joe a suspicious look, Zeke frowned. \u201cWhat\u2019s the hurry, boy? Ya think someone might come?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always a chance one of the hands on night watch might come along to check on them,\u201d Joe replied impatiently. \u201cUnlikely, but possible.\u201d He gestured. \u201cCan we go now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They managed to get about 25 head moving and had separated them from the main body of the herd when Roy Coffee made his move. \u201cHold it right there!\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cursing, Zeke grabbed Joe\u2019s reins as Joe made moves to do as the sheriff ordered. Someone, Joe thought it might be Andrew, drew his gun and shot at Roy. The next moment, the air was alive with gunfire and Joe saw someone fall from his horse. But there was nothing he could do, Zeke had his rein, Andrew was crowding him from the other side and they were going flat out in the dark, the cattle forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Clem jumped down from his saddle to bend over the injured man, he heard more hooves approaching. Looking up, he saw the Cartwrights arrive. Roy waved at them. \u201cThey\u2018ve got Joe an\u2019 they went that-a-way!\u201d he shouted. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing that the man on the ground \u2013 Floyd \u2013 was not going to make it, Clem abandoned him and remounted, turning his mount and hurrying after Roy and the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re in trouble<\/em><\/p>\n

I will be right here.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Riding fast in the dark is never a wise thing to do. Galloping flat out is suicide. But it wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s horse that brought them to grief; it was Zeke\u2019s. It stumbled and bumped into Cochise, who in turn bumped into Andrew\u2019s horse. All three riders were thrown from their saddles and in the confusion screams rent the air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet them inta the line shack!\u201d ordered Barney and his brothers hurried to comply. They were not careful and more than one cry of pain was heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With shaking hands, Barney lit the lantern he found on the wall. He turned to look at the three men on the floor and saw at once that Zeke was dead, his neck broken. Andrew and Joe were both bruised and bleeding profusely and far too pale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou set us up, Cartwright!\u201d Barney snarled, advancing on Joe menacingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Too badly injured and in too much pain to consider protecting himself, Joe just lay there, trying to catch his breath. Barney grabbed him and punched him right in the mouth, letting go of Joe as he did. Joe dropped back to the floor like a stone, his head smashing off the corner of the table as he did. His vision began to waver as he slipped towards unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d The word thundered across the room and everyone present froze, their eyes instinctively seeking the speaker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now\u2019s the time<\/em><\/p>\n

To share what you\u2019re feeling inside<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter how long it takes<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter how many mistakes<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t Joe tell me?\u201d Ben asked, but no one could give an answer. The only person who could give Ben the answer he needed was unconscious and none of them knew if Joe would recover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A door at the far side of the room opened and Paul Martin came in. He looked weary, as well he ought. He had had a busy evening, but it hadn\u2019t been a satisfying one. He had treated the injured men brought in as best he could, but\u2026 Looking at Roy Coffee, he shook his head. \u201cAndrew McAndrew just died,\u201d he reported quietly. \u201cMassive internal bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Ben turned and sat down by Joe\u2019s bed again and resumed his former position, holding his son\u2019s hand. Joe was reassuringly warm to the touch, momentarily easing Ben\u2019s fears. But they returned full strength as Paul bent over the young man and listened to his heart. \u201cWell?\u201d he asked, for Joe was still far too pale for Ben\u2019s liking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Straightening, Paul gathered his thoughts. They all knew that Joe, Zeke and Andrew had been trampled when the horses fell. The hoof shaped bruises had been silent witnesses to that fact. Andrew\u2019s abdomen had been black when he arrived in the ranch and although Paul operated on him the moment he had arrived, it had been too late. Ideally, he should have stayed with Andrew, but he had another badly injured man waiting to be treated and Paul had decided that his best bet was to treat the man who seemed most likely to survive. And it wasn\u2019t until he was well on in the examination that he discovered the possible fractured skull.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Head wounds were always tricky. Internal bleeding could cause someone to die when they seemed to be doing all right. Paul was beset with an unusual lack of confidence. \u201cHe\u2019s holding his own,\u201d he replied at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dark eyes that met his were filled with fear. \u201cDoes Joe have internal bleeding?\u201d Ben asked, his voice shaking slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hesitating again, Paul saw the fear grow and knew he had to offer Ben support. \u201cNot as far as I can tell,\u201d he sighed. \u201cAnd,\u201d he pulled out his watch, shocked to see that it was about 4 am, \u201cif there was any internal bleeding, it would have weakened Joe considerably by now.\u201d Paul once more felt over Joe\u2019s abdomen, but there was no unusual rigidity there, no bruises suddenly springing into life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving down to check Joe\u2019s legs, Paul was relieved to see that the swelling had gone down a bit since the splints were applied. He suddenly felt more optimistic. If the swelling was going down, then there was no hidden bleeding in Joe\u2019s legs. They were horribly bruised and the imprints of the hooves that had struck him in several places \u2013 hard enough to cause breakage \u2013 were very defined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unknown to Paul there had been a change in his demeanour as he examined Joe\u2019s legs and the whole atmosphere in the room relaxed slightly. Straightening, he smiled at Ben. \u201cThe swelling is going down in his legs,\u201d he announced. \u201cThat\u2019s far sooner than I could have hoped for and I think it\u2019s a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leaning over once more, Paul pulled up Joe\u2019s eyelids and was more than relieved to see each pupil contract in the sudden light. There was a tiny tracing of red on the white of each eye, but nothing like as much as Paul had feared to see. There was probably a skull fracture, but the fracture didn\u2019t appear to have affected his brain very much. Of course, there was no way to tell how much brain damage there really was until Joe woke up \u2013 and it was anyone\u2019s guess when that would happen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sighing, Paul stood upright once more. \u201cWe just have to wait for him to wake up,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben looked at Joe. Adam and Hoss looked at each other and Roy Coffee muttered something about getting some sleep before it was time to get up again. They all knew that he was going to take McAndrew\u2019s body back to town. The sudden flare of hope that everyone had felt was dissoluted by the unsatisfactory conclusion of the examination. They wanted a miracle cure, for Paul to say \u201cArise\u201d and Joe would open his eyes, as it happened in the best fairy tales.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Medical science didn\u2019t work like that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

********************************<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was mid-afternoon. Ben was once more by Joe\u2019s bedside. He had slept and eaten but he didn\u2019t look or feel rested. Outside on the ranch, the hands went about their everyday business, but inside the house, Ben\u2019s entire attention was focused on Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d Ben asked, not for the first time. \u201cDid you think I would be angry?\u201d Ben reflected on that for a moment. \u201cWell, I might have shouted a bit,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I would have listened to you, Joe. Don\u2019t you know that?\u201d He had been talking for hours and his voice sounded strained and weary, even to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Under his hand, Joe stirred slightly. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben suddenly didn\u2019t feel tired any more. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d Joe stirred again. Ben leapt to his feet and hurried to the door. He yanked it open and called, \u201cPaul!\u201d before resuming his seat and taking hold of Joe\u2019s hand again. \u201cJoe? I\u2019m here, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Ben?\u201d Paul asked, coming in quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe moved,\u201d Ben reported, his eyes fixed to his son\u2019s pale face. At his words, Joe grimaced and his eyes flickered open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he breathed, the word barely audible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe,\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2026 hurts,\u201d Joe grimaced, screwing up his face and wincing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move, Joe!\u201d Paul ordered, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s chest. \u201cIt\u2019s really important that you stay still. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe agreed, subsiding. Now that he was more or less awake, he didn\u2019t want to move after all. Everything hurt, but most especially his head. \u201cWhat\u2026 happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you promise to stay awake for a while, I promise to tell you,\u201d Paul bargained. \u201cAll right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe began to wonder if the bump on his head was worse than he thought or if Paul Martin had gone mad. He had a good bedside manner, but the way he was talking made Joe wonder. He\u2019d never heard the doctor enunciate his words so precisely. He squinted at Paul. \u201cDoc?\u201d He waited for Paul to nod. \u201cYou\u2026 okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The choked sound Ben made had more of hysteria in it than real amusement and as Joe stared at him in consternation, Ben found himself weeping. Paul, who also felt his eyes damp, patted his friend on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe queried, growing concerned. He tried to reach for Ben, only to discover the cast on his left arm. \u201cPa?\u201d he repeated, louder this time and with a clear edge of panic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Ben assured him, pulling himself together. \u201cI\u2019m all right, son.\u201d He looked at Paul. \u201cI guess we don\u2019t need to worry about Joe\u2019s mental condition,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, neither do I!\u201d Paul agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave Joe an examination while Adam and Hoss were urgently summoned from outside. Once they were present, and the greetings between the brothers had resulted in more damp eyes, Paul explained to Joe what had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d Joe whispered. He had managed to keep down some water and Paul was hoping to get some broth into him before he went back to sleep. The young man\u2019s eyelids already looked heavy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me, Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh, now\u2019s the time<\/em><\/p>\n

To reach and you will find<\/em><\/p>\n

That whenever you need me to care<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll always be there.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you might\u2026 tell me not to go,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cI didn\u2019t want\u2026 to fight.\u201d He blinked back sleep. \u201cIf we\u2019d had\u2026 time to talk\u2026 with Roy there, too.\u201d Joe stopped and swallowed. Ben offered him some more water. \u201cBut we didn\u2019t. So I\u2026 decided to do\u2026 what I could\u2026 to help.\u201d He reached for Ben. \u201cAnd then I thought\u2026 how it would sound when\u2026 I told you. And I couldn\u2019t\u2026 couldn\u2019t tell you. Sorry. Sorry I just\u2026 left a note.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clutching Joe\u2019s hand close to his chest, Ben gently touched his cheek. \u201cI might have yelled at you,\u201d he admitted and saw a slight smile cross Joe\u2019s face. \u201cBut I hope I would have listened, too. You did what you did for the ranch, didn\u2019t you, son?\u201d Joe gave a slight nod. \u201cI knew that there was something on your mind, Joe. I hoped you would confide in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t want you to\u2026 worry all evening,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m always there for you and your brothers when you need me. Whenever you need me, day or night, I\u2019ll always be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe sighed. His eyes closed and he drifted back to sleep secure in the knowledge that when he woke up again, Ben would still be there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Paul declared. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t think it had anything to do with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope you\u2019re not suggesting that it had anything to do with me!\u201d Ben retorted, looking affronted. \u201cI\u2019m not a doctor. I had nothing to do with it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou doctored his soul,\u201d Paul reminded his friend. \u201cWith love and compassion when he needed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust as you\u2019ve always done,\u201d Adam added, softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything special,\u201d Ben objected. \u201cI just did what any father would do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think its special,\u201d Hoss mumbled. \u201cYer allus there fer us, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re in trouble<\/em><\/p>\n

Whenever you may need me<\/em><\/p>\n

I will fight for you<\/em><\/p>\n

I will help you through<\/em><\/p>\n

Whenever life\u2019s deceiving,<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll give you new meaning<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter where you are<\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019re always in my heart<\/em><\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re in trouble<\/em><\/p>\n

I will be right here.<\/em><\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

* Whenever You\u2019re in Trouble<\/em> song words by Donny Osmond<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Sometimes you don’t have to ask for help — it’s always there.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (6,235 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":7527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-10826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4416,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/QIXI-chapter13.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":50522,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=50522","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":0},"title":"Little Boy Joe (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"February 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"There are definite advantages to being the youngest Cartwright. And who would know that better than Little Joe? Rating: G Word Count: 657","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/House-Divided.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10357,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10357","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":1},"title":"Hide and Seek (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"September 7, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Be careful what games you play! Rated: Family Friendly \/ Word count: 1074","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosapine.jpg?fit=270%2C404&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13014,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13014","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":2},"title":"A Different Conversation (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"June 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Imagine the scene in The Ride where Adam and Ben are by the fire having a serious conversation. \u00a0What if father and son discussed something totally different? \u00a0 Rating = K\u00a0\u00a0 WC = 818","rel":"","context":"In "Short Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Short Stories","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=8"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22868,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=22868","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":3},"title":"The Cartwright Vigil (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"June 12, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary - Jamie learns first- hand about a special trait of the Cartwrights. Rating - K, Word Count - 1270","rel":"","context":"In "Hurt\/Comfort"","block_context":{"text":"Hurt\/Comfort","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=41"},"img":{"alt_text":"ben, jamie, joe, hoss","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/With-Family-cropped.png?fit=393%2C355&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7627,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7627","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":4},"title":"Quest on D Street (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Hoss decides to take the problem of Emily's father into his own hands.\u00a0 Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Word count:\u00a08432 Emily's Sir Eric Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Hoss"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Hoss","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1017"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Cherry-Tree.jpg?fit=500%2C375&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12031,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12031","url_meta":{"origin":10826,"position":5},"title":"Love Wins Out (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"November 26, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Missing scenes for The Truckee Strip. 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