{"id":12083,"date":"2003-09-01T08:27:43","date_gmt":"2003-09-01T12:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12083"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:45","slug":"love-at-its-best-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12083","title":{"rendered":"Love At Its Best (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Adam and Joe thought their woman problems were over when Adam told his fianc\u00e9e, Rachel Stanrick, to get out.\u00a0 Who would have thought she’d have the audacity to return three years later and insist that Adam marry her? What could she possibly do that would make Adam change his mind about how he feels towards her?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>PG 13 (13,490 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Choice to Make Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Choice to Make<\/a>
\nLove at Its Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Love at Its Best<\/strong><\/p>\n

The cuffs fit tightly about his wrists, which were pulled back behind his back. Once his wrists were secure, the man putting on the chains ran a short length from the wrist\u2019s cuffs downward and locked that length to the shackles around his ankles. He was trapped, with no hopes of getting free and no way of moving, other than to take short staggering steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The handsome young man glanced upward at the sky, the sun was at its highest and already he had begun to sweat. He ran his tongue over the tops of his parched lips, he could use a drink, but seeing that his captors were no longer paying any attention to him, he knew it was doubtful that they would even offer him a much-needed swallow from one of their canteens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt a sharp jab to the middle of his back. He flinched and turned his head to see which of the men had inflicted the discomfort. It was the one that he\u2019d heard the others call Toby, and he was wearing a glaring look on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove it Cartwright,\u201d he growled as he shoved his prisoner forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stumbled forward. The short length of chain between his ankles made if difficult to walk and with every other step his took, Toby crammed the barrel of his rifle deeply into Adam\u2019s back. Toby continued his pushing and shoving until they had reached the wagon and then he ordered Adam to stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s black hat had fallen off his head, but no one seemed to notice but Adam, himself. He had started to ask for it, but decided to leave it, it might provide his brother with a clue that something was amiss, when he came looking for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWalt, help him in,\u201d ordered Toby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second man tossed his coffee out and dropped his tin cup on to the ground near the fire. He took his own sweet time doing as he was ordered and his sluggishness angered the man standing guard over Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t\u2019cha get a move on?\u201d Toby shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026hold ya horses,\u201d grumbled Walt as he stepped behind Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walt stepped up into the back of the wagon and issued an order for Adam to turn around. Adam complied. He was now facing Toby and had his back to Walt. He felt Walt\u2019s hands as they grasped his shoulders and when Walt began hoisting his body up onto the back of the wagon, Adam was forced to clamp his jaws tightly to keep from crying out from the pain he felt in his arms and legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere, enjoy the ride,\u201d Walt sneered as he released Adam\u2019s shoulders and let the chained man\u2019s head fall against the hard wooden boards that made up the floor of the wagon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was forced onto his back by Walt\u2019s cruel hands and then, Walt forced Adam\u2019s jaws apart with the fingers of one hand while stuffing a rag into his opened mouth. Adam tried to twist his head around to avoid being gagged, but his efforts only earned him a harsh whack to the side of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe still, damnit,\u201d growled Walt as he finished tying the band of cloth around Adam\u2019s face and securing the rag within the dazed man\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped struggling; the side of his face stung where Walt had slapped him. He silently cursed himself for having let down his guard and turned his back on these two strangers. He should have known better, he chided himself. This bit of carelessness was akin to something that Little Joe might have done, not Adam, not after all the warnings his father had preached to him throughout his twenty-nine years. He leaned his head back and rested it on the sack that he had seen in the back of the wagon. The slightly elevated position seemed to lessen the pull of the chains on his arms and legs. Adam took a deep breath through his nose and let it out slowly; until Hoss returned and found him missing, he was stuck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walt jumped down from the wagon and with Toby\u2019s help, they pulled a canvas tarp over the top of the wagon, hiding their prisoner from prying eyes. Without a word between them, they quickly secured the tarp and then Toby climbed into the seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRed Rock Canyon\u2019s a good long and hard ride from here, \u2018specially in this here wagon,\u201d Toby grumbled to the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, ya just be sure to get there on time. The boss ain\u2019t gonna like it none if\u2019n ya late. Rach gave us four days to catch us a Cartwright, and we\u2019s dun wasted more\u2019n a day and half. Now let\u2019s get movin\u2019,\u201d Walt snapped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam could hear the arguing between the two men and wondered who they were, and why they had needed to catch themselves a Cartwright. More so, he wondered who the big boss was, and just why it was so important that he capture one of them. Rach, pondered Adam, a strange name, he\u2019d never heard of anyone by that name and he couldn\u2019t help but wonder at the man\u2019s intentions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was late by the time that the wagon finally stopped. Adam ached from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. His bladder felt as if it were ready to explode and the bumpy road had done nothing other than to further his discomfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could hear Toby and Walt talking, but the words were muffled by the tarp that had been put over the top of the wagon. Adam lay motionless trying to make out what the two strangers were talking about, but it was to no avail<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him out of there,\u201d Toby said as he began to remove the tarp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men pulled the tarp back and instantly Adam felt the cool air hit him. He struggled to push his body into a half sitting position, for sitting up entirely was impossible with the chains attached to him as they were. He twisted his head, until he felt hands on his face that were tugging at the gag in his mouth. When the gag was removed, he spit out the rag and began sucking in large amounts of air to fill his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Cartwright, out ya go,\u201d laughed Toby as he grabbed the chains around Adam\u2019s ankles and began pulling Adam roughly forward on the hard wooden floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d growled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was stiff and sore, his bladder was about to erupt and the boards of the wagon bed scraped his backside in a way that was very uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two only laughed at Adam\u2019s discomfort and continued to haul him out of the wagon. When they had him on his feet, Toby pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it at Adam\u2019s middle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced down at the gun pointed at him and then back up at the man. He was about to open his mouth and say something, but Walt grabbed his shoulder and shoved him, making Adam spin around until his back was facing the two men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit his tongue to keep from marking a sharp comment. He felt Walt fumbling with the chains and then felt the cuffs around his wrists snap open. His arms dropped to his sides and quickly Adam pulled his hands around in front of him and began massaging the feeling back into them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTurn around Cartwright, so\u2019s I can see ya face,\u201d Toby ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam complied; he wasn\u2019t about to start anything, yet he thought, at least with the chains still locked around his ankles. Any hopes of having those chains removed as well, was short lived when Toby pointed with the end of his gun in the directions of the trees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet goin\u2019,\u201d the man ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere to?\u201d Adam asked, not sure what the two dubious men were up to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t know about you, but I gotta take leak,\u201d laughed Toby as he followed along behind Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were finished in due time and when they had returned to the wagon; Walt picked up the cuffs. \u201cTurn around,\u201d he ordered in a stern voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess there\u2019s no chance of you not using those, is there?\u201d Adam questioned with a look of skepticism on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou guessed right Cartwright, boss said to bring ya in cuffed and chained. I aim on pleasing, now turn around,\u201d Walt issued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout this boss, who is he?\u201d Adam stood with his back to the two men as Walt cuffed his wrists. This time he did not bother to connect the length of chain that ran from his wrists to the shackles around his legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His question must have struck his captors as being funny for the pair glanced once at each other and then burst into loud laughter. Adam gave each a disgusted look that only served to ignite their laughter more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to twist his head around so that Rach could not touch his face. He cringed when the boss\u2019 hand grabbed at his chin and forced his face upward. Rach squeezed until the flesh on Joe\u2019s jaw showed red.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t changed one bit, Little Joe,\u201d snarled Rach. \u201cYou\u2019re still nothing but a cocky little brat!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked his head back one last time and freed his face from the imposing fingers. His reactions to Rach\u2019s words angered the boss and before Joe knew what was happening, Rach slapped Joe across the face. Instantly Joe\u2019s head snapped back, his cheek stung bright red and he turned dark angry eyes up at the one who towered over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was mad, but he held his tongue. Instead he just smiled and raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re still nothing but a bitch, aren\u2019t you Rachel Stanrick?\u201d mocked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knew he was pushing his luck with this mad woman, but he couldn\u2019t refrain from putting Adam\u2019s ex-fiancee in her proper place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s own eyes grew dark and she slapped Joe again and then again before he had time to gather his thoughts. She turned and stomped off a few paces and stopped, keeping her back to the young man tied in the chair. Joe could not see what she was doing, not that it mattered, he was in no position to do anything about it, he wasn\u2019t even able to protect himself from the woman who held him prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel spun around and marched back to Joe, stopping in front of him. \u201cYou think you were so smart, turning your brother against me three years ago, well, I have news for you, Little Joe\u2026your brother will marry me this time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snickered, all the time keeping his eyes on the woman. Rachel had begun pacing the floor in a nervous manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSHUT UP!\u201d she snarled loudly. \u201cHe will marry me, you just wait and see\u2026because Little Joe\u2026if he doesn\u2019t, he\u2019ll be very, very sorry that he didn\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that, my brother Adam is smarter than you give him credit. There\u2019s nothing that you can say, or do, that will make him marry you\u2026he hates you\u2026you are aware of that, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Joe informed the woman. He couldn\u2019t resist the urge to taunt her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel stopped her pacing and deemed it her time to laugh. \u201cOh you foolish boy\u2026you are na\u00efve, aren\u2019t you?\u201d laughed Rachel. \u201cYou just wait\u2026that damn brother of yours is so noble, he\u2019d do anything to save your useless hide, even marrying a woman that he hates!\u201d Rachel glared down at Joe, a menacing look on her pretty face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, save my hide?\u201d Joe asked, suddenly suspicious of the woman. Was she playing tricks with his mind? Just what did this deceitful woman have planned for him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel threw back her head and laughed loudly in a very unladylike manner. \u201cSimple, if he doesn\u2019t marry me, he\u2019ll just have to watch his baby brother die, that\u2019s all!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grew silent; he lowered his head for several moments, pondering her words, before looking up. Rachel was studying his face and her scrutiny of him, unnerved him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to be joking,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He willed his voice not to tremble, for he had learned three years ago, just what this woman was capable of doing. And now, because of what happened then, she had spent the last three years hating him for destroying her relationship with his older brother. Joe studied her expression, she was nuts, and time had nothing to improve her disposition or her contempt she held for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think for one minute that if you kill me, my brother could ever love you? If you believe that, you\u2019re crazy!\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel spun around on her heels and walloped Joe with her folded up fist. Joe\u2019s head snapped backwards and then slumped forward; she had clipped Joe on the chin and knocked the young man out. Quickly, she grabbed a wadded up cloth and forcing Joe\u2019s mouth opened, stuffed it inside. When she finished, she wrapped a long cloth around Joe\u2019s head, covering his mouth and preventing him from being able to speak once he regained consciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She opened the door to the cabin and ordered her man inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pointed to the unconscious boy, \u201cCarry his chair into the back room, and make sure he keeps quiet. I have plans for him later on,\u201d she smiled wickedly, as she pulled a syringe from her bag. \u201cHe will sleep like a baby, once his brother gets here,\u201d she laughed again, and gave the man a frown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGET HIM OUT OF HERE! God, I hate that boy with a passion, I won\u2019t mind in the least killing him!\u201d she snarled as her guard drug Joe, chair and all, into the back room and shut the door, leaving him alone in the darkened room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wagon finally stopped. Adam tried to wrench his head around attempting to remove the blindfold that the men had used to cover his eyes. Adam had wondered why the blindfold, but Walt had only hinted to him that the boss had ordered it, to protect the boss\u2019 identity. He could hear Walt and Toby whispering and knew when they had gotten down from the wagon. For several moments everything was quiet and then Adam could hear the squeaking of a door as it was being opened. Again he could hear the mumbled voices but could not make out what was being said. He knew that someone else had joined Walt and Toby, but that person was speaking in a voice so low that Adam could barely hear the person.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam suddenly felt hands grappling at his body and he began to fight against the persons that were trying to haul him from the wagon. One man grabbed his arms and another grabbed the short length of chain that separated the shackles about his ankles. He felt his body being raised from the rough wagon bed and though he tried, he could not refrain from moaning at the pressure put on his arms and legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Adam heard Walt order, \u201cBoss wants him in perfect condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Rach don\u2019t care what condition he\u2019s in, only that he\u2019s here and in one piece,\u201d laughed Toby. \u201cMove aside Mace.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam listened to the banter between the men. He counted three, plus the boss, whomever he was, and wondered if there might be more. As it were, he was outnumbered four to one, which in Adam\u2019s way of thinking, were not very good odds, even if his hands were not chained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was carried inside and Rachel pointed to the cot on the far side of the cabin. There were no words needed, the men seemed to understand when she pointed and the silent instruction was followed obediently. He felt his body lowered onto something soft and figured it to be just what it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel gave another silent command, and the chains were removed and Adam was helped into a sitting position. Adam straightened himself up and rubbed at his wrists where the chains chaffed his skin. He made to take away the blindfold but was stopped by a hand placed over his. He stopped, surprised at the tender feeling of the flesh against his work worn skin. It was then that he noticed for the first time, the faint scent of a woman\u2019s perfume, and though he couldn\u2019t see whom it was that stood before him, he raised his head questioningly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this is a pleasant surprise\u2026when may I have the pleasure of seeing your face, which I\u2019m sure is very lovely, if the softness of your hand in mine is anything to judge by?\u201d Adam said in a light voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel motioned for the guards to leave them, and moments later she was alone with the man she had once loved but now hated with a passion. She would play his game, but only until she tired of it. Rachel smiled to herself and tenderly ran her hand down the side of Adam\u2019s face until she cupped his chin. Gently she tilted his head upward and then lowered her own head, placing her lips gently over his and sealing his mouth with a kiss. She pressed her lips tightly against his, savoring the rush of passion that filled her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His breath caught in his throat as Adam returned the woman\u2019s impassioned kiss. He felt his senses reeling as she forced her tongue into his mouth and explored the warm interior. When she pulled away, he was reluctant to do the same, for her fervency had awakened a desire in him that had long been denied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel\u2019s eyes had grown dark with desire as she studied what could be seen of Adam\u2019s face beneath the blindfold. The sensations that his kiss had stirred within her shook her very being. She had hated him for such a long time, that the sensuality of his kiss had caught her unprepared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel took a deep breath to calm herself and steady her breathing. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time, my darling,\u201d she said at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam, whose hand still covered hers, let his hand fall away. He tugged at his blindfold, trying desperately to remove it from his eyes so that he could see into the face of the woman standing in front of him. His fingers fumbled with the knot until he gave up and jerked the blindfold upward over his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam looked up, his bottom jaw fell slack, as his eyes grew dark with anger. Quickly he checked his response, closing his mouth as he stared into the face of the woman that he had once believed he had loved. Rage caused his body to shudder and he stood to his feet. His jaw was now clenched tightly, his fingers folded into tight fists and when he spoke, his anger was evident in the tone of his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell is the meaning to all of this?\u201d he demanded, towering over the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His dark glare frightened the young woman and Rachel found herself taking a step backward, putting distance between herself and her one time lover. She tried to smile, but felt the corners of her mouth twitch as she did so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDarling,\u201d she said coyly, \u201cthat\u2019s not a very nice way to speak to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t \u2018darling\u2019 me!\u201d snapped Adam. \u201cYou had better have a damn good reason for having me kidnapped and chained, and brought here\u2026against my will!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel found it hard to look into the handsome face that had haunted her dreams for months on end. Casually, she strolled around the edge of the table and stopped, smiling up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you can\u2019t say that you\u2019re not happy to see me\u2026by the way that you kissed me, I can only assume\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam banged his fist down on the table. \u201cI\u2019m not the least bit happy to see you\u2026and as for that little display of passion, that was totally your doings, I only partook of what was being offered, my dear!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel tossed back her head and laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask what is so funny?\u201d Adam snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, really, you are so dramatic!\u201d Rachel moved closer to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She knew her men were just outside the door and would come instantly if she called out for them. She grinned, once Adam knew about the boy who was hidden out back, the mighty Adam Cartwright would be like putty in the hands of the potter. She glanced up at his face, smiling, she was most assuredly, the potter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered and opened at last. He was forced to squint for the sun\u2019s rays were blinding. When he tried to move, nothing worked. His head was pounding and thinking straight was almost as impossible as moving seemed to be. Suddenly the sun disappeared as a shadow loomed over him. He pinched his eyes tightly and then opened them. He was surprised to find himself staring at a worn pair of boots. Joe looked up, suddenly terribly frightened at the man who towered over him. He tried to speak, but his mouth was so dry that he could do nothing to force the words from the back of this throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to wrench his arms free of the mound of dirt that covered his entire body but the earth that they had buried him in restricted any movement other than turning his head from side to side. He felt the panic slowly begin to rise as he realized what a predicament he was in. His eyes clouded with unshed tears, and he was forced to swallow several times to keep at bay the rising bile. He was buried up to his neck in the hard packed dirt. He had known that Rachel Stanrick was ruthless, and that she would go to any means to get what she wanted, but he had not been prepared for such drastic measures.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he heard the man standing over him laugh, Joe, in spite of his earthen prison, felt his body begin to tremble in fear of what this woman was capable of doing. Surely he had underestimated the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paced around the room; his anger had reached its limit. He glanced at the door, all he had to do was walk away, and he\u2019d be rid of\u2026her. He stopped his pacing in front of the door and glanced at Rachel. She seemed unconcerned with his anger and his hatred, surely she knew he hated her! Adam placed his hand on the door but stopped at the sound of her voice. She didn\u2019t seem bothered with the prospect of his escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that, if I were you,\u201d she stated simply and matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not? What\u2019s to stop me?\u201d Adam barked in response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel placed her hands on both hips and grinned at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you forgotten? My men are outside,\u201d she reminded him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d grunted Adam as if three armed men were merely a daily occurrence and something that he should fear, for he feared no man. \u201cAnd if I walk out that door, you\u2019d order them to kill me? Hmm\u2026After all you went through, just to get me here? I hardly think so.\u201d Adam cocked his head and smiled. He tipped the rim of his hat at her and opened the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have them kill the boy,\u201d she stated calmly, and Adam froze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly he turned and faced the woman he had once loved. \u201cBoy?\u201d he said slowly. \u201cWhat boy might that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel saw in the dark eyes a glimmer of uncertainty and she smiled. She was positive now, that she had Adam Cartwright right where she wanted him to be. Rachel sashayed up close to Adam and rested her hand on his chest. Minus any fear she might have felt in the beginning, Rachel fingered the black button on his shirt and then brazenly ran the back of her hand tenderly along his jaw line.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed her wrist and twisted it around, just enough to cause Rachel a smidgen of discomfort. He heard the lady wince in pain, but he continued to keep his fingers wrapped around her wrist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat boy?\u201d he snarled through tightly clinched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour kid brother, you know, the one that told all those lies about me and made you hate me\u2026what\u2019s his name\u2026Little Joe, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes went black and when Rachel tossed back her head and laughed at him, he twisted her arm a little more, adding to her displeasure and silencing her mocking laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about my brother? So help me God, Rachel, if you\u2019ve hurt him in anyway, I\u2019ll kill you!\u201d Adam growled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Rachel\u2019s turn to shudder, for the dark angry look on Adam\u2019s face frightened her, and for the first time since coming up with her plan to force the handsome Adam Cartwright into marrying her, she questioned her judgment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of my arm, you brute!\u201d Rachel had gathered her nerve and when she yanked on her arm, she broke free of Adam\u2019s fingers. Quickly she stepped away from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no reason to excite yourself, Adam, darling. I\u2019ve brought you here for one reason, it\u2019s really quite simple\u2026\u201d she began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned from the door and glared at Rachel. \u201cWhat reason and what does Joe have to do any of this?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, won\u2019t you sit down,\u201d Rachel pointed to the chair near the table, \u201cand I will explain everything to you, my dear.\u201d She smiled and waited until Adam had taken a seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He felt a gnawing fear deep down in his gut and he almost dreaded to hear what this vile young woman was about to tell him. Adam knew it could not be pleasant, for nothing about what Rachel Stanrick did was pleasant. He silently chided himself for having thought that he could possibly love a woman such as she. All the mean and nasty things she had done to his youngest brother, and the boy had not even been fifteen at the time. He remembered the lies she\u2019d told to him, about Little Joe and herself. She\u2019d tried to make herself out the victim when in truth Joe had been the one victimized by her. Adam clenched his jaw, now here she was again, and somehow she had managed to bring Joe back into the picture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel moved around the table, keeping it safely between Adam and herself. She studied his face and she knew that he would go crazy with anger once she told him about her plan and what she would do to his kid brother, should he fail to comply with her wishes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see Adam, I brought you here so that you and I could be married and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT!\u201d shouted Adam, jumping to his feet. \u201cI know you\u2019ve lost your senses now, there\u2019s no way in hell I\u2019m going to marry you!\u201d Adam almost laughed in the woman\u2019s face, but something about the look in her eye, warned him against doing so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think you would marry me, not willingly at least. That\u2019s why I brought some collateral,\u201d she smiled slyly at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, collateral? And you still haven\u2019t told me what my brother has to do with this crazy scheme you have plotted,\u201d Adam sat on the edge of the table, his long arms folded across his broad chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Oh, she thought, he thinks he\u2019s so smug\u2026ere\u2026you just wait Mr. High and Mighty!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think you will marry me, and very soon or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr what? You\u2019ll sic your dogs on me? Well lady, I don\u2019t frighten that easily!\u201d Adam had stood up and slowly rounded the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning, he grasped Rachel by the shoulders and drew her body against his. His eyes scrutinized her face and he heard himself groan, for despite her wicked ways, she was still beautiful and he still ached with the desire to kiss her again. He lowered his head, his lips already slightly parted and moist, but she turned her head, snapping him back to reality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou may kiss me Adam, but only after we are married,\u201d she hummed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave her shoulders a firm shake and forced Rachel to look up at him. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so sure of that\u2026now you better start doing some explaining. I want to know just how my kid brother fits into this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Adam,\u201d she sighed and wrenched free of his hands. She wouldn\u2019t admit it, to him leastwise, but the very touch of his hands on her body filled her with longing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She strolled casually to the rear door and opened it. Walt was standing guard and she motioned for him to follow her. \u201cCome on Adam, I\u2019ll show you my collateral,\u201d she wiggled her finger at him and he trailed along behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Adam glanced over his shoulder, both Toby and Walt were at his back. Toby had his pistol pointed at him and was carrying a set of wrist cuffs in his other hand. Walt was toting a double-barreled shotgun and every once in a while dug it into the small of his back, a silent reminder of who was in charge. Adam kept his thoughts to himself as he followed Rachel around the corner of the shed and into the bright sunlight.\u00a0\u00a0 At first he had to shield his eyes from the bright rays. He wasn\u2019t sure what it was that Rachel expected him to see, until she stepped aside. It was then that he saw his brother, and what he saw left him speechless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d screamed Adam as he made a mad dash for his brother, who was buried in the dirt up to his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walt and Toby each grabbed his arms and hauled him backwards stopping Adam. Adam lost his balance and tumbled to the ground. Instantly he began fighting against the two men, but lost his battle when Toby whacked him over the head with the butt of his pistol. Adam lay crumbled on the ground just feet from where his brother was moaning painfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d uttered Joe in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChain him to that tree!\u201d ordered Rachel as she pointed at a nearby sapling that grew just a few feet away but still within view of the boy. Rachel wanted to be sure that Adam could see his brother, and watch as the boy suffered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She watched as Toby and Walt dragged Adam\u2019s body over to the tree and propped him up with his back against the trunk. Walt affixed one cuff around Adam\u2019s wrist and wrapped the chain around the tree trunk. Toby took the other cuff and fastened it to Adam\u2019s other wrist, securing it snugly. Adam was as trapped as his brother, and with no hope of escaping, and no way of helping his defenseless brother, unless he could find a way to rip the tree from the ground where it\u2019s roots sank deeply into the hard soil, and that wasn\u2019t likely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tilted his head backward and squinted up at the sun. His head was pounding and it was several moments before he could bring his eyes into focus. Suddenly his senses seemed to snap him from his stupor as the memory of his brother jarred him back to reality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE,\u201d he called loudly, his eyes searching the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He heard the weak plea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere Joe, over here buddy,\u201d Adam called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched as Joe struggled to turn his head so that he could see Adam. \u201cAre you hurt?\u201d Adam asked when he was sure that Joe had spotted him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026chest\u2026it\u2019s hard\u2026to breathe,\u201d moaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust take it easy buddy. Try not to move around any more than you have too,\u201d advised Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026it\u2026was\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s words were coming out in painful grunts as he tried to suck in much needed air to fill his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRachel\u2026I know Joe, and I\u2019m sorry about this. I\u2019ll get you out of here, somehow, I promise, Joe, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head slightly so that he could see Adam. Adam saw the painful expression on his younger brother\u2019s face and the haunted look in his eyes and knew without asking that his brother was suffering. Adam was afraid that Joe had already given up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe listen to me\u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026Adam\u2026don\u2019t marry\u2026her, that\u2019s\u2026why she\u2019s\u2026doing\u2026this\u2026so you\u2019ll marry\u2026her,\u201d Joe strained to get his warning out to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well,\u201d taunted Rachel as she strolled up to the tree where Adam was chained. Her two cohorts were with her and when she stopped, Walt moved to where he stood behind Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you find this amusing?\u201d Adam asked as he glared upward into the woman\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, don\u2019t you?\u201d she snickered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d growled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel slithered up next to Adam and gently ran her hand down his cheek, smiling seductively up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Adam, Adam, Adam, must you always be so nasty to me? All I wanted to do was to bring you here, so that we could be married and live\u2026happily ever after,\u201d she said in a wee voice that dripped with sarcasm, and then pinched his cheek as one would a small child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam jerked his head away from her fingers. \u201cI\u2019ve already told you\u2026I don\u2019t plan on marrying you, or have you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d she said with wide eyes, \u201cI haven\u2019t forgotten. But you will change your mind\u2026just you wait and see. The boy there,\u201d she nodded her head in Joe\u2019s direction, \u201cwill die, unless you marry me, it\u2019s that simple, Adam\u2026you decide, it\u2019s either marry up with me, or your brother pays with his life!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She twirled around as if to leave, but stopped and turned around to face the man she planned on taking as her husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have twenty-four hours to make up your mind, or the kid dies, and you\u2019ll watch how slowly and painfully death will take him,\u201d she snarled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWalt!\u201d she shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned toward the man standing behind his brother. He was totally shocked and speechless as he watched the man pick up a shovel full of dirt and dump it on Joe\u2019s head. Joe sputtered and tried to turn his head to avoid the dirt getting in his face but there was nothing he could do to prevent it from happening. By the time that Walt lifted the second shovel full over Joe\u2019s head, Adam had found his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO! STOP!\u201d he bellowed loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel held up her hand, halting Walt from dumping another shovel full of dirt on Joe\u2019s head. She turned to Adam, a twisted smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes my dear? Did you wish to say something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She had placed her hands on her hips and was swaying gently from side to side in front of Adam. He swallowed, for her beauty stirred in him a deep longing. Damn her, thought Adam, why did she have to be so conniving?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the boy out of this Rachel\u2026he\u2019s done nothing to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDONE NOTHING!\u201d screamed Rachel, angered by Adam\u2019s words. \u201cLIES, LIES, AND MORE LIES, THAT\u2019S WHAT HE\u2019S DONE TO ME!\u201d She took a deep breath and inched closer to his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe turned you against me, dearie, remember? It was that brat,\u201d she pointed a finger in Joe\u2019s direction, \u201cthat destroyed your love\u2026and my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel walked the few steps to stand over Joe. She\u2019d like nothing better that to kick his face, but she resisted the temptation, there would be plenty of time to rid herself of the kid, once Adam agreed to marry her. She scowled down at Joe and kicked a bit of dirt in his face before walking back to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have twenty-four hours to make up your mind, Adam\u2026either marry me, or the boy dies.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that she walked away, motioning for Walt and Toby to come along with her. Joe and Adam were alone once more. Adam turned to Joe, worried about the painful expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips parted and Adam could see how the boy struggled to inhale. \u201cJoe!\u201d he called a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI…can\u2019t breathe\u2026Adam,\u201d muttered Joe as his head dipped backwards and his eyes closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was much later when Adam first noticed that Joe had begun moaning again. He had already made up his mind, he would marry Rachel, as much as the idea turned his stomach, but he had to do something, or Joe would surely die. He had no doubts that Rachel would make good her threats, she was ruthless and heartless and cared little about anyone other than her own self. Adam cringed at the thought of being tied to her for the rest of his life, but he\u2019d do what needed to be done, in order to protect his younger brother. With any luck, he could find himself a good lawyer and divorce Rachel, once he was positive that his brother was safely back home with their father. But at what cost, pondered Adam. Rachel could claim half of everything he owned, including his forth of the Ponderosa. Adam pinched his lips tightly together, he\u2019d never allow that to happen, he\u2019d kill the bitch first he swore to himself. He\u2019d be damned if he let her take away so much as one acre of what his father and his brothers had worked a lifetime to achieve. He aimed on keeping what was his, his father\u2019s and his brothers\u2019, including keeping Little Joe alive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026ah\u2026help\u2026me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tossed his head from side to side. Adam could see his brother\u2019s face plainly in the bright moonlight. The boy looked haggard and the tiny beads of perspiration that had collected on Joe\u2019s brow, glistened in the glow of light fathered by the moon. Joe groaned again, this time more dejectedly and the sound both angered and worried the older Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam called softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026wanna\u2026die\u2026like\u2026this,\u201d cried Joe in distress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026buddy, listen to me\u2026you\u2019re not going to die! Do you hear me?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWater\u2026water\u2026please\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice faded into a low murmur and Adam could no longer understand his brother\u2019s mumbling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you Rachel, a hundred times damn you!\u201d cursed Adam, tugging fruitlessly on his chains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wonder where them two took off too?\u201d Hoss pondered aloud to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had given up waiting for Adam and Joe and had gone ahead and began eating without the pair, something that had put Ben in a bad mood, his oldest and his youngest sons both being late to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow should I know, I thought you went with Adam, now you\u2019re telling me that Little Joe went instead?\u201d grumbled Ben as he jabbed at the food on his plate with his fork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir, I went with Adam, but then I came back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d muttered Ben, giving Hoss a doubtful look, \u201cand then Joe went with your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir, see Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss, I don\u2019t see!\u201d snapped Ben as he tossed his fork down in his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The silverware made a tiny dinging noise when it was dropped. Ben pushed back his chair and stood up, dropping his napkin down on top of his plate and covering the shiny silver fork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Adam and I went out to the upper pasture this afternoon. We were almost finished with that fence, when Adam told me to come on home. He said he would finish it and be along directly, \u2018ceptin\u2019 he ain\u2019t here yet,\u201d Hoss twisted his face up, making his nose wrinkle as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved around the table and went to the front door and opened it wide, peering out into the night. After several moments, he closed the door and glanced up at the grandfather clock. At that instance the clock chimed the hour, it was eight o\u2019clock. Ben let out a long sigh and returned to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Little Joe?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed the sip of coffee he had in his mouth and shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know, Pa\u2026I ain\u2019t seen the scamp since breakfast. Joe said he was riding out to check on the herd in the lower pasture and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat shouldn\u2019t have taken him all day!\u201d snapped Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir, I reckon it shouldn\u2019t have,\u201d agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He cast worried eyes up at his father who had stood up once again. Ben wandered into the great room and snatched the paper off the center table and then lowered himself into his red leather chair. Hoss shrugged his shoulders and followed his father, seating himself on the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019t reckon anythin\u2019s happened to\u2019em, do ya?\u201d Hoss asked after a few silent minutes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered his paper just enough so that he could peer over the top at Hoss. He studied his middle son\u2019s face, the boy was worried, that much was plain to see, but he wondered if there was reason to worry. It wasn\u2019t like either Adam or Joe to be this late, and, decided Ben, they had both gone in different directions. Could their tardiness just be coincidental? Probably not, he decided. Joe was the one most likely to be late\u2026but Adam\u2026that was unusual\u2026perhaps\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss said in a troubled voice. \u201cYa don\u2019t reckon somethin\u2019s happened to\u2019em, do ya?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no, son, I don\u2019t think that at all,\u201d Ben said with more assurance than he felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had grown very dark and the moon had slipped behind a cloud, making Joe\u2019s face invisible to Adam. He hadn\u2019t heard a sound from his younger brother in more than two hours and the silence was almost deafening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026here\u2026Adam.\u201d Joe coughed softly trying to clear his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you doing, buddy?\u201d Adam asked. He heard Joe make an attempt to laugh, but it only set him to coughing again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDry\u2026my mouth\u2019s\u2026dry\u2026and it hurts\u2026to breathe\u2026ah\u2026\u201d moaned Joe in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust try to hang on Joe, it\u2019ll be light soon, and then I will get us out of this mess,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026Adam, promise me\u2026you\u2026won\u2019t marry her\u2026she\u2019s no\u2026good,\u201d muttered Joe. \u201cPromise\u2026me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a breath to steady himself; Joe sounded as if he had already resigned himself to the fact that he was dying and Adam was not about to let his seventeen-year old brother give up that easily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe listen to me\u2026I\u2019d marry the devil himself if it meant saving your hide.\u201d Adam tried to make his voice sound light, so that Joe might be encouraged. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about me, little brother, I\u2019ll find a way out of that marriage, once I\u2019m sure you\u2019re safe, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no\u2026use\u2026I can\u2019t last much\u2026longer\u2026like this\u2026\u201d the boy groaned. \u201cAdam\u2026I want\u2026you to know\u2026I\u2026didn\u2019t lie\u2026about her\u2026before\u2026honest Adam\u2026honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that Joe, I suppose deep down, I knew she wasn\u2019t what she claimed to be, I just didn\u2019t want to admit it. And then, after I saw what she was doing to you\u2026well, I couldn\u2019t let her get away with hurting you like that\u2026and I won\u2019t this time either, pal. She\u2019ll pay\u2026I guarantee it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Pa,\u201d Hoss greeted his father as Ben came to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re up awfully early\u2026any special reason?\u201d Ben questioned as he sat down and began filling his plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his lips tightly, forming a straight line across his face. \u201cThey didn\u2019t come home last night, Pa, and I aim to go look for\u2019em.\u201d Hoss took another bite of his breakfast and stuffed it into his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben said calmly. \u201cAnd just how were you going to manage that? I mean, you did say that Joe went one way and Adam the other\u2026how do you plan on going in both directions at the same time?\u201d Ben covered his amusement by filling his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss paused and turned to look at his father. He grinned, showing the gap between his front teeth. \u201cWell now,\u201d he began, \u201cthat\u2019s where I was ahopin\u2019 that you wanted to help me. The way I figured it, I could go look for Adam, and you could go look for Little Joe and then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben interrupted Hoss with his laughter, but just as quickly sobered. \u201cI was planning on asking you the same thing, son,\u201d Ben said seriously. \u201cI\u2019m just a little worried about those two\u2026it isn\u2019t like them not to let me know if they were planning on being gone all night, especially Adam\u2026now Little Joe, that\u2019s another matter.\u201d Ben laughed softly, thinking about his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss snickered, \u201cYeah, Little Joe, he ain\u2019t even allowed to stay out all night\u2026what\u2019d he do if\u2019n he did, anyway?\u201d Hoss laughed, he figured he knew what Adam would be doing, but Little Joe\u2026naw\u2026he wouldn\u2019t!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even want to think about what kind of trouble your youngest brother might get himself into by staying out all night, Hoss\u2026I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he wasn\u2019t in Roy Coffee\u2019s jail right about now!\u201d laughed Ben. \u201cAnd if he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll bail\u2019em out\u2026ya always do.\u201d Hoss heehawed loudly and then sobered quickly when he saw his father frown at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up and eat, son, we need to get going. And the first place I\u2019m going to look for that rascal is in Roy\u2019s jail! You head on back to the upper pasture and see what you can find there. I\u2019ll ride into town, just in case, and we\u2019ll meet back here at noon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss wiped his mouth and pushed back his chair. \u201cSure thing, Pa\u2026oh\u2026and Pa\u2026if\u2019n Joe\u2019s in jail\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever you mind boy, I\u2019ll take care of that little brother of yours, you just find Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that exact moment, Joe was wishing that very thing, which was, that his father was there to take care of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, it\u2019s just me,\u201d Adam called through the semi-darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled on his chains for the hundredth time that night and still they refused to give. He glanced up at the sky with relief, seeing how the early dawn was breaking away into morning. It wouldn\u2019t be long now, Rachel would return and he\u2019d be forced into marrying her, she left him no other choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam fixed his gaze on his brother\u2019s face, which he could barely make out in the fading darkness. Joe looked beat, his face was smeared with dirt where the sweat from his brow had dripped and left thin white streaks along the front of his face. The boy\u2019s head was slumped backwards in an awkward position and Adam knew that Joe would have a crick in his neck when he came around. The eyes were closed and Adam could make out fine narrow paths that began in the corners of each eye and ran downward of his cheeks. It was obvious that his brother had been crying though Adam was not sure if his tears came from the dirt that had been kicked into his face, or from the want of his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026it\u2019s almost day-break, Rachel should be here soon, and I\u2019ll make sure that she gets you out of that dirt pile,\u201d promised Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and how will you do that, if you don\u2019t mind my asking?\u201d Rachel had appeared out of nowhere and Adam had been caught unaware.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think?\u201d he answered with sharpness in his voice. \u201cCan\u2019t you see the boy\u2019s in need of water\u2026let him go Rachel\u2026and I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll what Darling, marry me?\u201d Rachel smiled seductively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I\u2019ll marry you, that\u2019s what you wanted, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026it\u2019s what I\u2019ve always wanted, you knew that when you sent me away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel walked over to where Joe\u2019s head protruded out of his earthen prison. She squatted down so that she could better see his face. With her hand, she grasped Joe\u2019s chin and turned his head toward her. Adam could not see the wicked smile that creased her face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy don\u2019t look very well, Adam,\u201d she said and then rose, returning to stand in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen dig him up and put him on his horse, send him home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? And have you change your mind? I don\u2019t think so. I think we\u2019ll get married first, and then I\u2019ll let Walt and Toby dig him up,\u201d she smiled at the frown on his handsome face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel could not resist; she leaned her body against Adam\u2019s and slid her arms up, until they wrapped around his neck. Adam opened his mouth to speak, but Rachel covered his with her own and kissed him deeply. Repulsed at her forwardness and her wickedness, he twisted his head until his lips broke the kiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel reacted by laughing loudly as she petted his cheek. \u201cI\u2019ll send for the preacher, we\u2019ll be married right here, and your brother can be your best man,\u201d Rachel turned to glance over her shoulder at Joe who was just coming around. \u201cNot that he\u2019ll ever live to be a man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d snapped Adam, seeing for himself just how drained his younger brother really was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at him, my dear, he doesn\u2019t look as if he\u2019ll even live long enough to see his big brother get married. What a shame,\u201d she mocked and then strolled away. She\u2019d only gone a few paces when she stopped and turned around. \u201cDon\u2019t go away, sweetheart, I\u2019ll be back in a short while. I have to put on my wedding dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of her laughter rang, in Adam\u2019s ears, as an evil reminder of just how shrewd his soon-to-be-wife really was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled his horse to a stop; Hoss was tearing up ground as he raced towards his father. It was only when his middle son pulled his big stallion along side his, that he recognized what Hoss held in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you find that?\u201d Ben asked worriedly as he looked at his oldest son\u2019s hat that Hoss held in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlong the rode home, Adam must have made it half way afor he lost this. There are tracks everywhere Pa\u2026whomever he met up with took the wagon\u2026and Adam. I found this too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached into his saddlebag and pulled Adam\u2019s pistol out and handed it to his father. Ben held the gun in the palm of his hand. His fingers folded tightly over the pistol as he looked up into his middle son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in trouble son,\u201d Ben said in a low voice. He seemed to be contemplating something. \u201cThe sheriff said he hadn\u2019t seen anything of Joe since yesterday morning. Roy said he rode into town with a stranger and then rode out again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy didn\u2019t know who the stranger was, or why Little Joe would be riding out with\u2019em? \u2018Sides, I thought Joe went over to the lower pasture to check on the herd, what\u2019s he doin\u2019 in town anyway?\u201d studied Hoss aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know son, but something tells me that Joe and Adam\u2019s disappearances are connected,\u201d Ben determined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why? If\u2019n they were kidnapped, wouldn\u2019t we have had word by now?\u201d pondered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss\u2026I just don\u2019t know. Tell you what son, you ride back into town and tell Roy what you found while I ride on over to the north pasture and see if I can pick up a trail. If someone took the wagon, and Adam was with it, then I\u2019ll follow the wagon trail, you and Roy go there, follow my trail, I shouldn\u2019t be too far ahead of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d agreed Hoss. He turned Chubb toward town and kicked at his horse\u2019s sides. \u201cLet\u2019s ride, Chubby!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Rachel much longer to return than what Adam had thought. He\u2019d been keeping his eyes on Joe, watching how the boy seemed to wither away as the sun continued it\u2019s climb higher and higher into the sky. It was hot, but at least Adam had the comfort of the shade from the tree where he was chained, but Joe, was planted right out in the open where the sun beat down and baked the top of the boy\u2019s head. With each passing hour, Adam\u2019s hatred of the beautiful Rachel Stanrick deepened and by the time that she finally appeared, Adam felt as if he could rip her limb by limb for the ways she had made his brother suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you got back,\u201d he snapped in anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold ya tongue, Cartwright,\u201d growled Toby as he shoved the barrel of his rifle into Adam\u2019s middle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam groaned and glared at the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, darling, do you like my dress?\u201d Rachel asked as she prissy-tailed around in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Had the dress, been worn by any other woman other than the one before him, Adam would have admitted in truth that the dress was indeed lovely. In fact, Rachel had out done herself in preparing for her wedding day, she was radiant, a truth that disturbed Adam immensely. How could he hate her so much and feel a growing desire for her at the same time? He questioned himself on his motives, had the knock on his head affected his thinking\u2026and his logic?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you if you liked my dress!\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes sought her face, she was furious at him for not commenting on the dress immediately and he knew that if he didn\u2019t squelch her anger, she would take it out on Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled, \u201cIt is beautiful, and I might add, so are you.\u201d Well, it was the truth, he told himself, she was beautiful, the most beautiful bitch in Nevada Territory!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had given up waiting around for Hoss and Roy, figuring that something had detained them, so he had started following the wagon tracks alone. He had ridden hard and fast, a sense of urgency had invited itself to take root in his gut and with his stomach pumping hot acid up into his throat, Ben left Hoss and Roy to find their own way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was just after the noon hour, judging by the sun, when Ben pulled Buck to a stop. The wagon tracks had led him this far, to the top of a small rise that overlooked the entrance trail to Red Rock Canyon. Down below, Ben could see the deserted old homestead, but what stopped him was the thin train of smoke that spiraled upward from the chimney.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several minutes, Ben remained hidden behind the boulders that provided shelter from prying eyes. He recognized his wagon and his team of horses that were locked away in the makeshift corral down below with several other horses. Ben tied Buck\u2019s reins to a scrub brush and carefully wormed his way down behind the rocks toward the shed. He wanted to see what was hidden inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took several moments for him to climb down through the protruding rocks and dry brush but he reached the back of the shed without rousing any attention from the shack\u2019s occupants.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dirtied window had one pane of glass missing and Ben peered inside. His breath caught in his throat when he spied Joe\u2019s pinto housed in one of the stalls. There were two more horses that each had saddles on them and Ben could easily tell that they had been ridden hard for they were still lathered in sweat. Not very smart, Ben thought to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eased carefully and silently around one corner of the shed and then stopped suddenly as the door to the cabin opened. A man, alone, stepped out onto the broken down porch, rolled a cigarette and then walked slowly toward the shed. When he paused to light his smoke, Ben was able to slide into the shed and hide behind some barrels. The man, known to the others as Mace, took several long puffs on his cigarette and then tossed it into the dirt, stomping it with one foot to be sure it was out. As he entered the shed, he paused, just inches from Ben. As a thief in the night, Ben raised his hand high and brought the butt of his pistol down across the back of the man\u2019s head. Mace dropped like a fly having been swatted. He crumbled to the floor in a heap at Ben\u2019s feet. Quickly, Ben grabbed a rope and pulled the man\u2019s hands behind his back and laced the rope tightly about Mace\u2019s wrists and then pulling the man into the corner, tied his feet and then gagged him. Once secured, Ben headed from the shed toward the cabin. He reached the porch without making a sound. When he peeked into the window, he was just in time to see a woman dressed in what looked to the puzzled Ben, as a wedding dress. Behind her followed three more men and they were all marching out the back door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slipped off the porch and to the back corner of the cabin and watched as the woman and the men quickly made their way around the other building. Confused by what he was seeing, Ben inched slowly along, darting from tree to tree to avoid being seen. He could hear voices and he listened intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam! His heart rang out\u2026but Joe\u2019s horse was in the shed! Ben chanced a look around the edge of the building. He almost gasped aloud at what he was witnessing. Adam stood, chained to a tree; Rachel Stanrick, of all people, stood next to his son, smiling happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One man stood to Rachel\u2019s right; another man, dressed in a black suite stood before his son and the woman on his left. The third man had moved apart from the others and seemed to be pointing the tip of his rifle at something on the ground. Ben could not see what it was, for the man\u2019s body was casting a long dark shadow over the object that obstructed his view. The third man moved slightly. Ben was watching, and when his eyes at last saw the object, his heart momentarily stopped it\u2019s beating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear God, Joseph!\u201d Ben cried softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nearly fell to his knees as he legs gave way beneath him. He clung to the side of the building for support until he had steadied himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was horrified at seeing his youngest son buried in the ground with nothing but his head sticking out. His eyes searched his son\u2019s face and the despair and hopelessness that Ben could see etched into the dirtied and sun bronzed flesh that covered the boy\u2019s once handsome features, caused his eyes to fill with tears. Without thinking, Ben started forward and then stopped suddenly by the words that were being spoken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you, Adam Cartwright, take this woman, Rachel Stanrick, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and honor from this day forward until death\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was disbelieving of what he was hearing. Was Adam actually marrying that insidious woman? It appeared to be so\u2026but why? And then the reason hit him square in the face\u2026Adam was being forced into this marriage in order to protect his brother! The notion stuck in Ben\u2019s craw and he was angrier than ever before; how dare that brazen woman subject his sons to such devious, cruel and inhumane treatment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do you Rachel Stanrick take this man, Adam Cartwright, to be your lawfully wedded\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I do, now hurry it up and get done with this!\u201d Rachel shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was trying to think of some way to interrupt the ceremony before the preacher pronounced the couple as man and wife. He glanced around, unsure of what action to take. There was only two, not counting the minister, and Ben doubted that he would cause any trouble, he\u2019d be startled by the gun play\u2026the gun play, pondered Ben suddenly. He\u2019d have to be careful; he didn\u2019t want either of his sons to be injured. Joe was already in bad shape from what he could make out from his hiding place, and he surely didn\u2019t want his oldest son shot down while being chained to a tree like an animal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Right then Ben caught a movement in the bushes behind the tree where Adam was being held. He watched closely and then seeing Hoss creeping along on the ground, Ben smiled. He glanced around at the other bushes and saw Roy and two other men. Ben breathed a long sigh of relief and daringly stepped out into the open, pistol drawn and ready to fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, by the power vested in me and according to the laws of the Territory of Nevada, I pronounce you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sudden outburst from the man standing to Rachel\u2019s right had called an abrupt halt to the ceremony. All eyes turned to stare in shock at Toby who had shouted out. He had grabbed the preacher by the coat front and had shoved him aside. Rachel had tried to grab Toby\u2019s hand, but he brushed her aside as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, you idiot!\u201d she screamed at Toby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She reached out and shoved him, placing her opened hands on his chest and pushing him backwards. Toby stumbled back several paces as Rachel ran to the minister who was trying to dust the dirt from his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry it up\u2026get back over here!\u201d screamed Rachel like a woman possessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She grabbed the minister\u2019s coat sleeve and tried to drag the man back to her bridegroom, but the man lost his footing and stumbled a second time, falling on one knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood God, can\u2019t you even stand up!\u201d Rachel continued with her ridicule.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toby pushed Rachel\u2019s hand away from the minister and began yelling at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t marry him, he don\u2019t love ya\u2026I\u2019m the one what loves ya!\u201d he bellowed at the top of his lungs. \u201cYa gonna marry me, not him!\u201d he pointed his finger at Adam, and began shaking it under Adam\u2019s nose. Adam pulled his head back as far out of the man\u2019s reach as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel started laughing. The sound was hauntingly vicious as she stepped up to Toby and drove her finger deeply into his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarry you! Why, you\u2019re nothing but a drunken tramp. Don\u2019t you remember where I found you? Down in some back alley tavern, so drunk you didn\u2019t even know your own name and you think I\u2019d ever marry you!\u201d Again her laughter pierced the air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toby, furious, his body trembling in anger, stepped back from the beautiful Rachel.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t laugh at me!\u201d he bellowed in a deep voice as he swung out his hand and slapped her pretty face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stunned, Rachel tumbled backwards. \u201cKill him Walt\u2026KILL HIM!\u201d Rachel shrieked at the top of her lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walt quickly stepped over Joe\u2019s head and pointed his gun at Toby. Toby fired at the same time as Walt. His bullet struck Walt in the center of the chest. Walt\u2019s gun went off as he crumbled to the ground just a short distance from where Joe was buried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel screamed out in anger and with fists flying, she charged at Toby, hitting him repeatedly in the face, the chest, on the arms, anywhere that her balled up fists could do damage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben started forward, shouting. \u201cDrop your gun!\u201d he said several times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy and Hoss, the two men with them, all came out of the bushes. Rachel was hysterical and well beyond knowing what was happening as she continued with her assault on Toby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toby wrenched free of the fraying fists and turned, gun pointed, in Ben\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it!\u201d Ben ordered as Hoss grabbed Rachel from behind and pinned her arms to her sides. She kicked at him and tried twisting her body to free herself, but Hoss held on tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLast warning Mister, drop your gun!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toby never batted an eye, but instead raised his gun as if to fire. When Ben saw the unspoken signal, and he fired his gun. Toby fired as well, missing Ben by a foot as he balled himself up and dropped to the ground, dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rachel screamed again, sounding something akin to a wounded animal. She stomped the heel of her boot down onto Hoss\u2019 foot, causing the big man to release his hands and grab at his aching toe. Rachel snatched Toby\u2019s gun from the ground and turned it to Adam. The look in her eyes caused Adam to tremble and he drew back against the tree, all the while knowing that there was no way he could protect himself from her assault.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do this Rachel!\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I can\u2019t have you, neither will any other woman!\u201d Rachel raised the pistol and cocked the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRachel don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A gun fired and for a fraction of a second, the world stopped spinning and all was silent. And then the beautiful Rachel Stanrick, once the love of Adam Cartwright\u2019s life, fell limply into the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All eyes turned to Roy, who had fired his gun to save the life of his best friend\u2019s son. Roy swallowed and slowly holstered his pistol. As he walked over to the body, the group of men could see how his hand shook as he gently turned Rachel over to inspect the body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s dead,\u201d Roy said. He looked sadly up at Adam, his eyes troubled. \u201cShe left me no other choice, son\u2026I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Adam, Hoss and their father nearly two hours to dig the dirt away from Joe\u2019s body. Ben had washed the boy\u2019s blistered face and given him a cool drink from his canteen. Joe\u2019s lips were parched and cracked, his eyes red and irritated by the dirt particles that had gotten into them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve almost got his arms free,\u201d muttered Adam as he slung a handful of dirt over his shoulder. \u201cEasy Joe, it won\u2019t be long now, buddy,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at his brother and smiled though Joe was in no shape to see, for he had kept his eyes closed the entire time to prevent more dirt from getting into his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can pull his arms out now,\u201d Hoss said as he leaned over the hole and took a hold of Joe\u2019s left arm. Gently he tugged upward. Joe cried out as if in pain and instantly Hoss stopped trying to free the arm from the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben questioned, giving Adam and Hoss a worried look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026hands\u2026tied,\u201d groaned Joe. \u201cHurts\u2026bad\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTied!\u201d squawked Adam in disbelief. He looked at his father with a painful expression on his face. \u201cShe practically buried the boy alive and she left his hands tied behind his back? What kind of a woman was she, anyway!\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe\u2026I\u2019d never have thought that she would dare to come back and do this to you. Can you ever forgive me?\u201d Adam brushed his fingers through his brother\u2019s thick curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust\u2026get me out\u2026please\u2026you promised Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Joe, just hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father and then went to digging with a fervor that Ben had never seen before. Within minutes, Adam had dug down enough that he could reach into the hole and untie his brother\u2019s hands. When he had pulled the rope away, Adam clasped Joe\u2019s arms gently within his hands and taking special care so as not to hurt his brother, Adam raised Joe\u2019s arms upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pinched his lips together to keep from crying out in pain. But the agony was etched into every line on Joe\u2019s young face. When he could stand it no longer, Joe\u2019s body went limp against his father who had been cradling the upper portion of his son\u2019s torso in a protective manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out cold, boys. Get to digging, let\u2019s get him out of here before he wakes up,\u201d suggested Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took over for Adam. They had to toss aside the shovels and were now digging with their hands. It took another hour before they had loosened the dirt enough around Joe\u2019s feet to be able to pull him from his dirt prison. Several times during the course of digging, Joe would wake up, cry out when in pain and then sink again into the world of obscurity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him inside so that we can wash off this dirt and see how badly he\u2019s hurt,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He slipped his hands beneath Joe\u2019s body and started to lift him up. He was about halfway to standing when Adam slipped his hands under his father\u2019s. Ben stopped, looking into Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Pa\u2026let me carry him?\u201d Adam asked in a low voice that trembled. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam, it\u2019s not your fault. But you carry your brother, if you like,\u201d Ben offered his son a smile of encouragement and moved his hands, allowing Adam to carry his younger brother into the old cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Inside, he placed Joe carefully on the cot. \u201cBring me some water and see if you can find some soap and a towel. I want to bathe him off,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked questioningly at his father. Ben nodded his head at Hoss, who hurried to collect the soap and water. Ben built up the fire in the old stove and set the water on to heat. When he glanced over to the corner of the room, he could see that Adam had already stripped Joe of his shirt and was now tugging on his boots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeed some help?\u201d Ben called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noted the sharp edge to his son\u2019s tone of voice but he let it pass. He knew that Adam blamed himself for what happened to his brother, even though the guilt was certainly unjustified. Adam had no way of knowing just how vile that Rachel had become or that she would come back and seek revenge for the things that happened in the past that he or Joe had had no control over. Ben studied his eldest son\u2019s face. It would take time for his son to recover from his hurt, no doubt much longer than it would take his younger son to recover from his injuries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw that Joe had opened his eyes. He was having trouble focusing, but Ben noticed that when Joe raised his hand, it went straight to his brother\u2019s face and touched Adam\u2019s cheek. Adam had clasped Joe\u2019s smaller hand in his and was holding it to his lips. Ben could hear the soft mumbled words coming from the cot on the other side of the room, but he had no idea what the two brothers were saying to one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stuck his finger into the water to test the temperature. It was warm enough now for a comfortable bath. He turned to tell Adam and then stopped, staring in awe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had raised up into a near sitting position and had folded his arms about his brother\u2019s neck. Adam in turn had entwined his own long arms about his brother\u2019s body and the two clung to each other as if they had just found one another after a long separation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt the dark eyes of his oldest son, turn and look his way. A smile carved his son\u2019s handsome son\u2019s face in to a ray of sunshine, and then Adam winked at his father. Ben felt his heart lurch and nodding his head he exited the cabin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The minister, Roy and his two men had left earlier with the bodies and Mace, who had been left in the shed tied up. Hoss had stabled their horses and seen that they had been watered and then had given them some grain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled up an old rickety chair and sat down. He\u2019d give Adam and Joe their time together. He had no doubt that they had a lot to talk about, obviously Adam would do most of the talking, at least for now, until Joe felt up to it. And he need not worry that his youngest would lack for care, for Adam could be nearly as bad as his father when it came to mothering the youngest member of the family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. The sun was beginning to set and the evening sky was ablaze with the heat from the sun. Tomorrow would be another hot day, and a long day, for they would be returning home. Doc Martin would be called to the house to give Joe a thorough examination. Ben would make sure that his friend, the physician would look Joe over from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet\u2026he\u2019d settle for nothing less than a complete recovery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Time slipped by and before Ben, having been absorbed in his pondering had just realized the sun had set and the day had faded into night. He rose from the old cane back chair and slipped back inside. His eyes went straight to the corner where Joe lay sleeping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He eased himself over to the edge of the cot. Adam was dozing in a chair; Hoss lay on a pile of soft blankets in front of the fireplace, snoring softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Funny, sighed Ben, he had not even been aware when Hoss had slipped inside. Ben glanced down at Joe and was surprised to see that the boy had opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled when Joe placed a single finger over his lips and motioned for Ben not to wake Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a long day\u2026and night,\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement. \u201cSo have you. How do you feel, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa\u2026 just a little stiff\u2026but honest\u2026I\u2019m okay\u2026now,\u201d he said, looking at his brother, Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWanna know what he told me, Pa?\u201d Joe whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like to share it with me, yes,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had moved to the other side of the little bed and had sat on the very edge. \u201cWhat did your brother tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me that he loved me,\u201d Joe said in a thick voice and then swallow to wash down the knot that had formed in his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently caressed the boy\u2019s face and smiled. \u201cBut you already knew that, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure I did, but that wasn\u2019t all he said to me,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cHe told me that he used to wish that he had been the youngest, but as he got older, and I got older, he was glad that he wasn\u2019t. He said that when you\u2019re the oldest, you have all this responsibility dumped on your shoulders, whether you wanted it or not, and there were times that he resented having to take those on. But then it dawned on him how important being the first born really was. He said he realized that shortly after my mother died. He said that for the first time in his life, he felt as if he were really needed. He understood then that you needed him in a way that you\u2019d never had to before, and that Hoss and especially me, needed him as well. And he got all choked up, but he said that he needed us just as badly as we needed him. So he promised himself and us that he\u2019d do whatever it took to keep his family safe and together, if it meant dying for one of us, then he\u2019d do it, without question.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was absorbed in what his youngest son was revealing to him about his oldest son and he marveled in the new found knowledge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, please,\u201d Ben encouraged after Joe had changed positions in the little bed and settled himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said that everyday of his life, every morning when he first gets up, he has to make a decision on how he will live his life, for that one day. This is what he told me, he said, \u2018Joe, I choose love, because no occasion justifies hatred, even though for a while I thought I hated Rachel\u2026but no injustice warrants bitterness, so I\u2019ll not have hard feelings toward her, for what she did to us. She died, because of her wicked ways, not because of anything that we did to her\u2026she must have hated herself more than what we ever could have.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And everyday, I choose joy\u2026I refuse the temptation to be cynical, I refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I choose peace\u2026I will forgive so that I can live in peace\u2026though forgiveness is something hard to do, Joe, but I try, because without forgiveness, our hearts become hardened to the people and things around us\u2026so remember that, the next time someone gives you an apology.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And I choose patience\u2026though with you, it is sometimes hard pressed in coming.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He laughed, and that\u2019s when he took my hand, Pa, and told me that he loved me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe brushed his hand across the front of this face to wipe the tears that had filled his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said, \u2018I choose kindness\u2026I know that I have to be kind to the poor, for they are alone, kind to the rich for they are afraid, and kind to the unkind, for that\u2019s how God treats us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I choose goodness,\u2019 Pa, he said he\u2019d rather go without a dollar before he\u2019d take a dishonest dollar.\u201d Joe smiled up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like something Adam would say\u2026and do,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, he said that he\u2019d choose faithfulness because that was the way to earn a man\u2019s trust. And he\u2019s right about that, Pa. If he hadn\u2019t always been there for me, when I was a kid, and you couldn\u2019t be, then I wouldn\u2019t be able to trust him when he makes me a promise. Just like you Pa, he\u2019s never lied to me\u2026not once.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe added gentleness to the list too. He explained to me that nothing is ever won by force. And the last thing he told me that he chooses is self-control.\u201d Joe snickered softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure didn\u2019t have too much of that today when he was being forced into marrying that\u2026woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, your brother Adam is a rare type of man, I\u2019m very proud of him, he\u2019s everything that you just said\u2026and then some.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa, and I know that I\u2019m lucky to have him for my brother. I know I grumble and complain a lot about how he treats me, but I can understand why too,\u201d Joe grinned, \u201cI\u2019m not the easiest person to get along with at times, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sometimes you can be quite a challenge, for me and Adam,\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a lucky guy, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow so, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I have you for my pa, Adam and Hoss for my brothers. Adam keeps me on the straight and narrow and Hoss\u2026well, Hoss just goes along for the ride, but like Adam, I know he\u2019d give up his life for me, if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled mischievously at his father, \u201cBut I doubt if he\u2019d ever marry up with a witch like that Rachel Stanrick, for any reason,\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so sure about that Little Joe,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so, Pa\u2026let\u2019s just hope we never have to find out,\u201d declared Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe yawned and rubbed his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to get some rest son, it\u2019s late and tomorrow will be a long day.\u201d Ben said as he pulled the blanket up around Joe\u2019s shoulders. He leaned down and kissed the top of Joe\u2019s sunburned forehead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was scared at first Pa, when she made me dig that hole and then tied my hands and made me get down in it,\u201d whispered Joe. \u201cBut then later, when I saw Adam, I knew everything would be alright, and that he\u2019d get me out of that dirt pile before it was too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou certainly put a lot of faith in your brother, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt really didn\u2019t take too much\u2026you see Pa, Adam made me a promise\u2026and I knew he\u2019d keep it, he proved it when he told Rachel that he\u2019d marry her if she\u2019d let me go. He was willing to live the rest of his life with a woman whom he could never love just to save the life of a brother that he swore to always love. That\u2019s love at it\u2019s best, Pa\u2026anyway you look at it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

September 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n