{"id":12102,"date":"2003-05-08T10:27:22","date_gmt":"2003-05-08T14:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12102"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:39:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:39:37","slug":"the-final-score-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12102","title":{"rendered":"The Final Score (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0 Five years after having been sent to prison, Lucas Tatum returns to seek his own revenge on Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 What he does this time is far worse than a wallop on the head; he wants to make Joe suffer for what he believes was Joe’s fault.\u00a0 Joe learns just how badly hate can destroy a man and just how far a man filled with hate will go to seek revenge.<\/p>\n

Rating: <\/strong>\u00a0PG contains violence \u00a0(The last chapter) (19,150 words)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Score Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Score to Settle<\/a>
\nSettling the Score
\n<\/a>The Final Score<\/a><\/p>\n

The Final Score<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben stepped to the door and opened the heavy wooden structure wide, staring out into the yard. From across the room, Adam and Hoss stood in front of the massive stone fireplace watching their father. Guest milled around the great room, swapping pleasantries with one another as they waited the arrival of the honoree. The small band that had set up in front of the gun case had stopped playing over half an hour ago and had now helped themselves to the punch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed the door, a scowl deepening the fine lines that creased his brow. His eyes caught those of his oldest son\u2019s and held their gaze for several moments. Adam could see that the anger that had been present not more than an hour ago had vanished and had been replaced with worry. Adam watched as his father\u2019s eyes swept the room as if they were expecting to see the boy for whom the celebration was being given. When they failed to locate the subject, the dark chocolate eyes found Adam\u2019s once again and then the blue eyes of his middle son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nudged Hoss and motioned silently for the big man to follow him. Together, the two brothers walked casually across the room and joined their father on the opposite side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want us to saddle up and go look for him?\u201d Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared, wide-eyed into his son\u2019s face and shook his head. \u201cLet\u2019s give him just a few more minutes, surely he\u2019ll be here by then. I can\u2019t imagine what has held him up, after all, he knew this party was for him. How many times does a man turn twenty-one?\u201d whispered Ben, going to the door for what seemed like to the brothers, the hundredth time that evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure \u2018nough has been actin\u2019 strange the last few days. Reckon that has anythin\u2019 to do with his being late for his own party?\u201d Hoss questioned as he peeked over his father\u2019s shoulder into the darkness outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned with a surprised expression on his face as he looked at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m not sure son, it did seem as if Joseph had something on his mind, but he never said anything to me about it and I didn\u2019t think to question him. Did he happen to say anything to either of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both shook their heads no. \u201cI know he was excited about this here party. It\u2019s all he talked about yesterday when we were roundin\u2019 up those steers,\u201d offered Hoss. Adam nodded his head in support of his brother\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at a guest as they walked by and then turned his attention back to his sons. \u201cI\u2019m getting worried about him, I know he said there was something important that he had to take care of, but he promised to be home in plenty of time to get ready for the party,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A soft rapping on the front door caused all three Cartwrights to glance at one another. \u201cProbably another guest,\u201d whispered Ben as he reached for the handle, ready to welcome whomever it might be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled when he spied his best friend, Roy Coffee, standing in the doorway. \u201cRoy,\u201d greeted Ben, \u201cCome on in, we were beginning to wonder if you were going to make it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy took off his hat and returned the smile. \u201cWouldn\u2019t have missed it for anythin\u2019 in the world Ben. Where is that youngest cub of yours?\u201d laughed the Sheriff as he scanned the room full of guest with his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not here yet,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked confused and then turned his attention to Ben. \u201cThat sure don\u2019t sound like Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I\u2019m getting a little worried about him. You didn\u2019t happen to see him in town this evening, did you?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy scratched his head and was just about to answer when a second knock at the door interrupted him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Adam volunteered and then grabbed the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClem,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem removed his hat and greeted his friend. \u201cSorry to bother you, but I need to speak with Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, come on in, Roy,\u201d called Adam and then nodded his head in Clem\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem greeted the other Cartwrights and then pulled Roy off to one side, handing him a slip of paper. \u201cI thought you might need to see this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy glanced around at the men who stood close by and then scanned the message that his deputy had handed to him. \u201cBen, I think you should see this,\u201d Roy said and then handed the paper to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked from one to the another and then read the note. Adam watched as the color drained from Ben\u2019s face, leaving his father with a white, ghost like appearance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Pa?\u201d asked Adam taking the message from his father\u2019s trembling hands and reading it aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TERRITORIAL PRISON<\/p>\n

ROY COFFEE, SHERIFF<\/p>\n

VIRGINIAG CITY, NEVADA<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To inform you of the release of one, Lucas Tatum\u2026Stop<\/p>\n

And one, Timothy Chase\u2026Stop<\/p>\n

Wednesday, of this week\u2026Stop<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam folded the paper in half and glanced again at his father. \u201cWhat do you think this means?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew,\u201d Ben said, the worry evident in the tone of his voice. \u201cWednesday, that gives those two plenty of time to get to Virginia City.\u201d He cast anxious eyes at his two sons and then turned to Roy. \u201cYou haven\u2019t noticed any strangers around town have you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy shook his head back and forth. \u201cI\u2019d a known, Ben, if they were in town. Clem and I\u2019ll keep a sharp eye out for them and if we see\u2019em, you\u2019ll be the first to know. Personally, I doubt that they will cause any trouble. My bet is that those two hooligans have learned their lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t like it,\u201d Ben muttered and then was forced into a conversation with some of his guest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss poked Adam in the ribs and slipped out, unnoticed. Adam glanced over his shoulder to be sure they were not seen and then followed Hoss outside and into the moonlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we better go look for the kid, Adam. My gut tells me that somethin\u2019s wrong,\u201d Hoss said in a soft voice. \u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t miss his own birthday party, not unless somethin\u2019 happened to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but what? I\u2019m like Roy, I don\u2019t think that Lucas and Timothy pose a threat to Joe, after all, it\u2019s been better than five years,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cBut just the same, let\u2019s saddle up and have a look around. Did Joe happen to tell you where he had to go that was so important?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss followed Adam into the barn, \u201cNope, not a word. I did notice that he crammed somethin\u2019 into his saddlebag though, as he was mountin\u2019 up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that won\u2019t help us any. Let\u2019s start in town and see if anyone there has seen him this afternoon or perhaps earlier this evening,\u201d suggested Adam as he mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bearded man shoved the young handsome man into the cell. The chains that were attached to the man\u2019s wrist and ankles clattered noisily as he stumbled forward, nearly falling to his knees. The bearded man jabbed his thick wooden walking cane into the chained man\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStep it up a mite,\u201d he growled in a menacing tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man cast his eyes over his shoulders at the man behind him and silently cursed the dirty bearded man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut the collar on\u2019em,\u201d he ordered his companion, pointing to the thick iron neck collar that hung on a ring, which had been hammered into the thick rock wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man\u2019s deep-set hazel eyes widened in fear when the other man grasped the iron collar and started toward him. Joe Cartwright stepped backward, trying to avoid the hands that attempted to affix the slave-ware around his neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t put that thing on me,\u201d shouted Joe, as he stumbled backward. The shackles around his ankles made it impossible for him to move with any speed at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn your knees, Cartwright,\u201d the bearded man barked out his order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe refused to lower himself and stood rock still. The sudden movement of the bearded man caught Joe off guard as the thick cane walloped him across the backs of his legs, just in the bend behind the knees and knocked Joe to the ground. Joe groaned loudly as he fought to get up, but with his wrists chained so closely to his waist, it was impossible to do so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second man dropped to the ground next to Joe and though Joe fought with all that he could, soon the iron collar had been locked into place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp him on his feet,\u201d snapped the bearded man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was hauled unceremoniously to his feet and forced to face the bearded man. \u201cStand still,\u201d growled his attendant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped struggling; figuring that to fight now was useless. \u201cWho are you and what do you want with me?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man thumped his cane on the solid rock floor and paced back and forth in front of the youngest Cartwright. \u201cYou disappoint me Joe. You don\u2019t even remember me, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe studied his jailer\u2019s face for several moments. It was hard to tell just what the man looked like; the beard was so thick on his face that the man\u2019s features were hidden behind the bristles of his beard. The man\u2019s eyes were sky blue, but held a mixture of hate and doom in their depths. His captor walked with a limp, carried a thick wooden cane and tapped it along as he continued to pace back and forth in front of his prisoner. The man\u2019s voice sounded somewhat familiar to him, but still, Joe could not recall having ever known the man before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas scowled at Joe and stopped in front of the younger man. \u201cPut the chain on the collar and take up the slack,\u201d he ordered the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy grabbed the chain that was attached to a long steel spike hammered deeply into the thick rock wall. On the collar was a round ring that the chain was slipped through and then locked onto the short length of chain that separated Joe\u2019s wrist. Joe watched in horror, frightened of being chained and caged like an animal, but refusing to let these depraved men see how frightened he really was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second man ran the length of chain through two more rings affixed into the rock wall and then pulled through a narrow opening that had been chiseled into the rock. On the other side of where a heavy iron door had been installed, a thick iron lock, making the chain adjustable from the outside of Joe\u2019s iron and rock prison cell locked the chain into place. Joe\u2019s wrists were pulled upward and held into place next to the ring on the collar, making a very uncomfortable position for the frightened boy to be in, and rendering him virtually helpless to anything that the pair of jailers wanted to do to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s breathing was rapid, his chest burned with the effort and he felt his heart pounding hard, deep within his chest cavity. \u201cAre you going to tell me who you are and why you are doing this to me?\u201d he tried to mask the fear in his voice and hoped that the pair would not be able to see the way in which his body trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya hear that, Tim, Cartwright still ain\u2019t figured out who we are!\u201d laughed Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas leaned his face within inches of Joe\u2019s. Joe\u2019s body had been forced against the cold rock wall by the shortening of his chain. He could do nothing to move his head and free his face from the offending breath of the man who was, but inches from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man tapped his cane on the floor several times, the sound unnerving the prisoner and echoing in the hollow room. \u201cThe name\u2019s, Tatum, Lucas Tatum,\u201d snarled Lucas. He tipped his head at his friend, \u201cthat\u2019s Tim Chase,\u201d Lucas sneered and then tossed back his head and laughed at the haunted look that crossed Joe\u2019s young face as the color suddenly drained from the frightened features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Raw fear filled the hazel eyes that threatened to fill with tears as Joe stared into the face of his former classmate. Joe could not believe his eyes, for the years had changed the other boy, now a young man of twenty-three. Lucas looked at least ten years older than he actually was, the beard was coated with gray, a scar just above the man\u2019s right eye traveled downward across the right cheek of Lucas\u2019 face, gave Lucas a grotesque expression to his once handsome features. No wonder Joe hadn\u2019t been able to recognize the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said once, that you were not afraid of me\u2026but guess that was a lie, cause I can see the fear in your eyes right now. In fact, I can smell the fear seeping from every pore in your body,\u201d taunted Lucas. \u201cAnd it\u2019s justified, Cartwright. You will soon fear me more than the devil himself. I promised ya, I\u2019d get even with ya, and ya know I keep my promises, don\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the knot that had suddenly grown in his throat and tried to turn his eyes away from the piercing blue eyes that scrutinized him. The action fueled the other man\u2019s hatred.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was in prison, we were forced to look eye to eye to our guards, I expect you to do the same thing, Cartwright. Ya got five years to learn who is boss around here, and that\u2019s me. Now look at me!\u201d Lucas demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gritted his teeth and refused to turn his eyes to face Lucas. Lucas only laughed and then Joe felt the stabbing pain to his middle as Lucas jabbed the end of his cane deeply into Joe\u2019s stomach. Joe\u2019s knees buckled beneath him but the thick iron collar made it impossible for him to fall or bend over, giving in to the pain. Tears stung his eyes, but he refused to let them to roll free as he squeezed his eyes tightly and clenched his teeth against the agony of the assault.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at me when I speak to ya,\u201d Lucas ordered a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time, Joe turned his eyes so that he was looking directly into the eyes of his tormentor. \u201cFive years, Cartwright, that\u2019s what it\u2019s gonna cost ya, just like it cost us,\u201d sneered Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cScares ya too, don\u2019t it? I know what ya thinkin\u2019, that your family will find ya and save ya ass\u2026but it won\u2019t work this time, cause no one, not even God, knows where we\u2019re at,\u201d laughed Lucas. \u201cI\u2019m gonna make ya pay Little Joe, just like I promised ya I would. Ya gonna die in this here cage, with them chains around ya neck and it\u2019s gonna be slow and painful. I plan on makin\u2019 ya suffer, just like Tim and I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas backed up a step or two and turned his back to the chained man. \u201cSee this here leg? They broke my leg Cartwright, hurt like hell, too. They never even let me see the doctor to have it set\u2026made me a cripple\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas began thumping his cane on the floor. His eyes seemed to glaze over and Joe could feel the hatred emitting from the man\u2019s trembling body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shivered as he watched the transformation take over Lucas\u2019 body. Joe jumped when Lucas screamed out in frustration and twirled back around to face him. \u201cI\u2019m gonna do the same to you, Joe Cartwright. I\u2019m gonna make ya a cripple, just like me, but ya ain\u2019t gonna know when it\u2019ll happen. It\u2019s gonna be a surprise!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya make of them promises, Cartwright? Ya shakin\u2019 real bad. Lookit here Tim, the high and might Joe Cartwright\u2019s afeared of me!\u201d Lucas\u2019 wicked laughter filled the room and Joe turned his head away to keep from watching the evil expressions on the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay it Cartwright\u2026let\u2019s hear ya say\u2026I\u2019m afeared of Lucas Tatum,\u201d the man demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe refused to acknowledge the statement, Lucas began thumping his heavy cane. Joe chanced a glance at the depraved man and could hardly believe his eyes. The blue eyes had turned red and Joe suddenly felt as if he were in hell, standing before the devil himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning, Lucas\u2019 hand lashed out and struck Joe hard against his cheek. Joe\u2019s head snapped backward, hitting the hard rock behind him. He tasted the blood in his mouth where his teeth had bitten into the tender flesh inside his mouth. Joe swallowed several times and glared at Lucas with hate burning in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me when I ask you a question,\u201d yelled Lucas, the thumping of his cane getting louder as his anger grew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell,\u201d muttered Joe through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His statement only served to anger Lucas more and using his opened hand, Lucas left his mark on the face of his captive. Joe was powerless to defend himself against the attack as Lucas rained his fury against the tender flesh of Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Lucas had finished, Joe\u2019s face was marred by the handprint that left their brand on the fiery flesh of Joe\u2019s cheeks. Tiny droplets of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Lucas grabbed a handful of Joe\u2019s dark curls and yanked his head upward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTsk, tsk, tsk,\u201d whispered Lucas. \u201cSuch a bad boy\u2026but you\u2019ll learn. Just stand there for a day or two, and you\u2019ll soon learn to be a good boy, Cartwright.\u201d Lucas released the dark curls, allowing Joe\u2019s head to drop as far as the wide iron collar would permit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas motioned for Tim to follow him and together, they left the cell. The thick iron door was pulled shut and a large iron lock sealed shut the door. The light was extinguished, and the pair strolled away to the outside of the cave that was now home to the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe waited until he was sure that his tormentors were gone before he opened his eyes. The room was dark, not a sliver of light could be found and it took Joe\u2019s eyes several minutes before they became accustomed enough to be able to see through the darkness. Joe felt his body shiver as the cold, solid rock pressed into his back. He needed to sit down, but the collar with the chain pulled tightly would not permit him to do so. His arms ached from having been pulled upward, close to his neck and made stationary. His ankles burned where the shackles had rubbed against the flesh of his legs, leaving a burning sensation about his ankles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s hazel eyes filled with tears. It was his birthday, his twenty-first birthday to be exact, and here he was, locked away in a make shift cell someplace where only God knew the location. Though he tried to stop them, the tears rolled slowly down his burning cheeks. At home, Joe knew that his father and brothers were waiting for him. They had planned a big celebration in his honor, a birthday party to celebrate his special day. His family had planned for weeks just for this night, and now, without a doubt, Joe would miss the celebration. Joe wondered if his family had begun to search for him, knowing in his heart that before they realized that he was missing, his father would flume for several hours about his being late to his own party.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d whispered Joe to the darkness as he struggled against the chains that held him in their cold grasp. Eventually, Joe tired of his battle and leaned his weary body against the rigid walls of his rock prison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Adam, but I ain\u2019t seen Little Joe since\u2026hmm\u2026night before last. Wednesday, I think it was. He came by here on his way home. He seemed a little put out about somethin\u2019, don\u2019t know what though. I didn\u2019t ask him, he just ordered a beer and then left without so much as a thank ya,\u201d Bruno explained to the pair of Cartwright brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant another, beer?\u201d he asked and then poured one when Hoss nodded his head yes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGot any ideay where he could\u2019ve gone, Adam?\u201d Hoss pondered out loud. He downed his beer and when he placed the mug on the counter, it clanged slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had his back to the bar, watching the crowded room for any of his younger brother\u2019s friends. Adam shook his head. \u201cNope. I wonder where everyone is tonight?\u201d Adam said, more to himself than to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over at Adam and shrugged his shoulders. \u201cProbably out at the Ponderosa waiting for Little Joe. Come on Adam, we might as well head on back, Joe for sure ain\u2019t in here. Maybe he\u2019s already home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pushed his tall hat down on his head and jerked his pants back up to his waist, for they tended to slide downward at times. Adam snickered, amused at his brother\u2019s gestures and followed the bigger man from the barroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Adam unwrapped his mount\u2019s reins from the hitching post, he sighed deeply. \u201cIf Joe\u2019s not got a very good reason for worrying Pa, he sure is going to be in a lot of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who had already mounted up, turned Chubb around so that he could face his brother. \u201cI sure \u2018nough don\u2019t wanna be around when Pa starts his shoutin\u2019. Man, last time he got started, he rattled the winders in the entire house,\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. I\u2019m getting worried about that baby brother of ours. Something\u2019s not right, we should have heard from him by now,\u201d Adam mused aloud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, you know Joe\u2026most times he forgets where he\u2019s suppose to be and when he\u2019s suppose to be there. If\u2019n he\u2019s found a pretty little gal somewhere, he\u2019s most likely havin\u2019 himself a private little party,\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? You can\u2019t be serious Hoss, Joe might think he\u2019s a lady\u2019s man, but in truth, I doubt seriously if he\u2019d know what to do with a real woman,\u201d joked Adam. \u201cYou saw the way he nearly panicked the other night when Belle down at the Bucket of Blood tried to lure him upstairs with her!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t help but laugh out loud too. \u201cAw Adam, Belle\u2019s gotta be at least forty years old! I\u2019d a panicked too if\u2019n she\u2019d tried to drag me up them stairs with her!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snickered and shook his head and then just as quickly turned serious. \u201cHoss, Belle isn\u2019t as old as you think, and she\u2019s not as bad as people make her out to be. She\u2019s a nice lady, and not too bad looking either, when she washes all that paint off her face.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stared in shock at his older brother. \u201cAnd just how would you know? When have ya seen her without her\u2026paint?\u201d quizzed Hoss as he studied his brother\u2019s expressions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam just turned his dark eyes toward his brother and smiled. \u201cNow Hoss, I wouldn\u2019t be a gentleman if I were to tell all of the lady\u2019s secrets, now would I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pulled back on the reins and grabbed Adam by the arm, forcing his brother to stop as well. \u201cYa been up to her room, ain\u2019t ya big brother?\u201d Hoss smiled shyly, the gap between his front teeth clearly seen in the glow of the street lantern. \u201cTell me Adam, is she as good as the men say she is?\u201d he whispered as he cut his eyes around to be sure that no one else heard him ask the question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help but to laugh at the expression on Hoss\u2019 rotund face. \u201cBetter,\u201d whispered Adam and then nudged Sport into a canter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Adam and Hoss had returned to the ranch, Ben had sent his guest home. Hop Sing was standing in a chair taking down the Chinese lanterns that he had hung earlier in the day. He was angry; it was plain to see by the dark fire that burned in his eyes. Neither brother had to ask why or at whom the little Chinaman\u2019s anger was directed, they both knew. Hop Sing continued to work and mutter in his own strange language as Adam and Hoss proceeded to the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was standing in front of the fireplace, jabbing at the dying embers with the poker. At the sound of the door opening, he turned and glared at his two sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust where in blazes have the two of you been? Don\u2019t you realize that you left me here, alone mind you, with a whole roomful of people demanding to know where Joe was and then when they realized that the two of you were missing as well, they all began shouting at me?\u201d ranted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer my question!\u201d he snapped, leaving no margin of doubt to his sons that he was very angry and worried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe went into town to see if we could find Joe,\u201d explained Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed to calm, \u201cWell? Did you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNosir,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cAin\u2019t no one seen hide nor hair of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben brushed his hand across the front of this face and then looked again at his sons. \u201cHe\u2019s got to be somewhere\u2026we just have to figure out where.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been too many hours since Lucas and Timmy had left their prisoner alone in his dark cell. The hunger pains gnawed at his insides, making his stomach growl and the pounding pain in his head nearly blinded him. Joe\u2019s mouth was dried out and he longed for a drink of cool water. His legs had grown weak from supporting his body and his knees had folded slightly, adding to the pressure of the iron collar around his neck that now supported the majority of his weight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The iron door squeaked as it was pulled opened. The lantern, held high over Timmy\u2019s head, shed its bright light into the darkened cell and caused Joe to have to squint his eyes to keep from being blinded by the brilliant glow. Lucas and Timmy entered the room and stood silently, observing their captive for several moments before either of them spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWa\u2026ter,\u201d Joe forced the word up from the back of his throat as he strained to see the faces of the ones who held him chained against the rock wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d asked Lucas, an evil smile spreading across his face. \u201cWater? Is that what ya said?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlea\u2026se\u201d stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya hear that, Tim? Cartwright\u2019s all ready learnin\u2019 some manners. Think we gotta give him a drink?\u201d taunted Lucas as he jabbed the end of his cane into Joe\u2019s already aching stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy just smiled but said nothing; he was watching the hazel eyes that were trying to focus on his face. Something in the way that they stared at him unnerved him. \u201cYeah, why not?\u201d he answered at long last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas jerked his head around and looked at his helper. \u201cNaw, not just yet. Little Joe has to tell me something first, don\u2019t ya Joe,\u201d Lucas said as he returned his attention to the young man who was practically dangling by his neck chain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan ya say, \u2018I\u2019m afeared of ya, Lucas\u2019\u2026can ya say that Cartwright? Just once, and I\u2019ll let ya have a drink of this nice cold water.\u201d Lucas pulled the cork from the canteen he was holding and gently tipped the spout upward and watched Joe\u2019s eyes widen as the precious water trickled onto the hard rock floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust say those words\u2026and the canteen\u2019s all yours,\u201d smirked Lucas as he replaced the cork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe licked his lips, the water looked too good to be true. Joe felt the scabs that had formed on his chapped lips and longed for a taste of the canteen\u2019s contents. Lucas laughed and jabbed his cane at Joe a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Cartwright, it ain\u2019t gonna kill ya to admit it,\u201d laughed Lucas. \u201cEither say it, or I pour the water out on the ground,\u201d Lucas tempted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched Lucas\u2019 expression and felt the hate growing in his heart. \u201cI should\u2026have killed you\u2026when I had the\u2026chance,\u201d cursed Joe, his voice dry and cracked as he forced his thoughts into words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas\u2019 laughter faded and he glared at Joe. He yanked on the cork and turned the canteen upright, allowing the water to spill onto the floor. His eyes never left Joe\u2019s face and when he saw the beginnings of tears forming in his former classmate\u2019s eyes, he began laughing hysterically. He stepped up to within inches of Joe\u2019s face. Joe could feel the man\u2019s spittle as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t so high and mighty now are ya, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBastard,\u201d whispered Joe, which earned him several punches to his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The blood spewed from his nose as Lucas repeatedly hammered away at Joe. When the furious man tired of Joe\u2019s face, he turned his wrath to Joe\u2019s stomach where he delivered several jabs with his fist. Joe tried to twist his body away from the assault but in so doing, one hard punch hit him in his lower back, knocking the wind from his lungs. Joe screamed in agony and then succumbed to the pain as he lost contact with the world around him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve covered nearly every inch of this ranch, Pa, and still haven\u2019t found a trace of him,\u201d Adam said as he tipped his canteen upward and allowed the cool water to empty into his mouth. When he had satisfied his thirst, he punched the cork back into the spout and laced the strap around his saddle horn. He then lifted his hat from his head and swiped his sleeve across this brow to wipe away the droplets of sweat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat staring off into the distance and slowly circled, with his eyes, the surrounding area. Hoss and Adam could see the intense fear that had taken residence in their father\u2019s eyes and knew that Ben was grieving for his youngest son. It had been three days since Joe\u2019s birthday party that he had failed to attend; three days of worry, searching and praying. It was as if the boy had dropped off the face of the earth, for there was no sign of Joe, no word from anyone in regards to his whereabouts. What were they to think? Had Joe met with an accident in some remote section of the ranch where he might have lain, hurt, or wounded, until death had claimed him? Ben had even thought that perhaps his youngest son might have been kidnapped, but that was ruled out after the second day when no word had been sent to them asking for a cash settlement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said gently. \u201cPa?\u201d he repeated when his father failed to acknowledge him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I guess my mind was somewhere else,\u201d Ben said softly, the sadness in his voice and in his expression visible for all to see. \u201cI was thinking about\u2026your\u2026brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, why don\u2019t we call it a day, it\u2019s getting late. Maybe we\u2019ll have better luck tomorrow,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was worn out and Adam knew that he needed rest, but doubted seriously that his father would call off his search for the missing boy for more than an hour or two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right son. We best be getting back to the ranch. Maybe Hoss had found something,\u201d Ben agreed as he turned his horse back toward the house. \u201cIt\u2019s nearly supper time anyway, we can eat and rest up a bit and then look a while longer, at least until nightfall.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam refrained from answering his father\u2019s statement and instead turned his horse around and followed his father back to the ranch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was with great surprise that met the anxious father\u2019s eyes when he rode into the yard to find his youngest son\u2019s pinto standing at the hitching rail.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben nearly shouted as he jumped down from his mount and rushed to the pinto\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just then the door to his home opened and Hoss hurried to join his father. His look was grave as he greeted his family. \u201cIt ain\u2019t what\u2019cha think Pa,\u201d Hoss started to explain but stopped, seeing the glimmer of hope reflecting back at him from the pair of chocolate eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019 not?\u201d Ben said in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pinched his lips tightly together and shook his head. \u201cNosir, his horse came in about half and hour ago\u2026alone. I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u201d Hoss forced out his words.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know what ya were thinkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, who had been standing with his hands on Joe\u2019s horse, drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. For a moment he was speechless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you check him over real good?\u201d he asked Hoss at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, he was clean, no sign of anythin\u2019,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came around to join his father and brother and unlaced the flap to Joe\u2019s saddlebag. \u201cDid you check in here? You said something the other day about seeing him stuff something into them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLordy, Adam, I plum forgot,\u201d Hoss stated, his voice sounding his excitement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Ben and Hoss waited as Adam rummaged through the contents. \u201cNothing,\u201d he told them, \u201cexcept this wadded up paper,\u201d sighed Adam as he unruffled the paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit,\u201d groaned Hoss, \u201cI was ahopin\u2019 we\u2019d find somethin\u2019 that might help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder in a gesture of comfort and turned toward the house. \u201cCome on boys, we\u2019ll all feel better after we eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, wait a minute,\u201d called Adam, studying the paper. \u201cTake a look at this, wonder what it means?\u201d he said as he handed the paper to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Adam and then Hoss, took the paper from his son and scanned the scribbled words on the paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018See ya soon, Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked again into the faces of his sons, puzzlement written all over his own face. \u201cI have no idea,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled a second scrape of paper from his brother\u2019s saddlebag and unfolded it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, this one says, \u2018Watch ya back, Cartwright\u2019.\u201d Adam handed the second paper to his father and waited until Ben had read the short message for himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis sounds like some sort of threat or warning, are there any more?\u201d Ben asked and then waited until Adam checked the other side of the saddlebag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne more, but that\u2019s all,\u201d Adam said and began to undo the tiny ball of paper before handing it to his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I got a surprise for ya birthday. Can\u2019t wait to give it to ya\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss, who had been looking over his father\u2019s shoulder, scratched his head. \u201cReckon it\u2019s from some gal?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam answered quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes ya so sure?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Hoss, no lady would call Joe, Cartwright, and this second note does sound like a threat, just like Pa said,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cBesides, look at the handwriting, most ladies aren\u2019t this sloppy, this is definitely a man\u2019s writing. What do you think, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but whose? And more importantly, why?\u201d Ben said, scanning the faces of each son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no idea how long he had been unconscious, only that it was dark again in the cell and cold. He shivered and was surprised to find that he could move his arms more freely. He was more surprised when he realized that his chain attached to his collar had been loosened and now he could move around a bit. Joe tried to stand, but found that next to impossible in his weakened condition and the fact that his ankles were still shackled together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d he cursed silently as he managed to pull himself up, into a sitting position and began rubbing the backs of his legs where the muscles had tightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath to ward off the nausea that had suddenly overtaken him. The unexpected pain that seized the pit of his stomach caused him to moan loudly. He was passed hungry, he was starving, and his stomach had gone hours and hours, possibly days with no food or water. Joe had no concept of time; he had no idea if it were day or night outside. The only things that he was sure of, was the fact that he was hungry, thirsty, cold and scared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surely, he thought, Lucas and Timmy were not going to let him starve to death, though that did seem to be the jest of things. Joe wiped the dampness from his face and tugged at the chain that remained attached to his collar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he heard himself muttering as he closed his eyes against his rising fear. \u201cPlease hurry, ya gotta find me,\u201d he whispered, fighting the urge to give in to his dismay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the clicking sound of Lucas\u2019 cane and cringed. The sound had begun to get on his nerves, and he knew that with the arrival of the man, who carried the menacing stick, he was in for more misery. Joe pulled himself to his feet, clinging tightly to the chain for support, staggered slightly and waited for the heavy door to be pulled opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, lookit here,\u201d sneered Lucas as Timmy held the lantern up, \u201cCartwright\u2019s on his feet, finally.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas moved further into the room, and watched Joe as he leaned against the wall. \u201cYa hungry, Joe? It\u2019s been better\u2019n three days, almost four really. Guess the old stomach\u2019s getting pretty hollow by now, reckon so Tim?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas jabbed his cane out at Joe, but Joe managed to step aside and avoid the jab. \u201cWhy are you\u2026doing this?\u201d Joe muttered, almost too weak to even speak. \u201cI\u2019ve never done anything to you\u2026except for what you deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? Is that what ya think, Cartwright? Well, ya wrong. Ya know all my life I\u2019ve had to listen while someone was always comparin\u2019 me to ya. \u2018Why can\u2019t ya be more like Little Joe Cartwright, how\u2019s come ya ain\u2019t smart, like Joe Cartwright? Ya ain\u2019t as nice lookin\u2019 as that handsome Joe Cartwright\u2019, well guess what Cartwright? I got tired of hearin\u2019 it, especially from my old man,\u201d growled Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He swung out his cane and caught Joe on the shoulder. The stricken boy winced with the pain, and grabbed his shoulder. \u201cThat\u2019s not my fault, Tatum,\u201d Joe said in defense of himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no? Well, that\u2019s your opinion. I\u2019ve hated ya since we were kids, since that first day I saw ya old man bring ya to school on that big fine horse of his\u2019n. I hated ya more the day that Lizzie Carlton kissed ya under that old oak tree. I was sweet on her myself, but you? You never cared on whit about her and ya made her cry more\u2019n once, I hated ya for that, cause she\u2019d never paid me no mind, she didn\u2019t know I existed when ya was around. She only had eyes for ya\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucas\u2026I was only ten years old! Surely you can\u2019t hate me for those reasons?\u201d stammered Joe shocked at the man\u2019s confessions of why he hated him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more Cartwright, plenty, like when ya got that pinto of yours for ya birthday. I\u2019d been begging my pa for a horse for over a year and he said \u2018get a job, then ya buy what ya want\u2019. And then, just because ya pa\u2019s rich, all ya gotta do is ask\u2019em for somethin\u2019 and he gets it fur ya. It ain\u2019t fair, it just ain\u2019t fair. That\u2019s why I hate ya Joe, them\u2019s my reasons.\u201d Lucas pounded his cane on the rock floor, his eyes had gotten bigger and he seemed to be staring a hole right through his captive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucas\u2026listen, just name your price and let me go. My pa will give ya anything ya want, just set me free.\u201d Joe hated himself for begging, but he had to get out of there, anyway that he could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe realized too late that he had said the wrong thing. Lucas turned dark, angry eyes on him and stepped forward, his cane raised high in the air. Joe turned his back and pressed his front side against the hard stone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYOU THINK MONEY IS ALL I WANT?\u201d he shouted as he brought the stick down across the back of his victim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head snapped back as the pain coursed along his spine. Again, Lucas raised the hard stick and walloped Joe, nearly knocking the wounded boy to his knees. Again and again, Lucas brought his cane down on Joe\u2019s back until Joe gave up trying to protect himself as he fell face down on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas raised the stick one last time and was about to deliver one last blow when his friend\u2019s voice stopped him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLucas, wait\u2026don\u2019t hit him again, he\u2019s\u2026he\u2019s already out cold,\u201d Timmy reached out his hand and grasped Lucas\u2019 arm. \u201cI\u2019ve got a better idea,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas slowly lowered his arm, \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked, seeing the gleam in his partner\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026hmm\u2026\u201d stammered Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t really had a plan, he was just afraid that Lucas would end up killing the other boy. Joe was already in bad shape, what with having been deprived of food and water for three days, and then there were the wounds from where Lucas had continually beaten the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d shouted Lucas, growing impatient with Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas smiled suddenly, \u201cbreak his legs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm\u2026I\u2026I\u2026don\u2019t know, ya think that\u2019s a good idea? I mean, he\u2019s already near dead, I thought ya wanted to keep\u2019m here for five years? If\u2019n he gets any sicker, he\u2019ll die too soon.\u201d Timmy was stalling for time, trying to think of a plan that would keep him and Lucas from going back to jail for murder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas seemed to be considering Timmy\u2019s words. At last he spoke, \u201cI don\u2019t care when Cartwright dies, now, next week, five years from now, I don\u2019t give a damn. I just wanna watch him suffer.\u201d Lucas began pacing back and forth, clicking the end of the cane on the rocks as he moved about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stopped suddenly and faced Timmy. \u201cTell ya what we\u2019ll do, go get that bucket of slop and the dish water and bring it in here. MOVE!\u201d he bellowed when Timmy hesitated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy jumped into action and hurried to do, as Lucas had demanded. He reached for the slop bucket, glancing down into the pail at the contents. He almost retched, the leftovers had started to mold, and he had to shoo away the flies that buzzed about. He picked up the dishpan, the water was murky and there remain tiny residues of food floating around on the top. Reluctantly, he carried both back to the cell where Lucas waited and set the pail and the dishpan down on the ground. Joe had started to regain consciousness and had pulled himself into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas glanced down at the slop and snickered. \u201cHere\u2019s ya supper, Cartwright,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd something to drink. Enjoy it, if ya don\u2019t eat all of it, I\u2019m gonna break ya leg, and if ya don\u2019t eat it after that, I\u2019m gonna break ya arm, and I\u2019ll keep on breakin\u2019 ya bones, til it\u2019s all gone!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas smiled at Timmy, picked up the lantern and started for the door. When he stopped and turned back around, his eyes were filled with loathing and Joe swore that they had red sparks shooting out at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa got two hours Cartwright, ya understand, just two hours, and if it ain\u2019t gone, well\u2026I dun told ya what I\u2019d do to ya. Oh, and don\u2019t get no ideay about pouring any of it out, cause if\u2019n ya do, well\u2026ya won\u2019t like what I\u2019ll do to ya then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was gone, the thick iron door clanged shut and Joe was alone again. He sat for several minutes, giving himself time to clear his head and hopefully to think straight. After five or ten minutes, he inched his way along the cold hard rock until he found the bucket of slop and the dishpan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to make out in the dark, what had been tossed into the pail. Joe cringed when he dipped his fingers into the contents and felt the greasy, slime that floated on the top layer. It was all that he could do to keep from vomiting as he scooped up, with his fingers, a morsel from the bottom of the bucket. He carefully lifted it to his nose and sniffed. The odor was repulsive and Joe slung the morsel off his fingers. There was no way he could eat that stuff, no matter that he was starving, he hadn\u2019t gotten so hungry that he could be forced into eating what he considered, pig\u2019s slob.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His other hand found the dishpan and Joe slowly allowed his fingers to dip into the soapy water. It was disgusting as well, but Joe knew that even without food, the body had to have liquids, so he raised the dishpan to his lips, took a deep breath and tipped the water to his lips. He gagged as the first drops entered his mouth and after several swallows he had to put aside the pan. When he began coughing, he gagged and the disgusting liquid came back up into his mouth. Joe clenched his mouth together tightly and forced himself to swallow the mixture. Once it went down and stayed down, Joe took a second drink and then a third.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His mind begged him to give up, to let Lucas Tatum do what he had to do, kill him if need be. But his heart urged him to fight, fight for his life, fight to get back to his father, his brothers, his home. Joe felt the tears as they filled his eyes and when the rolled freely down his face, he didn\u2019t even bother to wipe them away. He felt less than a man did, less than a dog chained and caged like an animal and he wondered if anyone even cared enough to find him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, someone sent these messages to Little Joe\u2026all we gotta do is ask around town and find out who!\u201d shouted Ben as he slammed his fist down on the sheriff\u2019s desk in front of Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I understand your frustrations, but how in blazes are we gonna know for sure who wrote those notes? And second, do ya really think that the person who did would own up to it if we were lucky enough to find the person?\u201d Roy shouted back, just as loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben straightened up and sighed. \u201cI suppose not, but someone gave him these notes, they just didn\u2019t drop out of the air!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy stood to his feet and walked around his desk and sat down on the corner. \u201cI know that, Ben. But ya ever stop to think that just maybe, someone put them in his saddlebags\u2026when he wasn\u2019t lookin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Adam jumped to his feet as well, \u201cRoy might have something there. Suppose Joe was in\u2026say the saloon\u2026Bruno said he was there last Wednesday, what if someone did slip them inside the bag?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scratched his head and plopped down in a chair. \u201cSay they did, one maybe, but three? No, I think the notes were delivered at three different times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, that means, say once while Joe was in the saloon on Wednesday. Joe came back into town on Thursday and went to the blacksmith\u2019s shop, remember Pa, ya sent him to pick up that harness Jonesy was fixin\u2019 for ya. Let\u2019s see, on Friday morning, the day of his party, Hop Sing sent him back into town to the bakery to pick up more of that special cake flour that he likes to use. That would account for the three days and the three notes,\u201d smiled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Adam and Roy stood speechless in awe of Ben\u2019s soft-spoken son. Ben started laughing, \u201cHoss, you never say much, but when you do, you say it all!\u201d Ben moved to Hoss\u2019 side and slapped him gently on the back. Hoss blushed red and then stuffed his fingertips into the pockets of his trousers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll we have to do now, is find someone else who was in town on those days that might have seen something,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there were people all over the place, how do you reckon to single out just one?\u201d questioned Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe there weren\u2019t just one, what if there were three different people what put those notes in Joe\u2019s saddlebags?\u201d volunteered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Roy said, \u201cSo now we gotta find, not just one person, but three. How do you reckon on doin\u2019 that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All four men exchanged looks with the others, looks of doubts filling their eyes as they glanced around the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was a thought,\u201d muttered Hoss, discouraged and down hearted. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go over to the saloon and get a beer. Anyone wanna go along? Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, I think I\u2019ll mosey over to the livery and have a talk with Jonesy. What about you, Pa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet; the days of worry had taken its toll on him. He looked tired and worn, his son had been missing for nearly a week now with no signs, and hope of ever finding the boy had begun to fade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll go to the bakery, maybe Marge noticed something,\u201d he said as he put his hat on his head and followed his sons outside. \u201cThanks, Roy,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had backed himself up as far as his chain would allow him, into the darkest corner of his cell. The tapping of the wooden cane against the stone floor had alerted him to the arrival of Lucas Tatum. Joe cringed, for he had no doubt that the crazed man and his partner would keep his promise. He had been unable to eat the slob, he had vomited up the soapy dishwater and those two things would earn him a broken leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the turning of the key in the lock and watched as the heavy iron door was eased opened. Lucas\u2019 features were hidden in the darkness of the cell by the lantern light behind him that Timmy held high over their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped, his hands trembled but he placed them behind his back, so that Lucas would not see how they shook. Joe watched as Lucas ordered Timmy to hold the lantern so that he could look into the slop bucket. Joe saw the man\u2019s eyes swiftly turn and look at him, they were dark and filled with anger and hate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t eat your supper,\u201d Lucas stated in an angry tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy had his free hand held behind his back. Joe could not make out what it was that the man carried but knew that whatever it was, it would not be something that he wanted or needed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake up the slack on his collar,\u201d ordered Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy turned, the object in his hand still hid from Joe\u2019s view as Timmy slipped into the side room and began yanking on the chain. Joe immediately felt himself being pulled along and as he slid along the cold floor, he struggled to his feet. By the time that the chain had been shortened as much as possible, Joe\u2019s back was pressed against the wall. He heard the chain being locked in place to prevent him from moving away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy returned and looked to Lucas for further instructions. \u201cPut the shackles on his wrists, this time, chain them behind his back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy hesitated briefly while looking at the fear that flooded the hazel eyes of the young man chained to the wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move Cartwright, I\u2019d just as soon shoot ya, as break ya leg,\u201d warned Lucas as he pointed his pistol at Joe. \u201cNow, put ya hands behind ya back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy had the shackles in his hand and moved next to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re nuts, Lucas, loco,\u201d stammered Joe, who was finding it harder and harder to breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSHUT UP!\u201d screamed Lucas as he whacked Joe with his cane. \u201cPut ya hands behind ya,\u201d he bellowed and raised the cane high in the air. \u201cYa wanna feel this on ya head?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and turned his eyes on Timmy as he put his hands behind his back. Joe felt the cold iron as it wrapped around his wrist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s crazy, Timmy, surely ya realize that?\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy paused and glanced over his shoulder at Lucas. The man was mad, driven by hate, the man had tuned into a lunatic.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get outta here Timmy, and I promise, I\u2019ll help you stay outta prison,\u201d Joe said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy seemed to be considering Joe\u2019s proposition until Lucas\u2019 loud voice broke through his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurry it up, you idiot!\u201d he screamed at Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy clamped the last shackle onto Joe\u2019s wrist and then backed up, averting his eyes so that he could not look into the frightened eyes of Lucas\u2019 captive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas advanced on Joe who was determined that Lucas would not see the fear that he knew was in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay it Joe, tell me how frightened you are?\u201d whispered Lucas, his voice soft and smooth. \u201cSay it, just once.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the fear he felt building in his throat that made him want to retch. \u201cI told you five years ago that I wasn\u2019t afraid of you, nothings changed,\u201d Joe declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave it your way then.\u201d Lucas backed up several paces and never taking his eyes off of Joe\u2019s expression, he barked out his orders to Timmy. \u201cLet the chain out. On the ground, Cartwright\u2026NOW!\u201d he shrieked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The chain had been released just enough to allow Joe to kneel down. To put up an argument now would only serve to suffer more. Joe kneeled down as instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas laughed loudly. \u201cI can see the fear on your face, Joe. It does nothing for your looks,\u201d he giggled and pushed Joe to the ground with his foot. Joe tried to move, but the shackles around his ankles and the ones holding his arms behind him, prevented him from being able to move fast enough to get out of harm\u2019s way. He froze; dreading what was to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBE STILL, CARTWRIGHT!\u201d screamed Lucas, his red face visible in the bright lantern light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dared not move, Lucas loomed over him and in the glare from the lantern, Joe watched as Lucas raised the thick wooden ax handle high over his head. Terrified, Joe squeezed his eyes shut. The pain was so quick, so sharp and lasted for such a short time, that Joe had hardly known when the bone in his right leg snapped. He felt the blood rush to his head, his eyes had snapped opened only to see the stars dancing overhead and the only sound that lingered in the stillness of the stone cell was the echo of his agonizing scream just before the blackness rushed in and took him away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was waiting for his father and brother in front of the sheriff\u2019s office where they had left the horses. As he propped his heavy frame against the pillar, he watched as a young boy scurried across the street and stopped a man as he was entering the post office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, mister, I got a message for ya,\u201d called the lad who appeared to be about ten years of age.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss watched as the boy slipped the gentleman a small, folded, white piece of paper and then waited for his tip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Hoss heard the man say, dropping a coin into the outstretched palm. The boy\u2019s fingers folder over the coin and he smiled up at the man and in the next instance, took off down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head, deep in thought and was unaware when his father approached him, Adam following behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Ben said, placing his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up, puzzlement written all over his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss\u2019 chubby face spread wide open as a smile replaced the frown. \u201cI got it, Pa. Come on,\u201d Hoss said excitedly and took off down the street after the young messenger boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss found the boy, chatting with another boy about the same age. He approached them slowly, a smile on his face, so that he would appear less threatening to them because of his size.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey kid,\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boys turned and looked upward into Hoss\u2019 face. \u201cWho, me?\u201d the boy asked, his finger digging into his chest as he pointed to himself<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re the one. I need to ask ya somethin\u2019, got a minute?\u201d smiled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, for a dime,\u201d the boy smiled back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced up at his father and brother as he dug in his vest pocket for the required dime. \u201cHere ya go, buddy,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha wanna ask me?\u201d the little boy prompted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was just awonderin\u2019 if ya do this very often? Deliver messages to people, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we do it all the time. Why ya wanna know? Got somethin\u2019 ya want delivered?\u201d the boy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Hoss shook his head, \u201cWhat I do need though is some information. First off, what\u2019s ya name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTodd, and the information will cost ya two bits,\u201d Todd bargained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLordy Todd, ya make more money than I do,\u201d laughed Hoss as he rummaged through his pockets for the two bits.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Todd opened his hand and waited for Hoss to drop in the coin. Hoss held the coin just above the opened palm. \u201cThe information first, then the coin,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Todd stared into the sky blue eyes, judging the man\u2019s trustworthiness and then smiled. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled and then glanced at his father, \u201cTodd, did you or maybe one or two of your friends, happen to deliver any messages to a young man, about twenty years old? Maybe ya didn\u2019t give him the message directly, but put it in his saddlebag instead\u2026which is fine,\u201d Hoss added to assure the boy that he was not in any trouble if he had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou might remember cause the man rode a black and white pinto.\u201d Hoss watched as the boy\u2019s eyes widened and darted to his friend. Hoss glanced up at the other boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t in no trouble Todd, neither is ya friend, all we\u2019re trying to do, is find out who asked ya to deliver the note to my little brother, that\u2019s all,\u201d Hoss smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was ya brother? The guy on the pinto?\u201d asked Todd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough. His name\u2019s Joe Cartwright, but we call him Little Joe, cause he was so tiny when he was born,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa sure we ain\u2019t in no trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPositive,\u201d Hoss said and then dropped the coin into Todd\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I put a note in his saddlebag,\u201d confessed Todd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I,\u201d his friend added. \u201cAnd Jessie, he was asked to put one in the saddlebag too, on Friday, a week ago. I remember cause we was all talking about that pinto and how we wished we all had one like\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026now Todd, this is really important, do you remember the man who asked ya to take the note over and put it in my little brother\u2019s saddlebag?\u201d Hoss asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Todd puckered up his mouth, thinking hard. \u201cI remember,\u201d his friend jumped in to say. \u201cIt was an old man, at least he looked old. He had a beard and walked with a cane.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knelt down in front of the boys and smiled. \u201cAre you sure? It\u2019s really important, because my son\u2019s missing and we think that the man who wrote the note might be able to help us find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure mister, I remember cause when he walked, he made a clicking sound on the boardwalk with his cane. It was sorta spooky,\u201d the little boy explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood\u2026what did you say your name was?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFreddy Belcher\u2019s my name, Todd here\u2019s my cousin and Jeff is his brother. He\u2019s the one what put the last note in your son\u2019s saddlebag.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Freddy, I think you\u2019ve earned a reward as well,\u201d smiled Ben as he placed a coin into the hand of Todd\u2019s cousin. \u201cI\u2019ll give ya another coin if ya can tell me the man\u2019s name that paid you to carry his message.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Todd and Freddy swapped looks. Todd shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI don\u2019t know, he didn\u2019t say,\u201d Todd told the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a friend with\u2019em though and I heard that bearded man with the cane, call his friend, Tim,\u201d Freddy said. \u201cHe had a mustache and was dirty and all, but he never said nuthin\u2019 to us, or to his friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s color drained slowly from his face as he stood to his feet. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said softly and slipped Freddy another coin. Ben glanced at Adam and then Hoss. \u201cThat has to be Timothy Chase, but who was the bearded man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould have been Lucas Tatum. He had five years to grow a beard, that\u2019s for sure, and plenty of time to go lame,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut how could they have been in town to send the notes, if Roy had just gotten the telegram the day that Joe came up missing?\u201d puzzled Ben. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t add up, something\u2019s not right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go back and talk to Roy, we\u2019ll tell him what we just found out and maybe he can come up with something,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good, come on boys,\u201d Ben said, leading the way down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bright light blinded Joe and he tried to turn his head so that the light would not be directly in his face. The fierce pain that burned in the upper part of his leg caused him to moan loudly as he tried to turn over. His hands still chained behind him, and his broken leg, made moving next to impossible. When Joe saw Lucas coming nearer, he tried to scrunch up his body, fearful of what the mad man had planned next.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust hurt somethin\u2019 awful, we could hear ya moanin\u2019 long afore we got here,\u201d laughed Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas squatted down next to Joe. Joe raised his head slightly and turned his face away from his tormentor. Lucas laughed. \u201cYa cain\u2019t get away from me Cartwright.\u201d Lucas grabbed Joe by the hair and twisted his head back around so that he could see the pain filled eyes better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s come ya didn\u2019t eat your slop? I told ya an hour ago, that ya need to eat to keep up your strength. Cartwright, ya dwindlin\u2019 away to nothin\u2019. Just lookit how skinny ya are? Now, I\u2019ll give ya another hour to finish everythin\u2019 up and then I\u2019ll be back. If\u2019n there\u2019s food left in the bucket, I\u2019m gonna break ya arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas rose to his feet and picked up the slop pail and moved it closer to Joe. He then snatched up the dishpan and flung the dirty water across the cell. He then placed the pan directly under Joe\u2019s nose and then filled it with slop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat should be easy enough. Now get to eatin\u2019, I\u2019ll be back to check on ya.\u201d Lucas limped away, his cane making that infuriating noise as it clicked on the rocks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas was true to his word; exactly one hour later, he towered over Joe. The pan of slop had not been touched. Joe had managed to scoot his broken body away from the offending mess and had somehow managed to push himself up, into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTsk\u2026tsk\u2026tsk, such a waste of good food. Ya should be ashamed of ya self, Joe,\u201d smirked Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you like it so much, you eat it,\u201d snapped Joe, the fire once again beginning to burn deep within.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s audacity angered Lucas and he struck out with his hand and slapped Joe across the face. \u201cWatch how ya talk to me, Cartwright. That tone of voice will earn ya a beatin\u2019 with the whip!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widen at the man\u2019s statement. The sudden fear that momentarily flashed in Joe\u2019s eyes was not missed my his persecutor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy, my,\u201d laughed Lucas, cupping Joe\u2019s chin with his fingers. \u201cWhat\u2019s this I see in your eyes? Can it be? Are you scared of me now, Cartwright? Does the thoughts of a whip ripping the flesh from your back, make you fear me?\u201d Lucas tossed back his head and roared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be damned. At last, I found somethin\u2019 that scares the hell out\u2019va ya!\u201d Lucas stood to his feet and wobbled to the iron door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Tim,\u201d he shouted at the top of his lungs. \u201cBring me that whip what\u2019s in the supply box,\u201d he shouted and then turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body shook partly from the pain that filled his body and partly from the fear he felt beginning to consume him. He fought against the tears that he felt building in his eyes. The last thing that he wanted Lucas to see was him crying. The crazed man might kill him, might break every bone in his body, or beat him unmercifully with a whip, but Joe vowed to never let the other man see him cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas uncoiled the whip and snapped it a couple of times through the air, never taking his eyes off Joe\u2019s face. Joe had his own eyes trained on the whip. He gulped, suddenly terrified by what he knew the whip could do to his already agonizing body should Lucas rain its fury onto his back. Joe scooted as far as he could against the rock and let a soft moan escape due to the pain he was feeling in his broken leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Cartwright?\u201d laughed Lucas as he snapped the tip end of the whip close to Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe managed to turn his head just enough so that the lash missed his cheek. He glared up at Lucas, not trying to hide the animosity that he felt toward his jailer. The whip snapped and popped in the air again, this time the frayed tip struck Joe on his left shoulder, ripping the thin material of his shirt. He winced in pain, unable to move his head to inspect the damage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHurt?\u201d mocked Lucas, snapping the whip and catching Joe on the opposite shoulder. Joe bit down on his lip to keep from crying out and fueling his man\u2019s pleasure that he was obviously getting from torturing his prisoner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can make it worse Cartwright. I could force ya to stand, strip ya down to ya birthday suit and in a few minutes, have ya flesh hanin\u2019 by threads from ya body,\u201d taunted Lucas as he whirled the whip around and snapped it at Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned as he pushed his body deeper against the hard rock, but there was no escape, Lucas made the tip of the whip sting across his chest, snapping a button from the front of Joe\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI learned how to use this in prison. Ya see Joe, after they broke my leg, I learnt really quick like to be a good boy. In fact, I was a model prisoner, so when someone else acted up, like ya been doin\u2019, I got to be the one what whipped them \u2018ole boys,\u201d Lucas bragged as he began to coil the whip. \u201cBest behave ya self, or I\u2019ll be force to show ya just how good I really am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas said nothing else, but limped away through the door. Joe let out a long sigh and watched his jailer\u2019s retreating back. Timmy stood briefly in the doorway, watching Joe as the wounded boy struggled to find a position that would lessen his pain. For a fraction of a second, Timmy\u2019s heart filled with remorse. No one knew, not even his lifelong friend Lucas Tatum, how Timmy truly felt about the youngest member of the Cartwright family. He\u2019d never told a soul, but to him, Joe Cartwright was his hero. From that first day of school, so many years ago, Timmy had watched with admiration and respect for the tiny young boy as his father helped him down from his big buckskin stallion and walked hand in hand together to the front of the school. Timmy remembered how Little Joe had stopped and told his father that he would walk the rest of the way by himself, cause he didn\u2019t want the other kids to see him holding hands with his father. Timmy recalled the tears that had quickly come and gone in Joe\u2019s father\u2019s eyes and the smile that Ben had given to his tiny little boy. From that one day, to this, Timmy had admired the courage that possessed the young man who now, partly because of his self, might very well die, alone in a cold stone cell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy gritted his teeth as he pulled the heavy iron door closed. Lucas was his friend, his best friend, but Timmy knew that Lucas had changed. He had become a mad man, hell-bent on destroying another human being, all because of his insane jealousy and hatred. He couldn\u2019t let that happen, the world didn\u2019t need any more Lucas Tatums, but they sure could do with many more Joe Cartwrights, reasoned Timmy Chase.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas was saddling his horse when Timmy reached the front of the cave. \u201cWhere ya headin\u2019?\u201d he asked his companion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThought I\u2019d ride into town and get a beer, got a problem with that?\u201d growled Lucas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, just wonderin\u2019, that\u2019s all,\u201d Timmy replied as he poured himself a cup of coffee. \u201cBetter be careful though, might run into them Cartwrights. I saw\u2019em yesterday over on the ridge, they\u2019s still lookin\u2019 for Little Joe,\u201d warned Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, they ain\u2019t gonna see me, and they ain\u2019t gonna find Joe. Ya just make sure that ya stay outta sight, got that?\u201d Lucas grumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back afore dark,\u201d called Lucas as he urged his mount on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy spied the Cartwrights riding along the ridge to the north of him. He kicked his horse hard in the sides and hurried to join the small group of men who had volunteered to help Ben and his sons continue with their search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBEN!\u201d shouted Roy as he raced to catch up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben heard the distant shout and reined in his mount. \u201cHold up boys, that\u2019s Roy,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a matter of minutes, Roy was beside Ben and pulled his horse to a halt. \u201cHi\u2019ya Ben, boys,\u201d he greeted the Cartwrights. \u201cGot some news for ya, thought ya might like to know,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Adam asked, glancing over at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s about that telegram from the warden at the prison. I did some checkin\u2019, like I told ya I would. I talked to both Bill and James over at the telegraph office and seems like that telegram that Clem delivered the night of Joe\u2019s party was a week old.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA week old?\u201d Ben nearly shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Ben. Seems what happened was, James got the telegram the Saturday before Little Joe\u2019s party. He had started to take it over to my office when his oldest son came runnin\u2019 into his office, all excited like, and informed him that his wife had gone into labor. James tossed everything down and took off home, completely forgettin\u2019 about the telegram,\u201d explained Roy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy the next day, James was so excited about his new daughter, that he never gave another thought to the message. Somehow, it got mixed up in a pile of papers, and when Bill came to work the Saturday of Joe\u2019s party, he found the telegram and thought that James had taken the message earlier that day. That\u2019s when he took it to my office, gave it to Clem and Clem delivered it to me that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be danged,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would explain how Lucas could have gotten into town, written those messages and had those boys put them in Joe\u2019s saddlebags,\u201d determined Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not all, Ben,\u201d Roy said, \u201cI took those messages over to the school and asked Miss Jones if\u2019n she thought it possible that Lucas might have written them. She said she had some old papers packed away in the storeroom and would dig through them to see if she had any written in Lucas\u2019 hand writing. It took her til this mornin\u2019, but she found some and we compared them. Ain\u2019t no doubt Ben, Lucas Tatum most surely did write those notes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could feel his face beginning to turn red as the anger he had fought so hard to keep at bay, suddenly began to surface. His breathing became hard as he glanced around at his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe scoundrel,\u201d he swore. \u201cI\u2019ll kill the rascal if I find out that he had anything to do with my son\u2019s disappearance. And if he\u2019s so much as laid on hand on my boy, I\u2019ll\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet the law handle it? Isn\u2019t that what you\u2019re always preaching to us, Pa?\u201d Adam finished his father\u2019s sentence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cut his dark, angry eyes at his son and glared. For several moments he sat in silence and then Adam could see the lines beginning to soften in his father\u2019s face. \u201cThat\u2019s just what I was about to say,\u201d smiled Ben lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back to Roy. \u201cAny thoughts as to what to do next? We\u2019ve covered every inch of this ranch, more than once, and haven\u2019t come up with anything positive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, I ain\u2019t got a clue as to where to look. Have ya tried those old mining shafts along the ridge to the north of town? Clem mentioned them to me earlier. He thought they would make a pretty good hidin\u2019 place if\u2019n someone didn\u2019t wanna be found?\u201d Roy suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but that\u2019s a good idea. Never thought about them to be honest. Somehow I guessed that Joe was still on the ranch,\u201d answered Ben, turning to his sons. \u201cWhat do you think? Want to get it a go?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m with you, let\u2019s ride,\u201d smiled Hoss, happy once again to have a plan that might help them to find his missing brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned loudly. The small movement caused the pain in his broken leg to shoot upward to the upper portion of his body. Every fiber of his being throbbed in agony, he shivered, for one minute he was cold and the next he was burning up. He had not been able to rest very well, the fever that he felt burning through his body had kept him tossing and turning all through the long hours. He barely remembered the cool compresses that had been pressed against his hot brow or the warm broth that had been spooned into his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he had been able to open his eyes at last, he was startled to see Timmy bending over him. Joe tried to speak, but his mouth had been so dry, and he was so weak from lack of food that he had been unable to voice his gratitude for the tender care.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to talk, Joe. Just swallow this, it\u2019s warm and it don\u2019t taste too bad. I ain\u2019t the best cook in these here parts, but I ain\u2019t the worst either,\u201d Timmy had whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe had eaten all he felt comfortable with, for his stomach had started to rumble and he feared that he might not be able to hold down the broth that Timmy had fixed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, drink some of this,\u201d Timmy pulled the cork from the canteen and tipped it up to Joe\u2019s mouth. Joe\u2019s eyes locked with Timmy\u2019s, unsure of the young man who had suddenly seemed to switch sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joe, it\u2019s not dishwater, I promise,\u201d Timmy said and then offered him a small smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt the well of tears that pooled in his eyes, but try as he might, he could not stop them from rolling down his bruised cheeks. He felt his face redden in embarrassment, he certainly hadn\u2019t meant to let either Timmy or Lucas see him cry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy pinched his lips tightly together; Joe\u2019s tears were ripping his heart in two. He knew what it was costing this proud young man to give in to his frustrations, he knew the Cartwright pride and he knew that Joe Cartwright was the proudest of all his family. Timmy felt Joe\u2019s humiliation and knew that Joe would consider it his last bit of degradation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw\u2026Joe, don\u2019t cry\u2026please\u2026I promise, I won\u2019t let ya die. And I swear, I\u2019ll never tell a soul that I saw ya cryin\u2019, I know what ya afeelin\u2019,\u201d whispered Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pinched his eyes tightly together to stop the tears and nodded his head. \u201cThanks,\u201d he managed to get out and then allowed Timmy to help him take a much-needed drink from the canteen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe had satisfied his thirst, Timmy helped him get as comfortable as possible before he stood up. \u201cListen Joe, this has gotta be our secret, okay? If\u2019n Luke was to find out that I helped ya, he kill both of us, got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, \u201cPlease\u2026Tim\u2026ya gotta get me out of here. Is there some\u2026way ya can get word\u2026to my father?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy squatted back down, glanced over his shoulder to be sure that Lucas had not gotten back and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t Joe, he won\u2019t let me go into town with him, and if\u2019n I leave him here alone with ya\u2026well\u2026he\u2019ll kill ya Joe. He\u2019s nuts\u2026he wanted to kill ya last night, but I talked him out of it\u2026I made him think it would be more fun to watch ya suffer\u2026I\u2019m sorry, but I didn\u2019t know what else to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay\u2026thanks Tim,\u201d whispered Joe as his eyes slowly began to close. \u201cI\u2019m tired\u2026so very\u2026tired\u2026and cold.\u201d As if to verify his statement, Joe began to shiver and moan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help ya there Joe,\u201d Timmy said to the sleeping man. \u201cI\u2019d give ya blanket, but it would mean sure death, to both of us.\u201d Timmy felt Joe\u2019s forehead, shook his head in sorrow at the heat that burned his opened palm and then hurried to close the cell door. \u201cI\u2019ll be back,\u201d he promised softly as he snapped the lock into place and slipped the key into his pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From that day on, Timmy, when possible managed to slip small morsels of food and small amounts of water in to Joe. It wasn\u2019t much, but it was enough to keep the wounded boy from dying. Joe\u2019s leg throbbed with pain. The bone had begun to heal and with the healing process, Joe was forced into accepting the fact that he would be as Lucas had deemed, crippled for the rest of his life. Lucas had made sure of that, he had known even before he had broken Joe\u2019s leg, that the bone would never be allowed to be set properly and that his prisoner would be made to live his life as a crippled and twisted man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was surprised at the amount of hate he felt in his heart for this despicable human being. Lucas had stopped trying to force him in to eating the pig slob and drinking the dishwater. He had been puzzled that Joe had not already starved to death, he had reasoned that the youngest Cartwright had gathered from deep within himself, some sort of inner strength that had stopped his demise. Lucas had given up; he was furious with himself for he had failed to break the spirit of his prisoner, had failed at bringing the young man to tears and had even failed to starve the boy. What angered Lucas the most, and would eventually be Joe\u2019s undoing, was the fact that Joe Cartwright would not admit to being afraid of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a week after having broken Joe\u2019s leg that Joe heard the nerve-wracking sound of the cane as it clicked along on the stone flooring. Lucas yanked opened the iron door. He walked alone into the cell, the whip held tightly in one hand. Joe took one look at the coiled whip and felt his blood run cold through his veins. He felt his body tremble, the one thing he feared most was the whip and what it could do to his flesh. His hands had remained behind his back, Lucas had refused to free them and had it not been for the care given to him by Timmy, Joe would have given in to his plight days ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With anxious eyes, Joe searched the doorway for Timmy, and then groaned when he realized that his secret friend was nowhere around. \u201cWhere\u2019s your side-kick?\u201d he dared to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? He ain\u2019t gonna help ya, I sent him into Genoa for supplies,\u201d laughed Lucas when he saw the raw fear that Joe was unable to hide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas took a step closer to Joe. Joe pushed his back against the wall. Lucas grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and hauled him to his feet and spun him around so that his face was pressed against the cold rock. Joe staggered slightly, barely able to support the weight of his body on his one good foot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move, Cartwright,\u201d warned Lucas as he moved to the opposite side of door and pulled Joe\u2019s chain taunt so that Joe was not able to move at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he came back, he stepped up close to Joe\u2019s back and without a word or warning, ripped the back out of Joe\u2019s shirt. The sudden blast of cool air caused tiny goose pimples to rise on Joe\u2019s flesh. He felt his body begin to tremble, there was nothing he could do to stop what he knew Lucas was fixing to do to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never get away with this,\u201d Joe chanced. \u201cMy family will find me, eventually and when they do, they\u2019ll come after you. You\u2019ll never be able to hide, they won\u2019t stop until your body is in the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whip whizzed by his head. Joe shut his eyes; the man was toying with him, trying to scare him. He was scared, more scared than he would ever admit to anyone, but if he had to die, Lucas Tatum would never know just how scared Joe Cartwright was at this very second.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again the whip buzzed his head. Lucas laughed. It was an evil, wicked laughter, and Joe thought that if he somehow got out of this alive, he would never be able to forget the sound. He heard the crack of the whip and felt the first sting across his back as the tip met his flesh. Joe groaned softly and flinched, arching his back. It stung, but didn\u2019t hurt. This was a game; Lucas was testing him, burning his flesh without causing a lot of pain. The man had not been lying when he had told Joe that he knew how to use the whip, he was well trained and Joe knew he was in for one hell of lesson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second sting of the whip caught Joe in the small of the back and burned worse than the first lash. Joe bit down on his lip to keep from voicing his pain. When the third crack of the whip alerted Joe, he was prepared, or so he thought, the scream that ripped from his lips echoed in the hollow cell. The whip had left its mark across Joe\u2019s back in the form of a wide bright red welt that seeped droplets of blood. Joe\u2019s leg folded beneath him and slumped down as far as the neck collar would allow. Behind him, he could hear Lucas\u2019 hysterical laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned as the tears rolled from the corners of his eyes as he tried to regain his footing. The collar felt as if it were choking him, his hands, still chained behind his back, burned from where the lash of the whip had also struck. Again the whip cut into his back. Once more Joe screamed and when his one good leg gave out completely, Joe fainted. His body slumped downward and was now held off the ground only by his collar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Deep within Joe\u2019s throat, small gurgling sounds could be heard. Lucas tossed back his head and continued to laugh. He popped the whip through the air, striking Joe on his shoulders and watched as Joe\u2019s body quivered and jerked in response. Lucas raised the whip for the forth time, his laughter filling the cell and bouncing off the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the whip, Luke!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas, his hand poised in the air, spun around on his heels and stared into the face of his long time friend. \u201cWhat the hell are ya doin\u2019 here, I thought I sent you to Genoa?\u201d he shouted at Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said drop the whip, ya ain\u2019t gonna hurt\u2019em no more,\u201d Timmy answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas allowed his arm to fall to his side. \u201cYa gone nuts? I thought ya was on my side!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was, until I realized just how crazy you are. Ya was plannin\u2019 on killin\u2019 him all along and I ain\u2019t gonna let ya do it, Luke. I ain\u2019t gonna be partners with ya in murderin\u2019 someone, especially Joe Cartwright. Now drop the whip\u2026or else\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr else what ya yella-bellied coward\u2026ya ain\u2019t gonna do nuthin\u2019,\u201d stormed Lucas, \u201cya ain\u2019t man \u2018nough,\u201d he said and charged his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy jumped backwards and fired the gun. The bullet hit Lucas dead center in the chest and he slumped to the floor, blood spurting onto his chest and coating the material of his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy dropped the pistol and rushed forward, taking his dying friend\u2019s head into his lap. Tears coursed their way down the front of his face and dripped from the end of his chin onto Lucas\u2019 shirt and mixing with his friend\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Luke, I\u2019m so sorry, but I couldn\u2019t let ya kill\u2019em,\u201d wept Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lucas coughed and sputtered, unable to put sound to his words. His body arched and life slipped from Lucas Tatum forever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas that a shot?\u201d Ben called as he pulled Buck to a sudden stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like it, over there,\u201d pointed Adam as he headed off in that direction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After going a good ways, the three Cartwright\u2019s stopped. \u201cI only heard one shot,\u201d Ben exclaimed, looking all around him for a sign that would give them a clue as to where the shot came from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 big stallion was dancing in circles and he was having a hard time keeping the horse under control. Chubb spun around a second time. This time, Hoss\u2019 sharp eyes spotted something off in the distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa lookit, over there, looks like a man,\u201d Hoss said, his adrenaline pumping the excitement through his veins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on boys, let\u2019s ride,\u201d shouted Ben as he urged his horse into a run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within minutes, he jerked back on the reins, causing Buck to rear up as Ben jumped from his horse\u2019s back. Quickly he pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it at the man who was just standing to his feet. Adam and Hoss had their guns pointed at the man as well and waited as Ben stepped forward to inspect the body of the dead man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a face at the sight before him, the man most certainly was dead, a hole in the middle of his chest proved that. Ben glanced up at the other man, noted the tears that stained his face and the way in which the man trembled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI take it, this is Lucas Tatum?\u201d questioned Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy nodded his head. \u201cI\u2026I killed him,\u201d he stammered, unsure of what these three men might do to him. He had recognized them as Joe\u2019s family the minute that they had ridden up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re Timmy, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d Timmy replied. \u201cMister Cartwright, Joe\u2019s inside the cave, Lucas was fixing to kill him, that\u2019s why I had to shoot him. Ya best be getting to your son, come on, I\u2019ll show ya where he\u2019s at.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben slipped his pistol back into his holster, \u201cJoe? He\u2019s here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, trailed by his sons, followed Timmy into the cave. It seemed to Ben as if they had walked better than a mile before the heavy thick door to the cell came into view. The pitiful moaning sounds that reached their ears tugged at Ben\u2019s heart. His eyes sought those of Adam and Hoss\u2019 and the fear that he felt was reflected back at him in the eyes of his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet that door opened,\u201d shouted Ben, fueled by the sounds that reached his ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t locked Mister Cartwright,\u201d Timmy said as he pulled on the iron door to open it wider.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam carried the lantern inside as he father rushed ahead. \u201cJOSEPH!\u201d he shouted as the sound of his voice echoed off the walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver here Pa,\u201d Adam said as he raised the lantern higher so that they could see the interior of the cell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear God,\u201d whispered Ben when his eyes had adjusted enough that he could make out the still form of his son, dangling from his neck collar, the shirt gone from his back. Ben\u2019s eyes filled with water as he grasped Joe\u2019s sagging body in his arms and raised the limp form up to alleviate the pressure on the collar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone get these chains off\u2026NOW\u201d bellowed Ben, glaring at Timmy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy fumbled in his pocket for the key. His hands shook so badly that he was unable to place the key into the lock. Hoss snatched the key from Timmy and did it himself. Within minutes the chains, including the tight fitting collar lay in a pile on the rock floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips were parted, he gulped in large amounts of air and when his eyes opened, they filled with tears. Ben held his son carefully and tenderly in his arms and whispered soft soothing words into Joe\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t cry son, it\u2019s all over now. We\u2019re all here and we\u2019re going to take you home,\u201d muttered Ben as he caressed the battered and bruised cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me get Joe outside. We\u2019ll have to make some kind of travois to put him on in order to get him home,\u201d Ben informed his son. \u201cAdam, you take this\u2026varmint into town and turn him over to the sheriff, take the dead man too, and have Paul meet us back at the ranch. Joe\u2019s in bad shape,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on my way. Come Chase, let\u2019s get going,\u201d Adam said as he shoved the other man toward the front of the cave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, be careful when you lift him, his leg is broken. Looks like it\u2019s already begun to heal too,\u201d he said worriedly. \u201cI hope Paul can straighten it out and set it properly,\u201d the anxious father whispered softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d cried Joe. His hand was reaching outward, into the air in search of something solid to cling too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, sweetheart,\u201d assured Ben, taking the fraying hand into his own. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay, we\u2019ll have you home and in your own bed in just a little while.\u201d Ben leaned down and placed a kiss onto his son\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clung to his father\u2019s hand as if it had been a lifeline that would keep him from slipping through death\u2019s door. His eyes searched hungrily for his father\u2019s face as the tears rolled slowly downward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026Pa\u2026Timmy he\u2026saved\u2026my\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off into a whisper and then stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes swept Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHe\u2019s fainted. Come on Hoss, let\u2019s move him while he\u2019s out so that he won\u2019t feel so much pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took several hours before Ben and Hoss reached the house. Their journey was slowed for each time that Joe cried out Ben stopped to comfort his wounded son. It was nearly dark by the time that they finally rode into the yard. The front door burst opened and Adam rushed out, offering to help with moving Joe inside and up stairs to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe very careful, boys,\u201d advised the doctor. \u201cTry not to move that leg any more than absolutely necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul hurried behind the brothers, watching to be sure that they obeyed his orders on how to gently carry Joe inside. \u201cTake him straight on up to his room. First thing we have to do is get those nasty clothes off and clean him up. Then I can assess the damages.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An hour later, Paul joined the anxious family downstairs in the great room. He had hardly placed his foot on the bottom step before Ben was standing, expectantly, in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow badly is he hurt? Can you do something about his leg? Is he awake?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled and placed a calming hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u201cBen, please. First off, Joe isn\u2019t hurt as badly as I first thought. His leg is broken and it has started to heal, improperly. It\u2019s a bad break Ben but I believe that I can repair the damage. It\u2019s going to require surgery\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSurgery?\u201d sputtered Ben, casting worried eyes at his two sons who huddled with him around the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Ben, surgery. I will have to re-break the leg and set it properly. But I can\u2019t do that for quite a while. Joe is malnourished and dangerously dehydrated. Right now my main concern is getting plenty of fluids and good food into him. He\u2019s lost way too much weight and needs to gain a few pounds before I can consider him healthy enough to operate,\u201d explained the physician.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly. His brow wrinkled when he frowned. \u201cCan I see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul smiled and nodded his head. \u201cOf course you can, Ben. You too Adam, Hoss, just keep it a short visit. I gave him something for the pain and something to help him rest, he\u2019ll be asleep soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and started up the stairs. \u201cBen?\u201d Paul called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about other injuries. They\u2019ve pretty much healed over by now; there\u2019s more bruising than there is anything. I put some salve on the welts on his back, they should heal just fine,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Paul,\u201d smiled Ben. \u201cIf you\u2019re hungry, tell Hop Sing, he\u2019d be happy to fix you something, supper\u2019s almost ready, you\u2019re more than welcomed to stay and eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Ben, I might just do that,\u201d laughed Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eased opened the bedroom door and slipped inside. Hop Sing had just pulled the blanket up to Joe\u2019s neck and was tenderly tucking it in around Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy almost sleep,\u201d he whispered to Ben as Ben stood beside the bed. He nodded his head at Hop Sing and when Hop Sing stepped aside, Ben sat down on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tenderly, his fingers brushed through the damp curls that had fallen to his son\u2019s brow. \u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cAre you sleeping?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The long lashes fluttered and when the lids opened Ben saw dull, pain filled eyes looking up at him. \u201cNo,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in pain son? Paul said he gave you something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust\u2026a little\u2026Pa\u2026\u201d Joe was fighting the effects of the laudanum that Paul had made him take.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t try to talk son. You need to rest and get your strength back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026but Pa\u2026I gotta know\u2026something\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears as he reached out and grabbed is father\u2019s arm. His fingers squeezed tightly, surprising Ben by the strength in which they held on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what is it son?\u201d Ben took Joe\u2019s hand into his own and held it within the folds of his fingers. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t cry, everything is going to be fine\u2026I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026my leg\u2026he made me\u2026a\u2026a cripple!\u201d Joe\u2019s tears ran freely downward and he jerked his hand free of his father\u2019s and swiped it across his face. \u201cThat bastard\u2026made me a\u2026cripple!\u201d Joe shouted as loudly as his voice would allow him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben instantly gathered his sobbing son into his arms and held him against his breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no\u2026Joe\u2026honest\u2026Paul said later\u2026after you\u2019ve gained your strength, he could fix your leg. Joe\u2026don\u2019t cry\u2026Paul\u2019s going to make it better, honest, son\u2026but you have to give it time\u2026please Joe.\u201d Ben looked imploringly up at his other two sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right short shanks, the doc just told us, he\u2019s gonna fix that leg of yours,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t even have a limp, buddy,\u201d added Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe\u2026Look at me,\u201d Ben begged as he gently pushed Joe back so that he could see his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou still trust us, don\u2019t you?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped and then swallowed. \u201cYeah, sure\u2026Pa? I mean\u2026you wouldn\u2019t just say that\u2026would ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scowled at his son. \u201cWhat do you think, Joseph? Have I ever lied to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, the tears stopped and he glanced up at his father and then around the bed where his two brothers were standing. \u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026Pa\u2026I was just\u2026scared\u2026I didn\u2019t mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled, erasing the frown, \u201cI understand Joe. Now\u2026you lay down and get some sleep. The sooner that you get your strength back, the sooner that the doctor can get that leg fixed.\u201d Ben leaned over and kissed his son\u2019s cheek. \u201cClose your eyes,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes as ordered and then opened them. \u201cPa\u2026please\u2026will ya stay with me\u2026just until I go to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just close your eyes precious, I\u2019ll be right here when you wake up,\u201d smiled Ben, taking the chair and pulling it up, next to the bedside. \u201cSee, I\u2019ll sit right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe forced a small smile for his father. \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he said, as his eyelids became too heavy for him to keep opened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe woke, it was as Ben had promised. Though he dozed lightly in the chair, he had remained at his son\u2019s bedside. Joe smiled at the sight of his father. Ben\u2019s head was tilted back, his lips parted slightly and he snored softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe said softly. \u201cHey, ya gonna get a crick in ya neck,\u201d he giggled as Ben\u2019s eyes opened and his head popped forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He started laughing and rubbed the back of his neck. \u201cI think I already have. How are you feeling, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter. How long have I been sleeping?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and stretched, giving Joe a smile. \u201cOh, about two days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days? Ya gotta be kidding!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t kiddin\u2019 short shanks. It sure \u2018nough has been two days, and Pa ain\u2019t moved from that chair for more\u2019n five, maybe ten minutes at a time,\u201d laughed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to his father, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI made you a promise, it was my duty to keep it. Besides, I enjoy watching you sleep,\u201d Ben laughed lightly. \u201cYou\u2019re just like you used to be when you were a little boy, all innocent and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa,\u201d giggled Joe and then turned serious. The smiled died and he began fidgeting with a thread on the blanket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was quick to see the change that had come over Joe and sat down on the edge of the bed. \u201cSomething on your mind, Joe?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to you about something, ere\u2026someone really,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I got chores to do, I\u2019ll see ya later Joe, Pa,\u201d Hoss tossed his hand up in the air, bidding them good-bye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Hoss, wait\u2026please. I want you to hear this,\u201d Joe said quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joe,\u201d Hoss said, glancing over in his father\u2019s direction. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s about Timmy\u2026I know he was Lucas\u2019 friend and all, and what he did was wrong\u2026but Pa, Timmy saved my life,\u201d Joe began, watching his father\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what that man did was short of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026ya don\u2019t understand. Timmy only went along with Lucas because they had been life long friends. But when he saw that Lucas aimed on killing me, which he was\u2026he tried to starve me to death, well\u2026Timmy would sneak food and water in to me. Lucas couldn\u2019t understand what was keeping me alive, but if it hadn\u2019t been for Timmy, I would have\u2026died\u2026long before you found me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard, the memories of what he had been made to endure where still too fresh to him. \u201cWhen Lucas started using the whip\u2026Timmy stopped him, he shot Lucas\u2026killed him, to protect me.\u201d Joe wiped his eyes with his fingers. \u201cDon\u2019t that count for something? I mean\u2026can\u2019t you help him somehow? Please, Pa, please\u2026will you talk to the sheriff and see what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s emotions were still raw and ran his hand under his nose and sniffed. \u201cPa\u2026I saw first hand what hate can do to a man. It was just like you explained it to me, five years ago\u2026Lucas hated me. He told me why too, and they were silly reasons, no reasons at all actually. But Timmy, I don\u2019t think he ever hated anyone in his whole life. Lucas is dead, he\u2019s paid for all that hate he had in his heart, but it ain\u2019t right, or fair, to make Timmy pay for something that Lucas did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced around at Hoss and Adam who had entered silently and listened to what Joe was telling their father. Joe\u2019s expression held a look of pleading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben pursed his lips tightly and swept the room with his eyes and then fixed on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright son, I\u2019ll see what I can do. I won\u2019t promise that I can do anything, but I\u2019ll try. I suppose that I owe the boy that much, after all, he did help you so he can\u2019t be all bad, now can he?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tension seemed to leave Joe\u2019s face and he smiled at his family. \u201cThanks Pa, that\u2019s all I ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the second week home, Joe had regained enough strength that Paul deemed him healthy enough to operate on Joe\u2019s broken leg. Ben gathered around his son\u2019s bed with the doctor, and Adam and Hoss as Paul explained to Joe what he would be doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his son\u2019s face. He knew that Joe was scared, but the boy hid it well. It was only because Ben knew his son so well, that Ben could see through the facade that Joe attempted to keep up. Ben watched Joe\u2019s eyes, saw them widen when Paul explained that he would have to break the leg a second time and then reset it so that the bone would heal properly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul saw the fear that briefly flickered in the hazel eyes and in the way in which Joe sought his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t feel a thing, Joe, I promise,\u201d smiled the compassionate doctor. \u201cYou\u2019ll sleep through the entire procedure and when you wake, you\u2019ll already have a cast on your leg. After that, a couple of days in bed, and then you\u2019ll be up and moving\u2019 around again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed lightly, \u201cThat\u2019s all there is to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn my honor,\u201d smiled Doc Martin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pinched his lips tightly and then smiled, \u201cOkay, let\u2019s get on with it, the sooner you do it, the sooner it\u2019ll be over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and smiled. \u201cThat\u2019s the spirit, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several hours later, Joe woke from his drug-induced sleep. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son. How do you feel?\u201d smiled Ben, taking Joe\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it over? Did doc fix my leg?\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly did young man,\u201d called Paul Martin from the doorway of Joe\u2019s room. \u201cAnd you have my guarantee that it will be as good as new in just a few weeks,\u201d smiled Doc as he sauntered into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hold you to that,\u201d smiled Joe weakly. \u201cThanks, doc,\u201d Joe smiled, his chin quivering slightly. \u201cI was scared that I would be\u2026\u201d Joe pinched his lips tightly, unable to finish his sentence. He lowered his head so that his father and the doctor could not see how quickly the tears had filled his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right Joe,\u201d Paul said as he too sobered. \u201cYou know son, what was so sad about all of this, is that had Lucas only known, I could have done the same for his leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head came up quickly and he looked at the doctor. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally. Oh, he might would have had a slight limp, after all, his leg had been broken for much longer than yours, but for sure, he would not have been crippled,\u201d Paul explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe let his hate get in the way of a lot of things, son,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHate destroyed him and it nearly destroyed you, and his friend, Timmy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Tim, did you talk to the sheriff?\u201d asked Joe<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes and Roy seems to think that under the circumstances, he just might be able to help the boy. We\u2019ll have to wait and see, the circuit judge will be here in a few days and it all depends on what you tell him and how he makes his ruling,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, young man, think you could eat something?\u201d smiled Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face brightened, \u201cThanks Pa\u2026for everything, and doc, how\u2019s about a nice fat, juicy steak?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a nice hot bowl of Hop Sing\u2019s miracle cure-all soup?\u201d laughed Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on\u2026\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said Ben, and then laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026miracle cure-all soup it\u2019ll be\u2026but can I at least have a piece of apple pie?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know Hop Sing baked an apple pie?\u201d asked Adam from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to giggle, \u201cMy leg\u2019s broken big brother, not my nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of his son\u2019s laughter was like music to his ears. \u201cI don\u2019t think Doc would mind if you had a small slice, would you Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not as long as I get the first piece,\u201d laughed the doctor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d chorused the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Five days later, the judge had come and gone. Joe sat on the settee with his leg propped on pillows and resting on the wide table in front of him. He was lost in his book and never looked up when a soft rapping on the door caused Hop Sing to scurry from the kitchen to answer the knock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you want?\u201d barked Hop Sing at the young man who stood in the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s T\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing know what name is, why you here?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d rebuked Ben; \u201cTimmy is a guest in our home, no need for you to be rude to him. Timmy, come in please,\u201d greeted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing scowled at Timmy and then at his employer and shuffling his feet along the wooden floor, returned to his kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to forgive our cook, but he\u2019s sort of protective towards Little Joe,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, Mister Cartwright, I understand. Hey Joe,\u201d smiled Timmy shyly when he saw Joe sitting on the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Tim, what brings you out here? I thought you\u2019d been on your way to San Francisco by now,\u201d Joe said as he laid his book to the side and offered his hand in welcome.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy shook the offered hand and then sat down on the corner of the table. \u201cHow\u2019s ya leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGetting better everyday, thanks,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy grew quiet and began twisting the rim of his hat. Joe\u2019s heart softened as he watched the other young man struggling to find words to say whatever it was that brought him to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTim, I\u2019m glad you stopped by. I was hoping that I\u2019d get a chance to thank you for everything you\u2019ve done for me,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Timmy turned wistful eyes at Joe. \u201cI only did what I thought was right, Joe. Ya didn\u2019t deserve to die, or be treated like ya was. Luke was wrong, it took me a while to realize just how wrong he was. He hated ya, and he let that hate eat\u2019em alive. It\u2019s all he ever talked about in prison, how he was gonna make ya pay for sendin\u2019 him to jail and all. I only went along with\u2019em cause he was my friend, I never thought he\u2019d do the things that he dun to ya. I just want ya to know Joe, that I\u2019m sorry for ever being a part of it. I should have realized years ago that Lucas tweren\u2019t nothin\u2019 but trouble. And, I wanna thank ya and ya Pa for helpin\u2019 me out. The judge put me on a year\u2019s probation and is lettin\u2019 me work out my fine while livin\u2019 with my grandfather in San Francisco. Come to find out, the judge knows Grandpa, so it all worked out just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his father and then turned back to Timmy. \u201cI\u2019m glad too Tim. I would have died, had it not been for you. Maybe someday, I do something for you in return.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right Tim, we don\u2019t know how to thank you, my family and I are most appreciative,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I learnt a hard lesson. First off, it don\u2019t pay none to be a follower. A man\u2019s gotta learn to stand on his own two feet and make his own decisions, be his own man. And second, hate can corrode a man\u2019s heart and smother a man\u2019s soul, and its true, cause I done seen with my own eyes how that works.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and when he met the chocolate eyes of his father, Ben was smiling as well. Both remembered a similar conversation, five years previous to this one, only this time, it was someone else doing the preaching.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ve heard those same words before Timmy, and trust me, the man who said them was right! I saw it with my eyes, too, and I think we\u2019re both better men for having done so,\u201d smiled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go now, Joe, the sheriff\u2019s waiting, guess he wants to make sure I get on the stage,\u201d laughed Timmy as he stood to his feet and shook Ben\u2019s hand. He turned to Joe; \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll see someday, Joe. Take care, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked as far as the door with the young man and waited until he was mounted up. He waved his hand in the air as Roy and Timmy turned and rode off. When he returned to the couch, Joe seemed deep in thought, Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA penny for your thoughts,\u201d he said, sitting on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a penny?\u201d laughed Joe teasingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then, how about a nickel?\u201d Ben teased back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you just sitting over here with me for a little while?\u201d said Joe, patting the space next to him on the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben quickly moved to the spot that Joe had deemed his and sat down, waiting, for he sensed that Joe had something on his mind that he needed to get off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After several moments, Joe turned and faced his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa\u2026it\u2019s been a long time coming, maybe too long. But I don\u2019t think I ever thanked you that day when you tried to make me understand how hate can ruin a man\u2019s life. Oh, I knew you were meaning well, that you believed what you were telling me, and I suppose deep down, I believed it too, but at the time, I was so confused and\u2026scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and met his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve never told a living soul this, in fact, I\u2019ve only just been able to admit it to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that son?\u201d Ben asked, the love and compassion that he always held for his sons, showing now in his eyes as he watched his youngest son coming to terms with something that apparently had haunted him for a very long time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something that Lucas tried for years to get me to admit and I never would. I suppose if he had killed me, I would have died before ever owning up to it. Funny thing is, I think he really did know, he just wanted to hear me say it, but I was too stubborn, but he knew, deep, deep down inside of him, Lucas knew,\u201d whispered Joe, dropping his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited, when Joe refused to go on, he gently cupped the quivering chin and tipped his son\u2019s head upward. Softly, in a voice that spoke of the love and respect he held in his heart, he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did Lucas know, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped, his eyes filled with tears and when he blinked, they rolled gently down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I\u2026\u201d Joe gulped again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat I really was\u2026afraid of\u2026him. Ever since that first day in school, I\u2019ve been scared of him, but I wouldn\u2019t ever let him know, cause his knowing scared me more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cJoe, I know what it is to be afraid of someone, something. Being afraid doesn\u2019t make you less a man, I hope you know that. It makes you stronger, it gives you a greater understanding of people around you, of the person that you\u2019re afraid of, and most importantly, of yourself. I think something deep within your heart has known for years that the relationship you had with Lucas was something to be wary of. Your fear kept you safe, it kept you watchful and it saved your life and changed the life of another young man. And it helped you to look deeply within yourself and face something that you never thought you\u2019d be able to face. But today, you did, and I\u2019m proud of you son, very, very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm about Joe and pulled his son\u2019s head onto his shoulder, planting a kiss amid the dark curls. \u201cHave I told you lately that I love you?\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled and moved his head just slightly upward so that he could see his father\u2019s face. \u201cOnly about a hundred times\u2026and that\u2019s just been since breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben squeezed Joe tighter, causing both father and son to start laughing loudly. \u201cLet\u2019s make it a hundred and one times then, I love you Joseph, more than you will ever know, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, that\u2019s a hundred and two times\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

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

Summary: \u00a0 Five years after having been sent to prison, Lucas Tatum returns to seek his own revenge on Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 What he does this time is far worse than a wallop on the head; he wants to make Joe suffer for what he believes was Joe’s fault.\u00a0 Joe learns just how badly hate can destroy a man and just how far a man filled with hate will go to seek revenge.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0PG contains violence \u00a0(The last chapter) (19,150 words)<\/p>\n

The Score Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":9859,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12102\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}